Monday, April 23, 2012

The Best You

It's fun to look back at memories of when we were little. This is a picture of me when I was about 10 years old, taken by my grandpa. When I was 10 through 13 years old, those were my best years. I was the most ambitious, creative, and talented. I wasn't afraid to be myself, and I thought that my ideas were highly valued. I was innocent and shy, but felt important. I wore hideous clothes and did my hair as awkward as I could because that's all I knew how. But I felt beautiful anyway. I miss that feeling. Growing up makes you less of who you are and more of what society tells you to be. So much so that I've forgotten who I am and how to be myself. I want to feel valued and important again. And I am. I have thoughts and ideas to contribute to the world that nobody else thinks of, because the world is not me. And the same goes for you. Only you can be the best you.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Mockingjay


Finished the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. Emotionally drained. I looked online for a reason the book could end so horribly, and then I came across this. The most sensical explanation that actually made me feel a little better! ***SPOILER ALERT***

 "It wasn't at all what I was expecting. I hated how her relationship with Gale got completely torn apart, and how when the final bombs went off in the capitol (I can't believe Prim died!!) she was unconscious and didn't even experience the Capitol's defeat. Really, what I was expecting was a really epic ending where she breaks into the Capitol building and epically defeats Snow....I also did not like how things completely broke apart after that. She's so emotionally drained and things get so rushed. When she returns to District 12 she just sits around in her kitchen all depressed. Even when Peeta comes back for her it's all really dead. And once again, I was so mad when things with Gale ended so awfully.

So it wasn't the ending I was expecting (or hoped for) but I do get what Suzanne Collins was trying to achieve in this last book. She clearly showed the traumatic effects of war, and that often both sides are responsible for unjustified deaths of innocent people (i.e. Coin's bombing of the children), and that even when an oppressive government is overthrown, it's impossible to just forget all the tragic loss that war has brought. That's why the author didn't include any scenes of happily rejoicing people despite their "liberation." In no way does she try to glorify war. She shows it as it is. She illustrates how it changes people and tears relationships apart.... All in all, Suzanne Collins makes you FEEL the effects of war. She drags you through suspense and excitement, despair and depression, and finally by the end of the book you feel emotionally drained.

Mockingjay wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for, but I definitely recognize Suzanne Collins as an incredibly talented writer, and one that shares important messages through her literary work."

-- world peace! on Yahoo Ask

I agree with this person 100%. It doesn't take away the fact that I am still emotionally drained! This is one of those books that you can't get out of your head. It haunts you days and days after you've finished reading it.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Beautiful Things


All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things

Gungor

Monday, April 9, 2012

The Hunger Games

So I finally got my hands on the entire Hunger Games trilogy, thanks to my friend Shaina! I started reading this morning and decided to take a break at chapter 7. It's very good so far. It's gonna be tough to put this one down, but I need to get other things done! So I'll read one chapter every night before bed. I'm intrigued by the description of the culture in the Capitol. I already saw the movie, so of course I'm picturing everything the way someone else envisioned it. I wish I had read the books first so I could form my own ideas and cinematography in my head. But still, whoever was in charge of the vision in the movie did a great job!
If anyone hasn't read the book yet, I'm already recommending you read it! And I'm not even half-way through!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Good Friday


Easter is right around the corner, and today we acknowledge our sin and bow our heads in remembrance of how Jesus lived his entire life knowing that the day of his sacrifice would come. The story of Jesus is amazing to me. I've learned about it my whole life and it still puts me in awe.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34.

Jesus loves everybody and he died so that everybody would go to heaven, even the people that killed him. Even the chief of sinners. Even me, even you.

Peppermint Tea


I never thought it could be possible for me to like tea. But I've been proven wrong. A while ago I found myself with a bit of a tummy-ache, and my grandma suggested that she make some tea for me. I was like, "no way, I hate tea!" but she insisted that peppermint tea has been found to settle a stomach. So I gave in and tried it. I have to say, of all the teas I've ever tried, peppermint tea is the least disgusting!

