That's What Up

Just thought I'd take a minute to share one of my favorite songs.:)
The first video is an amazing cover done by Lennon and Maisy.
The second is the original by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.

I love everything about the lyrics... So sweet and inspiring! Check it out.:)

"You’ve got my love to lean on darling.

all the days

all of our days

yeah…

love is a shelter.

love is a cause.

love goes on forever.

yeah, love will leads us all.

love! it is our honor.

love! it is our all.

love goes on forever.

yeah, love it is our home. Oh yeah! Yeah, that’s what’s up!" 

                                     

Original.. 

"You've got my love to lean on, darling. That's what up."

 Con amore in Cristo,

 Bluebird

New Beginnings

Bellezza Nascosta

"It is time for new things",

 whispers a weary and wounded heart, 

in search of her renewed self,

waiting to bloom. 

"Is a fresh start always, 

exhilarating, jubilant, filled with sweet serenity?"

asks this sorrowed soul. 

"Not always, my darling." 

answers her Beloved.

"It will cause much woe for Me to remold you.

It will take 

all your trust, 

all your strength,

all your love. 

Only until I finish weeding out the thorns,

and replacing all the tender and torn 

bouquets within the cage of your chest,

will the serenity begin to flow in."

With the hope of a child,

abandoning her lacerated heart,

she joins Him in the gashes of His own heart,

wishing to be of comfort in return.

"There is a hidden beauty in new beginnings,

Whether the means are met 

with tears of joy or tears of pain,

They are needed throughout time,

if you wish to be with Me."

"My heart longs for the happiness 

I once had" she murmurs in silent tears.

"Ah, My love, 

veiled within My Heart is more

than all the happiness 

you will ever need. 

If you stay with Me, you will 

always be renewed,

always be loved,

always be consoled 

amidst the battles of life."

Her Beloved begins to pull and replace

what had begun to cause her wounds.

"Please stop, do not take 

my old flowers away!" she cries in heartache.

"My darling, it is the only way 

for new ones to bloom.

It will hurt, but I must cut 

to the deepest burrows of your heart.

If there is no room for me, 

you cannot bloom again,

nor be your renewed self.

I cannot give the happiness I have for you,

unless you do one thing that I ask."

Clinging to her Beloved, she pleads for Him 

to reveal this divine wisdom.

Drawing her into Himself,

He answers,

"Love."

"True happiness is found once you have found Me.

Once you have found me and stay within My Heart,

your heart will be in love.

In love with Me,

In love with others,

a heart that is in love.

A heart that is in love, bears the most pain, 

like My own Heart. 

It will not be an easy life, yet,

I shall be in you, and you in I."

Through her tears she smiles

 giving Him all of the lifeless bouquets 

tangled within her,

as well as her blistered and tattered heart.

In return He hands her

His own wounded and weary Heart.

Holding this precious gift,

She whispers with a new found voice,

"I am in love with You."

E.L.

 The Sacred Heart of Jesus is an inexhaustible fountain and its sole desire is to pour itself out into the hearts of the humble so as to free them and prepare them to lead lives according to his good pleasure. 

- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

~ Pregnancy Help Clinic Video ~

Almost two years ago, I had an idea placed in my heart to help a local pregnancy crisis center in any way that I could. I had this great yearning to help, not only because one of the founders of this center was my grandmother, but also because I am so touched and inspired by the hard work the women at these pregnancy crisis centers do. It is the backbone of the pro-life movement...And I wanted to do my part. 

All of the work these women do changes lives, they truly do help young women when there is no one else to help them. Two years ago, I began to have an immense desire to be there for young women seeking help in which ever way God was calling me to do so. With the encouragement of my mother, I jumped right on board, pondering how I could be of help. I knew for certain I would love to be a volunteer, particularly a receptionist volunteer. However, I wanted to help even more. I wanted to use my interests and vocational path to help as well. While discussing this with my mother, I realized what I could do. I wanted to make a video for Pregnancy Help Clinic. I wanted to make it possible for frightened young women to see what an incredible place and refuge Pregnancy Help Clinic is. I wanted them to see the loving women there ready to help them. I wanted them to know about it all, and encourage them to seek the clinic for help. 

I got straight to work writing out the basic storyline and all my ideas, then emailed Pregnancy Help Clinic saying that I had an idea and would love to meet with someone about it. 
Not long after, I met with the assistant director, who was just as ecstatic about the idea as I was. We discussed the video in detail and I had my first day of training to be a receptionist at the front desk. 
I will never forget that day. I had no experience behind film making, until this point it had always been an aspiration and hobby. This was my first goal.

Over the course of a couple months, I wrote out the script, searched for actresses, and prepared to shoot. I was so blessed to have found the perfect actress for the project, a friend of mine from youth group. She was a dear and accepted the challenge! It was so wonderful filming and seeing the script come to life. During this time I would volunteer as a receptionist whenever I could. 
Amongst summer and other commitments, the editing became prolonged and the project was slowly coming to a completion. I wanted to get the video finished as soon as I could, knowing the longer it wasn't published, the longer young women went without important information. In my lack of experience, it never occurred to me to have the project saved on an external hard drive. It was just on my computer. 
Within days of the video's completion there was an accident regarding a spill and a younger sibling, resulting in a computer crash. 
I had lost the project. 

