tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84791057511867979642024-02-08T06:26:15.770-06:00Thy Little Handmaiden~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-57711802027516780752013-07-27T23:09:00.001-05:002013-07-27T23:14:22.483-05:00Art Journal Take Two The following pictures are from the first art journal I started. I was broke and didn't have much. So I used a large journal and glued pages together to make them thicker. I glued three pages together then tore out three so that once the book is done it won't be straining the binding. <br />
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If you click the images they will enlarge and you will be able to see more detail. When I get a good laptop I will use my good dslr camera and it instead of my phone. <br />
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This is the cover. Painted it brown and used scraps of scrapbook paper and stamps. <br />
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The first ever mixed media project I ever did was this page layout. I used some face and eye sketches from a old sketchbook. I added magazine cut outs. And painted the background. The quote says, "Few are those who see with their eyes and feel with their hearts," by Albert Einstein. <br />
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This one was done with oil pastel. Inspiration was a random image someone showed me. <br />
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"Love is shown in your deeds not in your words. Love blooms where the whole world can see in, in your thoughts and actions." <br />
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Paint, chalk, scraps, ink, and drawing. <br />
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Chalk and stamps. <br />
"Hope is the thing with feathers, and perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops at all." <br />
Emily Dickinson <br />
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Pastels and sharpie <br />
"Let your creativity bloom" <br />
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First test with making colored wash sprays and sharpies. Oh and a stamp. <br />
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A collage piece. There are lots of layers in this one. Painting. Magazine cutouts. Stamps. The doll is made from napkins. Her body and face was ink. <br />
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Left over ink on stencils from a project. And practicing with new stamps.<br />
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Out of all my projects and art journal this is the page I dislike the most. It turned out too busy for me. <br />
I used thickers on a page. Covered it with polkadotted tissue paper and used matte gel to paste it over. Used some ink over the words to help them stand out. <br />
Added stamps and stenciling. And some buttons. <br />
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"Life is an adventure you must explore" <br />
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The heart on the left was a cut out from a page where I was practicing dripping ink. <br />
The words are lyrics from a song our worship leader wrote. My favorite. <br />
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Using a credit card to paint. Added some stamps.<br />
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Using cheese cloth as texture I felled it down. Then used sprays and paint. I also used modeling paste with stencils. Tissue tape strips and prima flowers were added as well. More stenciling. <br />
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And that's it for this journal so far! Any details you have questions about please ask! <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from iPhone~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-24976121561811733452013-07-23T22:14:00.001-05:002013-07-23T22:14:10.627-05:00BT: Beauty Blender vs Blending Sponge So tonight's Beautiful Tuesday post will be a comparison/review. <br /><br />The Beauty blender (actually a dupe) vs a blending sponge (generic form). <br /><br />Now several months ago I had read about the Beauty Blender. It's a pink (the original one is, it now comes in black too I believe) tear drop shaped sponge that you get damp then use to apply liquid or cream make up products. (Usually foundation and concealer) You put some product either on the back of your hand or on your face and then with a bouncing, stippling motion you pay the product onto your skin with the damp sponge. It leaves a great blended finish on you skin and works well with hiding blemishes. <br /><br />Now the original Beauty Blender is about 20.00 and will last around three months I think. The website isn't clear on this but that's about how long I used mine before it just got to the point where I felt I needed a new one. <br /><br />A friend did get me the original. And I loved it. I wish I had pictures for you but alas I do not. Warning, your foundation will stain the sponge material but if the water runs clean after you wash it then its clean. You should wash your Beauty Blender after each application of makeup. Beauty Blender even makes a cleanser for it. You can check it all out at their website beauty blender.net. I used a soft makeup brush shampoo for mine. <br /><br />Now, when it was time to buy myself a new one I didn't really want to pay the 20.00. There are dupes everywhere for it. Some look the exact same and some have a weirder shape. Sonia Kashuk (a brand at target) has one that's 14.99 I believe and it's the weird shape one. And then target had its own brand ( up and up) that looks just like it for 4.99. <br /><br />I bought the target brand. It was more budget friendly. Here is what is looks like. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/23/2146.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/23/s_2146.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Please ignore the badly chipped nail polish!) <br /><br />See! Weird shape! Oh and I had used it a couple of times before the pictures so you can see the stains I mentioned earlier. <br /><br />I did not like this sponge. One, I don't really like the shape. It felt awkward to me. Second, the material is completely different. It's much denser and heavier. It took more effort to get the blended look I wanted. <br /><br />The Sonia Kashuk one may be better but as I didn't like the shape to begin with I decided not to try it. <br /><br />But I wanted another one like the original. One day while I was at T.J. Maxx I saw they had a dupe. It was in a clear box. I have already forgotten the name that was on it. Something generic. <br />Anyway, it was teal and only 4.99. So I bought it. It looks like this. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/23/2147.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/23/s_2147.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I loved this! It's the same shape as the original. I feel like its just as soft and bouncy when I use it. I could not be happier. <br /><br />One of the things about the Beauty Blender that I find fun (because inside I'm still a little kid) is that when you get it wet, it gets bigger. Almost double in size, not quite. It's like those little dinosaur pills I had when I was a kid. You drop the pill in water and wait and the Dino would pop out and grow larger. Yeah, that's what it remiss me of. <br /><br />Here are some photos. The top picture will be it dry an the bottom is after I got it wet. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/23/2148.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/23/s_2148.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/23/2149.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/23/s_2149.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I tried to keep my hand the same distance for those photos. Not quite. But you can still see the difference right? <br /><br />Well, I hope this post helps someone. Let me know your thoughts if you have tried one or the other or are interested. <br />Any questions are always welcome! <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from <br />my iPhone<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-43963481718480596752013-07-20T22:54:00.001-05:002013-07-22T17:55:47.882-05:00Art Journal Take One Hey there! Today I decided that I would show you all one of my art journals. (I have four... Well five if you count my moleskine) <br /><br />Over the the next few Saturdays I shall showcase a journal and then as I add to those journals I will do updates. Sound good? Hope so. <br /><br />I apologize if the pictures aren't great. I'm using my iPhone. <br />If you have any questions about details, please feel free to leave a comment!!!! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2504.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2504.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is the cover of one of my art journals. It is actually the third one I started. It was sent to me from a friend off of a mixed media Facebook group. We did a swap where we had to create a cover and one page in an art journal four our partner. This is what my partner did for me. If you want more details about that, there is a video on my YouTube channel. <br />(createwithapurpose is my screen name) maybe I will edit a link here once I get on a computer)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2505.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2505.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is the page my partner created for me. My favorite part is the stitched look on the hearts. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2506.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2506.