dear little girl,

dear little girl who hates her mirror,

you're perfect just the way you are. cliche, I know, but true. you're beautiful, and people smile when they see you smile. Don't forget just who you are.

dear little girl whose only dream is size zero jeans,

skinny is over-rated. Healthy isn't skin-and-bones. If you don't accept yourself now, you never will, no matter your size. You are God's masterpiece. Remember that.

dear little girl who is afraid to love again,

there is a Guy who won't break your heart; who will hold you close and won't let you fall; who will never deceive or use you. Find Him, and you will find healing.

dear little girl who grew up too soon,

life has been tough on you, babe. But chin up--people love you. And so does God.

dear little girl who feels alone,

everyone does sometimes. But it doesn't have to last. You'll never be alone as long as you have Jesus.

dear little girl who thinks she's reached a dead end,

back up. Turn around. And hope; pray.

"There may not be an open door, but there is always an open window."


dear little girl who just needs a hug,

here's one.

look around. do you see the people suffering? ordinary girls, ordinary lives; hurting hearts. hidden wounds. struggling souls. forget yourself, and reach out. I dare you. 

the doll house | guest post by sonja

My sister's doll house is a beauty--full of delectable dainties, creative notions, and oh-dear-I-can't-believe-she-made-that loveables.

It is home to 6 little girls and their many pets--5 to be exact (3 dogs, 1 lamb, and 1 cat).

I'm serious. 


Interested in a tour?

The doll house is painted a lovely summer orange and trimmed in white and brown. Shutters, window boxes, and a white wrap-around-porch adorn the outside.

(tip: mouse-over to see downstairs!)

The house is three stories tall. At the tipity-top is the attic which currently houses all ongoing and future projects. It is also littered with summer garden tools, vegetables from the autumn garden harvest, and spare furniture.

Down below are two rooms--a bedroom and the drawing room. And below that, down a second flight of stairs, is the kitchen and parlor.

Homemade suitcases sit on the porch waiting for an adventure. Ingeniously crafted out of old dental wax cases (those of you who have had braces know what I'm talking about), wrapped in canvas and embellished with leather, these little beauties are just a few of the many handmade items inside the doll house.

The walls and porch railing are a pure white. Natural wood furniture decorates the doll house with rustic charm.

Outside 'round the side of the partial wrap-around-porch is a clothes line strung up to dry the hand washed linens.

Paper crocuses fill the window boxes giving the appearance of spring year-round. And the kitchen is full of homemade salt dough creations.

This doll house will hopefully remain in our family for many years to come; thus allowing the next generation of little homemakers to come along and run their own home. 

Doll houses really are splendid things. Don't you agree? 


Do you have a doll house? Or perhaps did you grow up with one?

Much Love Dearies,

Sonja

 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

who am I?

I'm Sonja--a country girl at heart and lover of all things beautiful. I'm a self proclaimed passionate optimistic life-enthusiast and can usually be found with a camera in hand. I write about my faith, life, and family at my blog Girlish Musings.

blog//etsy//e-mail

beware of perfection.

"It's inside beauty that counts."

" Pretty isn't everything."

"Stop trying to be perfect."

You've heard this same old story before--dozens of times, no doubt. The three sentences that ring true yet quietly within a world like our's. "Pretty" is everything in this Kingdom...and if we're really honest with ourselves, it's a large part of our own lives, as well. I mean, come on. We're girls. We want to be gorgeous. We want to be slender, blonde beauty queens with large eyes and perfect hair.

 We want to be perfect.

I was playing around on Picnik today, using the upgraded features in a sneaky way {hint: snipping tool}. :) Hehe. I experimented with the airbrush, the wrinkle remover, the highlighter, the mascasra, the eye bright, the blemish fix, the teeth whitener...

The result? 

A perfect me.

..Or, at least, as "perfect" as I could get. I mean, compare to this, the ordinary me:

...Uh-huh.

::sigh::

Okay, I'll admit it: I wish that first photo were me, and not the second. The more I stare at it, the more my desire grows for a face without under-eye-shadows and bags, no moles, darker and thicker eyelashes, lighter hair, smooth skin, a perfect complexion, brilliantly white teeth, and sparkling eyes. Okay..maybe not *as* fake-looking as the dolled-up picture...but..somewhat similar. I mean, what more could a girl want?

Perfection is dangerous. Know why? Because there never will be true perfection. Even if I really looked like the fake girl in my touched-up picture, I would still want more: longer hair, slimmer waist, bigger eyes.

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.

(Proverbs 27:20)

I need to stop dwelling on "I wish..", and embrace how God has made me: totally unique and owning a face of beautiful imperfection. Will I still want what that other girl has? Yes. Will I still feel that twinge of jealously every time I see some prettier than me? Yes. But prayer changes things, and I know that if I bring my trials to the Lord, He is ready and willing to open my eyes and change my heart.

If you take anything away from this post, let it be this:

Pretty is everything to the World, and always will be. But you don't have to let the quest for perfection overcome you. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will soon become hazy and distant.

On a minor note, take my Picnik-ed photo into account the next time you see a celebrity photo. Isn't it crazy what they can do with editing, nowadays? :)

Beware of perfection.

P.S. To my commenters: aww, thank you, y'all. You shore do know how to make a gal feel good. ;) And you know what? Now that I think about it..I like the second picture better, too. :]

Hair Grows. Who Knew?

I always wanted long locks, from the day that I realized that I even had hair. I love long hair. I would die for long hair {though that wouldn't make any sense..}. Alas, Mom had other plans. She knew the fuss and fury tangles make among youngsters, and thus, "chop, chop!" went the scissors, whenever my tresses showed the least sign of growing past my chin. 

I suppose she was wise. But I was heartbroken. How would you feel if your uttermost dream vanished every few months in the form of the barbershop? I didn't complain. I didn't even hate the barber. In fact, I enjoyed haircuts, because I was resigned to my fate and knew that making a fuss would not change things. 

When I was around eleven, Mom didn't take me to the hair cutter's quite so often. My hair grew to my shoulders, and there it stayed. It was trimmed nicely every so often, and never given too much of a "chop," but it refused to grow to my dream length.

When I was fourteen, I joined the local distance running (Cross Country) team. My hair, even at shoulder-length, was a bother--always sweaty, brushing against my back when I ran in a most displeasing manner, forever escaping from my ponytail. So, by my own accord, I went in for a major "chop, chop!"  It turned out even more major than I had wanted, but it was all good.

After the Cross Country season ended, I still had my short hair, and I began to miss long braids and side ponytails. I determined that I should have my lifelong dream of long hair at last, and thus solemnly promised myself that I would not go short again until I had reached my goal. 

Here I am, nearly two years later, and I think I am beginning to get my wish at long last. My hair is the lengthiest its ever been, and I think that by the end of my 16th year, I will be set. :) Yes.  

...and on a minor note, I totally wouldn't mind having Rapunzel's hair.

 Ooh, yeah. Maybe that should be a more long term goal...;)

Regency Dress Photoshoot~

Okay, our my brother's "good better camera" is still in the down zone, but I promised pictures of my dress that has been in the works for, oh, months? So, here they are. Not the best quality, but we hadfun, and they turned out semi-okay. :)

Introducing...

...Lady Lucia and her private gardens. :)

..Why, yes, every proper British girl should play the pianoforte, no?

Shall we take a stroll in the garden, Mr. Darcy? Just let me fetch my parasol...

..You can call me Elizabeth Bennet. ;) Oh, dear, dear..stray hairs? This simply won't do!

