Day 338 Time to get all my debt under control! Typed up a list of my smallest debts and came up with a plan of how pay them off A.S.A.P.! I printed it off and put it in a place where I'd see it often to help remind me to be financially responsible and get free!
Day 339 Ever since I joined the church choir, one of the older women who I've become friends with has been inviting me to various art shows/galleries that include her artwork. Today I finally went! When I left, I felt like I'd walked through a journey of my soul. Each artist had included a typed description of the inspiration and process behind their piece, and it brought the artwork alive and left me totally inspired to live and to create. I can't even describe how great it felt to call her on the way home and tell her that I'd just gone to see the exhibit... Maybe it is better to give than to receive!
Day 340 I was beaten down in shame, discouragement, and fear. Tonight at choir the director/pastor stopped rehearsal to give a short message (which he does sometimes); it was all about fear/worry. He read several verses about it and then did something that I haven't ever seen him do. He said, "I want anyone here that is struggling with fear or worry to stand up right now and we're going to pray for you." Without even taking time to think, I jumped to my feet, and noticed I was the first one up. Like a ripple effect, people across the choir started to stand. Tears came as they laid hands on me and prayed. I ended up sharing my struggles with the woman I described above. This whole experience showed me the growth that has come through this journey of claiming--more and more, I am seizing moments without debate or hesitation. I needed this!!!
Day 341 How often have you been driving on a scenic route and just wanted to pull over and take it all in? I'm sure if you're like me, it's been hundreds of times. On my journey home to my parents' today, I decided to take the time to take it in; I'd just driven around a curve to find beautiful green hills and fields on my left, grasses and trees lightly swaying. I pulled the car over to the side of the road, opened my window, and stared, trying to remember that beautiful picture. Though this probably only last five minutes due to the heat pouring in my window, it was enough to enjoy the serenity that only the beautiful outdoors can bring.
Day 342 A rainy, lazy day at my parents house; the perfect opportunity to escape into a good book! I decided to lay there all day, guilt-free, and read without letting myself feel like I was wasting the entire day. This was a big step for me because when I go home I usually feel bad taking time for myself. I must say: This was wonderful! Do this!!
Day 343 Tired. Not feeling social, and especially not feeling like meeting new people and having to make conversation. You know how it is. Tonight I was to go to a birthday party for a new girl friend where I knew I wouldn't know anyone. I was tempted to back out, but knew I needed to claim it and be there for her, especially since there were only going to bve four or five of us there. I ended up having a bonding conversation with a girl there who is also older and single, having digestion/health issues, and dealing with the stresses of major finanical struggles. The Lord encouraged me by using me to encourage her. It was a good reminder that God can and WILL use the struggles we go through for His glory!
Day 344 How many times do we get asked, "How are you?" in a day, and answer with some canned response that totally covers over our true mood or emotional state? And how many times do we ask someone how they're doing and then not really take the time to find out? I was presented with this opportunity this morning at church... Another single girl that I'm getting to know through choir was walking by me, and when I greeted her and asked her how she was, her response did not match the sadness in her face. I stopped walking, and asked, "Are you sure? You don't sound like you're okay." As soon as I said it, her eyes filled with tears and I reached out to hug her. She shared her struggle with loneliness and just feeling really alone. I have been there! I tried to encourage her the best I could and offered my number incase she ever wanted to hang out. Lord, make me more aware of others and give me Your heart for them!!
Lesson: life is about giving your life away
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Summer Part 2
Day 331 Got up the courage to call a stomach specialist (after four years of digestion issues) and schedule an appointment.
Day 332 Something new: After a year at my apartment, I finally invited my sister and her husband over to watch a movie! I usually always go to their place to "get out," but this time they came over; it was super fun to host!
Day 333 Today I decided to be pro-active and get prepared for my upcoming appointment with the stomach specialist. I typed a list of my symptoms, doctor appointments, treatments I've tried, and specific times of pain/bloating. Better to be over-prepared than not at all!
Day 334 Ever since I found out last year that every Thursday night the local Municipal Band performs a free concert in the park, I've wanted to go. Tonight I finally did! I found out that a friend of a friend plays in the band and tonight he was doing a solo. So, I invited a few girl friends, we brought our camping chairs, and enjoyed the small-town feel of pie/ice cream, families, and music in the park.
