The Maker by Chris August (Lyric Video)

This is a beautiful song. I had heard it many times before and even purchased it on iTunes. But the first time I truly sat still in a quite place a really listened to it, I cried. I encourage you to really pay attention to what it says and not just how it sounds or the chorus. Actually I encourage that with any song you listen to because too often we hear them but don't listen to what they're really saying.

Wigtime: An Introduction

So I finally did it. I ordered some colorful wigs to wear. For the longest time I yearned to change my hair color to non-natural colors but didn't because of other people's expectations and comfort. However this is the year that I finally submitted and asked God to show me how to be myself. The me that He created me to be. Yes, part of that me enjoys odd color hair and I was finally brave enough to follow through. But I didn't dye my hair. I didn't want to damage my glorious fro that I've been blessed with soooooo, I ordered WIGS! (^o^) I brought three but one didn't turn out the way I thought it would and the other has super extra long bangs that I need to have cut. The "conservative" one actually came out well. It's gray and blue even though it looks different colors in different lighting, check it out.



Day 1 out

Studying and drinking coffee



Sketching a design to paint

Me projecting my sinuses (and being a ninja)



Same day as above just outside

 ...Yeah so that's that, plus this (*-*)

 



People disliking the Dove Hair: Love Your Curls Video

Listen there are a lot of negative things that could be said about this ad. I just don't see the point in pointing them out. Let's focus on the good. Let's focus on the fact that this is a positive message that has helped a lot of women and girls learn to embrace a part of themselves. Something that is rarely seen these days and when you do it's usually only available to those of us who believe in Jesus Christ. Just be happy about it, seriously. Be excited that this even exists because when I was growing up it didn't and the whole idea was laughable. Long story short: Let go of the hate. Embrace the Love. Seriously.

 

 

Fashion Bucket List: Shorts in Winter

So the focus on this year is to be who God has called me to be, all eccentrism included, instead of being who people expect me to be or assume they want me to be. This includes experimentation with who I dress and style my hair. Today I fulfilled a long time fashion bucket list item: wearing shorts in winter.

 

 

I enjoyed this and I was totally comfortable. Next time though I'll wear some more colorful leggings or at least black ones. Lol some people thought I was bare legged.  



Sunday Morning: Going versus Streaming

It's Sunday. You just woke up and you feel blah. You look at the at time and see you're up later than you thought. But not so late that you don't still have time to go to church. So do you stream or do you go?

Most of us have had this moment at one point or another. I did this morning. I haven't been feeling well and I probably should be sleeping right now but I know the Word going forth this morning is going to change my life/thinking. So here I am, staying up (laying down next to my laptop)  to stream it with pencil and paper ready. Why you ask? Because I want what God has for me. In fact if I thought I wouldn't take it with serious toll on my body I'd go to the late service. So at this point at least one person is thinking, " if it's the same service why even bother going?" A few important reasons actually, to me anyway.

1. I feel that if you can go to a service go. The sermon is only one part of service. Corporate praise and worship are definitely different than praise and worship by yourself. But there is something you can't get streaming at home by yourself all the time: community. Hebrew 10:23-25 "²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." <- em="">You can't do that by yourself. We're a body for a reason.
2. If you're not disciplined it could lead to being complacent or fan the complacency already dwelling within. With today's technology we have more access to the Gospel than any generation before us. Because it's always there it can give a "I can watch anytime" mentality. But many of us, myself included, still have moments were we try a fit God in instead of constantly putting our time with Him first. Truthfully even more people live by trying and usually failing to fit God into there schedules. So forsaking the one time you know for sure that you'll have isn't the best idea.
3. If you're stressed, depressed, or just in a rut staying at home isn't going to help. Get up, get dressed. A walk or drive can do wonders and seeing what's at the end (time with God and other believers) is always for the better.

 Now there are other reasons I'm sure. Just like there are some reasons why someone might need to be at home or wherever you stream from. Deeper reasons too but these are the ones I wanted to bring up. SO take some time and think about this area in you're life. Talk to God about it. See what you might need to change or be more involved in. Be open minded, open hearted, and have a fantastic day.

Seasonal Friendships - Something that Affectes Us All

Whether we know it or not, we all have to deal with seasonal friendships. I feel if we did, then we all would have better relationships with one another. Check out Heather Lindsey's mini biblical lesson about it.

 

 

True Friends

So I was checking out Twitter on a mini break from writing my history paper and I saw a tweet that said "A true friend stabs you in the front."  (- -) The world really tries to make itself sound right. Although honesty, true expression of feelings, and transparency are important to any relationship, a Biblical friend won't stab you in the first place. They would talk to you about whatever issues(s) the two of you were having to your face. Then if it seems like you two couldn't work it out, the two of you would go seek wise counsel to assist in your reconciliation. (Of course pray would be in this too from beginning to end.)

Here's a short take on how Biblical friendship really works:

John15:12-15- Jesus view of friendship

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 


How to love - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 

4 Love is Patient (don't be annoyed or anxious) and Kind (generous or considerate). Love is Not Jealous (showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages) or Boastful (self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities) or Proud (having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance) 5 or Rude (offensively impolite or ill-mannered). It does Not Demand Its Own Way. It is Not Irritable (easily annoyed or made angry), and it Keeps No Record of Being Wronged. 6 It does Not Rejoice about Injustice but Rejoices Whenever the Truth Wins Out. 7 Love Never Gives Up, Never Loses Faith, is Always Hopeful, and Endures Through Every Circumstance.

 

A Biblical example (David and Samuel) - 1 Samuel 18: 1-3
 
1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.

• They based their friendship on commitment to God, not just each other
• They were loyal to one another
• They grew closer when their friendship was tested
• They remained friends to the end

They encouraged each others' faith in God

 

•  1 Samuel 23:16 - And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God

Practical ways to be a friend

• Be honest
• Treat others the way you want to be treated
• Look for the best in each other
• Encourage one another
• Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep