Thank God for Grace!!

So the college group I go to at Rocky Peak Church, Soma, is going through a series called "Movement." Last night's sermon focused on spiritual discipline and how that relates to our spiritual growth. It was a very eye opening and exciting evening for me.
One of the students was mentioning how he first started out with lot's of discipline when it came to his Bible reading. Even mornings when he didn't want to read he would do it, and pretty soon that discipline...turned to desire and hunger and a want to read the word. The speaker asked the audience, how many of you are there?
I felt my hand raise.
What?
Now part of this was due to the fact that I zoned out for 1.5 seconds and was thinking "Yes I want to read" not "Yes I have this every day super thirst to get into the word." And part of it was because the speaker looked over my way and I just immidiately wanted to participate and look like a "good Christian" by saying "Yes I LOVE reading the Bible!!"

It took me a few minutes of thought to realize that was what it really was about. It's amazing how much motivation can go behind something that takes you a half a second to do.
So then I started thinking, where did that come from? I mean I have gone through times when I felt like that thirst, but right now I am actually going through a pretty "dry" spell when it comes to reading. Why do I feel so afraid to fess up to that? And why do I feel this need to pretend everything is together?

And I remembered something my boyfriend said. It's. A. Heart. Issue.
So many times as Christians (especially as women, I feel) have this need to perform or be the "Perfect Christian." (Whatever that is)And I realized that the reason the way I was reading the Bible wasn't working before is becasue I was approaching it like this quota that I had to reach for the day.
If I check reading the Bible off the list I will feel better. And if anyone asks I can say "Why yes I have been reading every day." And God will be pleased.

WOAH. Ok first off...what's up the the order of priority of those things? And second, as if me reading the Bible today is going to make God love me anymore. He already loves me daily the maximum amount available!! His GRACE is the only thing we need!!
So I decided to pray, and approach my reading in a different way. Instead of having a set amount of reading that I HAVE to get through every day...why not read and meditate on a few verses that pop out to me in the sermon? I feel like that leaves more time for reflection and learning than zooming through the books so I can check them off of my reading list.

So I cracked open a devotional book I had set aside a while back because I had decided it has you read only a couple of verses a day and that wasn't enough. So now, my devotional time is going to be based more on topics, thoughts, people in the Bible I'd like to learn from, one verse I am wrestling with that I heard in church, and so on.
I realized that I was focusing on the amount of pages I was going through, rather than the ideas and lessons God was trying to teach me. This new outlook seriously encouraged me today, and I hope it will encourage your too.
Oh and the devotional book I opened up is called "Women of the Bible." You spend a week learning about one woman, starting with Eve. I'm super excited to start this. May be you guys wanna check it out!

DIY Microdermabrasion!

I'm always looking for the next thing to help my skin look amazing and radiant and just like those girls in the skin ads who have no wrinkles and their face is all one color. Right.

I know I will never have those kind of glorious airbrush results (*sigh) but tonight...I came close!
I hate wearing makeup. But when I was in 7th grade I snuck into my mom's makeup case and packed on every single form of makeup I could find. I've been wearing it ever since. So stepping out of the house without my usual mask can sometimes be a little scary. I wish I could just wake up in the morning and have the skin tone I do once a layer of clown makeup-er-foundation is put on.

I've been hearing a lot about microdermabrasion and what it can do for your skin. I've also heard a lot about the price tag that comes with it. So, I decided to DIY and actually DO something I pinned on Pintrest (Gasp!)

Two words. Brown Sugar. Yes my friends, brown sugar is more than yummy goodness, it is amazing for your skin! All I did was make a paste with some brown sugar and a little thing I like to call H2O. I just gently rubbed the paste on in a circular motion for about three minutes and viola!! Skin like a baby's behind! Now, it started to hurt a very, very tiny bit after two minutes or so...but I believed in the system! Also, lot's of sites say to stay away from the under eye area. However, I get small bumps and a lot of dryness under my eyes so I just swiped the paste there with as little pressure as I could, and only did it once or twice.

My. Skin. Feels. Amazing.
And it has a lovely glow because of all the layers of skin that I said goodbye to. You guys gotta try this. I'm gonna keep it up and do it a couple of times a week and see if I start to see any major long term results and report back!

What are some of your fun beauty secrets?

My Manly Musician =)

Wow. Two in one day? I'm on a roll. One step closer to the best blogger award.

So one awesome perk about having a blog is being able to shamelessly promote my boyfriend and his AWESOME music.
He has this great project called "Train Ticket Home" (now doesn't that sound like it should be announced on a radio somewhere?) with upbeat music that everyone can enjoy!

Come CHECK him out. You'll hear great music, meet some cool people and well...hang out with me...so there really isn't anything more to say about that.

Click Here

In The Words of Michelle Karim: "Whoops!"

Alright, alright, alright...







So this blog has taught me something very important about myself.


I'm not very good at finishing things. Like goal lists...or scarves turned blankets...or blogs.


But like they say when you fall off a horse...something something something. Right.



So a lot has happened since I last wrote. Let's see....




1. I started dating an AMAZING guy named Apollo. Eight months now =)
This is his facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/apollobukowski... Pretty cute, right? I know. =)

2. I'm graduating in, wait for it...3 1/2 months!! Woo hoo! I am so excited!! Thanks AMDA it's been real, it's been fun, but it hasn't been...well anyway. Ok really though, the teachers at AMDA are some of the most amazing, inspirational people I have ever met. Its just time to be a big girl and move on.

