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"Doodle, you're so pretty."
These are the words I heard my grandpa say to my nana this week.
Of course, when you first read that, you don't really think too much of it. The two have been married for 62 years, but under recent circumstances, it means everything. A few weeks ago, my nana tripped and broke her back. She was unable to move, and was bedridden in a hospital completely incapable of bathing herself, using the bathroom by herself, or walk for 2 weeks. While this is a terrible circumstance (and a bit gross quite frankly), I zeroed in on an observation that really left me wondering.
For those 2 weeks, my grandpa was miserable. His best friend, and the person he spent literally every hour of the day with was incapable of helping herself. I watched this 82 year old man, who is generally quiet, well rounded, and wise, experience a confusion that he's never had to face before. Once my nana was fully recovered, he realized what life without her was like, and said words that I'm sure he hasn't told her in years, "Doodle, you're so pretty."
Love is a huge thing.
In the Bible, it's our greatest rule. The two greatest commandments are entirely centered around love.
Matthew 22:36-39
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
In our earthly lives, love binds us together as humans. When we love each other, we want to be around one another. We get things done, and quarreling isn't an issue. If God is love, then we share that attribute of Him in our act of loving each other. We are created in His image, we are designed to love. So why are we so bitter***?
I rarely speak of relationships for a few reasons. For one, I'm a senior in high school. I get really excited about the fact that I have my entire life ahead of me. With that being said, my husband is not in high school. In my whole life, I've probably had one relationship that I think meant anything, and it was probably about a year and a half ago (yet again, maturity level probably not present). I've never said "I love you" before. No, not never never. I love my family, and my all time favorite best friends whole heartily, and I make sure they hear it every time I think about how much I love them. But when it comes to relationships, I'm saving that sentence. The words "I love you" are so big. They're the greatest commandment. It's the biggest kind of love you can have for someone (and mean it of course).
So what do I do?I dwell on the love my sweet sweet Savior has for me. I dwell in the love that us as humans have to bind together and help one another and our planet when either of them need a hand (recycle, anyone?). And of course, I wait. I wait for whoever deserves "I love you", and someone who can look at my unbathed, hospital self and say, "Doodle, you're so pretty."
***better yet, why did I get flipped off in traffic this morning?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Learn
I love to learn. I never ever, ever want to quit learning. I love to read. I love to know what you're reading. It's all fascinating to me. While considering this fact, I figured out that's probably the reason I can't stand school so much this year. I'm learning absolutely nothing (nothing valuable, at least). Everyday, I paint. Seriously, that is all. I paint from 8:40 in the morning until 2:05 in the afternoon and occasionally stop to change the song on my iPod.
You would think one would love to wake up every morning to do what they enjoy for countless hours at a time, but to me, this is becoming all too repetitive. I never want painting shoved down my throat. Lately, you might as well squirt acrylics in my eyes and ears and watch what happens. I think it's making me dumber. I tried to do math the other day, and drooled on myself. Obviously, I need to fix something here.
So here's what I did tonight. I took this experience, and I learned from it.
First of all, I learned to praise my sweet God in Heaven that I decided on not going to art school. I contemplated what I cannot simply live without, and that's writing, and missions. I am designed to serve, fellowship, and to put it all on paper.
Secondly, I learned why the problem even existed in the first place. Our spirits were never designed to stop learning.
You would think one would love to wake up every morning to do what they enjoy for countless hours at a time, but to me, this is becoming all too repetitive. I never want painting shoved down my throat. Lately, you might as well squirt acrylics in my eyes and ears and watch what happens. I think it's making me dumber. I tried to do math the other day, and drooled on myself. Obviously, I need to fix something here.
So here's what I did tonight. I took this experience, and I learned from it.
First of all, I learned to praise my sweet God in Heaven that I decided on not going to art school. I contemplated what I cannot simply live without, and that's writing, and missions. I am designed to serve, fellowship, and to put it all on paper.
Secondly, I learned why the problem even existed in the first place. Our spirits were never designed to stop learning.
