Unlock the Door
The title for my blog, "mere heartrambles," is entirely fitting for today's post. I have so many random thoughts and tidbits to share. Perhaps the next shall be focused and tidy. :)
Let's start with an update of my last post. Shaving my legs. I was motivating myself to exercise by not shaving my legs unless I had worked out. I am an obsessive daily leg shaver. The great news is that IT WORKED! In the first 7 days, I worked out 5 days! And then it all tanked after I found excuses for freebies. I got a freebie on Sundays because it was the Lord's day, and then a freebie if I had a performance that night, and then a freebie for date night with husband. So, now I need to work out simply because I want to. I had an epiphany last night though and it had some spiritual parallels for me as well. In all honesty, I think the heart of my resistance is that I don't BELIEVE that I'm going to see results. (How silly is that?) But isn't that so true of other lies we believe? How is your prayer life? Is it consistent? Truthfully, mine isn't. Sometimes, I don't pray because I don't believe God will answer. Sure, He could, but why would He? I am failing to trust in its power! Why am I not writing more music? I'm not writing because I don't believe that I'm going to write a good song. Satan's lies are paralyzing in my life. Do you identify with what I'm saying? For instance, I have been flying in airplanes since I was a baby, but it wasn't until 9/11 and a plane crash into my dad's hangar (he's a commercial airplane inspector) that fear gripped me. To see an airport on tv or hear of long flights to Africa makes me anxious. I'm feeling fear already over some trips JT and I will be making very soon. I am believing the very worst is going to happen and I'm believing that I need to prepare for it now. I am believing lies.
I do find comfort in Psalm 4:8.
"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
And I am encouraged by what Paul wrote in Ephesians 6. The passage talks about putting on the armor of God and verse 16 in particular stood out to me.
"above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
Really, this feeling of standing still, of not attaining my full potential, all stems from what my heart believes. It is truly fascinating what we can learn about ourselves if we just sit still, process, think, and write. Unlock the doors to your heart and take the time to look around. It sounds like another song is coming on. ;)
In other news, this morning I made a spinach sweet potato bake. Doesn't it look delicious? I never make "creamy" foods because I'm lactose-intolerant, but I had to try this recipe. I'm very happy with it. I think I'd like to try it with regular old potatoes next time though.
My cooking streak has not been fantastic the past week or two. I had found some awful recipes online. If it doesn't have 300 5 star reviews, don't make it! I'm kind of glad that, as a child, the meals in my house were simple. It's been fun to discover different foods and recipes. With my cooking abilities surprising me (with the exception of the last week) and my new journey to "go green" and organic, who knew I'd be following in my big sister's footsteps?! If you don't know her, she is like Martha Stewart/Beth Moore/ and I don't know anybody famous for going really green, but that would be her!
I thought maybe it would be nice to share with you all some beauty tips I have acquired and abide by.
HAIR FRIZZ: If you need a quick fix, rub lotion on your hands and use the excess to smooth down crazy hairs.
EYES: If your eyelashes have no curl, use an eyelash curler. It will brighten your eyes instantly. I heat mine up with a blowdryer for a few seconds and test it on my chin to make sure it's not too hot. They will curl quickly and beautifully. Do not use regular mascara. It will weigh your lashes back down. Use waterproof. It sets your lashes like hairspray and should you have an emotional breakdown later in the day, at least you'll be smudge proof while you do. ;)
MAKEUP REMOVER: To remove waterproof mascara and eye liner, use baby oil. It's much cheaper than makeup remover and I think it's better for sensitive eyes. Those bottled removers sting my eyes, and I have been so happy with baby oil. Make sure to wash your face well after using the oil.
Well, ladies and gents, I need to finish up my wedding thank you notes. Remember to be daring and try new recipes and also to make time to unlock the doors in your heart. Don't be afraid of what might be there and what actions that might require of you.
