It's been a really long time since I've been on - tragically long - and mostly it's been because of a lack of time. However, I managed to have no homework (except to finish reading the Scarlet Letter, which literally put me to sleep earlier this afternoon), and we had no school on Friday. So, I've found time. :)
This week has been one of the craziest in my school year. From debates in Bible class, to art assignments in English, to a quiz in Trig, Spanish III, and Physics all on the same day! In short, the school year is really kicking up (rearing its ugly head would be a more accurate analogy).
At the beginning of this week, I was rather disappointed. I'd finally finished Driver's Education and my Wednesdays were free, but I was told that there was no worship practice this week. Surprisingly, this turned out to be an enormous blessing. All three of those quizzes (well, the Spanish one was a test, but for the sake of the majority, we'll call them quizzes) were set for Thursday. I thought I was fine, that I understood all the material perfectly. And I did - in Trig and Spanish. But as I began to attempt my Physics homework at around 6:00, I realized I understood none of it. It was nothing like what we'd been doing in class or what we'd done for homework the previous night! Worst of all, the teacher had told us that she would be taking the quiz directly from the homework worksheet. This is where my wonderful, brilliant, loving, extremely talented, beautiful mother came in. (and yes, I really mean that) My mom used to be an electrical engineer, one of those people who bewilder you because they actually comprehend and enjoy subjects such as Physics. Well, I came to her with those ten questions about to cry at about 6:30, and we stayed up until nearly 11:30 until I understood every question except one (which was luckily not one of the six on the quiz). I aced the Physics quiz because of my incredible mother, and I mean I actually aced it!
But let me take you back to Wednesday night. My mom finished explaining everything at about 10:00, watching the presidential debate as we stumbled through it. If I had tried to go back and do the questions on my own right then, I probably would have been in such a frazzled state of mind that I wouldn't have gotten a thing out of it. And I knew it. So, I looked around our living room for something to help me straighten out my tangled thoughts, and my eyes lit upon our piano. Sitting on our piano was a binder. An ordinary binder in size, but stuffed so full of papers that it managed to look colossal. This binder is filled with my personal favorites in worship music, transposed to my perfect keys and arranged in my favorite medleys. I asked my mom if she would mind if I played for a little bit, and she graciously turned off the tv and went to her room to watch the end of the debate, while I sat down on our piano bench.
The binder (which is arranged in alphebetical order) was open to the very first song I have in it: After the Music Fades by Shaun Groves. Previously, I had liked the lyrics of the song (shaun groves is a master at writing lyrics), but what I really loved about it was the tune. That changed Wednesday night. Here are the lyrics, and maybe you'll understand why it was especially powerful that night:
(Verse I)
Lord, take me from this place
Into a world that has no time
No hurries, no worries
Gladly I'd leave them all behind
Down here
I'm letting go and drawing near
(Chorus)
I wanna sing. I wanna fly.
I wanna see from Your side of the sky
I wanna love. I wanna stay.
Wanna be close to you
Long after the music fades
(Verse II)
Lord, I come to bring You
Much more than just a melody
Please take me and break me
Right now, God, I don't want to leave
Unchanged
I never want to be the same
(Bridge)
'Cause Lord, You are Mighty, Awesome, Righteous, Gracious, Knowing, In me, Overflowing.
Father, Teacher, Master, Leader, Jealous, Love, You are
The first verse was what really helped me. You see, I didn't pull myself through that night. My mother didn't, either, although she was definitely an enormous help. God did. And when the Bible says we were made to worship, it really means it. Worship is always what sets me back on my feet when I'm down. And worship doesn't mean just singing, although that's a big part of it. (some day I'll post a blog strictly about worship. i keep meaning to.) Because after the music fades away, did it matter? Ask yourself that the next time you stand up and sing (or stand there with your arms crossed) on Sunday morning: did I really mean it? True worship is when you live your life according to God's will, making Him first in everything and casting down all idols. And when you experience true worship, it is really life changing. You'll never be the same, and you'll never want to.
- Becca
p.s. On a different note, I will be taking my driver's test on Thursday. Please pray for me so that I can pass it and take the driving load off of my overwhelmed mother.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Mountains and Valleys
about today...
It's late, and I'm tired to the point that I really should go to bed, but I'm just not ready to sleep yet. My mind is all worked up and I know that if I were to fall asleep now, it wouldn't be restful nor peaceful. Let me explain why.
Today was (by mild definition) not a very good day. Bible class (which is first period) went without a hitch, but my school has a big brother/big sister program, of which I am a big sister. Now, the girl I am a mentor to is very sweet and is by no means the problem, but during the orientation, another new girl constantly kept getting under my skin until I wished she were somewhere on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Not very nice, I know, and she's constantly in my prayers, but she was so argumentative and whiney to the principal, of all people. Well, that was just the tip of the iceberg. If I wasn't searching for some way to start this blog, I wouldn't even have mentioned it.
Next, we had English. Normally, I don't mind English because no matter how boring it can be, it's easy. This morning, however, we had a substitute teacher, and although she was a very nice lady, after taking an in-depth look at all the comparisons in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards, I was reminded of the rude awakening I was in for when I started college English. But again, this really wasn't one of the worst parts of my day.
The period after English, I was in Choir instead of Drama. (I'm auditing Drama, so I was persuaded to do Choir on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be the necessary first soprano they were lacking. Honestly, am I the only one who can hit that G?) Well, I don't think anybody but myself really noticed it, but I just could not completely grasp the melody of our new song. I'm appreciative of Mrs. Pinto's breathing tips which make me louder, but I'm also having to relearn a lot of things about singing, and it's giving me little pains about hitting notes exactly. However, this was only before lunch, and I still managed to have enough of an appetite to shove down the school's rotini and meatballs, meaning I wasn't all that upset. Yet.
Computers (probably the easiest but most pointless class on my schedule) was fine. Almost fun and relaxing, in fact. In Trig, though, we were finishing up a test. (we actually had two quizzes and a test in my three hardest classes yesterday, but surprisingly, yesterday wasn't all that bad) I know I missed at least two of the questions, probably more due to my unbreakable habit of committing foreseeable and easily preventable errors in my problems. Besides that, I know I didn't fully understand the homework tonight.
Spanish III. The one class where I've managed to ace a quiz this year (excepting Bible, English, Choir, and Computers). We had a quiz over the subjunctive case, which I understood quite well and got 100% on. However, we have a journal entry due tomorrow, which I was unable to finish because I didn't bring my book home, thinking my folder would be enough, and then I neglected to bring my folder home. But at least I remembered my notebook...which turned out to be completely useless. *rolls eyes* We also have a vocab quiz tomorrow, but I think I'm ready for it. Then again, you never know.
Physics. We started a new section today, after a quiz that frustrated us all to pieces yesterday. The class itself would have been fine, if I hadn't choked on nothing but water (yes, we're allowed to have water during school) in the middle of it and coughed for two minutes straight! You know the phrase "it happens to everyone"? Yeah, well, it happens to me a lot. Plus, I didn't comprehend my Physics homework at all. I'll be alright once Mrs. Hillman does them all on the board tomorrow, but it's extremely frustrating for me right now.
After school, I had to meet with the youth pastor at the church (not CCF, the school's youth pastor) to help plan See You at the Pole, which is next Wednesday. That went altogether well, and I'm sure it'll all go fine, but if you could just pray about that for me, I'd appreciate it.
So the meeting went well, but it made me late to volleyball practice, where I just could not seem to do anything right. Come to think of it, volleyball practice seems like a very good culprit to pinpoint my sore back on. Oh, and we have a game tomorrow. Not to mention the hayride which, because I'm on Student Council, I'm somewhat helping to run once we get done with the volleyball game.
But none of this broke me. In fact, I probably would have been just fine if it hadn't been for the incident when I got home from school.
I was driving the camry, like I sometimes do on the way home from school. I had done just fine and was backing it into the garage, and I thought I was too close to the van on the right side, when really I was too close to the side of the garage on the left. as I was backing in, I broke the sideview mirror off.
Then I broke. I mean locked in my room, sobbing on my bed like I haven't for months, broke.
So after about 15 minutes of this and realizing I wasn't going to get over it by going catatonic, I did what I always do to relax and get my mind back into functioning order: I took a shower. And then, as things somehow always manage to when you're in the shower, everything arranged itself in the correct order in my head, and I came to this conclusion:
I am not a victim. I really don't have any right to feel sorry for myself, and if this is as bad as my bad days get, then I'm lucky! I am so blessed, and I forget that all the time. I ought to be grateful for the chance to go to WCS and be challenged, not vexed because I find the work difficult. I need to realize that it's a privelege for me to be on Student Council and have the authority and the organizational skills to put things together for the school. And no matter how stressful or how much it loads up my time, God will always find a way to pull me through it, along with giving me ideas on how to lead the events I have to plan and supervise. Volleyball has been many of the many joys I've discovered this year, even if I'm not as good as Misty May and that other girl, and I should be pleased with my progress for my first year. And as for the car, many people around the world have never had and will never get the opportunity to drive. How can I have the audacity to take that for granted? As for my back...well, sooner or later, God will provide me with a husband, and I'll appreciate the back-rubs he gives me all the more because of it. (at least, he'd better give me back-rubs)
So the purpose of listing the shortcomings of my day was not to vent, though that certainly wound up being a perk. It wasn't to complain and ask for sympathy, either. It was to remind you all that no matter how difficult life can seem, there's always a purpose behind it. The valleys might seem horrid and troublesome while we're in them, but the view at the top of the mountain is always worth the struggle.
- Becca
It's late, and I'm tired to the point that I really should go to bed, but I'm just not ready to sleep yet. My mind is all worked up and I know that if I were to fall asleep now, it wouldn't be restful nor peaceful. Let me explain why.
Today was (by mild definition) not a very good day. Bible class (which is first period) went without a hitch, but my school has a big brother/big sister program, of which I am a big sister. Now, the girl I am a mentor to is very sweet and is by no means the problem, but during the orientation, another new girl constantly kept getting under my skin until I wished she were somewhere on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Not very nice, I know, and she's constantly in my prayers, but she was so argumentative and whiney to the principal, of all people. Well, that was just the tip of the iceberg. If I wasn't searching for some way to start this blog, I wouldn't even have mentioned it.
