On Ready Feet

As I hope you know, I am an avid Ted Dekker fan.             He rivals no one when it comes to his epic thrillers and spiritual suspense novels.                           Recently I've completed another of his original stories and it rocked my world!           Blink of an Eye showcases the high-stakes adventures of a Saudi princess and a brilliant Berkley student who hit the road in order to escape the clutches of middle eastern leaders and twisted U.S. diplomats. The plot takes a turn when Seth the Berkley genius sees situations in the future that changes his decisions in the present, protecting Miriam the princess from a horrible fate. His foresight becomes the only thing keeping the fugitives alive and the world from war.        The real kicker from this book?                   The big questi...

       I scooped a little bit more goat feed into my tattered bucket, knowing that Noah wouldn't mind the extra treat. Besides, Percy, the other Nubian goat, always stole my pet's food anyway, so a little could go a long way. After dumping their food in the large metal hay feeder, I closed the barn and trudged back up the hill to my house. I was thinking of how to make my pet goats best friends when I heard the unfamiliar crackle of a TV set making noise in the house. Huh? We never watched TV and if it was on...that was weird.         I opened the front door, and the TV's noise nearly blasted away my eardrums. Taking the stairs two at a time, I panted into the living room to I sight I will never forget.         Mom stood, one hand cupping her mouth, the other clutching the cordless phone, her eyes wide. My brother and sister were sitting on the couch, staring mesmerized at the horror unfolding on the televi...

"Grant me an occupation, or I shall go mad."  - Colonel Brandon   Sense & Sensibility Seriously, couldn't have said it better myself. As you may have noticed,  you two dedicated people who read my blog, I have been absent. I'm afraid I have no excuse for this, but, like the Colonel,  I have been trying to find occupation. Thankfully, I have not resorted to madness (it could be debated otherwise, however) but have found occupation in unlikely places. I have started to paint shoes. (Um...madness could be a possibility)  But, hey, it keeps my hands busy  while my mind is allowed to wander and whir. I've adopted ideas from multiple sources  and hope to sell some of my creations soon. Exhibit A: Project Shoe (not about to sell this pair, of course.  As you can see, I've already worn them in.) I have also been gearing up for November  in anticipation of a magnificent  project a...

My grandparents and I have good conversations. Our daily conversing can be silly or goofy or serious or deep  but most of the time I come away from them a little wiser a little more aware and hopefully a little more grown-up. I was chatting with my Gramma about waiting. I'm in a stage of life where I feel like waiting  is the name of the game. It's hard and challenging  and not at all comfy but, sometimes,  the best things come from it. My Gramma waited for my Grandpa. Let me tell you,  that took a while to sink in. She waited for HIM. I mean, in a culture where we,  meaning young women, are encouraged to be aggressive  and chase our potential mates it was beyond refreshing to hear Gramma's story. She and Grandpa are high school sweethearts and they just celebrated their 50th. And she was the one waiting for him. She didn't become less of a woman so he could become more of a man. She patien...

Do you ever feel like you're left behind? No, not like the rapture has happened or anything more like life has waved 'so long'  and you're on the side of the road  gripping your suitcase and  grasping your slowly fading dreams You're watching the parade pass by with your friends twisting batons  and singing in joyous tandem having the time of their lives while you're the one on the sidelines This is a feeling I've been having often. I look around and see the lives others lead which leaves me thinking The die has already been rolled The cast has already been cast The train has already left the station The parade is passing me by But then, I see the Truth. I was meant for something more. I AM supposed to join the parade. My place is not on the sidewalk. God has bigger, bolder, more outrageous plans He has granted me opportunities and given me relationships He's orchestrated the entire parade An...

In the midst of writing a flurry of multiple resumes  and editing and re-editing multiple cover letters I've discovered an interesting fact about myself. Turns out, I don't really have anything that I'm really good at. No, no, don't take that to mean I think I suck. Because, I'm a created being and God has gifted me uniquely.  What I allude to is that I don't really have a strong skill in anything. Sure, I like running and sewing and scrapbooking, but, think about it, those aren't exactly things you put in your resume. I don't really have anything to brag about myself in the job market Again, NOT saying I'm a terrible person with no abilities. I just don't have worldly bragging rights in anything. Which, for me, is a good thing. Why? Because, I am a prideful person. And I stumble a lot in that pride. For instance, when I accomplish something I tend to glorify...me. Yeah, not good. I really, honestl...

I went to nearly ten stores today What was I looking for? A pair of good ol' fashioned blue jeans. None of those jean-leggings for me (affectionately christened Jeggings) Or those ripped, rubbed, bejeweled pants. Just simple, unspectacular jeans. Why? Because classic jeans are in my blood. Nothing bring back my roots  as much as blue jeans. There's nothing quite as American  as blue jeans. My Grandpa wears blue jeans  when he's branding cattle at his ranch My Dad wears blue jeans  when under the hood of a car. Grandma and Mom wear blue jeans  when they're making home a home. I don't need anything fancy Nothing over-fashionable or  outstanding or flashy. Just something that reminds me  that I don't have to be somebody else. I don't have to be over-the-top to be comfortable in my skin. What makes you feel blue jean comfortable?

