Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
-Steve Jobs
and the greatest of these is love
my father is the type of guy, who can go into the gas station and while paying for his gas, make friends with everyone inside! he just possesses this ‘thing’ that invites people in for conversation. he is a people person! and if i like it or not, i have inherited this gift.
a girlfriend and i have this on going joke when traveling. you see, when she arrives on a plane and settles into her seat, almost religiously the first thing she does is: puts in her ear phones, turns on her ipod and purposely shuts out the world around her. and, in return - people actually LEAVE HER ALONE! now, I on the other hand - can do the EXACT same thing and the person next to me does not understand that this is a ‘do not disturb’ sign. and, in return engages me in conversation! EVERY. TIME. i (the queen of avoiding) can not avoid it.
last tuesday has been permanently stamped into my memory. it was a lesson that i will not forget. after work, i headed to walmart with ONE intention: to rent a movie from the infamous RedBox. i stood staring at the screen - and realized that none of these movies captured my interest. so i then ventured into the store & headed back to the electronic department to see if there were any good movies on sale.
i have a tendency, to sometimes bite the inner wall of my cheek, or bottom of my lip. i don’t know why. blame it on nerves or chalk it up to pure boredom - but its what i do. so, as i was walking (on a mission to get a dvd!) i heard this old (grumpy) man bark at me and say “are you biting your lip! you’re too pretty to do that, you should be smiling!” i awkwardly laugh as i turn around to see who’s speaking to me. and in front of me stood a man - who was wearing these massive (old man) thick framed glasses & smelled like a mix of an auto garage and cigarette smoke.
i immediately felt my walls come up. and i TRIED to gracefully walk away! and then the next question came “did you have a good christmas?” “i did, thank you. how bout yourself?” “oh yes … i ate way to much.” he chuckles. and steps closer. i take a step back. “and what about your new year. how was that?” i thought to myself … he’s not going to stop talking to me, is he? and he didn’t! he talked to me about sports, vegas, and … “you know, hugh hefner? you hear he’s getting married … AGAIN! can you believe that? shes probably only 22.” he says … almost as if he’s poud of mr. hefner! i laugh.
i stood there with this gentleman for about 10 minutes (remember, i was only coming to walmart for a dvd from the RedBox!) listening, laughing, & taking one step back as he took one step forward. :) at the end of the conversation he says “well, thanks for talking with me!” (though, he did most of the talking!) and then … it happens … this stranger … HUGS ME! haha.
i walked away - and immediately heard in my heart “amanda, sometimes people just need a little love.” and i realized that i had gotten away form the gift that i had inherited from my father … the ability to love people. but life is about taking the time to actually SEE people, and not just walking past them. sometimes people need a little encouragement, joy, a smile, or just a simple conversation at walmart. be encouraged and inspired today to impact someone’s world around you with a little “sunshine” (as my momma calls it)!
till next time … x
“Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.” - 1 cor. 13:13
Thursday, March 24, 2011
dear 2011 ...
- it’s time to focus on one book at a time … this whole reading 3 & 4 books at once is exhausting!
- i will embrace my lips! (weird, i know) but, i tend to always wear
nude lip gloss… not no more! time for some COLOUR!
- coffee, coffee, coffee. oh, how i love thee. however, you’re slowly killing my kidneys … must … cut … back … well, maybe?
- my closet will actually have clothes hanging in it! time to pick things up off the floor, and put em on hangers!
- i suck at driving. i don’t think there’s any fixing it … BUT, i will work on my road rage!
- i will walk by FAITH and not by
sight!
- sometimes people just need one or two lines of encouragement - so in 2011 i will write encouraging notes … a little love goes a loooooong way.
- i will not
freak outwhen someone uses one of my sharpie pens & DOESN’T return it to me… (but if YOU are one of those people … PLEASE give it back!)
- i will try and wear less black … but i will continue with black eyeliner. LOVE.
- look people, i am NOT a
morningperson … so, i will EMBRACE my evening God time … it doesn’t matter what time of day he hears from me - as long as i talk to him!
- i will continue to wear BIG gaudy jewelry. sorry, if my overuse of it offends you. too baaaad. :P
- my weakness is bbq chips … i promise not to eat an entire bag in a week!
- i will try and keep my office clean - yes, it IS the messiest office in the entire building… maybe that will change this year. HA!
