Chapter One - Smart Love

"It was finally here - Anna's wedding day, the day she had dreamed about and planned for months. The small, picturesque church was crowded with friends and family. Sunlight poured through the stained glass windows, and the gentle music of a stringed quartet filled the air. Anna walked down the aisle toward David.
Joy surged within her. This was the moment for which she had waited so long. He gently took her hand, and they turned toward the alter.
But as the minister began to lead Anna and David through their vows, the unthinkable happened. A girl stood up in the middle of the congregation, walked quietly to the altar, and took David's other hand. Another girl approached and stood next to the first, followed by another. Soon, a chain of six girls stood by him as he repeated his vows to Anna.
Anna felt her lip beginning to quiver as tears welled up in her eyes. "Is this some kind of joke?" she whispered to David.
"I'm...I'm sorry, Anna," he said, staring at the floor.
"Who are these girls, David? What is going on?" she gasped.
"They're girls from my past," he answered sadly. "Anna, they don't mean anything to me now...but I've given part of my heart to each of them."
"I thought your heart was mine," she said.
"It is, it is," he pleaded, "Everything that's left is yours."
A tear rolled down Anna's cheek. Then she woke up.

----

In the world around us dating and breaking up is part of everyday life. Kids as young as elementary school say they're "going out" with someone, only to drop them (or get dropped) within the week. In high school it gets worse as people date for several months, giving they're all emotionally, and sometimes physically, only to be callously dumped for someone else.

Josh Harris says in the book, "...I've come to understand that God's lordship doesn't merely tinker with my approach to romance - it completely transforms it. God not only wants me to act differently, He wants me to think differently - to view love, purity, and singleness from His perspective, to have a new lifestyle and attitude."

The Bible says in Philippians 1:9-10, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be purse and blameless until the day of Christ."

To really love someone with smart love, we use our heads as well as our hearts. Is it love when a guy pressures her to sleep with him, when he knows she will be forever emotionally scarred because of it? Is it love that a girl dumps her boyfriend, simply because she thinks she can do better?
"Smart love looks beyond personal desires and the gratification of the moment. It looks at the big picture: serving others and glorifying God."

Everyone else may be playing the whole "dating game", but we don't answer to them. We answer to God. Is your love life now pleasing God or yourself and the world around you? The Bible calls us to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ with absolute purity. Are you obeying that command in your life? "Let's make purity and blamelessness our priority before our all-seeing, all-knowing God."

New Book!

Stay tuned for the first chapter!

a beautiful garden...

Aubrey had some of her friends over for tea this afternoon, and I read the girls this story:

Once upon a time, a kind and wise Gardener created a beautiful garden – a sanctuary of splendor with lush, deep green foliage and rich, colorful flowers of every shape, scent, and size. A lovely trellis spanned a cobblestone path, filled with dreamy-scented roses of the softest texture and deepest hues.

Along the quaint path were fragrant herbs, carefully chosen and planted so they would work and grow well together, all with different textures and shapes. Some had long, soft, feathery leaves; others were full and spiky; a few were bushy and short. Nonetheless, each one had its own unique beauty and purpose in his garden, and the sight and scent of the choreographed blend made it a treasure to visit and brought great joy and satisfaction to the gardener.

Next to the beautiful garden was a rock quarry, gray and cold. The flowers by the fence nearest to the quarry began to turn their faces down toward the rocks on the other side and wonder what it would be like to be strong and smooth. It was true that the rocks had no roots, but the flowers did not really care about roots. Who could see those? It would be much nicer to be big and strong so everyone could behold their powerful shape.

As they gazed upon the gray lifeless rocks, the flowers began to covet the rocks’ strength and coolness. They grew discontent with their purpose and design and began to despise the beautiful colors and delicate leaves and petals with which they were adorned. No longer were they satisfied with their own simple beauty. The wayward flowers rejected their delicate leaves and vibrant colors and instead wished to be made of stone – desiring only strength, weight, and power of the granite. These errant flowers became known as the fence dwellers.

The Fence Dwellers began to rip off their beautiful petals and leaves and refused to produce seed. After all, the rocks did not produce seed, so why should they sacrifice in such a selfless manner? The Fence Dwellers covered themselves in clay in order to hide their vibrant colors. Soon they began to crouch low to the ground, trying desperately to resemble the rocks they so deeply admired.

