A Walk in the Park.

04. January 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Retreat Stories
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It’s a new year. (Duh). And thank God for that!  There is something about a new year that somehow gives us a feeling of freshness recalibration, and usually a hope of a new, better version of self. I don’t really make New Year’s Resolutions, because seriously, I make a resolution practically every five minutes and then I forget about said resolution five minutes after that. But, with a close girlfriend this year, I did make a 2012 Resolution to revamp and revisit this blog.

So, to kickstart this year, I thought what better subject to muse over than the disobedient creature that currently sleeps, pukes, and sheds his hair on every square inch in our house: Edison the Newfoundland. Allow me to introduce him:

Yes, he is cute. Yes, he is a puppy. Yes, he looks like a bear cub that escaped from Smoky’s territory. However, what you don’t know from this picture is he is only 8 months old, weighs 100 pounds, and seemingly only answers to one statement: “Do you want a treat?” Today, I decided (mistakenly) to take him for a stroll-turned-chokefest with a close girlfriend and baby Avianna around a local city park. On this planned casual, leisurely stroll, I found myself panting, covered in fur, splattered with mud and gasping for breath while my faithful friend Lauren pushed the stroller. What happened? Well, let’s just say Edison the Newfoundland fears nothing, wants to eat and/or hump everything (not excluding goose droppings), and has no respect for bike paths vs. walking paths. In fact, I was scolded by a biker who told me emphatically “Watch for bikers! Be careful.” (By the way, thank you Mr. Biker, the next time my 100 pound beast sees a squirrel in the wild I will try to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your “rigorous” ride in unflattering spandex gear.)

As the walk went on, one runner laughed at me and said he wished he had a video camera. A police man shouted out his window “Hey! Who is walking who?” And of course at one point Edison decided to lay down in mud and throw up the entire contents of his stomach.

Not quite the pleasant the walk I was envisioning.

But as I got home exhausted and tattered from what felt like an epic battle, I really started thinking about this “walk in the park” as a metaphor with what perhaps the Lord goes through with us all the time. He gives us this world to enjoy and lets us walk about. Along the way, he tries to keep us on the right path and keep us safe through simple commands that will impede us from eating and humping the wrong things. But yet, like Edison, we want to pull and make our own way. Where we want to go seems better than the narrow path we should walk on. But as we veer off, we are left with the proverbial mouthful of goose droppings. Am I right? In the grand spectrum of things, are we so different from Edison the Newfoundland?

Just a thought.

In the meantime, we just enrolled Edison in doggy obedience bootcamp.

Giants, Angels, Nephilim … Say What?

11. February 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Bible in Year, Retreat Stories
angels

Photo Credit.

Lots of questions today from our reading in Genesis 5-6, Psalm 1, Psalm 93, and 2 Peter 2.

The first question is: Where are all these people coming from? The Bible mentions Adam and Eve having Cain and Abel. Then Cain murders Abel. Then, Cain goes off and marries women from outside of Eden. Where did those “other people” come from? Also, when Seth is born and goes off and marries as well … Again, where did those people come from?

Which brings us to our question about the  giants, sons of God (we think angels), and the nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4.  We did some research and here is what we found on Nephilim. So, are they the result of fallen angels and humans mating? Wow. Confusing.

When we read Genesis 6:6 all three of us found ourselves feeling really sad that God regretted making humans at that moment. It says a little earlier: “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” We have to ask, if it was that bad then, what does God think of the world today? Seems like everywhere we look, there is just evil intent all around.

We came to the part of our reading where we meet Noah, and we have come to the conclusion that, forget Cosmo magazine models, we all want to be like Noah! (Ok we never wanted to be Cosmo magazine models, but it sounded funny to compare them to Noah.) Noah was the ONLY one on earth that was a righteous man. Then, we got to thinking how hard that must have been on Noah. Today, where sometimes we find it so hard to stand up against evil, we cannot imagine how Noah felt being the ONLY man on earth that held to God and His truth. Wow. A whole different meaning to “one is the loneliest number.”

We also want to be like Enoch. He walked with God. The Bible takes time out specifically to say that in Genesis 5:24: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

Finally, for our thoughts in 2 Peter 2:9 where it states that “God will hold all the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment” one woman said “Does this scare anyone else? Because we all have loved ones that don’t know Jesus.” We concurred that, yes, it is scary. It is scary to think to be found without grace before God and to know what so many of those that we know will possibly be in that posture. Really puts things into perspective on what we waste our times talking to people about instead of praying and talking to them about the Holy God.

