As bloggers, we all want to write more, don't we? It is something that we all resolve to do more of. I found a whole years worth of writing prompts and every once in awhile I'm hoping to pull from the bunch and do some writing. Perfect for those days when you have absolutely nothing to talk about. We all have an idea about what "happily ever after..." means. We've seen it written at the end of fairy tales and played out time and time again in romantic comedies. But, not everybody's happily ever after may look the same. Whether we end up wearing a white dress and walking down the aisle to a prince charming. Or not. Whether we end up having a two-story house with a white picket fence. Or not. Whether we are able to travel out of the country every year. Or not. Whether we end up having 2.5 kids. Or not. Whether we end up writing a best-selling novel. Or not. We may stay single. We may live in an one room apartment. We may never get to travel the world. We may not have kids. We may never be a famous writer with tons of followers. But, does that mean that we don't get a happy ever after? My happy ever after probably won't look like yours. That doesn't mean it isn't the best happy ever after for me. Although all of our happily ever afters may look different. The important thing is that we try to have one. Not everyone in the world gets a happy ending. Life is often cut short. Let's make the most of it. Let's stay up all night with friends watching a meteor shower by the river. Let's go to midnight movie premieres. Let's drive around all night talking and listening to music. Let's take random, spontaneous road trips to the beach. Let's lay in the grass staring up at the summer sky. Let's dance. Let's write. Let's create. Let's love. Let's be happy. Let us rejoice in where the Lord has us. Let us be content with where we are. Let us be thankful for where He has taken us. Let us be thankful for what He has pulled us from. Let us praise His holy name for the life He has given us. Let us bask in the freedom that He has given to us. Let Him be the source of our happy. Let Him be our happy ever after. And they lived happily ever after... Follow Me :)
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I was totally going to write an actual post today, but then I got on YouTube and of course all thoughts of writing went out the window. So, instead, enjoy some funny videos from my man Jimmy Fallon! Who is killing it on the Tonight Show in my opinion. I'm such a huge fan of his. If you missed the episode where Justin Timberlake was just recently on, you need to go to Hulu and watch it right now. I'm serious. You will laugh hysterically. It is so good. Enjoy these and I hope you laugh. Happy Wednesday! {here} If you haven't seen this yet, I'm not really sure where you have been. Justin and Jimmy are the best duo since pb and j. Then, he did it again with Jonah Hill. And then any time that Justin impersonates Jimmy, it's just good. Speaking of Justin impersonating Jimmy, you just need to watch this skit from SNL. And if you completely missed the episode where Jimmy was the host and Justin was the musical guest, but also in pretty much every sketch, you need to stop what you are doing and go watch it. Right. Now. Like, right now. Go. Last, but not least. Jimmy and Justin dancing. Almost as good as them singing and/or rapping together. Do you have a favorite Late Night TV show host? Are you a Jimmy or Justin fan?
I clearly am. No shame. :)
I learned about the 52 Lists Project at the beginning of this year. Just like the creator, Moorea Seal, I am a fan of lists. I've been known to write something on my to-do list that I've already completed, just to draw that sweet line through it. So, what is the 52 Lists Project? Every week, there is a prompt with a different set of things to list. Look for my list each week!
For week 7, we were to list the things that make us feel healthy: mind, body, and soul. I love that she broke it down into these three subcategories. It made it easier to list things out, but also made it seem more intentional. And these are things that I enjoy doing. One thing I love about doing this project is that I can easily add to any list whenever another idea comes to mind! That also helps me keep up and remember the things I want to do. Here are just some of the ways that I feel healthy: mind, body, and soul.
Mind
Body
Soul
What are some ways you feel healthy: mind, body, and soul. Is there just one of these areas that you would like to focus on more?
Are you participating in the 52 Lists Project? Leave me a link and your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Me :)
You can tell a lot about someone by looking at their Pinterest boards. You can tell whether someone is planning a wedding, a baby shower, getting ready to take engagement pictures, about to get their hair cut, what their new hobby is, or what their favorite TV show is. If you follow me on Pinterest, which you should, do that here, you will probably see that I'm all about encouraging quotes, architecture (bridges in particular), Boy Meets World, and the occasional fitness pin. Pinterest is probably one of the best things ever, in my opinion, and I can still remember the day I waited to be invited and accepted in. That just got a little melodramatic. I just love social media, guys. Let's get to it.
