How do I obey God when I'm not sure if it's His voice speaking to me? I don't know. Even talking about this is hard because using words to describe God is difficult. Sometimes, though, I hear a command—a statement or a calm yes or no—and I know I need to obey. My immediate reaction is often resistance, which causes me to want a repeat of the message. I think this is one place where I cloud God's communication with me. My next response is often to wish for an explanation and further instruction, which I don't think I've ever received. What do I do then? If I'm told not to do something, what do I do instead? 

          There are lots of things I could do. Maybe I'm supposed to listen. Maybe I'm supposed to move on to something else less spiritual, more pragmatic, and continue to pray for clarity about the issue and listen to God. That's how it was when I dropped my dance minor. I can see the strengths of this response, because it reminds me not only to bring my requests to God but also to listen before Him. What are other responses I could have? Besides, of course disobedience, which is especially a temptation in situations like this because it is hard to act in trust, to obey with no given reason. 

     Do you have any thoughts on prayer, listening to God, and obedience? I'm reading Prayer by Tim Keller, so hopefully that lends clarity. 

Health food is expensive, but leave it to Target to save the day! Here's a few items that I generally keep in my pantry:

Quinoa & Flax Pita Crackers:

10 crackers (a serving size) has 2 g fiber, 3 g protein, and only 1 g sugar. 

Freeze-Dried Edamame: 

These are one of my favorites. They have a crunch just like your favorite cracker or crouton, but a half cup has 12 g of protein!! Because of that, they're a perfect snack for on-the-go or between meals. They also are amazing on salad. Each serving also has 4 g of fiber and 8 g carbs. Also, 2 g of sugar is almost nothing, especially for anything freeze-dried (most of which is fruit).

Thin Stackers Puffed Grain Cakes:

These are little square crackers, maybe three inches long, and I love to pile all sorts of random food on them for an easy dinner or snack!

          Well, my favorite awards show of the year came and went last Monday. My opinions of the award distribution were generally favorable (honestly, it's because Taylor Swift won Album of the Year) except that James Bay didn't win any of the ones he was up for. Distressing. 

          However, apart from music, fashion ruled the night. The dominant trend was the ugly long black dress; it was astounding how many women managed to flop in this red carpet staple. To begin, then, the only three long black dresses that I liked: 

The style was simple, the detailing sparkley, and the cut was flattering. Stellar work. 

I don't think this is appropriate as clothing, but I included it because it succeeds as art. The red carpet is where street clothes meet catwalk art, so discerning what is appropriate is difficult. My discernment on this one told me it was okay to post, considering that it's not obscenely inappropriate, and it's an excellent use of fabric. 

The dress draws exactly the right lines, even from the straight middle part to the scrappy heels. The all-black color scheme—dress, hair, clutch—contrasts with her skin perfectly. Though initially off-putting, the look succeeded by staying true to its intent, allowing a clean manifestation of the vision. 

Next, a dress that broke the colorless trend of the night:

Kacey Musgraves pulled this wild dress off without a hitch, a greater accomplishment especially because I usually dislike her fashion choices. The large skirt, slim waist, and sleek ponytail with minimal jewelry worked together to give off vibes that were uppity yet fun. 

Now, for another colorful dress; no way you didn't see this coming: 

Of course! I liked this because it was Taylor. A more objective reason, however, is that I like the way it continued the clean-lines bright-color open-leg motifs from last year's Ellie Saab look. I think the look compliments itself well, the simple cut of the bob and the top balance the asymmetrical lines of the show straps and the bodysuit under the skirt. The metallic necklace and shoes also balance the bright orange and pink of the skirt. My central complaint is that it's not clear that the under-piece is a bodysuit cut, so it looked during some parts of the night like it was an awkwardly short and crooked miniskirt. 

I don't know that I have good opinions on tuxedos, but I have decided to include two looks. Common, because I respect his ability to switch it up while keeping it simple. James, because he's wonderful and also a Burberry model. 

And now, my personal favorite. I don't know this artist, and I had trouble finding her name, but the combination of her personality, class, pose, poise, dress, hair, and jewelry was absolutely successful. 

Isn't she the cutest!?

Well, there's your summary of the Grammy red carpet's highlights for 2016. Thanks to #googleimage for the pics.