As we sit in the comfortably sized lounge in my Grandparent’s quaint, little home, talking and laughing together, I take another sip of my steaming coffee. The strong, rich flavor is highly complimentary of the meal we just finished eating, and I relish every drop of it as my tongue bathes in its bitter essence. My Grandpa reclines in his tan, tweed chair as he recounts a story of when he and my Grandma were younger. I sit on their blue and cream denim, floral couch and listen with intent, soaking up the rich family history that seems to be never ending.
As we listen, we relish the aftertaste of the delicious, mouth watering, smoked, spiral ham that tickled the taste buds. It had encouraged us to pile more slices onto our plates that were already heavy laden with nourishment. Our family’s traditional Seven Layer Salad had been presented in exquisite, picturesque form. The beautiful, crystal bowl that had been in our family for at least three generations held the salad, and all seven layers were clearly visible. It started with torn, green lettuce at the bottom, and then chopped celery and red pepper as the sixth layer. Green peas produced the fifth layer, and for the fourth layer there was miracle whip mayonnaise. Then there was sour cream and grated cheese for the third layer, baby tomatoes for the second, and finally a sprinkle of crispy bacon on the top layer of the salad. The combination of these ingredients was delightfully complimentary and we savoured every single bite. Celery, olives, and bread served as an enticing accent to the meal. These were just a few of the many appetizing dishes that were prepared for our meal on Thanksgiving Day. It was pretty good stuff!
With traditional Christmas music humming softly in the background, the faint sound of birds whistling outside the kitchen window, the reverberation of laughter echoing throughout the house, and the sensational, mouth-watering aroma of leftovers drifting into the lounge, it is impossible not to be filled with general festivity. Candles are lit in every room, generating a peaceful atmosphere. The subtle fragrance of the burning wick can be detected, along with the familiar scent of the pine branches on their miniature Christmas tree.
The antique bookshelf, that lines the west wall in the lounge, is filled with books that cover copious amounts of topics and antiques such as porcelain pottery, crystal vases, photo frames that hold pictures of my family that were taken decades ago, and a chess set that has figures fashioned in the likeness of African tribesmen. A picture of a large giraffe hangs on the wall outside of my Grandparents’ bedroom, and next to it sits a large, wooden Austrian cabinet that holds many family treasures. On that cabinet are paintings of flowers, and various hearts and circular shapes are carved into it too. A wooden spinning wheel that appears to be at least ten thousand years old, an antique Austrian chair with a heart carved in the back, an African spear and shield, and an Governor Winthrob desk that has been in the family for generations are just a few of the chattels positioned purposefully throughout the house.
In the kitchen, the fridge is plastered with photos of my brothers, cousins, and sister. Above their microwave hangs a clock with a giraffe pictured on it. Every time I look at it to check on the time, the giraffe seems to wink at me. Humorous articles on Obama are taped to the whitewashed cupboard doors. A basket laden with ripe bananas sits next to the sink, and situated next to them is a much-loved and frequently used coffee machine. Pottery and other such decorative articles are in abundance around the cheerful setting. Over my Grandparents’ round, wooden dining table is draped a white, crocheted tablecloth, and on that sits a rotating wheel, two green candles, and a Christmas plant with red and green leaves. I smile as I remember the stories shared while we ate our Thanksgiving feast, sitting at that same table.
Now, my Grandpa’s tale has reached its end, and he and my Grandma get up to go and get ready for bed. While the day had been exciting and enjoyable, it was time to retire. I rise from my comfy seat, exhausted from the eventful day that was drawing to a close. After I stretch my arms, I walk over to my Grandparents to give them a group hug.
“I love you guys,” I whisper into their ears as I wrap my arms around them like an orang-utan.
“We love you too,” my Grandma replies after kissing me on the cheek, “and we are so thrilled that you were able to spend this weekend with us. We’re so thankful that you are so near us now. We are thankful for you. But now, we better get our feet off to bed.”
As they walked together, two retro beings hand-in-hand, to get ready for bed, I realize how fortunate I am to have such a great family. Sure, my parents and siblings are on the other side of the world from me as they celebrate Thanksgiving in Cape Town, South Africa, but I was able to spend this incredible holiday with my Grandparents instead! That meant the world to them, as well as it did to me. This year was so different, but I was able to undergo this blessed holiday in a fresh, unsullied way. I am thankful for many things, and my Grandparents are of high priority on that unwritten list of things I am most thankful for.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
It’s a Date!
It is a word that has been used for centuries. It has historical significance in one meaning, while possessing a pretty up-to-date connotation in another. It is a word that can remind someone of an important, upcoming day, a romantic rendezvous, and one's companion on such an outing. What is this word to which I am referring? It is the word “date.” Date is a word that has many different meanings.
The first kind of date is the calendar date. A calendar is a system of organizing units of time for the purpose of estimating time over wide-ranging periods. By convention, the day is the smallest calendrical unit of time; the measurement of fractions of a day is classified as timekeeping. The overview of this definition is due to the variety of methods that have been used in creating calendars. The common theme of calendar making is the desire to systematize units of time to satisfy the needs and preoccupations of society. In addition to serving practical purposes, the process of organization provides a sense, however illusive, of understanding and controlling time itself. Thus, calendars serve as a link between mankind and the “cosmos.” It is little wonder that calendars have held a revered status and have served as a source of social order and cultural identity. In most societies, a calendar reform is a remarkable event. Adoption of a calendar depends on the vivacity with which it is introduced and on the eagerness of society to accept it. For example, the acceptance of the Gregorian calendar as a worldwide standard spanned more than three centuries. The legal code of the United States does not specify an official national calendar. Use of the Gregorian calendar in the United States stems from an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1751, which specified use of the Gregorian calendar in England and its colonies. However, its adoption in the United Kingdom and other countries was laden with contest, chaos, and even violence. It also had a deeper cultural impact through the disruption of traditional festivals and calendrical practice. All in all, however, the calendar has benefited society in immeasurable ways. Without the calendar system of time keeping, editors wouldn’t be able to put a date on the Sunday newspapers. Without dates, the MLA format would not exist; therefore, the ability for one to place the date on his or her assignment for English Composition, or any other class for that matter, would be disabled! What kind of a society would we be living in if this were the case? Marking down one’s little brother’s birthday on one’s calendar, jotting down a doctor’s appointment in a weekly planner, and scheduling at all, altogether, would be impossible without the time keeping system. Makes one think, doesn’t it?
The second kind of date is an engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest. A date can consist of many different things. A pair may decide to go to the movies. They may choose to dress up and dine at a fancy restaurant. The couple may wish to go for a picnic in a picturesque park, or they may decide to go to the beach, depending on where they live and on how close they are to one. The options are endless. A date is an opportunity to get to know a person better. Whether the pair are together, officially, or not, a date is always fun when you are with a decent partner.
The third kind of date is a person with whom you go out with for a particular excursion. One’s partner may be a close friend. He or she may be an acquaintance. He or she may be a love interest or even a “blind date” that you had never met before the night of the meeting. An outing has the potential to be a lot of fun no matter whom you are with.
Every definition of the word “date” has some sort of significance. Whether it be an appointment, a person, or an activity one participates in with somebody, each one of these types of dates are applicable to our daily lives. One cannot deny the use of the calendar system because, let’s face it, we refer to it all of the time! A guy may not be interested in girls, and a girl may not be attracted to the guys, but we all know ones who do date and have, therefore, heard all of the hilarious and, oftentimes, disastrous dating experiences that they have gone through. One may simply dislike the idea of dating altogether, but the idea is still there, and that person will know stories, regardless.
No matter what one’s stand is on relationships and “dating” and on the calendar system, it is interesting to discover the various definitions of the word “date.” “Date” can be a statement of calendar time, as on a document. It can be a prior arrangement to meet for lunch. The word “date” can even refer to a person’s escort for some sort of event. Date is, indeed, a word that contains more than one meaning.
