Childhood on a bike.

 

         
        Now. There are many who don't quite understand the meaning of a bike. A apparatus for exercise. A mode of transportation. A item for neighborhood fun. Maybe even a strange tool to get away. But for me, a bicycle is the means I use to dream. It is pen I use to write a fairy-tale, the magic carpet I ride as means to sail through the sky, and the shooting star I harness in order to flit through the galaxy. So much excitement for a simple bike? Yes, and I'll tell you why.
           I'm sure when I'm older, I'll look back on my years as a teenager and mostly remember my time on my bike. That's what will come to mind. My high school years may be a bit blurry, but the time I spent on my bike will be crystal clear. If people asked me to describe my 16th year in three words, "bicycle" would be one of them. Yes, bicycle is a noun, but what would happen if we turned it into an adjective? For me.... bicycle would mean dreamy, free, exhilaration. Me and bicycle dreams. When you ride down the paved sidewalks, past the green manicured lawns, with the wind kissing your face and the breeze billowing through your hair, your cares are left behind. You literally ride away your worries.
           Sometimes as I ride by bike I grab on to the nearest limb of a tree and get a handful of leaves. As I continue to ride I let them slip away from my clasp one....by one....by one.... until they're all gone and blown away into the breeze. Just like the leaves, my worries leave me as I ride on my bike. So this is why I treasure something as simple as a bicycle. It causes me to dream and takes away my worries. What is better than that?

Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift and Civil Wars

I remember tears streaming down your face

When I said, I'll never let you go

When all those shadows almost killed your light

I remember you said, Don't leave me here alone

But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes

The sun is going down

You'll be alright

No one can hurt you now

Come morning light

You and I'll be safe and sound

Don't you dare look out your window darling

Everything's on fire

The war outside our door keeps raging on

Hold onto to this lullaby

Even when the music's gone

Just close your eyes

The sun is going down

You'll be alright

No one can hurt you now

Come morning light

You and I'll be safe and sound

Just close your eyes

You'll be alright

Come morning light,

You and I'll be safe and sound...

Christmastime... its here?

Already. Its here. And I honestly can't believe it. When I was a young girl I counted down the days til Christmas. Several months before, I'd state... 87 days til Christmas. But now, I have just realized, Christmas is 5 days away. I still have my gift shopping to do! Its quite ridiculous how late I get off for Christmas break this year. I'm still not on break yet. One more midterm to go. I guess its been the stress of five huge tests weighing down on me that has prohibited me from being able to get into the Christmas spirit. Even without midterms the last few week have been been rather wonderfully eventful and yet, still very wearing on me as well. I mean, excitement can exhaust the human soul. To be honest, I just need to survive the next 24 hours, I really can't wait til tomorrow is over and all the tests are done. Only then can I happily hibernate in my bed for several days and then wake up to a room full of presents. Christmastime is here.

Patient Endurance

"Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised." ~Hebrews 10:36

Life and its Curveballs.

           I should be doing homework. But instead, I couldn't drag myself to do it, so instead I'm here, writing my feelings. Mounting them onto the transparent wall of the internet. So, my life? Well, this year has thrown me many curve-balls. I think I have things figured out. I think the ball is right about to head right over home plate, I swing at it.... and miss. The ball curves and hits me unexpectedly. I just don't understand my feelings anymore. Things seem to change like the wind. And now my life has become a bit more exciting and confusing. Now, I'm not complaining, because I always wanted excitement, but life becomes a bit twistier than you expect sometimes. We can't see what's coming. But there is One who does.
          You see, in all my confusion and blind walks into life, I should have sought God for the answers. He's the only one who knows which way the balls curve and what new excitement our life will hold. So as I search and senselessly try to figure things out, God has it all in control, I only need to call on him and seek Him for the answers. He won't reveal the whole picture, but just enough to trust Him and follow His commands. In fact sometimes He leads us with nothing else to go on except the faith we have in Him. Sometimes, its just a matter of trust and obedience. Denying our wants and earthly wisdom and accepting everything he has called us to do.

16.