Next, we had English. Normally, I don't mind English because no matter how boring it can be, it's easy. This morning, however, we had a substitute teacher, and although she was a very nice lady, after taking an in-depth look at all the comparisons in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards, I was reminded of the rude awakening I was in for when I started college English. But again, this really wasn't one of the worst parts of my day.
The period after English, I was in Choir instead of Drama. (I'm auditing Drama, so I was persuaded to do Choir on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be the necessary first soprano they were lacking. Honestly, am I the only one who can hit that G?) Well, I don't think anybody but myself really noticed it, but I just could not completely grasp the melody of our new song. I'm appreciative of Mrs. Pinto's breathing tips which make me louder, but I'm also having to relearn a lot of things about singing, and it's giving me little pains about hitting notes exactly. However, this was only before lunch, and I still managed to have enough of an appetite to shove down the school's rotini and meatballs, meaning I wasn't all that upset. Yet.
Computers (probably the easiest but most pointless class on my schedule) was fine. Almost fun and relaxing, in fact. In Trig, though, we were finishing up a test. (we actually had two quizzes and a test in my three hardest classes yesterday, but surprisingly, yesterday wasn't all that bad) I know I missed at least two of the questions, probably more due to my unbreakable habit of committing foreseeable and easily preventable errors in my problems. Besides that, I know I didn't fully understand the homework tonight.
Spanish III. The one class where I've managed to ace a quiz this year (excepting Bible, English, Choir, and Computers). We had a quiz over the subjunctive case, which I understood quite well and got 100% on. However, we have a journal entry due tomorrow, which I was unable to finish because I didn't bring my book home, thinking my folder would be enough, and then I neglected to bring my folder home. But at least I remembered my notebook...which turned out to be completely useless. *rolls eyes* We also have a vocab quiz tomorrow, but I think I'm ready for it. Then again, you never know.
Physics. We started a new section today, after a quiz that frustrated us all to pieces yesterday. The class itself would have been fine, if I hadn't choked on nothing but water (yes, we're allowed to have water during school) in the middle of it and coughed for two minutes straight! You know the phrase "it happens to everyone"? Yeah, well, it happens to me a lot. Plus, I didn't comprehend my Physics homework at all. I'll be alright once Mrs. Hillman does them all on the board tomorrow, but it's extremely frustrating for me right now.
After school, I had to meet with the youth pastor at the church (not CCF, the school's youth pastor) to help plan See You at the Pole, which is next Wednesday. That went altogether well, and I'm sure it'll all go fine, but if you could just pray about that for me, I'd appreciate it.
So the meeting went well, but it made me late to volleyball practice, where I just could not seem to do anything right. Come to think of it, volleyball practice seems like a very good culprit to pinpoint my sore back on. Oh, and we have a game tomorrow. Not to mention the hayride which, because I'm on Student Council, I'm somewhat helping to run once we get done with the volleyball game.
But none of this broke me. In fact, I probably would have been just fine if it hadn't been for the incident when I got home from school.
I was driving the camry, like I sometimes do on the way home from school. I had done just fine and was backing it into the garage, and I thought I was too close to the van on the right side, when really I was too close to the side of the garage on the left. as I was backing in, I broke the sideview mirror off.
Then I broke. I mean locked in my room, sobbing on my bed like I haven't for months, broke.
So after about 15 minutes of this and realizing I wasn't going to get over it by going catatonic, I did what I always do to relax and get my mind back into functioning order: I took a shower. And then, as things somehow always manage to when you're in the shower, everything arranged itself in the correct order in my head, and I came to this conclusion:
I am not a victim. I really don't have any right to feel sorry for myself, and if this is as bad as my bad days get, then I'm lucky! I am so blessed, and I forget that all the time. I ought to be grateful for the chance to go to WCS and be challenged, not vexed because I find the work difficult. I need to realize that it's a privelege for me to be on Student Council and have the authority and the organizational skills to put things together for the school. And no matter how stressful or how much it loads up my time, God will always find a way to pull me through it, along with giving me ideas on how to lead the events I have to plan and supervise. Volleyball has been many of the many joys I've discovered this year, even if I'm not as good as Misty May and that other girl, and I should be pleased with my progress for my first year. And as for the car, many people around the world have never had and will never get the opportunity to drive. How can I have the audacity to take that for granted? As for my back...well, sooner or later, God will provide me with a husband, and I'll appreciate the back-rubs he gives me all the more because of it. (at least, he'd better give me back-rubs)
So the purpose of listing the shortcomings of my day was not to vent, though that certainly wound up being a perk. It wasn't to complain and ask for sympathy, either. It was to remind you all that no matter how difficult life can seem, there's always a purpose behind it. The valleys might seem horrid and troublesome while we're in them, but the view at the top of the mountain is always worth the struggle.
- Becca
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
If volleyball doesn't kill me, Trig will!
So, after last night's load of homework, I got to thinking. I thought about my schedule, the teachers I have this year, what I can expect from each class, and how I plan to manage it.
And then I got depressed. I realized that with Mr. Parry teaching both Bible 11 and English 11, I can expect a lot of time-consuming but altogether dull assignments that are going to eat up my study halls. Then, I realized that having two classes with Mrs. Hillman is going to mean two hours of homework, just from her. Trig is freely admitted to be the hardest math class taught at WCS, and I am not a math person, not to mention Physics, which I've had to miss two days in a row because of volleyball physicals. (I had to get two shots and have blood drawn because they think I might be anemic.) And then, I realized I'm going to have to study harder than ever to keep my grade in Spanish III up.
And then...I got more depressed. Because I thought about next year.
I will have Bible 12 with Mrs. Hillman, which will mean lots of in-depth boring homework assignments that take hours in and of themselves. I will have Calculus with Mrs. Hillman, which will mean having to do extra credit to keep my grade point average up in math. I will have Chemistry with Mrs. Hillman, which will mean a ton of memorization of things I hope I will never have to use in the practical world. I will have Biology II with Mr. Gregory, which although that means I will have an incredible teacher, it also means memorizing all the bones in the human body as well as in-depth dissection. I will have Civics with Mr. Gregory, which will mean memorizing all of the presidents, their parties, the states they're from, and how long they were president for. And I will have Creative Writing with Miss Perkins, which will undoubtedly be my favorite class, but which will add many more assignments to my work load.
And THEN I got even more depressed. Because I thought of all the other things I'm involved in: volunteering every Saturday, Fair Maidens every 2nd and 4th Saturday, worship team, youth group, volleyball, student council...I'm probably leaving something out, too. Plus, my mom wants me to get a job.
AND THEN...I realized I was being stupid and selfish. God has promised in His word not to give us more than we can handle. If it's in His will for me to take all these classes, be a leader in my community, church, and school, and to be the member of the volleyball team who means we can actually play, He'll help me through it. And why should I worry about next year on the second day of school this year? I need to have my eyes on the path ahead of me, not on the bridge where God will hold my hand as I pass over the rapids. It's not going to be easy, but I've been reassured: with His help (and only with His help), I'll get through. And I'll love where He takes me because of it.
And then I got depressed. I realized that with Mr. Parry teaching both Bible 11 and English 11, I can expect a lot of time-consuming but altogether dull assignments that are going to eat up my study halls. Then, I realized that having two classes with Mrs. Hillman is going to mean two hours of homework, just from her. Trig is freely admitted to be the hardest math class taught at WCS, and I am not a math person, not to mention Physics, which I've had to miss two days in a row because of volleyball physicals. (I had to get two shots and have blood drawn because they think I might be anemic.) And then, I realized I'm going to have to study harder than ever to keep my grade in Spanish III up.
And then...I got more depressed. Because I thought about next year.
I will have Bible 12 with Mrs. Hillman, which will mean lots of in-depth boring homework assignments that take hours in and of themselves. I will have Calculus with Mrs. Hillman, which will mean having to do extra credit to keep my grade point average up in math. I will have Chemistry with Mrs. Hillman, which will mean a ton of memorization of things I hope I will never have to use in the practical world. I will have Biology II with Mr. Gregory, which although that means I will have an incredible teacher, it also means memorizing all the bones in the human body as well as in-depth dissection. I will have Civics with Mr. Gregory, which will mean memorizing all of the presidents, their parties, the states they're from, and how long they were president for. And I will have Creative Writing with Miss Perkins, which will undoubtedly be my favorite class, but which will add many more assignments to my work load.
And THEN I got even more depressed. Because I thought of all the other things I'm involved in: volunteering every Saturday, Fair Maidens every 2nd and 4th Saturday, worship team, youth group, volleyball, student council...I'm probably leaving something out, too. Plus, my mom wants me to get a job.
AND THEN...I realized I was being stupid and selfish. God has promised in His word not to give us more than we can handle. If it's in His will for me to take all these classes, be a leader in my community, church, and school, and to be the member of the volleyball team who means we can actually play, He'll help me through it. And why should I worry about next year on the second day of school this year? I need to have my eyes on the path ahead of me, not on the bridge where God will hold my hand as I pass over the rapids. It's not going to be easy, but I've been reassured: with His help (and only with His help), I'll get through. And I'll love where He takes me because of it.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Some Pictures.
This was a typical scene during vacation. I loved getting behind the camera and getting those fun shots, but now I can't find the pen drive where I put the pictures! And I usually don't lose things, so it's driving me crazy!
This is from my birthday. You can see how friendly he is. :-)
I just found some pictures I thought I'd share before I forget! This is little Enoch, before he became an outside cat. He's a lot bigger now, but this is such a cute picture of him.Sister-Time, First Days, Good Times, and Stressed Minds
A good deal of things have happened since I last posted. (Isn't that always how it is?) But I'm going to try to keep this short. No promises, though: I write novels. : )
This weekend held the tell-tale signs that the school year was about to start: Jamie was going back to college. My mom had to drive her there, since all her things would only fit in the van, and only my parents can legally drive it. I had been roped (okay, not roped. I just can't say no.) into dogsitting again this weekend, so it looked like Rosey was going to be left alone by herself for the whole day. My mom just wasn't comfortable leaving her all alone in our big, empty house, so she came with me and helped me dogsit. Oh, and what a blessing that was! They had someone who actually likes dogs (as of right now, she wants to be a dog trainer) to jump on! She also had to come to work (volunteering) with me Saturday morning. Mrs. Haynes lives very close so we decided to walk. But as we were on our way, maybe half a mile left to go, this guy leans his head out a car window and shouts: "I love you! I love you...so much!" Oh, we got a kick out of that! That's not something I'm going to forget for awhile! Rosey was actually very helpful at the shop, and we walked back to the house at around 2:30. We then went to see the Dark Knight (which was incredible, but I wouldn't recommend it for very young kids), and ordered a pizza. It was altogether a nice sister-bonding time weekend.
