A Heart After Him

2009-06-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

New BLOG!

Hello all! I'm starting a BRAND NEW BLOG! Please check it out as I will be updating IT from now on...sometimes we all need fresh beginnings, therefore:............ http://chikachatter.blogspot.com/

See you there...

God's Gal Sarah

2008-12-26T10:28:00.002-06:00

Wow...is anyone still reading this thing?

Ok, two months is WAY overdue for a post from me! If you are still checking my blog for updates, thanks for your dedication...

So much can happen in two months let me tell you!

1. I finished my first semester at Hardin-Simmons University. Because of my dual-credit hours transferred, I am an official sophomore. YES! * does dance around room*

2. I came out with a 3.6 GPA...Mom smiled so I guess I'll take it :D

3. God has grown me in so many ways. He is making me stronger and teaching me to guard my heart.

4. I only went home 3 times during the semester....I think my folks went into withdrawl.

5. I learned how to two-step....and I'm horrible lol

6. I finished my first Psychology class...it was tough and let's just say I'm not going into "Freud's World" anytime soon

7. TEXTING IS AMAZING. I have discovered that. Yes, I might be a little addicted.

8. I have met one of my best friends at HSU. Her name is Allison and she is flat out amazing. God is so good to have given her to me

9. I am gearing up for another semester with 16 hours--including tennis...oh HELP!

10. It has been proven this semester that I am athletically challenged. I have been hit in the face with a frisbee a few times...it's been interesting

11. Through it all God has been good. I just can't explain it how great He has been.

12. NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: UPDATE THIS THING MORE OFTEN. I MISS IT

2008-10-21T20:16:00.002-05:00

THE FELLOWHIP OF THE UNASHAMED

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with love living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap fiving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prated up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me…my banner will be clear!
~Written by a pastor in Africa, in the midst of severe persecution

This is my motto...God reminded me of it today. I hope you are as blessed as I was to find it. :-)

Blessings!

God's Gal Sarah

2008-10-07T11:57:00.004-05:00

Gaining what cannot be lost...

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." ~Jim Elliot

I was so glad to be in chapel this morning to be reminded of what Jim Elliot said before he gave his life to spread the gospel. It made me just stop and think...what am I hanging on to that I cannot keep, while missing the blessing God gives that I would not lose?

There is so much out there that I hang on to because I am afraid to lose it--and sometimes God says, "Woah, Sarah, you are hanging on to what you cannot keep."

LORD, give me the eyes to see what I am holding back from You...help me to give up what I cannot keep to gain what You want to give me. Because then, and only then, will I have what I know I cannot lose.

Another favorite quote for this week:

"Whoever said happiness is gained by walking in the sunshine never danced in the rain." ~Allison's calendar

OK, yes, I'm sure some brilliant person wrote that--but I just don't know who it was. And Allison's calendar DID say it...

I didn't exactly dance in the rain this week. No, really I went and vented at the football field to get rid of some frustration and inner anger. Allison took me to the field and we splashed through puddles, skipped around the track, and ran under the metal bleachers. *which we decided later was really stupid since lightening was popping earlier in the night..but we're so smart in college...lol* But in that moment when I felt like I needed sunshine in my heart, God infinately knew that I needed to go dance in the rain--while He showered down His love and understanding in torrents.

Things are going well at Hardin-Simmons. I am thankful for every day--yes even with the test this morning that I am debating whether I passed...

Every moment is a gift, and I am now seeking how God wants me to spend those moments. He has blessed me with great friends and a busy schedule that keeps me out of trouble. I am learning and changing--while seeking to hang on to what makes me who I am. I covet your prayers...

Well, that's about all for now...

I love you all!

God's Gal Sarah

2008-10-01T12:14:00.002-05:00

Heart cry...

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners will be converted to You..."

Psalm 51:10-13

"And the pace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus..."

Philippians 4:7

and the one I sought for last night--the one God layed on my mind--tweaked into what God wanted me to hear...

SARAH,

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life..." Proverbs 4:23

Love,

God.

These are some things God layed before me this morning @ 3:45 when I finally finished my paper and climbed into His lap for some rest...I know they may not mean as much to some--but for me they were His breath on my ears....and that was what I needed from Him.

I love you all!

Blessings from afar...

God's Gal Sarah

2008-09-20T21:33:00.003-05:00

And God Continues to Work

WOW--it's been nearly a month since I last posted. I feel really bad. I miss my blog!

But while college keeps me incredibly busy, God has continued to work in me and through me. I am just bursting to tell you of how He is using me now....

A small church from Abilene has been going to a tiny town near here to work with the kids from the area. Most of these kids have a parent in prison or problems in the home. Some of the kids ride a bus two hours to and from the location just to meet with the group. So students from Hardin-Simmons have been going to the town and playing with the kids. Basically, the college kids go, play with the kids, worship with them, teach them the Bible, and do this every week. I started going with the church and I now hope I never stop.

God has seen fit to put me with the teenage girls--and I am even getting to teach them now. If you know anything about me, you know that this is my dream, my passion, my ambition, and my driving force: for God to make a difference in the lives of teenage girls through me. How blessed and excited I am for this chance!

As time progresses, I hope and pray that God continues to open up more doors for opportunities to work with teenage girls. There is such a need there--please pray for me: that I will be in tune with God and only speak what HE wants those girls to hear. That's all they need.

As for the rest of life, I LOVE COLLEGE! I go to class, do homework, hang out with friends, go back to class, do more homework, and rarely sleep. ;-) God is bringing some great people into my life and I thank Him for that.

God has also been making me think alot about prophecy lately. It's a long story, but I was actually prophesied over and so I am having to research whether the prophecy was of God or not....I am also about to get into a Bible study about knowing God's will. Please pray for me. There are ideas and opinions regarding both prophecy and God's will--some that might be right and others that are obviously wrong..I just need some Godly discernment. I just love watching God reveal Himself through His Word--and that's where I want to find the answers for these big issues.

I have missed you, dear readers! I hope to update again very soon with some great scriptures....

Because He lives,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-08-22T11:33:00.005-05:00

Promised Pictres

Ok guys, here are a few pictures I promised. I hope you enjoy them and get a kick out of them!

My new "home" My desk
My beanie signed by upper classmen and alumni
Emily, ME, Allison"Mama" Mensik, Emily, Sarah

HOW ABOUT THAT? :-)
i luv ya!

God's Gal Sarah

2008-08-21T11:17:00.002-05:00

NSO--the HSU way...

YES YES YES! I am moved in to Hardin-Simmons University. I really like it-and I've only been here--wait, let me count--three days! Right now we are having New Student Orientation: aka NSO. It's been a regular blast.

Yesterday we went all over the campus playing ridiculous games and doing our team chants. My team is the $100,000 Pyramid. Yes, some of you might know of the game show--though most of our team does not. :-) I have "parents" that lead our team and make every moment as crazy as possible. It's really been a blast for this "shell-bound kid!"

Today was hillarious. Since you weren't there, and I was too dirty to take pictures, I just want you to imagine this with me.

1. A HUGE blue tarp

2. probably 85% of HSU's largest freshman class

3. about 6 little swimming pools FILLED with paint...

4. A Fire truck

6. Oh yeah, it was fun!

OK, so here's the set-up. The teams were split and each team had a different trick to do. I had to do the crab crawl across the wet tarp, jump into the pool of paint, then crawl back to tag the person behind me. I don't know how I looked....I'm sure it was embarrassing and I would most likely want to destroy any pictures of the event. But I had so much fun. A couple of the girls in my group joined me in sliding each other into the puddles and then they proceeded to splash the paint into my face, eyes, ears, and anywhere else they could get it. OK OK...I did my share of splashing! We had so much fun! Pictures, you chant? I'll try to get some uploaded soon. The internet in my room is on the fritz and I'll be honest, I have been really busy and out of my room. I'll get pics soon!

ON TO MORE IMPORTANT THINGS:

I got up this morning and sat in the lobby of the dorm to read my Bible. Here's what I found:

In II Peter 2: 4, Paul talks about being living stones. At first I read that and though, "HOW COOL, I'M A LIVING STONE!" Then I read on. In verse 5 Paul says that God takes those living stones and makes them into a spitirual house. I thought, WOW. God can use me in great ways, but He needs the rest of those living stones to make the house He needs. In short, I need my Christian brothers and sisters--and they need me. God needs all of us. I don't know if that gets you--but it gets me.

WEll, I gotta go meet my group! I will catch you all later!

In the service of the King,

God's Gal Sarah

P.S> HI ANNA! HI MOM! HI DAD! I love you all. I miss your smiling faces. I AM going to be ok. GOd's still in control and doing a work in me. Never stop praying! Will call you soon! xoxoxo

2008-08-10T15:10:00.003-05:00

Like all the Other Candy...

Have you ever had a large bowl of candy that sat for eight months, mostly untouched and uneaten? When you finally pull a piece from the bowl after all that time, the candy does not taste like itself. The peanut butter candy will have the taste of peppermint, chocolate, and more. See, the candy had been a part of the whole bowl for so long that it no longer tasted like itself. It's the same way with our Christian walk.

God wants us to be like a rare candy. Sometimes we get frustrated with Him because we feel like He keeps us separated from the world and never lets us have any "fun." Do you know why? Because He sees us like a rare piece of candy that He wants to savor and keep as special. When we begin to act like the world, see things from a worldly perspective, and desire the treasures of the world, we begin to act and taste like all the other candy. We no longer have that rare taste to anyone....whether it be our God or the people we want to reach for Him.

People need to see us as being different--tasting different--and being part of the whole bowl while maintaining our own rare flavor. It's part of "being in the world and not of it," "being salt", and "being light."

How do you taste today? Is God still savoring your rare flavor; are you begining to taste like all the other candy?

I don't know about you--but now I'm craving chocolate. Something unique, something diverse, something that has its own flavor.

I love you all! Let me hear from you!
In the service of the King,
God's Gal Sarah

2008-07-28T07:47:00.003-05:00

And like Abraham...

WELL, as I said in my last post, LIFE KEEPS HAPPENING! Brace yourself, ready your mind, have a seat: THE LEATHERS FAMILY IS ABOUT TO MOVE. And no, I don't mean just move me to school. Dad was promoted and so the entire family is moving back to the place we came from four years ago.

We found out yesterday--so for the next few weeks, Dad will be making treks back and forth from here to there until we get moved. So my moving to school and our family's move will probably happen at the same time. *Life is so crazy*

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray for us. This has become my home, and I am saddened to leave it for more than just a semester. God has taught me so much in this place and in our church. Isn't it amazing how He completes a work through our lives in one place, and then moves us on to another?

Our family covets prayers and more prayers as we take another step of faith...

Because He lives,

God's Gal Sarah

Isaiah 40:4-5

Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will appear, and all humanity will see together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

2008-07-16T18:32:00.004-05:00

Absolutely nothing...

*don't ask*

I'm tired.
It's hot...but not too hot.
I've been to one funeral.
I'm about to go to another.
And these pics are me waiting for Anna to finish violin lessons...and to save gas and $ I did not go to Wal-Mart. So I was bored...

Life keeps happening around here...and i will update you all more thoroughly later...never forget how great God is...

God's Gal Sarah

2008-06-28T07:20:00.003-05:00

Never Too Early in the A.M.

To be Amazed

I opened my Bible to Matthew chapter 1 this morning. As I read through the genealogy of Christ, I notices something unique. There were only a few women named in the verses...and here they are...

1. Tamar

2. Rahab

3. Ruth

4. Bathsheba

5. Mary

If you don't understand the significance of these names just on my naming them, let me explain what I find so fascinating.

1. Tamar played the harlot with her father-in-law...just to have a baby.

2. Rahab was a harlot who hid the spies in Jericho.

3. Ruth was a foreigner who acted on faith.

4. Bathsheba was the illegitimate wife of King David--the wife he killed to have.

5. Mary was a virgin--chosen to bear the King of Kings.

Now here's the humbling part...Four of these five women were blatant-out-and-out women who made mistakes with their lives. Basically, they were just like you and me. These women were girls who found themselves compromising their morals. AND GOD USED THEM TO BRING ABOUT THE PERFECT LAMB!

So next time you are shamed by something in your past, remember that God used the imperfect to eventually bring about the Perfect One.

And if you are one who judges those who make mistakes, YOU remember that God used the imperfect to bring about the Perfect--and then examine your own life. Guaranteed you'll find imperfections blotting every area.

God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. And that, precious reader, is enough to make me move forward in perseverance of a higher goal.

In the service of the King,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-06-14T09:02:00.003-05:00

"Father, we have no lamb..."

I want you to stop....clear your mind of every distraction...and picture with me a man named Abraham who waited so many years for a son. God gave him his boy, and the boy grew into a young man who was the apple of his father's eye. Each day Abraham basked in the glow of his son, even those days that most assuredly arose when Isaac let the goats out accidentally, back-talked his mother, or rubbed his toe in the dirt while telling a lie. Abraham loved his son--

Then God asked Abraham to do something unusual. God wanted Abraham to take his son, his long awaited for son, to the top of a mountain and sacrifice him there. Abraham could have balked, argued, or fought back. But in that moment he chose to love his God with reckless abandon--even if that abandonment meant the life of his son.

So Abraham left, taking with him Isaac and a few servants. When they reached the foot of the mountain, Abraham told the servants to wait...and they would be back. *note that Abraham believed he and his son would both be back* As they began to climb the rough rocks, Isaac said, "But father, we have no lamb..." To which Abraham responded, "Don't worry, kid. God will provide the lamb." Isaac helped his father build the altar, stone by stone. Then he stood motionless as his father bound him hand and foot. Now think about this: at this point in the story, Isaac was no little baby. He was a young man--very capable of overpowering his aging father. And most likely, Abraham could not lift his son onto that pile of rocks. Isaac would have had to climb there himself. What a huge amount of faith on the part of Isaac. As he watched the light gleam off the blade of that knife, Isaac probably closed his eyes and waited....and in that moment, God responded.

God provided the lamb for Abraham and Isaac. And not just on that mountain. Here is the symbolism I just love....

