tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45455546219770939162024-02-20T00:18:10.131-08:00The Big Eyed Girl's View on the WorldThis is just my insight and perspective into the different things I notice in life. Be it from the news, the things my students or friends say, sights and people around me or something God whispers into my ear.The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-88514712179384725252013-04-09T08:00:00.003-07:002013-04-09T08:00:54.647-07:00So, it has been a long time since I have written on this page. A lot has happened, some things great, some things small. But I recently noticed that one of the best (and very random) parts of my day, is sharing stories and my perspective on different situations with my coworker.<br />
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This (ans my coworker) got me thinking that maybe I need to start blogging again... So hopefully I will.<br />
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Since I am working on a really uninteresting chapter in a 6th grade math book, I will not start now. But I feel like this post makes it real, because somewhere out there, 3-5 people may read this. And, since I am a woman of my word (most days) this small promise is hopefully enough to reignite the desire to write some of my life and perspective down...<br />
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... we shall see.The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-26504126712141510882012-10-11T04:49:00.001-07:002012-10-11T04:50:03.627-07:00How to Run THIS Race<br />
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Yesterday I ran around a local reservoir practicing for a marathon relay this Saturday. This is the same place I ran when I decided to do a triathalon a few years back. Now let me be clear, I am NOT the woman I may appear to be in the last few sentences. in fact I am I never been a runner in my life. I would get winded if I jogged two blocks.<br />
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As I was running yesterday I thought about that first day I tried running (for the triathalon) and there was this white light house looking thing in the corner of the track and I kept telling myself if I could just run to that white thing I could become a runner. It took me about two weeks to get up enough stamina to accomplish this small goal. The distance is probably a quarter of a mile. As I headed back to that same track this summer I parked in a different spot to make that building my first goal again. this time it was about 3/4 miles away. But I quickly reached that goal by my second day of training. Last night I blew past that building several times to complete a 4.5 mile run.<br />
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As I ran I felt like the other people on the track should have been cheering for me, calling my name and waving signs. But they didn't. Well a few may have been pulling for me since I run crooked which makes me look like I am training for the kind of race where everyone gets a medal (not knocking the Special Olympics, I have spent many hours supporting my little heroes). But it made me realize that we are all on a journey at the same time and often on the same track. If I am not cheering or supporting anyone why would I expect the same.<br />
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I like to run alone, then I can go at my own pace, if I stumble no one knows, and if I give up a little only me and God really see. But life is not to be run alone. Sometimes you need others to push you hard, pick you up when you fall, and expect more from you than short cuts or giving up.And this means you have to give them the same support too.<br />
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Sometimes when I run I see an older woman who walks the opposite way! She now puts both hands up adn gives a silent cheer when I run past, and I smile and whisper encouragements to her. But this took building a tiny relationship with her with smiles and head nods. But on days when she is there it is easier for me to run, and her silent cheers are music to my ears.<br />
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I pray that each of you has or finds a great group of people to run this race with! I have!!!The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-8092353848983425742012-02-08T16:16:00.000-08:002012-02-08T16:16:04.852-08:00Love is in the AirAs the 14th of February closes in on me I realize that for the first time in my life... really the first time ever... after 36 long years, I can honestly say that I have a Valentine. Don't get me wrong I have had dates, and attention, and as a first grade teacher I have had more than my fair share of rectangular cards with a sweet treats attached. But I really have a love to share the holiday with. I am not nervous or worried and to be honest we have no real plans.
I was talking about love to my dad and explaining that I have always preferred singleness to relationships because they are just too stressful. I was always aware that they all were not like this, I have watched my parents navigate through great and terrible times all the while staring into each other's eyes for support, definition and companionship. But I never had that. I always thought love (for me) came with a burden of anxiety, unbalance and way too much stress. A part of me thought I would be single forever and really had few problems with that (outside of the Jesus rules I work hard to follow... if you know what I am saying).
