In Seeking The Things Above

2010-01-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well...friends, I am saying farewell to 'in seeking the things above". With the new year comes new changes, and one of the changes I'm making...is in my blog.

www.joliedalton.blogspot.com

I'll see you at my new blog! =]

~~~Jolie~~~

Fall has arrived =]

2009-12-01T10:34:00.001-08:00

...and with it, many changes.

changes in weather, as well as many changes in life and living at the Dalton household.

First of all...

We've moved! In the month of November, we were able to sell our home in Benbrook, and buy one in Fort Worth, just about ten minutes away from where we were before.

The house is still somewhat of an epic disaster...so I won't be posting pictures until we have it allll cleaned up and spiffy looking. ;]

Also, the other house we own, that we have been renting out, is in the process of being sold! The closing date is set for later in December...

Life is crazy. All of the changes and busyness in our world make it easy to become stressed out or even cranky...

So it's at times like these when we must chase after our Savior more than ever, and remember that...

He is always there for us. Ready to help us and hold us. He brings about changes in our lives for a purpose, and He doesn't want us to stress out over it. With every challenge, He is there, right beside us, to help us through. We are not alone.

~Jolie~

Oh. My. Goodness.

2009-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

I think its been like...two or three months since I updated.

Yes, I admit...I forgot about my blog.

*shame, shame*

...

And right now I don't have anything else to say.

At least.....I don't have any TIME to say anything else...

Mission trip report!

2009-09-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Well my friends...I have returned. =] And the trip was AWESOME!!! =D Really, really amazing...
The first four days were spent at a school in Luweero, helping out at a pastors conference for about 350 pastors...which went really well, but the dorms where we were staying in were...primitive, to say the least. But it was an awesome experience! The next few days were spent doing community service, painting a house, etc...also we did VBS for the kids in the community! And THAT was such an interesting experience...we were expecting about 100 kids to turn up...FOUR HUNDRED KIDS CAME!!! Anyway...it was such a wonderful trip...I can't even BEGIN to say what all I learned there, and how it has affected me...but it was amazing...to say the least. ;] Anyway, here are a few pics taken during the trip...I'll try to post more soon. =]

love love!

Jolie

Africa Bound

2009-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well friends, the time is nearly upon me, when I shall fly out of DFW and into a whole new continent...Africa...where I will be spending nearly 10 days in Luweero, Uganda, with missionariy couple Shannon and Danielle Hurley.
We depart for Uganda Saturday, August 15th.....and return August 24th...
I appreciate your prayers...I admit I am somewhat nervous about the upcoming trip. But God is my strength, and He is my peace. I am soo pumped about this opportunity to take the gospel to this remote place in Africa.

Blessings,

Jolie

p.s...I am soo sorry I've been SO bad about updating...=[ Probably I won't be able to update again until after my mission trip, but when I return I will be posting pictures from the trip! yay! =D

Hmmm....

2009-07-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Another facelift. Haha. Go figure. Will I EVER be satisfied???--I'm beginning to think not....I'm still not completely happy with this one, buuuuuuuuut for now it's just gonna have to work. ;]

Anyway...I don't really have much time to make a real long blog post, but I did want to let ya'll know that...In Seeking The Things Above has gotten a facelift...which, if you are reading this, you know that already...so I actually didn't need to say anything...wow...can you tell I've had wayyyy too much coffee today?? WOW. =P man I need some sleep. haha.

Hopefully I'll be able to make more sense soon. Hopefully. ;] until then...

Jolie

Under Construction...AGAIN...

2009-07-09T16:17:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry about the mess...will get it fixed ASAP! =P

Life Recently

2009-07-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

I don't really have time to say much...but I wanted to post a few pictures just to let you all know what's been going on lately at the Dalton home. ;) (which I know the pictures don't say everything, but still. it's something.) ;)

In Memoriam...

2009-06-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don’t know this already, my grandfather (“Papa”) passed away a few weeks ago. Although this has been a time of deep sorrow for my family and me, we all take great comfort in the knowledge that he is in a better place. He has been battling M.S. for about 36 years now, in addition to diabetes, kidney failure, and several other complicated, more serious illnesses and diseases. But now his suffering is over…he is with his Savior, and he no longer knows pain, or trials.

My family and me all drove up to Tennessee to attend his funeral a few weeks ago, and to be with the family up there. On the way back from our trip I wrote a little poem in memoriam that I thought I might share. =)

I remember Papa

I remember my “Papa”
As a man who loved the Lord
Who gave his life for service
Serving God, looking forward

I remember my “Papa”
as a man who loved God’s own
Who wanted them to know
God loved them, they didn’t need to walk alone.

I remember my “Papa”
As a man who fought for right
Regardless of the cost,
He kept Jesus in his sight.

I remember my “Papa”
As a man who gave his all
Who gave his all for Jesus
And followed after God’s call

When no one else was brave enough,
My papa stood for truth.
When non one else saw any hope,
My papa found it in God.
When no one else saw a reason to go on,
My papa would try; he couldn’t fail.
When no one else could find the bright side of things,
My papa’s smile lit up .
When no one else had any trust left
My papa did not forget his faith.
When no one else could calm his nerves
My papa’s peace in God spread like fire.

My papa was a great man
Whose live was well-lived
Whose morals were high
Whose faith wouldn’t give.

I remember my papa
And I always will—
As a man who served Jesus
And is with Him still.

A Few Encouraging Verses...

2009-05-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share a few verses that have been encouraging me today. =)

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3,7

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7 (AMP)

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 (AMP)

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:6 (AMP)

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 (AMP)

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Flash Traffic--

2009-05-20T09:37:00.001-07:00

First of all--what is Flash Traffic?? It's a newsletter I get every once in a while from bestselling Christian author, Joel Rosenberg. If you haven't read any of his books...you should. If you have...you know what I'm talking about when I say that this is a guy whose sources are reliable. =P Anyway...he sends out this newsletter every once in a while, called 'Flash Traffic', (which usually has to do with Isreal or the middle east, or Obama...because Rosenberg is very involved and in-the-know about those things) and I decided I'd share this most recent Flash Traffic newsletter with you...let me know what you think.

