Strong Faith
I was just coming out of English class when my dad came up to me and said we had to go home. I didn’t understand at that moment but then he said Jamie was leaving for San Diego for basic training. I felt my heart drop into a million pieces in an instance.
I went by the office to sign-out and I saw my mom crying. She came to school to pick Kristi and me up to bring us home to see Jamie before he left. I remember being in the car starting to tear up. I didn’t want to believe that it was true. I was excited for Jamie because this is what he always wanted, but I wasn’t ready for it and when I got home, I knew he wasn’t either.
I walked in the house, grabbed something to eat, and sat at the computer. I saw Jamie come up from downstairs and I burst into tears. He came up to me and hugged me. I really didn’t want him to see me crying because I wanted him to see me strong. Jamie was even holding in the tears, he wanted to be as strong as anyone and then my dad said to just let it go. It is ok to cry, it is healthy. So, Jamie did. He burst into tears at that moment. I remember sitting at the table, holding in the rest of the tears, just watching my dad and Jamie hugging and crying. I have never seen my dad cry before, I knew this was going to be a huge change for our family. Zach wasn’t home, so he wasn’t able to see Jamie before he left.
“Why did it have to happen now?” I asked myself over and over again. He was supposed to be home for Christmas, now he wasn’t going to be. I wasn’t ready for it to happen so soon. All the plans that we were going to do were just crushed in the dirt. I have never felt so alone in my life. I knew this was a big change and that it was going to be ok. But, I felt alone, even with all my family around me.
Then, Pastor Bob came over to read us some verses before Jamie left. Pastor Bob read Joshua 1:9. “Which says, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” After that, Jamie mentioned that he read that verse the night before, just about 24 hours before that moment. That gave me comfort that this was meant to be. It was in God’s plan and everything was going to be all right if I just trust God and be strong and courageous.
Then I got back to school because Jamie and my parents had to go into Willmar to say their last goodbyes before Jamie went with his Marines officer who took him to the cities to fly off to San Diego, California to start basic training. But, when I got to school, I had to go to a yearbook meeting and then after that I had to go to a basketball game. During the yearbook meeting I couldn’t handle it anymore. I left for the bathroom. When I got there, I let all those bottled up tears go. I balled my eyes out. Angela Broten came in and comforted me until I could be ready to face the rest of that day and the rest of my life.
I learned later, that in March, Jamie would have a graduation from the Marines, and there was a big possibility that my family would be able to fly out to see him graduate. That possibility became a reality. On March 21, my whole family flew out to see Jamie graduate from the Marines. It was the best thing that I had ever been to. Jamie told us also that if he had never left when he did, he would have not gotten the job of guarding the White House.
I know now that God had everything in His amazing plan. I had courage and I was strong. Whatever happens with the rest of Jamie’s life and mine, I know I can go to God and trust Him because He has everything planned out for my life. Joshua 1:9 is my new favorite Bible verse of all time. All I need is strong faith that God gives me.
Lillie Hankel
Friday, May 20, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Horses
The Wild West Horses of America
Strength and power. Mustangs, the free-roaming horse of the North American West. The free, wild, heart-beating horse. The descendants from the first horses and the horses still to come. The top of the list for wildest horses is the mustang.
When people think of the Wild West, they usually think of cowboys, Indians, saloons, poker, war, and death. But, really the Wild West is not made up of that, it was made and founded by the horse. Mustangs are the wild horses. They founded the West more than just cowboys riding them but founded it as the ground we walk on. Their hoof prints left the newly ground. They marked their territory with their hoof prints. They made the mountains beautiful. Their breath created the wind that flows throughout the mountains and plains. As they run and make a sound, they make the world to be perfect.
The history of the Mustangs is very interesting too. Mustangs are the free-roaming horses of America. They are called wild horses but the proper name is “feral horses”. The English word “mustang” comes from the Mexican Spanish word mestengo, meaning stray livestock. Mustangs were brought to America by the Spanish. The first Mustangs descended from Iberian horses brought from Mexico and Florida.
They were spread very quickly throughout Northwestern America. Native Americans quickly took the wild horses to train them for using them for finding their food and for easier wars. The Native Americans said that horses replaced dogs and what they use for them. Dogs were still used but horses improved everything a lot. In the United States, Congress recognized the mustang as “living symbols” of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, and which continue to be the spirit of the West and of the American people.
Wild horses or mustangs can live anywhere in the United States really. Mostly though, they live in the mountains or down in Arizona or Texas. They mostly live up in the mountains in Montana or Wyoming.
But really the history of the West were all lies. The history of the West was written by the horse. Wherever there was a foot print there was a hoof print right beside it. There was one strength that could not be tamed in the West: wild horses. The settlers there could not keep them because the settlers needed them so their herds wouldn’t starve. So they destroyed them, almost wiping them off of the face of the earth. Lucky for us some still survived though, living deep in the mountains, starving. We need to protect them, they give us hope for the future, for the promise of what America used to be and could be again. Starting to come back, they could bloom like wildflowers.
