It has been a little while since I posted, but I don't like to post for the simple sake of posting; I like to have a purpose. I have been reading, and at times, re-reading Joyce Meyer's book "Power Thoughts," and there is a section that continues to stick out to me. On page 228 Joyce writes, "Learn to enjoy all different types of people, because many of our moments have people in them. I recently read that most of our unhappiness is caused from people not being what we want them to be or doing what we want them to do..."
So often, we frame expectations around individuals in our lives: how we think they should act, speak, treat us and others, raise their children; and without communicating our expectations (most often we shouldn't) we believe that they will somehow be aware of expectations and act accordingly. When they don't, we allow ourselves to become frustrated. How often have we left a party, a family member's house, a friend's company and said, "I wish they would have" or "They didn't say or do ___" or "I can't believe they ___?" It's because we placed an unrealistic expectations (unrealistic because they aren't aware of it and we expected them to be) upon their behavior that we had no right to.
How freeing would it be to remove any burden of expectation from the lives of those around you, including yourself, and have the only deciding factor in your life and the lives of others be God and His Word. That's it. We don't know the daily difficulties and personal situations of those around us, and to place an expectation on someone's behavior that they aren't aware of or that shouldn't even be placed upon them is setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration that can easily be avoided.
Free those in your life from having to live up to the expectations you have set for them, and allow yourself to not become entangled in the expectations that others have set for you. Live your life in accordance with God's Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to perform its perfect work in you, and live free of expectation.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Fall...and Nightmare
It's been a while, I know, but it's been a little in the Beach household. First off, it's fall and it's my favorite time of the year! I absolutely love fall for many reasons: scarves, rain boots, jackets, darker hair color changes (I worked at a salon for 3 years, I think of these things), hot cocoa, hot tea, hot beverages of any kind, Pumpkin Spice frappuccino at Starbucks, holidays, more family time, campfires, football and basketball...I could go on and on. literally.
But, one of my absolute favorite things is during the month of October my church puts on an absolutely amazing event: The Nightmare. Just in time for all the haunted Halloween houses to open, our church chooses to display real-life events and scenes that teenagers, and adults, face every day and the consequences that ensue. The entire event is put on by a cast made of church volunteers. As individuals finish their wait in line they are escorted through a domestic violence scene, a drinking and driving car wreck scene, a club scene, a drug/overdose room, a suicide, as well as a Jesus whipping room and Jesus on the cross. At the end of the Nightmare, each individual is given an opportunity to give their life to Jesus. This event is one that changed my life 8 years ago and one I am so passionate about because of the difference it made in my life. And each October when the season changes and the weather gets cooler it always feels like "Nightmare time."
It's been four nights and we've celebrated more than 1,800 salvations! It's truly a phenomenal event and one of my favorite things about fall.
But, one of my absolute favorite things is during the month of October my church puts on an absolutely amazing event: The Nightmare. Just in time for all the haunted Halloween houses to open, our church chooses to display real-life events and scenes that teenagers, and adults, face every day and the consequences that ensue. The entire event is put on by a cast made of church volunteers. As individuals finish their wait in line they are escorted through a domestic violence scene, a drinking and driving car wreck scene, a club scene, a drug/overdose room, a suicide, as well as a Jesus whipping room and Jesus on the cross. At the end of the Nightmare, each individual is given an opportunity to give their life to Jesus. This event is one that changed my life 8 years ago and one I am so passionate about because of the difference it made in my life. And each October when the season changes and the weather gets cooler it always feels like "Nightmare time."
It's been four nights and we've celebrated more than 1,800 salvations! It's truly a phenomenal event and one of my favorite things about fall.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
"...within the walls of our own home."
It's been several months, lots of planning and organizing, loads of transition, but the hubster and I are finally in our new home. We moved in almost a week ago and it is so surreal. We, of course, are thankful to all of our friends and family for the amazing support, encouragement, and late nights of unpacking and putting furnitire and blinds together, but most importantly we are so thankful and amazed at the faithfulnes of God. The details we can go over in person, with a nice chat and a little cup of coffee, but just know that every decision we have made has been with peace and assurance that we are taken care of and blessed by an amazing and faithful God. No planning on or part, even though there was alot, could have ever resulted in us having our first house within our first year of marriage. It's all God and we like to keep it that way.
With that said, I am reminded of what has become one of my favorite quotes: "The most important work that you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own home," spoken so eloquently by Harold E Lee. What goes on behind closed doors of an individual's home has such an impact on their life - children learn how a relationship should function by what is displayed in front of them by their parents; a husband and wife are able to build up or tear down one another and the relationship they have forged by how they communicate and treat one another when no one is looking; you have the opportunity to craft your environment by what you allow to be spoken and entertained within your walls and who you allow entrance into your home. Ultimately, it's your choice, but the significance of what occurs within one's home affects you and those closest to you. It's simple for me: I am able to choose whether our house is a place of peace or a place of strife. We all have that responsibility and it is one that should not be taken lightly.