As the older herbs, ivies, and bushes that lived farther inside the garden began to notice the strange behavior of the flowers, they laughed. How foolish the flowers looked: barren of petals, covered in clay, attempting to be something that they were not.

But soon, the new seedlings within the garden began to listen to the stories of the Fence Dwellers. And as they grew, they too tore their own delicate petals and dusted themselves with clay – halfway up their stems; they were not yet as daring as the fence dwellers who were tempted daily with the sight of the rocks.

The young plants desperately wished they could uproot and live next to the quarry like the Fence Dwellers so they too could see the magnificent boulders and witness the impressive strength of stone. Something about the boldness of the Fence Dwellers and the stories they told the younger plants of the garden caused a strange spirit of yearning throughout the yard…and things began to change.

Resulting Anguish

Within a short period of time, the vibrant color and stunning beauty of the garden were covered in mire. Instead of the sweet perfume of lavender, rosemary, lemon verbena, and blooming flowers, the stench of decay prevailed. The birds looked elsewhere for a home. They were not interested in sheltering their young in a place void of greenery and lacking in beauty. The bees, butterflies, and other insects and wildlife found little nourishment here any more and visited the garden less and less often.

Surprisingly, the Fence Dwellers did not realize they were shriveled and dying. Their bald heads were stripped of petals, and the clay was suffocating their stems – yet they still yearned to be something they were never intended to be. They were blinded by their own vain desires and remained with their faces toward the quarry – turned forever from the Gardener.

The Gardener walked sadly through his creation and sighed. He noticed the tender plants with clay halfway up their stems and missing petals – the result of a self-imposed deed. He shook his head in dismay.

“Why have you covered yourselves in clay and removed your petals?” cried the Gardener. “I have created you in the way of my choosing – for my own purpose. But you have rejected my ways and set your eyes upon foreigners and have adorned yourself in mud and grime. You have ravaged and exposed your own bodies.
Do you not know that you belong to me? This was a wicked and foolish deed. You have emulated the Fence Dwellers and have followed after those preferring death. They have chosen cold and hard barrenness over the true beauty of a warm and tender life-giving existence. Do not attempt to mimic those of the quarry or their followers – those who never belonged to me. There you will find only death and desolation.”

The plants of the garden shivered and hid their faces; however, the Fence Dwellers did not hear the words of the Gardener, for they were no more. The plants who belonged to the Gardener solemnly watched as the last remnant of the Fence Dwellers’ decomposing stems blew quietly over the fence to rest upon a large boulder. Here the scorching sun would finish the job of destruction until nothing remained.

Joy in the Morning

The Gardener turned to his creation tenderly. Silently a raindrop landed on the fragile leaf of a basil plant. Three more brushed the buds of a rosebush. Soon a torrent of raindrops poured from the sky, cleansing and refreshing the filthy clay-covered plants. The dandelions wept with joy as the lovers of self repented and turned to the Gardener forevermore. Fresh blossoms opened and the scent of life and beauty filled the air.

The Gardener held out his arms, threw back his head, and laughed a deep, hearty laugh. He was overjoyed with the display of color and renewed health that he had granted his creation. After the rain subsided, the Gardener rested in the shade and summoned the birds to come and sing in the branches of a nearby pear tree. Soon more birds followed to nest in the profusion of greenery and scented blossoms. Bursting with life, the young flowers called to the bees to come share their nectar, and the butterflies joined them.

From that day forward, the plants rejoiced in who they were and did not desire to be anything other than what they were called to be. Their only desire and purpose was to please the Gardener and cause him joy forever.

Another Blog!

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-- Orange and Gray --

But also stay tuned with Felicity of the Heart, since I will be posting on both.

love!

I've been tagged!

Tagged by Kirsten!

What's your current obsession? Hmm...healthy eating. I've really been focusing on what I eat and how much I eat. And learning about different exercises and running! We'll see how long this obsession lasts...lol. Pretty soon my healthiness obsession will be replaced with a junk food/movie obsession or something! haha

What's your weirdest obsession? perfectly sharpened pencils. I "stole" the electric pencil sharpener from the classroom and now it sits on my desk, well used...more like OVER used. Why someone *coughs* Ben! *coughs* would settle for rounded pointless pencil tips is waaay beyond me.