              1 month and 17 days. Then I turn 17. As weird as it may sound, I'm kinda sad to be another year older. When I was 6 years old I dreamed of the day I'd turn 16, thinking I'd have a cat, a car, and a boyfriend. I have none of these. And I'm happy. Instead I have 2 rabbits, a permit, and some really amazing friends. My 16th year was not as good as I thought it would be, It was better. I experienced a mission trip to Haiti, made more friends, got more invovled in church outreaches, and now, several weeks before my 17th birthday I will be heading out to another mission trip, this time in Mexico. So 16. Wasn't so bad. In fact, I don't ever want to leave this age, but before I fully commit to this year and longing to be 16 forever, I need to remember 17 could be even better. So 17, soon we'll meet, and when we do, promise me you'll be as good to me as 16 was. 

Where has class gone?

          Remember years ago when women had class. When they help their head high with the respect of many. When they had beautiful and modest style and believed in goodness. When ladies had poise and elegance. They said profound words and held their own, not a care of if the world thought ill of them. One of these ladies I believe is Audrey Hepburn. In fact, she is the reason I adore my middle name Audrey. She had class. She had deep thoughts and witty sayings, as she said thinks like,

“I believe in pink.

I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. 

I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. 

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. 

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. 

I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” 

               She was the definition of class from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to "Roman Holiday" her acting career made her famous and her outlook on life... even more so. I wish the world still had some Audreys in it. Modern-day Cinderellas.

A song for everything?

Some say she's got a song for everything... so maybe she does.... Wish I could be this enchanted...

Bucket List - Climb a Water Tower

             Yes, the idea of climbing a water tower has always excited me. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who feels this way. I mean, imagine climbing up, up, up and way into the sparkling blue. The victory you feel when you've reached the top and you can see the entire countryside from the peak of the tower. The exhilaration that pumps through your veins when you've realized that you made it. Now, I've never experienced this, but it just sounds so riveting. Of course, this is against the law unless you know the owner of the water tower. So basically, I either have to become besties with a water tower owner or become a criminal in order to complete my bucket list. O well, one can dream...

Guard Your Heart

Vintage Movies

                              


                          Recently I've been trying to watch some of the more classic older movies. I started with "An Affair to Remember" with Cary Grant. Amazing movie. Could bring you to tears. This movie...(sigh)... was amazing... honestly probably better than any movie a girl could ever see. Next I watched "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn. I believe this was one of the first movies she had debuted in. The movie was actually filmed in Rome... there's no green screen in this one. Its absolutely darling, although I wasn't as fond of the ending of this movie... oh its happy alright, just not as settling as I thought it would be. Lastly, this weekend I experienced the one, the only... "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. It leaves me at a loss for words... amazing ending, wonderful actors... just moving... trailer is below. 

All Smiles

The cold weather and excessively fun weekend ahead of me puts me in all smiles today. Its just one of those days where you ride your bike down the street singing along with your tinny sounding iPod with no care in the world. Of course the cars passing you probably think you're a bit loopy, but in all actuality you're just happy to be where you are with everyone who surrounds you. That's how today is. A day where all I want to do is relax and enjoy the cool autumn breeze while basking in the radiance of the sun. I guess I'm a bit corny... but that's how dreamers are sometimes.

Michael Buble' Christmas...

                Yes, its the beginning of November and Thanksgiving still won't take place for a few more weeks, but I honestly will always believe that its never too early to start listening to Michael Buble's new Christmas CD. Its much nicer than his last one and listening to his soothing voice just send chills down my spine. So here, I've given you a little taste of it below.

Always a child...

             It's true, I will always be a child at heart. Sure, in life we must move on, grow up, and be mature enough to handle our own families eventually, but for some reason I will always believe in fairy-tales. I honestly believe that if Cinderella was a real person, she'd be my role model. I mean, she had such a sweet heart, she put up with evil step-sisters, and even when clothed in rags her kind heart and natural beauty shined like diamonds. And well, we also can't forget that a single pair of shoes changed her life. Of course it helped that she had fairy-godmother and was friends with mice that could sew. But even so, against all odds, her life was drastically changed. One night at a dance (she didn't even have a date!) and the next week she marries a prince and becomes a princess living in a beautiful castle. Thank goodness Christ did the same thing for us. One day a we're a wretched sinner, the next His glorious bride for all eternity. That's truly a "happily, ever after."

