(May 10-May 16)
Day 266 Chose to be positive about our act winning the district wide teacher/staff talent show when others were negative. Result? It was water to their flame.
Day 267 I am a little OCD about some things, like how I use certain things around my apartment... For instance, my comfortable throw blanket that is navy blue on one side and golden orange on the other. I NEVER use it with the orange side up, or facing out when it's around me. NEVER. Until today. :)
Day 268 When the girl I'd made shopping plans with didn't mention it at choir practice tonight I had to claim it or lose it. So, right before leaving I went up to her and asked if she still wanted to go. It was on! Happy I asked, I drove home excited for something fun to do on Saturday.
Day 269 See "Fireflies" Entry below, dated May 13, for a complete post. :)
Day 270 So I was shopping at Kohls, it was a Friday night, and they had amazing deals. As I'm in the dressing room trying on clothes, on comes the song for our talent show act called "Say, Hey I Love You." I debated for a second and thought, "Hey, why not??" Dancing in a dressing room--now that's something I don't think I've ever done! It totally lifted the cloud I was under.
Day 271 Shopping trip to Woodfield Mall with a new friend! I've only been to Woodfield Mall one time years ago--it was sooo much fun! And, I discovered that my shopping partner lives literally only 4 or 5 minutes from my apartment!
Day 272 On a whim I'd replied to the e-vite awhile back committing myself to a grill-out today with people I barely know. When today came I was so tired from being up early for church that I wanted to take a nap and skip the party altogether. I crawled into bed and couldn't ignore the thought that I needed to stop sleeping and start living! We played volleyball, grilled out, and were fooled by the sunshine into thinking it was summer! :)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Fireflies
I feel WONDERFUL.
Totally relaxed. Totally refreshed.
Reminiscent. Reflective. Calm.
Tonight I decided to escape into bliss:
Filled a bubble bath,
put on a mix of Elton John, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac...
gathered all the candles from around my apartment,
placed them intricately at different levels in my bathroom,
and soon had a mini spa...
I even put my cell phone on silent and stuck it in my room,
then turned the bathroom clock around so it wasn't in view.
The final touch?
I turned out the lights and relaxed in a world of glowing "fireflies."
(something I've never done because it seems reserved for couples)
Conclusion?
A candle-lit bath is wonderfully soothing even in this season of life.
I didn't do this because I was exhausted;
I wanted to slow down from all the productivity and enjoy LIFE.
...I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time!
Lesson: think outside the box
Totally relaxed. Totally refreshed.
Reminiscent. Reflective. Calm.
Tonight I decided to escape into bliss:
Filled a bubble bath,
put on a mix of Elton John, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac...
gathered all the candles from around my apartment,
placed them intricately at different levels in my bathroom,
and soon had a mini spa...
I even put my cell phone on silent and stuck it in my room,
then turned the bathroom clock around so it wasn't in view.
The final touch?
I turned out the lights and relaxed in a world of glowing "fireflies."
(something I've never done because it seems reserved for couples)
Conclusion?
A candle-lit bath is wonderfully soothing even in this season of life.
I didn't do this because I was exhausted;
I wanted to slow down from all the productivity and enjoy LIFE.
...I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time!
Lesson: think outside the box
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Snapshots Part Three
(May 3rd-May 9th)
Day 258 Took the day off work "just because." Turned out to be 70 and sunny! It was wonderful!
Day 259 Pulled that choir boy who is usually great for me into the principal's office to chat with him alone (he'd walked out on me twice that day; guess he was a terror for the other teachers!). God gave me the words--The rest of the week he was wonderful for me, though the other teachers still were dealing with his rebellion and disrespect!
Day 260 Took some time to get out of my own little world and bought an anniversary card for the worship pastor and his wife. It really made me happy to find "the perfect card" and write some kind words. Unfortunately, the sweetness turned sour when I handed it to his secretary only to find that her anniversary was the day before! (In my defense, it wasn't on our choir calendar like the others!)
