My Opinion of Avatar

I did not really think I would be a fan of Avatar, but I watched it with my husband earlier this evening anyway. I had read several places that it was almost satanic in it's ritualistic worship scenes. Honestly, after watching it, I did not get that from it at all.

I rather took from it an enforcement of my belief that life is about more than we see. Our bodies are only mortal while our souls are eternal. Further more, we are all connected through life...through Christ. I really liked when the natives would say to each other, "I see you". When they said this, they were speaking about looking into each other, seeing each other's souls. I think if we did this more often in our lives, compassion would be more common.


In the movie the humans get to have their own Avatars, and for the main character his Avatar body works better than his human body. This makes me think of Philippians 3: 21 "By His power to rule all things, He (Christ) will change our humble bodies and make them like His own glorious body." Our heavenly bodies will be much better than our earthly ones.

I would love to hear some more thoughts on this movie....any one?

Interior Design Fever

I've got the fever. I don't even have cable so this time I can't blame it on HGTV. I just absolutely love being able to enjoy my surroundings. In my opinion there is a great sense of peaceful relaxation that living somewhere esthetically pleasing provides. It does not have to be expensive decor or a large house, in fact I'm getting ready to transform my kitchen into a beach for under 50$! In the meantime, here are pictures of the nursery that we decorated for our sweet girl last spring and some other pictures of great rooms that I nabbed from HGTV.com just for fun. Stay tuned for pictures of the kitchen makeover!

My baby girl's room:






Adorable beachy fireplace that was made over for 82$!



Super cute office!



Contemporary entryway.(I'm guessing this was not done on a budget, but it is beautiful).


High style living room, yes please!


And finally, a Cottage Kitchen and the inspiration for my current kitchen makeover.


I should have warned you at the beginning of this post that interior design fever is contagious. ;)

Religion VS. Christianity

This was something I wrote a while back in a facebook note but I wanted to put it on here too because I feel very strongly about it.



Christianity is not so much a religion. Not for me. It’s a way of life, and Christianity (living in a Christ like way) looks a lot of different ways for a lot of different people. Of course Christians should all be kind, forgiving, humble, gentle...but as far as how we worship, what we look like, our attitudes and even our beliefs, we vary. That is what's beautiful; we are all so very different, but all united through LOVE.

I have heard plenty of people give the popular argument that Christians are hypocrites, and that's true (sometimes). BUT the difference between Christians and non Christians is that we are simply striving to be like Christ. Let me make one thing clear; WE FALL SHORT. We will disappoint ourselves, our friends, and our God. Even so, our God loves us and accepts that we are flawed as mankind.

When people see me make mistakes, I hope they see not that Christians are hypocrites, but that we are simply like every one else, just trying to do right in an imperfect world. I try to encourage my coworkers, friends, and family with being positive, kind, humble, and gentle, but in reality I fall so very short on most days. I know that since I am claiming the title of being a Christian, I need to work very, very hard to properly represent my loving Father. I suck at this, representing God that is. But I'm always striving.

I watched Angels and Demons last night and there was a quote I really liked, "Religion is flawed because man is flawed". And this is true. Religion is flawed, God is not. As Christians it is not our place to judge the world or the people in it. It is not our job to fix the world either (although I wish I could). Our job is simply to live in a broken world and show others what God's grace looks like.

Baby Insight

Last night I was holding my darling baby girl tight against my chest, her head, heavy with a day of growing, snuggled up to my neck. I listened to the sound of her tiny snores as her warm breath kissed my skin. It was in that time that I became able to articulate something new. Clarity encircled us both as I pressed her to my chest in the ultimate "ah ha" moment.

The way I felt about my daughter in that moment and every other moment since she has been born, it helped me to know why I feel so passionately about compassion. It's because at one point we are all tiny infants, helpless and snuggled to our mothers' chests. We must, must, must treat every person not only as we would want to be treated, but as we would want the world to treat our darling children.

Fear of Rejection

As humans we loathe rejection and try to avoid it at all costs. We break it off with a romantic partner if we fear the relationship is going down hill so we won’t be the one to feel rejected. We refuse to stretch ourselves and follow our dreams because, heaven forbid, what if we fail and end up feeling rejected? The fear of rejection can be paralyzing.

Question for you: What would it look like for you if you faced rejection head on? Would it mean auditioning for a choir? Trying to get a piloting licence? Asking a friend a favor? Telling a loved one how you really feel? Applying to a college? Training for a marathon? The things that may possibly end in a feeling of rejection are not coincidentally the very things that offer the greatest rewards.

A couple of examples: I am currently attempting to write and publish a book about Kindness. Potential to fail? Enormous. Possible reward? Sharing a message of kindness and compassion with the world. Last weekend I competed for the title of Mrs. Missouri. Chance of winning? One in thirteen. Possible Reward? Influence for God's Kingdom. See how that works?

Logically the fear of rejection comes from a self preserving natural instinct which dates back to our ancestors. The “survival mode” in us avoids unpleasant things. In that day and age you might choose to hunt a buffalo for dinner instead of a lion. Eating a buffalo was pleasant. Getting eaten by a lion, not so pleasant. Just one small example of how the habit to avoid unpleasant feelings has been reinforced throughout the ages. If you are like me, you no longer live In a cave and you probably hunt for your food in the Wal-Mart aisles. Some of the survival instincts we have are just no longer needed. Such is the case with the tendency to avoid rejection. While it still does not feel good, rejection can actually lead to the facilitation of self growth and personal autonomy. Further more, I’m convinced we cannot reach our full potential without taking risks and facing rejection.

I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you to go ahead. Become a foster parent. Apply for a new job. Write a letter to the president. Whatever it is that your heart has been desiring but your mind has been blocking, do it. In my book living a life of mediocrity is much more painful than the slight sting of rejection.

Pageant Weekend

Pageant weekend came and went. Similar to a wedding, you plan and plan and the event flies by in the blink of an eye. The difference is that after a wedding you leave with a new spouse and pageants don't guarantee you come away with anything.

This year's Mrs. Missouri pageant was a fierce competition for sure. The women I competed against were nothing short of amazing. I did not end up winning the title as I had hoped, but did place as 2nd runner up, and I am happy with that! I think it was a blonde's turn to win anyway. Congratulations Melissa Roe, this year's Mrs. Missouri, United States. I am proud of myself and my other competitors for stepping out of our comfort zones and taking on the challenge of competing, especially when part of the competition involves wearing a swim suit on stage after having kids! If only I would have gotten more pictures.



From left to right:
4th runner up- Micki Lynn Fisher, 2nd runner up- Lindsey Batson (me!), 3rd runner up- Shelly Wood.


Mrs. Missouri 2010, Melissa Roe