I just finished a VERY good book by Lynn Austin. Eve's Daughters is about four generations of women whose decisions effected each other through time. Although the base of the book is set in 1980, the book travels back to Germany in the years before WWI. The story chronicles the decisions of Louise as her husband decides to move to America in order to avoid being drafted into the German army.
After that, the novel bounces back to 1980, and then to the story of Louise's daughter, Emma. Although Emma tells her story in some detail, her daughter and granddaughter are sure part of the story must be missing. The two set out to Emma's home town to try to find out more. Along the way, they share there own stories -- Grace's story of living through the depression in an Irish section of town, and Suzanne's story of dating and marrying a hippie. She also explains the events that led up to her pending divorce, which is still looming in the future of 1980.
If that doesn't make much sense (which it probably doesn't), then I encourage you to read the book. It was amazingly complex and rich in culture and language. The book had a strong foundation in God, and how the decisions we make affect those around us. The underlying verse in Eve's Daughters was "The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation." (Numbers 14:18) What one woman did changed the course of her daughter, her daughter's daughter, her granddaughter's daughter...
One quote from the book caught my attention -- "We're supposed to learn from our mother's mistakes, not react to them. That's the pattern you have to change." (pg 112) Instead of becoming bitter to the choices of those around us, we're supposed to see what they've done and learn not to do the same things.
-Aylin
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
In Comparison
The other day I was in a store returning a tank top. I was frustrated, because it had been a busy day and I wanted to get home -- and the "costumer service" desk was in the back of the store. Who puts their returns desk in the back of their store???
Anyway... as I was walking out of the store, I heard a part of a song playing through the store's speakers. It was sung by a woman, and she was singing about when things are tough, when life is hard to deal with, stifle your pain and carry on. Suck it up and the show the world your game face. The song didn't sound angry. It was supposed to be, I think, an encouragement that you can make it if you force yourself on.
I'm not really sure why I even remember that song at all. Anytime I happen to be in a store, I'm bound to hear lots of interesting ideas. But, today, while I was listening to K-LOVE radio on my computer, I happened to hear a different song. It was "Stronger," by Mandisa:
It made me think of the song that I heard in the store. It made me think of how different these two philosophies were. The one relied on shoving our emotions, our pain, deep inside. The other said, "cry out to God. He cares."
I don't have to deal with this chaos called "life" on my own. He is not too magnificent, too high, to scoop me up in His arms and heal my brokenness. And when the trials are over, I will come out stronger, wiser, and more like my God.
-Aylin
Anyway... as I was walking out of the store, I heard a part of a song playing through the store's speakers. It was sung by a woman, and she was singing about when things are tough, when life is hard to deal with, stifle your pain and carry on. Suck it up and the show the world your game face. The song didn't sound angry. It was supposed to be, I think, an encouragement that you can make it if you force yourself on.
I'm not really sure why I even remember that song at all. Anytime I happen to be in a store, I'm bound to hear lots of interesting ideas. But, today, while I was listening to K-LOVE radio on my computer, I happened to hear a different song. It was "Stronger," by Mandisa:
It made me think of the song that I heard in the store. It made me think of how different these two philosophies were. The one relied on shoving our emotions, our pain, deep inside. The other said, "cry out to God. He cares."
I don't have to deal with this chaos called "life" on my own. He is not too magnificent, too high, to scoop me up in His arms and heal my brokenness. And when the trials are over, I will come out stronger, wiser, and more like my God.
-Aylin
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Retrospect
So, sometimes I like to reflect on how much things have changed in my life during a given period of time. Like when I started high school, I thought about when I started middle school and how God changed me through those four years.
Yesterday was the homeschool curriculum sale. It's an annual event. I've been to 5 of the total 6 curriculum sales at this particular church/school. I've always enjoyed it a lot. Last year, I was there with my best friend. My family's schedule was really busy during that time, due to plays, recitals, and the end of the yearly homeschool co-op. I helped at my mom's table some, and wandered around with my friends some. I remember there was this one girl there that was friends with my friend. I thought it was kinda strange, because she was so much younger than we were.