Sunday was...well, Sunday. : ) Rosey and I walked to the church (which is also very close to the Haynes's house), and enjoyed a very deep message about anger from Pastor Wayne. The worship team led us in some very powerful songs, but it was strange for me, not being on it: I'm back on this week, though. *sigh of relief* I have two days out of the week that keep me going: Sundays and Wednesdays, and both of them because of CCF.
I also had a very pleasant surprise on Sunday: Kelsey called me! I hardly ever talk on the phone (I mean I will, but you have to call me first if you want a good conversation.), so I was startled but extremely pleased. The more I talk to Kelsey, the more I absolutely adore her. She's such a God-honoring, purehearted girl, and she always challenges me to be a better person and a better Christian.
Meli, Lauren, and I met before Youth Group to discuss options for fundraisers and events, and we have some pretty good ideas. Generation is going to be such a blessing in the lives of the teenagers that attend it, let me tell you! Thanks for good fellowship, good ideas, and good ice cream at King Kone, girls!
At Generation, it was one of those unwinding nights. We didn't have a lesson: we made some progress on the comercial and played a few games. Youth Group is as hyper as I get (unless I'm given Mountain Dew, but we won't go there), so it's always nice to let loose just a little bit. I know I still some uptight most of the time, but it does make me feel a whole lot younger to be with you guys...even if I do almost have an aneurism playing spoons. Ugh, one of these days I will extract my revenge on Spencer!
And today, Monday was the beginning of my double life. School. Sometimes, it really does feel that way. I have one set of people and schedules at school, and then an entirely different set at home and church, and I love them both. But I'll tell you what, I took one look at my Trig, Spanish III, and Physics books and moaned: it's going to mean a whole lot of in depth homework that I don't always understand. It's the first day and I really had trouble in Trig! Okay, granted, I haven't used distance or midpoint formula since last year, so I can have a little leeway on getting back into the swing of things for that, but it was very VERY frustrating. And time consuming. But after Mrs. Hillman explains the obvious and preventable error (which I always seem to make and can't figure out what I've done wrong), it'll all click into place in my brain.
Well, I'd better get to bed so I can give my poor confused mind a rest.
This weekend held the tell-tale signs that the school year was about to start: Jamie was going back to college. My mom had to drive her there, since all her things would only fit in the van, and only my parents can legally drive it. I had been roped (okay, not roped. I just can't say no.) into dogsitting again this weekend, so it looked like Rosey was going to be left alone by herself for the whole day. My mom just wasn't comfortable leaving her all alone in our big, empty house, so she came with me and helped me dogsit. Oh, and what a blessing that was! They had someone who actually likes dogs (as of right now, she wants to be a dog trainer) to jump on! She also had to come to work (volunteering) with me Saturday morning. Mrs. Haynes lives very close so we decided to walk. But as we were on our way, maybe half a mile left to go, this guy leans his head out a car window and shouts: "I love you! I love you...so much!" Oh, we got a kick out of that! That's not something I'm going to forget for awhile! Rosey was actually very helpful at the shop, and we walked back to the house at around 2:30. We then went to see the Dark Knight (which was incredible, but I wouldn't recommend it for very young kids), and ordered a pizza. It was altogether a nice sister-bonding time weekend.
Sunday was...well, Sunday. : ) Rosey and I walked to the church (which is also very close to the Haynes's house), and enjoyed a very deep message about anger from Pastor Wayne. The worship team led us in some very powerful songs, but it was strange for me, not being on it: I'm back on this week, though. *sigh of relief* I have two days out of the week that keep me going: Sundays and Wednesdays, and both of them because of CCF.
I also had a very pleasant surprise on Sunday: Kelsey called me! I hardly ever talk on the phone (I mean I will, but you have to call me first if you want a good conversation.), so I was startled but extremely pleased. The more I talk to Kelsey, the more I absolutely adore her. She's such a God-honoring, purehearted girl, and she always challenges me to be a better person and a better Christian.
Meli, Lauren, and I met before Youth Group to discuss options for fundraisers and events, and we have some pretty good ideas. Generation is going to be such a blessing in the lives of the teenagers that attend it, let me tell you! Thanks for good fellowship, good ideas, and good ice cream at King Kone, girls!
At Generation, it was one of those unwinding nights. We didn't have a lesson: we made some progress on the comercial and played a few games. Youth Group is as hyper as I get (unless I'm given Mountain Dew, but we won't go there), so it's always nice to let loose just a little bit. I know I still some uptight most of the time, but it does make me feel a whole lot younger to be with you guys...even if I do almost have an aneurism playing spoons. Ugh, one of these days I will extract my revenge on Spencer!
And today, Monday was the beginning of my double life. School. Sometimes, it really does feel that way. I have one set of people and schedules at school, and then an entirely different set at home and church, and I love them both. But I'll tell you what, I took one look at my Trig, Spanish III, and Physics books and moaned: it's going to mean a whole lot of in depth homework that I don't always understand. It's the first day and I really had trouble in Trig! Okay, granted, I haven't used distance or midpoint formula since last year, so I can have a little leeway on getting back into the swing of things for that, but it was very VERY frustrating. And time consuming. But after Mrs. Hillman explains the obvious and preventable error (which I always seem to make and can't figure out what I've done wrong), it'll all click into place in my brain.
Well, I'd better get to bed so I can give my poor confused mind a rest.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Generation 8/17/08
Well, tonight was really bittersweet. Being Sunday, Youth Group was tonight, and there were many fun things about it, but also one huge disappointment.
The disappointment is because Generation will no longer be doing the Truth Project. I was really challenged by Dr. Tackett and I enjoyed the fresh, Christ-centered worldview he offered. It was helping me to grow as a daughter of God, and I'm saddened that I won't be able to go any further with it. My schedule during the school year is too hectic for me to continue with it, no matter what night they choose.
There were many good things about tonight, though. First and foremost, Kelsey was there! She is such a sweet, God-honoring girl, and it lifts my heart every time I see her. And don't worry Kelsey/Chelsea: we'll get Mr. Rogers straightened out about your name. : )
Aaron also brought a friend named Theresa. She was a very nice, gentle-spirited girl who seemed to enjoy Generation and who genuinely seemed to care about God. I hope we'll be able to see her again.
Starting tonight, Mrs. Rogers decided that Generation will be focusing more on prayer. So, at the very beginning (after we were all done with Taco Bell), we paired up and went outside to take prayer requests from each other and pray. (And for you concerned parents, it was guys with guys; girls with girls.) It was a wonderful idea because not only were we strengthened and blessed by praying for each other, but we also learned about one another. I, for instance, discovered things I had in common with Theresa that I would never have known if we hadn't taken each other's prayer requests. Understanding each other certainly helps us to know what to pray for.
Generation is also starting a new project. We will be interviewing different people from the church, seeking wisdom and advice. The Bible says that those older and more experienced are to instruct the younger generation, and we're really taking that to heart. And don't worry, those of you who will be interviewed (yes, some of you reading this blog will most likely be interviewed): it's going to be video-recorded. Pressure's off. : ) I think it will be a great way for Generation to prepare ourselves for our futures, so that we can avoid the mistakes others may have made when they were our age. It will also strengthen our faith to learn how God has worked in other people's lives: it will be an awesome testimony to His faithfulness and love.
Generation also has a new blog: www.generationccf.blogspot.com (Thank you, Hanna, for setting that up. You've done an awesome job, and we all missed you tonight.) If you get a chance, check it out. Leave some comments! : )
Alright, well, I'd better get to bed. It's past 11, and it's been clinically proven that the sleep you get before midnight is the most important. Good night, and God bless!
The disappointment is because Generation will no longer be doing the Truth Project. I was really challenged by Dr. Tackett and I enjoyed the fresh, Christ-centered worldview he offered. It was helping me to grow as a daughter of God, and I'm saddened that I won't be able to go any further with it. My schedule during the school year is too hectic for me to continue with it, no matter what night they choose.
There were many good things about tonight, though. First and foremost, Kelsey was there! She is such a sweet, God-honoring girl, and it lifts my heart every time I see her. And don't worry Kelsey/Chelsea: we'll get Mr. Rogers straightened out about your name. : )
Aaron also brought a friend named Theresa. She was a very nice, gentle-spirited girl who seemed to enjoy Generation and who genuinely seemed to care about God. I hope we'll be able to see her again.
Starting tonight, Mrs. Rogers decided that Generation will be focusing more on prayer. So, at the very beginning (after we were all done with Taco Bell), we paired up and went outside to take prayer requests from each other and pray. (And for you concerned parents, it was guys with guys; girls with girls.) It was a wonderful idea because not only were we strengthened and blessed by praying for each other, but we also learned about one another. I, for instance, discovered things I had in common with Theresa that I would never have known if we hadn't taken each other's prayer requests. Understanding each other certainly helps us to know what to pray for.
Generation is also starting a new project. We will be interviewing different people from the church, seeking wisdom and advice. The Bible says that those older and more experienced are to instruct the younger generation, and we're really taking that to heart. And don't worry, those of you who will be interviewed (yes, some of you reading this blog will most likely be interviewed): it's going to be video-recorded. Pressure's off. : ) I think it will be a great way for Generation to prepare ourselves for our futures, so that we can avoid the mistakes others may have made when they were our age. It will also strengthen our faith to learn how God has worked in other people's lives: it will be an awesome testimony to His faithfulness and love.
Generation also has a new blog: www.generationccf.blogspot.com (Thank you, Hanna, for setting that up. You've done an awesome job, and we all missed you tonight.) If you get a chance, check it out. Leave some comments! : )
Alright, well, I'd better get to bed. It's past 11, and it's been clinically proven that the sleep you get before midnight is the most important. Good night, and God bless!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Vacation is Over
Well, we got back from vacation yesterday evening at about 9:30. After being on the road for a week and a half, it was nice to be back home. It also feels good to have time to get on the computer! We'd been keeping pretty busy on our road trip. I'm going to try to organize this by the places we stopped and their highlights, but it's probably going to be kind-of long.
