Day 30: A motto or philosophy

To be quite honest, I don't have a whole lot of mottos... nor do I have a set philosophy.  Don't know if I should be ashamed of myself or not.. ;-)

However, I decided that I would just post our Family Vision. :-)

"To Glorify God in everything we:
   Think- Keeping our minds pure for the Lord
   Say- Speaking kindly to others in a God honoring way
   Do- treating others with respect and love."


I really enjoyed this blog challenge.  Thank you to May Amelia for hosting this!!  I enjoyed getting to know a couple of other fellow bloggers through this venture.  

May the Lord bless you on this beautiful Sunday.

In Christ's Service,
Sarah E. H

Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans I have for the next 336 days

Yes, 336 because we are already 29 days into the year... lol!

I hope, dream, and plan to become a better follower of my Lord Jesus Christ;  I plan to graduate this fall;  I hope and dream to visit my dear friend in Illinois;  I plan on working on my home making skills to prepare myself for my own home someday;  I hope on becoming a better fiddle player........  Ok, this list could go on and on.. But I won't bore you with all of that!   I guess what I said is enough for now...


What are some of your hopes, dreams, and plans for the rest of the year??

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 28: A scar I have and it's story

I actually don't have many scars.... Guess I am just not the daring type to get into messes... lol!

However, I do have this one big scar on the back of my leg....  How did I get it?  Well, my sis and I were helping my grandparents clean their house.  My grandpa needed to move his big recliner.  I jumped in to help (wishing we had brought along our brothers! lol!).  Their house has an interesting heating system.  The whole underside is open.  It is like a tiny basement -very short one.  The heating until heats the whole underside of the house and the heat comes up through normal vents.  However, if you were to remove one of these vents, you could easily put your foot in and hurt yourself by falling through.  So, as he and I were carrying this recliner, I kicked up on of the vents with my shoe..  not knowing I did this, we continued-I was walking backwards- and WOOSH! Down I went.  Thankfully, the recliner fell on top of me and pushed my back against the wall, so I didn't drop too far down.  Still, I scratched my leg pretty bad...  Now I have a nice scar.. "Battle wound", as Joshua would put it! :-)


In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 27: A Physical feature I love

Hmm.... probably arms or smiles.  ;-)  Arms because you can hug with them, and smiles because are always the best thing to see every day. :-)

Yup! Not much more to say..... lol!  Hug any one?? ;-)  I always offer them with a smile! =D

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 26: A Childhood Memory

My favorite childhood memory was when I became a believer.   To be quite honest with all of you,  I really wanted to become one so I could take communion (I loved grape juice!).  However, I remember that on the day of my baptism, something seemed to strike me with gradual force.  It was like I somehow realized that this wasn't something that just anyone did so they could take communion.  This was serious and I needed to treat it with seriousness.  I remember crying, I was so happy that I had chosen this path.  It was just like a small child who was trusting in God with no-questions-asked faith. 
   Since then, I really have learned that it is a serious route.  One cannot simply back out when the pathway is rough and treacherous.  There is only one way- forward.  However, we have a Helper to grab hold of our hands when we slip.  He will take care of us and guide us, if we listen, down life's path way.  We will stumble, and maybe even fall, but He is always there to help us back up to our feet again.  Our wonderful Saviour is guiding us slowly and gently home like a wee lamb.  He is our Shepherd. Our Guide.  Our Fortress.  Our One and Only God.
  I am ever so happy that I made that decision so many years ago and have decided to try to live it faithfully.  I have my failings, but I have learnt to look at it from a more serious standpoint than grape juice. :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 25: A recipe!!

This recipe is really quick and easy to make.  Perfect for those last minute get togethers when you need something sweet... ;-)

No – Bake Oatmeal Fudge

These no-bake cookies are made with oats and chocolate, along with optional peanut butter and other ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ounces butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 to 4 tablespoons peanut butter, optional
• 3 cups oats, quick or old-fashioned
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

PREPARATION:

Place chocolate chips, peanut butter (if used), oats, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Combine the margarine, milk, and sugar in a saucepan; bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute. Combine the hot mixture with the oatmeal and chocolate chip mixture; stir well.

