God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!!!

It's Christmas day! Yay! I am having a great Christmas! It's so much better than last Christmas. It still feels like a normal day because snow just doesn't wanna fall on the Miami Valley this year, does it? We haven't had a white Christmas since that ginormous storm back in like, '04 or something. So I don't even dream of white Christmases anymore, because I know that in Dayton, Ohio; they just don't happen.

I got an iTunes card as my favorite gift this year. (and a new computer for the whole family--- you know what that means? No more Microsoft Word 2001 {or something like that}--- We're updating!!!) I downloaded eighteen songs and still have $5.47 left... hmm what should I buy? I know I have to keep at least one dollar so I can buy my "Behind the Scenes" (Francesca Battistelli) performance track for Fine Arts.

So, the first thing I did was buy "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay. This song is just so true. Like:

"When you're still waiting for the snow to fall, it doesn't really feel like Christmas at all."

In Dayton, it never feels like Christmas!!!!! Which is weird, I mean, HELLO, I live in a pretty cold climate. But oh well. Welcome to Ohio...

But this song also means, may it sound like pun was intended, hope. "Christmas night, another fight. Tears, we cried a flood." Sounds like a pretty sad Christmas Eve... no one would feel like celebrating Christmas. But...

"Those. Christ. Mas. Lights, light up the street, down where the sea and city meet. May all your troubles soon be gone. Oh Christmas lights, keep shining on!"

Even if you're having a bad Christmas, guess what??? Think about it like this: You're celebrating Christ's birth--- there's no reason to not be happy! Jesus is alive (still)! He was born so we could have new life! So that when he died on the cross that fateful Friday (and people wonder why I love Fridays... hmm...), we could be separated from sin and set apart to serve God. So you can choose to be an atheist or whatever if you want, you were born with free will. But, remember what this day really is. And ask yourself:

Why do YOU celebrate Christmas???

Is it for getting gifts? Do you like giving the gifts? Are you like me, someone who likes to try something new every year? (Making homemade cards for everyone in my half of the grade---that's twenty-seven kids---was intense this year. Super difficult.) Well, here's MY question for YOU:

If you don't believe in God, why do you celebrate Christmas? Because that doesn't make sense to me, just being honest. I wouldn't celebrate a holiday for someone I don't believe in. Maybe you're a kid and your parents believe in God so you celebrate it anyway, and I understand. But I don't see how someone can celebrate a holiday for someone they don't believe in. Christmas has become a holiday for just giving and receiving. But remember what the ultimate gift is, who gave their life for you...

"I think you've forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter."

-Lucy, Disney/Walden's "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"

Don't forget who Christmas is really about, alright? Merry Christmas, y'all. PEACE!!

Christmas Lights: Bring It On!

Christmas spirit... if it were an Olympic sport, I'd be out for the gold medal. And at my school, there are some weird kids. That means crazy competition. For Christmas spirit.

Nobody is as creative as I am. Making personalized Christmas letters for everybody in my half of the eighth grade, singing even while angry, asking everyone what their favorite color is. Who would have thought I'd have competition.

This seventh grader had the nerve to be awesome and do something different. Something cooler than I knew was possible.

So, picture me, just walking to my cubby as I see... Christmas lights. "What the heck?" I thought, thinking maybe I was still groggy from the bus ride. So I walk back to Cal's (not full name) cubby and there it is, Christmas lights LINING HER CUBBY. What the heck, I know. I didn't even know it was possible to put Christmas lights--- that HANG ON HOUSES---in a school cubby. But it is. She attached it to a battery somehow... she must be in robotics or something. I thought it was ingenius. And did I mention she had a photograph of herself hanging off the lights? Almost like she was saying, "Beat THAT, Hope!" So, I confronted her at lunch about my discovery.

I asked her if she'd be alright if I had tried to outdo her holiday spirit. And ha ha... SHE SAID YES! We have similar personalities (I know her because I interviewed her for a project where we could interview some of the younger kids), and great minds think alike. We're both extremely creative, so I'm almost scared about where this could be leading. Let's just say...

Two girls enter the games. Only one will survive to tell the story.

And right now... I don't know if the survivor is me. This girl is serious about Christmas. But so am I. So here's what I say.

Dear Cal,
You may have Christmas lights and I may not be talented enough to do that, but guess whose idea it is to put a Christmas tree in her cubby? And snow? And snowmen? These are the Christmas games, and every addition to the spirit must be better than the last. Else, you're setting yourself up for some serious drama. Can you handle the heat? Or, should I say, snow? You'd better hope so.

Let the flames begin.
Xx_Hope_xX

The Christmas Singing!

Come on, y'all... it's Christmas time!

And it's not Christmas time without "The Christmas Singing"--- by far a great Christmas present!

