I can't believe the New Year is in full swing and we are halfway through February already. I'll admit I've already begun to plan out my spring cleaning. I know, I know, who makes plans to clean...but there isn't much I love more about spring than spring cleaning. Well except maybe Shamrock Shakes. And spring break, which, let's get serious, is yet another reason I went back to school. A girlfriends gotta get some beach time ;) Anyways, in my last post I shared my 2013 resolutions and word of the year, and promised to keep you updated on my progress...and since I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats, anxiously waiting to hear how its going, here it is.
Other than the fact that I completely forgot what my Word of the Year was, I think it's going fairly well.
It's true. In less than a month, I had totally forgotten what word I picked to spend a whole year implementing more into my life. Ironically (or not ironically, I'm never sure if I use that word correctly...) my word is mindfulness. Apparently, I still have a lot of work to do.
However in my defense, with the new year came a whole lot more responsibility. I started a new internship, picked up two more classes, and still hold two part time jobs. Between school and work, I don't have time to be mindful. I barely have time for the Bachelor, Friday Night Lights, or Mod Fam.
Ok it's not that bad (its really only Sean and FNL), but I still think that amidst the hours of studying, nannying, and selling the world of J.Crew, I am misusing some of my time. Which is actually the main point of this post. I know, who knew where this was actually going...but here we are, finally. I think.
Part of coming up with new resolutions was the realization of my need to prioritize the important things in my life. I realized I needed to be more mindful of the way I was using my time, especially as I continued to commit to more and more things. So where did I get off track? How have I managed to lose sight of these resolutions so quickly? Well other than the proven fact that most people abandon their resolutions by Valentine's Day, I also attribute my fault to the simple fact that I am a weak human being. Try as we may, we can't and won't ever be perfect. And amidst by efforts to prioritize, I have discovered a greater truth.
I was journaling today and like so many other times before, found myself writing out a prayer to my sweet Father. I was expressing feelings of frustration in my inability to make time with Him a priority because of all of the other things going on in my life. And that's when it hit me. He is the One who provided all of these "things", these amazing opportunities. It was like I was telling him, Sorry God, I just don't have time for You right now because I have so many other important things going on, yet He is the One who gave them all to me. I found myself laughing at how ridiculous it was. I was using the very blessings He gave me, as an excuse for my lack of time spent with Him. Duh! God doesn't want to be top priority. He wants to be the priority. Instead of trying with our own human strength to balance everything important in our life, we need to let go and let Him rule over all. I'm not saying that we don't need to take responsibility over our commitments, just that we can't let the busyness of our blessings consume us and make us forget who gave them to us in the first place.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Ephesians 1: 3(NKJV)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Resolutions and Mindfulness
Another year, another opportunity to look back and remember the many blessings, hardships, and opportunities that met us along the way. But the new year is also an opportunity to look forward and set new goals, hopes, and dreams. I have never been much of a resolution setter...I know too many of the statistics that say most people will abandon them by Valentine's Day (which I can admit, any resolution of losing weight is completely lost as I sit on my couch alone, eating chocolates and wallowing in my own lack of a love life :). However this year I have decided to set some attainable goals (with most credit going to my friend Krista, who is most inspiring in setting her own resolutions this year). Guided by three categories, I made a list of physical, mental, and spiritual resolutions. Ranging in commitment and importance, I have finally settled on 10 resolutions for 2013. Starting small with things like "drink more water" and "get more sleep" to running a 1/2 marathon and sticking to a budget (yes, sticking to a budget is just as hard, if not more so, than training to run 13.1 miles), I am looking forward to seeing all resolutions through to completion.
However, I don't think you can just make a list and expect it to complete itself. So in effort to keep myself accountable, I made a nice (and if I do say so myself, quite country-chic looking) framed list of resolutions on my night stand as a daily reminder to myself. **Just another reason Pinterest is in fact, a great resource and not a waste of time...usually**. I have also just made all of you accountability partners through your willingness to read this post. You're welcome.