I visited a friend of mine's house (shoutout to Heidi M) last week and she taught me how to make the most delicious jam. However, when I walked into her home the first thing I noticed was how peaceful it was. *I am a firm believer that when you walk into someone's home you can tell if their house is peaceful or chaotic.* Yes, it was clean and wonderfully decorated, but it was the environment that she had created for herself and her husband that stood out to me the most. Her house was engulfed in peace.
As the hubs and I settle into our new home, we are paying careful attention to what we choose to entertain and allow entrance into our home. What may seem small and trivial to some is of the most importance to us - we have been blessed beyond what we could imagine and it's our responsibility to be good stewards of what is in our possession.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The truth for a lie...
Romans 1:25 refers to individuals who know the truth of God, who know His character but choose not to follow Him, to trust in Him, those who "exchanged the truth of God for a lie." So often in our lives it is easier to believe the lies of the world, what we can see with our eyes and hear with our ears. We, as christians, are spiritual beings and therefore ALL things in our lives are spiritual, and when situations arise in our lives we can trust in the truth of God's Word or choose the fear that corresponds with the lies of the enemy. With every lie of the enemy comes fear: anxiety, worry, doubt, sickness, disease, death, despair, lack; but with every promise and truth of the Word of God comes prosperity, hope, love, health and wholeness, abundance, and peace.
In Genesis after Adam and Eve taste of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they are aware of sin, see that they are naked and they are ashamed of themselves. They hide their faces from the God that made them, that loved them, that walked and talked with them daily. God calls out to them asking where they are and after seeing that they have covered their bodies He asks them why. Adam and Eve respond that they are naked. And God, says, "Who told you that you were naked?" A few months ago Pastor Bill talked about this passage in scripture and how he pictured the same questions being asked of us when we choose to believe something the enemy has said to us - "Who told you that you were sick and dying?" "Who told you that you wouldn't amount to anything?" "Who told you that you weren't blessed and walked in abundance?" How God's heart breaks when His children who He has provided His Word for, sent His son to save and redeem, and set as inheritors on the earth to be blessed and walk in every promise established in His Word, choose to exchange the truth of His Word for a lie.
I want my life to showcase the promise of God's Word, to prove His Word is true. The manner in which you live your life bears reference to what you've chosen to believe - whether it's the truth of the Word of God or the lies of the enemy.
In Genesis after Adam and Eve taste of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they are aware of sin, see that they are naked and they are ashamed of themselves. They hide their faces from the God that made them, that loved them, that walked and talked with them daily. God calls out to them asking where they are and after seeing that they have covered their bodies He asks them why. Adam and Eve respond that they are naked. And God, says, "Who told you that you were naked?" A few months ago Pastor Bill talked about this passage in scripture and how he pictured the same questions being asked of us when we choose to believe something the enemy has said to us - "Who told you that you were sick and dying?" "Who told you that you wouldn't amount to anything?" "Who told you that you weren't blessed and walked in abundance?" How God's heart breaks when His children who He has provided His Word for, sent His son to save and redeem, and set as inheritors on the earth to be blessed and walk in every promise established in His Word, choose to exchange the truth of His Word for a lie.
I want my life to showcase the promise of God's Word, to prove His Word is true. The manner in which you live your life bears reference to what you've chosen to believe - whether it's the truth of the Word of God or the lies of the enemy.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Distractions
During tonight's church service Pastor Bill said something so simple and profound, "Depression is a distraction from the hope that God has promised you in your life." And I began to think, what other distractions have christians bought into that have pulled them away from the amazing life that God desires us each to live. Depression is a distraction from the hope and joy that God has promised for you; poverty and lack is a distraction from the abundance and more-than-enough life that His Word has promised you; sickness and disease is a distraction from the health that God has promised you; Anxiety and worry is a distraction from the peace that God has promised you. It's all a simple distraction, and it's all a lie of the world versus the truth of God's Word. It's the difference between keeping your eyes on the promises of God and His Word and turning your head and focusing on what you see around you and accepting that as your reality.
God has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, the power to overcome any and all situations through His Word and His power that resides on the inside of us, and all that's required of us is to believe and therefore speak. To continue to believe and therefore speak. But so easily we get distracted by the words or situations of others, or situations that come up in our lives, and instead of continuing to believe and therefore speak, we stop believing and stop speaking and begin accepting.