They have a destiny just like all of us do. They have courage to do what man could never do, live. They want to be free just like we do. They have the strength and power to live, so, let us help them live their destiny and feel free.
Lillie Hankel
Strength and power. Mustangs, the free-roaming horse of the North American West. The free, wild, heart-beating horse. The descendants from the first horses and the horses still to come. The top of the list for wildest horses is the mustang.
When people think of the Wild West, they usually think of cowboys, Indians, saloons, poker, war, and death. But, really the Wild West is not made up of that, it was made and founded by the horse. Mustangs are the wild horses. They founded the West more than just cowboys riding them but founded it as the ground we walk on. Their hoof prints left the newly ground. They marked their territory with their hoof prints. They made the mountains beautiful. Their breath created the wind that flows throughout the mountains and plains. As they run and make a sound, they make the world to be perfect.
The history of the Mustangs is very interesting too. Mustangs are the free-roaming horses of America. They are called wild horses but the proper name is “feral horses”. The English word “mustang” comes from the Mexican Spanish word mestengo, meaning stray livestock. Mustangs were brought to America by the Spanish. The first Mustangs descended from Iberian horses brought from Mexico and Florida.
They were spread very quickly throughout Northwestern America. Native Americans quickly took the wild horses to train them for using them for finding their food and for easier wars. The Native Americans said that horses replaced dogs and what they use for them. Dogs were still used but horses improved everything a lot. In the United States, Congress recognized the mustang as “living symbols” of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, and which continue to be the spirit of the West and of the American people.
Wild horses or mustangs can live anywhere in the United States really. Mostly though, they live in the mountains or down in Arizona or Texas. They mostly live up in the mountains in Montana or Wyoming.
But really the history of the West were all lies. The history of the West was written by the horse. Wherever there was a foot print there was a hoof print right beside it. There was one strength that could not be tamed in the West: wild horses. The settlers there could not keep them because the settlers needed them so their herds wouldn’t starve. So they destroyed them, almost wiping them off of the face of the earth. Lucky for us some still survived though, living deep in the mountains, starving. We need to protect them, they give us hope for the future, for the promise of what America used to be and could be again. Starting to come back, they could bloom like wildflowers.
They have a destiny just like all of us do. They have courage to do what man could never do, live. They want to be free just like we do. They have the strength and power to live, so, let us help them live their destiny and feel free.
Lillie Hankel
Celebration Essay
Angela Broten
Strong, powerful, hilarious, sweet, kind, short, beautiful, the best friend, faithful, and so much more. When I think of those words, I think of Angela Broten. Angela is someone that anyone could look up to. I did and I still do, always.
Angela, where do I begin? Angela is one of my best friends. She is four years older than me but that doesn’t stop our friendship. I have known Angela since I was in fourth grade. In other words, pretty much my whole life. Now, Angela is extremely short. I shot past her so fast. She has gorgeous long, dark, brown hair, her eyes are a deep green, teeth perfectly white and straight, and did I mention that she is very short? Angela was raised in a Christian home her whole life and she has three siblings. She is also the second to oldest. Angela graduated from C.M.C.S in 2010. Now she goes to Crown College.
I picked Angela for a very special reason. The impact on my life that she has given me is incredible. She is so strong with everything she does. When Angela has her mind set on something she does it and she does it until it is done. Immediately when I met her I knew she was amazing and she could change the world. Her faith in God is so strong and powerful. She trusts Him in everything that she does. Now, I am sure she has doubted Him sometimes because we all have but she never gives up on Him. I look at her and see someone who I want to become. I want her faith and trust in God so much. I know I don’t have as much faith as she does.
Another reason why I picked Angela is because she is totally herself. I know what Angela is like and she is the funniest person to be around. She is always smiling and happy, she has never had a bad picture in her life. Still, Angela is herself. With all her craziness she doesn’t act differently in any way. She has taught me to be myself. To not care what other people think of me, just to care what God thinks of me. Whenever I am with her, I feel so safe and cared about. She never puts you down or says anything mean about you. Angela is so caring of others. She chooses her words wisely and thinks before she speaks.
As soon as I told her that I was writing this essay in her, she told me she was undeserving of it and that she couldn't see why I would want to write about her. I told her,” I wrote my essay on you, cause you changed my life. “She might not have realized it but she has. Angela has taught me many things in life. She doesn’t realize it, cause it wasn’t all verbally, but by her actions. They way she speaks, dresses, and acts made the difference for me. She has this sparkle in her eye that changed me and who I am today.