- girl nights are important for 2011 - sometimes, we just wanna have fun … bring on the margaritas!
- vanilla candles are my favorite. so why do i spend money on different scents. no more! when you walk into my house, it will only, and always - smell like vanilla! yum.
- i will be open to chat with random people at the grocery story … i am my fathers daughter! :) (and i will realize, not everyone is trying to abduct me!)
- i will try and get my oil changed more than twice a year … don’t want my car
explodingon me.
- well, it seems i’ve acquired a taste for country music … dont judge me … in 2011 i will listen to it more! :)
- when i’m lost … i will enjoy the scenic route ;)
- i will embrace my ‘flowery’ personality! i can’t help it … i love people & i’m the eternal optimist … so
don’t crush my spirit…!
- however, if my spirit does get crushed, i’m a fighter … so i’ll bounce right back.
- i will CONQUER fear … greater is HE that is IN me! come on amanda … you’re twenty six … grow up!
- i will welcome the open road! i will travel to a new place this year … and maybe an old place - but travel i must!
- oh, awkward dancing - totally happening in 2011.
- i will make the elliptical my friend this year. BFFS for sure.
- on saturdays - i will wear little
make up… sometimes my face just needs to breeeaaathe.
- no time for gossip in 2011!! if you talk about people when they leave the room - sorry, we won’t be friends this year.
- i will walk with the courageous and the dreamers, the bold and the doers … people who see the BEST in others, and don’t focus on the negative.
lets make it a good year friends!
till next time … x
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
the good news!
i’ve been making my way through the book of psalms via the message bible over this past week and a half. its been a beautiful journey so far - full of guidance, inspiration, correction, love and hope! Thought i’d do a bit of a ‘mash up’ and share some of my favorite scriptures thus far…. Enjoy!
God charts the road i take; i will not fear. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your alter & watch for fire to descend. I thank you Lord, for you make things right – I will be committed to singing your praise!
God, your name echoes around the world! When I needed you – you were there – making things right, taking charge. God’s a safe-house for the battered. A sanctuary during bad times.
My heart will find rest when I arrive at your feet. I am singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers. Thank you Lord! I will Walk straight. Act right. Tell the truth. And, keep my word, even when it costs me.
I love you God, you make me strong! God is bedrock under my feet the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight! My choice is You, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You made my life complete, when I placed all the pieces before You.
You cleared the ground under me, so my footing was firm. God, you are a floodlight to my life;I’m blazing with Your glory. Thank you Lord for your Word! It warns me of danger, and directs me to hidden treasures. Otherwise how will i find my way?
Show me your strength God, so I will not miss it! I’m out singing the GOOD news! From the corners of he earth people are coming to their senses. They are running back to You. Long lost families are falling on their faces before you.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life! If I keep my eyes on You, I won’t trip over my own feet! So I will never lose sight of your love, but keep me in step with you, never missing a beat.
God make your people strong! Give your people peace!
Psalms Chapter 1 – Chapter 31
till next time … x
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
the road less traveled
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost
life lessons aren’t always fun, but they are necessary. growing pains aren’t pleasant either - yet we have to experience them. we can either choose to avoid the lesson (which i have done for some time!) or we can choose to yield and learn the lesson at hand. So, as i stood face to face with the decision to avoid or yield, i heard in my heart “Amanda, you took the road less traveled.” be encouraged to yield to the lessons that you must learn.
till next time… x
what's important?
i want more of Him in my life. not more of people. not more of selfish ambition. not more of my own desires. not more of the news, shopping, books, gossip, or anything else i can find to take up time in my life. i want more of Him! less of me. may He increase in my life – so that others can see the BIGNESS of Him on the inside of me. my life is not its own. i was created to do good works for His kingdom. i want my heartbeat to be His heartbeat. nothing more. nothing less. i want my steps to be ordered by Him – not by me and my unorganized, chaotic ways … ordered by HIM! i want to walk in wisdom & strength. yes, I will stumble, fall, get bruised, and dirty. life is not perfect. but i will stand back up, wipe the dirt off … and keep walking! He is the best in me! i choose to be overwhelmed by His love. because, without him … my life has no meaning. so, i lay me down...