Close to the end of the service he said, "create an atmosphere in your life for the Holy Spirit to move in." Make your life, and all that encompasses it, an atmosphere for God's Word and the Holy Spirit to take residence in. Why? Because the Holy Spirit leads and guides you in all truth and understanding, provides peace in all situations; because God's Word provides life and conviction and has the power to transform all situations because it's alive on the inside of you and spoken forth into your situations.
Don't allow yourself to be distracted, even in situations where you are tempted to compare yourself to someone else. So often, we lose sight of our relationship with God because we spend so much time comparing how our relationship with God appears with that of someone else. It's pointless. Why? because God wants your heart and when your focus is on the perception of another versus the perception of yourself, you lose sight of the purpose - which is to become more like Him.
God has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, the power to overcome any and all situations through His Word and His power that resides on the inside of us, and all that's required of us is to believe and therefore speak. To continue to believe and therefore speak. But so easily we get distracted by the words or situations of others, or situations that come up in our lives, and instead of continuing to believe and therefore speak, we stop believing and stop speaking and begin accepting.
Close to the end of the service he said, "create an atmosphere in your life for the Holy Spirit to move in." Make your life, and all that encompasses it, an atmosphere for God's Word and the Holy Spirit to take residence in. Why? Because the Holy Spirit leads and guides you in all truth and understanding, provides peace in all situations; because God's Word provides life and conviction and has the power to transform all situations because it's alive on the inside of you and spoken forth into your situations.
Don't allow yourself to be distracted, even in situations where you are tempted to compare yourself to someone else. So often, we lose sight of our relationship with God because we spend so much time comparing how our relationship with God appears with that of someone else. It's pointless. Why? because God wants your heart and when your focus is on the perception of another versus the perception of yourself, you lose sight of the purpose - which is to become more like Him.
A Small Little Rant...
One of my biggest frustrations is when individuals fail to accept responsibility for themselves. A constant need and attitude of blame toward others puts you in a position to limit your ability for change and God's ability to work in your life: if nothing is ever your fault and you have no affect on the outcome then your actions and choices don't matter; your life is then a result of chance. It's crucial for parents to teach their children that a specific set of actions results in specific consequences, and that there's consistency throughout their life. So many individuals mine and Kevin's age have never been shown consistency in regards to their behavior, or they have friends and family members who excuse their behavior instead of forcing them to own up to the choices they've made and the role they've played in their current situation. YOU are responsible for YOUR life: your choices, your words, your actions all add up to where you are currently. If you don't like it, change all of the above. But, don't blame others in an effort to remain lazy and not take responsibility.
The Word states that we have what we say, that the power of life and death is in the tongue - in the words that you speak! The manner in which you speak is the direction your life will take. You have individuals around you that are watching you, examining your life to see if it mirrors what you say you believe, and you can't be lazy regarding the influence you have. You have friends, children, family members, all watching you to see if what you profess to believe is true. This is a tremendous responsibility that we have as christians, and we can't do any of it in our own strength or through our personal ability - we don't have to calculate our steps and our thoughts and our behavior in an effort to "look" like we're doing the right thing. We love God + we love His Word + we put it into practice. Will we get it right every time, no. But, the fruit of our lives, the result of a life that lives to bring glory to God, is a life that speaks for itself and that will speak to the hearts of those around us.
But, you can't make excuses for yourself. You can't accept everything that comes your way. You have to take control of your life and it starts will your thoughts, your words, and your actions. Take responsibility.
The Word states that we have what we say, that the power of life and death is in the tongue - in the words that you speak! The manner in which you speak is the direction your life will take. You have individuals around you that are watching you, examining your life to see if it mirrors what you say you believe, and you can't be lazy regarding the influence you have. You have friends, children, family members, all watching you to see if what you profess to believe is true. This is a tremendous responsibility that we have as christians, and we can't do any of it in our own strength or through our personal ability - we don't have to calculate our steps and our thoughts and our behavior in an effort to "look" like we're doing the right thing. We love God + we love His Word + we put it into practice. Will we get it right every time, no. But, the fruit of our lives, the result of a life that lives to bring glory to God, is a life that speaks for itself and that will speak to the hearts of those around us.
But, you can't make excuses for yourself. You can't accept everything that comes your way. You have to take control of your life and it starts will your thoughts, your words, and your actions. Take responsibility.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Discipline...
