Summer bucket list with the littles

 

As parents we have about 18 years with our kiddos... we want to invest in them and create memories that last a lifetime.  

Now that the days are heating up and our "homeschooling" curriculum is coming to an end... it is time to create our summer to do list.

 Here are some ideas but not opposed to adding more!!! Suggestions and playdates welcome!

Going to give credit where credit is due... gleaned this list from Toddler Summer Bucket List (Free Printable Checklist!) | Happy Toddler Club

1. Make homemade popsicles and eat them outside. Watch them melt in the hot sun!
2. Run through a sprinkler.
3. Go swimming!
4. Play at the water table
5. Color in the driveway with non-toxic sidewalk chalk.
6. Build a sand castle at the beach (or in a sandbox!).
7. Make an ice sensory bin and play with it outside
8. Blow giant bubbles using a hoola hoop
9. Watch fireworks on the Fourth of July
10. Make homemade ice cream in a bag
11. Fly a kite
12. Raise caterpillars into butterflies then set them free!
13. Buy a treat from the ice cream truck
14. Make an outdoor water obstacle course
15. Visit a splash pad
16. Have a picnic
17. Create a backyard play garden
18. Plant flowers and water them
19. Go for a tricycle ride
20. Make DIY toddler-safe sidewalk chalk paint and paint the sidewalk or rocks
21. Practice kicking a ball back and forth to develop gross motor skills
22. Pick flowers
23. Go for a nature walk
24. Find seashells at the beach (or pretty rocks on a walk!)
25. Feed the ducks at the pond
26. Stay up late to gaze at the stars
27. Dance to live music outside
28. Play in a summer rain shower
29. Make easy “less mess” tie dyed shirts using a non-toxic squeeze bottle kit
30. Play hide & seek
31. Kiddie pool fishing
32. Play parachute outside
33. Read books outside
34. Use paint brushes and plain old water for mess free “painting” in the driveway
35. Soda bottle glow stick bowling at night
36. Make colored ice blocks and build an ice tower outside, then watch it melt!
37. Wash the car together
38. Plan an outing with a toddler friend
39. Attend an outdoor movie
40. Grow your own veggies and eat them
41. Ride in the car with the windows down
42. Have a summer photo shoot
43. Catch a frog
44. Lay in a hammock together
45. Ride a ferry
46. Wish on a dandelion
47. Find a starfish
48. Meet a new friend
49. Splash in the ocean
50. Make spray bottle graffiti paintings outside
51. Eat breakfast outside and watch the sun rise
52. Go for a sunset walk on the beach
53. Create a sticky nature mural outside
54. Visit the farmer’s market
55. Go strawberry picking
56. Feed the animals at the petting zoo
57. Go on a ride at the fair
58. Visit a new playground
59. Go to the zoo
60. Watch a parade
61. Explore a new town
62. Take a first day of summer and last day of summer picture
63. Choose a toddler friendly father’s day craft and make it for dad
64. Make homemade taste safe play-dough
65. Create a summer scene using summer play dough mats
66. Do a 4th of July craft
67. Make toddler safe cloud dough
68. Do a fine motor wall activity
69. Make a summer themed sensory bin
70. Have a nighttime bubble dance party complete with a light-up bubble machine
71. Complete a mommy & me workout video
72. Make busy bags to bring on a road trip
73. Cook an easy toddler friendly recipe together
74. Make summer themed sensory bottles like these ocean themed sensory bottles
75. Build a “tent” and pretend to go camping inside
76. Finger paint using DIY taste safe finger paint
77. Eat snow cones
78. Grow sponge animals
79. Make lemonade together
80. Grow Lima beans
81. Have a boat race in your kiddie pool
82. Make yummy hidden veggie smoothies
83. Make suncatchers to hang in the window
84. Do a summer handprint craft
85. Make easy rainbow bubble foam
86. Make a summer scrapbook
87. Bake and decorate cookies together
88. Make a bird feeder together and hang it near a window to watch the birds
89. Eat watermelon
90. Make homemade musical instruments using household items
91. Make s’mores
92. Have a rainy day tea party
93. Make a ball pit at home
94. Make a homemade pizza
95. Visit a toddler friendly children’s museum
96. Attend storytime at a new library
97. Go to a Gymboree class or a toddler yoga class
98. Visit relatives (or at least FaceTime them!)
99. Take a trip to the aquarium
100. Explore hot & cold temperatures by making these sensory water bottles
101. Make fireworks in a jar

Birthday "to do" list

 

Realized that it is exactly 3 months til my birthday! 🎉

This year I have been trying to set intentional goals to be healthier- both mentally and physically- so I have created a list of 40+ items "to do" over the next 3 months. I love checking off list if you can't tell! LOL!

