tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543179010780078152024-02-18T20:38:32.247-05:00found and cherishedRebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-85112358254743969842017-09-19T19:34:00.000-04:002017-09-19T19:34:36.115-04:00you are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9tpfcOPP8/WcGo9gdrBvI/AAAAAAAAFDY/s3LcXWoN6lccBbcWkPTD2IVxTAuLvE3MgCLcBGAs/s1600/You%2Bare%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9tpfcOPP8/WcGo9gdrBvI/AAAAAAAAFDY/s3LcXWoN6lccBbcWkPTD2IVxTAuLvE3MgCLcBGAs/s640/You%2Bare%2Bcopy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You are </span>the<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> daughter of a God who created the sky in all of its colors, oceans in all of their depths, and mountains in all of their majesty. The daughter of a king who’s given you life, breath, a beating heart, and a dancing soul. The daughter of a person who understands the importance of 2 AM conversations, cups of coffee, good stories, and favorite people. The daughter of a creator who destroys, but only to build.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You are a Daughter of Power. A Daughter of Might. A Daughter of Beauty, and a Daughter of Unbearable Sorrows. But don’t forget the simplest—you are a Daughter of the One who keeps his grand promises. So remember that you are a Daughter of Hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-16223834422897282392017-08-19T19:06:00.000-04:002017-08-19T19:36:06.975-04:00Collection of the Beautiful | Summer Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VDdiiGFRMI/WZjJv0KlXQI/AAAAAAAAFBc/dLVcMZsTtBkcxYnAz0R-wErH2elqlJTwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Collection%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBeautiful%2B-%2BSummer%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VDdiiGFRMI/WZjJv0KlXQI/AAAAAAAAFBc/dLVcMZsTtBkcxYnAz0R-wErH2elqlJTwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Collection%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBeautiful%2B-%2BSummer%2Bcopy.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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P H O T O S: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIz_DbpzCcQ/WZi4mYE2kEI/AAAAAAAAFA8/bJqlSKHkEUwNWqDDMBfkVVeP-CtUFnMFwCLcBGAs/s1600/edit-9872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIz_DbpzCcQ/WZi4mYE2kEI/AAAAAAAAFA8/bJqlSKHkEUwNWqDDMBfkVVeP-CtUFnMFwCLcBGAs/s1600/edit-9872.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://theadventuringsoul.blogspot.com/">Katie Marie</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnpL1Z7_X5w/WZi5uO4ouXI/AAAAAAAAFBE/rv8H_8ocJ2wpfLL1sUbKNJMwlYeoMEnkwCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_5597%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnpL1Z7_X5w/WZi5uO4ouXI/AAAAAAAAFBE/rv8H_8ocJ2wpfLL1sUbKNJMwlYeoMEnkwCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_5597%2Bedit.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lwj9co5_xI/WZi52uhWIJI/AAAAAAAAFBI/PtkZBQhaoHIP4Yi0PxY-YVkc_jh5OEpowCLcBGAs/s1600/Queen%2BAnne%2527s%2BLace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lwj9co5_xI/WZi52uhWIJI/AAAAAAAAFBI/PtkZBQhaoHIP4Yi0PxY-YVkc_jh5OEpowCLcBGAs/s1600/Queen%2BAnne%2527s%2BLace.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caqguNLnJJQ/WZi6SZBkp6I/AAAAAAAAFBM/Kf2drzbOxJgWaDB7vIKZbwNWtNth3AYxwCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_4492%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caqguNLnJJQ/WZi6SZBkp6I/AAAAAAAAFBM/Kf2drzbOxJgWaDB7vIKZbwNWtNth3AYxwCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_4492%2Bedit.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
L I N K S:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="http://thepoeticunderground.com/post/72295513720/life-january-5th-my-poetry-anthology">Life</a>" by Erin Hanson [poem]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stewart Edmonson's <a href="http://www.claremontantiques.com/193-stewart-edmondson">paintings</a> [gallery]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Chainsmokers-"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oygNmMISdC0">Inside Out</a>" [song]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="https://www.thewonderforest.com/2016/03/how-to-start-embracing-your-imperfections.html">How to Start Embracing Your Imperfections</a>" by <a href="http://www.alyssajfreitas.com/">Alyssa J Freitas</a> [article]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="https://www.fastcodesign.com/1681375/look-at-the-worlds-greatest-skylines-without-any-lights-on">Darkened Cities</a>" by <a href="http://thierrycohen.com/index.html">Thierry Cohen</a> [photo essay]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="http://thoughtsfrombehindthelens.com/2017/08/leaving-anxiety-behind/">Leaving Anxiety Behind</a>" by <a href="http://thoughtsfrombehindthelens.com/">yours truly</a> [article]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://society6.com/marioguti/prints">Photography</a> by Mario Guti [gallery]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Delicious <a href="https://cooknourishbliss.com/2012/07/02/strawberry-lemonade/">Strawberry Lemonade</a> from Ashley at <a href="https://cooknourishbliss.com/">Cook Nourish Bliss</a> [recipe]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="http://totallygraced.blogspot.com/2017/03/10-happiness-boosts.html?spref=pi">10 Happiness Boosts</a>" by <a href="http://totallygraced.blogspot.com/">Grace Anne</a> [list]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="https://www.behance.net/gallery/53979525/Prospect-II">Prospect II</a>" by <a href="https://www.behance.net/akosmajor">Akos Major</a> [gallery]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CopperCricketStudio?ref=ss_profile&section_id=19631038">Handmade Jewelry</a> by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coppercricketstudio/?hl=en">CopperCricketStudio</a> [etsy]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wolves at the Gate - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gi80460AZc">Fountain</a>" [song]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://man-and-camera.com/">Man & Camera</a> by Luke Gram [gallery]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/independent-poetry-collections-you-should-be-reading">Independent Poetry Collections You Should be Reading</a>" by <a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@ereese391">Emily Reese</a> [article]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://foundandcherished.blogspot.com/2015/12/collection-of-beautiful.html">Collection of the Beautiful | Autumn Collection</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://foundandcherished.blogspot.com/2016/01/collection-of-beautiful-winter.html">Collection of the Beautiful | Winter Collection</a></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-26010157397711843382017-02-15T21:08:00.001-05:002017-02-15T21:18:24.963-05:00Shadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHSlkKcE1Hw/WKUEnVHhTkI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/lx9mwdxD8EAcSyMIwGCQKOpaSmdjlk0ogCLcB/s1600/edit-2481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHSlkKcE1Hw/WKUEnVHhTkI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/lx9mwdxD8EAcSyMIwGCQKOpaSmdjlk0ogCLcB/s640/edit-2481.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Keep me as</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">the apple of your eye;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">hide me in</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:8
ESV<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So
close. Breathing the same air, resting in his shadow. David rose out of his sin
and into God’s favor. He grew with God, wrapping himself around God’s heart
like ivy. This man knew how God’s heart beat, how he worked. <b>David knew God.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Their
