captive audience of one.

The sum of your word is truth. -Psalm 119:160

I had never read the Bible in its entirety before.

I grew up learning Bible stories. I'd memorized verses, read chapters, and whole pieces. But never, had I ever, sat down and just, read the book. Not for any particular reason? I don't know. The Bible doesn't read like a novel. Or does it? Where does one start? How will I understand it? I’ve probably been told everything I need already, right? Is it really necessary? 

One thing was certain. Books hit the NY Times bestseller list and we have them snatched up  in a New York minute. Just thought - maybe, just maybe? I should check out the best selling book of all time.

I was no longer content depending on others to break down the Bible for me. I was embarrassed at my fact deficiency. And in addition, I'd become weary of hearing people's take on Jesus as if he is some subjective character to be. I knew better. Jesus has solid attributes just like you and I. Physical and mental attributes, character traits, a platform, stance(s), and a claim of who He was clearly spelled out. A definition of a man, unable to be cherry picked by a single passage but requiring each verse - 7,956 (NT) in all - put together to for accuracy. I needed to learn His attributes for myself.

So, I set out on a journey. Read the Bible – cover to cover - in chronological order. Study bible out! First 4 hours of every morning dedicated whether at home, on a plane, or in a hospital bed. Set to take 365 days start to finish.

 “In the beginning…”

The vital Old Testament reveals God's nature, character, and attributes. Each day was like watching a new movie with different story, period, plot, and characters in each. Love, life, joy, hurt, hope, suspense, fight scenes, miracles, drama, comedy, shock, gore, it's all in there. It became abundantly clear very quickly, however, that this was much more than just a movie or history book.

I was captivated. A clear path and direction of the book began to emerge – a crystal clear, fascinating, overwhelming theme. The stories came alive such that I couldn't wait to relay each account to my mom and best friend each day. My brain could barely handle the influx.

In June 2011 I moved to New York City from Colorado. The not-so-compact book went mobile, hitching a ride everywhere I went in a less-than chic backpack. During summer months I explored NYC’s outdoor destinations and read. Strangers tapped me on the shoulder everyday without fail to inquire about my book. So many encounters in fact, that I began keeping a photo journal of each person so that I would never forget them. These moments were the highlight of each day.

When it came time to embark on the New Testament and the life of Jesus I couldn't get enough. I found myself tortured to read the events leading up to his crucifixion. I could hardly bear it. I'll never forget. I sat in a coffee shoppe. As I read, my heart broke and silent teardrops fell, wrinkling the delicate pages. Thankfully the account of his horrible death wasn’t where the story ended.

It had just begun. 

Each page was better than the last. Reading comprehension tests administered by the Author were common. ;) My knowledge was expanding, understanding sharpening, faith, developing. Day after day, looking perhaps deceivingly sedentary, I was accomplishing more than I ever had prior. All of a sudden one day I flipped the page. It read,

…"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people." Amen.

And just like that, the book was finished.

12 months, 4 seasons, a job layoff, numerous flights, and finally a cross-country move, and in an instant, the book was done. Time froze. I stared at the page then looked up at the lively coffee shoppe abuzz around me. The sound was muted. Everything in slow motion. Luther Vandross crooning over the speakers. I got up, closed book, tipped waitress, and walked home.

***

A few days later I conversed with a friend who had also read the entire Bible (twice over). Since he had been at this place before I asked him, “What do I do now? ” He smiled. “Take a short break, a deep breath, and,

…….start it over again.”

***************************************************

This book has changed my life. And it will change yours. 

But don't take my word for it.

Love and Light,

E

What is true is beautiful

Have you ever known someone effortlessly beautiful inside-out, who doesn't seem to have any idea about it?

The person who radiates inside-out, who lights up everything they touch and seemingly touches everyone they come in contact with. Their spirit is joyful, selfless and compassionate. They are full of genuine gut-busting laughter! This person challenges you as a person. They walk around shirtless most the time because they done gave the shirt off their back, again. Full of adventure and full of life, and can't be described in less than a dozen other adjectives. Maybe you know this person very well, or maybe you don't, but their glow is so bright you can't help but take notice.

Have someone(s) in mind?

Sometimes these 'angels' are the same people we take for granted. They require little attention because its no question they'll be there for you regardless, before you can even finish shouting their name. Today, remember the God who deposited these people in to - not your neighbors life - not someone else's life - but your life. Lets thank him for his creation - people so amazing that their mold is almost unbelievable. "God, do you see what you've made!" ;) Lets learn from their light and their walk. And finally, lets understand that each and every one of us is called to be this kind walking illumination.

Erin

Rise Up

Farmer. Singer. Teacher. Pastor. President of the United States. Missionary. Stock broker. Dancer. Planned parenthood Dr. Oprah-type platform. News correspondent. Saving children from sex-trafficking. Athlete. Lawyer. Artist. Historian. Prison Guard. Movie producer. Foot washer.

