We all have different roads to travel in life. Some are easy ones, without any bumps and hills. Other roads are exactly the opposite; they put us in mind of a Six Flags roller coaster ride. There are roads where there are multitudes of other people traveling with you…and yet sometimes, we feel as if we are the only ones on a particular path. It is this latter road that I am on, and I would like to share my journey thus far with you.
When a young man or woman ends high school, there comes the inevitable question, “What are you going to do about college?” Most of us, then, begin the process of finding a university, deciding on our major, and then we pack up to begin the “expected” next stage of life, with plenty of people doing the same thing. Call me a rebel, but I have found that there is another exit for me. It reads: Stay At Home until Marriage with an unknown mileage marker. After much prayer and counsel, I am firmly convinced that is the exit I need to take. So, I wave good-bye to friends as they take their exit and I take mine.
However, no sooner have I begun going down this road than I meet with opposition. My cell phone rings incessantly. “Gabrielle, this is _____. Did I possibly hear you right? Have you opted not to attend college? That is absolutely madness! What about making something of yourself? How will you meet your future husband? You have just written your death sentence with your decision; you are going to regret it!” This call is one repeated over and over again, as people give me their opinions on how I need to be living my life. “What about your cousin, _____? Doesn’t their life hold everything? They graduated with a degree in _____ and have a great job ahead of them. What do you have…baking and cleaning?” Whether these people know it or not, they cause me to wonder if I have taken the wrong exit. After all, I see very few cars traveling on the road I am…and I like driving where there are people!
I contemplate turning around. My family and I haven’t always thought this way regarding college anyway. I read a book called So Much More that revolutionized my thinking. I analyzed if college was really the right thing for me, as a girl who wants to be under Dad’s authority. I consulted with my parents, and between what I was thinking and what they were also, we decided it wasn’t best for me. But did that matter? Everyone else was doing college; surely there was no harm in it. However, I didn’t feel at peace with turning around either.
I pulled over for a minute and just was still. In that quiet moment, I recalled a song that I absolutely love by Steven Curtis Chapman. The chorus and bridge go something like this, “So believe Me now. Believe Me here. Remember all the times I’ve told you loud and clear I am with you, and I am for you. I never have, I never will, abandon you. I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure. My words are true and all my promises are sure. So, believe Me now.” I let those lyrics play around in my head once more. How could I be second guessing what I knew I had to do? Sure, most of my peers had a different goal and destination programmed in their GPS system, but mine wasn’t any less important. The world might say it is, but God told me to take this road, and I had better believe and obey Him. “Okay, Lord. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you have called me to take this road, yet I feel so alone. Keep me committed to traveling this way. I know there is a future and a hope on the other side; it is just going to take some pain to get there. Help me make it, especially when the world encourages something other than You and Your ways.”
With that, I start the ignition and drive on, staying with my original exit. I play some of the messages that were on my phone. “Oh, Gabrielle! College is a blast! I love being in a sorority, my exams were decent, and I have an incredible boyfriend. Don’t you envy me?” By God’s grace, the message didn’t bother me. I realized that I have my own fun “pit stops” ahead. I plan on studying what I enjoy, yet without the pressure and stress of exams. I will do things with friends, though it will not be all consuming; my family will take top priority. And Lord willing, I hope to have ONE guy when all is said and done. Golly, it looks like a fun schedule to me!
I know I still will have struggles. They are daily, even hourly, sometimes. The road I have chosen to walk won’t be understood by many, Christians among them. However, I know that I haven’t taken a wrong turn, and there isn’t a bug in my GPS. I am right where God wants me for now.
I do not know where you are on life’s highway. Perhaps you have decided to take the university drive, and I wish you all the best. Yet maybe there are a few of you who like me, have taken the alternative route. May I encourage you that you are not alone! I am somewhere on the road too!
Blessings to ALL of you as you embark on the paths ahead of you. May your steps lead to the Master and His ultimate destination! Enjoy the ride!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
A New Graduate Looks Back
Every spring, schools across the country celebrate their seniors. They honor and acknowledge those that have completed mandatory education requirements and are now finished! It doesn’t matter if the student has been placed in public school, private school, or been homeschooled. Having that diploma in hand is a wonderful accomplishment and now, new horizons can be explored.
I am now one of those who can say they are finished with grades 1-12. This past August found me completing nine and a half years of homeschool. While it can be called a relief to no longer have Algebra looming over my head, graduating from the familiar is bittersweet. Like the child who is attempting to sleep without a nightlight for the first time, I now embark on my unknown paths of stay-at-home daughterhood, a few online classes of interest, and hopefully, marriage and motherhood.
Yet, one can never release the past so easily. You have so many fond memories of times gone by; you can think of nothing better than remembering them and sharing with others. My journey being educated at home has taught me four things in particular that I want to carry into my future household (for homeschooling is the only way I want to go!)
Make it Fun!
Mom always tried different and interesting ways to get across a subject to us. Often times, it involved games. In order to learn the presidents, Mom bought a Presidential Bingo game. Math facts were learned and remembered via dry erase boards and markers. Or, we did a situational math game. It was about shopping! You had to figure out sale prices, buying in bulk, and all of the other experiences associated with buying goods. As my brother and I got older, Scrabble was a good choice to practice spelling (and how to look things up in the dictionary!) There were countless others we did, like Brainquest, etc.
Watching movies is another good thing we do around my house. Now, don’t get me wrong. We do a lot of reading in our schooling; it is a basic core of how we do things. But Mom and Dad also believe that viewing classic films set in certain time periods aids in getting across historical and geographical facts in a tangible, exciting way. So, every now and then (especially when we are sick,) we get to watch things like “Mrs. Miniver,” “Stalag 17,” “The Hiding Place,” “Cromwell,” and “Mary, Queen of Scotland” among others. I must confess that many things I remember about World War II have come as a result of the movies I have watched for school.
Be Different!
My family didn’t always homeschool. For the first three years of my education, I was in private school. After my parents had a change of heart, and after my brother, Garrett, and I were been eaten alive by all the assignments and demands, we came home.
In the beginning, we continued to use the same textbooks as our previous school. Yet, over time, Mom and Dad saw that they were not working for Garrett and myself. It was discovered that we learned best with “living” things. The typical textbook learning works great for a lot of people—just not us. So, out went the Bob Jones and Saxon, and in came Total Language Plus, Beautiful Feet, and Math-U-See.
Mom and Dad also tried to cater to Garrett’s and my interests and skills. What works for me might not be what he excels at. While I was better at writing than he was, he was better at Algebra. His possible vocation might involve Geometry, so Garrett studied that. While, I, will be more suited to balancing a household budget and all things homey.
I count it a great blessing that I have gotten to use the curriculum that I have. Total Language Plus enabled me to read books like The Hiding Place, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, and The Scarlet Pimpernel; my vocabulary and spelling words, research projects, and several ideas to make the novels come alive were found within these pages. I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed each of these novels. I don’t think I can name my favorite. Though every girl loves Pride and Prejudice, I will not limit myself to that.
Beautiful Feet was a wonderful history curriculum. I had my share of “dry” books to read, though I managed to find very interesting tidbits in them. However, I loved studying the Civil War with this curriculum. I read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Across Five Aprils, and Rifles for Watie. These books were read with much enjoyment. Yet when it came to pre and post World War II, the nonfiction books about Hiroshima, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler that I had to read made me knowledgeable about current events…and I had to answer some pretty difficult questions. Though this was more depressing, I enjoy having an opinion on things like internment camps, the atomic bomb, whether Hitler was insane, etc.
Coming to this point of doing non-traditional learning took years. It is hard to break the mold and go against what everyone is doing. But homeschooling brings freedom!
It Doesn’t Take Einstein!
Sadly, many people think they have to possess this PHD in teaching in order to home educate your children. I am here to say that it isn’t true. It doesn’t take a village to raise and teach kids. Sure, there is effort and work involved—sometimes you learn right along with the rest—but that isn’t a bad thing.
I remember when I was learning Algebra. Mom didn’t remember it too well, so she learned it right along with me. (I think we both came to the conclusion that it was rather pointless for me, but that’s beside the point =) We also make a habit of doing science and logic together.
Yet there are times when things are a bit confusing (like how in the world the math book has that particular answer.) In such cases, we turn to Dad. He helps us make sense of the wacky mortgage rate tables or the odd Algebra equation. He was a constant help when I was studying taxes; he got all the necessary forms and helped me. But it doesn’t work too well when your book is a few years old and things have changed since then.
I think that not being an absolute genius is a good thing. It makes people work together. I don’t want to be a robot, nor do I want a robot for a teacher. In life you ask questions, so schooling shouldn’t be any different.
It’s All About Who?
Despite all of the facts, dates, equations, and events that have entered my head, they are not what I am most thankful for. When it comes to what I remember most about my family and my schooling journey was the emphasis on Bible and putting God first.
We began homeschooling because that was what God wanted us to do. Going back to a public school wouldn’t have been an option: God is entirely out of that equation. So, since my parents wanted the Lord to be the essential part of our lives, how could he not be the basic core of our learning?
Mom has made it a habit to have Bible time be the first thing we do with our day. Whether it be studying the Westminster Shorter Catechism or reading through a book of the Bible—it doesn’t matter so long as we were in the Word. On days we were busy and out and about, we tried to make sure we did Bible corporately, though we had already done it individually. When Dad came home in the evenings, we did doctrinal studies or the catechism again right after dinner.
I don’t want to paint the picture that my family had everything together when it came to matters of faith and putting it first. Some days we would head out the door before Bible had been done; family worship really only began a year ago. Yet our goal is to grow more and more into Christ’s likeness, to make Him a part of everything we say and do. So, we try.
Of all the lessons that really stand out, this one is the main one I want to carry over into my future. It is only by His grace that we live and move and breathe. I want my children to learn that character and convictions are of far greater worth than all the head knowledge in the world.
It is these thoughts that I really remember as I begin a new stage in life. But just as all the math, language, and history lessons I have learned will stay with me, so will these things. I am endlessly thankful to my parents who taught them to me…and to my God who allowed them to be taught!
I am now one of those who can say they are finished with grades 1-12. This past August found me completing nine and a half years of homeschool. While it can be called a relief to no longer have Algebra looming over my head, graduating from the familiar is bittersweet. Like the child who is attempting to sleep without a nightlight for the first time, I now embark on my unknown paths of stay-at-home daughterhood, a few online classes of interest, and hopefully, marriage and motherhood.
Yet, one can never release the past so easily. You have so many fond memories of times gone by; you can think of nothing better than remembering them and sharing with others. My journey being educated at home has taught me four things in particular that I want to carry into my future household (for homeschooling is the only way I want to go!)
Make it Fun!
Mom always tried different and interesting ways to get across a subject to us. Often times, it involved games. In order to learn the presidents, Mom bought a Presidential Bingo game. Math facts were learned and remembered via dry erase boards and markers. Or, we did a situational math game. It was about shopping! You had to figure out sale prices, buying in bulk, and all of the other experiences associated with buying goods. As my brother and I got older, Scrabble was a good choice to practice spelling (and how to look things up in the dictionary!) There were countless others we did, like Brainquest, etc.
Watching movies is another good thing we do around my house. Now, don’t get me wrong. We do a lot of reading in our schooling; it is a basic core of how we do things. But Mom and Dad also believe that viewing classic films set in certain time periods aids in getting across historical and geographical facts in a tangible, exciting way. So, every now and then (especially when we are sick,) we get to watch things like “Mrs. Miniver,” “Stalag 17,” “The Hiding Place,” “Cromwell,” and “Mary, Queen of Scotland” among others. I must confess that many things I remember about World War II have come as a result of the movies I have watched for school.
Be Different!
My family didn’t always homeschool. For the first three years of my education, I was in private school. After my parents had a change of heart, and after my brother, Garrett, and I were been eaten alive by all the assignments and demands, we came home.
In the beginning, we continued to use the same textbooks as our previous school. Yet, over time, Mom and Dad saw that they were not working for Garrett and myself. It was discovered that we learned best with “living” things. The typical textbook learning works great for a lot of people—just not us. So, out went the Bob Jones and Saxon, and in came Total Language Plus, Beautiful Feet, and Math-U-See.
Mom and Dad also tried to cater to Garrett’s and my interests and skills. What works for me might not be what he excels at. While I was better at writing than he was, he was better at Algebra. His possible vocation might involve Geometry, so Garrett studied that. While, I, will be more suited to balancing a household budget and all things homey.
I count it a great blessing that I have gotten to use the curriculum that I have. Total Language Plus enabled me to read books like The Hiding Place, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, and The Scarlet Pimpernel; my vocabulary and spelling words, research projects, and several ideas to make the novels come alive were found within these pages. I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed each of these novels. I don’t think I can name my favorite. Though every girl loves Pride and Prejudice, I will not limit myself to that.
Beautiful Feet was a wonderful history curriculum. I had my share of “dry” books to read, though I managed to find very interesting tidbits in them. However, I loved studying the Civil War with this curriculum. I read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Across Five Aprils, and Rifles for Watie. These books were read with much enjoyment. Yet when it came to pre and post World War II, the nonfiction books about Hiroshima, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler that I had to read made me knowledgeable about current events…and I had to answer some pretty difficult questions. Though this was more depressing, I enjoy having an opinion on things like internment camps, the atomic bomb, whether Hitler was insane, etc.
Coming to this point of doing non-traditional learning took years. It is hard to break the mold and go against what everyone is doing. But homeschooling brings freedom!
It Doesn’t Take Einstein!
Sadly, many people think they have to possess this PHD in teaching in order to home educate your children. I am here to say that it isn’t true. It doesn’t take a village to raise and teach kids. Sure, there is effort and work involved—sometimes you learn right along with the rest—but that isn’t a bad thing.
