Dear Blogspot and readers,

Dear Blogspot and Readers,

I am afraid to tell you that I will no longer be posting on this blog. I am very sorry, but if you want to keep up with me you can read all about it at my new blog livininthelight.wordpress.com! So please forgive me blogspot. For I cannot escape it now. I have enjoyed our tiem we had together, but it is time to move on. :) So long.

-Hopie C.

I kissed dating goodbye.

Since coming to Kansas, I have had alot of time on my hands and now since we are pretty much settled in I have been able to actually able to enjoy this part of summer. I have had time to read and do some school to try and get ahead. :) Typical Homeschooler fashion. But anyway, one of the books I have been reading is called "I kissed dating Goodbye". When I saw this book in a pile of books we had on our bookshelves, my immediate thoughts were."I don't need that, I already have kissed dating goodbye. " Little did I know, this book had mainly to do with saying no to the temptations of dating, but I have learned so much more from this book.

Josh Harris is the author of this book. He points out kissing dating goodbye in your heart, and heart purity. When I read that my first reaction was to immediately making excuses proving to myself that I had been pure in heart as well as actions. Which told me that I didn't need this book. So I put the book down and pulled out the bible instead, I turned to Matthew and wouldn't you know it I turned to this verse.

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

It really convicted me personally, and challenged me to ask questions about whether I had been pure in heart. I realized that this is a book I need to read. After a day or two of praying about it, I picked up the book again and started reading.

I encourage you all to read this book, whether or not you think you need it. :)

Love you all! Have a blessed day!

Sedgewick County Zoo!

The first of many adventures of the Chambers Fmaily in Kansas. The Sedgewick County Zoo. It is the 18th largest zoo in the Nation and its a mere 15 miles away from our house! Natrually, I was very excited, it had been over 10 years since I had been to a zoo. It was awesome.

My Mom.

My little brother and me. :) oh, those are flamingos in the back. :)

Ben the Camera man

a peacock that was very friendly.

These swans were incredible!

This goat only let mom pet him or her. ;)

A weird chicken

Well, I saw the camera, even when no one else did.

James was correcting the goats, they were hogging the puppy food. :)

Charity

The CAmles we chewing there way through the wooden fence.

THE ZOO OF THE FUTURE!

LOL! Comments?

Daddy and Mike

Actually this was pretty unpractised Grace just ran ahead and snapped a picture. :)

This gorilla was posing for us.

Look at those stripes!

Grace and this Gorilla got along well. :)

And thus, concludes the Chambers family adventure #1 in Derby, Kansas.

Each Step I take.

As everyone has read and has been told. I am leaving Texas tomorrow. I am leaving my home, my friends and sometimes it feels like my life. I am leaving all that for Kansas. But God has encouraged me that He will never leave me or forsake me and that through everything He will be there. Even in stuff as big as moving. The comforting part is that He is there each step I take. He has already cleared the path.

The last move I have had to go through was the move here, I was about 7 and my little brother was 6. A couple of days ago my little brother James (15) said "Moving isn't as fun as I remembered it." He was so right. When we moved here, I was so excited, all I could think about was the new people and friends we were going to have here and how wonderful hat was. I think that's where "child-like" faith is.
As a child I trusted my parents and God that everything was going to be fine and I was going to make friends. Now I am trying to have that same child-like faith. Its harder then it looks. Holding back tears and trusting, but surprisingly I have experienced extreme peace about this move, I didn't say happiness, but PEACE. I am able to trust God with this move, through multiple supernatural experiences I can tell this is Gods will.

I am because of this able to not cry but to look forward to our news mission field.
I love you all and pray for you each day. If your ever in for a long drive we are north I35. :)

With all that said....Goodbye.

-Me

Video!!!

I made a video, instead of writing a blog post. Because, If I sat down and wrote a blogpost about us moving, it would be way too long, sad, and just plain boring. So I did the next best thing. I made a video. * *crowds goes wild* *


Here it is:

Whats UP?

So hey, everyone, hope your summers are all going well.

My summer has been amazing, first my brother got married, then Mothers day, and a whole bunch of birthdays, and parties.

