This one's in the bag

 

When packing for a recent trip and also reflecting on the upcoming resolution-goal setting season, I came across my trusty backpack that I often use. While the goal of this post is not to be materialistic and I know material things have no human characteristics... this bag has been around for a lot. 

This bag has literally carried me through the weight of grad school with Higher Ed Law and Counseling Theory. It trekked the streets of Boston, mile by mile in the summer of soul searching. It's been on hikes around the most beautiful prairie I never knew existed and it's been on hikes on the other side of the world to places I had always dreamed of.

In 2014, it is time for a new adventure for me and this bag. The question is only...what...when...and where? Once those are answered, the who and the how will be pretty simple. So, I have a few ideas, but am open to your assistance. Okay, so let's be real, I need your help. 

Here are some adventures, place your vote and/or comments in the space below or let's chat soon. 

A) A trip on a boat

B) Tour 'de beach and books

C) An adventure through educating myself on writing...how to become an author (like for real)

D) A weekly adventure, which would then be a blog topic of course

E) Other, fill in the blank

The 2046 Plan

I love vacations. Who doesn't, right? But for this vacation, I am really looking forward to my to reading list. As always, I am sure to have bitten off more then I can chew, but it's a good starting place. I've limited by suitcase to three books, of all different varieties. It will be good for any mood. And then there is a list to keep me going in the new year. If you have read any of these, too -- let's chat. Or if you have any to suggest for my stand-by list, those are always welcome, too.

 

At home: a short history of private life by Bill Bryson

 

The Christmas scrapbook: a Harmony story by Philip Gulley

 

What we ache for: creativity and the unfolding of your soul by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

 

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker

Lioness Arising: Wake Up and Change Your World by Lisa Bevere

 

 

Good thing my library card doesn't expire until 2046! 

 

Creativity in response to our Creator

As I lace up for week two, the meditation continues. This weeks topic - creativity. I recently heard a wise lady talk about how we are made in the image of our Creator and should therefore spend time and embrace creativity and the creativeness around us....be creative, was my take-away. Time to reflect and run, and blog later. Join me in thinking about --what are the road blocks to true creativity...and how do we overcome those....and what do these dear lady's words really mean?

Creativity. 

When am I most creative:

While or after spending time with people I love....Community. 
When experiencing the creativity of others...Inspiration. 
While or after freeing the mind, taking a drive, or doing nothing...Seeking Clarity. 
When trying to think outside the box to solve a difficult problem...Innovation.  
Spending time in nature or a change in setting...Intentionality. 

What are the road blocks to creativity:

 Not making time for any or all of the above. 

How do we overcome those road blocks:

 Gotta make time for it. End of story. 

Silent night, but not

Yesterday, I attended a Christmas Concert. It was a pretty legit thing. Real theater. The kind where if you are late, you have to wait for the next applause break to go find your seat.

Half way through the concert, we began to experience what, if at any other concert at any other time of year, would have been the biggest cultural faux pas...ever. You see about three rows from the back was the cutest baby ever. But a baby that had things to say. Between every other Silent Night and Joy to the World there was a whimper or a giggle or a cry. Constant.

In the midst of this addition to the musical symphony, there was a deep awareness and ironic reality. In some way, the vocals of that tiny baby served as a reminder. And made that reminder more real. That a long-time ago in a little town, baby Jesus made his arrival into this world and he was just like this baby in so many ways -- just baby, yet King. As we sang O Holy Night and Hark the Herald Angels sing, there was this echoing reminder...this beautiful echoing reminder from three rows from the back. A reminder that God choose to send his son, into our world... as a gift that would change our world forever.

Salt and Light (Random Thoughts)

Until this recent inspiration, my writing pen had run dry. Or maybe not so much dry, but lazy. As mentioned in the last post, recently I was brought to reflect on salt and light.  The question of challenge was -- what am I doing to be salt and light?

After a few miles spent this last week, I have some reflections on that. Honestly, the question came in a round about way -- first feeling the weight and discouragement of the dark world around us. Turn on the news most nights and you will see what I mean. While the news is helpful to inform us, it is not the ultimate source of truth. As I was driving this particular day my thoughts were taken from this sea of discouragement to a place of hope. The words salt and light just kept coming to mind. Then reality of the challenge changed from pointing fingers to the world around me to looking within. I began to ask the question---what am I doing to be salt a light?

When the shoes hit the pavement, I was still pondering this question. Names, faces, and situations came to mind. I thought of times I've seen others live this out well and times on my own journey. The reality is, however, that I also came to place of humility.... failures of things overlooked or opportunities missed and successful times I was carried with a strength beyond my own to be salt and light. While I'd be glad to share those on an individual level, for this post I decided to share on where my thoughts took me next.

Of course, there is the passage from Matthew 13, which underlined my reflections from the start:

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

And as I thought about those things the realizations were, mile by mile, random really. So, in no particular order, here are the Random Thoughts on Salt and Light.

• We can't be salt and light, if we are complaining about blandness. 
• There are spectrums of salt and light, but all it takes is a bit to pull it out of darkness. Think of lighting a candle in a dark room. Suddenly the room goes from being dark to being light.
• Our greatest purpose is to be salt and light.
• We can't do it alone.
• We have to know what light is --- not a laser when you need a flashlight or a candle.
• We need to know when to speak --- and when to be silent. Yes, there are times for that. 
• More than anything, light needs a power source.  

Finally, our purpose is not found in high salaried, high titled jobs, nor recognition and notability.
It is not even about having great experiences, choosing good adventures, or ultimate happiness.
The number one purpose is to be salt and light.
Love God. Love others. Walk with God.
The minute we lose sight off that, we enevitably spiral into demise of depression and self-pity.
There is no greater purpose. Be salt. Be light.

Lace Up

As I lace up to hit the training road again, I've decided to have a topic to meditate on and think about while I run, with blogging and reflection to follow later. Future topic suggestions welcome.

Current topic: salt and light. Join me ---what are you doing to be salt and light is this dark and bland world?

Commitment

On the dawn of the week of which its end will bring the completion of a milestone, as I was driving today this thought hit me about commitment. Some people call it vision. Others call it follow through or resilience. But all of those would be way over credited. Commitment. It's simple. You finish what you start.

I can remember growing up in the philosophy of "you finish what you start." This mindset was one that was supported by my parents and grandparents, and siblings even. I don't remember it being said in words so much and I only recall one time hearing one of my siblings get the you-finish-what-you-start-speech, but it was more of an understood.

I can not say, until this day, that this was something I was thankful for.

There were many times I've wanted to quit...tap dancing, softball, soccer, piano lessons, eating all the pears or peaches, finishing college, finishing grad school. Yep, there were many ready to quit moments along the way.

But today, as I think about the finish line and completing a task I've set out to do, commitment is something for which I am thankful.

60 day plan and counting

While I've been making time to work on the things from the 90-day plans...and making progress. And I've been finding time to just chill...and making progress....it has been way too long (30 days!) since I've made time for this writing, but a few topics are on the back burner as I am really focusing on those other action items. 

A few updates on the 90 day plan list...

1. redecorating bathroom: in progress.
2. train for and finish a 5k: 1 1/2 weeks to go.
3. organize my electronic files at work: in progress; 2/3 done.
4. major report at work: el finito!!
5. put in motion the steps for writing a book: in progress.
6. quilt: one row left!

Now, for a sneak preview of the new bathroom decor designs. Sometimes it's the simple things. In this case, the photo of the rice fields near Milan, Italy is the simple inspiration. See the concept preview here and watch for a final update soon....in less than 90 days. :)

90-day-plans

It's fun to dream. God has given us a creative spirit and endless possibilities around us. Sometimes it takes discernment of when it's time to take some dreams and put them to action.

I am real good at starting projects, but as I've discovered lately.... not as good at finishing them. One recent read was sharing the idea of making a 90-day plan. It is as basic as it sounds:

Pick a project.
Outline the tasks to make that project a successfully completed reality.
And then put it to a timeline 90 days out.
Simple enough, eh?

Well, yes simple, yet overwhelming all at the same time. With the turning of the calendar to March 1, I thought it was the perfect idea to put some things in action. 90 days is really not that far off when you look at the calendar and start filling in goals and deadlines. If anything, it helps give perspective and clarity.

And that is exactly what I've done. I took that time to outline some dreams and give them a deadline. Not that God doesn't have a plan of His own, but I think we are suppose to work together on this one. So, as things get in motion, we will continue to see where He leads.

Keep in mind, not all of the dreams will be complete in 90 days, but some of the tasks will be, yet other dreams will be a few steps closer and a bit more defined. While I don't look at the 90-day plans everyday, it is good to keep the dreams and goals in mind. I have found two things most helpful:

First, I also try to ask myself each day, "what am I doing today to work towards that dream?" and set at least 3 things each day that will get accomplished. Don't get the wrong idea -- I am not to the task master stage by any means, some days the thing that I could be doing is resting, to give me energy the next day to focus back on the dream(s).

Second, this journey leaves me reaching for a strength beyond my own to sustain, most days my theme songs (two of my favs right now) are: Carry Me by Josh Wilson and Lord I Need You by Matt Maher. Glad that Christ strengthens me and keeps me going.

So here it is, the Dream List 2013:

1. Finish redecorating bathroom (original art work included).
2. Continue to train for and finish a 5k.
3. Organize my electronic files at work.
4. Finish a major report at work.
5. Start and put in motion the steps for writing a book; contact resources; acquire necessary school supplies to do so.
6. Continue work on quilt (one year deadline: Nov 2013); finish top layer close to 90 days out.

Chat again in 90 days. Or before if you have any tips or encouragement to offer.

Grains of Sand....Counting them

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

    when I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 139-17-18

I've been thinking about these verses, really off and on for the last five months. From rediscovering the depths of Psalm 139 in its entirety to speechlessly sitting on the shores of the ocean among a small pile of grains of sand, this verse has been on my mind. So much so that there is some inspired artwork in the works, but that for another day --- as it is taking long than I thought.

For now, I'd like to share what I have learned about the magnitude of this verse. At first glance, we know that God thinks about a lot, right? But how much and what does that really mean. Grains of sand are tiny, right? And it takes up a lot to cover a beach, right? And there are lots of beaches in this world -- so that is a lot that God thinks about us. 

To put it more specifically, according to a quick search of the internet, just on all the world's beaches alone there are estimated to be seven quintillion five quadrillion grains of sand. That is 700,500 with 15 zeros after it. What that doesn't include in desserts and other sandy locations, just the ones that are ocean side. That is a lot!!

