Saturday, December 31, 2011

Dear 2012,

Dear 2012,

2011 has been great. I went to a Taylor Swift concert with my best friend in the whole world. Had an amazing time at camp. Got to go to the beach as a family. Spend a couple of days at the Great Wolf Lodge. I've learned so much, and started to enjoy piano. Most of all grown closer to my God and Savior. And whole lot more.

But 2011 has also been difficult. School has been very very challenging. But it's been good overall. Mom got sick, and is still struggling with it. William and I have been struggling with headaches, but they are getting better, much better.

It feels like this past year has flown by, and hopefully I will be able to do a year in pictures very soon. Parts of me don't want to grow up, or see 2012 start...but I can't help it.

2012, this year I hope to accomplish two things.

1. To learn to get along with my brothers- and most of all to learn to love them.

2. To be focused on God and trust in Him no matter what. To know that whatever happens...it's His will for me. Wherever He takes me, whether it be Kenya, or right here in North Carolina. I hope to grow closer in Him, and continue to strengthen our relationship.

So 2012, whatever you may bring, I pray that God will use this year to do remarkable things in my life and in those around me. And simply, I can't wait to see what God does this coming year.

Because with God, life from year to year, day to day, is an unending adventure.

Will you join me?

Love- Bailey

Oh- and Happy New Year!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Merry (late) Christmas!!!

I hope that you all had a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our Savior! We had a wonderful Christmas at our house, including many gifts, reading of the birth of Christmas in the Bible(Luke 2:1-20) and many fun times together.


Have a blessed week, and MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours!!!

~Bailey

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Star

"Where is he who has been born king of the jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." Matthew 2:10

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told to them." Luke 2:20

Last night as we were driving home from Christmas celebration #1(which will later get a whole post dedicated to itself) I had my ipod earbuds in, and I was staring at the stars. And my heart ached...wouldn't it have been so amazing to have seen that star that night? The star shining in honor and glory of our Savior. How incredible would that have been?

Mary and Joseph had no idea how powerful their son was going to be. They didn't know what to expect. Shepherds and Magi came to worship their baby...can you imagine what was going through their heads?

But...this star, shining so brightly, led them to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

And how amazing would it have been to have seen that star that night?

~Bailey

Friday, December 23, 2011

Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news...

When we left to go pick up Sonia, we met an amazing couple- Chad and Heidi Spore. They had four kids at home, Hallie, Carter, Carly, Hayden...and were adopting Cooper. And we never expected that we would be such amazing friends to this day. Let's just put it this way- we all LOVE the Spore's...so so so much.

When we were in Ethiopia, getting visas for the children(it was that Friday, we had been gone 16 days, and were ready to be home), Heidi walked in our room and told us the most amazing thing. With tears in her eyes she said, "Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. We are leaving tonight." And we hugged and cried together.

At the beginning of this year Chad and Heidi began the adoption process out of Uganda, they wanted a boy around their son Cooper's age(They adopted him from Rwanda). They got a referral this summer- for a boy who was about 2 and a little girl almost a year. And they said yes. Why not, right? haha

Unexpectedly, they left December 2 for Uganda to pick up their two precious new children- who would be named Hannah and Caleb. As the weeks passed they prayed vividly that they would be able to make it home for Christmas- with their family complete- their family of 9. This week came closer...they needed to passports and two visas.

Our God is an awesome God. He can move the Mountains. He is Mighty to Save. Prayer is a powerful, powerful thing. Really powerful...

Because they are leaving tonight at 5:20...and will be home tomorrow to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with their family. And we(my family) could not be more thrilled for them.

Now you can't say snow is a Christmas miracle- this is. Praise God almighty!

~Bailey

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Another Christmas thought...

"Daddy!" she(Sonia) shouts as he walks in the back door.

"Daddy will fix it. Don't worry sissy!"

"Daddy, I love you so much!"

"Daddy knows how."

"Daddy can help me."

"Daddy will do it!"

"I love my daddy."

We all have our earthly daddies...whom we trust to do everything, whom we trust to fix our problems. And we love our earthly daddies.

However...two thousand years ago Jesus, our heavenly daddy's son, came down to earth for us.

He was going to fix everything.

And we were awaiting His arrival.

Maybe not patiently, but we were waiting.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

And people were waiting for Him to save everyone...to be a king...to reign over all...to be mighty.

But instead he was born in a stable...was loved by His mother, Mary, and His father, Joseph...He was born among animals...and was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

He wasn't a king, He was a baby.

He wasn't reigning over all, he was being held in His mother's arms.

But He would later save all...save the nations and His people. He would be mighty. He would fix everything. He would solve our problems.

He would be our redeemer...I hope that's what we are all celebrating this Christmas season.

~Bailey

P.S. As you can tell I've been doing a lot of thinking lately...there might be more of these posts in the near future so I hope that you are enjoying them!

And by the way... you should read this. It might make you cry( I got teary...this is big people).


Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas...

Luke 2:1-15

"1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town ofNazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."

And that...my friends...should send chill bumps up your back. Just sayin'.

~Bailey

Thursday, December 15, 2011

When I was about to loose my mind...

When I needed a getaway...

When I was exhausted...

When I was ready to have some fun...

When...well...you know...let's just say it had been a long week.

We all hopped in the car for a surprise family vacation...and arrived at the Great Wolf Lodge.

~Bailey
p.s. Did you see it's 1 week and 2 days until Christmas???

Saturday, December 10, 2011

It finally hit me...

Until a few days ago, it hadn't really hit me that Christmas was soon. We had our Christmas tree up...our front porch was decorated...the Christmas musical at our church was coming up soon. But I really wasn't in the Christmas spirit...which is very odd for me. It probably didn't help that Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday it was 60 degrees...it was kinda hard to believe it was Christmas time when it was that warm outside.

On Thursday night, getting ready for dress rehearsal for our Christmas musical, William was on the phone, mom was fixing my hair, and we were running around getting ready to leave. And it hit me. Not because our live was crazy...not because we have presents under our tree...I'm not really sure what it was...but it hit me, "It's really Christmas time."

Last night we had a special performance of our musical, invitation only, it was for people who had visited our food pantry in the past year, and ladies from the battered women's shelter. We had about 125 people show up, and we fed them all a sit down dinner of steak, baked-potatoes, and salad. The tables were set up, and we had gift bags with apples, oranges, mints and chocolate in them. As the adult, youth and children's choir were all singing, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", and all of the people watching us...it was Christmas, right then and there...it really felt like Christmas. When we walked out, waiting in the lobby for people to exit, we continued to sing, "Peace on earth, peace on earth, peace on earth, goodwill to men." When they walked out, their faces were cheerful, and they looked so happy to have someone caring about them. And that right there was like giving a Christmas gift. To see them that happy...that's what all of our hard work in practices was for, to touch someones life with the love of Jesus Christ.

Last night, it hit me, that was what Christmas was supposed to be. Sharing God's love by caring for people, telling them the story of Jesus Christ. That's what Christmas is supposed to be about...

Sharing the joy of Christ's birth that we have through this season to those who don't know.

That's Christmas.

~Bailey

Monday, December 5, 2011

The Reason Why...

I get very excited about Christmas. Okay let me rephrase that- I get extremely excited about Christmas. On November 25th(every year) Christmas music is put back on my playlist and the Christmas piano books come out of hibernation. I put a countdown on my blog many days before that...which by the way is now down to two weeks and 6 days...yay!

Most of the time I find myself guessing at what presents are under the tree...thinking of what I am going to buy for friends and family...what I want to be under the tree Christmas morning. I'm pretty sure it would be safe to say we all do it if we are honest.

I have caught myself many times this Christmas season thinking about lights, and the tree, and what I want...not "Wow. God sent His only son to earth as a baby to save us from our sins. To suffer for us, to go through life as a human for us. Thanks God."