I love summer in Texas, they are so beautiful, the corn surrounding my house is taller then ever this year and I am not quite sure why. "Once you think you won't have something, you appreciate it a lot more." -quote from a really smart person....Well, anyway, whoever wrote it, this was never truer to any person than me. When I first found out we were moving to Wichita, Kansas, in October 2008, I thought I would never see another Texas summer again. There is something so different about them, they are incredibly beautiful and I used to hate the heat, but now I soak it in, I used to hate how there were storms every night, now I can't wait to see the lightening. It is so wonderful. Thank you God for Texas Summers and allowing me to partake in them, once more. :)

Other than that, I had an opportunity come up that would allow me to go to South Carolina and watch Nationals and all the fun that comes with it. Naturally, I was enthusiastic, thinking what could be better. My parents were a little less enthusiastic, they said they thought it would be better (since my Dad would be in Kansas) that I stayed home to help out. I was so upset, I felt like this was a perfect opportunity for me to get to hang out with my ARC buddies before I left for KS. But God, had a different and better plan. Now, most everyone left for Nationals on either Friday or Saturday and since then, I have learned so much from staying home, patience, peace, forgiveness(!) , not to mention I got to see "UP", go to an amazing Evangelism boot camp that has changed my life ( tract anyone?) and I have just overall, learned that God is in control.

It started the balls rolling in my head, that maybe my attitude at first wasn't right, when I found out that Beth M. posted the End of the Year video at ARC on the ARC blogs ( http://www.arcblogs.com/2009/05/21/end-of-the-year-slideshow/) I immediately started listening, I listened to that first song like 7 times. The song talks about thanking God for the times He said "no." And at first I was like "hey, I really wanted to go, it was so perfect, How could he do this to me ? " Then after praying for a couple days, I realized not only is it too late for me to go, ( =) ) but also, God REALLY just didn't want me to go, and He says that there is a reason that He didn't want me to go, so I am looking for that reason, and I will let you know when I find it. :)

Just wanted to let you all know what was happenin' in my life.

Thanks for reading.

Don't forget to check out the song, I put the link up. * *hint, hint* *

Happy Birthday!!!

You may think that this post is about me, well, it is, but this day about 13 years ago, a littleboy named Michael Nathan Chambers was born. Thats right, Mike was born on the same day as me!...only 3 years later. Now, I can tell you stories about that day, i was blowing out birthday candles all alone...no, not really. Actually, My Dad wanted me to feel special so he presented Michael as a birthday present that God gave me. :) It was pretty cool, so I thought, until I got to be about 4, then I figured it out that Miek was not mine. So we celebrate our birthdays on different days like mine is in March and Mikes is in April, that way we are still different. :) It works out great. Buy today I am celebrating the birth of my little brother by posting a few pictures. 

Mike Sweeping the fron porch, he wasn't posing for this at all. : o)

Mike at a Rattle Snake Roundup. He was about 7. 

Mike coloring. He is so cute! lol. 

Anyway, I guess all I wanted to say was Happy Birthday, Mike and I love you! 

 

Changes and Birthdays!

Changes have been made to my blog, so I thought I would explain those as well as a few changes in my life I thought I would fill you in on.

One cozy, quiet, Sunday afternoon I thought I would check out my blog and see what it was up to. Upon my return to my blog I noticed the drearyness (is that a word?) of it. And I realized my name "The Long Road Ahead" Made the christian walk seem lonely, sad, and waaaay too long. And of Course this was not my intention, but anyway, so my blog thence became "Each Step I take" Because Christ is with us in our christian walk each step of the way, its not lonely and sad. :) So, anyway, I had fun changing it and making it seem less dreary. :)

Also, my brother's 13th birthday is coming up so be ready for a post on that. Yeah, people grow up fast. But today is my Dads Birthday!

But yeah, my Dad is so hardworking, he is actually in Baltimore for his birthday....not by his own choice either. He has some work to do there. But we are looking forward to him coming home soon! Love you Daddy!

Let me know what you think of the new changes! :) I am always open to suggestions!

Hope you have a Great Day!
<3 Hope


P.S I am working on a video for one of the most impactful songs of my life. :)

VIDEO!!!

Hi Everyone! This is a video that my sister and I made for my brothers rehearsal dinner. Let me know what you think!

The first part of this video is to show Justin and Courtney's Childhood/Them growing up, and the Second part is to show them together. :) Enjoy!

