I was browsing one of my very talented friend’s website and was blown away with her work… the way that she captures beauty, the way she exudes beauty. To find, pour forth, and share that to others blew me away.
I have been thinking about beauty lately. I went to a friend’s wedding recently and one of my friends there got on the topic of how the bride was beautiful because of her gentle and graceful nature about her [among other things]. …
and in the midst of these conversations and ponderings I have been asking in a quiet voice, so that even my heart can barely hear: Where is my beauty?
Now before all of my lovely friends come to my rescue and speak words to rest assure that I am indeed beautiful, would you hear my out.
I know I am beautiful. The God of the universe, the maker of heaven and earth, all good, all beauty, all wonder and grace has made me after all. He does not make mistakes and all that he speaks and touches becomes astounding and full of love and beauty. So I know I am beautiful. But where is it? In which part[s] of myself is beauty present?
I was reading proverbs 31- the famous ‘woman of noble character’ segment the other day trying to get a sense of what the Word calls beauty. She has strength and dignity, she works feverously, giving to the needy, is not afraid of trials and uses her skills to support her family.
Looking at Ruth, how she left her home, her people to go to a place and take care of her mother-in-law. When others would have said ‘peace out lady- I’ve got my whole life ahead of me’- Naomi even told her to go and find a new husband… but she did not. She stayed with Naomi and worked; she found favor because of her beauty-so much so that she is remembered thousands of years later.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Where is it? I have come to remember that my real beauty comes from the Lord and my proximity to Him. The more that I draw near to Him the more of His beauty can be seen in my being. Which in turn will burst from me and people will wow at it- they will wow at His beauty made real in me. He has stamped His image on me, and it is beautiful. When I allow Him to shine on me, I mirror His beauty and the world wows. Not only does this show through me but His glory and beauty is shown through all of us when we allow Him to.
I pray that we all will allow it to break forth.
The world needs His beauty
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Newest Project
I made this photo calender for my boss. She was having her first grandchild and the office threw a party for her. This was the gift that I made. The baby was born in September, so I started the calendar from there so she could add photos as the year went along.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Life as of now...
Hello all!!
I hope these weeks have been treating you well. It is officially Fall as of two weeks ago; I am so excited to be entering into a new season, ready for what the changes bring, in sight, smell, taste, sounds and touch. I love the fall season, but sadly California does not get too much of it. Well I am definitely going to enjoy every minute of it!
Last week was very busy. We had training [which I desperately needed] for three days from 8-5 pm. Afterwards I went home and continued working at the house. It made the days seem more packed then they already are. To make things more interesting I started getting sick on the Monday before training. All week was spent coughing and blowing my runny nose. I was managing until the end of the week. I spent the weekend and the beginning of this week napping and resting as much as I could. I can say now that I am officially in recovery mode and the only symptom left is a small sore in my throat.
OH, but the best part of last week was that my cousin Jessica came from Texas and I was able to see her! It was so great talking with her, laughing and catching up. I was sad that we could not hang out as much as I wanted but still thankful for the time we did have.
Sunday the 26th Girls Hope of Baltimore was on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition which also showed 30 seconds of Girls Hope of Southern California! We were all so excited to watch and it was great seeing all the things that the Baltimore girls got to do and the house that was built for them. I loved seeing their mothers and the encouragement behind each of their girls for a better life. They are truly strong women.
This week has been good seeing as I am getting over my sickness. It was my sister’s birthday on the 27th and I am so excited to get to see her soon and celebrate with her! On another up note the new season of Chuck has started and I am excited to see where the story goes. I have a feeling though it’s going to be a good season. Going back to my last blog, I have been stepping out in faith and have been practicing all that Abba has been teaching me. As time continues, all that He is teaching me is becoming a part of my reflex and it is becoming close to my heart the way it is close to His. I am not saying it has been easy but Abba is definitely giving me His strength.
Well that is it for now, but I have more to come shortly [like this week!]
May the rest of your week be showered with His love.
A-dawg ^-^
I hope these weeks have been treating you well. It is officially Fall as of two weeks ago; I am so excited to be entering into a new season, ready for what the changes bring, in sight, smell, taste, sounds and touch. I love the fall season, but sadly California does not get too much of it. Well I am definitely going to enjoy every minute of it!