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
- Proverbs 24:3-4"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers."-Proverbs 19:8
We're supposed to love learning. Our Creator made us that way. I want to learn what He wants to show me. I think it's time for me to sit and listen. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not so good at listening. Believe me, I'm trying. I am constantly guilty of texting while you're speaking to me, as well as waiting for what I'm going to say next instead of listening to your thoughts. It's a problem, but a problem that I'm fixing nonetheless.
So my prayer tonight is: Jesus please teach me something. I'm seeking your knowledge, and I want you to show me what you know.
I'm also more than ready to learn from the inadequate amount of people who read this silly blog. I know I don't know everything, and since I obviously have quite a lot of time on my hands until May 23rd (my graduation day, praise the Lamb. And yes, you're all invited), I'd love to get coffee with you, and hear what you have to teach.
In Joy,
Kandace
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
a few of my favorite things..
I have a confession to make, and it's an addiction.
What I'm about to tell you about is something I have on a near daily basis.
I make time for it, I keep it to myself, and sometimes I can do it at hours at a time.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am a professed napper. I love naps. Seriously, give me 5 minutes with the Food Network channel on in the background and I'm out like an uncoordinated kickball player.
Why such an obsession? Well, for a few reasons: for one, I'm an early bird, and no one else under the age of 1,000 is, therefore, I sleep less in order to have a social life with all the rest of you night owls (shame on you for making me adjust- kidding, I don't know what I'd do without you guys). Secondly, procrastinating is one of my favorite past times. I've done it ever since I can remember. I'm sure my mother birthed me past my due date because I simply decided to kick it in a uterus instead of being born on this Earth (my apologies for making you all read the word uterus, it made me uncomfortable too).
However, I have another reason for napping, and that's because I've learned to value the importance of rest. I'm no scientist, but I've worked enough hours at a gym desk to read enough Health magazines to know that sleep is nearly magical. Sleeping fixes your muscles, it allows your skin rest, and quite frankly, it makes us all a little less pissed off.
A friend of my family said one time that sleep is a declaration of faith. As we close our tired little eyes, we're putting our lives in God's hands believing that we're going to wake up in a few short hours in order to go on with a new day (or meeting, or dinner, we're talking about naps here).
God wants us to sleep. He wants us to lay our heads on his chest and breathe out all our exhaustion. He rested on the 7th day, didn't he?
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. (Psalm 127:1-2)
So here we are, sitting here with our 5 hour energy's, and espresso IV drips, wondering why on the planet we just yelled at the lady at the DMV. Don't we just need a nap? So I encourage you all to take a little delight in my sport. Take a little breather, and let your soul take a cat nap. God can use us so much more when we have a little bit of rest.
What I'm about to tell you about is something I have on a near daily basis.
I make time for it, I keep it to myself, and sometimes I can do it at hours at a time.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am a professed napper. I love naps. Seriously, give me 5 minutes with the Food Network channel on in the background and I'm out like an uncoordinated kickball player.
Why such an obsession? Well, for a few reasons: for one, I'm an early bird, and no one else under the age of 1,000 is, therefore, I sleep less in order to have a social life with all the rest of you night owls (shame on you for making me adjust- kidding, I don't know what I'd do without you guys). Secondly, procrastinating is one of my favorite past times. I've done it ever since I can remember. I'm sure my mother birthed me past my due date because I simply decided to kick it in a uterus instead of being born on this Earth (my apologies for making you all read the word uterus, it made me uncomfortable too).
However, I have another reason for napping, and that's because I've learned to value the importance of rest. I'm no scientist, but I've worked enough hours at a gym desk to read enough Health magazines to know that sleep is nearly magical. Sleeping fixes your muscles, it allows your skin rest, and quite frankly, it makes us all a little less pissed off.
A friend of my family said one time that sleep is a declaration of faith. As we close our tired little eyes, we're putting our lives in God's hands believing that we're going to wake up in a few short hours in order to go on with a new day (or meeting, or dinner, we're talking about naps here).