The first kind of date is the calendar date. A calendar is a system of organizing units of time for the purpose of estimating time over wide-ranging periods. By convention, the day is the smallest calendrical unit of time; the measurement of fractions of a day is classified as timekeeping. The overview of this definition is due to the variety of methods that have been used in creating calendars. The common theme of calendar making is the desire to systematize units of time to satisfy the needs and preoccupations of society. In addition to serving practical purposes, the process of organization provides a sense, however illusive, of understanding and controlling time itself. Thus, calendars serve as a link between mankind and the “cosmos.” It is little wonder that calendars have held a revered status and have served as a source of social order and cultural identity. In most societies, a calendar reform is a remarkable event. Adoption of a calendar depends on the vivacity with which it is introduced and on the eagerness of society to accept it. For example, the acceptance of the Gregorian calendar as a worldwide standard spanned more than three centuries. The legal code of the United States does not specify an official national calendar. Use of the Gregorian calendar in the United States stems from an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1751, which specified use of the Gregorian calendar in England and its colonies. However, its adoption in the United Kingdom and other countries was laden with contest, chaos, and even violence. It also had a deeper cultural impact through the disruption of traditional festivals and calendrical practice. All in all, however, the calendar has benefited society in immeasurable ways. Without the calendar system of time keeping, editors wouldn’t be able to put a date on the Sunday newspapers. Without dates, the MLA format would not exist; therefore, the ability for one to place the date on his or her assignment for English Composition, or any other class for that matter, would be disabled! What kind of a society would we be living in if this were the case? Marking down one’s little brother’s birthday on one’s calendar, jotting down a doctor’s appointment in a weekly planner, and scheduling at all, altogether, would be impossible without the time keeping system. Makes one think, doesn’t it?
The second kind of date is an engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest. A date can consist of many different things. A pair may decide to go to the movies. They may choose to dress up and dine at a fancy restaurant. The couple may wish to go for a picnic in a picturesque park, or they may decide to go to the beach, depending on where they live and on how close they are to one. The options are endless. A date is an opportunity to get to know a person better. Whether the pair are together, officially, or not, a date is always fun when you are with a decent partner.
The third kind of date is a person with whom you go out with for a particular excursion. One’s partner may be a close friend. He or she may be an acquaintance. He or she may be a love interest or even a “blind date” that you had never met before the night of the meeting. An outing has the potential to be a lot of fun no matter whom you are with.
Every definition of the word “date” has some sort of significance. Whether it be an appointment, a person, or an activity one participates in with somebody, each one of these types of dates are applicable to our daily lives. One cannot deny the use of the calendar system because, let’s face it, we refer to it all of the time! A guy may not be interested in girls, and a girl may not be attracted to the guys, but we all know ones who do date and have, therefore, heard all of the hilarious and, oftentimes, disastrous dating experiences that they have gone through. One may simply dislike the idea of dating altogether, but the idea is still there, and that person will know stories, regardless.
No matter what one’s stand is on relationships and “dating” and on the calendar system, it is interesting to discover the various definitions of the word “date.” “Date” can be a statement of calendar time, as on a document. It can be a prior arrangement to meet for lunch. The word “date” can even refer to a person’s escort for some sort of event. Date is, indeed, a word that contains more than one meaning.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Paradise Lost
In the past, the country was a paradise. Today, it is an inconceivable mess. It used to be a holiday destination for people from all over the world. Now people are risking their lives to get out of the country and as far away from it as possible. From being ruled by an upright, Christian man named Ian Smith, this country is now being flushed down the toilet by a communist thug who goes by the name Robert Mugabe. From being Rhodesia, a safe country for parents to raise their kids, Zimbabwe is now a land where millions have been kicked out of their homes for the benefit of government officials. Although Rhodesia and Zimbabwe are the same country, the past Rhodesia and the present Zimbabwe are about as similar as heaven is to hell.
While Rhodesia was beautiful, Zimbabwe is now a barren land with very little splendor left. Trees would line the streets and give the appearance of utter tranquility. Animals, such as zebra, elephants, and giraffe, would walk around Rhodesia freely. They could even be seen wandering about the major cities! Victoria Falls, a world famous landmark, was untainted by garbage or dirt. People from all over the world would travel far and wide in order to glimpse the beauty and magnificence of the Falls. Parks were free of litter, and they were a perfect place for families to hang out and have picnics together on any given afternoon. Zimbabwe, however, is pretty much a polar opposite to the old Rhodesia. Trees are not nearly as commonplace. Most of the wildlife in Zimbabwe have either died or have moved to neighboring countries. Victoria Falls is polluted from lack of care and interest in its general welfare. Not nearly as many tourists come to see it because it’s so difficult to even get into the country. There are no longer any parks for families to walk through because the greenery has died, and the trees have been cut down. President Mugabe doesn’t care about the scenery in Zimbabwe, so he will not lift a finger to clean up the mess he has made in the once exquisite land of Rhodesia. In place of Rhodesia’s paradise, Zimbabwe looks a lot like how I image hell to be.
While Rhodesia was safe, there is no place of refuge from the tyranny in Zimbabwe.. Parents didn’t have to worry about their children wondering around town because they knew their kids would be fine. Even five-year-old children were free to roam the streets by themselves! Christians could worship without restraint. Families could sleep peacefully at night, knowing that no one would attack them in the middle of the night, or try to evict them from their own home. Yet, in the country of Zimbabwe today, children can’t go anywhere without an adult near by, watching over them and protecting them. If parents don’t watch their kids, someone could simply whisk them away and maybe even recruit the children into aiding the communist parties in their evil cause. Christians are persecuted daily for their “offense” of worshiping the Lord. Crime is ever increasing. Zimbabwe’s current president, Robert Mugabe, murders anyone who opposes him or gets in his way. Families live in fear. They have no idea when or where the next attack may come from. Living in their homes is a “luxury” to be enjoyed until someone from the socialist party of Zimbabwe decides that he or she wants to live in the house instead. The ability to inhabit the land of modern day Zimbabwe grows increasingly tougher each day.
While Rhodesia was a Christian country, Zimbabwe is a land ruled by a communist dictator. Christianity was respected and honored back then. When one traveled through Rhodesia, churches were a very ordinary sight. Faith was not an issue, and citizens were free to choose their religion. Possessing a Bible was not considered a felony. Getting in and out of the country wasn’t difficult in the slightest, and the Rhodesian currency was strong. Today, faith is not something to be taken for granted. Thousands, if not more, have been ruthlessly murdered for breaking the law against being a Christ follower. All of the churches have been burnt down and destroyed, forcing believers to worship in secret meeting places. Those who are fortunate enough to still own a Bible have to hide them for fear of being discovered by President Mugabe and his band of wicked followers. People wait for days on the Zimbabwean borders, waiting to be let in. Military roadblocks abound. There can be up to even 30 roadblocks in the space of 100 miles. The Zimbabwean Dollar is now worth zilch. Possessing trillions of “Zim Dollars” won’t even get you a loaf of bread. It is very safe to say that Zimbabwe has the highest inflation rate ever in any country in world history.
It’s so sad to see how a nation, once so perfect, could digress into something so dreadful. From poetry to puke, the country of Zimbabwe has taken a nosedive for the worst. It’s crazy to comprehend that Rhodesia and Zimbabwe are one and the same place. We need to remember that America could easily get to the same place that Zimbabwe currently finds itself in. We, as American citizens, have to realize how incredible the gift of freedom really is. Rhodesia’s past and Zimbabwe’s present are about as opposite as they can possibly get.
While Rhodesia was beautiful, Zimbabwe is now a barren land with very little splendor left. Trees would line the streets and give the appearance of utter tranquility. Animals, such as zebra, elephants, and giraffe, would walk around Rhodesia freely. They could even be seen wandering about the major cities! Victoria Falls, a world famous landmark, was untainted by garbage or dirt. People from all over the world would travel far and wide in order to glimpse the beauty and magnificence of the Falls. Parks were free of litter, and they were a perfect place for families to hang out and have picnics together on any given afternoon. Zimbabwe, however, is pretty much a polar opposite to the old Rhodesia. Trees are not nearly as commonplace. Most of the wildlife in Zimbabwe have either died or have moved to neighboring countries. Victoria Falls is polluted from lack of care and interest in its general welfare. Not nearly as many tourists come to see it because it’s so difficult to even get into the country. There are no longer any parks for families to walk through because the greenery has died, and the trees have been cut down. President Mugabe doesn’t care about the scenery in Zimbabwe, so he will not lift a finger to clean up the mess he has made in the once exquisite land of Rhodesia. In place of Rhodesia’s paradise, Zimbabwe looks a lot like how I image hell to be.
