What's Your Fave Flavor?

July 1st is Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day. Now, that sounds like a silly reason to make a special day to me - unless you really love ice cream. Ok, maybe it isn't so silly.

We asked the GGM team what their favorite ice cream flavors are. Here are some of their responses:

Lady Olivia: Blue Bell Birthday Cake

Miss Kaitlynn: My favorite ice cream flavor changes with my mood. Sometimes I like plain vanilla, but if I go to Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone I like to try something new. If I had to name just one, then I would have to say Moose Tracks, because it has all the things I love in it.

Miss Hannah: Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip and Cherry Ice Cream.

MrsD: I am not too picky about ice cream. I like Chocolate. With nuts. I will eat Rocky Road if there are no marshmallows in it.

Miss Alyssa: I don’t have a favorite flavor of ice cream; I like practically any flavor except for mint :).

SisterAngie: Goldenbrook Turtles and Cream

Miss Amanda: My favorite ice cream is Rocky Road. Chocolate and nuts are the best in ice cream! I haven't had Superman in awhile, but I used to like it when I was little.

Miss Jocelyn: I love anything chocolate without peanut butter! I like plain chocolate, Rocky Road, and cookie dough. I also like to add chocolate syrup and nuts, for a sweet-n-salt taste, on plain chocolate ice cream!

Lady Rachel: I love ice cream. Who doesn't? :) Some of my favourites are -
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint-Chip, Coffee, Cookie Dough, Butter Pecan, and Sherbet
But those are just some of my favourite flavours. I love Rocky-Road ice cream. I have not had a lot of different kinds of ice creams.



Then, we asked what new flavors they thought would be delicious to invent.

Miss Amanda: A new flavor that would be good might be Pina Colada and nuts.

SisterAngie: Chocolate Caramel Cheese Cake

Miss Alyssa: I think peach would be a good flavor.

Miss Kaitlynn: If I could invent a flavor of ice cream, then I would like to taste the flavor of a cloud, if a cloud had a flavor. Does that count?

Lady Rachel: Some candy bars have been made into ice cream flavours, like Snickers, Butterfingers, and Reese's Pieces. I love pumpkin, so I think that would be a good flavour. Coffee with chocolate-covered peanuts or pecans is too.

Lady Olivia: Chunky Chocolate Cookie Dough

Miss Hannah: Chunky Cherry Candy Coating, with pieces of the cherry coating in it that they put on the dipped cones.

MrsD: Is there a flavor that hasn't been created? Anything would be good. Chocolate and whatever, fresh fruit mixes. Berries. That sounds good. Maybe I just want some ice cream.

What is your fave flavor??
And what sounds like a cool new flavor to you?

Freedom For All

The theme for July is Freedom. As Americans, this month is a special month to observe our freedom as a nation on its own, starting fresh. As Believers, we can celebrate Freedom in Christ each and every day!

FREEDOM by

July 4, 1776 was when America declared freedom. February 13, 2002 was when I declared freedom…freedom in Christ! Before that time, I had the impression that freedom was living the way I wanted to live, but little did I know that I was only living in bondage—to the world, my lustful desires, to fear, deceitfulness, and many other ungodly ways. That marker date in my history was when Jesus signed my declaration of independence, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!

INDEPENDENCE DAY
by Miss Amanda
I think freedom is something that many of us don't realize that we have. It is something that we have just been born into, and it is a way of life. As I get older I have come to realize that freedom really isn't free. It is normally paid for with blood.
The most important blood that was spent for freedom was Jesus' blood that was spilled to give us the freedom from sin.
Many martyrs gave their blood for the freedom to share the Word of God.
Many soldiers have given and are still giving their blood for the freedom to live in America the way we do.
Being free is so important and we need to remember all the lives that were given, so that we can have all the freedoms we do.



What is Freedom? by Miss Kaitlynn

Some say it is to be able to be free from everything: rules, authority, etc. But that is not freedom. That is anarchy.

I think freedom is being able to believe in what God has called you to believe in and being able to stand up for what you believe in.

