Multitude Monday

Thank You, Father for…

13. Jon’s 12th birthday on Friday.

14. Successful Surprises.

15. Prayers answered in ways we didn’t expect.

16. Your Faithfulness when I am unfaithful.

17. Your Faithfulness when I think HYou haven’t answered a prayer, but I find out later You did; You were just doing it in a different way than what I was thinking, and everything turned out alright (-even better!-) than it would have had it been done my way.

18. Your Wisdom.

19. My beautiful new Canon Rebel Xsi. Thank You, Father.

20. The resources to learn photography skills.

21. Beautiful Sisters in Christ who are such encouragements and inspiration. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” -Proverbs 27:17 NKJV

Why I Won NaNoWriMo… But Didn’t.

So, I know this is way after NaNo ended, but hey, better late than never, right?

First off, I will say this: I did not technically win NaNo. I wrote about 7k+ words, but didn’t make it beyond because real-life stepped in and took over. :-/

HOWEVER. It was a great experience while it lasted, and I will most definitely be doing it again next year (though hopefully I will actually win it next year!) Also, I did not ‘lose’ empty-handed.

Though I didn’t make it to 50,000 words, NaNo helped teach me some other very important skills that I’m very thankful for. Mainly, it (and serious prayer) helped me get out of the cycle of laziness and procrastination that I’d fallen into. It helped give me a ‘kickstart’ to actually DO things, instead of thinking and writing about them. And, it also gave me several great tips from other writers for future reference as well as the knowledge that, if nothing else, I’ve written 7k+ words of a story!

So, I won some things that were, for me, even more important than a winner’s badge.

(Besides, this year was just a taste; next year will be the real thing! )

And for any other writers out there, we are actively working on getting the ‘Writers’ Society‘ up and running! If you have any ideas or would like to be part of it in any way, please let me know!

~Tea

Help?

…hey, just to let you guys know, the ’spam blocker’ thing on the blog is now showing that it has ‘protected’ my site from several ’spam’ comments, but has not even shown me what they were so I could moderate them myself. I think it may have deleted some perfectly safe comments without my approval (it did this on an old blog of mine with a comment my grandfather left – I don’t know why it decided the comment was spam.) If you’ve posted a comment and you don’t see it here, would you please let me know? Thank you so much.

~Tea

Multitude Monday

I actually discovered this via A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles (thank you, Breezy!), and have decided to partake in this journey as well. If you’d like to see more details, click the banner above.

I think this will be a very eye-opening experience for me, showing me how blessed I truly am.

Thank you, Father for…

1. My car. I know the only way it worked out was through You.
2. Christmas party at work, as awkward as it was for me at first.
3. Being able to go with another family to the Chik-fil-a Open House so we didn’t feel so out of place or alone.
4. Helping me find yarn that’s a close enough color to work with the blanket.
5. Moments of ‘light’, where something I’ve been confused about or struggled to understand has been made clear to me.
6. All the seasons. Even though I sometimes complain about the extreme days of winter and summer, there is something to appreciate about them.
7. Irish and Scottish heritage, culture, accents, music, history…
8. Máiréad Nesbitt’s Celtic Violin.
9. My amazing, wonderful Mom who works so hard to support us, who keeps the home running, is always there for us, teaches us, trains us, points us to You. She does so much, and I am just so thankful that you’ve blessed me with her as my mother. (and that You opened my eyes to realize that before it was too late.)
10. For being able to be with family again for holiday time (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, etc.) We’ve missed them so much the last few years; it truly is a blessing to be near them again.
11. Our house. That was a miracle, a precious gift the way You worked it out, Father. I am so thankful; I often forget, and just don’t think about it. These are precious gifts that I must not forget.
12. For teaching me patience and trust, little bit by little bit, as You unfold Your Will for me.

Soli Deo Gloria.

~Tea

He is Faithful

Today’s sermon was absolutely fantastic.

Normally, sermons on the Christmas story seem to go over the same things every year, but this year, we’re at a different church (I love it and the church family, by the way) and Pastor Chris preached on the first half of Matthew ch. 1 (which you’ll notice, if you look, is mainly just Jesus’ genealogy). Now, he is very enthusiastic and excited when it comes to Scripture, and the enthusiasm is very catching, hence the feeling jubilant!

