Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
Shel Silverstein
Date Night: Tonight is Ethan and I's last "fancy" date night before school starts and I am extremely excited about it. We analyzed our love languages the other night and realized that quality time is high on both of our lists. SO, we made a post new-year's resolution to be intentional about spending special quality time together. We are going to see the much anticipated Blue Valentine starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling that I have been writing about in most of my recent blog posts. It's a heart breaking love story written and directed by the extremely talented Derek Cianfrance, and Blue Valentine is only his second film! Both actors are up for Golden Globes and Satellite awards for the film and one of my favorite bands, Grizzly Bear, is very prevalent in the sound track. I am SO excited! Anyways, to add excitement onto excitement, we are going to see it at the Alamo Drafthouse: The Ritz which is on 6th Street downtown. I decided to surprise Ethan by purchasing the only slightly more expensive balcony seats but I couldn't keep it a surprise and told him already. BUT these balcony seats are supposed to be amazing. There are two separate balconies, each with room for two couples. Each couple gets a RECLINING love seat, a private waiter, and the best view of the screen. I will have to blog when I get home about not only the movie, but the balcony!
Day Three: Ten Last night, I was skyping with one of my good friends Chelsey and I was telling her how I was about ready to give up on this whole "Ten" challenge, at least the clothing part of it. There is some sort of angst inside of me that wants to rebel against something I am being forced to do, apparently even if it is self-inflicted. I am pressing on though, despite my reluctance. Finding this stubbornness and lack of commitment to a challenge, especially so early on, is really disheartening BUT I will not give up! I am slowly learning what this challenge is going to do for me and am anxious to see the ending results. Today, I dressed up a little bit more since it is date night after all. I wore my dark jeans with my over the knee faux-suede black boots. I decided on my over sized white tee, belted with one of my favorite belts from Forever 21 and gold jewelry. Since it is still cold out, I have a black swing style sweater and some grey JCrew gloves.
1 Corinthians 13: 1-3
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but do not have love, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but do not have love, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but do not have love, I would have gained nothing.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
This passage, one that I have heard over and over again, took on a completely different meaning for me last night (thanks to Rob Bell's Nooma video entitled "Dust"). I feel like the common thought, at least for me, is when Jesus says "You of little faith," that He is accusing Peter of having little faith in Jesus and that is why he began to sink. An interesting take on it is that Jesus had faith that Peter could walk out on the water with Him shown by His invitation to Peter to "come." Maybe the reason why Peter sank was a little faith in himself. He doubted that he could do what his Savior was doing, and that's what caused him to sink. Jesus has faith in us as His disciples. Look at John 14:12 "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." Jesus tells us that we will not only do what Jesus did, but even GREATER things. That is how much Jesus believes in us. It's our doubt in ourselves that hold us back and prevents us from accomplishing those GREATER things. Back in July, I got my first tattoo, "Faith" on my left wrist facing me. Depending on whatever circumstances life has given me, the meaning behind the tattoo seems to change and I never expected that to happen. Originally it was a physical representation of how my faith grew through going through some difficult things. "Faith through pain." "Faith through (tattooed) pain." It was a reminder of what Jesus has done for me (and still is). Then as I went through a phase in life when I was trying to figure out the directions I was to be taking in life and really struggling with it, it was a reminder to me to not forget that God is faithful. Hebrews 13:5 "because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” But even though faith represents both of those things to me still, and will continue to, both of those reasons are pretty selfish if I do say so myself. It's (pardon my cliche) a "what can my faith do for me," instead of "what can I do for my faith." Now my tattoo serves as an inescapable reminder that Jesus has faith in me to do GREATER things for His kingdom, and that I need to have faith in myself and not let self-doubt hold me back. And as a little side-note, how incredibly awesome is our God that He has faith in us, broken lives filled with sin? He loves us and He believes in us and that just overwhelms my heart with thanksgiving and joy!
