Day 30..... A motto or philosophy.

If at first you don't succeed, try try again. 

This is something I have had to do over and over again.  I've failed more times than I care to admit but guess what....I get back up and try again.  

Here's a rather amusing story that happened just recently.  So yesterday Abigail and I went tubing at Echo Valley with my FFA buds. Oh my word, had loads of fun but......on the last go around I decided to get hooked onto the end of the chain of tubes which made me get airborne at the end and when I came down I kinda forget about the tube and landed on my whole right side on the snowy/icy hill. Now I am carefully limping around the house. :D Regardless....I had a blast!!!! However....when I landed on that hill I got back up and oh...I'm going back in a few weeks.  And I really want to try going down that hill last again....(maybe that's called stupidity, I don't know....:D)

Well ladies and gents, this is the 30th and final day.  What an amazing trip!  It's been fun!

~Bethany~

Day 29....Hopes, dreams and plans I have for the next 365 days.

I was holding Liberty on my lap while putting the title in and I asked her what my hopes, dreams and plans were for the next 365 days.  She said to make sure that you all knew that I was going to learn how to show dogs which included her.  :D  She literally went crazy and barked right in my face.  It was pretty funny lol.

Soooo.....besides that....

I want to learn how to play the guitar.
I want to finish school and go to college.
I want to be a FFA state officer.
I want to take a vacation out west.

And most of all...I want to grow closer to Jesus.

~Bethany~

Day 28......A Scar I Have & it's Story

I was five years old. Learning how to ride a bike without training wheels.  I was riding down our gravel driveway when I lost control and when flying.  My knees still bare the scares.  Good part of the story; regardless of the skinned and bloody knees, I got up and started riding again.  I now am very proficient at riding a two wheeled bicycle.

~Bethany~


PS: The hog show yesterday was awesome!  Had tons of fun!!!

Handwritten Tag

1. What is your name/your Blogger name?
2. What is your blog name/URL?
3. Write "The quick brown fox jump's over the lazy dog"
4. Favorite quote
5. Your favorite song
6. Your favorite bands/singers.
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag 3-5 other people.

Day 27.....A Physical Feature I Love

This is really a vague question and I shall do my best to answer it though I may take several different routes to do so.

1) A Physical Feature I love about myself:
Well, I don't "love" any particular feature about myself.  Though I am very thankful for many of them. :)  I am thankful especially for my eyes and my hands.  My eyes see things, my hands go and do them.  I can see a child needing help and I can go and help them.  People also tell me that my eyes are one of my best features.  And my hands?  Well....I just am continually amazed at how each little bone must work together.  Have you every watched your hands while you are typing?  So fast and so perfect.  God sure knew what He was doing!

2) A Physical Feature I love about girls:
Hair.  I know, really weird, right?  I love seeing girls with long hair, short hair, curly hair, straight hair.  I love seeing all the different styles in which they do their hair.  Yeah, now you all are going to be self conscious or looking around at girls hair styles. 

3) A Physical Feature I love about guys:
Guess what, I notice guys!  haha, yeah I know, amazing isn't it?  And that feature I like?  Arms.  Don't laugh.  Yeah I know you are already laughing.  But yes...that is what I usually notice first.  You know all the romance novels and even most girls notice eyes.  Blue as the sky or deep brown like chocolate.  Nope, forget that.  Maybe it's because it shows strength.  I have no clue.  Anyway...

I have just released some of the biggest Bethany secrets of all times.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

:D

~Bethany~

Day 26......A Childhood Memory

When I was about 8 years old there was some work being done on our road on a hot summer day.  This was probably the first time construction had ever been done on our little back dirt road that I could ever remember so it was a rather exciting experience. :)  So I gathered my little sisters up, baked some cookies, mixed up lemonade and loaded up the cart hooked to my bike with the cookies and drinks and brought it all down to the rough, but kind men working on the roads.  They wanted to pay us but I wouldn't allow it.  They were pretty nice guys. :) 

Oh those wonderful childhood memories!  Sweet days gone by....

~Bethany~

P.S. Tonight went amazingly well.  Thank you so much for your prayers!

A Prayer Request

Have any of you ever watched Facing the Giants?  Remember when Mr Bridges came up to Grant and told him these words. 

"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." Revelation 3:8

There were two men with fields that needed rain. They both prayed for rain, but only one went out and prepared his fields for it.

Which one are you?

God will send the rain in His time, your job is to prepare your fields for it."

