Yeah, it's gonna hurt...

I thought I had it all under control
I thought my fate was still in my hands
All of my plans were firmly set
By the words they I say
I forgot how quickly things can change
Now my vision can not be the same

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

I need to let go of my destiny
I need to trust in things unseen
I believe in having faith
Though I yield my control
I forgot how quickly things can change
Now my vision can not be the same

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

I'm embracing all of my fears
I am watching them turn to delight
The very fears which
Were gripping my mind
Are now the hands shaping and sculpting my dreams

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

In my world
In my changing world
In my world
In my changing world

(http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/kutless/changing-world.html)

-------------------------

I've always liked this song. It's got great music, lyrics, voices are amazing...but...now I love it.

It's so true.

I thought I had it all under control....I need to let go of my destiny, I need to trust in things unseen.

My world is changing.

The highlight of my week is Sunday night Youth Group - I get to fellowship with my bestest friends. Those guys mean SO much to me. Now, with the approaching school year, things are changing - because the graduates are leaving.

D is moving away. A, C, and K are moving away. J is moving away. Another J isn't moving but won't be coming to Youth Group anymore. Another C will be leaving in the spring....That's half the youth group. And half of my best friends.

That hurts...ya know?

That section of my world is changing.

A year ago, it didn't occur to me that at some point, people would leave the youth group. I didn't even think of it. Honestly, I didn't think about it until our youth camp out that happened this May.

At camp, on the last day, Mr. W told us all to put our hands on the seniors - we were going to have a prayer time for them. It was sweet. Actually, it was really, really sad. We were all bawling. I couldn't STOP crying. I mean, here are those friends that mean the most to me, and...we're saying...goodbye.

At the moment, everyone staying, everything just remaining the same, seems best to me. But...that's not how life works.

We grow up. We change. Those around us change. Plans change. Life changes.

Starting soon, I will be the oldest teen in youth group. Dude, I remember when I was one of the YOUNGEST only two years ago. Now, I will be the one that the younger ones look up to. Not the one looking up to the older ones. My role in the group is changing.

I forgot how quickly things can change...

Yeah. Everyone leaving will be insanely hard, but you know what?

Romans 8:28 stands.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, for them who are the called according to His purpose."

God knows what's best. And He will work all things together for the good of those that love Him, and for His glory.

Easier said than done? Oh yeah. I'll be crying. I know I will. But tears are not forever. And neither is separation. Praise God, not only are these guys my best friends but also my brothers and sisters in Christ. I'll be with them forever worshiping our great, fantastic God.

God has a plan for each one of us. I believe that with all my heart. I don't know what those plans are, but I know that God will do what's best.

I can deal with the pain that comes before the sweet. But not on my own. Philippians 4:13 says that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Through Christ, I can do anything.

Now, "I will praise YOU in this storm!" (-Casting Crowns) Praising God through the hard times is both the hardest and most beautiful.

Yeah. It'll hurt. Bad. But God is always with me, my friends, and you if you trust in Him.

Giving HIM the glory through the storm,

Buttercup

Peer Pressure - good or bad?

Most of the time when you hear about peer pressure, you get this overwhelming feeling that something bad happened. Am I right? For most any age group, this is true. From the time that you are old enough to care what other people your age are doing, until you are too old to care.

Peers - "Friends, those in your same age group, those who influence you."*

Bad peer pressure -

Pressure coming from peers who influence you in a bad way. For example, peers who dress in a way that is immodest, and they tease and pressure you because you dress modestly. That sort of peer pressure influences you to do something that you believe is wrong. People who do that want to do one of two things, 1. lead you astray, 2. make you feel bad because you are different. When you give in to bad peer pressure, you might do, say, and/or think things that you would not have otherwise.

Good peer pressure -

Pressure coming from peers who influence you in a good way. For example, peers who read the Bible and pray daily, they encourage you to do the same because they know that it will help you grow as a believer and grow closer to God. That sort of peer pressure influences you to do something that is right. People who do that want to do one of two things, depending on your situation, 1. they want to lead you to Christ so that you will find your Savior and be saved from eternity in hell, 2. they want to help you learn and grow in Christ.

The number one way to receive good peer pressure and to avoid bad is to choose your friends wisely, choose friends who will influence you in good ways not bad. Also, you personally need to be alert, if you think that someone will try to influence you to do something bad, get away! It would be much better for you to avoid bad influence, then to try to stand against it.

"...be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" Ephesians 6:10.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

*definition take from On The Rock, an AWANA ministries book.

New Year - my favorite songs

Yipes! Yeah, I know, I haven't posted since 2010...Sorry!!! So...let's catch up....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! Thanks for reading my blog!

Okay, now that that is done, I can go on without regrets...