But next week I will cuddle on the couch eating something yummy and watching a movie that I am sure only one of us will like. And I will be filled with happiness. And I never would have thought that this man who is the full on version of my opposite would be the person God would use to send me such love and happiness.<br />
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So as you admire your flowers and cards, eat your chocolates, or hang out single just know that somewhere in the city a big eyed girl is smiling!!The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-64527133701732900122012-01-15T05:48:00.000-08:002012-01-15T15:21:45.237-08:00It's Not Where You're From It's Where You're At!So I spent this morning going over a few "notes" from Facebook and reposting the ones I felt were still significant to my blog. But I read one that I wrote that talked about my choice to move into my current home. This note was written within the first few months of me living here... that was over 4 years ago. And a lot has changed. So this repost is somewhat of a reflection and update.<br />
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Original "It's Now Where You're From It's Where You're At" (February 2008)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">So for those of you who don't know, I was led by God (and a fluctuation housing market) to buy a home in a not so nice section of Baltimore. Ok, so they filmed the majority of The Wire within a 5 block radius of my home. If you look at the pictures it is hard to believe what lies outside my door. Not down the street, or even up the block. But right outside my door. To give you a small idea of my area, the man who lives extremely close to me (I would say next door, but that would be too obvious, because the other house is abandoned) sells heroin, some kind of pill and lets people pay him to get high in his house. When I walk to my car in the morning I am greeted by the local junkies, some strangers but most of them know me as "Teacher" or Miss D.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Most of the time when people first come to visit they are confused by my surroundings, to say the least. Let's be real, sometimes I have no idea what I am doing here. But then I remember that I was led to this area and in all faithfulness I asked God to put me here if that was His will. (Funny how His will for me never involves a new car or trips to Italy). So when I moved in and the local drunk lesbian who also takes methadone helped me and my people unload the car, the adventure began.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">I honestly, never thought what I had done was such a big deal. I mean this is the strongest community I have ever been a part of.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Examples</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">1. When someone tried to steal my fence - the old white drug dealer stopped them</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">2. This summer I would open my door to a fresh apple on my mailbox, as a way of saying thank you for teaching our kids...Ok, really it was saying 'dang you toes look good in those sandals'. But either way it was more than this young guy had given someone in a while.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">3. When a strange junkie hit my car, the other ones came to my rescue knocking on my door and buffing out a lot of the scratches before I was finished getting dressed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">But I recently started to share the true reasons for my living choices and it seemed to have an effect on people. It also made me start to d even more.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">It has changed me significantly. I worry less about the bag I am rocking (ok, maybe not less, but I care about other stuff just as much) and start to pay attention to those around me. I realized that EVERYONE has a story, and if you take the time to hear it, it may do them some good.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">I don't stand on a soap box and scream "Jesus loves you" at the top of my lungs. I just make eye contact, share stories, listen, listen, listen and laugh.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">You would be amazed at what that does for the human spirit. And all of these people who I meet at the rock bottom of their lives, I like to think, are a little changed by the small amount of God's love I try to pass on by these little gestures of humanity.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">So, basically, if God is calling you somewhere strange, or to do something completely out of character, know that the benefits package that comes with "His work" is amazing! and unexpected!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Since then I have started the "Red Couch" bible study, watched several people get "clean" and come back and share their stories with me or come back and relapse. I threw a party and invited my people along with the folks from my block and watch as my old friends came right into the house and celebrated while my neighborhood folks just stayed outside and enjoyed from a distance. This alone taught me so much. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Now the housing market is still crappy and I often times wish I lived in a place where I could just walk out of my front door and go for a jog, leave my car unlocked when I run back into the house to get something I forgot or other care free wishes that faded in the 70s. But I am still here, still sharing God's light and the gospel. I have made a lot more friends, I still know the drunk lesbian, own too many expensive bags and get Christmas cards in my mailbox from people in an ongoing fight with drug addiction. People in the neighborhood come to me for advice, prayer or to fix a broken door. And I go to them for smiles and stories. I still sit on my stoop and "do life" with my block. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">There has been even greater change in me. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I have gotten a new car but no trips to Italy. My heart has grown for a people I once never even considered in my day to day thoughts. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I have been convicted at times for doing nothing more than living on this block and not speaking about the grace God has for us all, or even just talking. But that is the ebb and flow of life. I am not a saint people! Just a sinner saved by grace and these people on this block have seen many sides of me. If you asked them about me you would get a lot of different answers, good and bad. But if you ask them about the God I serve, wether they know Him or not, they would all say I love him, and He loves me and some of them would even say that He loves them too.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">So as I grow, redecorate and one day move on the mark that will be left will most certainly be on my heart. I am thankful almost every day for God's desire to break and reshape me on this block alongside these people I call friends!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-61761644406749509402012-01-15T05:13:00.000-08:002012-01-15T05:13:31.909-08:00What Does it Really Pay to "Discover"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Written December 4, 2008 on Facebook. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">So I was watching tv today… Ok, really I was watching a television show on the internet!! (The best thing about technology taking over everything) Anyways, I saw this Discover Card commercial that said something to the effect of life is cool and there is so much cool stuff out there that we all want. (I was in agreement at this point) and then it went on to say that it is ok to want all of it and to have all of it, you just need a credit card that gives you great rewards. (If you have not guessed by now this is where I stopped agreeing with the commercial). I guess I need to back track a little bit. I am a recovering spend-a-holic. A few months ago I was sitting on the stoop with a friend who has three kids and a non working husband and realized that she and her family were poor. Not strapped for cash, hitting a rough spot or anything like that. I sat there in mid conversation and realized that this woman I had shared so many laughs with over the last year was not just poor but well below the poverty line. I am not a cold hearted self absorbed person, I had done my part of dropping things off here and there to help out or just make the day a little better. And we had shared our faith, dreams and aspirations. It was just that I had really honestly never known what it was like to have next to nothing. Even on my worst day I have my parents to fund dreams, help clean up mistakes and just support my love for fashion.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">At the same time I was going through this revelation that my, what I considered to be low budget, life seemed extravagant to the people I had met over the last year. I started to tabulate all the times I had come home with bags of clothes, purses and shoes and they were tucking kids in with half empty bellies. I was then hit head on with financial stewardship being the new topic at church. I decided, in the heat of the sermon to take a financial fast. I tried to keep it a secret, but I am a shopper and when I don’t shop people really notice, and as I began to tell others about my choice it was cool to see the reactions. Aside from gas, basic foods and a few fellowship commitments I had made prior to the fast my money only went to bills and giving.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">In little over a month, a lot changes to a person when you have to pay attention to every single cent you spend, make sure it is a needed purchase and that God approves of it. I could go on but the point I was originally trying to make was about the commercial. YES! There is a lot of cool stuff out there, and it is only human to want it. But, there are so many more things and people that you could spend your time and money on. There will always be a better tv, iPod, pair of Ugg boots or whatever it is that makes you want to pull out the plastic and face the consequences later. So you can get the card that gives you 5% cash back on all purchases made between 3:46 and 3:52AM in Fiji. Or you can take some time and run your financial plan pass God and really see some true REWARDS.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Since the economy is taking a nose dive knit a scarf, write a poem, give a hug or whatever. Just remember that it only takes a simple action to show someone the love that they need, but it takes like 30 years to pay off a $45 purchase on a Discover card!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">NOTE: My notes are a simple chronicle of my life, which encompasses my walk with God. Feel free to read and comment regardless of what you do or do not believe in. After my first one I saw that it got all my people from all beliefs talking and I loved it. So no matter what you have to say, this is what I have to say. And in this big spending, over-commercialized, extremely skewed season of shop ‘til you drop to prove you love, status, and wealth to others, time of year (Oh yeah that was originally designed to celebrate the birth of Christ), I just wanted to give you all a little something to think about.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span>The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-15399768311705603842012-01-15T05:03:00.000-08:002012-01-15T05:03:18.784-08:00Black Like Me.. Something worth Reposting<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Written January 20, 2009 on Facebook. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">The last few days have been
mind blowing reflecting on Dr. King and the events that will take place in just
a few hours. I have listened to so many people openly discuss everything from
their love for Dr. King to their frustration with Obama. For the most part it
was all talk of pride, joy and a dream finally fulfilled. And I was happy to
engage in these conversations and give my two cents when and where I could. But
in a room filled with Black people just having fun and keeping it light someone
blurted out "We are about to have the first Black president sworn in just
a few days." My heart jumped, smiles filled the room and people were excited.
Then a woman remarks “Yeah, but he is not really Black”.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Being that Obama is “Black like me” (definition –
has one Black parent and one white, or what I like to call Black with benefits)
I was very offended. Honestly I usually don’t care when people make these
foolish statements because if I did I would have spent a great portion of my
childhood mad. But this week is too huge to let this ignorance slide.
Multi-ethnic people like myself who are biologically ½ Black spend the majority
of their lives being thrown into whatever category fits for the people who bring
their race into the matter.</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">If we do something wrong or break a law, procreate
at a young unmarried age, struggle in school or make the evening news for some
illegal act, we are BLACK. No one runs behind the story and says “Yeah, He
looks Black but his momma is White.” Or “Another darker complected White girl
just had a baby outside of marriage and so now your taxes have to go up.” In
every negative scenario we are just as Black as the Black next person.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">So we walk the streets in a society that looks at
us as Black, and we live that way. But as soon as we do something great like,
oh I don’t know, become the 44th president of the United States of America,
everyone makes sure our complete heritage is mentioned enough times so there is
no mistaking that a Black person and a White person were involved in the
creation of said person. Whenever we win it all, beat the odds, make a
difference or a lot of money we become some complex racial being of more than
just run of the mill Black.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">We also spend a great deal of our lives having the
people who walk beside us in the racial indifference that still resonates in
this country, look at us differently as well. We have been the topic of many
talks that went something like “Oh she thinks she is better than me because she
is half white”. In all honesty, to those of you who feel that way, I am better
than you, not because my DNA or curly hair, but because of my heart.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">But if we openly say we are more than just Black
(Mariah, Tiger…) we are looked at as the race traitors of the new millennium,
or poor confused Black people. Not people who have chosen to openly express
their full culture up front.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">When you don’t know me and you look at me I am
Black. When you do know me and my family tree I am still Black. No matter what
you think or say or do I am a strong proud Black woman who had the privilege of
being raised and loved by a strong proud man who by the grace of God is White.
I am in no way shunning a portion of my heritage. If you hang out with me long
enough you may get some Kringler or other Swedish yummy, know that I am proud
to be of Scandinavian decent, and that I can hold my own in a crowd full of any
kind of people. All of this is because I have embraced who I am and all of the
elements that made me that way.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">So in a few minutes I will fully enjoy watching
the first Black President of the United States of America take his rightful
place at the head of this broken nation! I hope you see the same man I see
today!</span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">PS- Thank you to Solidad O'Brian for taking this
concept to the masses!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-20340116270821287762012-01-10T19:12:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:19:01.551-08:00A case of the What Ifs!So as I was leaving work today I felt a mixture of emotions. My school was hosting a math and reading night and I wanted to be a part of it... sort of... ok so I felt obligated to be there. But the problem was I lead a bible study every Tuesday night and we had just gotten back into the swing of things for the new year. So I headed home with my head pounding and a strong desire to lay down and not worry about this handful of women who would begin arriving at my home around 6:30ish. I honestly didn't feel like dealing with it. Some nights no one talks but me, those nights are an exception, but in my wearied state I hoped that it would not be one of those nights.<br />
I hopped in the shower, wrote up the lesson and went downstairs to relax and try to get rid of the ache in my head before any one could knock at the door. Then I got a call and one of the women who come to the bible study had gotten a flat tire. She anxiously explained that she didn't know who else to call. I told her it was not a problem, waited for someone to show up so they could answer the door for the others and headed out to fix the flat. From the time I headed out the door until I said goodbye to the last of the ladies I forgot about the headache.<br />
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I know this doesn't seem like a blog worthy story, but I have omitted the meaty portion, until now. In between those two moments I unknowingly let God have his way. I started the bible study off of the topic that I planned and began talking about salvation. Now don't get me wrong, I bring up salvation, hell and all the other topics those happy Christians gloss over from time to time. But with this unseen ring of fire encircling my head I had decided to stick to the script. Then that question that I always thought was a bit too corny and obvious popped into my head, and I shared it with the group even prefacing it with the fact that I rarely asked this question so bluntly. I simply said "If you died tonight on the way home where would you end up?" My flesh caused me to chat it up a little too much explaining how different people may answer the question and letting the ladies know that I would be asking them about it privately later. Then one woman asked me if accepting Christ was a big moment.<br />
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I stop to reflect on how easily people can make this simple step of perfection seem like an unfathomable challenge. I have watched over the last year as this woman went from not knowing how to pray for a simple request for the work place to buying a bible to now asking if she needed to do something special to be saved.<br />
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So I smiled and asked a few simple questions (if you don't know them let me know and I will ask you about them too!) and watched as her life was transformed. Then shook her hand and giggled to stifle the tears.<br />
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The rest of the night was pretty amazing too. As we shared about being ambassadors for Christ, the impact actually seeing and understanding his holiness can have on a person and the importance of His death and resurrection. (OK so it was a deep conversation).<br />
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Needless to say, I shed a few tears as we prayed out and I said goodbye to one another. And it was not until I closed my door for the last time this evening that I felt the pain searing in my temples. I am sure the headache never subsided the entire night. But when the Spirit is at work there is no room for physical limitation.<br />
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So I lay here tonight thinking "what if?"<br />
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What if I canceled bible study tonight because my head hurt?<br />
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What if I focused on my pain instead of others' growth?<br />
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What if I didn't have faith enough in God to start this bible study?<br />
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What if someone never took the time to pout into my life?<br />
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What if He had never called me?<br />
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Life is full of what if moments. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace. He didn't need me for this transformation tonight. He doesn't need any of us to do this work. But He calls us. He call us to come along side Him. Along side the Creator!! To work with Him. How amazing is that. With headaches, broken bodies, bleeding hearts and sin filled lives... He died for us so we could work next to Him!The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-39563756951870425012011-11-19T06:44:00.000-08:002012-01-11T02:57:24.931-08:00Watch what you say... it could have a bigger impact than you expected!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I attend a bible study (D-Group) on Thursdays. We talk about Sunday's sermon, eat and laugh... you now, we fellowship!! The topic was church discipline, which sad to say I had limited knowledge of until this month. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as we were sharing somehow (I cannot remember how because it was after 8 pm and my mind slows around that time) we got onto the topic of adultery. One of my brothers gave this example from his life when he was married and talking about how he would say "I will never cheat! I am not that guy". He then described a conversation he had with a guy that pointed out that David was a man after God's own heart and he cheated, Solomon was the wisest and he cheated... (you get the point). AS he was talking the conversation went in a few directions and I just tucked what he said in the back of my mind.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that night I chatted with my "big brother" about my current relationship and a lot of missteps I had made in the past with this man and with others. It was a nice talk because for the first time I was really ahead of his advice. (you know not embarrassed and ashamed, but fully doing the things he was talking about). As our conversation moved to goofy chats and (faith based) sibling banter. I again tucked the words away thinking I would need to reflect on them later down the road when I was weaker in my walk! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neither of these men had said things that I thought were of great significance for my current situation. But I have been in the Christian game long enough to know that when something stands out hold onto it, because it will most likely come in handy one day. And the very next night I was faced with a choice that I would have not seen as one that could have led sin before their talks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>*The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.<br />
<span class="keywordresultextras">Proverbs 12:14-16</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that the next night I was propositioned for sex. It was NOTHING like that! I am in a God led relationship that has had some bumps in the road, but we both love God and respect each other and our walk(s) with Christ. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an innocent request on his part and I knew it. I agreed (because I knew he was innocent in his thinking) and then quickly felt God nudge me. Then the words from a friend's friend about me not being stronger or better than these biblical giants untucked themselves and danced across my mind's eye. Before I could call him back to alter the plans my big brothers words that had once seemed like confirmation now looked like a warning. I began to pray. I didn't pray for strength but instead for the ability to acknowledge my weakness. To share my weakness with this man in a healthy way that would allow him to see ways to lead me and protect me, even from himself at times. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">*But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">weakness</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">weakness</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">es, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10.</span></i></span><br />
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</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the prayer I called him and tried to cancel the plans. Because they were not a sin trigger for him my request seemed odd. At first he was openly frustrated with me. (I mean do you know what it is like to be two 30-something year olds going on dates to the mall and Target, to stay away from sin, and one of the pair shoots down an innocent idea because she is too hot in the britches for your simple plan?) But God softened his heart and opened his ears and we were able to work through it and have a great evening that led to a closer relationship instead of sin. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is not to show how I took the Christian "highroad" because my tread has been worn thinmore times than not on that other path. I am fully aware that my journey is only good when I hand the map and flashlight over to Jesus! I want people to see that had these two men in my life chosen not to share their thoughts and past stories I would have not had them to reflect on, and this could have been a very different post. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So when you have a chance to share a story, advice or wisdom, SHARE IT!!! You have no idea what God can do with your words! We are all sinners and need the tales of the other's pasts to assist us in out present and help seal the deal on the blessing God has for our futures!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to my brothers in Christ for unknowingly helping a sister out!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scriptures!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.<br />
<span class="keywordresultextras">Romans 8:25-27</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,<br />
<span class="keywordresultextras">1 Corinthians 2:2-4 </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Behold, you people of Israel, all of you, give your <b>advice</b> and counsel here."<br />
<span class="keywordresultextras">Judges 20:6-8 </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take <b>advice</b> is wisdom.<br />
<span class="keywordresultextras">Proverbs 13:9-11</span></span><br />
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</span>The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-24108016799251909822011-06-01T17:19:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:19:57.237-07:00You can't "Post"pone the feelingsSo I see a post on Facebook from a "friend" that may or may not have been directed at me. She vented about how she could measure her real friends based on her recent move to a new town, and proceeded to list by name the only two friends she could count on. As you may have guessed I did not make that very short list. So if I do not call you as much as I did when you lived within walking distance, or don't just drop by because that would require filling up my gas tank more than once (well maybe not now with the Mini) I am not a friend. That obscured reality left me slightly puzzled. I find it funny that I never measured our friendship, and in fact it really takes a great deal of selfishness, manipulation and/or complete and utter disregard for yourself for me to really consider removing you from my circle. (Note - this in no way refers to my inner circle).<br />
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But come on. Do we really need to write these juvenile pleas for attention on a social site? Not only that, but do I need to know your man looked at someone while you were eating at Applebee's? Your baby daddy is getting married and you don't give a f*@k. And I am fully aware of what this says about the people I call "friends" on social networking sites, but some of them are regular competent people off line. Do we lose sight of the level of non-anonymity these sites really offer? Do we forget that right next to this posting of complete and shameless belligerence is a photo of ourselves? What has become of us that we can air our dirty laundry for the world and think nothing of it? Do we think that little of ourselves? And I am ashamed of the fact that it is usually women committing these foolish acts.<br />
