Update

Posting on the blog has been rather sporadic lately. But here's a short update on what's been going on. I think most of our readers know we're moving to Florida. With moving comes the craziness of packing...but thankfully that's all over. On Thursday through Saturday we loaded the truck amid freezing temperatures and snow flurries. The driver came and got the truck on last Monday. We had planned on leaving out this morning but we have snow and ice on the ground right now. Hopefully we'll be able to start our trip to Florida tomorrow.
Saturday is our unloading date down in Florida. Please pray for a safe trip down and a smooth rest of the move. I don't know when I'll get another chance to post. I'll try to keep everyone updated.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful time celebrating our Savior's birth this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!

-Victoria

Raising of the Dome

At the seminary there is a new building under construction. Last semester they had the rising of the dome. That was a really fun experience that I'm sure I"ll always remember! I decided to go ahead and post a few pictures here so ya'll could see them.

First there was prayer.

The dome on the ground.

Then everyone got to sign the dome.

You can click on the picture to enlarge it and see our names.

The Dollar for a Drink Campaign

This campaign was started by a fellow Rebelutionary, Joshua Guthrie. What is Joshua's vision? Involve fellow christians to...

Give up one Drink
Give one Dollar
Help build on well in Sudan

Few people have the funds to build a well on their own for people without any source of clean drinking water. That is why Joshua is asking people to only donate as much as they can...for some that might be a dollar. So far the dollar for a drink campaign has raised 7,200.The challenge is to raise $8,000 (the amount needed to dig a well) BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2008!

Here is how Joshua defines Dollar for a Drink:
Dollar for a Drink is a non-profit organization that is raising money for fresh water wells in Sudan, Africa. We are working with Baptist Global Response, which is a humanitarian relief organization similar to World Vision and Samaritan's Purse. Dollar for a Drink is a "turn-key" operation. We raise the money for the wells, and BGR puts them in. 100%* of donations will be spent towards the building of the well(s).

Joshua has inspired me with his vision to give drinkable water to people in Sudan. It's not to late to help. To find out more about dollar for a drink, amazing facts about how much people need water, how to promote this organization or even how to donate visit www.dollarforadrink.org.

-Victoria

Fall Pictures

Snow!

Yesterday it was really cold outside! When we were at the seminary large snow flakes began to fall. The temperature continued to drop and by the time it was dark there was a very, very thin layer of white on the ground! I had my camera with me so I was able to capture a few pictures.

The library...you can see snow flakes falling.

These flowers still had fall colors even with a thin coat of white over them.

The snow was sticking on Daddy's jacket and hair. The big white
spot on the left side is a snow flurry that landed on the
camera just as I took the picture.

Our front steps.

Our van.

-Victoria

Andrew's 8th Birthday!

I love my younger brother!

Andrew always wants to play something,

He's loyal to his battles...even when I'm studying my schoolwork,

He makes me laugh really hard when he's silly,

He's my faithful partner and buddy!

I love you Andrew and hope you had a great birthday!

Love,
Victoria

Great Giveaway...

and this is the LAST DAY! Over at joyfully at home you have a chance to enter this giveaway to win a bag made by Marie-Madeline Studios. So hurry on over there to enter to win a bag!

-Victoria

Always Vote for Principle

"Always vote for principle,
though you may vote alone,
and you may cherish the
sweetest reflection that
your vote is never lost."

-John Quincy Adams

-Victoria

Fireproof: The Movie

Several weeks ago my family went to see Fireproof together. This movie was exciting, humorous, and amazing! There were a lot of dramatic and tense firemen scenes but there was also a lot of funny humor mixed in. The gospel was powerfully proclaimed and so was purity. In one of the scenes Caleb Holt (the main character, played by Kirk Cameron) kisses his wife. But since Kirk Cameron has committed to never kiss anyone except his wife they brought in his real wife and dressed her in the actress' clothes so you really can't tell that Kirk Cameron is actually kissing his wife. (Click HERE to see an interview with Kirk Cameron about this.)
Most people say this is a great movie for couples but I think anyone can glean from the wisdom in this movie! We felt comfortable watching this movie as a family since we knew we wouldn't be bombarded with bad words or other disagreeable contents. Because of a few tense scenes this movie might not be the best for smaller children.
Since this movie was made by Christians I really wanted to support it. I wasn't disappointed by what I saw! Sherwood pictures did an amazing job making this movie.
From the Fireproof blog, October 30:

As FIREPROOF prepares for its sixth weekend in theaters, more than 100 theaters will be adding it to their offerings. In all, 887 theaters across the country will be showing FIREPROOF. An interesting aside: through today, the end of the fifth week, the movie is still playing in 80 percent of the theaters where it opened on September 26!