----------------

This last year was awesome! Not only did I grow closer to my parents and siblings and friends, but also my God. Though part of it was painful, sometimes almost more than I could stand, I learned so much about God, and really, I learned what I believe. It was hard, frustrating, painful, tear-jerking, wonderful, amazing, fantastic, and smile-jerking. If you've never gone through something like that before, something that makes you want to scream but you know that's what is best for you, then you probably have no clue what I'm talking about. This last year was probably the hardest but the best year I've ever had.

I love contemporary Christian music; Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Kutless, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, etc, etc, etc. Love them all! But the band who's songs lyrics I really loved this year is Mercy Me. Here are some of my favorite songs from them...

Everything Impossible - Undone

I was taught to be practical in everything I do

Holding on to what is tangible, then came You

That's when I found myself so far away, from everything I knew

I took a leap of faith

Even though you're difficult for me to explain

I know I"ll never be the same

You're everything I cannot see

You're everything I cannot say

I know it all seems so illogical

But that's okay

You're the love you give to me

You're the love I give away

You are everything impossible

And that's okay

All the things that make no sense to me, draw me to You

Like finding freedom by surrendering, can it be true

With everything I can and cannot know

This mystery is bringing life to me

And all this love I have for You I can't contain

I know I'll never be the same

You're everything I cannot see

You're everything I cannot say

I know it all seems so illogical

But that's okay

You're the love you give to me

You're the love I give away

You are everything impossible

And that's okay

What's so hard to understand

What I cannot comprehend

Is that you love me the way I am

You're everything I cannot see

You're everything I cannot say

I know it all seems so illogical

But that's okay

You're the love you give to me

You're the love I give away

You are everything impossible

And that's okay

In the Blink of an Eye - Undone

You put me here for a reason

You have a mission for me

You know my name and You called it

Long before I learned to breathe

Sometimes I feel disappointed

By the way I spend my time

How can I further Your kingdom

When I'm so wrapped up in mine

In a blink of an eye that is when

I'll be closer to You than I've ever been

Time will fly, but until then

I'll embrace every moment I'm given

There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye

And though I"m living a good life

Can my life be something great?

I have to answer the question

Before it's too late

In a blink of an eye that is when

I'll be closer to You than I've ever been

Time will fly, but until then

I'll embrace every moment I'm given

There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye

If I give the very best of me

That becomes my legacy

So tell me what am I waiting for?

What am I waiting for?

In a blink of an eye that is when

I'll be closer to You than I've ever been

Time will fly, but until then

I'll embrace every moment I'm given

There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye

Hold Fast - Coming Up To Breathe

To everyone who's hurting

To those who've had enough

To all the undeserving

That should cover all of us

Please do not let go

I promise there is hope

Hold fast

Help is on the way

Hold fast

He's come to save the day

What I've learned in my life

One thing greater than my strife

Is His grasp

So hold fast

Will this season ever pass

Can we stop this ride

Will we see the sun at last

Or could this be our lot in life

Please do not let go

I promise you there's hope

Hold fast

Help is on the way

Hold fast

He's come to save the day

What I've learned in my life

One thing greater than my strife

Is His grasp

So hold fast

You may think you're all alone

And there's no way that anyone could know

What you're going through

But if you only hear one thing

Just understand that we are all the same

Searching for the truth

The truth of what we're soon to face

Unless someone comes to take our place

Is there anyone

All we want is to be free

Free from our captivity Lord

Here He comes

Hold fast

Help is on the way

Hold fast

He's come to save the day

What I've learned in my life

One thing greater than my strife

Is His grasp

So hold fast

-----------------

Y'all better be proud of me, if I really, really wanted to, I would post every song in both of those albums: Coming up to Breathe and Undone, but that would be a VERY long post...and it would take forever...But watch out! Over the course of this year, you very well may be seeing all of those songs posted here!

To wrap up this post, I'll end with this last song, my motto and prayer for this year.

Bring the Rain - Coming up to Breathe

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possible

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus bring the rain

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

-----------------

Thanks for writing such amazing songs, Mercy Me band!!!

One last thing...

I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!!!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Standing up for what is right

Standing up for what is right can be difficult. And it usually is. Especially when it is around people you know - friends and family.

It takes courage, and a love for God that is so deep that it overpowers your love for friends and family and what they think of you. When you take a stand, when you do what is right, you could lose friends, but through Christ we (as believers) can do anything because He gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Last night I had to take a stand. I had to stand up for what was right. And I had to do it among friends. They were talking about inappropriate stuff, things that I believe are best kept unsaid and unthought. It was hard to take a stand, but after staying silent for a long time, I felt the power of God rush through me and I knew I could keep quiet no longer. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I started telling them that what they were talking about was inappropriate and wrong, and I started quoting Scripture to them. To be completely honest, I didn't plan much of anything I said, nor did I think about what I was saying, it just flowed out and it all made sense.

