I still have 100's of words left to write (actually, that number should be more like 1,000's or 10,000's!!! :D), but I've written the word-count I needed for NaNoWriMo, and beyond that I'm on my own. :D But I really want to finish it! The best is yet to come. I'd say that I've written about 1/2-3/4 of what I've plotted--but who knows if it's exactly 1/2 or 3/4 of the whole book? It might end up being 1/4! (though I REALLY doubt it!)
Anyway, I'm VERY excited and looking forward to what the LORD has in plan for me next...'cause I'd never have made it this far without Him!!!
> > I never, ever dreamed (even in my wildest dreams) that I would write so much in such little time. God is good! < <
Though that name is subject to change....
And next year? I might just want to do it again....as the Lord wills, of course! :D
Yup, I've almost finished my NaNoWriMo word-count!
I'm at 26,158 words right now--just 3,842 words left. I can hardly wait until I get those last few done! The problem is: I'm only about 1/2 (3/4 at the most) of the way through the story! :-\ Though, I guess it isn't bad. I wonder how many words it will end up being???
Yesterday, I wrote 2,638 words--highest ever in a day as far as I know--in 2 1/2 hours.
Now I need to write more...I wonder what the word-count will be by the end of the day?
Time has gone SO fast! How could it already be day 19?!
Okay, in terms of CWP (Cumulative Word Count), I'm currently at 14,082 words. Which isn't bad, if you ask me. But it could be a lot better. I should be at 19,500 words. :-/ Long way to go!
Today was my record high--1,762 words! So much for my 2,000 or 2,500-word goals. :-/ Oh, well. At least I got that much done; usually I'm not nearly that good. I usually get maybe 700 words written in a day...! And it looked like it would be another day like that, but I found something that has really helped me to write (we'll see how long it works! :D). It's called Write or Die. I know, funny name. But it works. The aim is to fight Writer's Block, and I think it does the job! Currently, I'm using the free web app, but if I find it really useful for other writing projects, I might buy the $10 desktop edition. I might wait and decide in a year. ;) At the moment, I'm finding it REALLY useful!
Here's a little about what they say about it:
Write or Die is a web application that encourages writing by punishing the tendency to avoid writing. Start typing in the box. As long as you keep typing, you’re fine, but once you stop typing, you have a grace period of a certain number of seconds and then there are consequences.
Many people find themselves unable to write consistently. I believe that this is because their reason to write is intangible. For instance, I want to write and finish a book because I want to be published and make a living as a writer. That goal is a long way away so I often find it difficult to sit down to the task of writing.
Conversely, I’m in a creative writing class for which I manage to consistently write and finish projects (albeit at the last minute). I therefore draw the conclusion:
A tangible consequence is more effective than an intangible reward.
If I don’t write stories for class, I will receive scorn from my teacher and a bad grade in the class. If I don’t write my own stories I am only disappointing myself. I experience perpetual disappointment in myself so I’m kindof used to it. Add to that the fact that I simply have neither the self-discipline to write consistently on my own nor the capacity for self-deception that would enable me to create artificial deadlines. That is how Write or Die was born.
The high walls of Lod grew on the plain. Crowds of people were in the market-place, and Taliah grabbed Rachel’s hand so she would keep track of her. The family bunched together. As crowds enveloped them, Taliah glanced around anxiously. Where was Joel? She didn’t see him for a moment, but sighed with relief when he emerged from behind her father. It reminded her of the time when she was lost in the market a year or two before Rachel was born, when they had made the annual trip to her Grandparent’s house for barley harvest.
It had been another warm spring day. In the fuzzy matter of memory, Taliah remembered walking with her mother through the crowded, dusty streets and stopping at various stands. She had begged to carry the market-basket, and her mother had relented. Soon, though, the produce had made it too heavy for her small frame to carry. She had gladly given the basket back to her mother, and then walked along, trying to keep from being trampled under the donkey’s hooves. She turned to watch some strange-looking long-necked and long-legged animals entering the market, and then turned around to follow her mother—to find that she wasn’t there! Panic seized Taliah’’s heart, and she frantically started calling above the din, “MUM! MUM! WHERE ARE YOU?” Turning wildly around, she almost collided with a woman coming from the opposite way. “Excuse me!” the woman said, and walked away, soon to be swallowed by the crowd.
