Merry Christmas!

I haven't lost my mind and I haven't lost my calendar, I know what month it is and what day (July 30th, in case you're wondering). However, Christmas is somewhat of an all-year affair for me (shouldn't we always be celebrating the fact that God came down to earth as a Man so that He could save us!). But more than just the reason of the holiday, I am reminded of Christmas particularly through carols. On July 4th I was almost certainly singing "Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly" or playing some other carol on the piano. In fact, possibly the majority of songs I play on the piano are Christmas songs. It has always been this way in our family (at least among the girls). I remember years ago when we were outside singing Christmas songs in summer, and our neighbor (probably not too politely) reminded us that it was summer, not Christmas. But I have been quite stubborn in all-year-round Christmas, and I believe I will continue my summer Christmas caroling (including singing outside for any "thankful" neighbors)!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Another Snake

Speaking of snakes (see my last post), I always loved this picture of Lydia with a green snake when she five.

Isn't she cute!

Snakes

One thing that I really enjoy about summer is the snakes. Now don't take me wrong, I do not like copper heads, rattle snakes, cotton mouths, or any other poisonous snakes. However, I do think that snakes in general are very fascinating creatures, and little, non-poisonous snakes are fun to hold.

One day while I was working in the garden, I found this little guy. By the way, does anyone know what kind it is? I think today (October 7th, 2016) I found out what kind it is--a worm snake.

Dad's Pictures

Don't forget to check out the new tab, Dad's Pictures, and see my dad's photography.

Cherokee Cove (But Sometimes the Power Goes Out)

That title may sound very confusing and grammatically incorrect. Technically it is grammatically incorrect because the "but" has nothing to compare with- except, unless, you know what is meant by the first part. Let me clarify: Cherokee Cove is a Christian camp just inside Tennessee. We have been going there since July, 2007, and we really enjoy being volunteers there. Yesterday we went to the Home School Family Retreat as the "host family." Shortly before dinner, a huge gust of wind came roaring in and the power went out. So the title basically means, "Cherokee Cove is a great place to go, but it can be a bit less enjoyable when the power goes out." There was no running water, no flushing toilets (except the first two times), no light (but some candles and flashlights), no electricity. This morning the power was still out and we all had to leave early. However, this post is not to complain, but tell of our adventurous past two days. Here are some pictures to document.

Mom and Dad in our room.

One of the many very steep roads at the camp (this picture is not a good representation of the steepness).

One of the beautiful views.

Conversatin' on the front porch.

Then... the wind came.

Working in the dark kitchen.

Dad, Lydia, and Mom eating in the light of Dad's very bright head flashlight.

Candle-lit worship time.

Yesterday did end with a beautiful sunset.

Lydia and Dad this morning. (You may notice the jackets in July! After the storm, the temperature dropped a lot.)

Saying goodbye. (The man on the right is Mr. Stephens, the co-owner of the camp.)

The view on the road leaving the camp.

Have a great Sunday!

Elisabeth

A Walk in the Moonlight

Went for a walk in the moonlight tonight,
The moon wasn't full, but ever so bright.
It shed its light on woodsy trees around,
And it spilled its white on the wint'ry ground.

A pure cold-blue, pearly shimmering jewel,
I watched it in the nightly, silent cool,
As the stars about it twinkled and gleamed;
But the moon was still brighter as it beamed.

As I looked at that shining, snowy sphere,
A picture came quickly to me so clear,
How Jesus' blood washed me white from my sin
(All that dirty grime without and within).

The Father's wrath poured out on His own Son,
Jesus bore it till all was fin'lly done.
Then rising from the grave on Sunday morn,
Killing death, and the temple curtain torn.

He cleansed me whiter than the moon above
With His ever redder blood full of love.
Surrender your life while there is still light,
Or else you will die and never be white.

The moon may shine bright for you now, my friend,
But hell is forever, never to end.
Jesus is forever, clothed in His might,
His blood can wash you cleaner than moon white.

                                                   ~Elisabeth Leake

Burlington Revival

In May of this year, a church in Burlington, North Carolina began revival meetings. So many people came that they eventually moved to a large tent. Mom had been wanting to go because it is such a neat thing God is doing in our state and around the country. Last night we finally went, and it really was amazing to see so many people (over 4,000) coming together to hear the Gospel. The Gospel was indeed preached, and several people professed to have put their faith in Christ last night. 

The seats filled up quickly, and we were outside the tent.

Lydia

Looking into the tent.

Singing.

The sun and clouds were really pretty.

This woman was enthusiastically praising God.

The sign.

I hope you have a great weekend and Independence Day. Remember God's goodness to this country, and yet how much we have strayed from Him. He is a gracious and just God.

Elisabeth