inspirations...

Responses to Eternal Security

2010-07-03T16:24:00.005-05:00

To set the record straight, I am not dead. I have merely taken a bit of a break from blogger. School got to be to much, and I couldn't focus on this at the same time.

Anyway, I thought I would continue where I left off. A few posts down (if you hadn't read it, please do) I had written about eternal security, but I kind of left it hanging. Many people commented with countering arguments, and I would like to finally give an adequate response to some of them.

First off all, this verse from John 10 was presented:

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

I will admit that when this verse stands alone, it seems like a good argument. When you look at the context, though, one can see differently.

"Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

So, when you look at the context you can see that those people that can can never be snatched out of the father's hand are those that listen to his voice and follow him. Notice how this verb is in the present tense, not the past tense. This means that if you stop doing this, then this verse does not apply to you, and you can be snatched out of the fathers hand because you are no longer on of his sheep.
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The following was another comment that was written on a post:

"Matthew 10:32-33 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

If one is denying Christ, then one does not have Christ. That's pretty simple."

All I have to say to this is that you can both choose to deny them before you ever follow them, but you can also deny someone who you have followed.
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Here is another response to my post:

""Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."

Now tell me- do you think God writes your name in pencil so he can erase it when you mess up? I don't think so."

Actually, God may not write in pencil, but he does blot out people's names from the book of life. The following verse proves this point. It also helps to prove that you can loose your salvation.

When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way." This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.
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I will continue to address some more previous comments later, but for the moment here is one more verse to think about:

Ezekiel 33:12-16

"Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, 'The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys, and the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it. The righteous man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness.' If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. And if I say to the wicked man, 'You will surely die,' but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right- if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.

Please comment and tell me you thoughts! I would love to hear them:)

the sinful nature

2009-12-29T10:51:00.005-06:00

I have been told that everyone is born with a sinful nature, that we can not help but sin because it is in our nature. I am not aware of what word other versions of the bible use, but the NIV often uses the word "sinful nature." For example:

Romans 7:25
Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

This translation, though, is somewhat innacurate because in the greek, the words "sinful nature" accualy is the word "flesh." This word, "flesh," is the same word used to describe Jesus in his human form, but we know that Jesus was without sin.

We also know that Jesus was fully human and fully God. If everyone is born with a sinful nature, then so was Jesus. But, again, Jesus was without sin. So we can conclude that Jesus did not have a sinful nature, and from there we can also conclude that we do not have a sinful nature because God was fully human.

So, knowing this, we should always be striving for a sinless life, because we want to be blamless and pure before God.

Psalm 119:1
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.

A Trumpet's Christmas

2009-11-30T15:54:00.006-06:00

I know I've been gone for forever, but I'm back! Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is coming. Which is why I've posted this video. I'm not sure if you'll all understand it, seeing as you're not all bandos, but it's really funny. It's because your stereotypical trumpet player is very egotistical and always ready to show off their skills, hence all of the high notes. Enjoy!

Must see!

2009-10-01T19:14:00.007-05:00

when were we saved?

2009-09-06T13:29:00.005-05:00

Many people today portray salvation as a single point in time. That one moment when a person was saved for eternity. But... I strongly doubt the validity of this belief. And, yes, this is another post regarding eternal security.

To start, here is a verse that says we were saved. This helps to prove the point that we were saved in the past.
Romans 8:24
For in this hope we were saved.

Next, here are two verses that say we are being saved, this shows that it was in the past but it is still happening.
2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
1 Corinthians 1:18
[ Christ the Wisdom and Power of God ] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Also, I have a verse that says that we, as believers, will be saved.
Matthew 10:22
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

So, what was the point of me telling that we were saved, we are being saved, we will be saved, and what does this have to do with eternal security?
Our salvation is not necessarily secure. This is proved by these verses because our salvation is a continuing action. It is not like it happened and so it is a done deal. On the contrary it is still happening and it is yet to happen. If we don't stand firm to the end then God can take away that salvation.

are we eternaly secure?

2009-08-13T21:04:00.008-05:00

I have been wanting to write a post for some time on the topic of eternal security. I am pretty convinced in my belief. I believe that we as Christians can lose our salvation. I have verses to back this position up, but please feel free to comment and counter my argument if need be. I don't mind a little debate once in a while.

