This Sunday I went to my first Christmas church service at Sugar Creek in Texas. Not saying I haven't attended a Christmas service before, but this year, Christmas fell on a Sunday. There was a lot of singing, praise was infused with classic Christmas songs, prose, special performances and the pastor gave the message. I don't even remember the pastor's name and am embarrassed to say I don't remember much of the message either but it was probably about the nativity scene.
A duet came on the stage and sang this song. The lyrics are about how Christ could have had the choice to enter the world with all pomp and circumstance - all of heaven's power at his fingertips! He could have descended upon us like a rushing wind, a furious storm, or a blazing fire but no, Christ came like a winter slow, quiet, soft and slow in the form of a baby. One of us. Grace came to us in the night, nestled in a manger. It's really beautiful when I think about it. A powerful, awe-inspiring being, God in the flesh, reduced to the form of a crying babe to be with us and to save us. Light finally came to scatter the shadows.
We ended the service by candlelight. There was probably close to 500 of us in that room each holding a small lit candle singing "Silent Night". The scene was very still and quiet like a winter snow.
I heard this song during Easter service this year and I heard it again on the radio yesterday. As much as I try to imitate nature when I paint or draw things, it is never as close to the real deal. I can only aspire to be as great of an artist as the original Creator himself. He makes beautiful things out of dust. He makes beautiful things out of us.
Guess who spent their new years at the happiest place on earth? That's right, I did. The last time I went to Disneyland was my senior year in high school and I thought that after that, I was too old to enjoy the magic of Disney. I was so terribly wrong. The feelings of adventure and excitement were the same as when I was thirteen as I drove through the Temple of Doom with Indiana Jones. Giddy-ness and laughter radiated from my face as I went to meet Flynn Rider aka Eugene Fitzherbert from Tangled. My chest puffed in victory as I beat my cousin in midway games. Tears filled my eyes as I basked in the wonderful glow of the World of Color water show. Disney, you never cease to amaze me.
I can't believe that I had lost faith in Disney when I just had lost faith in my imagination.
I am going to quote my cousin right now because his words are my thoughts exactly:
Disney embraces all the values that should be promoted in life. Disney pushes us to follow our hearts and always try to achieve our dreams. For those who hate on Disney, you must lead a sad life indeed because there never has been more of a happy place than Disneyland. - Steven
"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars is one of my favorite songs that came out this year. When I came back from Egypt, I asked my friend Joline about current events that I had missed out on while abroad. She told me to listen to this song. At first, I didn't think it was anything special. The lyrics aren't profound or complex and are relatively simple in its message. In this simplicity, I find it so appealing. This song dashes out any insecurities, fears, and low self-esteem that women have about themselves which prevent them from realizing how truly amazing and beautiful they are! I love to belt out to this feel-good song when I hear it on the radio. It makes me want to tell all my friends and family that they are amazing, just the way they are, faults and all.
Shout-out to some lovely ladies:
Jasmine: As my other half, you should already know that my beauty is a reflection of yours. They say that a person's beauty can be attributed to the company they keep. I'd say you've already won Miss Universe in my book.
Joline: Princess Arwen, you are the shining star of Elendil. You are beautiful because you're a deep thinker with a creative mind that knows no bounds. You = intelligent + musically talented + funny = HOT.
Mariham: My bodacious Egyptian roommate. You're going to have keep the men off of you when you move back to Fresno. If you got it, flaunt it. Girl, you definitely got it.
Jaclynn: Sassy, sexy, sweet, and smart all in a petite figure like you. IT'S TOO MUCH TO HANDLE! As Sean Kingston would say, "Somebody call 911, shawty fire burning on the dance floor..."
Preet: The Punjabi Pearl of Pacific. You are the pretty princess in pink who provocatively points to her pudge which I pine to pet while piping prose. Pie. You are no pushover and please stay poised, pretty, and perfect.
Ana Laura: Pequena, I love you so much! Your radiant smile and cute little dimple (note: singular) brighten my day like an oven light after baking cookies. You give me warmth and the feeling of joy. I'm so proud of the beautiful struggles that you've gone through. You are gorgeous little one.
Angelina: My first memory of you is at Ambo retreat during the circle time. We were asked to touch someone who we would like to get to know better. I knew I made the right choice because you've added so much joy and perspective to my life. You grow more beautiful each day.
It's finals week for us pharmacy students and many of my female classmates have gone au natural because studying > gussying up. It's nice to see them in sweats and without make-up. During this time, I feel that this song is a wonderful reminder that we are so wonderfully made.
Psalms 139:14 says it best," I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." To my Creator: I feel beautiful because you shine through me even in my bum clothes and disheveled state of preparing for finals. Thanks again!
