Their Obedience

God's love is amazing. It can heal, convict and bring us to our knees. You don't know love, until you know God, because God is love. This Christmas season, we often think of God's gift of love. After all, this is when we celebrate his birth! Oftentimes, though, we don't think of all that was involved in that. Take Mary, for example.

This young girl, probably around the age of 16, was visited by an angel. She had probably been minding her own business doing your typical everyday tasks (whatever that looked like in those days) when suddenly, a glow enters the room and she whips around to see an angel right in front of her. She would probably be a tad bit afraid. I know I would be! After being sacred out of her skin, Mary listens to what the angel has to say.According to Matthew 1:31 the angels says "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS." To this, Mary replies "Behold the maidservant of the LORD! Let it be so according your word." How much obedience this would take! She understood that she was blessed to bear her Savior. She didn't argue. She didn't think twice. She just said "Let it be so". What an example she is.

On the other side of the story, we have Joseph. He's betrothed to Mary and never slept with her. Can you imagine the suspicions that would arise when his virgin fiance' comes to him and tells him that she's pregnant? He probably had millions of thought running through his head. He wants to call it off, but in the nick of time, yet another angel comes and says "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for she that which she has conceived is from the Holy Spirit." He takes her as his wife. Again, what an act of obedience!

Question: Do you always obey your authority figures that have been placed in your life? Why do you rebel against them?

Challenge: This season, think and figure out why you rebel against your authority. Take the first step in changing your ways: Identify the problem. Then change your ways.

Reading: Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:26-38 and 2:1-7 (All of these tell of the birth of Jesus and of Mary and Joseph's obedience to God.

Other ideas for further study: Find other people in the Bible who are known for their obedience. Find creative ways to apply it to your life.

Role call: What Makes a Good Mentor

How do you choose a role model? Ok, I admit, I'm not an expert on this subject. I've learned only a snippet of what I will learn, but here's what I know/have been taught.

What a mentor needs to be

• A mentor needs to share your beliefs.

            How can you have someone help guide you and steer you in the right path, when you don't believe the same things? It only makes sense to have someone who puts their faith where you do. It makes a world of difference (Trust me, I know)

• A mentor needs to be someone you can trust. 

            I'm not going to ask you to begin telling this person everything that's on your mind. (Atleast, not right off the bat) You need to be comfortable with the person. If you see someone you think would make a good mentor, get to know them. See them in action. Figure out whether or not you can trust that individual.

• A mentor should be someone older than you are.

           I almost didn't put this section in here because it's so very obvious to me why some you're modelling your life after needs to be older. It may not be so obvious to you. The reason you should find someone older? They've been where you are. They get it. 

• A mentor needs to be there when need something.

            They don't need to be there to get you a cup of water or something like that. Just being on the other end of the phone or email or text to pray for you, give you advice, that sorta thing. For example, the other day, this girl who I love and admire had been emailing me. We had been giving each other things to pray about and such, when I received an email that made my day. She sent me a simple, yet wonderful prayer over email, just asking God to be near me that day. I started crying! Little things like that can make a big impact.

I'm sure there's more that a mentor needs to be, but this is all I can think of at the moment. As I come up with more, I'll be sure to add to this post.

This series will be continued an upcoming post...

Role Call: Who's your Paul?

Who are you modeling your life after? This is a question I've dealt with for quite a while. I used to have many role models. Some were celebrities, some were from my church. Over the past years, they've all let me down. I used to look up to Miley Cyrus. (HOW NAIVE CAN I BE?) I watched the Michalka sisters. I had a girl in my Church who dubbed me her "little sister". Well, she let me down big time. She got pregnant, but that another story for a different blog entry.

I've heard alot of sermons about how God is the only one we should model our lies after. I agree with this wholeheartedly. Does this mean we shouldn't have a role model/mentor? No! It doesn't. We all need a "Paul" in our lives.

You probably know about Paul and Timothy. (If you haven't, read 1-2 Timothy)  Timothy was a teenager with a passion for God. Paul was a middle-aged guy who was an apostle of Christ. He became Timothy's mentor and Timothy became a world-changer. Without Timothy to guide him and tell him where he was wrong, he never would've made it. Do you have a "Paul" in your life?

To be Continued in a Later Post...

Off to change my life!

Hey, followers! Just wanted to let you know that I won't be posting for a while. On Wednesday, I'm going to Epic Journey with Rose (thesingleredroseforme) Katherine (myoneandonlypassion) and Danielle (therandomlifeofme). That ends NEXT wednesday, then I'm off to Creationfest Northwest. We'll be camping there through Sunday, then I will return home. I am so excited! This is gonna be so life changing! I can't wait. I gotta start packing. :D This is Black Swan, signing of till later.

Black Swan

So, What's Next?

I am a girl who's passionate about a lot of stuff. I'm passionate about saving animals, passionate about God, Passionate about photography... I could go ON and ON. (but I won't bore you) Lately, I've felt a tug on my heart to follow one of my passions: Music. I love the satisfaction of writing the perfect lyrics, playing the perfect tune. But I'm at the point where I want to KNOW who or what I'm going to be. I want to know what my calling is. Perhaps it is music. After all, the pastor who dedicated me said I would do something with music and it's always interested me. I honestly have NO IDEA  what to do next. I guess I'm at that waiting stage. It's seems like I've been here for forever. Oh I need strength.God, give me grace and patience and steadfastness to follow you and listen for your voice. Amen.

Painting Butterflies

Makeup seems to be a controversial topic. Some girls swear by it and won't leave the house without it while other girls never use it. I would be somewhere in between. I wear mascara, powder and lipbalm on a regular basis. (I really don't like my skin being all shiny) Until Monday I wore a full face of makeup just to go to the store. Then my eyes were opened and I realized I what I'm going to share with you in this post.

God made everything on your body for a reason. Your freckles were hand drawn, each hair was placed and planned, your height and weight were chosen by your creator for a specific purpose- even if it be only for his pleasure. Why would you try to cover-up something that was given to you for reason?

If you're thinking we should ditch all make-up, all fashionable clothes and all hair brushes and razors, you can guess again. There's nothing wrong with hygiene or feeling pretty, but there IS something wrong with hiding behind the masks that so-called fashion and beauty give us.

How is a face caked with layers of concealer, powder and foundation any more beautiful then the natural you? The True, simple answer? It isn't.

In my opinion, the unmasked, sincere, pure face of a girl is more beautiful than the painted sheet she puts on every day. It's like painting a butterfly. Who would ever dream of painting such a beautiful creature? No one I know. Yet we do to ourselves on a regular basis.

I'm not wanting you to toss your makeup collection in the nearest trash bin. (unless it will make you feel better) I mean, as I said before, I wear makeup. I've used all of it! From full coverage concealer to plumping lipgloss  to Lengthening mascara and I don't believe it's wrong. What is wrong is when it stop accenting our God given beauty and covering it up instead.

Black Swan

Any tips for future posts? comment, facebook or email me!

Before the World, There was You

The world is full of lies. One of the big ones is beauty, looks, etc. In the next few blog posts (Maybe more than a few) I'm going to try and untangle this lie. I feel like this is what God wants me to do, so here it goes.

Let me be frank with you- I've never viewed myself as beautiful. I often feel average, fat, ugly, the list goes on and on. (and on and on and on and on and...) When I looked in the mirror, I saw a girl with pain. I realize what caused that pain. LIES.

When I looked in the mirror sans-makeup, I felt as plain as a grain of sand in a seashore of mother of pearl shells. I envied my best friend because I she has perfect skin, perfect hair and a perfect face. Did I mention the perfect body? And, would you believe it, SHE thinks she's ugly. We've all believed a lie.

I've been told I was beautiful. I know I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. I knew everything the Church, my parents and this twisted world taught me. And I believed the WORLD.

Until Last night.

