Plans

I am a self-proclaimed planner. I like to make plans, break plans, and most of all, write them out in ridiculous detail. Granted, I change my own plans incessantly, but the process itself is fun. It's like writing the next chapter (or ten chapters) in the book of your life. It's all about possibilities. Unlike some planners, I get really excited when my plans change. It's like a big eraser and suddenly a blank canvas. What is more exciting than a blank canvas?! Plus, plans change for all kinds of reasons out of our control, so in the spirit of optimism, let's just move forward.

As much as I love to make plans, it is important to keep in mind that my plans are not THE plans. That ability is left to the only one who should be and could be trusted with it: God. All I have to say, is thank goodness He is ever so gracious about letting my plans down easily :) Sometimes, I think my plans were so perfect that it must be His plan, too! But, as I have said in previous posts, we can't do it alone. Part of the reason being that we don't always know what we need, or even what we want. So, while I will still makes plans, I thankfully accept the fact that they are subject to change. And for great, great reason.

Inspiration...

I know. It has been a long time, and I am sorry. Truly, truly sorry, but for argument's sake, none of you are really paying attention. :) Ok, now that I have apologized it's time for some inspiration! Inspiration is the food of purpose! I have been contemplating this idea for a few days. I have considered what keeps me inspired and how that inspiration affects me as a person. Inspiration for me usually leads to goals. Big goals, little goals, goals I don't always reach. Sometimes, just often enough, I set a big monster goal and when I reach it....it's oh so sweet! There is no better feeling! Monster goals require you to push your limits! Push your mind, push your body!! Monster goals are not about time. They last years, weeks, minutes, or seconds. The point is, they are challenging. They require you to show some commitment, some guts, and some drive!! Consider me a goal junkie. There are increasingly addicting steps to becoming a goal junkie, I would recommend it.

Step 1: Find something you care about (inspiration!). Something that you would look at and say, "yes, that would make me proud". If you are gonna reach this goal, you have to care enough to put in the sweat!

Step 2: Make a plan. Resources are endless! Ok so the Enlightenment and progress wasn't all we thought it was cracked up to be, but some progress has its benefits. Like the internet. Get on the computer and Google your inspiration!! Chances are, you arent the only one.

Step 3: Do it. Like Nike says. Just do it. Push through, make it one step at a time, and don't lose your inspiration!

Step 4: Enjoy the self-esteem-boosting, confidence-pumping, purpose-filled SUCCESS! Woot woot.

Ok so this feeling was more than enough for me. Addicted. I have some monster goals already. My monster goal of my bachelor's degree is currently in progress, coming up on the finale of step 4 (hopefully). Time for a new one....drum role please....

MARATHON!

Yes I did. I will be embarking on a step 2, 19-week program to success (thanks to marathonrookie.com). I promise to update often (unless I don't, then I am sorry, but it will be time-consuming!) Everything about this goal is perfect for me. Mentally, physically, challenging with a big finish! I am taking it one step at a time, and will need the support of my follower(s). Number one, Hubby. Baby, I need you on this one. I can't do it without your support :) Everyone else, your support is greatly appreciated....and will be needed in the weeks of endless running!

Until next time

Dressing Room

He hung there
His threads and seams
beaming with potential
Sewn in idealistic Joy
From memories unknown
Hands to hands
Drawers to racks
His shoulders stressed in wires
Traveling nowhere anywhere
Full in hues and hope
She plucked him up
Suddenly
On momentary whims
Figured she would try him on
To see how he would fit
She slipped him on
Too easily
And lacking Satisfaction
She pulled
And tugged
And stretched
And turned
And wore his colors out
She discarded him
Suddenly
Bored of tired threads
With faded colors and broken seams
He missed anonymous hands
Who never tried him on enough
To break down hopeful threads

Birds of a feather

Ok, so we all know this saying. We heard it from our concerned parent in middle school when we started hanging out with girls who wore too much makeup and boys who liked girls with too much makeup. Whether or not you were an amiable kid, it probably went in one ear and out the other. In the short years of my adult life, that (and many other things my parents said) are starting to ring true. Don't get all worked up, sometimes parents are just right. The people you surround yourself with bring out the qualities in you that are strongest in them. This weekend I had a chance to spend some time with great people who brought out a side of me I haven't seen in a while. It's times like these when I realize who is keeping me accountable in the things that are most important to me. When you find those people, it is so rewarding and fun to just be around each other!! Another bonus, my loving husband feels the same way. It is so empowering to surround ourselves with good influences for our marriage and faith! I am feeling incredibly invincible and alive at his side! I thank God for the man He's created for me. Our Father knows us best and I have found myself more than satisfied in what he's provided me.


I am feeling inspired after a promising first week of this year!

New words....

2011. Another 365 days and a clear view into the next round. Its been a life changing 12 months and I wouldn't have it any other way. I made some major decisions and some small decisions that had major impacts. I made some mistakes and took some risks. At the end of the proverbial day, I found the love of my life (still not sure how I got so lucky) and the clearest map to where I am headed next. As everything does, this year has brought me back to God and all His Grace. Let's face it, we are hardly capable of making it on our own and each day we walk without him is one shadowed in darkness. But enough of the darkness. Flipping that switch towards Him is a beautiful thing, but it's just the beginning! Giving all your heart to something, every day is not easy, but He requires and deserves nothing less. The Plan: dive in head first, with a little help from a group of beautiful women, into a walk through the Gospel of John at the hands of Beth Moore. The Goal: fill my spirit with the goodness of the Lord in hopes of developing a deep relationship that brings Him Glory! Oh, so exciting! It's amazing how one night in his Word makes the morning look like a work of art. Today is a blessing!

On another note, to avoid treating this year like just another lap on the course of life (cheesy, I know), you can rest assured that this year brings new words! As always, words have their limits and restrictions, but it's the attempt to mold them into adequate representations of life that surface the most beautiful art! Every attempt doesn't end up being much, but sometimes you'll get a thought or two across that lights a fire! So in the spirit of new words and new voices...bring on the New Year!

"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice."
T.S. Eliot