Once For All

Just start

2012-01-06T17:50:00.002-05:00

If slavery existed today, how many of us would be strive to abolish it. We read history books, and our minds travel to thought about how we could never own another human being, neither would we stand for it. We wouldn’t buy cotton from plantations that owned slaves, nor would we by tobacco from slave plantations. We would assist those in distress. We would buy back their freedom. We would do whatever, because you can’t put a price tag on freedom or another human being.

April 12, 1861, the shots were fired at Fort Sumter. This was the beginning of the Civil War. It was the war that supposedly ended slavery. However, there are still 27 million slaves in the world today. Many who know that slavery still exists, think that it is limited to all of the other nations around to world except the United States. However, it still exists even in the United States.

Slavery touches every part of our lives. Most do not even realize how many products are made by forced labors. From clothing to soccer balls, slavery covers it all.

Slavery: the practice of using the enforced labor of other people. A state of being completely dominated by another.

Freedom: a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restrains or restrictions.

Gal 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Slavery can be many things. As Christians we were slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to righteousness because Jesus rescued me. Jesus paid it all.

Romans 6:20, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.”

There are 27 million slaves around the world whose voice and plead for freedom is not heard.

Exodus 2:23, “During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God.”

Slavery is not better than those who have horrible jobs and are brutally treated by their employer. Employees can walk away. Slaves can not.

Slavery is not better than homelessness. Homeless people have the opportunity and a chance to improve. Slaves do not.

Slavery is not right. If slave holders really are fair and treat their slaves with respect, then they will have no trouble just employing their slaves and allowing their slave to decide how they want to live, even if it means they walk away and choose something else.

Legalizing slavery is not an option. Some say that the acts that slaves are forced to perform are the injustice, not the slavery itself. (the idea of owning someone) If slavery were legalized it would not be hidden and it would become easy to spot the injustice and then action could be taken without much difficulty. First, Slavery is an injustice, not just the forced labor. Second, people still know that it is wrong and so they will continue the injustice even if slavery is legalized.

There are more than a few ways to end slavery.

Pray- nothing of significance can happen apart from Christ.

Giving money to all ready established and trained organizations who simply need a financial resource to get moving.

Showing rescued slaves the one who can restore their lives like no one else can. He can take the sacres and all the abgage and remove it as far as the east is from the west. It will always be a part of their life, but it doesn’t have to weigh them down.

Joining or starting an organization that helps to raise awareness, rescue individuals, or help rescued slaves find Jesus who can restore their life.

Ending slavery single handedly isn’t the object. The object is to start moving. This week, college students raised 2.6 million dollars by themselves in just four days during the passion conference in Atlanta Georgia. A few million dollars isn’t going to end it all in one big scoop, but it is a start, and we have to start somewhere. Ignoring slavery isn’t an option. You must choose between which way you are going to fight slavery. To turn your back isn’t one.

As Christians, we were slaves. We have been set free. We of all people know what it means to be set free. We of all people should be the one’s advocating for those who have never experienced freedom. Sin is truly the heart of the matter. We must show the world that we no longer have to be slaves to sin. There is freedom in Christ.

These are not just statistics. These are people with real stories, with real faces, with real lives, and with real dreams. They need Jesus just like we do, and they will never hear of Jesus unless liberation from their physical chains is achieved. Then liberation from their spiritual chains can be achieved. God can achieve both single handedly, and all slavery will cease when Jesus comes back in all of His glory and power, but until then, He chooses to use us. He has given us the responsibility to fight for slaves now until He returns.

We will never cross the finish line if we never start the race. We will never see slavery end, until we stand up and start moving.

Looking forward

2011-11-10T16:28:00.003-05:00

I am excited for Thanksgiving to come. I am not going to lie. I really like not having school, but I also like being able to hang out with my family a little more. Soccer has ended, and school well school. I am looking forward to a break, where I can step back and return to things that are also important like family. I like to work on projects and things as well, but it is also good to step back ?and thank God for what He has already given me. What are you looking forward too.

2011-08-29T13:37:00.012-04:00

Balance- opposition of equal forces, bring elements into harmony, to equalize.

Life is a balancing act. Sometimes we wipe out.

but when we do

we smile

get up

wipe off

start running

throw the board down

and try again

and again

until we succeed

Quarters

2011-08-22T08:46:00.002-04:00

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are the household of faith."- Galatians 6:9-10

"While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."- 2 Corinthians 4:18

Most of us reluctantly get out of bed, we haven't jumped out of bed since we were two, we just can't seem to find the energy. Jumping may lead some people to thing that we are excited for the day, which is so not true. We go through the days routines with out even thinking. For us as christians, it should be so different. We must live with eternity in perspective, and love people the way that God loved us. We have so much to live for. We interact with so many people everyday of our lives. Sometimes we even go outside of the box and tell people Jesus loves you. How big of us.

"Don't tell them Jesus loves them until you are ready to love them too."- Steve Camp

Real things happen when we realize that we are dealing with eternal things. We are fighting an eternal battle. Until Jesus calls us home we must jump out of bed ready for battle. We are dealing with peoples souls.

No doubt life is tiring. We run out of energy. Thankfully we know the one who holds all of energy in his hands. When we don't have the energy to do something, ask God. We won't feel a surge of energy, but when you are done praying just go and do what needs to be done. At the end of the day you will say I don't know how I did that because I have no energy. God has intervened. His strength has been displayed in your weakness.

Relationships. The world craves relationships. God made us that way. Building relationships is how we fight eternal battles. However, sometimes we forget that relationships are built on countless acts of love.

"We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $1,000 bill and lying it on the table. "Here is my life Lord. I'm giving it all." But the reality for most of us is that He sends us to the bank and has us cash in our $1,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there... usually giving our life to Christ isn't glorious. It's done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time."

How will you give 25 cents of grace today. Listening, laughing, loving, serving are all ways to give out our 25 cents of our life for God. It is tiring, but it is the way that God asks us to live. It is the christlike way to live our life. Do not become weary in doing good.We shall reap what we sow. Ministry is not based on programs, but relationships. Have you been giving our quarters or have you been mostly receiving them?

You Make Me Smile

2010-08-13T09:48:00.005-04:00

2010-07-17T14:34:00.004-04:00

through the woods and over the bridge to Grandpa's camper we go.

2010-06-29T10:37:00.004-04:00

We went camping this past week with my Grandma and Grandpa while my parents celebrated their 20th anniversary!! Below are a few pictures of our very exciting week.

Which one is your favorite?

Why I Thank God for My Grandparents

2010-06-28T21:58:00.001-04:00

Grandparents were given by God for a reason. They are a gift from the Lord to the grandchildren. In the Bible, Timothy's grandmother was very influential in helping to mold him and shape him into being the great godly leader and man that God wanted him to be.

Proverbs 17:6

"Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is in their father."

I love my grandparents. They are the best and I am so thankful that God gave me them. They are godly influences to me and the rest of my siblings.

Why I am thankful for my grandma and grandpa:

-they take me camping.

- they are great examples of prayer warriors

- thought me how to fish

- teach me different things with the camper

- let me drive the tractor

- teach me how to fix things

- skype me to tell me the best random things

- give me tomato plants and green bean seeds

- They love God

- they love each other and get nervous when that are apart for even a short time. They feel as if they cannot do anything without the other.

Why I am thankful for my Nana and Pop- Pop:

Took me to school every day
Made me lunch throughout the school year
Have some of the greatest conversations over lunch
Faithfully watched the price is right every day during lunch
Come to my sporting events
Willing to drive and hour and a half to pick me up at camp and then drive back when my parents were not available to do that
Call to tell me they love me
Call to listen to what I did over the past week, when I did not see them
They love God
They love each other, and miss each other when they are apart.

I love my grandparents and I am so glad that God gave me them.

Life in Fast Forward

2010-05-24T11:11:00.002-04:00

Over the past couple of months we have had a lot going on. Sweet Pea had a birthday and lost her two first teeth. Buddy is deep into his baseball season and is doing a great job. Little sis has done a great job with her art and has won a few awards for her art in a school art competition. We recently celebrated mother's day and we used the opportunity to let Wonder Women know just how much we love her. This is our last week of school. We are all very excited and cannot wait to go to Ohio this coming weekend.

God’s Love Story

2010-04-05T22:59:00.002-04:00

Most people love a good love story. You know the good, not to corny, love story. "The Christmas Shoes" is a good example. But the love story I am going to share is better than any other love story ever shared. This love story involves you and me and the very God who created us.

