World of imagination, magic, and excitement

Another year is almost gone. It feels like it has gone by so quickly... 2008 has been wonderful, hard, sad, and full of surprises. I am thankful for the things God has taught me this year (through good times and hard times); my family and friends, and the new ones I've made; the library; being able to return to camp last summer; and being able see another year end. I've been blessed so much.

I didn't read or watch TV as much as I have in the past. Have to see what happens in the new year.

( Movies/TV of 2008 )

( Books of 2008 )

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

The weather hasn't changed: we had a strange winter, now we have a strange spring. It was in the 70s during the beginning of the week. Then it plunged into the 30s Wednesday. And yesterday we had six or seven snow flurries. Weird.

It was quiet today at the library -- for a Friday. Everyone must be away. At the beginning of the week some items were stolen from one of the librarians' purses. This is the fifth or so theft at the library since December. So now the room where we keep our coats and things is always kept locked and we have to use a key to get in.

The family van had been in the shop for two weeks to get the engine replaced and we got it back today. We're going to take it back again tomorrow because the engine service light came on when my mom drove it.

I'm not into war films, but U-571 is a pretty good movie. It wasn't as long as I remembered. And there was one really really sad part near the end. *sniff*

I pray you all will have a wonderful Easter. He has Risen!

I've been sick since Sunday and I don't see the end in sight yet. First it was a sore throat, then a runny nose and headache, and finally a cough. Mom thinks my cough is going, but I still feel it way down in my chest. Colds are so annoying.

I say good night with a cute pic to cheer me -- and anyone else having a hard time -- up. *waves*

Tomorrow I have a job interview -- my first ever; I applied to work at the library. Right now I'm not nervous even though I have no idea what the interview will be like. I could use a lot of prayers that it will go well and I'll be able to answer all the questions to the best of my ability.

Five years…I was 14, a homeschooled freshmen. I was cleaning my room that morning, my brother offering assistance. It was sometime after ten o’clock when my mom came in and told us that two planes had crashed in the World Trade Centers, another into the Pentagon, and that there had been an explosion in front of the Treasury. We didn’t have cable; I spent the rest of the day listening to the radio. I was filled with sorrow and fear, stunned by what happened. I wept and prayed a lot: for those that had died; those who had lost loved ones; for the country; me and my family, thanking God for protecting us (we were in Washington on vacation the week before 9/11); for Him having His hand upon that day and aftermath, and showing mercy and grace. The following Sunday I was filled with awe as I listened to “Yet I Will Praise” during a slideshow, seeing pictures from PA, the Pentagon, Ground Zero, showing the chaos and devastation.

I shall not forget that earth shattering day – who can? Today the day is cloudy, matching my feelings of sadness. I pray for those who lost a loved one. I pray they will find peace, find the one Comforter.

God bless America.


http://www2.thefish959.com/subpage/911_tribute.asp

Meet Me in the Stairwell by Ms. Stacey Randall

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001? Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke-filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Goodbye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is okay...I am ready to go."

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now."

I was at the base of the building with the priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me...this way...take my hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go."

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

Remember...I love you.

I am at the halfway point of my summer; six weeks down, six weeks to go. It has been amazing at camp so far. Boys camp is finished and the first week of girls camp wrapped up this morning. It is interesting how some days feel so long but the weeks in general seem to fly by.

Housekeeping has been busy, busy, busy, but I'm had time to relax and hang out with the other support staff. And, best of all, I'm had time to read this summer! I want to say I'm gotten through about six books so far, two bios and several fiction books. (I Capture the Castle was so awesome. There was a little bit of language and it took me about 50 pages to really get into it, but in the end I fell in love with it. A wonderful, wonderful book! Thank you so much for recommending it, Leafy! *huggies* It easily made my favorite books list.) I'm currently on Mansfield Park.

Highlights of the summer (so far):

5. Winning at Spoons without getting a single letter.
4. Seeing Italy win the World Cup.
3. Going out for Chinese with the support staff.
2. Keeping camp clean when the creek overflowed its banks during the second week of boys camp.
1. Keeping camp clean the past two days, 19 hours, and 35 minutes without power and limited water.

The graduation ceremony was quite nice and was less than two hours long. Some of the graduates perfomed musical pieces and gave speeches before the diplomas were given out.

I saw a lot of people that I hadn't seen in a very long time. It was almost like a reunion. And five of the graduates I knew from camp the last two summers which was really cool.

My tutor told me afterwards that now I can't say I'm a senior or in high school. I'm finished. I never thought of that...wow. I've actually completed high school. It is hard for me to believe.

In a couple of hours Mom and I will go shopping for stuff I need for camp. Then I shall pack (and probably tomorrow when I get back from church). And I need to write and post the final chapter of "Hugs" before I leave.

My weekend keeps getting busier.

Less than a week of school left! Less than a week before graduation! Less than a week before I’m gone for the summer! So much is going on and time seems to be flying by! Weird.

Another meme from indes_elfwine.

1. Total amount of music files on your computer:
About 20 or so.

2. The last CD you bought was:
I think that was my “Much Ado About Nothing” soundtrack.

3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
“Swan Lake” – Tchaikovsky

4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you:
“If the World Lost All Its Love” – Natalie Grant
“Expressions of Your Love” – Rebecca St. James
“Jesus Will Still Be There” – Point of Grace
“Part of Your World” (and reprise) – The Little Mermaid
“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton

5. Who are you going to pass this stick to? (4 persons) and why?
Elvowyn
Cularien
Derhelm1982
Inwe_elensar

I do not know any of their music tastes!