Season For All Things

Short Little Update

2011-09-16T13:13:00.000-06:00

Hello, friends!

Fall is almost here, and summer is gone. My brother and I started school on August 16th. That was very early for us (we normally don't start until the day after Labor Day)! It has worked out well, though.

I'm still taking piano, and Irish Dance! We get to use hard shoe in Irish this year! Should be tons of fun!

I will helping out with a girls Bible Study by leading music, sharing my testimonies, and helping where I'm needed starting next week. :)

Today I saw that people from various countries such as China, Iran, and the United Kingdom have stumbled upon this blog! I know most (if not all of those) were probably a mistake, but it was still really cool to see! Hopefully, they will remember that they clicked on my blog and come back sometime! :)

Well, more later!

~Bethany

Two New Blogs

2011-07-22T12:48:00.000-06:00

I have started two new blogs! :) I will still have this one, though. If you have a chance, please check them out! Click a link below to visit:

A Life Worth Living for Jesus: A Blog for Young Women

Bethany Photography

So... I haven't posted in awhile

2011-07-22T12:47:00.000-06:00

Hey, there! I have a lot to catch up on, huh?

In June, we took a two week vacation to Oregon and Washington! We got to see a bunch of family and friends! We had a great time! While I was in Oregon, I got to go horseback riding, shooting, canoeing, to Cannon Beach, and to Sunriver. We spent a few days in Sunriver at a house we rented with family! Also, some friends had a party for us, and all our closest friends from that area were able to come! :) That was fun! We even got to do some English Country Dancing at the party!

In Washington, we went shopping, to Pike Place Market, spent time with family, and even met the Doublemint Gum twins (we were even on camera at one point)! We also went to the first Starbucks, and a Mariners game!

We also had some interesting airport experiences. When we arrived in Oregon, I ran into my best friend from when I lived there at the airport! We knew it was possible because they were coming home from a trip, but we didn't think it would actually happen! But it did! That was cool! When we landed at the airport to come home, we had another fun experience. There were two guys running to catch the train to their next destination, but one of their phones dropped. My brother picked it up, and tried to throw it to them through the closing doors of the train. It was flying... clunk! It hit the closing door! The two guys were whisked away on the train. The friend of the guy who lost the phone, called that phone. They got off at the next stop, and we headed there (we needed to ride the train anyway). They stepped on the train for a moment, D.J. handed them the phone, and they handed D.J. $5, the doors closed, and we were off to our destination and they were off to theirs.

Over the 4th of July, we had some friends who used to live here stay with us for a few days. So, on the 4th of July, we had a little welcome/4th of July party for them! That night we went to see the city fireworks! They were really neat!

On Wednesday, we just got back from a little-less-than-a-week trip to Montana. It was good to see family there! :)

We hit the ground running, with a busy (but fun) day yesterday, and a busy (but fun) day today! This whole next week is going to be very busy with a lot of events, but it will be very fun!

The summer is going by so quickly! Enjoy it while it lasts!

A Bit O' Irish Dance

2011-05-21T15:06:00.002-06:00

The last notes of a song play, and the light dims. The soloist walks to her spot on the stage. The spotlight turns on, and the crowd cheers!

The high notes of a fiddle begin to play along with the steady beats of a piano across the speakers. The dancer jumps and twirls to the music, then leads four little dancers in a row onto the stage from one side, then goes to the other side to bring four more on. She jumps and twirls, her feet are flying, and brings yet another four dancers onto the stage. The excitement builds! I'm in the fourth and last row of dancers. Bright lights on either side of the stage reflect off the costumes, making the red sparkles shimmer. Here she comes to lead us on to the stage! We come out from behind the curtain, our arms (hopefully) glued to our sides... and dance!

I feel so happy! I smile. I look out to the crowd, and soak it in. Bliss.

The crowd even claps to the beat! We finish that dance, and wait for the other dancers to complete their steps. We watch from the side behind the curtain, and listen as their feet hit the floor in unison sounding like drum beats! They leave the stage little by little, until only the soloist is left.

She dances another solo, jumping and twirling about, and once she is finished, my group goes onto the stage again to dance "The Walls of Limerick." Up, two, three, four, five, six, seven, hop back, two, three, and back, two, three... Advance, retire, advance, retire, up, two, three, four, five, six, seven, hop back, two, three, and back two, three...

We complete this dance and leave the stage.
________________

Last Friday and Saturday night (13th and 14th of May), I had an Irish dance performance. I said last fall that I'd write about it sometime, so it seems I should do so now!

In case you weren't aware, I've been taking Irish Step Dance since September. It has been a very fun experience! We dance with soft shoes called ghillies, and we keep our arms glued to our sides unless a step calls for them not to be. When I take Irish 2, I will be learning to dance with a hard shoe and really make some noise! ;)

The class I was in this year mainly consisted of 15 girls (mostly around 4th grade, however, thankfully there was a teenager and two moms, so I wasn't the only "tall one"), and one boy (also 4th grade). I love kids, and it was fun to get to know them.

