Baxter and Rutheford Letter

Dear Friend,

I know you go through difficult situations and sometimes doubt yourself. I understand how you may sometimes feel. I want to encourage you not to give up and remind you that God puts these situations in our lives to help us grow in faith and perseverance. Take these experiences and learn from them. Remember that God has a great plan for both of us. That fact gives me much comfort, and hopefully it will do the same for you. Don’t be discouraged and doubt yourself when thinking about your life.God knows what He is doing and will guide you. Keep in mind that you are not going through all of this alone. You also have people around you, myself included, that are here to encourage you. The Bible tells us that “iron sharpens iron.” As fellow Christians, it is our responsibility to help each other grow in Christ, to pray for one another, and encourage each other. Trust in God and praise Him in everything. He'll never fail you.

Your Friend,

Paige

Carmen Figuration

Still to Be Neat Analysis

Still to be neat, still to be dressed

As you were going to a feast;

Still to be powdered, still perfumed;

 [These first three lines basically describe the situation. It is talking about a person who always appears to be dressed for a party or some big event.]

Lady, it is to be presumed,

Though art’s hid causes are not found,

All is not sweet, all is not sound.

[The next three lines address a lady, who is the assumed and, in most cases, the person that fits the earlier description. It is telling her that there really is no cause to dress like that and that it is really unnecessary.]

                 

Give me a look, give me a face,

That makes simplicity a grace;

Robes loosely flowing, hair as free;

[The beginning of the second half describes someone who embraces natural beauty, as opposed to someone who “dresses up” all the time. A person that goes with a natural look is an example of gracefulness and simplicity.]

Such sweet neglect more taketh me

Than all th’ adulteries of art.

They strike mine eyes, but not my heart.

[The author reveals his thoughts on the situation at the end of the last verse. He says that he prefers naturalness over lavishness. The author also writes that though major enhancements to someone’s natural beauty may catch his eye, it never really captures his heart. ]

The poem is written very well and holds a good lesson. It is well written because it uses a good and interesting choice of words that make it easy to read. The author also presented information in a logical manner that is simple to follow and understand. Finally, the piece conveys a thoughtful and virtuous message. It is easy to interpret the message because of the excellent, yet simple word choices made by the author.

               

I do not really think there is a huge personal application for me in this poem since I do not think that I do this. I agree with what the author says because it makes a lot of sense. People, who dress up for everyday activities, for example going to the grocery store, usually look pretty silly. This poem still serves as a reminder to me. It reminds me to not let looking a certain way become so important in my life. 

Jonson, Ben. "Still to Be Neat." British Literature. By Ronald Horton. 2nd ed. Greenville: BJU, 2003. 303. Print.

Donne Video Response

Of Studies

I think that this quote is significant because it is talking about three important things related to studying that are beneficial for a person to participate it.



Bacon, Francis. "Of Studies." British Literature. By Ronald Horton. 2nd ed. Greenville: BJU, 2003. 289. Print.

Czifra, Karoly. Reading a Book. 2007. Photograph. MoneyBlog. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .

Lockyer, Romilly. Photograph. Howstuffworks. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .

Mulder, Wim. Writing to Reach You. 2005. Photograph. MITOpenCourseWare. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .

Macbeth Analysis Outline

Question 12. What is the theme of this story? What can we learn from this story? How can you apply it

to your life?

I.                    What is the theme of the story?  Theme: the relationship between ambition and power’s tendency to corrupt

A.      When Macbeth heard he would be king he was greatly intrigued by it. He told his wife and she convinced him and helped him to plot against the king to pursue the position.

B.      He killed and lied to obtain the position of king.

C.      While king, Macbeth killed to remove treats and competition.

II.                  What can we learn from this story?

A.      Power tends to change people. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s power had a negative effect on them because it corrupted them.

B.      Don’t let what other people say completely determine what you do or think. For example, the witches and Lady Macbeth had much influence on Macbeth’s actions.

C.      In the end, you’ll get what you deserve. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s lives did not have a good end.

III.                How can I apply this to my life?

A.      I need to be aware of how I act when given power.

B.      I need to be able to think for myself and know what I believe so that I am not easily swayed. Also, I need to make sure that what I am saying is not influencing people to do wrong.

C.      In my life, I need to remember that God has a plan and has everything worked out. He also is a just God and that judgment is His.

 SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Macbeth.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 22 Oct. 2010. <http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/context.html>

Macbeth Reading Score