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Enjoy!!!  Let me know if you try them! :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 24: A movie no one would expect me to love

Inception.   Inception was a new sci-fi movie that just came out recently.  It was definitely a neat movie, though I did NOT like it when I first saw it.  I guess it just grew on me... "He knew you'd come back" (quote from movie) definitely describes me! I pondered over the movie and soon wanted to watch it again to try and figure it out.  I am really not much into sci-fi... that is, if it isn't too scary! 

The movie Inception was actually pretty good.  I can only think of a couple scenes where they cursed (surprise, surprise).  I am just going to go and edit it out of our copy, though, as the rest of the movie was amazing.  There were also a few scenes where a lady is wearing some clothes that aren't extremely modest... Still, not as bad as some out there!

So, no one would really expect me to like this movie, but I do! :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 23: A way in which I want to be remembered

I want to be remembered as a person who loved God with all her Heart.  Someone who listened to His voice daily and let His love shine through her actions.  I want to be remembered as someone who was compassionate, kind, gentle, caring, loving.  Someone who listened when someone was sharing a burden; someone who was willing to help out in any way she could. Someone who loved to laugh (that one is easy). Someone who did not seek glory or honor for herself, but sat quietly in the background glorifying God. 

That is how I want to be remembered.

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 22: A Website

Hmm.. There are lots of websites out there that I enjoy looking at/being on.  Many are wonderful for encouraging young women to dress modestly, while others are for people who want to live a life for Jesus. 
   So, I guess one of the better sites out there, would be The Rebelution.  "Teenage rebellion against low expectations".  This is a great site if you want to stand out and not blend into the world's ways.  My family and I were able to go to one of the conferences a couple years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was probably one of the most encouraging conferences I have ever been to.  I highly recommend checking it out. 

They also have a Modesty Survey which I also recommend.  I do NOT recommend it for younger girls (or younger boys) as some of the replies to the questions asked can be a little detailed....  However, for those older girls who are striving to be modest, I would go here and check it out.  Obviously, take it all with a grain of salt.  All the answers are simply guy's points of view.  That doesn't mean they are the rules....  Still, you can get some great ideas, hints, tips, etc on that site.

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

PS Thank you to those who are praying for our family on the subject of getting over this bug thing we have... It is definitely appreciated!

Day 21: Something I do differently than most people.. and a prayer request

Hold my cards.  Yup!  I think I hold my cards differently than MOST people do.. I know of a few others that do the same as I do, but very few.  See, I hold my cards, from left to right, going smallest to largest whereas everyone else in my family and many people outside my family hold their cards largest to smallest.. :-)   So, that is what I do differently. :-)

What do you sometimes do differently than most people around you?

I would also like to ask for prayers for my family.. Several of us woke up feeling bleh today.  We have sore throats and are coughing really badly.  So far, it is my two younger brothers, my Mom (who had it several days ago and is recovering, but certainly not over it) and then myself.  We are all kind of croaking like frogs.. lol!  I don't know if it is just something circling around, or if it has to do with the wind that has recently been blowing and picking up dirt and pollen..  Any way, we have had quite enough of exploding heads and sinus's even though we have had it for only a few hours...  Hope it isn't contagious... maybe you should click out of my blog really fast! I might send it to you via cyber 'virus'... ;-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 20: A Hobby of mine

There are so many that it is extremely difficult to choose....  Let's see.... The thing I probably enjoy most would be sewing or driving farm equipment.   Sewing is lots of fun, especially when I can come up with different patterns on my own.  I like seeing things come to shape under my hands.

Driving farm equipment wouldn't really be called a "hobby" I guess... =P  But I do enjoy it!  Especially the tractor! :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah who is about to fall asleep from lack of sleep... cannot...function...on six... hours of sleep! lol!

Day 19: A Talent of Mine

Writing.  God has blessed me with the gift of writing, though I can't take any credit because God is the one Who gave it to me! :-)  I want to turn that talent around and bless Him.  "Write" now I am working on writing children's stories that have good morals in them.  I am also working on a couple of novels that are coming along slowly but surely.  I want all of them to point to God.  This is one way that I can be a witness for Him...

What are some of your talents?