(Washington, D.C., May 20, 2009) -- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has just finished his visit to Washington. Full analysis on my weblog, including a link to the YouTube clip of me on Glenn Beck's show with a former CIA analyst who says he wouldn't care if Israel ceased to exist.

That said, there's more troubling news this morning. I'm horrified by credible reports that in his June 4th speech in Cairo, President Obama will say it is time to divide Jerusalem and make the holy city the capital of a Palestinian state.

No, Mr. President, it is not.

Jerusalem is and should be the eternal, undivided capital of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. Dividing Jerusalem will not make peace. Rather, it would send a message to every Radical Islamic jihadist around the world that Israel is weak, that the Jews won't even defend the sovereignty of their own capital, that there is "blood in the water," and that it is time to strike Israel and wipe her off the map. Dividing Jerusalem would trigger an apocalyptic war in the Middle East the likes of which the region has never seen.

I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to educate people -- and particularly U.S. and Canadian evangelical Christians -- to the threats facing Israel and the West due to Radical Islam, and to the biblical responsibility we have to show unconditional love and unwavering support to Israel and the Jewish people. We'll use radio, TV, the internet, emails and other media to get the word out. But we can't do it alone. We want and need your help.

One idea: let's build an alliance of one million true friends of Israel -- people who love Israel, are committed to blessing her in real and practical ways, are absolutely opposed to dividing Jerusalem, and will pray faithfully for the peace of Jerusalem and the protection of all the people of the epicenter.

Currently, we have 100,000 subscribers to our Flash Traffic email updates who are committed to this cause. If each of us recruited just 10 new friends to sign up for Flash Traffic and be part of this alliance, we would be able to communicate new information, new projects, and new prayer requests to them instantly. We would be able to mobilize people for pro-Israel events. We would be able to mobilize people to write to President Obama and their Congressional leaders to stand with Israel, not against her. We would be able to work together to stockpile food, clothing, medical supplies and other aid in Israel ahead of the next war. And we would be able to encourage one another with the knowledge that we are not alone in this important fight.

Will you join us?

For more on President Obama's plan to divide Jerusalem -- and to read analysis of Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit -- please click here. http://link.ixs1.net/s/link/click?rc=al&rti=1563779&si=8249945099

Will you help us build a global alliance of 1 million true friends of Israel? Click here to sign up for Flash Traffic. http://link.ixs1.net/s/link/click?rc=al&rti=u563780&si=8249945099

About Africa...

2009-05-12T16:14:00.002-07:00

So...my dad and I are going to Uganda this August (yess!! that beautiful country pictured above...isn't it gorgeous??) on a mission trip with our church (I posted about that earlier this year I believe...). As we prepare for this really exhausting, exciting adventure ahead of us, we would really appreciate your prayers. =) Right now we're just working on passports, etc, but pretty soon we're going to be fund-raising...and the cost for the trip is around 2 or 3 grand apiece...so if you could ALSO be in prayer that God would provide exactly the right amount of money (and I know He will), I would also greatly appreciate that! =)

~Jolie~

A few highlights from choir tour =)

2009-05-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay I don't have time to post many...but I thought I might share just a few pictures from choir tour this past week. =)

Cal, me, Jen and Lydi with our rock candy. ;)

And this is me...with Jenn and Lydia at the air force academy wearing matching hats. ;)

This is Jillian and our amazing amazing amazing friends Andrea (the brunette) and Rachel (the blond). =) This was on the bus, on our way to New Mexico! =)

Want to see more??? www.jolieslife.shutterfly.com

Have a great day! =)

~Jolie

Home =)

2009-05-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

We arrived home from our 6-day choir tour late last night. =) The tour was amazingness. ;) We went to New Mexico and Colorado, and saw all sorts of amazing things like Carlsbad Caverns, The Royal Gorge, The Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak...oh my goodness. =D And I took soooo many pictures....I'll hopefully post a few on here once I get organized, but that may take a while since there are more than 1800 of them!!

p.s....a special thanks to Emma and Johanna Ramsey, for fixing up my blog for me! Yay! It looks soo much better now...thanks girls! I love you!!

Help...please...

2009-04-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Okay...as you can probably see, I am encountering some problems with my blog design/background/header, etc. etc. =P
Here is my delima: no matter WHAT background or template I use, for whatever odd reason, it's not letting me put a picture in the header anymore...sooo if the template has a picture, I can't change it, and if it DOESN'T have one...then I can't add one. Well, it SAYS I can...but it doesn't show up. Anyone have any idea why it's acting up...and are there any suggestions as to what I should do? =P
Thanks! ;)

~Jolie

Oh NO!!

2009-04-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Dear me...this is really quite frustrating! I was trying to re-design my blog (yes, again, I know!!)...(never can get quite satisfied with it)...and look at what happened! Dear me...well, I hope you can excuse the mess, and HOPEFULLY this blog will be looking 'itself' (whatever that is) again soon. Once again...I apologize for the mess!

~Jolie

A New Look

2009-04-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well, what do we think?? =) As you all know, I've been working on a new look for my blog...and while I was at it, I decided to change the name of the blog as well. ;)

That Something Else

is now...

officially...

In Seeking The Things Above!!