bond created an expectancy that went both ways. God expected David to strive to
“hold fast to God’s paths”—to <i>work</i>
for his favor. Meanwhile, David demanded love and protection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s
shocking at first, David’s frankness. His blatant expectancy. Yet if you pause
to think through why he felt he could ask anything of God, it begins to make
sense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I was
talking with a coworker about my discovery of David’s expectancy. He had a very
simple answer to why David could demand God’s protection. <b>Faith.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When my
coworker said that, I’m pretty sure I just stared at him for a second. Because
it made so much sense. He quoted Hebrews 11:1 to me:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, <br />
the conviction of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>things not
seen.” (ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At that moment,
everything fell into place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">At some
point as a kid, I learned that I could ask God for whatever I wanted. But then,
after pursuing that like a kid would and treating God like some version of
Santa Claus, I learned something else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Humans are selfish, and God does not appease
selfishness. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But
there’s a difference between selfishness and self-interest. Selfishness is
centered on getting what we want. Self-interest leads back to God. (I highly
recommend reading the article “</span></span><a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/c-s-lewis-on-selfishness-vs-self-interest"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">C.S. Lewis on Selfishness vs. Self-Interest</span></a><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">” by Art Lindsley. It’s an excellent read.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Therefore, certain things
we <i>can</i> expect of God. We have a God
who is for us, and I think we forget that too often. He has a good, good plan—<b>and it involves us.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God is there for me. He’s
<i>supposed</i> to be. We’re <i>supposed</i> to be close. I’m <i>supposed</i> to be confident that he’ll keep
me safe.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So being expectant of God maybe shouldn’t be such
a foreign concept to me.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Just a thought.</span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(Photo by the dear <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KatieMarie-Photography-290561900956342/">Katie Marie</a>.)</span></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-57478526815417175812017-02-08T14:30:00.000-05:002017-02-08T14:30:16.957-05:00Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex6X4gvbZUU/WJtwbw16TtI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/fVLU3pzjP9cPM29K7L_XhiKThQskUgO-wCLcB/s1600/_MG_6564%2Bedit%2BB%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex6X4gvbZUU/WJtwbw16TtI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/fVLU3pzjP9cPM29K7L_XhiKThQskUgO-wCLcB/s640/_MG_6564%2Bedit%2BB%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It started with sin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A blatant tear in our world’s perfection. Yet stitch
by stitch, sacrifice by sacrifice, hope was built.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And then he came, the King, babbling and drooling and
crying. Tentatively, we hoped. And then we tasted a small bit of heaven, and
fire was in our hearts. He forgave our sins, healing our souls and our bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We watched with wide eyes and open hearts. He taught,
his words perfect and empowering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But then the vote was cast, and his final moments were
spent draped on the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The tears spilled from our eyes, and sobs tumbled from
our mouths. But still, trembling, we hoped. We clung to his promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And he pulled through. Hope lasted three days, until
he came back for us. Our separation was eradicated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even though we can’t see him, can’t feel him, we still
hope. Because one day, the burden of our sin will fall away. One day, our hope
will be met, and all will be at peace. </span></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-66666289053496754202017-01-22T21:43:00.000-05:002017-01-22T21:43:12.191-05:00Innocence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UI4varr8tkA/WIVsiNk-1bI/AAAAAAAAELs/1S4iyYqexBU-J2xvYeoFPAwQfL2TTmrXQCLcB/s1600/_MG_6572%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UI4varr8tkA/WIVsiNk-1bI/AAAAAAAAELs/1S4iyYqexBU-J2xvYeoFPAwQfL2TTmrXQCLcB/s640/_MG_6572%2Bedit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Waltzing<br />
A blend of pastels<br />
And your brown hair.<br />
<br />
Fingers<br />
Extending through the air<br />
As you embrace the world.<br />
<br />
Laughing<br />
Freckles wrinkling in on each other,<br />
Your body trembling with joy.<br />
<br />
Toes<br />
Dipping into the clear stream<br />
As your hand caresses mine.<br />
<br />
Smiling<br />
Your lips hovering so close to mine<br />
Yet still maintaining your innocence.<br />
<br />
Heart<br />
Mine is beating too fast,<br />
And your eyes are too wide.<br />
<br />
Blushing<br />
And then we both pull away,<br />
Yet our fingers still brush.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-55091348546684987152017-01-14T20:52:00.001-05:002017-01-14T20:52:52.239-05:00Core<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMXLujZN7Eg/WHrICabeDbI/AAAAAAAAELQ/I2DS7w6qtPERpqSl63krkx6xZUaZPxdQwCLcB/s1600/_MG_6515%2Beidt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMXLujZN7Eg/WHrICabeDbI/AAAAAAAAELQ/I2DS7w6qtPERpqSl63krkx6xZUaZPxdQwCLcB/s640/_MG_6515%2Beidt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
i realized something tonight.<br />
it's a little strange that it even has to be a realization because it's something that should be obvious.<br />
but for me, it was different. it required sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea and what was probably a worrisome look on my face.<br />
but it clicked.<br />
<br />
i don't have to be sad.<br />
<br />
now, that doesn't mean i thought i <i>had</i> to be sad. but it's been such a core part of who i am over the past few years that it's normal. being sad is part of my daily routine. and, strangely, it's welcomed.<br />
but you know, maybe it's (definitely) unhealthy. and it's not something God wants for me.<br />
<br />
and i got that tonight. this pressure was lifted off my chest, and i smiled.<br />
life is just one long journey of discovery. it's unlearning all the presuppositions you formed when you were a kid. it's finding out things you probably should've learned in the eighth grade. it's realizing that you can decide to try to be happy. it may take you until you're almost twenty to figure that out. but you will, one day.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Take these sunken eyes and learn to see.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-"Blackbird," The Beatles</div>
<br />
and you'll feel free. you'll be able to dance without your heart weighing you down. your smile will light up your eyes again. it will not happen over night. but it will happen.<br />
<br />