So, after many years of not working out I decided to start running. My motivation is simple: I'm the largest size I've been in my entire life, and I want to get in shape to run either the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure or the Tulsa Run this fall. I have begun the Couch-to-5k program (it's a progressive program where over the course of 8 weeks you will end the program being able to run 3 miles continually without stopping). Well, I started in late January, and then Tulsa and surrounding areas experienced the largest amount of snowfall in its history, which halted my program for two weeks. Next, I started the program again only to find out that the huz and I began house hunting, which took up most of our evenings and weekends. With the house found (we're building our first home!) and the snow melted, the program has begun again and I have a new perspective: I want to be disciplined. Yes, there are weight loss goals and health-related goals, but I want to incorporate a lifestyle of discipline. And, although I've only ran two sessions in a row this week, it is so obvious how un-disciplined my life was. You know, my life two days ago.
The more I work out the more conscious I am about what I eat and the more aware I am regarding the small un-disciplined areas of my life. I like this. I don't mind being called out, sometimes it's what you need. And I would have never thought a little running program would do just that.
So, stay tuned and I'll keep you updated.
The more I work out the more conscious I am about what I eat and the more aware I am regarding the small un-disciplined areas of my life. I like this. I don't mind being called out, sometimes it's what you need. And I would have never thought a little running program would do just that.
So, stay tuned and I'll keep you updated.
Friday, March 11, 2011
a little reflection...
I love progressive change. I love the feeling that you're evolving, growing, maturing, and becoming more of who you desire to be. I also love that when you're married you get to witness this not only in yourself, but in your spouse as well.
Change is necessary, it allows each individual to adjust, adapt, and to have the opportunity to grow. It also provides an opportunity to see a different and new side to the individual you thought you had seen it all from. I love that.
As newlyweds, we are experiencing alot of progressive change in our lives, which also means natural changes in the lives of our friends and family members as well. For our marriage, it is important for us to surround ourselves, our home, and our relationship with individuals who provide support and encouragement, who seek progressive change in their own lives, and who speak life into any and all situations. Those who don't have seemed to fall by the wayside; not intentionally, of course, but when you have a relationship as precious as a marriage, a relationship that will set the tone for your children (or future children) and their view of love, respect, commitment, and how a relationship should function, it is something that requires a high level of awareness and attention.
Sometimes the attention and awareness you activate in your lives will cause others around you to question and formulate their own opinions regarding the choices you have made. That's okay. It's important to remember that only you and your spouse are aware of all the intricacies that are involved in your lives, as well as you not being aware of all the intricacies that are involved in the choices and lives of others. It's best to make the choices that you deem best for you and your spouse and trust that others are doing the same.
Change is necessary, it allows each individual to adjust, adapt, and to have the opportunity to grow. It also provides an opportunity to see a different and new side to the individual you thought you had seen it all from. I love that.
As newlyweds, we are experiencing alot of progressive change in our lives, which also means natural changes in the lives of our friends and family members as well. For our marriage, it is important for us to surround ourselves, our home, and our relationship with individuals who provide support and encouragement, who seek progressive change in their own lives, and who speak life into any and all situations. Those who don't have seemed to fall by the wayside; not intentionally, of course, but when you have a relationship as precious as a marriage, a relationship that will set the tone for your children (or future children) and their view of love, respect, commitment, and how a relationship should function, it is something that requires a high level of awareness and attention.
Sometimes the attention and awareness you activate in your lives will cause others around you to question and formulate their own opinions regarding the choices you have made. That's okay. It's important to remember that only you and your spouse are aware of all the intricacies that are involved in your lives, as well as you not being aware of all the intricacies that are involved in the choices and lives of others. It's best to make the choices that you deem best for you and your spouse and trust that others are doing the same.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Our First Home!
A big change has happened in our family - we purchased our first home! This exciting moment in our lives is coupled by the fact that we are building our first home. As newlyweds celebrating 8 months of wedded bliss, we never imagined that prior to one year of marriage we would be in a place financially to build our first home. The only way this has been possible is because God is faithful. That's it. There's no other way to explain it. We could try, we could tell you that we had a savings account prior to us being married, that we saved every month, that we practice good stewardship, and all that would be true. But the positioning and timing of God's faithfulness is beyond anything that Kevin and I could plan on our own. No amount of planning on our behalf could have put this situation into place. Daily Kevin and I sit back and know without a shadow of a doubt that those who place God first, honor His Word, and trust Him experience unmerited favor beyond what can ever be imagined.
So, bring on the paint colors, the brick choices, the guttering options, and the carpet swatches! Thought we'd share our journey with you...so, here's our land!
So, bring on the paint colors, the brick choices, the guttering options, and the carpet swatches! Thought we'd share our journey with you...so, here's our land!
Friday, January 21, 2011
This morning, my friend Heidi surprised me with two delicious vegan cupcakes! Not only was I excited because I've been wanting to make some vegan cupcakes for a while, but I was even more excited because they were SO good! The recipe is from the book, "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World." I bought one on Amazon today...and polished off both cupcakes. They were delish and without any egg, milk, or butter! Enjoy.
Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
1 cup soy milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, chocolate extract, or more vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder, Dutch-processed or regular
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegan Fluffy Buttercream Frosting (see recipe below)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
Whisk together the soy milk and vinegar in a large bowl, and set aside for a few minutes to curdle. Add the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and other extract, if using, to the soy milk mixture and beat until foamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add in two batches to wet ingredients and beat until no large lumps remain (a few tiny lumps are OK).
Pour into liners, filling 3/4 of the way. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
Cookies and Creme Icing
Ingredients
1/2 cup nonhydrogenated shortening
1/2 cup nonhydrogenated margarine, we use Earth Balance (if you would prefer, you can use a full stick of Earth Balance margarine in place of the 1/2 cup shortening)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted if clumpy
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup plain soy milk or soy creamer
1/2 cup or 5 Vegan chocolate creme filled cookies, such as Newman O's
Instructions
Beat the shortening and margarine together until well combined and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat for about 3 more minutes.
Add the vanilla and soy milk, and beat for another 5 to 7 minutes until fluffy.
chop or break apart chocolate cookies and stir into frosting
After cupcakes have cooled, frost generously
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Life Lesson...
Sitting on my dvr was the "Master Class" episode on OWN featuring Maya Angelou. Maya's simplistic, encouraging, and compassionate view was captivating for me. She reminds me of a grandmother that everyone wishes to have, one that reminds me of my own, and one that has endless wisdom yet has gone through trials many of us could not imagine.
In the episode of Master Class, she states that all human beings are teachers, that "I am a teacher. I teach all the time. As you do, as you all do. Whether we know it or not, whether we take responsibility for it or not. I hold nothing back because I want to see that light go off. I like to hear someone say, "I've never thought of it like that before."
Regardless of who you are, where you live, who your parents are, what you do for a living, you are continually a teacher to those in your life, even those who you pass on your journey to visiting a friend or family member. You teach others with the words that you speak, your behavior and actions, and you are continually teaching. What does your life teach others? What are you able to learn from the lives of those around you?
You may not know, but I am a collector of quotes. I have journals and journals of my favorite quotes from movies, television shows, conversations, books, magazines, and other forms of literature. Here are some of my favorite "ah-ha" moments from the episode featuring Maya Angelou:
"You must be careful about the words you allow to be spoken around you and in your home."
Maya spoke about the power of words, including what jokes you speak and allow yo be spoken around you and your family,
what you speak in your home and around your loved ones, what you allow to be said about yourself in your presence, and
what you speak about yourself. She states that words have the ability to get inside of you and to fester and make a difference
and it is important to be aware of their power. I love this.
Some day we will be able to treasure the power of our words."
"You can only become great at what you're willing to sacrifice for."
"If I look at my life as a class, I've learned a few things. One being that I am a child of God... as are all others - and I am supposed to treat them accordingly.."
In the episode of Master Class, she states that all human beings are teachers, that "I am a teacher. I teach all the time. As you do, as you all do. Whether we know it or not, whether we take responsibility for it or not. I hold nothing back because I want to see that light go off. I like to hear someone say, "I've never thought of it like that before."
Regardless of who you are, where you live, who your parents are, what you do for a living, you are continually a teacher to those in your life, even those who you pass on your journey to visiting a friend or family member. You teach others with the words that you speak, your behavior and actions, and you are continually teaching. What does your life teach others? What are you able to learn from the lives of those around you?
You may not know, but I am a collector of quotes. I have journals and journals of my favorite quotes from movies, television shows, conversations, books, magazines, and other forms of literature. Here are some of my favorite "ah-ha" moments from the episode featuring Maya Angelou:
"You must be careful about the words you allow to be spoken around you and in your home."
Maya spoke about the power of words, including what jokes you speak and allow yo be spoken around you and your family,
what you speak in your home and around your loved ones, what you allow to be said about yourself in your presence, and
what you speak about yourself. She states that words have the ability to get inside of you and to fester and make a difference
and it is important to be aware of their power. I love this.
Some day we will be able to treasure the power of our words."
"You can only become great at what you're willing to sacrifice for."
"If I look at my life as a class, I've learned a few things. One being that I am a child of God... as are all others - and I am supposed to treat them accordingly.."
A Little Q & A...
Who is your favorite fashionista :: i like women who dress clean, modern, and simple, but who are able to transmit a part of their personality through their clothing: Katie Holmes, Ashley Olsen, Milla Jovovich, Ginnifer Goodwin, Zooey Deschanel, Eva Mendes, Sarah Jessica Parker.
