New Years!

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Today is Friday and I usually count my blessings, but I decided to do something different. We all know that the new year is coming up. 2012! Wow how time flies. It is always wise to make resolutions for our lives. "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." - Zig Ziglar  I found this quote to be so true. 

My first new years resolution is to read the Bible twice this year. I hope to start to on January 1 and in ninety days finish it. Then, I will take a mini "break'' and then read it all over again.

I want to memorize a scripture a month and put that scripture to action in my life.

I want to read a devotional book. I want to actually finish it (I usually start these but do not finish them).

I want to perfect and actually speak spanish. I enjoy the fact of being bilingual. I understand two languages, and can speak both but for some reason choose not to.

This next goal may seem weird. I want to buy myself something. I am the type of person who saves all of her money, but never really spends it. If you look at my money it is a little amount (I have know idea where my money goes?)

I would like to save up for something, maybe for my future or a good cause.

I want to do much better in Homeschool. All of my work will count towards my future... College.

I would like to bake some delicious chocolate chip cookies. My first try... came out weird. HELP!

My hair is very thick and I have so much of it that I will try to do some different things to it. I usually have a side part with a side pony tail, or a side part with a side braid.

I am really trying to learn to play the piano. I even borrowed a great book from the library. I do not hope to be like Mozart but much better than I am now.   Anything is possible with God.

I want to be able to type without glancing at the keyboard.

I want to write down all my experiences with the Lord, petitions and answers and dreams down. Thanks to Yecenia I have a new place to jot them down.

I have a 12 goals for 2012! I might have more to add but these are it for now. Some may seem weird or petty but a goal is a goal. It is my desire to finish these goals out. I hope everyone will have a  peace filled, blessing pourin', hallelujah new year! 

Happy New Years To You All! 

Book Review- The Christmas Singing

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Mattie Eash is a very successful and independent woman. Her cake decorating business is doing really well. She is in a smooth relationship with a man who loves her.  She is surrounded by her brothers' loving family in Ohio. As Christmas draws near her heart continues to remember her hurtful breakup, by her childhood friend Gideon Beiler, On Christmas eve. 

Gideon has loved Mattie ever since they were children and can not stop loving her now, even after he hurt her. He believes that because of an unexpected situation in his life he was right to leave Mattie. He knows that telling her the truth at that time would have caused her more pain than his break up.

After an unforeseen tragedy occurs, Mattie is forced to return to her childhood home. She hates the fact of leaving everything that is familiar to her, her bakery, beau, and family. She is even less reluctant to see Gideon again. She wants nothing to do with the man that hurt her. As her stay in Apple Ridge lengthens she is constantly seeing Gideon. She is even remembering all the sweet childhood memories with her best friend. Why is her heart yearning for someone who does not want her? Who hurt her?

Gideon knows he has to tell Mattie the truth, but does not feel he is ready. Will certain people and situations force the truth into the light? Journey with these loving characters through the perilous journey of love, forgiveness, hate and  second chances.

I thought this was a very heartwarming story. The plot of the story was very interesting. This book was definitely a page turner. I would have loved for the actual story to have been longer. This book had a collaboration of clean romance, sad moments, and very worthwhile meditations. This book teaches people to live their life to the full in Christ because we do not know when we will leave. The book ended way to fast for my liking. However, I did enjoy the fact that the book had a crisp and good ending. The ending did not leave you wondering. I think that overall Cindy Woodsmall did an excellent job writing this small novel. I would recommend this book to all those who are first starting to read Amish books, and those who want a small good read. I would give this book 4 stars.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review. If you would like to purchase this book you may do so at CBD or Amazon.

Count Your Blessings

Praise the Lord! I had an average week. 

The 19 my parents celebrated their 9 year anniversary. 

Tuesday after homeschool we went to the library. We looked around in the holiday book sale.

Wednesday was a regular homeschool day. We visited a family's home from church. We were served delicious strudel muffins. My little sister also got two new "Christmas" dresses.