Last week was very busy. We had training [which I desperately needed] for three days from 8-5 pm. Afterwards I went home and continued working at the house. It made the days seem more packed then they already are. To make things more interesting I started getting sick on the Monday before training. All week was spent coughing and blowing my runny nose. I was managing until the end of the week. I spent the weekend and the beginning of this week napping and resting as much as I could. I can say now that I am officially in recovery mode and the only symptom left is a small sore in my throat.
OH, but the best part of last week was that my cousin Jessica came from Texas and I was able to see her! It was so great talking with her, laughing and catching up. I was sad that we could not hang out as much as I wanted but still thankful for the time we did have.
Sunday the 26th Girls Hope of Baltimore was on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition which also showed 30 seconds of Girls Hope of Southern California! We were all so excited to watch and it was great seeing all the things that the Baltimore girls got to do and the house that was built for them. I loved seeing their mothers and the encouragement behind each of their girls for a better life. They are truly strong women.
This week has been good seeing as I am getting over my sickness. It was my sister’s birthday on the 27th and I am so excited to get to see her soon and celebrate with her! On another up note the new season of Chuck has started and I am excited to see where the story goes. I have a feeling though it’s going to be a good season. Going back to my last blog, I have been stepping out in faith and have been practicing all that Abba has been teaching me. As time continues, all that He is teaching me is becoming a part of my reflex and it is becoming close to my heart the way it is close to His. I am not saying it has been easy but Abba is definitely giving me His strength.
Well that is it for now, but I have more to come shortly [like this week!]
May the rest of your week be showered with His love.
A-dawg ^-^
Sunday, September 19, 2010
And the wheels came off.
These past couple of weeks have been filled with excitement, fun adventures, a changing of winds, and as always a new experience that will make me stronger.
We just got two new girls in our house!! Our two seniors moved out about a month ago to go to University, and our two new girls have come into the house within a week of each other. They are both in the 6th grade and are so little. I mean, I know I am small by they are small for reals... not just in size but in age too! It's like you just want to hug them and help them as much as possible. The girls have been getting adjusted to the house and I am so happy that they get to become apart of our interesting family. Having little ones definitely changes the atmosphere of the house. We have been watching a lot more Disney channel and I have a date with one of my girls to watch Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam [I am totally stoked ^-^]
I am excited to report that I am officially a part of a bible study group. I have been wanting to get more involved in the community of my church and now that all the classes/connection groups have started up again, I can! I am really excited to meet new people who I can share with the burdens, joys, and all that comes in life. I met a new friend at church recently and it has been great getting to know her and to be able to sit in service with a familiar face. There has been sharpening that I have received as a part of growing deeper with my new friends here and I am so thankful to Abba that He provides that sharpening through others. I am so glad that He uses us to build each other up.
These past couple weeks have definitely been interesting. I feel the season of change is happening and the Lord is bringing me to a different place in Him. Last time I mentioned being challenged by certain things and realizing His love brings forth a call and response each of us make. Our response to love Him in obedience and trust is what Abba has been speaking to me about. Only now He is done speaking. When I say this I mean that what He asks of me I have now heard; He has shared with me His heart and now I am left to respond. These days have been silent and the winds of His words which were once full, rich and plainly present have become now a hunger in my heart. I long to hear words of love, but lately I noticed that the stillness is always before me. I know that He is always with me and is with me now in this silence. It is just so different. I have come to see that now the wheels come off. He has been training me, teaching me, showing me and now He is taking the training wheels off. I am to ride, to put into practice all that He has shown me knowing that He is still with me even in the silence. Knowing that what Abba has taught me I can only do in His strength, in dependance on Him- even when I cannot hear His voice of encouragement pushing me forward. He wants me to ride like never before knowing it is His strength that makes me soar through the sky. My faith is being strengthened, stretched, and pushed beyond the limits I once knew and was comfortable with. All I can say now is "Here we go!!!!!"
Be blessed dear brothers and sisters in the knowledge of His love for you
May all glory and praise be due to Him who is worthy!!
We just got two new girls in our house!! Our two seniors moved out about a month ago to go to University, and our two new girls have come into the house within a week of each other. They are both in the 6th grade and are so little. I mean, I know I am small by they are small for reals... not just in size but in age too! It's like you just want to hug them and help them as much as possible. The girls have been getting adjusted to the house and I am so happy that they get to become apart of our interesting family. Having little ones definitely changes the atmosphere of the house. We have been watching a lot more Disney channel and I have a date with one of my girls to watch Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam [I am totally stoked ^-^]
I am excited to report that I am officially a part of a bible study group. I have been wanting to get more involved in the community of my church and now that all the classes/connection groups have started up again, I can! I am really excited to meet new people who I can share with the burdens, joys, and all that comes in life. I met a new friend at church recently and it has been great getting to know her and to be able to sit in service with a familiar face. There has been sharpening that I have received as a part of growing deeper with my new friends here and I am so thankful to Abba that He provides that sharpening through others. I am so glad that He uses us to build each other up.
These past couple weeks have definitely been interesting. I feel the season of change is happening and the Lord is bringing me to a different place in Him. Last time I mentioned being challenged by certain things and realizing His love brings forth a call and response each of us make. Our response to love Him in obedience and trust is what Abba has been speaking to me about. Only now He is done speaking. When I say this I mean that what He asks of me I have now heard; He has shared with me His heart and now I am left to respond. These days have been silent and the winds of His words which were once full, rich and plainly present have become now a hunger in my heart. I long to hear words of love, but lately I noticed that the stillness is always before me. I know that He is always with me and is with me now in this silence. It is just so different. I have come to see that now the wheels come off. He has been training me, teaching me, showing me and now He is taking the training wheels off. I am to ride, to put into practice all that He has shown me knowing that He is still with me even in the silence. Knowing that what Abba has taught me I can only do in His strength, in dependance on Him- even when I cannot hear His voice of encouragement pushing me forward. He wants me to ride like never before knowing it is His strength that makes me soar through the sky. My faith is being strengthened, stretched, and pushed beyond the limits I once knew and was comfortable with. All I can say now is "Here we go!!!!!"
Be blessed dear brothers and sisters in the knowledge of His love for you
May all glory and praise be due to Him who is worthy!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Enveloped in ....
joy, love, laughter, motivation, and a giving heart. Everyday more and more these girls that I live with are working their way into my heart, creating their own spaces that are especially for them. I am starting to see them for who Abba has created them to be. I am filled with excitement that I get to be a part of that. I get to be one of the people in their life who holds a mirror to their beings and says "look my dear, this is who you are. Do not listen to those other voices, for here is your beauty" Sometimes I get nervous about finding the right thing to say, how to correct, to say something or stay quiet... it can be so overwhelming. However as soon as I remember that all I have to do is hold the mirror and our Father will illuminate their beauty and change their hearts... that's when I know great things will happen. For our Father's words, the small whispers He speaks into their beings, and His love are powerful things leading us into ever-increasing knowing and loving of Him.
We recently added a new addition to our house. She is a youngling, full of energy, smiles, and quickness. She showed me her art work today [really good!] and I got to read a story that she made up. It was so great to see her so enthusiastic about school and dinner. She had a couple servings of dinner which made me feel good [I am our house cook] and I helped her make her lunch. I am so excited to get to know her and serve her in doing basic everyday tasks. Oh and all the other girls have been truly wonderful to her by making her feel welcomed. I am really excited about this next coming school year.... there is lots in store. There has been so much to do here since the start of school and I am so glad for rhythm, schedule and order that comes with school. I know what happens [more or less] throughout the day and I am able to plan accordingly when needing to run errands or do office work.
Besides work, I am getting ready to dive into my church that I am now a member of here in Fullerton. I am excited to start going to a Bible study and a connection group [they are like home fellowships, life groups etc.] I also hope to volunteer in a children's class.
As to social/non-work life... things are good. One of my great friends, Zapphire, will Lord willing be coming down to southern California and I will get to spend much needed face-to-face time with her. My cousin from Texas will also be coming here for a wedding and I get to see her that week. I am so excited! Oh and Lord willing I will be going to the Onething conference in Kansas City this year... I am so excited for that. It is a gathering of young people with the intention of growing closer and deeper in love with Jesus. Lots of great events are happening and I am so glad and thankful to be in this season.
Here's to this season!!
We recently added a new addition to our house. She is a youngling, full of energy, smiles, and quickness. She showed me her art work today [really good!] and I got to read a story that she made up. It was so great to see her so enthusiastic about school and dinner. She had a couple servings of dinner which made me feel good [I am our house cook] and I helped her make her lunch. I am so excited to get to know her and serve her in doing basic everyday tasks. Oh and all the other girls have been truly wonderful to her by making her feel welcomed. I am really excited about this next coming school year.... there is lots in store. There has been so much to do here since the start of school and I am so glad for rhythm, schedule and order that comes with school. I know what happens [more or less] throughout the day and I am able to plan accordingly when needing to run errands or do office work.
Besides work, I am getting ready to dive into my church that I am now a member of here in Fullerton. I am excited to start going to a Bible study and a connection group [they are like home fellowships, life groups etc.] I also hope to volunteer in a children's class.
As to social/non-work life... things are good. One of my great friends, Zapphire, will Lord willing be coming down to southern California and I will get to spend much needed face-to-face time with her. My cousin from Texas will also be coming here for a wedding and I get to see her that week. I am so excited! Oh and Lord willing I will be going to the Onething conference in Kansas City this year... I am so excited for that. It is a gathering of young people with the intention of growing closer and deeper in love with Jesus. Lots of great events are happening and I am so glad and thankful to be in this season.
Here's to this season!!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Update, Updates!
Okay wow, so I have much to write about! Where to begin...
Yesterday was my 1 year at work!! I have made it through my first year and I still love it just as much as I did when I first arrived; that has to be a good sign. To celebrate I went out with the house to go get bolba [almond milk tea=yum] all my girls were there and my other coworker that was on shift. It was so great to celebrate with them... I truly love my girls and my co-workers. The house would not be the same without any of them and I am so happy to know that I get to build relationships with these lovely people. All of my girls are funny, silly, quirky, beautiful, smart, and fun! My coworkers are so supportive and they are always there to laugh with me and to build each other up when it is a tough day at work. I could not have asked Abba for a better place to learn, grow and pour what He has given me to make a difference.
I made a friend at church! It was Sunday and I was going to go to the 10:00 am service but ended up going to the 11:30 am service instead. After worship was over I saw a young woman sitting in front of me. I really felt the need to talk to her, so after service I decided to introduce myself. We talked for a bit and then we ate pizza that the church provided after service. We ended up eating pizza together and getting to know one another. It was so great to meet and talk with my new friend. It has been a year and this is the first person that I have met. I am so thankful to Abba for leading me towards this young lady. I am so excited to get to know her and become more a part of the Eastside community.
This past week was very busy getting the girls ready for school. Today was their first day of school! We [staff] made the girls breakfast, our Academic Coordinator gave the girls gift bags with goodies for their new beginnings, and we drove them to school. Okay here comes the funny story: As we were driving the girls to school today my coworker stopped the van near the school. I thought that she was dropping the girls off where were were, so I hopped out in my pajamas and socks [!] and as I turned around towards the van I saw that my co-worker was driving away!!! I guess the girls told her I was out and she stopped the van. Everyone was laughing and I of course was laughing.... I was almost left on the street with my pj's and socks in front of a random person's house!? let me tell you, it was a very interesting start to my day.
Overall I have been very blessed this past week, and this week is unraveling in an interesting fashion. More to come soon... and pictures too!!
Yesterday was my 1 year at work!! I have made it through my first year and I still love it just as much as I did when I first arrived; that has to be a good sign. To celebrate I went out with the house to go get bolba [almond milk tea=yum] all my girls were there and my other coworker that was on shift. It was so great to celebrate with them... I truly love my girls and my co-workers. The house would not be the same without any of them and I am so happy to know that I get to build relationships with these lovely people. All of my girls are funny, silly, quirky, beautiful, smart, and fun! My coworkers are so supportive and they are always there to laugh with me and to build each other up when it is a tough day at work. I could not have asked Abba for a better place to learn, grow and pour what He has given me to make a difference.
I made a friend at church! It was Sunday and I was going to go to the 10:00 am service but ended up going to the 11:30 am service instead. After worship was over I saw a young woman sitting in front of me. I really felt the need to talk to her, so after service I decided to introduce myself. We talked for a bit and then we ate pizza that the church provided after service. We ended up eating pizza together and getting to know one another. It was so great to meet and talk with my new friend. It has been a year and this is the first person that I have met. I am so thankful to Abba for leading me towards this young lady. I am so excited to get to know her and become more a part of the Eastside community.
This past week was very busy getting the girls ready for school. Today was their first day of school! We [staff] made the girls breakfast, our Academic Coordinator gave the girls gift bags with goodies for their new beginnings, and we drove them to school. Okay here comes the funny story: As we were driving the girls to school today my coworker stopped the van near the school. I thought that she was dropping the girls off where were were, so I hopped out in my pajamas and socks [!] and as I turned around towards the van I saw that my co-worker was driving away!!! I guess the girls told her I was out and she stopped the van. Everyone was laughing and I of course was laughing.... I was almost left on the street with my pj's and socks in front of a random person's house!? let me tell you, it was a very interesting start to my day.
Overall I have been very blessed this past week, and this week is unraveling in an interesting fashion. More to come soon... and pictures too!!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Smorgasbord
Only this is a buffet of varieties of events, feelings, and ramblings of the last two weeks in my part of the world. Well the first thing on the menu and what comes to mind is tea. yes, tea. Tonight as I sit and write, a cup of warm vanilla chamomile tea is soothing me and making me relaxed. It always surprises me how fast tea works at putting me in a relaxed mood. Just a thought. : ]
well, I had these past two weeks off and I spent the time with my family, enjoying their presence and visiting friends. I went to mango tango yogurt shop with my family. I seem to notice that whenever I get yogurt I always get kiwi toppings [it is starting to become one of my favorite fruits]. I spent time watching the mod squad at my house, painting with my sisters and dear friend Casey [shout out-woot woot] and catching up with my friend's lives. I went to a softball game in which said friend caught a ball that bounced off the bat! I went to church and was so glad to see my church family. I was encouraged by the messages and what God is doing and how He is continuing to work in that Body of Christ. I was able to hang out with my friends Casey and Travis, my dear besty Betsy [try saying that ten times!] and have lots of meal times with my family.
Besides doing all those things, I was able to be during past two weeks as well. The Lord has been speaking and bringing to mind several things I would like to share with you great folks out there. Here are the words that can best sum up the things I have been learning: healing, waiting, obedience, and love.
Our Great Father begun the healing process that my heart is undergoing about four years ago. There are past hurts in my life (some big, others small) I realized I was still holding on to. I know that Abba wants to make me whole. It has been within the past couple years that I realized my need and want to be made whole by Him. Within this past year especially, many hurts have been healed. Although the scars still remain, they are now a witness of Abbas work in my life, not a burden. There are still hurts to be healed and I know that He is faithful to provide the healing. It has been a journey and I want to give praise to Him for going before me thus far and always.
Waiting.... oh how that word has come up a lot. Abba is showing me in this season of my life to wait. He is teaching me not only to wait for the things that I have laid out before Him, but also to see and understand that waiting is not a time to sit back and do nothing. Just because we are waiting for the next step in our life, an answer to prayer- whatever it may be- He does not call us to be stumps and just sit around. Waiting does not equate motionlessness. Sometimes it does, but I think we equate those two things too often. No, dear friends while we wait upon the Lord for an answer we need to wait upon the Lord- to serve, to be attentive, to be close, to be ready. He calls us to draw towards Him, to set our eyes on Him and be ever attentive to Him- not because of His answer but because of who He is. Friends if you are in a time of waiting I encourage you- seek Him, praise and worship Him, serve Him and serve others. If you keep staring and straining for the answer it will just seem that much further away and your focus will not get any clearer.
