Saturday, August 28, 2010

Things That You COULD'VE and WOULD'VE Done This Summer

Oh, Summer twenty-ten, you were so fun for us this year. I went to Missions Extreme and you've given me the time to go. Oh, Summer twenty-ten, we have watched you age over the years and today you turned two thousand and ten years old... Oh, Summer twenty-ten!

You will greatly be missed. As we return to school and sports and piano and sewing, we will remember you as the summer that changed our lives... FOREVER.

Rest in peace, Summer twenty-ten! Summer twenty-ten... THERE WILL NEVER BE A TIME LIKE IT!!!!!
------------
Oh, Summer twenty-ten... Did you like the freestyle poem??? Comment if you did! contactyourblog@gmail.com and tell me: What did you miss out on during Summer 2010? What was most enjoyable during Summer 2010???

I named this post what I named it because we all missed out on a lot this summer. Playing in sprinklers, running through streams, laying out a beach towel by the lake... here are some FREE things that you can do... NEXT SUMMER!

CAN'T LEAVE THE HOUSE
-Start a blog
-Make up a worship dance
-Write a song
-Write a poem that only YOU can read
-Make up your OWN gymnastic routine
-Learn a cartwheel
-Learn the splits
-Make a soda explode... DO OUTSIDE
-Read a book
-Get a facial, manicure, and pedicure DITY

HUMIDITY OUTSIDE
-Run through the sprinklers
-Head to Thomas A. Cloud park, run through the stream
-Head to Eastwood Lake, go to the beach part, dip your feet in the water and sit on a rock
-Have yourself a home spa day filled with aromatherapy and a blowing fan

PERFECT WEATHER
-Go see a little league baseball game
-Head to Thomas A. Cloud park, play volleyball, or relax in the sand next to the splash park
-Set up a day when you and only your closest trusted friends can hang out

You've seen what you could've done for free this summer... Did you do it? here's the top picks... what you HAVE TO DO next summer!!!! (stars symbolize that you need to do it)

CAN'T LEAVE THE HOUSE
*Make up a worship dance*
*Write a song*
*Write a poem that only YOU can read*

HUMIDITY OUTSIDE
*Run through the sprinklers*
*Head to Thomas A. Cloud park, run through the stream*
*Head to Eastwood Lake, dip your toes in the lake, sit on a rock*

PERFECT WEATHER
*Head to Thomas A. Cloud park, play volleyball, or relax in the sand next to the splash park*

THESE ARE YOUR MUST-DOs!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Where Does My Help Come From?

If you're a Christian, and listen to Christian music, you've heard the title quite a few times. This time, Bebo Norman says:

"I will lift my eyes, to the healer..."

In his song "I Will Lift My Eyes" (I think). But over six years ago, probably way before that, Casting Crowns said:

"I lift my eyes up to the hills, WHERE DOES MY HELP COME FROM? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of Heaven and Earth."

Anonymous recently said:

"My help comes from the LORD..."

What is the buzz about? It's found in Psalm 121:1.

No, this is not The Bible Challenge. It's just an extra, an almost-exclusive.

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills--- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

So, whenever you feel stuck in a situation... like me, my knee, and a new problem is my toe, with a Gymnastic Evaluation on Monday. Just pray to God, because your help comes from the LORD.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Oh. My. Gosh.

You know what I really hate? When people say "Oh my God!" It's SO unneccesary, but today, I really think I have a prayer, and I'm not saying God's name in vain when I say this--- "Oh God! Please help me!"

I have been BEGGING my mom for me to get a gym evaluation for the... the... the... DAYTON ACADEMY OF GYMNASTICS AND DANCE!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh! She scheduled an evaluation for Mon... Mon... Mon...day!!! Oh my gosh!

I'm going to participate in one of the classes and the coach will see how I perform... OH MY GOSH! I'm gonna be HORR. I. BLE.

Even me, the girl FULL of positive thinking, is FREAKING OUT!!!! My knee is healing, but the problem? Big. Here's all my mountains that are impossible to move:

-The big back walkover
-My S...L...O...W... back handspring
-ALL of my bar accomplishments (very bad accomplishment, like splintering my hand)
-My front vault. What if I rebound off of my head--- AGAIN????

Oh gosh. I have lots to worry about. Can you help me? Please pray with me that I'll do good and AT LEAST make the level 3 team, (but I'm going for my level I'm in right now, which is four.) because even if I don't, it means so much to me! Love you!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Boredom, School, Music, and Healing

Today, my knee feels better than yesterday. School was even good today! Yes, that includes math... but that's because it's the beginning of the school year, and I haven't started my Pre-Algebra yet. Ugh.

I realized that Paramore is one of my favorite bands now, especially "Brick by Boring Brick"! But they are nothing compared to Christian music!

I'm really bored right now, as you can see. Sorry, new readers; you probably think I'm a crappy blogger, but I'm not! The Bible Challenge is great and all, and will be back, but you haven't seen the prayer part yet!!!

Sorry... the post was crazy short, but it'll get better... a promise.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Skip, Skip, Leap, and Then... OUCH!

Yes, this is another injury post. Yes, someone WAS harmed in the making of this post.

So, this is why I THINK I injured my kneee [again].

I was outside and there were puddles. I didn't want to get wet yet, so I figured if I jumped from the end of my driveway to the next thing of grass, (you know what I mean) I still wouldn't get wet. The grass was not wet, or so I thought...

YES, the grass ended up being wet! I slid right onto my you-know-what but landed on my hip, THE BAD ONE!!!!!!!!!

