True Love

I'm sure you're all ready for a nice mushy gooshy wedding update at about this point, right?  I mean it has been how long since I've posted anything here. 

But yes, we are now only 17 days away from the 'Big Day' and I can hardly wait!  It has been super busy here, finding dresses, shoes, decorations, food for 300, and so much more!  Yet we are getting so close and I'm so thankful for a wonderful family has has been amazing through this whole experience. :)  Mom is getting the food, Abigail is overseeing the decoration, I am looking over the little details of the wedding (scripture, vows, bulletins, attendants for everything, music, etc) and it has been fun! 

I was priviledged to visit Daniel over Thanksgiving in North Carolina.  Let's just say....it was beautiful there.   I left Michigan when it was 28*F, dead and brown.  I arrived in NC where it was 75*F, sunny, and green.  Well....at least MI has season....:)  Anyway, it was a wonderful time and we were thankful for the few days that we had together. 

Getting to the real point of this post however. I have had several showers in the past month and at the first one all the ladies were asked to write down a piece of advice for the bride and groom to keep.  Later that afternoon I was going through them all and found them all very precious and something I will probably keep forever.  However, there was one that especially stuck out.

This note was from a sweet middle aged friend of the family.  She and her husband have two children in their young teens. She wrote:

"Have coca dates together and take time to snuggle with each other.  Take time for a silent I love you to share between you ~ three quick hand squeezes, I LOVE YOU. 

The woman's husband is dying of cancer.

When I saw this I knew THAT was the love that I want.  I think it's a love that comes from God, and a love that grows from patience, an unselfish love.  It also reminded me that time is short and we should make it sweet. 

So I encourage each one of you, if you have someone in your life to love (and it doesn't have to be a spouse, fiance, boyfriend, etc), to love them to the fullest today.  You never know how much time you have with them.  Life is short, so love with an unselfish and everlasting love. 

In Christ,

~Bethany~

P.S.  Please keep that family in your prayers!

Pictures and National Convention!!!

A few weeks ago, Daniel and I got our engagement pictures taken by my friend, Rebecca.  I think she did a fantastic job.  It was freezing that morning, below 32*.

Daniel went back to base in NC and will see him again over Thanksgiving.

That's the wedding news for now. :)

Other than that, I'm at the FFA National Convention!!!!  I am actually sitting in a social media workshop right now learning about the importance of advocating agriculture through social media.  Interesting how a blog, facebook, twitter, or youtube can make such an impact on an uneducated individual!

This week I'm going to be with fellow state officers all week, meeting tons of new people (there were 55,000 FFA members who attended last year), and competing in Marketing.  It should be a fantastic week!

~Bethany~

And He Shall Give You the Desire of Your Heart

Have any of you noticed the verse I have on the picture of my blog? 

Delight thyself also in the LORD, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.   Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4-5)

I told my friend Jenna at the beginning of the new year (2011) that this was going to be my theme verse for the year.  How much that was true, I didn't even know.

In April, I met through a friend and began communicating with an amazing young man named Daniel Schrock.  Daniel is in the Marine Corps and was then stationed in Afghanistan serving our country.  I didn't know a thing about this young man but when one of the first questions he asked me was if I could share my testimony with him, I knew that God had sent me something pretty special. 

Daniel and I began talking on the phone and skype every day unless he was out on a mission.  We asked each other every question that you can think of.  "What do you think a church's standards should be on alcohol?"(honestly, this was the first thing we ever talked about on the phone, yes welcome to the life of Bethany :D)  "How many children do you want someday?"  "What does commitment mean to you?"  "Opinion on debt?"  Etc.  You get the picture. :)  We talked about favorite foods, hobbies, everything. 

On August 25, Daniel came back to his home in Ohio for a 3 week post-deployment leave.  Over the previous 3 weeks he had been traveling from Afghanistan to North Carolina (where he is stationed).  The next morning he came to Michigan to meet me in person.  Within an hour of him arriving, we were on the tractor moving the baler from the hay field and cutting down branches that had fallen in a storm.  I knew, this was a man I could work with for the rest of my life. 

Only a few days into his leave, he was asked to partake in recruiters assistance in his hometown in Ohio.  So once the paperwork was all done, he was given another whole month to be on leave!  You can only imagine how excited we were!!!!!  Over his weeks at home, we realized that even though we'd never met in person, we had already met in heart and were completely comfortable with each other and.....loved each other.

