Since I've been working at ORU, I haven't had to go to chapel on Wednesday and Friday, I can just watch it from my office. Last week though, after a great tragedy in the ORU community, we were all encouraged to attend chapel. Don't get me wrong, I really do like chapel, especially when Dr. Rutland speaks. On this particular day though, we had a guest speaker. I was a little upset that I had to sit through a message with a speaker who I never heard of and who I probably wasn't going to like, and to make it worse, his message was on the Holy Spirit. Now I know I'm supposed to be some holy rolling charismatic pentecostal, but to be truthful, I've been really frustrated with that lately.
Anyway, this speaker gets up to talk. And I'm not lying, it may have been the best chapel I've ever been to. It was just a really good message at just the right time for me. As I was leaving, they were passing out free books in the lobby, so I grabbed one. End of story (for a few days.)
A couple days later, I was sitting at my desk with almost nothing to do. So I picked up the free chapel book and started to read it. It's called "The God I Never Knew" by Robert Morris. After I was a chapter or two into the book, I realized it would probably benefit me to take some notes and write in the book myself. So I started over and skimmed through, underlining important passages and writing little notes to myself. There's a study guide in the back, so I decided to read through those questions as well after each chapter.
To kind of summarize the book so far, it's about the Holy Spirit: who He is, what He's here for, and how He fits in my life. Robert Morris grew up in a church that didn't really talk about the Holy Spirit. He thought that if you were a 'Holy Spirit' fanatic, you either wore too much make-up or none at all, and you were weird. Many people are afraid to associate with the Holy Spirit because they think He is weird. There are so many weird stereotypes associated with the Holy Spirit, that people are often turned off immediately when there is even a mention of His name. Anyway, this book uncovers these myths and stereotypes to reveal the true Holy Spirit, not what weird people claim is the Holy Spirit.
Up to this point, I completely agreed and everything was good. Then Robert Morris told a personal story. When he was first married, Robert and his wife went to a Christmas party. He always hated Christmas parties because his wife would leave him. Not really, but she would walk to the other side of the room to talk to her friends. He was stuck alone to ...gasp... talk to strangers who walked up to him. He really hated confronting people and having even a simple little conversation. (Just like me.) Then he shared his testimony: with the help of the Holy Spirit, Robert completely overcame that fear.
That just made me even more frustrated. I have the Holy Spirit and I EVEN speak in tongues, shouldn't I be able to overcome my fear and talk to people too? In my attempt to journal every thought, I wrote down a little frustration note in the back of my book. I flipped back to the front and continued to read, although I couldn't get that thought out of my head. As I sat there reading, (it couldn't have been more than two minutes), something amazing happened. The Holy Spirit talked to me! There is no doubt in my mind that it was Him. It was clear, it was loud, and it was absolutely God. And He told me, "You don't understand what you have." He's here, He's with me, He lives inside of me, but I don't know Him. I don't know the help and the comfort that I have. I don't understand the power and the boldness that He wants to give me to live a better Christian life. It was breakthrough moment in my life and in my relationship with God. And I'm so excited for what's in store and God helps me understand what I have.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
a.little.motivation
It's finally here, the moment we've all been waiting for...drum roll please...
MY GRAPHIC DESIGN WEBSITE
Okay, so you haven't really been waiting for it and it's not really that exciting. But for me, it's a big step in the right direction. After graduation, I was really tired of graphic design. I just didn't really like it and I got frustrated really easily. When my computer broke, it gave me a much needed guilt-free break. Now I'm back at it. And surprisingly, I'm kinda enjoying it. But the whole launching a freelance business just kinda scared me. I didn't want to get stuck in something I don't like. So I needed a little motivation.
My dream home! And this isn't just some picture I found online. This is a real house, in a real neighborhood, with a real wrap around porch, 4 acres of land, and it's really FOR SALE for a very reasonable price! That's motivation for sure. I can't wait to have a house in a quiet neighborhood with a few acres. It's my dream. Then Wes and I can begin a family. I can stay home, cook, clean, raise children, teach piano and violin, and freelance graphic design (in my pajamas, from my cute desk, next to a window with a view of the big backyard)!! I can't wait! But that's the problem. I have to wait. Money, ugh. Patience is a virtue, I guess.
MY GRAPHIC DESIGN WEBSITE
Okay, so you haven't really been waiting for it and it's not really that exciting. But for me, it's a big step in the right direction. After graduation, I was really tired of graphic design. I just didn't really like it and I got frustrated really easily. When my computer broke, it gave me a much needed guilt-free break. Now I'm back at it. And surprisingly, I'm kinda enjoying it. But the whole launching a freelance business just kinda scared me. I didn't want to get stuck in something I don't like. So I needed a little motivation.
And here it is:
Thursday, September 15, 2011
love.to.read
I love to read. Books are just the best. While I still lived at home in Pennsylvania, my favorite summertime activity was sitting on a blanket under a tree at the top of our hill reading a book. I spent hours there each day. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I loved the Little House on the Prairie series, then Anne of Green Gables and her handsome Gilbert took my fancy. I enjoyed all kinds of classics. But I especially loved the illustrated edition of all the classics with their beautiful pictures. Maybe it's just the artistic in me that would appreciate the artwork just as much as the book itself. Either way, books just have that charm about them that captures your attention and draws you in to another world.
With my new job, I've had quite a bit of free time perfect for reading. Right now, I'm reading Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. It's about a boy who wanders into wealth and fortune, thanks to a generous benefactor. I'm nearing half-way, and really the story is just beginning. And it's starting to get really good now. I'm eager to find out if Pip fulfills his great expectations.
So far today, it's been a slow day at work, the weather is cool, dark, and dreary, I'm looking forward to a nice warm bowl of soup for lunch, and there's lots of soothing music coming from the classrooms nearby. Sounds like a perfectly perfect day to read my book. Happy reading to me!
With my new job, I've had quite a bit of free time perfect for reading. Right now, I'm reading Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. It's about a boy who wanders into wealth and fortune, thanks to a generous benefactor. I'm nearing half-way, and really the story is just beginning. And it's starting to get really good now. I'm eager to find out if Pip fulfills his great expectations.
So far today, it's been a slow day at work, the weather is cool, dark, and dreary, I'm looking forward to a nice warm bowl of soup for lunch, and there's lots of soothing music coming from the classrooms nearby. Sounds like a perfectly perfect day to read my book. Happy reading to me!
Monday, September 12, 2011
dress.up
I love special occasions and I love to dress up. When I was little, one of my favorite things about Grandma's house was her enormous wardrobe of dress-up clothes. She had everything from dresses with big puffy sleeves, ruffled skirts, and big bold hats, to wigs, jewelry, lipstick, high heels, and scarfs. It was a dream come true. I guess I've never grown out of my love for dress-up and I eagerly await every opportunity to wear a pretty dress.
Saturday night was the employee appreciation banquet for my work. Perfect for dress-up! And I already had the perfect outfit in mind. This summer, during one of our garage sale excursions, I found a lovely classy black dress for just $7. I hadn't had an opportunity to wear it, so I was really excited. Of course, then I had to think of accessories. No one goes to a banquet with a big old purse, and I've never owned a cute clutch. So it was time to go shopping. I was determined not to spend more than $10. My first stop was Accessory City. I guess I just chose the perfect day to shop there. I didn't realize they are in the process of relocating, so about half of their merchandise was in transit. BUT...the half that was still there was almost all 50% off! As I sorted through the clutches, I found a really cute one marked down to $1.50. Perfect! I decided to look for a bracelet and necklace for my new outfit as well, since the prices were unbelievable. My total outfit: $16.
Saturday night was the employee appreciation banquet for my work. Perfect for dress-up! And I already had the perfect outfit in mind. This summer, during one of our garage sale excursions, I found a lovely classy black dress for just $7. I hadn't had an opportunity to wear it, so I was really excited. Of course, then I had to think of accessories. No one goes to a banquet with a big old purse, and I've never owned a cute clutch. So it was time to go shopping. I was determined not to spend more than $10. My first stop was Accessory City. I guess I just chose the perfect day to shop there. I didn't realize they are in the process of relocating, so about half of their merchandise was in transit. BUT...the half that was still there was almost all 50% off! As I sorted through the clutches, I found a really cute one marked down to $1.50. Perfect! I decided to look for a bracelet and necklace for my new outfit as well, since the prices were unbelievable. My total outfit: $16.
After the dinner, Wes and I went over to his parent's house to take pictures.
Friday, September 9, 2011
just.being.me
Today I realized I like who I am. It's freeing to know you can be who you are without worrying about what other people are going to think of you. It definitely wasn't always that way for me, but recently I have learned to be content with who I am and making the most of it. Wes was the first to really see me for me by somehow discovering piece by piece the "me" hiding behind a false front. As he encouraged me to be myself, I have gradually come out of my shell and enjoy it very much. I don't need to have the same opinions as my friends, and I don't want to. I want to be me. I like the freedom of being confidant in the choices I make and the simplicity of living life for God's glory alone. It's like a physical weight being lifted off my shoulders. I feel so carefree and happy. If the way I feel could be represented by a picture, it would look like this:
Thursday, September 8, 2011
LOVE.pinterest
So I recently discovered Pinterest. There are no words to describe it.
This is My Dream Home so far.
