Hey people!!!
I know I haven't updated in a while and this template is hard to read sometimes... I just wanted to drop a line and say "hi!" I might change the template soon... I might not...
Anyway... I miss you all.... I'm doing a violin recital on April 27th. You are all invited, if you want more info let me know and I will email it to you. Otherwise, leave a comment and let me know how you are doing.
*hugs to all my people* I miss you!
Something that made me think
...what American history is truly about - ideas. Ideas such as "All men are created equal"; the United States is the "last, best hope" of earth; and America "is great, because it is good."
Honor counted to founding patriots like Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and then later, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Character counter. Property was also important; no denying that, because with property came liberty. But virtue came first. Even J.P.Morgan, the epitome of the so-called robber baron, insisted that "the first thing is character...before money or anything else. Money cannot buy it."
It is not surprising, then, that so many left-wing historians miss the boat (and miss it, and miss it, and miss it to the point where they need a ferry schedule). They fail to understand what every colonial settler and every western pioneer needed for success, but character was the prerequisite because it put the law behind property agreement, and it set responsibility tight next to liberty. And the surest way to ensure the presence of good character was to keep God at the center of one's life, community, and ultimately, nation. "Separation of church and state" meant freedom to worship, not freedom from worship. It went back to that link between liberty and responsibility, and no one could be taken seriously who was not responsible to God. 'Where the Spirit of the Lord it, there is liberty." They believe those words...............
Honor counted to founding patriots like Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and then later, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Character counter. Property was also important; no denying that, because with property came liberty. But virtue came first. Even J.P.Morgan, the epitome of the so-called robber baron, insisted that "the first thing is character...before money or anything else. Money cannot buy it."
It is not surprising, then, that so many left-wing historians miss the boat (and miss it, and miss it, and miss it to the point where they need a ferry schedule). They fail to understand what every colonial settler and every western pioneer needed for success, but character was the prerequisite because it put the law behind property agreement, and it set responsibility tight next to liberty. And the surest way to ensure the presence of good character was to keep God at the center of one's life, community, and ultimately, nation. "Separation of church and state" meant freedom to worship, not freedom from worship. It went back to that link between liberty and responsibility, and no one could be taken seriously who was not responsible to God. 'Where the Spirit of the Lord it, there is liberty." They believe those words...............
Random Fact
I've been doing a speed reading course that is one of the pre-requisites for doing College Plus. I've always been a fast reader. About 450 wpm. Well, I'm about 60% done with the course and I can now read 680 wpm. Just in case you wanted to know.
Inscription of Hope
I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God
even when God is silent.
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
But sometimes in this suffering
and hopeless despair
My heart cries for shelter
to know someone’s there.
But a voice rises within me saying,
‘hold on my child
I’ll give you strength, I’ll give you hope
Just stay a little while.’
I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God
even when God is silent.
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
May there someday be sunshine,
May there someday be happiness,
May there someday be love,
May there someday be peace.
even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God
even when God is silent.
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
But sometimes in this suffering
and hopeless despair
My heart cries for shelter
to know someone’s there.
But a voice rises within me saying,
‘hold on my child
I’ll give you strength, I’ll give you hope
Just stay a little while.’
I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God
even when God is silent.
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
May there someday be sunshine,
May there someday be happiness,
May there someday be love,
May there someday be peace.
Thoughts from James Otis (Johnny Tremain)
"For what will we fight?"
