Remembering a Friend

This has been a very hard week. Last Friday, I received word that a friend, Michael , had been taken home to be with the Lord. I met Michael in Sunday school, towards the end of November. I was impressed with his easy-going nature, and genuine interest in what people had to say. His smile would light up the room, and even if you were having a bad day, you would soon be smiling as well. I soon found out that Michael had a strong faith in God, and lived his faith. He was a shining light to all who came in contact with him.

I didn't know Michael as well as I would have liked to, but it wasn't in the Lord's plan for me to get to know him better on this side of eternity. But one day, I shall! What a glorious day that shall be! It didn't take long to realize that Michael LOVED being outdoors, and any activity that involved risk. All one had to do was look at his pictures on Facebook to tell that he had a grand time on all of his adventures.

Wednesday would have been his 22nd birthday, and although many feel that he was taken so early in his life, God has a plan in all of this. The Lord knew when he created Michael, exactly how long he would walk on this earth, and everyone who would be impacted by his life. Although we may never know why God chose to take him home, we have a hope and a peace that Michael is worshiping at the feet of Jesus! It is such a comforting thought to know that he is with his Creator, and that one day we will join him there.

I would ask all of you to remember his family in prayer.

The following poem was written by my friend, Charissa.

'Tis a blessing in disguise
this robbery of life from the young

We see it and cry
yet, it is the essence of longing

The fountain of youth,
it has been truly discovered in this

How many grew old searching?
their life disproving their search

There are those who will be forever young
those who never grew old on this earth

The fountain of youth
it is the cup of death

Do not shudder
it is nothing you can seek and find

It lies only in Divine will
And he appoints to whom He desires

Those around us who have this mandate
to be in our minds forever young

They seem to live more than others
their flame never dims

The flickering of a weak flame
it is never their fate

It is bright! Shining for a time
and then snuffed in an instant

But while it burns
There is a brighter light among us

These lives are truly lived
truly given as a gift

Let us treasure and remember
the forever young

They stay, unchanging in time
like a song repeating but never growing dull

A brighter light! A richer life!
A sweeter tune that never grows old

Time cannot change their face
death has conquered age

Live on, oh young!
Forever in our hearts as so.

Easter

I want to apologize to all of my followers, for my lack of posting. I have been very busy recently, but I hope to post something within the next week or so. I hope that everyone has been enjoying spring.

Easter is upon us, and it is just amazing to me the love that Christ has towards us. While many celebrate merely for candy/presents, or just another holiday for the family to gather, we as Christians have a much deeper, and more meaningful reason to celebrate: Christ sacrificing Himself at Calvary, for our sins! He loved us that much, that He gave Himself, and suffered a cruel death, so that we might live forever with Him in Heaven! No more sacrificing, no more living under the law...all we must do is admit that we are sinners, repent of our sins, and ask Him to live in our hearts! Christ made it so simple that even a child could understand it, yet many, try to make it more than it is. Christ gave the ultimate, sacrifice, so that we, His creation, might magnify Him. I am so thankful for my salvation, though I often take it for granted. This Easter, I want to thank the Lord for everything He has done for me. I urge you all to ponder the meaning of this celebration, and celebrate with joy in your hearts!


This is a song, that we often sing in church. It means a lot to me, because, it describes just how much the Lord love us!

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
that He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away,
as wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon the cross, my sins upon His shoulders,
ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished,
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward, I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.

Beach Trip Part 3

I must apologize to all of my followers... It has been far too long since I have posted anything. You have probably forgotten all about me. It has been a long time in coming, but here is the next installment of beach picture! I hope you enjoy them!

This is where the first successful flight took place.

We visited a few lighthouses while we were there. This is Bodie Lighthouse.

How can you resist a face like that?? This is Grandma and Poppa Keith's golden retriever, Rosie.

The chefs'...aka, Grandma, and mom!

One of the houses we saw while we were on our way to Ocracoke Island.

I hope everyone enjoys these. I promise not to take as long in posting the next set.

Hello Everyone! Now I know what you all have probably been thinking "when is she going to post something new!" I am here to say , all in due time. Things have been quite busy here for me among other things. I have been doing a lot of babysitting, and helping a lady who has had two back surgeries, and her third is today. So I haven't had much time for the internet. Then our computer, with all of my pictures on it, decided to have issues. It was easily fixed. Unfortunately, because of the 11 inches of snow, our phones went out. We have one set working now, but the computer I need cannot get on the internet yet.

Friday night the snow storm hit. My mom didn't want me driving in the snow, so she dropped me off at the lady's house. The lady's husband took me home, and after 2 hours of driving, getting stuck in a ditch, and walking part of the way, I finally made it home safely. Thankfully his car was not damaged. I thank the Lord that he kept us safe.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and I pray that each one of you has a blessed Christmas, filled with Christ's love.

This was sent to me in an e-mail, and I found it very interesting.

Dear Friends and Family,

I just finished reading Sarah Palin's book. I think I now understand more fully than ever before why the liberals are attacking her so strongly. It is not just the libs; it is not just the Democrats or even the liberal wing of the Republican Party; it is Satan. He is behind it all. Even if you do not read or even purchase the book, find a copy and read the very last two paragraphs under the acknowledgment section. Here is a woman who is not afraid. I believe that if this woman was the president of our country, things would happen; God would use her to do wondrous things for this nation because she is not afraid to give God the credit for all she is, has or does. After reading this book, I could strongly support her for president in 2012. Read that section and try to imagine those same words coming from the mouth of our current president. I don't think so.

Government should do for people only what they cannot do for themselves. A. Lincoln

PBR

Here are my pictures from the PBR (Professional Bull Riding), finally! Like I said before, the pictures are pretty bad, and don't give any justice to the experience. But, I hope you enjoy them anyway!

The Bull pens.

The opening festivities.

In the chutes.

Mike Lee

Brian Canter

I can't remember his name, but he is the only one from Virginia to make it to the finals, and he has been 6 times!

Thoughts of Thanksgiving, and a few other things.

Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving? I had a really nice holiday with my family. My mom allowed me to do all of the planning, and cooking, again this year. I prepared most everything in advance, then cooked it the next day, which saved a HUGE amount of time in the end! The people I babysit for were running in a race that morning, so I was able to spend a few hours with their kids! We kicked back and watched the Macy's parade. Then when I got home, Mom and I finished everything.

My Brother, Ben, and I went to see the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) in Lexington, at the Virginia Horse Center, Saturday night. It was AWESOME!!! I am not really a "sports" person... we have always watched football ( I shall not mention the team!!) and Nascar, but I get rather bored with watching guys chasing after a ball, and cars going around in circles! Now Bull riding, that's my style! You never know what the bull is going to do, or how long the rider will be able to stay on. One would think that staying on for 8 seconds would be the easiest thing in the world, but in that instant, it becomes an eternity, even for those that are watching. It is such a victory for those cowboys, when they stay on for the short, yet seemingly long 8 seconds, then jump off (or in some people's cases, fly off!) and await their score. I took quite a few pictures, unfortunatly the lighting wasn't very good (further proving that I need a detachable flash!) and my sport setting would not cooperate, so the pictures turned out pretty bad, but you'll get the idea. I hope to be posting them in the next few days, then it will be back to our regularly schedualed beach pictures!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and didn't get too trampled on black Friday!