Finally, she gave me a gift. It wasn’t a gift like a present on Christmas, but it was a gift spiritually. She made me realize so much about God that I didn’t know. From our little talks we have and not all the time it would be about God. We could be talking about clothing or a movie star that we liked or something way different and by her words it would get to me.
Angela has this power in her that is so amazing. She might not see it herself, but other people do, I did and still do. Angela is someone that has the capability to change anyone or even the world. She changed me. It might not have been in the biggest way, like I am a preacher or something, but she changed my heart, like how I act and respond to things. I would trust Angela with the world or anything that I had. Angela gave me courage to be me and to stand out for who I am.
When I see the words strong, powerful, faithful, and all the others, I think of Angela Broten. Angela is the friend that anyone would want to have. Angela is one of the best friends that I could ever have.
Lillie Hankel
Strong, powerful, hilarious, sweet, kind, short, beautiful, the best friend, faithful, and so much more. When I think of those words, I think of Angela Broten. Angela is someone that anyone could look up to. I did and I still do, always.
Angela, where do I begin? Angela is one of my best friends. She is four years older than me but that doesn’t stop our friendship. I have known Angela since I was in fourth grade. In other words, pretty much my whole life. Now, Angela is extremely short. I shot past her so fast. She has gorgeous long, dark, brown hair, her eyes are a deep green, teeth perfectly white and straight, and did I mention that she is very short? Angela was raised in a Christian home her whole life and she has three siblings. She is also the second to oldest. Angela graduated from C.M.C.S in 2010. Now she goes to Crown College.
I picked Angela for a very special reason. The impact on my life that she has given me is incredible. She is so strong with everything she does. When Angela has her mind set on something she does it and she does it until it is done. Immediately when I met her I knew she was amazing and she could change the world. Her faith in God is so strong and powerful. She trusts Him in everything that she does. Now, I am sure she has doubted Him sometimes because we all have but she never gives up on Him. I look at her and see someone who I want to become. I want her faith and trust in God so much. I know I don’t have as much faith as she does.
Another reason why I picked Angela is because she is totally herself. I know what Angela is like and she is the funniest person to be around. She is always smiling and happy, she has never had a bad picture in her life. Still, Angela is herself. With all her craziness she doesn’t act differently in any way. She has taught me to be myself. To not care what other people think of me, just to care what God thinks of me. Whenever I am with her, I feel so safe and cared about. She never puts you down or says anything mean about you. Angela is so caring of others. She chooses her words wisely and thinks before she speaks.
As soon as I told her that I was writing this essay in her, she told me she was undeserving of it and that she couldn't see why I would want to write about her. I told her,” I wrote my essay on you, cause you changed my life. “She might not have realized it but she has. Angela has taught me many things in life. She doesn’t realize it, cause it wasn’t all verbally, but by her actions. They way she speaks, dresses, and acts made the difference for me. She has this sparkle in her eye that changed me and who I am today.
Finally, she gave me a gift. It wasn’t a gift like a present on Christmas, but it was a gift spiritually. She made me realize so much about God that I didn’t know. From our little talks we have and not all the time it would be about God. We could be talking about clothing or a movie star that we liked or something way different and by her words it would get to me.
Angela has this power in her that is so amazing. She might not see it herself, but other people do, I did and still do. Angela is someone that has the capability to change anyone or even the world. She changed me. It might not have been in the biggest way, like I am a preacher or something, but she changed my heart, like how I act and respond to things. I would trust Angela with the world or anything that I had. Angela gave me courage to be me and to stand out for who I am.
When I see the words strong, powerful, faithful, and all the others, I think of Angela Broten. Angela is the friend that anyone would want to have. Angela is one of the best friends that I could ever have.
Lillie Hankel
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Logan Bartholomew vs. Justin Bieber...Logan wins!!! :)
Logan Bartholomew vs. Justin Bieber
Have you ever seen anyone so amazingly cute or ever so gorgeous? Or have you ever seen someone not disgusting but doesn’t have very cute eyes or face? Well, now, you can chose out who is better. You pick, Logan Bartholomew vs. Justin Bieber.
We will start with Logan Bartholomew. Logan has been in many movies more than I can count. Logan has deep blue eyes and they are so beautiful. You look at them and drown in their gorgeousness. You melt into his dreamy eyes. They take you to another place. Logan can pull off any style. When he has a scruffy beard or messy hair, it might look like he just woke up out of bed, but it is so cute! He is off of movies like the “Love Comes Softly” series. He can pull off being a farmer and he is good with handling guns and being awesome.
Logan wanted to be a professional baseball player when he grew up but in a game in high school he snapped his arm so that dream was crushed. So, he decided to go to an acting school where he found out that that is what he loved to do. After a while, he got the main role in the movie “Loves Enduring Promise”.
