I Could Never Love A Man In Tights

“I’m saving this kiss for the Prince of my heart!”

How many times have we ladies sung that? Even if you weren’t a part of PKSS or The Battle for the Heart, your thoughts have sung that line. My guess is that at the word prince, a picture of a handsome, romantic, richly dressed figure pops into your mind. For me, the idea of a prince makes my mind instantly jump to the bumbling Edward in Enchanted. You know the type: always smiling, hair set perfectly in place, completely rich and yet somehow never spoiled, pining away for the girl of his dreams. In short, I see a fairytale prince this way: Prince Plastic the Loaded, the helpless romantic in tights.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t about the ‘Saving this Kiss’ song. I think that song portrays perfectly what a girl should be thinking when it comes to relationships. But personally, I just never loved the whole Prince Charming idea. Perhaps a certain maiden with hair so long it could be used as a ladder ruined that for me. Sword Fighter ≠ Damsel in Distress…the thought of leaning out of some window in a high tower, waving a hanky and wailing “SAVE ME!” at the top of my lungs, hoping that Prince Plastic would come to my rescue never appealed to me. But that’s just me.

I prefer the idea of the Knight in Shining Armor. Sure, he’s sweaty. He’s dirty. He probably smells like horse, and he can’t sing “I’ve been dreaming of a true love’s kiss” like an actor in a Broadway musical. But that’s the man for me, and I’ll tell you why.

When you think of a knight, what first comes to mind? Probably a guy sitting atop a white charger in full armor, with a sword that never leaves his side. He’s most likely not the richest man in the village or township. In fact, he’s probably a farm-boy who’s been given a chance to make something of himself through a lifetime of service to King and Country. His years will be spent in and out of fighting. He will often come back wounded and beaten. But to me, he trumps the Prince ten to one.

Think about the characteristics of a knight.

First off, ponder the horse. It would be a shabby knight indeed if he rode up on an old sway-backed thing, its mane and tail all matted, mud and dirt caking it’s sides to such an extent that you couldn’t tell what color it originally was. That would be laughable! The strong, beautiful charger our minds picture displays a high level of responsibility. The Knight in Shining Armor is used to caring for other things. He makes sure that his steed is fed and cleaned and groomed.

Horse = Responsible, Caring.

Next comes the armor. When we think of the classic knight, we’re thinking full body armor. This guy is not going down in a battle because of exposure. The Knight in ‘Shining Armor’ has guarded himself from everything the world dishes out: arrows of impurity, spears of temptation, etc. Having said that, even the best suits of armor have weak points. That’s why the true Knight will be vigilant in the fray and flee the ‘spears and arrows’, not out of cowardice, but out of the knowledge of his weaknesses. The foolish knight will say, “I am strong enough to face these!” and rush headlong into the barrage. By the time he has realized his folly, it is too late and he limps away, riddled with the darts of the enemy. Sir Foolish is then scarred for life, and because of this, his personal effectiveness in future battles is limited…although through passing on his knowledge to other knights, he may save them from harm. The Knight in Shining Armor will have guarded himself so well that his scars are small or non-existent.

Armor = Pure, Regretless, Unsoiled Testimony.

Now comes my favorite part: the sword! No knight is a knight without a sword. Also, you never see a true Knight without his sword. He is constantly swinging it, keeping himself in practice so that if ever attacked, he won’t be caught off guard. The Knight in Shining Armor is the same, only his sword is not made of steel. He wields The Sword. He knows It up and down, and uses It so much that It becomes an extension of him. He carries the knowledge of his Sword with him always, and is not afraid to use It.

Sword = Devotion to God’s Word.

What is a knight’s duty? To serve the King and people. It is to be the strong example of stability and chivalry to the ones around him. ‘Nuff said.

Duty = Serve God, Serve Others, Be an Example of Righteousness

The life of a true Knight is constant battle. He knows and has accepted this fate with a heart full of trust in the King, and defiance for the enemy. When he rides into battle, the enemy ranks are filled with both hate and fear. His name is known to them, and because of his great deeds and his renown, they wish to strike him down. The Knight in Shining Armor is well trained, well armed, and well protected. But sometimes, even the best of fighters are overpowered. A true Knight will call to his fellow Knights for aid when the odds turn against him.