That was a cool feeling. It was the first time I felt that, and I pray that I feel it again - multiple more times. It was neat, y'all. It really was.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to go through that situation and for helping me through it, and putting into my mind your Word and putting into my mouth the words to say. Praise God!

In Christ,

Buttercup

I've been tagged! Twice!

NOTE: okay, the text color keeps messing up for some odd reason. Hopefully it won't once I post this, but it might. sorry!

Okay ladies and gentlemen...this first tag comes from Anna @ Sisters in the Savior! Thanks, girl!

1) If you were stranded on an island and you could only order take out once, what restaurant would you order from?

Giovanni's! Gotta love that Italian food! Yum!

2) If you had a backstage pass to meet any band/singer in the world, who it be?

ouch. That's a hard one. Probably Kutless or Mercy Me. :)

3) What was your favorite TV show when you were three?

Honestly, how am I going to remember that? lol. I don't know...what was was on when I was three?

4) Pick a song that describes you or the situation you're in as of right now.

You're all I need - Bethany Dillon *Love this song!* Actually, I love it so much I'm going to post the lyrics...

When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head

You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need

When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need

I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You

[http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/bethany-dillon/all-i-need.html]

5) Post a picture of your favorite shoes:)

6) If you could create a new word to put in the dictionary, what would it be?

Cytoplasmic Reticulum! Long story...

7) Are you a rush, rush, rush kinda person, or do you stop and smell the roses?

Depends on how much I have to get done. But I do enjoy stopping and smelling the roses. :)

8) When you meet Jesus, what's the first thing you want to do?

Bow down at His feet and thank Him!

Now, I'm going to post my eight questions for you to do!

1) Are you a "talk on the phone" person or an email/texting kind of person?

2) Post the lyrics to your favorite song.

3) If you could re-live any day in your entire life, what would it be?

4) If you were the ruler of a desert island what would you do to get people to come live there?

5) What is your favorite book of the Bible?

6) Where is your favorite place to be in the entire world?

7) If you could do anything you wanted for one whole day, what would it be?

8) What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

And for this one, I tag...whoever wants to! :)

And the second tag comes from Emily @ Ramblings of Emily Rose! Thanks!

I know, I'm horrible. She tagged me, like, in August, and I completely forgot about it! Sorry, Emily!!!

Here we go!

Here's the rules:

1. Write down the following, snap a picture (or scan the document), post it, and tag others.

2. Name/Blog name

3. right handed, left handed or both

4. Favorite letters to write

5. least favorite letters to write

6. Write: the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

7. Write in caps: CRAB HUMOR KALEIDOSCOPE PAJAMAS GAZILLION

8. Favorite song lyrics

9. Tag 7 people

10. Any special note or drawing

Later!

Buttercup

A friend of mine...

A few months ago, when we went to our grandparents house in Oklahoma, I had the chance to photograph a bunch of little butterflies. At that time I didn't know what kind they were, but I just found out yesterday that they were Hackberry Emperors.

This one loved attention, which was great for me, being a photographer! haha. He just landed on me, and posed for the pictures!

Isn't he cute? I thought so. :) I hope no bird ever got you, buddy!

'til next time!

Buttercup

P.S. I just scheduled a TON of posts for Snapshots from God's Creation - every few days all the way through the beginning of December! So hop over there to see more pics of Hackberry Emperors, Red-Spotted Purples, Rectangular rocks, moss, and more!

"All things work together for good" in action!

Last Sunday night...I disagreed with something that my Youth leaders were teaching about. And, knowing that everyone in the room besides me and Poppy believed it, I didn't really know what to do.

We were talking about the extent of the atonement.

***Please stay! I don't want to scare you away! I didn't know what in the world he was talking about for a minute or two. lol. So don't feel bad if you don't either. The extent of the atonement is who Christ died for; who His gift was offered to.***

Well, to make a long, painful story short and, well, not so painful, I'll just say that when he asked what our group (we split up into boys and girls) thought the extent of the atonement was, I immediately said "the whole world". Let's just say, it wasn't widely accepted. Yeah. Like, me and Poppy were the only ones who believed that it was true.

So...after I said that, one of my friends who was sitting next to me answered the question with "the elect". And that's what our church believes. So, I just sat there for eternity -a freaking fifteen minutes - with my head in my hands trying to gather my courage to stand up for what I believed in. I had it all planned. When my youth leader asked if there were any more questions I was going to ask if he could give me a scripture where it said that Christ died only for the elect.

The moment came...

The moment went...

