Blog Challenge #7 - How Have I Changed In the Past 2 Years

How have I changed in the past 2 years? Hmm.. well 2 years ago, I was 23, working at the church, dating the most wonderful man in the world, and saying farewell to my siblings as they went off to school. Now at 25, I still work at the church, I married that most wonderful man in the world and life is going well. How I have changed...Some lessons I have learned are the importance of enjoying life, the true value of family, the freedom of independence, and let go of the things that don't matter. 


Letting things go that don't matter. Basically, those things might matter, but they don't really matter in comparison to what God has planned and in store for your life.


The freedom of independence. This one might sound like the same thing, but there is a freedom in independence. There is also a responsibility and learning to balance the 2 takes some time to learn. For example. I love cereal. I can eat cereal for every meal just about everyday. I am not the biggest fan of eating fruits and veggies...in fact, if given an option between the 2 cereal is easier to fix and tastes better (probably because it's bad for me) Well, I now have the freedom to eat cereal night and day and have no one telling me to do otherwise, however, the repercussions of that decision may be something that I do not like. There for I have the responsibility to take care of myself and make wise choices for myself and not depend on someone else to do it for me. Freedom vs. Responsibility.


The true value of family. Sometimes one doesn't realize what they have until it's gone. I don't mean gone forever, although that too. But since I've been married, and my siblings have moved away, I have learned to value and treasure our times together. I have tried to put aside the frivolities and annoyances so when we look back on those times we don't see an argument or how much we got on each other's nerves, we see us enjoying each other as a family. Oh yeah and my parents have learned so much in the past 10 years! I mean when I was 15 they had "no idea" and just "didn't get it!" but now, they are so smart! How'd that happen?! (LOL ;-D) 


The importance of enjoying life. In our society, we live with the never-ending pressure of workaholism and over-achieving to succeed. I have learned that there will always be work to be done or a problem that needs your immediate attention or a deadline that never gives you enough time, but we have to STOP, breath, and MAKE TIME for something we love without feeling guilty for doing whatever it may be. Clear your mind, think about something OTHER than work. Somethings I enjoy...Crafting and creating...when I have something in this area that I'm working on, it helps me get through the work day and actually look forward to going home. I am able to be productive, have fun, and relax all at the same time! ...The Beach. I LOVE the beach! It is my absolute favorite! I could live there. Talk about peace, rest, tranquility, and relaxation! I could go to the beach everyday and never get tired of it! Why? Well, first of all, I love it. Secondly, I don't know why, but I feel God's presence and love when I'm there. Ever heard how people sometimes feel closer to God on a mountain top or on the side of a cliff, that's how the beach makes me feel. I take it as a God-kiss (you know, those times when God does something JUST for you...He created beaches...just for me! and maybe you...I can share. Lol!) I am just in awe at His majestic splendor, His amazing creativity, and just how big He really is!  No matter what craziness I have going on in my life, it doesn't come with me when I'm at the beach...unless it's a book. Then it can come. LOL. Realize the importance of enjoying life before you're burnt out on the life you live. And share the wealth, someone you know might not know this secret! 


I can't finish out this post without taking a second to brag about how amazing my husband is. He's probably been a part of the biggest change in my life. I love him so much, he's such a hard worker and loves Jesus and loves me. He's very caring and thoughtful. While we still have a lot to learn, I am so blessed to have him as my best friend on this great journey of life. I love you, Ted. 


So these are a few of the ways I have changed over the past 2 years...


What changes have you noticed?? Anything significant?

Blog Challenge #6 - Happy Siblings Day!

  

I have been excited for today's blog subject since I got the list because I just love my siblings!! I am the oldest of 3, Me at 25, Andrew at 23 and Anna at 21 and growing up with these 2, life rarely had it's dull moments. And that still hold true for today!

Andrew is 23 and working towards a degree in finance and accounting. He totally inherited the math brains of the family! And he's very good at it! He also is a workout junkie (along with Anna...something I definitely did NOT inherit!) and has turned into Mr. GQ. When he was growing up he was always particular about how he looked...hair had to be just so, shirt ALWAYS tucked in, pants hiked up to his shoulders, and shoes alwasy tied a specific way and boy did it pay off! He's so handsome! And now we are trying to find him a wife! Any takers?! (JUST KIDDING!! Well...Kinda...! No, really, he can find one on his own...with the help of Jesus of course!)