Next, Justin Bieber. Justin has been in one movie which has featured himself. What a way to be a narcissistic! Justin has green eyes. Justin’s eyes just can’t compare to Logan’s. Justin got found on YouTube by Usher. He sang a song and Usher found him and liked him, so Usher made Justin a star. He is a very famous singer now with a lot of song hits. He is very popular and girls go crazy over him. Except me, because I don’t like him. I like his songs but not him. Justin has a lot of songs already published and they are all very big hits in the US and in Canada. Only Justin could pull off a gross haircut like he did but now he cut it, so it looks a lot better.
They do have many similarities though too. The first, is that they are both guys. They both have a nice body, style of clothing, and hair. They both are very popular celebrities. People go crazy over them. I know I sure would go crazy. They like hanging out with friends and family and they are both really kind. Logan and Justin have a lot of money too. They both came into fame at a younger age, Justin just being a little younger.
I still think Logan Bartholomew is much cuter than Justin Bieber any day. They have a lot of differences and a few similarities. I guess that's what makes both of them so special each in their different ways. Now it is time for you to pick. Who do you think is better? Logan Bartholomew or Justin Bieber?
Lillie Hankel
Have you ever seen anyone so amazingly cute or ever so gorgeous? Or have you ever seen someone not disgusting but doesn’t have very cute eyes or face? Well, now, you can chose out who is better. You pick, Logan Bartholomew vs. Justin Bieber.
We will start with Logan Bartholomew. Logan has been in many movies more than I can count. Logan has deep blue eyes and they are so beautiful. You look at them and drown in their gorgeousness. You melt into his dreamy eyes. They take you to another place. Logan can pull off any style. When he has a scruffy beard or messy hair, it might look like he just woke up out of bed, but it is so cute! He is off of movies like the “Love Comes Softly” series. He can pull off being a farmer and he is good with handling guns and being awesome.
Logan wanted to be a professional baseball player when he grew up but in a game in high school he snapped his arm so that dream was crushed. So, he decided to go to an acting school where he found out that that is what he loved to do. After a while, he got the main role in the movie “Loves Enduring Promise”.
Next, Justin Bieber. Justin has been in one movie which has featured himself. What a way to be a narcissistic! Justin has green eyes. Justin’s eyes just can’t compare to Logan’s. Justin got found on YouTube by Usher. He sang a song and Usher found him and liked him, so Usher made Justin a star. He is a very famous singer now with a lot of song hits. He is very popular and girls go crazy over him. Except me, because I don’t like him. I like his songs but not him. Justin has a lot of songs already published and they are all very big hits in the US and in Canada. Only Justin could pull off a gross haircut like he did but now he cut it, so it looks a lot better.
They do have many similarities though too. The first, is that they are both guys. They both have a nice body, style of clothing, and hair. They both are very popular celebrities. People go crazy over them. I know I sure would go crazy. They like hanging out with friends and family and they are both really kind. Logan and Justin have a lot of money too. They both came into fame at a younger age, Justin just being a little younger.
I still think Logan Bartholomew is much cuter than Justin Bieber any day. They have a lot of differences and a few similarities. I guess that's what makes both of them so special each in their different ways. Now it is time for you to pick. Who do you think is better? Logan Bartholomew or Justin Bieber?
Lillie Hankel
Thursday, April 14, 2011
May
May is the Best Month of the Year!
Imagine a cool breeze, the aroma of the wildflowers, and the warm sun shining down on you. School is just about getting over for teachers and kids. Happiness and life are brought to the world by this. May is the best month of the year.
School is just about getting out. There is less school and homework because of all the field trips and parties. The teachers are getting less strict and giving out less homework. They want school to be done just as bad as the kids do. Teachers are more willing when it comes to homework and assignments. You get so excited for summer that you can’t stop yourself from day dreaming of the wonderful summer. It gets you so excited of what you will be doing in the summer. If you are in May, you get a longer summer than in June.
Everything is turning into summer. It’s the first month where it is warm and it’s not too hot or too cold. All of the mud is gone and there is no more sloppy messes from shoes. You get to put away your coats, hats, and gloves. People start wearing capris, shorts, and t-shirts, instead of sweatshirts all the time. The clothing on is all bright and fun colors in May. There are beautiful colors all around and the sun is out shining beautiful. Birds start to come back and build nests for their babies. May gives you the warmth of the summer and the feeling of it. You feel the sun for the first time in a long time on you and it makes you so happy. You can go outside without a coat or anything, you can just go out with jeans and a t-shirt or something and not be cold. The warm summer days, laying on the beach, soaking up a tan, cold drinks, fishing, hunting, outside games, and so much more!