I have had to stop and think to myself that presents and trees and lights don't really matter...having an outfit to wear to the Christmas Eve service- it doesn't really matter. It's just something that the world has made important. And showing myself this- is most definitely a work in progress.

Please don't get me wrong- like I have already said, I LOVE Christmas. A lot. But like my dad said yesterday in his sermon, it's frustrating to see what Christmas has turned into- what WE have turned Christmas into.

I love exchanging presents and being with my family but...

This Christmas season I challenge you- along with myself to remember WHY we are celebrating Christmas.

It will be hard with all of the distractions of the world- but I bet it will be rewarding...

Would you join me?

~Bailey

Friday, December 2, 2011

Family Tree 2011...

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P.S. Go visit Anna Gray's blog by using the button on the side, she's having a Christmas giveaway! yay!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Our Sonia Grace...

We all hopped out of the van and onto the red dirt at the orphanage, after a 18 hour long flight- all the day after Thanksgiving. We were getting ready to meet our Sonia Grace for the first time. I had butterflies in my stomach, we were getting ready to meet the little girl I had prayed for such a long time. They walked into the room with Sonia, Cooper, and Grace, and mom immediately teared up and dad got out the camera. They handed Sonia to dad, and she had a look of fear and wonder on her face.





The little girl we met two years ago is not the same little girl who has been playing with her "little people" nativity set today while we put up Christmas decorations(pics coming later). She is now one of the cutest, funniest three year olds you will ever meet. I love this little girl deeply, this little girl from "her wanda"(Rwanda). It's hard to believe that two years ago we met her, two years ago I held her little self for the first time. Many people say that we blessed her, but really, she has blessed us so very much. And we are so thankful for her, so, so thankful for our Sonia Grace.

~Bailey

Thursday, November 24, 2011

This Thanksgiving...

I'm thankful for my family...and the joy, the struggles they bring.


She's just so beautiful...


Aren't they so handsome?


I'm thankful for my friends....the cherished memories we have together.


Oh yeah...Taylor Swift with my bestie...can't get better!


Love these girls!

I'm thankful for those older than me, who have corrected me, loved on me, been loyal to me, and helped me become who I am today.







And most of all I'm thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ...I'm thankful for being free. I'm thankful for having someone who loves me every day...no matter what I do.

I'm thankful today for all of these things. But most of all I'm thankful I can be free because I have a savior who loves me!

What are you thankful for today?

~Bailey

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A Journey...part 1(of 4)

Two years ago yesterday, my mom was asking two of her closest friends to pray that we would be able to get plane tickets for Rwanda. We had just been called and asked if we would like to travel FRIDAY to pick up Sonia. It was Tuesday. That's three days, and most places were closed on Thursday because of Thanksgiving. By Tuesday night we had gotten plane tickets, and our house was a disaster. I can see it- Sonia's suitcase on the table with sippy cups and clothes and bibs and diapers and snacks. The boys and I had just gotten down our boxes of summer clothes, we would be needing them in the warm weather of Rwanda. My mom was making a list of the things we would need to do in order to leave- run to Wal-mart, go to the bank, go to the drs, and of course pack for two weeks away from home.

The next two days were spent in packing, franticly running errands...and well, everything else that comes with leaving the country for two weeks. And that Friday morning we boarded a plane in Raliegh NC, at 6:30 am, with our stomachs in knots, we took off for a journey that no one was prepared for, because it would be the best and hardest two weeks we would have ever experienced.

To be continued....

~Bailey

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Yes, Lord.

~Disclaimer: this is really long...like really really long. Make sure you have some time to read it before you sit down.~

"It is not about God making my dreams come true, but about God changing my dreams into His dreams for my life."*

Katie Davis is 22 years old. She moved to Uganda when she was 18 years old, and fell in love with the country and it's people.

"I thought of how, after a long, hard day in my preivous life, I would have crashed on the couch with a pint of ice cream, a good sappy movie and my closest girl friends. Here, at the end of a long, hard day, there was nothing to do but cry out to Jesus for the strength to go on."*

At that point she was 18 years old, teaching kindergarten to over one hundred student daily- not knowing their language.

"I can enter into someone's pain and sit with them and know. This is Jesus. Not that He apologizes for the hard and the hurt, but that He enters in, He comes with us to the hard places. And so I continue to enter."*

Yet, in the middle of these circumstances she praises God for His example to us of how to care for the least of these.

"I am common and simple, with nothing special about me. Nothing special except I choose to say "yes" to the things God asks of me and "yes" to the people He places in front of me. You can too. I am just an ordinary person. And ordinary person serving and extraordinary God."*

Even on bad, hard days, she continues to say "yes". "Yes" to the man across the street who hasn't eaten in days, "yes" to the baby boy whose stepmother won't care for him. "Yes" to the ones no one will care for, everyone knows "Aunty Katie" will say, "yes."

"I can say "yes" to Him, or I can say no. I can go to the hard places or I can remain comfortable. And if I remain comfortable, God who loved us unconditionally will continue to love me anyway. I may still see His glory revealed in my life and recognize His blessings, but not like I could have. I can miss the will of God."*

"I wrapped him in a towel and, as my friend held him tightly, I began to cut away the dead skin that hung from his heels and the insides of his feet...He didn't scream or cry; he simply sat there in what must have been excruciating pain as tears rolled down his expressionless face. I, on the other hand, ran out of the room and threw up."*

She cares for the least of these, she has adopted fourteen girls, she runs a make-do medical clinic, she helps helpless ladies make a living. And you know what started it all? "Yes", she simply said, "Yes". "Yes" to God, "yes" to wherever He was going to take her, "yes" to the plan He had for her.

She is 22. 22 years old, 14 daughters, a medical clinic, homeschooling her children, managing a sponsorship program for hundreds of children- not to mention caring for those who just look like they could need some love.

"My heart was being broken. The situations with Michael and Patricia and so many other children were breaking it every day. While i never lost my love of compassion for the children, I did sometimes lose my patience with the circumstances they were living."*

All it took was, "Yes God. Yes, I will do what you are asking." Isn't that what so many of us, including me, aren't doing?

As I read Katie's book, it opened my eyes to the situations out there. And at many times I said to myself, "Okay God, maybe this isn't as easy as I wanted it to be. Maybe I'm not called to Uganda." It's not easy. Caring for people with third degree burns, gashes in their feet, and people who are so hungry they can't move- it's not easy. But every day Katie keeps moving- she keeps saying, "yes" to what God puts in front of her.

She doesn't do it for herself- but for God. For God's glory...so that in heaven every people from every tribe and nation will bow praising God.

I hope, that through God's strength, wherever He plans to take me- that I can say "yes" for God's glory.

"We know you are here. Let us bring all our wounds and brokenness to You expectantly, without a doubt. Remind that all the children we touch, and all the children we don't, are Yours. Your in this broken life, and Yours in eternity. Come, Lord Jesus. We wait in hope."*

Thank you, God, for those who are saying "yes". Thank you for Katie. Thank you for giving us hope. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for what you have done and will continue to do in Katie's ministry. We wait in hope to see what you will do- one child- one person at a time.

Yes, Lord. We wait in hope.

*All quotes are from Katie's book, Kisses from Katie, you can read more of Katie's story at kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com. Thank you.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

And then we saw her...

We saw her face for the very first time. I remember it vividly, we were rushing around the house getting ready to leave for classical and we had been anxiously awaiting the email with her picture. With my hair still wet, and my dad had just pulled out to go to work, my mom got the email, the one holding the picture of our precious little girl. We all starting freaking out, my mom called my dad and told him to turn around and come home. When he got back, we stood around the computer and slowly opened the email. "Sonia Uwamahoro, April 14, 2008" And then we saw her face. Two years ago we saw her face and we all said, "She is beautiful, but look how mad she looks!"


