I actually know exactly where my hairbrush is. It's on my bathroom counter. Broken.
*sigh*
I recognize that I can easily stop by Target today and buy a new hairbrush for likely less than five dollars even if I'm splurging on the fancy kind. But this is a prime example of how we take simple everyday things for granted.
You see it's not that it was a super special hairbrush or anything, I don't even remember when or where I got it, but I'm fairly certain that I've been using the same hairbrush for the better part of 10 years without fail. So when the head of said hairbrush decided to detach itself from the handle mid blow dry you can understand the brief moment of panic and despair that I felt when my good and faithful companion of more than a decade was rendered useless in my hands!
Now I'm sure you're sitting there thinking, Amy, get it together, it's an inanimate object to which you should have zero emotional attachment. You're probably also wondering why you read this inane blog where some woman is droning on and on about a broken hairbrush. Both are reasonable thoughts to be having at this point.
Long story short (too late) I somehow drew a connection this morning between my silly, broken hairbrush and all of the really important things in our lives like family and friends, and health and safety, that we take equally for granted each day. Somehow I have to believe that this was one of those God moments when He uses seemingly insignificant things to make a much more significant change in our hearts.
So I'll leave you with that thought and point you in the direction of Larry the Cucumber of Veggie Tales, who also knows what it's like to have an all-too-strong attachment to one's hairbrush (at least I actually HAVE hair).
90s Sunday School Kids Rejoice!
Monday, January 26, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
Traffic Lights and Tendus
Tonight I attended a Junior League meeting at the Center for People in Need in North Lincoln. We heard not only from the Center but also from the UNL Public Policy Center about the Lincoln Vital Signs Report which indicates that many parts of Lincoln have not yet recovered from the recession experienced in 2008. Most strikingly, we learned that on any given day in Lincoln 1,000 children are living below the poverty line.
As I was driving home I stopped at a stoplight at 27th and O Street like I have many other times. I happened to be at the front of the pack this time however and as I waited for the lights to cycle through, I was struck by something. Looking across O Street to the right, next to a store with its lights dimmed, a dozen or so children were following an instructor in a brightly lit room as he led them through a martial arts sequence. As I looked then to my left across the street, on the second floor of a neighboring building, little girls stretched and turned next to the barre in a ballet class.
As I watched the hi-yas and the arabesques (and meanwhile nearly missed my green light) it struck me that it was 8:30 at night and these children were still working hard at their respective passions and interests. It's children like these and still others that aren't fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pursue these passions that need our support and encouragement.
I don't know why the timing worked out tonight the way that it did, but I do know that I've never learned so much at a red light before. And as I went home to work on curriculum for our partnership with the Lighthouse after school program, I encountered a renewed sense of purpose in my task.
As I was driving home I stopped at a stoplight at 27th and O Street like I have many other times. I happened to be at the front of the pack this time however and as I waited for the lights to cycle through, I was struck by something. Looking across O Street to the right, next to a store with its lights dimmed, a dozen or so children were following an instructor in a brightly lit room as he led them through a martial arts sequence. As I looked then to my left across the street, on the second floor of a neighboring building, little girls stretched and turned next to the barre in a ballet class.
As I watched the hi-yas and the arabesques (and meanwhile nearly missed my green light) it struck me that it was 8:30 at night and these children were still working hard at their respective passions and interests. It's children like these and still others that aren't fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pursue these passions that need our support and encouragement.
I don't know why the timing worked out tonight the way that it did, but I do know that I've never learned so much at a red light before. And as I went home to work on curriculum for our partnership with the Lighthouse after school program, I encountered a renewed sense of purpose in my task.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Be it Resolved
Well hello 2015!! What a fun little nugget of a year you will be!
Sometimes it seems strange to think that any one year could be much different from any other but then there are those years in our lives where big things happen and we will forever remember that year. - for better or worse. Sometimes we have no idea what kind of a year it will be, and other times we know from 12:01am on January 1st that it will be a grand year indeed!
2015 is the latter. Two of my best friends are getting married this summer so already that means big things for the next twelve months. Also in exactly 7 months and 15 days I will hit a rather large milestone in my earthly existence. But we're not going to talk about that just yet (let me ease into it will ya?)
So as it is tradition and I tend to be a somewhat traditional gal, resolutions need to be made for this epic year of 2015. And while an epic year might warrant epic resolutions I fear that those things that initially crossed my mind are nowhere near epic. In fact they are really quite simple. But perhaps it's the many simple things we do in our lives that add up to one epic year. Also I firmly believe there are no suitable synonyms for the word epic.
Resolution #1
Be Creative
This year I want to do my best to find a creative outlet for myself. My work is very analytical and data-heavy, and while I'm good at that, I'd like to think I also have a creative side that needs flexed now and again. So whether that is writing, blogging more (*ahem*), crafting, finally finishing the quilt I've been working on for a year, or throwing more parties, it's important that I engage that part of my brain on a regular basis this year.
Tactics: (Because I'm a strategy person and every goal needs tactics)
Stay tuned for bridal shower and bachelorette plans for the BFF and bestie and a little idea I'm throwing around for a Kentucky Derby fete. Oh and a super secret (a.k.a. I've already told more than five people) theme for that big b-day that is fast approaching.
Resolution #2
Eat Better
I know what you're thinking, yeah, yeah, everyone has this one. But I'm not just talking about eating healthier. In fact I don't mean that necessarily at all. I want to eat better as in I want to cook more and make frozen dinners and boxed meals less. If I'm going to eat the calories it should at least be something that I put together or followed a new recipe for. Yet another way to find my creative outlet too!
Tactics: Obviously - trying new recipes. Guinea pigs wanted for taste testing.
Resolution #3
Stay in Touch
I am notoriously bad at this one. Every year I say I'm going to call friends and family more and write more letters and notes and every year I fail miserably. I'm an introvert for certain so talking on the phone is not something I get too excited about even if it's with someone I know and love. But I'm keeping it on the list because small things like this could be just the ticket to really shaping up an epic 2015.
Tactics: Make at least one phone call just to catch up per week.
Resolution #4
Love myself first, so I can love others more
That might sound strange or maybe even a little self-serving but follow me on this one. One thing I've learned in 2014 is that no one else can love you for YOU if you don't love you for YOU. And I mean the you that God the Father created in His image, ever-flawed as we may be, you know the one that you never think is worthy or that you are constantly criticizing with the negative self talk. (Yes I'm somewhat talking to myself at this point). Stop it. I'm going to find ways to show love to myself whether that is going to the gym even when I don't feel like it, getting a pedicure on a random Tuesday, spending more time with my dog, or gosh darn it saying no to things when I'm already too busy or quite frankly, I just don't want to. Our mental and spiritual health is just as important as our physical health friends, if not even more!
Tactics: Evaluate all of the things I've committed myself to and see if there's anything that needs to go or where God is calling me in a different direction. Oh and get my behind to the gym - already making good progress here.
Resolution #5
Love Does.
I'll be honest. I only had four resolutions, however five just seems much more complete doesn't it? And then I remembered that I'm re-reading Bob Goff's Love Does and realized that if #4 is achievable then #5 should be an easy follow-up. Maybe not easy, but a natural progression. In 2015, amidst the busyness of everything else, I want to take the time to look beyond myself and find ways to pass that love I've found on to others. Whether that is friends, family, coworkers, or complete strangers in my community. Those opportunities are right in front of each of us every day.
Tactics: Practice makes perfect. Reach out whenever possible.
Before this starts sounding like a self-help book I'll draw it to a conclusion. I hope those of you who are making resolutions this year are excited to get after them and I'll be praying for you that you're successful and I hope you'll do the same for me. For those of you that don't make them - and by all means, you don't have to - I hope it's because you didn't wait for the first day of a new year to start living your life as God intended, constantly walking in His love and sharing it with others. My admiration for your gumption is never-ending - Heaven knows I needed the January 1st push to make these changes.
A very blessed (and epic) 2015 to all of you!
Sometimes it seems strange to think that any one year could be much different from any other but then there are those years in our lives where big things happen and we will forever remember that year. - for better or worse. Sometimes we have no idea what kind of a year it will be, and other times we know from 12:01am on January 1st that it will be a grand year indeed!
