All alone....

at 11/13/09 6:06PM

I feel like it's finally starting to sink in with me how different we are from the rest of the world.

I've always known that certain friends drink or party and any other number of certain things; but it's only been very recently that I've started to feel like *everyone* around me does all of those things that I try not to associate with.

The most substantial examples of late have been that a friend who professes her faith and has an outstanding character turned 21. I was shocked to hear her talking about being excited that she'd be able to buy her own drinks now and that she'd be able to have drinks out with friends. I know she isn't a big partier, still, but it definitely caught me off-guard to hear her talking about going to parties and bars.

Second, my health class has really opened my eyes. The two lectures that have really impressed me have been about alcohol and relationships. In high school, all of the lessons are - of course - about why you shouldn't ever drink alcohol and why you shouldn't be getting too physically involved in relationships. They're all intended to scare students out of doing stupid things. This semester, though, all of the classes have assumed that you're already involved in these activities and just emphasize that you need to be safe when partying and not to drink too much, along with how to tell if your friends might have alcohol poisoning.

Sitting in that class - I looked around and realized that I was the only one in the room who doesn't drink, or cuss, or use the Lord's name disrespectfully. I'm probably one of about 10 girls who have never tried a cigarette. And I'm definitely the only person in the room who feels that you shouldn't be living with someone before you are married.

I've also recently been reminded that we are only as good as our companions. Lately there have been several people that I have respected who have disappointed me in who they've chosen for their best friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. My opinion of these people is now completely different because they must have commonalities with their friends or else they wouldn't be close.

Let's just remember that our brothers and sisters are some of the most important and beneficial blessings and tools that God could have given us.

I love you all.
Hope you're excited for the Holidays and that you get to spend lots of time with family!

Ellen

2-21 of 21 comments « prev 1 2 next »

great thoughts ellen! stay strong sweetie :)

by singandbehappy at 11/13/09 6:35PM
Reading along, reading along... I get to "I'm probably one of about 10 girls..." Wait. This isn't Josh's blog. :-)

by planethead at 11/13/09 6:57PM
I know how you feel. It's a depressing feeling. I just try to remember that beyond all of our earthly, Christian friends, Christ is our truest Friend (among other things), without Him we would be truly, 100% alone.

by witz_bitz at 11/13/09 7:48PM
Great points, you smart girl, you. I mean--woman. Miss you!

by kaceyatthebat at 11/13/09 9:56PM
great thoughts :D

by waynezworld007 at 11/13/09 9:58PM
Glad your light is shining out there! Maybe your friend will see it! :)

by angielee at 11/14/09 5:00PM
Sometimes we feel isolated, but remember you have brethren who are truly of like precious faith who live elsewhere and are encouraged by your example. I appreciated your post and am so glad to know you, sweet Ellen. Happy upcoming holidays to you and yours.

by cathymoore at 11/14/09 7:59PM
I know what you mean. It has always been difficult for me to befreind someone who does not share my faith. Our friendship can only go so far. Brothers and sisters in Christ are truly a blessing and a joy.

by bradford_rebekah at 11/15/09 11:01PM
I know it is hard out there sweetie! It hurts when our friends disappoint us. Just keep your beacon shining, as you always have! You are such an encouragement to me and I know to others!! Love you baby!

by lynnpaige at 11/16/09 10:55AM
hi sis...good thoughts

by alwaysmilin at 11/16/09 5:17PM
im getting some of that too. we are here for you and love you so much... hopefully we will get to see you soon! love you

by mkluvspink at 11/16/09 6:34PM
Aren't we glad that we know what and where our reward will be after we have had to deal with the world! Just can't wait!

by anutty at 11/16/09 11:52PM
I totally get what you are saying, but we are called to be different. Sometimes different is good. I pray your companions learn that God should be the most important commonality in any relationship.

by kyakergirl at 11/30/09 1:40AM
Great post Ellen. I too, as I am sure and hope all your readers can, relate to everything you posted. Unfortunately, those pure minds striving to keep right in God's everyday sight are few and far between. It is easy to feel alone when you realize you are one among many who disregard the Lord altogether. But it is comforting to know that HE is keeping track of every time you say no, because the more times you say no, the easier it gets to keep saying no, and HE will reward those who dilligently seek HIM! The seeds you are planting may someday take root in those hearts who currently observe the differences between you and them. I just want to thank you for the inspiration you are in my life. Your pure heart and mind are such an encouragement to me, even across all these miles! Keep up your wonderful attitude and service to our Lord! I love you!