The little girl I had prayed for almost my whole life, there she was. 18 months old, tall, just like her big sissy(who is now 5'8"), beautiful, but she looked so mad. You would not think my little sister is the same little girl in this picture. She is now probably one of the funniest people you will ever meet, she loves our dogs, she is full of life, talks all the time, she loves our whole family, makes a new friend wherever she goes, and she really just loves life all together. I could go on and on about how much I love her...but for now this will have to do. As the months of November and December go by you will get to experience the two year celebration of having Sonia Grace with us through many stories and pictures!









Sonia Grace- I love you more than you can imagine, I can't wait to see what God will do in your life as you grow up. I will be there for you no matter where God takes us. Love- Bailey.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Not Just a Number

"147 million is just a number to most people, but when you see their faces and know their names, they become something more than just a number to you." David Platt: Secret Church 2011

Today is Orphan Sunday. A day to remember all of the orphans in the world, those precious children who don't have parents. And you know what? There are 147 MILLION children. 147 MILLION, do you get that? Kids- who don't get to live a childhood because they don't have people to love them constantly, and some of them are taking care of themselves. It is proven that if every family in the U.S. adopted a child from somewhere, THERE WOULD BE NO ORPHANS. NONE.

Do you see why I want to go to Uganda, so I can show children the love of a family? Today I was talking with a young mother in church, we were talking Wednesday after church about the book "Kisses from Katie". I told her Wednesday, "Can't you see me doing that? With all of those chocolate skinned children, teaching kindergarten and loving on kids in orphanages all day long." She jokingly replied, "And you can save a couch for me when I come visit you!" This morning, she came up to me and said, "I just wanted to tell you that after I pulled away I thought of something. No matter where you go I will be so proud of you. When I read 'Kisses from Katie', I could vividly see Christ shine in Katie's life, and I can see you serving somewhere because I can see Christ shining in your life too, and I just wanted to tell you that."

I just love her. And you know what? Africa was not in MY plan, I have always loved children, but I had always wanted to go to college and get married and have kids and homeschool them. But, that's my plan, not God's. His plan may be for me to go to Africa and teach and adopt kids, but I'm not totally sure yet. What this young mom said to me, encouraged me to keep praying, keep asking God to shine through me and that his will would be done in me.

Not at all am I saying I am perfect, because I'm not, at all. But, If more families in the U.S. would be willing for Christ's will to be done in them, than there would be so many less orphans in the world, and that means that there would be more children being loved by a family.

And now, on Orphan Sunday, waiting for God to tell me what to do in life, I can pray for all of those families, that 147 million wouldn't be just a number. That 147 million would be faces and names of precious children who are in need of love, and who long to be loved.

Would you join me in praying that people would be awakened to the will of God in their live's, and that God would make 147 million not a number, but names and faces?

I'm sure all of the orphans in the world would appreciate it. ;)
~Bailey

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Moment

Is it really November? It can't be...the calendar has to be wrong. It feels like yesterday was New Years of 2011, and soon we will be celebrating new years 2012. Crazy. It feels that every year of my life is flying by so much faster than I would like it to.

I want to spend all day with Paige, and Mary laughing over Paige stuffing fries in her mouth at Zaxby's.
I want to spend all day with my BFF's, Emily Grace, Anna Gray, Beth, and Breanna, goofing off and being girls.
I want to spend all day singing at the top of my lungs at a Taylor Swift concert.
I want to spend hours in God's word, and letting myself fall deeper in love with God everyday.

I want time to stand still for just a few minutes(or hours or days) so I can appreciate the moment even more. I don't really want to grow up any more than I have now.

I want to stay in 9th grade, and still be a "little girl".
I want to stop growing since I have so many cute clothes, but obviously that's not going to happen just yet.
I don't want to think about college, when I don't know what God is calling me to do after high school.

But the weird thing is...I am looking forward so much that's not in this moment.

I am looking forward to Christmas, and everything that it entitles.
I am looking forward to driving my self to places.
I am looking forward to seeing Sonia grow up to be a Godly young woman.
I am looking forward to see what God is going to do in my life.

But for right now...I'm going to stop trying to think about "Later" and think about today, and what today entitles and appreciate every second of it. It may be crazy that it is already November, but that's life. And our life is incredibly short in God's ultimate plan. This means we need to live it to the fullest, love God with everything we have, and be open to his plan for tomorrow, next week and the rest of our lives, no matter where that will take us.

~Bailey~Philippians 4:13~

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Let's go Happy Jump on a Curb at App!

Friday, my family and Amanda traveled up to Boone(Appalachian State) to see some of my favorite people ever! We saw, Paige, Catie, Jesse, and Caleb! It was so much fun.

Why is this post titled "Let's go Happy Jumping on a curb at app!"? Because when we drove up to Paige's appartment building Paige and Catie were...oh yes...happy jumping on a curb with huge smiles on their faces ;). So fun. I just love them to pieces! We went down to King Street to see all of the fun shops, then we went to the parkway for a hike!








(left to right) Jesse, William, Paige, Me, and Catie!



After we completed our hike we went to Macados for dinner...wow. It was so good. If you ever go to App you must go to Macados. They have tons of different foods that are so very good, AND their cinnamon buns are fantabulous. Stinkin' amazing. And huge. I have plenty of witnesses. Haha.

Our day was concluded with lots of "Good byes" and amazing Paige hugs ;). It was such an amazing day- especially since I got to see Paige and Catie. Such a wonderful day...so wonderful. I seriously couldn't go any longer in life if I hadn't seen them. Anyway- just thought I would update you on my amazing day.
~Thanks for reading all of my words~ Bailey

P.S. Thanks Paige and Catie for such an awesome day! Love you both!
P.S.S. Paige took all of these pics...aren't they awesome?

Monday, October 24, 2011

Das not funny friday: Sonia Moments



So- yes, it is Saturday but I have some funny moments from this week to share. Here it goes:
_____________________

Sonia- "I put dis in your pocket."
Mom- "What is it?"
Sonia- "My banana."
Mom- "Okay, I would love to have a banana in my pocket."

5 mins Later:

Sonia: "Mom I'm hundry."
Mom: "Here, have the banana in my back pocket."
______________________

Amanda and Nick were over Sunday night and Sonia and Nick were throwing ball in the house, why? I have no idea. Nick threw the ball at Sonia and she yells, "MICK BOWDERS!"

Yeah Sonia, he is part of the family, but his name is Nick Land. haha
______________________

My dad recently got home from a mission trip to Guinea Bissau, ever since he returned Sonia has been loving on him immensely.
Every five minutes: "Dad I love you." Followed by a kiss.

Today she was talking to dad in the kitchen and she again says, "I love you dad."
"Yes Sonia, I know you love me." Then he said to my mom, "Man, she is like a middle school girl with a boyfriend. They don't know what love really is, but they say it anyway."

Too funny.
_______________________

Anyway- That's all for this week. I hope it made you laugh. Have a good weekend- Bailey

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Will you remember?

Sometimes life goes by so fast that we don't even realize what God is doing...what he has done and what he will continue to do.

When I was in fifth grade a congenital cyst formed on the left side of my neck. I was rushed to the hospital on a Friday night in April and the next morning the drained it. The anesthesia caused me to be sick for the rest of the day and part of the next day. I had three families come to see me, and Emily Grace stayed in the room while I was throwing up. Now people- thats big love right there. I got to go home that Monday and received cards and flowers for about a week. We went back every month for a CT scan, to make sure things were okay. About six months later, when they were close to doing surgery to remove it, they went in for the scan. And guess what? It. Was. Gone. They said it was probably smaller than the size of a pea and they couldn't even find it. Miracle.