God wants us to sleep. He wants us to lay our heads on his chest and breathe out all our exhaustion. He rested on the 7th day, didn't he?
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. (Psalm 127:1-2)
So here we are, sitting here with our 5 hour energy's, and espresso IV drips, wondering why on the planet we just yelled at the lady at the DMV. Don't we just need a nap? So I encourage you all to take a little delight in my sport. Take a little breather, and let your soul take a cat nap. God can use us so much more when we have a little bit of rest.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Well this is embarrassing...
Here we go again everybody.
This is that same ol' same ol' post where I apologize for my lack of blogging, say that I've been busy, and promise that it'll never happen again.
blah..
blahh....
blahhh..
However, I feel as though it is necessary. Since my last post, my world has been shaken up completely. I spent weeks in Guatemala, completely submerged in my sweet Savior's unfailing love, only to comeback and learn to put on forgiveness everyday and let go of relationships that did nothing but waste my time and provide me with a bitter attitude, but that's all I can say for that matter.
So I had to make a decision, and that decision was to stop deciding.
It's comical to me that I think I know everything. When really, the Creator of the universe has it all planned out, and not only does He have it planned out, it's the perfect plan. I learn this more every day, especially since Maumelle traffic is nothing short of purgatory. Everyday, I get to spend close to an hour in my Toyota 4runner (her name's Donna, and she's a gem) just talking to Jesus. It's in those moments when we're still and quiet that He'll tell us all the news. Things this year that seemed unplanned and stupid to me, really turned out to make sense, because in reality, it's all about his good, perfect plan.
So once again, I thank God for the people placed in my life. Whether it's newly rekindled friendships or the ones who take me to the dollar movie when I thought my Saturdays were done for. I thank God for Guatemala, and the beautiful families and experiences He's showed me there. You've all been around me to help me grow, and I'm blessed to be doing life together with all of you.
This is that same ol' same ol' post where I apologize for my lack of blogging, say that I've been busy, and promise that it'll never happen again.
blah..
blahh....
blahhh..
However, I feel as though it is necessary. Since my last post, my world has been shaken up completely. I spent weeks in Guatemala, completely submerged in my sweet Savior's unfailing love, only to comeback and learn to put on forgiveness everyday and let go of relationships that did nothing but waste my time and provide me with a bitter attitude, but that's all I can say for that matter.
So I had to make a decision, and that decision was to stop deciding.
It's comical to me that I think I know everything. When really, the Creator of the universe has it all planned out, and not only does He have it planned out, it's the perfect plan. I learn this more every day, especially since Maumelle traffic is nothing short of purgatory. Everyday, I get to spend close to an hour in my Toyota 4runner (her name's Donna, and she's a gem) just talking to Jesus. It's in those moments when we're still and quiet that He'll tell us all the news. Things this year that seemed unplanned and stupid to me, really turned out to make sense, because in reality, it's all about his good, perfect plan.
So once again, I thank God for the people placed in my life. Whether it's newly rekindled friendships or the ones who take me to the dollar movie when I thought my Saturdays were done for. I thank God for Guatemala, and the beautiful families and experiences He's showed me there. You've all been around me to help me grow, and I'm blessed to be doing life together with all of you.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Romans 3
Let me start off this post by saying how incredible and amazing God is. There's something beautiful in the fact that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that's something that was brought very clear to me last night, but that story's for another day.
Romans 3 is one of those chapters I really wish I could ignore altogether. Mainly because I'm stubborn, and more specifically, I don't like being told what to do. It's here in this chapter that Paul stresses the importance of not only following God's law, but also the laws made by government officials.
To me, some laws are just flat out stupid. Let's take speed limits for example. If any of you have taken a drive down Odom in Maumelle, you understand that 35 mph is more of a speed for napping and reading the newspaper than it is for making a voyage home. My solution to this problem is changing these speed limits to Kandace Parker limits, and Kandace Parker limits are 50 mph**.
**Notice: I will more than likely get yelled at by my criminal justice majoring parents for admitting to such conduct.
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law; rather, through, the law we become conscious of our sin."
