tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35927240855748064482024-03-12T23:25:39.427-04:00Glamour and GodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-59895380412177448312017-01-17T23:02:00.004-05:002017-01-17T23:02:53.893-05:00Beauty in Grief <div class="MsoNormal">
Let me tell you about one of the most important people in my
life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now that I’ve written that one sentence declaring my
intensions, words seem to allude me. Where do I start? How do I talk about
someone so dear to me in such a vulnerable, eloquent way so that the beautiful
person that she is is accurately portrayed? I guess the answer is to just write
and hope for the best. So, please, bear with me. </div>
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My aunt is so cool. FBI, Special Agent. Not just any agent,
mind you. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Special</i> Agent. (Yeah, she’s
a big deal.) Everyday for the last 20+ years she has dedicated her time, her
brainpower, and her whole heart into her work, saving lives and putting criminals
behind bars. In one afternoon, she could be undercover as a middle-aged man
who’s bagging my groceries at the local Wal-Mart for all I know and, in the
same afternoon, corner the bad guy, take him down in one foul swoop, send him
to central booking, and make it home for 6:00 dinner and the usual “hi, honey,
how was your day” (as if her day wasn’t straight out of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mr. and Mrs. Smith</i>). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Granted, she has never really detailed her work with me. But
I can’t imagine that a job at the FBI – no matter the area of focus – doesn’t
come without risks. I’ll never actually know, but I undoubtedly believe she
has, at times, risked her life to help people who may never know her name. You
see, her area of focus within the Bureau is child kidnappings and sex
trafficking. If that isn’t a picture perfect example of selflessness, I dare to
ask, “what is?” </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And every super hero has to have a day off, right? I mean,
even God rested on the seventh day. With that in mind she did just that – rest.
Rested in God’s presence, His goodness. In her faithful quiet times, she would
record the lessons, the verses, or the quotes from biblical scholars on index
cards and then she would mail them out. Out to family, out to church family
members, out to co-workers, sometimes anonymously, just as a reminder that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> are important and that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> are loved by the Creator of the universe,
loved by Almighty God Himself. How powerful is that? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you know, they weren’t like penned on with a black ink
pen in some signature half-cursive, half-print fashion. No, they were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">painted</i>, printed in perfect block
lettering (which, to this day, I’m still convinced she used a stencil. I mean, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no one</i> could have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> neat of handwriting naturally. Nope. She did.), complete with
a cute colorful doodle or drawing. I was lucky enough to have been sent one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every single week</i> while I was in
college. Do you know how many that is?? It’s a lot, in case you were wondering;
each one crafted uniquely beautiful and different than those sent to my three
other sisters in the same week. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh, and did I mention that she’s quilting 25 quilts to send
to orphanages in Haiti for Christmas?? Again, all beautifully unique. Yeah, let
me just leave that here, too. All, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of
course</i>, while raising her beautiful 13-year-old gymnast and being a boss
wife without a hitch. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What</i> an
inspiration.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’s the aunt that would listen to my middle school drama
intently…as if it were a matter of life or death (which, to be fair, it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> a matter of life or death to an
insecure middle schooler …life and death <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">socially</i>,
that is. Y’all, middle school is rough). She’s the aunt that has helped me
through heartbreak and who pokes fun at new and exciting crushes. She’s the
aunt who officially named a room in her house “Sarah’s” because I was over so
often. She’s the aunt who drove and hour and a half just to see my lose the
Homecoming crown in high school and the aunt who gawks with me at
O.U.T.R.A.G.E.O.U.S outfits that people dare to don in public. She’s just so
cool. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched the example that she and my mom set as best
friends. Some would mistake them for sisters…and I guess they were, but only
officially by marriage. The two of them showed me constant love, unconditional
grace, and consistent joy. My mom and my aunt are undoubtedly the strongest two
womanly influences in my life. If I could be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">half</i> the friend, confidant, godly servant, sister and one day wife
and mother that they both are, I would be so incredibly lucky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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It goes without saying that I am so, so blessed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
--------------------</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now that I’ve rambled long enough to momentarily forget
the point of this post, let’s address the title, shall we? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beauty in Grief</i>. Did you know there’s five stages of grief? Yeah,
well, I had the sick pleasure of skipping the first stage of grief (or maybe
the denial was just short lived, who knows?) and going straight to the second
stage: anger. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And let me tell you: I’m angry. I’m so incredibly,
undeniably, uncharacteristically angry. I’m angry at God:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">“God, why? WHY ?!!!!?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">HOW IS THERE <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ANY </b>GOOD IN THIS? ANY!!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">HOW COULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER TAKING SOMEONE
SO FAITHFUL, SO LOVING, SO SELFLESS SO YOUNG?!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">WHY IS SOMEONE SO INTENSIONALLY DEDICATED
TO BENEFICIALLY IMPACTING THIS WORLD FOR YOUR KINGDOM SUFFERING SO MUCH?! WHY,
GOD?!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">WHY HER AND NOT ME?!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">Why is my aunt dying of cancer? Can you
riddle me that, God?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
These are the questions I asked God everyday for the three
weeks leading up to her passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are the questions I would quietly ask in my heart while I
struggled to put on a strong façade for my younger cousin. These are the
questions that I would scream at the top of my lungs when I was finally alone
in my car. These are the questions I would weep with a broken heart to God
every single night for those three weeks. Why, God? Why? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried to find comfort in the words of others that were
