Homevisits = Happy Day!

Nothing like good ol' homevisits to make you happy! Today my dad and sister Marianne worked with a group called The Simple House. With them we did something very similar to homevisits. We had a bag of pineapple and other goodies, we knocked on the doors and gave to the person who answerd, we asked if they wanted prayer, stuff like that. It was so good to be doing it again! I was really thankful thought that I could understand everyone. That being the only drawback to Mexico, I couldn't understand anything! :)
The people where so happy to get the bag, and they where so happy to see us. Their joy was infectious! It wasn't hard to smile brightly when they opened up the door.
Merry Christmas!!!!
Lizzy

You know that you've been to Mexico when...

When you little sister, age 2, is singing worship songs in Spanish. Granted that she doesn't know all the words, nor I dare say the meaning. But its still cute. :)

Mission post!

We got the news! The bishop of San Lucia wants us to come! We are all so excited.
San Lucia is an island in the Caribbean, so your probably thinking. "Oh that's a great mission post. Lets go to a paradise!"
Yes, it will be a sort of paradise, God makes many beautiful places. But that's not why we are being called there. We are being called to re-evangelise catholics. Did you know 70% of children are born out of wedlock! That's a lot. And what better a witness than to come with our 10 kids. :)

Blessings,
Lizzy.
P.S I will post more later!

More on Mexico

I think my favorite thing that we did in mexico was the home visits. Which is where we go and visit the elderly and the sick. The mission girls often drove but when we went we walked. Which was really cool, because you got to see what General was like. One of the home visits that I most remember is the when we to visit this old lady who only has one leg. She had lost it to gangrene, and her big toe is now infected. She will probably never walk again. After our leader, (Bree) had talked to the lady for awhile (the rest of us can't speak Spanish) and after reading the bible we prayed with her. Bree asked her if she had anything that she wanted to pray for, she said:

"I want to pray for peace in world."

Is that not beautiful? This poor old women may never walk again, she is in pain and she prays for peace!? As on of the other girls said,

"She is praying for a world that could care less, that has already forgotten her."

Belated Thanksgiving

Hey everyone! I'm back to wish you all a very belated Thanksgiving. I would have posted sooner but these past few days have been very busy. But its now all finished, for awhile that is. We had a wedding Saturday, a very beautiful and blessed wedding. Two of our beloved missionaries got married. We are all so happy and excited for them!

Awesome prayer

Here is a great prayer for Christ the King! Which is today.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before you. We are yours, and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you; many, too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever. Amen.

Back in America!

So in mexico they have a different sewer system than us. You can NOT flush any toilet paper, at all. This was told to the little children many times, as it would cause the toilet to clog up and its suspensive to fix. This conversation was between my sister Bridgett, age 4, and a missionary Sunny while in the Chick-fil-A bathroom.

"Where is the trash can! I can't find it!"

*Sunny starts cracking up*

"Its okay Bridgett, we are in America now, you can flush it."

Yes we are now back in America. More later!

Leaving, and a promise.

Yes, tomorrow we will be leaving Mexico. I can't wait to get back home, but I really hate to leave. But once I'm home then I will be able to ''really'' post about my time.

Mexico!

Yes I'm sorry that I have not posted in quite some time, its just that I have been in Mexico! But its late at night so this will only be a short post for now. I have two things to say:
1.The people here are so amazing, today we wet on home visits and I met an amazing lady.
2. I promise you that if you come to the mission house you will get fat. Marta, the cook for Intake is amazing! The food is so good.
Blessings, Lizzy

Nanowrimo!

The madness has started, needless to say I was super excited. I'm already ahead of my

daily wordcount, which makes me even more excited. 2018 words is the wordcount for Day 1!

And we leave for Mexico on Wednesday!

New Name

As my family is getting ready to out into missions, I thought that I should change the name of my blog. It is now going to be called A Missionary Journal. Also, I'm going to change the header, just as soon as I get a good picture. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!