And for your listening pleasure, my favorite singer of ALL time, Joy Williams has a new project. The duo is called Civil Wars and they are finally gaining a lot of momentum.
Let's start with an update of my last post. Shaving my legs. I was motivating myself to exercise by not shaving my legs unless I had worked out. I am an obsessive daily leg shaver. The great news is that IT WORKED! In the first 7 days, I worked out 5 days! And then it all tanked after I found excuses for freebies. I got a freebie on Sundays because it was the Lord's day, and then a freebie if I had a performance that night, and then a freebie for date night with husband. So, now I need to work out simply because I want to. I had an epiphany last night though and it had some spiritual parallels for me as well. In all honesty, I think the heart of my resistance is that I don't BELIEVE that I'm going to see results. (How silly is that?) But isn't that so true of other lies we believe? How is your prayer life? Is it consistent? Truthfully, mine isn't. Sometimes, I don't pray because I don't believe God will answer. Sure, He could, but why would He? I am failing to trust in its power! Why am I not writing more music? I'm not writing because I don't believe that I'm going to write a good song. Satan's lies are paralyzing in my life. Do you identify with what I'm saying? For instance, I have been flying in airplanes since I was a baby, but it wasn't until 9/11 and a plane crash into my dad's hangar (he's a commercial airplane inspector) that fear gripped me. To see an airport on tv or hear of long flights to Africa makes me anxious. I'm feeling fear already over some trips JT and I will be making very soon. I am believing the very worst is going to happen and I'm believing that I need to prepare for it now. I am believing lies.
I do find comfort in Psalm 4:8.
"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
And I am encouraged by what Paul wrote in Ephesians 6. The passage talks about putting on the armor of God and verse 16 in particular stood out to me.
"above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
Really, this feeling of standing still, of not attaining my full potential, all stems from what my heart believes. It is truly fascinating what we can learn about ourselves if we just sit still, process, think, and write. Unlock the doors to your heart and take the time to look around. It sounds like another song is coming on. ;)
In other news, this morning I made a spinach sweet potato bake. Doesn't it look delicious? I never make "creamy" foods because I'm lactose-intolerant, but I had to try this recipe. I'm very happy with it. I think I'd like to try it with regular old potatoes next time though.
My cooking streak has not been fantastic the past week or two. I had found some awful recipes online. If it doesn't have 300 5 star reviews, don't make it! I'm kind of glad that, as a child, the meals in my house were simple. It's been fun to discover different foods and recipes. With my cooking abilities surprising me (with the exception of the last week) and my new journey to "go green" and organic, who knew I'd be following in my big sister's footsteps?! If you don't know her, she is like Martha Stewart/Beth Moore/ and I don't know anybody famous for going really green, but that would be her!
I thought maybe it would be nice to share with you all some beauty tips I have acquired and abide by.
HAIR FRIZZ: If you need a quick fix, rub lotion on your hands and use the excess to smooth down crazy hairs.
EYES: If your eyelashes have no curl, use an eyelash curler. It will brighten your eyes instantly. I heat mine up with a blowdryer for a few seconds and test it on my chin to make sure it's not too hot. They will curl quickly and beautifully. Do not use regular mascara. It will weigh your lashes back down. Use waterproof. It sets your lashes like hairspray and should you have an emotional breakdown later in the day, at least you'll be smudge proof while you do. ;)
MAKEUP REMOVER: To remove waterproof mascara and eye liner, use baby oil. It's much cheaper than makeup remover and I think it's better for sensitive eyes. Those bottled removers sting my eyes, and I have been so happy with baby oil. Make sure to wash your face well after using the oil.
Well, ladies and gents, I need to finish up my wedding thank you notes. Remember to be daring and try new recipes and also to make time to unlock the doors in your heart. Don't be afraid of what might be there and what actions that might require of you.
And for your listening pleasure, my favorite singer of ALL time, Joy Williams has a new project. The duo is called Civil Wars and they are finally gaining a lot of momentum.
Comments
Post a Comment