I am SO glad I've done Irish Dance! I had some of the most fun I've ever had those two nights we performed!

So, grab your ghillies, and let's dance!

Flowers in Spring

2011-05-21T15:06:00.001-06:00

I took these pictures on Mother's Day! It felt so much like spring that day! Enjoy!

To a Far Away Land

2011-05-21T15:06:00.000-06:00

This is a story about a teenage girl who lives in Ireland during the potato famine (1845 -1852), and moves to America. No promises that I will post a continuation of it, I'll have to see about that, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!

__________________________________

The sun was just beginning to rise over the mountains. The air was cool, and fresh. The breeze gently played with my long, curly, red hair. I could nearly taste the salt from the Irish sea the breeze blew over.

Aye, the sea. The beautiful place where the huge waves crashed until they got smaller and smaller and rolled upon the sandy shore, where the seagulls flew above and greeted each other as they flew by... Aye, this was where I wanted to be that new day in Ireland, but I was not. Instead of the seagulls, the chickens squawked as they ran around trying to get their breakfast as I threw down bits of corn for them. The cow mooed in the barn beside me where my brother was milking. We made little money from the milk and eggs we sold. We had been potato farmers, but when the famine came, well, there just weren't anymore potatoes.

My thoughts turned back to the sea. My family had been saving every spare coin to buy a passage to America.

America. I thought. Will it be anything like here? Mama says it doesn't matter 'cause we'll all be together...

I thought of the massive ships I had once seen at port when I walked by them with Papa. They had boasted tall white sails, and the Irish flag had been flapping bravely in the wind as if waving good-bye.

Aye, I thought of that sea - that big, loud, frightening, exciting ocean, compared to my favorite, peaceful beach I enjoyed so much.

In ways, I was excited to travel to America. Papa said we would have a new start there. We wouldn’t be so poor anymore, and maybe my brother and I could get a good education. I was not excited about making the long voyage on that dirty ship with a whole bunch of people I didn’t know. There were diseases and rats and I do not like being in a small place with no other place to go or see for a long time.

I was going into the unknown. I was excited for the adventure, but wondered what it would really be like. I was sad to leave the dear people I had known nearly all my life. It brought me to tears every time I thought about how I’d probably never see those I’ve loved most ever again on this earth.

"Kalina!" I woke up from my daydream. "Come into the house, please!"

It was my Mama calling. I ran into the house, dropping the left over corn bits that I held in my apron on the ground.

"I need to run into town and buy a few last items for our voyage across the sea. We only have a few days left here, ya know," she said with a sigh. "And I need you to make the bread this morning."

"Of course, Mama," I said. Things had been quite hectic around here, now that the days were getting closer and closer to our departure. "However, I don't know how you make it taste so good. I'm sure mine just won't be the same!"

She patted my cheek, and said, "Oh, my little darlin'. I'm sure you'll do a fine job of it!" She smiled. then said, "Now, I better get a runnin' down to town. No need diddle dabblin' round here!"

She left the house, and everything seemed quiet, for awhile. My brother was in the barn, and Papa was already down at the port tryin' to get everything settled for our journey.

I kneaded the bread up, and down, like the waves of the sea...

I could hardly bear to leave my church, but it helped to know that God would always be with me. Even if I had to leave all my friends, He was a Friend who’d always be with me.

It was so hard to leave my home that Papa had built with his own hands, and where I had grown up. It was hard to leave our dear animals that I’d known for so long and loved.

It was hard to leave my country, especially knowing I would probably never return. I had always wanted to visit other places. All the stories I’d heard about the beautiful places and how the people there lived their lives differently made me very interested in visiting, but I never thought I’d have to leave my home forever.

All the dreams I’d had of raising my own family here, in my own country, were dashed.

I worried about being considered an outsider. Did Americans look like us? I hadn’t seen many pictures, so I wasn’t sure. How did they dress? Did they talk like us? Would we be welcomed? It would be very difficult.

I knew there were Christians in America, but were there people who thought like us? Would I have many friends?

Just as I was rolling out the dough, a tall young man, with dark curly hair, opened the door. It was my brother. He came in, and sat at our little table.

"What do you think America will be like?" I asked,, still rolling the dough.

"Oh, stop worryin' about that! I'm sure it will be quite nice! You'll make lots of friends - I don't see how anyone couldn't like ya! Well... maybe..." He stopped and smiled.

"Oh, you stop!" I said with a smile.

"Well, you'll always have me!" He said, grinning.

I smiled and said, "And you'll always have me."

**********

Those last days passed much too quickly. Before I knew it, I was on that big, tall ship off to an unknown land. I waved good-bye to my friends on the shore, the sea misting my face, until I could no longer see them.

Good-bye. I thought. I will miss you all ever so much, but may we meet again sometime soon. Aye, sometime very soon.

Then I turned West, and faced the vast unknown. The sea spread wide before me. The air was cool, and fresh. The breeze gently played with my long, curly, red hair. I could taste the salt from the sea the breeze blew over. Aye, the sea. I was now on a most exciting journey to a far away land that I would learn to call home.
______________________________

Thanks for reading! If you have any comments, please let me know! Thanks!

