Day 103 Dialed Dialogue

Is there ever a phone call to be made that never gets accomplished?

Either you aren't looking forward to the conversation,

or know it will be a long call and never find enough time,

or forget about it until a time when you're in the middle of something else?

I've had one of those calls hanging over my head for a month.

Today I took a deep breath,

picked up my phone,

and quickly dialed before I could change my mind.

The reason for the delay was, well,

I'm a wimp.
It was a business call,

about a product I'm unhappy with,

and I never like confrontation.
You're probably thinking, "Big deal,"

but for me it was, as it was the 2nd call about the same product.

The employer, who is a friend that I didn't want to offend,
was totally friendly and agreeable to exchanging any and everything.

What a relief!

Lesson:  have some guts--it will turn out better than you think!

Day 101 & 102 Get Energized!

Day 101
The Lord is good, isn't He?
He really helps me to enjoy even the little things.
I was reading my Woman's Day magazine
(a great read about organizing, decorating,
health, finances, baking, etc.)
and happend upon a list of simple ways to enjoy life.
I remembered it today when I was lazing around,
feeling totally void of energy
(after sleeping in wayyy too late!).
Something little.
Something to change the pace of my day.
So I asked my sister-in-law if she wanted to go on a short walk.
I needed to get my blood flowing and wake up.

What a difference!
I returned home awake, energized,
and touched by our heart-to-heart conversation.

Lesson: even claiming just 15 minutes can turn your day around!

Day 102
Do unto others.
Every year,
before going home for the holidays,
I remind myself of all that my parents have done for me,
and that I should give back when I'm home on vacation.
But when the time comes,
I get into vacation mode and just want to relax.
This time, I finally set aside time to help my mom organize.
Organizing is one of my strengths and joys,
and my mom has a whole house attic, church,
and daycare to organize
(my parents are pastors).
The daycare has been closed for some time now,
so dust added its own touch to the chaos.
There's still much to do,
but it felt great to make such a difference.

Lesson:  give of yourself

100 Days--A Reflection

I can't believe it.
What a journey thus far!
I can honestly say that I am seeing a change in me.
Not just in me,
but in my life.

It started as a claim a day,
and has become a new perspective and attitude on life.
I find myself claiming two,
sometimes three,
things in a day.
Not just to have something to write about,
but for me to really LIVE that moment.
For me to ENJOY the moment.
For me to live my LIFE,
For me to REDEEM the time.
I'm finding things have stayed with me--
lifestyle changes such as:

I read in bed a lot more,
find comfort driving in the quiet,
feel guilt-free eating desserts
(even BEFORE dinner),
am more mindful to call & catch up with friends,
don't ever take work home,
and try new things more often.

Why am I doing this?
I don't want wasted years.
I don't want to just go through the motions.
Who said it had to be that way?
Why do we let it be so?
It is our one chance at life--
we should LIVE it.

Lesson:  one has to choose to live

Day 100 Easy as Pie

Day 100-- a landmark.
Today's claim had to be good.
My mind raced with ideas...
ways to celebrate.
What to do?

Something came to mind that I've always wanted to try,

but never had the guts to do.
Before you get to curious,
No, it didn't happen.
It couldn't, because I was home,
having family time for the holiday,
and having a month-late birthday party for my older brother.
Don't worry--
I will make it happen,
and be assured--I will be sure to tell you all about it!

So, back to today.

I wanted to do something that I consider "big."

Not "big" as in a huge event,
"big" as in "something I've wanted to do for a very long time."
Choice?

Learning to make a homemade pumpkin pie,

from SCRATCH.

Not a huge feat,

but for me it was.
See, my whole life,

whenever Thanksgiving rolled around,

I would tell myself, "This year is the year.

This year, I am going to make that pie!"

And it never happend.
My mom is probably like most moms--

she gets up at the crack of dawn.

And I am NOT a morning person!
So the pies were way past done by the time I rolled out of bed.

My Day 100 fell the day before Thanksgiving.

So, I asked my mom if she would teach me that evening.

And we did.

And my sister joined in.