Galatians 5:1

1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Freedom
by Miss Alyssa

True freedom is something no one can take away. True freedom is something that only you can decide to either receive or refuse. True freedom is receiving Jesus into your heart. Then, no matter what happens, you are free because Jesus has set you free from sin. Only then will you be truly free!

Romans 6:18
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

Freedom
by Lady Olivia

“Turn it up! Turn it up! Please!” I remember telling my mom repeatedly.

When I was about five years old I had a favorite song called Freedom by Darrel Evans. Every time I heard it on the radio I would ask my mom that same question over. I didn’t care what anyone thought about what I was doing. I had all the freedom in the world when I rejoiced and danced for the Lord.

Whenever I go out in public I sometimes lose what really is me inside and my shyness takes over a little too much. I think we all have that same problem at some point. God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I hope that God will help me overcome that mistake and let me have real FREEDOM just like I did when I was dancing around in my living room as a little girl.

What is Freedom? An Interview by Mrs.D
Miss Hannah is 8. I asked her a few questions about Freedom.

Miss Hannah, do you know what Freedom is?

It is being set free from being a slave or a servant.

Is it a good thing to have your freedom? And why?

Yes. Because you can do things like grocery shopping. And you can play with your children.

What is an important Freedom we have as God's people?

Salvation

And what is our Salvation?

Becoming a Christian. And of the Holy Spirit.

And do you know how we get that Salvation?

From the Holy Scriptures.

Do you know what Salvation means? It means being Saved. What are we saved from as a Christian?

Our sin.

And, how are we saved from our sins? What one thing happened in all of creation that saved us from our sins?

Jesus died on the cross.

And, is that a freedom anyone can have? Did Jesus die for everyone?

Yes.

So we're talking about Freedom. What do you think about that? About Jesus dying on the cross for everyone?

Did He give us Freedom?

You tell me, Hannah, did He?

I think so.

Well, do want to be stuck in your sin?

No.

Then did He give us Freedom?

Yes.
Thank you Jesus.

I don't think freedom is what it used to be. I really think that satan has taken a hold of what that word means to a lot of people. However as a Christian freedom means that I'm free in Christ to do anything I please because I'm saved by grace, but it also means that I'm free from sin so I don't have to. I am free to follow Jesus with my whole heart, no matter what people tell me. I recently found this verse in Romans, which really got me. A lot of people really do think that because they're saved by grace that can do anything they please, but the Bible teaches that we are free from sin and are to be servants unto Christ, to live unto holiness and live forever!

Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

I thank God I am free of sin and free to follow Him! Christ has set me free!

More Than Just Barns

July 13th is Barn Day. I wanted to write about it because we have a barn. I like barns.

What we do in our barn
We do barn chores every morning and night. When Jocelyn gets up, she gets me up too. I help her feed the animals. I am the one who usually feeds the hurt-leg chicken, and another chicken that was hurt. I found it behind the door in the goats stall. So, I put it in the dog pen because we put the dog with the bucks. So, I decided to put her in there because it was empty.

I love going to the barn it's fun feeding the goat's and chicken's. It is fun. There are mosquitoes sometimes, and I don't like it. I have one my hand. It itches but I don't scratch it.

When we had horses, I helped Amanda a little, and it was fun. When friends come over, we go and show them the animals. We stay down there and talk sometimes. A farm is fun. You have animals you feed, you clean out their stalls, and you gather eggs. It's fun to feed your animals.

Barns have been around as long as animals, I would guess. I just so happen to be a person who loves barns. I love the shapes of different barns; I love old red barns and am proud to own a homestead with a beautiful one!

Wikipedia has some great information about Barns.

Some of the Areas we have in our barn are:
Goat Stalls, which we built and divided ourselves.
Chicken Pen: Hen House and a Rooster Cage
Place for our tools.

We actually store our grain in our garage, because the goats kept getting out and eating it all!!
We do store the bales of hay inside the barn though.

We have recently done a lot of work on the pasture in front of our barn so that it will be safe and goat-proof, because we have bucks, which are male goats, and they are quite determined to do as they please!



