It has made all the difference...

I was planning on blogging today about something completely different... but in just a few short hours, I have been presented with the reoccurring theme of The Road Less Traveled... which happens to be the name of blog, the theme of my spiritual journey and the next potential tattoo that I get. In essence, The Road Less Traveled, has significant meaning to me and today, I saw it on the hearts of others. Captivated as always, I wanted to spend time reflecting on the great poem told by Robert Frost, and how it has become so applicable to us all...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood 　And looked down one as far as I could 　To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, 　And having perhaps the better claim, 　Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 　Though as for that the passing there 　Had worn them really about the same, 　 And both that morning equally lay 　In leaves no step had trodden black. 　Oh, I kept the first for another day! 　Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 　I doubted if I should ever come back. 　 I shall be telling this with a sigh 　Somewhere ages and ages hence: 　Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 　I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

I think that this poem stresses the great conflict that is humanity. Neatly put, Frost demonstrates the uncertainty in which way to go, just as many of us feel on a daily basis. So many opportunities and scenarios are presented before us. We all have choices to make... how can we ever be sure if the one we chose is right? In the second stanza, Frost suggests to the reader that one road is slightly fairer, in that he is perceiving it to be the "better claim," and had been worn, suggesting that many others perhaps sought that road. This is most applicable to those in deciding whether or not to chose the Christian life, over the secular. God Himself said that being a Christian is not the easier choice of the two...

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own" John 15: 18-19

This brings to mind all earthly satisfactions. The notions of instant gratification. That you need to beat out the guy next to you to get ahead. Things that are so temporary; money, sex, drugs, alcohol, parties, clothing, shoes, technology, cars, vacations, being in shape, being thin enough, muscular enough, tan enough, rich enough, smart enough, good enough. All make you drown in a pool of yourself. I think that path can often look glamorous, or desirable, but it is all in a disguise of something unseen, that is bleak. I think that is why there are so many lost people. Because of what is glorified not only in this nation, but globally.

As Frost moves to the third stanza, I am made aware of his hesitation in committing to the overgrown path... "I doubted if I should ever come back." I believe a true surrender to Christ is a little scary. By choosing the road that is less discoursed, one may be afraid of what lies ahead. Because we walk by faith and not by sight. Taking a road with a hidden path forces us to trust what is unseen and it makes us truly rely on Jesus, and let what has been, slowly fade behind us.... never to return... never to come back.

The final verse has made a lasting impression on my heart... in which Frost tells the reader, that he made his choice, and took the road less traveled by... and how it has made all the difference... so much so, that he will tell this story for ages and ages to come. Amen.

Proverbs has some amazing verses that stress the importance of the path we chose to take:

"A man who strays from the path of understanding, comes to rest in the company of the dead."
 Proverbs 21:16

How interesting that he refers to those on a separate path, to be dead. In Christ there is life. With out Christ, we are meaningless.

"For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, an he examines all of his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him, the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline led astray by his own greatly folly." Proverbs 5:21-23

Christ stresses our choices. He stands behind us as we decide which road to take, waiting for us all to make our move. And He is eagerly hoping to meet us on the path less taken... for on that path He walks besides us, until the end of our days.

I must stress to you, reader, that a life without Christ, left me empty. I once walked on the road that was passed by all too frequently. And I blended in with others like myself... and I was a lost person, looking at the world through large hollow eyes... and only saw self gain. No one said it was easy.... but Christ's love is a promise. A promise of fulfilment and a hope for a future. He longs to show you your great purpose, if only you can trust to take that first step onto the overgrown road. He is waiting for you friend. He loves you.

"I am with you to guide you and help you. Unseen forces are controlling your destiny. You petty fears are groundless. So leave your foolish fears, and follow Me, your Guide, and determinedly refuse to consider the problems of tomorrow. My message to you, is trust, and wait"- God Calling

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. And lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Darlin, pretty Darlin

For some reason Avril's new cd is just hitting home for me. It's a great album, I really recommend purchasing it. It's not like anything from her last cd (thank goodness...)

This song is for every lady who is hurting.. who feels like they are stuck... who feels like they can't move on... who thinks they aren't good enough... who thinks they are alone in their struggle...

This is my song, to you <3

Darlin. Avril Lavigne.

chaos. absolute chaos.

Deep Sigh.

I'm not sure if I have ever, in my entire life, had a week like this past one... I really don't. Taking a minute to look back and reflect on the week, it's starting to blur together into one messy time lapse. I feel like I lost time... It all started last friday. I came down with a horrible chest cough and was super sick the entire weekend- week. It literally wiped me out. And my last day of class, wednesday, was the pinacle of the chaos. My day went from 6 am-12 am. Classes from 8-4, in which I had to prepare to lead a discussion, turn in my outline for my 20 page research paper, practice for my worship team audition and then, audition. I seriously have never been more beat in my life. I spent much of thursday and friday sleeping and trying to recover.

Not only did I feel like an absolute machine, but I felt like I had 5000 thoughts and not one of them was complete. I had tension in the back of my throat... and trying to take in anything else just made everything hard to swallow. I hadn't experienced anxiety in a while... and I must say this past week was filled with it.

& to top of a total week of chaos... or what I've percieved it to be. I sat back with the rest of the world and watched as the nation of Japan was oblierated by natural disaster. Suddenly.... my life didn't seem so hectic.
I paused. And tried to understand why there seems to be such unrest and adversary in these days...

It seems like things are moving faster than ever... and there is less and less joy. When I think back to 4 years ago, when I was getting ready to graduate highschool, things were simpler... not only in my life... but in lives of those around me. Maybe I am the only one noticing the great unrest... But I can't help but believe that we may be crossing into the end times...

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:9-10

I know that the next 7 weeks of my life are about to get more hectic. Preparing for the close my college education will be nothing easy. I must admit... I am scared. Afraid of how I will balance my uncertainty with the expections of those around me. This song has been on repeat in my car for a week now.
It's good to know I'm not the only one. <3

Everybody Hurts. Avril Lavigne

Don’t know, Don’t know If I can do this on my own
Why do you have to leave me?
Its seems I’m losing something Deep inside of me
Hold on, on to me

Now I see, Now I see

Everybody hurts someday
It’s okay to be afraid
Everybody hurts, everybody screams
Everybody feels this way, it’s ok
It’s ok

So many questions too much on my mind
So many answers I can’t find
Wish I can turn back the time
I wonder why....

Everybody hurts some days
It's ok to be afraid
Everbody hurts some days
But we all feel pain

Everybody feels this way
But it'll be ok

Can somebody take me away?
To a better place...
Everybody feels this way
It's ok

the Pre Blog to the Real Blog

So. After this unbelievable week... I realized that I have not blogged in ages. I seriously have not had a week like this past one in my entire life. Luckily, it has produced a lot of good writing material, yet finding the time to actually sit down and process it all has been a struggle! Essentially, I am writing this blog for those who follow me pretty regularly simply to say that I will be blogging soon with much to say.

However, I do want to pause this morning, and simply reflect on the great tragedy in Japan. I am not sure why these events occur... and interestingly enough, why somehow, I have been sparred from such an experience in my lifetime. Today my heart is in Japan, and I hope yours is too.

"Have no fear of sudden disaster, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." Proverbs 3:25-26

I'm alive to live for You...

I have never wanted to shout a song louder at the top of my lungs, hands raised as high as can be, telling the world of Your great love...

Listen & Cry out, knowing tonight, and every night, you are free...

Free Now, Forever...