I remember when I was learning Algebra. Mom didn’t remember it too well, so she learned it right along with me. (I think we both came to the conclusion that it was rather pointless for me, but that’s beside the point =) We also make a habit of doing science and logic together.
Yet there are times when things are a bit confusing (like how in the world the math book has that particular answer.) In such cases, we turn to Dad. He helps us make sense of the wacky mortgage rate tables or the odd Algebra equation. He was a constant help when I was studying taxes; he got all the necessary forms and helped me. But it doesn’t work too well when your book is a few years old and things have changed since then.
I think that not being an absolute genius is a good thing. It makes people work together. I don’t want to be a robot, nor do I want a robot for a teacher. In life you ask questions, so schooling shouldn’t be any different.
It’s All About Who?
Despite all of the facts, dates, equations, and events that have entered my head, they are not what I am most thankful for. When it comes to what I remember most about my family and my schooling journey was the emphasis on Bible and putting God first.
We began homeschooling because that was what God wanted us to do. Going back to a public school wouldn’t have been an option: God is entirely out of that equation. So, since my parents wanted the Lord to be the essential part of our lives, how could he not be the basic core of our learning?
Mom has made it a habit to have Bible time be the first thing we do with our day. Whether it be studying the Westminster Shorter Catechism or reading through a book of the Bible—it doesn’t matter so long as we were in the Word. On days we were busy and out and about, we tried to make sure we did Bible corporately, though we had already done it individually. When Dad came home in the evenings, we did doctrinal studies or the catechism again right after dinner.
I don’t want to paint the picture that my family had everything together when it came to matters of faith and putting it first. Some days we would head out the door before Bible had been done; family worship really only began a year ago. Yet our goal is to grow more and more into Christ’s likeness, to make Him a part of everything we say and do. So, we try.
Of all the lessons that really stand out, this one is the main one I want to carry over into my future. It is only by His grace that we live and move and breathe. I want my children to learn that character and convictions are of far greater worth than all the head knowledge in the world.
It is these thoughts that I really remember as I begin a new stage in life. But just as all the math, language, and history lessons I have learned will stay with me, so will these things. I am endlessly thankful to my parents who taught them to me…and to my God who allowed them to be taught!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Graduation Dinner
Last night, my loving family took me to The Cheesecake Factory for my graduation dinner. I have had cheesecake there before--but never the dinner. It was wonderful! And we had the best waiter we have ever had!
I received my diploma before dinner. It was personalized with a verse I love (Jeremiah 29:11) and the seal on the front is one of my favorite phrases--Soli Deo Gloria--or To God Be The Glory.
My family also bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It has been a long time since I have had flowers like this--designed and everything. They smell heavenly and the smell is in my bedroom!
Dad also gave me this little bear "just because." His name is Pete...and you probably don't know why, unless you live here. But lest you ask, NO, I am not attending Boise State.
For my dinner, I got Chicken Madeira. It is a chicken breast covered with asparagus and melted mozzarella cheese. A mushroom burgandy wine sauce is put on top of that and served with mashed potatoes. It was so good!! And this picture is what I have to eat for lunch today. The portions are huge.
Garrett, ever the teenage guy, got the biggest hamburger I have ever seen! And he ate it all, which truth be told, doesn't surprise me. However, when Dad surprised us by letting us each get our own piece of cheesecake, we took most of it home....but Garrett felt sick. His was super rich and after that burger!!
Today, however, I got on my fancy dress that I made this winter and posed with my diploma. (The Cheesecake Factory) isn't this fancy. Sorry if the pictures are a bit far away. Mom says she isn't that great of a photographer!
I wish I could have gotten the skirt to flare out more than I did. My shoes were in the way! =)
And one without the diploma! =) I have felt so richly blessed these past few days! Thank you all for your prayers and friendship!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
My Graduation "Speech"
Pardon the length of this! =) I wasn't intending to put it on here, but then I decided to!
Today, I start a new chapter in the book entitled, My Life. For today marks the end of my mandatory education. How the pages have flown by in the blink of an eye! Memories of attending private school, the days of beginning homeschooling, and all the little things in between are so vivid, it seems as if they were written just yesterday. When I was younger, I used to think that fifth graders were so old and far along in their book of life; high school age ones…well…they were ancient. I couldn’t imagine attaining all that they were—yet here I am.
However, a book is not based on one person alone. One cannot be the setting, the supporting characters (major and minor), the villains, the editors, the author and publisher all rolled into one. No, a person can only be the main character in their own edition of Life. Everything else is left to those who associate with them and are around them. Today, I wish to thank and honor the people who have made My Life, up to this point, so wonderful.
The Setting
The setting of a novel adds a whole new dimension to what you read. Picturing the English countryside in Emma, or the beginnings of New England in The Scarlet Letter, or the Southern plantations of Elsie Dinsmore…all of it helps the reader get a better understanding of the character and the atmosphere around them.
In my schooling journey, the setting has not only been confined to one classroom in one particular state. Indeed, where I began learning math skills, history and geography, and a love of reading and writing took place at Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona, Florida. My first, second, and third grade years took place under the tutelage of Christy Moore, Bridget Hodges, and Geraldine Lawson. While I have good, and bad, memories of all three of these teachers, I owe them so much for teaching me the basics. You have to know the essentials in order to learn harder things.
Yet the bulk of my setting as taken place at Grace Christian Academy in Idaho. AKA- Destination: school room/bedroom; Location: my house, wherever that might be at the time. It has been under the guidance of my one and only teacher, Patti Gardner, that I have developed the love of literature, of writing my emotions out on paper, and so much more. I must say that this setting has been my favorite. Doing school on my comfortable bed—who wouldn’t like that?!
Yet one thing has stayed the same. My main backdrop has been the United States of America. I am so thankful that I live in this country where the freedom to homeschool has not yet been infringed upon. That my family has been able to educate the way we have is such a blessing from the Lord.
The Supporting Cast
A book is not complete without an entourage of supporting cast. I mean, take any of the great novels. Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet would not have been the same if Charlotte Lucas, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, Jane Bennet, and of course Mr. Darcy did not have their place in her life. The same is true of me.
The majority of people who come in and out of my life change with each passing year. While that fact can sadden me every so often, I realize how much my life has been shaped by them. There are so many names, I cannot say them all. However, there are several who I want to thank and say “I appreciate you” to:
To the ladies who have taught me piano; Mrs. Marilyn Anderson, who started it all; Mrs. Darcy Larson, who taught me even more essentials; and Mrs. Joan Wierenga, who has inspired me to even greater heights and has opened the doors of the great musical composers and who constantly reminds me that I am to give God all the glory first and foremost—I thank you for giving me an additional outlet of expressing myself.
To the little girls who have looked up to me over the years: I do not know why the Lord chose me to show Himself to you, or why you chose me. Though things have changed now, Anneliese, Lindsey, and April, I am extremely humbled and blessed that I was in your lives for a little while. It was through you that the Lord taught me of being an example, of pointing you to Him. When little eyes are watching, you begin to act and live in such a way that doesn’t lead others to stumble—or that is the intention. I am so thankful that you were the ones to help me do that. I hope that you saw God and not me.
To my “sisters of the heart:” Anna, Miriam, and Jen. You three girls are such blessings from the Lord. To have the knowledge that you are praying for me on a daily basis is something that I do not take lightly. Your letters of encouragement are such rays of sunshine; they often come when I need them the most. Several days can I feel a hug across the miles. Though we have never met in person as of now, I hope and pray that the Lord allows us that privilege one day. Also, I pray that our friendships individually and corporately grow closer together—and that they have many more years. Thank you for all that you have been thus far.
To Alice: I will always be thankful that you came into my life when you did. Through a magazine that is no longer in existence, God used that one issue to make our paths cross. For a time, you were the only friend I had. You were over two thousand miles away, yet you were still someone who wrote me and prayed for me. You were there when I needed encouragement the most. At times, I have gotten to repay you by being there for you. I love that!
The Villains
If you want a gripping story, you have to have a villain in it. They add a new dimension, new emotions, and twists and turns to the overall storyline. They bring pain and tears; they make the character’s life complicated and difficult. Yet when you finish the novel, the villain has shaped the principal character into who they are.
Over the years, I have had my share of villains. I do not want to list their names and their grievances, for what good would it do? I know who they are and that is more than enough. However, not thanking them for the role they played in my life thus far would not be right. Because of them, I have grown closer to the Lord. I have had to have my faith and convictions tested in order to see spiritual growth. God used the fire of their hurts, their insults, their dumping of my friendship to refine me. It takes fire to make gold stronger; it took the same to make me stronger in Him. So, to those who played the anti-hero, I say thank you. Life wouldn’t have been the same without you! More importantly, I forgave you long ago.
The Principal Characters—Besides Myself
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has a central character, Jo. Yet Jo interacted with a particular group of people day in and day out. Meg, Beth, Amy, Marmee, and Father made up who Jo was. They were the people who loved her when she was unlovable; they saw her through the good times and the bad times. It was her family that Jo spent the bulk of her time with. To tell the story of Jo, you have to talk about everyone else.
My family means the world to me. Without them, I do not know where I would be. Indeed, I don’t even want to think about what it would be like. They have been there for me all the time. When situations changed, they didn’t.
Garrett, you are the best brother a girl could ever have. Oh, sure, we have squabbles; sometimes I get frustrated with your lack of gentlemanly manners. But I wouldn’t change you for the world. I can always count on you to make me laugh, whether it be by impersonations or movie quotes at just the right moment. I can count on you to give me the latest in the baseball world, even when I don’t ask to know. I have enjoyed learning to do home run derbies on the computer with you—especially when I win. Yet those things pale when I recall to mind how our relationship as brother and sister has changed over the years. I can honestly say that we get along better now and that we enjoy hanging out. Thank you for that…and thanks for keeping constant laughter in our home.
Mom, you are more than my mother and teacher; you are my best friend. I owe you so much thanks for these years of growing up. You have been there for me when I need it the most. I can talk to you and tell my troubles far quicker than I can write any e-mail to a long distance friend. As life has changed, so has our relationship. It has grown into something far better than I could ever have imagined. We share tears as well as joys. You know me as well as I know myself. If you were not in my life, I know that I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. You have played such an instrumental role in where I am in my education, in my convictions, in the shaping of my dreams. These high school years in particular have found you imparting wisdom to me, wisdom that I will carry with me into my future. I hope that I can become a lot like you someday. You have shown me what a Titus 2 woman after God’s own heart looks like.
Dad, you have been my protector and my friend. I can never thank you enough for the knowledge that you are there when I need you. You are quiet in your praise and actions, but that doesn’t lessen the fact that I have your support. I can always count on you to give me an honest opinion of something. You help me think a situation through on various different angles so that I make the right decision. You have taught me to manage my money wisely; you have shown me what it is to learn from mistakes. You are a person who helps whoever needs it and you want me to be the same way. I am so thankful that the Lord is guiding you in being a spiritual leader. That makes you even better. You have several qualities that I have grown to desire in a future husband.
The Editors
When a chapter is at completion, it is sent to the editors to be edited. Those editors correct the mistakes, offer suggestions, and make the book more presentable. Nobody really likes editors, for accepting correction and advice can be a hard pill to swallow. But they are absolutely essential.
My editors have been my parents. In my life, I have been corrected multiple times over, and in all honesty, I haven’t always accepted it well. But that doesn’t lessen my gratitude and appreciation. I am thankful for the correcting of my Algebra papers, the advice on better eating habits, the constant admonitions to cut straight lines on sewing projects. Mom and Dad, for the corrections of attitudes, the straightening out of beliefs, for the advice on how to be a better young woman of God, I am infinitely grateful. It is these things that I will take into my future life. Though I have expressed anger and cried many tears over the apparent picking, I can say I know you do it for my own good. I want you to keep on editing my behavior, though my school days may be over.
The Author
Louisa May Alcott. Jane Austen. Nathaniel Hawthorne. Charles Dickens. Martha Finley. Charlotte Bronte. These authors have brought to the literary world timeless classics. Polly Milton, Mr. Knightley, Jane Eyre, Elsie Dinsmore, Roger Chillingworth….none of these characters wrote themselves into existence. They came as the result of an author’s imagination. It was the author that penned each piece of dialogue, every sequence of events that made the character into a masterpiece. The likes of hero and heroine only do that which their creator has bidden.
The author of my story is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would be nothing. If not for His saving grace and mercy, I would not have the assurance of My Life having a happy ending. It is only by His unfailing love, His great faithfulness, His loving kindness that I live and breathe.
Father God, my story is all about You. I cannot take one ounce of credit for any of it. The tears I have shed have been shed because You dictated they would. They experiences I have had have been because You wrote them into being. The people I have met are because You wanted me to meet them. Nothing has happened that has taken you by surprise. You wrote it all before the world came into existence. With each passing year, you have brought trial and tribulation, laughter and joy—all of it has drawn me closer to You. You have taught me that I am a great sinner but You are a Great Savior. Your arms have never been too big or too full to hold me close; You have never given up on me. I am unable to express how thankful I am for THE role You have played in my life. I truly stand in awe of You! Thank You for the cross.
“…And if I can sing, let my songs be full of His glory
And if I should speak, let my words be full of His praise
If I should live, or die
Let me be found pursuing this prize
The one that alone satisfies
The treasure of Jesus…”
-Steven Curtis Chapman’s “The Treasure of Jesus.”
The Publisher
All books must come to an end sometime, and when they do, they are sent to a publisher for hopeful publication.