As I mentioned in the post Made for Beauty, I've been reading a book called uncompromising by Hannah Farver. You know what's funny? I almost didn't get this book because I didn't want to spend the money, BUT I broke down and spent the $12 (or was it $13?) because I felt a tug on me to get it. I was reading it last night (Chapter 4, the Beauty cause) and all of the sudden I felt weak, yet strong at the same time. These words left me breathless:

God formed you.

I"m sure you've heard it all before. some people brush it off, as I did. But think about this Before a blanket was wrapped around your tiny body, before you were concieved before God created the stars and the moon and the earth, God had carefully formed evey hair, shaped every toe, curved each tiny eyebrow of your body. He took you into his hands, caressed your tiny cheeks, curled every eyelash, placed every pore on your skin.


He cares that much.


Chew on that for a while.


Black Swan

Reflections

One of my friends read my last blog post and said that it reminded her of this song. Listen to it. It's really good!

Black Swan

Ps: If you have any suggestion for future blog posts, please comment on any post! Thanks!

Made for Beauty

Just wanted to give you a head's up that I'm going to be writing a  series on beauty. I was inspired to do this by a book I'm reading called "Uncompromising" by Hannah Farver. Hannah has some amazing and flat out WONDERFUL views in this book and I would like to add my own thoughts while sharing hers.

Stay tuned!

Black Swan

So small

This song is absolutely amazing. It almost had me in tears when I first watched it.

What's your favorite song?

Black Swan

The adventures of Me

Wow! I haven't posted in what seems like forever! life's been interesting since my last post. I've been to NIKO. and seriously, that was life-changing! Getting down to the bare necessities is a great way to connect with God. As someone on NIKO said "when you think you're at the end of your rope, God will show you there is more." That is something I'm clinging to,

Last night, I cut my hand (with a pocketknife) while I was carving a piece of wood. The knife slid from my wood to my hand. I won't go into details, but OH MAN.... it was bad! After 3 stitches and a pretty-ish pink bandage around it, it's getting better.

Needless to say, everyday life isn't that boring when you're with me!

Here's to making life a bit more eventful!

Black Swan

Not Your Standard Post

Where's your bar? This is a follow-up to my  "How High is Too High?" post. "Raising the bar" is a common phrase among churches. Especially in youth churches and groups. It means raising your standards. AKA making your expectations higher. The world seems to think that having the bar on the floor is just fine. We need to set the example. It's time to raise the bar.

How can we raise the bar? How can we raise our standard? BELIEVE that you can raise it. Then jump that bar! Fly over it. Believe in yourself and be an example.

On the blog, The Daily Love, Mastin Kipp says, “Raise your standards and you will rise along with them. Want the best for yourself, set a new standard and then STICK TO IT! It is very easy to blame other people for what’s wrong in your life. But in every circumstance, other people are never to blame. Any relationship you’ve ever been in, you’ve chosen to be in. Every action you’ve taken in every moment of your life was a choice that you made.”

 Think of yourself living that new, higher life and do it. Challenge yourself to do meet the bar and watch yourself SOAR over the walls and the boundaries in your life.

You can't do it alone, though. You need God to help you. After all, you can't fly without wings! (God = wings)

*Pray*Raise the Bar*Believe*Pray*Soar*Pray*Repeat*

That's how you raise the bar.

How High is Too High?

How high is too high? For some, standing on a chair is high enough. For others even flying isn't high enough. From what I can see, the world likes staying on the floor. As low as a person can get.

I'm talking about "Expectations". You often hear people say "I expected you too..." "That's not what I expected" or "I expect...." but what does the word really mean? Dictionary.com puts it this way: " something looked forward to, whether feared or hoped for.... an attitude of expectancy or hope; anticipation... synonym: Hope; trust." Wait a sec... what does that say? Hope is another word for expectation? Yes indeed, it is.

As Christians, we need to have high expectations of others and of ourselves. We need to expect things. We need to expect God to answer our prayers. We should expect that God will meet all our needs. We should HOPE for the best, we should EXPECT the best and we should TRUST God to meet our needs.

