31 July 2012

Say Anything.

Or not.
I'm upset by how little we can say what we believe anymore.

At first, I wrote a highly critical response to the media and public's reaction to Don Cathy's statement about traditional marriage but been torn on publishing it.

Instead, I felt that a poem was more fitting and told the story of my heartache more accurately.




I look around and can't decide
I knew this would happen but it doesn't subside
The pain I feel knowing
I can't say anything at all 


My Bible says that
A union is between
A man and a woman
I live my life for God
And this is what I believe


I do not hate or disrespect
That's not what i'm called to
That's not what Jesus showed back


But I'm hated, persecuted
For these beliefs


I'm not hurting anyone
But they are hurting me.


When did having an opinion
Different from yours
Mean I was in the wrong?
Mean I deserve the worst?


Freedom of speech exists no more.
I'm a cynic like none before.
But I refuse to be apathetic.
That is what they want.


No, I will stay outspoken.
As the minority, I will not sway. 


Friends, the world will not get better.
It's fallen and its end is near.
Stay above it all and support your brethren
We must be here for one another. 


Those called to something bigger.
Stay true to His Word
And His blessings will come later. 


27 July 2012

Necessary.

Spend four minutes of your day today enjoying the video below. It's necessary. 


The women that show up at 3:30, not so necessary. 

I'll be in Waco this weekend, reuniting with the BFFs (best friends forever, duh). 
Teaser: there will be a food fight. 

Happy Friday! 

What are you doing this weekend? Maybe you have your own food fight planned! (If so, we should talk.)

24 July 2012

Get out of the corner.

The GMAT is done and I can finally get my nose out of those books.

I'll be honest: I didn't do so hot.
In fact, I was average.
Ordinary.

It didn't help that when I got home and told my dad my score, he replied, "I thought my daughter was smart!"

I did, too, Dad.

I put myself in the corner and "punished" myself for my performance (talk about dysfunction).



What was I punishing myself for? I worked hard, prepared, studied and did my best the day of. The test score doesn't define me. So why was I letting it get to me?

As humans, we yearn for something to tell us who we are, what are strengths are, where we belong.
If we're not careful, we end up putting ourselves in a corner that we don't deserve in the first place.

My chains are gone
I've been set free
                                                    My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

Walk away from the corner.


What do you put yourself in a corner for?



17 July 2012

Hey Jude/A Call to Persevere.

Some encouraging words from Jude.

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

I was sorting out a wrinkled page when this passage popped out of me. I'm in the middle of thoughts about change, about committing to some things and backing out of others; figuring out the balance between things I need to do and want to do. It's not an easy thing, but I'm encouraged by my awareness of it and faith that all needs will be met.

Playing with design and words is a past time of mine but I don't showcase it on this blog as much as I would like. Someone who is inspired by design and scripture is Jill Davis. Jill doesn't know me personally but her husband was on staff at the church I went to in Waco. She's making the most of of her 27th year of life by supporting OneVerse and making the Ehty people's dream of smoothing out wrinkles in their own Bibles, in their own language.


Support her if you can and at least, enjoy her beautiful images.

16 July 2012

Para familia.

Thankful for children that can entertain themselves. For children that ask why. That want to know what patience means. That don't mind if their princess wand is broken. For an 8 year old that wants to dress up like her 4-year-old sister. For nosebleeds that aren't worrisome. For a tickle fight that can cheer up any sullen baby boy. A smart yet innocent 12-year-old. For generations past that show up again in the present, reminding us that life is just one big circle.

For family.




11 July 2012

A 3-for-2 deal.

I'm reading Psalms tonight and God's steadfast love and faithfulness is slapping me in the face--I can't ignore it.

I started with Psalm 25.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (verse 10)
Then Psalm 26.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. (verse 3)
And as I flipped to Psalm 40...
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. (verse 10) 
I have two framed posters in my bathroom that say "FAITH" and "LOVE." 
I've been meaning to buy the third piece to the puzzle, hope, for sometime now but I don't think I need it anymore.

His love and His faithfulness gives me hope.

This is simple and probably old news to you. 

But if you're unsure of your way, remember to keep the ways of the Lord. 
Remember to keep your eyes on the one who clothes  you in faithfulness and guides you in love.
Remember that His love and faith is not meant to be encased in your heart but shared with the ones you care about. (That means you, VBS teachers.)


10 July 2012

What's up?

Oh, nothing. 


I'm just approaching my 3rd hour of solving problems like this (The GMAT is 2 weeks away).



And I'd rather be here on a Tuesday night (if you live in Dallas, you should check it out).


I also just took a dance break to this.


Happy Tuesday!


09 July 2012

Combating Bitterness.

Jealousy is part of human nature and something I have to mentally battle with. It showed up weeks ago when my brother got into an accident. He lost his car but we still have him, by God's grace. However my blood boiled when I found out that he snagged a deal on a Mercedes.

My younger 22-year-old brother is driving a Mercedes when I'm cruising in a Corolla. Just what I needed. 
The cherry on top? He received almost 10 grand for his old car, leaving him with only little to pay for his new car. 

It is so easy--innate, even--to lash out in this anger. To take it out on someone in hatred and bitterness. I had to ask myself, "Why am I not happy for him?" 

Take your anger to God. Forgive yourself and accept His mercies. Jealousy and bitterness are only consequences of pride. So squash your pride! 

Make an effort to be happy. This sounds crazy but your words can change your attitude. I grumbled a few words of kindness to my brother; an "I'm happy for you" and a "Oh, that's a really nice car--that's awesome!" a couple times and sure enough, it's true now. Best of all, I didn't hurt my brother in the process. This is another way to defeat your pride. As someone who faces it constantly, you have to want to change enough that you humble yourself. It's not a joke. Fleeting words will not cut it. 
Pride will eat at you and hinder your ability to obey God and His will for you. 

Bow down! It's not about you, friend. It's about Him who put you on this earth for his glory. 
Let Him shine through.

05 July 2012

Happy 4th.

This day always reminds me of my family and the risks and sacrifices they made to come here for me.
Spending it with friends, eating good food and seeing the sky light up was the cherry on top.








02 July 2012

Not exactly wedded bliss.

Last Wednesday, my parents celebrated 27 years of marriage.

Witnessing most of it, I can tell you that it hasn't been easy or fun all the time.
However, it's a perfect example of a redeemed marriage. Though there's been turmoil, there is no giving up. I used to resent them for that but now I admire them.


It takes strength, endurance and love to keep pressing on with someone that's getting on your last nerve. 

I don't know much about this topic but because of them, I know you don't give up.

They've grown a lot in recent years, partially because they recognize it's going to be just them very soon. I'm so proud of them.