1000 Awesome Things

The other day, as I perused one of my favorite blogs Post Secret, I came across a video promoting a book called The Book of Awesome, which is based on another blog called, 1000 Awesome Things. Always eager to discover new blogs AND awesome things-this seemed like something I should definitely check out! And I'm so glad I did. It's basically a countdown of awesome things that's updated every weekday. Now, I may not always agree with decisions about what is awesome(#985 Eating Things Past The Expiration Date-shudder. So. Gross.) I do generally love the list!

I read the different comments that people have made about how it's made them look for the awesome things in their day-even if it's just one awesome thing. That's one of things I love about this blog-it encourages people to be optimistic, look on the positive side and seek out bright spots of the day.

What's the latest awesome thing that's happened to you?

Crazy Love

It seems everywhere I look, guys are falling for girls who are slightly off balance aka crazy. TV shows are showing neurotic girls being pursued by kind-hearted guys who accept their crazy! I know, I know, it's TV. But even in my life, it surrounds me. Most of my girlfriends(I love you all dearly) have their fair share of crazy, and they have great guys who accept them for who they are-crazy and all.

I mean, all I'm asking for is one guy. I'm not asking for a parade of guys to come and lavish me with compliments and feed me grapes-even thinking about that is...awkward. Just one guy who says-"Your crazy? Manageable. Your crazy? Endearing. Your crazy? Makes me love you even more."

*sigh*

Patience. It's something I'm working on.

How Deep The Father's Love

I've been thinking alot about purpose and vision lately. A few days ago, I was sitting with a group of friends and someone asked(without knowing this had been on my mind) what our personal purpose and vision were. We discussed the difference between purpose and vision. Purpose is why we're here. Vision is looking towards the future and imagining what would happen if we fulfilled our purpose. What would that look like? He asked the group to write down what those two things were in our lives and I struggled. Not because I feel I'm wandering or because I don't believe that I do in fact have a purpose but because I am sometimes overwhelmed by it. And because of that I have a hard time having a vision for the future. Here's what I wrote down.

My purpose-
To love and follow God with all my heart
To show God's love to others any way I can

My vision-


I couldn't write anything down under vision. I have a hard time imagining where God could take me if I fully and truly loved and follow Him with all my heart. Right now I feel like I am fulfilling part of my purpose with the role of Youth Leader that I've taken on in my church. I believe with all my heart that God has led me to this place and this ministry for this time. I am beyond excited to see what God is doing in and through me during this time. He has, and will continue, to stretch and grow me through this experience.

At the same time, I know that there are parts of my life I have not completely surrendered to God. It is a daily struggle to love and follow Him with all my heart in all areas. But here's the crazy part-

Even though, sometimes I can't articulate it and I don't know where He's leading me; even though I don't see the big picture-He does. His love for me is so deep, so vast that He has a plan for me. For me! I believe that with God's help I can surrender all the different, difficult, hidden places of my heart that I know He sees. I believe He can give me a vision for what my life could be with Him guiding all decisions, actions and motives. And I believe that He doesn't just want to proclaim His plan for me and go on His way. He desires to walk along side me on my journey. In fact, He promises it.

Coming Soon To Theaters: Your Favorite Book?

The last two movies I have watched have been based on books that I have loved. I didn't read either of the books recently but I've loved them so much that I was very curious how the movies would stack up. This is what I've discovered.

If you love a book, don't watch the movie expecting to have the same appreciation for it.


It's just not likely to happen, and you'll just end up being disappointed. I have ruined some movies for myself because instead of trying to enjoy the movie for what it is(a movie based on a book), I'm checking off things on my mental list that are different or worse, or things they missed. However, when you keep your mind open and prepare yourself that it will be different and that it may not/probably won't include all your favorite parts of the book, you may enjoy it!

If you were curious, the two book-based movies I recently saw were The Time Travelers Wife and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Both books that I loved-both movies that I really enjoyed!

Second Take

I see alot of books working in a bookstore. I usually only see the titles because I don't have time to take a look through them. However, some titles are quite memorable. All of these are kids books or parenting books, as that is where I spend most of my time. I thought I'd share:

1. Moustache Doesn't Let Himself Get Pushed Around(Author unknown)

This is a kid's storybook that makes me laugh every time I see it sitting on one of our tables. Moustache is a cat who is frightened of a dog in a neighboring yard. The storyline isn't ridiculous or funny. The title however? Cracks me up everytime.

2. Your Kids Are Your Own Fault (Larry Winget)

This one isn't so much funny as it is shocking. I agree in some cases but I definitely did a second take and thought "Wow, I wonder what kind of feedback this one got?"

3. It Sucked and Then I Cried (Heather B. Armstrong)

This is pretty much the funniest title of a parenting book that I've ever seen.

4. I Was A Really Good Mom Until I Had Kids (Trisha Ashworth)

I don't know how many times I've heard my friends, who are now moms, say something along the lines of "I never thought I'd let my kid do that but now..."

5. The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear (David Bruins)

This is a preschool book that just makes me smile. I haven't actually read it, but the title is just so awesome that I'm not sure there's really a need.

That's it for now. I'm off to find more ridiculously titled books!

Reading Is Reading

I've noticed something about some of the parents/adults that come into the bookstore. Alot of them have very strong opinions about what their child, or the child that they are shopping for, should be reading, which, let me state right here, I understand. You want your child reading great books. You want them to excel. I do however take issue when I hear parents saying things like "He's just 1 year old. He can't read, why would we buy him books?", or "I don't want her to be able to cheat and look at pictures to figure out what the words are." about a child who is just learning to read. Or getting upset when their child only wants to read a certain type of book. This is what I say to that-

Reading is reading.

No matter what kind of book your kid wants to read, if they want to read, they're doing better than alot of kids. Lots of kids hate reading. Partly, because of school(if it's assigned they want nothing to do with it during their free time) and partly because they have yet to find a book that interests them. If your kid is reading books that are at a lower reading level than their age, don't make them feel bad about it! Reading ability levels can be a sensitive subject for some kids. I read some books now that are in the Ages 9-12 section. They are definitely below my age appropriate reading level but they're great and I enjoy them!

Please, please, please, read to your kids when they are babies, just learning to read, and even after they've been reading on their own for a while. Not only does it let you spend time with them, it helps develop their imagination, their vocabulary and so much more! Instill a love of reading and books in them when they're young!! Keep at it and they'll start to want to read it themselves, when they're ready. Kids don't learn on your schedule. Keep encouraging them and exposing them to great books and they'll get there!!

Lost In Translation

After years of seeing people write 'lol', 'ttyl' and a host of other texting/messaging acronyms, I just have one thing to say.

I'm not hearing what you're trying to say.

When you write 'lol' I don't hear you laughing, I hear you saying 'l,o,l'.

When you write 'brb' I imagine that you must be cold, not that you're going to be temporarily unavailable.

And the worst one, not that we can blame this on messaging, is RIP. There is nothing restful or peaceful about the word rip. Especially when it's in all capital letters. If you're genuinely upset about the passing of a loved one or public figure take the time to write out three little words. I mean really.

That is all.