Pictures from Senior Recognition, Christmas banquet

I am officially done with my 1st semester of my Senior year! Can you believe it? I only have one more semester of academy. Yay! So now I am home, there is much to be done. I love the holidays. First of all, I need to update my blog. Finally, I have my Senior Recognition pictures devloped, and some of my christmas banquet pictures.

Aunt Mary traveled all the way from Austin, Texas for this special occasion. I appreciated her coming out!

Stephen and I had some good bonding time with the family on our couches

Mom & I

Mom prepared a delicious Sabbath lunch

A snap pic of me before I went to the banquet.

These are the flowers my date gave to me. I gave him a boutineer

Happy Holidays!

April's Photography!

Hello everyone! If you are wondering how Christmas banquet went. I was really nice, I enjoyed the evening.  Right now I am very excited about some photography I have taken. I am in the photography class this year, and I am finding that I really enjoy it. A couple of weeks ago our project was on taking pictures of movement. So Aaron agreed to help me. I got some really great shots of him playing golf, and throwing the tennis ball. Enjoy!

Nice throw!

Aaron's facial expressions are funny

A Surprise Gift

Today, was one of the stressful days. I had to finish a 4 page research paper. I had to make a lot of changes, and other important things to it before 2:12! This week has been hard getting back into the routine of school after an amazing break. Christmas banquet is this Sunday, and I have a date. I am really excited I bought this pink formal dress that is flowy. In English class my friend Candace came up to me, and was like, Beth and I bought you a early Christmas present. I didn't know what to expect. They bought me a pink purse, that matches my dress perfectly! Apparently the day I went shopping with them for banquet dresses they bought the purse when I wasn't looking. That really made my day to know that my friends would go out of their way to give me a nice gift!The Christmas season is here, and in the same way God sent Jesus as a gift to us. Let's remember the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Thanksgiving break

Well, I have been on break since Tuesday around noon. I have been catching up on my sleep, cooking, and scrapbooking. Thanksgiving was a special day. It is our best meal of the year, and my stomach was stuffed when it was all said and done. I've been particuarly busy with National Honor Society. I am the president of the organization this year, and NHS is a service team that helps others. So we decided to have a blood drive in December. We have 32 of the 46 needed to participate. But if we cannot reach our goal then the Red Cross cannot come out. It will be disappointing if we have to cancel out, because by having this blood drive we can help save lives. It makes me feel good to know that. So if you live in the Nashville area consider donating blood, because you are needed! Then we have our honors banquet next month that we have to plan for, it is for the new inductees and their parents. I enjoy doing this, but it certainly keeps me on my toes!
~If you were watching 3abn yesterday, Danny Shelton interviewed Andy Haub. Andy Haub is a member of the New Albany, Indiana SDA church where I did YFJ in the summer! It was so neat to see someone who was at the meetings interviewed on 3ABN. He shared how the Asi meetings changed the church, and has make a positive impact. And he decided to become rebaptized after the meetings were finished!
Next week I have some old pictures to post. I may be really busy with Christmas banquet. So we'll see. Happy Holidays!

ASI Youth for Jesus experience

I shared with you all a couple of months ago how the Youth for Jesus program was a blessing in my life. I never shared with you all the photos that I wanted to, and more detail of what my days were like there. If you want to see more on what the experience meant to me go back to September, and click on the Youth for Jesus post.

Here is a picture of the the Youth for Jesus participants. We met sometimes in this gazebo type of building behind the Pewee Valley school. A couple of times we had campfires and sang together, A typical day in the Youth for Jesus was very busy, but spiritually uplifting in everyone's life.
I would wake up and have my devotions.
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Group worship in the Pewee Valley church sanctuary. We would sing hymns. We all learned to love hymns. Sadly, in a lot of places young people are not as enthusiastic about singing hymns. They have so much more meaning and depth to them. These young people were excited and put expression into the hymns. Our favorite song was "Seeking the Lost",373. We sang this on the night of the baptism. After song service we would have worship with one of our Bible workers, and they gave good testimonies and taught us to get into our Bibles.
10:00 We had class. We had many speakers come out to speak to us. Like Chester Clark-music, Daniel, End times, Kevin Sears(our Bible coordinator)-how to give Bible studies,outreach, James Nix-Adventist History, Don MacIntosh-health message,Revelation 1, another person on health, Alan and Nicole Parker- Dating and Relationships, Daniel Mesa- how to study your Bible, devotions, Gary Gibbs- Winsome Witnessing. As you can tell we learned a lot about how to witness and about our Adventist message.
12:00 Jobs- varied daily from helping in the kitchen to cleaning the bathrooms.
1:00 Lunch! We got to interact with the Bible workers at this meal.
2:00 Worship- sang hymns, and scripture songs.
2:30 Divided into our groups to our different sites. I was in New Albany, Indiana. Others were at Jeffersonville, Indiana. Pewee Valley and Shelbyville, Ky, and Magazine Street in downtown Louisville, Ky.
3:00 or later arrived in New Albany. We went with our Bible workers to do outreach and encourage people who had stopped coming to the meetings.
5:00 supper, this was a good bonding time with our New Albany group.
6:00 Preparation for the evening meeting
7:00 Meeting, afterwards we talked about improvements we could make for the meetings, and prayer requests.
8:30 head back to Pewee Valley.
10:15 Worship with all the girls. We all shared our testimony each night. This was led out by Chelsea Jourdan, and Katie Jaeger our girl's deans.

These are my friends Marzanna and Sherene. Marzanna goes to Advent Hope!

Kristen, one of the Bible workers who I became good friends with.

Sorry! I accidentally put this pic in twice. I don't know how to cut it out.

Chelsea and I the night of the baptism.She really cared about the Youth and every night she and Katie would pray for the girls. I appreciated that. The baptism was the best night of all. You could feel the Holy Spirit there. People were crying tears of joy. I was very happy to see the people we had worked with get baptized.

