12 Days of Christmas

Well, here we are! Only 12 more days until Christmas 2013 :) I love this time of year for many reasons, but one of the top reasons is because of the music. I absolutely love Christmas songs (if it wouldn't annoy my family, I would probably play them all year long!). I wanted to put together my top 12 Christmas songs (in no particular order) to share with you all so here ya go! :)

#1 Hairy Christmas (performed by Willie Robertson and Luke Bryan)

I saw this on the CMA Country Christmas and was laughing so hard I could barely breath. This was such a fun song! The fact that Willie from Duck Dynasty sings it is just an added bonus :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQQPVqnlXog

#2 Carol of the Bells (by Pentatonix)

This was amazing. I love acappella (when it's done right) and boy! do they do this one right!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vvkNWs7sQw

#3 O Holy Night (by Tenth Avenue North)

This is my favorite kind of Christmas song: a classic with a little bit of an added beat. I love Mike Donehey's voice and he did this song so well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBygNgy8FKU

#4 O Come Emmanuel (by The Piano Guys)

I mean come on! The Piano Guys are amazing! This has to be my favorite version of this amazing song. It's so mysterious and serious, but in such a beautiful, breath-taking way. <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc

#5 All I Want for Christmas (by Anthem Lights)

Of course I had to put an Anthem Lights song in here somewhere! Anthem Lights does this SSSOOO well! (I may be biased just because I love them so much...:) )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuVoodqPevo

#6 Joseph's Lullaby (by MercyMe)

I am on the verge of tears every time I hear this song. And for those of you who know me, I'm not a crier! This song is simply amazing: A very simple tune, but an amazing message :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7InZv8Zfs10

#7 Jingle Bell Rock (by The Newsboys)

These guys know how to have a good time! Best version of this song EVER! And believe me, I have heard many versions ;) If I ever want to get in a good mood, I play this :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mvSZYu-1Jk

#8 O Come All Ye Faithful (by Rush of Fools)

For one: The little kid at the beginning is adorable :) But this is another example of a band singing the song right! They don't change it up to much but just enough to keep it interesting. Love this one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYqmV8GEodQ

#9 Mary Did You Know (by CeeLo Green)

No, I normally don't like CeeLo, and yes, some things in the video aren't completely correct. But! This, I have to say, is one of the more moving videos and performances I have ever seen/heard! Amazing <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1DZA_TdBBI

#10 The Night Before Christmas (by Brandon Heath)

This is another one of those songs that gets me every time. I dare you to have a dry eye after you listen to it. Such a powerful song....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTHu1PKNOLQ

#11 Do You Hear What I Hear (performed by Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Nettles)

If this isn't the most powerful rendition of the song you have ever heard, I don't know what is. They totally get into it and they hold nothing back!! (and they are basically two of the best singers ever!) I love this version :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2uTJl6JWXQ

#12 This is Christmas (by Kutless)

Ok, I lied. I did have a reason for numbering these songs. I purposely put this one at the end because this truly tells of the true meaning of Christmas. This is why we celebrate this holiday. Christmas is nothing without Christ <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYVWFZ07-U


Well, I hope you enjoyed these 12 songs! I know I loved putting this together :) As much we love this holiday because of the food, family and friends, let's remember the true meaning of Christmas.
As Kutless says, "What is Christmas without Christ?"

Merry Christmas and God Bless,

Sarah

I'm thankful because God is

This month a lot of people write what they are thankful for. A lot of these lists are really touching and I really like to see into each person's life by seeing what makes them happy and what makes them thankful. So I decided I was going to make a list of what I was thankful for. I started with family and friends and then proceeded to add my house, job, school, health and on and on. But when I came to it, just putting "God" didn't seem to do it for me. I mean, how can you put so much of your life in one little word? Just adding "God" to my list didn't even begin to cover all the reasons I am thankful for Him. So I thought I would make a complete list just for God. He deserves so much more than a simple word on a list. And really, this list that I made still doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what He has done in my life. But, I'll still share it here with you so that you can get a glimpse of what my amazing God is like.

I'm thankful because God is faithful. I am so unfaithful. There have been so many things that I have put before God. Maybe unintentionally, or maybe something that really was good. But it got in God's way. I have tried to run after other things, but I always end up coming back to Him. I'm thankful that He doesn't do that with me.

I'm thankful because God is just. He hates sin. I sin. But He loves me enough to correct me. Even though it's not fun at the time, I'm thankful that God cares about me enough to turn me around. He wants me to keep walking with Him. And when I get turned around, He doesn't let me do my own thing but He brings me back to Himself.

I'm thankful because God is loving. He died for you because He loves you. Period. It wasn't "He died for you because you are awesome" or "He died for you because you deserved it" or even "He died for you because He knew you could repay Him". No! We are nothing, yet He sees us as everything. We are a leaf in the wind, yet He sees us as a priceless treasure. We see ourselves as worthless, but He sees us as something to die for. He loved us so He died, and He'll love us for eternity.

I'm thankful because God is my rock. He is my strength. He is my stronghold. I remember nights that I have been so heartbroken or confused that I have just cried out to God. He heard me. He hears me. He hears you! Whenever I fall I will always have Someone to fall on. He is the One that will help me through every trial, every tribulation and though it will be hard, He will never leave my side.

I'm thankful because God is all knowing. He knows my secrets, my fears, my dreams, my failures, my heart, my thoughts and my all. Yet He loves me the same. He knows what is on my mind, what's keeping my up at night and what's making me lose focus doing school. He is there to help me through it all. Am I willing to ask for His help?

I'm thankful because God is unfailing. I fail so often. People fail me. I fail myself. Yet there's always One that won't fail. We can go to Him and He won't make fun, tease, gripe, put down, belittle, get angry, hurt us or even smirk. He won't let us down. My God isn't a God that will go back on His word. He promises to never leave us and help us through it all. And He will.

