Tomorrow is the big day. The 30 Days of Kindness will begin on October 1st. It's going to work a little something like this: I'll begin the day's blog post with the challenge and the challenge requirements, and later in the day, I'll be posting photos, videos, or stories of what I did during this challenge. I'll also be sharing tomorrow's challenge so you can have more time to plan. The next day, I'll do the same thing.
If you would like to participate in the 30 Days of Kindness, then please comment below! If you're a fellow blogger, feel free to post about these challenges on your blog. Send the link to me and I'll share your blog with my readers. If you're a YouTuber, send me the links to your videos. If you're a photographer, I'll share your pictures. If you love to write, I'll post your stories.
This challenge was originally designed for Christians, so some of the challenges will be faith-based. However, if you're not a Christian and you would still like to participate in this challenge, feel free to replace those days with a secular alternative. For example, if the day's challenge is to leave ten encouraging Bible verses in various locations, leave out ten encouraging quotes. If the challenge is to give away a Bible, give away one of your favorite books instead. I would love for anyone to participate in this challenge. Our world needs more kindness.
Share the link to this article on your Facebook or MySpace page. Feel free to participate with your friends.
Here is the planned schedule:
October 1: Smile at a stranger
October 2: Say hi to a stranger
October 3: Compliment a stranger
October 4: Give a stranger a hug
October 5: Leave a dollar for someone to find
October 6: Leave an encouraging note on a mirror
October 7: Donate five dollars to a charity or to someone who needs the money
October 8: Leave an encouraging note somewhere
October 9: Donate clothes to a needy person
October 10: Hug ten people
October 11: Make a snack for your friends
October 12: Leave an encouraging note for a friend
October 13: Compliment ten people
October 14: Personally encourage a friend
October 15: Take someone out for coffee/ice cream
October 16: Offer to do an odd job for the elderly
October 17: Give food to a homeless person (if you can't find one, leave food for someone who needs it)
October 18: Offer to help out around the house
October 19: Pay for someone's lunch
October 20: Volunteer your time
October 21: Leave an anonymous letter of encouragement on the windshield of a stranger's car
October 22: Leave a Bible somewhere (or give one away)
October 23: Give away a pair of shoes
October 24: Write a letter to someone you admire and give it to them
October 25: Leave ten encouraging notes/quotes/Bible verses
October 26: Write an encouraging note to a service worker
October 27: Pray for someone you know
October 28: Pray for someone you don't know
October 29: Leave five dollar bills in different places (or give them away)
October 30: Buy someone a thoughtful gift
October 31: Your idea
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Orphans and Widows
Day 30: A motto or philosophy
A philosophy of mine is something I took from the Bible verse James 1:27.
Does this not put your original perceptions of religion and Christianity and faith to shame? What does God see as pure and faultless? Helping the women and children who are in need.
A philosophy of mine is something I took from the Bible verse James 1:27.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Does this not put your original perceptions of religion and Christianity and faith to shame? What does God see as pure and faultless? Helping the women and children who are in need.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My Plans or God's Plans?
Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days
While I do want to leave my future open for God to mold and control, I do have plans that I would love to see fulfilled if He wants them to be fulfilled.
1.) I want to graduate high school this year (obviously) with all A's.
2.) I want to go to an amazing university that is the perfect fit for me and what I want to study.
3.) I want to publish my novel, Before You.
4.) I want to travel to Kenya, Africa again and reunite with old friends.
5.) I want to make new friends in new places, everywhere I go.
6.) I want to keep my old friends from where I live after I go to college.
7.) I want to discover what career God wants me to pursue that both makes me happy and glorifies Him.
8.) I want to have hope and joy, no matter what happens to me or to those I love.
9.) I want to leave a legacy in my high school... a good kind of legacy for Jesus.
10.) I want to share God's Word with as many people as I possibly can.
11.) I want to continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus and learn to be a shining light for Him through every action that I make and word that I speak.
What are your dreams for the next year?
While I do want to leave my future open for God to mold and control, I do have plans that I would love to see fulfilled if He wants them to be fulfilled.
1.) I want to graduate high school this year (obviously) with all A's.
2.) I want to go to an amazing university that is the perfect fit for me and what I want to study.
3.) I want to publish my novel, Before You.
4.) I want to travel to Kenya, Africa again and reunite with old friends.
5.) I want to make new friends in new places, everywhere I go.
6.) I want to keep my old friends from where I live after I go to college.
7.) I want to discover what career God wants me to pursue that both makes me happy and glorifies Him.
8.) I want to have hope and joy, no matter what happens to me or to those I love.
9.) I want to leave a legacy in my high school... a good kind of legacy for Jesus.
10.) I want to share God's Word with as many people as I possibly can.
11.) I want to continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus and learn to be a shining light for Him through every action that I make and word that I speak.
What are your dreams for the next year?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Spider Bite
Day 28: A scar you have and its story
People most frequently ask about a little hole in my leg. It's a small dip in the skin. It looks like a hole from far away, but it doesn't go very deep. It's from a spider bite. We often like to assume that it's from a brown recluse because a big hole at the time formed in my leg, although it wasn't as bad as some of the horror stories I've heard with brown recluses.
Anyways, I was about ten at the time I got this scar. It was very painful when I first had the bite and the real hole. I could hardly put weight on my leg for a few days. It hurt. Ever since I got this scar, I've been terrified of spiders.
But I don't mind the funny story I now can tell because of the scar
People most frequently ask about a little hole in my leg. It's a small dip in the skin. It looks like a hole from far away, but it doesn't go very deep. It's from a spider bite. We often like to assume that it's from a brown recluse because a big hole at the time formed in my leg, although it wasn't as bad as some of the horror stories I've heard with brown recluses.
Anyways, I was about ten at the time I got this scar. It was very painful when I first had the bite and the real hole. I could hardly put weight on my leg for a few days. It hurt. Ever since I got this scar, I've been terrified of spiders.
But I don't mind the funny story I now can tell because of the scar
Monday, September 27, 2010
Rainbow Eyes
Day 27: A physical feature you love
I have to say that I love eyes. Eyes are beautiful. I love my own eyes and I love the eyes of other people.
Bright blue eyes fascinate me, but so do eyes that are a shade of gold... a true hazel.
I call my eyes hazel, but they're really a kind of rainbow.
I have to say that I love eyes. Eyes are beautiful. I love my own eyes and I love the eyes of other people.
Bright blue eyes fascinate me, but so do eyes that are a shade of gold... a true hazel.
I call my eyes hazel, but they're really a kind of rainbow.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Bornali Deka
Day 26: A childhood memory
I have a memory of attending a church service with my family when I was approximately six years old. A man from World Vision came and talked about the children living in poverty around the world and how to sponsor children. This was one of the first times I distinctly remember feeling stricken with empathy for the children who live in third world countries.
As we left the sanctuary that day and I was sent to Sunday School, I pleaded and pleaded with my mother to allow our family to sponsor a child. At first, she told me no -at least not for a while, until our family discussed the idea- but I didn't want to leave the church until she sponsored a child.
We decided to sponsor a little girl from India named Bornali Deka. She was my age. We've sponsored her ever since.
This month, Bornali will be turning eighteen and the sponsorship will end. It's very sad for me, because this is the little girl who I have written letters to, received pictures of, and watched grow up over the last twelve years.
We now sponsor three other children: Lavin, David, and Sanya, all from Kenya, Africa, and all children I have met before.
I enjoy looking back on distinctive memories like the one of me begging my mom to sponsor a child, because I can see that even then, God had a plan for me to work with underprivileged and needy children. He has always known my heart, even when I have not.
If you are reading this right now and you feel impacted by this story or by the photograph of Bornali Deka, feel free to go to the World Vision or Christian Relief Fund websites and choose a child to sponsor. You cannot truly grasp the impact that you will make on the lives of these children until you see the change for yourself.
I have a memory of attending a church service with my family when I was approximately six years old. A man from World Vision came and talked about the children living in poverty around the world and how to sponsor children. This was one of the first times I distinctly remember feeling stricken with empathy for the children who live in third world countries.
As we left the sanctuary that day and I was sent to Sunday School, I pleaded and pleaded with my mother to allow our family to sponsor a child. At first, she told me no -at least not for a while, until our family discussed the idea- but I didn't want to leave the church until she sponsored a child.
We decided to sponsor a little girl from India named Bornali Deka. She was my age. We've sponsored her ever since.
This month, Bornali will be turning eighteen and the sponsorship will end. It's very sad for me, because this is the little girl who I have written letters to, received pictures of, and watched grow up over the last twelve years.
We now sponsor three other children: Lavin, David, and Sanya, all from Kenya, Africa, and all children I have met before.
I enjoy looking back on distinctive memories like the one of me begging my mom to sponsor a child, because I can see that even then, God had a plan for me to work with underprivileged and needy children. He has always known my heart, even when I have not.
If you are reading this right now and you feel impacted by this story or by the photograph of Bornali Deka, feel free to go to the World Vision or Christian Relief Fund websites and choose a child to sponsor. You cannot truly grasp the impact that you will make on the lives of these children until you see the change for yourself.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Milk Toast Recipee
Day 25: A recipe
Today is a bit of a difficult task for me because I don't cook. I mean, I honestly can't. God has not blessed me with natural skills in the kitchen. I plan to make a bunch of salads and turkey sandwiches once I enter college.
So today's recipe will be something simple and easy for everyone to make: Milk Toast.
"What's that?" you ask. Oh, it's heaven. It's breakfast. It's milk. And it's toast.
Here are your ingredients-
- Bread (however many slices you need to fill your tummy)
- Milk (Around a cup-full)
- Cinnamon Sugar (If you don't have any, make some! A few spoon-fulls should work)
- Butter
First, take the bread and toast it. After you've toasted the bread, get a butter knife and spread the butter over the slices of \bread. Easy, right? Next you need to warm up your milk over a stove or in the microwave until it is warm or even steaming hot. I usually microwave the milk for about two minutes. While your milk is warming, stack your toast into a bowl and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top of each slice. When your milk is finished warming up, pour it in the bowl over the toast.