I cannot cheat and peek at the end of My Life. It has been written, but it is not known to me. I have suspicions of how it will go, how the storyline will progress, but I can be wrong. My book thus far has taken twists and turns I never would have expected. The Author of My Life knows what the end will be and it will be far better than anything a Pulitzer Prize, New York Times bestselling author could ever pen. One day, though, my life will be over. And it will be presented to the Publisher. I don’t need my story to be well-known and well-read. I only want six words to be said about it: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” That is what I want my life to be about—someone whose story was all about Christ, trusting Him to write it, leaving the manuscript in His hands.
However, my story is not yet at an end; I am only at the start of a new chapter. It’s been an exciting chapter that has just ended, yet the memories will last with me forever. Now, I am starting a new page all because of Christ. He has gotten me to this point; the supporting players have aided in that. Let us now begin Chapter 2!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans for a future and a hope.”
~Jeremiah 29:11
Today, I start a new chapter in the book entitled, My Life. For today marks the end of my mandatory education. How the pages have flown by in the blink of an eye! Memories of attending private school, the days of beginning homeschooling, and all the little things in between are so vivid, it seems as if they were written just yesterday. When I was younger, I used to think that fifth graders were so old and far along in their book of life; high school age ones…well…they were ancient. I couldn’t imagine attaining all that they were—yet here I am.
However, a book is not based on one person alone. One cannot be the setting, the supporting characters (major and minor), the villains, the editors, the author and publisher all rolled into one. No, a person can only be the main character in their own edition of Life. Everything else is left to those who associate with them and are around them. Today, I wish to thank and honor the people who have made My Life, up to this point, so wonderful.
The Setting
The setting of a novel adds a whole new dimension to what you read. Picturing the English countryside in Emma, or the beginnings of New England in The Scarlet Letter, or the Southern plantations of Elsie Dinsmore…all of it helps the reader get a better understanding of the character and the atmosphere around them.
In my schooling journey, the setting has not only been confined to one classroom in one particular state. Indeed, where I began learning math skills, history and geography, and a love of reading and writing took place at Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona, Florida. My first, second, and third grade years took place under the tutelage of Christy Moore, Bridget Hodges, and Geraldine Lawson. While I have good, and bad, memories of all three of these teachers, I owe them so much for teaching me the basics. You have to know the essentials in order to learn harder things.
Yet the bulk of my setting as taken place at Grace Christian Academy in Idaho. AKA- Destination: school room/bedroom; Location: my house, wherever that might be at the time. It has been under the guidance of my one and only teacher, Patti Gardner, that I have developed the love of literature, of writing my emotions out on paper, and so much more. I must say that this setting has been my favorite. Doing school on my comfortable bed—who wouldn’t like that?!
Yet one thing has stayed the same. My main backdrop has been the United States of America. I am so thankful that I live in this country where the freedom to homeschool has not yet been infringed upon. That my family has been able to educate the way we have is such a blessing from the Lord.
The Supporting Cast
A book is not complete without an entourage of supporting cast. I mean, take any of the great novels. Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet would not have been the same if Charlotte Lucas, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, Jane Bennet, and of course Mr. Darcy did not have their place in her life. The same is true of me.
The majority of people who come in and out of my life change with each passing year. While that fact can sadden me every so often, I realize how much my life has been shaped by them. There are so many names, I cannot say them all. However, there are several who I want to thank and say “I appreciate you” to:
To the ladies who have taught me piano; Mrs. Marilyn Anderson, who started it all; Mrs. Darcy Larson, who taught me even more essentials; and Mrs. Joan Wierenga, who has inspired me to even greater heights and has opened the doors of the great musical composers and who constantly reminds me that I am to give God all the glory first and foremost—I thank you for giving me an additional outlet of expressing myself.
To the little girls who have looked up to me over the years: I do not know why the Lord chose me to show Himself to you, or why you chose me. Though things have changed now, Anneliese, Lindsey, and April, I am extremely humbled and blessed that I was in your lives for a little while. It was through you that the Lord taught me of being an example, of pointing you to Him. When little eyes are watching, you begin to act and live in such a way that doesn’t lead others to stumble—or that is the intention. I am so thankful that you were the ones to help me do that. I hope that you saw God and not me.
To my “sisters of the heart:” Anna, Miriam, and Jen. You three girls are such blessings from the Lord. To have the knowledge that you are praying for me on a daily basis is something that I do not take lightly. Your letters of encouragement are such rays of sunshine; they often come when I need them the most. Several days can I feel a hug across the miles. Though we have never met in person as of now, I hope and pray that the Lord allows us that privilege one day. Also, I pray that our friendships individually and corporately grow closer together—and that they have many more years. Thank you for all that you have been thus far.
To Alice: I will always be thankful that you came into my life when you did. Through a magazine that is no longer in existence, God used that one issue to make our paths cross. For a time, you were the only friend I had. You were over two thousand miles away, yet you were still someone who wrote me and prayed for me. You were there when I needed encouragement the most. At times, I have gotten to repay you by being there for you. I love that!
The Villains
If you want a gripping story, you have to have a villain in it. They add a new dimension, new emotions, and twists and turns to the overall storyline. They bring pain and tears; they make the character’s life complicated and difficult. Yet when you finish the novel, the villain has shaped the principal character into who they are.
Over the years, I have had my share of villains. I do not want to list their names and their grievances, for what good would it do? I know who they are and that is more than enough. However, not thanking them for the role they played in my life thus far would not be right. Because of them, I have grown closer to the Lord. I have had to have my faith and convictions tested in order to see spiritual growth. God used the fire of their hurts, their insults, their dumping of my friendship to refine me. It takes fire to make gold stronger; it took the same to make me stronger in Him. So, to those who played the anti-hero, I say thank you. Life wouldn’t have been the same without you! More importantly, I forgave you long ago.
The Principal Characters—Besides Myself
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has a central character, Jo. Yet Jo interacted with a particular group of people day in and day out. Meg, Beth, Amy, Marmee, and Father made up who Jo was. They were the people who loved her when she was unlovable; they saw her through the good times and the bad times. It was her family that Jo spent the bulk of her time with. To tell the story of Jo, you have to talk about everyone else.
My family means the world to me. Without them, I do not know where I would be. Indeed, I don’t even want to think about what it would be like. They have been there for me all the time. When situations changed, they didn’t.
Garrett, you are the best brother a girl could ever have. Oh, sure, we have squabbles; sometimes I get frustrated with your lack of gentlemanly manners. But I wouldn’t change you for the world. I can always count on you to make me laugh, whether it be by impersonations or movie quotes at just the right moment. I can count on you to give me the latest in the baseball world, even when I don’t ask to know. I have enjoyed learning to do home run derbies on the computer with you—especially when I win. Yet those things pale when I recall to mind how our relationship as brother and sister has changed over the years. I can honestly say that we get along better now and that we enjoy hanging out. Thank you for that…and thanks for keeping constant laughter in our home.
Mom, you are more than my mother and teacher; you are my best friend. I owe you so much thanks for these years of growing up. You have been there for me when I need it the most. I can talk to you and tell my troubles far quicker than I can write any e-mail to a long distance friend. As life has changed, so has our relationship. It has grown into something far better than I could ever have imagined. We share tears as well as joys. You know me as well as I know myself. If you were not in my life, I know that I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. You have played such an instrumental role in where I am in my education, in my convictions, in the shaping of my dreams. These high school years in particular have found you imparting wisdom to me, wisdom that I will carry with me into my future. I hope that I can become a lot like you someday. You have shown me what a Titus 2 woman after God’s own heart looks like.
Dad, you have been my protector and my friend. I can never thank you enough for the knowledge that you are there when I need you. You are quiet in your praise and actions, but that doesn’t lessen the fact that I have your support. I can always count on you to give me an honest opinion of something. You help me think a situation through on various different angles so that I make the right decision. You have taught me to manage my money wisely; you have shown me what it is to learn from mistakes. You are a person who helps whoever needs it and you want me to be the same way. I am so thankful that the Lord is guiding you in being a spiritual leader. That makes you even better. You have several qualities that I have grown to desire in a future husband.
The Editors
When a chapter is at completion, it is sent to the editors to be edited. Those editors correct the mistakes, offer suggestions, and make the book more presentable. Nobody really likes editors, for accepting correction and advice can be a hard pill to swallow. But they are absolutely essential.
My editors have been my parents. In my life, I have been corrected multiple times over, and in all honesty, I haven’t always accepted it well. But that doesn’t lessen my gratitude and appreciation. I am thankful for the correcting of my Algebra papers, the advice on better eating habits, the constant admonitions to cut straight lines on sewing projects. Mom and Dad, for the corrections of attitudes, the straightening out of beliefs, for the advice on how to be a better young woman of God, I am infinitely grateful. It is these things that I will take into my future life. Though I have expressed anger and cried many tears over the apparent picking, I can say I know you do it for my own good. I want you to keep on editing my behavior, though my school days may be over.
The Author
Louisa May Alcott. Jane Austen. Nathaniel Hawthorne. Charles Dickens. Martha Finley. Charlotte Bronte. These authors have brought to the literary world timeless classics. Polly Milton, Mr. Knightley, Jane Eyre, Elsie Dinsmore, Roger Chillingworth….none of these characters wrote themselves into existence. They came as the result of an author’s imagination. It was the author that penned each piece of dialogue, every sequence of events that made the character into a masterpiece. The likes of hero and heroine only do that which their creator has bidden.
The author of my story is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would be nothing. If not for His saving grace and mercy, I would not have the assurance of My Life having a happy ending. It is only by His unfailing love, His great faithfulness, His loving kindness that I live and breathe.
Father God, my story is all about You. I cannot take one ounce of credit for any of it. The tears I have shed have been shed because You dictated they would. They experiences I have had have been because You wrote them into being. The people I have met are because You wanted me to meet them. Nothing has happened that has taken you by surprise. You wrote it all before the world came into existence. With each passing year, you have brought trial and tribulation, laughter and joy—all of it has drawn me closer to You. You have taught me that I am a great sinner but You are a Great Savior. Your arms have never been too big or too full to hold me close; You have never given up on me. I am unable to express how thankful I am for THE role You have played in my life. I truly stand in awe of You! Thank You for the cross.
“…And if I can sing, let my songs be full of His glory
And if I should speak, let my words be full of His praise
If I should live, or die
Let me be found pursuing this prize
The one that alone satisfies
The treasure of Jesus…”
-Steven Curtis Chapman’s “The Treasure of Jesus.”
The Publisher
All books must come to an end sometime, and when they do, they are sent to a publisher for hopeful publication.
I cannot cheat and peek at the end of My Life. It has been written, but it is not known to me. I have suspicions of how it will go, how the storyline will progress, but I can be wrong. My book thus far has taken twists and turns I never would have expected. The Author of My Life knows what the end will be and it will be far better than anything a Pulitzer Prize, New York Times bestselling author could ever pen. One day, though, my life will be over. And it will be presented to the Publisher. I don’t need my story to be well-known and well-read. I only want six words to be said about it: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” That is what I want my life to be about—someone whose story was all about Christ, trusting Him to write it, leaving the manuscript in His hands.
However, my story is not yet at an end; I am only at the start of a new chapter. It’s been an exciting chapter that has just ended, yet the memories will last with me forever. Now, I am starting a new page all because of Christ. He has gotten me to this point; the supporting players have aided in that. Let us now begin Chapter 2!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans for a future and a hope.”
~Jeremiah 29:11
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Psalms For Sunday
Once again, I wanted to post pictures with the Psalms I have read this week......but once again, Blogger is acting up and I can't get pictures on here. It must be my connection or something! Oh well. The words will speak for themselves. Soli Deo Gloria!
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."~Psalm 46:1-2
"As Your name deserves, O God, You will be praised to the ends of the earth."~Psalm 48:10
"The sacrifice You want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise."~Psalm 51:17
"I trust in Your unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise You forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for Your mercies in the presence of Your people."~Psalm 52:8b-9
"I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you. I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For You will rescue me from my troubles, and help me to triumph over my enemies."~Psalm 54:6-7
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."~Psalm 46:1-2
"As Your name deserves, O God, You will be praised to the ends of the earth."~Psalm 48:10
"The sacrifice You want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise."~Psalm 51:17
"I trust in Your unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise You forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for Your mercies in the presence of Your people."~Psalm 52:8b-9
"I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you. I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For You will rescue me from my troubles, and help me to triumph over my enemies."~Psalm 54:6-7
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
An Update on Me....and Politics
Of late, I have been having difficulty determining what I want to post next. My love for writing has not diminished by ANY means. In fact, I have a couple of things slated for next week.....but they coincide with finishing school, and for me that doesn't happen until Tuesday. Needless to say, I didn't want to post those articles until then.
But on the flip side, I didn't want my blog to sit idle until then. So, I wanted to post some things I have read on one of my favorite subjects--politics! Politics can be a very controversial subject and I do not want this blog to become a place of debate. But sometimes good discussion can come as a result.
This year, it is very hard to know what to do about the presidential race. The Lord knows what the electoral vote will be; we don't have that pleasure. We have to dedicate it to prayer and careful thought. Some things that have piqued my interest and made me think have been:
~~This article I read on Yahoo. Too bad I can't find the actual survey =)
~~This post about politics and the forum of Barack Obama/ John McCain/Rick Warren When I have time I want to watch the actual discussion linked by Jasmine
~~Analyzing voting records. (Maybe some of it will make more sense to you!)
I am interested to know what you gals have to say. Be respectful and courteous. It won't be published otherwise =) No matter where we lean politically, we all need to be praying for our country in this crucial time!
But on the flip side, I didn't want my blog to sit idle until then. So, I wanted to post some things I have read on one of my favorite subjects--politics! Politics can be a very controversial subject and I do not want this blog to become a place of debate. But sometimes good discussion can come as a result.
