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Friday, July 22, 2016

When the Whispers Turn to Pages

"Writing is easy. Just put a sheet of paper in the typewriter and start bleeding." - Thomas Wolfe

I collect quotes; the meaningful ones that strike me with wide eyes. The ones that have changed my perspective, lifted my moods, or demanded me to delve deeper. Also the ones that slice through me and speak to me with an unparalleled clarity.

At times when my mind is jumbled, full of details or troubles, I have found that writing it all down is just as releasing as it is to say it out loud or talk about it with someone. I can vent, reel, and tumble it all out onto a sheet of fibrous paper in dark ink, and watch it dry as I think. Sometimes writing doesn't even require thinking, it is simply pouring your heart out, which can feel like bleeding. Blood is necessary for life, and when I write about the things that my life needs......I smell the adventure that is just within reach, I feel the heat of a rising sun, and see the cool moonbeams reflection on the shore. 

 My fingers fly across the pages as fast as they can trying to keep up with my minds voice. When the pages are reread, I do not edit them. They are true, raw, and me. I often realize that I have said more than I thought I could.  

xoxo,





Monday, July 18, 2016

Go the Extra Mile



Matthew 5:38-4238 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.



If you find yourself doing the bare minimum to scrape by on some days, know that you are not alone. We all experience some days when we feel like we are barely surviving, but we should be thriving! You stop writing that paper as soon as you hit the 3 page requirement, or do just enough laundry to get by for the week (okay now, let's be honest!).  If we invite someone to church we can quench our duty for the day and say, "Well I invited someone to church today, it's up to them to come now", when in fact we can do so much more! Your duty is to go 1 mile, but Jesus said to do your duty and go an extra mile!

Not only should we be inviting people to church, and speaking truth to them, but we can do so much more. Listen and be a friend to those that need a friend, be a person who offers to pray for those around you that need a healing, demonstrate your love of God by loving His children. How much more effective can we be in our ministries if we simply go that extra mile. When we do more than is expected "just because" we are showing the world our love for Jesus, His truth, and His children. Jesus said if someone asks for your coat, give them your cloak too. Be a giver, and don't withhold anything if you can be a blessing to someone.

We can all agree and proclaim that Jesus has been more than good to each and every one of us. He has washed us clean with the blood that he shed on Calvary, brought us into His marvelous light, and given us the privilege to serve Him and be called by His name. What an honor! He has healed us and saved us from many aches and scars in this world. Because you are healed, whole, and saved, you can look beyond yourself and SERVE. Be kind, be generous, be the absolute definition of a servant of Jesus.

Take some time to reflect and think of some areas in life in which you could go an extra mile? Go the extra mile on that school assignment, go the extra mile in helping your neighbor, go the extra mile in being a friend, go the extra mile in showing someone you love them, go the extra mile in loving your enemies, go the extra mile when you most want to sit down. We have been called to serve, and reach for those that need Him.


xoxo,



* This blog first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com 

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Carowinds Independence Day



America the Beautiful.

This fourth of July was spent with a great group of friends at Carowinds riding every single roller coaster at the park, avoiding heat stroke with ice cream and water rides, and just having a thrilling time. The fireworks were magnificent, the rides fast, and wind blown hair, real. After many head bangings on the seat, roller coaster/screaming headaches, and possibly a minor concussion I on a whim decided we might as well try out the slingshot ride. The one ride I had just told my cousin I would NOT do. As soon as my ride was paid for I wondered, "Do I love myself?" "Why am I doing this?" and just like that I found myself getting strapped to a seat and saying "dale!". The view was amazing, and the ride worth it. 





Can you tell we are related?


My "What is wrong with me?" face
Now or never.


xoxo,