2015 is the latter. Two of my best friends are getting married this summer so already that means big things for the next twelve months. Also in exactly 7 months and 15 days I will hit a rather large milestone in my earthly existence. But we're not going to talk about that just yet (let me ease into it will ya?)
So as it is tradition and I tend to be a somewhat traditional gal, resolutions need to be made for this epic year of 2015. And while an epic year might warrant epic resolutions I fear that those things that initially crossed my mind are nowhere near epic. In fact they are really quite simple. But perhaps it's the many simple things we do in our lives that add up to one epic year. Also I firmly believe there are no suitable synonyms for the word epic.
Resolution #1
Be Creative
This year I want to do my best to find a creative outlet for myself. My work is very analytical and data-heavy, and while I'm good at that, I'd like to think I also have a creative side that needs flexed now and again. So whether that is writing, blogging more (*ahem*), crafting, finally finishing the quilt I've been working on for a year, or throwing more parties, it's important that I engage that part of my brain on a regular basis this year.Tactics: (Because I'm a strategy person and every goal needs tactics)
Stay tuned for bridal shower and bachelorette plans for the BFF and bestie and a little idea I'm throwing around for a Kentucky Derby fete. Oh and a super secret (a.k.a. I've already told more than five people) theme for that big b-day that is fast approaching.
Resolution #2
Eat Better
I know what you're thinking, yeah, yeah, everyone has this one. But I'm not just talking about eating healthier. In fact I don't mean that necessarily at all. I want to eat better as in I want to cook more and make frozen dinners and boxed meals less. If I'm going to eat the calories it should at least be something that I put together or followed a new recipe for. Yet another way to find my creative outlet too!
Tactics: Obviously - trying new recipes. Guinea pigs wanted for taste testing.
Resolution #3
Stay in Touch
I am notoriously bad at this one. Every year I say I'm going to call friends and family more and write more letters and notes and every year I fail miserably. I'm an introvert for certain so talking on the phone is not something I get too excited about even if it's with someone I know and love. But I'm keeping it on the list because small things like this could be just the ticket to really shaping up an epic 2015.
Tactics: Make at least one phone call just to catch up per week.
Resolution #4
Love myself first, so I can love others more
That might sound strange or maybe even a little self-serving but follow me on this one. One thing I've learned in 2014 is that no one else can love you for YOU if you don't love you for YOU. And I mean the you that God the Father created in His image, ever-flawed as we may be, you know the one that you never think is worthy or that you are constantly criticizing with the negative self talk. (Yes I'm somewhat talking to myself at this point). Stop it. I'm going to find ways to show love to myself whether that is going to the gym even when I don't feel like it, getting a pedicure on a random Tuesday, spending more time with my dog, or gosh darn it saying no to things when I'm already too busy or quite frankly, I just don't want to. Our mental and spiritual health is just as important as our physical health friends, if not even more!Tactics: Evaluate all of the things I've committed myself to and see if there's anything that needs to go or where God is calling me in a different direction. Oh and get my behind to the gym - already making good progress here.
Resolution #5
Love Does.
I'll be honest. I only had four resolutions, however five just seems much more complete doesn't it? And then I remembered that I'm re-reading Bob Goff's Love Does and realized that if #4 is achievable then #5 should be an easy follow-up. Maybe not easy, but a natural progression. In 2015, amidst the busyness of everything else, I want to take the time to look beyond myself and find ways to pass that love I've found on to others. Whether that is friends, family, coworkers, or complete strangers in my community. Those opportunities are right in front of each of us every day.
Tactics: Practice makes perfect. Reach out whenever possible.
Before this starts sounding like a self-help book I'll draw it to a conclusion. I hope those of you who are making resolutions this year are excited to get after them and I'll be praying for you that you're successful and I hope you'll do the same for me. For those of you that don't make them - and by all means, you don't have to - I hope it's because you didn't wait for the first day of a new year to start living your life as God intended, constantly walking in His love and sharing it with others. My admiration for your gumption is never-ending - Heaven knows I needed the January 1st push to make these changes.
A very blessed (and epic) 2015 to all of you!
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