passed along to me, but found some snarky reply that countered them all: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I don’t know why this is happening, but Jesus does. Take heart, dear
friend.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">“Well wouldn’t it just be peachy if He cared
to share it with the class…”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’ll pray for you.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">“Won’t do any good. I’ve tried.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m here for you.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">“More than I can say about God.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Don’t be angry with God. Just talk to Him.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;">“Too late. I’ve tried that and lookie where
we are anyway…”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And with every passing snarky reply and bitter thought, my
heart was further hardened and God’s voice became that much more muffled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally anger turned to despair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No one understands the depth of my hurt.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #8db3e2;">I do. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“This searing pain of loss is so real, so tangible.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #8db3e2;">Now you know how I felt.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But she’s doing so much good; she’s still so young.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #8db3e2;">So was my Son.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m not ready for this.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #8db3e2;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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--------------------</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, friends, the anger and bitterness that resided in
my heart prevented me from hearing God’s voice at all; my heart was so
intensely hardened by the circumstances surrounding the eventual loss of my
aunt that I was entirely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">incapable</i> of
seeing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">any</i> resemblance of goodness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the truth of the matter is that “God works all things
for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so let’s just be honest for a second: I don’t
understand. I didn’t understand then and I still don’t understand now, five
months later. In fact, I don’t know that I’ll <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> understand the why’s, the how’s, the when’s. I have zero
confidence that I’ll be able to truly find the good that He has promised in
this. But here’s the thing: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is almighty, all-powerful, all-controlling. He tells the
moon when to shine and when to hide; He gives the dragonflies flight and the
warm summer glow of the sun light; He commands the mountains to move and they
do, and the air to become crisp and it cools. He commands it all! He is
beginning, the middle, and the end - unestablished. He has always been and
always will be! We can’t even begin to comprehend it because we can’t yet grasp
the intensity and the unimaginable glory that is God. We weren’t meant to
understand God fully - we couldn’t handle it! That’s where faith comes in;
faith that the goodness is there, despite what our minds perceive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s the only thing I’m holding onto in these stages of
grief: that it’s okay <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> to
understand but to simply have faith that God has not turned His ears to my
cries.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to
the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promises.” If God keeps
His promises, then let us take heart that Jesus has overcome the world (<a href="http://biblehub.com/john/16-33.htm">John16:33</a>) – including cancer! – and He will give you that much needed rest
(<a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a>). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May God fill you with courage, dear friend, and bring
healing to your ailing heart. Let us wait, knowing the days of sorrow will soon
pass. In the meantime, rest assured that Jesus will wipe away your tears,
replace your sorrowful sigh with laughter, and turn your grief into joy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Take heart in the beauty and the peace that God grants
through grief. You are not alone, friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-4386696065436104942014-04-14T22:36:00.002-04:002016-07-21T16:38:09.020-04:00A Dream Come True<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3Yk2l4oiHwARV79wjvKCx_E-hly2rjSwmdCKqEp4E0GNwIRNIwDKbU-N3zqgQQKuCk47vaz6HDBPDcxOqpghQQwbNdwWqAqtmiih0ftl2k7D11m6a6EZjrhyNmzIDKdtq4nzu24Mcb0/s1600/RRS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3Yk2l4oiHwARV79wjvKCx_E-hly2rjSwmdCKqEp4E0GNwIRNIwDKbU-N3zqgQQKuCk47vaz6HDBPDcxOqpghQQwbNdwWqAqtmiih0ftl2k7D11m6a6EZjrhyNmzIDKdtq4nzu24Mcb0/s1600/RRS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember that day like it was yesterday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No later than 5 o’clock,” they said. So I open my email at
5:01 exactly and see an email with a single word in the subject line that
would change my future as I knew it: “Congratulations.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As of March 28, 2013, I am a University of Florida, College of Journalism and Communications,
telecommunications student, with a concentration in news broadcasting. It truly
has been one of the best experiences of my life. (That’s a pretty melodramatic
statement, but it’s entirely true). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNOrpIl7emaW3_VNXoLwx8zckpc5bqyx1iF5huw739zetjKA2-UmXvTr5SEznKSVs7E5i3buDf9HKexBrps48Ol-2LNxCi7diz0JziP1UJE6VG0JTHVUjTAzyGOi6GvdMCEuV64LLImI/s1600/Full+email.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNOrpIl7emaW3_VNXoLwx8zckpc5bqyx1iF5huw739zetjKA2-UmXvTr5SEznKSVs7E5i3buDf9HKexBrps48Ol-2LNxCi7diz0JziP1UJE6VG0JTHVUjTAzyGOi6GvdMCEuV64LLImI/s1600/Full+email.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living the life of a journalism student at UF has completely
redefined the characteristic of being passionate. I mean, these students are so
dedicated to their work that they put their social life on hold weekend after
weekend for success. Every story and every student project gets better and
better, as every student slowly learns the trade of being 21<sup>st</sup>
century journalists. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Faculty<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Student success is made possible with the assistance of faculty who continually
push each student to their limit, accepting nothing but the best. Expectations
in the J-school mirror those found in the real world; not a single moment is
wasted or taken for granted. The faculty therefore expects nothing but
greatness upon graduation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INR and CMIR<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT3h26ijV43_ZfqllNss-lFRDdJfee9rBDerwQN_VgpjevKUy-pcaV4wWBR0Tz9E6BnKoLgE5A-iX8jdEdvNmQIScL9MvXxtq3XTmqLetYcPs6TfLTjqx2AQ1ppujKoN_kGwBdDw9erQ/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT3h26ijV43_ZfqllNss-lFRDdJfee9rBDerwQN_VgpjevKUy-pcaV4wWBR0Tz9E6BnKoLgE5A-iX8jdEdvNmQIScL9MvXxtq3XTmqLetYcPs6TfLTjqx2AQ1ppujKoN_kGwBdDw9erQ/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But truly no student success would be possible without access
to top-notch university facilities! Students work half or full-day broadcast
shifts in the <a href="http://my.jou.ufl.edu/students/2012/10/24/opportunity-to-work-in-the-colleges-new-integrated-news-facility-for-course-credit/">Integrated
News Room</a> and the Center for Media
Innovation and Research to become more familiar with 21st century broadcast
technologies and to develop new communication strategies in which to broadcast
news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“There are a few
provisos, a couple of quid-pro-quos…” </b><b> </b>-Genie
from <i>Aladdin</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recognize that I sound like a tour guide to UF’s J-School,
so let me add a disclaimer: living the life of a UF journalism student has its
many rewards, but those rewards haven’t come easily. There were times when I
lacked any sort of confidence, when my work was labeled as simply “useable,”
and when I counted down the minutes to my 5 o’clock shift end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working so closely with professors in the news facilities
completely broke me down. But within one semester’s time, it built me back up
as a stronger and more confident journalist - something in which I'm forever grateful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what's it like to be a journalism student at UF, you ask? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times";">It's a learning experience,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a
media workplace opportunity,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a
dream come true. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcPY6PBkGcdg2RBNwvdpE3nWKL-6nzNN39FxuxSZsbeSSYGE8TK2238cJo7t5rAdkWTuwJVwxhpNGwFRMMtoQeRsMaNHOWgW0_ReCquM5AQScWGQouiHxFvZDxmt44nja7KJ3PKDbEnQ/s1600/IMG_4143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcPY6PBkGcdg2RBNwvdpE3nWKL-6nzNN39FxuxSZsbeSSYGE8TK2238cJo7t5rAdkWTuwJVwxhpNGwFRMMtoQeRsMaNHOWgW0_ReCquM5AQScWGQouiHxFvZDxmt44nja7KJ3PKDbEnQ/s1600/IMG_4143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Whatever you do, work
at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Colossians 3:23</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-60611441602119083322014-03-24T21:12:00.000-04:002016-07-21T16:41:13.782-04:00Beauty in Healing<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Come to me all who
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
-Matthew 11:28</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Different people find healing in many different ways,
although the most common thought would be through prescriptions. I mean, it’s
sort of common sense to know that if you can get medicine, you will find
healing. And I, by no means, am discrediting that notion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what do you do about emotional pain or spiritual hurt?
Can I just ask for a dose of happiness or a worry-free serum? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I wish.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But among the copious healing solutions available, such as exercise, venting to loved ones, and the ever promising indulgence of chocolate, there is
one that will work every time and provide a sense of healing like nothing else
could ever match: time with the Lord.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My son, pay attention
to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and
health to a man’s whole body.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
-Proverbs 4:20-22</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord makes it clear that time spent in His Word (as in
just simply reading the Bible) and in His presence through prayer will give you
healing spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
There is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
time spent with the Lord; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
healing. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-86913241125201114072014-03-19T23:15:00.000-04:002016-07-21T16:48:53.335-04:00Home: a take on my autobiography <div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Home</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">such</i>
comfort in that one word. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Home</i> is a place of
security, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
a place of
serenity,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
a place of
sanctuary. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Born in Gainesville, but raised in a little town just North
of this lively college city, I always thought my home would be found in the
coziness of small town life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My hometown provided for a typical southern upbringing:
growing up in the church, learning to respect my elders, and, of course, my
absolute love for corn nuggets and fried chicken. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In elementary school, I won my first speech contest and my <a href="http://glamourandgod.blogspot.com/2014/03/beauty-in-unknown.html">passion
for public speaking</a> took root. Soon after, the thought of finding my home
in a big city in order to become the next Megyn Kelly became my aspiration. And
despite my comfort and love of being a small town girl, I started to imagine my
life, and maybe one day my home, in a big city. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In middle school and high school, I signed up for
organizations, took leadership positions, and volunteered in ways that I knew
would help me reach my big city reporter goals. I was told more than once that
I had the gift of capturing the attention of those around me, that I had “that
radio voice.” And with each passing compliment, my ego only grew. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In high school, my life was radically changed: I accepted
Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. The <a href="http://glamourandgod.blogspot.com/2014/02/httpwww.html">love of Jesus
Christ</a> changed every aspect of my life in one single moment, including all
my hopes, dreams, and future aspirations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned to the Lord to guide me in all my plans for the
future, that they would no longer glorify <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>
by showing off <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> gifts and talents,
but rather glorify <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i>! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents have always emphasized the importance of
education. And being born and raised a “Gator,” I prayed for the opportunity to
officially join the “Gator Nation” at the University of Florida. When I was
accepted (Glory to God!) I didn’t hesitate to join the J-School as a
Telecommunication major. And since my freshman year, I was given incredible
opportunities to further my experience in this field, including reporting for WUFT-fm
and UF’s Radio Reading Service for the visually impaired. I am truly thankful! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The University of Florida also gave me countless other
opportunities and experiences, through organizations like the Pride of the
Sunshine Marching Band and the Signing Gators club. When I look at my time at the University of Florida
and see all I’ve been able to accomplish and how I have grown, I’m truly
humbled! It was the Lord who made all of it happen! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As of right now, I have no idea what exactly my future holds
except the fact that I have been called to the field of <a href="http://glamourandgod.blogspot.com/2014/01/beauty-in-expression.html">American
Sign Language interpreting</a>. I don’t know how to further that calling or
where to start; I don’t know what I’m going to do once I graduate. Let’s be
