Happy Memorial Day

In honor of the fallen.

Blessings to the families of those who have served our country.

May we never forget their courage and bravery!

Lucifer's Lies [Church Drama]

After a one year break, our church is now nearing the first performance of six (maybe seven) of a drama production called Lucifer's Lies.  This is our sixth season in producing this particular drama, which has evolved year after year.  In the 2011 post, I remember saying that it would be the best of all, but now I find myself repeating the exact same -- this will be the best.  =]

As the poster above says, Lucifer's Lies is a spiritual warfare drama depicting the physical and spiritual battles that rage for the precious souls of the lost.  I cannot wait to see the results of our work!  Please note: because of the intensity of this production, we do not recommend children ages ten and under to attend.  We have limited seating, so you are required to have reservations.  

Also, it is FREE!  Admission is of no cost whatsoever!  But you must have reservations.

The performances are:

Friday, October 19th @ 7pm

Saturday, Oct. 20th @ 3pm & 7pm

Friday, Oct. 25th @ 7pm

Saturday, Oct. 26th @ 7pm

Sunday, Oct. 27th @ 3pm

Please don't miss out!  You will be blessed!

This all takes place at the Athens City Middle School (200 Keith Lane, Athens, TN 37303).

Contact Clearwater Baptist Church at their offices, (423)744.7147 or make online reservations at the church website, here.

If you are even in the least bit interested, call now!  Seats are filling up fast.

We are so excited! My sisters and I are performing as our "dance" group, Undivided, among other various mini parts--Bible characters, speaking part (Jenny), and fill-ins.  So, if you attend, look us up!  We hope to see you there!

Blessings,

Sarah

P.o.t.W.

A Prayer
(excerpt from It Can Be Done: Poems for Hardship, Sacrifice, and Dominion)

Girabaldi, the Italian patriot, said to his men: "I do not promise you ease; I do not promise you comfort.  I promise you hardship, weariness, suffering; but I promise you victory."

Pinterest

I do not pray for peace,
Nor ask that on my path
The sounds of war shall shrill no more,
The way be clear of wrath.
But this I beg Thee, Lord,
Steel Thou my heart with might,
And in the strife that men call life,
Grant me the strength to fight.
I do not pray for arms,
Nor shield to cover me.
What though I stand with empty hand,
So it be valiantly!
Spare me the coward's fear questioning 
    wrong or right:
Lord, among these mine enemies,
Grant me the strength to fight.

I do not pray that Thou
Keep me from any wound,
Though I fall low from thrust and blow,
Forced fighting to the ground;
But give me wit to hide
My hurt from all men's sight,
And for my need the while I bleed,
Lord, grant me strength to fight.
I do not pray that Thou 
Shouldst grant me victory;
Enough to know that from my foe
I have no will to flee,
Beaten and bruised and banned,
Flung like a broken sword,
Grant me this thing for conquering--
Let me die fighting, Lord!

Theodosia Garrison

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!

Picture via Pinterest.

A Nation's Strength (July 4th, 2012)

BE (My Heart, My Hands, My Voice)

A beautiful testimony of trust.

And a song by Selah.

Enjoy.

How Many Kings

Merry Christmas Eve!

As you spend time with family, keep in mind the reason we celebrate Christmas, the reason for our giving of gifts, and the absolute beauty of that reason.  Sure, it sounds cliche, but Jesus truly is the greatest gift ever given, and that is a truth that can stand to be repeated.  How loved we are!

How many kings do you know who would trad their all for you?

I know of only one.

How Many Kings, by Downhere.

All glory, honor, and praise be unto the King of kings forevermore!

Blessings,

Julia

Why?

Unless you have been particularly busy, or, perhaps, are blissfully ignorant, you have most likely heard of the tragedy that today struck a small town in Connecticut.

There is something about the death of children that hurts us in a way nothing else can.  Something about it breaks our heart and touches our innermost being.

Many people are asking the simple, and yet so difficult to answer, question: Why?

The death of innocence is a terrible thing; but, to tell the truth, that happened thousands of years ago at an incident referred to as the Fall.  All the evil, pain, suffering we experience is a direct result of Mankind's decision to rebel against God (check out the book of Genesis), and there is no way around this fact.

But we can rest assured that there is hope, because this is not the end for the children of God.

Sarah wrote a simple post over on her new blog that I believe sums it all up.  Why not click on over there and read?

"Why?"

While you do that, please pray for the families that have been affected by this horrifying tragedy.  And remember, God is in control.

Julia

Veteran's Day - Thank You

The year was 1945.

Joe was involved in a skirmish with German troops in Normandy and, while pulling his wounded friend to safety, was shot in the head.  He had just been promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant, though he never knew.