The day that He made us was the day that He fell in love with us. Like any boy fighting for the attention of the one he has fallen in love with, God knew everything about us. But unlike the boy next door, God knew because He made us and fell in love with us. Matthew 10:30 says, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Again, unlike the boy next door, God is a gentleman. He does not go demandingly into relationships. He goes in with respect, desiring your love in return because that is true love between a creator and the created. His standards are high. To high for the human to reach on their own. The day He made us was the day He fell in love with us. After He made us, He stepped back, and looking at the master piece He had created, knowing that one day we would reject Him, and said, "Indeed, it was very good."

On the day that we discarded His love and displays of affection for that of sin and death, was the day that He came up for the plan to rescue us. He refused to stand idly by and watch us swimming in sin and death. He loved us to much for that. We were slaves. We sold ourselves so cheaply. We fooled ourselves into thinking sin was the better deal and would give us everything we could want. Sin promised us everything, but in reality God had already given us everything. There was nothing left to promise. While it hurt that we had denied Him, it hurt Him even more knowing that the road that lied in front of us would involve death; something we would never had to have known about had we followed His ideal plan. But with the amazing and awesome God that He is, He took our short comings and sin and made it into a master piece for His glory. He knew our state better than even we knew ourselves. He went to great lengths to rescue us. He was our knight in shining armor, my Tarzan, swooping into the save the day. He purchased us back, Redemption, with His son's blood that was spilt at the hands of the very sinners He was saving. His gift was better than any ring, present, kiss, or hug. He saved the day, He saved our lives. Really and truly, He saved our lives. Not just for the day, but for forever.
He wrote us love letters, The Bible. All we have to do is say YES. Yes I am a sinner. I chose sin. You came to my rescue. You are perfect. You are the only one who can save me from eternal death. Only you can give me eternal life. It is a gift that I have to accept. All of the things that I have ever done or ever will do that were wrong were taken care of on the cross. All I have to do is say yes. It does not matter who we are, who we were, where we are, or where we have been. He takes us where we are and makes us new. 1 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." He loves us. Someday very soon He is coming again to take away His bride. Revelation 19:7 says, "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."

Why was it Necessary?

2010-04-02T16:31:00.002-04:00

After the resurrection of Jesus, He was specific with the people that He met with and talked with. He focused a lot on His disciples. It was very important that they meet and talk with Him. He had a plan for them. To Peter specifically, He showed that He wanted Peter. Peter was forgiven after Peter had denied Jesus at His trial. Jesus, talking to Peter, said, "Follow me." God had plan for the world to hear the story of His Life, Death, and Resurrection. He had saved the world, but what good was it if no one knew and therefore, no one would choose Him. From when Jesus ascended into heaven until He would return would be the Church age, and His disciples would be the leaders in the beginning of the church age and their legacy would be known for the rest of time by their writings. It was vital that they see the risen Savior. Jesus told them that they were to be His witnesses.

"Then He said to them, thus it is written. And thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer

And to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should

be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are my witnesses

of these things."- Luke 24:46-48

The resurrection was not hearsay. It was real and it mattered. Their lives were changed after meeting Jesus and many following lives would forever be changed, because Jesus was more than a perfect man. HE WAS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. Jesus commanded them to go out into the world. Action from them was demanded. Acts 1:8 says, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

It was a personal experience, therefore, it lead to a personal and heartfelt message and mission.

"Men and brethren let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission for sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." – Acts 2:29, 36-39

They had a personal experience with Jesus. And that experience lead to lives that were changed and are continuing to be changed. Others saw the difference.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled and they realized that they had been with Jesus"- Acts 4:13

The disciples meeting with the resurrected Christ was essential.

Why do I care?

2010-03-31T16:45:00.003-04:00

Why is it that I care about the life, death, and most importantly the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Anyone could come live a half decent life and die, but what makes Jesus different and significant is the resurrection. He lived more than a half decent life; He lived a perfect life and died a horrible death at the hands of sinners for no good reason by the human standards. His reason for going to the cross was out of love. 1 John 3:16, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 4:10 says, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:19, "We love Him because He first loved us." Out of love for the very people He created to love Him in return are the very same people He died for.

While it was out of love that He died, dying was not enough to change our sinful state. Anyone could die, I could die, you could die, and because of sin we would die unless God intervened. It was saving us from death out of love that drove Him to the cross in the first place. He wanted to change death. He had to rise from the dead. Death was no longer the end; there was now life with Jesus after death. Death is not the end all it is simply the beginning of life with Jesus if one choices to allow Him to. While some still choose to deny the resurrection of Jesus, there are so many things that indicate His death, burial, and resurrection. The soldiers were paid off to keep silent about the resurrection of Jesus. If it were not true why go to so much trouble to keep what happened silent. When the disciples arrived at the tomb the clothes were folded showing no sign of rushing. If someone were to steal the body they would do it as quickly as possible and would not take the time to fold the clothes. Jesus appeared too many after His resurrection. He ate food and disciples could physically touch, feel, and talk to Jesus. So many lives were changed by Jesus. Many people tried to keep the story of Jesus quiet, but it is impossible. The story of Jesus has stood the test of time. People died for Jesus because their lives were changed by Him. If it were true not then that many people would not be willing to die for just a story.

Knowing and believing the resurrection of Jesus is not good enough. The story of the resurrection is more than a story it is a challenge, it has significance. It is a call to action. Matthew 28:7 says, "And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Mark 16:8, "So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed." The resurrection of Christ is a time of rejoicing. The resurrection is a fulfillment of prophesy. Luke 24:5b-7 says, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again'." Amazement followed the resurrection. John 20:28 says, "And Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and My God!"

Jesus resurrection makes everything different. Following Jesus is different than anything else in life. We serve a living God. He is not dead, a statue, made up, weak, made of stone or wood, but a real, strong, living God. He is a God who loved us, went to great lengths to reach us. He showed the greatest demonstration of love ever shown to the human race. It was all done to change us from a sinful and lost state to a redeemed state. When we chose Jesus, we can spend forever with Jesus and that was what was accomplished through the cross and resurrection.

Pure Snow Joy

2009-12-06T21:04:00.002-05:00

While we were at my Grandparents house for Peanut Brittle day we got the first snow fall of the season. We did not have that much snow, but we had a really great time on the drive way making and throwing snow balls.

It was cold, but we were warm and fuzzy inside.

We were not dressed in preferred snow attire as the little kids had crocs on and all of us had jeans that were soaked through when we were done with the snow.

We had to borrow grandma's dryer to dry our many wet clothes while we walked around in blankets.

Snow was great, but the family that I shared the snow with and the family that was waiting with me when I went inside. They was even greater.

Peanut Brittle Day

2009-12-06T20:25:00.002-05:00

We have decked the halls and trimmed the tree. It is the second Saturday after thanksgiving and therefore we were off to Grandpa and Grandma's house to make our yearly tradition of peanut brittle making.

This year we made over 40 pounds of peanut brittle.

It was a lot of fun and there was even the first snow fall of the season to top it off. It was a great day.

Thanksgiving Day 2009

2009-11-27T13:28:00.003-05:00

I love Thanksgiving. This one was no different. We have a tradition of waking up at some crazy hour in the morning on a holiday to go into the city and eat breakfast on a corner deli with family and then walk from breakfast down to the parade. We always enjoy ourselves and this year was no exception. This year my grandparents and two sets of Aunts, Uncles and cousins joined us in our yearly expedition. Most of us stuffed our faces on pancakes, eggs, and hash browns. The parade was good and it is fun to remember if one float or another is new or if we have seen before in years past.

After we saw Santa Claus at the end of the parade we headed back to our house to get changed. Then we headed over to my Nana and Pop-pops house for an afternoon and evening filled with nap taking, football watching, football playing, food eating, picture taking, and memory making.

It was a good day. Smiles and laugher were the norm of the day. We are looking forward to years of more memory making just like this Thanksgiving. I hope that you enjoyed your day yesterday.