Our chef, Miguel from France. He was very good at cooking vegan meals. They were the best vegan meals I had. We had tasty meals like lasagne, cheesecake, enchiladas, rice and a good sauce to go on top, and the breakfasts were good too!

This is my New Albany group. We all bonded together as a team. The man in the middle of the back was our Bible coordinator, Kalman Roller. The other two on Kal's sides, were Jeremy Wong an Keith Mosier our evening speakers. The girl, Nikki next to me and the guy, Michael next to her were our Bible workers including Keith. The rest were the youth.

Kimberly McNeilus , Nicole, and I

The lady in the middle of this group came to our meetings and was very interested in our church. I think she got baptized after we left,I am not sure. But she did go to our stop smoking classes, and desired to stop.

These two ladies came consistently to the meetings. The girl next to me, Kristin was baptized at the end. It was so rewarding to see her get baptized.I saw her grow and gave her heart to Christ, it was exciting!She gave up her Harry Potter books, and movies.I keep in contact with her now. She is actively involved in the church by helping with Pathfinders.

Becki was also baptized. She gave up her jewelry and never missed a meeting. I was very proud of her commitment to Jesus.

The program was so awesome. I grew closer in my walk to the Lord. I love to see people change in their life. Soul winning is rewarding.

What the Cross means to me

A month ago in my lifeskills class we did on a project on what the Cross meant us. I decided to use the illustration of a rose in comparison to the Cross. The drawing on the top of the page of I did.Here is what it means to me:

What the Cross means to me is that Jesus has given me hope. One of the hardest things I have gone through has been losing my dad. I've lost a bond,friendship, and security my dad gave. If I didn't have the hope of eternal life in heaven, and seeing my dad again I would be depressed and miserable. Jesus, is like a rose that has a sweet smelling odor. Jesus love has filled my life with peace. Peace to get through trials down here. The thorns on the cross symbolize all the agony He went through for me. To know that someone went through that much agony and pain just for me is indescribable. Like the ridges on the rose, my life has mazes and obstacles. With Christ's help I can get through all the challenges.Jesus love will bloom in my heart if I accept it. What he went through on the cross has given me hope to share with others the hope of eternal life in Heaven.

My favorite wedding pictures

I have been wanting to post my favorite wedding pictures. I know that this is kinda late, but I wanted to share.

My loving and amazing immediate family

Bridemaids were excited!
This picture is my favorite of Norman and Joelle at the wedding. I like the black and white and they look very sharp. This picture was put in both of our Portland newspapers in a wedding announcement. I have future posts that I want to post, but I don't want to overload you at once. So I may start updating twice a week. Here is what to look for in the future.

1. A tribute to my Dad

2. More Youth for Jesus pictures

3. Maybe Senior pictures

4. Lifeskills class Cross Project(what the cross means to me)

5. Senior Recognition pictures

This weekend I am planning to go on a music tour. It should be fun. I have a prayer request that I can work out a time to take my driver's license test, which is very much needed! Have a wonderful weekend!

Awesome Senior weekend

We went to Opryland Hotel today,and ate brunch

I had an awesome Senior weekend. To start it off Aunt Mary came in Friday night. We had Mom's yummy homemade split-pea soup, and rolls. Then, we had the Senior recognition program. Mom and Stephen walked me down the aisle. When they read about me, this is what was said

April Rose McNulty

Secret Ambition to become a Bible worker and seek souls that are lost.

Occupation: Elementary Education or Physical Therapist

Favorite Bible verse: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Parents: Frances McNulty

12 year Senior( I don't really remember if they said 4 or 12, but this my 12th year at Highland schools, and the first of the McNulty family to do so.)

It was very special. Pastor Watkins gave our sermon. We took pictures afterwards.I will upload once I have pictures developed. It was so nice to have Aunt Mary here, it has been hit me hard the last two years that dad is gone. It didn't hit me as hard the first couple of years, but now it does and I miss him a lot. Sabbath we went to Highland church. The Seniors were honored by wearing red carnations. Mr. Smith our chaplain asked me to give a testimony on how Highland has affected me. Well, I had to think about that. Mr. Cornell is a godly man, I appreciated his classes so much. I shared how my best memories at Highland was learning from my teachers. Mr.Cornell's worships were the highlight of my classes, he taught that we needed to get into the Word of God for ourselves, and I shared I had taken this to heart. I was glad I had the privilege to share with them. Then, we had Sabbath lunch at home. Mom made burger roast, corn, peas, rolls, and apple pie to top it off. I was so tired from late night play practices I took a long nap. Aunt Mary and Mom went to see Grandma. Last night, we had our Senior benefit to raise money for our mission trip to Costa Rica. We raised over $7,000!! I am happy about that! We had live and silent auction items, which people payed ridiculous donations for them. We did a play on our four years at Highland which was really good, and funny. Mom and Aunt Mary said they really enjoyed it. Aaron and Uncle Albert were there to support me too, and I appreciated that. One line that that was funny I had to say was "I can't believe you are so happy! It is four in the morning!" This was on our Junior History Trip scene. Some people may know I am not a morning person. Today , Aunt Mary treated us to breakfast brunch at Opryland Hotel. It was so nice. Then, Aaron dropped me off at Rivergate Mall to meet up with my friends Beth, and Candace. I went Christmas banquet dress shopping. Finally, after much searching I found a pink,long dress. I like it, but it will need alterations. Then, we went to Wal-mart, and to Candace's house in Gallatin. On the way back home, Beth( the daughter of the Pastor at Highland church) were talking about the crises at Highland. We were both sad about everything that has happened there. Pastor Hartman gave a powerful sermon on how we need to stay to the doctrines that God has given us through His word. I came home and am trying to catch up on everything. Until next time, God bless you.

