What Not To Say To Your Mother

   Have you ever wondered how to double your chances of living under your parent's roof until your 18? Have you ever asked yourself the question, "If I actually say that, will I be kicked out?" If one of your biggest fears being unceremoniously thrown out with the bath water, then you've come to the right blog post. Here are some things not to say if you enjoy free food:

   1: When that music came on the radio, I thought it was you banging on the piano. 
If your mom practices the piano random times of the day and she sometimes plays at church, this phrase should be avoided at all costs. Especially if it's on a Saturday night. Instead, try something like, "That sounded really good!" or my personal favorite, "If I sing loud enough tomorrow, no one will be able to tell you're skipping those sharps!"

   2: How's that laundry coming? 
Even an idiot could tell you this is a bad thing to say. Parents don't like to be asked how things are going if they are grudgingly doing that task for you. If this doesn't get you kicked to the curb, it will at least get you sorting your whites.

   3: Can I go to the movies today? *ten minutes later* Can I go to the movies today? *five minutes later* Hey Mom, can I go to the movies today? *fifteen minutes later* So, is it okay if I go to the movies today? 
"Hey Brenna, did you know you're annoying me today?" or "Hey Brenna, if you ask one more time you won't be going anywhere!" Don't annoy your mom. She doesn't appreciate it, trust me. Ask once every hour or so, and do it subtly. Or else all you town folk won't be going to your midnight showing of Twilight.

   4: Somebody is crabby today.
Freeze. Put yourself in your mom's shoes. If you're in an especially foul mood, you don't like it when people blatantly point it out, do you? Neither does she. In fact, it usually makes her more irritable, even angry! Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath." This could be flipped around to say, "Children, provoke not your Mother to wrath.... especially if she is chopping vegetables for dinner."

   5: Mom. Mooooooooom. MOOOOM. MOM! Mom.
This is what irritates my own mother most. She says we sound like bucket calves. Moooooom! Mothers hate it when you say their name over and over and over..... and over again. This common phrase is usually responded to with a loud, "WHAT?" If you absolutely have to use this phrase, please, please don't reply to her "what" with "We're out of toilet paper." At least make it worth her while.

I speak from experience. I have received the threat, "Do you want to move out before you graduate?" If you take my advice, you'll finish out the rest of your years at home in peace. Well, unless your mom is completely psychotic. No guarantees there.


In His Service,
Brenna

A New Year Begins

   2012 is finally here, and the jokes about the end of the world just keep getting better and better!
    The last year was really awesome. I joined my first sport, attended my favorite camp, got my first real job, met a bunch of people, went to Disney World, and started my Sophomore year of high school. I learned a lot, and had a really good time learning most of it.
   I'm really excited about what this new year will bring, but really nervous too. In February our class gets to do a neat little thing called "Job Shadows," in which we go on a trip to learn more about our careers. Cool, except I have no idea what I want to do after high school. There are just so many jobs available, and I'm interested in a lot of them. It's especially frustrating when someone asks you what you plan on doing with your life, and you're forced to reply with, "that's a really good question that I don't know the answer to."
   Even though I'm anticipating much of what the new year brings, I'm also dreading some things. What about you, readers? What are you looking forward to and cowering from? I would love to pray for any of you.
   My imaginary New Year's Resolution is pretty simple: Do well in school, grow closer to God, and be a witness for Him. Reaching our goals can be a struggle, but through God we can do it (Matthew 19:26.)
   Starting a new year reminds me of a line from The Fellowship of the Ring: "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door," he used to say. "You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to."  Haha, sorry, I'm a nerd. But seriously, new years are scary things. They are new chapters in your book, new launching points for your life. The decisions that come with them can be intimidating. If any of you would like prayer to start out your new year, please let me know. I would be more than happy to oblige.