Skype

2009-11-25T21:36:00.003-05:00

Last night I signed up for skype. Yes, I did. This is an easy way for me to talk to Superman while he is at work so that we can do history. (He teaches me History since I am home schooled.) So sinceI now downloaded skype does that make me a skyper or a skypey? (Sort of like a facebooker or a facebookey. Yea I know real creative.) But by all means do not do not get me mixed up with a sniper because that I am most definitely not! Anyway, now that I expressed what was on my mind (not that I spelt anything correctly) you are now free to enjoy your Thanksgiving tomorrow because I know that I will.

pictures

2009-11-18T21:26:00.005-05:00

I have absolutely nothing profound to say. Nothing, zip, Nada. So for now I will just share some pictures, even if I think that I have shared them before. Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Indian Reservation Festival

2009-10-12T17:41:00.002-04:00

We packed up and headed to a nearby Indian reservation. They were having a festival where many different tribes came together. There was entertainment done by different Native Americans from different tribes all over the United States. There were venders selling different items special to them and their tribes. We saw a sample village as well as a tepee we also did some Indianish (new word, I just made it up) type things. We shot some arrows and hit some corn with some rocks.

It was good and then we stepped back into our culture and stopped by Target.

I don’t understand

2009-10-11T20:19:00.002-04:00

There isn't too much to say as I write this post. We found out this past week that my unborn sister went to be with Jesus. We don't understand why, and we never will this side of heaven. Yes, it stinks. This is my sister who I will never get to hold, kiss, say I love you too, look into her eyes, or ever meet this side of heaven. It stinks. I don't understand, but I know that God does and I trust Him. God never wastes a hurt. "I'll never understand it all for only God is God"- Steven Curtis Chapmen "God is God"

I am so thankful for the people who have been there for our family over the past week. We miss Julia Eryn, but we will see her again. While we are here we will continue to grow and love each other.

My Pink and Purple sibblings

2009-09-13T19:37:00.005-04:00

My family loves to play soccer. This year is the first time that all four of us kids are playing soccer. I have been practicing for four weeks and have only had a scrimmage. The little kids started their seasons this past Saturday.
Buddy is a very serious player, and quite talented. He can play anywhere on the field he is just that talented.
This past Saturday he scored two goals and he only played on the field half of the game. Another quarter he played goal and did a fantastic Job. He came out when he was supposed to and made the best punts of any 8 year old boy. And his team came out on top with a 7-4 win.
This is Sweet Peas first year at playing soccer. She has watched it all of her life, but this is the first time she has played.
She scored a goal in her first game ever. We are so proud of her. She played hard and we kept encouraging her to keep going. (one time she just sat down in the middle of the field.)
Her team did a really great job. They one both of their games and kept the other team from scoring at all. They are a bunch of talented young girls.

Second first day or something like that

2009-09-09T18:36:00.002-04:00

School has moved from beyond full swing to off the charts craziness. I am homeschooled, but I take some classes at a nearby Christian school. This year I am taking two classes. We started doing school at home three and a half weeks ago, but the other school started today. Think that sounds confusing. Well, it is. So there is no reason to feel like you can't keep up with this family, because well, we don't always do things the same way that everyone else does, but it works just great for us and we think that that is how God wants us to do and frankly that is all that matters.

So yes today was something like our second first day of the year. And I hit the ground running and so did little sis. This year will be a little different (it's not like I can remember any two years that were the same!) It will bring its own challenges and triumphs just like everything else. There is different classes, different teachers, more kids, different schedule, different expectations, life with another baby coming in February, etc. My life is ever changing, but I don't think that I would like life any different than it is now because well, it's different and I sorta kinda like it that way.

Camping like there is no tomorow

2009-09-08T12:27:00.003-04:00

I love to go camping. I enjoy riding my bike, cutting wood, sleeping in tents, etc. I thoroughly enjoy being in the woods. I also enjoy eating all of the good food not to mention the Beef Jerky. I didn't take too many pictures this time because I was just to busy or just too tuckered out.

We go camping every labor day with my grandparents and my cousins on my dad's side. We, the kids, look forward to this weekend all year. It is crazy how we wait what feels like forever for this week end to come and then we blink and it is over.

We cut a lot of wood this past weekend. That is why there are so many pictures of cutting wood. Let me tell you that we had the best fires this past weekend. To bad we sat so far away because we were to hot.

We had so much fun this past weekend and we are looking forward to seeing each other again at Christmas time.

We were so tired.

Oh, Brother

2009-09-01T13:44:00.003-04:00

I have the best brother in the world. He can do anything that he puts his mind to. He is extremely intelligent. He can cook like no other 8 year old on the planet, and he adores little baby's.
Did I mention his good looks and athletic ability? I mean look at how cute he is. But the best part is that Buddy is his love for God. He knows what is important.
He is going to wipe some girl right off of her feet and be one great godly man/husband/father, but for right now he will simply be my little brother. I love you!

Life with a 12 year old

2009-09-01T13:08:00.003-04:00

She is a one of a kind
She is a treasure, someone special
She is my 12 year old sister.
Keep on dancing
Love,

Camping

2009-08-21T18:06:00.002-04:00

I am fully aware that I have not posted for a while. I have been very busy and have been gone and unable to post anyway. However, I am back and I have pictures!

For the past couple of years my grandparents have taken us camping for a week. That is what we did this past week, but at the end of the week Wonder woman and Superman joined us along with my cousins for the weekend. We had a lot of fun. We did a lot of biking, hiking, and eating. There are a lot of things that I will always remember about my Grandparents, but camping will be an occasion that I will always remember as well as the things that they thought us such as whittling, flushing the camper tanks, and adding fresh water.

One of our favorite things to do when we are camping at this State Park is hiking down to the creek/spillway. We will play there for a long time.

Buddy and I enjoy spending time with Grandpa while we are fishing, even if I only catch a couple of Sunnis.

Pop sickle kids

2009-07-20T14:57:00.002-04:00

I hit the ground running

2009-07-20T11:22:00.002-04:00

I know that I have not blogged for a week, but I have been gone and have been unable to blog. I have been gone at New Life Island where I worked for a week. I will be going back in a week to work some more. I really enjoyed helping out. I am very tired. I got up early and went to bed late. This is the same camp that I went to as a camper and now I am a volunteer. I came back and hit the ground running although I still do not know what I was running on when I got back. On Saturday we went to national park and had a picnic. My Pop-pop met us there. W e had a good time. We played soccer, Frisbee and sat and watched the air planes. We had a good time. And I really enjoyed my time at camp. I hope that you had a great week as well.

Mini Golf

2009-07-11T20:41:00.009-04:00

Wonder Woman and Superman are away having a romantic weekend with out the kids. We, the kids are spending the weekend at Nana and Pop-pop's house. On Friday we went to the lake. We had a really great time. However, I forgot my camara! Saturday we went Mini golfing. It was great and we had a lot of fun not to mention all of the pictures that I took. We all had a great time, but we all wanted Wonder Woman and Superman to come home.

Pickles, Blanching, Freezing

2009-07-11T20:41:00.007-04:00

I love having a garden. I like working on it. I also like picking stuff, and I also like to preserve the produce that I pick from the garden. This past Thursday night I picked cucumbers, green beans, parsley, and basil. My mom and I made a jar of pickles. We also blanched that green beans for three minutes and then put them in to ice water for three minutes and then we drained them and put them into freezer bags and froze them. After that came the very time consuming task of picking herbs, washing herbs, drying herbs with a paper towel, taking the leaves off of the steams, chopping the herbs, and then putting them in ice cube trays and freezing them. I enjoyed doing all of it. I just hope that everything turns out the way that I planned.

Buddy and His bathroom cleaning Method

2009-07-11T20:41:00.006-04:00

Buddy takes cleaning the bathroom very seriously! Buddy sometimes gets a little carried away and sees the bathroom as a real enemy. I can't say that it is my best friend, but buddy dresses for battle when he cleans the bathroom. Before entering the battle field he practices his ninja moves. Yes the ninja in the bright blue shirt and khaki shorts with a plunger in his hands. He is a major threat to all germs living in the bathroom. He takes no prisoners! Buddy has some wild ideas, but he is still the best brother in the world.

Truth for Troops

2009-07-11T20:40:00.002-04:00

Little Sis, Buddy, and Sweet Pea are on a mission to raise money to buy bibles for troops using an organization called truth for troops.They decided that they would raise money by selling lemonade on our corner in front of our house. They did a really great job making signs and selling the lemonade. They raised enough money so far to buy 8 bibles. They did a really great job and I am very proud of them. You can get involved too. To read more about truth for Troops click here.

Comments

2009-07-07T21:09:00.001-04:00

I changed the comments. I would love to see if it works. Please leave a comment so I can see if it works.

God uses Teenagers

2009-07-07T14:06:00.003-04:00

This post is longer than a normally do. However, I have thought about dong a post on this topic for a while because it is something that I am passionate about. Please read on and leave a comment to let me know what you think. One of my favorite people in the Bible is King Josiah. We find the story of his life two times in the Bible. The first place is 2 Kings 22-23 and the second place is 2 Chronicles 34-35.

2 Kings 22:1-2 says, "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozzkath. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."

We are not Josiah. When I was eight years old I was not made Queen. But what I really want to show you is in 2 Chronicles 34:2-3 "And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images. The carved images and the molded images."

When Josiah was 16 years old he chosen in his heart that he was going to follow God. Josiah had no godly role model to follow. His grandfather was King Manasseh. 2 Chronicles 33:2 says this about King Manasseh "But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel." It does not get better for Josiah's father Amon. 2 Chronicles 33:22 says this about King Amon, :But he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done; for Amon sacrificed to all the carved images which his father Manasseh had made, and served them."

I am fortunate to have a godly father and mother. In the end it is our decision to either follow God or walk away and ignore it. If we choose to follow God before we can make any impact we must seek God just like Josiah did. When he was 16 years old he chose to seek God and follow Him. By age 20 he was leading the entire nation of Judah back to God. He destroyed the idols. At age 22 he had the temple restored. It took a long time to bring revival to the nation that had been swimming in sin for a long time. When they were restoring the temple Hilkiah found the book of the Law. When Josiah herd the words form the book of the Law he tore his clothes. He knew that his fathers had not followed the Law and how far Judah had fallen. He had the Law read to the people. 2Chronicles 34:33 says, "Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel, and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD God of their fathers." Josiah changed an entire nation. But the revival of the nation started when Josiah chose to seek God when he was 16 years old. I am 15 years old. God used Josiah. God can use me and God can use you no matter what age you are when we seek God.

42 Years Ago

2009-07-06T18:46:00.001-04:00

42 years ago the best woman in the world was born. She is my mom. To me she is Wonder Woman. I love her and I know that she loves me. I am so glad that I can be her daughter and I am proud to call her my mom. I love her very much!

4th of July!

2009-07-06T14:43:00.002-04:00

So this past weekend was the 4th of July. I was very tired, but we had a good time. We went to the Parade and then went to my grandparents house to pick green beans and then we went to Sonic. We came home and I took a much needed nap. We ate slow cooked rips by Superman for dinner. Later that night we hit Shop Right for Ice Cream on the way to Fire Works which we watched from a parking lot at a shopping center. O' Well, we really enjoyed our night. I hope that you had a great time this past weekend too!

NLI

2009-07-06T14:29:00.002-04:00

What has taken much of my time during the last couple of days is being at New Life Island. It is a great Christian camp that I am volunteering at for a couple of weeks this summer. Only camp can make cleaning bathrooms and making food for over a 100 people sound OK. Although I am gone for a week at a time I really do enjoy being there. I have no pictures for this post of the Island. Maybe next time I am up there I will take pictures and post them, but for now trust me when I say that it is a great place.

BushKill falls

2009-07-06T14:05:00.005-04:00

A lot has happened since Buddy and his feet washing method. Everything has been moving so quickly that I have not been able to share, that or I have not been around my computer, or because I am so tired. Last Tuesday I went with my youth group to Bushkill falls. It was cool, but it took way to long to get there and it was raining the whole time that we were there. I got some good pictures and some not so good as always. You can see all of my pictures by clicking here. Little Sis came with me on this trip well because Little sis is growing up and is now in Youth Group! So I have some nice pictures of her at the falls. Here are some pictures.
The Falls
Little Sis
Halfcup ( Me)
Little Sis
A flower

A nice picture ( I think!)
The falls

that is all for now. I hope that you enjoyed the pictures and excused my brief sabbatical from the blog world!

Buddy and His feet washing method

2009-06-29T18:18:00.005-04:00

I recently finished my series of posts on our family's trip to Washington D.C. Now it is time to get back to the story of this family and my adorable brother "Buddy" Who does this face (see above) and washes his feet with them sticking out of the water (see below) with his shorts all wet and his knees submerged in the water. The poor boy has some issues. Maybe it is because he just has too many sisters. Cleaning himself this way was one of the few things that I did not teach him. He came up with this all by himself. At least he was being creative!
Awhile ago I started teaching Sweet Pea how to ride a bike. She is now finally getting the hang of it even with a slightly too big of a bike. She just kept ridding and superman just kept ridding along. She is becoming such a big girl! Great Job sweet Pea! I am very proud of you!
Sweet Pea getting started on her bike
Sweet Pea ridding along
Superman and Sweet Pea discussing something

I have video of sweet Pea ridding her bike, and I planed to share. However, I am having trouble loading video on to the blog. Maybe another time I will share and then again maybe not! Have a great day. Let me know what you think of Buddy and his feet washing method in the comment section!

Second Day: Jefferson Memorial, Arlington Cemetary, Iwo jima- Part Seven

2009-06-26T15:03:00.006-04:00

This is the seventh and final post on a series of posts about our family's trip to Washington D.C. To read from the beginning of the story scroll down the page until you see a post entitled Intro Post. The pictures in these posts are not all of my pictures from the weekend. To see all of my pictures click here.

Jefferson Memorial:
The next thing that we saw after the Air and Space Museum was the Jefferson Memorial. From the memorial we could see the Washington Monument and the White House.
Superman and Sweet Pea at the Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial

Arlington Cemetery:
The next thing that we saw was a the Arlington National Cemetery. When you walk in you just see rows and rows of white tomb stones of people who died fighting for you in war. We just kept walking and came to President Kennedy's grave and the Eternal Flame. Next we walked to the tomb of the unknown soldier and the changing of the guard.
Arlington
JFK grave

Eternal Flame
Changing of the guard
Tomb of the unknown soldier

Iwo Jima:
The last thing that we did in Washington D.C. before making our way home was see the Iwo Jima memorial. It was a good finish to our patriotic trip to our nations capital.
Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima

That is all for our trip to Washington D.C. trip in 2009. I hope that you enjoyed reading about it and see all of the pictures. I hope that it was not to long. I made a slide show of more pictures put to music that I had every intention of posting here for you to see, but it would not load. Maybe some day I will get it up and then again maybe not! Have a great day!

19 Years ago

2009-06-23T13:03:00.003-04:00

19 Years ago today God united my Parents in marriage. 4 kids and a few gray hairs latter they are still trudging along. They will tell you that marriage takes work, but they wouldn't have it any other way. They see marriage as a Love worth giving. I am thankful for the role model that they are to me and my siblings. They are not the typical husband and wife/ Parents as they choose the large family, home schooling, self employment and the list goes on and on, Though they are the fist to admit that they nor there marriage is perfect. However, I could not have asked for a better marriage to stare at every day. They love each other. They love me and my siblings, but the glue that holds us together is Jesus Christ who died Once For All.
Thank You Mom and Dad for being my parents and being the role models that you are. I hope that I can be like you when I grow up! I love you!

Second Day: Air and Space Museam- Part Six

2009-06-23T10:35:00.005-04:00

This is the sixth post in a series of posts on our family's recent trip to Washington D.C. To read from the beginning of the story please scroll down the page until you see a post entitled Intro Post. I took over 600 pictures during our trip. The pictures used in this post are not all of them. To see all of my pictures click here.

Air and Space Museum:
The next stop that we made was another air and space museum. This is not the same museum that this post was on. This museum was smaller in size, but the objects in the museum where by no means small. This hanger is now home to the Concord, Enola Gay, and the Enterprise to name a few. It was incredible.

This was the Concord.
Enola Gay:
The Enola Gay was a B-29 Bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan at the end of WWII. It was an amazing thing to see. The pictures are bad because the lighting in the hanger was poor.

The Enola Gay

The Enterprise:
It was so cool to see a space ship up close and personal.

That is all for now!

Second Day: WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Monument, Vietnam Memorial- Part Five

2009-06-22T12:17:00.004-04:00

This is the fifth post in a series of posts on our family's trip to Washington D.C. To read from the beginning of the story please scroll down the page until yo see a post entitled Intro Post.

The pictures used in these posts are not all of the pictures that I took on the trip as I took over 600. To see all of my pictures click here.

WWII Memorial:
The WWII memorial was the next stop that we made. The above collage is pictures of all of the inscriptions that are on the walls. It was good to remember all of the people who fought and died for our Country. Not just in WWII, but in all of the wars that our country has fought in. This post focuses on that as this post is about Memorial and Monuments.

