Okay, so I'm just a little bit angry right now with some people in our country. First, millions of people are foolishly voting in Barack Obama even when, as Christians, they should be against everything he stands for. Second, thousands of people (according to Facebook) are throwing away their votes by voting for Ron Paul. Yes, Ron Paul is a great guy and everything he stands for is great. I have nothing against him. Lord knows, our country could use a leader like him. But, here's the thing, liberals do not have another candidate that they want in the office; it's Obama and Obama only for them. Conservatives, however, now have two people that they're voting for. How stupid is that? Split the votes between McCain and Ron Paul and you get a landslide win for Obama. Are people even using the logic that God has given them? THINK!
I was informed yesterday that this has happened before in the 1992 election. Ross Perot, a billinaire and Reform party candidate, had enough money to advertise. So, it was basically a three party election. Guess who won? Democrat, Bill Clinton, because the conservative votes were split. If the people who had voted for Perot had voted for George H. W. Bush instead, Bush would have won. If Obama wins this election by a few thousand votes, then the Ron Paul enthusiasts will be to blame. There just are not enough people who know about Ron Paul in comparison to the people who know and are voting for Obama.
The polls will be closing in just a few short hours. So if you haven't voted yet, get out there and do it. And if you can't vote or have already, then don't forget to pray for this election.
God bless you and God bless the United States of America. That is, if we can still call them "United".
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." Matthew 12:25 KJV
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Think About Your Vote!
Since I am 5 months short of being eligible to vote in this election, I am going to try my hardest to influence the votes of the people who can. Please vote this election! It is so important for more reasons than you could imagine.
I found this article by pianist Huntley Brown on Snopes. Please read it.
Here is the link: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp
I found this article by pianist Huntley Brown on Snopes. Please read it.
Here is the link: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp
Monday, August 25, 2008
My Hero
Feedback, please! This is an essay that is going in for a scholarship application. I want to know if you like it or not or if you have any pointers. :)
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lays his life down for his friends.” John 15:13-- A hero in it’s truest form.
Unless someone in their act of heroism is willing and ready to die, that person, to me, could never be a true hero. The soldiers that are overseas in the armed forces are true heroes; these men and women are willing to fight to the death for the sake of their countrymen. Even the classic action figures of Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and others could all be true heroes if they were real. In each case of rescuing the damsel in distress, they put their lives on the line.
The story that I am about to tell you is the story of my hero. This hero sacrificed his life not for one person or even a whole country, but for the sake of the entire world. Maybe you have heard of him; I’m almost positive that you have. But, if you haven’t, then I’m glad that I am telling this
story because he can change your life…
A crowd had gathered on the Via Delarosa that was much larger than normal. This was a strange crowd. Some people were laughing and jeering at what was at the center of attention; others were weeping. This strangeness drew my attention and I advanced, soon engulfed in the mass.
With the hustle and bustle of the people, I suddenly found myself near the front and I could see what the commotion was about. There, surrounded by Roman soldiers, was the man. His skin was bloodstained from head to foot and there was a makeshift crown of thorns that looked as though it had been pounded into his scalp. The soldiers around him were forcing him to carry a huge, heavy cross made of filthy planks. After the man struggled and could no longer stand, the soldiers yanked an innocent bystander from the mass and shoved him under the heavy monstrosity. The horror of this sight was almost too much to bear; I could feel the hot tears streaming down my face.
The soldiers led the man, the cross, and the bystander along the road to a hill which was called Golgotha, the place of the skull. They nailed the man to the cross. How could they? I had to ask myself; I could not understand.
Then I read the sign that was nailed to the top of the cross, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” Jesus, the carpenter’s son. I could not believe it. He was perfect; completely blameless. He had committed no crime. All that he did was good. Why was he up there? He was doing that for me.
As he hung on that cross and drew out his final breath, Satan, the enemy, thought that he had won. God’s only hope for the salvation of the world was dead. Little did Satan know that God had more up His sleeve; He sent Jesus to set the captives free from the chains of death. And to prove that Jesus was the Son of God, He rose again in three days. Satan was defeated.
When Jesus died he took every sin ever committed by the world upon himself and he took the punishment for them all. He suffered unto death for those sins in place of you and me. All we have to do is admit that we have sinned and ask for his forgiveness and we can be guaranteed that we will live for eternity in heaven with him.
Now, that’s love. That’s a hero if I ever saw one.
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lays his life down for his friends.” John 15:13-- A hero in it’s truest form.
Unless someone in their act of heroism is willing and ready to die, that person, to me, could never be a true hero. The soldiers that are overseas in the armed forces are true heroes; these men and women are willing to fight to the death for the sake of their countrymen. Even the classic action figures of Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and others could all be true heroes if they were real. In each case of rescuing the damsel in distress, they put their lives on the line.
The story that I am about to tell you is the story of my hero. This hero sacrificed his life not for one person or even a whole country, but for the sake of the entire world. Maybe you have heard of him; I’m almost positive that you have. But, if you haven’t, then I’m glad that I am telling this
story because he can change your life…
A crowd had gathered on the Via Delarosa that was much larger than normal. This was a strange crowd. Some people were laughing and jeering at what was at the center of attention; others were weeping. This strangeness drew my attention and I advanced, soon engulfed in the mass.
With the hustle and bustle of the people, I suddenly found myself near the front and I could see what the commotion was about. There, surrounded by Roman soldiers, was the man. His skin was bloodstained from head to foot and there was a makeshift crown of thorns that looked as though it had been pounded into his scalp. The soldiers around him were forcing him to carry a huge, heavy cross made of filthy planks. After the man struggled and could no longer stand, the soldiers yanked an innocent bystander from the mass and shoved him under the heavy monstrosity. The horror of this sight was almost too much to bear; I could feel the hot tears streaming down my face.
The soldiers led the man, the cross, and the bystander along the road to a hill which was called Golgotha, the place of the skull. They nailed the man to the cross. How could they? I had to ask myself; I could not understand.
Then I read the sign that was nailed to the top of the cross, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” Jesus, the carpenter’s son. I could not believe it. He was perfect; completely blameless. He had committed no crime. All that he did was good. Why was he up there? He was doing that for me.
As he hung on that cross and drew out his final breath, Satan, the enemy, thought that he had won. God’s only hope for the salvation of the world was dead. Little did Satan know that God had more up His sleeve; He sent Jesus to set the captives free from the chains of death. And to prove that Jesus was the Son of God, He rose again in three days. Satan was defeated.
When Jesus died he took every sin ever committed by the world upon himself and he took the punishment for them all. He suffered unto death for those sins in place of you and me. All we have to do is admit that we have sinned and ask for his forgiveness and we can be guaranteed that we will live for eternity in heaven with him.
Now, that’s love. That’s a hero if I ever saw one.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
My Life Was Busy...
...But now it isn't for a few days. I wish I wasn't sick. That would make my few days of non-busy-ness much more enjoyable. A snuffly nose and sore throat do not contribute to my happiness.
I was gone for too long! (Any amount of time over a weekend is too long to be away from home.) I went to this Colonial Encampment (CE) thing with my dad for four days. Unfortunately we had to leave on the most fun day of the encampment and miss the potluck and awards and all that good stuff. Who knows? Maybe they would have even figured out another excuse to have me arrested. The point is that I missed it all because I had to go to music camp. I got home and left the next morning for Oregon.
Mom visited my Auntie Kat while I got to learn some pretty cool stuff from master musicians. (Boohers, Voetbergs, Daniel Carwile, Hanneke Cassel, just to name a few...) We had so much fun. I swear that I played my fiddle every day in that whole week more that I ever have in one week before. My brain was on overload; I don't think that I could have fit in one more song. I am so glad that they recorded a DVD of all that was taught or I would forget it all. It was a wonder that I could even play three of the songs for the concert night. Even still, the camp was definitely worth every penny.
So, now we're finally home. And we're leaving again on Friday for a fiddle contest. Then my schedule is clear. Woot!
P.S.
I really hope that Mallory will be able to grace us with her presence sometime in the near future. I haven't seen her for so long. I miss you, Mallory!