The name comes from Colossians 3:1, " If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." I thought that verse pretty clearly outlined what I'm trying to do here...keep seeking the things ABOVE, where CHRIST IS! =) For that is our entire purpose in life...to glorify God, and to seek Him and His holiness. =)

So how do you like the new look? I'm actually kind of surprised at myself...because new look rather involves pink. ;) (I'm not a huge fan of pink for the most part) But I really liked the picture, annnnd thought I'd incorporate the colors in the picture into the colors of the fonts on the blog. So there you have it! =)

Have a blessed day! =D

~Jolie~

In search of a new camera...=)

2009-04-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to try to find a new camera. Mine is getting somewhat old, and it is no longer suiting my needs. ;) I'm looking for a nikon, for several reasons...number one, nikon is just amazing. ;) Number TWO, since my dad is a prophessional photographer, and he uses nikon, I could use pretty much any of his spectacular,amazing, wonderful lenses...for free, instead of paying literally thousands of dollars for the same lenses. =) So...I'm looking at maybe a nikon D40, possibly D60...who knows. My dad right now wants me to get the D5000 which is coming out soon, because not only is it a superb camera, it also takes video. =D However...it's slightly out of my price range...so I'm pretty sure I'll be going with one of the smaller ones. ;)
Yes...I'm aware that was a really random post. But I just thought I'd write it anyway, to let ya'll know what's going on with me now-a-days. =)
Anyway...have a great weekend; I'll hopefully update again soon. =)
By the way...in case you hadn't noticed, the blog is STILL under construction. =P But I'm working on it...and hopefully it'll be looking much better soon. =D

In Christ,

Jolie

Texas Seceding from the Union??

2009-04-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Check out this news article!

Here's the link if you want to check it out...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30252723/?gt1=43001#storyContinued

AUSTIN, Texas - In a state that once was its own nation, a Republican governor who talked about secession without completely dismissing the idea has Democratic lawmakers in an uproar.

Gov. Rick Perry, in comments following an anti-tax "tea party" Wednesday, never did advocate Texas breaking away from the United States but suggested that Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to leave the union. That was enough to feed opinions for and against secession on Web sites, cable TV and talk radio across the nation.

At the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Rep. Jim Dunnam of Waco, joined by several fellow Texas House Democrats, said some people associate talk of secession with racial division and the Civil War and that Perry should disavow any notion of seceding.
"Talk of secession is an attack on our country. It can be nothing else. It is the ultimate anti-American statement," Dunnam said at a news conference.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat, said that by not rejecting the possibility of secession out of hand, Perry "is taking a step down a very dangerous and divisive path encouraged by the fringe of Texas politics."

The Democrats are proposing a House resolution expressing "complete and total disagreement with any fringe element advocating the 'secession' of Texas or any other state from our one and indivisible Union."

Perry emphasized Thursday that he is not advocating secession but understands why Americans may have those feelings because of frustration with Washington, D.C. He said it's fine to express the thought. He offered no apology and did not back away from his earlier comments.

Perry's remarks Wednesday were in response to a question from The Associated Press as he walked away from the Austin rally, where some in the audience had shouted "Secede!" during his speech. The governor said he didn't think Texas should secede despite some chatter about it on the Internet and his name being associated with the idea.

"We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot," Perry said Wednesday.

A day later, Perry said he found the fascination with the remark interesting.

"I refer people back to my statement and I got a charge out of it," he said. "I was kind of thinking that maybe the same people that hadn't been reading the Constitution right were reading that article and they got the wrong impression about what I said. Clearly I stated that we have a great union. Texas is part of a great union. And I see no reason for that to change."

What do you think??

Update on my Grandfather

2009-04-11T10:45:00.001-07:00

Okay...news, finally.
My grandpa is doing very, very badly. To tell the truth, the doctor's have said he'll only be with us another few weeks, if that. This is obviously really hard for my family, so if you could continue to be in prayer as difficult decisions need to be made very soon. Most likely we will be trying to get him home, and out of the hospital, so that he can be where he wants to be (home with the family) when he finishes his race on earth. But he is very, very weak, and will need the help of hospice care if he does come home.

Thanks so much for your prayers. I really appreciate it.

~Staying strong through HIS grace,

Jolie

Prayer Request For My Grandfather

2009-04-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

PLEASE PRAY!

My grandfather is in the hospital right now, in very serious condition. He is in the later stages of MS, and recently had kidney surgery. He just took a turn for the worse, his heartrate is extremely high and not working correctly… and we’re not sure if he’s going to make it. Please, please pray. His name is Richard Hill, and he is my mom’s dad. God bless you.

~Jolie

Facelift!

2009-04-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hey guys—sorry for the mess. =P As you can probably see, That Something Else is in the middle of a facelift…and there have been several complications and problems, so unfortunately we’re not looking our best right now, but hopefully sometime in the near future we will have the site back up and running again in perfect working order. ;) Until that time…

~Jolie~

A few inspirational quotes...

2009-04-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

I thought these were interesting. =) I felt I needed to update, but wasn't sure quite what to say, and didn't have time to post a long entry about my life currently, so I decided to go with a few good quotes. ;) That always works. ;) Anyway, here they are...let me know what you think about 'em! =)

"The very man who has argued you down, will sometimes be found, years later, to have been influenced by what you said."-C.S. Lewis

"Faith... is the art of holding onto things your reason once accepted, despite your changing moods. "-C.S. Lewis

“Wherever you are, be all there.” - Jim Elliott

“God never said doing His will would be easy, He only said it would be worth it.” - Joanne Shetler

“The human spirit fails, except when the Holy Spirit fills.” - Corrie ten Boom

“There is nothing worth living for, unless it is worth dying for. ” - Elizabeth Elliott

Trust in the Lord

2009-03-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

I thought I might share a few verses with y'all that have meant a lot to me lately, having to do with trusting in the Lord.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Ps 5.11-12)

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Ps 18.1-2)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps 27.1)

Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Ps 37.5)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3.5-6)

Just thought I'd share those...hope they encourage someone today. =)

Jolie

Howdy y'all...

2009-03-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So sorry I have been soo bad about updating my blog recently. =( I guess I'm just on shutterfly more often, because often it's a lot easier....=P You know what I think?? I think everyone who reads this blog should move over to shutterfly, just to make it easier. I have a blog on my shutterfly website too! ;) =P hahaha...