Day 261 Since my sister and I were going on a Mother's Day gift together, one of us had to make the extra effort to find time to go buy the rather large shepherd's hook and fit it into our car. When she called about it on my way home from work, I must admit that I was annoyed. After I hung up, I knew what I had to do. It was the best feeling to call her and tell her "I just go it!"; she sounded so relieved and grateful!!!
Day 262 Friday night. Exhausted. Content to stay in, bake cookies, and watch a movie. My friend Nichole called and I could tell she really wanted to do something. It felt like a sacrifice tonight to give up my much desired alone time, but the Chinese food, baking together, and eating warm cookies while watching a chick flick ended up being the perfect Friday night.
Day 263 Second time on weekend worship team at church--It's crazy how people can be so unaware of leaving others out. Claim? Push my way (in a friendly manner of course) into conversations by asking questions and genuinely being interested. Even with the pastors wife, eventually I was being included through eye contact and shared laughter. Wow, did that take confidence!
Day 264 So I'm making friends with another girl in choir who is cute, fun, and not competitive (praise the Lord!) at all. Today she mentioned that the Woodfield Mall has a huge Forever 21 accessories store, so I piped in that we should go shopping together. Why not seize the moment, right?! We agreed on going next Saturday. Yay!
Lesson: just lay your life down--it's the right thing to do
Day 258 Took the day off work "just because." Turned out to be 70 and sunny! It was wonderful!
Day 259 Pulled that choir boy who is usually great for me into the principal's office to chat with him alone (he'd walked out on me twice that day; guess he was a terror for the other teachers!). God gave me the words--The rest of the week he was wonderful for me, though the other teachers still were dealing with his rebellion and disrespect!
Day 260 Took some time to get out of my own little world and bought an anniversary card for the worship pastor and his wife. It really made me happy to find "the perfect card" and write some kind words. Unfortunately, the sweetness turned sour when I handed it to his secretary only to find that her anniversary was the day before! (In my defense, it wasn't on our choir calendar like the others!)
Day 261 Since my sister and I were going on a Mother's Day gift together, one of us had to make the extra effort to find time to go buy the rather large shepherd's hook and fit it into our car. When she called about it on my way home from work, I must admit that I was annoyed. After I hung up, I knew what I had to do. It was the best feeling to call her and tell her "I just go it!"; she sounded so relieved and grateful!!!
Day 262 Friday night. Exhausted. Content to stay in, bake cookies, and watch a movie. My friend Nichole called and I could tell she really wanted to do something. It felt like a sacrifice tonight to give up my much desired alone time, but the Chinese food, baking together, and eating warm cookies while watching a chick flick ended up being the perfect Friday night.
Day 263 Second time on weekend worship team at church--It's crazy how people can be so unaware of leaving others out. Claim? Push my way (in a friendly manner of course) into conversations by asking questions and genuinely being interested. Even with the pastors wife, eventually I was being included through eye contact and shared laughter. Wow, did that take confidence!
Day 264 So I'm making friends with another girl in choir who is cute, fun, and not competitive (praise the Lord!) at all. Today she mentioned that the Woodfield Mall has a huge Forever 21 accessories store, so I piped in that we should go shopping together. Why not seize the moment, right?! We agreed on going next Saturday. Yay!
Lesson: just lay your life down--it's the right thing to do
Friday, May 7, 2010
Snapshots Part Two
(April 26-May 2)
Day 251 A student in my choir who never sings and never smiles stole an item from my room. Instead of writing her up and being done with it, I claimed the moment: sat her down, talked with her about choices and shared my own struggles in jr. high. I could tell she got it. The next day, she asked me if she could sing a solo for the talent show... I pulled out the requested song and when she opened her mouth I was floored; I had never heard her sing in two years and she had one of the best voices in the class! I did make a difference!
Day 252 Mom called to hear how worship team went. Glaze over it or share with utter vulnerability? When I hung up the phone an hour later I was encouraged and refreshed. The stories of politics and spiritual attacks were lifted and I was at peace knowing my heart is in the right place: It's all about Him!
