Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Bible Bee (again)

I kind of miss the Bible Bee right now. It would be great if I was that focused on God's word all year. I know I should be, but it's so hard with everything else going on.
But hey, sign ups start in April, (you should sign up), and then summer will be here before you know it.
I can't help but throw in a shameless plug for the Bible Bee ;)
Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora
http://www.biblebee.org/

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Snowpocalypse 2012

Yes, once again it has snowed in the Portland area, which, of course means everyone stops what they're doing and freaks out.
So, today I went out in the snow, all bundled up in waterproof and warm clothing, hugged a few snowy ducks and tried sledding in various things, such as a severely broken laundry basket, the back of a folding chair and a kiddie pool (none of which worked). Then, I went inside, because snow started blowing into my ear and I saw my brother walking toward me with an ominously huge snowball. Inside, I took of my waterproof gear and started drying off. Then, I decided to take pictures of the ducks in the snow, their webbed footprints and other snowy things. I threw on a sweater and opted not to get back into my waterproof attire. After all, it wasn't like I was going to try to sled in a laundry basket again.
I went outside, and got the pictures. All was well. Then, as I walked back toward the house, there was a patch without snow and with mud and.... well you can guess what happened. Epic fail!

Now I'm sitting here listening to huge piles of snow slide off my roof and onto the deck. Here are the pictures I risked life and limb for. Enjoy.


Our Yard.


Webbed footprints


Evidence that man walked with ducks


Ducks in the snow!

Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora
p.s. Special thanks to Branden for the name of this post ;)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

How to Decorate a Notebook

Last time on Behind the Stone Door...
I showed you how to make a cool looking composition book with a magazine picture or scrapbook page and made mention of another post, including more ways to decorate a notebook. This is that post!!! (cue dramatic music.)

These are some other cool looking designs I've done on the front of composition books:

-Top left: I cut up an old music sheet from my church choir and pasted the pieces on top of a nice piece of scrapbook paper.
-Top right: I cut out interesting pictures and words from magazines and put them in a collage pattern on the front of the book.
-Bottom left: I doodled all over a plain piece of white paper and glued it to the front of a spiral notebook. I use this one to take notes at school!
-Bottom right: First, I laid a magazine full page picture on the cover. Then I put a blank piece of colored paper on the bottom half. Finally I added ribbon,pressed flowers and newspaper clippings and covered it with Mod Podge.
If you have any ideas for cool notebook covers to share, post a comment.I'd love to try it!
Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora

Make Your Own Christmas Gifts!

Hey everyone,
I'm back! Now that it's only five days until Christmas, I thought I would share some Christmas gift ideas I have enjoyed making. Most of these are pretty quick and cheap. They turn out especially cool if you have Mod Podge glue. You can buy it for about five dollars at a craft store or at Fred Meyer.
This first one is my favorite. I love making these cool looking notebooks with scrapbook paper, magazine pictures and other things.
You will need:
- A composition book or spiral notebook (composition books work better)
- Mod Podge Glue
- Something to spread the glue with
- Scissors
- A full page picture from a magazine,a piece of scrapbook paper, or any other paper you think would be cool.


Step 1: Cut the picture or page to fit the cover of the notebook. Make sure the edge lines up with the tape binding, but does not cover it.

Step 2: Spread glue over the cover of the notebook. Place the picture carefully over the glue. Flatten out all wrinkles and bubbles.

When the picture looks right on the cover, spread another coat of Mod Podge over it. Let the Mod Podge dry for about 30 min, then your notebook is ready to use!


These notebooks make a great gift for just about anyone, but especially for teachers, friends who like to write , or evil scientists, (they can use it for a lab book!) Check out my next post for some more ways to decorate a notebook cover.
Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora

Monday, November 21, 2011

Off the Graph Theatre

Hey everyone, I'm back home from the Bible Bee (sigh...). It's good to be back though. Today I went back to school. I thought I'd share with you something we're learning about in Bible class.
We are talking about the books of 1&2 Samuel. When Mr. Hamilton, our teacher was talking about the crowning of King Saul, remembered a video my church made last year when we were talking about these same books. I found it quite hilarious, so I thought I would share it with you....


Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora

Saturday, November 19, 2011

As is True of All Good Things,(Except for Heaven), This Too Must Come to an End

Sadly, in fact the National Bible Bee is coming to a close. Last night, my mom and I went to a family hymn sing. It was refreshing. I learned a lot of hymns I hadn't known before. This morning, we went to a worship and prayer service with an admittedly intense pastor. After that, we got to watch our friend Olivia win the primary final round for a second year in a row.
At lunch, we attended a luncheon at which Phil Vischer spoke. He is the creator of Veggie Tales, (and most of the voices) and a new puppet series called "What's in the Bible". He spoke on making sure your relationship with God is more important than even what you are doing to serve Him.
Later, we watched the beginning of the senior final round. No one died, even though seniors are red-shirts, (sorry, I'm tired and making bad Star Trek jokes). We had to leave early to tour the Opryland Hotel. It is a HUGE hotel with a river running through it and tons of shops.
When we returned, it was time for the closing ceremony. We sat together with almost everyone from Oregon. Various awards were given and we watched a video about the inspiration for the Bible Bee, Shelby Kennedy. Finally, we sang a worship song from our opening ceremony. It was a powerful time.
All together we sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty! Worthy are You our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power!"
Afterward we all went downstairs and had dessert together. I mostly had fruit, because nothing else was gluten- free. It was good to be able to hang out with and say goodbye to all my good friends from the Bible Bee. Even though I'll hopefully see them again soon, I got all emotional and almost cried. I've had a great time at Nationals, and I'm soooo glad I made it this year. Who knows what will happen next year. I can't thank you enough for your prayers and encouragement to me.
To leave you on a happy note, we saw this amazing watermelon at the dessert reception. I just had to take a picture of it. I don't know why it's so cool. Probably because it says "Bible Bee"!
Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora

Live Streaming of Final Rounds!!!


Here is the link to the live streaming of the final rounds. I forgot to post it in time for the Primary rounds. I'm very sorry. I watched it live because our friend from Oregon, Olivia was in it. She won for the second year in a row!!!

Check this out if you want to see how the Bible Bee final rounds work. You will be encouraged. All the kids competing are amazing!