Merry Christmas

Today is our dear Savior's birthday. God gave His only son so that we could be saved. Jesus came as a babe but would grow up to be the Savior of the world, He came to one day go to the cross.

Church this wonderful Christmas morning to spend time with my awesome church family, who are like family to me. Especially the elderly couple who sent behind me in church that treat me like a member of their family.  To enjoy a time of fellowship. What better why to celebrate my Savior's birthday than worshiping Him.

Then to spend Christmas day afternoon with my dad's mom. A chance to see my little cousins. I love being the oldest. I'll try to take pictures if I remember the camera this time. 

My Mom's birthday

Today's my mom's birthday and I am so thankful that God chose to make her my mom.  I honestly don't know if I would be the woman I am today if it hadn't been for her. She's has given up so much so that I can have my dreams. To be able to go to college, to be the first one in my family to go to college and for that I am thankful. Happy Birthday Mom thinks for everything. Love Your daughter.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength Philippians 4:13

Whatever you call me to do I will be able to do it and bear it. Because as a believer in Jesus You will give me strength to do what You have called me to do. You never promised easy just possible.  Possible because with You  God all things are possible. 

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your People will be my people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

I want to have faith like Ruth. To be willing and trusting enough to You where ever You lead. I want to follow you like Ruth was willing to follow her mother-in-law to a place that was unknown to her. 

End of another week

It's the end of another week, and again I have a pile of homework that I put off till the last minute. I've got a paper to write. Notes to recopy, and three test to study for next week.

November 11

Today is Veterans the day that we remember the one's that served and say thanks for all they did. However we shouldn't need a day to this, we should remember to thank the one's that keep us free daily. The one's that we need to thanks are the ones that we can't. The service man and woman who died protecting our freedom. The freedom that we as Americans some times take for granted.  Remember that freedom is not free.

Remember that Veterans day is a day to honor and remember all Veterans and to say thank you, but we should do this every time we see someone in the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines.

I want to say thanks to my dad who served in the Marines he went in at 17 right out of high school in the early 80's. I also want to say thank you to my cousin who is currently serving in the Air Force.

Happy Birthday Marines

Today November 10, 2011 is the 236 birthday of the United States Marine Corps. I was able to witness a Marine Corps birthday celebration on my college campus.  The first piece of cake was presented to oldest Marine who then presented to youngest Marine Present. To remind us that once a Marine always a Marine. "The few the Proud The Marines"

End of a long week

I survived another long week of school and work. As of right now I am pulling B's in four of my classes, and an A in one. So far so good now if I can just keep it up for the rest of the semester. I'm in the process of planning my schedule for the next semester at least so far even though I have to take five classes again next semester my schedule is not as crazy, because I only have to go to school four days a week instead of five. 

I discovered a new way together home from school that takes me on scenic  tour that actually gets me home quicker and allows me to see some pretty neat sights.  Today I even had to stop and take some pictures, that I'll try to post later.

I broke down and finally brought a pair of boots I had been wanting for a while, but kept putting off. I've wanted a pair of Justin boots forever but kept putting off buying them, because I thought they were expensive. Turns out they are actually pretty reasonable. The pair I brought was way cheaper than the Lardo's I brought on Vacation one year. Which I've only worn a few times because they hurt my feet. But the Justin boot's have a J-flex flexible comfort system WITH REMOVABLE ORTHOTIC INSERT from http://www.justinboots.com/boots/Womens_Gypsy_landing.html?424fccf8=L9903  which is great for someone with fat feet. 
Here's the boots I ordered can't wait for them to get here. http://data.whicdn.com/images/16819998/JBC_L9903_LF_large.

40 Random Things about Me

40 Random things about me

1. I am a Christian a Christ follower, a believer in Jesus

2. A sinner saved by Grace

3. The Bible is the greatest book ever written, it is God breathed. It is the greatest story ever told because it is true

4. I become a Christian at the end of my freshman year of high school. Even though I lost most of my  “friends” I gained so much more

5. My favorite classic author is Jane Austen

6. My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice

7. My favorite Christian historical author is a tossup between Laura Frantz and Tracie Peterson

8. My favorite Christian historical novel is a Tossup between Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady

9. I love Christian chick lit

10.         My favorite Christian chick author is Erynn Mangum

11.         My favorite Christian chick book is both series by Erynn Mangum

12.         Laura Ingalls Wilder was my favorite author growing up

13.         I love Chick flicks

14.         My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast

15.         My favorite movie based on a book is Pride and Prejudice

16.         My favorite movie now is Soul Surfer

17.         I can’t pick a favorite chick lit because there’s just too many

18.         I love flip flops

19.          Even though I love flip flops I love going barefoot even more

20.         I am a country girl at heart

21.         I want to learn to surf

22.         I love to read especially on rainy days curled up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book.

23.         Belle is my favorite Disney princess, because she was a book worm

24.         I pick my “favorite” songs, based on what kind of mood I am in and what I am going through at the moment.

25.         I was little bit of a tomboy growing up

26.         When I was little I wanted to marry a cowboy, now I am trusting God’s timing and His will

27.         I want to go on a mission trip to Africa

28.         I want to go to Ireland

29.         I want to see Jane Austen’s house in England

30.         I want to see all fifty states

31.         I love classic western movies

32.         I am the type of girl who would rather go on a pinic for a date than some fancy restaurant

33.         I don’t call my grandpa, grandpa I call him papaw

34.         I wasn’t daddy’s girl growing up I was papaw’s girl

35.         I still remember spending Saturday’s mornings with him watching classic western movies and TV shows most of which were reruns

36.         I was reading on my own by the age of four

37.         I love to write poetry

38.         I am trying to write a novel

39.         My favorite western TV show from my younger days was The Young Riders  

40.         One day I want to be a wife and mother

1 Peter 5:7

Give all your worries to Him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I have to trust that I can give (cast) my worries to You, because You love me, and want the best for me. You have been a father to me when my earthly father couldn’t or wouldn’t be a father to me.

I also need to realize that when I give my worries to You; I need to stop worrying because You have it under control and covered by Your grace.

Midterms

I’ve made it to midterms, hard to believe that the semester is all ready half over where did the time go? It seems just yesterday I started the first semester as a junior in college I only have about four more semesters if I go full time. Is what I plan on doing till I graduate, so that I can actually make it out of school in four semesters, or three and half if I go two summer terms.  

After much thought and prayer I have changed my major. I realized after two failed attempts at the nursing school entrance exam that nursing wasn’t what I wanted to do. The pre nursing math and science classes were too much stress for me. Plus the nursing path was what everyone else in my family wanted to do.  

I realize that I’ve always wanted to help people but not in the way that I was expected as a nurse. Instead I’ve changed my major to Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology with a focus in youth crime. To make a difference in the teens that can still be and wan to be helped. I know that I am in for a world of hard work and stress. I know that I can do it with God and prayer; I finally feel like that is where God wants me to use my gifts. 

What I love about Fall

What I love about fall

·         Kentucky Football (even though they are having a bad season I still love them. Got to stand by my team)

·         Colt’s Football (even though they are having a bad season I still love them. Got to stand by my team)

·         Hayrides

·         Bonfires

·        Hoodies, jeans and boots

·        Hay fights

·        Cooler nights

·        Crisp mornings

·        Apple cider (hot and cold)

·        Pumpkin pie

·        Hot tea

·        Changes of colors

·        Thanksgiving 

Daniel 6:23

My God sent his angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you O King

Daniel 6:23

Heavenly Father

     Help me to honor and obey you no matter what the cost. No matter where you choose to send me.

In Jesus name Amen

Isaiah 1:18 NKJV

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord

1:18 Isaiah NKJV

Heavenly Father

     Help me to come to You first with the choices and decisions I have to make. Help me to remember to pray about everything and worry about nothing. If I need to talk about choices, decisions about the future help me to know which adult or friend will give me Godly advice not just what I want to hear.

In Jesus name Amen

Luke 18:27

Jesus answered, “The things impossible for people or possible for God.”

Luke 18:27

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Philippians 4:13

I don’t need easy I just need possible

Soul Surfer the movie 

Even though the Bible says all things are possible with God, doesn’t mean that it will be easy. However with God on your side then the impossible becomes possible. If it is God’s will for your life. Just like in the movie; as long as I have God I don’t need easy just possible.

Romans 6:6-7

We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us and we would not be slaves to sin. Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.

Romans 6:6-7

Heavenly Father

     Help me to break free from sin and bad habits from my past. Reveal areas of my life that I need to turn over to You. What I need to let You control. I need to learn that only when I give up control does life work out for the best.

In Jesus name Amen.

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16

I want to have faith like Ruth to be willing and trusting enough to follow You where ever You lead. I want to follow You like ruth was willing to her mother –in-law to places unknown to her.

Monday

Finshed
500 Acres and No Place to Hide: More Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl by Susan McCorkindale
Pick your Poison by Leann Sweeney mystery


Currnetly reading
Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston
 The Doctor's Family By Lenora Worth
Soul Surfer Devotions by Bethany Hamilton


Getting ready to read
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
Paid in Blood by Mel Odom
River's Song by Melody Carlson
His Country Girl by Jillian Hart
Too Close to Home  Lynette Eason
Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

reading for school
The Working Poor  by David K. Shipper
CJ 2011 (My Crime Kit series by James A Fagin
Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication by: Ronald B Adler
Psychology A Journey by Dennis Coon

Ten years later

September 11, 2011

It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since 9/11/01. Everyone can remember exactly what they were doing on that day. I was sitting in my freshman Algebra class in high school. When a classmate run in telling the teacher to turn on the TV; when our teacher refused he rushed over on turned the TV on. We all watched as the second plane flew into the second tower.

I spent the rest of the day in shock I couldn’t believe that my country had been attacked. I didn’t think the day could get any worse, and then I got home to see my dad packing. Having him tell me that his had been put on alert that they could be shipping out at anything to go who knows where. I am so thankful that at the time my sister was too young to understand what was going on.

However something good came out of 9/11 at least for me. It was the first time that I called out to God asking His Son to come into my life and change me. 9/11 made me realize that there are no promises in life that we have tomorrow. When my dad shipped out God gave me Psalm 91, and as a new Christian I prayed that Psalm as a prayer of protection every day that he was gone. The Military calls the Psalm the soldier’s Psalm.

My boyfriend at the time, after the towers fell said that he was going to join the Marines as soon as he graduated high school. As a country we came together. Now ten years later we need to remember those everyday heroes. We must remember in our prayers our first responder’s police, fire, and EMS, and also the ones who lay their lives on the line to protect our freedoms our military. We must never take our freedoms for granted.

No matter what happens with politics now matter what. Rather or not you agree with this war you should support our troops. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines, remember that they are away from their loved ones protecting our freedoms. To make sure that another 9/11 doesn’t happen again.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ, because He Gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Whatever you call me to do. I will be able to do it and bear it. Because as a believer in Jesus, you will give me the strength to do what you have called me to do. You never promised easy, you just promised possible, because with You all things are possible.

The end of the school week

I've made it throught the first two weeks back to college and let's just say that I am tired. i forgot how much effort went into going to school full time and working part time. I guess that's my fault for taking a semster off. Now I get to work to get back in the swing of things. I know that I shouldn't rush my life away, but I just wish I was done with school, I should have been done with college three years ago, but life doesn't always go the way that we planned. God's plans are now always our plans. 

I know the next couple will fly by, now that I have a major that is what I want to major in. To lead to a job in the career field that I will be the happiest in.  I have to trust God above everything else.

The week has gone by so fast that the only reading that I have done is for school I haven't read for fun and that's not like me, but I haven't really had time. I have a book review to finish as soon as possible, plus I think I am coming down with something, I blame the werid weather we've been having here. I mean one day it's a 100 and the next it's 60.

James 2:26

Just as a person’s body that does not have a spirit is dead, so faith that does nothing is dead!

James 2:26

You gave me a heart for children, teens, and opharphans. Help me to put away the “what if’s” to follow you and to do Your will even when it’s hard.

Review of The Colonel's Lady

Title: The Colonel’s Lady

Author: Laura Frantz

Series:   no

Chapters: 39 plus Epilogue

Pages: 408

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Rating:  5 stars 10/10

     The Colonel’s Lady is the third book by Laura Frantz. The book was everything that I thought it would be and more. The Colonel’s Lady is a little different than her other two books. The Heroine is a little older than Lael and Morrow, and the hero is a little rougher around the edges than her other hero’s.

     Roxanna Rowan arrives at a Kentucky fort to join her solider father only to find that her father has died. She has nowhere to go, no money and sees herself as a spinster. Colonel Cassius McLinn commander of the fort offers her, her father’s job as a scrivener until others arrangements can be made.  Both Roxanna and Cassius end up developing feelings for each other, but they are both to afraid to voice their love. The colonel also has a secret that could destroy everything. Will Cass and Roxie have a chance at love? 

     The character of Colonel Cassius McLinn according to the author is loosely based on Colonel George Roger’s Clark, because she wanted to give Clark a different ended. I know this sounds bad but Clark was never one of my favorites from history and I don’t really know why; he help found my hometown, and I’ve been to his final home in Kentucky twice. Once as a kindergarten student on a field trip and the second time for my college history class. To me he was never as interesting as Daniel Boone.

     With each of Laura’s previous books there where bits and pieces that I loved more than others. With The Frontiersman’s Daughter I loved the fact that Lael was a bit of a free spirit. I could see Kentucky history with Fort Click and Ezekiel Click. With Courting Morrow Little I loved the love story.

     With The Colonel’s Lady I loved the whole book. I know this sounds bad but I think Roxie has become my new favorite character. Mainly I think it is because I can relate to her more; even though I am not as old as Roxie I am older than both Lael and Morrow where. Being the daughter of a former Marine I could relate to Roxie’s fear for her father before she knew he had died.  It was nice to see an Irish hero in a book.    The Colonel’s Lady is my new favorite book by Laura Frantz, and I can’t wait to next year to see what else she has come up with.

Back to college

Tomorrow I go back to college tomorrow, in a way it feels like starting college for the first time, because I am going to a different school now. It also feels like starting new because I am starting back after taking a year off. After much thought and pray I am in the process of changing majors.  I'll post more about the changing majors when it becomes official.

Book Bash August 22-26 at Austenitis.blogspot.com

1. Name Three Books you love. The Bible is a given  Pride and Prejuidce Jane Austen,  Cool Beans Erynn Mangum, Docotor in Petticoats Mary Connealy



2. Name two books you enjoy, but most people probably havent' heard of

Miss Match Erynn Mangum, The Colonel's Lady Laura Frantz

3.Name three series you love.  Love Comes Soflty, Lauren Holbrook series, Little House Books

4.  Name Three authors you love! Jane Austen, Laura Frantz, Laura Ingalls Wilder i grew up reading her books

5. How about three adventures or Mysteries?
Mysteries  Pride and Prescience Carrie Bebris , The Lover's Knot: A someday quilts mystery Clare O'Donohue The Secret of the Old Clock Carolyn Keene

6. Three Non-fiction? Through my Eyes Tim Tebow, Not Afraid of life my so far Bristol Palin with Nancy French, Playing with Purpose Mike Yorkey

7. Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys? Which Book in the series is your favorite se is your favorite?
Nancy Drew The Secret of Shaodw Ranch

8.  Narnia or Harry Potter? Name your favorite from the series you like best. For some reason I couldn't get into to either series.

9. A coobook or a how-to-sew book?  How to sew book I enjoy sewing more than cooking

10. Historical fiction or fantasy? Name three books you like from the genre you chose.

Histoical fiction Sharpshooter in Petticoats Mary Connealy

The Frontierman’s Daughter Laura Frantz 

Breathe: Lisa Tawn Bergren

11. Hardcover or softcover?
Softcover makes it easier to carry with me
12. Louisa May Alcott or Lucy Maud Montgomery?  Louisa May Alcott Little Women
13.  Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte? Jane Austen Pride and Prejuidce
14.  Would you rahter read historical fiction about the sinking of the Titanic, or the civl war? Civil war, I've always enjoyed battlefield and war history over social history.
15. What's your favorite classic? Why? Pride and Prejuidce is my favorite classic because it teaches you to get to know someone before you judge their actions. People arent' always what they seem.

16.  Little Women or a Little Princess? A Little Women I love the March's sister's

17. What's your favorite time period to read about? Either the old west or the Revolutionary war time period. It just depends on what kind of mood I am in

18. G.A. Henty, J.R.R. Tolkien or Charles Dickens? What's your favorite book? Charles Dickens Oliver Twist

19. Ivanhoe or Ben-Hur? I not read either of the these books

20. Name three books everyone should read. The Bible, Soul Surfer Bethany Hamiliton, She Said Yes: The Unlikely Maryrdom of Cassie Bernall Misty Bernall.

21. Name Two Books we wouldn't have expected you to enjoy. 

True Grit by Charles Portis very seldom do I read a book after first seeing the movie.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett I normally don’t read books that make it on the bestseller list

22. Name three books that have good movies to go with them.  Fireproof, Pride and Prejudice A&E Version, Soul Surfer

23. Any Books coming out soon that you're looking forward to?  

 Sixty Acres and a Bride Regina Jennings Feb 2012

The Fiddler Beverly Lewis April 2012

Words Spoken True Ann H Gabhart Fen 2012

Heart’s Safe Passage Laurie Alice Eakes Feb 2012

Captive Trail Susan Page Davis

24. Name Two Authors you'd like to talk to. Erynn Mangum, Laura Frantz

25. Science fiction or a fairy tale? A Fairy Tale

26. A classic book you haven't read is...? David Copperfield

27. Shakespeare or George Bernard Shaw Shakespeare

28. Name a movie or two where it's acutally better than the book The Lord of the Ring don't hate me, but I thought it was better than the book.

29. Where is your favorite place to read? Curled up in an oversized chair

30. What are your favorite quotes from books? I've been thinking of something your father said - that the true measure of love is what one is willing to give up for it. He was talking about freedom - fighting for liberty. But I believe 'tis the same for love as war." The Colonel’s Lady Laura Frantz

"I love Mr. Darcy"  Erynn Mangum Latte Daze

The decent, strong person had to do decent, strong things like love unlovable people and keep peace even when it wasn't easy."
— Mary Connealy (Doctor in Petticoats)

 We're married. I will protect you. I will die for you. Better than that. I will live for you."
— Mary Connealy (Sharpshooter in Petticoats)

31.  What book would you most like to see made into a movie? Courting Morrow Little

32. What book character do you identify with most? this is a hard one to pick just one character, but if I had to pick one it would be Lael Click from the Frontiersman’s daughter. She’s strong woman, who finds Jesus as an older teen.

John 13:35

“All people will know that you are My followers if you love each other.”

John 13:35

Heavenly Father help me to love others as you first loved me. To give unconditional love with expecting anything in return.  To love my enemies and Your enemies as you have called us to do. Help me to show Jesus through me and my actions.

Devotional post

End of Summer bash over at Seasons of Humilty

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James 2:26

Just as a person’s body that does not have a spirit is dead, so faith that does nothing is dead.”

James 2:26

You gave m the gift and the desires to be a nurse-midwife. Help me to have the faith to follow You where ever You lead me to be a nurse-midwife; here in the U.S. or in Africa. I will follow Your will.  You’ve also given me a heart for Children, teens, and orphan’s. Help me to reach a new generation for You. Help me to put away the “what ifs” to follow you.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

     “I want to trust your plan for me God. I don’t want to do it my way anymore. I want to follow where You lead. I am at where I’m at now because of Your plan. Where I am now is part of Your plan; because I never thought I would be twenty four and still not be done with college. But even this has happened for a reason. I  am trusting Your plan for me to finish nursing school. I am also trusting Your plan and will for my future spouse and when he comes into my life, is Your timing. I trust You lord. You are my King and my Heavenly Father.”

     We cannot do it on our own. We have to have help, and the best help comes from God and Jesus.

Finally

I got my copy yesterday so exicted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Changes

Coming in August I am going to make a few changes to my blog, as school will be starting back I will not have as much time to blog though I will continue to post as often as possible. I plan to have days that I plan to have certain posts on those days. This will be weekly. On Monday or Wednesday I may post something in list form or what I am currently reading for school and for fun. Friday will be a post summarizing my week.  Sunday will be a post will be a Bible verse and my thoughts and a prayer about the verse. I will however post something that strikes me anytime throughout the week.

·         Monday books I’ve finished reading, books for upcoming reviews on my book review blog  http://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/  , and what I currently reading for school and for “fun”

·         Wednesday random things such as a  list or review

·         Friday what happened during my week

·         Sunday post Devotional post

Life Verses

Life Verses

Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart?

Psalms 37:3-4

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands

Psalms 138:8

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised

Proverbs 31:30

Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

Song of Songs 2:7b

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm, you plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

I say to Myself, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him”

Lamentations 3:24

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength

Philippians 4:13