Our Long Journey West: TX-CA

... in continuation of my last post...

From Texas to New Mexico:
After traveling through the long state of Texas for 4 days,
we finally got a change of scenery in New Mexico.
We just took the day to drive through, without stopping.
The terrain fascinated me, as it was more of a red dirt rock:


Driving through Roswell was amusing, seeing all the alien things,
including a few alien museums and research centers:


It was in New Mexico that I witnessed my first dirt devils:


They're so cute to watch form, spin around, and dissipate.
I discovered that they are the only tornadoes that I like. Ü

From New Mexico to Arizona:
Arizona was, for the most part, very much like New Mexico.
Very rocky, desert-ish, and plenty of cactus to go around!


On our way to Flagstaff, where we camped,
we drove through the Petrified Forrest and Painted Desert...


It was a lovely drive and very beautiful.
It literally looked like God took a paint brush
and painted the desert!


The next day, we traveled to the Grand Canyon.
On our way there, we passed beautiful mountains:


The Grand Canyon was absolutely amazing!
We all enjoyed standing in front of one of the look-outs...


I enjoyed sitting on the edge and just admiring
God's amazing creation of such a huge wonder...




Dad may have gotten just a little too close, though ;-)


I'd have to say, the Grand Canyon was one
of my favorite parts of the whole trip.
It was such a reminder of what a big and great God I serve!
Another wonderful thing about Arizona, was the beautiful sunsets
they have when going through the mountains...



From Arizona to California:
Finally, after many days of traveling,
we arrived in our new home state!!
I found it interesting looking at the border of Mexico.
(when I lived in MI, I was only about 15 mins from Canada,
now it's funny being about that far from Mexico!)

I was just so fascinated with the desert we passed through!
I felt like I was in Saudi Arabia or something!
It was gorgeous...


After going through 2 border patrol stops,
we arrived at Devil's Canyon...

It was a rather creepy feeling having to drive
through the huge piles of rocks...


After driving for a while, we arrived at our campsite,
where we stayed for 3 weeks waiting to move into our new home.
We also had fun looking around our new hometown =)
(I'm just loving the big city!)


The campsite we stayed at was a very
nice place with lots of nature to explore.
One time I took my dog on a walk, she jumped
into the river chasing after the ducks!!

After being wet then rolling in dirt, she was terribly muddy!!

I was so pleased to be able to get very close to
the ducks and get good pictures of them...


The Lord blessed us with a new home very quickly,
in which we are now settled in (save a few more boxes Ü).


I must admit, when it was first mentioned to me that I was
going to be crammed into a small camper with my whole family
for over a month, I wasn't too excited about not having "my space".
But I have to say, that during our long time of camping and traveling,
we built great memories together of grill-outs, walks, family games,
kayaking, special talks, and just hanging out & growing closer.
I wouldn't trade anything in the world for all that time we shared!
As glad as I am to be back in a house,
with my own room and personal space,
I must say that a part of me misses that closeness we
all shared by living in that 29 foot camper.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving us all a wonderful experience
I know that we will treasure the rest of our lives.

Our Long Journey West: NC-TX

After over 40 days of traveling, we have finally arrived
at our new home in California!
We are all praising the LORD for a safe, fun, & productive journey.
We made a lot of stops and visits along the way,
so I'm trying to shorten the details and choose from over 1,000 pics!
There's still a lot to post about, so I'll divide it up into 2 posts.

From North Carolina to Georgia-

We stopped in Georgia to visit our uncle,
as well as some old friends we knew since we lived in SC.
(sorry, we actually didn't really take any pics here!)

From Georgia to Alabama-

We stopped in Alabama to visit our grandparents on my dad's side.
We also enjoyed stopping at a natural Artesian well to fill our water bottles!


From Alabama to Arkansas-

We stopped in Arkansas for 2 weeks to visit our grandparents on my Mom's side.
We had a wonderful time spending time together;
including fishing, bonfires, having more relatives over for supper,
chatting an afternoon away on the swing, swimming,
and attending a Mother-daughter banquet with Gramma for Mother's Day...


