Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Pianist

I am really into this soundtrack at the moment. I love anything having to do with piano.  I want to watch the movie again, but it is pretty intense to I would have to prepare myself for it.  If you haven't seen it... please do, right away.

OPP

I am working towards a Clothing Swap and Vintage Shop on Jan 10th.  This I am quite looking forward to.  I really like organizing and putting on events like this.  I hope it will be a success for everyone.

Dec 28th SITD

Sing a little song of trust,
O my heart!
Sing it because you must,
As leaves start;
As flowers push their way through dust;
Sing, my heart, because you must.

Wait not for an eager throng- 
Bird on bird;
It's the solitary song
That is heard.
Every voice at dawn will start, 
Be a nightingale, my heart!

Sing across the winter snow,
Pierce the could;
Sing when mists are drooping low--
Clear and loud;
But sing sweetest in the dark;
He who slumbers not will hark.

And when He hears you sing, He will bend down with a smile on His kind face.  As He cheerfully listens, He will say, "Sing on, dear child.  I hear you and I am coming to deliver you.  I will carry that load for you.  So just lean hard on Me, and the road will get smoother by and by."

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

A Roquemore Christmas

Christmas 08 was different in a lot of ways.
1. John was not home.  That was quite sad.  He was on a tour with Noomsa the non-profit that he is working for.  They were visiting different homeless ministry to see what works in serving the under resourced.  He sent letter to each of us with pictures, which was incredibly sweet.
2. I wasn't able to give gifts this year.  Which is my own fault because I have not found a job yet.  This was pretty sad for me, because I really love finding and giving things that people will really enjoy.
3. We had a feast.  My dad cooked a turkey and we prepared plenty of other goodness to eat.  We were not in want.
4. Mom put out a table full of her family Christmas cards and a bunch of her family pictures.  It was so amazing and my mom is the Cutest and the Nicest.
5. I received more than I thought I would from the parents.  Including a waffle maker, mom's old crock pot, two gift cards to restaurants, a whole lot of speciality foods that I love, Audrey Hepburn's Charade, and most importantly my cell phone bill.  I am truly blessed.
6. James was gone for chunks of the day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day singing at Epcot.  So with John gone as well it felt a bit sparse and low key.
7. Alas we all had a good time together and I really felt the importance of what the reason for Christmas is really about.  I can't imagine life without LIGHT in it.  
8. Thank you God for entering into our world and limiting yourself in Jesus to be our Restoration. We are forever grateful.




Monday, December 29, 2008

Our Three Christmas Trees


Dana's contribution. Sits on top of the TV...all of 5 inches tall.
Emily's contribution (via Dan)  This makes me think of Christmases as a child.
Jana's contribution.  She found it on the side of the road.  Because Naturally Christmas trees are white.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Kingdom Come.

Lately I have been struggling with whose Kingdom I am pursuing.  I would have to say that if it were up to me it would probably be mine.  I am wanting to know how I can be less concerned with my Kingdom and more with seeing God's Kingdom come.  Words so trite it seems, but elusive to see actually happening.

I pray God's love and respect in my life to spill out to others, as I want His Kingdom to reign.  I also want to see it for what it is war.  And to get off my lazy arse and do something.

Happy Birthday Brian.

Went to a Mongolian BBQ type restaurant to celebrate friend Brian's 21st year of existence. It was so delicious.  And Happiest of Birthday's to dear friend Brian.

Jana

..is my roommate (on the left).  She is silly and quirky and amazing.  I am really going to miss her over Christmas.  She left today.

Mary Beth


Is one of my favorite people I have encountered in this life.  She has been my counselor for years.  If I had the funds I would go see her more often.  I often leave her presence feeling exhausted, lifted and wiser.

She joined my Tuesday night group and brought her kindness and wisdom once again.

Here are a few excerpts:

  • "What would you ask for if you knew God couldn't fail?" -Kate  Sometimes when we get everything that we want, that's when we're most unhappy.
    In order for God to show us that everything we want isn't going to satisfy us, He's going to give it to us...so that we'll learn to look in another way.

  • God didn't create us to understand shame...not his plan, but after the garden, we got it.
    Not meant to carry it.

    We cope with shame through Jesus.  We must bring redemption into shame.

  • Pain was in the garden
    Pain won't destroy you, sin will.