I could hardly believe my worst nightmare had come to life. I had been wise about moving the footage of the film to an external device, however I would have to start from square one piecing it all back together. 
It seemed as though the devil was trying to discourage me from ever finishing this already long-drawn-out endeavor. He was doing all he could to keep me from completing my mission. 
Two Bible verses stood out to me... 

"Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
-Psalm 37:24

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." 

-Galatians 6:9

As soon as I could, I began again, determined to make the second attempt even greater that the first. Not long after I started again, I was grateful and could see that God knew what He was doing... 
Right away, I perceived new ways in which I could improve my work. 
College commitments, work and other life happenings made it difficult to go as quickly as I would have liked. Fortunately, my second semester was much less hectic and draining than my first, providing me the time and focus I needed to make it to the home stretch of the project. 
After a week of little adjustments and improvements here and there and asking for opinions, the video had finally come to an end. (This time it was backed up!)
It wouldn't have become a reality without the constant help of friends, volunteers, Apple Service calls, late night "watch this" and "what do you think of this?" nagging with family members, prayers, encouragement, and the grace of God. 
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing women of God, who helped make my vision a reality. 
I learned so much along the journey. 
God willing, more video projects with Pregnancy Help Clinic will come to life in the near future. (And won't take nearly as long!)

If God has placed an aspiration on your heart, don't be afraid to go after it with all that you are. There will be battles and struggles with yourself, Satan, unfortunate events, but if you persevere and always seek God, you will allow Him to use you for the unimaginable. 

Please take a moment to watch the informational video for Pregnancy Help Clinic and share! It will be on their official website soon as well. 
I would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a comment. 

                           Con amore in Cristo,

                                 Bluebird

~ Rare Disease Day - Ectodermal Dysplasias ~

February 28th is Rare Disease Day! 
Rare Disease Day was started in 2008 to raise awareness to those in society who are affected by rare diseases. (more information can be found at the official website: Here)

I wanted to take a moment to bring awareness to a rare disease my siblings and I have, as well as briefly share my story.
My seven brothers and I have some of the symptoms of the rare disease, Ectodermal Dysplasia. 
Ectodermal Dysplasias are a group of over 150 heritable and or genetic disorders that affect the function and development of many different parts of the body. There is no cure for this disease, yet there are many ways to help those affected live with the defects the best way possible, like specific orthodontic and dental care.

The symptoms:
-Teeth: Teeth may be missing, be pointy, have wide spaces, and have a higher risk for cavities because of defected teeth enamel.

-Hair: The hair development of the scalp and body can be sparse or absent.

-Nails: Defects in the formation and development of finger and toe nails.

-Sweat Glands: Some diagnosed with Ectodermal Dysplasia cannot sweat due to dysfunctional sweat glands or are missing sweat glands completely.

-Skin: Ectodermal Dysplasias can affect the skin in many ways, skin may be thin and pale, dry, scaly and easily irritated to name some.

-Other: Missing fingers or toes, cleft lip and/or palate, and hearing problems are just some of many others.
(Check out: What is Ectodermal Dysplasia? for more detailed information)

If you are interested in learning more about the different types of Ectodermal Dysplasias I highly encourage you to visit the official website of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias Here.

My brothers and I are affected most prominently in the teeth, which includes missing numerous teeth and the teeth we do have are pointy with large spaces. In my own case, I am missing roughly 10 teeth. After six years of orthodontic and dental work, with the help of two retainers, my teeth and smile now look "normal".

When I was five years old, my parents first discovered the existence of this disease as they were exploring the options of how to help my oldest brother receive treatment for his extreme defects with his teeth. They soon realized I had it as well, and decided not to let me feel as if my defect defined me. They never mentioned to me that I had ectodermal dysplasia until I was roughly the age of 11, and even at the time, it was never treated as a terrible thing. The defects of my teeth were noticeable up until after I turned 16, however, I never thought of myself as different from other girls and I never let my disease affect how I perceived myself as a person. I knew that my smile was different and that my teeth were strange, but I didn't let it stop me from smiling. I am strongly convinced that how my parents handled the situation and raised me greatly contributed to my experience dealing with the defects of my teeth. I am deeply grateful to my parents who taught me the importance of the valuing inner beauty as I was growing up.

While growing up, living with Ectodermal Dysplasia taught me just how important it is to place inner beauty above physical, outer beauty. I learned at an early age that I felt the prettiest when my heart was happy and I could be myself regardless of how I looked on the outside. How my parents handled the situation positively contributed to my acceptance of the disease. I cannot recall a time where I was unhappy with my defects, because for as long as I could remember they were a part of who I was and am. There were times when I would worry about it, but I never wished I were different from how I am or let it affect my happiness.