1. Cincinnati, Ohio
The day we arrived, we went to the Cincinnati Zoo, which was a nice change for me from the Cleveland Zoo. The Cleveland Zoo is bigger, but there are pros and cons to both zoos (like sharks for the Cleveland and Manatees & Penguins for the Cincinnati).
The second day we went to the Creation museum, which is always incredible. They'd added a few very intricate exhibits to the area dedicated to Noah and the Flood since my first visit, which was a nice surprise. There was a speaker there whose presentation was called "Why Can't a Day Mean a Day?" Rosey didn't care for it (actually, I think she daydreamed through most of it) and my dad didn't even bother to go in with us, but it cleared up some things for me about Theistic Evolution vs. Six-Day Creationism. I took notes, of course, and I plan to go through them soon.
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
We technically stayed in Sevierville, but Gatlinburg was the intended destination. The entire area was the worst tourist trap I'd ever seen! All the factory outlet malls, restaurants (mostly pancake houses for some reason), hotels, Dolly Parton attractions, miniature golf courses, and trolleys quickly became overwhelming.
Our first night here, we took a suggestion from Rosey: blacklight mini golf. Rosey and I had done it before with our volleyball team (this was when I was still statiscian), but it a whole new experience for Mom and Dad and we all enjoyed it.
The second day we went to the place that was the whole reason we were there: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It had caught my attention when I was browsing through the internet because of their 13-foot sharks. I'm absolutely fascinated by sharks (if I didn't love books more, I would love to become a shark research biologist), so I wanted to go immediately. I was disappointed, though: the large sharks turned out to be only sand tigers (the shark which is most commonly kept in aquariums because of its placid nature), but the trip was still rewarding. I've got lots of pictures, so I'll try to post some.
Our third and final day there, we went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We took a hike to see Laurel Falls (gorgeous: lots of pictures) and on the way back, we saw a black bear with three cubs! My dad was convinced Rosey and I were going to be eaten (even though the bear was 30 feet away and we had two park rangers with loaded guns with us), so we left before I got to get a very good picture.
3. Boone, North Carolina
We decided not to do anything too big our first day here, so just had some great seafood and Rosey went swimming. (She went swimming wherever there was a pool, and the only place there wasn't one was Cincinnati.) We stayed one night in a Holiday Inn and two in a Fairfield Inn here. (This'll come into play later.)
We spent the next day checking out the area, touring some of the attractions (including Grandfather Mountain and the Blowing Rock) and got lots of souvenirs and pictures. The driving was the only bad part: my dad went so fast through the windy roads that I lost any sense of equilibrium. At the Blowing Rock (named so because of the winds that blow vertically, causing snow and light objects to defy gravity), there was a very good Bluegrass band which enjoyed listening to. There other surprises here, such as a butterfly who held still for photo after photo and a blue-tailed salamander, that made it one of the most fun trips of the vacation.
That night, back at the new hotel, Rosey again decided to go swimming. Unlike the other hotels, this pool was indoor, and there was so much chlorine in it you could smell it from the lobby. My mom had to buy eyewash for Rosey because her eyes burned and watered so bad. Needless to say, she didn't swim there again.
The next day, we drove to Asheville intending to visit Biltmore Manor (the largest house in America...more like a castle, really), but found that it was too expensive and spent some time in the gift shop, instead. My dad bought Rosey and me each a beautiful music box for $75 each. I felt like it was a little too much, but they were so pretty I didn't protest being spoiled for very long.
4. Huntington, West Virginia
We stayed at my Uncle Kenny's house for two nights to visit my dad's family. It was great to see me second cousin Amanda, who's about my age, and her friend Lauren, who might as well be family. We didn't get to hang out like we did the last time I went down to West Virginia, but we did get to sit down and catch up. We also got to see my Uncle Buck, who has unfortunately been having some health issues, and who had a very large part in raising my dad.
On the way back home, we stopped to visit my Uncle Pete, who lives in Ravenswood, WV. My dad has a lot of siblings, but Uncle Pete is the only younger one still alive. You can tell they're my dad's brothers because they all have the same blue-gray eyes, as well as the same nose.
It was great to finally get back home after all that, but of course, there were surprises waiting. The first was that the kitchen faucet had been broken while we were away. By broken, I mean snapped completely off. My dad's fixing it right now, but it was certainly unexpected. The second was that Enoch had been relieving himself on my mom's towels. He's now permanently an outdoor cat because of that, but he seems to be doing alright. We've been giving him lots of love and attention, so he's getting along fine. And he grew so much! The third wasn't much compared to the other two: just a dead housefly on my bedroom floor that I looked at and thought "How did that happen?"
So that was it for my vacation. I have lots of things to catch up on around the house (it's actually taken me an hour and a half to write this because I have to keep getting up to do things) so I'll see most of you Sunday. God bless!
- Becca
1. Cincinnati, Ohio
The day we arrived, we went to the Cincinnati Zoo, which was a nice change for me from the Cleveland Zoo. The Cleveland Zoo is bigger, but there are pros and cons to both zoos (like sharks for the Cleveland and Manatees & Penguins for the Cincinnati).
The second day we went to the Creation museum, which is always incredible. They'd added a few very intricate exhibits to the area dedicated to Noah and the Flood since my first visit, which was a nice surprise. There was a speaker there whose presentation was called "Why Can't a Day Mean a Day?" Rosey didn't care for it (actually, I think she daydreamed through most of it) and my dad didn't even bother to go in with us, but it cleared up some things for me about Theistic Evolution vs. Six-Day Creationism. I took notes, of course, and I plan to go through them soon.
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
We technically stayed in Sevierville, but Gatlinburg was the intended destination. The entire area was the worst tourist trap I'd ever seen! All the factory outlet malls, restaurants (mostly pancake houses for some reason), hotels, Dolly Parton attractions, miniature golf courses, and trolleys quickly became overwhelming.
Our first night here, we took a suggestion from Rosey: blacklight mini golf. Rosey and I had done it before with our volleyball team (this was when I was still statiscian), but it a whole new experience for Mom and Dad and we all enjoyed it.
The second day we went to the place that was the whole reason we were there: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It had caught my attention when I was browsing through the internet because of their 13-foot sharks. I'm absolutely fascinated by sharks (if I didn't love books more, I would love to become a shark research biologist), so I wanted to go immediately. I was disappointed, though: the large sharks turned out to be only sand tigers (the shark which is most commonly kept in aquariums because of its placid nature), but the trip was still rewarding. I've got lots of pictures, so I'll try to post some.
Our third and final day there, we went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We took a hike to see Laurel Falls (gorgeous: lots of pictures) and on the way back, we saw a black bear with three cubs! My dad was convinced Rosey and I were going to be eaten (even though the bear was 30 feet away and we had two park rangers with loaded guns with us), so we left before I got to get a very good picture.
3. Boone, North Carolina
We decided not to do anything too big our first day here, so just had some great seafood and Rosey went swimming. (She went swimming wherever there was a pool, and the only place there wasn't one was Cincinnati.) We stayed one night in a Holiday Inn and two in a Fairfield Inn here. (This'll come into play later.)
We spent the next day checking out the area, touring some of the attractions (including Grandfather Mountain and the Blowing Rock) and got lots of souvenirs and pictures. The driving was the only bad part: my dad went so fast through the windy roads that I lost any sense of equilibrium. At the Blowing Rock (named so because of the winds that blow vertically, causing snow and light objects to defy gravity), there was a very good Bluegrass band which enjoyed listening to. There other surprises here, such as a butterfly who held still for photo after photo and a blue-tailed salamander, that made it one of the most fun trips of the vacation.
That night, back at the new hotel, Rosey again decided to go swimming. Unlike the other hotels, this pool was indoor, and there was so much chlorine in it you could smell it from the lobby. My mom had to buy eyewash for Rosey because her eyes burned and watered so bad. Needless to say, she didn't swim there again.
The next day, we drove to Asheville intending to visit Biltmore Manor (the largest house in America...more like a castle, really), but found that it was too expensive and spent some time in the gift shop, instead. My dad bought Rosey and me each a beautiful music box for $75 each. I felt like it was a little too much, but they were so pretty I didn't protest being spoiled for very long.
4. Huntington, West Virginia
We stayed at my Uncle Kenny's house for two nights to visit my dad's family. It was great to see me second cousin Amanda, who's about my age, and her friend Lauren, who might as well be family. We didn't get to hang out like we did the last time I went down to West Virginia, but we did get to sit down and catch up. We also got to see my Uncle Buck, who has unfortunately been having some health issues, and who had a very large part in raising my dad.
On the way back home, we stopped to visit my Uncle Pete, who lives in Ravenswood, WV. My dad has a lot of siblings, but Uncle Pete is the only younger one still alive. You can tell they're my dad's brothers because they all have the same blue-gray eyes, as well as the same nose.
It was great to finally get back home after all that, but of course, there were surprises waiting. The first was that the kitchen faucet had been broken while we were away. By broken, I mean snapped completely off. My dad's fixing it right now, but it was certainly unexpected. The second was that Enoch had been relieving himself on my mom's towels. He's now permanently an outdoor cat because of that, but he seems to be doing alright. We've been giving him lots of love and attention, so he's getting along fine. And he grew so much! The third wasn't much compared to the other two: just a dead housefly on my bedroom floor that I looked at and thought "How did that happen?"
So that was it for my vacation. I have lots of things to catch up on around the house (it's actually taken me an hour and a half to write this because I have to keep getting up to do things) so I'll see most of you Sunday. God bless!
- Becca
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Driver's Ed and Dust Bunnies
I'm sorry I've been away for so long. It's been kind-of crazy around this house. : ) I'm not really sure how to sum up what's been happening this week. Actually, I don't even remember when the last time I was on was, so I'm just going to begin with Monday.