While Rhodesia was safe, there is no place of refuge from the tyranny in Zimbabwe.. Parents didn’t have to worry about their children wondering around town because they knew their kids would be fine. Even five-year-old children were free to roam the streets by themselves! Christians could worship without restraint. Families could sleep peacefully at night, knowing that no one would attack them in the middle of the night, or try to evict them from their own home. Yet, in the country of Zimbabwe today, children can’t go anywhere without an adult near by, watching over them and protecting them. If parents don’t watch their kids, someone could simply whisk them away and maybe even recruit the children into aiding the communist parties in their evil cause. Christians are persecuted daily for their “offense” of worshiping the Lord. Crime is ever increasing. Zimbabwe’s current president, Robert Mugabe, murders anyone who opposes him or gets in his way. Families live in fear. They have no idea when or where the next attack may come from. Living in their homes is a “luxury” to be enjoyed until someone from the socialist party of Zimbabwe decides that he or she wants to live in the house instead. The ability to inhabit the land of modern day Zimbabwe grows increasingly tougher each day.
While Rhodesia was a Christian country, Zimbabwe is a land ruled by a communist dictator. Christianity was respected and honored back then. When one traveled through Rhodesia, churches were a very ordinary sight. Faith was not an issue, and citizens were free to choose their religion. Possessing a Bible was not considered a felony. Getting in and out of the country wasn’t difficult in the slightest, and the Rhodesian currency was strong. Today, faith is not something to be taken for granted. Thousands, if not more, have been ruthlessly murdered for breaking the law against being a Christ follower. All of the churches have been burnt down and destroyed, forcing believers to worship in secret meeting places. Those who are fortunate enough to still own a Bible have to hide them for fear of being discovered by President Mugabe and his band of wicked followers. People wait for days on the Zimbabwean borders, waiting to be let in. Military roadblocks abound. There can be up to even 30 roadblocks in the space of 100 miles. The Zimbabwean Dollar is now worth zilch. Possessing trillions of “Zim Dollars” won’t even get you a loaf of bread. It is very safe to say that Zimbabwe has the highest inflation rate ever in any country in world history.
It’s so sad to see how a nation, once so perfect, could digress into something so dreadful. From poetry to puke, the country of Zimbabwe has taken a nosedive for the worst. It’s crazy to comprehend that Rhodesia and Zimbabwe are one and the same place. We need to remember that America could easily get to the same place that Zimbabwe currently finds itself in. We, as American citizens, have to realize how incredible the gift of freedom really is. Rhodesia’s past and Zimbabwe’s present are about as opposite as they can possibly get.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
It Takes Two to Tango
Relationships are not easy for one to maintain. And, when they are long distance, they can become nearly unbearable. The long-distance relationship is something feared by every couple encountering change in their lives, particularly change in the way of either the boyfriend or girlfriend moving away. With no possibility of anything beyond intellectual stuff, loneliness can easily become a constant companion. Despite all of these things, however, long distance relationships are an incredible way to discover the authenticity of a relationship.
The first thing a couple needs to put into action is communication. Setting a specific time each week to have either a phone conversation or a web chat is an absolute must. Communication is the primary thing one must depend on in order to make the long distance relationship work. Without communication, the relationship is rendered useless. Go without talking for a week or so, and tension will begin to seep into the relationship. When a couple spends time together face-to-face, it’s a lot easier to keep everything running smoothly. The pair doesn’t have to battle with when they are going to speak again because they are within pretty close range of each other. They don’t have to work so hard at communication because their actions will often speak for them in place of their words. No matter what happens, the pair must stick to their weekly chat commitment in order to fill each other in on their recent activities, how they are doing in general, and how they are dealing with the whole long-distance thing. It’s vital to express how you really are feeling in order to keep the long-distance relationship alive.
The second thing that the couple needs to keep in mind is that trust is a must. Honesty and trust go hand in hand with communication. Lies will tear you even farther apart from each other than distance ever could. It is so incredibly essential to talk through things when you have an issue with that special someone. Keeping it all bottled up inside and pretending that everything will be okay will cause the relationship to deteriorate into bitterness, hurt, and pain. Honesty, when applied to any and every relationship, will serve as a solid foundation as the couple learns to live apart from each other.
The third thing that the couple has to take into account is that forgiveness is key. Resentment never has and never will get anyone anywhere. One may say they forgive the other person when, in reality, the anger is still there hidden somewhere deep inside. That rage will make itself known eventually. When that day comes, it won’t be a pretty sight to behold. No matter what your significant other does, he or she deserves forgiveness. The Lord forgave us, worthless sinners, and gave us a second chance. So what gives us the right to judge other sinners when we, ourselves, are guilty of sin too? Couples simply have to learn to forgive and move on in order to have a functional, healthy, and long-lasting relationship. Once forgiveness has been given, the pair needs to establish that they will never refer to that past mistake again. If this step isn’t taken seriously, forgiveness will be proven futile and you will have to go over the agonizing process all over again.
The fourth and most important thing for the couple to know is that it takes two to tango. One person cannot hold the weight of the relationship on his or her shoulders alone. It is crazy to even attempt it. If there is only one person trying to keep the relationship going, the couple will ultimately fail in their endeavor to stay together. It takes effort from both ends to keep the relationship solid and secure.
Long-distance is not easy, but it is definitely possible. The warm fuzzies of a typical and tangible, face-to-face relationship are not and cannot be there when the pair is apart from each other. Yet, the communication, trust, and honesty aspect of the relationship will most certainly improve if the couple commits to working together in all areas of it. Long-distance relationships truly are a great way to ascertain how deep the roots of the relationship go. Nothing worth having is easy to obtain. Great things take time and tons of effort. Couples, who are willing to put in that effort, will reap in the benefits as they observe their relationships blossom into something far more beautiful than they could ever have possibly imagined.
The first thing a couple needs to put into action is communication. Setting a specific time each week to have either a phone conversation or a web chat is an absolute must. Communication is the primary thing one must depend on in order to make the long distance relationship work. Without communication, the relationship is rendered useless. Go without talking for a week or so, and tension will begin to seep into the relationship. When a couple spends time together face-to-face, it’s a lot easier to keep everything running smoothly. The pair doesn’t have to battle with when they are going to speak again because they are within pretty close range of each other. They don’t have to work so hard at communication because their actions will often speak for them in place of their words. No matter what happens, the pair must stick to their weekly chat commitment in order to fill each other in on their recent activities, how they are doing in general, and how they are dealing with the whole long-distance thing. It’s vital to express how you really are feeling in order to keep the long-distance relationship alive.
The second thing that the couple needs to keep in mind is that trust is a must. Honesty and trust go hand in hand with communication. Lies will tear you even farther apart from each other than distance ever could. It is so incredibly essential to talk through things when you have an issue with that special someone. Keeping it all bottled up inside and pretending that everything will be okay will cause the relationship to deteriorate into bitterness, hurt, and pain. Honesty, when applied to any and every relationship, will serve as a solid foundation as the couple learns to live apart from each other.
The third thing that the couple has to take into account is that forgiveness is key. Resentment never has and never will get anyone anywhere. One may say they forgive the other person when, in reality, the anger is still there hidden somewhere deep inside. That rage will make itself known eventually. When that day comes, it won’t be a pretty sight to behold. No matter what your significant other does, he or she deserves forgiveness. The Lord forgave us, worthless sinners, and gave us a second chance. So what gives us the right to judge other sinners when we, ourselves, are guilty of sin too? Couples simply have to learn to forgive and move on in order to have a functional, healthy, and long-lasting relationship. Once forgiveness has been given, the pair needs to establish that they will never refer to that past mistake again. If this step isn’t taken seriously, forgiveness will be proven futile and you will have to go over the agonizing process all over again.
The fourth and most important thing for the couple to know is that it takes two to tango. One person cannot hold the weight of the relationship on his or her shoulders alone. It is crazy to even attempt it. If there is only one person trying to keep the relationship going, the couple will ultimately fail in their endeavor to stay together. It takes effort from both ends to keep the relationship solid and secure.
Long-distance is not easy, but it is definitely possible. The warm fuzzies of a typical and tangible, face-to-face relationship are not and cannot be there when the pair is apart from each other. Yet, the communication, trust, and honesty aspect of the relationship will most certainly improve if the couple commits to working together in all areas of it. Long-distance relationships truly are a great way to ascertain how deep the roots of the relationship go. Nothing worth having is easy to obtain. Great things take time and tons of effort. Couples, who are willing to put in that effort, will reap in the benefits as they observe their relationships blossom into something far more beautiful than they could ever have possibly imagined.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Blind Leading the Blind
In the world today, we are all influenced by the media in some way. It could be in regard to clothing style in what we are meant to wear. It might involve what size we are supposedly expected to be. It may even be influence concerning the best time for us to lose our virginity. Regardless, the media is subtle in its approach of influence. The media is a quiet teacher.