The WWII Memorial

Korean War Memorial:
The Korean War Memorial was the next stop in Washington D.C. This Memorial has a wall with just faces on it. No names. Just faces. It also has statues.
The statues in the Korean War Memorial

A wall in the Korean War Memorial that says "Freedom is not Free"

The Lincoln Monument:
The Lincoln Monument was the next stop. It was very big and had a lot of steps.
All of them walking to the Lincoln Monument
Lincoln

Vietnam Memorial:
The Vietnam Memorial is the last thing that I am going to talk about in this post. In this memorial there is a statue and a really long wall of name after name of people who died for our country in Vietnam. Some of them are MIAs and others are confirmed dead. Some people look at the statue below and comment on how young they looked.
That is all for now. Have a great day!

Second Day: Fords Theater, Petterson- Part Four

2009-06-18T17:36:00.005-04:00

This is the forth post in a series of posts on our family's trip to Washington D.C. To read from the beginning of the story scroll down the page until you see a post entitled Intro Post.

This post focuses on the first leg of our journey on the second day. In this post I will share with you about Ford's Theater. The pictures posted in this post are just some of them. To see all of my pictures click here.

FORDS THEATER:
Fords theater is the place where Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. It was a great peace of history. The information was great that was given by the ranger, However, His presentation needed a little help. O' well, We enjoyed it and Sweet Pea really learned a lot. She knew what happened and who killed Lincoln.
A really bad picture of the both that Lincoln shotThis is a replica of the booth that Lincoln was shot
Peterson House:

The Peterson house is the house that Lincoln died at 7 something that next morning. This was a good stop that really finish off this leg.
this is a replica of the room that Lincoln died in.
This is a replica of the bed that Lincoln died in.
That is all for now. Have a great day.- Halfcup

First Day: Washington Monument, White House, Camping- Part Three

2009-06-18T10:52:00.005-04:00

This is the third post in a series of posts on our family's trip to Washington D.C. To read from the beginning of the story you can scroll down the page until you see a post entitled Intro Post.

This post focuses on the next leg of our journey which was the Washington Monument,the White House, and where we stayed which was a camp ground.

Washington Monument:
This was the next thing that we saw after the Air and space mu seam. We walked the mall to go and take pictures. Instead of posting a lot of pictures I made a collage of pictures. To see all of my pictures click here. Leave a comment and let me know what kind of pictures you like.

The Washington Monument is to remember our first President. to read more about the Washington Monument click here.
White House:

Our next stop was the White House. We stopped to look and take pictures of the white house on the first day and the second day. Please note that some of these pictures are from the second day, but I will not post again on the White House.

The White House is the house that our president lives in while he is in office. In some of the pictures you can even see the snipers that stood on top of the building.
Camping:
I love to camp. I really, really, really enjoy camping. I say that we camped this past weekend, but really we just slept in a tent and took a shower at the shower house, and ate breakfast outside. I enjoyed it, but it was not camping so please do not be miss lead. We slept in a tent and it rained, and Wonder woman did not appreciate it. When we camp we do not normally sleep in, but this day we did. Above is a picture of the fire.
our canopy
Buddy when he wakes up!
Buddy being happy
Dad
Well, that is all that I have for now. Leave me a comment and tell me what picture you like best. Or just leave me a comment to let me know that you are following a long!- Halfcup

First Day: Air and Space Museam- Part Two

2009-06-17T10:56:00.003-04:00

This is the second blog post in a series posts of our family's trip to Washington D.C. To read the beginning of the story please scroll down the page until you see a post entitled Into Post.

This post will focus on the next leg of our Journey which was the Air and Space Museum. It was a highlight of our trip. I took many, many pictures of planes. You can see all of my pictures from this trip by clicking here. The picture above is just to show you some of the pictures of planes that I took.
This is a picture of some of the engines that I saw and took pictures of
This is the Wright Brothers airplane.
This is Sweet Pea touching a a rock that came from the moon
This is an unmanned air plane
This is a Hubble telescope
This is the Spirit of St. Louis that made the first trans Atlantic Flight.

The Air and Space Museum was great. We really enjoyed it and was a highlight of our trip. I really enjoyed all of the planes.- Halfcup

First Day: Capital, Library of Congress, Supreme Court- Part one

2009-06-16T09:55:00.008-04:00

This is the first post in a series of posts about our family's trip to Washington D.C. the place of our nations capitol. To read the intro post simply scroll down the page until you see a post entitled Intro Post. This marks the beginning of the series of posts on our trip to Washington D.C.

CAPITAL:
The very fist thing that we visited in D.C. was the capitol. Superman parked the van and took a taxi to where we were waiting for him. We then proceeded to take a tour of the capitol. Here are some pictures of the building and of us at the building. The picture above is the statue on top of the Capitol Building entitled "Freedom"
Buddy looking cute
The Capital
Wonder Woman walking around the capital
Superman and Sweet Pea
The Capital
The Capital

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS:
The second stop that we made was at the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress was not a highlight of our trip, but a stop that We, the kids, felt was necessary, and we also ate lunch there. Here are some pictures of the Library of Congress.
Superman catching Sweet Pea as she ran to him. (The Library of Congress is in the back round)
The Library of Congress
Us standing in front of the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress

SUPREME COURT:
The supreme court was the third stop on our tour of D.C. Here we enjoyed the architecture and the history of the building as well as what goes on in the building. It does help that Superman is a lawyer. Here are some pictures.
The rest of the family walking down the steps of the Supreme Court
All of the kids lined up on the pillars
The Supreme Court
Equal Justice Under Law
Superman in front of the door
The Supreme Court
Pillars
This sums up the fist post in the trip to Washington D.C. Leave a comment to let me know what you think and check back soon to see what else we did on our trip.- Halfcup

Intro Post

2009-06-16T09:52:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went to Washington D.C. to visit our nation's capitol. We saw many things. Therefore, I am not going to write one post, but eight or so posts. This will allow me to explain more in detail what we did and share more pictures as I took over 600 pictures. All eight posts will not show up at the same time as I will post a post when I am done with it. So please be patient and keep checking back to read more of our exciting trip.- Halfcup

I can eat healthy too!

2009-06-10T10:14:00.003-04:00

The purpose of this blog post was to show all of you that I can eat healthy too! I know that I really like chocolate and I can eat goldfish, chexs mix, or pretzels at any time. However, there is a part of me that can be healthy. Imagine that. So to prove to you all that I can be healthy I took a picture of what I ate for my second breakfast after I ran. (my first breakfast consisted of a bowl of cheerios) My second breakfast consisted of Kiwi for vitamin C, Apple to build a better immune system (when you are active like me your immune system can take a hit), Peanut Butter sandwich to rebuild my muscles because anytime that you exercise your muscles get microscopic tars and the protean rebuilds them. (the human body is amazing), water for hydration, and Iced Tea because it has antioxidants in it. After all of this you would think that I ran a marathon. Well, I didn't. I was just trying to be healthy and back it up with a reason. - Halfcup

Psalm 139:17-18

2009-06-08T16:23:00.000-04:00

Playing Outside with Sweet Pea and C

2009-06-08T11:21:00.008-04:00

Well, today Nana came over to work with Mom on some pictures and the middle kids are gone at a place called New Life Island for an end of the year party. C ,my cousin, was a welcome extra surprise that came with Nana. I have been outside all morning watching Sweet Pea and C play ever so well together. And of course I took pictures. To see all of my pictures form this morning click here. They have kept themselves busy by playing in the sandbox, running, swinging, running, playing in the clubhouse, running, talking, playing Frisbee (short lived) bug catching, and every other thing that entertains a 5 and 3 year old including singing everything that they feel the need to express. Now they are on the ride on toys outside and circling me as I type. They were chanting "We can not live in butterfly ville" (I don't get it, but they do!) Sweet Pea and C found some bugs and one was named "Quamy" (No, I did not suggest that name. I have never heard it and therefore can not spell it!)
Here is a dialog between the two.
Sweet Pea- "This is the most obedient bug I have ever had" (as if she has ever had one before!)
C- "and if he disobeyed give him a spank!"
Oh they make me laugh sometimes. I am sorry that I did not get any really great pictures, but I did take pictures so here they are! ( I figured out how to do this collage thing. See above and Below) Have a great day!- Halfcup

Sweet Pea going down the slide
Sweet Pea on the Swing
C on the swing
C + Sweet Pea on the Swings
C on the swing
Drama Queen!
Drama Queen!
I don't know what that was about
C on the swing
C
Sweet Pea on the slide
Quamy
C
C
C
Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea
puting sand down the tube
Shoveling sand
C using Scoope

Star Light and food!