"To free Boston from these infernal redcoats and…" "No," said Otis. "Boy, give me more punch. That's not enough reason for going into a war. Did any occupied city ever have better treatment than we've had from the British? Has one rebellious newspaper been stopped—one treasonable speech? Where are the firing squads, the jails jammed with political prisoners? What about the gallows for you, Sam Adams, and you John Hancock? It has never been set up. I hate those infernal British troops spread all over my town as much as you do. Can't move these days without stepping over a soldier. But we are not going off into civil war merely to get them out of Boston. Why are we going to fight? Why, why?There was an embarrassed silence. Sam Adams was the acknowledged ringleader. It was for him to speak now."We will fight for the rights of Americans. England cannot take our money away by taxes.""No, no. For something more important than the pocketbooks of our American citizens."Rab said, "For the rights of Englishmen—everywhere.""Why stop with Englishmen?" Otis was warming up. He had a wide mouth, crooked and generous. He settled back in his chair and then he began to talk. It was such a talk as Johnny had never heard before. The words surged up through the big body, flowed out of the broad mouth. He never raised his voice, and he went on and on…….."…For men and women and children all over the world," he said. "You were right, you tall, dark boy, for even as we shoot down the British soldiers we are fighting for rights such as they will be enjoying a hundred years from now…."
"We are lucky men," he murmured, "for we have a cause worth dying for. This honor is not given to every generation."
"It is all so much simpler than you think," he said. He lifted his hands and pushed against the rafters. "We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skills…we fight, we die, for one simple thing. Only that a man can stand up."
"Hundreds would die, but not the thing they died for. 'A man can stand up…'"
Life Update
So as of this last Wednesday I am officially a full time college student again. Not at UWP but with College Plus. And I'm not getting a music degree. It's kinda a long-short story. The long story is that I have been trying to finish my music degree for years and pretty much running into lots of brick walls. Which resulted in my getting pretty bruised and discouraged about the whole thing. Ready to forget it all. Except, I'm not the kind of person who does that. So, I spent many hours online looking for a way to do it online. I found a few things but I didn't feel comfortable about them. Then one day in the middle of church a thought dropped in my head. "Why not change your major?" Honestly, it startled me. And then I thought, why not. I wasn't sure what I would change it to. The thought was somewhat foreign. I got home and started looking at different majors, the only thing that was sticking out was computers. But Computer Science involves a lot of math; calculus, trigonometry, etc. EEEK!!!! And well.. computer programming with an emphasis would take me at least 4 year of full-time schooling and requires something ridiculous like 150 credits!!! So... I'm getting off track... I decided to check into College Plus. Mom said that they would look at my transcript and tell me if it was possible to finish music. I figured I might as well try and while I was waiting for my transcript I talked to mom about the computer thing. I had found out that I could do Computer Information Systems(CIS) which is less math but still computer related. Which is more like software programming and networking and such. She was totally ok with it and so was everyone else. It just made since. I felt really good about it because for me it was practically like doing a 180 in my career path. But I was comfortable with it right from the start, I'm been able to switch gears with very little thought. Granted I still catch myself checking out music options but it's habit. Besides with the current economy situation computers is a smarter field to go into than music. Everyone knows that the arts get cut first...
I talked to a lady College Plus and everything seemed great, made sense and seemed possible. I could double major in CIS and Music, but at this point I'm not sure about that, it might just be more work and not really necessary. She said that the credits I already have would all transfer over and I could be done in 2 years easily. It will cost a LOT LESS that a state college. So I enrolled. I am currently working my way through 1 book, 2 audio-books, and a DVD that you are required to do before starting. Audio books aren't my forte but I'm persevering. Then I'm diving into a History course that Debi already has the stuff for. So hopefully in 18 to 24 months tops I will have a degree!! It won't be hanging over my head anymore!!!
So, that's that. Hope it all makes sense...
I talked to a lady College Plus and everything seemed great, made sense and seemed possible. I could double major in CIS and Music, but at this point I'm not sure about that, it might just be more work and not really necessary. She said that the credits I already have would all transfer over and I could be done in 2 years easily. It will cost a LOT LESS that a state college. So I enrolled. I am currently working my way through 1 book, 2 audio-books, and a DVD that you are required to do before starting. Audio books aren't my forte but I'm persevering. Then I'm diving into a History course that Debi already has the stuff for. So hopefully in 18 to 24 months tops I will have a degree!! It won't be hanging over my head anymore!!!
So, that's that. Hope it all makes sense...