honest:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a simple college student and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i> have it all figured out!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";">But I <i>do </i><span style="font-size: small;">have Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life and that’s all I </span><i>need</i><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They say, “Home is where the heart is.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, my home is not a big city like I’d always envisioned; it is not a small town like I’ve always known; it is not even Gainesville where I have
lived for the last 3 years. My home is where my heart is. And since my heart
belongs to Jesus Christ, my home is in Heaven with my Savior. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All I know is I’m not home yet, this is not where I belong.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong.”</i></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
-“Where I belong” by Building 429</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-32504516776704764642014-03-11T19:28:00.003-04:002016-07-21T16:53:19.040-04:00Spring Break Rest<div class="MsoNormal">
7 days. 168 hours. Paradise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every student anxiously awaits this precious week knowing,
for some, their semester’s academic success depends on it. Students all over
the country pack their bikinis instead of their books and head to the pool
instead of their professor’s office:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SPRING. BREAK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond the spring
break parties and the pool time, beyond the sun and the sand, beyond the
drinking and the dancing, the anticipation for spring break is the deep desire simply
for relaxation, a brain break, if you will. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With weekly assignments and papers, not to mention various
tests and quizzes every other week, it can oftentimes feel impossible to keep
up with school demands. Then when you add a social life and personal time to
this workload, it only becomes more chaotic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s hard to simply catch a break and take a breather. It’s
overwhelming. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we count down the days to spring break, highly
anticipating this much needed vacation for some much needed rest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Come to
me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Matthew 11:28</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we simply take the time to feed our souls with the <a href="http://glamourandgod.blogspot.com/2014/02/httpwww.html">love of Jesus
Christ</a> through the comfort of His word, we will be at rest even in the
midst of a crazy exam week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s <i>beauty</i> in the desire for a vacation, for a spring
break. And there's <i>beauty</i> in rest. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-72229533441368978432014-03-10T20:16:00.000-04:002016-07-21T16:54:42.242-04:00Beauty in the Unknown <div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For I know the plans
I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
to give you a hope and a future.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
-Jeremiah 29:11 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surely one of the most overly quoted verses in the Bible.
Even my eleven-year-old cousin can recite that verse! Unfortunately, it becomes
all too easy to lose sight of its significance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mean, think about it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of the universe<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,</i> the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Savior of the world</i></b> has
given each of us a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beautifully unique</i>
future, designed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just. for. us</i>. We
each have a purpose on this Earth that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only
we</i> can accomplish. We are each an integral part of a bigger plan, like a
small insignificant tile used to create a captivating wall mosaic. And yet, if
one piece went missing, the mosaic would simply be incomplete. Our lives and
futures are equally important, equally valuable, equally worthy, to God’s plan.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what if something doesn’t go the way you’ve always
planned? What if God has something greater planned for you? Something you’re
not even aware of yet? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Conversely, what if you are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">absolutely positive</i> what the Lord has called you to do but have
absolutely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no idea</i> how to get there
or where to start? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve experienced both. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, my passion since I won the 4-H State Tropicana
Speech Contest in fourth grade was public speaking:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
the adrenaline rush, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
the quick
thinking,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
the ability to
capture someone’s attention- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nothing</i> made me
feel more important. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew I wanted to be a broadcaster when I grew up, no
questions asked. It was all mapped out: be admitted to the University of
Florida. Graduate with a telecommunication degree. Work for <a href="http://florida.thejoyfm.com/">the JoyFM</a>… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…But the Lord had other plans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my past three undergraduate years, I have absolutely
fallen in love with <a href="http://glamourandgod.blogspot.com/2014/01/beauty-in-expression.html">American
Sign Language</a> and the Deaf community. Never in a million years could I have
guessed that the Lord would call me into the field of interpreting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But where do I even begin? UF doesn’t offer anything in that
field and my pride prevents me from transferring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lord, what the heck am I doing here? How is this part of my
calling if I don’t even know what direction to take my first step? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Your word is a lamp
for my feet, a light on my path.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Psalm
119:105</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another overly quoted verse. I mean, what does that even
mean??</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me paint a picture: if you’re immersed in a sea of pitch
black with the exception of a single lamp, you will only be able to see a small
circumference around that light: just enough to see in order to take one single
step. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if the Lord is our lamp that illuminates just enough
area for us to take that one single step, all we need is Him to guide us in the
right direction that that one single step should be taken. And how do we get
that guidance? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Give us today our
daily bread.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
-Matthew 6:11</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/">The Lord’s
Prayer</a> - or rather a portion of it; Matthew 6:11 is rarely quoted without
the whole prayer. Regardless, I stopped to consider what it even meant.