Here is the other cool thing, because rocks, minerals, and particles (I am not being very scientific here, but you get the idea) are constantly breaking down into smaller parts....yep, that is right it creates more and more grains of sand -- the number is constantly growing. I like to think that about God's thoughts of us, too. It is kind of like lightning bugs -- just when you think you've counted em all, another one pops up.

Yep, God thinks about us a lot....were I to count them, I would be overwhelmed by His presence and care.

Soundtrack 2012

In effort to get caught up with a clean slate for the Soundtrack in a Jar Project (see previous post),

here is the compilation for Soundtrack 2012.

1. Hallelujah Christmas –Cloverton
2.  All Things Possible – Mark Schultz
3. Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin
4. One Thing Remains – Kristian Stanfill
5. The Proof of Your Love – King and Country
6.  The Love of God – Fredrick Martin Lehman
7. Love is Not a Fight -  Warren Barfield 
8. 10,000 Reasons - Matt Redman
9. Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken – Henry Lyte/Bill Moore
10. Thessalonians - Mary Swanson
11. Good to Be Alive – Jason Gray
12. God is Able  - Hillsong

Professional Reading Wednesdays

Realizing that my reading list  is growing, I’ve decided to make a professional reading list as well. This works out nicely one of my professional goals this year is to make intentional time for professional reading. This also works out well as one of my one on one meetings is taking a rotational coffee house tour around our city. So each week, after we are done meeting hopefully (it is blocked off on my calendar) I can make some time for reading for work.

1. Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements by Tom Rath and Ph.D. James K. Harter
2. First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman 
3. This Is Not the Career I Ordered: Empowering Strategies from Women Who Recharged, Reignited, and Reinvented Their Careers by Caroline Dowd-Higgins  {don't read too much into this one, it is just a good read}
4. The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization by Peter M. Senge

Recommendations welcome.  

The to-read list

Books are like a conversation. There are a lot of conversations on my "to read" list. As mentioned in a previous post, the list is ever-growing and I hope to make time to focus on them and then to add more to the list. Below is a start of what is on the list, in no particular order. I can't recommend them, yet. But will certainly let you know if they are worth the time. Most of them, aside from those with a *, have a home on my bookshelf and you are welcome to borrow them anytime.

1. Cold Tangerines - Shauna Niequist*
2. Lincoln's Battle With God: A President's Struggle with Faith and What It Meant for America - Stephen Mansfield*
3. Be Joyful [a study on Philippians] - Warrne W. Wiersbe
4. Servant Leadership in the Boardroom: Fulfilling the Public Trust - Kent Keith
5. Becoming a Women of Excellence - Cynthia Heald
6. Passion for the Heart of God: Making His Heart Completely Yours - John Willis Zumwalt
7. Whatever is Lovely: Design for an Elegant Spirit - Marsha Maurer
8. From Pride to Humility - Stuart Scott
9. The Sacred Search - Gary Thomas
10. Start with Humility: Lessons from America's Quiet CEOS on How to Build Trust and Inspire Followers - Merwyn A. Hayes and Michael D. Comer

Other Recommendations welcome and needed

Cross-cultural communication

Over the last week, I've had various interactions that have made me think about cross-cultural greetings. Some stand to shake hands, others wave a casual hello. Or maybe a hug, or two-hand handshake, or even a hug with a face-to-face hug and a kiss of the air.

Each greeting has its place, its origin, and its meaning.

Favorite on my list is...

The greeting: the hug.
The culture: spirited children unhindered.
The setting: just about anywhere.
The timing: it happens so fast, you don't know what hit you. Out of no-where, there are these precious little arms wrapped around. No words, just a hug that never lets go. Eventually maybe there is a word or two, or a hello Miss Tonya, but that is about if for them; no words are needed.

In today's interaction with these little friends, it struck me that even a few years ago it was more of a knee hug, but now they are more about waist high. Funny how they must be growing so.

My hope for them as they continue to grow is that they keep this unhindered spirit.
Sure, they will mature in other ways.
But the simplicity and child-likeness is truly something to embrace;
May we all learn from their wisdom and know when to never let go.

Retreat in a bag: Paying it forward

Recently, I had this idea. Now I am finally able to pull it together.

People are busy. More busy than we should be. Taking time is important.

Taking time to rest.
Taking time to reflect.
Taking time just to be.
Taking time to be with God.

So, I am starting a Retreat in A Bag (better names welcome). The basic idea is I will start this bag with some very basic things: a inspiring dvd -- around the basic idea listed above (Be Still by Lisa Chan); a random good book; a notebook; and a few consumables (maybe a candle or a snack). I will then pass it on to a friend. Hopefully, they will use it. And enjoy it...over the course of a few days, weeks, or months; no limit. They watch and read the stuff and can record some thoughts in the notebook, or not. They can also share a bit on www.retreatinabag.blogspot.com. They can enjoy the consumables, and replace them with something else. And then they can pass it on to someone else they think might enjoy it. Pretty straight forward -- will be fun to see --as we pay it forward.

