Kilroy Was Here

 She entered into the hot, stuffy dressing-makeup rooms at three in the afternoon with excitement flowing through her...she rushed to the lighted mirrors and quickly started to take out the 24 sponge curlers. Her hair curled in tight ringlets, she pranced to the other side of the room to get her curls brushed, then teased and put up in an 1940's hairdo with feathers. Next was the makeup. She caked on nearly a whole thing of foundation ( stage makeup you know ;)), and sat patiently while her sister applied the eyeliner and mascara. Then to complete her look, the bright pink lipstick, false eyelashes, and jewels were applied.Her look now complete, it was time to worry about everyone else and help them with their makeup and hair...along with dancing on stage in between :)

 Soon, the clocked ticked to six, and it was time to don the costumes. The girl put on her multicolored sequined dress over her 40's hairdo and squeezed on her black high heels. Someone called out "Thirty minutes to showtime !!!", and everyone scrambled. Time ticked and all the actors and actresses, now looking like they came out of a 1940's history book with their makeup, hair, and costumes, nervously awaited seven p.m.. The time that they would shine onstage. The directors came back and said a couple encouraging words and prayed. Then everything went black...and you could hear the overture.

 The curtains then swished open along with a flourish of music, and the show started. The next three hours were filled with dancing, singing, acting, costume changes, make-up and hair fix ups, and shushed whispers. Before the actors knew it, it was the end and everyone was getting ready to bow. Then as quickly as it started, it ended. Everyone stood outside the auditorium and awaited for the spectators to come out. For an hour, the air was filled with "thankyou's", kisses, hugs, and flowers. All exhausted...the actors changed and went home and tried to sleep, for the next two days they would have to repeat the process :) Even though everyone knew they wouldn't be able to sleep a wink.

 This was my life last week...let me rephrase that. This was 62 children and teens life last week. But now it's over. No more eyelash glue, itchy, sequined dresses, or five inch heels for me. No more pretending that we're in the time period of WWII. Kilroy has left...but the rest of us will remember that he was here.

Pictures coming soon from Kilroy Was Here, the musical !

How Great is Our God ?

The other night we watched this whole video in our youth group. It is about 40 min., but the entire time, it honestly locked everyone's attention. It stunned and awed us. Well...it stunned me because I can't say what other people thought, for we were all silent after the video ;) I really encourage you to watch all 5 of the clips. It is incredible !

Times of Change

After completely deserting ya'll for past three months, I finally decided to come back. ;)

Everything is changing constantly...always. But we don't notice. I didn't notice until really this past year. Not really until these past months, actually. Around me everywhere, it seemed that everyone else was growing up. But me...well, I was left behind. Stuck. Stuck with my normal self. I wasn't changing. Or so I thought.

I watched as my brother, one of my greatest friends who I played air soft wars and went snowmobiling at midnight with ( ;) ), get a girlfriend and grow up. He changed. But I felt I still hadn't. Then I watched painfully my sister that I love so dearly play her last high-school basketball game. I was still no different. All around me...all my close friends...all the people I loved...they were growing up.

Then one day I woke up and noticed...I was changing. I was so was absorbed with everything else. Everyone else that I didn't notice I was changing, also. Partly was because I wasn't allowing myself to be changed. Then I noticed that I wanted change. I wanted God to work in me...wanted God to change me...

And He did...or I should say He is changing me. God has been doing stuff in my life that I can't even explain. Much of it has been hard...but it's worth it. God is changing me. And I want to be changed...changed by Him. Each day, He has been bringing things into my life to deal with. I never really noticed before all the things that God has been putting into my life, are preparing me for something. All the things He's been doing. But now I see it. God is shaping me. Molding me. As the potter did to the clay. I feel so...loved. I mean, really think about it. God is fashioning you and me in His image. He is making us into something beautiful. Something that no-one could put a finger on. Something that is unique...different.

Will you let God change you ?

Saying "yes" Or "no"...