This year, it is very hard to know what to do about the presidential race. The Lord knows what the electoral vote will be; we don't have that pleasure. We have to dedicate it to prayer and careful thought. Some things that have piqued my interest and made me think have been:
~~This article I read on Yahoo. Too bad I can't find the actual survey =)
~~This post about politics and the forum of Barack Obama/ John McCain/Rick Warren When I have time I want to watch the actual discussion linked by Jasmine
~~Analyzing voting records. (Maybe some of it will make more sense to you!)
I am interested to know what you gals have to say. Be respectful and courteous. It won't be published otherwise =) No matter where we lean politically, we all need to be praying for our country in this crucial time!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
He Giveth and He Taketh Away
Life is all about this verse from the Bible. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. BLESSED be the name of the Lord. While this whole subject is hard to grasp, since it doesn't make much sense to us, eventually we can step back and say "Yes, He is blessed and good."
Some of you may have noticed that ModesTeen is no longer in existence. Let's just say that the Lord was leading Erin and me in different ways now. ModesTeen served a time and purpose, though it was only for a season. Yet, I am not left empty-handed. While ModesTeen was removed, God has brought something more into my lap.
I have been working with HopeChest Magazine for over a year now (though in that period of time, we haven't put out an issue =( However, the Lord has enabled me to serve in a greater capacity. I will be taking over "public relations" work with everything. You know, subscriptions, back issues, answering questions, cutting checks, etc. It is an opportunity to broaden my horizons and grow more and more in the ways God wants me to.
I can honestly say that these latest changes in my life are good. I can't wait to see where they lead. Now, my "giving and taking away" is far less drastic than some people. I have friends who have lost friends to death; others are leaving home to experience new things. Everyone is different, but God has the same basic lesson for us to learn.
Be encouraged yourself when you face changes...or things being taken away. God is good; He is faithful; blessed be His name!
Some of you may have noticed that ModesTeen is no longer in existence. Let's just say that the Lord was leading Erin and me in different ways now. ModesTeen served a time and purpose, though it was only for a season. Yet, I am not left empty-handed. While ModesTeen was removed, God has brought something more into my lap.
I have been working with HopeChest Magazine for over a year now (though in that period of time, we haven't put out an issue =( However, the Lord has enabled me to serve in a greater capacity. I will be taking over "public relations" work with everything. You know, subscriptions, back issues, answering questions, cutting checks, etc. It is an opportunity to broaden my horizons and grow more and more in the ways God wants me to.
I can honestly say that these latest changes in my life are good. I can't wait to see where they lead. Now, my "giving and taking away" is far less drastic than some people. I have friends who have lost friends to death; others are leaving home to experience new things. Everyone is different, but God has the same basic lesson for us to learn.
Be encouraged yourself when you face changes...or things being taken away. God is good; He is faithful; blessed be His name!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sisters of the Heart
Over six months ago, the Lord brought three wonderful sisters into my life. I have never met any of them. In fact, they have met each other but never me. We are scattered across the globe, but that doesn't really matter. The four of us had already been friends for over a year or so, yet God decided to take our friendships into a whole new level....and Sisters of the Heart was born.
At the present time, God has not richly blessed me with sisters I can call my own. Though that is not to say my family wouldn't love for that to happen. (We are one of these families who would more than the traditional number--two.) But for now, the Lord wants Garrett to be my one and only sibling. A fleshly sibling that is.
The technological world offers many dangers. But via blogging and e-mail, there is also so much good that can happen. Distance can be easily spanned; letters and correspondence can be read in a matter of hours. Hearts can be shared and prayer requests petitioned so very easily. It is this latter part that the Lord decided to cultivate.
It started with one friend getting the ball rolling. She knew we all had other friends, but she also knew that the four of us in our group all knew one another. "Why not have an accountability group where we can share our goals, our prayers, and our struggles," she said. We all thought it was a great idea.
Every Sunday or Monday, we started to send out what our prayer requests and goals for the week were. Everybody did. And then from Saturday-Sunday we wrote back about how we did. We aren't prefect; trust me, there are times when I don't fulfill what I wanted to do. We have struggled with the same character issue during the exact same week. We have shed tears and laughter through our computers. Not only has our friendship grown deeper and stronger...so has our relationship with the Lord.
The power of prayer is so wonderful. I love the knowledge that three of my friends are praying specifically for me and I for them. I am so thankful for my like-minded, across the miles, sisters. They know who they are =) I have felt their prayers so many times!
I would greatly encourage you all to do something like "Sisters of the Heart." Get a few friends (they don't have to be local). Call your group something and begin sharing prayer requests and goals with each other. You all will feel richly blessed. I know I can attest to that!
At the present time, God has not richly blessed me with sisters I can call my own. Though that is not to say my family wouldn't love for that to happen. (We are one of these families who would more than the traditional number--two.) But for now, the Lord wants Garrett to be my one and only sibling. A fleshly sibling that is.
The technological world offers many dangers. But via blogging and e-mail, there is also so much good that can happen. Distance can be easily spanned; letters and correspondence can be read in a matter of hours. Hearts can be shared and prayer requests petitioned so very easily. It is this latter part that the Lord decided to cultivate.
It started with one friend getting the ball rolling. She knew we all had other friends, but she also knew that the four of us in our group all knew one another. "Why not have an accountability group where we can share our goals, our prayers, and our struggles," she said. We all thought it was a great idea.
Every Sunday or Monday, we started to send out what our prayer requests and goals for the week were. Everybody did. And then from Saturday-Sunday we wrote back about how we did. We aren't prefect; trust me, there are times when I don't fulfill what I wanted to do. We have struggled with the same character issue during the exact same week. We have shed tears and laughter through our computers. Not only has our friendship grown deeper and stronger...so has our relationship with the Lord.
The power of prayer is so wonderful. I love the knowledge that three of my friends are praying specifically for me and I for them. I am so thankful for my like-minded, across the miles, sisters. They know who they are =) I have felt their prayers so many times!
I would greatly encourage you all to do something like "Sisters of the Heart." Get a few friends (they don't have to be local). Call your group something and begin sharing prayer requests and goals with each other. You all will feel richly blessed. I know I can attest to that!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Measure Twice and Cut Once
It's hard to find clothes anymore. Unless you want to spend a mint someplace, you aren't going to find the modest fashions. Try finding clothes that aren't plastered with Hannah Montana or High School Musical ! =) Well, when you are short, it is doubly hard to find something you like. I have had to make my own clothes because of this.
Sewing is something relatively new for me. I am teaching myself which makes it difficult. But I have to do what I have to do. One staple that I have been lacking is a summer jean skirt. Well, I bought the pattern and material and set to work.
I couldn't have done it without my wonderful dad's help. He is one who helped me interpret Simplicity's patterns when they didn't make one ounce of sense to me. (And they were even difficult for him at times.) He also did the hard steps for me. Perhaps this seems odd, but I do better once I have seen somebody do something; I can then repeat it.
This morning, all I had to do was the hem. Dad knew I wanted to cut some off, as it was longer than I wanted. He told me to measure twice and cut once, because you can only cut once!! Well, I did measure twice; I made sure it was straight and even all the way around....but I still got it slightly shorter than I wanted.
Sewing is something relatively new for me. I am teaching myself which makes it difficult. But I have to do what I have to do. One staple that I have been lacking is a summer jean skirt. Well, I bought the pattern and material and set to work.
I couldn't have done it without my wonderful dad's help. He is one who helped me interpret Simplicity's patterns when they didn't make one ounce of sense to me. (And they were even difficult for him at times.) He also did the hard steps for me. Perhaps this seems odd, but I do better once I have seen somebody do something; I can then repeat it.
This morning, all I had to do was the hem. Dad knew I wanted to cut some off, as it was longer than I wanted. He told me to measure twice and cut once, because you can only cut once!! Well, I did measure twice; I made sure it was straight and even all the way around....but I still got it slightly shorter than I wanted.
The skirt is so comfortable. And it isn't too short. I am completely covered, even when I sit down! Yet regardless of my little blunder, I will definitely be using this pattern again. It will be much easier too and the plan is to make another jean skirt....but leaving it alone this time!! Oh well. You live, you learn, you try again.
Oh, pardon the fuzziness of the picture...and my hair...and my smile. Nothing was cooperating this morning. You know how it goes!! =)
Saturday, August 02, 2008
July's Reading List
I always look forward to bringing this list to you all. I read quite a few good books this month!
Prince Caspian, by C.S. Lewis~~Okay, believe it or not, I hadn't read the book before. I discovered Narnia at an old age =) Since everyone was talking about the movie, I decided to read the book first. I enjoyed it immensely. With everyone I read, I think it is my favorite. You all know that I wrote a blog post inspired by it. I enjoyed so much how things connect from one book to the other. Now, I am yet to see the film, but I will be able to compare and contrast...one of my favorite things to do!
The Land of Fair Play, published by Christian Liberty Press~~I read through this text book for Government, which is one of my favorite subjects. I enjoyed learning about some things I didn't now, and of course, it is always good to refresh your mind on some of the basics. It was a dry book, but it wasn't overly bad!
Vienna Prelude, by Bodie Thoene~~I discovered this first book in the "Zion Covenant Series"while thumbing through a CBD Magazine. Since I had completed World War II, a book that took place in the days of Hitler's take over appealed to me. (Don't ask me why.) It is about the Jews in both Germany and in Austria. It gives you the background on what England and France were thinking of Hitler. It has the Underground...and the Germans who were loyal to Germany...not Hitler. The best aspect is how much music plays into the story. Mozart, Haydn, Philharmonics, violins, cellos; a music lover would enjoy it for that reason. The only thing in this book is that one of the characters is rather brash--but he changes.
Prague Counterpoint, by Bodie Thoene~~Number two in the "Zion Covenant Series" and my favorite of the ones I have read thus far. In addition to the characters you grew to know and love, you meet two little boys. One has a deformity and Hitler wants him exterminated. It opens your eyes to just how horrid the dictator was. There is still the musical aspect of it, which anyone can enjoy. One of my favorite parts is when they interact with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard (I love old movies, so I loved that.) The only thing to be wary about is that one girl tries to make a pass at the main guy--but nothing happens.
Munich Signature, by Bodie Thoene--In number three, there are two plot lines. One is performing on the BBC (while establishing more underground connections) and the other is the refugee quota. I never knew that nations closed their doors to fleeing Jews, Germans, etc. all because of some stupid quota. This book is also really good. Again, only one thing to be slightly aware of--the main characters are newlyweds and they act like it.
Before I go on, I want to apologize for not saying more about the series. I don't want to give the entire story line away. It is really good! Though you have to start at Book 1. Anyway, let's carry on....
Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis~~Due to the adaptation of this I read, it was difficult to get through at times. So many commas! =) It's about Screwtape, a person in the underworld, who writes letters to his nephew, Wormwood. The goal of these letters is to give him advice on how to turn a Christian convert away from Christ. It is eye opening. The temptations he employs, the reasoning he uses...it was good despite it being a confusing read.
Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie~~I read mysteries, but I have never read Agatha before. I can say that I will! This book takes place on a train. A man is murdered and it's up to Hercule Poriot to determine who is the killer. He uses a lot of physiological thought and hopefully, you aren't meant to follow. (If you are, then I am stupid!) The end of this one was very good. He drops it all in your lap; Poriot makes statements that make you say "what made you draw THAT out of the hat?!"
So, there you have it--my reading. Non fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery....a hodgepodge this time!
Prince Caspian, by C.S. Lewis~~Okay, believe it or not, I hadn't read the book before. I discovered Narnia at an old age =) Since everyone was talking about the movie, I decided to read the book first. I enjoyed it immensely. With everyone I read, I think it is my favorite. You all know that I wrote a blog post inspired by it. I enjoyed so much how things connect from one book to the other. Now, I am yet to see the film, but I will be able to compare and contrast...one of my favorite things to do!
The Land of Fair Play, published by Christian Liberty Press~~I read through this text book for Government, which is one of my favorite subjects. I enjoyed learning about some things I didn't now, and of course, it is always good to refresh your mind on some of the basics. It was a dry book, but it wasn't overly bad!
Vienna Prelude, by Bodie Thoene~~I discovered this first book in the "Zion Covenant Series"while thumbing through a CBD Magazine. Since I had completed World War II, a book that took place in the days of Hitler's take over appealed to me. (Don't ask me why.) It is about the Jews in both Germany and in Austria. It gives you the background on what England and France were thinking of Hitler. It has the Underground...and the Germans who were loyal to Germany...not Hitler. The best aspect is how much music plays into the story. Mozart, Haydn, Philharmonics, violins, cellos; a music lover would enjoy it for that reason. The only thing in this book is that one of the characters is rather brash--but he changes.
Prague Counterpoint, by Bodie Thoene~~Number two in the "Zion Covenant Series" and my favorite of the ones I have read thus far. In addition to the characters you grew to know and love, you meet two little boys. One has a deformity and Hitler wants him exterminated. It opens your eyes to just how horrid the dictator was. There is still the musical aspect of it, which anyone can enjoy. One of my favorite parts is when they interact with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard (I love old movies, so I loved that.) The only thing to be wary about is that one girl tries to make a pass at the main guy--but nothing happens.
Munich Signature, by Bodie Thoene--In number three, there are two plot lines. One is performing on the BBC (while establishing more underground connections) and the other is the refugee quota. I never knew that nations closed their doors to fleeing Jews, Germans, etc. all because of some stupid quota. This book is also really good. Again, only one thing to be slightly aware of--the main characters are newlyweds and they act like it.
Before I go on, I want to apologize for not saying more about the series. I don't want to give the entire story line away. It is really good! Though you have to start at Book 1. Anyway, let's carry on....
Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis~~Due to the adaptation of this I read, it was difficult to get through at times. So many commas! =) It's about Screwtape, a person in the underworld, who writes letters to his nephew, Wormwood. The goal of these letters is to give him advice on how to turn a Christian convert away from Christ. It is eye opening. The temptations he employs, the reasoning he uses...it was good despite it being a confusing read.
Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie~~I read mysteries, but I have never read Agatha before. I can say that I will! This book takes place on a train. A man is murdered and it's up to Hercule Poriot to determine who is the killer. He uses a lot of physiological thought and hopefully, you aren't meant to follow. (If you are, then I am stupid!) The end of this one was very good. He drops it all in your lap; Poriot makes statements that make you say "what made you draw THAT out of the hat?!"
So, there you have it--my reading. Non fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery....a hodgepodge this time!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Some Psalms of Praise
Right at the moment, Blogger is not posting my photos. I don't know it any of you are having the same problem. I wanted to share some Psalms with you (and add a few pics) But I can only do the former at the moment. They have jumped out at me this week; I hope they do something for you!
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection/ He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies."~Psalm 18:1-3
"Lord, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness. IN your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall."~Psalm 18:28-29
"The Heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies.; yet their message has gone out to all the earth. and their words to all the world."~Psalm 19:1-4
"The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all those who keep his covenant and obey his decrees."~Psalms 25:8-10
"Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning...You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy., that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!":~Psalm 30: 4-5, 11-12
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Pour Out Your Heart
We all have something that helps us express ourselves. For some, our heart comes out through musical instruments. Others show love and care via hand sewn garments. For my brother, you can see what his interests are by the effort he puts into his wood products. For me, one of the ways I pour out my heart is by writing.
I can tell what my emotions are based on what I write about. When something has aggravated me, my writing takes on a passionate, sometimes argumentative, tone. When I am happy, my writing is carefree and light. But regardless of what I am feeling, I have it stashed away (either in notebooks or here on the blog) where I can look back, remember, and see if anything has changed.
My favorite way to do this is by my prayer journal. I have taken to writing down one specific prayer request or struggle for a couple of years now. When I do it, I feel so refreshed. It is one of the ways that I pray and pour my heart out to God. Then, later on, I find that the years haven't changed much; names and dates might be different, but the same issues can still be there.
Of late, I have been writing so much more in my journal. The pages can have tear stains; my struggles are there in black and white....or rather blue. I am open and vulnerable in those pages. I express my fears and doubts, as well as my praises and joys. I have several Psalms written in there; David's questions can be exactly my own. No one sees my journal except me and the Lord. I have nothing to hide; my parents know my issues just as well as I do. Only how I word things is between me and the Father. I record my anger, my frustration, my awe at His grace and majesty....and it is so wonderful to know that He reads as well as hears my prayers.
Also lately, I have found just how much release can be found when I stand broken before God. Through the times of writing in my journal, I have been reminded of just how great He is. And I will have these entries for years to come. I would encourage you all to do something that enables you to pour out your heart from our Wonderful Merciful Savior. We all are different; He isn't. We all have different struggles; the result will be the same.
Do you keep a prayer journal?
What is your way of pouring out your heart to God?
What is one thing that He is teaching You...if you want to share it?
I can tell what my emotions are based on what I write about. When something has aggravated me, my writing takes on a passionate, sometimes argumentative, tone. When I am happy, my writing is carefree and light. But regardless of what I am feeling, I have it stashed away (either in notebooks or here on the blog) where I can look back, remember, and see if anything has changed.
My favorite way to do this is by my prayer journal. I have taken to writing down one specific prayer request or struggle for a couple of years now. When I do it, I feel so refreshed. It is one of the ways that I pray and pour my heart out to God. Then, later on, I find that the years haven't changed much; names and dates might be different, but the same issues can still be there.
Of late, I have been writing so much more in my journal. The pages can have tear stains; my struggles are there in black and white....or rather blue. I am open and vulnerable in those pages. I express my fears and doubts, as well as my praises and joys. I have several Psalms written in there; David's questions can be exactly my own. No one sees my journal except me and the Lord. I have nothing to hide; my parents know my issues just as well as I do. Only how I word things is between me and the Father. I record my anger, my frustration, my awe at His grace and majesty....and it is so wonderful to know that He reads as well as hears my prayers.
Also lately, I have found just how much release can be found when I stand broken before God. Through the times of writing in my journal, I have been reminded of just how great He is. And I will have these entries for years to come. I would encourage you all to do something that enables you to pour out your heart from our Wonderful Merciful Savior. We all are different; He isn't. We all have different struggles; the result will be the same.
Do you keep a prayer journal?
What is your way of pouring out your heart to God?
What is one thing that He is teaching You...if you want to share it?
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Trip to Cheddar Bay....Even Though It Doesn't Exist
I have said it before....I love to work in the kitchen. I say that baking is therapeutic for me (though that is probably stretching it a little bit.) Anyway, I love to try new recipes, get new cookbooks from the library, and I found a recipe y'all might like to try.
If you have ever been to Red Lobster, you know all about those Chedday Bay biscuits they bring to you before your entree arrives. Well, our family loves them. I hate to say we eat more than one basket =) However, we don't go to Red Lobster that often, but I found a "Top Secret Cloning Recipe" for them.....and they tast exactly the same.....or what I can recollect of my last tasting of the actual one. I wanted to share my find with you.
2 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
4 TBSP. cold butter
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Cut butter into Bisquick mix. There should be small chunks of butter (the size of peas) when you are done. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Mix by hand until combined. (You will get sticky fingers.)
Drop approximately 1/4 cup portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheet using an ice cream scoop. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are light brown.
When you take the biscuits out of the oven, melt 2 TBSP. butter in a small bowl. Stir in 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/4 tsp. dried parsley. Use a brush to spread this garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits.
This is a simple recipe. I got it out of this cookbook. Next thing I plan to make out of it: Olive Garden's Lemon Creme Cake!!
If you have ever been to Red Lobster, you know all about those Chedday Bay biscuits they bring to you before your entree arrives. Well, our family loves them. I hate to say we eat more than one basket =) However, we don't go to Red Lobster that often, but I found a "Top Secret Cloning Recipe" for them.....and they tast exactly the same.....or what I can recollect of my last tasting of the actual one. I wanted to share my find with you.
2 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
4 TBSP. cold butter
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Cut butter into Bisquick mix. There should be small chunks of butter (the size of peas) when you are done. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Mix by hand until combined. (You will get sticky fingers.)
Drop approximately 1/4 cup portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheet using an ice cream scoop. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are light brown.
When you take the biscuits out of the oven, melt 2 TBSP. butter in a small bowl. Stir in 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/4 tsp. dried parsley. Use a brush to spread this garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits.
This is a simple recipe. I got it out of this cookbook. Next thing I plan to make out of it: Olive Garden's Lemon Creme Cake!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
My Sincerest Apologies
I wanted to apologize to you all that I haven't been blogging very regularly lately! Perhaps it is because summer is upon us, people are out of town more, and thus, less prone to read....I don't know. I have been busy as well, and sometimes, writing "deep" posts has to become a lesser priority. But just because I haven't written doesn't mean I have neglected you all; I have been thinking of you a lot and praying for you when you come to mind.
So, what has been new with me? Well: I am still finishing up school. I know, I know, most schoolers are well into summer vacation by this time. My family schools year round, and since the bulk of our break is in the fall...you get the idea. I am finding that my workload is getting lower and lower, as I have finished basically everything required for mandatory education.
I am still keeping busy with piano and sewing, though I do the former much more frequently. I am not taking lessons for the summer, but Gershwin, Beethoven, Pachabel, Debussy are still being played and polished.
As to sewing, I have completed a summer bathrobe. I will be the first to admit that it isn't perfect, but it's a bathrobe!! I should post pictures of it; I know several friends of mine who are "dying" to see what my sewing creations look like. I am next going to tackle a summer dress with Simplicty Pattern #3877....but when you are missing bodice pieces, it doesn't work too well. (Dad is getting a new one for me =)
The Lord has been teaching me a lot of things the past few weeks and months. He is reminding me about the title of this blog, How Great IS His Faithfulness, and how it does apply. He is reminding me that grace is a gift I do not deserve, but He gives it freely each hour of every day. I am trying to put my emotions/spiritual lessons into verse and then maybe, just maybe, I will try to put it to a simple tune on the piano.
So, there you have it, a little snipet into my life right now. I hope you are all feeling blessed this summer....actually this year.....by our Wonderful Merciful Savior!
So, what has been new with me? Well: I am still finishing up school. I know, I know, most schoolers are well into summer vacation by this time. My family schools year round, and since the bulk of our break is in the fall...you get the idea. I am finding that my workload is getting lower and lower, as I have finished basically everything required for mandatory education.
I am still keeping busy with piano and sewing, though I do the former much more frequently. I am not taking lessons for the summer, but Gershwin, Beethoven, Pachabel, Debussy are still being played and polished.
As to sewing, I have completed a summer bathrobe. I will be the first to admit that it isn't perfect, but it's a bathrobe!! I should post pictures of it; I know several friends of mine who are "dying" to see what my sewing creations look like. I am next going to tackle a summer dress with Simplicty Pattern #3877....but when you are missing bodice pieces, it doesn't work too well. (Dad is getting a new one for me =)
The Lord has been teaching me a lot of things the past few weeks and months. He is reminding me about the title of this blog, How Great IS His Faithfulness, and how it does apply. He is reminding me that grace is a gift I do not deserve, but He gives it freely each hour of every day. I am trying to put my emotions/spiritual lessons into verse and then maybe, just maybe, I will try to put it to a simple tune on the piano.
So, there you have it, a little snipet into my life right now. I hope you are all feeling blessed this summer....actually this year.....by our Wonderful Merciful Savior!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Eyes on the Lion
The literary world is one of my favorite places to step into. I never know what I will find when I travel into Jane Austen’s Regency England, or Martha Finley’s Civil War Era, or Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Early America. Oftentimes, I learn historic tidbits I never knew; I cry when they cry; I feel happy when they are happy; I am transported into realms of days gone by. Yet, when I step into the world of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia, I find that I am challenged and encouraged in my Christian walk.
Aslan is my favorite of all the Narnian characters—probably because he is the allegorical form of Christ. Any time Aslan opens his mouth, I can picture the Lord saying the same thing, whether it be in word or on paper. Upon completing Prince Caspian, I discovered the lesson I was to be reminded of through Aslan and the adventures of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy…and at my particular point, Trumpkin was there too.
You probably know the story already; I am far behind most when it comes to Narnia. The Pevensies’ have been taken back into Narnia to help Prince Caspian regain his throne from his evil uncle, Miraz. Trumpkin has been sent to get the children back to the Stone Table and the five of them have gotten lost.
“Look, the Lion!” Lucy cried, “Aslan himself. Didn’t you see?” Her face had completely changed and her eyes shone.
“Where, Lu?” asked Peter.
“Right up between those mountain ashes. No, this side of the gorge. And up, not down. Just the opposite of the way you want to go. And he wanted us to go where he was—up there.”
“How do you know that was what he wanted?” asked Edmund.
“He—I—I just know,” said Lucy, “by his face.”
The others all looked at each other in puzzled silence.
After a vote of 3-2, the children and Trumpkin head in the original way of their plans…and the opposite of Aslan’s. Lucy was unhappy about the whole thing, but she went along. By going the way they did, our Narnian friends encountered a band of Miraz’s men. They were fortunate enough not to be killed.
Lucy has just met with Aslan… “Yes, wasn’t it a shame?” said Lucy. “I saw you all right. They wouldn’t believe me. They’re all so—
From somewhere deep inside Aslan’s body there came the faintest suggestion of a growl.
“I’m sorry,” said Lucy, who understood some of his moods. “I didn’t mean to start slanging the others. But it wasn’t my fault anyway, was it?”
The Lion looked straight into her eyes.
“Oh Aslan,” said Lucy. You don’t mean it was? How could I—I couldn’t have left the others and come up with you alone, how could I? Don’t look at me like that…oh well, I suppose I could. Yes, and it wouldn’t have been alone, I know, not if I was with you.”
Aslan then tells Lucy that she must get the others to follow her again this time. He will go with them, though he will be invisible to all save herself for the present. It takes some doing, but after the encounter they have already had, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Trumpkin go with her.
“And so at last they got on the move. Lucy went first, biting her lip and trying not to say all the things she thought of saying to Susan. But she forgot them when she fixed her eyes on Aslan. He turned and walked at a slow pace about thirty yards ahead of them. The other’s only had Lucy’s directions to guide them, for Aslan was not only invisible to them, he was silent as well.
He led them to the right of the dancing trees—whether they were still dancing nobody knew, for Lucy had her eyes on the Lion and the rest had their eyes on Lucy—and nearer the edge of the gorge.
For a long way Aslan went along the top of the precipices. Then they came to a place where some little trees grew right on the edge. He turned and disappeared among them. Lucy held her breath, for it looked as if he had plunged over the cliff; but she was too busy in sight to stop and think about this. She quickened her pace and was soon among the trees herself. Looking down, she could see a steep and narrow path going slantwise down into the gorge between rocks, and Aslan descending it. He turned and looked at her with his happy eyes. Lucy clapped her hands and began to scramble down after him. From, behind her she heard the voices of the others shouting “Hi! Lucy! Look out, for goodness sake. You’re right on the edge of the gorge. Come back—“ and then, a moment later, Edmund’s voice saying, “No, she’s right. There is a way down….
Aslan without hesitation led them to their left, farther up the gorge. The whole journey was odd and dream-like—the roaring stream, the wet gray grass, the glimmering cliffs which they were approaching, and always the glorious silently pacing Beast ahead. Everyone except Susan and Trumpkin could see him now.
Presently they came to another steep path, up the face of the farther precipices. These were far higher than the ones they had just descended, and the journey up them was a long and tedious zigzag. Fortunately the Moon shone right above the gorge so that neither side was in shadow.
