Lydia Howe's Blog, page 28
November 25, 2015
Musings of a Thankful Writer
This morning I decided to write my list of 1,000 things I am thankful for. My wrists/hands/arms have still been bothering me so I knew I would have to take my time with the list, so I worked for a few minutes then got up and did other jobs around my office to give my wrists a break, then came back and wrote for a little bit more. I was about a thousand words (200 things I am thankful for) into the list when I knew I needed to set the list aside and give my hands a break for a couple of hours.
Do you know what though? I can easily come up with a list of 500 things I'm thankful for. I've never written out a list of a 1,000 things, but I think that will come semi-easily as well. Even though a messed up wrist feels like a big deal to me as a writer, I'm not going to let it get me stressed out or discouraged. I have so many blessings in my life. I have more than enough food, shelter, care and abilities. I am surrounded by people who love me. I have story ideas like crazy. I have the resources to help others.
These last couple of weeks have been a good reality check for me. My writing has been almost zero, but my blessings have been mind blowing. Every day I've marveled over how I am warm. I'm not really hungry. I'm not mourning family members who have been killed. I don't have to be concerned about where I'm going to sleep tonight.
I keep wanting to freak out about what will happen if my wrists don't heal. If the exercises and breaks I've been giving them don't work. If the change in my writing set-up don't make a positive impact. I feel shackled with having to keep my feet flat on the floor while I'm writing. Whenever I stop and think about it though, I'm overwhelmed with the good things in my life and instead of complaining or worrying I want to focus on others and helping them. My "problems" are practically nothing compared to what a lot of the world is experiencing.
So, even though I don't have my list of things I'm thankful for ready for today, and it might not even be finished by tomorrow, I'm so extremely thankful and am working on remembering that, no matter what.
Do you know what though? I can easily come up with a list of 500 things I'm thankful for. I've never written out a list of a 1,000 things, but I think that will come semi-easily as well. Even though a messed up wrist feels like a big deal to me as a writer, I'm not going to let it get me stressed out or discouraged. I have so many blessings in my life. I have more than enough food, shelter, care and abilities. I am surrounded by people who love me. I have story ideas like crazy. I have the resources to help others.
These last couple of weeks have been a good reality check for me. My writing has been almost zero, but my blessings have been mind blowing. Every day I've marveled over how I am warm. I'm not really hungry. I'm not mourning family members who have been killed. I don't have to be concerned about where I'm going to sleep tonight.
I keep wanting to freak out about what will happen if my wrists don't heal. If the exercises and breaks I've been giving them don't work. If the change in my writing set-up don't make a positive impact. I feel shackled with having to keep my feet flat on the floor while I'm writing. Whenever I stop and think about it though, I'm overwhelmed with the good things in my life and instead of complaining or worrying I want to focus on others and helping them. My "problems" are practically nothing compared to what a lot of the world is experiencing.
So, even though I don't have my list of things I'm thankful for ready for today, and it might not even be finished by tomorrow, I'm so extremely thankful and am working on remembering that, no matter what.
November 23, 2015
The Creative Creator
Somewhere in the middle of last week I realized I missed taking walks. For a long time I would take a walk each morning and activate my brain and kick my attitude into high gear by praising God and thinking over my day as I went. I don't know if I stopped the habit when the weather turned quite hot or when I was gone one too many times, but for the last few months my walking habits have consisted of running back and forth to my non-writing job in the middle of the day. Not quite the same feeling.
This morning I awoke to a chilly world outside and a brilliant covering of frost. I curled up in a blanket and snuggled down on the couch to have my devotions. The comfort of the fuzzy blanket got to me and by the time I was done I wanted to take a nap. Instead I bundled up and went out on a walk.
My walk took far longer than normal because I stopped every twenty or thirty yards to take pictures. The sun was coming up in stunning brightness and the frost was so defined I kept having to crouch down to see it at eye level.
The frost reminded me, once again, that I serve an awesomely creative God. He not only created the world with magnificent diversity back six thousand(ish) years ago, but He continues to fill our lives with diversity and beauty even now in the year twenty-fifteen.
It's easy to look at some people and know which parent they received a certain trait from. I apparently (from what everyone says) look like my mom, sound like my mom and have her same expressions. I received my sneeze, my weird sense of humor and my habit of sleeping on the floor from my dad.
I like to think that in the same way that God has designed us to be like our earthly parents, He's also given us certain of His own traits. (We are created in His image after all.) When I use my imagination to bring God glory I think it makes Him happy. When I am inspired by His creation and it spurs me on to create something of my own, I think He is pleased.
God is creative.In Isaiah 64:8 people are compared to clay and God to a potter. In Psalm 139:13 it says we were "knit" or "woven" together in our mother's womb. In Ephesians 2:10 we are called God's workmanship.
I have enjoyed names ever since I was a little girl. I find them creative, fascinating, beautiful and filled with promise. In Psalm 147:4 we're told that God knows the number of stars and calls them each by name. The first time that verse really hit me I was filled with wonder and amazement, see, God was interested in names way before I ever was.
I enjoy being creative. I enjoy trying to look at the world with new eyes, to experience a normal experience seemingly for the first time. A child-like wonder still floats around me, reminding me that the world, the people, the challenges I face are all multi-layered and hold mysteries I can't even begin to comprehend.
There is so much creativity that is waiting to be discovered, to be tapped into, to be fashioned and held and changed. I serve a creative Creator and I have been given the gift and desire to create as well. It's a honor I'm so very thankful to comply with.
* * *
What about you? What is one thing that inspires you to be creative?
This morning I awoke to a chilly world outside and a brilliant covering of frost. I curled up in a blanket and snuggled down on the couch to have my devotions. The comfort of the fuzzy blanket got to me and by the time I was done I wanted to take a nap. Instead I bundled up and went out on a walk.