I don't usually talk about my disease, and not many people who know me are aware that I have a form of Ectodermal Dysplasias. However, recently I have been feeling called to talk more about what I have learned from living with this disorder in order to help others and in particular, young girls, with the importance of inner beauty.
I would like to talk more about my journey with acceptance, inner beauty and ectodermal dysplasia in the future, so be sure to look for that soon!

Today, take a moment to learn more about rare diseases that affect those around us.

Con amore in Cristo,

Bluebird

~ Gratitude ~

"To be happy, what you need is not an easy life 

but a heart which is in love." 

- St. Josemaria Escriva

Sometime this year I would really like to send out "letters of gratitude" to people who have touched my life. This is an amazing video and it is so true. Obviously though, the true #1 source of happiness is really God.(: Check this out! 

When we express gratitude, we let pure love pour out from deep within our hearts. It is an expression of love that is genuine and vulnerable. The kind of love that can choke us up when trying to get the words out, be a tearjerker, and the kind that requires us to swallow our pride. Yet, it is the kind of love that sets your heart free and provides healing and unexpected happiness. It is the kind of love that melts the hardest of hearts. It is beautiful. 

St. Josemaria simply, but powerfully sums up what it means to be happy. One does not need an easy, care-free life without tribulations, no. It is a life with all its struggles and joys, experienced with a heart which is in love that brings happiness. You may be thinking, "Yes! Another reason to hate Valentines day!" No, because a heart which is in love, means to love each and every person in your life. To love God, to love yourself, to love strangers, and to love especially those least among us. A heart that is truly "in love" is a heart that is large enough to express sincere love to each person it encounters. 

When we communicate our love to one another, many times it is revealed in gratitude. Part of being happy means valuing the lives of others and being grateful for each life placed in our own lives. 

To express heart-felt gratitude is choosing to love, therefore, choosing happiness. 

Let that sink in.

I thought this subject would be perfect for Valentines day because Valentines day is most likely one day in particular whom those in a state of singlehood are the least grateful. Whether intentional or not, it can happen even to the best of us. We all want to be "in love" with someone, and someday that day may come, however, we each have the call to have a heart in love with not just one, but all. That starts now. Valentines day is not just for those who are married or in a relationship, it is a day for all to express gratitude and love and celebrate the lives of everyone in our life. Those of us who are single, let's be grateful for our family, our friends, and our own lives. Let's spend today, and every day onward, communicating our gratitude and love in word and deed to those around us. Let's be a blessing to those who have been a blessing to us, and especially so if they haven't. 

Sure, indulge in a sappy love movie with some ice cream tonight, I may join you. Nevertheless, let's not forget St. Josemaria's wise words, "To be happy, what you need is not an easy life but a heart which is in love." 

That begins with gratitude. 

Food for pondering:

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside of heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is hell."

- C.S. Lewis

Happy St. Valentines Day!

Con amore in Cristo,

Bluebird

I absolutely love videos like this. They never fail to make me smile! Life is beautiful.

Check out this one too! 

http://vimeo.com/27246366

Now... Who wants to go travel the world with me? (:

Never forget to...

"Don't ever forget to love." 

- St. Maximilian Kolbe

We all have those times when we are struggling to be happy.

Struggling not to just melt down. Struggling not to snap back at whoever says the wrong thing at the wrong time. Struggling to not despair when your heart breaks or when your life is unexpectedly turned upside down. Struggling not to be mad at those who don't understand, or yourself, or God.

Sometimes it is hard not to be just plain mad or upset at the world when you fail to do things that are important to you or fail to be loyal to things you are committed to, whether it is in your control or not.

When one is hurt, angry, irritated or frustrated, among the whirlwind of many emotions, one very important thing is missing.

Love.

The past month has been an extreme test of happiness for this lil' bluebird...

Not too long ago I came across this quote by St. Maximilian Kolbe and it definitely hit me hard. When my struggles affect my actions and behavior toward others, causing ill-feelings toward them, what is missing? When my temper is awfully short regardless of if I were provoked or not, what is missing? When I choose to react with anger or sadness when I have to deal with something unpleasant, instead of choosing to take it cheerfully and decide to be happy, what is missing? 

In all of these situations, I am making the choice not to love. Choosing not to love God for bringing me to that point, choosing not to love others, and choosing not to love myself. 

I am choosing the easy way out. I am choosing sin. 

I am forgetting to love.

Day in and day out, we are all tempted in some way or another, to forget to love. 

In Sirach, part of Chapter 7, verse 21 states, "Let your soul love..." When I forget to love, and choose hatred and sin, I am not letting my soul love. 

Think about that.

I am not letting my soul love. 

Every day ask yourself if you are letting your soul love. 

Am I loving myself? 

Am I loving each and every person I speak to or am surrounded by? 

Am I loving God, my loving Father? 

Con amore in Cristo,

Bluebird