I recently discovered the honest, encouraging blog Life Lived Fully. What caught my attention most was the story behind the blog header, which features two trees – one bare and one in full bloom. Lindsay writes that it was inspired by the thought that good and bad always coexist in life. I’ve been thinking about that a lot. Even when life looks bleak, there’s always some hope to hold on to. Even when life is going exactly the way you want it to, it’s still marred by something. (In a Christian context, we always have our salvation in the darkest times, and we’re always sinful and living in a fallen world even in the best times.)
So not only do I have plenty to be thankful for right now, in the midst of these less-than-ideal times, but also, someday when I have the things I’m hoping for, I’ll still be struggling with something else. I think I prefer to approach life in this balanced way, instead of as a roller coaster where you’re always headed either straight up or straight down. That perspective leaves me constantly bracing for the next drop.
1 Comment + Posted in: reflections
My New Year’s resolution this year was to start keeping a thankfulness journal, and so far I haven’t missed a day! Every night as I’m getting into bed, I write down three things I’m thankful for that day, or three good things that happened. Sometimes I add one or two short prayer needs. Sometimes I take up a whole separate page if something is really on my mind. It’s just a small thing, but it helps to focus my prayers and thoughts in a non-intimidating way. It also has unexpected side effects, such as revealing patterns. So far most of my thankfuls involve good food, spending time with people, or some new thing I bought. Sometimes all three comprise my list for the day. Should I feel bad about this? :\
Anyway, to work up enthusiasm for the project, I decorated this plain blank book with some baubles from Michaels. As usual, the idea came to me fully formed while I was there on a different errand. So I chose this bird and tag from the jewelry section. Maybe it’s weird that I used “passion” for the cover of a thankfulness journal, but they didn’t have “thankful,” and “passion” is a keyword for me these days. So I went with it. I just hot-glued the charms to the front of the book. Easy!
I’m glad I’m doing this, especially now in the bleah-est bleahs of winter. If my mood has been any indication, Blue Monday was this week, not next week. I need some sunshine.
2 Comments + Posted in: crafts, faith, winter
My latest column is up at Blissfully Domestic! As I mentioned, it’s about painting champagne glasses like we did at my New Year’s Day brunch. It’s a lot of fun!
Today I want to share about a few interesting charities that have come to my attention recently!
Nashville flood relief continues. The United Way has opened five “Restore the Dream” centers around Nashville, where people who lost their homes to the May 2010 flood can find the resources available to them all in one place. I think this is great – with any tragedy, it’s easy to find help and support right after it happens. But people tend to forget over time. I’m glad the United Way hasn’t.
Nella’s ONEder Fund was created by one of my favorite bloggers, Kelle Hampton, in honor of her daughter’s first birthday, to benefit the National Down Syndrome Society. (It also makes me think of one of my favorite movies, That Thing You Do, in which the band is repeatedly called “The Oh-needers” until they change the spelling of their name.)
Abolition! Ministry is out to increase awareness about human trafficking, which is thriving not only in Third World countries, but also right here in America. The statistics are very scary, unsettling, and difficult to accept, but it’s important to get the word out so more people can do something about it.
This ministry isn’t new to me, but I’ve wanted to sponsor a Compassion International child for years and have always hesitated for a few reasons. This week, I finally signed up, and I’m excited about it! :) Compassion is a very reputable organization – no worries about them pocketing the money instead of giving it to the kids.
Finally, my alma mater, The University of Memphis, announced this week that a life-size bronze tiger sculpture will be built on campus next year for the university centennial. Of course, they’re accepting donations. Do it for Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey! (I still miss those guys.)
In unrelated news, I’m considering a professional redesign of this blog. Can anyone recommend a good designer with reasonable rates? I’m not sure I want to get into the whole “self-branding” side of blog design, because that makes me feel like I can’t develop and change, and I don’t like that. But the exercise might do me good. I’m open to ideas. :)
4 Comments + Posted in: nashville, tigers
Last night I went, with my mom and Kevin’s girlfriend Stefanie, to hear Angela Thomas speak at a local megachurch. I first read Do You Think I’m Beautiful? several years ago, and it changed my perspective for the better. I was really unfortunate-looking as a teen/preteen, so issues of external and even internal beauty go very deep with me. Anyway, the themes of Angela’s writing and ministry resonate even more with me these days – living boldly and passionately where you are, believing that God wants to use you in a big way. She inspires me. After the event, I got to meet her and have her sign my book! :) It was thrilling.
I was actually a little relieved that the line was long and I didn’t have to talk – I become a complete moron when I meet famous authors. I once went to a Justine Larbalestier book signing (for her excellent novel Liar), expecting to blend into the crowd, and about five people showed up. I’d been following Justine’s blog for months, and admired her work, her knowledge of the writing craft, and her general coolness. I could have had a real, intelligent conversation with her about a number of things. Instead, I totally shut down, had no questions during the Q&A, and couldn’t say more than my name at the signing table. Author Meeting Fail. In the case of Angela Thomas, we also have our faith and several other major things in common, so I probably would have sobbed incoherently on her shoulder if given the chance. LOL.
1 Comment + Posted in: faith, the writing life