Friday, May 29, 2015

At LONG Last...

I am SO, SO, SO sorry for not posting sooner! I feel so bad for keeping you in suspense this long. I've got a couple really good excuses though. :P
1: Our schedule got like REALLY busy all of a sudden...
2: Then I got sick with a weird kind of flu...
3: And lastly, our computer temporarily broke down so I wasn't able to post even when I eventually found the time. Argh.
Anyways, long story short, our computer finally got back into working mode and I am now racing to finish this post before bedtime. :)

*pauses to gulp some air into my lungs*

Ok, so for this contest I decided to once again give you the picture as a refresher, then post all the words in no particular order. Again, I'm doing this a little differently. I realized how hard it would be to choose the perfect word for the picture because so many words are a perfect fit depending on how you interpret it. I decided to have an "everybody wins" sort of feel to this contest even though I know you probably will hate me for it. :)
So I'm going to give the word and who came up with it then tell you why I loved each of the words.

Here's the picture:
 
 
Here are the words and everything else besides:

Word:                                           Who gave it:                    
Splendor                                      Jesseca Dawn    
                          
Heavenly                                     Bethany R.     

Glory                                           Abigail

Coruscate                                    Carl Gray

Beaming                                     Rishona Raub

Ataraxia                                        Kelpie

So...why did you like it?
Splendor. (def. the quality of being magnificent, splendid, or grand)
It was a great choice. I made me look at the picture in a new light In it's own weird way, all those things in the above definition. Sunshine can make you stop and stare in utter awe as it filters through trees or across a sparkling body of water.

Heavenly. (def. In a manner like that of heaven; by the influence or agency of heaven)
This too was a beautiful word to describe the above picture. Sunshine does make us think of heaven, and it is sent to us by God to keep our planet supporting the life it does. Without it, we would die...with too much of it, we would die. God new exactly how much sunshine we need for everyday life and gives it too us as only He can.

Glory. (def. brilliant, radiant beauty)
How true that is! I know I'm not the only one who has stood gaping at our sun as it dips itself behind our horizon for the night, glowing and casting gorgeous colors across our sky. This too was a great word! (Can you tell why I chose not to choose favorites? :P)

Coruscate. (def. To reflect brightly)
This was a very down-to-earth, practical word. It describes the picture wonderfully, though lacking some of the poetic beauty the other words possessed. :P A great word to bring up when you're having a conversation with someone. ;)

Beaming. (def. The radiation of a column of light)
...or multiple columns as is case in this picture. ;) Another more practical word, but very descriptive of the picture none the less. Why do these contests have to be so hard? Anyways, I did like this word for its very practicality.

And last, but certainly NOT least....

Ataraxia. (def. a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety; tranquility.)
Ah yes, another more poetic word...how I love them.  This word gave a sense of peace to the picture that I hadn't really thought of much. Also, it's another word to throw into a conversation if you want to shock and amaze your friends. :P
"I feel just so...ataraxia right now."
"You WHAT?"
Oh...I can't wait. :P


So there you have it...and now I'm off to bed. Apologies again for being so late.

God Bless! :D




Monday, May 25, 2015

In Memory

Sorry...I know you're still looking forward to my posting the contest winners, but I really wanted to take time to honor those who gave their life in battle today. (Don't worry too much though, I will be posting winners SOON!! ;P) After all, it IS Memorial Day.
The following poem I wrote in ten minutes. (I timed myself just for fun. ;) And I thought I could share it with you all. I don't write a lot of poetry, but sometimes it's the easiest way to express some of my more serious thoughts. So without further ado I give you:

From Google



In Honor:


This day we take to honor
those who answer freedom’s cry,
Those nameless thousands over sea
who for our lives did die.
Greater love has no one
than laying down his life,
For those he loves the most,
his children, friends, and wife.
Those wives who now are widows,
those kids who lost their dad.
Those ones who lost a brother
and friends that they once had.
Jesus did the same thing,
when he came down to earth,
Becoming man while still our God
through his humble birth.
He also gave His precious life
and saved the human race,
By giving us a chance to live
 and one day see His face.
Those ones across the ocean,
those ones across the sea,
They show what Jesus gave
when he died for you and me.
 
~Rebekah Eddy, PK
From Google
Have a wonderful Memorial Day! Remember to pray for our country and it's leaders! God bless!

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Over A Hundred...

No, I don't mean I'M over a hundred...I just realized that I've now made exactly 101 posts on this blog! (this post being THE 101th post) *gives three cheers and jumps up and down a couple times* Yes, I'm excited. ;P I mean, how often does one get to a hundred posts? ONCE! So this calls for a little celebration, right? :D
Anyways, for fun, I thought I'd give you my blogging history...the how's, why's, and when's of Rebekah's Remarks.

Why did I start this blog?
Well, for one thing, I had just finished a trip to Ethiopia, Africa with my dad and that's how it began. I took my journal entries that I made during the trip, edited them, and posted them on my new blog.  