I was gone for too long! (Any amount of time over a weekend is too long to be away from home.) I went to this Colonial Encampment (CE) thing with my dad for four days. Unfortunately we had to leave on the most fun day of the encampment and miss the potluck and awards and all that good stuff. Who knows? Maybe they would have even figured out another excuse to have me arrested. The point is that I missed it all because I had to go to music camp. I got home and left the next morning for Oregon.
Mom visited my Auntie Kat while I got to learn some pretty cool stuff from master musicians. (Boohers, Voetbergs, Daniel Carwile, Hanneke Cassel, just to name a few...) We had so much fun. I swear that I played my fiddle every day in that whole week more that I ever have in one week before. My brain was on overload; I don't think that I could have fit in one more song. I am so glad that they recorded a DVD of all that was taught or I would forget it all. It was a wonder that I could even play three of the songs for the concert night. Even still, the camp was definitely worth every penny.
So, now we're finally home. And we're leaving again on Friday for a fiddle contest. Then my schedule is clear. Woot!
P.S.
I really hope that Mallory will be able to grace us with her presence sometime in the near future. I haven't seen her for so long. I miss you, Mallory!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Spam
I have this email address that I got like two years ago. My friend wanted me to get it so that she could chat with me. I never chatted and never used the email. I even forgot that I had it until now when I happened to click on the link on my sidebar by accident. It was a wonder that I even remembered my user name and password, but I logged in. There were eighty-four spam messages! Eighty-four! Have you ever heard of so much spam in your life? I never even gave anyone the email address! The funny thing is that the server advertises less spam. HA! I've gotten at least one (if not five) everyday since June 15th. And that's only because they delete spam that has been in the spam folder more that thirty days.
I don't know why I just told you all that, but I did. So there. Goodbye.
I don't know why I just told you all that, but I did. So there. Goodbye.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I'm Lazy
What? I am. I just haven't felt like doing squat lately. I have these four beautiful horses who are just plugging around in the pasture and no one is riding them; I think that's my fault. We even got a new saddle yesterday.
Well, I guess part of my problem is that nobody goes out with me and it's lonely by myself. Ben hasn't gone out much at all since he broke his arm a year and a half ago. Mom's knees bother her and Dad has way too much other stuff that he needs to get done. Susannah is usually too busy with whatever chores she hasn't gotten done. My other friends live several miles away and I hate to ask them to spend so much gas. I hate you, gas prices.
I got a new fiddle! This exciting feat happened while I was at the National Oldtime Fiddler's Contest the third week of June. Oh, the sound is so lovable. After trying it out at the shop there, I went to practice my old fiddle and I felt like a beginner; I sounded terrible! We had to get it. It's cool. I even played in the contest the day after we bought it. Oh, and I got 24th place out of 58 contestants in my division. :)
Swim team has officially started. We had our first meet on Tuesday. We won. We usually win because our team is one of the largest in the league. Anyway, I felt so sluggish. After I swam the 100 yard freestyle, I felt like someone had knocked me out. I'm sure that part of the reason that I felt so out of shape was because the pool in which we were swimming forgot and turned on their heater the night before. It felt like bath water; not good for energy levels. We have a home meet today. I'm hoping that I can beat some of my times from last year.
Well, I suppose that I should get off my butt for a change and go do something productive. There's still rotten hay in the barn that needs to be cleaned out so we can put some fresh stuff in it. I also have been so lazy and busy (oxymoron, I know) these last two days that I haven't practiced my fiddle at all. I should be practicing at least three hours a day.... :D
Well, I guess part of my problem is that nobody goes out with me and it's lonely by myself. Ben hasn't gone out much at all since he broke his arm a year and a half ago. Mom's knees bother her and Dad has way too much other stuff that he needs to get done. Susannah is usually too busy with whatever chores she hasn't gotten done. My other friends live several miles away and I hate to ask them to spend so much gas. I hate you, gas prices.
