art

Love of Beauty is Taste. The Creation of Beauty is Art.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

mesmerizing

signs

I found it fascinating to pay attention to the signs along the way home last weekend. It was quite telling that there was no mention of a distant city if that city wasn't within several hundred miles from a particular point. I then thought of how God does the same thing in my life. He makes no mention of a certain place, job, income level, title or status if that thing isn't within a few hundred miles. I do not doubt they are ahead, just as I do not doubt that Chicago is three hours beyond Fort Wayne, despite the fact that the number of miles to Chicago isn't predominately posted in Pennsylvania. I still know Chicago is there and will be there if I decided to go. I'm so secure in the thought that everything I'm asking for and believing for is out there, waiting just for me, even if I see no evidence. He has every right to shelter me from the overwhelming number of miles that stand in the way of arriving where I really want to be.

onward

Much more than this. Much more than what I've previously imagined. I'm no longer searching for signs. They will greet me as I progress.

interesting

"Frequently at parties and premieres attended by Hollywood stars, visitors are shocked when they see the wives of our handsomest film stars. These men who work constantly with women who are the epitome of glamour, very often marry women who are quite ordinary to look at. The unknowing are inclined to ask "How on earth did she ever get him?" I can tell you because I know. She interested him more than any other woman." - Edith Head, famed costume designer

tribe

A glorious weekend. Filled with family and laughter and conversations about the Spirit. The inviting and welcoming and grafting together of blood and marriage. I'm mesmerized to see our multiplication; thinking of the day we will contribute. To the family tribe.

weekend chic

while you wait

At an earlier stage in my career I worked as a stylist’s assistant, but I also looked after the company accounts, researched and booked holidays, and prepared food for dinner parties. Any quiet moment I had would be spent studying fashion magazines and photography books.

-Natalie Wansbrough-Jones, British ELLE Senior Fashion Editor, on her career experience

i am love

I can't vouch for the content of the independent film, lo Sono L'Amour (I am Love), but I've heard nothing but amazing things about the fashion in it. And by fashion I mean Tilda Swanson dressed entirely by Jil Sander's Raf Simons.

small beginnings

I wonder. How do miracles flourish in the lives of annointed people? What perch does the Holy Spirit need to dwell in me? The answer lies in the condition of my inner affairs.

Do not despise small beginnings. The Lord rejoices that the work has begun. Large happenings begins now, and they begin as an indicator of my slightest recognition of His voice. His prompting toward or away from action. The degree to which I allow Him to change my inititial reactions; attitudes, habits, tendencies, prejudices, stereotypes, laziness. All of these things create an atmosphere in my life to either exude or exclude His work. The work of the Kingdom. The ability to house His Glory for the world to experience. It is my debt to the lost.

it's simple

preparation

Preparation. Through waiting and observing; outlining the future in my mind. Gazing through the lens of miracles and the tinglings of compassion. Waiting for the evidence to begin in me, because I cannot give what I do not already possess. I wait patiently for the hour to avail itself; I will not move ahead without You. The ancient command given to me as well: do not leave until you are empowered. Desire is not enough to sustain Glory. I must pursue timing, preparation, obedience, and observation. My entire world depends on my ability to recognize His signal.

Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:4-5; 7-8

treasures

The most delicious treasures. Tucked perfectly in tissue. Hand-made by a mother. Delivered by a daughter. Received gratefully by a bride. Hand-sown wedding gown, the epitome of mine. Two letter a's for a new last name. Embroidered elegance to tie around my waist. To host a multitude of guests, like a revolving door. Dinner invitations already in the mail. Just for the sake of its display.

exploration

The desire of exploration. Of musings and movement and mood. To crave the audacity of moving forward, to be mentored and guided. From known to unknown, from natural to Super. Can we disregard the fear? To anticipate the Joy. Of seeing a City awakened when we blur the lines of comfort. As compassion caves the walls of emotion. Captive too long but healed by a glance.

dignity

I had an epiphany this morning about the purpose of my life at this exact place and time. God is systematically releasing me from holding onto my dignity. He's positioned me so that I would learn the Kingdom lesson of relinquishing my self-importance, status and title, and unattaching myself from my abilities, knowledge and talent. Dignity must be forfeited when you desire Jesus at any cost. My need for the approval of others will always impede my willingness to not only obey Him, but to see His power released upon my life forevermore. I'm living for a different realm; one that cannot be tied to the trappings of the one I see.

