Graced with Grace

Yesterday was my sister, Lydia's, 7th birthday and she wanted a Fort Cake. So here are some pictures of how it turned out. It was a lot of fun to make! This is after the fort had been destroyed (or eaten) by the enemy ;) Hope you have a very happy day in Jesus!

  Dear Micah, Today marks 6 years since you went home to be with Jesus. I miss you lots. I miss hearing you say “Chimpanzees on the roof!” or “No sirry, Bob! No sirry, Bob!”. I miss hearing you sing and play your guitar. I miss the silly songs you would make up about someone who walked into your room. I miss competing with you on who had better handwriting (You know I won on that one, right?) I miss the competitions to see who can do the most lessons of Math in one day. I miss your laughter and smile. I miss your jokes and humor that made me laugh so often. I miss the funny stories you would post on Xanga. I miss seeing you wear that “Stinky hat”. And, yes, we all remember how much you loved Peanut butter, right? Haha! ;) Or how much you detested mint ice cream, or mint cake or mint brownies or even mint pancakes? ;) haha! Oh, yes, and beavers gnaw on trees, right? ;) There is so much that I miss and will keep on missing until the day I see you again. But I know, however much I m...

Dear readers out there who read my blog, I’m sure you’ve missed my random thoughts. But my excuse is good. You see, I have to jog, Or do my school work, which there is lots. I have daily chores to do and places to go And life gets busy and starts to fly, (As you very well may already know) And before you know it, a month goes by. Posting on my silly blog gets quite forgotten In all the whirl of these busy days. And I forget all the thoughts I had thoughten, When I get lost in this crazy maze. But when life calms down for just a moment, I remember to take time to write, Maybe I’ll write a letter or encouragement, Cheering others on, in what is right. But off I must go once again. When you see me next I do not know? And that is all I plan on sayin’.

"A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. Therefore, 'Give others the sunshine, tell Jesus the rest.'"  From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman. May your day be filled with sunshine. God bless you!

I found this little story in an old devotional book (written in 1925) called “Streams in the Desert”. It blessed me and so I thought I would share it with you so that you also might be blessed by it. I once met a poor colored woman, who earned a precarious living by hard daily labor; but who was a joyous triumphant Christian. “Ah, Nancy,” said a gloomy Christian lady to her one day, “it is well enough to be happy now; but I should think the thoughts of your future would sober you. “Only suppose, for instance, you should have a spell of sickness, and be unable to work; or suppose your present employers should move away, and no one else should give you anything to do; or suppose…..” “Stop!” cried Nancy, “I never supposes. De Lord is my Shepherd, and I knows I shall not want. And, Honey,” She added, to her gloomy friend, “it’s all dem supposes as is makin’ you so mis’able. You’d better give dem all up, and just trust de Lord.”

            The book of Luke, believed to have been written by Luke a gentile, was probably written around A.D. 60 Luke begins his book with an introduction (Luke 1:1-4). He is writing to Theophilus, about Jesus, so that he will believe and know the truth. The life is of Christ is indeed true and we should believe it with our hearts not just our head.             (Luke 1:5-2:52) He then goes on to tell us the account of Gabriel, the angel, appearing before Zacharias and Mary and bringing the good tidings that each will be given a son. Yet Zacharias does not believe and is therefore struck dumb until his son, John, is born, while Mary does believe and is greatly blessed among women, bearing the Messiah, Savior of the world. When we believe the truth, we are blessed, yet disbelief comes with great consequences. When Jesus gets to the age of about twelve He is then seen in the te...

The Best Cinnamon Rolls Cinnamon raisin rolls with frosting Dough: ½ cup warm water (105-110 degrees) 2 pkgs. Active Dry Yeast, 2 scant Tbsp. 2 tbsp. sugar 1 3.5oz. Pkg. instant vanilla pudding ½ cup butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. salt 8 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup butter, melted, to be used when putting rolls together Filling: 2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed (or your choice of sweetener) 4 tsp. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 8oz. cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla 3 cups powdered sugar 1 tbsp. milk, just enough to fluff Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. In a small bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside. In the large bowl, make pudding mix according to package directions. Add butter, eggs, and salt; mix well. Add the yeast mixture; blend. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth, adding “sprinklings” of flour as needed to control stickiness. Once the dough is no longer sticky and is soft and silky ...

