READ FAST...

I am currently rushing to finish the book Les Miserables. Why? I do love the book and I want to finish it in good time, but it is technically due back to the library today and I want to see about getting it turned in so I can have another book to read. I guess I could just check it out to myself again, then check out another book too. That way I can finish the book tomorrow or whatever, and turn it in then, and still have a book to read. I shall ponder this.

Yesterday, so people were talking about blogging. They were talking about certain teachers that blogged, and how strange it was. I don't know if I'll be able to find the blogs, but I want to try nonetheless. Anyway, they said that one teacher had posted something not so nice on her blog, and they wondered if someone would figure out and she would get in trouble. Then they said that another teacher had a blog too, and they talked about how blogging seemed really lame. Who blogs? they said sarcastically. I actually raised my hand at this point, but I was ignored. They seemed a little confused.

I was talking with my dad about this occurence last night, and he said that blogging is something that people find strange because not everyone can do it, but it seems that it doesn't require talent. Personally, I think that blogging is something that requires someone who can type well and knows how to write stories and essays and such. Its almost like a diary, but a public one that is really read more by people that you don't know than people that you do know. I don't really care what they think about blogging, because I like it, so I shall continue, at least for now.

Last period in aquatic science, we began our first dissection: a perch. The fact that we have to open up a fish and point out specific parts doesn't bother me, but the fact that it is dead and stiff and smells like chemicals does. I have always had an aversion to dead things. I cannot stand them, and I have even had nightmares that involved death and dead things. I just don't like being around or looking at or touching things that are no longer alive. It just seems wrong.

One kid in FCA seems like he keeps trying to stop me and Shelby from teaching a lesson in the mornings. He keeps trying to get guest speakers and trying to get us not to have a lesson ready. Of course, many times he fails to get the person, so we always have a lesson ready just in case. Today was supposed to be my wednesday to teach, but he got a teacher to come and give a lesson instead. Don't get me wrong, this teacher is a youth pastor, and I love the way he presents a message. The lesson this person gave today was awesome. However, I feel like this boy is trying to get rid of me or something. I am normally not bothered by things like this, but its my senior year, and I have only been teaching this year. If he doesn't like my lessons, he should just tell me to my face. I don't need him trying to undermine me behind my back.

I have a song stuck in my head that is really good. Gold by Britt Nicole. I love it. I don't know all of the words yet though, so that poses a slight problem.

This is for all the girls
Boys all over the world
No matter what you've been told
You're worth more than gold...

I love Britt Nicole and her music because I feel like she is a more grown up version of me, almost. You can tell by her music that she has a big heart and a love for
God. It reminds me of the song "Show Jesus" by Jamie Grace.

I gotta tell you that I like the way

Any time anywhere any place
It's written all over your face
The way you love Jesus
And it always speaks to me
A little joy with a touch of peace
It's so inspiring
The way you show Jesus

Jamie Grace is awesome too. I watched a video that Jamie Grace posted on youtube about how she doesn't go out searching for a boyfriend or dating for fun like everyone else because she expects that God has someone for her and she isn't going to date anyone until God wants her to. I learned that lesson this last summer and I started living my life in that manner. And look at me now! I have a boyfriend, and even if we don't get married or we break up in 6 months, I'll be good because I know God has a plan for both of us.

The book that I read that taught me that was "When God Writes Your Love Story". It really changed my perspective on dating and marriage and relationships. I wish more teenagers would read it, so that they can understand the kind of relationships God wants for people, and what they need to get straight in their life before they try to be a part of anyone else's.

Have a fantastic day y'all, and remember how much God loves you!

Love,
Elizabeth W.

The Boredom Sets In... And The Thinking Begins!

Well, I am very much bored out of my mind today. At least right now. I have nothing to do this period as far as school work. By the way, we have a total of 210 views this month so far. That means there are only 90 more views to get by next week if you want the fanfic to be posted. Honestly, that is not very much. I think I might change the total to 500 or something like that. I am averaging about 20 views a day at the moment. I looked and as a running total from the beginning to this exact moment, my blog has 2012 views. I thought it was cool because it was the year. I guess I'm better at entertaining people through blogging than I thought.

As far as YouTube videos, I need to stop making promises that I can't keep. I did not get to make any videos yesterday because I spend that time helping my grandma pack presents for kids in New Mexico and painting Christmas pictures with my mom. My grandparents left for New Mexico today. I'm praying that they make it there and back safely and get the chance to minister to many people along the way. I wish I could go out and minister to people that I don't know. I stink at people in my area because I'm so afraid that they will judge me more harshly. But people in my area need Jesus too.

Yesterday I watched a music video for Britt Nicole's "The Lost Get Found". The whole concept was that she went on this roadtrip, basically heading out into the great unknown, driving in no particular direction. She prayed that God would put people in her path that needed to hear about Jesus. The video showed some of the people that she ministered to, and you could tell that lives were touched.

I thought it was a really cool idea. I just don't know that I have the guts to do something like that. I am a very shy person. Some people I try really hard to be an example for and minister to, but they just see me as a quiet girl who decided to stick her nose in their business. They won't really listen. And I'm always afraid that I'll say the wrong thing. This, coming from the girl who speaks her mind about everything, regardless of who it offends. I need to just get out of my comfort zone and start reaching people. I said it myself this summer at youth camp, I feel like this is the point in my life where I am ready to go out and start reaching people for Christ. I don't want to just sit around and do nothing when I have been called by God.

A very similar thing that I saw on the internet that has inspired me is Isaac Dietz's "Search For Joy". Basically, he went to places like Africa and searched out real joy that existed and thrived even though people were in poverty, the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. I can only imagine how many people were reached for Christ through these two projects.

I feel like I have the ability to minister to people, just the inability to find the people that need to be ministered to. I have thought about using my YouTube channel to help spread the good news of Jesus Christ, but I am not sure exactly how to do it. I feel like I have done it some through this blog, but I want to use all of the resources I have. Video making is one of my strong points. I have that talent. I guess I could start making Christian music videos. It couldn't hurt.

I feel like I should plan my own project like this, I just don't want to copy anyone. I like the "Search For Joy" idea a lot though. I might take it and put my own spin on it. I will do it in my area, of course. Right now would be the perfect time to start it, because everyone is focused on Christmas and how presents will make them happy. I could interview people at different events that I go to. Church. Plays. Stores. Neighbors. I really wish that I had a better camera to do this with. One that I could adjust the focus on, because my camera doesn't always focus right. Maybe I could film it with my cell phone. That way, I could kinda adjust the focus. It would still be decent quality video. Charity Functions. Parties. Band Concerts. Family Gatherings. I could just interview them and ask them a few questions.

What do you think the real reason for Christmas is?
What part of Christmas is most important?
Why do you, personally, celebrate Christmas?
Does Christmas time make you feel happy or stressed?
What do you wish Christmas time was more like?
What is your favorite part of Christmas?

I think this could really work. If you have a question that you think I should ask, please leave it in the comment area. Don't forget to comment and say which fanfic you want posted next friday also.

Oh! I almost forgot! Today is the day that our play is performed. I am the director for tonight's show. The show starts at 6 I think. I have to be there at 5, which makes me unhappy, and I will probably have to stay until 8 or 9. The cost of admission is $3 per person, if you plan on coming. There will also be a silent auction during intermission. The first play (mine) is Amber Waves, then there will be an intermission, then the plays The Quiet Place and Do Not Go Gentle will perform. The performances will take place in the middle school auditorium. If you live in the area, feel free to come.

Well, that is enough talking for today. Woah, there is still 20 minutes left of class. Wierd.

Love,
Elizabeth W.