Somehow, after my baseball landing, on Sunday, I could just barely walk! Now, my parents are rethinking gymnastics... IN A BAD WAY!!!!

So what if my knee is swollen? So what if I can't put pressure on it? So what if I can't bend it? It's just a knee, right? I wish.

Speaking of wishes, Your Blog: my life and yours has NEW! music!

"Our God (is greater)"-Chris Tomlin
"God You Reign"-Lincoln Brewster
"Undone"-FFH
"Blink"-Revive
"Walk By Faith"-Jeremy Camp

I still have some of the old songs, like:

"Psalm 73"-BarlowGirl
"I Like Me"-Kirk Franklin
"Get Up"-Mary Mary
"Call on Jesus"-Nicole C. Mullen
"Completely"-Ana Laura (the song Chloe sang)
"Forgiven"-Sanctus Real (the song I sang)
"There Will Be a Day"-Jeremy Camp

And over 40 more hits! Music is more than songs on a blog,it's part of a blog ministry. If you don't have good music, people can easily just log onto YouTube and listen to whatever. Also, many Christians don't listen to Christian music. Providing only Christian music on an international blog like this will provide better things to go into their heads.

Also, we have a new Matt Maher song, "Hold Us Together".

"This is the first day of the rest of your life"... It's my first day of school today and am totally bummed. Who wants an injured knee on the day you have to go back to math and science and History... possible Pre-Algebra maybe????

What I want you to do today is find at least five songs on the playlist that you've NEVER heard before and listen to them. I don't care if you're on the blog or you're on Facebook, but just LISTEN.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Proverbs EXCLUSIVE!

This Proverb was so exclusive, I barely even knew what it was!

Country Count: Twenty-six! Germany! -Hoffnung

Did you know my name is Hoffnung? That's right, I know my name in quite a few languages now, thanks to my friend www.blogatmyfingertips.blogspot.com/2010/06/interviewing-vanessa-siegel.html Vanessa. Yes, the interviewee Vanessa.

Hope (English-American)
Esperance (French)
Esperanza (Spanish)
Hoffnung (German)
Pag-asa (Tagalog)
Umut (Turkish)
희망 (Korean)

Cool, eh? Today in church, I did something VERY good... what do you think it was???

I passed out papers for my blog! These people that got it, (no names) have probably never been to my blog before... a great way to enlarge the community of this blog, and other blogs like it!

IF YOU RECEIVED AN INVITATION PAPER TO MY BLOG TODAY YOU NEED TO POST A COMMENT!

The exclusive Proverb is very exclusive and classified... SHHHHHH!

Okay, go on and read it...

Proverbs 27:5-6 (grab your Bible so you can read it with me)
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

I know, so exclusive, right? That's why I haven't talked about our exclusive Proverb, that's why I haven't told you where it is located, and why I haven't told you when I would post it. What a way to keep something exclusive, exclusive, isn't it?

This verse took a lot of reading to be truly understood. I still don't understand that much, but HELLO, I'm still young, I have time to find out what it means, and I WILL try to answer the challenge.

First of all, (oh, this really IS a challenge...) why is open rebuke better than hidden love? Tell me what YOU think. contactyourblog@gmail.com

I think it's better because I mean, how can you even try to hide love?

Open rebuke is like correctiing someone, and OBVIOUSLY NOT hiding it. How bold is that?

It's funny how in JBQ today, two of the younger girls, Izzy, (www.izzychadrick.blogspot.com) and Elayna (www.elaynaexplores.blogspot.com) were studying the SAME question, one that has to do with rebuking!

ME: Question, question number one for thirty points. QUOTATION (said in an exaggerated tone to scare Izzy, didn't work) QUESTION. Is all the Bible inspired?

IZZY: John 3---

ME: Nope, say it again.

IZZY: Oh! 2 Timothy 3:16; All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, (believe it or not Izzy, you paused a little.) rebuking, (another pause) correcting and training in righteousness.

ME: Here you go. (I gave her back the card because she got it right.)

Elayna got it right, too! You go girl(s)! Did I tell you Elayna's sister turned four? Yep, that Abby. Adorable, squishy, (in a good way) chubby-cheeked Abby. That's little Abby all right! Little P.K. (preacher's kid.)

So, an open correction/rebuke is better than hidden love? Yes. Do not hide love! No, not mushy boyfriend/girlfriend husband/wife love. Just... love. For example: I love you. No, I may not have a crush on you, but I can still love you for who you are.

Then, where it talks about friends and enemies... sounds weird, I know. But I think I have a definition of this one.

If a friend hurts your feelings, like...

-Talks behind your back
-Lies to your face
-Says rude things to your face
-Says rude things about your family
-Demands for you to do things like they hired you

There's ALWAYS forgiveness! At least there is with a true friend, because it's a simple mistake that chances are, they feel bad about, too.

But enemies are different, and in this case; there ARE no frienemies. (cross between friend and enemy, I have one.) An enemy who does something wrong will multiply and multiply and multiply in the SAME sin. It's easier to forgive a friend than an enemy.

I am reading Colossians 3:13. Read it with me and you'll see how easy forgiving is!

Next in The Bible Challenge: Get ready!!!! Matthew is next, with an exclusive to follow! We will read about Christmas, the crucifixion, Jesus' miracles, salt and light, and more!

If you remember the first verse of Proverbs 27, in my view the wisest chapter in the Bible, there's a post for that. www.blogatmyfingertips.blogspot.com/2010/08/bible-challenge-tomorrrow.html

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Bible Challenge: The Greatest of Thee...