Obviously it’s not referring to a real piece of bread. So what then?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord will give us just enough <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">daily</i> wisdom and understanding-our daily bread-in order to take
that one single step. We need only trust in Him and ask Him through prayer for
that wisdom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord does that on purpose: what would be the point of
illuminating our whole future? Where’s the fun in that? But really, where would
trust come in? How could we lean on our God if He gave us all the answers
straight up? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
the unknown. And there’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
how the unknown becomes the known. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I take a look at the crazy opportunities and
experiences that the Lord has given me, I’m truly humbled. But beyond a
humility check, I finally understand why I was given these opportunities and
experiences: because they played a much bigger role in defining my future than
I could realize at the time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And we know that in
all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called
according to his purpose.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
-Romans 8:28</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-86666205774223682142014-02-18T21:14:00.000-05:002014-02-18T21:14:37.856-05:00Valentine's Day Love<div class="MsoNormal">
A dozen, long-stemmed red roses; heart-shaped chocolates;
sweet “I love you” gestures like <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/16/justice/arizona-valentines-prisoner-escape/">breaking out of jail</a> to see your valentine: a normal Valentine’s Day, right? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ha! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of us, Valentine’s Day consists of a night curled
up on the couch watching the latest Nicholas Sparks movie while enjoying the
box of chocolates we bought for ourselves earlier that day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But why? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because we are wallowing in our non-existent love life? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
Because we’re
afraid of <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day/videos/science-of-love-heartbreak?m=528e38969e64d">heartbreak</a>
again? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Because we think
we’re not beautiful enough for someone to love us? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the reality is we have the best love story <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of all time!</i> <a href="http://glamourandgod.blogspot.com/2014/02/httpwww.html">Jesus loves us</a>
and He is our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfect valentine</i>! He
thinks <a href="https://www.cbn.com/family/youth/overpeck_glamourgirl.aspx">you
are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beautiful</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, </i>no matter what society says.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
</i>He loves each of us so much that he took on all our sins and, despite His
absolute perfection, died so that we could have eternal life with Him in
Heaven-the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfect gift.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” God’s
love is the source of all human love. Once we understand His love, we will
understand that Jesus Christ is our perfect valentine. And there’s<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> beauty</i> in that. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-90389688151060227542014-02-08T18:39:00.002-05:002014-02-08T18:40:58.303-05:00Beauty in Photoshop?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wUb5PZHcovA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arched eyebrows. Long lashes. Small nose. Plump lips. Rosy
cheeks. Long, wavy locks. Cleavage. Flat stomach. Thin Waist. Big Hips. Long
legs. Tan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perfection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And even when we are not wired to look like this, we turn to
eating disorders, fake tans, Photoshop. That’s what society demands. This is what is required to be <i>beautiful</i>, to be <i>seen</i>, to be <i>worth it.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it's all a lie. Below is a post with the truth: Beauty in Jesus Christ.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-90975774582094379102014-02-08T18:02:00.001-05:002014-02-08T18:44:39.604-05:00Beauty in Jesus Christ! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGlx11BxF24?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are each <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uniquely beautiful</i> because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lord Jesus Christ</i> made each of us
who we are, because the Holy Spirit runs through us, and because the peace and
grace of Jesus Christ is our foundation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our beauty is not seen in our appearance; it is not seen in
what we accomplish; it is not seen in financial circumstances; and it is not
seen in comparison to those around us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our beauty cannot be defined by the make-up we don or the
designer fashion statements we make; it is not defined by what others think and
it most certainly not defined by the contents of Vogue. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our beauty is defined by Jesus Christ. He came to Earth, and
despite His <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">absolute perfection</i>, he
took all of our wrongdoings to the cross. He forgives us for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i>, if we but ask for it. And in
return, we have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eternal life</i> in
Heaven with Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
There is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
the knowledge that, despite our background, despite our past, despite our sin,
we can live a beautiful life with Jesus Christ. There is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in His redemption.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-43665930940920029132014-01-28T22:36:00.002-05:002014-01-28T22:36:18.627-05:00Beauty in Expression<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember that day like it was yesterday… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dressing in my “Sunday Best,” I headed to see my first touring
musical with my family. I was eight
years old at the time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought for sure this performance would be just like I