On September 25, 2011 Daniel Schrock asked me to become his wife.  I gladly told him YES!  We are looking forward to starting a life together soon, as in December 23, 2011.  :)  Daniel will be going back to North Carolina in just two weeks and I will be going to visit him over Thanksgiving.  Then he will be coming back for the wedding.  We covet your prayers, being apart will be difficult! 


My greatest desire and goal was first, that I could serve God to my highest potential and second, to be a good and virtuous wife and mother.  I'll be working on the virtuous part but God has given me the opportunity to serve as a wife.  May I be the best that I can be. 


So to summarize this for your brain to wrap it's fingers around (do brains have fingers?), I am engaged to Daniel Levi Schrock and we will be married on December 23, 2011.  May God receive the glory for the work that He has done in us!

In Christ,
~Bethany~

Bethany & Daniel

From the Doors of the Orphanage: About Me

Hey everyone, my sister Rachel has started up a blog. It's somewhat still under construction, but go ahead and check it out! :)


From the Doors of the Orphanage: About Me: Hi everybody my name is Rachel Schreur. I am 15 years old and I live on a farm. I have 5 other siblings, their names are Bethany 18.Abigail1...

~Bethany~

9/11 - A day That Shall Live on in Infamy

It was ten years ago today. I was only seven years old but I still remember exactly where I was when I received the news of the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center and plane that went down in Pennsylvania. I was homeschooled and my three younger sisters and I were sitting at the table learning Spanish. We were learning colors and the color Verde was on the agenda. Suddenly the phone rang and my mom answered the phone. Just by the look on her face I knew something terrible had happened. She sat down and told us exactly what had happened. It was a hard thing to process for my 7 year old brain but I slowly took it all in. Then we turned on the radio and listened to the surprise, panic, and disbelief that was heard all across the nation. Though I understood this was pretty deep stuff we were talking about, I wasn't too worried about it. My small world wasn't affected, and every day life went on. That afternoon I went to a friend's house with a bunch of girls my age and it seemed like we were all on the same page. We prayed for the victim’s families, but we played and had fun the rest of the day.

What really had happened didn't sink in with me until the evening of the September 11. Because my family didn't have television, we went to a friends house to watch footage of the attack. I sat there, awed by what had happened. An anger rose in me. Who could do such a thing? Then I saw raw film of individuals jumping from high stories of the World Trade Center, choosing that route of death rather than being burned alive. My parents told me to look away, but I couldn't. No, not possible. How could I? 

 

It was bedtime that night when my anger turned quickly to fear. I now knew that the victims had not had a choice and they had been killed. It was possible to happen to me too. How could I sleep knowing that at any moment a plane could come crashing into my house? Of course logic was not coming quickly to my young mind, so I was terrified. I fell asleep crying that night, and for several nights after that I had trouble falling asleep.

I now look back at that day which deeply affected my life. It was one of those days that many individuals, because of their fear and pain, want to forget. But how can we forget those who died? How can we forget those who continue to fight for our country? How can we forget the deep sacrifices that have been made for us?

Don't give up America. Don't put the bad times behind you. Don't try to block out what has happened. Stand up for what is right. Support the fight for freedom. Let us come together as a nation and grow stronger. Yes, it has been ten long years, but let us NEVER forget.

~Bethany~

Life's a Dance

Yes folks, guess what I'm doing.  I'm coming out of my hermiting habits and joining the ranks of humanity again. :D  After taking the summer off of blogging (it wasn't really a conscience decision, just kinda happened) I'm ready to get back at it.  I will take time to finish my series on women in the home, but for now I'll quick update you on how my life has been expanding.

You see....I'm now kinda like one of those um...uh.... old people/college students.  Yep, after graduating from homeschool in June, I'm now taking classes full time at a local community college.   I was advised by someone that my freshman year of college along with State Officer obligations, I would be busier than I ever would have thought possible.  I'm quickly finding that to be impossible.  While things may speed up here in a bit, I will tell you, last year was about 150x busier.  I have a Algebra class on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00-12:50, an English class at 6:00-9:15 P.M. on Tuesday, and Communication (2:00-5:00) and Poli-Sci (6:00-9:15) on Thursdays.  Nothing on Fridays.  Just throwin' it out there....I was gone from 7:45-4:00 every school day last year plus had meetings probably 1-2 times a week after school.  Ya, that was busy.  :D  So now I'm adjusting and trying to figure out how I'm going to make it through this year. I think I have some ideas......but they are currently under construction. 