 While looking over my walk with Christ and what He has taught me over the past year, one of the things that I really noticed, was that I have learned to trust in Him completely...not just when times are tough, but always. I feel like God really taught me to give everything to Him and to trust in Him no matter what. This past year, something happened that really shook my family and me...but, during that time of struggle I grew closer to Christ. That's when I started to give everything to the Lord. During the time of struggling,  I would continually remind myself to trust in Him...The thing that really opened my eyes to giving Christ everything and relying on Him, was what happened with my family and this saying, especially...
                                                                                                              

It's like God is saying this to you...

" Do you love me ? Do you Trust me ?"
 
And you either have to say "yes" or "no".

                                                                                                        

And I chose, " yes"...And I'm so glad I did.

What do you choose ?


                                                                                                         (Image taken from google...)

Christmas Memories...Guest post

                                                                

  When I was a little girl, I couldn’t wait for Christmas…Christmas seemed to take forever to come. We counted down the days until Christmas and bought our presents at Dollar Tree a month before Christmas. We did our traditions such as getting a Christmas tree, looking at all the lights on the houses, singing the twelve days of Christmas until Christmas day came, etc. The week before, anticipating Christmas was almost unbearable as my sister, brother, and I awaited it. Christmas Eve we had the family party, and I thought I was so important since I got to stay up late...read more here:) 

This Christmas post was written for a Christmas blog party over at maybeteenauthor.blogspot.com...

(all pictures taken from google...)

  

More than can be Said or Written...

                                                                    I’m Thankful for…

                                                                My salvation in Christ

                                                                          Family

                                                For the healing & comfort that God gives us

                                                                     Christ’s Love

                                                                 wonderful friends

                                                                         music 

                                                                   God’s creation

                                                              every beautiful season

                                                                hand written letters

                                                                every hug and kiss

                                                      late-night talks with my sisters

                                                                     laughing

                                                                God’s grace

                                                                 Forgiveness

                                             When my family and I are all together

                                                                   Memories

                                        reminiscing over past family moments, and

                                                   having a good laugh over them.

                                                             I’m thankful for…

                                                                       love

                                                                      health

                                                       fuzzy socks and blankets

                                                             furry creatures J

                                         my brother who is smitten with love for a girl

                       my two sisters who I adore and look up to as amazing role models

                                                                    pictures

                                      flowers, sunshine, breezes, raindrops, stars, etc…

                                                             I’m thankful for…

                                                                  God’s word

                                                   the protection that God gives

                                                                    sleep

                                                                  mercy

                                                                  a smile

                                                           I’m thankful for…

                                                       All those I love you’s

                                                   snuggling with my daddy

                                      messing around with my brother and sisters

                                             all those never forgetting moments

                                                         and a million more...

 I’m thankful for so much more…more than I could ever write or say. Above are just a few. These things that I’m thankful for, don’t even scratch the surface of all that I’m thankful for…I have so much to be thankful for, for God has given me exceedingly much. I’m thankful.

 What are you thankful for ?

Serenity,Courage,Wisdom...

This is one of my favorite quotes( the quote on your right)... In this quote are things that I all need immensely. I need the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. For there have been so many things that have happened in this past month that I wish had never come. But, I cannot change the things that occurred. So, I must take on courage to continue forward, even though there is pain, weakness, and hardships to overbear. And I need the wisdom from God to know what is good and wrong, and to not do evil...but to have the serenity, courage, and wisdom to overcome evil. And in all times, go to God, not just when times are rough, but always. 

Winter Wonderland...

 It's a winter wonderland outside my window...today it snowed for the whole day and left us with five inches of snow. And I was in the Christmas mood. I sang, White Christmas and Winter Wonderland during the day, and then put on Christmas music on pandora.com.

 Many people were unhappy with this sudden snowfall, especially the librarian at the library. She looked at me like I was from a whole different universe when I walked in the door, and said...