2009-06-07T21:35:00.003-04:00

Well, I am back! And you are sitting there going, " I didn't know that she was gone?" Well, I was. I was gone for an entire 24 hours with no computer. Therefore, I could not blog to let all two of you know what I was doing. I am sorry to say that I did not really get any good pictures. The one at the top is some of us down at the beach at 10:00 at night much to my displeasure. We had a good time. My favorite part was playing soccer on the beach. Anyway, tonight, after the race was over, Superman and Wonder woman went to the store to get some really great food for dinner. It was so good! So, I took pictures to show you all what we ate and because it was something to take pictures of. ( I love taking pictures and playing with them on my computer. To see more click here!) The simple things in life are sometimes the funnest. Who would have thought that I would get such a kick out of seeing my very first tinny tomatoes of the season growing on the plant and Onion Rings! (Of course only me!) And to think that I don't even eat tomatoes! O' well. What can I say. Actually I have nothing more to say so I think I will just stop typing and put halfcup- Halfup (There I did it. enjoy the pictures!)

Here is the table ( I just knew that all of you were just dying to see our table!)
Onion rings!
Baked Beans!
That was me really wanting to take a picture.
Pineapple
Strawberries
Special rolls!
Onion rings
OK, I am done. Thanks for reading!

Flowers and Life

2009-06-04T15:52:00.005-04:00

I was walking around the outside of the house yesterday I was reminded of this picture that I had taken just of few weeks before.

This picture was the same flower that is in the picture above.

It reminded me of a few verses in the Bible.

James 4:14 "Where as you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

Therefore we should do as Paul says in Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

This life does not last. There is an ending, but for a follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian, there is hope. See this post on the hope of a Christian beyond the grave.However, We are a vapor. We need to focus and do things that matter. Someday we will be the second picture of the flower. Let us set our minds on things above.- Halfup

Drive in and Picnic

2009-06-02T09:35:00.011-04:00

We as a family have done a lot this past weekend. On Saturday we went garage sales and then we went to a drive in movie theater to see UP and Star trek both of which were very good. Superman went to the Dover race on Sunday and yesterday we went to the park and meet family for a picnic. We played very hard and had a lot of fun. Here are some of the pictures from the weekend. There are a lot of L. Sorry, he was just around and wanted me to take his picture. Leave a comment to tell me which one is your favorite. To see all of my pictures the good bad and ugly click here- Halfcup
Superman
I thought that this was a cool picture.
I also thought that this was a cool picture of L on his bike
L on his bike
I guess there was a problem and L, the mechanic needed to fix it.
I though that this was a cool picture as well
B on his bike
Sweet Pea knows how to get where she wants. Ask a boy of course. This boy just happens to be here cousin
C on his bike
B on his bike
This is L trying to carry to many things at once and instead of helping him I took the picture
B
I really like this picture. Pop- Pop and L
Pop- Pop and L again.
Pop- Pop and L
It's the tickle monster
C
C
B
Buddy roller blading
L
I thought that this was a unique picture of L
L
I don't know what he was doing he just said my name and did that
He fell in the mulch and again instead of cleaning his face I took a picture
B
I like this picture too. Pop- Pop
Buddy

Compost and Fishing

2009-05-29T16:31:00.003-04:00

the pond
sweet Pea
the pond
the "creek"
the "pond" through the trees
the "bridge"
Little Sis
I thought that this was a nice picture of the tackle box
Buddy's tackle
Buddy
Sweet Pea and Wonderwoman
Buddy
Wonderwoman and her bullet deflecting camara
Sweet Pea with one of my fishing poles and of course her beloved sticks that she found
Little Sis and Sweet Pea watching TV
Buddy and I trapped ourselves in the compost bin!
Still turning the compost
the compost felt good on our feet
Buddy displaying the compost
And YES I am fully aware of the fact that my wonderful brother has his clothes on backwards and inside out. He was bored.
Turning compost

This past couple of days has been pretty busy. I had my very last softball game yesterday and after that we headed over to Nana and Pop-pop's as mom and day went away for the night. This morning I got up and went to Science class. Then buddy and I decided that the compost pile needed to be turned and Nana thought that some weeds needed to be picked from the lawn. Little Sis and Sweet Pea just sat and watched TV.

Mom came and picked us up after lunch. When we got home we went to the pond to do some fishing. It was good but also unsuccessful as we did not catch any fish. O' well maybe next time. And now buddy is watching soccer.- Halfcup

Memorial Day Weekend or what to say when you are trying to sell tomatoes and you don’t know what they are or you don’t have the kind that they want!

2009-05-26T21:43:00.003-04:00

me
c
buddy
buddy
c+ buddy

c
this is just trying to show you how big the flea market is

our attempt at a unique picture
me and M
M
Buddy
Sweet Pea
Little sis+ B+ E
Buddy
Aunt S + Uncle E
Me + Buddy
Wonder Women + Buddy
C + Sweet Pea
C+ Buddy + Me
C + me / Mr. Pepper and Mrs. Tomato
Most of us- Superman's side
E
Superman
Buddy
Sweet Pea
C
A
the girls
B+ E
Little Sis
Uncle E
Superman and his cup of tea
E
B
Fusia ( Can't spell it)

Double Impatient

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone. It is a weekend that we look forward to for a long time. It marks the end of the school year and the begging of a fun filled summer. It is a weekend that we get to go on vacation and be with family in Ohio. On Saturday and Monday we work at a flea market selling flowers and delivering them from tips. Sunday is church and the rest of our time is filled with running, jumping, and all things that allow us to expound energy together, although the big kids do sometimes sneak down to the basement with a laptop, pop corn, and a movie at night. Most of the kids sleep outside into the camper. All of these results in tired kids and the parents say that they are tired as well. Getting up at 5:15 and going non-stop and then going to bed late wears a person out!

Beyond the fun and energy that is expounded we learn to be hard workers and to be patient with all types of people weather they are cranky family members or slow and sometimes annoying flower buyers that you are trying to follow to deliver flowers to. Flowers don't seem like an exciting thing to do but somehow we make it something to look forward to. I guess it is the wonder of a kid who works hard and is rewarded by doing their best even when the results are not what they desire. Sometimes you get a costumer who is cranky and is not at all generous and you walk all of the way to the car and put the flowers in and don't even get a tip. Then there are others who will hand you a dollar per person.

There are perks to getting up at 5:15. You get pancakes at the flea market. And then there are those not so fun situations like being called cute! Or being asked for the 100^th time for hillbilly tomatoes. (You just have to keep responding with, "Sorry the green house did not send any of those today") And another thing that we were asked 100 times was what in the world a sausage tomato is. (You have to respond with, "it is a small red tomato that is similar to a roma tomato and can be eaten plain or can be used to make sauce because it is a paste tomato") and yes there are different color tomatoes! (If nothing else you will learn about tomatoes in this post!) My cousin C or B which ever you want and I sold the tomatoes and peppers. He was Mr. Pepper and I was Mrs. Tomato. And to think that I don't even eat tomatoes! Flea Markets just bring out the best in people or the worst depending on the moment in which you would like to evaluate. You may choose between the moment right after the $5 tip and the meltdown after being told they can't go on a delivery! Our Memorial Day weekend is unique and something that we look forward to and also something that we look back on as a special memory with family. Yes there will come a day when there will not be two guys and seven kids all in red shirts and blue shirts standing in the parking lot selling flowers on a holiday weekend, but while those days do exist we will value them. –Halfcup

Watching my cousins

2009-05-08T20:19:00.010-04:00

Well, today my mom was gone helping family up-state. I was also helping family by watching two of my cousins. We had a lot of fun. The neighbors that live down the street from them were having their drive way re- done. There was dump trucks and back hoes. Therefore, we walked down and watched them at least three times if not more. We played outside all morning. We rode bikes, ran around, had wagon rides, and all things that little boys do. I had a lot of fun and I think that they had a lot of fun. I was sad to leave and they were sad that I had to leave as well. Well, here are some pictures of today.- Halfcup

2009-05-08T16:33:00.009-04:00

Flower
Flower
Flowers (Plural)
Really cool, but edited
flower from a bush
grass
puddled water on the side walk
side walk with water on it and reflection of me
side walk with water on it
side walk with water on it
tree bark
side walk with water on it
leaves with water on them
flowers
flowers

This picture is actually of my sidewalk. There was about two inches of water siting on it from all of the rain and the trees are the reflection!
It feels like it has been raining for a very very very long time. We were all ready to see the sun as it has been raining all week. Yesterday, after a thunder storm, it cleared up and I went outside to take some pictures as I was taking every opportunity to soak in the sun. I have to say that I took some pretty cool pictures if I do say so myself. They are not of people, but of flowers, leaves, trees, water etc. around my house. So here they are! Oh and I almost forgot that I took many, many, pictures of my feet. They were not even that good! I will spare you the site of my lovely, but rather large feet for someone of my statcher. No! these are not all of my pictures!Leave a comment and tell me which one you like best. That is if you like any of them at all! Well, you get the point!- Halfcup

Buddy as Bible man!