We are excited to read about the rainbow.

Fruit: Apparently the Forsaken Item.

11. February 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Bible in Year, Retreat Stories
fruit

Photo Credit.

Day 2. Enthusiasm is still high. One woman even remarked “I’m reading overzealously and have to stop myself from reading ahead.”

Today we read through Genesis 3-4, Psalm 92, and 2 Peter 2.

Now, Genesis we found to be particularly interesting because it appears that a seemingly innocent thing as fruit starts the downfall of both Adam and Eve (and subsequently all of mankind) as well as their son Cain. For Eve, she is tempted by the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden of Eden by the hideous serpent. Then, after she eats it (forbidden by God) gives said fruit to Adam (one woman remarked at how often we share our sins with others like Eve does here) and then BOOM we have the fall of mankind.

And we are told that we will have pain in childbirth.

As if we needed yet another reminder.

One chapter later, we find Cain bringing some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. Meanwhile, sweet Abel brings fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock as an offering to the Lord. And then, for some reason — which we wonder why — God accepts Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. (We later research and discover Abel’s offering was better because it came through faith — he gave of his firstborn of his flock not just “some fruit” like Cain). Then Cain, acting like a Texas Cheerleader Mom, goes besurk on Abel and murders him. God curses him for it.

So, to boil it all down: Fruit causes people to go crazy.

Might be wise to rethink that Berry Apple Smoothie you’re drinking right now.

Now, 2 Peter 1 and Psalm 92 did not generate too much conversation. However, we all three agreed that 2 Peter 1 verse 5-8 was so encouraging:

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We want to be effective!

*Sidenote: Interesting and ironically timed conversation had by one of us with our co-worker/co-runner on a frigid jaunt: Scientists have discovered through crazy bouts of research that we all come from ONE woman and ONE man. Here are some of the links said co-worker sent that talks about this:

We also found it interesting that most of our research brings up Wikipedia. Should we be trusting Wikipedia? A question for the ages ….

Introducing: Adam & Eve

08. February 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Bible in Year · Tags: , , , , ,
lego-adam-and-eve

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So, here we are, Day 1 on a 365 day quest to finish the Bible. If you knew us, you would know that this in and of itself is a huge commitment: Merely saying we will do something for one year straight. Not only can we not wake ourselves up out of bed at the same time two days in a row, we can hardly say what we are doing five minutes from now. So, committing to something for a year … A giant step for mankind (to us).

But here we are. Reading. For 365 days. Reason? We decided that if we are going to be people that live our lives based on this Book, then why in the world have we never read this cover to cover already? And not just the catchy parts that we Christians have used and abused and jargon-ized, but all the parts. (If you’re wondering, yes, this includes Lamentations and just wait … we’re bringing Lamentations back.)***

So, we begin today with the story of the creation of the world, animals, and the beginning of mankind in Genesis 1-2. The thing that all of us talked about was how blown away we are that we were made in God’s image. I mean, do we look like God? Do we possess some of His personality traits? How are we like God? Moreso, the thing that really stuck out to us was “We are  ALL are made in God’s image.”

Now this struck a personal chord with some of us because a few days prior, a couple of us were out to dinner and we found a parking spot in front of a parking meter all to realize we had no change. Now, this would not be a big deal be it not for  the Nazi Parking Enforcement Association of Denver, Colorado (seems wrong to say the word Nazi in a post about the Bible … yikes!) So, were talking loudly, searching for coins in fear of said Parking Enforcement, when a homeless man from a few feet away came to us and tried to give us change for the meter. Instinctively, without thinking that he could possibly want to help us, we said “we can’t give you change back.”

But he insisted. Wanting to help us. This man had nothing, but yet he wanted to help us?

It struck us after reading this today that, wow, THAT man is made in God’s image. But sadly, that was not our gut reaction when he first approached us. It’s embarrassing to admit that. We are going to go back to that corner and try to find that man. More to come!

We are so excited to keep reading. Although, we know what’s coming next … THE CURSE.

***So, let us be clear: We do not attempt to be theologians and many of the questions we pose may seem entirely elementary to some of you seminary learned folks. And, moreso, we may be way off in some/many/a lot/most of our assertions. So, we aren’t pretending to be any subject matter authorities. Just want to make that clear lest any of you be alarmed.

