Change

I've always loved this quote by John Eldredge, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive."

I prayed for some sort of transformation to start taking place today. Not just something typical or in the things surrounding me. I feel like I have a deep itch for a change in myself. I guess it's pretty soul-ish. There was a lot of talk this Sunday about peace-making as opposed to conflict-avoiding. All of that ultimately pointing back to the issue of vulnerability-baring, something from which I can't seem to escape. I could write on here all day long about the things that, if accomplished, would actually make me feel more accomplished. But until I actually shut up and start making my words into something more than just that, nothing is ever going to happen. Although writing doesn't seem like it plays a big part in the process of effort, I do think that by saying out loud and dating the starting point of something new, I will be more inspired to follow through with it. Consequently, on to day one.

While it can be the thing that destroys you, it can also be the very same thing that beckons and builds you. The longer you know someone - and the longer you allow someone to know you - the more the light and shadows inside each person become more vivid -JW

When you're happy like a fool, Let it take you over

"If we knew each other's secrets, what comforts we should find."

Matt Wertz

Wonderful.

Captivating

I heard somewhere once that "genius" is being able to put into words exactly what's floating around in your head. I'm reading "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge again (for you who haven't read it, you should). I remembered this passage when i got to it and I think they do a nice job of putting into words what I probably couldn't.

Page 12 "Sometimes the idea of living as a hermit appeals to all of us. No demands, no needs, no pain, no disappointments. But that is because we have been hurt, are worn out. In our heart of hearts, that place where we are most ourselves, we don't want to run away for very long. Our lives were meant to be lived with others. As echoes of the Trinity, we remember something. Made in the image of a perfect relationship, we are relational to the core of our beings and filled with a desire for transcendent purpose. We long to be an irreplaceable part of a shared adventure."

Hiccups

I saw and learned the most amazing thing tonight.

Before I explain, let me just say that I am by NO means the kind of girl to be softened by "baby happenings". However, tonight, while spending some much needed girl time with my nine-months "with-baby" friend, I got to see a baby move, and was proven wrong. I don't know how I've gone almost 25 years without ever witnessing this, but I have. Every now and then, in the middle of our conversation, I would see a knee (or foot or elbow) roll across her belly. She then proceeded to tell me that the baby had the hiccups. Hiccups? Really? I love it.

That's it. I just think that's amazing. It's when stuff like that happens that makes me wonder how people can not believe in God. 2 years ago I would have probably said it creeped me out, but thank goodness for growing up.

57º

These are the kinds of days that verify how much the weather affects my mood. It's is 57º outside and I am overwhelmingly happy.