This is a page with things that I have written directly about or concerning my beliefs. Included is anything from poetry, to personal narratives, to essays, etc. I will place things on this page as they are written and will place the newest towards the top. I would not recommend printing off this page unless you want to print off everthing that I have written. It is all on this page and could use lots of paper. All of these works are original, and are Copyright as of date written. I welcome any comments and these comments should be sent to leonad62@yahoo.com. Thank you and enjoy. If you wish to read any of my other writing go to I Love Writing.

Poems Untitled 9/11/02 Think, Write, and Pray Untitled 10/20/01 I Am Leaving Someone Else Untitled 9/19/01 Untitled 9/5/01 Untitled 5/23/01 Confined By Society

Personal Narratives LYC 2000

Essays Family Weekend at Shangri-La

Untitled
091102

A sadness seethes within me and I grieve;
The tears dripping down the inside of my eyes and through my soul.
My serene exterior a facade to the truth
That tears me apart because I am separate.
Pulled at from every side and yet unwavering
Unless proof presents itself.
And I continually mourn;
Seeing and feeling the pain of this world.
Yet I am hopeful, for the time of tribulation is upon us
And the promise of peace at hand.
I do not fear the hatred they will have for me.
I will not abandon my love for them although they sin.
For I know that they will see...
O that it would be today; that truth would SHOUT its story!
But God will surely punish all before Christ comes in glory.
So I still cry and mourn with reverential melancholy.
Knowing I possess neither the power nor the words to heal their pain,
I continue growing as I ready for the day
When all shall know Your power
And all shall live Your way!

Think, Write, and Pray
061602

I'm sitting on a park bench
And staring into space.
I'm talking to my Father
Knowing He listens in this place.
I wonder why life's so crazy.
Will things really ever change?
Or will I always be this person
Floating out here with nothing?
I've got so many friends
But still I feel alone.
I've got a place to live
But don't define it as a "home".
A home is with your family
And mine is split apart.
This world is such a mess
And I grieve deep within my heart.
At least I know the truth;
That there will finally be
A time when this whole world
Can live in peace and harmony.
For then I know I'll have
A smile that will not fade.
But until then I'll just sit here
And think and write and pray.

Untitled
102001

To know life,
To know love,
To have knowledge,
To have wisdom,
To know truth,
To know God...
These are the things we aspire to learn.
These are the things we will to gain.
Above all, our lives are in God's hands.
His will is to be ours.
We fight the power;
The prince of the air.
His ways are nothing,
Unpure and unfair.
To strive,
To overcome,
To do what's right,
To do God's way...
These are the things I aspire to do.
To be kings, to be princes,
To be heirs of the throne.
These are the things I aspire to become.

I Am
101701

I am a white sheep in a black herd.
I eagerly wait for my Shepherd's return.
I pray for guidance onto the narrow path.
I hope I suffer not His wrath.
I want to leave this evil world.
I am a white sheep in a black herd.

I have but only one desire.
I will not be destroyed in the lake of fire.
I follow ten laws with all my heart.
I pray from this way I never will part.
I read the book with the Holy Word.
I am a white sheep in a black herd.

I make mistakes; do things not quite right.
I hope that costs me not my life.
I prove what I believe to be true.
I try to be careful in all that I do.
I know to others my ideas seem absurd.
I am a white sheep in a black herd.

Leaving Someone Else
100701

When someone asks me "Who are you?"
I typically answer with my name.
But that is not who I am.
That is how I am identified.
Who I am is still a puzzlement to me,
For I have been someone else too long.
I act as others want me to
In hopes I'll be accepted.
But I'm beginning to find that's not the way;
My heart and mind don't like it.
So now I search down deep inside
For the me that I have hidden.
Who I am I can't deny
Whether or not I fit in.
I find each day I'm more myself
Yet further from those around me.
I can't say what's wrong or right
I follow where God leads me.
When I am myself I may be alone,
But at least I can be happy.
I'll know that I am standing up
For all that I believe in.
And in my heart
I know there's Christ;
A friend who'll never leave me.
Who I am, I'm finding out.
I'm glad I'm leaving someone else.