Taliah was terrified. Her mind started painting horrid pictures of what might happen to her. She would be kidnapped, and taken to a city far away where she would be sold, and become a slave. Night would fall, and she would get so hungry she would die. The Romans would take her to Rome, where she would never see her parents again. Tears pressed against her eyelids, then swiftly started trickling down her cheeks. She hunched down, and buried her head in her hands. Of one thing she was certain: her mother wasn’t coming back.
Suddenly, a hand was laid on her shoulder. She screamed, and threw her head up, her hair flying away from her tear-stained face. Who was it?
“Taliah! What’s the matter?” Judith stared in alarm down at the pitiful figure at her feet.
“Oh, Mummy!” Taliah flew to her feet, and landed, laughing and crying with joy in her arms. “I thought you would—would never come back.” The last was spoken in almost a whisper. Judith held her daughter close, whispering words of comfort to her. The rest of the day, Taliah stayed very close to her mother.
The memory still haunted her memory, and she held tighter to Rachel’s hand. The dust stirred up by hundreds of feet billowed around them, and the fitful wind blew their hair loose from the veils. Sneezing, Taliah was grateful when they were out of the city and on the country road leading to the small village where her grandparents lived. After being on the road for almost four days, she was ready to see her grandparents, and be able to rest in peace, knowing that there won’t be another day’s journey before they could see them. Wondering how her grandfather was doing, she held tightly to Rachel’s hand and tried to make her hurry. “Come, Rachel! The faster we walk the sooner we’ll be there!”
“Taliah,” the little girl whined, “I can’t go fast. My feet hurt, and the dust and sun make me tired. Pick me up.” Taliah glanced down at the tired, dirty face and felt pity for the little girl. It was hot in the sun, she knew. Stooping, she scooped the little girl up and started off on a brisk walk. They would be there soon; the setting sun shown on the small village just ahead.
As they neared the village, Taliah walked as fast as she could—which wasn’t very fast, because Rachel was getting heavy. The little girl laid her head on her shoulder, and Taliah wondered if she wasn’t going to sleep. But she decided to not ask Joel to look, because they were so close to the village. She could hardly wait to get to her grandparent’s home, and find out if her Grandfather were still alive or not. She wondered how he would be, and her mind raced. Would he be dead? Her uncle said that he wasn’t doing very well. Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered with longing the last time she had seen him. It was almost a year before, and they left for home under brilliant blue skies. He had been leaning on the plum tree, looking off across the fence that enclosed their home, waving goodbye. His white hair had been in distinct colour difference to the blue sky and green leaves above them, and as she had left her heart stuck in her throat. Grandmother had been there, too, her kind wrinkled face framed by the always beautiful veil.
Taliah sighed, and wished she were there right now. They passed many rows of houses before finally coming to her grandparent’s home. It was a simple house, but to Taliah it seemed like heaven. They were there! Bursting through the doorway behind her brothers, she stopped in amazement at what she saw. Her grandfather lay on the mat, his usually robust face thin and lined with pain. It surprised her; she had never seen him look like that! But then, she hadn’t really known what to expect. She felt deep pain as she realised how white and drawn he looked. “Poor Grandfather!” She thought to herself, “Oh, how I wish I could help him!” He hadn’t noticed their entry—she wondered if he noticed anything besides the pain these days.
Mother hurried over to where he lay. “Oh, Benjamin, how are you?" Bending over the hurt man, she felt his forehead. “Cool,” She announced. “At least he isn’t feverish. That would mean that he has an infection.” She tried her best to ease the man, and looked at the bruises and open wounds where he had been hurt.
Taliah hovered close, after laying the sleeping Rachel on a cot in the next room. She watched as her mother, with gentle but firm hands dress the wounds with herbs just as her Grandmother had long ago taught her. Many people had come to get help from her in the past, and she always was willing to lend a hand where help was needed. As she watched Judith work, Taliah wondered how her mother could ever be so smart. She knew that not all girls were as privileged as she to have such a good, kind mother. And she was learning, too—her mother enjoyed teaching her, and someday she would be able to take over when Judith became too old to help. They had gotten a pot boiling outside, and Taliah helped get the herbs ground that were needed, along with supplying hot water for all their needs. She didn’t particularly enjoy the work, but she was glad that she could do something to help ease her grandfather’s pain.