Barn Days On A Farm...
by Rachel Dixon

I want to share with you some of the things I do each day in the barn. Some are harder than others, some are better for one person to do rather than another person. When you are in the barn, and want to get things done quickly, you need cooperation.

Some things I do are -
Feed the Goats and Chickens
Give the Goats hay to eat
Fill the waters and water buckets
Gather Eggs
Clean out the stalls
Pick up the yard
Put tools away
Fix up the stall to make them look cleaner

It's important to have a clean environment when working with animals. They could get very sick if their stalls aren't cleaned out every once in awhile because their hooves would get soft and that wouldn't be good. They would not be able to walk if their feet aren't hard.

Luke 16

10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

You also need to know where things are in the barn in case you need to fix something like a board that was coming off or something. We have done a lot of work on our barn to keep it in good shape. God wants us to be good stewards of the things He has given us to care for.

Father's Day by the GGM Daughters

Dads have a tough job. They are responsible for spiritual instruction, protection and working to provide a home to live in, food to eat, clothes to wear and other comforts. Dads have to juggle work with time for their families and separate the world they work in from the Godly life they desire to live. It is not easy being a Dad, but having daughters who love them and recognize their hard work and sacrifices is a blessing that any Dad desires.

Thank you Lord for the sweetness and love you have given these girls for their earthly daddies. It is a joy to know that they are their heroes and they respect them as you desire! Enjoy their tributes!

I Love My Dad
by Miss Amanda

As I grow older, I have come to realize that having my dad in my life has really shaped the person I am. While we aren't as close as I would like, I am proud to call my dad Dad. He is an amazingly hard worker, he is genuinely nice and he truly has a heart for Christ.
Some things I love about my Dad are:
*I love the way my Dad always make sure I am safe. I am a good driver, but he always makes sure to remind me of driving defensively and be on the lookout. He is always watching out for me. I know that he would give his life for me.
*My Dad is a funny guy and I love the way my Dad can make me laugh by just saying something or smiling at me. He's so goofy sometimes.
*I love the way my Dad works so hard. He works two jobs to provide for us and because of that reason, I don't get to see him a lot. He works to his fullest potential to make sure the job is done correctly.

Some of the fun things that I can do with my Dad when he is home are:
*We love to go to the movies, although its not too often we actually go. When we do go, we have a great time!
*My Dad pretty much taught me to drive. That was really an experience.
*My Dad and I run errands together sometimes. When we do that, we are able to spend time together talking, maybe grabbing a bite to eat, and getting things done.

I am so thankful for the Dad God has given me. There is so much I have learned from him and there is so much I can still learn from him.

Father Sir
by Miss Jocelyn

There are many words that I could use to describe my Dad. He’s a great cook when he gets the chance. He loves explaining things to us, especially Bible history. He's a hard worker. He's a wonderful handyman, and he's a great mailman.... just ask the people on his route! However, I don’t get to spend too much time with him because he works an awful lot. Having eight children, a house and food to pay for, having two jobs is just something my dad does. We have been very blessed that he has two good-paying job.

Last summer when my dad was on vacation I got to see the real him. I noticed how happy he was when he was home for seven whole days. He didn’t have to go to work and wasn’t really tired. He stayed up later than usual and did more things with us kids. The weight of the world wasn’t weighing him down. I was so very thankful and happy when he sat out in the front yard with me and helped me cut wood for my hope chest. It was nice knowing that I wasn’t just some bother. I know he loves me.
I love you too Dad.

Proud To Call Him Mine
by Lady Jess

When I was 12 years old, my dad gave me a purity ring. This ring symbolizes that I belong to my father until the day I say "I do". I don't wear it all of the time, for fear of losing it, but I do wear it on special occasions such as: banquets, date nights with dad, and dinners. I wore it to this last banquet that I went to. It was the Valentine's banquet, this past February.

