March 23, 2011

Battle

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" -Plato

Negative people are negative because they are hurting. My advice to you: look past it, fight it, and show them some love. They need it more then you know.

March 22, 2011

Hit or Miss?

I have this skirt I absolutely adore from Urban Outfitters, but I never know what to wear with it!
I pair up this outfit, but I'm just not sure about it. So tell me what you think or how it could improve. :)


PS. I tried to crop and edit this photo, but when I did blogger kept rotating them. :( boo. (so I apologize for the view into my messy closet and top of my dresser)


Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Target
Belt: Papaya
Shoes: Target

March 21, 2011

Temporary


2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

temporary (adjective)
lasting, existing, serving, or effective for a time only; not permanent

March 20, 2011

...Are you up to something?

This is the ultimate before/after story of how Christ transforms. At first, when I watched this I became so saddened. I want to encourage you to keep watching. :) It's worth it.  


On another note, today at church the speaker said that God is always up to something bigger then we imagine. Sometimes, it is silly to ask him to make us better, or to give us this or that, because maybe he wants to teach us something in those circumstances so we can love and serve him MORE. Then he pulled a great example. Jesus, on the cross felt like God has forsaken him. If God had take Jesus off that cross, imagine what would have been missed, by you, by me and the world. 
We would miss the resurrection, the freedom, new life that we can only have in Christ. I thought that was beautiful. I'm so glad God is always up to something.

Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

You know those times where you are so busy you would just kill for a moment to rest? 
It's ironic because it seems once you have too much time to rest, you just wish you were busy again. 

You know those times where you are surronded by so much noise and people you just wish for a moment of silence?
And then when the silence is all around, you long to hear the noises of people, laughter, and love?

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda.

We never want what we have. We always want the greener grass on the other side. 

March 16, 2011

Let's make things

So this weekend I got to enjoy several thrift shopping trips with Danielle, and then Emily. Then the three of us headed to Coldwater Creek Spa in Bridgeport, Oregon. It was absolutely wonderful!
Here is a picture of us at camp: Emily(Nika), Danielle(Squeamish), and I(Nala)
These girls are probably my closest friends from camp and it was so good to see them and spend time with them again! 
Here's us at Coldwater Creek Spa, oddly in the exact same order 

We got absolutely amazing pedicures. It was the most amazing pedicure I've ever had in my life! I got offered all sorts of goodies, tea and water. The girl who did my toes was so kind and gentle. The best part? There was no awkward "you're doing my toes, so I guess I'll talk to you" conversation. Do you know why? Because they covered me in warm sheets, aroma therapy, and put a nice heavy thing over my eyes. I got to recline in my chair and when I woke up, my toes were pretty and soft. Normally, I'm pretty ticklish and sensitive to pedicures, but I honestly didn't feel a thing. I was so completely relaxed. It was the best pedicure I've ever had! And when it was over, I got to wait for my feet to dry in a soothing "resting room." And I found wedding and Rachael Ray magazines to enjoy while I waited. The only thing that was constantly making me giggle to myself (and I found out I wasn't the only one) was the music. It was this strange chanting and I kept smiling to myself about it. 

On Saturday night, the three of us blasted some Beiber fever (among much more just-have-to-dance music) and drove around  to get some Peach Wave Fro-Yo (a Canby Grove Camp tradition) before dropping Danielle off. I'm pretty sure we belted our little hearts out. Emily and I got to spend the night together. We stayed up late (during daylight savings, ah what were we thinking?!) and did crafts. One of my favorite things, ever! We put on some soothing music, chatted, and mod-podged  coasters. Brilliant idea courtesy of Emily.

Here's the finish product(for some reason blogspot rotates them when I upload):
The first two were made by me, and the last 3 were made by Emily





Aren't these totally cute and a creative idea? 

I will not be silent

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  -Martin Luther King Jr.


Dictionary.com defines silent:
silent (adjective)
1.making no sound; quiet; still: a silent motor.
2.refraining from speech.
3.speechless; mute.
4.not inclined to speak; taciturn; reticent.
5.characterized by absence of speech or sound
6.unspoken; tacit: a silent assent.
I refuse to be silent.
 

I'm a feminist...what?!

