This One Life

Sometimes it's daunting to think of how fast time goes. Before I know it, I'll be twenty. Granted, that's still pretty young, but I feel as though my life is going to flash before my eyes if I don't take the time to intentionally do the things I've set my mind to.

I've come to the conclusion that the best way to begin changing the world is being faithful in the small things every day. If I don't like the person I am today, odds are I'll be the same person tomorrow unless I make deliberate choices to do something about it.

I have been given so many incredible opportunities...I can't waste them. Life is an adventure, but you have to choose to leave home, or otherwise, well, let's be honest, you won't get far. Yet, it's more about who I am than what I do that is exciting and meaningful. I see myself changing and becoming the individual I desire, but I'm still so far from her. Every day is a decision. Every day demands dedication and commitment to becoming a dearly beloved friend of God's.

<< This really struck me as profound. I feel like it's not the first time I've heard it, or something like it, but somehow, as a person gets older, words tend to carry new meaning. As I reflect on my actions and general disposition toward people, I am convicted by the different way I compare individuals. Sometimes I tend to have blinders on, and only befriend the people who I think will bring me more satisfaction and fulfillment, distancing myself from those that can do me "absolutely no good." It's shameful. I want to see the beauty and value in everyone!

Such words echo the subtle whisper in the human soul, but I think it's usually drowned out by other voices or simply ignored. Undoubtedly, this is true with a lot of subtle truths, which is why I must choose to live intentionally. Every day is a choice to be better than what is naturally comfortable.

Words of Wisdom: Every human being is a sacred, profound mystery. Yet, not all can express their desire to be understood. Try to understand them anyway.

Goals

Drew, my brother-in-law, challenged me to write down all the roles and responsibilities I have, and come up with at least one thing I can do to improve in each area throughout the week, and then update my intentions every week. So, here goes nothing:

I am a: Christian - Read my Bible/devotional and spend time with the Lord everyday

Daughter - Call mom every week. Send at least 2 text messages

Sister - Call Corrine and Nate every week. Write Brielle a letter

Student - Complete all my homework on time

Athlete - Get at least 8 hours of sleep! Compete to the very best of my ability, push myself farther than I think I can go

Worker - Always do my best, be respectful/cheerful, look for ways to help without being told

Writer - Blog every day :)

Yesterday I met with a dear friend, Denise Smith. She is old enough to be my mom, but I greatly appreciate her time and wisdom. Among many things, we talked about the difference between doubt and unbelief. Doubt, to paraphrase her definition, is questioning a belief system. Unbelief is believing in nothing and questioning nothing. Believing in absolutes is what grounds faith of any sort. There cannot be faith without doubt, but unbelief denies the possibility of any sort of absolute, which condemns any possibility of believing or having faith in anything.

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1).

Along with my resolution to keep a blog, I've decided to commit to reading "My Utmost for His Highest," a daily devotional by Oswald Chambers. Several people have recommended it to me. Last year I read "Streams in the Desert" by L.B. Cowman, another great devotional.However, I wanted something new this year. Each day is just a page long, a thoughtful, intentional start to every morning.

I have never laughed so hard in a room by myself. Haha. Just happened to discover this video. I've known about Julian Smith for a while, he's got a ridiculous sense of humor. But this is the best because she's not even trying to be funny. Man, way to go 95 year-old grandma. You pown those noobs. ;)

It's the start of a new year. At this time, people tend to set themselves up with commendable ambitions and goals as a new year symbolizes a new beginning. However, change, no matter how great or small, takes tremendous effort. As a human being, I want to experience that rewarding feeling of a job well done. I want to work for something and see the fruits of my labor. Yet, nothing is glorious about working towards a greater end. It is possible to experience brief moments of reward, but essentially, I believe one must be willing to endure the monotony of striving long after their goal was established, and be faithful even when no reward is in sight. The key to successful resolution-keeping is determining what the "big picture" ambitions are for the future, and then breaking these goals down into smaller goals in order to reach the ultimate destination.

MY Words of Wisdom: If you're not willing to commit to the little things, you'll find your goals unattainable.

Successful people are either very lucky or very hard working. If you're not lucky, you're screwed.

It's a New Year!

A New Year Celebration to Remember

How I had the night of my life for under $35

Perhaps I have never been (or had the desire to be) exposed to experiences one would qualify as "partying it up," however, according to my standards, that's precisely what I did last night. Leah, Elley, Becca, and I went to downtown Grand Rapids for the annual countdown and dropping of the ball. We came to the general agreement that the experience was just an overwhelmingly heartening beginning to the upcoming year, filled with memories we will not soon forget.

We made it an all day event. Starting after a hot bowl of soup, we did Elley's hair and makeup and set out to Plato's Closet in Grandville in search of dresses for our ladies' night out. Against the employee's wishes, we ended up huddled in one fitting room along with almost two dozen dresses. We each purchased a suitable dress ($14) and headed to the mall for a belt. We ended up cutting our time rather close. We only had 30 minutes before our dinner reservations at the Rockwell Republic, and we had no idea how to get there. We frantically changed in the nursing area of the women's bathroom, forgot the belt, and bolted out of Macy's with an overstuffed backpack and a handfuls of the jeans and shirts we changed out of. Apparently, we didn't look like the shoplifters we felt.

Miraculously, we made it to the Rockwell almost on time without too much trouble. The restaurant was--well--classy, but not

satisfying for those without deep pockets. Regardless, we had a great time. Elley and I had sushi; a good choice ($10 with tip included).

After our frugal feast, we headed deeper into the heart of GR. Fortunately, after I drove the wrong way down a one-way street, we found free parking not that far away from Biggby, where we filled our bellies with grande cups of doctored up coffee (less than $5), which is always a great alternative when it's the last day before you start your new year's healthy resolutions and you're hungry and in need of energy.

When the visit to the over-crowded coffee bistro was completed, we found ourselves with 4 hours to kill. We decided to check out the Gerald R. Ford's Museum of Art. It costs $5 to get in. As it was far too dark and cold to take pictures outside, we set ourselves to capturing kodak moments with the art. We became quite creative ourselves.

Finally, after much laughing, joke-making, and picture-taking, we headed outside to endure the long 2 and 1/2 hour wait for midnight's arrival. After enjoying singing and dancing along to some mainstream favorites, we endured over an hour of "The Romantics," a band local to Grand Rapids. It might be possible this group of old men were appreciated in the 80's, 30 years ago, but they certainly weren't yesterday. Not even the drunk people liked them. Just when we thought we couldn't handle one more song, the countdown was already upon us. The crowd joined in reciting the last seconds of 2011 together. The clock turned. There was shouting, streamers, and confetti. Suddenly everyone wanted to leave at once and the new year was upon us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, and the creation of my year-long blog. The only resolution I have resolved to actually keep.