Alright ya'll, here's my first book list for this year. I'm starting with ten books.
1. Venom and Song by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper (Although I probably shouldn't count this one, since I'm almost done with it :P)
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (I started to read this one before Christmas, but then I got a couple fantastic books I had to read)
3. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (I liked Witch of Blackbird Pond well enough, let's try this one. And it's historical fiction in Roman times!)
4. The Sign of The Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (Another one)
5. The Oath by Frank Peretti (A creepy, spiritual battle book. I think. :D)
6. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy (I'm trying to read some classics this year)
7. The Witness by Dee Henderson (She's a pretty good suspense author. I enjoyed Danger in The Shadows.)
8. Duncan's War by Douglas Bond (I've probably started this one several times, but still haven't read this book about the Scot's wanting their freedom!)
9. Distant Echoes by Coleen Coble (I really enjoy Mrs. Coble's writing. Excited for this new read.)
10. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti (A good book about spiritual warfare. I may have listened to part of an audiobook of this one.)
So there ya have it, ten books I'm going to read this year. We'll see what gets added when (and if) I finish these. :)
Have a glorious evening!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A New Year of Choices
Well it's the new year! But before I post about *that* I should probably relate the happenings of our Christmas play.
It was a lot of work this year! We've never done a musical before, and we were excited, but then, there were all the little wrinkles that are always there when doing something for the first time. We went out there, and the kids did a fabulous job! The musical was called 'Angel's Aware' and it was about the angel's finding out about God's plan to send his son to earth as a baby. It's a really cute play. I'm not going to say there weren't any errors, because there were, quite a few! But everyone worked hard, and the congregation really enjoyed it. And ya know, when we are doing it for God, he will be our foundation. He must have helped us that night, because even with our mistakes, it went very well, and I'm proud of all my little dears.
Our family went out of state to visit Charity and Beau for Christmas! The day after we arrived we went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant with the Cox's. I love the kids, and sometimes they say the funniest things. (As in to make you laugh!) Anyway, when Christmas day arrived it was just us, and Chair and Beau. Well, actually it was the day *after* Christmas, cause Beau to work on the 25th. So we laughed, and opened presents, and ate a yummy dinner. It was a good trip. We stayed til the beginning part of January, and even were able to go where Chair was having her ultrasound- Though only Beau, Mom, and Dad actually got to go in. But I'm so excited because I'm going to have a niece in a few months! YAY!! She'll be named Rachel, so I probably need to start thinking of nicknames now... HMM. We went to Steak 'n Shake afterwards to celebrate. And the day before we left, we were able to spend a fun day with the Cox's, playing games, and just having a grand old time.
Back to the subject at hand. I've entitled this entry "A New Year of Choices." That's actually a very true statement. Last year we made a choice every day. What we would do that day, what would be accomplished, what we would say. Well now we have another year. Maybe the choices we made last year weren't always the best. Maybe we should change them. This year I'm going to work on some choices that I hope I can stick to with the Lords help. I will show love to people, no matter if they've hurt my feelings in the past, or treat me like I'm nothing. I will send a kind word or gesture to each person in my family, every day. I will tell my family I love them, every day. And I will pray for a better relationship with Christ, and read my Bible every day. And whatever else God my place on my heart.
So speaking of choices, this year I want to do a few more things as well. Here's sort of a list.
Finish a novel: I'm doing pretty good, I think, though at the rate my story is going, it may turn into two books. This isn't "The Return," by the way. This is a story I started writing during NaNoWriMo, and I just happened to fall in love with the characters. If the Lord wills, I'd love to publish a book before I graduate from High School in a couple years.
Fanfiction: I'd like to get into a niche where I update my stories at least every two weeks, at least one of my stories. I just hope I can get past all the stuff I have to do and, well, do it!
Knitting/Crocheting: I'd like to learn to knit or crochet well. I've just started crochet, and I think it's working out well. I know how to knit, but only one stitch. Anyway, my ultimate goal is to make a baby blanket.
Film Making: I'd like to make a short film with a meaning, even if my camera isn't of the finest quality, and technology. I need to at least practice, and see where it gets me.
Read: I want to read a lot of books this year, including some classics. At Christmas I was given three books: Book of A Thousand Days by Shannon Hale, The Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper, and the sequel to that, Venom and Song. I finished the first two within two day. BOATD was a little strange, but I really enjoyed Curse of The Spider King. WTB is probably my favorite current fantasy author. I love his Pirate Adventures, and The Door Within Trilogy. This book was icing on the cake-or maybe it was the cake. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend the last two. I think I'm going to compile a list of the books I'd like to read this year. That includes Pride and Prejudice. I've never read it! So anyway, signing off now that I've given you a bit of what I'd like to do this year, (I may add more later) I hope you have a wonderful year!