 "You came out in this weather?! "

I stated cheerfully, " I am rather enjoying this weather. "

She then looked at me as if I was an alien from a different universe and then exclaimed with disgust...

"UGH !"

 Even though many people are looking down upon this weather, I am looking at it as a blessing from God...a special gift. He knew I had been struggling for the past two weeks, so He sent me something to cheer me up. I'm thankful...I feel loved...I am blessed...I'm encouraged...

Even the littlest gifts or things of this life, can make a person's day all the brighter ~ Anonymous






                                                                  ( picture from  Google)

Doorknobs & Tomatoes~

When my mind draws a blank, and I do not have words to write...I post a picture(s).

I try to find photos that my dear readers have not seen before on my little blog...so sometimes the subjects of the pictures are rather random( like doorknobs), yet they often make the most interesting pictures :)

I hope you have a wonderful day, and enjoy the two pictures...

Down Creativity Hall...

  One day I was in a certain creative, crafting mood...I sat thinking of something I could make. This thought seeped into my mind about this certain craft and before I knew It, I had succeeded in making a crayon pencil holder.(I must say I felt very smart and accomplished.)

 And so, I thought you dear readers would enjoy learning about how to make this quick, simple craft. This craft takes about only 5-10 minutes, and almost any age can do this craft.

Supplies needed:

~ 1-2 boxes of crayons

~ glue

~ ribbon

~ 12 oz. can

 Step 1: First make sure your can is washed and clean and the paper on it is stripped off.

 Step 2: Now you take your crayons and glue them on the can one after the other. Make sure they are right next to each other so that they are touching.( You will most likely have to hold the glued crayon(s) on for a couple seconds so that the crayon doesn't fall off the can. )

 Step 3:After you have all your crayons glued onto the can, you will still see the top of the can. To cover the top of the can that is showing, take your ribbon and tie or glue it on the top of the can.

Step 4( optional) : If you desire, you can tie another ribbon around your crayons...Voila ! Your finished !

This craft is not only super simple and easy to make, but also looks adorable. Children, teens, and adults will all enjoy making this craft !

~ Other uses for the crayon pencil holder is a change jar for your pocket change, a little container for a flower or plant( If you use the crayon pencil holder for this, make sure you nail holes in the bottom of the can.), or a can to hold nails, paperclips, chalk, etc.

His Love...

 With school, volleyball, dance & biology classes, (along with numerous other things ) life has been extremely busy, which involves neglecting this little blog to make time for something else... sorry for the period of time where no posts were written. Thank you for understanding ! Much love, the authoress.
                                                               
                                                               xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  With excitement and joy I welcome Autumn !

 To have fires in the fireplace once more,warm fuzzy socks and fleece blankets, the leaves on the trees in their brilliant colors, fall fashions and color combinations, bitter cold yet sunshiny days,etc...all of it makes me happy through and through.

 As each new season comes, I sadly say goodbye to the past season and welcome the new season with arms outstretched. And, of course, I claim that it's my favorite season as I do with the rest.

 I sigh with contentment, and thank the Lord for giving each new season with its beauty beyond explaining. To think that He loves me...us, so much, that He created all these things. I'm so grateful and thankful .
                                                       xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 With the middle of Sept. till the start of fall, it brought struggles to me, also. I fought with myself over issues, worried over unnecessary things...but mostly, I was having problems with my walk with  Christ. I tried reading in God's word, but with no avail. I prayed to God, but He seemed silent. There is more, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying.

 I struggled for a time and finally emailed a very dear friend of what was going on. She replied back saying that she, too, was going through a similar struggle. It comforted me greatly to know that I was not alone. We started writing each other, encouraging, trying to up-lift one another...it was one of the answers to my prayers. The emails sent and received were such a blessing, and had an impact on my walk with Christ. I know that I would have broken down if I hadn't had such a wonderful friend who encouraged me and uplifted me in a time where I needed it Thank you to my anonymous friend. You mean so much to me.