imagined: wonderful energy, magnificent music and complete enjoyment…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…and it was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">didn’t</i>
expect was finding just as much enjoyment watching the American Sign Language
interpreter as the actors and actresses in the actual musical.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She took such pride in her signing. She commanded the corner
of the room where she stood. With every gesture, you could see, not only
enjoyment and enthusiasm, but also passion and happiness. She exaggerated her
facial expressions to such an extent that it became a struggle just to try to stop
watching her. It was as if she were one of the actresses who was determined to
put on a brilliant show for her audience… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…and I wanted to be part of it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast-forward about 13 years, one month, and 21 days later to
today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0imsPi0b7BTcTQNOekYzfwZgWVGbWPRdowh_GWH2AqcpKEo6PPATZqHMk4AbNFEeY0O0UypGNMWqbRDKxt2HQY4iBzgA9p65_CeKh1uOUm-aM8DNS6wMSzl-EcGp1eFxVuGR_C_vR3Q/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0imsPi0b7BTcTQNOekYzfwZgWVGbWPRdowh_GWH2AqcpKEo6PPATZqHMk4AbNFEeY0O0UypGNMWqbRDKxt2HQY4iBzgA9p65_CeKh1uOUm-aM8DNS6wMSzl-EcGp1eFxVuGR_C_vR3Q/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was standing as a teaching assistant for American Sign
Language 3, signing with a friend when I thought about the way in which American
Sign Language has allowed me to express myself: when words fail, ASL works
miracles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found myself signing worship songs the other day because
my emotions overtook me and my hands expressed what my heart was speaking. Yes,
it sounds crazy or even a little ridiculous, but American Sign Language has
become a means of expression that, as cliché as it sounds, allows me to praise
the Lord in a way I never imaged. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who would have thought that in the span of 13 years, the Lord could work in unimaginable ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>who have been called according to His purpose."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Romans 8:28 (NIV) </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
praising the Lord.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in American Sign Language.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in expression. </div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-82591962897828976122014-01-25T19:23:00.000-05:002014-01-25T19:25:35.746-05:00Beauty in the Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyK9agyEflTF3D2Bsh2b7YSKEZiAMNzzpMB5Ilf2t9fdtbFZKUiu4fwvL84PWt6R__-tS8P-e32cjFQEW4bshzPEIlrcbQgfOQSHYnailpOVVQJSl2UM1lETwreqnirx19emgQwEpMQY/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyK9agyEflTF3D2Bsh2b7YSKEZiAMNzzpMB5Ilf2t9fdtbFZKUiu4fwvL84PWt6R__-tS8P-e32cjFQEW4bshzPEIlrcbQgfOQSHYnailpOVVQJSl2UM1lETwreqnirx19emgQwEpMQY/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And yet, I
can’t think of a single word that could possibly describe the emotion that
welled inside me when this sunrise was before me. Every word that came to mind
seemed…lacking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, I’m a night owl; I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rarely ever</i> see the dawn. There are pros and cons to this, a pro (beyond
the obvious) being a greater appreciation for the sunrise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the rare occasion I wake early enough to see the start of
a new day, I can’t help but recite the song my mother sang to me every morning
growing up: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“This is the day; this is the day that The
Lord has made!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will rejoice; I will rejoice and be glad
in it!”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t you see?? It’s a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">new</i>
day, a fresh start. No matter how yesterday or the past week or even the past
five years have treated you, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">today</i> is
the day to start fresh, to get right with the Lord! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has
gone and the new has come!”<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is <i>beauty</i> in
the promise of a new day; <i>beauty</i> in
its greeting:<i> beauty</i> in the sunrise. <i> </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-70071089376388115642014-01-22T12:48:00.000-05:002014-01-22T12:48:34.038-05:00Beauty in Song<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This has been my view for the past three hours:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNZyH82DPRgSb6E7Q8guIysNX1YTqeqxZm1l7OMuUiqPjaq4omzz4w9w7I1bdoKBH-VVVk5vkrh5DByEYFeT8GXRQF9ccw9jyfkQrfcPY2f5tTfY-RqcYBZeRDpEBkgenbqayNtVLW-A/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNZyH82DPRgSb6E7Q8guIysNX1YTqeqxZm1l7OMuUiqPjaq4omzz4w9w7I1bdoKBH-VVVk5vkrh5DByEYFeT8GXRQF9ccw9jyfkQrfcPY2f5tTfY-RqcYBZeRDpEBkgenbqayNtVLW-A/s1600/photo.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s rare for me to remember a time when I stared at a piece
of music so full of quick, hardly-playable, super-high thirty-second notes. And
let me be frank: there has been absolutely no beauty in a piece of this
caliber…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…until today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This paper full of random notes and octave runs may seem a
jumbled mess at first glance. But after this music is carefully diagnosed and
practiced, it starts to take form. The brass voices in the room pass the deep
and eerie-sounding bass line around the room as the high woodwinds play these
ridiculous runs underneath. What takes form is a dark and mysterious ambiance
with what can be imagined as a “run-for-your-life” undertone. It’s truly remarkable.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But let’s be honest, you’d have to hear it to understand,
not to mention that half of the people reading this have no musical reading
background and haven’t the slightest idea what I’m trying to convey. Let’s get
to the point, shall we? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say that I <i>hated</i>
this music at first is an understatement. Then just this past week I ran across
Psalm 105:2: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>"Sing
to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I thought about it: what if I went in to band today
with the thought that, granted, I don’t <i>really</i>
deserve this spot in this band considering I can’t even read this crazy music,
but the Lord showed me <i>grace</i> and gave
me the spot anyway. What if I played the music in thanks to Him? What if I
played simply <i>for</i> Him, regardless of
how much was actually played correctly? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the result was <i>beautiful.
