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.
"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!
Dr. Jasti teaches a portion of our PHRM 114 class and the content of his lectures mainly consist of drug history, patenting, formulation etc. In his words, "The topic is rather dry, but I'll do my best to juice it up, ok?"
One of the ways he's attempted to liven up the class is through the use of an online tool called Poll Everywhere. You basically text or instant message an answer to the corresponding number that is given on the screen and the class can instantly see the results. On the first day, Dr. Jasti made an open poll where the class could submit ANY answer. After that, he stuck to 4 multiple choice. Haha, pharm students are so mature...
This past Sunday, upon waking up and taking a shower, I discovered a large red bump on my chest that is slightly to the left over my heart. At first, I thought it was a huge pimple and after allowing one of my classmates to examine it, she exclaimed, "It looks like a third boob". Great.
I'm sitting in the living room right now, careful not to move around too much because whenever the fabric of my shirt grazes my third boob, it stings and starts to itch. It's beginning to look like a bulls-eye mark and it is slightly aggravating to the touch. My roommate told me it was more likely a spider bite than a pimple and I think I would have to agree with her. Once midterms are over, I am definitely going to wash my sheets.
Also, this past Saturday, I went to see "Waiting for Superman" which is a documentary on the failing public education system in America. My heart broke for those children and their families. It is a very powerful movie. Afterwards, John Legend answered a few questions on education in America and his musical career followed by a solo performance of about 6-7 songs. He is absolutely amazing live. I am definitely going to buy his new album once this week is over. Why are black men so sexy, especially those who are talented and fight for causes? Dreeeeamy siiiigh
---> Edit (10.10.10)
So I bought John Legend's Wake Up! album and it is great! I was never a huge fan of his earlier works because it seemed that all he sang about was cheating on a girl and being horny but this new album is so much more mature in content. It might be a stretch, but I would almost put it up there with Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". Been listening to it nonstop this past weekend.
This is Alex Salazar (vocals). I discovered him a little more than a year ago when my friend posted a link to one of his covers of Musiq Soulchild's "Just Friends (Sunny)" which I have listened to over 100 times today. My roommate is going to teach me how to play it on the guitar. His voice is so soothing. <3
Often times while I'm driving and listening to the radio, I flip stations to hear my options. Wanting to gauge my ears out with a large pitchfork after hearing Katy Perry's "California Gurls" play on three different stations at the same time, I decided to pop in Kanye West's The College Dropout. This album is pure gold. I'm glad my opinion of hip-hop and rap has changed within the past year and a half. I'm ashamed to admit that I stereotyped this type of music with ghetto-Blacks only interested in sex, money, and power. Granted, there's a lot of music out there like that but I'm glad albums like The College Dropout exist to give me hope and insight on the world's issues. One of my favorite songs on the album is "Jesus Walks" mainly because Mr. West skillfully addresses the issue of why the media shies away from the subject of faith, but readily embraces sex, violence, etc.
I ended up buying his first three albums and though 808s & Heartbreak was alright and I have to listen to "Power" a couple more times to absorb what he's trying to say, I got to admit that I miss the old Kanye of his College Dropout days. But I'm looking forward to what he has to say and offer. Thanks to those who opened my eyes to this often misunderstood, poetic world.