I had too no lamb....I was bound for eternal destruction because there was no sacrifice for me. I said," Father, I have no lamb." To which my loving God responded," Sarah, I'll provide one." And he did. That perfect sacrifice made on my behalf was the only sacrifice I'll ever need. I was on the altar and God was going to have to punish me....but instead He provided the lamb in the bush...His son, in my stead...

"Father, I had no lamb...."

"Sarah, I know...but I provided one..."

2008-06-03T20:22:00.004-05:00

Summer Fun...
Not so High School Musical Way~

Have you ever seen High School Musical 2? If you haven't, don't run out and buy it. I was just asking. If you have, then you understand what I meant when I titled this post. On High School Musical, the entire cast can sing *the first indication that something is amiss in this comparison to my summer*, the jobs appear FUN, most of the cast have perfect tans, and somewhere along the line romance blossoms! Here is how the summers do not match:
1. I cannot sing. Anna and I were singing a very off key version of our very own made-up "weed pulling song" in the 110 degree heat yesterday....
2. Our job for the first few days of summer is to hoe, pull, weed eat, and manage the "acres" of trees around the pens here at HQ. HA! It's not one of those FUN jobs...
3. My attempt at a tan resulted in painful sunburns on my arms--which I paid for dearly today. But while my lower arms are nice and cherry, my upper arms remain the "hello" ivory they have always been....so I'll STILL be mismatched! My one hope is that my arms will soon turn a lovely brown and I'll look very hot in my t-shirts that cover the upper arm so that I look somewhat uniform!! *sigh* But with the "pain" I'm in right now, my legs will stay ivory FOREVER! So if for some reason they turn brown and you see me, you'll know that my tan came from a beauty supply store!
4. BLOSSOMING ROMANCE? WHERE? *dramatic sigh* Very much unlike High School Musical 2, I am not dealing with the trials of romance in the summer months. Au Contraire, I am still singing with ANNA in the weed patch...I did see a frog though. I'm such a weinie that I refused to kiss it for my one chance at summer romance. *VERY dramatic sigh* While running errands yesterday afternoon, Anna and I joked that we had enough dirt on our faces that we had the appearance of needing a shave. I believe I discovered that there is some unwritten law that states:

"While looking your grungiest and smelling your nastiest,

you will go to town on errands and meet the most

church people and see the cutest boys."

~Some wise person somewhere

Ok, so we didn't see THAT many cute boys....but we did see several church people. *of course* So in those moments I just smiled, tucked that nasty strand of hair back into my sweaty cap, and greeted them with the most pride I could muster.

I'm trying to get started on saving up money for the upcoming college necessities~time flies and Mom assures me we need to get it done now or everything will be picked over when the time comes....and I'm reminded that money doesn't grow on weeds...
I MEAN TREES! * exhausted weeping* Well, I'd best run on. I'm filthy and my family is sitting without me...

But while I get frustrated with my sunburns, sweat in the awful heat, and face the challenges of life, I am reminded that God is supreme, still on His throne, changing my life, and never leaving. And ya know what? I think I can pull those weeds and face those people with a dirty face:

Because He lives.

God's Gal Sarah

2008-05-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

Musings from Abraham's Life

And a College Motto...

I love God's Word. I kick myself everytime I stray from the daily reading of His book....there is so much He wants to say to me that I miss if I don't seek for Him in the pages of His "breath" in my hands.

I was reading in Hebrews this morning--meditating on the faith of Abraham. Did you ever notice that Abraham had the most "faith verses" in chapter eleven? Well, he did. What made Abraham interesting? His goal was not here. He was looking to a city "whose founder and builder is God..." In other words, Abraham made it a practice of looking heavenward.

It made me think: do I do everything for a heavenward purpose? Am I looking for that future city instead of fretting so much about this dumpy (because any place when compared to Heaven is dumpy) place? I got my focus rearranged this morning--and it felt good.

I also found my college motto:

"Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."

II Corinthians 5:9

Whether I'm home where it's easy to work with my family for a God purpose, or in Timbucktu (and people have threatened to send me there) I know my ambition--to be pleasing to my God.

If you haven't done it yet today (or even if you have) pull out the book of promise and sit to soak up some peace or conviction from God's gift to us: His word. I promise, it could change your life forever....

God's Gal Sarah

2008-05-20T19:55:00.004-05:00

Stage walking

Diploma carrying

and the Little Black Dress...

Ok, I have to catch you all up. I am an official graduate of "Country Life Christian School." aka: home school. I have completed the recommended coursework, received my diploma, walked the stage at church, and been dubbed "through." *she shoots she scores*

I never have the opportunity to dress up. This was the first time I've worn my "little black dress" since we bought it back in March. I attended a senior banquet at our church last night--Anna fussed over my hair for a good long while before I left and I felt like the most gorgeous girl there. I wasn't, but I felt like it.

Isn't God good? I almost didn't go to the banquet, and now I'm glad I did.

Well, enough of that. I'm off to continue the search for college dorm room accessories. And I need to do my Bible study first. *sigh* School's done--now I have to work...work...work...and work some more.
I'll "substantial post" later....

God's Gal Sarah

2008-05-15T14:42:00.003-05:00

In the shower of grace stand I....

I was just reading from Romans 5. How wonderful to sit and think about the sanctification by faith that we recieve in Christ Jesus. Read verse two if you have your Bible handy. If you don't then just read it below:

"...through whom [Jesus] also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."

For some strange reason (and I can only account for this because I am a strange person) I imagined a huge shower. White tiles surround the walls of this place and it invites me in. I come in with the filthiness of the world clinging to my skin. As soon as I step in, water begins to cover me. This water is grace. All of the shame and grime that I had carried for so long begins to fall off--washed away in the torrent of grace.

Suddenly, I have hope of God's glory. What can I say? Grace has a way of opening my eyes to a hope I would have never seen otherwise. I begin to exult--leaping and rejoicing, all the while clothed in His grace.

Now I must continue reading....

VERSES 3-5:

remind us that we can now (because of that cleansing shower of grace) rejoice in our tribulations because we know that they bring about perseverance--which brings about proven character--which brings about hope--which is NEVER disappoints us.

All this because of a washing of grace in the shower...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I run to the shower, all covered in grime.

My soul bears the wounds of a sinful pastime.

The walls of the shower are lined in white--

I fear to step in with my nasty plight.

But the appeal grows stronger and I cannot contest

The draw of a love that I cannot resist.

So in I step--carrying all of my shame.

But I'll step out never the same.

For the shower of grace covers my soul--

Healing my wounds and making me whole.

Now covered and clean I leap and rejoice.

I'm covered in a blood shed by choice.

Perseverance, character, and hope will come--

All because of a shower of grace chosen by some.

~Sarah Leathers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading my meditations from the book of Romans--

God's Gal Sarah

2008-05-11T20:38:00.005-05:00

A Story of a woman who changes my life--everyday...

She married at seventeen years old. As a senior in high school, she worked hard on her grades while taking care of a husband. At nineteen, she had her first baby, a son. While some no doubt frowned on her having a family so young, this woman cared for her baby and two years later gave birth to another boy.

Nine years passed and during this time that woman and her husband listened to God's calling and began to home school their boys. This little wife kept her own lesson plans, taught each class, cared for the home, loved her husband, and stretched a shoe string budget as far as it would go--often doing without herself. Then, one day, she discovered she was again pregnant. The woman and her husband were glad, though they feared how they would raise another child on their small income. But God's grace was sufficient and nine months later He brought their third child into the world, healthy and happy--this time a baby girl. The mother continued to stretch the budget and home school her children, continuing to answer the call from God.

Two years later, another baby girl came into the family--making their family a grand total of six members. The family moved, the woman continued to stretch the budget, teach the children, and be a supportive wife. As her husband was required to work more and more weeks away from home, the women soon took on the arduous task of playing an authoritative role in the lives of her sons. Life was by no means easy. She continued to teach her children, even when she wondered how she could go on.

This woman and her husband not only raised their own children, but to help friends in a time of need, this woman also helped care for three other small children whose father battled leukemia. She played "mother" to seven children while still seeking God and following His call. She read many books, cleaned countless wounds, healed wounded souls, and broke up many a fight among rowdy boys.

If you have not already guessed, this woman is none other than my mother. She is nearly precious to me. She has graduated now three children from "Country Life Christian School" and has watched God take and mold lives for her two sons. She has played teacher, superintendent, and principal for something like 22 years. Many teachers in the school systems cannot boast of such a record.

As Mother's Day comes and goes, I wish I could give her everything in the world. She has done without so much so that I could have clothes, food, and the "little extras" that only a mother knows a girl needs. I cannot say enough to commemorate how special she is. I just thank her for being there. She was there when I needed her to teach me to read. She's been there through many a difficult time of growth in my life. She's nurtured and taught during those hormonal moments that all girls go through. She was there today when I felt disappointment and all I needed was someone to wipe the tears off my face.

Thanks, Mom. God has used you to make me who

I am today and who I will become tomorrow.

~ I hope I make you proud. ~

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I love you,

Your SarahBeth

2008-05-02T17:32:00.002-05:00

And I have'nt posted because....

1. I finished Geometry yesterday. Anna and I've been killing ourselves (and nearly each other) to get done.

2. I finally got my Algebra review finished and turned in

3. I am working frantically on my research paper

4. I am getting Senior stuff turned in to the church

5. I am getting ready for senior Sunday at church (May 11)

6. Zoology finals are next week

7. I take the SAT tomorrow

8. We have our cd debut on Sunday morning--the choir is doing basically the whole service

9. We have to take breakfast Sunday morning

10. The deacons have a banquet for the widows Sunday afternoon (and Dad is a deacon)

AAAAAAAAAaa.

So I have my reasons.

Bear with me

God's Gal Sarah

2008-04-27T20:53:00.003-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things...

(That start with "L")

Jolynn Ball gave me a letter--L--to which I must give a list of my favorite things....Here goes nothing!

1.) LOVE!

(Where would be without it?)

2.) Late nights with girlfriends talking about the cares of our relatively young lives...

3.) Lasagna (with salad and garlic bread--duh!)

4.) Leathers family members

5.) Lunch with Mom in Amarillo

6.) Lying in the dirt tank, with my eyes closed, letting the sun warm me

7.) Letters (not the e-mail kind, the type with a stamp)

8.) LifeWay Christian Bookstore (no, I'm not joking...I LOVE that place)

9.) Last days of school

10.) Letting Mom and Anna win spades against Dad and I (yes, we let them win alot!)

11.) Lifting up "off- key" praise

12.) Liking clean "chick flicks"

13.) LOL

14.) Leftovers

15.) Laughing

16.) Loving

17.) Living

So there's just a few! If you want a letter, just leave me a comment with a request--and I'll give you one. Otherwise, just leave me a kind comment anyway!

Here's the lesson over which I am feeling convicted today--

If I can't say something kind about someone, should I say anything about them at all?

Convicting food for thought!

Becuase He lives,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-04-25T17:19:00.002-05:00

A God Thang...

I got my acceptance letter from Hardin Simmons today. The letter said it was an honor to be accepted since, on average, only 40% of their applicants are accepted. Now here's the God thang-- (Texan for "thing"...) I only sent in my application about two or three weeks ago. Is that a blessing or what?! I must admit, I teared a little as I wondered where God was going to take me on this journey. I know this joy I feel inside is of Him.

Mom, Anna, and I went down last weekend and looked at the college. We loved it. If all goes as planned, I will attend there in the fall. I called Wayland and PCC and told them to cancel my account. I am SO excited. I feel like a ball being bouced up and down the court--I now look forward to my college experience. :-) Thanks for your prayers and I will update this blog later with a more substantial message!

Because He lives,
God's Gal Sarah

2008-04-15T15:39:00.003-05:00

Slave by Choice....

Ambassador in Chains

I've known it forever, it just struck me this week. I am a slave to Christ. Many people want to claim their "liberty" in our Savior. They believe that they can live like they want to because, after all, they are FREE. How do I know this? Because I was one of those people. I would live like I wanted to, then ask forgiveness....live like I wanted to, then ask forgiveness....live like....and the circled continued. I felt shackled. And I was--I was chained to my sin. But then I chose a new master. I was bought at the highest price.

You are always going to serve someone. You will either serve Satan--or you will serve God. You will be a slave to one or the other. The difference is this: slavery to Satan is eternal bondage--slavery to God is eternal life. We do have freedom--but our freedom comes IN Christ. You will be a slave for whomever you choose to live your life. But while we are slaves by choice, we are also ambassadors--just as Paul.

.."and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19-20

I just stopped and prayed last night after reading that. I wondered, "Lord, am I really being an amabssador for you?" I am His slave by choice, but am I obeying His calling to be an AMBASSADOR of His word? Maybe I am the only one to whom this has great significance. But maybe, just maybe, there are more who fight each day against the chains of their master. Satan's chains bring shame, regret, feelings of worthlessness, and bondage. Christ's chains bring forgiveness, hope, an ambassadorship, and freedom. You will be a slave to someone--the question is, to Whom will you pledge allegiance?

The price of a life, Christ's life, has been laid down for yours. Just imagine, the cost was covered--all you have to do is choose Him.

A slave by choice,
God's Gal Sarah

2008-04-05T11:20:00.002-05:00

Peace--and So Sweet It Is

Well, I'm home. No doubt, you are now wondering...well, did you leave? I'm sorry I have not blogged sooner. The month of March passed so quickly and I lost track of time. When you throw in there a visit to two colleges and overwhelming research papers and school, you soon discover why I have not written since March 19th. So I will try to fill you in on the happenings....

Since receiving my tenative acceptance into Wayland, I decided that I actually needed to SEE the campus. Mom and I drove down to Plainview on March 27th (if I remember right) and she attended chapel with me. I stayed the night and she brought moy car back home. I went to the Hawk Nelson/Run Kid Run concert Wayland offered on Friday night--losing all of my best hearing in the process. (haha) Needless to say, they were a little harder than Point of Grace and most of everything else I usually listen to. The one plus of the whole experience was that I had the privilege of meeting a sweet girl named Mary--who introduced me to my first cup of jasmine tea. I had to joke with Anna when I got home that I finally drank a whole cup of hot tea....something I've never done before.

Mom, Dad, and Anna came on Saturday and we spent the day in meetings, tours, and college promotions. I even won a small scholarship at one of the events. We came home and agreed that we did not really feel 100% sure that that was where God wanted me to be. So I think, "that's ok, Dad and I are going to Pensacola Christian College this next week and maybe I'll find my answer there." God has a big sense of humor.