Andrew was also pretty shy when he was growing up, but knowing him now, you'd never know that! He's turned into quite the social butterfly and can very easily have the whole room laughing in about 5 seconds flat. He's also musically gifted, he's Animal on the drums, dabbles on the guitar and played trumpet in school!!

Andrew's Hidden Talent: He's actually quite the artist! Without any lessons, he could draw very well for his young age...I bet that talent is still floating around in there somewhere! :)

Anna is 21 and loving life! She has always been the life of the party and a caring person for all things great and small! She is also a wonderful performer, on and off the stage. No matter how big or small her audience, she can put on quite the show...In fact, she would play dress up and dramatically read stories to Lady, our golden retriever, who always listened with deep intent. In all seriousness, Anna is a very talented actress and dancer and it's also something she loves.

Growing up Anna never knew a stranger and would tell grown adults how the cow ate the cabbage at 3 years old! No one could resist her cute pigtails! She's always brought so much joy to those around her and still does today.

 As mentioned before, she too is a workout junkie and loves the thought of a challenge...She's one of those people that can kick butt in the gym...in high heels! She is a fashionista (or a Maxx-onista...LOL!) Anna has a great eye for fashion and isn't afraid to try new things! She is bold and tenatious in both style and personality and keeps the rest of us on the cutting edge...well as much as we'll allow! LOL! When Anna believes in something, she puts her heart and soul into it. She's cute and bubbly, but can pack a punch...I see her as a Tiger Bunny. (Google it, you'll know what I mean! LOL)  And I love her.

Something you might not know about Anna: She reads the last chapter of every book before she starts it! How she can stand it, I have no idea, but it's what she does! LOL!

So all of that to say, I love my siblings! They are just awesome and I couldn't ask for a better brother and sister!!

What about you? What do you love about your siblings?

Blog Challenge #5 - What Is God Teaching Me?

There are several lessons that I seem to be learning on a daily basis that God is showing and teaching me.
Recently, I have been on a slow journey of self discovery...Kind of sorting out why I do what I do or think what I think and really working through some of the roots and sources I have in my life.

One of the biggest things God has been showing me is the importance of enjoying life. It sounds like a selfish, fleshly thing to learn at the first thought, but I have come to realize that is how He created life to be lived!

I have a great job that I am so very thankful for, but as for most of us, it is not necessarily what I do for enjoyment! With work comes pressures and stress and deadlines and expectations. But what happens after work? More work? I have the tendency to be a workaholic. I just want to get "it" done! Whatever "it" may be. That philosophy does not trickle over to my personal life whatsoever. The "do" factor stays at the office door and when I go home, a lot of times I "do" nothing. And by "nothing" I really mean laundry, dishes, dusting, cleaning up, cleaning out, or just watching TV on the couch, all night. I didn't take the time to ENJOY myself.

I am a creative being. I love to create things, be creative, and think creative. It is my favorite! And sooo fun! However, by the time we got home, I was exhausted and felt guilty for thinking or doing creative things instead of doing necessary things (chores). Why was that? I know I am created to be creative. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't be creative. Simple, yes, but true. And in my creativity within the Creator, I find my purpose. So, for a while, my creative outlet was research. I would find new ways to do things, new things to do. Scrapbooking, card making, beading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, clay making, needlepoint and the list goes on! (Yes, I have done every one of those AT LEAST once if not on a regular, rotating basis.) So I collected all of these ideas, but that's all I had to show for it. Ideas. Thoughts. Nothing actually to show. Sadly enough, it fulfilled my creative knack, until I actually realized that I wasn't doing anything.

So recently, I have been forcing myself to DO something and I have had the time of my life! Because it's something I love and I'm productive with it, it makes me happy and fulfilled. It gives me a sense of fun purpose.

Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

There are many ways to look at this scripture:
How when you delight yourself in the Lord, His desires become your desires because you are in accordance with Him.

But probably my favorite interpretation of that scripture is God created us the way He created us for a reason. So when we use what we were created for (in my case, creativity) we are delighting Him because that is why He created us.