This is My Dream Home so far.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
God.provides
Yesterday morning Wes woke up a little worried. It's very unusual to see him concerned, but he was definitely worried that morning. Lately, we've been having a number of car troubles, one after the other. First, Wes' car needed a new battery, then mine needed a new starter. Then mine died again after a blown head gasket and a leaking water pump. On top of it all, yesterday, on the way home from a lovely holiday weekend in Texas, we had a tire blowout on the side of the road. More expenses. It's been rough financially. With bills, rent, student loans, and car payments, this week especially has been difficult.
When Wes left for work that morning, I sat down for my morning time with God. As I began to pray, certain comforting verses came to mind.
Matthew 6:25-34
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, not reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little fatih!
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'
For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
There is no reason for me to ever worry. God provides. I prayed that morning that I might trust God more, and not be tempted to worry. In theory, I already knew He would take care of all our needs, it was just trusting Him to do what His Word says He will do.
A few hours later, as I was sitting at my desk at work, a girl came in to give me some music to look over for accompanying. She handed me the music along with an envelope with my accompanying fee money paid in full. I never expected to receive the full payment before I even rehearsed with her once! God provides.
Then, later in the day, Wes told me he had a paycheck waiting for him at the music store, where he had been working for a few afternoons in the past couple weeks. He had worked there before, and they had asked him to come in, just to have a few extra people during the busy back-to-school season. Again, God provides.
Just when we really needed it, God provided, like He always does.
When Wes left for work that morning, I sat down for my morning time with God. As I began to pray, certain comforting verses came to mind.
Matthew 6:25-34
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, not reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little fatih!
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'
For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
There is no reason for me to ever worry. God provides. I prayed that morning that I might trust God more, and not be tempted to worry. In theory, I already knew He would take care of all our needs, it was just trusting Him to do what His Word says He will do.
A few hours later, as I was sitting at my desk at work, a girl came in to give me some music to look over for accompanying. She handed me the music along with an envelope with my accompanying fee money paid in full. I never expected to receive the full payment before I even rehearsed with her once! God provides.
Then, later in the day, Wes told me he had a paycheck waiting for him at the music store, where he had been working for a few afternoons in the past couple weeks. He had worked there before, and they had asked him to come in, just to have a few extra people during the busy back-to-school season. Again, God provides.
Just when we really needed it, God provided, like He always does.
Friday, September 2, 2011
graphic.design.maniac
After graduation, (thankfully after, and not before) my beautiful macbook pro died...completely. A storm went through and fried every part of my laptop leaving me with nothing, not even the contents of my hard drive. Needless to say, I have been very impatient to get a new computer. So last Saturday, Wes and I went to the Apple Store to get a mac mini. Now I have a brand new amazing computer to use for graphic design!
This past week, I have been working non-stop designing. I've really been enjoying it. First, I designed a logo for the band Wes is in, Sound Society:
I made two similar designs and asked for comments. After a few edits, the logo now looks like this:
After completing this one, Wes came up with a few other really cool ideas. We haven't worked through them enough yet, and it will take me quite some time to make once they're approved. But I'll be sure to post them once they're completed.
The second project I began is the logo for Wes and my little wedding music business. I've played violin duos with my sister for many weddings, but I've never played with string bass. I think it will be really fun to play with Wes for weddings (and good money, too)! Anyway, this is the logo that I designed for us so far:
And it's actually us on the logo! This is my second design idea for this logo, and there might be a few more changes before it's complete. But I think I like it so far.
This is all I've accomplished so far in the logo world, but I did experiment a little with Photoshop this week as well. During our visit to PA in July, we had a little photo shoot with all of us nine grand kids. The only problem was, Amanda and Emily couldn't be there. Since Wes was the photographer, he took group pictures with the seven of us that could be there, and left room in the photos for two more. The next day, we took pictures of Amanda and Emily by themselves. Then, I challenged myself to create a seamless group photo of all of us together. Can you tell who was added?
This past week, I have been working non-stop designing. I've really been enjoying it. First, I designed a logo for the band Wes is in, Sound Society:
After completing this one, Wes came up with a few other really cool ideas. We haven't worked through them enough yet, and it will take me quite some time to make once they're approved. But I'll be sure to post them once they're completed.
The second project I began is the logo for Wes and my little wedding music business. I've played violin duos with my sister for many weddings, but I've never played with string bass. I think it will be really fun to play with Wes for weddings (and good money, too)! Anyway, this is the logo that I designed for us so far:
This is all I've accomplished so far in the logo world, but I did experiment a little with Photoshop this week as well. During our visit to PA in July, we had a little photo shoot with all of us nine grand kids. The only problem was, Amanda and Emily couldn't be there. Since Wes was the photographer, he took group pictures with the seven of us that could be there, and left room in the photos for two more. The next day, we took pictures of Amanda and Emily by themselves. Then, I challenged myself to create a seamless group photo of all of us together. Can you tell who was added?
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