Titled, but unwritten

Some weeks are busier than others and last week was one of those weeks. While it was time well spent in other places, it left me little time to focus on writing. Rather... I thought about it. :) And I thought about upcoming blog topics, a few came to mind. I also realized the more creative writing that happens, the more need there is to feed into those channels....be that conversations with others, seeking out outside of the box experiences, or reading a variety of books by a variety of authors. Wow, have I got my homework cut out for me :)  In the weeks ahead, I need to set aside time for intentional writing and creative feeding, as I will call it. Sure, there is value in those impromptu moments that come and importance in jotting down those thoughts before they speed on by. But in the sometimes fast paced day, those moments may not come -- unless we allow them and carve out time ahead. Especially for the book writings which ideas are already spinning....some have titles, book jackets already imagined, and inside book flap previews already drafted out. There must be some time to actually write and do more than dream. But for now, here is a sneak preview.

Book 1: The most of every season

There are seasons of life. This we've known for a while. :) But within those seasons...there are more seasons. For example, the season of singleness. Without writing the whole book here...there are some basic stages within this season.

The first is one of longing and loneliness --seeking to fill a void. Usually, a God sized void that only He can fill. This journey of the season goes in ups and downs, but once we make it through that and realize that we must seek Jesus to fill those voids, He provides contentment. As we mature, there will still be ups and downs as the enemy tries to pull us back to false thinking, but... do not fear for God has us in His grip. This portion of the season is not what this book is about. There are already plenty of those out there. Okay, so I may have read a few along the way :) but that's okay -- that is in part what has brought me to the next mini-season.

The second season/stage is one still of longing, but contentment, too-- which works together to fuel preparation. That is what this book is about. While there will be some of my own thoughts on this topic, the bulk of the book and the true wisdom will come from interviews. By talking with various women at all stages of life, the book will compile wise thoughts on what it is good to be working on and preparing on in this time. What are the skills, gifts and talents to cultivate during this season, that they either did live out, or they now wish they would have had more time to live out. There are benefits to this season, and God has put us here for a reason -- we must make the most of it.

Interview suggestions welcome.

Book 2: Threads

This is a book about themes that come up in our life from youth to adulthood, each of us have thread(s) that find their way weaved throughout time in and out of our life. Think about them -- we all have them - what are the threads in your life? That was the basic idea of this book when it hit me about a year and a half ago, but since then I realized it is about more than that. It is about clinging to Jesus when those threads come and go, when we don't know if we have the faith to believe or we just don't feel like it, and it is about His faithfulness.

Book 3: The making of a morning person

The thoughts for this book are a little more vague, but have been inspired by my journey to set my alarm for 5:30 am and on most days actually get up. It is about those lost hours of the day. It is about the sunrise, the sunset, and the time in between. It might be a book about goals and changing patterns in our lives through no strengths of our own, or it might just be about making the most of each day. Suggestions welcome. Photo art already selected for book jacket.

So, yeah these ideas have been floating for a while, for a few years for some and just a few months for others. But, today as I had coffeeless-coffee with a friend and was talking about one of my books, she impressed on me that she needs that book now!! And I thought if just this one person can benefit from the book, it is worth it. But how much more are there also others who also need to hear, read, and explore for themselves within the reading of a few pages. So, here I am striving to put the dream in motion. This friend has volunteered to proof read, so that area is covered, but other writing and discipline-life tips welcome. Some action steps should come into play within a few weeks, I am usually not very disciplined, but maybe that is also a skill that God is using this to build in my life.

Soundtrack in a jar

Today's thought is simple. It is about making a Soundtrack for our lives. A few years ago, I was in the habit of doing so. For a particular year I would choose a selection of songs for that year -- things that described the year. That was a fun thing to do and serves as a scrapbook of sorts. Listening to the cds from a year makes me happy, grateful, and reflective.

Starting this year, I will begin that habit again. To make it easier, I've started a jar. Throughout the year if there is a Soundtrack-worthy song, it will go in the jar. At the end of the year. The titles in the jar will be narrowed down to 10-12 songs and that list will be the Soundtrack for the year.

A dream that needs a name

Today as I was having coffee-less-coffee with a friend (read: catching up in a coffee shop drinking caffeine free warm goodness), I started to day dream. The conversation with my friend paused, and I had to apologizes that my thoughts were elsewhere. As I was deeply grateful for the warm cup of mint verbena tea and the calm ambiance looking out the window at the rainy day, I began to day dream about what my coffee shop will look like. It's been on the dream list for a while, so I figure now is as good of time as anyway to fill in some of the details. Please,...do come in to my coffee shop.....

As you enter the front door you will be taken away my the warm bamboo flooring and red hand-blown glass light fixtures. Calming, but not too classy -- this is for sure a casual place, not poshy. You may notice they resemble the poppy-flower art work on the back wall. This is the permanent art collection. On the left wall however, depending on the season, you will find one of the following: black and white photography, handmade jewelery, or kiddo's masterpieces. But really, the best view of all is out the windows on the right side of the shop. You can even enjoy a space on the porch and black rod iron park benches the wrap half way around the building.

Whether you are here for coffee and a chat or looking for a calm corner to read in, this is your place. At the order counter you can have your choice of coffee, tea, or bubble tea to drink. If you are needing a snack, please take a look at the selection of yogurt & fruit granola or the scone flavors of the day. If you are lucky there will still be a warm scone left in the warming tray -- those are the best. :) If you have a suggestion for a flavor of scone or want to give your hand at baking, come back on Saturday morning to learn how and explore different make your own flavors in the Better-Than-Saturday-Morning-Cartoon-Class. You can even come in your pjs.

