Lang Lang and his father playing "Horse"

This video is so amazing! The instrument the piano player's (Lang Lang) father is playing is called an "Er Hu". It is a one stringed instrument that is from China and is comparable to the violin. The main reason I like it was the "Er Hu". The way he can manipulate it so sound just like a horse's hoofbeats and whinny is incredible!

Review of The Candlestone by Bryan Davis

As Bonnie is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the date that she is adopted by the Foleys, the unthinkable happens. Her father shows up and tells her that her mother is alive! Bonnie follows her father, hoping to see her mother again. Her father tells her that her mother was sent into a candlestone (dragon's bane) and that her mother is trapped inside. Little does she know that an evil dragon slayer lurks very near by. Will she find her mother? Will she be able to evade her foes?

I love this book and recommend it to any fantasy lover! Bonnie's strength, courage, and faith is really inspiring. I love when Billy reads what she said about him in her journal. A reader will be crying or or the edge of their seats at the climaxes, on the floor laughing at the funny things said, and be inspired.

Eye of the Oracle by Bryan Davis

Meet Mara, a daughter of the earth. An underborn. Her evil mistress leads her to believe that she in a nobody, and freak of nature with her bright blue eyes and snowy white hair. She works to grow the other underborns who are a hybrid of man and plant that have been harvested for a sinister plot. She learns of Elohim, her mistress's enemy who is good and kind. Could He love a freak of nature like her? Join Mara on this adventure of love, trust, and faith.

Eye of the Oracle is the first book by Bryan Davis that I read. By the first chapter I was hooked! I compare it to a history book, but an exciting history of dragons from the time just before the flood to Dragons in our Midst. This is the first book in the Oracles of Fire series. This is one of my few special books. I have read and reread it many times and don't think I shall ever grow tired of rereading this wonderful masterpiece!

Review of DragonSpell by Donita K. Paul

DragonSpell by Donita K. Paul hooked me from the very beginning. I love Kale and all of the amazing characters! When Kale find a dragon egg and her masters turn her over to go to The Hall, where she is to be trained, her life is changed by Dar, a doneel, and Leetu, an emerlindian save her from a murderous band of grawligs (creepy trolls) she find that her course and life are changed. She learns that she has special powers, but is still afraid and wary of questing. Along with her comrades, she goes of to rescue a dragon egg from the evil Wizard Risto.

This is a book I highly recommend to readers of all ages! It has a great Christian message, with colorful creatures, and a wonderful quest.

Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis Review

Raising Dragons begins with Billy Bannister, your average teenager. He begins to notice that he has some strange capabilities. As soon as his true heritage is revealed, he is soon running away from dark knights. He learns about faith, courage, and friendship. On the way he meets Bonnie Silver, a girl who seems to be hiding something. Will they evade the people after them, hunting them for their traits? This book is amazing! As all of Mr. Davis's books do, this book is intriguing and puts a reader on the edge of their seat! They feel as if they are right with Billy and Bonnie on their adventure. It's a must have for all libraries and preteen to teen readers! Best of all, it's appropriate with a great Christian message.

I love love love this book! It's on my special shelf of books that I keep in tip-top shape. I love Billy's courage and Bonnie's peaceful soul. They are both great examples for me even though they are fictional.

This book is available at
www.bn.com
www.borders.com
www.mardel.com
or your local Christian bookstore.

Hilarious Anita Renfroe Videos

At my friend's house today we watched an Anita Refroe video. She has such humorous aspects on EVERYTHING! I was laughing so hard at her songs "Mom Song" and "Don't Breathe On Me" a humorous remodel of Faith Hill's song.

Here's the lyrics!

"The Mom Song"

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepyhead
Here's your clothes and your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now! Get up and make your bed
Are you hot? Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and gloves and your scarf and hat
Don't forget! You gotta feed the cat
Eat your breakfast, the experts tell us it's the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at 3 today
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so you must play
Don't shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside, don't play rough, will you just play fair?
Be polite, make a friend, don't forget to share
Work it out, wait your turn, never take a dare
Get along! Don't make me come down there
Clean your room, fold your clothes, put your stuff away
Make your bed, do it now, do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay?
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone! Get off the phone!
Don't sit so close, turn it down, no texting at the table
No more computer time tonight!
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up
Where are you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You'll appreciate my wisdom someday when you're older and you're grown
Can't wait till you have a couple little children of your own
You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now I thank you not to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew, would appreciate
Take a bite maybe two of the stuff you hate
Use your fork, do not burp or I'll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, get the door, don't get smart with me
Get a grip, get in here, I'll count to three
Get a job, get a life, get a PHD
Get a dose of,
"I don't care who started it!
You're grounded until you're 36"
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once, for heaven's sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff would you jump, too?
If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before
That you're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straighter when you walk
A place for everything and everything must be in place
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth, wash your face, put your PJs on
Get in bed, get a hug, say a prayer with mom
Don't forget, I love you
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends
You don't need the reason why
Because, because, because, because
I said so, I said so, I said so, I said so
I'm the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom!!
Ta da!!!

My favorite line is "Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up" xD

Another, "Don't Breathe" It's not good as the one I saw, but it's still humorous!

A Song by Me and Other Oddities!

I have been writing a LOT lately including stories and songs. Here's one I wrote.

Through it All

My God is with me in the good or bad
He is there when I'm mad or sad
When I'm crying, He's there to lift me up
Through it all, through it all, God won't let me fall.

Chorus:
Through it all, my God is with me!
Through it all, His mercies I see
Through it all, I won't fear anything
Through it all, through it all, He'll never let me fall!

When I fight temptation He is there to guide me,
When I'm weak and weary, Oh, Jesus is my strength!
When I stray from righteousness, my Shepherd will direct me
Through it all, Oh through it all! (Chorus)

I will not fear anything that comes my way,
Because he's with me all every step I take
My Comfort, my Father, the One True God!
(Chorus)

Through it all my God will never leave me.
Yes, and through it all I know I am not small
Though just one in a crowd, He knows my name!
Every hair on my head,
Every thought I think,
And every word I say!
Through it all, through it all
My God won't let me fall.

So it's my first song and not exactly the best :/ Just thought I'd be crazy/random and post it! :D

So my friend Bookworm4God (link to her blog on my "People to See, Places to Go" list but ya'll probably know her since she's so popular) is going to Honduras for two weeks. She's leaving on Monday, August 7, 2008. (Yes, Bookiella, I am blogging on how much I miss you already)
If you read this before you go, ME MISSES YOU! :hug: ;) She's going to bring back cool picatures!

Anyway, time for my Sunday School funnies! For all who don't know, I volunteer every Sunday at a3&4 year olds class.

~One girl was playing "house" and she was the mother. The little girl who, oddly enough, was being the little girl was sick. So the mom said, "We need to go to the hostible!"

~One boy came over to the girls playing house and he was watching them.
"Wanna play?" a girl asked.
"Okay" replied he.
"You can be the grandma!" She said. The girls laughed because they understood the joke.
The poor little guy didn't get it so he just stood there and laughed along with the girls, "You are so funny!"

Anyway, that's what's been happening so far! :D

*wheeze* I can't take another step!

Hi ya'll! I thought it was time to break from the heavy stuff :D

I've been running a mile almost every day recently to get more endurance and speed. It was for a goal oriented running program on the Dragons in our Midst forum. Anyone wanna run with me?
So far, my best time for a mile is nine minutes and twenty-two seconds. My best time for a half mile is four minutes and forty-two seconds, but I went over .1 mile.
I'm usually out of breath at the end of my mile and I look like someone dumped water on me, but ts worth it.

Running made me feel much fresher. I am more awake and active, and I wake up earlier for my exercises.

Should Women Cover Their Heads During Church? Part Two

For these certain verses, I believe that this is a specific instruction, not a general rule.
For specific instruction, there is always an application to learn. I only see this command to use coverings, once, in a letter by Paul to the Corinthians...but take "Love thy neighbor" It is repeated several times.

Take, "Greet each other with a holy kiss." Did Paul mean that we were to actually greet each other with a holy kiss? I believe it means that we are to greet each other lovingly and respectful. In America, we shake hands or hug. In India, there is no physical contact allowed to the opposite sex during church so they just greet each other verbally.

I believe that it applies here. The applications to be taken out of this is to be
1. Distinction between women/men
2. Spiritual subordination
3. Expression of distinction between men and women.

Should Women Cover Their Heads During Church?

One, I know I shall contradict several people here, but I shall do so in love. I have respected your opinions and I ask that you do so to mine. Two, you may correct me if I am wrong in any way, but I shall always check the Bible first, having the Borean spirit in mind.

My family did a Bible study on this recently. We discussed what it meant and why.

First, let us look at it's context. These verses are in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter eleven, verses one through six. Paul wrote this as a letter to the Corinthian church, a church that was perverse and needed to be gently corrected. Many of these things said in this book apply to us and many lessons are to be learned.

Background:
Remember Abraham? His first son by Sarah, named Isaac, was precious to the aging father. However, God asked him to sacrifice his son to show his commitment and devotion to the one true Father. Of course, you know what happened. When he was about to kill his son, an angel stopped him and Abraham was provided with another sacrifice. Does that mean that we should all kill our firstborn sons? No. This was there for a lesson to be learned, to trust God always.

What about "Trust in the Lord always?" Was that for just Solomon or all of us? The answer is, all of us.

Keep in mind, these two examples are in the Old Testament. That's shouldn't be any different. The Old Testament and New Testament do not differ in importance. Though the Old Testament was written before Christ's first coming, that doesn't mean that it's to be regarded any less or any more. Is the New Testament not waiting for the LORD's second return?

Back to the Corinthians. The women were commanded to wear their headdresses during church service because it was the custom of the times. Have you seen the Bible movies? All of the people wore head coverings. The Muslims wear head coverings because back in the times everyone wore head coverings. Men, women, young, old, and from every part of the world. Even in American times, women wore head coverings. (Hats or bonnets) It was the culture.

Then the women of Corinth were not obeying their culture at the time. The women were feminists. Comparable to the feminists we have today. They believed that men and women were equal. They spoke out in church and prophesied. Not only that, but they took of their veils. They wore them, but during church meetings, the women removed them. That was disrespectful to the culture, the men, and to God. Was this spiritual or physical? The women's attitude mattered. They did not want to be submissive to men and God. That was the problem.

Now, think about today. Do we wear headdresses in church generally? No. God gave us our long hair as natural coverings. You may think that the hair as covering did not apply to the veils, but it does. If it did not, why would Paul include it in the chapter? Imagine a church service in you average church. How many people would have hats or head coverings? Very few. Now imagine a person sitting amidst the crowd in a head covering. Would it catch your attention? Would you notice that covered head? Now, think of that head as your head. You would attract attention! If there was a new beleiver in Christ sitting there, your covering would indeed be a distraction. Your headdress would keep them from listening to the preaching. They would look at you. Even if it was not for the whole time, they would be distracted by you. Just like an infant crying, someone coughing persistently, or a phone ringing, a head covering would do the same.

Allow me guide you into an Indian church that I attended for a while. The whole place is different. You see a colorful smorgasboard of head covering on one side, and on the other you see men. The women and men are separated and the women wear scarves for the service. Out of respect for their culture, you head towards the men side or women's, depending on your gender. If you are a girl, you take off the scarf that is wrapped gracefully around your neck. You put it on your head and slide into a seat.

For this situation, you put on your scarf and respect the culture. You do not want to be a hindrance to your fellow Christians.

My late grandfather taught at a Brahman school before he retired. Brahmans are strict Hindus who do not eat meat. Brahmans are high class Indian Hindus who are vegan. My grandfather, who was a devout Christian, never ate meat from then on. He was putting 1 Corinthians 8:13 into practice. "Therefore if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." My grandfather wanted to be a testimony and not have his eating of meat hamper the Brahmans opinion of him, and more importantly of God.

Lastly, ask yourselves these questions whether for head coverings or any situation:
Will it be glorifying to God?
Are we doing it out of love for God then man?
Would Paul approve, and more importantly would God approve?

Beautiful Cover for The Bones of Makaidos!

Here is the NEW cover of The Bones of Makaidos, the fourth book and final book from the Oracles of Fire series by Bryan Davis! The book has yet to be written and released, but once I saw this picature I knew I had to post it! In my opinion, it's the best yet!

Here I quote from Mr. Davis:

"That's Sapphira Adi on the left and Bonnie Silver on the right. Those of you who have read Enoch's Ghost and Last of the Nephilim already know who the white horse is.

This book will likely come out in April or May of 2009 and will complete the series."

I cannot wait wait for the end of this series! It will be beautiful to see this wonderful saga come to a close, but it shall be bittersweet to see it end!

Poll Results and More Random Things

Okay, so the poll has o-ficially closed. The winner was other. Luckily, Skillet got second place. With Toby Mac and "Ew! I don't listen to rock!" in third. Even though I was hoping Toby mac would win, I'll take that :). I'll think of another poll for your polling enjoyment.

Anyway, not much has been going on. We start school on the 11th of the wonderful month of August. Violin has been going well. I have officially learned 3 Christian songs (2 hymns and 1 contemporary) Tae Kwon Do is as crazy as it's ever been with new victims (er, students) coming in every month. It's totally radical being a black belt! I have more complex things to learn and I am more focused on my forms and stuff!

I haven't found any good books lately? Care to post your favorites?

So yeah, that's what has been going on!

I Survived a Japanese Game Show: A lesson to be learned

Okay. Here is my review for the new reality show on ABC that airs every Tuesday. It is from a Christian standpoint. I guess you could say it is my version of Plugged In. :D

Here is the given description:

"I Survived A Japanese Game Show has begun shooting in Japan and will premiere TUESDAY, JUNE 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) on ABC. This unscripted reality/game show takes an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at 10 Americans - many of whom have never traveled outside the United States -- who are whisked away to Japan and compete in the ultimate Japanese game show...with hilarious results. The final winner will take home $250,000.

Guiding the American players through their stay in Japan will be Host/Interpreter Tony Sano (Spring Break in Japan, Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight), an American actor who is fluent in Japanese; a house mother and resident pot stirrer, Mamasan; and the witty Game Show Host Rome Kanda (Pink Panther, Saturday Night Live), who leads the contestants through all of the zany challenges.

The executive producers are Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (A. Smith & Co., Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen), David Sidebotham, Karsten Bartholin and Tim Crescenti, from a concept by Babyfoot APS Denmark."
__________________________________________________________________

This show was great the first two episodes or so! Very funny, with hilarious shows and wacky challenges. If you want a great watch to lighten up your day, watch those two episodes. The contestants were told that they were going to be on a reality show. Little did they know they would be going to Japan and being in a Japanese game show. (Yeah, those insane ones that make people look silly) They are divided into two teams, the green monkeys and yellow penguins. They participate for the strangest challenges on "Madjide" hosted by a wacky host and "Judge Bob". Their goal and final prize? 250,000 dollars and a right to say "I survived a Japanese game show".

Cons: Unfortunately, from there it just goes downhill. On one or two of the episodes, contestants wear immodest clothing. They even strut in it, which was most disgusting. Though seeing grown men and women in diapers, bibs, and bonnets, is mildly funny, they could have worn a tank top over it or something. And the back stabbing, the rudeness, and one appearance of a contestant standing in front of everyone with just a towel on (though nothing is shown) isn't very nice. At all. the host makes some comments that make the contestants look stupid (They don't even know what he's saying since it's in Japanese) and he makes some comments about the women that I squirmed about. Contestants manipulate the other teams or their own teammates on the elimination rounds to get rid of the best players to be the final contestant and get the money. One contestant makes a friendship with another, but secretly plots to get rid of her. For the money.

Pros: One lady is a shining light in the midst of all of this. She has sadly been eliminated because she honored a pact she made. The episode before she gets eliminated, one girl says that if she wins an elimination round, she will be immune the next. The two other teammates agreed. Only one honored the immunity pact. You get to see some of Japan. Sort of educational. If you ignore the behind the scenes stuff and some of the host's remarks, and just see the challenges, I'm sure it it will be very enjoyable!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It strikes me to see what these random people will do for worldly things. Man is like that without God. Without reason. They are just searching for a meaning to their life. Some will reveal their true colors. Some will stay true to morality, some will toss it out to get what they want. Money is worthless, like chaff compared to God's eternal salvation and Heaven. I guess there is a lesson to be learned. Stock up your treasures in Heaven! In the end, it doesn't matter about the lastest iPhone or the coolest car. Will you have them standing before God? They will rust away and be no more, even with insurance. What matters is what you will have in Heaven. Will you be with integrity? Or with malice? Will you be pure? Or will you be ashamed of your guilty stains? Will you delight in meeting you Heavenly Father? Or will you tremble fearfully in his presence, knowing you are condemned to die?

Are you a Jesus freak?

I was listening to this song by DCtalk called "Jesus Freak" It has a great message and one day I was watching a show about Toby Mac and how he progressed from DCtalk to the popular singer he is today. Jesus Freak has an interesting story behind it. At the time, the media wanted them to tone down their Christian message. In response, they wrote "Jesus Freak"

DC Talk - Jesus Freak
From the album Jesus Freak

[What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak?
What will people do
When they find that's it's true?]

Separated, I cut myself clean
From a past that comes back in my darkest of dreams
Been apprehended by a spiritual force
And a grace that replaced all the me I've divorced

I saw a man with tat on his big fat belly
It wiggled around like marmalade jelly
It took me a while to catch what it said
Cause I had to match the rhythm
Of his belly with my head
'Jesus Saves' is what it raved in a typical tattoo green
He stood on a box in the middle of the city
And claimed he had a dream

(chorus)
What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no disguising the truth

Kamikaze, my death is gain
I've been marked by my Maker
A peculiar display
The high and lofty, they see me as weak
Cause I won't live and die for the power they seek

There was a man from the desert with naps in his head
The sand that he walked was also his bed
The words that he spoke made the people assume
There wasn't too much left in the upper room
With scabss on his back and hair on his face
They thought he was strange by the locusts he ate
The Pharisees tripped when they heard him speak
Until the king took the head of this Jesus freak

(repeat chorus 2x)

People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger

(repeat chorus 2x)

What will people think
[What will people think]
What will people do
[What will people do]
I don't really care
[What else can I say]
There ain't no disguising the truth
[Jesus is the way]

Are you a Jesus freak? Would you be willing to die for the sake of the Gospel? I was listening to this song on my MP3 player along with "I Would Die for You" by MercyMe. It was written in honor of a missionary teen who died of sickness when he was being a missionary.

"I Would Die For You"

And I know that I can find You here
'Cause You promised me You'll always be there
Times like these, it's hard to see
But somehow I have a peace, You're near
And I pray that You will use my life
In whatever way Your name is glorified
Even if surrendering
Means leaving everything behind

My life has never been this clear
Now I know the reason why I'm here
You never know why You're alive
Until you know what you would die for
I would die for You

And I know I don't have much to give
But I promise You I will give You all there is
Can I possibly do less
When through Your own death I live?

No greater love is found
Than of those who lay their own lives down
As sure as I live and breathe
Now I know what it means to be free

The music, along with the lyrics is really powerful. I cried when I heard it first. (Yes, me , I did. Yes, I know it's surprising) I've been thinking about it a lot, especially about being a missionary when I get older. Would I be ready to give up my life? Am I worthy enough to be a missionary and die for His sake?