VBS 2010-Saddle Ridge Ranch

This past week has been spent doing VBS. Our theme this year was "Saddle Ridge Ranch". It was a great experience for many children in our neighborhood. They had a great time doing crafts, music, recreation, snack, and bible study. The teachers had a wonderful time ministering to the children.

The verse this year came from James 1:5...
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." NIV

We also did a couple of contests.

Contest 1: The music teacher had a bag titled "The Good, The Unbad, and The Not Ugly" bag. Each day the children would have to behave and follow all the rules. Then the "trail bosses" would put their names in the bag. And 3 children would win a CD with this year's VBS songs.

Contest 2: The boys and girls were split up into two teams. Boys vs. Girls. Each night they would bring in as much non-perishable food (for our church's food pantry) as possible. And the last night of VBS, if the boys won, the pastor's wife would get pie in the face. If the girls won, the pastor would have pie in the face. A couple of times the boys won. But the pastor's wife and I had faith in our girls. The last night the girls brought in the most cans.

My faith in the Lord has been weak the past couple of weeks. But, the last night of VBS I felt a calling to come back to Him. The one thing I love is that, whenever our walk becomes to far, our God is waiting for us with open arms.

A chorus in a song the children had done spoke to me:

"Whatever I must face
I'll bow my head and pray
For grace to be like Jesus, like Jesus"

Monster-Skillet

Hi there!

I have been learning to play piano since last month or so. I am a big fan of Skillet. The other night I had a dream that I could play "Monster" on my piano. I woke up the next morning to tell my mom and she said that maybe I can, once I get good enough to play piano. I was really surprised when I found this video on You tube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YixPRz8K4n4&feature=related

As I am

This another poem I wrote...

As I am

He came to me with scars on his wrist
Saying he can't go through this
I said "I can help you."
He said "There is nothing to do."
Trying to lift this pressure of your shoulders
He said "It's over."

Even though it feels like
We're slipping through life
He will help us get by
He will never leave your side
His footprints are left beside yours

Just tell me the person I was going to be, again
Just take me as I am

She came to me with a tear stained-face
Saying she lost her faith
He is calling your name
She says
"I know
He won't let me go
I'll give Him control
I'll let go of my dreams
I'll wait until He shows me
Who He wants me to be."

Can't you see this love that God gives
Even though it feels like you are slipping through His finger tips
He will always catch you
Now I can see without You, I can't make it through

Remind me the person I was going to be, again
Just take me as I am

Heartbeat

This is another poem I wrote.....

Heartbeat

These days are flying by fast
Just want to make this one life last
I want to give everything a chance
I want to make a stand
I want to make a change

Tell me that You love me
One more time
So I could know that this is not a dream
Don't want to feel this pain tonight
When You look through me
You see
My heartbeat

Giving You all that is within
Going to keep on going
Even when I am broken
These tears are falling
Not going to stop following
My dreams
For You are for me

Tell me that You love me
One more time
So I could know that this is not a dream
Don't want to feel this pain tonight
When You look through me
You see
My heartbeat

Forever

As you know in my recent post, Forgiven, I have doubted God. The day after I found Him again, I wrote this poem.

Forever

I thought I was on the right track
Never thought I would slip from Your grip
Never thought I would fall back

But here I am crying out
Soaking my pillow
I feel the urge to shout
"I need You now!"

Now I know that You love me without regrets
And there is nothing I can do to make You love me less
Trying to get out of this mess
I know that You will love me, forever.

Now I've found my way back to You
I give You all my worries, dreams, and fears
I, now, live my life for You
You wipe away my tears

Now I know that You love me without regrets
And there is nothing I can do to make You love me less
Trying to get out of this mess
I know that You will love me, forever.

Show me what I will be
When I grow up
You know my dreams
Never going to give up

Lord, whatever it is
Show me
Never going to get enough of this
Love You give to me

-Alli

Friendship

"A friend loveth at all times...." Proverbs 17:17

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Forgiven

It was probably 2-3 months ago that it happened. I started to doubt God, and was wondering if I really was a Believer. I am really attached to my laptop. So at that time I didn't care about anything. Television, reading, music, food, family, life, and my laptop. That is a list of stuff that I enjoy. All I wanted to do was to sit on my bed in the morning and cry until night. I cried to the point my eyes started hurting.

