I am Stephanie. I've been saved by the Grace of God, and pray that this blog can be a testament to Him. In my spare time, I'm a photoshop fiddle-er, amateur adventurer, history enthusiast, and quite the Texas Rangers fan. I simply cannot roll my R's and I don't like donuts. Here are some of my thoughts as well as other lovely quotes, pictures, and things. . Followers, form an orderly queue.
Clayton Kershaw shares the love of Christ. Gives you a whole new outlook on strikeouts. Thankful to have him on my fantasy baseball team and as a brother in Christ.
I’ve posted this once before, but it was brought to my attention again today. Lovely combination of the love of God, love of country, and love of people in the life of a civil war soldier. Close your eyes and take a listen. This is real romance, the willingness to give up ones desires in order to answer the call of God and of honor. History is beautiful, ya’ll.
Sullivan Ballou Letter
July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more …
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt …
Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness …
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights … always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again …
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.
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It’s times like these when I love being a history major. #helloprimarysources #myheartisaflutter
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Just thought I should share some of my life on here.
This is Nathan and I visiting kids on our bus route on Saturday then a group picture on Sunday! These kids come to church when their parents won’t, they wake up early and ride out in the cold, but are happy to come every Sunday. To God be the glory! :)
Until you fall in love with
The One who made it."
I look up into the sky sometimes at night and I just smile and get a little bit giddy. The only way I can explain it is this, I know that God is with us all the time, watching us guiding us, protecting us, trying to keep us on track. But when I look into the sky it’s like I’m making eye contact with him. Looking up into his eyes, smiling a goofy smile just thanking Him for everything. For His grace, His word, His rebuke, and His love that surpasses everything. I hope that God can see my love for Him in my eyes and in my life.