I would highly encourage you to go see this movie while it is still in theaters and with this many theaters you shouldn't have a problem finding it near you! If you've already seen Fireproof I would love to hear what you thought of it!

-Victoria

P.S. Something interesting that Andrew observed is that all of the movies Sherwood Films has made begin with an "F" Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof.

John Piper video on the Presidental Race

This is a great video, please take the time to watch it. In this short video John Piper covers some of the difficult issues concerning this presidential race.

-Victoria

Andrew's Dream Job

If you ask a seven-year-old what they want to be when they grow up their answers can be quit comical. They can range from Roy Rogers to Elvis. I have a little friend who wants to be a Jedi. But my wise young brother Andrew knows that their is no hope in those dreams. What does he want to be? Nothing but the best for my brother. He wants to be the President of The United States of America. You might laugh but I'm looking forward to having the Commander in Chief as my brother. He is already campaigning and has racked up quit a score among our friends. He has promised me a ride in Air Force One and his limousine. In fact he is giving out jobs. So get in while you can. Our family is always joking about Andrew White living in the White House.

Andrew White 2038!

-Spencer

Spencer's Promo Video

-Spencer

Samuel Adams on Freedom

I believe that our government is not only becoming more and more corrupt but is also moving steadily away from the Constitution (the recent bailout bill is a fine example of this). That scares me! But what scares me even more is how politicians in Washington refuse to stand up for our rights. Samuel Adams in his Article Signed "CANDADIS" says:

And if a minister shall usurp the supreme and absolute government of America, and set up his instructions as laws in the colonies, and their Governors shall be so weak or so wicked, as for the sake of keeping their places, to be made the instruments in putting them in execution, who will presume to say that the people have not a right, or that it is not their indispensible duty to God and their Country, by all rational means in their power to RESIST THEM.

If you would please take the time to read this wonderful article. You can click on the link above or here. When I read this I just kept on seeing our present situation. So please read it!

-Spencer

Fall Favorites Tag!

Over at "A Pondering Heart", she's doing this fun tag where you can answer what your favorite things are about fall. (Although I originally found this at "Joyfully at Home".) One thing I've enjoyed about living in Kentucky is to see the dramatic difference from summer into fall! So here's some of my favorites.

1. Favorite Smell? The fall wind that greets you when you step outdoors with a slight smell of bonfires!
2. Favorite Food? I love pumpkin, chocolate chip bread and muffins.
3. Favorite Color? A warm red
4. Favorite Drink? Hot tea with cream and sugar or hot chocolate and apple cider. (Hmmm...are you noticing a pattern? Whenever it gets cooler out I love to drink warm drinks.)
5. Favorite Treat? Apple cake.
6. Favorite Place to go? During the fall it's so lovely to go on walks through the woods. The crisp breeze beckons, the leaves crunch under your feet, and you get to see the beauty of God's creation all around you!
7. Favorite Candy? Anything with chocolate. :D
8. Favorite Movie to watch? Pride and Prejudice. (The A&E version.)
9. Favorite Clothing to wear? My long wool skirt and my pea coat.
10. Favorite Outdoor Activity? Raking the leaves into a pile and jumping into them with my youngest brother!
11. Favorite Football Team? Ahem...I don't really keep up with football.
12. Favorite Fall Holiday? Thanksgiving. Several times it's fallen on my birthday so that's really fun.
13. Favorite Haunted place? you know haunted means “frequently visited”? We go over to Southern Seminary a lot. It has quite a few lawns that I love to walk through.
14. Favorite Food at Thanksgiving Dinner? That's hard! I like the turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and rolls.
15. Favorite Pie? Pumpkin or apple.
16. Favorite Fall Hobby? Collecting leaves, knitting something warm, or reading a good book.
17. Favorite Fall Memory? Thanksgiving is my favorite time of fall. The last few thanksgivings we've invited several families over to our house. It's so much fun to have everyone gathered in your house and to hear so many voices. Afterwards we would always go out into the dark back yard and play tag until we got too cold.
18. Favorite Fall Sight? The leaves on the trees turning to different colors.
19. Overall Favorite thing about Fall? Feeling the crispness and coolness in the air it's always exciting to see the change of session's after a hot summer.
20. Overall Favorite Season? Hmmm...I think it's a tie between winter and fall. They're both so beautiful!

