So I started my new job yesterday and now I sit, with legs elevated, not wanting to move! Ok, I am being a bit of a child about this... but I am on my feet for 8 hours straight AND I have to do it in nice shoes. Right now, I am sticking to flats and maybe one day, I'll wear heels- but probably only if I am asked to. I am taking recommendations for nice-looking, comfortable shoes... suggestions PLEASE!
Thus far, I do like the job and think it will be a good fit for me. I have also decided to participate in an online creativity course. There are a lot of these out there and many of them are expensive but appear intriguing. It is something I have always thought- I'll have to buy a course for _______. When this one came across my computer screen this morning, I thought I'd better commit before I get too scared to. Of course, I've just realized I will be 1. avidly watching the World Cup and 2. travelling to Puerto Rico during it.
I am jumping in, head first! I might drown.
Wanna join me?
5.26.2010
a whisper from the shadows
Every story whispers His name.
The month of May has found me wrestling through some Scriptures regarding the call of Christ. I know the Lord well enough to be familiar with His patterns of teaching through Scripture and teaching through experience. Oftentimes, I ignore these warnings of impending lessons. However, this month, I have delved full force, belly-flop-style, head-first into this truth.
Numbers 16 and 17 tell the story of God choosing to use Aaron and Moses as representatives to the Israelites and the story of the Israelites coming to terms with not being chosen for this task. In chapter 16, some men rose up against God and said to Moses, "You have gone too far. All the people are holy, everyone of them, and the Lord is among them. So why do you put yourselves above all the people of the Lord?" (v3). Read the rest of the chapter to get the whole story. Pretty much, they were killed for questioning the decisions of the Lord and speaking out against Him. Moses and Aaron humbly asked God to spare their lives. Its a beautiful and frightening reflection of our God.
In chapter 17 of Numbers, God instructs Moses to gather the staffs of the leaders of the tribes and to carve each leader's name into the stick. Moses then places the sticks before the Ark of the Covenant in the Meeting Tent. God has chosen to reveal the person, and thus the tribe, He is choosing by causing the stick to flower. The next day, when Moses enters the tent, he sees that Aaron's stick has grown leaves- had even budded, blossomed, and grown almonds! Now, God does this to show the Israelites that HE is choosing Aaron- that it is not Moses choosing Aaron.
And so, reading through these verses, it struck me hard. These people knew that they were holy, that their sins had been covered, that they were forgiven and that they were chosen. And yet, they were NOT chosen for something they longed for. How painful! These sticks represented all that they stood for as humans- all of their accomplishments, their feats, their glory.
The question turns inward. What am I longing for? What am I striving for? What am I jealous for that God is saying to me, "you are not chosen for this." My mind travels to the various aspects of my life: dreams and aspirations, accomplishments, networking, relationships, material goods, memories. I want to go back to grad school for history- is God choosing this for me? I want to have a big family- is God calling me to this? I want a home where all are welcome- is God asking me to do this? I want to live in another country for a while- is God calling me to this life?
For days, I have wrestled through what it means to not be called to something I long for. For days, I stood in the shoes of the Israelites- God's chosen people- and asked, "If He didn't call them, did He call me?" These were scary, difficult, messy questions to ask as I stood before the God I loved, knowing I was loved, knowing He says "no."
And then.
Oh, sweet, lovely then.
I returned to Numbers 17 and saw something new.
When God chooses you, its you out of, and in front of, hundreds of thousands of people.
When God says "yes," its a miracle and it brings life to the formerly dead.
When God calls, its the sweetest voice you've ever heard.
Numbers 16 and 17 tell the story of God choosing to use Aaron and Moses as representatives to the Israelites and the story of the Israelites coming to terms with not being chosen for this task. In chapter 16, some men rose up against God and said to Moses, "You have gone too far. All the people are holy, everyone of them, and the Lord is among them. So why do you put yourselves above all the people of the Lord?" (v3). Read the rest of the chapter to get the whole story. Pretty much, they were killed for questioning the decisions of the Lord and speaking out against Him. Moses and Aaron humbly asked God to spare their lives. Its a beautiful and frightening reflection of our God.