Last year, I put my hand through a glass window, and had to get 37 stitches. While they were stitching me up for two hours, I told the doctor about my church, my great Christian friends...for two hours strait I talked. If you know me personally- yes, I talk alot, but not this much. We don't know if he was a Christian, but I ministered to him no matter what.

Thanksgiving 2009, we traveled half way around the world to get my sister, Sonia Grace. She was 18 months old, and as cute as she could be. I had prayed for a sister since I was four, at this point I was 11- thats a long time. We got the call to travel on the Tuesday before thanksgiving and traveled that FRIDAY. People- it was INSANE. Craziest three days of my life. We got there and met her. I knew from then on- I had the best sister ever. She is stinkin' adorable...and I love her to bits! I finally got a sister- after seven years- God gave me a sister.

Will I remember that God did a miracle in my body?
Will I remember that I got to minister to someone while getting 37 stitches?
Will I remember that through prayer, God gave me the perfect sister?
Will I remember that he lets me struggle so I can find my weaknesses, and fix them?

Will I remember that God loves me daily- no matter what I do?

Will I remember?

Will you remember what God has done for you in your life?

~Thanks~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

What you've all been waiting for...The choices of love part 7

I took it to my parents that night at dinner and they told everyone that I would be moving. Everyone had a shocked reaction, except for Ben. It was very hard to see their reactions, but I knew it was the right thing for me to do. A few days later a letter came in the mail from the superintendent. He told me a carriage would be here in two days to pick me up. I needed to have my clothes and all of my belongings ready to put in a chest that he would bring. I was so excited I told everyone immediately. Ben and Ruthie seemed the most disappointed, I knew that Ruthie would, but not Ben. That surprised me.
Finally, the day had come. I had packed all my things and was ready to go once the carriage got here. I said my goodbyes and there were many tears from my mother, father and sisters. Ben didn’t cry, but I could tell he was very disappointed. Once the carriage arrived, they loaded my things into a chest and we began the long journey to Boston.
Once we arrived, they took me to my sleeping quarters and left me to unpack my things. In the room was a bed, dresser, mirror, desk and chair. They already had my school teaching uniforms there. They were all black and I could only wear the clothes I brought when I was in my room alone. One of the other teachers came to get me for dinner that night. She took me to a large room with two long tables going down each side, this was the dining hall. The kitchen was in the back of the room behind two doors. All of the girls came in, filed in a straight line. They were all dressed in dark purple with a black ribbon in their hair and one tied around their waist. When they came in, they all sat down to eat. The kitchen workers brought them their food, and placed their napkins in their laps for them. When everyone had finished eating, the girls left the dining hall, without even clearing their dishes from the table. I went back to my room and went straight to bed, for I knew the next day would be a very long one. My parents were correct, the girls didn’t do anything for themselves.
The next morning I got dressed and headed to the dining hall to eat breakfast. My classroom was simply gorgeous. All the desks were a mahogany wood, the chalkboard was spotless, and all the books on the bookshelves looked brand new. The curtains were the same color as the girl’s dresses, a beautiful dark purple. As the young ladies walked in, they mingled with each other for a few minutes, perhaps talking some of me, but I wasn’t sure. When all of the desks were full, I decided to start class.
“Good morning, class. I am your new teacher, Miss Stanton. If you all wouldn’t mind, I would love if you would introduce yourselves.” One of the girls stood up and told me, “Of, course. My name is Emily. It is nice to meet you”
Each of the girls stood up and introduced themselves, all sounding very sophisticated. We began with writing, I talked to them about writing a paper, and how to make sure it was edited correctly. They didn’t seem very interested, which was a surprise to me, because whenever I taught back at home, the children listened intently with their eyes glued on me. When it came time for spelling, I had been told before class that they were to have a spelling bee today. I had never done a spelling bee before, but it was quite fun. After spelling we had to a grammar lesson. At the end of the day, all of the girls, I hoped, had learned a lot. When my class was over, we had lunch then I had different class that came in. We did the same thing as the last class, but these children were younger. They seemed much more interested.
When the day was through, I went back to my room and thought over the whole day. The main thing I thought of was how the girls acted. They were kind to me, and to one another, but there was something I didn’t like. They didn’t do anything for themselves. All their lives everything had been done for them, so now they didn’t do things for themselves either. I decided I would write a letter home, it said,
Dear Family, and Ben,
Life here, as you told me, is quite different. My classroom is beautiful and I have a room all to myself. The food is fine, but nowhere near as good as yours, Mama. My clothes are quite odd, all black including my shoes and stockings. The girls, however, are beautiful and wear purple dresses with a black ribbon around their waist and in their hair. I am missing you all so much, I can’t describe how much I miss you really. I am not sure when I will get to come home to visit, but it will probably be at Christmas. I love you all very much.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elizabeth
While I was writing the letter, I realized how tired I was, and fell asleep, in my school dress, shoes and stockings. The next few days went fine, I suppose, although some days I wished I was back at home with my family. Surprisingly I even missed doing chores and helping care for my family. One night, after being at the school for a little over a month, I found myself crying in my room on my bed, over the tests I was trying to proof. I had made some friends, all of them were teachers and one was a girl who was falling behind in her schooling, but none of these replaced my family. One day, while I was in the middle of teaching grammar to my afternoon class, someone came in the door. I was facing the board, so I didn’t look behind me, for I figured it was someone coming to observe my classroom. A voice half shouted across the room, “Lizzie!”
That could only be one person, only one person in all the world called me Lizzie. It was Ben! Tears came pouring down my face as I ran to the back wall, where Ben was standing.
“Ben, Ben!” I yelled as I ran. I wrapped up class rather quickly that day, so we could talk. He told me that when he read my letter, he knew I should come home. The family discussed it and decided Ben should come get me from the boarding school. We talked to the principle and he let me leave to go home with Ben, back to the farm life that I realized I loved and missed so much. He had brought the old family wagon, and old Trigger. The ride home was much better than the ride there. I knew I was going home, and was so happy about it. On the ride back, I realized something. Ben was more than just a friend to me, he was more than just a farm hand.
When we arrived home, tears were pouring down the cheeks of Ruthie, Pa, and Ma and me. Ben stood back, just watching. I went back to teaching at the old town school and felt so much happier than I had ever felt when I was in Boston.
After school one day, when I had been home about a week, I heard familiar footsteps coming up the dirt road that led to the school. It was Ben. I was still in the school room cleaning up when he walked down the center isle between the desks. I moved from behind my desk and stepped directly in front of it and he said, “Lizzie, I love you. I have since I began to work for your father.”
I didn’t respond, but my eyes began to fill with tears. Then he looked at me with his shining blue eyes, and asked me with a joyous voice, “Elizabeth Stanton, will you marry me?”
“Of course I will, Ben!” I said,wrapping my arms around his neck. Then we both rode old Trigger back home and told everyone our important news. They were all so happy for us!
A few weeks later we had our wedding. I wore mama’s old wedding dress; it was just like I had pictured it. We were married in the old church with a small congregation, but it was perfect. We built a log cabin and lived beside Mama and Papa for a year or two.”
Tucking the covers up under Ruthie’s chin, and giving her a kiss on the forehead, I concluded the story by saying, “We still live happily ever after, with 3 children! You, Samuel, and your baby sister Grace. I am going to get in trouble with your father, for you are only 5 and I let you stay up far too late. I will tell you the story of how your mother and father fell in love again another night! You must get to sleep, I love you very much, Ruthie.”
“I love you too, Mama. Thanks for the wonderful story, its my favorite!”