April's future bakery

I have a lot of things to update you all on. So the beginning of the week is always a bit rough. I got through my classes. Both of my bosses were gone to new accounting training meetings in Georgia. I was busy in the business office. I took my Senior pictures last week, and Mom went to order them in Hendersonville. They should be here in a week, I'm excited! Some representatives came up from Southern to do interviews with us. They were professors from different departments like Education, Communications, Nursing, and Computers. I went to the Communications and Education one. I am actually interested in Communications now. I enjoy writing, and taking pictures. I talked to the professor and, I am uncertain really what I want to do. Education I know is a needed field. But, teaching is not a easy job. You have to have a lot of patience to deal with rowdy children. At the same you can make a good spiritual influence in their life to commit their life to Christ. I really need to pray about what God's will is for me in my life, rather than what I want to do. Next weekend is Senior recognition and benefit. On Friday night all the Senior girls walk down with their parents in their white dresses, and the boys as well. We all sit up front, and our sponsors read our favorite memory verse, and remembrances, our future occupation etc.. Then, on Sat. night we will have our Benefit. We are going to practice a play all week long. Which I am not looking forward to. Plus, we will have Senior choir members sing, bell choir, and gymnix. Aunt Mary is coming in from Texas for it! I am excited!! We each had to get a item donated for our live auction. I asked Mrs. Cornell to make homemade wholewheat bread for it. She makes really yummy vegan food! This brings me to my idea of making homemade bread for money to save up for college and other needs. I think I would enjoy doing this, and the people that buy it would like having homemade bread instead of storebought. This is just a idea, I'm still not sure if this will work out. Tomorrow we are going to Jared Litchfield and Chantel's wedding. The Litchfields used to be our neighbors. Being a Senior is very busy, I will be very happy when I graduate. On a Spiritual thought, I have been reading Desire of Ages this week. Ellen White wrote that Jesus brought in thousands of people in His harvesting, what are we doing down here! Staying busy with our jobs and school work, our main focus is to be reaching others. I really need to work on this. Because the only you can take with you to heaven is yourself, and the ones you helped find Jesus. May it be our desire to serve Jesus daily through witnessing and evangelism.

Another week done

I like this picture, I didn't take it. It was taken in fall, and is very nice of the sunset.

I'm very thankful that another week has come to an end. The Sabbath is so peaceful. Mom made vegetable soup, and toast. Yummy! Aaron is gone to Asheville,Ky to preach a sermon tomorrow. So keep him in your prayers. Have a nice rest of the Sabbath!

New pictures

Last year, it was nice to have Norman home for Christmas. Norman and Aaron are wearing new matching sweaters.

The family at the yummy Christmas dinner Mom has prepared. I was there, I was behind the camera!!

After Christmas we headed up to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore for GYC. This picture of Aaron and I was actually on the way back from GYC. We got to see President Gerald Ford's casket in the rotunda. What a honor that was!

This picture was on the way up to Baltimore when Norman was with us. I like Washington D.C. I could visit there any day.

Next week, I will share another place we went to visit on the way back from GYC. And, I will show my favorite wedding pictures from Norman and Joelle's wedding.

October homeleave

I was going to post some pictures today. Next time I will, I can't find them. During my break I worked all day Wednesday for 8 hrs! In the afternoon we entered all of the student workers into a new payroll system. On Thursday, I got my Senior pictures taken. If you have been to the McNulty house you will notice all of the three boys have their Senior picture framed in the living room. I'm the last, and the time has come. It went really good, but they charge a lot for pictures. Yesterday, we went to the Walwyn's house for dinner. It was really nice. I am busy today,so have a good week and I'll keep you updated soon.

I love classical concerts!

So last night Aaron took me to the Nashville Symphony concert! It was amazing! There is a new concert hall in Nashville, that is very elegant. We had front row seats which was nice, but we couldn't see all of the orchestra. You had to lift your neck up to look at everyone. But I liked it, we could see the cellos really well. We watched their runs, they were good at that. They played Schumann,Tchaikovsky , Beethoven. I enjoyed Beethoven. Everyone that came was dressed classy, and formal. We had a fun night out in downtown Nashville. My other news is I went to ViewSouthern. I need to pray a lot before I make my final decision. I slept 10 hours last night! I was so exhausted. Have a nice rest of the weekend!

College options

I've had a interesting weekend. I went to Young Women's retreat at Indian Creek Camp. It was very good. Maybe, someday I will get a digital camera and I can upload recent pictures more often. It is my last time to go to camp as a young person. I can't believe I will be in college next year. It seemed like yesterday, Aaron was there. So tomorrow I am going to ViewSouthern, and we are thinking and praying about it. I called Ouachita Hills College and they are sending me a dvd about more about their school. I am interested in going there, considering the spiritual atmosphere they have. I took an hour nap today I was so exhausted! Please pray for me in my decisions. Also, I have a silent. A friend of mine from Youth for Jesus has moved to Loma Linda, Calif. She visited Advent Hope yesterday and said she heard Norman preach. Her name was Nikki and she looks asian. I thought that was neat , what a small world we live in. September is about to wind up!

Youth for Jesus 2007

This time I will share a couple of pictures from Youth for Jesus. What a blessing the program was in my life. Now I have a mission to do Bible work in my hometown. Yesterday, Aaron and I for the first time together went on outreach to a neighborhood close to where we live. We did surveys and loaned two Final Events dvds. The two ladies we loaned them to were interested in what we had. The first one didn't know her Bible well, but wants to learn more. Next week we will do followups!
These are the girls I stayed with a month in one big classroom. We became close to each other, and grew more spiritually.Chelsea Jourdan and Katie Jaeger were are deans. We gave them cards and flowers on the last night.



The group of Bible workers and youth at New Albany church. How I miss that church!

