You and Me

Song of the week: another Lifehouse number. No surprise there, huh? I can't seem to get this one out of my head. I have no desire to try to stop singing it. So I'm inviting you to enjoy this song with me. We can sing it together. You and Me.

Of Mary Poppins and Handbags...

And so I bought my first ever tote. I wasn't exactly wild about it, but the 'Liberty of London for Target' tote pictured above is now in my possession. I wanted a cuter carry-on that I could stuff my stuff in, and the 'Liberty' tote fit my needs. It also helped that it happened to be on clearance. And it is quite capacious in size, with plenty of space for my various articles. I was joking with a friend of mine, saying that it is my very own Mary Poppins carpetbag, a la slightly more modern. I could probably fit a baby elephant inside, if I wanted to try. I would be the type of person to walk around with an elephant in her bag as opposed to a toy Yorkie or Chihuahua...

At this point, I believe that I am all set to go off. I will be taking a hiatus from the blogging, though I may post pictures from Japan. I do not expect that June will boast many blog posts. I hate saying goodbye to people, so instead I will say farewell. Mata ashte, tomadachi.

Firefly

It was a magical night. I can now say that it is officially summer, because I saw with my very own eyes the first of the fireflies. My childlike sense of wonder has always been fascinated with the ethereal light that these tiny bugs produce. On and off, their twinkling lights dance through the darkness.

I thought about the way that light contrasts with darkness. How darkness is the absence of light. And how the tiniest lightning bug flicker can draw my attention when it pierces through the darkness. Then I began to think about the people in my life who have been a light to me when all other lights have gone out. How Christ is the greatest Light, the Light of the world who entered the darkness to give us the true light. And how His followers shine just like the fireflies. We are a light in dark places, that penetrate through the despair and show hope to those who have none.

So I concluded that I am a firefly. Christ's firefly. Figuratively speaking, of course. And I love to shine brightly for Him.

image source

Raindancer

Yesterday I spent an entire day walking amidst beautiful lush green paths in a dense forest. Surrounded by green, above and beside me, I felt as though I were drinking in a richness. The air got heavier as the day progressed, and rainclouds ushered in, threatening to open up their bounty. I love the smell of rain, when the earth prepares to receive a thorough soaking. When I set out on the trail, I had no idea what would lie in store for me. Yet I was up for an adventure.

I was two thirds of the way to the end of the wooded trail when I first began to hear the raindrops. Turning my face upwards, I could see the tiny droplets falling from the treetops and descending to the ground. Then I felt them. First one, then two, and then a third drop. Cold on my skin. It wasn't long before the heavens released the rain in quicker succession. Soon, I and those around me found ourselves drenched. I cannot remember the last time I got caught in a torrential downpour. Even the trees could not shield us from the waters that cascaded down upon us.

The sound of the steady downpour was soothing. Like a soft symphony. And I danced like a child. I spun. I soaked it in. And it was beautiful.

image source

My Special Flower

Whispers

Whisper carried on the wings of the wind
Blowing softly through my hair
Caught on the breeze, touching me lightly
I hear Your voice - speak to me
I am listening

Swelling ocean crashing against the shore
Lapping waves over my toes
Chilling water, washing over my skin
I see the wonder - show me
I am watching

Glittering stars in the heavens above
Shining brighter than diamonds
Capture my attention, fixate my gaze
I am so small - tell me
I am Yours

All around me I sense that You are here
Lord of the earth and the sky
What is man, that You are mindful of him?
Who am I - You say
You are mine.

image source

Butterfly

Memories in a bottle
Come floating over me
Trying to catch them all
Is like chasing butterflies
I can hold but a few at a time
Each one is precious
But some float away
From my grasp
And I am left clutching air
Nothing there.

But the memory of you
Is clear
I can see in vivid detail
If memories are butterflies
Than you are more beautiful
And you soar the highest
And you are the one that I treasure
But I would rather have you
Than a memory.

...............................................................

A reflective piece that I jotted down while contemplating memories. The words seemed to write themselves, and I was merely trying to catch them on paper before they disappeared altogether.

Dreamer...

Uhm, yes, I am a dreamer. I love this dress. Someone needs to tell me to get my head out of the clouds, because I am in danger of floating away. It is so beautiful, and I love beautiful things. Goodness...

Morning Walk

I took another ramble today, and snatched my camera as I headed out the door. The fresh rainfall had collected on the earth, making brilliant orbs that sparkled like glass. They were just sitting there, waiting for me to find them. I do so love rainy days. The lighting brings out different hues, and I enjoy capturing the beauty with my little camera. Simple pleasures...

Something Sacred

I locked me away
And buried the key
In a place that only I knew
Until you came to me
And you shook my world
Now everything is changing

Its my sacred trust
My gift to you
If I open the door and give you the key
I am believing that you will stay

Guard my heart
Protect my soul
'Cause this trust is sacred
Now I'm letting you in
Into the depths of me
Christ alone knows me better than you do

When I search your eyes
I see an honest reflection
Of the man that you are
Honest and real
Gentle and strong
I know I can rest securely in you

Something sacred
This trust that we share
We opened our doors and we hold the keys
Knowing that we both will stay...