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is the first page I created in this journal. I was playing around with some new stamps I bought from Tuesday Morning and some home made color sprays. (Water and acrylic paint) <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2507.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2507.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I had a hard time getting this in focus to read. I did this page during church one morning. It was inspired by the song a friend was singing during service. I adore this song. I just used sharpies. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2508.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2508.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This one is just a background I did using Gelatos by Faber Castell. I was testing them out along with a stamp my mom bought me. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2509.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2509.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here I was just doodling with a black sharpie. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2510.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2510.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Another black sharpie doodle. This one was inspired by a picture a friend of my did and posted to Instagram. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2511.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2511.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This I also did in sharpie and was inspired by Pinterest. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2512.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2512.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Again, sharpie. I was practicing some zentangles. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2513.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2513.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Sharpie doodle, yet again. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2514.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2514.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I ordered from a mixed media/scrap booking company at the beginning of the year (feb or march ish) and wanted to use some immediately. So this page was created. <br />I did the tag first. Then the background on the page. Then over a few hours during commercials (I was watching a movie on tv with my mom) I would randomly add things.<br />There are stamps, crackle paint, scraps of paper, metal clock, stickers and stamps all on here. I also used some more homemade sprays and doodle pens. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/20/2515.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/20/s_2515.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And last but not last forever, here is the sketch I shared with you all last Artful Saturday. <br />Cheers! <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-7249355877949303462013-07-16T19:32:00.001-05:002013-07-16T19:32:05.546-05:00Wax on, wax off Cheesy title, yeah I know. But let's talk wax. <br /><br />Beauty is pain blah, blah, blah. I just hate plucking and shaving. Now I haven't had the chance to have my legs waxed yet but I will. <br /><br />Mostly I wax my eyebrows and yes I do them myself. I don't feel like paying ten bucks every two weeks when I can pay six dollars and have wax that lasts me several months. <br /><br />Someone asked me why pay for wax when you can make sugar wax with stuff in the kitchen. Now, I am all for trying all natural routes. I mean I stopped using shampoo and I make my own shaving lotion. So I gave it a try. <br /><br />I should have taken pictures, it was such a messy disaster. It took forever to cook. I followed the directions (it had pictures) and it looked exactly like the pictures. It was so sticky. But it wouldn't stick to my hair. At all. Nothing! <br /><br />So I caved and bought my old faithful wax by Sally Hansen. No, I can't pronounce everything in it but it works. I'm good with it for now. <br /><br />And that's all I got for Beautiful Tuesday number two! Now to go wax my eyebrows! <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-45373721433485605162013-07-15T17:50:00.001-05:002013-07-15T17:53:04.281-05:00Feeling a little Garfield Today was a day! <br /><br />I felt like I needed that shirt from Garfield that states "I hate Mondays." <br /><br />Working in a room full of nine tiny toddlers (okay some are not tiny) who can't use words so they have to scream and cry when you have a migraine makes you really want to skip the day. <br /><br />That was today. Today is Monday. I am not very fond of this Monday. <br /><br />So today, just call me Garfield. <br />Bring on Tuesday! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/15/2065.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/15/s_2065.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-80697445553109660462013-07-13T23:12:00.001-05:002013-07-13T23:50:05.615-05:00Last minute still counts right? Artful Saturday still managed to make its debut. About half an hour before Sunday! ;-) <br /><br />I'd been meaning to write a post all day. But the day snuck away from me before I realized. <br />So its not the repost of old art blog pieces and as random and last minute as this post is, it's still here! <br /><br />I thought I'd just share the last two sketches I did recently and a few artistic quotes I came across the last two day. <br /><br />Sketches first: <br /><br />This first one I saw is an arrow idea I'm tossing around as one of my arrow tattoos. I plan to have several small ones on random places but that's another post. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/13/2743.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/13/s_2743.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This second one is a little picture I saw on Pinterest and thought was adorable. The left side is the original and the right side is my attempt. It's called practice for a reason. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/13/2744.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/13/s_2744.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='272' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Generally I stay away from realism. Because it takes the most practice and concentration. Yet, I want to get better so I better stop being so lazy about it! <br /><br />Time for the quotes now! <br /><br />Which I also stumbled upon on Pinterest! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/13/2810.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/13/s_2810.jpg' border='0' width='249' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/13/2769.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/13/s_2769.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='92' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/13/2746.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/13/s_2746.jpg' border='0' width='215' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The second piece was a quote from Pablo Picasso. <br /><br />And that's that! I promise more forethought will be put into the next Artful Saturday post. Stay tuned! And tell your friends! Please! <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-11026309472576853052013-07-10T17:54:00.001-05:002013-07-10T17:54:04.600-05:00Beautiful Tuesdays : IntroductionWelcome to Beautiful Tuesdays! (Yes I realize this is Wednesday but this was all typed up yesterday and then my internet fizzled on me. So I'm posting it today!) <br />
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Today my post is more background than anything. The whys and hows of my beauty interest.<br />
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~~WHYS~~ <br />
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First of all, I am a woman. ;) I believe that women were given a special gift to see and make beautiful things. (Not that men can't) Beauty inspires us. It touches that soft spot in our hearts and makes our lips spread in that smile that radiates to touch the lives of people around us. Beauty is loving our family and friends. Beauty is found in revamping furniture or a room into a home. Beauty is having fun with makeup to look your best, not look like your friend. Beauty is pampering yourself and loving you. Beauty is being the best you possible. Beauty is NOT copying the magazines. It's NOT going broke buying the latest trends. Beauty is NOT starving yourself to have a size two figure. <br />
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"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes." <br />
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Love that quote, no idea who said it.<br />
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I believe beauty is a feeling, one that everyone, every woman and girl especially should feel. That whole "be your own kind of beautiful" isn't just a cliche. There is truth in that. You are beautiful. You just have to capture it and own it. And its up to you when and how you show it to the world.<br />
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Second, I'm a very creative/artsy person. And I treat my body like a canvas, one that I can recreate each day...sometimes twice a day. Make up, clothes, hair, jewelry...tattoos and piercings are all mediums that can be used to decorate the body with.<br />
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~~HOWS~~<br />
