a part of the sacred romance

I get this daily subscription to "Daily Readings by John and Stasi Eldridge"....and some days its really really good.  Today was one of those days.  I think its because this is a concept I really havent thought about in a really long time...but the reality is:  IT'S  VERY REAL.  And that is what really drew me to dwell on it a little more, thus sharing it with you :)

He Spurned God's Love and Lost Everything

"Our enemy is the angel Lucifer, son of the morning, one of the first and highest angels God created. He is the antagonist in the Sacred Romance-the great villain. All other villains are only a shadow of him. He is the one God gave a place of honor and trust "among the fiery stones" of the courts of heaven and who sees God face-to-face even to this day. He is one who spurned God's love and lost everything good through the sin of presumption. His desire was, and still is, to possess everything that belongs to God, including the worship of all those whom God loves. And God, as the Author of the great Story in which we are all living, has mysteriously allowed him a certain freedom to harass and oppress the other characters in the play, sometimes in a severe manner.

In some ways, due to his great age and dark wisdom, Satan knows us better than we know ourselves. The one purpose of his heart is the destruction of all that God loves, particularly his beloved. He stalks us day and night, as the Lord tells us through Peter: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Peter makes it clear he is talking especially to believers, saying in verse 9, "Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoingthe same kind of sufferings" (emphasis added)."

(The Sacred Romance , 101-2)

 

 

neat. huh??

bookworm

I am about to start reading my THIRD book for this month!!!! Where do I find the time?  Seriously, I don't know.  I think that I am a very strangely-quick reader....because the only times I really find to read are in the slow parts of my day when I'm waiting on a patient/client or right before I go to bed.  But usually, I am so tired that I can't gather enough energy to even think about pulling a book out.  However, I have discovered a new author that I am absolutely in love with her style of writing, Deeanne Gist.  I'm pretty sure I've already blogged about her before, but I REALLY LOVE HER BOOKS!!! I'm on her third one, and already I am aching to see when she is going to come out with a new novel (even though I still have about 4 more of her current books to read).  But that's kinda how I am when it comes to authors.  If I find someone that I really like, I hold on until the pages are falling out of their books I have read them so much.  All and all, Lori Wick still remains my number one Christian fiction author.  But seriously, if you are looking for a really good read, check Deanne Gist out! She really is a very innovative writer.  I find myself utterly engrossed in each word on the page!!!! She's THAT good!!!

anywho....this is the first one I read....

it is soooo worth it!!!

this is the second...

very intriguing.  Absolutely kept me on my feet :)

and this is the one I'm about to start :)

multivitamin...check yes :)

So....recently I've become a little more concerned with the overall health of my body.  Not sure whether it is because I'm getting married soon (and will have to think of someone other than myself), but I've really strated thinking a lot about vitamins.  Call me a whack-o, but I do know that taking vitamins really is a great thing! So, I've decided to go on the search....

Here was the first choice :)

and here is what I ended up with :)

So....Now that I've got that under control....I am starting to take my vitamin...once a day of course.

money money money...yuck

What NOT to do on a Monday morning.....look up your bank account!!!!! Yeah, I just HATE whenever I think that I have a certain amount in the bank; only to realize that is TOTALLY not the case!  So right now, I am on a "no spend spree".  Hopefully this will last awhile. :)

But when I really think about it, I don't spend money on stupid things.  Most, if not all, goes to food and gas.  (ugh, the pains of a responsible adult).  I just hate the stress of money!!! (I'm pretty sure no one is a big fan, but I particularly DONT like it--which, I'm sure is a very irresponsible thing to say) Well, I said it.