Some are super simple... and some are more complex but if anyone wants to join me in this "celebration"... feel free to hop on board and let's do this!

1. go stand up paddleboarding
2. get a pedicure
3. relax on a pool float
4. make s'mores
5. watch a sunset
6. go to the beach
7. take a bubble bath
8. bust a pinata
9. have a caricature made
10. get a tattoo
11. buy a scratch off lottery ticket
12. get 20lbs closer to my goal
13. learn to play guitar
14. build lego disney castle
15. read 3 books
16. exercise daily
17. make a family size banana split
18. learn to make pasta from scratch
19. go camping
20. have a girl's night out
21. learn to belly dance
22. and fit into my belly dancing outfit
23. go to Hawaii ;)
24. buy something just for me
25. try a new recipe
26. pick strawberries
27. tie dye
28. finish D's 1st year book
29. start Pax's 1st year book
30. create family books for 20 and 21
31. go to the local farmers market and support a local vendor
32. find a local MOPS group
33. make 5 cards and send them out
34. donate 43 items
35. clean out closet of outgrown clothes
36. finish knitting blanket
37. sew 3 dresses
38. encourage other to do a random act of kindness
39. take a friend out for lunch
40. date night with hubby
41. plant a garden
42. learn pilaties
43. go to the fair
44. sunbathe
45. visit flower fields
46. call a friend
47. 
    

Things learned from giving up social media

 Well it is the day after Easter and this year I had chosen to give up social media for Lent to focus more on praying and investing in the people in my life. This also meant taking the games off of my phone. 

Now I also run a small business so the only exception to this that I made was continuing to run my business Facebook page but I realized something in the midst of the last 40 days that since I wasn't posting on my regular Facebook or Instagram page and my business page is linked to my regular Facebook page nobody was seeing any of my posts unless I tagged them in it. So my business kind of got put on hold for the last few weeks which is fine. Maybe that's what part of this point was. 

So I did learn some lessons during this time and I thought I would share them on this blog... 

SIDENOTE..I realize this blog has not been used in a couple of years or more... life has kind of gotten busy and I have gotten distracted in numerous areas...one of which has been my writing. Just journaling ...clearing out my brain .... as somebody recently called it a brain drain.... Has been helpful in the past to cut down my anxiety. This is definitely something I want to take the time to continue taking do.

Through this little social media fast I have also realized that I need to set some goals over the next few months to keep moving forward so I thought I'd share the lessons learned.

Lesson 1....a lot of times we turn to our phones as a distraction from whatever is going on around us.  It's mindless..it's numbing... and it can become an addiction. In this quest to get away from social media I found myself longing to just troll social media and see what everybody was up to but yet didn't have the energy to reach out and actually check in with people via messenger or texting. So one of my goals is to work on picking up my phone to call or intentionally text friends to see how they are doing.

Lesson 2... a lot of my time that I would normally spend trolling whether it's opening my phone first thing in the morning to see what everybody's up to or before I go to bed trolling to see just how things are going for everybody ended up turning into prayer time. which is the goal of this fast.  So whether I've reached out or not know that I've been praying for a lot of you.  As a mama of two young boys having that quiet time with the Lord has been very important and I have not necessarily made that time like I should and one of the lessons learned is sometimes we have to set aside things that aren't necessarily bad in order to have time for things that are better

Lesson 3... when you cut out things that you don't realize are suctioning time away it gives you more time to do things that may be on your to-do list or on your bucket list.  One of my goals for 2022 was to read more ...like actually read books and over the last month I've been able to finish three books and I am in the process of three more at this point.  I have taken a lot of book suggestions that people have given and thought those would be meaningful books to read in my life and have downloaded them onto my Kindle and read them that way.  I could blog about each of those books and what I've learned from each of those ... But as time and energy allows... we shall see!