So, to start, I will show you a verse from James 5:19-20.

19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.and cover over a multitude of sins.

First he starts be saying my brothers. This immediately tells us that he is referring to fellow Christians. Then he says, "if one of you (Christians) should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back." Then he says while still talking of the same subject of bringing a christian back to the truth, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death" So we can then assume that this Christian that wandered was a sinner. Also we can tell that this sinner/christian was saved from death (also known as hell).

The next verse I have is from Mathew 10:22

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

This verse is short and sweet. If you are not standing firm in your faith, even if you once did, you will not inherit eternal life.

Matthew 10:32:

32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

I think this is self explanatory, if you disown him, he will disown you.

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With these verses in mind, why then would so many believe in eternal security?

I do not know for sure, but I am of the opinion that people do so because it is an easy gospel. Once you believe, you are covered for life. This can be used as an excuse for sinning, because if you are forever saved, then why should the way you live your life matter. That is not to say that everyone who believes in eternal security goes on sinning, but many people do not see the point of living a pure and holy life if eternal security is true.

I have more verses and things to say on this topic, but I will start with this for know. Please comment with your thoughts.

Bible Reading

2009-08-12T12:24:00.003-05:00

Recently I have been randomly reading through the bible, I don't have the patience to do it in any particular order. So, I was just reading a lot of smaller books from the new testament. Over the course of this morning and last night I have read:

1Timothy
2Timothy
Titus
Philemon
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
2 John
3 John
Jude
the first couple chapters of Romans

I have really enjoyed these books because they were written as letters to various groups of believers. It really gives you an idea of what some of the problems were during that day and they give counsel on how to act as a christian. That's is all for now. I should probably start posting more. Maybe I'll post on some of the verses that have stood out to me while reading. Until then, have fun reading your bibles!

~French Horn~

2009-07-15T18:24:00.002-05:00

I had Marching Band practice from 1-3 today, and then I came home and practiced my horn for 45 minutes. As of right now, I can hardly move my lips because they are so tired. That is why I took a break to write this short post, then I am going to practice some more. I use a horn that the school lends to me (most people use school horns) and I love it. Last year I had a Yamaha, but now that some of the seniors left, I just got a Holton double horn. I love it. For any of you that don't know, Holtons are the top brand for horns, and I definitely can tell why after playing on it. Lauren is calling me to come help her fix the internet connection on the computer she is using, so I am going to go. Bye!

Abortion

2009-07-13T10:34:00.003-05:00

This is a video I really like. I know that a while ago some of you said you couldn't go to you-tube, so it isn't really on any site, just the video. It's not long either, so don't avoid watching it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=0Ra-CnBxTOE

Bike Ride to Grandma's

2009-07-07T10:13:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning one of my older sisters had the idea of going on a bike ride to my grandma's house. Of course, we all thought she was crazy because it takes half an hour to get there by car. After a while, though, the idea began to grow on me, until two of my older sisters and I were huddled around the computer trying to find a safe route to my grandma's house. My sister figured that the ride was 44 miles round trip. Before this, the longest I had ever biked was 15 miles.
So, we ate an early lunch, packed lots of water and set out, unsure if we would have the strength to make it that far. To my own surprise. we made it all the way to her house. It took two and a half hours to get there. My grandma was delighted to see us. (She commented that "none of her grandchildren had ever rode out to see her") She served us some cold apple juice and cookies. After about half and hour we decided it was about time to get home. So we left, and my thighs were already burning after a few seconds. Unfortunately, this was only half way. After about half an hour of riding again, my legs had the worst, constant, ache I can ever remember experiencing. It didn't help that we were riding through an EXTREMELY hilly neighborhood. It ended up taking us two and a half hours to get back, also. I don't think I will go on a bike ride that long any time soon again, but despite all of the pain it was really fun and I'm glad I went.