I got a new fiddle! This exciting feat happened while I was at the National Oldtime Fiddler's Contest the third week of June. Oh, the sound is so lovable. After trying it out at the shop there, I went to practice my old fiddle and I felt like a beginner; I sounded terrible! We had to get it. It's cool. I even played in the contest the day after we bought it. Oh, and I got 24th place out of 58 contestants in my division. :)
Swim team has officially started. We had our first meet on Tuesday. We won. We usually win because our team is one of the largest in the league. Anyway, I felt so sluggish. After I swam the 100 yard freestyle, I felt like someone had knocked me out. I'm sure that part of the reason that I felt so out of shape was because the pool in which we were swimming forgot and turned on their heater the night before. It felt like bath water; not good for energy levels. We have a home meet today. I'm hoping that I can beat some of my times from last year.
Well, I suppose that I should get off my butt for a change and go do something productive. There's still rotten hay in the barn that needs to be cleaned out so we can put some fresh stuff in it. I also have been so lazy and busy (oxymoron, I know) these last two days that I haven't practiced my fiddle at all. I should be practicing at least three hours a day.... :D
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Fiddle Contests and Theme Parks
I feel so bad; it's been forever since I wrote a real post. I just haven't had anything juicy to write about for a while. But, now I do.
So, I went to a fiddle contest last weekend. I played well. I played consistently well. I played well enough to make the second round. And then I made the third round... and the fourth. I suddenly found myself up on the stage accepting my third place trophy and $75. I got third place out of sixteen contestants! I am still a tiny bit excited....well, let's just say a lot more than a tiny bit.
Moving to a different subject...
Sometimes I really can't wait to grow up and at other times I despise the change. Today was one of those despicable times. I don't like it that the simple pleasures that used to excite me abundantly, no longer hold their enchantment upon my senses. Why can't I just snap my fingers and say, "Be wonderfully entertained," and no longer be bored? Oh, for simple pleasures.
I went to a theme park yesterday and I discovered that my childhood spell had been broken. The roller coasters that I used to ride over and over again with so much joy, soon became monotonous. I found that I no longer enjoyed the adrenaline that pumped through my system on the high-intensity attractions; all I get now is a headache. I realized that the reason that I anticipated this venture with so much excitement was because of the company that I would share with my friends. That was, by far, the best part of the whole day.
So, I went to a fiddle contest last weekend. I played well. I played consistently well. I played well enough to make the second round. And then I made the third round... and the fourth. I suddenly found myself up on the stage accepting my third place trophy and $75. I got third place out of sixteen contestants! I am still a tiny bit excited....well, let's just say a lot more than a tiny bit.
Moving to a different subject...
Sometimes I really can't wait to grow up and at other times I despise the change. Today was one of those despicable times. I don't like it that the simple pleasures that used to excite me abundantly, no longer hold their enchantment upon my senses. Why can't I just snap my fingers and say, "Be wonderfully entertained," and no longer be bored? Oh, for simple pleasures.
I went to a theme park yesterday and I discovered that my childhood spell had been broken. The roller coasters that I used to ride over and over again with so much joy, soon became monotonous. I found that I no longer enjoyed the adrenaline that pumped through my system on the high-intensity attractions; all I get now is a headache. I realized that the reason that I anticipated this venture with so much excitement was because of the company that I would share with my friends. That was, by far, the best part of the whole day.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Growing Up
It starts out slow without a care
A little inch here a little inch there
Until undoubtedly my parents see
"She's not the same as she used to be"
Pretty soon my clothes are too small
Strangely I think that I'm not that tall
But a quick look at the measure wall shows
Six more inches and up I go
I know that I am definitely not two
But seventeen certainly cannot be true
Where has time gone? Where has it flown?
It must have just vanished as I have grown
Now it seems that the harder I try
The more obvious it is that I cannot deny
That the measure wall will not change my height
But growth of mind and heart I can't and will not fight.
A little inch here a little inch there
Until undoubtedly my parents see
"She's not the same as she used to be"
Pretty soon my clothes are too small
Strangely I think that I'm not that tall
But a quick look at the measure wall shows
Six more inches and up I go
I know that I am definitely not two
But seventeen certainly cannot be true
Where has time gone? Where has it flown?
It must have just vanished as I have grown
Now it seems that the harder I try
The more obvious it is that I cannot deny
That the measure wall will not change my height
But growth of mind and heart I can't and will not fight.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Junior Miss!
Yesterday night I participated in Junior Miss! It was so much fun. I had a GREAT time.