I'm thankful because God is forgiving. We all mess up. I definitely have. But I've learned that no matter what we do, we can always run to God. I've been blackened by sin. Filthy. But whenever I run back to God, He makes me white, clean, pure. Sin is sin, and it can't go unpunished. Yes, there may be consequences for my sins, but ultimately the price has already been paid. He is waiting to forgive. So what are we waiting for?

I'm thankful because God is. Period. Whatever I need Him to be, He is. He is my God and really, He is the reason I'm even sitting here typing this. He is why I have breath, He is why I have each new day, He is why I am here.

And for that, I am thankful.

Ten tips for the new school year

Well, here it is: my senior year of high school. I'm sure many of you are starting school soon or have already started. I have learned so much in these past school years and I have also heard about some struggles of others. So here is a list of some things I have learned, some things others have learned and some things that maybe I haven't dealt with but that may help you. So without further ado, I present to you a list of school helps! (at least I hope they help you ;) )

#1 Keep God first. As much fun extra curricular activities are, make sure that they don't become your idols. Work hard and do your best. Have fun with them! But evaluate yourself: are you focusing on it more and putting it before the Lord and Your time with Him? Then it has become an idol. There are ways to keep God first: do a devo during sports, sing songs that point others to Christ in choir and make sure you are performing to the Lord in plays. Keep God a priority and He'll bless you in your activities.

#2 Don't fall to peer pressure. There are a lot of people who will be pushing you in a bunch of different ways: Do this! Don't do that! Stay here! Make sure you go! It can be hard to know exactly who to listen to. That's where parents and teachers come in. They are there to help you in academics but also socially. Don't be afraid to go to them, or another trusted adult, when you don't know who to listen to. And make sure you always turn to Christ and His word. If anything contradicts with His word, no matter who said it, turn and flee!!

#3 Don't focus on guy/girl relationships. I have made it a point in my life to not date/court in highschool. Why? Because in school you should be focused on school! Does that mean you can't get to know guys while in a group setting and even have friends who are guys? Of course not! I have a lot of guys who are my friends! I even went to a soccer game this past summer with my brother and two other guy friends to watch three of my other guy friends play! So you can be friends with guys. The kicker? You can't focus on them. One day I hope to get married, but it's not going to happen during high school, so why start looking? Focus on God and when the time is right He will reveal the right guy for you. Don't rush Him or try to do it yourself: dangerous things can happen. So while in high school keep your focus elsewhere.

#4 Keep distractions at bay. Facebook......tweeting.......instagram.......pintrest........iTunes.......there are a ton of distractions on (and off) the computer that can keep your from your studies and homework. I get distracted really easily (I've gotten sidetracked like five times just as I've written this...) so I have to really watch that I'm not on FB more than I'm actually studying. Set locks, punish yourself, turn the phone off or even go to a different area where there are less distractions. Anything to help you keep your mind on school and off a screen.

#5 Study long and hard. This is pretty self explanatory. You may need to miss some parties and such but in the end good grades pay off more that anything else. 'Nuf said about that lol

#6 Surround yourself with good friends. Are your friends keeping your from studying? Hurting you in any way? "Helping" you make wrong choices? Then the answer is this: get rid of them! Yes easier said than done. Everyone wants to be loved by someone. We all want friends! But make sure they are the ones that God wants for you. Keep God first (see #1 ;) ) and He will provide you with good friends. It may be hard and you may be a loner for a while, but standing with God alone is so much better than standing with the world surrounded.
#7 Do what you love. I love choir, so I do it. I love basketball, so I'm on the team. I love theatre, so I act. Life is to short to do what others want you to do and not do what you love! Will you have to do some things that you don't like? For example: Math? Yes, yes you will. But have some fun in school! High school has been some of the best times of my life. Why? Because I'm with the people I love, learning about things I love, doing things I love and praising God through it all! I already know where I'm going to college and what I'm going to study. I'm getting my English major. Why? (can you guess ;) ) Because I love English!!!! Life is to short to not do what you love, so if God reveals to you what you love: Go for it with all your heart!! :)

#8 Have a good attitude. If you fail, smile and get back up. Enjoy the little things. Laugh often. Praise God. Dance like no one is watching. Have some fun :) God doesn't want us to go through life with a "this is so boring" attitude! Christianity is exciting, we are always learning about God, He is revealing the path He wants us to take, so embrace it! Smile and jump in!

#9 Keep going to church. I know as the school year gets busy it looks more and more appealing to have another day to sleep in. But Sunday is the most important day of the week. Why? You come together with other believers to learn about the most important Person of your life. I know what it is like to sleep in and not do my devos or to miss church. It makes me more tired. Why? I honestly don't know why I feel physically tired, but I know why I feel spiritually tired! It's because I didn't take time for the most important thing: taking the focus off myself and putting it on the Lord! When I miss church or my devos I feel worn out, I feel grumpy and I feel like biting people's heads off! Not literally....but metaphorically. We need that time at church and at personal devos to get our focus right for the week and for everyday. Don't take away your spiritual recharge because your physical feels run down. Keep God the priority.

And for my last "tip".....

(I may be repeating but I feel like this kind of sums it all together)

#10 Do everything for the glory of God. Life is fun, but life is hard. You will have good days and you will have bad ones. You will feel on top of the world one day and down in the dumps the next. Life is full of surprises. But there is one thing that never changes. God. He is always there for you. He is pushing for you, coaching you, picking you up when you're down, disciplining you and standing by you. Do everything for Him. He is why you are alive right now. Every breath you take is a gift from Him. He gave you life, so the least you can do is give your life back to Him. Do what He wants. It may not always be fun, but in the end it is worth it. Glorify Him in your sports, plays, concerts, friends, relationships, activities and school in general.