Lesson 4 you can't give from an empty cup... as a mom ...as a wife... sometimes we put ourselves on the back burner.   One of the things that I've learned over the last 40 days is I can't give from an empty cup.  My cup has to be full in order to spill out on the guys in my life and be a better wife and mom for them. So in this process I've taken time to be able to rest and rejuvenate myself whether that means just taking 15 minutes and doing something that I enjoy ...whether that's reading a book or sitting outside and enjoying nature or enjoying an iced coffee but really turning my mindset on thankfulness and enjoying the things around me.

Lesson 5... Social media has its place to stay connected with friends and family that you don't see regularly face to face. It can also be very harmful when using it to gauge your self worth compared to everyone else. So my last and final lesson is this. I will continue to use social media as a tool to live intentionally... Investing in my guys and my family and friends...  I will not use social media to judge my worth or yours for that matter. My goal is to post things that are real... Messy or not! I want to encourage others to be real because you are enough just as how you were created!

Woman's Day!

I am sitting here folding laundry pondering some of the comments... pictures... and conversations today and I know if I don't get it out of my system... me nor my husband will get a sound night's sleep.

These are my two cents... take it or leave it.  Just my opinion and for the last year or so... I officially live in a country that I have the freedom of speech.

I am feminine... not a feminist! I want to be known by my love, kindness, and compassion towards others.  I am a nurturer and a care taker.  I balance out my husband... and he balances me out.  I want to show respect towards others and I want that reciprocated.  I want to work hard for an honest day's wages.  I want to be able to express my voice and have others listen with respect rather than shouting that I am wrong.  I want to use my gifts and talents that are unique to me instead of getting shoved into the cookie cutter of the "social norm".

In this thing called life that we walk through on a daily basis... screams of equality between the sexes are everywhere. ... but there are just certain things that aren't "equal".  I can do something that my husband can't do... I can carry a precious life in my womb and produce a living breathing brand new creation... but I can't do it all on my own... I need my husband!

We were created to balance one another out.  I have done this thing called life "independently" for more years than I care to count... can I do life on my own???  Yes I can!  However on this side of marriage I do have to say I enjoy doing this thing called life with a man who gets me for me and loves me anyway. I love having another person that looks out for me... and I look out for him.  And yes... I love how he holds the door open for not just me but any woman walking in or out of the building.  It hurts my heart when his kindness is repaid with disrespectful looks or comments of "I can do it on my own."

My aunt posted this picture of a dear lady in the village where I lived for almost a year in Uganda.  It reminded me out blessed we are to live in the US of A... where we have many opportunities and freedoms that women elsewhere do not have. These women are up with the sun tending to their families... washing clothes by hand... growing and harvesting their food... and then doing all of their cooking over a small camp fire.  They put their babies to sleep on dirt floors and when their day is done... they curl up on a hand woven mat beside their little ones to rest up for another day of survival.  These are some of the happiest, most joyful women I have met... who have a song on their lips and a smile on their face.

Our issues of equality and feminist qualities are first world issues.  We need to use our individual gifts and talents to serve one another in love.  We need to use our freedoms to be an advocate for that child without a voice... to use our resources to provide for that family that is struggling to put food on the table... to use our voice to stand up to injustice to women around the world (and in our own communities)... to try to create a world that we want our sons and daughters... nieces and nephews...growing up in.

I am proud that I am a woman and I am blessed to have many women in my life that have spent time and energy investing in me to make me a better woman!  Thank you to all the women that use their gifts and talents to make an impact on the world around them!!!  YOU ARE APPRECIATED... not just today but everyday!

A new season

It has been a while since writing on this blog... partly because I have started a new season in my life and we started a blog together to follow our adventures...

Feel free to catch up at... http://justinandangelasawesomeadventure.blogspot.com

Back to the moment at hand... because of the day it is (Fat Tuesday) and the fact that I had some extra time this afternoon to work in my new office/craft room... it got me thinking...