As she worked, she wondered what the boys were doing. After coming, they soon left the sick room because, as they said, “We’d be more of a hindrance than a help, and Mother doesn’t need any of that with you, Grandmother, and Aunt Joanna.” Taliah had agreed, but she was glad that, as a girl, she could help out somewhat.
The days slowly passed, and Benjamin did not improve. He stayed the same, and Taliah feared that he would never get better. Each day he grew a little weaker, and soon all he could do was drink water. Two days after they arrived, her father and brothers came in for the family worship—this had become a custom in their home after her parent’s conversion. After reading, he prayed, then sat silently, watching his father. “Dad,” he finally said, addressing her grandfather, “I’ve been thinking. Apostle Paul said that if someone is hurt, then we need to anoint them and pray for them. I would like to do that for you, if I can.” His father, weak as he was, slowly raised and lowered his head. Taliah wondered if he wasn’t saying “Yes.” She had not yet once heard him talk, but she wished she could hear his soft, kind voice again.
Her father took it as a “Yes”, too, and he asked Ezra to get him some oil. The boy soon returned with a little in a cup, and he silently handed it to his father. The family gathered around, sensing that this was an important moment. Taliah wondered if it would do anything. She had heard about what her father was referring to, but hadn’t really thought much about it. Who knew if this Jesus person could do anything, anyway? She didn’t think it would make a difference, but decided to not let the other people know what she was thinking. Her father glanced questioningly around the room, and his eyes fell on Taliah. She squirmed under his gaze, and he asked seriously, “Does anybody here believe that this won’t work? If you don’t believe, then please leave the room.” Looking down, her face burning with shame, she wondered what to say.
“I believe,” many of the others said. She knew she didn’t really believe that it would work, but in her heart she wondered if it would. Curiosity gripped her, and she whispered a prayer. God, if Jesus is true, then let this work. If not, then let it fail. Raising her head, she said quietly, “I believe.” He father looked at her curiously, but then turned back to the sick man.
“Benjamin, in the name of Jesus Christ, I anoint you, trusting that you will be healed.” After pouring the oil on his father’s forehead, he prayed, asking God to heal his father.
After the prayer, the room was hushed, waiting to see if there was a change. Taliah wept silently, wondering if this really would work. Her grandfather’s face was still twisted in pain. After a little while, the men and boys left to do the jobs that needed done around the farm. Her mother and grandmother left, promising to come back soon. She would take a turn watching the ailing man, and then her aunt would come to be with him for a while. “Oh, Grandfather.” She whispered, “How I wish you were better now!”
So, what do you think? Yes, that is just a teaser. ;) You can read another excerpt if you like, on my profile.
Hot. I would really feel cold if I didn't have a heat pump {in other words, my heart} in side of me going day and night! I'm sure glad there is such a thing as heat in this world of ours!
Help. Do you know where I'd be--and probably most all of us would be if we didn't have help from the most High? Out there--in the world. *points finger* Aren't you glad God saved you from that? Wow; praise the Lord!
Heights. There's something about them that makes you feel as if you're on top the world. But you can't feel you're on top the world before living in the valley for a while. And you can't get up on the mountain itself without first looking up to the mountain from the valley.
Hope. It's hard to have hope--no, more like impossible--to have hope without a little faith. Hope is the desire of something, and faith in the possibility of its fulfillment. Without hope and faith in Jesus Christ, I would be lost.
Health. I have rarely been sick--okay, maybe it does even out to being really, badly sick once a year. There are a few times. But over all, and all because of God's wondrous grace, I and my family have been very healthy. Thank you, Lord!
Happiness. Aren't you glad that there is a reason to be happy? All because of Him!
Holy. I am not, but He is. And that's all that counts. PTL!!! Godisgood.
Tuesday nights. Almost every Tuesday, several church friends come over, and we have a wonderful and precious time singing and reading/discussing the Word! Precious memories...
Tangerines. They're SO yummy!
Uncles--Titus and Timothy. Though I haven't seen them in almost three years, they're still my uncles! :D Whenever I take my dream 2-3 month trip back to the States, I'll make sure I can see them.
Trustworthy. The One Who can be trusted in anything and everything.
Truth. I'm sure glad there's still a little in this ole world! *bulgy eyes* What would it be without truth? Miserable.
Thankful. I am so glad there's a reason to be--because He lives!