Put on Your Dancing Shoes! :)

2011-04-23T21:14:00.003-06:00

My family hosted a dance for my birthday on Friday the 15th! :) It was very fun!

We had it at our church gym. The day before the dance, we decorated it with streamers (pink, green, blue, and purple) and flowers and butterflies that were all sparkly! We even had streamers streaming across the top of the gym. It was very pretty and rainbow-like! We also had balloons over the snack table. Here is a picture of the balloons over the table:

The dance started at about seven. The first dance we danced was the "Duke of Kent's Waltz". Some of the other dances we danced were the "Virginia Reel", "Hole in the Wall", and a dance where one of the steps was to "Dip 'n Dive!". :)

In the last dance we did, the guys were in the center in a circle, and the girls were in a circle outside them. You'd start with your partner, skip forward, skip backwards, change which way you were facing, skip back, skip forward. Then, jump in, jump out, then the girl would swing over to the middle, jump in, jump out, then the girl goes under the guy's arm back to the guy behind her, ending up on the outside of the circle again. Then, repeat! :) Whew!

The caller had to leave a little after nine, so the dancing was done then, and we cut the cake and took a little break (hey, that rhymes!).

Then chairs were set up in a circle, and some people shared some encouraging words. We closed with a prayer and sang "Amazing Grace" then we cleaned up.

We had 74 people attend the party. I feel so blessed that all these people came and love me. I moved here with empty hands (no friends here), but God has filled them with some wonderful people. May He always be honored and glorified in my life.

...And music fills the night

And when you can't contain your joy inside, then dance for Jesus...

~"Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice

Do We Care?

2011-04-23T21:14:00.000-06:00

Someone new walks into your church. They've been through all sorts of hard times, yet they smile on the outside while still hurting within. Maybe this person doesn't look wealthy or kind, so no one talks to them. And everyone has their own little groups of friends anyway. They don't want to go out of their "zone." What is going to make this person come back to church? They may not even be a Christian.

How about the kid in your youth group who's parents have divorced? And the other kid who is a Christian, but who's parents are not?

What will happen to the shy girl at school who no one ever talks to? Do we even care?

We judge people before we even get a chance to know their story.

Something needs to change... now.

Do you realize that God has given you a wonderful opportunity to possibly help make a difference in someone's life? Can people tell that you are different by the way you do things and talk?

Do we sometimes just ignore what's right in front of us? Instead, will we ignore the status quo, and take the leap and reach our hand out to those in need?

We are the body of Christ. My Sunday teacher once said, "If my foot hurting, I'd like to know!" Don't you want to know if part of you is hurting?

We are supposed to be different than the world. We are to care for others.

What do you think? Is God calling you to reach out today?

Blog Award

2011-04-23T20:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my dear friend Karissa of "A Daughter's Devotion" for awarding me with "The Most Stylish Blog Award"! The rules ask me to list seven random things about myself. So, here they are...

1. I collect postcards. I have many from around the world, even though I have never been to those places. The only foreign country I have been to is Mexico. If you know me, and ever travel anywhere (I collect postcards from the U.S., too), I would love to get a postcard from there! :)

2. When I was little, I always wanted a dog, but my mom always told me I couldn't get one until I was twelve. Well, my family got our first dog when I was ten! :) She's a Sheltie, and I'm happy we have her (even if it was a little "early")!

3. I studied Latin for two years.

4. I know people living in at least 17 states. Some of them, I hardly know, but I've met them!

5. I am part Native American.

6. Last year, I visited both the East Coast and the West Coast.

7. I have lived in three states, and five houses.

Now, I would like to give this award to my friend Katelyn of "A Life of Purpose"...

Blessings vs. Luck

2011-03-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Blessings. They are gifts from God to us. St. Patrick's Day seems to highlight "luck", but what do you think about "blessings"?

A definition of luck is: "good fortune: success that seems to happen by chance." On contrast, a definition of blessing is "God's help: help believed to come from God or another deity". What would you rather have? Chance, or the perfect timing of God?

God's help. What does that mean? Well, ok, obviously it means "help", but what kind? Sometimes we think that only what we think to be good things are from God, and all the "bad" things aren't from Him. God wouldn't allow the bad things to happen, right? Wrong. God allows all things to happen. Of course He wants what is best, but sometimes we just don't see how the bad things are part of God's good plan. Just think, God allowed His own Son to die for us. To DIE. When this happened, many people didn't know what to do. They thought that was it. But it wasn't. God had a WONDERFUL plan. Jesus raised from the dead on the third day. He died, but rose again to set us free.

Laura Story has just written a beautiful song called "Blessings". Here is the chorus:

Cuz what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know you’re near
What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

We may not understand why things happen, but sometimes they bring us closer to God. (Please understand that it's not that God is not able to stop bad things - HE MOST CERTAINLY IS - He has a plan and we sometimes just have to wait to see what it is). God LOVES us so, so, so (etc.) much and is always near to help us through the hard times. He totally understands whatever you go through.