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And that...my fellow bloggers completes the Choices of Love, I hope that you absolutely loved it! Thank you all for reading- I would love to know what you thought!
~Your author~Bailey

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Finally....The Choices of Love: part 6

I didn’t think that Mama and Papa took it very well. I figured that would happen. After the children were asleep Mama and Papa helped Ben walk up to his bedroom and around the house, like they had done before. Then they told me to join them at the kitchen table.
“Elizabeth, we are very happy that you got offered this job. There is just one thing you should know before you make your decision.”
“What is it Pa?”
“We just want you to know that these people have been raised very differently than you. The way you will be living there will be very different than the way you live here. It will be a lot to get used to, then when you get home you will have to adjust to farm life all over again.”
“I know. Do you think I should take the job though?”
“What I am saying, is that in the end, it is your decision, but you must be very careful in what you decide. I think that you would enjoy the teaching, but would not care for the way you would be living or how the girls act.”
“I understand.”
“Have you prayed about it?” my mother questioned.
“Yes ma’am, but I feel like when I talk to people about leaving they are opposed to me leaving, and then I don’t know what to think.”
“That makes sense. Who all have you talked to?”
 “Ben, and Ruthie, and now you all.”
“Well I think that you should think about it for a few more days and then get back to the superintendent,” my father suggested.
“I will, thanks Ma, thanks Pa.” After saying this I went up to my room and went to bed. That Monday morning as I rode to school, I thought a lot about what mama and Papa had said the night before, but I already knew what I was going to do.
“Ben, can I come in?”
“Of course Lizzie, have you made a decision?”
“Well, I think.”
“So?”
“So, I think I am going to go.”
 “Wow, Lizzie. That is wonderful.”
“I have prayed about it and talked to Ma and Pa, and they said it would be a big cultural change but they thought I would enjoy the teaching, so I’m gonna go.”
“Lizzie, have you thought about how other people are going to feel when you move? Like your sisters?”
“I think they would be ok with it in the end, but I’m sure they would miss me at first.”
“That makes sense. Could you help me get downstairs and outside?”
“Sure, how is your leg doing?”
“It doesn’t hurt much anymore, and your Ma said that I could get back to work either tomorrow or Wednesday.”
“Thats great. I am sure Pa will love having your help again.”
We made our way down the ladder and outside and then I headed up to my room to write a very important letter. I wrote very carefully and in the end it read,

Dear Mr. Howell,
Thank you so much for coming to our small town to watch my teaching. When you asked about me moving to Boston to teach, I was so honored. When I arrived home that afternoon, I found that our farm hand had been injured. That is why it has taken me so long to get back to you. After talking about it with my family, I have decided that I will take the job. Just let me know what I need to do to be ready to go.

Sincerely,
Miss Elizabeth Stanton
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Sorry it took so long, but I hope you are enjoying it!!! I would love to know what you think so far!
~Your Author~Bailey~Philippians 4:13~

Friday, October 7, 2011

More story is coming!

For those of you who are interested, I promise I will be posting more of "The Choices of Love" tomorrow! I have had a super busy, yet super fun, week. I've been fall clothes shopping with my Aunt, cousin who is home for fall break from college, and my grandma, of course I've had school, but overall it's been a good week. And looks to be a good weekend too! Have a great Friday, don't forget to sleep in tomorrow morning! haha!

~Thanks~Bailey~Philippians 4:13~

Sunday, October 2, 2011

1 year ago today...

"Guys, I think I'm bleeding."
I had just put my arm through a glass window, shattering all of the glass and tearing my arm up terribly in 3 places. I had no idea that this would be happening. My best friends sat on the floor shocked, almost in tears at one of their homes. They comforted me until my dad got there and took me to the hospital where they stitched me up, total, it was 37 stitches. When I look back on that day, it's not fun. It's actually more scary now than it was then. That night, I was extremely blessed. Extremely. My best friends were there comforting me the whole time, and after I left they were all in tears. Now, I sit at my computer typing this, my arm is fine, I have scars, but I'm fine. When people ask me about them, I just say, "I put my hand through a glass window playing flashlight tag, and had to get 37 stitches." They look shocked.
The day after it happened my dad told the whole church. I got a few cards, and everybody checked on my the next time I was at church. Emily Grace and her mom brought us dinner and milkshakes(thanks guys, you don't know how much all of that means). It was a long recovery, it took about three weeks to completely gain full use in my arm.
Now, I look back on that day, not doubting that God did this for a purpose. As funny as it might be, when I was in the hospital, the medicine they had to use to numb my arm, made me very talkative. That was a blessing, because even though I didn't know it I was telling this Dr. all about God. I told him about my church, my Sunday school class, and my great Christian friends. Now, isn't that cool? So far, thats the only way I have seen God work through this, but I have no doubt that as my life continues I will be able to use this story to tell people how God can work in the bad things in your life, no matter what they are.
And now, 1 year ago today, I look back on this day, and thank God that He is going to be able to continue to use this in my testimony, and use it mainly, for His glory.

~Your Author~Bailey B.~Philippians 4:13~

P.S. I would like to thank all of those who helped me out when all of this was going on. Thank you Emily Grace, Dana, Anna Gray, Lindsay, Mom, Dad, all of those from church that prayed for me, my friends at Classical, and my family. Thank you to you all!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

It never hurts...











It never hurts to have a little fun with all of your besties. Friday night I got the chance to hang out with some of my best friends! We roasted marshmellows, and hot dogs, watched a movie, chit-chatted while we caught up on life after not seeing each other for about a month, and of course, had lots of fun taking pictures.

Thanks Anna Gray for taking all of these wonderful pictures!

Don't forget to have fun every once and a while, it will make your life so much better!
~Your Author~Bailey

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Choices of Love: Part 5

Sorry I haven't been posting anything else than my story, but I don't have anything to post about. So I hope that you are enjoying it!

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“Elizabeth, what is taking you so long?” called Ruthie from the kitchen.
“I’m coming. Do you need help with something?”
“Yes actually, could you help me sew up a hole in Laura?”
“Your baby doll?”
 “Yes. Who else is named Laura in this house?”
“I am coming.” As I began to sew the hole in the dolls neck, she asked me a question that I had a hard time answering, because of the thoughts that had been going through my head.
“How is Ben doing?”
“I guess he’s doing ok.”
“I almost forgot about the superintendents arrival. How did that go?”
“Good actually, he said my teaching was so good that,”
“That what?”
“That he wanted me to take a job in Boston at a girl’s boarding school.”
“What? You can’t move to Boston, you just can’t. I would miss you so much. Please don’t go, please!”
“I didn’t say I was going, its just a small possibility. I haven’t even told him if I was going yet. Don’t tell Mama, cause I haven’t told her either.”
“I won’t.” After saying that she walked away angrily with her doll in hand. I saw how me leaving would effect the lives of others. Maybe I shouldn’t go. I would just have to spend some time in prayer and thought.
It had been about a week and a half since Ben cut his leg, and he was doing much better. Thankfully it had not gotten infected, mostly because we cleaned it out every day and replaced the cloth covering his wound. As it got closer and closer to supper time, I decided I would tell mother about Boston, but there was someone I needed to talk to first.
“Ben, are you awake?” I said quietly.
“Yes, Lizzie. Do you need something?”
“Well sort of, I just wanted to talk to you about something.”
“All right, what?”
“Well, I am really considering moving to Boston to teach. Do you think I should?”
“I don’t know. It’s your decision. All I know is that lots of people would miss you an awful lot.”
“I suppose that’s true. I was thinking about telling Mama tonight at dinner.”
“Oh.”
“Oh, what?”
The saddest expression washed over his face as he replied, “Nothing, I am just really tired.”
At dinner time we talked about how Ben was doing, and mother said that his leg was doing much better and he should be able to start working again in about two days. This seemed to be a great time to ask her about Boston.
“Mama, Papa, when the superintendent came, he thought my teaching was so good that he...”
“He what?” my mother questioned.
“He asked me to move to Boston and teach at the girl’s boarding school.”
“Oh my, Elizabeth that is wonderful, but Boston is at least a full days journey.” my mother and father both said.
“Yes, I know. It would be wonderful though Ma. They provide all of your clothes and food.”
“We will continue this conversation after the children are in bed,” said Pa.
“Of course Pa.”
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The next installment will come soon! -Your Author- Bailey

