Be Here Now.

Life is a funny thing.

Constantly changing.

Sometimes I feel as though once I've comfortably set both feet on the ground, life shifts and I am suddenly propelled into a new stage of life.

This is not however, a bad thing. Without change, we would not grow or develop more fully, into the person that Jesus calls us to be--- (more like Him).

I have always been a dreamer... always anticipating the next big thing.

I remember being 12 years old, earnestly praying for my future husband and asking God to give him a kiss for me (I will never claim to be normal). Later, in high school, all I wanted was a high school sweetheart. Oh how I wanted this and thought that life would be so grand with a pretty boy in it!

If you took a peek into the journals I kept all through high school and even college, you would see that I was constantly concerned about a different guy. Thankfully, throughout college, you would begin to see me surrender my fleeting concerns to Jesus. Slowly, but surely.

But the truth is, I had it good. I had amazing friends, girls and guys; and although I chased after the thought of a high school sweetheart, I was totally happy.

I have so many fond memories from college. I think the best were the ones that I took a moment to really appreciate and savour. I remember sipping a hot cup of joe on the porch of my favorite coffee shop in Manhattan on a cool morning, when all was silent except for the soft jazz music and excited chatter of the birds. Those were the times. Times to really soak up.

But here's the thing, I continue to have those moments. Simple moments that suddenly fill my whole being with joy. I love walking into the lunch kitchen at work and seeing gorgeous freshly washed veggies on the cutting board. The way the sunlight hits them is perfection. In Costa Rica, I would just sit along the beach and try to capture the sound of the great waves crashing onto the boulders lining the shore. I wanted to hear them forever.

I think it is tempting to look back and yearn for certain things that you had when life seemed so good, or yearn for "that thing" that will make your life so much better. But the truth is that there are always new blessings around you, to savour, enjoy, and remember; and the trick is to not let them simply pass you by.

Life is good when we simply take a moment to appreciate it.

Sheldon Vanauken says it well in his book "A Severe Mercy,"

"To be in love, as to see beauty, is a kind of adoring that turns the lover away from self."

We live in a beautiful world.

...

Be here now. We will never be in this place in life again, and if we look around, we probably have it pretty good, even great. I am learning that no matter how many wonderful memories I have in the past, I have even more ahead of me. My challenge to myself, is to live it up, because soon life will change again.

Finnnally

Right now in Austin, TX it is a cozy 25 degrees. Tonight the low is 18, and guess what... we are expecting snow on Thursday!!! Of course, here that means a few scattered flurries. But nonetheless, restaurants and businesses will close in anticipation and fear.

I can't help but laugh inwardly just a tiny bit when I see these cold-blooded Texans react to the inclimate weather..

I think there is a unique anxiety that they embody when the forecast is under 45 degrees..

But, I'm happy! And yes, now I can wear my cute furry eskimo boots without looking like a total idiot.

Yaah cold!!

The past couple mornings and evenings I have been thrown off by those wonderful melodies that are bird songs. Every time I hear these sweet and energetic sounds, I get an excited chill that runs through my body in anticipation of spring. The confusing part is, it's January, it's in the sixties, and I feel like we've passed winter all together.

Part of me still wants to be snowed in, watching big fluffy snow flakes fall to the ground. Drinking hot chocolate and bundling up for the cold, I want to feel my winter! While at work the other morning, I stopped everything when I heard what I previously thought impossible.. birds singing in the middle of winter! Sure enough, they were those energetic songs that I normally start to hear in March or April in the Kansas homeland. I look forward to these sounds every year and apparently I don't have to wait long here.. This may sound silly, but my whole system feels thrown off due to the lack of snow and all of the experiences that come with it.

I don't even get to wear my cute eskimo coat or furry boots this year..

However, I must say, it is nice to be able to go for an evening stroll without freezing to death.. I'll give Texas that.

happy pursuits.

I have never been a big fan of new year's resolutions. Maybe because I know that by making something a goal, it becomes a duty to me instead of a simple joy in life.

Sad? Maybe.

However, in thinking about the upcoming year, there are so many things that I would like to strive for. Things that I want to pursue. No pass or fail, just pursuit.

So, here they are:

1. I'd like to learn how to make yummy gooey scratch-made delights (you know, things that take half the day to make), such as homemade cinnamon rolls.

2. I want to get back into riding. I miss the unique freedom that comes solely from being on the back of a horse (yes I've read many Saddle Club books in my day)..

3. I want to work with disabled children again. Last summer I worked with some very awesome kids at a therapeutic riding center in Manhattan. I'd love to do it again.

4. I would like to donate more of my time and effort toward our Church. I'm not sure what this one exactly looks like but the desire is there.

5. I'd like to practice the piano and build on my skills (that are very rough right now might I add).

6. I'd also like to paint. This has been something I've daydreamed about being able to enjoy and explore, but have not ever had the confidence to actually try.

7. This one is an on-going battle, but I'd like being active (like dripping sweat), to become a more normal part of life-- maybe it will be since I am soon to be married.. :)

(couldn't resist)

8. And finally, learn a new trade. My only real trade right now is making a good coffee drink, and I'd like to learn something else even if it isn't related to OT.. maybe massage??

That's all!!

Happy 2011!!!

Hmm..

Today, an older, happy gentleman walked up to the register and out of no where said, "I'll tell you my secrets to living a good life. They apply to all aspects of life; relationships and everything else.. It's three things..

simplify. focus. and do the right thing."

He then went on to say that most people never get past the first part..

I thought it was interesting..