Over all there were 77 baptisms the baptismal night! And I think 145 commitments for baptism. There is one story I want to share. Sondra had a dream one night. She dreamed that there was a banged up white car in front of her house. Then, there were two guys that came to her door. I kind of quiet, the other talkative. The next day two of our Bible workers from New Albany knocked on her door. She told them the dream. They invited her to come to our evangelistic meetings. She came and was interested. She is a religious studies teacher in college. When we were there , there were some things that she was struggling with and she got discouraged. Praise the Lord she is now going to be baptized! Our Bible coordinator stayed for two more months to do follow up work and more are getting baptized! God still gives dreams today. Like I said before my passion will not end, and Aaron and I are planning to sow seeds in Portland, Tn this year!

My 18th birthday

For my 18th birthday, I had a party a week from the day of Norman and Joelle's wedding. While I was busy getting settled back into my Senior year and unpacking from Youth from Jesus and the wedding. It was a lot of fun planning and making the food. I had 7 girls over from my Senior class, so we were busy!

It was hawaiaan themed notice the pineapple, coconut, and lei.

Our meal was delicious we had fruit salad, hot dog sandwiches, chips, and I made homemade pina colada for the drink.

I'm eating leftover cake after the party was over!!

I just finished opening my presents, and I'm socializing with friends. This is Beth and Kendra.

This is my real 18th birthday day. Mom made it very special. She took out all of the little dolls I collected when I was young and set them out in the window seat. She decorated it very pretty too.

My birthday didn't end till Thursday. Stephen came up on my long lunch break and went out to eat at El Azteca with us. First, I opened my presents from Mom and Stephen.

We're happily eating bean burritos, and rice, and other good mexican food. Wish you all could of been here. Thanks for the ones who called or wrote to me it meant a lot! I had a great birthday!

I do have a lot more to update you all on. I have wedding pics, and Youth for Jesus stories and pictures. Have a cool, crisp September!

Wedding picture of family

Today we got some wedding pictures in the mail from our McNulty relatives. Here is a picture of our family. Enjoy!

7 girls at my house!

Well.... It has been a while since I updated my blog. Sorry, let's just say that I've had a lot of good things happen since then. I went up to Youth for Jesus , an awesome experience. Then, Norman and Joelle's wedding. It was gorgeous!! Today I had 7 girls at my house for my birthday. Yes, today is my last day to be 17. So sad.. I will be 18 tomorrow. I had invited 6 girls, but a extra girl hopped in which was fine. It was a lot of fun to have a friends party. It will be my last friends party in the highland community. We spent all afternoon getting ready. Norman called today from the Chicago airport. They told us where they went for their honeymoon. I don't think I should say till they officially announce it. They seem to be doing very well. It already has been a week since they got married! I went out to cvs pharmacy to get my pictures developed from the wedding, then I bought gifts for all of my friends. It was neat having a lot of girls at my house, and it took a lot of work. They came over at 4:00. The first game I planned was I put 18 different objects in a laundry basket. I brought over to them to look over. Then, they had to write on a piece of paper as much of what they could remember, and the winner won a notepad with squirrels on it. Then, we did the trees and flower game cards. I won't explain that, it takes toooo long ! Ask me in person if you are curious. I had a hawaaian theme, so they got to wear lei's. My table was decorated with a hawaaian table cloth. Southern just put out the film "The Secret of the Cave", we bought it at ASI. While they were watching that, Mom and I hurriedly made food for 9 people total! A lot of food. We had hot dog sandwich spread sandwiches(Big Franks to be specific). I made pina colada. Yummy!!! There were chips, fruit salad, and vegan cake. Everyone sang happy birthday to me. Then, I opened my presents. I got a purse, colorful notebook, lotions, and cards. It was a very happy day for me to bond with my Senior girls. One of the girls was a dorm student. So Mom and I drove her back to the dorm. Everyone else has their license and drove to our house. I really, really feel behind. I don't have my license, because you have to drive 50 hours if you are under 18. And since everything is close by I haven't driven that much . So pretty soon I will have it, I promise! So next time, I will tell you all about Youth for Jesus with pictures. Then, the wedding! Bye everyone!!!

I'm on my way to Kentucky!

I can't say much because I am about to leave. But I am on my way to going to Kentucky. Please pray for me that I will be able to bring souls for Christ. I look forward to seeing you all at the wedding!

It's busy around here!

So it has been busy at home right now.

1.We are working on getting wedding rehearsal dinner arrangements made, and that is coming together. I can't wait till August!
2.I am leaving for kentucky in a week. So I have to start packing soon, and I have been shopping to get everything I need. I bought a new iron, and alarm clock Sunday and other things.
3. Sadly, I lost my Auntie Rosie in Austin, Texas. She is my Aunt Mary's sister-in-law. So we are flying out friday for the memorial service which will be held on Sunday. I will be great to be with Aunt Mary again.
4. OPERATION GLOBAL RAIN starts today. So pray earnestly! We are going to Highland church this evening to meet with church members to pray. Aaron told me that it was started by some pastors in Southern California, and Ivor Myers.
5. Meanwhile, I am here at work and both of my bosses are gone. But a couple of staff members are in the building.We are caught up on all of the work we can do. So I am busy at home, but not so at work. This afternoon after lunch I m going to bring things to read, and do!

That is my five points for the day. Have a nice rest of your Wednesday!

Happy Sabbath!

Happy Sabbath! To everyone, I haven't updated in a while, bu I thought I would share a picture with you. This was my 8th grade graduation, already 3 years ago! This was a very happy night, and I really like this picture. I appreciated that Norman made a effort in his busy schedule to come all the way from Calif. to it.I wish Stephen could of been there, he's the only one missing in the pic. Next time, I will have a pic with him.

So it is only 2 weeks away from Asi Youth for Jesus! I am very excited! We had a nice week here, and Aaron is preaching tomorrow in Hopkinsville so he has been getting ready all week. I know the Lord will bless him, because he has spent a lot of time studying.Oh and no I haven't forgotten about the wedding. I am definately in the wedding spirit. We got this wedding music book this week, and I am singing beautiful music out of it. When Stephen comes up ( He likes to play the piano, and I sing) we will play out of it. There are songs like "Cherish the Treasure", and" Household of Faith", and " I will be Here", and traditional classical pieces for the pianist .I hope that you have a blessed weekend!