People my age were asking people their age to go on dates with them to this Valentine's banquet. I do not believe in dating while you're in high school and junior high. I believe that that is too young. I once heard a preacher say that "Every date is a potential mate." I don't think that a person 12-18 yrs old could be mature enough to be a potential mate, therefore, my father and I discussed it, and he took my sister and me to this banquet. He went all out and, although I was slightly embarrassed by the hand delivered roses to our table, the presents, the boxes of chocolate and the limo ride home, I was and am so proud that my dad decided to do that for us.

I thank God that I have such a wonderful and caring father who does special things for me. I thank God that my dad keeps me accountable in all that I do and say. I am proud to call my father just that, mine.

My Dad

by Miss Kaitlynn

My heart is locked up tight,
My father holds the key.
Thank you so much Dad,
For always protecting me.

My Dad is a reflection,
Of all God’s hands have made.
From my first breath of life,
An important role he played.

Loving arms encircle my mom,
In comfort as she cries.
Holding her tight and lifting her chin
He wipes the tears from her eyes.

He tells the boys about being a man
And the way that they should act.
He takes the time to help them learn
And teaches them science facts.

He’s the best in the house with fixing things;
He is so very smart!
He loves to show us how things work
And explains about how they start.
Though he can be cranky sometimes
And makes a bit of a fuss,
The reason he is scolding
Is that he wants what’s best for us.

When I grow up, on that glorious day,
And my dad walks me down the aisle…
I know that when he gives me away
On his face will be a smile.

And though he will rejoice with me,
Behind his smile, there will be fresh tears…
As he remembers that very first day
And the memories through all my years.

But for now a little girl to him
I will always be,
And until it is my wedding day
To him I will give my key.

My Dad is My Hero
by Lady Rachel

These are some poems I wrote for you, Dad. What I wrote comes from my heart. I love you.

My Dad is My Hero
My Dad is my Hero.
He is what I depend on.
He teaches me where to place my 0's.
I love what he has done.

He loves me enough
To go to work each day,
Even when the weather is tough,
So I can stay home and play.

When he comes home,
I want everything
To be sparkling clean.
That's what he'd like
His home to be.

Could I perhaps,
Make it more enjoyable,
If only I could stop the mishaps
Of the uncontainable?

But with small children around,
The house is bound
To get a little messy,
And I in turn can be the Bessy,
And make it sparkling clean,
The way he would like it to be.

My Dad is my Hero.
Would you say that about your dad?
Even when you are mad?
Even when you are sad?

He is my Hero,
And make no mistake,
I will never forsake
My Hero.

What could replace my Dad?
Nothing could replace,
What God has given me with grace,
Who I love and adore,
In whom I can be sure,

In whom I place my heart,
To guide me and guard me,
Past every arrow and dart,
That this world will throw at me,
He makes me full of glee,
Even when I am not so happy,

As I said afore,
Nothing could replace,
What God has given me with grace,
The one whom I love and adore.

My Dad Tribute
by Miss Alyssa

My dad loves the Lord. He lives for God and would gladly die for God. He reads, memorizes, and applies God’s Word. Since he knows the Bible so well, he is able to teach me what the Bible says and refute wrong teaching. My dad really loves his wife (my mom) and his children. He works hard to provide for us and when he is home, he enjoys spending time with us.

My dad is my earthly protector. I feel safe when he is around. He also does his best to protect me from anything else that could harm me (physically, emotionally, spiritually). When I was younger, I had no idea what a wonderful gift that is. My dad has a great sense of humor. He is someone from whom I seek counsel. I cannot show you how great my dad is by just using words.

Thank you, Dad, for everything. I love you!

The Hero in My Life
by Lady Olivia

My Dad is like a hero in my life. He is always there when I need him. He
teaches me all about Jesus and he was one of the people who helped me accept
Him. When I get mad or something he helps me calm down. In my life He has
taught me how to do certain things that I never knew that I would like so
much.

If it wasn't for him I would have never got my first guitar or even learned
how to play it. He was the one to teach me how to work hard at everything I
do and to have confidence in myself. I love my dad and whenever I get near
him to give him a hug it feels like there is a cloud of love and happiness
surrounding both of us.