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Choices of Love: Part 4

“Thank you. I will get back to you in about two weeks.”
We said our goodbyes and I started to walk home trying to comprehend how I was going to tell my mother that I wanted to move to Boston, which is a three day’s journey.
While I was on my way home, I began to think about how I would tell Mama that I wanted to move to Boston and be a teacher. As I rode onto our property and began to put old Trigger away, I heard several loud yelps from inside the house. I hurried to put Trigger in the barn and then ran inside as fast as I could, which was very hard with my dreadful petticoats. I walked into the house and the yelps continued, but just getting louder and louder. I walked into my parents bedroom and saw Ben laying there.
“Mama, what happened?” I said with a shocked voice.
“He has a severe gash on his calf,” Papa replied hurriedly as he and mother wrapped his leg up quickly.
“Where are the children?” I asked.
“Upstairs, in your bedroom. Would you go sit with them please? I’ll tell you when we are done and you all can come downstairs.”
“Of course.” As I walked upstairs, I knew it would be a few days before I could ask Mama about moving to Boston.
When I got upstairs, all the children asked me how he was doing and if he was going to be ok. I didn’t really know how to respond since I had only seen him for a few minutes. When Mama and Papa called us downstairs they told us Ben had fallen asleep. I helped them to get Ruthie, Caroline, Jacob and Caleb down to bed, then we talked for a little while.
“He was outside fixing the plow, when the horse was frightened and the plow ran over is leg and cut a five and a half inch gash across his calf. He should be ok, but the doctor came earlier, before you got here, and said that it would take at least a week to two weeks before he can go back to work.”
The next morning, things were quite different around the farm. Even though I went to school that morning, I had to end it before lunch so I could get home and help around the farm. When I got home, Mama said to me, “Elizabeth, I need you to go tend to Ben’s leg, he is still in our room. Tomorrow I will need you to stay home from school to help me cook and care for Ben so your father can work outside.”
“Yes, Mama. Where is the cloth to rewrap it?”
“On the shelf by the fire.”
“Is it infected Mama?”
“No, not yet at least. We’re praying that it doesn’t get infected at all.”
When I began to tend to him, he woke up and said to me, “Lizzie, how did everything go with the superintendent?”
“Fine, thank you,” I said, actually glad to hear my nick-name. I could not decide if I should tell him about Boston and the job at the boarding school or not. After thinking about it for a few seconds, I said, “Actually, he offered me a job in Boston at a girl’s boarding school.”
“Boston, Elizabeth, that’s three day’s journey!”
“I know, I haven’t told my mother, so don’t mention it.”
He laughed and went back into a peaceful sleep. As I finished to cleaning his leg, I thought about Boston and how easy life would be there. I would not have to do anything for myself. No more chores, or tending to leg wounds. The hard thing would be asking my Mama and Papa about it. When would I ask her? How would I ask her? Would she take it well? Maybe I should wait until Ben got better. All these things were running through my head as I was caring for Ben. Other thoughts were going through my mind too. Was Ben more than a farm hand to me? Was he more than a friend? Would I miss him calling me ‘Lizzie’ if I moved away?
_________________________

That's all for now! I hope you are enjoying it...I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks for reading- Your author- Bailey

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Top Five Questions I'm asked as a homeschooler

Being home schooled is a blessing from God. There is honestly no other way I would want to be educated. But, when I tell people that I am home schooled they ask some pretty interesting questions, so I'm going to tell you the top five I hear, and my answers for them.

1. Q: So, do you get to do school in your pjamas?
A: No, I don't. My mom would never let me do school in my pjs!

2. Q: Why did you start home schooling?
A: I had a bad first grade year, and my mom and dad felt God calling them to start homeschooling me in second grade.

3. Q: Do you ever get to see your friends?
A: Absolutely! I get to see my friends on Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday, and usually one more day a week!

4. Q: Don't you get done at lunch time?
A: noooo, I don't finish until 3 or 4 in the afternoon,

5. Q: Don't you ever think about going to public school?
A: Honestly, no. I hear what my friends from church say about public school and none of it sounds appealing.At.All. None of it.

So there you have it, the top five questions I hear when I tell people that I'm home schooled. If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask away, and I will do post to answer them.
~Your Author~Bailey~

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Choices of Love: Part 3

If you didn't read the fist 2 parts, click here: The choices of love part 1, and here: the choices of love part 2
___________________________________

When I arrived at school, I hung some of the old, but nice, curtains above the window and put some of the student’s art work on the walls. I also put some flowers on my desk that I had picked on my way there. The students began to arrive one by one then two by two and then a big group of children ran up the road just before I rang the bell. We began with arithmetic, then continued on with spelling and reading. In the midst of all of the students reading aloud, I heard a loud knock on the sturdy wooden door. My heart began to pound as I walked towards the door, I straightened my skirt and made sure my ribbon was still in my hair and my bun had no stray hairs. Right before I answered the door, I said in a calm but commanding voice, “Children, please be on your best behavior for our guest.”
Then I answered the door. At the door was a man dressed in a button-down shirt with pin-striped pants and black dress shoes. He greeted me very kindly by saying, “Good morning Miss Stanton. My name is Mr. Howell, I am the superintendent of the schools in this area and I have come to observe your teaching. It looks as if you have a very nice classroom here.”
“Why thank you, Mr. Howell, you may call me Elizabeth if you wish.”
“No thank you. I prefer to call you Miss Stanton, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. We are in the middle of reading. Do you mind if they finish reading before we break for lunch?”
“No, I am here just to observe so continue on as if I was not here.”
I thanked him and went back to the front of the room and told the children to continue on reading. The rest of the day was a blur except when Mr. Howell told me at the end of the day, “Your class was superb ma’am, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I will be back in the morning to observe arithmetic and spelling.”
“That will be wonderful, thank you Mr. Howell.” we said our goodbyes and when I arrived home I told everyone about the whole day and the arrival of the superintendent. They listened intently as I told the stories and how he was to return the next day. Papa played on the fiddle for a few minutes before we all went to bed.
The next day went very well in my eyes. The superintendent arrived very early that morning just as I got there. He looked very intrigued as I taught like he was thinking about something. After school that day, I found out that he had been thinking of something, and it had been about me! When school ended, he asked if he could take me out for a cup of coffee. I did not deny, because he was the superintendent and I was honored that he would ask. When I arrived at the hotel restaurant, he kindly brought me in and pulled out my chair motioning for me to sit down. After we each ordered our coffee and talked about school and teaching for a few minutes he asked me question that shocked me so much I thought I would fall out of my chair and onto the floor, “Miss Stanton, I believe you are too great of a teacher to be teaching at such a small country school. If you are not interested, I understand, but at the Girl’s Boarding School of Boston we have a fine teaching opening. You would be teaching a writing, spelling and grammar class. The school is very nice, all of your clothes will be provided, along with food and housing. If you would like to stay here I understand, but I will need to know in the next three weeks if you would like to take the job. I will be leaving tomorrow so you can just send me a letter at this address.” after saying this he slid a piece of paper across the table with his name and address.
“Oh, my. That is quite an offer, I am honored that you would ask me Mr. Howell. I will discuss it with my family and get back to you, if that is all right?” I responded, trying not to sound surprised.
“That would be great, I am glad you are considering it. I must be going though, I have to rest for my trip home tomorrow. Thank you so much for letting me visit. It was a pleasure.”