I just tried it again last night because my tummy was upset once again, and after drinking my peppermint tea, I felt completely better! It's my go-to miracle!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Vocation


This is something me and my fiancé Marshal have been talking about lately: career. He wants a job that he enjoys and yet still provides and supports his vision of a comfortable, modern lifestyle. I want to do freelance video work but also be a homemaker and someday a stay-at-home mom. It's tough at such a young age in this economy to live that dream. But we're praying that God's will be done with the skills that we have. Ultimately, we just want to serve in God's kingdom.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Anchored in Hope


During my meditation this morning, I read a devotion from one of my Lydia Brownback adornments. It was entitled, "A Pure Woman Hopes." I want to share a quote with you that really stuck out to me:

"... if conformity to Christ were our greatest hope. We'd run toward it, embracing everything God allows into our lives, knowing that all he does with us is working toward that great goal [becoming like Jesus]."

Reading this quote reminds me that sometimes life isn't going to be fun. In fact, sometimes life will be quite horrible and sad. But even in those times, we have to trust that God knows what he's doing and take comfort in the fact that someday the pain will end.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Aspirin Mask


I just heard about this today for the first time, and it's so simple and cheap! I bought a bottle of aspirin from Target and tried it right away. I just dissolved three aspirin tablets in my hand by adding a little water (it took only seconds for it to dissolve!) then I smeared it on my face. I let it dry for about 10 minutes, then I rinsed it off with warm water! My face feels very soft and looks much better!

I am going to be addicted to this, maybe I will use it every other night. It's best to use after cleansing then followed by your moisturizer.

UPDATE: [the morning after using the mask] -- my face has never felt so amazing!!! This mask is exactly what I needed to add to my routine!

Perfect Morning Routine


A morning routine and positive mindset is vital to having a healthy day. My wakeup time is 7am, and I usually have to be ready by 8:30. Let's see what I can fit in that time span!

#1 Drink Water
The first thing to do when you wake up is to replenish the body. You haven't eaten or hydrated for the past 8 hours, now your body needs something to refresh and wake up! Drink a glass of water immediately upon waking up, and your body will thank you for it. This takes all of 5 minutes to do.

#2 Exercise & Stretch
Get that metabolism going! This workout is perfect for the morning and can be done daily. It's simple and easy to remember.

20 squats
20 pushups
20 crunches
20 jumping jacks
REPEAT TWO MORE TIMES

After the initial exercises (which takes less than 10 minutes), now it's time to stretch. Spend one minute doing each of the following:

twists: arms in air like you are going to box, twist side to side
side stretch: one hand on hip, other hand in air reaching across your head
feet reach: sit on floor with legs straight in front of you, touch your toes
hammies and quads: grab knee, pull towards chest. then grab foot, pull towards butt
arm stretch: grab wrist behind head, pull to opposite side


#3 Meditation
There are many things to think about in the morning. After working out, it's a good time to relax and focus the mind. If all is going well right now, it should be about 7:30am. Read a devotion. Visualize how the day ahead of you will be a success. Say a prayer. Maintain perfect posture for the duration of your mediation. This will only take about 10 minutes.

#4 Healthy Breakfast
Now give your starving body the fuel to start your day. Eat some fruits and grains and possibly some dairy! Have the breakfast prepared for a few days in a row so you can save time in the morning.


#5 Wash Up & Get Dressed
Now that it's about 8am and I have only 30 minutes left before my scheduled day begins, it's finally time to let my hair down and put on my face. I like to shower in the evenings, so in the morning I'm just going to wash my face, brush my teeth, and make myself look and smell as pretty as possible! An easy way to style long hair in the morning is to use pillow curls. This takes some time the night before. Here is a good site to find instructions!


Now that I have curly hair, a clean face with rosy cheeks and my signature winged eye liner, I can choose my outfit, spritz on perfume and I'm good to go! What a great morning!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Printed Word pt. 2


I know I'll give into E-Reading eventually just like people are choosing streaming movies rather than physical discs. But I love a good solid book with many pages and using my pretty bookmarks. That's not exactly what this post is about though! It's about my desire to keep up with reading on a regular basis. I want to keep a book next to my bed and read for about an hour every night before I go to sleep.


So if I am able to get into bed by 10pm and start reading, I should be able to fall asleep by 11 and get my eight hours of sleep by 7am. That's the plan. I cannot stress how much I want reading to be a priority of mine. It's so wonderful to get the mind off all the business of life and just get lost in a good book and then have pleasant dreams about stories from another world.


We'll see if I can do it!