Untitled
091901

I am separated from this world.
I peer out at it through
A spiritual pair of polarized sunglasses.
I clearly see the world for what it is...
Satan's world.
He rules it.
Through the shades I now wear
I can see it.
It haunts me.
For I know that I cannot cure it.
I alone can do nothing.
I pray and hope that God
Will work through me
To show others,
Whom He is also working through,
The way of truth.
The way of life.
The way of He who created us
And He who died for us.
He gives me extra pairs of these spiritual shades
And guides me to those
Whom He wants to recieve them.
I wish I could give them to all.
Then they would know what I see.
But they can't.
They wear Satan's blinders of deception.
So I sit here watching.
Clearly seeing the world for what it is.
And I know in my heart
I am separated from this world.

Untitled
090501

A day like any other day.
Except I'm eating lunch at school.
I'm sitting by my own self.
Watching and listening while I chew.
I think to myself, "What's wrong with this world?"
I see so much hatred and strife.
If we'd just take the time to think about others,
Everyone would have happier lives.
Why do people let Satan rule over this world?
Can't they see what he's causing within?
When I look, what I see is all these people's lives
Who've been hurt by their commitment to sin.
It fills their minds like a drug
Like a needle within
One drop and they're hooked
They can't seem to win.
They want their desires.
They fulfill their lusts.
They are cruel and quite rudely unkind.
Why can't they see that continuing these ways
Will bring about the downfall of mankind?
I pray they will change.
I pray I can help.
I won't let myself be drawn in.
As I sit by myself, I watch and I listen,
And pray that it will soon be the end.

Untitled
052301

Slavery.
Bondage.
Captivity.
Words associated with a denial of freedom.
Constitution.
Bill of Rights.
Established freedom in our land.
Laws.
Legally take our freedom from us.
America?
The land of the free?
I think not.
In this country, we are more slaves than we are free.
We claim to be one nation under God.
So where is He?
He’s not in our schools.
Even prayer there is illegal.
It’s a public place,
Yet God himself is not welcome.
He’s not in our government.
They pass laws to support homosexuals.
This is perverse and twisted.
A sure sign of Satan’s work.
He’s not in the workplace.
Sexual harrassment occurs there.
A pure slandering of the beauty,
That God created on this earth.
He’s not in our music.
It spreads themes of evil,
And corrupts our morals.
Some directly praises Satan.
He’s not on TV.
There’s more violence than anything there.
Demons are of frequent occurance.
And there’s sexual innuendos to boot.
The only place
That God still resides in this country
Is in the hearts and minds of true Christians.
Those who live His way.
And those who teach His way.
But they are silenced by laws.
They have no freedom.
One nation under God...
No more.

Confined By Society
010501

They have taken our freedom.
Do they realize it?
For they have not taken it directly.
They control our lives,
Whether they intend to or not.
They have created a society;
A society that goes against what we believe.
However,
They did not do this on their own.
They had help.
Did they know they had help?
Do they know it now?
Do they see what is wrong in what they have created?
No.
They cannot.
At least not yet.
They call us a cult,
Because we do not believe as they do.
We pray for their understanding.
We hope for a depletion of their evil ways
And an incorporation of His ways
Into this culture.
All we want is a life that is right.
All we want is a life of peace and love.
All we want is freedom.

Family Weekend at Shangri-La
123000

"The Family Weekend was a great experience." -Shelby Watkins
"It was AWESOME! I look forward to more in the future!" -Sarah Olson
"It was a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and get together with others in the church." -David Moluf

These were among the thoughts of people who attended the Family Weekend held near Afton, Oklahoma. Many weeks of planning resulted in this event inside the beautiful walls of the Shangri-La Resort. The attendance of the families combined with the hard work of Mr. and Mrs. Weston, and many other helpful individuals, created a Family Weekend that will be remembered for a very long time. From the Bible Studies to the Mystery Activity Sunday afternoon, this weekend provided a warm-burning fire of further understanding and friendship.

The spark starting the flame was a Bible Study on Friday evening, by Mr. Byersdorfer about the story of the Sumaritan Nimrod, Gilgamesh. This was followed by a Hymn Sing and Fellowship Time giving us a chance to visit with old friends and meet new ones.

