She grew up on a side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey
Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey
There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey
Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Trying to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey, yea
There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey
Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somehow
To American honey
ohhh yeahh
Ooh There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothin's sweeter than summer time
And American honey
And American honey
Soon I will be researching why it is that certain songs resonate with us as human beings. It has something to do with the brain and I am waiting on a book to come in that explains it all to me. American Honey is one of my top ten songs of all time. LOVE it! Hopefully this research will uncover my love for big band and swing as well. I'll keep ya'll posted.
-your busy bee
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
True meaning of Christmas
Hi there,
During this season, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Beautiful lights, delicious food in abundance, sparkly presents wrapped neatly (and not so neatly) under an ornate tree, festive music, and travel surround us all and create a palpable hum in the air. This is truly the most wonderful time of year. My thoughts are on my dad this Christmas. Although he claimed that Christmas was for kids and that he didn't need to celebrate, he always seemed to have a big grin on his face come Christmas. His gifts were always thoughtful and the red velvet cake was oh so yummy. This year is our first without him. Admittedly, it's been hard for me to get into the spirit this year.
While having a little pity party, this thought came to me. Why are you looking at the sadness that you feel when there is so much to celebrate? Think about it, God sent His one and only son to earth for all of mankind. I am glad that I am NOT God for many reasons that include the fact that I would probably lose my temper and "zap" people that get on my nerves and I would take issue with sacrificing my only son (which I really only have one son) for people that were not even grateful for him or the actual sacrifice. At any rate, rejoicing for God's son is the true reason for all of our festivities.
Oh, and lest we forget, baby Jesus was not born in a nice clinical environment. He was born in a barn (for lack of a better word), wrapped in rags - not a pamper and a cute onesie, and a feed trough was his cradle. Have any of you seen a feed trough? I have. It's not the cleanest or prettiest thing in the world. However, God Himself decided that it was good enough for His son, the king of kings. Humbling, isn't it? Not only was Jesus born in this setting, he was not the pink skinned blond baby that many manger scenes depict. Remember, Jesus was Jewish. He had olive skin and black hair.
Scripture tells us that there was nothing about his outward appearance that would attract us to him. Personally, I believe that this is true, but I believe that there was something extra special in his eyes that drew people to him. The Messiah could see to the very soul of a human being and know their inner desires, hopes, dreams, and fears. After all, He was the creator!
And, speaking of creator, isn't it fitting that a carpenter would raise God's only son as his own? God is such a creative being, it only makes sense that Jesus would create as well. This is another thought that I had last night while reflecting on the true reason for Christmas. Jesus built things with materials that He created. As a creative person myself, I can't imagine creating the materials to create with. Yet another reason I am glad that I am not God.
Jesus' occupation before he went into ministry gives us another clue to his physical appearance. I don't for a second believe that the pictures depicting Jesus on the cross as a frail, skinny, blond haired blue eyed man with a blond beard to be true in the least. Jesus was more than likely muscular from lifting the building materials. Again, he was Jewish. His skin was dark. His hair was black and his eyes were more than likely brown. I'm sure that his hands were rough and calloused yet when he touched those that he healed there was a tenderness in his hands that could only be rivaled by a mother's soft touch.
When he hung on that wooden cross, it was made from a tree that he created. Amazing thought isn't it? Jesus, the son of God, could have never created that tree in the first place. Or, he could have floated off of that cross putting Chris Angel Mind Freak to shame. Did Jesus do those things? No. He stayed there for you and me because he loved us. That is the best Christmas gift ever.
So, when you look at the Christmas tree in your home, think about some things. Jesus started his life in a feed trough made of wood. He worked with wood. He gave his life for you on a cross of wood. He was the best Christmas gift on a tree - not under a tree.
So, I hope that you reflect on what Christ did for you this Christmas. I'm certainly not someone to preach, but, this is important.
The Busy Bee
P.S. This is an inside thing for my family that reads the blog....I know Dad is filling Michele in on the "Christmas Miracle" in person this year. :-)
During this season, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Beautiful lights, delicious food in abundance, sparkly presents wrapped neatly (and not so neatly) under an ornate tree, festive music, and travel surround us all and create a palpable hum in the air. This is truly the most wonderful time of year. My thoughts are on my dad this Christmas. Although he claimed that Christmas was for kids and that he didn't need to celebrate, he always seemed to have a big grin on his face come Christmas. His gifts were always thoughtful and the red velvet cake was oh so yummy. This year is our first without him. Admittedly, it's been hard for me to get into the spirit this year.
While having a little pity party, this thought came to me. Why are you looking at the sadness that you feel when there is so much to celebrate? Think about it, God sent His one and only son to earth for all of mankind. I am glad that I am NOT God for many reasons that include the fact that I would probably lose my temper and "zap" people that get on my nerves and I would take issue with sacrificing my only son (which I really only have one son) for people that were not even grateful for him or the actual sacrifice. At any rate, rejoicing for God's son is the true reason for all of our festivities.
Oh, and lest we forget, baby Jesus was not born in a nice clinical environment. He was born in a barn (for lack of a better word), wrapped in rags - not a pamper and a cute onesie, and a feed trough was his cradle. Have any of you seen a feed trough? I have. It's not the cleanest or prettiest thing in the world. However, God Himself decided that it was good enough for His son, the king of kings. Humbling, isn't it? Not only was Jesus born in this setting, he was not the pink skinned blond baby that many manger scenes depict. Remember, Jesus was Jewish. He had olive skin and black hair.
Scripture tells us that there was nothing about his outward appearance that would attract us to him. Personally, I believe that this is true, but I believe that there was something extra special in his eyes that drew people to him. The Messiah could see to the very soul of a human being and know their inner desires, hopes, dreams, and fears. After all, He was the creator!
And, speaking of creator, isn't it fitting that a carpenter would raise God's only son as his own? God is such a creative being, it only makes sense that Jesus would create as well. This is another thought that I had last night while reflecting on the true reason for Christmas. Jesus built things with materials that He created. As a creative person myself, I can't imagine creating the materials to create with. Yet another reason I am glad that I am not God.
Jesus' occupation before he went into ministry gives us another clue to his physical appearance. I don't for a second believe that the pictures depicting Jesus on the cross as a frail, skinny, blond haired blue eyed man with a blond beard to be true in the least. Jesus was more than likely muscular from lifting the building materials. Again, he was Jewish. His skin was dark. His hair was black and his eyes were more than likely brown. I'm sure that his hands were rough and calloused yet when he touched those that he healed there was a tenderness in his hands that could only be rivaled by a mother's soft touch.
When he hung on that wooden cross, it was made from a tree that he created. Amazing thought isn't it? Jesus, the son of God, could have never created that tree in the first place. Or, he could have floated off of that cross putting Chris Angel Mind Freak to shame. Did Jesus do those things? No. He stayed there for you and me because he loved us. That is the best Christmas gift ever.
So, when you look at the Christmas tree in your home, think about some things. Jesus started his life in a feed trough made of wood. He worked with wood. He gave his life for you on a cross of wood. He was the best Christmas gift on a tree - not under a tree.
So, I hope that you reflect on what Christ did for you this Christmas. I'm certainly not someone to preach, but, this is important.
The Busy Bee
P.S. This is an inside thing for my family that reads the blog....I know Dad is filling Michele in on the "Christmas Miracle" in person this year. :-)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Playmates
The two girls sat on the bed playing dolls. A simple, tried and true game of dolls. The pure innocence on their faces was breathtaking. "Ok, I think I can hear my mommy calling me to come in for supper." said the girl on the left. "Oh, well, I guess we can play again tomorrow." responded the girl on the right.
Upon closer inspection, the girl on the left had shoulder length white hair. Her hands were gnarled and the veins stood out blue and green against white flesh. She was no longer a girl physically, for Janie was eighty four years old. In her mind, however, Janie was about five years old.
The girl on the right had waist length black hair. Her eyes sparkled at the thought of spending another afternoon playing with her friend. This girl was only four years old in body and in mind. She did not realize that there was anything "wrong" with Janie.
Each day they played dolls, sang songs, and genuinely enjoyed the company of one another.
