post from the past

I have been wrestling for the last few days. Asking God a lot more questions than I have been willing to listen for the answers to.

I was on my way back from the doctor's office - a routine I am getting more than used to, and had once again allowed myself to become afflicted by the reason for it. I asked Him to let me hear Him. Loud and clear. I needed to hear Him. And then came this:


I got home and sat down with the computer to do the whole schpiel. When I check for new blog feeds, there are times when a feed will reappear for some reason or another, most likely because some part of the html's brain has altered (this, my own feed on Bloglines - and yes, I took a picture of it to remember this moment - so call me crazy). So it was much to my surprise when it showed I had a "new" post as I knew I hadn't posted for a while. When I clicked on it, it only took me a moment to realize what I was reading before I began to shake my head and smile, thanking God for His voice that is ever present, and sometimes comes in strange ways.

Those very same words I heard months ago were exactly what I needed to hear today:

"There is so much more..."

body worlds

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth...

My grandma and Devin and I were able to take a trip to the Body Worlds exhibit at the Science Museum as an early birthday celebration of sorts. There has been a bit of controversy over this anatomical showcase both locally as well as nationally since its origination. Though that alone peaked my interest from the start, I was curious to see how these authentic human specimens, preserved through Plastination, would play with my perception on the incredibility of life.

All of the displays are very interesting and informative, and all such obvious evidence of God's great work in what we call our existence. I could not get over the thousands of complexities and intricacies that each new body brought to life. But nothing was more moving than a room that was sectioned off near the end of the exhibit which held a mother and her 8 month old child yet to be born inside of her...

The moment I found my way in, I noticed two people sobbing on the opposite side of the room - one, a teen buried in the arms of her mother, the other, a woman in her thirties staring in amazement at the life portrayed before her eyes. The very first display caught me off guard as it moved me to tears instantly in the same way it had thousands more, I'm sure. I saw the fragile body of a 13 week old fetus and was struck with grief over our precious baby we lost at that very same stage. I had not grieved for a long time until then, and was softened to what that room truly represented...

I continued to grieve for the loss of the many lives I slowly passed by. The importance of Life and only Life slapped me in the face, and I was not able to see anything else for the remainder of the time. So much time spent finding ways to put uselessness and filth in a higher place than loving God and His people. The people He knit together piece by tiny piece, the people He breathed into existence and knows by name and every thought; the people He longs to hold as they come running into His arms. The people He sent His son to die for. The life too tiny for any human eye to see, and yet some feel they have the right to dispose of. I thought at that moment that every young woman should be in that room, seeing what I was seeing, knowing without a doubt that God creates nothing but Life and that without Him they know not what it is to Live...

the rivertown inn

A couple of weekends ago, Peter and I were able to celebrate our 5th Anniversary in luxury, and I only write of it here in order that one does not pass it up if the opportunity were to present itself to stay in this incredible Bed & Breakfast. Located in Stillwater, the Rivertown Inn is a luxurious retreat with exquisite decor, great food and service, and perfect attention to detail. I don't believe I would typically be a fan of B&B's on any level, but I cannot wait until we can return again in the near future.

We were fortunate enough to stay in the Oscar Wilde Carriage House Grand Suite, a room I had been eyeing for quite some time, as it happened to become available after having been booked for weeks straight. This "avant-garde and wildly romantic two-room suite celebrates the lavish style of the flamboyant writer. The main sleeping chamber features a pentagonal bed draped in richly-colored fabrics, an ornate Victorian fireplace mantel, and a cozy sitting area in front of the fire. Stained glass doors lead into the second sleeping chamber, which features a unique bronze-trimmed twin French sleigh bed topped with tasseled leopard print pillows, and soothing deep green walls. This suite features two private (spa) baths for a feeling of pure opulence." Words do not do it justice. Though both carriage house suites were spectacular, all of the rooms in the main house were beautiful, as well; all decorated in the spirit of 19th century poets.

All this to say get there if you are able...

...No, seriously...

continuum

john mayer.

smooth, soulful, bluesy.

get it. got it. good.