Why did you call it "Rebekah's Remarks"?
Our family had fun coming up with a name for my blog...knowing my personality, you know I'm pretty random. :) And this being so, my family thought that it would be completely hilarious to call my blog "Rebekah's Random Remarks", but for sake of space, I shortened it to "Rebekah's Remarks" knowing that those who followed me would find out soon enough that I was random. :)

When did you publish your first post?
May 15, 2013.
Here's a link to it: http://4rmeddy.blogspot.com/2013/05/who-i-am.html
Wow! I was only fourteen...boy that brings back memories! Back when I had braces! (yick)

When did you first want to begin your blog?
Oh...for a long time. I didn't know that such a thing as blogging even existed before I was thirteen. Then I gradually got to wanting a blog of my own. If you know me at all, you know I like writing...and any extra opportunities to do so attract me like flies to jam! :P

How did you start?
By designing my blog, with some help from older siblings, and then figuring out what to write every week. I wasn't very consistent (and I'm STILL not very consistent) so it took patience to find a subject to write a post on and post it. It wasn't too difficult while I had my African journal entries, but it got a little harder after that. I managed though...as you can see a hundred (and one!) posts later. :)

How long have you been blogging?
Well, from the date above, I've been blogging off and on for over two years. Wow...I wish I could have made it so that this post had actually been on the two year mark...but sadly, I'm not THAT organized. :P

Here's some pictures of me from older posts...back when I was young, but sadly, not a whole lot less wise. ;) These will give you not only a slight picture of my personality, but also a sneak peek into my life during the past two years. :)

fourteen years old...


The cutest baby ever in Ethiopia!

On a hike

On my favorite, and the most awesome, animal...sadly, it doesn't belong to me. :(
(His name is Moon to those of you who care)

Sleeping children look SO sweet

Fifteen...

Even pruning can be hilariously fun if you have an active imagination! :P
(Do I look like a deer?)

All in swimming gear and baseball caps. Love these little guys!

Sixteen...no those curls aren't natural. ;)

After watching "Karate Kid".
Not a super great movie...but it has it's good points.

Bunny Ears! (I couldn't help myself...it was too tempting. ;)

This is a more recent picture of me on Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Any more questions about my blog from you faithful followers? I'd love to answer them! :) Next post will be the winners to the last contest... But until then...

Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, Adios, and (especially for Emily M.) goodbye in Russian: до свидания

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Photo Contest #3...sort of

Finally I'm going to post the next photo contest! However, this time I'm going to do something a little different. I'm going to give you a picture, like usual, but this time instead of giving you a word as well and having you send pictures...I'm going to have you find a WORD that best matches my picture.

The word you choose can be anything found in a dictionary...(I'll look them all up to see their definitions)...and you don't have to e-mail them.
Just post your word anytime this week in a comment (only one word from each person, don't "steal" words from others please).
I'll be doing the judging (choosing my top favorite four words) on Friday and then posting the winners on Saturday or Sunday.

This might not work quite as slick as having you send pictures that match a word...but I thought it would be worth a try. ;)

Ok. Here's the picture:


What word do you think describes it best? Have fun!

I thought this would make our contest a little more interesting, but don't worry, I'll be going back to the regular photo contest next time. I'll only do this weird version of it once-in-a-while. :)

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Loss

Sometimes God does things we don't understand as humans. Things that make us ask "why?"


When the sun is shining and everyone is happy, it's easy for Christians to heave sighs of contentment and say, "God is in control."
But when the storm clouds roll in, covering the sun and pouring sorrow, pain, and loss down on us, our true faith is tested. Suddenly we begin praying more, reading our Bible, asking others to pray for us. Songs and verses we've sung or read all our life take on whole new meanings when we see them in a completely different light.

Just a few days ago, one of my Christian friends who had just found out in April that she was pregnant, went into her doctor for an ultrasound and had her worst fears revealed: the precious life she had been wanting so badly to bring into this world had been taken to heaven instead. There was no baby, no heartbeat.

When I heard about this happening, my first reaction was anger, and I immediately asked God "why?". I demanded answers for thousands of other questions which also stormed through my mind. By taking that precious life before it came into our world, He had thrown not only the young parents-to-be into deep sorrow, but also the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and church family. Wouldn't it have been so easy for Him to let it live and keep everyone happy?

But we don't understand. God is God, and He knows best, even when we think WE do. He IS in control, no matter what the circumstances.
Despite the sorrow, the anger, the tears...God knew what He was doing, and He did it (believe it or not) for our best.
But even when we know this-even when we understand that we can never comprehend God, and that He always knows best-it doesn't mean we don't feel the hurt, the pain that accompanies such a loss. We still cry, we still ask "why?"

But there is an answer to why God allows pain and sorrow into our life: it brings us closer to Him. The trails we go through can make us better Christians if we let it, and it helps us help others when they go through the same loss we did.