While vacationing with family over the holidays, my aunt came up with a pretty fantastic idea that I have been sharing with friends ever since. She challenged us to come up with a "word of the year", something we would commit to implementing more throughout 2013. For example, she spent most of last year working to "inspire" others around her. This year, my uncle is focusing on the word "rejuvenate" working towards optimal health. Again, I think this is a great activity and I have been really thinking and praying about what word I would choose. Today, I really felt like God put the idea of "mindfulness" on my heart. After a little research and thought, I have finally decided that this will be my word for 2013. To be honest, I was kind of hoping for a cooler, more important sounding word...there are so many other options like "empower, strength, inspire, fearless, thankful...", what the heck does "mindful" even mean?
I'm glad you asked.
mind·ful: attentive, aware, careful.
Synonyms: heedful, thoughtful, regardful.
Again, let me stress that this would not have been my first pick. However, I have found a place for mindfulness in many aspects of my life. For those of you who have known me for any length of time, you can attest to the frequency in which I lose my phone, keys, or both. When it comes to daily tasks, I am in desperate need of more awareness and attention--being mindful of the tasks at hand!!
On a deeper and more important level, I often tend to be selfish and self-centered. God calls us to be mindful of the needs of others and use our time and resources to serve in His love. This year I am committing to helping meet the needs of others and being more mindful of the concerns of those around me. Finally I am realizing my biggest concern in the area of mindfulness is in my own spiritual life. It is so easy to invest time and energy, emotion and hope, into things of this world, things that don't matter. We must look at life through an eternal perspective, focusing on God and what His purpose is for our lives.
For example, I went to a yoga class yesterday, which let me stress, is entirely unrelated to the "spiritual life" I am referencing too--while some people seek a sort of spiritual experience through this sort of exercise, I simply use it as an excuse to lie on a mat with the lights off. Anyways...during the portion of the class where we do just that, when we are suppose to be clearing our minds and letting go of any stress, I couldn't help but dwell on the fact that I had purchased a book earlier that day, even though I had just received a gift card to Barnes and Noble. I was so annoyed with myself that I had wasted money on something I could've gotten for free (again, an area of mindfulness that could use some work...:) But in the big picture, did it really matter?! Was it really worth any bit of my emotion or worry? Not at all! Yes, it is important to be financially responsible, which coincidentally happens to be another one of my resolutions. However it is not worth our time and energy to worry about such little things. God has much bigger purposes for our lives, and I want to be more mindful and aware of what I am spending my time thinking about and doing on a daily basis.
So 2013, I welcome you with high expectations and new resolutions. I embrace you with hopes of being more mindful in the days ahead. Happy New Year everyone :)
XO,
S
Also--in the case of anyone who was worried, I will be returning the book and purchasing it from B&N with my gift card. :)
However, I don't think you can just make a list and expect it to complete itself. So in effort to keep myself accountable, I made a nice (and if I do say so myself, quite country-chic looking) framed list of resolutions on my night stand as a daily reminder to myself. **Just another reason Pinterest is in fact, a great resource and not a waste of time...usually**. I have also just made all of you accountability partners through your willingness to read this post. You're welcome.
While vacationing with family over the holidays, my aunt came up with a pretty fantastic idea that I have been sharing with friends ever since. She challenged us to come up with a "word of the year", something we would commit to implementing more throughout 2013. For example, she spent most of last year working to "inspire" others around her. This year, my uncle is focusing on the word "rejuvenate" working towards optimal health. Again, I think this is a great activity and I have been really thinking and praying about what word I would choose. Today, I really felt like God put the idea of "mindfulness" on my heart. After a little research and thought, I have finally decided that this will be my word for 2013. To be honest, I was kind of hoping for a cooler, more important sounding word...there are so many other options like "empower, strength, inspire, fearless, thankful...", what the heck does "mindful" even mean?
I'm glad you asked.
mind·ful: attentive, aware, careful.
Synonyms: heedful, thoughtful, regardful.
Again, let me stress that this would not have been my first pick. However, I have found a place for mindfulness in many aspects of my life. For those of you who have known me for any length of time, you can attest to the frequency in which I lose my phone, keys, or both. When it comes to daily tasks, I am in desperate need of more awareness and attention--being mindful of the tasks at hand!!
