a busy day
Today I am going to be working hard at class until two and then David, Marge and I are all getting together to work on Worldviews for the afternoon. Good times. I am going to be gone all day, and it's weird to be gone. I mean this summer I was home most of the time, and other than work I was like around my brothers and sisters. It's sorta sad to start school and realize I miss out on more than half there lives all the time. I'm not complaining though, it will be soon enough that I will be really gone and then I will need help.
Well you all have a good day. A good friend told me to read Psalm 71 for encouragment, and it was great, so if you have five minutes even during lunch read it, and comment if you want.
I will be posting more this evening because I need opinions on an assignment for my English Comp class. Have a wonderful day.
Mec
We haven’t looked into Mec’s life recently, and I think it would be appropriate to do so now. Mec if you recall is a young girl of sixteen with quite the personality. She is kind enough when she wants to be, but on the occasion that she doesn’t want to be, she’s wretched. Mec has made some decisions of late about her life style that will change many little routines in her life. She has rearranged her bedroom for the seventh and hopefully last time on Saturday. Actually it is rather exciting because Mec has lived with a bunk-bed for the last eight years at least, and the other day her baby sister took charge of the top bed and had it moved into the nursery bedroom. It all delights Mec very much, the whole idea of being free just hang out on her bed without getting her hair caught on the wires and springs so close above. The whole situation is terrific in all accounts.
I don’t know how well you know Mec, but there aren’t many things that go on in her head that she doesn’t act upon when she is convicted it is right. She is rather moody, especially when she is not feeling her best, and that has been the case for the last couple weeks. She has told you that I think, and if I am correct many of you were very sympathetic.
Anyways, the girl has many faults and I think we should not discuss them, because no good can come of that. It wouldn’t be pleasing either to speak of her goodness either because it might get to her head. Here, let’s post some quotes that Mec is just adding to her quote book:
Quotes about trust
Booker T. Washington:
Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him
Alfred Adler:
Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.
Ralph Waldo Emerson:
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.
Quotes about beauty
Chinese proverb:
When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.
Henry Miller:
The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
Oscar Hammerstein, II:
Do you love me because I'm beautiful,
or am I am beautiful because you love me?
Virginia Woolf:
The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.
Quotes about gardens
Alfred Austin:
Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.
Gladys Taber:
A garden is evidence of faith. It links us with all the misty figures of the past who also planted and were nourished by the fruits of their planting.
John Erskine:
I have never had so many good ideas day after day as when I worked in the garden.
Julie Moir Messervy:
Of all the wonderful things in the wonderful universe of God, nothing seems to me more surprising than the planting of a seed in the blank earth and the result thereof.
May Sarton:
A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.
Now just to make it clear, Mec doesn’t necessarily believe all of these. She does find them all worth reading and contemplating because Mec likes looking at things from different prespectives and such. Anyways, what do you think about them?
a beautiful Lord's Day morning
Some may not agree with me, but fog is gorgeous. My little brothers woke me up at seven this morning, and we don't have to go into the details on all that, just know it wasn't as horrid as it could have been. As I stumbled around our room trying to find a big sweatshirt, I was taken aback. The world didn't glisten in the morning dew. Nor did she sigh with a wearying rain. The world looked as if she had been crying, and her eyes were misting under a delicate veil.
There is something mysterious about fog. Mom thinks it's a bad sort of mystery, and maybe she is right. I don't look at it that way though. Fog is better seen as a secret. A calm secret, because it's in no hurry to get anywhere or tell anything. It simply settles quietly over the world hiding many things, having many secrets. It's almost necessary to whisper on a misty morning such as this. For it seems that one might disturb something reverent if one attempts to shout or even use a normal volume of voice.
I think it's appropriate for it to be this way on God's day. Almost reminds me of the thick curtain that hid His glory in the Holy of Holies. He destroyed the curtain centuries ago, but it is good to be reminded of the way He has worked throughout History. Also, there is something very spiritual about worshipping our Creator in a fog. As if there was no one and nothing else in the whole world but me and my King.
Well I haven't posted in a while, and that is not really because I have had nothing to say, but rather I was scared that all that I had to say was all that I have been saying for the last week. Thankfully, I am in the healing process for real this time. God has seen fit to begin to slowly recover my skin and body from an odd virus that has destroyed us. Thanks for caring and praying, it was very encouraging.
This morning I will be at worship. I need to go prepare for that. It will be a good week. I just know it; maybe the fog is getting to me.