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If you are lonely, be lonely. If you are mad, sad, angry, hurt or any other biting emotion go ahead and embrace it. But as I have always told young women (usually in reference to boys) - be careful what you write down!<br />
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When we show overly emotional displays to all 598 "friends" on a social site, our true friends are often times negatively impacted by it. If I am hurting I pick up the phone. When my heart was broken to the point where I was worried about being nonsensical, I went to the homes of those I truly loved and laid on the couch watching tv and laughing or crying to get through it. I did not post a monologue of pain and venom on Facebook.<br />
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When one of my very best friends walked out of my life I didn't talk about her using some vague description on Twitter. I leaned on my other friends to get me through it.<br />
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In my eyes Facebook, Twitter and all the others are for FUN!!! Not for over emotionally charged diatribes used to get the attention of one, but read by hundreds. It sickens me to think that we have become a people that cannot call on friends and admit hurt, defeat, fear or all those other emotions we push under the carpet for lack of wanting to admit that we actually feel them. Instead we will make light of the situation by "posting" a version of our pain that has been turned on its ear. Does it dull the sting? Lessen the bite? I don't think so. But maybe that is just me.<br />
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Pain brings a better understanding of joy. Loneliness brings a sweetness to love. Pressure turns coal into a diamond. If we constantly escape or make light of the negative emotions, we cannot possibly find or feel the good ones when they come.<br />
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If I had really hurt the woman who wrote the friendship post and she and called me to discuss it I could have told her that my life is crazy right now. That she remains in my prayers, that I read her posts to feel closer to her. But I would have also told her that I think she is moving too fast in certain areas of her life, that she should focus more on getting good employment. But maybe this may be why there was a post and not a call. Because being real friends is hard and friendships come with every emotion listed in this post. But the good far outweighs the bad, at least in true friendships.The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-52838588470676373552011-05-21T06:22:00.000-07:002011-05-21T06:22:32.745-07:00Pretty Means Perfect and Beautiful Means BetterSo I have a friend who is extremely beautiful. I have known him for almost 20 years and have seen a transformation from a humble guy who just liked the regular things in life, could hold a good conversation and enjoyed the simple side, and is now a eccentric mid 30 year old who does not notice or obey social norms. The things that we learn from societies reactions to our behavior are very important to the development of our character. Like when you are young, if you pick your nose, people will make a terrible face at you (at least I do, there is no age where it is ok to stick your finger in your nose in front of others) and you begin to learn that it is not an appropriate behavior. Or when you embarrass someone with a comment and they change their tone or even end the conversation with you. These are all cues that we learn from society that help shape us into upstanding adults. Because, lets face it, your mom can swat your hand from your nose a thousand times and still have less of an impact as catching one persons disgusted look.<br />
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But what happens when you are so pretty (as my friend is) that society in general turns a blind eye to your little missteps, your odd remarks and your nose picking? What happens when no one backs up momma's advice because they don't want to risk being removed form your company, or ending the conversation or just hurting the feeling of a beautiful person? What happens is this, that beautiful person becomes a little uglier on the inside. They become less relevant to the things that matter in this world, they become less interesting and they become only their looks. If they have a talent like singing, acting or something that we can consume we are more apt to forgive them. But we still hold them in such high regard based on their beauty.<br />
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I bring this up, not because I have a issue with beautiful people, I love looking at God's handiwork. But because we put such emphasis on looks as it is, and when a person comes along with that knock you over freakishly beautiful beauty, we actually short change them. I am always telling my friend to do this or don't do that and that I am going to one day do a study on the effect of his beauty on his social development. Had he never found out he was so pretty on the outside I would probably still be chasing behind the beautiful man that he was on the inside (I admit I chased the outside too! Shoot, I am no saint and I was only 19!). It saddenS me that the potential I saw in him at 19 was lost over 15+ years of people letting little things slide because of his outward appearance.<br />
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The same goes for others with the "super pretty gene"! We overlook Angelina Jolie's whoring, bed hopping, husband stealing ways, not because she is with Brad Pitt or feeding hungry people and adopting half of the brown babies of the world. She receives a pardon from her personality because she is beautiful. We cried so much harder when Alliyah died than Left Eye because of her uncanny beauty. And we overlooked the fact that Alicia Keys got pregnant by a married man that she was blatantly having an affair with because she looked so cute with her baby bump at their wedding and can sing.<br />
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So my theory is that had Angelina been just regular beautiful someone may have scolded her for her trampy ways and she may have changed before decimating several relationships. Maybe Alicia Keys Beats would have chosen a different route and maybe my boy would be more of the man he was intended to be. But we shall never know... and I apologize if my striking beauty has had a negative impact on anyone's life. I will try to do better.<br />