Are you on Pinterest? What have you been {re}pinning lately?
Let me know your username, I would love to follow you! And while you may spend the next couple of hours on Pinterest, go ahead and follow me.
Follow Me :)
I haven't been really sick (talking no appetite, throwing up, nausea, unconscious to the world sick) in quite awhile and for that I am thankful. However, the past couple of days I haven't been feeling that hot. My throat has been sore, my head has felt super heavy, and I haven't left my bed or couch. Thankfully, I haven't really lost my appetite, but I've had zero energy to work, exercise, or do anything. So, I thought I would compile a list of the things you need when you are sick. Complete with gifs and memes. Because those always make people feel better.
1. A bed. My bed is my safe place, my favorite thing in my room. I probably spend more time in my bed on the weekends than actually going out in public. I'm not ashamed of this. And it doubles immensely when I'm sick.
2. Comfortable clothing. This kind of goes along with number one and just staying in my bed, but you have to be comfortable. Which for me, means I haven't gotten out of yoga pants and big t-shirts. But, when I get too hot, I switch to Nike shorts.
3. A Computer. Basically I could have listed all forms of social media individually, but I figured that would make this list much longer. Seeing as I'm going to be confined to a bed, I'm going to spend copious amounts on time on facebook, twitter, instagram, and pinterest. Feel free to add me on any of those.
4. Music. This one accompanies #3 very nicely. Although, when I'm sick, I tend to drift toward sadder, more angsty music. Think One Tree Hill soundtracks. Maybe if I did opposite I would recover better. Eh. Basically I've been listening to The Fray and Gavin DeGraw.
5. Netflix or DVR. Enough said. Plus, I love that with both of these, I can skip around and only watch the episodes that I want.
6. Liquids. It is important to always, always stay hydrated. Usually all I drink during these times is water and orange juice. Although orange juice has felt horrible on a sore throat.
There are probably many other things that could have made it on this list, but it's getting late and my brain isn't fully functioning. Plus, this was just another way to get a post in there.
What are the things you have to have when you are sick?
Follow Me :)
Although we are well past Valentines day and my flowers are starting to droop a little, it is still not too late to join in with The Circle for this month! Also, I've always been a fan of telling people I love them whenever I want and not just on one certain day. I haven't always been a fan of Valentines day perhaps because I haven't ever had a valentine that wasn't my dad. But, if you ask me, he has always been the best valentine for this girl.
Thank you Kiki and Britney, from The Quiet Place for hosting this month!
To my favorite teenage girls, thank you for always being funny, making me laugh, and giving me someone to pour into. You guys mean the world to me and I'm honored that you guys actually want to be friends with me and listen to what I say, some of the time. ;)
To the mystery person that I make coffee for and always leaves a $5 tip in my jar. I don't know who you are, but I'm always thankful and amazed when I find your sweet surprise at the end of the day. Thank you. To my Mission Friends class at church, you little rambunctious boys are the highlight of my Wednesdays. I love being able to introduce you guys to places and people around the world who are shining their light for Jesus. To my Mom and Dad, thank you for not only being my parents and guiding me in the best ways possible, but thank you for being my friends as well. To all the USA athletes in Sochi, I love watching you guys compete and represent our nation. My favorite part is watching the medal ceremony when you are getting your medal and watching our flag raise high. To my bed, I love you for being so comfy and wish I could stay in you longer some mornings. To sunny blue skies, you are the best after dreary, cloudy, gray days. You can stay around for awhile. To my Savior, thank You for being constant and true in every area of my life. Thank You for showing me Your great love, which allows me to love others. Thank You for leading me through this amazing journey called life and for slowly teaching me what it truly means to "wait."
Follow Me :)
I learned about the 52 Lists Project at the beginning of this year. Just like the creator, Moorea Seal, I am a fan of lists. I've been known to write something on my to-do list that I've already completed, just to draw that sweet line through it. So, what is the 52 Lists Project? Every week, there is a prompt with a different set of things to list. I'm caught up on the lists, but have forgotten to share with you guys! That changes now! Look for my list each week!
