The Stuff of Summer

Despite the overcast, slightly chilly days, I love New England summers.
The thunderstorms are mild, but beautiful,
the rain is gloomy, but magnifies the greenery,
and the light breeze forces me to hold on tighter to the ones I love.

It's good to be home.

Home has a way of relaxing me, even when I'm stressed. I know that I am loved where I am, and that's all I really need to know. That I am loved. From that point on, I can face the rest of this world. That's probably why, in general, I am not really a stressed out person.
I know that, no matter what people's opinions of me, I am loved by the Creator of the world. That's definitely a mind-boggling relief.
I am thankful for the people he's placed in my life here at my official earthly home because through them, I see Him. Their love, to me, represents God's love, because I know that they love because He loves. Home reminds me of that.

So far, this summer has involved getting to know and love my nephew, catching up with cousins, seeing old friends who I grew up with, trying new things, sticking to old things and getting some work done.

I just love my nephew a lot. Everything about him. How is it possible to have so much love inside of me for this little human being who can't talk and who I barely know? I don't know how, but it's happened. Needless to say, that little one has my heart.
I've come to understand what God wants of me in certain areas of my life but only in glimpses. I sort of know what He wants, but I don't know when or how that's going to happen. Or maybe (probably) I don't actually understand, and I just think I do.
...And people think the Christian life is boring. Ha.

In other news, I sort of threw the majority of my reading list out the window and developed a whole new one.
Didn't read the Great Gatsby before I saw the movie, but may in fact read it anyway.
The movie reminded me of why I loved the book in the first place... depth, beautiful language, depiction of historical pains.
I picked up "To Kill a Mockingbird" off of my shelf tonight. It's been there for years, and I still have yet to read it. I'm sort of glad I didn't read it when I was young because I believe that now I can really appreciate it. So I begin that, along with two books that I have to read for RA for next year.
"Gospel Centered Discipleship" by Jonathan K. Dodson and
"Lady in Waiting" by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones.
I started Dodson's book and so far so good. We'll see.
I'm really excited to start on "Lady in Waiting," especially since I started my new blog, Embrace the Single. I'm praying that it gives me more to think about and to contribute.
I am, however, still reading "The Picture of Dorian Gray," but it's sort of turned into my "when I'm stuck somewhere, bored and just need to read" book since it's on my iPod.
Sometimes you just need one of those books.

I'm finally getting to watch some movies that I've been wanting to watch but haven't had time for during the semester, one of which was "One Day," a 2011 picture starring Anne Hathway and Jim Sturgess. This movie genuinely took my breath away (of course, not including inappropriate scenes and so on) .. it was creative, made my heart happy and sad all at the same time and attached me to the characters. Definitely a worth while film.

I painted on Wednesday and realized how completely unrealistic my mind is- or so depicts my art. Disorganized, colorful, flowery and... swirly. Those are the contents of my brain.
Confusing. Unfocused. Passionate. Hopelessly romantic.
I don't even understand my mind.
Does everyone think in different shapes? If that's the case, I'm pretty sure the shape I think in is swirls. Is that a shape?
This reminds me of a quote from a song by the Vespers:

"People come in circles and squares
Some are hearts but they're quite rare."
-Eyes Wide Open

I love that quote. It's such a truth of life. It's like the hearts in life are the kindred spirits.
That's how I paint.. with that in mind. That there are hearts out there somewhere, despite their rarity.
I don't paint well, but somehow there is still a method to the madness.

On a different note, despite every single place I've applied to either telling me they won't hire for the summer or not getting back to me at all (even though I harrass them frequently), God has still provided me a method of work this week (and exercise).
House cleaning. Nothing crazy, but something.
And a something that helps me build my muscle index as well.
I can't complain.
Honestly, cleaning is extremely relaxing for me (unless it's my own room.. then it makes me want to procrastinate). It was enjoyable for me in general, and it was exciting that I was doing something and working hard. I've loved the opportunities of relaxation, but I really do love to work and earn.

 In my time in the Word, I have been reading Judges and I just love everything about the book (even though I have been struggling to read it daily, especially with its heavy topics). The repetitiveness of Israel's sin can sort of be disheartening at times, reminding me of my perpetual disobedience to God as a human being, but at the same time, it reminds me of God's mercy and constant forgiveness of the people of Israel.
From the book of Judges, I learn who I want to be like, who I don't want to be like, how I want to live my life and how I don't want to live my life.
I see more about the character of my God, what He expects of those who follow Him and how He interacts. Most importantly, I see my need for Him.
The Bible has a trivial way of somehow relaying that same message, despite the actual topic.