On a deeper and more important level, I often tend to be selfish and self-centered. God calls us to be mindful of the needs of others and use our time and resources to serve in His love. This year I am committing to helping meet the needs of others and being more mindful of the concerns of those around me. Finally I am realizing my biggest concern in the area of mindfulness is in my own spiritual life. It is so easy to invest time and energy, emotion and hope, into things of this world, things that don't matter. We must look at life through an eternal perspective, focusing on God and what His purpose is for our lives.
For example, I went to a yoga class yesterday, which let me stress, is entirely unrelated to the "spiritual life" I am referencing too--while some people seek a sort of spiritual experience through this sort of exercise, I simply use it as an excuse to lie on a mat with the lights off. Anyways...during the portion of the class where we do just that, when we are suppose to be clearing our minds and letting go of any stress, I couldn't help but dwell on the fact that I had purchased a book earlier that day, even though I had just received a gift card to Barnes and Noble. I was so annoyed with myself that I had wasted money on something I could've gotten for free (again, an area of mindfulness that could use some work...:) But in the big picture, did it really matter?! Was it really worth any bit of my emotion or worry? Not at all! Yes, it is important to be financially responsible, which coincidentally happens to be another one of my resolutions. However it is not worth our time and energy to worry about such little things. God has much bigger purposes for our lives, and I want to be more mindful and aware of what I am spending my time thinking about and doing on a daily basis.
So 2013, I welcome you with high expectations and new resolutions. I embrace you with hopes of being more mindful in the days ahead. Happy New Year everyone :)
XO,
S
Also--in the case of anyone who was worried, I will be returning the book and purchasing it from B&N with my gift card. :)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
In the course of time...
I am currently going through an amazing study by Beth Moore, about the life of David--from his life as a shepherd boy to becoming the King of God's people. The more I learn about David, the harder it is to put the study down. There is so much to learn about him and the way he followed God. They say David was a "man after God's own heart" and I am finding that to be the case within the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.
I just finished the first book of Samuel, the final chapter ending with Saul's death. Even though Saul had tried to kill David countless times, the Bible tells us that David mourned the king's death. David even goes as far to say that Saul was "loved and gracious in life..."(vs. 23). I don't think those would have been the words I would have picked to describe a man who had spent a good portion of his life trying to kill me out of jealousy. Which is probably why this story isn't about Stephanie--a woman after God's own heart. Nevertheless, the point of this post isn't about David's grief over Saul, but instead Saul's son, Jonathan. Jonathan was also killed in battle, and fell alongside his father. Unlike his father, Jonathan loved David and protected him from the sword of Saul countless times.
Jonathan was prince, destined to become the king once Saul died. However, he knew Gods will was to have David rise as king, and humbly removed himself from the "hot seat". Now I am not destined to rule over a country, but I can imagine it was something Jonathan had been looking forward to growing up...imagining as a boy the day he would become king. Then to have to give it all over to someone else...a shepherd boy, the least of them! But Jonathan loved David..."One was a shepherd, the other a prince, yet so alike were they that they were "one in spirit" (I Sam. 18:1). So determined was Jonathan that David be king, a position that Jonathan stood to inherit, Jonathan committed his entire life to that end. I can't imagine a better example of a true friend.
So when the news of Jonathan's death reached David, I can imagine the torment it caused within him. I haven't ever lost a best friend, but I know what it's like to lose someone you care about dearly. I know the sting of death all too well and how badly it hurts, and I empathize with David in his loss of a dear friend. What stuck out to me most in this chapter is the phrase following the news of Jonathan's death. "In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" (2 Sam. 2:1). I was comforted by the phrase "in the course of time..." No doubt during the "course of time" following Jonathan's death David faced many different emotions. Anger. Sadness. Grief. Confusion. I'm sure there were times when he shouted to God, asking him why? Why take his closest friend? Why take the life of someone who was so good, so kind? I have asked the same questions myself, over and over, not understanding the why. And it is only "in the course of time" that we find peace and comfort to these often unanswerable questions. Sometimes time is the only thing that works. You can bet this time will be filled with loneliness and tears, but it does pass--in fact God promises it WILL pass. The ache will remain, but the pain will be removed. And so I pray, that if you are facing these seemingly unanswerable questions of "why?", that you would seek your Savior during "this course of time"--let Him work through you, love you, and give you the only peace He can offer, a sense of healing only He can bring.