2 months from now

Hey everyone! Guess what! 2 months from today will be Norman and Joelle's wedding. Can you believe it! Well, we are getting more excited around here about it. Mom and I talk about it a lot. So I am only here at home one more month, or less, 3 weeks to be right. I have never been gone from home a month. But a month goes by pretty fast. I am excited about doing it. So we had a good weekend. On Sabbath we had a different speaker than Pastor Miller. We had Pastor Sharpe come. He was good. On Sunday I played in a piano recital in Gallatin, with Uncle Alber't students. Then, we went down to Rivergate Mall. Mom was talking with Mrs. Damsteegt Friday. She said a lot of the summer dresses were getting sold out, because of sales. And that new dresses were not coming in any more. So we decided we better head down there soon to buy Mom's dress for the wedding. First, we went to Jcpenney, Sears. They had some they were either too flashy, or low cut, or not modest. Finally, we went to Dillard's and my eye caught a dress it was just right. Mom liked it too, tried it on. And then we went to Macy's to sure there wasn't anything she liked better. Then we bought it! Now Mom has her dress. I know I'm a girl, a lot of you wouldn't of put in so much detail. There was only one dress in the whole mall that worked out for Mom, and we are thankful for that. Plus, I am a little bored at work. Our ems accounting program is not working right this morning, and I can't do anything but surf on the internet. And for that matter post new blog entry. If I was at home I would upload pictures. Maybe I will do that later this week. I hope all of you are having a good summer, and feel free to comment on just whatever is on your mind...

Inspiring Campmeeting

Well, no one guessed what I was going to say. But it would of been kind of hard.So here it goes. I thought I was going to meet David Assherick this sabbath at the Walwyn's house( church friends) who invited him to stay at their house the whole week he was here. They invited us for lunch, and I got under the impression that he and his family would be there. Since his last meeting was last night, he obviously left today. So last night he had a good last sermon. Mom and I sat in the front, and were blessed. I decided I wanted to go back and meet him. There was a lot of people that talked with him and I was one of the last. He is very friendly and outing . I think we as Christians should be like that. So it was really neat to meet him, because he made a good influence and impact on me this week. In our Christian walk we sometimes get sidetracked or lose signt of what we should be focusing on. He really preached with fire in his heart that we need to not be of this world and, work on our character and bringing converts in the church for Christ soon return. I feel inspired to put into use what he preached this week. I miss hearing his sermons, and I am going to buy them. He preached 5 sermons. Which is the most I have heard him preach, but it went by so fast! As a side note I told him I was Norman's sister, and he was interested in that. He is happy about Norman and Joelle are getting married. I hope I didn't bore you, but maybe I encouraged you that this world is not our home and we really need to set our eyes on the true goal . Again, bring converts into the church, and work on our character. Have a blessed Sabbath!

Campmeeting continued

So my blog is turning into a daily blog. If you are bored and you don't have anything to do, on the web. During the summer I probably will be writing everyday, because I don't have much to do. Except in July, I will be gone for a month! That will be a good experience for me. Yesterday we went to Dr. Hans Diehl seminar it was excellant. He talked about how vegetables, fruits,grains, and nuts can cleanse your system from bad things. However a lot of people eat fast food, and junk food and they have a higher percentage of getting a stroke or heart attack. In our family that shouldn't be a big problem, because we are already on a vegan vegetarian diet. Still we can always make improvements in our diet. Last night's meeting with David Assherick was packed. I think that people were telling others about how good his sermon was Sunday night and inspiring. Campmeeting has been at it's best this year like gyc was in Baltimore. They have really chosen good speakers. There was a lot more young people there last night. Guess what? I'm not going to tell you till tomorrow. You can guess and post a comment what you think I am going to tell you all! It's Tuesday!

Sunday's meeting

Last night's meeting was powerful. David Assherick gave his first sermon last night, and I will be honest and say it was the best sermon I ever heard him give. He talked about sin in our lives, and how with Jesus help we can overcome and get up again and grow stronger each day. I came home tremendulously blessed, and I am looking forward to tonight's meeting. I could really feel the Holy Spirit there. Today is Memorial Day, and I had to go to work anyways because of campmeeting going on. People need to use the ad bldg. for seminars and the office for supplies and copies. Since we didn't get any mail today, it has been slow and a little boring. So here I am in the business office, surfing the web. Happy Memorial Day!

Campmeeting

Here we are at campmeeting again. We have some really good speakers this year. Tonight is going to be David Assherick's first sermon. We had Roscoe Howard this past weekend, and Dr. Hans Diehl and Dr. Michael Hasel are going to be seminar speakers throughout the rest of the week. The spirit this year at campmeeting is good. I can tell that the people that have come are in for a blessing.Today was the annual big book sale. We bought David Gates new book. I am looking forward to reading that. Aaron and I got lunch at the Snack shop. Suprisingly, I've been a little bored this afternoon. I usually am never bored. I read a little, and Aaron is counting money from campmeeting meals right now. I hope everyone's summer is going good so far, let me know what your plans are. In month I will be gone to kentucky I am excited about that.

Graduation

Yesterday was a really happy day for me, yet it was sad. We saw the Seniors graduate and now I am a Senior!! The service was really nice, and at the end a tradition is the juniors hold gladiolas in the air in the form of the arch when the Seniors graduate. Herb Montgomery was the speaker and gave a good short talk. When it was all over , I had fun taking pictures with juniors and seniors and talking with people. At the end of the day we went to Rosemary Day's and Bob Wint Jr. Wedding. It was in White House. Mom and I really enjoyed it, it was a nice country wedding, not real formal. Not that I don't like formal weddings, but this was a nice country one. I knew Roesmary a little from when I used to go to camp. And we knew both families. It is really nice to be out of school, and enjoy the hot weather. Today I don't have to go to work, but tomorrow I do. I hope you all had a nice weekend too.