On Saturday, Mr. Davy Crockett gave a Bible Study showing us that life is worthwhile if you learn, you try, you stay and you care. After this, we talked with people before getting ready for Sabbath Services that afternoon. Mr. Oswell's sermonette addressed an appropriate topic for the weekend, the family structure, while Mr. Weston's sermon discussed how the return of Christ and the World Tomorrow is not an end to our lives, but rather the beginning of better lives. The event closing the day consisted of a delicious dinner and a dance providing fun for both young and old alike.

As the schedule of events began Sunday morning, we were enlightened by yet another Bible Study. This one was different, however, providing different messages for different age groups. Mr. Weston led the parents and adults showing them the need for alternatives to the activities of this world’s vile culture. Mr. Davy Crockett brought the teens and young adults an inspiring message focused on friendship. He emphasized four major points: The Basis of True Friendship, A True Friend Can Be Trusted, Pick Your Friends Carefully, and Learn To Handle Problems. Mrs. Weston read stories to the younger children that focused on valuable lessons relating to God's way of life.

Sunday afternoon overflowed with activities. First, open activities in the Recreation Center at Shangri-La, and then the Mystery Activity put together by several hard-working individuals, lead by Mr. and Mrs. Weston. Revealed to us all at the last possible minute, the Mystery Activity turned out to be a Road Rally (a type of Scavenger Hunt). Clues were scattered all over the resort, inside and out. The clues were all riddles that translated into numbers. These numbers were located on the maps. Our teams traveled to the location to search for the next clue. The clues were hidden in the most creative items such as nuts, eggs, and a straw attached to a floating toy. It was a very fun activity for those who participated, and it took a lot of planning on the part of those who put it together. "The mystery game was definitely well thought out and a lot of fun," said David Moluf.

Sunday concluded with a touch of humor. We were standing in the Rec. Center while Mr. Weston announced the winners of the Road Rally. Then, after we were done, the guy at the counter said, "Seeing as how this is a special night, with tomorrow being Christmas and the birth of our Savior, do you think you could all sing 'Silent Night' for us?" There was an awkward silence followed by an eruption of laughter we could no longer contain. A voice from the crowd said something to the effect of, "We'll show you how silent we can sing at night," while Mr. Weston politely told the man that, no, we couldn't do that.

Then, the last day arrived. Monday was a sad day; a day of good-byes. A storm was moving in and we had our final Bible Study by Mr. Byersdorfer about the importance of choosing a mate based on character rather than looks. We said our last good-byes to those we wouldn't see again for a long time, and then headed for home. The hard work of some brought enjoyment to many. The Bible Studies and the other messages were inspiring. As David Moluf said, "I thought that the messages were good. I especially liked Mr. Crockett's teen bible study on friendship." Getting to see old friends and meet new ones was a love of all. Many people want to do this again as shown by Shelby Watkins who said, "I sure hope there is another get together coming up!" David Moluf further backs this up saying, "I'd like to go to many more family weekends in the coming years." In my opinion, "The Family Weekend at Shangri-La was amazing!!!"

LYC 2000
103000

I remember summer camp like it was yesterday. I went to LYC, also known as Living Youth Camp, which is a two-week church camp. It was an experience that changed my life forever. Through this experience, I gained new friends and a new insight to life and God’s ways of living it.

From the first day, I knew that this camp was different than any other I had previously attended. When I asked my counselor her name, she responded, “Miss Gosse.” The response from the other counselor was in like manner, being, “Miss Blanchard.” I could not believe that we didn’t get to call the staff, let alone our own counselors, by their first names. I had never been to a camp before that required that (and I had been to a church camp before, just not this one). I realized later that, in a way, it taught us to have a certain respect for those who are older than ourselves or in a position of authority. My counselors also turned out to be some of the coolest people ever, and I could have fun with them while showing the respect that I had learned. Another thing that told me this camp was different was the fact that we did not have any “free time.” Instead, we had what was known as “Fellowship Time.” This was time to visit with friends and meet new people. It soon became one of my favorite times of the day because I had time to visit with people from the other dorms. Also, when our dorm went to any other place on campus, we traveled in two lines to and from our destination. The guys were expected to take care of our trays after eating, and we sat down in the order that we came in. This way, we ended up sitting by different people virtually every time that we ate.