What is the greatest of all, other than God? (tip: it's what God is.) It's not the InStyler, it's not the latest movie, it's not the newest book, it's not your $1.00 hairpin (Go to the Glitter store downstairs at Fairfield Commons), and it's not how pretty your Bible is, although it is IN your Bible.

It's time to unveil it like a bride at a wedding--- It's love.

Song Of Solomon 8:13-14
(Lover)You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice! (Beloved) Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains.

What a perfect ending to such a book, which just happens to be followed by the story of the prophet Isaih, Isaigh, Isaiah--- Isaiah. Yeah, that's it. Reading the Bible all my life and can't even spell Isaih--- Isaiah!!!! Oh this is pitiful.

But it's a great ending, because:

Even though someone I know (*coughing* Mrs. Rhonda) doesn't like it when people say "Bible Stories", I'm sorry, miss Rhonda, but I'm about to say it.

This Bible story (sorry! I had to say it!) is the best book in the Bible I've ever read. Very romantic, very beautiful, very wise. This book is the story of love, peace, and purity. I'm guessing Solomon wrote it, and boy is he wise! This is not a fairytale. This is not Jonah in the belly of a whale. This is not Esther. What it is, is a Love Story.

We are all God's children, and God has a love story for each of us. The toughest time in our lives are not when someone dies, it's not when you're depressed, it's not when you don't make the gymnastics team, it's not when you don't get accepted into a big University. It's when God is getting you to believe in Him.

Just like Taylor Swift's song, when God wants you to be saved, it's just like His own version, same, but abridged.

"Believe in me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone, I love you and that's all you need to know, I died on the cross for you to be saved, and it's a testimony, baby just say YES!"

This is YOUR love story. You may not be Esther, beautiful and the king's wife, but God has a plan for... let's see...

God's Plan is [de]Classified and ONLY these people can get it:
Europe
North America
South America
Africa
Antarctica (whoever's there)
Australia
Asia

That's the point! It's DEclassified! Anyone, anywhere, any country, any ocean, WHEREVER you are... YOU DO have a love story! You may think:

"Love story? I'm nothing special! I'm just a normal kid! I'm just a normal teenager! I'm not athletic, I'm not a superstar, I'm not in the latest movies, I'm not updated on the latest trends, I don't listen to the latest music, I'm a geek, and all I do with my life is sit at home watching Guy's Big Bite. Face it--- I don't have a love story!"

I'm nothing special either. Sure, I'm freakishly tall, I have freakishly big feet, (I'm NOT telling my shoe size!) and my hair is... well... nothing to talk about. But we all have a love story. We ALL have our own story to tell. So live it and love it.

The greatest of thee is Love!

Country Count: Twenty-five! Philipines and Mexico!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Song of Song of Songs

Yesterday, in Youth (ThExperience) they played a song that I at first thought nothing of. Until I cracked open my Bible that night, that is.

It was during a quiet prayer time and everyone was in their own spot, including me. It was so important, I replaced what should've been today's challenge with THIS.

Song Of Solomon 8:6-7
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench this love, rivers cannot wash it away.

Beautiful, beautiful. I was listening to "Our God" by Chris Tomlin today and was AMAZED.

"Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other..."

Catchy, but more importantly, it's true. God is higher than any other. God's love is stronger than death, it's as unyielding as the grave, it's burns like fire, many waters cannot quench His love... yep. That's our God!

Remember Missions Extreme? On the way to Cleveland, I saw the Painesville Assembly Of God van and was like, "I know the person driving that!" but said nothing. We were RIGHT NEXT TO THEM!!!!

Missions Extreme is the reason I began the Bible Challenges. I am so happy I went this year, and next year, I'm a junior leader! Yay! But that's all about tomorrow...

This is the Song of Song of Songs. Sing it, read it, believe it.

These three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. The greatest of thee is...

Our God. Sing it, read it, believe it.

Country Count: Twenty-three! Sweden!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Bible Challenge: It's a Love Story, Baby Just Say Yes

"Love Story" isn't exactly what I would call Bible Challenge worthy, is it??? Well today, I have an explanation of why I'm actually using a non-Christian song as a challenge.

You thought the challenge was almost over, didn't you? Well, this is just the beginning.

What is about to happen is a real love story. You know, she can't stop thinking about her lover, then she can't find him, she searches for him in the outskirts of town but still can't find him, stuff like that.

Song Of Solomon 5:2-8
I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My lover is knocking: "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night." I have taken off my robe--- must I put it on again? I have washed my feet--- must I soil them again? My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my figers flowing with myrrh, on the handles of the lock. I opened for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer. The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls! O daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you--- if you find my lover, what will you tell him? Tell him I am faint with love.

It's a really long thing I chose, isn't it? I know, I'm sorry for you I-don't-like-to-read-for-anything-in-the-world people. But the real challenge is:

It's just like "Love Story" on that one part... Only this is Christian, giving it a meaning, and making it so much better than Taylor Swift's music!

It says (Love Story):
"I got tired of waiting wondering if you were ever comin' around. My faith in you was fading..."

But the REAL question is: Where's the happy ending?

These three remain: Faith, Hope, and...

No new countries, but see the happy ending soon!

Monday, August 16, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Flawless

Your definition of flawless??? Perfect acne-free skin? Long curly eyelashes? Perfectly frizz-free hair? (something I may never have.) Long fingernails? The ability to swim? The way to jump off the diving board with no fear? Make the competitive gymnastics team? (I'm trying out for Dayton Academy's team) Make the Varsity cheerleading team? (I saw Wayne's varsity cheer practice today) Make it into the Dayton Regional STEM School? Anything you DON'T have???