Here are some things I learned from our trip to Pensacola:

1. Commercial flying is not all it is cracked up to be

2. Flying makes me kinda sick

3. Florida is humid

4. Humidity makes my hair curl

5. PCC is a beautiful campus

6. The school is very conservative

7. If you want have every student's attention, walk with your father who wears a cowboy hat and boots--in Florida...:-)

8. It is wise to take more than just a sheet to a dorm that runs the Air Conditioner 24-7....I nearly froze to death

9. It is hard to sleep with an i-pod, cell phone, and Bible clutched near your heart--you don't sleep

10. Top bunks aren't all they're cracked up to be

11. Flying makes me sick

12. Flying makes me sick

13. Flying makes me sick

14. The campus was wonderful

15. The classrooms were immaculate

16. The classes were very based on practical application

17. For now, PCC is NOT where God want's me.

How did I deduce that? Glad you asked.

I had almost decided that I wanted to go to PCC...but I did not have a Bible promise or a great sense of peace. So I finally prayed, "Lord, I have avoided asking for a sign. But it would really help if I could have an aswer by this afternoon." That was one of the most despairing afternoons of my life. I have not felt that much fear and anxiety since before I completely gave my life to God three years ago.

The college was great and the standards high--but it was not me. I amost felt like a caged animal whenever I thought of attending the school. I did not feel great peace until I said, "I don't think this is it." At that moment, I felt the most peace I have felt in weeks. Only God could grant that much release and utter peace. So Dad and I enjoyed our stay and came home.

Now I am back to looking at more colleges....and we'll see what God does. For now, I don't know where God wants me, but I am relishing the front seat view of what He's going to do. Thanks for praying for me....I felt your prayers. I still covet them.

Because He lives,

Because He is good,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-03-19T18:40:00.005-05:00

Beautiful Little Octopus

Oh so Deadly One....

I sat in Zoology class a while back, enjoying the lesson on Mollusks. Suddenly, a new slide popped up on the screen. Instead of a boring colored octopus, I saw a blue and yellow circled mollusk...it's beauty captivating me. My professor then commented, "But this is the one octopus you don't want to meet. He's very poisonous." Suddenly, it hit me...isn't that how sin is? It looks beautiful and tantalizing--tempting us to reach out and touch. We tend to think, "How could something so beautiful be harmful to me? It must be of God." Then Satan has us just where he wants us--believing that his decorated poison must be good. He knows he has us trapped. We reach out and grasp the sin because we are not founded enough in the Word to test it for the lie it actually is.
How careful we must be to, not just avoid the sin, but avoid being so unlearned in the Bible that we just assume something is good--when it's not. I don't know about you, but lately I've been struggling with indepth study of God's Word. I feel so "un-filled", always wishing for more time, fewer responsibilities, and more self-discipline to avoid those "self-arranged-distractions" so I can learn more and more at the feet of Jesus. I hope this inspires you to go glean from the field of God's Word. We need to be ready for those temptations...trust me, they will come. But God has equipped us with the mighty power of His Word as a defense against those "beautiful" octopi which tempt us. I love you, dear reader. Take heart and trust in Him. He is faithful.

Because He lives...

God's Gal Sarah

Blue-ringed octopus

google image

2008-03-08T21:00:00.004-06:00

Saturday Night Omlette....Oh My!

Well, Sarah C came down to help me ring in my 18th birthday. Technically my birthday is not until Monday, but we celebrated this weekend. So, tonight we saw a commercial advertising "eggs in a bottle." They were advertising these eggs in an omlette fashion. Here is an approximate short take of what happened next.

Anna: Let's make an omlette!

Mom: Yeah, you guys can do that.

Sarah C: Ok.

Me: I can't believe we're gonna make an omlette so late at night. (about 8:30)

We three girls troop into the Kitchen.

Anna to me: You make the omlette. You know how.

Sarah C: I really don't like eggs. It took me a while to like them.

Anna: Yeah, me too.

Me thinking: So WHY are we scrounging around making an EGG omlette?!

We drag out ingredients and I start the pan warming on the stove.

They hand me four eggs.

I discover that pan is too big...after it is already hot and I have eggs poured in pan...

Me: We need more eggs.

Anna: How many more?

Me *sizing up pan*: Three or four.

We add eggs to pan.

We also add: ~Ham (yum)

~Cheddar Cheese (yumm)

~Parmesean Cheese (yummm)

~Onion Powder *because none of us wanted REAL onions* (hmm)

~Garlic Powder (a hint of spice makes everything nice)
~Salt

~Pepper

~Cinnamon. Wait...WHAT? Yes, tis true. Anna had added cinnamon to our egg omlette with the estimation that it would taste...um....good.

*I think to myself we would need more sour cream to cover this taste*

~We add a few tomato bits and decide to close this omlette and enjoy.

Regular plate is too small for a 7-8 egg omlette so I grap a platter.

Sarah C. and I fill tall glasses of milk--knowing that we would need them.

So we decide to sit picnic style on the living room floor. Anna stares at our food and declares the rule for our "snack". NO ONE STOPS EATING UNTIL THIS THING IS GONE.

Me *in thought*: How bad can it be?

HA..

HAHA...

HAHAHA....

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... *tears and weeping*

I hope this pictures tell our story well...

Needless to say, trying to choke down a cinnamon omlette with two girls who really don't like eggs was a HOOT! Hope you get a laugh out of it....we did! :-)

God's Gal Sarah
P.S.>>I don't think I'm gonna fit in my dress tomorrow!

2008-02-29T14:46:00.002-06:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA....TAGGED AGAIN!

(I still don't know what a meme is)

I just finished my last post which was in response to Jolynn's meme tag. Then I checked Elizabeth's web page and VIOLA..tagged again. So you can read my book quote, the rules, and my 1 nominee below

(that was an arrow, by the way!)

2008-02-29T14:25:00.004-06:00

Tagged with a "Meme"

(what is a meme!)

Jolynn Ball tagged me with a meme...

The challenge: grab the nearest book with over 123 pages and find the first five sentences on the last page...then type the three sentences that follow those five.

The book: Financial Peace Revisited.

The author: Dave Ramsey. *now I feel nerdy for having that book so near at hand*

The sentences: (there are only four full sentences on the page so it worked out beautifully...)

"By the age of twenty-six, Dave had accumulated over $4 million in real estate. He then lost his entire portfolio and virtually everything he owned. He has now rebuilt his financial life, but that experience combined with years of counseling gives him an unusually deep perspective and insight into money matters, as well as a comprehensive look into the foreclosure and bankruptcy scene.

Dave has been married for over ten years to his wonderful wife, Sharon, and is the proud father of two girls, Denise and Rachel, and one boy, Daniel."

(page 326)

HA. Really interesting, huh? Sadly, I don't really have five people who have not already been tagged...but here is one to keep things rolling...

1. Aunt Vonda---*you can run to Georgia but I can still tag you from here!*

So, they call it a meme...must look that up.

HMMMM.

With great consternation,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-02-22T14:00:00.009-06:00

Can You Believe It...

I received a letter today. It read:

"Dear Sarah,
Congratulations! Your application for admission to Wayland Baptist University has been reviewed, and it is my pleasure to inform you that you have been conditionally admitted to Wayland Baptist University for the Fall 2008 semester."

Yup, it finally came. I was bouncing in the driver's seat of the car as I toodled home from the Post Office. I called Mom, Mamaw, and Sarah Clower. I know that they are all excited, but for some reason I feel the most excited of all. Then again, I think that's the way it's supposed to be.

Still praying and seeking His face for direction,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-02-21T18:22:00.003-06:00

Trembling Heart in a Tumultuous World...

Watching the news can drive you mad. Yes, an angry mad. But also a crazy mad. :-) Between missing college girls, criminals on the loose, riots in Serbia, looney Presidential candidates, and a wobbly economy, I am considering a migration toward the "duh" shows like Andy Griffith, Beverly Hillbillies, and Hannah Montana.

Tonight, I was standing by the fireplace feeling my heart thump as I watched the TV. Men ran riotously toward the U.S. embassy in Serbia...the eerie darkness surrounding them only more ominous on the screen in the den. A though ran through my head, "what will it be like when my kids are growing up?" Sobering thought, huh?

Neil Cavuto (FoxNews) had a pastor on his show this afternoon. The pastor was trying to point out that all of these weather disasters and strange weather patterns were God's way of punishing the U.S. He was making his case well, but Neil kept inserting little things like, "if what you say is true, which I doubt..." Mom and I looked at each other and shared a sad smile. Yep...we live in a nation whose eyes are turned in the wrong direction.

I'm not really sure if I can describe the trepidation in my heart, but I'll try....

1.) Suppose that the most liberal candidate running in the race becomes President. What will that d0 to the nation, my children's futures, the economy, and freedom as we know it?

2.) If Islam continues as the fastest growing religion in the world, will my family face persecution before I die?

3.) Will I pay the price tomorrow for decisions made in our economy today?

4.) Is there any stability in this world?

5.) AAAAAAAAAA! I'M LIVING IN A FALLEN WORLD AND IT'S OVERWHELMING!

Hehe...yes it is. But suppose that Obama or Hillary becomes President *choking. gasping for breath*, it doesn't mean that God's not in complete control. It just means that He's got this big picture in mind. HE knows the trials ahead and who He wants in office to either guide His children or chasten them. So let the results be what they be....

There is always the chance that my family will one day face persecution. But let's face it...following God means you should face persecution. If you never go against the flow in this world, then maybe you are too much in the world.

Yes, I will most assuredly pay the price for the economic decisions made today. But that's ok. I know that my financial future is in BIGGER HANDS than those of the wacky politicians in office. (But it would be nice if they would make "smart" decisions. Matter of prayer)

Stability? HA. As Gloria Gather says, "This world's not stable. It will never be stable. But we do what we do because the Resurrection is true....and because He lives, you can face tomorrow."

And all God's people said, "AMEN" :-)

"Have no fear, for I [God] am with you. Be not afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and give you help and uphold you with My victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

In the big scheme of things, God has the picture for how the puzzle will turn out. He just allows me to work one small area of it. So this trembling heart will just have to buck up in this tumultuous world and "take a big girl pill!"

BECAUSE HE LIVES,

God's Gal Sarah

2008-02-21T18:03:00.004-06:00

Unfinished Business

Amy Brown blessed me with the "blogging with a purpose" award a while back. According to custom, I am thereby required to pass it along to 5 other people. I am so sorry I have neglected this task...here are the five nominees from my blog:

1. Alana Miller

2. Sarah Miller

3. Lavonda Pflug

4. Laura McCloy

5. Kaylene Ball

You know, it means something to me when someone says that they think I "blog with a purpose." Don't ask me why...it just does. In a life yearning for, and seeking, Godly purpose, it just brightened my day. Thanks, Amy. And thanks to the five of you who touch my life with your posts. You all are so dear to me!

God's Gal Sarah

2008-02-11T08:58:00.000-06:00

FYI

I am sitting in the Frank Phillips Library between classes. Technically, I finished my Algebra test about 8:50 AM so I have until 12:30 before my next class. One test down...one to go. :-)

I woke up this morning in kind of a bad mood. It's one of those mornings when I had my alarm set for 5:30 so I could go down to the basement and jog....but Dad woke me up before the alarm went off. I kinda squinted and groaned. So my Monday began:....

Prayer for today:

Lord, help me to have an attitude of praise before You today. May every move I make be glorifying to you. Help me to be a light to those around me while I am here on this campus. I love You, Lord. Amen

2008-02-09T18:06:00.000-06:00

.::Busy Days and Searching Hearts::.

AAAAAAAA! I know that it's been a long time since I last posted--things just seem to get busier and busier around here. What all has happened, you ask?

1.) Anna had her sweet 16th birthday. Mom took her shopping on the big day and then we all met together to watch Chonda Pierce in concert that night in Amarillo. It was a HUGE surprise for Anna, who did not expect that present at all. Then, the day after Anna's birthday, Sarah Clower came from Benjamin, TX to surprise her again. I think Anna had a blast and a "sweet" time for her 16th birthday.

2.) I quit piano. *Keep breathing, People.* Things have just gotten so crazy around here and I rarely found time to practice like I needed to. As it turned out, it was almost a waste of money if I did not work on the music before me...so through much prayer, I opted to give it up. I don't think Mom is too thrilled with it all, but she has been so supportive of the decision.

3.) Geometry....AAAAAAA~ When will I EVER have to do proofs for everyday life?!? I mean, I see figuring shapes and perimeters...but PROOFS! I bombed my last test over the aggravating topic and the rest of the book is based on proofs. How frustrating is that? As it turns out, Anna and I have what feels like so little time to do the class, and when you combine that with a boring video teacher, we aren't crazy about Geometry at all. But we still have to do it. *sigh*

4.) Zoology continues on. I have a test on Monday and I am so nervous. We can fill a 3x5 notecard front and back with notes so I got my "fine tip pen" and highlighters and crammed that notecard so full that I'm afraid it'll be more of a hindrance than a help. Just pray for wisdom for me as I work on this class.

5.) Research Writing class is actually gonna stretch me. We are laying the foundation for an entire sememster of research for a 15-20 pg double spaced research paper. I know that I will find myself sitting in a library very soon. *oh joy* I suppose that my consolation is that I actually LIKE to write. :-)

6.) College Algebra is...well...interesting. We are finishing up the review and beginning the hard work after the test on Monday. I can already tell I'm gonna have to work HARD in the class. But, that's any class...

7.) ACT and SAT tests loom before me. I have the hopes of doing lots of review before they come up...but that's another thing on the list! I DO NOT like standardized testing. It makes me feel dumb and less than adequate. Although, I know neither is true.

8.) Our summer is so up in the air. Anna and Mom are probably going to a Fine Arts camp in North Carolina sometime in June. The church is probably going to pay for most of their way since Anna is in the praise band. There she will learn new violin techniques and how to praise the Lord with her instrument and talent. I am excited for her. We had talked about me going, but it is looking more and more like I won't go. That is another matter of prayer....

There are so many plans but each plan takes money and time....both necessities disappear so quickly.