A love that lasts forever

I've always known God loves me. I've grown up in Christian home, been going to the same Church since I was born and never had any big trials in my life. It's been pretty smooth sailing for me. I've been in the same house, with the same people and the same friends around me for my whole life. My parents, sister and Aunt and Uncle (who are like grandparents to me) are still alive and I have it pretty easy. I've always know I'm loved, but I never knew HOW much I was loved.

I've really started to dig in to my Bible and journal the past couple months. I'll admit, I've slacked off a bit, but I've grabbed my shovel again. I figured, since Summer started YESTERDAY for me, I can start reading it more, but that's besides the point :)

Reading my Bible has made me realize how much God truly loves me. After I read, I feel so alive and loved.

I'm not sure when it was the I began to find how much God truly loves me. Maybe it was at NIKO or Go-camp or Montana mission trip last year. I'm can't pin-point a certain day or even a month that I finally came to realize His love for me. I never really had the huge "change" that people talk about when they first meet God. I was so young when I gave my heart away to the King. I don't think I really ever did change. I've always been like this.

Ok... this is getting WAY off-topic. Now that you know my life story, here my point: God loves you and me and all of humanity (his creation) with a never stopping, never giving up, forever and day kind of love. He died for you so he could live with you forever in perpetual bliss. He loves you and wants to be with you forever. He's calling your name. How will you respond?

This is a very powerful  song about God's forever love. It is very true and very, very real. Please listen to it!

Life, liberty and the pursuit of WARMTH!

Hey readers!

So sorry I haven’t written in a while… life’s been Ca-razy! It’s getting to be toward the end of the Schoolyear for me (atleast at co-op) and as I’m sure you know, May is a busy month! The only reason I’m able to post this now is because I had to stay home from co-op, thanks to a sore throat. So, I’ve been spending this first Monday in May morning (happy belated May day, by the way) watching brainless cartoons, (Back at the Barnyard, Spongebob and such… I feel my IQ level lowering.) Listening to music and reading a really neat book while cuddled up on the couch.

 I cannot wait for summer. Sun, (can I get some of that now, please?) swimming and lots of friend time. I miss hanging out with my sisters! The only bad thing about this Summer? School. See, I’m home schooled and WAY behind on my Algebra 1, history and science. On the bright side, it should only take an hour or two. Not too bad J

This weekend was way too fun! My mom had left on Friday for a scrapbook retreat so my dad and Rocksea, my sis, got to spend some time together. Saturday was super fun! After doing THREE HOURS of algebra, we went to the mall. I spent all my money on a few books, a shimmer lotion, hair accessories and make-up. I am such a girly-girl. J When we got back, we curled up and watched Star Wars: A New Hope. I’d never seen it before, and it has my aproval!

The other night, when I was praying and journaling, I asked God whether or not I should join Worship team at Epic Youth. (our church’s youth group) I’ve been wanting to join for the longest time, but I was never sure when it would be the right time. I figured that sometime after the focus group I attend finishes the “Lies Young Women Believe” book gets over, I might start. Anyway, I was praying and asking God whether I should join and suddenly above all of my thoughts (and I was thinking A LOT of thoughts) I heard “YES” and then I started to get chills. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard from God like that before. It was amazing! God is so good! J Thus, I will be starting Worship team in June. I am so excited!

Anyhow, that’s what’s going on in my life. What’s going on in yours?

Sincerely,

The Black Swan

Foolish Girl Like Me

This is a song I wrote a while ago. I would REALLY like some feedback!

Foolish Girl like Me

Oh what a surprise, I messed up again.

I don’t understand how you could have died for a foolish girl like me.

It never seems to fail; I always fall right after you’ve picked me up.

Why can I never get it right?

Only you can save me. You’re the only one I need

Rescue you me

From my selfish heart.

Rescue me

From my own will.

Rescue me

O, Lord.

Why do you even take your time trying to teach a girl who only hurts you?

Why do you even try to set me on the right path, when you know I’ll turn away?

I don’t see how you could love me so much that you would die, for a girl who sits upon her heart’s throne.

Why do you love me so, when you and I both know I’ll disappoint you again?

Rescue you me

From my selfish heart.

Rescue me

From my own will.

