When I first received the Read and Share Toddler Bible, I admit that I was a little skeptical as to whether or not it could hold my almost-three-year-old nephew’s attention. Those fears were put to rest after reading to him and showing him the vibrant illustrations. He enjoyed looking at the book and listened while being entertained. After we popped in the DVD, I knew I would have little to no trouble holding his attention.
My favorite things about the Read and Share Toddler Bible are the illustrations because they’re so colorful and depict so well what the stories are saying. My nephew found the pictures for creation the most interesting. The narration is put in words that are easily understood by toddlers and do not outweigh the pictures. Even though it is put in such simple words, I don’t think that it lost any of its Biblical accuracy.
The DVD is great! My almost-three-year-old nephew, my three and a half year-old niece and my other nephew, who is four going on five, all enjoyed watching the DVD and were captivated by the lively animated characters.
As a whole, I think that this is a wonderful way to share the accounts from the Bible with toddlers and, more importantly, the love of God and his son, Jesus Christ. I know that my nephew will enjoy this for a long time to come.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Why I Think Facebook is Strange
I admit I use and enjoy Facebook. I'll even go so far as to say I use it more than I should. But during all of this use I have decided there are some strange and silly things about Facebook.
1) The name. Why would I own a book of faces? And even if I did why would it be on the Internet? (Especially when Facebook is not set up in any way resembling a book.)
2) The apps. Some of the applications I find just plain stupid. These useless time-wasters include Bumper stickers. There are no cars to place them on so why in the world do I want to spend my time sending and receiving these? All of the "super poke" apps/ hugging/smile at you apps/ food fight apps/ etc. Really? Why? It's pretty self explanatory why I dislike these. One reason is because I would never do two of these things to (most of) my friends in real life and for the rest because I would like a real hug or smile better.
3) The poke button. Again, why? I would not poke (most of) you in real life so I find this unnecessary. And for the few of you I would poke (you know who you are) I get a lot more enjoyment out of it in person.
4) The "Top Friends". I think that only hurt could come of this really. Mostly because even when you have over a hundred friends you could make people feel bad when they aren't included.
5) When people post that they're bored. If I read another status that says, "I'm bored. Text me," I will simply explode. If you're bored and reading this I have some suggestions to dispell your boredom. Read a book. I even have a list of a few you might enjoy. Email me if this appeals to you. Go outside. Vitamine D is good for you and so is fresh air and exercise.
But to be fair I will now post five things I like about Facebook.
1) I like that we can upload and share pictures so easily.
2) I like the chat. Because it's faster than email or messaging and because you don't have to have the same email provider to chat.
3) I like the status. I like being able to show what I'm doing and to be able to keep up with family and friends that I might not be able to keep up with otherwise.
4) I love flair. 'nuff said.
5) I enjoy taking some of the quizes.
So say yay or nay. Feel free to comment, add or subtract to what I've posted all who read this.
1) The name. Why would I own a book of faces? And even if I did why would it be on the Internet? (Especially when Facebook is not set up in any way resembling a book.)
2) The apps. Some of the applications I find just plain stupid. These useless time-wasters include Bumper stickers. There are no cars to place them on so why in the world do I want to spend my time sending and receiving these? All of the "super poke" apps/ hugging/smile at you apps/ food fight apps/ etc. Really? Why? It's pretty self explanatory why I dislike these. One reason is because I would never do two of these things to (most of) my friends in real life and for the rest because I would like a real hug or smile better.
3) The poke button. Again, why? I would not poke (most of) you in real life so I find this unnecessary. And for the few of you I would poke (you know who you are) I get a lot more enjoyment out of it in person.
4) The "Top Friends". I think that only hurt could come of this really. Mostly because even when you have over a hundred friends you could make people feel bad when they aren't included.
5) When people post that they're bored. If I read another status that says, "I'm bored. Text me," I will simply explode. If you're bored and reading this I have some suggestions to dispell your boredom. Read a book. I even have a list of a few you might enjoy. Email me if this appeals to you. Go outside. Vitamine D is good for you and so is fresh air and exercise.
But to be fair I will now post five things I like about Facebook.
1) I like that we can upload and share pictures so easily.
2) I like the chat. Because it's faster than email or messaging and because you don't have to have the same email provider to chat.
3) I like the status. I like being able to show what I'm doing and to be able to keep up with family and friends that I might not be able to keep up with otherwise.
4) I love flair. 'nuff said.
5) I enjoy taking some of the quizes.
So say yay or nay. Feel free to comment, add or subtract to what I've posted all who read this.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Noticer by: Andy Andrews
The Noticer, by Andy Andrews, is a well written, inspirational story that everyone can relate to, identify with and enjoy.