so here's to being not-sad and free.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-85287924013768340162016-09-18T21:27:00.000-04:002016-09-18T21:27:49.515-04:00leaving vs. staying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZInrEwPdrXw/UUJMxqOz8vI/AAAAAAAAAYI/tUPaXnsuv4s40nJKU_dKmL4M0z8577arACPcB/s1600/march%2B200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZInrEwPdrXw/UUJMxqOz8vI/AAAAAAAAAYI/tUPaXnsuv4s40nJKU_dKmL4M0z8577arACPcB/s640/march%2B200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So this post is what some would call unrefined, and what others would say has some "bad words" in it. Consider this your warning. I don't know if I've stated this before, but: I read somewhere that a blog shouldn't be like a journal. I think that's really dumb. I think a main reason to read is to learn. And that applies to blogs. And not just about academic-type things, but about real things. And this is a very real post with some very real resolutions. It also has a lot of sentences that start with conjunctions. I apologize for that.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's been a rough <strike>day</strike> weekend, and I'm super emotional and upset, and it's unsettling.<br />
<br />
The sadness kept getting to me all day, and it's left me moody and angry and stressed and tired due to all of these things.<br />
<br />
My dad hurt his wrist and he's in a lot of pain. You see, I adore my dad and think he's basically the bestest ever, although I don't think he knows that. And I got really upset in church because I could see that he was hurting, and it made me want to punch something. Or someone.<br />
<br />
No one specific.<br />
<br />
Which gets really specific. Because that means I'm really angry at God, and that I want to punch him. And that's not cool. God isn't a punching bag. God knows best. Always.<br />
<br />
But in my opinion, it's not fair that my dad is in so much pain. But it's not really a fairness thing. Because God isn't fair--that's a human thing. God is just. And he knows what my dad needs. And I guess my dad needs to hurt.<br />
<br />
And I was dealing with a lot of little kids today, and now I'm wondering if I even want to have my own. It just looks really stressful and overwhelming, and I swear half of the moms I know or see at work ruin themselves for their kids. I don't want to do that.<br />
<br />
Also. This election. It's so dumb. We've narrowed it down to two people for our next president. One is a traitor, the other is an asshole. <i>How</i> did the USA come to this? I don't understand how humans could be this gullible or blind or lazy or plain stupid or whatever it is that we've come to this.<br />
<br />
You know what else? I've been witnessing a lot of leaving lately. And I've done some, and it hurts like crazy, and I really just want to fix everything, but I also want to do some more. I just want to leave, leave, leave, and not look back. But I happen to be incapable of not looking back. I also think I shouldn't leave. So I'm staying. At least until I can get my head on straight.<br />
<br />
Maybe that all reminded me of the sin and darkness in this world. Maybe it was the weather. It's been pretty rainy here in northwestern Pennsylvania. Regardless, I have all of this weight on my shoulders or my head or my heart or my eyelids and I just want to scream and cry and sleep.<br />
<br />
But I don't think sleep is going to help this kind of tiredness. And I don't think screaming is going to be a good enough release.<br />
<br />
But I'm going to give this week my best shot. It's going to be a hard one. I don't know how, and I don't know why it's happening now. But it is. And I can deal with it because I have God on my side. I might cry. I might break down. But it's going to be okay. Because he knows best, and if I need to break down, well, then I need to. And if an idiot is going to become president, so be it. And if my dad is going to be in pain for longer, bring it on. And if I have to fight every part of my selfish being and <i>stay</i>, then okay. I can handle it.<br />
<br />
Because he loves me. And he knows best. And I trust him.<br />
<br />
And even if everything is falling apart, it'll fall back together soon enough.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-50369733429839433492016-09-11T08:19:00.001-04:002016-09-11T08:19:58.336-04:00Let's do something this autumn.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Autumn is for curling up with blankets and tea and good books. Autumn is for staying inside and cuddling. It's for writing novels in November and watching Netflix when it's cold.<br />
<br />
Or . . . <b>This year, autumn could be about doing things.</b> I know a lot of those who follow my blog would <i>much</i> rather introvert and stay home. But . . . Autumn has some fun things to offer.<br />
<br />
-Try doing a cornmaze. There are a few in my area every year. Get some friends together and then be prepared to get lost!<br />
<br />
-Head out to a fall festival for the day. You might have to travel some for this one. We Pennsylvanians have the <a href="http://www.franklinapplefest.com/">Applefest</a> every year.<br />
<br />
-Go adventuring and photograph your experience. Hiking, biking<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">—</span>whatever floats your boat!<br />
<br />
-Find a really good place to watch sunrises, and get up to watch one. Bundle up! It'll be chilly.<br />
<br />
-Check out the local theater in your town. You might be surprised by how many shows there are.<br />
<br />
-Explore local museums. Whether they're art or history, see what hidden treasures your town has.<br />
<br />
-Check out <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/">Eventbrite</a> for more local ideas. Who knows what you'll find? It could be anything from a Zombie walk to a handmade cosmetics party.<br />
<br />
Don't spend all of your autumn huddled up inside. Maybe, just maybe, instead of spending more money on books (which is totally, 100% okay), try spending it on something else. Something that's worthy to be written about.<br />
<br />
How about, for once, <i>you</i> get to be the main character.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-60601725157978327682016-08-15T22:30:00.000-04:002016-08-15T22:30:40.859-04:00Learned [fear + humility]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31B9PnaZsMs/V7J4dTBQAkI/AAAAAAAADrg/BExA-sXynfctoj8wo10FMUlg2-oXA32dgCLcB/s1600/Fear%2BCan%2527t%2BKeep%2BYou%2BSafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31B9PnaZsMs/V7J4dTBQAkI/AAAAAAAADrg/BExA-sXynfctoj8wo10FMUlg2-oXA32dgCLcB/s640/Fear%2BCan%2527t%2BKeep%2BYou%2BSafe.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
So I had my appendix out.<br />
<br />
It was a strange thing, and it left me with lots of time to think. Mostly about why it was strange.<br />
<br />
See, I'm the girl who's afraid of everything. The one who barely has the courage to climb ladders (let alone trees), to ride a bike downhill, or go to dentist appointments alone.<br />
<br />
I avoid getting hurt like a twelve-year-old girl avoids her crush. I want the fun, but I fear the pain. And, for me, fear almost always wins.<br />
<br />
But this time I didn't have a choice. The pain came, along with the emergency room and surgery the next morning. And now I'm recovering well and with plenty of stray thoughts.<br />
<br />
One of them is that <b>fear can't keep you safe.</b> My appendicitis just came. I couldn't even try to avoid it. I do everything possible to keep myself from getting hurt—from ending up in the hospital. And yet, when God thinks it's time, <i>it's time.</i> So two Saturdays ago, I made my way to the emergency room with my dad.<br />
<br />
And you know what? I made it out of there alive. Even better, I learned a few things. And I grew into a stronger and more well-rounded person.<br />
<br />
Another thing that I learned was <b>humility.</b> For the first two weeks after my surgery (so up until yesterday), I couldn't lift anything over ten pounds. When I went back to work, I told myself not to get frustrated. I knew it would be difficult for me to step back and not do too much. And that required me asking for help.<br />
<br />