~Bethany
It was a lot of work this year! We've never done a musical before, and we were excited, but then, there were all the little wrinkles that are always there when doing something for the first time. We went out there, and the kids did a fabulous job! The musical was called 'Angel's Aware' and it was about the angel's finding out about God's plan to send his son to earth as a baby. It's a really cute play. I'm not going to say there weren't any errors, because there were, quite a few! But everyone worked hard, and the congregation really enjoyed it. And ya know, when we are doing it for God, he will be our foundation. He must have helped us that night, because even with our mistakes, it went very well, and I'm proud of all my little dears.
Our family went out of state to visit Charity and Beau for Christmas! The day after we arrived we went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant with the Cox's. I love the kids, and sometimes they say the funniest things. (As in to make you laugh!) Anyway, when Christmas day arrived it was just us, and Chair and Beau. Well, actually it was the day *after* Christmas, cause Beau to work on the 25th. So we laughed, and opened presents, and ate a yummy dinner. It was a good trip. We stayed til the beginning part of January, and even were able to go where Chair was having her ultrasound- Though only Beau, Mom, and Dad actually got to go in. But I'm so excited because I'm going to have a niece in a few months! YAY!! She'll be named Rachel, so I probably need to start thinking of nicknames now... HMM. We went to Steak 'n Shake afterwards to celebrate. And the day before we left, we were able to spend a fun day with the Cox's, playing games, and just having a grand old time.
Back to the subject at hand. I've entitled this entry "A New Year of Choices." That's actually a very true statement. Last year we made a choice every day. What we would do that day, what would be accomplished, what we would say. Well now we have another year. Maybe the choices we made last year weren't always the best. Maybe we should change them. This year I'm going to work on some choices that I hope I can stick to with the Lords help. I will show love to people, no matter if they've hurt my feelings in the past, or treat me like I'm nothing. I will send a kind word or gesture to each person in my family, every day. I will tell my family I love them, every day. And I will pray for a better relationship with Christ, and read my Bible every day. And whatever else God my place on my heart.
So speaking of choices, this year I want to do a few more things as well. Here's sort of a list.
Finish a novel: I'm doing pretty good, I think, though at the rate my story is going, it may turn into two books. This isn't "The Return," by the way. This is a story I started writing during NaNoWriMo, and I just happened to fall in love with the characters. If the Lord wills, I'd love to publish a book before I graduate from High School in a couple years.
Fanfiction: I'd like to get into a niche where I update my stories at least every two weeks, at least one of my stories. I just hope I can get past all the stuff I have to do and, well, do it!
Knitting/Crocheting: I'd like to learn to knit or crochet well. I've just started crochet, and I think it's working out well. I know how to knit, but only one stitch. Anyway, my ultimate goal is to make a baby blanket.
Film Making: I'd like to make a short film with a meaning, even if my camera isn't of the finest quality, and technology. I need to at least practice, and see where it gets me.
Read: I want to read a lot of books this year, including some classics. At Christmas I was given three books: Book of A Thousand Days by Shannon Hale, The Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper, and the sequel to that, Venom and Song. I finished the first two within two day. BOATD was a little strange, but I really enjoyed Curse of The Spider King. WTB is probably my favorite current fantasy author. I love his Pirate Adventures, and The Door Within Trilogy. This book was icing on the cake-or maybe it was the cake. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend the last two. I think I'm going to compile a list of the books I'd like to read this year. That includes Pride and Prejudice. I've never read it! So anyway, signing off now that I've given you a bit of what I'd like to do this year, (I may add more later) I hope you have a wonderful year!
~Bethany
Friday, October 28, 2011
Updates!