Day 335 After our music curriculum meeting today, one of my colleagues (who teaches choir at another middle school in our district) asked me and the other choir director to lunch. I really wanted to just go home and put my feet up, but I knew that it'd be good to build relationships with them. I claimed a "yes" and soon was excited about it. I talked the other choir director into coming and we ended up chatting over Chinese food. They of course asked about my love life, which could have taken all day to describe, and we chatted about ideas for the upcoming year. I was actually really glad I went!
Day 336 When I was at the concert in the park on Thursday, they announced that there was to be a special Big Band Concert tonight. So, I talked my family into going (mom was visiting) and they loved it! Claim this time? No checking my cell phone, or the time, for the entire concert. It was a nice escape!!
Day 337 A friend of our family's was having a surprise 60th Birthday party today and I really wanted to go. It'd been so long since seeing them, and I thought it'd be something fun and new to do. My mom just wanted to do something low-key, and the rest of my family wasn't going, so I knew it was up to me if we went. Sunday afternoon--everyone gets lazy and wants to relax, including me! But, I mustered up the energy and we went. It was a fun Hawaiian theme, and like a small reunion. Plus, I got to see the woman's daughter, a good friend of mine, who I haven't seen in forever!!
Lesson: Don't put things off so long!
Day 332 Something new: After a year at my apartment, I finally invited my sister and her husband over to watch a movie! I usually always go to their place to "get out," but this time they came over; it was super fun to host!
Day 333 Today I decided to be pro-active and get prepared for my upcoming appointment with the stomach specialist. I typed a list of my symptoms, doctor appointments, treatments I've tried, and specific times of pain/bloating. Better to be over-prepared than not at all!
Day 334 Ever since I found out last year that every Thursday night the local Municipal Band performs a free concert in the park, I've wanted to go. Tonight I finally did! I found out that a friend of a friend plays in the band and tonight he was doing a solo. So, I invited a few girl friends, we brought our camping chairs, and enjoyed the small-town feel of pie/ice cream, families, and music in the park.
Day 335 After our music curriculum meeting today, one of my colleagues (who teaches choir at another middle school in our district) asked me and the other choir director to lunch. I really wanted to just go home and put my feet up, but I knew that it'd be good to build relationships with them. I claimed a "yes" and soon was excited about it. I talked the other choir director into coming and we ended up chatting over Chinese food. They of course asked about my love life, which could have taken all day to describe, and we chatted about ideas for the upcoming year. I was actually really glad I went!
Day 336 When I was at the concert in the park on Thursday, they announced that there was to be a special Big Band Concert tonight. So, I talked my family into going (mom was visiting) and they loved it! Claim this time? No checking my cell phone, or the time, for the entire concert. It was a nice escape!!
Day 337 A friend of our family's was having a surprise 60th Birthday party today and I really wanted to go. It'd been so long since seeing them, and I thought it'd be something fun and new to do. My mom just wanted to do something low-key, and the rest of my family wasn't going, so I knew it was up to me if we went. Sunday afternoon--everyone gets lazy and wants to relax, including me! But, I mustered up the energy and we went. It was a fun Hawaiian theme, and like a small reunion. Plus, I got to see the woman's daughter, a good friend of mine, who I haven't seen in forever!!
Lesson: Don't put things off so long!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Summer Part 1
Day 324 I was lonely and sad about a certain someone after volleyball tonight. Instead of moping around the house, I went out for an actual run (NO walking)--the first one in years; it felt great!!
Day 325 I'd won a $75 skincare gift from Mario Tricoci at a girls' night and just didn't need it; skincare is not something you want to change once you're happy with a product! Although the manager would not return it, I left proud that I'd gotten up the gumption to have a rather long conversation with her about it. So now what do I do with it??
Day 326 My storage unit is a mess--everything piled on top of each other makes it a dreaded chore to get something out from the bottom. Today I tackled the mess and totally organized it! What a great feeling!
Day 327 When driving home I heard a radio advertisement for a Chicago Fun Packet that includes maps, calendars of events, and free passes to places in Chicago. I claimed it, wrote down the e-mail address given to request a packet, and emailed them right away!