My dad isn't just cool he is awesome. When we are playing basketball he can
go right up to the goal and do a slam dunk. Dad and I love to do just about
everything together. The reason I love my dad is because he is so down to
earth and I know he loves me back. I am glad my dad is always there. I don't
know what I would do without him. I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

A Tribute For My Dad
by Miss Hannah

I love my Dad very much. He has a lot of qualities about him: he’s hard working, he likes to cook, clean, play football with us kids, build things with us, help with the animals. He likes taking the little boys outside, too. He likes to make jokes, and he smiles a lot. These are just some of the things he does around here, including taking the girls to the store when he can, and getting things for us.

My Dad means a lot to me. I love him so much, and I wouldn’t ask for any other father in the world if I had the chance of exchanging my Dad for any other. In fact, he means the world to me. I try to honour him, getting the house cleaned up before he gets home from work, make sure dinner is done or almost ready. By making sure he has his sweet tea to drink. Then cleaning up the dinner things after everything is done so he can relax without having a messy house.

I love my Dad profusely. He is my protection, my guide, my provider, (at this time, along with God’s help), and my father. He is the one God gave me, and I thank God for giving me such a forgiving, loving, hard working, playful father.

He knows a lot about the Bible too and yesterday we read the Bible it was Romans. We can ask him about something and he can give a reference. I like that about him, and I hope I can become like him in that area. I hope to memorize at least parts of the Bible if not all. I would like to have a family Bible study with my family, that way we can learn the Bible together.

National Iced Tea Month

In 780 AD a lot of people were drinking tea in China and Japan. A legend says that a British Diplomat went to China on a trade delegation. Charles, the second Earl Grey, saved the life of a mandarin's son, and as a gift they named a black tea after him. This is how Earl Grey Tea began and how tea reached Europe.

A favorite way to make tea in our home is to make Sun Tea. We use organic tea bags, which you should be able to find at your local grocery store.

Sun Tea:
We get a glass pitcher and fill the pitcher up with water. We then put two family size or six regular tea bags in it. Then put it in the sun. When it is done, we take it in and get a cup out and put some ice in it. Then it is ready to pour it into the cup. I hope you and your family have some nice sun tea to drink!!!
How to make it flavored:
Take a glass pitcher and fill the pitcher with water and set it in the sun and put three tea bags, and three flavored tea bags. Some of my favorite flavors are: cherry, raspberry, orange.

Some Countries that enjoy drinking tea:

United States
Austria
China
Germany
England
Japan
Belgium

Interesting ways these countries drink tea:

United States - Sweetened, Unsweetened, half-and-half.

Austria - They don't call it Iced Tea. They called it Ice Tea, and they have they're own tea manufacturer called Raunch.

Japan & China - They brew black tea over a pot, fill a cup of ice, add syrup, pour hot tea over the ice, and add lemon. This is called Iced Lemon Tea.

Germany - They use Nestea & Lipton with lemon and peach flavouring. They don't like unsweetened tea and it's very rare.

England - They drink their tea hot with cream and sugar.

Belgium - they drink carbonated tea.

The common flavours of tea syrup are:

Lemon
Peach
Raspberry
Lime
Cherry

Some additional recipes for tea:

Iced Tea:
To make iced tea just follow the sun-tea directions or make tea by boiling water on the stove and putting it in a pitcher with tea bags. When it's done take the tea bags out and pour it over a cup of ice.
"Sweet Tea"
The people in the Southern states drink sweet tea, which is the special way my dad makes his tea. His Grandma used to make it like this for him. He puts water in to a kettle, and he puts it on the stove to heat up. When it is done he puts it in a two-quart pitcher with three tea bags and one cup of sugar. Before it cools, he pours it over a big glass of ice. A lot of people in the South don't drink plain tea. Only sweet tea.
Half-And-Half:
Some people drink half-and-half, which is half tea and half lemonade. My mom drank some half and half the other day. A lot of people in the Southwest enjoy it this way too.

Things you can add to your tea:

lime
sugar
honey
lemon

Thank you for reading about tea, and I hope you get to enjoy some this summer for refreshment.

Summer Refreshment

Summer is almost here. This is a favorite summer refreshment of mine. It is really good anytime. I am going to give you the recipes for lemonade and limeade.
Sometimes we use honey instead of sugar. It makes it taste a little different. We also like to use fresh lemon and lime too.

Lemonade
3/4 cups of sugar or honey
1 cup of lemon juice
5 1/2 cups of water
1 cup of ice


Limeade
3/4 cups of sugar or honey
1 cup of lime juice
5 1/2 cups of water
1 cup of ice

Pour sugar and lemon juice into pitcher. Pour in cold water. Mix water in with spoon. Add ice to pitcher. And pour over ice. Add a wedge of lemon and enjoy!!

Sibling Lovelry

Brothers and Sisters Day is celebrated May 2nd. The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3-4 that

3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

This means that all children are a blessing, including your brothers and sisters. Brothers and sisters should be best friends. They should love each other in the Lord and always look out for each other. Of all neighbors you will know as a child, brothers and sisters are the nearest. Galatians 5 tells us:

14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of brothers and sisters who are kind and those who are mean and even hateful. Joseph had 11 brothers, and ten of them rose up against him and sold him into slavery. Read about it in Genesis 37.

Can you match the other brothers and sisters in Bible? Hint: There are more than two siblings in some cases. Look for 8 sets of siblings!

Cain ~ Jacob ~ Hophni ~ Seth

Martha ~ James ~ Rachel

Shem ~ Andrew ~ Mary

Esau ~ Peter ~ Phineas

Leah ~ Ham ~ Abel

John ~ Japheth ~ Lazarus

Sometimes brothers and sisters make bad choices in their decisions about the way they treat us. The world will tell you that it is expected that brothers and sisters fight and don't get along. They will say that sibling rivalry is normal. The Bible tells us that we are to "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" Romans 12:10. That means that when a sister or brother offends, we prefer them above our own feelings of being upset or offended. We are supposed to be friends with our sisters and brothers. We also should not put other friends above our siblings.

We are also to "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not." Romans 12: 14. This is not always easy to do. Sometimes it is frustrating, but know that God has placed you in your family for a purpose: His purpose, and He will help you to get along and love your brothers and sisters. God places quite an importance on families and expects us to get along and walk in love. If you still don't believe me about getting along with and loving your brother and sister, then listen to what God has to say about that in Romans 12:16-19:

16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

God said that getting back at your brother and sister is for Him to be concerned with. That makes it very clear as to our place in the relationship: We are to live peaceably as much as we can, and let God take care of the rest. He is a just God and will deal justly and mercifully with those who sin against us.

A good resource if you are struggling with having a good attitude with your siblings is Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally.

Answers to the Bible siblings:

1. Cain, Abel, Seth

2. Martha, Mary, Lazarus

3. Peter, Andrew

4. James, John

5. Esau, Jacob

6. Rachel, Leah

7. Ham, Shem, Japheth

8. Hophni, Phineas

Take some time to acquaint yourself with some of these siblings and ask yourself if their relationships were God-honoring or not! While you are at it, evaluate your attitudes of your siblings. Do you have a "sibling rivalry" or a "sibling lovelry"?

The girls at GGM feel the same way about siblings - they LOVE 'em!

My Brothers and Sisters by Miss Hannah
I like to blog like my sisters and write articles. Now I am going to write articles like they do. I have seven brothers and sisters. I love them very much. I like to help my baby sister and my big sisters. I like to help in the kitchen because I love them a lot. I do the barn chores with Rachel, Eric, Jocelyn and Amanda.

I like to go to the store with them too. I am a nice kid to my sisters. It is fun to have big sisters because they help you do things. They help you do the dinner and help do the dishes. They help you get dressed and help you put your shoes on you. Like I said, it is fun to have big sisters to help with. I promise you, if you have a clean room, you can play with your sisters. You will be able to sit and do things with your sisters. Remember, there are others out there just like you. I am a great sister to all my siblings.
Sincerely,

Siblings by Lady Olivia
My brother and I are total opposites in so many ways. You might think we probably don't get along so well. If you were thinking that then you were mistaken. We do have our ups and downs, but as strange as it seems we are the perfect match.