    Pain lets you know something needs attention.
  • If God said no to sin he'd be saying no to free choice,
    which would desecrate his creation.
  • God has to interact with me through these circumstances...I can't stay up on this superspiritual happy shallow level with Him, I need to be able to understand the muck and the tragedy with Him and keep the connection going...

Disney with Sarah & Selah!

Friends Sarah & Selah Sloan were here for a short visit.  We got to visit Animal Kingdom for a few hours which was a lot of fun.  The Lion King show was quite amazing and complete with stilt walkers & fire eaters.  Being at a theme park can be a bit overwhelming for a three year old. We also had a delicious lunch at the ever grand and overwhelming Rainforest Cafe.



Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I stole...


...this image from Parker Young.  Click on it to view it Freal.  I can't really understand how man can interact with the immense power of Nature and come away unscathed.  This is both terrifying and beautiful.

Friday, December 12, 2008

SITD April 1.

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the Hand that never fails,
From seeming evil works to good for me.
And though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:
"I trust in Thee."

Possibly...

...the greatest outfit I have seen in a while.  While I don't like the cold I wish I could layer like this.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Leu Gardens

One of Orlando's best kept secrets is Leu Gardens.  I don't know what took me so long to go visit.  They are free on Monday's if you arrive between 9-12.  Today was my second time there and I plan to make it a weekly occurrence.  I very much feel God's love communicated to me through His Creation.  I love to wander and discover the nuances of plants and flowers.  I so very deeply believe in a Creator.  He is the Master Artist.  To think HE view me as more beautiful than these created flowers is humbling.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20



God spoke: "Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, Every sort of fruit-bearing tree." And there it was. Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. God saw that it was good. It was evening, it was morning— Day Three.


So exquisite. 
What in the world is this?
I love this design.  The colors and shape are spot on.
The Creator has perfect taste.
They have an extensive Rose Garden.  These were just the beginning.
Ah the luxury of color.
A brand new butterfly just coming out of it's cocoon. Extremely fascinating.
A magnificent Oak. I think this one is over a hundred years old.
"All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah This is my heart as well.  Thank you God & Creator for sharing your beauty with me.  I am humbled in your presence.

Mentor


I am getting mentored!! Hazzzah! Amy Brady is such a bright smart strong Woman of God and she brings it.  She has a ministry of bible study and that is something that I really want to be more accountable with.  She joined my Wed night girls group and it was such the Holy Spirit to see them soak it in.  I felt so blessed at that moment.  So onto bigger and better things for me.

Just me.

A picture I actually like. Not too often does this happen.

Austin, TX

Well now I feel I have been to every major city in Texas: Houston (about a million times), Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, El Paso and now Austin, which is actually the Capitol of Texas.  I would have liked to explore more of Austin, but I did enjoy the parts that I got to see.  There were a plethora of places to eat and the downtown had a classy/artsy feel to it. As in the the restaurant featured below.  It was like a Texas de Brasil.  They go around and carved the assortment of beef right onto your plate.  I actually wasn't hungry enough to eat, but it looked delicious (and the butter pop overs were delicious.)  All in all, I had a great trip minus the tail end of getting up at 4a (again) not to get on the "standby" flight. C'est la vie!

The Lovely & Silly Camille.
Fogo de Chao.
My Tess.
The afterwards chat.

Bon Fire

Luckily I have the cutest brothers in the world.  Two of which helped start a fire for a few family & friends.  Life is grand.


Watching fire is a bit magical.  It is like moving art work. And when you burn magazine pages it turns blue.


Kids Draw the Darnedst Things

Which make me laugh.

I like.

There is something about this look that is very attractive. And surprisingly the beard is kinda handsome.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanks. Giving.

I love fall colors.  Too bad we don't have them for real in FL.
Bad for him. Good for us.
James can even play blindfolded. Sheesh. Not fair.
The Spread. And Dad the Pilgrim.
Our dearest Marnie. 92 in Jan. She is amazing.
Peter & I on a backyard walk after 'dinner.'
Awkward smiles.
Dessert time. So grand.
It's exhausting eating so much.
Funny new game.
Thanksgiving was quite amazing this year.  One of the best ever I think. The day just went smoothly and it was so great to spend time with my family.  They are so much fun to be around. Learned some new games...putting the flame out with your hands, signs & murder.  The day was topped off with some Breakfast at Tiffany's.  I am grateful for all the ways God makes my life comfortable.  I know many don't have the luxuries that I have. One luxury I could not live without is my family.