Country Sisterhood at Home

My sisters and I have started a blog together: "Country Sisterhood at Home"! Click to visit! Be sure to let us know that you stopped by, and don't be shy to become a follower. :) My sisters are very excited about entering the Blogger world! We've only done one post so far, but hope to have more up soon!

Blessings,

Song of the Day Tuesday

Today's artist:

I couldn't find many pictures of them (since they are a fairly new band), but I hope you enjoy the quick facts. :)

They have been singing since 2002.

The group consists of:

Mike Donehey... Guitar, Vocals

Jeff Owen... Guitars, Vocals

Jason Jamison... Drums

Scott Sanders... Bass

Although the songs that they are most known for ("Love is Here" and "By Your Side") are some of my favorites, the song that I've chosen of theirs for today is their newest "favorite" one, and in my opinion, is another best! :)

"Hold My Heart"

First Verse:

How long must I pray

Must I pray to you

How long must I wait

Must I wait for you

How long till I see your face

See you shining through

I’m on my knees

Begging you to notice me

I’m on my knees

Father will you turn to me

(CHORUS)

One tear in the driving rain

One voice in a sea of pain

Could the maker of the stars

Hear the sound of my breaking heart

One life that’s all I am

Right now I can barely stand

If you’re everything you say you are

Would you come close and hold my heart?

Second Verse:

I’ve been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes

So much can slip away before I say goodbye

But if there’s no other way

I’m done asking why

I’m on my knees

Begging you to turn me

I’m on my knees

Father will you run to me

(repeat CHORUS)

Bridge:

So many questions without answers Your promises remain

I can’t see but I’ll take my chances to hear You call my name

To hear You call my name

(repeat CHORUS)

Behind the Song:

“I wrote ‘Hold My Heart’ with two friends, Phillip LaRue and Jason Ingram. Phillip and I at the time were both going through separate situations, but a really rough time. [We were] just grappling to understand why God would let certain things happen. We had lunch that day and we were talking about it and the conclusion we came to is really what the bridge says. It says, ‘There’s so many questions without answers, but your promises remain.’ Basically what that is saying is you know what? Sometimes we aren’t going to get the answers we want, but we still have God’s promises and the tough part of that is when Jesus said to us, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you,’ but your whole world feels like he’s done exactly that, it is no small thing to hold onto the truth and cling to that truth. ‘Hold My Heart’ is a psalm. It’s like Psalm 13, it’s saying, God I’m clinging and holding on and I just don’t know how much longer I can go, so come and hold my heart.” - Mike Donehey

Let me know if you've heard this song and what you think of it! May you be encouraged by it - that God IS holding your heart and His promises DO remain!!

Blessings,

Photos, and "Behind the Song" taken from JFH

The Duggars need your prayers...

Please remember to keep the Duggars in your prayers. Their 19th child, little Josie Brooklyn, was born last night by an emergency c-section - 3 months before actually due date. She weighs 1lb. 6 oz. and is currently being hospitalized at the hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas which is known to be one of the best in the state. Read more about it here.

Please keep them in your prayers! They must all be struggling - hoping and praying for this little one's life to be spared.

Blessings,

My first giveaway!!!!!

Hello everyone!! Greetings in Christ!

I am just so excited about having my very first giveaway!! :) I hope ya'll are too! And I'm not just talking to the girls, either. :) Guys are more than welcome to enter - only if they plan to give this gift to their sister, mother, etc. for Christmas. :) So, without further adieu, let me show you my giveaway...




This book is currently out of print so it is very hard to find. But I found two. :) Wasn't that neat? What a deal! So, I decided to share my happiness with someone else. I read this book a few years back, and had been looking for it for some time. So now that I have my own copy, I have been reading it to my family. We've all immensely enjoyed reading about Godly women who helped start this country! This book is just filled with Godly examples for young ladies to strive after.
So, below are the rules to enter.

You must comment seperately for each one.

The giveaway is open till 11:59 PM Monday, December 21st, 2009.

1. To enter once, comment and let me know that you want to be entered in the drawing AND where you found out about this giveaway (you're a follower already, from a friend, other blog, etc.).
2. To enter twice, post about this giveaway on your blog (be sure to include a link), Facebook, or any other place that is public - e-mail is another suggestion.
3. To enter three times, add my link somewhere on your blog.