 During our conversations through email, I started finding answers and felt like I was getting somewhere with God. And the thing that tied the knot, was when I talked to my mother. She helped me in my faith in Christ, and now I'm on the right path once again.

The verse that impacted me the most during my time of struggle, I decided to share with all of you. It is...

Psalms 139:17-18

How precious are also thy thoughts unto me, O God ! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand...

 When I read this verse, I felt so loved. At first it was hard to comprehend, but then it all fit together. God thinks about me more than all the grains of sand that cover the earth. Do I think about Christ that much ?  I kept on thinking about it...there are millions of people on the earth, yet God thinks about me more than all the sand on the earth, still.

 His love is so amazing...It endures forever. He never leaves us or forsakes us, and in His time, He'll answer our prayers. Never forget His love for His arms are securely wrapped around you(me).

In Christ,
Sarah

In-Training Homemakers Vision...

 Almost every future homemaker in-training has a vision of what they would want to be like as a homemaker...right ? Or is it just me ?

  As a little girl, I wanted to be like Laura Ingalls Wilder, the genuine frontier girl. She stuck it out when times were rough. Each day she tackled the tasks ahead, trampled the hardships down, and always wanted to be a help to her family. Did I mention that she paid for over half of Mary's college tuition, and almost never wanted to spend a dime on herself ? She was sacrificing..But, as reality hits, I know that I would never be a Laura Ingalls Wilder. Let me tell you, many times when hardships hit, I melt ...I didn't say always ! Besides, if Laura saw some of the things we use as shortcuts today, (microwaves, refrigeraters,freezers,etc.) she surely would faint.     

                       xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



 Perhaps June Cleaver ? Who doesn't want to be a home-maker like June? She wore high-heals and fine jewelry while doing the housework.Not to mention the house was always spotless.But reality hits once more with a blow...Let's face it, I couldn't possibly wear heals all day ! My feet would be dying of pain by the end of the day, and my jewelry would most likely be down the kitchen sink drain.

                                                                     
                                       xxxxxxxxxx






  Maybe the lady on the poster"We Can Do It"? I could be her. The lady with bulging muscles and red bandanna and not to mention the stern" get it done" face. With being that lady, I would get my house-work done in record time !

No, I couldn't be her. I don't wear red bandannas and I usually don't have that stern face...

xxxxxxxxx

Perhaps, I should just be myself. Maybe I should stop trying to think of somebody I could be, and just be who I am . It will all turn out in the end...just perfectly. Because, God has a plan for you(me). Even from the measure of flour we use for biscuits, to the major decisions of life, He's got it worked out. And I'm positive, when I become a homemaker, I will not be the perfect vision of one. But, I will have my special tweaks and secrets that every happy homemaker has, I'm sure.

One Week...That's All

I have one week...That is all.

One week of running free before I must go back to the grasps of learning. One week to do all those things I intended on doing during the summer...not before it ended.  One week left before the pencil scratches the paper, etc.One week.

But I'm ready. Summer break helps us all get rejuvenated and refreshed...to relax and spend time with family. To do things that you most likely wouldn't be able to do during the school year. But we all must go back. And I'm ready.

I'm ready to read books, write papers, and learn new things. To start sports again and study. I'm excited about starting my new Biology class with some other home-school friends and do some other things. I'm ready !

 So, I guess it's okay that summer is almost gone. I'm not saying it's over, yet. I still have one week, then a weekend vacation to a water park before school starts on Monday.But, I'm ready to go back.

How about you ?

{Gold Rush Fever}

It's a Gold Rush !

Seriously it is...VBS Gold Rush 2011:)

                                                                       Bailey(left), me ( right).

Our whole church is donning our cowboy hats and boots, and trying to figure out a Texan accent. The classrooms are decorated woodland scenes with a cabin in the corner...And there is a "mine shaft" going down to the basement of our little country church.

