"Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that
does not show itself in protection from suffering. The love of God is of a
different nature altogether. It does not hate tragedy. It never denies reality.
It stands in the very teeth of suffering. The love of God did not protect His
own Son. The cross was the proof of His love- that He gave that Son, that he
let Him go to Calvary’s cross, though “legions of angels” might have rescued
Him. He will not necessarily protect us- not from anything it takes to make us
like His Son. A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have
to go into the process." [Elisabeth Elliot]
blackwhiteback
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
Quote of the Day 2/12/16
To open ourselves up to someone we love, showing who we are and the world that is within us; it’s hard and scary. When we are seen, fully and truly, and we are not only accepted but celebrated. Then we have found our home. [T.B. LaBerge]
Thursday, December 10, 2015
A year in review
2015
is coming to an end. Crazy huh? Time really does fly. The realization
that the year is coming to an end brings out the sentimentality in me. So with a scroll through my
iPhone library come a few highlights of
the past year.
New Year’s Eve/Jan 1st, 2015
With one of my best friend’s finally moving in with me to the other moving away, both joined me for a night at JRDN. The setting, ehhh. But then again, it’s always the people and not the place that create the best of memories.
Revamped
my then apartment. Two girls and lots of trips to Home Goods and Home Depot later, the apartment started to finally
feel like home.
FEBRUARY
Watched the Superbowl at Juniper & Ivy, with Richard Blais. Pretty sure I was more entranced with the experience than the game.
Took a field tour of the San Diego Airport.
Attended my first ever ship christening at the NASSCO shipyards.
MARCH
Ate
a 15 course chef tasting meal at Juniper & Ivy. One word: incredible.
Flew
to home away from home – Portland – and went spelunking (google it) through one of the largest underground caves.
Cheered on the Padres, quite a few times.
Showed
off San Diego to one of my study abroad roommates turned best friend.
MAY
Celebrated
Opening Day at the San Diego Yacht Club.
Won
tickets to see The Piano Guys in concert.
Completed
my first ever districting campaign in the City of Chula Vista.
Celebrated UTC's revitalization at the "Uncorked" event.
Ate, drank and read with Brian Malarkey at the annual Eat.Drink.Read fundraiser, benefiting the SD Council on Literacy.
Celebrated UTC's revitalization at the "Uncorked" event.
Ate, drank and read with Brian Malarkey at the annual Eat.Drink.Read fundraiser, benefiting the SD Council on Literacy.
JUNE
Moved into an even better and bigger home sweet home.
Coordinated a
summer social and fundraiser to support PR programs for San Diego students.
Ventured off to Europe with the fam. Landed in London to realize our bags were lost… and so they were, for the next two weeks.
Visited
the homeland of my parents, Ukraine and fell in love with the people, the culture and the food.
Worshiped
alongside thousands of other people at Franklin
Graham’s crusade. Praise be to God for all
the lives saved that day.
Fell in love with Austria.
Felt like a princess while visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.
the lives saved that day.
Fell in love with Austria.
Felt like a princess while visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.
JULY
Brought out the superheroes at the San Ysdiro Health Center's Marvelous Gala at Hotel Del.
Visited my soul sister in San Francisco. Walked 20 miles each day and ate some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had.
Visited my soul sister in San Francisco. Walked 20 miles each day and ate some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had.
Went
to a military ball.
AUGUST
Was surprised
with so many birthday celebrations I lost count.
Won tickets to
the Best of San Diego party/sipped and sampled some of the best SD has to offer.
Celebrated as friends
said “I do” at one of the most love and family filled weddings I’ve been to in a
long time.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
When God Isn't All You Have
There’s a popular quote in
Christian circles that goes “When God is all you have, you realize that God is
all you need.” These words are many times expressed to those going through hardships,
conflicts and trials. The words are voiced as words of hope to bring encouragement
when it seems like all else is falling apart. Furthermore. It’s often said, and the Bible reminds of
this, that in those moments of despair, depression and confusions that we cling
closest to God. We ask for prayer and pray more than we ever have. Looking into
my own life, the analysis is very much the same. I’ve relied on God the most
and asked for the most help and support in moments of heartbreak, devastating
illness, death and personal or professional failures. Your turn to God willingly,
and even sometimes unwillingly, when the weight of the world is falling on your
shoulders.