Hola! It's been a month or so since I last posted anything. So.. here's a bit of news. My contacts are working out great! I just switched them (they're disposable) because the old ones were starting to put up a bit of a protest. I've been drawing recently, (http://bethyhope96.deviantart.com/) and tackling my room. I'm trying to get it ship-shape now that my sister is moved out. (She's actually been out since the end of March..) Now she's pregnant with my new little niece or nephew! It's so exciting! Anyway, I have a LOT of old notebooks with stories I wrote when I was like ten or so. Maybe a little bit older. I'm trying to decide whether to keep them or not. Things are looking pretty good. I just got a few new articles of clothing! It's amazing what you can find at yard sales. Okay.. /after/ yard sales, I should specify. I wasn't able to attend my church's yard sale, because I was attended an AWESOME God filled youth retreat, but I was able to pick up a few leftovers. And they aren't old lady clothes either! Yay! :D I've been practicing knitting (I'm hoping to get good at it,) and I should be learning crochet soon as well. Yeah, apparently I'm quite ambitious... So, updates on my stories..
The Return
Um.. well.. um.. *scratches head.* I'm still chipping away at chapter five.. Haven't had as much time to write as I would like, maybe I need to take a bit of a break from some activities. BUT I did make a website that is under construction for it, and I would be so excited if you all would visit it! http://the-return.webs.com/
Other Projects
I have a few other projects up my sleeve, but I will wait to let you know. For now, I am also working on several fanfiction stories. If you love Narnia or Newsies you might appreciate them. http://www.fanfiction.net/~lucyofnarnia
I am sorry this post is so short. Busy bee and all that. I will endeavor to post sooner next time. Have a splendiferous day! (No, that is not a real word.)
The Return
Um.. well.. um.. *scratches head.* I'm still chipping away at chapter five.. Haven't had as much time to write as I would like, maybe I need to take a bit of a break from some activities. BUT I did make a website that is under construction for it, and I would be so excited if you all would visit it! http://the-return.webs.com/
Other Projects
I have a few other projects up my sleeve, but I will wait to let you know. For now, I am also working on several fanfiction stories. If you love Narnia or Newsies you might appreciate them. http://www.fanfiction.net/~lucyofnarnia
I am sorry this post is so short. Busy bee and all that. I will endeavor to post sooner next time. Have a splendiferous day! (No, that is not a real word.)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Hiding From God?
Monday evening I returned from my church's international assembly. I was there from Thursday-Sunday, and God continued to out pour his blessings on his children. The Holy Ghost spoke, and one of his revelations can put a stab of fear into the heart of some. He said, "I see you, I see you hiding." It is a wonder to think of. How many "Christians" are hiding. It could be seen in two ways.
Are you hiding? Hiding all the pain, anger, hiding your feelings and not letting God in help you, and the Holy Ghost to comfort you? Do you put on a pleasant front, though inside you are unhappy because you don't have the joy of the Lord?
Then there is the hiding of, as the Holy Bible says, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.." These are the people who pretend to be righteous people, put on the facade of a believer, and try to convince everyone else that they are perfectly upright, and just like everyone else. I believe both of these ways of hiding are quite displeasing to God. I hope that I won't ever be a "hider" unless it is referring to hiding God's word in my heart. BUT all hider's can come out of their secret place, and find a place with God.
Remember, no matter if you hide it from people, you can never ever hide anything from the great God Almighty.
The rest of the Assembly was very good as well, and I, personally received a wonderful, amazing blessing from God in-wouldn't ya know it?- the Children's Assembly! It's so wonderful to see God working in the children. I do believe five were filled with God's amazing Holy Ghost. Praise the Lord!
Giving glory to God is something else that I always hope to do!
Dear Lord, please help me to stay faithful to you through everything. I ask you to use me to be of service to you. Lord anoint my pen that I may use it for your glory. I love you soo much. Love, your daughter, Bethany.
As for other news: I just got contacts yesterday! I'm super excited too! They're kinda hard to put in, but if I keep practicing, I think I'll be fine. It's funny because I keep trying to push my glasses up.. Anyway, also, I recently wrote a rough draft for a new poem. I'll post it here.
Are you hiding? Hiding all the pain, anger, hiding your feelings and not letting God in help you, and the Holy Ghost to comfort you? Do you put on a pleasant front, though inside you are unhappy because you don't have the joy of the Lord?
Then there is the hiding of, as the Holy Bible says, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.." These are the people who pretend to be righteous people, put on the facade of a believer, and try to convince everyone else that they are perfectly upright, and just like everyone else. I believe both of these ways of hiding are quite displeasing to God. I hope that I won't ever be a "hider" unless it is referring to hiding God's word in my heart. BUT all hider's can come out of their secret place, and find a place with God.
Remember, no matter if you hide it from people, you can never ever hide anything from the great God Almighty.