-Victoria

P.S. I'd love to hear some of yours if you don't have a blog feel free to post them in the comment section.

My Reading List

The Norton Anthology of American Literature Third Edition/Volume 1:
This book is serving as my literature for this year. I'm beginning to forge my way through this rather thick book. Over the different pages it includes different writings of Americans from the past such as John Smith, Jonathan Edwards, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Phillis Wheatley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and many others. I have found it challenging reading the many different writing styles and I've had to read at a slow pace. But I have also enjoyed stretching my imagination and learning a lot of things.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris:
I think I can safely say that this is one of the most well known book written on the issues of dating and courtship. This was the first book Josh Harris wrote at the age of 21. It is written in a truthful and sincere way. He tackles some serious issues but mixes humor into the book. I love the different stories he shares throughout the different chapters to make the points he's sharing come to life. After hearing several people talking about I kissed dating Goodbye I finally decided to pick it up and read it. I'm really glad I did because now I understand why people date and how truly horrible the system is and I know better how to defend why I am going to do courtship.

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem:
I've truly enjoyed reading through this book with some other teenagers and young adults on the Rebelution! This week I'm reading chapter 56 through the end of the chapter! I've learned so much through reading this book it is definitely on my favorite book list. Wayne Grudem is a wonderful writer and excellent communicator!

Mary Bunyan by Sallie Rochester Ford:
This is a wonderful book written on the life of Mary Bunyan the blind daughter of John Bunyan who wrote Pilgrim's Progress. I cannot tell you how many times I have read this book and never ceased to be encouraged and challenged. The language and style the book was written in is captivating being written originally during the 1800's. I promise you that if you can possibly get your hands on this book you will love it! Every time I read this book I am affected by how much courage and trust in God the Bunyan's had. They were willing to say in every circumstance, "Lord your will be done not mine." This book brings to life the challenges, romances, and determination that Mary Bunyan faced in her life.

-Victoria

Turning the tides of evil with the gospel

~Spencer

Fellowship and Fun with Friends

Last weekend I was able to spend some time up in Indiana with my dear friends Megan and Brittany Dunphy and their family. It was so great to be able to see them again after several months of being apart!
Since we were all not feeling very well Sunday morning we decided to stay home from church and not spread our ickyness. So we all got our bibles and had a bible study together in the living room of their house. I enjoyed the time we spent reading our favorite bible verses and talking over them. It was a great time of sharing the convictions that God has laid on our hearts. Even though we started out with sharing one passage each, it seemed like whenever one person shared a passage that led another person to think of another passage and we all just bounced ideas off of each other. It was a great time with fellow sister's in Christ!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine making request
for you all with joy,
for your fellowship in the gospel from
the first day until now.
Being confident of this very thing,
that He who has begun a good work in you will
complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 1:3-6

-Victoria

Don't Passively Accept Evil

"Without justice, there can be no peace . He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it."
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A Tribute to my Dad

Both of my parents have had a huge impact in my life but in very different ways. My Mom has been a role model of femininity and women hood while my Dad has shown me all my life what a man's role is. I love to watch them living out their God given roles!I feel confident submitting under Daddy's leadership. I respect him for his wisdom in so many situations. Often I turn to him for advice and knowledge.
Daddy has a vision and a focus for life. (Serving Jesus Christ and equipping others with the gospel.)
He has shown me true perseverance the last few years as he has pursued his pHd while working several jobs. I know it's been tough at times but it's been a great example to all of us! I'm excited to see what will happen in the next few years!
But my Dad wouldn't be who he is without God! I love to see the different ways God has worked through Daddy's life - and since Daddy is the leader of our family we're able to see God work through all of us as a family!

Happy Birthday Daddy! Thank you for being my hero! I love you so much!
Victoria

My Dad has been the greatest dad ever! When I have a problem he will always help me with it and I always feel a lot better. He is a great example to me in my Christian walk. He's a joy in the good times and the bad!
Happy Birthday Daddy!