*just-happy-because-He-lives, smile*
hey guys
I believe the worst is over. I mean that I just
feel better. I don't look too much better, that is because the rash hasn't changed, and if it has it's gotten worse since yesterday. Nonetheless, I am not as tired and my body has more strength to face the day. Thank you all again for being great freinds, I don't know what I would so without you. I am confident that your prayers have helped me struggle through this strange virus and encouraged my spirit unawares.
I have my second class at Marian today. I am taking English Comp. and I really enjoy; well, the one class I have had of it, I should say.
Ok so let's chat about something other than school. As much as I love studying and school and things such as this, I believe there are other things to focus on. You know, we haven't played a game on my comments in a while. Ok, this time you have to write three things that have brightened your say thus far. It can be simple things that happen almost everyday, or it can be a huge event that happened a week ago that was so great that it's very memory brings a smile to you face. Now, I limit it to three because then if you think of three more you can get back on and share more joys. That is not all. You must also write one nice thing about your mom. Yes, it's true we don't say enough nice things about the women who have cared for us since before we were even born into this world. They are incredible people, and we should recognize it more often. Ok, I will be the first to comment on my blog, because I am so excited about this. People that are reading this and don't want to play, please do. Remember that you are reading a sick girls blog and it may very well be one of the three things that brighten her day when she nexts comments.
Blessed beyond measure.
~Rebekah
an update on me:
So today Luke and I start Physics. We also have Spanish II. I am feeling better in the chest and head, which is really really great. I mean, I still cough some, and I don't feel like wonderful or anything, far from it, but I feel better. Sadly though, this rash has gotten worse. Like it used to be on my face, arms and knees. Now it's just about everywhere.
Thank you guys so much for praying for me. I am getting pretty sick of being sick. Now that I am doing a bit better I am very hopeful that it will be an upward slope from here. If you could keep praying for my rash though that would be great. I am having trouble writing and typing because I have a incredibly bad rash between my two middle fingers on my right hand. Like it super swollen and I can't do anything without seven band-aids covering the infected skin.
I am tired of complaining. Sorry. I don't mean to be negative, just wanted to give you an update. Because I know you all care about me and my sad little life.
I am going to try really hard to post again before the day is through. I hope it will be good news about something. Beth is still in a lot of pain, so keep her in your prayers also. Thank you all.
a wonderful sister and friend
I have a littler sister named Beth. She is always great fun, and I love her more than I can say. Often times, when I am seperated from her, it's a troubled scene because she has a way of getting people, like myself, to lighten up and enjoy the moments that God has given each of us.
My sister is a very smart person with a incredible memory. She need only apply her excellent brain to any and every situation and great things happen. Elizabeth is caring and compassionate towards creatures, especially people, who are not having good days. She challenges the attitudes of all who are in pity for themselves with her light and free spirit of joy.
I do not give my sister that which is due her, most of the time. The fault is mine, and I must cure it. Her's is a beautiful soul. A soul that God will use in wonderous ways, far beyond that which we could think of at this point in her life.
Please pray for my sister. She is in some great pain from an accident on Saturday involving a skate board and her tender body. She will heal, but keep her in your prayers. They will not be in vain, because Beth will continue to brighten your day, as she brightens mine, and all those who come in contact with her. And if you have yet to learn to laugh, my sister can teach you.
Editor's Note: I owed Elizabeth this because she beat me in a game of memory and this is what we bet. It's a blog post in adoration of the winner. Just because I owed her this, does not mean I didn't truly believe every word I wrote. Thank you.
first day of school for the Longs
We have many people at our house. Nine/elevenths of which are starting school today. We have grades preschool-eleventh. It's crazy at my house. I am excited that school is starting. I usually try to be excited about my first day of school, but this isn't a fake excited. I am actually looking forward to have productive days of learning all year.
My sickness is at a new stage. In fact we are going to the doctor this morning. I have a rash all over me. Yes, it's very very itchy and I can't handle it very well. The last time I was this ill my skin reacted with this kind of rash and the doctor make be test for Mono. Yeah, so let's hope that isn't a possiblity.
My room is thoroughly clean, and that is good. I am one/forth done with the worldviews I have due for this week, and that is good. We had to read The Old Man and the Sea. I really like the book. I have read it once before because Mr. Pulliam assigned it last year for his writing class. Anyways, I have reread the book and am taking diligent notes on it. Ok, this is so incredibly boring I am sorry. My school like is really not a interesting subject to write about.
Well I have some things to discuss with my mother before we go to the doctor, so please pardon me. I will be ok guys, I think. Please have a great day, and don't forget about the big picture. Life is significantly more beautiful when you look at it from a eternal perspective.