Pain and low points are a part of
life. They come and go. They are sometimes a result of our own doing, and
sometimes completely unexplainable and unstoppable. But, life isn’t just marked
by pain. Life also brings moments of success, triumph and just a slew of gifts
and blessings.
So what about those moments? When,
while life isn’t by any means perfect, it sure is good and you feel as though
you are reaping in gifts from above?
Something I’ve been thinking
about is how to cling to God when God isn’t necessarily all you have. When life
is being extraordinarily blessed, there are ways to still cling to God. Pain
produces growth and maturity, but I think that in a season of added goodness,
there is much more for growth as well.
I thought about things that I
often lack or perhaps have smaller quantity of in the “hard seasons” and I’ve
found that it’s commonly focus, time, energy and financial resources. In the
periods where life is just weighing on your shoulders, those are the things I
try to conserve in an effort to restore myself or a given situation. While I
think it’s okay to conserve your energy or say “no” or save money when life stretches
you thin, those are areas I want to give more of in a response of thanks to
blessings pouring in.
I think the first step is
recognition and thanks for the goodness that’s been given to you. It’s so easy
to ask God for things, but all too often we don’t say thanks then those things
are given to us. In the moment of excitement, we forget the giver. Remember the
story when Jesus healed 10 men from a lifelong struggle with leprosy and only one
came back to thank him?
Second, I think it’s never
forgetting that all good things are gifts from above and that they weren’t achieved
just through our own strengths. I need to be reminded that God is the giver of
these things as it says in James: “Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of
lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
As I celebrate the new blessings
and additions in my life, I want to make sure that in these joys and high points,
I’m striving to cling to God all the more and continue to hold him first above
all else. I want to always be reminded that God is always all I need, and the
other wonderful gifts he gives are all the more reason to praise him more. I want to pray more prayers of thanks and I
want to give more time to Him. I want to be more intentional and focused on
nurturing my prayer life and my church life. Through this season, I want to
give more of my time and energy to Him not only through direct contact, but
also by serving and pouring into others through the giving of my time and
resources. Sounds ambitious huh?
It is. And it’s easier said than done.
Because this week and next and the one following isn’t going
to bring a plethora of free time or extra money or energy. The grind will keep
going and each day will bring its challenges, but beyond that, it shouldn’t
stop me from giving thanks. God is truly all I need, even in moments when he
isn’t all I have.
I’ve been given so much, and to whom much is given, much is
rightfully expected.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Quote of the Day 08/26/15
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [Ephesians 4:1-3]
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
On this 12th day of August...
Thanks Mom for giving birth to me today!
Hello blog,
It's been a while, and I'm sorry.
As I feel a little extra loved and a little extra special today, and as much as I want to write something deep and philosophical, It sounded more fun to do a little fun facts list about myself. 99 percent of the time, this blog is focused on #foodforthought and I wanted to switch it up for some #funforthought.
That being said, here's a few of my favorite things.
1. Flowers. Flowers. Flowers. Plants. Plants. Flowers.
I know they say girls love flowers.. but I seriously adore fresh flowers and potted plants. Saturday afternoons are perfect for Home Depot runs for my latest potting endeavor. Any flowers that come my way, I make them last as long as I can. And I believe that fresh flowers in the house are always a must.
I know they say girls love flowers.. but I seriously adore fresh flowers and potted plants. Saturday afternoons are perfect for Home Depot runs for my latest potting endeavor. Any flowers that come my way, I make them last as long as I can. And I believe that fresh flowers in the house are always a must.
2. Big umbrellas, with wooden handles.
This is the Italia reminiscing in me, but I have such fond memories of walking around Italy with this over-sized maroon umbrella with a curved wooden handle. Unfortunately, it didn't fit into my suitcase and we parted ways.. but in the rare times it actually sprinkles in Southern California, I pull out my Italian umbrella replacement (an over-sized polka dot Kate Spade version) and start planning my next Italian getaway.
This is the Italia reminiscing in me, but I have such fond memories of walking around Italy with this over-sized maroon umbrella with a curved wooden handle. Unfortunately, it didn't fit into my suitcase and we parted ways.. but in the rare times it actually sprinkles in Southern California, I pull out my Italian umbrella replacement (an over-sized polka dot Kate Spade version) and start planning my next Italian getaway.