Please keep us in your prayers as we take our plans before the Lord. He knows the big picture...we don't. We need His wisdom desparately.

9.) Last thing before I must run....my car is in the shop for the fender repair. It's gonna cost me about $1000.49 to repair two fenders! Thus the reason I kinda need to work some this summer to build back my savings after that!

I do have a wonderful lesson to share with you all...but it will have to wait until maybe tomorrow!

Because He lives,
God's Gal Sarah

2008-01-24T14:10:00.000-06:00

.:Right Here, Right Now, Today:.

Searching for God's will sometimes seems vague and mysterious to me. Where do I find it?Should I be looking harder? I read this today in my Bible study:

"We often find God's will when we do what's next and obediently respond to the normal duties of life. Elisabeth Elliot said that one of the best pieces of advice she ever got was 'Do the next thing.' We encounter God's guidance as we engage in the usual activities of life. God is the God of right now. He calls us not to be regretful over yesterday or worried about tomorrow. He wants us to focus on what He is saying to us and putting in front of us right now. The Enemy's voice will focus on the past and the future while the voice of God will focus on today. He is the God of right now. One of the clearest ways to discern God's voice is to ask Him to open your spiritual eyes to see His activity. When we see it, we need to immediately desert what we are doing to join Him. When God allows you to see His activity in the circumstances of your life, you have heard the voice of God."~Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God (p. 90)

Enough said. Look for God and what He's doing in your everyday life.

Love ya!

God's Gal Sarah

2008-01-23T09:29:00.000-06:00

.:Forgiveness:.

Has someone ever hurt or disappointed you? Sometimes I think that holding a grudge against them would teach the greatest lesson. In all actuality, the only person who gets hurt when I hold a grudge is me!

I know that I have been hurt in heart by those whom I love dearly, but who have chosen to walk away from God's perfect plan for their life. I was reminded of something Beth Moore said in one of her Bibles studies.

"We don't want to forgive because it feels like we're condoning the sin. But forgiveness doesn't make the sin ok. Forgiveness makes you ok."

(paraphrase)

How true that is! I look at the sin and get angry. I intend to punish the person for their trespasses. But that's so wrong. I have to forgive. Not to condone their sin. That's not biblical. But I have to love the person, hate the sin, and forgive so that I can be ok in my relationship with God.

Are you nursing a grudge against someone? Do you feel the small (or large) pangs of near hatred for their deeds? Remember this, "forgiveness does not make the sin ok. Forgiveness makes you ok!"

God's Gal Sarah

2008-01-17T08:24:00.000-06:00

.::Diversity::.

I was sitting in Zoology class yesterday, listening to my teacher talk about the evolution of animals and Darwin's discoveries. She mentioned "Darwin's finches" and how there were so many evolutions of them. Even through those evolutions each finch was a little different. I was amazed. Not at what she said but at how amazing my God is.

He created thousands of different birds with thousands of different characteristics. He was not limited to one type of beak, one type of wing span, one type of color. It didn't take Him a million billion years to "evolve" a bird. No, He did it in one day. How amazing is He? I have trouble convincing myself that I came from an ape and it took so long to change forms. I simply relish the thought that my God created me to be as diverse and unique as He created the birds to be.

I am not like you, you are not like your best friend. He made you to be you. As a girl, I find myself saying, "Oh, I want to be like her," or, "I wish I was...athletic, beautiful, popular, outgoing...." God did not make us to be carbon copies of each other. He made us diverse in characteristics as well as appearance. He did not want us to "evolve" into someone else. He made us different and He loves us just the way we are.

Enjoy God's diversity! You're part of His amazing "one day creations!"

In the service of the King,

God's Gal

2008-01-09T10:02:00.001-06:00

.:Friends:.

Anna's and my dear friend Sarah Clower came and spent the weekend with us. We were crazy sisters--as you can tell.

This was a dessert we all loved: Ice cream coated with baked coconut and covered with chocolate..mmm

Sarah's one of those precious friends whose more of our sister than our friend. I love her so much. We're an ornery lot when together!

2008-01-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

The Coming Victory

I was reading this morning from the book of Joshua. I was relieved to finally make it to the conquest of Jericho. The Israelites crossed the Jordan in chapter three...yet the conquest did not happen until chapter six. What happened in between? God had the people set up standing stones as a reminder of His blessing. Then God wanted the men circumcised again. All this had to be done before He let them take the city. It finally dawned on me: God wanted to cut away the bad before they could go as vessels for His name. *DING!*
He put His people right where He wanted them and then cut away the evil in their camp. He does the same with me. Before I can go for that victory, He wants to snip away the selfish and unrighteous parts that hold me back from complete victory for HIS name. So if you are following Him--but haven't seen a victory for a while, maybe He's cutting away the bad to make the victory even more sweet.
Something to think about from the book of victory!

2007-12-27T17:10:00.000-06:00

The Onslaught of a New Year

Maybe it's a little early, but I still feel a little trepidation at the coming of a new year. I know there are so many uncertainties that lie ahead. Such as...

1. I will turn 18

2. I plan to go to a four year college

3. I will become more responsible for my actions

4. I will begin to support myself

5. Anna will turn 16 *which is very scary* :-)

There are so many wonders in my heart...

Will I be dating by this time next year?

Will I know where I am going and what I am doing?

Will I have a closer walk with my Lord?

Will I stumble?

Will I walk this new college path alone?

Then I have to STOP... and remind myself that yes, I will turn 18...but everyone does.

Yes, I will go to a bigger college...but there's no need to fear.

Responsibility for my own actions is part of following God...nothing new there.

Supporting myself is just a matter of hard work and wise management.

Anna's turning 16 is going to happen...and her driving can't be that much more scary than when I started a year ago.

Whether I am dating in a year is not the issue....being sold out to God is.

Where I am going and what I am doing is not up to me...I am only going where HE leads.

Having a closer walk with my Lord will happen if I spend the time daily in His presence.

Sure I'll stumble. That's part of growing up.

Everytime I think I'm "all alone" God bring someone else who is walking the same path I walk. I'm NEVER on my own.

So I suppose I just need to buck up and face the new wonders and fears with strength and faith.

After all, I'm not on my own.

2007-12-20T14:34:00.000-06:00

Read Through....And be Amused

The Week: Issue 341 p. 2

"Most elderly drivers refuse to give up the wheel, despite the dangers of impaired vision and diminished reflexes. Not Muriel Gladwin, 94, of Hereford, England. Gladwin, who taught herself to drive when she was just 12, has decided to relinquish her keys and let others do the driving for her. What's most remarkable is that over the course of an estimated 600,000 miles, Gladwin hasn't gotten a single ticket or had even a minor accident. 'I always keep my eyes wide open and stick to the rules of the road like glue,' she said. ' I still have a completely clean record, so I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.'"

I wish I could say that. I had a minor wreak on Saturday. You really want to know about it? Ok, you asked....

Anna needed a new pair of shoes. Mom and Dad were headed to Amarillo that day anyway, but I was going to have to take Anna. I wasn't really thrilled about having to go, but I figured if I did have to we might as well make the best of it. So the loving parents tested the roads first and pronounced them safe for travel. Anna and I loaded up in the Sunfire about 10:15 (or so) and headed to the city. I stopped in Panhandle and filled my car with the outrageously priced gas, after which we toodled on to Amarillo.
Mom and Dad were right. The roads were clear. We got to Amarillo and cruised along the interstate--Destination: the mall. *which was not really that smart considering it was a Saturday, but we were going there anyway*

I got off on the Coulter exit and tested my breaks.
"It's icy here," I tell Anna as I feel my tires kinda spinning.
Green Dodge cuts in front of me.
I sigh and make note that the driver must be a jerk.
I change lanes to avoid his bumper...
"Fine," I think, I would need in the middle lane anyway.
I round corner and see stop light with people backed up.
I apply brakes.
I realize I am on a solid sheet of ice.
Brakes aren't really working.
I think, "I'm going to hit this lady ahead of me."
I go into left lane to miss her.
I clip her bumper.
Someone going a little too fast hits me.
My backend slides a little.
I think, "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!?"
I shut off the music.
I get out of the car.
I keep composure and ask lady in red car if she is fine.
She informs me she must call in the scratch I gave her bumper because she works for the courthouse *I could not believe my good fortune as to have hit her--the lady from the courthouse*
I then hand her my insurance info and head to the other car.
They were fine too but wanted to know if I had a licence. "Oh yes," I say, while wondering if I
will have it for much longer.
Anna calls Dad on cell phone.
I get back in the car and fall apart.
Dad gets on phone and tells me to calm down.
I hiccup *or swallow a sob rather* and he hangs up, promising to be there soon.
People drive by and stare.
They too spin on the ice which I think is rather a comfort.
Dad and Mom arrive.
Police arrive.
I spend next hour filling out reports and insurance info.
I end up with $170 ticket and a car that was almost more beat up than the other two.
I was not going fast enough for there to be much damage--but I blanched when the ticket read,
"too fast for conditions."
The wreak was right outside Golden Corral so we all go inside.
Mom and Dad eat.
I can't eat and Anna's not hungry.
We load up and go the mall.
Anna got her pair of shoes.

I tell her that those are the most expensive pair of shoes ever.

We thank God that all are fine and that it's not going to cost me an absolute ton of money.

The moral of this tale: Only on a matter of life or death should you attempt a drive the day after an ice storm.

THE END

2007-12-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

I have not posted in several weeks. Don't shoot me--i've been so busy! Want in on what's been happening? Glad you asked....

I'M THROUGH WITH GOVERNMENT! Yes, Amy Brown and I went out and celebrated with lunch at JT's as soon as the final was taken. I also had my English final on Tuesday so I had double reason to rejoice. Tomorrow is my Speech final and then I can get down to the Christmas cooking. I wish you could see the joy on my face! I like college O.K., but it's not my favorite thing to do.

We are enjoying the cold weather. I like warmer weather fine, but there's just something about a cold wet day. A cold wet day with no major school. A cold wet day with no major school and a beautiful Christmas tree. A cold wet....well, you get the idea! :-)

The family is doing pretty good. Anna is schooling to beat the band. She's trying to get caught back up from interruptions with surgeries and Dr.'s visits....you know how it goes.
She and I played a duet on Sunday morning. It went pretty well. I goofed only one part (which I don't think I'd ever goofed before), though I don't think it hurt us too bad. I just had to remember to play for an audience of ONE. It didn't matter how the rest went. As long as God was glorified through our playing. *I bring an offering of worship to my King*
The church had it's Christmas contada on Sunday--Mom and I sang with the choir. Now that it's over, we'll enjoy a choir party and the liklihood of no more rehearsals until 2008.
We play handbells on the Sunday before Christmas. I suppose we are ready for that. Our handbell choir is really pretty neat~I'm blessed to be in it. You ought to come hear us play if you get the chance.

Our Christmas plans are interesting. Let's see if I can explain the possible number of people who could "wassil" with us.....

1. My brother David, wife Cristy, and 4 kiddos
2. Cristy's parents
3. Brother Cotton, wife Dawn, and son Spur
4. Dawn's parents
5. Mamaw and Papaw

Total possible people at our house (including our family) : 19

Now, we're not for sure if Cotton and Dawn will show....Mamaw and Papaw might not either. David and family might have to leave on Christmas Eve, and the weather might keep Dawn's parents away--thus leaving us with Cristy's parents and our four.

In other words: God is in control of how many show up for the Christmas holidays and when.
Isn't it kinda nice just waiting in His hand--trusting in His plan? I find peace in that....

I'll post this and then probably something else in a bit. I hope you feel caught up in our lives...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
God's Gal Sarah

2007-11-26T11:30:00.000-06:00

Christmas Time Here at Home

Christmas brings so many wonderful feelings for me. We decorate like freight trains and then sit back and enjoy the beauty. Yes, these are pics of our living room that sings with Christmas cheer. I love the beautiful candlelight....it's so comforting.

We, however, have had a couple long days. One of the oldest ranch hands here passed away on Saturday morning. Dad will do the graveside tomorrow, and it's going to be hard for him.

Then we get an e-mail today saying that my best friend's (Sarah Clower for those who know her) grandad passed away on Saturday as well. This friend lost her dad when she was little....and Anna and I were with her then. Now her dad's dad has passed and it is really hard for her.

On top of that, an old friend of Dad's has cancer and is not expected to live but a few more days, if he has not already passed away.

So many deaths, so many funerals, so close to the birth of Christ. It's not that it's really hard, but I hurt for those who will always remember the holidays as the time they lost someone so special to them.

Please pray for the Hollowell Family, the Clower Family, and the Elliot Family as they struggle during this time.

Please pray for Dad also as the next few days are going to really work on him emotionally. He's losing some real friends.... we covet your prayers.

Life goes by so fast. Enjoy today--love your family--thank God for each new day He allows you to live.

I hope to post more later....but for now I need to run. So much to do with so very little time...

In the service of the King,

God's Gal Sarah

2007-11-09T08:43:00.000-06:00

Freeze...Don't Move

Here it is November--and I have been longing for some symbol of the approaching of winter. Well...it finally froze the other night and then the sprinklers came on. Here is the result of my "winter" morning.

I suppose we'll take it as it comes! :-) Life keeps marching on. Midterms are basically over and I can breathe a sigh of relief. I am pulling a pretty good A in all my classes--though government requires so much of my time. Finals start the week of December 10th--not too far away as fast as the weeks fly. I will survive! (as if I had any choice) Next semester I hope to take photography with college algebra and who knows what else! Life moves on.....

I had my last dental work done on Wednesday. My gums were still trying to heal after the four other surgeries when the dentist crammed those bridge teeth into my mouth. He said I would hate him for a couple days. Boy was he right. I am a little sore, but so relieved for the work to be done. It has been five months in the making. I think I may have run a little fever yesterday. My speech teacher looked at me and asked if I had been getting some sun. He said I looked a little red in the face. I was not wearing makeup so of course my cheeks were red. Plus being a little warm, who wouldn't be noticeably "rosy?" He just did'nt need to ask in class. But oh well....

I have a new job working one day a week at the church library. Yesterday my assignment was to decorate for Thanksgiving and shelve the books, movies, etc. I could not believe it. I have about as much creativity as a 2x4--and she wanted me to decorate. But I had an absolute ball and it looked pretty good! If you ever make it to First Baptist Church, stop by and look at the display window. I'm excited about it!

