I Love Little Kids!

My camera has a black and white setting. I like using it for close up pictures. This is a little girl (she's four) from church that I let play with my camera. I was surprised at how good it came out. She is so cute, I love her curly hair.

How to Clean your Toilet

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying himself.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and rinse"

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,
The Dog

Orozco Family

I'm going to miss them so much! They are leaving this week to go to France. They have been raising support to be missionaries for a while now. This Sunday at church was the last time I will see them. Someone said that Antonio will come back to the U.S. to go to college, but I don't know who said that. I gave Daniela a hat that I crocheted for her. Here's a picture of her and some of her friends.


I was so sad. I kept tearing up, so at the end I just sat by my self and hoped no one would talk to me. I knew that I would just start full-out crying. They are the sweetest family. I have watched ll the kids grow-up. From round faced boys, to Godly young men. Daniela is a blossoming girl who I am honored to know. She is a picture of true femininity and Godly girlhood.

Antonio and I went to each others birthday parties when we were little. We knew them back before we came to Grace Bible. I remember going to Denton Bible when it was in the old building.

I just recently went to the old sanctuary and it seemed so small compared to how I remember it. But then, I was really little. When we got there I didn't remember where we were until I looked up and saw the abandoned balcony. They had two basketball hoops in the building. It was allot different. I think its used for the youth group now.

Anyway, I was really little when we met the Orozco family, I might not have even been born yet. I hope and pray that God will protect their family on the way to France, and while they are there.

God Bless You Orozco Family!!!

Swing Dancing!

There is swing dancing tonight but I don't know if I'm going to be able to go. This is an article that I wrote about the issue that some people have with dancing.

Swing Dancing is one of my favorite pass times. I enjoy it with my oldest brother, Tyler. My second older brother Adam is not real keen on the thought of actually having to touch a girl. We are trying to get him into it, but it is not working. Everyone will probably have a chance to dance in their life time, and I think that they would enjoy it better if they knew how beforehand.

Some People have a problem with the beat in swing dancing. Take my dad for instance. He was a traveling musician for 10 years off and on. (Before he met my mom I might add.) He played the trumpet with a band called Truth. He started playing when he was 11, and was very musically inclined. It’s hard for him to Swing dance because almost all the songs that he plays are in 4-4 time. And swing dancing is in 3-4 time. There are four steps to the dance, but two are double time so you end up on the third beat. He can’t put 3 beats into 4 beats. It just takes practice.

Tyler is 20 years old and I am 15. We don’t practice dancing together because we just never think about it. But when we are listening to music in a restaurant, on the road, or at home, we are always unctuously listening for a good swing dancing tune. It requires an up-beat tempo and occasionally there will be some jazzy words. Some of dad’s old tunes and some of his favorite new tunes always find their way onto a CD to go to the swing get-togethers.

One bad thing about swing dancing is that there seems to be some controversy on dancing within the Christian Church. Not just swing dancing, but all dancing with partners. But dancing at weddings doesn’t bother people as much. Although I think that a friendly fast dance at arm’s length isn’t exactly intimate, I do get where they are coming from. There is dancing in the bible, but I can’t find where there are two people dancing together. I do not think that this is morally wrong, but I do agree that some types of dancing is questionable. (From a biblical perspective)

Another good thing about it is the active exercise. I love any kind of physical sport, so swing is great for me. There are a few activities that we all participate in besides the normal swing dancing. There are line dances, where everyone lines up and does certain steps together. Depending on the song that we’re dancing to, it gets pretty fast. Your legs start to get sore on the second or third rotation. Then there is a game called Snow Ball. That’s where everyone gets in a circle, and two people start it off in the middle. They start dancing and then after a bit someone calls “Snow Ball!” Those two people split and find new partners and so on. And that keeps going until the song ends. It’s very tiring and when someone keeps picking you as a partner, you don’t get to rest much.

Most of all, you get to hang out with friends. It’s so much fun to just have a great time and not have to worry about if you’re going to dance with a strange guy or not. (Depends on what kind of friends you have though.) Listening to music, having snacks, talking, and joking around are just some of the things that you do at swing dancing. I can’t figure out how anyone could not love it. Even if you are a bad dancer, you’ll have loads of fun.