Fellow Knights = Humility, Accountability

So, to me, a Knight in Shining Armor is a man of character, of principle, and of God…one who is willing to devote his life to his King, one who will stand and fight when necessary and one who is not afraid to do the right thing by fleeing as well. To me, the grimy, sweaty Knight that may or may not rise to fame and fortune is MUCH more worthy than a Prince who sits on his backside all day, devoted to himself and his pleasures. Now, granted, not all Princes are like that. Some have the luxury of a God-fearing King and Queen that have guided him in the ways of chivalry. But for me, I want a Knight in Shining Armor, one who will be responsible, caring, pure, and will have no regret from a soiled testimony. I want a Knight who is devoted to God’s Word, one who willingly serves God and others, and is an example of righteousness. I want a Knight who is humble and who accepts and desires accountability. That’s the man for me. That is my Knight in Shining Armor. And that is why I could never love a man in tights. ;D

OH MY WORD!!!!!!! Among other things....

I HAVE NOT BEEN ON HERE IN FOREVAA!!!!!!!!!

Oh, forgive me! Forgive me, my friends!!

On a completely different note....lol

Our play performance went off with a BANG!!! I'm going to post videos and perhaps pictures from it, and you'll be able to meet my friends! ;D


This is the final battle of good vs. evil. I come in sporting the awkward blue dress at around 1:18.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qrxU0O0SX0


In this scene there is an ambush, and the gardener boy (Jesse) defends the castle. The three angelic characters are none other than Ben, Jordan, and Charles...who I haven't spoken of yet. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G-iGanJm2g


Here, the men are going off to war and adventure, and have a little fun before hand! ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND_BpmZRMsI


And finally, here is the promo video, where you'll get to meet my swords intructor Mr. Chadwick, Ben, and Jordan up close and personal! :D Kevin is in 1:39, Leah is 1:43, My dad is 2:06 in the puffy sleeves...lol, and I'm 4:37.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psSNqFqJFPA


Enjoy!

Friends, Part One

Greetings, all!

I have been thinking lately. Summer is nearly over, and I've had a great and busy one. It has been consumed with swords, teaching sword camps, plays, and many other things. But during the course of all this, two things have struck me, so strongly that I've almost been overwhelmed by happiness....and moved to tears.

Over this summer, I have been given the honor of getting to know some of the best people. They have been in my swords class for a long time, but since I have been a 'nube' as they call the beginners, for the longest time I didn't really get to know them. But as I got older and spent more time with them, I have discovered a gold mine of friends...some of which are two, three, or four years older than me!

Using first names only for privacy sake, I will attempt to tell you about them.

Kristen is my age, deathly quiet, but dedicated to what she loves. She and I are quite similar, and get along well. She loves horses with a passion. When I need a level conversation, I know I can talk to her.

Jesse is two years older than me. He's a hoot!! lol That boy cracks me up! He's hardly ever in a down mood, and an overall goofball, but that's why we love him. He loves the guitar, and he even plays with us sometimes. Definitely an encourager, Jesse's the one to go to if you want to laugh.

Jonathan is a year younger than me, but a good foot taller. Very quiet until you get to know him, he was a bit of mystery to me until lately. He has the most random but hilarious sense of humor. He'll look you straight in the eyes and ask you, "Why did you beat that old lady with a turkey drumstick?" His evil laugh is legendary, and he wants to be a sniper one day.

Jordan is three years older than me. He has the most infectious laugh! He has a sarcastic, slapstick sense of humor that is equally as funny as his brother, Jonathan's. He is often seen with a camera of some sort, snapping away. Or, if not that, he's filming something!

Jared is a year older than me. He is stylish, outgoing, and really gets the way girls think (having a sister). Everyone knows or has heard of him. The king of expressions, he is one to make you laugh, but Jared is also definitely one that will give you a hug when you're down. He is a very 'one way' sort of guy. Either he's happy and you know it, or he's not and you know it. He's really a great friend.

Ben is Jared's older brother. He is four years older than me, and if I were to describe him, a certain word would stick out in my mind: sword. He is a great swordsman, and eats, sleeps, and breathes the blade, I think. He is very similar to me as far as personality goes: more reserved, not into outlandishness and pretty content with life as it is. Oh, and did I mention his fighting style, stance, and hair is similar to a certain...*coughs* Anakin Skywalker *coughs*.....? ;)

Laura is Ben and Jared's younger sister. She's 5 or 6 years younger than me, but I love her to death. A good mixture of both of her brothers, she is perky, friendly, and loves all of her 'sisters' as she calls us girls at swords. Very appreciative of time spent with her, she is a considerate sweety pie.

Owen is two years older than me. He is something else (in a good way)! He put the slap in slapstick comedy. Very polite and respectful, Owen is always smiling and friendly...not to mention a very good Jedi/Elven fight builder! Erin go Bragh! (Or, something like that)

Leah is Owen's older sister. She is four years older than me, and a very motherly soul. She takes us girls under her wing, and if something is bothering us, she will be the first to come alongside you and talk. An accomplished actress with a bright, big smile, Leah will always be there for you.