Romans 3:20
So laws are important, they're something for our conscience to chew on. God delights in those who can handle obedience. Whether it be from Him, or the round, obnoxious lady cops that tell my dad what time I'm driving home on Saturday nights. I guess it's time for me to listen more to what I'm told, and maybe slow down in neighborhoods. Maybe.
Romans 3 is one of those chapters I really wish I could ignore altogether. Mainly because I'm stubborn, and more specifically, I don't like being told what to do. It's here in this chapter that Paul stresses the importance of not only following God's law, but also the laws made by government officials.
To me, some laws are just flat out stupid. Let's take speed limits for example. If any of you have taken a drive down Odom in Maumelle, you understand that 35 mph is more of a speed for napping and reading the newspaper than it is for making a voyage home. My solution to this problem is changing these speed limits to Kandace Parker limits, and Kandace Parker limits are 50 mph**.
**Notice: I will more than likely get yelled at by my criminal justice majoring parents for admitting to such conduct.
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law; rather, through, the law we become conscious of our sin."
Romans 3:20
So laws are important, they're something for our conscience to chew on. God delights in those who can handle obedience. Whether it be from Him, or the round, obnoxious lady cops that tell my dad what time I'm driving home on Saturday nights. I guess it's time for me to listen more to what I'm told, and maybe slow down in neighborhoods. Maybe.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Romans 2
"Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one."
Romans 2: 1 (the Message)
Have you ever been casually reading the Bible, and then suddenly had the feeling that God has just hit you in the face with a frying pan? Well everyone, that just happened. Look at me, you might as well call me Critical Kandace today (alliteration, oh la la!) . I have days sometimes where I have the mentality of an American Idol judge, and it's audition week, and everyone sucks. However, this will obviously get me nowhere. I'm only making myself accessible to more judgment, and not by people, by God. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be judged by a high school senior any day than by the creator of the universe.
My solution is a new daily prayer. I'll be honest, I get nervous asking God for certain attributes that I know I need. For example, "Dear God, please give me patience." Suddenly, the next day turns into lolly-gag world, and you're the only person in a hurry. However, I'm willing to give this one a try. My new prayer today is, "God, please help me to see people the way you see them. When I see others, help me to see the love and compassion you feel for them, rather than worldly, unnecessary judgements."
This next verse in chapter 2 is one that I love. It's so simple, yet it really means a lot to me.
"For God does not show favoritism."
Romans 2:11 (NIV)
So simple! So easy! A six word verse that allows me to take a huge, deep breath and relax. The fact that God doesn't show favoritism has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. Maybe it's because I've been know to show favoritism (especially in coffee brands :)). I'm not sure why I can't get a hold of it, but the fact that it's there makes me smile. God loves the man sitting in prison just as much as he loves the world renown pastor. The Father in Heaven that created us all thinks we're all something special. He gave all of us talents and abilities to do his will, whether we've figured them out or not. So how can we even consider judging one another? We're all the same.
So my prayer today is that we see each other through the eyes of our beautiful Creator, because he sees our greatness.
Romans 2: 1 (the Message)
Have you ever been casually reading the Bible, and then suddenly had the feeling that God has just hit you in the face with a frying pan? Well everyone, that just happened. Look at me, you might as well call me Critical Kandace today (alliteration, oh la la!) . I have days sometimes where I have the mentality of an American Idol judge, and it's audition week, and everyone sucks. However, this will obviously get me nowhere. I'm only making myself accessible to more judgment, and not by people, by God. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be judged by a high school senior any day than by the creator of the universe.
My solution is a new daily prayer. I'll be honest, I get nervous asking God for certain attributes that I know I need. For example, "Dear God, please give me patience." Suddenly, the next day turns into lolly-gag world, and you're the only person in a hurry. However, I'm willing to give this one a try. My new prayer today is, "God, please help me to see people the way you see them. When I see others, help me to see the love and compassion you feel for them, rather than worldly, unnecessary judgements."