Day 253 After choir practice I was cutting through the sanctuary and felt the pull to stay and pray. I wanted to go up to the stage and kneel but was keenly aware of the soundmen in the soundbooth. How could I focus with them there? Now, I wish I would have just done it. I claimed the moment, but was a whimp about it--I sat several rows back and only lasted five minutes. Even still, I felt reassured that I had a purpose as I lifted the choir members and pastors up in prayer.
Day 254 Mustered up the confidence to call up the music secretary and asked what was expected for my next time on Wednesday night worship, as two of us were scheduled for the same part. Hung up totally excited that she'd put the other girl with me because I have "more experience" and can "help her" instead of the odd scheduling being that I wasn't a strong enough singer to hold my part. Note: Just communicate!!
Day 255 After our performance in the district Razzle Dazzle [Talent Show] I wanted to go home and just relax. As we were carpooling home, I could tell that my friend Nichole wanted to hang out instead of go home (it was a Friday night after all!). I claimed "togetherness" and we ended up enjoying a cute movie and good conversation.
Day 256 Gave up my favorite day of the week (Saturday) to help a friend's mom move. My claim was to be a blessing, though I ended up being in quite a bad mood when I was there four hours longer than I'd expected...
Day 257 A very sweet girl invited me over for lunch after church. Though I had been up late and was really wanting to go home and take a Sunday nap, I immediately said, "Sure!" Before my mind could even think, my mouth had claimed it for me. Amazing how claiming starts to become a habit. Result? Good convo, yummy muffins, and the beginning of a new friendship. Felt satisfied that I put someone else first.
Lesson: giving people your time rarely becomes a regret
Day 251 A student in my choir who never sings and never smiles stole an item from my room. Instead of writing her up and being done with it, I claimed the moment: sat her down, talked with her about choices and shared my own struggles in jr. high. I could tell she got it. The next day, she asked me if she could sing a solo for the talent show... I pulled out the requested song and when she opened her mouth I was floored; I had never heard her sing in two years and she had one of the best voices in the class! I did make a difference!
Day 252 Mom called to hear how worship team went. Glaze over it or share with utter vulnerability? When I hung up the phone an hour later I was encouraged and refreshed. The stories of politics and spiritual attacks were lifted and I was at peace knowing my heart is in the right place: It's all about Him!
Day 253 After choir practice I was cutting through the sanctuary and felt the pull to stay and pray. I wanted to go up to the stage and kneel but was keenly aware of the soundmen in the soundbooth. How could I focus with them there? Now, I wish I would have just done it. I claimed the moment, but was a whimp about it--I sat several rows back and only lasted five minutes. Even still, I felt reassured that I had a purpose as I lifted the choir members and pastors up in prayer.
Day 254 Mustered up the confidence to call up the music secretary and asked what was expected for my next time on Wednesday night worship, as two of us were scheduled for the same part. Hung up totally excited that she'd put the other girl with me because I have "more experience" and can "help her" instead of the odd scheduling being that I wasn't a strong enough singer to hold my part. Note: Just communicate!!
Day 255 After our performance in the district Razzle Dazzle [Talent Show] I wanted to go home and just relax. As we were carpooling home, I could tell that my friend Nichole wanted to hang out instead of go home (it was a Friday night after all!). I claimed "togetherness" and we ended up enjoying a cute movie and good conversation.
Day 256 Gave up my favorite day of the week (Saturday) to help a friend's mom move. My claim was to be a blessing, though I ended up being in quite a bad mood when I was there four hours longer than I'd expected...
Day 257 A very sweet girl invited me over for lunch after church. Though I had been up late and was really wanting to go home and take a Sunday nap, I immediately said, "Sure!" Before my mind could even think, my mouth had claimed it for me. Amazing how claiming starts to become a habit. Result? Good convo, yummy muffins, and the beginning of a new friendship. Felt satisfied that I put someone else first.
Lesson: giving people your time rarely becomes a regret
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Snapshots Part One
(April 19-April 25)
Day 244 Mustered up the guts to call my landlord and give a friendly, yet firm, reminder to [finally] fix our mailboxes. (You know I don't like confrontation!)