So I've been reallly busy lately...but the big highlight of my month so far has been getting to spend a weekend with my dear dear friend Johanna. =) Above is a picture of us together...ah, it was such fun. =) She's such an amazing friend...I wish everyone could meet her. =) (haha, have I made you blush yet, Jo dear?? ;) ) Anyway...we had a grand time together, both at her concert as well as her house afterwards. =)

This week has been spring break...yay! =D Very nice, very relaxing...a wonderful change of pace. ;) We've all been working on re-painting our kitchen cabinets as a spring break family project. =) It really needed to be done, so it's been good. =) great family activity. =)

I need to let Jilli get online now...she's been waiting patiently but it's really time for me to go, so until next time...

farewell! =)

~Jolie~

p.s., btw, if you want to see more pics from last weekend, they're on my shutterfly! =) www.jolieslife.shutterfly.com =)

A New Week...

2009-03-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Every week goes by so fast with the busy-ness of school and choir and church activities, etc. etc. So every monday I find myself thinking--"Is it REALLY Monday AGAIN?? It feels like last monday was ...yesterday or something!" =) Life passes us by so quickly, almost without our even noticing...we must therefore be CAREFUL with the way that we spend our time, and not waste a minute. =)
I'm so excited about this week, and this month and the next month. =) We have several things going on, our time is so quickly used up and consumed by all the different things we do.
This week I'm excited because I am going with my mother and sisters to the Ramsey Sisters concert on friday! Yay! I'm so looking forward to this gig...it's going to be wonderful to see my dear friend Jo again! =)
I'm afraid we have a concert this afternoon with our choir...but unfortunately I LOST MY VOICE so I can't go to it...dreadful, isn't it?? Well, hopefully I'll have it back completely by Friday. =)
Anyway...enough of my randomness. I'll try to post again soon. =)
Until next time, then! =)
Jolie

Bound for Africa

2009-02-26T09:46:00.001-08:00

I'm sooo excited!! I'm going to AFRICA this summer!!! YES! Sometime during the middle of August I will be going to Uganda on a mission trip with my church. I'm soo happy. =) My dad and I are going, and would appreciate it if you would keep us in your prayers as we prepare to leave the country! =)

Jolie

New Blog!

2009-02-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

Only this blog is on a slightly more serious note--

www.americasownholocaust.blogspot.com

Let's get the facts out, and get them straight. This blog is there for that exact purpose--to get the facts out about abortion. I also plan on using it as the website for an organization my sis and I are getting together...which is actually going to be a pro-life group that passes out pro-life fliers, and pickets in front of planned parenthood buildings, etc. =)

Please pray for us!

Jolie

Just too cute...

2009-02-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

When we were babysitting the Cupps last thursday, Jono engaged me in a rather dramatic sword fight. He is a very fierce fighter, and far more experienced than I. As I casually mentioned, while fightin gfor my life, how very ironic it was that I, the babysitter, here to PROTECT Jono and keep him safe, was being murdered by the very one I was here to keep safe! "Do you REALLY want me dead?" I pleaded desperately. ;) As he smashed my sword another blow, he said in a very calm, matter-of-fact way, "It's okay. There are two more [babysitters] inside, and my daddy's just across the street.".

lol. You can imagine my shock at hearing such a thing.

Anyway, I just had to share that. =)
~Jolie~

Shutterfly

2009-02-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

So...at Johanna's persuasion, I decided to finally get a shutterfly account where I can post my pics online and share them more easily than I can on say, blogger. ;) So feel free to visit it when you can...I don't have many pics up yet, but I'll get them on soon enough, hopefully. =)
www.jolieslife.shutterfly.com (can you tell I had no idea what to call my site?? ;) )

jusqu'à la prochaine fois, (until next time [in French])

*~*Jolie*~*

FIGHT FOCA

2009-01-22T10:17:00.001-08:00

“THE FIRST THING I’D DO AS PRESIDENT IS SIGN THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE ACT. THAT’S THE FIRST THING I’D DO.”
–Barack Obama

Most people don’t realize what the Freedom of Choice Act is. They think, ‘Well sure! Women should have the right to chose!’ What they don’t know is that if President Obama signs the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), then these common-sense laws that were established for the safety of the women involved, would be ABOLISHED with one stroke of the pen:
-Informed consent laws; requirements that women should be given information about the risks of getting an abortion
- Parental consent and notification laws; laws that parents must be informed and give consent to their minor daughter’s abortion
- Health and safety regulations for abortion clinics
- Requirements that only licensed physicians perform abortions
- Bans on abortion after viability
- Bans on partial birth abortion

Unfortunately those are only a few of the laws and precautions that would be abolished if President Obama fulfils his promise to Planned Parenthood.

I’d like to ask everyone who sees this post to go to this website: www.fightfoca.com, and sign the petition begging Obama NOT to allow FOCA to be passed! Sign the petition, and spread the word. Unfortunately there are very few people who actually realize what all is included in the FOCA, and the word MUST BE SPREAD before it’s too late! If Obama carries out his promise (or threat, whichever way you see it), and FOCA is passed, it will increase abortions by 125,000 more PER YEAR in the USA! The blood of the babies already murdered is crying out to God, and if FOCA is passed even more precious babies will be killed mercilessly. (Including those who are up to 9 months along in the pregnancy, and those who are being BORN as they are being ABORTED). We, as Christians, must do our part to prevent FOCA from being passed. So sign the petition! Pass out fliers! Get involved ! Spread the word! PRAY! We cannot ignore this. God certainly won’t.

Tennessee Christmas

2009-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

Jenna in the dress my grandmother wore at a concert when 6 months pregnant with my mom! =0

Jonathan and Luke glued to the wii....;) they looove mario cart wii!

Jillian and Michaela (Kaya) with Aunt Vani! Yes, they were playing with make-up that day. ;)

Plotting....what shall they do next??!? (you don't want to know) ;)

Aunt Val highlighted Jenna's hair! yay! so pretty...