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 18: A time when I felt passionate and alive

Right now! :-)  I feel most passionate and alive for Christ when I am serving others.  There is nothing that gives me more joy, especially when doing it in secret and not expecting at rewards.  Of course, I often times fail to do it 24/7, but I am trying to do it more.  Learning to not be selfish can be rather difficult, but with the Lord's help, NOTHING is impossible! Right? ;-)

One of the things that I am hoping to do very soon is visit children's hospitals.  Ever since I was little, I wanted to go to a children's hospital dressed up as a clown -at the time I was very into clowny things- to cheer up the kids.  I could make animals out of balloons, tell jokes, and share the gospel.  Well, when I talked to Mom about it (I think I was 7-8 at the time) she said that they wouldn't let younger children in like that. I had to be older.. around 18 she thought.  Well, I was discouraged and eventually pushed the thought out of my head.. Until a few weeks ago.  My friend and I were talking about what we needed to do with our lives while waiting for our husbands to show up.  We don't want to just lie around and do nothing with our time.  While one is single, we can take advantage and use it to serve others (as in, I wouldn't need to worry about taking care of my own kids, so I could focus on other ways of serving). So, we were talking and all of a sudden, the thought just came to me.  "I am almost old enough to go to the children's home!"  I got so excited I think my friend probably thought I went mad.. lol!
    I am really looking forward to doing that, if the Lord wills it.  If He does, then it will all work together and everything will fall into place. I just have to be willing to listen and take that step forward!
   So, my fellow Prayer Warriors, I would really appreciate it if you could pray for me that God would give me guidance on what to do with this.  My Mom and sister are looking into volunteering to go and rock little babies at the hospital (unfortunately I am not old enough or else I would jump for it!), so please pray that maybe an opportunity would come up.  Thank you!

Have a blessed day!  I may be coming back on here to post a rather exciting thing that is happening today.. ;-)  I am praying for JOY as I go about this...

Jesus
Others
Yourself  :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 17: An Art Piece

I am not much into artwork, to be quite honest...  I have only been to one art museum- and that was several years ago.  Other than that, I haven't every studied art or anything.... I know, shame on me.. However, there is one artist who I really like.  Thomas Kinkade.  His pictures are always so beautiful and serene that just looking at one makes you wish you could jump right through the canvas and into the lovely scenery.
   Here are two that I found that I really liked:

I LOVE cottages.  They are so romantic, sweet, cozy and.... sweet!  I always wished I could live in something similar.  I don't want any grand fancy house when I get married.  Just something cozy and homey.  Something that my husband and I can just be happy together in.  This picture kind of reminds me of that.  I know I couldn't get something like this now a days, but it is still fun to look at it. :-)  I guess I have a bit of old fashioned-ness in me....  Actually, just looking at the picture I can see several different stories that might go along with it....
   What do you think??  What are some of your favorite art pieces?


In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 15: A song that makes me cry

This song, Above All, makes me cry every time I listen to it.  Jesus' wonderful love to me and his mercy on such a sinner- a worthless sinner- makes me feel so humble.  I need this song playing all the time so that if I ever get to prideful in anything, it can remind what I used to be.



Isn't God just amazing?  I loved just watching the ocean waves on the video and being totally awed by His awesome power!  He is definitely an awesome and amazing Creator.

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 15: A person I admire

There are many people throughout History I admire.  However, I don't know that I could pick any specific person...

So, the one person(s) I know I admire for sure, are my parents.

My Mom:

Mom and Josh on his 13th bday

My Mom is the best.  I couldn't be more grateful for the Mom God gave me.  She is so patient with my many struggles through life, helping me get through each one and pointing out Godly lessons in each one.  She has been my confidant and best friend since I can remember.

Mom with one of the kittens

 I always know I can come to her if I ever have a problem.  She is a Godly woman, a Titus 2 woman; a woman I very much admire and love and hope to be like someday.  She has done a very good job raising her children, pointing them to the Lord and letting Him work in their lives. 

Lovin' on the youngin's

She is so wonderful with little children. I admire how easily she can carry on a conversation with a 5 yr. old.  She is so talented in so many things and has worked so hard to pass those things to my sister and me.  I pray that I can be like her someday in my own home.

Mom giving the calves their shots

My Dad:

Daddy with his girls, taking them out on a date

My Daddy.  My knight in shining armor.  My protector from scary things.  The one who can hold me safely in his strong arms.  The one who loves me no matter what.  The best math teacher in the world.  He is my Daddy. 