My walk took far longer than normal because I stopped every twenty or thirty yards to take pictures. The sun was coming up in stunning brightness and the frost was so defined I kept having to crouch down to see it at eye level.
The frost reminded me, once again, that I serve an awesomely creative God. He not only created the world with magnificent diversity back six thousand(ish) years ago, but He continues to fill our lives with diversity and beauty even now in the year twenty-fifteen.
It's easy to look at some people and know which parent they received a certain trait from. I apparently (from what everyone says) look like my mom, sound like my mom and have her same expressions. I received my sneeze, my weird sense of humor and my habit of sleeping on the floor from my dad.
I like to think that in the same way that God has designed us to be like our earthly parents, He's also given us certain of His own traits. (We are created in His image after all.) When I use my imagination to bring God glory I think it makes Him happy. When I am inspired by His creation and it spurs me on to create something of my own, I think He is pleased.
God is creative.In Isaiah 64:8 people are compared to clay and God to a potter. In Psalm 139:13 it says we were "knit" or "woven" together in our mother's womb. In Ephesians 2:10 we are called God's workmanship.
I have enjoyed names ever since I was a little girl. I find them creative, fascinating, beautiful and filled with promise. In Psalm 147:4 we're told that God knows the number of stars and calls them each by name. The first time that verse really hit me I was filled with wonder and amazement, see, God was interested in names way before I ever was.
I enjoy being creative. I enjoy trying to look at the world with new eyes, to experience a normal experience seemingly for the first time. A child-like wonder still floats around me, reminding me that the world, the people, the challenges I face are all multi-layered and hold mysteries I can't even begin to comprehend.
There is so much creativity that is waiting to be discovered, to be tapped into, to be fashioned and held and changed. I serve a creative Creator and I have been given the gift and desire to create as well. It's a honor I'm so very thankful to comply with.
* * *
What about you? What is one thing that inspires you to be creative?
November 20, 2015
Being Hands and Feet: Refugees in Greece
It seems as if you can't do anything on-line any more with out seeing something about the problems going on in the world. At times it feels so bad that I just want to curl up in a little ball and block everything out. Do you know what though? We are called to be Jesus's hands and feet and that cannot be accomplished while wrapped up in our own little corner of the world.
Right now I have a dozen or so friends on the little island of Lesvos in Greece where thousands of refugees are pouring in. Many of the refugees arrive soaking wet and with no possessions. They are cold, exhausted, sad, and terrified. They have left behind death and destruction and in many cases family members. Volunteers are working around the clock shifts so that these, now homeless, people can be greeted with warmth, care, and God's love. I asked a couple of my friends if I could use their pictures on Noveltea and they kindly agreed.
Even though you might feel powerless to help while looking at these pictures, please remember that you're not. You can pray for them. You can support others who are going to help. You can donate supplies or money. My sister and uncle are heading over to Greece at the beginning of December to serve for several weeks and even though I can't personally go, I am excited to be able to make a difference. Instead of giving Christmas gifts to my family and friends here in the states this year, I'll be giving money that will help buy blankets and food and supplies for these refugees. We are not helpless, we are not powerless. We are called to be God's hands and feet and that is an honor.
Our friends have told us stories of freezing nights and not enough blankets to go around. Of hotel owners who's businesses have been ruined by the lack of tourists who, instead of getting angry at the refugees for driving their business away, have given them everything: their own food, clothing, shelter. Of the mixture of beauty and pain, of joy and sadness, of hope and hopelessness.
These might be nameless faces to us, but they are real people. They have lost so much. They have left behind everything. They are running in fear, looking for hope, searching for peace. They need help and we have the ability to aid them.
Please pass on the word, help these people, share God's love with them, pray for them. We are called to action. Now that we know of the problem we cannot sit and do nothing and remain guiltless. I consider it an honor to be able to help these people, to be a link in a chain that shares God's love and hope with them.
Does our worship have hands, Does it have feet?
Does it stand up in the face of injustice;
Does our worship bow down, Does it run deep? Is it more than a song that fades with our voices? Does it fade with our voices? - J.Gray
Right now I have a dozen or so friends on the little island of Lesvos in Greece where thousands of refugees are pouring in. Many of the refugees arrive soaking wet and with no possessions. They are cold, exhausted, sad, and terrified. They have left behind death and destruction and in many cases family members. Volunteers are working around the clock shifts so that these, now homeless, people can be greeted with warmth, care, and God's love. I asked a couple of my friends if I could use their pictures on Noveltea and they kindly agreed.
Even though you might feel powerless to help while looking at these pictures, please remember that you're not. You can pray for them. You can support others who are going to help. You can donate supplies or money. My sister and uncle are heading over to Greece at the beginning of December to serve for several weeks and even though I can't personally go, I am excited to be able to make a difference. Instead of giving Christmas gifts to my family and friends here in the states this year, I'll be giving money that will help buy blankets and food and supplies for these refugees. We are not helpless, we are not powerless. We are called to be God's hands and feet and that is an honor.
{When the people arrive} we guide them to a safe place to dock and form a human chain to help them up the steep bank. On this raft there were about 50 people. Multiple families with a total of 26 children, 18 of which are under 2 years old. I have the privilege of getting my feet wet and being at the raft taking their outstretched hands and helping them to safety. Babies are passed to me and I hold them close, try to quiet those that cry and smile at ones that don't have a care in the world. One little boy, no older than 2, is handed to me and cries in fear as I hold him while his mother gets out of the raft. He is terrified and his eyes seem full of fear. I wonder what all he has experienced in his short life. (From B.)
...and their journey continues. We give them directions to a camp which is a 3 hour walk. Yes, it's far but to them it's not too difficult. They are happy to be safe, free and walk through the mountains without the fear of being terrorized with guns, hostility or discrimination. (From B.)
These two families were transported to a camp. However, most of them walk because we're not able to transport them or bring a bus to this location since it is quite isolated. (From B.)
Our friends have told us stories of freezing nights and not enough blankets to go around. Of hotel owners who's businesses have been ruined by the lack of tourists who, instead of getting angry at the refugees for driving their business away, have given them everything: their own food, clothing, shelter. Of the mixture of beauty and pain, of joy and sadness, of hope and hopelessness.
Last night Abby and I carried in a young Afghani girl who had fallen
into the water. It was pitch dark when they crossed and she was soaked to
the skin and so cold she couldn't talk. I got her dry, covered her in blankets, and tried to rub some feeling into her feet. She couldn't talk, but she leaned up and kissed my face. Her dark eyes held trauma I can't describe in words. There are babies a few days old, toddlers trying to keep up, old women laden with bags-- all running from war and destruction. There is no way to help them all at once so we strip the wet children and babies and get them dry. But, I must add that it is not all rush and crying. There are beautiful moments of laughter and chasing balloons with the children. When the camp settles down we have time to sing, " Jesus' love is bubbling over," and watch tired faces smile. We are working with volunteers from all over the world...and it is beautiful to be a part of working together for a common cause. Samaritans purse, MAF, World Race, and YWAM, just to name a few. (From K.)
These might be nameless faces to us, but they are real people. They have lost so much. They have left behind everything. They are running in fear, looking for hope, searching for peace. They need help and we have the ability to aid them.
Please pass on the word, help these people, share God's love with them, pray for them. We are called to action. Now that we know of the problem we cannot sit and do nothing and remain guiltless. I consider it an honor to be able to help these people, to be a link in a chain that shares God's love and hope with them.
Her name is Hannan. Look into her eyes for a moment. She is Yazidi, from Sinjar, Iraq. She was there when Islamic extremists raged through the city and brutally killed her two sisters, taking their bodies with them. She traveled all the way to Turkey with her parents, only to find out they did not have the money to all get onto the rafts to get to Europe. At the border, she said goodbye to her mother and came with her father across the rough water to Lesvos.
This is where I found her tonight as we waited for the bus to arrive. It was a cold night, and she huddled close to her Father. Big tears rolled down her little brother's face. His father said, " He remembers his mother."
I looked into her eyes after I heard her story and she smiled, all snuggled up on my lap. I sat there trying to imagine what is running through her small mind. War, death, heartbreaking goodbyes, dangerous waters, and the long road ahead as they travel through Europe without their mother.
Let's look into her eyes, my friends. God forbid we turn our face. Lets look into her eyes and let her heartbreak break our own heart. (From K.)
Does our worship have hands, Does it have feet?
Does it stand up in the face of injustice;
Does our worship bow down, Does it run deep? Is it more than a song that fades with our voices? Does it fade with our voices? - J.Gray
November 19, 2015
November Letters
Dear Early Mornings, Sometimes I wish we had never met, but most of the time I enjoy our friendship. You help make me a better person.Sincerely, Wishing for a nap.
Dear Match Sticks, After I light my candle I chew on you until you've become a hundred loose little splinters. I'm not sure why I find you so much fun, but somehow I think better when you're around. Sincerely, A quirky writer.
Dear November, You're one of my favorite months of the year, especially when I decide to do NaNo. All the scurrying around, writing, gray skies and candles... All the curling up with books, hot meals gathered around with my family and anticipating the first snow of the year. This time you've decided to do things a little differently and even though it's almost Thanksgiving I'm still cutting the grass, still taking my shoes off when I swing, still keeping my windows wide open and barely needing a sweatshirt. It's different, but I like it. Sincerely, An autumn-girl at heart.
Dear Commenters, You seriously make me so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm working at answering all your comments. Please, know I really do appreciate you. Sincerely, A slow-commenting blogger.
Dear Fifth Draft, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed taking a break from you for NaNo. I'm so tired of you I don't think I've thought of you for more than 30 seconds at a time all month long. It's been glorious. Sincerely, Happily working on a first draft.
Dear Music, My life would be quite different without you. You inspire me, energize me, help me focus and aid me in working faster. You remind me that creativity does make a difference. Thank you. Sincerely, A fellow creative person.
Dear Maps, You're one of my favorites. You're beautiful, interesting, mysterious and exciting. You challenge me to dream big and embrace adventures. Sincerely, I want to visit everywhere.
Dear Blog Posts, I don't hang out with many of you any more. I guess I go in spurts, cause I used to devote so much of my time to you. I do have to say, those posts I do still read... Yikes. You're brilliant. You make me laugh and think deeper and I learn and see from new perspectives. Keep up the amazing work. It might be hard, but I think it's worth it. Sincerely, An impressed and amused amateur blogger.
Dear Water, I am so glad you exist. I still don't know how to relate to those people who don't drink huge amounts of you. Sincerely, Well-hydrated.
Dear Birds, It makes me so happy to hear you singing early in the morning. Keep up the good work. You brighten my day. Sincerely, Maybe someday I'll join you.
Dear Match Sticks, After I light my candle I chew on you until you've become a hundred loose little splinters. I'm not sure why I find you so much fun, but somehow I think better when you're around. Sincerely, A quirky writer.
Dear November, You're one of my favorite months of the year, especially when I decide to do NaNo. All the scurrying around, writing, gray skies and candles... All the curling up with books, hot meals gathered around with my family and anticipating the first snow of the year. This time you've decided to do things a little differently and even though it's almost Thanksgiving I'm still cutting the grass, still taking my shoes off when I swing, still keeping my windows wide open and barely needing a sweatshirt. It's different, but I like it. Sincerely, An autumn-girl at heart.
Dear Commenters, You seriously make me so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm working at answering all your comments. Please, know I really do appreciate you. Sincerely, A slow-commenting blogger.