Things--you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't have a "thing"! And imagine life without things--actually, if there were no thing, we wouldn't be here. And there would be no world and no...oh, okay. My mind is blown out the closest window, too. Aren't you glad there are just a few things in this life of ours?
Lyrics that have meant something special this year.
Oh, yay! My favourite subject! (Well, you might not guess it...but it's true.) Which one should we sing first? Just a quick note before I start: not all the songs in the videos have the same verses as I supplied. I hope you won't mind this! :D And yes--I do like Jim Reeves songs.
1. Precious Memories.
Precious mem'ries, unseen angels Sent from somewhere to my soul How they linger, ever near me As the sacred past unfold.
Precious mem'ries, how they linger How they ever flood my soul In the stillness of the midnight Precious, sacred scenes unfold.
As I travel on life's pathway I know not what the years may hold And as I ponder, hope grows fonder Precious mem'ries floods my soul.
Precious mem'ries how they linger How they ever flood my soul In the stillness of the midnight Precious, sacred scenes unfold...
2. The Padre of Old San Antone. I strolled to an old mission garden and as I was kneeling alone An arm gently fell on my shoulder it was the padre of old San Antone We went for a walk in the garden and as we were talking alone He told why he came to the mission to the mission in old San Antone Then the chapel bells they rang and an angel chorus sang "Mi amor mi amigo" from the sky Then he kneeled down to pray in the garden and whispered Mi amore mi Corazonne Then I knew that his love was an angel the padre of old San Antone
3. Teach Me How to Pray. A sad reminder, but I love the song. (Daddy, my daddy, teach me how to pray.) One night a sleepy little boy knelt beside my bed. He smiled, and looked into my eyes, and this is what he said, 'Daddy, my daddy, you've taught me lots today, So Daddy, my daddy, teach me how to pray. You brought me home a brand new kite, showed me how to fly. And there ain't no other kid who's dad can knock a ball so high! I'd like to thank God for you, but I don't know what to say. So Daddy, my daddy, teach me how to pray. I had to turn and leave his room, and he began to cry. I didn't want my boy to know--but so did I. His best pal had forsaken him, but what was there to say? For Daddy, his daddy, had forgotten how to pray. (Daddy, my Daddy, teach me how to pray.)
4. The Value of One. This has to be one of my most favourite songs this year. Whenever I hear it on the online radio, a few shivers run up and down my spine. It's so hauntingly beautiful! (don't worry about the radio; Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio is a all-music station that plays great old fashioned Christian music with NO 'Christian Rock', and Dad and Mum have approved it--it's the only radio I ever listen to) THE SONG: Could it be that up in heaven, God is sitting on his throne Anticipating another sinner will soon become his own. Years of wasted living and years of toil and strife Are just about to be over as he receives the gift of life.
Chorus: Go sound the horn strike up the choir. A sinner is saved. Saved from the fire , No more in darkness--he's received my Son, All heaven rejoices; that's the value of one.
The Holy Spirit has been working to soften up a heart. All He needs is a willing servant to simply do his part, Can you imagine up in heaven the joy there is that day, As a sinner bows his head to pray, can't you hear the father say...
Start construction on the mansion, there on hallelujah street. He doesn't know yet what is waiting, when the Saviour he'll meet...he'll meet
5. How Deep the Father's Love for Us. How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that left Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom
6. In Christ Alone. In Christ alone, my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease My comforter, my all in all, here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones he came to save Till on that cross, as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground, His body lay, Light of the world in darkness slain; Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave he rose again! And as he stands in victory, Sin's curse has lost its grip on me; For I am his and He is mine, Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the pow'r of Christ in me. From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till he returns or calls me home, Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand!
7. We Have this Moment. Hold tight to the sound of the music of living, Happy songs from the laughter of children at play; Hold my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows, Making mem'ries of what was today.
Chorus:
We have this moment to hold in our hands and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand; Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come, But we have this moment today.
Tiny voice that I hear is my little girl calling, For Daddy to hear just what she has to say; And my little son running there by the hillside, May never be quite like today.
Tender words, gentle touch and a good cup of coffee, And someone who loves me and wants me to stay; Hold them near while they're here and don't wait for tomorrow, To look back and wish for today.
8. I Give You Freedom (The Whippoorwill Song). I set the boundries of the ocean vast, Carved out the mountains from the distant past, Moulded a man from the miry clay, Breathed in him life, but he went astray.
