Who is JJ?

I am a huge fan of JJ...I love everything about her... but I don't think I could possibly come up with the words to describe her. I would always fall short of touching on the uniqueness that is foundational to her spirit. But alas, in her latest blog post entitled "About Me" she has given us a most beautiful insight into her soul. After viewing her post, and lavishing in her beauty, try creating your own personal photo journal that allows your essential spirit to shine through. I'd be thrilled to post it here if you'd like to share.

Unattainable Standard of Beauty

An highly acclaimed documentary film entitled "America the Beautiful" is coming to Chicago for one night, Tuesday, December 9 at the Music Box Theater.

"America's obsession with beauty is the subject of filmmaker Darryl Roberts wide-ranging investigative documentary. Using archival footage and interviews with image-makers and beauty battle victims, Roberts reveals how how media, marketers and retailers manipulate women into thinking they must be avid beauty product and service consumers in order to measure up to unattainable standards set by magazine editorials and advertising. The film strongly advocates for women--and the men in their lives--to accept and love themselves as they are." (Jennifer Merin)

There's a good review of the movie on this Gurze blog. Anyone want to carpool?

Poolhouse Guru

I just viewed a new video from a guy named Poolhouse Guru...a most intriguing name. He's a friend of a friend but I've never had the pleasure of meeting him. "I am is my name" is a video filmed in Chicago describing the great love of God for each and every one of us. Let me know if you can figure out what the name Poolhouse guru means.

Playing with a full deck!

Here's something new and healing to share...Treasures of Transformation Inspirational Cards. I bought this beautifully crafted deck of cards that focuses on topics related the recovery process from eating disorders. The cards cover a variety of topics which are explained in an accompanying booklet. I've been using this deck in small group gatherings and have gotten some good feedback. I bring this deck along to the Sunday night group at Caribou...see you there!

Here's what the author's website says.

"This card deck is designed to help anyone who is struggling with an eating disorder or for psychotherapists looking for an innovative means to help their clients continue on their path to recovery. There are 45 cards in total with an accompanying guidebook that explains each card in detail. The artwork for the cards is created by an artist who has completely recovered from her eating disorder, adding a special touch and healing energy to the deck.

There are several ways to use Treasures of Transformation™. For instance, you can randomly choose a card every morning to set the mood for the day. Another option is to select a few cards when you are struggling and use this deck as a positive coping skill. You can also use these cards as an exploratory exercise by yourself or with your treatment team. One more suggestion is to put the cards that resonate with you in specific places (car, bathroom, kitchen, etc.) where they can help you with fighting urges and negative thoughts / behaviors. As there are no rules with using these cards, you have the freedom to choose your preferred method. By doing so, this card deck will enable you to listen to your intuition and ACKNOWLEDGE and ACCEPT where you are in the recovery process. Create and explore new ways to use this deck that best meet your needs…the sky is the limit!

Our hope is that this deck will guide and inspire you to be comfortable and proud of your authentic self. We believe that anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder has the potential for FULL recovery. Thus, go ahead and embrace the treasures that are hidden within you that can be discovered using this deck." - Bonnie Burotto

Me?

God how could you love me? How could you use me in Your plans and purposes?

"...We forget Noah was a drunk. Joseph was abused. David had an affair and then had the other husband killed. Martha worried about everything. Lazarus died. Moses murdered a man, stuttered and questioned God. Abraham thought he was too old. Isaac was a day-dreamer. Jacob was a liar. Gideon was afraid. Zacchaeus had low self-esteem because he was too short. Samson was a womanizer. Rahab was a prostitute. Jeremiah and Timothy thought they were too young. Elijah was suicidal. Jonah ran from God. Naomi was a widow. Job went bankrupt. Peter denied Christ not just once but three times. Several of the disciples were good ‘ol boys, fishermen. The disciples fell asleep while Christ was praying...." John from The Bridge.

"For God so loved the world..."
"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us..."

For me?

"For I know the plans I have for you..."

Plans for this sinner?

"Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you."

He cares?

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Did He say ALL? Even Noah? David? Surely not Rahab? Me? Yes...He said ALL...

ALL...come to Me, I love you and I will give you rest!

Yes, even you:)

Why Harold?

Does anyone remember the book Harold and the Purple Crayon from their childhood? It was by far my favorite book and besides Heidi, the only other book I even remember treasuring. I love that Harold has a blank slate to work with and he has the ability and responsibility to create his future reality. His path isn't marred by his past but he keeps his eyes forward, striving toward new adventure. There was something very safe about having the crayon that outlined the future. When he encountered fearful situations he used his crayon and creativity to find a safe solution. He did have the moon...he followed the moon because it helped him find the way home.

I walk each day upon a blank, clean slate because His mercies are new each morning...I am forgiven and walk with His righteousness upon me. Not matter what the day brings I co-create with God, a safe and creative solution for each circumstance. I walk with a purple crayon! I always know the way...the Way. As Harold kept his eye upon the moon for direction, I keep my eye on the Father and His plans and purposes for me. I talk to Him daily about direction and am reminded daily that He loves me and will faithfully guide my steps.

When I was beginning my own recovery from sexual abuse I started reading the book, Courage to Heal. At the time, I didn't realize my choice...but I picked up a purple colored pencil as I read through the book and used it to highlight passages. After a few years into recovery and feeling blessed with the progress of my journey, it hit me...the purple crayon got me through the toughest experience of my life! Every page of that book had purple markings leading me closer to healing and a safe path home. Thank you Harold for inspiring me to press forward into the path, knowing I will find the way home. Thank You God for showing me the way home!

Never alone

Ok there are just a few songs that make me sing at the top of my lungs with complete abandon. Here's one! I ran across the song Never Alone by Barlow Girls on GodTube today and did my thing...loud and off key. The words of this song resonate with my faith in God when we cry out to Him in need. We've all been there...in the pit, in a stronghold, tethered to behaviors that bind us. What is going to save? Or maybe the question is Who?

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life
We cannot separate
Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

I can say with abandon...with the same passion I sing (actually screech) out this song...I trust the unseen with my life, with my yesterdays, my todays and my tomorrows, I trust His goodness, His faithfulness, His love, His mercy, His power, His unbelievable passion to draw near to His children...to me! I trust He will always extend His hand to pull me out of the pit!

For extra credit...After you listen to this song/video, do some singing and dancing to Shackles.