One Woman’s Quest: Who is God?

09. September 2010 · Write a comment · Categories: Inspiring Topics · Tags: , , , , , , , ,
jennifer r - interesting topic

Author: Jennifer R., 25

As I received the email regarding August’s topic I was hoping to contribute this month; however, my mind was blank.  I figured that if I was to write something it would be made clear to me at the appropriate time.  I guess that time was about 20 minutes ago as I went on a search to find an old journal to see what I was doing last year at this time; however, the search resulted in a 2 year old entry and devotional that was exactly what I needed to read and might be of interest to you…

Personal Journal Entry/Prayer

4 August 2008

As I just awoke & left my tent I was stuck by a though…What if everything around us; everything God created symbolizes his grandeur? The Bible makes references to things in nature all the time; so, the more I have the word hidden in my heart, when I look at a river I think of the peace He provides, a rock = He is my rock and my stronghold, and roots, trees, mountains, oceans, stars, sun, lilies of the field, etc.  I could make a list that would go on and on.  And then people; truly think whenever I see another person – this is the image/likeness of Christ.

In everything there should be some part of God because He is the creator and author; just like a book is going to reveal something about its author, this entire world and everything in it should tell me something about God … My Lord, My God without You I am a slave to self, a meaningless existence, but with you I am one; in you as you are in God and the Holy Spirit.  You are good and mighty and promise to never leave or forsake me.  You are my all.

For I desire to do all things for You and You alone out of genuine love! For all other goals and aims are pointless. Please continue speaking to me through Your word and revealing Yourself to me.  Thank You so much for loving my wretched soul; for Your patience with me; Your guidance and instruction.  Your wonders are all around me; I rest in the midst of Your presence at all times.  Your love never fails; You’re the only one who can never let me down, who will never lie to me, take advantage of me … for only You, a relationship with You, can fulfill such a void and provide with forgiveness necessary.

Please help me to stand firm and to not slip slowly into a state of tolerance.  For Christ is the ONLY way to You. Thank you for revealing this to me; that I may share with others the hope in You and Your Son alone.  For even the demons acknowledge there is a God (James 2:19, 1 John.)  It’s all about obeying commands out of love; all about love and allowing Christ to shine through us and provide us with love for all and compassion and it’s His kindness and His humility and His gentleness and His patience.  O My Lord, that You will continue to draw me to Your side.  That I would walk in Your presence from the moment I awake till I sleep and that in my sleep my brain would be working for You and that we would be in such unison.

And then I read this devotional:

My Utmost for His Highest – The Brave Friendship of God

Aug 04 2010

He took the twelve aside . . . —Luke 18:31

Oh, the bravery of God in trusting us! Do you say, “But He has been unwise to choose me, because there is nothing good in me and I have no value”? That is exactly why He chose you. As long as you think that you are of value to Him He cannot choose you, because you have purposes of your own to serve. But if you will allow Him to take you to the end of your own self-sufficiency, then He can choose you to go with Him “to Jerusalem” ( Luke 18:31 ). And that will mean the fulfillment of purposes which He does not discuss with you.

We tend to say that because a person has natural ability, he will make a good Christian. It is not a matter of our equipment, but a matter of our poverty; not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us; not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, or of experience— all of that is of no avail in this concern. The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ).

God’s friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all— we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same. We do not know what God’s compelling purpose is, but whatever happens, we must maintain our relationship with Him. We must never allow anything to damage our relationship with God, but if something does damage it, we must take the time to make it right again.

The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That [relationship with God] is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually assailed.

I know that this is an odd approach to the topic as this is not an amazing published book, inspiring movie or a graceful poem; however, the aforementioned really hit me hard, and got me thinking.

In a journey to weave balance, open mindedness and acceptance into my quest for a deeper understanding of world religions, Christianity itself, legalism, licensure, and the like I have fallen into a deep internal struggle (that I cannot find the words to express) as I try to merge and unite pieces of it all with absolute truths I have been taught, making some sense of it all.

