The Heart Of Sapphira

Haii 8D

2010-02-02T14:22:00.001-06:00

I don't have anything to talk about today. So I shall talk about how I have been doing, for anyone that cares. xD Today is a sick day. o.o I stayed home from school because I have a stupid cold. Am I the only one who hates cold weather?

So how has everyone been lately? :D If you'd like me to look at your blog just leave a comment and let me know which blog in case you have more than one. I've seen some people with like ten or fifteen blogs. Maybe a little less but it was a lot more blogs than I could ever handle.

Here's a random note: My favorite smiley ever is =3. It is an adorable kitty face. Am I the only one who has an odd obsession for text smileys?

SA

The Issue. :O

2010-01-09T14:20:00.002-06:00

Maybe you've heard of this. Maybe you haven't. But I believe everyone needs to be informed of something that is becoming even more common. My best friend used to struggle with it and another friend of mine is still and so did I, but only for a little while. It's calle cutting. Cutting is taking a sharp object like a knife, razor, broken glass etc and cutting yourself until you bleed on your wrist, stomach, legs...places easily hidden. It's most common on the wrist though.

A lot of people will ask why someone would want to hurt themselves on purpose. Well there are a few reasons. For some if you are in so much emotional pain, then the physical pain takes away the emotional pain momentarily. Like a quick fix. Others do it because they may be totally depressed and basically feel dead inside and it's like the physical pain reminds them they're still here. It may be hard to understand but life is confusing.

But cutting can be addictive. Like drugs or alcohol. Anyway, this is really scary to think about how I would hurt myself on purpose. It's confusing now but it seemed perfectly normal when I did it. If you know someone who does it, then please let them know you care about them. It does make a difference.

Anyway, have you ever heard of cutting? Or do you know someone who did it? Or maybe you've done it yourself? I'm not sure. I just thought everyone should be aware.

SA

Happy New Year! :3

2010-01-02T11:14:00.001-06:00

It's 2010. Can you believe it? Time sure passes by really fast, doesn't it? I know it has been several months since I've blogged, and I don't have an excuse. But I've missed blogging. And I have a place for it in my life. :) It's confusing...but sometimes life just seems like it's full and like I don't feel the need to add something to it. Like a blog. I don't know if anyone else feels that way or not. Maybe not. Maybe I'm just kind of weird :D

Well I really want to get into blogging again. And become friends with a lot of yew again. :D I have a good feeling about 2010. I hope its going to be a great year for all of us.

I have an topic that most people really don't touch on because either they don't understand or simply don't want to. But unfortunately it is very common. I'm going to make several posts about it starting in a few days. I really hope it informs some people about this topic. You may be wondering what it is. But you'll have to wait to find out. :)

SA

School

2009-08-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

For most people summer is over and you are probably in school. For me and a few others, summer is almost over, depending on what school you go to. I'm sad to see summer disappear but I'm also ready for another school year. I'm ready to break out of an old pattern and start a new one.

So sorry it's been a few weeks since posting. Since it was summer I spent a lot of time doing things away for the computer. :) I try to make the little time I have of summer to make memories. Well since school will start my parents will end my social life and I will be home after school and on Sunday. Oh well, more time to post then. ;D

Well my birthday was last Monday. I wish I could say it was a happy day, but the end wasn't the greatest. It started out great because I got to go shopping. Which is one of my favorite past times. But later in the afternoon two of my dogs (both males) got into a fight and I was stupid enough to get in the middle of them. I got bit on my wrist by a 110 pound St. Bernard. To say it hurt would be an understatement. I feel really blessed that I wasn't hurt more.

Sorry if this was a boring post. I don't have much to say. I do believe I shall comment on some blogs. :)

Sapphira Adi

Masks

2009-07-13T13:48:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry again for disappearing for three weeks. I've spent most of the summer just taking a nice long deep break from school. I've gotten more involved with my friends and things with my church, so I'm not on the computer a lot!

I was watching tv the other day, and there was some game show (The Price is Right, I think) and everyone in the audience were wearing mask. It made me think of a really cool verse I've heard a bunch of times.

1 Thessalonians 2:5

"You know we never used false flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed, God is our witness."

In my opinion, I really think that verse it telling people not to act like somebody they're not just to get something they want. An example: I wanted to go shopping, but my dad said no. So I went to my mom and buttered her up until she took me. A weird example, but it's true. xD It's the same thing with friends. Don't be fake just to get them to like you or to get something from them.

Just something to think about. I'll try to comment on other blogs soon. Keep checking back!

Sapphira Adi

Summer!

2009-06-19T09:10:00.002-05:00

It's finally summer! That obviously means no school! So far my summer has been insanely busy. I've been to a three different camps. They were two church camps at my friend's camps and one for 4-H. My last camp is June 22-26 and it's at my own church this time. Sorry I haven't posted during that time!

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot lately about marriage. Yeah, I know, I think about random things sometimes, but they usually bring a good message to post here. Anyway, with me getting older and everyone else around me also, I get asked out once in a while. I say no, but sometimes I think twice. But then I will oddly think of ten years or so from now when I'm married. And when I look at my future husband someday, I want to see his face, not the faces of all my past boyfriends. And I know I will because heartbreak always leaves a scar.

Insanely random, yes, but I thought it was a nice thing to share. What about you guys? Have you ever thought about your future husband or wife?

Sapphira

Personalities

2009-05-23T12:31:00.002-05:00

First off I'd like to apologize for not being around for the past couple of weeks. I've been having a lot of stress because of school and tests and everything else. I am so excited for summer. I need a break. I think we all do.

Anyway, the title of this post personalities. Everyone, ot mostly everyone, has one of those, right? There is a lot of different types of personalities. There are some types of personalities that go with each other incredibly well, and others not so well.

For me, my personality is down-to-earth and real. I have a sense of humor, but I see seriousness in situations. I love to laugh and make noise and smile. Personalities I totally clash with are people who are happy all the time. No one can be happy all the time. It shows me that they're afraid to show emotion, which I think is a little fake.

Personalities I click with are fun, bubbly, talkative, and gives great advice. That's what I look for in a close friend. I love it when someone has an opinion. It gives me a chance to understand others opinions and to share mine.

God gave us personalities for a reason. He can use certain traits of our personalities to serve Him in an awesome way some day. Just thinking about that is so exciting!

Sapphira Adi

Loneliness

2009-04-29T06:29:00.002-05:00

We all get lonely once in a while, don't we? Sometimes we feel like our friends have abadoned us just because they're doing something else. Maybe you and your best friend got into an argument over something stupid and you wish you could take it back. Maybe your parents grounded you and you mistook that for hate. The bottom line is, we all feel lonely sometimes.

But the thing is, we shouldn't ever have to feel lonely. Why? Because God is always right beside us. He is always watching over us and will help us in our times of need. Check out this verse to see what God says about His presence.

Hebrews 13:5

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you."

Now isn't that such an awesome promise? And we should know that when God promises something, He always keeps it.

Sapphira

God's Voice

2009-04-24T10:18:00.003-05:00

Has anyone ever had God talk to you? I don't mean in an audible voice, but more of a spiritual voice. It's like this, have you ever been praying about something and asking God to help you make an important decision? Then, all of a sudden, you almost hear God telling you in your mind and heart which decision to make? Or maybe God talks to you through reading your Bible and a certain verse will totally jump out at you and help you.

I know sometimes we don't really want to listen to God's voice if He is going to tell us something that we don't want to hear. But we still need to listen because we need His guidance. No matter what, we should always be open to listening to what God has to say to us. It can make a huge difference in the outcome of an important decision.

This is what the Bible has to say about us listening to God.

John 10:27 (New Living Translation)

My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me.

That verse is short and to the point. To run it down, it means that if we are God's children, as in Christians, we are His sheep. As Christians, we know to listen to God's voice for guidance and help. Jesus knows what our needs and gives us help when we need it. He is like our shepherd and we are the sheep. We follow our Shepherd. Real sheep depend on their shepherd for everything including food, water, protection, shelter, and everything that makes their very existence possible. We need to do the same thing as the sheep. We need to depend on Jesus. He won't let us down.

Sapphira

Love

2009-04-23T06:35:00.003-05:00

Love...Don't we love to hear that word? Well, maybe some people don't. When I hear the word love, I personally think of Jesus dying on the cross as my mental picture. Others may think about guys or girls, their parents, church, siblings, or whatever. Anyway, I wrote sort of self essay on love after I went through my rebellious period. I hate saying it like that, but it's true. O.o

The essay is about, you got it, love. Anyway, here it is.

Love

Everytime a heart is wounded, it yearns for the gentle solace of love. A love so tender and sweet. So gentle and understanding as it longs to comfort your hurt and sorrow with everything in its spirit. It looks at you with sympathy and care.

Many look in the wrong places for this love. They try to find comfort in sex, drugs, cutting, friends, work, and even just by hurting others. This is not the way to find what you seek.

The love everyone craves is understanding when we mess up. It is supportive even after we have made a fool of ourselves. It cares for you even when you spit out words of hate and anger. It believes in you even when you don't believe in yourself. It loves you no matter what. It is everlasting.

Oh, don't you see how easy it really is to take this gift of love? Don't you know it hears your gentle and heartfelt cries for help? It longs to embrace you when you cry silently in the darkness. It yearns to see a smile upon your face through your tears and a twinkling of hope in yours eyes.

This is God's love.

Sapphira

You're young, so what?

2009-04-21T06:37:00.003-05:00

Don't you hate it when people get onto you just because you're young? A lot of the time they think you aren't ready for things and are too immature. They're right, you are young. But that is actually a good thing. Why? Because no matter how young we are, God still has some awesome hidden purpose for us. Don't believe me? Check out this verse:

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Isn't that cool? It basically means that it doesn't matter your age, God can still use you. Set a good example in the way you talk, in your life, in how you love, and staying pure. What's even cooler is that GOD DOESN'T NEED US. Yep. That's right. He doesn't need me or you or any other adult. Think about it. I mean, He's God, right? He can do anything. He uses us because he loves us and wants us to know that.

Now doesn't that make you feel special? I do. Next time God tries to use you, don't say, "This is too big for me. I can't handle it. God can use someone else." Nothing is too big for you with God on your side. God can do anything.

Sapphira

Worrying

2009-04-19T18:48:00.004-05:00

Everyone worries about stuff right? There are just so many thing to worry about in today's society. Some things I worry about test, grades, essays that are almost due, and a bunch of other stuff teens have to go through.

But, did you know that the Bible tells us not to worry? God wants us to chill out and trust Him to take care of everything including whatever we worry about.

Mathew 6:25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

~*~*~*~*~EDIT~*~*~*~

I recently went through the links on my sidebar and deleted the inactive ones. If you are in the YCF, please post so I can put up your link. Thanks!

~*~*~

So don't worry. Trust God to handle it.

Sapphira

I'm back forever. :)

2009-04-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone.

I'm back, and still alive. I've been gone for such a long time. Why? I'm not sure. I do know I have changed so much over the past while. For the greater good, don't worry.

I started taking breaks from my blog because it hurt too much to post and talk about God. Everything in my life was becoming confusing. I started to rebel against my parent's rules. I have been sheltered all my life, and, while going to a new school, which is Christian and totally great, there were some friends of mine that we went to middle school. They weren't totally bad, but they had different views of things of they way I grew up and it started my little rebellion stage.

I couldn't understand all my parent's riduculous rules. No talking to guys on the phone even if they're just friends, no talking on the phone for more than twenty minutes, no guy friends on facebook, no having a boyfriend, no expressing my opinion in an argument, and things like that. It wasn't fun.

I shut God out of my heart for quite a while, and I went around feeling dead, lifeless. I didn't do anything bad like get into drugs or smoking or anything like that. But I had a major, major attitude problem. I acted so mean to everyone because I was bitter. All my friends had freedoms I didn't. Even the ones younger than me. It wasn't fair.

Slowly, with the help of my new friend named Tori, I began to become my old, care-free self. I realize now how blessed I am when it comes to my family. Such as: my parents are still together, I never go hungry, I have pets, I have a house, and so much more.

I'm so sorry for not posting, but I guess I did forget bewteen the transition. I am once again so sorry, and hope you will take me back into becoming my friend again. I will try to comment whenever I can. If you don't want to talk to me anymore, then I understand.

Sapphira

I'm Back!

2008-10-02T18:20:00.002-05:00

I have like two minutes to post, but I am here to say am alive and not stopped blogging. School has kept me busy, along with being grounded unfairly (you'll learn later why:), being sick with stomach virus, and playing soccer. Yes, I joined a soccer team and practice a lot! I will post more and comment when I have a chance. I am SO sorry for not posting much!

Sapphra Adi

Update

2008-08-18T19:12:00.001-05:00

I have no idea when I can post a long post because my week is really busy. My birthday is on Sunday, too! Really excited about that, everyone! Anywho, it may be a week before I can post anything of importance. Feel free to comment :3

Sapphira

All Things Come And, Unfortunately, Go

2008-08-13T08:55:00.002-05:00

I have mentioned on my blog that I have several cats. Five to be exact. Well, not anymore. My six-year-old cat, Sabrina, died Friday morning when we took her to the vet to be put to sleep. It was my choice whether we take her or not, and it was a hard one. She started showing signs of being sick over a month ago. We took her to the vet twice, she was gone for ten days after the second vet visit because we let her out because she was responding so well to the antibiotics, miraculously, she came back. I begged God to heal her, but He decided her time was over. I decided it was the humane thing to do to let her go. I was allowed a few minutes with her before the vet would put her to sleep. She just looked at me as if saying goodbye and thank you for a good life. It may sound dumb to get emotional over a cat, but she was more than that to me. She was a great friend.

Sabrina always had a special way of rubbing against my legs when she wanted to get petted. When she was happy and content she would stick her claws in me a little bit over and over again. That was her way of telling me that she was happy and overjoyed. I woke up Saturday morning, hoping, praying that she she would be in her usual spot on my bed, right in between my feet. But, no, she wasn't, and that is what hurt most of all. I;ve had an incredibly tough week, so if it isn't too much to ask, please send up a prayer to me. I'm not sure if I will comment on all the blogs today, but I will do as many as I can. Thanks for reading.

Sapphira

Announcements

2008-08-06T09:21:00.002-05:00

I don't have too much time to post so I wanted to make a few announcements. Here they are:

First of all, chocolate is incredibly good.

It is HOT outside in Arkansas!

Chocolate is good.

My birthday is coming up on August 24!

Did I mention how awesome chocolate is?

Okay, those are the important announcements that could not wait at all. Lol :D I didn't take much to post so I'd have more time to comment! Anyway, thanks for reading my announcements! (Yes, even the stupid ones:) Lol!

Sapphira

Pet Peeves

2008-08-03T10:07:00.002-05:00

Well, I am back at home on my home computer. I found the time to post! *applause inserts* :D Anyway, if you read the title it says,"Pet Peeves." In case you did not know, a pet peeve is something that you cannot stand that someone else does. I'm about to list my three major pet peeves for you to know a bit more about me. You may be thinking why is she talking about this, but it gets really good in the end ^_^

3.) When someone picks their nose in front of me (ewww!)

2.) When someone keep staring at me for no reason (very weird!!!)

1.) When someone doesn't wear deodorant on a hot summer day in Arkansas! (The nastiest!!!)

Anyway, those are things I can't stand at all! But as Christians, even if we can't stand something, we need to endure it because God has a purpose for everything. Like what if there was a smelly, sweaty person new to your school and they haven't heard about Jesus yet? Then instead of avoiding them, try to befriend them (while breathing through your mouth.) lol. Anyway, that is basically it for this post in time ^_^. What are some of your major pet peeves? Do you like chocolate? Sorry, I just thought chocolate deserved more recognition ^_^ lol. Thanks for reading :D

Sapphira

Aaaarrrggghhhh!

2008-07-31T12:02:00.005-05:00

I have had such a rotten past couple of weeks. Let me see if I can backtrack it. . . my best friend has started swearing like all the time, we got in a huge fight, my dad has been in a terrible mood has been taking it out on all of us, I have been feeling sick to my stomach for like a week. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. The honest truth is I have had some free time, but I've been feeling like I've been going through a hard time in my life, even though nothing of any real significance has been really bad. I had been feeling sort of far away from God, so I decided to read my Bible. One awesome verse caught my eye:

Revelation 21:4

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

This verse just hit me like a lightening bolt. As drastic as this sounds, it made me to want to stop feeling sorry for myself, and get outside on that crisp, cool morning, go to my tree (an huge oak tree in my five acre yard that I love to climb and just think), and write poetry praising God for everything I have and His love for me. If you're wondering about my friend who has started cussing, we are both just cooling off from our argument, I guess ^_^ I have a whole hour and a half on my computer so I am definitely going to start commenting. I'm at my grandmother's visiting for a few days, so I shall have Internet access :D

Anyway, I just wanted to say I guess I was inactive in the YCF for a little while, but now things are definitely back on again! I can't wait to comment on the thirty or so blogs I need to :P Lol. If I do not have your blog in my link list, then please let me know in a comment! Well, I gotta go and comment! Thanks soooo much for reading and for being patient ;)

God bless!

Sapphira

So Much To Do, So Little Time. . .