Fast forward to 2012. My really close friend has faded slowly from my life. She's still there now and then, but we aren't nearly as close as we were then. My family is not as busy this year, except for May, the baby we watch every day :) She definitely can make life a little hectic! The groups that I was involved in last year -- that were so important, that were my world -- are basically non-existent for me this year, which is OK , but it's something I never thought would happen. And, oh yeah, remember the girl that, in my haughty opinion, was too young to be my friend? She just happens to be a very close friend of mine now, and fellow writer of this blog!
It's amazing how life changes, how God molds me, modifying my perspectives and perceptions of His reality. Sometimes I haven't been too open to His plans and changes. I mostly got mad when the things that I thought would always be the same were gone. Yet, in retrospect, I'm better off now. I've got a truer perception of life. I've found out more about myself and God in the process... and that is the point, isn't it?
-Aylin
Yesterday was the homeschool curriculum sale. It's an annual event. I've been to 5 of the total 6 curriculum sales at this particular church/school. I've always enjoyed it a lot. Last year, I was there with my best friend. My family's schedule was really busy during that time, due to plays, recitals, and the end of the yearly homeschool co-op. I helped at my mom's table some, and wandered around with my friends some. I remember there was this one girl there that was friends with my friend. I thought it was kinda strange, because she was so much younger than we were.
Fast forward to 2012. My really close friend has faded slowly from my life. She's still there now and then, but we aren't nearly as close as we were then. My family is not as busy this year, except for May, the baby we watch every day :) She definitely can make life a little hectic! The groups that I was involved in last year -- that were so important, that were my world -- are basically non-existent for me this year, which is OK , but it's something I never thought would happen. And, oh yeah, remember the girl that, in my haughty opinion, was too young to be my friend? She just happens to be a very close friend of mine now, and fellow writer of this blog!
It's amazing how life changes, how God molds me, modifying my perspectives and perceptions of His reality. Sometimes I haven't been too open to His plans and changes. I mostly got mad when the things that I thought would always be the same were gone. Yet, in retrospect, I'm better off now. I've got a truer perception of life. I've found out more about myself and God in the process... and that is the point, isn't it?
-Aylin
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Not What You Think
Lately, God has really been helping me see all people as His children, and not to judge others. It's been a long, hard process... and it's something that I still struggle with.
I had this really powerful moment a few months ago. I judge a majority of the people I judge by outside appearances.... but there was one day that this really changed for me. I was at a winter weekend retreat at a local camp.
We were singing "How He Loves" by David Crowder Band. This song already stirs a lot of emotions for me in the first place... Anyway, I was standing next to a girl with bright pink hair (and, of course "I would never die MY hair pink...."), and we were singing it together.
Together.
And in that moment, with the two of us singing about the Father's amazing love, I realized that I was the one that needed to examine myself. I was being judgmental of someone, when the judging wasn't up to me. I see her as God's precious child now, the way that I should be seeing her.
Like I said, I still struggle with this a lot. But, like with everything else... I need God. And without Him, I can only go down. Without Him, we will only go down.
Most of you have probably heard of Susan Boyle, the Britain's Got Talent sensation. I think she's an excellent example of how people are so much more than their appearances.
~Elizabeth
I had this really powerful moment a few months ago. I judge a majority of the people I judge by outside appearances.... but there was one day that this really changed for me. I was at a winter weekend retreat at a local camp.
We were singing "How He Loves" by David Crowder Band. This song already stirs a lot of emotions for me in the first place... Anyway, I was standing next to a girl with bright pink hair (and, of course "I would never die MY hair pink...."), and we were singing it together.
Together.
And in that moment, with the two of us singing about the Father's amazing love, I realized that I was the one that needed to examine myself. I was being judgmental of someone, when the judging wasn't up to me. I see her as God's precious child now, the way that I should be seeing her.
Like I said, I still struggle with this a lot. But, like with everything else... I need God. And without Him, I can only go down. Without Him, we will only go down.