So, this is a small tickle of an idea that I had in my mind late last night. Of course, this is a teaser and also a work in progress. ROUGH draft so be nice. ;-)
Alissa, the busy bee
Upon closer inspection, the girl on the left had shoulder length white hair. Her hands were gnarled and the veins stood out blue and green against white flesh. She was no longer a girl physically, for Janie was eighty four years old. In her mind, however, Janie was about five years old.
The girl on the right had waist length black hair. Her eyes sparkled at the thought of spending another afternoon playing with her friend. This girl was only four years old in body and in mind. She did not realize that there was anything "wrong" with Janie.
Each day they played dolls, sang songs, and genuinely enjoyed the company of one another.
So, this is a small tickle of an idea that I had in my mind late last night. Of course, this is a teaser and also a work in progress. ROUGH draft so be nice. ;-)
Alissa, the busy bee
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Rah Rah Siss Boom Bah, Yaaaaaaaaaaaay Jesus girls
This has bothered me for a number of years now. I hope that my thoughts make sense and appear to be in an orderly fashion. As in any good story, or complaint, let's start from the beginning. Shall we?
I was born in Florida, raised in the church, and thought that my life was pretty normal. Of course I got picked on and made fun of in school pretty much like any kid. Yeah, there was the "I hate Alissa" club and boys ran from me like I had the plague. Let's just be kind and say that the awkward phase lasted quite a while for me.
At any rate, by the time my junior year in high school came around, there were boys everywhere. The awkward phase had run it's course. I didn't want much of anything to do with them (the boys that had tormented me) because if they couldn't be decent through the funky phases, why should I give them my attention now? Of course flirting was fun and I did enjoy my share of free desserts at restaurants. ;-)
In the summer, living in Florida, short shorts and tank tops with spaghetti straps were the uniform of the day. Pretty much ALL girls/women dress like that when it's hot and no one pays much attention. Exposed flesh is NORMAL in this tropical heat. Men seldom give a second glance because they are inundated with the sight.
In these teen years, I still attended church regularly. However, some things did change a little. For example, I was always cast as the "fallen woman", "the prostitute longing for Jesus", or even Mary Magdalen. What the heck? Why? It bothered me, but, it was fun to be in the church's drama program so I went along with it.
Then came the time for me to go off to college. I had chosen and been accepted into Southeasten College (now Southeastern University) in Lakeland, Florida. It was a private Christian college and my declared major was Psychology. How excited I was! I packed my belongings and moved into the dorm. The GIRLS ONLY dorm. On our first night there, a dorm meeting was held telling us the evils of boys/men. What?! Evil? No way! Boys were fun and harmless. Well, not according to these "ladies".
I use that term loosely because, well, many of them appeared to enjoy the company of women more than men. No judgment. Personal preference is up to the individual. Anyway, I disagreed with their endless and mind numbing speeches.
I decided to call these females members of the "Rah Rah Siss Boom Bah Yaaaaaay Jesus" club. There were fines for my clothing! FINES as in MONEY to be paid for wearing a tank top. What?! It's FLORIDA and especially HOT because Lakeland is in the middle of the state with no ocean breeze. I was at least used to the ocean breeze.
My argument was, no matter what a girl wears, if a guy has issues with lust, he will continue to have those issues. The rebuttal was given that "sisters in Christ should no do anything to be a stumbling block to their brothers in Christ". Well, that's all well and good but, I was not going to suffocate for these morons. So, more money came out of my pocket (hundreds of dollars by the way) and I married and moved off campus ASAP.
Obviously the marriage was a mistake, but, there was some freedom of wardrobe. Hey, a girl has to look on the bright side. ;-)
Now, fast forward about twelve/thirteen years. Those same girls, members of the "Rah Rah" club are just as prude as ever.
Oh yes, I have seen many of them around. Churches, fb, myspace, etc. Many of them are still unmarried and I can't help but wonder if a few of them have even been kissed. Do they still believe that men are the lust filled enemy? What about us as women? We have lustful desires. During those ridiculous dorm meetings NOT ONCE were our own desires brought up. Imagine that! How scandalous, a woman that enjoys sex! Well, it is fun and God Himself created it. Why not enjoy his marvelous creation?