Simple as that! :)

The drawing will take place on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009.

Blessings,

P.S. I wouldn't be offended if you started following "God's Daughter" either. :)

Another award!

I've been awarded again by Abigail from A Light to Follow! Thank you so much, Abigail! I'm glad you enjoy my site so much! This is very sweet of you.

So now, I award two of my favorite lovely ladies and lovely blogs. :)

Paulina at A Set Apart Life

&

my Bosom Friend, Danielle at Living At Home.

Love both of you tons!!

Blessings,

A giveaway at A Light to Follow!

Abigail, at A Light to Follow, is having a giveaway of some blue pot holders and a washcloth that she made! Click on her link to go and look at them and enter to win!!

Blessings,

The LORD has blessed us with another blessing!! :)

In my last quick update, I'm afraid I wasn't completely truthful as to why I haven't been on the computer lately. Not because I didn't want to be, but because I didn't quite have permission to...yet. :) But yesterday I got the permission I needed to announce to the world (yes, I consider Blogger a big part of the world! :) that:

My dear Mother is pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She found out just a few days after they got back from Hawaii. :) She is due mid-July of next year. So, one of the other reasons (besides being on a "blogger-break") that I haven't been on my computer - updating ya'll :) - is because I have resumed my position as mother-of-the-house-for-awhile. :) Mother has been in bed for most of the past couple of weeks. That morning sickness is just awful! :( But she hopes that it'll pass within the next two or three weeks. Please keep her in your prayers! And also, pray that I keep a cheerful countenance as housekeeping can get a little overwhelming with the little ones. :)

We're all very excited for Mother and the baby! This will be #7...or #8!! We're actually praying for twins...twin boys, since there is only one boy in our family so far. :) But whatever God sends to us, we will receive with open arms! ♥

Blessings,

Some favorite Norman Rockwell paintings...

I just thought it'd be fun to put up some of my favorite Norman Rockwell paintings! :) These are just three of my favorites, but I hope to put up more soon. :)

I've always liked this picture! Do you ever wonder if *you're* being a Godly witness by praying in public - and not trying to show the fact off that you're a Christian?

This painting I saw for the first time a few weeks ago in a calender. I just thought it was such a cute photo! :) The girl has what would probably be my expression :), but I just thought this was a cute one anyway. I wondered what month this picture was in the calender for, and so I went an looked and ha! My birth month - April! :) *hehe*

Now you all know my stand on courtship, so let's just say this is a sweet couple who courted and this painting was done of them on their honeymoon. :) Sweet!

I'll try putting some more up in another post! For now, good-night! :)

Blessings,

I've been on a blogging break :)

Hello dear followers!

I am so sorry that I haven't been updating as regularly as I should be, but I've just been taking a 'blogging break'. :) I sensed God telling me that I was spending too much time on this computer (specifically, my blog) and He just wanted me to relax and not feel so pressured about updating it...too regularly. :) I hope ya'll don't mind! I want my followers to enjoy reading these updates and I'm hoping to get, at least, a couple out every week (besides "Song For the Day Tuesday").

Lately, I've been busy with Christmas preparations! I've finally gotten all the gifts for my family bought and wrapped! (Oops! I actually have *one* more gift to wrap...my sister, Eunice's :) hehe) I am so excited about this year's gifts for my families! Because I had a little extra spending money from my bazaar, I was able to get them a little more "spendy" gifts! :) I won't tell you what I got them till *after* Christmas - just in case one of my parents or siblings decide to surprise me by popping on over here! :) How are ya'll getting ready for Christmas? Do you decorate a lot?

Something else that I'm doing this month is collecting money to donate to my local PRC (Pregnancy Resource Center). I'm hoping to raise, at least, $100, but I'll collect as much as I'm able to. Would any of my dear followers like to contribute to the cause? If so, e-mail me and let me know. I'll send you the details and also how to send me the money. Even a donation of $2 would be MOST welcome! May God bless each and every one of you!