The rest of the Assembly was very good as well, and I, personally received a wonderful, amazing blessing from God in-wouldn't ya know it?- the Children's Assembly! It's so wonderful to see God working in the children. I do believe five were filled with God's amazing Holy Ghost. Praise the Lord!
Giving glory to God is something else that I always hope to do!
Dear Lord, please help me to stay faithful to you through everything. I ask you to use me to be of service to you. Lord anoint my pen that I may use it for your glory. I love you soo much. Love, your daughter, Bethany.
As for other news: I just got contacts yesterday! I'm super excited too! They're kinda hard to put in, but if I keep practicing, I think I'll be fine. It's funny because I keep trying to push my glasses up.. Anyway, also, I recently wrote a rough draft for a new poem. I'll post it here.
The Tattered Bible By Bethany Baldwin
There lies a tattered Bible upon an empty shelf,
It's pages worn with use and time.
It has lain there since it's owner died.
It once belonged to a soldier,
who read it quite a lot.
He'd scour over the pages,
knowing with Christ's blood he'd been bought.
The special passages are marked as clearly as can be,
and tear marks lay dried upon each page.
He loved to hear with God, Satan had to flee,
and as he turned the pages, he learned most joyfully.
In the front of God's book was kept a list of names,
that the soldier would pray for through all good and hard times.
He prayed to be a blessing,
and show them the right way.
And faithfully each night, he would continue to pray.
One day he left this life, in a rain of deadly fire,
saving the life of a man he witnessed to each night.
There is no greater love then a man give his life for a friend,
but still the rescued man had to wonder why.
If he only knew what the soldier could tell,
He knew the man was not saved,
and wished to save his soul from hell.
And so the Bible lays, upon that dusty shelf,
until someone will pick it up and learn the truth.
It is a question to ponder, as one looks upon that tattered book.
Who will receive the truth?
Will you?
There lies a tattered Bible upon an empty shelf,
It's pages worn with use and time.
It has lain there since it's owner died.
It once belonged to a soldier,
who read it quite a lot.
He'd scour over the pages,
knowing with Christ's blood he'd been bought.
The special passages are marked as clearly as can be,
and tear marks lay dried upon each page.
He loved to hear with God, Satan had to flee,
and as he turned the pages, he learned most joyfully.
In the front of God's book was kept a list of names,
that the soldier would pray for through all good and hard times.
He prayed to be a blessing,
and show them the right way.
And faithfully each night, he would continue to pray.
One day he left this life, in a rain of deadly fire,
saving the life of a man he witnessed to each night.
There is no greater love then a man give his life for a friend,
but still the rescued man had to wonder why.
If he only knew what the soldier could tell,
He knew the man was not saved,
and wished to save his soul from hell.
And so the Bible lays, upon that dusty shelf,
until someone will pick it up and learn the truth.
It is a question to ponder, as one looks upon that tattered book.
Who will receive the truth?
Will you?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
South Carolina - Wedding, Bess, and Cousins
Before I forget, I should probably tell about my trip to SC. On Thursday, May 26th, my brother, Micah, and I headed over to the primary school. In March we were in a musical: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. We had both been brothers, he was Levi, and I was Gad. Fake beards are so not fun to put on. But that's another story. ;) Anyway, the musical director was letting everyone know that she wanted the cast to come perform "Cotton Eyed Joe" a hoedown type number where we celebrate our brother being gone. So several of us came, and we had a great time. After that we went home, the van got packed, and FINALLY we headed for South Carolina. We were going because my cousin was getting married, and we wanted to be at the wedding. We ended up arriving at my grandparent's pretty late, so I had a shower and stuff before hitting the hay. Alright, the bed. I woke up a bit early the next morning, only Papa and Mama were up. I greeted Papa and ate some cereal before getting dressed, and reading on my bed. My mom asked if I wanted to go visit my aunt and I readily agreed. On the way she told me that my cousin Elizabeth, from Canada, and Bess, another girl from Canada were at my Aunt's house. Bess and I go way back.. though, honestly, I don't think we even remember it. It's a long story.. well.. not really. When I was two my mom took me to Canada with her. Bess and I met up, along with another little girl, and since it's easier to do as a child, we became friends like "that". My mom took pictures of us in front of some tulips. (I'll try to upload photo's later.) We looked cute and sweet. We were.. and we weren't... The tulips were prized by the woman we were staying with. The following day, my mom was absent, and us three evil two year old's (okay, not EVIL) happily picked the flowers. OOPS. And that is what is now known as the Tulip Incident. Well, that first day Bess and I