I know it may sound disgusting, but it is very good. Yummy. :)
So that is basically the only thing I know how to make.
Today is a bit of a difficult task for me because I don't cook. I mean, I honestly can't. God has not blessed me with natural skills in the kitchen. I plan to make a bunch of salads and turkey sandwiches once I enter college.
So today's recipe will be something simple and easy for everyone to make: Milk Toast.
"What's that?" you ask. Oh, it's heaven. It's breakfast. It's milk. And it's toast.
Here are your ingredients-
- Bread (however many slices you need to fill your tummy)
- Milk (Around a cup-full)
- Cinnamon Sugar (If you don't have any, make some! A few spoon-fulls should work)
- Butter
First, take the bread and toast it. After you've toasted the bread, get a butter knife and spread the butter over the slices of \bread. Easy, right? Next you need to warm up your milk over a stove or in the microwave until it is warm or even steaming hot. I usually microwave the milk for about two minutes. While your milk is warming, stack your toast into a bowl and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top of each slice. When your milk is finished warming up, pour it in the bowl over the toast.
I know it may sound disgusting, but it is very good. Yummy. :)
So that is basically the only thing I know how to make.
Friday, September 24, 2010
If every move you made was on camera...
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love
This was a difficult one. I tend to be fairly predictable with all of my movie choices. I like action, some scary, suspense... not many romance or chick flicks.
One movie that sticks out to me is The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey. It came out in 1998, but I watched it for the first time this summer. I watched it three times in two days. I loved it.
A synopsis of the film I took off of imdb.com:
In this movie, Truman is a man whose life is a fake one. The place he lives is in fact a big studio with hidden cameras everywhere, and all his friends and people around him are actors who play their roles in the most popular TV series in the world: The Truman Show. Truman thinks that he is an ordinary man with an ordinary life, and has no idea about how he is exploited, until one day... he finds out everything.
When I say that The Truman Show is one of my favorite movies of all times, people often scrunch up their faces, a little confused. It's an old movie. Why do I love it so much?
The concept fascinates me. Imagine if you'd grown up your entire life in a world that consisted of a dome, with people who were being paid to like you. What a horrifying, fascinating, life-shattering idea. And I loved the way they portrayed this thought in The Truman Show.
This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone.
This was a difficult one. I tend to be fairly predictable with all of my movie choices. I like action, some scary, suspense... not many romance or chick flicks.
One movie that sticks out to me is The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey. It came out in 1998, but I watched it for the first time this summer. I watched it three times in two days. I loved it.
A synopsis of the film I took off of imdb.com:
In this movie, Truman is a man whose life is a fake one. The place he lives is in fact a big studio with hidden cameras everywhere, and all his friends and people around him are actors who play their roles in the most popular TV series in the world: The Truman Show. Truman thinks that he is an ordinary man with an ordinary life, and has no idea about how he is exploited, until one day... he finds out everything.
When I say that The Truman Show is one of my favorite movies of all times, people often scrunch up their faces, a little confused. It's an old movie. Why do I love it so much?
The concept fascinates me. Imagine if you'd grown up your entire life in a world that consisted of a dome, with people who were being paid to like you. What a horrifying, fascinating, life-shattering idea. And I loved the way they portrayed this thought in The Truman Show.
This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Nerds Day Thursday
(Note: this actually took place last week.)
Today was Nerds Day Thursday. This is the day I've been waiting for all week. I spent hours in thrift stores over the weekend picking out the perfect clothes. I have an extra-large (when I should be wearing a small) collared red shirt, giant polka dot shorts, a bun, big glasses, and hi-top Chucks (I didn't have better shoes, sadly). But I'll tell you now, I most definitely passed as a nerd. Yikes!
My brother and sister also dressed up for nerd day. Amy wore a shirt that said, "Sometimes I pee when I laugh", high shorts, light up shoes, and pigtails. Luke... he just blows us all away. He's such a natural nerd. :)
As soon as we got to school, it was immediately noticeable how many people were dressing up for today. A woman was walking by our campus while several of us were walking from the parking lot to the school. She did a double take and burst into loud laughter. I'm sure we made her entire day. It was so much fun.
Nearly everyone dressed up, bringing nerdy gadgets, parting their hair in the middle, wearing high pigtails, high shorts, tall socks, pocket protectors, big glasses, bow ties, suspenders... basically every "nerd" stereotype was fulfilled at my high school. A couple people even showed up as giant boxes of Nerds. Get it?
At lunch, a group of friends and I got together and went to the mall to eat. A couple of soldiers dressed in army fatigues started laughing, pointing, and waving at us when we walked by. Many people made comments about how we looked. The most noticeable nerds in our group would have to be Zeek and Rebekah, but we all looked pretty crazy. We were sure to stay in character during the entire meal.
As we drove back to the school after lunch, we all enjoyed blasting rap music from the speakers, rolling down the car windows, and nodding at gangsters as we drove by.
I love Spirit Week.
Today was Nerds Day Thursday. This is the day I've been waiting for all week. I spent hours in thrift stores over the weekend picking out the perfect clothes. I have an extra-large (when I should be wearing a small) collared red shirt, giant polka dot shorts, a bun, big glasses, and hi-top Chucks (I didn't have better shoes, sadly). But I'll tell you now, I most definitely passed as a nerd. Yikes!
My brother and sister also dressed up for nerd day. Amy wore a shirt that said, "Sometimes I pee when I laugh", high shorts, light up shoes, and pigtails. Luke... he just blows us all away. He's such a natural nerd. :)
As soon as we got to school, it was immediately noticeable how many people were dressing up for today. A woman was walking by our campus while several of us were walking from the parking lot to the school. She did a double take and burst into loud laughter. I'm sure we made her entire day. It was so much fun.
Nearly everyone dressed up, bringing nerdy gadgets, parting their hair in the middle, wearing high pigtails, high shorts, tall socks, pocket protectors, big glasses, bow ties, suspenders... basically every "nerd" stereotype was fulfilled at my high school. A couple people even showed up as giant boxes of Nerds. Get it?
At lunch, a group of friends and I got together and went to the mall to eat. A couple of soldiers dressed in army fatigues started laughing, pointing, and waving at us when we walked by. Many people made comments about how we looked. The most noticeable nerds in our group would have to be Zeek and Rebekah, but we all looked pretty crazy. We were sure to stay in character during the entire meal.
As we drove back to the school after lunch, we all enjoyed blasting rap music from the speakers, rolling down the car windows, and nodding at gangsters as we drove by.
I love Spirit Week.
Oh, Compassion
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered
I want to be remembered for my compassion. I have always felt a sense of compassion for people: for the poor, for the hungry, for the unloved, for the forgotten.
I feel compassion for the kids who are unloved and neglected by their own parents.
I feel compassion for the people who go to bed hungry each night because they have no food.
I feel compassion for those who have never heard the Name of Jesus Christ.
I feel compassion for the children who die each year, forgotten and invisible: the aborted.
I feel compassion for the women who believe that they are not good enough to succeed.
I feel compassion for the weak.
I believe that God has naturally gifted each person's personality with something that helps them to relate to or help others. Perhaps you feel a great sense of generosity. Perhaps you are perceptive of emotions. Perhaps you are very forgiving. Perhaps you are a generally happy person, even when things are difficult. Perhaps you have an underlying sense of hope in everything that you do.
I feel compassion for so many, but I want to be remembered for what I do about it in Christ's Name.
I want to be remembered for my compassion. I have always felt a sense of compassion for people: for the poor, for the hungry, for the unloved, for the forgotten.
I feel compassion for the kids who are unloved and neglected by their own parents.
I feel compassion for the people who go to bed hungry each night because they have no food.
I feel compassion for those who have never heard the Name of Jesus Christ.
I feel compassion for the children who die each year, forgotten and invisible: the aborted.
I feel compassion for the women who believe that they are not good enough to succeed.
I feel compassion for the weak.
I believe that God has naturally gifted each person's personality with something that helps them to relate to or help others. Perhaps you feel a great sense of generosity. Perhaps you are perceptive of emotions. Perhaps you are very forgiving. Perhaps you are a generally happy person, even when things are difficult. Perhaps you have an underlying sense of hope in everything that you do.
I feel compassion for so many, but I want to be remembered for what I do about it in Christ's Name.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Meg's Story
Day 22: A website you like
A website that I love is www.inkpop.com.
This is a website where you can post books, short stories, essays, or poetry that you have written and allow others to read, critique, and "pick" your writing. There is a forum and a friendly community. Nearly everyone I've come across on this site is kind and eager to help me improve my writing.
You can read my posted project, a novel called Before You, at this link.
If you're a writer like me, I'd definitely recommend that you become a member of inkpop. It's a fun and addicting experience.
A website that I love is www.inkpop.com.
This is a website where you can post books, short stories, essays, or poetry that you have written and allow others to read, critique, and "pick" your writing. There is a forum and a friendly community. Nearly everyone I've come across on this site is kind and eager to help me improve my writing.
You can read my posted project, a novel called Before You, at this link.
If you're a writer like me, I'd definitely recommend that you become a member of inkpop. It's a fun and addicting experience.
Twins Day Wednesday
(Note: this actually took place last week.)
Today was Twins Day Wednesday. I don't usually like this day because it's inevitable that someone will be left out and not get to dress up with a friend. It's often excluding. I'm usually twins with a girl friend, but this year I was twins with a good guy friend of mine. What's hilarious about it is the fact that we don't look anything alike... I am a 5'1 and white. He is a 6'5 and black. And then there's the gender difference on top of everything else.
We were salt and pepper. It was a ton of fun to see everyone's reactions when they found out we were "twins".
I think the coolest outfits of the day were from two of my best friends, Rebekah and Rebecca. (They're made to be twins, right? They even have the same names.) They dressed up as two human bathtubs. It must have taken them forever to make those costumes, but it was worth it.
Rebekah and I went to United for lunch, and it was so much fun to see everyone's reactions as she went through the buffet line. When she walked by, people would do double-takes and then burst into laughter. Rebekah told the cashier, "It's Spirit Week at my school. I don't usually dress up as a bathtub."