Day 328 Dinner plans at Cheesecake Factory with a guy friend who I havent seen in a year brought me to Woodfield tonight. Now, you know I hate confrontation. Amidst a tense part of the conversation, when he finally asked why I seemed so defensive, I claimed brutal honesty and firmly yet politey spoke my mind. After talking through it, we enjoyed dinner and strolling through the mall. I couldn't help feeling proud of myself for opening up.
Day 329 Have you ever been driving on a sunny day, landed under a rain cloud, and just a few minutes later escaped into sunshine again? We were romanced with a beautiful double rainbow today and I took the time to silently thank the Lord for His promises to me/us. Before falling asleep, I again thanked Him for specific promises. I'm sure I drifted off with a smile on my lips.
Day 330 A girl friend was visiting for four days and I was exhausted. My Sunday morning alarm went off and I just couldn't do it. I woke up shortly after, knowing I needed to claim my commitment to the music ministry and church and get my toosh to choir. Although I missed the 8am rehearsal, I made it in time for both services!
Lesson: Life is about the little choices
Day 325 I'd won a $75 skincare gift from Mario Tricoci at a girls' night and just didn't need it; skincare is not something you want to change once you're happy with a product! Although the manager would not return it, I left proud that I'd gotten up the gumption to have a rather long conversation with her about it. So now what do I do with it??
Day 326 My storage unit is a mess--everything piled on top of each other makes it a dreaded chore to get something out from the bottom. Today I tackled the mess and totally organized it! What a great feeling!
Day 327 When driving home I heard a radio advertisement for a Chicago Fun Packet that includes maps, calendars of events, and free passes to places in Chicago. I claimed it, wrote down the e-mail address given to request a packet, and emailed them right away!
Day 328 Dinner plans at Cheesecake Factory with a guy friend who I havent seen in a year brought me to Woodfield tonight. Now, you know I hate confrontation. Amidst a tense part of the conversation, when he finally asked why I seemed so defensive, I claimed brutal honesty and firmly yet politey spoke my mind. After talking through it, we enjoyed dinner and strolling through the mall. I couldn't help feeling proud of myself for opening up.
Day 329 Have you ever been driving on a sunny day, landed under a rain cloud, and just a few minutes later escaped into sunshine again? We were romanced with a beautiful double rainbow today and I took the time to silently thank the Lord for His promises to me/us. Before falling asleep, I again thanked Him for specific promises. I'm sure I drifted off with a smile on my lips.
Day 330 A girl friend was visiting for four days and I was exhausted. My Sunday morning alarm went off and I just couldn't do it. I woke up shortly after, knowing I needed to claim my commitment to the music ministry and church and get my toosh to choir. Although I missed the 8am rehearsal, I made it in time for both services!
Lesson: Life is about the little choices
Sunday, July 4, 2010
School's Out! Part 5
Day 317 My sister called and invited me to lay out at the pool with her, and eventhough I wasn't in the mood to because I wanted to be productive, I found myself choosing time with her and enjoying the sunny weather over accomplishing my "schedule." I was surprised that the decision was so easy and we ended up having one of the best, most personal convos we've had in a long time. I noticed afterward that she called me a lot more throughout the week to hang out; it felt nice!
Day 318 I was lonely. We'd finished playing sandvolleyball, went to Portillo's with the group, and I just didn't want to be alone. A certain someone was being distant, I needed people, and I knew I needed to claim the night instead of the mood claiming me. So, I invited myself over to my sisters to watch a movie--the three of us huddled around the Redbox until we found our selection and then relaxed on the couch for a late-night movie. By the time I got in bed, I was so tired that I crashed out without the chance of loneliness to return.
Day 319 There is something totally freeing about cleaning out your wallet, lining your many credit cards (yes, plural) on the kitchen counter, and chopping them up with a shiny pair of scissors. Debt be gone!!
Day 320 A certain choir girl who I've been trying to reach out to, who doesn't really talk to me at all, totally shocked me--I was one of seven people that she handed an invitation to, inviting us to a free movie at the Hollywood Palms dinner movie theater! She'd won 8 tickets and wanted to bring ME! Tonight we went to the movie, and even though I'd already seen it, I kept that to myself and went along for the fun. It was a blast, and she even hugged me when we left!!