Dear Fifth Draft, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed taking a break from you for NaNo. I'm so tired of you I don't think I've thought of you for more than 30 seconds at a time all month long. It's been glorious. Sincerely, Happily working on a first draft.
Dear Music, My life would be quite different without you. You inspire me, energize me, help me focus and aid me in working faster. You remind me that creativity does make a difference. Thank you. Sincerely, A fellow creative person.
Dear Maps, You're one of my favorites. You're beautiful, interesting, mysterious and exciting. You challenge me to dream big and embrace adventures. Sincerely, I want to visit everywhere.
Dear Blog Posts, I don't hang out with many of you any more. I guess I go in spurts, cause I used to devote so much of my time to you. I do have to say, those posts I do still read... Yikes. You're brilliant. You make me laugh and think deeper and I learn and see from new perspectives. Keep up the amazing work. It might be hard, but I think it's worth it. Sincerely, An impressed and amused amateur blogger.
Dear Water, I am so glad you exist. I still don't know how to relate to those people who don't drink huge amounts of you. Sincerely, Well-hydrated.
Dear Birds, It makes me so happy to hear you singing early in the morning. Keep up the good work. You brighten my day. Sincerely, Maybe someday I'll join you.
November 17, 2015
When "National Novel Writing Month" Turns Into "Eat All the White Chocolate I Want Month"
I have so much super amazing support when it comes to my writing that it's pretty crazy. Take for instance the announcement that I made at the beginning of this month that I was calling November not only "National Novel Writing Month" but also "Eat All the White Chocolate I Want Month."
Writers are always talking about how they eat chocolate to celebrate or when one of their characters are threatening to die or when a plot hole is so large it has the capability of swallowing whole cities. Since I don't generally go around eating candy I always felt a bit left out of these enthusiastic virtual (and real) chocolate eating parties. So, this month I decided to include myself in the festivities.
I'm not sure if I'm sub-conciously begging people to give me handouts of white chocolate or if my face proclaims "White chocolate makes me happy" (perhaps is the fact that I talk about it all the time???), but people have been giving me white chocolate. Yes, that's right. People, not just one person. No, this month I've had five people give me whole packs of white chocolate, four of them just this past weekend. Needless to say I was rather astonished and blown away. (Thank you, by the way!!! Y'all are amazing!)
See? I'm surrounded by generous and caring people and it makes my little heart so happy. It also makes my chocolate box filled to the brim and maybe overflowing, so we just had a party where I invited my sister and a couple of friends into my room and we snacked on the delicious goodness. It was wonderful.
To all of you who support my writing, whether it's by reading my blog or buying my book or giving me white chocolate or asking how my writing is going or emailing me encouraging words/advice, Thank you! Being a writer isn't always the most easy road to travel, but I know I have tons of support and that makes the journey so much more amazing and totally worth-while.
To all you writers who read my blog: Keep going! Writing can be difficult but if it's really your dream and passion than it is worth it. There are times when I feel like curling up in a ball and hoping that I'm a moth so I can emerge from my ball as a butterfly because this is hard work and sometimes hard work seems way harder than it should be. It's a journey we're on though, not just a destination we are striving for. One day you'll be able to look back and be proud of the way you kept going, even when the going got tough.
And to all of you who wonder how much chocolate I've devoured during the first sixteen days of my "Eat All the White Chocolate I Want Month" here's a picture. ^ That might look like a lot, but it averages out to one and a half pieces a day, so I'm pretty sure I'm doing fine.
* * *
What about you? Do you like white chocolate?
Writers are always talking about how they eat chocolate to celebrate or when one of their characters are threatening to die or when a plot hole is so large it has the capability of swallowing whole cities. Since I don't generally go around eating candy I always felt a bit left out of these enthusiastic virtual (and real) chocolate eating parties. So, this month I decided to include myself in the festivities.
I'm not sure if I'm sub-conciously begging people to give me handouts of white chocolate or if my face proclaims "White chocolate makes me happy" (perhaps is the fact that I talk about it all the time???), but people have been giving me white chocolate. Yes, that's right. People, not just one person. No, this month I've had five people give me whole packs of white chocolate, four of them just this past weekend. Needless to say I was rather astonished and blown away. (Thank you, by the way!!! Y'all are amazing!)
See? I'm surrounded by generous and caring people and it makes my little heart so happy. It also makes my chocolate box filled to the brim and maybe overflowing, so we just had a party where I invited my sister and a couple of friends into my room and we snacked on the delicious goodness. It was wonderful.
To all of you who support my writing, whether it's by reading my blog or buying my book or giving me white chocolate or asking how my writing is going or emailing me encouraging words/advice, Thank you! Being a writer isn't always the most easy road to travel, but I know I have tons of support and that makes the journey so much more amazing and totally worth-while.
To all you writers who read my blog: Keep going! Writing can be difficult but if it's really your dream and passion than it is worth it. There are times when I feel like curling up in a ball and hoping that I'm a moth so I can emerge from my ball as a butterfly because this is hard work and sometimes hard work seems way harder than it should be. It's a journey we're on though, not just a destination we are striving for. One day you'll be able to look back and be proud of the way you kept going, even when the going got tough.
And to all of you who wonder how much chocolate I've devoured during the first sixteen days of my "Eat All the White Chocolate I Want Month" here's a picture. ^ That might look like a lot, but it averages out to one and a half pieces a day, so I'm pretty sure I'm doing fine.
* * *
What about you? Do you like white chocolate?
November 16, 2015
The Middle Name of Joy
For those of you who have followed Noveltea for any length of time you probably know by now that Monday is my favorite day of the week. I love the idea of new beginnings and a whole week to accomplish and create and live in.
It's a little before 7:30 now and I've started two loads of laundry, gotten ready for the day, spent several minutes straightening my office and cleaning up my desk area so I could start writing on a more suitable surface for my body posture, talked to my mom (who is also my boss) about what I have on my plate for today and had my devotions. I have thirty-two minutes before I have to be at my non-writing job (it will take me about ten minutes to get there) and I have Chris Rice playing on my phone.
Life feels pretty good right now.
Do you know what I've discovered though? It only takes me about .3 seconds to go from "Wow! I live the best life in all of forever!" to want to be curled up in a little ball of sadness bemoaning the fact that I can't simply snap my fingers and turn into a different person for the day.
It's not usually anything big that prompts the switch, either. It can be something as simple as me planning on cutting the grass and then finding out that I have to organize the kitchen instead. It can be the fact that I forgot about a meeting or that we don't have the ingredients we need for supper or that someone dumped my freshly dried clothes in my room instead of laying them out.
Then I have to stop and think about it. Where am I really finding my happiness and contentment? Is it in the ability to keep my world spinning at the pace I've set for it and having everything on my list checked off? Is it when I can do each one of my tasks and still find some "alone" time? Is it when everything goes according to my plan?
Because I don't think any of those things constitute true joy.
I am striving to find joy in all situations, not just when life goes my way. I want to be able to smile in the face of my dreams disappearing and to be kind and gentle even when the little kids in my life throw me off routine. I want to be able to laugh when my plans change and to be gracious even when I'm out of my element. I want to dance in my stress and love in my frustration. I want my underlying feelings, emotions and my actions to transcend what I am experiencing at the moment and speak of a deep character.
My middle name is Joy and when I was a little girl (ok, ok, maybe I wasn't so little...) and I was being grumpy my parents would tell me "Oh no, you can't be grumpy, your middle name is Joy and you need to live up to it. We named you Joy on purpose because we wanted you to spread joy to the people who around you." I spent a couple of years not liking my middle name. I didn't want to be full of joy and it felt unfair that my parents were allowed to chose something like a character trait as part of my name.
I'm not sure how long it took me, but eventually I began to really enjoy my middle name. They named me Joy for a reason. It was within my power to bring joy to people and that is an amazing thought. I have the ability to change people's outlook on life. I have the ability to change frowns into smiles. I have the ability to turn someone's off-day into an on-day. Of course everyone has this power, not just those with the middle name of Joy, but the name is a good reminder.
And so today I am striving to live with joy. Not only for myself, but also for those around me. I want to greet each situation with a smile and give the world a metaphorical hug. I want to rejoice even when things don't go my way. I want to bring God glory and those around me joy. And on that note I'd better go before I'm late for my non-writing job. I hope y'all have a wonderful day!
* * *
I am delightedly interested in middle names and would find it quite fun if you care to share yours in the comments.
It's a little before 7:30 now and I've started two loads of laundry, gotten ready for the day, spent several minutes straightening my office and cleaning up my desk area so I could start writing on a more suitable surface for my body posture, talked to my mom (who is also my boss) about what I have on my plate for today and had my devotions. I have thirty-two minutes before I have to be at my non-writing job (it will take me about ten minutes to get there) and I have Chris Rice playing on my phone.
Life feels pretty good right now.
Do you know what I've discovered though? It only takes me about .3 seconds to go from "Wow! I live the best life in all of forever!" to want to be curled up in a little ball of sadness bemoaning the fact that I can't simply snap my fingers and turn into a different person for the day.
It's not usually anything big that prompts the switch, either. It can be something as simple as me planning on cutting the grass and then finding out that I have to organize the kitchen instead. It can be the fact that I forgot about a meeting or that we don't have the ingredients we need for supper or that someone dumped my freshly dried clothes in my room instead of laying them out.
Then I have to stop and think about it. Where am I really finding my happiness and contentment? Is it in the ability to keep my world spinning at the pace I've set for it and having everything on my list checked off? Is it when I can do each one of my tasks and still find some "alone" time? Is it when everything goes according to my plan?
Because I don't think any of those things constitute true joy.
I am striving to find joy in all situations, not just when life goes my way. I want to be able to smile in the face of my dreams disappearing and to be kind and gentle even when the little kids in my life throw me off routine. I want to be able to laugh when my plans change and to be gracious even when I'm out of my element. I want to dance in my stress and love in my frustration. I want my underlying feelings, emotions and my actions to transcend what I am experiencing at the moment and speak of a deep character.
My middle name is Joy and when I was a little girl (ok, ok, maybe I wasn't so little...) and I was being grumpy my parents would tell me "Oh no, you can't be grumpy, your middle name is Joy and you need to live up to it. We named you Joy on purpose because we wanted you to spread joy to the people who around you." I spent a couple of years not liking my middle name. I didn't want to be full of joy and it felt unfair that my parents were allowed to chose something like a character trait as part of my name.
I'm not sure how long it took me, but eventually I began to really enjoy my middle name. They named me Joy for a reason. It was within my power to bring joy to people and that is an amazing thought. I have the ability to change people's outlook on life. I have the ability to change frowns into smiles. I have the ability to turn someone's off-day into an on-day. Of course everyone has this power, not just those with the middle name of Joy, but the name is a good reminder.
And so today I am striving to live with joy. Not only for myself, but also for those around me. I want to greet each situation with a smile and give the world a metaphorical hug. I want to rejoice even when things don't go my way. I want to bring God glory and those around me joy. And on that note I'd better go before I'm late for my non-writing job. I hope y'all have a wonderful day!
* * *
I am delightedly interested in middle names and would find it quite fun if you care to share yours in the comments.
November 13, 2015
Dr. Seuss Quotes :)
Happy Friday, folks! Today is blowing in with great force and I can only imagine that the wind is brining in some colder weather. No more going barefoot, I guess. (Haha, just kidding. I haven't gone barefoot outside since... Um. Well, yesterday.)
