A Post to Please Read

I'm posting a link here to my other blog because I would greatly covet your prayers on something. As a lot of you know, I am an author, and I have a separate profile and blog as my 'author' thing. Trying to keep my author and personal life separate. However, I would greatly appreciate it if you would read this and pray for me. It doesn't apply to book writing only. :-) Thank you.

When God's Plans are Bigger than Your Own

What You'll Be Seeing

I honestly hate coming up with blog post titles... can we just leave 'em blank?? I guess you could, but that would actually drive me crazy (more than coming up with a title would!). Maybe I tend to be overly creative and I want to think of some fun title instead of what it is actually about. Ok, Sarah, just be plain and simple. New Years Resolution #5,145. ;-)

So, in honor of some of my resolutions that I just posted about, my plan is to actually blog about them. I've lately been doing lots of herbal/heal yourself remedies and would love to talk about them. So that fits perfectly with the 'health' part of my goals. I would also like to post how I'm doing with keeping up in my Spiritual life and how God has been growing me.

Basically, I'm hoping to sort of cover those few things I listed. More pictures of projects I'm doing, what folks are doing around here, etc.

Lately I've wondered what my point was in blogging. I'm not really sure if I know the answer yet, but I tend to think of it as my 'online journal', in a sense.  A place to share thoughts on subjects and get other folks' opinions. Somewhere to keep distant friends and relatives up-to-date on what we're doing, etc. However, I would also like to make it an informative blog. Not that I'm an expert on anything, but I know that I enjoy reading other people's experiences with things they're doing, so I hope y'all enjoy hearing mine. Maybe you don't, though... Perhaps my blog is rather boring. Well, if it is, I do apologize. =P Sometimes life isn't always on the 'fast lane'. Often times I'm just toodling along life's highway at an easy pace.

So, be prepared for some new blog posts this year that will (hopefully) hold your attention, share interesting things, and keep you updated on what this crazy ranching family is doing.

Now, the point of this post? Nothing, really.... =P

With The New Year Comes New Things

Hello readers! Happy New Year! It seems so very odd that 2013 is already gone. It went by rather quickly, it seems. 

A lot has happened this past year and so I thought I'd give a basic highlight of the more major things in my life. 

1.) I have been teaching fiddle to several students. Although I've had a couple students in the past, this year was when it really became more serious. I took on more students and am quite excited about it. I'm planning on doing a couple of recitals this year. 

2.) Drama. Play drama, that is, not the real drama. I have been extremely blessed to be part of ABC drama since it first began. I have always been interested in acting, and having this group has really helped me to develop my skills while still being in a family friendly, God-honoring environment. This fall semester I was blessed to get the role of Elizabeth Bennet in the play Pride and Prejudice. This is a role I have wanted for a rather long time. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it (300 lines anyone?)

3.) Got my drivers license. This was definitely great for me. Because I'm starting to branch out and beginning to do my own things apart from the family, it has really helped. Not to mention that mom and older sister love it that I can run to the store for last minute shopping instead of them. ;-) I'm still getting used to it and haven't gotten comfortable enough to drive in big towns yet, but I'm getting there. 

4.) I got a job. Yup! This was quite exciting. I've learnt, over the years, that money really doesn't grow on trees. And when you are trying to save up or need cash for gifts and whatnot, it really is quite a bother that it doesn't. So, the Lord blessed me with a job. I am now a Nanny. Sounds kind of odd to say it, but there it is. :-) I go once a week for a wonderful, godly family. It truly was amazing how the Lord orchestrated this, but that is a story for another time. :-) 

5.) I got a book published. Seriously. A lot of you have already seen it, maybe even read it. It is a children's book and the Lord gets all the credit for it actually coming about. If you want to learn more about it and that, you should check out my author blog at sarahelizabeth-author.blogspot.com. I'm currently in the process of writing another children's book (sort of the 'second' in the 'series'). 

6.) We are filming a movie. Yup. That's right. Though it isn't professional grade or anything, we are filming nonetheless. It has been quite an experience. It is a 'medieval' sort of movie. A friend and I wrote the script (took about a year and half) and it has now almost been a half a year since we have been filming. Still not finished, but almost. I did all the costumes (which was quite the fun undertaking!). I am also co-director, cameraman, actor, and stuntsman. ;-) lol! 

That is probably it, although I'm sure I'm forgetting something. When you get old, it happens. (yes, apparently 20 years of age is very old, according to some of my friends... I've already been dubbed a 'senior' and 'ancient'). ;-) 

So, now that the old is out and the new is in, what am I going to do? Well, here are just a few goals I'm hoping/planning to accomplish. 

1.) Music. I really want to incorperate more music into my life. I've recently been learning more guitar stuff (finger style and adding new chords to my 'library'). I know the fiddle, but you can always learn something new. So I want to continue growing in that area. 