It was four years before his body was returned to his home in East Tennessee.

His sacrifice inspired his youngest brother, born in the year of 1946, to join the National Guard.  

Our Grandfather and the tale of our Great-Uncle Joe, as well as those of others in our family, has had a large part in encouraging a deep sense of gratitude and respect for our Veterans; we would like to share this video with you and ask you to give your deepest thanks to those who have fought for our freedom.

Thank you, and God bless.

V.o.t.D.

2 Chronicles 7:14

"If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

(emphasis added)

America has chosen.

Once again, Barak Obama has be elected president of the United States of America.

My family believes this could be a sign of judgment on our country.  We have fallen so far from our roots.  Christianity has been hit harder than ever, we are now a minority.

I beseech you, dear readers, to pray for our nation.  

I ask you to seek, as a family, our Lord's will.

Remember Israel.  I fear for their country now that Obama has been re-elected.  

Do not fear the future.  God is in control!

On my knees,

Sarah

(photo credit to Google Images)

Fort Loudoun Trade Faire

Good morning!

At last, I finally have the pics for our Fort Loudoun trip!

This past September, Jen and I went with our grandparents to Loudoun to visit the historical site/museum/faire.  (Jenny and Julia went last year, so this was my first time, and I loved it!) 

Here is the sign that greets you as you walk up the road from the parking area:

From there, you enter a building that serves as the gift shop and museum/info center.  Below, you see the mini model of the actual fort.

Poppy was really interested in the cannon they had on display.

This is the little plaque on the cannon.  I don't know if you can read what it says or not, but here's the inscription: "This cannon, believed to be one of the originals, was donated to Fort Loudoun State Historical Area by Roy & Helen Sunderland."

Heh. Can you see my reflection?  =D

This is a display of what one of the bedrooms would've looked like.

Nice lookin' rifle, there.

Below, is a historically-correct circus camp.  The performer and his wife were hilarious! I loved hearing and watching their act.  He performed tricks that were dated to that time period.  His magic trick especially threw me off.  I couldn't believe it!  More on that in the next pic.

This is at the end of a magic trick.  I'm sure he did more, but this was the only one we saw, because there was a whole lot more to see in the area.  (Throughout the day, the site has various shows scheduled for entertainment, as well as little history lessons.)

I'll try to explain his trick.  On the table behind him, you see the oranges and little wooden (or brass) cups.  The entertainer began his show by citing a poem, all the while performing the magic trick.  It was incredible!  There was one guy in the audience who exclaimed a "whoa!" or "wow!" every now and then, he was definitely impressed.  Anyway, the performer moved the cups around and made little bitty red balls appear, still reciting the poem (I don't even remember what it was about).  Later, he made oranges appear from the bottom of the up-turned cups!  I wasn't expecting them, so that really blew me away.  I wish I had thought to record the show... It was great!

In another act, involving his wife, he had a volunteer from the audience write down five numbers in which he had his wife guess them.  She did, but I believe he gave her hints along the way.  *wink wink*

In the one below, he had his wife guess what he was thinking.  This was really cute and absolutely hilarious!  

Some of what I remember from the dialogue:

Man:  "Honey, I'm thinking of a number between one and twenty."

Wife:  "What is it?"

Man:  "15."

Wife:  "That's it!"

Man turns to audience:  "Isn't she good?"

This went on with more "mind" tricks.  They were quite a pair!

Moving on...

That little door to the right of the two men walking is where we entered the actual fort.  (I'm looking back at it.)  All around, there were tents, tents, and more tents.  Many were set up as shops, selling their goods, others were set up to display authentic equipment, and much more.

This line of cabins would have housed soldiers and their families, all together.  In one of them, we met a woman and her two daughters dressed in period dresses.  She spoke to us about how they would have lived with the soldiers with only a sheet over the bunk beds for privacy.  Men with families were not given separate quarters.  We found this very interesting.

We showed up at the end of this couple act and heard the very last of their final song.

Many people were dressed up.  Soldiers, Indians, housewives, etc.  

This next set of performers had to be my favorite.  

The Beggar Boys!

They sang, played instruments, and even danced a little bit!  They were quite comedic.  I did video a few of their songs and hope to post them later.
The instruments played were fiddles, a penny whistle, and mandolin.

Their outfits were great!  They surely looked the part. 

(I loved seeing the toe.)

Their songs included an Irish jig or two, a pirate shanty, and a few others.

Here's just a few leather items up for sale.

(This pic loaded wrong, ignore bottom mis-colored section...)

Jenny and I really liked the dresses they had to buy. 

A bit expensive, though.

