Quote

Do you or do you not agree with this quote? Why?
"God helps those who help themselves." - Benjamin Franklin

I read this little article in today's newspaper and I thought it would be interesting to post some of it. Its talking about the top ten beverages that Americans drink daily.

- Bottled Water, 72 percent
- Soft Drinks, 62 percent
- Milk, 61 percent
- Coffee, 61 percent
- Fruit Juices, 51 percent
- Black Tea, 31 percent
- Vegetables Juices, 17 percent
- Green Tea, 15 percent
- Beer, 14 percent
- Hard Liquor, 10 percent

I think that it's very good to see that water is on the top of the list, hopefully that will stay on top. I was surprised that coffee is the same percent as milk. Apparently we are becoming more dependent on caffeine. Comments are appreciated!!!! :)

Joy

Yesterday I went to my orthodontist and I got my retainer. I am excited to have it because it will help my jaw, but its painful, makes my cheeks look weird and I can't talk very well. But that's only supposed to last the first couple days. I have to wear it all the time except when I am eating or brushing my teeth. Unfortunately, I don't know how I'm going to speak Spanish if I can't speak English, so class will definitely be interesting. :)

10 Things that make me joyful: (because I was tagged by Ana Liza)

1. First and foremost that Jesus died on the cross for me. If I had everything else in the world but wasn't going to heaven someday none of it would be worth it.

2. All my wonderful friends. Even though there are always going to be ups and downs, you guys are always there for me when I need to talk or when I need a hug. I've had so many friends, and I'm not as close to some of them as I wish I could be, but at the same time I don't know what I'd do without you people!

3. My family. They are the people who see me for who I really am and they love me for who I really am. My parents have made such a big impact in my life, and I know I wouldn't be who I am today if my brothers or sister were any different then they are. I may want to change my family sometimes, but in the end I know they are good for me!

4. Music is a big joy! I could sing and sing and sing!!! I am constantly listening to something, even if its just playing in the background of my room. There are so many different types of music, but I don't even think I have a favorite, little bit of everything is the best way to go! ;)

5. What can I say except I love swimming! There's a certain joy in completing a set, in dropping time or even finally getting the hang of the stroke. Even when it gets hard and I'm sore, or depressing because my progress is slow, a smile from Therese makes me know she think I can do it. That makes me so happy! :)

6. I have had some awesome opportunities to travel!!! I went to Hong Kong and China for 11 weeks when I was twelve. I just recently traveled to London and Paris with my Grandma for a vacation. And then there are all the trips we took to Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Washington D.C., Florida, the Caribbean and to Grandma's. I love to travel, even riding in the car is fun especially when you are with people you love! :)

7. And kinda to go along with that, being homeschooled! I have had so much more flexibility to do things like travel because my parents decided to homeschool me. People always ask me if I want to go to school, and truthfully it might be interesting, but in the end I would always want to come home. And its not just for things like doing school in my pajamas or sleeping late, its being able to be taught by someone who loves me, and being able to believe what I believe and incorporate it in my school.

8. Living in my house. I have lived here my whole life that I can remember. Our neighborhood has always been so welcoming and friendly. It has been special to be close to the Johnstons and the Pulliams but most importantly the church. Sunday morning we can see people drive by our house and on Monday's we see James running by. I have so many memories of hide and seek and bloody murder. Our house has so much character and it's really become our home. I can't ever imagine moving.

9. Rainy Days like today! Even though they can be depressing they also show the awesomeness of God like nothing else does. I love curling up with a book an a cup of coffee - just seems like perfect example. I guess its a comfort thing.

10. Sleep. Here's the cold hard truth: if I never had any sleep I would never ever be joyful. Waking up after getting a good night's sleep is so refreshing and going to bed after long days feels so wonderful. My pillow is my best non-living friend. :)

I tag: Alyssa, Alissa, Beth, Bekah, Sara and Tamera.

Quote of the post:
"A joy that's shared is a joy made double." -English Proverb

Fall Ministry!

I'm back! Did you miss me? lol.