I'm sorry for giving you such a sad post, but sometimes we need this reminder. Let me end on a happier note:

God is in control
He loves us no matter what
He knows what He's doing, even if we don't
Whatever He does is for our best

God bless you all.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

To All Mothers...

For Mother's Day, I wanted to do something special to thank ALL mothers for being who they are. (and especially mine...) So I "stole" a poem that you all have probably heard and transposed it for mothers instead of nanny's.


 Wanted... A Mother for Ten Adorable Children

If you want this choice position
Have a cheery disposition
Rosy cheeks, no warts!
Play games, all sorts

You must be kind, you must be witty
Very sweet and fairly pretty
Take us on outings, give us treats
Sing songs, bring sweets

Never be cross or cruel
Never give us castor oil or gruel
Love us as sons and daughters
And never smell of barley waters

If you won't scold and dominate us
We will never give you cause to hate us
We won't hide your spectacles
So you can't see
Put toads in your bed
Or pepper in your tea
Hurry, Mother!
Many thanks
Sincerely,

All us Eddy kids.


And yes, that poem does describe my mother...although, upon second thought, she does try to feed us oatmeal sometimes...which kid of counts as gruel, wouldn't you say? :P

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there! (But of course, especially mine...)

Love you Mom!!! :)

By the way, before I forget again...my favorite Star Wars character is Obi-wan Kenobi, or, as he was affectionately called by Luke Skywalker, "Old Ben"... and yes, I like both the young, and the old. :) In my opinion he is the most mature character in all the episodes excepting perhaps the first one...besides Yoda.

The young...
...and the old


Saturday, May 9, 2015

And the Winners Are... #2!

Oh man...you guys are so good! I had another tough time coming up with my favorite top four. But anyways...here are the winners, listed from first place to honorable mention. Thank you all so much for participating! I really enjoy seeing all your wonderful pictures! I hope you had a fun time entering, even if you don't win! :) Keep it up, and there's always next time... :P

Ok. After a long, hard struggle with myself, I decided to award first place to Jesseca Dawn for her beautiful picture of trees reflected in water. It looked so peaceful and serene, and I thought it was a great representation of the word "creation". Thank you Jesseca, and congratulations! :)

First Place

Second place I decided to give to Bethany R. for her gorgeous picture of a field of flowers...so beautiful as well, and reminded me of the verses in Matthew. (Matthew 6: 28-30). Thanks so much for the picture, Bethany, and congratulations! :)

Second Place
Third place goes to Abigail. She put a different spin then most of the pictures I got. While a lot of you sent in pictures of flowers, Abigail sent in a picture of some animals. Thanks for your picture. It was very original! I love it! Congratulations!

Third Place
The final award, honorable mention, I decided was a three way tie. Faith P., Keplie, and Blessing Counter all sent in beautiful flower pictures. Honestly, I really could not choose my favorite! :) They are all pretty! So, one after another, in no particular order, here are the flower pictures that made a three way tie.

Kelpie's picture

Blessing Counter's picture
Faith P.'s picture
Again, I can't tell you how hard it was to choose. You're all winners in my eyes and in everyone's eyes who sees these pictures! You all did a great job capturing the spirit of the word I gave you. Congratulations, once more, to you all!! :D

Monday, May 4, 2015

May the 4th Be With You!/Photo Contest #2

Yeah, I'm doubling up on posts. I thought I would do this post in two separate posts, but decided I'd cram it all in one instead. :)
Guess which my favorite Star Wars character is...
Hint: It's none of the bad guys... (go figure) ;P

So, today is national Star Wars day, and I thought it would be fun to make a post on it. I'm not a huge Star Wars fan, but I do admire some of the characters, and as an author I appreciate the originality of the story line. Our family is pretty strict about what movies we watch/don't watch, and I was the youngest in our family allowed to watch these movies. Even so, I admit to closing my eyes and plugging my ears for some of it. I totally respect those of you who haven't been allowed to watch it, but for those who have, I thought I'd post on this day anyways, just for the fun of it. :P

Ok, now for the second half of my post. I decided to do my next Photo Contest today. Here's the rules as a refresher:

1: I'll post a word and an example picture.
2: You'll then come up with a picture of your own (not from the internet, you'll have to take it yourself) that you think represents the word best.
3: You'll send them to my e-mail: 4rmeddy@excite.com
4: I'll choose my top three favorites and an honorable mention and post them on my blog.

The word is...*pauses for dramatic effect*: Creation

Here's the example photo:

 
Any pictures you have or take of anything God created will be fine. This contest will be a little more general picture wise, so I'll be keeping my eyes on photo quality and originality. (Just thought I'd warn you all... :P)
Have fun taking pictures of God's creation! :D

And May the Fourth be with You! ;P

God Bless!

Blog Tour for Project Canvas!! *cue intense celebration*

GUYS, I couldn't be more excited to share about this incredible book that is going to be available for you to get your hands on in just ...