Pumpkin Patch

When you visit a pumpkin patch, you usually think about pumpkins...

(Well, duh, Prism)

What about gourds? White pumpkins? Pumpkins that look like they have a bad case of zits?

That's what I saw on my recent trip there. A group of gals from my youth group got together to paint pumpkins. Today, I'll post some picatures (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose :D) of a white pumpkin that I painted. It may not be a pumpkin, I think I heard it was a hybrid between a gourd and a pumpkin, but I don't really know. A future post will feature a very interesting gourd. (No, not someone from Veggietales...)

BTW, this was what I planned to post on Friday for RF... Hope it works!












Of course a horse is going to be on my pumpkin... *grins*













Hmm..... A horse, teddy bear, balloons, a pumpkin, and a smiley face. Can you guess what my theme was?













Tada! =-D

God Bless,

Randomness Friday!

*The Formalities*

Welcome to Randomness Friday! This recently-made official blog carnival was started by me, and it went on for a while before I decided to make it something everyone can do. If you'd like to see what all of the happenings are about go to this post.

*The Participants*

The following have posted and are doing/going to do RF:

1. Isirian
2. Just a Girl 4 God
3. Libby
4. Eruanna
5. Maggie
6. Emii
7. anna :)

Several others have expressed interest in RF. Just remember I can't add you to the list until you've posted! And if I've missed anyone, please let me know!
~*~

Please Welcome to AGoMC...

B.L.
LaSara
Elránia Undómiel

Thank you so much for reading, you awesome people! :)

~*~

*sigh* I had a perfect post planned out, but it didn't work. Connection problems or something. I'll try to show you next week, I hope!
~*~

No horse riding this WHOLE month. I'm sad. Very, very sad.
~*~
Yesterday in Tae Kwon Do we practiced falls and rolls. It was super-fun, and I totally had a blast, but my back and neck are killing me! Has anyone else ever been so sore?

~*~

It's FRIDAY people! Party!!! I am so, so, so, so happy the weekend is coming. After a long week, nothing helps like a break.

~*~

Okay, everyone knows Halloween in Saturday. I'm not going into what I believe about the occasion or anything. What I'd like to ask is... Anyone getting dressed up?

I'm technically too old, so I won't be doing it this year. Something may come up though. I mean, our church usually has this fun fall festival with a walk-through Bible and inflatables and stuff, but construction is going on so we aren't this year. Sadness!

~*~

Sorry this post isn't the longest I've ever done. I'm just so frustrated with technology!

But then, again, it rocks...

God Bless,

The Parents

Welcome to a new series of posts about relationships! Siblings, Boys, Girls, Teachers, Friends, and Parents, ect. I’ll try to cover them as best I can.

Parents… They can be teen’s best friend or (it may seem) worst enemy. But what we forget is that they really are on our side. Now, there are exceptions, but from what I’ve heard about from many you and your parents, you have a family with a mom and a dad who are strong Christians.

Personally, I have a good relationship with my parents. They trust me, and I generally have a lot of freedom. We have our arguments here are there, but I seriously think I had my teenage years from years 7-11. I was a major brat, if you can believe it. It’s so amazing how much our relationship has improved.
Our relationship improved mainly because I realized that:

1. My parents want the best for me
2. They have been assigned to be over me by God
3. They sacrifice a LOT
4. They are their own person. Who am I to try to control them?

Elaborating 1: Ever think of something you really wanted to do, but never got to do it? For me it’s ice skating, horse riding at an early age, learning the drums or guitar, ect.
Ever catch yourself saying, “Dude, when I grow up, my kids are so gonna (fill in the blank)!”
Well, that’s what a lot of parents think. My parents didn’t get into music, but really wanted to. Therefore, my sister and I are very art-based. She does clay and piano. I do some violin and piano. We both love drawing.
Thanks to my parents, who postponed (by three years, I believe) buying a new car to get us a grand piano and paid big bucks to get us violins. They are Artista’s biggest fans sculpture-wise, and are totally honest with her to make her the best.
My parents rock, and I hope this post opens you eyes to see that your parents do too! I’m sure many of you have similar situations like mine.
Rules can be icky at times. But I’ve realized (not through experience) that teens can get dangerous without boundaries.
Can you list some instances where your parents have worked to get you to your best potential?

Elaborating 2: Of course my parents are my authority, but I see them more as allies now. Friends. Awesome, godly people who I admire and look up to. I don’t always get them, I don’t always like what they say, but when I look at what they have done for me, I have to obey. Yes, it’s hard. My advice? Pray about it!  Can you remember what they’ve done for you when you forget point two?

