Photography...

This post is nothing deep...I have taken Alexandra to several games this summer-and I have enjoyed practicing my photography skills for hours during the game. I find it challenging to take quality photos, since I am shooting over people's heads, the weather isn't always perfect, and sometimes things happen so quickly-you aren't ready for them. So, here are a few pics from the game today, and I hope to sometimes add more photos that I take every now and then (not necessarily sporting events...just the fun things I do or photos I take)...

Before You Meet Prince Charming...

Okay, I am sure the title of this post was an eye catcher! Am I right?

My mom bought this book a couple of weeks ago. I must say I was a bit skeptical when I saw the title, and saw what the book was written about. I have read books written on similar subjects, and really have not been impressed by many of them. She read it and told me that she loved it! I thought "ok, it must be okay...", I took a peek inside. I haven't read the whole book yet-but I would highly recommend it. It is actually geared towards girls in the 12-16 year range, but there is wisdom and insight that any one could glean from it.

I know so many girls and young women that are so anxious to get married, or have boyfriends, but sometimes-while desiring that "next wonderful thing" to happen, we miss out on so much that God has for us in the here and now. Also, in trying to "rush things along", we get into relationships that aren't the best for our hearts.

So, I would recommend this book to anyone...check it out!

http://tomorrowsforefathers.pinnaclecart.com/biblical-teaching/before-you-meet-prince-charming/

This guide to radiant purity combines the thoughts and events in the life of a young princess with solid, clear teaching of Biblical convictions that young ladies today need to grasp. Through a captivating fairy tale, modern day examples, practical instruction and abundant humor, Sarah Mally challenges young ladies to turn to the Lord for fulfillment, to guard their hearts and minds, to identify and avoid the world’s thinking and to shine brightly in this generation.

This book offers biblical answers to everyday questions and deep life struggles. It includes many practical tips for girls such as how to guard your heart when you have a crush, being wise in Internet usage, how to strengthen relationships with parents, and how to use your single years wisely.

By: Sarah Mally
Pages: 272
Suggested for young ladies ages 12 to 90

Table of Contents:
Desire the Very Best Marriage
Dangers with the Dating System
Guard Your Heart
Could He Be the One?
Romantic Dreams
When God Says Wait
How Parents Can Help
Have a Life Purpose Bigger than Marriage
Dreams Must Die
Reserved for One
Delighting in the Lord
Know that God Arranges Marriages

Phoebe...

...Is spending a couple of days with me. I am enjoying her immensely! As you know, she has very curly hair, so I decided to straighten it for her. It came out looking pretty nice. Don't worry-the curls will be back as soon as she washes it. =)

I read Psalm 8 this morning...I was so blessed. Read it!

Life is short...

One year ago today, we received a phone call. It was one of the worst days in my life. My 46 year old aunt unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack in the middle of the night. Our lives have been changed forever. A week later I moved in with my cousin to stay with her. 
On days like these, I am reminded once again that life is so short. We never know which day could be our last.  So, I would like to say... live well, laugh often and love. Make sure that you don't have any strained relationships, especially with your family members.  Most importantly, make sure that you are ready to meet the Lord.   


On a brighter note...we had a blast last night. We went to a park for a picnic and then to the pier in St. Joseph and watched a fireworks with some friends.  Pics are coming later! =)


-Emily

Writing...

Do you ever feel like writing? Sometimes thoughts flow through my head...and I feel like writing. Many times I feel like writing when my heart feels so restful and at peace. I look up at the stars, smell the aroma of freshly cut grass, see a horse grazing in a bright green pasture,  hear a cow mooing in the distance, or see my favorite wild flowers growing on the side of the road. I feel all full and joyful and bubbly inside. I think that God takes such a delight in the creation He has made, and it transfers over to me (us).

Sometimes I think of writing a book... any ideas??? I have thought of children's fiction, historical fiction...or maybe a book about my family...the immigration of my great-grandparents, the way they survived the depression...all the way up to now, even to the writing of this blog. =) For now, I will continue to brainstorm...and think of the joys of my life, the things God has given me. =)

Have a wonderful night!!!!
-Emily

"For His unfailing love, and his wonderful deeds, give thanks to the Lord."

Happy Father's Day

I think that the words below really describe my Daddy. I love you so much!!!

When you need picked up 'cause you fell down

Need a piggyback ride or a birthday clown 

Need a song to take you to sleepy town

 I'll be there

When you need a coach or you need a fan

Need a castle built out of ocean sand

A rainbow chaser, I'm your man

I'll be there 

I'll be a tear dryer

A paper airplane flyer

A monster runner-offer if you get scared

I'll be a sap I'll be a sucker

A story maker-upper

Anytime, anything, anywhere

 I'll be there

When you break your heart or skin your knee

Need a big ol' hug or a bowl of ice cream

I promise you can count on me. 

I'll be a heart mender, A prayer sender

A hoper and believer when it's all up in the air

A strong and steady shoulder

I'll be a secret holder

Anytime, anything, anywhere

I'll be there

 If you need a frown turned to a grin

Or you need a hand just to hold your hand

Need a daddy or you just need a friend

I'll Be There.

Belated Mother's Day post

I posted on Facebook for Mother's Day, but thought I should put it on here...so no moms feel left out in the event I post for Father's Day...

I love this song, because even though I am not a mom...a big sister feels like a mom sometimes. I have also been close friends with my mom for years, and can know that she relates to the lyrics...


You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river

And you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
How you're changing the world
You're changing the world

            -Steven Curtis Chapman

HAPPY MOTHER's Day