In chapter 17 of Numbers, God instructs Moses to gather the staffs of the leaders of the tribes and to carve each leader's name into the stick. Moses then places the sticks before the Ark of the Covenant in the Meeting Tent. God has chosen to reveal the person, and thus the tribe, He is choosing by causing the stick to flower. The next day, when Moses enters the tent, he sees that Aaron's stick has grown leaves- had even budded, blossomed, and grown almonds! Now, God does this to show the Israelites that HE is choosing Aaron- that it is not Moses choosing Aaron.
And so, reading through these verses, it struck me hard. These people knew that they were holy, that their sins had been covered, that they were forgiven and that they were chosen. And yet, they were NOT chosen for something they longed for. How painful! These sticks represented all that they stood for as humans- all of their accomplishments, their feats, their glory.
When we lay our glory before God, will He choose us?
The question turns inward. What am I longing for? What am I striving for? What am I jealous for that God is saying to me, "you are not chosen for this." My mind travels to the various aspects of my life: dreams and aspirations, accomplishments, networking, relationships, material goods, memories. I want to go back to grad school for history- is God choosing this for me? I want to have a big family- is God calling me to this? I want a home where all are welcome- is God asking me to do this? I want to live in another country for a while- is God calling me to this life?
For days, I have wrestled through what it means to not be called to something I long for. For days, I stood in the shoes of the Israelites- God's chosen people- and asked, "If He didn't call them, did He call me?" These were scary, difficult, messy questions to ask as I stood before the God I loved, knowing I was loved, knowing He says "no."
And then.
Oh, sweet, lovely then.
I returned to Numbers 17 and saw something new.
When God chooses you, its you out of, and in front of, hundreds of thousands of people.
When God says "yes," its a miracle and it brings life to the formerly dead.
When God calls, its the sweetest voice you've ever heard.
To be chosen is unique and unprecedented and glorious.
And then, you have learned that this is a miracle,
and the glory is for God alone, and you have nothing to boast in.
And then, you have learned that this is a miracle,
and the glory is for God alone, and you have nothing to boast in.
5.25.2010
count them one by one
About a month ago, my mum was telling me about the comet passing earth. In this story, she mentioned that her best friend was committed to thinking of TEN things a day to vocally praise God for. It was a side note in the story- a brief anecdote. After that, though, I noticed Mum and I both praising God for blessings- a warning, instead of a speeding ticket- quick passport negotiations for the boys in Budapest- new car for Dad- cheap tickets to P.R.- etc- etc- etc. I have not ever quite done 10 a day. But I notice a difference. I don't know if its just that I am suddenly seeing things differently or if God is blessing me more. All the same, in the last week:
1. we went on a trip to DC and stayed UNDER an already low budget.
2. we had a fantastic time with Andrew and Sara
3. I was given a kitchenaid mixer by Caneva!!!
4. I found a great, and reasonably priced, one-year-old birthday present for my niece.
5. I was offered a job at the FIRST place I asked (starting Thursday)
6. My interview felt more like talking with a friend than being interrogated
7. I received a special letter and gift (2 beautiful journals) from Laura of Scotland
8. I am going to Puerto Rico in less than a month
9. Brandon and I are finding a place to move- down to two options... inclined towards one of them
10. the LOST finale made me cry
11. I was given homemade strawberry jam (even tastier with a layer of lemon curd on top)
12. the thunderstorms due Sunday in D.C. did not rain on our parade
13. I was told "not to be offended" when I was offered more money than I expected to be offered by said job
14. we made a last- minute unexpected visit to IKEA
15. I wake from bad dreams, confused of where I am, and am relieved because I am home, in bed, next to my dear husband who is always here to comfort me.
Life is good. This list goes on and on.
What are your ten things to give praise for today?
1. we went on a trip to DC and stayed UNDER an already low budget.
2. we had a fantastic time with Andrew and Sara
3. I was given a kitchenaid mixer by Caneva!!!
4. I found a great, and reasonably priced, one-year-old birthday present for my niece.
5. I was offered a job at the FIRST place I asked (starting Thursday)
6. My interview felt more like talking with a friend than being interrogated
7. I received a special letter and gift (2 beautiful journals) from Laura of Scotland
8. I am going to Puerto Rico in less than a month
9. Brandon and I are finding a place to move- down to two options... inclined towards one of them
10. the LOST finale made me cry
11. I was given homemade strawberry jam (even tastier with a layer of lemon curd on top)
12. the thunderstorms due Sunday in D.C. did not rain on our parade
13. I was told "not to be offended" when I was offered more money than I expected to be offered by said job
14. we made a last- minute unexpected visit to IKEA
15. I wake from bad dreams, confused of where I am, and am relieved because I am home, in bed, next to my dear husband who is always here to comfort me.
Life is good. This list goes on and on.
Though we find ourselves stressed and anxious, we give praise.
What are your ten things to give praise for today?
5.21.2010
I am moving to HONG KONG!!!!
Ok. I am NOT really moving to Hong Kong- but wouldnt you to be able to stay in a super cool, ultra efficient place like this? 330+ square foot apartment becomes 24 rooms! Come on!
Disclaimer: I hate watching youtube videos with passion! I never do. Not even when my hubs posts them on his blog. But this, folks, is fantastic.
5.20.2010
Ruche+Suits=Divine
I had to share the most exciting moment of the day... when I was perusing Ruche's new Summer lookbook [see it over there to the right?], I came to the page of the girls at the beach... in adorable, vintage-esque suits. I had to stop looking at the photos and go directly to Ruche's site where I saw a new link for: SWIM! Take a look, I think you'll like it. If only I were so bold as to buy a swimsuit online!
audrey navy polka dot two piece swimsuit
mon cherri two piece swimsuit
Polka dot ruffle 
two-piece swimsuit in red
5.14.2010
Savannah: The Paris Market Part Deux
Is this not the perfect name for a Southern cooking cook book? Love it- wish I had thought of it!All photos by Ranne
5.13.2010
Savannah: The Paris Market
Who would have thought that in Savannah, I'd be whisked away to Europe? Brandon and I discover The Paris Market and Brocante when we visit the city in early May. I know instantly that I can spend hours [and thousands of dollars] in this one delightful market.
A tag line on their website reads "Travel the world for hidden treasures." What a simple, beautiful sentence. And how incredibly world-traveled the market feels with scents of French countryside, wrapping decor from Japan, school books from Belgium, glass negatives of India. With the language of France in my ears, I stand still and breathe in the swirling beauty.
When Brandon and I visit, I am too intoxicated to narrow my purchases. In fact, I cannot do so until my third trip. Mrs. Andrews, Allison and Mum love the store as much as I. We visit twice to take in the aesthetics and finally, I make a selection:
Each is perfect in its own simple, elegant way. The vase and sachet- my own selection, my own memory. The lavender- for my Mum. The glass- for toasts with our Tampa Two. Memories wrapped in market souvenirs are the perfect way to remember.
A tag line on their website reads "Travel the world for hidden treasures." What a simple, beautiful sentence. And how incredibly world-traveled the market feels with scents of French countryside, wrapping decor from Japan, school books from Belgium, glass negatives of India. With the language of France in my ears, I stand still and breathe in the swirling beauty.
When Brandon and I visit, I am too intoxicated to narrow my purchases. In fact, I cannot do so until my third trip. Mrs. Andrews, Allison and Mum love the store as much as I. We visit twice to take in the aesthetics and finally, I make a selection:
One white rulered vase with spout.
One scoop of loose lavender.
One "Paris Market" sachet.
One champagne glass.
One scoop of loose lavender.
One "Paris Market" sachet.
One champagne glass.
