Day 249 - You are Loved

"You are loved just for being yourself.  So that means you can be free.  Can you feel it?  Breathe in slowly, and breathe out with a grin."

As I was looking for some art to blog about today, I came across these 2 things.  The first looks to be the cover of a greeting card.  The message is simple and so true - "never forget that you are loved!"  That love starts with God and continues through family, friends, community members, and (ideally) yourself.  If you feel that you are lacking in the 3 in the middle, allow the first and the last ones to surround you and inform your life until the others fall into place.  And if you are blessed to know great love from those around you, appreciate it and reciprocate it. 
The second is an equally beautiful thought.  It says something that I continue to embrace and give as truth - the fact that I am loved for who I am.  I don't have to earn it or make myself worthy of it.  Love finds me simply because I'm here.  True love can look at you and require nothing from you while still embracing you fully.  And because you are already loved, you don't have to worry about trying to be loved and earn it by fitting someone's idea of what you should be.  The knowledge (and receipt) of the fact that you are loved should be enough to liberate you to be you and to live the life that God created you to as you were created to live it. 
I challenge you to take a moment - close your eyes, turn off all the noise and distractions, breathe slowly and deeply, and focus.  Think on the fact that God loves you deeply, completely, and without condition.  Think on those who love you and those who show you love (even if it isn't always perfect).  Think on the love that you have for yourself.  Think on the fact that you are awesome just as you are and that love is something you deserve just by virtue of the fact that you are breathing.  Receive the love that's in your life and open your heart for more.
And remember that if no one else tells you that they love you, God does, and I do too.  Thanks for being you.

Day 248 - Lessie Rose Alcin

My sister friend Lessie, aka Jeri is definitely one of the beautiful people.  We met when she first came to STVU, and we clicked immediately.  I even called her my new best friend.  Ever since then, we have we been good friends (minus a moment in time when a brief hiccup split us up, and even then, we couldn’t stay apart for long).  We talk everyday, and we share much of our lives.  She's got to be one of my very best friends.

She embodies the Rose that is her middle name.  She is beautiful and sweet and soft.  She is definitely a diva who believes in dressing, and it was her shoe game that first inspired me to step up my own.  She takes pride in being her fashionably fly self.  And that outer goodness is the outer manifestation of an inner tenderness.   She is divinely connected and gifted.  She has a gift of song and a gift for preaching, the depths of which the world will be blessed to see.  And she has a naturally nurturing spirit, making her beloved by all the young people who encounter her.

But do understand that, like any rose, this one has thorns, which are there for protection.  She is a G about those she loves, so you will wanna think twice about mistreating anyone she loves. This caring, protective nature is part of what makes her beautiful.  

So to my good friend, Jeri, I love you.  Thanks for being the beautiful you...

  

Day 247 - Her Heart

So, I rarely buy a song on iTunes after hearing it only once, but this one touched me so deeply when I heard it on Pandora that I had to buy it and listen to see why it was pulling on me so.  The second time I listened, I caught more of the words, especially in the chorus, and I found myself boohooing.  I mean, I was crying some real tears.  This shocked me – I had never had such a reaction to a song, and I wasn’t sure what it was that resonated so strongly, because I’m not in this situation.  Either way, the strong reaction let me know that I needed to do something with it, so here we go. 

“I had a habit of messing up – staying out late and getting drunk.  I let you down a thousand times – broken promises.  It’s like I ran away from you.  My career was my excuse, until I saw you bout to drown in your own tears.”  The singer appears to have been a less than great relationship partner.  He admits to essentially neglecting her, breaking promises, and even running from her.  While at first glance, he appears to just be a jerk, it appears that his actions may be due to fear and not lack of concern/care.  Using his career as his excuse, he sheltered himself while still keeping her around… until he saw the pain that she was in because of what he was doing (as made evident by her tears). 

“And as you cried you in my arms, you woke up my heart, and I saw again what I found in you.  Cuz her heart, her heart won’t let me lose her.  No matter how I try, I just can’t say good-bye and lose her.”  So as he held her and she cried, his heart was touched and even reawakened to the love that he had for her.  It was like seeing her again for the first time, experiencing that love for her anew.  He saw the depth and strength and care of her heart, and because of that, he is unable to let her go.  Her heart makes him unable to bear losing her.