2.) Sewing. I actually did a lot of sewing due to the movie we are making with some friends, but I'd like to do more sewing this year on a more casual basis. Such as clothes for myself or crafty items. I'd also love to try my hand at refashioning. 

3.) Read more. Yup. It is very difficult for me to read a lot. Mostly because I read very slowly, and I have a hard time finding books that can really hold my attention that are still good literature. So, my resolve is to read more this year. For real. 

4.) Do better at keeping up with friends. This last year was so crazy, I feel like I really lost connections with friends near and far. I really want to make sure that doesn't happen this year! 

5.) Blog more. Blogging is something I enjoy, actually. It gives me a chance to write out thoughts (which is a good exercise for writers!). And I get to meet new people! That's always awesome. 

6.) Make it a healthy year. I have not always been so health conscience in my daily habits, but this year I'm determined to do better at that. Eat better, exercise more, etc. Trying to remember that my body is a temple of the Lord and I need to treat it as such. 

7.) Audio drama. Although I love movie/film making, I kinda feel as if I weren't cut out for it, really. It's been rather difficult for me to get a lot done in that area. One thing I have had a lot of 'luck' with is audio dramas. I have done several radio dramas with some friends (short ones, granted) and this year I plan on doing a big project. Can't reveal anything about that yet, but you'll get to hear about it eventually. :-) 

8.) *Really* dedicate time to the Lord. A lot of people make this sort of resolution (me included) and I want to make sure I really do keep it this year. I'm not a perfect Christian, and, therefor, I have failed in this area many times. However, a new year brings new beginnings, and "His mercies are new every morning". So, I shall begin anew. Mom gave me a great daily devotional that I'm determined to go through EVERY DAY. My brothers and dad also got one and my brother challenged the other two to get up early enough each morning to read the devotional and spend time in God's word before work/chores/school/play. I'm rather proud of him for that and I'm taking on my own challenge as well. :-) 

I think that is about it. I know I've got a lot of others, but these are a few of the main ones I want to focus on. 

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions?

'Tis the Season to Remember

I once asked the Lord to keep me from temptation, but He said nothing.

I once asked Him to bear my burdens, but He did nothing. 

I then prayed for patience, but it never came.

I cried, "Lord, give me direction!" but He gave me no map to life.

I asked Him for help in my troubled times, but He gave none.

Then, frustrated by His lack of apparent love, I asked Him why He was ignoring me.

He smiled sadily and replied, "My child, will you never learn? When you asked me to keep you from temptation, I gave you My Word, but you chose to never read it. 

You asked Me to bear your burdens and gladly would I have done if you had given them to me fully.

And when you prayed for Patience you ignored My silent prompting and chose anger over peace.

Then, when you asked for guidance, you never stopped to listen for My answer, instead going on with your own way. 

I sent you help in your troubled times, but you turned away your friends in pride and shame."

The tears were falling down my face as I realized the mistakes I had made.

Then I said, "Lord, please forgive me,"

He held out His nail-pierced hands and said, "My child, it is already done."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know there are so many posts going around talking about remembering the real reason for the season, so I won't say it again in so many words. However, I really do hope that we remember the true reason for Christ's birth- so that He could one day die on a cross to forgive us of our sins. 

I pray that all of you will have a very Merry Christmas surrounded by family and close friends. It is the season where we have the spirit of giving. We feel especially loving of our family and friends. We enjoy buying gifts and wrapping them with care to put under the tree. We all have our traditions for Christmas Eve (or Christmas Adam... which is a new one I learned from a friend. Get it? Adam comes before Eve??)... yeah.....

As I prepare to have a wonderful Christmas with my family, I want to wish you all the same and share one of my favorite songs. I might have shared it last year, but it truly is an amazing one. My sister and I play/sing it, but I don't have a recording of that... ;-) Probably better that way. In any case, please enjoy! 

Celebrating Christ's Birth,

Sarah

One Score and Three Years Ago....

A beautiful little girl was born. This little girl grew and grew until she became a lovely young woman. I am honored to call aforesaid young woman my very best friend. She has been with me through thick and thin, taught me how to color properly, and has been my confidant for all manner of things.

She is my sister. Rebecca Lynn, a wonderful and beautiful person, inside and out. I honestly don't know what I would do without her. She really has always been there for me. We've laughed together, cried together, and shared one another's burdens.

