Archives for September 2012

Looking Good… Or Looking to God

September 28, 2012 by

Confession: (Gulp.) I used to think it was all about me.

Ouch. That hurts my heart just to write it.

For all of you sweet readers out there that perhaps did not watch me grow up (or grow up with me for that matter) let me explain just a bit. I wasn’t the fashionable girl. (And I’m still not- although I received some coaching in this department in college—thanks Kally.) I wasn’t the super-duper popular girl. (And I am still not. Which I am ok with—being popular looks like a lot of work.) However, I was the overachieving girl who always wanted to be “the funny one.”

Being funny was my way of getting attention. (Plus it was a way for people to see my personality instead of my overweight teenage body.) Overachieving was my way of getting attention for “good things.” Me, me, me—it was all about me. My plans. My schedule. My life.

And then Jesus thumped me (lovingly, of course) between the eyes. [Read more…]

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Embracing Change: Take it to the Bank (Guest Post)

September 26, 2012 by

My feet gently hit the pavement, in rhythm with the tiny “click, clack” of puppy paws. Although my mind wonders, my eyes are focused. They scan the horizon and then dart back to the ground. Just as we round the last block, a bright glint catches in my eye… there it is… [Read more…]

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The Choice (Anxiety-Free Monday, Wk 3)

September 24, 2012 by

Hmmm… Coke or Pepsi? Tennis shoes or boots? Salad or Big Mac?

We make thousands of choices a day. I know that sounds a little bit crazy, but seriously– just think about it. From the moment we wake up, our brain is buzzing, making decisions before our feet even hit the floor. (Even the action of getting out of bed is a choice!)

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with all the choices that whack me in the face each day. Sure, I love having control (which is an entirely separate issue) but some days I halfway wish someone would just make the choice for me.

Especially the difficult ones. [Read more…]

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Fine time to be be Refined

September 21, 2012 by

Today’s post starts with a mini science lesson… (It’s not going to require any complicated chemistry formulas or anything I promise. Hang with me… It IS Friday after all.)

Did you know that it take MILLIONS of years for graphite to be transformed into a diamond? Not only does it take a significant chunk of time, but it also requires temperatures upwards of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure that is 50 times greater than that on the earth’s surface.

Sheesh. That’s intense! (And now you have something to talk about at the supper table tonight. You are welcome.) [Read more…]

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Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

September 19, 2012 by

Do you remember that movie from the 1993 called “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey?” You know, the one with the two dogs (Shadow and Chance) and the cat (Sassy.)

Oh. You don’t? Well, google it. I will wait.

Got it? Ok. Well, it was one of my favorite movies back in the day– we owned it on VHS, and if we still had a VHS player, I would probably still watch it on occasion. That movie included my favorite things: Disney, animals and adventure.

Now my life is a little less Disney and a lot more adventure. [Read more…]

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Our Cup Filled Up (Anxiety-Free Monday, Wk 2)

September 17, 2012 by

Few things in life make me happier than a smooth, warm beverage.

From peppermint tea to hot chocolate to my favorite doctored-up cup of coffee, drinking a warm beverage out of one of my favorite mugs makes my heart sing with joy.

It’s not just a taste thing for me– it’s a total body experience. On those cool fall mornings or perhaps right before bed as I wind down from a long day, my whole being is just moved by my cup filled with liquid awesome. [Read more…]

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Oh Look– Something Shiny! (Five Minute Friday)

September 14, 2012 by

Greetings all! It is Friday (whoot!) and if you have been hanging ’round these parts for a hot minute, you know that Fridays can only mean one thing…

Five Minute FridayProductivity is optional.

(Just kidding. If you are at work, you better get busy before your boss reads this over your shoulder and you end up having a “Come to Jesus” chat with him.)

But seriously. Fridays mean it is time for Five Minute Friday.

Each week, I link up with my friend Lisa-Jo Baker. She gives us a prompt and we free-write for five minutes flat. No over-thinking, no OCD perfectionistic editing.

Just go with it. Which I do believe is a perfect attitude for a Friday.

So my fingers are itching… Let’s do this.

Today’s prompt: FOCUS

Ready? GO! [Read more…]

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All Tied Up

September 12, 2012 by

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves tied up in mess.

Perhaps it’s a big mess.

And when we end up in aforementioned life mess, rarely is it “on purpose.”

Actually it reminds me of one of my favorite childhood responses when questioned about why I ate dog food/made my sister stick her tongue to a frozen iron pole/blended up a spatula in a batch of zucchini brownies…

“Um, it was an accident.” [Read more…]

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A Journey of a Lifetime (Anxiety-Free Monday, Wk 1)

September 10, 2012 by

The sun is barely peeking over the horizon. I lug my last suitcase out to the car and with a final heave, toss it in. Slamming the trunk, smile and let out a satisfied sigh.

Let the journey begin.

I have been blessed to travel to many different places so far in my lifetime. I’ve been to about 30 states(ish), a few foreign countries– Spain, Portugal, Italy and China. All of these trips have been educational, challenging and blessing to my heart.

Although traveling as a “big kid” isn’t as frequent as my college days, I can’t help to still be filled with anticipation and excitement with each new journey. [Read more…]

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Check your Gauge (Five Minute Friday)

September 7, 2012 by

It’s time for Five Minute Friday. (I will give you a moment to collect yourself.)

FMF is a great exercise, just to write– for five minutes flat, not stressing about grammar and commas, not overthinking the process or the message.
Five Minute Friday
Just write. Then we link up with Lisa-Jo. 

Easy, huh? (Just what we need on a low-key Friday!)

Let’s do this.

Today’s prompt: GRACEFUL

Anddddd GO! [Read more…]

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