Blessings,

Lizzy

Prayers about Missions

As the ending of Intake draws near, we are starting to really pray about where the Lord will send us. So far our leaders have been thinking "some place hot." The three places that where named were in Mexico and South America. I want to ask you all to pray that the Lord will guide us, and that he will provide for our needs, and that he would begin to prepare the hearts of the people that we will go to.

Thank you all in advance,

May God bless you,

Lizzy

I wish I knew what to post about...

Gosh why is it so hard to post??? So many things have happened this week.

I do have a question though, its actually for myself. Why am I so addicted to wrimoing? For those of you who don't know that means: Writing Month. :P Okay gotta go!

Blessings,

Lizzy

A few pics that I forgot

Here are some pics that I thought y'all would enjoy, but I forgot to put them on my first post.

Two cute boys!

The homework of Intake...

The baby in Susanna's arms is my brother, and the other one is the baby of our other missionary family. Both so cute!

Ice cream!!

Blessings,

Lizzy

A Birthday!

On the 22 of September, the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo, my little sister Rosie also had a birthday!

She turned 4. Every time I listen to my sister I am reminded of Bonnie from Toy Story 3. She has such an a imagination. And she loves Toy Story. All she wanted for her birthday this year was a "Rex", she was so happy to get it. :) I love you Rosie!!

Blessings,

Lizzy

Missionary days

Hey Everyone! Here is a long post of pictures for you!

The little kids get lots of love!

Sid being...Sid

Now Sid is a horsie!

Funny pic

We are supposed to be sleeping, Chiara didn't get that.

My mom and dad!

Me and my friends

A beautiful sunset

lol notice how the kids are all on one side, the girls didn't like the dead alligator.

Lots of fun!

My brother and my missionary brother ;)

Marianne and Isaac

A missionary and Rosie!

The guys love all the little kids!

Blessings,

Lizzy

If I am gone...

Tis because of Intake! Alas, I will not be here as often. See me on Sundays gentle readers!

Blessings till then,

Lizzy

Intake!!

Wednesday is when Intake starts!!! I am so excited I can hardly wait. Today the new missionaries will arrive! I will post again with pictures.

Um...

I just looked and saw that this will be my 151st post! Hooray for me!

Lizzy

Rainy day

Today is a very rainy day. Looking out the window makes me glad that I'm safe and dry inside.

Home is so nice! Rainy days are so inspirational. I look out side at the tempest and my muse starts working. But there is only one thing bad about this! We where going to go swimming!

Blessings

Lizzy

Pics

So here are the pics from mission formation: The first few are us girls cooking Indian food with Susanna!

This is Susanna!

Me :D

Isn't he cute?

One of the missionaries holding Isaac.

There you go!

Blessings Lizzy

Food for thought

Psalm 119:19-20

I am a pilgrim on earth;

show me your commands.

My soul is ever consumed

as I long for your decrees

Blessings,

Lizzy

*Jumping up and Down!*

So yes I am very pleased to say that I finished my novel The Princess and The Stable Boy today!

I didn't think that I would make it by the end of August, but I DID! I am so happy!!!!!!!

Final Word count:21,821 words. I am very pleased with it! Now its going to be edited.

And for September I'm going to finish Streets Lined with Gold.

Blessings,

Lizzy

Music

Right now I am listing to the Soundtrack to Little Woman, and a thought popped into my mind. Music, how beautiful it is. All of my life, till about a year or two ago, all I listened to was Classical music, and Worship music. And the reason I love classical music so much is its beauty. Music is like a story, moving you to tears or joy. When I hear music, I wish that I was more talented at playing it, but it gives me joy to be able appreciate it so much. It makes me sad, the type of music people listing to these days. Not say that some of it is good, but where is the beauty in "Heavy Metal" or the other types of music. Sometimes I hear some rap and think, "How is that worth listing to?" I think music gives God joy, it gives God glory.