Going backward a little, the 2011 Calhoun County fair brought many highlights and excitements.  You see....this year I decided to run for the fair queen.  Ya, I know, you probably never expected it from me.....lol.  Anyway, I went for it regardless and had a blast doing it. 

I was privileged to be named the 2011 Calhoun County fair queen.  Wow.  I was NOT expecting this.  My first time running with many girls who have run over and over.  It was a shocker for me.  Cool side note, 4 of the 6 teens on court have been homeschooled.  :)

Monday I showed my dairy goats and won my showmanship class (Senior).  Rebekah won intermediate, and Elizabeth won Junior!!!  After goats, I showed my starter calf.  This year is my second year showing calves and I really enjoy it.  I wasn't expecting it in the least, but I won senior showmanship!  That was one of those highlights of the year!  I also won my market class as well.  Pretty cool!

Elizabeth joined me in showing swine this year and we had loads of fun.  2011 was her first year in 4-H so she was pretty excited.  She went in there and did her thing, placing 4th in Jr. Swine Showmanship.  Yep, I was pretty much proud of her all the way through. :D  I also competed in showmanship but placed 8th. :/  Ahh well....

Market classes went well....my individual placed 1st in her class and my pen went 1st as well.  Kinda fun. 

I'm trying to keep this brief enough, but on Saturday we competed in Show of Champions (you compete in this if you win showmanship).  Because I won in starter calves, Abigail (who got 2nd in goat showmanship) got bumped up so Abigail, Rebekah, Elizabeth, and I all competed.  Guess what?!?!  Elizabeth got Reserve Champion Jr. Showman!!!  Well I got Reserve Champion Sr. Champion but not quite as big a deal.  Anyway, fun times!!

Trying to think of anything else really exciting that I want to share.  I'm going to do my best to keep up with this again.  Keep me going folks! 

Oh, and you know what?  I kinda missed everyone here.....:/

~Bethany~

LIfe has continued....

I was looking at my blog this morning and realized (with horror) that is has been nearly two whole months since I have posted anything.  Most of March and all of April has come and gone with complete silence from me.  I'm sorry.  However it has been a busy two months and I have appreciated the break.  I'll go back to March where I left off for a brief update on life here.

State Convention in March was amazing.  On the first morning, my ag issues team was given the chance to compete at state which was one of my goals for leadership contests.  Unfortunately we didn't make it out of the first round, though there was nothing to be ashamed of, as our performance was flawless.  I was just so thankful for how far we had come and so stinkin' proud of my whole team.  That evening, I was up on stage and received the state winner in ag-entrepeneurship.  It was pretty much the perfect end to the perfect day.  The next day, I received my proficiency awards, silver in dairy production, gold in ag sales, and state winner in specialty livestock production.  My goats were finally paying off....:)  That evening I went up on stage with my parents for Star in Ag-Business.  I was one of three state finalists in that area.  After hearing my SAE beside the others (girls who owned a lawn mowing business and a poultry processing business) I felt I didn't have a chance.  I was astonished when I heard my name called as the state winner in Ag-Business.  What an honor!  10 minutes later I was standing behind stage waiting to hear the state officer slate called.  'Sentinal', 'Reporter', 'Treasurer', 'Secretary', 'President'.  My name was not called.  I had not been slated.   My emotions went on a high right then and there.  Named a state winner, then not being slated.  Ouch.  I still had a chance though, and though my tears and prayers I lifted my head up and headed off to a dance with several hundred others FFA members. :)  The next day, it was time to choose state vice presidents (kind of like a representative for each region of the state).  I gave my speech and was honored to be named the 2011-2012 Region 1 State Vice-President.  I can't wait for the year ahead!  So I'll just say it again, State convention....was amazing. :)

Hearing my officer announcement :)

Receiving my proficiency for ag sales

Winning the state proficiency in specialty livestock production.

Gold State Degree recipients

Winning the Star in Agri-Business

 the 2011-2012 State Officer Team

Just about a week later I was off to another competition...this time non-FFA related, though through the ag program at center.  This was the regional competition fro Envirothon, some competition having to do with the environment.  Honestly, I'm not sure why I was thrown on the team, I'm not an environmental type of person.  I was allowed to do the 'sustainable ag' portion of the contest though and so it was pretty fun.  Anyway, my amazing team placed 2nd so we automatically moved on to state!  That competition is actually coming up in the second week of May!  I'm kinda excited about it! If nothing else, I get to spend some quality time with friends. :)

The first week of April I got my fair pigs!  Yay!!!  They look super duper awesome and I can't wait to show them at fair!  I actually bought gilts this year which is a first for me as I've always shown barrows.  I'm excited about it though!  Elizabeth is joining me showing pigs this year and she bought a barrow.  He's pretty nice too. :)  I also got my starter calf, he's an adorable little guy.  White face and almost all black.  Spunky as can be too.  I actually led him around the other day and he did quite well.

On April 15, I competed in ag skills contests.  These are more practical contests teaching, as the name says, skills.  I competed in the Marketing competition.  We didn't find out how we did until a few days later (after an long agonizing weekend!) but found out that we won state!  So now we are off to Nationals!  Those are this fall in October.  Sad part is, my two other teammates are off to college far away this fall so I have to find replacements.  :(  I'm working on it though and I think it will still be a fun and awesome experience.  I also had my first state officer meeting!!!  Woot!  It was fun setting out theme for the year and everything. 

Last but not least, I finished my year as a regional officer with regional camp just a week ago.  I did leadership training sessions for Vice-Presidents and got to work with FFA members for two long wonderful days.  It was a tiring experience but one I'll never forget.  It was sad to see my year over so quickly, but good to see it handed over to other new officers. 

On Asher Acres, we only have one more doe to kid.  We have had a total of 22 kids, 10 does and 12 bucks.  We were ahead does to bucks quite a bit until the last few does, both Sunshine and Thea had twin bucks. :p  It may be a blessing however, as we wouldn't be able to freshen them next spring anyway and now this way I don't have as many kids to feed all summer.

So I think that has everyone pretty well updated.  Other than school, graduation plans, finishing the school year, and finishing my year as chapter and regional officer, life is pretty much back into a pretty good routine.  Hopefully I can relax for a few more weeks before school gets out.  Then work, state officer stuff, showing and fair, and before I know it, college!

I'll do a post ASAP getting back on to my Role of Women topic.  I just thought I'd better get everyone updated on the goings on around here. :)

Have a wonderful beginning of the week!

~Bethany~

Life at its fullest

Soooo.....life is crazy.  Ever know that?  :D  Well ok so my life is crazy.  So a few weekends ago (as in, the 18th through 20th) I went through some of the awesomest interviews I've ever been through.  I ran for state officer in FFA.  This was one of my biggest dreams since I'd entered FFA.  However, while I was up there I got sick with the flu which kinda made that a disappointment.  Anyway I am still waiting to receive word on that.  So our ag issues is also going on to state through a long and tedious process.  So in 3 days we will be up at state convention which is when I find out about star, state officer, and compete with our contest!  So yes I've been busy.  Oh, and after I got home from my interviews I was sick for a whole week during which we received a lovely ice storm which took power out for nearly a week in our area.  Yay!  Thankfully we have a generator.  So there was like no school all week which was good because I wouldn't have gone anyway. :) 

Most recently, our kidding season has started!  And thankfully with a bang!  :)  Both Missy and Dixie decided to kid on the same day, last Wednesday.  Dixie kidded with twins, buck and a doe, and Missy had triplet does!  Alithia kidded Friday morning with a single buck kid (silly girl, and I was sure she'd have at least twins.  Thankfully he is REALLY nice.).  Yesterday Gala and a yearling kidded.  You see, Abigail and I are babysitting for some friends for the weekend so we haven't been home.  My dad said that a yearling kidded and we have 3 yearlings that look almost identical.  So hopefully none of the other ones kid before we get home so I know whose kid is whose. :D  She had a single buck.  Gala had triplets though, two does and a buck!  Our numbers are currently standing at 6 does and 4 bucks.  I think we are still waiting on 3 more for this week.  After those three kid (True, Athena, and the other yearling :D) then we'll have a break for a few weeks.  We have three or four more to kid in late March, two in April and one in May.  They are all so spread out but whatever.  Can't complain now! :)

So I have not forgotten about my Role of Women topic.  I've just been crazy busy.  Hopefully after State Convention I will have more time.  I know I will. :)  So just let me get through this week and I will get back to our original topic. 

Have a blessed rest of your weekend!

~Bethany~

Role of women Part 2

Part 2 sees the history of women.  Over the years, what is viewed commonly as the role of women has changed as cultures and countries have changed.