But maybe it’s not supposed to be all that complicated; maybe it’s as simple as having faith in a power greater than yourself and loving It with all your heart, mind and soul – keeping an ongoing relationship with It, loving everyone around you and treating them ALL with a great respect, acknowledging that none are perfect and that one way or another we are all living in sin (despite its blatancy) everyday and are in need of a savior’s forgiveness.  And does this mean that you cannot have a thriving relationship with the Lord because you are living in blatant “sin”?  I feel as though that’s what’s been implied to me over the course of many years.

But is this “truth” simply made true/verified due to self-fulfilling-prophecy (a belief in a lie that God does not want relationship with you if you are acting/living in (fill in the blank) such a way. Which in turn, pushes you further from God and makes you think that this lie is truth. Or is it simple pride that makes you fight to deny that one is living in sin?

Or does the true beauty and reality of it all lie in the fact that God desires relationship with us amidst the covert and overt sin … He/It knows all, and maybe although He/It hurts (if God possesses such a character trait), more importantly He/It cares that a relationship exists and is alive?

Maybe I am the only one that strives to be perfect and upon failure time and time again, I immediately revert back to the “truth” that God doesn’t want relationship with me because I’ve failed yet again; almost saying His grace isn’t enough for me … but how prideful!  Or maybe to many of you, the above is a no-brainer concept [and your sitting there like, duh]… But the liberation that rests here … that’s truly amazing and I think that Satan/the evil force/ whatever you want to label it, is quick to try to fool you out of this truth in attempts to separate you from the Greatness of our existence: A relationship with God and a spiritual life; in turn making you self-absorbed, depressed, an ineffective.

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God.  That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way.  This is especially important in times of temptation, sorrow, separation from God, and even in times of unfaithfulness and sin” (brother Lawerence, The Practice of the Presence of God).

Another thing … If all religions are composed of 6 common aspects: authority, ritual, speculation, tradition, grace and mystery, then might there be many paths to the same summit as suggested in Huston Smith’s The World’s Religions?  Might God be too big to fit into one religion; as C.S. Lewis’ parents admonished him to, “not think of God in terms of any form, for these could only limit Its infinity”?

So upon conclusion my question/food for thought to you is this …

Is the aforementioned really unacceptable, evil tolerance (as taught by the majority of Christians) or is it simply total admission of a lack of complete understanding, which merely grows with the many different types of people and experiences one encounters throughout life.  Can one be a Christian and have a thriving relationship with God, while believing, as Hinduism is convicted:

“That the various major religions are alternate paths to the same goal…[that] the Saviour is the messenger of God.  He is like a viceroy of a mighty monarch.  As when there is some disturbance in a far-off province, the king sends his viceroy to quell it, so wherever there is a decline of religion in any part of the world, God sends his Saviour there.  It is one and the same Saviour that, having plunged into the ocean of life, rises up in one place and is known as Krishna, and diving down again rises in another place and is known as Christ.  Everyone should [just stay true to and] follow one’s own religion [whatever that may be - Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, etcl.]”?

Thoughts?

A Song of Freedom.

27. July 2010 · Write a comment · Categories: Freedom
sandi o - freedom

Author: Sandi, O.

Sacrificing for FREEDOM—have we taken her for granted?

“FOR FREEDOM”  by: 4 Troops  (soldiers in our military)

“Somewhere a trumpet sounds in the night,
A soldier is standing there—
It’s calling him out to the stars and the stripes
t’s calling him, God knows where.

He kisses the ones he loves “good-bye”
And leaves in the dead of night
For FREEDOM he’ll heed the call, if all he knows
And for FREEDOM he’ll stand and fight!

And somewhere a man and a wife can’t believe
They’re waving their girl “good-bye,”
For gone are the days of pigtails and curls
And tender sweet lullabies!

If they had their way, she’d stay on forever
And never be far from home–
But FREEDOM has drawn her heart to danger
And for FREEDOM they’ll let her go!

And somewhere a thunder is crashing the night,
It echos all through the hills
Though many escape its wrath and its rage
A soldier lies wounded still!

Remembering the land he loves, he cries
“I’ll love you with all my mind!”
For FREEDOM said: “I’m her son, I’m her daughter, forever—whatever comes
And for FREEDOM I’ll gladly die and say my “good-byes!”
And somewhere beneath the stars and the sky,

For FREEDOM our flag still stands,
She bled and she fought for our land under God,
And she held our hearts up high!
She carried the lives of those before us

She’s buried the bold and the brave—
For FREEDOM she holds our hopes, our dreams and our hands up high,
And for FREEDOM she’ll ever wave—
She waves for our USA!!”