Halloween.

                  It's Halloween today. Many Christians view this day as an evil holiday that's good for nothing. But let's rethink this. Every Halloween I help give out candy to small adorable children. However, along with the candy, we also give a Christian track. Basically we change something viewed as dark and evil and make it an opportunity to share Christ. 
                I personally have had many fond Halloween memories from my early years. I remember getting all dresses up as a rock star, Tweety Bird, or baby bop from Barney and then heading to my school's harvest carnival. I would then enjoy rock climbs, slides, spinning rides, and tons and tons of candy. Some Halloweens my family and I would also carve a pumpkin and set it out front. So as I type this I'm preparing candy and smelling our Pumpkin Pie Yankee Candle. Its a good day.

No?

              I'm going to be very honest here. I absolutely hate saying no. I hate it. Its so hard to disappoint someone, to know that you have let them down. Many people also take no's as... rejection. And the fact of the matter is this... No's aren't always rejection. No sometimes means "I'm not ready" or "I'm happy how things are now" or even "Not the right timing." But you see, no matter how kind you put it people always take "no" the same way. I'm someone who hates to hurt others, I always want to liked by others, and make everyone happy... so saying "no" is hard. Hope you understand.... if its possible. 

Brighter than the Sun...

This video makes me smile, I honestly wish my house was as full of plants and flowers as the one in the video...

A time to cry...

                  We, as Christians, many times feel that we must somehow hold all our problems and bear them all alone. Yes, we understand that God is in control, but we keep all our heartache and brokenness to ourselves. We don't want to "bother" others with these kind of encumbrances. We don't want others to feel "weighted down" by our own problems.... so instead we say everything is great and go on to ask about the weather. We sidestep the honesty of the question "How are you?" and simply answer with the typical reply of "I'm good" or "Everything's great". Even with trustworthy friends, we feel it easier on ourselves and others to not bring up our problems.
                   I am so lucky to go to a Christians school where I can regularly attend small groups every week. I also am very thankful for the girls I have in my group and how open we've become with each other. Today, during our small group time many of us (myself included) became very emotional. We had been holding in things in for so long it was great to pour out our feelings towards God and to give Him everything. To share our pains with one another, to relieve our burdens. That is what the church is all about. Bearing each others burdens, giving our pains to Christ. Sometimes in life you just need a good cry. And that was what today was all about - crying out our sorrows and expelling our despondent afflictions.


"Tears are words the heart can't say..." (Unknown)

School Work and Daydreams

             I've found it especially hard lately to keep my mind focused on school. I sit there staring at my computer screen trying to write a paper or finish a research project and my mind just drifts. Its incredibly annoying, but enjoyable at the same time. Homecoming week is coming up and I've already bought my dress for the dance. I keep thinking of that enchanting night and the excitement that's coming and I just loose focus a bit. Its probably not healthy. But even so, I thought might post some pictures. Below is a picture of my dress :)

Now Here's the hair I'm aiming for.

And the eye make up... (Smokey/cat eye...)

And here's the shoes... classic black heels.

Let's just establish I'm a bit too excited. Anyways, I'd better get back to my homework. 

Where do we run?