2008-07-14T13:11:00.002-05:00

I would have posted earlier everyone, but I've been at my grandmother's house since Thrursday, and have been busy shucking corn, fishing, blabbing on my cell phone, playing with her dogs, four-wheeler riding, housework, fixing a roof, and various other things around her large yard and other good stuff. Anyway, I'm going to be here until Saturday of this week. So that means the computer and me for all that time. I really didn't have much time earlier because of so much stuff to do! Please tell me if I need to update my link list, because I know I need a link to Carolyn's blog and all new other YCFers I might not know about;)

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi to everyone and that after this post I am definitely going to comment on all the other awesome blogs! I really don't know how I can squeeze in blogging when I go back home, but I am leaving that up to God. Anyway, if you could, please pray for my friend, Jamie. She's. . . . . going through a tough time in her life. Sometimes I worry about her and how her relationship with God could be faltering. She's had a tought last few years with her parent's separation and a not-so-good experience with guys in the past. I think she is WAY too young to look for a boyfriend, but she has other plans:(

Anway, enough with the comment above. I have decided to have some monthly things on my blog such as maybe a monthly poem, YCFer of the Month, and maybe some other things when I consider them. Anyway thanks for reading and expect a comment from me in a little while! Thanks soooo much for bring incredibly patient with me! Thanks for reading:)

God bless you all!

Sapphira Adi

Hello!

2008-07-08T15:31:00.002-05:00

I haven't had access to a computer for the past week because my dad had grounded me for a week because we got into an argument. He made some lame comment, and we got into a heated argument about it because he acted his opinion was right and mine wasn't. Anyway, it wasn't very pretty. My dad has a slightly chauvinistic personality to him. Anyway, enough on that subject, I will be catching up on all my comments tomorrow at my grandmother's house because me and my siblings will be there because my parents will be out of town. Anway, is there any links or something I need to add?

I feel soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo terrible for not being online much and commenting when I should, but thanks so much for being patient with me. Summer is just making things for complicated, I guess. Anyway, I am going to an awesome Christian school next year where some of my friends already go. I can't wait! Well, i better log off the computer because my little brother wants to play his computer game my mom bought him. Anyway, will comment tomorrow!

Sapphira Adi

Sorry!

2008-06-29T19:07:00.002-05:00

I feel sooooooooooooooooooooo bad for not commenting when I said I would!!!!!! The thing is, my computer was down. My little sister went to a weird website and some sort of virus was on our computer. Anyway, it's fixed now, and I shall be able to comment tomorrow because I get the computer for two hours all to myself! Mwahahahahahahahaha! Anway, this post won't be too long because I have to go make supper for my family because my mom's at work. i love to cook:) If I'm any good at it, I'm not for sure because my family never says anything about it. lol. Anyway, will comment tomorrow! Thanks for reading and hanging in there with me! Also, I shall be visiting my grandmother for a couple of weeks sometime in July and will have two weeks of me and a computer. Yay!

Sapphira Adi

Church Camp

2008-06-24T13:47:00.002-05:00

My church camp was so incredibly fun! We had top travel about two and a half hours in the churhc bus. We got there at about 1:00. We ate lunch on the road, too. TWe have thi sthing called the evening service in the open air tabernacle which is basically like church on Sunday. We also had a game time, and my shortness came in handy on one game. We had to pick the lightest person on the team and get wrapped in a sheet and be dragged across the playing field. It was sooooo fun and slightly crazy:)

I will touch more on camp another day. I will post again on Saturday and catch up on comments between today and Friday. I love summer, and other times I don't! I have to go for now because I'm about to go to a swimming party with my friend. Thanks for reading and frop by those awesome comments! ^_^

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Update!

2008-06-22T14:36:00.001-05:00

Hello, all! I just got back from church camp Thursday night, and have had a busy weekend. I shall make a long post tomorrow telling everyone who wants to know about it. I will also catch up on comments then, too. Until, then, good bye! I have chores to do:(

Sapphira

I am back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He he he. . . .

2008-06-13T18:45:00.004-05:00

I have barely had opportunities to post on my blog. But for now I am back ^_^ However, I will be going to church camp June 16-19. Please pray that we have a safe trip! Last year it was soooo fun. At church camp we swim, play games, run, talk, stay up late,share stories, learn about God, and soooo much more. I look forward to it every year. Sort of like a little R&R for me, I guess.

Anyway, if I'm not able to comment on all the blogs tonight, the I shall in the morning. My computer has been shrouded with siblings, and my mom found some website she likes that is for moms or something like that. Also, no one can use the computer past 5:00 at my house. Sooooo I really don't get too much time to myself on the Internet. But, I try my best to keep up with posts and comments. Please forgive if I have not commented on your blog in a long time!

Also, if you guys and girls are ever on the Internet with nothing to do, then go to bored.com. It's soooo much fun with tons of stuff to do. Does anyone have any good ideas I should post about what I should post about in the future? If so, the please comment;) Am I the only one that loves to see comments on my blog posts. I hope not:) Anyway, I better go update my poll and post some comments:) Thanks for dropping by my blog!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Heads Up

2008-06-10T20:01:00.002-05:00

A quick heads up to people that I'll post and comment on Friday! Sorry for the absence!

Sapphira

My Life

2008-06-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

I've got nothing real important to post about, so I guess I'll just posts little tidbits of my life. Now let's see. . . . . . Ooh! I know. My most embarrassing moments. I'll tell you my most embarrassing moment in the next paragraph. First, if you laugh and make fun of me, I will destroy you. Just kidding! Okay, be ready to laugh.

It was the second week of third grade. I was eight years old and was starting a brand new school. My mom had packed me a lunch of a mini hot dog Lunchable. It came with a mustard package that I put in people's desks as pranks during lunch. Anyway, I took it to recess and begin to chew on it. Then, all of a sudden, it explodes all over my face and clothes. My teacher took me inside to help me get it out of my hair and off my shorts. Everyone laughed except for my best friend. I was so incredibly embarrassed! Not really a good way to have a good reputation at a new school, now is it?

Okay, I really have not been posting very much at all lately. In the next couple of weeks I will be posting pics of my pets. I promise to get caught up on posting comments tomorrow and later tonight! So sorry for my absence! Thanks for reading and drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Here's How It Is

2008-06-01T16:03:00.002-05:00

I've got like five minutes to make an incredibly quick post. It is sumer and my computer is going to be hogged by my younger siblings, so I shall barely have time to post comment at all. I just wanted to let everyone know I am alive, and don't be worried if I don't post for a few days. I'm going to try my best to squeeze in as many comments as I can onto my friend's blogs. By the way, any new members in the the YCF I need to know about? lol! Okay, also, I shalll soon be posting pictures of my cats and dogs on my blog in the next few weeks or so. Okay, gotta go!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

I'm back!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-29T07:36:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I know I haven't blogged in a few days, but it has been Memorial Day weekend, and I never got around to posting on my blog, anyway:) Okay, I couldn't find the link to Carolyn's blog, so could someone show me the link? Thanks:) Okay, right now I'm just going to talk about random stuff. Well, first of all, I had a really cool dream about the YCF. It was pretty brief, but I remember that the YCF had grown internationally, and some of the members were in newspapers and stuff because the YCF was so popular! I have no idea if that will come true, but it was still a great dream!

Also, we had to take one of my cats to the veterinarian on Tuesday because she was sick! She is a long haired black cat that is about six years old. She is my cat, and her name is Sabrina. I wasn't very old when I named her, by the way:) Turns out she had tapeworms and a viral (eye) infection. So the doc gave her a shot and medicine for the tapeworms, and also some antibiotics and eye drops for the viral (eye) infection. She's getting around a lot better now, though!

By the way, the picture above is a picture of my eight year old dog named Sampson, a Saint Bernard. If you have seen my random facts posts, then I mentioned Sampson in one of them. The lighting wasn't the best for the picture, but I think it's still a pretty good shot. The background is the tv stand in our living room, some wires, and the laundry basket with some socks dangling out. I think Sampson has a classic look for Saint Bernards. Yes, they are extremely huge dogs:) Isn't he cute? My dad has a thing for big dogs:)

Well, I guess I better and go put some comments on people's blogs before aliens abduct me:) Also, I still need that link for Carolyn's blog:) Did we get any new members while I was gone? Well, thanks for reading and drop by a comment! Also, give me some pie!!!!!!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

New Members!

2008-05-24T16:30:00.003-05:00

I found out we have two new members! I would like everyone to welcome Carolyn ad Kale to the YCF! We're getting sooo many new members it's hard to keep track of, but so worth it! I will fix Kale's link and add Carolyn's link after this post. I've been making post frequently over the past couple of days because I have soooo much to talk about! I also wanted to make a sad announcement for the YCF. One of our members, Dcf, is leaving the YCF because he has decided to quit blogging because he has found out who he is and wants to focus on God and his music. I understand what he wants to do, but we'll all miss him!

Once again, if anyone at all would like to join the YCF, then feel free to ask me or anyone else in our group. That raises the number of members up to 21 members! Funny thing is, for a month or so we really didn't have very many members joining, yet all of a sudden, we've had people join left and right. That's so great! By the way, for people reading this that don't know what the YCF is then it stands for Young Christian Force. It is basically a group of Christians that try to spread Jesus over the Internet. We also support each other, too.

Well, I guess this is basically all I have to talk about now at this point. Once again, welcome Kale and Carolyn to the YCF! Glad to have you aboard! By the way, does anyone have any suggestions of what I can post about in the future? Also, for girls, if you want to check out an awesome blog just for girls, then look on my link list on the sidebar and click Girls For God. It's an awesome blog! Check it out!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Miracles

2008-05-23T14:49:00.003-05:00

Right now I plan to talk about miracles. Miracles are amazing things Jesus did when He was on Earth. I believe miracles happen every single day. I have one miracle that happened to me several months ago that I wanted to share with you, my wonderful blogging friends. Have you ever had a great miracles that happened to you. Well, right now I'll tell you about a miracle that happened to me.

It was a regular Friday night and my dad, three siblings, and I packed into my dad's Honda Civic because we were heading to my grandmother's house, which was three hours away, to spend the weekend up there. Anyway, we were driving out of the town I live in and proceeded to the highway. Then. all of a sudden a car pulls out in front of my dad. This guy kept on swerving and pulling on his breaks. He was obviously drunk, but this isn't even the worst part. I offered to my dad to call the cops on my cell phone to report a drunk driver, but he insisted he could handle it. My dad had to concentrate on the road and the driver in front of us. Then, all of a sudden, there was a flash of light that zoomed past my dad on the side of the road. Yes, a truck that was going probably 80 in a 50 miles and hour zone went on the side of the road between the paint on the grass zoomed past us. That man was not drunk driver, but a different person going incredibly fast. If he did not turn, he could have smashed into us, and we could have all been killed. My dad didn't see that truck behind us because his attention was focused elsewhere. The drunk guy eventually turned on to a different road, and we continued our trip. God spared out lives when that happened. We all could have been killed or seriously injured.

Yes, that was a true story. I wasn't scared at all because it happened so fast. My dad didn't even have to move his car out of the truck's way. Realization hit me when it was over. The verse Hebrew 13:5 rang through my head the rest of the trip. I thank God whenever I think back to that night. If you have ever had a miracle happen to you, then tell everyone about it in a post or a comment. God is awesome, isn't He? The answer to that question is yes:)

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The YCF

2008-05-22T08:27:00.004-05:00

I so cannot believe how far the YCF has come in just a few months. Wasn't the idea first founded in mid-Febrauary? I also can't believe I have been blogging for like five months! Through blogging, I've gained some awesome friends. Anway, I'm here to list all of the members in our group. Please let me know if I forget you!

1.) Sapphira (Me)
2.) Araken
3.) Ian
4.) Shelby Marie
5.) Lauren
6.) Bookworm4God
7.) Indina
8.) Elliot
9.) Ybtolerant (Amber)
10.) Edge
11.) Caleb
12.) Dcf
13.) Zoe
14.) Jamin
15.) Madi
16.) Paris
17.) Flinn
18.) Mike
19.) Kaili

Okay, so I'm pretty sure that is all of your members, right? You may see the YCF logo on the sidebar of my blog. Our awesome logo was compliments of our friend, Araken! *applause* By the way, a few months ago, I made a post about some basic rules in the YCF. It's nothing harsh or strict or anything, just basic stuff. Okay, so here's the rules for all you new YCFers:

1.) The will be no use of profane language.

2.) We must respect other people for their values and opinions.

3.) We must respect each other's feelings.

4.) Everyone is their equal in the YCF, and it does not matter who was a member first.

5.) We must follow Jesus in all we do in the YCF. This group started with Jesus, it is about Jesus, and it is going to end with Jesus.

Okay, so do those rules sound pretty basic and fair to all of you? I can't believe we have nineteen members already! By the way, if you'd like to join the YCF just let someone know, and then TELL EVERBODY! Okay, well I've been blabbering enough for this post, doesn't everyone think? I finish school tomorrow! I can't wait! I also am going church camp June 16-19 so know blog posts for then! I will keep a journal at what happens, then I'll post my entries on my blog when it's over! Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

RaNdOmNeSs!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-20T08:34:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry for not commenting on many people's blogs lately! I just have some random stuff to talk about. First on the agenda, the YCF has grown! Our new members are: Bookworm4God, Ybtolerent (Amber), Caleb, and Edge! I will add the links to my link list when I finish post, or this afternoon. I haven't posted in a while because I was at my grandmother's house. She lives out in the country and has two red Honda fourwheelers from 1992. There is a set of woods behind her house, and my family and I like going on rides down there.

Anyway, what I wanted to talk about in this paragraph was something that happened to me on Saturday. My dad and my older brother like to hunt a lot. They both had shotguns on them to hunt for crows flying in the air. Anyway, they both were on one fourwheeler and I was on a different one with my younger siblings in the back. Since it had been rainy, the dirt roads were wet. One puddle took up half the road, and in the puddle there was a huge log that my brother asked me to help him move it, So I agree and start to help him move it. He still has his shotgun one straddled around him. Then, all of a sudden I heard a gunshot towards the puddle. Turns out my brother shot a poisonous snake! I was the one closest to the snake, too. I didn't even see it because it was black and it blended in. The snake was about a foot and a half long. Anyway, that turns out to show that God is really watching out for us.

Also, I cannot believe how large the YCF has grown!!!!!! I promise the add the links after this and then comment on everyone's blogs this afternoon! So sorry I have been offline so much lately. Okay, well I better go and add those links to my list on the sidebar now. By the way, Araken got a pet flying squirrel! No fair! *steals Edison* Just kidding! Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Quick Post

2008-05-19T18:07:00.002-05:00

I have about two minutes to post on my blog, so I need to make this into a quick notice. I know I haven't posted for a few days and have barely commented, but I have been super duper busy! I promise to get back into the groove of things tomorrow! I'll post tomorrow and comment on everybody's blogs and everything else. Thanks so much for your patience!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

I Know You're There

2008-05-15T14:30:00.002-05:00

There is a cool band called Casting Crowns. It is a Christian band that has Christian music in every way. Anyway, one of the songs is called "I Know You're There." It's really a great song that you all should hear sometime. I'm going to post the lyrics as a way to tell you guys and girls about Casting Crowns. Sometimes it's hard to find music that is actually Christian and has a good sound, too. Okay, here is the lyrics:

If all I had was one last breath
I'd spend it just to sing Your praise
Just to say Your name
If all I had was one last prayer
I'd pray it 'cause I know You're always listening

If I could live a thousand lives,
bind the hands of time
I would spend every moment by Your side

I know You're there,
I know You see me
You're the air I breathe
You are the ground beneath me

I know You're there,
I know You hear me
I can find You anywhere
If all I had was one more song to sing

I would raise my voice to make the heavens ring
If all I had was one last chance,
I'd take it
I would stake it all on You

If I could raise up high and catch a glimpse of every eye
I would make them believe
What I feel inside
If I could live a thousand lives and bind the hands of time
If I could rise up high and catch a glimpse of every eye

I know You're there
I know You're there
I know You're there,
You're there.

Okay, that's the song. It has so many spiritual truths from beyond comprehension. Anyway, thanks for reading my blog:) By the way, does anyone think that I should get a new blog background, or is it fine the way it is? Does anyone think I should add things to my blog like a new title, new background, music, or anything like that? Just wondering:) Okay, thanks again for reading this and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Book Signing

2008-05-13T14:36:00.004-05:00

As most of your reading this probably know, I went to a book signing last Saturday and met Bryan Davis. It was a really fun evening, too! I woke up at six that morning (on a Saturday, too!). Then I travelled over two hours to the town where the book signing was held. I got my books autographed and purchased a copy of "Beyond The Reflection's Edge." When I first walked in the door, I introduced myself with my real name, and the first words he said to me were, "Are you Sapphira?" It was really cool!

Then after I got my books signed, I got a picture with Mr. Davis (which he should be showing on his blog soon!) Later, he asked me if I had blue eyes, and I said yes. Then he said he knows why I chose the name Sapphira. He said Iooked a lot like her. I have blue eyes that people compliment me on a lot, which gets really embarrassing after a while. lol. See, my hair a light blond on the outer layer, but on the inner layer it is dark blond or maybe even brown. Yes, it's natural, too! Anyway, the highlight of the evening was he took a closeup picture of me and said, "If a movie producer ever asks me what Sapphira looks like, I'll show him your picture." It was so awesome!

Okay, well I really don't have much else to say at this point. By the way, if I have not commented on your blog for several days, please know that I apoligize! I have tons of blogs to look at and so little time, too! Okay, I basically have nothing else to say, but that I am about to add a new poll in a few minutes so be sure to check it out! Also, Prince Caspian will be out soon! I can't wait! Thanks for reading and please comment!

************************************************************************

Update! You can see my picture on Bryan Davis' blog if you scroll down a little bit! The link is on the sidebar titled "Dragons in out Midst." Check it out!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Ahhhhh, yet another poem

2008-05-09T15:01:00.005-05:00

Well, I haven't commented in a few days, so In decided to go through some old files on my computer and look for something to post. I came across this poem I wrote like six months ago or maybe even longer than that. I write a lot of things beecause, well, I just do, ok? I wrote this poem after I had finished a book about someone with a hard life, but then they found Jesus. I have yet to come up with a name, so if you have any suggestions, leave it in a comment. Anyway, here is the poem:

My heart cried out in anguish,
I needed one last wish,
All whom I loved was taken away,
And I was afraid the hurt was here to stay,

Jesus looked upon my strife,
And spared me of my terrible life,
My heart cried tears of bitterness,
My heart's pain became less and less,

My heart cries out in joy and love,
My hope has come from above,
He loves me more than I could ever know,
My heart has been cleaned white as snow!