by potatoprincess at 12/01/09 8:25PM
" Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14

by potatoprincess at 12/01/09 8:29PM
I'm getting excited too! :)

by emily_renee at 12/11/09 9:57AM
thanks for listening ellen. i love you and can't wait to get to see you. i miss you guys.

by mkluvspink at 12/16/09 12:13PM
Hey Ellen!!! Merry Christmas!!! Tell your mom and dad I said hello! :) As for your post I want to encourage you to hang in there and continue being strong. I have been where you are before, but, for me, I had to realize that all things considered even people of the world can still be great people overall...despite some of their faults.
We can try to be an example for them, but I think it is very important not to write people off simply because they may make some unwise decisions at certain times of their life.

Miss seeing you and your mom and dad. I hope you have a great new years!!!

by tylerhairston at 12/25/09 9:48PM
no, im just anti-tu (:

by rachel_jeanne at 01/24/10 9:34PM
happy 8 month anniversay(:

by rachel_jeanne at 02/20/10 10:16AM

WHEW!

at 10/12/09 8:41PM

So....to anyone who has taken and enjoys cycling/spinning classes....congratulations to you!

For the rest of us....yikes! I took my first attempt at a cycling class today. Now...it's been almost a week since my last full cardio workout so keeping that in mind, I didn't do quite so well as I would normally expect from myself. But, I had a ridiculously hard time keeping myself motivated to stay in a certain heart rate range rather than use changes in intervals to do it for me.

I applaud those of you who have that strength of will and empathize with everyone else. If you have never tried one of these classes - you should definitely go for it. It was an incredible workout. As for me....I think I'll stick with my kickboxing classes for a while longer :)

you definitely have work up to it. I'm just not there either.

by bradford_rebekah at 10/12/09 9:38PM
Definitely! It was quite a Monday, wasn't it! ;)

by iamjane at 10/12/09 11:23PM
we do cycling in my agility class every time .. as a warm up :( needless to say, by the end of the class my legs are about as strong as a piece of spaghetti :)

we also have to keep our heart rate at a certain rate= no bueno

by waynezworld007 at 10/13/09 4:52PM
what?!?!?! no monday classes! you win....

and i loose

by waynezworld007 at 10/13/09 4:52PM
you can do it! i have faith in you!!

by rachel_jeanne at 10/13/09 10:38PM
yes indeed!! i loose my shoelaces :D :D hahahahahah!!!

okay.. Ellen-2- | Wayne-0-

two to zero.. ouch

by waynezworld007 at 10/14/09 10:07PM
I think this old body will stick with WALKING! But have fun!

by anutty at 10/15/09 12:01AM
haha!! YES!!

by waynezworld007 at 10/15/09 7:48PM
i know! :( i was thinking about that the other day and realized that in the summer it really felt like i saw you every one or two weeks. and its been since august...? are yall going to be able to come to a football game?

by rachel_jeanne at 10/15/09 11:25PM
New studies show that increased heart rate intervals only need to be 8 seconds long and spaced out generously throughout a milder activity. Like if you are a walker, jog three or four times throughout your workout for 8 seconds at a time.

by kyakergirl at 10/17/09 2:13AM
so i feel really bad for still having the cds with the pics on them and i wasnt able to get them back to you this past weekend.. im sorry! we just need to figure out when we can see eachother again. even if we just met for lunch or something saturday?... :)

by rachel_jeanne at 10/19/09 6:47PM
oh no :( im so sorry! i didnt get on and read the comment until today :( this is really getting pitiful. tremendously pitiful. so what about next weekend??

by rachel_jeanne at 10/24/09 6:42PM
I'll stick with my power walking! Love you.

by justamom at 10/25/09 10:59PM
We want you to come whenever it works out for you both.

by justamom at 10/27/09 10:34PM
How did your presentation go last night??

by lynnpaige at 10/29/09 8:26AM
Yep! Are you?

