I was in Sephora today buying a present for an ever-special friend’s birthday, and I came across a perfume called Grace. I sprayed it on and took a deep breath of it. I thought “this is nice… relaxing… sweet….wait - this smells like my Barbie perfume from back in the day!”
As I wandered through the rest of the store, I started to really feel the Christmas spirit. Its been a busy and exciting year. So busy and exciting, that I have hardly thought about the holidays and all the fun and cheer that goes along with them. What a great time of year - its like a mandate to celebrate, eat well, and see your family and friends. When we were kids, we counted down to the season. Now we worry about if we will have enough money to get through the holidays, if we will eat too much, or if we will have enough vacation time to see our family. Its so easy to get lost in the pressures of being an adult. But why not settle our mindsets into one of Barbie Dolls, Sing-A-Longs and Santa Clause?
This perfume (called Grace, of all things) brought me back to an easier time of less responsibility. It reminded me, that when the day is done and all the responsibilities and obligations are taken care of, we need the grace of God to help us have a little fun. So raise your glass for a season of celebration, laughter, food, gifts and just plain fun!
Becca is having a baby! And as surreal as that is - to have someone so close to me (and my age) having a baby, I couldn’t be happier for her and Jarrod. They are going to make great parents. (And I will shower that baby with gifts. Haha.)
Its funny how quickly life changes. It seems like just yesterday, Becca and I were fighting over a boy at 8th grade cheerleading practice! And now, here we are - college graduates, married, employeed, 12 hours away and now starting motherhood (ok - well Bec will have to wait, like, 5 years for me to actually be taking that step with her). The greatest thing is that Becca and I are closer than ever. God is faithful to provide. He understands our need for friendship, support and love. And even though I am a long way away right now, I know that everything that is added to our lives, does not distract or take away from our friendship. Rather, it brings us even closer.
Congrats, my friends! Much love!
Why is it that music is so inspiring? Emotional? Envoking of feelings? Music is so spiritual to me. It’s amazing. Music is where it’s at.
Last night Nik & I went to the Coldplay concert in Atlanta. It was awesome. It’s funny, because it reminded me a sitting in a concert put on by my dad at church. It took me back to the many times that I have sat in the balcony of Central Assembly with such pride, emotion…sometimes even with tears in my eyes. I had the same reaction last night. Music connects so deeply with my soul, my innermost parts, my spirit. It tugs at me. It causes me to reflect, to appreciate. And it asks me to be greater, to live more fully. It reminds me that there is so much outside of my little bubble. It persuades me to push furthur past my small world and tells me I will regret it if I don’t. What are our dreams, our passions? Why aren’t we doing them? Why aren’t we thinking out of the box and using more of our God-given creativity? Music can stir the soul. And we need that once in a while.
Music is from God. He gave us voices, the ability to play instruments and to create music. It often doesn’t matter what type of music is being performed- if it’s done with excellence, God is in it. It’s a way for Him to communicate with us, to draw us into Him and into deeper relationships with others. It draws us more fully into life.
So the next time you are sitting in a any place that is full of excellent music, let it take over your senses for a bit. Let it move you. Viva la vida!
I’ve grown up in the ministry; it’s all I’ve ever known. Yet, sometimes, I still get surprised. Surprised by the things that I have seen happen hundreds of times. I love our students - with all my heart. I have developed some great relationships with them. They come to me, they ask me questions, tell me their secrets; they easily and willingly let me in. And then, sometimes, they just stop. Once in a while, a student has had a enough of me, enough of church, enough of routine. And it breaks my heart. And after my heart has been broken and am on the other side of the situation, they come waltzing back in as if nothing ever happened. Now, I know this happens. I’ve watched it happen to my parents, to my friends, to my husband. But it is happening to me. I’m not really one for roller coasters of emotion. Up and down is something I grew out of a long time ago. I try my best to stay consistent and to keep consistent people around me. But, I’m in a different element now. It’s not about me. IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. It’s now about these students, who need graciousness, love, acceptance, validation forgiveness, and so much more. So while we are teaching and, hopefully, leading by example the way of consistency, we have to always let acceptance and love be higher priorities. We have to, with love, ride the roller coaster with them. We are the ones sitting next to them on the ride holding their hand during the ups and downs, turns and twists. Maybe that is my purpose here - to ride any roller coaster that a student wants me to be a part of. If I don’t, who will? What will be the consequences? Will God raise someone else up to finish the job I couldn’t commit to?
I’ve never missed home more than I do now. I am married - I want to share this new life with my friends and family. My best friend is pregnant with her first child - I want to be there every step of the way. Another friend is planning her wedding. My youngest brother is playing football. The list goes on. I feel like I am missing out. Sometimes I feel like I am missing out for no reason - that there is no purpose, no place for me in Daphne. It’s my biggest struggle. Sometimes it becomes my only focus. But God gently reminded me tonight that His purpose is not always what we think it should be. His ways are deeper and higher, stronger and wider than mine. So, I recommit to the purpose of God’s will; whatever it maybe be, however it may change. If God’s purpose for me is to ride roller coasters for a little while, then that is what I will do. It will be my focus until God leads me into another direction.