When I first heard this song, my heart cried!  (And please forgive some words may not be totally accurate in transcription.)  I thought how blessed we are as a people and a nation, a nation founded under God and with Godly principles. And where there are those who truly understand and truly get it that being “FREE” is not without a committed fight and a consistent sacrifice worth everything … Including the heart wrenching sacrificial gift of one’s own personal life.

The least we can do during this special season of celebrating and enjoying our “freedoms”– is to thank God and to thank and to pray for our military who continually make the decision to leave their family and friends, to fight for and to lay down their lives for the preservation of our “FREEDOM!”

I don’t think we can ever thank them enough or give them the honor and the respect they deserve!

Help us, dear Lord, as a “free” people to never take for granted our “FREEDOM” or we shall lose it in the blink of an eye.  For I have learned that “FREEDOM” is truly never free! It often comes with a HUGE price.  May we treat her well — and treat her with respect and dignity.

The American Dream: Freedom … and Africa.

19. July 2010 · 1 comment · Categories: Freedom · Tags: , , , , ,
kelsey - freedom photo

Author: Kelsey Y., 27

I’m proud to be an American?

Freedom. Well I’ve never been one to wave the American flag in my back yard or write about Abe Lincoln for my book reports. Basically national pride has never been a big deal to me…until this year. I came home from Singapore to visit friends and family, and for some strange reason I felt compelled to be back for the 4th! Something about fireworks, ball games, and BBQ’s just sounded homey. So that is just what I did! I went back to Colorado to go to a Rockies’ game (fireworks), saw some good friends (more fireworks), and went to the mountains to catch the cool breeze (oh yeah, and more fireworks!).

After travelling through Europe, living in Asia, travelling (and soon living) in Africa, I was reminded that freedom is never free. Someone somewhere counted the cost for me to know freedom as a close friend.  So as I sat in my best friend’s car watching the fireworks over Breckenridge lake, we sang “I’m proud to be an American” on the top of our lungs! Let’s just say our neighbors were a tad irritated. And ya know, as much as we aren’t proud of America’s political decisions, or homeland decisions…ok just decisions in general… our freedom to DREAM is a rarity and reality. The fact that I dreamt of starting a ministry in Africa and it has been birthed — I have to tribute our nation as a contributor to that success. (Besides Jesus, the one who created freedom!) When my friends in foreign lands have no choices in life but to do what they are told, and even worse — they believe they can’t do anything but what they are told — I thank the Lord for my freedom. Not only tangible freedom, but freedom of the mind to dream. Nothing can hold me back from dreaming…and now these dreams are turning into reality.

The challenge isn’t whether we are singing the tune to freedom every 4th of July, but it’s what we are doing with the freedom we have to empower the rest of the world to sing along.

A Picture of Freedom … in Nebraska?

15. July 2010 · 1 comment · Categories: Freedom · Tags: , , ,
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Author: Tracy K., 26

So, it’s July 15 – almost halfway through the month – can you believe it? And as you can see, the stories have come flooding in about Freedom …

Ha!

I say that jokingly, because surprisingly, for the first month, we are hearing from a lot of you that this is actually a really difficult topic. What is freedom? What does freedom look like? Who really has the perfect answer to that?

Well, my beautiful ladies; that is the glory of OWRplace: We are not trying to be a place where everything has a formula, a perfection, or a format to it. This is a place where we hope what’s written or illustrated here mimics real life. Meaning, this is the “wear your sweat pants” place of the blog world … a place where it doesn’t have to be staged, primped, or doctored.

All that being said, this is my debut entry on OWRplace. And when I started thinking about what I wanted to write about, all I could think about was how I wanted my submission to “rock,” be hilarious, and make you want to tweet and retweet your little hearts out about my killer submission. But then I realized, if I did that, I would be staging, primping, and doctoring only to entertain you. I would inevitably lose honesty in the piece and therefore forget the whole basis of OWRplace.

So, I switched gears a bit.

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took a road trip across the glorious and beautiful plains of the Midwest (note strong sarcasm here) for July 4th weekend. During the long trip, I thought it would be a good time to think about Freedom. So I thought. And  I kept thinking. And nothing organic came. Nothing.