3. Animals, especially the cuddly kind known as puppies and kittens.
Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian with a part-time dolphin trainer job. Those dreams were cut short when I started flunking out of every science class. That being said, my family has so many pictures of me hugging every cat, dog and dead fish (post fishing trip) I could find. Animals make my heart smile.
Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian with a part-time dolphin trainer job. Those dreams were cut short when I started flunking out of every science class. That being said, my family has so many pictures of me hugging every cat, dog and dead fish (post fishing trip) I could find. Animals make my heart smile.
4. ...And fish[ing].
Digging for worms and spending summers at the lake was a huge part of my childhood, and comes with lots of happy memories with my grandfathers. I hate to brag, but I was a rock-star worm finder too.
Digging for worms and spending summers at the lake was a huge part of my childhood, and comes with lots of happy memories with my grandfathers. I hate to brag, but I was a rock-star worm finder too.
5. Books.
During the years of kindergarten through 8th grade, I read hundreds upon hundreds of books. I read them so fast, my teacher's didn't believe me. I used to read so much, my parents would have to cut me off... which then I would proceed to lock myself in the bathroom and continue reading. Guess what I hid under the bathroom sink... books.
6. Juniper & Ivy/Puesto.
You San Diegans will understand this reference but J&I and Puesto are my two foodie happy places. Not because they are trendy or cool or the place to be, but because the people are incredible and both places feel like home. They treat me far better than I deserve and they are seriously the best two restaurants in the region, they are stars of their craft. www.eatpuesto.com // www.juniperandivy.com
7. South Africa & Australia.
Not that I've actually been to either, but for years, I've fantasized about the day I get to visit these two remarkable places. I feel in love with SA after meeting the most incredible people and Australia, well Sydney bridge climb and Great Barrier Reef, I'm coming for you!
8. Home.
I mean this in multiple ways. Home to me is a special place and I am a firm believer that a clean and well designed home is a happy home. I take pride in making my home well like a safe space, this is comforting and welcoming not only for myself, but most importantly others. Also, home to me is where the heart is, and a large part of my heart will always be with my family in Santa Barbara. My favorite life moments are when we (that's 17+ people) get together for a midnight pow-wow, laughing, talking, and eating way too much cheese and crackers.
9. Quotes.
I love a good quote and they seem to spill out of me at the random-est of moments. Cheesy quotes, deep quotes, helpful quotes, meaningful quotes, sarcastic quotes.. all of them.
10. Simple unplanned moments.
I've always loved event planning, but that being said, I love those "life's little moments" occasions. The unplanned visit, the unsuspecting friendship, the surprising sunset... the things that make you stop and pause and remind you of just how blessed you are.
11. Thoughtfulness
I am the biggest fan of "the little things." My heart melts with the little gestures - the thoughtful morning message, the "just because" flowers, a handwritten letter, a coffee waiting on my desk.... Grand gestures are well, grand. But life really does consist of a million little moments right?
12. Mom.
This one is self explanatory so I'll leave you with this - she's the greatest woman to have ever lived/be living. On my birthday, she's the one to be celebrated.
What are some of your favorite things?
[Cue Julie Andrews/Sound of Music now]
11. Thoughtfulness
I am the biggest fan of "the little things." My heart melts with the little gestures - the thoughtful morning message, the "just because" flowers, a handwritten letter, a coffee waiting on my desk.... Grand gestures are well, grand. But life really does consist of a million little moments right?
12. Mom.
This one is self explanatory so I'll leave you with this - she's the greatest woman to have ever lived/be living. On my birthday, she's the one to be celebrated.
What are some of your favorite things?
[Cue Julie Andrews/Sound of Music now]
Sunday, March 15, 2015
À la carte Jesus
I went to lunch with a friend the other day and he suggested
we go to one of those “make your own” pizza places that are heating up (no pun
intended) the lunch scene. The concept has carried over from simple sandwich
shops to single serving pizza shops to build your own burger joints.
Restaurants are shifting away from generic entrées and adapting to à la carte
style menus, where you can create your own dining experience, tailored specifically
to your tastes and preferences.