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I learned make up mostly through trial/error and of course, YOUTUBE. ;) It really is a great place to learn anything. (I also learned a lot of my art techniques from watching youtube) There are some seriously talented people that have youtube channels giving away information that is pretty easy to pick up and try on yourself. Though be warned, the more you watch the more makeup you might be tempted to buy. Just know drugstore is mostly as good as high end. <br />
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For my style, I just go with what I like. Yes, I participate in some trends. SOME. The ones I like and the ones that look good for my body type and personality. I don't wear things because they are IN right now, nor do I not wear something because its NOT IN right now. I wear things because I like them. However, I will admit that I have not worn something because its IN and I see it everywhere so much that its annoyed me. My wardrobe is about to get a major addition to it because once I start school in September I have to wear all black. I don't have any all black clothing in my wardrobe except once pair of pants. So off to Goodwill and sales racks. That's another thing, I don't have a whole lot of money to spend. The majority of my shopping is sales and thrifting, not full price.<br />
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Hair....what can I say other than Pinterest and practice. ;) Oh and of course YouTube as well. (Now you know what I do in my spare time huh?)<br />
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Well that's about it for now. If there are any questions, feel free to ask. I will answer. Please.. ASK!!! <br />
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<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-23688062591303218722013-07-08T17:19:00.000-05:002013-07-08T17:19:45.604-05:00Monday Musings: New Chapters Monday Musings.... Ya like? I'm sticking with it. Monday Musings will be my posts about my personal life. They will be updates, rambles, and thoughts from my own little head. Mostly.<br />
Along with Monday Musings, I will be doing Beautiful Tuesdays. These pieces will feature posts about beauty, (Hair, Makeup, skin care, clothes, inner beauty). Then on Saturdays, I will be updating on my art journey. For those posts, I have decided to start out by reposting some things from my other blog, the art one. Once I repost some of those, that blog will be deleted seeing as it will have merged with this one.<br />
I also thought I might do random specials which will have names later and be posted whenever inspiration bites. <br />
<br />
Oh, speaking of this one. I mentioned a new look in my last post. What do you think? A little more girly with a vintage aspect. Just trying this on for a bit to see how I like it. It may change again a couple of times til I find one I'm comfortable with. I want some opinions though when I change it. After all, I'm not the only one looking at this blog. Or am I?<br />
<br />
New chapter time!<br />
<br />
In about two months I shall enter into the Paul Mitchell world of Cosmetology! I've been up to my elbows in paper work and phone calls and finances the last week or two trying to see if this will happen. And God answered some prayers, my parents jumped on board as well so on September 16th I will be a Paul Mitchell Student. I go on the 15th of this month I believe to sign some papers and turn in my application and deposits. I'm ecstatic and this feels surreal. It may not hit me until I walk through those doors on my first day of class. My goal will be to try to keep you guys updated if you are interested.<br />
<br />
Well that is all for this Monday. Enjoy and leave feedback. Please! :) <br />
<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-22215187385107489142013-06-24T21:41:00.001-05:002013-06-24T21:41:19.623-05:00My Friend is Brilliant and Make Over<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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In my last post I mentioned trying to get better at blogging
as well as adding a beauty blog to the my other two blogs even though I find it
tough to keep the two I have up. I was talking to my friend about it and she
gave me a brilliant idea. I’m going to combine my blogs. It will be so much
easier managing the one blog and it isn’t the end of the world combining my
topics. In fact, it might be more entertaining. So this blog will be getting a bit of a make over/overhaul. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I had to think about how I’m going to do this. I could
pick certain days and do a certain topic on that day, like Beauty Tuesday,
Monday Musings, etc. This also gives me a deadline to work toward and I do well
with deadlines. They make things real for me. Or I could just do headings when
I start a post that way you all know what that post will be about. That way I
won’t be tied down to just doing that topic on a certain day….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I like the certain days though better. Deadlines
sound good to me. Now to just come up with names...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm also thinking if I will just start over on my art
blogging or import my other blog into this one. I haven’t decided yet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please, bear with me while I make this transition. But I
hope you enjoy this new journey with me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any suggestions on names of the certain post types, feel free to leave a comment. </div>
~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-81390855201597687682013-06-23T18:19:00.001-05:002013-06-23T18:22:47.955-05:00Never going to give up.It is more than obvious that keeping a blog current and up to date is a bit hard for me. I've always known that. It's been a struggle for a while ever since I abandoned Xanga. (Sometimes I miss those days - The days of being a teenager and having no life) And yet, I keep trying. Not only that, but I decide to try and run two blogs. This one and my art blog.<br />
<br />
Truth is things happen. I get interrupted and my ways of maintaining these blogs are questionable. My computer isn't the greatest (its actually a netbook) My internet went out for a while. I get lazy. My camera stops working or my crafty mojo stops (for the art blog)<br />
<br />
But no matter what there is still this lingering desire to keep trying to be a better blogger. Why? Who knows? Its not because the hype of blogging. It's not because I want to make money out of these blogs really. I don't even know that I want loads of readers (that would mean I would HAVE to write more often lol)<br />
<br />
I think its because there is something in me that needs to get out. I feel that I need to work toward something. I like to write. I like my art. I like sharing what I've learned. Thus I will keep trying.<br />
<br />
Oh and not only will I keep trying on these current two blogs but am highly considering another blog.<br />
I had tossed the idea around of giving this blog a make over. However, I like this one being my personal blog and I don't want to lose that. And I really want to keep up the art blog. But I also really want to do a beauty/style blog. (Like there aren't enough out there already) Mostly I want to do one for my friends around the world who want to get more into beauty things but haven't a clue where to really start and can't just go shopping with me whenever they want. :) You know who you are. ;)<br />
<br />
Yeah, so, this is me, trying again. <br />
<br />
Oh yeah, and I haven't forgotten that moleskine comparison yet. It's still coming. ~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-39265906645247928992013-01-05T21:38:00.000-06:002013-01-05T21:38:03.299-06:00Update and Moleskine adventureAbout the last post of mine speaking of working out and getting healthy....BAH! lol.<br />
I am eating more healthy now and might have lost maybe 5-10 lbs. But the working out was a bust. Messed with my knee about two weeks into it. So needless to say I abandoned it. Then the holidays hit. So yeah, that's that. My new plan is Just Dance 4 on our new Wii. It's definitely a more fun way of cardio and moving anyway and doesn't seem to mess with my knee as much.<br />
<br />
~~<br />
<br />
Well it's a new year! And with that comes fasting and preparation for this new year. For the first 21 days of January I am fasting some social media (facebook, pintrest, instagram). During this time I've started reading and going through the St. Ignatius Adventure book.<br />
<br />
~~<br />
<br />
Oh and I'm going to do my first review/comparison on here. It will be on Moleskine Legendary Notebooks vs. Markings by CR Gibson journals. I've ordered a Large Plain Moleskine from Amazon (currently waiting for it to arrive) and bought a Markings journal from Target. Once I have them both in my hands I will begin my reviews/findings on here as I use them both. I'm excited about this little adventure. First I want to see what the big deal among my fellow artisans and creative minded people is about the Moleskine and if there is a reason why its so much better than the Markings journal I see all the time at Target. At first glance they seem like the exact same thing. So I want to see. :)<br />
<br />
<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-12572736096892093802012-10-01T21:24:00.002-05:002012-10-01T21:24:34.037-05:00Sometimes being sore is a good thing....right?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Responsibility
is a word I think about often. Sometimes I miss the days when I was a kid and
the only real responsibilities I had were listen to my parents, have fun and do
my schoolwork. Then there are days when I wonder when I will actually feel like
an adult. I thought it would be when I paid my first bill. Yeah, no. Then I
thought it would happen when I moved out of my parent’s place. Almost, but no.