I start my internship on Wednesday, and it would probably be an understatement to say that I'm terrified. Terrified to mess up, terrified to forget what I've learned, terrified to let people down, terrified to not display Jesus to people. In addition, I'm terrified to get lost. Really though, I am the most directionally dysfunctional human being (probably on this planet), and I can't get lost. I really need to figure out where this place is...

So that's what's been happening.
Summer. Life. Love. Bliss. Home.

Julie & Julia & Daisy

This weekend I watched "Julie & Julia." Would it be dramatic to say that it sort of changed my life?
Yeah it probably would be since it did not actually in fact change my life.

However, I did happen to gain a small education from this film.

1. I do not want to work at an insurance company answering phones. 
2. Actually, maybe I could work at an insurance company answering phones and write about everyone's really ridiculous stories that they call in about. Or is that illegal? ......Maybe I should just stay away from this.
3. Blogging really is wonderful. However, I need to focus my blog to a specific audience... or at least start another one that does so.
4. I really do not understand cooking lingo. I should probably look into that if I'm ever going to read a cookbook.. and cook from it. And not poison everyone who eats of the results.
5. Note to self: never put my writing endeavors before people. Putting my own thoughts and opinions before tangible human beings who are in the real world is just asking to be alone for the rest of my life.
6. Julia Child is hilarious, and I would have loved to be her friend. In fact, my mom sort of reminds me of her. I don't know if that will insult my mother to tell her that, so.. mmm.. better not. Either way, my mom is cool.
7. This may be Meryl Streep's finest movie. This woman can act.
8. Pearls really do make everyone classier. 
9. I wonder if cooking lobster is really as hard as it looks? Also, I should probably try lobster sometime... especially since I'm from New England. Yes, I am from the Boston area and have never in fact tasted lobster. Fail, self. Fail. 
10. I want to create a project blog just like Julie. You know, the kind of blog that keeps readers hooked and longing to see what happens next. I want it to be honest. Vulnerable. Unleashing the quirky. Entertaining. Inspiring. 

I need ideas. I guess there isn't really a rush... but then again, if I don't do this now, I probably never will (or at least I'll put it off until I'm 42 and my hypothetical children are in high school).

Time to use my investigative reporting skills and research the internet for all that is missing in it. That's so hard... that's like trying to complete one of those "Spot the Difference" puzzles. If you've ever tried one of these, hopefully you aren't as bad as I am. Being observant isn't one of my finest skills. Remind me why I'm a journalism major again?

Can you "spot the differences?"
Hey look, it's Julia Child baking a cake! And... me? And a cat!

What can I bring to the imaginary table?

Well, I have no answers for now, but I'll be thinking. And praying.
This may seem sort of petty to pray about, but I do believe that anything I write is to glorify God anyway, so of course I would pray about this.

Guess we'll find out what happens!

Love of Everything Les Mis

Despite my extreme love for everything Les Miserables, I have failed at blogging about the recent movie. Yes, I'm surprised too. So, literature and theater freaks, I hope this post finds you well.

I am going to start off by saying that the movie was absolutely brilliant and beautiful. I had extremely high expectations, and I was pleased that the movie did not let me down at all.

• The filming- incredible.
• The cast- perfect.
• The interpretation of the Broadway and book- spot on.
• The music/singing- beautiful.

I was both moved and impressed by the director's accomplishment. I believe it's the same man who directed, The King's Speech. Am I correct? If so, this director knows emotion. He gets it.

The story of Les Miserables may be one of the most beautiful works of literature ever written. Jean Valjean's initial condition and lifestyle of thievery is dramatically changed when he is shown grace, mercy and God's love by a humble bishop. One act of kindness changes a man's heart forever, pushing him to show the same type of love and mercy to all who cross his path. Valjean's character is a masterpiece, his person painting the portrait of a good man.When he takes in Fantine's child at her death, he has the opportunity to really know long-term love. Cosette is his blessing, and he must protect the man she loves so that she may have a future full of love (since we all know her 'heart is full of love').

I absolutely LOVE the song "One Day More" because of the way it ties the entire story into one song. Marius and Cosette's love, Valjean's fleeing from Javert, Enjolras's battle cry, Javert's intention of shutting up the rebels and the Thenardier's dirty motives even in times of war. So good. But then again, I love the entire soundtrack. I mean, Red and Black... so incredibly catchy. I Dreamed a Dream? Powerfully heart wrenching. Do You Hear the People Sing? Motivational and patriotic. ALL OF IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. I can't stand it.

I can't even really cover everything.. there is just too much.

