"Let Freedom Ring"

"Let freedom ring." 

July 4th. 

Independence Day. 

We celebrate July 4 in the United States because it's the day we received freedom. July 4, 1776. 

July 4 has always been my favorite holiday. I love the symbolism it holds and the happiness that comes with it. 

I spent the morning on a chair on the porch at my house. In the afternoon I went with my boyfriend to a cookout with his family. 

We then went to Kingston, TN. Every year the city celebrates the 4th by lighting fireworks at dark. It's a spectacular event and I love to watch them. The colors, sound, the way it lights up the dark night sky.. Also the echo as it booms in the distance is one of my favorite things. 

D: "The echo of fireworks is my favorite part."

A: "I love that too. It's so powerful." 

It was another amazing night with my love. We enjoyed sitting on a blanket, talking, and then watching the fireworks over the lake. 

My brother & I are always dressed for the occasion. 

Red white & blue. 'Murica style

American flag shirt: Rugged Wearhouse $7.99

Flag ear rings: Walmart $5.99

Red and blue watch: Rue21 $2.00

Aviators: Forever21 $3.99

"Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing

Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning

Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong

Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay

It's Independence Day."

Forever thankful to have been born in the U S of A. 

Taking a Look Back

It's hard for me to believe I've been out of high school for three years. I graduated from Wartburg High School in May 2011. And I DO NOT MISS IT. 

Although I do miss some of the activities like football, basketball, spirit week, etc. 

I don't miss high school. Whoever said those are the best days of your life had one terrible life. I'll be honest. High school sucked. It was like a cold, prison. You had to ask to go to the bathroom and teachers could say no. You weren't allowed to leave the premises without permission. 

Sure there were great parts of high school such as the cool autumn nights under the lights watching the bulldogs take the field against a rivalry. Or fighting all week, classes against classes for the ultimate prize of a paper stick covered in paint and glitter. Which is better known as spirit week. 

Spirit Week:

Friends:

Basketball:

Mom and Dad with me on the court for Senior Night.

Winning the District Championship from being a 5 seed.

The Senior girls. 

Prom:

OHS prom with my boyfriend. 

WCHS prom with my sisters. 

WCHS prom with my boyfriend. 

Graduation:

My best friend throughout all of high school. 

Senior Pictures:

As I look back, I do miss the days of high school and the friends I had, but I don't miss it in general. I wouldn't go back to those days. College is so much better. At 21, I have my whole life ahead of me. I've grown up since those days in high school, but I still have a long way to go. I'm excited for what's in store for me. I'll do a post about college life soon since I am graduating in December.

I'll leave you with this verse:
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the LORD and not unto men." Colossians 3:23

Tata for now!

-Alyssa
"I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

My Hero

As a Communication major, I do a lot of writing. This semester I have Feature Writing and every other week I write a nonfiction story. This past week I had to write about my hero.

I thought a lot about the story, but from the beginning, I knew who my hero was. 

My grandmother, or "Mamaw" as I call her.

Here's the story to share: 

Alyssa Adkisson

Hero Feature

March 25, 2014

​“Uhyelloo!” said my Mamaw in her country accent.

​“Happy birthday, lady!” I said when she answered the phone.

​“Well, hi honey. Thank you for calling me. How’s school and everything up there?” she asked.  

​My Mamaw is not the typical stereotype of grandmothers. She has short salt and pepper hair, dresses fashionably, and does athletic activities with her grandchildren. She is the best cook when it comes to any food, but she never believes it’s as good as the rest of us think. She’s 70-years-old, but she looks 55. I tell her all the time I hope I am as pretty as she is at her age. She loves to hear that.

​Growing up I always felt like I had two sets of parents. My mom’s parents live directly behind our house. They watched my brother and me every summer while my parents worked, cooked dinner for my family two or three times a week, and if I was out late, they’d check with my mom to make sure I was homesafely.