Initially I signed up for a women's studies class because it was still available during late registration and my adviser thought it would be an interested perspective coming from a christian education environment. She was certainly correct. It was interesting!

Going into women's studies, I had such judgment against feminists. I thought they were all lesbian, man-hating, weirdos who don't shave their legs and do extreme political stunts. Coming out of the course, I learned so much more then I could ever imagined. I learned about the feminist classroom, freedom of expression, respect, critical thinking, and application. I learned about the influence of media in the world and on our personal lives. I learned about the oppression gender's face with gender role stereotypes, different race discrepancies, and effects of socioeconomic class. Putting what I learned into words seems to be somewhat impossible. I learned so much and I came through that class now as a different person. I'm motivated to take on the world and fight for all sorts of injustice.
So here comes the change...
I'm considering taking on a Women's Studies Minor. I would love to do Journalism, but OSU doesn't offer that. Boo. But, their Women's Studies Program is one of the best in that nation. Awesome! And only 27 credits gets a minor.  So far I have 3 of those done, and after next term 6 (possibly 9 if I can get into a class I'm wait-listed for). That leaves me with only 18 left! I should also finish up my Bible minor from Corban, cuz I'm only a few credits from that as well. I was thinking that a Women's Studies Minor could really help with my Psychology Major. I would love to be an advocate for women and equal rights (for all, not just women). If I decide to go forward with a Law Degree, then the minor would be helpful then too! Oh, I love the opportunities OSU offers me. :)

Let me briefly mention, although Women's Studies has taught me so much, it has also shocked me and there have been many moments where I had to hold my tongue, or where I disagreed simply because of my personal beliefs. We studied a lot of the media's influence on society, and I had to watch and engage in material that was semi-pornographic and very uncomfortable for me. That being said, I don't think Christians (or people) should be afraid of things that are different. With an open mind and a new perspective, we can make a difference in this world with love, passion, and empowerment.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immoveable. Always work enthuasitcally for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is every useless." 1 Corinthians 15:58

 (Please feel free to laugh at this ridiculous picture of me from camp)

March 15, 2011

Weekend Thrifitng

This weekend, I had the most successful thrifting weekend I have had in my whole life. I was inspired by other bloggers to show what I'm wearing. While it is not all that original, I love today's outfit. Totally perfect for an Oregon rainy day, not to mention, it's finals week. I like a break from the sweats look everyone else is rocking.






 Sweater: H&M
Layering Tank: Old Navy
Necklace: Anchor Blue
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack
Boots: thrifted-goodwill (from Old Navy though)

Fish

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." Albert Einstein

March 11, 2011

Blessed

Since the earthquake happened in Japan, I feel silly complaining about anything in my life. The reality is: I have enough food, I have a roof over my head, I'm warm at night, and all my basic needs are accounted for. I was watching 20/20 tonight and I became even more aware of how bad of a situation these people are experiencing. I found myself a bit overwhelmed and felt the strong desire to pray. I didn't really know what to pray for, but the words flowed out of me. I can't imagine what these people are experiencing, the fear, the worry, the unknown. But no matter what, God is bigger, in control and faithful. Isn't that just so great?

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this from another blog. 

The fact is, I'm blessed, you're blessed. And praise Jesus it is so.

March 9, 2011

Glee


A few weeks ago, I would semi-proudly admit that I once was an avid-glee watcher and somewhat of a "gleek" as it is called, but no longer would I ever consider associating with that show. Last week the show episode was called "Blame it on the Alcohol" and it depicted high school students and teachers drinking, in and out of school. One of the last scenes in the episode even had the glee club perform while under the influence. After the episode, which I do not recommend you watch, I considered vetoing the show completely.
I decided to give glee another change. I gotta admit, I have loved in the past the music that has been on the show. So this week, I hesitantly watched the next episode. This one was entitled, "Sexy." This episode was all about education of sex, but turned into lesbian lovers, fooling around, and making fun of those who chose to remain celibate. It took me less than 10 minutes into the episode until my mind was made up.
Glee=vetoed.