Have a great year everyone! And to us seniors: may this last year be one that we will never forget! Go get 'em, Class of 2014!

I'm not in control

Dear People,

Well most of you know my life verses: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." But do you know why I choose these verses? What makes these stick out to me? Let me tell you my story :)

Last summer I went on a missions trip. (yes I blogged about that so you can read it if you want ;) ) It was a once in a life time trip, but before I went I was scared to death. I'm the kind of person that likes to know what is going to happen. I like control! Yes I really am a control freak: If I don't know what to expect I freak out. I didn't know what to expect for kids, I didn't know how they would react to new people, I didn't even know what the church looked like! I wouldn't know what to expect until I got there, so yah I was tweaking!...I struggled with this for a while and God brought me to these verses and it hit me:

 I don't know everything and that's ok.

There I said it! As much as I really hate to admit it, I don't know everything and I won't always be in control. Yah, for a person who likes to know what is going to happen this was a really hard concept to grasp. But I have a hope that not everyone has.

God knows.

See, it's ok that I don't know everything and it's ok that I'm not 100% in control because I have faith in a perfect God that is in control. So I just have to trust Him. Yah...easier said than done.

It's hard.

God never said trusting Him would be easy. It's not. It's one of the hardest lessons that I learned (and am still learning day to day!). Trusting means leaning fully on Him and not putting our own strength or power above God's but truly believing in Him and that He will get you through. Uh huh, like I said: It's hard. I have had times where I have trusted in Him fully and He has blessed me. Then there have been those other times that I tried to do it on my own, failed miserably and came back to God heartbroken. He is merciful (thank goodness!!) and He took me in His arms and told me "It's ok, you failed but I still love you. Learn from what you did wrong and next time just trust!"

So that's where the verses come in.

I need constant reminders! I forget things easily (just ask my family about feeding the dog...) So I need help remembering. Well I haven't mastered the whole dog thing yet, but God has given me these two verses to help me master the issue of trust. These verses help me remember who to trust: "Trust in the Lord" They help me remember not to rely on self: "and lean not on your own understandings" They help me remember to stay focused on God in every aspect: "In all your ways acknowledge Him" and they help me remember that God is fully in control, knows our future and has wonderful things planned for us: "and He will make your paths straight."

I'm ever learning.

It's not a once and done. Like I said, I need constant reminders. So I have those two verses always in my mind to help me remember this area where I need work. God is faithful. He will help me with this area just like He'll help you in areas where you need work. Does that mean you have to have a life verse? No! But it does mean that you have to go to God for everything. If having a life verse helps: great! It has for me. The main point I want to make is this:

Turn always to God and He will guide your steps.


Signed,

One who is not in control, and is ok with it :)

The Curious Savage (OCS School play 2013)

Well, last weekend was one of the best weekends of the year. It was the school play. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I live for the play. It really is my favorite part of the year. And this year was no exception. It was a great play, with awesome people to work with and all in all it was a blast to work on!

The Curious Savage is a play about an old woman, namely Mrs. Savage, who inherited $10,000,000 from her husband. She wants to use the money to help others; by giving others money to help them realize some "foolish dreams" that they have had. Her three bratty, arogant stepchildren, however, try to get it from her so they send her to an insane asylum to "bring her to her senses". While in the asylum she meets the sweetest people. They soon befriend her and she "becomes one of them". They spend alot of time getting to know each other and Mrs. Savage soon learns about their each individual quirks which are the reasons they are forced to stay in the asylum. While they are learning about each other, Mrs. Savage sends her step children on wild goose chases to try to find the money. After they come back beaten and bruised from their "adventures", her children end up making Mrs. Savage tell them where the money is. Right after Mrs. Savage shows them her brilliant hiding place for the money, the lights suddenly go out in the room! When they come back on, everyone finds out that the money is gone! Who took it and why?......The play ends beautifuly when Mrs. Savage is about to leave the asylum. She turns back to take one last look at the residents. She sees them not as people from the outside looking in see, but as she sees them; beautiful, talented and caring. <3

Everyone did an amazing job:

Bethany (Lilly Belle Savage) was fun to work with! Every time she was on stage it pushed me to get into character more because she did such a great job making her character come to life. It's really bad when we would make eye contact on stage. Why? Because we would both start to smile and try not to burst out laughing ;)

Clay (Samuel Savage) is hilarious. He always scared me backstage because right before he was suppose to go on, he would be carving something! When the door was opening, then he would put his knife away, put his wooden stick down, grab his briefcase, straighten his suit and head onto the stage with a smile on his face. He scared me a few times, but he always got onstage at the right time and was hilarious when he was on :)

 

Benjamin (Titus Savage) is a fun person to work with. There is never a dull moment! His character was so out there and he did awesome at it. In his bio he put that he is quiet, but when he was onstage he was nothing of the sort (in a good way ;) ). By the end he really got his voice and mannerisms to where they needed to be and did a great job :)

Daniel (Hannibal) is hilarious! It's really funny to stand next to him on stage, because when someone else is talking he will say random things under his breath! I almost lost character and burst out laughing a few times because he was saying something funny. He also had to "play" violin a few times during the play. The first few times he was just standing there, but by the end he really got into his "playing" and also his character. :)

Wes (Jeffery Meredith) is awesome to work with. I know he loves being on the stage and it shows! He really puts himself fully in a character and i think this may be one of the hardest ones to play. In the end he did amazing and whenever i came out i didn't see him on the stage but his character. Those who were in the play and helping with it will also agree that his hair does amazing things when you put enough stuff in it! ;)

 Rachael (Florence) is so sweet! I love this girl and this character was so fun for her to play. She had to pretend that this (really creepy!!) doll was her child so there were a few times where i couldn't look her in the eyes because i knew she was hiding a smile. All in all she was awesome from day one and played her motherly character with such poise and charm :)