The latest London hairstyle. ;)

..Why, of course I shall play for you, Mr. Darcy! What will it be? Prelude in C Major?I play that one rather well..;)

..To finish off the day, an evening stroll with the Lady Olivia. :)

~~~

-All photos are copyright 2011 Lucia M. Do not use without permission.-

I Gave You All I Had, and You Tossed It in the Trash...

..Recognize those words? You may or may not, but just FYI, they are some of the lyrics from a popular secular song called "Grenade," by Bruno Mars. Basically, I believe it is about a guy who claims his girlfriend would never do anything for him, though he would "catch a grenade for her, jump in front of a train for her, put his head on the blade for her.." etc., etc., etc.

Yeah. Kind of pointless--I mean, isn't the guy supposed to be the brave knight in shining armor, anyways? ;) And what in the world is he even doing with a girl that apparently doesn't love him back?

:)

..Hehe. Yeah. You're probably wondering why I'm even posting about a song I don't get and think is rather silly. Well, this post isn't really about the song, though the song did inspire me. You see, I hear it all the time in the stores, and, as it is a catchy and simple tune, it likes to pop into my head at times. :/ Especially one line--the one you read in this post's title:

I gave you all I had, and you tossed it in the trash,
You tossed it in the trash
You tossed it in the trash...

..I got to thinking about that line, and what it meant. How true it rings for so many teens today. I mean, listening to those words, instead of picturing a guy mad at his girlfriend for being unloving, I see a girl, sitting all alone...exactly like the above picture. ^^ Staring out the window, her heart torn in two. Just a few days ago she thought she was loved, she thought this guy loved her, so she gave him everything. Her whole heart, her emotions, her body.

And now, just like the wind, he's gone--and all she has is her broken heart.

I gave you all I had, and you tossed it in the trash...

Yeah, I can make myself cry if I think about this too long. Because I know that this is exactly what has happened to so many girls out there--they want to "go with the flow," do it all, have it all, "be in love" with this guy...but then, all too soon, it's gone. And they're left with nothing but harsh memories. Not saying this is always the case, but I just started thinking about how often it is the case with today's world--in a time of "summer boyfriends," and "winter boyfriends," and ten-year-old first kisses.

Seriously, people, is this what we really want? What is going on with this earth?

It's more than sad. We should be crying for our world. And more than that, praying.

I gave you all I had, and you tossed it in the trash..

Don't be one of them, friends. Don't be the girl sitting at the window, whispering these words as the rain pours down. Don't give everything you have away, until you're certain it won't be tossed in the trash. Keep hold of your heart firmly, and stay safe in His arms.

♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I know this is sort of a serious post, but I had this on my heart and wanted to share. Bear with me. Love y'all!

Lilla Rose Review + Giveaway

If you are like me, then you know about bad hairdays. And if you know about bad hairdays, then you most certainly must know about the horrid moments when you can't find a hair thing anywhere and you are rushing out the door to someplace important. :]

Enter:

{Shop} 



..the shop designed to banish your bad hair days forever (well, almost..;) with their wonderful selection of hair pretties, etc. Not to mention a heavenly supply of unique jewelery and other items. :]

Enter:
..the FlexiClip--an amazingly beautiful, simple, comfortable, quick-and-easy hair clip that stays put and makes on-the-fly hair care simple.





Enter:
..the wonderful Miss Laurel at Lilla Rose who inquired whether I would be interested in reviewing one of their infamous FlexiClips for them--not to mention give one of my readers a chance to win one for themself.

My answer, of course, was..yes! :]

Lilla Rose supplies other things besides FlexiClips--oh, there is all manner of well-made jewelery: necklaces, bobby pins, earrings, headbands, etc.

 I was offered my choice of the huge variety of FlexiClips available. My, my~~I had SUCH a hard time deciding, but at last settled on:

The Silver Etched Lily FlexiClip

Miss Laurel was very helpful, kind, and friendly--she guided me swiftly through the process of determining my size (xs), etc. The shipping was very quick--three days at the most! When my package arrived, I discovered a lovely little gift box and a personlized card from Miss Laurel herself. <3