Today I thought it would be fun to share some Dr. Seuss quotes with y'all. Some of my earliest childhood memories were of my older sister reading his books to us. At the time I didn't see the amazement of all the things he thought up, but looking back now (and reading his books when I get a chance) I realize that he was a brilliant author.
I hope you enjoy!
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.”
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”
“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.”
“If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too.”
“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.”
“You have to be a speedy reader because there’s so so much to read.”
* * *
Which one is your favorite? My favorite is... Actually, I picked these out because they're all pretty much my favorite. :)
Today I thought it would be fun to share some Dr. Seuss quotes with y'all. Some of my earliest childhood memories were of my older sister reading his books to us. At the time I didn't see the amazement of all the things he thought up, but looking back now (and reading his books when I get a chance) I realize that he was a brilliant author.
I hope you enjoy!
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.”
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”
“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.”
“If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too.”
“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.”
“You have to be a speedy reader because there’s so so much to read.”
* * *
Which one is your favorite? My favorite is... Actually, I picked these out because they're all pretty much my favorite. :)
November 12, 2015
The Storms
I just finished reading the book of Job and do you know what really stuck out to me? That Job didn't do anything wrong and yet he was still going through a really tough time. Plus his "support group" as in the people closest to him... Yikes. It's scary reading how they responded. Do you know what his wife told him? "Curse God and die!" Um. That, folks is not good advice.
And then his friends, if that's what you call them, do you know what they said? Basically: "Dude! You've obviously committed some secret sin so stop hiding it and denying it. All these trials you are going through are your just punishment so suck it up and bare it."
Do you know what God did then? He spoke to Job out of a whirlwind and told of His mighty power and wisdom and vast creation, then He told one of Job's friends, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has." (42:7) Then God had Job sacrifice a burnt offering for his friends and pray for them so that God would not "do with them according to their folly."
This reminds me of one of my favorite sermons. At the end of Mark four, Jesus says to his friends, "Let us go over to the other side" (talking about the sea). So they pile into a boat and as they were crossing a huge storm blew up and they were about to sink. Meanwhile Jesus was asleep so they woke Him up, terrified that they were about to die.
Do you know how Jesus responds? "He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Hush, be still.'" And the wind obeyed.
What is especially meaningful about this account to me, though, is the fact that the disciples were going through a tough time, a life-storm, you could say, and yet they were obeying. They didn't decide to cross the sea on their own. They didn't climb into the boat for fun. No, Jesus is the one who said they should.
I think far too often when we are going through a storm in life we automatically assume that we are being disciplined for something. We think that God is angry with us. We feel condemned and forgotten.
Yet that's not necessarily the truth of the matter. There is a whole realm that we can't see. We don't know what's going on behind the scenes.
For Job God was allowing Satan to test him because God knew Job was righteous and that Job would continue to bring honor and glory to God no matter what he went through.
For the people on the boat with Jesus? I'm not exactly sure why the storm blew up, it was very possibly completely natural. Yet Jesus used that situation to show His power and to give the disciples and generations to come a lesson that can inspire hope all the way to today.
So next time you're going through a storm, a rough patch, instead of freaking out because you think you're being punished for something you didn't do or that God has forgotten you, step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Remember that God sees everything, the past, the present and even the future. He's outside of time. His plans are not our plans. Plus, remember: He loves you with an amazing love.
And then his friends, if that's what you call them, do you know what they said? Basically: "Dude! You've obviously committed some secret sin so stop hiding it and denying it. All these trials you are going through are your just punishment so suck it up and bare it."
Do you know what God did then? He spoke to Job out of a whirlwind and told of His mighty power and wisdom and vast creation, then He told one of Job's friends, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has." (42:7) Then God had Job sacrifice a burnt offering for his friends and pray for them so that God would not "do with them according to their folly."
This reminds me of one of my favorite sermons. At the end of Mark four, Jesus says to his friends, "Let us go over to the other side" (talking about the sea). So they pile into a boat and as they were crossing a huge storm blew up and they were about to sink. Meanwhile Jesus was asleep so they woke Him up, terrified that they were about to die.
Do you know how Jesus responds? "He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Hush, be still.'" And the wind obeyed.
What is especially meaningful about this account to me, though, is the fact that the disciples were going through a tough time, a life-storm, you could say, and yet they were obeying. They didn't decide to cross the sea on their own. They didn't climb into the boat for fun. No, Jesus is the one who said they should.
I think far too often when we are going through a storm in life we automatically assume that we are being disciplined for something. We think that God is angry with us. We feel condemned and forgotten.
Yet that's not necessarily the truth of the matter. There is a whole realm that we can't see. We don't know what's going on behind the scenes.
For Job God was allowing Satan to test him because God knew Job was righteous and that Job would continue to bring honor and glory to God no matter what he went through.
For the people on the boat with Jesus? I'm not exactly sure why the storm blew up, it was very possibly completely natural. Yet Jesus used that situation to show His power and to give the disciples and generations to come a lesson that can inspire hope all the way to today.
So next time you're going through a storm, a rough patch, instead of freaking out because you think you're being punished for something you didn't do or that God has forgotten you, step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Remember that God sees everything, the past, the present and even the future. He's outside of time. His plans are not our plans. Plus, remember: He loves you with an amazing love.
November 11, 2015
November and Writing and Thankfulness
A happy mid-week morning to you all! It's another one of those gray-clad November days that I find so inspiring (these pictures are from a few days ago). The world around me has slowly morphed from the brilliance of early Autumn to the wet and muted colors of late Autumn with 98% of the leaves clothing the ground in a soggy mess and the remaining leaves dull and listless.
It's days like this that are perfect for writing. (Or curling up with a book and mug of hot chocolate with a candle burning nearby.) I'm not going to be focused on writing today, though. Instead I get to spend the day in the kitchen at my non-writing job which is another one of my favorite things to do. Especially in weather like this. Who doesn't like a warm kitchen and hot meals when the world is so cozy looking?