the sisters! from left to right: mom, Aunt Valerie, Aunt Vani

Yum! Making chocolate covered marshmallows with Kaya and Aunt Vani...

Jonathan turns 20!!!

Jonathan...I tried sooo hard to get a good picture of him. As you see, I failed. But, I did my best. ;)

Jillian and Kaya! They were SO cute! Best friends. =)

First of all, our cousin Michaela, my sisters and I all enjoyed playing and posing with my brother's airsoft gun, which looks very realistic. ;)

uh-huh. Yeah.

haha, Michaela's expression cracks me up every time I see this picture. She's like, "Noooo! I'm too young to die!"

Don't worry, it's not loaded. ;)

So we went to TN and spent our Christmas and New Years with family. And it was a blast! Here are some pics taken during the vacation....

Babysitting Winter 08

2009-01-16T17:25:00.001-08:00

War!! The Babysitters versus the Babysat... (you can pretty well guess who won! ;) )

Isaac was very cute in his 'dress-up'.

Nate the great off to take a nap...poor little man. He wasn't quite in the mood for a nap at the time...

Isaac and Jono!

"WHAT???"

Jono painting..

Isaac painting...

At the request of Johanna, ;) I have decided to add some new pics. =D These are from my sisters and I babysitting some of our favorite little boys, the Cupps!-Jono, Isaac, and Nate ( the great) ;)

My 'new' hair! =D

2009-01-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

So...I highlighted my hair the other day. And here are the photos! =) It doesn't look way way different, (hehe, I didn't want it to!!) but this is what it looks like! =)

Welcoming 2009

2008-12-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! =) Wow, I know I say this every year, but this past year has positively FLOWN past, quicker than I thought was possible. Every year that goes by seems to go by quicker than the one before.

I have so many blessings to be thankful for, so many good memories from 2008. I have been so blessed, so abundantly provided for and tenderly cared for by my Father. I am truly grateful for everything He has done in my life.

This past year has been one full of spiritual growth, and for that I am very grateful. Though I haven't told y'all my testimony online, I plan on doing so sometime, and meanwhile let me just say that the fact that I have been growing in Christ so much this year means a lot; glory be to God. =)

I am so grateful this year for so many things- first of all for my Savior. He is the only reason I am alive today, and the only reason I have a reason to live day after day. Everything I have I owe to Him. Second of all for my family, who mean the world to me. Were it not for them, I would not be who I am today. I love them so much. My dear dear friends, who have invested their time with me, and whom I love so very dearly, I am very grateful for as well. I have been blessed with amaaazing friends. I am grateful for my church, for the fact that I am homeschooled, for the beautiful home I have, etc. etc. But as it would take forever and a day to list off everything, I will simply close now, with this...

Happy New Year, everyone! I love you all very much. =)

*~*Jolie*~*

Christmas time is here!

2008-12-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas time...the most wonderful time of the year, in my opinion. It is here once more--yeah! =) This year we are driving to Chatanooga, Tennessee to spend Christmas with my grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins from my mom's side of the family. I love Christmas, for a number of reasons. The wonderful food, the family getting together, the shopping, the weather, the surprises...
And then there's the real reason for the season (oh yeah..) ;). What it is all about-the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It's so easy to look over "that little thing", in all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. It's not hard, with the media, and the world telling us that it's all about the presents, and the fun, etc. etc.
But this year, let's remember to keep our eyes on the real reason for the season. Were it not for Christ's birth and sacrifice, we would be nowhere.
Merry Christmas, to one and all! =)

My dad's pics from Leah's wedding...finally! =)

2008-11-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

So....Here are a few pre-wedding pictures my dad took of Leah's wedding. (and the pics have been edited by me, of course. :P hehe) Aren't the pictures amazing??? I absolutely love my dad's photos...=) Awwww... it's baby Kate! =)

Starbucks. Yehh... =)

fish-eye view of the room. :)

Adjusting the gown...for the millionth time. :P

Putting on the veil...I like Faith's expression...hehe ;) she's quite serious at this time. :P

I love this one!

Mrs. Spina, Leah and Mrs. Driggers (or part of her :P)

the back of her lovely gown

Beautiful bracelet and silk gloves...

Attaching the sleeves...

I think these are the flower girls' bouquets. =) they were so pretty!

Fixing Leah's sleeves...

The girls in the bride's getting ready room. (hehe, my sisters and I are beside my dad, behind the camera. go figure. :P)

Hehe, singing to the bride, as we waited for the moment when we had to go down the aisle.

Leah's beautiful smile. =)

In the bride's getting-ready parlor, a while before the wedding began.

The Beautiful bride, Leah Grace Driggers...only now she's Leah Driggers Spina. =)
All photos taken by Richard Dalton; Dalton Photography. http://www.daltonphoto.com/

I've been tagged..=) Book Meme

2008-11-28T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged for a book meme by Ella and Eleree! =)
The Rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences
5. Tag five people.

It seems easy enough...we shall see.. ;)

Okay...the closest book is Uncle Tom's Cabin, which I am currently reading for school . And OH MY WORD..yes, it definitely meets the 123 page requirement!! (it's 548 pages, to be precise. ;) )

And the fifth sentence on page 123 is...
"After they had ridden about a mile, Haley suddenly drew up at the door of a blacksmith's shop, when, taking out with him a pair of handcuffs, he stepped into the shop, to have a little alteration in them."

satisfactory? ;) hehe

The next three sentences:
1. " 'These yer's a little too small for his build,' said Haley, showing the fetters, and pointing out to Tom.
[yes, the grammer in this book is not absolutely perfect. =P ]
2." 'Lor! now, if thar an't Shelby's Tom. He han't sold him now?' said the Smith."
[hold on...that may have been two sentences..oh well, we'll call it one. =P ]
3. " 'Yes, he has.' said Haley."