 Inside the box lay my FlexiClip, exactly as described, and very prettily placed. I immediatly tried it on, and it fit perfectly as a half-up clip! It definitly added some elegance to an otherwise simple, drab hairstyle, and it was extremely comfortable. I have worn it several times since its arrival, and am quite pleased! This shop is amazing. :)



~~

{How to Win:}

...Now. Would you like the chance to win a FlexiClip of your choice? I thought so! ;) Read the directions carefully, and be sure to complete the mandatory entries first!

----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------

{Mandatory}
Please leave one comment for both of these, when completed.

Be a public google friend connect follower of this blog
&
Find the FlexiClip on Lilla Rose you would choose if you won!

---

{ONLY for those without a google account}

Follow this blog via e-mail

----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
 {Extra Entries}
Worth one entry each, unless explicitly stated. Only valid if mandatory completed
  
Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway; leave me the link
o 
Add my blog button/blog link to your sidebar
o
"Like" Lilla Rose on facebook
o
Tell me your favorite way to do your hair!
o
Purchase something, large or small, from Lilla Rose and tell me what. :]
(^^ LEAVE FIVE COMMENTS FOR THIS ^^)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS, AGED 10+. IT WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 6TH, 2011, 12:00A.M. NWPT. PLEASE LEAVE SOME WAY OF CONTACT IN A COMMENT SO THAT I MAY NOTIFY YOU IN CASE OF WINNING. WINNER WILL HAVE 48 HRS. TO RESPOND TO NOTIFICATION E-MAIL BEFORE THE PRIZE IS GIVEN TO ANOTHER.

::Disclaimer: I recived this product free of charge from Lilla Rose to review. All opinions are soley my own. If you are interested in letting me review one of your products, please click here.::

More than a Fairytale?

Cinderella: commoner made princess.

Kate Middleton: commoner made princess.



...who says they shouldn't make the most of it? ;)

~~

Sometimes dreams become reality.

"I Don't Wear Make-Up": Confidence Without Cover-Up!

Recently, I received a sweet comment from a young lady, Miss Caroline, who wished to know,

"How do you do your make-up? You always look so pretty and natural in all of the photos you post. Could you let me in on the secret?"

..As flattered and touched as I am by Caroline's words, I am sorry to tell her that...there is no secret! Well..I suppose there are a few, which I will disclose later in this post. But they have nothing whatsoever to do with make-up...truthfully, I haven't the slightest idea in the world how to apply mascara or eye shadow or cover-up. And this is a post to explain why I'm still confident without it all.

---

First of all, let me make it perfectly clear that I am in no way "against" make-up. I think it looks very nice when applied naturally, in appropriate amounts. Make-up is for accenting a girl's beautiful features, and nearly everyone I know who wears make-up looks quite pretty with it.

...So why don't I wear it? Well, for starters, our family doesn't feel it a necessity until we are old enough. I don't think we have even yet defined what "old enough" is, but I think when the time comes, we will know. Olivia is 18, and she still doesn't wear it. I believe if we truly wanted to wear make-up/it was something we were dying to do, we would be allowed, but Olivia and I have never felt the need, either. I like being natural. All I have to do in the mornings is pop out of bed and dress...voila, half an hour in the bathroom saved! ;)

Second, I have a few other "prettying-up" techniques that I feel are perfectly workable for the present. I know many of my readers are also non-make-up-wearers, and I know we sometimes feel a longing to at least do something to "touch ourselves up." We all have our ways. :) 

Thus, Caroline, I give you...my "secrets:"

---

Confidence without Cover-Up:

1. Wash your face.

Cover-up is used to disguise those annoying little blemishes we call "acne." Now, this isn't really fair of me, because I am blessed with clear skin. However, I can develop a few oily spots here and there if I do not help to keep my skin clear by giving it a refreshing wash every night and morning. I use "Cetaphil." It is a remarkable lotion which can be applied, massaged-in, and rinsed as often, daily, as you feel necessary. I first rinse, then use the lotion, then rinse again.

2. Don't touch.