“He must become greater; i must become less…” john 3:30
till next time … x
“to love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”
when i was younger, i had many fears. fears that would paralyze me. fears that would hold me back. fears that would cause me to hold my breath, so people couldn’t hear me breathe. fears that would turn my little tummy into knots. i would loose sleep. i would be afraid to be alone. i would hate coming home to a house that was completely dark. i would sleep with my bedroom door locked … and then, get up about five times to double check that it was locked. i had fears of driving through intersections, because in my mind i could hear cars crashing into me. we all have fears. but my fears were, and sometimes are ridiculous…
risk. risk is a fear. and i was the last one to step out and take a risk! Websters dictionary defines risk as : exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance. we all, at some point hesitate in taking a risk, because we are afraid of loss. eventually, we must throw caution to the wind; put our hands in the air and surrender! we must step out in FAITH, when our fear is crippling us. fear is what causes us to be stationary. to stop living. FAITH is what moves god. FAITH is what keeps us moving.
i have avoided living alone. i’ve lived with some amazing girls over the last few years! and that has been my comfort zone. i avoid empty space. but, i refuse to let fear control my life! so, i am proud to say that i got a place … a place all to my self. its a risk. and even thinking about it, sometimes i get nervous … but i’m stepping out into new waters & its worth the risk! and i am super, super excited for this next season of my life! :)
so. today, be encouraged to take a risk! show your fears that they don’t control your life! be brave. dooooo soooomethiiiiiing!!!
“for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” 2 timothy 1:7"
till next time … x
.. the word of the Lord came to me and asked: what do you see?
i see a world full of people who are lost, but unaware that they are lost. i see people seeking for hope, love, forgiveness and acceptance… and destroying themselves because they keep looking in all the wrong places. i see that love can heal the broken hearted and grace really can set the prisoner free. i see that light always overcomes darkness. i see that He invades my weakness with His strength. i see the power of believing in the call, and running the race that is set before me. i see a generation who is passionately seeking after His heart. i see that laughter is the best medicine. i see leaders who will rise to the occasion and BE the change. i see that faith somehow keeps me going, even if its difficult to believe. i see the BIGGER picture … even if i don’t know how to get there. and … i see … that i am blessed and honored to be a part of something that is greater than myself!!
what do YOU see…?
till next time … x
keep walking ...
i have this desire to change the world. to make a difference. to be remembered. to change someone’s life. to simply … love people. in my … naive way of thinking, i often believe that love really can change the world! however, when i think of the things in my life that i want to do … i find myself sometimes taking steps backwards. not the kind that take me out of the race. i step back to breathe. to wonder if i’m cut out to accomplish what i’m put on this beautiful planet to do. my mind wonders (as it often does!), my heart beats a little faster … and then the fear creeps in. i feel overwhelmed & ill-fitted for the life i am living. yet, i know that i can not stay in this place. so, i question the big guy upstairs, the only one who truly has the answers i am seeking. He simply reminds me that i can do all things, because He has put strength inside of me! He reminds me that He is the one who has placed the dreams and desires in my heart! He reminds me that i am fearfully and wonderfully made in His image! He knows that fear resides in my heart, so he tells me not to be afraid, because perfect love casts out fear! At the sound of His voice, i find myself letting go of all my fears & excuses. I simply … take a deep breath … grab His hand … and keep walking! :)
till next time … x
a beautiful mess
life is messy! end of story. don’t give up on the process, it makes us who we are. remember … God (somehow) makes everything beautiful in its time! TIME is the key word there! you can’t rush the process - so don’t throw in the towel too soon! have a little faith in yourself, you are your biggest cheerleader! :)
till next time … x
wake up!
so often we live our lives day to day, without any sparkle. sparkle, i think, is that thing that makes our heart smile! we ‘grow up’ and loose that child-likeness; the ability to look at the world through rose tinted glasses. ;) we get stuck in our routines - and begin to live our lives on cruise control. today be INSPIRED to rekindle that passion of yours that has been laying dormant. that ‘thing’ that you think is dead, is only sleeping. wake up, o sleeper … and christ will shine on you! be encouraged today to put a little sparkle back into your world! dig out those paintbrushes, that camera, those running shoes or the pencil and paper. go on a date with your lover, make a child smile, or have some quality time with your bff! fall in love with jesus, all over again! whatever passion of yours that’s been laying dormant … maybe for weeks or even years, its time to WAKE it UP!
till next time … x
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