Now, because it’s Sunday night, I can’t remember exactly how he said it all, so I’ll just give you the few main points I can remember:

1. “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ” – did you know that the actual Greek word that was translated into English as ‘genealogy’ was ‘Genesis’? Sound familiar? ‘Genesis’ means ‘beginnings’. This is (obviously) about the beginning of Jesus’ human life, but it also shows us that even in the writing of the Gospel according to Matthew, God was pointing back to the beginning of the Bible, showing us that He had this all worked out from the dawn of time! Everything points to Jesus; all of history, stories and situations throughout the whole Bible. He didn’t just say, oh, I guess they need someone to save them. He planned it all out, down to the last detail!
2. The lineage gives us one proof that Jesus was a REAL person. He had a family, a heritage, ancestors, for His human-side. And even the timing of all the generations points to His perfect timing. Even Jesus’ name, ‘Yeshua’, means “God Saves.”
3. I’ve always wondered at the significance of the 4 women who are specifically mentioned in His lineage. I know all their stories, but I couldn’t figure out what the importance of them being a part of Jesus’ lineage was. Pastor Chris offered an explanation that I think fits very well: all four women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba) were foreigners; (Tamar was a Canaanite, Rahab was from Jericho, Ruth was a Moabitess, and Bathsheba was a Hittite) and most of them had dark pasts. Why, you may ask, were these women even mentioned in a lineage where usually only males were listed? Why these particular women, who most of them were not exactly poster children for virtue and purity? – Why? Because each of them is proof of God’s redemptive power. He proved through the example of these women that He can overcome our dark pasts. He can overcome the disgusting sin in our hearts and bring good to and from our lives, no matter what we did before; He is the Redeemer, the Savior, the Messiah! And if we choose to believe Him, and turn from our wicked ways, He will make something beautiful from it. This is the very reason Jesus came.
4. I wonder if anyone else has wondered the significance of the whole ‘14 generations’ thing at the end of the 1st half of Matthew 1. I’ve read it, and since I know that usually numbers seems kind of significant in the Bible, I’ve wondered what that meant. Here’s a cool fact you may not have known: The Hebrew language does not have numbers. Jews count using letters instead; also, their alphabet doesn’t have vowels – it’s all consonants. So, the name ‘David’ is actually Dvd (haha). Here’s another cool fact: Daleth is the 4th letter, Va is the 6th. So if you were using the letters ‘Dvd’ to count, it would read 4+6+4 which equals…14. Now, 14 is 7 (the number of perfection) twice; thus, there’s extra significance, since it’s like perfection doubled. (my paraphrase->)”The generations from Abraham to David were 14, the generations from David to the deportation to Babylon (the ending of the Monarchy) were 14, and the generations from the deportation till the Birth of Jesus are 14.” Notice that 14 is used 3 times? 3 is the number of the Trinity. God’s fingerprints are all over even this timing!
5. When Jesus came, the Jews were expecting the Messiah to save them from earthly rulers and afflictions, such as the Roman Empire. After all, God did some similar amazing things back in the book of Judges! But, in a way, it was like God said, “That’s too small a thing; I’m going to save you from your sins instead.” After all, what’s the good of being saved from a horrible earthly life if you’re still going to be eternally separated from God? He could see the big picture even though we (as humans) couldn’t/can’t.
6. That last verse says something like “Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.” God made 2 Big Promises, to Abraham and to David. Jesus is the fulfillment of all those promises! God doesn’t forget, even though it seems to take a LONG time to see the results. We just have to trust and be patient, because God sees the whole of History and the Future and Eternity.

I’m sorry I wasn’t able to put it very clearly; I know my writing can be confusing! But I hope at least some of this made sense, and maybe encouraged your heart. It sure filled mine with joy to see more evidences of God’s Divine plan of salvation!

God bless you this week!

Soli Deo Gloria.

<3 Tea

The Sun’s Come Out…

Thanksgiving was absolutely lovely. I hope you all enjoyed yours!