Fast forward to almost the end of the movie.  The football game was just about over, just a few seconds on the board with the Eagles just a few points behind.  They could win if they kicked it, but all they had was David Childers who was a small kicker since their main kicker had received a broken collar bone.  On top of that, it must be a 50 yard kick and they were kicking into the wind.  Situation was hopeless.  Grant pulled out David and asked him, "do you believe God can help you make this kick?"  to which David responded "if He wanted to".  What did God do, he helped that small boy make that kick 50 yards and even straight, something David rarely was able to do.  Does anyone remember what Grant said to Brady as he pulled out that boy to make the kick?  Brady asked him "what do you think you're doing?  He can't make it."  Grant said, "I'm preparing for rain". 

Preparing for rain.  Trusting in God to make the right decision, trusting Him to create a miracle.

That's what I'm doing right now. 

I have a team who is doing something called Ag Issues.  A contest in which we argue a point about some area in agriculture.  Our topic this year is Food Safety.  We have ever odd against us.  Most people in agriculture hate hearing about food safety because it is usually directed as a barb towards them.  Our team has had little help in putting this together.  Nearly everyone on the team has never done this contest before.  We don't have lines memorized.   I'm not complaining.  Everyone has worked hard but we were kind of late in putting it together.  Tonight we will be presenting it for the first time.  It won't be a contest but we will be judged by adults. 

This may seem trivial, but so was football.  I know that was just a movie, but don't we trust God anyway? 

So I'm praying for rain and I'm asking if you will join me. 

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

~Bethany~

Day 25....A Recipe

Scalloped Carrots Recipe

 

 

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 12 medium carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 4 cups)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• Dash pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 slices whole wheat bread, cut into small cubes

Directions

• Place 1 in. of water in a large saucepan; add carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 7-9 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
• In another saucepan, saute onion in 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, celery salt and pepper until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
• In a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish, layer half of the carrots, cheese and white sauce. Repeat layers. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread cubes. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Yield: 4-6 servings.

This is truly one of my favorites!  I get it once every other year......when my Grandma takes it to our family Thanksgiving dinner with my dad's side of the family. :)  I should really make it more often.....


~Bethany~

Day 24.....A movie no one would expect me to love

This is tough.  Really tough.  My favorite movies are war movies, documentaries, anything with historical facts.  Pretty much anything historical or historical fiction.  Most people know this....so they would expect me love those!
If I say a girly movie....like Pride and Prejudice or some other chic flick....I'm a girl so you should believe it!

I'll go with Star Wars.  I love them!  I do honestly think I need a droid or two.....:D

So does that surprise anyone?

~Bethany~

Day 23.....A way in which I want to be remembered

Two weeks ago in church I was doodling on a piece of paper while listening to the sermon and found myself actually drawing a picture of my gravestone.  I told Abigail that this was exactly what I wanted it to look like. :D  Actually, while that is a rather morbid though, I am not afraid of death or even dreading it.  When my visit on earth is finished I go to my Father in Heaven where I shall every day be able to see and praise my dear Savior!

Anyway...here are a few things I want to be remember for....

• A girl that loved, followed, and trusted in Christ.
• A help to those in need.
• A witness for Jesus.
• A steadfast and loyal daughter, sister, wife and mother.
• Loved my country.
• Rebelled against normality and strove to lead a life that pointed towards Christ.

If I can leave the world having accomplished those things I will not have failed.

~Bethany~

Day 22......A Website

This isn't exactly a very informative title.  :/  So...I'm going to share 2 websites!!!

#1)  www.asheracres.com  Asher Acres Farm site!  (yeah, sorry not too exciting)

#2) http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm  This is my currently favorite site.  I am doing a competition called 'Ag Issues' (some of you may remember me doing this last year) and this year's topic is food safety!  This a site that shows every recall which I find rather amusing. :)  Check it out, if you are anything like me you will be enthralled for a rather long period of time.  :D :D :D

~Bethany~

Day 21....Something I do Differently Than Anyone Else

You all ready for this?  I tie my shoes weird.  I don't think I do, but everyone says I do.  My mom says she has never seen anyone tie like I do.  Hey but guess what!  I taught myself how to do it!  (yep, independent even way back then....:/)  So anyway, I know have been banned from teaching anyone else to tie.  Well not really...but know one seems to be able to learn from me.  Strange indeed.

On a side note...here are some pictures Abigail and I took of our two puppies that we are keeping.

 Hailee is 'Abigail's' puppy.  She is going to train her and treat her as her own.  The only thing that won't be hers are the puppies that she one day will produce. :)

Liberty is the one I am training.  She's such a sweetheart!  I'm planning on showing her this year in 4-H.