My coworkers were very understanding (because I have the best coworkers ever), and I didn't get too frustrated. But I didn't expect how hard it would be to ask for help. To have to say, "I can't do this. Can you do it for me?"<br />
<br />
It wasn't fun, having to admit that I couldn't do things. But it was a great way for me to stop. To remember that I'm not perfect. To humble myself. We're all human, and it can be all too easy to get caught up in ourselves.<br />
<br />
We think we can do everything. We don't need help.<br />
<br />
But oh, we do. And that's something I'm beginning to learn.<br />
<br />
So. Appedicitis taught me many things, but these are the most important to me. Fear can't keep you safe, and pride gets you nowhere good. <b>But God can take you anywhere he wants.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So there are some stray thoughts for you, straight out of a jumbled brain. I'm sorry if this post isn't very well-put together. But, then again, when do my thoughts ever make sense?<br />
<br />
I hope you all have a good week. <3Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-31835303501356112242016-07-24T16:34:00.001-04:002016-07-24T16:34:46.681-04:00Still.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do4p8dx7ot4/V5Uk9uetL0I/AAAAAAAADqg/IHfPEcwvcowIAU2MuLilHdavpv6eX41ZgCLcB/s1600/Still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do4p8dx7ot4/V5Uk9uetL0I/AAAAAAAADqg/IHfPEcwvcowIAU2MuLilHdavpv6eX41ZgCLcB/s640/Still.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Sometimes I stand in awe of how hideously selfish I am.<br />
<br />
But I'm trying to remember (and I think you should too) that <b>God still thinks I'm beautiful. God still loves me. </b>When something inside of me snaps, and all I can think of is me, me, me—he. still. loves. me.<br />
<br />
That is all.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-71541884140084422382016-07-01T20:34:00.000-04:002016-07-01T20:37:25.137-04:00July 2016 Desktop Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46RaVXOBLa1yrcs8lkErrAyaaOVFHrT4vWDMwtMYbT7qRfR8ERIyXuawS0pEXEQNpx-fPt4voTo4LfvB-C-fRxZBPfitWb0q7j29byHMfQBXGv2djcaHOJ5XvZ1goHVYIaMZ3PWYnmZeW/s1600/July+2016+Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46RaVXOBLa1yrcs8lkErrAyaaOVFHrT4vWDMwtMYbT7qRfR8ERIyXuawS0pEXEQNpx-fPt4voTo4LfvB-C-fRxZBPfitWb0q7j29byHMfQBXGv2djcaHOJ5XvZ1goHVYIaMZ3PWYnmZeW/s1600/July+2016+Calendar.jpg" width="650px" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy July, everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy the sun and spend too much time with your friends. Because, honestly, why not?<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">Feel free to download, print, or do whatever you'd like with the calendar. But it </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;"> mine, so please don't claim it as your own. Thank you!</span></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-67923928120448138072016-06-28T18:47:00.000-04:002016-06-28T18:48:56.384-04:00you're like light shining through a forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
"you're like light shining through a forest," he said. "not always there, not always thriving." there was an awe--meant only for her--painted onto his features. "but when it is there, it drips on everything near. it's a picturesque fountain of gentleness and light."<br />
<br />
//<br />
<br />
so maybe i want to be that girl. the one who's always striving yet still has her twilights. and while those are often, there's always more light to come: shining bright into the dark forest, gracing dewy leaves. and just as we're heading into summer, this girl is too. one where her light shines longer and brighter every day.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-36892504572806234962016-06-23T23:27:00.000-04:002016-06-23T23:29:26.484-04:00some assumptions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQOSh7ZgRUDVO7pqMjLt41Fr_fAhebylqikSSwwL58QYHq_xNZgzQeN1_Ldyarn9i9Ae-xCYLSDfTrdBV5eI6IylLBzGPKvejd7IcJL9XzBFDuXl3jeyMiER_jigKmsefSTiC_DRO9q41/s1600/_MG_2600+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQOSh7ZgRUDVO7pqMjLt41Fr_fAhebylqikSSwwL58QYHq_xNZgzQeN1_Ldyarn9i9Ae-xCYLSDfTrdBV5eI6IylLBzGPKvejd7IcJL9XzBFDuXl3jeyMiER_jigKmsefSTiC_DRO9q41/s640/_MG_2600+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Let's take the past year and <a href="http://foundandcherished.blogspot.com/2016/04/on-putting-myself-back-together.html">this post</a> and sit back and think for a minute. I've had a few talks with my pastor and my best(est) friend and I've come to realize that I've believed quite a few things that are just plain <i>wrong</i> (even though they sound right).<br />
<br />
<b>Like love.</b> As I stated in "<a href="http://foundandcherished.blogspot.com/2016/04/on-putting-myself-back-together.html">on putting myself back together</a>," I said that the way to contentment is through loving people. But that's not true. The first step toward contentment is to <i>accept God's love for you</i>—no matter what you've done. Trust him. Have faith. Then you're on your way.<br />
<br />
<b>Or repentance.</b> That it's just a state of mind. <b>Trust me, it's not.</b> I was confessing to my friend the guilt and the weight I felt from my sin. She asked a simple question: "Did you repent?" The answer was a surprising "no."<br />
<br />
Because somehow I got it in my head that I didn't need to repent. <b>I just needed to believe I was a sinner and God forgave me. </b>Deep inside of me I knew that was wrong, but it was more a subconscious thought. So I went on and on, not repenting my sins.<br />
<br />
And it took its toll, leaving me sick inside. I was lost, and it took me months to diagnose my illness.<br />
<br />
God didn't come down here and die for us just so we could do whatever we want without thought. So try to be a better person. And when you fail? <b>Repent. Actively.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I'm unraveling all of these lies from the past. Slowly, but as fast as I can understand. I've become a healthier person. A better person. A happier person, even. And I'm proud of that.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>So remember these things, loves.</b> Remember that God loves you, and that he's worthy of your trust.<br />
<br />
<i>Have faith.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Then your adventure will begin.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-72960290230773238242016-06-13T22:13:00.000-04:002016-06-21T16:43:37.247-04:00Poetry Kind of Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fL_R1XwpuZk/V19m4mj_FeI/AAAAAAAADoo/dnBrGVsqNVA5uQaO1v3_xn3X4AiG0T7xgCLcB/s1600/Computer%2BWriting%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fL_R1XwpuZk/V19m4mj_FeI/AAAAAAAADoo/dnBrGVsqNVA5uQaO1v3_xn3X4AiG0T7xgCLcB/s1600/Computer%2BWriting%2B2.jpg" width="650px" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tonight is a poetry kind of night.<br />
Not the rhyming kind or the balanced kind—<br />
the free kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tonight is a lonely kind of night.<br />
The kind that can only be healed<br />
by writing it out and letting God<br />
fill the holes in my poor, beating heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tonight is a sharp kind of night,<br />
shattered windows and emotions as high as<br />
the mama bird right outside my bedroom can fly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tonight is a frantic kind of night.<br />
Like me pulling on my nightshirt backwards<br />
because I was lost in the excitement of<br />
words, words, words—<br />
Like telling my mom, “Hold on, I <i>need </i>to write this poem.”<br />
And once she saw the desperate look in my eyes and heard the strain in my voice,<br />
she left in a rush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe tonight is <i>t</i></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">he</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
night. The one that has etched in purple pen,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>Hey</i>. I