Then maybe when I finally got my own car and drove around a lot by myself. Not
really. Maybe it will happen once I’m married…I’ll let ya know when that
happens if I feel like an adult then. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I look back though, I feel (and have been told) that I
mostly carried responsibility well. It was just something you did. What I
haven’t done well is take certain responsibility for my body in all areas. I
was always a thicker child. Not really big but not skinny by any means. I got
curves early. In school it was easier to maintain a healthy weight, I did
sports until my illness took me out for three months my sophomore year of high
school. In those three months I gained like fifteen lbs thanks to bed rest and
steroids. Then my school got really small and was too small for many sports
after that. (Private school) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I danced for church and that helped me maintain but I never
really got smaller. I was okay with that mostly. But I never saw it as a
priority. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I moved back home last August from two years in
Master’s Commission. Things happened and I basically stopped dancing on a
regular basis. My back started hurting again as well. Here it is a little over
a year later and I’m disgusted to say I’ve gained about 20 lbs since being back
home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day recently God cornered me and we had a chat about my
responsibility to myself, to him and to my future family in taking care of my
body. Not only is it bad for my health but it’s bad for my ministry. I can’t
reach my full potential, I can’t be completely used the way God wants to use me
if I’m not in good physical shape. I had NEVER looked at it that way before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I had set a date
and picked out this cool workout schedule alternating dance and small weights strength
training (cause I hate running, tried it a few months ago and just can’t get
into it, maybe I’ll try again who knows) and then the day I wake up to start…I
have the flu. I know right? So now I’m having to re-motivate myself into
wanting to do this routine. I started today and I am so completely sore, please
pray. I’ve never been too big into exercising but when God put it into
perspective to me it means something to me now. As Paul said, the spirit is
willing but the flesh is weak. My flesh is really weak in this area. I have had
issues with weak knee and some pinched nerves in the past. I have to be really
smart about this and let the Jesus in me be my strength because I won’t be able
to do with without him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or encouragement/accountability. So if you are reading this,
every once in a while check on me, ask me questions and tell me to keep it up! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It would help if I was competitive like my brother but I’m
not really. So my focus is My Lord, my ministry and my desire to have a family.
I just have to take it one day at a time. </div>
~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-59734393873503314752012-08-28T09:39:00.001-05:002012-08-28T09:39:29.548-05:00Complete opposite sides of emotions. Our emotional capacity amazes me. The Lord made them so intricate and our mind/heart is able to feel so many things at once. Especially women. That is one of our gifts, the emotions of God., we as women are his heart so to speak. That doesn't mean men can't feel a vast array of emotions so don't stick that between my lines please.<br />
<br />
Last week was the launching of New Life Church's life groups. It was fun. It had a tailgating theme. Football team logos were everywhere. Photo booths were up and on full blast. You had a photo session and then it printed two strips. One for you to keep, one for you to pin to the life group board of your choice. There were so many to choose from. I ended up picking two actually. One meets every Monday evening and the other is every other Tuesday evening. I couldn't choose between the two so I'm going to try both out.<br />
<br />
Last night was the first night for the Monday group, Heart and Soul. It's an all women's group (so it the other actually) and all the women are in their 20's. It was a great night. Mostly introductions. You know, everyone sits in a circle and goes around telling a little bit about themselves and then kicking themselves later cause the realized they forgot they should have said "blah" but instead the said "blah". So, here I am, listening to everyone and thinking that someone ( or more) is this room could end up being a life long friend. There is potential for really strong relationships. I was excited. I was also scared out of my ever loving mind.<br />
<br />
See, before Master's Commission, I made surface friends. I grew up in a place where friends left, or I left a lot. I didn't get too tied to anyone for the fact that I knew they would leave and I didn't want pain. Then in Master's Commission I was pushed to understand and make real relationships. The kind that are going to hurt but you know they are important so you fight for them. It actually took my second year before these relationships got really solidified. And then when I moved back home. I was stuck. I really had a hard time missing people. And the friendships I had before MCs just weren't there to try and delve into deeper. I tried with one girl but life is fast paced and while we are great friends, she's not exactly someone I can go to for advice really. Not yet at least, one day I hope our friendship reaches that point. And there weren't a lot of people left at my church at the time that I had relationship with. A lot had left. And the culture there is not about relationships anymore like it used to be. And so then My parents and I made the decision to follow God where he was leading us to NLC. I came to life again. I realized I had felt dead, disconnected despite the efforts to get plugged in.<br />
<br />
At New Life it was home. It reminded me of the atmosphere of MC's. Of CLC. You walk in and immediately you feel like you belong. We started finding places we could serve, and we felt wanted again. That was Easter. However, despite feeling wanted and needed in the Church, I was still missing that intimate connection of a close friend. But I knew God had his plans and I kept waiting for them to unfold. I'm slowly making friends.<br />
<br />
This is where the emotions came in. I was sitting there at my life group, scared out of my mind because I realized that I was going to be opening my heart to these ladies. The insecure thoughts of "could I trust them" and "will they hurt me" and "was I strong enough to do this again" and several other questions raced through my mind. And at some point, a girl was sharing a story that had similarities to mine and I heard God's gentle reassurance. This was worth it. Because I risked it three years ago, I have some friends that I hold so close to my heart now and would do anything for. To add to my heart more people like that...it will be worth it.<br />
<br />
Add to that scared and excited feeling the feeling of sadness. Because while I was contemplating these potential relationships, I was extremely missing my classmates. Thankfully, there is technology and they are only a text or phone call away. :-)<br />
<br />
Sigh. Yes I just typed a sigh. Because that about sums it up now for me.<br />
<br />
I am just about finished with a book, "Let Me Be A Woman." Expect a blog post reviewing that book to come soon!<br />
<br />
<br />~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-21399835735459279742012-07-06T20:57:00.000-05:002012-07-06T20:57:04.421-05:00Other side of mePlug Alert!<br />
<br />
I've recently started another blog and while I will still keep this one up, I will probably post in the other one more! And as it is centered around the journey of a great passion of mine, I would really appreciate those of you who follow this blog, to follow that one if you are interested in getting a peek inside my crazy creative mind! And spread the word to any one who might be artistic because I'd love input and for others to share with me their creative journey! Thanks.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the link to my other blog. <a href="http://create-with-a-purpose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Create With A Purpose</a>!~ Laura ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/12602775882241127515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-53128323731843963942012-06-15T12:19:00.000-05:002012-06-15T12:19:48.491-05:00Season of Change<ol class="keyword-result-list" style="text-align: center;">
<li><strong style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%203%20&version=NIV1984">Ecclesiastes 3 </a></strong><br />
There is a time for everything, and a <b>season</b>
for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a
time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, ...</li>
</ol>
<br />
I can say that, without a doubt, I am in a season of change and of new beginnings. I have been in this season since moving from Oklahoma City (where I had lived for two years, in case you are just now tuning into my life) back home...with my parents...in Conway, Arkansas. That was this past August. Which was almost a year ago. Wow.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it hasn't been easy. At all. So much has happened. It has been a time of constant transition. And I am not sure I handled it as gracefully as I should have. I know I didn't do it as gracefully as I wanted to but then again I have high expectations for myself. You could say that it was the beginning of my trip off Mountain MCOKC to the Valley of Starting Over.<br />
<br />
First, there was the adjustment to living back at home with my parents. Yay!.... lol. No, I am thankful for this most of the time. But often I am hitting up against a wall. The wall of Adulthood. I am 24 years old, and have lived on my own. I have lived in a completely different state than my family, had a completely separate life from my family. I have bills that I pay (God always provides) and have had 'adult experiences'. I am, in most people's eyes, an adult. However, I am, and always will be, my parent's child. I am in their home and they still take care of me in some ways. I do carry my weight around the house, and do my share and more to keep up with the responsibility of the home. I do not consider myself a 'free loader' and neither do my parents. Yet, there are still times where that line of child/adult gets blurred. Usually, when butting heads against my mom. But I love her. I know she loves me. But its still an adjustment for all involved.<br />
<br />
Second, there is the reinsertion back into my Church. Having been away for pretty much three years, ( I didn't go all that much the year before MCs due to college and a case of apathy) it was not the church I remembered. Staple people in my life from that church were now no longer a part of the church. God had called them away for His reasons. New people had been called into the body. People who were still there that I knew had changed quite a bit in the years I had been gone. So, in essence, it was like entering a new church. Because, in reality, I had changed quite a bit as well. I am not the same woman I was when I left Victory to go to MCOKC. And people didn't always realize that. I came up against the very expectations I was warned about. However, the Lord gives grace. :) I had a vision of what the Lord expected from me now. And so I met with Pastor Paul and Pastor Robbie. I wanted to serve the church and wanted to carry on their vision, especially the Generational Transfer part. After all, the congregation supported me in going to MCs so I wanted to give back all that I had learned. We talked and things seemed like it would go well.<br />
However, it did not. Doors just did not open like I expected. So I dealt with it. I prayed, I waited. I sought the Lord and counsel from others in my circle. I was blessed in a having a relationship with a very dear man, Rick Cramer, who was doing the Sunday School for teens and young adults. He really blessed me both in encouragement and finances to open up prophetic art. Where there were no funds, he donated. It really blessed me and he has forever touched a tender place in my heart. Still, I was restless.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, what it came down to was that God was preparing me for a bigger change. If all the doors I wanted to open had opened I would not have been in a position to open the door he was about to open for my whole family. Dad called a family meeting so to speak. Which is very rare in my family. He opened his heart about how he felt God calling us to a new church body. He asked us to pray with him about this and to seek God. So for a couple of weeks we did. It all fell into place. The Lord was calling us away from Victory Fellowship. It was bittersweet. Victory Fellowship is a dear family of mine. It was my first home church. It really opened my eyes to deeper levels of intimacy with the Lord and different facets of my life. It was where I began to blossom. But just like I had to move to a different garden for a season to do MCs, I was now switching gardens again to go to a different church. I will always love the people of Victory. And I believe I am still in covenant with the people of Victory. The verse that God finally had to show me to help me make the switch was <strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14:26&version=NIV1984">Luke 14:26</a></strong> “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." Now, this does not mean I'm supposed to hate Victory and its congregation. But it means I have to put God and his leadings ahead of what I want, or others expect of me. It was hard. I can't explain how hard.<br />
<br />
So the third major transition is a new church! New Life Church in Conway is our new place of ministry. And the Lord has given me and my family a love for the ministry and it's people. God definitely gave us grace and favor. It is a breath of fresh air. It is where we belong for this season. And we have been with NLC since the Sunday after Easter. My brother, who has been with the church since he joined Cadre two year ago, is a vital part of their Cadre program and the major transition that it is going through. My mom has already started working with the Little Life program, (for infants to five year olds) helping with their worship service part. And I have been given a paid position to run Blends, their coffee house. I just started training today. And it has definitely opened me up to get to know the people I am going to need to know. I feel like I have an inkling of why I am at New Life. But it will be a joy to watch God's plan unfold as he clicks things into place.<br />
<br />
The fourth transition was my job situation. To me it was a small transition but sometimes the way other people handled it was stressful. I started working at the daycare that my mom works at. It was a nice job, nice pay, nice benefits and I loved what I did. However, it started to play on my heartstrings a lot! There were a lot of stress factors that began to build up and eventually I got the okay from the Lord and my parents to quit that job. It took a while but I found a temp job with a temp agency. But it was hard on my eyes, it triggered lots of migraines and in the end I was just not keeping up with their expectations and quotas. So I was let go. Grace was given to me for that, I was actually relieved! But then came the stress of trying to find another job. Most the time, I was able to handle it. I knew God has his reason, his plans were in the works. It was a game of do what I feel I need to and...wait. I only had one big bill, my brother's car payment and I had already taken care of it. It was paid off before I got let go. The other bills which were my phone bill and driver's insurance were smaller and my parents helped out and was able to babysit here and there. Now, I have a part time job with the church and it will take care of those small bills plus be enough to take care of my personal expenses. I may or may not try to get another part time job in the evenings if I feel I can handle it. But for now, I'm adjusting to the current routine. <br />
<br />
I do believe this is the beginning of the ascent up out of this current Valley and onto another Mountain. Their may be a few more Valleys on the way but the Lord is with me, leading me step by step. And that's all I need.<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-72985138485844237892011-09-14T12:44:00.004-05:002012-02-03T10:14:15.057-06:00Pretty Is Not EnoughPretty is not enough....
So the new Bare Escentuals commercial got me thinking. The slogan says “Pretty is what you are, Beauty is what you do with it.” I was curious about that statement and captured by it. I asked the Lord why? It sounds weird and like its telling people that who they are isn’t enough. So then I researched the slogan and the company.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/business/media/for-bare-escentuals-pretty-isnt-good-enough.html?pagewanted=all
That’s the link I read. It tells of how they picked the models for the campaign, not on what they looked like but on personality based questions the models had to answer. The company never even saw the models they picked until they were getting ready to shoot the campaign ads.They wanted to make sure they had role models not just models. One they picked was a volunteer firefighter and another was a mother of three who played basketball and rode a motorcyle. They wanted real women who did real things. They also did not retouch the models. They left in every wrinkle and imperfection that might be seen as bad, but because it spoke of their life lived, they called it beauty.
” “We can all be pretty, but beauty is an action,” said Leslie Blodgett, the executive chairman of Bare Escentuals. “Hopefully it’s a rally cry for ‘Don’t just be pretty and sit there and get your picture taken and do nothing.’ ”
And this got me thinking about the Kingdom of God. God made us special people, he gifted us and we are his sons and daughters. We ARE. But most of us sit around and do nothing. We sit in our churches and listen but then go home unchanged. We blame everyone else for why nothing radical is happening but we don’t realize that it is up to us to live radically to see radical things. So I’m encouraged. A son or daughter is what we are. But we must do something with it. We must put it into action, we must live it out.
I don’t think Bare Escentuals intended to cause that kind of thinking but I know I thank God for that little nugget of truth at the most random time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-91805045776344163202011-07-09T20:43:00.002-05:002012-02-03T10:14:56.604-06:00By the word of their testimonySo here are a couple of testimonies I had to write about Tour this year and the trip to Costa Rica. Later when I have more time I shall write more about my experience in MCs this year and try to include the bigger lessons I've learned along with the few mentioned in the following paragraphs. Enjoy~ <br />
<br />
<br />
"Last year during tour I had to deal with my knees going out on me and I learned how to let the Lord pull me into him and use his strength. This year going into tour I had 12 pinched nerves. I couldn’t understand why the Lord was letting this happen to me again right before tour. But through all the confusion and hurt, I once again relied on the Lord. His grace on me knows no bounds and I believe he took me to a different level of relying upon him. There is no way I did any amount of dancing of my own accord. Every move I made happened because of Christ living in me and having grace on my body. Through the pain and tears I was able to see the Lord’s hand in everything. Lives were touched through the dances and I can’t take any of the credit which is how it should be. Because of this, ALL of the Glory had to go to the Lord. There was no saving any of it for myself, I couldn’t claim anything. It was cool to see that people were responding to the God in me, instead of just a cool move I’d learned to do. <br />
<br />
Costa Rica was a different experience than tour in drastically different ways and I cannot really compare the two and do justice to either. I still had pain but had learned to push past it with the Grace of God. It was easier to allow myself to be swallowed by His Grace in order to move which left me able to focus more on people. And they were desperate. The people of Costa Rica left such an impression on me that I felt convicted. Here these people were, running to the Lord for any type of prayer they could get. Several people on several occasions had no complaint or purpose for asking for prayer other than the soul reason of seeking an encounter with God. Do we do that here in America? I know I don’t. Normally it takes a moving of the Lord to get me to go up for prayer…or for that matter, it takes someone coming and getting me! How I want to be that desperate! To be a sponge that will soak up any drop of water someone decides to let drip. They were truly precious and I know the Lord had encounters with those people. How do I know? Because they were desperate for one and kept seeking until they got it."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-42951418481167153382011-06-09T07:55:00.000-05:002012-02-03T10:15:32.915-06:00AHHH! Are you for real???WOAH. Today we leave for Costa Rica! I still can't believe it. I'm up and packed and got passport in hand (so to speak) but I still don't believe it. Someone pinch me! It seems like we just got back from tour and now we are off again on one of the greatest adventures of our life. Lord, I know you will provide a great outpouring of your anointing and spirit. <br />
<br />
I'm excited...really excited. A little nervous. I'm kinda lacking in the Spanish department, though I have to admit Jessica Camenisch is a great teacher and I've learned loads in one week. I'll be staying with host homes that don't really know english. Talk about out of comfort zone. But it will be great because I have to totally depend on the Lord. Jesus hold me cause I'm freaking out...in a good way. <br />
<br />
Ariana and Moises...here we come!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-71638159212346833432011-03-22T06:57:00.001-05:002011-03-22T07:01:23.052-05:00By the Word of the Lord...We will demolish every evil thought that tells us we are worthless. We shout and proclaim that in Jesus Christ we are priceless- we do matter in this world. <br />
(2 Cor 10:5)<br />
<br />
We declare the tearing down of the false idols Baal and Asherah. No longer will we give our children as sacrifices to Molech. <br />
<br />
We are crying out for those whose voices are being silenced. There is hope for the unborn and it shall not be cut off. <br />
(Prov 23:18 & Prov 31:8) <br />
<br />
The womb is intended for God's creative action of life, not man's destructive action of death. <br />
<br />
We are ambassadors of Reconciliation and declare that Love is long suffering. So be strong, be brave and don't give up for those whose hope is in the Lord shall be given renewed strength. <br />
<br />
(3-18-11)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-74741478766782679992011-02-02T11:31:00.000-06:002012-02-03T10:15:46.646-06:00Untitled and UnfinishedGlass warped, a house of fun.<br />
Lack of sun cast shadows bright.<br />
And all I see is me<br />
With no chance of the Great Light.<br />
Looking into the glass,<br />
Mostly dark are the days. <br />
And it hurts the most because<br />
What I desire isn't holding my gaze.<br />
Blue eyes stained black cast cold glances.<br />
And when I dare-<br />
When I take the chance...<br />
Death entreats me as I stare.<br />
<br />
So my sight shifts and<br />
for a moment I'm fine. <br />
My eyes briefly glimpse<br />
of the Man so Divine. <br />
Too quickly He fades<br />
Back to the glass my eyes fall<br />
Anger rises. <br />
This is not what I want at all. <br />
So I take a deeper look <br />
locking my resolve<br />
determined to take stock<br />
of the problems I need to solve<br />
<br />
A smile that's cracked<br />
spilling forth lies and deceit <br />
Eyes that judge<br />
looking down on the weak<br />
Ears that push <br />
the mute button too often<br />
clogged with whispers<br />
of He who's Fallen<br />
Disgust brims over<br />
into salf flavored twin rivers<br />
My anger shakes me<br />
and my reflection looking at me shivers<br />
<br />
It's then I realize<br />
I'm holding the glass tightly<br />
my hands bound to the frame<br />
white knuckles not budging slightly.<br />
In shock I convulse in agony.<br />
A deep-retching groan <br />
starting and resounding<br />
from somewhere within my very bone. <br />
"This is not what I want!" <br />
I yell-falling to my knees. <br />
"Remove what is before me!"<br />
I gasp for clean air to breathe. <br />
A scream rips through my throat. <br />
I slam the glass into the floor. <br />