If you could come back as model, who would you be :: I'm not so much into models.
Junk food :: oh goodness, anything that's a dessert. or bread.
What are you most vain about :: I work hard at everything I do and I want to be the best at everything I do.
What are you most shy about :: I can be very reserved in getting to know others. I'm more of an observer - I'll watch how you treat others, speak to others, how you act when you don't think anyone else sees you - and then I'll decide whether I feel you are trustworthy enough to really get to know me. This isn't based on the idea that I don't trust others, I am just very careful about those I allow to have a place of influence or council in my life.
Who are your fantasy dinner-party guests :: Ann Shoket, Oprah, Elizabeth Gilbert, Lisa Ling, Virginia Woolf. I would want to be surrounded by strong, intelligent women.
What can’t you travel without :: my phone. a camera. a journal. i would prefer a companion. hair defrizz serum from bumble and bumble.
Last book you read :: besides books required for school, the last book i read for myself was "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was amazed at her honesty and in her allowing readers to see a side of herself that most of us try to conceal.
At age seven, you wanted to be :: i wanted to be a hip-hop dancer and a singer. And yes, there are videos.
What will you never wear: I am short, 5'3 and there are certain things - capri pants, dresses or skirts that hit mid-calf - that just do not, and will never, look good on me.
What’s the thing you find easiest to forgive :: easiest to forgive is another's ignorance, miseducation, or an honest mistake.
What’s the thing you find impossible to forgive :: i don't think anything is impossible to forgive, it just may take a little longer.
What do you grab to wear when there is no time to think :: a t-shirt, jeans, and flip flops. it's my go-to.
Biggest self-indulgence :: Naturally, I have very thick, coarse, wavy hair, so it takes a lot of products and services to get my hair straight and shiny. besides that, my education takes a close second.
Whose diary would you most like to read :: that's tough. i am interested in the diary of virginia woolf. for her time, and in some cases even in the present, she wrote of such controversial issues and topics. i would love to read about the possible insecurities or fears she had in bringing forth such thought-provoking themes and why she chose to do so in a time when a writer was not an appropriate occupation for a woman.
What always goes into your suitcase when you travel :: i will be honest, my makeup/hair bag has so much more in it than my suitcase ever does. I have super high maintenance hair, so i take a lot of products, heating tools... it's ridiculous, really.
Least favorite food :: i most often dislike food on the basis of texture and not necessarily taste. onions and lettuce on anything other than a salad are pretty high up on my list.
Car :: my dream car would be a black range rover sport with black interior. or a black mercedes g-wagon.
When and where are you happiest :: when i'm surrounded by people or places i love. also, when i'm doing something i love.
What do you crave :: sugar. constantly. hook me up to an IV and let it pulse through my veins.
Most treasured possession :: my books, journals, and my collection of jewelry because every piece is sentimental in some way.
If you had another profession beside your own, what would it be :: my list seems endless and continually changes. my dream job is to be an editor or writer of a major magazine, as well as a number one author on the New York Times Bestseller list. Along with that, I have always wanted to be a painter, sculptor, musician, interior decorator.
What is your signature scent :: I have been wearing Diesel's "Fuel for Life" for a little over two years now and i'm in love with it. Before Diesel i wore Kenneth Cole's "Black."
Always…
Know what you believe and who you are.
Never…
Allow fear to dictate a decision in your life.
If you could come back as model, who would you be :: I'm not so much into models.
Junk food :: oh goodness, anything that's a dessert. or bread.
What are you most vain about :: I work hard at everything I do and I want to be the best at everything I do.
What are you most shy about :: I can be very reserved in getting to know others. I'm more of an observer - I'll watch how you treat others, speak to others, how you act when you don't think anyone else sees you - and then I'll decide whether I feel you are trustworthy enough to really get to know me. This isn't based on the idea that I don't trust others, I am just very careful about those I allow to have a place of influence or council in my life.
Who are your fantasy dinner-party guests :: Ann Shoket, Oprah, Elizabeth Gilbert, Lisa Ling, Virginia Woolf. I would want to be surrounded by strong, intelligent women.
What can’t you travel without :: my phone. a camera. a journal. i would prefer a companion. hair defrizz serum from bumble and bumble.
Last book you read :: besides books required for school, the last book i read for myself was "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was amazed at her honesty and in her allowing readers to see a side of herself that most of us try to conceal.
At age seven, you wanted to be :: i wanted to be a hip-hop dancer and a singer. And yes, there are videos.
What will you never wear: I am short, 5'3 and there are certain things - capri pants, dresses or skirts that hit mid-calf - that just do not, and will never, look good on me.