Do or Don't
Lindsey is a "good girl" who seemingly never does anything wrong. She won't watch R-rated movies, wears a promise ring her dad gave her on her thirteenth birthday, and won't even date (or "court," as she puts it) until she's ready to get married. It doesn't make her highly popular among some of her peers, but she cares more about what the adults in her life think. And they praise her constantly - usually while they bemoan all the "bad stuff" other teens today are involved in.
She loves it when she gets compliments for being such a "wonderful girl," but when Lindsey is honest, she knows she's become exceptional for what she doesn't do. She doesn't attend wild parties, cause trouble, or want a tattoo. But what does she do? Is the Christian life all about avoiding "bad stuff" or is it about doing "good, hard stuff" for God? Deep down Lindsey knows the answer, but she's already praised for being such a godly girl. Isn't that enough?The words jumped off the page and smacked me over the head. I can completely relate. I know the feeling all to well. So here's the thoughts.. Are you (and me) known for the things we do or the things we don't do? And what kind of things can you or we do to change that? I'm going to leave you with one thing. Just a little encouragement for all of us.
The Music Stopped
For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.
This is written by a Chaplain in Iraq :
I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial ser vices and other large gatherings.
As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for
the National Anthem in the first place.
Here in Iraq , 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The
music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.
But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a
dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad
This is written by a Chaplain in Iraq :
I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial ser vices and other large gatherings.
As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for
the National Anthem in the first place.
Here in Iraq , 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The
music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.
But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a
dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad
Hey everyone!!! I know it's been forever since I updated, bad me.... anyone life has been good, normal. Got a new computer about a month ago. I'm LOVING it! It's so nice to be able to do something without the computer freezing up every 10 minutes.
Susie, Debi, Lydia and I went to Tyson and Shannon's for 3 days the last weekend in October. Which was lovely and reminds me that I have an unfinished email for Tyson in my drafts box... Of course on the way home we had a little car trouble because I hit a huge raccoon on the way to David and Kristi's. Which wasn't fun, but thankfully the car isn't damaged. Then on the way home mom called and informed us that Rebecca and Stephanie had H1N1. Which resulted in my moving to Mom and Dad's house for a week to avoid getting the flu. The result was successful, for the most part. I came down with a REALLY nasty cold instead. It lasted 2 weeks followed by a sinus infection which gave me monster headaches for a week and I took lots of nap which was odd. But taking it easy was a nice break.
Since then I've done a concert and am currently up to my ears in music for the University's Christmas concert in 2 weeks. Otherwise life is pretty normal. Debi and Lyd are coming to pick me up. We are going shopping... See you all later.
Susie, Debi, Lydia and I went to Tyson and Shannon's for 3 days the last weekend in October. Which was lovely and reminds me that I have an unfinished email for Tyson in my drafts box... Of course on the way home we had a little car trouble because I hit a huge raccoon on the way to David and Kristi's. Which wasn't fun, but thankfully the car isn't damaged. Then on the way home mom called and informed us that Rebecca and Stephanie had H1N1. Which resulted in my moving to Mom and Dad's house for a week to avoid getting the flu. The result was successful, for the most part. I came down with a REALLY nasty cold instead. It lasted 2 weeks followed by a sinus infection which gave me monster headaches for a week and I took lots of nap which was odd. But taking it easy was a nice break.
Since then I've done a concert and am currently up to my ears in music for the University's Christmas concert in 2 weeks. Otherwise life is pretty normal. Debi and Lyd are coming to pick me up. We are going shopping... See you all later.
Sorry I didn't forget
These are my new dishes!!!!! Steph and I found them at Goodwill. I think I paid $15 for this stack. 8 dinner plates, 8 salad plates and 3 bowls. I'm hoping to find more someday... Ebay maybe?
Cause I'm in the mood for a quiz....
Recent Projects
I'm afraid I've haven't had much time to sew the last year. Recently I was able to squeak out a few projects. It felt good to be at my sewing machine again.
I made new curtains for the bathroom.
Bad lighting, sorry....