I agree with you. Yes, I have perfect acne-free skin, almost, that is. Yes, I have curly eyelashes. Yes, I have long fingernails. Yes, I can swim. Yes, I was a cheerleader. But even with all that, I still have some freckles and facial issues, I still have stubby eyelashes, I still have hair frizz and static, I have flimzy nails, I still can barely swim, I still can't dive off the diving board without a major freak-out, I'm still not a competitive gymnast, I'm not a cheerleader anymore and my only 'team' is FAITH now, I'm not old enough for DRSS, and I don't have a lot.

See? Under all that beauty and all those talents, we all have problems and fears. Like, Hayley Williams is a great singer, but she even has her pitchy points. Trust me, right now I'm listening to "Born For This" by Paramore.

Song Of Solomon doesn't call beauty what we are in person, but what we are underneath.

Song Of Solomon 4:6-7
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense. All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

It's so romantic, isn't it! It's saying, mainly, well... it's saying ALL beautiful you are, there IS no flaw in you.

It's like that with God because He IS flawless. For example:

I'm not perfect because yes, I learn music by ear and not by notes, which is pretty cool you have to admit, (I get the ability from my dad.) but not every note is perfect. I learned "Airplanes" by B.o.B. almost perfectly on piano, but it took forever to find that last note!

God is perfect because He already knew how to play that song on EVERY instrument! (However, it's not a Christian song, so I don't think God would play it anyway.)

But no matter how many flaws you find in yourself, God doesn't look at your flaws. God looks at your heart. At your personality. And if you base your life on fixing your so-called 'flaws', your personality won't seem too different from your flaws.

Sure, I wouldn't call myself all that pretty, and I see many girls on the street and I just wish I was as pretty as them, or maybe guys don't like me, but your life is worth so much more than your looks.

And these three remain...

Country Count: Twenty-two! Finland and North Korea!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

A Small Game/Survey

Let's take a break off of the challenge and have some fun!

I was reading Kayla V.'s blog (kaylaelizabethvice.tumblr.com) and saw this fun survey that I decided to do for you to get to know me!


[x] I think I’m really attractive.
[] I think I’m really unattractive.
[] I am shorter than 5’4.
[x] I have many scars.
[x] I tan easily.
[x] I wish my hair was a different color.
[] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.
[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance.
[soon] I wear glasses
[x] I am good at History.
[] I speak more than two languages.
[x] I enjoy taking pictures.
[x] I like spending money on myself.
[well...idk] I have a regular income.
[kinda...] I earn money on a job-by-job basis.
[] I pay my own bills.
[x] I rely on my parents for money.
[] I can cook.
[] I enjoy cleaning.
[] Tidiness is a must in my life.
[x] I am interested in politics.
[] I download MP3s.
[it was an accident! I thought it was apple juice!] I have done underage drinking.
[] I can dance reasonably well.
[] I can dance extremely well.
[x] I dance like a cardboard gorilla.
[idk...] I can sing.
[] I sing like someone stepped on my foot.
[x] I can swim.
[] I’ve snuck out of the house.
[x] I hate people who pretend to be suicidal.
[x] I think cheerleading is a sport.
[x] I think graffiti is art.
[x] I have a temper.
[x] I like playgrounds.
[] I dance in the rain.
[] I am obsessed with Shakespeare.
[x] I have tanlines.
[x] My favourite color is pink.
[] My favourite color is black.
[x] I like listening to music.
[x] I like flip-flops.
[?] I want to be a social worker when I grow up.
[x] I have sibling[s].
[x] My siblings annoy me.
[x] I prefer Google.
[] I own a cat.
[] I plan on owning more.
[x] I read a lot.
[x] I’ve cheated on a test.
[] I’ve let someone cheat off of me on a test.

Have you ever…
[I was four years old...] Kissed someone.
[] Rode in a taxi.
[] Been dumped.
[] Shoplifted.
[] Been fired.
[] Been in a fist fight.
[x] Broken a bone.
[] Got hit by a car. (i was in a car does that count?)
[] Snuck out of your parent’s house.
[] Been arrested.
[] Stolen something from your school.
[] Celebrated new years in times square.
[] Went on a blind date.
[x] Lied to a friend.
[] Been to europe.
[] Skipped school.
[] Lost your sibling.
[x] Had a sleepover party.
[] Went ice skating.
[] Had your tonsils out.
[] Had a car.

Do you…
[x] Feel loved.
[] Feel lonely.
[x] Feel happy.
[] Hate yourself.
[] Think you’re attractive.
[x] Have a dog.
[] Have your own room.
[] Listen to Hawaiian Music.
[] Listen to underground hip hop.
[] Listen to rap.
[] Listen to rock.
[] Listen to country.
[] Listen to reggae.
[x] Listen to techno.
[x] Have hobbies.
[x] Get good grades.
[] Have slippers.
[] Wear boxers.
[] Wear black eyeliner.
[x] Like the color blue.
[x] Like the color pink.
[x] Like to read.
[x] Like to write.
[] Have long hair.
[x] Have short hair.
[] Have a cell phone.
[] Have a laptop.
[] Have a pager.

