I find it pretty funny that, according to several books, my name translates to the meaning, “Graceful” or “full of grace”.  Assuming the translation refers to the art of being graceful (or “lady-like” as my mother would say),  hang around me long enough and you’ll find out how graceful I am not.  My name was not picked by happenstance… I was named for two of my aunts.  Though I could be wrong, I’m pretty sure my mother didn’t name me with the thought that either I was a graceful baby or that I would live my life gracefully just because my name translated so.

Picking a name for a child is a tough job… my husband and I had the hardest time deciding on each of our girls’ names.  Honestly, I didn’t look at the meanings of their names or if I did, I didn’t give it second thought.  I just went with the name that I liked.

My advent reading today was Isaiah 9:1-7 and I focused on the names that this prophecy gave Christ…the names were descriptive of who this “son” was going to be… Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  I love these terms, not just because I can sing them (Hallelujah Chorus), but because of what these four or possibly five names can really mean.

Wonderful- astonishing, amazing.. wonderful goes beyond good, even beyond great….. wonderful exceeds expectations and in most cases blows us away

Counselor- who can I depend on to guide me in the best direction?  Who can I confide in? Who can I gain understanding from?  Yep, it would be the counselor…. or rather, the Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God-  I love the term mighty.  From what I can comprehend about God… there is nothing that can touch Him… He is mighty and more powerful than all

Everlasting Father- Never ending…. No death…. infinity and beyond … However you best understand it, God is forever.

Prince of Peace- I’m not sure if this title is descriptive of world peace or peace within but I believe that Christ showed us how to live peacefully within ourselves and among the world

I love the fact that Christ lived up to his names…. I’ve experienced the Wonderful and was blown away.  I’ve experienced the Counselor and was guided in the correct direction.  I’ve experienced the Mighty God… so much power and never backs down… fights the enemy for you.  I’ve experienced the Everlasting Father…. time is of no issue… He is always there.  I’ve experienced the Prince of Peace…. there have been times when I thought my world was falling apart or times when I was broken… Peace came in and rescued me..

Christ lives up to his name…Just one of the many reasons to celebrate the season and the hope that it brings.

Isaiah 9:1-7

¹ Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

² The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
³ You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
⁴ For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
⁵ The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.

⁶ For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,^[d] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!

Corina Ballerina… that’s mee.

well, my nickname. But truth be told, it hardly fits.

Ballerinas are poise, graceful dancers.

I’m a klutz! totally clumsy. It sucks!

also I don’t know how to dance.

It’s okay.

I’m just ironic I guess. But it rhymes so that’s cool. (:

Beauty pageants. What comes to mind?

• Stupid girls with nothing but looks?
• Intelligent, beautiful women?
• Grace and perfection?
• A popularity contest?
• Miss Congeniality?
• World peace?
• A guy? WTF a guy??!

So anyway, I was ‘inspired’ to write this post as I stumbled onto something on youtube. But before I present it to you, I would like to take a moment and share with you a few of videos that has been on youtube for a while now. But you know, it’s just to get into the pageant kind of mood.

Happy Viewing!!

WARNING
This following video (singular) is quite loud, you may want to turn your speakers down.

This is good, I mean real good. Look at the way she fell. It was as if it was choreographed! AND, let’s say, you looked away for a second and did not see the drop, you wouldn’t of even known. She even gives us a wink

Well,… she’s pretty!!

Yeah… and she won the whole thing too!!

So anyway guys now that we got into the mood… hopefully, I would like to present to you the video that inspired this post. So, above, I listed the expectations some of us may have when we watch a beauty contest. And the last point (the guy one) may have been a bit wierd to comprehend. However, a GAY beauty pageant held in Brasil (or she he was from Brasil) went very well for this delegate. However, things took an awful turn in her his (dammit!!) interview. Take a look.

So sad when that happens! Even though maybe the angry delegate planned only to sabotage and steal the crown, her hair came off too! Duh! But I guess he or she (I’m so confused as to what to call them) now knows to grow their own hair so something like that won’t happen again!!

Bad hair day??
My attempt of humour!! HAHA!

Here’s a bit of footage of a nice cruise across the park. Notice how my feet land together underneath my body and how my knees go forward and back which is the result of good ankle bend. I’m double pushing throughout – even when it looks like I’m just gliding on my outside edges I’m still pushing against them creating a very considerable proportion of my overall propulsion. Enjoy.

In shadowskating I’m alternating my outside edges while rolling down a gentle constant slope. The shadows highlight how my feet always come back together underneath me, forward or backward. The aim when ever I skate this slope is to be as relaxed and push as little as possible, trying not to accelerate but just flow with the gradient.

