Moliere

Today I felt like writing on my blog, yet I didn't know what exactly the purpose of my writing should entail. Therefore, I decided to use the paint program to quote Moliere's inspirational quote while drawing beauteous lines forming mountainous structures. 

Enjoy your day! 

*Courtney*

Press On Dear Friend

"There are moments of pure exhaustion, and then there are moments of pure boredom", that is a quote I was told by a charter boat captain in our city. However, I think that this quote relates to a lot of lives, not just the life of a deck hand or a charter boat captain. There seems to be moments in our lives that sweep us off our feet in elation and joy. We are so extremely excited for what will become of each new day. Then, magically, one day, everything seems to change and we are back to our normal daily routine of life, perhaps even sipping on the brink of boredom. Yet, then like a mountaineer climbing the highest mountain, with perseverance through all times, we find a new treasure at the top of the mountain, a treasure that makes us jump off the mountain and onto a new terrain. A terrain we will have to climb and battle through, and yet again with perseverance, we will find yet another treasure. Through the climbs in life, we must remain persistent. We must never lose sight of our goal. For if we lose sight, we will only see what is around us- and not what is in front of us. How can we strive if we cannot see. We must keep focused. Through the moments of exhaustion, through the moments of elation, through the moments of pain, through the moments of excitement: we are not there. Don't get lost in the moment. Press on, press on. There is much more ahead.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14

My Ways are not your ways

Today reminded me that God always knows our thoughts and our ways before we even know them ourselves. Psalm 139:1-4 says,
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."

There are many circumstances that seem to be so God ordained. Those moments when you think they are so coincidental, yet perhaps there is something more to them.

For example, I went to return a pair of shoes today at the mall. I was debating within myself how I really didn't want to go to the mall by myself, and indeed pitying myself for having to do so many things alone when I could use a sister or another body to join me along the tasks of life. Yet, in the midst of those thoughts, a thought came to me that spoke and said, "What if there are more reasons than you know for doing these things alone? What if there are purposes that are beyond your understanding? What if you meet someone when you are alone- then you will have more of a original, real better conversation with them where they will not feel threaten to be interrupting to talk with you"

Somehow, that very thought put my mind at complete peace and I entered into the mall with a new attitude. Within the first couple minutes of being at the mall, I ran into one of my new middle school students that I just started teaching- I had read a book with her. She recognized me right away, came up and hugged me- and we got to have a good conversation together.

I was so happy to see her and it just reminded me how God is always thinking of us, but since God is just He is thinking of more purposes than for selfish gain. He wants to do something for His kingdom. If are eyes are on Him, then our thoughts will be measured with the will of God and naturally we will have peace and joy in our daily lives.

A cool verse I read today comes from Romans 13 and verse 4:

"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its' desires".

It just reminds me that the more we have of the Lord, the less we will have of our flesh.

:) God Bless and may be strive to be more and more like our Saviour Jesus Christ.

An Evening Of Dance

“ An Evening of Dance”

Dancing as a whimsical flower

Flowing and free

As swiftly as a young butterfly

That just spread its’ wings

A beautiful site

A man on the left

Woman on his right

A delightful partnership

Laughter..Joy.. Zeal

Sliding across the dance floor

No need for patterned steps

Or rigorous repertoire

Just a soul of rising passion

Across and over

Dancing Proceeds

Smiles Plastered on all who heed

Welcoming the continuing dance

One by one the story is told

By the two sleek dancers

Lighted eyes and arms in full swing

Originality at its finest

The dance ends

Curtains close

Man and woman bow

Tale remains yet untold

With bursting delight they embrace each other

Then with electric force

Depart from one another

Shall they come together again?

This tale is over

Yet your cognition will determine the rest

Destiny is awaiting

Nothing more, nothing less. 

***END NOTE***

Courtney March 20, 2014

Regina Spektor - "Laughing With"

My brother really likes this artist, "Regina Spektor". He was the one who showed me this video.

Enjoy!

Jazzy Rain

Here I sit, listening to a six hour clip of jazz music on YouTube and watching the rain fall outside of my window while writing my paper for my Education classes. I'd have to say there's a pretty relaxing feeling in the air. The jazz music stimulating my brain with classy words and the rain seemingly pouring in tune with the smooth rhythms as it creates pockets in the snow. The farmer's field across from my window is yellow again with the remains of harvested crops. Spring time is right around the corner.

As for now, next time it starts to rain, just put on some smooth jazz and relax within the rhythms of contentment. 

:) 

Speaking of contentment, here's a great verse about it from Hebrews 13:5:

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The Adventures at Alpine Mountain

Yesterday, was a day I was quite looking forward to. My three guy friends and I went to Alpine Mountain to ski. 

Here we are: Robbie, Nick, Tyler and I!