Are you…
[] Ugly.
[] Pretty.
[x] Okay.
[] Handsome.
[] Bored.
[x] Happy.
[] Hawaiian.
[] Samoan.
[] Philipino.
[] Korean.
[] British.
[] White.
[x] Black.
[] Mexican.
[] Asian.
[] Short.
[5’8] Tall.
[x] Realistic.
[] Sick.
[] Mad.
[x] Lazy.
[x] Single.
[] Taken.
[] Looking.
[x] Not looking.
[] Talking to someone.
[] Scared to die alone.
[x] Tired.
[x] Sleepy.
[x] Annoyed.
[] Hungry.
[] Thirsty.
[] On the phone.
[] In your room.
[] Drinking something.
[] Eating something.
[] In your pjs.
[x] Ticklish.
[was] Listening to music

I encourage you to do the survey! And now, you know me full well!

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Hot Cake

People always say "cutie pie" for little kids. What would you call a guy? A hot cake. From boy bands to Twilight, actors to male models, there's many cute guys. (uncomfortable subject...)

But, when you walk on the street, and you're like "hot cake!" what are you looking at? Their personality, or their looks??? Their looks are what you're REALLY seeing. This verse doesn't REALLY have to do with that, but it has to do with much of what matters in love.

When you love God, nothing else really matters as much, just like with earthly love. Since God is above all anyway, you should love Him more than the person you love most. Awkward subject, yes it is. Awkward blog post, YES IT IS.

Song Of Solomon 1:14-16
(Beloved) My lover is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. (Lover) How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are like doves. (Beloved) How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant.

I call this a beautiful verse(s). It's so simple to follow, just as one of our previous challenges, "Boyfriends are SO over-rated!" It's like, you can almost SEE what they're talking about! It's very... visual.

I really like how it's so... romantic and visual, yet honest and beautiful. Next time you see someone who just makes you want to die right there, make sure you think of these things:

-HOW OLD ARE YOU????
-Are they Christian???
-Do they belong to a church, possibly YOUR church???
-Are you SURE they're a Christian???
-Is this someone you'll waste your time on, or someone worth it???
-Are you POSITIVE they're a Christian???
-Do they know your NAME???
-In case you didn't see, you want them to be a Christian...

That's all you need! Other tips:

-Dating requires an age of 18 and up. (excluding Homecoming and Prom.)
-You should marry a Christian, according to the Bible. (and according to JBQ)

Enough love talk! Back to blog talk!

Country Count: Twenty! Taiwan!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The Bible Challenge: First Comes Love

Good morning, America! (Or now, should I say WORLD) Today, we are talking about love and well... more love.... what do you expect??? It's Song Of Solomon!

This bible Challenge book is gonna be so fun to do! I really hope you like my challenges too, 'cause after the Bible Challenge, we're having a Prayer Camp, which is, in other words, the Prayer Challenge.

I kind of lost track of why I'm doing these almost-daily challenges. But then, I remembered, these challenges make it so much easier to breeze through the Bible in a fun way--- through blogging.

Today, we're learning more about love, love, and lastly, love!

Song Of Solomon 1:2-4 (not all of verse 4)
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth--- for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you! Take me away with you--- let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.

(Okay, I think I have some SERIOUS swimmer's ear... in BOTH ears...) This verse is oh so romantic! Now, don't say "Ew, it's really mushy", so before you do, hold on.

This verse reminds me of God, of course. You're probably like, "Okay, so... you're calling God perfume? What???" I actually think of God as this big thing (a person, though) in the sky that stretches His hand out on people and all, white beard that's really long... basically He's a strong person.

But this reminds me of Jesus (I know, I just said God, but, HELLO; He's a community! A trinity!) because I mean,

-God is more delightful than anything this world can give
-His name is like Sweet Honesty perfume

(note to other feminine bloggers: "Sparkle" by rue21 is awesome! $9.99 at rue21 stores and outlets)

Anywho... God is like pretty much all that was described. Note to all of us:

When it mentions "wine", it's saying God is sweet and fine and perfect... but wine was more of a grape juice back then, less of alchohol. Just making sure you understand!

This is the beginning of a love story that you are following, (if you follow me and are a U.S. resident, you can get your name drawn for a high-quality giveaway!) and you will LOVE it. This teaches us about earthly love, and Christian love. This is a HUGE challenge.

Love: Are you up to the challenge???

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Reasons You Need A Two-Year Anniversary Blog Book

First of all, nineteen different countries including the U.S. are reading THIS blog! The newest is Africa!

It costs only $14.95 and you can get discounts!

The blog has great giveaways, but you MUST be a U.S. resident and follower of the blog! (one giveaway includes a free Ab Lounge.)

It's a real blog, in a book, at your fingertips!

No internet? Nearly 300 posts to keep you occupied!

The Bible Challenge. Seek God through reading a book.

Prayer Camp. Soon to come, 70 days of prayer, 7 times a day, and a book to show every bit of it.

Exclusive stuff! Read things I don't even remember blogging about.

Know about me before anyone else. You get first notice of my everything.

Friendship. "Why can't we be friends? Why can't we be friends..." Comment on my blog and let me know you're here--- not only will I comment on YOUR blog, but your comment will show up in the book!

A good deal. Hundreds of amazing and breath-taking posts, for only fourteen dollars???? Colorful photos, long posts, chit chat, information you didn't know I knew, real opinions, news reports, fun posts that will make you say: "What in the world?" Yeah. This book--- not just a book, an INTERNATIONAL BOOK--- is only fourteen dollars, but is valued at maybe thirty dollars. It is worth so much more, and your blog is worth a lot too.

That is why on February 24th, 2011; I need to know if you want a 2 year birthday present--- the book of the blog that the world loves. (a bit exaggerated.) Only fourteen dollars. Only ninety-five cents. Only softcover. (Hardcover books--- $26.99) Come on, you KNOW you can't resist one.