Yep. Nothing's better than a good Cindy Woodsmall book. Like the one I reviewed and read "The Harvest of Grace" in Phoenix while sitting in a swimming pool. Not by it. IN the pool. I breezed through the first chapter in literally, minutes.

And, you too can breeze through a chapter written by Woodsmall in "The Christmas Singing"! http://www.scribd.com/doc/69473983/The-Christmas-Singing-Chapter-1-Excerpt click the link to read chapter one!

Well, shake up the happiness, guys! Merry Christmas! I'll be back in time to Christmas-up things here!

It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas.

I tried to get really excited for the holidays by adding fun Christmas music to my blog, including the 2010 Coca-Cola song, "Shake Up Christmas" by Train. It actually worked!

But Christmas Eve and Day just felt like any other day. Christmas Night was normal. I had no problems sleeping, and I went to bed on Christmas Day. (12:06 to be exact.) in the morning, Charity was in the spirit, but I was like, "Five more minutes..." and usually I like getting up at 6 a.m. for presents, but this year I was like, 'whatever, let's get up'.

I guess it's because I'm getting older and I didn't ask for much... Well, in my eyes I didn't. So I didn't expect much.

This brings me to think: what was the best Christmas that I actually enjoyed??? Christmas 2006. I'd been given a pink acoustic guitar. I'll never forget it. Left-handed version, making it more expensive. LOVED it, because I always wanted to play guitar, most likely because my dad can play all varieties of guitar. Bass, electric, acoustic... You name it.

Last Christmas I didn't exactly get what I want, but Jesus was what made it a happy Christmas. This year, I got the book I wanted, ("Unlocked"... Yay!) a foot spa so I don't have to heat up my own pedi water anymore, sanitizer, nail polish for zebra stripes, some journals, jewlery, and tonight I should be getting some more jewelry... If not that, it's:

"Money money money money, MoNeY!!!$$$$$$$$$$!!$$!!$$!!$$!!$$!!$$"

"Good things, bad things with it..." remember to vote on my quiz so that your pick will win. Are you a music lover? Movie watcher? Fashionista? Well then I need you!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

...And a white Christmas it will barely be! Merry Christmas from your blogging BFF, have a very fun and safe holiday! May God bless you as you travel, and may you get the presents you want. And to God I pray, help me to be a gracious receiver as well as a giver. Remember what Christmas really is, a baby born to die.

Again, have a very merry Christmas!

Shake up Christmas!
Regards,
Hope (Ho, Ho, HOPE!)

Christmastime Is Here Part 2

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

*Pause the sidebar music before pressing "Play". Please, listen to this music. It will help get you in the mood of this post. To pause the other music is to go to the top right corner of the playlist, and your controls are right there. Remember, you can click on any song you want and it will play right then.*

Okay... Well... here's the fun part of Christmas!

We've all seen at least one Charlie Brown classic, I hope. Charlie is so cute! He's been my favorite cartoon since... ever! I love him! I remember just one line from Charlie Brown that I've known since I was five.

It's the part where Linus sticks out his tongue when they're in the snow and he says, "It tastes like sugar"! For some odd reason, I've always remembered that line. Weird, huh?
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What does Christmas really mean? Ask Linus anytime.

Charlie Brown has been through it all. These couple days, so have I. So what does he do? He goes to the Psychologist, Lucy. "What's wrong, Charlie Brown?" She asks. (Something like that, at least.) "Well, I feel depressed." He says. Lucy is not the doctor you wanna go to. "Is it ...phobia? That's the fear of *blahblah*." She goes through a huge list of diseases that Charlie doesn't exactly have.

"Well then... what are you afraid of, Charlie Brown?"
"Everything!" He yells.

So what's up with Charlie? He doesn't know the true meaning of Christmas.

He puts on a play, and the kids know they're doomed. They ask Charlie to get a tree for them. So he does as asked. Almost. Him and Linus go get a tree. "But, it's not as festive as the other trees," Linus says about the tiny tree. "Don't worry, we'll decorate it and it will look so pretty," Charlie says.

He takes what is now called the Charlie Brown Tree to the theater, and Lucy absolutely hates it. All of the kids laugh at his tree and leave him alone. The tree with one ornament on it. It's just him and Linus, now.

Charlie is completely defeated. Already not in the Christmas spirit, he gives up, still not knowing what Christmas really means. So Linus takes the floor and explains it to him. The REAL story of Christmas. The story of Jesus.

Charlie all of a sudden becomes happy, with Linus' voice recording again in his head. "Now is born a Saviour."

Charlie takes his tree, places it in front of his house, (even though Snoopy's house is number 1) and gladly smiles as he walks to his house.
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What is this telling you? The maker of PEANUTS was most likely a Christian. Another thing? It's one of the few Christmas programs that don't say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry X-Mas". They say that Jesus is the shining star.