Okay, so did that poem have spiritual truths like I hope it does? *smiles hopefully* I won't be able to post or leave comments until Sunday or Monday, because of the book signing tomorrow when I meet Bryan Davis. I am so excited! Sorry, Araken and Ian! Well, I got to end this post of mine and go eat some caramel cheesecake. Yum! Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Beyond The Reflection's Edge

2008-05-07T13:05:00.004-05:00

Okay, the picture you see to the left is the cover of Bryan Davis's new book called, "Beyond the Reflection's Edge." I have yet to read the book, but I will in a few days when I purchase it. In case you've never heard of it, I shall tell you a bit about it. Here is the basic plot of the book:

Nathan Shepherd, sixteen years old, loses his parents as the result of a double murder. In order to protect him from the murderers, Nathan goes to live with a new family, his father's old college buddy and his daughter, Kelly. A strange mirror in Nathan's bedroom sometimes shows images that aren't in front of it, including past events, unfamiliar scenes, and people who are supposed to be dead. Nathan obtains his mother?s violin, which plays, not only beautiful music, but also voices that only Kelly can hear. Nathan also inherits his father's camera, which takes photos of people and places that aren't there ... or at least they don't seem to be there.

These odd devices launch Nathan and Kelly on an exciting journey through multiple dimensions as they track down the mysteries surrounding the deaths of Nathan's parents. They soon learn that the cosmic fabric that separates the dimensions is crumbling, leading to a potential catastrophic event called interfinity. As they try to prevent this end-of-the-worlds disaster, their own efforts add to the interdimensional deterioration, forcing them to make one life-and-death choice after another.

The words above make me want to scurry fifteen miles to the nearest bookstore and buy a copy. I've red many reviews about this book, and it sounds really great. The author, Bryan Davis, already has a reputation as an awesome author for all of his books, so I suggest you get one. If you don't then I can tell you are going to be missing out on one great book. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Footprints In The Sand

2008-05-06T14:26:00.005-05:00

Okay, so once again there is a totally awesome poem that I think I should share with you guys. You may have heard it before, but it's still a good thing to read. This poem is called "Footprints in the Sand." There are many doubts about who the author is, but whomever it was, they wrote awesome poems. You guys should definitely check this out. Here is the poem:

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering
from anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have seen
only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."

Okay, this is really all I have time for to post today. I just wanted everyone to see what an awesome example of how God is always with us. God really does carry us in the times that we need Him. If you don't believe me, check out Hebrews 13:5. By the way, four days until the book signing in Arkansas when I meet Bryan Davis! I can't wait. Sorry, Araken and Ian. . .:) Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira

Every Single Tear

2008-05-05T13:42:00.003-05:00

One time in the past I posted some lyrics to a song by a Christian band called Everlife. Now, I am going to post some more lyrics from a song called "Every Single Tear." I have never heard the song sung, but I found the lyrics and thought they were really great. These lyrics are really cool and actually make you feel special and like you matter. Okay, so here are the lyrics to the song "Every Single Tear:"

Every Single Tear

(Verse One)
You feel insignificant
A whisper in the wind
Sometimes you think nobody knows your name
But there's somebody watching over you
and He knows everything you're going through

(Chorus)
He sees every single tear
He feels everything you're feeling
He wants to hold you close and dry your eyes
Your heart is what he hears
When the world just hears you crying
No matter what the pain,
He cares about every single tear

(Verse Two)
Overwhelmed by circumstances
out of your control
Hope can be the hardest thing to find
When you're like a heart without a home
You don't have to face this hurt alone

Chorus

(Verse Three)
If God adorns the lilies of the field
and cares for every sparrow in the sky
How much more is He aware of your sorrow and despair
How much does He care about your life

Chorus

Now, how awesome was that song? I really like the part about where it said that when the that when the world just hears us crying, God cares about every single tear. Isn't that awesome? It's cool that no matter how many tears we've shed over the years over hurt, pain, distress, or whatever the reason, God cares. I have some verse that I wanted to share with everyone that pertains to the song.

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Okay, I have but one more verse:

Psalm 18:6

In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

Okey-doke, so what did everyone think of this post? By the way, Bryan Davis is coming to Arkansas for a book signing this Saturday, and I am going! I can't wait! Maybe I can get a pic with him, and he'll show it on his blog like he did for Elliot's picture. That would be cool. Then everyone can see my good looks God has given me. Just kidding!!! Okay, well this is really all I have time for today. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Love Letter 2.0

2008-05-04T15:34:00.003-05:00

Okay, I have not posted in a few days, and don't have much time in the next couple of days to post. I found that there is another version of the love letter from Jesus that I wanted to share with you guys. This has to be a fast post, so here it is:

A Love Letter from Jesus

__________,I love you! I shed my own blood for you to make you clean.You are clean now, so believe that it is true.
You are lovely in my eyes, and I created you to be just as you are.

Do not criticize yourself or get down for not being perfect in your own eyes.This leads only to frustration. I want you to trust Me - one step, one day at a time. Dwell in My power and in My love and be free!

Be yourself! Don't allow other people to run you.I will guide you, if you let Me. Be aware of My presence in everything.I give you patience, love, joy, peace and life. Look to Me for your answers.

I am your shepherd and will lead you. Follow me only! Do not ever forget this.Listen to Me and I will tell you My will.
Let My love flow from you and spill over to all you touch.

Do not be concerned with yourself. You are My responsibility. I will change you,and you will hardly know it is happening. You are to love yourself and love others simply because I love you.

Take your eyes off yourself! Look only at Me!I change...I create..., but not when you are trying. I won't fight your efforts.You are Mine. Let Me give you joy, peace, and kindness. No one else can!

Love,

Jesus

Okay, that is yet another awesome example of His love for us. If I haven't commented on your blog for a couple of days, then ear with me for a little longer, and I shall comment soon! So what did you think of the letter above? I thought it was really awesome. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

More Randomness

2008-05-02T13:44:00.003-05:00

I'm not going to post about anything in specific today. I just thought I'd do a little bit of some of the things that are going on in my life. Well, my best friend Jamie, who I have mentioned before, we've been in contact a lot lately. If you would, please pray for her because her life is pretty confusing. Last summer she moved away to a town two hours from where I live. Her parents are separated, her dad lives in my town and her mom in the other town. Anyway, she lives at her mom's house most of the time but goes to her dad's every other weekend. She said it drives her crazy when she always has to go back and forth, especially when her parents fight when she gets dropped off at their house. Anyway, she could really use some prayer right now.

Now what do I mention...? Oh, I know. My family and I are going to get an Airedale Terrier puppy sometime in November or December. Airedales are not very common, so we are going to make a trip to Ohio whenever a litter of puppies is born from these breeders. My dad is from Ohio so he is going to turn it into a trip to see his mom, my grandmother. My dad is number twenty on the waiting list so we have to wait a while. I'm going with my dad to Ohio when we get the puppy. I can't wait until we get one!

The weather has been real bad here this morning. There were reports of tornadoes and some really bad storms. Luckily, thanks to God's unending mercy, my house was only hit with a lot of rain and some thunder and lightening. My mom and I are going to make a chocolate cake later today, and you guys can't have any! Mwahahahaha! Just kidding:) Sorry, Ian, but this is all for me! lol.

Well, this has been my senseless and random writings for today. I posted this stuff because I wanted to post, but didn't have much to post. Plus, I am in one of those random moods today. Anyway, thanks for reading my random ramblings and drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Love Letter

2008-04-30T13:46:00.003-05:00

All of you reading this may have read the title to this blog post, and you may be thinking, "Oh, man! Sapphira is going to talk about love and romance! Gag!" Well, I promise you that I won't for today. There's this popular poem that was written by some guy who's dead now, but left the world an awesome poem. It is a love letter sent to everyone from Jesus. It makes me feel like I'm special or actually mean something when I read this. I wanted to share this with all of you. Here it is:

How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day, hoping you would walk and talk with me also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you. Then I waited, but you never came. O yes, it hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend.

I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to touch your brow so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and your face ... Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you.

You awakened late this morning and rushed off for the day. My tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and trees and breathe it in the colours of the flowers. I whisper it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need you could ever have.

We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on earth. I really know because I was there and I want to help you. My Father wants to help you, too. He's that way, you know. Just call me, ask me, talk to me. It is your decision ... I have chosen you and because of this I will wait ...Because I love you.

Your Friend,

Jesus

Now, how awesome and totally great did that sound? I have to say this is an amazing portrayal of just how much Jesus loves us. Be honest, how did you feel after you read that poem? It makes me want to rush out and praise God and pray like I never have before. That may sound hokey, but it's how I really feel. Anyway, I hope this blog post was worth your time reading. God is awesome, is'nt He? My answer is yes. Thanks for reading and drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The Other Side

2008-04-29T14:33:00.002-05:00

I am back with my final email forward for a while because I am going to start posting a different variety of things. Have I been overdoing the email forwards on my blog a bit lately? I like to post them because I think they have an awesome meaning. I'll start posting some different things soon:) Anyway, this forward is called "The Other Side." It has an awesome meaning. Check it out:

THE OTHER SIDE

When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. From the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop she held in her hand.

I once complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She smiled at me, looked down and gently said, "My son, you go about your playing for a while and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side."

I wondered why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes passed and then I heard Mother's voice say, "Son, come and sit on my knee."

This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower. I could not believe it because from underneath it had looked so messy.

Then Mother said to me, "My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing."

Many times through the years I have looked up to God and asked, "Father, what are You doing?"

He has answered, "I am embroidering your life."

I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can't they all be bright?"

The Father seems to tell me, "My child, you go about your business of doing My business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the plan from My side.

That is exactly what God does to us in our lives. Things look so confused and jumbled up, but everything is truly in God's hands. He has a purpose for everyone and everything. It may seem hard to believe, but it is true. Okay, I better go before my tears blow up my keyboard. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

More Randomness

2008-04-27T17:06:00.003-05:00

I don't have anything really to post today, so I decided to post a few more random facts. I need to make this is a quick posts, but I won't be able to post anything because I shall be busy the next couple of days. Anyway, here are some more of today's random facts about me.

I like to talk on the phone with my friends, but I don not talk for hours at a time. About a maximum of an hour and a half a week.

I have two dogs, a St. Bernard named Sampson and a Collie named Princess.

My favorite beverage is lemonade.

My favorite food is cheese pizza. Healthy, right?

I tend to wear skirts instead of dresses to church more often.

I have a fireplace in my house.

I live out of town in the country. How else could I have fifty chickens?

I don't wear glasses or contacts.

I tend to get bored when I read a non-fantasy book sometimes.

I have my ears pierced, once, of course.

I have two living grandmothers and a living great grandmother.

I like taking pictures with my camera phone.

My cats are lazy because I have spoiled them so much. lol!

Okay, there are today's very random and odd facts about me and my life. Which one of these do you think was the most interesting or bizarre. Gee, I better stop posting random facts because I don't want to get Araken all worked up . . . Just kidding! Okay, I better go and eat some chocolate cake that is calling my name. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Random

2008-04-25T14:16:00.004-05:00

I have absolutely nothing interesting or worthwhile to post today on my little blog, but I still wanted to post something, anyway. I've decided to just be completely random for no reason. Here are some random and somewhat interesting facts about me:

I love horses! They totally rock!

My favorite number is fifty four.

I don't have a boyfriend, nor do I need one.

My favorite color is lavender.

I love to read (obviously!).

I have five cats, two dogs, and fifty chickens.

I live in a family of six people including parents, me, and three siblings.

I have a blog (duh!).

I'm pretty short, actually. Only about five foot one or something like that.

I have blond hair and blue eyes.

My best friend's name is Jamie.

My family and I are going to get an Airedale Terrier puppy within the next few months.

My birthday is on August 24.

My favorite flowers are daisies.

I like to keep things clean and organized because that is a personality trait of mine.

My favorite dessert is caramel cheesecake.

I am very involved in church and Youth Group.

I love the YCF and everyone in it because they are awesome friends.

And last but not least. . .

I LOVE JESUS!

Okay, so how is that for random and somewhat interesting facts about me and my life? I bet some things were revealed that you all had no idea I liked. lol. By the way, tell me in a comment which one of these facts above are the most interesting and/or neatest fact from above. Feel free to do the same things on your blog, too! Okay, this has been the post for today. Thank you and good night.

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The Birdcage Story

2008-04-23T14:35:00.007-05:00

I am back with yet another email forward to show you all. This is one of the more serious ones. It's a really good allegory on the first part of it. I think every should have a chance to read this awesome message. By the way, you are more than welcome to send this to all of your friends if you'd like to. This forward is called "The Birdcage Story." You will understand the title better after you finish reading it. Here it is:

The Birdcage Story

A man was on the side of the road with a large birdcage. A boy noticed that the cage was full of birds of many kinds.

"Where did you get those birds?" he asked.

"Oh, all over the place," the man replied. "I lure them with crumbs, pretend I'm their friend then when they are close, I net them and shove them into my cage."

"And what are you going to do with them now?" The man grinned, "I'm going to prod them with sticks, and get them really mad so they fight and kill each other. Those that survive, I will kill. None will escape."

The boy looked steadily at the man. What made him do such things? He looked into the cruel, hard eyes. Then he looked at the birds, defenceless, without hope.

"Can buy those birds?" the boy asked.

The man hid a smile, aware that he could be on to a good thing if he played his cards right.

"Well," he said hesitantly, "The cage is pretty expensive, and I spent a lot of time collecting these birds, I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll let you have the lot, birds, cage and all for ten pounds and that jacket you're wearing."

The boy paused, ten pounds was all he had, and the jacket was new and very special, in fact it was his prized possession. Slowly, he took out the ten pounds and handed it over, then even more slowly he took off his jacket, gave it one last look then handed that over too. And then he opened the door and let the birds go free. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Enemy of the world, Satan, was on the side of life's road with a very large cage. The man coming towards him noticed that it was crammed full of people of every kind, young, old, from every race and nation.

"Where did you get these people?" the man asked.

"Oh, from all over the world," Satan replied. "I lure them with drink, drugs, lust, lies, anger, hate, love of money and all manner of things. I pretend I'm their friend, out to give them a good time, then when I've hooked them, into the cage they go."

"And what are you going to do with them now?" asked the man.

Satan grinned. "I'm going to prod them, provoke them, get them to hate and destroy each other; I'll stir up racial hatred, defiance of law and order; I'll make people bored, lonely, dissatisfied, confused and restless. It's easy. People will always listen to what I offer them and blame God for the outcome!"

"And then what?" the man asked.

"Those who do not destroy themselves, I will destroy. None will escape me." The man stepped forward.

"Can I buy these people from you?" he asked.

Satan snarled, "Yes, but it will cost you your life."

So Jesus Christ, the Son of God, paid for your release, your freedom from Satan's trap, with His own life, on the cross at Calvary. The door is open, and anyone, whom Satan has deceived and caged, can be set free.

That forward above is so ultimately true. A perfect example of what Christ did when He died for us. That story above totally awesome, don't you agree? Jesus was whipped, beaten, scourged, mocked, stripped, and died so we would not have to die for our sins. It reminds me of a poem I posted sometime in March or February called Crucifixion, in case any of you remember that. Okay, this is all I have time for today! Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Harsh Words

2008-04-22T10:46:00.002-05:00

I am back with the email forwards for a couple of days because I have absolutely nothing else to post. I really liked the comments I got on my last post about abortion. I wonder if abortion will ever be illegal. I really hope so. I have another email forward I got off of this Christian email forward website called "Harsh Words." You'll understand the title better after you read this one. Here it is:

I ran into a stranger as he passed by. "Oh excuse me please" was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told, how we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, my son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the children you love, you seem to abuse. Go look on the kitchen floor, you'll find some flowers there by the door."

"Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself; pink yellow and blue.He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, and you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small, and now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled,

"I found 'em out by the tree." "I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway.

I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

What did you all think of that email forward above? I really liked it. I thought it was sweet and touching. By the way, to those people who have not read Bryan Davis' books. You have got to read them! They are awesome! Last Sunday was busy for me because my church had a spaghetti supper, and our Youth Group had to clean dishes and serve food. It was a fundraiser to send some teens to church camp in June. I cannot wait until I don't know how much the fundraiser made, but I will know tomorrow night. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Dear Mommy

2008-04-19T18:06:00.002-05:00

We all know about abortion and how cruel it is to kill an unborn child, right? Well, there is this email forward which is a letter sent by an aborted child to her mother. It really does show you how terrible of a thing abortion is. Yes, I am back with an email forward. By the way, if I have not commented on your blog much in the past couple days, then I am sorry. I have been really busy lately with life in general. Okay, here is the forward:

Dear Mommy,

I am in Heaven now, sitting on Jesus' lap. He loves me and cries with me; for my heart has been broken. I so wanted to be your little girl.

I don't quite understand what has happened. I was so excited when I began realizing my existence. I was in a dark, yet comfortable place. I saw I had fingers and toes. I was pretty far along in my developing, yet not near ready to leave my surroundings. I spent most of my time thinking or sleeping.

Even from my earliest days, I felt a special bonding between you and me. Sometimes I heard you crying and I cried with you.Sometimes you would yell or scream, then cry. I heard Daddy yelling back. I was sad, and hoped you would be better soon. I wondered why you cried so much.