Soon, all three of us were standing at the counter,

flour everywhere,

creating our masterpiece.
Let me tell you (ladies...)
I was amazed at how easy it was!

And trust me:
When dessert time came,

it never tasted better!

Lesson: don't put things off--you may be surprised!

Day 98 & 99 People

Day 98
I'm back!
I was back home in Wisconsin,
in the rinky-dink little town I described to you earlier.
As you know,
my parents have no T.V. and NO INTERNET!
What a concept! ;)
I planned a trip to the local library to talk with you,
but all the computers in the library AND police dept. were down.
Can someone explain this?
Only a town of 2,000 people can get away with this madness!

So, let's fill you in... Day 98.
Parent-teacher conferences.
From 8am-8pm.
What a day!
I actually had a lot of free time,
as my school does not have a lot of parent support
(I teach in a low-income, high-crime & gang-infested community)...

I'm a very motivated person,
and when I get started on a project
(especially organizing/filing/etc)
I get "in the zone."
Does this ever happen to you?
If so, you know how hard it can be to break away,
especially if you haven't reached your goal.
Well, with 12 hours of relatively "free" time,
I was getting a lot done!
But then people started stopping in to chat,
or wanted me to stay longer at lunch and just veg.
My claim?
Choose people over tasks.
At times it took quite a bit of discipline,
but it was so rewarding to connect with people!

Lesson:  remember WHO is really important

Day 99
Two claims.
Didn't mean it to be that way;
just happend.
The first, the main one,
was to call a specific girl friend
(who left me a message about a month ago...
and that I haven't chatted with in literally a year)
and catch up on her life.

Very late that night I had another opportunity--
claim it or let it pass by?
I was laying in bed with my light out,
tears trickling down my cheeks.
I couldn't tell what was wrong,
but things between my mom and I weren't right.
There was tension.
Shortness.
I felt bad for not being patient.
I felt hurt that she didn't react to me in her normal, gentle way.
A decision was to be made.
Fall asleep, hurt and frustrated, and hope it goes away?
Or talk it out.
I knew which one was easier.
But we all know that "easier" isn't always "better."

I found myself calling to her.
She came in and turned on the light.
The conversation ended with laughter and smiles.
I slept soundly.

Lesson: don't let the sun set on your hurt

Day 97 Feeling Thanksgivingy?

Today?
Meet new people!
I got invited to a Thanksgiving party
(of people I don't really know)--
and went.

The block was full of cars,
both sides of the road,
and the big house was full of chatter and laughter.
It was the young adults' group from my friend's church.
I met a lot of new people,
stuffed myself,
played some pool,
and was joyfully social.
It was fun to get dressed cute,
and enter a new world of people.
You have to try this!

And, get this:
the house we went to is known for its Christmas decorations!
They put a carousel on the roof and everything!
The house wasn't decorated yet,
but he showed us a picture
(it was published in a book)
and told us that they won a trip to the Bahamas because of it!
How cool is that?

Lesson: you never know who you'll meet!

Day 96 Silver Beauty

My car.
It's silver,
beautiful,
and totally faithful.
But now it's my turn to give back.
I've been neglecting things...
like, never quite having EVERYTHING cleaned out of it...
or having a messy trunk...
or not getting around to cleaning those crumbs up.

I haven't given it a "bath" in over a year.
Terrible,
I know.
All winter long,
no wash.
Then summer came and went.
I always thought of it when I was in the middle of something else.
Today was gorgeous out--
65 and sunny.
It was "the day."
My car is now sparkly,
inside AND out.

I got a $50 wash card
(by accident--long story)
but now I can keep up with it!

Lesson: pamper your car!

Day 95 Chocolate Dreams

Sometimes things don't go as planned.

How often do we say that?

My mom is visiting,

and she, my sis, and I planned a Friday pm movie night.

We decided to go see "The Blind Side"

(starring Sandra Bullock),

and decided to "go for it"--

to spend a few extra dollars to go to the best theater near us.

It comes with:

chattering crowds of people,

the wonderful buttery smell of popcorn,

neon-lit signs,

high-back comfy chairs

(they rock and the arms move out of the way)...

the whole ambie

nce of a fun movie-night out!