What’s the first thing you want a man to think of when he sees you? The way you dress tells a whole lot about the answer to that question. If we as Christian women dress to try to get guys attention then we will get that attention. They might be thinking really nice or flattering remarks about you. They might even tell you some. Yet are these thoughts the first that we want guys to think of when they see us. What about the nonbelievers who would be thinking all kinds of lustful thoughts about you? Do we really care so much about the attention from guys that we would give away our purity? Personally I don’t. If we are godly Christian girls then that is not what we should want guys to think of us. Would we not much rather men see Christ in us instead of being distracted with the way we are dressed. When a godly man looks at me I do not want his first thoughts of me to be lustful. Neither do I want his first thoughts of me to be flattery. I would much rather him see Jesus in me. I want hi...

Winter is not my favorite month. I’ve always liked summer better. I would much rather be sitting in the nice warm sun, than be freezing and always having to put on bundles of coats and jackets. I’ve never really enjoyed having to start putting on shoes again and snow makes big mud messes. But it is better to be thankful then to grumble or complain. So I have decided to make a list of thinks that I like about winter. I know that winter is not quite here, but it is definitely starting to get colder, so here are some reasons for liking winter. 1. No more spider webs to worry about walking into. 2. Walking through the woods without being tormented about getting ticks on me. 3. Stepping on the crunchy crisp leaves without having to watch out for snakes. 4. Climbing a tree without having to take off all the granddaddy-long-legs first. 5. Enjoying a cozy Tea Party with friends or sisters. 6. Sitting for a nice cup of hot Chocolate to warm my bones after coming in from the biting cold a...

I have been given an awarded for being sweet and kind by Meggie at http://inkdrips.wordpress.com/ . Thank you so much Meggie. That was very sweet of you. So I would like to award 5 other bloggers who have left kind comments on my blog. Here they are: Amy at http://proverbs31ten.wordpress.com/ Becky at http://heritageofgrace.wordpress.com/ Kira at http://themissionofachristian.com/ Meggie at http://inkdrips.wordpress.com/ Hannah at http://hannahereynolds.blogspot.com/ Thank you all, so much for leaving sweet and kind comments on my blog. Now if you would like then you can award five other bloggers who have left you kind comments, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to, especially if you have already done it ;). I also would like to thank all the others who have left sweet comments on my blog or who have not left any comments, but still read it. Ego tibi gratias maximus ago! God bless!

( Note : before you read this and think that I am very prejudice, this was a school project and also North Carolina is the only state I have ever lived in.) North Carolina is the best state in the Union. Why in the world would I make such a radical statement as that? I’ll just delve right in and tell you my many reasons for believing this. Foremost is the beauty of NC. North Carolina is known for its clear blue skies. It also has impressive mountains and gorgeous waterfalls. NC’s outer banks have some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. The country side is one of rare and tranquil splendor with its beautiful rolling hills. Every season is vivid with color and life. Spring is full of new life as the flowers pop up, trees begin to bud, birds come out to sing, and squirrels chatter with excitement. Summer shines with brightness and cheer. Fall is flamboyant with color and winter, bare and cold, yet elegant when it snows. The temperatures here are just right. The summers ...

Here is a good bold message on modesty that I would encourage you to take the time to listen to. I hope you are blessed by it. http://illbehonest.com/Ladies-Does-How-You-Dress-Cause-Men-to-Lust-Albert-Martin God bless you!

The Day Begins The sun smiled upon the earth. The early dawn had given birth. Birds awoke with a song on there lips. Squirrels dug for their acorn chips. Owls doze from their midnight raid. The hen's eggs had earlier been laid. Rooster awoke and strutted about, Then cockle-doodle-dooed his morning out. All of creation has begun to stir. "It is time to get up, young sir." If you awake with a grumpy  face, God's grace can put a smile in its place. This beautiful day has now begun, And so has all the business and fun. Written by-Hannah September 3, 2011 "This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 Have a happy day! Smile! Jesus loves you! 

Me (in the red shirt)having fun playing in the mud with my brother. What do you think of when you think of girls/females? You might think of the color pink or you might think of fancy dresses and lace. You might think of someone who does all the cooking or cleaning in the house, or you may think of fingernail polish, hair accessories, and jewelry. You might think of someone who doesn’t climb trees, but instead sits inside and sews, knits, crochets, or cross stitches. You might think of someone who has tea parties with her dolls. You might think of someone who talks nonstop. All of these things are known to be fairly girlish things to do. Then again, you do hear of those tom-girls who run wild, get dirty, and play in the mud with the boys. You know? The one who can’t sit still. The one who’s always getting themselves into scrapes. The one who hates to sew or stand in the kitchen and bake. Well, I would say that I was more like the tom-girl type of girl. I have nine siblings, ...