Sadly, though, when we returned, we found our poor little betta fish, Leo, had jumped out of his bowl and was on a cookie rack that was drying on the counter. We don’t know how long he was there, but even after we put him back in his water, it was too late. He died during the night. :’( I know it might sound silly, saying that I cried over a fish, but it’s true. We had become very attached to him.

On to happier things.

Last night my family and I went shopping for Christmas things! (Lights, stockings, etc.) And after a trip to Walmart and Target, came home with:

5 loverly stockings (yes, we even got one for the dog! I had to roll my eyes, but have laughed and gone along with it)

This one's mine... isn't it so cute??

lots of beautiful lights

and even 2 celtic christmas cds and

a nightlight! (Yes, even at almost 18 years old, I need a nightlight. That might be a post for another time.)

I loved the whole Classic Winnie-the-Pooh thing. Too cute!

~*~

The night before last, we watched ‘The Shop Around The Corner’.

At first I was rather skeptical, but I recanted. I love it! It’s rather witty and amusing, though tinged by sadness. It’s a perfect example of human nature at its best (or worst.) I definitely recommend it.

~*~

Oh, before I forget! There are two giveaways you should go see:

1) Natalie Lloyd is giving away a copy of her book, Paperdoll – go to her blog and leave a comment saying your favorite part of thanksgiving. The ‘drawing’ will take place next Thursday, the 3rd.

2) Maggie is giving away an absolutely ADORABLE bag! Go here to find out more; the contest ends December 31st.

~*~

So what are you doing to prepare for Christmas? Got any decorations up yet? Planning a party? Trying to figure out what gifts to get (or make)? If the latter, you might want to check out Emily Rose’s A Homemade Christmas! Click on the button in the sidebar -> for more info.

~Tea

P.S. So far I’ve only had 1 response for the writing group idea… I’d love to hear from any more of you!

The Eagle and Child

So… I have something I want to ask you. Yes, YOU. A proposition, if you will.

I’ve had an ‘inkling’ (pun intended ) that I’ve been thinking about for a few weeks, and now the time has come to try to put it into action.

I want to start a sort of Writer’s Society (or Club or Gathering or whatever you like) for all of us writers. A Fellowship, if you will.

A place where we can discuss, share, encourage, help, and read. A place where we writers can go (through the whole year, not just during NaNo) and have fun contests and challenges, and share our work with those who know and understand completely the trial of producing readable work (much less completing it!)

Because, if we’re honest, not many people in real life understand why we like writing. Not many can give us advice won from personal experience and know what it’s like to write something that’s so horrible it makes you want to cry. Only a few know that desire to produce a work of art, full of beauty and truth. Even fewer understand that longing to create a STORY, one that more people than just yourself would want to read.

(And sometimes, we just need someone else who understands to spur us on, which is one of the great things during NaNo)

So.

Obviously, with NaNo going on, the actual beginning of said Fellowship can wait till December.

BUT… right now, I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, suggestions…

Because it can’t be just me. It has to be a group of us that want to do this.

It would be pointless to have a group of 1.

So what do you think? Would you like to help me create something like that? If I get the interest of at least 3 more people, I’ll make a nifty button specially for it and we’ll get the word spread.

And yes, if you were wondering, I would very much like to pattern it off of The Inklings. Perhaps even using the name (as it’s already recognized, but that’s something we can decide later on.)

And before I go, you can go here to read an essay on Who and What the Inklings were (just a note, it’s a PDF file), and here you can see a short page that has 4 great quotes on it from some of the Inkling members.

I can’t wait to hear from you, lovelies!

Have a blessed weekend.

Fandom Tag

This is a fun tag I found over at The Locket and Thoughts of a Shieldmaiden and decided to try it.

~*~

First, list twelve characters from any fandom, then answer the questions below.

1. Edmund Pevensie
2. Faramir
3. Eowyn
4. Frodo
5. Sam
6. Aslan
7. Marianne Dashwood
8. Colonel Brandon (aka Christopher)
   
9. Elinor Dashwood
10. Fanny Price
11. Sir Percy Blakeney
12. Indiana Jones

1. Who would make a better collage prof, 6 or 11?

-BAHAHAHA! That’s really funny actually… You know, I’m not sure… Probably Aslan. Oh, I don’t know. Either one.

2. Do you think #2 is hot?

-lol Yes. I kinda wish I’d stuck Edmund in second place though, but oh well.