Finally, at the front of the ticket line.

Then I saw it:"Sold out."

We couldn't find a showing somewhere else that wasn't too late.

While sitting in my car, calling,

a van pulled up by me--

accidentally hit my car when they opened their door.

Great. Another thing going wrong.

Finally, onto Plan B:

Black Tie Mousse Cake!

My beloved dessert that I *still* have not had...

Remember, they were all out last time I went?

I couldn't wait!

The waitress came back from the kitchen...

with bad news.

No more Black Tie Mousse Cake.
It was frozen and needed 24 hours.
My chocolate dream unfulfilled yet again.

So I bought one to go.

Things definitely didn't go as planned,

and it was a challenge to stay in a good mood.

It ended up being a great night with great conversation.

Lesson: go with the flow, and be nice about it!

Day 94 Pen and Ink

I have a trunk in my parents' attic,

full of memorable things...

poems I wrote in 2nd grade,

pictures I drew as a kid,

prom pictures, medals, letters from pen pals,

(and of course love letters from my first real crush...),

and two huge stacks of notebooks.

Journals, really.

Pages and pages that reflect my heart.

Journals dating way back to fifth and sixth grade.

I wrote all the time,

about everything and anything.

Little hearts with my crush's name...

my name written beautifully with his last name attached...

My busy life has pulled me away from this.

I still journal, but not 10 pages in one sitting!

I want to find that in myself again.

I want to make time for this.

Today I finally sat down and journaled.

It was refreshing,

reflective,

and peaceful.

Why is it that we put aside such things?

We're too tired.

Exhausted.

Busy.

And grown-up.

I want to let my heart pour out,

let my thoughts fill up paper like childhood days.

Lesson: reflect and let my heart speak

Day 93 Been there, Done that

How terrible I am doing at blogging more consistently!
Please forgive me,
dear reader.
If there are any readers?
I truly am claiming,
every day.
Please know that!
I need to find time to tell you about it more often.
Daily, really.
That would be a wonderful feat.
I will do better.
Plus, I want to hear about you!

Are you claiming?
Are you finding ways to live?
TRULY live?
Live for Christ?
Surrender all?
Find contentment in Him?
Enjoy this time of singleness?
See it's joys and freedom?
I am trying!
I need your encouragement!

Today's claim?
Well, grades were due the next day for progress reports.
I had HOURS to do!
Literally.
Hours.
One teacher said she'd been up until 1:00am.
She still wasn't done!
Then and there I refused to let that happen to me.
No way.
Been there, done that,
too many times!
No more will work ruin my life.
So, I claimed to stay at work and get it all done there.
No taking it home.
No cancelling out on Bible study to grade papers.
Jesus pulled me through!
I miraculously got everything I needed graded,
recorded,
plugged into the computer,
AND (get this),
had written on the report cards.
Yes, my school still does this by hand!
Praise Jesus I got it done--was out the door by 5pm.

Bible study got cancelled.
I was totally bummed until I remembered Nicole.
I'd gone to the retreat with her.
She led a Bible study near my apt. on the same night!
I went.
It was great meeting others my age who love the Lord.
I was so glad I claimed!

Lesson: work is work. leave it there.

Day 91 & 92 Sisters & "Sisters"

Day 91
I haven't been to my sister's to see Dancing with the Stars in,
well... too long.
Has it really been over three weeks?
Yes.
I was just too exhausted,
or busy,
or enjoying a Personal Day,
or...
the list could go on.
Priorities!!
What am I doing?
Get back on track--TODAY.
It was so fun!
I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got there.
Funny how that is.

Lesson: sisters need each other

Day 92
Girls' Bible study...
time with my "sisters"
at our favorite spot:
Panera Bread.
Claim?
Try something NEW on the menu.
I rarely ever do.
How about you?
Are you daring?
Do you take risks?
Or fit in with those of us who,
well,
prefer to know what we're getting?

I tried their salad Apple Chicken salad
(or something like that).
Result?
Highly disappointed.
If you want a great salad with chicken and fruit,
go to PORTILLOS!
Trust me.