Marching Band...Life

2009-06-26T15:39:00.004-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in along time, I've been a bit out of it. Summer school is almost over, only two days left. I'm taking consumer education with Teresa, my sister, because the class is required to graduate, so I want to get it over with. It isn't the least bit hard, just boring.
Anyway, another marching band season is about to begin. I play Mellophone which is the marching form of the french horn. It looks kind of like a big trumpet, with a french horn mouthpiece. This year I am the Mellophone section leader (that means I'm in charge of the section and I have to run sectionals. We have a sectional every week at my house and we practice the music at them). The reason that I am section leader as a Sophomore is because the two seniors graduated and the other one became a drum major(meaning he conducts the band), Teresa is also a drum major. Our section isn't as good this year, though, because one of the seniors was close to top in state and so was the one that is drum major. With practice, though, I'm hoping that we can improve a lot.
Also, yesterday I just found out that I will probably get my braces off on August 11th. I originally thought it was not going to happen until December of this year, so I'm very excited about that.
I just changed my background, too. Could you please comment with any suggestions or comments?

Faith Without Deeds

2009-05-06T19:21:00.004-05:00

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

I think these two verses sum up this topic pretty well, though there are many more to back it up. Simply put, (even if we believe in God) if our lives don't reflect our belief, then we're not going to heaven.
Think about it. How many "Christians" do you know? Probably quite a few. You also probably have experienced a time when you met someone who you thought was definitely not a christian, and then you found out that they were. This was probably because that person was not walking in obedience to God, because their life did not reflect His. So, what you need to do is ask yourself, are you one of those people? If someone met you for the first time, would they guess you were a christian? If not, you need to reevaluate your life. You need to live a life Glorifying of God to the very end.

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

My Favorite Race

2009-04-22T09:53:00.005-05:00

I know that I just posted about track, but that what's on my mind right now. Anyway, I am really excited about a meet that we have today. It starts at four o'clock. I am running in my two favorite races: The 800 run (half mile) and the 3200 relay(two mile). Each person in the 3200 runs an 800. As I said I am extremely excited. The last time I ran these races was over three weeks ago. My time then was a 2:51 on the 800, but I want to at least get down to a 2:44.
I am really trying to mentally prepare myself, because I know my arms and legs will ache and I will most likely feel like throwing up during the race. But there is no avoiding the pain if you want to do good, so I am going to do my best to run through the pain and endure it. If I don't, I won't reach my goal.

Track

2009-04-13T17:20:00.002-05:00

Happy belated Easter, and sorry I haven't posed in a while. I have been kind of busy recently.
Anyway, the outdoor season for track has just started. I like it so much better than indoor, because outdoor has a full size track so It's easier to run on. Currently, my favorite race is the 800 meter run (1/2 mile). I think I like it because I'm no good at sprints and this relies on endurance, but it doesn't last so long, like the mile and 2 mile races.
We were going to have a home meet tomorrow, but our track is kind of messed up so they had to cancel it:( I was pretty disappointed about that. But, that's all for now. Hopefully I get time to post again soon.

Insights

2009-03-31T20:02:00.005-05:00

I found this little insight of my Mom's to be very intriguing. So, this is Revelation twenty.

And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

A common belief is that this thousand year reign is yet to begin and that the first resurrection has not taken place yet. This following passage is from Matthew and it is when Jesus died. I think it could suggest otherwise.

51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Do you think that maybe this is referring to the first resurrection it talked about in Revelation?

It Is Well With My Soul

2009-03-28T13:31:00.004-05:00

This was a song written by a man whose family died. His only son died in 1871. Then, later, his family was planning to travel to Europe. He sent them over first, as he had business. His family's ship sank, and all four of his daughters died, only his wife was saved. He wrote this hymn as his ship was passing over the spot where his daughters had died.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

An Award

2009-03-25T14:47:00.004-05:00

I was awarded the "Against the flow award" by Liberty. It's for people who don't follow the ways of this world and it's desires. So, thank you for this, Liberty:)
And, I've decided to award:
Jenna at "My Strength and Song"

Spring Break

2009-03-21T19:47:00.003-05:00

I know that I have not posted for a while, bu I have been really busy because i was the end of the quarter. But, on the good side, that means that spring break has just begun! I am so happy, and my teachers were really nice and didn't assign ANY homework over the break. That means an entire week of no stress. Unfortunately, my older brother and sister are going back to college tomorrow because their spring break just ended. I've really enjoyed their stay, though.