What is really going to be hard is this fall.  There are a multitude of purchases I will be needing to make...the wedding is coming up, christmas, birthdays....fall clothes....(okay, probably can omit "fall clothes" [insert sad face]) But really, the fall is always a busy season for the bank account.  Hopefully, I can show some restraint :)

Of "Pride and Prejudice"

Hands down.  Favorite novel and film----PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!!! I get so inspired by the works of the lovely Jane Austen.  Ever since I was first introduced to P&P, I instantly became an avid reader.  I, for certain, attribute my love and passion for reading to this fine novel. 
What sparked this topic??? Well, there are definitely more women in my office than men.  Sooooo---- since my desk is right by the back door, I get to greet everyone the second they walk in the door.  This also allots me the chance to spark up any degree of conversation with whomever walks in the door first.  Well, I always have a book of some sort on my desk.  Today, I had a new novel by Deanne Gist/J. Mark Bertrand.  One of my co-workers asked me if it was good, and I was describing the type of author she is.  I started to tell her my love for a certain time period....and then that started the conversations about Jane Austen and P&P!!!!! Gosh, I have so much appreciation for people that share in my respect for reading.  And here's the clencher: a lot of people (not everyone) equate ":readers" with boring stuffy non-fiction topics, HOWEVER, while there are some REALLY REALLY good non-fiction books out there, I truly believe that fiction is really important also.  It's good to condition your creative imagination.  While knowlege is important, so is creativity. So,  branch out and read some fiction. :)

Thus, I have a favorite quote from P&P:
 "I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit. Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I was spoilt by my parents, who, though good themselves (my father, particularly, all that was benevolent and amiable), allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own family circle; to think meanly of all the rest of the world; to wish at least to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased."
--Chapter 58

The bolded part is probably one of my favorite lines ever!!! What draws me so much to the way Jane Austen wrote this novel is how in every line, whether it be a narration or dictation, you can sense and feel the devotion and adoration.  I love that with each statemet, there are so many meanings you can derive from them.  That, to me, is what makes it so real. 
Gosh, I wish I could write like that....Or really had the courage to just start outlining a book of my own!! I would love that creative freedom to just express.  What a talent!!!

new thinking

I've been really attempting this new thought proscess....It's on the lines of "changing my attitude towards my job, thus rendering my day more productive and positive" :)  And, well, it's actually worked pretty well these last few days (I really just started it Monday morning).  In truth, I don't hate my job.  I really don't.  It's just not an avenue that I feel super challenged in. BUT---I do enjoy certain aspects of it :) 

For instance, it's really quite laid back (which is really fortunate and nice).  I'm also learning a lot about a subject I really was not schooled in (nor really thought was that important).  But, I do love a cause and I'm really feeling like I'm helping people in different ways.  It's really been good for me to be optimistic towards life.  I have noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference in my day-to-day.  But I've also noticed that I really haven't felt the need to complain about mindless things that no one really cares about!!! So, even though it is only 3 days in....I'm thinking things are looking on the up and up.

Next---My head is just constantly killing me.  I'm really not sure what is going on...but I've got this consistent drone in the innermost region of my skull.  It's not everyday, but it is VERY apparent when it does decide to visit :)

Finally---It's papa's bday today!!! So I'm really excited about the bday plans for tonight!!! I just really really love and appreciate my family. There honestly is NOT a word that fully describes the love I have for them.  Bc I didn't choose my family, but am SO blessed to be a part of it :)

Happy Birthday Pops!!!

yes, i own crocs

So, I've recently re-discovered my love for crocs....yes, CROCS...as in, the rubbery-gardening-nurse-old woman-comfy shoey thing....Well, I must confess that this is actually my second pair of the things.  I remember it like it was yesterday when my mom bought be some BRIGHT PINK "original design" that were too big, but still SO COMFORTABLE!!! (I actually still have them--haha) but I genuinely loved them.  Now, let me let you know what I was wearing whenever I would wear them:  Rainy days in college.  Me, gauchos, fitted-T, bright pink crocs, red/black raincoat.  I really was a fashion icon on those particular days.  And, yes, I did say gauchos.  Remember when those pants/capris/skirts were like "the thing"??? I was seriously obsessed with them and still to this day have my same pair---original style, of course :)

Any way, this weekend while at the beach (shout out to the fam for being so spontaneous and fun!!!), we stopped at Foley in order to just "make a few purchases".  As we were leaving the polo store, my dad said that he wanted to go and check out the Crocs.  Well, that turned into Griffin and I going in and succumbing to the fact that crocs are very comfortable and thus, we needed a pair.  So....of course I didn't want the generic type.  No, that simply would not do.  I had to find the bright red mary-janes with the rhinestone on the side....hahaha.  Yes, my friends...when I do crocs...I do crocs....