​I was the first grandchild, and I was spoiled. My Mamaw has always been one of my favorite people. She has taught me the truth about love and what it takes to make a relationship and family work. She has worked hard all her life raising threechildren, caring for five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She helps my Papaw with the garden, and keeps up with her flower beds.

​I have always admired my Mamaw’s work-ethic. My grandparents grow a garden every year and they used to have cows, chickens, and ginny birds. Through the summers my brother and I always helped with breaking beans, shucking corn, picking a variety of vegetables, and picking quarts of blueberries.

​My grandparents have been married for 52 years. For their 50 year wedding anniversary, their children and grandchildren planned a big party for them to celebrate. I asked each of them how they met. Surprisingly, neither one could remember.

​“You don’t remember how you met, but you’ve been married for 50 years. How is that?” I asked my Mamaw. I was curious how she could not remember something so big.

​“That doesn’t really matter now. What’s important is it’s been 50 years.”

​“How’d you all make it 50 years?”

​“You have to pick your battles. Know when to fight and when to let something go. And you never ever walk away when you’re mad. You have to work it all out for a marriage to work.”

​That may be the best advice I have ever received from her.

​It was January 2013. I was still at home from Christmas break, and over five inches of snow had fallen during the night. Sledding down the hill at my grandparents was one of the best things about winter.

​This is not a normal hill to sled down. It’s behind the barn in the old cow pasture. As you go down the hill there are rocks, stumps, trees, holly bushes and at the bottom of the hill is a creek. You have to be able to steer the sled because it is not a straight shot.

​“Come on, Mamaw. You know you want to sled down the hill,” I yelled to her. She had brought her camera to take pictures of my brother, mom and me as we sled.

​“Oh, I guess I could do it,” she said. I think she was a little more excited than nervous.

​She got on the sled behind me. It was a tight squeeze, but we both managed to get our feet up and we took off down the hill.

​“AHHHHH!” Mamaw yelled as we went around the first stump.

​The snow was falling again, and mixed with what was flying up from the sled, I could barely see to steer.

​We took the next turn between a stump with a holly bush beside it and a tree. My brother was laughing so hard he was on the ground and my mom was trying to hold the camera steady to video us.

​“Watch out for that stump!” Mamaw yelled as we came around the last curve. The creek was just ahead and we were not slowing down.

​“BAIL OFF!” I yelled.

​We both jumped off the sled and rolled a few feet. My mom and brother came running to make sure we were okay, but we were both laughing too hard to talk.

​“Let’s go again!” Mamaw said as she wiped away tears from laughing.

​And we went again. And again. I don’t know how many times we sledded that day.​

​“Well, I need to go, Mamaw. I have to get groceries.” I said after we had talked for 20 minutes. “Have a good rest of your birthday. I love you!”
“I love you too, dear,” Mamaw said and I could hear the tears in her voice.

​My Mamaw. My best friend. My hero.

My grandparents with me on the day of my high school graduation, May 2011.

My OPINION on Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson

IMPORTANT: I spent a lot of time on this post. A lot of time figuring out exactly what and how I wanted to state my personal opinions. I looked up many, many BIBLE verses for this post as well. I hope you enjoy it.

As many of you have seen from the news, Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has been suspended indefinitely because of his comments about homosexuality. A&E said they do not agree with his comments, they do not reflect the views of the A&E Network and they support the LGBT community.

Here's the link to the story on FOXNews:
Phil Robertson suspended after homosexuality comments

Yes, FOX News. If you know your media or politics, you know FOX is primarily conservative in their views. I do read other sources of news, but being conservative myself, I always turn to FOX for the scoop.

I enjoy journalism. I enjoy law. I enjoy knowing my rights as an American citizen. I was talking to a friend the other day about how people become citizens. They have to take tests about American law that I am sure most Americans do not know themselves. That should scare you.