-Me

My life(at least right now)

Ok, so this is going to be really random, so don't be too shocked. :)
Recently, I haven't been writing as much, mostly because I have been doing so much! This week is going to be one packed week so I thought I would blog before it all started. I have been mostly working on school. I really want to graduate highschool when I am 18, so I have to finish Algebra 2 by the Fall. I am working really hard on that. Since I found out the dates of Regionals(they conflict with my brothers wedding) , I haven't been working on debate, if you've checked out my brothers blog you'll see we posted our wonderful Affirmitave case on there for anyone to use or just to look at. So, go check it out if you can and comment what you think of it, my brothers link is on the sidebar under "Check out these blogs". My brothers wedding is coming up real soon. Which is scary because I thought my family would never grow up. :) Little girls and their dreams. No, really I am very happy my brother is getting married, its a happy thing and after all I am not losing a brother I am gaining a sister! I just have to keep reminding myself. I remember my little brother and I (the day my brother was leaving for college) were sitting on our bench and daydreaming for this time in my life when I was almost 16. Sometimes I catch myself wanting the days to slow down. But days until the wedding seem to be getting shorter and shorter.I will be taking pictures of it so you can look for them in about 3 weeks. We have lots to do till then so blogging will get increasingly more difficult and I might be switching my blog over soon to another sight. Most likely wordpress. :)
Anyway, I guess I will be talking to you later!

"Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho... its off to the tournament we go"

Greetings and Salutations,

Today is a special day that marks the beginning of week I will not soon forget. THE STATE TOURNAMENT. There are only three words that can explain what my stomach feels like at this point. Excited, Thrilled, and well Excited.
Sometimes there are disappointments and sometimes suprises. Sometimes people win and most people lose. But you may be wondering why I am writing all this down, maybe its because I am nervous, maybe because I feel as if I am forgetting 150 that are on the tip of my tongue, maybe its because of my sever lack of sleep. Still, no one knows.

I said all that to say this we are on our way to The State Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, it is 1hr 55mins away, there are 115 TP teams, 48 Ld'ers. And everyone is PUMPED! I hope you can find your way to visit us but if you can't go check it out on arcblogs.com. Unfortunately, I will not have internet at our host home. So, arcblogs.com really good source, almost as good as going to the real thing!

Well, I have to go, and finish packing. <3

P.S sorry for my weird post, but i am really tired. I will see you all in 5 days!

A Poem

Ok, so my wonderful sister Charity, starting writing this poem, and told me it was me, and I got upset because I didn't want to be WIND! Anyway, so she wrote this!

~She's not just a verse
in some 'ol poem.
A poem's too terse
to fully show 'em
that she's so much deeper
and has so much more
she can't be put in a line
as shallow as the floor.
So stop writing rhymes
of beauty and grace
that cannot live long
and might be erased.
She wants to be her.
Just like that. As she is.
So don't you dare inter
her in verse such as this. ~

lol. :) I will write something more substantial later!

My First Video

Hey, ya'll,
Here is my attempt to make a video with pictures. :) :) Anyway, let me know what you think by posting a comment! Enjoy!

Give me Your Eyes (CFC Masters Overview)

Ok so Hi everyone,
I feel really ashamed, I let you all down last week, I am so sorry. I was really busy and in a way I still am. So I thought I would post some lyrics to one of my new favorite songs, I suggest you buy the song or listen to it on Youtube, this puts the lessons I learned at Masters a nutshell for me.

Give me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath

Looked down form a broken sky
Chased out by the city lights
I was a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop

Breathe in the familiar shock
of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared?

(Chorus)

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I’ve keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see

Step out on the busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me to hide what’s underneath.
There’s a man just to her right
Black suit and bright red tie
To ashamed to tell his wife he’s out of work he’s buying time
All those people going somewhere why have I never cared?

(Chorus)
Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I’ve keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Yeah-Yeah-Yeah –yeah

I been there a million times
A couple of New Year nights
Just moving past me by
I swear, I never thought that I was wrong
But I want a second glance
So, give me a second chance
To see the way You see people all along

(Chorus)
Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I’ve keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see

Give me Your eyes! Lord, give me Your eyes!
For everything!
Give me Your heart for the broken hearted!
Give me Your heart! Lord, Give me your eyes!

-The End

Yeah so that’s basically my prayer, I have recently been in such a hurry to get ‘stuff’ done that I haven’t realized that I, as a christian am holding a light that a lot of people don’t have. In todays society it is easy to get discouraged and upset about the way things are turning out. But with Christ we as His children have Hope (no pun intended)
And I am passing all those people by, as if I don’t have Hope. So this song is my prayer. That I get out there and start witnessing His Hope, Salvation and Love.