Monday was my first drivers-ed class. Normally, first time experiences don't bother me, but this was that awful first-day-of-school feeling. It's just being around so many other teenagers that I don't know, really. I'm fine with adults (because their conversations are actually about something and are not hindered by mind-encumbering hormones), but I have a hard time identifying with people my own age. And the chairs! The awful, tailbone bruising chairs! Try sitting for three hours straight on one of those things! OUCH! The classes really are as boring as they say they are, too. The teacher seems to really care (even if he is a little harsh), but I don't think there's much he could do that would help with the curriculum. Still, as a force of habit, I've been taking notes to help me pay attention.
Wednesday was one of those days when everything just seemed to go wrong. We got into Chardon fifteen minutes early for drivers-ed, only for me to realize that my papers were still at home. So we dropped Rosey off at the church for her CAT meeting, and rushed back home. By the time we got back (it was only ten after six, at the latest), I had been locked out of the class. I pounded on the door, twisted the handle every which way, and wracked my mind for possible ways of getting in, but after 5-10 minutes of it, I was ready to go home and cry. This, however, was not in God's plans. My mother, seeing how dismally affected I was, took me to Dairy Queen (I love my mom!), where we met up with the Praxes. Mrs. Prax is leading worship this week, and told me she could use another singer! At the time, when I was locked out of the class, I felt horrible, but God clearly had other plans, and I'll be singing on the worship team tomorrow. :)
This week, I've also managed to read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. To my surprise, it wasn't such a bad read. The mindset of the time period irritates me (the point of life before marriage is not just to find someone to get marrried to!), I liked the fact that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were humbled after meeting each other, and that they were dynamic and characters. The way in which they were clearly destined for each other reminded me that my Savior has someone just as perfect for me waiting, too, and he'll come into my life when God intends him to.
Enoch has been doing well. The only problem seems to be that Misty, Rosey's cat, absolutely abhors him! She's been seen chasing him around the house, breathing down his back, hissing at him in a very menacing way. Luckily for Enoch, though, she's put on quite a few pounds in recent months, and there are places he can escape to which she can't reach.
Cleaning out my room turned out to be one of the best, and most worthwhile projects I could have given myself this summer. There was so much stuff to get rid of and to rediscover, and I'm not even done yet! I still have to clean out everything from underneath my bed and my dresser, but everything other than that is now organized and in a rightful place.
I'll see most of you tomorrow morning, and to those I don't, I hope to see you in the near future. God bless!
- Becca
Monday was my first drivers-ed class. Normally, first time experiences don't bother me, but this was that awful first-day-of-school feeling. It's just being around so many other teenagers that I don't know, really. I'm fine with adults (because their conversations are actually about something and are not hindered by mind-encumbering hormones), but I have a hard time identifying with people my own age. And the chairs! The awful, tailbone bruising chairs! Try sitting for three hours straight on one of those things! OUCH! The classes really are as boring as they say they are, too. The teacher seems to really care (even if he is a little harsh), but I don't think there's much he could do that would help with the curriculum. Still, as a force of habit, I've been taking notes to help me pay attention.
Wednesday was one of those days when everything just seemed to go wrong. We got into Chardon fifteen minutes early for drivers-ed, only for me to realize that my papers were still at home. So we dropped Rosey off at the church for her CAT meeting, and rushed back home. By the time we got back (it was only ten after six, at the latest), I had been locked out of the class. I pounded on the door, twisted the handle every which way, and wracked my mind for possible ways of getting in, but after 5-10 minutes of it, I was ready to go home and cry. This, however, was not in God's plans. My mother, seeing how dismally affected I was, took me to Dairy Queen (I love my mom!), where we met up with the Praxes. Mrs. Prax is leading worship this week, and told me she could use another singer! At the time, when I was locked out of the class, I felt horrible, but God clearly had other plans, and I'll be singing on the worship team tomorrow. :)
This week, I've also managed to read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. To my surprise, it wasn't such a bad read. The mindset of the time period irritates me (the point of life before marriage is not just to find someone to get marrried to!), I liked the fact that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were humbled after meeting each other, and that they were dynamic and characters. The way in which they were clearly destined for each other reminded me that my Savior has someone just as perfect for me waiting, too, and he'll come into my life when God intends him to.
Enoch has been doing well. The only problem seems to be that Misty, Rosey's cat, absolutely abhors him! She's been seen chasing him around the house, breathing down his back, hissing at him in a very menacing way. Luckily for Enoch, though, she's put on quite a few pounds in recent months, and there are places he can escape to which she can't reach.
Cleaning out my room turned out to be one of the best, and most worthwhile projects I could have given myself this summer. There was so much stuff to get rid of and to rediscover, and I'm not even done yet! I still have to clean out everything from underneath my bed and my dresser, but everything other than that is now organized and in a rightful place.
I'll see most of you tomorrow morning, and to those I don't, I hope to see you in the near future. God bless!
- Becca
Monday, July 14, 2008
Dog Sitting and Food Poisoning
I realize I'm posting twice in one day, but as that doesn't seem to be against the rules, I'm going to go ahead and do it. I figured I'd better explain about my weekend. : )
I spent most of Friday just reading before I went to the Hayne's house, so not much to report there other than that I forgot to pack pajamas. So...yeah. That wasn't a very comfortable night. Okay, actually, it was pretty miserable, but I got through it.
Saturday was pretty busy. I got up earlier than I normally would have because I was spending the night in a bed other than my own, and I never sleep well in a different bed. I was walking from the Hayne's house to the shop where I volunteer, so I left at about 9:25 to get there by 10:00. However, about halfway to the square, I realized I'd forgotten to put on deodorant! Talk about stopping in mid-step! Normally, I wouldn't have been bothered; I don't typically sweat. But I was going to walking in very hot weather under the blazing sun, so I turned around and went back. After the day at the shop, which went smoother than usual, I went to Casey C.'s wedding shower. I'm so happy for her! She and Jaymee are going to have such a wonderful life together. I went home after that to get my pajamas and to see my kitties (I miss them when I'm watching dogs), and then went back to the Haynes's house to spend the night in a little more comfort.
Sunday started out pretty uneventful. I got up, realized it was raining, and called Mrs. G. to see if she could give me a ride to the church. (I had intended to walk, but this was out of the question because of the rain.) She didn't have room, but called Mrs. W., who did. I decided to eat a little something before she got there, even though breakfast is something I don't often have, and about three minutes later, I was incapacitated. Apparently, the piece of chicken ring was a little too old, because I had food poisoning. I don't think I've ever had pain that bad! It made me wonder how I could ever think of getting through labor pains, when I was writhing and unable to get up because of food poisoning! Mr. and Mrs. W. came to the house about five minutes later, but I couldn't get to the door, so Mr. W. left to take Mrs. W. to the church and came back to discover me on the couch. I was so grateful he was there! Well, to put it mildly, I upchucked and miraculously felt a lot better. My mom came for me shortly afterward and I went home for a little bit, but I was feeling well enough to go to church by 10:00.
Youth Group was great. We're still watching the Truth Project, and I absolutely love it! I'm learning so much and it really makes you think. I tried not to answer all the questions this time - and I promise I did really try - but it's like an insuppressible reflex. I told them to to bring out the duct tape next time. But you'll all be rid of me and my big mouth for the first couple weeks of August: I'm going on vacation. Enjoy it! lol
I spent most of Friday just reading before I went to the Hayne's house, so not much to report there other than that I forgot to pack pajamas. So...yeah. That wasn't a very comfortable night. Okay, actually, it was pretty miserable, but I got through it.
Saturday was pretty busy. I got up earlier than I normally would have because I was spending the night in a bed other than my own, and I never sleep well in a different bed. I was walking from the Hayne's house to the shop where I volunteer, so I left at about 9:25 to get there by 10:00. However, about halfway to the square, I realized I'd forgotten to put on deodorant! Talk about stopping in mid-step! Normally, I wouldn't have been bothered; I don't typically sweat. But I was going to walking in very hot weather under the blazing sun, so I turned around and went back. After the day at the shop, which went smoother than usual, I went to Casey C.'s wedding shower. I'm so happy for her! She and Jaymee are going to have such a wonderful life together. I went home after that to get my pajamas and to see my kitties (I miss them when I'm watching dogs), and then went back to the Haynes's house to spend the night in a little more comfort.
Sunday started out pretty uneventful. I got up, realized it was raining, and called Mrs. G. to see if she could give me a ride to the church. (I had intended to walk, but this was out of the question because of the rain.) She didn't have room, but called Mrs. W., who did. I decided to eat a little something before she got there, even though breakfast is something I don't often have, and about three minutes later, I was incapacitated. Apparently, the piece of chicken ring was a little too old, because I had food poisoning. I don't think I've ever had pain that bad! It made me wonder how I could ever think of getting through labor pains, when I was writhing and unable to get up because of food poisoning! Mr. and Mrs. W. came to the house about five minutes later, but I couldn't get to the door, so Mr. W. left to take Mrs. W. to the church and came back to discover me on the couch. I was so grateful he was there! Well, to put it mildly, I upchucked and miraculously felt a lot better. My mom came for me shortly afterward and I went home for a little bit, but I was feeling well enough to go to church by 10:00.
Youth Group was great. We're still watching the Truth Project, and I absolutely love it! I'm learning so much and it really makes you think. I tried not to answer all the questions this time - and I promise I did really try - but it's like an insuppressible reflex. I told them to to bring out the duct tape next time. But you'll all be rid of me and my big mouth for the first couple weeks of August: I'm going on vacation. Enjoy it! lol
Tears to Roses
I promised Mrs. G. and Mrs. K that I would post this, so I will. It's a narrative of something that I struggled with, and God brought me through. And it's about something every teenage girl will inevitably struggle with at some point: a boy. I hope it bring you hope and encouragement. It made me realize that God, the author of the universe, is writing my story, and that the right man will come at the right time. What an awesome truth! I originally meant for this to be personal, but I think it will tell you a lot about me. So without further ado, here is a narration about a struggle I faced that I've decided to call Tears to Roses.
It’s odd how just when you think you have everything together, the rug gets pulled out from beneath your feet. In your mind, everything is under control, nothing can surprise you. You’re so confident you think you could walk through a furnace and not get burned. Instead, you get plunged into an ocean.
I thought I was doing fine, that there were no boys that could tempt me more than I could bear. Of course, a wayward smile at the mall or a close friend trying to get closer would make me blush, but I stood firm: I would not date, I would not even consider it. I never thought I’d second guess myself.