3. 12 sends 8 out on a mission. What is it? Does it succeed?

-Oh my GOODNESS, this is just turning out to be too hilarious!! Indy sending Brandon on a mission… wow… Well, I guess maybe: Indy sends Brandon to recover an old book that has a vital clue to Indy’s next mission. Brandon is (of course) successful.

4. What is or what would be 9’s favorite book?

-Oooo…. Elinor’s favorite book….maybe something like Louisa May Alcott’s ‘An Old Fashioned Girl‘.

5. Would it make more since for 2 to swear fealty to 6, or the other way around?

-Faramir would definitely swear fealty to Aslan.

6. For some reason, 5 is looking for a roommate. Should (s)he room with 9 or 10?

-Absolutely Neither. Sam is a gentleman, and would never thinking of sharing a room with a girl.

7. 2, 7 and 12 are going out to dinner. Where do they go and what do they discuss?

-HAHAHA, Faramir, Marianne, and Indiana Jones… Well, I guess they all go to a hole-in-the-wall cafe of some sort, and discuss the details of rescuing Brandon, who was abducted on a mission for their secret ‘National Treasure-esque’ League. (Indy obviously started it, and needed some competent and wise right-hand men, so he chose Faramir and Brandon (see #3), and of course, Marianne refused to be left behind while her husband was part of such a romantic adventure.)

8. 3 challenges 10 to a duel, who wins?

-Um, yeah, Eowyn would most definitely beat Fanny Price, but I can’t imagine why they would be fighting in the first place…. Oh! I know! Eowyn is trying to help Fanny get stronger and more fit, and what better way to become more physically fit than by swordplay?

9. If 1 stole 8’s most precious possession, how would (s)he get it back?

-GAH!! Not fair, Edmund would never steal something from Colonel Brandon!! How about this… Edmund didn’t mean to steal anything, he merely thought he was getting his instructions for the next mission of the above-said league (of which Edmund is also a part of), but in reality, it was Christopher’s most treasured letter from Marianne… Christopher was upset, but understanding, and Edmund returned the letter immediately.

10. Suggest a story title in which 7 and 12 both attain what they desire.

-Raiders of the Lost Ark (there’s sufficient adventure for the two of them)

11. What kind of plot device would you have to use if you wanted 1 and 4 to work together?

-Uh… explain to Frodo that there is NO way I’m letting him and Sam go to Mt. Doom to destroy the ring if they don’t take Edmund as their bodyguard.

12. If 7 visited you for the weekend, how would it go?

-We’d get along great! We’d find some sort of adventure and scrap to get into, making Christopher and Edmund have to come rescue us…

13. If you could command 3 to perform any service or task for you, what would it be?

-I wouldn’t command Eowyn to do anything, but I would like it if she chose me to be her best friend. And if she’d teach me to ride a horse and wield a sword…

14. Does anyone on your friends list write or draw 11?

-I don’t think so…. but that works out well, because Percy prefers anonymity.

15. If 2 had to choose sides between 4 and 5, what side would (s)he choose?

-Faramir doesn’t have to choose, because Frodo and Sam are on the same side.

16. What might 10 shout out while charging into battle?

-Fanny would most definitely not be anywhere near a battle… and if she was, she’d beg “Please let me go home, I’m not strong enough for a war!”

17. If you had to choose a song to best describe 8, what would it be?

-Wow, I really don’t know. Any suggestions?

18. 1, 6 and 12 are having a dim sum at a Chinese Restaurant. There is only one scallion pancake left, and they all reach for it at the same time. Who gets it?

-Edmund would leave it for Aslan, and Indy would pause, not sure what to do, not wanting to offend Aslan, but Aslan would let Indy have it.

19. What would be a good pickup line for 2 to say to 10?

-Faramir would NEVER betray Eowyn; he loves her too much. And Fanny doesn’t fall for pickup lines; Henry Crawford already tried that.

20. What would 5 most likely be arrested for?

-lol For Eavesdropping.

21. What is 6’s secret?

-He’s sacrificed himself to save Edmund’s life.

22. If 11 and 9 were racing to a destination, who would get there first?

-Percy.