I was so mad at myself that I wanted to punish myself and God so I threw my Bible in the trash. Later that day, my brother went to take the trash out, and the bag was unusually heavy. So Mom went through the trash, and found my Bible but she didn't tell me.

On a Wednesday, Mom decided that I needed to get out of the house. So she and I took the family van to a restaurant. Pulling off our road, Mom turned on a Christian radio station. I started crying because I was hearing about God. While we were eating I asked Mom if I could go to youth group that night so I could talk to my youth pastor. I got to talk to him after the service. He said he had a similar problem. And he prayed for me. That night, while I laid in bed with tears in my eyes, I thought about the journey of the day. I realized that I felt a lot better. I asked God for forgiveness, and told Him He can have complete control of my life. And asked Him to use me to glorify Him.

The next day, I counted my money. I had enough to get a new Bible. So after lunch, I wrote a note to Mom saying that I wanted to get a new Bible. That night I stuck the note on her bedside table.

The next morning she never spoke of the note. So, I was worried that the note might of got knocked off her table. So, I asked about the note. She went to her room, and grabbed my Bible and came to the living room where I was waiting. She said that she was waiting for the right time to give it back to me. She gave it to me. I thanked her and hugged her.

Now thinking back to that main struggle of my life, I know it was test of my faith. I know that my faith in Him is stronger than I could ever imagine.

"...Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27 (NIV)

"Your word, o LORD, is eternal: it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 119:89, 90 (NIV)

Young Maiden's Daybook-1/4/2010

Today...January 4th, 2010

Outside my window...Very cold, and sunny.

I am thinking...Of what dinner I want to make this week.

I am wearing...A brown long-sleeved shirt, and blue jeans

I am reading...My Bible, and my Nancy Drew series

I am creating...Nothing at the moment. But I will make chocolate chip cookies this Tuesday.

One of my favorite things...Learning to play my piano

For education this week...My regular school schedule, and I plan to continue to learn how to play my piano.

A keeper at home-skill I am using/learning...How to make different items out of the food we grow out of our backyard.

A spiritual lesson I am learning...Patience, controlling my actions and words, and praying without ceasing.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...Being content in each situation that God places me in.

Scripture I am memorizing..."She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:22-26

I am praying for...Guidance through my life and choosing the right path to walk on, that He will make my dream come true, and unspoken prayer requests.

For the rest of the week...My parents have Bible study Tuesday evening, My brothers and I have our Bible study on Wednesday evening, and whatever the Lord seems to fit in.

A picture I would like to share...This is picture of a lily pad flower I took some time last year.



If you would like to participate, click HERE.

New Year Resolutions

As 2010 is coming up, I have been thinking what I want to make for my resolutions. As I was making the list, I said "Why not start my New Year early?".

I was so excited about my idea, that I went and told my Mom. She reminded me to make resolutions and choices pleasing to Him.

I thought this would be great to share with you because we might make choices that He will not approve of. And we have to be careful with what we say, and what we do. We may not know it, but there are little children watching what we do. They will do the same exact things we do. We are supposed to be role models for those around us. We do not want them to do things or say things we regret.

Remember we can do all things in Christ, who strengthens us!

Young Maidens Daybook-12/28/2009

Today...Monday, December 28, 2009

Outside my window...Sunny

I am thinking...About what is going to happen in 2010, and the ups and downs that God has carried me through.

I am wearing...My black "A, B, C" VBS 2009 shirt, white pants.

I am reading...My Bible

I am creating...A story, and hopefully finish some poems.

One of my favorite things...Spending time with God. Because He knows what I am going through, and I know He will take care of these situations.

For education this week...My regular school schedule

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...Learning to control my actions and words. Knowing that the words I say hurt others feelings.

A spiritual lesson I am learning...Praying without ceasing. That I should take all my worries, fears, and dreams to Him. And letting Him take control of my life.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...Witnessing to others.

Scripture I am memorizing...Proverbs 31:18-21

I am praying for...My future.