What’s the thing you find easiest to forgive :: easiest to forgive is another's ignorance, miseducation, or an honest mistake.
What’s the thing you find impossible to forgive :: i don't think anything is impossible to forgive, it just may take a little longer.
What do you grab to wear when there is no time to think :: a t-shirt, jeans, and flip flops. it's my go-to.
Biggest self-indulgence :: Naturally, I have very thick, coarse, wavy hair, so it takes a lot of products and services to get my hair straight and shiny. besides that, my education takes a close second.
Whose diary would you most like to read :: that's tough. i am interested in the diary of virginia woolf. for her time, and in some cases even in the present, she wrote of such controversial issues and topics. i would love to read about the possible insecurities or fears she had in bringing forth such thought-provoking themes and why she chose to do so in a time when a writer was not an appropriate occupation for a woman.
What always goes into your suitcase when you travel :: i will be honest, my makeup/hair bag has so much more in it than my suitcase ever does. I have super high maintenance hair, so i take a lot of products, heating tools... it's ridiculous, really.
Least favorite food :: i most often dislike food on the basis of texture and not necessarily taste. onions and lettuce on anything other than a salad are pretty high up on my list.
Car :: my dream car would be a black range rover sport with black interior. or a black mercedes g-wagon.
When and where are you happiest :: when i'm surrounded by people or places i love. also, when i'm doing something i love.
What do you crave :: sugar. constantly. hook me up to an IV and let it pulse through my veins.
Most treasured possession :: my books, journals, and my collection of jewelry because every piece is sentimental in some way.
If you had another profession beside your own, what would it be :: my list seems endless and continually changes. my dream job is to be an editor or writer of a major magazine, as well as a number one author on the New York Times Bestseller list. Along with that, I have always wanted to be a painter, sculptor, musician, interior decorator.
What is your signature scent :: I have been wearing Diesel's "Fuel for Life" for a little over two years now and i'm in love with it. Before Diesel i wore Kenneth Cole's "Black."
Always…
Know what you believe and who you are.
Never…
Allow fear to dictate a decision in your life.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Hopefully expectant...
I love this. I think because I view it as representative of potential, hope, and the achievement of a dream. I picture an individual who has worked their whole life to perfect their craft, whether a musician, a dancer, a performance artist, an actress or actor, and the empty seats represent the hopeful expectancy of the crowd; a moment for the perfected craftsman or craftswoman to showcase their talent, their effort, and their passion for what they love to do.
Here's your moment: shine.
On Oprah's OWN Network, Diane Sawyer was showcased on an episode of "Master Class" in which she attributed her success as a journalist to curiosity: having an interest in subjects to the extent of discovering the truth. She states: "I heard the story about the father of a physicist who, when his son was a child and would come home from school, did not ask, "what did you learn today?" but instead asked "did you ask any great questions?" The emphasis is placed on the child's curiosity and not on the child's ability to repeat an adult's opinion or response."
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Who is, and was, and is to come...
Our Guts Girls group (the ladies of Guts Church) are participating in a Beth Moore DVD Bible Study of the book of Revelation. The amazing revelations that Beth Moore presents throughout the book of Revelation are phenomenal and provided insight for my life. Revelation 1:8 is one of my favorite verses, and in the Amplified Bible it states, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who Is and Who Was and Who is to come, the Almighty." Beth Moore speaks on the awesomeness of this verse in describing the character, nature, and presence of God - "God cannot not be; He is presently being in our lives no matter the situation or circumstance. You cannot, in your life, have a moment without Him; He is always present. He is in your present, in your past, and in your future." This parallels nothing being able to separate you from God and His love, because He can never cease to be.
Beth also cites the importance of the tense used in the Word, which for an English major like myself made my heart giddy with excitement. She talked about how God loves us, which is a present, active participle (in the present, active tense; which, since being active means it continues with time; it is always present tense regardless of the time that passes). In reference to who God says He is (He Is, Was, and Is to come), God loves us, loved us, and will continue to love us - He cannot not love us.
God freed us, and another grammar lesson for the day is that "freed" is a past participle. Freed is referencing an action that took place in the past; it is not active and therefore is not a continuation (as in, I "am being" freed, or I "will be" freed) but has occurred in the past; it has been done. Since this has already occurred - you have already been freed - anything present in your life is what you're holding onto.
Your behavior, your actions, are a result of your core belief system: what you believe when you're alone, in the dark, with no one there to encourage you. What YOU truly believe.
Beth also cites the importance of the tense used in the Word, which for an English major like myself made my heart giddy with excitement. She talked about how God loves us, which is a present, active participle (in the present, active tense; which, since being active means it continues with time; it is always present tense regardless of the time that passes). In reference to who God says He is (He Is, Was, and Is to come), God loves us, loved us, and will continue to love us - He cannot not love us.