People are in a good mood also. Having a good mood, just one person, makes everyone in a good mood. Everyone starts to lighten up and enjoy everything more. Everyone is happy because the snow is gone and the weather is perfect. There is more joy in the air, from all of the fresh spring/summer air. People aren’t mad or depressed anymore, everyone is happy. You get the aroma of summer and the excitement of no more school, homework, or work. You get to enjoy life more. On May 1st, my birthday, it is Mother Goose Day and Save the Rhino Day. On May 14, it is National Dance like a Chicken Day. Each day in the month of May, there is a holiday to make people happy and get people in a good mood. May is just a happy month. In May, wedding brides have the best color for themes. Weddings are so vibrant with colors in May. May is so warm and so filled with joy. It is said that May is the best month for weddings too.
May gives you life, excitement, and color in the world. You make something wonderful, so you need to use it. May is so joyful and beautiful with all of its colors, happiness, and life. You can feel everything in the air and everything it brings. To add...its my birthday in May. May is just the best month of the year!
Lillie Hankel
Imagine a cool breeze, the aroma of the wildflowers, and the warm sun shining down on you. School is just about getting over for teachers and kids. Happiness and life are brought to the world by this. May is the best month of the year.
School is just about getting out. There is less school and homework because of all the field trips and parties. The teachers are getting less strict and giving out less homework. They want school to be done just as bad as the kids do. Teachers are more willing when it comes to homework and assignments. You get so excited for summer that you can’t stop yourself from day dreaming of the wonderful summer. It gets you so excited of what you will be doing in the summer. If you are in May, you get a longer summer than in June.
Everything is turning into summer. It’s the first month where it is warm and it’s not too hot or too cold. All of the mud is gone and there is no more sloppy messes from shoes. You get to put away your coats, hats, and gloves. People start wearing capris, shorts, and t-shirts, instead of sweatshirts all the time. The clothing on is all bright and fun colors in May. There are beautiful colors all around and the sun is out shining beautiful. Birds start to come back and build nests for their babies. May gives you the warmth of the summer and the feeling of it. You feel the sun for the first time in a long time on you and it makes you so happy. You can go outside without a coat or anything, you can just go out with jeans and a t-shirt or something and not be cold. The warm summer days, laying on the beach, soaking up a tan, cold drinks, fishing, hunting, outside games, and so much more!
People are in a good mood also. Having a good mood, just one person, makes everyone in a good mood. Everyone starts to lighten up and enjoy everything more. Everyone is happy because the snow is gone and the weather is perfect. There is more joy in the air, from all of the fresh spring/summer air. People aren’t mad or depressed anymore, everyone is happy. You get the aroma of summer and the excitement of no more school, homework, or work. You get to enjoy life more. On May 1st, my birthday, it is Mother Goose Day and Save the Rhino Day. On May 14, it is National Dance like a Chicken Day. Each day in the month of May, there is a holiday to make people happy and get people in a good mood. May is just a happy month. In May, wedding brides have the best color for themes. Weddings are so vibrant with colors in May. May is so warm and so filled with joy. It is said that May is the best month for weddings too.
May gives you life, excitement, and color in the world. You make something wonderful, so you need to use it. May is so joyful and beautiful with all of its colors, happiness, and life. You can feel everything in the air and everything it brings. To add...its my birthday in May. May is just the best month of the year!
Lillie Hankel
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Book Review
Redeeming Love
By:
Lillie Hankel
I am reviewing the book Redeeming Love written by Francine Rivers. This is a fiction book that Francine Rivers wrote. It has got to be the best fiction book I have ever read also. Redeeming Love is such an inspiring story. “It is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, and all-consuming love.” It has a beautiful portrait brought to life through her characters that she created. That is one of the things I am going to share with you, the characters.
The lead of the book is from the Prologue. Alex Stafford was just like Mama said. He was tall and dark, and Sarah had never seen anyone so beautiful. Even dressed in dusty riding clothes, his hair damp with perspiration, he was like the princes in the stories Mama read. Sarah’s heart beat with wild joy and pride. None of the other fathers she saw at Mass compared to him.
Sarah had, I would say, a very lonely life and dark life. She was raised with a loving mother and an unloving father. Sarah was not a planned child but her mother loved her to death. Sarah was always a happy, fun, and loving girl when she was a child. She loved life and she wanted the best for her family. Being so little, it takes courage for that. When the worst things comes for her that she wouldn’t ever have imagined, her total personality changes and the way she views her life and everything in-between.
When her mother dies, everything changes. She is sold into prostitution and only as a child. And her name changes to Angel, by the man that bought her. As a child and having to live in fear and hatred the rest of her life is a scary thing. The only way she survives is by keeping this fear and this hatred alive. Who she hates the most are the men who use her and leave her feeling empty and dead inside. Making herself feel like junk. Angel really doesn’t care about life that much anymore. When she meets Michael Hosea though, the way she views life changes for her.