You've seen all the reasons you need one. The real question is, will you GET one???

(Let me know how I'm blogging! Let me know about your desperately needed book! Money due March 1. contactyourblog@gmail.com )

Sunday, August 8, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Boyfriends are SO over-rated!

Sorry, I told you the Bible Challenge would start up again in September after we're all back in school, but I only had six Proverbs, and it's STILL the beginning of August!

We are entering a new book, Song Of Solomon, well known as Song Of Songs. It is about the joy of marriage when kept pure.
This book is serious about awakening love when you are supposed to, it stress this so much that it says it THREE times! Just think:

-The Bible has answered remaining questions about Twilight
-The Bible has answered our bully questions
-The Bible has told us about why atheists are who they are
-The Bible has told us that our God's enough

And now, it's telling us---written thousands of years ago and still trying to get the message across---that we don't need a date until we feel we're ready. (twelve-year-olds out there--- you THINK you're ready, but you really are NOT ready. Not ready at our age!)

Song Of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, 8:4
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and the does of the field: do NOT arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

See? The Bible has answered one more thing (on the growing list).

-Don't get a boyfriend/girlfriend until you know he/she is the one!

I have many friends who have so-called boyfriends (I don't know WHY they call them boyfriends--- they're like, TEN years old and have not gone on a date like, EVER!)

I give them a year-old lecture: (first used it on a friend of mine, you may know who. Ka...)

"Why get a boyfriend if you can't go on a single date? Why get a boyfriend if you don't hang out with him? Why get a boyfriend if he has no money? (as in, you have no money to go ON a date) Why get a boyfriend if your dates are at McDonalds and he only has a three-wheel bike! I'm not mad at you, and I can't force you to agree with me. But you need to ask yourself: Do I want to waste months of my LIFE with a boy I may never marry?"

That lecture is quite old, and you may have received this lecture, so you know I'm serious when I talk to you about dating--- Seriously, I am NOT kidding! You know me, I have gazillion crushes. Many of my friends say: "Don't lecture her, you're not any better!" WRONG!

I'm not BETTER, but have I ever said, "I wanna go out with..." NO you have NOT heard me say that! And, second of all, you're not 'going out' with ANYONE at our age! That's another thing! Kids our age don't know about dating, so why even try??? Oh, the smartest kids can even be fooled by dating issues.

Many things the girls say back is: "But EVERYONE dates.. I'll be the ONLY girl who doesn't!" Don't you think I've noticed? That's why I GIVE the lecture in the first place!

My advice: Girls and boys can set a WAY better example when they don't date than when they do.

Country Count: Eighteen! Peru!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Green Patriot!

The fair ended today...:( I had my third funnel cake this week and got a gift card to Books & Company.

I actually got a Reitter's gift card, but a boy had the card I wanted, so I noticed things, important things, so I kept record in my head:

He was a short (compared to me, at least) male, had buzz-cutted brown hair, a hat on (possibly John Deere), skinny, wearing baggy jeans and a T-shirt. His card was five dollars and for Books And Co.

I ran up to him about ten minutes later, (because I kept track of where he went) and all I had to do was:

"Hi!"
"Uh... hi."
"Do you have a gift card?"
"Yeah." (he reached in his pocket.)
"Is it five dollars?"
"Yeah."
"Books and Company?"
"Yeah."
"Would you rather have yummy, delicious ice cream?"
"Sure, whatever."

I GOT THE CARD! I can't believe I kept track of his everything--- and didn't screw it up! Call it a photographic memory, call it crazy, call it weird, call it stalker-ish. (I admit, that was a stalker's move.) But it worked! My memory is great! I count myself as someone with a photographic memory, (I remember what I WANT to remember... too bad that excludes school work.) since I can still remember Prims lessons from second grade and Olympic champions from 1988, (before I was born) I can even remember who stood behind me when I modeled! (Her club was the Creative Christian Clovers. Her project was Tops For Tweens. Brown hair. Tall, but shorter than me. Great smile. First place in modeling in Greene County for our project.)

I remember things. I remember the guy who made me funnel cakes a week ago, and then the day after that. I remember my first gymnastic/cheer coach. I remember my first best friends. I remember my preschool babysitter at church.

Yes, I remember some odd things. I remember things some of you have said that you don't even remember saying. I hope I can keep track of the countries and states reading my blog! My goal: Remember each flag, learn bits and pieces of each language, help someone get saved by simply reading my blog!

Country Count: NEW! India! Thailand and Australia like the blog so much, they visited again!

Friday, August 6, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Here We Go Again!

What is your daily routine??? Wake up, brush your teeth, wash your face, comb your hair, get dressed, blog, give myself a spa treatment, any extra plans, take shower, brush teeth, night facial wash, shower, sleep. (by then, it's maybe 1 a.m.)

Everyday is just like, "Here We Go Again!" But some days, most people get too focused on the plan. Extra, EXTRA mascara, big, rosy cheeks; plump, GLOSSY lips... I must admit I'm guilty of focusing more on my lips than my character. Proverbs 31 talks a lot about women, beauty, and what girls SHOULD be. (sorry guys who are reading the blog... this one is kinda girly... but read with me.) We always worry about "OMG, my hair is a beast!" or the world famous one, "I have nothing to wear!!!!!!" The Bible says don't worry about that.