Oh! Also, last...Friday, I think it was...I bought Britt Nicole's new CD "The Lost Get Found" and got a FREE one besides!! :) I've been having fun listening to them! The one I got for free has 13 songs by various new artists and I've discovered a few that I like! :) I was going to put one of them up as my artist for this Tuesday, but I didn't find many pictures of her, or any "quick facts" either. :) Hopefully she'll be more popular next week. :)

Well, I must be scooting off to bed. Hopefully I'll be able to update you soon on the past week. Oh! I wasn't able to do a post about my sister's birthday, but she turned 10 on Sunday! :) My little sister, Lydia, is growing up - oh my! :( And then tomorrow is my dear, sweet Mother's birthday! :) Hopefully I can get on here and do a double-post on both of their birthdays...and hopefully get some pictures up too!

Hope you all stay safe and warm!

Blessings,

Song For the Day Tuesday

For this week's singer/song, I have chosen the group...

-Remedy Drive-

Some quick facts about this group:

They have been singing since 1998.

They're a group of 4 brothers:

Daniel Zach... Drums

David Zach... Keys, Guitar, Vocals

Philip Zach... Bass, Vocals

Paul Zach... Guitar, Vocals

Interview with David Zach (lead singer of Remedy Drive):

JFH interviewer (John): As a bit of an intro for those who are new to the band, how did you guys get started and what does the name "Remedy Drive" mean??

David: We started playing together in high school. I had written a few songs back in the day around the idea that we are all in need of a remedy that will last. Remedy Drive points toward the only hope that will truly cure our longing to be part of something else. And it's the road we want to be on ourselves as well.

JFH (John): Being that you're all brothers, what is the process like for making music? How do you all come to an agreement when it comes to styles, band roles, etc.?

David: The creative process is something that comes with a lot of work, a lot of trial and error. Left to ourselves, we would still be the indie jam band with ten minute instrumentals and electronica. So, as brothers, creating songs that are more pop-rock, and only three minutes long, has been a journey. We all have the same end goal - to be able to keep making music for a living. That's the glue that really holds us together. Roles in the band have shifted and continue to shift now that we have a manager, record label, publicist, road manager, booking agent and other new partners behind us. We've all acted in each of those roles in the past. But there are always jobs no one wants to do. Figuring out who is responsible for one of those new jobs is always tough. Figuring out how to decide on a final lyric, tune, or guitar part is sometimes tough as well. It's all part of the learning curve, and it has a lot to do with making sure everyone in the band knows they are respected and that their opinion matters. You'd think as brothers we would agree on a majority of musical choices, but there are a lot of polar opinions among us. The beauty of having a band with my three brothers is figuring out how to affirm each other even though we have different ways of doing things - trial by fire as they say.

JFH (John): What is it that keeps you going when you do hit those times where hope seems the furthest thing from you?

David: I know that there is a kingdom coming - even when rock music lets me down, even when the American dream lets me down - even when I let myself down. There is something I'm longing for that no eye has seen, nor ear has heard. I can't even imagine what my King has in store for me. I know there is hope for change in my heart too, even when I seem the most broken.

JFH (John): What do you feel God has been teaching you lately?

David: God has been teaching me that I can't do it on my own. I need His word, the same word that formed the stars, to make light shine in my heart, to make that broken, empty, lifeless thing brand new again.

JFH (John): Any last comments?

David: After five years of playing music full time and two years of writing and recording songs, it's really exciting that our album is finally out for people to see and hear. It's been a long time coming.

(Interview - those were just some clips of it that I took from the main interview. You can find the whole interview on the JFH website.)

The song that I have chosen by Remedy Drive for today is:

"All Along"

First Verse:

It’s not everything it seems - the world and its dreams

Slipping like water through my hands tonight

All the things I thought would fill me up inside

Left me empty here - and now I know why

CHORUS:
All along I was looking for something else

You’re something else

All along I was looking for something more

You’re so much more

I finally found what I could never see before

You’ve always been the one that I was looking for.

Second Verse:
All of my castles in the sand - washed away again

And I’m left back where I began tonight

The only thing that can ever fill me up

Has been right in front of me all the time

(repeat CHORUS)

Bridge:

I won’t miss you - I won’t miss you this time

I say I want you - yeah I want you in my life.