Love Your Son,
Spencer


My Dad is a very great Dad!
Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you and I like having you as my Dad. I'm glad you had a great birthday!

Love,
Andrew

Happy Birthday Jonny! I am a blessed wife. I pray that Christ will continue to make you more like Him this next year.
Love,
Marseilles

Kristi Burton: Fighting Against Abortion

Kristi Burton is an inspiration to me. I found out about her from an article on therebelution.com. Whenever she was just 13 she decided to dedicate her time to fighting for those who are unjustly killed by abortion before they are born. Kristi founded an organization called Colorado for Equal Rights and just last May her organization took on the challenge of getting 76,048 signatures for a petition. She had the support of over 1,300 volunteers and 500 churches and she got 131,245 voters’ signatures! Now the petition is on the November ballot.
I applaud Kristi for taking on this challenge and doing what seems like the impossible! I would encourage you to watch this video and spread the word about the Colorado for Equal Rights organization and what they are doing. Be in prayer for the future of the fight against abortion. There are so many people around the world that are trying to raise awareness about how horrible abortion is. Also be in prayer that God would work through this petition and that it will be passed in November. Continue to fight for those who do not have a voice!

-Victoria

The Wisdom of John Adams

"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
-John Adams

-Victoria

Dr. Voddie Baucham on CNN

This video is a must see! We are all so encouraged by Dr. Voddie Baucham as he strives to show others what the scripture reveals about a women being our Vice President. He boldly proclaims where he stands and then never backs down.
I don't think I have to affirm that my family agrees with Dr. Baucham on his convictions. There are many others around the America who are also wondering, how can we vote with a clear conscience for a women to be our VP whenever the scripture clearly teaches that women are to be keepers of the home and followers, not leaders? Look around and you will see within the last few days the blogosphere has erupted with Christians questioning what everyone is so willingly following.
But in all that we do may God be praised and honored!

-Victoria

Is it right for a women to be VP?

I've often wondered that as I think about this coming election. Senator Obama is very liberal and constantly against everything my family believes and now Senator McCain has made his VP choice of Sarah Palin. This has left some Christian families with nobody to vote for (without going against their beliefs) and an even tougher choice of what to do.
Some people might still be wondering, what is wrong with having a women for a VP?
I would like to suggest these posts to you to read:

Did McCain Make a Pro-Family VP Pick?
The Evangelical Two-Step
"Ten Reasons I don't want to be VP when I grow up"
Why Sarah Palin Inspires Us

These are four very well written articles about why our country shouldn't have a women as a vice-president.

-Victoria

Are there any Little People?

About a month ago, now Tim Sweetman wrote an article for boundless magazine. It's titled No Little People. This article encourages people to be content with where God has placed them. Even if it doesn't seem like God is doing amazing things in their lives.
This served as a great reminder to me of how I'm to live my life. Take a few minutes to go and read it...I am assured that it will impact you.
Click here to read No Little People.

-Victoria

Making Salsa

I mentioned in an earlier post that we would be learning how to make salsa soon, and last week we did.

Pealing the tomatoes.








Waiting inside for the tomatoes to be peeled and the next process to begin.








After making the salsa and cooking it. The salsa is put into the jars.








Getting the lids out of the water.








Sealing the cans...








and putting them into the water.









-Victoria

A Day At the State Fair!

Trust in God

Where God guides
He always provides.

-Author Unknown

I found this quote in the back of one of my Mom's old bibles. She had forgotten that she had put it there and couldn't remember where she got it. I don't know who the author was who said this but I also haven't done any research on it. This quote though is a constant reminder to my family that God will not lead you somewhere and then just leave you hanging. We must always trust our futures to God.

-Victoria

Cool Olympics Tracker!

Go USA!

-Spencer and Victoria

Olympic Medal winners at NBC Olympics.com!

We're back...

Yes, we where gone on a trip down to Florida for a week, so that is my excuse for the absence of posting. Hopefully now I'll be able to write more. :D

-Victoria

The Chapman Family On Good Morning America

This came on last Wednesday morning. It is really amazing how God has used this family and all that they have been through!

-Victoria

The 2008 Summer Olympics have begun!