Friday

Here I am at Highland Academy's g dorm computer lab, I was kind of bored surfing on the internet. So I figured that I would do another post on here. Today is Friday. I work in the business office, and right now it is very stressful doing paper and money work with everyone leaving. And I help them pay their bills, so we are behind doing that because it has been super busy! I am sad that some of the seniors are leaving. It is hard to believe that next year I won't have any class to look up at. It will just be us. So we had our class party last night. We went to the Carney's house and some of the class swam in their really nice pool. It was in the 60's yesterday. So a lot of us didn't go , including me. Our class sponsors are Randy Bishop, and Nikie Watkins. So Mr. Bishop didn't bring his bathing suit, and they had his chair very close to the edge of the pool and almost managed to push him in. He held his ground, and held tight. That would of been hilarious. We already laughing as it was. Tonight I get to walk down with the Juniors, a tradition at the Seniors graduation. The girls get to wear white dresses so I am excited about what I am wearing. Hey, next year it will be me. How exciting!!! Have a nice weekend, and Sabbath!

Summer here I come

Wow, it has been a really long time since I have posted a blog here. I am sorry about that, and I will do better on updating my blog more often. Now that I will be out of school. Tomorrow will be my last day of school, and I am really happy about that. I've managed to get through my junior year!!!And no more chemistry. Tomorrow will be my geometry and bible exams. By the time you read this I probably will be out of school. So it is getting closer to campmeeting, youth for Jesus, and the wedding. Campmeeting this year is going to be awesome. We are going to have David Assherick as our main speaker, Dr. Michael Hasel, and Dr. Hans Diehl. Unfortunately because of work I won't be able to hear Dr. Hasel or Dr. Hans Diehl. Then in June, I will be working in the business office and training in Roy Drusky to do my job there when I am gone in July. In July I am going to ASI Youth for Jesus, and I am really excited about that. I want to get out of the office, out of my comfort zone, and bring in more souls for Christ. And it was three months Norman and Joelle got engaged but now only three months till they get married! Their new wedding website looks really good. So that is what is going on in my life in general.

Ranger

So the recent news is we have a new dog. We haven't had one in ten years because, the dogs we had ran away from us. I am confident this one won't. We have named him Ranger. He is friendly, wants a lot of attention. It hasn't been perfect having him. He bit my favorite church shoes, and likes to chew stuff, if he is outside at night he barks loud. I haven't been the most enthusiastic about having him, but he is a nice pet to have and we will see how it goes. Aaron and him get along well. Yesterday, Aaron left for Orlando, Florida for trust services meetings for three weeks. Meanwhile, I only have 4 weeks left of school! I have to put together a cyclohexane model for a chemistry project today. I will use cottonballs for the carbon, and marbles for the hydrogen. I am really excited about this summer. The first part, I will be working in the business office. In July, I will be going up to Louisville, Ky to do ASI Youth for Jesus. I am interested in giving bible studies and helping conduct an evangelistic series. Then, Mom will come up for the ASI convention. A week later will be Norman and Joelle's wedding. This summer will fly. I will try to update my blog more.

Evangelism

One of the most important ways in spreading our gospel to the world, is through evangelism. My church is putting on a evangelistic series right now. It has been conducted by the ladies of our church. Each weekend someone has had a different topic. We have had a couple of non members come, and perhaps the blessings I have received is being a speaker. Tonight I gave a talk on "What happened to Right and Wrong", I talked about the importance of keeping all of God's ten commandments. It was a good experience in public speaking and I wouldn't mind doing it again. Another good outcome of having our meetings was, there was a couple that are members but hadn't been attending church in a while. Since our meetings started they started coming back, and the wife came tonight. I could feel the Holy Spirit there. Next weekend is our last weekend of meetings. May God bless you in this week.

P.S. The weather has been great here, I'm loving the warm weather.

Break

It is really nice to be on break. It is relaxing, and not stressed about classes. I am going to do organizing projects around the house, and catch up on my sleep. Norman and Joelle have got a lot of comments on their blogs about the wedding. Our family back here in tennessee is very excited. The wedding will be 8 days before I turn 18. Our other news is that my grandpa has been very sick, and is doing a lot better than he was when he was in the hospital. He sleeps a lot but can communicate with us. Last sabbath, the Hankins came up. Rachael played the guitar for him, and we both sang. I always enjoy singing on the Sabbath. The march winds have been violent here. Nothing seriously bad happened. Further south of us there have been bad tornadoes. A year ago Mom, Uncle Albert, and I were in Loma,Linda Calif. That was a happy memory. It doesn't seem that long ago. The asst girl's dean at my academy said she was going out there for this break, which makes me want to visit again. I'm sure we will again sometime. Enjoy the march winds, and the warmer weather soon coming.

Engagement

So if you haven't heard , which I doubt, Norman and Joelle are engaged! I am excited for them and I know the Lord will bless their marriage. Tim has a really good video of them after the proposal on his blog. I am excited about the wedding in August. Supposedly, it will probably be held in Michigan. Which is neat, because my dad was born there. Whenever I go there it reminds me of Dad. Joelle seems really happy, she wrote me an e-mail. And I talked to Norman last night on the phone, and he has been waiting to do this for a while. My junior year is getting tougher and harder. Chemistry takes time, and all of my other subjects. Happy President's Day! And Congrats to Norman and Joelle.