In order to be fashionable, knowledge of current trends is vital in the determination of your social status. One has to be wearing the latest style of jeans, tops, and shoes in order to fit in. Consider wearing something from last season’s closet, and you’re a civic outcast. If the colors of the season are bold, then you go bold. If stylish is synonymous to black skinny jeans, you better run out and buy yourself a pair before you’re left behind to cough up the dust lingering after the vehicle of trend. Even shades of color play a big role in determining what is chic. “Earthy colors are so last season, so go and get yourself a dozen neon shirts,” declares the media. “Dark walls in any given home is so retro, so go repaint your entire house with coffees and creams,” they state. “You will never fit in,” they say. “You are a loser for being different, and you will, therefore, never ever be accepted.” In a world of conformity, life is rough for the individual who seeks to be unique. For the 16-year-old girl who wishes to wear her favorite shirt that she got back in eighth grade, for the 14-year-old boy who still likes to wear his Spiderman boxers and Superman socks, acceptance isn’t within easy reach. It’s not fair how we have to go so far out of our way every season to be “fashionable.”
If you desire to be beautiful, size does matter. If you’re not a size two, or even a size zero, you’re considered “fat”, and you have to, therefore, get yourself on the nearest diet immediately. Models in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan are all great examples for how we are to appear physically. Scales, diets, and starvation are all important ingredients in order to achieve true “beauty.” Skin and bones are the way to go. If your body doesn’t represent that view, according to the media, you are overweight! Because of the pressure to be petite, women all over the world turn to Anorexia and Bulimia in hopes that those eating disorders will solve their problem. In reality, however, all it does it just make it worse! Although it’s not all that common, some women do manage to lose enough to fit into a size two dress. Yet, they soon realize that all that they accomplished is losing a part of themselves, physically as well as emotionally. Women lose a sense of who they are when they force themselves to lose the weight that the Lord had originally intended for them to have. We were not made to look the same, so it’s crazy for society to try to convince us otherwise.
Relationships are not legit unless the relationship is physical. Virgins are made to feel like they are denying themselves what they rightfully deserve by remaining virgins. Men and women who sleep around are commended for their actions. Instead of applauding virtuousness, immorality is being high-fived all over the world. Men are no longer expected to be gentlemen, but rather be “the man” by scoring as many “chicks” as he possibly can. Girls with morals are labeled as prudes and are teased mercilessly by peers. From being a thing of perfection, only for a man and his wife to share and experience together, sex has been twisted and polluted into being something filthy and perverted. Unmarried couples can no longer be satisfied with the traditional handholding and the occasional kiss. The physical side to relationships needs to be unleashed in order for the pair to be able to get better acquainted. Growing closer to each other through deep conversations and getting to know each other, in general, is a thing of the past. That’s what our grandparents did, it’s what most of our parents even did, but we, as the next generation, are going away from that standard completely. We are being taught to run away from everything good, everything pure, lovely, and honorable. Patience is no longer a virtue, and delayed gratification is practically unheard of.
It’s ridiculous how easily influenced we allow ourselves to be. We need to stop following the teachings of the media so blindly. We stagger and stumble after it like zombies in a cheesy horror show. All that the media needs to do is publish some statement about something pretty insignificant, and we’re already half way out the door, rushing to purchase that must-have car, must-have boyfriend, or must-have sweater. The funny thing is that trend is simply that: a trend. We have to learn to think for ourselves and not allow others to think for us. We need to develop our minds and our own train of thought in order to live a purposeful life. If the media has such a big influence over us now, in our current state, what will the world be like for our children, the next generation?
In order to be fashionable, knowledge of current trends is vital in the determination of your social status. One has to be wearing the latest style of jeans, tops, and shoes in order to fit in. Consider wearing something from last season’s closet, and you’re a civic outcast. If the colors of the season are bold, then you go bold. If stylish is synonymous to black skinny jeans, you better run out and buy yourself a pair before you’re left behind to cough up the dust lingering after the vehicle of trend. Even shades of color play a big role in determining what is chic. “Earthy colors are so last season, so go and get yourself a dozen neon shirts,” declares the media. “Dark walls in any given home is so retro, so go repaint your entire house with coffees and creams,” they state. “You will never fit in,” they say. “You are a loser for being different, and you will, therefore, never ever be accepted.” In a world of conformity, life is rough for the individual who seeks to be unique. For the 16-year-old girl who wishes to wear her favorite shirt that she got back in eighth grade, for the 14-year-old boy who still likes to wear his Spiderman boxers and Superman socks, acceptance isn’t within easy reach. It’s not fair how we have to go so far out of our way every season to be “fashionable.”
If you desire to be beautiful, size does matter. If you’re not a size two, or even a size zero, you’re considered “fat”, and you have to, therefore, get yourself on the nearest diet immediately. Models in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan are all great examples for how we are to appear physically. Scales, diets, and starvation are all important ingredients in order to achieve true “beauty.” Skin and bones are the way to go. If your body doesn’t represent that view, according to the media, you are overweight! Because of the pressure to be petite, women all over the world turn to Anorexia and Bulimia in hopes that those eating disorders will solve their problem. In reality, however, all it does it just make it worse! Although it’s not all that common, some women do manage to lose enough to fit into a size two dress. Yet, they soon realize that all that they accomplished is losing a part of themselves, physically as well as emotionally. Women lose a sense of who they are when they force themselves to lose the weight that the Lord had originally intended for them to have. We were not made to look the same, so it’s crazy for society to try to convince us otherwise.
Relationships are not legit unless the relationship is physical. Virgins are made to feel like they are denying themselves what they rightfully deserve by remaining virgins. Men and women who sleep around are commended for their actions. Instead of applauding virtuousness, immorality is being high-fived all over the world. Men are no longer expected to be gentlemen, but rather be “the man” by scoring as many “chicks” as he possibly can. Girls with morals are labeled as prudes and are teased mercilessly by peers. From being a thing of perfection, only for a man and his wife to share and experience together, sex has been twisted and polluted into being something filthy and perverted. Unmarried couples can no longer be satisfied with the traditional handholding and the occasional kiss. The physical side to relationships needs to be unleashed in order for the pair to be able to get better acquainted. Growing closer to each other through deep conversations and getting to know each other, in general, is a thing of the past. That’s what our grandparents did, it’s what most of our parents even did, but we, as the next generation, are going away from that standard completely. We are being taught to run away from everything good, everything pure, lovely, and honorable. Patience is no longer a virtue, and delayed gratification is practically unheard of.
It’s ridiculous how easily influenced we allow ourselves to be. We need to stop following the teachings of the media so blindly. We stagger and stumble after it like zombies in a cheesy horror show. All that the media needs to do is publish some statement about something pretty insignificant, and we’re already half way out the door, rushing to purchase that must-have car, must-have boyfriend, or must-have sweater. The funny thing is that trend is simply that: a trend. We have to learn to think for ourselves and not allow others to think for us. We need to develop our minds and our own train of thought in order to live a purposeful life. If the media has such a big influence over us now, in our current state, what will the world be like for our children, the next generation?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Shocking-Statement Opening with Call-to-Action Closing
An average of 1.3 million babies are murdered every year in the United States alone. Many of these unborn beings are in the second and third trimester when the abortion takes place. Women are influenced into believing that abortion is the only way to not have the responsibility of raising a child. We, as a society, need to make women, who are considering abortion, more aware of the many options they have available to them.
We need to realize that it’s not just about what the mother wants. The baby has a right to life, and it’s not up to her to decide whether the child should live or die. It is important for us to bring to the attention of these women the fact that they are responsible for the life of the child growing inside of them. They can’t just make a decision on a whim, for her decision will not just affect her life, but it will greatly affect the life of her child as well. We need to motivate the church to educate women on the choices of adoption or even raising the child herself. Rather than condemning them, the church needs to let women, who are in a crisis pregnancy situation, know that they are going to be supported, loved, and taken care of. The future of our world is in our hands. We need to take action against the rising statistics of unborn babies being murdered, or there won’t be a future generation, period.
We need to realize that it’s not just about what the mother wants. The baby has a right to life, and it’s not up to her to decide whether the child should live or die. It is important for us to bring to the attention of these women the fact that they are responsible for the life of the child growing inside of them. They can’t just make a decision on a whim, for her decision will not just affect her life, but it will greatly affect the life of her child as well. We need to motivate the church to educate women on the choices of adoption or even raising the child herself. Rather than condemning them, the church needs to let women, who are in a crisis pregnancy situation, know that they are going to be supported, loved, and taken care of. The future of our world is in our hands. We need to take action against the rising statistics of unborn babies being murdered, or there won’t be a future generation, period.