As I look back at the months following my loss, I realize how deeply I now treasure that "course of time". It was a time that I sought the Lord without abandon. It was a time of tears and frustration, but also a time of healing and restoration. He desires to comfort us during this time and He will draw nearer to you. In fact, he promises to! In the midst of pain and suffering, find comfort in Him. Blessedly, thankfully, "in the course of time."
I just finished the first book of Samuel, the final chapter ending with Saul's death. Even though Saul had tried to kill David countless times, the Bible tells us that David mourned the king's death. David even goes as far to say that Saul was "loved and gracious in life..."(vs. 23). I don't think those would have been the words I would have picked to describe a man who had spent a good portion of his life trying to kill me out of jealousy. Which is probably why this story isn't about Stephanie--a woman after God's own heart. Nevertheless, the point of this post isn't about David's grief over Saul, but instead Saul's son, Jonathan. Jonathan was also killed in battle, and fell alongside his father. Unlike his father, Jonathan loved David and protected him from the sword of Saul countless times.
Jonathan was prince, destined to become the king once Saul died. However, he knew Gods will was to have David rise as king, and humbly removed himself from the "hot seat". Now I am not destined to rule over a country, but I can imagine it was something Jonathan had been looking forward to growing up...imagining as a boy the day he would become king. Then to have to give it all over to someone else...a shepherd boy, the least of them! But Jonathan loved David..."One was a shepherd, the other a prince, yet so alike were they that they were "one in spirit" (I Sam. 18:1). So determined was Jonathan that David be king, a position that Jonathan stood to inherit, Jonathan committed his entire life to that end. I can't imagine a better example of a true friend.
So when the news of Jonathan's death reached David, I can imagine the torment it caused within him. I haven't ever lost a best friend, but I know what it's like to lose someone you care about dearly. I know the sting of death all too well and how badly it hurts, and I empathize with David in his loss of a dear friend. What stuck out to me most in this chapter is the phrase following the news of Jonathan's death. "In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" (2 Sam. 2:1). I was comforted by the phrase "in the course of time..." No doubt during the "course of time" following Jonathan's death David faced many different emotions. Anger. Sadness. Grief. Confusion. I'm sure there were times when he shouted to God, asking him why? Why take his closest friend? Why take the life of someone who was so good, so kind? I have asked the same questions myself, over and over, not understanding the why. And it is only "in the course of time" that we find peace and comfort to these often unanswerable questions. Sometimes time is the only thing that works. You can bet this time will be filled with loneliness and tears, but it does pass--in fact God promises it WILL pass. The ache will remain, but the pain will be removed. And so I pray, that if you are facing these seemingly unanswerable questions of "why?", that you would seek your Savior during "this course of time"--let Him work through you, love you, and give you the only peace He can offer, a sense of healing only He can bring.
As I look back at the months following my loss, I realize how deeply I now treasure that "course of time". It was a time that I sought the Lord without abandon. It was a time of tears and frustration, but also a time of healing and restoration. He desires to comfort us during this time and He will draw nearer to you. In fact, he promises to! In the midst of pain and suffering, find comfort in Him. Blessedly, thankfully, "in the course of time."
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Seasons and Thin Places
Apples and pumpkins. Boots and sweaters. Baking and frosting. Cool mornings, earlier sunsets. All the ingredients that make up my favorite season of fall. As each day passes me by, I watch the colors of summer, alive and green, fade into the beautiful colors of autumn. I look forward to this time of year, the time of year when I can exchange shorts and tank tops for sweaters and SmartWool socks. I love the feeling of cold air filling my lungs during my early morning runs, and the comfort in cuddling up under a blanket on the couch, with a cup of tea and a good book. But this year, fall is bringing more than just apple crisp, pumpkin patches, and hayrides. It's the beginning to a new season in my life, one full of new possibilities, new adventures, and new uncertainties. I'm so excited to see what God has planned for me here in Minneapolis and am already feeling so blessed by the many doors He has opened!