I learned that in the country, it's very quiet and peaceful,
and the days seem to go by slower.
I was able to enjoy my quiet time with the Lord outside
in the crisp, cool air of the morning.
It is, as my papa calls it, "God's country" Ü.
I miss everyone there so much already.


From Arkansas to Texas-

Texas was the farthest west we had ever been...


Our first stop (after camping), we went to a Creation Evidence Museum.
I found really interesting that there was a
human footprint inside of a dinosaur footprint!


I was also fascinated to see ancient biblical scrolls...


It was great blessing to see museum ancient artifacts
with a creationist point of view, instead of having to
ignore the "billions of years" statements. lol

After that, we went over to the Dinosaur World.
There was a "dino walk" where lots of life-sized
dinosaurs were on the side of the path!





I sure wouldn't want to be attacked by one of these in real life! ;-)

We also went to a Wildlife preserve with lots of foreign animals.
It was a 3 hour safari drive, and we were able to feed and pet
the animals that were roaming around freely.




The giraffes were so cute sticking their heads down in our sunroof =)


The next day, we traveled to San Antonio to see the Alamo...


I thought it interesting that a historic building was
in the middle of a really big city. Ü
I really enjoyed walking through the big city of San Antonio.
And Dad blessed us with a yummy treat of ice cream on the way back:


On our way out of Texas, we ran right into a path of 2 tornadoes.
We were headed straight for them without knowing it,
but Dad had some instinct to pull-over into a certain RV camp.
We thank God that He put the idea into Dad!
We prayed for a while, and I read Psalm 91 aloud, a passage the LORD
has led me to in the past during frightening situations.
And the Lord really kept His hand of protection
over us and allowed the tornadoes to go around us and dissipate.
We stood in awe as we watched Him literally "roll" the storm clouds away
with heavy winds that we could see blowing the clouds the other way!!
We were very thankful He allowed us to get out of Texas safely!



"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under that shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in Him will I trust... For He shall give His angels
charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways..."
Psalms 91:1,2,&11


To Be Continued...

Sorry For The Silence

As most could probably deduct from the length
of time span between this and the last post,
I have been extremely busy.
I was working about 45 hours a week, packing for the move,
living with my best friend for 2 weeks,
and have finally hit the road to California with my family.
While I do have acess to the internet at almost any time,
(via Mom's droid phone and wireless internet on my laptop)
I'll probably be very busy with visiting, exploring,
and settling in for the next month or so.
Thus, I'm going to officially declare a break in blogging.
I'll try to post a status on Facebook at any chance I get,
and if I ever get really bored, maybe I'll post a quick update here.
But I just wanted to let everyone know what was going on
and that I wasn't just MIA. :-)
I hope to have some great things to post about when we get settled.
The Lord has good things in store,
and I'm excited to see His plans unfold.
ENJOY YOUR SPRING!!!!!

Young Maiden's Daybook - April 5

Today…
April 5, 2010

Outside my window…
Dark, cold, & the sun is getting ready to start appearing Ü.


I am thinking…
"Had it not been for a place called Mount Calvary;
Had it not been for the old rugged cross;
Had it not been for a man called Jesus;
Then forever my soul would be lost."
I am SO glad that Jesus sacrificed His life for me
and that I have a secured place in Heaven!


I am thankful…
For the Lord's blessing of wonderful friends.
I'm really sad to be leaving them soon :-(.


I am wearing...
Chick-Fil-A uniform:
maroon collared shirt & black skirt.


I am reading…
The Holy Bible:Proverbs, Mark, 1 Corinthians;
The Apocrypha: Wisdom of Solomon
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
A book that I've been praying for 5 years about writing
(Falling In Love With Jesus).


One of my favorite things…
The Lord's blessing of growing up in a fantastic Christian family!
I will be ever so sad to leave them! :-(


For education this week…
Studying and preparing hard for the ACT test
(coming up THIS SATURDAY!!!!!! ahhhh!).


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
I think I'm going to try to eat a little healthier.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Letting my light shine before men,
as my mom reminds me before I go to work.
I've had the opportunity to invite some coworkers
to church and have even been able to witness to one!