And of course I am wearing them today with my stylish black scrubs :)  Comfy comfy comfy.  I seriously do think that everyone should invest in the $29.99 purchase.  I mean, you don't have to get the ugly clogs.  You can actually find a cute pair of ballet flats, wedges (yes, I know), or mary-janes (like me).  Seriously....its a great investment!!!

priorities

I just love it when you get the opportunity to re-realize what's important in your life....Well, tomorrow is my mom's birthday!!!! And, as you may/maynot know, birthdays are a REALLY BIG deal in my family.  I didn't know if I was going to be able to come for the entire weekend celebration, but in the end....it all worked out and I genuinely give all the credit to the Lord!!!

This particular season of life is difficult on a close-knit family....that's about to experience a bit of separation.  4 months until I'm a married woman, and to my family...things will change.  I won't be a "yell" away...they will actually have to call (likewise the same for me in return).  So, for me to have the opportunity to take two days off of work (when I really don't have any more days left) and be able to spend it with my family....AHHHHH I'm so excited!!! And the best part: Griff is coming up too :)

But I think it took this for me to realize that family comes first!

No matter what....I'll always have my family :)

listening

I like to think of myself as a good listener.  I' ve tried (over the past few years) to really stop giving my opinion so much...and just listen.  I think I've sort of got it down pat.  And truthfully, it helps me to process what the other person is saying in order to really be the most helpful I can be.  In doing that, I have started to develop a greater sense of what patience really is.  Trust me...not easy.  But I've noticed that careful listening really does bring radical change...and lasting fruit in my actions.  I've even noticed this in my walk with the Lord...
Lately I could totally categorize myself in James 1:23-24 "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."  It's like I'm given this impression that I'm growing in the Word, but im just simply growing in knowlege...thus, no real change.  So, I've really been focusing on LISTENING.  Letting the word sink into my hearts; meditating on it; building my life around it so that it will, in turn, become a part of me; defining my identity...and my behavior.
A lot easier said than done...but I love the results :)

sleepy sleepy sleepy

I am soooooo exhausted!!!!

I literally can feel how tired I am in the imaginary "puffiness" below my eyes....It's like a thickness that brings my head down.  Thus, all I can think about is sleep.....

and I have 3 hours left of work....how convenient :)

recap

So my extended weekend has finally come to a close :(And let me tell you, I have enjoyed (throroughly) every single minute of it!!!  It started out on Friday after work....Griff and I headed to Kosciusko for a relaxing evening with his folks (my future in-folks) before the crazy weekend began.  Saturday we woke up REALLY REALLY early to head up north.  When I tell you we were in the car for FOREVER...I am NOT kidding.  I honestly did not think that we would EVER get there.  I tried really hard to be enthusiastic and entertaining while Griffin was driving so early in the morning----but I ended up waking up 30 minutes later asking: "how much longer" :)  I'm sure he appreciated that...haha.  Well, all I can say is: it was worth it.  Every single thing about the lake, the boat, the people...was simply wonderful.  I enjoyed every moment of my holiday weekend at the lake!!!
But let me tell you----from the second we got there, we never stopped laughing.  If you can picture a 6'3" man trying to sleep in a 4x6 bed frame....yes, I'm exaggerating...but not really.  It was hysterical! I fell off the boat.  Yes, FELL.OFF.THE.BOAT.  Griff thought that I was "dead", so he jumped in after me.  I was laughing so hard I didn't get any water in my mouth :)  I think I fell in the boat about...hmmmm.....8 times.  I totally have the bruises to prove it.  Griff and I had to sleep in a different location every night but it was pretty funny.  We met so many wonderful people---I'm anxiously awaiting Independence Day 2011---I never thougth age 60+ could be so much fun.  Seriously.  I loved it :)
Then we made the trek back and cleaned the house...in preparation for all of my treasures!!! haha.

The weekend was capped off with a viewing of Eclipse.  I must say---disappointed.  The books are MUCH better :)