Day Two: Ten So, yesterday I talked about how it was just so easy and fun to already know what the base of my outfit was going to be and how I didn't anticipate a real challenge at least for quite a few days. Well, I was challenged this morning. Not to create a unique outfit, but simply to challenged to stick to my goal. I wanted to badly to put on something other than my simple white shirt (I wear jeans too much to want to not wear jeans already). This struggle about something as silly as clothes made me realize the depths of my materialism. It's frustrating to me that I felt that way, but I am thankful to be challenging it and hopefully ridding myself of it. Anyways, today I am wearing my light jeans, the long sleeve white tee, my UGGs, a cream cardigan from Marshall's, and my very lovely headband/ear muffs thing my mom got me for Christmas from one of the most overwhelming, but awesome stores I have ever been in: Sam Moon. If you ever want any kind of accessory, anything you could ever think of, go there. Plus the one in Austin is right by the Lifeway Christian store... so my money seems to go pretty fast if I go to that shopping center. Speaking of money, I didn't spend $10 yesterday and I don't plan on spending anything today. But, it is a good thing I saved because I am going to see Blue Valentine tomorrow at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown and that will cover my ticket and a snack!
Olive:
This is the precious little ball of sweetness (and also spunkiness) that I get to love on every morning and snuggle with when I have some down time. She is staying at my parents house because unfortunately with school and everything else, I don't have the adequate time she deserves to train her completely. (Don't get a dog in college, I love her so much and I don't regret it, but I was NOT prepared for the responsibility) Luckily I have incredible parents that have taken her under their wings, despite her more frustrating characteristics. I am moving back to my apartment this weekend due to the spring semester starting and I am going to miss seeing her precious little face everyday.
Day One: Ten All in all I would say day one is a success, at least thus far! Outfit wise, it was so easy. Of course, it being the first day, my creativity has yet to be challenged and probably won't be at least for another couple of days once I go through all my cardigans and scarves once. I wore my fitted crew neck white shirt with my dark jeans and accessorized with a mustard colored JCrew cardigan, Urban Outfitters scarf, my dark brown Franco Sarto riding boots and some gold jewelry. Also, since its especially cold today (for Austin), I wore a long grey sweatshirt material jacket with a long navy coat on top and my usual everyday grey purse. The only thing I've experienced today, different from any other day based solely on this project is the simplicity of it! I was frankly a little afraid of wearing nothing but powder, chapstick, and mascara but I LOVE IT! That on top of not having to go through all of my clothes to find a base outfit and then change my mind multiple times made getting ready so much simpler and quicker. I woke up at 8:00 and was out the door at 8:45 and that included a regular length shower, blow drying my hair/ styling it, and eating breakfast/making a cup of coffee! Can't beat that! Also, I am proud to say that I won't be spending any of my allotted $10 today! I am also trying to come up with new ways to raise money for Not For Sale: other than the measly amount I can afford to give each week. Any suggestions?
Random Thoughts: I was trying to determine what my taste in music is. All I know is I love acoustic guitar, folk, unique vocal sounds, lyrics with real emotion behind them, and just an overall raw, not-too-cleaned-up sound. I know the sound that I like when I hear it, but I always have trouble describing it! Also, I said I wanted to find some new musicians that I enjoy this week.. I found one! Joshua Radin studied drawing and painting at Northwestern University, following his college years with stints as an art teacher, screenwriter, and art gallery employee. He turned to music when he moved to New York City, bought a guitar, and taught himself to play and write music. His big break was when Zach Braff took particular interest in his song "Winter" and had it incorporated into the soundtrack for Scrubs. His voice kind of reminds me of John Mayer, and I love that! His music isn't particularly "indie" or "hipster", its not grungy or raw, his lyrics aren't especially poetic but something about it is just nice to listen to. Its a little poppy and his vocals are a little too clean for my usual tastes but quite a few of his songs will definitely be downloaded into my music library. I've shared some of my favorite of his songs on my music player, enjoy!
Obsessed: I am obsessed with Romans 12, the entire chapter.