All my courage had been drained. So I sat there with my head still in my hands. Feeling sick to my stomach. My head yelling at me. My heart beating a hundred miles per hour. My breathing abnormally fast. Sweating. Regretting. Almost in tears. Why didn't I just ask the question? Is it so hard just to ask a simple question?

Yes! With your best friends in the entire world right there next to you believing something that you are challenging, how can you simply "go against the flow"? How can you stand up for what you believe in when you are doing it practically* alone?

It didn't help that I didn't know the proof for my side. I didn't have the courage. And I didn't have the knowledge.

Poppy and I spent hours on Monday studying the extent of the atonement and we now understand it so much better! God really blessed us with a good understanding! The last few days, I have started studying what my church believes about it, so I can know both sides. I am working on the knowledge. Now I must work on the courage too. But I must remember that...

God is my Rock. Whom shall I fear?

Why should I fear anyways? They're my best friends in the world! And I know that they love me and care about how I feel, for two people in particular noticed me acting different and one asked if I was okay, and the other joked with me, trying to make me smile (and succeeded!). I know I won't lose their friendship.

Even if I do - Philippians 4:13.

All in all. I got to see Romans 8:28 in action. I got to see that even when I am having the worst time of my life, that God can turn even that around for good - and in this case, me and Poppy's good! Praise God for His amazing love for us!

In Christ,

Buttercup

*I say practically because both my Savior and my sister were right there with me.

Flowers that Never Die

This is my personal favorite poem of my own that I've ever written. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. :)

They grow slowly and steadily,

Some stronger than others,

Yet they never die.

Weeds like envy and Hate,

Come and try to kill them,

Yet they never die.

Storm clouds called Gossip,

Rain down Pain upon them,

Yet they never die.

Winds of Change come in,

And try to blow them away,

Yet they never die.

And when things turn bad,

The dew sprinkles forgiveness on them,

So they will stay strong.

Always and forever,

The Son shines His love upon them

So that they will stay strong.

This flower so strong

Is called the True Friendship,

And it never dies.

God placed these in creation

For us who believe in Him

And they shall never die.

So I tell you,

Thank God daily

For True Friendships.

By Buttercup

Randomness Friday! I've been tagged!

Thanks, Anna! Oki doki, heeeere we go!

8 Books I've read recently (or am reading)...

1. The Bible

2. The Broken Blade - William Durbin

3. Daring to Live on the Edge - Loren Cunningham

4. Story of the World, the Modern Age - Susan Wise Bauer

5. Don't Waste Your Life - John Piper

6. In the Hearts of Wild Men - Ernest Herndon

7. The Sky Phantom - Carolyn Keene

8. The Mystery of the Ivory Charm - Carolyn Keene (okay, yes, these last two I read a few months ago, but I can't think right now. lol)

8 Songs or Albums I listen to all the time...

1. Offerings - Third Day

2. To know that you're alive - Kutless

3. Hearts of the Innocent - Kutless

4. All that is within me - Mercy Me

5. Generous Mr. Lovewell - Mercy Me

6. Coming up to Breathe - Mercy Me

7. Spoken For - Mercy Me

8. Revelation - Third Day

8 Things I love...

1. my Savior

2. my family

3. my friends

4. my sleep (lol)

5. sleepovers

6. youth group

7. When little kids do weird things

8. laughing and smiling

8 Things I've learned (or am learning) this year...

1. to trust God

2. that I'm actually in High School (wow. that took awhile...)

3. that metal bowls don't go in the microwave

4. that my friends are growing up faster than I am (or so it seems)

5. that magazines/e-zines take a ton of work

6. more about Christ

7. that getting money is harder than it seems

8. that prayer is powerful

8 New Recipes I want to try and make by the end of the year...

um. not any really. sorry!

8 Favorite online hangouts...

1. Blogger

2. Email

3. Skype

4. and

5. that

6. is

7. it.

8. yep...

8 Projects I need to work on...

1. the afghan I started two years ago...

2. the September issue of Go Ye Therefore

3. country profiles for something at church

4. clean the fish tank (I don't want to kill them!)

5. my book report

6. and my book synopsis

7. a canvas bag I'm drawing on

8. Sign language

8 People I think should do this...

1. Poppy @ Mold Me Make Me

2. Chelsea @ Club Chea

3. Elizabeth @ Footprints in the Sand

4. Eldarwen @ the Faithful Elven Princess

5. Taylor @ Proverbs 31 in Training

6. Emily @ Ramblings of Emily Rose

7. Maggie @ Bliss

8. Jesus Freak Girl @ Jesus Freak Girl (lol. cute)

(yes, I'm cheating) 9. anyone else who comments on this post, who I haven't tagged already, and follows my blog!