Well, I must run for now...I hope your day is blessed!

In the service of the King...

God's Gal Sarah

2007-11-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

You know it's bad when:

You go to bed praying for God to give you wisdom on a government test the following day.....

And wake up quoting the watchdog role of the media.

No, I am not fooling...I woke up this morning with vocabulary terms shooting through my head. I must need therapy.

The minus....I feel nerdy and tired....

The plus....I think I aced my test! :-)

P>S> Anna's surgery went well and she'll be home this afternoon!
Thanks for your prayers.

2007-10-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

Coveted Prayers...

Hello All,
Please pray for Anna. She is in Fort Worth now for her tear duct surgery--scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Although it IS NOT DANGEROUS, we all covet your prayers. This is her 5th surgery on this problem, and now that her major growth is over, we hope and pray that it will stay open for much longer this time. The doctor is doing a laser surgery--she's at Cook's Children's Hospital in Fort Worth. Dad and I could not go, so she and Mom are down there. They hope to be home on Thursday... Anna was dissapointed that we could all not be together, though when she called tonight she was laughing and yelling almost as much as our nephews with whom she is staying. I know that she is in God's hands. A couple dear friends are coming down from Longview to be with she and Mom for the surgery. We are so blessed to have people who love us.

Please pray for them....

Thanks, you are all so precious to me...

Sarah Leathers

2007-10-09T14:43:00.000-05:00

Seeking Him

We all want to know God's will. I am currently doing a Priscilla Shirer Bible study called Discerning the Voice of God. She said something in there that just grabbed my attention. She said that we are not supposed to seek His will. We are supposed to seek HIM. And in seeking Him and Him alone, we will know His will. Is that not true? Sometimes I feel like I wander in circles and wonder why He does not just show me His will in rainbow colors. Then I realize that I have to seek Him. He'll show me His will in His own time. Oh to know Him.....really know Him as a friend.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." ~Matthew 6:33~

2007-10-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I've posted alot--just not about the current happenings. Maybe I won't forget anything!
School is going alright. My three college classes keep me adequately busy--especiall English and Government.

I turned in my first essay for the class and my teacher gave me an A+. I was SO thrilled. I knew having a hard teacher last year for my Internet class would pay off eventually--but I had no idea how much. She said my paper had "bubbles," which was a good thing, so that made me feel even better. I am enjoying that class mainly because I am in there with three other girls I know from my church and a neighboring church. That really helps support me.

I literally trot from English to Speech. I tell Mom that I go to English because I like it and I go to speech to laugh. I don't know ANYONE in there and since I am the only homeschooler--well, you can imagine the flack I catch. I try not to let it bother me, after all, they don't know what they're missing! I did my informative speech on homeschool benefits and so far no one has poked any more fun. We'll see how long that lasts. I haven't said anything agains public school, because I don't think that would justify anything. But oh! You'd think theses kids believed I was a threat to their existence because I admitted that I had never really wanted to go to public school. They have done little practice speeches on benefits to public school and picked fun till it is unreal. I did give my main "picker" some fun, though. He leaned up against the wall by me and was chewing on some smarties, trying to be all cute. I looked up and asked, "Do you really think those are going to help?" He stared at me like he could not believe I would say something like that. Then he sat by me in class. He picked and picked but I just ignored him. I suppose that I was dumb to agg him on, but the little comment was just perfect for the situation!

Government is the dreaded class of the day. For one thing, there are so many boring terms. And for another thing, the class itself is just kinda dull. *I am sorry to all involved, but that's just the way it is.* Amy Brown and I have fun, though. Because we are such conservative reublicans, and our teacher is a democrat, he does and says things just to get a reaction from us. And yes, we do give it to him. We like being verbal-outgoing-nerds right, Amy? :-) I think we are some of the few who actually TRY in the class. We had a funny last Tuesday. The teacher was kinda aggravated with the class for not knowing their facts, so he said that if we did not know it any better on Thursday, not to even come. So Thrusday rolled around and Amy and I went to class. In total, counting the teacher, there were five in the class of the regular eighteen. *sighs* So we reviewed in preparation for our test on the 9th--just the five of us. (LOL) Then Amy and I went and studied for a little while before we headed home. I am kinda anxious--so I will hit the books on Monday, I think.

What about our church life? Well----Dad was elected to the pulpit committee. So now he is a deacon, elder, sits in on the personnel committee meetings, and is on the pulpit committee. And he preaches Sunday night. He did give up His Sunday school class, though. We were all a little thankful for having just that much more time with him.
Mom and I are still in the choir. They have changed some things around, but I think that we sound even better. *no bragging involved*
Anna still goes to FUEL on Wednesday nights, and I think she really likes it. She is also involved in the drama teach for youth, and they are working on a very intense play for a youth night. I hope to get a copy of the play for my blog soon.
I did indeed pick up handbells again. I tried to play two positions on Sunday night, and another lady ended up rescuing me. So much for that! At least I tried!

Anna went to the eye doctor in Ft. Worth--and yes, she will need another surgery. It is scheduled for the 31st, Halloween, and they will be gone about three days. I am not sure if Dad or I either one will be able to go due to my school and the possibility of him being in a trial that week. Anna is being the trooper and saying that it doesn't bother her at all if we miss. I know that she is just ready to have her tear duct unstopped for good. After four other surgeries, she's an old pro at this~

Well, I cannot think of anything else really happening right now. Anna and I plan to go to the Borger homecoming tonight, so I need to scat and get some stuff done!

God bless!
Sarah Leathers

2007-10-03T08:20:00.000-05:00

A Rescue Just in Sight

"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgement;and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds) , then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgement. "

~2 Peter 2:4-9

So now you know I was reading in 2 Peter today. :-) But isn't that an encouraging verse? If God can save His own and punish the evildoer, then can He not deliver you from temptation? Do you doubt Him? I don't know what temptations have come or WILL come for you today, but take encouragement in knowing that He can deliver you if you ask. Now, granted, He might say "No" so that you can learn something during the trial. And even in that I think there is a great amount of peace that comes in trusting Him for the outcome. Read verse 9 (the purple) again. To sum it all up---He's got it all under control. :-) Your rescue's just in sight. Hold on--He's coming!

2007-09-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

Behind—and Ahead
Sarah Leathers
© September 26, 2007

I’ve battled my enemy hard. I’ve battled him all day.
The sword I’ve chosen is my own. The wielding my own way.
With wounds I feel deep in my soul I look around—
My Savior, where is He? He’s nowhere to be found.
“Why aren’t You here to fight with me?” I call out through the night.
“This is Your battle I’m waging here. Why aren’t You gonna fight?”
I hear Him call from far away—His words so clear and true.
“Put down your sword and stand behind so I can fight for you.”

Another sweep from the enemy hordes, I am standing all alone.
My arm is sore, my sword is dull, my heart feels like a stone.
The fortress I’ve made of my heart was the way for my pride to grow.
But now all I see is the rubble of the righteousness I’ve tried to sow.
“Where are You LORD?” I call again, my voice is growing weak.
“I’ve tried so hard to do Your will. Your ways I’ve tried to seek.
So where are you now, when I need You most—the enemy strikes again.
I’m all torn up, I’ve tried to fight, but I find that self-sufficiency’s sin.”
I hear Him call from nearer now—His words so clear and true.
“Put down your sword and stand behind so I can fight for you.”

I feel like falling in a heap. I’ve tried so hard to do the right
With my own self-strength a goal locked in my sight.
If my fortress is truly built in vain then all my “goodness” was for naught—
I suppose that doing this on my own is truly not my lot.
I’m so confused—so all alone. Where does He want me to be?
In this place, or that. I’m really trying to see.
I want to do what He desires—I’m trying my very best.
I have a sword—though kinda dull—and a heart that needs a rest.
He speaks again from near my side—His words so soft but true—
Sarah, get behind Me so I can fight for you.

I choose this day to step behind, so He can fight for me.
I ask Him to build the wall of the fortress He wants me to be.
I’m not quite sure where now we’ll go. I’m no longer in the lead.
The sword I need to sharpen—His word I need to read.
I dread the day I try to fight this battle again alone.
For then I know I have a heart as heavy as a stone.
But I know that He’ll speak again with words so plain and true.
Sarah, get behind Me so I can fight for you.

Are you trying to fight this battle alone? Are you using the wrong sword? There is nothing more victorious than letting Him fight--and carrying the sword of His word...~!

2007-09-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

Nu-uh! Ya-huh!

Ever heard one of those? My Government teacher said something today about school fights and I turned to Amy Brown and said, "We still have fights in our school!"

Anna and I get along better nowadays than we ever have. I say that and will probably go have a debate with her in the next hour. That's just how my life is. I boast about something and God says, "Ok, big girl, you better be ready to act upon that boast!"

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

~2 Timothy 2:23-26

The last few days have been a rollercoaster ride for our family. Somehow someone around here always has a complaint to issue. There are so many things that I would LOVE to say. Bringing to light the obnoxious, rude, manipulative, and mean things that THEY have said would not only be easy, but I tend to think that it would be satisfying. At least--for that brief moment before the Holy Spirit smacked me upside the head and groaned, "Whadja do that for?!"

But rather than look just at those big annoyances, I should just stop and recall the last fight I had with Anna. It was probably stupid too. And remember the verse where it says a servant of God should not quarrel? If you are flinching a little, listen to this....

"He who loves a quarrel loves sin...."

~Proverbs 17:19a

How are your relationships with brothers and sisters right now? Do you need to go apologize for your part in a "kafafle" in which you took part? Quarreling is easy for the moment~the effects of a quarrel may last a lifetime.

2007-09-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

Godly Envy-And I the Cause?

I was procrastinating my Bible reading this morning--don't ask me why. There was nothing on Fox News that could possibly interest me more, but then again I find such dumb reasons for saying, "I'll read later." Anyway, I finally hoisted my deadness to the bedroom and climbed on my bed so that I could finish the portion of study I did not finish last night. *so now you know about yesterday's procrastination!* When I finished I turned to James so that I could grab a scripture for the day--you know, the one about resisting the devil and he would flee from you. I decided to read the whole chapter. Then I discovered this verse:

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit He caused to live in us envies intensely? But He GIVES US MORE GRACE(!)" (emphasis mine) ~James 4: 4-6a~

OUCH! I don't think you could imagine the worldly things I battle. The verse clearly says, "friendship toward the world is hatred toward God." I hated my sinful mind for struggling to make myself go have a quiet time. I don't know what has come over me lately, but I seem to be struggling to have quality time in God's Word. It seems more one of those tasks that I check off at the end of each day rather than the most exciting thing I could imagine. And I hate myself for it.

But at the end of the verse it says, "And He gives us more grace." MORE GRACE? I DON'T DESERVE MORE GRACE! YET HE GIVES IT ANYWAY? And once again I am humbled in the presence of the Almighty. He wants me to draw near to Him, learn of Him, desire to never leave His presence. And when I don't, He gives me more grace. Even as His child, I am still stunned and amazed at how great He is--especially when I am not. He is ENVIOUS when I turn to other worldly desires to sate my emptiness. Envious. Imagine. My Holy Bridegroom is envious when I depart from His side. It makes me feel unfaithful. Like a bride caught in sin. And I am yet again humbled.

So now I have to ask, have you spent time in His Word today? If not, what is holding you back? When I don't get absorbed in His word it is usually because I think I am too busy, or that I can do it later. Suppose later never comes? So if your mom is not expecting you to do something right now, go spend a few moments reading your Bible. Ask God to meet you there and speak to your heart. It'll be worth it.

He is jealous----jealous for YOU!

In the service of the King,
Sarah Leathers

2007-09-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

For Such A Time As This

God placed Queen Esther in the palace for a purpose. No doubt, Esther would rather have married a Jew and continued to live under the customs with which she grew up. But God knew that His people would need someone to save them from the foolishness of a king and the greed of a tyrant. That person was Esther. When faced with a true issue of life or death, Esther balked. Mordecai reminded her gently, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this." Mordecai knew that God would bring deliverance to the Jews no matter whether Esther helped or not, but Esther would no doubt miss the blessing if she did not obey.

When I registered for college classes I expected to have a member of our church as my English Composition professor. By a strange twist of scheduling, I ended up getting a different woman as my teacher. I had turned my teacher situation over to God from the registration day--and now I questioned His reasoning. "God, why did You put me in this lady's class? You know I really don't want to face this!" Mom reminded me when I complained, "Sarah, you are here 'for such a time as this'. You don't know what God intends to do through you in this woman's life." For such a time as this. At times I feel sorry for myself and adopt the martyr attitude Esther expressed later.."And if I perish, I perish." But I face each of her classes with prayer and an attempt to contemplate on scripture when she imposes her worldly view on the class. I do see His blessing. He allowed me to have this class with three girls from my church (and other churches), so I have that encouragement.

God has us where we are for where we are in our spiritual walk. I have to walk by faith and trust that He has it all under control. I rest in knowing that I am here "for such a time as this."

Sarah Clower, Me, Anna--happy days

2007-08-23T19:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome our new "blogger!" Mom was NOT crazy about Xanga at all so we juggled some things and got Anna a blog here. :-) She is excited. I hope that this one lasts a while. :-l So ~drumroll please~ please give a warm "cyberspace welcome" to.................................... "Anna's Corner"! --drumroll fades--http://a-part-of-my-heart.blogspot.com/...........
I am so excited! P.S. I hope it works. I am getting a funny screen when I do it. HMMMMMMM....you will have better luck --just keep your eyes crossed!

Must dash--I just finished cleaning up a few "sewer spots" (read last blog for info) and now I have to go do my Bible study! God bless.