think I’m back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-50620643789133207242016-06-03T13:41:00.000-04:002016-06-03T13:41:52.431-04:00June 2016 Desktop Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp2hNk7WR_UBjxwlQq6cyC1t04ci8HWkkC-g0TtMfOf3yEqBLC5FqHG-XR46twTjCXP-n99f_MlFTVVnOL1iZZj55FhJruFn30_cZj7Ipyyj1NO-TF99mye7ELRUt3ViiYvgbOdChyphenhyphenvkU/s1600/June+2016+Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp2hNk7WR_UBjxwlQq6cyC1t04ci8HWkkC-g0TtMfOf3yEqBLC5FqHG-XR46twTjCXP-n99f_MlFTVVnOL1iZZj55FhJruFn30_cZj7Ipyyj1NO-TF99mye7ELRUt3ViiYvgbOdChyphenhyphenvkU/s1600/June+2016+Calendar.jpg" width="720px" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Feel free to download, print, or do whatever you'd like with the calendar. But it </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> mine, so please don't claim it as your own. Thank you!</span>Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-26572077518996373982016-04-30T21:11:00.000-04:002016-04-30T21:11:00.537-04:00May 2016 Desktop Calendar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmpIdCNjuECChv0O0d6j1HSQ2fxYgd1PB1lkbgAprBNHHIACnhfzgzJR0rTF7CC6Ra71zQF88CjHez2SCLyyODQkxUyONZYbh29j_mTY5IbgQ70RhzSXshWu6OM3Yj8YhlItRosV-4rDY/s1600/May+2016+Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmpIdCNjuECChv0O0d6j1HSQ2fxYgd1PB1lkbgAprBNHHIACnhfzgzJR0rTF7CC6Ra71zQF88CjHez2SCLyyODQkxUyONZYbh29j_mTY5IbgQ70RhzSXshWu6OM3Yj8YhlItRosV-4rDY/s1600/May+2016+Calendar.jpg" width="650px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Right-click and press "Save Image As" to download.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aaaaand just like that, May is <i>tomorrow.</i> Goodbye, April. Hello to more springtime weather and summer being even closer.<br />
<br />
Feel free to download, print, or do whatever you'd like with the calendar. But it <i>is</i> mine, so please don't claim it as your own. Thank you!<br />
<br />
Also—<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house"><i>The Runaway House</i></a> is almost done! So if you're looking for something (free) to read, head on over to Wattpad and <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house">check out my story</a>!<br />
<br />
<i>Rebekah</i>Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-12926954029553364482016-04-24T16:21:00.000-04:002016-04-24T16:21:00.767-04:00an excerpt [15]<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9HGIDUuLXoWgWvZjRQHDcPFHwsT87Gw1IGR3Oq_zqgX3cC0YDyo5cCbde7qKnF3EldScTxlNyXsKXTaSDhtVbJ6eo71z-iTVDKW85mY35HQF6prGAlmSEgtAh4sTLGiYDhzynzlMq0el/s1600/Cool+House+for+Cover+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9HGIDUuLXoWgWvZjRQHDcPFHwsT87Gw1IGR3Oq_zqgX3cC0YDyo5cCbde7qKnF3EldScTxlNyXsKXTaSDhtVbJ6eo71z-iTVDKW85mY35HQF6prGAlmSEgtAh4sTLGiYDhzynzlMq0el/s640/Cool+House+for+Cover+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This excerpt is from my ever-lovely book <i><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house/parts">The Runaway House</a></i>. You can read it for free on Wattpad right <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house/parts">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And for those who devour storyboards, here's one for you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/rebekahjoan97/wip-the-runaway-house/"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I gasp as we round the house. On the other
side of the garden, under a big oak tree, they’ve set out a blanket. A basket
sits unopened, waiting for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Giggling, I quicken my pace. “A picnic?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Travis grins. “We wanted to celebrate your
recovery—even if it’s not complete yet.” He steps onto the blanket. “Welcome
back outside, Lee.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We sit, and Zoe crawls onto my lap. Brittany
opens the basket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “I call dibs on, like, all of the hardboiled
eggs,” Nathan says. “I’m starved.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Amy laughs and grabs the container. “You
can’t have <i>any</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Nathan’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? We’ll see
about <i>that</i>!” Then he pounces toward
her and starts tickling her stomach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Noooo!” she squeals. She drops the container.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Before Nathan notices, Travis snatches it
up and hands me an egg. Then he tosses one to Brittany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The morning is still chilly, so I wrap my
jacket tighter around my waist. “Thank you for doing this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> He unzips a bag of fresh strawberries. “You
deserve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I smile and think back to the pictures
plastered onto the living room wall. There may not be a camera around, but this
picture will always be ingrained in my mind. <i>This</i> is the Runaway House. Celebratory picnics and playful wrestling
over food. Healing. Safety. Friendship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “I’m glad you’re better, Lee.” Zoe’s small
arms wrap around me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I kiss the top of her head and breathe
deeply. Everyone is looking at me, smiling. Caring. Relieved that their Lee is
going to survive—through their nurturing. And I’m determined to do more than
just survive. The Runaway House has given me so much to use to help myself
grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> So what else can I do but thrive?</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
. . . .</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Liked it? Read it on Wattpad!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://embed.wattpad.com/story/62556874" width="500"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<i>[find other excerpts on this blog <a href="http://foundandcherished.blogspot.com/search/label/excerpts">here</a>.]</i></center>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-8817805230720698202016-04-17T18:33:00.000-04:002016-04-17T18:33:20.628-04:00on putting myself back together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHixcE3bUq4FMdGX3sY0HwakDNiQPyTRxf5e9xJaGx3w1yekFdbibHvOXaSzCPkr-c0UIG9C1r3SIjlFTdZpHbHCV4ZD14jCSluuiml45U0BexvfwMPQQgcScNLHy7d3Cuo-ySNHERUa7_/s1600/_MG_2571+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHixcE3bUq4FMdGX3sY0HwakDNiQPyTRxf5e9xJaGx3w1yekFdbibHvOXaSzCPkr-c0UIG9C1r3SIjlFTdZpHbHCV4ZD14jCSluuiml45U0BexvfwMPQQgcScNLHy7d3Cuo-ySNHERUa7_/s640/_MG_2571+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
the past few months have been confusing for me. my heart has been jumping from one place to the next, and my head can't think fast enough to stop it. my body—well, let's just say all of this confusion has taken a toll on it.<br />
<br />
my dad asked me a while ago if i was content. and i said yes, because maybe i was. maybe i still might be.<br />
<br />
but it's all one big battle for positivity with me. i told my best friend i'm not like any of the disney princesses because i'm too pessimistic. we thusly decided i'm the beast and laughed it off (because it's hilariously and sadly true).<br />
<br />
but even the beast learned to love someone. he put himself back together, piece by piece. no curse could stop him—not with his loyal servants (and belle) beside him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXQysMbq3Xw/VxQNUl_GUcI/AAAAAAAADf0/5B_2qNzvfOUr0qcrEPXqmVPwdTk1slLgQCLcB/s1600/_MG_2595%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXQysMbq3Xw/VxQNUl_GUcI/AAAAAAAADf0/5B_2qNzvfOUr0qcrEPXqmVPwdTk1slLgQCLcB/s640/_MG_2595%2Bedit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
