Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Lots going on..... in my life

Hey everyone!


You all may have notice my lack of posts lately!
But I realized that this is my 70th blog post!! Yeah!!! I love blogging and hearing from you all! I love comments and feed back! I also have reached 45 followers!!! This has gotten me excited today. :)

Right now in my life as a full time homeschool senior, daughter of my earthly parents, daughter of the King, musician, baker and chef, friend to many, pursual of my Higher calling from the Lord, and many other personal changes going on in my life, I have been so busy and obsorbed totally in life in the moment. I have been thinking about the future and planning and trying to figure out what I am to be doing by next year. As I don't want to get the normal college education at any university, its been really a tough road, not knowing what I will be doing for my education next year. But I know its in the Lord's hands, even when I cry out to Him and there is no answer now I know He will answer, just not now. In His timing!
My list is ever growing with the things I want to do and need to do for school, spiritually, my family and friends and goals I want to do. I always write out a list the night before each day. Its been a habit of mine. I also finally found the perfect pencil cup for 25cents!!! I love it, it has a cute floral motif on it.
I have ideas for what I will be sewing, that I will keep baking and cooking, and hopefully be driving and teaching children the art of the piano by then. But I do not know what "college education" I will be pursuing. I thought the Lord was leading me to get a music major in voice, or a music major in teaching piano. But now I really feel uneasy about that and feel the Lord is leading me in a different direction from what I have always thought I would do in college.
So right now I am waiting and I can not say that I am waiting as patiently as I should be. I am patient, but I think I am just scared, not knowing what I will be doing next year. But the Lord has shown me that He is a comforter, yesterday I had a break down about worrying about my future and He sent these verses my way. I have been enduring much affliction lately and in the past 2 years, ever since I became a christian I saw much affliction from people who were "christians" and that really suprised me and it hurt. I still am appaled and some of the behavior I have witnessed in the Church of Jesus Christ! So these verses were very timely " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I don't fit in with many of my age group of this generation and I may have different convictions about living a godly life compared to some of this century, but I know that I am comforted by my family through Christ, they have been through affliction and are encouraging and I am grateful for that. These verses were so timely when I needed comfort, not being sure what will be happening in the future and when I had suffered from much anxiety and remembering things that have happened that were hard and are still hard.
My parents want me to have some type of degree to further my education as well as if I need to get job in the future. But the main reason they want me to do college at a univerisity of some sort is to learn more in my music studies. I too want to learn lot in music and I think there is nothing wrong with learning. I am fine with that, but as I believe and so do my parents I should not have a left wing and liberal and non-Biblical education for college. College-plus is looking like a good option along with taking classes at the local community college called Nova. But I really want to do something that is not just studying, but it ministering to people instead of having my nose in my music studies all the time. I do think I would still be able to evangalize to people through college, but I much rather focus my whole higher education program on God and His kingdom than my own music or teaching career. We shall see though! If you think of me please pray for guidance from the Lord and that He would give me a clear vision of what He wants me to do and not what I or my parents want me to do.

Oh and speaking of a music major that I may become, here is my new piano!!!!!!! It is not mine, but my father bought it for my mother and she shares it with me. I am so excited!!!!!!! I love it! I have been practicing most every day piano and voice! Its a kawai and it is 5 feet and 10 inches long. I absolutly love it! I still can't believe we own a grand piano. We have another Kawai which I have shown pictures of on here before, but it is an upright, still wonderful, but this is even better! Now when I start Lord willing teaching piano students next fall they can do duets on both pianos at the same time. Right now my mom is doing that with her students for their spring recital. I am doing a duet with one of her younger students that is near my level, but I am doing music at her level, not mine with her. She is a great student and I can't wait to learn the duet parts to play with her for the recital.
It was so amazing when they tipped it on its side to bring it up the stairs to our living room!!! EEEEE! I love seeing the inside and I just had to snap a picture.



This picture is not that great I realize, but its wonderful in person. If you are in VA come and visit!
On another note, here is my outfit for today. As I said ealier I have been doing some spring cleaning and I have gotten all my bohemian and spring-like out of their storage bin in my closet. I was so happy to wear my green skirt, which I bought in Italy 2 summers ago with my church group and family on a mission trip to Rome and learning about Church history.