I've decided to endeavor to keep the next few blog posts on the short side because my wrist has continued to give me a bit of trouble and therefore I've severely limited my typing. It's crazy because I have words bottled up in me, waiting to be spilled onto the page of my latest story and yet I'm having to tell myself "no, no, no" which is not normal for me. I've found some exercises for my arm/wrist/hand and so I've been doing those and hopefully will see improvement soon.
Do you know what my wrist hurting makes me do though? It fills me with happiness that I haven't struggled with this problem before. I am so very, very thankful for the last ten years of my life that I've been typing with no trouble at all. It's funny how sometimes we forget to be thankful for something until it's taken away from us.
Speaking of thankfulness, there are so many things I am thankful for right now. This morning when I woke up I didn't stop at my normal list of ten things I thank God for, instead I kept going as I put away my bedding and stumbled through my early morning routine. It's not that life has been without problems, because I feel as if I've dealt with several of those recently - some of which have even left me in tears. It's more that I am opening my eyes to the blessings around me and it is rather overwhelming.
I am even thankful for the ability to be thankful, cause do you know what? When I start thinking of things that I'm thankful for, the troubles in my life kinda get fuzzy and I lose focus on them as gratitude takes center stage and brightens the world around me. And on that note, I'd probably better sign off.
* * *
What about you? What is the firs thing that comes to mind when you think of something you're thankful for? All you blog readers is (are?) one of the first thing that comes to my mind; it's so rewarding to be able to share my life with y'all and so thank you for reading my blog and joining me on this crazy journey!
It's days like this that are perfect for writing. (Or curling up with a book and mug of hot chocolate with a candle burning nearby.) I'm not going to be focused on writing today, though. Instead I get to spend the day in the kitchen at my non-writing job which is another one of my favorite things to do. Especially in weather like this. Who doesn't like a warm kitchen and hot meals when the world is so cozy looking?
I've decided to endeavor to keep the next few blog posts on the short side because my wrist has continued to give me a bit of trouble and therefore I've severely limited my typing. It's crazy because I have words bottled up in me, waiting to be spilled onto the page of my latest story and yet I'm having to tell myself "no, no, no" which is not normal for me. I've found some exercises for my arm/wrist/hand and so I've been doing those and hopefully will see improvement soon.
Do you know what my wrist hurting makes me do though? It fills me with happiness that I haven't struggled with this problem before. I am so very, very thankful for the last ten years of my life that I've been typing with no trouble at all. It's funny how sometimes we forget to be thankful for something until it's taken away from us.
Speaking of thankfulness, there are so many things I am thankful for right now. This morning when I woke up I didn't stop at my normal list of ten things I thank God for, instead I kept going as I put away my bedding and stumbled through my early morning routine. It's not that life has been without problems, because I feel as if I've dealt with several of those recently - some of which have even left me in tears. It's more that I am opening my eyes to the blessings around me and it is rather overwhelming.
I am even thankful for the ability to be thankful, cause do you know what? When I start thinking of things that I'm thankful for, the troubles in my life kinda get fuzzy and I lose focus on them as gratitude takes center stage and brightens the world around me. And on that note, I'd probably better sign off.
* * *
What about you? What is the firs thing that comes to mind when you think of something you're thankful for? All you blog readers is (are?) one of the first thing that comes to my mind; it's so rewarding to be able to share my life with y'all and so thank you for reading my blog and joining me on this crazy journey!
November 10, 2015
When an Outgoing Introvert Hits the Real World
I figured that maybe I should do a non-writing post since at least five out of the last six posts I've written have been focused solely on writing. Then when I tried to think of what else to blog about I was reminded why my posts have revolved around writing: That's pretty much all I'm doing right now.
Which isn't exactly true. I've also been breathing. And eating at random times. And then life, you know. Which has actually been pretty amazing. I even squeezed out of my comfort zone last night to go to a Lady's Night with people from our church. (Then I pretty much hung around about two people the whole time and barely talked to anyone because I was SO peopled out from previous adventures during the last few days, but hey, at least I went.)
Ok. We can talk about this little subject for a bit longer. See, I am totally fine being around people. You know this craziness that you get on my blog? Yep. That's how I am in real life, too. I can be random and jump from subject to subject and I have absolutely no problem going up and talking to complete strangers and being friendly and making friends. I don't mind talking in front of people (most of the time) and I'm fine with acting totally goofy in an effort to draw someone else out of their shell and help them join in the fun.
I seriously don't think I've ever run out of questions to ask. Plus, I'm one of those strange humans who doesn't mind when there's what other people consider "awkward silences" because my imagination is so full I don't even notice the silences until it suddenly hits me that the other person is feeling awkward. Then I just launch into another one of my million questions. (I can go from serious, like: What's your passion in life? to interesting, like: What is the strangest food you've ever eaten? to random, like: If you had a pet giraffe what would you name it? I feel so much curiosity when I'm with people and ask a crazy-large amount of questions.)
BUT. Let's get real honest here...
I also work the best when I have huge chunks of time without people each day. I work in my office on my writing and my non-writing job for hours each day. I work around our house when everyone else is gone. I cut grass and take walks and spend a lot of time alone. Including sleeping time it's not uncommon for me to be alone for 18-20 hours out of a 24 hour period. And I like that. A lot. (Most of the time.)
And there are times, like last night, when I decide to hang out with people again before I've had my "have the desire to hang out with people" tank filled up again because I'm trying to stretch myself. I love the people from our church. I really do. Sunday is one of my most favorite days of the week. But, I start looking forward and getting my mind ready for church beginning on Friday or Saturday, normally. Why? Because leaving my home or work to hang out with people is not exactly my cup of tea unless I've prepared myself.