Kevin is 2 or 3 years older than me, I believe. He and Owen can be heard shouting "Ireland forever!" and singing Celtic folk tunes together quite often. A giver of 'advice' (mainly teasing), he has a very keen eye for what you're feeling (he has a sister too). Kevin has a definite opinion, and he loves a good, clean, all-in-fun argument.

Catherine is a year younger than me, I think. She has lovely raven black hair. She and her brother Kevin love to tell a good story or two. But the thing that really says all about her is her laugh. She has a LAUGH! lol You could pick her out in a dark room by her laugh.

There are so many others, and to write about each and every one of them would take a lifetime! But as you can see, they are quite the group, and I am very glad to know such a God-driven group of young people!

Part 2 will be coming shortly.

Are People Born Wicked....

Greetings all!

I've just returned from a nice little vacation, and guess what? I got to see Wicked the Musical!

Now, I have had to endure months, and Months, and MONTHS worth of listening to this music before because of a certain IDINA...but I actually really enjoyed the musical live. It was interesting, exciting, the music was great even for hearing it 5,000 times...everything! I was very pleased.

Be Careful When You Read Aloud....

Greetings all!

I have stumbled onto a true treasure among books! Or, into I should say! Inkheart is a truly breath-taking novel by Cornelia Funke. I haven't read such a good book in a long time! It's got thrills, chills, laughs, cries, the whole nine yards!

Ever wish that you could speak with some of your favorite literary friends...such as Legolas, Captain Valithor, or Peter Pan? If you're a Silvertongue, that power is yours. Simply read aloud the words on a page and these characters leave their world behind and enter yours! But the consequences are dire, especially if you read in an accidental villian or two. And some characters, like my particular favorite in this novel named Dustfinger, simply wish to go home. But once read out, they can never be read back in. Or can they? I have fallen in love with this book. It is amazingly well written, holds your interest, and if you're a real book lover, you'll simply die at some of the things that happen! But you'll have to read it (or watch it if you want a watered down version) to see for yourself!!!

Ah...I love the smell of 7 in the morning...

Well, this little Elven maiden is getting her wisdom teeth out tomorrow! Pray for me...not only for the act itself, but that I will not spill my deepest darkest secrets unawares! lol

The Spring Banquet

Last night was the Spring Banquet...the homeschool version of prom. It was my first time to go, and the only reason I went is because my best friend is graduating this year and I wanted to support her. It was an interesting evening.

We all got dressed up and headed out to this beautiful place called The Villa. It is a lovely spot, especially out of doors. They have nice gardens and fountains among other things.

I am no dancer (never could master that art :P), and so after dinner when the dancing began, I merely stood by the back wall. My best friend's cousin volunteered me to dance with him, but after that I slipped outside to the back to take a walk in the gardens.

The night was beautiful: stars overhead with whisps of clouds trailing here and there, lovely gardens, and a cool night breeze. I felt lonely, but in a different way than simple loneliness. I wished that my future husband could be there...that I could dance with him, and that he wouldn't care that I wasn't adept at the art. That I could spend the evening with him as my partner. I prayed out there, asking God to guide my future husband: make him a strong spiritual leader, someone that cares more for God than he does me, a man that will always treasure me and never leave me for another. It felt good, and afterwards I felt a little better.

I went back inside and stood agaisnt the wall once more, watching my friend dance. A young man came up and recognized me from the play I was in not long ago. He began talking a great deal, and asking me lots of questions. It was rather obvious to me that I had an admirer on my hands. After a bit I excused myself from his presence to get a drink.

Later, I stood talking to a friend, who is also one of my swords instructors. Mr. Admirer showed up again, and sort of looked over my friend (who is about 4 years older than me and has absolutely nothing for me), which was rather amusing. After a few words with my friend (I'll call him Ben), Mr. Admirer walked up to me and offered me the next dance. I looked at Ben with a 'please, save me!' expression, but after getting no help from him, agreed to dance with Mr. Admirer. So, off to the dance floor I went.

It turns out that Mr. Admirer had just as much dancing knowledge as I did. He practically drug me across the floor, hopping here and there like a wild man. I had to do something, so I forced myself into the lead and led him in the dance. After that things went a little smoother. :D

There was a line dance after that, so there was no need for a partner. But he wanted to dance partner-style. I fell in line, and he eventually figured out that this dance was different. After this dance he was ready for more, but I said that I had had enough for the moment, thanked him, and left.

I sought freedom out of doors, and talked with another graduating friend of mine (we'll call her Kristen). After a few scattered chats with people, the dance ended, and we all piled up to go to Ben's house (we all meaning us swords peeps). Once there, I had loads of fun. There was funny dancing, Disney sing-a-longs, etc. That was most entertaining.