Lesson: even if the item is disappointing, you'll still have the satisfaction of "going for it"

Day 90 November Tree

I wanted to put up my Christmas tree,
with all those new ornaments,
but is it too early?
It's not even Thanksgiving.
Shouldn't I wait?
At least for this holiday to pass?
Or for a snowflake or two?

I decided rather quickly...
My tree looks spectacular!

Lesson: living alone has its perks!

Day 89 Strawberry Secrets

Day 89

A 100 Year Anniversary drew me to Zion, IL.
A church & ministry training center--
The Zion Faith Homes--
100 years.
I grew up going to this peaceful place.
This weekend was one of reunions and reminiscing.
To see friends, pastors, and missionaries I haven't seen in years!
(15 years have passed since seeing some)
What an event!

Claim?
I was laying in bed,
had already claimed something small that day,
but then I was tossing and turning....
and tossing....
and on and on...
problem?
My stomach was growling!
Late night snack?
As a guest in this house?
At 11:30 at night?
I was cozy.
Comfy.
Just getting warm.
But I was HUNGRY.

"Just go find something!"
But I'm too lazy.
"But you're hungry!"
The voice of my stomach one out.
And my mom went too!
(she and my dad were in the bed across the rooom)

We shared stories
and snacked on toast with homemade strawberry jam.
And not just one piece,
but two!
Why not?
We were already up.

Lesson: more than food can come of late-night snacks with a friend

Day 87 & 88 Escape into Redeeming Love

Day 87
Time for some R and R!
Usually I teach lessons this day after school.
Private music lessons.
Today I needed to do NOTHING.
Ever have one of those days?
Or, those weeks?

I cancelled,
and spent a wonderful,
relaxing,
peaceful evening escaping...
into the the world of "Redeeming Love"
while cuddling in my comforter on the couch,
enjoying the candle-lit glow.

Just what I needed!

Lesson: candles and a good book make a great "vacation" from life!

Day 88
I couldn't escape the world of "Redeeming Love"
(you HAVE to read this book!),
or the relaxation and peace it brought.
Friday.
I decided to stay in
(without feeling like I was missing out),
and relax without turning on the TV.
To just veg on the couch eating McDonald's (guilt-free),
and enter the pages of my novel.
To enjoy the peace of a weekend night in,
and the freedom singleness brings of lounging around...
doing nothing....
in the midst of a messy apartment...
just for one night.
It was great!

Lesson: enjoy the freedom in my schedule that singleness brings!

Day 85 & 86 Mid-week Break

Day 85
Tomorrow we don't have school--
a nice way to break up the week!
So, today I was trying hard to get things done.
I stayed after school grading,
organizing,
getting plans ready for Wednesday.
Finally, I decided:
"I'm DONE."
I had papers to grade,
piles of paperwork to process,
but...
I couldn't stay any longer.
No, I wouldn't stay any longer.
I think I left around 4:15pm, which isn't bad!
It felt good to have things in order,
and to "cut myself off" so to speak.

Lesson: work is just work--it will still be there tomorrow!

Day 86
Day off!
FABULOUS!
I did errands, cleaned,
organized my desk...
it was a GREAT day.
Claim?
Take advantage of bargain shopping.
Here's the scoop:
Went to Hobby Lobby for one thing,
(yes , ONE thing)
came home with bags full!

Of?
Christmas ornaments!
EVERYTHING "Christmas" was 50% off.
This wasn't something I did on a whim--
I've been planning on buying some decorations this year.
I just so happend to enter the store on a HUGE SALE day.
50% off!!!
Oh happy day! :)

Lesson: watch for those bargains--it will pay off in the end

Day 84 Mechanics

Day 84
Mechanics.
It's hard to know who to trust.
You know how it is!
Especially as a young female.

Had some confrontation today.
I'd been putting it off, but today was the day.
I'd brought my car into someone who specializes in transmissions.
He discovered that my roters were NOT resurfaced
(which I had paid two weeks ago to have my mechanic do).
Hence, the problem I was still having with my brakes.