The riches of Your Love will always be enough. -HL

disarm

If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each person’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm any hostility. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

beauty

My little heart breaks at the thought. Of you, and choices. The weight of rebellion, of consequence. But Redemption hovers near. To restore and reclaim tainted territory, putrid words and malice decay. Your story has a magnificent ending. Ears will hear of your Worship and be Reconciled. To the Jesus who healed your every wound.

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. -Isaiah

fire

Your love is like fire that burns for all to see. My only desire to worship at Your feet. So let this fire consume my life. Let Your love take me deeper, pull me closer to where You are, 'cause all I want is more of You. -Hillsong Live

ryan korban, nyc

speechless

Lately, I've had no words. I'm completely and vastly overwhelmed. Experiencing a realm I've never known. Power. Compassion. Insight. I'm in awe. My face is pressed to the ground in worship. Constant and unwavering. I'm ruined and utterly tired of anything less than what I've previously lived. I have no desire for anything else. All my hope is in You.

on repeat

The One Who Saves by Hillsong Live

collection

One collection, different dresses. A common bond threaded through uniqueness. A Creative Genius knows the necessity of perspective and a powerful point of view. This can only be accomplished when many become one.

approval

They finally found Him in the temple discussing the Scriptures with adults. There's no doubt they were very happy and relieved. But realistically, they were probably also a bit upset. To make matters worse, Jesus didn't seem the least bit concerned about their anxiety. In fact, He seems a little surprised that they didn't know where He'd be. We hear no apology; we find no explanation, just a statement about His priorities. "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Here the revelation of purpose began. Even at a young age, He seemed to show no concern for the probability that He caused an offense in His attempt to obey His heavenly Father. Think about it, any fear of what people might think of Him was nonexistent at the age of 12. He refused to allow the possibility of misunderstanding and conflict to keep Him from the Father's purposes. -When Heaven Invades Earth

philosophy

Live the way you dress. - Ryan Korban, New York City

love letter

You're the little voice in the back of my head, incessantly speaking. It's taken me this long to figure out how to hold you and contain you because I've always allowed the tallness of your shadow to envelop me. 10 years I've been waiting. But it's now time to unlearn what's kept you from me. Insecurity. Self-doubt. Discouragement. But where I once could not have you, you cannot have me. Until I endure this last lap of my race against self. Against that shadow looming over me.

But the momentum has shifted, and now I see that you need me at my fullest and best and most secure. You need me to have realized that the grandeur of wealth and status mean quite little in this world when stacked against a heart that dominates with love and compassion. That is what you need from me. You need me at my best, and my best is what you deserve. We were meant to be intimate friends. The magnitude of that alignment with be breathtaking. After you, there will be no land I cannot conquer.

thoughts on transition two

Transition is the third stage of labor during child birth. Transition is generally the shortest part of labor, lasting 15 minutes to half an hour on average. However, this is also the most intense part of labor. Hormone levels are so high that shaking, trembling and shivering become its undeniable physical signs.

Transition is the time when the mother has the most emotional need. The major emotional marker is giving up, and it is in this part of labor that most women ask for medication. Some women need constant reassurance that they are ok and the baby is fine. This may be due to the overall "giving up" and feeling that she is out of control.

The "giving up" or feeling out of control may be recognized by comments the mother makes. It is not uncommon for a mother to say, "I can't do this," or "I need something." Recognize that this is not the mother asking for medication, but for help. She can no longer handle the labor the way she has been, and she needs to do something different.

God is saying no epidural! We're doing this hard core, baby! At every contraction say Holy Spirit, we accept Your peace! Our foreheads are pressed together. Be so focused on Him, your birth coach, that His voice is the only voice you hear. No whining and complaining. God is preparing you for something that's about to be birthed!

thoughts on transition

Transition: a passage from one realm to another.

Things that happen in a transition:
- Fresh level of revelation is released
- Present perspective is adjusted
- A new vision is released and established
- A mantle of restoration is placed on you
- You are healed and made whole from the past
- New identity is developed in you
- New strategy is revealed to you
- You see the fullness of your inheritance before you
- You have the strength to overthrow your enemies
- You secure your inheritance

hold on tightly

Life can be turbulant. Never be without something impeccable to clutch.

two months

Today marks two months. The oneness I feel with him is without a doubt Supernatural. I delight in knowing him and sharing space with him. The laughter, the comfort. He's my worst critic and my biggest fan.