This is normally the season where people give up something for lent.  I understand the thought process behind this that whatever you give up should make room for you to ponder on the upcoming season and what Jesus has done for you.

Instead of giving something up for the next 40 days... I propose to give of my time, talents, and treasure for the next 40 days.  To do what we are called to do in the Bible... to be HIS hands and feet... to love others... to encourage... to come along side...to show others what He has truly done in our lives instead of what normally happens during this time when people give up... say caffeine... or something that makes them normally more agreeable on a daily basis.

Would the God of the universe desire that you are horrible to people while giving up something to focus more on HIM???  Just a thought!

What would happen if each of us did one random act of kindness... or said one encouraging word... or gave one hug... or provided one meal... or gave up one mocha on the run to sit down and chat with a friend?

I have been encouraged by my husband who is always looking out for how to help those around him... He is the reason I have an office/craft room at the moment as he cleaned out a spare bedroom while I was out on Sunday and set up my office space!  I have watched his kindness and care towards strangers and friends alike and have been inspired to look outside my own little bubble.  

So for the next 40 days... my goal is to use the resources God has blessed me with to bless others.  I may not track much but #blessedtobless.  I encourage you to see how you can bless those around you!

Things done and yet to do...

One of the greatest stress relievers in my life is to be creative!  Since taking this new job as director... it definitely comes with more stress but a bigger staff to dote upon regularly. 

Candy bouquet for staff appreciation week

with the label "You were MINT to be a teacher"

Something else I throughly enjoy is organizing and cleaning... pinterest has been a great help with ideas of how to organize all of the supplies in my office!

 In May I joined a group of ladies from church to work on pillowcase dresses to help those less fortunate.  They were fun and easy to make and it gave me a great opportunity to meet new friends.

I can't dote on everyone else and forget about the amazing man in my life that I get to spend our date nights cooking with and trying out new recipes!

These are some ideas that we have picked out while looking through model homes, art festivals, and home stores for furnishings!  So ready to try some of these ideas!!!

Last but not least... end of the year goodies for my staff that I have recently put together to say thank you and enjoy your summer!

Out of body transition

It has been 6 months since starting a "new" life back stateside.  It has been a whirlwind of a "new" job... a "new" face to face relationship... a "new" set of adventures... and a "new" set of opportunities.

There have been several opportunities where I have met new people that have asked questions of what I have done in the past.  As I start sharing with these "new" friends of what I have been doing the last couple of years... it seems surreal... like I am having an out of body experience... like I am a bystander telling someone else's story.  I struggle with the realization that this was my life in the past and getting others to understand this "new" normal.

Looking back to even a year ago... it seems like it was an eternity ago and a world away.  I was in China... teaching English with Disney... going on amazing weekend adventures to places like Sanya (the Hawaii of China) and Hong Kong.  Even though I lived the moments and was blessed to have these opportunities... it seems like a fairy tale now.

I chose many years ago to live intentionally and with a content heart in every situation.  This has been a new season in my life...yes there have been difficult moments... but it has been good.

I am blessed beyond belief that Christ came to make all things "new" ... we don't have to live in our pasts... whether good or bad... each day is a "new" gift from God!

How will you discover the things in your life that He has made new???

A glimpse of Hollywood

Slowly but surely... I am checking more things off of my bucket list with the assistance of an amazing adventure buddy!

Last weekend, despite both of us being sick, we had tickets to see Chicago and the 4th of July fireworks spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl.  My awesome man drove us the two hours through LA so that we could see some of the sights and an epic concert.

It was a memorable evening!

The invitation...

God does not require our assistance to carry out His plan.

Sometimes he asks or invites us to partner with him but he doesn't depend on us to fulfill HIS perfect plan.

He wants us to work alongside of him much like a father inviting their small child to work on a given project with them.

One of my earliest memories is when my brother was soon to be born.  I needed to vacate the crib, so dad came up with a plan to build a "big" girl bed.  He invited me to assist and being daddy's little girl, I wanted to assist.  I probably was very little actual help but the partnership grew our relationship as father/daughter and created great memories.  It grew my thought process that my dad would always be there when I need him.