Lucy was nearly blown when the hind legs and tail of Aslan disappeared over the top: but with one final effort she scrambled after him and came out, rather shaky-legged and breathless, on the hill they had been trying to reach ever since they left Glasswater. The long gentle slope stretched up to where it vanished in a glimmer of trees about a half mile away. She knew it. It was the hill of the Stone Table.
I don’t know about you, but for me, life can seem like walking up and down those narrow precipices. You have no idea if the way you are going is the right way; your flesh says everything is illogical about the present course. And yet, our Aslan, Christ, wants us to walk it. He wants our eyes to be like those of Lucy’s—fixed on the Lion.
When our eyes are on the Lion, we don’t see the impossibility, the danger, the loneliness of the path he wants us to be on. We only see Him. And by keeping our eyes on Him, we will get to our ultimate destination. It isn’t without the trials and dangers (zigzagging across precipices doesn’t sound safe) but it is a whole lot better of a course than the one we would choose for ourselves. Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and Trumpkin discovered that.
It isn’t easy to keep our eyes on “Aslan.” Trumpkin didn’t believe its existence; Susan was afraid. But a childlike faith like Lucy’s is all we need. I want to encourage you through this passage of Prince Caspian to keep on walking down the narrow passages in your life. Keep your eyes on the Lion from the Tribe of Judah; in Him is security, peace, protection, and the knowledge that He will see us through what looks improbable to the human eye.
Aslan is my favorite of all the Narnian characters—probably because he is the allegorical form of Christ. Any time Aslan opens his mouth, I can picture the Lord saying the same thing, whether it be in word or on paper. Upon completing Prince Caspian, I discovered the lesson I was to be reminded of through Aslan and the adventures of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy…and at my particular point, Trumpkin was there too.
You probably know the story already; I am far behind most when it comes to Narnia. The Pevensies’ have been taken back into Narnia to help Prince Caspian regain his throne from his evil uncle, Miraz. Trumpkin has been sent to get the children back to the Stone Table and the five of them have gotten lost.
“Look, the Lion!” Lucy cried, “Aslan himself. Didn’t you see?” Her face had completely changed and her eyes shone.
“Where, Lu?” asked Peter.
“Right up between those mountain ashes. No, this side of the gorge. And up, not down. Just the opposite of the way you want to go. And he wanted us to go where he was—up there.”
“How do you know that was what he wanted?” asked Edmund.
“He—I—I just know,” said Lucy, “by his face.”
The others all looked at each other in puzzled silence.
After a vote of 3-2, the children and Trumpkin head in the original way of their plans…and the opposite of Aslan’s. Lucy was unhappy about the whole thing, but she went along. By going the way they did, our Narnian friends encountered a band of Miraz’s men. They were fortunate enough not to be killed.
Lucy has just met with Aslan… “Yes, wasn’t it a shame?” said Lucy. “I saw you all right. They wouldn’t believe me. They’re all so—
From somewhere deep inside Aslan’s body there came the faintest suggestion of a growl.
“I’m sorry,” said Lucy, who understood some of his moods. “I didn’t mean to start slanging the others. But it wasn’t my fault anyway, was it?”
The Lion looked straight into her eyes.
“Oh Aslan,” said Lucy. You don’t mean it was? How could I—I couldn’t have left the others and come up with you alone, how could I? Don’t look at me like that…oh well, I suppose I could. Yes, and it wouldn’t have been alone, I know, not if I was with you.”
Aslan then tells Lucy that she must get the others to follow her again this time. He will go with them, though he will be invisible to all save herself for the present. It takes some doing, but after the encounter they have already had, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Trumpkin go with her.
“And so at last they got on the move. Lucy went first, biting her lip and trying not to say all the things she thought of saying to Susan. But she forgot them when she fixed her eyes on Aslan. He turned and walked at a slow pace about thirty yards ahead of them. The other’s only had Lucy’s directions to guide them, for Aslan was not only invisible to them, he was silent as well.
He led them to the right of the dancing trees—whether they were still dancing nobody knew, for Lucy had her eyes on the Lion and the rest had their eyes on Lucy—and nearer the edge of the gorge.
For a long way Aslan went along the top of the precipices. Then they came to a place where some little trees grew right on the edge. He turned and disappeared among them. Lucy held her breath, for it looked as if he had plunged over the cliff; but she was too busy in sight to stop and think about this. She quickened her pace and was soon among the trees herself. Looking down, she could see a steep and narrow path going slantwise down into the gorge between rocks, and Aslan descending it. He turned and looked at her with his happy eyes. Lucy clapped her hands and began to scramble down after him. From, behind her she heard the voices of the others shouting “Hi! Lucy! Look out, for goodness sake. You’re right on the edge of the gorge. Come back—“ and then, a moment later, Edmund’s voice saying, “No, she’s right. There is a way down….
Aslan without hesitation led them to their left, farther up the gorge. The whole journey was odd and dream-like—the roaring stream, the wet gray grass, the glimmering cliffs which they were approaching, and always the glorious silently pacing Beast ahead. Everyone except Susan and Trumpkin could see him now.
Presently they came to another steep path, up the face of the farther precipices. These were far higher than the ones they had just descended, and the journey up them was a long and tedious zigzag. Fortunately the Moon shone right above the gorge so that neither side was in shadow.
Lucy was nearly blown when the hind legs and tail of Aslan disappeared over the top: but with one final effort she scrambled after him and came out, rather shaky-legged and breathless, on the hill they had been trying to reach ever since they left Glasswater. The long gentle slope stretched up to where it vanished in a glimmer of trees about a half mile away. She knew it. It was the hill of the Stone Table.
I don’t know about you, but for me, life can seem like walking up and down those narrow precipices. You have no idea if the way you are going is the right way; your flesh says everything is illogical about the present course. And yet, our Aslan, Christ, wants us to walk it. He wants our eyes to be like those of Lucy’s—fixed on the Lion.
When our eyes are on the Lion, we don’t see the impossibility, the danger, the loneliness of the path he wants us to be on. We only see Him. And by keeping our eyes on Him, we will get to our ultimate destination. It isn’t without the trials and dangers (zigzagging across precipices doesn’t sound safe) but it is a whole lot better of a course than the one we would choose for ourselves. Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and Trumpkin discovered that.
It isn’t easy to keep our eyes on “Aslan.” Trumpkin didn’t believe its existence; Susan was afraid. But a childlike faith like Lucy’s is all we need. I want to encourage you through this passage of Prince Caspian to keep on walking down the narrow passages in your life. Keep your eyes on the Lion from the Tribe of Judah; in Him is security, peace, protection, and the knowledge that He will see us through what looks improbable to the human eye.
Monday, July 07, 2008
June's Reading List
Okay, so I am really bad about doing this on the first of the month. What with posting vacation pictures and writing about the 4th of July, I felt you all were inundated enough! But now....you aren't so lucky anymore!
Love Takes Wing, by Janette Oke~~So, after I watched the sixth movie, I felt like the producers had combined the remainder of books into the one film. I had to find out. Now, Janette Oke's books aren't what you would call "deep reading" but I do enjoy reading light, delightful fare every now and then.
Mistaken Identity, by Don and Susie VanRyn; Newell, Colleen, and Whitney Cerak~~This real life story of mistaken identity fascinated me when it happened two years ago. How could a girl be presumed dead and yet she was really the one alive in a Michigan hospital? How could a family think their daughter was alive for five weeks and yet be wrong? When the families wrote their story, I waited forever for my loan at the library to get here. It was a very interesting read. Yet, what I liked the most was the faith that both families had and continued to have all through the difficult times. You would have to read it to understand the story, but their relationships and trust in God is amazing!
Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw~~Call me crazy, but I didn't know that "My Fair Lady" had been based on a play. I discovered that fact as I read through a guide to some classics I wanted to read. I got the play; it was really interesting to read in that format. I did keep thinking the songs in my head, but I liked Mr. Shaw's ending much better than Hollywood's. I am not a Henry Higgins fan.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte~~I finally finished this book and I loved it!! It is a long read--over 600 pages, but it is definitely worth it. The morals of Jane are wonderful to read about, the plot line is very intriguing. I would recommend this classic novel. So far, I have watched one movie adaptation and have another one in our Netflix queue.
Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier~~I watched the movie for the first time a couple of years ago. I like to then read the book (or vise versa) The book is good, though there is some language in it and none in the movie. I have to say, though, as a warning, that you will find out some things about a deceased spouse that aren't that great. But nothing is graphic or even really there. Just wanted you to be aware!
Love Finds a Home, by Janette Oke~~I decided to finish the Love Comes Softly Series while on vacation. They were delightful reads! But yes, I do think the movies have merit too.
Okay, so I didn't read that many non-fiction books this time. I finished all of my novels required for school! Oh well. I love to read all sorts of genres! Fiction gets a big turn now!
Love Takes Wing, by Janette Oke~~So, after I watched the sixth movie, I felt like the producers had combined the remainder of books into the one film. I had to find out. Now, Janette Oke's books aren't what you would call "deep reading" but I do enjoy reading light, delightful fare every now and then.
Mistaken Identity, by Don and Susie VanRyn; Newell, Colleen, and Whitney Cerak~~This real life story of mistaken identity fascinated me when it happened two years ago. How could a girl be presumed dead and yet she was really the one alive in a Michigan hospital? How could a family think their daughter was alive for five weeks and yet be wrong? When the families wrote their story, I waited forever for my loan at the library to get here. It was a very interesting read. Yet, what I liked the most was the faith that both families had and continued to have all through the difficult times. You would have to read it to understand the story, but their relationships and trust in God is amazing!
Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw~~Call me crazy, but I didn't know that "My Fair Lady" had been based on a play. I discovered that fact as I read through a guide to some classics I wanted to read. I got the play; it was really interesting to read in that format. I did keep thinking the songs in my head, but I liked Mr. Shaw's ending much better than Hollywood's. I am not a Henry Higgins fan.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte~~I finally finished this book and I loved it!! It is a long read--over 600 pages, but it is definitely worth it. The morals of Jane are wonderful to read about, the plot line is very intriguing. I would recommend this classic novel. So far, I have watched one movie adaptation and have another one in our Netflix queue.
Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier~~I watched the movie for the first time a couple of years ago. I like to then read the book (or vise versa) The book is good, though there is some language in it and none in the movie. I have to say, though, as a warning, that you will find out some things about a deceased spouse that aren't that great. But nothing is graphic or even really there. Just wanted you to be aware!
Love Finds a Home, by Janette Oke~~I decided to finish the Love Comes Softly Series while on vacation. They were delightful reads! But yes, I do think the movies have merit too.
Okay, so I didn't read that many non-fiction books this time. I finished all of my novels required for school! Oh well. I love to read all sorts of genres! Fiction gets a big turn now!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Freedom--A National Treasure
In the 2005 blockbuster hit, National Treasure, Benjamin Franklin Gates has his hands full. Along with his father, his assistant, Riley Poole, and Dr. Abigail Chase, Ben has the task of protecting the Declaration of Independence. Though there were ulterior motives for doing so, Ben and his friends were willing to go down creepy tunnels inside the tomb, jump off the U.S.S. Intrepid, be chased all through downtown Philadelphia, and get shot at, in order that the Declaration would not fall into the hands of Ian Howe. The good guys knew the significance, the history, and the importance of keeping the document protected.
Two hundred and thirty-two years ago, a group of men met to protect something even more valuable than the Declaration of Independence—their freedoms. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock were fed up with the state of affairs in the colonies. Taxes had been legislated across the pond and enforced at home. The only problem was that the colonists had absolutely no say about the whole thing. Their homes and lives were being violated; what their ancestors on the Mayflower had fled from was happening all over again. Just like the men of the 17th Century, the men of the 18th century had to do something in order to preserve their homeland for their children. John and Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock also knew the significance of freedom and the importance of protecting those rights—regardless of the price tag.
Today, protecting seems to be a lost art. Freedom is a word we use flippantly. The terms “freedom in Christ” or “freedom of speech” are common excuses people give for their actions. Yet, because people desire things to be easier for themselves, freedoms are given over more and more to the government each and every day. Now, it is expected that education and education funding are to be under government control; if you have a problem, the government will bail you out; social security has replaced children taking care of their aged parents; medicare is something the government pays for. The list could go on and on. What people do not seem to realize, is that once you have a taste of power, you want more and more. The government is no exception.
The right to live as we choose is a blessing from the Lord. The United States still does allow basic freedoms, as stated in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness still exists. Yet, there may come a time when those freedoms are violated and removed. It is not a pleasant thought, but we must ask ourselves what would we be willing to do in order to keep them. Christ gave us freedom over sin by dying in our place; many of the signers of the Declaration were persecuted for what they had done. Perhaps we will experience the same one day.
Freedom is something that cannot be easily taken away from us (or rather, it shouldn’t be.) In National Treasure, Ben Gates did not regard the Declaration of Independence as a bargaining chip to get him out of trouble. That old piece of paper meant much more to him. Our Founding Fathers believed in a nation that was safe and free not only for their children but also for those who wanted a safe haven from tyranny, oppression, and religious persecution. The ability to have that was not a bargaining chip for them. The signers would not lay freedom on the table in order to get back into King George III’s good graces.
The same should be true of us. This Fourth of July, remember what a blessing the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and freedom are. They are some of the greatest “national treasures” we will ever possess.
Two hundred and thirty-two years ago, a group of men met to protect something even more valuable than the Declaration of Independence—their freedoms. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock were fed up with the state of affairs in the colonies. Taxes had been legislated across the pond and enforced at home. The only problem was that the colonists had absolutely no say about the whole thing. Their homes and lives were being violated; what their ancestors on the Mayflower had fled from was happening all over again. Just like the men of the 17th Century, the men of the 18th century had to do something in order to preserve their homeland for their children. John and Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock also knew the significance of freedom and the importance of protecting those rights—regardless of the price tag.