"Noel... Noel... Noel... Noel..."

Born is the king of Israel.

Prayer Camp Days 40-46

Angel of Mercy, how did you find me? How did you pick me up again???
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The small city of Huber always sleeps. There is no evening traffic. There are no malls or outlets in this town, you'd have to drive thirty minutes out of your way to find a mall in Fairborn. There is one place to take gymnastics. There are no Dillard's stores. Finding a prom dress is rare; you must go to Kohl's; there is only one newly-opened boutique. There is no K-Mart, it closed about a year ago. Nothing is very popular in this tiny suburb, we don't have many AVON women or news reporters.

But we have a football team. We are known nationwide. Our games are always featured on ESPN. Our quarterback was in Sports Illustrated. We have won many games. Colleges are fighting over our magazine-worthy Braxton Miller. We are a very civilized community. We have a great library. Our athletes are outstanding. We are friends.

We are: WAYNE.

We are going to the State Championships. Millions of people will watch us play. Michigan fears us. (Braxton is going to Ohio State.) We can only say that we have been transformed!

We used to lose basically every game. We used to be a school in the shadows. But the LORD of mercy has picked us up again! We are now staggering at the top! No school can ever steal OUR swagger ever again!
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Another story of being picked up that doesn't have to do with football? I went skating yesterday and was going down a steep step, while wearing my skates and fell flat down onto my back. It really hurts right now. But, in the midst of what could have been, I am very happy. Could've paralyzed myself. But I'm free!
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Here's another good story based on the true fact that the shoe doesn't fit unless God picks it out for you!

It's always fun to talk about a good deal, isn't it? Well then, shhhhh, because this deal is secret. I haven't told ANYONE about it.

Yesterday I went shopping at Goodwill, and I desperately need a dress for Cappucino Christmas. I went to the Ladies' Dresses section, and I found a wedding dress! With a train and everything! For only five bucks! I was like, WOW.... that's amazing! You can get that for $5,000 yet here you'll get it for $5.

So, here's what is REALLY important: I was looking through the dresses, (AFTER the whole wedding situation) and was trying to find a Christmas dress.

"Ugly, ugly, EWW! How'd that end up in ANY kind of store??? Ugly, ugly.... too pink, too blue, too green, too short, too prommy, weird-looking, ugly, ugly...."

(Plop.)

"Hey! A dress fell! Okay, if this dress fell," I said, not even knowing what color it was yet, "There must be a reason. I just know that God wanted it to be there." I took a deep breath and bent down.

"OH MY GOSH, MOM!!!!! CHECK OUT THIS DRESS!!!!!"

I can't wait to wear it! I can't give you details, because I've already told you too much. You'll see it on Wednesday, December 15!!! I'll take pictures afterwards for those of you who won't see me soon, (especially my volleyball peeps:*( Miss ya!) but otherwise make sure you go to ThExperience on the 15th! Most importantly, go on the 8th! $3.00 in advance, $5.00 at the door!

"I know something the prince never knew... All too soon, the clock will strike midnight, and she'll, Be, Gone."
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What's Cappucino Christmas???

E-mail this blog today, and I will let you know the church address,
what to wear,
what to bring,
 what to pay,
 and who's the mastermind behind this spectacular event! (Idk who the mastermind is, but if you ask, I'll just say Pastor Corey.)

"It Snowed...."

Oh my gosh..... "Everybody's happy because it snowed last night!"

It snowed EVERYWHERE last night, except for where I live. How did I find out? One word. Technically TWO words. Facebook.

My sister was on Facebook. Christian (not all of you know him... I've known him since I was eight and he goes to Faith's school now) says.... "snow:)". Snow? Where? Maybe it's because he lives fourty-five minutes away.

Sarah (you know her from church) says... "SNOW!!!" So now I'm like, "COME ON!!!" She lives like, ten minutes away!!! There is no way that it's snowing near her and not near me. Her house is ten minutes away. Her school is walking distance from me. There is NO WAY it wasn't snowing here. It's IMPOSSIBLE.

But today... IT SNOWED!!!!!!!!!!! It's not like, four feet high or anything, but everybody's happy because it snowed last night! That is why it is the first song on the playlist.

Take note that the song on the playlist, although her voice sounds just the same as on her CD, the guitar at the beginning is supposed to be trumpets, and there's also supposed to be a piano somewhere in there. So I didn't get the original version, but it's still a great song!

"How merry... How bright... a snowfall turns the world into a lovely sight!"

