I learned a new word today – ingot.

According to the online dictionary:

in·got

 n. 1. A mass of metal, such as a bar or block, that is cast in a standard shape for convenient storage or shipment.

2. A casting mold for metal 

I had never heard this word before, so thank you for helping me feel just a little bit wiser, Daddy! [grin]

The question is not “Should we pray for Barack Obama?”, nor “Do we have to?”  The Scriptures are clear. We are commanded to pray for our leaders. Period.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

The real question, therefore, is “What shall we pray for?” and “How shall we do it?”

First, what shall we pray for?

1. His salvation, (if he has not, in fact, acknowledged his need for Christ’s forgivness and accepted pardon for his sins), first and foremost. (Remember, the Lord desires that “all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
2. His decisions: that he might allow the Father to guide him, even if he does not realize where the direction comes from. 
3. That he might see “the other side”  of the issues, not just his own point of view.
4. That the Lord would draw him close to Himself, whatever measures it is necessary to take to get his attention.

Second, how must we pray for him?

1. Fervently–with vigor and zeal
2. Expectantly–we serve an amazing God!
3. Faithfully–regularly, persistently

When people ask me this question, I have vague feelings of being very, very busy, but I can’t for the life of me think of what has been keeping me so busy! [grin]

I’ve been sewing quite a bit. Along with modifying some of my own skirts, I sewed a skirt for my mom and and one for my cousin, as well as two for myself, and an apron for my sister. Next on the list of projects is another apron, this one for my mother.

I’ve also been spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I’ve been trying some different recipes and dishes, as well as making up some of my own dishes, using whatever I could find in the fridge. I love making up my own recipes.

In terms of school, this, of course, is my senior year. I am looking forward to graduation so very much, but I know that I must and use this time wisely, for soon it will be over. 

And what will I be doing after high school, you ask? I am earnestly and fervently praying that the Lord might provide somewhere (preferably in the U.S.) where I might serve for a period of six months or more. A foster home, or group home, training center, etc., are the kind of facilities I am considering. I have a few possible places in mind, but none of them seem quite “right.” I am praying that if it is His will for me to serve at such a place, that He will bring the perfect place for me.  I am trusting Him to work out the details, and I will watch Him work in amazement! I know He is able.

I will be graduation on May 8, 2009, with a group of other homeschoolers. For those of you who might be familiar with it, the organization is Midwest Parent Educators (MPE). This is the senior picture I chose to be used in the ceremony. 

Taken by my dear friend, Elizabeth!

I have recieved many request for me to make a Youtube video of me playing the harp. I’m very happy to present this, my very first Youtube video, hopefully the first of many more to come!

Here I am playing the cherished hymn What A Friend We Have in Jesus, on my harp.

A number of weeks ago, I was tagged to share six random facts about myself. I’ve done a post like this before (you can read it here), so I decided to write a 7 x 7 post: 7 categories with 7 facts about me in each.

Here goes!

7 things I would like to do before I die (or before Jesus returns):

• Get married.
• Have children.
•  Sew a Civil War era ball gown.
• Wear a hoop-skirt.
• Visit Europe.
• Go on a missions trip to India or the Phillipines.
• Wear one of those cool microphone headset things. (I haven’t the foggiest idea what I would say to whoever I could talk to once I had it on, but the very experience would be quite thrilling regardless.) :)

7 things I say a lot:

• “Good morning! (This is one of my absolute favorite things to say, and I am often known to say it, even when it isn’t morning!) :)
• “That was delicate.” (such as when I run into things that were terribly obvious)
• “You know what I’m saying?” (when I want to make sure the person I’m talking to understands what I’m saying)
• “It’s just not right.”
• “Oh, stop it! I’m being serious!” (to my dad when I’m trying to say something important and he’s making one of his hilarious faces)
• “I think so, but I don’t guarantee anything.”
• “Why?” (I love asking this question!) :)

7 things I cannot do well:

• Keep secrets. (It’s really embarassing how bad I am at this! Always have been.)
• Get the “wrinkles” of of the bread dough when making bread.
• Play basketball.
• Parallel park.
• Eat liver. (I detest liver)
• Stay indoors on a gorgeous, sunny day.
• Hmmm … can’t think of another one at the moment.

7 things I’d want in a husband:

• Is pure and has tried to save himself for me.
• Values modesty and appreciates my efforts to dress modestly and save myself for him.
• Loves the Lord.
• Loves children.
• Has regular devotions and seeks guidance from the Lord about everything through prayer.
• Is respectful and honoring to those older than him, especially to parents and elderly people.
• Is a hard-worker. 

7 movies I like:

• One Night with the King
• Martin Luther (made in 2004 I think)
• Pride and Prejudice (especially the older version)
• Sense and Sensibility
• The Nativity Story
• I Dream of Jeanie
• Prince Caspian

7 favorite books:

• God’s Word
• Tip Lewis and His Lamp
• Passion and Purity (Elizabeth Elliot)
• Hind’s Feet on High Places (Hannah Hurnard)
• Stepping Heavenward (Elizabeth Prentiss)
• A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart (Elizabeth George)
• The Case for the Real Jesus (Lee Strobel)

7 things I love to do:

• Play the piano
• Play the harp
• Sew
• Write in my journal
• Study the Scriptures
• Talk with my sister and with friends
• Be outdoors

…I wrote my very first post on this blog. One year ago today I wrote my first blog anniversary post. Everything I said in that post still stands, so go read it if you want! [grin]

I can hardly believe it’s been two years already! Time sure does fly.

I’ve grown, changed, and learned a lot during these years, but several things remain the same –

God is good.

He does not change.

His love endures forever. 

For that I’m grateful.

Then he told me…”I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Rev. 22:13

I found these videos and really enjoyed them. I hop you do as well!

Turn on your speakers!!

A gentleman is a man with chivalrous qualities ( characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners).

Thank you to each of you who voted on my Then and Now poll!

And here are the results:
Photos 2 and 4 are from two years ago. 1 and 3 are from last week.

For those commenters who guessed right, what gave it away for you???

I’d love to hear, so leave a comment and let me know! [grin]
Thanks again!

Bejjing is in a frenzy of excitement and preparation.

Tearing down, building up, these have been the theme of the past years in Bejjing.
The Chinese government has erected many new churches, all under the name of The Three-Self Patriotic Movement.

Of course, when millions flock to Bejjing, and millions more see it from their television screens, Chinese officials want to make sure that everyone knows there is religious freedom in China.

Just ten minutes from Olympic Village in Bejjing (the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics), the door of Pastor Hua Huiqi’s home was welded shut and the electricity cut off by Chinese police .

Pastor Zhang Rongliang recieved a 7 1/2 year sentence in 2004. While in prison, he has experience harsh torture, including electric shock.

Over a week ago, I found out that Sarah tagged me to share 6 six non-important likes/dislikes/habits/quirks.
During my procrastination of this post and hesitation to get this personal with you, the reader, I found out that I was tagged a second time, this time by Amanda!

Here goes!