Safe traveling

Another week has come and gone, since I last posted. It seems like a long time. I had a nice time on music tour. We went to Daytona Beach in Florida. I enjoyed running my feet through the sand and watching the endless ocean's waters. Some people went swimming, but it was too cold for me. We went to Orlando, Florida as well. It was perfect weather there, not too hot but just a little chilly. It reminded my of Calif, which makes me want to visit again. Praise the Lord the tornadoes hit Orlando a day after we left. God was protecting our group and I am thankful for that. I do feel bad for the destruction there. We went to Atlanta on the last part of the trip and did a music concert, and went to underground Atlanta and ate. We also got to tour CNN'S headquarters which was really neat. We saw all of the writers working on news coming in, and the reporters from their backs. When we first got there, they were talking on the news about the tornadoes in Florida right after we left. The last leg of the trip we went to Jasper, Tn church and did a program for the members there. I know that they were blessed by our music. We went to the aquarium in Chattanooga, and to end our trip ate out at a mexican restaurant in Hamilton mall area. I am definately glad to be back with my family here at home. It is nice to relax and take it easy on a Sunday morning. Here's a picture of the capitol.

Jr History Trip

When, I got my pictures developed from jr history trip I couldn't get it to work on the internet. Now I will be able to share with you a couple of pictures at a time. Since it takes a while to upload them. This first picture shows the beautiful fall colors we saw on the trip. In Virginia and Pennsylvania the scenery was amazing.
The picture below is my friends Kendra, Briana, and I. This trip was good time to spend with friends. We were waiting outside the capitol. Look forward to next time to more pictures. This upcoming week I am going on music tour to Georgia, and Florida. I think we will have a good time. Although I don't think it will top off jr history trip with all the places and historical information we learned. Have a good week and God bless.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe that we are in the year of 2007. It doesn't sound right. A year from now is my graduation year. Christmas break was awesome. Norman came home and we had a great time with him and Stephen, Aaron. It was good to catch up, and on Christmas Eve we had our traditional fruit soup my mom makes. It is so yummy. The day after Christmas we went to GYC in Baltimore. I gained such a blessing from the meetings my favorite ones were Peter Gregory, David Assherick, and Jeremy Rosario. It was a struggle for my brothers to get me out of bed before the seven o'clock meeting in the morning. I am not a morning person.On the way up we saw Hartland, and walked a little in Washington, D.C. On the way back Mom, Aaron, and I were able to get inside the capitol and see Former President Gerald Ford's casket in the Rotunda. It was a honor and well worth it to see. Then on New Year's day we went to the Natural Bridge in Virginia and headed back home. I was glad to see you all at Gyc and I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Christmas

It has been great being on Christmas break. I got out of my finals on Wednesday. Then, thursday Norman flew in and it has been great having him here. Today we have been talking all day, and I haven't seen him since March so this is nice. The weekend here will be relaxing. Grandma has moved back to the nursing home which has been and a change, and quite busy here. This Christmas will be great with all my brothers home, and I am looking forward to general youth conference and seeing everyone. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving break has been really nice. I've been catching up on my sleep. I haven't really had a break since September, because I was on Jr. History Trip in October. It has been nice having Aaron home. We've been eating a lot of good food such as pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. Today is my last day of break. I am going to put up the christmas tree. Next weekend we will probably put up all of the decorations. I have a lot of work to do in school before Christmas break. Two weeks from today I will be taking the ACT test. I'm looking forward to Christmas break because Norman will be coming home and I haven't seen him in a while, and it is a good time to spend with family. We are planning on going to GYC again this year. Afterwards we will go the Washington D.C. again and see the monuments that will be fun! I hope everyone had a good thanksgiving and maybe I will see you at GYC!

Give Thanks!

A couple of weeks ago. I was trying to upload my pictures from jr. history trip and my computer would not do it. I will try to figure it out over thanksgiving break. I know that you all would enjoy that. I can't believe that almost half of my junior year is over. This week I think that it is important to think about things we are thankful for. We have it really good here in America.I'm thankful for being in a good Adventist Christian family, that upholds the beliefs we have in God and the message that He has given us in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. I'm thankful for the roof over my head, and the healthy food to eat each day. I could go on further, but think about this week about how much you have to be thankful for and be happy! Happy Thanksgiving!

October

Here it is nearly the end of october. I can't believe how fast it has been. It has been a great month though. For a week and a half I was on junior history trip. We had so much fun seeing historical places, and bonding with friends. I was glad to come back. Eventually I will show you my pictures and write more about the trip. Last weekend I went on music tour to Memphis Junior Academy, and Memphis 1st church. This weekend I am going to Tom Ipes wedding in Cleveland, TN. I remember when he was a little boy. He and Aaron were good buddies back then. Before you know it thanksgiving, christmas will be here. And I am excited about that. Getting back into my studies has been challenging, because of traveling a lot and exhaustion from the trips. I am trying to get back into the groove. Pray for me that I will understand geometry and chemistry. Chemistry is kinda fun. we are doing noble gas notation of elements. And learning to do that on the periodic table. I hope everyone is having a nice fall season. And to talk to all of you soon with the holiday season coming up.

September fall breeze

Quite literally, this month has been a breeze and has flown by. I am very exicited about Jr History trip a week from wednesday. It is 12 states in 12 days. We will go to Boston,Washington D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania. This past weekend I went to Young Women's Retreat. It was all right.I am really tired, and I think I could go to sleep now. I am very busy with 5 classes, and work. I hope everyone is doing great, when Mom has a chance to go to Wal-Mart . I will get my film developed. And hopefully before I leave I will post them.

Scanner

I discovered we actually have a scanner on our computer,and I can scan pictures! yes! I don't have digital camera so I haven't been able to show you pictures. But when I get my film developed , I can show you pictures from our vacation. This picture is the second picture I have scanned. It was Grandma's 90th birthday party and the family that came to it. From the left is JD,jonah, myself, mom,Uncle Dave, in the back : Stephen, Uncle Albert. In the front: Grandma and Owen. Ellie took this picture.