During the last month or so I've been trying to add church Sunday and Wednesday nights into my routine and... Yikes. I don't know how to explain it to you except to say that often times I spend the whole drive to church feeling sick to my stomach. Once I get there it's a lot better, but it is a stretch. I don't even like going to the store most of the time; once I get there though, it's fine. I suppose I have a mind block that screams Stay Home* and so I've been trying to work past that because I know it's good for me. I'm ok with being introverted. I actually really enjoy being myself. But I know I need to teach myself to step outside of my comfort zone, too. And that's not easy.
*Pretty much I like staying home or going on far away adventures. I haven't found that medium-happy spot yet.
At times being introverted has felt wrong. Like when I'm standing at the sink washing dishes and I suddenly realize that I'm enjoying it more and having more fun than I did at the birthday party I went to the night before. Or when we have company that I sincerely like and yet I slip out of the room to go off and breath deeply in an empty room for a few minutes. Or when I don't want to go to the chiropractor or dentist for ages because that means not being home. Shouldn't I love being around people more? It's a valid question and one I haven't found a satisfying answer to yet.
I know there is a balance and I'm looking for it. You know, the right spot landing somewhere between accepting the way I am and fighting to become who I should be. Which is one reason I've been pushing myself and working to go places more, yet not feeling guilty when I need my alone time. I can tell it's been good for me and I think it will eventually break though and help other areas of my life. It's not always easy though.
All this to say... Hey, there's another glimpse of me. Of who I am and the struggles I go through at a personal level. Because I think far more people (creative/artistic/writing people, especially) deal with stuff like this then they let on.
Disclaimer (especially in case you know me in real life... which is the scariest part about blogging, folks...):
I really do love being around people a lot of the time. Sometimes when walking through a store I make it a game to see how many people I can make eye contact with and smile at. When I'm at work (around my co-workers at least) my jovial attitude is for real about 87% of the time because I'm in my happy zone. Etc...
* * *
What about you? Can you relate to anything in this post?
Which isn't exactly true. I've also been breathing. And eating at random times. And then life, you know. Which has actually been pretty amazing. I even squeezed out of my comfort zone last night to go to a Lady's Night with people from our church. (Then I pretty much hung around about two people the whole time and barely talked to anyone because I was SO peopled out from previous adventures during the last few days, but hey, at least I went.)
Ok. We can talk about this little subject for a bit longer. See, I am totally fine being around people. You know this craziness that you get on my blog? Yep. That's how I am in real life, too. I can be random and jump from subject to subject and I have absolutely no problem going up and talking to complete strangers and being friendly and making friends. I don't mind talking in front of people (most of the time) and I'm fine with acting totally goofy in an effort to draw someone else out of their shell and help them join in the fun.
I seriously don't think I've ever run out of questions to ask. Plus, I'm one of those strange humans who doesn't mind when there's what other people consider "awkward silences" because my imagination is so full I don't even notice the silences until it suddenly hits me that the other person is feeling awkward. Then I just launch into another one of my million questions. (I can go from serious, like: What's your passion in life? to interesting, like: What is the strangest food you've ever eaten? to random, like: If you had a pet giraffe what would you name it? I feel so much curiosity when I'm with people and ask a crazy-large amount of questions.)
BUT. Let's get real honest here...
I also work the best when I have huge chunks of time without people each day. I work in my office on my writing and my non-writing job for hours each day. I work around our house when everyone else is gone. I cut grass and take walks and spend a lot of time alone. Including sleeping time it's not uncommon for me to be alone for 18-20 hours out of a 24 hour period. And I like that. A lot. (Most of the time.)
And there are times, like last night, when I decide to hang out with people again before I've had my "have the desire to hang out with people" tank filled up again because I'm trying to stretch myself. I love the people from our church. I really do. Sunday is one of my most favorite days of the week. But, I start looking forward and getting my mind ready for church beginning on Friday or Saturday, normally. Why? Because leaving my home or work to hang out with people is not exactly my cup of tea unless I've prepared myself.
During the last month or so I've been trying to add church Sunday and Wednesday nights into my routine and... Yikes. I don't know how to explain it to you except to say that often times I spend the whole drive to church feeling sick to my stomach. Once I get there it's a lot better, but it is a stretch. I don't even like going to the store most of the time; once I get there though, it's fine. I suppose I have a mind block that screams Stay Home* and so I've been trying to work past that because I know it's good for me. I'm ok with being introverted. I actually really enjoy being myself. But I know I need to teach myself to step outside of my comfort zone, too. And that's not easy.
*Pretty much I like staying home or going on far away adventures. I haven't found that medium-happy spot yet.
At times being introverted has felt wrong. Like when I'm standing at the sink washing dishes and I suddenly realize that I'm enjoying it more and having more fun than I did at the birthday party I went to the night before. Or when we have company that I sincerely like and yet I slip out of the room to go off and breath deeply in an empty room for a few minutes. Or when I don't want to go to the chiropractor or dentist for ages because that means not being home. Shouldn't I love being around people more? It's a valid question and one I haven't found a satisfying answer to yet.
I know there is a balance and I'm looking for it. You know, the right spot landing somewhere between accepting the way I am and fighting to become who I should be. Which is one reason I've been pushing myself and working to go places more, yet not feeling guilty when I need my alone time. I can tell it's been good for me and I think it will eventually break though and help other areas of my life. It's not always easy though.
All this to say... Hey, there's another glimpse of me. Of who I am and the struggles I go through at a personal level. Because I think far more people (creative/artistic/writing people, especially) deal with stuff like this then they let on.
Disclaimer (especially in case you know me in real life... which is the scariest part about blogging, folks...):
I really do love being around people a lot of the time. Sometimes when walking through a store I make it a game to see how many people I can make eye contact with and smile at. When I'm at work (around my co-workers at least) my jovial attitude is for real about 87% of the time because I'm in my happy zone. Etc...
* * *
What about you? Can you relate to anything in this post?