A Living Sacrifice 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Okay, so I have recently been really inspired by minimalist projects such as The Uniform Project and the Six Items or Less Challenge and have the urge to do a similar challenge myself! Instead of choosing one of these already formed projects (I almost did), I decide to kind of create my own. My challenge revolves around the number 10. Ten staple items in my wardrobe/ makeup bag. Ten dollars a week to the Not For Sale: End Human Trafficking campaign (more info on them below). Trying to spend as close to ten dollars and under per day (I will allow myself rollover money). Ten items of my own wardrobe donated (this might grow to a larger number, but its a tangible start). I was going to do this challenge for a month, but then I thought, I turn twenty in 60 days (all multiples of 10!) So, I am going to adopt The Uniform Project's idea of a simple basic outfit everyday, made into creative, unique outfits with accessories that I already own. My staple outfit is going to be a white tee and jeans. Because I would like to stay clean, but also not waste excess energy by washing the same tee and jeans everyday so I will have a choice from four different white shirts and two pairs of jeans. On top of that, I have chosen four items of makeup as the only makeup I will wear. I want to challenge my western consumerism, my comfort zone, my shop-o-holic tendencies, my creativity, and make my complicated world just a little more simple.
Not For Sale: My donations of $10 a week ($40 per month) will go towards their program entitled "Become a Backyard Abolitionist" (click the link to become one yourself!) in which the lowest membership is $28 per month, which leaves me with $12 more dollars per month I would like to use for local and personal giving (ex. a meal to the homeless man or woman on the street corner).
The major obstacle that we face in the fight against modern-day slavery is that the crime is hidden. Individuals that work in the field know that slavery is not part of the current collective consciousness. Initially, it shocks the general public to learn that slavery still exists and is widespread. It is even more shocking for them to realize that it may exist in their own backyards.
As a Backyard Abolitionist, you are at the center of the movement to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking across the world. You are a part of a growing global network of individuals offering their passions, their skills, and their resources to address one of the greatest human rights issues of our day.
Clothes: 1 white form fitting short sleeve tee 1 white lose fitting short sleeve tee 1 white tee shirt (think Hanes) 1 white long sleeve tee 1 pair dark jeans 1 pair light jeans
Accessories only those that I own
Makeup: Face power (Bare Minerals) Chapstick (Nivea "Milk & Honey") Mascara (Voluminous by Loreal) Nail Polish (varies)
Budget: $10 per week to a cause $10 per day on expenses(expenses do not include money spent on others)
$80 per week (the rest will go into savings)
Matthew 6:28-30 (New Living Translation)
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
This passage has been heavy on my heart for about a week now. I have betrayed Jesus, as we all have, through sin just as Peter betrayed Jesus. I will continue to betray Jesus for the rest of my life through sin, simply because I am human. I have wanted to badly to prove my love to Jesus through praise, prayer, study, and teaching. Although Christ is more than deserving of those things, I still feel a hole in my heart, a space where Jesus isn't close enough, a space where my sin still separates me from Him. I have been so desperate to get closer to Him and I was so blind to not see how clearly He asked us to show our love for Him.
He's asking, "Taelor, do you love me?" and I am answering "Yes, I am reading your word!" and He is saying "that's great, Taelor, but feed my lambs." But somehow I missed that part. He's asking again, "Taelor, do you love me?" and I say "Yes, I am praising You with open arms during worship!" and He is saying again, "that's awesome, Taelor, but take care of my sheep." I missed the point again. So, He asks again, never giving up on me, "Taelor, do you truly love me?" and this time I am truly hurt because I feel like I am honestly exhausting myself week by week doing things to show my love for Him, and I answer "Of course I love you, Lord, I am devoting so much time to teaching others how to follow you!" And here comes the kicker... His answer is "Taelor, that's wonderful, but I also want YOU to follow me."
And now I understand.
Am I ready to follow Jesus? To really, truly, honestly follow Him? Frankly, if I think I am ready or not doesn't matter. Jesus is ready, so I have no choice.
"And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!" “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me." Matthew 25:40,45
I want to start a weekly post of inspirations. What a great way to start the week!
PRAISE:
(scroll down to the bottom of my blog and pause the music player before watching the video)
God in my living There in my breathing God in my waking God in my sleeping God in my resting There in my working God in my thinking God in my speaking
God in my hoping There in my dreaming God in my watching God in my waiting God in my laughing There in my weeping God in my hurting God in my healing
Be my everything.