So, can we maybe think of hardships as blessings? This can be quite challenging. Luck is defined as "good fortune." Blessing are defined as "God's help." God knows what's best for us. He wants us to draw close to Him and love Him and live our lives for Him. He will help us to be the people He made us to be - even if it means going through some hard times. He is there every second of the way.

And we know that in all things God works

for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purspose.

~Romans 8:28

God: Your Forever Valentine

2011-02-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man, that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?" - Psalm 8:3

Can you believe how much God loves you? Just think about it for a moment. God, the God who created the universe, cares so much about you that "he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"! (John 3:16) He gives us sinful and rebellious people a chance to be forgiven and live with Him.

God's love for you is greater than you will ever know. Even if sometimes it doesn't feel like He loves you, he does. He made you. He knows everything about you. He knows everything you have gone through, and will go through. He made you for a reason, and is always there for you.

In Mark 12:29, Jesus tells us what is the most important commandment. He says, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Will you love Him with your all? Will you love others as you love yourself? This can be quite difficult to do, but God will help us.

He gave his life, his perfect life, for YOU. What will you give for Him?

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2011-01-10T21:52:00.001-07:00

I am sorry it has been so long since I posted anything! I have a little catching up to do!

We had a fun Thanksgiving with some friends that live. We drove to their place in another city on Thanksgiving morning, and drove home that Saturday afternoon. Our time was filled with sledding (being pulled behind the pick-up truck on sleds - very fun!), a trip to a National Monument, and of course, eating!

We had a good Christmas, too! My dad and I got to lead worship for one of our Christmas Eve services. That was great! :) I also got to play guitar for the chapel my dad did at the hospital on Christmas. On December 30, my dad and I went to a Christmas/New Year's Ball. That was really fun!

We have gotten a lot of snow within the last two weeks. I love the snow! It is so pretty! Just like how a snowflake flows freely from the sky, also, God's grace is given to us freely covering over us and making us as white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18 says, "'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'"
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace 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." Where does this grace come from? From God - no one can gain their salvation. It is only by the grace of God.
Romans 3:23-24 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Do we deserve this grace? No, way! "ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So, why, then would the God who created the universe, who is absolutely perfect in every way, who has never, ever sinned, offer "justification freely by his grace"?
Jesus came as a baby, was born in a stable, and slept on hay. From the very beginning of his life someone was out there who wanted to kill Him. He knew that would happen, but came anyway, and died for their sins, too. He knows everything, but didn't go around and boast about it. He cared for those that others did not.

He died for every person who had lived or would live on earth. He paid for every sin. Why?
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." ~John 3:16-17

He came because He loves you, and He wants to save you from eternal punishment.
Through Jesus, our hearts can be made as white as snow.
So, next time it snows, think about the grace of God, and His great love for you. There is no one, no one, who loves your more than Him.

"Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." ~Psalms 51:7b

Concert!

2010-10-22T22:14:00.005-06:00

Last night we went to an amazing concert with TobyMac, Third Day, Jason Gray, and Michael W. Smith. Our speaker was Max Lucado.

We picked up our tickets there at the place where the concert would be held, and then we went to grab some dinner. After dinner, we walked around the parking lot of the arena where the concert was held for a half hour (I have a goal to walk for at least 30 minutes at least three times a week for the Congressional Award, so we did it while we had some extra time), then we went inside.

As you can see in the picture above, we brought our friend Jonny along with us. D.J. and Jonny met at last year at the weekly school we went to. It was nice to have him along.

My aunt works for Max Lucado, and was able to get us free tickets, and backstage passes to meet Max Lucado! The seats were great! The place where the concert was held was an arena where you would go see a professional basketball team play, or an ice skating show or something. We were on the floor of the arena, and the main stage was on one side of the room. We were in the middle section, only eleven rows back from the stage! :)

The concert started a little before seven, with Jason Gray. Later in the concert, when Michael W. Smith was playing, my mom and I went out to the souvenir stand, and Jason Gray was standing near it, so we took my picture with him.

Jason Gray

TobyMac

After Jason Gray finished, it was TobyMac's turn! My brother especially is a big fan of TobyMac, so it was great that he could see him LIVE! The music was very loud, but we enjoyed it!

TobyMac

Once Toby was done, our attention was turned to a smaller stage in the middle of the arena. There, Michael W. Smith and lead singer Mac Powell from Third Day were singing. This was a very worshipful time. A little later, TobyMac came up on to the stage, too, and they all sang together. They introduced Max Lucado who said a few words (he was to speak later), and before we knew it, our attention was turned again to the main stage, where Third Day played.