Cherilyn (Mrs. Paddy) is amazing. Her character only had four lines the whole two hours. But she totally embraced this character, had the most amazing hair and kept in character even when the audience was dying of laughter at her chants about what she hates. Her facial expressions were really what made her character come to life and everyone loved her! She was amazing :)

Janae (Fairy May) is so fun! Her character is such an energetic and fun one that i knew she would play it amazingly. She was doing well, but one day i think it just clicked for her and she got on stage and i saw her come to life!! Her actions really were perfect for the part and i know many people that said she did a beautiful job. Our director said that she controlled the energy of the play, and there wasn't anyone else that i would want in that place because she did it amazingly :)





Marta (Miss Willie) is awesome. Her part was so sweet and she did it so well. She always made her cues, had her lines memorized and always had a smile on her face! She was a great nurse and she was amazing to work with. Apperantly she liked "bossing the crazies around", so i guess she had fun ;) And even though she was wearing all white the whole time, she was always perfectly clean! I still don't know how after eating pizza and cupcakes! :)

Kari (Dr. Emmet) is so fun to work with! Her part was actually intended for a guy, but when our director put her into this part, i knew that she would do it just as well as any guy! She had to be refined and professional but also have a little sense of humor. That's a hard mix but by the end she was awesome. She really got into her character and even after a few wardrobe malfunctions, she played the part amazingly ;)

 

Logan (John Thomas) was so cute! Even though he was only on for a few seconds, he truly stole the show ;) He was so polite and did what he was told. He was the perfect little boy to do this sweet little part. And hearing that he was inviting tons of people to "his play" made all of us smile :)

Lindsey (Our director) is so patient! After the first few practices with us busy, energetic and talkative teenagers i didn't know how she was going to stay sane! There were some practices that after a scene she would just look at us, smile and say "That was horrible! Do it again." She put in many, many hours of hard work. Even after we would go home after practice she would still be there getting the auditorium ready. Even at home she would have costumes all over the place and at one point she had the head of a teddy bear on her kitchen table...but in the end i think we did her proud and i want her to know that we really, really appreciate her and all the time she put into making us be the best that we could be :)


All in all there were many great memories from this play: Rachael and I driving to pick up Jessica in full costumes, Starbucks Happy Hour every day, watching movies on many laptops, sudoku and cross word puzzles, laughing at everyones' awesome hair, having the easel fall one practice (and watching Lindsey just smile and shake her head when we all started laughing), me trying to learn darts, having Brett (Lindsey's husband) teach us our own proper walks, Rachael having to tape her shoes on her feet, breathing in so much hairspray, "hanging" the John Thomas doll, the book not falling when it was suppose to, running into people during the blackouts, not putting the choir wall back together right and having it fall during church, turning people orange and Kari having blue eye brows, having the mirror fall whever a door would slam and many many others!

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all i just want to say this: God, thanks for letting me be a part of this play. It was amazing to work with all of these people and i will miss the seniors deeply. This is definately a play i will never, ever forget.

Take an umbrella, it's raining <3

The Word vs. The World

              I love planning events. It is one of my favorite things to do. This year for AHG us Patriots got to plan one of my favorite events: A Tea Party. Most years we have done mother/daughter tea parties, but this year we switched it up and did a father/daughter “T” Party! What does the “T” stand for? “Timeout!” Take some time for your daughter.

                It was really neat to see all the fathers and daughters spending time together. The theme was black and white and we did it in a gym so it was a great wide open space and we even used the scoreboard buzzer to mark times for bingo. Every ten minutes the buzzer would go off and the girls would squeal and get their bingo cards out. It was fun to see all the giggles and smiles. We also took black and white pictures. We had lots of props and clothes for them to try on. It was neat to see the dads step out of their comfort zones and to have some fun with the costumes. The girls loved “dressing up” their dads and everyone had big smiles on their faces by the time they posed for the camera.

                Even after all these fun activities, I must say that the most fun was the message. A friend of mine’s dad spoke for a few minutes. It was a really good message and it seemed like it hit home to a lot of people.

                The main message was to take time for your daughter. Girls now a days are looking for someone in their life to take time for them. To give them direction. To tell them they are beautiful just the way they are. There are a lot of things in this world that give girls messages: magazines, tv shows, commercials, books and other things. But they teach them the worldly thoughts of beauty and what is important. The world teaches that beauty is all outward, that girls need to have a boyfriend to be popular and that it’s better to live like the world than to live God’s way. So dads have to take that responsibility and teach their daughters the truth because if they don’t, the world will teach them lies. It is very important for dad’s to take time for their daughters. If they don't tell their daughters they love them then the girls will look for it elsewhere. They need to be told they are beautiful. Believe me, if we don't hear it from home, we will look for it elsewhere! The world can easily pull girls into their trap and lead them down a terrible path. So dads, take the time for her! Every girl is different and has their own talents and likes, that's ok! Encourage her in her interests and even take time to go to her concerts, plays, sports, etc.Tell her she is important, tell her she is beautiful, tell her she is worth more than anything to you. Tell her that God thinks she is beautiful and unique just the way she is. Teach her Truth from the Word and she will not listen to the lies from the world.

 

                Spend some time with your daughter! It doesn't have to be this big elaborate day, a simple movie night is a bigger deal to a girl than anyone would know. A movie night, a lunch date, even a simple talk! Anything is better than nothing :)

 

Here, maybe this will help remember some of these main points:

 

T - encourage her in her individual talents

I - take the initiative, make the first step to spend time with your girl

M - make memories, even something as "small" as a snowball fight!

E - make it enjoyable, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; have some fun!

O - look for opportunities to spend time together or to even complement her

U - every girl is unique, so tell her she is and that she is beautiful just the way she is

T - just take time :)

 

 

For the glory...