God's Gal Sarah

2007-08-23T18:22:00.000-05:00

The Stopped Up Drains of our Lives

So I was sitting here just wondering what I could post. What had happened in my life lately? What had God done? Because our plumbing seems to be backing up into our sinks these days my mind seems preoccupied with that. So I wondered, "What can I learn from these annoying drains and the plumbers who work on them?" I was drawing a blank so I asked Mom and she answered simply, "Patience." So now we know what SHE was thinking. But for some reason I was not satisfied with that and so I began to think harder. Then ~BOOM~ (well not quite like that) I wondered, "Why is my life like that drain sometimes?" So picture it with me--my life ~yours if you like~ --like a drain. Sin gets washed into my life everyday. Sometimes more than I can take. Sin will build up and completely clog my flow. Soon it backs up and I am overwhelmed by it all. So then what can I do? I try the world's solutions and "plunge" away at the problem. But that does not help. What else can I do but call my Plumber. (I hate referring to God as a plumber--He will certainly flush everything bad out of the line) God comes and makes everything drain right again. What I love about God is that He never refuses when He has to come again and AGAIN to clean me out. How does you drain--I mean life--look right now? Do you need to call your Plumber and have Him come and clean you out agian? It makes me want to do some soul searching right now.

By the way~ our drains are still stopped up and our plumbers are just having issues with the whole thing. Aren't you glad that our God does things right--the first time? May I never get in the way of what He wants to do!

2007-08-20T10:31:00.000-05:00

A Medly of My Heart

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but NOW I'm found--was blind but now I see.

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus--just to take Him at His word.

Without Him I could do nothing--Without Him I'd surely fail.

Without Him I would be drifting like a ship without a sail.

For I know Whom I have believed--and am pursuaded that He is able

To keep them which are committed unto Him against that day.

I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice

To worship You--all my soul rejoice.

Take joy, my King, in what Your hear.

Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved.

How precious did that grace appeared

and Grace will lead me home!

Have you ever just stopped and sang a love song to Jesus? These words each have a melody and accompaning verses, but each says something in praise to our God. Just stop and sing a song--a love song--to your very Best Friend. After all, we owe Him EVERYTHING!

2007-07-17T14:49:00.000-05:00

My summer Angel.

Well, today is the last day I have Kate Janae Warren in my care. She goes to her new sitter tomorrow--I am both happy and sad. I thought that I would post a few to let you in on the precious gift I have been blessed to love and care for this summer.

Happy girl!
Sleepy Girl~
Talking Girl~
Puckering Girl~!

How are you all this summer? We have been extremely busy already. Next week my nephews and niece come to visit. I have another mouth surgery on Tuesday (yuck). I will go and spend two days in a lawyer's office and learn from his paralegal. I am excited about that. After that we spend a couple days with Mamaw and Papaw--and then we start school.

We lost our cook a few weeks ago--so guess who has a job. :-) So I will do Geometry and cook till college classes begin at the end of August. Please pray for our family during this busy time.

We just got back from youth camp. Mom and Dad went as teachers and sponsors--so they are so exhausted. We all are, really. On no night did we get to bed any later than midnight--and most nights it was nearly one. :-( I am not used to that!

I really need to run--I hope someday I can update on more than just the overview of my life--'

God's Gal Sarah

2007-06-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

I have not updated in over a month. This is so bad. I feel awful...sorta. lol. What is happening? So glad you asked. :-)

Well, we finished school a few weeks ago. I finished a little earlier than Anna did. I was so glad to get done with the Algebra II thing. *screams in joy* I start some college work in the fall and my nerves are a little stiff over that. I went and got my books for the classes the other day and I had to stop and pray for my time using them. Since this is not a Christian college, there are things in the books that I have not made myself deal with as a homeschooled student. For example..."Evan's Two Mom's." I need not say more. I read that and wanted to cry over the fear I felt in my heart. God taught me something--I cannot depend on my own strength, but must depend on HIS. I will survive this. But only by depending on HIM.

On June 1st I had "reconstruction" work on my mouth. In preparation for bridgework a surgeon lifted my gums, shaped the bones underneath, trimmed the gums, and then grafted some tissue from the roof of my mouth to a spot on my gums. I was on some pretty high pain-killer (800mg. of Ibprofen) for ten days. Now that things are healing I will be preparing for the actual bridgework to be done. *whoope*

As for my summer work, I am babysitting a 4 mo. old. Her name is Kate and she is so precious. I will get a picture of her on here later...when I have more time! She keeps me hopping. Life is so interesting this summer!

Ok, now I have updated. I can do more intense detailing later, but I have to run for now!

God bless,
Sarah

2007-05-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

Fright--no strike that--PANIC--not detailed enough--TERROR--that's what I felt when I got pulled over today in Borger. I finally got pulled onto the highway from a busy stop sign and saw a policeman pull after me with his lights flashing. I rolled my eyes and began to rehash what I had just done--wondering what in the world I had done to deserve this. Suddenly, I see Anna put on her seatbelt. *sighs with a pretty close idea of why I was getting stopped* I finally got out of the road construction and pulled to the shoulder. He followed me. I threw the car into park and prepared to surrender myself, my lisence, and our car registration to his mercy. I was also trying to figure out what I would say to Mom when she discovered I had received a ticket. Funny part was, the policeman walked to Anna's window. I will attempt to reconstruct our conversation with Deputy_____ --I was so scared I cannot remember his name.

Deputy (to Anna) : Hello ma'am. Can I ask how old you are?
Me: Her--oh she's 15.
Deputy (to Anna) : Do you have any ID?
Me: No she doesn't. But I do. I'm the driver.
Deupty--smiling: I can see you're driving. *he takes my lisence and begins taking infro from it*
Deputy (to Anna): Do you have a reason for not wearing a seatbelt at the stop sign back there.
Anna: Yes.
Deputy: What is it?
Anna: I forgot.
Deputy(to Anna) : What's your last name?
Anna: Leathers
Deputy: What's your first name?
Anna: Anna
Deputy: Do you have a middle name?
Anna: Louise.. *and then they discuss the spelling*
Deputy (to me this time) : so are you just picking her up from school?
Me: (Shaking, quaking, and nearly ready to wet my pants) No--we are just going home from a Financial Peace class from our church. * Sounded dumb but doctors will tell you that giving so much unneccessary info. is a sign of fear.*
Deputy: I will go to my car and bring this right back to you. *he walks off with my lisence*

At this point I lean my head agains the steering wheel and groan repeatedly--a sure sign of my dread and anger.

Anna: are you ever going to speak to me again?
Me: Oh sure.
Anna: What is this going to do to Mom and Dad.
Me: (besides giving them a simultaneous heart attacks?) Well, we'll have to pay for the ticket and their insurance will probably go up.
Anna: Oh.
During this spare time I pray that he will be gracious and just give us a warning.

Deputy returns--not carrying paper--which is a good sign.

Deputy (to Anna) : Well I'll tell ya what I am going to do. You know this "Click it or Ticket" thing we are doing--I'm sure you've seen the commercials...
Anna: No sir, I don't watch much TV. *surely by now he knows this is the first time I have been stopped--and now he knows we are just abnormal.*
Deputy: Well, anyway, I am going to get yelled at by my chief, but I am going to let you go this time. You are eligible for a citation, but I am just going to let you go this time. Remember to buckle up after this. I am going to get yelled at by my superiors for this.
Me: Well, if it's any consolation to ya, she's going to get yelled at when we get home. My mom's going to have a cow when she hears this. *thanks chatterbox--you can shut up now*
Deputy: Well y'all have a good day.
Anna: Thank you sir. *She shakes his hand and rolls up her window--then slumps in her seat*

I grip the steering wheel and hope that I can pull out of this parking lot correctly so that I don't get a ticket. All the way home Anna wondered what Mom was going to say. I was just grateful that I did not have an accident right then and there.

The good side of this--I can't think of any. I suppose that Anna will remember her seat belt from now on. You know, the funny part was, he really did not seem to care whether the car was ours or not. I could have been driving a stolen vehicle and all he would have seen was that Anna was not buckled. Anna says that from the way I was acting he probably thought I was high on something. I was ...adrenaline, fear, and the need to kill someone--younger than me and unbuckled.

FROM ANNA: Hey guys this is the bum in jail attire. thanks for reading this blog and i hope that you got a nice laugh at my expense!! LOVE YOU ALL!! Anna

Anna had to cancel her XANGA site. We are going to "reintroduce" her to cyber space when we find a blog place that she can use that Mom and Dad feel better about.

I hope you had a good laugh! We are laughing about it---NOW.

Till later,
God's Gal Sarah

2007-05-18T12:08:00.000-05:00

We are home! Tuesday afternoon was grand because we finally we able to get out of the car for more than just a night or two. We went 3700 miles on this vacation--and here is my journal of our trip. Please forgive the choppy places and odd spots. I had this typed on Word and therefore when I copied and pasted I ended up with a funny looking journal. I hope you enjoy what you read--I have so many more pics too, but I did not want to bore you so early on! I am currently getting an error message when I try to upload pictures, so I will do a "pictoral demonstration" later!

Especially read the Thursday, May 10 entry--there you will find the interesting encounter Anna had with a bird and my amazing ability to break elevators! God bless, ya'll!

Friday, May 4, 2007

We finally left the house about 4:15 p.m. Of course, we had to stop and mail an envelope, but then we drove on our way. We stopped at Sayre, Oklahoma and got Anna’s tennis shoes from Mamaw before we began our trek again. Dad had originally planned to stop in Oklahoma City for the night, but Mom figured that we could make it to Fort Smith, Arkansas before the day got too late. We made it six miles from the Arkansas border before Dad shut it down for the night. The hotel we got had a bed made from plywood *I assume* but we had a place to sleep nonetheless.

Saturday, May 05, 2007

SATURDAY—ARKANSAS! We are finally in the “Natural State.”. Dad went to the little hotel office and got a couple cups of coffee for him and Mom. About three cups later he decided that he’d better not look too odd going back yet AGAIN for more. We finally got away from the hotel about 8:30 this morning. We drove the last six miles from the hotel to Fort Smith I made the comment upon waking up that whatever used to be on the front of my body was now on the back. *So much for sleeping well on my stomach* Now, I must admit that I did sleep—hard! J Trees and shrubbery surround us as we are traveling on the interstate. Solid cloud cover makes the day seem beautiful and cool—though I assure you that Arkansas has a middle name of mugginess.
Trees rise from the ground with pencil straightness. Rivers are running with “white” water. I have to admit that Texas rivers have nothing on these babies. We will cross the Mississippi later today and I will try to get more pictures there. Later!
A day later~ well, we did stop and see the Mississippi. And *lucky us* we arrived during the Cinco de Mayo. Maybe it was not the BEST time to be there because of the alcohol consuming crowds, but I admit I did get some great photos ofthe river. After a couple of hours we left and headed towards Dyersburg, Tennessee. We made it to Dyersburg about 4:30 p.m. and visited with Mom’s cousins a while. Anna and I swam in the cousin’s pool with a second cousin who we had never met. (Which is interesting let me tell you) J We stayed with my great uncle and aunt while visiting that area. Mom and Dad took the guest room, I had a twin bed, and Anna slept on the couch. *She volunteered! Don’t think that I “bossed” her into it! Sheesh*

SUNDAY—May 6, 2007

We got up this morning about seven and got ready to go to church. Uncle Joe and Aunt Naydene go to one church, Tina and Barry go to yet another church, and Theresa and Brad are members of yet A THIRD church. When they asked where we wanted to go, Dad did not choose but rather said that we would go where the more youth went. So we went to Theresa’s church. Sunday school seemed pretty good. Somehow I felt a part of the young people. Well, as much a part as a visitor can feel I suppose. Unfortunately, the church’s music leader is dying of a cancer around his heart—so we had a prayer time and heard so many broken hearts expressed through prayers and tears. We ate with the family at Uncle Joe’s and Naydene’s house for lunch. Olivia, (belongs to Tina and Barry) Anna, and I watched Yours, Mine, and Ours while we ate and skipped out on the dishes. J Our family waited until about 3:45 p.m. before we started out again. We are on I-40 headed towards Nashville. I grow more and more excited. I will update more later!

LATER:
Well, we went through Nashville and I got so few pictures it embarrassed me. In my defense it is hard to take GOOD pictures out of a car going 65-70 mph. So there) We drove to the edge of Knoxville, T.N. before we grabbed a room at the Laquinta Inn and bedded down for the night. We got there about 10:00 p.m. our time, 11:00 p.m. their time!

MONDAY— May 7, 2007
We are trekking again. About an hour from the Virginia border, we are puttering on I-40 headed towards Virginia Beach. I am SO excited—though we suspect that another eight hours stretch from here to the beach. We have changed time zones so we have indeed lost another hour. L Time change does not put me “totally out”—though I have a hard time accepting that the night draws to 9:20 instead of 8:20. We have passed through the Appalachian Mountains and part of the Smokies in the dark. I think that that might stand as one reason we stopped—we did not want to miss the view. I will update more later!
A DAY LATER~
Well, we made it to Virginia—and through Virginia—and to Virginia Beach in one day! We all grew a little tired of the car by the time we made to the Atlantic. I was so glad to finally see the ocean. By the way, the Atlantic does not really appear all that beautiful—just so you know. Great to see? Beyond reasoning great. I HAVE SEEN AN OCEAN!

TUESDAY—May 8, 2007

We are currently heading to the Chesapeake Bay tunnel. J It is the most interesting experience knowing that you are going under a bay or ocean in a tunnel. It makes me aware of the technology in which math is used. *which also makes me painfully aware of how much I hate math!* We ate at a little place called the Galley last night. Mom was still getting adjusted to the climate and the roaring seas, so she just sat (almost numbly) in the booth and held her fists in clenched balls. The restaurant seemed awfully dank and strange, but everything seemed that way to me. Our waiter had an interesting sense of humor, though I could have done without it. The buffet was an all you can eat, but they wanted $24 a person! Mom kinda got bugg-eyed, I gulped, and we asked for a menu. Dad is determined to eat seafood tonight—before we go back. I look forward to it—

LATER~

GUESS WHAT! I AM CROSSING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY! AS WE SPEAK! Just think—our forefathers crossed this very bay when they came seeking freedom from a tyranny that refused them their own worship. The land looks like a haze around us—how it must have looked to their weary eyes. “LAND HO, LAND HO,” must have been the most wonderful words.
A DAY LATER—
Well, we made it through the tunnel and back to the hotel. We finally ate seafood yesterday. We discovered that we all ate for the same amount that two people could have eaten at the Galley. I believe that we are back to snacking for the remainder of the trip. After we ate and walked the shops a bit we went back to the hotel and rested. We let ourselves down for a while before we all went and got some sand and sea in three water bottles. We all got wet in the ocean last night. Even Mom and Anna got fairly wet. You might say we got as wet as we could without actually swimming immersing ourselves in it. J We watched three or four surfers ride the waves before we tromped back into the room for a little more R&R. We used the DVD player in the room and watched National Treasure to “prep” us for Washington D.C.. At least—everyone else watched it. After I bathed I fell soundly asleep.