One day you cried almost all of the day. I hurt for you. I couldn't imagine why you were so unhappy. That same day, the most horrible thing happened. A very mean monster came into that warm, comfortable place I was in. I was so scared, I began screaming, but you never once tried to help me. Maybe you never heard me. The monster got closer and closer as I was screaming and screaming,"Mommy, Mommy, help me please; Mommy, help me."

Complete terror is all I felt. I screamed and screamed until I thought I couldn't anymore.Then the monster started ripping my arm off. It hurt so bad; the pain I can never explain. It didn't stop. Oh, how I begged it to stop. I screamed in horror as it ripped my leg off. Though I was in such complete pain, I was dying. I knew I would never see your face or hear you say how much you love me.

I wanted to make all your tears go away. I had so many plans to make you happy. Now I couldn't; all my dreams were shattered. Though I was in utter pain and horror, I felt the pain of my heart breaking, above all. I wanted more than anything to be your daughter. No use now, for I was dying a painful death. I could only imagine the terrible things that they had done to you. I wanted to tell you that I love you before I was gone, but I didn't know the words you could understand. And soon, I no longer had the breath to say them; I was dead.

I felt myself rising. I was being carried by a huge angel into a big beautiful place. I was still crying, but the physical pain was gone. The angel took me to Jesus and set me on His lap. He said He loved me, and He was my Father. Then I was happy. I asked Him what the thing was that killed me. He answered, "Abortion. I am sorry, my child; for I know how it feels." I don't know what abortion is; I guess that's the name of the monster.

I'm writing to say that I love you and to tell you how much I wanted to be your little girl. I tried very hard to live. I wanted to live. I had the will, but I couldn't; the monster was too powerful. It sucked my arm and legs off and finally got all of me. It was impossible to live. I just wanted you to know I tried to stay with you. I didn't want to die. Also, Mommy, please watch out for that abortion monster. Mommy, I love you and I would hate for you to go through the kind of pain I did. Please be careful.

Love,

Your Baby Girl

So tell me what your first thoughts were as soon as you finished reading that. Abortion is such a terrible thing in today's society. What are your thoughts on abortion? Do you think it is murder like I do? Abortion is just another one of the things that makes my heart hurt and ache whenever I think about the poor child. Isn't it sad? Okay, this is all I have time for today. Thanks for much for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

More Signs That You Are Getting Older

2008-04-16T14:21:00.003-05:00

I got another newsletter from my church today in the mail that had even more bloopers about getting older. I decided to post them today in case someone reading this needed a good laugh. I also added a new poll, so check that out if you want to. I love church bloopers! Don't you? Okay, I have to make this a fairly brief post so I'm going to post it now. Here it is:

More Signs That You Are Getting Older

1.) People call you at 9:00 a.m. and ask, "Did I wake you up?"

2.) You are proud of your lawn mower

3.) You enjoy hearing about other people's operations

4.) You buy a compass for the dash of your car/ truck.

5.) You can't remember the last time you lay on the floor and watched television.

6.) You take a metal detector to the beach.

7.) You know longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

8.) You take naps.

9.) You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.

10.) Your favorite channel is the Weather Channel.

Okay, so which one of these bloopers were your absolute favorite? I think that I like number nine the best out of all of them. I think I only have like a couple more minutes left to post, so I shall end this post saying that you now know the signs you are getting older. Thanks so much for reading and please drop by a comment if you have some time!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Peace

2008-04-15T15:06:00.003-05:00

I have another poem to share with you all. This is the last one of the five poems I was going to post that I wrote in a two day period. I call it "Peace." I got some really great feedback from my last poems. I just wanted to say thank you to all my friends because I know you have my back. This poem is only eight lines, and it is shorter than my usual poems. I wanted to make this one only eight lines, though. Here it is:

Peace

Your heart was extremely pained,
And also for reasons unexplained,
You needed just a little bit of hope,
And to be freed of the captive rope,

Jesus set His joyful gaze upon you,
And He cleansed your heart anew,
Now your love shall truly increase,
All you needed was God’s peace.

So what does everyone think of the poem up above? To be honest, this one took me about four minutes. It's really cool how when i write poems they just sort of come to me. It must be a God-thing for sure;) Someone suggested that I send my poems to a magazine. There website is realteenfaith.com. Do you all think I should give it a shot? Think I might be able to get one published? If it is God's will, then I know He can make it happen. This is all I have time for to post today. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

God's Gift

2008-04-14T13:43:00.002-05:00

I am about to post the third poem I wrote that I intended to post a couple of days ago, but posted a different one instead. I call it "God's Gift." It is kind of describing God's gift of freedom and love. I hope you all like it. Please let me know what you think of it when you are done reading. It took me about five minutes to write, in case you're wondering. Here it is:

God’s Gift

A heart full of unending pain,
Felt trapped by a heavy chain,
It longed for peace and rest,
And yearned to be blessed,

As a tear trickled down a cheek,
It felt hopeless and terribly weak,
Then it caught a glimpse of hope,
And the many ropes of pain broke,

Jesus renewed a pained heart,
His gentle love will never part,
His hope will always endure,
And He will stay forevermore.

Okay, so how was that one? It's one of my favorite ones that I've written. I wonder how many poems I have written in my whole, entire life;) I have the perfect verse today for the poem. I was looking in my Bible this morning and came across this verse. The verse meant a lot to me in words I cannot describe. It may sound creepy, but this verse is really important to me. Here it is:

Matthew 11: 28-30

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

Okay, so do you guys think that verse was totally awesome? God is so great, isn't He? Okay, so how was the poem to you guys? Did it flow? Did it have a spiritual meaning? Well, I hope so. Writing poetry to me is a way to express myself. It describes God how I see Him to me. How would you describe God? I would describe Him as my King, my Friend, and my Savior. Of course, no words could describe how God is. Isn't God good? That's all I have time for today. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

You Know You Are Getting Old When. . .

2008-04-13T11:56:00.004-05:00

My church sends out these weekly newsletters in the mail to all the church members and it has things like prayer list, potlucks, fundraisers, church camp, missions trips, and things like that. Well, they had some church bloopers in the newsletter this week, and it was so funny I decided to post it here. I was going to post my other two poems today, but I will save those for a different time. By the way, be sure your are not drinking milk or something while you read this. *mischievous smile* Here it is:

You Know You Are Getting Old When. . .

1.) You and your teeth don't sleep together.

2.) You try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any.

3.) At the breakfast table you hear a snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.

4.) Your back goes out but you stay home

5.) It takes two tries to get up from the couch.

6.) Most of the names in your address book begin with doctor.

7.) You say something to your kids that your mother said to you, that you always hated.

8.) All you want on your birthday is to not be reminded of your age.

9.) You have more hair in your nose and your ears than you do on your head.

10.) Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.

Okay, so wasn't that a good laugh? Tell me in a comment which number was your favorite. They were pretty funny, weren't they? I think that I liked number two the best, or maybe number five. Well, that at least gave you a good laugh for the day, right? I hope so, because God enjoys it when you laugh:) Okay, that's pretty much all I really have to say today. Thanks for reading and please drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

He Will Be There

2008-04-11T14:22:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I am about to post another poem. This is actually a poem I wrote yesterday. I wrote two yesterday and three the previous day. I thought this was better than the third one I wrote on Wednesday, so I will post this one. I will post both of the other poems over the weekend. I call this poem "He Will Be There." Please let me know what you think of it. I hope you all like it. Here it is:

He Will Be There

When you feel lost and weak,
And everything seems bleak,
There is Someone who cares,
And who hears your prayers,

He knows your terrible pain,
And feels your bondage chain,
Jesus sees your bitter tears,
And knows your greatest fears,

He hugs you tightly very close,
As His gentle, pure love flows,
He will always genuinely care,
For Jesus will always be there.

Okay, so what did you all think of that one? I am actually a little proud of it myself, but not really snooty and stuff:) I will be posting poetry for the next couple of days, and then I promise I'll stop for a while because I must be driving you all crazy with this continuous poetry. Anyway, I have a verse that pertains to the poem above. Here it is:

Hebrews 13:5

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

That was the poem and the verse for today. So what did you all think of the poem. I thought the verse was a lot like the poem, so I posted it. It is my awesome friends in the YCF that inspires me to keep on writing poetry because I know that you all have my back. So thanks, my friends. That's all for now! Thanks for taking the time to read this and please drop by a comment if you can!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Love

2008-04-10T13:35:00.002-05:00

The poem I am about to post is about love, and, of course, I call it "Love." Original, huh? This poem can either be talking about love between two people or between God and a person. It could fit either one, I think. This poem took me like four minutes to write, and it sort of just came to me. I have a third poem I wrote that I am saving for tomorrow because I think it was the best one out of the three I wrote yesterday. Here it is:

Love

There is nothing greater than love,
Love is always in hearts, thereof,
It can withstand any ugly snare,
Through hardship, it is still there,

It renews a wounded heart,
Love will never fully depart,
People need to feel love,
It surely comes from above.

So what do you think of this one? My best friend said she really, really liked it. It wasn't very long, but I think it gets the point across. The one for tomorrow is twelve lines, in case you were wondering. I got some awesome feedback about yesterday's poem, and so I wanted to say I am glad you all liked it. Support from friends like you all make my poetry writing worth while Thanks, everyone! I have decided for these poems to include a verse pertaining to the poem. Here is my verse:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

That is an awesome verse, in my opinion. That verse describes love so much better than my poem, but that poem was my meager contribution to defining love. Okay, so that was the post for today, and I am also out of words to say. So, please leave a comment about what you thought of the poem, if you can. Thanks for reading today's and drop by a comment if you have some time!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Friends

2008-04-09T13:56:00.006-05:00

I have written another poem that is about friendship. Well, actually, I wrote three poems today in a fifteen minute period. I was in the mood to write poems today. I have decided to post a poem today, tomorrow, and on Friday because I have absolutely nothing else to post:) Anyway, here is the poem about friendship. I really hope you guys like this one. I worked really hard on it. Really? No, it was easy to write. Well, before I start babbling and carrying on, here it is:

Friends

Everyone needs a true friend,
They will stick with you until the end,
They are a shoulder to cry on,
They will stick with you till dawn,

They will always be there,
They do not rudely compare,
They make you smile through tears,
They know your deepest fears,

A true friend is always honest,
They always give you their best,
They will always be near your heart,
And their friendship will never part.

Okay, so how was that poem? I have two more coming at you guys in the next couple of days. I was thinking about a really good friend if mine as I was writing the poem listed above. Now, as usual, I have a lesson to derive from this. Friends really should be there for you through thick and thin. A friend cannot be there for you 24/7, but I have a Friend who is there for me all the time. Yes, you all know who He is:) I have a Bible verse about friendship.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

That is one of my most favorite verses in the BIble out of my list of about 100 favorite verses. Please tell me what you think of the poem in a comment. That's all for now. Thanks for reading and please drop by a comment if you have time!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The Love of God

2008-04-08T14:14:00.004-05:00

I wrote this poem that I called "The Love of God" about a year ago for one of my friends who was going through a really tough time in her life. He parents were getting a divorce. She told me her parents would keep her up at night arguing and bickering back and forth. She felt really confused and lost then so I wrote her this poem. She said it was a really great reminder of how much God loved her. I decided to post it today to see what you guys and girls thought of it.

The Love of God

Your heart so tender, dear and mild,
You have the innocence of a little child,
Your gentle spirit will guide the lost,
Your decision could be of great cost,

Your heart feels torn up, broken and betrayed,
Your hurt and pain is not feigned,
For comfort look above to the Savior,
Your faith will never be a blur,

He will never leave you or forsake you,
You will never be alone,
He loves everything about you,
He wants you to talk to Him and love him, too!

So what did you all think of that poem? God sort of gave me the words to write because I wanted to make this poem really good for my friend. By the way, my friend's parents did get separated. but things are going much better for her. Also, in case you did not know it yet, Zoe has joined the YCF! Welcome, Zoe! Glad to have you aboard! That's all for now. Thanks for reading and please drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Poetry

2008-04-06T14:29:00.005-05:00

I have to make this a fairly brief post so I am going to post this poem I wrote that describes God the way He is to me. It's not a very long poem, only eight lines, but it describes God in my own words and how personal He is to me. Please let me know if you like the poem. It really didn't take me too long to write it (five minutes).

God

God is my closest friend,
And will be until the end,
He comforts my fears,
And wipes away my tears,

His love is enough,
His grace is no bluff,
I dance in His love,
It all came from above.

Not the best poem I have ever written, but it describes God how I see Him and how He is my friend and not some big boss guy in heaven shouting out orders to get everything done. Do you see God as your friend that understands you? I see God as my Friend, and also as someone who I can look up to. He's a great role model:) Also, I have a new poll on the sidebar so check that out. By the way, I am very pleased to type to say that Zoe has joined the YCF! Woohoo! So how many members do we have now? Thanks for reading and drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Prayer Request

2008-04-04T14:09:00.002-05:00

There was a bunch of tornado reports near the state capital of Arkansas, Little Rock. I just wanted to please ask everyone reading this to pray that there is no really bad tornadoes where someone gets hurt or even killed. I also wanted to ask you to pray for those people who suffered property damage that might cost a lot money to fix. I don't think anyone was hurt or killed or anything, but I just wanted to ask everyone to pray, anyway. I hope there is never another tornado like that in my life.

About my moving away from my current home, we might not even move until next summer, which is great. It depends on the whole housing market thing. All I know is that I will accept wherever God puts me in this world because I know that He is always with me. Thanks for praying, reading this, and drop by a comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

A Glass of Milk

2008-04-02T14:48:00.007-05:00

Yes, I am back with one more forward for you all. This is my last one I promise. As for an update of how I am doing, my nose stopped being runny and my throat is still a little bit scratchy. I'm still coughing a lot and not sleeping too well at night lately. I pray I'll get better really soon. I have decided to post an inspirational email forward I got from a friend a few months ago. It has an interesting title called "A Glass of Milk." Here it is:

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely woman woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk.

He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval.

He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.

She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."

I am not sure if that is a true story, but I do believe God could let something that truly amazing happen to one of His lambs. I almost cried when I thought of how great God was after reading this. It was an amazing example of when Jesus died on the cross and paid our debt. You should really send that to your friends to make them smile. Don't forget to vote! Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Jesus Comes To Visit

2008-04-01T14:41:00.003-05:00

I don't have anything to post to day, but I really wanted to post anyway. I got this other email forward a while ago and wanted to share it with you all today. I promise that after this I'll stop posting email forwards:) You may have received this before or seen it somewhere, but you can always see it again. It is called "Jesus Comes To Visit." It really touched my heart as soon as I opened it and read the whole forward. Yes, I do receive a lot of email forwards, but I only pass on the really good ones like this.

Jesus Comes To Visit

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She read the letter:

Dear Ruth: I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I would like to visit.

Love Always,

Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table.

"Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."

With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets."

Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner." She reached for her purse and counted out it's contents. Five dollars and forty cents.

"Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts at least."

She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk... leaving Ruth with a grand total of twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?" Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.

"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street and well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry, and well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it."

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and, frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.

"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."

"Yeah, well okay lady. I understand. Thanks anyway."

The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and he headed back into the alley. as she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.

"Sir, wait!

" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.

"Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest."She handed the man her grocery bag.

"Thank you lady. Thank you very much."

"Yes thank you."

It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering.

"You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one."

Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped if over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street, without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.

"Thank you lade! Thank you very much!"

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.

"That's odd. the mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."

She took the envelope out of the box and opened it."

Dear Ruth:

It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal and Thank you for the beautiful coat.

Love Always,

Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

Now after reading this awesome thing, how does it make you feel. Even though Ruth had very little to give, she gave it to someone who had even more little than she had. Then, she even gave away the coat that was on her very back. That's how God wants us to be. Well, I am running out of time. Check out my new poll, also. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Random

2008-03-31T08:36:00.003-05:00

I was going to tell everyone about my vacation that didn't turn out so well in a lot of words, but I will shorten it o these few sentences. Basically, I was sick most of the time with a bad cough and cold and we didn't go to Silver Dollar City. I am still sick now with a runny nose, strep throat, and it hurts when I cough because my throat is really scratchy. This isn't what I want to talk about though. My friend sent me this email forward that I got on one of those days that everyone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I wanted to post it here today to get everyone's opinion on it.

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it!

You say: "It's impossible"

God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired

"God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"

God says: I love you (John 3:16 John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"

God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figurethings out"

God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"

God says: You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"

God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"

God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"

God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"

God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"

God says: Cast all your cares on Me (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"

God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"

God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Now isn't that something really nice to think about? We really do say some of the things that are above in the email forward. It's really cool how God has answers to even everyday things that happen even though Jesus walked on earth thousands of years ago. I added a new poll and everyone can vote if they want to. Also, check out Ian's polls. Ian, you are evil! Just kidding:) Thanks for reading and drop by a comment.

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Prayer Request

2008-03-25T09:53:00.003-05:00

I am going on a trip to Branson with my family for my Spring Break. We will leave early in the morning tomorrow and be back on Friday night. I won't have access to the computer until Saturday. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up of what's happening. Also, please pray that the weather is really nice so we can go to the amusement park called Silver Dollar City on Thursday. I'll be able to reply to comments tonight but not the next day. So, please pray we have a good trip and travelling is safe. I'll miss you, everyone!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Pie

2008-03-24T15:24:00.004-05:00

Why is there an apple pie picture on my blog? Well, some of you may know this and others may not that I left a comment on Ian's blog on his post "Beyond Our Realm Part 2: Time and Eternity." Well, I started talking about pie and I promised Araken I'd make him one. So. . . tada! Yes, I am feeling very random and insane. Enjoy the pie!

Yes, I am also going to pull a life lesson about this. About being random and fun, not apple pie:) I'm going to list some cool verses I found that say things about laughter. There really is a time for everything. God likes it when we laugh and enjoy His creations.