~Bethany~

Day 20.....A hobby of mine

I hope I'm making it while it is still Friday......I just got home from an amazing play put on by HPA (Homeschool Performing Arts) that a good friend of mine was in.  Anyway....here is the answer to my question.

A well known hobby of mine would be showing.  Showing dairy goats, hogs, starter calves, steers and guess what...this year...dogs!  I really enjoy showing and competing out in the ring against other kids around the state or nation. 

So I'll keep this short and sweet. :)

~Bethany~

Day 19....A Talent of Mine

Speaking.  I can get up in front of a crowd and speak and really enjoy it.  :) 

Day 18.....A time When I felt Passionate and Alive.

It was my first livestock judging contest.  I was scared stiff.  I felt so unprepared, so......scared!  For those of you who don't have a clue about judging, at the state contest we had to judge 6 classes, 2 classes of sheep, 2 classes of hogs, and 2 classes of beef.  Each class is 4 animals.  Then we had to answer a set of questions.  After the questions we had to give 3 sets of reason.....one of each specie.  Reasons are an oral reasoning about why you placed the class the way you did.   At my first state contest, I only had 5 weeks of practice under my belt.

So.....here I was, 15 years old and on a team with other kids who had a few years of knowledge as well as kids who have shown livestock for years. I got to the contest and headed straight for the bathroom.  I didn't puke.... :)  I prayed.  And with that prayer I felt a peace that I would do fine.  I went out into that arena and started judging and I was so excited and felt so alive!  It was the most amazing experience.  I went and gave my reasons with a passion.  My team....won the state title.  I'm not saying I was perfect.  Not anywhere near that.  But I had found such peace once I had given all of my talent over to God.  He could make it so much better.

Ever since then, at each and every contest that I have been in (and I have been in quite a few in FFA) I have prayed before I begin.  I owe each and every victory to my dear Lord Jesus.

I hope this story fits under this title. :)  I'm not sure it does....but I know that with Jesus on my side I could shine and be much more alive and passionate than I ever could have been by myself.

~Bethany~

Day 17......A Favorite Piece of Art

This is one of those pieces of art that just reminds me to keep close to God and pray to Him continually.  It also reminds me of the legacy that has been left to me by my family.  This same painting hung (and still hangs) is my grandparents house for as long as I can remember.  My family has one in our dining room as well.  What a beautiful piece!

~Bethany~

Day 16.......A Song That Makes Me Cry

When I was a little girl all I wanted to do was grow up.  Grow up and get married and be a wife and mother.  Now I am 17 years old, technically old enough to get married, getting finished with school, getting ready to start up college, moving on to my step in life.  Some days I look back at my young childhood and remember all those wonderful days.  I hear other kids saying "I want to grow up" and I want to tell them, "NO!  Just enjoy your life now!"  However I suppose that is just a part of life. 
Yesterday I put this video together to a song that makes me want to cry sometimes (and no I don't usually cry :D).  "You're Gonna Miss This".

Enjoy! (and try not to cry....)

~Bethany~

Day 15.....A Person I Admire

Abraham Lincoln

Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties. And not to Democrats alone do I make this appeal, but to all who love these great and true principles.
--August 27, 1856 Speech at Kalamazoo, Michigan

 

Abraham Lincoln was one of those men who was hardworking, caring, courageous, honest, and loved this country.  He was a man whom as I look back through my history books I cannot help but admire this modest man who lead this country through one of it's darkest moments.

~Bethany~

Day 14......A Vacation I Would Like To Take

Honestly, I have not been to all that many states in our fascinating country, but there is one that has been on my mind for some time....

Why?  I don't really know except that it is out west, it is down south, and it is beautiful. :)

So that is one place I would really like to visit. :)

~Bethany~

Day 13......A Guilty Pleasure

Ok, you ready for this?  Abigail said it's out and out confession time.  :) 

My guilty pleasure.....

Scaring guys. 

With snakes.

Or whatever else they are scared of.

That's all.

~Bethany~

Day 12......A Song I Want Played At My Wedding

I was thinking about this question today seeing as how I usually don't think too much about little details like this about my wedding.  I'm not sure as to what songs will be played while all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen and parents and parents and grandparents and all that are walking down.  I do have other plans, like what I'm going to wear.  A beautiful modest wedding dress.  Yep, got it all picked out for over $900.  Ok, so I'll have to find someone that can magically turn my dream into reality for cheaper than that. :D  Bridesmaids?  Red and white checkered shirts and jean skirts.  White handkerchief around the neck.  Guys similar, I'm still trying to decide if I want everyone wearing red and white checkered or not.  Brown vests though for the guys. Groom though has to wear tradition.  Sorry to whoever that is. :D  Cowboy boots for all!  Anyway....then we'll have a hog roast and some good ol' fashion dancing.  I'm going to get some people who can play bluegrass for fun. The song I do have picked out however is for my first dance and that is, Forever and Ever Amen by Randy Travis.