The skirt I am not sure how much it was, I saw it at a street vendor and I said I liked it and my dad bought it for me! :) The belt also came with the skirt. The three quarter sleeve jean shirt was I think $3.00 at the thrift store last fall and I love it! I wear it for days that are more casual and I will be doing cooking and cleaning like today, because it wears well and will not get ruined easily like some of my favorite spring blouses. The cross necklace I wear everyday and it was bought for me by my father when we visited the Vatican in Italy the same trip as when we bought the skirt and yes those are the only two things he bought me. Two very special things! The purple t-shirt is from target and was $12.00 that same summer before we went to Rome. I wear it so much! Purple is one of my favorite colors besides blue and green and red!


So I have been very preoccupied with prayer for the future, as well as home-keeping. Helping my mother and sister with meals, making food, spring cleaning, and hospitality as well. I have also had a lot of school work and lots of sewing has been going on for civil reenacting, such as a quilt, as well as planning future projects and I am planning to make a modern night gown and 2 shirt dresses for spring in the coming weeks. I am also almost finished with a granny square blanket for my hope chest. Its made out of all the scraps of yarn from all the dish cloths I made for christmas gifts back in december.


Here the sqaures are above! All of the yarns were from previous projects when I had left over yarn and they are crocheted. I plan to start putting them together later tonight, I will be crocheting 5 more to make it the size I would like for a fun universal children's quilt. I will probably use it now on my own bed for summer, since it is warmer and I won't need a flannel/fleece blanket, but something lighter. This afghan will also be mostly 100% cotten yarns, some soft acrylic is in there, but not a lot.
I also have been doing spring cleaning in my room, as I am getting ready for moving my old bed back into my room and I also switched my spring cloths back into my closet. ! God bless and I am off to finish putting in some more pita bread to bake next. I used this recipe and I love it! It turns out delicious as well as lovely in appearance.
In Christ,
Rebecca

12 comments:

Hanna-col said...

I absolutely love that skirt!

Danielle Pajak said...

Wow. Yeah, it sounds like there is a lot going on in your life right now. From intense life decisions to beautiful sewing projects and clothes. :-) I just wanted to encourage you about what you are going through right now in your life. I too had some college troubles just before I went. My parents, like yours, wanted to get a degree just in case I have to work. Very practical. Hehe. I hated the idea of going to college, a lot, and there was a time I struggled with the whole liberal-education thing too. So I just went for a degree that had to do with art (graphic design) and thought I wouldn't get anything from it. Let me tell you that I did a lot of growing up during those years of college and it definitely pays off to be obedient first to God and secondly to your parents. The Lord is going to bless those desires for ministering, but there are periods of disicipline and education (even college education can be used for our spiritual education) before we are ready to go out to glorify Him. The Lord is going to give you answers about college and about your life and the time it takes you shall grow in Him!

I and my sister have too gone through some affliction and some of it caused by people who profress themselves Christians. Living a set-apart life with a counter-culture mindset completely focused on Christ is walking the road less trodden upon. It is going to be difficult, but there will be countless rewards in Him. I always recall Psalm 119:71 which says "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." Other people might have meant evil against us, or suffering might happen in our lives, but God means it all for our good.

Keep your eyes upon Jesus and your mind immersed in His Word, for there is the Life that strengthens!

Rebecca Ann said...

Thanks Hanne-col!

Danielle, thank you for the encouragment! I am so happy to hear I am not the only daughter of the King who has gone through these times in life. :) I knew I was not alone, but its still hard.

About the whole college thing, I do want to listen to my parents and do college courses to please them and all. And again though the Lord comes first over that. I just really know that the Lord will help me see how I can please Him and my parents. Its just hard for me to see that right now, when it seems like the only option is a college university. But I am hopeful, as college plus seems like a great option with the local community college for my music lessons. There is even a christian lady we know who teaches voice at the college and I have met her before and she is very nice. So I am hopeful even in that area if that it where the Lord leads me. We shall see. thank you so much again Danielle! I means a lot to me to hear from you and your advice and encouragement was very helpful.

In Christ,
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Ah, Becca dear, many prayers are coming your way! I am in a slightly similar situation, but thankfully He is always so clear about what I need to be learning, and where he needs me in the moment. Sometimes thinking ahead to the future ignores where He wants me right now. Applications need to be turned on due dates, but His leading is sure!

Those granny squares are making me miss you and cotton yarn (you more than the yarn, of course). I shall put that on my "list" ;D Oh, and your outfit... simply darling! I am liking your outfits more and more these days, it seems (not that I didn't like them before, but you are definitly dressing quite nicely!)