For the rest of the week...The regular stuff that goes on every week, and on Friday we'll wake up to 2010!

A picture I would like to share...I snapped a picture of my cat sitting in this position. I thought it was weird and funny.



If you would like to participate, click HERE.

Be a "Yes" girl!

As I was reading through my Bible about the Christmas story, I realized that Mary must of been shocked when an angel appeared and said that she will give birth to a son. And she asked "How will this be, since I am a virgin?".

Mary was a teenager just like us. But she didn't put her foot down and say "No. I am not going to give birth to a Son of God.". She said "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said.".

"Saying 'yes' to God, like Mary did, often requires sacrifice. When God brings an opportunity into our lives, we might lose friends, give up our plans or just be plain misunderstood.

But just as Mary experienced, saying yes to God's plan is worth it. She was given the awesome privilege of being the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine how she would have felt if she'd say no?

When God gives you and opportunities to say yes to Him, remember the angel's final words to Mary: "Nothing is impossible with God.".

Above was taken from my Bible, I wanted to share it with you, as well. Because it spoke to me and changed who I want to be. I want to be a "Yes" kind of girl. Even, if it means giving up my computer, or giving up my friends, or giving up my life. I will do anything and/or give anything up for God.

I found this clip from the movie: "The Nativity Scene". It is when Mary was by herself and the angel appeared in front of her and gave her the news.

Young Maiden's Daybook

Today...Monday, December 21, 2009!!!

Outside my window...The snow is melting, it's VERY cold.

I am thinking about...What my New Year's resolutions are going to be.

I am thankful for...God sending down His Son, and having Him die for our sins.

I am wearing...A navy blue long-sleeved shirt, and pink pajama pants.

I am reading...My Bible, and my Nancy Drew books.

I am creating...Blog Updates, and later this week I'm going to make peanut butter cookies, and snicker doodles for our family gathering.

One of my favorite things...Spending time with God, and falling apart in His arms.

For education this week...No school this week. Christmas break!!!

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...Keeping up with the crafts to do with my little brother.

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...Reaching out to someone at least once a month.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...Keeping a positive attitude in everything I do.

Scripture I'm memorizing...She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:14-17

I am praying for...My future. God's guidance through my life, that I choose the right paths that make Him smile. And a quick recovery to get over this last bits of my cold.

For the rest of the week...All I know is that we are going over to my Mamaw's on Christmas Eve for dinner and gifts. Christmas morning we'll get up, have breakfast, and open the presents underneath the tree. Then later that day will be our family gathering.

A picture I would like to share...This was taken from my favorite movie for this time of year, "The Nativity Story".



If you would like to participate, click HERE!!!!

14 Days of Thankfulness

Costume Queen over at "Untraveled Path" is doing a meme called "14 Days of Thankfulness".

14 days of thankfulness started on November 13, 2009, and ends on Thanksgiving. Every day you do a post of one thing you are thankful for.

For more information on this, click HERE.

Young Maiden's Daybook-11/16/2009

Today...Nov. 16, 2009

Outside my window...Very sunny!!! And a nice breeze going on!!!

I am thinking...That I want to deep-clean my bedroom, and I want to get some other stuff done!!!

I am thankful for...Sunshine-It helps me get motivated.

I am wearing...My pajamas. I am waiting for a load of my laundry to be finished, so I can put on clean clothes. :P

I am reading...Nancy Drew, and my Bible.

I am creating...Blog posts, and hoping to make some more chocolate chip cookies later on.

One of my favorite things...Reading in the sun!!! :)

For education this week...Basic Business Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, and English.

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...Keeping up with the house.

A spiritual lesson I am learning...Patience

A godly character trait I plan to work on...Reaching out to others

Scripture I am memorizing...Proverbs 31:30

I am praying for...God's guidance through my life. And giving Him all my worries, fears, and dreams.

For the rest of the week...Mom and Dad have their weekly Bible study on Tuesday, I have youth group on Wednesday, and whatever God seems to fit in.

A picture I would like to share...



If you would like to participate, click HERE.

14 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for my own laptop.

Earlier this year my parents got me my own laptop as a reward for consistently helping out with the house without being asked. I use it more than I need to. I use my laptop to update blogs, visit other blogs, check my e-mails, and such.