Anyway, those are a few of my wedding plans.  I don't want it to be strenuous and difficult but fun for everyone!  

~Bethany~

Day 11....A recent picture of me

Ok, so this is a few more than one picture.....but here are some of my favorite senior pictures!

~Bethany~

Day 10.....A photo of me taken over 10 years ago.

Yes, these are photos of me as a youngster!  :)

 

 18 months

 3 years old

5 years old....first goat show!

Yep, loved goats even way back then!

~Bethany~

Day 9......A photo I took

Here are a few photos I took the other morning.  It was just gorgous outside, even though it was -2*F!  Oh I love winter!  God's creation is beautiful!

~Bethany~

Day 8.....A Thank You Letter

Day 8 is a thank you letter to someone who has changed my life. 

Dear Dad and Mom,
  Seventeen years and 5 months ago, I entered the world into your hands.  I couldn't have asked for better parents.  I know I can be difficult sometimes and not the help that I could be but still you are there for me whenever I need you.  You never give up on me, you never leave me.  Thank you both so much loving me with an unconditional love.  You have pressed me to do what I love to do, you have encouraged me to be successful. You have helped me to become a godly girl.  You have taught me about Jesus, my dear Savior.  I don't think I can ever thank you enough.

I love you both!

Your daughter,
~Bethany~

Day 7......5 Things I could not live Without

I'm making my post today kinda quick, because I'm going to go watch a movie called "North and South".  :)

#5) Books

#4) Education/History

#3)Water

#2)  FOOD!

#1) The Lord Jesus, my blessed Savior.

~Bethany~

Day 6 - A Moment I Wish I Could Relive

There are many moments in my life that sometimes I wish I could go back to.  Like when it was just me and Abigail running around the house, giggling about little girl things, just 5 and 6 years old.  Or maybe those times that dear friends of mine would sit together and chat long hours of the night away in the haymow.  Oh wait, how about that time that several of us kiddos slid down a homemade slip and slide right into a manure pile in over 100* weather.  Or going to Ukraine to adopt two little girls?  Or the days where our family was just about ready to move into our house and it wasn't quite finished so we slept out in a camper and did dishes in icy cold water.  All of those memories that I have in the back of my mind. 

Here is a special fun memory however from a long day in my life.  AKA, the day my brother was born.  I was honored to be woken up at 4:30 in the morning on May 21st.  It was so neat to be able to watch the birth, but there was a rather big problem.  Ok, he was like 4-5 weeks early and born at home.  So, when he was born my mom started saying over and over "he's not breathing, he's not breathing".  Mind you, he was screaming at the top of his lungs.  :D  However, they did end up putting him on oxygen that the midwives had and they kicked us out of the room.  They sent me out to milk the goats since mom didn't have much milk and when I came in most of the kids were already awake and eating breakfast.  I don't consider myself having a weak stomach, but I just could NOT get myself to eat. :)  Our neighbors called having already heard about his birth and knew that he may have to go to the hospital.  Mom's bedroom was still off limits and then the midwife and Dad came walking out of the room with Ben wrapped in a garbage bag.  So Abigail and I gathered all the kiddos up and brought them up to the neighbors where we all headed off to a dog show like 2 hours away ( I have no clue where ).  It started raining and there were tornado watches out all day.  We got home at like 4:00 and no one was home and so we made supper and did chores.  Dad got home and said that Ben was in the Hospital and mom was with him and they had gotten him to the hospital during the tornado watches and was brought to the ground floor and so I guess it was just all crazy.  The day was what I call a zoikia but a good memory.  Oh wait....this was supposed to be something I wish I could relive.  Oh well....:D 

The best part was hearing the words...."It's a boy". :D  YAY!!!!  lol

~Bethany~

Day 5.....Favorite Quote

I'm actually going to just do ONE quote today. :)  This is one of my favorite quotes because it rings so true today.  It was spoken by a very wise man who helped to found our country, Benjamin Franklin.

“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”

I think he saw what could happen in this country, and unfortunately people are realizing that they can vote themselves money.  Can we make it so that we can still keep the republic of this country in place?  If we work hard....like Benjamin Franklin and the other founding fathers, with a passion.

~Bethany~

Day #4....Favorite TV show

Okay, so we don't have Television at our house, but I do have some old TV shows that are favorites of mine!  My all time favorite though is:

Schultz - "I see nothing.....!!!!!!!!!!!"