I posted many things to twitter about my opinion about Robertson and his being suspended. A liberal man called me out about a post where I said "Oprah can openly be racist a few weeks ago and no one says anything but Phil states his opinion and is suspended from a show." He did not appreciate my comment, but I am not arguing with a liberal. Not because I think he is less of a person or a moron in his beliefs, but because they are his beliefs. I'm not arguing with someone about what I think is right and what they think is right. It's FREEDOM of SPEECH.
(and Oprah said the nation would be better off when the old white people died off because they were to set in their own ways and close minded)
It's freedom of speech for her too. She can say what she wants.

Freedom of speech is not the issue here like a lot of "Christians" are claiming. Robertson stated his beliefs and backed them with Bible verses. That's fair. A&E Network said they did not agree with his beliefs. That's fair.
I'm not knocking anyone because of what they said. A&E did what was best for them and I appreciate that.

I also appreciate Robertson taking a stand for his beliefs.

Most people become offended too easy. "Political correctness" has become a major issue over the last few years. Here's the thing:
Phil Robertson openly stated his beliefs but he never once cast condemnation or judgement. He loves homosexuals, just not homosexuality. There's a huge difference and people are becoming offended.


"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
verse 11: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God."

God hates sin, but loves the sinner.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 13:34

"For the reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error." Romans 1:26-27

Here's another point I want to make. Sin is sin. God hates it all.
Fornication
Vanity
Adultery
Covetousness
Homosexuality
Pride
Lust
Envy
Gluttony

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

"He that covers his sins will not prosper: but who confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9


Many Christians are upset about the decision and have even decided to boycott A&E. Well, if you boycott them because they don't agree with Robertson, shouldn't you boycott places such as JCPennys, Walmart, restaurants that serve liquor...?
I for one LOVE JCPennys and Mexican food. (Walmart is a nuisance - lol)

Christians are said to be "intolerant". No, it's not that, we just believe God's Word. Many "Christians" have taken this too far. Many "Christians" give true BIBLE believing Christians a bad name. (not knocking a denomination - I grew up in Independent Baptist, but have been attending a Presbyterian organization for over a year now. Both have their strong points, both have their flaws.)

Jesus was the most tolerant man to ever walk the earth. He loved EVERYONE. Even Judas who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. (Luke 22:)

Remember:
1. Matthew 7:1 "Judge not lest ye be judged."
2. James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
3. Romans 3:23 (again) "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

God doesn't like judgmental Christians. Especially when God's second greatest commandment is love your neighbor. (behind loving God with all your heart, of course) Matthew 22:36-40

So, please, whether you agree with me or not - just know sin is sin. We are not to judge.

I stand firm in my beliefs, and if you disagree with me, I am okay with that.



What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see,
When I look upon his face, the one who saved me by his grace,
When he takes me by the hand, and leads me through the promised land,
What a day, Glorious day, that will be!

I'm excited. I hope you have it in your heart as well.


-love<3

My One & Only

We met when we were two,
Look at the years we've been through.
It's been nineteen since we met,
And two since our first date.

You've seen me at my worst,
When all seemed lost,
You were always there
No matter what the cost.

I can't imagine time-
Without you by my side.
I've loved you once,
I love you still.
Always have,
Always will.






A couple weeks back, my love and I did a cute little couples photo shoot. This man is the man of my dreams. I cannot imagine my life without him.
We've had hard times. We've had a difficult relationship, but God brought us back together. He will forever be the man for me.

"Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast."