Behind the Song:

'Our human existence isn't validated by the cars we drive, cards we carry, or jobs we have. Is there anything in the universe that can sustain the need of my human heart? We spend our lives looking for something substantial - something valuable and permanent. But we end up with normalcy, marginalized again, consumed by our own consumerism. This song, written with Jason Ingram, sings in unison with every heart crying out for something more - something bigger.' - David Zach (lead singer of Remedy Drive)

This song just really stood out to me when I heard it. You know, we seek for so many things on this earth, but we don't find the *ONE* thing that we need until we find Him. I love the message this song has in it. I hope you like it too.

Blessings,

First photo taken from: JFH

Second and third photo taken from: Titletrakk.com

Fourth photo taken from: swdy.net

"Behind the Song" taken from: JFH

Interview taken from: JFH

Song For the Day Tuesday

Again, sorry this week's song is a little late. *blush*

This week's artist and song is...

Chris Tomlin

Some little facts about Chris:

He's been singing since 1998.

His birthday is: May 4, 1972

"Chris Tomlin wrote his first worship song at age fourteen. He entered college planning to study medicine, but he stated that he felt God’s calling to something else and did not pursue that career. Following college, at Texas A&M University, Tomlin continued to play and write songs, and in 1997, Louie Giglio asked if he would be interested in working with the Passion Conferences. Tomlin agreed, and he has played a key role ever since." - Taken from Total Axxess

"Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)"

First Verse:

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind, but now I see

Second Verse:

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed.

(CHORUS)

My chains are gone

I’ve been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love, Amazing grace.

Third Verse:

The Lord has promised good to me

His Wod my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

(repeat CHORUS)

Fourth Verse:

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Behind the Song:"I was doing some research on John Newton and the writing of the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” John Newton wrote these lyrics as a poem for a sermon describing what God had done for him; that God had not only saved his soul, but also saved him from slave trading. That inspired me to write the simple refrain, “my chains are gone...” I also found it interesting that the familiar last verse, “when we’ve been there ten thousand years…” was not in the original, but added years later by another author. I have included in this version Newton’s original last verse." - Chris Tomlin

First picture taken from: JFK (also the "Behind the Song")

Second picture taken from: newchristianmusic.uk.co

Third picture taken from: Total Axxess

The first time I heard this song, I really enjoyed how Chris had put it together. I don't normally like how people take a good, old hymn and turn it into some sort of contemporary song, but Chris did a wonderful job with this one. Besides, "Amazing Grace" is one of my favorite old time hymns...a classic.

Blessings,

"The King's Blooming Rose" magazine

Have you ever heard of "The King's Blooming Rose" magazine? You will definitely want to know [more] about it! You can just go to their website by clicking here.

I've received two of their magazines as a gift from my bosom friend and have thoroughly enjoyed reading them. They are filled with encouraging articles, fun recipes and you'll find yourself laughing and crying till the very last page.

It is published quarterly (4 times a year) and is free, unless you feel led to make a donation (which I know they would appreciate!). Read more about it on their website.

Blessings,

I've been awarded! :)

I have been awarded by Abigail at A Light To Follow.

Thank you, Abigail! That was very sweet of you and I am honored to receive this cute award. :)

The rules are:

~Thank the person who gave you the award (did so, above:)

~Copy the award

~Post it on your blog

~Tell 7 things your readers probably don't know

~Link 7 new bloggers as recipiants

~Notify the winners of their award with a comment on their blog

~Keep on sharing the light of Christ with others!

Let's see...7 things my readers don't know about me...