Seventeen

I am now sweet seventeen. That doesn't sound as right ,as sweet sixteen. I still don't have my drivers license. But I do have my permit, so Stephen and I have been practicing driving. It is not too hard except some turns. My birthday was really nice. On sunday , my birthday it was simple. I was thinking of having friends over but decided to do that for my eighteenth. Stephen came up. For my dinner we had vegetarian meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas,salad,and peach pie. How the years have flown by. I really can't believe in an year I will be eighteen. I have always viewed that as being an adult, up there, a ways day the road. In the afternoon we went to the portland library. It was the 53rd anniversary. Uncle Albert and David Fuller played classical pieces together. While Mom and I looked at the art paintings. Then, Mom drove me around town to the hospital I was born in. And we looked at some newer houses near our area. Then , I studied that night. I also received some nice cards, presents, and phone calls. I really don't like Geometry. It is all about proofs, angles etc. Chemistry is kinda fun actually. I thought I wouldn't like it, but I enjoy it. Later down the road we will see.We had our school pictures today. That is the last normal pictures we are taking. Next year, is senior pictures. Roderick Schmitz passed away Friday night. I went to school with him my freshmen year, when he was a senior. He was a nice boy. Down at Southern he was riding his motorcylce went on a ramp and lost control. The accident took place near hamilton mall area. His funeral is tomorrow. I feel so sorry for the family. His brother is in my class, and the family lives in the Handal's old house. He was probably only twenty. Too young. His ex-girlfriend is a senior this year. She is taking it really hard, because they were in a close relationship previously. So keep them in your prayers. I heard southwestern youth conference went well. Wish I could of been there. I am looking forward to general youth conference in December.


P.S. in response to Norman's comment about am I implying that we are going to move to Montgomery. No, if we ever did that it would be down the road. We don't know what God's future holds when I go to college.

Rosa Parks Museum

Here is a picture of the Rosa Parks Museum

Vacation

Well, I am here at home. And I want to tell the main things we did in Alabama. Mom and I said that Montgomery it would be a nice place to live. Although we will probably live here a little while longer. We are really not sure what God's plans are for us. But , Aaron has a nice place to live in. The people there are warm, and will give you a southern welcome. It is very hot, so we were inside most of the time. Except when driving in our car(not airconditioned), we got pretty hot. Monday we drove down for 5 hours and arrived there at night. Aaron reserved us a really nice motel, at hampton inn. I did take some pictures but, I don't have a digital camera. Aaron doess, but it is tucked away who knows where. But I went on some websites to get some pictures of where we went. Here is a picture of our motel to the left of my writing. I went swimming three times, which was very relaxing. We ate at various restaraunts, such as cafeteria, chinese,subway,Ihop, and even thai. I never at thai before, but it was pretty good. They gave vegetarian spring rolls which were deliciou s they tasted like egg rolls. Mom and I went shopping a couple of times while Aaron went to work. On the last day, he got off at noon. So we went downtown to Montgomery. We saw the Rosa Parks museum, and the first church Martin Luther King Jr. preached at. We could see the state capitol from where the church was. On Sabbath we went to the Montgomery church. The members there made us feel warm and welcomed. In the afternoon we drove an hour and a half to Uchee Pines. It was so refreshing to go there. Even though I lived there when I was one , the only memory I have of it is when we went last October. I can remember our living room and playing toys with Aaron. But that is about it. We attempted to try to go inside of our house for the second time. But the people that live there were gone again. We took pictures of it though. Sorry I can't upload them. Some day I will have to get a digital camera to make my blog more interesting. On Sunday we sadly left Aaron to his first place to live for a while. It was sad to leave vacation. But I am looking forward to going down there again. I returned to work Monday. And boy, do I ever have so much work to do. It piled up while I was gone. School starts in a couple weeks, so it is very busy. And the phones are ringing off the hook. I answer all of the calls. My classes this year will be chemistry,spanish I, geometry,Bible III, and American History. Since I am going to be a junior, I will get to go on Junior History Trip. Wow, I think I wrote too much take care.

Deep South in Alabama

Yes, yes we are in Montgomery, Alabama. It is nice to be in the deep south, where everyone is friendly. If you haven't heard yet, Aaron has accepted a job as assistant manager of the adventist book center for the Gulf States Conference here in Montgomery. Aaron arrived here on Sunday. Mom and I came Monday. And all today we have been searching for an apartment for Aaron. It has been quite an experience. Finding one that is close to his work, and yet affordable. We had found the one that we liked. But when he went back to pay the reservation fee, someone else had already sent in a reservation fee and the apartment we were looking at wasn't available. That was an disappointment. But we had in mind another apartment that is really nice. It is right next to a park with an walking trail, and lake. And he will be able to move in August 4 at the earliest. Right now I am on Aaron's labtop in Hampton Inn. We are enjoying our vacation so far. It is nice not to go to work. And Mom is leisurely reading her Adventist Review instead of washing dishes. I am happy for her. We are going to go sight seeing. Possibly the Rosa Parks museum, Old Alabama town, Confederate White House. Probably won't see all of that. And yes, I am going swimming hopefully tomorrow. Aaron is going to start at work tomorrow. It is starting to wind down in the summer, which I am sad about. I am not excited about starting up school again. So enjoy vacation while we have it. Take care . Will post soon.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Today we are celebrating our independence. By the way, I am thankful that I live in America, where I can serve God and worship Him. Today we had our annual picnic. We had potato salad, veggies, baked beans, pink lemonade, and top it off with blueberry pie. Stephen and Uncle Dave came over, with Grandma,mom, and I here. Then, Stephen played the piano, and we sang patriotic songs. When the party was over,Stephen and I took a driving lesson. This the second time I have driven behind the wheel. When we first started I would sit in the passengers seat and do the steering wheel, and Stephen the brakes. I think I am doing pretty good, I just need to get my turns down. I am glad that Aaron is back from Africa, that is a lot of miles to travel. Norman was wondering what books I am reading so here it goes:
The Bible
Testimonies for the Church, vol 1:Ellen White
From Hollywood to Heaven, Steve Wohlberg
Little Town on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder

You can't go wrong with reading a good book. I love reading. Grandma likes to read a lot too. She is so sweet, to live with here at home. I hope everyones summer is going well, and I am looking forward to my vacation at the end of the month when I have a week off from work. Happy Fourth of July!