Thursday was when I had my bug incident. My little sister got another "christmas" dress. What a blessing in having two loving grandmas! 

I also received A Christmas Singing in the mail today

Today we woke up late! My dad did not have to go to work today! Light homeschool day! This was a exclamation filled day! 

I just cant stop from thanking God for His many blessings and smiling.

What's Buggin' Me

What bugs you? What things get under your skin? For me it is... Water bugs. They are so fat, ugly, creepy ,and crawly. Killing a water bug sends me to tears. 

It was a regular day. I finished eating my oatmeal and went to use the bathroom. I was there when I felt something brush the bottom of my foot. I did not think anything of it because I was wearing a long skirt. I looked down and to my surprise and disgust found a water bug on me! I immediately shook it off of me. I did not have a sandal to kill it. I ran out the bathroom telling my mom about the hideous bug. He was so big and dark brown and gross! My mom took one look at him and said that I had to kill it. The last time I had to kill a water bug, I will confess that, I broke out in tears. My little sister said don't cry just kill it. I put some shoes on then grabbed another shoe to meet my match.

The thing I hate about water bugs is that after you hit them their antennae and bodies still move. Right when I smacked the shoe down our bathroom rug fell on top of it. I now had to get the bug from underneath it. I was just picturing that bug going crazy and crawling up my hand. I was completely terrified. Then, as you guessed it the tears started to flow down. I tried calming down, I went to dry my eyes and wipe my nose. I walked back to the bathroom repeating "Perfect love cast out all fear." After that my tears still cruised down my cheek, but I was determined to get it over with.

I finally got the rug that hid the bug on the dust pan and I rushed to throw it in the kitchen garbage can. Ohh I forgot I also put on dish gloves too, just in case. I was so relieved that my battle was over. Afterwords, I was covered in goosebumps. I have no idea why I react so emotionally, but I should not let my fear get control over me. Every time I see a water bug, I get a painful punch of fear in my stomach. It is easier said then done to quote Bible verses. To live a life of fear shows a lack of trust in our savior. I know I will never like and enjoy a water bugs company, but I should not be filled with fear when I see them. 

After my killing victory I went to lay down (I am not exaggerating I really get riled up when it comes to them.) I opened my Bible to Isaiah 41:10 it reads:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

I can not say I am 100% free of fear but I fell closer to that number than before!

Hallelujah To the Highest!

 I really enjoy watching this video. I get goosebumps at the end every time I watch it. I am amazed at the yearning people have to worship their Creator (that is what they were made for). Hope you enjoy! Imagine doing that in NY I doubt many would know the lyrics;)

Count Your Blessings

 We went on the 1 train to go to this craft place. We felt like NY tourists taking pictures.

 We arrived at the craft store. We chose a piece of plaster and then we get to paint it however we choose. Mine came out so nice.

I will try to share the finished product.

Eye Update

We went to the eye doctor and......... These are my new glasses:(

I am totally joking! After the exam we found out that one of my eyes is near sighted. He said I don't have to get glasses. That doctor was so hilarious. His hair is like Albert Einstein, and he wore a bow tie.

Afterwards,  he put some eye drops on me. My pupils were so huge and my vision was blurry. 

 My mom did the fishtail braid on me. I can't remember the last time my mom did my hair.

Today Burger King was giving free french fries! Yum. They should have given some free soda too!

Count Your Blessings

I had to deep clean my room. I felt like the paper monster was going to swallow me alive. My room feels much lighter without all that paper.

My Aunt gave me a pair of purple flats.

On Friday we visited my grandma's house. I had way too much candy. I enjoyed the long visit.

I got a new Christmas dress, a big feather headband, and two shirts!

My family also went to Ikea. If I were to ever get a dog I would want a Beagle. 

 I could even name him cinnamon:) That was one sticky delicious bun.

I won a copy of Love Finds You In Sundance, Wyoming at Amber's blog party. I am so happy that I won. 

