Merry Christmas!

Yes I know this is a day late... wait... is it late? No, actually it's not. Christmas should be in our hearts all year long, so it's never to late to say Merry Christmas!

I had a great couple days of celebrating! :) Had a fantastic Christmas with my Mom's family on Thursday night, My parents on Christmas Eve, My dad's family yesterday morning/afternoon, and My Mom's family again last night for our "Church" Christmas. So yeah, lots of celebrating, lots of time to reflect on WHO this season is about, lots of time to be thankful for family and friends, lots of time to miss those that were spending Christmas with Jesus, lots of time to thank God for the GREATEST GIFT.... JESUS!

There's more to blog about, but I have to go for now... Hope you all have a blessed Sunday!

Rejoicing Because~

Love Reached Out. There's a song put out by Patch the Pirate, called Love Reached Out, and it explains so perfectly why we as Christians, REJOICE! http://www.majestytunes.com/p-57-christmas-carol.aspx this is the web page for the song. I urge you to go and listen to it! It is a beautiful song filled with the message of love, the message of Jesus! Love Reached Out over 2,000 years ago, for you and for me, and that's enough to make our heart's REJOICE!

Happy Monday!

Hope your day is Cheery and Bright as we look forward to a good week with Jesus!!



I'm back in the blogging mood :) bout' time right? lol!

Clinging

to my Heavenly Father, who knows everything about me. Who understands me, my personality, my feelings, my heart. He cares about me and loves me so much! And you know what? I love Him too! He's my Prince of Peace, My Saviour, Redeemer, Counselor, Leader, my Guiding hand, the Light of my life, my Bright and Morning Star. Jesus is my Rock, my confidant, my Intercessor, my Shepherd, the Love of my soul, He's my ALL! Everything I need He provides for me. He gives me strength when I can't go on, He gives me peace when the storm rages around me, He gives grace to face each trial. He gives assurance when things all around are changing, He gives victory to me at the end of each battle, and He gives me His arms to cling to. So yes, today I am clinging to Jesus, just because I love Him so, and I need Him. Everyday... from now til eternity I will need Him. So I'll just keep clinging and KNOW that He will carry me HOME! I love you, Lord!

Christmas has come...

to this corner of the world! :) YAYNESS!!! I love Christmas... and penguins... and most importantly the REASON there is Christmas, JESUS!!! Thank-You, Lord for coming over 2,000 years ago to the world and thank-you, Lord for coming 10 1/2 years ago to my heart!! I Love You, Lord!!

My Prayer Is...

that my life will always be a mirror that will reflect the love of Jesus...
that my hands will always be reaching out toward those who are in need...
that my lips will always be speaking words of kindness and love...
that my feet will always be moving forward toward Heaven...
that my heart will always love Jesus above all else
that I will always love my neighbor like Jesus loves me...
that I'll be like Jesus in every thing I say and do...
that His love will flow through me...
that I'll be a servant...
that the beauty of Jesus will be seen in my life...
that I will be the Christian young lady, that Jesus wants me to be...
that I will be willing to be used wherever His place for me is...

This is my prayer, my heart-felt desire... I want to be like Jesus.






I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS:

1
I have one deep, supreme desire,
that I may be like Jesus.
To this I fervently aspire,
that I may be like Jesus.
I want my heart His throne to be,
so that a watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me.
I want to be like Jesus.


2
He spent His life in doing good;
I want to be like Jesus.
In lowly paths of service trod;
I want to be like Jesus.
He sympathised with hearts distressed,
He spoke the words that cheered and blessed,
He welcomed sinners to His breast.
I want to be like Jesus.


3
A holy, harmless life He led;
I want to be like Jesus.
The Father’s will, His drink and bread;
I want to be like Jesus.
And when at last He comes to die,
“Forgive them, Father,” hear Him cry
for those who taunt and crucify.
I want to be like Jesus.


4
O perfect life of Christ, my Lord!
I want to be like Jesus.
My recompense and my reward,
that I may be like Jesus.
His Spirit fill my hungering soul,
His power all my life control.
My deepest prayer, my highest goal,
that I may be like Jesus.

Fall is upon us...

And that means that lots of things will be happening soon! :) First of all, School starts. Tomorrow. Yes, I'm teaching again this year! I'm very excited to be with my little charges again! I wasn't planning on going back this year but since a little bundle of joy decided that it wants to come in January/February to my Aunt and Uncle's home, I was chosen to go back. I'm perfectly content and happy with that, cause I know God makes no mistakes and that He has a reason for allowing me to have another year with the kiddos. I love them and am anxious to watch their little minds grow and develop this school year!

Second... Cooler weather is just in sight! YAY YAY YAY!! While it may still be a month or two, normally by October the evenings at least are gorgeous! I can't wait for the crisp air and the ever so slightly chilly nights :) I LOVE cool weather... and I LOVE fall!

Third... It's a time that I am once again reminded to Give Thanks every day! I changed the music on my blog as a reminder to myself and also to every person who may visit here to Give thanks for everything! For truly God is worthy of our praise! He is to be Exalted, Worshipped, Adored, Magnified, and Raised Up! Join with me in creating a chorus of praise to our Heavenly Father will you?

That's all for this Sunday afternoon... May all of you have a blessed Sunday and may the Lord be very near to you!

Blessings~

Holly

Eleven Years...

Eleven years have come and gone since my precious baby cousin, Justin, was born into the arms of Jesus. This stone marks sweet Justin's grave, but he's not there... Justin's Home.

August 19, 1999--

Sitting at the hospital, waiting for Justin to be born, hoping and praying that the doctors were wrong and that he would be born alive and healthy. My seven-year-old mind was whirling with confusing thoughts and my heart was breaking. I remember thinking that babies don't die. Old people die... people in accidents and other things like that sometimes die, but not a baby. My heart ached... you see Justin's Mommy and Daddy, my very special Aunt and Uncle, had waited a long time for this miracle. I was so excited! I had spent hours making a plastic canvas kleenex box cover for his room... I bought him a toy... I constantly talked about playing with him and loving on him and getting to hold my very first cousin! Now, my world suddenly was turned upside down. Justin would never see that kleenex box cover, would never play with his caterpillar, would not be here to play with, to cuddle and love on, or to hold. Justin was going home.

I was sitting in the waiting room with my uncle when my Mom came out and sat next to me. "Honey, you see that picture over there with Jesus holding a baby on it?" she asked me with tears running down her face. "Yes, Mommy I see it." "Well, honey that's Justin now. Jesus is holding Justin." I don't remember too much after that all I remember is the pain, literal pain that swept over my heart. I remember sobbing and being held by my Momma. I remember watching my Aunt and Uncle weeping as if their hearts were breaking, and looking back on it... they were. I remember my Mom and dad, and the other family members crying so hard. I remember the rain that fell in a downpour... As all of Heaven "cried" with us...

A few days later, I stood at your funeral service while your Pap-pa Schnell spoke the best he could to those gathered there. I remember the little white casket adorned with baby blue flowers. I remember the heart-wrenching sobs that arose from that grieving crowd. I remember the feelings of unfairness in my heart. Why did he have to die? Why? Why? Why? But, you know I remember, in the midst of all that sorrow and suffering, I remember hope. Hope that lifted up and carried my Aunt and Uncle through that time... Hope that made us all go on, because one day, if we live right, we'll see Justin again. I will see Justin... I will get to hold him for the very first time. I will get to hug him, kiss his sweet little face. I believe I will KNOW him even though I've never seen him.

Dear Justin,
Happy 11th Birthday, sweet baby! I know your time there in Heaven seems but just a little while and that you're so happy! You've been "raised" by Jesus... your Heavenly Father. You've played with angels and walked on streets of gold. You've had the privilege to worship at the feet of Jesus, and be held in His loving arms. You're a very lucky little boy, sweetheart! Cousin Holly would love to be there in Heaven doing all those things. My heart is very homesick. I want to come home. I want to see my Blessed Saviour first of all, and praise Him for saving such a wretch like me! I'm not worthy but I'm so thankful He came for me! Then I'd want to see you! I believe sweetie that you'll be waiting for me when I get home, with all the balloons that I've sent to you. I believe you're going to show Holly around Heaven but I think the first place you'll take me is to see Jesus! Together for the first time ever, you, my little angel cousin, and I will worship the Lord!! I can't wait honey, I really can't wait... I can't wait to come home. Keep waiting Just in side the Eastern Gate, Justin. I'll be there in the morning! I love you, sweetheart, I love you SO much!
Much Love,
Cousin Holly

P.S. Tell Jesus that I love Him and that I'm going to follow Him all the way home!

Happy Birthday To...

Luke!




That's right, this little man turned 9 today! Seems like it was yesterday when we got the phone call that little, and by little I mean little ( 5 pounds 15 ounces), Lukey had arrived! We were sooo happy!

You have grown so much Luke, you're getting to be quite a little gentleman! You keep us all laughing with your jokes and antics, but you're also very sensitive to Jesus and want to please Him! Always follow Jesus, Lukey! Cousin Holly loves you very much!!!

Busy...

Seems like life keeps getting busier and busier but that's ok! I'm getting ready to work early voting for the election and then election day. It's a worthy cause and you get paid for it :) If you would, contact your local election's office and see if you could become a pollworker and help the election process along. It'll make you feel good for sure! Also, make sure you get out and vote! Make your voice be heard! I'm also working at DQ on Saturdays making cakes... fun! :) August 30, we start school again and I am so excited about going back to teach! My 4 little pupils are so sweet and they are getting so big! I'm so happy that I get this opportunity to help mold these young minds! It's an awesome responsibilty and privilege! I love to teach!

Well I'm tired and so it's off to bed I go soon... Talk to you all soon!

In loving memory

This month marks 11 years since my sweet cousin, Justin, went Home. Even now my heart still breaks when I think of him... He was long awaited and much loved... The next couple weeks I'll be posting some about this precious little boy. But the background will stay this way all month as a memorial to Justin who was loved... is still loved and will always be loved, held, remembered, and cherished in my heart.

And the Winner Is...

Kathy! Congrats and thanks for entering! You'll be getting your stuff real soon :) A special thanks to all of you who read my blog and who entered!

Contest Closed....

Winner to be announcced tomorrow... :) Thanks for joining and good luck to you who entered!

Congratulations!

You do remember Roseanna White right? She guest blogged for me a while back. Well this post is to congratulate her on the completion of "Jewel of Persia"! Great Job, Roseanna, I'm looking forward to reading it!

Leave a comment congratulating her will ya? She's a really amazing person! :)

I know I know...

It's not Friday and the giveaway is not up like it's supposed to be! :) sorry... Friday turned out to be a busy day and yesterday I worked at DQ then had Christmas in July at Mam-ma and Pap-pa's.

But, I do have a giveaway... The contest is open from today until Wednesday night at 10:00 p.m. The winner will be announced on Thursday.

The winner will receive: A book for your Christmas lists... a pen of course... tired of taking the same old thing to your family's holiday get togethers? Then you'll love the Taste of Home book of fast and yummy recipes that I'm giving away... After all the shopping you'll be doing you'll need something to give you an extra boost... so you'll be getting a pack of chocolate chip cookies from Chips Ahoy... You'll also get a little surprise to help with your Christmas shopping. Leave me a comment and I'll enter you... :)

Hope you all had a blessed Lord's Day and a very Merry Christmas in July today! I have had an incredible weekend! :)


It's only 5 more days til my guy gets home! YAY!!

A Giveaway

Join me tomorrow for a a chance to win... :)

As in other news I have so much I want to share but I'm too tired tonight to try to think about how to say what I wanna say tonight! ;) soooo I'll talk to you all tomorrow!


Sleep tight my friends!

Congratulations!

Remember Stephanie(the girl I work with at DQ) and Juan?



Well... They just welcomed a precious son into their family today! Leandro Manuel was born this morning around 9:30 a.m. Mommy, Daddy, and Baby are doing great! Got to go and see (and hold of course) the baby today and he is so adorable and sweet!

Congrats Steph and Juan, you're going to be great parents!

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I know that it is July... It's the week of Christmas in July! :) I love Christmas, so I always look forward to this! This week we're going to be having all kinds of fun "Christmasy" things... maybe like a giveaway or something... you'll just have to be here to find out.

However, the one thing that will be the dominate theme is the REASON for Christmas... Jesus. He's the reason we celebrate! He's the reason we rejoice not only at Christmas but all year long!!

To kick things off here's a song from Larnelle Harris entitled: All year long.

I realize that I'm not a father and never will be of course... :) but it's the message of the song that I want you to see with me. Jesus isn't packed away with all our Christmas belongings, He's here with me all year long, and He always will be as long as I stay close to Him and dwell ALWAYS in His presence.

All Year Long


He braced the old ladder with all of His might
And shouted, dad have no fear
As I stretched high to store the stockings and trim
In the attic for another year
We were busily packing our Christmas away
While singing a carol we knew
When I heard my son in innocence inquire
Do we store away Jesus too

Chorus
All year long
We must worship day by day
All year long
Tis the season to obey
May the Christmas tree lights
And the sleigh rides at night
Remind us all to stay in God's presence
All year long

I smiled at my boy as again I explain
God's longing to reconcile
How He gave to the world the gift of new life
When His yearning became Mary's child
Though surrounded by all of man's goods we embrace
The hope of that Bethlehem night
We will never store this blessed gift away
With the tinsel and colored lights

Chorus
All year long
We must worship day by day
All year long
Tis the season to obey
May the Christmas tree lights
And the sleigh rides at night
Remind us all to stay in God's presence
All year long

Cilla

Last night I said good- bye to Cilla. She's moving to Pennsylvania to fulfill what she feels is God's Will for her life. I'm happy for her... yet I am sad... Sad because she's my friend and I just so happen to like her just a little bit. We've known each other since we were a year old and even though there've been things that have got in the way sometimes (moving... etc...) we still end up back as bf's :) so Cilla's very important to me and I love her... I'm going to miss her. ALOT. I've already had several episodes of tears... and I know I'll have more. But I am proud of her for doing what God wants! I wouldn't hold her back from doing God's Will for anything. HE is the most important person and HE is the only One who matters.

Cilla, we've grown up together, we've laughed and cried... we've seen good times, we've seen bad... we've went from playing house, to driving... we've talked about everthing from food to science... we've learned to trust in Jesus, and to follow after His perfect Example... we've found God's Will for our lives...we've learned to fly... We're going seperate earthly paths for now, but we'll still be on the same course... We're going due north... right towards our Heavenly Home where we will be together for always!

May God be near to you as you make this adjustment and settle into your new life. With much love and support,
Holly


A song that fits so well...

Friends are Friends Forever
Michael W. Smith

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show

We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

I'm something special

I've been thinking of this song alot recently (especially the chorus) and what it really means. I know it's little kids song, but I think that there is a lesson for us "old folks" too! :)

I'm far from being perfect on the outside, but do I have to be? As long as my heart is clean and perfect before God does it matter what I look like? No, not really. Why then is it so hard to accept my outside(looks) for what it is then? You think it's because of what other people say? Yeah... I think that's alot of it.

When I was in my younger teen years (13-16 or so) I had a REALLY hard time accepting myself. Now? I still struggle sometimes, but God has helped me to see that I'm something special! I'm the ONLY one of my kind. There's no one else like me... I'm unique... fashioned by the hand of God. Who am I to say that He made me wrong? Since I've learned this lesson I've tried to look at "me" and try to find that "something special" to try to use to help others. For you see, "He had a special purpose that He wanted ME to find, so He made ME something SPECIAL" I'm the only one that can do the job that the Lord has for me. I've discovered His purposes in each step of my life and am continuing to do so. His plans are incredible and I am looking so forward to seeing how God is going to fulfill them! BUT... NOBODY else, has the same life plan as me, you know why? Cause I'm special... and my life and all that it holds was designed by God long before I was ever born. It's custom made just for me... and ya know what? You're something special! No one else could ever take your place either!

If we all are simply US what a grand place this world would be! So let's try... how about it? I'll be me and you be you and we'll do our best to fulfill the "special purpose" that God has for us!

Ok, enough rambling... Hope this makes sense... :) Made sense in my brain but had a hard time getting it on paper...er...screen ;)

Something to think about...

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold
Ron Hamilton


*** Comments by me :)

I am so thankful that in God there are NO mistakes... Everything I face is done so that I can become a "polished" gem for HIM! I was thinking of another song tonight... here is part of it... "Sometimes we need the hard times to bring us to our knees" If I never faced a problem would I ever learn to trust in God? Would I ever lean completely on HIM and trust HIM to get me through? No... I need troubles to keep me tender... to keep me leaning on His arms... to keep the fact before me that without HIM I can do NOTHING... and... I need struggles to keep on my knees asking for the Lord's infinite wisdom, amazing grace, and unfailing strength!

Just some ramblings... Have a great night my friends!

Hello All!

I haven't really fallen off the face of the planet! :) It has been a very busy couple weeks! Next week will be a happy but busy week as well... Going to my Best Friend, Bethany's wedding. Her and Ryan are tying the knot! :)I am so incredibly happy for them! Mom and I are flying out on Thursday morning and we'll be coming back on Saturday evening. The wedding is at noon on Saturday, so I'll spend some time at the reception with them and then head on to airport. I may not be posting next week but I promise I'll be posting lots of pictures of the wedding once I get back!

As far as other news goes, I'm getting ready to start my book probably in a week or so. Of course I've already started it as far as research, planning and all that stuff goes, but I'm hoping to actually start writing here in a couple weeks. Next week I won't have time to do much of anything on my book... but that's ok. I am really excited about this new story line and I plan to share things about my book as I get into it, with all of you.

There are so many other things that are happening but I must close for tonight. Have a great Thursday all, and Sleep Tight!!

Thinking...

about Jesus and the love that He has bestowed upon me. Thinking about the song, "When answers aren't enough, there IS Jesus!" Thinking about all the crazy things in my life that there just aren't answers to, but knowing in the midst of all that, there is Jesus who is not just an answer, He IS the solution. Take all of my life Lord, the good and the bad and help me to walk through each situation with your love and grace. Jesus tonight I am... Hiding in Thee, yes, hiding in Thee, Thou Blessed Rock of Ages, I'm hiding in Thee!

When foes attack my heart with fear and doubt, When friends reject my love, my heart cries out, You are my strength and shield, my great reward, Hide me beneath your wings, I need you, Lord.

You are my fortress, You are my hiding place, in times of trouble, I run to the rock and seek Your face. Though others fail me, my Dearest Friend is always true, Oh how I love You. You are my fortress, I trust in You!


Where can I run for help, where can I stay, who sees my secret need before I pray,
who sees my trembling heart, And feels my fear. Who knows my troubled thoughts and draws me near.

You are my fortress, You are my hiding place, in times of trouble, I run to the rock and seek Your face. Though others fail me, my Dearest Friend is always true, Oh how I love You. You are my fortress, I trust in You!

You are my foretress... Ron Hamilton (Majesty Music)

Good nightworld, and remember: There's nothing to hard that God can't pull you out of it!

Love Divine-- ALL love's excelling

How else do you describe the love of Jesus? Thank you, Lord for dying for me! Thank-you, Lord, for taking my place! Thank-you, Lord, for going through such pain and agony, just for me. No words could ever come close to expressing all the thankfulness I feel toward my blessed Lord and Saviour! Nothing I do could ever come close to giving Him back everything He gave to and for me! All I can do is give my life back to Him! I promise, Jesus, to always serve you and to try to always be exactly what you want me to be! I love you, Lord!


This song says what Jesus did for us so aptly... Listen closely to the words

Something to think on...

Jesus made the world to bring forth new life...
From the beginning of sin to Jesus' death, the sacrifices made by the priests provided people with a new life in Christ...
God sent Jesus as a baby again bringing about a "new" life...
Jesus healed many people, giving them a "new" life...
Jesus raised many from the dead, giving them new life...
Jesus died, went back to His Father and sprinkled His precious blood on the mercy seat of Heaven so that we can have a NEW LIFE!!! We can be free from sin and the bent towards it!! Hallelujah! That same blood that can save us can sanctify us and cleanse us from the sin nature, making us pure and undefiled by sin and any uncleanness!! Glory to His name!!!
THEN... Jesus AROSE!!!!!!! He's alive!!! He conquered death and it's sting! Now we can have NEW LIFE here on earth... THEN we can have a NEW LIFE in HEAVEN with Him!!!! We have the blessed opportunity to live forever with the King of Kings!! How amazing that is!!!

You know the one thing that has been going through my head the whole time I have been typing this is: Who am I that a King would bleed and die for? Who am I that He would pray, "Not my will, thine Lord"... The answer I may never know Why He ever loved me so, that to an old rugged cross He'd go, for Who am I?

I am so unworthy of such mercy... yet while He was on the cross... I was on His mind! Thank you, Jesus for paying such an aweful price so that I could be free! I owe you everything I am, and all I ever hope to be!And even that can never scratch the surface of repaying you for all you've done for me!! I love you, Lord!

It's Almost Easter...

And that means a whole week of posts, songs, poems, writings and so on about the real reason for Easter, Our Redeemer!

I'm lovin' it!

I'm loving the new page feature of blogger! Check it out often for you'll never know when there will be something new up. A short post tonight for sure, but I have all kinds of things planned for this week, so hold on to your hat! It's sure to be a busy week here in my corner of cyberspace... :) Goodnight my friends, sleep tight and by all means, DON'T let the bedbugs bite.







And Remember... God's in His heaven, ALL'S right with the world~

Holding Tight to the Dream by Roseanna White

It's with great pleasure that I present to you, Roseanna White, an incredible writer, an amazing critic, and a great friend! I know you all will be inspired to "hold tight to the dream" just as I have been! Thank-You Roseanna, for doing this for me! You're the best! Oh and by the way, check out her blog at www.roseannamwhite.blogspot.com! It's worth your time! :)

Holding Tight to the Dream



When I was, oh, six years old or so, I learned about a peculiar magic called writing. Not just putting pencil to paper, though that was the gate–but using that skill to put down those stories running rampant through my mind. From the very first time my teacher assigned the task of writing a story for class, I knew that this magic was something special, something that came from deep inside me.

When I was twelve, I started carrying around a 3-ring binder loaded with notebook paper, which had My Book in it. After I finished my assignments for class, I’d break that baby out and write. My classmates got used to it and would gladly offer names when I needed new characters. =) I finished that book when I was thirteen.

For me, writing was at once a shimmering dream floating ever on the horizon and air that I just couldn’t live without. I have to write. I can’t go through a day without a story in my head. I can’t walk down the street without translating the visual images into words.

But writing and making a living from writing are two very different things. Isn’t that the way with dreams? Enjoying them is easy. But grasping them, holding onto them, making them turn into something solid after your eyelids flutter open in the morning . . . that’s tough.

Through college, I didn’t worry so much about it. Writing was sanity. I wrote to unwind from my ridiculously tough workload, getting up early, jotting down notes on stories during class, bringing my laptop along when I knew I’d have a spare half hour. I wrote what I loved, I wrote because I loved it. And because I never tried to bridge the gap between my world of writing and the world of writing, I thought I could do anything with my words. It gave me a confidence that couldn’t be shaken–

Until I tried to get published. Talk about a bucket of cold water being dumped over my head! I had toyed with publishing before, but after college I got serious about it and joined a writers association. Soon I realized that I was doing so . . . much . . . wrong.

It shook me–it really did. And you can tell as much if you read the last book I wrote before I learned all the “rules” and then the first one after. Before, I wrote with passion and confidence. After, I wrote with a wavering spirit and an invisible but perceptible “Is this right??” I still wrote, don’t get me wrong. But it took me a few manuscripts, and a few rewrites, to get to the point where I could use my new knowledge to strengthen my dream instead of just dashing it to pieces.

I’m 27 now. Had you asked me back in high school, I would have told you that by 27 I’d have a whole shelf full of books with my name on the spine. In reality, I have one, and it’s “only” a small press book, which means it’s not available everywhere. But you know what? It’s made the dream burn stronger. I haven’t sold a ton of copies of A Stray Drop of Blood yet, but it’s starting to click. The rave reviews out there are gaining attention, and I’ve had people comment on the great things they’ve heard about it when I have no idea where they’ve heard these things.

When I come across an aspiring author (like you, Holly!), I feel this need bubble up inside to help, to point them in the directions I had to grope for blindly, to make sure they know right away the things that it took me years to discover. That way when the waves of self-doubt strike (as they surely will), I’m there to assure them that the tide will go out, and they’ll be left with perfect, moldable sand with which to build their castle of dreams.

I think the most important thing you can do when you see a dream shimmering on your horizon is to ask for God to be your clarification. Is this His vision for you? If so, He’ll sharpen your focus, He’ll be your telescope, your microscope, your magnifying glass–depending on how close it is. If it’s not, then He can redirect your gaze to another dream, one designed perfectly for you.

Is achieving it easy, even when it’s His will? Absolutely NOT. But when you trust in it and keep your focus true, then each step, each pothole, each bump will bring you new lessons that you needed, new challenges to craft you into the creature you need to be for its fulfillment.

I’m still waiting for my “big break,” for “success.” And that’s okay–I can wait forever, if I have to. Because I’m secure in my dream, and I know I’m doing what the Lord wants me to do. I have seen lives touched by my words, and it humbles me. Brings tears to my usually-dry eyes. Who am I, that He would use me?

Who are you, that He wouldn’t? We are His children, and we are charged with reaching others for Him. And what an awesome God, that He equips us with dreams with which to carry that out! If you have a dream, something that just won’t let you go, ask Him how He wants to use it, how it can glorify Him. And then follow on whatever crazy, backwards, confusing path He takes you on. You might not come out where you think you should, but you’ll be right where He wants you to be.

Special Day!

Tomorrow is going to be a very special day! My awesome friend and critic, Roseanna White, has graciously agreed to do a guest post for me. That will be featured here tomorrow! Don't miss it, it's going to be good!

Love Notes...

Three years ago today the earth lost a precious, precious man and Heaven gained a jewel. Uncle Paul left us to be with his Heavenly Father whom he loved so much! I miss him so very much and would give anything to give him just one more hug, to hear his contagious laugh just one more time... But Jesus wanted him, and although I miss him more than I can say, I could never wish him back! He's been in Heaven with the King of Kings for three years! He's been cuddling with Justin (my baby cousin who has been enjoying Heaven for 10 and half years), and worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Uncle Paul is medication free, he has no more sickness, no shots, nothing bad at all! He's enjoying Heaven's beauty, breathing celestial air, holding the hand of God, he's probably been fishing out of that crystal sea,(not trying to be sacreligious, but he loved to fish so I just think that might be kinda fitting), he has made it HOME! With so many loved ones over there on the other side, Heaven has an even stronger pull! I LONG to go HOME!

Today I just want to post some "love notes" to him... Aunt Shelia(his wife) sent me one that was being published in their paper today... I'm going to write one and if any of you knew him and want to leave a "love note" in a comment I'll add it to this post.



Dear Uncle Paul,
Today it's been three years since you went home. The Bible says that in heaven 1,000 years is but a day so you probably feel like you've only been there a minute or two... To me it feels like it's been so long since I was privileged to hear your voice, see your smile, give you a hug and receive one of your bear hugs in return... Then it seems just like yesterday and at the same time forever since you and I were talking about me getting my permit. You were so anxious to ride with me when you came down again! Wasn't it just moments ago you were telling me that you'd be there for my High School graduation for sure... then you told me how proud you were of me and that you loved me... Just a few minutes ago I was telling you "bye" and giving you a hug, cause I wouldn't see you again til' the next year. I've often wondered what I would have done differently if I had known that those were the last conversations that I'd be able to have with you here on this earth... What would I have done? What would I have said? The last thing you said to me was "Keep serving Jesus, Holly! I love you and I'll see you next year!" You hugged me and kissed my cheek, I hugged you back and told you that I loved you too, then it was time to go. If I had known that would be my last chance to see you alive this side of Heaven I would have told you I loved you again, let you know how special you were to me, I would have hugged you one more time... I would have done so much if I had known... But I didn't. A short three weeks later we received a phone call during morning break at school. It was Aunt Shelia crying and telling us that you were gone. You went HOME. I miss you so much, but I could never wish you back. How could I ever want you to leave Jesus and all the glory and beauty of Heaven to come back to this corrupt, sick, filthy, and hurtful world? I can't... I'll be Home soon, so keep watching for me! I love you and always will! Give Justin a hug and kiss for me... and would you do me a special favor? Tell Jesus I love Him so much and can't wait to see Him and worship Him forever! I know He already knows but would you just deliver my message in person...

All my love,
Your "Holly-Girl"

P.S. I sent you and Justin a balloon yesterday... they were from my Birthday... Justin's was a pink heart, and your's had cupcakes on it... Have you got them yet? Your name's are on them... If you haven't keep watching cause' I just know that you'll get them...

Happy Birthday!

Yeppers that's right, today I am officially an adult! I've joined the ranks of all you voters out there. YAY!!! I can now work basically anywhere I want... including Starbucks.(You can't work there until you're 18 cause of the risk of burns... I'm serious I called about getting a job there a few years back... (: ) Yeah, there's alot of things I can do now. Yesterday I wasn't able to do much and at 12:00 a.m. today my world completely changed! Tons of doors opened and my possibilities and opportunities became nearly limitless! I can't believe that I'm eighteen already... I remember the year that I became a double digit kid and I was SOOO excited! At that point I thought that kids that were 18 were kinda old... Well, they're not... :) I also thought that they had to feel a certain way, because they're an adult... I mean they're 18 after all! I don't feel any different than I did yesterday but alot of things have changed in just one day! 18 is pretty cool I must say... It feels good... It feels independent... It feels like I've yet another new set of wings to try out... And above all else it feels like I have so much more to learn and need all of you, my dear family and friends, to keep me in your prayers as I enter into my adult life. I want to live my life for Jesus and follow after Him, and in doing that I hope to keep my regrets to a minimum. I know as long as I hold His hand He'll lead me into the ways I need to go. Enough rambling... more to come later...
Happy Birthday To Me~

Did you notice?

Did you notice the countdown at the top of my blog that says that MY 18th BIRTHDAY IS ONLY 9 DAYS AWAY??? Yes, there was a need for all the CAPS... it's MY BIRTHDAY we're talking about... :) ok ok... just wanted to remind you... I know you all wanted to know right? :)

Friendship Month...

I promised you all there would be some cool things this month and here ya go... My boyfriend Nathan, has consented to be a guest writer for me. You'll enjoy it I know!

My Aim, My Constant Prayer

Pause the music at the bottom of the page...
Lord, Make me a servant... truly this is my heart's cry.

Feeling all wrapped up

I'm feeling all wrapped up tonight. Wrapped in something that's more comfortable than my favorite chair, warmer than my softest blanket, sweeter than my favorite candy (hershey bliss melt aways in case you wondered) more comforting than my momma's hug, more secure than my home when Poppy's here, and more reassuring than my bestest friend's "I'm here for you".
I'm wrapped up in Jesus' arms and I must say, darkness looks lighter, high mountains look shorter, deep valley's look more shallow, and since I'm sitting way up high above all the problems I can see victory on the horizon! I'm taking all this in, committing it all to memory so I can take it with me back to the battlefield and bring it back to mind when I can't see Him or feel His hand... I'll know that I can't get battered to far to the right or to the left without "falling" into His arms, and I'll also know that I can't get knocked completely down without His wings catching me. Thank-You, Jesus, for the safety of Your arms. I Love You!

Consider the Lilies...

Consider the lilies

They don’t toil or spin

And there’s not a king

With more splendor than them

Consider the sparrow

They don’t plant or sow

But they’re fed by the master

Who watches them grow

We have a heavenly father above

With eyes full of mercy

And a heart full of love

He really cares when

Your head is bowed low

Consider the lilies

And then you will know

May I introduce you

To this friend of mine

Who hangs out the stars

And tells the sun when to shine
He kisses the flowers

Each morning with dew

But He’s not too busy

To care about you

We have a heavenly father above

With eyes full of mercy

And a heart full of love

He really cares when

Your head is bowed low

Consider the lilies

And then you will know

I'm thankful for my Heavenly Father today... He cares about the big things in my life but He cares about the little things too! Thank-You, Jesus, I Love You.

Happy Saturday!

Good Morning Everyone!! Hope all of you had a wonderful night of sleep! I slept kinda asi-asi... (Spanish for so-so, just in case you were wondering(; ) But I am feeling pretty good! Got kind of a busy day planned... going to try to get some things ready for the garage sale we're having next weekend as far as I know. Then we have prayer meeting at 5:30 tonight... not like a Wednesday night prayer meeting but just a time were people can come together to pray... it's a wonderful time. Then after that Pop's gotta get his hair cut,well all of his hairs cut if you want to be technical about it... :) I think that's it... besides eating, a couple times today and going to bed tonight that is... ;) What are you all doing this Saturday?

Let's CELEBRATE!!

It's friendship month, and that means that for the remainder of this month, the posts here will be mostly on friendship... got some ideas rolling around in my head... I think you'll enjoy them! ok signing off for now... I have posted three times today already... ;)

nighty-night my friends...

Ahhh....

Now doesn't that feel better? Yeah it does! If you don't get the opening statements read prior blog post FIRST! then you know you'll get it... I hope... ;)

Totally cute background and header if you ask me... and the music is phenomenal!! Of course then it IS my blog and so I WOULD think that! ;) Anyway I can feel the creative juices starting to flow back to brain already! How about a guest writer would you all like that? Give me some feedback ok? I wanna know what would make you all happy! Of course most of the time it will be lovable me on here, but occasionally there just might be a really cool "event" we'll see, my friends, we'll see! I'll be posting more soon but for tonight remember this: We have to be weak to be strong... do you get it? I think you do... leave me a comment and let me know!

A decision...

I have a decision to make... To keep or not to keep this blog going is the question? There is so much stuff that is happening/has happened that I could blog about but I don't feel the excitement of blogging anymore... Do any of you still read my ramblings? I don't know what to do...

I think maybe my blog needs a facelift... a change... maybe that'll make me feel more energetic about posting huh? let's see if it does...

Just Because...

It blessed my heart! You know, sometimes it feels like the Devil is doing about everything he possibly can to wear you out... if it's not emotionally then it's physically and if it's not physically then it's oh well you get the point... Well sometimes you don't need an *answer, you just need Jesus, because He IS the answer!

Thoughtful about...

Amazing Love. Who am I that the Son of God should bleed and die for? Who am I that He should leave His home in Heaven to come to sinful earth? Who am I that He takes time to meet with me? Who am I that the King of Kings would live inside my heart? Who am I that He would want me to be with Him forever? Who am I that Jesus would answer my prayers? I am no one. So why would the Lord of Glory do these things for me? The only thing I can see for an answer to that is just two words... AMAZING LOVE! Aren't you thankful for the love of Jesus? I am so thrilled with Jesus! He's my Bright and Morning Star, the Lily of the Valley, my elder Brother, my Father, my Friend, my ALL!!!