But between eating three packs of gummi bears and worms respectively, and listening to Harry Potter on tape, I looked up as we were driving in the Middle-of-Nowhere Nebraska and saw this:

Instinctively, I got out my camera and immediately snapped this shot.  I knew this was freedom. What does it mean? I’m not entirely sure. But, there’s something about the openness; the nothingness of the flowing hills and the untainted blue sky that resonated with me. It almost doesn’t need an explanation.

So maybe that’s it: Maybe a large element of freedom cannot be explained …

So there you have it, ironically this picture in Nebraska — as many of you know I spent a large part of my childhood in Nebraska and proceeded to scramble as far away as I could for college — is my debut entry for OWRplace. Nebraska of all places: Go figure!

Women, Wine, and Wisdom

25. June 2010 · 6 comments · Categories: Romance or the Lack Thereof. · Tags: , , , ,
cindy p - romance

Author: Cindy P.

You’re running late, as per usual, throwing things in and out of a suitcase that you’ve sworn you would replace for at least 2 years.  Only five minutes until two friends swing by your last-minute-packing-induced-disaster-zone of an apartment to pick you up en route to the airport.

They are running late too.  You knew they would be – only one of the reasons why you love them.

Friend #4 is already at the airport – the prompt one.  She brought a book to keep her company knowing that she’d be there at least 45 minutes before the three of you arrive breathless and laughing from how your broken suitcase wheel makes everyone turn and stare.  You seriously need a new bag.  Regardless, you know this friend would sooner stall the pilot with batted eyes before she let the crew take off without all four of you aboard – only one of the reasons why you love her.

One of you is getting married.  Not this weekend – but soon.  So, together, you fly 1000 miles to celebrate love – the couple’s love, your love for the bride, your love of each other, and perhaps your love of weekends full of ridiculousness… and wine… and perhaps how those two previous items are often related.

The weekend is full of planned activities – meals together, things to see, and much to do.  Four friends multiply to ten.  It’s a whirlwind of events, dresses, product spilling onto bathroom counters, heels, food, and drink – but, in retrospect, all that dims in your memory compared to one moment that didn’t actually include any of it.

It happens around a big wooden table — the type that feels comfortable either sparsely populated or completely full.  There is no food, there are no games.  There is no real reason to gather – but you do.

The conversation is about marriage.  You prepare to go into auto-pilot as it seems your recent personal-life job description is to buy blenders for happily-attached friends while wearing $200 pink taffeta dresses that will likely never see the light of day again.  Queue the “yay-for-love” conversation with “happily-ever-afters-and-butterflies-and-sunshine-and-kittens-and-rainbows-and-lollypops….”

But this is different.

Something about the discussion is gritty.  It waltzes past pleasantries and dives into the pain of personal struggles and the refinement that comes from wading through them.  It focuses on the completely unintuitive way that these girls – these very real girls – have found love despite impossibilities and how they continue to fight for it long after the “I do’s” are formalized by serving macadamia-nut encrusted cedar plank salmon at the wedding reception.

The discussion is beautiful because of its unrehearsed authenticity – but also because the sun is going down and everyone is too engaged to think to turn on a light.  Wisdom is being poured out on that wooden table and it’s simply your task to pick up those pieces that are meaningful to you.

Those pieces that might serve to sustain you through the confusion of relationships gone wrong and the always present fear that the future holds more of the same.  But the swapping of ideas and experiences between all of you takes place as effortlessly as trading accessories had been earlier in the day.

Eventually the discussion ends naturally and transitions back into the general ridiculousness of a girl’s weekend – but you leave strangely filled and subtly more hopeful for your own impossible story because you are joined by women whose words are significant.  Truly, in some respect, you’re all fighting for the same thing from different trenches and success requires shared tactical strategies and simple unqualified support…

… oh, and wine.

… {An artistic expression}

23. June 2010 · 3 comments · Categories: Romance or the Lack Thereof. · Tags: , , ,
Abby H - romance image 2

Author: Abby H., 27

I did this painting because I wanted to contribute my thoughts on relationships, but I tend to be a private person when specifically talking about that area of my life. I thought that painting my feelings and conveying my thoughts through art was the perfect compromise. I hope this painting means something different to all of you because I started the painting out feeling one thing and ended it feeling another. In short even I don’t know exactly what it came out to be, but something in it perfectly describes where I am at and the view I hold on relationships. I know that it is hard to tell but there are a lot of layers in the painting and I think that is my favorite part.

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