In Sickness and in Health
As I posted in my last couple blogs I am not in a healthy state of being. Last night I could hardly sleep because my right ear ached so badly. I awoke to discover it was still in such a condition and my wonderful mother drove me to a doctor to get a perscription so that I could be better sooner. The doctor told me that I had a sinus infection also. My cold is still in the rough stages of making my voice sound strange and my nose be like... blocked all the time. Anyways, I spent about four hours laying around wishing I was better. Though, as I may have mentioned before there is a feeling I get when I am truly sick. I love just letting go of all responsiblities. It's only when I am like, totally ill that I actually lay down and sleep in the middle of the day for hours and not feel fully guilty for it. But, it's still sad that I don't get to expand my garden today.
Anyways, I was laying on the love seat in our family room because Mom and Dad were gone all midday and I had to try to keep order from my sick bed. Ok, so I am like not in a good mood. I am not feeling well and these children are all acting up, and thinking they can get away with stuff because I am not up to catch them. I am yelling at them, and being extremely unkind and inconsiderate of what they were thinking and feeling.
I needed such an attitude adjustment that I resorted to doing my quiet time. I know, novel idea wasn't it. So I am reading through Jeremiah in the later chapters and I was totally blown away with how Israel would try God's patience over and over and over again, and yet He still held true to His promise to David that He would spare his line. He punished them severly for all the did, yet He was so incredibly merciful also. So my soul was once more brought to the realization that God is God, in sickness and in health. I am to follow His law in sickness and in health. I give myself excuses and it just is so dumb and triveal. So the lesson I learned today is that the culture trys to get the lie in our heads that when we don't feel well, we don't have to hold ourselves to the same standard of goodness. It's a lie. That is what I learned.
Also, I need to thank my mother. On days like this, I just get the smallest of tastes of all that she does no matter how she feels. I need to say thank you a little more often.
sunlight dancing off the dewy green
I am still alive. I have my doubts that many of you were thinking I may not be, but when you really consider how frail life is, it wouldn't be that unlikely. Anyways, today is our first worldviews class. I am at work until I go to class, in which case my sister Anna is filling in for me here. She's the best.
I lost my voice this morning. I know it's very tragic (Mr. Smart Pants can watch and learn). I am feeling better I guess, but I sound worse.
So yeah, I am going to post again later today because I owe Beth a ode for well... you shall see later. Anyways, I have some school to finish up on.
I thought I posted yesterday...
Ok yesterday before I went to my eye appointment I thought I posted on here. I wrote out this brief summary of what I did for the last couple days and asked you all how you were doing. It said it posted, but obviously it did not.
Anyways, life is going. I am in this like... slope of life. You know how you can have big mountians of life and low slopes. I am in a slope. There's nothing that really is getting me excited. I think it's just because I am tired and don't feel well. Also, I am working at Isaac's and Andrews. I know I am making money and that means I am being productive. It's just that I don't like being bored and not knowing what to do with my time when I am away from home. There is so much for me to work on at my house (garden, room, everything for example) that I sorta feel like I am wasting my time by not doing those things. It's not a feeling I get often, but I just want to be doing things at home. Anyways, I will get over it. Besides I get home at 5 this evening, so I will still have time to do some. Though with the way I have been sleeping lately I will be in bed at nine.
Actually something interesting did happen to me today. I took a placement test at Marian college. I am sorta nervous about what I got. I just... am unsure on how I did I guess. We shall see. If I get in, than I will be taking a math course, exactly which one I am not sure. So that is the plan.
Worldviews starts tomorrow. I am like, happy that we are beginning our last year. I am ready to do this work and than be done with the intense and long course. Next week Spanish and Baumer starts. I am unsure of when the writing class starts, but it will be soon enough, considering it never ended.
Ok I don't want to be this gloomy doomy blogger. I am sorry. It's just... I guess I don't really have a reason. Perhaps I am just feeling sorry for myself since I don't feel good and I can hardly breath. *sigh* Pity parties are hardly a witness to the world of who my Redeemer is. Well, I will work on a attitude adjustment. And until I see you all again I wish you the best of health and happiness in mind, body and soul.
not so good
Ok, I have sorta had this cough thing for the last week or so and it's getting on my nerves. I either let my body be sick, and then
be sick or I just convince myself that it is not a big deal and I don't give my body any slack. So this time, I wasn't sick. I told people I wasn't, and I am not. Except that for being "not sick" I'm pretty sick. I mean, not deathly ill, and that is what I am saying, it's not a big enought deal to cancel stuff with friends, and not go to work. It's just... super annoying.