Blessings,

Lizzy

P.S Now I'm listing to the soundtrack to Emma 2009!

When School turns into an adventure

Oh yes, such things are possible. When at Big Woods one never knows what things will happen. It started like this. Marianne, Theresa and I where sitting at the computers taking tests, when Marianne says, "Um...Is that the horses!" (We have five horses at Big Woods. I think...)

Sure enough when Theresa and I look out there they are.

"Oh no, we have to tell someone." So I go and tell Mr.Frank. He jumps up and calls us out along with Suz, one of our missionaries. About this time the brilliant dogs go to chase the horses, sending them down the road. He places us around the yard then gets into his car and drives down the road. Soon two other missionaries come running and they also jump in their cars and drive off. Slowly, they herd the horses back. *Sigh* Yes now they are back and shut tightly in their pasture. Praise God!

So the moral of this story is: You never know what will happen when you are doing your school.

Lizzy

I am on a mission...literally

:D I like titles! They can be so funny, and interesting. But anyway, to be back on topic, tomorrow is Mission Formation!!! I love mission formation. And this time, I will take pictures for everyone to see. I would have put an exclamation point there, but I use so many!

That and italics are my thing now. I think it has something to do with being 15. Because in Emily Climbs, she uses a lot of italics around the age 14-15. So I must really work hard on not using them as much. (!) :D

Blessings,

Lizzy

Jesus Fixes you

He does! I remember before I had my reversion I fought with my Mom every single day, sometimes twice or three times a day. It was horrible. I was always angry. And I took it out on my siblings. The end result was all of my siblings basically hated me. I felt awful about it, but it had gotten so bad that they didn't care anymore.

Today I was thinking that, my Mom and I don't argue as much. I mean like never! It is so awesome! And I am steadily patching things up with my siblings. We still fight, but not like we used to. My life is so much happier, I can live my life without the ugly feeling of anger and guilt. Jesus fixes you. I'm not perfect, I still have to work to that. But I am so much better!!

I love you Jesus!!!!

Blessings,

Lizzy

Missions

As I realize that there is less than a month till Intake I feel myself getting excited. When I first came to Big Woods, I really didn't like the Charismatic feeling everything had. Now I can see why we share on Bible readings, I see why we sing before every meal, why Jesus Christ is the center of everything we do! And it is so exciting! I heard the other day, if this other family comes we will have 28 people coming to Intake this year!!!! That's the most FMC has ever had. God has blessed us so much this year. He has been calling us to grow. This year JP (the founder's son) is starting a Youth part of out missions. You can not believe how exciting that is!!!! The more I think about it, the more excited I become. :D

Blessings,

Lizzy

Its been awhile...

Since I did a tag so here is a fun one. Its a writing tag!

What do you write your stories on?
Usually on a Word Doc, but I keep a notebook on hand all the time.

What is your favorite kind of character?
One that I can relate to. Someone kind, but not afraid to go and kill some bad guys!

When you're asked what your story is about, what is your usual reaction?
Um...Don't you know your not supposed to ask a writer that? Either you will get to much information or none at all. Sorry. I freak out, unless its a writing friend who asks. Then I know just what to say.

What is your biggest writing pet peeve?
Writer's Block. I hate those things. I have fought many a battle with that foe.

What is the biggest turn-off for you when reading a book?
Bad language, or questionable scenes. And a boring story. If it doesn't interest me I stop.

Your favorite era in history?
WW2, no question about that!

How many words on average do you punch out in one sitting?
If I am really interested in it, 100 to 200.

Are you a fast typist?
I'm good.

What do you do for inspiration?
Anything! Music, read or just force myself to write something.

The truest writing quote you've ever heard
This one: One ought only to write when one leaves a piece of one's own flesh in the inkpot, each time one dips one's pen. ~Leo Tolstoy

Or this one: A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author. ~G.K. Chesterton

What's your favorite genre to write?
Fantasy or Historical Fiction.

Favorite font to write with?
Anything.

