Give This Christmas Away

 

Rachel and Me

 For those of you who don't know me or my twin, Rachel, this is exactly what we are like.

If Rachel says she is going to clean her room she cleans it. 

If I say I am going to clean my room I am going to think about it at least 75% of the time.

I once read a book that said that Perfectionists are analytical.

Ain't that the truth! 

We both get the room clean, but it takes me longer because I have to think about what the best way to do it would be.

Rachel's method probobly works better, but I'm not sure... I'm still thinking about it. :)

And while we are talking about it...

Happy Birthday Rachel!!!

The Wexford Carol

Recently I was talking to a friend about long car ride, iPhones and music and somewhere in there Alison Krauss popped up.
Which reminded me how much I like Alison Krauss. Especially this song that she did with Yo-Yo Ma.
So here is a video of The Wexford Carol preformed by Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss!

A Poet From A Very Young Age

I bet a lot of you did not know that I was a poet in my earlier years. 'Tis true. I inherited that ability from my dad who, when he was young, wrote a poem(something about sitting in the crawlspace) which my grandmother still has framed on a wall in her house. 

Today while cleaning her room my sister found the following poem which I will share with you; complete with original spelling! Disclaimer: I wrote this a very long time ago during a very long boring car ride on my way home from the beach. I don't know what it is about, and I can spell a whole lot better now.

Ahem... And now:

The Duck by Miss Erin Pritchett(approx. 6 years old)
Come to me my darling
said the Duky to the lamb
But the lion eat a starling
replied the bewillderd lamb

The ocen is so cool
But the Egale is so crule
but yet... the lamb passed
thru the danger vast

and thear they were togather
hearts as lite as a feather
eating grass and seed
the lamb growing as a weed

Who Am I by Casting Crowns

Who Am I by Casting Crowns
 

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

The Bible And Me- So Happy Together!

This summer I have been studying for the Bible Bee.
I have really enjoyed it. Which was a surprise because I didn't think I would.
When my mom first told me that she has signed all of us up to compete this year I was not happy. At all.
Me? Compete in the Bible Bee! you have got to be kidding, right?
But she wasn't and the whole time we were waiting for "The Box" to arrive I was stewing deep inside.  
"I can't do this! This is crazy! I'm so bad at bible studies that it is embarrassing!"
But the minute that the box arrived I had a change of heart.
Really.
As in as the UPS man walked to our front door I started thinking, "This could be fun. I might be able to do this!"

I have enjoyed getting to know God, Paul, Timothy and countless other followers of Christ as I have studied 2Timothy.
I have enjoyed having a scripture passage to follow me in my heart and mind throughout the week.

As I walk, cook, play violin, run, shower, and lie awake at night I have something to think about other than my normal selfish thoughts.
And I have something to do this Summer!

I may not win first place(do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?), but as a friend of mine pointed out, I have already won something by doing this!
I have a won a closer relationship with Jesus Christ!!!
And no prize in the world can compare with that!
It is hard work, but it is worth it in the long run!

Hymn of The Week~ Amazing Love by Newsboys

 

 

Rockelbel's Canon In D- The Piano Guys

This post is dedicated with love to my cello which is being adjusted right now and I miss it terribly because I haven't seen it in a week! :(

Hymn of The Week~ All My Praise by Selah

I will follow You through green pastures

And sing hallelujah to Your Name

I will follow You through dark disaster

And sing hallelujah through the pain

And even in the shadow of death

I will praise You

And even in the valley I will say

Holy, my God

You are worthy of all my praise 

Holy, my God

You are worthy of all my praise

You are seated on Your throne in heaven

And You see all of us down here

And You have promised You will not abandon

So I shall not fear

And even in the shadow of death

I will praise You

And even in the valley I will say

Holy, my God

You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, my God

You are worthy of all my praise

You made every star

And You taught it how to shine

You knew my name before there was time

And all this was just part of Your glorious design Hallelujah, Hallelujah

[Chorus]

Hymns of The Week~How Deep The Fathers Love For Us by Selah

This is one of my all time favorite hymns!

Yeah, I know that I say that about every single one that I post here, but this time really I mean it!

I even have the lyrics posted on my pinup-board in my bedroom to prove it!!!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us lyrics

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

Bourne Vivaldi

 

 Okay, I have to say, I love spy movies and soundtracks and Vivaldi and I am insanely in love with cellos so this movie became one of my favorites the minuet I watched it and I wanted to share the joy with you all!

Enjoy!

Hymns of The Week~Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher

You Grace Is Enough

Great is Your faithfulness oh God

You wrestle with the sinner's heart

You lead us by still waters in to mercy

And nothing can keep us apart

So remember Your people

Remember Your children

Remember Your promise

Oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

Great is Your love and justice God of Jacob

You use the weak to lead the strong

You lead us in the song of Your salvation

And all Your people sing along

So remember Your people

Remember Your children

Remember Your promise

Oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me [x2]

So remember Your people

Remember Your children

Remember Your promise

Oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

Your grace is enough

Heaven reaching down to us

Your grace is enough for me

God I see your grace is enough

I'm covered in your love

Your grace is enough for me

For me

Acts in Three Minutes

Acts in 3 Minutes from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

The Lake House

Here is the post about our trip to the lake house that I said I would post. 

The porch during the huge downpour that made the lake look so beautiful.

Rachel, Mommy and Jess cooking in the awesome kitchen.

Jamie having fun drinking water. That's fun, right?

Rachel picking her bedroom.

Ryan being eaten by a Zebra.

The little kids having dinner the first night there out on the screened~in porch.

Rachel enjoying canoeing despite the fact that she's not going anywhere.

Michael doing what he loves most... reading.

Michael learned to swim while we were there.

Play~mobil break!

Everyone loved the pool table especially Ryan and me!

Daddy loved the dining room table the most and has decided to make one himself.

Mommy canoeing with the little kids.

Me canoeing by myself.

A quaint picture of Rachel.

The Living room.

Sarah had fun canoeing under the dock.

Rachel LOVED the swings.

Michael telling everyone what we are going to do.

Ryan on our bike trip.

Rachel after our bike trip.

All of us on our bike trip.

The beautiful lake at sunset.

Ryan fishing.

Sarah fishing.

Jamie fishing.

All of us on the dock to say one last good bye before heading home.

Hymn Of The Week ~ Grace by Laura Story

GRACE
My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
I see the things You do through me as great things I have done. And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me and hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged, knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job. For who am I to serve You?I know I don't deserve You. And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.

Chorus*
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."
You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really means. The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary. So, instead of trying to repay You, I'm learning to simply obey You
by giving up my life to you For all that You've given to me.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

Dvorak String Quartet(American)

Movement No. 1

Movement No.2


Movement No.3


Movement No.4



A little while ago a couple of members from my awesome family went with me to go hear The Samford Faculty String Quartet preform and is to date one of the best concerts I have ever been to! I loved it! One of my favorite pieces they played was Dvorak's String Quartet "American." I was beautiful, and very fun too. So here are videos of his string quartet, although these are not preformed by the SSQ they are still very good. Enjoy!

Hymn Of The Week ~ Forever Reign by Hillsong

You are good You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost its sting

(Oh) I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

My heart will sing no other Name
Jesus Jesus

Me And My Cello

 

This one is for my dear sweet baby, which I missed A LOT while we were at the lake last week(more on that later).

Oh, and by the way, I am up for suggestions on what to name my cello so feel free to comment telling me any ideas you might have! :)

What Orchestral Instrument Are You?

I found this on a blog a while back, and after most of my family took the test we discovered that between all of us, and all of our different personalities we have a pretty good start on an orchestra!

I was a Bassoon, I get tickled every time I read: "when you speak your mind... your thoughts become famous." I'm not real sure about that part... or the "possess wisdom beyond your years" part either, but the rest is very "me."

What Orchestral Instrument are You?

Bassoon When most people think of you they are immediately reminded of your subtle, quiet sense of humor. It seems like you are always laughing, and your quip-like commentary on otherwise serious statements is hilarious. But, you can also be incredibly serious too, and when you speak your mind with gravity your thoughts become famous. You possess wisdom beyond your years, and your subtle sense of humor is just one expression of that.

Facebook quizzes, quiz apps & blog quizzes by

J.S. Bach ~ Air On the G String

Hymn Of The Week~ The Love Of God