Anyways, I am not near as perky this morning. I woke up again, and well... it was significantly more painful than yesterday morning. *sigh* I hate waking up. I need to shower and other things before I start my long day. Margaret and I are getting together to do video tapes for worldviews. We are then going to the fair. This will be my first time this year, and it will be fun. I am getting back around seven and Valerie and Alissa may be coming over for the night. If not I will be hanging around at home doing what needs to be done before school starts full swing. But I really hope they can come because I haven't seen them for a month, and we have this habit of planning things and then never doing them.
Well, this week end is the first free Saturday we've had all summer. No joke, us three have to work, but only for a while, and our family has
no activites planned. I am sure though, that my mother will take full advantage of the oppertunity and keep us all busy.
Except I have good news. Daddy just told me that I could extend my garden. Yes, I have a rather smallish garden. See, Mom said a long time ago that if I wanted a bigger plot of land to plant on I would have to prove myself faithful to my garden as it is. Well this year I have tended my garden with all diligence and I am going to extend it's boarder. I am so excited. We are taking out two or three bushes on the front/side of the house and I will be digging out a bunch of sod this Saturday. Who's with me?
Ok I have to be at the Judd's in about an hour so I will get going. *smile*
good morning
Yes it is the start of another day. This day has started well. I awoke myself at six because I find that when I do so my mood and attitude are significantly better throughout the day. I also am way more prodictive when I wake up earlier than normal. I hate getting up, but after the pain is over, I can face the world with a smile in the morning.
Actually it is rather surprising that I am even in this frame of mind. We are out of coffee. Yes, tradgic, completetly and horribly tradgic. Dad doesn't find it near as wretched because he can go to work and get free stuff at the office. Mother and I will have to suffer through the long morning with no coffee. That is of crouse unless I convince her it is necessary to go out and get some before everyone wakes up. Right now it is just me and Kez. She is sitting in her chair eating cereal singing. I tell you she is the cutest thing I have ever seen in the whole wide world.
I actually am going to attempt to get a paper done for Mr. Pulliam today. I am aiming toward excellence in my school work this year, and that starts this week. Though the assignments aren't due until September 3rd I don't think it would be that bad to begin the book so that I have a head start on things. I also want to get some stuff done so that I don't cram it all in the last night or something like normal.
Sadly I have not heard from Valerie or Alissa yet. They did not come to church yeterday which gives me good reason to believe they are not in town. I hope they are ok, and that they call me in the near future.
I was reading this morning in Proverbs 15. I used to do this Proverbs of the day thing, and I don't know why I stopped. God gave us so much wisdom in that book, and to be reminded of it can only be a good thing.
"The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
Proverbs 15:33
Ok well I have many things to do this day. I hope you all the best of life. Live as if you were to come before God this day. Who knows, maybe you will. Search out the blessings God has given you and thank Him for them. Keep in mind that you must first be humble before you recieve honor and glory, just as Jesus first was humbled only to be raised up in power and glory at the right hand of God the Father. Share the joy within you with those around you.
Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor are there words
whose voice is not heard.
Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes all like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens.
and its circuit to the end of them
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The law of the LORD so perfect,
riviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the percepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandsments of the LORD is pure,
enlightenting the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altoghter.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from
presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord my rock and my Redeemer.
what great people have said of friendship
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
- Donna Roberts
"Thy friendship oft has made my heart to ache: do be my enemy for friendship's sake."
- William Blake
"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"It is more shameful to distrust one's friends than to be deceived by them."
- Duc de la Rochefoucauld (1613 - 1680)
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."
- George Washington (1732 - 1799)
"Always, Sir, set a high value on spontaneous kindness. he whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord, will love you more than one whom you have been at pains to attach to you."
- Samuel Johnston (1709 - 1784)
"Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant."
- Socrates
"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together"
- Woodrow Wilson
"Misfortune shows those who are not really friends."
- Aristotle
"Never injure a friend, even in jest."
- Cicero
"A true friend stabs you in the front."
- Oscar Wilde
"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with."
- Mark Twain
"The friendship that can cease has never been real."
- Saint Jerome
"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."
- Henry Ford
"The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?"
- Henry David Thoreau
"I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with the roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frost-work, but the solidest thing we know."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
just got back from JASPER
Yes, my mother and I just drove down to Jasper, Indiana to pick up half a cow. Yes, it will last us a year, half a side of beef. Anyways, the trip is about three hours both ways. Well at least we left at seven and got back at two so... you do the math.