Somewhere in the Bible, it says not to worry about what you eat or what to wear. Don't worry about it! Next time you look in the mirror to do your makeup, listen to the song "A More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz, and read this popular verse:

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

This verse is 100% true because charm is very deceptive because I mean, well... I can't even answer that, because I just love jewelery and everything of that nature. But I actually don't know the answer to that one.

But I know that beauty is fleeting because I can use a few examples:

Hair extensions. Your hair is so luscious and long when you put them on, but when you take them off, it's gone. You have barely any hair. That's a deceptive charm.

Makeup. Your face is lovely when it's on, but when it's off, you don't always feel like a beautiful person.

Aging. When you get older, you won't have a baby face and soft skin, will you???

So when you wake up tomorrow, look at the sky, know that it's a brand new day, yesterday is gone, and say, "Here We Go Again!"

Next in The Bible Challenge: Song Of Solomon for September. Exclusive Proverb!

Country Count: No new countries.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Tomorrow

Hey! It's me listening to "Airplanes" again! I'm trying to learn it really well, because I'm learning it on piano!

What do you have to do tomorrow? Don't answer that. You don't know, so don't say "I'm spending the night at Lisa's" or "I'm going to the fair." Anything can happen.

I thought I would have seventeen countries today, but instead, I got sixteen. (Vietnam.)

Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

I went to the awards ceremony at the Greene County Fair, and saw the Prince, Princess, Runner-Up Queen, Runner-Up King, King and Queen. And I was like:

Next year, I'm eligible to apply for princess! I mean, what girl doesn't wanna be the Greene County Princess? You get to wear a cute sash that says "2010 Greene County Princess" and a cute tiara! No pageants, not based on beauty, just something fun! So I'm like: "Great! I'm gonna be the princess next year!" I mean, how hard could it be?

You just have to fill out an application about your projects, which can't be hard, because I mean, this year, I got first place in the junior fair in creative writing and second place in modeling and sewing, so becoming princess? Piece of cake--- or so it sounds.

But many girls apply for that position, so I can't say anything about my non-existent princess position. But, I can still believe that I'll become the, THE Greene County Princess. I just can't brag about it. However, if I DO become princess, you might hear A LOT about it.

My point is, if you THINK something will happen, don't be so sure... some other girl may grab the princess tiara instead of me, and then I'll end up disliking the girl, when I should be asking for pictures with her and having a great time! Also:

There's no guarantee of a tomorrow. What if the rapture happens tomorrow? What if you get into a car accident tomorrow? Don't brag about tomorrow, focus on today.

Next in The Bible Challenge: Proverbs 31:30!

New Country: Vietnam! Sixteen countries! Please pray for the people of such exotic countries like these, and pray for the United States! Thank you if you have been praying! Next language to learn, (previously French) Spanish!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Jacuzzi Time!

Oh, do I love pools and spas? YES! Yes indeed. I love music. I love swimming. Everything there is to love, I love. (well... I can't be so sure...) My point: I would really like a hot tub right now. Random, yes it is.

Yesterday, I was at the Greene County Fair (I don't even LIVE in Greene County!) and there was a "Softub" and it was so cool! It was small and cute, and it was literally soft! In the daytime, it was like a swimming pool [as in temperature] and you could maybe swim a little bit, but not much. Like a cold hot tub. Then, at night, as I was leaving the fair, it was warm and relaxing... awesome.

I want that hot tub!!!! But, for now, I'll live. Without a hot tub. Right now, if you REALLY wanna know what I'm doing, I'm listening to "Radio" by PureNRG. Just heard this song yesterday, now I'm addicted! "When you hear this on the radio, from NYC to L.A...." I might be on YouTube for awhile today. I heard a REALLY old song, "Spinnin' Around" by Jump5. Remember Jump5? I know, really old! I got their "Best of Jump5" CD a couple years ago, and I was like, wow. This is like, 1990s music. That was like, when I was a baby! LoL!

Speaking of pools and spas:

Proverbs 18:4, 9-10
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.... One who is slack in in his work is brother to one who destroys. The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

There's a song I've heard on the radio ("from Africa to Bombay"... sorry, I just love that song!) that says:

"You are my strong tower, shelter over me..." I don't know who sings it, but it's called "Strongtower". (yes, it's one word.) That's really what God is. So, maybe you feel like:

"I have no friends. My family doesn't get along. (I get along with my family quite well.) Everybody hates me. Blah Blah, Blah Blah Blah."

DON'T THINK THAT WAY! God is still there! God is always there! also, be careful what you say... it's like deep water. And don't be lazy! (yes, I've heard of "The Lazy Mom".) Just be the best you can be!

Next in The Bible Challenge: Proverbs 27:1

New country: Fifteen! Singapore!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Low

Ever felt so low in spirit that you're so desperate that you make a wish, aside from prayer??? That's where I get the title from.

In the Bible, it says it's actually better to be low in spirit than prideful. Therefore, as long as you aren't all like, "Oh look, I, and ONLY I, made it to the state fair in my division for 4-H. I, and ONLY I, have the Outlast Lipstain. (which by the way works really well.) I, and ONLY I, can speak Chinese AND French, which YOU can't", well then, you're okay. Rather be depressed than prideful.

If you've heard the song "Better Than A Hallelujah" by Amy Grant, it says:

"We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody. Beautiful the mess we are, honest cries of breaking hearts, are better than a hallelujah."

You're probably thinking: "Okay, so God LIKES to hear all my troubles??? Does Amy Grant know what she's talking about???" I agree, it does seem weird, but the thing is it's great when we call out to God instead of randomly wishing on some airplane in the night sky. (..."Like shooting stars"...) I mean, sure, we could ALL use a wish right now, repeat, wish right now, repeat, wish right now. The verse says:

Proverbs 16:18-19
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the crowd.