Ecclesisastes 3:4 (NLT)
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Okay, I am finally done being random and insane. I hope you all enjoy the delicious pie. It took me over two minutes to go to Google Images and find this picture:) So did everyone have a great Easter? Enjoy the pie, everyone!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Easter

2008-03-23T14:48:00.003-05:00

Yes, it is that time of year again. It is Easter, the holiday that people have turned into a time for little kids to get candy and their parents become angry at the dentist bill prices. Easter has been reduced to a mere time for when little kids stuff there faces with candy. We all know the Easter story when Jesus was killed on the cross and then rose again three days later. That is the true meaning of Easter. I wanted to wish everyone a happy Easter.

I wrote a poem after church today about Easter. I wanted to post it here today for everyone to read. Everyone likes to get candy on Easter, don't they? I know I do. . .:) Anyway, well here is the poem.

Easter

You died on the cross,
To make up for the world's loss,
Because of the world's sin,
You were buried and wrapped in linen,

Tears poured down,
Sorrow and sadness was abound,
Hearts were full of dismay,
Then you lived again in three days,

Because of us you died,
Yet now You still abide,
As soon as I opened my heart's door,
You came in and will stay forevermore.

So what did everyone think of that one? I don't really think it is the best poem I've ever written, but I think it gets the point of Easter across, doesn't it? Well, the milk poll will close soon so vote while you can! Thanks so much for reading and drop by a comment! Happy Easter, my friends in the YCF!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Jesus in the Courtroom

2008-03-22T14:46:00.002-05:00

There is this email forward that I decided to post here today. It really makes me think about God's love. It is called the Jesus in the Courtroom forward. Here it is:

"After living a "decent" life my time on earth came to an end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.As I looked around I saw the prosecutor," he was a villainous looking gentleman who snarled as he stared at me, he definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me.The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room and I couldn't take my eyes off of him. As He took his seat behind the bench He said "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other terrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank.I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I've done? Satan finished with a fury and said "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.

When it was His turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking I was able to see Him now in his full splendor and majesty. Now I realized why he seemed so familiar, this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge "Hi Dad" and then He turned to address the court.

"Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And yes the wages of sins is death and this man deserves to be punished". Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine." My Lord continued with "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from me. Satan still does not understand yet, this man is not to be given justice but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied "There is nothing else that needs to be done, I've done it all".

The Judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down and the following words bellowed from his lips- "This man is free -the penalty for him has already been paid in full, case dismissed." As my Lord led me away I could hear Satan ranting and raving "I won't give up, I'll win the next one."

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you...Paid in Full." In this world of terrible hurt, pain, suffering, and extreme self centered focus, to the exclusion of everyone and everything else, there are times when logic, thought,discussion, etc., do nothing. It is in these times I have learned that I have only one place to turn to ease the pain."

Wow, that is amazing, isn't it? It is so true beyond words that enter my mind. All I can do is nod in awe and thank my KIng for His love. Everyone check out my profile! I updated some things on it that are better. I also mentioned the YCF in it, too! Well, that's all for now and don't forget to vote on my milk poll! Thanks for reading and please drop by a comment, too!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

New Poetry

2008-03-20T13:27:00.004-05:00

I was digging through some old notebooks of mine and found this poem I wrote about a year ago. I decided to post it here since I had nothing else to post about. By the way, Shelby, did you have an awesome birthday? Everyone in the YCF certainly hopes so! I will ask the all important question of birthdays. What did you get as a gift? Just kidding:) Anyway, about the poem, it is untitled but I wanted to post it here. Let me all know what you think of it.

A heart sings, wounded and forlorn,
A heart has been broken and torn,
He knows every single fear,
He wipes away every single tear,

He loves you more than you know,
He will do anything to show,
You how much He adores you,
He can cleanse your heart anew,

You will never be forsaken or alone,
He wishes that you would have known,
That you are more precious than any jewel,
Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool,

He wants to rush by your side,
His love comes in a large tide,
He cares for every sparrow in the sky,
Think about how much He cares for you.

So what did everyone think of that? Has everyone seen the random new poll on the sideboard? Yes, I was very hyper that one day. Don't ask. . . Let me know what you think about the poem! And everyone who didn't wish Shelby a happy birthday go ahead and do it now!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Happy Birthday, Shelby!

2008-03-17T14:09:00.003-05:00

Today is a very special day because it is my dear friend Shelby Marie's birthday! Happy fourteenth birthday, Shelby! I think it is so neat that you were born on St. Patrick's Day. I have another friend who's birthday is today. By the way, are you Irish? It would be really cool if you were Irish and born on St. Patrick's Day.

I just wanted to say to you, Shelby, that you are an incredible friend. You are gifted in poetry and have a wonderful heart for the Lord. You have a great personality that makes you really unique in a good way. God has blessed me with you because you are a totally awesome friend. I don't know what I'd do without the YCF and it's members. I really hope you have a great birthday today. I know you deserve it.

I also wrote you a poem. It's a short one, but I tried to put a lot of thought into it. I hope you like it. I'm sorry that it couldn't be longer, but I tried my best. Everything else I thought of either sounded too contrived or too cheesy.

Shelby Marie

Shelby Marie is a true friend to lean on in times of confusion,
She does not rest until her mission from God is already done,
God blessed me with her presence as a great, true friend,
And I know she will stick around with me until the very end.

I hope you liked it, Shelby! I hope that you have an awesome birthday full of blessings from God. Again, it sounds like it's from a greeting card, doesn't it? Oh, well. Happy Birthday, Shelby! We love you!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Praying Hands

2008-03-14T14:33:00.017-05:00

Many people may have seen this painting before, but do they know the story behind it? Albrecht Durer was a young boy that had an urge to paint and become an artist. He could not during his childhood because there was a large family but little money. He then was sent off to an expensive art school. He roomed with an old man who also had the urge to become a painter. They went to the same school together, and they also soon figured out their was no way they could work full time jobs and continue their studies. So, the old man said to Durer that one of them should work full time to take care of both of them while the other one becomes an artist. Then, when the one person finishes school and becomes famous, he could support the other so he could go through school The old man chose himself to be the one who works. Durer went through school, and, indeed, became famous and wealthy. The old man had done various jobs with his hands that was hard labor. When the old man tried to hold a paint brush, her could not paint because the hard work and made is hands rough and unable to paint. Durer was distraught by this news and walked into his friend's room one day and saw him praying by the bedside. He had an idea to paint the beautiful sight that lie before him. "Praying Hands" is now Durer's most popular painting even 450 years later.

Wow, what an inspirational story, don't you think? That is a perfect story that shows the will of sacrifice for another. What do you guys think of this awesome story? Isn't it awesome? I read it recently in my literature class and thought it would be perfect for me to share. By the way, Shelby's birthday is in three days!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

False Christianity

2008-03-13T14:28:00.004-05:00

Dcf, one of our fellow members in the YCF, recently made a blog post entitled "A Christian Who is Hurt." The story is on His blog of what I'm going to be posting about today. Many people claim they are Christians yet they seem to be very prejudice about certain things like homosexuality. That is a sin, yes, but that does not mean you go around making signs saying God hates those people. He does not! God loves everyone, but he hates the sin. Jesus died on the cross so our sin could be taken away, and so we would not have to suffer because of it.

Galations 2:6-7 (NLT)

I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself from the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News, but it it is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled to those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.

That verse above reminded me of those people from that so-called "church" who twisted God's Words when He said He hates sin. I firmly believe that Jesus died came to the earth, died on the cross for us, and then rose again three days later. Jesus did this for us because He loves us and did not want us to go to hell because "the wages of sin is death."

John 3:16 (NLT)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

To break it all down, God loves everyone, but He hates sin. That "church" should not have gone to that funeral with all those signs. Jesus' love s for everyone no matter your race, your family background, you beliefs, or the deeds you have done. God is there for everyone, and He waits for everyone to call upon His name. Did I mention that God loves everyone? As Ian said, this is the YCF's first "battle." I wonder if we won. By the way, Shelby's birthday is in four days! Yay!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Unicorns

2008-03-12T14:43:00.005-05:00

Everyone used to believe in unicorns when they were younger, right? Or at least I did. Now, we say that they never existed. But how awesome would it be if they did? Would you guys think I was crazy if I told you they did exist? Some of you guys may be rolling your eyes already, but hear what I have to say to all of you people reading this. Don't think unicorns were real? Check out these KJV verses.

Numbers 23:22
God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

Deuteronomy 33:17a
His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns

Job 39:9-10
Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?

Psalm 22:21
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Psalm 29:6
He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

Psalm 92:10
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

Isaiah 34:7
And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.

I had to use a King James Version of the Bible because all the other versions changed the word unicorn with ox. It sounds like that by these verses a unicorn had a horn, they had an untamed nature, and they were also strong. No one knows for sure if they were the horse like creatures with shimmery horns. Isn't it amazing what the Bible can tell us? What do guys think of these verses? Did you think unicorns might have once existed even if you didn't have proof? What do you think now? Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Angels Cry

2008-03-11T14:08:00.002-05:00

Since Araken has been talking about angels a lot, I wanted to post a song on here about angels and God written by a cool Christian band called Everlife. I have a few of their songs on my mp3 player. The lyrics to the song are totally awesome. I thought you all might wanted to read them. The song is one of my favorites.

Angels Cry

All the world is but a child screaming over all your words
No one hears your pain
They're way too busy for concern (oh)
And the days become weeks
And the months turn into years
You gotta know by now that only God sees all those tears (oh)

(chorus)
When you cry cause it hurts
It doesn't mean that you're not heard
Because aloud in heaven angels cry with you (oh)

When you shout about the way you feel
And the signs and lights that don't reveal
The true beginning of the end
You can make a line from here to mars
Of those with broken dreams and scars
There will never be a fix outside a Savior

(chorus)
When you cry cause it hurts
It doesn't mean that you're not heard
Because aloud in heaven angels cry with you (yeah oh)

Who can say they haven't know of
Hate or desire to retaliate
There must be someone someone we can blame
Oh but its hard to put the anger down
And hear from God without a sound
And find a place to heal the unforgiveness

When you break and you yell
And there's no one left to tell
You have the ears of heaven and His grace will come to you (come to you)

(chorus)
When you cry cause it hurts
It doesn't mean that you're not heard
Because aloud in heaven the angels cry with you.

So who else agrees that these lyrics totally rock? These lyrics are really helpful to me when at times when I feel lost and confused. God hears your cries. He knows how you feel. He feels your hurt. He is right there next to you all the time. Don't you all agree? Need I say more about what an awesome God that we have?

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi (Hebrews 13:5)

Dragons

2008-03-10T14:20:00.002-05:00

I have not posted in so long! I have been really busy this week. Life never seems to be smooth sailing, huh? I don't have anything to post today, so I decided to post about dragons. There are some rockin' fantasy titles about dragons like Dragons in our Midst and the Dragon Keeper series. But the real question is were they real? There is a verse in Job 41 that fits the description of a dragon:

"Can you catch Leviathan with a hook or put a noose around its jaw? Can you tie it with a rope through the nose or pierce its jaw with a spike? Will it beg you for mercy or implore you for pity? Will it agree to work for you, to be your slave for life? 5 Can you make it a pet like a bird, or give it to your little girls to play with? Will merchants try to buy it to sell it in their shops? Will its hide be hurt by spears or its head by a harpoon? If you lay a hand on it you will certainly remember the battle that follows. You won’t try that again! No, it is useless to try to capture it. The hunter who attempts it will be knocked down. And since no one dares to disturb it, who then can stand up to me? Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine.“I want to emphasize Leviathan’s limbs and its enormous strength and graceful form. Who can strip off its hide, and who can penetrate its double layer of armor? Who could pry open its jaws? For its teeth are terrible! Its scales are like rows of shields tightly sealed together. They are so close together that no air can get between them. Each scale sticks tight to the next. They interlock and cannot be penetrated.“When it sneezes, it flashes light! Its eyes are like the red of dawn. Lightning leaps from its mouth; flames of fire flash out. Smoke streams from its nostrils like steam from a pot heated over burning rushes. Its breath would kindle coals, for flames shoot from its mouth.“The tremendous strength in Leviathan’s neck strikes terror wherever it goes. Its flesh is hard and firm and cannot be penetrated. Its heart is hard as rock, hard as a millstone. When it rises, the mighty are afraid, gripped by terror. No sword can stop it, no spear, dart, or javelin. Iron is nothing but straw to that creature,and bronze is like rotten wood. Arrows cannot make it flee. Stones shot from a sling are like bits of grass. Clubs are like a blade of grass, and it laughs at the swish of javelins. Its belly is covered with scales as sharp as glass. It plows up the ground as it drags through the mud. “Leviathan makes the water boil with its commotion. It stirs the depths like a pot of ointment. The water glistens in its wake, making the sea look white. Nothing on earth is its equal, no other creature so fearless. Of all the creatures, it is the proudest. It is the king of beasts.”

The Bible calls this creature the Leviathan, but it reminds me of a dragon in a lot of ways. To me, what is says in the Bible is all the proof I need to know this creature was real. What do you guys and girls think this creature was? It sure does remind me of a dragon because it speaks of fire-breathing, scales, and a lot more dragon-like characteristics. It sure does make you think, doesn't it?

Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

God's Love

2008-02-29T10:10:00.002-06:00

My brain may be malfunctioning because I am continually posting poetry. I have another poem for you. Are you tired of me posting poetry? Well, too bad! Just kidding! But do let me know if I am overdoing the whole poetry thing. I wrote this short poem last night. It kind of just came to me like lightening striking a key on a kite. I call it "God's Love." Please let me know what you think of it!

God's Love

My heart yearned deeply to be loved and cared for,
I wanted someone to hold the key to my heart's door,
A hand reached out to me that offered to save me,
He told me His love for me ran deeper than the sea,

He held my little hand warmly and reassuringly,
He looked at me with eyes if love adoringly,
I now dance in His tender and precious love,
And all the love surely came up from above.

So what did you guys and girls think of it? It was not really that hard to write. Thank for reading and drop by a comment if you have time!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Crucifixion

2008-02-26T16:11:00.006-06:00

Since I got such awesome feedback about my poetry, I have decided to post another poem this one really comes from my heart. The picture won't go any bigger so sorry about that! I really hope everyone likes this poem because it took a lot of effort to write. I call it "Crucifixion." Please comment and say what you think of it. It took about fifteen minutes to write this poem because I wanted to find just the right words for each line and to show everyone reading it that Jesus went through a lot just so our sinful hearts could be saved. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for the whole world, just so we would not have to suffer. I will never forget your gift to us all.

Crucifixion

You were scourged, beaten, and whipped,
With nothing but your tender love equipped,
A spear pierced and hurt your tender side,
Your perfect, thoughtful love will always abide,

With a crown of thorns upon your head,
Your innocent, faultless blood was shed,
I wiped away my sorrowful and bitter tears,
Your death was one of my greatest fears,

I heaved sobs of regret and sorrow,
All I needed was a sign to show
Me that you would not be gone forever,
All hope seemed like a big never,

You then rose again in three days,
I held your precious, thoughful gaze,
Thank you, My King, for dying for me,
It was the best gift ever given to me.

Please comment and thanks for reading. I really want to know what your guys think of this one!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Tears Cried in the Darkness

2008-02-25T14:22:00.002-06:00

I wrote a poem last night because I was feeling sort of sad because I was reading a really sad part in a book. So it inspired me to write this poem. Is anyone getting tired of reading my poetry? Do I post too much poetry? By the way, everyone check out dcf's blog because it has a post about the YCF. I call my poem "Tears Cried in the Darkness."

Tears Cried in the Darkness

You cry lonely in the darkness,
You feared being thought of less,
You thought no one saw your pain,
You felt trapped by a heavy chain,

Don't you realize God sees those tears?
He knows all your greatest fears,
He reaches out His helpful hand,
Offering to lift you captive band,

He hugs you tightly, caressing your cheek,
He nodded proudly, still mild and meek,
With a twinkle in His eyes, He smiled,
And says, "I love you, my precious child."

So what did you guys think? Please comment and thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Prince of Peace

2008-02-19T12:51:00.005-06:00

I wrote a poem last night that I wanted to post. First off, I am so excited that the YCF has seven members! Yay! I call my poem "Prince of Peace" because the painting by Akaine inspired me to write it. Please let me know what you think of it. I hope you guys like it. Here it is:

Prince of Peace

My heart was trapped by the chains of bondage,

Everyone seemed to hold a heartless grudge,

I yearned for sweet peace in the midst of turmoil,

Yet no violent rage ever seemed to fester or boil,

I cried out for someone to heroically save me,

To take away the sorrow that I always see,

My Prince of Peace carressed my cheek,

And wiped away my tears, so mild and meek,

He then became my Hero and my King,

Now out of pure joy I gracefully sing,

About how He purged my sin from me,

And told me of His unending love for me.

Okay, so what did you guys think of it? Everyone who has a poem they'd like to share, post it in a comment or on you blog. I love reading and writing poetry. Thank you for reading and please comment on this post! Remember God is always with you and He loves you!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-15T14:01:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I know I am basically a day late for Valentine's Day, but, however, I have been very busy at my church. See, my youth group and I are planning a Valentine Banquet where we serve the adults at my church and try to raise money for my youth group activities. We had to decorate a lot of things such as curtains, billboards, tables, chairs, walls, and a bunch of other things! I had to take some stuff home so I have been REALLY busy. Now that I have that out of my way, Valentine's day is my next topic.

This is were I talk about what love is. Araken has wondefully defined it as campanionship of the closest kind. You should definitely check out his Valentine's Day post. A lot of people may be really depressed because they may not have a boyfriend or girlfriend on Valentine's Day. I am actually one of those people, but I am not depressed about it because I know God loves me and that is the best love I will ever feel. Plus, I can't have a boyfriend till I'm married, anyway! I also do not feel bad if I don't have a boyfriend because I know my Prince is coming for me. Does anyone know Who I'm talking about? Jesus, of course!