I wouldn't say I'm addicted to home improvement shows. Yes, I do stay up 'til the wee hours watching Brother vs. Brother, House Hunters and Love It or List It. Yes, I do daydream about my future home  and the numerous projects it will entail. However, the most attractive part for me is seeing the impact  a little swatch of color and a new countertop can make. It doesn't take much to wow people in decorating, but it does take boldness . Baby blue doesn't hold the striking presentation that, say, red does. Red stands out in a crowd and enhances a room simply by being. You gush over red roses and crimson sunsets, don't you? Same here. Why is that? Because red is bold . And bold is noticeable. Bold is appreciated. I find it hard to be bold . I wonder if I could ever paint my own room. I debate whether to do something, over thinking what the impact of my actions will be.  I agonize over buying a different cereal brand or getting...

I confess, I'm a read-a-holic. Books are my go-to therapy. I've consumed 3 books, read 180, 000 words and  slept approximately 16 hours in 3 days.  It's a problem. But I can't blame the literature,  it's not them, it's me.  Books have always been a passion, I vividly remember Dad reading to us even before I was reading. All three of us kids curled up in his chair listening to his voice imitate every character. He was Aslan and Bilbo Baggins  and Curious George and Charlie Bucket. He instilled a love of books that I don't think will ever be erased. Even now, we share our book love. I know when I'm staying up past 2 a.m. for just one more chapter My sister and dad are too. And that's awesome. Because I know I'm not alone. Books are more than pages  or words or ideas or characters. Books bring people together. They inspire conversations  and initiate relationships. They make you ...

The advertisements are flooding in, and the tax-free weekends are upon us. And you know what THAT means... school is coming our way. In order to prepare for the most studious  and educational season of the year, I've come up with 6 tips  to help students of all ages succeed. Ready, set...study! ...whether it be studying  or cleaning your ENTIRE house, balancing your life is key. ...if one of you OWNS the library,  that's even better. ...buck teeth and all. #adorable ...to the cafeteria, the gym or the fairytale forest.  S'long as you have fun! 5. Be Creative ...English class knows no bounds. #chalkisthebest. ...Time management is always very important.  Hopefully, you're never late. There you have it, folks, Just some little things to keep in mind as we head into school semester 2013. What else would YOU add?

My dearest wish is to be old-fashioned and hipster. And to aid in my quest of pursuing all things classic I received a record player for Christmas. Yes, my family is awesome and thus, I am one step closer to reaching my hip goals! To help in my silly endeavors my sister buys me records and we test each one, trying out the coolness factor. After scrounging around at various thrift shops  we always come home with some treasures. Need some smooth crooning? Grab some good ol' Dean-O. Hankering for some good tunes? Toss in The Temptations. We thought we were in luck. Unfortunately, the epic Carpenter's record we got was...scratched. So, you know how normal records sounds a little different? Well, this one sounded like a poor cat with memory loss. Or a warbling bird who forgot his singing lesson that day. I tried to hum and whistle along,  but every other note their instruments skipped a beat. But I couldn't get rid of the scratche...

All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all.   Each little flow’r that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings. The purple-headed mountains, The river running by, The sunset and the morning That brightens up the sky. The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun, The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one. The tall trees in the greenwood, The meadows where we play, The rushes by the water, To gather every day. He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well. - Cecil F. Alexander -

Songs are filled with lyrics, books are written  and poems are dedicated to the glory of beauty.  Photographs are taken, videos are used to capture  and words are utilized to describe all things lovely.  Beauty makes me stop walking and loot my pockets for my camera  in order to grasp the extent of what I see.  Beauty makes me silent, my ears intently listening in awe  to melodies and notes I've never heard before.  Beauty makes me laugh when a moment is filled with so much joy  I can't help but reply.  Beauty makes me... ...gasp when I witness a streak of lighting rend the night sky ...crinkle my nose as I inhale the succulent fragrance of flowers  ...jump from dazzling heights into cool, clear ocean waters ...see the hope of things to come ...realize what a wonder it is to be alive.  

I admit it, extinguishing candles should be an Olympic sport. I mean, the amount of concentration required is phenomenal but, believe me, the rewards are exceptional.  Remember on your 7th birthday when you couldn't wait to open presents? I was always anxious, too.  I had to hope that that odd looking bag bequeathed my anticipated Barbie Mermaid and that mysterious tissue swathed box held the desired doll house. How did you end up getting the right presents on that special day? Are you ready for a mind-blowing concept? The ritualistic candle blowing event. I know, I know...right? Who'd have known that all birthday wishes would come to fruition simply by breathing on lighted sticks? My ideal presents appeared when I wished on inanimate, flaming wax. Yes. Alright, so that's really not the reason. But I used to think so. And I'm guessing you might have, too. We looked to colorful, melting things to make our dreams come true. ...