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men,
him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:
I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
and the daughter against her mother,
and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 10:32-39


I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
His strength (physically & spiritually) while I'm working;
For wisdom about this upcoming move;
For His provision for college;
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.


For the rest of the week…
Working full time at Chick-Fil-A (getting paid again this week!!);
packing up my things for the move;
making a list of things to get for college;
studying online/reading ACT & taking the test Saturday;
responding to some letters, comments, and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
The passover meal we ate as a family...

It was a delicious reminder of what Christ did for us.
I really enjoyed observing passover this year with the family!!


Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

Young Maiden's Daybook - March 29

Today…
March 29, 2010
( a day early, but I need to work early tomorrow)

Outside my window…
Dark, windy, and calling me to bed.


I am thinking…
Of the wonderful message of the cross!
How God Jehovah died for me, so I could be saved.


I am thankful…
To have been officially accepted at college!
It was a great answer to prayer!


I am wearing...
A rose skirt, white blouse, high heels, and Mom's shawl.


I am reading…
The Holy Bible:Proverbs, Matthew, 1 Corinthians;
The Apocrypha: Wisdom of Solomon
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
A book that I've been praying for 5 years about writing
(Falling In Love With Jesus).


One of my favorite things…
A wonderful family.


For education this week…
Studying and preparing hard for the ACT test
(coming up next weekend! ahhhh!).


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
I think I'm going to try to eat a little healthier.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Letting my light shine before men,
as my mom reminds me before I go to work.
I've had the opportunity to invite some coworkers
to church and plan to start witnessing.


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men,
him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:
I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
and the daughter against her mother,
and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 10:32-39


I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
His strength while I'm working;
For wisdom about this upcoming move;
For His provision for college;
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.


For the rest of the week…
Working full time at Chick-Fil-A;
studying online/reading ACT;
writing and studying more for my book;
responding to some letters, comments, and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
I have a hard time taking my eyes off this:

How a sewing machine works!
Click on the photo to see it work. ;o)


Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

Young Maiden's Daybook - March 24

Today…
March 24, 2010
(I know, a day late... but we had company over yesterday)


Outside my window…
Still dark and waiting for the sun to rise.


I am thinking…
Of what I should eat?!


I am thankful…
For the Lord's continual provision in my life.


I am wearing...
My Chick-Fil-A uniform:
red/tan shirt with black skirt;
name tag and hairnet Ü.


I am reading…
The Holy Bible:Proverbs, Matthew, 1 Corinthians;
The Apocrypha: Wisdom of Solomon
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
A book that I've been praying for 5 years about writing
(Falling In Love With Jesus).


One of my favorite things…
Believe it or not...waking up before the sun!
I love being able to watch it rise while I'm at work!


For education this week…
Studying and preparing hard for the ACT test.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
I think I'm going to try to eat a little healthier.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Not to be hasty.
Letting God take care of everything in His timing.


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men,
him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:
I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
and the daughter against her mother,
and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 10:32-39


I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
His strength while I'm working;
For wisdom about this upcoming move;
For His provision for college;
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.


For the rest of the week…
Working full time this week;
finish filling out all the applications for college;
studying online/reading ACT;
continuing work on "The Revolutionary" (by Chopin);
writing and studying more for my book;
responding to some letters, comments, and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
A picture of Stephani and I from yesterday:


Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

A Young Maiden's Daybook - March 15, 2010

Hope to post a new daybook soon!


If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below...





To learn how to participate, click HERE.

Are You On Fire?

{photo courtesy allposters.com}

As I sat reading my Bible the other morning,
I reached for the nice, creamy cup of coffee on my dresser.
Putting it to my lips, anticipating the hot, refreshing taste,
I was disgusted to discover that it had lost all it's heat!
Hardly wanting to swallow the room-temperature coffee
now stuck in my mouth, I finally gulped it down, cringed,
and set it back on the dresser, never to return.

Almost instantly, I was reminded of a passage in Revelation:
When the Lord was addressing the Christians at Laodicea, He said:
"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Rev.3:16)
From this passage, we have derived the term "lukewarm Christians".
And just as a lukewarm cup of coffee is bad to taste to us,
even more so, a lukewarm Christian is "bad to taste" to God.