CHORUS: I own the cattle on a thousand hills, I write the music for the whippoorwills, Control the planets with their rocks and rills, But give you freedom to use your own will.
ENDING: And if you want Me to, I’ll make you whole, I’ll only do it tho’ if you say so. I’ll never force you, for I love you so, I give you freedom - Is it “yes” or “no”?
I hold the waters in My mighty hand Spread out the heavens with a single span, Make all creation tremble at My voice, But My own children come to Me by choice.
Even the oxen knows the master’s stall, And sheep will recognize the shepherd’s call I could demand your love - I own you twice, But only willing love is worth the price!
My holy word now I give to you, As a shining lamp to guide you through, My yoke is easy and My burden is light, Keep looking up, your Heavenly home’s in sight.
(Don't you love the simplicity of that solo?!) :)
9. Don't Hang Your Harps on the Willow Tree. I sat with the heart broken weary saints, The song of the harpers was gone, I wondered how sweet songs of Zion’s chior Could possibly ever go on. Together we wept in the silent night, As Babylon flowed by our side, The harps gently swayed in the willow trees That stood on the strange river side.
Chorus: Don’t hang your harp on the willow tree, The music of Zion goes on; Don’t hang your harp, When hope of the future is gone. The song that you sing if your heart is sad Will carry the burden away; Don’t hang your harp, Revive the music today.
The breezes are blowing from Heaven’s shore, The pilgrims remember the song, They reach for the harps in the willow branch, Tho’ ev’rything seems to be wrong. In tune with the music of Glory land, The loveliest song ever heard, Resounds from the shore of the river bank Til ev’ry sad pilgrim is stirred.
The theme of the song they are singing now Is over and over the same, “All power and glory to Christ the Lord, All praise to Emmanuel's Name.” The place where they sat is no longer sad, It’s changed by the power of God, Since pilgrims of Zion are tuned to sing His wonderful praises abroad.
As an afterthought, you probably haven't heard that last song before. (That's why there is no video. I couldn't find any of anybody singing it!) It's by Mrs. Lena Martin, taken from one of the many (and diverse!) songbooks that Dad has. The songbook is Echoes of Triumph, No. Two. All that info was for if you were curious. ;)
A BIG thank you to whoever came up with today's subject; it was a blessing for me to put the above together.
Just a month after we came, we had no house for about two days--and God miraculously gave us one!
Just after the above happening, we ran out of money. Yup! Clean. Dead. Broke. We expected the money transfer to get here quickly, but due to complications, it took a month! I count it as a miracle that it actually came!
Oh, whoops. They were supposed to be from this year. Alright! :D
January 12, 2012 will always be stamped on my memory. It was the day we were officially granted permanent New Zealand residency! YAY!!! That was a complete miracle AND answered prayer, but I don't have time to go into the details now.
Nathan, born on March 25. Complete act of God, that boy is! I wonder what his future has in store?!
Emma, Elijah. My mum and my brother. Without Mum, I wouldn't be here, and without Elijah? Hmm... I wouldn't have someone to discuss literature with? :D
Eggs. Imagine cooking without eggs. I don't think I'd like it--I don't think the Pavlova would be very good, either! Yuck!
Enemies. I know, they aren't great things. But really, if you think about it for very long, they have helped you to grow somewhere, even if in a very small way.
Everlasting. Eternal. God. I wouldn't be able to do anything without Him!
>>How am I ever supposed to answer this one? There are so many!<<
Mark 11:24. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." I found this verse very encouraging. I don't know exactly why, now, but when I was reading through it, it just struck me. "Ye shall receive them." Wow! It wasn't that I was unbelieving before, it was more of a "Yes, God really does hear my prayers!" time. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 59. It starts out as a prayer for help, but goes way beyond that. In the end, the psalmist is rejoicing in how good God is! And, oh, how truly I could see myself in that Psalm. Sad, but choosing to rejoice in the riches I have in Christ! (which is the next point. :D)
Romans 11:33. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" What a beautiful verse! And what a beautiful book... God's Word is so precious!
And now...on to one of my most favourite books of the Bible--Timothy! :D 1 Timothy 3:16. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." I liked this verse so much the first time I saw it that I actually copied it into my (rarely used) journal! It's just one of the many precious gems found in that book.