Most of you have probably heard of Susan Boyle, the Britain's Got Talent sensation. I think she's an excellent example of how people are so much more than their appearances.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Why are we here?
Why are we here today
Why did we wake this morn
Why came the sun the same
As it always comes?
Why do we breathe today
Why does our flesh tingle with warmth
Why does our tongue again speak
And prattle forever on?
Why did God choose today
Why did He give us life
Why another chance, another way
To glorify Him again?
Why do we slouch today
Why are we wasting precious time
Why don't we ask God why
And what He wants this day?
Tomorrow may not come
Our days on earth may end
And what can we say we've done
When to God face to face we stand?
-Aylin
Please do not copy this poem without permission
Monday, May 7, 2012
CMS
Hello, Everybody!
I am here to tell you that CMS, Buffalo, was AWESOME. I learned so much, as a Christian musician, and specifically as a keyboardist. I came away with pages of notes and a plethora of ideas. And, the experience of two days brimming full of concerts, speakers, and absolute amazing-ness.
I was especially excited to see Peter Furler and Phil Joel live at the Saturday evening concert. They blew me away. They played old favorites, like the breakfast song and Entertaining Angels, and also new favorites, including some of Peter Furler's songs from his solo CD. It was great :)
Also, I got to hear the City Harmonic for the first time (I'd heard Manifesto before, but that was it). They really impressed me with their stage presence and amazing lyrics. Here is their new song, Mountaintop --
-Aylin
I am here to tell you that CMS, Buffalo, was AWESOME. I learned so much, as a Christian musician, and specifically as a keyboardist. I came away with pages of notes and a plethora of ideas. And, the experience of two days brimming full of concerts, speakers, and absolute amazing-ness.
I was especially excited to see Peter Furler and Phil Joel live at the Saturday evening concert. They blew me away. They played old favorites, like the breakfast song and Entertaining Angels, and also new favorites, including some of Peter Furler's songs from his solo CD. It was great :)
Also, I got to hear the City Harmonic for the first time (I'd heard Manifesto before, but that was it). They really impressed me with their stage presence and amazing lyrics. Here is their new song, Mountaintop --
-Aylin
Thursday, May 3, 2012
To All the Good Samaritans
Today, I would like to say thank you to those that take the time to do things for others. It doesn't have to be much, just a smile or it's equivalent, really.
But it makes a huge difference. Seriously.
There have been times where I'll feel really upset, and someone will just smile at me, tell me something positive, etc., and it will make a world of a difference.
So, to all of the Good Samaritans out there, thank you. You have no idea what even the smallest of things to do help people.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
~Elizabeth
But it makes a huge difference. Seriously.
There have been times where I'll feel really upset, and someone will just smile at me, tell me something positive, etc., and it will make a world of a difference.
So, to all of the Good Samaritans out there, thank you. You have no idea what even the smallest of things to do help people.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
~Elizabeth
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Right now I'm watching my youngest sister, Bella, and baby May interact. May is in the ExerSaucer, and Bella is giggling as she flicks the light on, off, on, off, on, off... They entertain themselves so well -- Bella doing something that drives me crazy, and May absolutely loving it.
I'm amazed at how much May has grown. She reaches for everything, tries to sit up on her own, and screams shrilly at the top of her lungs. (Now she's trying to pull Bella's hair out... and Bella's letting her...) It's so wonderful how God created little ones, to grow and learn and look so cute...
Anyway, here's the verse for the last half of the week -- I know I haven't changed it in a while, and for that, I am truly sorry!
-Aylin
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
I'm amazed at how much May has grown. She reaches for everything, tries to sit up on her own, and screams shrilly at the top of her lungs. (Now she's trying to pull Bella's hair out... and Bella's letting her...) It's so wonderful how God created little ones, to grow and learn and look so cute...
Anyway, here's the verse for the last half of the week -- I know I haven't changed it in a while, and for that, I am truly sorry!
-Aylin
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
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