“When all the folks were said and done, you were there to welcome me home.  I was convicted cuz your love never wavered.  I know you love me more than me, and you vowed to love through anything.  I never had the kind of love that was forever.”  At the end of it all, when the fans and groupies were gone, she was at home waiting for him.  He feels guilty for what he’s done and for treating her the way he has, because she has been faithful and consistent in loving him through it all.  He recognizes that her feelings for him are probably deeper than his for her, especially because she has promised to love him through his foolishness. And she has done so.  For him, this is a new thing.  He says he’s never had a forever love (which makes me wonder what he has been dealing with and calling it love), so he may still be adjusting and getting used to the idea of really having a love that will last and what that will mean.  Finding that kind of love is life-changing, because it has the ability to change how you act and how you view your life and yourself and other people.  It can be a lot to handle, especially when your previous experiences have been less than wonderful or when you aren’t yet mature enough to (want to) embrace it.

“Her love, her love won’t let me lose her.”  Yet, despite the difficulties and what it makes him face within himself, her love is so wonderful and life-affirming to him that he cannot let her go. 

Real love has a hold of finding us when we least expect it.  And its power is so deep and grand and all-consuming that we may find ourselves unwilling and unable to let it go when it presents itself.  There is nothing like it….

Day 246 - Jaime Patterson

(I need to catch up with my Beautiful People entries, and this one just happens to fall on the lovely lady's birthday.)

Jaime Patterson has got to be one of my absolutely favorite people in the world.  When I met her, I liked her instantly, and I'm pretty sure it happens that way with most of the human population.  We met when I was dating one of her friends, and we have been good friends ever since (over 3 years now).  The first thing I noticed about her is the fact that she's hilarious.  We share a sense of humor that includes a mix of sarcasm and that of a 12-year-old boy... which is quite comical, given her Snow White tendencies.  :)  She has the ability to make anyone laugh (with her most of the time). 

One of the things that makes her a beautiful person is her huge heart.  If ever anyone is in need or has an issue, Jaime has a way of bringing help, comfort, and wisdom into any situation.  And because of her humor, she can mix that with some words that are sure to make you laugh and put you at ease.  Because of her life and experiences, she has a strength that helps her to push through and press forward.  Over the time that I've known her, I have seen her grow tremendously as a result of said strength and her heart for God, which keeps her on track and centered. 

She for me also epitomizes the definition of an artist.  Art isn't just something she does from time to time behind the camera, but it's something that she tends to live and breathe.  I have a feeling that it flows from her very spirit and soul.  She is beautiful, and she brings beauty to her surroundings.  
I'm glad for the laughs, the food, the tv, the photos, the prayers, the God moments, the friendship, and all that we've shared.  Jaime Patterson, you are indeed a beautiful person. Happy 35th birthday, and thanks for being beautiful you.

Day 244 - Never Felt This Way

"There will never come a day you will ever hear me say that I want or need to be without you.  I want to give my all.  Baby, just hold me, simply control me, because your arms, they keep away the lonely.  When I look into your eyes, then I realize all I need is you in my life, all I need is you in my life.  Cuz I never felt this way about loving.  No, never felt so good, baby, never felt this way about loving.  It feels so good." 
This song is a beautiful one.  I have loved it since I first heard it years ago.  While it is short, it has a powerful message that speaks of a deeper experience of love.  The singer has come to recognize that the person in her life is truly irreplaceable.  She needs this love in her life, and she is willing to give her all to make sure that it remains.  The presence of her love, the comfort that her love's arms brings, the security she feels, and the fact that that presence has the power to make her feel connected... all of this contribute to this being an amazing, indispensable love.  I find this interesting, because not all people's presence has that ability, so when you find someone who has the ability to change you in a positive sense with their presence, that is something to pay attention to and hold to.
And it's been said that eyes are the windows to the soul.  There is something about looking into someone's eyes and seeing things that words might not be able to articulate.  There are moments when that kind of connection can make it clear just how deeply we need other folks, especially people who can make us feel loved and precious.  She has had such a moment in her love's eyes that has made her realize just how important love is.
And in all her life, she has never found a love that has made her feel the way that this one has.  She has undoubtedly experienced love before, but there is something about this one that makes all the previous ones pale in comparison.  It's been said that one day you will meet someone who makes you suddenly realize why none of the other relationships worked out, and I would venture to say that she has met that one....  While love should always inspire confidence, it is clear that this particular relationship has opened her to an understanding of love that she hasn't previously possessed.  And it feels good....  :)

Day 243 - Thy Will Be Done

So, this was the first song that I listened to yesterday.  It's been quite a while since I heard the song, but it definitely resonated with me today as I listened to it.  While it is not a traditional love song, it speaks volumes about love.  It speaks about a trust that I think is key, especially in relating to the Divine, who is the creator, orchestrator, and keeper of love.  And when in a relationship, it is important to remember that as much as you trust and love the other person, your trust should ultimately be in God as you navigate those waters, because God knows the future of the relationship and how to be take care of your heart.  Though the person may love you, you life should not ultimately in their hands.

