"I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU-UU!"
Four girls pile in the cold Taurus. They waved goodbye to their friends, parting with giggles and sweet farewells. Cathy and Beth sat in the back seat, but not for long. Cathy popped out because she forgot her all-too-vital pj bag. The car began to roll out of the McDonalds parking lot with Cathy and Beth laughing about the guy who messed up every order.
The car drove onto 65 North, with the girls listening to Delilah. A woman was asking advice about the relationship she was in with a man who was 11 years younger. Delilah suggested that they get together, and then a familiar song began to play on the radio. The volume was turned up high, and all the girls screamed out, the only words they could understand in the redundant chorus, “I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU-UU!”
It was a blast. We sang louder each time, “I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU-UU.!” We missed the rhythm a couple times, but it only made it more true: “I only want to be with you.”
We laughed in-between choruses, and I smiled. I love life. I love cruising down the highway with my lil sisters and friend. I love blasting a song, and singing “I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU-UU!”
It’s good to have fun sometimes.
A Necessary Love
Once upon a time
A man was hurt.
We knew him, but
Treated him like dirt.
He needed clothes,
And we’d just stare.
He needed food.
And we didn’t care.
He needed a drink.
And we’d just walk.
He needed shelter
And we didn’t talk.
One day the King will come.
He’ll be upset with us.
We’ll wonder why.
Then He will cry.
“Why did you leave Me?
Why didn’t you care?
Why’d you pass by?”
“Oh Lord, we didn’t!”
We love you so.
When were you hurt?
When did we go?”
“Truly I say to you,
as you do not do one
of the least of these,
you did not to me.”
Matthew 25:45
But if anyone has the world’s goods
And sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against Him,
How does God’s love abide in Him?
I John 3
I must learn to love.
something about...
There's something about talking to a best friend for hours... and there's nothing like it. We can cover every topic under the sun, or stay on one important subject rehashing very aspect. It's a lovely thing to be known, and to be comfortable. There's something about being able to reveal every emotion to a person, because they understand, and it's ok. Jesus is our best friend, but He has given us miniature examples of who He is, by giving us best friends. He also gives us pastors to show us a picture of Him as our Great Shepherd.
Cheers to best friends. There's nothing like them.
What I know...
There is a woman who bore 11 children. The eldest is a girl is Rebekah. She goes to work, goes to school, and tries to maintain some order in the house in-between. Someday soon she will graduate and leave home to pursue her education. She will miss them. Luke is next. He is a great guy. It's easy for him to be liked by almost anyone. He works and plays basketball. Luke is the type of guy who can keep his cool when the world is turning upside down (according to Rebekah's standards.) Little Elizabeth follows. She is a very diligent girl. Her love for music is heard throughout the house. She loves her family and friends, and is determined that all of the 11 children will live in the same neighborhood when they are grown. Jacob is forth. He is kind, but sometimes his humor will cause unrest. Jacob is smart and dedicated to the task before him. He will often give a hug and smile to those in need of love. Anna is next. She is tall, and enjoys basketball like Luke. She has a gift with young children, and would rather hold a baby than almost anything else. Anna is 13, an age that has caused many girls great drama. Anna has lived the year with color. Levi is sixth. He is strong willed and a good leader. He is the first of four boys in a row. Levi works on school, and plays basketball. He has a soft spot for people, but since he is a boy it doesn't always come out. John Calvin follows. He is quick to smile and laugh. John is a very smart boy, and if he would put his mind to it he will become a great and learned man. Alex comes next. He is strong and determined like Jacob. His passion can often cause emotional upheaval. Alex has a big heart, and a cool personality. Sam is ninth. He is trying to be like his five older brothers, yet he has lost his boyish qualities. Sam has a natural tendency to be extremely polite and considerate. He will hopefully regain them in due time. Jerusha is the first girl after all the boys. She is pretty and eager for attention. Right now she loves games and will beg anyone and everyone to play with her. She is a bit of a Daddy's girl. Jerusha takes care of her younger sister, but still claims baby position sometimes. Keziah comes last. She is brilliant for being two. Kez already knows all of her letters by sight, something we did not teach her. Keziah is stubborn, and cute. She likes to do things her own way on her own time schedule. Kez also loves to sing.
The two parents that also live in the house are basically saints. They have done an amazing job of caring for all of the children. The kids have been homeschooled since day one, and their mother has taught them well. Their father has diligently provided for their every need, and still finds time to be their Daddy. They have poured themselves out for these 11 children and proved themselves excellent examples of living for Christ.