Michael W. Smith and Mac Powell from Third Day

Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, and Mac Powell from Third Day

Micheal W. Smith

Lead singer Mac Powell of Third Day Telling
Someone to Clap Their Hands

When Third Day played, Mac Powell forgot some words to one of his own songs. I know he probably would have preferred not to forget, but it is encouraging to me because when I mess up or forget something I'm playing, I can remember that even the professionals do it.
After Third Day, Max Lucado got up and spoke. The purpose of this concert was to raise awareness of the many children in the world who suffer from hunger, and to encourage people to sponsor a child through World Vision. Max Lucado spoke from Matthew 25 where Jesus says, " 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "

Max Lucado

After he was done speaking, it was intermission. In other words, it was our time to go meet Max Lucado. We walked to "Stage Right" and were ushered backstage. We met Max Lucado, who seemed to be a very kind, and caring man. He asked me and D.J. what our interests were, and said he was glad he got to meet us. We were glad to meet him, too!

Backstage

We left backstage, and went back to our seats, and Michael W. Smith played. Along with his own songs, he sang some songs like "Above All", and "How Great is Our God". That was enjoyable. I think it is pretty great that he can play the accompaniment to songs without any music, and sometimes without even looking at what he is playing. That inspires me to just keep working hard on my piano, and hopefully be able to do that with any song someday myself. I am thankful for my two great piano teachers! :)

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith, TobyMac,
Mac Powell (From Third Day), and Jason Gray

At the very end, all four artists came out, and sang "God of this City." It was a really great concert, and I'd like to thank Aunt Liz and Max Lucado for the great tickets!

As TobyMac said last night, "If you leave this place with just one name on your lips, let it be the name of Jesus." All the praise goes to Jesus!

A Season for Everything

2010-08-28T21:19:00.001-06:00

Hi! Well, we made it home safely from our West Coast trip on August 18. We had a fun time! :)

I got my Driver's Permit on Thursday! I am happy about that! I drove about a half mile on Thursday from the park to our house. Today, I drove in the church parking lot.

DJ absolutely loves soccer! He plays on Sting - the competitive league for his age. Soccer season has started up again. Although, does it ever really end? :) Last weekend my brother played in a four-day tournament (just one game per day, except the last day they had two for the championship) in another city. I went to three of the five games. We got second place in the tournament. He had another game today, but this time it was here in our home town.

My "sport" is music. I don't play soccer or basketball, I play music. :) So, since I need some physical activity to be involved in, I am starting Irish Dance on September 7th. I am really excited about it, and I hope it goes really well. I got my leotard, pants and ghillies (shoes) on Wednesday. I'll write more about it after I actually start.

I am still working on the Congressional Award. That takes a lot of time. I will be volunteering weekly now again on Monday nights from 6-8. I am also looking forward to helping a lady who goes to our church with a music class she will be teaching. I'm not sure what all I'll be doing, but I love music and enjoy kids, so hopefully it will be great! Irish Dancing is also going to count for the Congressional Award, and I'll also be counting piano and driving, too!

I read "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris this summer. I thought it was a great book, and it was inspirational. I would recommend it. Right now, I am reading "Start Here", the follow-up book by Alex and Brett. Have you read either of those books? If so, what did you think of them? If you haven't read "Do Hard Things" or "Start Here", what book have you read recently and why did you like it? Or, why didn't you like it? Let me know in a comment if you want to share. Thanks!

I have had a great summer, but I am ready for fall. Isn't it good that God gives us different seasons? School starts for me on Monday. I'll be a sophomore in High School. I hope it is a wonderful year!

There is a time for everything, and a season

for every activity under heaven.

- Ecclesiates 3:1

To the West

2010-08-16T00:35:00.002-06:00

5:20 a.m. came early Friday morning August 6th. I wanted to get up early to go on a walk before we left on our trip to Idaho, Oregon and Washington. I got up, and at 5:45 I was on my walk with my brother. It was cold! On our walk, we saw the sun rising over the hills. It was a beautiful sunrise!

It took until about 7:10 until we left on our trip. We headed towards Idaho. My dad was a pastor there for 9 years. I lived there until I was three. My family has kept in touch with a few people in Idaho. One of those is a family we stayed with. On Saturday, our friends that we stayed with put together a very nice Open House for us where people came to say "Hi" and visit with us (well, mostly my parents). That night, we had dinner with another family.

We pulled out of our friends' driveway Sunday morning, and headed towards Oregon. We arrived my aunt and uncle's house in Oregon that afternoon. My almost-95-year old Grandma was there when we arrived, and had dinner with us.

On Monday, I got to see my fabulous friend Karissa. We had a fun time! That evening, my family went with my aunt and uncle to a concert.

Our Concert Performer

Cute...

On Tuesday, we went camping! When we lived in Oregon, our church put together a family camp each year and we would go. So, in some ways, it was like going to Family Camp again, but there were a lot less people. We went camping with four other families. Altogether, there were sixteen kids. My family has known these families for about 10 years.

We stayed Tuesday and Wednesday night. We camped near Ft. Stevens and the Ocean. On Tuesday night, the older kids went to one of the batteries, and from there five of us went to the beach to see the sunset. It was a beautiful sunset! That night, we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.