Today is Saturday. It began like most any Saturday. We had a special breakfast of French Toast (usually it is good ol’ flapjacks, but today we had sumpin’ different) and we ran around tryin’ to get our morning chores done as quickly as possible. Then we headed for the great outdoors. It is one of our most favorite places to be. The only problem is, before long it began to rain, so what we gonna’ do about that? Well, we (my four sisters and I) are just going to go out anyway because rain won’t stop us. We decided to take a pleasant walk down our road. Ahhhh! Indeed! It was wonderful! We (well, maybe I should say I, for I refused to take a raincoat or umbrella) got plum soaked, but that wasn’t so bad. It is actually fun to play outside in the rain and get wet. Anybody that has done it, I’m sure knows what I’m talkin’ about. Then for Lunch we decided it was necessary to have a tea party, because…well…we didn’t want to get pneumonia (we weren’t really worried about that, but it was a good...

This Old Book It is an old book, It is the oldest book It is hundreds and hundreds And thousands of years old. And men have said, “Don’t believe that old book It’s just old and full of stories Out of date and almost dead.” But men still read it, They still believe it They read verses and pages And Chapters all the time. After all these years Other books come and go But this one can touch the heart And shake the world When it is read. When it is read, it wakes the dead! And they get happy And shout “Hallelujah, Amen!” It sets ‘em free like jubilee When they can see what might have been. And they sing “Glory! Well I feel like liven’ again!” It is good news And they can choose To loose the blues And move to heaven. It is an old book, It is the oldest book It has history and mystery And won’t go away no matter what. And men still say “I believe that old book It’s just as new and full of life It gives me strength Like it was bread. It makes me wis...

It is quite funny to watch my 6 year old sister try to teach herself how to ride a bike. Especially considering that the bike has two flat tires, a missing peddle, and a chain that needs greasing. (and very possibly other problems, too.) Have a happy day and God bless you! Live for Jesus! Love one another! Laugh a lot!   Make someone smile!

Hello! Do you like the new look on my blog? I hope you do, because I do and I don't have any plans of changing it back. hehehe! ;) Have a happy day!                                        ~Hannah~

 This is Winnie the Pooh with Psalm 119:103 to go with it, that I cross stitched on to a bib. Five young ladies sat down to quilt. Laughing, chatting, or frowning with guilt. One young lady messed up and all will see, But just so you know, it wasn’t me. (Or was it me.... ☺.) Homemade pizza that my brother and sister made. Have a happy day and God bless you! Live for Jesus! Love one another! Laugh a lot! Smile big!

Just a couple random things. ;) This lizard was just sitting in my sisters hair just like that and she didn't put it there either. It was the funniest thing. Here is another picture of the lizard. It was a pretty small one.  I had made a Tie Skirt several years ago, but no one wanted to wear it, so my mom turned it into a Tie Dress for my youngest sister. It's so cute, isn't it?   And another picture of the Tie Dress. Also a blog with encouraging lessons, from my mom, and wonderful activities.  http://thephdjournal.blogspot.com/ Have a happy day and God bless you! Live for Jesus! Love one another! Laugh a lot! Smile big!  ☺

Things I Love….. I love a six year-old’s smile when the front tooth is missing. I love to make people laugh. I love being a lefthander. I love to make people smile. I love my Savior. I love to serve. (Well, except those times that I don’t, but then I am missing out on something big.) I love the joy that comes from serving. I love to make people happy. I love to be a blessing and to know that I was a blessing. I love holding babies, especially when they fall asleep in my arms. I love riding horses. I love to hear people laugh. I love my family. I love blogging. I love comments. ;) What do you love? Blogs that I recommend you check out….. http://leakes.wordpress.com/ http://www.girltalkhome.com/ http://www.feminagirls.com/ What blogs do you recommend I check out? A convicting quote… “If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.” –Amy Carmichael- What quo...

Ever since I was very young I have wanted to learn to play the flute, but because they are expensive I thought it might be a while before that dream ever came true if ever. Nevertheless that did not hinder me from looking in every music magazine for a flute. Yet every time I looked the price was too high and I couldn’t afford it nor could my parents. Then I heard the clarinet and decided that I would like to play that in instead, although I really wanted to play both. Well, many years went by and still nothing happened. I really kind of thought that I would probably not be able to learn to play either until maybe I was married or something, yet I didn’t give up. Then it happened. Someone at our church found out that I was interested in playing the flute and she offered to buy it for me. After looking we found a used one for a great price, so we bought it. After getting it we discovered that it needed a good bit of work and that it would cost a good bit to get it fixed. Yet the lady tha...