I know this is a great way to start out, but I hate group games, I know they are supposed to be ice-breakers, but more or likely they are just another way to make a fool of ourselves. The only one that I've actually ever liked was the one we played at SONrise where we tied a string to a balloon, and tied the other end to our ankle and we had to pop everybody else's balloon. Anyway I ended up having a better time then I expected.

Friday night was a combination of group games, a speaker, finding out where we were headed and just hanging out and talking. I slept at the Faris's, and ended up talking till pretty late. Addy and I were the first two people - besides Mrs. Long - in the church basement Saturday morning. Breakfast and making our lunches was fine, and then Rebekah Sawyer drove my group up to Lafayette.

Lafayette is a great city, and they have a wonderful church. I can definitely see God working especially with the college age people. Two teams went to Lafayette this year, one team to the church and one team to the Pentecostal camp that Winter Conference is held at. My team included, Pat Hart, Ben Jones, Julia Cerbus, Ellen Edwards and Rebekah Ray. Our leader was Emily Humphreys, and we cleaned the Lafayette church building, pledging the pews, vacuuming, washing the windows inside and out and getting rid of all the cob-webs. We finished all the work early, as did Micah Humphreys group at the camp. The two groups combined and played ultimate Frisbee and "I never", then we ate our dinner of pizza together at the church.

Julia, Ellen, Rebekah and I went back to the Humphrey’s for the night. Emily did a wonderful devotional about serving, and then we watched "13 going on 30!" Be proud of us - we got to bed by 11, though I know I feel asleep before the others, so you'll have to ask them how late they stayed up. In the morning we all got ready for church and Emily made monkey bread which was delicious. Church was encouraging, Pastor Long preached on having a "teachable spirit." I loved seeing some of the people I know that go to church up there, though the one week I was actually at your church Sara you weren't there. :) After service, Mrs. Kessler made us a wonderful meal which was also delicious.

Since we didn't have to be back at North-side till 4 we played scategories (sp) and just hung out. We got back to North-side and I talked to Ruth until service. Last year a lot more people stayed and went to North-side service, this year nobody did. It was kinda sad. Anyway I had fun, though I was pretty tired when I came home. Thanks to all you who prayed.

Quote of the post:
"He had a feeling that the answer was quite different and that he ought to know it, but he could not think of it. He began to get frightened, and that is bad for thinking." - J. R. R. Tolkien

Hola

Today was Spanish - we have been learning about ar, er and ir verbs and how to conjugate them. Last Thursday we had a test on ar verbs and I am happy because I got a 95% on it. Our assignment for next week is to memorize the er and ir conjugations because we will be having a test on them. In our text book we've been learning about time, and I'm actually pretty excited because I actually feel like I'm learning something and I can see myself making progress.

This week for Composition we had to write 3 paragraphs about homeschooling. Topic's including "Homeschooling: the only option", "Homeschooling: A good option" and "Homeschooling: not an option."I had fun coming up with reasons to put under each of those, and hopefully I was creative enough! :)

Swim practices have been going well. I can't explain how much I love swimming even though it makes me so extremely tired. Going back and forth across the pool may sound boring to some people, not me. At the end of October we will be having the annual Rivi swim meet at the Natitorium. I am excited and hopefully I will drop some time.

Tomorrow night (Friday night) starts Fall Ministry. Last year was my first year and I had a blast going to Michigan with Alyssa and Charity! :) This year I don't know what to expect so I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me. My top 3 choices are 1) Lafayette 2) Kokmo, 3) Bloomington. You can pray for me that I will have a good attitude no matter what! Luv and miss you all!!!!

Quote of the post:
" I pretty much try to stay in a constant state of confusion just because of the expression it leaves on my face. " - Johnny Depp

My Week

I've done several hundred pages of school and I've swam several miles. I haven't gotten enough sleep all week but I'm still up early on a Saturday. I've stressed out over a Spanish test; stressed out over getting all my Worldview done and stressed out over my work hours. There is something I'm signed up to do, but the more I think about it; the less excited I become. I don't understand why people are like they are, why people say certain things; why people don't say other certain things, why people talk; why people don't talk. Wondering, "is that my fault?" Last night in family Bible Study we read Jude, here are the verses that stuck out to me:

Verses of the post:
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Jude 1:20-25

Little People

Today I had classes at College Park Baptist Church. Since one class is from 9:30 to 10:30 and I have a long break before the next one at 12:30 so, I get to help out with the 3 and 4's. Today their letter was "C" and their number was "3". We colored pictures, practiced cutting on the lines, read books, played with play-dough, and told stories. I had so much fun, some kids are a lot harder to watch and play with then others, but these guys were way more on the fun side! :) Here's a song I wanted to post - I can't find the music itself, so here are the lyrics:

LITTLE PEOPLE -

They laugh at me, these fellows, just because I am small.
They laugh at me because I'm not a hundred feet tall.
I tell 'em there's a lot to learn down here on the ground.
The world is big but lil' people turn it around.

A worm can roll a stone.
A bee can sting a bear.
A fly can fly around the sky 'cos flies don't care
A sparrow in a hut, can make a happy home.
A flea can bite the bottom of the pope in rome

Goliath was a bruiser who was as tall as the sky.
But David threw a rock, and gave him one in the eye.
I never read the Bible but I know that it's true.
It only goes to show what little people can do.

A worm can roll a stone.
A bee can sting a bear.
A fly can fly around the sky 'cos flies don't care
A sparrow in a hut, can make a happy home.
A flea can bite the bottom of the pope in rome

So listen here, professor with your head in the cloud
It's often kinda useful to get lost in a crowd
So keep your universities -- i don't give a care
For better or for worse it is the way that I am

be careful as you go
cos little people grow
and little people know
when little people fight,
we may look easy pickings
but we got some bite!
so never kick a dog
because it's just a pup
you'd better run for cover when the pup grows up

and we'll fight like twenty armies
and we won't give up

A worm can roll a stone.
A bee can sting a bear.
A fly can fly around the sky 'cos flies don't care
A sparrow in a hut, can make a happy home.
A flea can bite the bottom of the pope in rome

I thought that was really thought provoking - in the movie Les Miserables one little guy is singing this and picking up bullets from the fallen enemy soldiers when he gets shot and dies. When I saw the play I was sobbing during that part. It was so sad. Sometimes we think little people are just little people, but I'm slowly learned how much little people can teach you, including patience - which James should be proud of me for mentioning.

Quote of the post:
"To be pleased with one's limits is a wretched state." - Unknown

Ello -

I feel like I'm due for an update. Right now nothing much is happening in my life. There's school, swimming, work and church. That's about it. Sometimes I feel like life just goes on without me. The funniest thing I've done since I came back from Europe has been going to Starbucks. Going out with college people is alot of fun, though they kinda make me feel awfully little.

I updated my links... Taking several people off etc. And then I added a Spanish word a day thing since I'm taking Spanish this year. Anybody know how to put accents in a word while your writing? I know its possible, but I don't know how. Maybe I should just download some sortof Spanish software. There seems to be a lack of comments lately. And I'll just tell you that every comment I get makes my day! I luv and miss you all!

Verses of the post:
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9

Quote of the post:
"Criticism is prejudice made plausible." - Unknown

The Eiffel Tower at Night.  

Entertainment in a French Restaurant.  

Flowers on a English Pub by Windsor Castle.  

Jessica with English Policeman outside Buckingham Palace.  

Double Decker Bus in London. 

Quiz Thingy

Looks like I've been tagged by Sara. So here goes... :)

5 years ago I was:

10 - nothing significant comes to mind

1 year ago I was:

Starting Highschool
Taking Biology
Swimming for real

Yesterday I:
Swam at 5 am
Took my composition class
Went to Algebra
Babysat for my neighbors
played on the computer
Listened to my new CD

5 snacks I enjoy:
Sour Rips
Mint Chocolate-Chip Icecream
strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, backberries... :)
Almost all fruit

5 songs I know all the words to:

Happy Birthday
Sk8ter Boi
Friends
Star Spangled Banner
Phantom of the Opera
And tons more I don't have room to mention

5 things I would do with 100 million dollars

Go to college
Get a Corvette, Miata, Jeep and maybe a Mustang
Donate Money to Special Olympics
Take a tour around the World
And go visit the Blackwood's while they are in Australia

5 places I would run away to:

LA
Chicago
London
My Grandma's
My room

5 things I would never wear:

A jean jumper
pants that go up past my waist
any baggy clothing..