Wednesday was gray all day, and in the morning, it was misty. We went to Ft. Stevens, and the Ocean that day. Even though it was gray, it was still great to see the Ocean. By the way, for those of you who have never been to the Oregon Coast, it is truly that - the Coast. It's often cold and gray, and the water is FREEZING! It's still pretty though, in it's own way. That night, the older boys went to one of the batteries near the campsite, and after they got back we sang songs around the campfire.

We left the camp ground Thursday as the sun finally came out! Our family drove to Seaside, and stopped for some shopping, then we came back to my aunt and uncle's house. That night, my mom and aunt went to a jewelry party, and the rest of us went to dinner with my grandma, and after my dad brought her home, we went to a movie in the park. I was SO tired that night!

On Friday, my dad, D.J. and uncle went on the hike that one of my aunts died on a year ago. While they were gone, my mom and I did a few things.

Yesterday was Saturday. My mom and I met some friends for dessert yesterday afternoon. It was good to have time to visit with them. :)

My family went to our old church this morning, and this afternoon, my aunt drove D.J., Mom and me up here to Washington. We are staying with my aunt and uncle who came last July with my Grandpa. My mom's cousin here in Washington is having open heart surgery on Tuesday, so if you think of it, please say a prayer for him on Tuesday. My dad and uncle from Oregon are now in Idaho on their way to our home.

Here is one more picture from our trip to the Coast:

Sunset through the Peter Iredale Wreck

We have had a fun week! Thanks for reading! I know it was a lot in one post!

"And I wish all the people I love the most, could gather in one place

And know each other and love each other well." ~ Sara Groves, From the song "Every Minute"

Summer Time!

2010-07-09T22:39:00.001-06:00

It's summer time! It's already July! Wow!

So, what has our family been doing this summer? What are we going to be doing later on? Well, let me tell you...

From June 21-25, my mom, brother and I helped at our church's Vacation Bible School. It was different this year because it was in the evenings instead of mornings.
From June 28 through July 2 we hosted a 5-day club in our backyard. Some youth came to our house and put it on. They told Bible stories, missionary stories, and taught the children games, songs and a Bible verse each day. We would also have a snack, too! There were a few children who wanted reassurance of their salvation, and at least one child prayed to receive Christ. Praise the Lord!

We have been re-doing our bathroom downstairs, so we have had some people working on that this week. Also, on Tuesday, we painted D.J.'s (my brother) and my rooms. Three of D.J.'s walls are brown and the other is green, and mine are all green. D.J. plans to put a green stripe on at least one of his brown walls. They look nice! :)

So, that's a lot of what we have been doing this summer so far, but what's next?

Well, near the end of this month, we are having two sets of company come. My aunt and uncle are coming from Oregon, and another aunt and uncle from Washington with my grandpa from Montana are coming.

In August, my family and I are taking a trip to Oregon to go camping with a few families. We are driving this time (we always fly), so it will be a little different. On our way to Oregon, we will be stopping Idaho for two nights and seeing some old friends. It will be great to see many friends and some family in August! :)

I hope you are having an awesome summer! Thanks for reading!

Music

2010-06-24T22:03:00.000-06:00

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent” - Victor Hugo.*

Music is a wonderful thing, and can express much without saying a single word. When words and music are put together, it becomes more than words. Often they are pieces of poetry put to a melody.

Of course words are needed for many things, but think what can happen with just music. Think of a ballet for example. A whole show can be performed with out a single word being heard by the audience, and the audience still knows what's going on. They can still follow the story.

Many go to concerts where only music is played. They listen for over an hour. The music tells a story itself with out a single word being spoken.

Music is used in movies, and audio dramas. Many radio stations play mostly music. Music is used in all kinds of dancing, and at special events. Without music things sound "empty".

There are many different kinds of music. Many countries have their own type of music, and within the countries, people enjoy different styles. We have many different kinds of music in America. We enjoy music such as Jazz, Country, Classical, and even Rap.

Not only are there different styles of music, but there are so many different instruments. Consider the piano, cello, violin, flute, trumpet, accordion, guitar, and the bagpipes. All these instruments are different and have a different sound, yet they all have something in common... they all make music. Each instrument could be playing the same note, yet they all have their own voice.

How about music with words? Deep feeling is displayed with these songs. These songs can be spoken from the heart, bring tears to one's eyes, or bring laughter. They could be songs of praise to God, or possibly a cry from the heart.

Music can be used to memorize a variety of things. It can be used to memorize a Bible verse by putting the words to music. It can also be used to memorize the alphabet, or capital cities. On their commercials, businesses use jingles to make us remember their slogan or company name. It is interesting how we remember things better when they are put to music, rather than just the words themselves.

The whole book of Psalms is full of songs to God. There are many songs in the Bible. Psalms 33:2-3 says, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." NIV God gave us music so we could praise Him.

*http://thinkexist.com/quotations/music/

How Great Thou Art

2010-06-10T22:37:00.001-06:00

I just got a new CD called "Passion: Hymns Ancient & Modern" by the Passion Worship Band. One of the songs on the CD is "How Great Thou Art". The original music was a Swedish Folk Melody, O Store Gud, which was arranged by Stuart K. Hine in 1953. In the insert, they have this story:

"In 1886, Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg, then 26, composed the nine original stanzas [of 'How Great Thou Art'] as a poem, O Store Gud, or 'O Mighty God.'