That's not a very good picture, but those are some of my pencils. I like little pencils as you can see. My Pencil Stub You dear faithful old friend, With you I wrote a letter to send. With you I wrote some Poetry. With you I wrote a sweet story. You are now old and worn For many hours of school you’ve borne. Together you and I will make history Together we unfold a mystery. I used you every fleeting day If only to pass the hour away. I used you tall; I used you short. I used you to write my oral report.   With you I wrote of days long past. With you I wrote what happened last. I used you when you were just a stub You are my friend; you are my bub. Live for Jesus! Love one another! Laugh a lot! Smile big! ☺  

It wasn’t a terrible storm, but it was note worthy. You see this storm had some powerful wind. Seriously! It made the night almost eerie with the way the wind was wooing and groaning and moaning and whistling. There were also some amazingly bright flashes of lightening and loud crashes of thunder. As I lay in bed listening I began to think about how powerful and amazing God is. At the same time I was also reminded of a poem that I had read in my literature written by Stephen Crane, a non-Christian. This is what he wrote, A man said to the universe: “Sir, I exist!” “However,” replied the universe, “The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation.” Basically what the poem is saying is that the universe or nature is in control and it does not care that man exists or not. It will do what ever it wants to man. It will treat man however harshly it wants to. Therefore, there is no hope for man because he is totally at the mercy of the universe and the universe doesn’t care. ...

People! I just love people. People are so unique. Everyone is different. Everyone has a different personality, a different voice, a different look, etc. No two people are exactly alike. Every single person was uniquely fashioned by God and each person has their own special uniqueness. (I love that word unique.;) ) Wouldn’t it be so boring if everyone was the same? Wouldn’t it be disastrous if everyone was just like me or you? I am glad God made variety. I love it that everyone is different even the most identical twins there has ever been. I just love it! It makes life so much more exciting and colorful and unique and special and just simply wonderful. Isn’t God so creative? We have a great and awesome Creator. Psalm 139:13-16 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret,...

1. I am the only left-hander in a family of eleven. It makes life so much more exciting and adventurous for everyone ☺. Anyone else in similar circumstances I’m sure will understand. ☺ 2. I hate pretzels. (Unless they are covered in chocolate) 3. I am counter-cultural when culture is counter-God. 4. I was seventeen before I skied for my first time. I was scared to death and almost backed out, but I ended up really enjoying it. (My mom grew up skiing, but my Dad has still never skied himself.) 5. I am the first girl of the family (after four boys) and I am the first in my family that was born at home. 6. I love to do puzzles. (Jigsaw and manipulative) 7. My brother was on TV in China. Well, that is just a tidbit about myself. What about you? What are some miscellaneous facts about you? I would love to hear. Have a happy day and God bless you! Live for Jesus! Love one another! Laugh a lot! and smile Big! ☺

Dear Teens, It is very sad to think how so few Christian teens, even those that have grown up in a Christian home, have read their whole Bible. Not only have many teens never read the whole Bible, but many teens don’t even read their Bible every day. To me that is very sad because if you really love Jesus you would want to be in His word every day and want to get to know Him better through His Word. The Bible is so important for us Christians. It tells us how we as Christians should live. It nurtures us. It is God speaking to us. It is God’s Holy Word to us. If we are not reading God’s Word every single day and not just certain parts, but the whole Bible then we can be easily deceived by other things that we read or hear because we don’t know the truth. The Bible is the most trusted book ever written. You can be certain that every thing the Bible says is true, because it is God’s Word and God is Truth, (John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one...

In an earlier post I stressed the importance of men learning to cook, especially those who are not married yet. Not only is it important to learn to cook (both men and women) before you get married but it is important to learn other practical life skills as well. In Joshua Harris’s book I Kissed Dating Goodbye he says the following (on page 175) about preparing for marriage some day. “ Practice practical life skills . What are practical life skills? Just ask your parents to let you take over the maintenance of your house- including shopping, planning menus, and cooking meals for a couple of month- you’ll soon find out. While these sorts of skills aren’t glamorous, they are an important part of managing a household. We have no excuse for not preparing ourselves in this area. And the best preparation is actually doing it. A few years ago, my mom had me start doing all the grocery shopping for the family. I also had to cook one dinner each week. At first, I didn’t always cook the m...

The other day my sisters and I had gone out into a large logged area, which we call a desert. Well, as you can imagine it is quite messy, full of logs, mud, and ditches full of water, but it is fun to wander through any way. Some time after we got back home from the desert I realized that one of my bracelets was missing. It isn’t a really nice or fancy bracelet just a simple green one that came with a cd, but I loved the bracelet just the same. So I prayed that God would bless that I could find it, although it seemed very unlikely as it was probably in that deserted mess. Not only that, but a couple days passed before I was able to go back to look. Today we were finally able to go back, so of course, I had my eyes on the look out and I told everyone else to look too. After wandering through and searching and looking, I still had not found it and was giving up hope of ever seeing it again. Yet, Praise the Lord, we decided to go back to a place that we had already been that day, to show ...