I don’t know when it started, because it was so gradual. It began with castaway thoughts in my head. I’d find my mind flitting to him when it should have been busy focused on other things. It thrilled me to be around him, even though it was uncomfortable. Before long, I was drawing hearts around the first letter of his name, something I’d never done with any boy, even during my flirtatious, scatter-brained preteen years. I couldn’t keep myself from looking at him, delighting in his very presence, before I would mentally reprimand myself for doing so. Having him talk to me was incredible, especially since during the majority of the years we’ve known each other, he hardly ever said a word to me.
One thing built upon another, escalating until I had to admit it to myself; I had a crush on him, and I was too far gone to deny it. I spent that night, and many other nights since then, sobbing into my pillows with loneliness and demanding to know why I felt this way. I’d never wanted so badly to be held! Seeing Michael with my best friend Katie only made it worse; the way he’d sweetly wrap his arms around her waist and hold her from behind. It made me realize I wanted someone who would do that with me, and I wanted it badly. It must have started sometime in February, but by the time May arrived, I couldn’t enjoy Spring Formal. I went alone, and I spent every minute of it wishing he was there.
But none of that was the worst part. Not the aching loneliness, not the untamed thoughts, not even the dreadful and yet amazing feeling I got being around him. No, the worst part was that I knew he didn’t think of me at all. And why should he? He could have some girl ten times prettier than me wrapped around his finger, so why would he waste his thoughts on me? Except I knew that wasn’t true. Sure, he could be taking his gorgeous girlfriend on a picturesque night out, but I didn’t really think that little of him to assume he would. The reason I’d fallen for him wasn’t because he was handsome, or because he’d suddenly begun to talk to me, it was because he takes care of his family. He makes sure his mother is looked after and he takes care of his siblings. He stays home the nights when he could be out doing more enjoyable things because he knows how much his family needs him. And, more importantly, he cares about God. He’s not your average teenage guy, and that’s the problem.
He still makes me cry at night, and of course, he doesn’t even know it. And he never will. It made me angry at first. Why had God allowed me to have these feelings if they couldn’t be satisfied? But then I realized, God can even use my raging teenage hormones to teach me things.
The truth?
Every girl wants someone to give her roses, to hold her when she’s sad, to sneak up and give her a hug from behind, to take her on long walks away from everyone else, to want her back. And a lot of the time, a girl can become impatient and accept these things from a boy who admires nothing more than her body. But if we’re willing to wait, and give these desires over to God, He can provide us with someone so perfect for us we realize we didn’t even know what to ask for. He’s so faithful, and so loving, and He’ll provide for our every need. Because sometimes, a woman does indeed need a man. That’s why God made things called hormones; so that a loving, godly man can someday wipe away the tears they’ve caused, and give her a rose instead.
It’s odd how just when you think you have everything together, the rug gets pulled out from beneath your feet. In your mind, everything is under control, nothing can surprise you. You’re so confident you think you could walk through a furnace and not get burned. Instead, you get plunged into an ocean.
I thought I was doing fine, that there were no boys that could tempt me more than I could bear. Of course, a wayward smile at the mall or a close friend trying to get closer would make me blush, but I stood firm: I would not date, I would not even consider it. I never thought I’d second guess myself.
I don’t know when it started, because it was so gradual. It began with castaway thoughts in my head. I’d find my mind flitting to him when it should have been busy focused on other things. It thrilled me to be around him, even though it was uncomfortable. Before long, I was drawing hearts around the first letter of his name, something I’d never done with any boy, even during my flirtatious, scatter-brained preteen years. I couldn’t keep myself from looking at him, delighting in his very presence, before I would mentally reprimand myself for doing so. Having him talk to me was incredible, especially since during the majority of the years we’ve known each other, he hardly ever said a word to me.
One thing built upon another, escalating until I had to admit it to myself; I had a crush on him, and I was too far gone to deny it. I spent that night, and many other nights since then, sobbing into my pillows with loneliness and demanding to know why I felt this way. I’d never wanted so badly to be held! Seeing Michael with my best friend Katie only made it worse; the way he’d sweetly wrap his arms around her waist and hold her from behind. It made me realize I wanted someone who would do that with me, and I wanted it badly. It must have started sometime in February, but by the time May arrived, I couldn’t enjoy Spring Formal. I went alone, and I spent every minute of it wishing he was there.
But none of that was the worst part. Not the aching loneliness, not the untamed thoughts, not even the dreadful and yet amazing feeling I got being around him. No, the worst part was that I knew he didn’t think of me at all. And why should he? He could have some girl ten times prettier than me wrapped around his finger, so why would he waste his thoughts on me? Except I knew that wasn’t true. Sure, he could be taking his gorgeous girlfriend on a picturesque night out, but I didn’t really think that little of him to assume he would. The reason I’d fallen for him wasn’t because he was handsome, or because he’d suddenly begun to talk to me, it was because he takes care of his family. He makes sure his mother is looked after and he takes care of his siblings. He stays home the nights when he could be out doing more enjoyable things because he knows how much his family needs him. And, more importantly, he cares about God. He’s not your average teenage guy, and that’s the problem.
He still makes me cry at night, and of course, he doesn’t even know it. And he never will. It made me angry at first. Why had God allowed me to have these feelings if they couldn’t be satisfied? But then I realized, God can even use my raging teenage hormones to teach me things.
The truth?
Every girl wants someone to give her roses, to hold her when she’s sad, to sneak up and give her a hug from behind, to take her on long walks away from everyone else, to want her back. And a lot of the time, a girl can become impatient and accept these things from a boy who admires nothing more than her body. But if we’re willing to wait, and give these desires over to God, He can provide us with someone so perfect for us we realize we didn’t even know what to ask for. He’s so faithful, and so loving, and He’ll provide for our every need. Because sometimes, a woman does indeed need a man. That’s why God made things called hormones; so that a loving, godly man can someday wipe away the tears they’ve caused, and give her a rose instead.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
This Week
It's been a long week. It seems like I'm alternately doing tons and then nothing day by day! I love summer break, but every once-in-awhile, I get frustrated with it. But I guess that happens to the best of us.
Sunday was church, of course, and I was in the back with the kids. (Mrs. List and Stephen had to swap weeks with my mother and me because they're both very ill, so keep them in your prayers. Hopefully, they're better by now.) I helped Mr. Patterson, who seems like a very good teacher. All the kids love him, and they're learning a lot, but he's still very nervous every time he has to speak, so be praying that God would give him confidence! He also seems like the type of speaker who would do very well talking to teenagers. The way he delivers his message just seems geared that way.
After church, we had to rush home and then rush to the calling hours for Aunt Esther. It was a very somber affair; lots of hugs and tears, and I saw many cousins I very rarely see more than once or twice a year. Afterwards, my family and my grandparents went to Covered Bridge Pizza, and I was in one of those moods when I was hungry, but just didn't feel like eating. It was frustrating for my family, and probably for the waitress, who had just started, and I felt horrible, but after looking over the menu several times I managed to pick something I thought looked good.
Monday was the funeral. I got all dressed-up in black only to come out to find both Rosey and Mom wearing pink! My mom told me what I had on would be too hot and that I really didn't have to wear black(it was supposed to be almost 90, the church didn't have air conditioning, and I was in long sleeves), and I went and changed into my signature blue. When I came back out, it was to find Jamie wearing jeans! Oh, I could have strangled her! I'm going to be very honest and admit that I'm frequently irritated by her these days, when she's even home or not locked up in her room chatting on the phone. But I'll stop there. Anyway, my mom made her go change into something more respectful, and we went to breakfast and then the funeral. It was a nice service, full of hope for salvation and good things to say about Aunt Esther, and after the luncheon across the street, we went home.
Tuesday wound up being one of those days when I do nothing. My dad was planning on cooking chicken on the grill, but the rain didn't let up in time, so we ordered from Georgio's again. When my mom finally got fed up with waiting, she gave me my present, and I opened it with her and my dad flitting in and out of the room. (Rosey and Jamie were in their rooms respectively.) I got the Holman Student Study Bible (which I had pointed out to her at Borders). It's very cool, it has quotes from famous Christian philosophers, lots of map, charts, and tables, and my name embossed on the leather cover. She also got me a cd by Laura Story, a necklace, and a keychain. The reason she didn't give them to me during the joint birthday party was because she didn't have anything to wrap them in. All in all, it wasn't a bad birthday.
Yesterday wound up being busier than I expected. I made enough filling for two chicken rings (I got the recipe from Fair Maidens), which took a couple hours, and we took the one I had time to bake to Mrs. Haynes. My mom bought me a picture from her, one of the Square's gazebo at Christmas time, and we discussed the times when I would be watching Sweetpea and Delilah, her two dogs. Mrs. Haynes is truly a wonderful photographer; I love looking at her work. After that, it was to Dr. K. for a chiropractic check-up. My dad cooked on the grill last night after failing to on Tuesday, but he started too late, and I wound up being late to worship practice again! (I was late last week because I lost track of time when I was doing chores)
Today, I've finally gotten to check my email and various other things, and I'm surprised I found it vacated. Rosey very considerately lets me on when she knows I haven't been able to check my email in awhile, but other people have been occupying it lately.
Tomorrow evening, I go to dogsit for Mrs. Haynes again, so I won't be on for the weekend.
I'll see most of you Sunday! God Bless!
- Becca
Sunday was church, of course, and I was in the back with the kids. (Mrs. List and Stephen had to swap weeks with my mother and me because they're both very ill, so keep them in your prayers. Hopefully, they're better by now.) I helped Mr. Patterson, who seems like a very good teacher. All the kids love him, and they're learning a lot, but he's still very nervous every time he has to speak, so be praying that God would give him confidence! He also seems like the type of speaker who would do very well talking to teenagers. The way he delivers his message just seems geared that way.
After church, we had to rush home and then rush to the calling hours for Aunt Esther. It was a very somber affair; lots of hugs and tears, and I saw many cousins I very rarely see more than once or twice a year. Afterwards, my family and my grandparents went to Covered Bridge Pizza, and I was in one of those moods when I was hungry, but just didn't feel like eating. It was frustrating for my family, and probably for the waitress, who had just started, and I felt horrible, but after looking over the menu several times I managed to pick something I thought looked good.