However, this time of year also brings with it, some memories of pain and hurt. In contrast to the description above, I want to offer another perspective on this changing of "season".
"Some days I don't want to get out of bed. Sometimes I'm distracted by friends, school, work, the to-do's of life. Other days when the sun is shining and the temperature is above 20 degrees, I feel the happiness we are meant to experience in each day. But most days I feel the same--neither here nor there, going through each day without many feelings--or maybe too many feelings all at the same time to even recognize them anymore. I went for a long walk the other day (before the temp dropped a bazillion degrees)...I grabbed my iPod and walked down to the park hoping to enjoy the beauty of nature. I don't know really what I was expecting to find, but in this lovely state of Wisconsin everything is dead and/or covered in snow and ice. As I walked through the park slightly mad at myself for walking all the way to the park for nothing, I felt God leading me to just sit on a nearby bench. As I looked over the lake and around me, I noticed bits of color trying to peak out through the white snow--trees still holding on to red leaves, grass peaking through the snow, and the bluest of skies. I realized that this was very similar to the way my spiritual walk seemed. Empty, cold, bitter, and dreary, but with glimpses of color--hope, peace, love. My prayer is that He would continue to melt the bitter winter in my heart and fill it with color--this only He can give. I am blinded by a broken heart to see the path set before me, and am in need of a Savior to carry me instead. And while I rest on his chest, I pray he would color in the empty spaces in my heart."
This is from a post I wrote almost 3 years ago, shortly after my mom passed away--yet another season in my life. As I look back and recall those feelings of loss and confusion, hurt and pain, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and love. One of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, refers to something she calls "thin places". Thin places are those moments or places when the boundary between the natural world and the supernatural is more permeable, thinner, if you will. Often I find this "thin place" while out enjoying nature, reveling in God's beauty and feeling His presence within it. But I also believe that we can experience God's presence during times of brokenness. Heartbreak brings us lots of places--to despair, to bitterness, to emptiness, to numbness, to isolation. But if we allow God to walk us through the brokenness, it can lead us to a deeper sense of His presence. I believe God does his best work in our lives during times of heartbreak and trials, and if we open up our hearts to what He has in store, trusting in His love for us, all the while resting in Him, He will "color in the empty spaces"--restoring life and joy into our lives.
We will face many different seasons in our lives, bringing times of happiness and hope and a lot more times of trail and tragedy. But we serve a God who is unchanging, unwavering, and unwilling to cease LOVING us! So whether you find yourself in a time of new and exciting things ahead, or in a season of heartbreak and hardship, remember to look for those "thin places", seek out God's presence, and find peace and restoration in Him and His love for you.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
However, this time of year also brings with it, some memories of pain and hurt. In contrast to the description above, I want to offer another perspective on this changing of "season".
"Some days I don't want to get out of bed. Sometimes I'm distracted by friends, school, work, the to-do's of life. Other days when the sun is shining and the temperature is above 20 degrees, I feel the happiness we are meant to experience in each day. But most days I feel the same--neither here nor there, going through each day without many feelings--or maybe too many feelings all at the same time to even recognize them anymore. I went for a long walk the other day (before the temp dropped a bazillion degrees)...I grabbed my iPod and walked down to the park hoping to enjoy the beauty of nature. I don't know really what I was expecting to find, but in this lovely state of Wisconsin everything is dead and/or covered in snow and ice. As I walked through the park slightly mad at myself for walking all the way to the park for nothing, I felt God leading me to just sit on a nearby bench. As I looked over the lake and around me, I noticed bits of color trying to peak out through the white snow--trees still holding on to red leaves, grass peaking through the snow, and the bluest of skies. I realized that this was very similar to the way my spiritual walk seemed. Empty, cold, bitter, and dreary, but with glimpses of color--hope, peace, love. My prayer is that He would continue to melt the bitter winter in my heart and fill it with color--this only He can give. I am blinded by a broken heart to see the path set before me, and am in need of a Savior to carry me instead. And while I rest on his chest, I pray he would color in the empty spaces in my heart."