Today my new cousin, Jeannalee Sky was born today. (I am not sure how to spell her first name) She is so pretty. 

This was one fun filled week. I praise the Lord for all the new gifts I received!

Holocaust and Abortion

I have been really cheap with my movie reviews. With all the books I have been reading my "schedule" has been tight. While surfing the blog waves I came across this video. This is a video from  The Way of the Master. Many know how passionately Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron evangelize to the lost. This short movie is about the Holocaust and Abortion, the similarities and the wickedness of mankind's heart. I think this is a very informative video. Hope you enjoy. If you would like tell me what you thought about it.

_______________________ WARNING_________________________

*Viewer Discretion. For younger children, have a parent watch first. Since the topic is about the holocaust and abortion there may be some unpleasant images.

Christmas 2011

Ahh pulling out the box of Christmas lights from the basement. Bringing out the memories of all those handmade and bought ornaments. Looking at the tangled mess of  Christmas lights. Fetching for my special stocking, hoping it gets filled to the top. Listening to the Christmas tunes. Dusting the nativity scene. I'm getting into the Christmas season... NOT. That is not me.

The scene above is a very common one. My family does not give presents, hang lights, or buy a tree for Christmas. We do not see the point of it. Christmas is the time where we supposedly celebrate Jesus birthday. In Luke 2 I have never read of Mary adding a first christmas ornament with a picture of baby Jesus on the tree behind her. Jesus is truly the reason for the season in my home. We do not think it is necessary to give gifts on christmas. I am not saying that we never give or receive gifts on Christmas. If we happen to see the thing that someone wanted, we could buy it and give it to them whenever we choose, not only just holidays. That is the true meaning of a gift, receiving something you do not deserve.

I do not judge the people who deck their houses with lights and trees. I think the ornament filled Christmas trees look beautiful, but I do not encourage you to do so. The Lord has a specific relationship with each of His children he can minister you and lead you to what His will is.

I found this video very informative. I hope to share more christmas related videos that edify you.

Who Am I

I recently went to a "Product Party." Only the girls of my immediate family were invited. We answered girly questions, had some great laughs and got gift bags. One of the contents was a bracelet. The bracelet came with a card that read

"I am proud to be a woman.

I am proud to be Latina.

I am proud of all that I have accomplished. 

I am proud of all that I will achieve.

It is the culmination of pride that

gives me the strength to walk

with la falda bien puesta."

Show the world you are una mujer con la falda bien puesta.

The italicized words mean a woman with her skirt well put on. That means a woman who is strong in her convictions. Dedicated to The Lord. Unmoved by the storms around her. At first I found the card to be so funny, but after reading it a couple of times noted how sad it was. I am a "woman." I am a Latina. What does that matter to the Lord. I have not accomplished anything and will not achieve anything without Him. What we are and what we have done mean nothing to God. The most important thing is what He did for us. His sacrifice for me. When we realize it is not all about us and all about Jesus we can then rejoice in our accomplishments through Him. I encourage you to not look at what we do and what we are, but on the Lord. 

I am a child of the Most High God.

Count Your Blessings

 I know I am posting my blessings a day late but I did not have any time yesterday. This was my wonderful week. 

We went to enroll my grandma into the local gym (Not this week). Planet Fitness has these cool chairs that are in the shape of hands. I was sitting in the palm of this purple hand.

Christmas came early for me. I received some books that I wanted from my grandma on Monday. I am so excited to begin reading them.

I finished reading the last book to the Zion Chronicles, Dunkirk Crescendo. I am currently reading an e-book, For Time and Eternity.

I ate some delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Finally an oatmeal cookie without raisins! 

My mom snapped this picture as we went to Kohl's to shop for some work clothes for my dad. 

I was so excited for Kianna's photo contest. I did not join because I wanted to give other people, who do not know her personally, a chance in winning the prize. (Being her cousin I know of a secret that she is about to share. I won't tell. A promise is a promise.)