Monday was the funeral. I got all dressed-up in black only to come out to find both Rosey and Mom wearing pink! My mom told me what I had on would be too hot and that I really didn't have to wear black(it was supposed to be almost 90, the church didn't have air conditioning, and I was in long sleeves), and I went and changed into my signature blue. When I came back out, it was to find Jamie wearing jeans! Oh, I could have strangled her! I'm going to be very honest and admit that I'm frequently irritated by her these days, when she's even home or not locked up in her room chatting on the phone. But I'll stop there. Anyway, my mom made her go change into something more respectful, and we went to breakfast and then the funeral. It was a nice service, full of hope for salvation and good things to say about Aunt Esther, and after the luncheon across the street, we went home.
Tuesday wound up being one of those days when I do nothing. My dad was planning on cooking chicken on the grill, but the rain didn't let up in time, so we ordered from Georgio's again. When my mom finally got fed up with waiting, she gave me my present, and I opened it with her and my dad flitting in and out of the room. (Rosey and Jamie were in their rooms respectively.) I got the Holman Student Study Bible (which I had pointed out to her at Borders). It's very cool, it has quotes from famous Christian philosophers, lots of map, charts, and tables, and my name embossed on the leather cover. She also got me a cd by Laura Story, a necklace, and a keychain. The reason she didn't give them to me during the joint birthday party was because she didn't have anything to wrap them in. All in all, it wasn't a bad birthday.
Yesterday wound up being busier than I expected. I made enough filling for two chicken rings (I got the recipe from Fair Maidens), which took a couple hours, and we took the one I had time to bake to Mrs. Haynes. My mom bought me a picture from her, one of the Square's gazebo at Christmas time, and we discussed the times when I would be watching Sweetpea and Delilah, her two dogs. Mrs. Haynes is truly a wonderful photographer; I love looking at her work. After that, it was to Dr. K. for a chiropractic check-up. My dad cooked on the grill last night after failing to on Tuesday, but he started too late, and I wound up being late to worship practice again! (I was late last week because I lost track of time when I was doing chores)
Today, I've finally gotten to check my email and various other things, and I'm surprised I found it vacated. Rosey very considerately lets me on when she knows I haven't been able to check my email in awhile, but other people have been occupying it lately.
Tomorrow evening, I go to dogsit for Mrs. Haynes again, so I won't be on for the weekend.
I'll see most of you Sunday! God Bless!
- Becca
Saturday, July 5, 2008
My Holiday Weekend (so far)
oops! sorry! they wound up on the top! (read thelast paragraph)
this ^ is my pretty darling Jael. You can't see
her bright green eyes here, but she's still
gorgeous! : )
This is my friend Katie holding Misty. See the insane eyes? lol
My weekends are starting to feel a little bit overwhelming. It seems like I have all the free time in the world during the week, but when Friday and especially Saturday and Sunday come, I'm tied up! So...shall we start with Thursday? lol That's when my weekend actually started this time, I think.
We bought a car!!!! I can't adequately describe how happy I am. Can you role "ecstatic," "startled," and "elated" into one word? Well anyway, it's a blue toyota camry solara, and it's not my car (even though my cd is in the player, my sunglasses are in the sunglasses holder, and I picked out the dolphin air freshener), but I'll probably be the one driving it the most often once I get my license. (Just took a break to eat dinner. If you ever feel like educating your tastebuds, try the Wreck from Georgio's. Mmmm!) We bought the camry at the dealership on the corner of Route 6 and 608. The two men who own the business (Mr. Phil Sr. and Mr. Phil Jr.) are truly Christian men who deal with integrity. We got to ride with Mr. Phil Sr. up to Mentor to our mechanic who my dad likes to have look at cars when we think we might like to buy one, and we had the most incredible conversation of hope and salvation. It wasn't what we were expecting from a car dealership, but it was wonderful. And it was truly of God. They'd had the car for a month, and Mr. Phil Jr. decided to put it in a more noticeable position right when my mom had finally decided we really needed another car. The Lord's timing is just too perfect!
Later that night was the youth group (I have to remember to call it Generation now) bonfire. There wasn't actually a bonfire because we felt that it was too wet and muddy, but we did eat and play outside for a couple hours before going inside to play Scene-It. As I was helping Mrs. Rogers carry things up from the garage outside, Toby started fussing and I was the only one in the room. After a moment of lip biting and glancing around hopefully for someone else, I picked him up, paranoid about supporting the head just like I always am. Now, to me, the most natural thing to do to get a baby to stop crying is to sing (and hey, it worked with Jonathon for a little bit on Saturday), so I started up Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, which is my absolute favorite hymn. And you know what? He went right to sleep! I guess there's something about praising the Lord that settles babies. Mr. Rogers walked by me after a little while and told me that was one of his favorite hymns, and I was startled. I didn't know anyone from our church knew it; I'd learned it at Zeal! But it was encouraging. My unfounded belief that Mr. Rogers doesn't like me has finally been dispelled. If you didn't know this already, I am very, very sensitive about what others think of me, especially adults I like up to and peers. It's not entirely rational, and I've gotten better with it, but I'm very good at coming up with reasons for everyone I know to completely hate me. So...there. There's a rather big tidbit about my personality. Grr...I'm self-psychiatrizng myself again! Yeah, that's another thing I do. I would be one of those psychology students who thinks they've got everything in their text book, mark my words!
On Friday, which was the fourth, we decided to combine the annual celebration with Jamie and my birthdays. We didn't go to the family reunion/picnic like we usually do every year because my dad thought it would be too wet and muddy, but we invited over my grandparents and aunt and uncle, and had a cook-out. My dad bought this delicious (and expensive. $10.99 to the pound!) prime-rib and cooked it on his roticery on the grill, and it was amazing! I mean, my dad might not be any Guy Cad (I'm stealing that quote from Mr. Rogers. I actually have a couple quotes that I've stolen from him.), but he's quite the grill master! Well, Jamie had actually gone to Geneva on the Lake with her boyfriend Buddy and his aunt, and once they got back we all ate...except for Uncle Mike and Aunt Nene. My aunt Nene's father has been in the hospital for some time, and they'd been there visiting him, so they were understandably very late. Jamie opened her presents, thanked everyone, and then left with Buddy and his aunt, Karen, to go to the fireworks in Warren. I was a little upset, I'll admit; so much for my sweet sixteen! But then I realized I was just being selfish and petty, focusing on the traditions of a culture, and I quickly asked God to help me overcome it. Which, He did, I'm glad to say. My birthday isn't even till the eighth anyway, so I was just being silly. Well, my parents decided to save their present for me until my actual birthday (which makes me very curious as to what it is, because they've never done that before), but I received some very nice gifts and familiar smiles. My dad actually got me a keyboard that plugs into my computer so I can record and do different things with my music at the start of the week, but he told me it was for my grades, not my birthday. Jamie got me a dreamcatcher and $20 so that when the new book in the Twilight series comes out I can buy it; Aunt Nene and Uncle Mike gave me an iTunes gift card for $25 dollars, because they know how much I love music (I've already used $15 dollars of it!); and my grandparents gave me a very pretty piggy-bank and a soft shawl so that during the next Spring Formal at my school, I'll be warm. After that, we went into the kitchen, and the prettiest icecream cake was on the table. My mom even got a little Sleeping Beauty figure (my favorite Disney Cartoon and one of my favorite of Grimms' Fairytales), to put on it for me! Jamie was gone by then, so she didn't have to suffer through the girlishness, but I was overjoyed. It wasn't such a bittersweet sixteen as I had expected, what with the death of Aunt Esther and the absence of my sister.
Today, of course, I volunteered at the Discovery Shop in Chardon from 10-2. Then my dad met me across the street at Taco Bell and we ate lunch together. We then went up to Walmart to look for a volleyball net, since Rosey and I are going to be on the school team this year, but we didn't find one there. However, I did buy a dolphin air freshener for "not my" car and a pack of my favorite gum, and I even saw a very old friend whom I used to take karate with! We then went up to Dick's in Mentor (I drove), and bought a net, only to come home and find out it wasn't a volleyball net but a tetherball! That one was a little embarrassing, especially since I'd been the one to pick it out! My dad plans to take it back tomorrow while we're at church.
Tomorrow, after worship practice and church, are Aunt Esther's calling hours. So, if I'm wearing black, that's why. She was my grandfather's sister-in-law, so we'll probably be there for awhile, which is most likely a good thing. Jeffrey, her son, relies very much on my dad, and I think it will be good for him to have my dad there. My grandparents were especially close to her, and it will be good for them to have my mother's support. My mom's always been like that; supporting people. She might never say much, but you can always count on her for a kind word, sympathy, wisdom, and encouragement. And she always helps, whether noticeably, or in the background. I hope I can grow up to be such a God-honoring woman.
On an entirely separate note, the cats are doing better with each other. Misty has been wandering around the house meowing for no real reason again (yes, that's normal for her. There's a reason we refer to her as our insane cat who needs counseling.). Jael actually let Enoch sleep on the same bed with her yesterday, which is a huge improvement. She doesn't hiss at him anymore, but she does give him a deep growl if he's annoying her too much. Mercy, of course, is aloof and couldn't care less as long as he knows she's in charge.
Well, that's it for now. I promise, I will try to post some pictures soon! They're on my mom's camera (despite my OCD and the organization I try to surround myself in, I can't find mine anywhere), and I don't know where her cable is. Actually, I'll post a couple pictures now. I have some older ones, none of Enoch, but of Jael and I think Misty.
God bless!
- Becca
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
All and Nothing
Well, as I put it to one friend, absolutely nothing and a whole lot has been going on this summer. From Enoch to Generation, and from sleeping in to days on end spent at home, I'm actually rather enjoying it.
