Being 13

Being 13 is tough! Homework, Homework, Homework! I think Homework should be middle name. Emma Homework Talley? I think I like that! Anyway, I'm going into seventh grade, so it'll even more worse! But the most thing i've struggled this year, is my faith.

My dad is a pastor at Redeemer Church of Knoxville, so i've grown up in the christian church. But that doesn't mean squat! I have been very doubtful this year in Christ. But that kinda all changed with my youth intern, Tyler Anthony. Tyler, is a junior in college, and is an amazing christian! All of his sermons have changed my point of view and still is!

Sting Ray fishing

Go Randall!!!!!!

For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whoever beileveth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

Jesus died your soul to save

For your life he freely gave

All he had in Heaven above

Just to show his wondorous love.

Wondorous love so rich- so free

Can it truly be for me?

Yes, Dear friend, 'tis true, 'tis true

All Christ did, he did for you.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and though shalt be saved. -Acts 16:31

Watching the Sunset with Friends

It's our second week at the beach. We're in Destin, Florida with the Salvador family. Mr. Salvador couldn't come because he is on a business trip. I know this post has nothing to do with my faith but it does have to with the wonder of his creation.

Last night at 7:45 exact we watched the sunset, i know that sounds sooooo weird but it was so beautiful! I just can't believe how God could make such a beautiful world! But while we were watching the sun we were with a special family, the Salvadors. The Salvadors are our Food in the Fort buddies. I've gotten super close to Tory. She is an amazing 17 year old. CJ is a hoot! He is always doing random things, that I just have to laugh. And Maddie is so sweet, she is sometimes sour to her bro and sis, but she is super nice to me! I love her! Mrs. Salvador and I have grown a bond because we love books! She gave me an amazing list of books that she wants me read. Plus, CJ and I have grown a bond of sports. We're always watching Sports Center!

My mom, Mrs. Salvador, Tory, and I went crab hunting last night. It was so scary! It was 9:00 and super dark. We had a very pathetic flashlight so we could barely see anything! Whenever someone would step on a crab (because they half way under the sand) they would jump up and scream. And when I say someone I mean Me, and Patti. It was a night to remember.

God's Love

We do not see the wind,

We only hear it sigh;

It makes the grasses bend

whenever it goes by.

We do not see God's love,

But in our hearts we know

He watches over us

Wherever we may go.

We do not have to see

To know the wind is here;

We do not have to see

To know God's love is here.

Encouraging Words

The Bible shows us how to use speech as a positive tool to strengthen and build long lasting relationships with others, while spreading God's way of life through our words. Positive speech can cheer up sadness (Proverbs 12:25) and bring joy (Proverbs 15:23.) Rash or wreckless words act like sword thrusts (Provers 12:18) and gossip can ruin friendships (Proverbs 16:28.) When we use words appropiately, they are like "apples of gold in setting of silver" (Proverbs 25:11) and a "honeycomb that brings sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24.)

The ability to choose what we say to others is one of the most precious gifts, that God has given us, yet the human capacity to use speech to inflict pain is one of the most dangerous weapons we possess. Knowing what we say and when and hot to say it takes wisdom. Being able to control our speech is equvialent to keeping the "whole body in check" and is described as "perfect." As we strive for the same perfection as our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48) we need to make careful choices in how we use speech.

As a young Christian, I have found that even if there aren't many physical opportunities to serve, I can usually contribute by offering encouraging words of appreciation to those who work behind the scenes. Many of these people do not receive recognition or thanks very often.

A verse we should learn

Mathew 5:44

But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you or persecute you.

Who is Jesus?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Some say He was just a great teacher or prophet. Others say He was a good man that did good things. Some claim he was a liar or a lunatic. And down through the ages, many have worshiped him as their risen Lord and Savior. Whatever you think of him, I'm sure you would agree that He stand alone in the center of Human history.

Jesus Christ is your best friend, your comforter, and much closer than your sister, brother, and even your parents. He's even closer than the air you breathe. Jesus is God. And being so, he gave you breath. Awesome, isn't it? But, check this out...... Jesus died on the cross for your sins, the sins you will commit now and later. I mean think about it.... if your best friend died for you, you would know that they love you, right? Well that's just like Jesus. Except He loves you way more than that. Because even though He died, he rose. He rose from the dead so that you could be saved for your sins- if you accept him, believe in him, and honestly repent for your sins. Whenever you are lonely, depressed, or discouraged, he is there for you. There is nothing he wouldn't do for his own child. and the best part is, is that whoever believes in him is his child No matter what you've done.... Jesus will forgive you and still love you. Forever.

"Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father, but through me."- John 14:6

"Christ died for our sins...he was buried...he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures... he appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred...." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-6

Sins of the World

We're always trying to keep away from sin. There is so much evil in this world that we do not know about! In my neighborhood there is always a lot going on. There is a drug house behind our house, gun shots practically every night, and there always has to be a robbery every month! But, now I have learned that my neighborhood isn't the only bad neighborhood in Knoxville! My mom yesterday learned that there is a drug house in Farrugut!! Who would've thought that?? We shouldn't judge a neighborhood about who lives in it. We are all sinful! No matter who you are.

Proverbs 9:7-8

Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart report. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don't bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked will love you all the more.

This is my favorite sermon from Pastor John Stone! Wen you listen to this try to lay out what he's talking about...

John 12:12-19

The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A huge crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,

"Praise God!

Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!"

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:

"Don't be afraid, people of Israel. Look your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."

His disciples didn't realize at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered that these Scriptures had come true before their eyes. Those in the crowd who had seen Jesus call Lazarus back to life were telling others all about it. That was the main reason so many went out t meet him- because they had heard about this mighty miracle. Then the Pharisees said to each other, "We've lost. Look, the whole world has gone after him!"

Grandpa trying scooter.. Yikes!!!