I love basketball. And if you are like our family, you have it on basically 24/7. Especially now with the NCAA tournament happening, we basically run our lives around the games.

I was writing another short story and with the help of my amazing penpal (Shout out to Bethany! :D ) I came up with this ending of this short story.

Glory isn't what we should play sports for. We should play because we love the game and the people who we are playing with. I'm already starting to get ready for next basketball season. This summer I'm going to build my quickness, endurance and skills (shout out to my brother who has been helping me with that ;) ). I can't wait for next season, but I have to keep my thoughts like this: No matter what happens, shoot a game winner or not, make some awesome passes or not, have the best defense or not, God gets the glory and really it's what desicions you make on and off the court dealing with your attitude and character are what people will remember. Play for the glory...God's glory.

The Game Changing Decision

 

            Here it was. The Midwestern Association of Ladies High school Basketball championship game was starting in five minutes. Warm ups were done and Alicia and her team were talking to their coach in a circle. High-fives were being given and last minute pointers were being said. This was what they had worked hard for. The past four months this team had had lots of sweat, tears and yes, blood too. Practices had been hard, lap after gruesome lap, and games had been challenging. Some had been blowouts and some had been too close to call. But here they were, at the game they had all looked forward to.

            The buzzer sounded. Alicia and the rest of the Eagles team lined up and placed their hands behind their backs…O say does that star spangled banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave…

            Teams were being announced as Alicia took a deep breath. She was a senior and had played basketball since she was six. She lived and breathed basketball. Definitely the best player on the team, she had the coaches’ complete trust. Point guard. Leader. Lover of the game. They called her name and the crowd went wild. Smiling, she shook the other coach’s hand and rushed to the rest of her team.

            Minutes later they were all on the court and the refs were quietly testing their whistles. Alicia gave her teammates thumbs up and rubbed her hands on her shorts. Why was she so nervous? She knew she could do this. Her team was behind her and she lived to make her teammates look better. Assists were her specialty. She loved setting up her teammates and she was one of the best. Leading the state in assists, Alicia had been featured in the papers many times. Humbly, she would smile and thank the papers and all her “fans” but she didn’t live for the glory. Just for the game.

            The championship game had finally started. Back and forth the scoring went. This was going to be a great game. Alicia was eating it up. She would swish a three, steal the ball and get an easy layup. One of the best plays of the night was committed by a teammate, however. But they had been set up by the best point guard out there. One of Alicia’s teammates had stolen the ball and passed it right up to Alicia. She took off down the middle of the court. Because the defense got back quickly, she didn’t see an opening to the basket so she started to pull the ball out again. As she was turning, she saw a teammate hesitate and then take off and streak down the middle of the lane to the basket. A behind the back no look pass was all it took and Alicia’s team was up by two.

            Half time. The score was tied. This would be a game to remember. Coach was happy. They were doing what they needed to. Some shots were not falling and they had some sloppy passes which caused a few turnovers, but all in all they were doing what they needed. Coach drew up a few more quick plays and reminded them to keep their elbows in and stay balanced while they were shooting. They put their hands together 1-2-3-Eagles! They walked out of the locker room.

            Second half was starting. The last eighteen minutes of basketball many of these players would play! They had to leave it all on the court. This was it.

            The other team came out fired up; blocking a shot and swishing two threes. Alicia was breathing hard. She called for the ball at the top of the key. She caught the ball and looked around. Thrusting her closed fist up into the air, she silently called for a screen. A teammate came from the right and stopped a pace behind Alicia’s defender. Alicia jab stepped to the left and dribbled right around her teammate and the stopped defense. No one came and picked her so she went full force down the open lane to the basket and made an easy layup. They were only down by four now.

            Minutes ticked by and the game always seemed tied. If one team got up by a few points, the other would come back from a timeout fired up even more and would easily tie the game. Threes were being shot like neither team had seen. Both teams confidence had skyrocketed. They were all working well as a team and no matter what team won, this would be a game to remember. Screens were being set, floaters were being done and fast break after fast break was happening.

            Two minutes left and the game was getting intense. Surprisingly, Alicia wasn’t tired. At least not physically. She was mentally tired. Leading her team for years, she wanted this win for her, her team and the fans so bad. She would give it all to make sure that happened. Beautiful pass. Nice cut. The Eagles were on fire and were up by four. One minute left.

            Alicia was on the top of the key guarding her girl very closely. The girl she was on got the ball and Alicia got into her defensive stance. There was no way she was going to let this girl get around her. Suddenly, a gasp, a scream and then whistles stopped the game. Alicia turned and saw one of her teammates on the floor clutching her ankle. The Eagles just lost their best post player. Helping her off the court, her coach and manager of the team had their arms around the best post player the Eagles had. This would be a game changer…

            Another post player came in. This new player on the court, Emily, was good but not as good as the poor girl who was now on the bench crying and putting an icepack on her already swollen ankle.

            Thirty seconds left. Eagles were up by two. Alicia had just made an amazing reverse layup and was running down the sideline getting back on defense. They could actually win this. One stop and it would be over.

            Alicia was on the point guard and almost fell for a fake pass. She had time to get back in front of her girl, but it had its consequences: the girl had gotten off a great pass to a post player. Emily tried to defend her, but the girl did a beautiful hook shot that even the best post player wouldn’t have been able to defend. The game was tied. Ten seconds left.

            Time out. Coach knew that a full court press was coming. He reminded them of their press break and, with a smile, he told them to take a deep breath. Emily was pale. Putting their hands together, the Eagles said a quick prayer and returned to the court for the last ten seconds of the championship game.

            Coach was right; the full court press was fierce. After a blocked inbounds pass, there was now nine seconds. Alicia knew every second counted. They set up again and after a beautifully set screen, Alicia was now free and dashed down the sideline with the ball now in her hand. They tried to foul her but she quickly passed it away to the girl in the middle of the court who then passed it even farther down the court. Alicia dashed to the top of the three point line and glanced at the clock. Four seconds left. Knowing she was the best shot on the team, her teammate passed it to Alicia and motioned for her to shoot. Alicia was going to but two things stopped her. Before she had gotten the ball she had also glanced around and saw all her teammates and only four defenders.

            There probably was one defender running up behind her.

            The second thing that stopped her was this: out of the corner of her eye she saw Emily dashing to the baseline three point line. That was the shot Emily loved to shoot in practice. No one knew why she took those shots in practice when she was a post player. But maybe God was preparing Emily for this moment…

            Alicia had the ball in her hands. Should she shoot it and risk being blocked from behind or pass it up to the open Emily?

            Hesitation.

            The clock was ticking and Alicia’s heart was pounding out of her chest. She had decided to take a risk. Alicia took one dribble to the side…grabbed the ball...glanced at the clock…

And passed the ball up.

            Emily looked shocked that the ball was coming her way. Alicia gave Emily a look of approval and of confidence. This literally was the game winning shot. The defense had focused so much on Alicia that they had forgotten all about the tall post in the corner. Two seconds left in the game. The defender behind Alicia almost ran into her. Alicia would have been blocked for sure if she had shot. It was now up to the trembling sophomore post player.

            Emily gulped. Took the ball in her hands…and shot. The buzzer sounded just as the ball left Emily’s hands. Everyone held their breath. If this went in, the Eagles would win. If not, years of practice may have been for nothing…

            Silence.

            Hearts pounding.

            The ball was a foot from the hoop.

            Was it going to be too short?

            Too long?

            No. It was a perfect swish. The Eagles won and the crowd erupted as the young player fell to her knees and burst into tears. Alicia was the first one on her knees as well hugging and congratulating the trembling girl. The Eagles team and fans surrounded the girl and she was soon thrust up into a throne of people. They were chanting her name. Alicia would not be remembered as the one who won the game. But she knew in her heart that that was ok.

           

She had made the game winning decision.

           

 

Do Everything For The Glory Of The Lord. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

The Three Scales and Learning to Trust

All right. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to write a fairytale for one of my classes. I just sat down at the computer and started typing and the words just came to me! The whole time I was typing many Bible verses came to my mind and I wanted to share the story and the Bible verses with you. I hope this gives you a smile for the day and also makes you think, because that is why I love to write: I try to challenge people in their walk with God and lift their spirits in the process. I hope you enjoy it :)

The Three Scales

 

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a young beautiful girl. Her name was Amelia. She was well liked by all in her village because of her happy, spirited personality, her good looks and most importantly her love for others.

            Amelia was going to turn eighteen in one week. She was a little nervous, for it was tradition in her village that once a girl turned eighteen her father would pick her a husband. This man then had to accept the offer and proceed to go on a journey that would truly show if he loved the girl or not and if he was truly worthy of her hand in marriage.

            A week passed and Amelia’s father hadn’t eaten for days; he was thinking and meditating and going over all the eligible young men in the village. Finally he announced his decision.

            “Edward is my choice! He will marry my daughter.”

            Edward was known as being the most handsome, and the richest, man in the village.  Every girl dreamed of him rescuing her from some evil monster. Surely whatever the challenge would be, he would come back the victor and sweep Amelia off her feet.

            “My father has decided that your test will consist of this: The Dragons of Timbault reside in caves no more than a day’s journey from here up the mountains. You will proceed to these caves and bring us back three scales, one from each of these fiery beasts, within three days. This will show your courage and your valor and if you succeed I shall be your wife.” Edward took the challenge and started up the mountain.

            No more than an hour into his trek, he came upon an old and feeble woman sitting by the side of the road near a path that led up to an old rickety house.

            “Good day to you!” She called, waving a bony hand his way.

            “Good day!” He replied back.

            “Are you so kind that I may call on you for a service?”

            “Whatever you shall need I shall be of service, your oldness!”

            Showing her crooked teeth, she smiled and led him up the path to the little shack of a house.

            Pulling out a box, she said, “I just lost my husband and I need a favor. I am supposed to count out twenty sneckles for the landowner of this house, to give to him for my rent, but I don’t know how to count for my husband always did it. Would you be so kind as to count out the sneckles and give them to the landowner? He lives another hour’s trip down yonder.”

            Edward nodded and got right to work. Counting out the twenty, he then thought to himself, Why shouldn’t I count out a few more for myself? She should pay me for my services anyway!

            He counted out an extra ten and went on his way. Hours later he had dropped off the money and was back on route to the mountains.

            About three hours later he came to a little town. Normally he would have passed it by, but it looked like there was some commotion happening in one of the pubs. He walked in and noticed a serious game of gambling going on.

            One graying, smelling and half-drunk old man called him over, “Say, young lad, would you want to join us?”

            Edward thought to himself, I should really be hitting the trail again…but could I use these ten sneckles and make more?

            He decided to sit in a round and take a shot. Hand after hand and Edward had won one hundred more sneckles. He could have stopped…but seeing the other sneckles in the middle of the table made him want more. And more. And more.

            After three more hours, he had won hundreds more sneckles. However, looking outside he noticed that he lost all his daylight for his trek. He rushed outside, with his new fortune of sneckles clanging in his pockets. Edward calculated that he had two more hours before he would get to the caves, but it would be harder in the dark.

            Two hours soon turned into three…three turned into four…after five more hours he finally stepped up to the caves. It was now midnight and looking at the side of the mountain, he noticed a light coming from the rock itself. He walked over to it and saw a stone door leading into the caves being lit up by a torch. Edward shrugged and pushed against the heavy door.

            Nothing happened. It wouldn’t budge.

