The key to the Creator's heart: Brush and canvas

We were created so that we could create beautiful things. 

I'm always astounded at how creating draws me closer to the heart of MY Creator.
(Messy hair and ripped jeans and all.)

Our Savior is also the ultimate artist. He looked out over His work of art and saw that it was good. Genesis 1:31.

We are in no way capable of creating anything remotely close to what He is capable of.
But He sees our efforts and the joy we obtain through art. And He, in return, is satisfied in our contentment.

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth." Ecclesiastes 12:1

little things

just-littlethings.tumblr.com

Good things

Tonight, I am letting myself post some good things about today.

1. God's relentless pursuit of my heart has left me both humbled and mystified.

2. I made the decision to attend SDSU in the fall. In two years: Christina Lee, M.A., CCC-SLP!!

3. Spent the morning indulging in Gilmore Girls and Everwood reruns.

4. I realized how wonderfully blessed I am to have such amazing friends.

5. God is good.

6. Coffee and terragon chicken sandwich.

7. I am so relieved to have been accepted to graduate school. I can't wait to start!

8. Did I mention how awesome God is?? :)

Goodnight, world.

What the Proust?!

I came across Marcel Proust's Swann's Way in a used bookstore a while ago. 

Light reading? Not quite.

Needless to say, I barely made it through the first three pages.

Go ahead. Cackle.

But in my defense...

I'm rather certain that those first four pages were merely one comma-infested, eternally drawn out, painstakingly gruesome but oh, so eloquently and beautifully crafted sentence; alas the kind that enthralls you with its salaciously masterful diction but ever so delicately steals your soul with every superfluous, wholeheartedly unnecessary display of punctuation.

Ha! Bring it, Marcy. Two can play this game.

Two little scholars. With Starbucks

Yesterday, I had 3 cups of Starbucks coffee.

Bad idea. But you probably guessed that!

So I decided that today would be different.

No coffee!

I lasted til 3:30pm.
Little victories.
Anyways..

So I got my Grande iced nonfat coffee and decided that I should bring a little something for my next student.

Kids Menu: Cool.

Milk? No, if she's lactose like me... we could have a problem.

Juice? Not every kid likes every kind of juice.

Apple Cider or Hot Chocolate? No, today is no "hot drink" day.

I asked the barista if they had non-coffee drinks for kids.
Lemonade, maybe?

He was super sweet and said he could whip something up.

So cute!
He put some syrup and lemon juice in a bitty cup and handed it to me with a smile.

About half an hour later..

Lidny and I are sipping our Starbucks, working hard...

And I laugh to myself.

I'm breeding a little minion. 

I'm helping her develop good study habits,

and introducing her to Starbucks.

Lemonade.

The gateway to a daily Grande Pike's.

(Hypothetically speaking. SO not me.. *cough*)

For the thousandth time, I love my job. :)

monsters

Why is it that every child dreams that they're being chased by a gigantic thing with teeth?
Why is it that every elementary schooler plays lava monster?
Why is it that something always haunts the closet or lurks in the dark, unknown underside of the bed?
Why is it that every prince has to slay some sort of beast in order to win the heart of the fair princess?

Why do we create such elaborate fantasies that always have some sort of terrifying, mysterious, elusive, dangerous, daunting creature involved?

Every story has a villain.

What I'm slowly finding that the most deadly villain has been one that can't be seen or heard, but can most definitely be experienced. The price of following God is one that cannot be measured -- His death was given so that we may live for Him... which is not always an easy thing to do. I feel that God has given me so many opportunities to bless others. I am so grateful for that! I find joy by being his hands, his feet and spokesperson. I think I understand His love the most when I am passing on HIM to friends, family, or even random strangers in passing. However, Satan sees this and I feel him trying to bring me down. Lately, my happiness has been superficial and my temperament has been less than lovely.

I have always struggled with self-confidence. Especially recently. I never quite feel smart enough, good enough, worthy enough, pretty enough, strong enough, brave enough, kind enough, patient enough... the list goes on.

I would be naive to claim that this inner struggle is unfamiliar to others. I know that I am not the only one to feel insecure at time.

The most formidable enemy is the one that we fight alone.

To be quite honest, I'm not sure what inspired me to write this. But I felt that I needed some sort of outlet to make my declaration. Whatever monster is trying to keep me from getting out of bed in the morning, whatever demon is trying to attack my incredible family, whatever thing keeps telling me that I just don't measure up... it's on.

In this story, I hope that this princess does not let any mortal prince fight her battle for her. Rather, I hope that she realizes who her Creator is and that He is greater than any monster. I hope that the princess ventures into her nightmares, enters dark closets, and passes through fire... only to find that no villain can ever bring her down.

Wise Words

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”