When you enter The Noticer, you will be inspired because it teaches that we miss lots of things and don’t always view situations in life the way they really are. But it also gives hope for change. It encourages you to do a 180 and forge ahead with a new perspective and an eye for noticing things that might normally be overlooked.
Andy Andrews draws in his reader immediately with his writing in a way that brings the words together in a seamless, flowing fashion and makes the book an easy read.
As you follow the characters’ journeys, it’s easy to relate because their situations and problems are so real. One reason that the book is so good is because mysterious Jones is always there to present workable solutions that the characters and the reader would miss otherwise. All of these things come together perfectly to form a great plot.
After reading The Noticer, I am moved to stop worrying which is a problem that one of the characters faced in the book. I’m sure that after reading The Noticer you will be able to see some of your own faults and be called to do something about them.
Read The Noticer and prepare yourself to be captivated and changed!
When you enter The Noticer, you will be inspired because it teaches that we miss lots of things and don’t always view situations in life the way they really are. But it also gives hope for change. It encourages you to do a 180 and forge ahead with a new perspective and an eye for noticing things that might normally be overlooked.
Andy Andrews draws in his reader immediately with his writing in a way that brings the words together in a seamless, flowing fashion and makes the book an easy read.
As you follow the characters’ journeys, it’s easy to relate because their situations and problems are so real. One reason that the book is so good is because mysterious Jones is always there to present workable solutions that the characters and the reader would miss otherwise. All of these things come together perfectly to form a great plot.
After reading The Noticer, I am moved to stop worrying which is a problem that one of the characters faced in the book. I’m sure that after reading The Noticer you will be able to see some of your own faults and be called to do something about them.
Read The Noticer and prepare yourself to be captivated and changed!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saint by: Ted Dekker
Saint is a book that will hold your attention from the very beginning!
Saint is written in classic Dekker form. Its many twists and turns keep you guessing the whole way through. I ended up reading the book in only two sittings because I couldn't bare to put it down.
Saint did have a good bit of violence and just a couple of cuss words. That said, Saint also has its redeeming christian tone. Saint is a battle of good verses evil in a little less than a typical way. Mixing in the supernatural with the possible is another way that Ted keeps the reader hooked.
Once you pick up Saint you'll have a hard time putting it down again!
Saint is written in classic Dekker form. Its many twists and turns keep you guessing the whole way through. I ended up reading the book in only two sittings because I couldn't bare to put it down.
Saint did have a good bit of violence and just a couple of cuss words. That said, Saint also has its redeeming christian tone. Saint is a battle of good verses evil in a little less than a typical way. Mixing in the supernatural with the possible is another way that Ted keeps the reader hooked.
Once you pick up Saint you'll have a hard time putting it down again!
Reviewing
I'm planning on starting to post reviews on my blog. The first one I'm hoping to have finished and posted by tonight is of a relatively new book by one of my favorite authors. I'm hoping to be able to start reviewing and posting my reviews on a regular basis soon.
Refuge Week-- Part 2
Refuge Week-- Part 2: The refugees and the boys and girls club:
Days 3 and 5:
These were probably my favorite days. We got to spend both days all day long with refugee children whose parents had to leave their home country because of threats made on their lives. We went to this lady's house who is kind enough to lend Reach The Nations (The group that does this on a regular basis and who we volunteered to do this through) her field. We went to the back of her property and there is a huge hole in the fence. After climbing through the hole you find yourself in an apartment complex. We were told that almost all if not all of the residents of this neighborhood are refugees. We walked down the streets carrying soccer balls and asking if the children would like to "play on the field". Though most of the kids don't speak English they all knew what that meant. By the time we were done walking through the apartments everyone had a child or two holding their hand or one riding on their shoulders. Once on the field we played soccer and did face painting both days and on the second day we brought jump ropes, a slip-n-slide, bubbles, and other neat outdoor games. I got to meet and talk to a couple of the Asian girls. They spoke English pretty well and they loved to face paint all of the youth! It all started when Ehdena told me she loved me and that she wanted to paint "I love you" on my arm along with a flower. As you can imagine it didn't stop there. They soon had all of the youth volunteers that would stand or sit still long enough painted up and down their arms, legs, face, or all 3. Afterwards we all joked that it always started with "I love you and a flower" because that was always the first thing they painted.
Day 4:
Day four was probably the most relaxed day of the week. We whent and played water games and did VBS at the Monroe Boys and Girls Club and fixed lunch for them and then we whent to Stone Mountain to play frisbee and watch the laser show.