"In time, the poem was translated into German and Russian and was notice by a British missionary who was serving in Ukraine. That missionary, Reverend Stuart K. Hine, was visiting a home in the Carpathian Mountains near the Polish border when he found a Christian by the name of Dimitri and his wife. Almost by chance, a Bible had fallen into their hands, but no one in the village, save Dimitri's wife, had learned to read, and she only with the greatest effort. As she slowly spelled out the wonderful words of John 3:16 to the wondering villagers, tears began to flow, and one by one they dropped to their knees, crying aloud to God. Twelve of these villagers had been truly converted, and it was these believing disciples that Mr. Hine met when he called at the cottage n the mountains that day. He arrived just in time to hear than crying out in amazement again at the revelation of God's love at Calvary.

"Under the inspiration of the blessed scene, he wrote, 'And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the Cross my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin... then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art! How great Thou art!'

"Later, Hine expanded and translated three stanzas from Russian into English and added a fourth."

________________________________________________________

Just think... One Bible was placed in the hands of the only person who could read in the village... Many heard that they could have Salvation... Twelve believed... This inspired Reverend Stuart K. Hine to translate three of the original stanzas into English and write the stanza, "And when I think that God, His Son not sparing..." Now this hymn, originally a poem written in 1886, is probably one of the most popular hymns of all time.

Wow! What a series of amazing events! God can do amazing things!

Click on the web address to hear the song: http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/How+Great+Thou+Art/2IeHY7

"Will" by Charlie Hendren

2010-06-03T13:47:00.001-06:00

Where the coast of ancient Ireland meets the ocean's roar

A band of frozen villagers stood hard upon the shore

'Twas a black and frigid evening; icy mistlets spun the air

As they watched a ship out on the brine and offered silent prayer.

The Pride of Cork was going down she had driven hard on the rocks

And was torn by jagged boulders where the sea would claim her loss.

Her ribs had shattered in the bout and the crew of ten and three

'Twas sure to drowned amidst the foam of a cold and deadly sea.

'Twas sure that nothing could be done. 'Twas sure the crew would die.

Till a gallant soul upon the sands yelled, "Lads we've got to try

To get the long boat to the crew for we're their only prayer

I know the odds are slim but they're a drownin' right out there!"

And so it was that eight brave men laid hands to slippery oars

And so cast off to reach the Cork some eighty rods from shore.

They quickly vanished midst the moil of a savage booming sea

Where they would make their humble try to save the ten and three.

***************

Forty minutes slowly past and then near twenty more

When a hollow haunting cry was heard, "Hallo-o-o! Hallo-o-o! the shore!"

'Twas the eight lads in the long boat appearing in the swells

And with them in the boat a huddled group of twelve.

As the long boat touched the shore and the rescued helped to land

A small boy amongst the watchers asked, "But where's the other man?"

His answer came from frozen lips, "Lad there wasn't room.

The Lord knows we tried but 'tis sure he's gone to meet his doom."

The boy turned to his mother in a voice both soft and high

"Mother, let me take my boat and give it one more try!"

His mother drew him to her held him tightly as she said,

"No, my son you cannot go for I will not see you dead.

The ocean claimed your father nearly six years past today

And Will your older brother is now two years gone away.

Not a word we've gotten since he ran off to the sea;

You're all I've got in all the world and your stayin' here with me.

When brother Will left his note and ran off to the sea

I felt it in my very heart that never more I'd see

His handsome face not touch his brow: The ocean's claimed his soul

He's far and gone these two long years

And I will not let you go!"

"But mother dear, the men can't go they're frozen to the bone

I'm all that's left to save the one that's perishing alone.

I'll take my dingy small and light she'd breast the meanest wave

And you'd not have me standing here when there's one more life to save."

With those few but urgent words her son now broke away

And rant to cast his tiny boat into the foaming waves.

Boat and boy soon disappeared within the darkening storm

While a grieving mother stood alone and wept and silent mourned.

***************

An hour past. An hour ten and some now turned to leave

When came the hopeful ringing cry, "There, there's something in the sea!"

All eyes swept the angry foam that crashed upon the sand

Searching for a boat and lad and perhaps a thirteenth man.

Yes! There it was appearing from the gloom;

But was there no one in the boat?

Or was there one? Or two?

The boat took shape against the black of raging storming din

The watchers ran to grab her prow and dragged the dingy in.

A mother's lone figure now stood fearful on the shore

Afraid to ask or chance a look at what the dingy bore.

But then the mother heard a joyous chorus split the night

Could her lone remaining son have made it back all right?

She drew a breath then turned to the boat upon the shore

Where now she heard the warming cry

"It's them! Oh, praise the Lord!"

Then came her young son's voice breaking through the chill

"Mother, I've brought the thirteenth man, and Mother, it is Will!"

We are home!

2010-05-26T15:29:00.010-06:00

We are home from D.C.!