Swing dancing is a great pass time for anyone who enjoys that kind of activity. If you practice at it, you’ll get really good in no time. No matter what age you are, you can swing dance. Good music, good friends, good food, who wouldn’t have a good time?

I don't have any pictures, but I hope to soon!!!

Make-up and Christianity

Savannah and I were playing with makeup on the 14th. It was fun, but it got me thinking. After we were finished, we looked like the people that hang around outside the mall smoking. It was fun for a little while, but when I took it off it reminded me of what Christ did for us. It's like the gospel beads that we did as little kids.
Black- is sin in your life
Red- is Christ’s blood that he shed for you
White- represents you being washed clean from your sins (forgiveness ,purity)
Green- is for growth in the faith
Gold- is for heaven

You know the people that you have seen, either on TV or on the streets, that look like they have the worst life in the world. Their eyes are empty and dark. Why would they want to look like they have been smoking Marijuana?

No, I don't go around staring at people with dark make up and thinking that I'm better than they are, and that they are in sin because of that. I really don't have a moral problem with dark make up. It's just that I think having a relatively clean-looking face reflects our hearts.

Yes, there are some people out there who don't like to wear that much make up. I'm not saying that everyone who wears make up is not a Christian. I'm saying that it is our obligation as girls to try to look like young ladies who represent Christ. I asked my dad what he thought about girls my age who wear heavy makeup, and he said "I always wonder what she is trying to prove." He went on to say, "It makes me think she's trying to be someone who she's not." I also asked my brother what he thought about this and he said, "Uh...I don't know. I guess I wouldn't like it." I asked him again, "Why would you not like it?" He answered, "I don't think it looks nice."
And there you have it, folks. The opinion of an 18 year old boy, (my brother) on makeup. I encourage anyone who reads this to tell me your thoughts. I'm always listening.

1 Peter 3:3-4
3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Did You Know?

A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off. And that is why they need to be totally squished to pieces. I like bugs, but not cockroaches. This is really gross, but I'll tell you anyway. :) Once I was at a friends house (names have been withheld to protect the Innocent) and there was a cockroach in the pie that was on the counter. I was the one who had to try and squash it. I have no idea why because I was a guest... oh yeah. She was too busy grossing out to come anywhere near the little devil. That was the first, and hopefully the last time I encounter one in an enclosed area.

This is Not a Fun Post

This Family Needs Prayer.


ARGYLE, Texas — Argyle police say they have found the body of a 3-year-old girl who was last seen playing in her back yard.

Argyle police Captain Temple Cottle says the body of Alisandra Galvan was found early Wednesday in the septic system of her home. Cottle says investigators suspected the girl was in the septic tank when they noticed the tank's cover was missing.

Cottle said once the tank was pumped out the girl's body was found in the bottom of the tank, along with the tank's cover.
The girl's body was taken away by the Tarrant County medical examiner's office, which will conduct an autopsy.

The girl was reported missing by her family Tuesday evening.
Cottle said the girl's parents had recently moved into the home and hadn't noticed whether the cover to the septic tank was in place or missing.
He said an investigation into the incident continues.

I Was Tagged by Allison :)

1.What is your favorite color? Blue!
2.What is your favorite place to shop? JC Penny's
3.What is your junk food? Sour Cream and Onion Chips
4.What is your favorite thing to do in the summer? Swimming for fun and seeing old friends
5.What is your favorite dog breed? Cute ones
6.What is your favorite flower? Indian Paintbrushes
7.What is your favorite hairstyle? Up in a twist
8.What is your favorite thing to wear around the house? Jeans and a T shirt
9.What is your favorite thing to do with your family? Laughing, telling stories
10.Who is your best friend? I have about 10 of them :)
11.What is one of your fav Bible verses? Jeremiah 31:13
12.What are your fav shoes? my cowboy boots

Now I don't have anyone to tag!

I Love Photography~

I am really into photography. I love to take still life pictures. I don't have a professional grade camera, but some of the pictures that I happen upon look good. All the pictures that you see on my blog are taken by me, with a Canon PowerShot A630, 8.0 Mega Pixels. I really like it. I used to get my brothers old cameras, but they were absolutely horrible. The first camera that one of us kids got was a 1 Mega Pixel, took four double AA's, and lasted about 42 hours. It was the coolest thing ever. (when we got it) And Tyler was so proud of it. The picture above is taken in New Mexico. I do not know what kind of flower it was; only that it was about a quarter of an inch big. I got my camera specifically for up close things. It does a good job of it too. I'll post a picture of the camera also. The rest of the pictures I took at Lake Palestine when we where there for our family reunion. I was taking pictures with my cousin, Allison.

Enjoy







This picture was taken in the early morning. I was out there watching it open so I could take a picture of it. I turned out beautifully. I have more of the same flower in the process of it opening, but the lighting is not as good. It was under a tree so the only time it would open was in the morning when the sun shined just right.



I call this "The Lonely Flower"

Exodus 2

A Creative Writing story from the bible. It is from a different perspective then what you would normally get.

Growing by the water, I wave in the breeze. The wind plays with me, flexible and strong. Quietly watching the children frolic and grow.

One day, I was picked and woven into a basket. A basket that would soon hold the future. I heard screams and crying from the other houses. I was picked up roughly and had a baby placed in my belly. She covered the babe and carried me and my precious cargo down to the river.

The girl beside us looked miserable as the woman that was carrying us placed us gently in the water and pushed us on our way. Drifting ceaselessly onward. Then finally I saw something in a clearing just up ahead. Suddenly, there was a group of young woman around me, and the infant was taken from me. I had served my purpose, and so was cast aside.

A Silly Story

Never Wear Fake Hair
Written by Amy of Texas.

Ann was exited that there was going to be a dance. Her town did not have very many social functions, so every one would be there. Ann shopped for a new skirt and blouse to dance in. When she went into the store she saw the hair attachments hanging on the wall by the dresses. She walked along the wall until she was at the blond hair section. A lady employee picked one that matched Ann's hair beautifully. Ann bought it thinking that it was an amazing find.
It was the night of the dance and the hubbub of her house was alarming. Girls putting on make-up and boy's trying to find shoes and socks that matched. Ann snuck away to work with the hair, and she made it look like it was her own. She thought it looked very pretty. They got to the dance and right away someone asked her to dance. She was so happy and carefree, she forgot that there was something attached to her hair that was delicate. Well, on the second spin, the fake hair went flying from the top of her head. Luckily the boy did not notice anything but her hair was all messed up. The hair had flown to a far corner of the gym. She never did have the nerve to go and retrieve it. A few of the friends who saw were sworn to secrecy. What a shock for the janitor.
The End


This story is fictitious, but it could happen to anyone. :)

Valentine's Day

Me and my friend Savvannah Smith. Love you Savvy!

Friends

I think I am the most blessed person in the world when it comes to friends. I am who I am today because of them. I would probably not be as strong of a Christian if it weren't for them. They lift me up when I'm down. They complement me when I'm feeling insecure.They comfort me when I am sad. And they shine their light when my world if full of darkness. Words cannot express the love I have for them. I want to name them in no particular order and what they add to my life. These are my close friends that have either been in my life for a very long time, or are more recent acquaintances.

Sami Jo- She is sweet and shy but is a light in the darkness.
Emaline- She is tells the greatest stories that will make you laugh or at least smile 'till it hurts.
Tirza- She is smart and will help with any problem and is so kind in a harsh world.
Samantha- She will do anything to Cheer you up, or cry with you.
Delany- She laughs at anything and has an air about her that will brighten your day.
Savannah- She is strong willed and strong minded. The only friend I can wrestle with and play with make-up in the same day. She is a friend I would not trade for anything. All of these girls I would not trade for anything.
Christa B.- She is strong in faith and good will. A true servant, I have learned so much from her careful and wise actions and words.
Aaron- She is a good listener and a good friend. A truly modest person.
I have only put here the girls who currently attend at my church that I am very close to. I have others outside my church that are also priceless friends. It would take to long to write all the things that make them such good friends. My extended family is also worth mentioning. They are what made me make the choices that I have made, whether by following in their footsteps or learning from their mistakes. There is one person who I mentioned that does not go to my church. That is Christa Blair. She has influenced me more than she will ever realize. She is the most wonderful and gracious hostess I have ever met. She is 18 and I have had the privilege to know her my entire life. Their whole family is so dear to my heart. And will be forever, no matter what.

Baby Robin

This was my very fist drawing to do in my Art class. I haven't been taking very long. My teacher just kept saying, "draw what you see, not what you think you see." Because if we draw what we think we see, the picture no longer becomes interesting, and loses its mystic.

My Painting

This is the first water-color painting that I have ever done. I like it. But the more I look at it the more mistakes that I find in it. It reminds me of people in general. At first glance you think your a pretty good person. But upon closer inspection you know you need Christ.

I told my mom that and she said "Oh. Well don't show me the mistakes because if you do that's all I will be able to look at!" :)

Gentlemen!!!

In this age of feminism and "equality" men are confused. They don't even know who should pick up the check any more. I was reading a magazine the other day and there was an article that started, "It is degrading when a man opens a door for me. I can handle it my self, thank you very much." Wow. I don't know about you but I think that opening doors for ladies is was every man should practice.

1 Peter 3:7
7Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

The bible does not say that we are weak, but "weaker." I believe that women are physically weaker then men most of the time. I will admit that I've seen some puny guys in my day. And I have also seen some girls that could beat up my older brother. I think that not only is this talking about physical strength, but emotional. We need to be held, to be loved, and to be protected. Girls want boyfriends because of those things. They might not realize it at the time, but that's the reason. They want someone to need them. They want the emotional and physical closeness that should only come with marriage. This is partly because they don't have a good relationship with their fathers. And the fathers aren't doing a good job at making the daughters feel stable and loved. They don't show their daughters how a gentlemen should act around young ladies. I'm not saying that you should treat your father as you would treat your boyfriend. But that he could be that man in your life, as it should be before marriage.

Another thing that I would like to address is dating in the church. Dating is not a good or safe thing to do in my reasoning, because you get that emotional closeness with someone that you are not even thinking of a long term relation ship with. And by long term I mean forever. The Bible says that we should treat each other like brothers and sisters in Christ. Have you ever seen brothers and sisters chasing each other around trying to date one another? That would be disturbing.

By the time a girl is at the age that she is looking for marriage, she has been hurt and dumped and defrauded so many times that her heart is not pure or whole anymore. She has given something precious to a lot of boys that didn't know what they had, or what they were doing. That girl is also still in the mind set of dating. And today, marriage is almost the same as dating, but with benefits. You can get out of a marriage almost as easily as you got in it.

Marriage is a holy picture of Christ and the Church. Christ is the man, and the Church is the woman. The Church is dependant of Christ. The Church needs Christ. And someday Christ will come to take the Church away with him. It almost sounds like a fairytale doesn't it? Its not as glamorous as it sounds but that's what Holy matrimony is based on, and why it sacred. That's why messing with that picture by messing with marriage is so terribly wrong. Its not two Churches and two Christs. And so it is not two men and two women.

I just felt like sharing that. Wow, I started with writing about being a gentlemen, but I guess its my blog and I can switch if I want to. :) Any ways, I know lots of guys that are sweet and are gentlemen to any girl that they meet. Not because they think that we can't open the door by our selves, but because they are trying to honor us and make us feel like we mean something. That we are not something to be taken lightly.

I was in San Antonio a while back and we were with the Moore family. They have four boys and every time there was a door to be opened, one of them would hold in for all the ladies. Their ages are 20, 17, 15, and 11. Reagen is between the last boy. But all of them were such gentlemen that I absolutely loved being around their whole family. They did it cheerfully and willingly. Because my brothers do not practice this act of kindness, I am constantly caught off guard by it when others do.


It's a nice thing to try to get used to!

I got a blog!

I'm so happy that I finally got a blog! I've been meaning to for a while now, and my cousin got one so I'm following in her foot steps. I love to write. I'll be posting some of my poems that I already have in my note book, and a few new ones. I hope someone out in cyber-space can use the life lessons that I will be posting. I will try to write soon!

P.S. It is raining really hard in Texas right now, but we need it.