There wasn't any youth group on Sunday because of the movie "How to Raise a Responsible Child", which has been fondly nicknamed the "monkey video" (yes, i have seen it, many years ago) Aaron and Josh M., Stephen R., Hannah L., and I were put in charge of the children for the hour that the movie took up. The boys watched the older group while Hannah and I were placed in the nursery. I must say, I was not at all looking forward to it. I generally can't stand children, especially when they're crying and they can't tell me what's wrong, but I didn't mind it so much Sunday night. We only had three babies, one of which was Jonathon M and another named Joshua who was already two. The third was a baby girl with a hard to remember but pretty name. She cried for a few minutes, but her brother was sent out to rescue us, and he spent the remainder of the movie walking around the back with her. My sincere appreciate goes out to him; thank the Lord for responsible teens who are willing to take care of their families! Mostly, everything went without a hitch. Jonathon cried for awhile, but his mother came out after around fifteen minutes and fed him, and then everything was fine. Hannah and I played with Joshua, throwing a tennis ball into the other room for him to chase and bring back to us, and he was very good. Hannah knew exactly what to do with all the children. She is such a blessing; she's very gifted with children. In the other room, we could hear the older children getting rowdy with Stephen, Aaron, and Josh, but when I asked later they said they were playing a game and that nothing was wrong. All three of them are growing into such godly young men! It never fails to astound me that the obnoxious little Stephen I knew when I was five has grown up to own his own landscaping businnes, play guitar on the worship team, and take care of his family the way he does. I respect him very much for the responsible young man he's turned into, and I thank God for all the young men of CCF.
Today was the last day Mrs. Buck and Olivia will be staying with us. Consequentially, my mom decided we should do something fun, so we went to Covered Bridge Pizza in Conneaut and the beach. The food at the restaurant was delicious, and it was wonderful to lay out in the sun and relax with family and friends.
But then, when we got in the car to come home, my mom got a call from my dad. My Great Aunt Ether died today. It was all the more horrible because cousin Jeff, her son, is in charge of the construction of our garage, and he was over at our house when he received the news. Aunt Esther is with the Lord now, and I'll always remember how she was always smiling and how her sweet laugh was so infectious that even my crabbiest relative couldn't help but join in the mirth. Please be praying for the family; it's come as a shock, and there's much grief being spread around.
The Bucks, Mom, Rosey, and I went to Dairy Queen to get ice cream, and we just got back a little while ago. Mrs. Buck and Olivia are leaving tomorrow, hopefully before nine o'clock. They were wonderful guests while they stayed with us.
One last note before I post this: an update on Enoch. He absolutely loves his new home, and everyone adores him...except our other cats. He's not phased by it, though; he loves to chase them around. He's smart enough to avoid Mercy, our smallest, black cat who reigns as queen of the house, but he continually antagonizes Rosey's insane tortoiseshell cat Misty and my pretty darling Jael. (I'll try to post pictures soon.) He's very spunky, and they just don't have the patience. It's been amusing for us, but not for Misty and Jael. Misty's taken to hiding under my bed when he wants to play, and Jael is sulkier than usual, but it'll pass soon. I know from experience that these things always pass. He'll become a regular member of the family, even if the other cats never quite like him. Mercy still doesn't like Jael (who I got last January after my cat Gideon drowned in my pond), but I think Enoch will be accepted after a couple months.
That's it, I suppose. This is by far my longest post yet, but as there doesn't seem to be a limit, it doesn't really matter. Adieu to you all!
- Becca
There wasn't any youth group on Sunday because of the movie "How to Raise a Responsible Child", which has been fondly nicknamed the "monkey video" (yes, i have seen it, many years ago) Aaron and Josh M., Stephen R., Hannah L., and I were put in charge of the children for the hour that the movie took up. The boys watched the older group while Hannah and I were placed in the nursery. I must say, I was not at all looking forward to it. I generally can't stand children, especially when they're crying and they can't tell me what's wrong, but I didn't mind it so much Sunday night. We only had three babies, one of which was Jonathon M and another named Joshua who was already two. The third was a baby girl with a hard to remember but pretty name. She cried for a few minutes, but her brother was sent out to rescue us, and he spent the remainder of the movie walking around the back with her. My sincere appreciate goes out to him; thank the Lord for responsible teens who are willing to take care of their families! Mostly, everything went without a hitch. Jonathon cried for awhile, but his mother came out after around fifteen minutes and fed him, and then everything was fine. Hannah and I played with Joshua, throwing a tennis ball into the other room for him to chase and bring back to us, and he was very good. Hannah knew exactly what to do with all the children. She is such a blessing; she's very gifted with children. In the other room, we could hear the older children getting rowdy with Stephen, Aaron, and Josh, but when I asked later they said they were playing a game and that nothing was wrong. All three of them are growing into such godly young men! It never fails to astound me that the obnoxious little Stephen I knew when I was five has grown up to own his own landscaping businnes, play guitar on the worship team, and take care of his family the way he does. I respect him very much for the responsible young man he's turned into, and I thank God for all the young men of CCF.
Today was the last day Mrs. Buck and Olivia will be staying with us. Consequentially, my mom decided we should do something fun, so we went to Covered Bridge Pizza in Conneaut and the beach. The food at the restaurant was delicious, and it was wonderful to lay out in the sun and relax with family and friends.
But then, when we got in the car to come home, my mom got a call from my dad. My Great Aunt Ether died today. It was all the more horrible because cousin Jeff, her son, is in charge of the construction of our garage, and he was over at our house when he received the news. Aunt Esther is with the Lord now, and I'll always remember how she was always smiling and how her sweet laugh was so infectious that even my crabbiest relative couldn't help but join in the mirth. Please be praying for the family; it's come as a shock, and there's much grief being spread around.
The Bucks, Mom, Rosey, and I went to Dairy Queen to get ice cream, and we just got back a little while ago. Mrs. Buck and Olivia are leaving tomorrow, hopefully before nine o'clock. They were wonderful guests while they stayed with us.
One last note before I post this: an update on Enoch. He absolutely loves his new home, and everyone adores him...except our other cats. He's not phased by it, though; he loves to chase them around. He's smart enough to avoid Mercy, our smallest, black cat who reigns as queen of the house, but he continually antagonizes Rosey's insane tortoiseshell cat Misty and my pretty darling Jael. (I'll try to post pictures soon.) He's very spunky, and they just don't have the patience. It's been amusing for us, but not for Misty and Jael. Misty's taken to hiding under my bed when he wants to play, and Jael is sulkier than usual, but it'll pass soon. I know from experience that these things always pass. He'll become a regular member of the family, even if the other cats never quite like him. Mercy still doesn't like Jael (who I got last January after my cat Gideon drowned in my pond), but I think Enoch will be accepted after a couple months.
That's it, I suppose. This is by far my longest post yet, but as there doesn't seem to be a limit, it doesn't really matter. Adieu to you all!
- Becca
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Do Hard Things
I'm currently in the middle of an icredible book called Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. The goal of the book is to "free teenagers from low expectations". It's probably one of the most insiteful and helpful books a teenager can read these days. Let me tell you a little bit of what God has commissioned these amazing nineteen year-olds to write.
Until the twentieth century (1900s), the word "teenager" was non-existant. You were either of child, or an adult. But as child labor laws came into affect, it was clear that a new age group was surfacing. Thus, the "teenager" was born. Since it first came into being, the word has been somewhat notorious. The majority of teenagers (not all of us, as anyone could tell by looking at the youth of CCF) have become lazy and careless when it comes to God when really, there's potential in us to be so much more! God calls us just as clearly and just as much as any adult, and we need to be ready to answer His voice when we hear it.
So teens, even when the whole world seems to be telling you that you're too irresponsible, hormone-filled, young, and rash, don't listen to it. God uses people at every stage in life, and if we're willing to step out and accept His calling, He'll take us places we never imagined we could go.
Until the twentieth century (1900s), the word "teenager" was non-existant. You were either of child, or an adult. But as child labor laws came into affect, it was clear that a new age group was surfacing. Thus, the "teenager" was born. Since it first came into being, the word has been somewhat notorious. The majority of teenagers (not all of us, as anyone could tell by looking at the youth of CCF) have become lazy and careless when it comes to God when really, there's potential in us to be so much more! God calls us just as clearly and just as much as any adult, and we need to be ready to answer His voice when we hear it.
So teens, even when the whole world seems to be telling you that you're too irresponsible, hormone-filled, young, and rash, don't listen to it. God uses people at every stage in life, and if we're willing to step out and accept His calling, He'll take us places we never imagined we could go.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
As of 2008
I've ultimately decided that if I want to keep in touch with people, I need to create a blog. So i did. As of today, I suppose I'll fill you in on what's going on at the Easthom household.
We're building another garage at the end of our turn-around, and it's well under-way. The cement has been poured for the floor and the bricks have been laid for the foundation, and the trusses are being delivered as I write this. Rich, the man in charge, has been incredible and has enough stamina too out-work ten men! This is probably the biggest and most recent happening.
The next matter, is Enoch. He is a little six week-old kitten we found last Tuesday, and it looks as if he'll be staying. He's absolutely adorable! He's gray and black, tiger-striped, and very clumsy. Everyone (even my dad) except the other cats love him.
Now onto a more painful subject: my toe. I'm not exactly sure what happened to it, but the nail of my big toe on my right foot is halfway torn off. It happened Sunday night at youth group when a friend I hadn't seen in awhile, in her eagerness to embrace me, trod on my toe. I didn't realize the extent of the damage until I got home, and my goodness! I've been soaking it in epsom salts and putting neosporin on it, but any suggestions would be great!
Oh, the 21st was Jamie's birthday, so if you happen to see her, tell her happy 19th birthday!
I think that's it. My next posts should be a little more in-depth, this was just to get all of you caught up on my life.
- Becca
We're building another garage at the end of our turn-around, and it's well under-way. The cement has been poured for the floor and the bricks have been laid for the foundation, and the trusses are being delivered as I write this. Rich, the man in charge, has been incredible and has enough stamina too out-work ten men! This is probably the biggest and most recent happening.
The next matter, is Enoch. He is a little six week-old kitten we found last Tuesday, and it looks as if he'll be staying. He's absolutely adorable! He's gray and black, tiger-striped, and very clumsy. Everyone (even my dad) except the other cats love him.
Now onto a more painful subject: my toe. I'm not exactly sure what happened to it, but the nail of my big toe on my right foot is halfway torn off. It happened Sunday night at youth group when a friend I hadn't seen in awhile, in her eagerness to embrace me, trod on my toe. I didn't realize the extent of the damage until I got home, and my goodness! I've been soaking it in epsom salts and putting neosporin on it, but any suggestions would be great!
Oh, the 21st was Jamie's birthday, so if you happen to see her, tell her happy 19th birthday!
I think that's it. My next posts should be a little more in-depth, this was just to get all of you caught up on my life.
- Becca
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