What are you wearing today? Today was a work day - gray tee, plaid shorts and bare feet. Sadly, I haven't left the house all day! (which was probably a good thing...considering what I look like, LOL!)

Why is today special? Because we're preparing for Kimberly and her 2 adorable sons to come visit tomorrow!! Oh! and it's my wonderful Brother-in-Law's birthday!

What would you like to learn to do? Oh goodness! Is "Everything" a legitimate answer? Some of the things would be ballroom dancing, how to play the guitar, banjo, drums and fiddle, learn how to dive (isn't it sad?! 17 and I STILL don't know how to dive!), swing dance, barn dance, gallop really fast on a horse (with the wind blowing through my hair!) and maybe even take a couple of jumps, sky-dive, how to not overanalyze... etc.

What's for dinner today? Tonight we had beef stew and cheesy bread. mmm...my mom is good cook!

What's the last thing you bought? pack of spearmint stride gum. :)

What's your favorite weather? Early spring, partly cloudy, lower 70's...with the windows and doors thrown wide open, dinner alfresco on the porch and surrounded by family.

What's your most challenging goal right now? So many! My MOST challenging goal at this very moment is getting everything finished for graduation this Saturday. Then after that it will be figuring out what God wants me to do with my life. If you think of it, please pray for me as I decide where and what God will have me do. :)

What do you think about the person who tagged you? AMAZING! I love reading Kirsten's blog, she seems totally on fire for God! I love that! I haven't seen her in absolutely FOREVER but she seems super fun!

What hobbies do you enjoy? Music, reading, decorating, cooking, sewing, writing songs...

Favorite vacation spot? Hmm...that I've been or where I want to go?
That I've been to: Florida! I loved seeing (and smelling!) the beautiful orange orchards, and the Gulf coast is breathtaking!
That I'd like to go to: Italy :) the culture, dining, people, relaxed way of life...mmm...my vacation would probably end up being extended...forever.

What would you like to have in your hands right now? Money. Sounds materialistic (and probably is), but if I had a bunch of money in my hands I could place it in my emergency fund, or place it in an account with a high interest rate. That way I wouldn't have to get a job and I could spend all my time learning all of those things I want to learn (see above question).

What would you like to get rid of? My desire to do things my own way and not God's. If I would just do what God wanted me to do, then life would be sooo much better. I know this and STILL I hold onto my own will...*sigh*

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Hawaii, watching one of those gorgeous sunsets my mom is always telling me about.

What's your favorite thing about the city you live in? Yanceyville? oh dear...slim pickin's around here, lol. My favorite thing about Yanceyville is the annual Spring Fling (in the spring, obviously) and Bright Leaf Hoedown (in the fall). They are fun country festivals with fabulous southern barbeque (nothing like the northern stuff), interesting booths selling a variety of merchandise, small rides, the usual fair treats (snow cones, funnel cakes, lemonade...), hay rides, and a country music show. The Spring Fling even has a tractor pull! As redneck as these festivals sound, they are SO much fun. I like to get on my jeans, t-shirt and cowgirl hat and let the southern sights, smells and sounds bring out my inner country girl!

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on? Clothes, sheet music, or put it toward some sort of musical instrument. Oh, actually, I'm in the process of re-decorating my room, so I'd probably purchase a pretty duvet cover to match my new creamsicle colored walls and some new pillows.

Do you admire anyone's style? Yes, I like the style of people who don't necessarily follow the fads, fashions or trends but still look amazing and different and dress for who they are not for who people say they should be. My friend Charity's personality is dramatic and daring, and she dresses in dramatic clothing - long black jackets, red scarves and even black gloves with the fingers cut off. I may not wear it, but it's SO her and I love it on her! My friend Jay is a free-spirit, fun loving crazy man and he dresses hippie-style complete with a Tye-dye tee, flip-flops and bandana headband- love it! Another friend of mine, Angel, is a fun loving, crazy girl with a hint of drama, her sleek hairstyle, skinny jeans, heels and funky tees are totally her!