He had included me on something that he could have done on his own.  He showed me through this invitation that I was useful... that I was treasured... that I may not be perfect but I could be helpful... that I was wanted... and through all of this I felt valued!

With every invitation ... we have the choice to join in or say no thank you.  What will be your response to HIS invitation???

"God's ways will frequently baffle us but God's will  is sufficiently clear to lead us in the meantime.  God's ways may not be clear to our childlike minds but our way is- at least enough of it to know what obedience requires."- Dale Ralph Davis

Still waiting...

WARNING:  Being real in sharing my heart.

This weekend is difficult on so many levels for me... and I know it is selfish... and I know it is self centered... and I know that it is just where I am at the moment.  

This is me being real and sharing my heart. Maybe there are others out there that share this struggle as well... or have shared it in the past... but are carrying the burden silently.  

Know that you are loved and there are others out there that understand. It is only by sharing that we can support one another and lift one another up.  

And for all of those that have been blessed with beautiful little ones... know that through tired eyes and weary bodies... you are blessed. Treasure your little ones!

Last year while in China I really didn't have to think about it...

... the year before while in Uganda 

( http://hynangel.blogspot.com/2014/05/and-they-call-me mamma.html )

... and before that... 

(http://hynangel.blogspot.com/2013/05/on-this-side-of-empty-womb.html )

... now that I am back stateside and we have been celebrating Mother's Day all week at preschool the awkwardness has come up again on several occasion...

Oh you know the well meaning comments... when telling mom's of my preschoolers "have a happy mother's day" and they turn around without thinking and say "you too"...

Or when one says "how many children do you have?" and there is that moment of silence while you try to figure out how to most politely answer...

Or... that moment when a mom of a preschooler is "too busy" to take an hour out of their day to come celebrate at a special mother's day tea... and all I want to do is take the hurting child under my wing and let them know that they are loved.

Now before you start making comments that I am being judgemental and don't understand how difficult it is to be a mom... hold on...

Mother's are amazing creatures that God created to care for and take care of their young. As I was often reminded growing up...children do not come with owners manuals... we are all sinners saved by grace... and I truly believe that there is an extra measure of grace given to mom's as they try to do their best in raising children with the tools they have been given.

With all of this said... there have been smiles covering a breaking heart...and I hold on to the promise that God will bind up the broken hearted. There have been tears behind closed doors... and I know that He collects my tears in a bottle because He cares for me. There have been many questions of "how many years do I have to wait before I can celebrate mother's day with a child of my own in my arms???"... and I hold to the fact that the God of the universe hears my prayers and He will give me the desires of my heart in His perfect timing.

Until that "perfect timing" moment... I will trust that He has my best interest in mind and I will be His hands and feet to the children He puts in my path to love on and care for... and give that extra hug or high five.... and lift up and encourage the little ones to follow Him!

Am I ENOUGH???

Tonight our church was hosting a women's retreat as part of the If Gathering.  After a very loooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg week at preschool being extremely short staff... I really wasn't sure I wanted to be around a bunch of ladies that I really didn't know. Plus sitting through 3+ hours of listening to others talk didn't really sound appealing when all I really wanted to do was go to bed.  Exhaustion from the long week had officially kicked in!  But after the encouragement from the amazing man in my life to go to this retreat... relax... and meet some new friends... I went!

Anyway... tonight the nail was hit on the head.  Since being back in the states I have been struggling with balancing expectations... and what I realized tonight I have been struggling to prove to myself that I am enough.

-Am I enough in my new job?
-Am I enough in my friendships?
-Am I enough in making my "new" life in Laguna Hills, CA?
-Am I enough in being back stateside... in the US???
-Am I enough in my relationship with this amazing man?
-Am I enough as a daughter? as a sister? as a friend? as a boss? as a ....????

And the list could go on and on...

I realized I have been striving to stay on that pedestal of "enoughness" that so many have put me on over the years.

Ok... humbling thought... yes I am being real because that is the real me... I am not enough... in my own strength.  I can't do it.  I don't have the strength or the ability.  I fall short of living up to my own expectations much less everyone else's.  When I try to do it on my own... I only get discouraged and fall flat on my face!