There we go! =)

Now I tag... let's seee...
1. Evann
2. Michelle
3. Lisa
4. Keri and Brent
5. Jessica

Have fun! =)

Oh, and btw...Happy Thanksgiving, to one and all! I hope it was great for y'all. It certainly was for me! =)

~Jolie~

2008-11-14T13:45:00.001-08:00

Here is an amazing forward I got....sorry about all the >'s! =(

_HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT_> > For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an> outstanding Bible > teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother> of two daughters.> > This is one of her experiences:> > April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville , waiting to> board the > plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon> what I was > doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say> this because I > want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of> God really > working in you.> > You could end up doing some things you never would have> done otherwise.> Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons> not the least > of which is your ego.> > I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange> sight. Humped > over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in> clothes that > obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier> His knees > protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like> the coat > hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like> tangled masses of > veins and bones.> > > The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy,> gray hair > hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His> fingernails > were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.> > I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort> burning my > face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been,> I found > myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes> sighting. Then, I > remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport...> an > impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I> sat, trying to > concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about> a thin slice > of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from> me.> All the while, my heart was growing more and more> overwhelmed with a > feeling for him.> > Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable> than true concern, > and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this> bizarre-looking > old man.> > I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on> the wall. > I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels,> something so > contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is> bound to happen. > And it may be embarrassing.> > I immediately began to resist because I could feel God> working on my > spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh,> no, God, please, > no.' I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare> straight through it > into heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to> this man. Not right> here > and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same> plane, but don't > make me get up here and witness to this man in front of> this gawking > audience. Please, Lord!'> > There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness,> 'Please don't> > make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the> plane.' Then I > heard it...'I don't want you to witness to him. I> want you to brush his> > hair.'> > The words were so clear, my heart leap into my throat, and> my thoughts > spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair?> > No-brainier. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and> said, 'God, > as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to> witness to this > man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've> never seen a woman> witness > to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make> if his hair > is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to> this man' > Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word,> God seemed to write > this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not> what I said, > Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to> go brush his> hair.'> > I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a> hairbrush. It's in> my > suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair> without a > hairbrush?' God was so insistent that I almost> involuntarily began to > walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's> word: 'I will > thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy> 3:17)> > I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one> myself. Even > as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those> same > butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as> demurely as > possible, 'Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing> your hair?'> > He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?'> > 'May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'> > To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if> you expect me to > hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than> that.'> > At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out ,> 'SIR, MAY I HAVE > THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At which point> every eye in the > place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room> looking more > peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead> breaking out > in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock> on his face, > and say, 'If you really want to.' Are you kidding?> Of course I> didn't > want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal> preference right > about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the> words, 'Yes, > sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I> don't have a > hairbrush.' 'I have one in my bag,' he> responded.> > I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on> my hands and > knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly> believing what I > was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old> man's hair. It was > perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't> do many things > well, but must admit I've had notable experience> untangling knotted hair > mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either> Amanda or Melissa > in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of> the strands, > remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing> happened to > me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody> else in the room > disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments> except that old > man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until> every tangle was > out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but> I've never felt > that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I> believe with all > my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the> very love of > God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like> someone > renting a room and making Himself at home for a short> while.> > The emotions were so strong and so pure t hat I knew they> had to be > God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an> infant's.> > I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the> chair to face > him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee> and said, > 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?'> > He said, 'Yes, I do' Well, that figures, I thought.> He explained,> 'I've > known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry> me until I got to > know the Savior.' He said, 'You see, the problem> is, I haven't seen> my > bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and> she's been too ill to> > come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a> mess I must > be for my bride.'> > Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a> divine moment when > we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on> the other hand, > was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had> intervened in > details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and> I'll never > forget it.> > Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane.> I was deeply > ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so> proud to have > accompanied him on that aircraft.> > I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to> board, the > airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming> down her > cheeks. She said, 'That old man's sitting on the> plane, sobbing. Why> did > you do that? What made you do that?'> > I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest> thing!'> > And we got to share.> > I learned something about God that day. He knows if> you're exhausted, > you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or> it is time to move > on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if> you're hurting or > feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning> under a wave of > temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed.> He sees you > as an individual. Tell Him your need!> > I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering> how many > opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way> . . all > because I didn't want people to think I was strange.> God didn't send me> > to that old man. He sent that old man to me.> > John 1:14 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling> among us. We have > seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came> from the Father, > full of grace and truth'> > Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the> intention of arriving > safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to> skid in > broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly> shouting, > 'Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!'> > Please share this wonderful story.> > If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of> light........ Mt. 6:22> > By God's grace I am what I am..... 1 Corinthians 15:10> > 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how> to dance in the> rain!'

Famous Last Words...

2008-11-09T16:48:00.001-08:00

This is intersting: here are some -unique, shall I say-last words spoken by people who are.. well, about to die. ;)

Barrymore, John (1882-1942) Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him.

Bouhours, Dominique [French grammarian] "I am about to--or I am going to--die; either expression is used."

Claudel, Paul (1868-1955) "Doctor, do you think it could have been the sausage?"

Narvaez, Ramon Maria (1800-1868) "I do not have to forgive my enemies, I have had them all shot." (Said on his deathbed, when asked by a priest if he forgave his enemies.)

Louis XIV (1638-1715) "Why are you weeping? Did you imagine that I was immortal?" (Noticing as he lay on his deathbed that his attendants were crying.)

Palmerston, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount (1784-1865) "Die, my dear Doctor? That's the last thing I shall do!" (Attributed last words.)

Rodgers, James W. ( -1960) [American criminal] "Why yes, a bulletproof vest!" (On his final request before the firing squad.)

Sedgwick, John (1813-1864) "Nonsense, they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance." (In response to a suggestion that he should not show himself over the parapet during the Battle of the Wilderness.)

Villa, Francisco `Pancho' (1878-1923) "Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something."

