Quote of the Day 2/17/14

"That’s what I want my life to be, like a well-loved gift. I think life, just life, just breathing in and out, is a great gift. God gives us something amazing when he gives us life, and I want to live with gratitude. I want to live in a way that shows how much I appreciate the gift. If life were a sweater, I would wear it every day. I wouldn’t save it or keep it for a special occasion. I would find every opportunity to wear that sweater, and I’d wear it proudly, shamelessly, for days on end.”

There’s normal life, kind of day-to-day, make-breakfast, do-the-dishes kind of life, but just underneath that, like a throb of bass you feel in your chest, I feel a whole other thing going on. In the midst of taxes and email, there is something sacred, something special dipping and weaving within that same old thing, like a firefly, like a great song, and it reminds you that the dishes and the taxes are real, but so much more is real, too. The sacred mixes in with the daily when you have a conversation with someone you love, or when you read a great book, or when you do something courageous. It’s still just a normal day, but there’s something bigger, something more compelling going on, too."    [Shauna Niequist]

the promise of Christmas

Every year, the Christmas Candlelight Service is a service not to be missed. There is something just so beautiful and peaceful, and despite all Christmas traffic and planning and cleaning and any other holiday madness, it brings back Christmas to what it should be.

The 4 candles lit around the center Christ candle represent Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. So as Christmas sets in here on West Coast, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on each advent promise. Each promise made is an everlasting and unconditional gift, given without limits, expectations or liabilities. In a world where everything comes with conditions or fine lines, it becomes nearly impossible to fathom why or even how such priceless gifts could be so freely given. 

Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. I won't speak for anyone but myself but I really want more of that in my life. I want to live every day as a hopeful, peaceful, joyful and loving person.

Jan/Feb/March/April Update?

I've been gone for a while and I wish it wasn't so. There has been so much I have wanted to write and share but frankly, theres just no enough hours in the day. Things have been so chaotic and busy that last time I checked, I was unwrapping Christmas presents and now I am 4 weeks away from being done with my second year of school. Crazy huh? 

Despite all the busyness life consistently entails, one thing has been present... every. single. day. Ready for it? Well, joy. Pure, unending, consistent joy. The greatest thing I have learned is to find yourself knee deep in the so many errands, assignments, and duties but to have a calm and joyful heart. Never in my life have I been happier or felt so fulfilled. Here's a brief example from today: I spent a few hours going to the bank, to the store, and other miscellaneous tasks and as I drove with my windows down, the 73 degree sun and breeze shinning down, the only thing I could do was smile and laugh. This is the day that the Lord has made, and it was just perfect.

Quote of the Day 1/1/12

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.      [Helen Keller]