All of the volunteers were ecstatic to start the VBS week, and I'm sure the children were anticipating the Gold Rush VBS, too.

                                                                    Bethany( pictured right), me (left).
The children started arriving, and soon VBS was off to a start! The night quickly passed and before everyone knew it, we were watching the ending skit .

And so, for the next week my life will be filled with screaming, laughing children, crafts and games, and we can't forget the puppet skits along with another long list of things :) What are you doing, and how is your week going ?

P.s. While a certain girl was getting ready for vbs, she put on some sunglasses. And as you can see...the results:)

Much love !

Just Learn to Dance...

  I was watching the rainstorm pass from the window. And as I sat looking, I asked myself this question...Why do so many people despise it when it rains ? Why can't they just learn to dance in it ?

Whenever I go somewhere after a rain-fall or while it's raining I hear people reporting their thoughts about that "horrible" rain ! Or they say we don't need it . It seems that people always look over the beautiful side of rain .

A shower of rain starts with one drop...And in that drop there is many different things.One drop starts a nourishing rain where all will get replenishment .One drop will start a shower of droplets, and you may see a rainbow after it. One drop starts a rain-fall which will give new life and vigour . It will make the birds sing, the bees buzz, the flowers will bloom even more, the tree leaves will wave in the wind and make a sort of song...And all of it started with one drop. And the One who made that one drop,started everything. It wasn't just that one drop that did it all...it was the Lord God.

So, The earth rejoices at a rain-fall... So why don't we?

We need to dance in the rain ! We need to rejoice that it is here...We need to be thankful, even if we think we don't need it .

Throw off you shoes get your feet a little wet, grab an umbrella go outside and sing with the rain, throw on a raincoat and go...DANCE .  

I've learned to dance in the rain...I love it when it rains, even if it does spoil your specially planned day. Just to hear the rains soft pitter patter as it hits the ground and pavement. The smell of it, and the knowing that it's giving life. The greenness after a rain. The power of a rain-shower, or the gentlest of it. All of it gives me happiness. So learn how to dance in it, and you'll soon find out that you love it .

God made rain for you and me, why not appreciate and enjoy it ? God loves it, I'm sure, otherwise He probably wouldn't have made it .So why not love and learn to dance in it ? Our God He loves us so much, and He created that one drop because He knew we needed it . So DANCE in it...And PRAISE the Lord !

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to Dance in the Rain"

All pictures on this post were taken from google.

What's A Girl to DO ?

What's  a girl supposed to do when she receives the wonderful gift of writer's block?
Well, I must say that I’ve experienced the writer’s block quite a few times. Currently I am experiencing it, so thus the post of what you can do to overcome it!

 One of the things I do to conquer this terrible beast, is to post pictures I’ve taken or pictures from Google! I do it all the time:)  It helps to fill that dreadful space of whiteness.

Another thing is to just tell your bloggy friends what you have been doing lately.

 Sometimes, I give away my thoughts…I write down what I have been pondering, the thoughts that have been swirling in my head…I try to captivate my reader’s attention,        ( but sometimes I think I lose their attention ! LOL)  and try to touch their life and then… let God do the rest.

 Witness. Tell your readers what you have been learning lately in God’s word.

 Be crafty! Do a tutorial on a craft. Or, show them something you’ve made lately. Some people may like to get ideas from a craft that you made.

 I’m sure we could all think of more ideas to get rid of the Writer’s Block… But, I’m sure some of these ideas will help you!

  And if all else comes to fail, ramble or use your friend… the backspace key! Those two ways always work :) 

He Wants to Love You...