I am the older sister and Zach is my only brother. We mostly enjoy playing outside together with our neighbor's dogs, playing at the creek, or any kind of sport. I try to set a good example for him. When we mess up or something we are always there to help the other one. Sometimes when he wants to give up I encourage him and ask Jesus to help him. Zach is definitely a prayer warrior in our family. When he knows that I am having problems he prays for me. I love my brother very much and I know he feels the same about me.

Our Siblings by Miss Alyssa
What would our lives be like without siblings? Really, think about it. Oftentimes, I think we take our siblings for granted or even worse, we do not think of them as a good thing/a blessing at all. But what would you feel like if you woke up tomorrow and had no siblings? You had grown up with them your whole life, and you knew each other so well. Then, they had disappeared! If, after a few months without them, they came back, would it change the way you thought of them?

I want my younger brothers and me to be close friends, but I need to do my part by being a friend and treating them as friends. Also, my parents have made a good point: When your siblings are Christians, they are also your brother or sister in Christ.

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17
For a long time, I thought this meant brothers (and sisters) were born to fight with one another :). However, according to my recent understanding, a brother is born for adversity means a brother is born to help in times of adversity (trouble).

Lady Jess:

Siblings. The world’s philosophy is the lesser the better. I will tell you this is not the case. The Bible says that children are a blessing. Therefore siblings are a blessing. I have so many dear friends who have large families and a large amount of siblings. They always seem so happy. My siblings are a blessing as well.

I love it when my little brother and I play Legos or cars. We have so much fun together. My littlest sister is as much fun also. I love playing make believe with her. She is such the little mommy. I like spending time with my other sister as well. We always play duets on the piano and I love being a part of this magazine with her. I always cherish the times that all of us are gathered together and are enjoying a nice movie.

So many of the people I know think that having siblings is a pain and that it would be so much easier without them. Again, this is not true. I have a few friends that are the only child. They always tell me how lucky I am to have siblings. I always think to myself “I know.”

Living In A Large Family by Miss Jocelyn
I live in a large family... we have eight kids. Whenever I want someone do to something fun with or someone to help me, I always have someone there to ask.

I have two sisters who are in their teen years who I enjoy joy doing "big stuff" with. One of our favourite times is late at night when we all sit down together and watch a movie, usually after Rachel (14) has made popcorn. Sometimes a few of the Littles may stay up with us.

Hannie is my eight-year-old sister can be such the little helper and she does enjoy getting anyone something to drink or holding the baby, LucyLillie. I have a very important task as big sister to help train both Hannie and Lucy, though it can be very difficult at times.

Then I have three brothers... Eric (10), Isaac (4), and Caleb (2) who all boy. That in itself can make it pretty crazy around here. I've always wanted to have an older brother, but for some reason the Lord gave me three little brothers.

Yes, we do have quite a bit of chaos around here, but having all these brothers and sisters is definitely worth it. When we're all grown up we'll always have someone to call friend and that is definitely one of the biggest blessings of being an older sister in such a large family.

By Lady Rachel
I love living in a family with 8 children! Around here, there is always something going on. Everyone helping out. The sibling I do the most stuff with is Eric, my 10-year-old brother. I can get him up in the morning, and he will do chores with me. If I need to take a shower and I ask him to clean out my rabbit's cage or take my doggy out, he will. He is one of the best brothers in the world!

My sisters also are my best friends. I don't have very many close friends besides my siblings. My sisters are very important to me. Jocelyn has the patience to teach me something or help me do something. Amanda is my model. I try to be and act like her. She has a great many desirable qualities that I hope some day I will be able to gain. I hope that I can also be that 'model' for my younger siblings, and have patience to help and teach them. I would not trade any of my siblings for any other in the world!