I heard numerous reviews that Russel Crowe and Amanda Seyfried bombed their singing parts and expected some pretty pitchy, awful vocals from them going into the film. Honestly, I thought they did a fantastic job. Seyfried's voice in general is not my favorite but that doesn't mean she did a bad job. Crowe, however, I really liked. His vocals weren't operetta, but it fit his character and his voice was on pitch, masculine and powerful.
Of course, we all know Hugh Jackman OWNED his part in every way shape and form. So much emotion. So much passion. Beautiful vocals. Incredible acting. Jean Valjean truly comes to life. Anne Hathaway, however short her part, was beautiful in this film. She was one that I was slightly worried about at first, but she completely removed any doubt I had about her being able to sing. Her vocals were absolutely chilling, her passion spilling out into her songs, and her rendition of Fantine was fantastic.
I was absolutely blown away by Aaron Tveit who played Enjrolras. His performance was incredible and his voice was perfection. While I love Marius's character and though Eddy Redmayne fit the part well, I wasn't a huge fan of his voice. He was still fantastic overall, but I definitely preferred Tveit's performance.
The Thenardier's are pretty obnoxious and dirty characters to begin with, but Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen NAILED the part. To a tee. Hysterical performance.

Can I just say, Samantha Barks? Fantastic. My heart. Ouch. So good.

http://www.lesmis.com/

There legitimately is so much to cover, but basically... if you aren't opposed to musicals, love classy films, appreciate powerful music and plot and are interested in history- this movie will blow you away.

Coldplay to Glorify God?

As a Christian, is it a sin to listen to non-Christian music or Christian music that is "emotional" and not "coming right from Bible verses?" Is it a sin to watch non-Christian movies or enjoy culture if it isn't meant to praise God?

I'm just going to go ahead and nip this in the butt..... NO.
This whole mentality is, quite frankly, ridiculous. How the idea that creativity is sin is beyond me.

Now, if said music/movie/art is a stumbling block in your personal walk with God or is blaspheming/dishonoring God, then yes, it is a sin.

However, I find that many Christians who point their fingers and shout "If it has a beat and isn't hymns or choruses, then you are not walking with God!" in their mommy voice are simply just harboring a Pharisee mentality and not Biblically backing up their arguments. At all.

Sorry if that's harsh, but not sorry.

Now, let me start off by saying that just because it's not blatantly "Christian," doesn't mean that God doesn't use it nor does it mean He can't be glorified by it.

My English professor this semester made a beautiful point in class.
People often gawk at the fact that we in a Christian university read, learn and study works of literature that are not written by Christians, do not present Christian messages and often display ungodly ideals and mentalities. So why do we study them?
What he said truly inspired me. "Just because it isn't a Christian work with Christian morals, doesn't mean we can't see pieces of God through man's creativity. Just because there may be mentalities we don't agree with in them, doesn't mean that we can't learn more about God and man from them."

Obviously he is not saying to fill our minds with horrible things or dark worldviews that will corrupt our minds. The Bible says to think on GOOD things.
Here's what he WAS saying: Often times, art (any form) is not created to point to God, but yet it still does. Man is God's creation, and though man may be far from God, man still has within his or her inner being, the knowledge and recognition of their Creator. Therefore, man's insight (whether Christian or not) does, in a way, teach us about our Lord and Creator and also teaches us about the nature of man in comparison to His GLORY.

Example:
Coldplay. Non-Christian band. Secular worldviews presented through their lyrics.
However, through their music and lyrics, I often see their longing for God, man's need for the Lord and their desperation for meaning in life, encouraging me to reach the lost for God. Through their music and lyrics I also can see a beauty of creation, an appreciation for obscure beauty and glimpses of nature, helping me to further understand my Maker and his beauty in creating music, life, human beings and just this world. Such music, though not written to glorify God, brings out in my heart and mind a sort of appreciation for God and his obscure characteristics that DOES bring Him glory.

This is an example of how contemporary culture can point people to Jesus unknowingly.

With that said, maybe it doesn't work like that for everyone. Maybe not everyone is a right-brained nut who sees God's beauty and majesty through tearful tunes and deep, poetic anecdotes, and that is ok. But for people to call those people ignorant who DO find beauty and appreciation of the Lord through those things, THAT is not right and not their place to judge or condemn.

Romans 14 blatantly speaks against judging others based on what they celebrate, how they eat, how they go about certain things...

Obviously, this is NOT in reference to an overt sin. Anything that directly goes against God's Word SHOULD be judged, especially among Christian brethren, because THAT is Biblical, and God is the ultimate judge
. 
But, condemning others for certain preferences in what type of culture they partake in is absolutely UNBIBLICAL and arrogant.