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It is not the only the beauties at fault in these less than magnanimous tragedies, but also the beholder. There is nothing wrong with a pretty face unless it is so pretty that it never learns when it is wrong.The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-74179595945737463192011-05-11T17:45:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:42:52.957-07:00I'm BackSo honestly I am unsure if anyone out there will even notice that I have returned to blog again. I suffered a bit of a heart break and did not want to write a bunch of jaded or sappy mess on this blog so I decided to just be silent for a while.<br />
Now back to life in general and my take on it!The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-11341441904134401202011-02-03T20:15:00.000-08:002011-02-03T20:16:00.712-08:00A little "fruit" for thoughtSo I was having one of those days where you look at your life in a brief snapshot, and I was feeling a little pity-filled for myself. My job is the opposite of great, my love life is less than noteworthy, my basement is leaking... I could go on but you get the picture. I was talking to God about suffering and asking my Lord for simple understanding in this storm. Don't get me wrong, I know He should be and is, in fact, enough. But He is also my daddy, which makes me His "little" girl. And in my infancy I wanted more... Sad, but true.<br />
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So I headed to bible study, tired and less than enthused. And God met me right where I was. The man leading the bible study was talking about discipleship, but the Lord was talking to me about my "suffering". Now I am no fool, I know there are people persecuted daily for worshipping Jesus, starving people, abused children, loveless lives scattered to the corners of the globe. But even with that knowledge it does not take the sting out of a bad day, or week or how ever long it has been. But once the study got rolling, I was reminded that we grow through our suffering, we find endurance, develop the personality traits that the world falls short of having and a bunch of other delicious ways God uses us even while we are drenched by life's rain.<br />
As I sat there I realized that I have grown so much this past year, while under the oppressive leadership at my job and indifference in so many other areas of life. It made me think of the purifying flames of fire, the pressure needed to turn coal into a diamond and that God's love is so unfailing that it can come in so many forms, and we need not decipher them but simply trust in Him, always.<br />
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As the rain pours and my umbrella flips over in the wind I am reminded that in my life I have seen an increase of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And if it takes a downpour to grow these amazing blooms from the seeds planted in my life. Then I will smile and look to the sky with faith in the rainbow I have yet to see.<br />
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<h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Galatians 5:22-23</span></h2><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29185" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">22</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29186" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">23</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.</span></span></h2>The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-41618712816626612682011-02-01T18:11:00.000-08:002011-02-01T18:11:00.193-08:00Be BeautifulIt is funny to me how a great beauty product, secret or stylist can be life changing. In January I was introduced to a new hair stylist. Those who know me know that I kept my hair short and overworked for well over a decade (if not two - but this blog post is about beauty not math so I am not going to take the time to be exact). I spent so many years getting mad at those "don't cut off too much" women at the salon. But I recently discovered that I too am one of those women and my former stylist didn't seem to care. So I ventured out with a head full of split ends to try someone new. By the end of the 1.5 hour process I was smitten with her skills. My hair was shiny, bouncy, beautiful and not too short. You know it is a great style when it saddens you to have to wash it. But I did and it is still cute!<br />
I noticed as I walked out of the salon and the days that followed that I had a new pep in my step (and kink in my neck from flinging my sultry locks every which way I could).<br />
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Now don't get me wrong I am woman hear me roar! I don't equate my worth to my looks at all. And this in no way means I don't consider myself to be cute. I think we should all see someone beautiful when we look in the mirror, and if you don't go look a gain and stand there until you see something worth smiling about because God made you (and "God don't make no junk"). But a new cut, lipgloss, lost 5 pounds or what have you can really make a difference in the day to day grind.<br />
So as snow falls across the majority of the country and summer seems like a fleeting memory, I say go out and get your toes done... or a bikini wax... or buy a new pencil skirt, what ever it takes to make you feel extra cute. Because beauty does not measure self worth it simply assures everyone (including yourself on those bad days) that you have it!<br />
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And if you happen to be on a tight budget here are some free or (almost free) things you can do to kick it up a little bit!<br />
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*whiten your teeth with peroxide on a q-tip (once every three days, you will see a noticeable change in a week and not have to pay for Crest White strips)<br />
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*tweeze your brows - a simple clean up can make a huge difference<br />
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*smile - it really is the sexiest thing you can do with your face!<br />
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*wear those sexy heals you bought on a whim and are sitting in the back of your closet to work. (Even if you have to wear boots until you get in the front door)<br />
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*put a TINY bit of blush on your chin and forehead for that summer sun kissed look<br />
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*paint your nails (take your time and it will be worth it!)<br />