While vetoing a show makes me kinda sad, I realized that what I watch/listen to, where I spend my money, and how I use my time is like voting for what I want in my life and what I believe is okay/not okay in this world. I realized by watching this show, I (as small as I am) vote for this show, and keep it on the air. I am not okay with what this show is about anymore. Actually, I am kinda surprised that I became to passionate about this. In my Women's Studies class, we study media and influence a lot. I have really been noticing the subliminal messaging through media. Well media, you ain't got me anymore. The same goes for eating fast food being a vote for continuing food like that being around. (If you know me, fast food is a subject I will gladly debate). High fructose Corn Syrup? Don't even get me started. 

Have you guys given up anything for your beliefs? I'm really interested to hear from my readers! 
 
Anyway, it being the season of lent and all, I don't find giving up one show I watch to be a big deal when I realize the injustice portrayed and the effect it can have on my subconscious self.

March 5, 2011

Garden State

I was flipping through the channels tonight and my indie favorite, Garden State was on. Without even considering other options, I chose to watch it. :) If you aren't familiar with the film,  it's a story of a young man who returns home after a tragedy only to find the place he once knew as home to be nothing as he remembered. The picture above is mine, and so many other people's favorite scene in the movie. Here it is: 

"You know that point in your life when you realize the house you grew up in isn't really your home anymore? All of a sudden even though you have some place where you put your shit, that idea of home is gone.
You'll see one day when you move out it just sort of happens one day and it's gone. You feel like you can never get it back. It's like you feel homesick for a place that doesn't even exist. Maybe it's like this rite of passage, you know. You won't ever have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself, you know, for your kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle or something. I don't know, but I miss the idea of it, you know. Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people that miss the same imaginary place."-Zach Braff's character, Andrew

I feel this way sometimes. There were points in my life where I had made myself a home outside of the house I grew up in. But now, it seems like I'm searching for something to resemble a home, my heart longs for it, and I've got nothing. I went to a bible study in a home the other night and it felt so refreshing to just BE in a home, a house. With nicely decorated walls, furniture, a clean house. It was beautiful and it felt wonderful.

Going back home (California) isn't really home anymore.  And I've just relocated to a new town, a new living location, but I wouldn't call it home, not at all. At some point, every person experiences this in their growing-into-adult life. I feel kinda like my life is a continuous state of temporary things, but I long to just settle down. I long to have a permanent place I live. I long to be done with school, find a church and get involved, start my life and career, and of course, a family. I'm sometimes living in California, sometimes in Oregon, depending on the time of the year. Things around me are always changing, as they always will be, but can things just be for a little bit? I feel uneasy and shaken up. I want to find my place, a place where I belong. 
I know God has me here for whatever reason, but WHAT IS IT?! I'm searching for why I'm here, other than for my education. I know God will satisfy my heart, my desires, and my deepest needs, but I don't feel like it. I know He is more than enough for me. But the transition between what I know and what I feel are two completely different things. 

I think I should stand on top of a truck in the middle of nowhere, wearing a trash bag, in the rain (which is pretty easy in Oregon), and scream at the top of my lungs. 


March 3, 2011

Today

So today I decided I was going to make some oatmeal from scratch. So I did. I put 2 cups water and 1 cup gluten-free oats in my pan and boiled it. I followed the instructions and put the lid on. I was talking on the phone with Evan, unloading the dishwasher, when I noticed the water-boiling over. I screamed, "oh no! oh no! oh no!" and then dropped the phone, tripped over the open dishwasher, and hit my head on an open drawer.

Darn you multi-tasking. Darn you.

Now I have a big fatty bruise on my face AND my leg. AWESOME.

March 1, 2011

You are More

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved. 
 
A selection from You are More by Tenth Avenue North
How absolutely beautiful is that reminder? No matter what I've done, what Christ did for me outweighs it and erases it to make me clean. "where you're brokenness brings you to" I love that. Christ uses my brokenness to bring me to HIM. WOW. Isn't that just such a beautiful picture? "what he felt to make you loved" Being loved is one of the biggest desires of everyone. God created us that way. And Christ made the ultimate sacrifice to make US feel loved. Oh, I just love this song. And Tenth Avenue North. :)

Craving


I'm craving worship and a bonfire.


 (a lovely picture of Evan leading songs at camp)