............................................................................

Love is more than a fancy or a feeling. It is a promise, a commitment, and is held together by a strong bond of trust. This trust is something sacred, and should be valued. Bits and pieces of my reflections; just fragments, really.

Easier To Be ... Me

Yup. Yet another Lifehouse song. Will I ever tire of posting and listening to this incredibly gifted group? Apparently not. 'Easier To Be' is my song of the week, and I wanted to share it. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot contain my happiness, because it is bursting out of me. I randomly break out into smiles. This life that we have should be lived to the full, and I for one intend to live it up. For me, each waking moment is an opportunity, and every day has prospects of being a grand adventure. I am wide-eyed and mystified.

At times, I do feel somewhat like a cock-eyed optimist. Particularly when I look around me and see images of the war-torn countries, lands stricken by earthquakes and the chaos of America's economy. I don't dabble in politics much, but even I can see the that my country's predicament is a serious one. And my heart is heavy for the hurting people. It breaks for the starving abandoned children. So my optimism is tempered by reality. But when I take the time to consider, it is all real. My joy and the pain. They co-exist.

I look forward to the day when there will be no more sorrows. When the mourning is turned into dancing. When everything is as it should be. Until that time, I will hold fast to hope. Because He lives, there is always hope.

Those Rainy Days

Rainy days have a unique beauty of their own. The subdued lighting produces a different sort of color palette, and I couldn't resist snapping a few photographs today. Sparkling raindrops on beautiful and delicate flowers are so lovely. The droplets are like tiny orbs of resplendent glass.

I haven't much else to say aside from this short entry. And so I will sign off until I have something interesting to share.

Crazy Good

You spoke the words I've been longing to hear
for so long
Now we're starting down a path
That we've never been down before

Can you feel my excitement?
Can you sense my thoughts?
Can you tell that I am unsure
and nervous and happy all at one time?

// Life is crazy good when you know
When you know you are loved
So much better than a fairy tale
Because everything you're going through is real //

I wanna savor this moment now
And remember this day
How you were shaking
as you tried to find the words to say to me

// Life is crazy good and I know
I know I don't deserve you
I can't believe you chose me
But you did and I'm so glad that this is real //

Surreal - like a dream
And it seems as though I may wake
To find that I was sleeping
But every waking moment I'm reminded

// That life is crazy good and I know
I know we're gonna make it
With Christ guiding our hearts
I can't wait to see how our story unfolds //

image source

Fragile Beauty

The beauty of Spring. I can never fully capture it, yet I do try every year. These photographs are unedited, and showcase my feeble attempts. I will always be fascinated by the details that make this world such a beautiful place. I cannot wipe this smile off of my face! I am filled with joy, and my source comes from a fount that is overflowing. Can you die of happiness?

Extra Baggage

In preparation for my upcoming trip to Japan, I have had luggage on my mind. Well, I have had a lot of other things on my mind in addition to this, especially as of late, but I've been starting to consider what it is I need to pack and purchase before leaving the country. As is usually the case, my mind began to wander, and I got slightly off track. I began to ponder about the kinds of baggage, or extra luggage, that people tend to tote around in their lives.

Baggage like stress. And bitterness. Resentment. All the fears and anxieties that keep people up at nights. The uncertainties of life that we all worry about, and fret over, but cannot control. I was reminded of the passage in Matthew, and the words that Jesus spoke concerning these things: "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? ... Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." {Matthew 6:27-30, 34}

And the other passage that I pondered was also found in Matthew, again spoken by Jesus: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." {Matthew 11:28-30}

This is baggage that we need not carry. What a sense of freedom and release, when once the burdens have fallen. When we let go of the heavy baggage, it is as though a weight has been lifted from our mind.We were not meant to live under the shadow, but to walk in marvelous light. Not only does Christ take our burdens upon Himself, but He tells us to 'bear one another's burdens.' "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."{Galatians 6:2} This verse has taken on a special meaning to me personally over the past couple of week. The particular 'burden' came in the form of an unexpected sudden injury to one of my dearest friends. Her burden was the pain and everything that accompanied a broken leg. It is a burden that she should not carry alone - and thanks be to God that she is surrounded by friends and family who have supported her throughout the entire journey. In her own words:

//Life// exciting, unpredictable, {ʎzɐɹɔ} and sometimes a lil bit painful... =) but still definitely good, because God is so amazing! oh and also because (just so you know) I have the best family and friends in the whole wide world! {{seriously}}

I am so glad that Christ came to give us life, and life abundantly. I am learning to trust His guidance, and have seen how perfect His timing is. He has placed people in my life, and in the lives of my friends, in such a way that I cannot help but marvel. La vita e bella. I believe that life is beautiful. I thank God that I am alive to glory in both its beauty and its pain.