So picking my self up of the ground, I realize I am like Peter refusing to put his dirty feet before the Master to wash them (John 13:8).  I am a zealot and a sinner... otherwise known as I have a LOT of dirt on my feet and I do not want to put them in front of anyone much less my Master.  Thankfully I know my Master well enough to call Him SAVIOR... PROVIDER...REDEEMER... RESTORER...FRIEND.  He calls me as a father would call their child to come and wash up before dinner.  He wants to have fellowship with me.  It is only by His grace that I can be enough.

Ultimately Christ is calling me to give Him my dirty feet.  He is telling me that I am ENOUGH... not based on anything I have done but what He has already done.  When Jesus went to the cross He took the dirt and did away with it once and for all.

He took the posture of a servant.  He walked in grace and peace.  He was ENOUGH and in Him... I am also ENOUGH ... not because I have done anything worthy but because I am His child!

So the prayer of my heart tonight is "Redeem my life... and Restore my purpose."  I truly want to live like the God of the universe created me to be ENOUGH.

I don't have it all together... I fall short daily... I am self centered... I am unkind... I am unloving... but I AM ENOUGH!

I AM LOVED BY THE KING OF KINGS AND HE THINKS I AM ENOUGH... and SO ARE YOU!

Sunbathing in the Green Grass

I simply love this verse as it perfectly describes the peace that comes along with trusting in our Maker.  There are times we have mountain top experiences... and there are times that we are walking through a very dark valley through the swamp lands of trials.  I do believe my favorite times are those that He allows us to lie down in green pastures.  

Looking back over the past two months there have been some major changes in this entire transition but I have to say there has been times of such peace and of rest.  The wife of one of my board members that kind of took me under her wing for the first month of my time in California mentioned a "green grass moment" in her life and it got me thinking.

I have had such restful moments of being able to sunbathe in the green grass... peacefully trusting in His perfect plan for my life... watching things fall into place... a car... a place to live... a job where I get to work with children and adults all while sharing my heart with them... and an amazing man that shares my heart for adventure.  I am beyond blessed.

Now for those of you that are reading this thinking... why does everything fall into place for her while everything is falling apart for me?  I will assure you that everything does not always work out according to my idea but when I release my will to His perfect hands... He provides above and beyond what I could ask or imagine.  He turns my garbage into something He can use for my good and His glory.  I am by no means perfect but the lover of my soul is and I want to do everything to live for Him as He died for me.

When was the last time your Maker made you lie down in green pastures?  If it has been awhile... make Psalm 23 the prayer of your heart and see what happens.

New day... new beginning!

Well it is Monday, January 11th... I am officially settling in to Southern California and today I started my new job at Christ Community Preschool in Laguna Hills.

I have been in California for just a few days after spending the holidays with my family in North Carolina.  I am adjusting to driving again after 2 years of using hired drivers and public transportation. (Thank the Lord for a great navigation system in my car!!! I can follow... turn left here!)  I am getting used to being back stateside again where most people speak a language that I understand... menus are in a language I can read... and being able to pick up the phone to chat with friends and family without trying to figure out how many hours they are ahead or behind ... or having to talk via a computer because I am internationally!

The question of the day is... how are you adjusting?... well now that I am over jet lag... I am hitting the ground running.  Working on getting paperwork done to be licensed in the state of California... scheduling meetings to get to know the board, elders, and staff... getting a health check and fingerprinting... along with all of the training that goes into taking over for a director that has been in this position for 40+ years.  Already planning a road trip to San Diego for the 3 day weekend coming up as well as making a list of all the other places nearby to explore.

So all in all... it is a new day of a new week in a new year... and the excitement is bubbling over for all of the new beginnings and adventures that I am sure to have!  Stay tuned!!!

Modern day good samaritan

With so much negative posted... thought I would post my glimpse at a modern day good samaritan...

Last night I flew into California... where I am officially setting up residence.  Met up with some friends from Molokai and then Justin came to pick me up from their house.  As we were driving home in the rain... Justin noticed in his rearview mirror a dark car slide across the 4 lanes of interstate... headlights go into the air and then disappear down a dark embankment. 