Robbie was super awesome and was able to provide us all with skis, boots, and helmets + he had this special membership type card that allowed us to get in for over half the price of the original tickets; so he saved us all a lot of money and was really generous and thoughtful to think ahead in bringing all that stuff for us + bringing us canteens of water and such- super duper! 

It was Nick's first time skiing I believe, but he did an amazing job. Robbie and Tyler both had been skiing before in the past, and Robbie mentioned that he skied in high school- so we got to learn from the pros! Haha! We did a couple of "train rides" down the hill all of us connected together- it was so fun.

                                                         

                                                                                       "The Three Mighty Men!"

It was quite the adventure! I would have to say that one of the most memorable moments was when Nick and I were on a chairlift together and Robbie and Tyler were on a chairlift together.. and then all of a sudden Robbie starts goofing off and ends up hanging by his gloved hands from a chairlift!! He kicked off his skis off to make it a bit lighter, but even with Tyler's massive strength and the force of the ski boots, they weren't able to get Robbie back on the lift (because of physics they say)! So, Nick said a prayer for him and there he kept hanging. There was a point when the chairlift even stopped. Then, we were about 30 Feet from the top of the hill (almost there!) and there was a low point, and I started telling Nick, "well, if he were to jump any place, this would be the safest" and then next thing I know, Robbie had let go of the chairlift and tumbled down to the white snow below! He was okay! :) So it made for a very adventurous fun story!

I am excited to be experiencing these moments with these guys. You know how if you talk to old men, they always tell you all the crazy things they did when they were younger? Yep, well I think I'm starting to see the adventures beginning. I'm quite surprised we all made it back with no injuries, no car accidents, or any troubles! :) 

On the way home, we played the "Mexican Fire drill" and we all got out of the car 3 or 4 times at stop signs and switched seats. I ended up driving twice, and Nick ended up driving us the remainder of the way home! What a trooper! 

When we got home, we were singing in the parking lots (I have a pretty cool new song about me, something about my cold hands and my name repeated about 100 times) , running up snowbanks, Tyler took his shirt off and dove into the snow hill- brr. We watched as the dominoes pizza truck came three times to this one college dorm- I think the deliver car should have just waited in the parking lot! :)

Overall, it was a super amazing!! trip and I'm so thankful and happy to have spent it with such fun, crazy, exciting company!

Here are a couple pictures from our ski trip::

Nick, Me, and Tyler

Our awesome homemade sandwich from the grocery store.. we got a huge round circle bread- and then we hit up the deli for some array of meats- cracked turkey and maple honey ham and muenster cheese- along with some alfalfa sprouts and fresh lettuce .. and of course fancy mustard. :)

**Thumbs up was to show for the sizing**

This is a video of Robbie "smiting the sandwich"- and preparing it for us to eat! 

Circled Dust and Grass

Glittering shapes of Circled Dust

Sprinkle the world in cold robust

Underneath the icy mounds

Sings the pressed fresh brown Grass

The Grass sings I'd like to come

See what you see cold Circled Dust

No, says snow, stay deep below

You will rise at the acquired time

So atop the Circled Dust

Footprints trod throughout the top

Bare branches are the royal trees dressing

A place where no Grass knows

Grass complains

I want to see

What is above this world I see!

No, Says Snow, stay deep below

The insulation is quite nice where the Grass lies

Where worms crawl in joyous splendor

Seeking homes asunder

There's no reason to look above dear Grass

I don't believe this rigorous lie! 

Grass does reply

For all the joys I know in summer

Must be true of all in the midst of winter

No, says Snow you don't see

Winter is a different place

Much different than you'd know of in summer

Stay below, I plead; I beg, stay deep below.

Grass is resilient in response

I want to see for myself

The truth or error of your lines

I will rise above this hidden shelf

Circled dust cries silently 

If you must, you must- 

As he slowly melts away

The tears bid the snow ado

Finally is my chance! 

The Grass does say

As Grass peers above his warm abode 

He peers around the world in winter

What is this!?

Grass exclaims!

A land of barren trees, empty nests, and no buzzing bees

Where are my daises and leafy green trees!?

Grass reflected on the wisdom left behind

The stories he remembered circled dust rhyme 

I wish, he said, with all my heart

Wish I'd stayed beneath the earth

As nighttime approached

Grass laid his blades to simple rest

Dreams of his home 

Rushed abreast 

Cold temperatures fell that deep sorrowed night

Clouds overcame and spread white dust

One at a time they fell

Alas, Circled Dust was reborn

Hooray!

Circled dust exclaimed!

Hooray!

Grass proclaimed!

Circled dust I'm happy I must say

To be in my pleasant winter home

As well am I, dear Grass

With Snow here, I'm never alone!

THE END!