Each is perfect in its own simple, elegant way. The vase and sachet- my own selection, my own memory. The lavender- for my Mum. The glass- for toasts with our Tampa Two. Memories wrapped in market souvenirs are the perfect way to remember.
Visit the website here
Visit the blog here
*Mum is coming with her camera full of indoor Market pictures. I'll be sure to post some soon.*
And THANK YOU, MRS. ANDREWS for the champagne glass! I love love love it!
Patrio and the Multiblog
Some of my posts are being reposted on a "linkup blog" by Patrio of A New Experience and Uma Nova Experiênciat. It was some time ago that Patrio first came across my blog here and made a few comments of introduction. What he has written on A New Experience is inspiring to me. I am certain his other writings are just as good, I just cannot understand them! Anyhow, if you are interested, I have added a link to the "linkup blog" along the side here. His intent is to repost entries from others' blogs that speak on subjects like faith and hope. I hope that you enjoy this as much as I have.
breath and chirps
Good morning, darlings!
Today, I find myself on my front porch, listening to birds chirping and the cars driving. There are SO many birds in the yard-its fantastic! Michel and I did breakfast again this week, something that is fast becoming a tradition. I am LOVING it! When your family is massive and quickly expanding with spouses and children, sometimes you just need to break away for some simple, uninterrupted conversation. It is good.
I cannot believe how fast May is flying by. There is some monumental event every week from anniversary numero uno (Savannah) to Mother's day (Harborview) to Mexican Mother's day (Savannah, again) to MUM turns 60! (Folly) to Series finale of LOST (Alexandria/ DC). I am halfway thru this list and have photos aplenty to edit and share along with other random tidbits of our life in Charleston.
Today, I find myself on my front porch, listening to birds chirping and the cars driving. There are SO many birds in the yard-its fantastic! Michel and I did breakfast again this week, something that is fast becoming a tradition. I am LOVING it! When your family is massive and quickly expanding with spouses and children, sometimes you just need to break away for some simple, uninterrupted conversation. It is good.
I cannot believe how fast May is flying by. There is some monumental event every week from anniversary numero uno (Savannah) to Mother's day (Harborview) to Mexican Mother's day (Savannah, again) to MUM turns 60! (Folly) to Series finale of LOST (Alexandria/ DC). I am halfway thru this list and have photos aplenty to edit and share along with other random tidbits of our life in Charleston.
5.06.2010
Morning Interruption
"I did not fear to go to sleep again, although the boughs or bats or something flapped almost angrily against the window-panes."
"As she lay there in my arms, and I in hers, the flapping and buffeting came to the window again. She was startled and a little frightened, and cried out."
-Bram Stoker, Dracula
I am reading Dracula right now and every time I come to the parts when the Count appears at the window as a bat, I am a little skeptical. Do birds and bats REALLY beat at windows in the night? The characters in the story seem to think it is normal, though a little frightening as they learn what, or shall I say, who the bat is. This week, Nature is teaching me a lesson. For four mornings in a row now at 7am, a bird, the same bird everytime, sits in the tree outside our window and raps at the glass. Said bird will also repeat this performance several times throughout the day. Yesterday, a squirrel jumped from this little tree directly into our window. Stunned, it got up and scampered away.
"As she lay there in my arms, and I in hers, the flapping and buffeting came to the window again. She was startled and a little frightened, and cried out."
-Bram Stoker, Dracula
I am reading Dracula right now and every time I come to the parts when the Count appears at the window as a bat, I am a little skeptical. Do birds and bats REALLY beat at windows in the night? The characters in the story seem to think it is normal, though a little frightening as they learn what, or shall I say, who the bat is. This week, Nature is teaching me a lesson. For four mornings in a row now at 7am, a bird, the same bird everytime, sits in the tree outside our window and raps at the glass. Said bird will also repeat this performance several times throughout the day. Yesterday, a squirrel jumped from this little tree directly into our window. Stunned, it got up and scampered away.
the stage:
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