If it is lunch or dinner, I hope you will like the daily special because that is the adventure that has been chosen for you today. If you missed in on the front marquee or aren't from around here and don't have the daily dishes memorized yet, that's okay -- come on in and see what's cooking. Most likely it will be a simple cafe style or diner type meal. Certainly with some fresh greens or vegetables on the side. Simple, yet delicious.

If none of that appeals to you, feel free to stay anyway. Grab a seat by the window at a natural wooden table. Don't like the chairs at that table, choose another chair from the somewhat random assortment of chairs. If you look close enough there is a pattern among the assortment: red, yellow, teal, and brown.

If you are more in the need of a comfy escape find your way through the shop to one of the areas with the beautiful red rugs. They will be surrounded by big leather chairs, couch, and black rod iron reading lamps. Back in the corner by the fireplace you will even find a bookshelf table. (The kind like in the airplane-shopping magazine, only it's a handmade table.) On each shelf you might find a good read that someone else left for you to discover, or you may decide to leave a book there yourself.

If still none of those spaces appeal to you, there is one option left. In the back corner to the right of the fireplace there is a slightly elevated stage. On the weekends and Friday and Tuesday nights you will find some lovely live music in that area. Don't worry, it is not the way loud stuff -- definitely coffee shop ambiance, but not elevator music either. Trust me on this one  -- it is good stuff. But, on the days that the stage is not in use, it makes the perfect spot for those of us that prefer simple floor sitting. Take your pick of cushion and pillows and enjoy this prime seating. Unless, of course it is Wednesday morning, or you might have to fight for a spot among the kiddos that have come in for the story hour and craft time.

Stay as long as you like, we are almost always open.
We are even here just to chat and talk about your day, if you are in need of that, too.

For some this place is a safe-haven,
for others a sanctuary,
but mainly... more than anything
it is a dream come true.

Yet a dream, that still needs a name.

Rest

If I were to have a list of new year's resolutions, perhaps one would be to rest more. Or rather, to be better at resting.

Slowing down more, check.
Reflecting, check.
Not saying yes to everything, you got it!
But, being at rest....I am still definitely learning more about what that means.

I've been thinking about it in terms of what it means to take "a day of rest." I don't think that means to sleep all day, but maybe more to be at peace, to not think about doing and going - but just to be. Maybe? Yep, definitely still discovering what this means.

As I've reflected lately, I am kind of enjoying the uniqueness of this time of year... and particularly this year. At this moment in time, I have no plans for the future. No travels booked. No meetings to must attend. Nothing  --the calendar is completely empty. It is kind of refreshing. This...coming from someone who likes to...or maybe who used to like to...plan. Okay, so I know deep down there is still that preference, but still I am enjoying this moment in time and living it from this moment to the next.

Take that breath of fresh air --enjoying this moment in time and living it from this moment to the next- maybe that is being at rest. I mean there is a peace in that: not having any specific plans, yet knowing all the days ahead can't be that boring so they must be going to fill up with something...but just what is it that God has in store.

Hmm, yep, definitely at rest about that one.
Knowing that whatever the year ahead may hold...He's got this one.
And hoping that somewhere in the journey from one moment to the next, He will teach me a bit more about this thing called rest.

Providence

Today's post is more of a hmm, here-is-what-I-am-thinking-about-post, not really anything conclusive or ground-breaking. I guess it could be a conversation starter for some, or a conversation stopper for others. Or perhaps there will be a part two as I discover more.

------------------------------

Sometimes I am a words person. I like words. I like thinking about where they came from and learning more about why we use them. It is something I can be a nerd about, but I like to learn.

In the last few weeks, someone used the word providence. And it got me thinking. What does that word really mean? Where does it come from? And do we truly use it to its fullest.

So, I got out my dictionary - yep, I am old school and still have a dictionary. Although I have given up my goal of reading it cover to cover, I do find it handy from time to time.

I turned through the thumb tab markers and landed on providence. I found out it can mean a variety of things: looking to, or preparation for the future; the care or benevolent guidance of God, an instance of this, just to list a few. I also thought about the city as I was actually there once, I wonder how it got its name That is on my to learn list, too.

But back to the definition - there is some depth there as it is broken apart, mainly just the second part listed: the care or benevolent guidance of God, an instance of this.

care or benevolent: in our earthly view this would be something with appearance of positivity, when in reality seemingly negative things can be the utmost of care and benevolence. It is all a matter of perspective.

guidance of God: not just presence, or existence, or far off observance by God...but guidance. Having a guide, does imply following in obedience.

It is this following and abiding that will lead to an instance of this.

The Cultivating of Creativity: A Stitch in Time

Once upon a time there was a little girl who would spend a week of her summer vacation at Grandpa and Grandma's house. She was very lucky to have two Grandpas and Grandmas -- so sometimes she would get to spend one week at one house and another week later in the summer at the other house.

One Grandpa and Grandma lived on a farm. It seemed like a magical place, really. There were corn cribs that when empty made the perfect play-school house and an old school house that made the perfect play area. There were tall strands of grass and cats that would come drink from the water well. Sometimes there were even legendary snakes or skunks...but usually only one person would get to see those treasures and then run to tell the rest of the family. There were big open fields for kickball and soccer, and sometimes softball...but mainly just running around. There was even a classic truck and farm tractor. Once in a while she would get to ride with Grandpa. On one particular day she even got to walk through the truck bed full of feed grain in her bare feet. It was a paradise. And that was just outside.