but everything is connected, i'm saying to myself right now. and maybe i've figured it out by now that i'm not actually content. i know i'm not 100% there yet.<br />
<br />
i'm the beast. i'd claw myself to death if i had the courage. i live under a curse, bitterly taking it out on the ones who choose to put up with me. i lash out in the worst ways possible.<br />
<br />
but everything is connected, and there's an email buried in my inbox telling me to love, love, love. loving people is how you end up content. so, to the beast that i am, i give my love. because before i can love others, i need to love myself.<br />
<br />
and i'm watching the grass tickle the breeze on a beginning-of-spring day, deciding to love myself.<br />
<br />
because i'm very rough with this person i'm inside of—with her heart and her body.<br />
<br />
but i'm going to take care of her now. i'm going to put her back together and love her the way she's meant to be loved.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRLjrq_G0m8/VxQNn-de1WI/AAAAAAAADf4/1t7HeE4ZV6UHVZlg3Rrd6SgcPs3TNvNnQCLcB/s1600/_MG_2597%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRLjrq_G0m8/VxQNn-de1WI/AAAAAAAADf4/1t7HeE4ZV6UHVZlg3Rrd6SgcPs3TNvNnQCLcB/s640/_MG_2597%2Bedit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
and to be honest, i'm not really sure how to do that. i know it includes beautiful things and encouraging people and inspiring songs and long talks with the guy who thought the world needed a me.<br />
<br />
but besides that—i'm lost.<br />
<br />
so here's to my greatest adventure.Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-89073001158415146312016-03-31T21:59:00.001-04:002016-04-07T06:06:11.892-04:00April 2016 Desktop Calendar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmVOnLhfQlA/Vv3J0i8yUVI/AAAAAAAADfE/51MT1iis_FsFM86ige6TV8rV1a0WQFT1w/s1600/April%2B2016%2BCalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmVOnLhfQlA/Vv3J0i8yUVI/AAAAAAAADfE/51MT1iis_FsFM86ige6TV8rV1a0WQFT1w/s1600/April%2B2016%2BCalendar.jpg" width="700px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right-click and press "Save Image As" to download.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“She turned to the sunlight</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"> And shook her yellow head,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">And whispered to her neighbor:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Winter is dead.” </div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
― <a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81466.A_A_Milne" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">A.A. Milne</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy April! March was a whirlwind, wasn't it? But we've got a new month ahead of us, unmarked and ready to be lived. It has many secrets waiting to be uncovered—and I'm excited to discover everything that's in store.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's to a crazy-amazing April.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Rebekah</i><br />
p.s. feel free to download, print, or whatever you'd like with the calendar. but it <i>is</i> mine, so please don't claim it as your own. thank you!</div>
</span></span>Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-53355731242960514252016-03-07T20:35:00.001-05:002016-03-07T20:57:40.226-05:00colors of the evening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4L2oGFIDCq56P5r8kJ9GJElRTgV582SVyeqWcc_qJQHNHfVpeUEeNJcid_yNSMW955SvsxnSHYySGYU6aqg1CxvLvlveLdX5IzNcdnwPF7UJouTnVZFSjdRcVLjdpjpBENP58bHEShuy/s1600/_MG_1742+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4L2oGFIDCq56P5r8kJ9GJElRTgV582SVyeqWcc_qJQHNHfVpeUEeNJcid_yNSMW955SvsxnSHYySGYU6aqg1CxvLvlveLdX5IzNcdnwPF7UJouTnVZFSjdRcVLjdpjpBENP58bHEShuy/s1600/_MG_1742+edit.jpg" width="550px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwFqBXQgg8c/Vt4rg406eoI/AAAAAAAADeg/1Sa820J_P0g/s1600/_MG_1746%2Beidt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwFqBXQgg8c/Vt4rg406eoI/AAAAAAAADeg/1Sa820J_P0g/s1600/_MG_1746%2Beidt.jpg" width="550px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsrXf2Sn8t8/Vt4rYvKZr9I/AAAAAAAADec/Lc9D7DTP3hc/s1600/_MG_1754%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsrXf2Sn8t8/Vt4rYvKZr9I/AAAAAAAADec/Lc9D7DTP3hc/s1600/_MG_1754%2Bedit.jpg" width="550px" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
the smell of revival clings to the air,<br />
and the heartbeat of the earth is beginning its low thrum.<br />
sunlight brushes through the grass,<br />
laughing with the wind as it races to warm the ground—<br />
the ground beneath your running feet,<br />
traveling to the top of a hill<br />
to revel in the colors of the evening<br />
as they sprawl through the sky.<br />
<br />
<i>Rebekah</i>Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-83841035998137559112016-02-28T16:04:00.000-05:002016-03-04T10:43:35.814-05:00March 2016 Desktop Calendar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRVeTiaFPvE/VtNbCPXK__I/AAAAAAAADdw/gUAU3_2PgF8/s1600/March%2B2016%2BCalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRVeTiaFPvE/VtNbCPXK__I/AAAAAAAADdw/gUAU3_2PgF8/s640/March%2B2016%2BCalendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Right click and press "Save Image As" to download.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7715.Robert_Frost" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Robert Frost</a></span></div>
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. . . And maybe that's what March is for. Hopefully we've gotten through the worst of winter, the worst of the snow and the ice and the cold that reaches to our bones. It's time to thaw out.<br />
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For me, March is:</h3>
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-A time for rediscovering my creativity and the peace it brings my heart.</div>
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-The season where I cherish in the warm weather that pops in every once in a while (hopefully to stay).</div>
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-For lots of updates on <i><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house">The Runaway House</a></i>. (On that note, check out my redone <a href="http://foundandcherished.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html"><i>My Books</i></a> page to learn a bit about <i>The Runaway House</i> if you haven't yet—along with some Pinterest inspiration for the book!)</div>
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-For a few new poems and a possible art project that I'm thinking of tackling.</div>
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-For you to enjoy my new March 2016 Calendar! Feel free to download it, use it as a desktop background, print it off, whatever! It was made with love, <i>just</i> for you.</div>
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What does March hold for you?</div>
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<i>Rebekah</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; line-height: 21.56px;">p.s. even though you can use this calendar, it is mine, so please don't claim it as your own. Thank you. :)</span></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-87353903526378184712016-02-22T18:01:00.001-05:002016-03-04T10:47:51.820-05:00Update // The Runaway House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NgxCiFpmrCg/VseT9GbfLlI/AAAAAAAADdE/DewSX8-4l5Y/s1600/The%2BRunaway%2BHouse%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NgxCiFpmrCg/VseT9GbfLlI/AAAAAAAADdE/DewSX8-4l5Y/s640/The%2BRunaway%2BHouse%2BCover.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/222585572-the-runaway-house-five-this-is-your-home-now">Part Five</a> of <i><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house">The Runaway House</a></i> is up! (And if you haven't checked back since my last post, there's a <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/218913427-the-runaway-house-prologue">Prologue</a> waiting for you, along with four other chapters.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt from Part Five: "<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/222585572-the-runaway-house-five-this-is-your-home-now">This is Your Home Now</a>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Stick close