Knowing the time of night as well as how dark it was... he was concerned that no one would find the car or driver.  So he went back to render aid.  There was a vehicle behind us that also saw what had happened and stopped as well and then a 3rd truck circled around and came back to check on the situation.  As the 3 guys walked down to check on the lady and call 911 I couldn't help but think of the good samaritan story.  Of all the cars whizzing by on the interstate... 3 good samaritans stopped to render aid in the rain.  They gave up the comforts of being warm, clean, and dry to assist someone in need.  This challenged my heart to be more aware of those in need around me and not be in such a hurry that I don't focus on others hurting around me.

In the end... the lady driving was ok... thankfully she was wearing her seatbelt so when her car rolled she didn't get too badly hurt.  The car is totalled but vehicles can be replaced... lives not so much!

A new year with no regrets

"[Jesus] said to them, but who do you say that I am?"- Matthew 16:15

It's a new year... what goals do you have?  

Your goals for the year should reflect who or what you serve!

As we turn the calendar over to a new day... a new month... and a new year... while reflecting back over the past year... do you have any "I wish I had..." moments???  You know what I mean... 

I wish I had spent more time with my children... or

...not worried so much... or

... invested more in those around me instead of my job... or

...given more to those in need.

How do we live a spiritual life with out regret???

In this journey to be intentional and live life with no regrets...I have made some goals for the year ahead.

1.  No expectations...My hope lies in Christ alone.  If He was all I had, I would be complete.  When I set unrealistic expectations...especially on those around me... I am only setting my self up for failure and disappointment.  So with this no expectations... I am giving myself and others an extra measure of grace and being flexible with the situations that cross my path.

2. Little steps in the right direction... How do you eat an elephant?... one bite at a time!  If we are faithful in the little things... bigger opportunities will be given.  Do not discount small gestures like holding a door open or picking up something for someone else.  The simple gesture of putting others needs before your own is a huge step in the right direction of being intentional about being His hands and feet.

3. Living intentionally each day... Growing up we are taught... "Think before we speak".  I would like to add... and act.  If we were to think before we say or do anything how would it change what we do and who we are?  Would we be more apt to notice those around us that have needs?  My goal is to live intentionally... making the most of every opportunity that is put in my path.

4. Invest... If we are called to image Jesus and be His hands and feet... he didn't spend a whole lot of time in a building or with "religious leaders".  He spent his time, energy, and resources sharing the love of His Father.  I can share love to others because He first loved me and I want to pay it forward.

If I were no longer here... would people mourn that I am gone?  Am I affecting change within my community?  Is the world different because I have been here?

I have been blessed to bless others.  With all this said my goal is to do 100 acts of random kindness during 2016.  Paying it forward of all that has been given to me.  May I challenge you to step outside the box and live life with no regrets.

Song on your heart

"O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!  Sing to the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day." - Psalm 96:1-2

What does the song of your heart say about you?  

Anyone that knows me... knows I come with a warning label... "May burst into lyrics at any moment."  Anyone that loves me... accepts it for what it is and joins in... others just shake their head and things I am crazy.

But... what if I challenged that crazy thought that God wants us singing praises to him day to day... moment by moment.

The writer of this psalm (aka song) was in the midst of great trial when he wrote this... and great changes happened in David's life as these songs came out of his heart.  Now his circumstances didn't necessarily change but his heart did.  Through song... he was reminded who his God is... no matter his circumstances.  

The circumstances in our life my change... but our God is unchanging!

"Sing to the LORD a new song"

We are not singing to people... so it doesn't matter how we sound.  The LORD just wants a joyful noise.  However people around us are watching...

What does your song say about you?

Be intentional about the song that you sing!!

Freedom isn't free

Disclaimer:  I have tried to be respectful and careful of what is said in this post while remembering where I currently am... please be careful with any comments that you post in response for safety and security reasons!  <><

I have been pondering this post for quite some time in light of all that has been going on on the other side of the big blue pond.  Thought today would be an excellent time to post my thoughts as today we celebrate our nation's freedom.

Freedom is not free... it cost someone something!

First and foremost... I am an American... home of the free... land of the brave.  Many men and women have shed precious blood throughout the past 240 years to produce and maintain these freedoms. 