Inside the humble little farm house was another land of fortunate happenings. This was the only place this little girl got to play with glitter -- the starting place of all things creative. Sure, it made a mess to clean up, but she and Grandma were real good at that. Grandma even had a certain way to use newspaper to recycle stray glitter sparkles back into the bottle. It was simple really, but to this little girl it was special. And so was Grandma.

In the middle of one summer vacation at this grand adventure place, Grandpa was out working hard on the farm. This left Grandpa's chair inside the house the perfect spot for this little girl to perch. As she sat there she looked over to her Grandma who was was sitting in her chair next to her sewing basket. Curious, the girl asked her Grandma what she was doing. Grandma went on to explain that she was stitching up a hole in Grandpa's trousers so he could wear them again. This intrigued the little girl, so she looked on.

With a twinkle in her eye and pursed lips, Grandma somehow just knew what she was suppose to do. She dug through her sewing basket and looked over at the little girl. Within minutes the girl was ready to learn with a scrap of fabric, a needle and thread in hand. It was on that day of this summer vacation that Grandma taught that little girl to sew. It was a simple project really. With the scrap of cloth Grandma had taught her how to make a little pocket. Simple as it was at the end of the vacation it also had a two-dollar bill enclosed. A valuable item the rarity may be, yet even more valuable was the time that was spent and the skill that was taught. For from it would come pillows, and quilts, and other projects for years to come. But even more, the cultivating of creativity was the best souvenir and life-long gift from that summer vacation.

30 days of what?

There has been this idea floating around: A 30 day challenge. You may have heard about it. One of my colleagues has been sharing the concept and encouraging us each to find our challenge. The basic idea is you pick something, anything, and do it for 30 days.

I pondered this idea with the thought of the new year and my lacking in the area of new year's resolutions. Yet, even with a 30 days challenge, it should be doable, yet challenging (hence the name), and still enjoyable in some capacity.

Around this same time, I have been feeling this push to write again and more. I've got three books on my writing pen, yet progress on none. Right now, it seems as if writing is like a word that gets stuck on the tip of your tounge or ....a sneeze that has not quite pushed its way into existence.
So, it seems like the combo of these ideas is the perfect opportunity to get things going. 30 days of writing and posting. With this 30 days, I am giving myself some flexiblity...I mean after all, it is my 30 day challenge....so the 30 days may not be right in a row (although that will be the initial goal), but at least once a week. So really, this 30 days of challenge could take half the year. Of course with blogging, some writings my be more simple than others, but it the goal is the basic exercise of writing and getting the pen to move. From that hopefully my other book-writing-pens will also start in motion.

Topic inspirations welcome.

Ta-Done List

Before my recent summer travels I reflected and made a wishful to do list and encouraged my travel buddy to do the same. (Okay, I did make her a little journey-brochure.) In general, I have found this helpful with some experiences to discover self expectations...and avoid being disappointed later.

So, here was my list. I am happy to say -- it was pretty successful.

See:

Rome
Effiel Tower
Swiss Mountains

Read, Write, Reflect, Pray:

A good book
The Bible
{Write} a lot in my journal for later blog (Okay, this one made it to Day 3)

Savor:

Tiramsu (Twice in Italy - check i-te-check)
Cup o' Joe (Yep, I gave up my giving up, just for this trip. It was an easy transtion back)
Crossaint
Gelato

Capture:

A beautiful field with a tree (In case you were wondering, I've discovered my favorites are the Cypress and Juniper. More on discoveries in the next entry.)
Sunrise
Sunset
Funny pic of my friend
A stained glass window

Do-Take-Go-Be:

Sit in a litee street side cafe (No time for sitting on this trip. We did have a lovely patio breakfast a few mornings, though.)

Walk, Climb, Sit, Run, or Stand:

Sit in the window seat on the train (Wasn't able to sit right next to it -- but got a good view in between catching some zzzs.)

Conversations starters with my travel buddy:

                                                      -Okay, didn't get to all of these. Friend, we should chat :)
Hey, 'sup? Tell me about your summer?
How was your last trip?
What is your 10 year plan?
Any good books lately?
How can I be praying for you?


Part 2: Up Next? -- the things that weren't on my list, but were pretty amazing.....

Simple stories

Respect and honor have no barriers of time and place.

On my return flight home, we were waiting in the airport and kept hearing what sounded like rain on the roof, but then it would stop. As we got closer to the departure gate area, we noticed a parade of people standing around the arrival gate areas. Every time that a man or women in uniform can through the group would applaud. There was a small group of about ten people that had signs and banners and were waiting for one soldier, but the energy and heart of those ten people spread to the rest of the waiting area and with each uniform that passed by, another applaud of cheers and thanks. It was neat to see that contagious and spontaneous recognition.

Dream big and set deadlines.

"Aunt T, I am 6 1/2."
"Yes, nephew."
"That means next time you see me, I will be 7 and I will know if I like broccoli. Because when turn 7, I am going to try it and find out if I like it."

Great reminder to dream big and set goals with deadlines. :)

See yourself the way others do...or better yet the way God does.

"Aunt T, I like your skin," 4 1/2 year old niece.
"Why thank you. I like your skin, too"
"Aunt T, I like your ears."
"Thank you."
"T, What color are your eyes?"
"Blue."
"I like your eyes.... I like your body.... I like your nose.... I like your hair."