Pretty easy to look around and everywhere we turn, including in the above fields we see corruption, ill-motives, unclear stance, and so many other things that break God's heart. Christians shelter ourselves from fields like the arts that are God's design! but because they have been twisted, don't appear to be so. Other fields, like prison guard are daunting and dangerous, while others who have been given world famous platforms can be doing all the good possible but refuse to acknowledge name of Jesus.

It's so biblically clear to see that each of the aforementioned platforms are best held by God fearing Christ following people. Who better to farm than a man who depends on God for his crop! So I have a pretty simple connection to make: we do not stand a chance in holding these leadership platforms if we do not enter into these fields. If we want positions held by like-minded Christians, then we ourselves should be grooming for them and grooming our children for them. Otherwise, how will there be anyone to support?

We should not be afraid of these fields - Not the Presidency, not a world famous singer. We are Christians. Who better to shine light in and by way of these industries and fields than the children of God, bearing hope and truth and wearing the very armor of God. A dancer has been given a unique gift and language which is to be used to further the kingdom of God. A studio full of dancers who have come to know the One who gave them the gift is the goal. Jesus never 'became a pimp to win the prostitutes', and neither are we to compromise and partake in anything God would not be pleased with. But being in the presence of unbelievers is not a sin, in fact, it is a commandment. If we won't go shine our light into dark places, may I ask, who will.

It's time to Rise up. Receiving the anointing ourselves, and raise our children up to be the leaders of tomorrow.

"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard". -Isaiah 52:12

Love and Light,

E

Forward -->

All!

Been under the radar 30 days now. For everyone who reached out asking 'where's my Kaleidoscope!?', even fussing, I have smiled so big. =) I'm so encouraged.

True inspiration - whether direct or indirect - has one common source. (GOOD inspiration not evil.) That source is the Creator (God). As a human being knowing that source personally is our life-giving water. The more we get to know him the more inspiration can flow through us like a river. Over the last 30 days I slipped away into a quiet corner of double-study duty bliss. I'm inspired, to say the very least. =) When you need it, go to the source.

Love & Light,

Erin

From my heart to yours on Valentine's day

Valentine's gifts. Ladies: Louis Vuitton handbag or a diamond Bezel luxury watch?
...A real question I woke up to a few days ago. Where I am in my life? It seemed such a bizarre question. I stretched out underneath the covers and let the warm sunshine kiss my face. "I love you Daddy" I said aloud. Then i whispered, "Neither."

***********************************************************************************************
Valentine's day is different than other days but my reasoning behind that is more youthful minded. Its a day of red and pink construction paper cut-out hearts. A day where we would carefully address 22 envelopes to 22 classmates, each enclosed with 3 candy hearts.We ran around class excitedly delivering envelopes. It was the joy of giving. Only in our loss of innocence have we forgotten the pure joy of this day. But it hasn't changed! Single, married, young, old, rich, not, friend or stranger - the context of the gift may vary but the heart is the same. Remember the joy of youth today. Push aside all adulthood has taught you about this day good or bad. Take your loved ones and special somebody and be appreciate! And give, with no expectation.

On a personal note I am thankful that have not been spoiled (in the bad meaning of the word) in this area. Humbled to consider God has preserved me. My prayer is to see every gift, material possession, or kind word at its heart. And that I may never be materially spoiled to where a simple smile and a glance from a loved one ceases to light up my whole world.

So for now, save your Luxury Louis Bezel watchbag Vuitton diamond. Maybe another day ;-) For now,,,,yeah. =)

Love,
Erin

Let Go

2/3/11

Let go: of inhibition, insecurity, preconceived notions, self-consciousness. Flow in childlike fascination. Do not succumb to the cynic's sneer- how it "typically goes" (customary order, the status quo). Let the order maker create Your order. Abandon false apprehension. Capture the wonder. Inhale truth, exhale fear. Bye bye barrier, dismiss a statistic, hello freedom, hello Love.

-Erin A. Mariotti

tell Him

Monday, 1/31/11

One for the unmarried ;)

When it comes to the incredible emotion - the kind that begins with things like random smiles at the mere thought of someone and the kind that over time takes root and grows. That rarity where you literally look to the sky and say, "God, do you...do you even understand the sequence of DNA you put together here?! and, do you understand what they've come to be in you?! ..." (God chuckles at me a lot).

Logically in fondness we share these things with the person along the way. Things like their beauty/(handsome-ness), the smile they put on your face, the laughter they evoke, the pride that grows in you for the other person, and on. All good and ok but on a little bit deeper note, something to consider.

Our expressed feelings for a person are healthy. But never forget the very best thing you can do? is tell Him. Not him, not her....rather, tell Him. True friendship is rooted here. All of the vocal encouragement and sweet nothings in the world do nothing if they are not passing through the Father. Tell Him of His amazing creation. Thank Him for their life, and the gift to your life. Tell Him how you feel but remain unselfish. Pray for their life. Pray for them honestly and boldly in your secret place. A secret place that does not come to light to boast in itself as a hypocrite would do.

If you care, tell Him.

-E

Love

1/27/11

"I thank God for the GIFT of companionship" -Eli, from the movie 'Book of Eli'

In the movie Book of Eli, a very focused and closed off-man meets a girl named Solara (which means 'Sunbeam') who changes his life. Through Solara, this man who once cared only for his own protection and his (Godly) mission realizes - he'd been missing the whole point. The true joy of love, which he'd overlooked all along. Friendship, family, love, spouse, children, eachother, are all gifts. Precious treasure shared with us, to fill our lives with......more than i can even begin to write.

:)
Erin

No Condemnation

Rom 8: 1,2 Eph 2:9

We are not to walk in guilt and shame. God has sent his Son as an atonement for the sins of Man. Christ bore the weight of sin so that we wont have to. So when we come into Christ, God will see the blood of His Son and not the continual sinful nature of ourselves. Let's not confuse conviction with guilt. Conviction is the prompting of the Holy spirit to change our heart, mind and behavior to be more like Him. Guilt, on the other hand, is the prompting of Satan to remain in chains broken by Christ. For many of us, we never get over our past, even though God has already granted forgiveness. Many preach of God forgiveness, without showing the necessity to forgive ourselves. When we truly accept forgiveness, we no longer look behind but look upward to the cross!

::BelievE::. In ALL your ways

1.20.11

Proverbs 3:6. "In ALL your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Consider the word All above. Does All mean, acknowledge God "in all big things" or, "in all things I think God would care about"? Or, does it mean, in ALL things... as in..everything..as in...the best driving route to work today or...help to efficiently locate the running shoes I've set out to purchase today..and..

For much of my life I've been guilty of using [some of the] bible as a compilation of wise sayings. Like a baby sucking its pacifier I find solace in the beauty of bible verses; gracefully written text captives me. The verses feel great in my ear. But the text of the Bible is so much more! True belief is so much more. True belief will penetrate the core and move you.

Bible text is not given to merely pacify our hearts ('ohh well that sounds nice') in a 'hopeless' world until we get to heaven. The bible is powerful. It is our manual for living - it IS hope in this world. It's words are authoritative: to be taken to heart, to change our hearts; to guide our life.

The next time we read familiar scripture ask ourselves, "am i really acting on what this text is telling me?" Am I really believing..

Love & Light,
Erin

I have stored up your word in my heart..

The Foreword.

Having knowledge about the core of a thing helps provide insight about its makeup. Along the Kaleidoscope way, keep referenced the very essence of it; that is, truths at the source of the journey. (below)

The author's take: "if God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!" period. no exceptions.

I am a Christian. I believe we exist to glorify God by growing in intimacy with him, by edifying one another, and by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

God has a sovereign plan for our lives. His will, His way, Our calling; He is the "Dream Giver"
-Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15
-This is the confidence we have in approaching God: if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15
-"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
-"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." 1 Corinthians 7:20

-"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

Regarding desires of the heart / spiritual gifts:
-"Seek first the kingdom of God & his righteousness, & all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
-"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
-But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31
-"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others" 1 Peter 4:10
-"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." Romans 12:6
-(All of 1 Corinthians chapter 12)

Wisdom, Understanding, Discernment, Counsel:
-"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Tho it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7
-"Where there is no guidance people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14
-"ye have not, because ye ask not. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, " James 4:2-3

Peace within:
-"He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." -1 Peter 3:11

Contentment:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

Prayer:
"The fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." 1 Peter 3

Have no Fear!:
-"I can do ALL things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
-"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." -1 John 4:4

In short, I BELIEVE.!

Let's begin, shall we?

1.1.11

January 1st, 2011. hhAPpy NEW YEAR! Thought for certain we'd be living like the Jetson's by now, but somehow my car is still bound by gravity. Alas, another year is upon us!

1.1.11 is a whole lot of ones. New Year, new season, new beginnings...the number 1 just has clean fresh linen scent all over it. The cup of 2010 has been filled and our 2011 cup is empty and sparkling, ready to be poured into.

My 2010 life encountered zero tragedies - minimal to no outside pressing items at all. Praise God! because inside the walls of my own skin, 2010 was the most piercing, probing, testing, aching, trying year of my adult life. Like silver in the fire God has been refining my very shape. Purifying me, and he has left nothing in me untouched.

In 2011 I have decided to record the journey. I am a 29 year-old woman. A Christian and I love the Lord with everything in me. I am passionate about the purposes for this life. I am passionate about the Gospel. I am in a season of self-discovery. I'm growing in to my shoes. I'm single.

Can't wait to see what 2011 has to hold! Part daily devotional, part adventure, part creativity..the growth the journey..whatever flows out. Short & Sweet. I invite you to join me in my personal journey through my kaleidoscope lens.

Best wishes to you this year!
-Erin