</i>I was no longer reading <i>music</i>; I
was playing what became a <i>song</i>. There's <i>beauty</i> in song. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-25446968484869514422014-01-20T18:51:00.003-05:002014-01-20T18:56:50.917-05:00Beauty in Friendship<div class="MsoNormal">
I live in The Enchanted Castle. My roommates and I have
designed each of our individual rooms to remind us of our homes, a place of
comfort and sanctuary. I live in the library. Although it may not sound like an
ideal living situation, the gift of the library meant the world to me and
quickly became my place of retreat and relief. The people of that poor provincial town never understood me, anyway. My roommates on the other hand
understand me all too well:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poor Cinderella was only ever seen as a housemaid in her
hometown. When she fell in love with Prince Charming at the ball and started
her happily ever after with him only a few short days later, she was quick to
remark that her room in the Enchanted Castle would resemble that of her beloved
ballroom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Ariel and Rapunzel may go home to a castle, but their
upbringing under the sea or in the tower, respectively, was where they grew up,
all they ever knew of a home until only a short while ago. So naturally, The
Enchanted Castle would also come complete with a room designed for life under
the sea as well as a room up near the cloud line in the tower. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adorning the walls of our quaint little castle are uplifting
bible verses and scriptures. What else could make The Enchanted Castle more
complete than words of the Lord? Each one of us has learned that the Lord is,
quite frankly, the only thing that can truly complete anything, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anyone,</i> for that matter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>That</i> is what I call home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q76O9WA2z_cmCRc6DKbM-1Jg72-h4tbme404R9q5rkVm5HFsndmGHFQRnmo8NkfH6fR0MzCnfufqqzNyp-fuwO1FgxqGNXK9RdLVfA7BqyMFWg7bM_CwJOpcjuEvDylxPNVgJKoMrhA/s1600/IMG_2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q76O9WA2z_cmCRc6DKbM-1Jg72-h4tbme404R9q5rkVm5HFsndmGHFQRnmo8NkfH6fR0MzCnfufqqzNyp-fuwO1FgxqGNXK9RdLVfA7BqyMFWg7bM_CwJOpcjuEvDylxPNVgJKoMrhA/s1600/IMG_2483.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…But let’s be real. If you asked any of my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">other</i> friends about my home, they would
all say the same generic thing: a simple apartment in a small college town; not
fancy or elegant or even grand by any means, but it gets the job done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They would comment that my name is Sarah, not Belle, and that
I live with three other friends who have names that don’t resemble those found
plastered around Walt Disney World. I lead a generic college student life, with
the same worries and dreams as any other undergrad. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they simply don’t understand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We don’t call our apartment The Enchanted Castle because we
are naïve little girls who believe in love at first sight and happily ever
after. We call our apartment The Enchanted Castle because we are four 21-year-olds
who simply like Disney.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We believe in the outcome of hard work and the simple but
truthful knowledge that love isn’t easy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But most importantly, we believe in the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ, which gives each of us eternal life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our faith in the Lord has become the foundation of our
friendship. Our shared morals and values are built upon that foundation and our
simple love for the same movies, extracurricular activites, and worldly subjects become the cherry
on top. Our friendship is deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, creating a bond that
is not easily broken. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beauty</i> in
friendship. We are not made to be alone. We were created with the need for
companionship. The Lord delights in friendships:<br />
<br />
<i>"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." </i><br />
<i> </i>Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-5696583532912122392013-12-07T13:34:00.002-05:002013-12-07T16:39:30.670-05:00Beauty in Imperfection, in Singleness, and in Grace..<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beauty In Imperfection
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fell prey to it again. The mirror that sits at the end of
the hallway mocks me every time I make my way to my room. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Look at those
disproportional curves…”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…You’re
going to put make-up on before leaving, right?”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Back to the double-digit pant size, huh?”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reflects my insecurities. All of them. And reinforces the
words of the little Satan on my shoulder: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;">“You’re simply not beautiful.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beauty in Singleness <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One text. That’s all it took. One text from my crush
describing my roommate-my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">best</i>
friend-through his eyes:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Idk… She’s beautiful,
funny, and adorable…not to mention she loves the Lord! What else could a guy
want?”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Granted, she really is all of those things. I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beyond</i> blessed to have a best friend and
confidant in her. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hello?!? Are you
BLIND?</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m right in front of you and
you don’t see how much I care for you?</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That little Satan on my shoulder laughs, knowing he has won.
I am defeated, feeling forever invisible by those I grow to care so deeply for.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;">“No man will ever love you.”</span></i><span style="color: #a10600;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beauty In Grace <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12 major scales. Chromatic-3 octaves. Lieutenant Kije (II.
Romance) by Prokofiev. Russian and Ludmilla Overture by Glinka. Sightreading. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can do this. This audition determines if I’ll play flute
at all in the spring. I can do this! …right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">butchered</i> my
audition…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Added grace notes to the scales, hit only 2 and a half of the 3
octaves, played wrong notes, didn’t tongue, and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Christmas-treed sightreading. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;">“And you said you could play the flute-what a joke!
You’re not talented! How could you ever let yourself believe you would be good
enough for the university's Symphonic Band?</span></i><span style="color: #a10600;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I waited for the results. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I waited. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
And waited. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
And waited. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And made it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
even then:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;">“Don’t be fooled! You </span></i><span style="color: #a10600; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">told</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;"> the professor that if you weren’t placed
in this band, you wouldn’t be in band at all. You played the guilt trip card.
She felt </span></i><span style="color: #a10600; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">sorry</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;"> for you; she felt </span></i><span style="color: #a10600; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">obligated</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;"> to give you the
spot.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #a10600;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>…You
didn’t deserve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br />
</u>The little Satan on our shoulder will never give up. He will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> try to bring us down, to feed us
lies, and to make us see ourselves as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anything
</i>less than what we really are: </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff00be;">Beautiful, captivating children of the one
true King, Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff00be;">BEAUTY</span></i><span style="color: #ff00be;"> </span>in imperfection.