                Where do we run in trying times? Do we run to the open arms and comforting words of our friends? Do we confine in the luxuries of sweet and savory foods? Do we collapse into the warmth of our sleepy beds? Or do we instead cling to the strength of our Creator? Unfortunately, I seem to always place God last on the list when I'm needing comfort. I seek friend's advice, relish myself in "comfort food", or loose myself in a romance novel, trying to forget my worries. Eventually after shoving my feelings under for long amounts of time or simply not knowing where to put my heartache, I break and pour out my frustration on the Lord. Wouldn't it have been easier if I had just given him my struggles daily, and let Him lift my burdens continually? Wouldn't it be less painful in the end to give my heaviness and confused heart to the Lord regularly?
                This summer I went through many different hardships, many of them were things I had never thought to ever encounter in my life. During these struggles I poured out my heart to the Lord, wept bitterly, and cried out to him, yet I never asked him to heal me and take my burdensome heart. Months later, after the summer had ended I found myself crying still about those problems, wondering why I still was so scarred and despondent about the trials I had encountered then. I longed to share my hurt with anyone, I longed to run to friends and pour out everything that had happened. Yet that was a luxury that was not granted to me. I was supposed to keep my family's hardships between us in order to protect and support them. I complained to God, asking why I was not allowed to share my hardships with a physical presence rather than Him alone. He slowly revealed to me that although sharing your heart and mourning with others is needed in many situations, I was also called to respect and protect my family and keep the specific details of what had happened between the family and no one else. He then called me forth to lay my sadness upon him and put my heavy burdens in His strong arms.
                So where do you run? I now know, it it best to lay the problems I have at the alter of Jesus Christ. He alone is the amazing Comforter. And He alone can heal our heartache and weariness.

Picture Perfect?

What will it feel like when we're together?
          How will we show our love towards one another?
                    Will he be handsome and strong?
                              When we share that first kiss, will it be pure and innocent?
                                        Will I be a better person because of him?
                                                  When will he step into my life?
                                                            Will he hold me in his arms?
                                                                      Will the wedding be sparkling?
                                                                               How will he draw me closer to God?
                                                                                      Will he make me feel special?
                                                                                               Will he twirl me around the dance floor?
                                                                                                        How will I draw him closer to God?
                                                       
          Will it be... picture perfect?

The "Fall"-ing of Leaves

               Fall is beginning. Summer breezy afternoons are soon fading into windy autumn days. And for most of us, leaves are beginning to fall. Shades of orange, red, yellow and warm brown fill the trees. Pumpkin spice is smelled throughout our homes. Well for most... Unfortunately, not I. I live in Florida, yes the state full of retired older citizens and tourists. A land with no seasons. So while most of you have cool and brightly colored falls, white Christmases, and blooming springs... we only have two seasons... Warm summer and cool summer. Sure it sometimes gets into the 40's for a week of the year and into the 70's for a month of it, but mostly it's 80 degrees and above here. Yes, it can be nice swimming in your pool in December, but the fact that I've only made 2 snowmen in my life and never gone sledding or had a real snow-ball fight is really quite depressing. One white Christmas is all I ask for. Every year I pray for a Christmas miracle, that it would snow. Last year it actually frosted for one day and the dew on the grass froze.... IT LOOKED LIKE SNOW... but it wasn't.                                 
            Yes, sadly we have no seasons where I live, but our humid tropical climate is surely one to visit. Please visit us here in sunny Florida, taste our oranges, visit our beach-side shops, and of course, go snorkeling in our sparkling waters, but please, know this when you visit, there's no southern hospitality here, and most drivers on the roads are very grumpy. But still, please visit. Its beautiful and warm all year LONG. 

Another face?

              Going to a larger Christian school, I sometimes find it hard not to be just another face in the crowd. I honestly don't want to simply blend in. I'm not someone who has to be the center of the attention, but I still want to be known for originality. Its really quite hard. My school is absolutely amazing along with every single person in it. Its just sometimes I feel, that I'm.... boring. too serious. not exciting. And...


Just... nice. A "nice" girl. There's nothing wrong with that. Its just I wish that I was a bit more unique than "nice." Am I the only one who feels this way? I would like to be all those things I write about... winsome, enchanting, captivating, mysterious, the list goes on....
           Yet when I feel this way, He reminds me... There is no one like me. I am special in His sight. I am loved and cherished and adored by the Lord of all. I absolutely love the video below it basically sums up my testimony, a life of slavery towards striving for perfection and being accepted until one day I realized that God was revealing to me all along that I... am free.


http://vimeo.com/17039126 <--------- please watch.

A week of dresses.