5 favorite tv shows:

CSI
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Joan of Arcadia
Lost

5 bad habits:

Drinking cappacinos before going to bed
Not studying/doing homework when I should be.
Saying things I regret.
Being grumpy alot
throwing my stuff all over the floor

5 biggest joys:

God.
Friends.
Family.
Swimming.
Chocolate.

5 fictional characters I would date:

Will Turner
Aragorn
Frodo
Mr. Darcy
Valjean

5 people I tag to do this:

Hee hee this is the fun part!!
Nathaniel
Alyssa
Stacey
Daniel
Bekah

There are two people I would like to tag but can't because they don't have blogs.. yet!!! So, whenever Jessica and Andrew get blogs they are tagged to do this quiz! And for all you people who want me to post more pictures... that will be my next post! Luv you all! :)

Rain

I love the rain
For the difference
That it brings
Adding a new personality
To the day

Each puddle
Its own little world
Each drop
Adds another character
To the picture

The eerie sky
Creating a melodramatic background
As life goes on
Playing out the passions
As depression rears its head
Searching for a helpless victim
Among the million of candidates
Pouting about the rain

-Unknown

I went with my brother Daniel to help close up Mr. Faris's stand tonight. We take down the sign and put all the vegetables in the cooler. Right before we were done it started pouring down rain. We had no other choice except to either walk or run in the rain. We ran. It was amazing, I don't think I'd ever quite run in the rain like that before. Anyway I thought I'd share my wonderful experience with all of you.

Now on to something a little more boring. I'm slowly get back into my swim team schedule, morning practices started this week and that's all I've been to. I know right now afternoon practices are really full, I can't wait till high-school swimming starts and a lot of people don't come to Rivi practices anymore. That might sound mean, but when there are less people Therese can really help with stroke technique and stuff like that.

School is okay, its still school though. I feel really behind in Spanish because I hadn't been there for 3 classes, I think I kinda made a fool of myself today. *sigh* And this next Monday, Algebra and composition start. I'm not really looking forward to that very much, this'll be the 3rd time I've tried to take Algebra. And its just kinda depressing. But Worldview is going well, I really enjoy the Iliad, though our class kinda argues an awful lot over which God's are better. What's your opinion?

Verses of the post:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

Question?

Do you guys want me to post more pictures?

This Tiny LIttle Car. Itsn't it cute? 

The Mona Lisz. 

Grandma, Mom, Jessica and I in Paris. 

Back home again in Indiana...

This will just be a somewhat short post before I crash. London and Paris were wonderful, the tour majorly exceeded my expectations! But I have to say I never totally got over the jet lag while I was there, so now it is finally catching up with me. I need to sleep. We got to the Paris airport at 7 am their time this morning. Its a 6 hour difference so about 12 midnight IN time. And now we're here at home - 8:30pm. It's been a very long day and I am so happy to be home. Anyway I'm going to sleep. Tomorrow I have Worldview, of which I got some of it done... maybe. Anyway pray that I will get enough done to go to class tomorrow. Goodnight!

Goodbye

We leave tomorrow afternoon - I'm excited, though the last "tour" I went on wasn't that great, so I'm hoping this trip will exceed my expectations. I'll be missing three of my Spanish classes and one worldview, so I would appreciate prayers that I'd be able to get some school done while I'm on the trip. And then that when I come back I can just get right back into the school routine. You can also pray that Mom, Jessica and I will be a blessing to my Grandma. I love you all and I promise to take lots of pictures!!! :)

Here's several quotes I wanted to leave you with:

"Come, let's have one other gaudy night. Call to me. All my sad captains. Fill our bowlsonce more. Let's mock the midnight bell." -William Shakespeare

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." -Abraham Lincoln

"My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me." -Thomas Jefferson

"He was a wise man who invented beer." -Plato

"Gain from your opponents without sacrificing your own strength." -Japanese Proverb

"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." -Eleanor Roosevelt