This would be a great motto to live by for kids our age, (and even adults! When I say kids, yes, that includes teens.) because we all tend to say or do things that may not make sense and seem really... well... snobby. Everyone lies. Everyone cheats. Everyone steals. Everyone gossips. (I'm guilty of that one!) That makes us all mean in ways, but we all have our nice sides. Many of us do. Some kids don't like being nice, but really are.

I can be mad at someone one moment and then forget about it the next. There's those times when I'm just like, (no names):

"You are really stuck-up anyway. I don't want to be friends with someone like that! Why am I friends with you?! I don't want to be your friend. I'm sick and tired of being used. I'm sick of being told 'you're invited' and then hearing about all the fun you had... Yeah. All the fun you had, without me, that is. I'm tired of your little hissy fits. You say 'friends forever' but I don't see a future. You think you're all that. You drag me into every relationship, every guy, everything. You're a drama queen. Just leave me alone anyway."

But be patient. That person may make you feel low, but pray for yourself, and you NEED to pray for them. Maybe you'll be the best of friends someday. You'll never know...

My point is, if you're feeling low and even depressed, look up, keep your head high, and know that you're doing better than a prideful person.

Next in The Bible Challenge: Proverbs 18:4, 9-10. We're half done!

New Country: Turkey! Thirteen is now fourteen! This blog is officially global!

Monday, August 2, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Lucky Thirteen

I'm thirteen now!!!! No, I'm still eleven. I don't look like an eleven-year-old, do I? However, you probably already knew, despite my 5'8" and lip gloss. So, why did I name this "Lucky Thirteen"??? Guess. NEW COUNTRIES!

Yesterday, I prayed for just two more countries to upgrade my eleven countries. The countries are:

Spain
Aussie!!!!!

I've been waiting for Australia for so long, this is awesome! Just look at what traffic feed can do for you! And I got even more than I bargained for. Not only did I get Australia, but I got MELBOURNE, Australia, which quite a while ago hosted the Olympic Games. [Quite a big deal.] I got places that I thought I would never get in my eleven-year-long life, so far. Look!

-Phoenix, Arizona
-Bellmore, New York
-Temple, Texas

AMAZING! Coincidentally, our challenge for today is Proverbs 13:12. Lucky Thirteen! Thirteen isn't always lucky, if you think about "Friday the Thirteenth", but for me, I'm lucky!

This verse has my name in it! I've heard someone preach about something similar to this verse and I think it's important that you read it:

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Do YOU have a dream??? Is it to have thirteen countries read your blog? To learn Chinese? (which believe it or not, I might take Chinese next year.) To be the best Olympic swimmer since Micheal Phelps? To win National Fine Arts? (BTW, good luck, Fine Arts participants in Detroit!) Whatever the goal, FULFILL IT. You can do it!

Now that I have newly discovered that verse for myself, it's my anthem. Have a dream??? FULFILL IT!

Next in The Bible Challenge: Proverbs 16:18-19

Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Bible Challenge: Mission Accomplished

Welcome to August! Are you excited for school? I can't say I'm too excited, but check this out:

We have ELEVEN new countries! I was thinking about that in church, just thinking, "If I could have two more countries, that would be great. I still need Brazil, and I really would like to see a Middle-Eastern country show up." Have you heard the song "Wishes" by Point Of Grace??? Well, wishes come true!

Let's spill it: Iran and Rio Grande, Brazil! YES!!!!! This year is gonna rock! I'm excited because today, welcome back to The Bible Challenge.
----------------------
What is it like to be a cheerleader? What is it like to not HAVE a friend, but BE a friend? What is it like to step OUT of my comfort zone? What is it like to be a great Christian? Today's challenge answers that question.

Throughout your life---especially those horror-movie teen years---You'll have to ask those questions. You're probably thinking: "Okay, what do you mean by 'cheerleader'? There's NOTHING special about a cheerleader!" Well, there actually is.

Today, we'll learn how to be a cheerleader, a REAL cheerleader. The RIGHT way to be a cheerleader. There's friendship, leadership, smiling in six different ways, and everything else.

I was a cheerleader, and SOOOO liked it. Let me get something straight:

Guys and girls can BOTH enjoy cheerleading in the SAME ways! It is actually, originally a GUYS sport. (just to point that out to you guys.)

I have been attending something new for me on Wednesdays now, and I'm getting used to it. You're probably like, "I know, Hope; let me guess, you're going to Youth." Well yes I am! I like it a lot! I saw some REAL cheerleaders there! The leadership teens/kids/some adults were very friendly! My sister is on leadership, so it's not like I don't know what they do.

I call them real cheerleaders, because even though I'm not buddy-buddy with Joey or Abby, and I'm not friends with Melanie or Olivia, they made me feel--- welcome. And that's how everyone should feel.

You should always be a true cheerleader, because even if you have no interest in cheerleading and don't want anything to do with it, it's worth it. Today's verse is:

Proverbs 12:25-28
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions. In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immorality.

That is today's verse(s). Whatever they mean to you is what they mean to YOU. You can CHOOSE to be a cheerleader, or you can choose to sit on the bleachers. You can be like the cheerleader who cheers up an anxious man, or you can be like the lazy man and just sit back and watch the game. "It's your life, what cha gonna do? The world is watchin' you, everyday the choices you make, show what you are and who your heart beats for. It's an open door. It's your life."

Next in The Bible Challenge: Proverbs 13:12