There are lots of ways that we can love the people around us. Week 6 of the 52 Lists Project had us listing the ways in which you can love others. I read Moorea's list before writing my own and I loved how she made it a point to write "I can" at the beginning of her ways. Here is what she had to say about that, "Do you see how I wrote "I CAN" at the beginning of each sentence? Sometimes it is really really helpful for me to cut the crap, aka darting around really committing to something and instead just say I CAN. Instead of writing "I could" which is more of a passive way of contemplating an idea, write "I can" to push yourself to really pursue that act of love. You can do it!" Here are just some of the ways that I came up with.
Have you heard of the 52 Lists Project? Are you participating?
Leave me a link in the comments below, I would love to read your lists!
Follow Me :)
When I started blogging the first time, I was surprised by some of the wonderful "friends" I made. Although I stopped blogging for awhile, I picked it up once again. And it still surprises me that I continuously meet some wonderful "friends." This year, I decided to begin sponsoring on my blog. Although I can't financially sponsor anyone, I can swap buttons! I wanted to start using that space on my sidebar to show off the friends that I have been making. These girls are some of the greatest people and we have so much in common! I'm thankful that they want to sponsor me and allow my face to be on their blog! I was very excited once I discovered Angela's blog! Not only am I jealous that she lives in an amazing area of the country or takes super, fun vacations with her husband, she is such a fun blogger! I'm excited to introduce her to you guys today and I hope that you will go and visit her blog. So, keep reading below to get to know Angela a little bit more! 1. Introduce yourself by telling us THREE words that describe you. Compassionate: This is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I can make connections and relate to others pretty easily. A curse because I get overly attached and involved with people I don't actually know... i.e. reality TV shows, and Ellen. I end up crying a lot in front of the TV. Did I mention I'm married? My husband fell in love with me for my compassion--but he might think I'm a little crazy now that he's seen the depth of it. :) Energetic: I think fast, I talk fast, and I take a lot of jump pictures. :) Beloved: Saved by grace, and changed by the fact that I am perfectly loved despite being completely imperfect. 2. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be? This is the hardest question in the world... it definitely depends on my mood, but 90% of the time I would say macaroni and cheese. Not the healthiest choice, but I just love it. 3. What are you most looking forward to in 2014? My word for this year is trust. I am at the same time both excited and terrified to see how God teaches me this word in 2014. 4. What are your TOP 3 FAVORITE blog posts that YOU have written? Why I Blog About Jesus 26 Lessons on my 26th Birthday Tie between My Sister's Gender Reveal Party and her Baby Shower If you are interested in sponsoring Polished Arrow there is space available! Click the SPONSOR tab up above to learn more about how to get your sweet spot on my sidebar. Check out the page above or e-mail me with SWAP as the subject!
Guys, life has seriously been the busiest it has been since I left California. And it isn't going to slow down anytime soon. I no longer need to worry about having too much down time, but instead finding time for myself. I had the first of THREE DNows this past weekend and it was fantastic! David Nasser, Jimmy Needham, Canon, and others led us in some awesome worship and fed us some great stuff. This weekend, I'm heading out of town again for another youth event called Ekklessia. Can't wait to tell you guys more about these. But, for now, I need to get something out that has been on my heart. There is something special about DNows (Disciple Nows). I loved being a part of them when I was a youth in high school and I'm honored to still be a part of them now as an adult. (That's weird to say, really I just feel like a big kid hopefully saying all the right stuff that God is speaking to me.) If the Lord does bless me with a family one day, I pray for the day when my kids take part in a DNow and I can open my house to be a host home. I love being around youth, not because they keep me feeling young (That is already established when I constantly get asked whether I need a wristband. The count from this past weekend? Three times.). And not because I get to hear some awesome speakers and worship to some great music. But, because youth have something to say. They have a lot going on. There is so much going on in their lives and often times they feel like they have no one to speak to. Sometimes it can be easy for someone to come in that they don't know, like me, and be that person they can spill everything too. It's like they think they will never see me again, so it's easy to spill their guts and get some quick advice. Little do they know that I like to keep in touch. I'm not just there for the weekend. When I was in high school, I had an older, female friend that I greatly looked up to. I can remember sitting with her after church or at her house, talking about what went on at school, in youth that night, what Bible Study we should do next, boys, mission trips, life. She has been one of the biggest influences in my life, partly because she was just there. Because she included me, because