Rebecca, you are one amazing sister to me. I honestly don't know how you dealt with me through all those 'tough years', but you bore it as no other sister would. You have no idea (or perhaps you do) of how much I love you. I don't know what I do without you, literally. I'd be lost without my 'chatting partner' who visits with me throughout the day. We talk late into the night if need be, and cover so many topics. You've been my encourager in so many areas, cheering me on as I do whatever I'm doing. You are such a beautiful woman and I am truly blessed to have you as my sister. Happy Birthday, and I love you!!!!!!!! =D

Love,
Your sis

P.S. It's rather difficult to find pictures of the birthday girl as she is usually the one behind the camera! ;-)

It's the Most Busiest Time of the Year

November flew by and I find December is picking up speed as we go further into the month. Tis the season to be jolly and deck the halls and wishing you a merry Christmas, etc, etc, etc.

I enjoy the Christmas season. It is really wonderful. The snow, the decorations, the yummy cocoa drinks and snuggles by the fire. It is all very wonderful. What I don't like, however, is the busy hub-bub that the season seems to bring. Already I'm beginning to panic because I don't have gifts for my family yet (I don't even know WHAT I'm going to get them). Which is unusual, because I've normally got a good headstart on gifts come October. ;-) Course, I'm usually doing homemade gifts, too, so I tend to plan ahead because I know I'll need more time. This year, however, I'm already feeling a bit overwhelmed. That's ok, though. As one character from Charles Dicken's book, "Martin Chuzzlewit", says, "It's a good test on a man to see if he can be jolly with a cold and dreary job. There's no credit to be had for being jolly in a nice place like the Blue Dragon. Perhaps I'll take up a grave digger's work. That should be cold and dreary as a job. Then I can see just how jolly I can be,"

Yup. Like Mark Tappley says, it's easy to be jolly in a nice place. It's harder still to be jolly when there's lots of work or hardship going on.

So, with that being said, I'm going to work on making sure I don't become a Scrooge and let the busyness of the Christmas season make me forget the real reason we are celebrating. There's a reason why we sing "Joy to the World."

Alright, I'm done preaching to myself. As an update post, here's what I've been... well, 'up to'. :-)

First off, I finished out November with reaching 50, 000 words for the NaNoWriMo contest. Many of you have heard of this, and I honestly don't remember if I posted about it on here or not. Basically it's a national contest to see if you can write 50, 000 words in one month in your novel. It was quite a fun experience- but I'm glad I'm done with it. ;-)

December has started off quite well. It is currently snowing, which is good, since it IS December. The cows look rather funny with their 'snow capes', as I like to call them. Poor things. Good thing for tough skin and thick fur, eh?

Other things to note would be a new sewing project. Can't wait what it is, yet, but I'm hoping to share a few sneak-peak pictures later on.

Movie production has come to a slight halt with the busy season, but I think we're hoping to start back up again in January. Getting some December filming would be great, but we'll see how that goes. I try not to pack the month TOO much... else it isn't enjoyable.

Not much else to report on the home front, except I'm thinking this blog needs a bit of snow, too. Hmm... new background time?? ;-)

What's been keeping you busy this month? I'd love to hear!!

What This Crazy Girl Has Been Up To

Ok, y'all. I promised a better post of what has been going on, so here goes.

First of all, there has pretty much been one thing that has taken up loads of my time in the previous months- Pride and Prejudice. In case some of you didn't know, the ABC drama group did P&P this year in honor of its 200th year of publication. That can tell you two things: 1, it must be a pretty good book if it's been around for that long, or 2, we were crazy to do it. Well, basically both of them, really.

Although this was a HUGE challenge, I think we thespians really learned a lot and grew in our acting skills, which is good. We've always gone with comedy type plays, so to do one that leaned more towards the dramatic and serious side was quite an adventure, to say the least. It was, of course, a blast to do. Everyone did such a fabulous job with their parts. However, this one ran about 2.5 hours- which means everyone had LOTS of lines to memorize. So, I am quite serious when I say that P&P had been taking up most of my time.

However, now that is over, what else has been up? Well, for the first time ever, I've decided to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). For the month of November, writers team up to encourage one another and attempt to write 50,000 words in one month. So far it has been a lot of fun and not as difficult as I thought. However, as the days are being ticked off every 24 hours, I find that time is definitely growing thin! (is that an oxymoron? Growing thin... anyway). It has certainly been a challenge, especially since I got behind, due to P&P and other family circumstances. However, I am quite determined to finish this thing, and, Lord Willing, you just might see a new book on the market in the near future. :-)

Besides NaNo, something else that is exciting is about to happen. My grandpa is moving next to us! We're extremely thrilled to have him nearby, only not so thrilled with the circumstances. His wife just recently passed away. He lives in Arkansas currently, so Mom, Josh, and I are heading out early tomorrow morning to head down there. We'll spend the weekend packing and packing and packing. Then, my dad will fly up Friday, rent the moving van, we'll load it, and drive it home Saturday/Sunday. I would really appreciate prayers. This is the first time I will be driving solo for 10+ hours... Mom and I will be able to swap out on the way up, but on the way down, we'll all be driving vehicles (dad in the truck, me in our car, and mom in Grandpa's car). Needless to say, we've packed plenty of caffeinated drinks and downloaded lots of audio books. :-) I'll be able to get some work done on my NaNo project, hopefully, when I'm not driving. We'll take the whole 10 hours on the way up, but we're hoping we'll be able to split it up on the way down. That just depends, though, on how quickly we can get things packed and loaded up.