1 Timothy 6:6. "But godliness with contentment is great gain." I memorized this verse. Not hard, I know. But it was (and still is) a great encouragement--and at the same time, challenge! Having contentment is something I must daily struggle to have. It is ever-so-easy to start wishing for a different lifestyle, pet, computer program, etc., and forget that the Father in Heaven owns the whole world and everything that's in it! :D But, praise the Lord, He is always faithful to lead us back to the right paths.
Well, it seems as though I'm a little, um...slow. Yup. Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, I should be able to get this done! :D It's better late than never, right?
Okay, here we go (please forgive me if I don't have a whole lot for each day! :D):
Day 2
Blessings that start with the letter "R".
Rubber boots. If I didn't have my pair, my feet would sure be cold on the frosty mornings! :D
Rainbows. They remind me of so many things...and they're beautiful!
Remembrances. Imagine if you didn't have a memory--you couldn't remember the last time you heard a baby laugh, or the sound of a content baby suckling. Or the time when you had that wonderful time with your family. Most important of all, you wouldn't remember who Jesus was--and why He came. Isn't God good to give us memory?!
Ruggedness. Here in New Zealand especially, the terrain is so rugged. And so diverse. There's something about the rough, bumpy, different-wherever-you-look that is beautiful. Wild and beautiful. I love it.
Last night, while on the beach:
Joe was talking to Mum about his sandy feet.
Mum: "There's water in the van, we can wash your feet off when we get there."
Joe (after thinking a moment): "Is it called milk?"
He knew we had brought a jug of milk along for tea, but hadn't realized that we had also brought along some water!
This morning (it's cold and rainy outside right now): James (slamming the door): “It's FREEZING out there!” Joe (going to the door, and stepping out on the porch): “It's not cold out here when I'm out here!” (it sounded as if he heated the outside up by his own body heat!!! :D)
This reminds me of the song (I know. I'm always thinking of songs.), "To GOD be the Glory!"
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice; Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.
Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
Great memories and moments you're thankful for this year.
How many memories/moments am I supposed to do? or does it not matter? The last one is probably the case. ;) Alright, I'll do seven things:
Our recent family walk at Oaro, where we found train cars and other interesting things. Wonderful memories! (my Mum posted about it, but I have LOTS of other pictures I could share--do you want me to share those, or are you content with the ones she shared? Comment, and tell me! I may end up doing a post about it anyway, if enough people are interested.)
Rocking the baby when he was crying just a few days after he was born, and realizing that he has fallen asleep. ♥
Playing with my goats
Smelling the rose we have outside at the moment, and remembering that there is something in the Bible about the rose of Sharon.
The setting sun light lighting up the sky into a purple mass, with gold-rimmed edges. ♥
Reading Romans through, and being amazed at the simplicity of salvation.
Bouncing a baby on the trampoline, and loving his high-pitched giggles. ♥
Today, at lunch:
James (6), picking the bottle of rennet from the bench: "Here, I'll have some of this water for a drink." (all the time knowing it was rennet)
Me: "You'd better not! That stuff costs lots of money! Anyway, it wouldn't be good for you. It'll thicken all your insides."
James: "Oh. Then maybe I won't. Here, I'll give it to the plants." (he ended up putting the bottle in the fridge)
Two Three 3-year-old funnies:
A while ago, when I took the two youngest on a walk:
Joe (matter-of-factly): "I just saw a house. It was a strawberry house."
Me (looking around, and noting that there were no houses in sight): "A strawberry house?"
Joe (still totally serious): "Yes, a strawberry house!"
Me (trying to hide my laughter): "I've never seen a strawberry house!"
Joe (with a sigh): "Not in a long time."
Me (thinking to myself, trying to not let the laughter inside of me burst out) "I wonder where he came up with that?!"
Last week, after we came home from the A & P show (recorded by Mum):
I was out on the porch taking down some dry laundry. The van was still in the driveway, and Joe walked in front of it. He called out to me, "I think the remote on the van went out!"
I wasn't sure what he was talking about, so I asked him, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
After a moment's thought, he replied, rather uncertainly, "I don't know."
UPDATE: Here's another one Mum reminded me of! On his birthday:
Joe: "What are we having for lunch?"
Mum: "Rice and tomato soup!"
Joe: "Oh, YUM!"
Then, after a moment's pause, "But I don't like rice..."