Least-favorite writing prompt you've ever recieved?
I can't answer this one. It brings back to many horrible memories. :P

What do you like better: Pens or Pencils?
PENS!!!



Blessings,
Lizzy

Today

Today is my birthday!!!!! I am 15 years old today. 15 Wow. Do you want to know something wired? I don't feel 15. It seems strange to me. :D Yesterday I was thinking, next year I will be 16. Believe it or not that makes me smile. Me? 16? You have got to be kidding me.

Time flies far to fast. But I think that is a good thing, I haven't completely lost my childhood yet. And I don't plan to.

Blessings,

Lizzy

What am I going to do with myself?

This is going to be interesting.

Reason why I'm crazy:
1. I forgot how to tell time. My mom asked me what time it was, so I walked over to the clock and stared. And stared, and stared. Then I said, "Uh mom, give me a sec." And I stared some more. Finally I came up with this answer, "Its almost 9." It was 8:45, close enough.

2. I forgot that I'm still 14. Today I remembered that I am still 14! Not 15, like I had been saying for almost a month.

3. I forgot that it was summer still. At the end of July I started to prepare for Nano. And I got so into that November mindset that I forgot about summer! I don't know what month I thought it was, but it wasn't August.

Yes, this is why I am certain that I am crazy.
Blessings,
Lizzy

Oh!

Hey!
Today I realized that I have had my blog for a year! I started Tales of a Godly Maiden 6/11/09!
Thanks to all who follow me, I love having my blog, and I love writing to all of you!
Blessings,
Lizzy

My story

I come from a very strong Catholic family, and I considered myself a strong Catholic too. I prayed with my family and went to mass every Sunday. Then I slowly drifted away. I still continued to go to mass with my family but, I no longer payed attention. I cut myself off form God.
It wasn't until last year that I realized this. All of the sudden I was hopelessly lost. All of my faith had finally left me, and I was scared and angry. There were many nights that I cried myself to sleep because I felt so alone. It's hard to explain what happened in side of my mind. For all of my angry and sadness I crept hidden deep inside, I was afraid that if my parents knew about my struggle I would be forced to learn more about my faith. It wasn't that I didn't want to, I did desperately, but I wanted to do it myself. So in my pride I struggled.
The ability to discern if my actions where right or wrong got harder and harder. Yet still I wanted help myself, God (if he was out there) didn't need to help me, I didn't need him. Finally I gave up. I gave up caring whether I was a good person or not. I just didn't care. Thankfully I didn't see that as a reason to sin more, I just didn't do anything. Good or bad.
Around the same time that I had started to struggle my parents felt the call to missions. I was the only one in the family who was against leaving. But I kept it to myself. In May we moved down to Louisiana, where the mission base is. Still unhappy I started to wonder if I could really help myself. Something started to change in me then, but I didn't do anything.
Why I didn't do anything confuses me, so it will probably sound confusing to you too.
On my top 10 hate list, I absolutely hate hypocrites. So even though I wanted to believe in God, I did not want to be a hypocrite. So I stayed in my land of confused darkness. What finaly made me take that flying leap of faith was not the actual camp but the staff retreat. For Faith Camp I was a part of staff, and a month before all the staff got together.
I was standing in the semi-darkness, it was Praise and Worship time. All the songs seemed to be centered around forgiveness and God's love (imagine that.) All of the sudden I felt pulled to my knees. Down there I finally said it, I said "Jesus I don't care about me any more. I give myself to you. Me, worthless, dirty and sinful. I give you my life, my body and soul."
I said that over and over again, then this wonderful peace came over me. And I was so happy!
It wasn't really Faith Camp that changed me, although Faith Camp has built me up greatly. But if I had not been on staff, I would not be sharing this story with you.

Pics are coming soon!
~Lizzy

So?