This is from a post I wrote almost 3 years ago, shortly after my mom passed away--yet another season in my life. As I look back and recall those feelings of loss and confusion, hurt and pain, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and love. One of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, refers to something she calls "thin places". Thin places are those moments or places when the boundary between the natural world and the supernatural is more permeable, thinner, if you will. Often I find this "thin place" while out enjoying nature, reveling in God's beauty and feeling His presence within it. But I also believe that we can experience God's presence during times of brokenness. Heartbreak brings us lots of places--to despair, to bitterness, to emptiness, to numbness, to isolation. But if we allow God to walk us through the brokenness, it can lead us to a deeper sense of His presence. I believe God does his best work in our lives during times of heartbreak and trials, and if we open up our hearts to what He has in store, trusting in His love for us, all the while resting in Him, He will "color in the empty spaces"--restoring life and joy into our lives.
We will face many different seasons in our lives, bringing times of happiness and hope and a lot more times of trail and tragedy. But we serve a God who is unchanging, unwavering, and unwilling to cease LOVING us! So whether you find yourself in a time of new and exciting things ahead, or in a season of heartbreak and hardship, remember to look for those "thin places", seek out God's presence, and find peace and restoration in Him and His love for you.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
"Lord, there are so many seasons, That we go through in life,
May each season bring forth fruit, So you may be glorified."~M.S.Lowndes
May each season bring forth fruit, So you may be glorified."~M.S.Lowndes
Sunday, September 2, 2012
A Year in the Rearview Mirror
Well I have been an official Minnesota resident for 7 whole days now, and I have to admit...I'm loving the Viking state more than I would like to admit. Though there have been bouts of homesickness and loneliness, I have loved getting to explore the city!! After moving in and getting settled into my new apartment, I have spent time trying new restaurants, going for runs in nearby parks, and spending time with my wonderful roommate and new friends! And of course I am looking forward to starting my grad classes next week--that is the point of this move anyway...:)
However, before I begin this new and exciting journey, I want to take a moment and reflect on this past year. As excited I am for the future and the many new things God has in store, I want to recognize the many blessings He has provided during my time at home and as a kindergarten teacher.
It's crazy to think that this time last year, I was putting the final touches on my new room, a classroom that would be home to 15 brilliant and passionate 5 year olds. As I worried and hurried around, I thought about how I would measure up to all of the other teachers in my building and the ones within my own past. I had done my time, took the necessary classes, and earned my degree--yet I still felt completely inadequate. Soon enough, the first day came and went and with the strength that only God can give, I found myself standing in front of my students and parents on the last day of school. As I gave out each diploma, I watched each child walk up to the podium, wearing their colorful caps and gowns, and smiles as bright as the sun!! These kids had become like my own, and I loved each one of them in their own special way. Such different personalities, quirks and interests, yet all so passionate about life! They have changed me inside and out, and though I have begun to gray rather prematurely due to stress and worry over their safety and well-being, it was worth every minute. They truly are some of the most amazing, smart, talented young girls and boys I have ever met. They taught me the importance of play and using your imagination. They taught me to have faith and hope in things that we may not always understand. They taught me patience, and have given me many opportunities to practice grace and forgiveness ;). I have memories to last me a lifetime, it truly was a year I will not forget.
However, before I begin this new and exciting journey, I want to take a moment and reflect on this past year. As excited I am for the future and the many new things God has in store, I want to recognize the many blessings He has provided during my time at home and as a kindergarten teacher.
It's crazy to think that this time last year, I was putting the final touches on my new room, a classroom that would be home to 15 brilliant and passionate 5 year olds. As I worried and hurried around, I thought about how I would measure up to all of the other teachers in my building and the ones within my own past. I had done my time, took the necessary classes, and earned my degree--yet I still felt completely inadequate. Soon enough, the first day came and went and with the strength that only God can give, I found myself standing in front of my students and parents on the last day of school. As I gave out each diploma, I watched each child walk up to the podium, wearing their colorful caps and gowns, and smiles as bright as the sun!! These kids had become like my own, and I loved each one of them in their own special way. Such different personalities, quirks and interests, yet all so passionate about life! They have changed me inside and out, and though I have begun to gray rather prematurely due to stress and worry over their safety and well-being, it was worth every minute. They truly are some of the most amazing, smart, talented young girls and boys I have ever met. They taught me the importance of play and using your imagination. They taught me to have faith and hope in things that we may not always understand. They taught me patience, and have given me many opportunities to practice grace and forgiveness ;). I have memories to last me a lifetime, it truly was a year I will not forget.