Whatcha waitin' for? I can't wait to read yours!

I've gotta go, Poppy, Esther, Pooh Bear, and I are going to do a LOTR marathon tonight. :) Poppy will probably post about it later...depending on how long she stays awake. lol. ttyl!

In Christ,

Buttercup

So-long Self, by Mercy Me *Great song!*

Hey Y'all! A friend of mine, Anna, over at Sisters in the Savior, posted a music video with this song; and I loved it so much I had to look up the lyrics! lol. I don't listen to music videos that well. :P But anyways, here are the lyrics, and after you read it, hop over to Anna's blog and read her post and watch the music video!

Well if I come across a little bit distant

It's just because I am

Things just seem to feel a little bit different

You understand

Believe it or not but life is not apparently

About me anyways

But I have met the One who really is worthy

So let me say

So long, self

Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else

So long, self

There's just no room for two

So you are gonna have to move

So long, self

Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell

Oh well, goodbye, don't cry

So long, self

Stop right there because I know what you're thinking

But no we can't be friends

And even though I know your heart is breaking

This has to end

And come to think of it the blame for all of this

Simply falls on me

For wanting something more in life than all of this

Can't you see

Don't feel so bad (don't feel so bad)

There'll be better days (there'll be better days)

Don't go away mad (but by all means)

Just go away, go away

-Mercy Me (Coming Up To Breathe)

In Christ alone,

Buttercup <3

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to Go Ye Therefore and to send in your questions for Mr. David Sitton! Click here for the post.

Tagged by Taylor!

Thanks, Taylor for tagging me! Yes I admit it, she tagged me in May, and I completely forgot! sorry! But, here we go!

• Cherries or blueberries?

Yikes! I don't know! lol. They are both so good! But, I guess it depends whether I want a blue mouth or not. lol.

• Dogs or cats?

Definitely dogs, cats drive me nuts.

• Beds or sleeping bags?

This is probably the easiest question I've ever been asked, BEDS! I cannot sleep in a sleeping bag, well, I can but it's very hard.

• Hamburger or hot dog?

I've never cared for hot dogs, but I do love hamburgers! :)

• Typing or writing?

Typing!

• Day or night?

Either one, depends on how tired I am. LOL.

• Beach or lake?

I really have to answer this? I don't like water, period! well, unless it's a shower, or a pool with a concrete bottom that you can see.

• Christmas or Easter?

probably Christmas!

• Math or reading?

Reading, definitely! I hate math!

• Tests or studying?

tests! Studying takes forever, if you do it right. lol.

• Pens or pencils?

depends if the pen has ink...and if I think I'll make a lot of mistakes...probably pencils!

• Caterpillars or butterflies?

oooh! that's hard! I don't know, most caterpillars are so cute (and easier to photograph!), but butterflies are so graceful and beautiful!

Now I tag...anyone that comments on this post! Have fun!

In Christ,

Buttercup

Vacation Bible School - Day Two

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for your prayers! Last night went pretty good. Besides a few minor things, that always have to pop up. lol. :) I wasn't so scared to go on stage, thank God! Of course, I was still pretty scared, but God helped me. I had "Philippians 4:13" (I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me) written on my hand, and thought of it often during the night. Guess what? We got more kids last night! Up from 59 on Stardate One, we had 62 on Stardate Two! I've never seen more kids at VBS! It was incredible!

Also, we are having some adult visitors from a Baptist church come to our VBS tonight to see how it's run, and how it works. Apparently, they are looking for a VBS curriculum to do at their church, and this one is one of their possibilities. So tonight will only be slightly different.

Well, since I posted a lot about VBS yesterday, I don't really have much to post today. But I would ask you to please keep our VBS in your prayers this whole week. Here are some prayer requests to add to the ones I posted yesterday...

• For the game workers, that they wouldn't get dehydrated and that they wouldn't get "eaten alive" if you get my meaning. There are *tons* of mosquitoes out at that time at night; and also behind the church we've got ants. I think they're fire ants...poor Jeremy got bit pretty bad last night.
• For the Capsule Commanders and Flight Attendants, that we would be able to get everything done during logbook time. The last two nights we haven't had enough time for everything that we needed to get done.
• For our visitors tonight, that they would see Christ through the workers and that we would set a good example.

Again please be praying for...

• The workers. That the kids would see Christ's light though our words and actions.
• The kids. That they would understand what we are trying to teach them, and that they would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
• The parents. That when they pick up their kids that they would see Christ's light through us in the was we speak and act, and that they also would come to know Christ.
• VBS as a whole. That it runs smoothly, and that we would be able to lead some kids (and maybe some adults too) to Christ.