1. I used to use Sampa for my blog, before Blogger. But I switched to Blogger just a few weeks before Sampa shut down.
2. I've been blogging for over a year.
3. I've only won one blog giveaway. :( Yeah, pretty sad. And I've entered tons!! But I love the one that I did win. :) At Andrea's, God is Writing My Love Story.
4. I plan to have a giveaway fairly soon. Keep an eye for it!!! :)
5. The first blog that I ever started following was my dear friend, Miss Jen's, Blessed Femina. :)
6. This is my 4th award!! :) I feel so privileged.
7. Okay, last "did you know about me"...hm...did you know that...I've lived on a farm for 5 years? :) Goingon 6, next January. Okay, this last one was kind of lame. :) Sorry! :)

Okay, I award:

1. Andrea at God is Writing My Love Story
2. Jennifer at Child of the King
3. Jessica.Mae at Faith For Girls
4. Lucia at A Princess in God's Kingdom
5. Hahner Sisters at Living at Home
6. Emily (Hahner) at Emily's Ponderings
7. and...c'mon, Raquel - one more!! Okay, here's a new twist! :) I'll award the first person who comments (who I didn't already award)! So hurry and comment!!

Blessings,

Happy Thanksgiving!

The past couple of weeks, all the bloggers, whose blogs I follow, have been writing posts about the things they are thankful for. So, I wanted to write a post about all the things that I am thankful for too. But while I was making up my list, God revealed something to me. It was almost as if He was telling me, "Raquel, you are thanking Me for all the good things I have given you. What about the trials I have sent your way? Don't I tell you, in My Word, to 'rejoice in trials' and 'be thankful for tribulations'? Haven't you seen the 'good' that I have worked out of all the bad - like I say in Romans 8:28?" Yes, LORD. I have.

Unfortunately, I can't go into detail about the hardships that He has sent our way, but let's all try to remember to thank Him for the trials and hard times, because if you *really* think about it, you will see that something good has *always* come out of it. I have been blessed with new friends, stronger relationships, wonderful times to remember, stronger faith in God and more trust in Him, because of the 'bad' that has been in my life.

But, in this post, I will post at least ten things I am thankful for. Believe me, the list can go on and on, but I'm short of time here, so... :)

I am thankful for...

1. ~My Savior and my God

2. ~My life

3. ~My family

4. ~My friends (especially my bosom friend :)

5. ~My Home

6. ~All our farm animals

7. ~The money that we have - enough to make a huge Thanksgiving meal! :)

8. ~My blog that I am able to have

9. ~Music (my songs, instruments, my voice, etc.)

10. ~Books (that have encouraged me, inspired me, helped me in my spiritual walk. And ones just for pleasure too :)

and just two extra ones, for good measure :)

11.~All the home-making skills that my dear Mother has taught me

12. ~How much God has blessed my efforts on The Homeschool Society and how many Christian homeschoolers are finding it.

Like I said...the list can go on and on!! :)

So what are some things (list at least three) that you are thankful for this year?

Blessings,

P.S. All these photos getting you hungry for all the good food tomorrow? :)

~HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!~

Song For the Day Tuesday

For this week's Tuesday, I'd like to tell you a little about a group and their song that have really encouraged me, especially lately. I'm honored to say that these fellows are from my home town and state (Portland, Oregon)! :)

The group is: Kutless.

Some quick facts about Kutless:

They've been singing since 1999.

Kutless chose their name because of a specific Bible verse. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (NRSV). Because of this, the group says, "He took our cuts for us... leaving us 'Kutless'."

Group Members:

Jon Micah Sumrall... Lead Vocals

James Mead... Guitar

Nick Departee... Guitar

Dave Luetkenhoelter... Bass

Jefferey Gilbert... Drums

I know quite a few of their songs that are all favorites of mine, but their latest, "What Faith Can Do" has just really blessed me lately, because of all the hardships that my family and I have been going through. It's been hard, but faith in God is the best thing you can have!!

"What Faith Can Do"

"Everybody falls sometimes

You gotta find the strength to rise

From the ashes and make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache

You think it’s more than you can take

But you’re stronger, stronger than you know

And don’t you give up now

The sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds

To find the silver lining

(CHORUS)

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard

Impossible is not a word

It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death

You may decide to take that step

Out on the water

But it’ll be all right

Life is so much more

Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way

If you keep believing

(repeat CHORUS)

Overcome the odds

When you don’t have a chance

That’s what faith can do)

When the world says you can’t

It will tell you that it can

(Repeat CHORUS)"

I hope this song encourages you. Try listening for it on the radio...they've been playing it quite often. And of course, the music always makes a difference. :)

Blessings,

Pictures are taken from JFH.