Great reminder of perspective -- mainly seeing ourselves the way God does. Sure, He see our sins and struggles, but He also sees the beauty. And if we be still and listen we can hear His whisper. He made in us on the inside and out. We can be humble, but still recognize that creation in ourselves and in others.

 

Accept no imitation.

One more nephew story; this one about the 1 year old. This trip was his first chance to meet his 2 aunts in person. Phone conversations and internet are great -- but nothing quite like the real thing. For him though, initially it was a bit confusing. See, thus far in his life he has had one lady that looks like his momma and is his mom. But, on this trip ---it was kind of a mean trick to plan on him -- but his momma has 2 sisters. And because we are sisters -- we kind of look alike. :) There were a few times that he thought one of us was his mom, and then all of a sudden realized we were not. And then we heard about it -- in the form of some pretty impressive crying. He knew that something was off and wanted what he knew to be his one true mom.

Love is a choice...that never loses its romance.

I always love to visit my grandparents. They have such great stories and such great love. This story however is about them. You see, every day Grandpa goes (chooses) to visit Grandma in the nursing home. They sit. They talk. Sometimes they bicker (Although, I think that is just to keep them young). They read. They nap. They sit. They be. They be --together. Then at the end of the day, Grandpa goes to be back at home (a five minute drive away). When it is time for him to leave, Grandma wheels her chair out into the hallway, of which her room is at the very end. They say good bye. He gives her a kiss. And then another kiss. He starts to walk away-- and then just one more kiss. Then he starts his walker down the hallway, turning back every so often to wave. Then at the very end before he hits the elevator button, he turns once more. Waves. A blows her a kiss. She does the same. And then they wait to do it all again the next day...the choice and the romance--just like they have for the last 70 years. Love is a choice..that never loses its romance.

"The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory."

I read this quote in a book lately. It was in the context of writing down our dreams, ideas, and goals. This is something that I have failed to do for a while, but hoping to take some time soon to reflect and dream. Specifically as the read suggested, dreaming and goal setting in these areas: experiential, physical, influential, family, and travel. Watch for more soon -- or offer your inspiration, too.

Inspiration

The writing itch has hit me again and I hope to be writing more soon. If you have anything you'd like to hear about, let me know. Short and sweet.

Unwavering

I resolve not to make resolutions that will fail me,
but to strive to be resoulte.
To have faith like a child
and live the actions of Christ.
To make lifestyle changes
that are life changing.
To be a good steward of all we are given --
body, mind, and soul.
To live out of a Power that is beyond me
and to live out the Strength that is within me.
To grow from failure, and not fail to strive and grow.
To be humbled by mere humility, bringing a smile to the face of God.
To read more. Seek deeply. And listen.
To learn. To love. To Love.

reso-lute - adj. having or showing a fixed, firm purpose;

determined; resolved; unwavering --SYN: Faithful.

A Season of...

Sometimes the simple lessons are the ones we learn over and over...and over, making them seemingly complex when in reality -- we are just forgetful and distracted.

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Every once in a while when I start to feel discontentment and longing for something more and the next step, I take what I've come to call A Day of Clarity. You know, just a day, usually on the road somewhere to clear the mind and try to hear what God is calling me to do. Sometimes, it ends up with me in a bookstore pondering the shelves for all I have to learn....Praying the Names of God and The Way of the Master are two that stuck out this time.

(The fact that it is a day process that I have to set aside and the fact that it happens frequently enough to have given it a name, should be indicators of where this blog post is going, but stay with me.)

Basically, when I hit that season I find myself asking what God's will for my life is and seeking to know His will. And when I do it always (yes, always -- I can even remember an email dialogue with a friend six years ago that lead to the same place), it always leads me back to the realization of needing to just seek Him. That's what God wants, just time with us. And that's what we should long for, too. In addition, the added bonus is when we seek Him, we will know Him, and when we know Him....get this...we will know His will for our lives!!

Even just today as I wondered what my purpose is, I opened up to read 1 Peter 4:7-11 ....and get this---it was all right there...my purpose....(read the full passage for the entire quote) be clear minded, self-controlled, pray, love deeply, use the gifts given through the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Christ Jesus. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

So there it is my purpose...to help bring glory to God. Moral of the story--- seek God and I will find who I am. Well, this blog post could end there, but back to the fact that there is need for a DAY of clarity. What is it about the way I am living that every day can't be a day of clarity.

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I have been studying Deuteronomy lately, and ever since reading in 9:21 last week it still sticks with me how the idol which made the Lord angry, Moses destroyed. Now, it wasn't just tossed down the garbage disposal or out the window. Nope, it was destroyed.....burned, crushed, powered to dust....and just in case that wasn't enough...thrown into a stream that flowed down the mountain. I've never seen such mountains, but I imagine it to be far-far away.

As I thought about that and my recent day of clarity experience, two other ideas came to mind:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

the Word is God (John 1:1)

It's like the circular thing...to know God, we need to spend time with Him. To spend time with Him, we need to be in the Word. When we are, we need to be seeking with all our heart. And somewhere in there these idols get in the way. I know idols is a strong word, but I think it is strong enough for anything that gets in the way; I will let you know if I change my mind and my word choice.