Yes, I still wear short shorts during the summer, tank tops, bikinis, and sun dresses. I still get flirted with (although the only flirtation that counts is from my husband - the one I should have married the first time around), and I still consider myself average looking. If anyone has a problem with it, they can get over it or think of other things.
Obviously, I love Jesus. He is the reason for the happiness and joy in my life. I am thankful for all of His wonderful and undeserved gifts. That being out of the way, I don't feel it necessary to be one of those awful "Rah Rah" girls.
Once again, I hope that made sense. Talk to ya'll later.
Alissa
I was born in Florida, raised in the church, and thought that my life was pretty normal. Of course I got picked on and made fun of in school pretty much like any kid. Yeah, there was the "I hate Alissa" club and boys ran from me like I had the plague. Let's just be kind and say that the awkward phase lasted quite a while for me.
At any rate, by the time my junior year in high school came around, there were boys everywhere. The awkward phase had run it's course. I didn't want much of anything to do with them (the boys that had tormented me) because if they couldn't be decent through the funky phases, why should I give them my attention now? Of course flirting was fun and I did enjoy my share of free desserts at restaurants. ;-)
In the summer, living in Florida, short shorts and tank tops with spaghetti straps were the uniform of the day. Pretty much ALL girls/women dress like that when it's hot and no one pays much attention. Exposed flesh is NORMAL in this tropical heat. Men seldom give a second glance because they are inundated with the sight.
In these teen years, I still attended church regularly. However, some things did change a little. For example, I was always cast as the "fallen woman", "the prostitute longing for Jesus", or even Mary Magdalen. What the heck? Why? It bothered me, but, it was fun to be in the church's drama program so I went along with it.
Then came the time for me to go off to college. I had chosen and been accepted into Southeasten College (now Southeastern University) in Lakeland, Florida. It was a private Christian college and my declared major was Psychology. How excited I was! I packed my belongings and moved into the dorm. The GIRLS ONLY dorm. On our first night there, a dorm meeting was held telling us the evils of boys/men. What?! Evil? No way! Boys were fun and harmless. Well, not according to these "ladies".
I use that term loosely because, well, many of them appeared to enjoy the company of women more than men. No judgment. Personal preference is up to the individual. Anyway, I disagreed with their endless and mind numbing speeches.
I decided to call these females members of the "Rah Rah Siss Boom Bah Yaaaaaay Jesus" club. There were fines for my clothing! FINES as in MONEY to be paid for wearing a tank top. What?! It's FLORIDA and especially HOT because Lakeland is in the middle of the state with no ocean breeze. I was at least used to the ocean breeze.
My argument was, no matter what a girl wears, if a guy has issues with lust, he will continue to have those issues. The rebuttal was given that "sisters in Christ should no do anything to be a stumbling block to their brothers in Christ". Well, that's all well and good but, I was not going to suffocate for these morons. So, more money came out of my pocket (hundreds of dollars by the way) and I married and moved off campus ASAP.
Obviously the marriage was a mistake, but, there was some freedom of wardrobe. Hey, a girl has to look on the bright side. ;-)
Now, fast forward about twelve/thirteen years. Those same girls, members of the "Rah Rah" club are just as prude as ever.
Oh yes, I have seen many of them around. Churches, fb, myspace, etc. Many of them are still unmarried and I can't help but wonder if a few of them have even been kissed. Do they still believe that men are the lust filled enemy? What about us as women? We have lustful desires. During those ridiculous dorm meetings NOT ONCE were our own desires brought up. Imagine that! How scandalous, a woman that enjoys sex! Well, it is fun and God Himself created it. Why not enjoy his marvelous creation?
Yes, I still wear short shorts during the summer, tank tops, bikinis, and sun dresses. I still get flirted with (although the only flirtation that counts is from my husband - the one I should have married the first time around), and I still consider myself average looking. If anyone has a problem with it, they can get over it or think of other things.
Obviously, I love Jesus. He is the reason for the happiness and joy in my life. I am thankful for all of His wonderful and undeserved gifts. That being out of the way, I don't feel it necessary to be one of those awful "Rah Rah" girls.
Once again, I hope that made sense. Talk to ya'll later.
Alissa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)