                 This is certainly not a fashion blog, however I do like to integrate my taste in my writing so, I am going to share with you something, I have never told anyone this. Okay... get ready... If I could, I would wear dresses every day. I absolutely love the feminine feeling of wearing them. I like the fact that when I put on a dress, I feel like a lady. I just want to twirl around in dresses all day long. Okay, so I don't live in a story book but, I just wish that girls today dressed as well as they did in the 50's. I wish we spent time to wear dresses and skirts. Obviously, I live in 2011 and my wardrobe basically consists mainly of jeans and ruffled tank-tops, maybe a few skirts or so... very few dresses unfortunately. However, if I had the money and time, I would just wear dresses. So below are the 7 dresses I would choose if I had 1 week to wear only dresses.

1. Sunday 


            Okay, so this dress is white and lacey, perfect for a Sunday. I've always thought that white is the color to wear on Sundays. You need something with a feminine touch (the lace accounts for this) and then the white to tie it into the the purity of the day. Unfortunately, as I've grown older I've found it hard to wear dresses on Sundays, but this dress is absolutely gorgeous. So white. On a Sunday. I think yes.

2. Monday


            Mondays. Don't we all love them? Of course not! On Monday it is absolutely important to wear a dress that you are comfortable in. Something more casual and cute. Most people come back from the weekend in drab clothing just hoping to get through their Mondays. If it were me, I'd were something to catch their eye. Navy stripes on the top and bright red bowed skirt on the bottom. Beachy with a hint of pretty.

3. Tuesday


              Tuesdays. The week has just started to get going. Today its all about work. Now when I'm older, I'd like to be a teacher. Unfortunately some teachers think that denim floor-length jumpers are in style. Maybe in the 90's? This modern dress has a denim look to it, yet is sophisticated with ruffles. Basically it remodels the elementary teacher look. Plus the thin leather belt also gives you and hour-glass shape. Who wouldn't want that?

4. Wednesday


               Now we're mid-week. Typically I head straight from school to church, so the dress I choose today has to be able to easily able to be dressed up. With these specifications I've decided this dress works quite well. Its bright and beautiful, sweet and romantic, and pulled together with a a comfortable fit. Floral skirted bottom and white slightly ruffled top. Everything about this dress screams girly. 

5. Thursday


            Thursdays. I think that besides Mondays, these days are the worst days of the entire week. Why? Well, you've already been going to work/school for 4 days now and its not even Friday! Most people wear frumpy clothes on Thursdays. So, today is a day to dress cleanly. I've chosen a pearl colored dress for this day. I absolutely love this. Its petite top and fan-like bottom is so cute. Perfect with a cardigan and a pair of brightly colored flats.  

6. Friday


           I think this dress looks like one right out of a Tiffany's store. The color. The style. The bow. I love everything about this dress. Out of all 7 dresses, this is my favorite. Of course, we save the best for Friday. My favorite day of the week. This dress is also very versatile. You can wear it out even after work or school. I can just picture myself in this dress on my first date, having lunch under a tree in the park, chatting about everything under the sun... okay maybe I'm getting a bit carried away here. But I honestly adore this dress. So cute.

7. Saturday


        Saturdays are always more casual. I've chose a fun ruffled salmon-colored dress for this day. It goes well with my skin tone and of course I've always loved ruffles so nothing's wrong with this dress. Lovely dress. Pair it with some strapped sandals and a messenger bag... sounds like a dress to go shopping in.

173 days.

       
              On September 17, my church put on a young woman's conference called the JANE event. It was all about defining who we as young women are in Christ. Our day consisted of for main sessions and 2 break-outs, and lunch/ cookies refreshments. The day was amazing. All girls. No pressure. Just a day to take in all the honest truths of who we are. One of the break-outs I visited was called "Like-Minded - finding your other half." I took these 3 things away from it:

    1. Guard you heart (Proverbs 4:23)

    2. Do not awaken love until it so desires (Song of Solomon 8:4)

    3. Walk in purity (Proverbs 31)

             At the end of this session, the main leader challenged us girls to take a break from pursuing romantic relationships with guys and pursue our relationship with God further instead (for 6 months to a year). After she said this first, I thought "this is possible, I've never really dealt with romantic relationships with guys anyways, so no problem!" Then I thought, "What if I take this vow for 6 months and a guy finally starts to pursue and like me? I don't know what I would do..."  In either situation, I must admit I will really need God's strength. 
            I want to keep my vow to Him, so that means no dates for homecoming, no small crushes, nothing. But in a way, I'm actually excited. I'm excited to enjoy the next 6 months pursuing a strong relationship with Christ and my friends and even getting ahead in school. Sounds extremely boring you may say. Well, life's not always exuberantly fascinating, but its being happy with the little things that make it so fun. So here I start my journey. 173 more days to go.