Home

My home:

Home is a place of peaceful solace

to lay aside the long day passed 

settle down to be with family at last

Home is a place where the tea kettle steams

Where herbal melodies sing sweet dreams

As delightful scents rise from quaint cups

Home is a place of education

learning priorities and dedication

Collecting great thoughts and ideas

Home is a place of roaring gender

where mother and I aim to please

and father never looks to appease 

Home is a place of warm delight

Fire crackling in the midst of night

Blankets spread throughout the room

Home is a place of love and care

Helping, sharing, and acting fair

Sick or well we work together

Home is a place of great triumphs 

Victory over the daily routines

Occasionally sharing in life's defeats

Home is a place for knowing God

Learning His word and finding Him in prayer

Fellowship of His love together we are

Home is a place I love to be

Dad, Mom, Christopher, and me

Whom I love and where I stay  

HELPFUL HINTS TO MAKE THE MOST!

Distraction... yes.. that is a big issue when it comes to getting things done. For example, right now, I'm supposed to be taking notes for a book that I'm supposed to be reading right now. However, I decided to take a moment to give you a couple of helpful hints that help me concentrate and enjoy life!

Often times, when we are working on writing something, we want to listen to music. However, have you ever noticed that you catch yourself singing along and getting distracted?

HINT 1: LISTEN TO FOREIGN MUSIC YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND OR WORDLESS MUSIC :)

I've found listening to foreign music relaxing and it helps me concentrate on what I'm doing, and I enjoy what I'm doing about 5x extra! 

Now, sometimes, we get distracted when we are working on computers. Well, if you are writing a paper, it's really easy to click on the internet button and browse google for ..minutes..hours..days.. okay. We get the point. Anyhow, so, my next hint for you...

HINT 2: TURN OFF YOUR INTERNET / WIFI ON YOUR COMPUTER! 

It actually really helps; because you have to make an ultra conscious decision when you turn your WiFi on. When you don't have the internet easily accessible, it takes away that urge to simply browse for a few minutes. 

Lastly, if you have a short attention span [[like me often times]].. you should get up and move for a while. However, don't make it an all day thing- but take a 10 minute break to do something you enjoy.. or make your next cup of coffee.

HINT 3: MOVE AROUND AFTER 40 MINUTES!

--Here's a funny [[book actually]] example of what a lot of us tend to do. :)

I will ask for her hand- A Pedir Su Mano

Here's a great song from a Dominican Republic Artist Juan Luis Guerra.

:) The words are very beautiful! 

Another song I like by this artist is "Hope that it will rain coffee" - the coffee song is about a people praying to God because there is a famine in the land- and instead of praying for "water" they pray for the things that water will make such as papaya, coffee, etc; Here is a link to that video. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZOLOggfWp0 


As for Now, enjoy "A Pedir Su Mano" 





Voy a pedir su mano (Im going to ask for her hand)
al amor hay que dar de beber (Love has to be given to drink)
voy a cortar un ramo de nubes (Im going to cut down a boquet of clouds)
para mojar su querer (To we her love)

Voy a bajar por los yayales (Im going to come down from the Yayales)
en una yagua de tul (in a Palm leaf)
voy a pintar los manatiales (Im goint to paint the springs)
con óleos de cielo azul (with sky blue oil [paint] )

Voy a prender tu cariñito (Im going to turn you love on)
como cocuyo en el mar (like a firefly in the ocean)
y voy a hacerte tu traje e novia (im going to make your bridal gown)
con hojas del platanal (out of plantain leaves)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
vamo(s) a sonar unos palos (Lets sound these sticks [lets pray])
pa(ra) que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Que su amor sea verdadero, ¡oh! (That her love will be true Oh!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
Vamo a sonar unos palos (Lets sound some sticks)
Pa que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Pa yo prender mi lucero (so that i may light my Star!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)
viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)

Y cuando tenga tu permiso (and when i have your permission)
Voy a volar Norte a Sur ( i'll fly north to south)
Para buscar arriba (d)el pino ( to look above the pine trees)
El nido que quieras tú (for whichever nest you want)

Voy a prender tu cariñito (Im going to turn you love on)
como cocuyo en el mar (like a firefly in the ocean)
y voy a hacerte un traje e novia (im going to make your bridal gown)
con hojas del platanal (out of plantain leaves)

Y acariciarte en la mañana (and carress you in the morning)
y arroparte con el sol (and cover you with the sun)
y desvestir a los guandules (and undress the peas)
pa alimentar el amor (to feed our love)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
vamo a sonar unos palos (Lets sound some sticks [lets pray])
pa que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Que su amor sea verdadero, oh! (That her love will be true Oh!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
vamo a sonar unos palos (Lets sound some sticks )
pa que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Pa yo prender mi lucero (so that i may light my Star!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)
viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)

¡Oye!