to me for the next few days,” Travis says. “I can show you everything—and who
to stay away from. Some of the kids aren’t exactly trustworthy.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Why should I
trust <i>you</i>?” <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hate the involuntary wince he gives, especially since he’s been
nothing but kind to me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Who else do
you have?” But he doesn’t spit it out harshly. His words are coated with
patience, his smile sad. “I want to help you, Lee. I don’t know your story, and
maybe you don’t have to trust me now. But give me a few days and let me show
you the ropes of this life. Feel free to keep your emotional distance. But
someone’s gotta help you.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, yes. I <i>do</i> love Travis. And you will, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This story means bunches and bunches to me. It's the story of a girl finding her bravery and discovering that her fears, surprisingly, can be conquered. So follow Lee along on her adventure and read on!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://embed.wattpad.com/story/62556874" width="500"></iframe></center>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-16265755744457399832016-02-18T21:12:00.000-05:002016-03-04T10:42:37.333-05:00To the Artist not Attending College<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLI6XZW0sd0/VsZgL4svaiI/AAAAAAAADc0/LXP010ldkuI/s1600/To%2Bthe%2BArtist%2Bnot%2BAttending%2BCollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLI6XZW0sd0/VsZgL4svaiI/AAAAAAAADc0/LXP010ldkuI/s640/To%2Bthe%2BArtist%2Bnot%2BAttending%2BCollege.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
so this is more of a letter to a dear friend of mine than it is anything else. we're both artists. we're both taking the road that quite a few of our friends aren't: the one that doesn't involve college. but this is also a letter to <b>you</b>. you aren't alone in this. you aren't the only artist not attending college. so here's what i've learned, and what i want to let my bestest friend ever—and you—know.<br />
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Dear Katie (or you),<br />
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Let me tell you right now that this is the way I view you: <b>with great respect. </b>To brave this world, our culture, with your talents as your only credibility is a scary thing.<br />
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<b>Yet here you are, your feet planted firmly in God's promises.</b> Your heart is set on taking the beauty you make and turning it right around toward him. Without a degree.<br />
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What I want you to know, to exhale with your words of passion and love, is that your art is worth it. Through whatever struggles you may have, remember to persevere and grow. My fellow artist, do not fall so low as to give up.<br />
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<b>But do stoop low.</b><br />
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Reach for the ones grappling for the beauty you can give them. Sit with them, laugh with them, love them. <b>Show this world the exploding beauty of your soul. </b>The one God has graced you with, envisioning the life you'll lead. Even if you're not perfect, you're an absolute masterpiece.<br />
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He has plans for you, dear artist. In his hands, your creations will go far.<br />
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You are strong, especially with him guiding you. For whatever reason you've decided not to go to school, <b>it was right.</b> You know yourself best. And as long as you're following God with a wild faith and a committed heart, you're heading down the right path. The good path.<br />
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<b>So pursue your art.</b> Take what God has placed in front of you and dance with it. Paint, write, photograph, sketch, sing, design<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">—</span>whatever you're doing to seize the broken world of the arts and give it a living redemption.<br />
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Remember to stay on this good path. Not having the structure of college can be perilous to your creativity. Keep yourself on track by not focusing on the money or the glamour in life.<b> Stay humble in your lifestyle.</b> Trust in God and make him and creating for him your priorities. The rest will come, sometimes in shocking forms.<br />
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Find artists to create with. While you may not have a tight-knit community of art students like you would at college, that doesn't mean you have to do this alone. Get involved in a local art community and <b>stay involved.</b> Every artist needs support, accountability, and love. Don't deny yourself of that.<br />
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Imagine life as a storm, and God is your shelter, keeping you safe so you can continue your work. <b>So keep going.</b> Never quit stumbling, making mistakes, redoing, and finally, <i>finally</i> giving birth to a masterpiece as beautiful as you are.<br />
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Take the tools God has given you, whether it be a rough past or a crazy-amazing talent at spoken word poetry. <b>Go for it. </b>Take things a step farther and conquer those old fears of yours. Start shooting weddings, taking commissions, selling your work.<br />
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<b>God made you an artist for a reason</b>—because he knows you have the ability to make his earth more beautiful. Never, ever doubt that.<br />
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Just take your life, flowering with art, one step at a time. It's okay if you mess up—you're human, after all. Just remember to cling to the one who's worth it, and you'll make it far.<br />
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Be proud of yourself. You're taking the road less traveled by not attending college. While there are many wonderful things about college, <b>it really isn't for everyone</b>, and can be a rather expensive route for an artist. But that doesn't mean you aren't worth every single bit that a college student is.<br />
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You're beautiful. You're creative. <b>You and your art are p r i c e l e s s.</b> You've got a heart full of art and ideas and projects and an undying love for the one who put all that there. Learn to harness that and use it for the best. <b>Study yourself. Study your art. Study your God.</b> Then put those things together and make even better art.<br />
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Here's to you. Your life is still just beginning—now go, take what you've learned, and <b>create for your God</b>.<br />
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Love always,<br />
<i>Rebekah</i>Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-66067874558220901052016-02-10T08:50:00.000-05:002016-03-04T10:48:20.845-05:00introducing: The Runaway House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImjtHozDL-w/Vrs4AUlQqJI/AAAAAAAADcQ/p4lDKyNMQ8U/s1600/The%2BRunaway%2BHouse%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImjtHozDL-w/Vrs4AUlQqJI/AAAAAAAADcQ/p4lDKyNMQ8U/s640/The%2BRunaway%2BHouse%2BCover.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm honestly not sure if I have any of my original followers