Today, protecting seems to be a lost art. Freedom is a word we use flippantly. The terms “freedom in Christ” or “freedom of speech” are common excuses people give for their actions. Yet, because people desire things to be easier for themselves, freedoms are given over more and more to the government each and every day. Now, it is expected that education and education funding are to be under government control; if you have a problem, the government will bail you out; social security has replaced children taking care of their aged parents; medicare is something the government pays for. The list could go on and on. What people do not seem to realize, is that once you have a taste of power, you want more and more. The government is no exception.
The right to live as we choose is a blessing from the Lord. The United States still does allow basic freedoms, as stated in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness still exists. Yet, there may come a time when those freedoms are violated and removed. It is not a pleasant thought, but we must ask ourselves what would we be willing to do in order to keep them. Christ gave us freedom over sin by dying in our place; many of the signers of the Declaration were persecuted for what they had done. Perhaps we will experience the same one day.
Freedom is something that cannot be easily taken away from us (or rather, it shouldn’t be.) In National Treasure, Ben Gates did not regard the Declaration of Independence as a bargaining chip to get him out of trouble. That old piece of paper meant much more to him. Our Founding Fathers believed in a nation that was safe and free not only for their children but also for those who wanted a safe haven from tyranny, oppression, and religious persecution. The ability to have that was not a bargaining chip for them. The signers would not lay freedom on the table in order to get back into King George III’s good graces.
The same should be true of us. This Fourth of July, remember what a blessing the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and freedom are. They are some of the greatest “national treasures” we will ever possess.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Tagged! And Forced to Talk About Authors =)
Tags can be pretty fun. So, when Jasmine of Incoherent Ramblings tagged me, I decided to do it. This is different from the others, which provides a nice change from what I usually do. And since I will post my reading list later this week, it fits!
The rules:
The rules:
- Answer the questions Jasmine tagged me with
- And then tag 4-6 other people (but I might not do that =)
Who is your favorite author and why? This is a very hard question to answer! There are so many different genres and authors that I love to pick up and read. Jane Austen is such an obvious answer (especially for those who know me) but it is the truth. Her stories of courtship, romance, intrigue, etc. appeal to me; it brings the feminine nature out in me, I guess.
Who was your first favorite author and why? There are two authors that come immediately to my mind. The first is Carolyn Keene, who wrote the "Nancy Drew" mysteries. I "inherited" all of Mom's old ones years ago, and my 8-12 years were spent reading many of them. I loved Nancy and Bess; George wasn't always a favorite. I still might pick one up every now and then to remember. My favorite one was "The Mystery at Lilac Inn."
My other favorite author was Martha Finley. She wrote the Elsie Dinsmore and Mildred Keith series. Originally, I got the unadapted ones when I was about 6, but I found them too hard to read. (The slve talk was difficult to understand!) At age 8, I got the adapted ones by A Life of Faith...and I was hooked. I own each and every one that the company put out: Elsie, Millie, Violet, etc. Though they are geared for a younger audience, I still love them. Elsie Dinsmore was always a heroine I wanted to imitate. And I still buy a new one, whenever they come out. This series is one that I want my future daughters to read....I ought to reread the unadapted ones again!
Who is the newest addition to your favorite authors and why? Definitely Nathaniel Hawthorne. I read The Scarlet Letter for school and I greatly enjoyed it. Though it was long winded in description sometimes, and it read like Old English, I was glad that I stuck with it. So, after that, I gave The House of the Seven Gables a try. I know, I know....many people don't like that one; they find it dark and morose. I thought it was interesting. I plan on reading another one in the future.
Okay, so I tag Anna and Miriam, (if they decide to do this one...no pressure! =), Kaysie, Bonnie, Jennifer, Megan, and Neesie. Hope you enjoyed it!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Who Wants Pictures? You Want Pictures....I Think
I said I would post pictures on Sunday, and here I am. It took me a little bit to figure out how to work a slideshow, but I got it. There are about 30 pictures for you to wade through, but I hope you enjoy them.
We had a lovely trip. The Lord gave us wonderful times together....and apart. He has created such a vast world. It is amazing the great change in just a day's drive. Even though we only had glorious weather two days, I can say I enjoyed them all. (And I am glad the sun wasn't out all that much--I have enough of a burn as it is!)
Mom and I had a great time eating out, watching movies, reading books, taking photos, etc. I don't know if I would call having two false fire alarms great, but it added to the excitement. (The alarms were only faulty systems acting up.)
Okay, you want the photos, so I shall stop. Thank you for your prayers!
We had a lovely trip. The Lord gave us wonderful times together....and apart. He has created such a vast world. It is amazing the great change in just a day's drive. Even though we only had glorious weather two days, I can say I enjoyed them all. (And I am glad the sun wasn't out all that much--I have enough of a burn as it is!)
Mom and I had a great time eating out, watching movies, reading books, taking photos, etc. I don't know if I would call having two false fire alarms great, but it added to the excitement. (The alarms were only faulty systems acting up.)
Okay, you want the photos, so I shall stop. Thank you for your prayers!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Things I Never Do At Home
I thought I would compile a list of the things that I have done this week that I don't do at home. It is a lot of fun to differ from the daily routine every so often. However, I will also confess, that it will be good to get back to normal.
***I got red!!! Finally, after what seems like an eternity, I am no longer white. I have been out in the sun the past two days and have gotten burnt!! Oh, how I ache!! Taking a shower hurts!***
***In a span of six days, Mom and I have watched at least 15 movies. That is definitely rare!***
***Going out to eat is a treat. We do it pretty much on Sundays after church. So it has been really different to have every single dinner out***
***Seafood is something I eat about twice a year--Mom's birthday and Mother's Day. I have had it twice this week.***
***My usual bedtime is 10:00 (during the summer/fall months) Last night, I stayed up until 12:30.***
***I haven't eaten any vegetables. I have had a salad only twice and steamed vegetables only once. That is SO unusual. My family eats a lot of greens!
Okay, just a little glimpse into my break. Looking at it, I can tell I need to get back into a routine of playing the piano, eating healthy, etc.
***I got red!!! Finally, after what seems like an eternity, I am no longer white. I have been out in the sun the past two days and have gotten burnt!! Oh, how I ache!! Taking a shower hurts!***
***In a span of six days, Mom and I have watched at least 15 movies. That is definitely rare!***
***Going out to eat is a treat. We do it pretty much on Sundays after church. So it has been really different to have every single dinner out***
***Seafood is something I eat about twice a year--Mom's birthday and Mother's Day. I have had it twice this week.***
***My usual bedtime is 10:00 (during the summer/fall months) Last night, I stayed up until 12:30.***
***I haven't eaten any vegetables. I have had a salad only twice and steamed vegetables only once. That is SO unusual. My family eats a lot of greens!
Okay, just a little glimpse into my break. Looking at it, I can tell I need to get back into a routine of playing the piano, eating healthy, etc.
Monday, June 23, 2008
When They Aren't Around
As many of you know, I am currently on vacation in Oregon. I have access to wireless Internet, which enables me to get on here and moderate comments....and obviously post. (Though e-mail cannot be checked.) Even though I am only on the first official day of my trip, I am having a lovely time RELAXING!!
Yet, I must say there is an element of bittersweetness in all of this. You see, this is a family vacation and not a family vacation. Mom and I are one place; Dad and Garrett are off somewhere else on a business trip for 3GWoodworks. Oh, sure, we have already touched base three times since we separated, but it isn't the same as having a one on one conversation face to face.
I have determined that swimming in the hotel pool isn't nearly as fun as when you have a sibling around; you can't play Marco Polo by yourself. I have found out that I don't want to even try building a sand castle by myself; Garrett and Dad have been blessed with building expertise, not I. I will even go so far as to say that I miss hearing the daily--no--hourly Red Sox updates from Garrett. I am the one who is reporting things I read in the newspaper to him.
For some reason, the old adage is true that "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Because it truly does. Garrett and I can get on each other's nerves sometimes. Indeed, at home, I go crazy with all of the baseball talk. But I do miss him when he isn't around. The Lord has blessed me with a family that is very, very close to one another. I cannot imagine what it would be like if I was without Garrett, Dad, and Mom on a permanent basis.
Do me a favor today. Show your family members just how much you love them. Say so. Do things with them. Even enjoy the squabbles. =) Life is so very different, so incomplete, when the family unit is apart! And while I am loving the time with Mom, just watching old movies and having girl time, (and I won't want it to be over so quickly) I will be glad to be together again!
Yet, I must say there is an element of bittersweetness in all of this. You see, this is a family vacation and not a family vacation. Mom and I are one place; Dad and Garrett are off somewhere else on a business trip for 3GWoodworks. Oh, sure, we have already touched base three times since we separated, but it isn't the same as having a one on one conversation face to face.
I have determined that swimming in the hotel pool isn't nearly as fun as when you have a sibling around; you can't play Marco Polo by yourself. I have found out that I don't want to even try building a sand castle by myself; Garrett and Dad have been blessed with building expertise, not I. I will even go so far as to say that I miss hearing the daily--no--hourly Red Sox updates from Garrett. I am the one who is reporting things I read in the newspaper to him.
For some reason, the old adage is true that "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Because it truly does. Garrett and I can get on each other's nerves sometimes. Indeed, at home, I go crazy with all of the baseball talk. But I do miss him when he isn't around. The Lord has blessed me with a family that is very, very close to one another. I cannot imagine what it would be like if I was without Garrett, Dad, and Mom on a permanent basis.
Do me a favor today. Show your family members just how much you love them. Say so. Do things with them. Even enjoy the squabbles. =) Life is so very different, so incomplete, when the family unit is apart! And while I am loving the time with Mom, just watching old movies and having girl time, (and I won't want it to be over so quickly) I will be glad to be together again!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
So Long! Farewell! I've off to Oregon!
Just wanted to say good-bye y'all!! My family is off to have a vacation for the week. We are having a unique trip....but I will tell you about it when I get home. If you get lonesome for me, you can read back posts. However, I greatly covet your prayers for safety as we drive and as we stay!
Next Sunday will find me back on here with A LOT of photos. So stay tuned! God bless!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Caring Mr. Knightley
I already did this on ModesTeen, but I wanted to repost it on my personal blog. Some of you may have read it already, but it not, I hope you enjoy it!
Caring people are such blessings to be around. They minister to us when we need it; they stand by us through good times and bad. But sadly, caring seems to be a lost art. No one is that devoted and true. So, finding a character in a book that fits this description is a welcome joy. Jane Austen’s Mr. Knightley is such a gem.
Psalms 101:5 says, “I will not tolerate those who slander my neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” In this also well-recognized scene, these words could be Mr. Knightley’s own. In my favorite of the movie adaptations, Mr. Knightley asks Miss Bates to accompany him as he hunts for strawberries; thus, he removes her from a scene of slander and mockery. We don’t know the age difference between Mr. Knightley and Miss Bates….my guess would be to Miss Bates being older. Yet that did not stop Mr. Knightley from being a gentleman. He didn’t give a hoot about what society might say or whether his reputation would be “blacklisted” for being seen with an old woman. He cared more about the woman in trouble.
Caring people are such blessings to be around. They minister to us when we need it; they stand by us through good times and bad. But sadly, caring seems to be a lost art. No one is that devoted and true. So, finding a character in a book that fits this description is a welcome joy. Jane Austen’s Mr. Knightley is such a gem.Mr. Knightley appeals to people the minute you see him on screen. Okay, at first it isn’t for something as wonderful as his character qualities—his looks jump out at us. Then, as the movie (or book) progresses, you grow to appreciate and love him for his character. He is the kind of guy that all of us would want in a future spouse. Mr. Knightley is truly what his name suggests; he is a gallant knight.
“Mrs. Gilbert does not mean to dance, but there is a young lady disengaged whom I should be very glad to see dancing—Miss Smith.”“Miss Smith—oh! I had not observed. You are extremely obliging—and if I were not an old married—but my dancing days are over, Mrs. Weston. You will excuse me. Anything else I should be most happy to do, at your command—but my dancing days are over.”Mrs. Weston said no more; and Emma could imagine with what surprise and mortification she must be returning to her seat. This was Mr. Elton! The amiable, obliging, gentle Mr. Elton. She looked round for a moment; he had joined Mr. Knightley at a little distance, and was arranging himself for settled conversation, while smiles of high glee passed between him and his wife.In another moment a happier sight caught her eye—Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set! Never had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant. She was all pleasure and gratitude, both for Harriet and herself, and longed to be thanking him; and though too distant for speech, her countenance said much, as soon as she could catch his eye again.”
This scene is one I can very easily picture from the movie. We feel so sad for Harriet, the music swells…..and all of a sudden, there are Mr. Knightley and Harriet coming down the line of dancers. We smile and say, “that is an amazing guy. I would want a guy to do that for me or a friend of mine if we had been so snubbed by a Mr. Elton.” Even though he wasn’t as close to Harriet as Emma was, he was an example of Proverbs 17:17~”A Friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” It might not seem like much; not dancing in a set isn’t that life shattering. And yet….wouldn’t you want a Mr. Knightley coming to your rescue? A guy who saw an uncalled for situation and stepped in the place of the little worm? The dancing with Harriet also showed Mr. Knightley a side of her that he didn’t know before, or at least didn’t give much credit to.