Sorry if I stepped on toes, but ya know... welcome to the blog of Daisy Wolf. 

Summer Books; Summer Movies

*UPDATED* ... So here's this updated and adjusted!

Summer reading and movie-watching goals.. I have many of them. Many of the movies I want to watch I've seen before but love and must watch again this summer.

So what's on the list for this summer? Maybe if I list them out publicly I'll actually read them/watch them...

Books:

1. The Sound and the Fury - by:William Faulkner --> (I'm halfway through this and still uninterested. It's very well written, but nothing really happens, which sort of defeats the purpose... Sorry, Faulkner, but if you can't get my attention by the middle of the book, you fail.)
2. Spiritual Leadership - by: J. Oswald Sanders
   *Currently Reading*
   While I'm required to read this for next year's SLD position, I am really looking forward to reading this. I'm guessing the title is pretty self-explanatory.
3. The Way of the Shepherd - by: Dr. Kevin Leman and William Pentak
   Really enjoyed this book. The author focuses on how a shepherd tends to his flock as an example of how a manager/leader is to manage/lead the group of people that has been placed under their care. The examples are perfect and eye-opening. Definitely helped me to see managing people in a completely new light!
4. Wuthering Heights - by: Emily Bronte
   ....Aaaanddd a year later, Heathcliff and Catherine's story is finally completed. Definitely a cold, dark romance, but it's so well written that no matter how depressing the storyline may be, I somehow enjoyed it.
5. Not a Fan - by: Kyle Idleman
   My leadership team for next year will all be reading this over the summer and discussing it when we get back. Apparently this book focuses on being a follower of Christ rather than just a fan, and it explains the difference. I'm excited!
6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - by: F. Scott Fitzgerald
   This was a short story, but it was one fabulous use of my time. The story is original, well-written and just plain hilarious! If you want a quick and interesting read, this is for you! Love Fitzgerald's writing style and would read this again in a heartbeat.
7. Roses for Mama - by: Janette OkeI read this years ago, but I was in the mood for a sappy Christian romance. I'm not really a fan of the writing style, but the story is cute. Just one of those girly must-haves. Gotta love the typical "orphan farm girl meets boy next door" story.
8. Pilgrim's Progress
   I read a shortened, child-proof version of this story when I was younger, but really am interested in reading the real deal. John Bunyan uses allegory to express the dynamics of the Christian life. I absolutely love the writing style and cannot wait to dive into all the symbolism!
9. The Count of Monte Cristo
   Not sure what this is about.. but it's a classic and was only 5 bucks at the used book store, so here it goes!

So, right now, that's what I've got for books. Disclaimer: This is OTHER than books of the Bible.

Films:

1. The Avengers
   Absolutely loved it. That's all that really can be said. Who doesn't love a movie with a massive amount of superheroes and cool effects? Only the crazy.
2. Jurassic Park
   Yes, I am that person that has never seen these movies, but no more. This summer, I will be cultured in the ways of giant prehistoric, man-eating animals. I'm ready.
3. A Walk to Remember
   It's been forever since I've watched this movie, but it's a classic and a must-watch. If you need a tear-jerking romance, this is the movie for you.
4. Anne of Green Gables series
   Another series that I've watched since I was a kid year after year, but must watch this summer. Since this is a lengthy series, I never have time to watch these movies during school. Anne, you are my literary hero and probably the fictional character I relate to the most. I even named one of my journals after Anne of Green Gables. Yup, these movies are definitely winners.
5. Anne of Avonlea series 
   ...and the amazing series continues...
   
6. This Means War
   All right- Reese Witherspoon is one of my favorite actresses and this movie looks hilarious. Probably going to be pretty cheesy, but now and then these cheesy movies are fantastic.
7. Madea Goes to Jail
   I recently saw "Madea's Family Reunion" and absolutely loved it. Probably one of the most hilarious movies I have seen recently. So, my goal is to watch more of these awesome Madea movies.. it will happen.
8. Snow White and the Huntsman
   This looks absolutely intriguing. I love fantasies and fairy-tale types of books and movies, and this looks like it will be amazing. Every time I see the preview it makes it more difficult to wait to see this movie.
9. Mirror, Mirror
   I know, another Snow White movie, but this seems much lighter and completely different From "Snow White and the Huntsman." This looks hilarious and a fun film, but I don't know if I would go to theaters to see it.
10. The Little Dorrit Series
    This movie is based on Charles' Dicken's book which I would be very interested to read if it wasn't the size of an encyclopedia. Just kidding, it's not that bad. Anyway, the mini-series was absolutely fantastic and brilliant. Definitely worth the 16 episodes!

 So that's what I have right now.