To be... adventurous

              

                 I know that sometimes I wish life was more adventurous. Its true, wouldn't life be much more exciting with more adventure along the way? Adventure is what is the heart of all life. The greatest adventure there is to live begins with simple acceptance. Accepting Christ. Many put this down, they say that those who accept Christ live a "boring" or "protected" life, but in all actuality Christianity is what true adventure is all about. 

                 Is rebellion adventure? I do believe so, that's what gets our hearts racing and our blood pumping. Christianity is not a religion (yes, its a relationship...) but more than that, it is a rebellion against the world and its standards. Anyone can trash a hotel room and get drunk, but Christianity, now that's true rebellion. And thus, it is adventure. It makes your heart race sometimes. It is the most exciting journey you could ever take. Because God is always faithful, but excitingly unpredictable at times.

To be... romanced.

                    We not only long to be lovely, but we also long to romanced. We long to be cared for even to our core. To be loved and romanced for who we truly are at heart. We want someone to come along and sweep us off our feet. To take us up in a hot air balloon or simply to a day at the zoo. We want another to care for us in a deep way. But what we should also never forget is the greatest form of love shown to us. By the Creator of the universe. He reached out to us and showed us unfathomable love. He has romanced us. And he will never let us down. He is the true romancer.

To be... lovely.

               

                We all long to be viewed as...lovely, to be beautiful. Isn't that the desire of a woman? And what we absolutely hate is indifference or apathy. We long to be desired and noticed. We dream of things like descending a spiral staircase in a long flowing dress, and then stunning a crowd below. However, we don't only want others to see an outward beauty, but we also want them to view us because we are beautiful at heart. To have a heart that radiates loveliness and beauty onto those around us. That, is to be...lovely. 

We remember.

                10 years ago, I was sitting in my first grade classroom. It seemed like any other day. We went to lunch, played at recess, came back and practiced our reading... then a phone call from the office changed everything. My teacher explained to us with as much calmness as she could acquire that in a city far away, 2 planes had hit to large towers and that many people had died. That day, I wasn't allowed to watch the television and I didn't really comprehend the entire situation, but I knew something was wrong.
               Now as I look back, I understand. Yesterday, for the first time I watched the attack on our World Trade Center that happened ten years ago on September 11, 2001. As I watched, I saw the pain and terror of the Americans as they tried to run for cover when the South tower started to collapse. I saw mothers running with their strollers while smoke and fire flashed through the sky. And my heart broke. A little less than 3,000 souls were lost that day. What struck me hard was this, in war we attack each other's armies, who can defend themselves, but those terrorists attacked innocent civilians, who could not defend. Our attackers tried to steal the American pride that was strongly upheld in our large cities. Yet they did not succeed. Though many were killed, the weeks and months that followed this tragedy brought the American people together. Countless people risked and lost their lives for others that day. American heroes were brought about even from the rubble.
               Today, I remember all those who were lost and who gave their lives up for their fellow citizens. I hope we remember their courage.I hope we also will remember that even after this horrific event, our nation once again was the United States of America. We were one unified people. After that day, we were changed. We gathered and prayed together, despite our differences. We were one. So now, let us move forward with courage, yet never forget those who died that day. And let us always remember that He was still there with us through it all.

A bit bored.