"What do I want to hear? Eyes up, heads down, fly straight!"*

In Christ alone,
Buttercup

*From our Vacation Bible School curriculum: Space Probe - from VBS Reachout Adventures.

Vacation Bible School - Day One

Hey Y'all, sorry I haven't posted in a whole week, but I've been pretty busy, and tired. lol. We had our first night of VBS at our church last night, and man, was it great! I love VBS! This is my third year to help, and Poppy's second. I think, now that I'm a teen, that I enjoy helping and teaching more than I do being one of the kids. haha.

Our church is doing Space Probe this year! This is our second time to do this theme, we did it four years ago. Space Probe is one of VBS Reachout Adventures' curriculum's, and it works great! One family in the church did the decorations, and it looks awesome! We've got this tunnel thing, and planets, stars, it's really spacey-looking!

But the most important activity of the night, above all the decorations and games and so forth, is the lessons. We are teaching the kids about Creation, the Fall, Cain and Abel, and the Flood. And thus, teaching them of God's plan for us, and the sending of His son to be our Ark of Salvation. I really hope the kids all understand, and that we can make an impact on their lives in such a way that they will not soon forget, and that they will be able to go home and tell their parents about what they learned about Christ. That is our pray for VBS, this year and every year.

Our church is pretty small, but we had a huge number of kids last night! It was incredible! Compared to our 38 kids on the first night of VBS last year, we had 59 last night! Going up by over twenty is huge! The sanctuary was quite full! And in the 1-2 grade group that I was in, we had 16 kids! It was awesome!

Besides being a "Flight Attendant" for the 1-2 grade group, I am also the photographer, which ended up not being so great because I couldn't leave my group to take pictures of the other groups, so I gave my camera to an adult in the church and let him take most of the pictures. :) Thanks! Also, I am in the skit. I am "Heartman" and I am the "good-guy". *YES!* I hate being the bad-guy. lol.

So anyways, we were about to go on stage last night I was just about to be sick. I promise you, I was scared to death! My poor friends were trying to make me feel more confident and they really helped, although I felt as if I was going to be sick, even once we got on stage...that wouldn't have been good...would it? lol. Thank you, "Shorty", for helping me!! I love you, girl! So, if y'all would pray that I would be more confident tonight, and that I don't freak again, that would be awesome! I just have to keep reminding myself of Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

And please be praying for...

• the workers. That the kids would see Christ's light through our words and actions.
• the kids. That they would understand what we are trying to teach them, and that they would accept Christ.
• the parents. That when they pick up their kids that they would see Christ's light through us in the way we speak and act, and that they also would come to know Christ.
• VBS as a whole. That it runs smoothly, and that we would be able to lead some kids (and maybe some adults too) to Christ.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

P.S. I'll try to post every day this week, but don't count on it. lol.

Christian Friendships, part two

I would suggest that you read part one first if you haven't already, it will make more sense. :)

Having Christian friends is not only good, it is important! Being with like-minded people not only is encouraging and uplifting, but makes being different not so hard. Because you are being different with others! As the verse above says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” That means that when you are alone, you don’t have a very good chance of winning; but when you have a friend with you, you can defend yourselves. And a cord of three strands, or friends, is not quickly broken. When you have friends with you, you are very difficult to overcome!

For example, you became a Christian not long ago, and you haven’t been able to find any Christian friends yet. You are at school and one of your former friends asks you to go do something with him, and you don’t know if you would be going against God to do it. What do you do? Well, as a new believer, you probably don’t know many scriptures to back up your answerbiblically. You don’t know enough about the Bible to know for sure if doing it would be bad or not; and you are alone. You have no friends to help, or back you up.

If you were put into that example, you would be in a tough spot. You would probably be overpowered, and you might do something that would be very difficult to get out of. But what if we changed the scenario a bit...

You became a Christian not long ago, but you’ve been going to a local Youth Group that is firm in God’s word, and you’ve made good friends who love you no matter what. You are at school and one of your former friends asks you to go do something with him, and you are not sure if you would be going against God to do it; but you do have one of your friends from Youth Group with you. What do you do?

That would be an easier scenario, wouldn't it? You would have another believer with you to help you, and hopefully they have been a Christian longer and know more about the Bible than you do.

Having Christian friends is so important. And most probably take it for granted. I started going to my church’s Youth Group last year, and since then I have learned so much. Before I went to Youth Group, I was in a mental box. I was very shy; I didn’t talk to hardly anyone outside of the family, and I didn’t have many close friends. Going to Youth Group, I saw all of the others having a great time with each other, and they included me. Through these Christian friends, I broke out of my box, and now I laugh and chat with them all the time. A year ago, if I had been told that this is who I would be now, I wouldn’t have believed it. But it is because of my dear brothers and sisters in Christ that I act the way I do now. I am different, yet the same.