"Oh," was the cashier's befuddled response.
It was also fun to watch Rebekah bump into tables and try to squeeze through doors. Several people said that she made their day.
While I wasn't that extravagantly dressed, and without Zeek nearby, you wouldn't get how funny my costume was, it was the highlight of my day to see Rebekah in her costume walking through the grocery store with everyone's eyes glued on her. When we walked through the parking lot, she literally stopped traffic.
Today was Twins Day Wednesday. I don't usually like this day because it's inevitable that someone will be left out and not get to dress up with a friend. It's often excluding. I'm usually twins with a girl friend, but this year I was twins with a good guy friend of mine. What's hilarious about it is the fact that we don't look anything alike... I am a 5'1 and white. He is a 6'5 and black. And then there's the gender difference on top of everything else.
We were salt and pepper. It was a ton of fun to see everyone's reactions when they found out we were "twins".
I think the coolest outfits of the day were from two of my best friends, Rebekah and Rebecca. (They're made to be twins, right? They even have the same names.) They dressed up as two human bathtubs. It must have taken them forever to make those costumes, but it was worth it.
Rebekah and I went to United for lunch, and it was so much fun to see everyone's reactions as she went through the buffet line. When she walked by, people would do double-takes and then burst into laughter. Rebekah told the cashier, "It's Spirit Week at my school. I don't usually dress up as a bathtub."
"Oh," was the cashier's befuddled response.
It was also fun to watch Rebekah bump into tables and try to squeeze through doors. Several people said that she made their day.
While I wasn't that extravagantly dressed, and without Zeek nearby, you wouldn't get how funny my costume was, it was the highlight of my day to see Rebekah in her costume walking through the grocery store with everyone's eyes glued on her. When we walked through the parking lot, she literally stopped traffic.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Cops and Robbers
(Notice: This actually took place last week.)
Today was Cops and Robbers Day. The Sophomore and Senior classes were the robbers. The Freshman and Junior classes were the cops. I felt kinda bad for the cops, because how can you really dress up like a cop? If you're a robber, just throw on some black and a ski mask and you've got a costume. Plus, being the robber is way more fun, in my opinion.
The day was spent trying my hardest to act like a gangsta, which is very hard when you're a 5'1 white girl who attends a private Christian school. Being thuggish just doesn't work. I would try to have a thug accent or a tough guy face, but I couldn't help but smile and laugh and sound silly.
I wore a pair of $1.50 black baggy sweat pants I purchased from a thrift store, red polka dot boxers showing up top, a big black hoodie that said "White and Nerdy", like the song (my dad's), and a black beanie I got from Wal-Mart. I wear a lot of black t-shirts, but I'm not sure if I've ever worn all black before. A new experience for me.
I'll admit any day that my private school doesn't have any true gangsters.
The best-looking robber/gangster was my friend Zeek, who happens to be one of the two African American teens at my high school. He pulled off his look quite well, if you ask me!
For lunch, my friends and I decided to visit a happy deli, a usual lunch destination for us all. We were giggling as we thought of all of the reactions we would get. We were very careful not to be loud, obnoxious, or disruptive when we went out to eat. We figured we would act like our normal, positively received selves, and see how people responded to the gangster versions of us.
As soon as we entered the front door, every eye in the room locked on us and every single smile faded completely. Mothers grabbed their kids, grandparents shook their heads disapprovingly... it was awful. It literally wiped the grins off of our faces. We weren't considered funny. The cashiers wouldn't smile at us, even though we acted as 'sweet' and bubbly as we always do. A couple of ladies bumped into me and a friend, opened their mouth to smile and apologize, and then clamped their mouth shut, turned, and walked away without a word.
To be honest, I was affected by this. My friend Rebekah shook her head as we left the restaurant, saying, "People are so judgmental. I never realized that." We may say that we don't judge people by appearances, but we do. We honestly do. From now on, I will not look at appearances as much as I do. If someone dresses scary, maybe they're just in costume for Spirit Week.
Maybe a genuine smile is all it takes to brighten someone's entire outlook on their day.
Today was Cops and Robbers Day. The Sophomore and Senior classes were the robbers. The Freshman and Junior classes were the cops. I felt kinda bad for the cops, because how can you really dress up like a cop? If you're a robber, just throw on some black and a ski mask and you've got a costume. Plus, being the robber is way more fun, in my opinion.
The day was spent trying my hardest to act like a gangsta, which is very hard when you're a 5'1 white girl who attends a private Christian school. Being thuggish just doesn't work. I would try to have a thug accent or a tough guy face, but I couldn't help but smile and laugh and sound silly.
I wore a pair of $1.50 black baggy sweat pants I purchased from a thrift store, red polka dot boxers showing up top, a big black hoodie that said "White and Nerdy", like the song (my dad's), and a black beanie I got from Wal-Mart. I wear a lot of black t-shirts, but I'm not sure if I've ever worn all black before. A new experience for me.
I'll admit any day that my private school doesn't have any true gangsters.
The best-looking robber/gangster was my friend Zeek, who happens to be one of the two African American teens at my high school. He pulled off his look quite well, if you ask me!
For lunch, my friends and I decided to visit a happy deli, a usual lunch destination for us all. We were giggling as we thought of all of the reactions we would get. We were very careful not to be loud, obnoxious, or disruptive when we went out to eat. We figured we would act like our normal, positively received selves, and see how people responded to the gangster versions of us.
As soon as we entered the front door, every eye in the room locked on us and every single smile faded completely. Mothers grabbed their kids, grandparents shook their heads disapprovingly... it was awful. It literally wiped the grins off of our faces. We weren't considered funny. The cashiers wouldn't smile at us, even though we acted as 'sweet' and bubbly as we always do. A couple of ladies bumped into me and a friend, opened their mouth to smile and apologize, and then clamped their mouth shut, turned, and walked away without a word.
To be honest, I was affected by this. My friend Rebekah shook her head as we left the restaurant, saying, "People are so judgmental. I never realized that." We may say that we don't judge people by appearances, but we do. We honestly do. From now on, I will not look at appearances as much as I do. If someone dresses scary, maybe they're just in costume for Spirit Week.
Maybe a genuine smile is all it takes to brighten someone's entire outlook on their day.
A Little OCD
Day 21: Something that you do differently than most people
I am very organized in some ways, but I'm horribly organized in others. I'm organized in the little things. For example, I have a "writing board" where I keep a pregnancy chart, calendar, names, and etc. for the novel I've written, Before You.
Another example, I write everything I do down in a planner for school.
I color code all of my shirts by ROY G. BIV.
I have a lot of books, and I alphabetize them by author's last name. It helps me find everything and makes me feel more comfortable when I relax in my bedroom.
My friends often tease me because I'm so organized in small, silly ways, but I feel tense and nervous when I'm not organized. So I suppose being organized in the small ways helps me to feel relaxed, comfortable, and happy. :)
I am very organized in some ways, but I'm horribly organized in others. I'm organized in the little things. For example, I have a "writing board" where I keep a pregnancy chart, calendar, names, and etc. for the novel I've written, Before You.
Another example, I write everything I do down in a planner for school.
I color code all of my shirts by ROY G. BIV.
I have a lot of books, and I alphabetize them by author's last name. It helps me find everything and makes me feel more comfortable when I relax in my bedroom.
My friends often tease me because I'm so organized in small, silly ways, but I feel tense and nervous when I'm not organized. So I suppose being organized in the small ways helps me to feel relaxed, comfortable, and happy. :)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Garbonzo Beans
Day 20: A food you like and a food you dislike
A food that I like that you might not expect is garbanzo beans. Whenever I go to a salad buffet, I always look to see if they have garbanzo beans. I've liked them for as long as I can remember. They are just yummy. I could have them as a snack every week.
A food that I dislike that may be surprising is chocolate. I don't mind chocolate mixed with things, such as Reese's or Milky Way. But I don't like dark chocolate, most plain chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, fudge, brownies... It doesn't even smell good to me. Even the scent of melted chocolate is enough to make me want to throw up. When my sister bakes brownies downstairs and the scent wafts up to my room, I have to open my window so I won't feel sick. I hate chocolate that much!
What weird foods do you like or dislike?
A food that I like that you might not expect is garbanzo beans. Whenever I go to a salad buffet, I always look to see if they have garbanzo beans. I've liked them for as long as I can remember. They are just yummy. I could have them as a snack every week.
A food that I dislike that may be surprising is chocolate. I don't mind chocolate mixed with things, such as Reese's or Milky Way. But I don't like dark chocolate, most plain chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, fudge, brownies... It doesn't even smell good to me. Even the scent of melted chocolate is enough to make me want to throw up. When my sister bakes brownies downstairs and the scent wafts up to my room, I have to open my window so I won't feel sick. I hate chocolate that much!
What weird foods do you like or dislike?
Movie Monday
Last week was Spirit Week at my school. Spirit Week is the week of the Homecoming game, and everyone dresses up for a certain theme each day. For fun, I thought I would look back on the fun memories and pictures.
Monday was....... Movie Day. Obviously, we had to dress up as a character of a movie... or a movie star of some sort. You get the idea.
For Movie Monday, I chose a spy theme. I based my look somewhat off of Carmen Sandiego. You know, the old games from back in the day: Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego? Yeah. That was me. I was also compared to a spy from Mission Impossible, Sandra Bullock in The Proposal, Anne Hathoway, and a general movie star.
I wore a red satin trench coat I borrowed from a friend, big sunglasses, skinny jeans (but not too skinny, for you modest girls), and two inch heels (woo, I'm such a rebel). Silver eye makeup and some bright lipstick topped off the look. I kept my hair long and straight, but extra silky. I'm not much of a red silk, heels, skinny jeans kind of person, so it was fun to look more "flirtatious" than I usually would, if you know what I mean.
When I went out, I definitely was hit on by some guys. A cashier at Subway called me beautiful. A lot of guys held the door open for me that day. Monday was a ton of fun.
I saw some other awesome costumes. Some of the coolest were a giant cardboard notebook: The Notebook... and someone dressed up as the house from Up, balloons and all. Some of my good friends dressed up as Bob the Builder, Lucille Ball, Pocahontas, and Anne of Greene Gables.