Spring is a miraculous experience. The whole world comes alive after the winter in which it seemed that everything was dead. The world comes filled with color and the scent of delicious greenery. The world that seemed so dull and cold has come alive once again. Little did we know that beneath the cold hard ground the plants and trees were preparing for rebirth. Spring gives us hope for rejuvenation in our own lives as well. Spring is a time to renew the excitement and zest for life that lives inside.
(I found this excerpt on the internet)

Also, here's a video that you NEED to watch. The music is so beautiful and emotional. I've listened to it over and over and have never gotten sick of it. Please comment and tell me what you think:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr_syMaKzOs

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do...

2009-03-10T19:08:00.002-05:00

Do it all for the glory of God.
This is a wonderful verse to keep in mind every day of our lives. We need to ask ourselves repeatedly, why am I doing this? Is it glorifying to God? If not, think twice about it.
When we do not do things for the glory of God we are defaming his name. This is because we claim to be Christians. But, if we act as the world does, what type of reputation are you giving God?
This topic goes hand in hand is not using the lord's name in vain. Often, though, we overlook the fact that you can use the lords name in vain through your actions. This is what I was previously referring to. When we claim to be followers of God, and then do not truly follow Him. Our words mean nothing, we are flippantly using the lords name to make ourselves seem or feel better. We are, in fact, using his name in vain.
And, what is wrong with this?
The Lords name is holy. God is the creator of the universe, and the ruler of all things. His name is not to be thrown about flippantly.

Perseverance

2009-03-06T18:52:00.004-06:00

Perseverance is a quality that most want, and many lack. It is one of those things that doesn't always come naturally to some and not to others; we have to do our part. In life, we need it for almost everything from school to our christian walk.

I've been working on this a lot as I am currently in track at my school. You would be surprised at how many lessons I have learned so far his season that can be so easily applied to life. And, in case you haven't guessed yet, the biggest one is perseverance.

Last summer, the summer after my 8th grade year, I decided that I was going to get in better shape. When it came time to actually go out running with my sisters, though, I would dread it and complain that I couldn't run 1.8 miles. But, naturally they still made me go with them. It wouldn't be long before I would start complaining about my cramps and my aching legs.

This mentality of mine quickly changed when I joined track. We would run anywhere from 3-6 miles and then do an ab and arm workout. I quickly learned that when we do things like this every day, it is for a reason. The whole point of it is to get us stronger. But, I wouldn't improve that much if I didn't do my part. I had to put my all into the practices in order to really benefit. So, I did, and I have already improved a lot. But, none of this happened without pain. In fact, most days I suffer through excruciating pain, but the only way to make it to the end is to embrace the pain. I am learning not to be afraid of it, because it will come anyway. So, I have not only grown stronger pysicaly but also mentaly. The only way to persevere to the end is to run despite the pain and not let it hinder you.

This basic, yet difficult, principle can be applied to our christian walk as well. We always have big goals and good intentions when we start out. We want to be steadfast and sure of our ground. The wordly pleasures that we are surrounded by, though, often cause us to sway. We are easily tempted and we often give in. What we are lacking here is perseverance. We know we should do one thing, but often the other looks so much easier. So, we give in.

We need to overcome this, though, in order to be true followers of God. We have to take control of our mind; we can not let it control us. We have to ignore our sinful desires and obey God.

Inspirations Header

2009-03-01T17:19:00.003-06:00

So, as you can see, I've been experimenting with a header. I can't decide whether or not I like it. I'm also not sure whether or not it goes with the background. I would love it if you would comment and give advice or just your opinion. Thanks!