And then we whent home on day five and spent the next day trying to recover all of the sleep we missed. It was the most rewarding and selfless youth camp I have ever taken part of and I hope we get to do it all again next year!
Days 3 and 5:
These were probably my favorite days. We got to spend both days all day long with refugee children whose parents had to leave their home country because of threats made on their lives. We went to this lady's house who is kind enough to lend Reach The Nations (The group that does this on a regular basis and who we volunteered to do this through) her field. We went to the back of her property and there is a huge hole in the fence. After climbing through the hole you find yourself in an apartment complex. We were told that almost all if not all of the residents of this neighborhood are refugees. We walked down the streets carrying soccer balls and asking if the children would like to "play on the field". Though most of the kids don't speak English they all knew what that meant. By the time we were done walking through the apartments everyone had a child or two holding their hand or one riding on their shoulders. Once on the field we played soccer and did face painting both days and on the second day we brought jump ropes, a slip-n-slide, bubbles, and other neat outdoor games. I got to meet and talk to a couple of the Asian girls. They spoke English pretty well and they loved to face paint all of the youth! It all started when Ehdena told me she loved me and that she wanted to paint "I love you" on my arm along with a flower. As you can imagine it didn't stop there. They soon had all of the youth volunteers that would stand or sit still long enough painted up and down their arms, legs, face, or all 3. Afterwards we all joked that it always started with "I love you and a flower" because that was always the first thing they painted.
Day 4:
Day four was probably the most relaxed day of the week. We whent and played water games and did VBS at the Monroe Boys and Girls Club and fixed lunch for them and then we whent to Stone Mountain to play frisbee and watch the laser show.
And then we whent home on day five and spent the next day trying to recover all of the sleep we missed. It was the most rewarding and selfless youth camp I have ever taken part of and I hope we get to do it all again next year!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
REFUGE WEEK-- Part 1
It was a last minute kind of thing when I joined my church's youth group on this 5 day local missions project. I will try to fit as many of the details and some of the pictures I took during the week into 2 parts. I may fail but that is the general idea.
But before I tell you about the missions we did I would like to mention where we stayed and a few other important details:
Lucern Baptist in Stone Mountain, Georgia was kind enough to let our 30 and some odd students stay at their church. We also had some great adult leaders who planned and organized this whole thing and although I don't want to name anyone for the fear of leaving someone out I would like for all those who helped out to be recognized and all of those who read this to know how grateful I am for their hard work and this opportunity and I believe that all the other students feel the same way. So, thanks. You know who you are and you're awesome!
And now... This is REFUGE WEEK-- Part 1-- The homeless:
For the first 2 days we spent our time working with a group called "7 Bridges" which reaches out to homeless people all over Atlanta by sharing the love of Jesus in many ways. Be it a hug, a sack lunch, a prayer, or helping people onto the road of recovery. We spent of time with them making and handing out sack lunches under bridges and on street corners in metro Atlanta and praying over every person who would take a meal. Also on those days we spent the afternoons preparing and serving meals, giving small gifts, doing manicures and pedicures, and playing with the children at a women's shelter operated by the same 7 Bridges organization called "The Garden".
Part 2 is to come soon and hopefully with pictures of the week.
But before I tell you about the missions we did I would like to mention where we stayed and a few other important details:
Lucern Baptist in Stone Mountain, Georgia was kind enough to let our 30 and some odd students stay at their church. We also had some great adult leaders who planned and organized this whole thing and although I don't want to name anyone for the fear of leaving someone out I would like for all those who helped out to be recognized and all of those who read this to know how grateful I am for their hard work and this opportunity and I believe that all the other students feel the same way. So, thanks. You know who you are and you're awesome!
And now... This is REFUGE WEEK-- Part 1-- The homeless:
For the first 2 days we spent our time working with a group called "7 Bridges" which reaches out to homeless people all over Atlanta by sharing the love of Jesus in many ways. Be it a hug, a sack lunch, a prayer, or helping people onto the road of recovery. We spent of time with them making and handing out sack lunches under bridges and on street corners in metro Atlanta and praying over every person who would take a meal. Also on those days we spent the afternoons preparing and serving meals, giving small gifts, doing manicures and pedicures, and playing with the children at a women's shelter operated by the same 7 Bridges organization called "The Garden".
Part 2 is to come soon and hopefully with pictures of the week.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
4th of July, etc.
The Fourth Of July:
The 4th was awesome! Not only is it cool to be able to celebrate the 233rd birthday of my country, but it's great to be able to do that with your family. Even though a good bit of my extended family were not able to come over to my house to celebrate we still had a pretty large gathering. We swam, cooked out on the grill, learned how to make a Betsey Ross 5 pointed star in 1 snip, and other fun things. Later I went with my cousin and her family to go watch fireworks at the horse park and then we went to McDonald's.
Ella's Trip To The Vet:
Yesterday we had to take Ella to the vet and it turns out that she has an infected anal gland that ruptured. Then the vet cleaned it and gave us medicine for her to take every day and if it doesn't heal on its own they will remove it. But the vet said that it's not a dangerous surgery and that either way Ella will be alright.
Putting Together The Pieces:
For the last week or so I've been working on puzzles. I finished one that I had started long ago which was very exciting. It is called "Indian Maiden" and is a picture of a young native American girl and a wolf with a very beautiful nature background. And guess what! It was only missing 3 pieces out of 550! I am kind of amazed that there weren't more pieces gone. Now I'm working on a glow in the dark puzzle that is nearly twice the size of the first one. It is a snowy Christmas scene with a one horse open sleigh, children laughing, houses with lights all aglow, and a man made out of snow. After a lot of work my mom and I finally finish the border. I can't wait to finish it!
The 4th was awesome! Not only is it cool to be able to celebrate the 233rd birthday of my country, but it's great to be able to do that with your family. Even though a good bit of my extended family were not able to come over to my house to celebrate we still had a pretty large gathering. We swam, cooked out on the grill, learned how to make a Betsey Ross 5 pointed star in 1 snip, and other fun things. Later I went with my cousin and her family to go watch fireworks at the horse park and then we went to McDonald's.
Ella's Trip To The Vet:
Yesterday we had to take Ella to the vet and it turns out that she has an infected anal gland that ruptured. Then the vet cleaned it and gave us medicine for her to take every day and if it doesn't heal on its own they will remove it. But the vet said that it's not a dangerous surgery and that either way Ella will be alright.
Putting Together The Pieces:
For the last week or so I've been working on puzzles. I finished one that I had started long ago which was very exciting. It is called "Indian Maiden" and is a picture of a young native American girl and a wolf with a very beautiful nature background. And guess what! It was only missing 3 pieces out of 550! I am kind of amazed that there weren't more pieces gone. Now I'm working on a glow in the dark puzzle that is nearly twice the size of the first one. It is a snowy Christmas scene with a one horse open sleigh, children laughing, houses with lights all aglow, and a man made out of snow. After a lot of work my mom and I finally finish the border. I can't wait to finish it!
Friday, July 3, 2009
"My Stand" a poem by me.
I wrote this poem after Reading the book Saint by Ted Dekker.
Here I make my stand
This is my line drawn in the sand
You preach tolerance
Until you notice our existence
Every path is equal you say
Until it comes to Jesus' way
You call us close minded
Because we believe that the only way is narrow and few shall find it
You think him dead
We know he lives instead
His gift is for all
In comparison the price is small
You complain that we are exclusive
When really it is you who is being reclusive
You scream that the light brings only pain
That the darkness is to blame is plain
the darkness covers up all of those offensive wrinkles you claim
I know that this only gives you time to relish that which should bring you shame
Welcome the light
Dispel the night
He can free your soul
He wants to make you whole
You thank me and say:
"Now I have seen the way and never will I stray"
I have given my argument a hundred tries
I lose many but open others eyes
For these reasons I cannot be silent
Because soon I will have used up all of the days I was lent
It's not perfect but it's something that says something that I hope you understand.
Here I make my stand
This is my line drawn in the sand
You preach tolerance
Until you notice our existence
Every path is equal you say
Until it comes to Jesus' way
You call us close minded
Because we believe that the only way is narrow and few shall find it
You think him dead
We know he lives instead
His gift is for all
In comparison the price is small
You complain that we are exclusive
When really it is you who is being reclusive
You scream that the light brings only pain
That the darkness is to blame is plain
the darkness covers up all of those offensive wrinkles you claim
I know that this only gives you time to relish that which should bring you shame
Welcome the light
Dispel the night
He can free your soul
He wants to make you whole
You thank me and say:
"Now I have seen the way and never will I stray"
I have given my argument a hundred tries
I lose many but open others eyes
For these reasons I cannot be silent
Because soon I will have used up all of the days I was lent
It's not perfect but it's something that says something that I hope you understand.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
A slide show: Our "homestead"
This is a short slide show I put together that has pictures of our "homestead in the making" including pictures of (but not limited to): The garden, the chicken pen, the honey bees, etc.
I'll try to add more pictures and slide shows regularly of all kinds of things we do here on the "farm" and more.
I'll try to add more pictures and slide shows regularly of all kinds of things we do here on the "farm" and more.
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