"God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it." Psalm 145:18 (The Message)
"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." Psalm 16:8 (NLV)
This week, I want to start really focusing on God always being with me. It's a concept I know to be true, but is simply hard to grasp. I want to learn how to always be praying and to feel God with me, instead of feeling the need to seek and find Him.
CAUSES:
I have known about The Uniform Project (click the link for more information), for a while now but I found it again today and it really intrigued me. Basically, founder Sheena Matheiken decided to wear the same dress for an entire year, using accessories (and not buying anything new) to make the daily outfits look creatively unique. What a challenge! She created an international online following and used this "fame" of sorts to draw attention to her passion to support the Akanksha Foundation, an organization dedicated to not only providing education to kids that otherwise wouldn't receive it, but to instill a sense of self esteem and values that will enable them to use their education to better their lives as well as the world around them. To date, Sheena has raised $103,374 which equals 287 kids placed in one of the Akanksha schools. What she has done, through an extremely creative and fun process for her cause is so incredibly inspiring. My heart is filled with passion to seek justice for those trapped in the human trafficking system and Sheena's story has inspired me to brainstorm creative and unusual ways to not only spread awareness, but to also make a difference.
A very simple step I made today was to sign a petition on Change.org and emailed Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio to fund shelters for the victims of sex trafficking that will very unfortunately be trafficked to Texas because of the Super Bowl in Dallas. Please join me in this cause by signing the petition here.
BOOKS:
I am about to start reading the novel, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. It has been adapted into a film of the same title but it has not yet been released. What drew me into this book is the fact that my favorite actress, Carey Mulligan, will be starring in the film adaptation. But, what really excites me about reading the novel is Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times' review provided below.
A Gothic tour de force.... A meditation on morality and lost innocence: a portrait of adolescence as that hinge moment in life when self-knowledge brings intimations of one's destiny, when the shedding of childhood dreams can lead to disillusionment, rebellion, newfound resolve or an ambivalent acceptance to a preordained fate.
If this novel is half as good as it's review, then its going to be a phenomenal read.
POETRY:
I am currently on a little Emily Dickinson obsession: enjoy.
If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain: If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.
FILM:
I have been dying to see Blue Valentine ever since I saw the very first preview. It stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. I would tell you what it is supposed to be about but I have tried very hard to not read any reviews online since they tend to spoil the movie. All I know is that it has been named one of the best movies of the year (it was released December 29, 2010), and its a beautifully filmed dark and charming story about an unraveling marriage. AH. I have been counting down the days until it opens to theaters in Austin and this Friday at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown is it! Sounds like I have a date this Friday to be looking forward to :)
FASHION:
All I seem to wear are greys, browns, blues, and occasionally olives and muted purples. I want to branch out. Thanks to Chloe's 2010-2011 trends, the color I am being drawn to is red. Red's in accessories. Red shoes, belts, bags, jackets, lipstick, headbands, etc..
ART: I love art that has not only a meaning, but a purpose to it's meaning. I found that in the You Are Beautiful project. "You Are Beautiful is a simple, powerful statement which is incorporated into the over absorption of mass media and lifestyles that are wrapped in consumer culture.
The intention behind this project is to reach beyond ourselves as individuals to make a difference by creating moments of positive self realization. We're just attempting to make the world a little better.
Intention is the most important aspect of the You Are Beautiful project in its idea of purity. Nothing is sacred. Everything that has a perceived value becomes commodified. We work extremely hard that this message is received as a simple act of kindness, and nothing more.
Advertising elicits a response to buy, where this project elicits a response to do something. The attempt with You Are Beautiful is to create activism instead of consumerism.
You Are Beautiful uses the medium of advertising and commercialization to spread a positive message. Projects like these make a difference in the world by catching us in the midst of daily life and creating moments of positive self realization."