Over and over, repeatedly, once more.<br />
Til my knuckles are bloody and sore.<br />
Still my hands do not let go.<br />
In despair, I sit and cry.<br />
Droplets fall off my chin, splashing on broken glass.<br />
I can't do this, I realize. <br />
<br />
Then calloused, warm hands cover mine<br />
Gently they release my pain-removing my grasp <br />
from the broken frame. <br />
The same hands cup my face<br />
and a soothing voice calls me by name. <br />
I'm free from the power of the mirror.<br />
In my gratitude I glance <br />
to the face of my savior.<br />
"What can I do for you?"<br />
I ask, thinking of a song or dance. <br />
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A gentle smile.<br />
A soft chuckle.<br />
His arms wrap around me<br />
cradling me close to him.<br />
"Sit with me and just Be."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-33976092919089831532011-01-10T14:20:00.000-06:002011-01-10T14:20:18.498-06:00A word Picture1-9-11<br />
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Sitting on a hill waiting, being still but by no means doing nothing. I am silent, my soul is quiet, my spirit actively listening, waiting, resting on God.<br />
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The wind begins to move. I feel my hair rustle at its presence. The grass surrounding me tickles my legs. Birds chirp and sing their song to the Father who created them-who takes care of them.<br />
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The warmth of the sun kisses my skin-tenderly caressing my face.<br />
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I sit. I wait. I am still.<br />
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The wind picks up and I can hear it whistling in my ears. My hair delights in a dance around my face, stray stand ticking the back of my neck and cheeks. Contrasting with the warmth of the sun, the wind takes con a colder feel, briskly brushing my skin.<br />
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Slowly the sun's embrace lessens as the wind wins its cold battle. Clouds close over the sky, covering the earth in a dark blanket.I am separated from the sun's warm rays and the center stage now belongs to the wind as it makes its voice heard loud and howling. My hair no longer enjoying a lazy dance but now thrashing around me quite violently. The brisk chill of the stinging rush of wind has my skin rising in goose bumps.<br />
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Off in the distance rumbling growls of thunder speaks to the howling wind, forming a conversation of a bitter, threatening kind. My spine stiffens at the approach of a storm and my soul urges me to move from my spot on the hillside.<br />
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I sit. I wait. I am still.<br />
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I strengthen my will, for my spirit is calm and remains wanting to listen to His voice.<br />
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My head jerks slightly with surprise as a cold droplet of rain splashes against my cheek. I take a deep breath deciding I really should move. A whisper cuts through the screeching wind--wait, be still...remain.<br />
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I steel my resolve, not understanding but willing to obey. My mind screams against the soft whispers as my spirit clings to the reassuring softness. My eyes close tighter and my spirit rises above my soul. I wait.<br />
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Droplets fall faster now, harder against my skin. My clothes are slowly soaking--the wet cold chilling down to my bones.<br />
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My body shivers, my soul screams, but my spirit remains still.<br />
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Thunder begins to drown out even the beating of my heart. Lightening cracks and I jump at the harsh sound. The wind rushing against me makes it harder to sit still now. My hair that once danced in the air now sticks lifeless to my head, dripping water onto the rest of me. the ground beneath me gets softer and I can feel myself sink a little into the mud. I'm thoroughly soaked and the wind is buffeting against me. Rain drops feel like small pin pricks now as the cold is determined to beat into me.<br />
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My body shivers, my soul screams, my spirit stays still.<br />
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And then I hear a song. Its soft, barely audible as it is carried on the howling of the wind. But I can feel the melody deep inside as it finds me. It grows louder- a steady build against the roaring of wind and thunder. Lightening strikes and my eyes jerk wide open. Scorched earth smells off to my side and my heart stills. But the song regains my focus as I realize I'm singing the melody. The song is within me and bursting forth being carried by the wind. Soon the rain slows down and I feel the clouds break.<br />
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The sun greets my face as a long friend who has returned to me. Off in the distant sky color catches my eye and I see a rainbow. It's faint but beautiful none the less. The wind has slowed and the rain has stopped. I watch the rainbow, grateful for its faint whisper of beauty. Do my eyes deceive me though or are the colors getting brighter? Maybe my eyes are adjusting...no the rainbow is growing in size--its getting closer. The colors are becoming more solid the closer the get to me. My breathing speeds and becomes shallow as the rainbow moves closer to me. Its rushing me now and my body braces for a crash.<br />
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The colors collide with me and break apart. Its a symphony or colors moving around me each having its own song or melody, some singing a harmony as they dance around me. I can feel them pass through me even as well as see them move in elegant grace around my body. Laughter bubbles from within me and pours out of my mouth as this glorious display of affection envelopes me with His joy and His life. I feel a healing presence and a comfort that I had not before. The wind is now gently dancing around me, helping the warmth of the sun dry me out.<br />
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My spirit rejoices. It was still and was rewarded. The storm passed and did not harm me, yet I did not have to lift a finger to save myself. I did not strive. I did not trust in my own soulish whispers but remained in the voice of my spirit. I waited through the storm and was presented with a presence of God like I have never known. A precious gift to me given by my Father, the Creator.<br />
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My soul screamed, demanding to be heard. Had I listened I would have missed it all.<br />
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My Spirit was still and in the waiting I saw the Glory of God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-33541976423133311462010-09-27T20:36:00.000-05:002010-09-27T20:36:44.614-05:00That's who I am?Has someone ever told you their first impression of you and it shocked you? <br />
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Or how about someone telling you that you sound one way when you think it sounds a complete different way? <br />
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Or maybe you said something and meant it one way but the person took it completely different? <br />
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I think we all go through something like that. But what is it about us that thinks we sound normal when really that phrase that just left our mouth came out completely rude or harsh to everyone who heard it? <br />
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Is it pride in us that tells us we sound fine? Are we just products of our culture or family atmosphere? <br />
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And when we realize that this is a problem and we try to fix it but nothing gets better, what do we do? <br />
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We pray for God's help and grace right? <br />
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Well, what if I've been doing that for a year and yet still get told that a lot of my remarks come off sounding harsh and rude? <br />