A friend of mine was a Minion from Despicable Me.
Another friend was the Matrix.
Monday was....... Movie Day. Obviously, we had to dress up as a character of a movie... or a movie star of some sort. You get the idea.
For Movie Monday, I chose a spy theme. I based my look somewhat off of Carmen Sandiego. You know, the old games from back in the day: Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego? Yeah. That was me. I was also compared to a spy from Mission Impossible, Sandra Bullock in The Proposal, Anne Hathoway, and a general movie star.
I wore a red satin trench coat I borrowed from a friend, big sunglasses, skinny jeans (but not too skinny, for you modest girls), and two inch heels (woo, I'm such a rebel). Silver eye makeup and some bright lipstick topped off the look. I kept my hair long and straight, but extra silky. I'm not much of a red silk, heels, skinny jeans kind of person, so it was fun to look more "flirtatious" than I usually would, if you know what I mean.
When I went out, I definitely was hit on by some guys. A cashier at Subway called me beautiful. A lot of guys held the door open for me that day. Monday was a ton of fun.
I saw some other awesome costumes. Some of the coolest were a giant cardboard notebook: The Notebook... and someone dressed up as the house from Up, balloons and all. Some of my good friends dressed up as Bob the Builder, Lucille Ball, Pocahontas, and Anne of Greene Gables.
A friend of mine was a Minion from Despicable Me.
Another friend was the Matrix.
After the fun day at school, the high school had a big bonfire party. It was fun and lighthearted. Part of the fun was finding the party location in the first place, way out in the middle of nowhere. I loved spending time with my friends, roasting marshmallows and tackle hugging people.
Senior year is the best ever.
Senior year is the best ever.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
My Talent
Day 19: A talent of yours
I believe that my biggest God given talent is my gift of writing. I've loved to write ever since I was a little girl. Before I could read, I would sit down with a picture book and make up stories from the pictures. I would dictate my stories to my mom while she typed them out on the computer. While my little friends jumped on the trampoline or played basketball, I would write stories about our pretend adventures on sheets of white printing paper. I've always loved to write. It's always been a talent of mine. I'm not sure how God will use this in my life, but I know He gave me this gift for a reason.
I believe that my biggest God given talent is my gift of writing. I've loved to write ever since I was a little girl. Before I could read, I would sit down with a picture book and make up stories from the pictures. I would dictate my stories to my mom while she typed them out on the computer. While my little friends jumped on the trampoline or played basketball, I would write stories about our pretend adventures on sheets of white printing paper. I've always loved to write. It's always been a talent of mine. I'm not sure how God will use this in my life, but I know He gave me this gift for a reason.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A Tour of my Bedroom
Day 18: A photo of your favorite room in your house
My favorite room in my house would have to be my bedroom. I've worked on it and worked on it until it has completely fit my personality to the smallest of details. I'll use this blog to show off my amazing (in my opinion) bedroom that I absolutely adore.
Here is a photograph of my kinda messy bed. Black and white and blue are my favorite colors, in case you didn't notice. I have a map of Africa by my bed so I won't forget to pray. Records are scattered all over my walls, along with an Elvis hang-up. I also love my spelled-out name. I believe it was bought from Pottery Barn.
Over beside my bed is one of my book shelves with some books. You can see some posters and my bulletin board of Africa photos. I also love my crazy lamp. My Elvis guitar bank and keyboard are also key accessories in my bedroom. I have band posters everywhere!
I love my long strips of photographs where I hang pictures of me and friends. I also have a homemade calendar that you can design at Shutterfly.com. Do you see all of my Elvis decorations? :)
My desk is the most populated area of my room. My laptop and writing information is scattered over here, along with another home-designed calendar, photographs of friends and family, records, a window seat, and another map of Africa. I like my comfy green chair and my giant shoe rack. I also love all of my posters on this wall.
Here you can see my other window seat, another Africa bulletin board, and two more of my book shelves. Yes, I read a lot! I also have a string of photobooth pictures, a gourd from Africa, and my prayer calendar from Voice of the Martyrs.
By my window, I love my curtains and my giant Elvis poster. You can see my guitars, amp, and music stand. That's basically my music corner.
My bathroom is connected to my bedroom, so I thought I'd share a couple of pictures. I love the verse on the wall and my little messy jewelry section. You can also see a corner of my mirror here.
Finally in my bathroom, you can see my shower, counter, and through the reflection of the mirror, you can see the framed photographs of me and my friends.
I love my bedroom!
My favorite room in my house would have to be my bedroom. I've worked on it and worked on it until it has completely fit my personality to the smallest of details. I'll use this blog to show off my amazing (in my opinion) bedroom that I absolutely adore.
Here is a photograph of my kinda messy bed. Black and white and blue are my favorite colors, in case you didn't notice. I have a map of Africa by my bed so I won't forget to pray. Records are scattered all over my walls, along with an Elvis hang-up. I also love my spelled-out name. I believe it was bought from Pottery Barn.
Over beside my bed is one of my book shelves with some books. You can see some posters and my bulletin board of Africa photos. I also love my crazy lamp. My Elvis guitar bank and keyboard are also key accessories in my bedroom. I have band posters everywhere!
I love my long strips of photographs where I hang pictures of me and friends. I also have a homemade calendar that you can design at Shutterfly.com. Do you see all of my Elvis decorations? :)
My desk is the most populated area of my room. My laptop and writing information is scattered over here, along with another home-designed calendar, photographs of friends and family, records, a window seat, and another map of Africa. I like my comfy green chair and my giant shoe rack. I also love all of my posters on this wall.
Here you can see my other window seat, another Africa bulletin board, and two more of my book shelves. Yes, I read a lot! I also have a string of photobooth pictures, a gourd from Africa, and my prayer calendar from Voice of the Martyrs.
By my window, I love my curtains and my giant Elvis poster. You can see my guitars, amp, and music stand. That's basically my music corner.
My bathroom is connected to my bedroom, so I thought I'd share a couple of pictures. I love the verse on the wall and my little messy jewelry section. You can also see a corner of my mirror here.
Finally in my bathroom, you can see my shower, counter, and through the reflection of the mirror, you can see the framed photographs of me and my friends.
I love my bedroom!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Cadillac Ranch
Day 17: An art piece
I live close to an "art piece" that makes my day each time I see it. Cadillac Ranch is one of those art pieces that is so random and so unique and so funny that you can't help but feel intrigued. Stanley Marsh is the artist. He is famous for his signs that carry funny slogans that he has scattered all over Amarillo, Texas. He is also famous for his "floating mesa" and a pair of shoeless feet that sit in a field somewhere near Canyon, Texas. Cadillac Ranch, situated in Bushland, Texas, has to be my favorite. It's made up of ten old Cadillacs positioned in a straight horizontal line in the middle of a field. Each day, hundreds upon hundreds of people come to photograph and spray paint the cars. Cadillac Ranch is unique and beautiful in its own special way, especially when it's raining or there is a sunset or a white layer of snow across everything.
I live close to an "art piece" that makes my day each time I see it. Cadillac Ranch is one of those art pieces that is so random and so unique and so funny that you can't help but feel intrigued. Stanley Marsh is the artist. He is famous for his signs that carry funny slogans that he has scattered all over Amarillo, Texas. He is also famous for his "floating mesa" and a pair of shoeless feet that sit in a field somewhere near Canyon, Texas. Cadillac Ranch, situated in Bushland, Texas, has to be my favorite. It's made up of ten old Cadillacs positioned in a straight horizontal line in the middle of a field. Each day, hundreds upon hundreds of people come to photograph and spray paint the cars. Cadillac Ranch is unique and beautiful in its own special way, especially when it's raining or there is a sunset or a white layer of snow across everything.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Heaven's Face
Day 16: A song that makes you cry
I'm not much of a cryer in general, but a song that always makes me feel a little choked up is Heaven Is the Face. Steven Curtis Chapman wrote this song after the tragic death of his young daughter, Maria Sue. The lyrics to this song are so beautiful and eloquent and emotionally impacting. Watch a video of Steven Curtis Chapman performing this song here. I'll post the lyrics below.
I'm not much of a cryer in general, but a song that always makes me feel a little choked up is Heaven Is the Face. Steven Curtis Chapman wrote this song after the tragic death of his young daughter, Maria Sue. The lyrics to this song are so beautiful and eloquent and emotionally impacting. Watch a video of Steven Curtis Chapman performing this song here. I'll post the lyrics below.
Heaven Is the Face
Heaven is the face of a little girl with dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles.
Heaven is the place where she calls my name,
Says, "Daddy, please come play with me for awhile."
God, I know, it's all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I'm aching for.
God, you know, I just can't see beyond the door.
So right now...
Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep,
Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing.
And heaven is the weight of her in my arms,
Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams.
And God, I know, it's all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I'm longing for.
God, you know, I just can't see beyond the door.
But in my mind's eye, I can see a place,
Where Your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone, every mouth is fed,
And there's no one left in the orphan's bed.
Every lonely heart finds their one true love,
And there's no more goodbye and no more not enough,
And there's no more enemy. No more.
Heaven is a sweet, maple syrup kiss,
And a thousand other little things I miss with her gone.
Heaven is the place where she takes my hand,
And leads me to You,
And we both run into Your arms.
Oh God, I know, it's so much more than I can dream.
It's far beyond anything I can conceive.
So God, You know, I'm trusting You until I see
Heaven in the face of my little girl.
Heaven in the face of my little girl.
Heaven is the face of a little girl with dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles.
Heaven is the place where she calls my name,
Says, "Daddy, please come play with me for awhile."
God, I know, it's all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I'm aching for.
God, you know, I just can't see beyond the door.
So right now...
Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep,
Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing.
And heaven is the weight of her in my arms,
Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams.
And God, I know, it's all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I'm longing for.
God, you know, I just can't see beyond the door.
But in my mind's eye, I can see a place,
Where Your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone, every mouth is fed,
And there's no one left in the orphan's bed.