The way the story is plotted is, through love. She doesn’t have anyone to love her after her mother had died. Through one mans love for her though, she learns the truth about what love really is.
When she meets Michael Hosea, things start to change. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and love her unconditionally. Everyday Michael goes to Angel. He never hurts her or uses her, He wants to talk. “Day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation, until her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.” Even though all the love, unconditional love she has gotten from this man, Angel runs away. She has overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear of the past. She runs back to darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth, she can’t deny anymore. She must heal from the only One that loves her, the One that loves her more than Michael ever could, the One that will never, ever let her go.
My favorite part of the book is when Angel starts to fall in love with this man that is so dear to her and so caring. Little by little, Angel falls in love and it takes awhile for her to actually fall in love with Michael. Michael doesn’t want to hurt Angel so it is so cute how he loves her and he makes her feel like she is worth something. It is so strong and unconditional. It shows that love should not be used in the wrong ways. Michael shows that and he doesn’t do anything that she wouldn’t want to do. Love is something beautiful and wonderful. Love wasn’t supposed to be something gross. It was to be beautiful and amazing. God made love for something special. Michael follows God’s ways in doing that and makes it wonderful.
This book is about strength, courage, and love. I love this book cause it is so inspiring and it gives a wonderful message. It tells that the One will never leave you and he is always there. Angel didn’t know of the One God until Michael. She didn’t know that someone could love her with an unconditional love, with a love that is so pursuing, a love that can’t leave her, can’t let go.
I think others should read this book cause it is amazing. It shows a love so deep and a love that is so powerful, a love that one another doesn’t, can’t have. Redeeming Love shows so much courage. From a little girl who goes into prostitution, to trying to find out what real love is from beginning to end it shows faith. Having faith in someone so hard to love and not even know. Redeeming Love shows a certain love of a, redeeming love, a love from the only One.
The End
By:
Lillie Hankel
I am reviewing the book Redeeming Love written by Francine Rivers. This is a fiction book that Francine Rivers wrote. It has got to be the best fiction book I have ever read also. Redeeming Love is such an inspiring story. “It is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, and all-consuming love.” It has a beautiful portrait brought to life through her characters that she created. That is one of the things I am going to share with you, the characters.
The lead of the book is from the Prologue. Alex Stafford was just like Mama said. He was tall and dark, and Sarah had never seen anyone so beautiful. Even dressed in dusty riding clothes, his hair damp with perspiration, he was like the princes in the stories Mama read. Sarah’s heart beat with wild joy and pride. None of the other fathers she saw at Mass compared to him.
Sarah had, I would say, a very lonely life and dark life. She was raised with a loving mother and an unloving father. Sarah was not a planned child but her mother loved her to death. Sarah was always a happy, fun, and loving girl when she was a child. She loved life and she wanted the best for her family. Being so little, it takes courage for that. When the worst things comes for her that she wouldn’t ever have imagined, her total personality changes and the way she views her life and everything in-between.
When her mother dies, everything changes. She is sold into prostitution and only as a child. And her name changes to Angel, by the man that bought her. As a child and having to live in fear and hatred the rest of her life is a scary thing. The only way she survives is by keeping this fear and this hatred alive. Who she hates the most are the men who use her and leave her feeling empty and dead inside. Making herself feel like junk. Angel really doesn’t care about life that much anymore. When she meets Michael Hosea though, the way she views life changes for her.
The way the story is plotted is, through love. She doesn’t have anyone to love her after her mother had died. Through one mans love for her though, she learns the truth about what love really is.
When she meets Michael Hosea, things start to change. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and love her unconditionally. Everyday Michael goes to Angel. He never hurts her or uses her, He wants to talk. “Day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation, until her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.” Even though all the love, unconditional love she has gotten from this man, Angel runs away. She has overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear of the past. She runs back to darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth, she can’t deny anymore. She must heal from the only One that loves her, the One that loves her more than Michael ever could, the One that will never, ever let her go.
My favorite part of the book is when Angel starts to fall in love with this man that is so dear to her and so caring. Little by little, Angel falls in love and it takes awhile for her to actually fall in love with Michael. Michael doesn’t want to hurt Angel so it is so cute how he loves her and he makes her feel like she is worth something. It is so strong and unconditional. It shows that love should not be used in the wrong ways. Michael shows that and he doesn’t do anything that she wouldn’t want to do. Love is something beautiful and wonderful. Love wasn’t supposed to be something gross. It was to be beautiful and amazing. God made love for something special. Michael follows God’s ways in doing that and makes it wonderful.
This book is about strength, courage, and love. I love this book cause it is so inspiring and it gives a wonderful message. It tells that the One will never leave you and he is always there. Angel didn’t know of the One God until Michael. She didn’t know that someone could love her with an unconditional love, with a love that is so pursuing, a love that can’t leave her, can’t let go.