...and this is what I know.
work, college and last semester of highschool
Some people make these grand statements about how great senior year is, and they probably have a good reason to say such things. Yet, we should not forget that senior year for a homeschooled kid is a bit different than for the upperclassmen in the schools.
I basically live a life of transition. I work mornings, which is only legal for homeschool kids. I have 19 college credits completed over the course of three semesters at Marian college. I am in the middle of forth semester, and I am really going to miss Marian. I know the students. I am familiar with the professors. I almost wish I could stay.
This year I have been painfully aware of my upcoming departure, which is a whole other dilemma. I have enjoyed this year, but it's full of big decisions and responsibilities. There is lot's of opportunity to envy the friends who have already gone, and look down on the friends who are making the same mistakes I made two years ago. Yet, God has been faithful. With every failure of mine, He has proved His greatness. I have said goodbye to a lot of people this year. I will say goodbye to even more next year, but I will never have to say goodbye to my Lord and Savior.
Please pray for me. I am unsure of the days ahead, and I have a hard time learning to trust for the present.
To God be the Glory.
I Remember
I remember trying to look over the counter-top on my tip-toes.
I remember dreading nap time.
I remember being small enough for a piggy-back ride.
I remember learning how to ride my bike.
I remember wishing I could do my own hair.
I remember helping the babysitters take care of everyone.
I remember sitting on the steps in the Old Sactuary during Communion.
I remember reading the day away.
I remember baking cookies by myself for the first time.
I remember growing out of my shoes.
I remember talking to my neighbor about Jesus, and praying with her.
I remember hoping that Mom would let me go to Alissa's after church.
I remember wondering where baby's came from.
I remember needing to find Mr. Pig before I could go to sleep.
I remember crying because Jacob was sick, and I was jealous.
I remember lying, and then having to tell on myself.
I remember whispering because Daddy said no more talking.
I remember pretending that I was a Mommy.
I remember telling Ellie she was my second best friend.
I remember asking Jesus into my heart four times in one night, just to be sure.
I remember preparing home dates for Mom and Dad in the dining room.
I remember loving my living baby dolls.
I remember seeing a dollar as small fortune.
I remember getting done with school in two hours, and still complaining.
I remember disliking coffee, and "why do you like it Daddy?"
I remember playing with Beth instead of going to sleep.
I remember living in another world.
a horizon
A girl shouldn't be overwhelmed by the horizon of opportunity. Should she? It used to be that when a person was born in a place she basically lived there all her life. I guess Eve broke that trend.
No seriously, right now I am excited. There are so many things I could do with the life which I call mine. I'm not to know the future, but it does bring a question and a smile. "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." Pro. 16:9
I just wonder if there is a place for wonder. I suppose there is a righteous wonder of God and His glory. If I keep my wonder in focus then perhaps I won't worry.
He knows. He always has.
back to it
Hey, how are you? Marian starts back up today. The exciting thing is that I don't stat until tomorrow because my classes all fall on Tuesday/Thursdays, a reason for great rejoicing. My Christmas break was very nice. I rested, and got a grip on the reality of the year 2007, and all that I must accomplish.
I got hired at Bob Evans last week. You are all welcome to come visit me as soon as I get the hang of what I'm doing. I have been told that friends and family get a 20% discount, but my boss hasn't mentioned it to me, yet, so I'll keep you posted on that. (No pun intended.)
Winter Conference went wonderfully. I will get you some pictures here soon. Or, I'll put them on my picture blog/facebook more likely. Rut's sermons were excellent. God answered the many prayers that were laid up for the high school kids at the conference. He worked in the hearts of many, and I pray He will continue to burn in our hearts so that we may be a generation zealous for our King.
I am looking forward to this semester. I'm can only take 5 more credit hours at Marian, so I'm taking voice, weight training, and Philosophy. I'll be working a lot, but there will be a change of pace in my schedule which will be welcomed.
Press on in the faith.
Love,
Rebekah Ann
A New Year?
The first day of the year is such an amazing concept. We have an opportunity to start all over. Yet, how often do we really accomplish the things that we desire? Our secular world loves the New Year because they feel better about getting "another chance" to have what ever it is they want. I've found in my short life that it's easy to make a list of resolutions and then forget then two weeks later.
People make a big deal about New Years, but let's think about why. There is an element of hope in time rather than Christ. People will put confidence in the fact that it's January first with no regrets, but unless they seek Christ they will find the same thing happening year after year: a nice party, and a nice concept, but no true change in their behavior.
Let's help people. It's an excellent time to ask people about the hope within them, and then perhaps they will ask us the same question. We live in a dark and hopeless world. We love a bright and hopeful Savior.