23. If you had to walk home through a bad neighborhood late at night, who would you feel more comfortable walking with, 7 or 8?

-Definitely Colonel Brandon. Marianne would understand, since he’s bigger and stronger than either of us.

24. 1 and 9 reluctantly team up to save the world from the threat posed by 4’s sinister secret organization. 11 volunteers to help them,but it is later discovered that s/he is actually a spy for 4. Meanwhile, 4 has kidnapped 12 in an attempt to force their surrender. Following the wise advice of 5, they seek out 3, who gives them what they need to complete their quest. What title would you give this fic?

-Oh my goodness… Edmund and Elinor saving the world from Frodo’s evil secret organization, while Percy is a spy for Frodo and has kidnapped Indiana Jones. Edmund and Elinor get advice from Sam, and go find Eowyn to help them. I dub it ‘The Weird, The Random, and The Insane.’ But wait… isn’t Percy already in Indy’s adventure league? Oh well…

That was so much fun! If any of ya’ll want to do this, feel free! (and leave me a comment with a link so I can read your fun answers. )

http://redsaidpaisley.wordpress.com/the-enchanted-rose/favorite-books

The Desperate Cry of a Writer for Help (with a dash of procrastination….)

Today there will be no pictures because I have spent too much time procrastinating as it already is. Funny, because in all other ways, I’d say today has been a most productive day.

Just a note, because of my current mood, I have many different thoughts swirling around my head, colliding and demanding to be made known, however unimportant some of them may be. As a result, today’s blog post will be in a sort of list form.

1. I’m so thankful for writing. It allows all thoughts to be brought to a place of peace and quiet, having been made known, having a record so they’re not forgotten, and leaving my poor little brain some room to contemplate them quietly and from a distance. It does wonders for the perspective.

2. Today I feel like being witty. Well… witty isn’t the right word. Perhaps snarky. No, that’s not it either. But whatever it is, I’m trying (feebly) to be it, and terribly not succeeding. At least I can find myself amusing.

3. Perhaps the word would be obnoxious. I don’t know yet.

4. Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair! Or at least tell me how your story is supposed to work out! My story for NaNo is a MAJOR reworking of the old fairytale Rapunzel because I believe it deserves to be redeemed from its callous, cruel, shallow state. I’ve always had issues with that fairytale. I mean, seriously…. well, I’ll save the bullet-list of questionable points for its own post (and perhaps someone might care to offer advice at such point?)

5. Everyone says that it’s the middle of NaNo that’s the hard part. I quite disagree. I’ve always had a hard time starting anything, and unforunately this time is no exception.

6. Stupid dryer beeped. Will return after folding and putting away the hideous mound of laundry…

7. Back.

8. I love: MyWritingNook, GoogleDocs, Verdana font, Mozilla Firefox tabs-ability, and the ability to make playlists on YouTube. Oh, and OST’s and NarniaWeb.

9. Oh yeah! How do you like the new design? I’ve also completely redone the prologue page… re-doings of all other pages and the sidebar will come later, because I really need to get to work on the story.

10. I really should go.

11. You know a great quote I found a while back that I want to share?

“A writer is someone for whom writing is harder than it is for other people.” -Thomas Mann

12. At some point during NaNo I will post some great writer’s advice/stuff that I’ve found, including an advice ‘poster’ and tips from C.S. Lewis.

13. Even if you’re not doing NaNo, but are a writer… I would dearly love and appreciate any encouragement, prayers, and advice!!

14. Even if you’re not a writer!

15. At some point too I’ll try to get a picture and introduce you to my new Buddy, Clarence! Try to guess what he is.

16. So…. Rapunzel. I already know a few things, but not enough to get the whole idea of the story yet. It’s still floating in a hazy mist through and round my head; I’m trying to get it into a solid shape. I think that’s why it’s so hard to start writing it… I know some bits, but the bits I still need to know is what will affect the beginning!! Grr!! It’s going to have an allegorical twist.

17. I’m really going to go now. No, seriously.

Comments (and prayers!) would be very much appreciated in helping me to focus straight and remember that it is NOT the end of the world like my mind would like to make it out to be.

~Tea

P.S. Happy November 1st, everyone! I will leave now…

Oh, The Woes of Convalescency!