Christian friends not only help you in tough situations, but they encourage and lift you up, they teach and correct you when you are wrong, they pray for you, and so much more. As a Christian friend, we need to do the same, encourage and lift up, teach and correct, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Christian Friendships, part one

After writing a bit about my Youth Group and the importance of Christian friends in my last post, I was really thinking. So, I wrote this originally for the July issue of Go Ye Therefore (if you want to know more about Go Ye Therefore magazine please email me at helpnm@embarqmail.com), but I thought it would benefit y'all too. It's kind of long, so I broke it up into part one and part two, but here we go...

When you are a Christian, you are a light in a dark world. All around you are people who do not believe in God. All around you is darkness, and you are the light that is supposed to shine through. Light penetrates darkness. It pushes the darkness out, and fills the space with light. It exposes things that you could not see before.

If you are a Christian, if you are a true believer, then you will be different. And people will be able to see that difference in the way you live, in the way you act, and in the way you talk. They will see that you are not the same as everyone else. They will see that you have something more. As you grow in your faith, little by little you will change. And those around you will see that change, and hopefully ask for the reason.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

- 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

All of this, being a light, shining in a dark world, being different, it all sounds pretty easy, right? It’s not. It is actually very difficult. It’s like being the only boy in a room full of girls, or being the only modest teen in your school, or being the only homeschooler in your club. Being singled out in a bad way can hurt. I’m not talking about being singled out as in being the best soccer player, and thus the most popular kid on the team; I’m talking about being singled out as in being the “odd ball” or the “weird one”.

Being the only one, you are not very strong. As a believer, Christian friends are very important to have. In Ecclesiastes 4:12 it says:

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”(NIV)

Having Christian friends is not only good, it is important! Being with like-minded people not only is encouraging and uplifting, but makes being different not so hard. Because you are being different with others! As the verse above says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” That means that when you are alone, you don’t have a very good chance of winning; but when you have a friend with you, you can defend yourselves. And a cord of three strands, or friends, is not quickly broken. When you have friends with you, you are very difficult to overcome!

Part two coming tomorrow...

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Happy Independence Day!

Dear readers, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Independence Day! I hope you have all had fun today playing with fireworks, eating watermelon, and having fun with family and friends! Well, I didn't play with fireworks, or eat watermelon, but I did get to play football with my Youth Group for close to two hours! It was SO much fun! But it was SO hot! And it doesn't really help when you're scared of the football...I wonder who that would be...yeah, it's me. I don't know why, but while we're playing, I just can't catch it. And that fear has given me a pretty bad reputation when it comes to football, no one wants me on their team. haha. So, I've been the last one picked for the last few times we've played. Oh well, what can you expect? I probably wouldn't pick the only person in the Youth Group who can't catch, and can hardly throw. Would you? All in all, no one got hurt except my sister, Poppy, she got bumped into, fell, and got kinda scraped up...but that's to be expected since we were playing on the church parking lot, which is asphalt. My friend Jeremy fell at the same time, but I don't think he was hurt, but you never can tell with boys...

Okay, so I kinda started in the middle of the day...let's start from the beginning, shall we? I got up, didn't want to, don't know why I did...maybe because I had too...haha. Anyways, got up, made chocolate drop cookies, forced Poppy to make the cold salad, got ready for church, checked my email, did my hair, etc. We left for church, got there early for Sunday School (YES!!! I try every week to be early, but somehow, every week, we're late. If you don't know me very well, I hate being late! It drives me nuts! ), after Sunday School, we went in the Sanctuary, had the service, then had Agape Feast. Our church does an Agape Feast the first Sunday of every month, and they're so much fun! Most of the teens sit in the youth room and chat and eat, then, if the weather is nice (or even if it isn't, it just can't be raining...) we go outside and play football. For a long time, we played ultimate football, but we have lately proceeded to regular football, of which I understand very, very little. Which is one reason no one wants me on they're team. Oh well, I was still picked...Thanks Chris! :D

Christian friends are so great. My dear brothers and sisters in my youth group encourage and lift me up, teach and correct me, pray for me, and so much more; I wonder often whether I am doing that for them. If I encourage and lift them up as much as they do me, if I teach and correct them as much as they do me, if I pray for them as much as they pray for me. I kind of doubt it, they're pretty hard to beat. As a teen, I realize how important they are to me, and what an impact they've made on my life. I am the oldest child in my family, and most of my friends in my youth group are older than me, so I look up to them a lot. I am so thankful for them. ---Sorry for getting so off subject, but I can't help but talk about my youth group...haha.