Klink - "No prisoner escapes from Stalag 13!"

Schultz,"into the cooler they go. Throw away the key. "
Carter: "Don't we get a trial or anything?"
Colonel Klink: "This is Germany. Although I do appreciate your sense of humor."

 You've got to watch this if you haven't!  It's absolutely hilarious!

Day 3....Favorite Book

When I first heard the title of this book, I literally groaned.  Another one of those books from my parents that dead set against dating.  And without dating, how was I EVER going to get married?  You know, married, as in finding a husband, living happily ever after?  So the book sat on my bookshelf for a while collecting dust while I attempted to gain the courage to read what I thought was going to be another "thou shalt" and "thou shalt nots" book.  It probably still would be sitting there if a few dear friends of mine didn't ask me to do a book study with them.  So I read it.  Once.  It wasn't bad.  Really it wasn't.  This guy actually kinda had a clue as to what he was talking about.  It wasn't until I started having young men seeking me out and me actually thinking about dating that I really found the truth in this book.  It taught me about commitment and dedication to a relationship and about the feelings of others.  I very highly recommended it!

~Bethany~

Day 2....Favorite Movie

Here's two of my favorite movies(yeah I keep breaking the rules don't I?)...and and some quotes to go along with them! :)

"Just look at it, gentlemen. How calm... how peaceful it is. A strip of water between England and the continent... between the Allies and us. But beyond that peaceful horizon... a monster waits. A coiled spring of men, ships, and planes... straining to be released against us. But, gentlemen, not a single Allied soldier shall reach the shore. Whenever and wherever this invasion may come, gentlemen... I shall destroy the enemy there, at the water's edge. Believe me, gentlemen, the first 24 hours of the invasion will be decisive. For the Allies as well as the Germans, it will be the longest day... The longest day."

Leigh Ann Touhy -
"If you so much as set foot downtown, you will be sorry. I'm in a prayer group with the D.A., I'm a member of the NRA and I'm always packing."
"I said you could thank me later. It's later, Bert."
Michael Oher - 
"Courage is a hard thing to figure. You can have courage based on a dumb idea or mistake, but you're not supposed to question adults, or your coach or your teacher, because they make the rules. Maybe they know best, but maybe they don't. It all depends on who you are, where you come from. Didn't at least one of the six hundred guys think about giving up, and joining with the other side? I mean, valley of death that's pretty salty stuff. That's why courage it's tricky. Should you always do what others tell you to do? Sometimes you might not even know why you're doing something. I mean any fool can have courage. But honor, that's the real reason for you either do something or you don't. It's who you are and maybe who you want to be. If you die trying for something important, then you have both honor and courage, and that's pretty good. I think that's what the writer was saying, that you should hope for courage and try for honor. And maybe even pray that the people telling you what to do have some, too."

Day 1 - Favorite song

Day one.....favorite song.  This is tough, so I'm going to post a few of my favorites. 

Take Your Candle - Kathy Trocolli

Have You Forgotten - Darryl Worley

And here are the words to one of my favorite hymns....

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace is probably one of the most well known hymns known to every American and others in many other countries.  Do you ever stop and think about how much this song says?  Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.  That SAVED a WRETCH like ME!  Wow!  God's grace is completely amazing.  'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.  Thank you Lord!

In God's grace,

~Bethany~

30 Day Challenge

I am going to start an interesting journey on my blog here, starting tomorrow.  This is a "30 day challenge" so if I'm faithful, it should go exactly through the month of January. :) I have joined Joshua @ A Warrior's Heart and other bloggers from cyber space in an interesting challenge.  This should be fun, and I'd love to have others join me!

Day 1: A favorite song.

Day 2: A favorite movie.

Day 3: A favorite book.

Day 4: A favorite television program.

Day 5: A favorite quote.

Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.

Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without.

Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.

Day 9: A photo you took.

Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago.

Day 11: A photo of you taken recently.

Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding(or was played).

Day 13: A guilty pleasure.

Day 14: A vacation you would like to take.

Day 15: A person you admire.

Day 16: A song that makes you cry.

Day 17: An art piece.

Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive.

Day 19: A talent of yours.

Day 20: A hobby of yours.

Day 21: Something you know you do differently than most people.

Day 22: A website.

Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.

Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love.

Day 25: A recipe.

Day 26: A childhood memory.

Day 27: A physical feature you love.

Day 28: A scar you have and it's story.

Day 29: Hopes, dreams and plans you have for the next 365 days.

Day 30: A motto or philosophy.

 It should be fun!  

~Bethany~