Did anyone watch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics last night?
We enjoyed watching all of the amazing things that China performed this year. All of the technology was really interesting. We could see China's desire to truly do better then had ever been done before.
Then came the march of Nations, several nations we know well such as Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan and America but there where others as always that we really wondered where they where and how to pronounce them. (The Olympics are really great for testing your geography!) One thing that struck me was that with each nation that marches in you really get a glimpse into their culture. You get to see their complexion and their costumes, the way they carry themselves and how large they are as a nation.
The lighting of the torch was truly amazing. Seeing the man up so high for so long was truly awing to me since I am terrified of heights.
Some people might think it's silly to get this excited about the Olympics. But they only come once every two years...and the next summer Olympics will be in four years. But for now we have the rest of the Olympics to look forward to watching! Go USA!

-Victoria

Do you watch the Olympics?
If you do, what are you most looking forward to seeing?

The Louisville Slugger Museum

Yesterday we went to the Slugger Museum. This is where all the bats are made for baseball players. We went several years ago with Mee Maw and Grandpa but we had never been with Daddy. So yesterday we where able to go as a family.
We got to go on a tour through the plant where the bats are made and see them in the different stages, which was very interesting. We where able to see the different woods that bats where made out of, maple and ash. At the end of the tour we where given a miniature bat to take home.
After going on the tour we where able to see a special exhibit that had baseballs signed by different presidents of the United States. The oldest ball was signed by Teddy Roosevelt.
We went through the museum and learned about different players and their loved bats. There was a room set up like the baseball field and the announcers booth was off to the side. We where able to go into the dugout and sit there also.
The boys had a lot of fun going to the museum and I learned a lot about baseball.

-Victoria

Due to camera problems I wasn't able to take any pictures. ;)

Men O' War

This is a really cool movie made by Isaac Botkin author of Outside Hollywood. He and his brothers and sisters did this over a course of five weeks as a teaching tool for San Antonio Film Academy:





Hope you enjoy!

~Spencer

Zach Hunter: A Modern Day Abolitionist

Zach Hunter has challenged so many people of all ages with his passion to end modern day slavery. Before hearing about Zach Hunter I had no idea that there was still a large number of slaves in the world today. Zach has written two books Be the Change and now Generation Change, which was just released last April. I've read Be the Change and would highly recommend it. The first time I read Be the Change I had a hard time putting it down! Zach is an excellent writer and is great at communicating his message.
Ever since before Generation Change was released I've been wanting to purchase it and read it. Now over at bookschristian.com for a limited time if you buy Zach Hunter's newest book, Generation Change then bookschristian.com will donate a dollar from each purchase to Zach's organization, Loose Change to Loosen Chains. I'm hoping to buy this book at this time.
Now is a great chance to be able to read Zach's book and at the same time help to free slaves! So while this opportunity is still available I would suggest you purchase a copy of Generation Change...and while your over there you might want to get Be the Change too. :D
In this interview Zach shares about his passion to end modern day slavery, how you can help to end slavery, and about his organization Loose Change to Loosen Chains.



-Victoria

Learning how to make stewed tomatoes

This morning we went over to some friends house and they taught us how to make stewed potatoes.

Step #1 Picking the tomatoes:

First we went out to their large garden and picked the tomatoes that we would be using. We all picked probably about 2 bushels.







Step #2 Washing the tomatoes:

Then Sahlin, Spencer and Evan made a line and washed the tomatoes. I was informed that the first bucket would soak the tomatoes, the second would wash most of the dirt off and by the last bucket the tomatoes would be totally clean. :D





Step #3 Boiling the tomatoes/pealing the outer layer off/cutting the stems off:

I can't cover all of these combined steps since I was occupied with parts two and three. (Which is where this picture was captured.) Boiling the tomatoes in the hot water then transferring them to the ice box caused the outer layer to peal of easier. These steps were especially challenging for Spencer since he really doesn't like tomatoes.
Mommy and Mrs. Cassandra stayed busy boiling the tomatoes then cutting them whenever we had completed our steps.

Step #4 cooking the stewed tomato recipe:
Here's a few of the tomatoes in the sink waiting to be cooked.









Step #5 Fill the jars/put them in the pressure cooker to seal:

Mrs. Cassandra and Mommy boiling the jars.







The jars of tomatoes being sealed in the pressure cooker.








Thanks Mrs. Cassandra for teaching us! We had a great time! Stay tuned because hopefully in a few weeks we'll learn how to make salsa. :D

-Victoria