Day 321 Today I experienced the most physical pain I've ever had in my life--severe piercing in my stomach and so much bloating I thought I'd burst. I stood over the sink, feeling like I was going to throw up, crying and praying for the Lord's help. I could barely move it was so painful. No one was around to help me, and I was left to face it alone. After barely being able to get out, "Help me, Jesus!" I realized I needed to put my mind on Him, not the pain. I claimed the moment and began to shout thanksgiving and praise to His name as the tears came. I began to sing worship songs and thank Him for who He is. I distinctly remember all of a sudden being very aware that HE was there, and He was holding me in His hand, and that was better than any physical person or doctor. After about 20 or 25 minutes, the pain left. Little by little, the bloating decreased and the scare was over.
Day 322 I (finally) mailed out a letter and up-to-date photos of my family and me to a dear elderly lady, my "grandma," I sent a Christmas card to over the holidays. She'd written back and I had her letter laying on my desk for months, awaiting a much-deserved reply. Funny, how life gets away from us.
Day 323 My close friends who just got married came to visit. They are fun, crazy, and goofy all in one! It was already past 10pm or 11pm and they decided they wanted to get pizza and punch. I was very tired. Totally not in the mood to go. When my sister volunteered to go with them, I knew I needed to claim it instead of being lazy and sitting on the couch staring at the wall or snoozing. All of us (my sister, brother-in-law, their big dog, my two friends, and I) piled in the little Honda and sped off to SuperWalmart. We ended up having a blast, as the my friends brought along their new video camera and were narrating the entire experience. I haven't laughed like that in a long time!!
Lesson: A claim will not be regretted
Day 318 I was lonely. We'd finished playing sandvolleyball, went to Portillo's with the group, and I just didn't want to be alone. A certain someone was being distant, I needed people, and I knew I needed to claim the night instead of the mood claiming me. So, I invited myself over to my sisters to watch a movie--the three of us huddled around the Redbox until we found our selection and then relaxed on the couch for a late-night movie. By the time I got in bed, I was so tired that I crashed out without the chance of loneliness to return.
Day 319 There is something totally freeing about cleaning out your wallet, lining your many credit cards (yes, plural) on the kitchen counter, and chopping them up with a shiny pair of scissors. Debt be gone!!
Day 320 A certain choir girl who I've been trying to reach out to, who doesn't really talk to me at all, totally shocked me--I was one of seven people that she handed an invitation to, inviting us to a free movie at the Hollywood Palms dinner movie theater! She'd won 8 tickets and wanted to bring ME! Tonight we went to the movie, and even though I'd already seen it, I kept that to myself and went along for the fun. It was a blast, and she even hugged me when we left!!
Day 321 Today I experienced the most physical pain I've ever had in my life--severe piercing in my stomach and so much bloating I thought I'd burst. I stood over the sink, feeling like I was going to throw up, crying and praying for the Lord's help. I could barely move it was so painful. No one was around to help me, and I was left to face it alone. After barely being able to get out, "Help me, Jesus!" I realized I needed to put my mind on Him, not the pain. I claimed the moment and began to shout thanksgiving and praise to His name as the tears came. I began to sing worship songs and thank Him for who He is. I distinctly remember all of a sudden being very aware that HE was there, and He was holding me in His hand, and that was better than any physical person or doctor. After about 20 or 25 minutes, the pain left. Little by little, the bloating decreased and the scare was over.
Day 322 I (finally) mailed out a letter and up-to-date photos of my family and me to a dear elderly lady, my "grandma," I sent a Christmas card to over the holidays. She'd written back and I had her letter laying on my desk for months, awaiting a much-deserved reply. Funny, how life gets away from us.
Day 323 My close friends who just got married came to visit. They are fun, crazy, and goofy all in one! It was already past 10pm or 11pm and they decided they wanted to get pizza and punch. I was very tired. Totally not in the mood to go. When my sister volunteered to go with them, I knew I needed to claim it instead of being lazy and sitting on the couch staring at the wall or snoozing. All of us (my sister, brother-in-law, their big dog, my two friends, and I) piled in the little Honda and sped off to SuperWalmart. We ended up having a blast, as the my friends brought along their new video camera and were narrating the entire experience. I haven't laughed like that in a long time!!
Lesson: A claim will not be regretted
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