from 2013 still with us, but if there are—remember <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/62556874-the-runaway-house/parts">The Runaway House</a>? It was a little story I published on Figment before I
switched over to the wondrous Wattpad. Take a girl desperate to stay alive, and then place her in the loving arms of tight-knit family. That's basically what this story is.</div>
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When Lee witnesses a murder, her only chance at survival is
running. Somewhere along the way she meets a man who takes her to The Runaway
House, a safe place for fugitives and runaways. There she begins to find peace,
courage, love, and a real family.</blockquote>
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I've rewritten it and added some spice, and I'm in the process of finishing it. I have the <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/218704136-the-runaway-house-one-escape">first chapter</a> posted, and I'm planning on posting the second chapter either tonight or tomorrow morning [EDIT: I added a prologue. Check that out right <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/218913427-the-runaway-house-prologue">here</a>]. Go ahead and <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/218704136-the-runaway-house-one-escape">read it</a> and tell me what you think! I'm dying for some opinions (positive or negative).</div>
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Here's a little excerpt to help you along:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> "How much time do you have before your pursuer finds
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “I told you
I’m training for cross country.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “<i>How much time?</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I look at my
feet. My shoes are still soaked from tripping into that gigantic puddle. So is
my dress. “I don’t know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> He nods.
“Give me fifteen minutes to get gas in my truck. If you’re running, avoid the
gas stations. There are cameras. Stay in here. There’s plenty of junk to hide
behind. I’ll be back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “I didn’t say
yes!” I call after him. He doesn’t respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> So I settle down behind the old chair I’d
been in, realizing I hadn’t said no either.</span></div>
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Your interest piqued? Go ahead and <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/218704136-the-runaway-house-one-escape">read the first chapter</a> (and the <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/218913427-the-runaway-house-prologue">prologue</a>)! I promise you, this story will be worth it. ♥<br />
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<i>Rebekah</i></div>
Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254317901078007815.post-80941578673331899072016-02-06T20:50:00.000-05:002016-03-04T10:48:45.816-05:00n i n e t e e n<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgM01_DsolU/VrP6nLuCpCI/AAAAAAAADb8/UDtFbO-1D8s/s1600/_MG_1356-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgM01_DsolU/VrP6nLuCpCI/AAAAAAAADb8/UDtFbO-1D8s/s640/_MG_1356-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>February fourth, 2016</i><br />
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Hey hey hey tomorrow is my birthday.<br />
<br />
I've got a lot of mixed emotions in this heart of mine, from being ecstatic to being apathetic and lurking-in-the-corner-esque. Typical me, right? Happy and sad all at once.<br />
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Because sometimes we humans just don't feel worthy of existence, you know? And today is one of those times for me. Maybe I'm just not worthy of being nineteen. Maybe I need to be eighteen for a little bit longer. Maybe I <i>want</i> to be eighteen for a bit longer.<br />
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I'm not feeling this whole "move forward, always make progress, keep running toward your goals" thing right now. Everything is kind of blah and grey and maybe that's because it's dark outside and the night always gives me the blues. I guarantee tomorrow I'll be happy and ready to flap my little wings and soar.<br />
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But tonight? Tonight is for listening to Halsey and being confused and figuring out if I've made it far enough to match up with my age. I know I'm not where I thought I would be last year. I thought I'd be published in a magazine or two by now. But silly old me took a wrong turn somewhere and got lost.<br />
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And yeah, I've found my way back to the path I'm supposed to be taking. Granted, I'm disoriented. And somewhere between stepping off this path of mine and stumbling back on it, I've been stripped of my bravery.<br />
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Yet I've gained a new kind. There are certain areas of my life where I know exactly how to do things and when to do them. Just not when it comes to what I actually want to do with my life. Because what I actually want to do is scary, and everyone has different opinions, different methods, and I've been too confused and too scared and too distracted to figure out what on earth I'm supposed to be doing.<br />
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<i>February 6th, 2016</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The rest of this post was supposed to be written yesterday. Obviously, it wasn't, and there are many happy reasons why:<br />
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I woke up at 6:40 to take a shower and get ready to leave with my dad. It's a birthday tradition. We always get donuts on my birthday, and we have to get to the donut shop early enough so the selection is still good. We ate them with tea and smiles, and then I opened presents.<br />
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After that, I actually ended up going to work (not to work though, just to get some food and to hang out). They'd all sung me happy birthday the evening before, and after the embarrassment, it had left me feeling happy and loved. I left yesterday feeling the same way.<br />
<br />
I have really cool friends, guys.<br />
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I spent the rest of the day scarf shopping, eating out with my mom and my younger sister, and then reading. I'd written myself a birthday note the night before telling myself to celebrate this birthday the way it should be. It was a celebration of my life. So I wanted to celebrate it with my style. I told myself to get lost in as many happy memories and stories as I'd like.<br />
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So after seeing my friends and spending some time with family, I read. (<i>The Heir</i> by Kiera Cass, if anyone is interested. Those books are quite worth the read.)<br />
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So I was quite busy being happy and getting lost and relaxing. And, as I predicted, I was much happier. I <i>am</i> much happier. I know that being nineteen is something I can do. Something I <i>will </i>do. Hopefully very well. I'm going to pursue God with all my heart. Move forward. Run toward my goals.<br />
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There's this thing called hope. And it's something I need. It calms the depression that rises up in me. It keeps my sadness at bay. This year, my nineteenth, I'm planning on celebrating that hope in every way possible.<br />
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So here's to the next celebratory, beautiful, and hopeful year of my life. Here's to flapping my little wings and soaring.<br />
<br />
<i>Rebekah</i>Rebekah Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896539293404149554noreply@blogger.com10