MUSIC:
I am still listening to Iron & Wine and Bon Iver. Band of Horses' most recent album Infinite Arms, and all their previous albums make a close third for me though. My favorite song right now would be Iron & Wine "Swans and the Swimming" which is the first song played on my blog's music player.
PLANS:
My plans for the week include: 1. Reading Never Let Me Go 2. Seeing Blue Valentine 3. Seeking new music inspiration 4. Getting my hair cut. My hair isn't quite that long in the front yet, but the its the bangs I am going for.
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
For the first time in my entire life, I don't have an answer to that. One year from today will be January 7, 2012. It will be a Saturday. I will still be in winter break, a week away from starting the spring semester of my junior year. I will probably be at my parents house, since I enjoy spending my breaks there with my family. I will be applying to LSAT prep camps for the summer so I will be prepared to take the LSAT that fall. My tattoo will still be on my wrist. I will still be chasing Jesus with my whole heart.
Here's what I don't know:
1. Where I will be living 2. What my job/ internship will be 3. Relationships I will form, both friends and mentors 4. What ministries I will be involved in 5. God's timing for many things that may or may not happen in 2011
Here's what I will know then, that I don't know now:
1. Where I am living starting this summer 2. If I got accepted into the IJM internship 3. My GPA 4. Where I worked/ interned in 2011 5. If I kept my resolutions 6. God's timing for 2011
But, frankly, I have no idea where God is leading me right now. Through obedience (somewhat reluctant at times), I have found myself in a place of complete and total vulnerability. Although, I have a sense of where I would like God to lead me, I don't really have any idea of where He actually will. When I don't know what's going to happen next, or where I am going, or how it will all work out, that's when my anxiety is at it's worst. But, knowing that is how I should be feeling right now, I don't. I feel peace because I am completely reliant on God and He is so faithful to those who obey Him. I don't feel the need to know what He has in store for me next, in fact not knowing is a burden lifted off my heart. All I have to do is listen and obey, and I have, through this process, learned what it feels like in my heart when God is telling me what I need to do. I also learned that even if I am reluctant to listen, God doesn't just give up, He will eventually make it very, very clear that it is time to obey.
If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (New Living Translation)
Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God...
Romans 6:16-18 (The Message)
Since we're free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (The Message)
And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time.
Footsteps In The Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him he looked back, at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied: "My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you, During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Tonight is Ethan and I's last "fancy" date night before school starts and I am extremely excited about it. We analyzed our love languages the other night and realized that quality time is high on both of our lists. SO, we made a post new-year's resolution to be intentional about spending special quality time together. We are going to see the much anticipated Blue Valentine starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling that I have been writing about in most of my recent blog posts. It's a heart breaking love story written and directed by the extremely talented Derek Cianfrance, and Blue Valentine is only his second film! Both actors are up for Golden Globes and Satellite awards for the film and one of my favorite bands, Grizzly Bear, is very prevalent in the sound track. I am SO excited! Anyways, to add excitement onto excitement, we are going to see it at the Alamo Drafthouse: The Ritz which is on 6th Street downtown. I decided to surprise Ethan by purchasing the only slightly more expensive balcony seats but I couldn't keep it a surprise and told him already. BUT these balcony seats are supposed to be amazing. There are two separate balconies, each with room for two couples. Each couple gets a RECLINING love seat, a private waiter, and the best view of the screen. I will have to blog when I get home about not only the movie, but the balcony!
Last night, I was skyping with one of my good friends Chelsey and I was telling her how I was about ready to give up on this whole "Ten" challenge, at least the clothing part of it. There is some sort of angst inside of me that wants to rebel against something I am being forced to do, apparently even if it is self-inflicted. I am pressing on though, despite my reluctance. Finding this stubbornness and lack of commitment to a challenge, especially so early on, is really disheartening BUT I will not give up! I am slowly learning what this challenge is going to do for me and am anxious to see the ending results. Today, I dressed up a little bit more since it is date night after all. I wore my dark jeans with my over the knee faux-suede black boots. I decided on my over sized white tee, belted with one of my favorite belts from Forever 21 and gold jewelry. Since it is still cold out, I have a black swing style sweater and some grey JCrew gloves.