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What then?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-25767866998034297752010-09-21T17:38:00.001-05:002010-09-21T17:40:36.044-05:00On your mark...get set....GO!And we're off! <br />
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Literally this year has taken off at a fast pace and it will be all I can do to keep up. In fact, the only way to keep up is to make sure I'm running with God. So much has already happen that it is overwhelming a bit. God has sure set the pace for us this year and it's not just a sprint but long distance sprint. <br />
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Induction went smooth and the Lord was speaking freely. It was awesome. Gary and Sandy Cake were with us this weekend and gave us a message that I will be digesting for years as I realize what it means for me and my generation. <br />
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I'm so excited though. This weekend as we inducted Laurie, Tim and Melissa it became clear that this was a strong class that God hand picked for this year. It was even spoken over them that they would start where our class left off instead of having to start over at step 1! That is such a testament to their character and strength in Him. I'm so honored and blessed to be a part of this year. <br />
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Bring in on Lord. Just stay with us!<br />
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9-21-10Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-51618798048973164172010-09-13T17:05:00.003-05:002010-09-13T17:18:12.408-05:00Back to the Beginning, but not quite...I'm back in Oklahoma city. The place where I started my amazing journey to find my Lord and King as my Father. The year was truly a blessing without measure or words to explain the depth of my findings. I can say that I came out of the year with glorious treasures. <br /><br />I didn't make writing here a priority like I wanted to but I'm going to try again. Here I am this year, not as a student but as an intern but I know God has so much more to teach me just in a different way this year. I'm excited to see all that he does in the three students for this year. I'm amazed that I get to be a part of their journey. <br /><br />Coming back to Oklahoma I find myself reunited with four of my classmates: Levi and Mel join me as Interns, Ryan and Hannah complete us as Externs. It's wonderful but also bittersweet as we are missing vital parts in Sarah, Ariana and Joseph (!Brightside! He belongs to the church so we shall see him often) <br /><br />Tim, Laurie, and Melissa W. will be joining us Saturday as students and a new family will become a work in progress. <br /><br />Many things have tried to stand in the way of this year but through all the sadness and pain we have come to remember that it is not unto death but unto the Glory of God. He has plans for this year and so far they are getting my blood pumping in a way that only His creativity and joy can! I'm so excited to see what this chapter of my life will tell, writing it shall be more of a priority this year as I plan on making this part of my journaling experience; combining technology with my leather bound greatness of paper.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8479105751186797964.post-49569605409884317202010-01-27T15:34:00.006-06:002010-01-29T15:53:37.042-06:00Otter, Beaver, Golden RetrieverCholeric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Melancholy<br /><br />Ever heard these terms before? <br /><br />How about D, I, S, C? <br /><br />Or even Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever, Beaver? <br /><br />Temperaments. These are all different ways to say the same things about what a person's tendencies in life are. We recently took a personality test here at MCOKC. It was very insightful and interesting to see how what people's personalities were and how accurate this little test can be, generally speaking of course as there are always exceptions and not everything in one personality will describe you completely. <br /><br />For those of you who are reading this (and by the way thank you!) and have no idea what I am talking about, I will explain. <br /><br />Everyone has a personality, everyone has tendencies and little quirks that help make them who they are. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. This quiz is helpful to know yourself as well as know those around you and how to respond (not react) to one another. <br /><br />Choleric (D, Lion) people are usually very take charge kind of people. They can be described as determined, dominant, dictators, and powerful among other things. They like to be in control and have things their way. They generally are your problem solvers, leaders, risk takers, direct and decisive. They can be innovative, will place high-value on being on time. They can also overstep authorities, be a bit argumentative and will try too much at once. Their greatest fear is that they will be taken advantage of. They are very direct in conflict. <br /><br />Sanguine (I, Otter) people are the 'fun' people. Everything revolves around having fun. They are known as being influential, inspiring, talkative, and are generally popular. They are people oriented and very carefree. They dislike being controlled and are pretty loud. These people tend to be very enthusiastic, persuasive, optimistic and emotional. They are creative problem solvers, great at encouraging others, good motivational speakers, and have a pretty good sense of humor. They also tend to be more concerned with what others think of them as they are doing something rather than on the something they are suppose to be doing. They tend to zone out on others and be inattentive. Their greatest fear is rejection and they run from conflict. <br /><br />Phlegmatic (S, Golden Retriever) people are steady. They are loyal, mediators, easy going, and peaceful. They like to take the easy way and are very service oriented. They are calm and cooperative until a sudden change happens and the boat is rocked. They also like to procrastinate. These people are usually good listeners, team players, understanding and friendly. They tend to be a bit possessive but very reliable and dependable. Patient and empathetic can be used to describe them as well. They resist change, hold grudges, but are good at reconciling conflicts when they are not involved. Their greatest fear is loss of security. <br /><br />Melancholy (C, Beaver) people are competent, dedicated, thinkers, and perfectionists. They like things to be done the right way and are very analytical. They tend to be introverted and have high standards. Usually, they are very deeply gifted but they have mood swings. They are accurate, conscientious, careful, precise, fact finders, and systematic. They are pretty even tempered but very emotional. They are thorough and like to define things. They need clear cut boundaries for action and relationships. They can be bound by procedures and methods and can get bogged down in details. While they are emotional, they prefer not to be open about it. Their greatest fear is being criticized. <br /><br />So if you haven't guessed by now, my title represents what I am in the order I am. I am very high Sanguine, then Melancholy and a little Phlegmatic. Apparently I didn't register high at all in Choleric like I thought I might (and as Larissa thought I would too but I probably didn't because I was in Master's Commission) <br /><br />Anyway, the importance of this test and finding out what all goes into your personality is to know yourself. Once you know yourself, you can better relate to others. And once you know others' personalities, you can better relate to them. It was interesting to see all my brothers' and sisters' personality types and then think about how we relate to one another and how I should relate to them in the future. Things about each of us seem to make more sense. <br /><br />Another cool thing about this test was to see people in the Bible that have the same temperament or tendencies as you. My results were David, Gideon, and Naomi. Pretty cool since I was once told I had a David's heart. =) <br /><br />So here I am: Otter, Beaver, Golden Retriever!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0