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Come back in a few days for the next part, it starts to get REALLY good....you won't want to miss it!
~Your Author~ Bailey

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Reason

* I am continuing to work on the design whenever I have time, it should be complete with in the next two days or so.

for personal reasons, I have chosen to remove the design on my blog. I am working on re-doing it to make it look nice myself. This reason has nothing to do with any of you, or any of my friends. Thank you for understanding-

Bailey

Monday, September 12, 2011

Welcome to "A Note From the Author!"

This is still me, Bailey! I just had a girl named Bree design my blog and it was free! Don't you love it?!? Tell me what you think of the design...

~Bailey

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Ten years ago...

Ten years ago, it was a normal day.
Ten years ago, people were driving down the road going to work.
Ten years ago, something happened that changed our country.
Ten years ago, planes hit the twin towers.

Ten years ago, firetrucks raced down the road.
Ten years ago, families were destroyed.
Ten years ago, our country grieved.
Ten years ago, more than 3,000 people died.
Ten years ago, people were sitting in a coffee shop, when they were shocked with the news that the twin towers had been hit by several planes, killing everyone in the planes and almost everyone in both of the buildings.

But, ten years later, our country is stronger.
Ten years later, we have healed from this.
Yet we have not forgotten this day, but honor the people from our country who sacrificed their lives and fought for us that day.
Ten years later, after much, LOVE, FAITH, and most importantly, GOD, we have healed from this.
Ten years later, we stand stronger as a country, because that is how one nation under GOD, responds from a tragedy like this.

~Bailey

P.S. You need to watch this video, it was the inspiration for this post: The skit guys, 9/11

Monday, September 5, 2011

The Choices of Love: Part 2

As I got closer to the small house we lived in, I heard Caroline yell, “Elizabeth! Could it have taken you any longer to get home?” I didn’t respond to her but just rubbed her head, messing up her tangly hair, which she had gotten from playing outside all day, I assumed.
“You must wear your best dress when the superintendent comes, so he will think wonderful things about you,” Mama half yelled as she stirred the delicious smelling soup she was brewing.
“I will Mother, don’t you worry about me! I will be just fine.” After dinner, we all sat around a warm fire, while father played on his fiddle. We all sang until it was time for bed. Since Ruthie and I shared a room, we both talked about the superintendent coming and all of the things that I would have to do to get ready for his arrival. We talked for at least an hour, then finally Ruthie just didn’t answer me and I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The next two days were spent in anticipation of the superintendent coming and his arrival. After school each day, I spent two hours cleaning the school room from top to bottom, enjoying an excuse to be away from home, and not doing all of the chores my mother had for me. Since I was the oldest, it was a big job, even if Ben was around to help Pa with the farm chores. When I got home, Ben greeted me with my hated nick-name by saying, “Hello, Lizzie. Have you had a good day?”
“Fine thank you. I’m not kidding you, don’t call me that name.”
“Oh my, I almost forgot. Your father went into town again today to see if they had received any news about the superintendent coming, and they heard that he would be here mid-day tomorrow.”
“How exciting! It’s a good thing I stayed to clean today.” as I said this mama yelled, “Elizabeth, Ben, Pa, come on inside, it’s time for supper.”
When I walked in mama informed me, “I made your favorite: chicken pie and green beans! I made it to celebrate the arrival of the superintendent.”
“Why, thank you, Mama. I was just cleaning up the school house. Sorry I got back so late. I wanted it to be nice for when the superintendent came.”
“That’s fine, I understand. Just please, be home on time tomorrow. I could really use your help around the house.”
“I will,” I was abruptly stopped with the entrance of my father and Ben. After they came in, we all sat down to eat and Papa said the blessing, “Dear Father, thank you for the food you have so graciously placed in front of us. Please bless this food and our time together tonight and keep us all safe. In your name, amen.”
Our meal, as promised by my mother, was delicious, and our conversation was centered around the arrival of the superintendent. I was so excited, I barely said anything, but just listened to the conversation of the others at our table. Time for bed came quickly that night for everyone was tired from the hard work that day so they all went to bed shortly after dinner. When I crawled into bed, Ruthie fell asleep quickly, but I couldn’t go to sleep for the knots in my stomach were keeping me awake. I finally did go to sleep, and was quite refreshed when I awoke. I put on my best school dress and tied a ribbon around the neat bun on the back of my head.

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Come back soon if you want to read more! -Bailey

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Those Days...

Sometimes you have "those days" where everything does not go the way you wanted it to.

Today was one of those days. Physical Science is a bomb, and I hate it. Having to vacuum. Things not going on very well with your siblings, when you are really trying to love them and show them that. School seems like it is never going to end. It was just one of those days...

But, then I begin to ask my self why these days have to happen...

Why I have to struggle loving my brothers?
Why Physical science was ever invented?
Why school takes so long?
Why the Rainbow vacuum was ever invented?
Why can't I have a good attitude on days like this?
Why you have to have sinus headaches days in a row?
Why God lets you struggle?

So many why's, and I'm not quite sure about the answers to any of the questions, which frustrates me. But I know over time God will reveal the answer to all of these "whys". And on these days, I just have to tough through it, and know that next day I get to start over, and most of all remember that because God loves me I have a responsibility to love those around me even if I am having a bad day. Then I can listen to Taylor Swift or Hillsong United, make cards, and text Paige(thanks Paige), and then I am mostly all better.

I just have to remind myself, that even though there are so many unknowns, I do know one thing. God loves me, and lets me struggle so I want to fix those problems even more. And that also means I have to have a good attitude and love those around me, even when I don't want to.

And because he loves me so much, I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

~Thanks for reading my nonsense~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Choices of Love: Part 1

This is the story that I had to write last semester for school. I will be posting it in portions here on my blog! Enjoy-
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“Elizabeth,” yelled Mama, “Hurry up and sweep the floor!”
“Mama, I must go, I can’t be late for school. I have told the children not be late numerous times, yet I arrive late to class and set a bad example. Can I do it when I get home?” I replied hurriedly.
“Well I suppose, but be home in time to help Ruthie and me with dinner, do you understand?”
“Yes, Mama,” I yelled and ran out the door, after I kissed my baby brother on the forehead. I hopped up on old Trigger and rode off to school, thankful to leave the chores of the farm for at least a few hours. When I arrived, I was relieved that none of the students had gotten there. I walked in to the school, set my things down and began to welcome the students as they hurried into the classroom.
“Good morning Laura, good morning Sammy. How are you all doing this morning?”
“Fine, thank you.” they both replied. As more and more students came in, the room filled with noise faster and faster. Finally, it was 8:30, time for school to begin.
Before I could catch my breath, lunch time had come and gone and all of the students were walking home. The girls talked of dolls and the new dress their mothers were making them, and the boys talking of sneaking by their favorite fishing spot on their way home. When I rode up to the house, the first thing I heard was the voice of Ben, our farm hand, “Lizzie, you’re finally home,”
“Ben, you know how I hate that name.”
“Forget that, your Pa was in town today and he heard that the superintendent is observing teachers in this area and he is coming here, to our little town!”
“You are pulling my leg Ben.”
“No, I’m not, go ask your father. He’ll tell you the same thing.”
“Fine then. I will!”
I galloped over to the barn where I saw Ruthie helping Jacob, who was just three, feed the chickens and get their eggs. Both of them came running up to me, giving me a big hug.
“Elizabeth, you’re home!” yelled Ruthie, as she ran up.
“How’s you’re day going, sweet girl?” I asked her.
“Great, how was school? Was Joseph acting up again?”
“Thankfully, no. But Sammy took his turn picking on all of the girls,” We both laughed as I walked away to go see Pa.
“Pa, is it true that the superintendent is coming here?” I asked him with a questioning voice.
“Yes, my sunshine, he is.” he replied.
“Wow, I guess Ben was telling the truth!” I whispered under by breath, with a smile on my face, as I walked away to help Mama with dinner.
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I would love your feedback- I will post more in a few days! Thanks for reading~Bailey

Sunday, August 28, 2011

I'm a Writer...