So as you can tell, the playlist no longer has seventy songs on it, it only has nine. Christmas classics you'll love, and maybe some new songs you've never heard before! And guess what? Yesterday, I discovered a not-so-new The Fray song, (you might recognize them from "How to Save A Life" the song) called "You Found Me". It's a Christian song!

"Lost and insecure. You found me, you found me! Lying on the floor. You found me, you found me..."

(You can buy that on iTunes or search it on YouTube !)

So that's a band that I like a bit better than Paramore!!!
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New songs!
"It Snowed"-Meaghan Smith
"This Christmas"-Who-Knows-Who-Sings-This?
"All I Want for Christmas"-Mariah Carey
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"-The Ronettes
"Above the Northern Lights"-Manheim Steamroller
"Mary, Did You Know?"-Kutless
"The First Noel"-David Archuleta
"O Holy Night"-BarlowGirl
"Christmas Shoes"-NEWSONG
"Happy Birthday, Jesus"-Brooklyn Tabernacle Childrens Choir

YOU DEFINITELY KNOW...
"All I Want For Christmas" (Is You!)
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (although you might've heard Micheal Jackson's version)
"Mary, Did You Know?" (but maybe not by Kutless.)
"The First Noel" (David does this song justice!)
"O Holy Night" (BarlowGirl adds some rock to this classic!)
"Christmas Shoes" (it's TOO sad)

YOU MIGHT WANNA HEAR...
"It Snowed" (Wish upon a star!)
"This Christmas" (We're caroling through the night!)
"Above the Northern Lights" (You just might fall asleep...)
"Happy Birthday, Jesus" (It's SO cute!)

"Wish upon a STAR.... it snows again! To....night!"

Prayer Camp Days 33-39

HeyyyyyOhhhh!!!!!!! Wellp, as I call it, this year is coming to a close. It sure was fun. 2010 was a year that... basically... NO ONE will forget.

And, with that, we have less than A MONTH until Christmas! Are you going to be a Super Santa this year???? (Speaking of which... never mind I'll bring it up later.) If so, WHO, WHO, WHO'S on your list??? Your mom? Your dad? Your grandma? Grandpa? Some friends? Maybe even me?

Wellp, if I really am on that big list of yours, you need to know that there are many items that I really like this year! (Don't expect them to be the cheapest.)

• "Play" for Her by Givenchy
• "Dark Kiss" lipgloss---- I got the fragrance, lotion, and shower gel already for my B-Day
• "Unlocked" (it's a book) by Karen Kingsbury

There's more.... AND, I also really like the WOW Hits CDs, and I absolutely love, love, LOVE any sort of amazing gift card from iTunes, Bath&Body Works, (And if you buy a WOW Cd, PLEASE do not buy the 2010 version--- I don't know ANY of the songs off of it. Buy the 2011 version if anything.) and Books and Company. That's my list.

Who's on MY list?? Well, not too many people to be honest, but only the friends that have either bought me something that I never did in return, or always deserved it as a simple thanks for being my friend. So you just might know who's on MY list... maybe you've found out that it's you!
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So... how was your turkey day? Mine was great! It's hot in Cleveland! Okay, so, it was actually kinda cold in Cleveland, cuz you know.... it's right by Lake Erie, which is right by both Michigan AND Canada.... you get it.

This was my fourth time back in Cleveland since Missions Extreme '10... MeMoRiEs.... it was great. I went to Aunt Niecy's house and it was very fun!!! Nobody argued, everyone was happy. My Uncle Dale's chair broke and like, he fell back out of the blue and like, his legs were dangling.... it was hilarious, even though I was worried that he got hurt.

Aunt Niecy (Real name; Denise) has an African staue person in her living room, named Malarke. (Pronounced Ma-*as in Magician*-Lark-*Lark like Bark*-E.*E like Money*.) I was standing in front of it, probably laughing, and made Malarke fall on his nose, straight to the floor. "You made Malarke fall!" She said. And, I scratched her floor when Malarke injured his nose. If you wanna know more about Malarke, you just have to talk to me in person, because I gotta start talking about the prayer stuff!
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These last days I have been practicing thinking before I speak. It's working, and God has told me that I can prevent arguements from happening if I'm careful what I say and do!

What's worse than waking up with a cold? Waking up with a cold on THANKSGIVING. I mean, hello, I just got my flu shot.... why now???? And what's worse than that? I got my flu shot on my birthday. But on the bright side, I don't have to catch the swine on my twelfth year!

How do I feel about being twelve now? Honestly, I feel the same, I look the same. But I smell different and my nails will look ten times more sassy and appealing. I got like, everything that smells like "Dark Kiss", and I got sparkly nail polish, gold nail polish, pink nail polish, and black nail polish. And, here's my favorite: AVON cake decorating kit!

My birthday's over. But God will make 2011 the best year for me to turn thirteen, I just know it!