Every lonely heart finds their one true love,
And there's no more goodbye and no more not enough,
And there's no more enemy. No more.
Heaven is a sweet, maple syrup kiss,
And a thousand other little things I miss with her gone.
Heaven is the place where she takes my hand,
And leads me to You,
And we both run into Your arms.
Oh God, I know, it's so much more than I can dream.
It's far beyond anything I can conceive.
So God, You know, I'm trusting You until I see
Heaven in the face of my little girl.
Heaven in the face of my little girl.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Crazy Cat Lady
Day 15: Five funny fears
1.) Sharks. I have an unnatural fear of sharks. Why, I'm actually not sure. I've never even had a real life experience with sharks. I can watch a horror movie and not feel an ounce of fear. But if I watch Jaws, I'm up for two weeks with nightmares. Even a photograph of a shark can cause me to start shaking or stay up half the night. This is a little embarrassing, but I was going to get a photograph to put to the side of this paragraph, but when I Googled shark pictures, I almost threw up and had to exit out before I could save an image. I can't bear sharks! When I was little, I wouldn't swim in pools because I thought, "What if a shark could get inside?"
2.) Deep water. Again with the water thing. I don't know what traumatic experience I had as a child that makes me so afraid of the ocean and very deep water. It freaks me out to the point where I can't even look at a picture of the ocean. You know that BBC series, "Blue Earth" or something like that? I can't watch any of those episodes.
3.) Becoming completely paralyzed to the point where I can't communicate with anyone. I've heard the horror stories. The whole idea of lying in a bed, unable to even move my eyes, freaks me out.
4.) Going crazy. Ever since someone told me that you can become schizophrenic after the age of eighteen, I've crossed off the days on my calendar like my eighteen birthday is an execution. Ahhh, a month from yesterday! As I've gotten older, my paranoia of this has decreased a lot, but the idea of going crazy still worries me sometimes. :)
5.) Heights. This is a typical one, so I wasn't sure if I should put it or not. I'm terrified of heights to the point that I struggle with climbing a step ladder or at times, even crawling into the back of someone's pickup truck. Yeah, it's bad. I work on it. The summer before my freshman year, I decided to face my fear of heights and jump off a 27 foot cliff into deep water. (Two fears in one, heck yeah!) It didn't work. I'm still scared.
I know all of these fears are silly, but that's the point of this blog entry, right? What are some of your worst or silliest or most irrational fears? What do you do to overcome them?
1.) Sharks. I have an unnatural fear of sharks. Why, I'm actually not sure. I've never even had a real life experience with sharks. I can watch a horror movie and not feel an ounce of fear. But if I watch Jaws, I'm up for two weeks with nightmares. Even a photograph of a shark can cause me to start shaking or stay up half the night. This is a little embarrassing, but I was going to get a photograph to put to the side of this paragraph, but when I Googled shark pictures, I almost threw up and had to exit out before I could save an image. I can't bear sharks! When I was little, I wouldn't swim in pools because I thought, "What if a shark could get inside?"
2.) Deep water. Again with the water thing. I don't know what traumatic experience I had as a child that makes me so afraid of the ocean and very deep water. It freaks me out to the point where I can't even look at a picture of the ocean. You know that BBC series, "Blue Earth" or something like that? I can't watch any of those episodes.
3.) Becoming completely paralyzed to the point where I can't communicate with anyone. I've heard the horror stories. The whole idea of lying in a bed, unable to even move my eyes, freaks me out.
4.) Going crazy. Ever since someone told me that you can become schizophrenic after the age of eighteen, I've crossed off the days on my calendar like my eighteen birthday is an execution. Ahhh, a month from yesterday! As I've gotten older, my paranoia of this has decreased a lot, but the idea of going crazy still worries me sometimes. :)
5.) Heights. This is a typical one, so I wasn't sure if I should put it or not. I'm terrified of heights to the point that I struggle with climbing a step ladder or at times, even crawling into the back of someone's pickup truck. Yeah, it's bad. I work on it. The summer before my freshman year, I decided to face my fear of heights and jump off a 27 foot cliff into deep water. (Two fears in one, heck yeah!) It didn't work. I'm still scared.
I know all of these fears are silly, but that's the point of this blog entry, right? What are some of your worst or silliest or most irrational fears? What do you do to overcome them?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
30 Days of Kindness Challenge
I would like to go ahead and post this challenge two weeks in advance. During thirty days of October, my friends and I have decided to be shining examples for Jesus Christ by deliberately giving a gesture of kindness during each of those days. I want as many people as possible to participate in this, especially if you are a Christian who struggles with the apathy, timidity, and shyness that so many Christians have today... and I think we all struggle with those things.
We can be united as one, sharing God's love everywhere we turn.
If you would like to participate in this challenge, then please comment below. If you're a fellow blogger, then feel free to take on this thirty day challenge as part of your blog! If you like to take pictures, send them to me at emilytheperson@yahoo.com or give me a photobucket link in the comments below, and I will feature them on my blog.
October can be a month for expressing kindness and sharing the love of Jesus. And perhaps after we have deliberately shared acts of kindness for thirty days straight, kindness will become a habit that will be a natural part of our lives.
I'm rallying supporters here.
Who's with me?
We can be united as one, sharing God's love everywhere we turn.
If you would like to participate in this challenge, then please comment below. If you're a fellow blogger, then feel free to take on this thirty day challenge as part of your blog! If you like to take pictures, send them to me at emilytheperson@yahoo.com or give me a photobucket link in the comments below, and I will feature them on my blog.
October can be a month for expressing kindness and sharing the love of Jesus. And perhaps after we have deliberately shared acts of kindness for thirty days straight, kindness will become a habit that will be a natural part of our lives.
I'm rallying supporters here.
Who's with me?
Steve Irwin is My Hero
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take
I've always wanted to go to Australia. I would love to tour Sydney and take a ride through the outback. I think it would be amazing to see kangaroos in the wild. I love the Australian accent and I've always wanted to try Australian food. I've also had a dream for years of witnessing to the aborigines.
I think the dream of traveling to Australia one day stems from my adoration for Steve Irwin I had as a child. I loved that man.
I've always wanted to go to Australia. I would love to tour Sydney and take a ride through the outback. I think it would be amazing to see kangaroos in the wild. I love the Australian accent and I've always wanted to try Australian food. I've also had a dream for years of witnessing to the aborigines.
I think the dream of traveling to Australia one day stems from my adoration for Steve Irwin I had as a child. I loved that man.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Strange Emily
Day 13: Five strange facts about you
1.) I have never in my life ridden on a roller coaster. I have this nerve-shattering fear of heights and great speeds put together. I don't ever plan to ride on a roller coaster. I suppose I have this silly dream of my future husband convincing me to ride my first roller coaster with him while I cling to his shoulder because I feel like he protects me and helps conquer my fears. But that should take place far in the future.
2.) I've had an internet stalker before. You'd think I wouldn't keep a blog then, wouldn't you? (I hope he's not reading this, hehe.) He discovered me on YouTube and then somehow got a hold of a picture of me and made it the background of his YouTube channel with a big heart over it. He also somehow found me on Facebook and MySpace and began to send me constant messages and friend requests, all of which I ignored. I did notice, however, that my picture was the background of his MySpace layout and he'd put my music on his page as well. He finally found my sister on Facebook and began to send her messages, begging her to convince me to contact him. We ignored this guy completely, so he finally backed off, as far as I know. It was creepy while it lasted.
3.) I'm secretly OCD. I mentally count everything. It's weird that I'm horrible at math, isn't it?
4.) When I was a little kid, I always said, "I'm going to get a black or white slug bug and then hang Converse shoes from the mirror." Nobody ever believed me. They said that my love of Voltzwagon Beetles would wear off as I got older. I turned fifteen and got a black slug bug. It used to be a Geek Squad car. Converse shoes hang from the rear view mirror. Take that, haters! (The picture to your left is from when I very first got my car, so the Converse shoes have not yet appeared there.)
5.) I type 130 words per minute. I type faster than some people talk. It's this bizarre talent that nobody else seems to have. I'm not sure what profit it will bring me in the future, other than my writing and the shock-factor it gives people when they ask me to Google something and my fingers start flying over the keyboard. Perhaps it's hereditary. My dad won state in typing when he was in high school. Hmmm...
1.) I have never in my life ridden on a roller coaster. I have this nerve-shattering fear of heights and great speeds put together. I don't ever plan to ride on a roller coaster. I suppose I have this silly dream of my future husband convincing me to ride my first roller coaster with him while I cling to his shoulder because I feel like he protects me and helps conquer my fears. But that should take place far in the future.
2.) I've had an internet stalker before. You'd think I wouldn't keep a blog then, wouldn't you? (I hope he's not reading this, hehe.) He discovered me on YouTube and then somehow got a hold of a picture of me and made it the background of his YouTube channel with a big heart over it. He also somehow found me on Facebook and MySpace and began to send me constant messages and friend requests, all of which I ignored. I did notice, however, that my picture was the background of his MySpace layout and he'd put my music on his page as well. He finally found my sister on Facebook and began to send her messages, begging her to convince me to contact him. We ignored this guy completely, so he finally backed off, as far as I know. It was creepy while it lasted.
3.) I'm secretly OCD. I mentally count everything. It's weird that I'm horrible at math, isn't it?
4.) When I was a little kid, I always said, "I'm going to get a black or white slug bug and then hang Converse shoes from the mirror." Nobody ever believed me. They said that my love of Voltzwagon Beetles would wear off as I got older. I turned fifteen and got a black slug bug. It used to be a Geek Squad car. Converse shoes hang from the rear view mirror. Take that, haters! (The picture to your left is from when I very first got my car, so the Converse shoes have not yet appeared there.)
5.) I type 130 words per minute. I type faster than some people talk. It's this bizarre talent that nobody else seems to have. I'm not sure what profit it will bring me in the future, other than my writing and the shock-factor it gives people when they ask me to Google something and my fingers start flying over the keyboard. Perhaps it's hereditary. My dad won state in typing when he was in high school. Hmmm...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Does marriage scare you as much as it does me?
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding
This is a difficult one for me, because I don't like to think that far ahead. I honestly have never stopped to think of any songs I would like played at my wedding until this specific moment. And now that I think about it, I can't think of any.
A song I think is romantic and pretty, even though I don't listen to much country music, is One Boy, One Girl by Collin Raye. I think it's cute. I love it. I would most likely want that song to be played at my wedding. Click here to see a cheesy nineties music video of the song. I'll post the lyrics below. Cry your heart out. :)
---
Now tell me that isn't adorable!
This is a difficult one for me, because I don't like to think that far ahead. I honestly have never stopped to think of any songs I would like played at my wedding until this specific moment. And now that I think about it, I can't think of any.
A song I think is romantic and pretty, even though I don't listen to much country music, is One Boy, One Girl by Collin Raye. I think it's cute. I love it. I would most likely want that song to be played at my wedding. Click here to see a cheesy nineties music video of the song. I'll post the lyrics below. Cry your heart out. :)
One Boy, One Girl
He finally gave in to his friend's girlfriend,
When she said, "There's someone you should meet."
At a crowded restaurant way cross town,
He waited impatiently.
When she walked in, their eyes met,
And they both stared.
Right there and then,
Everyone else disappeared,
But one boy, one girl,
Two hearts beating wildly.
To put it mildly, it was love at first sight.
He smiled, she smiled, and they knew right away:
This was the day they'd been waiting for all their lives.
For a moment, the whole world
Revolved around one boy and one girl.
In no time at all, they were standing there
In the front of a little church.
Among their friends and family,
Repeating those sacred words.
The preacher said, "Son, kiss your bride."
And he raised her veil.
Like the night they met,
Time just stood still, for
Chorus
He was holding her hand when the doctor looked up and grinned.
"Congratulations, twins."
Chorus
He finally gave in to his friend's girlfriend,
When she said, "There's someone you should meet."
At a crowded restaurant way cross town,
He waited impatiently.
When she walked in, their eyes met,
And they both stared.
Right there and then,
Everyone else disappeared,
But one boy, one girl,
Two hearts beating wildly.
To put it mildly, it was love at first sight.
He smiled, she smiled, and they knew right away:
This was the day they'd been waiting for all their lives.
For a moment, the whole world
Revolved around one boy and one girl.
In no time at all, they were standing there
In the front of a little church.
Among their friends and family,
Repeating those sacred words.
The preacher said, "Son, kiss your bride."
And he raised her veil.
Like the night they met,
Time just stood still, for
Chorus
He was holding her hand when the doctor looked up and grinned.
"Congratulations, twins."
Chorus
---
Now tell me that isn't adorable!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Patty Cake
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
This picture was taken on a wonderfully fun day. Rebekah and I played a clapping game while sitting on a log in the middle of a field. It was the morning after Rebekah's birthday celebration. We went to the park, had a picnic, had a little Bible study, and then took some fun pictures. This photograph brings back some happy memories. It was taken on August 5, fairly recently.
This picture was taken on a wonderfully fun day. Rebekah and I played a clapping game while sitting on a log in the middle of a field. It was the morning after Rebekah's birthday celebration. We went to the park, had a picnic, had a little Bible study, and then took some fun pictures. This photograph brings back some happy memories. It was taken on August 5, fairly recently.
Friday, September 10, 2010
I used to be a gymnast.
Day 10: A photo taken of you over ten years ago
For my photo from over ten years ago, I chose an image of me from when I was around three years old. Yes, I was blonde then. I love the look on my face. I wanted desperately to be a gymnast. I was very confident in my abilities. You can see the obvious pride and happiness on my face as I displayed my red, velvet leotard to the world. Yes, I was such a happy child. This picture was taken approximately in 1995. I was such a cutie pie.
For my photo from over ten years ago, I chose an image of me from when I was around three years old. Yes, I was blonde then. I love the look on my face. I wanted desperately to be a gymnast. I was very confident in my abilities. You can see the obvious pride and happiness on my face as I displayed my red, velvet leotard to the world. Yes, I was such a happy child. This picture was taken approximately in 1995. I was such a cutie pie.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Pointing Fingers
Day 9: A photo you have taken
I love this photograph for so many reasons. I took this picture in the bush near Eldoret, Kenya, Africa. These kids had never seen a white person before, let alone a camera. I would take a photo and then turn the camera around so the kids could see their tiny images in the LCD screen. They were amazed and all wanted to know how the camera worked. There was so many children surrounding me and my camera, I couldn't have counted them if I tried. I love how their smiles are automatic. You don't have to grow up with a camera to know to smile for one. I love the wonder on the faces of these children. I love the vivid colors in this photograph. I love this.
I love this photograph for so many reasons. I took this picture in the bush near Eldoret, Kenya, Africa. These kids had never seen a white person before, let alone a camera. I would take a photo and then turn the camera around so the kids could see their tiny images in the LCD screen. They were amazed and all wanted to know how the camera worked. There was so many children surrounding me and my camera, I couldn't have counted them if I tried. I love how their smiles are automatic. You don't have to grow up with a camera to know to smile for one. I love the wonder on the faces of these children. I love the vivid colors in this photograph. I love this.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
You changed my life.
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Ali,
I chose you for this letter because you are my best friend. I don't know how I could exist without your friendship. While I have other friends who are amazing- who I love so much and who have also changed my life in many ways- you're my best friend. I love our long, deep conversations. Our inside jokes still make me smile. When you hurt, I hurt, and when you laugh, I laugh too. I don't know what I would do without you.
I think the hard times we've been through have made us closer. Even during distant times (the summer, for example), it amazes me that we're able to keep our friendship as strong as we have. At times, I'm unsure if we could get any closer. You're like my sister.
While it's our senior year, and neither of us is completely sure where we're going to go after this, I know we'll always be friends. I can't envision my life without you in it.
I love you because you're my confidante. Some things I've told you, I could never tell another soul.
I love you because you are my editor. You're the one who makes me feel like a worthwhile writer when you tear up over my books.
I love you because you're my comic relief. You always know exactly what to say in the most awkward of moments.
I love you because you're perceptive. Some things you just seem to know. You know when someone is unhappy or struggling and you know exactly what to say. You know the underlying cause behind someone's actions. You know what I'm feeling when I don't know what I'm feeling.
I love you because you're so motherly. You take care of me sometimes like my mom does. :) And yet we still balance each other out when I show you how to organize things. :D
I love you because you're passionate. You are willing to stand up for what you believe.
I love you because you're beautiful, even when you don't know it.
I love you because you've changed my life. You showed me what true friendship is.
Ali, I don't know what I would do without you. You've made my life so joyful. Jesus is so evident in your life and in your heart. All I can say is thank you for changing my life for the better. Thank you for being my friend. Let's be friends forever.
Love,
Emily
Ali,
I chose you for this letter because you are my best friend. I don't know how I could exist without your friendship. While I have other friends who are amazing- who I love so much and who have also changed my life in many ways- you're my best friend. I love our long, deep conversations. Our inside jokes still make me smile. When you hurt, I hurt, and when you laugh, I laugh too. I don't know what I would do without you.
I think the hard times we've been through have made us closer. Even during distant times (the summer, for example), it amazes me that we're able to keep our friendship as strong as we have. At times, I'm unsure if we could get any closer. You're like my sister.
While it's our senior year, and neither of us is completely sure where we're going to go after this, I know we'll always be friends. I can't envision my life without you in it.
I love you because you're my confidante. Some things I've told you, I could never tell another soul.
I love you because you are my editor. You're the one who makes me feel like a worthwhile writer when you tear up over my books.
I love you because you're my comic relief. You always know exactly what to say in the most awkward of moments.
I love you because you're perceptive. Some things you just seem to know. You know when someone is unhappy or struggling and you know exactly what to say. You know the underlying cause behind someone's actions. You know what I'm feeling when I don't know what I'm feeling.
I love you because you're so motherly. You take care of me sometimes like my mom does. :) And yet we still balance each other out when I show you how to organize things. :D
I love you because you're passionate. You are willing to stand up for what you believe.
I love you because you're beautiful, even when you don't know it.
I love you because you've changed my life. You showed me what true friendship is.
Ali, I don't know what I would do without you. You've made my life so joyful. Jesus is so evident in your life and in your heart. All I can say is thank you for changing my life for the better. Thank you for being my friend. Let's be friends forever.
Love,
Emily
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
5 Things I Can't Live Without
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without
1.) My Bible. I know, I know. That's the cliche, perfect, goody two shoes Christian answer, but it's true. I read my Bible when I can't sleep at night (quite often). It comforts me when I have my mini-anxiety attacks. It teaches me the answers to difficult situations. It even shows me what to say to help a friend or respond to a faulty teacher. My Bible is like my guidebook. I love it.
2.) My laptop. Without this thing, I wouldn't have written Before You. I wouldn't have my Facebook. I wouldn't be connected to the world. I would have nowhere to store my multiple photos and videos. Most of all, I use my computer for writing. All of my stories, poetry, journal entries, and songs are stored in documents on my computer. I type 130 words per minute, but I write with a pencil much more slowly. When I'm writing on the computer, I feel like my mind can flow more closely to its normal speed.
3.) My guitar. My acoustic guitar is how I vent my anger, how I express strong emotions, and how I release some of my creative energy. Although I can't play as much as I would like to, I don't know what I would do without my guitar. It's a Seagull, my favorite brand. It has a beautiful sound. I love its color, its music, its everything.
4.) My camera. It's old and needs to be replaced, yes, but without a camera, my life is undocumented. I take hundreds upon hundreds of pictures each month. Without my beloved camera, I would have to remember everything on my own. You know that show, Hoarders, where the people are afraid to throw their belongings away because they're afraid they'll forget the memories attached to them? I'm like that, but with photographs.
5.) My iPod. My playlist (of my favorite songs) is nearly 800 songs. And that's just my favorite songs. I listen to a lot of music. I listen to my iPod in my bedroom. I listen to my iPod in my car, since I don't have a car radio. Without my iPod, I would be stuck music-less, especially since I hate the radio. Yeah, long story.