It all started when I was about 8 or 9 years old, I started writing little stories. The ones I remember were about a mystery in a lighthouse, and another about having many surprises while Trick-or-treating. I would start some stories, but never finish them, in fact I still do that sometimes and I have got to break that habit. One was about a mirror that was shattered and it contained a treasure map, another was a journal of a girl traveling the Oregon trail with her family.

I really started getting serious about my writing at the beginning of my second semester of 8th grade(last year). We had to write a short story- I was thrilled, this was not an assignment it was fun! My story took me 3 weeks to complete and was 10 pages long. This story was called, "The Choices of Love" and it was about a girl(set in the 1700s) who was a teacher and...well I'm not going to tell you because I think I'm going to post it here bit by bit.

Anyway, after school got out I wrote another story called, "Finding Love", being completely different than my other story and giving lots of perspectives and experiences that I have been through personally. I might post that one too.

Now, I am currently working on a story(after school, not as an assignment), which is also completely different than the other two, and I am considering using a self-publisher to publish my story! Eek...exciting! I feel that this story is going to be my best one yet, now it will take a long time to write this one, but I am so excited to see how it turns out in the end! When my mom read the 12 pages I have so far, she said to my dad, "She does this for fun and as a relief from her school day. It's just crazy, I think if she worked at it that she really could become a writer!" That made my morning when my dad told me that on the way to church!

It would be a 1 in a million chance, but my dream is to have a book published, and I believe that if I work hard enough to achieve this goal then it very well could happen. And having the though of being a well known author makes me so very happy.

So this blog is one of the ways that I write...I write to you about many things. Things from my family, to friends, and alot of random that you probably don't care about, but I just love to write it down.

I have a passion for writing.
I use writing as I decompresser after school, I will write 3 pages of my story after school each day.

I love to write, because I was born a writer.

~Your Author~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~

Friday, August 26, 2011

Pray for a purpose...


I come to you all today and ask you to pray for my dear friend Mary. She was supposed to be at Gardner Webb University starting her college classes yesterday, instead she is here, at home, struggling with several viruses. One of them being Mono. For those of you who don't know what that is, Mono is basically a virus that sucks all of the energy out of your body and makes you tired for months. She is so tired, and weary, and discouraged, because who wouldn't be excited about starting college? But when you get sick and are exhausted...you can just imagine how she feels.

So I come to you and ask you to pray for Mary.
Pray that God shows her why she is struggling with this.
Pray that she will heal quickly.
Pray that she will simply be encouraged by those who love her.
Pray that God will show her a purpose through all of this, that she would not be discouraged, but that through everything she will know how to praise Him and He will be glorified through it all.

Please pray for Mary.

~Thanks~ Bailey~ Philippians 4:13~

P.S. you can read her blog by looking at the blog list and clicking on "Mary who's amazing" because my linky thing won't work!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Charmed Life series by Jenny B. Jones

*update* If you want to find out more about her books go to jennybjones.com*

So, I just finished a Christian series of three books called the Charmed Life Series by Jenny B. Jones. THEY WERE AMAZING. Thank you Emily Grace for recommending them to me! I aboslutely loved them. With equal parts comedy, mystery, romance, and sarcasm how can a book not be good?

The first book, So Not Happening, was about her moving from Manhattan after her mom and dad getting a divorce and her mom remarrying a man who lived in Oklahoma. When she writes an insultive post about her new country town on her old school's advice column, finding friends is difficult. Mainly, you see her trying to adjust getting used to her new life and of course, like in all the books, getting into a bit of danger with a mystery, oh and don't forget the drama with her boyfriend back at home!

The second book, I'm So Sure, is about her getting a job and finding more friends at school. She once again entangles herself in a mystery at school with Prom Queen. And since she doesn't have the money to buy a prom dress, she must get a job to earn the money! She also finds her dad has been hiding something from her and her mom. And- she begins to find someone who she likes-alot.

The third book, So Over my Head, is about a situation her family and she ends up finding a mystery both at home and with her real dad and his new fiance...oh yeah! Two mysteries for Bella Kirkwood and her oh so funny sidekick Ruthie to solve...and don't forget the hot geek that she is crushing on, and recently broke up with, from school, Luke(hehe)! With a relationship in the air, along with two mysteries, either this book or the second one had to be my favorite!

I strongly encourage you to read these books and enjoy them....Seriously, you need to read them, you will love them(if you are a girl)! Have a nice rest of your week~Bailey

Saturday, August 20, 2011

At the end of the week...

Comes the weekend. I love the weekend. Usually the weekend brings relaxation, family time, friend time, and church. This weekend happens to bring me a lot of relief. School has worn me out this week, it always does on the first week. But now that I have sort of a schedule it will get better.

But, I am still looking forward to this weekend. Last night about 50 people from our youth group and college department went to the Hillsong United concert, which was really, really good! It was an awesome worship experience. Today I
am gonna have about 5 hours of girl time with my bestie, which is MUCH needed.



Then tomorrow we have church and family time afterwards, but sadly the weekend is only 3 days long, so then Monday starts back to school and piano and life.

So, since the weekend is so short, try to treasure and appreciate every moment.

Have a wonderful weekend- Bailey

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Officially...

I'm officially in high school.
I'm officially a 9th grader.
We officially started school today.
I officially learned a lot today.
I am officially very tired.
I officially have 4 more years of school left before college.

And right now I am officially decompressing, which for me means watching the new Taylor Swift music video(which by the way is very good you can watch it by going to taylorswift.com), looking at blogs, fiddling around on the computer, and then reading a non school related book.

So losts of things are official now. But the biggest is that I am in high school!

Now I am officially done.
Bye.
~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~

Saturday, August 13, 2011

A summer in review...

June 4th- the summer started out with Amanda and Nick's wedding, in which I was a bridesmaid! It was a beautiful wedding and a great weekend!



June 30th- THE TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT!!! Me and Emily Grace went to the Taylor Swift concert as my(suprise) birthday present! You see, my dad surprised us with tickets 3 days before the concert! We had the best day together and will always remember it!





July 18th-22nd- Summer with the arts! It was so much fun and I had a great time with all of the kids in my group! Sadly, I have no pictures! Sorry!

July 25th- 30th- MFuge at North Greenville! I was there on my birthday so I got a little surprise bday party! We had the best time! Camp was awesome, one of the pictures is of my small group, which I got very close to throughout the week and one of my and two little girls on mission site one day! Over all camp was AMAZING!


Thats all the girls that came to camp in my dorm at my party!


Me and two of the little girls on site, Darcy and Julia.


Me and Amanda, who came with us!


My small group from the week.


My dorm on my bday!

August 6th-13th- We just got back from the beach yesterday and it was amazing! So- here are a few pictures, some of the only ones we took...I mean when you are having such an awesome time when do you stop to take pictures(except at a Taylor Swift concert!)!!!







And now...August 14th, as summer comes to a close, and school starts on Tuesday, I look back on this summer and see how blessed I have been to have such an awesome summer! And- most of you who read my blog, have been part of it! I'm so thankful to have had such an amazing summer with my friends and family! I hope that you had just as fun of a summer as I did!

~Thanks for reading~ Bailey~Psalm 56:3~