2009-05-03T20:41:00.002-04:00

All afternoon the little kids have been down stairs watching videos that they got out of the church library. One of those happened to be bible man. Buddy was inspired. He came up with this costume. What an imaginative brother I have.- Halfcup

Superman playing softball

2009-05-03T20:36:00.003-04:00

Superman decided that this year he would participate in the church softball team. He did really well. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed playing with the guys. Here are some bad pictures of him.- Halfcup

2009-05-03T20:21:00.000-04:00

Just thought that I woud share this picture of my cousin. It was taken a couple of weeks ago, but I thought that I would share it anyway.- Halfcup

Hope of a Christian Beyond the Grave

2009-04-27T11:32:00.003-04:00

Is there more to life than being born, making money, and then dying and then people cry and put you in a box and then burry the box in the ground with a bunch of other boxes that contain the decaying bones of a once breathing human being? Do we re-enter as an animal or maybe another human being to different people, with a different name, in a different place, in a different time period? Will we one day meet a scale that all of our good deeds are on one side and the sinful, ugly things sit on the other side and if the good out ways the bad then we will enter into heaven? Is the answer to life that we are just an accident, we have nothing to live for, life is pointless, and that when we die well, that would be the end of that? My answer to all of those questions is NO. As a Christian I believe that I am a sinner. I believe that there is a heaven and a hell. Heaven being a perfect place that will last for all of eternity that has the presences of God and the absence of sin. Hell well that would be the opposite of heaven. It is a burning blackness that lasts all of eternity that has the absence of God and the presence of sin. Sin entered to world when Adam and Eve sinned by eating the fruit of the one tree that God said not to and from then on all of humanity is doomed for death and eternity in hell. BUT God loved us. He developed a rescue plan. It would involve the death of His only son at the hands of sinners like us in the worst way that we could come up with all for us because He loved us. But we had to believe Him and trust Him. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have eternal life." We cannot and will not enter heaven because we have done good things. It is all because of Jesus Christ that I will one day see Him face to face and spend all of eternity with Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast." No we are not an accident. We are made by God with a purpose. Genesis 1:27 "so God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." As far as the point of life, well that is found different places in the Bible but once you are a Christian we are to tell others of Jesus Christ and what He does in a persons' life. Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." The hope of a Christian beyond the grave is that because of Jesus Christ that when I die I will see Jesus face to face and will remain there forever! You and I are not accidents. You and I will not have another shot at life. You and I will not make it to heaven by doing good works. It is really simple if you believe that you are a sinner and the because you are a sinner you deserve to go to hell and that Jesus died to take your punishment and rose again on the third day that you will spend eternity in heaven. If you don't believe that then you will spend eternity in hell. As a follower of Jesus Christ I have hope beyond the grave!- Halfcup

Tea and Cook Out

2009-04-16T20:39:00.002-04:00

Today included a girl's tea at a nearby tea place and a family cookout at my Uncle's house. Tea was fine. Going out like that is not my cup of tea HAHA! I got some good pictures. After that some of my visiting family members came over for some fun. After chilling and having a healthy snack of apples and grapes we hit the traffic filled roads to go get some grub that was at my uncle's house. Of course we talked and some fun. I also took some good pictures as well. That was our day in fast forward. -Halfcup

Today

2009-04-15T16:58:00.003-04:00

Today we joined way too many people on a trip to the aquarium. Two sets of cousins and a set of grandparents and our family was just one big pack of people wandering through the building. To keep everyone together and in a somewhat organized way we each had a "buddy". I had my little three year old cousin. He was great. Towards the end it was clear that he was done. In the beginning there was not too many people so I didn't have to hold his hand all of the time. However, after we were done the shark exhibit, which was amazing, we joined many other people for the other exhibit. When we were with so many people I just couldn't let him go. So he asked, "Do you have to hold my hand because I don't want you to." "Well, buddy there are so many people so I need you to hold my hand" He said okay and tried to get his entire hand around mine! So that was our adventure today. - Halfcup

Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:53:00.001-04:00

Today is Good Friday. If today was the end of the story today would be a day of great sorrow. However, for followers of Jesus Christ we know that this is not the end of the story. Today is the end of the beginning. Yes, today is the day that we think of the mockery and pain that Jesus went through on the cross. It makes me stop and think when I look back and remember that He did it for me, but also when I look back I remember that the reason He did it was because He loved and still loves me. Today we remember that Jesus was betrayed by His friend, headed over to the leaders, the Jews and the Romans. He was unjustly tried. He had His skin torn off of his back by whips and a robe. He was mocked and humiliated. He was blind folded and beaten. A thief was chosen to be released over an innocent PERFECT man. Then after all of that (most people would barely be conscious) he was taken to Golgotha (the place called the skull) His wrists and ankles were nailed into a rough splintered cross, that lay on the ground with nails that resembled rail road ties. After fastened to the cross, the cross was picked up and dropped into a hole in the ground. This jarred his entire body and dislocated his shoulders. On either side of Him were two other criminals. While hanging on the cross the sky went dark, during this time God was placing the sins of you and Me on Him. Because He held the sin of the world on Him and God cannot look upon sin, God looked away from Him. After this He said, "It is finished" and He breathed His last. The seven layer thick curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was split from top to bottom. This symbolized how Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice that allowed us to have direct access to God. Jesus made the needed intercessory for us because He loved us. Later on, His side was pierced to make sure that he was dead. His body was given to Joseph of Arimathea to be buried. He was placed in a tomb and a stone was rolled in front of it. The stone was sealed and soldiers were placed by Pilot to guard the tomb.

The prophet Isaiah prophesied about the death of Christ in a book of the Bible named after him. This section is taken from Isaiah 53.

"For He grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dried ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men: a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our grief and carried out sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we were healed. All we like sheep have turned astray; we have turned- every one- to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its sheers is sigh lent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And he made his grave with the wicked and with the rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit from his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of my soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many and makes intercession for the transgressors."

I am not one to see pictures in writing, nor am I one for imagery, (just ask my mom!) but can't you see what Jesus did for you in those verses. In the beginning of this post, which seems like a long time ago, I said that Good Friday was the end of the beginning. Yes, I know that Jesus is dead and some of you may be asking how this can be the end of the beginning. Well, we have Jesus in the grave and guarded by soldiers. This next part really should wait until Sunday however, I will finish it now. After three days God sent and earthquake and an angel to roll back the stone. That morning Women came to anoint Jesus' body. They found the angel and he told them to not be afraid for Jesus had risen. The women were told by the angel to go and tell Jesus disciples that He had risen. Jesus later went and talked to them. He taught them and met with them for 40 days. At the end of the 40 day time period, Jesus ascended into heaven. Today He sits in heaven at the right hand of the Father. That is why I said that Jesus' death was the end of the beginning. To read the whole story see Matthew 26:14- 28:20, Mark 14:10- 16:20, Luke 22: 1- 24- 53, John 18:1- 21:25.

Jesus was the sacrifice for us Once for All. That is why I named my blog that. I got it right out of the Bible. See the verse at the top of the banner? Good Friday by itself is full of grief and sorrow but with the resurrection of Christ it brings hope! - halfcup

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2009-04-09T20:22:00.001-04:00

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Teaching Sweet Pea to Ride a Bike

2009-04-04T14:45:00.001-04:00

Well, now she is five and I decided that now is the time for her to learn to ride a bike without training wheels. So, I went to the shed, pulled out the bike and took it to the Garage. There I got myself a wrench and proceeded to take the training wheels off. We started on the small incline in front of our house and ran with her down the grass, to keep her from falling over. Yes, we had some falls. Yes, we had some tears. No, we cannot ride a bike by ourselves. BUT, we got a good start and someday soon we will be going so fast by ourselves that you will only see a flash of light in front of your eyes. Some day soon Sweet Pea just keep practicing! - Halfcup

I’m back!!