If you didn't know, I am sort of coin collector, though definitely not an avid-when-I-see-I-must-buy.  I absolutely loved this particular coin, and now regret not buying... ah, well.

(I also love almost anything to do with ships...)

Pins and brooches.  Very lovely.

I have to say the man's lecture below was one of the most interesting and informative history lessons I've ever had.  

His name is Steven Caudill and he travels cross-country giving a historical account on the life of Daniel Boone.  Below, you'll see him portraying Boone in the manner of dress as would have been worn during the 18th century.  In fact, this man is a direct descendant of Boone's line.
Now, for those of you who love Fess Parker's version of Daniel, will be sorry to hear that the show was totally inaccurate.  I wouldn't say that Mr. Caudill was whole-heartedly against the show, but he did make a point to say it wasn't true.  Really, when you think of it, Parker's portrayal and dress in the Daniel Boone show resembled more of a Davy Crockett style... Don't you think?

Anyway, this man was very passionate in his portrayal and speech.  Let me tell you, he's done his research.  He told of Daniel's life, as recorded in journals, of his faith, and family.  All in all, the story of Daniel Boone is quite a sad tale.  He fathered nine or ten children, can't remember which, one died in infancy, and his two eldest sons were killed.  The oldest, James (age 16), was murdered by Indians (Very brutal, I warn you.  Boone took it really hard, according to Mr. Caudill.) and the other son, Israel, died beside him in a battle.

This pic is kinda random, I just liked the looks of his mug.

Close-up of his clothing.

And there you have it.  We very much enjoyed our visit and hope to go again next year! 

To find out more about the Trade Faire, click here to visit the state's website, or here to see the fort's official site.

Thanks for reading!

Have a great day,

Sarah

Quote - C.S. Lewis

"A tree is known by its fruit; or, as we say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world. The war-time posters told us that Careless Talk costs Lives. It is equally true that Careless Lives cost Talk. Our careless lives set the outer world talking; and we give them grounds for talking in a way that throws doubt on the truth of Christianity itself."

C.S. Lewis

Independence Day

Two hundred and thirty-six years.

Today is the day our country celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, both physical and spiritual.

Thank You, Lord God of this country, for our freedom!  We thank You that we can worship You in refuge, and pray that does not change.  Please remind us every day that we belong to You.  Help us to live unselfishly as if this day is our last.  Convict us of our sins to seek Your face, repent, and find Your sweet forgiveness.  Our Lord the King, forgive this land and turn our hearts back to You!  Heal our wounds and cleanse the wickedness, wash us in Your precious blood and make us as white as snow.

We pray for the appointed leaders of our country, give them strength and courage to fight for what is right.  Use them, and us, as You see fit.  Our prayers extend to our neighboring countries and their peoples, those suffering and dying, struggling to survive.  Show them Your comfort and unfailing love.

Humble our prideful hearts.

Strengthen our fragile faith.

Fortify our ever-waning trust.

Drive the doubts of sin away.

Give us Your eyes to see, Your ears to hear, and Your mouth to speak Your truth.
May we readily await the day You will come again!  And in the meantime, do all that's in our power to further Your kingdom here on earth.

Amen, amen, so be it!

A Nation's Strength

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1904

What makes a nation's pillar high

And its foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy

The foes that 'round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand

Go down in battle shock;

Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,

Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust

Of empires passed away;

The blood has turned their stones to rust,

Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, the bright crown

Has seemed to nations sweet;

But God has struck its luster down

In ashes at His feet.

Not gold but only men can make

A people great and strong;

Men who for truth and honor's sake

Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep

Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation's pillars deep

And lift them to the sky.

Happy Independence Day!

To God be the glory both now and forever!

Amen, amen, so be it.

Isaiah 1 - A Rebellious Nation

Isaiah 1:2,4,7-11,15-20

A Rebellious Nation

"Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken:

'I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me...

" 'Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him...

" 'Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. The Daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a city under siege. Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have become like Gomorrah.

" 'Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! The multitude of your sacrifices - what are they to Me?' says the LORD...

" 'When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of My sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

" 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

This passage was a vision of Isaiah concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of the kings of Judah. (vs. 1)

The United States of America was built and founded upon the laws and the Word of our God.  So far have we strayed from that biblical foundation and have become "a rebellious nation."

Pray for this country and its leaders.

I'm not much one for political stuff, but with the 2012 election coming up, my family and I have tried to keep informed. 

During the judgement of Israel because of her unfaithfulness, the prophet Isaiah writes, "Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path."

Be it far from us that we allow a woman to become president. It shall be a sign of judgement, instead of "progress", upon this nation should that ever happen.

Pray for our country.

Burdened,

Lady Elisera