Yes, those are five things I couldn't live without. If I could have listed ten things, I would have added my car, my phone, my hair straightener, my bed, and my Ted Dekker book collection. :)
1.) My Bible. I know, I know. That's the cliche, perfect, goody two shoes Christian answer, but it's true. I read my Bible when I can't sleep at night (quite often). It comforts me when I have my mini-anxiety attacks. It teaches me the answers to difficult situations. It even shows me what to say to help a friend or respond to a faulty teacher. My Bible is like my guidebook. I love it.
2.) My laptop. Without this thing, I wouldn't have written Before You. I wouldn't have my Facebook. I wouldn't be connected to the world. I would have nowhere to store my multiple photos and videos. Most of all, I use my computer for writing. All of my stories, poetry, journal entries, and songs are stored in documents on my computer. I type 130 words per minute, but I write with a pencil much more slowly. When I'm writing on the computer, I feel like my mind can flow more closely to its normal speed.
3.) My guitar. My acoustic guitar is how I vent my anger, how I express strong emotions, and how I release some of my creative energy. Although I can't play as much as I would like to, I don't know what I would do without my guitar. It's a Seagull, my favorite brand. It has a beautiful sound. I love its color, its music, its everything.
4.) My camera. It's old and needs to be replaced, yes, but without a camera, my life is undocumented. I take hundreds upon hundreds of pictures each month. Without my beloved camera, I would have to remember everything on my own. You know that show, Hoarders, where the people are afraid to throw their belongings away because they're afraid they'll forget the memories attached to them? I'm like that, but with photographs.
5.) My iPod. My playlist (of my favorite songs) is nearly 800 songs. And that's just my favorite songs. I listen to a lot of music. I listen to my iPod in my bedroom. I listen to my iPod in my car, since I don't have a car radio. Without my iPod, I would be stuck music-less, especially since I hate the radio. Yeah, long story.
Yes, those are five things I couldn't live without. If I could have listed ten things, I would have added my car, my phone, my hair straightener, my bed, and my Ted Dekker book collection. :)
Monday, September 6, 2010
That horrible feeling called shame.
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive
It was ninth grade. I stood in a group with some casual friends of mine. We were at a high school basketball game, but none of us was actually watching. We had formed a circle, laughing and chattering and sharing all sorts of stories. Several kids from the opposing school had joined us, and they were all cursing and talking about raucous subjects. To my surprise, the kids I was with joined in without batting an eye. I tried my best to stay out of the crude conversations, but I didn't want to leave the group , so I continued to laugh and talk with everyone without cussing or talking inappropriately.
At one point, a boy pulled me to the side. "I've been watching you," he said. "You're different. There's something about you. You stand out from the crowd. I can't tell if it's the way you act, the way you talk... or what. What is it about you that's so different?"
I was shy and timid, proud of myself for merely joining in a conversation that included people I didn't know. I knew the answer to the boy's question: I stood out from the others because I loved Jesus. I was a Christian. However, I was embarrassed. I didn't want to sound preachy or annoying. I didn't want to look silly. I stammered around for a few seconds before finally muttering, "I don't think there's anything different about me."
"No, there is something different. I can see it. What is it?"
"Nothing. It's nothing. I guess I'm just a unique person," I mumbled and turned away from the boy and back to the crowd.
I dreamed about that situation for nights afterword.
I had a chance to share the Word of God with someone who didn't believe, and I lost that chance. I failed the purpose God had for me in that moment. To this day, I still feel incredibly guilty. I hate the feeling of having failed God. If I could go back right now, I would share my faith with that boy and chance a weird look or a mocking laugh. I would embrace any ridicule I received.
If you're ever in a situation where you're given the chance to share your faith- but possibly face ridicule- share your faith. Don't let yourself feel ashamed of your choice later on when you have a moment to look back on the day. Jesus is worth any and all ridicule. Never be ashamed of what you believe.
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
It was ninth grade. I stood in a group with some casual friends of mine. We were at a high school basketball game, but none of us was actually watching. We had formed a circle, laughing and chattering and sharing all sorts of stories. Several kids from the opposing school had joined us, and they were all cursing and talking about raucous subjects. To my surprise, the kids I was with joined in without batting an eye. I tried my best to stay out of the crude conversations, but I didn't want to leave the group , so I continued to laugh and talk with everyone without cussing or talking inappropriately.
At one point, a boy pulled me to the side. "I've been watching you," he said. "You're different. There's something about you. You stand out from the crowd. I can't tell if it's the way you act, the way you talk... or what. What is it about you that's so different?"
I was shy and timid, proud of myself for merely joining in a conversation that included people I didn't know. I knew the answer to the boy's question: I stood out from the others because I loved Jesus. I was a Christian. However, I was embarrassed. I didn't want to sound preachy or annoying. I didn't want to look silly. I stammered around for a few seconds before finally muttering, "I don't think there's anything different about me."
"No, there is something different. I can see it. What is it?"
"Nothing. It's nothing. I guess I'm just a unique person," I mumbled and turned away from the boy and back to the crowd.
I dreamed about that situation for nights afterword.
I had a chance to share the Word of God with someone who didn't believe, and I lost that chance. I failed the purpose God had for me in that moment. To this day, I still feel incredibly guilty. I hate the feeling of having failed God. If I could go back right now, I would share my faith with that boy and chance a weird look or a mocking laugh. I would embrace any ridicule I received.
If you're ever in a situation where you're given the chance to share your faith- but possibly face ridicule- share your faith. Don't let yourself feel ashamed of your choice later on when you have a moment to look back on the day. Jesus is worth any and all ridicule. Never be ashamed of what you believe.
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Shoe Review Blog
Day 5: A favorite pair of shoes
This topic is difficult for me. I have several pairs of shoes that I adore. Shoes and t-shirts are probably my favorite wardrobe accessory in the world, meaning that I have a lot of them... and I don't really have a favorite pair of shoes.
Chuck Taylors
Out of all of my shoes, I think I have the most pairs of Converse. Many of them were gifts. I love Chucks because they express my personality better than any shoes. I love the different colors and styles. I even have a pair of "baby" Chucks hanging from the mirror of my car. My favorite pair would have to be a pair of lo-top black Converse. They're very comfortable and have practically molded to my foot. I wear a lot of black with my clothes, so they go with nearly every outfit I own.
TOMS
I love TOMS because they are one-for-one. With each pair of TOMS you buy, they'll donate a pair to a child without shoes. These are also comfortable and lightweight. I have two pair. I would definitely recommend that you buy a pair of TOMS and help provide shoes for poverty-stricken kids. I wrote a review of these shoes on an earlier blog entry. I also celebrate TOMS Day Without Shoes.
Old Navy flip flops
I wear these all the time in the summer. I probably have a million pairs. Not really, but I have all of the basic colors. I'm not a big fan of the crazy designs. What I do sometimes though is mix and match. If I'm wearing a shirt that is red, white, and blue, I'll wear one red flip flop and one blue flip flop. They're about as comfortable as flip flops get, and $2.50 a piece. I've gotta say, if you're going to buy flip flops, you need to buy them from Old Navy. My favorite pair of flip flops is this latest year's style. They are shiny and a dark gray. They go with nearly everything I own, and they're very comfortable. I wear them all the time.
Rocket Dogs
I got my first pair of these with this new school year. They're black and white and very comfortable. They actually look good on me, while most "flat-like" shoes don't. I'm satisfied with them so far. I think they're cute. They match several of my outfits, and they can pull off both the casual and the cute look. I can wear them with shorts, jeans, or a skirt!
Potato Shoes
I got my Birkinstock potato shoes a couple of years ago. They're the perfect shoes for if you simply feel like relaxing and looking casual. I love to wear them in the winter with fuzzy socks. They keep me warm. Potato shoes have a lot of knock off brands as well, but I've heard they aren't as comfortable. I love my potato shoes, even though they're not very attractive. I wear them a lot during the cold months. I've never had any complaints with them.
This topic is difficult for me. I have several pairs of shoes that I adore. Shoes and t-shirts are probably my favorite wardrobe accessory in the world, meaning that I have a lot of them... and I don't really have a favorite pair of shoes.
Chuck Taylors
Out of all of my shoes, I think I have the most pairs of Converse. Many of them were gifts. I love Chucks because they express my personality better than any shoes. I love the different colors and styles. I even have a pair of "baby" Chucks hanging from the mirror of my car. My favorite pair would have to be a pair of lo-top black Converse. They're very comfortable and have practically molded to my foot. I wear a lot of black with my clothes, so they go with nearly every outfit I own.
TOMS
I love TOMS because they are one-for-one. With each pair of TOMS you buy, they'll donate a pair to a child without shoes. These are also comfortable and lightweight. I have two pair. I would definitely recommend that you buy a pair of TOMS and help provide shoes for poverty-stricken kids. I wrote a review of these shoes on an earlier blog entry. I also celebrate TOMS Day Without Shoes.
Old Navy flip flops
I wear these all the time in the summer. I probably have a million pairs. Not really, but I have all of the basic colors. I'm not a big fan of the crazy designs. What I do sometimes though is mix and match. If I'm wearing a shirt that is red, white, and blue, I'll wear one red flip flop and one blue flip flop. They're about as comfortable as flip flops get, and $2.50 a piece. I've gotta say, if you're going to buy flip flops, you need to buy them from Old Navy. My favorite pair of flip flops is this latest year's style. They are shiny and a dark gray. They go with nearly everything I own, and they're very comfortable. I wear them all the time.
Rocket Dogs
I got my first pair of these with this new school year. They're black and white and very comfortable. They actually look good on me, while most "flat-like" shoes don't. I'm satisfied with them so far. I think they're cute. They match several of my outfits, and they can pull off both the casual and the cute look. I can wear them with shorts, jeans, or a skirt!
Potato Shoes
I got my Birkinstock potato shoes a couple of years ago. They're the perfect shoes for if you simply feel like relaxing and looking casual. I love to wear them in the winter with fuzzy socks. They keep me warm. Potato shoes have a lot of knock off brands as well, but I've heard they aren't as comfortable. I love my potato shoes, even though they're not very attractive. I wear them a lot during the cold months. I've never had any complaints with them.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
My Legacy
Day 4: A favorite quote
"Do something worth remembering." - Elvis Presley
I find this amazing, especially considering who spoke these words in the first place.