Rescue me

O, Lord.

Bridge

I want to Live for you

I want to love for you

I want to show you to the world,

So Rescue Me,

Rescue me from me

I want to Live for you

I want to love for you

I want to show you to the world,

So Rescue Me,

Rescue me from me

Rescue you me

From my selfish heart.

Rescue me

From my own will.

Rescue me

O, Lord.

Please comment!

From His Point of View: A Dream Book

From my Bestie! Hope it encourages you!


From His Point of View: A Dream Book: have so many dreams and ambitions, wishes and wants, hopes and needs... sooo, my friend the Black Swan and I decided to decorate notebooks to keep track of everything we wanted to be and do. That was the day when the dream book idea was born!!! (MWAHAHAHA) I know it sounds pathetic. The name implies that it is, but it isn't pathetic. Really. It contains things that I never want to forget about. Things I don't want to die without doing. Kinda like a bucket list. In it I have writen so far at least 18 things I want to accoplish before I die. Like getting married, having a family, changing lives. (Not sky-diving or bunggie jumping. I'm too much of a wimp. :D) I encourage all you blog readers, to create a dream book, even if it goes by another name. God gives us dreams and we should remember our goals, so when we get discouraged, we can look back and see that we have a pupose. I also want to give my dream book to my kids when they are older... to leave a legacy. Because to leave a legacy, you must live one first. I hope this gets you all thinking :)

Love your fellow princess and dreamer,
Kandis

Jewelry for Japan!

Calling all 'do-gooders' and Jewelry Junkies! From now until march 31st Bella Beads (my business) will be donating 50% of all profits to Relief Efforts in Japan! If you see Something someone else made and you want it for a cheaper price or you just want to help Japan, post a pic on our wall and we'll see if we can make it!

Want to help? Want to see some of our work? Want to order? Go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-Beads/108954342502959 and order some jewelry ASAP! Thanks for your support!

Black Swan

Diving off mountain tops

Have you ever felt like something extraordinary is about to happen? I have. I don't know what, when or how it will happen, but someday something will happen that is beyond our wildest dreams.

I don't know exactly what I'm looking forward to. Maybe it's just spending some time with God tonight in my room alone with him. (OK, my cat will be there too (:  ) Ever since I've been reading, I've been falling more and more in love. I feel like I'm falling off a cliff- into a deep and continuous love. Oh I love you, God

Someday something amazing WILL happen. Beyond our wildest dreams. Jesus will come back from Heaven. That day will be GLORIOUS!!! In the meantime, I'll be here, praising my God, blogging on this blog and hoping to inspire you to be better person (maybe you'll inspire me too)

Love you fellow Princess and Daughter of the King

Black Swan

Kitty Cats and Lazer Beams



Do you have pet? If you do, you know the many joys that a friend with paws brings. You also know about all the lessons you learn. Sometimes, they teach you lessons you never forget.



Last Night, as I was playing with my cat, I decided to use a laser pointer. Needless to say, she loved it! She chased it everywhere, though she seemed quite annoyed when the light would suddenly disappear mid-chase. As soon as the laser got near her paws, I immediately moved the smiley face pointer and wiggled it. Just out of her reach. (tricky, huh? :D) This reminded me of two things.

the first thing I thought of was how the devil tempts us into doing Ungodly things. He'll show us something that's just out of our reach. We only have to do a little thing and it's ours. Sounds pretty good, right? WRONG! No matter how much time we put into strategies and planning, we slide down a slippery slope to destruction, doing one bad thing, after another.

The second thing I thought of was how God shows us something amazing. How do we get this thing? We must become more and more like God. That means asking him for his help and he does it! He doesn't tease or taunt us, but instead leads us to that object, step by step, (or stumble by stumble) he helps us reach it. When we reach it, he shows us another even more wondrous thing, and repeats the process.

He'll guide you and watch you. He'll lead you with Patience and quiet strength. He'll think no less of you when you fall. This is what I'm learning Every Day I'm Alive.

I hope this makes sense to you!

Love you fellow Princess and Daughter of the King,

Black swan