But it wasn’t just young women that Mr. Knightley assisted:
… “she only demands from each of you, either one thing very clever, two things moderately clever, or three things very dull indeed; and she engages to laugh heartily at them all.”“Oh! Very well,” exclaimed Miss Bates. “Then I know I need not be uneasy. Three things very dull indeed. That will just do for me, you know. I shall be sure to say three dull things as so as ever I open my mouth, shan’t I?”Emma could not resist.“Ah, ma’am, but there may be a difficulty. Pardon me, but you will be limited as to number—only three at once.”Miss Bates, deceived by the mock ceremony of her manner, did not immediately catch her meaning; but when it burst on her, it could not anger, though a slight blush showed that it could pain her.“Ah! Well—to be sure. Yes, I see what she means” (turning to Mr. Knightley) “and I will try to hold my tongue. I must make myself very disagreeable, or she would not have said such a thing to an old friend…”~~~~~~~~~~~~~~…. She found Mr. Knightley by her side. “Emma, how could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates. How could you be so insolent to a woman of her character, age, and situation? I had not thought it possible.”Emma recollected, blushed, was sorry, but tried to laugh it off.“How could I help saying it. I dare say she did not understand me.”“I assure you she did. She felt your full meaning. She has talked of it since. I wish you could have heard how she talked of it—with what candor and generosity. I wish you could have heard her honoring your forbearance, in being able to pay her such attentions, as she was forever receiving from yourself, when her society must be so irksome.”“Oh,” cried Emma, “I know there is not a better creature in the world, but you must allow there is some of the ridiculous in her.”“Were she a woman of fortune, I would leave every little absurdity to take its chance. But she is poor! And should she live to be an old woman she will sink further still. Her situation deserves your compassion! Badly done, Emma! Badly done! She has watched you grow from a time when her notice was a thing of honor to this---This is not pleasant for you, Emma, and it is very far from pleasant for me. But I must tell you truths while I can; satisfied with proving myself your friend by very faithful counsel and trusting that you will sometime do me greater justice than you do now.”
Psalms 101:5 says, “I will not tolerate those who slander my neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” In this also well-recognized scene, these words could be Mr. Knightley’s own. In my favorite of the movie adaptations, Mr. Knightley asks Miss Bates to accompany him as he hunts for strawberries; thus, he removes her from a scene of slander and mockery. We don’t know the age difference between Mr. Knightley and Miss Bates….my guess would be to Miss Bates being older. Yet that did not stop Mr. Knightley from being a gentleman. He didn’t give a hoot about what society might say or whether his reputation would be “blacklisted” for being seen with an old woman. He cared more about the woman in trouble.
But my personal favorite quality of Mr. Knightley’s is found in the latter part of this scene. It is wonderful to show you care by rescuing old and young damsels in distress. Yet another aspect of caring is saying something is wrong in order to bring about something that is right.
I know from experience; sometimes, you have to “speak the truth in love” (as the Scriptures command) even if the person holds a grudge against you. “A real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) That means even in the painfully honest times. It certainly wasn’t easy for Mr. Knightley to say those things to Emma. You read the novel, and at this point, he is convinced that Emma is engaged or soon will be, to Frank Churchill. Mr. Knightley could have taken the attitude, “what do I care? I love her; she doesn’t return my affections…so why should I make a comment about her behavior.” He did because he cared; he was her true friend.
Upon much research, I am finding that Mr. Knightley is the majority of girls’ favorite Jane Austen Heroine. I don’t know all the reasons, but I have to think that his caring nature is a big part of it. We all can be a “Mr. Knightley” to our family, friends, and neighbors today. Come to someone’s aid when they have been hurt; speak a truth if they are wronging another individual. By doing our own small part, we can bring a little ray of Jane Austen’s leading man into our world—and make it better, as Mr. Knightley did to Highbury.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Other "Deep" Question
A while back, Bonnie asked me "Do you believe in a 7 literal day creation, as accounted in Genesis?" I apologize that it has taken me so long to respond! What I want to say won't be as polished as I would like, but I didn't want to forget either!
Simply put, yes, I do believe in the account of creation in Genesis. Actually, I do not understand why people have an issue with the "old earth or new earth" question. If we take God's word as true with things like faith, salvation, grace, and faithfulness, how can we not take His word on creation.
If words meant different things as time went on, the English language would constantly be changing! (And would become even harder to understand, if that is possible.) However, we have been taught that what we see and read are true. Therefore, when God says "and the evening and the morning were the first day," I can only say: the word day meant the same then as it does now. It was the same twenty-four hour span that I live by now. None of this "a day means a million years" mumbo jumbo. God didn't need a million years to create the universe. Even though today, when people needs years to create the simplest building, all God needed was seven days....no one else could create something so vast!
Simply put, yes, I do believe in the account of creation in Genesis. Actually, I do not understand why people have an issue with the "old earth or new earth" question. If we take God's word as true with things like faith, salvation, grace, and faithfulness, how can we not take His word on creation.
If words meant different things as time went on, the English language would constantly be changing! (And would become even harder to understand, if that is possible.) However, we have been taught that what we see and read are true. Therefore, when God says "and the evening and the morning were the first day," I can only say: the word day meant the same then as it does now. It was the same twenty-four hour span that I live by now. None of this "a day means a million years" mumbo jumbo. God didn't need a million years to create the universe. Even though today, when people needs years to create the simplest building, all God needed was seven days....no one else could create something so vast!
All that I need to remind me of God's greatness in creation are these two pictures. They are what a few of the trees about town look like. Though now it is getting into the 80's, we have been have 60 degree weather and rain...so the trees think it's fall! I do not care what those of the global warming debate are saying, this world is not getting warmer...and only God knows the exact weather patterns that we shall experience.
I hope my beliefs made sense to you all. Take God at His word, not only in creation bu also in everything else. Look for Him in this signs of the world today; you shall see His hand!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I Love Flowers! I am a Girl...What Else Would You Expect!
Recently, I bought myself a new camera. Mine wasn't worth a hill of beans; when your photo is all choppy from zooming in, you have a problem. So, with Mom's and my upcoming trip to the Oregon Coast, I wanted something better....and got one. The past few days have been spent fiddling around with it, using flowers as the subject. I absolutely love these specimens of God's creation! Just wanted to share some pictures with you!
Which picture did you like the best? Let me know....I can't decide. Some are very unique. I like uniqueness. But others are elegant and classy; I like those too!
Which picture did you like the best? Let me know....I can't decide. Some are very unique. I like uniqueness. But others are elegant and classy; I like those too!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Book or Movie.....and Which Version
It is a common question I ask people. "Which do you like better: the book or the movie adaptation?" And believe it or not, most like the book better. Now, that does make sense; after all, books were around first. The author put things exactly as he or she wanted them to be. The characters, the plot lines, the sequence of events, everything. No one can improve on that.
However, when you do want to see how a producer/screen writer/director did at recreating the book, there is often the decision about which version to watch. Some turn out to be wonderful; others are horrible! (I had the latter happen with a Pride and Prejudice this week....can you believe it=)
Well, I thought it would be interesting to find out what my readers think. Listed below are some books with their movie counterparts. I will say which each is (but if clicking on the hyperlinks to see a cover would help, I added that to.) Then, comment and tell me what you think. My favorites will be in bold type! I will also give everything 1 to 5 stars....the ones I have seen anyway. =) This should be fun!!
Pride and Prejudice--the book by Jane Austen (5 stars); Greer Garson/Sir Lawrence Olivier (1.5 stars); Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle (5 stars); Keira Knightley/ Matthew MacFayden (4 stars)
Sense and Sensibility--the book by Jane Austen (4.5 stars); Emma Thompson/ Kate Winslet and others (5 stars); the brand new edition by Masterpiece Theatre (3.5 stars)
Emma--the book by Jane Austen (3.5 stars); Gwenyth Paltrow (5 stars); the verison with Kate Beckinsale (3 stars)
Little Women--the book by Louisa May Alcott (5 stars); June Allyson/Janet Leigh/Peter Lawford version (4 stars); the Winona Ryder version (3 stars)
The Love Comes Softly Series--the books by Janette Oke (3.5 stars....through book 7); the movies (4 stars....through movie 6)
The Redemption of Sarah Cain--the book by Beverly Lewis (3.5 stars); Saving Sarah Cain (4 stars)
Little House on the Prairie--the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder (2.5 stars); the tv series (4.5 stars)
The Hiding Place--the book by Corrie Ten Boom (5 stars); the movie (2.5 stars)
Okay, so I only did a couple. Share your opinions, ask me about some more......
However, when you do want to see how a producer/screen writer/director did at recreating the book, there is often the decision about which version to watch. Some turn out to be wonderful; others are horrible! (I had the latter happen with a Pride and Prejudice this week....can you believe it=)
Well, I thought it would be interesting to find out what my readers think. Listed below are some books with their movie counterparts. I will say which each is (but if clicking on the hyperlinks to see a cover would help, I added that to.) Then, comment and tell me what you think. My favorites will be in bold type! I will also give everything 1 to 5 stars....the ones I have seen anyway. =) This should be fun!!
Pride and Prejudice--the book by Jane Austen (5 stars); Greer Garson/Sir Lawrence Olivier (1.5 stars); Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle (5 stars); Keira Knightley/ Matthew MacFayden (4 stars)
Sense and Sensibility--the book by Jane Austen (4.5 stars); Emma Thompson/ Kate Winslet and others (5 stars); the brand new edition by Masterpiece Theatre (3.5 stars)
Emma--the book by Jane Austen (3.5 stars); Gwenyth Paltrow (5 stars); the verison with Kate Beckinsale (3 stars)
Little Women--the book by Louisa May Alcott (5 stars); June Allyson/Janet Leigh/Peter Lawford version (4 stars); the Winona Ryder version (3 stars)
The Love Comes Softly Series--the books by Janette Oke (3.5 stars....through book 7); the movies (4 stars....through movie 6)
The Redemption of Sarah Cain--the book by Beverly Lewis (3.5 stars); Saving Sarah Cain (4 stars)
Little House on the Prairie--the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder (2.5 stars); the tv series (4.5 stars)
The Hiding Place--the book by Corrie Ten Boom (5 stars); the movie (2.5 stars)
Okay, so I only did a couple. Share your opinions, ask me about some more......
Monday, June 02, 2008
May's Reading List
Well, here is my list of the books I read in May. Perhaps you will find one you have never read before!
When God Writes Your Loves Story, by Eric and Leslie Ludy~~My dear friends, Anna and Miriam, both read this last month. I thought to check my library, and they did have a copy! I loved every thing I read. You can never read too many books of that sort. It was such an encouragement to me. Though it might not be in my time table, the Lord does have an amazing story for me. Now, I plan to own the book!
Shades of Gray, by Carolyn Reeder~~The Civil War is probably one of my favorite times in history to read about. This book just fits right in. I won't give the whole plot line away. It is about a family--a boy whose whole family died in part of the Yankees and of an uncle who fought for neither side.
Ten Tales From Shakespeare, by Charles and Mary Lamb~~Most epople are supposed to like Shakespeare. I have wanted to try to read one of his works for a long time, but I didn't want to start off with more than I could chew. (Many people had discouraged that.) So, I got this book. It contains the story in condensed form with normal language (though actual words are used in places.) I didn't read all of the titles; MacBeth and Hamlet didn't intrigue me. But I am willing to give William another try!
Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakasuki Houston~~I have had to study a lot about the Japanese internments camps. This was an actual account. It showed just how hard it was for these people and how when it came time for them to be "reentered" into the world, they were scared and afraid.
America and Vietnam, by Albert Marrin~~This was not one of my favorite books, but I will admit that it made me think a lot. Now I feel that I can give an opinion on some of the things that happened over there. Regardless if you find Vietnam to be right or wrong, it is good to know about it--and how the American soldiers were wrongly treated by their own.
The Vietnam War; How the U.S. became Involved, by Mitch Yamasaki~~This one was also required reading, but I could easily have dropped it. The previous title was better, less boring, and covered the same material.
The Welfare State, by Clarence B. Carson~~Once again, this book wasn't fun, but it was informative. I got to learn A LOT about our currency, how our country has become more socialistic, etc. Though it was hard to get through, I am glad that I did.
When God Writes Your Loves Story, by Eric and Leslie Ludy~~My dear friends, Anna and Miriam, both read this last month. I thought to check my library, and they did have a copy! I loved every thing I read. You can never read too many books of that sort. It was such an encouragement to me. Though it might not be in my time table, the Lord does have an amazing story for me. Now, I plan to own the book!
Shades of Gray, by Carolyn Reeder~~The Civil War is probably one of my favorite times in history to read about. This book just fits right in. I won't give the whole plot line away. It is about a family--a boy whose whole family died in part of the Yankees and of an uncle who fought for neither side.
Ten Tales From Shakespeare, by Charles and Mary Lamb~~Most epople are supposed to like Shakespeare. I have wanted to try to read one of his works for a long time, but I didn't want to start off with more than I could chew. (Many people had discouraged that.) So, I got this book. It contains the story in condensed form with normal language (though actual words are used in places.) I didn't read all of the titles; MacBeth and Hamlet didn't intrigue me. But I am willing to give William another try!
Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakasuki Houston~~I have had to study a lot about the Japanese internments camps. This was an actual account. It showed just how hard it was for these people and how when it came time for them to be "reentered" into the world, they were scared and afraid.
America and Vietnam, by Albert Marrin~~This was not one of my favorite books, but I will admit that it made me think a lot. Now I feel that I can give an opinion on some of the things that happened over there. Regardless if you find Vietnam to be right or wrong, it is good to know about it--and how the American soldiers were wrongly treated by their own.
The Vietnam War; How the U.S. became Involved, by Mitch Yamasaki~~This one was also required reading, but I could easily have dropped it. The previous title was better, less boring, and covered the same material.
The Welfare State, by Clarence B. Carson~~Once again, this book wasn't fun, but it was informative. I got to learn A LOT about our currency, how our country has become more socialistic, etc. Though it was hard to get through, I am glad that I did.
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