Undoubtedly, I was also faced with many challenges and hard times, and I am most thankful for family and friends who supported me and encouraged me throughout the year. I am truly blessed and don't want to ever take those treasure relationships for granted. I loved living at home, and the opportunities to spend time with my dad and brother. I was SO fortunate to have close friends nearby, friends who I owe a large part of my sanity to :) And though the new move has created more distance than I would like, I am confident they will remain some of my nearest and dearest friends!
Wow, what a year! I am so thankful for such an experience, one that has bettered me as a person, and has prepared me for this next chapter in my life! So excited to see where this new path leads...I'll keep you posted. :)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Cupcake Vino
Enjoying the little things in life tonight....
After a busy day with my kindergartners, celebrating the 100th day of school, I was exhausted and ready to put my feet up. So instead I went to the gym. This whole half marathon training is beginning to become quite an inconvenience :) Nonetheless after a quick run, I threw my gym bag in the car and started the trek home. As per usual, I began my evening routine of unwinding with a few minutes on Pinterest, which was a pretty obvious indication of my growing appetite. After browsing some cooking blogs I decided on a new recipe that actually took more than 5 minutes and a microwave to prepare.
30 minutes later, with a glass of wine in hand and the smell of apricot chicken simmering in the oven, I have finally put those feet up. :) Such a simple, yet relaxing night--I even got the boys to help tonight....with only several complaints and jokes about what my roommates like to call "chaos cooking". 2 minutes left on the timer, I guess we'll find out how chaotic it really is.
Bon Appetite!
Here's the tasty recipe!
After a busy day with my kindergartners, celebrating the 100th day of school, I was exhausted and ready to put my feet up. So instead I went to the gym. This whole half marathon training is beginning to become quite an inconvenience :) Nonetheless after a quick run, I threw my gym bag in the car and started the trek home. As per usual, I began my evening routine of unwinding with a few minutes on Pinterest, which was a pretty obvious indication of my growing appetite. After browsing some cooking blogs I decided on a new recipe that actually took more than 5 minutes and a microwave to prepare.
30 minutes later, with a glass of wine in hand and the smell of apricot chicken simmering in the oven, I have finally put those feet up. :) Such a simple, yet relaxing night--I even got the boys to help tonight....with only several complaints and jokes about what my roommates like to call "chaos cooking". 2 minutes left on the timer, I guess we'll find out how chaotic it really is.
Bon Appetite!
Here's the tasty recipe!
Moroccan Chicken with Apricots and Squash
Weight Watchers Recipe
Ratings (313)
9PointsPlusValue
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 42 min
Serves: 4
This fabulous one-pot meal can also be made in a slow cooker. If you don’t have apricots on hand, try prunes. And pumpkin is tasty instead of squash.
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Saturday, December 24, 2011
Key Change
No matter how many times we visit, I am always amazed at the beauty of Big Sky and Legends Ranch. As we pulled into the driveway I couldn't help but smile with the joy of feeling at "home". The first Christmas after my mom passed away, we were invited out by my gracious aunt and uncle to spend the holidays with them. As hard as the first Christmas was without Mom, Legends provided a place of healing and comfort. It has continued to do so over the past two years and I am so thankful for God's continued blessing upon our family.
Our flight landed in Bozeman late morning and we spent a majority of the day doing some last minute Christmas shopping. The weather was beautiful--what my aunt likes to call "Big Sky Blue":) and the sunshine provided some vitamin D I have been missing back in WI. We eventually headed out of town and up into the mountains, arriving at Legends mid-afternoon. It has been relaxing to say the least ever since. We picked up a beautiful Christmas tree, one that takes up a larger part of the living room--and I spent the latter part of the evening sitting by the fireplace lost in a book.