Took it in.
Politely confronted them.
It definitely took guts for me,
but it went well!
I had them show me the work they'd done,
explain it, etc.
I learned a lot!
And the roters were done--
the new way, where they stay on the car.
(The old way to do it is to take them off and put them on a machine)
They filled my tires,
were tinkering around a while...

I had them do a test drive with me
(my request).
No problems.

Now, I'm not sure if they did something extra without telling me,
but my car drives different now.
A LOT better.
The front feels "tight" as the mechanic put it.
No shaking or anything.

Kinda makes me wonder if they fixed something without telling me?
That they realized they overlooked something?
How do you know who you can trust these days???

Lesson: watch out for yourself!

Day 83 Returning Home

Got 3 hours of sleep in the small cabin.
One of the girls snored like nothing I've ever heard.
Now, my dad's a snorer,
but not like this.
You know how usually there's a rhythm to it?
This was snores, snorts,
whimpering,
groans,
sighs...

I squished my hood around my head,
covered my ears with my comforter,
and still could not block it out.

So, today--free time.
I really just wanted a nap.
A twinge of sadness filled me--
what would I miss out on,
sleeping in the cabin while everyone was hanging out?
I pushed it away,
knowing I needed rest.

Two hours later,
I awoke totally refreshed,
and totally relieved to hear that no one really did anything.
I ended up being one of the only ones energized that night,
totally into the speaker's message,
and awake enough to receive.
Getting back to IL later (9:30pm) that night,
I was so grateful to still have energy for an evening at home.

Lesson: prioritze health and rest--how could you regret it

Day 82 Weekend Away

You know what they say:
you always meet "the one" when you least expect it.
How do you get yourself to not ever expect it?
I tried my best to go into this young adult retreat with no thought,
or even tiny hope,
of meeting someone.
But somehow it naturally comes,
even if we get good at ignoring the nagging thought.
I only knew one person--
a girl from work,
and the opportunity of new friendships was exciting.

I did not meet anyone.
I found myself strongly missing a certain someone.
What is God's plan?
When will it be my turn?
I am sure you feel this way, too.
What is your story?
Where are you at in this journey?
Any advice?

Lesson: keep letting Him fill me, and DON'T act on emotions alone

Day 80 & 81 A world away from T.V.

Day 80
Exhaustion, again.
How many of our nights feel that way?
How easy to sit in front of the T.V. and waste the night away.
Claim?
No movie.
No staring at the T.V. for hours.
(I watched ONE 20-min show,
I must admit.)
Instead?
I enjoyed a quiet night.

Lesson: time slows down away from the T.V.

Day 81
Tomorrow I am going on a young adult retreat.
Today, Friday,
I decided to take a night in,
alone,
and not be sad or lonely,
or feel like I wasted a precious Friday night.
I packed for the weekend,
organized a little,
and cozied up in bed for a good read.
Have you read "Redeeming Love"
by Francine Rivers?
If not, you must!
You will laugh,
and then cry (A LOT),
and then sing praises to the Lord for His wonderful love and faithfulness.
I had planned to go to sleep early,
to be chipper at 6:30am when I had to get up for the trip,
but Francine Rivers wouldn't allow it.
I got sucked in,
and this is my SECOND time reading it!
Lights went out after 11pm,
but it was oh so worth it!

Lesson: Friday nights alone don't have to be lonely

Day 79 Simplicity from China

Small group night.
Do I go?
What about my heart?
What about the body of Christ?
The Lord helped me put them first.
It was wonderful!
A couple doing missions work in China
(and home on furlow)
visited,
and shared.
She is Chinese,
he is American,
and they were full of the Light of Jesus Christ!
Just hearing them talk,
and seeing her simplicity,
gentleness,
and glow,
stirred a hunger for Him in me.

Lesson: take time to FIND Him. take time to KNOW Him. trust Him with my life.

Day 77 & 78 He will meet you There

Day77
Our group was to play Wallyball tonight.
Have you ever played it?
It's crazy fun!
Like volleyball,
but you can play it off the walls!