We’re taking our inspiration, DIY projects and musings to Graceful Day Design.

Don’t forget to bookmark the new location!

Once you get there, drop us a note – let us know what you’d like to see more of!

I go running sometimes because I like to keep top shape and I know how fabulous—and not ugly—I look with sweat glistening off my body. Miles and miles I run and I never get tired. My muscles are never sore, and I run really fast. Really, really fast.

Except most of that is not true.

I do run, but it’s more of a light jog. Or a peppy walk. And I know this because I ran around the track once in college, and my friend just strolled by my side. I gave up running for a while after that. But I’m running again now. I’ve recovered from the embarrassment.

It’s just not graceful. I don’t look like a runner. My friend, who is my same height, once told me she felt like a giant, stomping and clumping around when she runs. And I can’t get it out of my head now. It’s what I think about every time I go running. So look out you regular sized people! Here I come! Feel the ground shake. The windows rattle.

No, strapping vikings aren’t graceful runners. At least not this one.

But a couple nights ago, I took a break from school to run with my dear husband. We like to run a 3-mile loop—not too long but long enough to make me hate running. Wait, can I change that to 5k? It sounds longer. And you’ll be more impressed. It’s a 5k loop. And it’s easy. And I don’t get out of breath doing it.

It was about 3 weeks since our last run because we’ve been busy—not because we’re lazy. I’m pretty sure. And so we started out, but my legs wouldn’t do what I told them to do. I told them to look long and sleek and sexy. But instead they just kind of dragged and womped along. I told them to stop embarrassing me because cars were passing and people could feel the ground shaking. And they said, “Lay off, woman,” but they kept me going.

And then about halfway through the run, my lungs started to protest. They felt heavy, soaking up the humidity like a sponge. My heart started to fight my lungs because they were lagging on the job. And my lungs were offended, so they retaliated with a side cramp. I told them to knock it off and do what they were supposed to do. But of course, nobody listens to me.

By the time we were two-thirds of the way through the run, I was positive I was going to die right there. “Young pastor’s wife dies of a heart attack…from running too fast..and looking too good doing it.” I was getting light-headed and wanted to tell Brandon that I needed to walk for a bit. But I couldn’t because I’m a prideful wretch.

I could feel the heat emanating from my face. The sweat dripping down my back. And I did one of those runs where you make your elbows swing violently at your side to help propel you. Yes, it looked stupid. No, I won’t show you. Stop laughing at me.

And I knew I couldn’t go on. I looked at Brandon and he was fine. Of course, because he’s handsome and athletic. What is 3 miles to him? So I pretended I was fine too. Just a little more. I couldn’t fail now! But my body sagged and lagged. No, I needed to stop. Just as I turned to tell Brandon, he grabbed my arm and slowed me down.

I was rescued! He save me from my shame. Isn’t it great how he always protects me from myself? He took the fall so I wouldn’t have to. He saw how miserable I looked and knew I needed to stop. And he knew I was too competitive to ask him. Or maybe he was just embarrassed that I was swinging my arms so much. Yea, let’s pretend it was because he saw how much I was struggling.

So I caught my breath. He asked if I wanted to run again, and I said I needed another minute. Or two. And when we started up again, everything was perfect and I was suddenly the runner I always dreamed of being. I was delicate and controlled like never before. And we lived happily thereafter.

No, you’re right. That’s not true either.

I may have stopped again because my shoe was untied, and I may have had to walk because I wanted to make sure it was tied right. And I lost a bit of momentum when some petite, well-sculpted middle-aged woman flew past us. I didn’t give her a mean look because I’m a pastor’s wife and we don’t do such things. But I secretly did. Forgive me.

And then it was over. It wasn’t a total failure. We made relatively good time, considering the circumstances. I mean, it was a few weeks since our last run, right? It was bound to be a little rough around the edges. All I kept thinking was three things:

1. JoAnne ran 20 miles yesterday with no iPod for 3 hours. How does she do it? How does she possibly do it?
2. I get to eat tortilla chips tonight.
3. I have to do this again on Thursday?

And so, here I am again. A few hours until our next run. I can do this. And I will be graceful and fast. I won’t be out of breath, and I will look fabulous doing it.

The elegant and beautiful model is Morrigan.

This was taken while we were shooting a set for Zivity and I love it to death. It makes me feel all bouncy and happy. Yay!

If you love it and want it on your wall, you can buy prints from Fotki and deviantART.

Nothing to do with photography, but today was the first day this week that I’ve been able to walk unaided and actually managed to do some food shopping.

Trolleys are like stealth walking sticks, allowing creaky bodies to make their way round the supermarket without so much as a stare or gawp.