A few years ago I promised Luke a quilt of his own. I FINALLY got around to making it. I finished it at 2 a.m. the day of his 8th birthday.
I think he likes it :)
Just a couple song that have been bouncing around in my head
No embedding for the last two. Sorry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGleoK9oevA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO67xEESp1M
This is a good one too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGleoK9oevA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGleoK9oevA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO67xEESp1M
This is a good one too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGleoK9oevA
Boston pictures part 1
You can see more pictures here. If you have facebook. I will try and post some of those pictures here. They are on a different computer at the moment... These are in a random order... and I'm tired so they are staying that way...
Inside Faneuil hall
Sarah "sleeping" in a hammock. Upstairs in the museum at Boston Harbor they had a hands on display about life onboard a ship in the 1800. (USS Constitution home port is Boston)
This was in the workroom onboard the USS Cassin-Young. It's a retired vessel in the harbor for people to tour. It says. U.S. Government Philosophy If it ain't broke fix it till it is.
We visited the Longfellow Museum. The house was closed for the day but the gardens were lovely. And I LOVED the house! I've always wanted to live in a house that looked like this. I like shutters and wrap-around porches :)
Inside Faneuil hallThe Town Hall Meeting Hall and marketplace. More on that in the next post
Sarah "sleeping" in a hammock. Upstairs in the museum at Boston Harbor they had a hands on display about life onboard a ship in the 1800. (USS Constitution home port is Boston)
This was in the workroom onboard the USS Cassin-Young. It's a retired vessel in the harbor for people to tour. It says. U.S. Government Philosophy If it ain't broke fix it till it is.
We visited the Longfellow Museum. The house was closed for the day but the gardens were lovely. And I LOVED the house! I've always wanted to live in a house that looked like this. I like shutters and wrap-around porches :)
Luke coming up from the barracks. The one we were in slept.... 50 guys... I think.... something like that.... The USS Cassin-Young has quite a story to tell. It just barely survived many battles and saved the lives of 120 people when the USS Princeton was sinking during WW2 battle.
Sarah is cooking dinner for all the men on the ship. Look a stove just her size...
THE USS Constitution. The oldest floating vessel in the world still in in service. The HMS Victory which is in permanant drydock is the oldest still commissioned, in service whatever the term is, vessl. As far as I can tell the Constitution never leaves Boston Harbor. They are currently in the 2nd of a 3 year restoration project.
This picture is the one hanging in the front of the meeting hall in Faneuil Hall
Bunker Hill monument - 294 steps to the top, and not very well ventilated. I highly suggest not doing it when you are hungry, dehydrated and chasing a 7 year old. You will feel like collapsing and your legs will feel like wet noodles for an hour afterwards.
Us in front of the Longfellow House (told you they weren't in order... I love this house!)
LOOK!!!!!
Sarah is cooking dinner for all the men on the ship. Look a stove just her size...
THE USS Constitution. The oldest floating vessel in the world still in in service. The HMS Victory which is in permanant drydock is the oldest still commissioned, in service whatever the term is, vessl. As far as I can tell the Constitution never leaves Boston Harbor. They are currently in the 2nd of a 3 year restoration project.
This picture is the one hanging in the front of the meeting hall in Faneuil Hall
Bunker Hill monument - 294 steps to the top, and not very well ventilated. I highly suggest not doing it when you are hungry, dehydrated and chasing a 7 year old. You will feel like collapsing and your legs will feel like wet noodles for an hour afterwards.
Us in front of the Longfellow House (told you they weren't in order... I love this house!)
LOOK!!!!!We really wanted to go inside, but there wasn't time, we only drove through Harvard and MIT. Instead we looked longingly out the window.
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About Me
- Katie
- I am a daughter of God who is striving to do and be all that God has for me. I'm a pretty normal person, kinda goofy at times, but I can be a dear. If I try :) I always try to be happy and I'm never lazy, I've tried, it doesn't agree with me. Once you meet me you'll never want for entertainment :)