The first time we were all on stage was for opening number. All sixteen of us wore sparkling, black top hats and our specially made exercise clothes. It was pretty much a mess of teenage girls but it wasn't judged and we had fun anyway.
Immediately after opening number we performed our fitness routine. I ended up losing my number in the middle of the group routine and mistakenly tried to pick it up; I decided that I would leave it though. I was really tired and I don't feel as though I did my absolute best on this portion. Even my solo I messed up because when I was supposed to do my push ups, my hair was in my face. Rats! This was the only portion that I wish that I could have done better.
Next was talent! I played "Don't Let the Deal Go Down" on my fiddle and I dressed up as a cowgirl. As I was backstage waiting to go on, I was extremely nervous. But as soon as I got on stage, I completely forgot how nervous I was. I ripped out my song like never before and the audience even started cheering toward the end of the song. It was by far the best part of the night.
After talent was the Self Expression portion of the program. This is where we got to walk around flaunting gorgeous dresses and fancy hairstyles. Toward the end of this program, we drew a question out of a crystal basket and we were to answer it in the microphone in front of hundreds of onlookers and five judges. My question was, "What is a hero to you and why?" I answered, "The Bible says, 'No greater love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for a friend.' That is the ultimate hero." I may have said more than that but that was the gist of my answer. My backstage mom, Sara, said that one of the committee members who was watching said that I had a very powerful answer. I felt good about it too.
It was over! The rest of the program was pretty much just entertainment. My dad got to escort me across the stage in his suit. I felt so pretty!
Then it was time for the awards. There were two $250 scholarships for each category that was judged. I received the first prize for the talent category which was wonderful. I had pretty much done Junior Miss because of the talent. Anyway, even though I didn't get any of the top three prizes (second alternate, first alternate, and Junior Miss), I still had a wonderful time.
Afterward, my family and friends came to congratulate me. Even some people that I didn't know complemented me on my talent. I later found out from one of the committee members that the judges gave me a perfect score on my talent; tens all the way across the board. That in itself was satisfactory.
Anyway, I felt so pretty and so loved, I didn't want the night to end. Unfortunately, the night did end. And the long wait and anticipation was all over. Junior Miss is done! Now I have to look forward to next year when I get to help the new group of girls. I had a wonderful journey.
The first time we were all on stage was for opening number. All sixteen of us wore sparkling, black top hats and our specially made exercise clothes. It was pretty much a mess of teenage girls but it wasn't judged and we had fun anyway.
Immediately after opening number we performed our fitness routine. I ended up losing my number in the middle of the group routine and mistakenly tried to pick it up; I decided that I would leave it though. I was really tired and I don't feel as though I did my absolute best on this portion. Even my solo I messed up because when I was supposed to do my push ups, my hair was in my face. Rats! This was the only portion that I wish that I could have done better.
Next was talent! I played "Don't Let the Deal Go Down" on my fiddle and I dressed up as a cowgirl. As I was backstage waiting to go on, I was extremely nervous. But as soon as I got on stage, I completely forgot how nervous I was. I ripped out my song like never before and the audience even started cheering toward the end of the song. It was by far the best part of the night.
After talent was the Self Expression portion of the program. This is where we got to walk around flaunting gorgeous dresses and fancy hairstyles. Toward the end of this program, we drew a question out of a crystal basket and we were to answer it in the microphone in front of hundreds of onlookers and five judges. My question was, "What is a hero to you and why?" I answered, "The Bible says, 'No greater love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for a friend.' That is the ultimate hero." I may have said more than that but that was the gist of my answer. My backstage mom, Sara, said that one of the committee members who was watching said that I had a very powerful answer. I felt good about it too.
It was over! The rest of the program was pretty much just entertainment. My dad got to escort me across the stage in his suit. I felt so pretty!
Then it was time for the awards. There were two $250 scholarships for each category that was judged. I received the first prize for the talent category which was wonderful. I had pretty much done Junior Miss because of the talent. Anyway, even though I didn't get any of the top three prizes (second alternate, first alternate, and Junior Miss), I still had a wonderful time.