So how do we stop this circular thing and the idols getting in the way? Well, my reading has shown we have to destroy them. In order to do that -- we also need to know what they are.

All this to say, where the day of clarity has taken me is to a deeper place. Realizing there has to be some things that are in the way in my normal day to day. Now, I'm not saying technology is an all bad thing, but when I look at my normal day to day -- there is a lot of it. And when looking at making time for more of seeking and knowing, that means making less time for some other things. To truly take some time distraction-free to know what those idols are. I'm not saying I'm going to cut email and technology all together, or maybe I will, or maybe it will be a wise use of scheduled focused electronics time. Maybe there will be other things I discover are in the way.

All this to say, it's time to go unplugged again for a bit. I'm not sure what a bit will be. Maybe the next blog update will be with some great reflections in a week, or a month, or maybe a year. But certainly, it will be themed on A Season of Clarity.

Contentment - Part 1

Somewhere I once heard, and have since heard often enough that I just hold it to be true-- If you teach something to others, you are more likely to learn it deeply yourself.

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A while ago a dear friend with a beautiful family, asked me if I would be a guest speaker for a group that her teen-ish daughters are in. Basically, they invite women of all ages and life paths in to speak to the group on a weekly basis. Topics range, but are intended to plant seeds of God's truth in their life and who He has called them to be. As my friend put it...it is like putting a road block way before the cliff down the road.

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Lately, I'd been struggling with just this underlying bitterness.
You know the kind of grumpiness that just won't go away, yet no good reason why.
The kind that leaves you longing for a friend and good cup of coffee, sooner rather than later.
That icky feeling, you just can't place.

Well, I love how sometimes (ok, always really if we are just patient enough), God helps us place it.

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Today, I got a call from that friend, following up for the session in a few months. The topic they would like me to share on, she said, was contentment.

Contentment.

Contentment, I thought, what do I know about that? But as it set more deeply in, I continued to ponder, Contentment - what does God want me to know about that? There is no such thing as coincidence, so I knew there was nothing small about my friend calling in the middle of this yucky week.

At first, my mind started to wander towards being content in every physical place. You know, like being content after a good meal. Stopping after you buy 1 book, instead of loading on 5 more. Simplicity. Contentment. Then I was directed even a bit deeper, that in every area of our lives, relying on God as our strength. Our hope. Our being. God is enough. Contentment.

Contentment. I am thankful for that phone call today. And the topic on the road ahead. By no means do I plan to be the expert, but I am looking forward to what God teaches me in the next few months on this topic....what He will use me for to teach to the group of gals...and even more what He will use on that day for us all to learn.

If you've got thoughts share 'em.

Day 4: Florida Travels

All good things must come to an end. An early afternoon flight, meant time to just chill in the morning. And by chill, I mean sit at the pool in the hot air....and get in the water some, too.

Then off to the airport, stopping by a local Italian place for lunch next to a cute local shop, which I could never get the name straight, so decided to rename it Rosas. It was something like that. And my friend was right. I did enjoy the shop. Just no room in the suitcase for more. Back to the airport we drove once more over the favorite bridge of my friend and her husband (you will have to read her blog for details on that one, or just ask).



Then to the airport for more pre-boarding waiting time...my favorite.

And back home for the final 2 hour drive stretch.



Thankful for safe travels, good friends, reconnecting and new beginnings. And some laughs along the way.

Day 3: Florida Travels and Good Reads

Sunday we started out the day by going to church and then leftovers for lunch. Spent a little time with the dogs at home and then out to do a little shopping at the outlet malls. A crock pot dinner cooking away, and some peach thing I made up.

And then off to the beach.
The part I had been waiting for!!!
It was for real.
Look at this sand. Like snow. But not. It is sand!!!

Just some chill time at the beach. Good chats. Good reflecting. Good dreaming.

Oh, and some reading, too. How could I have forgotten that part!! I had picked a few books for my travels and been reading on them the whole time. Below are just a few quotes that hit me.

From the book, Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way by Shauna Niequist:

"...I'm more certain than ever that prayer is at the heart of transformation. And also that God's will has a lot more to do with inviting us to become more than we previously have been than about getting us to one very specific destination...."

"...it's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What's hard...is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about....."

Okay, that chapter was really good. Ask me more. Or you can just borrow the book now that I am done with it. It was the perfect landing on the plane back home as I finished the last page at that exact moment.

Oh, and there was this really good chapter about how we have choices. Yeah, ask me about that one, too.

From the book, Jesus, Career Counselor by Laurie Beth Jones:

"As I consider the workplace, I realize that most of us have two categories of dreams. We either want to attain or achieve....But one day I asked myself, what might the Holy Spirt dream for us? I got out a pen and paper, and these are the words that flowed: to rise, risk, roar, reflect, renew, restore, remain, return, regenerate, revive, release, and rejoice."

3 qualities of successful innovators: "1) the ability to tolerate clutter...2)the ability to simultaneously hold the current reality of "what is" with the vision of "what could be"....3)the ability to see humor in almost everything."

"I believe that God places our calling within our hearts. But sometimes it is hidden or becomes distorted through time and disappointment or misdirection. I am confident, however, that we can all find our calling, our true calling, again (or for the first time!)."

"...like Mother Teresa once said, I am not called to be great, but to be obedient."

Also a good one you can borrow, but not yet. I am almost finished with it. :)