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:
I would thou wert cold or hot." (v15)
A "hot Christian" would be on fire for the Lord,
serving Him with all his might, and constantly growing spiritually.
A "cold Christian" would be one who has fallen away.
Why would the Lord prefer this over being "lukewarm"?
A Christian who is backsliding, knows that he is backsliding;
He knows he needs to get right with God again,
and knows that he's not where he should be.
A "lukewarm Christian" is a 'satisfied' Christian.
He's found his comfort zone, calls it "God's will",
and thinks he's alright with God and doesn't need a revival.
He's not totally surrendered to the perfect will of God,
not growing spiritually, and not 'on fire' for the Lord.
The Lord says that they are not pleasing to Him, and He will spew them out.


Dear Christian friend- are you on fire for the Lord?
Are you surrendered to His will, serving Him completely,
growing in grace and knowledge, and abiding in His presence?
God help us to keep the flames burning in our hearts!
May we never become or stay lukewarm!

Young Maiden's Daybook - March 8

Today…
March 8, 2010


Outside my window…
Blue sky, sunny, cold, and calm


I am thinking…
Of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me!
He has been so good to me, particularly lately.
When I see how loving He is to me,
I feel so unworthy and repentant for the sin that He forgives me of.


I am thankful…
For the Lord's wonderful provision of a job for me!
He has provided me employment at the place
that my assistant pastor is the manager of,
as I save for college.


I am wearing...
A peach button-up skirt and green collared shirt.


I am reading…
The Holy Bible:Proverbs, Matthew, 1 Corinthians;
The Apocrypha: Wisdom of Solomon
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
A book that I've been praying for 5 years about writing
(Falling In Love With Jesus).


One of my favorite things…
Brownies awaiting to be finished off :)
I made some mocha truffle brownies the other day
and there's just enough for 1 more piece per person!


For education this week…
Studying and preparing hard for the ACT test.
Also going to watch work related videos this Tuesday,
and hopefully begin working on Wednesday.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
I think I'm going to try to eat a little healthier.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
That the Lord answers prayer and fully provides!!
All we need to do is ask Him to lead us, being willing to follow, and He will!


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men,
him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:
I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
and the daughter against her mother,
and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 10:32-39


I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
For wisdom about this upcoming move;
For His provision for college;
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.


For the rest of the week…
Possibly getting a new family car today;
getting some new shoes for work;
starting my job on Wednesday or Thursday;
finish filling out all the application for college;
continuing work on "The Revolutionary" (by Chopin);
writing and studying more for my book;
responding to some letters, comments, and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
An amazing thought from Scripture...

"How precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them! If I should count them,
they are more in number than the sand:
when I awake, I am still with thee." Psalms 139:17-18

Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

Young Maiden's Daybook - March 1

Today…
March 1, 2010


Outside my window…
Sunny and cold.


I am thinking…
Of all the things I need to do this month.
(I was just looking at my list.)


I am thankful…
For the Lord's longsuffering with me.
And that I can rely fully on Him for every need.


I am wearing...
I'm not sure yet.


I am reading…
Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, 1 Corinthians;
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
A book that I've been praying for 5 years about writing
(Falling In Love With Jesus).


One of my favorite things…
Going thrift shopping!


For education this week…
Studying and preparing hard for the ACT test.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Not just relying on coffee to wake me up Ü
I'm also starting to learn to wake up to an alarm clock.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Waiting on the Lord! And not being stressed out about finances;
He's fully able to provide for me to be in His will.


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
None as of yet.


I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
For Him to provide a job for me - hopefully by next week;
For wisdom about this upcoming move;
For His provision for college;
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.


For the rest of the week…
Getting done what's on my 'to do' list;
hopefully getting a job;
working hard at playing"The Revolutionary" (by Chopin) up to speed;
cleaning the church on Thursday;
Park Day on Friday;
writing and studying more for my book;
responding to some letters, comments, and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
An amusing speed limit sign from when we lived in SC



Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below