Anecdotal Opening with Restatement-of-Thesis Closing
My sister stood nervously on the ice, poised, ready to begin her routine that she had been preparing for for the last nine months. She was trying her best to stop herself from shaking, and, so far, hadn’t been so successful. Her skates were now perfectly laced, her dress had been designed to look like a princess’, only knee length and made of nylon instead of silk, her hair had been done up in a gorgeous, braided bun, and her make up served only to accentuate her naturally beautiful features. The only thing, she knew, that wasn’t perfect was her confidence. She was scared, and she didn’t know if she could go through with the routine without falling at least a couple of times. Yet, despite all the inner conflict going on inside of her, she raised her arms in dramatic fashion, asked God for strength, took a deep breath, and then the music began to play. The ice was her playground. Daniela knew that she may not win the gold, but had decided that, no matter what were to happen, she was going to simply do her best. God will always be in control of every situation we encounter in life.
God will never slip up and say, “Whoops! Missed that recital,” or, “I missed protecting that guy while he bungee jumped off the highest bridge in the world.” We, as a part of our human nature, tend to try to take control of scary circumstances in life. We want to have our hands on the steering wheel of life. We want to be in control of what we do, where we go, and where we stay. Yet, as Christians, we need to relinquish all rights to the driving of the vehicle that represents our lives.
God will never slip up and say, “Whoops! Missed that recital,” or, “I missed protecting that guy while he bungee jumped off the highest bridge in the world.” We, as a part of our human nature, tend to try to take control of scary circumstances in life. We want to have our hands on the steering wheel of life. We want to be in control of what we do, where we go, and where we stay. Yet, as Christians, we need to relinquish all rights to the driving of the vehicle that represents our lives.
Contrast Opening with Quotation/Witticism Closing
The Internet, while being an incredible stroke of genius, can be an absolute waste of time. Myface, Spacebook, Twitter; all of these are social networks that can warp one’s sense of time, priority, and reality. These sites suck you in to the infinite world of cyberspace, therefore distorting life itself. One can waste hours upon hours by simply “surfing the net.” However, despite all of this, the Internet can be more of a blessing than a curse because of its incredible warehouse of information stored up for the human race to explore.
The Internet is a treasure trove of instruction. It can serve as a library’s worth of knowledge. As someone once said, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks.” Unbelievably useful for research, general knowledge, and education, the Internet is, indeed, an amazing way to edify and expand one’s general acumen.
The Internet is a treasure trove of instruction. It can serve as a library’s worth of knowledge. As someone once said, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks.” Unbelievably useful for research, general knowledge, and education, the Internet is, indeed, an amazing way to edify and expand one’s general acumen.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Death of Pop
Only a couple of months ago, after suffering cardiac arrest at the young age of 50, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died. Since he was only a month away from performing his final show in London, his death was a blow to the entire population. Those who knew him especially, such as family and eccentric fans, were obviously heartbroken and could not believe that a man at his age could be gone so suddenly. While it’s so sad to hear of such unexpected deaths, it’s even more distressing to realise that Michael Jackson wasn’t a believer of Christ. It’s important for us to remember that life here on earth is short. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and keep eternity in mind.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Addicted to Disorder
A major dilemma we face today is the issue of eating disorders. We need to realise, first and foremost, that often the person suffering an eating disorder of some sort is the victim and can’t get out of the addiction no matter how hard they try! Although these disorders come in many different packages, all are a reflection of an inner battle going on in the person affected.
One of the most common syndromes is Anorexia. It’s an eating disorder where the main characteristic is the restriction of food and the refusal to maintain a minimal, normal body weight. Any actual gain or even perceived gain of weight is met with intense fear by the Anorexic.
Another disorder would be Bulimia; a mental ailment, common especially among young women of normal or nearly normal weight, that is characterized by episodic binge eating and followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation. It is often associated with measures taken to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives, dieting, or fasting.
The third eating dilemma, however, is the least acknowledged, yet it’s a common problem in the United States today. Compulsive Overeaters are regularly caught in the brutal cycle of binge eating and depression. Using food as a coping mechanism to deal with their emotions, binge eating temporarily mitigates these feelings, but is unfortunately followed by sentiments of disgust, depression, guilt, and shame.
Consequently, most women today suffer at least one of these addictions. Whether it be anorexia, bulimia, overeating, or be it simply a severe dislike of oneself even though one eats healthy and stays fit, almost every woman is a most probable candidate for some form of eating disorder.
Thus, we need to understand that each of us has a reason for our disorders. It may be because we feel pressure from society to be thin, or it may be because you just view yourself far larger than you are in reality and are, therefore, desperate to eradicate this issue. No matter what the reason may be, women, and even some men, need to realize that God made us the way we are for a reason! He sees us as perfect beings, physically. He hates to see us starving ourselves, He hates to see us binging and purging, and He hates to see us overeating. He wants us to accept our bodies the way He made them, and we must never forget it.
One of the most common syndromes is Anorexia. It’s an eating disorder where the main characteristic is the restriction of food and the refusal to maintain a minimal, normal body weight. Any actual gain or even perceived gain of weight is met with intense fear by the Anorexic.
Another disorder would be Bulimia; a mental ailment, common especially among young women of normal or nearly normal weight, that is characterized by episodic binge eating and followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation. It is often associated with measures taken to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives, dieting, or fasting.
The third eating dilemma, however, is the least acknowledged, yet it’s a common problem in the United States today. Compulsive Overeaters are regularly caught in the brutal cycle of binge eating and depression. Using food as a coping mechanism to deal with their emotions, binge eating temporarily mitigates these feelings, but is unfortunately followed by sentiments of disgust, depression, guilt, and shame.
Consequently, most women today suffer at least one of these addictions. Whether it be anorexia, bulimia, overeating, or be it simply a severe dislike of oneself even though one eats healthy and stays fit, almost every woman is a most probable candidate for some form of eating disorder.
Thus, we need to understand that each of us has a reason for our disorders. It may be because we feel pressure from society to be thin, or it may be because you just view yourself far larger than you are in reality and are, therefore, desperate to eradicate this issue. No matter what the reason may be, women, and even some men, need to realize that God made us the way we are for a reason! He sees us as perfect beings, physically. He hates to see us starving ourselves, He hates to see us binging and purging, and He hates to see us overeating. He wants us to accept our bodies the way He made them, and we must never forget it.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Misconstrued Conceptions
“So, how are you feeling?” Stacey asked.
“Okay I guess,” replied a very nervous Jessica.
“Are you sure you’re gonna be able to go through with it?”
“Yeah, I think so…” Jess said. “I’m really scared though.”
“I know. It’s never easy. It’s a scary situation so I don’t blame you for being afraid.”
Jessica looked down at the floor, “It’s just so overwhelming! What will other people think of me?”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re doing the right thing. This is what you want. Your parents will be proud of you for making the right decision and not doing what everyone else is doing.”
“You think so?” Jess inquired. “Wouldn’t it be better to just get it over with and never tell them about it? To just pretend like it never happened?”
Stacey shook her head, “No way! They’re going to find out anyway. They know when something is going on. You should call them.”
Stacey smiled and hugged her friend reassuringly from the side, “Pray about it. The Lord will give you strength. And you know that I will always love you no matter what.”
With tears in her eyes, Jessica looked back up at her friend and gave her a wobbly smile, “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I’m gonna call them.” Jessica picked up her bag and began searching for her cell phone. Once she found it she punched in her home number and waited for her parents to pick up.
“You’re doing the right thing Jessica,” whispered Stacey to her friend as she put her left arm around her. “I’m so proud of you!”
Jess looked a little doubtful as she smiled back at Stacey, “I know. I just hope they will understand. Please pray the Lord will speak to them ahead of me, that they will have the grace to help me through this.”
“Of course I will! I already have-”
Stacey was interrupted as she heard Jessica’s mother pick up.
“Hello, this is Amy Fringe. May I ask who’s speaking?”
“Hi Mom, it’s me, Jessica.”
“Jessica! Hi! How’s it going? You having fun at Stacey’s?”
Jess looked at Stacey as she said, “Yeah, Mom, we’re having a good time, thank you.”
Stacey whispered, “Come on, Jess, you can do it!”
“What’s going on, Jess? Is there something wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong exactly, well… not really. I mean,” Jess sighed. “What I’m trying to say is that I need to tell you something.”