Interesting, eh? ;-)

Contentment at Home (or anywhere, come to think of it...) =P

2008-11-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

These are my thoughts on a blog post by http://www.homeliving.blogspot.com/ ... if you've never been to her site, I think you should! These are my notes, actually, not really thoughts..from a recent post she did about contentment....

Contentment…

Contentment must first be learned at home. If you are unhappy or discontent with your home life, or where you are in life, or are discontent with your current situation and circumstances, then you will never be content for very long no matter where you are, or what you are doing. You must be grateful for where God has you in life, and do not try to run away from your current circumstances, or try to alter your life unnaturally.
Contentment is having a deep, abiding sense of well-being and happiness, even when your current situation in life is not ideal. It is making the best of what you are; in whatever circumstances you may be in. It is waiting out the boring or sad times, and has to be developed by good training. Contentment is productive and constructive, without being destructive, and concentrates on the tasks available to oneself.
The opposite of contentment is discontentment. Discontentment is being out of step with the Creator and His creation. It comes when you are distracted by the world and it’s callings. It brings instability and uneasiness, and makes it harder to settle down and concentrate on worthwhile things.
To gain contentment, you must have a steadiness of purpose. You are to be resourceful, appreciating the little things in life, including the basic things we use and do daily.
Contentment is found when one notices and naturally drinks in the natural things of life. When one is content, they do not abandon the protection of the family. They do not scoff at home life, or detest staying at home. A content person is well aware of their blessings, and appreciates them greatly. They do not run away when things get difficult, but shines throughout hard times, and makes the best of things. Contentment causes one to be stable and bloom where planted.
Contentment is shining throughout the daily tasks of life, no matter how hard, and appreciates even the smallest things of life. If you learn contentment while still young, you have learned a great thing, and will be greatly blessed by it.

Goin' to the chapel ...

2008-10-28T19:21:00.001-07:00

"We're going to the chapel and we're gonna get married!"

Yay! I'm finally getting the details of Leah's wedding posted! =)

First of all, my sisters and I have been looking forward to that day ever since we knew Leah Driggers, and more especially when she met David Spina, and then even more they became engaged, and reached a climax when Leah aked us to be junior bridesmaids in her wedding.

Our dresses, the exact inverse colors of the bridesmaids, were brown with turquoise (as you can see from the pictures!), and had finished alterations a week or so before the wedding. WE then bought lovely silver shoes from DSW ( LOVE that place!!), and our outfits were complete, with the lovely pearl/diamond jewelry that Leah gave us. =) Dad had arranged for a master make-up artist to do our make-up for the wedding (and hair, which is what we really needed her for). This we were quite happy about until the night before the wedding, wehn she called and said she was not going to do it, she had found someone who would pay her more for her services that day. Frustrated, indignant and dismayed, I googled "fancy easy up-dos" and found a fancy, easy up-d0 I thought would work. So we memorized what to do for it, and went to sleep, filled with nervous anticipation...

When the morning of the 25th dawned, I awoke more nervous than ever before. I was nervous about my hair; hopeful that it owuld turn out, but anxious to see that it did. I was also nervous about walking down the aisle in front of 500-600 people!! Jenna wasn't nervous at all. This I was surprised about, but since Jillian was as nervous as me, so I had someone to empathize with me. =)

We ran to the store, a few hours before we were supposed to go to the church, to get waterproof mascara (since we knew we would need it!!), hairspray, etc.

When we came back home, we hastily began our hair and make-up. It went slowly at first, trying to figure out what to do for our hair, making it work-- but Jillian's turned out absolutely beautiful, with Jenna and I constructing it, and things went faster when I did Jenna's hair, and even faster when she did mine. =) It was actually really nice, becasue our hair turned out beautiful! I was very happily surprised.

We did our own make-up, which we are obviously used to doing, and grabbed our dresses, shoes, hairspray and extra make-up and got to Christ Chapel to change. When we arrived, after a few difficult/confusing/unexpected things happened, we changed into our lovely dresses...

Leah was absolutely gorgeous. She was more stunning than I have ever seen her before! Her lovely white gown and filmy veil and pearl jewelry all helped make her look more beautiful, but if was her face that was absolutely glowing from happiness, and that made her postitively stunning. =)

Faith was also absolutely beautiful, but her eyes betrayed a hint of deep sadness, because she was loosing her sister--but also a wonderful joy she had for Leah. She is so glad that Leah is happily married now, and very happy for her sister, even if she is a bit sad, which is of course to be expected..;-)

We got our formal pictures taken, and then all the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, mother of the groom, flower girls, and bride...all were locked together into the getting ready room as the guests began to arrive, to stay until the time came to walk the aisle...

We prayed around the bride, snacked ( Leah's cousin Lisa insisted we eat something; anything so we wouldn't faint while on stage! ;-) ) and sang songs to the beautiful bride....

We were all instructed to tuck a tissue into our hands; discreetly hidden by the calla lillies we held, if we thought we would need one. I think almost all the bridesmaids did, and I certainly did. ;-) I was so nervous by the time we were in the foyer, ready to walk down the aisle! butterflies filled my stomach, but were very soon joined by my tears that flowed far too readily , and without my constent, as we lined up in the hall outside the sanctuary, listening to "butterfly kisses" ..the song playing in the sanctuary as the audience watched a slideshow of Leah and David...
The doors finally opened, and we, one by one, at the wedding cordinator's command, walked down the aisle. By this time I had stopped crying, and was still nervous as I stepped into the sanctuary, treading down the plush red carpet as I made my way down... This was the moment I had looked to and longed for, and dreamed of for so long. Walking gracefully, I made it down the aisle and up the three stairs to the stage, but almost stopped in my tracks as I heard how loud the 'click-clack' 's were that sounded from my shoes as I glided, not so gracefully, thought not too awkwardly , to my blue dot on the stage floor (the allotted place for me to stand during the ceremony, lol) . I watched as Jenna and Jillian came after me, and then the flower girls after them, and then the beautiful maid of honor...then the doors closed. Then, everyone stood in awed silence as the doors re-opened and the bride and her father came through the doors, and walked tearfully down the aisle. The tears began to come again, but not uncontrollably, so I held my peace and watched as Mr. Driggers gave Leah away. Leah cried while speaking her vows, but at least she said them right! ;-) David, on the other hand.. said "weddling wife", instead of "wedded wife", and when the pastor asked him to say the last line of his vows, David stared in silence at him, completely misunderstanding what it was that he was supposed to say, until Mr.Hurd had to repeat himself entirely! =P haha...
The ceremony proceded, then ended with a very romantic kiss , which was their first ever! =) and then we all came back up the aisle, relieved and emotional.
The reception began, and teh lobely bride and groom danced, we all ate, they cut the cake, more dancing, fahter-daughter dance, more eating, toasts, bouquet dedication to Faith, and more dancing. ;-) Jenna and I danced a lot, and we all had a lot of fun. Then the bride and groom were carried away into the night, after shooing a few little brothers out of the going away car! =)

And the happy couple has lived....Happily Ever After.......

Btw...none of these pictures are mine or my dads..they were posted on facebook by friends of mine who were also at the wedding. =) Hope you enjoyed them! =) Let me know what y'all think about it all! =)

Photos taken by: Autumn Jones, Faith Driggers and Becca Sneed. =)

...At last...

2008-10-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Leah's wedding has come and gone...I will try to post more pictures soon, (haha, imagine that...) but for right now all I can do is say that it all went well, ( I felt your prayers Jo!) Leah and David are now happily married, and as a bridesmaid, I had perfect view of the whole ceremony--and had to take advantage of the tissue I had hidden in my bouquet. I cried several times, teared up a LOT, and overall it was a very emotional day. But it's all over, and I'll try to post the details someday soon.. =)

Okay , the first picture is Leah (the beautiful bride!!) and Faith (Leah's sister, the maid of honor) and one of the flower girls, in the getting ready room..this is all pre-ceremony

The second is Leah and Faith , before they got dressed in their wedding gowns.. aren't they GORGEOUS?!?

And the third is my sisters and I with Faith. The pics of Leah and us are on my dad's camera..haven't gotten to see them yet. =( But I'll try to post more photos soon! =)
P.S...
I MADE IT DOWN THE ISLE WITHOUT TRIPPING ONCE!!! =) =) =)\

UPDATED..one more pic! =) the three jr. bridesmaids.. =)

~Jolie Christine~

Planning My future...

2008-10-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

As far as I can see now, I am not planning on going to college. I'm not absolutely certain of this, but so far, I don't feel led in that direction. Which is actually quite a turn-around, since a few years ago I was determined to go to college, and firmly believed that every person should go and get a college education as well. haha..I don't feel that way anymore. Obviously.
When I graduate highschool in 2011 (Lord willing, of course) ;-), I plan on not going to college, but instead getting a job, and working..while allowing myself plenty of time to do other things-like write. =) Maybe even publish something.. who knows? ;-) Anyway.. I also want to keep myself open and available for short-term mission trips. Since I have felt called towards missions, I feel that this is definately something I'd like to do. Then, of course, as to my JOB..I've been considering becoming a nanny. There are so many great opportunities and advantages to being one! For example, it's a great training ground for being a mom someday, it's an amazing opportunity to be "salt and light" among unbelievers, and, haha...those who have nannies, usually pay a pretty penny for one..so it's not a bad way to earn money! ;-)
Anyway, I eventually hope to meet prince charming and get married and have lots of kids.

That is, this is all unless the world comes to an end beforehand. =)

And amidst all my plans..

" Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand"
-Proverbs 19:21
"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
-Proverbs 16:9

But, just the same...it doesn't hurt to dream a little. =)

"'For I know the plans that I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

I've been tagged...

2008-10-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

By Ella and Eleree (www.abannerofcrimson.blogspot.com)
So here goes!
RULES: Link to the person who tagged you.... list the rules, write six random things, tag six people, letting them know you tagged them, and let the person who tagged you know you've written the post.

MY RANDOM THINGS:

1: I have hazel eyes, which are commonly mistaken for brown. but they're not. they're hazel. seriously. I'm not kidding. I mean it. =P
2: I'm writing this at 7 AM, after getting up at five to finish my school early so I can edit a wedding and FINISH it today..(it's a huge wedding) it I DO, then..I get a 25 dollar bonus!!
3: I have had 22 gerbils at one time...yikes. that was pretty scary.
4: I'm currently hoping hoping HOPING to pass a government/history/literature class..but not too sure how that'll work out. It's the first outside class I've had to take in years.. so...(my mom says failure is not an option in this class, no matter how hard it may be..) =P
5: I have already begun planning my wedding. =)
6: last one! let me see...ah yes...my favorite kind of food ever is Italian. MM! SOO good! =)

So.. I am now tagging... Evann, Keri, Michelle, Lisa, Jessica and...hm. I guess I can't tag the people who tagged me...I'll just leave it at that then. ;-) (can't think of six people right now..sorry, it's early)

Have fun y'all! =)

What's in a name??

2008-10-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you have heard the band, Remedy Drive, but they're amazing..really, the lyrics are really good, and they encourage and exort me every time I listen to them. I'm sorry Evann-but your idea was too inspiring! I just had to make my blog title the name of one of my very favorite songs by Remedy Drive..

All Along:

It's not everything it seems-the world and it's dreams
slipping like water through my hands tonight
all the things I thought would fill me up inside
left me empty here-and now I know why

chorus:

All along I was looking for something else-
You're something else
All along I was looking for something more
You're SO much more
I finally found what I could never see before
You've always been the One that I was looking for

All of my castles in the sand-washed away again
and I'm left right were I began tonight
the only thing that can ever fill me up
has been right in front of me all the time

(chorus)

I won't miss You-I won't miss You this time
I say I want You-how I want You in my life

Anyway..just had to share that. =)