I am so guilty of this. I touch my face all the time without realizing it, but, girls, this is so very bad for my skin! Do you realize all of the germs I have on my hands? Recently, every time I catch myself touching my face/scratching and rubbing absently, I have been 'punishing' myself by making myself wash my face every time this happens. Try it! :)

3. Don't pick.

I know you've heard this before, but I seriously have realized that I am also guitly of picking at a blemish when it develops. This leaves a scar. It really does. I can prove it. ;) Don't pick!

Confidence without Mascara:

1. Curl your eyelashes.

My eyelashes aren't completely straight...they have a little curl to them. But they're straighter than I would like them to be, so, I curl them. Your mom most likely has one of these:

 

..ask her if you can borrow it sometimes. :) If she doesn't, I believe they are available for a relatively low price at most stores, in the general make-up area. They make a world of difference, and make your eyelashes actually visable, even without the mascara. 'Cause who looks great with eyelashes as straight as boards? Keep in mind that you have to have at least medium-length lashes to curl them. I'm afraid I don't have any cures for short lashes. :(

2. Use the clear stuff.

Nope, this isn't 'cheating' in your quest for the natural path. Clear mascara is available also in the make-up departments of nearly any store...and since you only need to use a little on special occasions, one little bottle will last you forever! I have had mine for two years, actually. Of course, it does help a little that I keep losing it, and use it once in a million years...it isn't vital, but if you use the clear mascara, let it dry, then curl your lashes, your eyes stand out a lot more! This stuff is actually supposed to be applied before use of the regular black/brown mascara, to supply a thicker coat, but us "no mascara gals" regard it as the real thing. :)

Confidence without Eyeshadow:

I am totally not a fan of the "colored stuff." Especially bright colors. It looks rather clownish to me. But, a little bit of natural brown, pale, pale blue or green looks wonderful if properly applied. I really don't have much advice for eyeshadow substitutions--only a warning to stay away from too much, too bright, and too thick, if you decide to wear it. My eyelids have a tint of blue on them already for some reason..probably just veins. But, I make do with ma veins! ;)

Confidence without Lipstick:

1. Chapstick, chapstick, chapstick!

If there is one thing I can't abide, it is chapped lips. I hate them on me, I hate them on other people. Thus, I always carry a stick of chapstick in my pocket or purse. Apply often for soft, supple lips.

2. Drink water.

You've heard it before, but this is a totally vital part of having healthy lips. Eight cups a day or more, if possible.

3. Lip gloss.

If you want a little color without the pasty-ness of lipstick, apply a thing layer of your favorite lip gloss after the chapstick. I mainly use Bath and Body Work's lip stuff, which is amazing and comes in every color imaginable. A nice, light touch-up for pale lips.

4. Don't chew 'em.

Once more, I'm the guilty one here. Which is why I'm bringing it up. I chew my lips (in fact, I just did it a minute ago) all the time, and I am sure it is not healthy for them. How could ruthlessly peeling layers of skin from your poor innocent lips ever be healthy? I'm reminding myself here: don't bite them. Please!

---

...and thus ends my little beauty tutorial, which I sincerely hope was of some help or entertainment. If at least the latter, I am happy. :o) No matter what, remember that you are beautiful just the way you are--make-up or no make-up. And while it's nice to work on the care of our outward appearance, it is always, always much more important to oversee the beauty care of our hearts.

---

Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

(Proverbs 31: 30)

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...

"He loves me, he loves me not...he loves me, he loves me not..he loves me.."

Human love can keep you guessing. At least, in its beginning stages. How many nervous young ladies have plucked at a flower's petals or counted an apple's seeds, desperate to find out whether their "beloved" returns their affections?

I remember reading a book as a child in which one of the characters plays the "He Loves Me" game for fun. I thought it was quite a silly idea~~being at the age where boys were playmates and not subjects for romantic feelings~~but nevertheless, I determined to try it. With no one specific in mind, I skipped out of doors and pulled a daisy from the garden, then proceeded to pluck its petals one by one, mimicking the lines I had read:

 "He loves me, he loves me not..."