Dad is the one who is very soft spoken and quiet.  When he talks, his words are so very helpful and wise.  He is funny and loves to tell jokes.  He teases me, talks with me, laughs with me, and teaches me.  I honestly don't know what I do without him.  God blessed me so much by giving him to me as my Daddy. 

My dad is one of the most honorable men I know. He has integrity, is honest, and works hard.  He is loving, caring, and gentle.  Dad's words of wisdom have helped me so much through life.  From his reading me stories when I was a little girl, to our midnight -or longer- talks about growing up, he has always been so wonderful. 

Dad Baptizing the boys- yup.. in an old stock tank!

I can always come to him with a problem.  I can ask him anything, knowing that he will ponder over it carefully, and always refer me back to the Bible and my Lord. 

Dad helping with the show heifers

Just the other night we stayed up until 1:30 am talking about life, growing up, relationships, and what a girl is supposed to do while waiting for her own prince charming.  I am so proud of how hard my Daddy works for his family.  How he is a strong leader, willing to listen to our questions and look for answers in the Bible. 

Branding calves

How he loves ranching, working with the cows and calves, and enjoys going over EPDs with us or other fellow ranchers.  He is my Daddy, and I am ever so grateful that God gave him to me.

I love you Dad and Mom!!!!!!!!

Mom and Dad, armed and ready for an onslaught of flies!

Your little girl forever,

Sarah

Day 14: A Vacation I would like to take

This one is definitely EASY to answer... I really want to go see a dear friend of mine; Samantha!!!  She and I have been pen pals for about 2 years now (I think we are starting on our third year, right, Samantha?). We have never met.  So, how did we become pen pals?  Well, it all came about through a Christian Girl's newsletter called "amie" (aw-mee).  They had a 'get a pen pal' type thing.  I decided to go ahead and sign up, thinking it would be extremely fun to "meet" someone through letter writing.  I am SO glad that the Lord directed them to match Samantha and I up.  We have been writing ever since and I have thoroughly enjoying it. 
    However, she does live quite a long way away from me.... about 1,274 miles, to be exact.. lol!  So, I am saving up my money to go and hopefully visit her during the Fall of this year.  I think it will be very nice because 1) our family hasn't gone on any long road trips in an extremely long time and 2) I would REALLY like to meet her in person!  :-) 
    So, I can't really think of any other vacation I would rather take.   Illinois, here I come!! ;-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 13: A Guilty Pleasure

Yipes!! I probably have several... chocolate, coffee, chocolate, ice cream, chocolate....  Yeah, you get it.. CHOCOLATE!!!

 But then, chocolate is just something that a woman can't live without, in my personally opinion.  Advice to any one.. if you make a woman mad, simply give her some chocolate and she will be quite happy again. ;-) lol!

So, Chocolate is my final answer....

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 12: A song I want played at my Wedding

I have to be totally honest in this post.  I haven't much thought about the song I want played at my wedding.  First off, I do have another person who will help with the planning of the wedding, but he hasn't gotten here yet, so I have to wait.  No use making plans without your partner!  Secondly, I find that when I dream of weddings and whatnot, I let my heart lose focus on my first True Love, Jesus Christ.  That doesn't mean that I don't want to get married, it only means that I want to wait on God's timing for that special day and special guy.
   As a young lady, it is extremely hard to not dream about these things. I mean, we were made to be wives, mother's, home makers, etc.  However, I encourage young girls to not let your dreams carry you away.  Although it is good to have dreams and plans for the future, make sure you don't lose your main focus.  It is so easy to do that, trust me.  So many times I have had to come back to the Lord on my knees to beg for help to keep my heart pure. I don't want to give my heart away to the wrong man!

However, just so I am not a spoiler, I will say that I do like "Pachebel's Canon".  :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 11: A photo of me taken recently

Ok, here is a photo(s) taken of me recently.. lol!  Actually, because I don't really like getting my picture taken, I had a hard time finding some good ones.. so I thought I would share two. ;-)

Fairly good one...

One of me with my brother.. I am "dressing his wound" in a movie we did with my cousin.

In Christ's Service,
Sarah