It's been a tough week. Sure, there've been bright spots and good moments. Still, it's been a little rough. I feel all old-fashioned/cheesy when I say this, but when I'm down, I have a "go to" song. It's sung by the marvelous vocals of Cher and sums up what I need to be true of me when life hits. I've copied the lyrics and video, so feel free to make it your "go to" song, too.  Feeling broken Barely holding on But there's just something so strong Somewhere inside me And I am down but I'll get up again Don't count me out just yet I've been brought down to my knees And I've been pushed way past the point of breaking But I can take it I'll be back Back on my feet This is far from over You haven't seen the last of me You haven't seen the last of me They can say that I won't stay around But I'm gonna stand my ground You're not gonna stop me You don't know me You don't k...

There's some things that make people cement together, special stuff that helps buddies become besties.  Best friends aren't just any body, they're a some body with whom you share  every  thing. And every  thing can be any  thing,  like....   ...hey, at least you're together :P ...or worrying about your squirrel friend who was in a pizza earlier ...hopefully, you both like ducklings! ...which is the opposite of un bear able! #pun ...even if one of you is a blue alien, that's totally cool. ...bonus points if you wear matching green. As evidenced by these adorable Disney pals,  it's not what you do, but who you are with that creates the best friend bond.

         It looks ugly.                It feels gross.                        It tastes nasty.                                                   It's bitter . What does this word, bitter, mean? I looked it up and I found: To cause an unpleasant or painful feeling I don't want to be bitter. To be bitter is to be harsh and acrid. To harbor bitter feelings is to get get rid of nice, pleasant feelings. I don't want that. But, sometimes, when life is rough, I feel bitter. I look around me and I begrudge everyone who has a better life. A better job. A better education. A better passion. And that bitterness tears me up inside. It releases cold, uncaring words that sting others, instead of building them up. It allows for an attit...

My stomach is full.  Yeah, like, really, super full.  Like I have a 2-month-old food baby. So, what is to blame for this over indulgence? I have to point a finger at buffet food. Ah, the endless lines of food. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes galore, Nonstop salad and soups, Countless pans of brownies, Oh my! So many yummy choices, and what do I do? I stuff my face and... realize that I didn't need to. I could have said no to certain things. When facing that buffet of choices, I had a choice, too. To buy an iPad, a Mac, an iPhone, an iPod, or not to buy? To spend time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or not. I don't have to bend to buffet rules. I can eat the macaroni pasta, but decide against the cream pie. 

Breathe in deeply. Gooood, now breathe out. Repeat. I think pretty things make me breathe easier. Pretty things like flowers and happy things like days with friends. I breathe easier when I see the intricate details of nature. Because then I'm like "Gosh, God really knows His stuff." And then I'm all "Man, He really cares." I breathe, because he really does. He crafted that butterfly's wings  and predetermined its flight. He sculpted the flower's petals  and decided when it would bloom. And I think,  "He created me, too." And I breathe out because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

There are some things in life that deserve a special list. My sister and I write those things down, categorize them and do them. That's how we ended up at the Josh Groban concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater.   It was awesome, lemme tell ya. Seeing a Bucket List item turn into reality.   But it doesn't just happen. You've gotta write those special things down. You've gotta categorize them.  There's strategy and hard work involved. It's hard. It's challenging. It's easy to get distracted. You have to budget. You have to plan. You have to get outside of your comfort zone. But it's totally worth it. (Josh Groban is totally worth it :)  So, what's on your List? What are you willing to do to make it a reality?

It's been a week and a half  since we landed in the Land of Enchantment. Yes, we're back! I gotta be honest. New Mexico is...different than England. I could fill a blog with the differences between the two. But, for the sake of travel writers and my own fingers, I won't. All I know is, life is different now that we're back. But different isn't bad. Being back means a whole lotta things can happen. Or not happen. Back means starting new things, or catching up on old things. Back means going after dreams not yet realized before, or continuing dreams pursued before. Back means meeting new people, or getting to know old friends better. Back means big choices or little decisions.  What's the first thing you do when you get back (from anywhere)?

Everyone wants a vacation at some point in their life. A little free time, a little run-away-to-a-hide-a-way type of outing. Road trips, I believe, are the answer. They are epic, they are awesome  and they are essential parts of the whole vacation experience. So, to get the most out of your road trip/vacation,  I have compiled 6 tips from the Master: Mr. Bean, himself. ...especially when journeying in a foreign country.  ...you will not regret it. The people in the car next you might. But you won't. ...road trip buddies can become BBF's. #fact. ...hole-in-the-wall diners have endless possibilities. #whynot? ...where ever you go, there you are. ...#nuffsaid As you can see, road tripping is half (or even a whole of) the fun. So, hopefully this summer finds you hopping in your vehicle, popping in your mixed CDs (90's style) and hitting the road for the vacation of a lifetime! Note: Thank you, Mr. Bean's Ho...