My heart was afraid to go.
To see him.
But I did.
And God was good.
It was a challenge to guard my heart,
but He did.
And I survived. ;)

Lesson: He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Day 78
Tried out Mario Tricocci for a haircut.
Wasn't in the mood to chat,
which is rare for me.
But then the young stylist tried to make conversation.
After a few short responses,
I knew I had to make a choice.
I chose the right one.
God helped me with boldness.
I talked about the Lord,
my present heartache,
our girls' group on Tuesday nights.
And then she opened up.
A string of bad/abusive relationships.
Insecurities.
Knowing she clings to guys for happiness.
Church?
She brought it up.
Where did I go?
Baptism in water?
The Lord was in it.
He was so present,
and I left so thankful that He helped me open my mouth,
get out of my life,
and serve a heart in need.

Lesson: be willing to be used by God

Day 76 Honesty?

Remember the phone call to my best friend?
The one who got married in June?
My claim was confrontation.
Not in a bad way,
but to just be completely honest about our relationship.
Today was the day--
we had "the talk."

Jesus is so kind!
It went so well;
He kept my mouth silent some things,
and brought up my hurts in a gentle way.
What's that old old quote?
"Honesty is the best policy."

Oh, and since that was an old claim,
one that surfaced today,
I also had another today:
Complete an unfinished project.
Remember my claim to paint my whole bathroom?
Well, there was one tiny spot left to do,
a board where I had to install the toilet roll holder first.
Today I finished painting it.
The bathroom is beautiful,
I must say!

Lesson: honesty really does pay off--be bold!

Day 75 A gift for...?

Day 75
Are you still waiting to meet the right one?
How do you keep going?
How do you find happiness?
I read my Bible.
I pray a lot.
I listen to music,
and do things that make me happy.

But this heartache of a break up requires more.
Not only seeking the Lord,
but needing a PLAN.
So here's my plan.
Well, besides the goal of this blog.

Plan:
Start a project for my future husband.
Something that will put my mind on him,
instead of being discouraged about the present.
Something that will allow me to invest in our relationship NOW.

Today I started making this gift.
It will take a long time,
but I probably have a long time,
so this is good!

Lesson: look ahead

Day 73 & 74 Health & Happiness

Day 73
Who has energy to cook?
You singles know how it is.
45 minutes to cook,
15 minutes to eat the food, ALONE,
45 minutes to clean up.
Just not worth it.

Well, tonight I put forth the effort.
Why?
My body/health.
We're not getting any younger!
(Some of you may say 28 is NOT old,
but I promise you--
I'm seeing wrinkles under my eyes!
This is definitely not cool.)
I hope I don't wither away before meeting my husband!
I enjoyed a very healthy meal of:
baked chicken,
rise,
and lots of veggies.
We owe it to ourselves!

Lesson: cook once in a while--you'll even FEEL healthier!

Day 74
Halloween weekend.
Every year,
my friends and I have a costume party.
It's always the Friday night of Halloween weekend.
As time has passed,
all of my friends have become couples,
most married.
It has become the
"Dress up as Couples" party.
And then there's me.

I was sad on the way there.
I was sad there.
The couples all wanted pics with their significant other.
Who wanted a picture with me??
And they had so many stories to share...
marriage stories...
buying houses...
being pregnant...
furture plans together...
and then there was me.
I had nothin'.

Claim? CHOOSE happiness.
And I did.
Mindset:
"Friday night only comes once a week.
I am going to ENJOY it."
And I did.

Lesson: Happiness is a battle of the mind.

Day 71 & 72 Exhaustion

Day 71
Time has been flying by.
I'm still claiming,
but filling you in is becoming more of a challenge.
Please don't be insulted--
my upcoming blogs are going to be,
yes,
a short summary.
So much to tell you!
What about you?
Are you taking time to truly live??

Claim: Prioritize the chicas.
Was exhausted,
wanted to back out of girls' Bible study.
But I didn't.
And I'm glad.
It was the R & R I needed.

Lesson: don't ditch your girl friends

Day 72
My heart needed space,
time to heal.
And I'd been so busy,
and constantly on the go,
that I could feel my body slowing down.
I'd be sick from an exhausted immune system if I wasn't careful.
Claim?
Stay home from our co-ed small group,
and not feel GUILTY about it.
It was exactly what I needed.

Lesson: take time to SLOW down.