In His Service,
Brenna

Replication: The Jason Experiment by Jill Williamson

   Lemme tell ya something: If you don't want to read this, you must be crazy.
   If you're looking for an exciting adventure, filled with Christian values, incredible characters, and scenes that can make you laugh and cry at the same time, then look no further. Replication is a must-have if you loved Jill's Blood of Kings series. If you haven't read those yet, I would strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of each (By Darkness Hid, To Darkness Fled, From Darkness Won.)
   Replication is a story about fifty-five clones living in a secret lab in Alaska. More specifically, it is about clone J:3:3, otherwise known as Martyr.
   The clones believe they have been created to expire on their eighteenth birthday, and through their deaths save hundreds of people from the toxic air. But when Martyr escapes to see the sky just once before his death, he discovers the truth about the Jason Experiment with the help of a highschooler named Abby Goyer. Together, they must unveil the true reason for the Jason Experiment, and expose the man behind it all.
   This is such a cool book. The storyline is very original and intriguing, and the characters are very believable and well-created. Of all the characters, Martyr has to be my favorite. His innocence and funny lines, as well as his sacrifice for others, really makes him stand out. I just couldn't get enough of the guy :)
   One of the things that just really brought the book to life was how real everything was. Fishook High didn't have a whole lot of students, so there was co-ed PE and a rotating schedule. There was only one African American person in the whole school. OH. MY. GOODNESS. It's Lusk, Wyoming! In Alaska! How cool is that?
   The powerful story and character combined result in a laughing so hard you double over and crying so much you need a box of tissues experience. If Jill Williamson wasn't already near the top of my "favorite authors list" she definitely shot right up there when I finished Replication. This book definitely gets five stars.

   Replication: The Jason Experiment is available on Amazon.com in hardcover form and for the Kindle, and on Barnes & Noble in hardcover and Nook format. More information about it can be found here: http://www.replicationbook.com/

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

     I had patiently awaited the DVD release of the fourth Pirates movie. When it finally I arrived, I forgot about it. Go figure. However, Mom saved the day (and a very boring night) by having it sent to us via Netflix. I was very excited to see the latest installment of one of my favorite movie series, but having seen it, I would warn you not to get your hopes up if you are a Pirates fan.
     The movie starts out as almost all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have: Jack is in a sticky situation, and he finds some overly creative and far fetched way to get out. This is actually repeated many times in the film, and each time the method of escape becomes harder and harder to believe.
      There is, of course, romance to make up for the disappearance of Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly's characters, Will and Elizabeth. The love between the missionary and the mermaid is interesting and entertaining, but that between Jack and Angelica was just.... uhg.
      On Stranger Tides provides the same amount of action and daring-do as its predecessors, but there was quite a bit of down time. Sure, it was filled with backstory and dialog, but it wasn't anything you'd really care about missing. In other words, you probably wouldn't even bother to tell someone to pause the movie as you took a bathroom break or replenished your popcorn. Especially considering you wouldn't be missing anything "LOL" worthy. I think my brother and I only laughed during 3 scenes.
      The whole film was ultimately disappointing, especially the endings, which were awkward cliffhangers that left you unsatisfied. The film had three separate endings: one for the missionary and mermaid, one for Jack, and one for Angelica. All three were quite poorly written, especially Angelica's. In At World's End, the ending was well done, in my opinion. Elizabeth and her kid are living happily together on their little island and we see Will sailing towards them. Cool. Good ending. Kill it there before it suffers a long, painful death, unless you're really confident the next movie will be a hit.
      Go ahead and rent it and kill three spare hours, but I wouldn't recommend buying it, unless you've seen it already and thought it was awesome.

Camp Grace 2011

Well, this post is slightly overdue.
June 26-July 2 I was at the most amazing and blessed camp in Wyoming: Camp Grace (put on by the American Missionary Fellowship.)
You may remember my post from last year. (Camp Grace 2010) This year wasn't so different from the last, except for different classes, new memories, closer relationships to friends, and a stronger walk with God.

The Classes

The titles of the classes I had this year were The Christian Atheist, Slave To...?, and Being Who God Has Made Us.
In the Christian Atheist we were given the books "The Christian Atheist" (by Craig Groeschel), and we discussed how we can be Christians but live as though God isn't in our lives. I think that hit home with a lot of the senior high class. It did for me, anyway.
Our next class, Slave To...?, taught about how we switch from being a slave to sin to being a slave to God.
Being Who God Has Made Us we learned about who God is and finding His will in our lives.
Each of the classes were soo fun to go to and I learned so much. Being at a Christian camp is awesome, because you get to be in fellowship with so many other Believers.

Chapel

Wow, talk about passion! Tears were shed and lives were changed. I was so thrilled that Scott Stinson was the speaker, because when he talks about God and the gift of salvation he fills the room with electricity. God was definitely speaking through him that week.