Jessica’s Mom was a little hesitant, “Okay… what is it?”
Stacey squeezed her friend’s hand as Jessica replied, “Mom, I’m pregnant.”
“Okay I guess,” replied a very nervous Jessica.
“Are you sure you’re gonna be able to go through with it?”
“Yeah, I think so…” Jess said. “I’m really scared though.”
“I know. It’s never easy. It’s a scary situation so I don’t blame you for being afraid.”
Jessica looked down at the floor, “It’s just so overwhelming! What will other people think of me?”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re doing the right thing. This is what you want. Your parents will be proud of you for making the right decision and not doing what everyone else is doing.”
“You think so?” Jess inquired. “Wouldn’t it be better to just get it over with and never tell them about it? To just pretend like it never happened?”
Stacey shook her head, “No way! They’re going to find out anyway. They know when something is going on. You should call them.”
Stacey smiled and hugged her friend reassuringly from the side, “Pray about it. The Lord will give you strength. And you know that I will always love you no matter what.”
With tears in her eyes, Jessica looked back up at her friend and gave her a wobbly smile, “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I’m gonna call them.” Jessica picked up her bag and began searching for her cell phone. Once she found it she punched in her home number and waited for her parents to pick up.
“You’re doing the right thing Jessica,” whispered Stacey to her friend as she put her left arm around her. “I’m so proud of you!”
Jess looked a little doubtful as she smiled back at Stacey, “I know. I just hope they will understand. Please pray the Lord will speak to them ahead of me, that they will have the grace to help me through this.”
“Of course I will! I already have-”
Stacey was interrupted as she heard Jessica’s mother pick up.
“Hello, this is Amy Fringe. May I ask who’s speaking?”
“Hi Mom, it’s me, Jessica.”
“Jessica! Hi! How’s it going? You having fun at Stacey’s?”
Jess looked at Stacey as she said, “Yeah, Mom, we’re having a good time, thank you.”
Stacey whispered, “Come on, Jess, you can do it!”
“What’s going on, Jess? Is there something wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong exactly, well… not really. I mean,” Jess sighed. “What I’m trying to say is that I need to tell you something.”
Jessica’s Mom was a little hesitant, “Okay… what is it?”
Stacey squeezed her friend’s hand as Jessica replied, “Mom, I’m pregnant.”
Question Opening
Chocolate is an amazing and extraordinary dairy product. Flowers are an irreplaceable part of creation; in addition, it is a beautiful part of creation. Love notes are a deep and personal way to express emotions from the author’s heart to the recipient’s. What do all of these things have in common? They are all a fantastic way to win over a woman’s heart, and it is proven to work every time.
Contrast Opening
The Internet, while being an incredible stroke of genius, can be an absolute waste of time. Myface, Spacebook, Twitter; all of these are social networks that can warp one’s sense of time, priority, and reality. These sites suck you in to the infinite world of cyberspace; therefore, distorting life itself. However, despite all of this, the Internet can be more of a blessing than a curse because of its incredible warehouse of information stored up for the human race to explore.
Funnel Opening
It is the most powerful phrase in the world. It is a word sequence that has the ability to make almost any girl melt. When said in the right setting, at the right time, and when uttered to the right person, the consequences are extraordinary. “I love you”, when said in the right way, is guaranteed to win over any girl’s heart every time.
Example Opening
Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Handel was the mastermind behind the Handel’s Messiah. Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first successful human-to-human heart transplant. All three of these men were geniuses in their specific field of creativity; moreover, all were artists, gifted, in their own right. Artistic ingenuity can be expressed in many different areas of society.
Anecdotal Opening
My sister stood nervously on the ice, poised, ready to begin her routine that she had been preparing for for the last nine months. She was trying her best to stop herself from shaking, and, so far, hadn’t been so successful. Her skates were now perfectly laced, her dress had been designed to look like a princess’, only knee length and made of nylon instead of silk, her hair had been done up in a gorgeous, braided bun, and her make up served only to accentuate her naturally beautiful features. The only thing, she knew, that wasn’t perfect was her confidence. She was scared, and she didn’t know if she could go through with the routine without falling at least a couple of times. Yet, despite all the inner conflict going on inside of her, she raised her arms in dramatic fashion, asked God for strength, took a deep breath, and then the music began to play. The ice was her playground. Daniela knew that she may not win the gold, but had decided that, no matter what were to happen, she was going to simply do her best. God will always be in control of every situation we encounter in life.
Shocking-Statement Opening
An average of 1.3 million babies are murdered every year in the United States alone. Many of these unborn beings are in the second and third trimester when the abortion takes place. Women are influenced into believing that abortion is the only way to not have the responsibility of raising a child. We, as a society, need to make women, who are considering abortion, more aware of the many options they have available to them.
Remarkably Ordinary
“So, where are we going?” I asked my boyfriend, Alex, with curiosity. He had been reminding me for weeks now about this date that he had been planning for us, making sure I wouldn’t make any other plans for tonight, but he refused to tell me what was going on exactly.
“No need to worry about that yet. You’ll see when we get there,” he said with a sly smile. Before we started off, however, he insisted he blindfold me. Even though I was hesitant to oblige, I did so anyway as I knew he wanted things to be perfect. He was cute like that.
After about twenty minutes or so of driving, we eventually got to our destination and without much ado. Alex got out of the car, walked over to my side, and opened the door. He took my hand, and I stumbled blindly after him as he led me toward the unknown. Tripping and almost falling on my face a couple times, Alex kept catching me and continued to lead me, slowly, through this incredible maze I had created in my mind. I knew we had walked on a gravel pathway and that we were now in a house because he had had to open a couple doors that had stood as obstacles in our way, but nothing prepared me for the beauty that I was about to behold.
Finally, after what had felt like an eternity, which had been three minutes in reality, Alex purposefully placed me somewhere in the room and then he gently removed the blindfold. Dazed, I looked around, trying to refocus my blurred vision.
On the table, in front of me, sat a vase filled with exquisite roses. Red, pink, and purple, they accentuated each other magnificently. Must’ve Done Something Right, by Relient K, played softly in the back round. It was our song, so that alone would have been enough to make me smile; however, there was more yet to come! Fairy lights softly illuminated the room, candles were placed at random around the room, and a fire crackled contentedly to my left. Together, they all created a tranquil mood. I noticed, as well, that there were rose petals scattered all over the wooden floor, among an assortment of heart shaped pieces of paper that had been cut out of pink paper.
While I had been gazing around the room, Alex had been standing behind me, silent. I finally turned to face him, gave a great squeal of delight, and I threw my arms around his neck.
“Alex, this is beautiful, thank you so very much!” I managed to utter, barely cognisant of what was really going on. This was all too perfect. In my wildest imaginings I could not have dreamed up a setting more incredible than this.
Alex then pulled away, took my hands and said, “Andrea, this is something that I’ve been thinking and praying about for a long time. I’ve spent my entire life looking for, searching for, dreaming of someone who I could spend the rest of my life with, not someone perfect in being, but perfect for me. Someone that I could share my deepest desires with, someone I could trust, love, and hold for forever. I’ve been praying that I would be just the right fit for her, that I would be the prince charming that she had always dreamt of, and that I would measure up to the kinds of standards that she has set up for her future life partner.”
Getting down on one knee, Alex continued, “You, my dear Andrea, are that perfect fit for me. You are the one that my heart has been searching for. You complete me, Andrea. You are the woman I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Are you willing to take this step with me?”
Alex then pulled out a black, velvet box, and, opening it, he asked, “Andrea, will you be my wife? Will you marry me?”
Mouth ajar, I stared at him. I had not expected him to ask the question for a long time from now. Yet, here he was, down on bended knee, asking me to be his wife!
I smiled at him, and, with full confidence, replied with a resolute, “Yes! Alex, my dearest Alex, I will marry you! Yes!”
Grinning from ear to ear, Alex placed the beautiful ring on my finger. He then got up, swooped me up in his arms like a groom would his bride, and kissed me.
Life could not have been more perfect than it was on that night. The mood was right, the setting was right, and the time was right. This room, the one in which Alex had chosen to propose to me, was none other than his living room. In his most favorite room in his home, he had decided to ask me one of the most important questions he were ever to ask anyone in his entire life! Instead of going to some restaurant, instead of traveling far and wide to some exotic location, Alex had decided on this room.