French Horn

2009-02-24T19:15:00.005-06:00

No, I haven't forgotten about faith and deeds. That will have to wait a little bit. I want to have enough time to think through it, and I'm pretty busy.
Anyway, I'm really excited right know. The reason for the feeling is kind of hard to explain. Especially since most of you don't play french horn, Lolly is an exception:) It all started when I was on you-tube listening to professional horn players. Everyone was really good and I was was about to exit out of it when I saw another video and decided to watch it. My jaw literally dropped open. I was shocked at how beautiful her playing was. It was so musical and her tone was so pure and unrestricted, unlike a lot of horns I hear. So, now I'm extremely inspired to get really good and practice a ton. As I said, It's hard to explain why I find this so exciting, but it really is. Please listen to the video and tell me what you think of her playing and the french horn! The video wouldn't upload on to here so heres the link. Please don't avoid watching it just because it's not right here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0xhMEZ1Cg
And here's another cool video- a different player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MkMdlfl8Hg&NR=1

The Narrow Gate

2009-02-19T19:45:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry, I've been really busy recently, so I haven't been posting. Track just started for this year! It is hard but fun. I have a constant ache in my legs and I never get home until 5:30, but it's fun just the same. I don't have enough time to post about Faith and Deeds, but I will. (Please keep commenting on the previous post, still)
Right know, I just have a passage for you to think about.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

What is Your Position?

2009-02-09T18:50:00.005-06:00

Hi, I'm back again! I was thinking about doing another, more elaborated, post on Faith and Deeds. Before I do so, I would like to see what everyone else thinks.

So, here's the question:
Do you think that we are saved by our faith alone, or do we need good deeds along with our faith to be saved? Or... neither? And, lastly, why do you believe this?

I'd really appreciate if you would comment on this:) I'm curious to know what most people believe. Thanks!

Faith and Deeds

2009-01-30T16:06:00.005-06:00

Here is a verse that I think is good to keep in mind. It reminds us that there is more to being a Christian than just believing in God.

James 2:14-26 (New International Version)
Faith and Deeds 14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

A New Blog

2009-01-28T19:01:00.003-06:00

I changed my background! Do like it? Lauren showed be how to do scrap blogging. I decided to go for the simple, yet nice approach. I've never been one for excessive frills. I also really like the color green!
Anyway, thanks for the awards, Bria and Molly! Lauren's going to have to show me how to do that, too!

Finals. Birthday! Questions?

2009-01-14T14:19:00.004-06:00

It's finals week at our school! I just finished taking my English final. Yesterday I took my Geometry final. I think I did all right. Tomorrow I have to take my Spanish and Biology final. I'm not too worried: I've been studying a bit today, so I should do fine.
Anyway, today's my birthday and I'm turning 15! I chose to have mashed potatoes, chicken, corn and yellow cake with chocolate frosting for dessert. It's my favorite meal, and I have it every year.
Also, I've got something to think about. I can't wrap my mind around the concept. Did you ever wonder what energy is? I'm talking about besides the fact that it is the ability to do work. How does energy translate into work and what is it?

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T11:46:00.003-06:00

Happy new year everybody! I didn't stay up late enough for the new year, I went to bed at 11:30. I was too tired.

Anyway, as it turns out, new years is also my mom's birthday. She was born 20 seconds after midnight. So, we spent our new year celebrating her birthday. Today, though, is one of my younger sister's birthday. I had promised her that I would make scones for breakfast. They were pretty good.

On different note, I finally got around to knitting myself a scarf. It's kind of tan, grey, and creamy. Despite my terrible describing skills, I think it looks really nice. I'm not quite done with it, but I'm excited for when I finish. I've to go now, so, once again, happy new year!

Christmas

2008-12-23T15:49:00.003-06:00

We've been having a really cold week. On Sunday it was 8 below zero. Standing out there for only 2 minutes made my hands sting with the cold. It is warming up today, though. It's about 28 degrees and its snowing very hard! Its been at it all day. And in case you can't tell yet, I really love snow. It's so pretty.

Anyway, Christmas is almost here! I'm still getting used to the fact that tomorrow's Christmas Eve. In our family, we go to the Christmas Eve service at church and then come home to cookies and apple cider. Then we all put our gifts under the tree and go to bed. In the morning we tend to wake up pretty early, and, at about 6:30, all of the kids go into our bedroom and my sister, Sarah, reads us Luke 2 and then we all go downstairs to open our gifts and eat a nice breakfast.

The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

2008-12-08T20:58:00.002-06:00

Hello I'm back. I had a really busy week. That's why I haven't posted all week. I can't say much now either, I just didn't want everyone to think that I was forever gone. Right now I'm busy writing a paper for English. I have to do a poetry analysis paper. It isn't that bad, though. It just takes a long time. I'm really happy, because tomorrow is a late start day for school. That means that in stead of starting at 7:30, it starts at 9:00.

Well I've got to go already, I still need to finish that paper.

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-01T20:25:00.003-06:00

It snowed all through the night and into the morning. Not all of the snow melted after all. I was so happy when I woke up early to get ready for school, because I looked out the window into a world of white. The ground was covered, the rooftops were covered with a soft blanket of snow, the trees glistened in the light and and snow lined them, making them white, the streets hadn't been plowed yet, and snow was falling gently. It was so beautiful. I could have looked at the beautiful scenery for hours. It made my day! All my friends wanted a snow day, but we just had a long weekend. I like snow days when were getting tired of school and we need a nice day off.

Anyway, enough about my snowy day. I was just reading something that I thought was interesting, though it isn't much. Apparently, the moon moves 3.8 centimeters away from Earth each year because the gravity of the earth isn't enough to move it towards the Earth. I suppose that it could be disastrous if that was the case. That means that 100 years from now the day will be 2 milliseconds longer. I'm sure everyone will notice that big change!

Snow!

2008-11-30T11:31:00.004-06:00

It's snowing out! Nothing is on the ground because it keeps melting, but winter's coming around the bend. We just got home from church not too long ago and three horn players from my chuch played a horn trio. I loved it, and they were really good. Afterwards, we ate a delicious brunch of apple coffee cake and eggs. My oldest brother and sister just left for college; they're taking a bus down there. They were home for Thanksgiving break, and they're coming back in three weeks for Christmas break! In the meantime, I've got knitting to do. I want to finish as much as I can this weekend. I was able to get a lot done so far. Also, I should probably practice my horn!

Christmas

2008-11-29T15:43:00.003-06:00

Thanksgiving is over now, and Christmas is here! Almost.

I was just driving home and I noticed that so many people either already had, or were putting up their Christmas decorations. We haven't put up our cross and ribbons yet, but we were thinking that we should get it done before it snows. I've also been thinking about gifts! I don't buy any, I only make them. That's why I've started thinking about it already. I have three ideas so far that involve knitting. That makes three more ideas that I have left to come up with! This is definitely my favorite time of year. I love making things.

Confused

2008-11-29T12:02:00.000-06:00

I was just on Candid Creation by Bria. I was reading about Jupiter and it got me thinking about all of the things I'm really confused about.

For one, how does gravity work? They always teach you in school that all matter attracts matter. Whenever I ask why, though, they say they've never thought about it. I still think about it, though. I just can't wrap my mind around that concept and how matter attracts matter.

Another thing I don't understand( I was reminded of this one after reading Paris's blog Genesis 1:1) is how scientist can believe in the big bang. They all agree that matter can be neither created or destroyed. Then they come out and say there was matter floating around that caused the big bang. I've never been told where that matter came from, though. I also don't understand how people can believe that complicated life forms, such as cells, where created so intricately by accident. It makes you wonder how much people have thought through this aspect of it. If I didn't believe that god created the earth, then I would have so many more things that I was confused about:)

Before I stop my rambling, I have one more thing. How do brain cells cause you to think? I can't even discuss this because I also have no idea how the brain works. I wish that they would teach that in Freshman Biology.

Is anyone else confused?... Or not confused?

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T15:37:00.000-06:00

Hi, I'm back. I couldn't stay away for long! I thought the blog looked pretty boring with only one post. So, this week we have a four day weekend. All of my younger sisters had the whole week off. Pretty unfair if you ask me. Just the same, I really enjoyed Thanksgiving. We only had my Grandma over this year.

Some people seem to feel the need to stuff themselves. The only thing that you get out of that, though, is a really bad stomach ache. Anyway, this year I finally developed a taste for stuffing. I've always hated it until now, and I can't wait to have left overs!

Hey Everyone

2008-11-28T14:48:00.000-06:00

Hi, my name's Veronica Elise. I'm from a family of seven kids( I'm Lauren Anne's sister) and I've decided totry blogging. I'll try not to forget about it. Anyway, I love to read, play French Horn and Trumpet, and make things.