Does it look better? I'm not sure if I like the look, we will stick with it for awhile.
Anyway I'm working on my Faith Camp post! I'm waiting for pics right now.
Blessings,
Lizzy

:P

If my blog looks different, or wired or anything, don't worry I'm redoing it. So bare with me please.
I'll try and get it looking nice as soon as possible. Thanks!
Lizzy

On my other blog...

(that I do not post on much) is something to think on.
http://schoolofthelittleway.blogspot.com/2010/07/annes-house-of-dreams.html

Hello All!

I am back! Faith Camp was unbelievably amazing! I believe that my sisters also had a great time.

So this is just a short post to say that I am back. I will tell you more about it later. Right now I just want to rest!

Few things

First things first. Today is Independence day!!!!! Three cheers! Hip Hip Huzzah! Hip Hip Huzzah! Hip Hip Huzzah! Very good, very good. (Lol) No really this is an amazing day! But anyway, this is going to be just a short post to tell you I am probably going to be gone for two weeks starting Monday. The count down to Faith Camp has begun!
Blessings,
Lizzy

Prayers

Hey guys!!
Today during our family prayer time I felt the Lord put on my heart the desire to go on the August mission trip. After thinking about it and talking to my Mom about it I realized that this was going to harder than I thought. You see it would be during my birthday, and I would be away from my family for about a month and a half! So please pray that if this is God's will that he would help and my mom and family to reach this step with peace.
Blessings,
Lizzy

'Tis been rather a long time..

I know it has been FOREVER! But with the Come and See and every thing else I really didn't feel like posting. But now Come and See is over and I'll try to get back to posting.
As I look at our schedule I see that it is going to be a very busy month! *Sigh*
Blessings, Lizzy

A giveaway!

A fellow writer and blogger is having a giveaway! Check out the blog Vividry if you would like to enter! Here are two of the lovely items, the third is a necklace.

Characters

Lately I've been thinking about what my characters from Streets lined with Gold, and if my book where made into a movie here is who I would want them to be played by. This is helping me a lot because it helps me have more of picture of what they look like. I have only done three so far.





Gavriel:Keisha Castle-Hughes. She played Mary in The Nativity Story, I think she did a wonderful job. She also look a lot like Gavriel. But she is older than Gavriel would be.

Irin is the next in the Tao family, and she has an attitude problem. I have seen two movies with Abigail Breslin and she was amazing! I think she could play my bad-temped, hurt little girl perfectly. She would have to dye her hair and have contacts, but I can think of no one better.

Francesco Gasparini is an Italian boy Gavriel meets on the boat to America. He later saves her life. Fabrizio Bucci plays in three Italian movie that I have seen.

Emma

So I watched and........I loved it!!! It was wonderful! Frank Churchill was just as he should be, Harriett was perfect. Emma was just as spoiled as she was in the book, (I loved the faces she made!) I am glad that I watched, and I can't wait to watch it again.
Blessings,
Lizzy

The Winners finaly!

I think I did a good job for my first time! LOL

This is your ''prize'' for winning.

Yes its finally time to announce them. Since only three people entered captions (which is okay this is my first time. lol) they all win! Thank you so much, I loved your captions, they were very funny!
These three were entered by Monica!

6

6. Haldir: *Awed tone* See? My corravette?!! See how is sparkles in the sunlight?

10

10.Aragorn: *stage whisper* Not Twister AGAIN!!

11

11.Eeew!! Worms!!!

Ruthie Stella entered this one!
8

#8 Gandalf: Elrond! You're supposed to take away the chair and leave the circle when you lose in musical chairs!

And Sabryna entered three!

4.EEEEWWWW, What the heck is that?

10

10.Elf: Oh my gosh! what is that thing?!?Aragorn: Um, Gandalf? Do I have to sit by this guy? He scares me!

Is that.... Yes it is!!!! I see Gandalf, off the starboard bow! He's flying on something.... It's an ork!!! With wings!! AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! (This has got to be my favorite!)

I'm not sure if I did this right, but there next time to get it! I had fun, I hope you did.

