On Ready Feet

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?