Send me a letter, k?

Love,
Hannah

Rebecca Ann said...

yes you are right He is leading! Sometimes its just hard being patient and listening to the instructions for following. :)

I miss you too dear! Hearing about the tea you put on for some girls and ladies in China made me miss having tea and watching S&S with you and your sisters and brothers!! Hopefully in the future we can do that. I will write! I am just about to write a letter to another friend who is far away in Alabama, but not as far as you are. Love and miss you and your family bunches!!

love and in Christ,
Rebecca

Lola said...

Hey Rebecca,

I've always wondered about people who choose to go to religious colleges, and since you mentioned it, I thought I'd ask you about it. So, say you had the opportunity to go to a good, nationally recognized secular school with an excellent program in your area of study. Would you still choose to go to a religious school? Or do you feel secure enough in your faith that you know you would be able to keep to your personal morals even in a more liberal environment? I went to a regular, non-religious college, and I know that there were lots of opportunities for students who wanted to be involved in religious activites. And it's not like people were pushed or coerced into doing things that were against their personal standards.

Thanks for your insight! Good luck with whatever you choose!

Bramblewood Fashion said...

How exciting that you have a grand piano! My mom would love to play on it!

Love your outfit, of course! :D

I'll be keeping you in my prayers as you go through this stage of life. I graduated last year, while I'm not struggling with going to college. I have to do my growing up and submitting to my parents and God's will though working at my dad's office. And it looks like I'll be working more hours this summer at his office, not looking forward to that as I'm not a office person. I'm definitely a homebody. Oh, and trying to start an etsy shop this spring/summer (date keeps getting moved). By the way, when is your graduation? :)

Miss chatting with you.

love,
Ashley

Rebecca Ann said...

Hi Lola, I would say yes if I had the opportunity and number one if the Lord lead myself and my parents for me to go to a secular school I would. No I do not believe that would change my standards or change my relationship with the Lord. I feel firm enough in my faith that I would not turn away from the Lord. I actually will probably be going to the local secular community college next year as I said, because its cheaper and I could take voice lessons with a lady I do know there. But otherwise I do not know anyone else who attends there. I would be taking only my music classes and other classes that need to be in person for instruction, if I do go to NOVA next year. But if I did go a local university that was secular for everything I would definately live at home and be very involved in my church and probably with other christians on the campus.

But my first choice would always be to have my piano teaching business and do sewing and other things at home and not get a degree, but still pursue my education through music lessons for myself as well reading good books. But the Lord has a plan and we will see what it is in His timing. thank you for your interest Lola and your comment.

Ashley thank you for your encouragement. I am not an office person either, but thats great you are able to work along side your father. I will be graduating at the end of may and probably have my graduation the 3rd week in June. I can't wait, but then again can't believe it will be over! High school has been some of the best years of my life!

Kimmie said...

HI Rebecca;

You certainly don't sit still much do you. Good for you.

Your outfit is very cute and perfect for the warmer weather that is coming!

I have sent you a thank you note (to your dad's email - a dayspring card) but I notice you haven't opened it yet. I also tried to send you a note through gmail...but it says you have a no-reply account set up??? I just wanted you to know how THANKFUL we are for your very generous donation to our adoption. What a HUGE blessing you are to us. Always such an encouragement to my heart. I am glad we are friends! I so appreciate you telling me it was from you, as you had my mind spinning on who it could be. Thanks.

Hope you can find the card in your dad's email...!

xoxo
Kimmie
mama to 8
one homemade and 6 adopted

Rebecca Ann said...

Kimmie thank you for the comments and I am loving the warm weather!!

I am glad that you were able to figure out it was from me. I did not want to boast on your blog about the donation. Don't misinterprut my meaning of tellig you, but I just wanted to let you know it was not from a total stranger. :)

I am so glad to have met you through blogging as well! Maybe we can meet in person sometime in the future! God bless!

Danielle Pajak said...

I am glad my words were helpful to you in some way. :-) I will be praying for you! I am checking your blog regularly and I look forward to hear updates about what the Lord is working in your life.

Rebecca Ann said...

thank you so much Danielle for your prayers! Its mean so much to me to have christian friends that are praying for me!!!! Its a God send and just makes me have hope even more when I hear God's children are praying for me. thank you again friend!