Afterward, my family and friends came to congratulate me. Even some people that I didn't know complemented me on my talent. I later found out from one of the committee members that the judges gave me a perfect score on my talent; tens all the way across the board. That in itself was satisfactory.
Anyway, I felt so pretty and so loved, I didn't want the night to end. Unfortunately, the night did end. And the long wait and anticipation was all over. Junior Miss is done! Now I have to look forward to next year when I get to help the new group of girls. I had a wonderful journey.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Whoa!
Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. Junior Miss is only one week away. Can you believe it?! I can't. Today was the last early morning practice (yippee!); I can sleep in on Saturdays again! 6:45-10:00AM is just too early to function.
All this week we will have practices in the evenings from 7-9PM. This means that I have to use gas! I'm sick of the raising prices. Living out of town doesn't help at all either. This is going to be a very stressful week.
I am asking for your prayer; especially for the talent section of the program. When I played the fiddle on the stage for the first time, I couldn't hear my backup CD at all and I was completely off rhythm. Fortunately, one of the other girls' dads said that he has a monitor that he will let us borrow. This is GREAT because I'm not the only girl who needs to hear her music in order to perform.
Wish me luck! I'm sooo excited!!!
All this week we will have practices in the evenings from 7-9PM. This means that I have to use gas! I'm sick of the raising prices. Living out of town doesn't help at all either. This is going to be a very stressful week.
I am asking for your prayer; especially for the talent section of the program. When I played the fiddle on the stage for the first time, I couldn't hear my backup CD at all and I was completely off rhythm. Fortunately, one of the other girls' dads said that he has a monitor that he will let us borrow. This is GREAT because I'm not the only girl who needs to hear her music in order to perform.
Wish me luck! I'm sooo excited!!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Life is a Blizzard
Wow, it has been forever since I have posted on either of my blogs. Life has been extremely busy and the dreaded Facebook has been taking over my coveted computer time.
The main things that have happened since my last post have been pretty important. I guess I haven't wanted to write about any of them because nobody reads anymore...not even on Facebook.
First big thing: I got a job! My first real, hourly paying job. I have some friends that I met through swim team whose dad works at Associated Independent Agencies in Palouse. Anyway, he lost his Account Representive and his wife was taking over for her. She didn't like it at all but they couldn't find any good help. My mom and her are chatting buddies during meets and when Donna was telling her about their dilemma. Mom told me later and I said that I would love that job. Mom told Donna and she thought that I would be perfect. Anyway, they didn't call me in until the school year started and being a homeshooling mom, Donna wanted to spend more time at home with her kids. I now work about three hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Second big thing: My grandparents now live in Moscow! They, with a little bit of nudging from my family and Grandma's brothers, made an executive decision to make the move. It was a huge amount of work; we were in charge of moving their belongings from Seattle to here. Those were the hardest three days of my life. We almost didn't think it would happen but, by the grace of God, we were out of there right on time. It is so wonderful to have Grandma and Grandpa so close again.
Third big thing: I have a mandolin now! The Saturday before Christmas, we got a phone call from John Elwood, a fine mandolin craftsman, saying that he had finished the mandolin that Uncle Jim had brought him to perfect. He brought it to our house that morning; it is gorgeous! He even took my signature from a note that I had sent him and engraved it on the head in abalone. My name (Melissa) means "Honeybee" so he engraved tiny honeybees all along the fret board in abalone, boxwood, and ebony. Here are a few pictures of this masterpiece:
Fourth big thing: I am participating in Moscow Junior Miss! This is a scholarship program, NOT a beauty pageant. I am so excited. I almost didn't do it but I had some friends who convinced me that I most definately should. I am so glad that I did. The program is on March 29th but I can't wait!
Fifth big thing: I'm sick of the snow! When I was living in Seattle, I would have been horrified to hear someone say that. It's the truth though. We have had a couple feet dump on us within a few days. It wouldn't be so bad except the wind blows it into huge drifts. Our driveway is a disaster zone. Not to mention that Latah county has been declared a disaster and Eastern Washington a State of Emergency. This makes it extremely difficult to go anywhere in our vehicles.
Well, that's an update I suppose. Catcha all later!
~Melissa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