If you are interested in participating click HERE for more information!!!

WW- Psalm 23:2

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:2a

Fall is here!!! Which means the leaves are turning colors, and falling. It made me realize how people change and fall.

How people change:

There are a lot of people out there that are hurting, and lost with no direction. As they learn that they CAN change, their hearts begin to change. They accept Jesus into their lives.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Now they can give all their worries, fears, and dreams to God. Where God can always hold them in His hands. When they cry, God wipes the tears away, and comforts them. I just learned that God knows that we are hurting, and He says "I am here. Climb into my lap, and let all your tears out.".

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'." Jeremiah 29:11

"I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes." Psalm 6:6-7

How people fall:

Almost every Christian thinks that their faith is steady, until they start slipping from God. Either they are mad at Him for taking someone they love away, or they haven't spent any or enough time with Him.

But He is ALWAYS there, right next to you. Now matter where you are or what you are doing. If you are eating, praying, reading, surfing the Internet,or even talking with your boy/girlfriend.

"Come now, let us reason together." Isaiah 1:18

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." James 5:13

Whatever problems you have or if you have any requests, take them to Him.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying on all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Young Maiden's Daybook-10/26/2009

Today...October 26, 2009

Outside my window...Cloudy with a peak of sunlight. Along with a light breeze.

I am thinking...About what I am wanting to do after I graduate.

I am thankful for...Family and Friends whom support me with whatever decision I make.

I am wearing...My black "A, B, C" t-shirt my Mom made me from VBS 2009, pair of jeans, and socks.

I am reading...Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado.

I am creating...A book, and blog posts.

One of my favorite things...Spending time with God.

For Education this week...The usual.

A keeper at home skill I'm using/learning...Keeping up with the house.

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...Praying without ceasing.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...Giving back. Helping others in need.

Scripture I am memorizing...I am planning to find a new one to memorize, soon.

I am praying for...God's guidance and wisdom for the right direction of my life.

For the rest of the week...Mom and Dad has Bible Study Tuesday night, I have youth group Wednesday night, Adam is going Trick-or-Treating Saturday night while I help with my church's Tracts- and-Treats.

A picture I would like to share....This is picture my Mom took of me while I was standing beside a Clydesdale horse in Sea world. Isn't it huge?



If you would like to participate click HERE.

Young Maidens Daybook-10/6/09

Today...October (wow!) 5, 2009

Outside my window...It is getting cooler every week, it has been drizzling off and on all day, and the leaves are just now changing.

I am thinking...If I want to go to college or not

I am thankful for...The Lord's guidance through my life.

I am wearing...Khaki pants, and a burgundy, dark green, and beige striped shirt.

I am reading...My Bible, Mission Impossible, and finishing up Little Women

I am creating...Blog posts, and hope to make brownies soon!!!

One of my favorite things...Knowing that I am saved, and forgiven of my sins!!!

For education this week...Science, Social Studies, Math, English, and Health

A keeper at home skills I am using/learning...Keeping up with the house

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...Priorities

A godly character trait I plan to work on...Reaching out to others

Scripture I am memorizing..."No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

I am praying for...Guidance through my life.

For the rest of the week...Mom and Dad has Bible study on Tuesday, I have youth group on Wednesday, Mom volunteers at the food pantry on Thursday, and my family and I have "Way Of The Master" training Sunday night. And whatever the Lord seems to fit in my schedule.

A picture I would like to share...Earlier today I snapped a picture of our tree in our front yard. You can see the red and orange leaves on the top!!!



If you would like to participate in this daybook, click HERE.

Book Review: Rebekah's Diary

Since I have decided to work in the missionary field, Mom has been finding books about missionaries for me to read.

A couple of weeks ago, Mom was looking around "No Greater Joy" website, and pointed out a book called " Rebekah's Diary". She said it is about Michael and Debi Pearl's daughter going to a mission field. Rebekah writes journal entries about her adventure and all the up's and down's she went through.

I found it pretty interesting.

It gave me an idea of what missionaries do and such.

Here is the link of the book: http://shop.nogreaterjoy.org/product_info.php/products_id/65