For our activities, we had “classes” such as Archery, Canoeing, Volleyball, Christian Living, Teen Life, Dancing, Fitness for Life, Flag Football, and Campus Improvement. Through these classes, we learned new skills, individually, as teams, and spiritually. We attended all the classes more than one time over the course of the two weeks. In the case of the sports, the first class tended to be more of an instructional one (to learn the rules, etc.) while the rest were to play the game and have fun. In dance class, we learned the Crocodile Rock, Swing, and the Salsa. It was so fun! In our more study type classes, such as Christian Living and Teen Life, we learned more about God and how we should incorporate his ways into our lives. We also studied different things in the Bible. At night, we would have what was called Evening Reflection at which we would sing some hymns, and Mr. Weston, the camp director, would read us an inspirational story. After that we would sing “It Won’t Be Long Now,” a song that we traditionally ended the day with, and departed to our dorms to get ready for and go to bed.

Saturdays were, by far, the best days at camp. Saturday is the Sabbath, so we didn’t do the things that we would usually do. On Saturdays, we got to sleep in, for we didn’t have to be to the mess hall until 10:30. For brunch, we had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream along with turkey sausage and various other good foods. After brunch, we would have fellowship time and then return to our dorms. If we wanted to be in choir for church that day, we could instead go to learn the song and practice it for services. Before going to church, we would have snacks with one of the guys’ dorms, and then they would escort us to the chapel for church services. When we had church with a room full of teens, it was amazing! The sermons and sermonettes were more geared toward younger people, thus making it so much easier to understand, and furthered my knowledge for application to future sermons and personal study. After services, we had time for more fellowship and then went back to our dorms to rest and change into dressy-casual clothes for dinner. That night, after everyone was finished with dinner and had fellowshipped for awhile, we went back to the chapel to have a hymn sing. That was so awesome! When we left, of course, we always sang the song we traditionally would leave Evening Reflection with.

During the second week, each dorm went on a two-day canoe trip with their brother dorm. The first day of the trip, we canoed down Two-Hearted River to the mouth of Lake Superior. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen! I wish that I had taken my camera. We then found our camp and, shortly after, went swimming in the lake. After changing into dry clothes and eating a good, filling supper, we gathered down on the beach and played several rounds of Killer Wink. Then we went back to the campsite, talked, made s’mores, and went to bed. On the second day, we faced a seven-mile hike back. I was actually looking forward to the hike. It wouldn’t have even been so bad if we hadn’t gone too far on the trail and had to turn back, or if I wouldn’t have been so hot. The trip was a total success though, and it gave us a break from the normal campus while teaching us to trust others and to work with them to get through difficult situations. I came back to camp knowing more people and knowing more about them than I ever did before. It was definitely an inspiring experience.

Throughout the duration of LYC, we also had two dances. The first was “Topics and Dance,” to which our entire dorm was escorted by a guys’ dorm (not our brother dorm). We first had topics that we discussed (most were silly questions like, “What is your favorite cartoon character?,” etc.), and then we had a dance. The second dance was the “Final Banquet,” and it was held the last night of camp. All dorms were there. We first ate with our escorts (from our brother dorms) and then started the dance. The first and last dances we danced with our escorts, and the others we danced with various people. It was a really fun dance, but it was also sad because it was the last time that many of us got to see each other. Towards the end of the dance, we had the chance to say our good-byes, and then we finished up the last hour dancing. The part of the dance right after we said our good-byes was so sad. Lots of people were crying, and it wasn’t just the girls. Guys have feelings too, and some were as sad as they come, tears streaming down their cheeks. But, things soon brightened up a little as people began enjoying the dance again. Before I knew it, the last dance arrived. It was hard to believe that after that dance, it was all over. Many of us left that night on the bus headed for the airport. Those who didn’t would leave the next morning.

All in all, summer camp this past year was an inspirational and joyous venture that affected me both physically and spiritually, bringing new friends and a new closeness to God. I learned both values and respect through the lessons that we were taught and the actions that were put into practice during these two weeks. It is so great to have so many friends now that share my beliefs on life and religion, even if they don’t all live close. I write letters more often and have learned that friends are more than someone that you hang out with or joke around with. Friends are the people that you care so much about that you are willing to keep in touch with them no matter how far apart you live, how little you see each other, or how often you can get together. These are some of the best things that I could ever learn, and I’m proud to say that I learned them at LYC.