God Saves Bad People:

Take a moment to watch this powerful video. Let the words that are spoked lead you to reflect on the absolutely amazing thing Jesus did on the cross.

The Miscellanies of Monday

Well, here it it is. The first miscellaneous Monday, and I just want to say a late happy new year to all of you guys!! Hope each one of you had a fun time staying up late and counting down to the new year.

Now onto the miscellany!

1. Ok, truth be told, I'm not so sure how I'm suppose to do one of these things. But I'll give it a go, and you tell me if there's a better way. Okay?

2. Yesterday was my 16th birthday, and I had an amazing day!! I was completely ecstatic when my parents gave me a Nikon camera! Below is a couple pictures I took with it:

My sister and me

The three Smith kids

And well....what can I say? We are the definition of the word "crazy".

3. My dad gave me a photo challenge. He wants me to capture pictures that have texture. So I've been scouting around looking for a creative way to capture "texture". What do you guys think? How would you capture it?

4. And miscellaneous Monday would not be complete without a miscellaneous picture, right? So....viola! A picture of a clock. How random can I get?

Hope everyone has a blessed week!

Rachel

New Year's Resolution:

For the past couple of weeks, I've been writing out goals and coming up with a more diligent schedule for the new year. I must say, I really do enjoy this time. I love being organized! It's my hope for the next year I can get into a diligent and more productive lifestyle. Now don't get me wrong, it's not like I lay around in bed all day and eat bonbons or anything. I have a job, plus school, and other activities to keep me busy. But, I want to accomplish and learn more things that can help me to grow inside and out.

I have come up with a pretty long list, so to keep from boring you to death I'll tell you only 5 of them.

Goals For 2011:

1. Read a book a week. I have said in previous posts that I love books and am an official bookworm. But, unfortunately I don't give myself enough time to do something as simple as read a book a week. I hope to change that. Also, I want to read a lot more non-fiction than fiction. I do have a habit of doing the opposite.

2. Teach Josh piano. I feel so bad that I haven't done that already. He is so eager to learn and I know he would love playing. But that's going to change; I've already told him that he's got piano lessons on Tuesdays.

3. Write posts on my blog 3 times a week. There, I said it! Now I'm committed. So hopefully you'll be seeing a post every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

4. Make dinner 2 times out of the week. I absolutely LOVE cooking and baking, but I tend to bake more than I cook. So, by making dinner a couple nights a week I hope to broaden my horizons a little.

5. And last but not least-Work on my piano skills. I'm hoping to put 2 hours a day into practicing. I'm thinking 1 hour in the morning, and then 1 hour in the evening. We'll see how that goes!

Well, there's 5 out of the 30....or was it 40? Just know that I intend to be a very busy girl this upcoming year!

How about you? Do you have any goals for 2011?

In Him,

Rachel

Merry Christmas!!

Ok, so I'm a day late posting this....but you guys are still in the Christmas mood aren't you?? I also must admit that I have been very lazy at posting and keeping up with my blog, and so I apologize to you guys for that. It is one of my goals for next year to post more often. So hopefully you won't have to wait for weeks on end for me to post something.

Alright, onto Christmas!! We got together with some family before Christmas due to the fact that my grandparents were not going to be around on the 25th. But, it was still special none the less. On the 25th we stayed home and had a wonderful time reading the Christmas story, drinking coffee, opening presents, eating a WONDERFUL dinner, and just enjoying everything that Christmas brings.

Unfortunately, I only have A FEW pictures to share. I guess we got so caught up in enjoying everything, that we forgot about the little camera sitting in the corner waiting to be used. Poor guy. Another thing I have to work on.......

These 3 upcoming pictures are when we got together with some family before Christmas.

I hope each one of you had a blessed Christmas, and was reminded all the more of why we celebrate. God Bless!!

My sister and aunt laughing.....at who knows what.

My beautiful sister showing me what she got.....I believe it's some kind of handwarmer.

And this is a picture of Lutefisk . It's a family tradition....some call it fish jello.

In Him,

Rachel

Who Am I?

Alright, for those of you who don't really know me, I thought I would write a post about 10 things about....me! And for those who do know me...well....maybe you'll learn something you didn't know! Scary thought right?? =D So anyway, here goes!!

1. I am an official book worm. I absolutely LOVE to read!! It's probably one of my favorite things to do.

2. I play the piano and have been for about 6 or 7 years. I really really like to write my own songs as well.

3. I make people laugh....like A LOT. But the funny thing is, I don't even try sometimes....guess I'm just talented that way. =P

4. My sole purpose in life is to live for Christ, and to bring Him glory and honor.

5. I am VERY interested in becoming a nurse. I'm currently a CNA (certified nurses assistant) and really enjoy working in a nursing home.

6. My brother and I are 6 years apart, but it hasn't hindered our relationship. I really enjoy being around him.......

but we tend to be totally nutso and insane together. He is definitely one of my best friends!

7. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to ice skate!! It's SOOO much fun!!

8. My family is super important to me. I love each one of them so much!

9. I am a very active person. I really enjoy playing sports and running around...literally. Even when it comes to TV my most favorite thing to watch is football!

10. I am so grateful to God for everything He has done in my life. From salvation, to family, to life experiences, for the trials He sends......EVERYTHING. Because without Him, I could NEVER be the girl I am today.

THE END.