ZzZzZzZzZzZ ZzZzZzZzZzZ

WEDNESDAY—May 9, 2007

We are headed to Williamsburg, V.A. for a visit to the old colonial part of the city. Mom and Dad mentioned something about Jamestown, but I have no idea if we will make it there or not! We left V.A. Beach this morning about 9:30. We are about to go back in the “Hampton Bay tunnel” *or something like that* and then we will be headed to Williamsburg. We rested yesterday—and therefore prepared our feet for the three or four days of walking ahead of us. I will update more later! God bless….
LATER—
We made it to Colonial Williamsburg today and walked over the land. I enjoyed the day immensely! We saw a reenactment, men building a corncrib, a field of tobacco ready for planting, and so much more. Even all the nails that were used to make the buildings were hand made. So far I enjoyed Williamsburg more than anything we have seen. For all I know, the colonial reenactments were as true to the original as they could possibly be. The women were dressed with care to that era. Mom, ever the seamstress, pointed our later that the hems of their garments were cut with pinking shears and left that way. Even though their garments were not sewed to perfection I think they were still quite lovely. We got to go in the Governor’s Palace. I suppose my favorite part of that was the simple beauty of the bedrooms. Mrs. Marion has the taste of that period! The bedrooms exemplify some of the taste she utilizes throughout her own homes. The pictures I took could tell all. Right now we are on the interstate headed for Richmond. It is 5:43 p.m. and we are going to go as far as we can in the daylight. Hopefully I can explain more later—right now I am bushed and in need of a little “brain rest.”

LATER~ It is 8:34 p.m. Eastern time. We are headed to Alexandria for the night. We will have to transfer hotels tomorrow, but we are going to get settled at D.C. for tonight. After all the drive time, I think Mom and Dad have decided to fly next visit to this area.

THURSDAY—May 10, 2007
We did make it to Alexandria last night. (Please don’t ask me what time!) We stayed at the Quality Inn since we did not have reservations until today here at the Courtyard Marriott. I discovered this morning that Mom and I both prayed for God to put a troop of angels around our car—needless to say we did not approve of the neighborhood. Anna had some laundry to do so Dad was making the trips to the machines for her. A guy asked Dad for a quarter—Dad kinda said no. As Dad went to the dryer a while later he saw the man again—stoned on something. Anna says the fella found his quarter. (LOL) We all got to ride the Metro subway today. It was really pretty cool. Takeoffs and stops make ma a little queasy, but it was pretty great nonetheless. The National Aquarium became a short stop instead of the long afternoon station that I had expected. Maybe I had my hope and expectations too high. It was still very interesting. I got to see an octopus—I was not supposed to take a picture but I did not see the sign until it was too late. I have a picture of him anyway! I suppose that you might say we hit the jackpot. We got to see the feeding of the piranhas. The guide said that the piranhas would only have feeding frenzies if they were too hungry. They appeared to eat fast to me1 Needless to say; I do not want to tangle with them—EVER! Our lunch consisted of a pack of crackers and an energy bar in the “food court” of the Reagan Center. While we ate a most peculiar thing happened. A bird decided to “relieve himself” and did so right on Anna’s hand. It splattered and dotted my pants, shirt, and arm; but Anna got the worst of the mess. *she handled it well,bless her heart...*
We rode to the top of the old post office tower and got the full view of D.C. after lunch. We also got to see the bells of Congress. These bells show their massiveness well. When the bells are pealing, the bell pullers have to tug for 6 hours straight. If one person hits a wrong note then the entire group must stop ringing. The bells were actually pretty impressive.
I broke an escalator today. Not on purpose, I assure you. Basically I was sticking my toes as close to the crack between the steps as I could. My toes caught in the groove and stopped the escalator. Yes—it was embarrassing. As a small consolation we were the only ones on the staircase.
We ate at a little restaurant in the Holiday Inn tonight. I ordered some kind of Philly steak sandwich tonight. I don’t know what I was thinking. I HATE onions and this sandwich was FULL of them. Actually it turned our pretty good. *ok, I liked it—so what* We decided to come back to the hotel for the night before we have our tours with Mac Thornberry’s office tomorrow. I think that we will have a TON of walking to do in the days ahead—so I will have to get some rest for now. J LATER! P.s. it is 8:48 right now~
And the trip goes on…

FRIDAY—May 11, 2007

We got up fairly early this morning so we could meet Mac Thornberry’s office by 9:30 a.m. After we got ready we hit the metro and headed for his office. We arrived about 30 or 45 minutes early and had a chance to actually meet with Mac for a visit. Though I did not get a picture, I did enjoy the chat immensely. Mac’s secretary, Kala, took us on the tour of the Capitol. (By the way, CAPITOL is spelled the way it is because Thomas Jefferson said so. He chose that particular spelling because the Roman main center *acropolis* is spelled with an “o.” So there is your worthless info for today) We had to wait about an hour to get into the Capitol and there were quite a few people everywhere, but I loved all of the tour. After that tour we went to the Holocaust museum. Going there was one of those experiences where I would only want to do it once or twice in a lifetime. I mean it was very gruesome. There were four floors to the building and we made it through the bottom floor and then they took us to the fourth floor for the self guided tour. After a short time on the third floor we decided to forego the remainder of the museum and head towards something more lighthearted. We trudged to the Washington Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial where we were all amazed. We even caught a glimpse of the White House from where we were. About 3:00 p.m. we headed toward our next appointment at the Library of Congress. We were beginning to get frustrated, sore, tired, angry, and winded by the time we made it to the Library—15 minutes late. We still made it to our tour before they left. I admit, even though I would have given up earlier the trip to the Library was SO worth it. After our tour there we went and ate some supper before the shuttle came and took us back here to the hotel. I think we are going to try and finish our touring tomorrow and will hopefully hit the trail homeward Sunday. We will see later. I will run for now. I am so tired and my feet need a rest. I’ll update later! J

SATURDAY—May 12, 2007

I did not sleep well last night. We got up slowly this morning, though. Anna jumped in the shower and with all of us there did not seem enough bath time. I did not get my shower so I left feeling a little grimy. We went first to the Arlington Cemetery and got to see the changing of the guard. We stayed there for a few hours and ate our cracker lunch at the visitor’s center. After that we caught the Metro and rode to the Air and Space Museum. We got to watch a few minutes of a video of the “space race” over the past few years, and we got to see a lot of planes, space “thingies” and TONS of other space stuff. The Wright Brother’s plane reproduction was there and we all got to enjoy that. We all trudged over to the National Archives where we saw the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. We had a great—yet short—time there. We had wanted to go to the Iwo Jima memorial, but our feet hurt. We figured that with the Metro delays we needed to head back to the hotel. We ate at the same place we did last night before we came back here to the hotel and propped our feet up. We will head home tomorrow morning early. I still need to take a bath and kinda prepare all my stuff for the loading Dad is already planning….vacation is beginning to wind down.

SUNDAY—May 13, 2007

Welll, Dad was ready to head out early this morning. We got up about 5:00 and began to get ready to scoot outta there. We were loaded and leaving the hotel approximately at 5:45. We made it to the interstate and are headed home. Today is Mother’s Day and Anna and I gave Mom her presents a couple of days ago. We delivered her cards to her today.
I was thinking back to when our trip first started and I will now do a short recapping overview of everything we have done:

1. Left home and visited family in Tennessee on our way to Virginia Beach…
2. Made it to Virginia Beach and stayed there a couple days—though we did not get to actually SWIM in the ocean…
3. Drove to Williamsburg, VA where we saw the reenactments and the old colonial town…
4. Drove to Alexandria VA and stayed there while we commuted back and forth on the metro to Washington D.C.
We did so much on the “in-between” days—but this was an overview

We did so much more on the “in-between” days—but that was a brief overview. J I think that I am glad to be headed home. I will be energized to finish my school and get to my summer work. I must admit, that after seeing the Capitol and all, I long to act more maturely and be ready for whatever God wants for me. I have said to myself so much lately—“GROW UP SARAH.” Maybe I will this time.

Hello this is Anna, I love you so much Sarah!!!!

MONDAY—May 14, 2007

We did not make it as far as we could have last night. We stopped in a little town called Pigeon Forge, TN., and went to the Dixie Stampede. It was SO worth it. Before the event began we had some time to kill so we all went to the outlet mall thy havd there. Anna found herself a pair of capris that she got for a good price. WE edid not shop long before we headed went to the building for the stampede. We arrived for the “pre-show” and drank our non-alcoholic strawberry-daiquiris and orange sherbets while a really good band played. Anna taped some of their music—especially the fiddler—and she really loved it, we all did! Normally I HATE country music, but what they played was not country. They merely showed their talents on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bass through fast music. After our pre-music we went to the main event. I think there were three or four tiers of tables that rose above the arena. The announcer put the opposite sides of the arena against each other as the NORTH and SOUTH. Our waiters and waitresses were dressed as each side would have been—in blue and gray. We were attended by a blue suited waitress named Libby. She was SO nice.
We were all required to cheer for our side and stomp our feet when th announcer said “Stampede.” After a little while our food was served. Our meal came in four courses and here is what we ate:
1. Creamed Vegetable soup
2. A cheese roll
3. A whole baked chicken (a piece)
4. Smoked pork
5. Potato wedge
6. Apple turnovers

They did not give us any forks or anything—so we had to ear with our fingers.
Since we were already divided by sides with a vast arena between us, the war between the North and South was ready to begin. Through a number of races and “audience involved” events the sides took medals for each task they won. Contrary to history—the SOUTH won. No pictures were allowed to be taken of the event, so I have so little to show for what we did. It was one of my favorite things we did! We went back to the hotel and went swimming in the indoor pool for near an hour before we went back up and got some shuteye. We got up this morning and I got a shower. About 6:15 we went to the breakfast room and ate before we loaded up and headed out. Right now we are taking the scenic tour headed to I-40 and Nashville. We are taking a longer route—but a prettier drive before we “rack-er-back” and go homeward again. We might not make it home until tomorrow, but we are headed that way! Till Later! J

TUESDAY—May 15, 2007

We stopped at Sallisaw, O.K. last night. We are about 5-6 hours away from home, but we are on the interstate again. Anna and I got to go swimming again last night. Anna’s ear got stopped up again and the water was so warm that I began to get sick, so we did not swim very long. Two ladies and their children left shortly after we arrived at the pool—and they left behind their long hairs. Those pesky hairs wrapped around our ankles and ran through our fingers. We were SO grossed out and began to lay the hairs up on the side of the pool. We laid up at least 20 or so. *makes my liver quiver* WE slept well and ate a light breakfast at the lobby before we loaded up and started out this morning. It is 7:30 a.m. and we are looking at being home shortly after noon. I am SO looking forward to being there. Maybe I will do one more update to let you know when we got home, but then again this journal has so much to say already. This vacation has been everything I could have dreamed and more. Here are the capitals we have seen:

1. Oklahoma City
2. Little Rock
3. Nashville
4. Richmond
5. Washington D.C.

Here are the mountain ranges we have traveled through:

1. Blue Ridge
2. Allegany
3. Great Smokies

After all the places we have traveled, home still seems like a good place to be. I know that with the time off my school will require my full attention for the next couple weeks. But you know what, I know God will help me—and my summer will show up before I know it. I hope you have enjoyed being my record of our happenings. May I never forget what I have seen and heard.

2007-05-03T17:02:00.000-05:00

Pray---Pray---Pray---oh yeah--and you could pray!

The Clampets *Leathers* are going to D.C.

If things go according to plan, and God wills it, my family and I will be leaving tomorrow evening for Washington D.C. *no this is not a recording* We hope to get far enough along tomorrow so that we will not be stuck in land we have already seen while it is still light out. Please pray for our safety there and back. Mom, Anna, and I are all taking our digital cameras so I hope to have more pictures than you would ever care to see by the time we get home again.

I cannot wait to see our history laid out in monuments and museums. Hopefully I will still have tears left when we get home again. Mom plans to weep then ENTIRE trip. One of my biggest fears: I will be asked to drive somewhere crowded and frightening. The good part about being a young driver is that Mom and Dad are probably not going to ask me to for the most part. LOL!

Love to all of you! See you in a couple weeks Mamaw and I

Ann
Mom^Mamaw^Trinket^Me

2007-05-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

Anna has a Xanga site! *we hope it works* please drop by and leave her a message. We both need all the help we can get with understanding how to edit posts --etc. etc...
http://www.xanga.com/antyann

See ya!
God's Gal sarah

2007-04-24T17:25:00.000-05:00

SPUR BENTON LEATHERS

I know I am such a bad auntie. I have not had many good pictures of the little guy to post. So now I have to make up for lost time.

Hello
Grammy and Spur

^This is my brother, Jonathan, carrying his son around.

He's got the chuckles
He was born last August *boy I really am bad* and he is in like big boy clothes. :-)

Later Guys!

God's gal Sarah

2007-04-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

I had this picture that a sweet lady took at our Easter performance. I did not get it posted--so here it is! Dawn, Jon, Spur, Mom, Me, Anna, Dad!

TaDa!

Till later!

God's Gal Sarah

2007-04-18T16:26:00.000-05:00

DON'T BE AFRAID

Have you ever felt like you are surrounded by fears you can neither explain nor seem to escape? I know I have. Moments like these cause my heart to worry and shrink in fear. A quote from FACING THE GIANTS says it well: "Sounds like your fear is about to clobber your faith." I know that so often my eyes waver from the Savior and I start sinking in the waves of doubt.

Did you also know that we are told 365 times in the Bible to not be afraid? When you compare that number to the days in a year, we are told not to be afraid once for each day of each week of each month--forever. :-)

I don't know what God is choosing to put in your path right now. For me it is college enrollment in the morning. *by the way, you could pray for me!*

When I know that I should not fear I also have to hold on to the promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Be encouraged that God Almighty never sleeps or slumbers. I know I am!