Why should we feel bad on Valentine's Day just because we are single? I have God's love to complete me and that is all I need. God's love is pure and wonderful and with no strings attached. It says in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. . . And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. "

That is my absolute favorite verse in the Bible about love. It defines love more than I could ever hope to comprehend. These words are straight from the lips of God, and I trust them with all of my heart. Does anyone have any other verses about love they'd like to post? If you don't know one, then don't sweat it. I also have another verse about how much God loves us. It says int he Bible in 1 John 4:10:

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I would also like to inform everyone that Kailani has joined the Young Christian Force! Please comment and thanks so much for reading this blog post!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

New Member Alert!

2008-02-11T07:45:00.000-06:00

Hello, all you members of the Young Christian Force! Yesterday, Elliot joined our ranks, and now I am (very) pleased to say a welcome to Flinn (Flinn-Flann-of the-Twins)! I am so glad you decided to join the small, but ever growing, Young Christian Force. We are all very happy to have you as a member in the YCF, Flinn! By the way, do we just call you Flinn?

Araken has also come up with an awesome logo for the YCF that is totally great! The logo is positively wonderful, Araken. You are very creative when it comes to things like this. Once again, welcome to the YCF, Elliot and Flinn!

I came up with a short list of guidelines we should follow in the Young Christian Force. Here they are:

1.) The will be no use of profane language.

2.) We must respect other people for their values and opinions.

3.) We must respect each other's feelings.

4.) Everyone is their equal in the YCF, and it does not matter who was a member first.

5.) We must follow Jesus in all we do in the YCF. This group started with Jesus, it is about Jesus, and it is going to end with Jesus.

Everyone agree? I have also thought about if we should have a leader in YCF, but then I decided that Jesus is our leader. If He is our leader, then why would we need someone else? I am very excited about the YCF and how we have gotten two members in the past two days, and more people want to join! Thinking about how big this might get gives me a headache just thinking about it. We can always put it in God's hands:) Please comment and thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Welcome, Elliot!

2008-02-09T10:41:00.000-06:00

I am happy to present Elliot as a new member of the Young Christian Force! We are very happy to have you as a new member in the YCF. That is a total of five members! I wonder what the Young Christian Force will amount to by this same time next year. That would be so cool in like a couple of years all of us YCF members have like thirty comments on each blog post from all our members. That would be so great.

Does anyone have any questions about the YCF? I'm not really sure whether this is a club or group or whatever. Does anyone think we should make a list of rules for the YCF like no profane language, respect other people's feelings, don't put people down etc. What do you guys think of that? I hope God has big plans for the YCF.

Tell everyone you know about the Young Christian Force and maybe by the end of next week we will have a couple more members! Flinn, if you are reading this, I left a comment on your blog to see if you wanted to join. You might not have seen it so I;m asking now. Do you want to join the Young Christian Force? From your past blog post is seems you would be a great person to have with us!

Okay, I am asking everyone who is reading this what is your favorite Bible verse? My favorite verse is in Romans 8:38-39:

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

If you have a favorite Bible verse(s) please post them here. It would be totally amazing to have tons of wonderful Bible verses for someone to get on here and read when they really need encouragement. I will be starting a poetry week on Monday and on Monday-Friday I will be posting a poem I have written every day.I hope everyone sticks around to see it. Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Update For The Young Christian Force

2008-02-08T12:22:00.000-06:00

Hello! I have an update for the Young Christian Force. Do you guys think this cross to the left would be a good logo picture for the Young Christian Force? If you guys don't like it then please say so and we can pick something else. Good idea, Araken, when you put that your blog was a Young Christian Force blog! I hope you don't mind if we all do it?

I think we should tell lots of people about the Young Christian Force and they could be a member of it to! You never know, somday it might spread through the whole entire internet! Or maybe not. I dream big. What do you expect? Does everyone know what the Young Christian Force is? If you don't really know for sure look down at the blog post with a giant smiley face on it.

So do you think the Young Christian Force could be widespread? I just have big ideas for a teen:) What do you guys think of the Young Christian Force? Please post your opinion in a comment, if you wish. What is your deifinition of the Young Christian Force is? I hope you guys like the idea and are as excited about it as I am. I hope God blesses the Young Christian Force and the members. Thanks so much for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

More Poetry

2008-02-07T11:38:00.001-06:00

I have come up with a couple new poems that I will enchant your minds with. lol. I wrote a couple of these poems a while ago for a long story I have long abandoned. I decided to post a couple of them to see what people of think of them. The first one is kind of like for a person that has had something terrible happen in their life and they are a bit bitter toward some things. Here is the first one:

Your heart is ice and your prayers are cold,
Jehovah’s brilliant love will behold,
He wants to touch your cheek,
And wipe your tears, so mild and meek,

Your faith and love has altered,
You thought everything was absurd,
But His love is everlasting,
It is not any ordinary thing,

He will never leave you alone,
His love and mercy has become known,
He will never hurt or forsake your heart,
His love for you will never part.

Okay, so what did you guys think of that one? The second one is about the same length and is about how someone used to be really distraught and lost and confused, but when God comes into the picture, a whole new thing begins to enfold. I really like writing poetry, and I hope you guys like them. By the way, you can change the gender in this one to whatever you want to. The person that this poem was written for in the old story was a girl, so I left the gender the way it already is. Okay, here is the second one:

A girl that hid lonely in the darkness,
She would often weep bitterly,
She knew her life was a mess,
The girl wondered about eternity,

She knew she could not keep God at bay,
Life always seemed to give her a fright,
So she cried out to God one day,
And finally saw the light,

Now, she rests in her Creator’s hands,
Jesus came in her heart’s door,
Now together they stand,
And they will forevermore.

Okay, so what did you guys think of them? If you see any lines that might need to be changed let me know. I really don't mind suggestions. I actually encourage them, really. Now there I go sounding like some preacher. lol. Force of habit, I suppose:) I really hoped you guys liked the poetry. Please tell me which one you like the best in a comment. Thanks again for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Prayer Request

2008-02-06T12:56:00.000-06:00

I have a prayer request of something that has tragicly happened near where I live. There was a tornado reported near where I live and my house missed the tornado by about ten miles. Over thirty people have been reported all across my state to be dead because of a terrible tornado that struck last night. My power was out for about three hours because of harsh winds and lightening.

Please pray earnestly for the people who lost their homes or a loved one in the tragic tornado that hit. I was really scared last night when the tornado was coming. My power was out so we could not watch the news or anything. I have not heard anything from some of my friends who live in the same town of the tornado. Please pray that they are OK. Please also pray for the people who might still be in the rubble. I also pray that no more deaths will be reported. There was an eleven year old girl who died because her house collapsed while she was trying to get out. This girl was only a couple years younger than I am. Though I did not know her, it hurts me deeply because I can only fathom how scared she was. My heart yearns for her because she was only two years younger than her, and because I can picture in my mind how scared and distraught she felt.

Please also pray that the survivors can continue their lives normally as they had seen a terrible tragedy. Sometimes it can shock and traumatize people so much that they feel like their lives can never be the same again. Sorry I have not posted in sooo long. I was taking care of my family because my father, mother, little sister, little brother, and older brother were all sick with stomach virus. Everyone in my family was sick except for me:) I had to do housework, disinfecting, cooking, disinfecting, cleaning, and did I mention disinfecting?

Well, I am about of of things to say for this blog post. I added a new poll in case you guys haven't noticed. Araken has aslo added a new poll on his blog, too. Ian, do you mind if I put a link to your blog on my blog? Araken, Shelby Marie, and Ian, I just wanted you guys to know that I am glad you guys (and gal) are my friends. Please comment and I thank ye for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Happy Birthday!

2008-02-01T07:21:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Araken!

Happy birthday to you,
You live in the zoo,
You look like a monkey,
And you smell like one too!

Happy Birthday!

I hope you have an awesome birthday today filled with many blessings from God(sounds like it's from a birthday card, doesn't it?). I have taken the wonderful liberty of using my artistic talent (lol) to write you a poem:

Araken
A friend so loyal and true,
He says kind things right on cue,
Words of wisdome come from his mind,
Heart and soul so gentle and kind,

God blessed us with his presence,
His kind words always make sense,
God's Spirit came to us in the form of a dove,
Like Him, I know that Araken was sent from above.

Like it? It took me forever to write it! Okay, it really only took me seven minutes. But the thought counts, right? RIGHT?! Okay, now I just want to describe my friend Araken. Araken is an organized person and likes to keep things in place, but relaxes even when everything is not perfect. He likes to snowboard and play in the snow, even when it is raining! He has a mind for fantasy, and a heart for God. He serves God in all he does and gives encouragement to friends when they need a little help. Best of all, Araken is a great friend! Just like everyone else (i.e. Ian and Shelby Marie). Araken, you will always have friends on here even when you feel incredibly lonely! Everyone wish Araken a happy birthday!

Happy Birthday, Araken!

May God bless you with a wonderful birthday!

Sapphira Adi

Thanks!

2008-01-31T13:12:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to personally thank everyone for being there for me with encouraging words, verses, and reminders God is always there for me. I thank you all pesonally Ian, Araken, and Shelby Marie. I don't know what I could have done without some wonderful encouragement from some really good friends!

So now I declare all four of us are now the. . . *drumroll*

Young Christan Force!

Does everyone agree?

We are all cyber buddies, friends, Christans, and brother and sisters in Christ. Plus there is two girls and two boys:) Ever since Ian started joining Araken has another guy on here. So now everyone is even:)

So what do you guys say? Do you want to be a part of the Young Christian Force? Maybe we can make this some sort of club around the internet for Christians who post on each other's blogs and encourage each other when we need it. Okay, maybe I dream big. But that is a good thing. :)

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Moving Away

2008-01-30T15:52:00.000-06:00

Okay, I may not sound like a very good Christian right now, but I have good reason to be mad. i just found out my family and I are moving away from my house of five years! We are moving like 90 miles from my house now and I have to go to new surroundings, new house, new school, and new people! i absolutely hate being the new girl everyone talks about whether it would be my hair, my outfit, or anything really! I have no idea what the heck I am going to do! My parents expect me to be alright with this! They never even asked me how I felt about this! I am going to miss my best friend, whom I have known for five years, so much!

I will also have to leave my church and my friends in Youth Group! I was finally starting to actually talk to the older girls in my Youth Group! We will probably move in June or July! All because my father just had to be transferred! I just don't get it! Why would God let something like this to happen? I am not saying it is His fault, but I am just wondering why He is doing it. I am trying to have faith, but it is just really hard, you know?

If anyone has any advice or prayers please post here. I just don't know what to do. My friends usually lean on me for Christian help, but now I need to lean on someone. I just don't know what to do. Please help me. Please?

Sapphira Adi

New Poem

2008-01-29T16:23:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have written a new poem and decided to post it on here. It is about God's love and how it affects the heart of a new believer in Christ. I have some awesome news! Bryan Davis is coming to MY state for a book signing and I am going to go! Yay!

Araken's birthday is also coming up on Friday so wish him a happy birthday that day. You better check out my blog that day, too!

God's Love

Heart so tender and sensitive,
Must know the truth of God's word,
For it to finally and truly live,
And descend on the wings of a bird,

Tears of the world's painful rejection,
Now turn to tears of eternal love.
The hearts search for the truth is done,
All hope surely comes from above,

God's love helps and renews,
Loneliness is no longer a worry,
The heart rejoices and no longer rues,
And all to God's perfect glory.

Okay, so what do you guys think of it? If you see any lines you think need to be changed then please let me know. I really hope you guys like it and know God 's love is pure and perfect. And all we have to do is have faith and believe. It really is that simple. God loves us so much.

Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Tears of a Dragon

2008-01-28T13:15:00.000-06:00

Tears of a Dragon is the fourth and final installment in the Dragons in our Midst series by Bryan Davis. Billy and Bonnie had victory in the Circles of Seven, but, at the price of freedom, they let loose a vicious evil that wants to destroy the world with the help of their evil mistress, Morgan Le Faye.

Billy is concerned for his dragon father, Clefspeare, who is missing. Billy and Bonnie must go into a war against the Watchers, demonic beings as old as the earth itself. With their skills of deception, the Watchers gather most of mankind on their side.

The wise friends of dragons, unite together in the constant struggle against the Watchers. In order to possibly win the war, one of the dragons must die. Will they ever find the great dragon Clefspeare? What choice will everyone make in order to save the world? Will any of them live to see the dawn?

This is a great book that puts an end to the Dragons in out Midst series with some questions looming over to make you want to read the sequel series, Oracles of Fire. I highly recommend this book to everyone. the suspense will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.

As usual, there is a lesson. This lesson is about the love of a friend. Everyone, including Billy, Bonnie, Ashley, Walter, and more, were faced with several decisions where they had to make hard choices. This reminds of a verse in the Bible in Proverbs 17:17:

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

A friend should always express their love towards one another. My best Friend expresses His love to me everyday. He whispers His love towards us in the silent green grass and sings song to us from the musical birds. He watches us wake up every morning and wishes we would talk to Him. We hurt Him, yes, but He still loves us. God will always be with us and He always loves us.

Speaking of friends, Araken and Shelby Marie, thank you for making these first two weeks of blogging so worthwhile. Also, Araken's birthday is in four days! Yay! If Araken had not responded on my first blog I would have quit blogging and thrown in the towel. Plus, it is also nice having Shelby Marie as someone else on here:) Thanks for reading and please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

New Song

2008-01-25T10:40:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed I have not been doing books the past couple of days, but I will continue doing some tomorrow. I've just been a bit busy lately. I have recently written and song that I hope you guys like. Please comment if you like it and if you have some suggestions for some lines to change, do not hesitate to post. I want to make this song the best it can be.

Oh, and in case you don't know already (since I have pretty much told the whole world. lol) Araken's birthday is in exactly seven days on the first of February. Check out my blog that day;) *wink* I hope you have a happy birthday, Araken!

Here is the song:

I Am Free

Verse 1
I felt scared and all alone,
All I could hear was the distant wind's moan,
Fear took a strong hold upon my delicate heart,
It seemed my heart would surely fall apart,
I cried aloud for a Savior,
For just one small favor,
Then my King walked through the door,
And I cried and knelt on the floor.

Chorus
My heart felt insignificant,
Carried by the silent wind,
But now I see all I needed was love,
And it came from up above,
My heart sings of His glory,
This is the start of a beautiful story,
Tears trickled down my face as He said He loved me,
Now all I feel is free.
I am free.

Verse 2
The wind tickled my tear stained face,
My King went for my heart's very base,
I feel like a I matter,
Like my dreams could never shatter,
My life is at sweet peace,
There is no longer a missing piece,
His love for me will never fade,
My bed in heaven has been made!

Chorus 2x

I am free 3x

So what do you guys (and girls) think of it? Is it too long? Boring? Bland? Good? Unique?

Okay, I am about done, but I just wanted to say that when you truly become a Christian, you really do feel free and that no one can harm you because you have a great Friend on your side. Please comment of your opinion and thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

New Story Chapters

2008-01-24T13:43:00.000-06:00

I have added chapter 4-6 of my story that the first few chapters were posted in my first blog. It is going to be a Christian fantasy fiction book series that might someday get published. I am definitely going to take my on this series so if you really like it, tell me an I will work on it more:)

Before I put the chapters, I want everyone to know that my friend araken's birthday is in eight days! Yay, araken!

Okay, here are the chapters.

Chapter Four
Hunted Down
“Who is there?! Show yourself, coward!” Gabrielle yelled in the strongest voice she could muster. Her eyes scanned the area as her heart beat somewhere in her throat because of fear and anxiety.
She hoped and prayed it was merely an animal that had lost its way toward her. She looked in the trees and bushes and new the movements were too sudden and agile to be an animal’s. She immediately saw something glowing in the sunlight and saw that it was indeed a sword. Gabrielle gulped.
“Paelin! Tess! Someone help me!” Gabrielle yelled at the top of her lungs as she suddenly darted down the path to safety. She was almost a mile from the house of Lenoir, so she would have no one to come to her aid.
Gabrielle ran as fast as her legs would take her, but the figure of a man came at her very fast, sword in hand. Gabrielle tripped over a tree root and stumbled to the ground. With tears marring her face, she looked up at the man looming over her with a sword. She closed her eyes and prayed her death would be over with fast and painless.
“Please don’t hurt me!” Gabrielle whimpered.
The man looked at her and smiled— an eerie type of smiled that made her shudder. Gabrielle looked up at him and was surprised to see him put away his sword. She wondered what he could possibly want as he advanced another step. He knelt down and offered his hand.
Gabrielle could tell there was something dark and sinister about him. She swatted the hand away as if it were a wasp and gracefully got up on her own. She stood face to face with the man and examined his features. He was about twenty-five-years-old and had a small goatee. He talked smoothly, but she saw through his clever disguise.
“Who are you?” Gabrielle demanded.
“My name does not matter, nor does your desire to know more about me. I have come with an offer. I will not waste my breathe unless you agree to listen and then decide. Will you listen?” He asked.
“You have exactly one minute.” Gabrielle replied.
He smiled. “Come with me, and I promise you great power beyond comprehension in all that you do. I will teach you many great things.”
Gabrielle‘s face twisted in anger. “No! I will never go with you! Why are you doing this to me?! Who am I?! What do you want from me?” Gabrielle said, her voice full of rage.
The man looked confused and hurt, but Gabrielle knew it was fake. He had a determined look on her face and tried to reach out to grab her hand, but Gabrielle pulled away. She knew he was trying to get her to trust him so he could take her back to the people to whom she was being hunted by.
She raised her brows slightly and held her head up high. “I do not know who you are, nor do I know what you want from me, but you will never take me with you. I was being hunted in the forest for a reason I do not know why, but I will never trust you. Now go away!” Gabrielle said boldly.
Gabrielle hoped her serious tone would scare him off and prayed to the King for protection from all unseen dangers that lurked in her past that she knew nothing about. She took a step back and waited intently for an answer. The man’s face was completely emotionless, than after what seemed like several minutes he finally spoke and said, “I understand, Your Highness.” He said and a smirk adorned his face as his eyes twinkled with malevolence.
“What do you mean ‘Your Highness’?!” Gabrielle said, her voice raised.
“It is quite simple really; I know of your past. I know who you are and why you were being chased. Come with me and all your questions will be answered.” The man said, his voice coarse.
“I have already said no, and I mean it with all my heart. If you know of my past, then why must you torture me with the knowledge of my past I do not know? If you know something about me, I beg you to tell, if not, I will gladly be on my way.” Gabrielle said, trying to keep her voice calm.
A flurry of emotions ran over Gabrielle as a tear descended down her cheek. If only she knew of her past, and why she being chased through the forest. Gabrielle looked up at the man and saw him smiling impertinently at her grief. She punched him in the chest and he stumbled backwards.
Gabrielle began to run down the path as the man slowly got up and saw her running. Gabrielle stressed her legs to go as fast as they could go because he very life depended on it. She looked back behind and saw the man standing there staring at her as she ran hastily.
“The King will help me! He will never let me fall into your hands of evil!” Gabrielle yelled down the path as she took a deep breath and continued running plaintively. She wiped the sweat from her forehead.
The man said as she ran off halfway down the path, “I will be waiting for you, Gabrielle!”

Chapter Four
The Story of Betrayal
Gabrielle ran as fast as her legs would take her as she ran the last half mile to the house of Lenoir, Tess, and Paelin. She took a deep breath of relief as the humble wooden home came into view. She was sure her pursuer was far behind her and she had lost him. But would he be back? And the next time would it be to kill her?
A chill ran down Gabrielle’s spine as she thought of the words of the strange man she met in the forest. Many questions whirled around in her mind as she tried her best to figure them out piece by piece. Why did that man call her “Your Highness” as implying she was of royal blood? Was she a traitor amongst her family of royalty? Or was she simply a runaway? Gabrielle tried her best to push all these questions aside as she knew she would not find out the answer without more investigation.
Gabrielle decided it would be better for her and everybody else if she did not tell Lenoir, Tess, and Paelin what happened in the forest. It would be best if they did not get mixed in with her pursuers and the trouble she might very well be involved in.
Gabrielle walked upon the three stairs until she was on the small wooden porch of the house where Tess sat on a sanded down and painted wooden swing with enough room for two or three occupants, depending on size.
Tess sat silently and her stare drilled into Gabrielle’s very heart’s core. She wondered where Gabrielle came from as she continued to swing gently, the stiff breeze flowing through her walnut colored hair. Her eyes were glassy as she stared at Gabrielle intentionally.
Gabrielle sat next to Tess on the swing and smiled at her warmly. She leaned back and closed her eyes, trying to relax the day’s stress away from her. She counted to thirty and took a deep breath, and she felt a tiny bit better. She tucked one loosed strand of hair behind her ear and prepared to ask about the King of Dernier.
“Tess, can you tell me more about the King of Dernier?” Gabrielle asked.
Tess smiled. “Of course. Would you like to hear the whole story?”
Gabrielle nodded.
Tess began in a musical, storytelling voice, “Long ago before our fathers and even their fathers were born, the King of Dernier ruled the land with love and kindness and all were happy. There were other smaller kingdoms but Dernier was the protecting wing for all of them. He had a mist favored knight of his names Sir Trannar.”
“Trannar was a proud and bold knight that had a good heart. He protected the King at all cost, he had soon grown jealous of King because he was always second. People always loved the King more. No matter how rich and wise Trannar was, the King was always first. He envied the throne and intended to do something about.”
“One fateful night, Trannar gathered all of the King closest friends and their family, men, women, and children, and had them bind. They were all in a corner somewhere when Trannar told the King that He had to come because there was trouble. The King asked Trannar what he had done and Trannar said, ‘I will kill them with a simple signal from one of my followers and they will be immediately killed with a flurry of arrows. I will let them live if you sacrifice yourself to save them. I am always second to you, but no more! Will you lay down your life for your people’?”
“The King looked upon His people’s eyes and they were cold and shivering. Fear was in all of their eyes, especially the children. The King looked at them with gentleness and mercy. He then unsheathed his blade and lay it on the ground before Him. He said He would let Trannar sacrifice him, but only because He was allowing it to be. He lay down on a bed of stone and said, ‘You are bringing your own doom as soon as you let that blade fall, Trannar.’ Trannar stabbed the King again and again in his fury.”
“The King was dead. A mob formed and Trannar and his followers were sent into exile. Trannar eventually established his own kingdom, what he calls Coronia. I do not know how, but the King is still alive and He has vowed that He will return for us. He has made a new heaven where all of His followers go when they die, it is known as the Realm of Hope. We will all see our king again someday.”
“Trannar lives on unto today, trying countless efforts to defeat Dernier. The Castle of Dernier is in the middle of the kingdom that is about a four day ride on horse from here. Trannar also has many followers that have foolishly fallen into his clever trap by promising them money, power, and glory if they swear their allegiance to him.”
“Trannar is a liar made out of pure hatred and evil. I would jump at the chance to be a warrior that would get to go to the castle and fight for our King. But, alas, I am simply a poor farmer’s daughter. Someday, I know the King will give me my chance.” Tess finished and smiled.
Tess took a breath and said gravely, “Trannar also dreads for the prophecy of the Three Warriors to come true.”

Chapter Six
Memories of the Past
Gabrielle stood there as Tess finished her story, her mouth agape. She thought about the King and why he let Trannar kill Him like that if He was so powerful, why did He not stop his persecution when He did nothing wrong? The questions pounded relentlessly through her mind as she tried to get her through together. Gabrielle also wondered if her hunting had something to do with Trannar.
Tess said, “Trannar’s followers call him Lord Trannar, a mocking name because they know he will never be king.”
Gabrielle cringed as she pictured the events in her mind because of Tess’ incredible gift of story-telling, especially interesting stories such as this on. She cringed as she thought of the King and what He did for His people to just be killed. To her, I just did not seem fair or right.
Tess smiled slightly because she knew Gabrielle was taking the story to heart. She got up slowly and opened the door of the small house and walked inside. Tess peered out at Gabrielle one last time and smiled again.
Gabrielle just stared out into open space and wondered what could be so deadly and sinister inside Trannar that would cause him to do such a thing. She vowed that if she ever met him, she would repay her King’s life for his. She closed her eyes solemnly and tried to remember things from her mysterious past that she knew so little about.
Gabrielle remembered running through a forest in black clothes like a spy would wear. She was being cruelly chased by the man she met in the forest. She tried her best to outrun him and escape, but she knew he would take her life. She also remembered yelling, “My King will help me!”
Then she slipped into the stream because she lost her footing on the ledge and was pummeled into the wild waves. She struggled all she could to make her head stay above water but she knew it would drain her strength fast. She remembered going through rocks and hitting her head and then everything went black.
Gabrielle quickly shook out of the trance of a memory and knew that it was a memory of her being chased in a forest and falling into the stream. She also knew that the man following her was from the forest where she took a walk. Gabrielle sighed and closed her eyes to try to remember something else about her past.
Gabrielle remembered being in a large room and she was trifling through the drawers in the room. She looked under several papers, decrees, and outline. She was looking for something specific and important but she had no idea what.
Gabrielle groaned when she found what she was looking for and knew it was the only thing she had to remember about her past in case she lost part of her memory. She did not remember what she pulled out but she guess it was the dagger that had the initials LT.
Gabrielle suddenly escaped from this memory as it gave her the ultimate chills. She was starting to get scared to learn about her past. She took a deep breath and tried not to freak out at what was happening to her memory. There were still so many questions. What did Lord Trannar have to fit into all of this? Where did she fit into all of this? Gabrielle needed answers, but she was afraid of what they might be.
Gabrielle was determined to remember one more memory so she closed her eyes and concentrated with all her mind and body. She took a deep breath and continued to stress her mind relentlessly to remember about her past she had so many questions about.
Gabrielle was in a room and she was with another person, a man to be exact. The man had dark black hair that was pulled back tightly. He had a circlet upon his head that almost looked like a crown of sorts. The most frightening feature was his penetrating hazel eyes that held and icy stare that could make an ice burg melt in an instant in the middle of winter.
Gabrielle remembered looking at the man with a sinister smile, which she knew was just for show, but it still scared her. She asked the cold man, “What is your plans, Father?”
The man smiled sinisterly and his armor jingled when we walked around slowly. He held his head high and respectfully, and Gabrielle immediately knew she hated this man whom she had called father. The man prepared to answer.
The man replied in an cold, hard voice, “My plan is to destroy Dernier.”

Okay, that was my story chapters. Please post here if you like it. Don't forget to wish Araken a happy birthday in eight days. And, yes, Araken, I will be counting the days:)

Oh, and one more thing, I will be doing the rest of the Dragons in our Midst, and then I will be doing the Oracles of Fire series. After that I will be doing Donita K. Paul's books, and then maybe the Kingdom Series by Chuck Black. Anyway, thanks for reading and don't forget to vote and then post by what and why you voted!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Sorry

2008-01-23T11:24:00.000-06:00

Okay, I will not be doing a a book review or anything today because I am dedicating today to work on some of my story chapters which I will either post Thursday or Friday. if you haven't read the first three chapters i suggest you read my first blog. I have nothing else to say so I am going to go work on my story. Thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Circles of Seven

2008-01-22T11:31:00.000-06:00

Circles of Seven is the third book in the series Dragons in our Midst by Bryan Davis. Billy and Bonnie use their dragon traits and skills from earlier adventures as they find themselves in a perilous, multi-dimensional world called the Circles of Seven, a domain of great evil. As they navigate through seven perilous worlds, they meet people who all follow a great mistress of evil.

The seventh circle holds a group of prisoners, captives of the evil mistress, Billy must find a way to free them and give them a chance at new life. When a great tragedy happens along the way, Billy has to face a difficult decision, whether to forsake Bonnie to save the prisoners, or find a way to save her. What will Billy choose?

This book was one of the best in the whole series. There was so much adventure and suspense in it, I wished I could read a lot faster! This book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat! You will love it!

This book really made me think about friendship. Billy and Bonnie were the best of friends, and Billy had to make a very difficult choice. I won't spoil the book for you, so I will merely talk about friendship for a brief time. It is difficult to find a good friend, but once you find one, you need to hang on to them for dear life. You need to push petty arguments aside and enjoy your time together. My best friend in the world means so much to me. Jamie, if you are reading this, I hope you know you mean the world to me. It says in the Bible about friendship in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

"Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall, they are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broke."

To me, friends are a very special thing and I try my hardest to treasure my time with them. Sometimes a friend may be busy when you need someone to talk to. A friend tries their hardest to be there for you, but sometimes they cannot. That is when I rely upon my best Friend. God is my best friend and he will never leave me and will always be there for me. God is my Friend, and yours, too. But you have to let Him be your friend. God longs deeply to be near you and to be your friend, and all you have to do is let Him.

One other thing, who voted on my poll that my blog was not really that interesting? I will not commend you if you post, but I would like to know why so I can make my blog better so people will like it more. Thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The Candlestone

2008-01-21T10:19:00.000-06:00

The Candlestone is the second installment in the series Dragons in our Midst by Bryan Davis. Bonnie Silver, the girl with genetic dragon wings from her mother whom was though to be dead, is paired up again with her father, a lab scientist that used treated Bonnie like a lab rat by taking viles of her blood for the healing photoreceptors in it for his scientific work.

Billy Bannister is struggling with trusting people ever since his father had lied to him about his dragon heritage for years. He is dismayed when Bonnie goes with her father when he says her mother is still alive and in the candlestone, a jewel that not only absorbs light, but it captures and holds encoded light, including transluminated human, people who have been translumintated into light energy by Excalibur.

Bonnie is sent into the candlestone, by the genius technology of super genius Ashley Stalworth, and she learns that many disembodied souls have fallen prey to the gem's power, but no has ever escaped. Bonnie believes, from what her father told her, that her mother is in the candlestone, but it is really her? Will she and Billy make it out of the Candlestone in one piece? Will Billy learn to fight with a sword and shield he cannot even see? Will Bonnie ever be able to forgive her father?

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is pretty big, about 400 pages, but, boy, is it worth it! i loved it so much I read the book in four hours! Then, of course, I reread it to see if I missed anything, and even the little things in these books weave into a magnificent story with all the pieces! Of course, there is a lesson to be taught, there always is. This book reminded me we need to have faith in God to deliver us into safety. God is our Rock to lean on when we need him. It says in the Bible in Matthew 17:20:

"He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard see dd, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move, nothing will be impossible for you."

Bonnie had faith in God to deliver her from the many dangers that lurked inside the candlestone. Billy soon found his faith and he was unstoppable with God on his side. God can do anything, and He will for us, and all we have to do is have on thing. Faith.

I really hope you guys get a chance to read this book. Thanks again for reading! Please comment!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Raising Dragons

2008-01-20T22:28:00.000-06:00

Raising Dragons is the first book in a four book series called Dragons in our Midst by Bryan Davis. Billy banister is called Dragon Breath at school for a very good reason, his breath is HOT! When his breath sets of the school sprinklers, Billy is sent home early and overhears a conversation that his father used to be a dragon, but were turned human by Merlin, a prophet in King Arthur's day, because the dragon slayers lust for their blood never ended. Billy learns he can breathe fire.

Bonnie Silver has known of her dragon heritage for years because her dragon wings are no small exception! She helps Billly to further understand his dragon gifts.When they are trapped on a mountain by a slayer that need their blood to live longer, they have to use their wits of survival, faith, and friendship to survive what is coming at them. Will they both make it out alive?

This is a great book that has helped me to understand God better and reminded me about how much God really loves us. He loves us so much He sent His only Son to die for us. He was whipped, beaten, tortured, and crucified just so we would not have to suffer the rest of eternity in hell. It says in the Bible in John 16:27:

"No, the Father himself loves you because you loved me and have believe that I came from God."

Come on, doesn't it just amaze you how much God really loves us. Think about how much your parents love you, well, God loves you a billion fold of that! He loves us so much it just makes me want to jump up and down in excitement. Still not convinced? Here is another verse in the Bible. John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life."

Don't you see how much God really loves us? God loves us more than anything, and wants to give us so much, and all we have to do is have one thing. Faith.

Remember God loves you! Thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The Final Storm

2008-01-20T18:17:00.000-06:00

This is the third and final book in the Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson. Aidan finds himself in Maryland trying to find our why is best friend Robby is not talking to him. He finds out his friend is a follower of Paragor, King Eliam's greatest enemy.

Robby Pierson finds himself teleported to the Realm in the kingdom of Alleble. He trains to be a knight and to help the with the fight against Alleble and the evil Paragory. A great battle is about to be unleashed in the Realm.

Antoinette Reed is still captured beyond the Gates of Despair, Paragory's dungeons. She finds all hope lost of ever being free and showing Robby's Glimpse the truth of the King. She escapes and finds herself with Aidan and a strange old man.

Paragory has an army of the Seven Sleepers and the Wyrm Lord, whom were thought to be just a simple legend. Paragory has its armies strong enough to crush Alleble as a new battle rages on. Will the Three Witnesses of the prophecy come in Alleble's time of greatest need?

This is the last installment in this awesome series. You should definitely get a chance to read all three of these wonderful books. If you do not, you will be missing out a whole lot of excellent reading. These books were so great, I read them again and again!

This book reminded me that God will never ignore our cries for help, no matter how much we do not even deserve it. King Eliam helped Alleble in their time of greatest need, and God does so with us. It says in the Bible in Genesis 49:25:

"Because of God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lie below, and blessings of the breast and womb."

This a very wonderful book that should all read. I highly recommend it as one of my top favorites. Oh, and don't forget to vote on my poll, and, when you vote, please post on my latest blog so I know who voted. Thanks for reading!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Rise of the Wyrm Lord

2008-01-19T19:17:00.000-06:00

Rise of the Wyrm Lord by Wayne Thomas Batson is the sequel to The Door Within.When Aidan Thomas is separated from his best friend Robby by a thousand miles, he solicits the help of his new friend bright, headstrong Antoinette Reed when she is called to the Realm.

Antoinette faces trials in the Realm as she finds it in turmoil because Alleble's neighboring kingdoms are pulling away from their alliances with them. To make things worse, rumors have it that Paragory is seeking the help from an enemy of old to destroy Alleble and crush rebellion.

Determined to help Robby's Glimpse (twins of people on earth), she sneaks off into the night to run after his twin to tell him about the one, true King. She disobeyed the King's word to go and help him, and the result of that is she is captured. Will Antoinette live to see the dawn?

This is another wonderful allegory that is definitely worth reading. When you get a chance to read it, you will not want to put it down! It reminds me we need to listen to God's Word and then follow It. It says in the Bible in Jeremiah 13:10:

"These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless!"

We need to listen when God tells us something, whether it is through the Bible, church, a friend, or a pastor. We need to listen and obey, because it will always be worth while in the long run. We are sheep that have gone astray, and we need to find our way back to our Shepherd and obey His words. Thanks for reading!

One more thing, check out araken's blog at: http://loveoffiction.blogspot.com/. I posted this because it is very deep and insightful, plus I owe him a favor;)

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

The Door Within

2008-01-19T10:09:00.000-06:00

The Door Within is an amazing book written by Wayne Thomas Batson that is one of my favorites. It is about a fourteen-year-old boy named Aidan Thomas who has just moved from Maryland to Colorado in the first month of summer. He is very unhappy there because he had to leave his friend Robbie to take care of his ailing grandfather.