               

                I'm admitting this. Right now as I write this I'm kind of bored. Not with blogging, but in general this school-year has been basically drama-free. Such a blessing, but its just been a little "uneventful" lately. You know those days where life's so stressful and you just need time to think about things? I haven't had one of those in a while, and you might wondering why I'd want that, but I honestly have nothing to think about. I lay in bed at night and there's no questions running through my head, no confusion, nothing. Its a blessing in so many ways, also considering the past summer I've had, but still I still long for those adventurous times. I never like the slow parts in life. I know life's a marathon, not a sprint, yet there are times when its just slow and routine. I'm sure you can agree with this sometimes. I'm not one of those girls who thrive off gossip and school drama. I'm not "boy crazy" either. But there are still times in my life when life gets eventful and exciting. Right now is not one of those times. 

                In many ways, it surprises me how much I long for those "riveting" moments in life. Until now, I never really realized how much I love adventure. The thought of being stuck in a situation, and then solving the dilemma, becoming a hero...  it sounds in many ways sounds very appealing! God created us to long for adventure. Yes, even us girls! God has set the desire of adventure in our hearts. 

"Eve is standing right there when God gives the world over to us(human kind). She has a vital role to play; she is partner in this great adventure. All that human beings were intended to do here on earth- all the creativity and exploration, all the battle and rescue and nurture- we were intended to do together. In fact, not only is Eve needed, but she is desperately needed." ~Captivating

                   God created us to be needed in a great adventure. I forget that. I forget I'm needed. I forget I'm in an adventure. Because let's be honest, life can get a bit repetitive at times. Still, I'm pressing on, praying for something eventful to happen. I let you all know if my life takes an exciting twist, but for now, its just a bit slow, good, but slow.

Can you breath?

                   Some scenes seem to be right out of an storybook. They take your breath away. This is one of them. The sparkling water. The small Italian town. Boats floating out in the azure water. Cliffs, sunshine, rolling hills... beauty. Some days I dream myself into a beautiful place somewhere far away. Nothing's wrong there, only beauty and love exist. Adventure is around every turn. The sun does not always shine, yet when it does rain, there's always a rainbow out. Nights are filled with auroras, and the sunrises and sunsets there are beyond anything you've ever seen. Slight breezes are off the bay and the smell of jasmine always fills the air. In the evenings crickets sing sweet symphonies. In the mornings birds chirp soothing songs and awake the sleepy town with their beautiful melodies. And of course, what would a beautiful town be without those you love in it?
                    In this town there's my family, and friends, and loved ones. And of course, what's a dream without the love of your life? I haven't found mine yet. Yet here, he waits for me. I can't see his face, I only can feel his strength and love. Then I realize, its not his love and strength that calms me as I wait for him, yet its the Lord's love. He romances me with His endearment while I wait for the one that will one day come and sweep me off my feet. But even though, this place is what many may call a "happy place" and does not exist, the love and strength that I dream of, does also exist in reality. God sends it to me each and every day. 


Dreams don't always come true, let's be real, yet God's love is better than any dream... and its a reality.

Bicycles.

I just love them. Bicycles. Aren't they amazing. Here you are, riding your bicycle all through town, running errands and throwing groceries into the basket on the front. Or how about renting a bike and riding around an island all the while being such a tourist in your sun hat and beach dress. Or how about riding to the park for a picnic lunch? In any case, for some reason the idea of bicycles have always fascinated me. I also love those cute couples that take their wedding/engagement photos on the back red bicycles. So cute. So classy. So me.

Bicycles have also been a statement of fashion with a "vintage" touch. You see them in countless photo shoots, magazines, & old movies. Want to make a statement? Grab a bike.
                          

Glimpse beneath the surface of others

                Okay, what I'm about to say is very important so perk up your blog reading ears and listen closely. Many people in this world (including me) are much different beneath the surface if you just take the time to look. Wouldn't we love to be searched out? For someone to take interest in us? To see who the real person is behind it all? There are times that I wish people would dig deep and see who I truly was. Who took notice of little things I liked and took interest in finding out my passions. We all would love others to glimpse at us beneath the surface of our life. So let's go deep with others.
               So. It might seem a bit strange at first doing this, but looking beyond what's given is so important. However, it also means giving up all pre-conceived ideas of the people around you. It means not believing the nasty rumors you hear about others until you get to know them enough for yourself. It means not following the "status quo". It means changing your culture. Our generation has stopped the deep and beautiful relationships that once existed and instead replaced them with "skin deep" superficial and fake friendships. (Fortunately I have been blessed with some amazing friends!) And I guess that's why my friends and I get along so well. We see each other for who we truly are. Our friendships are not merely based on outward appearances and shallow conversations, but rather something more deep founded in Christ.

"Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow..." ~Isaac Watts

                How did Jesus view those He met? He surely searched beneath the surface of the tax-collectors and the "unwanted" by his society. He called the widows, orphans, and little children unto himself. He didn't care what others had said, he searched the heart and knew the soul of everyone He came in contact with. That's our job. 

Do not be so shallow to miss the beauty hidden beneath the surface of a person's soul.

Searching beneath your own surface.

               So many times, we see someone for what they are on the outside and how they generally act. Our relationships with others are just "skin deep". Do we look beneath the surface? Do we search out the real person beneath all the fronts and masks? Sometimes I believe that we tend to stray away from doing this because we're afraid of what we might find. We also know that the idea of someone possibly knowing the depths of our being is far too much to risk, so why would we want to search for that in others? Here's the thing. Its important to know others for who they truly are inside and beneath the surface, yet this can only happen when you take the time to look beneath yours.
             Now, I can't fully explain to you how to examine yourself and find out who you truly are, all I know is you are who God created you to be. Some of us (not all) have masked the qualities and personality that God has given us and tried to be someone else in order to fit in with "the crowd." The world has wounded us, shoving us to the floor telling us it is worthless to try and be ourselves all the while having the approval of others. But here's the truth,

"You are the glorious image-bearer of the Lord Jesus Christ - the crown of His creation. You have been assaulted. You have fallen to your own resources. Your enemy has seized upon your wounds and your sins to pin your heart down. Now  the son of God has come to ransom you, and heal your broken, wounded, bleeding heart, and  set you free from bondage. He came for the broken-hearted captives. That's me. That's you. He came to restore the glorious creation that you are. And then set you free... to be yourself."
~From Captivating (John and Stasi Elderedge)

               That's what God put beneath our surface.. God wants to see us free from hiding. So before we move on to searching beneath the surface of others, let's get it right with ourselves first. God will heal your wounds, He'll renew you heart. So let the restoration begin.

Mystical.

               

               Mystical. Magical. Mysterious? What is enchanting? Is it the sun as it sets across the ocean? Or the moon that shines upon the sea? For some reason, I've always loved moonlit nights, misty mornings, sunsets, city lights, clear blue skies and well, anything else you'd put in that category. It just seems sometimes that God's showing off. Giving us a taste of what's to come. I don't know why, but have you ever had that feeling where you look up at the moon and you just know somewhere far away your future husband could be looking at it too and somehow in that moment... you're connected. It's probably just me, yet its warming knowing God has someone out there for me. And that too is mystical and mysterious. The idea that God knows who you'll be with in 10 years and what you'll be doing. What a mystery! He's writing the story of your life. He's turning each pages and twirling the pen through his fingertips as your life goes along. The author of all. 

             Sometimes I feel like a hopeless romantic. I just fall in love with beautiful scenery. I love seeing pictures of places that seem like they're right out a fairy-tale. It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. So yes, I guess you could say I'm in love with anything magical in this earth. 
            Have you ever seen the last part of the movie pride and prejudice? It reminds me of this kind of magic. There it is, a beautiful morning. The sun just rising through the hills. Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darby walking through a field and meeting each other in the center. Mist swirls beneath their feet, the sun shines between them. And in one moment, they enclose for a kiss. A pure and beautiful sign of affection. (the first kiss they've shared throughout the entire movie). What makes it so beautiful is the fact that it's the kiss that seals their engagement. They have saved it for the one they'll marry. The one they love. I hope my first kiss will be that beautiful. Pure and mystical. Saved for the one I will marry. Yes, I know this world is not like a story-book fairy-tale and things don't happen quite like that. Yes, I must engage in reality, but still one can always dare to dream.