Elaborating 3: This is sort of an extension of point one. How many of your parents have sacrificed their time/ money/ effort for you? My dad rocks. He helps me out in math when I don’t get what the teacher taught. He sacrifices relaxing time to help out his thick-skulled daughter get numbers into her head. He goes out of his way to take me when I go horse riding. It was hard getting them to agree due to my wild ride a little more than a year ago, but my parents loved me enough to give me one of my many dreams. My mother cooks, she cleans the house, and she gives me advice on how my clothes look or how I can improve in my work. She really sacrifices herself so her daughters can have the best future possible.
What about your parents? Can you list some thing they do for you?

Elaborating 4: Ah, ‘tis the biggie, no? Teens can get SO embarrassed when it comes to parents acting- shall I dare say it- “uncool”. This is the one I struggled with the most when I was 7-11.
Ever say/scream these things?
“Mo-om!”
“Dad, don’t you dare!’
“You’re embarrassing me!”
“AUUUUUUGHHHHH!”
Don’t try to control your parents. Remember, you’re the kid. Your parents are individuals, they are not you. If your people think you’re weird because of your parents? You probably shouldn’t be hanging with them.

Parents are the best friends because they are completely honest. They will tell you if you look dorky, your project isn’t as good as it could be, the people you hang out with shouldn’t be your friends, ect. We really should learn to appreciate them more.

Now this might be a miscellaneous topic, but it’s sort of relevant. I’ve noticed that a lot of people call their parents by their first name.
It just seems so flippant, so disrespectful! What’s wrong with “Mom” and “Dad”? Even “Mommy” or “Daddy”. I call my dad “Daddy”, and that comes a lot from the fact that I’ve been doing it from when I could first talk and it’s somewhat of an Indian thing. I believe that calling your parents by their titles is the way to go. Any of ya’ll have any ideas?

Several of my close friends have parents that left them/ died/ divorced. Don’t think it’s your fault. You won’t believe how many teens have ruined themselves thinking that their parents’ problems are their problems, or that they are the cause for everything bad in their parents’ relationships. Never think that. God does things for purposes. Perhaps we don’t understand them, but God is God. Perhaps we will be stronger, or will be able to reach out.

You may have just a mom or just a dad. Do your best to uphold your parents, but remember, they are the parents. Your job is being the child. Your job is to honor your parents and obey them whether you want to or not.

Now the question is what if my parents aren’t Christian?

Wow, I don’t know how that feels, but I have friends who are going through that. My advice? Be a testimony. Your parent(s) should see that you are a new creation, a new person, a child of God. Yes, you should honor them at all times. Obeying? Yes, the same rules apply, but remember, God is first in your life. If whatever your parent says contradicts Scripture, you are not obligated to obey them. But be sure! Your parents are the authority God has put over you. It does not contradict Scripture to clean your room, go pick up something, take out the trash, ect. The Holy Spirit will let you know if something isn’t right.

Are you adopted?

Your adopted parents ARE your parents. Your siblings ARE your family. Never doubt that you are of no worth. God placed you into a family. Your family chose you. Your family loves you. Never EVER doubt that.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta go give my mom a hug.

God Bless,

P.S. Thank you SO much for all of the comments! You rock!

Dude. Where'd She GO?

*cough* Ahem.

You may (or may not :D) be wondering why I didn't post on Friday...

1. Computer troubles. Okay, my computer's security system fizzled. No viruses or anything, but it expired. I just hate that, don't you? Anyway, I had to wait for my amazing dad to straighten things out. It didn't happen until, like, an hour ago. Anyway, it's GREAT to be back! (And thanks for the comment, Emmi!) I LOVE comments, even "Dude, the sky is blue. Can you BELIEVE it?" or "We just bought pigs." or even "Hey, can you post a little more often?"

2. EXHAUSTION! October has been the CRAZIEST month in the history of my life. Four enormous tests, a piano competition, volunteering for two big local events, and other craziness. Was I stressed this past week! We had to drive an hour to get to my piano competition yesterday, and after it was done, I got ice cream all over my jeans! Gross! And on top of that, the flavor I got wasn't appealing to me! Hel-lo! There was coconut in my chocolate ice cream, and it got stuck everywhere in my mouth! My throat felt so sore afterward. There was also nuts of ALL kINDS. Not my thing.

Anyways, I'm glad I'm back and I hope to post more this week!

God Bless,

Quotes!

I was looking through some quotes in a book my family owns called America's God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations by William J.
Federer, and I thought I might share three quotes. Many of our great heroes were strong Christians, and their quotes are so cool!

I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.
-Booker T. Washington
~Prism's~ Note: Wow. We all, myself especially, could learn a lot from this quote.

There are no atheists in foxholes
- William Thomas Cummings
~Prism's Note: I've heard this quote several times this past week, so there was an "Aha!" moment when I saw this quote's owner. It's so true.
Many times people try twisting Scripture by saying that those who follow a different religion or maybe have never heard the Gospel will still go to Heaven,
but that is not the case. Jesus Christ is the only way, and those who believe otherwise cannot escape. That's why we as Christians must share the Gospel with others.
Atheists cannot escape God's just judgment.

The Bible was written for men with a head upon their shoulders.
-Martin Luther
~Prism's~ Note: Martin Luther is one of my heroes. Not only did he write my favorite hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", but he bravely fought to get the true Scripture
out there. The Bible is really for everyone- it isn't just for the people back then who could read and speak Latin, which was a minority.

God Bless,

Randomness Friday: Winners!

Congratulations Libby!

I know how contests can be sometimes- but I want to assure everyone who entered this contest- you are all winners in my book! I loved each and every design you submitted and I am so thankful you took the time to do this for me and RF! You gals rock!

~*~

*The Formalities*

Welcome to Randomness Friday! This recently-made official blog carnival was started by me, and it went on for a while before I decided to make it something everyone can do. If you'd like to see what all of the happenings are about go to this post.

*The Participants*

The following have posted and are doing/going to do RF:

1. Isirian
2. Just a Girl 4 God
3. Libby
4. Eruanna
5. Maggie
6. Emii
7. anna :)

Several others have expressed interest in RF. Just remember I can't add you to the list until you've posted! And if I've missed anyone, please let me know!
~*~

Please welcome to GoMC... tinydancer

daniellapeter

and

Le Promeneur!

I hope I got all of the new followers- I've missed posting them for the last two weeks, so I'm not sure. Anyways, please give these fine followers a warm welcome!

~*~

I LOVE the fact that it's fall break.

Reasons Why:

1. FALL! I love fall. The trees start revealing their fall fashions, and I just love raking up the leaves.

2. BREAK! I really needed this. Life can get so hectic sometimes, and it's just good to stop and smell the roses, er- fall leaves once in a while, right?

~*~

Okay, so I've said before, my littlest sister (who I've affectionately dubbed, Lil' Sis, on GoMC. I know, right? I am so creative) loves watching Dora the Explorer. What little girl doesn't. Anyways, when I'm babysitting her or something we always watch it together, and since I've been amping up my knowledge of Spanish lately, I realized that I understood a lot (I'm a just a beginner. Yes, I know that's not much to be proud of...)

And I was wondering about Dora's name. I remembered that in Spanish, the word for "explorer" is "explorador". Now, explorador is masculine, and if it was to be made into a feminine noun, you'd add an "a" making it "exploradora". Then, I realized that's what was in the theme song... My discovery suddenly seemed very insignificant.

Oh, my gosh, Prism, you are soooooo observant *rolls eyes*

~*~

Okay, shoot me now, but I haven't ridden a horse ALL MONTH! I feel so, very sad.

~*~

I've been reading some books lately, and I'm LUVIN' it! :)

Right now I'm reading The Door Within by Wayne Thomas Batson, and I hope to do a review of that soon.

I'm also reading Better. It's for school, but it's basically by a surgeon about what he does, proper procedure, ect. It's interesting, that's for sure.

I'm going to get Green by Ted Dekker on Saturday also from my local library. I've read a lot of the books in the Circle (I read the lost books and black, red, and white.) But I am so excited to see everything tie in. Remember from some previous reviews that I had some problems here and there with the books, but you know I like them since I want to read Book Zero.

~*~
God Bless,

Beautiful Ending by BarlowGirl

Lyrics:

Oh tragedy has taken so many
Love lost cause they all forgot who You were
And it scares me to think that
I would choose my life over You

Oh my selfish heart divides me from You, it tears us apart
So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful, so beautiful?

Oh how do I let myself let go
Of hands that painted the stars and hold tears that fall?
And the pride of my heart makes me forget it's not me but you
Who makes the heart beat

I'm lost without you and you're dying for me
So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful, so beautiful?

Will my life
Find me by Your side?
Your love is beautiful, so beautiful
At the end of it all I want to be in Your arms

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful, so beautiful?
Will my life
Find me by Your side?
Your love is beautiful, so beautiful

Music Discovery

I just love finding new, awesome music, don't you? Just something about a song really reaches out to you.

Well, I've gotten quite a few lately, and I thought I'd share some. Some are newly released, some are from new artists, and some are just songs I randomly discovered. I wish I could share samples of the music, but alas, I cannot for the majority of them. I'll post a BarlowGirl music video in my next post, though!


BarlowGirl "Beautiful Ending"- A beautiful song. The reason I love this song so much, is that it can lead to SO much inpiration when writing. I'll try to post the music vid. in my next post






Fee "Arms That Hold the Universe"- I love this song. It's like a soothing lullaby. The lyrics are powerful also.







Matt Maher- "Alive Again"- Wow. Okay, this song is my #1 at the moment. The lyrics are powerful, and the chorus is SOOOOO awesome. I feel like the whole song is soaring.






Stephanie Smith- "Not Afraid" Talk about a song to get you into the zone! =D
I love listening to this song before Tae Kwon Do.

Chynna and Vaughan- "One Reason" This song really reminds me of something Point of Grace would do. Now, this is just my opinion. I usually don't like songs like this, but I just LOVED this track. It sort of has a very slight country music feel to it, also. That probably also swayed it in favor with me. Oh, and I LOVE the harmonizing.





TobyMac- "City on Our Knees" Okay, EEK! Most of you know that Tobymac is my favorite artist of ALL time, so you can tell he's going to be on the list. With a CD coming pretty soon, a new track to fill in the time is GREAT for the fans. I was a teensy bit surprised, though. This song made his voice sound so different! I didn't even know it was his song until I researched. I was trying to come up with how it was different with my friends, and all me could come up with was "more mature", "honey-ish" ( you know, smooth and all like molasses? Isn't that the saying?), and "soothing". Not always the type of song I like, but this is definitely a great exception.

Britt Nicole- "The Lost Get Found" This song just rocks. I love the beats, the lyrics, and her voice.






Third Day- "Born Again" This is a COOL song. Fireflight's lead singer "guest stars" on this song. The harmony is phenomenal.






God Bless,

Awesome Contest!

Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper have created the ultimate contest! It is in honor of their new book, Curse of the Spider King, in an amazing new series. Two awesome authors, an amazing book, and a contest to earn a party, books, and/or even get your name published in one of their books! What could be cooler than that?

www.heedtheprophecies.com

I am a member of the Nightwing tribe, headed by Jacob Parker from the Yodeling Dwarf! Be sure to contact him if you are interesting in joining the tribe!

God Bless,

Randomness Friday: Doldrums....

Okay, I'm not in a rut or anything like that, actually, quite the opposite. I'm so sorry, but I cannot write a full post today. I got home from school, and had homework, homework, homework.

Anyway, the contest will continue to next Friday. So the poll is still open! Winner will be announced the next RF.

God Bless,

Isle of Fire Review

It only gets better than the last book, Isle of Swords.

Wayne Thomas Batson’s Christian adventure/fantasy book, Isle of Fire, picks up where its predecessor left off in a way that will inspire and amaze readers.

Cat, who lost his memory in the last book, is slowly regaining memories- memories that could haunt him for the rest of his life and change his life forever.

Anne Ross, the spunky, courageous, and redheaded daughter of Declan Ross, grows in her faith in God and also has her dreams come true in the most unlikely way.

Declan and Commodore Brandon Blake embark on an adventure (separated for the majority of the book) that will tie up loose ends and inspire all.

Let’s not forget Hopper. A quick-thinking, resourceful young man who captures the hearts of readers.

And finally, Bartholomew Thorne and a new villain, the Merchant. Thorne is dead, or is he? The reader also finds out how dangerous the Merchant really is as the story builds up to a huge battle that will determine all.

With a beautiful beginning, great building up of the story with the development of many characters, and the epic climax involving fire rain, I highly recommend this book.

Now one small problem I had with this book was a flurry of action. It was a little bit hard to follow here and there, and I felt that at times it was very fast-paced, perhaps too much so. The settings and point-of-views varied quite a bit, but it wasn’t too much a big deal. I just had to go back a reread now and then to let what I was reading soak in.

A friend commented that she didn’t like all of the constant battles in this story, but in my opinion, the battles are what make this story shine. She was also thrown off by the cover, with the skull and axes. I replied that the cover builds intrigue and mystery, so that the reader will want to delve into the pages and find out why the air seems to be alive with fire, why the city in the background is burning, what’s with the raven on the cover, ect. So, these are just two comments I got, and my responses.

If any of you have any comments to share, about what you thought about the book, if you want to read it, what you think about the cover, ect. Feel free to comment!

God Bless,

Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson Review

I picked up this book skeptical of pirate books that claimed to be Christian, but I was proved wrong. Captain Jack Ross his crew, and his feisty daughter, Anne, are thrown into an adventure and quest to acquire a wonderful treasure hidden by monks. With shipwrecks, an evil pirate, adventures on the high seas, and a great Christian message, this book is a great read for fiction lovers. I loved this book with it's characters full of personalities and the adventures of pirates. It weaves the story in a way that keeps you turning the pages.\

Anne Ross is one of my few very favorite female characters. I love her spirit, courage, and strength. And what's ever better is that the story only gets better in book two. Review to come soon!

God Bless,

Tagged!

I have been tagged by Isirian, who created this tag! =D

Where do you want to live when you graduate?
Somewhere rural, but not too rural. Rural enough that I can have horses and ride on my property, but still go to big events, like writing expos or booksignings.... *laughs* I'm big on books and horses. Who knows if it'll happen, but, hey, we can all have our dreams.

What time of the day do you like best?
Night. I just love it when its dark.

What is you favorite flower? if you're a boy you don't have to answer...
Roses

What is your favorite weapon?
My fists... *laughs*
Really, I'd have to say a longbow or crossbow. Something's so magical about them.

Do you like sports? If so which is your favorite?
Oh, yeah! I love watching football, but I like doing all sports. I participate in Tae Kwon Do, though.

Do you like writing?
Totally!

What is your favorite month?
December. That month is just so cozy.

Do you not like adventure?
Wha-? I L-O-V-E adventure!

Do you collect anything? What do you collect?
I used to collect stickers and bouncy balls.
I still like getting cool stickers now and then

Do you live near your grandparents?
*Laughs* They are on the other side of the world!

Are you bored of this?
Not really. I love questions/interviews/ect.

Well it's over how did you like it?
Loved it! =D

I tag anyone who owns a horse (or dreams of owning one)

God Bless,

There's Always Hope

This is a picture I drew a week ago, to cheer myself up. It was a hectic time, and a really discouraging time.

Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that there's always that light at the end of the tunnel, huh?

I know my proportions are off, and my drawings are missing hands, but doodling just always seems to get me feel happier. So does playing with my dog, joking around with my mom, and quiet time with God.

What about you? Do you have any habits that help you see that there's hope?

*hums Third Day's "Tunnel" *







God Bless,

Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet

I've learned quite a bit about Monet's artwork recently school, and I just wanted to share this picture with you. Isn't it so pretty? I just want to be on that colorful field and see what the woman looks like. It just seems so peaceful, light, and definitely beautiful!

God Bless,

Randomness Friday: Decision Time!

Welcome to the day where all entries in my official RF banner contest will be chosen! The winner will get her banner named the official RF banner, and I will give her credit by linking back to her in every post I do.

Btw, ya'll don't need to feel sad if you don't win. None of you will be losers. I am going to put all submitted RF banners into my sidebar and give credit to you amazing people when the winner is decided.

Any questions, any comments, feel free to voice!

~*~

*The Formalities*

Welcome to Randomness Friday! This recently-made official blog carnival was started by me, and it went on for a while before I decided to make it something everyone can do. If you'd like to see what all of the happenings are about go to this post.

*The Participants*

The following have posted and are doing/going to do RF:

1. Isirian
2. Just a Girl 4 God
3. Libby
4. Eruanna
5. Maggie
6. Emii

Several others have expressed interest in RF. Just remember I can't add you to the list until you've posted! And if I've missed anyone, please let me know!
~*~

Bring on the banners! In no particular order:

This super-cool banner was made by none other than the amazing Eruanna! BANNER 1















BANNER 2
This amazing banner was made by none other than Emii. Doesn't it just rock?








a href="http://justarandompublicblog.blogspot.com/">
BANNER 3
This wonderful banner was created by Libby.









BANNER 4
This amazingly creative banner was made by Isirian!






I think I got everyone. If I missed you, let me know right away!!!

God Bless,

Stars...

Stars
by Sarah Teasdale

Alone in the night
On a dark hill
With pines around me
Spicy and still,

And a heaven full of stars
Over my head,
White and topaz
And misty red;

Myriads with beating
Hearts of fire
That aeons
Cannot vex or tire;

Up the dome of heaven
Like a great hill,
I watch them marching
Stately and still.

And I know that I
Am honored to be
Witness
Of so much majesty.

God Bless,