Describe your personal style. My style? Hm, still working on that one. I am tryng to go for the boho look, and my gigantic mane of free-flying curls can totally pull it off. I guess I would describe my looks as a Bohemian Classic - if that's possible. lol

Who is someone your heart is missing right now? My sisters. I TOTALLY took them for granted when they lived with us (Kimberly is in Utah and Erin in Georgia, both married and happily thriving) and now that they're far I miss them terribly. :( I just love being around them and spending time with them. I love my friends, don't get me wrong, but there's something special about spending time and hanging out with your sisters. They are my kin, my blood. We have the same memories and inside jokes. Aw...now I miss them even more!! But I will see them both this week, Kimberly is coming tomorrow and Erin on Friday! Yay!

Are you good at painting your toe nails? Usually, but lately I've really been slacking off in the nice-nails department. But summer time is rolling around...wait! summer is here! So nice nails are kinda necessary...ugh! I'm just so lazzzzzy, and who has time to paint toe-nails!! lol

Oh and here's a beautiful french song I found today. The one linked here is sung by Louis Armstrong in english, but along the side bar you can find it sung in French by Edith Piaf. It's very nice :) appréciez la chanson!

random bursts of elisa

I love life - automatic-flush toilets scare me - thunder is one of the best things ever, especially when it's so powerful that the floor shakes - i love the smell of fireworks, especially sparklers - i don't really like animals, yeah, i know that makes me some sort of creep, but it's the truth - without music...my life would be very quiet and gray. music is the color on my canvas. - i like fun-to-say-words, like "squeegee" or "theodolite" (survey tool...) - i love seasonal activities: picking strawberries in the summer, making applesauce in autumn - i have a gigantic mane of light brown curls, of which i hold an ever-changing love/hate relationship - i love alfresco dining - and the smell of sprinklers and wet grass - sitting cozily by a crackling bonfire makes me very happy - i love the stars - and big, heavenly, billowing clouds - i like road trips that include lots of fun stops, and if we stop at a gas station (and i have money...) i will be buying a three course meal of candy, soda and beef jerky - i like good food. if i'm going to have macaroni and cheese, i want homemade delicious cheesiness, not noodles-and-powder-in-a-box - coffee makes me sleepy, really. every afternoon i make myself a cup a'joe to wake myself up, and every afternoon i drink it and fall into a deep, late afternoon slumber - i loooove the beach - i love the smell of honeysuckle - jesus is most definitely my best friend - i have a phobia/adoration of gigantic storms, their power both terrifies and fascinates me - i hate math with utmost passion and think my big brother is crazy for majoring in it at college - i love ambiance - i am too easily charmed - my mom has cultured in me a deep love and enjoyment of beauty in my surroundings - i love spontaneous dance moves - i can't watch scary or violent movies without covering my eyes - i tend to have an immature sense of humor - i get queasy at the sight of blood - my favorite color changes every day, at the moment it's grayish blue - super-quiet people get on my nerves - i tend to be bossy - i love being outside - i love to dance, even though i'm no good at it - i like it when people pay me sweet, sincere compliments - i love to love people and be loved unconditionally - i am not perfect - i like to be crazy - laughing is one of my most favorite things to do in the whole entire world, if you can make me laugh, i like you :) - sunrises are the only reason to wake up early in the morning - sunday is my favorite day - inside jokes are the best - i'm definitely one of those silly girls who bursts out laughing in the middle of complete silence because of something that happened yesterday (or last week...) - i don't really like to talk on the phone - i love walking in the rain - i love to see fog over rolling hills - flowers make me smile - i am uber tall, and wish i was short - my favorite kind of people are those who see me at my craziest/stupidest/bossiest/whatever-ist and love me all the more for it - i need a convertible car, hair blowing in the breeze is the only way to go - music is definitely better when it's loud - i like big sunglasses, but i'm not brave enough to wear them - i care to much about what people think of me - i spend to much time on facebook - i write songs - one of the things i want most in my life is to be utterly, 100% in love with a man who loves me back just as much - one of my dreams is to go skydiving - i want to be good at hard-core extreme sports, but i'm to much of a wimp to learn how - i love to make things beautiful - ...

YOU'RE turn!! I want to see what makes you, YOU! what makes you happy? or sad? or just makes your world go round? comment and let me know!

Great Blog

Here's a great blog for ya: The Empowered Traditionalist

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