Photo by Tammy

“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.”

Alright, so it’s not all that bad; I just woke up this morning with what might have been the beginnings of a sinus infection, but thankfully, I’m not working today. So I’m  having as much vitamin C as possible, resting, and drinking plenty of water and peppermint tea. Oh, and tylenol and Robitussin. So, hopefully it’ll be gone in time for church tonight. (By the way, does anyone know if convalescency is even a word? Because if it’s not, then I’m making it one.)

Just as a warning, this post may be an exceedingly long one…. just so you know.

I’ll start out with a meme from Natalie: (just a note, I added a question)

1. What’s the last TV show you saw?

The last episode of Christy.

2. What are you wearing at the moment?

My pajamas: blue plaid pj pants, grey and white long-sleeved shirt, and blue Eeyore fuzzy jacket.

3. Favorite Song of the Moment?

Does a CD count? Ocean Eyes from Owl City.  If you’ve never heard him before, GO LISTEN NOW!

4. What is your favorite scent?

At the moment, the smell of Chicken and Tomato soup that’s in the crockpot; full of yummy spices and herbs – oregano, rosemary, etc. Hmmm…

5. What’s your occupation? What do you do there?

I’m currently a student and employee of Chik-fil-a; I’m in my last semester of school (I’m homeschooling for this last year, so I’ll finish in December instead of May), and at Chik-fil-a, I work on headset (the one who takes your order in a drive-thru), at window (the one who says hi, takes your payment, and gives you your food when you drive up), front-counter (when you walk in and order), and dining room (the oh-so-wonderful job of cleaning floors, tables, bathrooms – yes, even the guys’ – takes care of trash, and gets you your refills. Don’t worry, I wash my hands before I do that… lol).

6. What do you drink the most?

Probably water… I don’t really drink soda anymore. Oh, I drink a LOT of tea. And home-made smoothies.

7. What is your favorite restaurant?

Chopsticks, a little Chinese place native to my town. Oh and El Charros for great (and cheap) mexican food.

8. What will you be doing after you finish this?

Take a shower, rest.

9. What did you want to be when you grew up?

You know, I’m still trying to answer that. When I was younger, I wanted to be everything from an actress to a teacher to a cafe owner to a lawyer to a Navy or Coast Guard Officer to a musician to a writer to a missionary to a photographer to a web-designer…. I’m still not sure. God hasn’t made it clear to me yet.

10. Your favorite romantic movie?

I’m a big fan of period-romance-dramas, so Sense and Sensibility and North and South are definitely the best.

11. What’s your least favorite thing about yourself?

My horrible habit of procrastination.

12. What are your ideal qualities in a novel?

Written beautifully, something unique that stands out; something that interweaves truth and dreams and reality and magic; whimsy, faith, and great characters who grow and learn along the way, who are not perfect. Something with funny moments, sad moments, perplexing moments of uncertainty, moments of heart-rending agony and equally heart-breaking moments of joy, with twists in the journey that you really didn’t expect, but that don’t drop you off a cliff. Something clean that doesn’t have to conform to the last best-seller in order to prove itself. Something that ends tugging on your heart, opens your eyes to something you might not have noticed before, whether it be happy or melancholy. Something where almost everyone, if not everyone, makes it to the end, hopefully changed for the better. Something that ties up all loose ends, except for those pieces that are bits of heaven and therefore beautifully unexplainable. And it’s okay.

13. What time do you usually go to bed?

I’m trying to get to bed by 10.

14. What is ones thing that made you laugh today?

Click the thumbnail to make it bigger

15. What is one thing inspiring you today?

Owl City. Seriously…. well, this topic really deserves a post of its own. So, in the future (if my procrasinating self doesn’t take over) I’ll explain.

Well, as a final note, I finally finished the banner for the new design the other day! It took me a while simply because I couldn’t find inspiration for the effects… but the muse finally came back. So, it’s done and ready, but I wanted to wait before redesigning so I could let you know that it really is coming (and also because I’d rather do  ’special’ things like that on a day with a wee bit more significance. ) So it’s coming this next Sunday, November 1st.

I hope you have a great day, lovelies! I’m off now to rest and recuperate.

<3 RileyTea