There’s beauty in how the Lord designed each one of us to be unique and
imperfect. So I’m not a size 2, so I’m extra tall and awkward, so I’m extremely
loud and a little psycho, SO WHAT? The Lord made me to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uniquely me. Uniquely His. </i>I <i>am</i> beautiful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff00be;">BEAUTY</span> </i>in singleness. Who could <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> love us like the Lord does? What
man would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> be able to treat us as
we should be treated, sweeping us off our feet in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfect, flawless</i> manner, like the Lord? He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">desires</i> our hearts, all of it. And in our days of singlehood, the
Lord will teach us, revealing our true beauty and our true worth in a way that
can only be accomplished in this particular stage of life. <span style="font-family: Cambria;">Cling to it. Embrace it. And the Lord </span><i style="font-family: Cambria;">will</i><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> work. Then one day, one man <i>will</i> grow to love me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff00be;">BEAUTY</span></i><span style="color: #ff00be;"> </span>in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grace.</i> I don’t deserve that spot. I
don’t deserve to play among the best musicians at the university. But the
opportunity was given to me anyway. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s</i>
grace. And there’s nothing more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beautiful</i>
in the world than to be broken down, torn apart, and ridiculed because <i>only
then</i> can you truly see the blessings in life given to us through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grace.</i> If His grace is an ocean, we’re
all sinking! There’s beauty in grace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: right;">
“[The
Lord] has made everything <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff00be;">beautiful</span></i> in its time…” <span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Emphasis
added)</span></div>
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<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: right;">
-Ecclesiastes
3:11</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-34151398183222051552013-11-18T23:23:00.000-05:002013-11-18T23:23:04.970-05:00"Beauty to Unveil"<div class="MsoNormal">
“All around us God’s creation shouts of his beauty and his
goodness. The silhouette of lace on a barren tree draped with ice, the rays of
sun streaming forth from a billowing cloud, the sound of a brook trickling over
smooth stones, the form of a woman’s body, and the face of a child anticipating
the arrival of the ice cream truck all speak of God’s good heart if we will
have but the eyes to see. God’s beauty is lavished on the world. …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Simone Weil wrote, ‘The beauty of the world is almost the
only way by which we can allow God to penetrate us…Beauty captivates the senses
in order to obtain permission to pass straight through to the soul… The soul’s
inclination to love beauty is the trap God most frequently uses in order to win
it.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God has given this Beauty to Eve, to every woman. Beauty is…one
of the most glorious ways we bear the image of God in a broken and often ugly
world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
…Beauty is the most <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">essential</i>
and, yes, the most <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">misunderstood</i> of
all the feminine qualities. We want you to hear clearly that it is an essence
every woman carries <u>from the moment of her creation</u>. <b>The only thing standing in
the way of our beauty are our doubts and fears, and the hiding and striving we
fall to as a result.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-John & Stasi Eldredge </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-26667128086315398412013-11-06T21:38:00.002-05:002013-11-06T21:43:34.750-05:00You Are Beautiful, No Matter What They Say<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/B8sKIw05Yh8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-5786722933212256632013-11-04T17:36:00.003-05:002013-11-04T23:05:47.523-05:00Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder <object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="425" height="346" id="soundslider"><param name="movie" value="http://plaza.ufl.edu/sreichert/Projects/publish_to_web/soundslider.swf?size=2&format=xml" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed src="http://plaza.ufl.edu/sreichert/Projects/publish_to_web/soundslider.swf?size=2&format=xml" quality="high" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="425" height="346" menu="false" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592724085574806448.post-74946641594819564412013-09-16T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-15T22:42:37.749-04:00Glamour & God: An Introduction<div class="MsoNormal">
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My name is Sarah and I am a daughter of the one true King,
Jesus Christ. I was raised in the church, so sometimes I try to pull off this
façade that I have it all together. Boy, is that a joke! I’ve had my share of
unhealthy relationships, physical insecurity, emotional instability, and unmet
expectations. The thing is, I’m a simple college girl and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i> have it all figured out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIVUD1OItDtfb8rIZlHGupYuWZS-Prxzuq5p5LEeKlJnYy5oZuO3-jRcbnvNMhfo9omeqkZNuaTHI2i7Q9lxP2qsT-lC_rCcjjzVT1R_cWQku3wb6jDjFP6Fq5sHHv0tNY2PoFBqjDEI/s1600/2+Corinthians+5_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIVUD1OItDtfb8rIZlHGupYuWZS-Prxzuq5p5LEeKlJnYy5oZuO3-jRcbnvNMhfo9omeqkZNuaTHI2i7Q9lxP2qsT-lC_rCcjjzVT1R_cWQku3wb6jDjFP6Fq5sHHv0tNY2PoFBqjDEI/s320/2+Corinthians+5_17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am often times plagued by my not-so-picture-perfect past. But
when I surrender these memories and the accompanying feelings of anxiety,
disappointment, and heaviness, I am overcome by an indescribable peace. I have
come to take comfort in the knowledge that, with the Lord, we can live a
beautiful life despite our sin, for it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He</i>
who forgives and redeems. </div>
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But how can we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">live</i>
this beautiful life when we don’t always <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i>
beautiful? With the daily expectation to reflect the latest fashions and model
sizes, it becomes difficult to remember that, as Brit Nicole coined, we’re <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9PjrtcHJPo">worth more than gold</a> to
God. We were each made the way we are because God finds each one of us to
be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uniquely beautiful</i>.<br />
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Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, The Lord “has made everything
beautiful in its time.” God’s definition of beauty is radically different from
that of Hollywood’s. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Glamour and God</i>,”
therefore, is a collection of my personal thoughts and scriptural notes on how
to view the concept of all things image, all things beauty, all things <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Glamour</i>, through the eyes of our Almighty
God. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00031676256231244355noreply@blogger.com0Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.32482619999996129.4309209 -82.647549699999956 29.872347899999998 -82.002102699999966