by mccasland at 11/03/09 4:31PM
Sweet! I'm not sure if I'm up for it yet actually, I ran the other day but got super tired fast...:( I didn't know you could sign up at the REC! I signed up online, I bet it was cheaper in person too, man...oh well. We should try to find each other there!

by mccasland at 11/05/09 11:46AM
Ooh, ok! good! haha, I'm definitely not too fast right now, so we could atleast try that at the beginning!!

by mccasland at 11/05/09 4:13PM
i know!! but a little birdie told me that we may be heading that way sunday so we can have a family lunch at olive garden for my birthday(:

by rachel_jeanne at 11/06/09 10:08AM
i miss you too... looking forward to our next visit. :)

by mkluvspink at 11/10/09 12:29PM

What would be your reaction?

at 09/28/09 10:57PM

If you opened your text book and the very first sentence read:

"The Spanish conquest of much of present-day Mexico was a dynamic process that proceeded with varying speeds and in various directions, continuing for generations and reaching particular regions at different times and sometimes because of different motives."

We're not in Kansas anymore!

by oldrupert at 09/28/09 10:58PM
I hope the editor is no longer employed.

by kirbyj2 at 09/28/09 11:00PM
Yeayuh!

by highflyinwhyteman at 09/28/09 11:03PM
I am paying for that!!!!

by angielee at 09/28/09 11:05PM
huh?

by lynnpaige at 09/28/09 11:32PM
Hmmm.....I'm glad I'm not in college anymore...

by dmv at 09/29/09 12:09AM
I don't think he could have talked anymore about nothing unless he just said at the end my sentence says absolutely nothing and yes i meant it that way because you will still pay for it even though you won't learn anything.

by marshall_dillon at 09/29/09 12:21AM
dude, take a breath already...

by aggieman at 09/29/09 12:57AM
hahaha sounds like a promising class ;)

by singandbehappy at 09/29/09 9:25AM
talk about vague...

by cascadingharmony at 09/29/09 11:24AM
was it a textbook or a middle school essay?

by brandontherunningman at 09/29/09 5:51PM
mornings when you wake up without an alarm??? do those exist :D

by waynezworld007 at 09/29/09 9:46PM
i'll make sure to tell you if i ever find out :D

by waynezworld007 at 09/30/09 2:06PM
ummm idk im not in college and i still dont no i have to think about it

by SHES_COUNTRY at 09/30/09 4:08PM
Unfortunately, that is not uncommon to come across when reading about anthropology. For example, in my Hellenistic Culture class, we spent the entire semester reading books and essays from various people over the course of 2,332 years saying that they have no idea of what Hellenism really was.

by beunsung at 10/04/09 4:36AM
hey, its been a while since I've seen you! how's your week going?

by aggieman at 10/12/09 11:14AM
^silly... :)

by heartsintexas at 10/12/09 8:37PM

I get to see my Mommy soon!

at 09/04/09 8:22PM

That's right! I'm officially going "home" in just 4 weeks! It'll be a short trip...but I get to go see my family for an extended weekend from October 1-5!

In other news....Week 1 of the semester was a bit challenging. It's going to take a little while to get back in the swing of things. I'm glad to be getting things going again, but summer was fantastic!

My class schedule this year consists of:
Texas History
Kinesiology/Health & Fitness
Math 367 (Geometry proofs)
Integrated Math & Science

Other than that....looking forward to the upcoming semester! Between football games, Ladies Bible Study, and the fresh beginning that a new semester always brings...lots of excitement is coming soon!

Hope everyone is going to have a fun weekend!

I'm so happy for you Ellen! ;o)

by cathymoore at 09/05/09 8:52AM
:)

by jamiemmoon at 09/05/09 11:17AM
Three weeks from today!!! I miss you soo much!!! Love you sweetie!

by lynnpaige at 09/10/09 10:11AM
cool!! which class was it?

by waynezworld007 at 09/17/09 7:57PM
sweet!

by waynezworld007 at 09/19/09 3:11PM
what do you do in health and fitness? do you actually exercise, or do you learn how to?

by waynezworld007 at 09/19/09 4:51PM
that sounds like a fun class :D

by waynezworld007 at 09/20/09 5:13PM
Thank you! :)

by texanmandy at 09/21/09 12:16AM
thank you, it was!

by muldoon202 at 09/22/09 5:50PM
I love you so much!

by aggieman at 09/25/09 11:34AM
He came in to buy a bike yesterday

by aggieman at 09/26/09 8:20AM
hey its jessie thomas from jr camp fishstick101 is my other profile

by SHES_COUNTRY at 09/28/09 3:29PM
Excited for you to see your family!!!

by potatoprincess at 09/28/09 10:32PM

Swagbucks!

at 08/13/09 6:10PM

Yes I will most definitely use your search engine if it helps me buy textbooks off of Amazon :)
Or iTunes if you'd rather....or Barnes & Noble, Target, Starbucks gift cards....

:)

10-29 of 29 comments « prev 1 2 next »

yall could pick cheddars. of course i dont know how busy it would be.. but i do know that a few weeks ago dad was going to take us there, but idk why we couldnt..? i think we ended up going somewhere else with some people.

by rachel_jeanne at 08/14/09 8:08PM
I vote for Fish Daddy's!!!

by lynnpaige at 08/14/09 11:35PM
ohh yea! fish daddy's sound like it would be good!! :) cant wait! see you tomorrow!!

by rachel_jeanne at 08/15/09 4:16PM
J&J is my personal favorite too. Actually, its the only thing I have seen this summer.

by jamiemmoon at 08/15/09 6:31PM
We all were talking about how we wished you still lived down there so we could come see you all! But we know you are all much happier to be living out of that big city!

by potatoprincess at 08/15/09 6:35PM
the reason I asked is I was reading your post with Jason beside me so I told him about it and he asked, "What's the catch?" So I said, "I dont think there is one!" so he said, "There's aaaalways a catch." Then 5 minutes later he burst out with "I got another swagbuck!" Then a couple of minutes later I asked him if he was ready to watch a movie and he said "Hold on! Im trying to get more swagbucks!" Hahhaha!

by sarahfay at 08/15/09 6:53PM
i just felt obligated to tell you that as of this morning i now own 21 swag bucks(:

by rachel_jeanne at 08/19/09 5:14PM
Sense and Sensibility is a good one! :)

by emily_renee at 08/21/09 8:08AM
thanks(: and the chicken was awesome! part os it i tink i might have cooked long because you needed a knife, but it was still good. i ended up putting the chicken in the egg/milk then the bread crumbs then the flour because when it was the flour and then the crumbs it wasnt coming out as crunchy as i expected it. but thanks for the good teaching skills, i couldnt have made it without you! (:

by rachel_jeanne at 08/23/09 4:12PM
I just signed up the other day, and have 5 swagbucks... but what do I do with them? I'm a little confused on that part.

Yes, Wyatt has a little compass that came with a weather watching kit he got. :-)

by missy at 08/24/09 10:40PM
Hi Ellen!

by cathymoore at 08/25/09 10:05AM
Julie & Julia - it was pretty good although a little long.

by lois at 08/25/09 11:50AM
GO GET A NEW PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by lynnpaige at 08/27/09 10:15PM
^^^ Now that's a subtle comment.

by oldrupert at 08/27/09 10:36PM
She's supposed to call me everyday after work, lost her phone, and I haven't been getting my daily calls! I miss my girl!!

by lynnpaige at 08/28/09 12:23AM
Things overall seem to be getting better! I have my down days still though. I'm glad I have a routine now with school to keep me busy and my mind off of some stuff though! I want to hang out with you sometime! I know we always say that, but someday, it will happen! Hope your classes are off to a good start!

by mccasland at 09/02/09 11:15PM
remind me to tell you which gross story I told Amy

by lynnpaige at 09/04/09 8:45AM
raw spinach leaves are amazing.. interestingly enough, there is no difference in how nutritious raw and cooked spinach leaves are. both are equally good for you :)

by waynezworld007 at 09/04/09 10:32AM
you need a new post! something like...I get to see my mommy soon!!

by lynnpaige at 09/04/09 4:27PM
^^ Your subject matter is already picked out for you. Now just fill in the rest of the blog.

by oldrupert at 09/04/09 4:44PM

137-141 of 141 entries « prev 1 2 … 25 26 27 28 29 next »

All alone....

WHEW!

What would be your reaction?

I get to see my Mommy soon!

Swagbucks!

heartsintexas

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