I feel like I have to talk about these next two words together because that is what Abba has been sharing with me about His heart for obedience and love. I am fully convinced that my Fathers heart longs for obedience when He calls us to love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. At first I pushed away from this word obedience because it always had a negative connotation for me. obedience as a kid meant having to do what others wanted me to do and having no choice in the matter- I had to do it and tough noogie if I didn't like it. However within this past year obedience has taken on a new meaning.
Obedience is Love.
Jesus came and was obedient to his Father, obedient to death, because He loved his Father, and He loved us. Abba gave us His son as a sacrifice because He loved us and wanted us to be with Him always. We respond in love, the kind of love that Jesus showed- obedience. Jesus did exactly what he saw Abba do. He spoke what he heard Abba speak. He loved his Father through obedience and that is what He calls us to as well. I want to love the way Jesus loved, I want to obey my Father.
dear friends thank you for letting me share my heart. May God bless you and may His love be made reality to you this week.
- Aisha
*All quotations are found in John
well, I had these past two weeks off and I spent the time with my family, enjoying their presence and visiting friends. I went to mango tango yogurt shop with my family. I seem to notice that whenever I get yogurt I always get kiwi toppings [it is starting to become one of my favorite fruits]. I spent time watching the mod squad at my house, painting with my sisters and dear friend Casey [shout out-woot woot] and catching up with my friend's lives. I went to a softball game in which said friend caught a ball that bounced off the bat! I went to church and was so glad to see my church family. I was encouraged by the messages and what God is doing and how He is continuing to work in that Body of Christ. I was able to hang out with my friends Casey and Travis, my dear besty Betsy [try saying that ten times!] and have lots of meal times with my family.
Besides doing all those things, I was able to be during past two weeks as well. The Lord has been speaking and bringing to mind several things I would like to share with you great folks out there. Here are the words that can best sum up the things I have been learning: healing, waiting, obedience, and love.
Our Great Father begun the healing process that my heart is undergoing about four years ago. There are past hurts in my life (some big, others small) I realized I was still holding on to. I know that Abba wants to make me whole. It has been within the past couple years that I realized my need and want to be made whole by Him. Within this past year especially, many hurts have been healed. Although the scars still remain, they are now a witness of Abbas work in my life, not a burden. There are still hurts to be healed and I know that He is faithful to provide the healing. It has been a journey and I want to give praise to Him for going before me thus far and always.
Waiting.... oh how that word has come up a lot. Abba is showing me in this season of my life to wait. He is teaching me not only to wait for the things that I have laid out before Him, but also to see and understand that waiting is not a time to sit back and do nothing. Just because we are waiting for the next step in our life, an answer to prayer- whatever it may be- He does not call us to be stumps and just sit around. Waiting does not equate motionlessness. Sometimes it does, but I think we equate those two things too often. No, dear friends while we wait upon the Lord for an answer we need to wait upon the Lord- to serve, to be attentive, to be close, to be ready. He calls us to draw towards Him, to set our eyes on Him and be ever attentive to Him- not because of His answer but because of who He is. Friends if you are in a time of waiting I encourage you- seek Him, praise and worship Him, serve Him and serve others. If you keep staring and straining for the answer it will just seem that much further away and your focus will not get any clearer.
I feel like I have to talk about these next two words together because that is what Abba has been sharing with me about His heart for obedience and love. I am fully convinced that my Fathers heart longs for obedience when He calls us to love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. At first I pushed away from this word obedience because it always had a negative connotation for me. obedience as a kid meant having to do what others wanted me to do and having no choice in the matter- I had to do it and tough noogie if I didn't like it. However within this past year obedience has taken on a new meaning.
Obedience is Love.
"For I have come from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" 6.38 "If you love me, you will obey my commands" 14.15 "but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." 14.31 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." 15.9,10*
Jesus came and was obedient to his Father, obedient to death, because He loved his Father, and He loved us. Abba gave us His son as a sacrifice because He loved us and wanted us to be with Him always. We respond in love, the kind of love that Jesus showed- obedience. Jesus did exactly what he saw Abba do. He spoke what he heard Abba speak. He loved his Father through obedience and that is what He calls us to as well. I want to love the way Jesus loved, I want to obey my Father.
dear friends thank you for letting me share my heart. May God bless you and may His love be made reality to you this week.
- Aisha
*All quotations are found in John
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