Missions

I chuckled when I learned that the missionary went to school and camp with my mom. She and he husband worked with DELTA ministries. They taught on how Acts 1:8 is basically the game plan for spreading the Gospel, and how we can evangelize in our neighborhood, country, and world. It was neat to see my mom (who was a cook again this year) get to know her old friend again.

 Recreation & Surprise Time

For recreation again this year we played volleyball and human stratego (if you've never played that game before... go do it!!) But we also got to enjoy some very creative relay races. Unfortunately, we didn't get to climb to the cross this year.
Surprise time, like always, was hilarious. I volunteered the first night and got chosen. I wonder if I have some sort of mental problem, volunteering myself for public embarrassment over and over again?  I walked up there and was shoved to the front of the line of high school girls. The gig was "The Bachelor." And the bachelor was none other than this single guy named Travis, who I've known for years. I step up to the plate and my minute to woo the bachelor starts ticking.

Now, in order for my amazing pickup lines to make sense, you must know that Travis is a science teacher.
Here goes. "The speed of light... It's really fast, and um... Shines like your eyeballs. You know, I didn't do so well in science this year... with scientific notation especially... But I know that together, we can figure out scientific notation!"
Ten seconds left. I scramble for anything that might impress Travis.
"The Lord of the Rings are my favorite books AND movies!" I shout just as my time runs out.
Next up was Laura (who I competed against last year). Then Kirsten. When it came time for Travis to give his flower to the girl he choose, he handed it to a girl in the crowd because he couldn't make up his mind.

All In All...

It was another fantastic year at a fantastic camp. I feel so blessed that I have been able to attend six years in a row. I had wonderful cabin mates. Great classes. Best friends. A post-camp neck ache. It was marvelous.
But it wasn't all fun and games. It was deep. Spiritual. Reviving. Maybe it's just being up on a mountain, but when I'm at Camp Grace, I always feel closer to God. This year, I'm taking that closeness down off the mountain. It's coming with me. I hope others made that decision also. Don't leave your closeness with God, the time spent in devotion and prayer, up on that peak.

In His Service,
Brenna

(go to Facebook if you would like to see more photos)

SDW: Day 7

Ah, it has taken me long enough to get this posted, no? What with Camp Grace and all (a post on that coming up shortly), I would say my delayed posting is excusable. ;) So, I now present to you the long awaited seventh piece of writing. Enjoy.

The Redemption

Another wave comes crashing down
Upon the distant shore
Scattered memories lie all around
Upon the hardwood floor

Of all the dreams I've had of late
This one is the worst
Because of violence, scorn, and hate
Rest cannot come first

Salvation cries from hills afar
Hearken to its call
Doors once closed now stand ajar
Enter now or fall

I can take the broken, beat-down path
Many oth'rs have trod
Though friends and family would laugh
I could walk the empty sod

The road less traveled could give me peace
From my life's lonely schemes
Perhaps this road would cause to cease
These horrid, restless dreams

I sink to my knees, cry out to Christ
And hope He's heard my prayer
Sweet rest comes with my sacrifice
And I know He has taken me There

Thank you for reading, to all of my faithful followers. I hope you liked the seven days of writing. :)

In His Service,
Brenna

SDW: Day 6

Ah, sorry it has taken so long. Seems like all I've been doing for the past two weeks has been riding, branding, riding, and.... branding. And then going different places in between. Anyway, this piece is one of my personal favorites. Enjoy.



I don't want to go home and face the music,
Because the symphony they compose
Isn't beautiful.
Everyone is playing a different song
That no one can follow.
Two instruments duel for the main role,
Each trying to play the loudest.
Their noise causes an unbearable clamor
And even the most resolute must cover their ears.
Angry notes, full of contempt, are thrown back and forth
Until they can play no more.
The crowd waits in collective silence.
Who will play the next hate filled note?
Who is angry enough to continue?
The crowd still waits with bated breath,
And when they raise their instruments again to their lips
The audience cringes.
There is no telling what may come next
Until it happens....
And suddenly it does.
Now, the battling couple turn to their audience of one
And unleash all of their fury on the crowd.
The crowd is silent, but tears trail down its face
As it takes its undeserved punishment.
Who would have guessed that this would be the end,
There being to victor, but instead prey?
And it will continue on this way until the ticket expires,
And the crowd must leave.
A pity that such an innocent audience must endure
A discontented symphony.




In His Service,
Brenna