To create perfection, things don’t need to be perfect. To live life, you don’t have to have it all planned out. Because of all of this, I learned that you don’t have to go far, or even all out, to discover that something remarkable can also be something completely ordinary.
“No need to worry about that yet. You’ll see when we get there,” he said with a sly smile. Before we started off, however, he insisted he blindfold me. Even though I was hesitant to oblige, I did so anyway as I knew he wanted things to be perfect. He was cute like that.
After about twenty minutes or so of driving, we eventually got to our destination and without much ado. Alex got out of the car, walked over to my side, and opened the door. He took my hand, and I stumbled blindly after him as he led me toward the unknown. Tripping and almost falling on my face a couple times, Alex kept catching me and continued to lead me, slowly, through this incredible maze I had created in my mind. I knew we had walked on a gravel pathway and that we were now in a house because he had had to open a couple doors that had stood as obstacles in our way, but nothing prepared me for the beauty that I was about to behold.
Finally, after what had felt like an eternity, which had been three minutes in reality, Alex purposefully placed me somewhere in the room and then he gently removed the blindfold. Dazed, I looked around, trying to refocus my blurred vision.
On the table, in front of me, sat a vase filled with exquisite roses. Red, pink, and purple, they accentuated each other magnificently. Must’ve Done Something Right, by Relient K, played softly in the back round. It was our song, so that alone would have been enough to make me smile; however, there was more yet to come! Fairy lights softly illuminated the room, candles were placed at random around the room, and a fire crackled contentedly to my left. Together, they all created a tranquil mood. I noticed, as well, that there were rose petals scattered all over the wooden floor, among an assortment of heart shaped pieces of paper that had been cut out of pink paper.
While I had been gazing around the room, Alex had been standing behind me, silent. I finally turned to face him, gave a great squeal of delight, and I threw my arms around his neck.
“Alex, this is beautiful, thank you so very much!” I managed to utter, barely cognisant of what was really going on. This was all too perfect. In my wildest imaginings I could not have dreamed up a setting more incredible than this.
Alex then pulled away, took my hands and said, “Andrea, this is something that I’ve been thinking and praying about for a long time. I’ve spent my entire life looking for, searching for, dreaming of someone who I could spend the rest of my life with, not someone perfect in being, but perfect for me. Someone that I could share my deepest desires with, someone I could trust, love, and hold for forever. I’ve been praying that I would be just the right fit for her, that I would be the prince charming that she had always dreamt of, and that I would measure up to the kinds of standards that she has set up for her future life partner.”
Getting down on one knee, Alex continued, “You, my dear Andrea, are that perfect fit for me. You are the one that my heart has been searching for. You complete me, Andrea. You are the woman I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Are you willing to take this step with me?”
Alex then pulled out a black, velvet box, and, opening it, he asked, “Andrea, will you be my wife? Will you marry me?”
Mouth ajar, I stared at him. I had not expected him to ask the question for a long time from now. Yet, here he was, down on bended knee, asking me to be his wife!
I smiled at him, and, with full confidence, replied with a resolute, “Yes! Alex, my dearest Alex, I will marry you! Yes!”
Grinning from ear to ear, Alex placed the beautiful ring on my finger. He then got up, swooped me up in his arms like a groom would his bride, and kissed me.
Life could not have been more perfect than it was on that night. The mood was right, the setting was right, and the time was right. This room, the one in which Alex had chosen to propose to me, was none other than his living room. In his most favorite room in his home, he had decided to ask me one of the most important questions he were ever to ask anyone in his entire life! Instead of going to some restaurant, instead of traveling far and wide to some exotic location, Alex had decided on this room.
To create perfection, things don’t need to be perfect. To live life, you don’t have to have it all planned out. Because of all of this, I learned that you don’t have to go far, or even all out, to discover that something remarkable can also be something completely ordinary.
Smoothly Satisfying
Smoothies are, in fact, one of the most underrated edibles in society today. They serve as both a drink and a form of liquidated ice cream combined in one. Creating a sense of serenity, while, at the same time, quenching your thirst, I believe that smoothies are the second best dessert ever created in the history of the world! (The best dessert being chocolate, of course.) Of all of the smoothies out there, I’d say that I love QT’s White Cherry smoothie mixed with the Cola flavor the most. It gives you a zing that causes your entire being to tingle with a joy that any other dessert could never possibly hope to achieve. The Cola and Cherry combination is terrifically deadly; consequently, it will have you hooked for life. So I, at any rate, therefore, warn all who read this to stay away from the White Cherry and Cola smoothie mix at QT’s, for you will be captivated by it’s sheer and utter, blissful delectableness.
Athletically Copus Mentus
Being an athlete doesn’t mean resigning oneself to being a “dumb jock.” You need a game plan in order to win, and players without a brain can’t fulfil all their duties efficiently. Smart guys often make the best players on a team because of their keen sense of what’s going on around them. They also need to have the mental capacity to stay focussed on the game.
In order to win a game in any given sport, the team has to have a ploy. If you think of all the successful teams out there in the United States, you will understand what I mean when I say that they need tactic. The players just can’t run around and do their own thing because they won’t get anywhere. Therefore, just like that stereotype that all blondes are bimbos, the typecast that all who are involved in sports are brainless is simply just not true!
In order to win a game in any given sport, the team has to have a ploy. If you think of all the successful teams out there in the United States, you will understand what I mean when I say that they need tactic. The players just can’t run around and do their own thing because they won’t get anywhere. Therefore, just like that stereotype that all blondes are bimbos, the typecast that all who are involved in sports are brainless is simply just not true!
Non-automatic Drive
“I don’t want to do this anymore,” I sat there, in that dull, quiet, dingy room, waiting for the lady who was to do the drivers test with me in any minute. It was the morning of my eighteenth birthday, and this was hardly what I had planned on doing in the early hours of a Saturday morning, let alone my birthday! Yet, the computer had randomly chosen this specific date for the test, so there I was! (In South Africa, one is only allowed to get their drivers licence from the age of eighteen onwards. So I was effectively doing the test at the earliest permissible time. It was also very rare to find someone, who had done the test within the past four or so years, that had passed the first time! It usually took two or three more attempts in order to earn your drivers licence.)
“You can do it, sweetie. Just remember everything I’ve taught you. You’ll be fine,” replied Emma, my driving instructor, with assurance, her gorgeous blue-green eyes looking at me in sympathy. She was busy sewing the Lord’s Prayer onto a piece of creamy fabric for a friend, her fleshy fingers working expertly without all too much effort at all.
I knew she was right; yet, I had a long track record that defied her remark. I had never won gold in any event I had competed in, and I never did very well in the physical examinations for any sport I participated in. I was far better in the whole field of education; my skills lay in the mental stuff. I just got so apprehensive before tests like these, and it was my downfall.
I forced a smile in an attempt to assure her that I would do my best. Doubt still lingered in my mind, and it must’ve reflected in my eyes, for she gave me a side hug and reassured me again that it would work out okay.
The room had an oppressive feel to it. It did anything but make you relaxed. The chairs were plastic and not very comfortable, the walls were white with dirty hand and fingerprint markings scattered all over it, and the only poster they had on the wall was one that read, ‘Stay Alive. Don’t Drink And Drive.’
I continued to sit there, mentally going over everything I had learnt in the past five months. I knew Emma was right. I knew I would pass if I didn’t allow my incredibly overwhelming sense of insecurity and nervousness to take over.
As I began to pray, for the thousandth time, that the Lord would prevail over this scary situation, Jane, the woman who was to do the testing with me, walked into the small room. Her tall and slim figure, dark skin, and strikingly beautiful, brown eyes drew my attention instantly.
“Hi! Andrea Hammond?” she asked with hesitance, unsure whether I was the girl she was looking for or not.
“That’s me,” I replied with uneasiness, still not fully confident in my capability to succeed in the test.
As we shook hands in greeting, she then wished me a very happy birthday! She must’ve noticed the similarity in the dates. I warmed up to her instantly and thanked her. Before leaving the oppressive environment of the waiting room, I looked back at Emma, smiled, and shrugged my shoulders to indicate submission to whatever was to take place. Emma’s pretty, round face lit up as she smiled back at me, her lips mouthing the words ‘Good luck’.
I then turned around again and marched after Jane into the unknown. Silently, I prayed that God would give me the ability to do well in the examination, that He would strip me of my fears and give me the strength of character to succeed in this.
We walked into the testing yard, and she requested that I do the pre-trip inspection that was required before getting into the car.