Bible times/several thousand years ago:
Women were viewed as inferior to men.  A son was desired, not a daughter.  Now, it's not that women were looked at as slaves.  They were still highly regarded by their husbands and children (Proverbs 31:28).  They were the silent warriors for the family.  They receive little credit but were some of the greatest people in our history. 

Medieval Times:
Women were still inferior to men, but some became queens or well known individuals such as Joan of Arc or Jane Shore.

Civil War era:
These women were considered gems and something every man held close in his home.  Their roles however varied depending on their life situation.  Women down south were treated like queens but did very little.  Women out west/in any pioneer land worked right along side their husbands clearing land and creating a new life for their families.  Up north, well it was a little bit of everything. :)

WW2:
This is where women began working outside of the homes, since many of the men were gone and the ladies needed an income and jobs were available all over. 

Current:
Women are generally looked at as strong and work outside of the home.  Though much money is raised, very few children are.

Note:  This was/is not an exact case for every individual.  Just an overall view.

Because of these changes in views and culture, many of the roles change constantly.  Yet the bible still holds true today and we will be looking at verses on these roles next.

~Bethany~

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Here are some edited photos I took last night of some roses that my dad bought my mom and posted them on facebook this morning. :)

For those who are waiting......

For those who are keeping themselves pure for marriage......

For those who are fighting.......

  

And for those who have a wonderful relationship.....

......Have a wonderfully amazing valentines day!

~Bethany~

Role of Women Part 1

So you are probably all thinking that I have once again procrastinated and am dropping the whole Role of Women topic again. :)  You are all wrong. :D  I have just been very busy with my Ag Issues team.  Remember THIS post about our team?  I was praying for rain?  Well let's just say last night was our district competition and we pulled out with a victory unanimous from the judges.  It was the most amazing night with my wonderful team EVER!

Our topic is:

Food Safety; What Changes With New Legislation

Anyway...getting serious.  

I will start at the beginning.  In Genesis.  

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female  created he them. 

Genesis 2:20-25 - "And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

Several thousand years ago God created this world.  We don't know when or why exactly.  Have any of you ever wondered if there was another world before us?  God has been around literally forever.  Maybe we're not the first world He created.  Perhaps we were the first one that sinned.  Or, maybe there are more worlds now!  We don't know any of this.  Someday that's one of those first questions I'm going to ask when I get to heaven.  I think when we get there someday, we will see how foolish we were here on earth.  

Back to the role of women however......

So God created Man in his image.  Then He created woman.  Why?  Because there was no help meet for the man.  A helper, someone who was capable of standing beside him, helping him, and encouraging him.  This was not a slave, nor was it a person who would oversee the man.  She was a help meet.  

So in the beginning, "the man was not of the woman, but the woman of the man.  Neither was the man created for the woman:  but the woman for the man."  (1 Corinthians  11:8-9)

Christ's humble servant,

~Bethany~

The role of women....I want to hear from YOU!

So I am finally going to address the topic of the role of women.  Remember me saying I was going to do this a LONG time ago?  Like last spring I think it was.  Then something called summer came to my door and I got busy.  :D 

So now I actually have some time and I am going to go forward with this topic.  I'm hoping to get some good interaction here because this is a topic which is high controversial in our world today.  For right now, I want everyone to do some homework.  Please post some verse references that you would like to see me address related to this topic and post any questions you have.  I am hoping to start this topic sometime this week. :) 

Looking forward to hearing from everyone!!

~Bethany~

Me w/ Straight Hair

Have you ever wondered what I look like with straight hair?  lol

Well this is it. :D

~Bethany~

Living for Jesus

Last night my family and I watched a movie called "Letters to God" which was based on a true story.  If you haven't watched it yet, you must.

A brief summary of the movie:

A young boy of about 10 years old has a rare form of brain cancer but has tremendous faith in God.  Every day he puts a letter addressed to God in the mailbox.  Within a short amount of time, most of the people in the community knew about these letters to God.  Young Tyler's life was a testimony of faith.  Though he died, everyone who had known him became a better person for it and grew closer to God.

This got me thinking.  Here is a young boy who changed his world by just spreading God's love.  He was an advocate for Christ.  He had cancer, was a weak in body and yet changed the world.  Am I, a simple young girl doing the same?  I am even healthy!  I should be.

In conclusion, I was encouraged to look around me and  be an advocate for Christ and help change my world.  Whether it be making cookies for a neighbor, helping make dinner, read a book to a sibling, or encouraging others to come to Christ.

Let us live for Jesus!

~Bethany~

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~