Aidan's view is changed when he finds mysterious scrolls about a wonderous kingdom called Alleble, Paragor the Great Betrayer, and the Great Betrayal. He suddenly is transported to another world, simply known as the Realm, where every one on earth has a twin.

He trains to be an elite knight of Alleble in preparation for a journey to Mithegard, a kingdom that is dangerously close to accepting an offer of allegiance from Paragory, a domain of great evil. Aidan must rely on his faith in a King that he dedicated his life to while he also struggled with saving his friend's life along with his own. Will Aidan loyally follow the one, true King?

It is a really great book that you all should definetly read if you have time, but make sure you have spare time because you will not want to put it down! It is an amazing allegory where the forces of good and evil fight triumphantly. I learned a great life lesson from it, and I bet you will, too.

The phrase often spoken between the Alleble knights is "never alone!". This simple phrase is so deep and so meaningful beyond words I can comprehend. God is always with us no matter what. He is, and will always, be by our side. It says in Hebrews, "And Jesus said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'." That was NIV version. We are never alone! Never alone!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Thanks!

2008-01-18T18:52:00.000-06:00

I thank you personally Araken for posting on my comment section on my previous blog. Since it was my first entry, I was like looming over the computer to see if someone liked the story chapters. So thank you very much, Araken!

In other news, well there really is nothing else to say. Just wanted to say a thanks for Araken for posting and I will be posting on this thing nearly everyday except Sundays. By the way people reading this, tell your friends!

God bless you!

Sapphira Adi

Welcome

2008-01-17T20:20:00.000-06:00

This is my first blog post and I really don't know what to say. I am actually only thirteen years old and I really like to write fantasy books. I really like to read books, but my favorites are The Dragons in our Midst Series by Bryan Davis and Enter the Door Within Series by Wayne Thomas Batson.

I have already mentioned that I love to write stories, and I am currently working on the first book in a three book series. I am going to take my time on this, but I have decided to put the first three chapters on here. Please post and let me know what you think, and I don't care if there are typos! The indentations don't work on here so work with me a bit, people. Hope you like it!

Chapter One
A Stranger
Gabrielle tumbled through forest and came to the edge where a stream of rapids flowed underneath, beckoning her to her imminent death. She glanced back behind her and heard the rustle of the leaves and several twigs snapping. Her pursuer was getting close, and she had to get somewhere safe. . .and alive.
“My King will help me!” Gabrielle screamed.
She was outnumbered. There was no way she could win this battle alone. Her comrades had abandoned her and she had no one left to rely upon. She was all alone and no one could hear her cries for help. The future looked bleak and hopeless. She felt lost and abandoned. Or so she thought.
She panted heavily. Pain pierced her leg as she fell on a rock with a nasty bruise. She knew she was cornered and she begged and pleaded for her life in a silent prayer. Gabrielle put her hand on her heart and felt the extreme beat of it.
A tear trickled down her cheek.
As she looked a slight way down the path of the forest, her foot slipped, and she fell into the currents. As they ferociously tried to engulf her, she fought for her life and beat and kicked against the waves, but to no avail. She dashed for air, gasping, panting for the air as if was more precious than diamonds and rubies.
The currents tried to cover her up significantly as she fought for her life, her blood rushing. She knew she could not scream for help because no one would be able to save her. Precious strength slowly decreased as she fought for control of the deadly moment.
Gabrielle knew she could not give up precious hope, but as she waves tried to engulf her, she began to think she would surely die when she saw what lie ahead. Surely this would seal her fate. Gabrielle braced herself.
Rocks were up ahead, waiting for there next victim. Good, something I can grab onto. She thought. However, her thoughts were dangerously misplaced. Several torrents squeezed in between the jagged rocks, making it hard for Gabrielle to fight the waves. She tried to grab a rock, but some slippery moss made her hand slip. Her head hit the rock hard, and she struggled to stay conscious.
Blood trickled down her forehead as she tried to grab onto the slippery rocks for some kind of safety. If the stream did not finish her off, surely her pursuers would. Gabrielle yelped for help, but no one her cries for rescue.
Her eyes drooped as she miraculously safely passed through the torrents and the rocks. A wave of water splashed on her face, and suddenly she was reminded about her fight to live. She paddled to the side and tried to grab on to a branch, but it slipped from her hand.
The stream motioned her downward, no matter how hard of a fighter she was. Gabrielle was satisfied she had lost her attacker, but would she live to see the dawn? Determined to stay alive, she fought, paddled, and kicked as she was tossed along on the wild ride.
Gabrielle began to tire, and, fortunately, the rapids of water soon began to decease as she struggled to stay conscious. Her head throbbed, her head ached, and her limbs pulsated uncontrollably. She closed her eyes as the urge the urge of unconsciousness took over her.
* * *
“Miss? Miss, are you alright? Miss?”
Gabrielle responded to the voice and her eyes opened slightly like little slits. She twitched her finger faintly and the person above her smiled at her response. Her head ached more than the rest of her body. She took a deep breath, and pain shot from her head to her toe.
She opened her eyes fully, and fear struck her heart as soon as she knew she did not know her surroundings. Above her was a man that looked to be about fifteen years old, around her age. He had thick brown hair that highlighted his dark green eyes. He looked at her with sincerity and smiled at her. Gabrielle swallowed a lump in her throat and put her hand on her head.
Gabrielle was surprised to feel that her head had been bandaged, as was her chest all the way down to her stomach. She was wearing the common dress of most people, but, somehow, it was unfamiliar to her. Gabrielle’s lips parted. She whispered, barely hearing herself. “Who are you?” Gabrielle’s heart pounded somewhere in her throat.
“I was about to ask you the same thing. Where did you come from?” The boy looming over her said politely.
With sudden realization, she said, “I. . .I don’t know. My name is Gabrielle, and that is all I know. I’m. . .I’m sorry.” Gabrielle whispered.
“I found you out on in a small stream that flowed into an even bigger brook. Your arms were on a rock and you were unconscious. You had several scrapes and bruises and a nasty looking cut upon your head. So you say you don’t remember anything at all?” The boy asked Gabrielle again.
Gabrielle let a tear slip down her cheek. “No. . .” Gabrielle whispered, trying to recollect where she had come from.
“By the way, I am Paelin. I will go get my father. He has been worried about you ever since I we carried you home from our fishing trip.” Paelin said plaintively, got up, and walked into a barn.
Paelin and who Gabrielle guessed was his father walked out of the barn and sat next to her to feel how she was doing. Gabrielle’s lip trembled slightly as she still did not know where she was and if she was safe. Paelin seemed pretty nice, but you could be sure?
The old man smiled. “How are you feeling? You worried me when we found you in the stream.” The old man said.
“I’m fine. But where am I?”
The man had a twinkle in his eyes. “I am Lenoir. You are in the Kingdom of Dernier that is ruled by the great King. You are in our humble farm in the Plains of Curr of the kingdom. We live not too far from a town. About a thirty minute ride on one of our horses. You really have no recollection of what happened to you, do you?” Lenoir asked.
Gabrielle frowned and wondered why they kept asking that same question to her. “I am Gabrielle. Thank you for tending to my wounds. But which of you tended to the bandages? I beg you to not tell me you looked at me when I was undressed.” Gabrielle frowned in disgust.
“No, m’lady. My fourteen year old daughter tended to your wounds. That would be dishonorable. Her name is Tess, and she is inside sleeping. You seemed like you were being chased by the scratched on your ankles from the forest north of here.” Lenoir said politely.
“Oh, well, then I thank you for your generous hospitality, but where is my home? Do I even have I home? Where did I come from? I don’t remember anything.” Gabrielle fretted.
Gabrielle put her hand on her heart and found a necklace wrapped around her neck. The necklace had an octagonal pendant that had a lavender colored gem that glowed with an unearthly radiance. The pendant was wrapped around a thin string of gold that was wrapped around her neck.
The necklace seemed familiar to her, but, however, no memories recollected in mind. She ran her hand through her thin blonde hair and clutched her side belt that held some supplies she had with her. She felt something that was hard and metal.
Gabrielle fumbled inside if her pouch and wondered what on she could be carrying. She finally unbuttoned the several buttons along the row that opened her supplies pouch, and she gasped. Gabrielle frowned.
Gabrielle turned to the side so no one could see, and withdrew a dagger. The dagger had an irregular emblem on it that seemed too familiar. It had the letters on it that said LT. Gabrielle gulped as the dagger made her heart beat faster, her blood flow, and her face to turn red. She ran her finger along the engraved initials as she found it hard to breathe.
* * *

Chapter Two
A Family’s Hospitality
Gabrielle felt light headed and blood rushed to her head. She turned a ghostly color of pale and stuffed the dagger in the pocket of her dress before Lenoir or Paelin saw it. She fumbled with the buttons, but found it difficult as her hands were sweating because of anxiety and nervousness.
Paelin furrowed his brow and turned to Gabrielle right after she had hid the mysterious dagger into her dress. He looked genuinely concerned about her and asked, “Miss Gabrielle? Are you alright? You look as if you’ve seen an apparition.” Paelin commented.
“No, it’s not, Paelin. It is not.” Gabrielle frowned.
She said no more.
Lenoir saw how uncomfortable his guest looked and made a very helpful suggestion. “Miss Gabrielle? Would you like to go inside and eat a meal Tess has prepared?” Lenoir asked as he ushered her in in front of him and toward the dining room door.
Gabrielle nodded and silently questioned herself of what she should say next. She did a slight curtsy and smiled warmly. Gabrielle swallowed a lump in her throat as she walked with Paelin and Lenoir into their wood home. She took a deep sniff of the food that was in the kitchen that was read to be devoured.
Gabrielle saw four plates set up with a variety of foods set on them. Their was fresh milk in a tin cup waiting for Gabrielle as she sat down. She examined her plate and saw a turkey leg, mashed potatoes, beets, turnips, corn, and baked beans. The fresh home cooked meal smelled like heaven to Gabrielle as she grabbed her fork like utensil and began to earnestly eat up the mashed potatoes.
Gabrielle wiped her face with her embroidery napkin with a special design on the sides from skilled sowing. She peered down at the end of the table and smiled at a girl that merely stared at her. She figured it was Tess, Lenoir’s daughter. Tess had long brown hair that reached a couple of inches past her shoulder. She has piercing light blue eyes that held gentleness and acceptance inside of them. She was fourteen years old and was tall for her age, almost Gabrielle’s size, whom was fifteen.
Gabrielle smiled at Tess, whom exchanged the thoughtful gesture. Gabrielle began eating the last of her turkey leg and she pushed the plate away and slowly got up. Tess followed her through the door and outside into the crisp, morning air.
Gabrielle smiled. “Hello. My name is Gabrielle.”
Tess smiled slightly and said, “My name is Tess. My brother says you don’t know where you’re from. Is that true?” Tess said, her eyes penetrating conspicuously.
Gabrielle said softly, “Yes, I don’t know where I am from. Lenoir says I was being chased, and I have no earthly idea why, Tess. Anyway, it’s good to meet you.”
Gabrielle turned around and sat on the wooden swing that was on the small porch in front of the simple farmer’s cottage. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the crisp morning air. She smiled as the wind gently tickled her face and played with her long blonde hair.
Tess smiled and sat next to Gabrielle, scooting over slightly to give her more room so she would be relaxed. Tess stared at the ground and she hardly blinked as she just stood there quietly thinking, keeping her many thoughts to herself.
Gabrielle appreciated the silence and decided she liked Tess. Tess seemed quite sure of something, but what? Something was different about Tess than from other girls her age and older. She seemed wiser than most. Wiser and calmer.
“Gabrielle? Do you believe in the King?” Tess asked out of the blue.
Gabrielle felt a wave of uneasiness come upon her like a raging river. She had no earthly idea who the King was, but it made her feel good at the mentioning of His name. A comforting sense, really.
After a long silence, Gabrielle finally said, “I. . .I am not sure. But when you mention His name I feel an unearthly wave of comfort. So, I suppose, yes, I do. Answer your question?”
Tess nodded silently and admired the features of this new stranger. Gabrielle was about 5’2”, about average for a fifteen year old. Maybe a bit shorter. She had dark blonde hair that reflected the sun’s rays. Her eyes were an iridescent blue that glittered whenever someone stared into them.
Tess thought Gabrielle seemed unsure about life, but sure of one thing, her faith. She could tell that her new friend was a follower, but now she was a lost sheep among herd. Tess was about to ask about her necklace, but bit her lip.
“Tess? Where did you learn to cook so well? Supper was positively delicious. Thank you.” Gabrielle said from a moment of silent thinking.
Tess smiled. “Thank you, Gabrielle. I really appreciate the compliment. But, the truth is, my mother taught me when I was twelve how to cook and add certain flavorings to certain things to make them delicious. Such as adding a bit of ginger to a pumpkin pie. Thanks for the compliment, but it was really my mother’s teachings.” Tess smiled forcefully and a tear descended down her cheek and she quickly looked away.
Gabrielle wondered what was wrong with Tess. Gabrielle smiled and at her kindly and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Her lips quivered as she thought of the right words to say to this person she barely knew. She turned her voice into the gentlest tone she could muster and said, “What’s wrong, Tess? Did I say something wrong?”
A small smile broke through her tears as she looked up at Gabrielle. Tess looked down at her lap and closed her eyes as if mourning over something. Painful memories quickly filled her head, but she shook them off. “My mother was killed when I was thirteen.” Tess said so softly she could barely hear herself.
“Oh, Tess! I am so sorry!” Gabrielle said and did something out of character. She through her arms around her friend and hugged her tightly. Tess’ muffled tears were barely heard and Gabrielle hummed lightly. Gabrielle relinquished from her embrace, and a gentle twinkle filled her eyes.
“I’m sorry I broke down like that. I really miss her. Do you remember your mother?” Tess asked, wiping her tears.
Gabrielle smiled sadly. “I. . .I don’t remember my mother. I don’t know where I came from, let alone remember my mother. I need to find out who I am and more about myself.”
“Oh, I understand. I really miss my mother.” Tess tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Gabrielle felt sick to her stomach as she though about poor Tess without her mother. But, then again, she had no idea if she even had a mother that was alive. She tried to shake off the feeling of foreboding that clung to her, but it would not go away.
Gabrielle said in a determined voice, “Tess, I’m going for a walk into the forest.”

Chapter Three
The Forest
Gabrielle ran from the house of Tess, Lenoir, and Paelin, and dashed into the forest where they said she was being chased by someone. Gabrielle decided she would look around for clues as she ran into the clusters of trees, vines, and moss. She looked down a certain path and it was very trodden.
She decided to follow this path to where it might lead, and walked slowly along the path. Trees surrounded her as she slowly took in the natural beauty of the whole woodland area as she continued walking. She took a deep sniff of the essence of trees that hung in the air.
A tree root caught her eye as she saw it had a speck of blood on it. She tried to stifle an unexpected gasp, but to no apparent avail. Some how she knew that this was her blood on the tree root. More questions arose in her mind.
Why was she being chased through a forest? What did she ever do? Was she a bad person and was a fugitive running away from the law? She wanted to know why they did not succeed in killing her, and if they were just trying to scare her.
Gabrielle felt a wave of sickness come upon her. She tried to take a deep breath to relax herself from the foreboding the feeling that clung to her. She tried her best to relax and leaned up against a small tree and tried to shield her eyes from then scorching sun with her pale arm.
She decided to take a different path, when, all of a sudden, she heard water rushing several yards away from where she stood. She jogged to the ledge where there was water rushing in a deep stream. She felt a chill run up and down her spine as she frowned.
Gabrielle followed the stream for a couple of minutes ad it slowly broke into a smaller part with water that was crystal clear. Gabrielle cupped her hands and took a long, slow drink of the refreshing water that revitalized her parched throat. She took a deep breath and enjoyed the crisp morning air as she took another long sip.
Gabrielle smiled and lay on her back in the cool grass that was partially wet from the dew of the morning. She tucked one strand of dark blonde hair behind her ears and yawned. She wondered if she had a weapon or something to defend herself with from her ambushing attackers. Gabrielle let out an exasperated sigh.
She had the gnawing feeling like someone was watching her as she lay in the grass. She quickly sat up, and her eyes darted around her surrounding area and saw no one was there. Gabrielle still had the strange feeling that clung to her. She frowned.
Gabrielle stared up at the sky and wondered about the king that Lenoir had spoken of. When she thought of this King, she smiled and a warm feeling hugged her body. She wondered is she was a follower of the Man and craved to know more about Him.
Gabrielle thought about Tess and thought about how beautiful she looked. She was a girl someone would actually stop and stare at. Her long brown hair was perfectly symmetrical with her heart-shaped face and swayed and she turned her heard. Her large brown eyes drilled into Gabrielle’s heart, even though she was a year younger.
Then she thought of Paelin. She had learned her was the same age of her at the age of fifteen. He had the same brown hair of Tess, but his was a touch lighter brown than hers. He had piercing brown eyes as he seemed to be quite thoughtful and observant of everything he saw, especially her. Gabrielle smiled as she thought of him, but quickly pushed these thoughts aside as she continued to stare at the bright blue sky.
The clouds seemed puffier than usual as they moved slowly across the bright blue sky. The stiff breeze flowed through her hair of the warm morning. She smiled as she thought of herself floating on a cloud in the gentle breeze.
Gabrielle quickly got up as she heard something in the nearby bushes. Danger alarms inside her head were blaring for her to get out of there and run as fast as her legs would take her. Two twigs snapped and there was a rustle amongst the leaves. . .

Okay, that was my story. Please post some comments if anyone is even reading this. God bless you all!

Sapphira Adi