Much to my dismay, by the last petal it was determined that whoever "he" might be, I was unfortunatley unloved. Not to be disappointed, I took up another daisy and went at it again.

"He loves me, he loves me not..."

Ah! With some triumph, I plucked the last petal as the words, "He loves me" were spoken. This time, I was satisfied. Feeling assured that I was destined for a happily-ever-after future, I returned to my book.

~~

..Have you ever been unsure of someone's love? Was there a time when you have wished for a flower to determine where their affections lay? Perhaps it wasn't 'romantically' as of yet...but, nonetheless, love had you confused. Unsure. Ready to pluck at a petal to just be assured of something--anything!

The world likes to twist up the definition of 'love' to make it look either cheap, fairy-tale-perfect...though even this is quite capable of slipping away at the mere stroke of midnight. This, my friends, is human love, and what is expected of it.

Aren't you glad that as sons and daughters of our King, we can fully expect to not be left in bewilderment when it comes to His love, or any other that He may have in our present and future? We don't have to 'pluck petals' with God. It isn't,

"He Loves me, He loves me not.."

..with our Lord. It is simply,

"He loves me, He loves me, He loves me..."

..on and on, forever and ever.


~Above image found via this site~

I Will Wait + {Button}

Purity is a topic I have discussed a few times here on "From Under My Little Umbrella." It is a moral that is vastly becoming invaluable in the World's eyes...or, so they tell you.

The truth is, 99% of the guys out there are attracted to flirts and morally corrupt women..but in the long-run, they would never actually marry such a gal.

They respect someone who has guarded her heart, mind, body, and soul..saved everything for one man.

---

Are you that someone?
...someone who stands for purity? Not just of the flesh, but of the heart and mind? Let the world know!

<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/tumblr_ljxsw4LpY11qb0glco1_500_large_thumb-1.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.(Philippians 1: 9-11)  ~Please comment on this post if you decide you would like to use this button to proclaim your light!~

Insecurities: Leave them on the Cross!

{via}

Girls are full of insecurities. That's just the way we are. We're self-consious about our looks, our bodies, our performances...the list could go on. We think we're overweight, so we starve ourselves and end up as an unhealthy bag of bones, depressed and confused. We think we're not beautiful, so we pile on the make-up and straighten our hair and get plastic surgeries until we {think} we look acceptable.

This isn't at all how God intended for we, His beloved daughters, to be.

...Do you remember, way back in Genesis, when Adam was lonely? God, in His loving kindness, provided Eve to be the perfect partner Adam was in need of. With great awe and wonder, the Man exclaimed,

"This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."

 {Genesis 2:23}

..Or, in other words: :)

"Oh. My. Goodness. She's...gorgeous! I can't believe it..."

What do you think Eve looked like? She may have been very beautiful. In fact, I am certain she was very beautiful, because she was God's perfect creation. But, she may have not been considered "gorgeous" by today's standards. Who knows? Nevertheless, Adam thought she was wonderful, and so did her Maker. And if God thinks something is "very good," then you better believe it is! ;)

What does that say about us? Well, we, too, are made in the image of God. Of course, sin entering the world has made it possible for us to become unhealthy and sick, so it is our job to take care of the "Temple" the LORD has entrusted us with as best we can. Still, through Christ's work on the cross, we are seen as flawless beings. Straight hair, curly hair, large nose, small nose...we are equal beauties in His sight. And through Christ's work on the cross, our insecurities don't have to be a burden anymore.

What are your insecurities? Your face? Your hair? Your voice? Stop fretting about them and leave the thing that plagues you, because it's not perfect, on the cross. Chances are it's flawless in God's sight! :)

If I Had a Million Dollars...

...I would spend it on Etsy.

Oh. My. Goodness.

:)

..So I just discovered the fun of creating Etsy treasury lists. If y'all don't know what Etsy is, it is a place where people from all over the world can sell their handmade items. All of the for-sale items are to-die-for, I can assure you. You can create a free account and not have to sell anything, too (like me)--just to look around, heart shops, find future giveaway items, and..creat treasury lists. Muahahaha!

