TeenPact

     Last week, Jonathan and I attended a government camp/class called TeenPact. Held at the Oregon State Capitol, we made the long trip back and forth each day. However, it was worth the extra miles.

     Early in the morning, we would wake up and put on our “capitol clothes.” Jonathan wore a suit (His very first! Well, other than the tiny one in the dress-up box!  ) and I wore a skirt or dress. I must say that I loved being in a group that stood out – in a good way!

     After trying to stuff food in our faces at that early hour, we raced into the car and began the long journey. Halfway to our destination, we would meet up with a family whom we carpooled with.

     In Salem, we met at a public building right across the street from the capitol. Along with 50 other teenagers, we found a seat in the room and the class began.

     During the seven hours of class, we had a packed schedule. The day would start out with worship and a devotional led by a staff member. Following this, the first-timers to TeenPact would go on a field experience while the alumni (me) listened and participated in a lecture which covered our homework. Soon, it would be time for lunch. This was my favorite time of the day because we would meet in our committee and discuss and vote on pretend bills written by the students. 

      The afternoons would include TeenPact Parliament which was where we had our own mock legislating session. I always enjoyed this! In addition, during the week we held our own mock election for governor and senator. Those who won in the primaries persuaded their fellow classmates by campaigning with posters and bags and bags of candy. By the end of the week, the winners were elected and gave inspirational speeches during graduation. 

     Overall, my favorite part of the week was the environment. To begin, it was a Christian camp. How encouraging it was to be surrounded by followers of Christ who were all learning about government and leadership together. One thing that always stands out to me at TeenPact is how the guys treat the girls. It is so refreshing to see the guys open up the doors and offer their seats to the girls. I love being treated like this. 

     I would really encourage you to consider going to a TeenPact class. I can’t wait to go back next year!

Mother's Day Gifts

     Today, I found some time to create - my favorite thing to do! Since Mother's Day is nearly here, I decided to focus my projects on gifts for my mom. I have to say that I am quite pleased with the way they turned out! Of course, the hardest part of the whole thing is waiting another two weeks to give it to her!

A necklace made from a beveled windowpane. I stamped the flower image onto a piece of newsprint designer paper, attached it to the windowpane, and threaded some ribbon through.

A mini scrapbook. I just made a hole punch through the top left corner and put all the pieces through the ring. It couldn't be complete until I added matching ribbon! It is hard to see, but the MOM on the stamp is raised up for extra effect!

A purse I made to carry the other goodies. 

While I was at it, I decided to make a necklace for myself!

Fiddling and Friends

     This last weekend I have felt like I was surrounded by a cloud of happiness.  Why? My family and I went on a trip to Spokane this last Friday to compete in a fiddle competition. However, that was not the only reason why we made the long journey. This main motivation was to spend time with some special friends that we made at another competition last year. Here are some highlights from the last few days:

Friends  ~  Our wonderful friends live on a beautiful piece of property out in the country. We had the privilege of staying at their house for the weekend. Laughter and fellowship filled each moment of every day. The family’s daughter is around my age, so I had a marvelous time with her! 

Competition  ~ Jonathan on the mandolin and Josiah on the fiddle each competed in their division. I was a proud sister watching and cheering for them. They both did a fantastic job. I also enjoyed watching my friend compete. She is amazing! 

Fun ~ Card game after card game was played throughout the weekend. In addition, we city folks enjoyed roaming the farm. From meeting the horse, to riding a zip-line, and even playing basketball until 9p.m., words cannot describe the wonderful time we had.

     God is so good. I remember last year that I was dreading competing in my first fiddle contest. I was determined that I did not want to go. However, I look back and think what would have happened if I had not gone? It was one of those days that I will always treasure. Most of all, we met our wonderful friends. God definitely knows what’s best. I am so thankful that it is HE who is in control of my life and not me!   

     Thank you Sarah for bestowing me with the honor of the Stylish Blogger Award!  

     The rules of this award call for me to list seven random facts about myself. Thus, without further ado, here I go! 

1.     It is not very obvious, but my most favorite color is pink! The walls of my bedroom have been compared to Pepto Bismol. My wardrobe has a bounty of pink articles. Nearly all of the cards I make display this feminine color. Even my cheeks, which I wish I could control, always turn that lovely shade! 

2.     People used to comment that I looked like the “Gerber Baby” when I was younger. I guess my parents took this seriously.  Soon after, they took me to an agency, I had my pictures taken, and before they knew it, we were standing in a huge line with many other babies and parents, waiting to addition. I am so glad they took this opportunity, for if they didn’t I would not be able to tell you that I starred in a commercial at nine months old!   If you see me, ask me to show you the tape! The commercial aired until I was around the age of 12 or 13.

3.     Since we are on the subject of baby me, I shall tell you another interesting fact. At about 14 months old, my parents noticed that I was doing something weird with my eyes. At first, they just though it was some sort of trick. However, they took me to the eye doctor and found out that I needed glasses! So, yes! I have faithfully been wearing glasses since the age of 14 months! I would consider that a looong time.

4.     Most teenagers enjoy spending their money on clothes. I must be different. Although I love clothes, I’d prefer to spend the majority of my earnings on stamp supplies! I find myself freaking-out about the newest stamp set, paper, ribbon, or sale from Stampin Up! Seriously.

5.      I’m a health food junky! You read that right. No fast food for me. I’ll take an organic salad, please! Did you say candy (not including chocolate)? I think I’ll happily pass on that.

6.     I love drinking tea. Mmmmm. 

7.     I played with dolls up until the point I got a real one – my little brother! He was born when I was 14. Words cannot describe how much I love him! 

     Now, I would like to pass this award on to my friend Bethany.

Hope

     Disaster in Japan. America’s economic woes. Crisis in Libya. 

Constantly, it seems as if one tragic headline is following the next. 

When will these problems cease? 

     As I was sitting in my American Sign Language class several 

weeks ago, my teacher mentioned the major devastating events that 

had occurred, starting with Hurricane Katrina. She seemed quite 

sad – as we all should be – yet, I sensed something different. 

Listening to her, (actually, more like watching her!), I suddenly 

realized how discouraging these events would make one feel 

without knowing Jesus as her Savior. 

     If I did not know Jesus, how would I perceive these occurrences? 

Truly, I would feel uncertain, doubtful, fearful, devastated. 

Thankfully, this is not the case. I know my God has His hand upon 

everything. He is faithful, loving, and just. He is in control. How 

comforting it is to know this, yet how sad to know that others are 

living without it. 

     How I wish I could have told my teacher this truth that last day 

of class. Unfortunately, I did not take up the chance. However, it 

just fills me with a greater passion to go out and show others the 

truth. To let them know that there is still hope. 

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
   my hope comes from him.”

Psalm 62:5

The Start of Something New

   Wow! I am so thrilled to officially have my own blog. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you find this site a place of encouragement and inspiration.

     During each week, I hope to write about what I have been thinking about, post some of my “creations,” and maybe even write about what is happening “behind the scenes” at my house!

     Above all, I hope this blog points to Jesus. I want to be a radiant light for Him. I feel so blessed to know Him, and it is my desire to make Him more known in all that I do.

     Be blessed!

A daughter of the King,

Karissa