All Elvis Presley wanted to do was make a legacy for himself, to do something worth remembering. I think it worked out for him. I can't count the number of photographs of Elvis surrounded by sobbing, fainting, screaming girls who merely wanted to touch the hem of his shirt.
Elvis Presley did something worth remembering. He made music.
I also want to make a legacy, although a little different than that Elvis made. I don't want the burden of people screaming and falling at my feet. I don't want to walk down the street and have everyone recognize me and cry out my name. I want to leave a different kind of legacy. I want to do something that people remember... for the good, not for the bad. Maybe I'll write a book that will soften the hearts of millions. Perhaps I'll help end world hunger. Perhaps I'll help to change lives for Jesus Christ. Perhaps I'll be a part of all three of these things.
I'm reminded of the lyrics to Nichole Nordeman's song, Legacy.
I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
"Do something worth remembering." - Elvis Presley
I find this amazing, especially considering who spoke these words in the first place.
All Elvis Presley wanted to do was make a legacy for himself, to do something worth remembering. I think it worked out for him. I can't count the number of photographs of Elvis surrounded by sobbing, fainting, screaming girls who merely wanted to touch the hem of his shirt.
Elvis Presley did something worth remembering. He made music.
I also want to make a legacy, although a little different than that Elvis made. I don't want the burden of people screaming and falling at my feet. I don't want to walk down the street and have everyone recognize me and cry out my name. I want to leave a different kind of legacy. I want to do something that people remember... for the good, not for the bad. Maybe I'll write a book that will soften the hearts of millions. Perhaps I'll help end world hunger. Perhaps I'll help to change lives for Jesus Christ. Perhaps I'll be a part of all three of these things.
I'm reminded of the lyrics to Nichole Nordeman's song, Legacy.
I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Review: Blessed Child by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright
Day 3: A favorite book
One of my favorite books of all times is Blessed Child by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright. I've read it at least five times and as I write about it, I feel the need to give it a sixth read.
Publishers Weekly gives this review:
"Jason Marker, an embittered Peace Corps representative, must spirit the 10-year-old wunderkind Caleb out of Ethiopia with the help of Leiah, a Red Cross nurse who is covered with disfiguring scars. Upon their arrival in the U.S., Caleb is put in the care of the nefarious Father Nikolous at the rather stereotypically cruel Sunnyside Orphanage. Caleb's extraordinary powers manifest themselves early in the tale: raising a man from the dead, restoring sight to a blind boy, healing a paraplegic. Even as religious authorities are thrown into turmoil about the source of Caleb's amazing abilities, Father Nikolous loses no time in exploiting those powers for his own financial gain. When a powerful politician realizes that Caleb holds the key to the destruction of his presidential ambitions, he contracts for the boy's murder.... Caleb is satisfactorily presented as an uncorrupted innocent who finds the world a stumbling block to his childlike faith."
What I liked-
My favorite scene in the entire book is when Jason and Leiah decide to try praying to God for the first time. In this specific scene, God decided to show them His love with bright, beautiful lights. At a loss of what to pray for, Jason and Leiah simply said, "God, please bless the orphans in India." Suddenly, a bright and beautiful flash of blue covered the entire horizon in the direction of India, and Jason and Leiah realized how much God loves us and responds to our prayers. Beautiful. I get chills even as I type this.
What I didn't like-
There is honestly nothing I didn't like about this book. That's why it's one of my very favorites!
I recommend this book for-
I would call it PG-13 because I think it is too deep and a little too violent for children under the age of thirteen or fourteen. Anyone else who wants to read an intense novel that will deepen their faith in the Lord should love this book.
You can purchase Blessed Child at this link. It also has a sequel, A Man Called Blessed.
One of my favorite books of all times is Blessed Child by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright. I've read it at least five times and as I write about it, I feel the need to give it a sixth read.
Publishers Weekly gives this review:
"Jason Marker, an embittered Peace Corps representative, must spirit the 10-year-old wunderkind Caleb out of Ethiopia with the help of Leiah, a Red Cross nurse who is covered with disfiguring scars. Upon their arrival in the U.S., Caleb is put in the care of the nefarious Father Nikolous at the rather stereotypically cruel Sunnyside Orphanage. Caleb's extraordinary powers manifest themselves early in the tale: raising a man from the dead, restoring sight to a blind boy, healing a paraplegic. Even as religious authorities are thrown into turmoil about the source of Caleb's amazing abilities, Father Nikolous loses no time in exploiting those powers for his own financial gain. When a powerful politician realizes that Caleb holds the key to the destruction of his presidential ambitions, he contracts for the boy's murder.... Caleb is satisfactorily presented as an uncorrupted innocent who finds the world a stumbling block to his childlike faith."
What I liked-
My favorite scene in the entire book is when Jason and Leiah decide to try praying to God for the first time. In this specific scene, God decided to show them His love with bright, beautiful lights. At a loss of what to pray for, Jason and Leiah simply said, "God, please bless the orphans in India." Suddenly, a bright and beautiful flash of blue covered the entire horizon in the direction of India, and Jason and Leiah realized how much God loves us and responds to our prayers. Beautiful. I get chills even as I type this.
What I didn't like-
There is honestly nothing I didn't like about this book. That's why it's one of my very favorites!
I recommend this book for-
I would call it PG-13 because I think it is too deep and a little too violent for children under the age of thirteen or fourteen. Anyone else who wants to read an intense novel that will deepen their faith in the Lord should love this book.
You can purchase Blessed Child at this link. It also has a sequel, A Man Called Blessed.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
This Film Gives Me Quite the Rush
Day 2: A favorite movie
I have three or four favorite movies, but the one I chose to talk about today is August Rush. It is a beautifully made, impacting, and emotional film about a musical prodigy who goes on a journey to find his parents, two musicians he has never met. I could watch this movie over and over again and never tire of it. I adore music, so if music is something you have a passion for- or even enjoy- this a movie that you will find touching and beautiful.
The characters are lovely as well. Freddie Highmore did a great job, and I will never tire of seeing Jonathan Rhys Meyers on the big screen.
If you have never seen this movie, you've got to give it a watch. It's beautiful. Simply beautiful.
The soundtrack is amazing as well. It is not a disappointment. I listen to it all the time.
I have three or four favorite movies, but the one I chose to talk about today is August Rush. It is a beautifully made, impacting, and emotional film about a musical prodigy who goes on a journey to find his parents, two musicians he has never met. I could watch this movie over and over again and never tire of it. I adore music, so if music is something you have a passion for- or even enjoy- this a movie that you will find touching and beautiful.
The characters are lovely as well. Freddie Highmore did a great job, and I will never tire of seeing Jonathan Rhys Meyers on the big screen.
If you have never seen this movie, you've got to give it a watch. It's beautiful. Simply beautiful.
The soundtrack is amazing as well. It is not a disappointment. I listen to it all the time.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Jailhouse Rock
Day 1: A favorite song
Jailhouse Rock isn't my favorite song of all times (I don't have one), but it definitely is up there amongst my favorites. It's not the lyrics that \capture me, although I find them funny and clever. I love the music of Jailhouse Rock. I love the dance to Jailhouse Rock. I love Elvis. I love the movie Jailhouse Rock where the song came from.
Elvis Presley, in my opinion, is the best music artist of all times. He created a new genre of music and a new style of dance. He broke barriers and stretched limits. He was generous and inspirational and a true artist. His song Jailhouse Rock is one of my very favorites, along with Blue Suede Shoes, Return to Sender, In the Ghetto, Heartbreak Hotel, and Hound Dog.
Jailhouse Rock
The warden threw a party in the county jail.
The prison band was there and they began to wail.
The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing.
You shoulda heard those knocked out jailbirds sing.
Let's rock. Everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone.
Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone.
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang!
The whole rhythm section was the purple gang.
Chorus
Number 47 said to Number 3,
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see.
I sure would be delighted with your company.
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me."
Chorus
Sad Sack was sittin' on a block of stone,
Way over in the corner, weepin' all alone.
The warden said, "Hey buddy, don't you be no square!
If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair."
Chorus
Shifty Henry said to Bugs, "For heaven's sake,
No one's lookin'. Now's the chance to make a break."
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix nix!
I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks."
Chorus
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock...
Jailhouse Rock isn't my favorite song of all times (I don't have one), but it definitely is up there amongst my favorites. It's not the lyrics that \capture me, although I find them funny and clever. I love the music of Jailhouse Rock. I love the dance to Jailhouse Rock. I love Elvis. I love the movie Jailhouse Rock where the song came from.
Elvis Presley, in my opinion, is the best music artist of all times. He created a new genre of music and a new style of dance. He broke barriers and stretched limits. He was generous and inspirational and a true artist. His song Jailhouse Rock is one of my very favorites, along with Blue Suede Shoes, Return to Sender, In the Ghetto, Heartbreak Hotel, and Hound Dog.
The first time I discovered the movie Jailhouse Rock, I was so happy that I watched it twice in one day. It was perhaps Elvis' best film of all times.
I definitely encourage you to go watch this movie and purchase this song off of iTunes. Here's the video for Jailhouse Rock. Check it out. I'll go ahead and post the lyrics below.Jailhouse Rock
The warden threw a party in the county jail.
The prison band was there and they began to wail.
The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing.
You shoulda heard those knocked out jailbirds sing.
Let's rock. Everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone.
Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone.
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang!
The whole rhythm section was the purple gang.
Chorus
Number 47 said to Number 3,
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see.
I sure would be delighted with your company.
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me."
Chorus
Sad Sack was sittin' on a block of stone,
Way over in the corner, weepin' all alone.
The warden said, "Hey buddy, don't you be no square!
If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair."
Chorus
Shifty Henry said to Bugs, "For heaven's sake,
No one's lookin'. Now's the chance to make a break."
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix nix!
I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks."
Chorus
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock...
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