God freed us, and another grammar lesson for the day is that "freed" is a past participle. Freed is referencing an action that took place in the past; it is not active and therefore is not a continuation (as in, I "am being" freed, or I "will be" freed) but has occurred in the past; it has been done. Since this has already occurred - you have already been freed - anything present in your life is what you're holding onto.
Your behavior, your actions, are a result of your core belief system: what you believe when you're alone, in the dark, with no one there to encourage you. What YOU truly believe.
Monday, January 10, 2011
So good to be home...
The huz and I have been married 6 months this month and I am amazed at how often we get asked questions like, "so, how's married life? are you annoyed with each other yet?" or "are you tired of being around each other all the time?" Now, feel free not correct me if you believe I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that when Kev proposed I thought about living the rest of my life with him, and, after dating for 5 1/2 years we were both aware of all the positive and "negative" traits that the other possessed. And, in spite of all we knew about each other, we were so excited to spend the rest of our lives together. Yes, it's only been 6 months, but technically we've been together for 6 years. And, I can count on one hand how often we didn't see each other every single day of the year.
But, I am quite often surprised by how many couples, after hearing them speak of their significant other, aren't that excited to be around them or don't have very flattering things to say. Please note, that the words that come out of your mouth, whether you are in front of your spouse or not, are powerful and should be considered carefully. One of the rules that Kev and I have always had in our relationship is that we (1) don't speak negatively about the other's immediate family, (2) don't speak negatively about one another, and (3) never, under any circumstance, call the other a negative name. Why? Because your words have power, and oftentimes, what you speak is a reflection of what you're choosing to focus on. Does Kev get annoyed with how often I like to organize, file, and clean things? probably. But, is he thankful for those things? yes, he tells me all the time. Ladies and gents, if you are married - tame that tongue! And, if you aren't - practice it!
Over the last two nights, Tulsa has experienced some snow - nothing life threatening, don't you worry - and on my way home the snow was lightly falling and all I could think about was how much I wanted to be at home with my husband. And, I hope you all are fortunate enough to feel the same. About your own husband or wife, that is.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Raw Banana Ice Cream with Peanut Butter and Honey
I like to experiment with vegan recipes, tasting and testing recipes to see how "vegan" i can go before I begin to crave cheese, sugar, and meat with every fiber of my being. This recipe proved pretty impressive, as I was expecting a horrible, non-sugary version of a smoothie, but I was quite surprised to find that this recipe is completely vegan, no added sugar, and was delicious. A big thank you goes out to "5 Ingredient Fix" for airing this recipe yesterday on the Food Network. Not only was I impressed, but when I told the huz I'd like to buy some more bananas to freeze for this week and make more he said, "yes, please!" Now, that's some good vegan "ice cream!"
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas per serving (if making ice cream for two, use 4 bananas; if making for three, use 6 bananas)
creamy peanut butter
honey
Directions
Peel and cut the bananas into 1-inch pieces, place on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 45 minutes - 1 hour (or until frozen). Place frozen bananas into food processor and puree, scraping sides periodically, until smooth. If bananas are too chunky and will not smooth, add a little soy milk, almond milk, or milk to the mixture. Add peanut butter (about 1 tbsp - 3 tbsp depending on preference) and honey (about 1-2 tbsp depending on preference). Serve Immediately or place in container to refreeze.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas per serving (if making ice cream for two, use 4 bananas; if making for three, use 6 bananas)
creamy peanut butter
honey
Directions
Peel and cut the bananas into 1-inch pieces, place on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 45 minutes - 1 hour (or until frozen). Place frozen bananas into food processor and puree, scraping sides periodically, until smooth. If bananas are too chunky and will not smooth, add a little soy milk, almond milk, or milk to the mixture. Add peanut butter (about 1 tbsp - 3 tbsp depending on preference) and honey (about 1-2 tbsp depending on preference). Serve Immediately or place in container to refreeze.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Steel-Cut Oatmeal
The days of microwaveable oatmeal are over! Let's rejoice. Since I'm a newlywed I am discovering new recipes and methods of cooking weekly and this is my new favorite. I purchased steel cut oats from our local grocery store and cooked according to package instructions. You can boil either milk or water, depending on your caloric preference, and once boiled, the oatmeal takes approximately 25-35 minutes to cook over the stove. Once finished, feel free to add brown sugar, raisins, dried cranberries, nuts, or any special addition to make your oatmeal your own. I prefer a little brown sugar and raisins or swap the raisins for cranberries if I want a little tartness. Either way, whatever you choose to add will be divine.
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