Day 245 Our worship pastor recently made a request for new songs; So, I e-mailed him an mp3 of a worship song I wrote. You never know, right?
Day 246 First time singing on worship team--finally! Made a point to be nice to her even if she kept being cold back and take time to get to know the other singers. The warmth melted her and I had some great conversations! Then, went home and spent time praying for them.
Day 247 Driving out of the grocery store parkinglot, I viewed a huge pinky-orange globe floating in the sky. Pulled over and spent five minutes soaking in God's beautiful creation and praising Him. Amazing how God can romance our hearts through nature!
Day 248 Found out one of my choir boys who is now wonderful for me (after a rough beginnign of the year) is still a nightmare for all of his other teachers--swearing at them, refusing to do work, walking out. Pulled him from class for a half an hour and had a heart-to-heart. Spoke to the assistant principal directly after per his request. I know I made a difference.
Day 249 First time singing in front of the church (Saturday night service). The presence of Jesus was so strong I was crying through much of the worship. Claim? Worship with a pure heart and don't worry about what others would think.
Day 250 Right before the Sunday morning service, our worship pastor pulled the worship team aside and criticized us on engaging the congregation. AND, he added the other rude girl to sing with us sopranos without her even practicing with us. Claim? Initiate as much conversation with her as possible and be a blessing. By the end, she chose to stand by me and after the service thanked me, saying "Thank you! You really helped me with my part!" This is huge--she never flatters/compliments and barely even smiles.
Lesson: take the time!
Day 244 Mustered up the guts to call my landlord and give a friendly, yet firm, reminder to [finally] fix our mailboxes. (You know I don't like confrontation!)
Day 245 Our worship pastor recently made a request for new songs; So, I e-mailed him an mp3 of a worship song I wrote. You never know, right?
Day 246 First time singing on worship team--finally! Made a point to be nice to her even if she kept being cold back and take time to get to know the other singers. The warmth melted her and I had some great conversations! Then, went home and spent time praying for them.
Day 247 Driving out of the grocery store parkinglot, I viewed a huge pinky-orange globe floating in the sky. Pulled over and spent five minutes soaking in God's beautiful creation and praising Him. Amazing how God can romance our hearts through nature!
Day 248 Found out one of my choir boys who is now wonderful for me (after a rough beginnign of the year) is still a nightmare for all of his other teachers--swearing at them, refusing to do work, walking out. Pulled him from class for a half an hour and had a heart-to-heart. Spoke to the assistant principal directly after per his request. I know I made a difference.
Day 249 First time singing in front of the church (Saturday night service). The presence of Jesus was so strong I was crying through much of the worship. Claim? Worship with a pure heart and don't worry about what others would think.
Day 250 Right before the Sunday morning service, our worship pastor pulled the worship team aside and criticized us on engaging the congregation. AND, he added the other rude girl to sing with us sopranos without her even practicing with us. Claim? Initiate as much conversation with her as possible and be a blessing. By the end, she chose to stand by me and after the service thanked me, saying "Thank you! You really helped me with my part!" This is huge--she never flatters/compliments and barely even smiles.
Lesson: take the time!
Snapshots Explanation
Dear Reader,
It's getting to be too much--
writing long posts every day.
I'm sure you can tell,
as my posts of thinned out immensely.
It's not unmovitavation.
It not lack of inspiration.
So what is it?
It's that I'm LIVING!
And when you're living,
who has time to be typing?
Hence my new approach:
Snapshots.
Yes, that's it. Just a glimpse.
A brief view of what I'm claiming.
Maybe snapshot entries will help you, too.
Less time reading, more time LIVING!
Live on!
~Chicago Girl
It's getting to be too much--
writing long posts every day.
I'm sure you can tell,
as my posts of thinned out immensely.
It's not unmovitavation.
It not lack of inspiration.
So what is it?
It's that I'm LIVING!
And when you're living,
who has time to be typing?
Hence my new approach:
Snapshots.
Yes, that's it. Just a glimpse.
A brief view of what I'm claiming.
Maybe snapshot entries will help you, too.
Less time reading, more time LIVING!
Live on!
~Chicago Girl
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