My creations so far:

"Umbrella Love"

{Hehe, I know..the theme around here, right??}

"The Cat's Meow"

{Just cuz Ich liebe cats.}

"Pinkish, and Blossoms, and Pretties, Oh My!"

{Feminine and posh and all that good stuff.}



..So have you discovered Etsy treasuries? What do you like to create? Visit my full collection, and leave me the link to your's!

~*~

What Song Do You Sing?

...You're just gonna stand there and watch me cry?
Well that's alright because I like the way you lie...

Do you ever write songs?

..Just, you know, to write them?

You know they're terrible, you know you could never make anything off of them, and you would die before showing them to anyone, but they reflect what your heart is singing, and so, you write them.

If this is the case, then you are a songwriter. Just like me. :) I've written a few songs in my liftetime--mostly in the form of poems which I have yet to set to music, but nevertheless, they are songs.

Most people write songs about heartbreaks and boyfriends and being dumped and oh-I-hate-you-so-much stuff. The above lyrics are from that type of song--*"I Like the Way You Lie."* (Please see disclaimer below...I do not endorse this song!) 

Why?

Well, sometimes, it's tempting to want to pour all of your "grouchyness" out onto a sheet of paper. It makes you feel good to spill out the things that have gone wrong, the things that you are fuming about, the people you aren't feeling kindly toward at the moment. :) Afterall, that's how most of the big singers make their money--by complaining through their lyrics. It's what we want to hear, because somehow, knowing that another person is going through exactly the same things as us makes us feel better.

If you write songs and poetry and all that good stuff, and find yourself pouring self-pity into your works, I have a suggestion to make:

Why not write about Jesus, and the heartbreaks He's fixed within you?


*Note on the lyrics used at the beginning of the post: I do not in any way endorse this song, I simply heard the chorus awhile back and have no idea if it's an "okay" song or not. My guess is that it isn't--I just used it to illustrate the point.*

A Slap in the Face?

{Via}

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."

{ Matthew 5:38-40}

Today I just felt led to post on a subject that most bloggers don't post about. Not that it's forbidden or horrible or anything, I guess no one really thinks to start typing out a sermon, that's all! ;)

Don't worry, that's not where I'm heading. I was just thinking.

And thinking gets me to wanting to write it all down.

And writing it all down gets me to wanting to share it with the world.

..And what better way to 'share it with the world' than to blog it?

Have you ever been slapped? No, I don't mean literally slapped, as in a "right-in-your-face-stinging" slap..though that is a possiblity too.

Have you ever been slapped?

Brutally, sharply, nails-grating-across-a-chalk-board words that are thrown in your face and hit you like cold water. Or simply a cold attittude from someone whom you get the "hate" attitude from. A cold e-mail. A hurtful blog comment. A distant friend.

..It's no fun, is it? I have recieved my fair share of cold shoulders, or "slaps," and while I know what the Lord says to do when we are provoked, everything inside of me screams insults and "slaps" back. Some people are better at "slapping" than others, too, I've learned. Which makes things all the more precarious.

What to do, what to do? As children of God, we obviously should not respond to slaps and stings with more of the same. Here are a few things that help me to stay on the right track:

First and foremost, cry out to God.

He will honor your wish to follow His words, and will give you the strength you need! 

Count to ten.

Old news, I know. But really, it does help. It's amazing how much calmer you are ten seconds after you recieve a cool remark or open up a sharp e-mail than you would have been had you responded right at your first impulse.

Truly strive to "turn the other cheek."

It's easy to read these words, or think you are going to obey, but when you really stop to think about what it means, it hits you.  

Love unconditionally.

Maybe the slap wasn't really a slap. Or it was, but it was a bad day for someone. Forgive and forget, and never hold grudges. :)

 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

{Luke 6:28}

"Beauty is As Beauty Does!"



"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.."

                                                               {Prov. 31:30}

~*~

~Outward appearance is valued least to God!~