I had fun last night, and the humorous events that took place will stand out in my mind for a long time to come. :D :D

Revelations of a Long Lost Blogger

My goodness, I simply have not posted a true post in ages! So, I thought I'd do one now. Here goes!

Mae govannen to all! How is everyone? I am doing well. School keeps me quite busy, along with play practice and sword class. At present, I have a small role in The House of the Seven Gables...where I play a snob, a gossip, and a ghost. What does that say about me, huh? :D I am also learning two pieces that I shall perform in an examination for LAMDA: London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. A judge comes all the way from London and watches us perform to see if we are to be LAMDA qualified. It looks good on a resume, and that's what I am shooting for.

As for swords class...ah...I love it. I now have a steel broadsword (which I have not named yet..any ideas?), and was happy to use it in our Princess and the Kiss performance. Lately, I have gone to the sabre portion of their class, where they teach us to fight in a style that resembles Will Turner's more than our usual full-throttle, trying to kill you Aragornishness. Both are fun. I am not sure which I like better.

The weather is warming up a bit now, and the signs of spring have readily begun to show themselves. The trees are green with new life, the birds are a-twitter, and a fresh breeze is blowing...simply beautiful. And the smells! I love the smell of spring. A mixture of all things growing and green. Mmm.......

Blessings to all!
Just a thought.

Legolas's Quiz!!!

I made this quiz a while back, and I thought it might be fun to share...

http://www.thequizzery.com/quiz.php?id=5449

In the News...

The play was a smashing success! We performed in front of 900 peeps last night and turned no one away!!!

I will be posting random LOTR stuff of Earwen's LOTR party!!!
Here goes...



Caption: *I wish these darn Elf Scouts would stop trying to get their 'Help-an-Old-Man-Over-a-Mountain Badge'*


Caption: If you can read this, the Dwarf fell off...

PLEASE Pray!!!

Well, the opening night for the big and only performance is less than two weeks away, but there's a problem. Half the cast is stuck with the plague! The flu, actually, but we need everyone to pull this off. Our message, I feel, is one that needs to be heard and we need prayer! Pray that...

1.) All will be well enough to perform.

2.) All will remember their lines and cues.

3.) Our message will stick in the hearts of parents and kids alike.

Thanks!

Flinn

The Princess and the Kiss and The Squire and the Scroll

I'm in a play!!!

It's entitled the above, and it's a message of purity for all ages. This play is going to be amazing, probably the biggest I've worked on yet, and it's all for the glory of God! I am so stoked. I shall play Princess Alexandra, and I get to marry The Squire (which, in fact, is rather awkward, but you know). The play is based off of the books by Jenny Bishop, and it has everything! From romance, singing, and dancing to swordfighting, dragons, and rapping knights doing acrobatics! lol

This is sure to be an amazing play, but more importantly, an amazing message. Pray that our play stirs the hearts and minds of the young people and parents of young people who see it.

A Spiritual Thought

Greetings all!

Forgive me once more. My schedule seems to be filling more and more by the day. How was your New Years?

I was in church one Sunday listening to our pastor speak, and one thing he said struck me. He said:

"We tend to think of ourselves as physical beings having a spiritual experience. But what we need to realize is that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience."

Wow. Talk about "oooh!!!". Think about that for a moment. We are not just humans stuck here on Earth so that God can watch us mindlessly go about our day-to-day lives or move us where He wants us (like a huge game of Zoo Tycoon). He put us here with a purpose. He made man in His image. He gave of the gift of having souls. That sets us apart from all the rest of creation.

Let me say it this way: a dog has, at the most, around a 15 year long life. What does it do during that time? Well, as a puppy, it learns the basics of good house behavior. It eats, it sleeps, it plays, and it takes care of it's business. After about 4 years, the dog has pretty much mastered all it will ever know. How does it spend the rest of it's life? Eating, sleeping, playing, and...well...you know. When that doggy finally keels over, it is buried and it's owners cry.

The End.

Now, all of that to say that many people believe like that about humanity. They think that we are alive to eat, sleep, and play our lives away until one day: BAM.

We're dead.

And once we're dead, we're flung into a hole and buried. Our friends and family cry, and then we're forgotten. Pretty sad ending, don't you think?

I am thankful to God that this is NOT the true ending to our life's story. For the Christian, when we die, it is only physical. Our hearts stop, and our bodies decay. But we are still living. Our spirit joins the Father for a time of everlasting peace and praises. For the non-believer, it is only a physical death as well. Only, this ending isn't a happy one. For them, their hearts stop, their bodies decay, and they are cast into never ending torment.

Not the ending I would hope for anyone.

Live your life to the fullest in Him. Be who God calls you to be, so that when the day comes for your physical experience to end, you are ready.