At the moment summer is slowing down for most of us. Margaret is home until school starts. For those of you who didn't know she was on a family camping trip all of last week, and we missed her very much. Jen got back from Cyprus several weeks ago, and then went on a family vacation of some sort but she will be home now I believe. Cindy and Savannah both attended a writing camp with David a couple weeks back but I think they have family trips still planned for this month. Valerie and Alissa went to out west to visit relatives and their big brother Joel who is stationed out there. The girls will be back this weekend and I am very excited about that because they will be gone for three weeks. John and his family just left for New York today. He will get back next Friday and then they will be moving. David is done with all his camps I believe, but will be taking occational family trips throughout this next month and such.
Our family is actually planning and family vacation this year. I know, can you believe it? It's the first time our family has all been on a trip together in years; with the exception of Covfamikoi that is. We are going to Lake Michigan on Sunday the 28, and will be gone until Thursday or Friday. I think it will be fun. We are going to spend most our time on the water and so it will be good.
Anyways, I know I forgot people and got stuff messed up. Please forgive me. You can correct things on my comments. So how are those of you who are home? I know the Indiana State Fair started today. I will be spending time there over the next weeks. It's expensive with all the food and such, but so fun.
The other good thing is that I really don't have anything to do for the rest of the week. I mean I have things to do, but it's not like pressing matters.
I cleaned my car yesterday. Yeah it took me something like three hours. Then today, we are driving home and it starts to rain. I am like... "you have got to be kidding?!" It was not a fun experience. Oh well, God has a sense of humor that is for sure, and He likes to keep me humble.
Well have a great day everybody. I have things to get done.
another day for the King
Ok so only a couple more weeks until school gets completely started. I am sorta sad about the end of summer, but I also look forward to all that is in store this coming school year.
I know that within these next months I will record heartache and struggles.
I know I will be beaten time and time again by school and work and pressure.
I know that there will be late nights when warm stinging tears roll down my tired cheeks in frustration and despair.
And yet in all this I will be more than conquering.
Christ promises me that in Him I will succeed.
I will be able to do that which I do not wish to.
I will be able to love and serve in ways totally against my natural inclination.
A couple days ago, I was dreading my junior year of high school.
Now I await it with great anticipation.
Like the woman in Proverbs 31 I can “smile at the future.”
I think I am going to spend the day working on my car. At least that is what my mother wants me to be doing. My garden needs some work but I don't want to work on that until later because I am sorta burned and although I love being naturally colored by the sun I still am not like a total blonde who like would get re-crisped two days in a row.
Anyways, I hope you all are doing well. I know I have posted in a long time and that is just the way it is. I am working on many things around the house and elsewhere and that is really the only excuse I have. I will do better this school year because I will be sitting at the computer so much more than I do during the summer. Ok well moving on.
I will get to work now. Have a fantastic day.
happy to be alive
Ok, so I didn't want to be today. I went, and I was like "I don't want to be here." The evening was not the best at work, but it wasn't bad. Oscar gave me a flower to wear in my hair and it made me happy.
Anyways the rest of this week will be ok I think. I have got a couple things to complete for Mr. Pullaim's class, but I will be done soon.
I am going to post again this evening I believe. Anyways, have a good week.
hello everybody
So yes my siblings are all gone. Except for Luke and Keziah that it. Mother is working very hard on getting school all figured out for everyone. I have been trying get myself organized for this next year as well. Thus far I am just beginning to get school supplies and all that jazz.
Anyways, there are very few people home to read blogs so I sorta feel like I am talking to a wall or something. Well not exactly because there are those of you who read it that would be greatly offended if I referred to you as a wall. Therefore, I will simply say that I miss many of my friends and await all of your returns with great antisipation.
I am in the midst of working on Mr. Pulliam's stuff for the summer. Those of you who have ever taken the class know of the misery of which I speak. I don't understand the benefits involved with doing summer homework, but I will not complain. It's not becoming.
I watched
i am sam last night. I enjoyed the movie, and it brought me to a new realization of Christ's truth. I was convicted that I get this feeling that women (and men, but for now women) who have a nice job, and like one kid, and like a beautiful house, etc etc etc, well they just seem to have everything figured out. When in reality people like that are hurting, lost and afraid. Now the question is, how do I get close to a person so that they are open with me and with themselves on the subject of the eternal position of their soul. I need to try harder. I have a reason to live. I have a hope, and a faith that will never die. There are so many who do not. Who am I, to, on the assumption that they don't want to be bothered, ignore the immortal soul that is racing headlong for distruction?
At any rate, it has been another beautiful summer day, with it's ups and downs. I have work to do, so I will say farewell.