After everyone was too hot and sweaty (gross) to play anymore, we came inside. After cooling off, the VBS drama team (along with a few people who just had to distract us) went in the teen room and practiced for VBS. Oh no! I think that I've failed to post about VBS...sorry! I'll be sure to post about it sometime this week! Anyways, so that was my 4th of July. :) Hope I didn't bore you.

As a final note:

Remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, from the time of the birth of the USA, through all the wars and troubles we've been through, up to this day. Remember the millions of soldiers that are in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting for our freedom. My Dad was overseas two years ago on the fourth of July, and so were many others. My Dad, thank God, came back; but many don't. Pray for the families of those who gave their lives. Thank God for bringing home those that did. Pray for the soldiers who are overseas as you read this. And finally, thank God for allowing us to live in a country so free as the United States of America.

God bless!

Buttercup

Some More Quotes!

Hey! I got an email from my friend Chelsea yesterday, it had a bunch of cool quotes in it! Here are some:

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

"Give God what's right, not what's left."

" Mans way leads to a hopeless end...God's way leads to an endless hope."

"A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing."

"He who kneels before God can stand before anyone."

"In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma, but never let him be the period."

"Don't put a question mark where God puts a period."

"When praying, don't give God instructions....just report for duty."

"We don't change God's message, His message changes us."

"WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning."

"Plan ahead...It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."

"Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position."

"Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible."

"Exercise daily...walk with the Lord."

"Never give the devil a ride....he will always want to drive."

"Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it."

"Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back."

"He who angers you controls you."

"Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop."

"Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler."

"Be ye fishers of men...You catch them and He'll clean them."

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

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

Hope you liked them! I sure did! Thanks, Chelsea for sending them!

Buttecup

Awards from Eldarwen :)

Thanks, Eldarwen for awarding lots of people with these! Including me, of course. :P It's so fun!

Okay...First...

Rules:

1. State 5 random facts about yourself.

2. Award 5 of your stylish blogging friends.

1. I don't like heights.

2. I don't like swimming in water with living things in it. *shudder* (so, putting the two together, you can be sure that I will not be jumping the twenty foot or the forty foot rocks into the river at camp! lol. I'll tell y'all more about camp later)

3. I'm on Skype

4. I make jewelry

5. I make things with clay

And, I award...ouch. I can't pick!!! Um, how about...everyone who votes (or has voted) in all three polls on my sidebar!

If you are tagged:

1. Post about the tag

2. Pick 10 bloggers who deserve this award

3. Leave a comment on the blogs of the people you tagged letting them know they were awarded

4. Answer the questions along with your post

1: Apples, Oranges or Bananas? You're gonna make me pick?!?! yeah right. I love them all!

2: How many siblings do you have? Five

3: How old are you? Haven't I been asked this question before...and the answer was: "I'm not gonna tell you!" Or something like that. lol.

4: Do you live on a prairie, woodland, swamp, city or other? City

5: Scissors or glue? What kind of a question is that? They are used for completely different purposes. So, to answer the question, it depends on what I'm doing.

6: Describe your dream house: Idk...seriously...Never really thought past the college dorm...haha. jk jk.

7: Is your room clean? ugg! I should have posted earlier in the day! lol.

8: If you could be a movie character for a day, who would you be? ooohhh...hard question. I'm pretty content being me, myself, and I...Actually, I don't think there is any movie character that I'd like to be...most are bratty. Wait! Inigo Montoya! Love his character! So cool! Just...I'd have to be India Montoya...Since I'm a girl...I guess I'd be his sister...LOL.

9: Italy, Greece, France, Spain or England? Hmmm...I'd have to think about that one. I kinda like the US. :P

10: What denomination are you? I'm not, really. Just a Christian. We are all a part of the Body of Christ.

11: Do you sleep with a stuffed toy (BE HONEST!!!!)? um...hehe. yeah...I do...

12: Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans? Gum!

13: What is your favorite book? The Bible! It has everything! The way Jesus saved His people, and history! I love history!

14: Favorite ice cream flavor? um...Probably strawberry, or some kind of cherry thing...

15: If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be? Only that food? Is that what you mean? Probably some kind of soup or pasta! :)

16: What is your favorite Olympic sport? Gymnastics!!!

17: If you woke up and discovered that you had turned into Miley Cyrus for the day, what would you do (note, I am NOT a fan)? Scream!

19: What do you hate? Being sick right before camp. yep. It's happened...But I still got better and got to go!!! yippee!!!

20: If Elmo came into your room with a gun, what would you do? Burst out laughing! What else could you do? Just picture that fuzz-ball with a pistol! ROTFLOL!

For this one, I'm just awarding everyone! :) There's no way I could pick only ten of you...in that case then, I'm not going to leave any comments about it.

This one goes to everyone who comments on this post! :)

ttyl!

Buttercup <3