"I can't lie and say I always understand why the rain falls on me, and I have to admit, I feel my faith is gone.  It's easy to believe when sorrow never comes your way.  And when I try to pray, it seems the words they come out wrong." There have definitely been some moments recently and in life where I felt that anything resembling faith had slipped away from me, because hard times tend to have that effect.  When things are going wrong and your emotions look like they've been in a blender, it's easy to feel discouraged and question what it going on, asking "why me?"  At moments like that, it's hard for anyone to be eloquent, and words may not even be possible or coherent.
"So everything that matters to me - I give it all to You, cuz I'm tired of the way the crying feels.  And just to let you know I have been hurt so many times, so I pray to God that this time love's for real.  So even though I can't see what tomorrow may bring, I believe in You cuz You believe in me, and even when the night makes the light hard to see, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."  At that point, it is time to surrender.  It is time to come to the feet of God and lay yourself and your issues there.  I know I've been at the point where I can't cry anymore, don't wanna cry anymore, too tired to cry.  The pain gets to be too great, especially when thinking about previous pain of a similar nature, feeling like how did I let myself get into this situation again?  It appears that the singer has been heartbroken and is telling God that the hurt is nothing new for her, and she is asking God to provide the real love that she has lacked.  She is also deciding to trust God and say that even without a knowledge of what the future will bring, she will believe that God wants and provide what is best for her.  She is surrendering to say that God's will is sufficient, and she will go with that.
"I can't lie and say I always smile but I try.  The tears sometimes they come, and nothing people say can ease the pain.  Oh but when I close my eyes, I see You reaching out for me.  You tell me that this test I'm in, it won't last always."  As positive as most people try to be, there will always come those moments in life when a smile just isn't possible, even with love and comfort from friends.  But the beauty of Love is that Love has the ability to reassure us.  We can know that, when we decide to live God's will for our lives, God will be with us to help us accomplish that.  So even though we will go through things that will test our patience and cause us pain and frustration, there is assurance that this will not be the entirety of our lives.
"And though the seasons may change, still Your love it remains.  When this world soon shall pass, we'll be together at last."  So while life will always have its ups and downs, taking us through changes and phases, we can be sure that Love will remain as a constant presence in our lives.  And on the other side of life, we will then have eternity to share with Love as well.

Day 242 - You

This has always been one of my favorite love songs...  The song is beautiful, and well, yeah...

“I finally found the nerve to say I’m gonna make a change in my life starting here today.  I surrender all my love.  I never thought I could.  I’m giving all my love away and there’s only one reason that I would.”  Admittedly, love can be a scary endeavor, but the singer of today's song has decided to make the leap.  Not only has he found love, but he's decided to make a commitment to that love, surrendering the strength of his love to one person.  And why, you may ask?

“And baby it’s you. The way you walk.  The way you talk.  The way you say my name.  Your smile.  The way you move me.  The way you soothe me.  The way you sleep softly through the night.  Every morning you rise and open your eyes, I just wanna be there with you, babe.  I just wanna be yours from this day forth.”  He has found the strength, courage, and desire to give all his love because of the love in his life.  His significant other has inspired and motivated him to change his life and the way he loves.  And it is because of all the great things that make his love unique.  He wants to make a commitment to be with his love for life, relishing the chance to be in the presence of his love....

“Next year, let’s call this day our anniversary – the day I put my heart in your hand and said that it was yours to keep.  From this moment on, say that you’ll always be mine, cuz girl, when I’m alone with you, there’s only one thing that’s on my mind.”  For him, an anniversary isn't necessarily a marriage marker.  It's about a date of significance in the relationship - namely the day that he made the decision to commit himself to her, trusting his heart to their relationship and their love.  He is asking for her to commit the same thing, because what they share and what he feels with her is sufficient for him, and he desires that she feels the same.