            Getting mad, he pushed harder and harder. Still, it would not move. He stepped back and studied the door a little closer. In it was engraved a poem. Confused, he read it slowly, “ ‘This door only opens for those who are worthy; those whose lives are filled with respect and mercy. This stone can tell if you are a real man, or someone who just tries to pretend. Because greed is what you are known for, you will not be allowed to enter this door. The money in your pocket will only cause you harm, and no, my friend, you will not be saved by your charm. Your dire and irrefutable punishment will be as follows: Your memory is gone and you are now forced to live in the forest’s hollows.’ ”

            He took another step back and something started to happen. He was confused.

            “I don’t know where I am…I should probably try to get home. Wherever that is…” He wandered down the mountain and into the forest where he was never heard from again.

            Back at the camp, Amelia waited and waited for Edward to come back. But after more than a week of not hearing from him she gave up and went to her father.

            “Father, Edward has not returned. Where do you think he went?”

            Her father, elderly and wise, smiled a knowing smile and whispered, “I should have known he was not a worthy man.”

            Amelia was about to ask what he meant but her father was already up and walking to the door, “I think Richard will be my next choice. He will leave tomorrow!”

            Amelia nodded and left the house wondering if Richard would come back for her…

            Early the next morning Richard was ready. Everyone knew he would be back; he was the strongest man in the village.  He won the most medals in all the games and no one dared to face him in battle. Surely he would be the one.

            Leaving for the mountains he didn’t let anything or anyone cause him to stray off the path. He didn’t stop for pubs, for parties or for any person. Everything was going smoothly until he came to the castle. He saw the game flags up on the towers and his hair started to stand on end. He could show off his amazing skills…

            Entering the castle he was bombarded with the sights and sounds of a party. Colorful clothing, intensely addicting smells and loud, catching music overtook his senses. He was suddenly in charm mode. Richard’s smile and good looks was the only reason that the game master allowed him to enter the games late. In a few hours he had won multiple medals and even beat the man who was considered the favorite. He was having the time of his life! Hours later and after tons of food, dances and medals hung around his neck he looked at the sky and noticed that it was getting pretty dark. He strutted out of the castle with his head high and his many medals clicking around his neck.

            Many hours later he too made it up to the mountain. He also noticed the light by the stone door and he went up to it. Seeing that it was closed and sealed tight, Richard smiled to himself, “This will be easy to open…”

            He pushed and pushed against the door, his medals rubbing against the rough stone, but it would not move an inch. Frustrated he kicked the door as if that would suddenly make it open. He was about to start pushing again when he saw something engraved on the door. Folding his arm across his chest, Richard read the poem, “ ‘This door only opens for those who worthy; those whose lives are filled with respect and mercy. This stone can tell if you are a real man, or someone who just tries to pretend. Pride is your undoing, young lad, and no, being good at things is not bad. But you only compete to outdo others, even making fun of your fellow brothers. This stone will not open because of the medals around your neck; it will only open once your pride is in check. Until the day you learn to be humble, your social status will collapse and crumble. You are now no better than a beast of the field, until you, my prideful one, learn to yield.’ ”

            Richard suddenly felt the medals get very heavy and he collapsed to his knees. Gasping, he held his hands to his face; they were growing rough, dark brown hair. He screamed, but to his shock and dismay it came out as a bray. His toenails became hooves and his ears grew long. Richard had turned into a donkey. Running down the mountain in shame and humiliation, he burst into the forest and was never heard from again.

            A few days later, back at the village, Amelia looked at her father and sighed, “Richard is gone too. He never came back…”

            Amelia’s father nodded, “He was too good to be true.”

            “Father, can’t you just pick a man and let me marry him! I’m afraid at this rate no man will ever come back!”

            Her father looked at her with his big, wise eyes. Taking her hand he said, “Amelia, you want to make sure that the man you are marrying is one of respect and honor and not just of valor. Anyone can act as though he conducts himself right, but you have to make sure his heart is right as well.”

            He then left, leaving Amelia to wonder about this journey that he was sending these men on and hoping that the third time really would be the charm…

            Days later her father emerged from their house and announced his last choice, “Philip, is my last choice. If he doesn’t come back for my daughter she shall be forever alone. I have known Philip to be a good man, but is he worthy? In time, we shall see.”

            Amelia thought Philip was a good looking man, though not as dashing as the rest. He was thoughtful and sometimes quiet but many knew him for having a good heart. He took the challenge gratefully, though he was unwilling to boast that he would be the one to sweep Amelia off her feet. He left the next morning.

            A few hours into his journey he came across a young, filthy child. He smiled at the red-haired girl, “How do you do?”

            She looked up at him and grinned, holding out her hand, “Would you be so kind as to give a young beggar some food or money?”

            Looking down on her he had compassion and held out his hand, “Come with me and I will show you to a nice village inn where they will take care of you.”

            As he was leading her down the road he told her stories and let her nibble on some of his bread. Though she was reluctant, she trusted him because of his honest eyes. She even told him her name: Grace. Philip thought that was a beautiful name and the little girl blushed when he said so. A few hours later they came upon the inn Philip had told her about. Entering the inn, the little Grace’s eyes lit up and she looked up at Philip, “Can I really stay here?”

            He smiled and nodded at the small girl’s expression. Calling the owner over he told him to take care of the girl. Handing the owner a small bag of sneckles he said on his way back from the mountain he would pay him the rest. He then left the girl in the owner’s caring and able hands and continued on his way.