I think others should read this book cause it is amazing. It shows a love so deep and a love that is so powerful, a love that one another doesn’t, can’t have. Redeeming Love shows so much courage. From a little girl who goes into prostitution, to trying to find out what real love is from beginning to end it shows faith. Having faith in someone so hard to love and not even know. Redeeming Love shows a certain love of a, redeeming love, a love from the only One.
The End
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wildflower
Wildflower
“I know what I want to do with my life mom!” shouted Jara.
“Well I just don’t want you to get discouraged.” replied mom.
“I won’t.” said Jara as she walked out of the house. Jara was tall and 19 years old. She had long, blonde, beach wavy hair, with blue eyes and dark skin. Jara was a strong person, growing up on a Wyoming farm helped with that. Jara’s father was a very strong and stern person before he died of lung cancer. Jara took after him a lot. Jara is a wildflower.
George was a young man before he died. He loved his life, his child, and his wife. He worked all day on the farm to provide for his family, though he was very stern and strict with Jara. If she would do one little thing wrong, she would get punished. He loved Jara very much, but since he was brought up in a strict home, he was very strict with Jara. Jara is really stern and everything has to be her way, just like George had it to be, always right. George smoked, that's how he died, lung cancer. He suffered from cancer for two and a half years, before he passed away. He was 39.
“I just want to decide what I want to do,” talking to herself. “I’m sick of everyone writing my life for me.” fussed Jara as she was getting out her horse Appatchi from the barn. Finally, she took off. Go Appatchi go!” shouted Jara. Galloping as fast as Appatchi’s legs would take her, they went. In the breeze, you could smell all of the flavors of the flowers. All the hills and mountains rolling past her, they stopped at their favorite stream for a drink. Appatchi bareback and as sweaty as ever, drank from the stream and ate all the long grass that surrounded them. “I really wish my Grandma could be here now. She always knew what to tell me. I miss her a lot!” said Jara to herself.
“Hi!”
“Ah!” screamed Jara.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Who are you?” replied Jara.
“I’m Ashton.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I am your mom’s new work hand!” said Ashton with a pleased voice.
“That's nice.” replied Jara, “now leave me alone!” Ashton was a well built guy. He had dark brown eyes. His hair was a dark brown with a tint of red in it. His smile was dazzling, with perfect, white teeth. Ashton had big muscles, but not too big mind you, and he looked about 20ish. He had boots on with dirty pants and a dirty t-shirt on.
“Well, bye.” mumbled Jara as she hopped on Appatchi, just about ready to take off, Ashton grabbed the halter.
“Just a minute!” zapped Ashton.
“Let me go!”
“Nope, your mom said I had to keep an eye on you, so that is what I am going to do.”
“Fine, if you can catch up with me,” snapped Jara, grabbing the lead rope out of his hands and taking off. Ashton jumped on his horse and within a flash he caught up.
Slowing Appatchi down, Jara said, “so, where are you from?”
“Well originally California, but then I moved to Wyoming with my grandparents after my parents passed away.”
“How did the die?” “
It was from a car accident, they were both killed immediately.” said Ashton.
“My dad died from cancer when I was eight.” replied Jara.
“That's what I heard.”
“So, how are you so good with horses? asked Jara.
“I used to live on a ranch in California before my parents died and we had horses, so I am a costom to it.” replied Ashton.
“That's cool!” answered Jara.
“Yup! It is!” said Ashton.
“So, what do you what to do with you life?” asked Ashton patting his horse.
“Did my mom put your up to this?” questioned Jara, “I am sick of everyone telling me what I have to do with my life!”
“I wasn’t,” said Ashton, “I was just wondering.”
“Well, I don’t know?”
“What about you Ashton?”
“I want to dedicate my life to helping children with disabilities with horses.” said Ashton.
“That's cool!” said Jara.
“Well, that is not all, I want to dedicate my life also to God.” told Ashton.
“Oh, you’re one of those God fearing people, aren’t you?” replied Jara with a disgusted look on her face.
“Yes, I am, Jara. And I am proud of it.” said Ashton.
“Well that is nice for you but nor for me!” shouted Jara.
For the next couple hours Ashton told Jara about God and all the wonders he does. “Isn’t He amazing!” asked Ashton.
“Yes! He really is something!” replied Jara. Putting Appatchi away with Ashton, Jara took his hand and said,
“Will you help me give my life over to God Ashton?”
“Of course I will Jara.”
Running into the house, Jara kept on shouting, “Mom, Mom, Mom!” “I know what I want to do with my life!”
The End
By:
Lillie Hankel“I know what I want to do with my life mom!” shouted Jara.
“Well I just don’t want you to get discouraged.” replied mom.