weren't really buddy buddy like when we were kids. We talked a little bit, we watched An American Tale, and finally, I went back to Papa's. The Morning of the wedding Papa and Grandma Jane made some DELICIOUS biscuits and gravy, with sausage in the gravy. It was good! We then headed out for the wedding, and my Uncle Doug rode with us. We arrived and watched the beautiful ceremony. Roddy and Laura had waited for God to bring them together, and it definitely paid off! During the reception, Bess sat down opposite me, and soon it was like we were the best of friends. It's like our subconscious remembered one another. Interesting. Anywho, it's crazy all the stuff we have in common! We both like the Door Within Trilogy, The Narnia Films, and lots of other things. Our sisters both bought us the same lotion set!!! Bess, Elizabeth, and I had a great time together. We even did a little debating (all in fun, of course) about Canada and the USA. I was a little sad to say goodbye to Bess, but I had a marvelous time. Sunday we went to church in Midway, and got to visit with some great members. We relaxed at Papa's the rest of the day. Monday we packed up, and went to visit my cousin Vanessa, and her four kids, Carter (10), Emily (7), Hailey (5), Addyson (2), plus the foster baby, Spencer. I had a great time with my little cuzzo's. They showed me their grown chickens (including two roosters), their what I like to call "teenaged" chickens, and their baby chickens. It was funny because they have a baby rooster that is smaller then all the baby hens. They also showed me some other birds they have that are now chicks. They eat snakes, fire ants, and other bugs. Vanessa considers them very ugly. Last but not least, was an ADORABLE duckling that they caught in the garden. We went inside and watched Tangled with the kids who had never seen it before. As far as I'm aware they loved it! We had lunch, and mom put on my sister, Chair's wedding for Vanessa and Aunt Kathy to watch. Eventually we left. It was wonderful to visit with everyone. We took the long ride home, and got here late. But all in all, it was a great trip!
Hello!
Well.. hello! I'm Bethany, and as you can probably tell by the title of this blog.. I am a young author.. and I may very well possibly ramble. :) I have so many stories to share, and I'm excited for this opportunity. In fact, I've been trying to get a blog for quite a long time now. My current literary project is a book that is tentatively titled: The Return. I'll try to keep updates on this going as I continue writing. At the moment I am working on Chapter 5.
The story is familiar, good clashing against evil, but it is also an allegory. It tells the tale of a land where darkness rules. Literally. No sun has shone on Eldor for over Nineteen years. Evil men have taken control. But there is a light coming. The son of the King is returning, to pave the way for his Father, Elyon. Caria is captured, along with her sister, by a cruel band of slavers, bent on satisfying their greedy desires. As they are separated, Caria witnesses the great love of the prince of light as he sacrifices a great deal for another slave's life. What can lie in store for Eldor? Will good triumph? Or will the darkness continue?
That is a bit of a brief summary. Hopefully I can post the first chapter on here for all who wish to read it. Also, I write stories on fanfiction.net. There is a link to my page there on my profile. It would be wonderful if you could check out my writings.
Future projects include a short film currently titled: Broken. It shares about how we can make a difference, and change our treatment of others. It's an anti bullying project. More on this, and details on my work will be coming soon. Hopefully I can post character bios etc. etc.
Outside of my creative work, I have a pretty exiting life, with fun moments showing up. I hope to share these with you as well. Have a beautiful day!!
The story is familiar, good clashing against evil, but it is also an allegory. It tells the tale of a land where darkness rules. Literally. No sun has shone on Eldor for over Nineteen years. Evil men have taken control. But there is a light coming. The son of the King is returning, to pave the way for his Father, Elyon. Caria is captured, along with her sister, by a cruel band of slavers, bent on satisfying their greedy desires. As they are separated, Caria witnesses the great love of the prince of light as he sacrifices a great deal for another slave's life. What can lie in store for Eldor? Will good triumph? Or will the darkness continue?
That is a bit of a brief summary. Hopefully I can post the first chapter on here for all who wish to read it. Also, I write stories on fanfiction.net. There is a link to my page there on my profile. It would be wonderful if you could check out my writings.
Future projects include a short film currently titled: Broken. It shares about how we can make a difference, and change our treatment of others. It's an anti bullying project. More on this, and details on my work will be coming soon. Hopefully I can post character bios etc. etc.
Outside of my creative work, I have a pretty exiting life, with fun moments showing up. I hope to share these with you as well. Have a beautiful day!!
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