Customization is highly desirable, even expected, in our
culture. We alter our houses, our closets, and our cars. We tailor our clothes
to fit our bodies, we buy sandals that mold to the arch of our feet, and we
sleep on mattresses that adjust to our bodies. We have a liking for things that
are modified to our own preferences, tastes, and opinions. We like to pick and choose
in order to have the à la carte experience.
But when did we start to also have an à la carte Jesus?
The world will tell you the idea of “Truth” with a capital
“T” is something that is very much personal; We define our own values, beliefs,
and ideas of right and wrong. With this logic, we've reached an epidemic of everyone
is seeking truth with no one able to find it or to define it. We left it so open-ended and so individualized, that nothing holds weight outside of its beholder. In a “what floats your boat” mentality, we are left with only our own opinions and our own accountability, and if you factor in how many times you have been wrong or mistaken or failed, there is not much hope for trust in your own judgment.
The beauty of God’s word is that it brings us the very Truth
our souls so desperately crave. The Truth with a capital “T” kinda stuff. 2nd
Samuel 22:31 tells us, “God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove
true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”
Perfect.
God’s way is perfect.
All His promises
are proven true.
But despite the irrefutable, undeniable perfection and
sovereignty of God and the flawed and crooked nature of our ways, we opt for
the à la carte option; we tailor God to us instead of us to God.
It’s a contradiction. We
come to know perfection, God himself.
The very One who died so we may live. But we don’t accept all of him. But we don’t accept all of Him. We remove bits and
pieces of His Truth and replace them with our desires and compromises. We
choose fun times, hazy memories, tempting options, and slippery slopes because after all, God loves us and He forgives. He will forgive our bad decisions and all
will be well. He’s got to expect us to fail at some point anyway, right?
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Stressed?
Late Friday afternoon I was driving to meet with my coach and my head just started pounding. It had been a rough few weeks and I was exhausted, and my throbbing migraine was yet another reminder of the accumulated stress. It was that feeling where you no longer have words and you just want a time out.
I've never been stressed like this. A lot of things had come together, all creating a perfect storm of stress, and led to me stressing about not stressing about the stress that was stressing me out. Did you follow that?
As I made the drive and was woken by the sudden breaking of 5 p.m. post work commuters, for a brief moment, it was a feeling of defeat. That's it life, you win, I'm out. But before I surrendered to life's trivial trauma, the lightbulb went off: "have you prayed about it as much as you've stressed about it?"
There it was.
And the answer was probably not.
Okay, no. I didn't.
I was trying so hard to manage that I forgot the very essence of what makes all things possible.
Life's stresses are not unique to me or you. They're an every day, every person reality. Things happen. My particular stresses were a combination of a few things, with the major being going to the doctor and hearing bad news. When a doctor says this is bad, you know it's bad. I'm a sick person, and I am still learning how to deal with it, how to balance and how to take care of myself.
But, what I so foolishly forget is that I actually don't have to be figuring this all out on my own.
I've never been stressed like this. A lot of things had come together, all creating a perfect storm of stress, and led to me stressing about not stressing about the stress that was stressing me out. Did you follow that?
As I made the drive and was woken by the sudden breaking of 5 p.m. post work commuters, for a brief moment, it was a feeling of defeat. That's it life, you win, I'm out. But before I surrendered to life's trivial trauma, the lightbulb went off: "have you prayed about it as much as you've stressed about it?"
There it was.
And the answer was probably not.
Okay, no. I didn't.
I was trying so hard to manage that I forgot the very essence of what makes all things possible.
Life's stresses are not unique to me or you. They're an every day, every person reality. Things happen. My particular stresses were a combination of a few things, with the major being going to the doctor and hearing bad news. When a doctor says this is bad, you know it's bad. I'm a sick person, and I am still learning how to deal with it, how to balance and how to take care of myself.
But, what I so foolishly forget is that I actually don't have to be figuring this all out on my own.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Quote of the Day 02/19/15
"Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper; stifles anger; subdues pride; bridles the tongue; she makes us humble in prosperity, cheerful in adversity, unmoved by calumny and reproach; she teaches us to forgive those who have injured us, and to be the first in asking forgiveness of those whom we have injured; she delights the faithful, and invites the unbelieving." [Bishop Horne]
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Quote of the Day 02/04/15
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” [C.S. Lewis]
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