CFC Masters theme was “Lead the Escape” and I am learning to escape from myself, and to get out there and share my Hope ( no pun intended, again) with the rest of the world. In the last General assembly of the CFC Masters 2009, was a candle light service about spreading the light of CFC and Christ. I am going to shine the light of Christ throughout the earth. Wow, I know that’s repetitive but it is really inportant to me. Thank you CFC Masters for a wonderful lesson, and thank you God for revealing it to me!
I love ya’ll and God Bless!
Talk to you all at the warm-up next week!

~Me

Masters 2009

Hey Ya'll, I did post on Monday night but for some weird and strange reason the blog didn't want to post. Maybe I should rethink this blog idea...;) Anyway, Masters has been great some highlights of the week are
-Getting to her my brother sing, in front of everyone!
-Getting to learn about How to communicate better in debate
-My beautiful costume (sorry i don't have pictures but maybe they will ppost some on the arcblogs
-Getting to learn grammer from Beth. :) Did you notice my two spaces ofter a period! I am doing so great! lol.
-Passing notes during classes Well, only half the time.
-Getting very little sleep or no sleep at all.
-Taking cool pictures
-Hanging and talking with friends
-Singing songs
-And Finally, All that God has taught me this week from Diligence to patience, Kindness and Humility, All of which have been weekness'.

More on that later, for now we still have another day soooo, I have to go! TTYL!
~Me

Costume and other Master Prep thingys :)

Hi everyone,

Well, last night I went shopping for some unsuspecting dress. It got well, really depressing,mainly because I have never seen such a small selection, anyway, my Mom, and sisters decided we would go to a Super Walmart and look for a pattern to sew a dress. My original plan was to be Jane Eyre, the it went to Rebecca from Ivanhoe, then Christine from Phantom fo the Opera.I don't look like Rebecca from IvanHoe, or for that matter Christine from Phantom fo the Opera. So I finally decided to go to Jane Eyre, because the dress was simple and pretty. My sisters said that graywas my color and black is too, and thats what Jane Eyre wore. Anyway, I must say I am excited about seeing it finished. I can't wait.

Other then that, Ben and I finalized our case yesterday, today I am organizing my evidence along with printing it all out, I am excited about my case too. I am excited/nervous, I really want it just start! Lol. I guess I should just be patient. Anyway, I will talk to ya'll later!

<3 Me

Fireproof!

Yes,

it comes out January 27, 2009! I think its a must see for anyone and everyone. If you didn't see it in theaters you have to watch it when it comes out on to DVD and Video I am so excited! This movie is great whether you are married or not!
COMING TO DVD JANUARY 27, 2009


Check it out and let me know what you think!

~Me

Making Good on those Resolutions!

Hi Ya'll,

Welcome to my blog! I am a new writer so I will probably go off on rabbit trails, but I am working on it. :) I really enjoy writing, its something I have always wanted to be good at it. So in a way I am daring myself, to see if I can keep a blog up and running for 1 year, its one of my goals for this year. You know, those resolutions, I always hated making resolutions, it just reminded me what I didn't do last year. If your like me and you've written resolutions, like every year since you could write, then you can see that some resolutions kee coming back. Like, eat healthy, read the bible twince in one yearfinish some Algebra, or Journal all year. I think a resolutions we should all make is to keep our resolutions...:)

But anyway, This year I am doing just that. I am keeping my resolutions, but I need some help so I made this blog. It helps me with like 3 resolutions.

But thats just one of the reasons, recently Paul H., a alumni at my Speech and Debate Club, started the AAA (ARC adventures in Alabama, which after Nationals 2008) turned out to be AAA (ARC adventures in Austin). He had several girls from my club, including me Journal on his personal blog what we thought of each day of Nationals. So that was really fun, but now we've exploded with even more blogger on a whole new site! You can find it at arcblogs.com! Check it Out! This coming week will be mostly on CFC Masters 2009. Most everyone else is going to both Speech and Debate but I am just going to Debate. So, check out the arcblogs.com for the first part starting tonight. But starting Sunday the 17th through the 22nd. So anyway, thats it for now.

Talk to ya'll later.

~Me