she listened to me, because she spoke truth to me. Everybody should have a person like that in their life. I want to be that person for someone. I aim to be that person for the teenagers around me. The message this past weekend was one of beauty, redemption, and worth. Here's another reason I love youth events. Although the message is primarily for teenagers, God will use it to speak to my heart too. It's often a reminder that I need myself. So much stuff is thrown in our faces daily telling us that we aren't good enough, teenagers especially. We all know of the issues that tell us we aren't thin enough, beautiful enough, strong enough, smart enough, worth enough. It's seen in magazines, on TV, heard on the radio, and all over our favorite social media. Dr. Joe Savage completely turned this around for us this past weekend. He reminded us of our worth and that we were created for a reason. That we were created in God's image and He said that it was very good! He reminded us that we have great value. That even though we are broken and sinful people, we still have value! God didn't leave us broken. He has restored us! And because He has restored us, we can open the gifts that He gives us. We can enter Heaven and go before God because of who Christ is and what He did for us. We don't have to believe the lies that are thrown at us. We can throw them away and turn instead to the truth that God speaks over us! We can believe that we are blessed, chosen, redeemed, and living. Which is exactly what we have been studying at my church on Sunday mornings in regards to the Church. It's really funny the way that God works. I mean sometimes, you just have to laugh about it and give it to Him. He really does know what He is doing. The youth from my church didn't go to the last morning of the conference, because we had to be back at our Church Sunday morning. (Our interim youth leader is also our minister of music.) And I can't honestly say whether they listened well or not, but if they were, they would know that the sermon we heard that Sunday morning was the best way to end the weekend. At least, for me it was. We are studying Ephesians on Sunday morning and have been learning about how the Church is blessed, chosen, redeemed, and living. This past Sunday was talk of the living church. And let me just tell you, it was full of conviction and one that requires a response. Because we are Christians, and we are the Church, we are blessed, chosen, redeemed, and living. There are certain characteristics that we should bear as believers that set us apart from others. One is our love for one another, as believers, and others, who aren't believers. Our love for others is one of the distinguishing marks of a Christian. This is what God is all about after all, because He is love! One of our small group sessions this past weekend was on what our brand-marks for Christ are, what shows others that we are Christians. As Christians, we also have a spirit of wisdom and revelation. My pastor said this, "there is no reason for us to sit on something that the Lord has given us." Here is what Dr. Savage told us this past weekend, "Look to the Creator to see what He wants us to do in life." The greatness of God is incomparable to anything else, but we have hope in the things we are called to and having a spirit of wisdom and revelation helps us understand His riches. Guys, we may not know exactly what we want to do for the rest of our life, but God already knows. I'm still figuring out His will for my life daily. Another characteristic is our faith in Christ. Our faith is a saving faith, a serving faith, and a sharing faith. That last one is the one that struck me the most. Here is what my pastor said: "we have to share this news or we are not doing right." What is something that I confessed to the youth this past weekend? That I run away from opportunities to tell others about Christ. You read that right. I run away from opportunities to share the Gospel with people. Guys, that was the biggest thing God revealed to me this past weekend. As a Christian, as a part of the Church, I am blessed, I have been chosen, I am redeemed, and I am living. The same power that rose Christ from the dead, is alive in me. But, am I really living if I'm not sharing the beauty of the Lord and what He did for me, for all of us, with others? This post is already longer that what I expected it to be and all over the place. So, I'm going to stop here for today. But, be on the lookout for more in the coming days. Don't worry, those will be a little more organized. :) The same power that rose Christ from the dead, is in me. God has not held that back from us as believers. Our faith is a sharing faith that cannot be held back. There is no reason, no excuse, for us to hold back on the greatness of God and what He has done in our lives. So, why then, do I continue to not share the Gospel with those around me? Follow Me :)
Sorry I didn't give you guys much to read this week! I've been busy with work and preparing for a DNow this weekend. This is round one for youth events this month. Round two takes place next weekend. But, first, please be in prayer for the youth that are going to attend this conference/ DNow this weekend. We are expecting close to 500 youth! Also, keep in mind the leaders, workers, and worship guys who will have a part in this weekend. Praying for God to move in big ways! I'll be back early next week for a recap of this weekend and hopefully some fresh new content! Happy Friday, everyone! Follow Me :)
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