It's crazy to think about how our lives have been. We met at a wedding when we were two years old. I'd like to tell you my complete side of the story, but I'll save that for a more important day. For now I will tell you we started dating our senior year of high school. January 2011 to be exact. Our first date was a little after valentines day. We were together for over a year and then broke up in June 2012. It was the hardest time of my life. I went away to college the fall of 2012. I met so many new people and grew in a relationship with God that I had never had before. He went about his own way as well. After almost a year of not seeing or talking to each other, something brought us back together in May 2013. I'm still not sure how it happened. I was packing up, getting ready to move back home for the summer after a year of being away at college. Things just clicked between us. He asked me to go out on a date with him when I got back home from college. It was the first time we had talked face-to-face in almost a year. It was perfect. I knew I still truly cared about him. We discussed that while we knew it would be impossible to start over, we wanted to try. In a way, we have started over though. We are both completely different people after that year apart. It's been 6 months now since we got back together, and in a way, it's like we never broke up. I fell in love with him all over again. I know he is the one for me and I'm "patiently" waiting for the day he asks me to be his forever. <3 (Okay, so I'm not patient at all. I drop hints on a daily basis.) I just want the rest of my life with him.

"When you know who you want to spend the rest of your life with, 

you want the rest of your life to begin right away."

                                            

 I can't imagine my life with anyone else. I love him and thank God for bringing us back together.

<3

My One and Only

Halloween

What did you do this Halloween?! 

Did you dress up as a cat or minion or go out with friends, stay in and watch movies, homework? 

Maybe you go the lecture, "Halloween is of the devil and you should not celebrate in any way." 

I understand that lecture, while I never recieved it, I get how Halloween can be associated with Satanism and witchcraft. I'll admit, I watched some scary movies and Halloweentown (Disney channel movie) is always my go to Halloween movies series. They're about witches, goblins, and scorcery. They're such great movies though. I believe anything is good as long as it's not in excess or not distracting you from God. 

Last night for Halloween, I made my own costume of a Peacock. I went out to eat with my boyfriend, hung out with some friends at their apartment, and came home and watched scary movies. I'm not about that party life. I enjoyed making my costume and spending time with friends. 

I made my mask. 

$5 for a mask at Party City

$5 for the feathers at Hobby Lobby

I used a hot glue gun to glue the feathers in layers along the top of the mask. 

I made a tutu to wear as sort of the feather tail. 

Purple and silver material .97cents a yard at Walmart. I purchased 2 yards of each and cut them into strips. 

Blue sparkly material from Hobby Lobby for $3.99. It was 12 yards on a spool and cut in to strips. 

The material is tied around a piece of elastic from Hobby Lobby for $1.99.

I glued the elastic together after measuring for my waist. 

I wore a black strapless shirt and black leggings with black high heels to complete the costume. 

Side of the mask. 

It was a lot of fun to make my own costume. And honestly cheaper than if I would have bought it at WalMart or Party City. 

My friends. <3

It was so much fun.  

Here's some pictures of Halloween's past: 

From left: me, my mom, my now roommate, her brother, my little brother. 

My little brother and I were both Indians for Halloween in 2000. He was 4 and I was about to be 8. 

Me as a Tiger and my friend as a pumpkin in 1995. She was 2 and I was almost 3. 

And my wonderful Snowman outfit. This was an unusually warm Halloween for Tennessee and my costume was HOT. I believe it was 2003 so I would have been 11. 

I do love Halloween. I ate so much candy yesterday in my classes and had a lot of fun watchin scary movies. 

Hope everyone else did too! 

Happy November! 

 

Strength & Trust

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalms 73:26 ESV 

Even in the toughest of times, God is with you. One of the things I struggle with most is trusting God and having faith that everything will turn out okay. 

As a senior in college, I'm still unsure about what path to follow after graduation. Writing has been my passion all my life, but what can I do with it? What way do I go to serve God? 

I have been reading a book called "Just Do Something" by Kevin DeYoung. It is inspiring. It's all about God's Will and what to do. I hope to post more about the book and what I think about it. It'll be completely of my own opinion and I'll restate that again when I do begin posting about it. 

Daily, I call on my Father to forgive me of my unbelief and non-trusting flesh and ask for His help. 

Trusting God & believing in Him ❤️

"God is my strength and power; he maketh my way perfect."

2 Samuel 22:33