Just to list a few... FREEDOM OF SPEECH (verbal or written). .. FREEDOM TO VOTE...FREEDOM TO PURSUE LIFE, LIBERTY, AND HAPPINESS... FREEDOM TO BEAR ARMS... FREEDOM TO WORSHIP...  I may be living overseas but this has only grown my appreciation for the freedoms in my home country. 

All of the above mentioned and what I am about to do is not possible or legal in the country I currently reside in!  As Americans we need to wake up to the fact that we are being complacent and willingly letting our rights slip out of our fingers.  At what point in our history did we become little lap dogs doing what ever people in "authority" told us to do?

As Americans we have the right to speak our minds and put like minded people in office... we have the right to defend ourselves in times of need and not be like sheep being led to slaughter... we have the right to use the brains that our creator put in us to think about given situations and say... wait a minute! You have no right to do that!  Yet how many times do we willing give up our rights because someone above us says we should.  (Ie... America should ban guns because guns kill people.  It is NOT a gun issue... it is a heart issue! ) 

Question... have you ever lived in a country where guns are illegal? Ever watch someone get stoned to death with rocks... do we need to ban rocks? Ever watch someone get stabbed to death with a knife... do we need to ban knives?  Believe you me... it is not a pretty picture.  Each situation screams of the depravity of man and the further our nation gets from the principles it was founded on the deeper into the pits of hell we shall go until nothing more is left.

Ok... soapbox time... Our maker , whether you acknowledge Him or not, put certain things in place to protect us and keep us safe as we live with others.  We are called to LOVE and sadly the American "believers" are worlds worst at this.  This LOVE is not one of acceptance and tolerance but one that says I love you because of who you are... not what you do.  This LOVE  is not based on conditions... do this and I will love you.  It is based on the very character of the one we are to image! 

What would happen if we truly LOVED each other with patience... not bashing each other over the head because of our sins but encouraging one another to do what is right based on the maker's principles? 

What would happen if we truly LOVED each other with kindness... slow to point the finger at other people's shortcomings but quick to work on our own?

What would happen if we truly LOVED each other with forgiveness... not putting past mistakes on current people but trusting in the present?

Get my drift... we are all a fallen people in need of a savior.  None of us are perfect or can do it on our own... it has already been done.  The maker of the universe sent his Son... who was perfect to stand in the gap for us so that when the maker looks at us... he doesn't see our sin but the perfection of his son.  All we are called to do is believe.   This gift wasn't free... it cost the maker's Son his life but ultimately .... the Son conquered death and the grave to make a way for the created to get to the Creator. 

Our freedom is not free!  Be thankful for those that have given up their lives so that you can be free!

Moving up in the world!

While sitting waiting on a flight in Shanghai... I ordered a watermelon juice.  This may not seem like a big deal but being able to order it correctly in a language that is very foreign to me is definitely moving in the right direction.  Even after being here for 8 months my spoken mandarin is very limited.  I joke that I can order food and get to and from the airport.  You see where my priorities are!  Ultimately I will agree that Mandarin is one of the most difficult languages I have ever tried to learn,

Shanghai Disney Store

A couple of weeks ago, the world's largest Disney store opened in Shanghai at the base of the infamous Pearl tower. This is ultimately a precursor of the new Disneyland opening here in Shanghai in 2016.  Having always loved the magic of Disney... I thought this was a must see on my trip to Shanghai.

As a cast member, our discounts were limited to certain days and times due to the immense volume of visitors.  It just happened that I was there at a time that my discount was valid so we went in for a look.  I was a bit disappointed due to the fact that besides phone cases and a few keychains... most of the stuff was geared towards small children... ie dress up clothes and toys.  I ended up picking up a couple of small items as gifts and was told they have a much greater selection at Disneyland in Hong Kong which is in the plans to visit next month!

Have you ever heard of a cronut?

What do you get when you combine a donut and a crossiant?

A cronut!

I had never heard of such a thing...until we saw a poster advertising this amazing creation.  So I decided this had to be tried.  Ordered a white chocolate oreo cronut and took it back fo Laura's to share after dinner. 

It was light and flaky like a crossiant and sweet like a donut.  Oddly enough it is "from" New York.  How can I be from the same country as this and never had heard of this? What else am I not being told?