This afternoon as I was browsing the bookshelf, I decided to sit down on the nearby grand piano. I haven't touched one in years--I still harbor some bitter feelings after being "forced" to play for 7 yrs by my loving parents...:)--but found myself opening the pages to a Christmas carol. I surprised myself at how quickly I remembered how to read notes and anyone within a listening ear's reach, could probably have hummed along. I only stayed for a few minutes, but left with a strange feeling of accomplishment. Any one of my students could've probably played what I had, but still I walked away feeling proud and it got me thinking. I didn't sit down and play with perfection, but instead worked through each note, often pressing the wrong one, hearing the mistake, and then searching for the correct key. After several attempts and a little perseverance, I would play the whole song, each note contributing to a beautiful melody. I began to transfer this lesson within my own life.
When I think back to my years of piano, I most often recall feelings of frustration and impatience. I wanted to become Mozart, but didn't want to put the time and practice into it. Eventually I would convince my parents to let me quit and take up ballet instead. I realized today, how often I do this in other aspects of my life. I try something new, then get frustrated and give up or doubt my purpose or need within that given task--something I need to work on.
I believe God has our life written out before us, similar to a piece of music. We simply have to work through each "note" believing that in the end it will create a perfect melody. I realize that sounds super cheesy and new age, but hear me out. In music you have sharp and flat notes, which by themselves sound downright wrong. But when played with other notes, creates a beautiful chord. In life we may feel like the situation or "note" we are facing is too painful or off-key. However it is needed to shape us into better people--to bring us to the place in life God wants us to be. We simply need to trust that He has created a beautiful future for us--to play each note regardless of how we think it sounds--to persevere through each hardship knowing that it is molding us into better people--and to rely on him for strength and comfort through it.
I told you, Legends is a place of healing and reflection--I am so thankful to be here this week. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and remember the real reason to find joy in this holiday season. God Bless and Merry Christmas!!! XOXO
Caught on camera:)
Our flight landed in Bozeman late morning and we spent a majority of the day doing some last minute Christmas shopping. The weather was beautiful--what my aunt likes to call "Big Sky Blue":) and the sunshine provided some vitamin D I have been missing back in WI. We eventually headed out of town and up into the mountains, arriving at Legends mid-afternoon. It has been relaxing to say the least ever since. We picked up a beautiful Christmas tree, one that takes up a larger part of the living room--and I spent the latter part of the evening sitting by the fireplace lost in a book.
This afternoon as I was browsing the bookshelf, I decided to sit down on the nearby grand piano. I haven't touched one in years--I still harbor some bitter feelings after being "forced" to play for 7 yrs by my loving parents...:)--but found myself opening the pages to a Christmas carol. I surprised myself at how quickly I remembered how to read notes and anyone within a listening ear's reach, could probably have hummed along. I only stayed for a few minutes, but left with a strange feeling of accomplishment. Any one of my students could've probably played what I had, but still I walked away feeling proud and it got me thinking. I didn't sit down and play with perfection, but instead worked through each note, often pressing the wrong one, hearing the mistake, and then searching for the correct key. After several attempts and a little perseverance, I would play the whole song, each note contributing to a beautiful melody. I began to transfer this lesson within my own life.
When I think back to my years of piano, I most often recall feelings of frustration and impatience. I wanted to become Mozart, but didn't want to put the time and practice into it. Eventually I would convince my parents to let me quit and take up ballet instead. I realized today, how often I do this in other aspects of my life. I try something new, then get frustrated and give up or doubt my purpose or need within that given task--something I need to work on.
I believe God has our life written out before us, similar to a piece of music. We simply have to work through each "note" believing that in the end it will create a perfect melody. I realize that sounds super cheesy and new age, but hear me out. In music you have sharp and flat notes, which by themselves sound downright wrong. But when played with other notes, creates a beautiful chord. In life we may feel like the situation or "note" we are facing is too painful or off-key. However it is needed to shape us into better people--to bring us to the place in life God wants us to be. We simply need to trust that He has created a beautiful future for us--to play each note regardless of how we think it sounds--to persevere through each hardship knowing that it is molding us into better people--and to rely on him for strength and comfort through it.
I told you, Legends is a place of healing and reflection--I am so thankful to be here this week. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and remember the real reason to find joy in this holiday season. God Bless and Merry Christmas!!! XOXO
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