3. I never finished the scarf turned blanket. I started working on it again last week. DON'T judge me.

4. My credit card is paid off in FULL! (Do I hear angels singing?)

5. I am taking an entrepreneurship class which is totally helping me organize the right way and write up a business plan for my canvases. I even have a name already. hARTful designs. My good friend Charles is making a logo for me. Whata guy!

6. I have recently gotten over my fear of hospitals...by force. Apollo has had quite the battle with some nasty kidney stones. So it was either be a horrible girlfriend and say "Sorry babe, you're on you're own!" or suck it up and take care of my man! The things we do for love... But I am super happy. And super happy that he is now on the road to recovery.

7. I've been a vegetarian for the last 4-5 months now. But I ate a teeny bit of meat the past two nights so I can get my body used to it again because well, the Holidays are coming. I. Just. Can't. Help. Myself.

So, shall we call this take two? It's ok. I believe that all of us have the ability to commit to a project and focus in us somewhere...

1. Eggs
2. Milk
3. Dog food

Oh. Sorry. I was just writing my grocery list. Anyways. The latest upcoming fun thing? A Christmas dinner at my place! I'm so excited! I'm rolling up my sleeves once more and heading into the kitchen full of furver...and fear. =) So, I thought I would ask, what is your favorite food during the holidays?

Goal Check in

Alright so the first day of the year I thought would be an appropriate day to check in with these goals I had made for myself...





So far I have accomplished:





Goal #1. Be continuing with my blogging


Goal #3. Have outside Arbor built


Goal #4. Actually finish the scarf I started to knit (there is a good story with this one...I'll tell more later =)


Goal #9. Try 3 new recipies and make them for my family


Goal #10. Be content with myself without someone on my arm...single is not so bad. God is doing so many things in my life right now. I am so content and that is a great feeling! I am so excited to see what he has for me next...BRING IT ON!





Ok so, 5 out of ten goals...eh I still have a couple of weeks but I know, I don't expect a miracle. Some of them because of my circumstances were just impossible. Because I decided to go back to school after I set these goals in place, some things had to change. I had to quit my job at Costco in order to go to classes so any of the goals that had to do with money...half, were real hard to accomplish. I do however want to sort of half count a goal. In order to put an etsy site up, it would be a real investment. I can't start a site with only four things to sell. So, my sister had a Christmas boutique instead. I proudly sold two items =) And I have more ready for the next craft boutique. That was my variation of the goal. I had to change the goal to fit my sittuation, so I'm half marking it off. These are some of the things I made...the one in the middle was SOLD!






Sadly, a trip to Pennsylvania for my friend Jessica's wedding was an impossibility. With the TEEEEENY amount of money I have rolling in every month, I would never be able to get the money together. I was very sad to have to tell her that news, but I know she knows I will be with her in my thoughts!





The savings account...sheesh...and the credit card? Well let's just say I'm dissapointed about those two. I mean, I know I had to quit my job, but those were the two goals I wanted done probably the most. So I think they will just have to carry over into my next six month goal list. Doing it again after kinda crashing and burning this time? Haha, absolutely. I gotta make up for the goals I didn't get done.





Cake decorating classes...this one I will be able to get done. I wont probably get started with the classes until after my goal cut off date, But I will be signed up.





So...6 1/2 out of ten? Ok so it's not horrible...But I'm gonna do better next time. I'm determined. Next blog entry? I'll show you my scarf turned blanket project. Yeah, long story...and very tired fingers =)

Je-sus Walks...

It is truly interesting being a musical theatre student, and a Christian as well. A few months ago I came to the decision that I was supposed to leave school. So I completely gave up my dreams of becoming a performer and put on my apron and made pizzas at Costco for eight hours a day. Right? I was so convinced that, that was exactly what God wanted me to do. But looking back now I see that what I really think what I was doing was running away. I chickened out. Being a Christian in such a secular world can be extremely daunting. And it was easier to just leave than to face the fear of changing because of the world around me.

Today I can honestly say I couldn't be happier with my decision to go back to school. I am doing what I love, and I truly believe I am glorifying God at the same time. God did not put us on earth to hide in our churches and Bible studies. He wants us to go out in the world. That's why it's so convinient that Jesus walks with us.

It's awesome the things God starts showing you when you start looking.

Cumcumber Council

If there is one thing you need to know about me, it's that I LOVE my niece. I could spend countless hours playing with her and watching her favorite movies. Example: Veggietales. Now if you didn't grow up in a home that watched Veggietales when you were little, first, I am very sorry. And second if you didn't, let me explain. Veggietales are animated Christian movies for kids that teach them about God's love and values. They feature of course, Veggetables. Larry the cucumber happens to be my favorite.

So the other day I was sitting cuddling with my niece watching one of our favorite Veggietales, "Dave and the Giant Pickle." At the end of the movie, Bob the tomato was explaining to Larry the verse found in Phillipians "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Larry then asked the question, "So does that mean if I wanna be a chicken, I can ask God and he will turn me into a chicken??!" As silly as it sounds don't we as Christians often have a Larry the cucumber mentality? So the seemingly older, wiser, and more level headed tomato explained "No, this verse means that whatever God wants us to do, we will be able to do it."

So many times we as Christians ask God to move mountains and wake up confused when we haven't turned into a chicken overnight. He will strengthen us to do His work, in accordance with His will. With His strength I can have a thankful heart, with His strength I can share with my non Christian friends about Him, with His strength I can walk away from my past into a bright new future, with His strength I can forgive.

Who knew a cucumber could be so profound?