My grandpa will be living in a little one room apartment that is adjacent to our house until we can find him a little bigger mobile home. So, prayers also that his house in Arkansas will sell quickly so we'll be able to get him more comfortable. However, we have currently been cleaning out the apartment (it had sort of become Becca's and my office/craft/sewing room). The biggest project is trying to get the plumbing fixed. We're all wondering why the folks who built it didn't just take the time to do a good job in the first place... *sigh*. However, the Lord has been good with all of it, and the nice bonus is that Josh has been allowed and encouraged to help the plumbers- which means he's learning a lot from that standpoint! He really enjoys working, too, so he is (in the words of Phil Robertson) 'happy, happy, happy'. :-)

And that, folks, is pretty much what has been going on. :-) Sorry there aren't any pictures, but I didn't have much time to look for any. I'm hoping that once we get back home, I'll have some time to post pics of life and drama (the drama group that is, not real drama...). ;-)

So, what have my lovely readers been up to? I'd love to hear how November has been going for y'all!

A Sneak Peak + An Update!

I know it has been FOREVER since I've posted on here... I do apologize. Life has pretty much taken me on it's... something. I can't think of the right term. In any case, life has been extremely crazy. I promise I shall give a much better post, but for now I just thought I'd jump in and say "DRAMA PERFORMANCE TONIGHT!!!" I'm SO excited... and EXTREMELY nervous... and yes, I like used my CAPs... ;-)

(This was taken before costumes were fully figured out... thus why some of us look... interesting.. ;-)

If you want to see a few pictures/sneak peak, check out this LINK! Also, on the blog site itself (in a different post) there is a post of all the cast. We got 'cameo' pictures two weeks ago, so I put them up. :-) Check 'em out!

Prayers that we do well, please!!

I'll pop in for another update a little later in time. :-)

In Which I Finally Get To Share!

I've been wanting to post about this for a couple months now, but haven't really gotten a chance to. Life has been pretty busy. In any case, I finally get to post about something pretty exciting going on right now (and pictures!).

About 1 1/2 years ago, a friend and I got to talking and decided that it would be really cool if we could do a movie together. We have both been interested in that, so we thought, what the hay. Off we went on our adventure! Two months ago we finalized the script, I finished the costumes (which took about 4-5 mo.), and we've had about 3 film days since. 

As our script grew, we realized we needed a few extra actors- in comes our drama group! Not all of them, obviously, but we asked two other guys from the group if they would be willing to come and act. We got them all fitted up with costumes and swords and everything else. 

The story? A young man gets transported into another world, following the legacy of his grandfather. The other world? A medieval type world. It's all fictional, of course, so we don't have any historical sights or anything like that. However, we really wanted the medieval costumes and sword fights (as we aren't so big we can spend millions of dollars on vintage or modern fighting devices.. hehe.) That being said, here are a few pictures that my sis (who is our film lady, organizer, driver, etc) took while we were filming today. We spent the day up our my friends house- he lives up in the mountains, and there is just tons and tons of open space (well, enclosed in trees, but open as in no houses). So, that was pretty awesome... the best part though?? An old Mine Shaft. Yup! It had been purposefully caved in, but there is a really large cave where the miners cut through a HUGE boulder in the ground... so, we did a bit of filming and hanging out in there. ;-) Alright, enough talking- on to pictures! 

(Photo Bomb!!)

(He is our Boom Mic man, but he wanted to pose with the sword, too. :-)

("If I could just string this arrow....")

(I didn't realize it until I saw the pictures, but my belt kept slipping.. no doubt because the bag that was on it -just seen on the right side under the sleeve- was bulging with stuff!) 

Here is the entrance to the mine. You had to walk down, go under here, then bend over to get inside the actual cave. There were two entrances, one was too dangerous to go in- having a dirt roof and all- the other was all rock- which is where we were

Extremely blurry, but I wanted to show a pic of what it looked like when we were in the cave and had the candle light... the shots on film were awesome. :-) 

Later on, I'm hoping to get more pictures of each character and give a sort of character bio and whatnot. So, be on the look out for those! 

*** ALL PHOTOS ARE PROPERTY OF "MASTER'S HANDIWORK PHOTOGRAPHY" AND CAN NOT BE TAKEN OR REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY***