My New little cousin

My aunt had her baby Friday morning! We are going to see her today. So, hopefully I will have some pictures of us with her. Her name is Quinci Elizabeth, by the way. Well, I had better go.

Survivor

Survivor started last week. It was interesting. I'll have to wait a while to see how I really like this season.

Friday was OK. In chair try-outs I got 7th. I was aiming for 4th again, but as you all know, I did poorly. I'll have to be content with this arrangement, for now, until next time.

We got Concert choir Cd's Friday. One of our songs is the Hallelujah Chorus. We went through the first two pages. It was very fun.

Mozart

In lessons this week I got a new piano piece. It's called Fantasia 1. Go to You Tube, type in 'Fantasia by Mozart,' watch and enjoy!

In theory last week, in the Beethoven an Brahms theory, we ended up splitting up. The reason is that there was two books that was offered in this class. I am in the book 4 class. Last week we played games, which was fun. When we were ready to start one of the games(the musical version of Jeopardy) we had gotten into two lines(boys vs. girls) and the girls all pushed me up to the FRONT of the line!!!!!! While they were doing that and shoving the bell into my hands, I asked them "why ME?" And one of the girls answered: "Because your good!" I didn't think that, but I decided NOT to argue. I did answer the question correctly, though, which is good! But the whole category is the one that I have down no problemo, the others, I still have to work on. Not to mention that the category that I have down was not a category that was available!! It was "Name that Tune and Composer." In the category, they play a sample of music, you have to answer with the title of the song, where the song came from, and who the Composer is. For example, the question that I got right was: "Hoedown from Rodeo by Aaron Copland." Good for me that the guy I was up against really didn't know the answer.

Audrey is such a DOLL!!!!!! I really want to take her home with me SOOOOOOOOOOO badly!!!!! But I guess I will have to be content with seeing her once a week.

*sigh with a sad, downcast face*

Actions

Why did I put this as my title? Let me explain.

What is the definition of action? it is simply this:

Action-the movement of a person or thing.

There is a song by Jaci Velasquez that I think really goes well with what I will be tyring to say. It is called "Thief of Always." It goes something like this.

Before the winter chill has gone
The springtime rivers rise
Before the setting sun has disappeared
The moon is rising high

And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know

Chorus:
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know his love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the LORD to touch your life

Before the trees have shed
Their autumn gold
To leave the barest bark
The frost beneath our feet
Will sparkle bright
Like crystals under the sky

And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know

Chorus:
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know his love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the LORD to touch your life

Don't ever doubt that God
Can lift us high
Allow the flame of Heaven
To be our guide

Chorus:
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know his love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the LORD to touch your life

Now I want to introduce you to two people(who are not real, I am using them as examples, these are not real people) that I will be comparing what I say with.

The first is Fred. He says that he is a christian. But for two weeks I have been secretly watching his ACTIONS. For example, the way he lives his life by the way he treats his family, friends, and himself. What I have seen is not backing up what he said. What I saw was him drinking, smoking, wearing the wrong clothing, and hanging out with the wrong friends that have started him on drugs. On top of that, he is snappy with everyone. Selfish if you want to call it that.

The second is Matt. He also says that he is a Christian. Also I have been secretly watching his ACTIONS, just like Fred. But what I saw was surprising. He has the best attitude, friends, family, and clothing. He reads his Bible with his friends, a Bible study if you want to call it that. I saw that he has the ability to cook, and he drinks lots of water. He never thinks of himself.

So, how am I going to apply these two guys to Actions? Well, I am going to use Bible verses to help define who is the best to have as a friend.

Lets look at Proverbs 20:11.
"Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right."

So, even a CHILD is known by his actions. So that means that EVERYONE is known by their actions. So, that would mean that you and I are known by our actions.

You all know that in this day and age friendships are based on appearances. I base my friendships on your actions, on how you treat the friends you already have. To see if I want to be treated the same way.

It also says that his actions are based by whether his conduct is pure and right. What does 'pure and right' mean? It means that his actions are the best that anyone could possibly have.

So, we can use this verse to help us see which of our two examples is the best for a friend. Which of the two guys do you think describes the best?

Matt, of course! His actions are the best that you could possibly have.

OK, lets look at Romans 12:1-2
"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual ACT of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

So, this is a LONG passage. But it has a very important message about our actions. We are to give our bodies as a 'living sacrifice.' What does that mean? A 'living sacrifice.' It means that we are to live as an offering to God. That we are to honor God in all that we do. That means that our action are to honor God and show that we have a great God. The second half of the passage is saying that we have to not act like the rest of the world, but to train our minds to be able to decide of to hear what God has planed for us. That is his 'good, pleasing and perfect will.'

So, which of the two guys does this describe?

Matt, yet again!

Now, lets look at another one. 1st John 2:16
"For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world."

Again, what does this verse mean? It means that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is what is being said is of Satan, and it is right. As is all of the Bible. Because, the world is his dominion. He has reign over all evil.

So, which of the two guys is this verse describing?

Fred, of course.

Now, Mattew 5:16.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Let your light so shine before men. What does that mean exactly? It means to let what good you have inside shine through so that everyone can see it. See what good? Your good ACTIONS. The way you really treat others. With kindness and goodness.

Which one would be best to describe this verse?

Matt again.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
"19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Our body is a house of God. That means that God lives within you if you are a Christian!! That is amazing!! It also says that we were bought at a price. That price is that God sent Jesus to die on the cross to die for the sins that we commit. So we are to honor God with our Body which is our Actions. So that He fan shine through us.

Who is this verse made for?

Matt.

Philippians 4:13.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

We and do all things through him who gives us strength. That is if we are having a hard time letting our Actions shine through us to honor God, and the world is pulling us down, we can always go to God for strength.

This applies to everyone who is a believer.

James 2:19-20.
"19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?"

That faith without deed is useless or dead. So if we believe and we don't show that we believe, how are other believers to know that? How are we to fellowship with others if they don't know? If you believe that Jesus died for your sins of the cross and don't let others who do know, how are you to strengthen your walk with the LORD if you stay hidden in the closet for the rest of your life? You need to show that you believe in God. Even if it means that you give your life for it.

Matt won this round again.

1 Samuel 2:3.
"Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the LORD is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed."

By him deeds are weighed.
Actions are weighed by God.
So what we do in our life is known by God. God knows what you did yesterday, today, and for the rest of your life. Everything that you have done or will do, he knows. So, if you want treasures in heaven, don't store them up down here on earth. Store them up with God. For He is the only one who really will remember everything.

Matt again.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
"11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

This is my favorite passage if the Bible. I think it really describes who I am. Maddie agrees with me on that.

We need to be able to work hard, have a quite life, and to not have nose problems. Some people like to gossip, right. But we need to be able to keep to ourselves, and let others tell us if something is wrong. Let them admit that they need help. That is what Paul meant when he said 'so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.' He wants us to not have to owe anybody anything.

I think that Matt gets this one as well.

So there are 9 passages from the Bible that talk about Actions. Which one was able to get the most?

Matt.

A real Christian lives out what he/she says.
Make it your ambition to lead a life that will store up treasures beyond comprehension up in heaven.

I want to tell you all a story.
It is called "Power of your Actions" and I thought it fitting to share it. I don't know who the auther is, but this is a real story. I got it from a Sunday School Class several years ago.

"One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class who was walking home form school. His name was kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned(parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, Isaw a bunch of kiks running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all of his boods out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eyes. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives."

He looked at me and said, "Hey, thanks!" There was a big smile of his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived quite near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.

He said he had gone to a private school before now. Until then, I never would have hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I helped carry his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play foorball on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes.

We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "You are really going to build some serious muscles with thes pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for buisness on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had mofe dates thatn me and all the girls LOVED HIM!!!

Boy, somethimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could tell he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks(the really greatful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and begain. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those though years.

Your parents, teachers, siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carring in stuff home.

He looked har at me and gave ma a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard a gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same greatful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never undrestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others."

My New Template

How do you all like my new template? My sister helped me to get it on here.

At orchestra Friday, we had chair try-outs. I did horible! It might of had something to do with the fact that I was sitting. Usually I stand when I am doing something by myself. Like for lessons, I stand while playing. The only time that I sit and play for violin is in orchestra playing with a big group. So that might have had something to do with it. I'm NOT looking forward to seeing the results.

Well, have to go get ready for school.

Batman Begins

Well, last night I(along with my parents, Emily, and Gabe) watched Batman Begins. I liked it. After we had finished the movie, Kara and Maddie thought that we, Emily and myself, had warped minds for watching a movie like that. But they also said that about the Lord of the Rings.

Hopefully what I said a couple of days ago made sense to everyone. If it didn't, please tell me.

Well, I had better go do school. Yes we started this week. I am aming to not get behind this year. I did last year, and I hated it!! I know hate is a strong word but, I think it is better than lothe. Even if they mean the same thing.

Physical Therapy

To Heather-in Christ alone:
This is horsegirl.
The type of therapy I am interested in is physical therapy for mentally and/or physically handicapped people where you use horses as the therapy. The handicapped people are aided in riding as they build self-confidence, personal-interaction with their horse, improve balance, and being able to concentrate on tasks. They take these skills that they learn at the center and apply it with every-day life.

When I first found out about Horse Therapy, I had volunteered at a Horse therapy center for a Sunday school project. Volunteering at that time triggered a spark of interest to do this. Since I LOVE horses, and wanted to do something WITH horses as a career, I thought this would be what God was telling me to look into.

There have been many reports by family members that have a loved one that had been using regular physical therapy, then switched over to horse therapy and saw incredible results.

Like one person that I read about from the center I volunteered at. Her son, I think, had been on physical therapy for several months, and he hadn't made much progress. The family heard about horse therapy, decided to give it a try, and fell in love with the environment and assistance. After either the first or second riding session, the guy walked from the horse to his wheelchair, I think, on his own. He might of had some assistance in the walk, but they hadn't seen him with that much independence since before his accident.

So, I hope that I have answered your questions. Hopefully I have also inspired some other people to look into this more, especially if you are, like me, horse people and want a career option other than training.

First Days are Tiring

Orchestra went well yesterday, seeing that it was only the first day.

I was really excited about Choir. After Bel Canto(Select Choir) I was sad thinking that choir was over. Then I realized, that I had a whole other hour of choir after I taught my beginner theory class! Then I got really excited.

After theory, I went to the Concert(High School) Choir. It has at least doubled in size. Our guy section has really grown. That has to be the biggest addition to the choir.

In my theory class, I have an adorable little girl. She is 8, has shoulder length dark blond hair, blue eyes, and just the sweetest personality that anyone could possibly have! I wanted to take her home with me. I still do! Her name is Audrey.

Life is soooo Confusing Sometimes

Well, to start out we were going to start school this week. But we didn't. So I still have at least one more week of freedom left. But I probably shouldn't be saying that. Since my teacher(my mom) reads my blog. Yes I am home schooled. It is fun, yet hard all at the same time. The fun list is:
1. We can stay in our pj's all day long if we want to.
2. ORCHESTRA.
3. You can, somewhat, work at your own pace.
4. You can have a one-on-one with your teacher.
5. You have a very flexible schedule.
The bad, hard list is:
1. You can get behind if you aren't careful.
2. When you get sick #1 can become a BIG factor.....
3. It seems to take forever to get back to were you need to be.
4. Your teacher is always on your tail to see that you get the work done in time for summer.

Kara and I have an orchestra performance on Saturday. It will be the last time for the Beethoven and Brahms of last year to play. It's saddening to think about. So I won't think about it until the performance is actually over.

Another thing that we did in Tennessee was that we went on a 1.3 mile hike to see a waterfall.It was gorgeous!!!!! The water was FREEZING!!!!!!!! But it felt good on my hot skin. You could say that it revived me for the 1.3 mile trip back to the van. I think Kara has some pics of the trip on her blog.

Hi, I'm Back!!!!!!

Does the title say what I'm thinking right now?

The answer is YES.

I really had a fun time in Tennessee. I did NOT come back with an accent. Thank goodness!!!!!!

We went to the Biltmore Estate. It had 250 some-odd rooms. We only saw a small fraction of them. It was 153,000 acers when it was at its biggest. The house has a mid-evil look to it. It was an awesome experience.

Well, I'll tell you more later.