 

I'm back ! After being out of the blogging world for so long, It feels a little bit weird to be back in the rounds with it again :)
 I want to thank  joyfullgirl for doing a guest post while I was gone and giving you all a heads up of why I was gone :)And now, little miss Sarah is back .
   As I come back to the world of blogging, I feel refreshed, encouraged, rejuvenated, along with many other things. But most importantly, I feel that I am stronger in my faith with Christ . While I was detained from this little blog, I found answers I had been searching for . For a long time, I was dealing with some things that were affecting my walk with God . During the time I was gone, I went to a Bible conference with some friends . At the conference I found some of my questions starting to be answered . But, It wasn't until on the drive back home did I find assurance and the rest of my questions answered . On the car ride home, I started talking to my close friends about the conference...That conversation led into me talking about my questions and problems.That whole ride, my friends gave me guidance, reassurance, and helped me to find the answers . Now, I feel built up in my faith . I feel God's arms wrapped around me...holding me secure . My love for Him is growing and the will to serve Him . Yes, I still have those moments where I feel like I'm in the depths of despair, but I know I will never slip from HIS grip .

Do you feel God's arms around you ? Do you know for sure that he'll never let you slip from His grasp ? Do you believe that God died just especially for you...And that he was thinking of you while he was dying on the cross ? If you don't...Believe ! Because all of this is true! God loves you more than you can ever imagine . And He wants YOU . Believe in Christ...He's waiting for you with arms strecthed out wide, with love that is overflowing . 

skipping through wildflowers (guest post)


First off, I will end the conundrum of why your dear Sarah isn't posting. Normally, one would think Wisconsin is a nice little northern state, known for it's cold weather and mild storms (storms in Wisconsin are very mild compared to those in Texas).

I'll have you know, on one of these "mild" thunderstorms, our dear Sarah was sitting nicely in her house. And to her shock (literally) the house was hit by lightening.

Let's just say, she's fine, but Mr. Computer seemed to take the shock too hard, and thus the burial will be tomorrow.

xxxxxx



Skipping through wildflowers, on a summer day. Running through rain showers, when it turns to gray.

When everything is a summer day, we tend to skip and laugh and have a fantabulous time. But when things turn gray, our life seems to go upside down with it - and we let it stay that way.

Hear ye, Hear ye,

Lest you wish for body sore,

Beware the ogre inside the door

I tend to be grumpy. The above poem I composed to put on the sewing room door, lest I be disturbed. I like to dub grumpy people, "grumpcakes" - - you don't want a slice of them. Their cousin is "Oh, I wish I was an Oscar Mayer Whiner." 

Think about it. There's no excuse to be down just because things go wrong, if it happens to be raining in your life, just carry an umbrella.

Hello there! My name is Bethany, crafts is my name, boredom and uncreative were my names. You can find me skipping through wildflowers and sewing (photographing too) surrounded by my lovely family and holding a small candle too.

{ The Gift of... }

    Spring is nearly over...
But, spring never leaves us without gifts.

It leaves us with brilliant blossoms that are unique and beautiful.

It leaves us with little baby birds that will continue to sing a new song...

It leaves us with blue skys and sunsets that promise a starry night or a clear day filled with bird's song and soft breezes blowing against our faces .

It leaves us with  joy, new life, memories, inspiration, hope, and numerous other things...

And it leaves with the gift of promise...

That spring will return.


Genesis 8:22...
 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat , and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

{Dream...}

 You can never look at a sunset and not dream.

 I was looking at the beautiful sunset...It was brilliant . The sky was a crystal blue, and then all over the blue there was vibrant pink and blazing orange.  And the purple, had a soft,dreamy look . You couldn't just look at the sunset and turn away...It drew your attention and held it fast. It made you Dream.

                             

 I sat there dreaming...Dreaming of a life that would never come true. Dreaming of my future and perhaps what it would hold. Dreaming of who I might become or what I might accomplish . Dreaming of things that were so wonderful . I sat there dreaming,and pondering, thinking, and wishing...And dreaming once again .

 Dreaming is a something more than just dreaming . It's like being in a little world that no-one else can see...Except for God and you. You can think thoughts that nobody would understand or comprehend, except for God and you . Use your Imagination, talk to God, dream . Because, no-one else will ever know or see...For it's just you and God . Dream.

Dream a little...