This next verse in chapter 2 is one that I love. It's so simple, yet it really means a lot to me.
"For God does not show favoritism."
Romans 2:11 (NIV)
So simple! So easy! A six word verse that allows me to take a huge, deep breath and relax. The fact that God doesn't show favoritism has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. Maybe it's because I've been know to show favoritism (especially in coffee brands :)). I'm not sure why I can't get a hold of it, but the fact that it's there makes me smile. God loves the man sitting in prison just as much as he loves the world renown pastor. The Father in Heaven that created us all thinks we're all something special. He gave all of us talents and abilities to do his will, whether we've figured them out or not. So how can we even consider judging one another? We're all the same.
So my prayer today is that we see each other through the eyes of our beautiful Creator, because he sees our greatness.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Romans 1
Paul is such a cool guy.
I mean, this guy really gets it. Not only does he boast one of the most epic turn-your-life-around stories, but he can also write a letter like no other.
I think that's why I love the back end of the New Testament. These books are letters, and I'm a nosy girl. I love reading letters, letters to other people, letters I find in lockers. Seriously, write me a letter. I'll read it, and keep it until you're digging through my keepsake boxes when I'm 90.
Anyway, back to chapter 1.
For the sake of time, I've pulled out 2 verses I like a lot. Of course there's more, a lot more. 32 to be exact, but these are the chosen ones to receive a good highlighting from this handy dandy sharpie highlighter.
"God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: 'The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.'"
Romans 1:17 (the Message :))
I guess scriptures centered around faith have just really stuck out to me lately. I have a future to plan, and it's weird. However, instead of suffocating myself with what if's, I just stopped worrying about it. We're all born with that child-like faith, but somewhere along the road it gets tucked away in a box and placed in the dusty garage part of our hearts.
"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen."
Romans 1:25 (NIV)
I love this scripture in chapter 1. It made me kind of giggle actually. Of course it's a sad truth that these people have fallen for worldly things. These people obviously need to get their act together. The funny thing about it though, is that Paul is so sassy about it. I'm a huge believer in sarcasm, which is the exact reason I'd love to hang out with Paul for a day. ".. Worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised." He knows their logic doesn't make sense, because they'd rather worship what they made instead of what made them.
I plan on diving into Romans chapter 2 later on today. Sundays are filled with Sunday busyness, so my apologies for not posting this earlier. Today I will praise the one who created me, and put my faith for today and my future in his hands.
I mean, this guy really gets it. Not only does he boast one of the most epic turn-your-life-around stories, but he can also write a letter like no other.
I think that's why I love the back end of the New Testament. These books are letters, and I'm a nosy girl. I love reading letters, letters to other people, letters I find in lockers. Seriously, write me a letter. I'll read it, and keep it until you're digging through my keepsake boxes when I'm 90.
Anyway, back to chapter 1.
For the sake of time, I've pulled out 2 verses I like a lot. Of course there's more, a lot more. 32 to be exact, but these are the chosen ones to receive a good highlighting from this handy dandy sharpie highlighter.
"God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: 'The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.'"
Romans 1:17 (the Message :))
I guess scriptures centered around faith have just really stuck out to me lately. I have a future to plan, and it's weird. However, instead of suffocating myself with what if's, I just stopped worrying about it. We're all born with that child-like faith, but somewhere along the road it gets tucked away in a box and placed in the dusty garage part of our hearts.
"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen."
Romans 1:25 (NIV)
I love this scripture in chapter 1. It made me kind of giggle actually. Of course it's a sad truth that these people have fallen for worldly things. These people obviously need to get their act together. The funny thing about it though, is that Paul is so sassy about it. I'm a huge believer in sarcasm, which is the exact reason I'd love to hang out with Paul for a day. ".. Worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised." He knows their logic doesn't make sense, because they'd rather worship what they made instead of what made them.
I plan on diving into Romans chapter 2 later on today. Sundays are filled with Sunday busyness, so my apologies for not posting this earlier. Today I will praise the one who created me, and put my faith for today and my future in his hands.
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