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Ok ladies (sorry guys I will try to make the next one more interesting - if there are any guys even reading this), well that is it. Make your outside as cute as your inside and don't feel bad about doing it. Vanity is not knowing you are cute and loving it, it is having excessive pride in your looks. That is a huge difference. So go forth and be beautiful.<br />
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**Special thanks to Kelly Beverly as Chrome Salon for bringing my hair back to life!The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-74194097259176651462011-01-30T06:31:00.000-08:002011-01-30T06:38:27.190-08:00Baby Shower... Really?!?!I am fully aware that women need to celebrate the milestones in their lives. And I am also aware that I may sound like an episode of Sex and the City circa 2001. But I really don't understand why I have to sit through the same old crap at every baby shower I go to (please note this also includes bridal showers and even bachelorette parties). I mean with all the technology, news at our finger tips, blogs filled with ideas from all over the world. I have to look at a melted candy bar in a diaper and tell you what I think it is. I would rather that you just give me the (non melted) candy bar and let me watch Psych on my iPod while the rest of you try not to say the word "baby". There I said it now take my clothespin so I can have an adult conversation.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I love babies, a lot. No, I do not currently own any of my own and the verdict is still out on wether or not I will in the future. (yes, I am fully aware I am 35 and I hear the ticking, but I like to drowned it out with some Blue Eyed Soul from England). But even when I start to think that procreating is a good idea I have a friend get pregnant and suck all of the magic out of having some little alien life form feeding off of you and making you fat (ter than you already are) and making it impossible to sit through an entire episode of Mad Men without peeing 28 times. So don't give me the "babies are blessing from God" look. Because, so are husbands, and God seems to be dragging his feet on that one too, but I digress. :)<br />
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So really, all I am saying is that I would love to go to your baby/bridal/some other thing I have yet to do shower. But can you please be creative. Can we laugh about stupid baby stories we have hear before, look at old pictures, laugh about how we cannot believe that God would intrust this person with a little life. I mean as we get older and busier the times friends get together in the same room is few and far between. So can we take advantage of this time. I am sure that being pregnant does not suck out all of the fun you used to be in your pre-gestational life time, right out of your body when the sperm hits the egg. I know you can't "drop it like it's hot" at 8 months. But I don't want to guess what baby food is housed in the unlabeled jar being shoved in my face, and all the other cute little games your best buddy at your job designed to make your sarcastic friend that you have had for years, have to choke down vomit to show how much she loves you.<br />
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here are my ideas for a baby shower (if I do head down the mommy road):<br />
juice shooters - you don't need alcohol to laugh after flinging your head back and drinking something quickly. The actual physical motion causes the laughter, not the alcohol.<br />
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pin the umbilical cord on the baby - who wouldn't want to see their friends waving around a pink coil of construction paper while donning a sleep mask. It is only fair, since they would have watched my trying to navigate with a huge belly for the past few moths.<br />
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make your own ____________ - I am saying I will be pregnant, and hungry. Heck I am always hungry now and there are no additional life form floating around in my body. So make the eating fun. it can be tacos, cupcakes, you name it. But it just gives you a chance to eat and laugh with good friends.<br />
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Maybe my shower sounds boring to you, that's cool, stay home. But shouldn't it be about old and new friends getting together and laughing, sharing stories and giving advice? That is what I would want. And if I was one of those lucky few who have no struggles during their pregnancy, I am all about the dancing and singing at my shower.<br />
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Well, I have to wrap this up. I am actually heading to a shower in a few minutes. (really). So we shall SEE.The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545554621977093916.post-80295136294343041272011-01-30T06:07:00.000-08:002011-01-30T06:07:36.685-08:00WelcomeLet me first start by saying, Welcome to my blog. I hoe you enjoy it. Shoot, I hope I enjoy it. I had to run a blog for a class I recently took and love to read my little sister's blog "alittleofthisandawholelottathat" which always makes me hungry. This is the problem with being the "big"sister. Not just in age. <br />
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I am a completely random person who really loves life but also enjoys complaining about the obvious and not so obvious. Complaining is not really the right word. I like to discuss in colorful words and terms the oddness of people, traditions and what have you.<br />
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I have no idea if my rants and raves will interest anyone in the world. But I will gladly throw my perspective out into this cyberjungle for all to peruse and see what happens.<br />
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I can't promise that I will update regularly or have a specific goal to my posts. But I am pretty sure all will be packed with a lot of humor and some usable insight. I am in love with Jesus so at times, much like in life, I reference Him. I am not trying to choke anyone with my beliefs. But it would be like a happily married woman trying not to gush about her husband. She is not promoting marriage just enjoying that which has made her life balanced and amazingly better. If someone falls in love with Him because of my infectious love for Him that is awesome. If not, that's ok, in a sense. But I will ask that no matter what I post that you respect my MAN!! LOL!!! (anything else is yours for the commenting!)<br />
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So I am sure this was the worst welcome of all time. But it is also probably a good indicator of what to expect on this blog - any and everything.The Big Eyed Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725316806219723955noreply@blogger.com3