2009-04-04T11:26:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I know that I haven't blogged for a while. I don't really have too much to say lately. Nothing out of the ordinary, it is just my life. Sometimes that is good. I am playing softball. Actually I should change that to trying to play softball. I am not any good. Well, regardless of whether I have something to say or not I will try to blog more frequently. Have a great day. Oh and I did add something's to my blog so now it looks a little different. -Laura

Spring

2009-03-05T18:33:00.002-05:00

Here at our house is just as crazy as ever. However, we are awaiting the arrival of spring. Everyone here needs to run around and get their itches out. We are all restless for spring.

Congratulations!!!!

2009-02-28T19:04:00.002-05:00

Congratulations Alyson on winning the salo soccer junior division championship. I hope that you had a lot of fun and did your very best. Congratulations!-Laura

Soccer Tournament

2009-02-26T17:12:00.001-05:00

Well, Tomorrow is the big night. We will see if my indoor soccer team can pull out the championship. I really hope that we do. I think that if we play hard and play together we have a big shot at making it happen. We need to get ahead early and play out of this world defense. There is my "Keys to the game." Corny isn't it. I mean what team doesn't want to score and play good defense. I just wanted to sound like those TV announcers. Anyway, I hope that I feel better. I have a cold. Go Grey Team!!-Laura

New Laptop

2009-02-18T15:26:00.003-05:00

Today I am typing from a new computer. It is so sweet and it is all mine. I got it on Monday night. I am still getting everything set up. For instance, I do not have my pictures and music on my computer yet. Dad said that the rule is no siblings are allowed to touch my computer. I think that that is the best rule ever. I really enjoy the updated Microsoft. It has a lot more in it then the previous one that I was working with.

Computer

2009-02-16T07:43:00.002-05:00

I am starting to look for a laptop to purchase. I found one that I like. I just need to make sure that Acer is a good brand. This one has 2 GB of ram and a 250 hard drive. It has a lot of expansion possibilities. Later on I could expand the ram to 4GB. I am really excited. I hope to write soon from a new computer.-Laura

Whatever

2009-02-12T11:33:00.002-05:00

Today is just the schroll way of doing things. It is a Thursday and that stands for crazy in this house. My mom is going out to lunch with my dad. Alyson has Art and Band. Meanwhile I am hoping to go to Barnes and noble to pick up some guitar music and then go to school basketball games. We will come home and eat together as a family and then Dad will meet the Challenger guys at Starbucks and Mom will meet with one of her friends. -Laura

Interesting things that happend this week

2009-01-30T08:31:00.002-05:00

1) Cousin Brady has scarlet fever
2) I had my birthday
3) Had a science mid-term
4) We received three inches of snow and Baptist canceled school
5) I went to Dicks and Barnes and noble with just my mom

It snowed!

2009-01-28T11:43:00.002-05:00

The first kind of sort of snow fall this year! You can still see the top of the grass sticking up and it feels and weighs more like ice, but who cares. Baptist has a snow day which pushes mid-terms off a day. Hari is very happy. Everyone had fun in the snow this morning. Now it is time for lunch. Have a great day.-Laura

Birthday

2009-01-26T13:24:00.001-05:00

Well, today is my birthday. Last night I had my birthday party. I just had a few friends over. We played, ate and had a good time. Tonight Grandpa and Grandma are coming over. So that is what has been what will be going on. -Laura

My dad's bithday

2009-01-21T12:42:00.002-05:00

Today is my dad's birthday. We are all excited to give him his gifts and eat pizza. It stinks having to wait until dinner to give him his presents. O well. Happy Birthday dad!-Laura

Nothnig real profound

2009-01-16T13:51:00.002-05:00

Nothing has been going on that is extremely exciting or out of the ordinary. Not even interesting conversations. Soccer has started and we won our first game. I scored three goals. To marrow I have my next game. We will play our best, but it will be a hard game. That is all for now.-Laura

Worship

2009-01-08T10:50:00.003-05:00

The other day we had a interesting discussion on worship. Worship contains many elements to it. Webster dictionary defines worship as "Worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being." Worship, in short, is showing someone how much they mean to you. Worship requires effort. Worship requires giving of yourself. Worship is not just singing in church or even going to church. Worship is a life style. Worship can begin in church but it should not end in church. If we were to look through the Bible we would see different ways that people showed God how much He meant to them. Mark 14:3-9 tells the story of Mary annoting Jesus' feet with the costly perfume. In verse 8 it says "She has done what she could." She showed worship. She offered her most valued possession. In Luke 7 we find the story of a woman using her tears and hair to wash Jesus' feet. In Mark 12:38-44 we see a widow put in all of the money that she has. She showed how much Jesus meant to her-everything. Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship." Worship- showing God how much He means to us, a life style, something that can start in church but can not end there. -Laura

How long?

2009-01-06T18:13:00.002-05:00

Jan 2nd my cousin Abby, who we had been with all week, got sick with the flu. Monday my other cousins Chase and Logan got sick as well. Matthew got sick tonight. The question of the day is how long before we all are. All that we are asking is that we be all better before Saturday in time for soccer. Have a great day!-Laura

2009-01-04T20:35:00.002-05:00

A new year, a long time since I last post, and the last day before school starts again. Life has just kept rolling. Christmas has come and gone. The first day of salo soccer has come and gone. My dad and his business partner have gotten their office. The furniture has come, along with allot of cardboard that I had to cut down and what felt like many chairs to be assembled. We received a Wii for Christmas from are grandparents. That is what has been going on in the Schroll family in extreme fast forward and no details. Have a good day, week, year etc.-Laura

2008-12-22T10:54:00.002-05:00

Christmas is soon to be here. My mom is talking to her sister and brother about this, that, and the other thing. We are all excited to see our family and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Matthew and Kate have been spotting the presents that sit under the tree. Little do they know that the ones for them sit in the back face down. Today is Monday and it seems that they are simply living for Thursday. I just want to be done with school for a couple of weeks. Have a Merry Christmas!! -Laura

The boys

2008-12-15T18:58:00.005-05:00

Lat night I went to watch my three younger cousins. They were all very good. We ate pizza, played go fish, and just had a good time. After getting them ready for bed we went downstairs and took a few fun pictures. (they wanted to see themselves being funny) Brotherly love is right here folks!

A Family Tradition

2008-12-15T18:43:00.004-05:00

Everyone spreading

this is the scale that we measure the amount of ingredients for each batch on
Grandma working on the sugar
Already stretched peanut brittle on the slabs

This is what the batter looks like when we begin cooking
good job Matthew!
hi dad!
This past Saturday we made peanut brittle. We had a lot of fun as we measured, stirred, and stretched six batches. Not to mention all of the greasing and cleaning that was included. Here are some pictures to help you visualize what we do. Sorry, I can not give out the recipe it is a family secret!

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph"

2008-12-08T14:08:00.004-05:00

I was reading to day ( for fun) Part of "The American Crisis" written by Thomas Pain. ( He also wrote common sense) He wrote this in his paper.
" Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain to too cheap, we esteem to lightly; 'tis dearness only that gives everything its value."
When we work extremely hard for something and reach the goal the rewards feel much greater. When we don't try and do well we don't have as great of a reward. What is "hard"? What is "dear"? I am going to use the word " fight for". There are small things to "fight" for such as sticking up for your 4 year old sister when she is being clobbered by my 7 year old brother. Then there are really big things to fight for such as taking the stand of pro-life. You are fighting for the lives of unborn children. We can not be afraid to fail. Something that we know that God is calling us to work for we can be sure will have the rewards in heaven. "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."-Laura

tonight

2008-12-05T12:52:00.002-05:00

Tonight Hari is moving in. I am praying for a good transition. I must finish cleaning up my room and getting things ready. Matthew, Dad, Kate, and Alyson will be going to church tonight as it is the first night of "The Christmas Festival." We should win the award for most insane family. However, I wouldn't trade my family for anything in the world. Right now I am just trying to get to Christmas break. It is not to far away. It is only 18 more days of school. That is including the weekends before Christmas vacation. My mom is just not even thinking about it to keep from becoming stressed. A happy mom makes for happy kids and a happy house! -Laura