Let me tell you what we did this past weekend.

We arrived at my aunt and uncle's house Friday night. We had dinner, and we watched a movie on their new 3D TV.

Saturday was not too busy. We drove through downtown Frederick, MD with my aunt and uncle, and also stopped at two Cival War Battlefields. That night, after dinner, we went to Rita's - a place that sells frozen custard. The custard was tasty!

Sunday was busier. We went to the International Spy Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. My favorite thing at the Museum of Natural History was the butterfly pavilion. That was fun!

On Monday, we left my aunt and uncle's house, and drove to Baltimore. We saw the harbor there. We flew home from Baltimore that night.

We had a good trip! Thanks for visiting my blog during our trip! If you would like to continue reading my blog, I will be posting some this summer!

By the way, for those of you who do not have a Google account and "continued as a guest", your invitation will expire a month after you received the invitation. If you would like to continue to have access to my blog, please e-mail me and let me know so I can invite you again when the invitation is about to expire.

Thanks,

Bethany

More on Washington D.C.

2010-05-22T12:26:00.005-06:00

We are in Maryland! We are visiting my aunt and uncle.

Yesterday we visited the Library of Congress, and the Air and Space Museum. At the Library of Congress, we saw the Gutenberg Bible. We also saw Thomas Jefferson's book collection.
At the Air and Space Museum, there are two sections of the building. One section is about Airplanes, the other is about Space. We mainly visited the Space section.

Since I haven't posted much about this past week, let me tell you a little more.

On Tuesday, we visited the White House and the Museum of American History. We stood in line to get into the White House for more than an hour, and we were only in the house for about 20-25 minutes. Although we were in the house for a short time, it is still a privilege to be able to go. My favorite room was the East Room. This room is sometimes used as a ball room, is a golden color, and has fancy chandeliers.
At the Museum of American History, we saw cool items such as President Lincoln's top hat and pocket watch, and the actual flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the war of 1812.

On Wednesday, we met our Senators, and took a tour of the Capitol Building. Our tour guide was an intern for one of our Senators. This tour was nearly a private tour as it was our family and one other lady and our tour guide. A cool thing we learned on our tour of the Capitol had to do with a statue of President Ronald Regan. This is a life-size metal statue of Ronald Regan, with a base that he is standing on. In the base, there is a layer of rock. This rock is pieces of the Berlin Wall.

It seems like we got the most accomplished on Thursday. That morning, we visited and took a tour of the Pentagon Building. After that, we took a bus tour. One of the bus stops is at the Lincoln Monument, so we stopped there. We could see the Washington Monument from many places including the Lincoln Monument, and we also saw the Jefferson Memorial from the bus. Another stop on the bus route is near the WWII Memorial, so we also stopped there. We then stopped at the Museum of National Archives. There we saw the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Washington D.C.

2010-05-22T12:22:00.003-06:00

We were in Washington D.C. last week! Our first day was Tuesday, and we left for Frederick, Maryland yesterday evening. We will probably visit D.C. once more before we leave for home. When we were in D.C., we visited the White House, the Capitol Building, the Museum of American History, the Pentagon, the Museum of National Archives, the Library of Congress, and one of the Air and Space Museums. We have either seen or actually visited: the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the and Jefferson Memorial.

Here are some pictures that were taken on Wednesday and Thursday:

Williamsburg, Virginia

2010-05-17T20:35:00.003-06:00

Five pictures in the Governor's Palace Gardens.

The following two pictures are of the Wythe gardens taken from inside the Wythe House, and a picture of the Guest Room.

Saturday in Virginia

2010-05-17T19:47:00.001-06:00

Saturday was a busy day. In the morning, we went to a place called Bodo's Bagels to get bagels for breakfast! I got a cinnamon raisin bagel with honey and butter. It was good.

We visited President James Monroe's house. James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States. Part of the original house was burned in a fire, but it has been added on to (as is in the picture here - this part of the house is not original), and has been somewhat restored. There is one huge tree that stands in the yard of the Monroe house. It is over 200 years old, and was there when the Monroes lived there. It is the only tree that has been there that long. If that tree could talk, it could tell us so many things!

We also visitied a place called Michie Tavern. We ate a colonial lunch of fried chicken, green beans, cole slaw, etc. at the restaurant. After lunch, we took a tour of the boarding house where travelers would stay. The tour guide even taught us a colonial dance!

After Michie Tavern, we took a short stop at an apple orchard that is located on top of a mountain. This picture shows some of the beautiful scenery that could be seen from the mountain.

This is a picture of the tree that stands in front of Monroe's house.

Monticello

2010-05-14T21:38:00.001-06:00

We are in Virginia! We left Baltimore this morning, and arrived here this afternoon. We are staying with friends, in a little town near Charlottesville, VA.

We visited Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, today. For some of his home, he used ideas from Roman and French architecture and implemented them into the house. Today, the structure is over 200 years old, and 60% of the items in the house are originals.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Statute of Virginia, and founded what is now the University of Virginia. He died exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed - July 4, 1826.