Be blessed this day, dear reader. Rest in the knowing that we never leave His grasp.

Till later--

God's Gal Sarah

When you don't understand

The purpose of His plan

In the Presence of your KING---

Bow the Knee.

2007-04-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

BOW THE KNEE PART ONE

Ok, my nights have run together. So here are pics that I will just hope explain themselves!

Bret's (Jesus) back--getting ready for the show

And no, this is not real!

A few precious faces Mom caught
The younger members of the group

Anna and I are on the left

More pictures! :-)
Robby (Pilate) getting his facial!

Jason is our youth pastor--and also our Judas!
BEFORE^

And AFTER^^
The set^
Jesus getting his beard applied

Who is this? LOL! We were on our way---
I kinda like this pose!

Jesus had a little more beard!

I just can't get away from kids. Here I am in my costume and watching the toddler, Bryson! *Cutie*

^HUH? ^Chinese before he got a trim!

LOL! I hope that these spur your imagination of how wonderful it was to see this play come together! God was so good! I hope to tell you more later--in more detail! God bless.

~Sarah

2007-04-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

END OF NIGHT #1

Glory Hallelujah! The first performance is done--and it went so well. God truly worked in this night's singing. Here are the relieved faces that ate supper at 9:30!

Not her best face--but she is tired!
Hello---no not you!

More tomorrow!

2007-04-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

NIGHT #1

Greetings!

Our Easter program, Bow the Knee, begins tonight @ 7! Here a few pics of Mom, Anna, and I to whet your eyes for hopefully more to come. WE were told to do dark makeup so that the lights would not flush us out. So here we are---

^Anna^
^Ahem, Ahem^
Mom and *Ahem*
Anna, Mom, *Ahem*
Mom is SO beautiful! :-)

Dark makeup or no, she is still gorgeous.

Pray for us tonight!

For those who can come, our next performances are: April 6 (Friday) @7

April 7 (Saturday) @ 4:30 and @ 7

FBC Borger.....Please come if you can! It will be amazing.

I hope I will post a few more later....till then!

sarah

2007-03-24T15:54:00.000-05:00

WELCOME SPRING!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature;...

Behold~the old is passed away....

And New things have come!

God, thank you so much for the rain You have sent to carry in the Spring. We are so grateful and humbled by Your merciful grace.

2007-03-09T08:21:00.001-06:00

2007-03-08T14:51:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more pics that I did not get on the other post: ENJOY!!

Stephen and Alyssa^
Anna, Me, and Alyssa^
Stephen and Gabriel^
Jo Jo the Monkey Boy!^
David^

I will post more as time goes on! God bless!
Sarah

2007-03-08T12:10:00.000-06:00

Hola!

I wanted to share a few photos with you. My seventeenth birthday is Saturday, and my brother's family came to visit. I wanted to show you my nephews and niece. This is my oldest brother's children! :-) Here they are!

Josiah: 7

Stephen: 6

Gabriel: 2

Alyssa: 1

AREN'T THEY PRECIOUS?!?!

:-)

2007-03-01T19:13:00.000-06:00

OK OK! Here are the pics of Anna's and my new glasses!

^^Kinda bright, but whatever!

NOW REMEMBER~ they are only reading glasses, but I thank God for the the opportunity to have them! :-)

God bless all!

Sarah L.

2007-02-24T16:39:00.000-06:00

Greetings and Salutations!

I have to admit something--I learned a lesson from my last post. 1st- don't make assumptions based on the number of comments left in the "post-box." More have told me that they read my blog, and do not leave comments. Sorry to all of you who do--and THANKS FOR READING!!!

Great news. I finished Chemistry with Tina Buschmann. I am so glad that I do not have to make that drive anymore!! Praise God! I passed the class and that was enough for me. :-)

The wind is howling outside right now. We continually pray for God to keep our land from fires. Since last year when we had the HORRIBLE fire problems, our eyes continually wander skyward for signs of smoke. Needless to say, the Leathers rarely complain about the rain or snow!

Mom, Anna, and I are practicing for our church's Easter program. *Bow the Knee* I wondered if any of you heard of, or came to, the performance last year. There was a live orchestrat (Anna was in it) and Mom and I were in the choir. THIS year we are all three doing it and loving it-for the most part. Today in sectionals, our regular piano player was out so I sat in. NOt only were the sopranos together today, but the altos had to also join us! Have you ever tried to play three part harmony in 5 flats? It's more than difficult. It is INFURIATING!!! Everyone said that I did ok.. and my parents were thrilled that I actually did something with all the lessons they have been paying for. *sighs* It really was fun and I am grateful for the experience.

I went in to renew my license yesterday. I walked in the office and sat down. There were three other boys waiting in line ahead of me so I thought, "this could be a LONG wait." Two boys had lost their licenses and were having to redo all the paperwork to get them back. I did not know that at the time and when the lady charged them $24, I thought "oh NO--I don't have that much in my purse." Later I realized that I only had to pay $5 to renew mine--glory hallelujah--and my day was looking brighter. The boy right in front of me walked to the counter and the lady looked at him and said, "PLEASE tell me you have an ID!" Thankfully he had one and was just renewing it like me.
The fun of my turn came when the lady was filling in my info and asked me how old I was. When I said "16" she gasped and told me that she had guessed I was 18. That made my day. Then she told me that I had to have a parent there or had to have proof that I was still in school. Of course I had neither. So she was gracious and let me call Mom to confirm over the phone that I WAS in school--and had a parent. :-) I actually think that the picture looked better on the renewal than it did on my original liscence! It is so great to have a license!!

GUESS WHAT! I am going to get glasses. Sure they are only for reading--but I am excited anyway. They are--well I'll just have to post a picture when I get them. Hopefully Monday. The expereince of getting them was so hilarious. Mom, Anna, and I were looking at frames and trying to decide which ones would be better. I scared Mom to death when I picked out these geeky black frames that practically consumed my face. I scared me too! In the end I picked the frames and she the color. Would you imagine that they are not geekish and they are not black! *chuckles*

I am getting my room redone. (is that how you spell that? Whatever) Anyway, the lady who owns the ranch will be here for maybe two weeks in April and Mom is getting ready for that. We made two trips to Amarillo and got the ball rolling on that. When the task is all done I will post before--during--and after photos of the exciting time we will have before it is all done!

I have not had to take any internet classes this week because the school is on winter break. It has been so nice not to have to write papers, diagram sentences, or spend three combined hours in two classes. I have loved it. Of course, I have had to do all my other classes, but it was nice to be able to study and take my Chemistry exam without fear of not having the time to prepare properly.

Well, I better run!

Love to you and yours--ALL my readers!! :-)

In the service of the Almighty!

Sarah

2007-01-26T14:21:00.000-06:00

FINALLY!

Hello all. By all, I mean the one person who reads my blog--Kaylene Ball! I am finally back at the keyboard for an update.

God is doing some great things in my life. He has begun to convict me of some of my past sins that I have had to get right. He decided that it was time I passed the Accuplacer--I am still waiting to see what He wants me to do in college--and He has really put some much needed peace in my soul. ISN'T HE GOOD?!?!

We are all fine here. Anna is having about with some kind of bug. BOY I HOPE I DON'T GET IT! Mom and Dad remain as busy as ever.

We recently got back from Longview, Texas where Dad taught a horse clinic and preached while horseback. Thus, the pictures!

DAD^^
Rick Brumley (friend of Dad's) went with us and sang.

He did this great song called, "Jesus Put a Yodel in my Soul" It is a yodelling tune of all things!!! :-)

Church leaders in prayer before the church service

^^That picture is stirring to me!

We have been traveling quite a bit lately. We went to Ft. Worth two weeks ago, and then Longview the weekend after that. I have been to Perryton twice in the past week--and I have to admit that a day at home has been GREAT!

There are some new arrivals here at the ranch. A guy here has a dog who recently had puppies. I believe that the last count was three live and five dead. :-( We are sad for those who died, but kinda glad not to have some many more dogs running free! (But I am mainly quoting what Dad says!)

I am currently on the ninth book of the Left Behind series. I am LOVING them. However, I have peeked ahead and one of my favorite characters dies in this book so I am a little dissapointed and anxious about the rest of the story!

Well, I'd best run and do something else!

Interesting code: cul8r Figure it out? read on if you cannot and you will see the answer!

God bless,

Sarah

Thanks for reading, Kaylene!

see you later= cul8r

2006-12-22T09:03:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS PART II!

By the way--it is REALLY hard to type with my finger in a cast. Have you ever tried it? Don't cause it is difficult. BESIDES the fact that it is painful! I hope you get a laugh out of these little things that a friend sent me.

May God bless your Christmas holiday!

His destiny was the cross,

His purpose was love,

His reason was you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ONE OF HIS FLOCK!

2006-12-22T08:42:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We went sledding behind the six-wheeler
On an old car hood--I broke (or jammed) my right index
finger in the process :-(

*Winter Wonderland*
Our Front Door Lighting The Way
Anna and I in our Christmas Pajamas-with Dad
Ok This was funny--I said something kinda humorous about the time my camera clicked--and

Anna was laughing--Isn't she cute?!? :-)

2006-12-04T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hey all! I do not have much time, but I just wanted to upload some pictures of the snow and some things that have been happening around here!

Early Morning Snow***
Anna in front of the house
This kind of reminded me of a Santa's sleigh !
The camera flash reflected off my coat!
The house from a distance*day after snow*

I have a few more that I will put up as soon as I have more time. I really must get back to my school work!

In the service of the Almighty,

sarah

2006-11-23T15:42:00.000-06:00

A GREAT THANKSGIVING BREAK--Part II.

I was not able to get these on my last blog....so I am adding an annex to it.

Anna in an interesting predicament

This picture has been in no way altered

She really did get herself into this place.
"

RIchard Me Diane
Diane^ Anna^ Richard^
Our Motoring Convoy

Anna Four Wheeling
Mom and I (notice the dirt caked on our faces and in our pores)

That will be it for now. I will attempt to do a few more along later, but for now...this is Sarah Leathers, signing off.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!

2006-11-23T15:18:00.000-06:00

A GREAT THANKSGIVING BREAK!

Hello all. These are a few pictures of my past few days. I hope you enjoy watching all the fun we had with our family and friends! Our friends Eddie, Diane, and Richard came and brought their four wheelers. We had a ball riding on them. This picture is of Eddie, Richard, Anna and Dad
~They were talking to Mom~

Anna was SO dirty at the day's end. We went exploring on four wheelers and on the six wheeler. We ate dust all day long! It was really a blast.

I caught Mom in this spot....

It was such a pretty place to rest a spell.

By the way...this is our fishing hole!

Mom and Dad

Mom looking into a culvert.....she will probably die when she sees I put it on my BLOG!!

I will add some more later as time goes on. I have a couple more that you HAVE to see!

2006-11-14T12:23:00.000-06:00

It was truly an amazing weekend! I went to a homeschool young ladies conference at Three Falls Cove. You might say that I left feeling encouraged and uplifted in the Lord. It was GREAT to be around other homeschool girls who loved the Lord and sought to serve Him. I don't have pictures yet, but hopefully I will soon.
Thanksgiving is next week, in case you have forgotten. We were in the grocery store yesterday, and Mom said, " Are we ready to go?"
Me: "Mom, when are we going to get the turkey?"
Mom: "For what."
Me: "Mom, Thanksgiving is next week."
Mom: *with huge bugged eyes* "Oh yeah."
Anna: "You forgot?!?"
hehe..things have just been so busy that it sorta slipped Mom's mind.
Ok...if Thanksgiving is next week, then Christmas is just like five weeks away. *gasp--gasp--gasp* We are going to Lubbock this weekend to do some Christmas shopping, and to have a small breather before our Thanksgiving guests come in next Tuesday.
Well, I have homework to attend to, and I HAVE to practice piano today. Mrs. Forney said that I need to have one of my festival pieces ready before Christmas break....and I am a long way from being prepared!

2006-10-19T14:09:00.000-05:00

My Camera Repair

I recently sent my camera off to be repaired. It felt as if my life rode off in the mail carrier's bags. When something happened, I almost had to fight the urge to run and fetch my digital lifeline for a quick snap. I bugged the camera repair people almost every three or four days to see when I could expect my precious camera returned to me. I grew so anxious..."What if they lost it, or what if the address got confused and they sent my camera to Tejas instead of Texas? Suppose the mail carrier got caught in a stiff wind and the mail blew away...my precious camera caught up in the small hurricane?" I knew that if my camera disappeared I would feel all alone.

Is that not how our relationship with God oftentimes appears? We call on Him every day to see where our prayers stand. Can we expect a reply soon? Will our fears appear on the doorstep, all repaired, in a matter of hours? Oftentimes we wish it, but the truth stands that sometimes our prayers and worries take time to come together. God knows that we cannot "live" without an answer to our requests, but He does His best in a time frame that could only hellp us in the long run.

Yes, my camera will lie on my front porch on Monday, all ready for a photo shoot. I guess that from this harrowing separation, I have discovered that God can and will repair our problems; but in HIS time, not ours. I will be glad to have my cameral home....and I know that the repair people will hope that it never breaks down again. For fear of my constant nagging!

2006-09-29T16:08:00.000-05:00

Are Teens Really Worshiping....Or Just Feelin' the Beat?

In today's fast moving culture, teens tend to feel that they need to have a quick beat surrounding the same twenty words that are sung in constant repetition. Hymns are thought of as "the old people thing" and therefore have no place in our modern churches. Please do not take me wrong, I really do love some of the worship songs that we sing in church, but I think that youth are so dependant on drums and a swinging beat that they forget the purpose of being in church in the first place--to worship God.

In a recent song that I heard, the singer made obvious mentions to dancing while worshipping. After all, "The spirit is in you and me..." I really did not think much of it, but now that I think about it, I realize that many Christian artists try to force youth into believing that swaying your body around is fine when worshipping....are they right? I don't think so. You see, often times youth misconstrue what is right (praising God from the depths of our hearts) and what is for sight only (swaying to and from so that men will THINK you are praising.) Big Dif!!!

Thought....just try to praise God from your heart...if He calls you to raise your hands or worship differently...do it. But try to think of the heart of the matter before you make a spectacle out of yourself for the mere reason of attention.