Blessings,

Lizzy

P.S. Oh my gosh now I have to get ready for my 200th post! (lol not quite yet)

Bad News

I have a cold!! A horrid cold that has kept me awake most of the night, and makes me feel miserable during the day. What else am I to say? Nothing, the plain fact is I'm sick. Oh well, I just hope baby Isaac doesn't catch it!
Hope you all are better then I am at the moment,
Lizzy

News

Blessings on this fine day! Here are some pics of the baptism of Isaac, and our family with our friends the Majors and Father Francis.

And here is a letter to our old friends back in Oregon.

Dear Ace Students,
Oh how our family journey has been! Our way has been long, but very blessed. On April 18 we welcomed baby Isaac into our family. He was 10 lbs 9.5 ozs. He is now a month old, and doing great. So far we have been down to Abbeville, Louisiana once, to see what it was like and meet every one down there. It was a lot of fun, and it confirmed our feeling that we were called to missions. We spent time in prayer and community with the many missionaries that were with us.
We got back on May 11th to get ready for our grandparents who were traveling from Oregon. The Sunday after they arrived we celebrated little Isaac’s baptism and Rachel’s first communion. As of now we are waiting for when we feel its time to back to Louisiana. So as we wait we spend time working and living as a family.

AH!!

Yes, I know, I know, this time I promise I will announce winners, I just have to make it a little longer. June 1st. I really am sorry, its just we may have to leave, any day!
Also I would like to post about something I am going to try and do.
Check this out! Cool huh, a writing challenge!!!! Please join if you like to write!
Blessings,
Lizzy

Is today the 17th?

"Cause if it is I am SO sorry! I will not be able to announce winners today. I'm going to change the day to the 24th. Again I am so sorry!!!! I have been so busy......
P.S. Thanks to my cousin for reminding me.
Blessings,
Lizzy

Grandparents

Another piece of happy news is that my grandparents from Oregon are here to stay four days with us! They first went to see my Aunt Lacey who is a nun in St. Louis, MO. We went to the airport around 10:00 to pick them up. Now they are here at our house. Needless to say today has been wonderful!

I hope today is blessed for all of my readers too!

Blessings,

Lizzy

EMMA!!!

Okay right now I am literally jumping up and down with excitement! My Grandmother just bought the 2009 BBC Emma movie!!!! I have been wanting to watch since last year, and now I can.

So cool!

This was just so good I had to post it! I found it on Cassie's blog.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone."


-Audrey Hepburn

Novel mood

Yes I'm back in that stage again. As of yesterday I am rewriting one of my novels. Which is exciting. Draft number 2 here I come! After I get 2 done its going to edited by my Mother (hopefully) then its on too draft 3. And maybe some day it will be published.

Note:The reason I am saying it is I don't have a title. *Sigh* On the bright side I have to come up with one sooner or later! LOL

And please don't panic, pictures are coming soon!

Blessings!

Your excited, novel writing Lizzy

(Oh gosh I forgot! I tied for second in Lizzy Bennet's story contest!!!!!!)

Yes I did it again...

sigh... lol! Okay is it to bright? I like it. Comments would be lovely.

I should have told you yesterday....

but I"m back! This is just going to be a short post to tell y'all. Don't worry pics will come soon.
Blessings,
Lizzy

LEAVING!

So we are leaving...really! I myself am amazed. But anyway we will be back around the 13-17 of May! I may nit have time, or be able to, blog while I'm there! So farewell for now.
~LIZZY

Caption Contest

This is my first one! Thanks to all of you who voted.

1. choose a picture (you can choose more than one)
2. stick a caption with it
3. no swearing, cursing, using the LORD's name in vain (those are BIG no-no's on my blog)
4. put your caption in a comment
5. put the number of the picture with your caption, so I know which one you're talkin' 'bout (:P)
6. most importantly, have fun

This ends May 17th because thats when I'll be back!

1.

2.
3.


4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.