I also think that you are an example when you have younger siblings. I found this verse about following Christ's example, in John 13:15, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." We have a big job being an older sibling. I want to follow Christ's example. I hope you do too. :)


By Miss Amanda
Being the oldest sister in a family of eight has been a really special experience. There are so many things you can do with them because they are all different ages and are at different stages in their life.
I have so enjoyed watching LucyLillie grow up in the past year. As I get older I remember more things and since I was 17 when she was born, I remember a lot. She has been a constant joy in my life this past year.
I have also so loved watching Caleb go from infant to toddler to little man. He has changed so much in the last year and I have noticed it too. I wish I could just gobble them both up!
I have enjoyed being the oldest sister because it gives me more opportunities to get to know each of my siblings more. I have my driver's license and I always take a sibling with me wherever I go. It is always fun because I have a buddy with me to talk to and I can get to know them more.
I really do love all my brothers and sisters and I am so thankful that God has given them to me to set an example for.
Being an oldest sister is such a joy with a lot of responsibility to love and show the Littles the way they should be!

I love my sister Jess. She held me in her arms when my friend Kelly passed away. She encourages me when I am doing something well! Virginia lets me take pictures of her, and she lets me have her lay in my lap for far distance drives. Timothy snuggles with me when we watch Television, and play together all the time!
I love my siblings all the time. Nobody can ever make me not love them!

I have two older sisters and one little brother. I share a room with my oldest sister and she teaches me how to keep my room clean. My other sister loves me. She fixes my hair for me and helps me make sure my clothes match. If I fall asleep with my glasses on, she takes them off of me and puts them in a safe place for me. When we drive to far away places she lets me lay down in her lap. I love my brother, even if sometimes we don't get along. I like to help him at his Tball practice. I like to cheer for him at his games.

National Chocolate Chip Day

National Chocolate Chip Day is May 15th. I love chocolate chips.
My favorite kinds of chocolates are:

• Chocolate Chips
• Milk Chocolate
• Dark Chocolate
• Cherry Chocolate
• Caramel Chocolate
• White Chocolate

What I really like to do is make chocolate chip cookies. I make them with my older sister, Lady Rachel. The cookies we make are very good. I like to make chocolate cakes too. And here is the cookie recipe for you:

Chocolate Cookies

• 1 cup margarine or softened butter (shortening works best with half the butter)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 egg
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts
• 1 (12oz.) package semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375*. Mix butter, sugars, and egg. Stir in flour baking soda and salt, (dough will be stiff, mine wasn't!) Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto un-greased cookie sheet. Bake until light brown, about 8-10 minutes.
Note: If using self-rising flour, omit baking soda and salt.

We also have another favorite chocolate chip recipe. We made it out of peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies.

Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter, and egg. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least three To this recipe, I like adding a 12-ounce bag of semisweet chocolate chips. Mix it in last.

Heat oven to 375*. Shape dough into 1 1/4inch balls. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with a fork. Bake until light golden brown, 9-10 minutes. Cool them for 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet and place on wire cooling rack. *If you don't have a cooling rack, you can just set them on a plate to cool.

Some other things I think chocolate chips are good in:

• melted, on pretzels
• trail mix
• chocolate cheesecake
• fresh berries and whipped topping
• eating right out of the bag!
• pancakes
• on top of ice cream
• milkshakes
• brownies
• muffins
• bread
• use on s'mores instead of chocolate pieces.

If you try my recipe, please let me know how you like them!

Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."

Contributor Miss Hannah

I am a young lady, and I am 8 years old. I have seven brothers and sisters. I love them very much. Jesus is my Savior forever.
I am homeschooled, and I love to read books. I like to help my baby sister and my big sisters. I like to help in the kitchen and do the barn chores. We have Nubian goats and chickens. Keci is my yearling doe.

I like to draw and color. I like it when it is sunny because I can play on my bike. I like to blog like my sisters and write articles. I like to go to the grocery store too, and also to make the dinner and help do the dishes.

My favorite song is Amazing Grace.

My favorite Scripture verse is Psalm 31. Here is some of that verse:

Psalm 31: 21-24

21Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.

22For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

23O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.