He did not create us to hate our jobs and our lives and walk around on this planet as miserable, pathetic creatures. He created us to be all that He has called us to be and that is to be POWERFUL where he has gifted us! And when we operate in our CALLING (not necessarily our jobs) we are fulfilled and happy and He is pleased!
Therefore, take time to find where your gifting and interests are and if there is no place in the schedule of your busy life to tap into it, make time! You will be a happier, more fulfilled person when you take the time to enjoy life!

Where is your "sweet spot"? How do you enjoy life?

What is God teaching you right now?

Blog Challenge #4 - Favorite Movie

This is so hard...I love so movies, it's pretty much one of my favorite things to do. 


I guess I would have to say my favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. I just love the story! First off, the story is just a classic. I love the development of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and the dynamics of their relationship. It's a default movie...you know when you can't figure out what movie to watch and so you watch the one you love over and over...that's my default. And the soundtrack is just amazing! I used to play the movie to fall asleep on a weekly basis at school. So wonderful!


Now, because I am me and can't list just one of the many movie I love here's a list of others I really like:


The King's Speech
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Finding Nemo
Kung Fu Panda
Twilight...yes I enjoy them.
Couples Retreat
Letters to Juliet
The Blindside 
The Holiday. LOVE that one!


As you can see, I really like to laugh and I love a good story. 


What are some of your favorite movies? Any I need to see?

Blog Challenge #3 - Your Earliest Memory

After seeing pictures and watching video of oneself growing up, it is easy to translate those as "memories"; as if  we actually remember being "right there" at that specific moment. This is not one of those times! LOL!

My earliest memory was when I was 3 years old. I was in Australia, in my grandma's yard playing with her dog, Honey. I do not have many details other than place and pup, but I also remember flying home from that trip...it was a LONG one...Andrew slept on the seats and I slept on the floor...of course nowadays, that would never fly (no pun intended...LOL!) It was a good trip though. It was really the first time Andrew and I had really met my dad's side of the family. (Anna was a bun in the oven at that time.) I got see my grandma 3 more times in Oz after that trip so the first one was really special.

What is your earliest memory?? How much of it do you remember?

Blog Challenge #2 -15 Interesting Things About Me...

  1. My favorite foods are pizza, Mexican, and ice cream
  2. I can touch my nose with my tongue.
  3. I feel weird and un-complete if I forget to wear my rings.
  4. I love music. I sing in my car on a very regular basis.
  5. My favorite thing in the world is creativity. I love making things.
  6. I think awkward silence is so funny....and awkward.
  7. I am a bookworm. I love to read.
  8. I knit. I crochet. No, I'm not a grandma.
  9. I have no idea what my natural hair color is. I think it might be dirty blonde...or light brown...hmmm
 10. I love having my toes painted. Even on an ugly day, I feel prettier when my toes are painted.
 11. I have a fear of deep water, sharks, spiders, snakes, roaches, heights, scary movies, and the dark.
 12. My favorite color is turquoise...blues, but that ocean turquoise is my absolute favorite.
 13. I randomly insert movie quotes in conversation.
 14. I love animals
 15. I like to fly. I really enjoy travelling, especially for fun.

Blog Challenge #1 - Summer Highlights

 Well this summer has been interesting to say the least. It started out much like Christmas did last year...Cancelled, missed and delayed flights! Yes, I know, it's just funny now...kinda...lol! We took an exciting trip to Seattle this May to see my long lost sister! Next to getting over a bug...Literally...Giardia...a parasite...yummmmy...lol! We had a lot of fun! It was more low key compared to our trip a year ago where we saw most of what Seattle had to offer in about 3 days, but we did go whale watching. I was sooooo excited about this tour! I have a hidden love for killer whales. On our wildlife search we saw bald eagles, 2 different kinds of sea lions (which was pretty cool), a couple of seals, and

2, yes count them, 2 whole whales. We sailed for about 2 hours with no luck. Usually by then, the resident pods would be in for their summer fun, but alas, to no avail, they were not in. Due to the cold winter that ran into the spring time, the pods were taking their time coming in. After sailing to Canada in search of these whales, we found a transient pod, a mother and son. Everyone found the transient pod. There were probably 10 tour boats around this small family. (Yes, we were at a safe and respectable distance) They were tricky, curious creatures. They'd go down in front of one side of the boat and show up on the other side. It was quite fascinating and entertaining. Such stunning and incredible creatures. 