As you can probably guess, this week was not a particularly eventful one. I did however buy an awesome adjustable laptop table thingy from Ikea. It’s Ikea product name is Dave, which totally cracks me up.

It was a wonderful purchase and I’m already feeling the benefits of ALWAYS being able to work from a comfortable position, no matter where that comfortable position may be.

Even though I haven’t been able to leave the house this week, I’ve been super-productive.

I can lie on the couch and doze when I’m too tired to sit up, but then when I wake up and am ready to work, I don’t even have to move.  The difference this is making is just…wow.  Is it wrong to love a desk this much?

I’m going to go eat some mint choc chip ice-cream.

Happy halloween!

Model: Morrigan

Also posted on: deviantART, Flickr, AltDiva, LiveJournal and MySpace.
Buy prints from: Fotki and deviantART

No idea where it’s originally from, but anyway:

“The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King. He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. Well, well, He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s august. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in high criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King. He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s a strong God and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him? Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. Yeah. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There was nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! Jesus.”

So many times, we as Christians repeat a lot of true sayings, yet have not taken to heart their true meaning. How many of us grew up in churches singing hymn after hymn, but got so used to singing them that we forgot what we were singing about and to Whom we were singing? Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling. When was the last time we looked at those words? What does softly and tenderly mean? Why is Jesus calling us softly and tenderly? Jesus, who knew no sin, yet became sin for us and died on a cruel cross and bore our penalty in his body?  Yet we continue to sin over and over and over again. We continue to falter over and over and over again. And he’s calling us “softly and tenderly”?  Romans says, “The goodness of God leads us to repentance.”  When my kids have disobeyed me for the fifteenth time, am I calling their names softly and tenderly to obedience? Heck no. I’m screaming at them, sometimes racing to my room so that I’m not saying something I’ll really regret in their presence. Yet Jesus is calling me softly and tenderly.  The goodness of God leads me to repentance.

How can He continue to call me softly and tenderly? One word. Grace.

Grace is something we have absolutely no deserving qualities to receive. It is freely given and it is not given as a one time present, but it is a moment by moment way of life. Grace took Jesus to that cross to die for me. Grace is what makes Jesus look to the Father every single time I falter and say, “She’s mine, Father. She’s covered.” Grace.  The goodness of God leads me to repentance.

Grace makes Him gently call my name and call me back from the brink day in and day out. Grace intentionally given. 

Grace is a way of life and He extended grace to me so that I might extend grace to others. Not so I can spout a platitude looking at the poor unwed pregnant teenager and say, “There but for the grace of God would I be” or the pharisee’s prayer, “Lord, thank you that I am not like this person.” No, grace is something extended and shown and lived out.  It is intentional. 

“A gentle answer turns away wrath.”  When we are angry and frustrated with someone, how many times do we escalate the situation by reacting rather than responding intentionally with grace?  Grace is “unmerited favor,” yes, but grace is also an “intentional act.”  Giving a gentle answer when an angry retort is the natural response is being gracefully intentional and the result of being gracefully intentional is so vastly different than the result of just “being ourselves” and saying whatever comes to the tip of our tongue.

Being saved by grace through faith is accepting God’s wonderful gift that we have done nothing to deserve.  But living by grace is a journey of being gracefully intentional.  Living gracefully is smiling at the sales clerk who has just made you feel like you are really an interrupton to their day and realizing that the person on the other end of that frown is someone who has needs of which we have no knowledge.  Maybe they are just plain grumpy.  However, maybe her husband just left her or she just discovered her teenage son was living a life involved in drugs.  Maybe she is angry and very unpleasant and mean-spirited; but maybe she’s like that because she feels friendless, lonely and hurt.  Whatever the cause of her frown, we can be certain of one thing – Jesus knows her pain and all her reasons for her attitude.  We need to have His eyes and as she rolls her eyes at us, we need to live gracefully – be gracefully intentional – and remember she is touched if even for a few seconds with our life, our attitude, our response.  Do we exhibit Christ by being gracefully intentional with her or is her one brush in life with us remembered by our indignant retort?  Do we softly and tenderly smile at her and give her one more reason to know that Christ’s grace extends to her?  The goodness of God leads us to repentance.

We are encouraged to be like Christ.  Our lives should be gracefully intentioned – full of gentleness and love – giving everyone who meets us or crosses our paths one more reason to see Jesus as the God of love that He is and one more seed planted in their heart giving them a desire to know the God who can transform His children to live by grace, not just be saved by grace. 

Lord, help me to live out each day being gracefully intentional with every person you have intentionally placed in my path.  Let me show your gentleness, your humility, your grace through every word that comes from my mouth and every action that is exhibited in my life.

Blessings,

Lorna Frojd