            An hour or so later, as he was entering another village, he heard some commotion. Looking around he tried to find the source. He started jogging around a building and was almost hit over the head with a piece of wood. Ducking, he quickly assessed the situation. In the corner of the alley there was a young lady, not much older than himself, grabbing at these buckets and blankets filled with what looked like beautiful jewelry and screaming at the top of her lungs for help. Three men were also in the alley. One was trying to grab the girl, another was stuffing jewelry into a bag and the third had just tried to knock Philip out. Using his swordsman skills he had learned by his father when he was a young child, he quickly drew his weapon and took his stance. Seeing that Philip was there and that his sword was out, the three robbers stuffed as much as they could into their bags and took off down the street and into the woods. Philip chased them and got as close as he could, slicing a hole in one of the bags. Jewelry started falling out of the hole and the robber decided it was too much of a hassle, so he dropped it. Seeing that there was no way he could chase down the men, he grabbed the bag and carefully picked it up.

            “I’m sorry, young miss, but I couldn’t get their other two bags.”

            “Thank you sir, without you, I would have hardly any jewelry left!”

            She praised him and so did the others from the village. He took it gratefully but did not accept any reward. The young lady wanted to do something, so she offered him a good meal. He took it and after he had eaten his full he was back on the road.

            Hours later he too made it up to the mountain. It was dark by now and he noticed a light coming from a torch by a stone door. He went up to it and saw that there was something engraved on it. He read it out loud, “ ‘This door only opens for those who are worthy; those whose lives are filled with respect and mercy. This stone can tell if you are a real man, or someone who just tries to pretend. You, my faithful one, are what a true man is all about, someone who is humble and truthfully devote. This door will open for you, because your valor you have shown, helping those in need who couldn’t help themselves on their own. Truthfully, you, my friend, are a worthy man, placing others first and lending a helping hand.  Opening just for you, this stone will move, for you are a man of whom I truly approve.’ ”

            Suddenly, Philip heard a loud Clang! and the stone door slowly started to move aside, revealing a beautiful room made of pure gold inside. Philip stepped into the room and let out a low whistle. The room was about ten feet by ten feet and the walls were covered in solid gold. On the far wall were three gold dragon heads protruding out of the wall about three feet. Each looked different but were equally beautiful; fiery red and green eyes, sharp teeth and beautiful iridescent scales. A smile slowly crept onto Philips face.

 Well, I guess I won’t need to be slaying these dragons after all! Philip thought to himself.

            Walking to the back of the room he gazed at these amazing statues. He ran his hand over the scales and one scale from each statue fell off into his hand. He grinned and pocketed the three scales. Leaving the room, he stuck his hand into his pocket and felt the scales again.

            Hours later he made it down the mountain, with the scales clinking in his pocket. He came upon the village where he had helped the young lady. Wondering how she was doing now, he entered the village and looked for her. He found her in the same alley, but she was on the ground, hands to her face, crying. He dashed over and asked what was wrong.

            “They came back! When you left they came back and took everything! I don’t have anything to sell now. My family will go hungry!” She wailed.

            A thought suddenly popped into his head, and believing that it would be the right thing to do, he reached into his pocket and took out one of the shiny, jewel-like scales. Handing it to her he said, “If you sell this, it will help with your costs. Your family shall not go hungry.”

            Looking at him with eyes wide, she took and scale and pressed it to her heart, “How can I ever repay you?”

            “It is not necessary. Take it as a gift from me to you.”

            Without another word, but with tears in her eyes, she hugged him and dashed for her home, new hope swelling in her.

            Philip continued on his path home, hoping that he had done the right thing…

            A few hours later he made it back to the inn where he had left Grace. She ran out to meet him. He picked her up and laughed. She looked much better and when she was cleaned up she looked like a very pretty little lady.

            “How much do I owe you?” He asked the inn keeper a few minutes later.

            “Well, I would normally say about thirty sneckles, but my wife and I have fallen in love with the girl and are adopting her! So we should pay you something for bringing her to us!”

            Philip turned down the offer, but said he would love to have a meal with them. After he had eaten his share, he was back on the road again. Only a few feet from the door, Grace burst out and stopped him.

            “Will I see you again?”

            He knelt down and kissed the girl on the forehead, “I don’t think so.”

            “Well…can I have something to remember you by?”

            Absentmindedly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out another scale, “Take this. I was going to get it when I first found you, so I want you to have it. I won’t forget you Grace.”

            She hugged him again and then rushed inside with her new treasure.

            A few hours later he made it back to his own village and he found Amelia’s father waiting for him.

            Oh no, he thought to himself, I only have one of the three scales…

            Philip walked up to him and silently reached into his pocket, pulled out the last scale and handed it to him.

            Amelia’s father looked at the one scale, emotionless, “Where are the other two?”

            Gulping, Philip answered, “I gave the other two away. One to a little girl and the other to a young lass.”

            “Did they ask for them?”

            “No, I gave it to them because…I thought it was the right thing to do…”

            Slowly, Amelia’s father smiled. He reached out and took the shaking man in his arms and hugged him. Pulling away, he then placed the scale back in Philip’s hand, “You, my friend, are the one who is going to marry my daughter. You have proven yourself, not with sword skills, not money, nor even the best looks but with your heart. You are the kind of man I wanted for my daughter. Go. Go and find your bride to be!”

            Philip smiled the biggest smile, hugged the man again and ran through the village shouting Amelia’s name.

            Months later Philip and Amelia were happily married and as most stories go…they lived happily ever after.

 

And the moral of the story is: Be the person you should be and you will be rewarded for your good actions because truth, honesty and morality will always win out.

 

 

Now, here are some of the Bibles verses that came to mind as I was writing this story. I hope they challenge you as much as they did me :)

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." --------Make sure your heart is always in the right spot, for that is what truly matters.

1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" --------Be careful who your friends are! Make sure they are walking with the Lord. And girls, just as a side note, make sure you fall in love with someone for the right reasons. Not just for looks or fame or money; they need to be walking with the Lord as well.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." -------Though it may seem like it is taking God awhile to answer you or bring Mr. Right into your life, have patience and trust. As the daughter trusted her father in the story, we must trust our Heavenly Father and wait patiently for Him, because He knows what is best.