Although it wasn't quite as exciting or spectacular as I had hoped for, it was still a wonderful trip. And the sight sailing back into Seattle at sunset was stunning. It was a great family day. Including some fun time with Ted's Aunt Debbie! She is such a blast and spoils us rotten! :D 

So Seattle was a big, fun highlight. It was great catching up with my brother and sister. They are such fun siblings.

In June, I turned 25! A quarter of a century. And it was quite the mind change for me. It has given me a new perspective on life and has challenged me to grow as a person and continue that search for purpose in my life. My beloved threw me a sneaky party at our young adults group and I was so touched by all the kind words and gifts my friends gave. I felt so honored. It was a very fun day!

Shortly after that, we said "Good bye" to Ted's grandpa Bob, who went to be with Jesus. We took a trip to Nebraska to remember and honor his life. It was good to see friends and family and remember the good times. He served in the military in WWII and I have never seen a military service. That was pretty amazing. Once the memorial was done, I got a huge surprise in basically having a week to do what I love. Crafting. Yes, I had about 4 whole days of creativity and I LOVED every minute of it! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but having some down time for R&R was not what I had in mind...However it was a pleasant and much needed surprise!

Once back home, we had 4th of July to look forward to...Now this is a highlight, but in a not-so-great sense, I guess. I have never seen a very broken, broken bone before. Until the 4th. We were at some friends' house for a get together they were having and one of the ladies there stumbled down the stairs and noticably broke her ankle...her right foot was on the right side of her leg. And she fractured her other foot as well. (Say a prayer for her if you think about it...) All that to say, it was quite an experience! On a lighter note, we had our very own fireworks show that was AMAZING!!! It was so beautiful! I've seen some firework shows, but this one was up close and personal! We could feel the paper from the burst hit us in the face! LOL!

So far this summer has been fun and interesting...I do look forward to the beach at some point! I LOVE the beach...it's pretty much my favorite! :)Other than that, it's been a summer to remember!! 

How about you? What are some highlights of your summer? 

30 Day Blogging Challenge

So to kick off our blogging habits, a couple of friends and I decided to do a 30 blog challenge! I'm kind of excited about this because I really do love to write and post stuff on here, but sometimes I can't figure out WHAT to write about...This will help the creative juices start to flow! So for the next month, be on the look out for that! :)

Eye On The Goal

Ever since turning 25, I have noticed a change in myself. 25…It’s just a number right? It’s not a magical milestone where life becomes clear and one’s purpose is suddenly discovered in a ray of light. If only it happened like that. However, I have seen some differences in my thinking…my perspective…my view. It was like all the sudden the little things that mattered, no longer matter. Those moments that I dwelled on because of ridiculous mistakes or mishaps or those people who just kind of vanished from my life with little explanation, seem in vain. I started noticing the change a few weeks ago. It was like all of the sudden, I didn’t care. Not so much about the people or the incidences, but the…offense. The hurt. The wounds…It was like they didn’t matter anymore… which is weird for me. I’m like an elephant. I don’t forget things. And I stay at a distance to keep from getting hurt again. This didn’t become clear to me though, until this week. I realized what happened.

A friend of mine called me with an issue that was valid for being upset. And upset we both were, but then a thought hit me. In comparison to the ultimate goal, this was something so small. Sure it seems big and hurtful right now, but I also know that God’s will and desire for us will take over. Whatever obstacles come in our way, it really doesn’t matter when we keep our eye on the GOAL. When we keep what God has promised or has for us in our front view, He will make the mountains into mole hills to jump over! Seeing the bigger picture and choosing to take that change in perspective shows how small the big things REALLY are and make the small things in life look even smaller. So I guess in the grander scope of life, the hurts, the worries, the broken trust, the personal failures, the not-so-pleasant surprises are things to be learned from but should not hold us back so far that God can’t move or work. Having the ultimate goal in the front of our minds and keeping our eye on that prize makes those other things fall to the way side. So friends, relax in knowing that the God we serve and love has a bigger purpose for us than our problems! Isn’t that great news!! Keep your eye on the goal! God is faithful and his Word is true! He will come through…maybe not at the moment where you say “Thank you God”, but more at the moment of “That had to be God!” He has a plan, a purpose, a goal for us! Never forget it!