After I went through the whole list of things that I had to say in order to pass the pre-trip, she nodded in approval and asked me to get into the car. I was shaking so badly, but somehow managed to get through the hill start, both parallel parking manoeuvres, the three-point turn, and both attempts at alley docking!
I rejoiced inwardly when she got into the car with me, buckled up, and asked me to drive out onto the main road. ‘Phase one: complete,’ I thought to myself.
I drove through the streets, obeying every command given, and successfully managed to pass the second, and final, part of the drivers test!
After we got back to the traffic department, she scribbled something on the pad of paper she had sitting on her lap.
Then she turned to me and said, “Congratulations, Andrea! You have passed your drivers licence!”
I was thrilled! We walked back into the 70s styled traffic department that appeared a little run down and shabby. I didn’t notice, however, for I was too busy thanking the Lord for His incredible generosity towards me.
As we walked past Emma, still sitting patiently in the waiting room, working on her piece of fabric, I looked at her, grinned, and mouthed, ‘I passed!’ before going into Jane’s small office.
“Well, Andrea, aside from driving too slow a couple of times, and aside from shifting without looking into your rear view mirror once or twice, you did a good job and passed successfully. Well done,” she informed me with a smile.
“Thank you,” I replied with child-like excitement. “Thank you so very much! This is the greatest birthday present anyone could have ever given me! You have no idea how much I appreciate this!”
“You’re welcome,” she said with a laugh, “but you know that this was all you. I just did the evaluating.”
“I’m not so sure of that,” I remarked. “There was most certainly a higher Power involved in this.”
“Possibly, but, either way, you passed! You are now free to roam in a car anywhere you like, as long as you stick to the speed limits and such, of course.”
We both laughed.
“Well, have a great day, Andrea! I hope that you enjoy the rest of your birthday and the use of your newly acquired drivers licence! By the way,” she added, “tomorrow will my birthday too. So that’s partly how I noticed your birth date.”
“Wow! That’s really awesome,” I remarked. “Happy birthday for tomorrow. I hope you have an incredible day! Thank you again, for assisting me in passing my drivers! Have a nice day.”
With that, I strode out of her little office with confidence. I still could not believe I had done it! All those months of practice were finally paid off! I was now a licensed driver.
All while doing those exercises on the road and in the parking lot, I kept asking the Lord to give me strength, to give me hope, to give me peace. Most who do their drivers test never even get out of the parking lot! It was my weakest point in driving, and it still is. Yet, despite the fact that I could barely control my legs from the intense amount of shaking, despite the doubts that kept invading my mind, despite my inability to do well in tests like this, God worked a miracle and enabled me to get through it all!
Often, I automatically assume I’m going to fail. What drives me doesn’t always involve Christ. That experience taught me that He was, is, and always will be my strength in everything I do. I just need to put my faith in Him and He will work through me in the most incredible way. God will always be there for me. He will be my source of fuel if I only ask it of Him.
My automatic drive tends to get me into trouble a lot. I now know that my non-automatic drive is better, for the Lord knows me better than I do. Why wouldn’t He? He created me, along with that drive. Automatic or not, I determined from that day on, that I would always strive to trust in Him. He now holds the key.
“You can do it, sweetie. Just remember everything I’ve taught you. You’ll be fine,” replied Emma, my driving instructor, with assurance, her gorgeous blue-green eyes looking at me in sympathy. She was busy sewing the Lord’s Prayer onto a piece of creamy fabric for a friend, her fleshy fingers working expertly without all too much effort at all.
I knew she was right; yet, I had a long track record that defied her remark. I had never won gold in any event I had competed in, and I never did very well in the physical examinations for any sport I participated in. I was far better in the whole field of education; my skills lay in the mental stuff. I just got so apprehensive before tests like these, and it was my downfall.
I forced a smile in an attempt to assure her that I would do my best. Doubt still lingered in my mind, and it must’ve reflected in my eyes, for she gave me a side hug and reassured me again that it would work out okay.
The room had an oppressive feel to it. It did anything but make you relaxed. The chairs were plastic and not very comfortable, the walls were white with dirty hand and fingerprint markings scattered all over it, and the only poster they had on the wall was one that read, ‘Stay Alive. Don’t Drink And Drive.’
I continued to sit there, mentally going over everything I had learnt in the past five months. I knew Emma was right. I knew I would pass if I didn’t allow my incredibly overwhelming sense of insecurity and nervousness to take over.
As I began to pray, for the thousandth time, that the Lord would prevail over this scary situation, Jane, the woman who was to do the testing with me, walked into the small room. Her tall and slim figure, dark skin, and strikingly beautiful, brown eyes drew my attention instantly.
“Hi! Andrea Hammond?” she asked with hesitance, unsure whether I was the girl she was looking for or not.
“That’s me,” I replied with uneasiness, still not fully confident in my capability to succeed in the test.
As we shook hands in greeting, she then wished me a very happy birthday! She must’ve noticed the similarity in the dates. I warmed up to her instantly and thanked her. Before leaving the oppressive environment of the waiting room, I looked back at Emma, smiled, and shrugged my shoulders to indicate submission to whatever was to take place. Emma’s pretty, round face lit up as she smiled back at me, her lips mouthing the words ‘Good luck’.
I then turned around again and marched after Jane into the unknown. Silently, I prayed that God would give me the ability to do well in the examination, that He would strip me of my fears and give me the strength of character to succeed in this.
We walked into the testing yard, and she requested that I do the pre-trip inspection that was required before getting into the car.
After I went through the whole list of things that I had to say in order to pass the pre-trip, she nodded in approval and asked me to get into the car. I was shaking so badly, but somehow managed to get through the hill start, both parallel parking manoeuvres, the three-point turn, and both attempts at alley docking!
I rejoiced inwardly when she got into the car with me, buckled up, and asked me to drive out onto the main road. ‘Phase one: complete,’ I thought to myself.
I drove through the streets, obeying every command given, and successfully managed to pass the second, and final, part of the drivers test!
After we got back to the traffic department, she scribbled something on the pad of paper she had sitting on her lap.
Then she turned to me and said, “Congratulations, Andrea! You have passed your drivers licence!”
I was thrilled! We walked back into the 70s styled traffic department that appeared a little run down and shabby. I didn’t notice, however, for I was too busy thanking the Lord for His incredible generosity towards me.
As we walked past Emma, still sitting patiently in the waiting room, working on her piece of fabric, I looked at her, grinned, and mouthed, ‘I passed!’ before going into Jane’s small office.
“Well, Andrea, aside from driving too slow a couple of times, and aside from shifting without looking into your rear view mirror once or twice, you did a good job and passed successfully. Well done,” she informed me with a smile.
“Thank you,” I replied with child-like excitement. “Thank you so very much! This is the greatest birthday present anyone could have ever given me! You have no idea how much I appreciate this!”
“You’re welcome,” she said with a laugh, “but you know that this was all you. I just did the evaluating.”
“I’m not so sure of that,” I remarked. “There was most certainly a higher Power involved in this.”
“Possibly, but, either way, you passed! You are now free to roam in a car anywhere you like, as long as you stick to the speed limits and such, of course.”
We both laughed.
“Well, have a great day, Andrea! I hope that you enjoy the rest of your birthday and the use of your newly acquired drivers licence! By the way,” she added, “tomorrow will my birthday too. So that’s partly how I noticed your birth date.”
“Wow! That’s really awesome,” I remarked. “Happy birthday for tomorrow. I hope you have an incredible day! Thank you again, for assisting me in passing my drivers! Have a nice day.”
With that, I strode out of her little office with confidence. I still could not believe I had done it! All those months of practice were finally paid off! I was now a licensed driver.
All while doing those exercises on the road and in the parking lot, I kept asking the Lord to give me strength, to give me hope, to give me peace. Most who do their drivers test never even get out of the parking lot! It was my weakest point in driving, and it still is. Yet, despite the fact that I could barely control my legs from the intense amount of shaking, despite the doubts that kept invading my mind, despite my inability to do well in tests like this, God worked a miracle and enabled me to get through it all!
Often, I automatically assume I’m going to fail. What drives me doesn’t always involve Christ. That experience taught me that He was, is, and always will be my strength in everything I do. I just need to put my faith in Him and He will work through me in the most incredible way. God will always be there for me. He will be my source of fuel if I only ask it of Him.
My automatic drive tends to get me into trouble a lot. I now know that my non-automatic drive is better, for the Lord knows me better than I do. Why wouldn’t He? He created me, along with that drive. Automatic or not, I determined from that day on, that I would always strive to trust in Him. He now holds the key.
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