“I won’t.” said Jara as she walked out of the house. Jara was tall and 19 years old. She had long, blonde, beach wavy hair, with blue eyes and dark skin. Jara was a strong person, growing up on a Wyoming farm helped with that. Jara’s father was a very strong and stern person before he died of lung cancer. Jara took after him a lot. Jara is a wildflower.
George was a young man before he died. He loved his life, his child, and his wife. He worked all day on the farm to provide for his family, though he was very stern and strict with Jara. If she would do one little thing wrong, she would get punished. He loved Jara very much, but since he was brought up in a strict home, he was very strict with Jara. Jara is really stern and everything has to be her way, just like George had it to be, always right. George smoked, that's how he died, lung cancer. He suffered from cancer for two and a half years, before he passed away. He was 39.
“I just want to decide what I want to do,” talking to herself. “I’m sick of everyone writing my life for me.” fussed Jara as she was getting out her horse Appatchi from the barn. Finally, she took off. Go Appatchi go!” shouted Jara. Galloping as fast as Appatchi’s legs would take her, they went. In the breeze, you could smell all of the flavors of the flowers. All the hills and mountains rolling past her, they stopped at their favorite stream for a drink. Appatchi bareback and as sweaty as ever, drank from the stream and ate all the long grass that surrounded them. “I really wish my Grandma could be here now. She always knew what to tell me. I miss her a lot!” said Jara to herself.
“Hi!”
“Ah!” screamed Jara.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Who are you?” replied Jara.
“I’m Ashton.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I am your mom’s new work hand!” said Ashton with a pleased voice.
“That's nice.” replied Jara, “now leave me alone!” Ashton was a well built guy. He had dark brown eyes. His hair was a dark brown with a tint of red in it. His smile was dazzling, with perfect, white teeth. Ashton had big muscles, but not too big mind you, and he looked about 20ish. He had boots on with dirty pants and a dirty t-shirt on.
“Well, bye.” mumbled Jara as she hopped on Appatchi, just about ready to take off, Ashton grabbed the halter.
“Just a minute!” zapped Ashton.
“Let me go!”
“Nope, your mom said I had to keep an eye on you, so that is what I am going to do.”
“Fine, if you can catch up with me,” snapped Jara, grabbing the lead rope out of his hands and taking off. Ashton jumped on his horse and within a flash he caught up.
Slowing Appatchi down, Jara said, “so, where are you from?”
“Well originally California, but then I moved to Wyoming with my grandparents after my parents passed away.”
“How did the die?” “
It was from a car accident, they were both killed immediately.” said Ashton.
“My dad died from cancer when I was eight.” replied Jara.
“That's what I heard.”
“So, how are you so good with horses? asked Jara.
“I used to live on a ranch in California before my parents died and we had horses, so I am a costom to it.” replied Ashton.
“That's cool!” answered Jara.
“Yup! It is!” said Ashton.
“So, what do you what to do with you life?” asked Ashton patting his horse.
“Did my mom put your up to this?” questioned Jara, “I am sick of everyone telling me what I have to do with my life!”
“I wasn’t,” said Ashton, “I was just wondering.”
“Well, I don’t know?”
“What about you Ashton?”
“I want to dedicate my life to helping children with disabilities with horses.” said Ashton.
“That's cool!” said Jara.
“Well, that is not all, I want to dedicate my life also to God.” told Ashton.
“Oh, you’re one of those God fearing people, aren’t you?” replied Jara with a disgusted look on her face.
“Yes, I am, Jara. And I am proud of it.” said Ashton.
“Well that is nice for you but nor for me!” shouted Jara.
For the next couple hours Ashton told Jara about God and all the wonders he does. “Isn’t He amazing!” asked Ashton.
“Yes! He really is something!” replied Jara. Putting Appatchi away with Ashton, Jara took his hand and said,
“Will you help me give my life over to God Ashton?”
“Of course I will Jara.”
Running into the house, Jara kept on shouting, “Mom, Mom, Mom!” “I know what I want to do with my life!”
The End
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Beauty in a Rose
When you look a a rose
what do you see?
Do you see the
the color
the peddles
the shape?
When I see a rose, I see
beauty.
I see the complexity of the work put into it.
When I see a rose, I see the
beauty of God.
I look at a rose and see a
glimpse of heaven.
I see vibrant beauty in a rose.
Monday, January 24, 2011
I Remember
I remember playing four square at recess and always wanting to win.
I remember getting lost at Walmart and having the tears never end.
I remember Rufus, the sweetest and cutest dog anyone would want.
I remember always wanting to help mom make supper.
I remember fighting with friends of who gets the best doll.
I remember listening to Nana's stories and wanting her to never let me go.
I remember going into mom and dad's room when I had a bad dream.
I remember watching the sunset with my sister until night flew away.
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