Let's Get Crafty!

Nothing is finer than a nice afternoon filled with procrastination.

Today's source of distraction came from my new best friend, The Big Ass Book of Crafts.  Seriously.  It doesn't get much better than that.

(I like to call my little avian friends Bert and Frieda)

I've noticed more and more lately how nice it feels to do something artistic now and then.  It's a great stress reliever, makes me feel like I'm six again (which some people might insist is true...you should see me around chocolate chip cookies...), and somehow, it makes me feel like I might possess a smidgen of talent.  Basically, I highly recommend doing SOMETHING crafty this week.

And be looking for some more adventures in the craft world very soon...

Living with no regrets...

Lately, I've been struggling a lot with some mistakes that I've made.

I know people always say, "You should live life with no regrets.  Just make your mistakes and learn from them."

I've kind of come to realize, though, that sometimes you really do end up regretting things whether you'd like to or not...and I think we should.

Every now and then, I find myself disappointed in myself, far from the person I wanted to be.  It's sorta hitting me hard today.  I set goals for myself, then constantly let myself down, but more importantly, I let God down...the one person's expectations I really care about living up to.

I know that God forgives us...and He is a very loving God.  The Bible says in Corinthians "Love keeps no record of wrongs."  So, I know that God has forgiven me for the things I'm not so proud of now that I've repented and made a real decision to make changes in my life.

However, I find it even harder to forgive myself.  For potentially hurting someone else.  For potentially hurting myself.  

I know that now the past is the past, and there's nothing I can do about it...but I can't help but wish I had done things just a little differently.  I think that just comes with the territory in being human, making mistakes.  It's something I think we must all struggle with.

And if there's nothing we'd look back and change, then what have we really learned?

I guess I just need to suck it up...do my best to make the necessary changes, and put a positive spin on my mistakes.  None of us are infallible, and for some crazy reason God loves us anyway.  He's a God of second chances.  I think I'll take it.

Reflections on a great year and ringin' in a new one...

Happy 2009!  I keep saying that I can't believe it's already 2009...I wasn't quite done with my 2008 yet, but I suppose I've got to make the most of it and dive right in...but before I do that, I just wanted to share some things that I've picked up on this year.

2008 was an amazing year for me.  With the exception of the first half of it that was a bit bumpy, I have never been happier.  I've done more growing over the past year than I ever could have expected...and any trials have only turned out to be blessings.  I'm in a relationship with the most amazing guy I could ever have hoped for.  I've grown closer to my best friends, and farther from some others...but for the most part, everything has seemed to finally fall into place in my life, and I know that it has to do with me finally giving up on the pride battle of trying to do it myself, and just surrendering it to God and learning to ask for help from Him and others when I need it.

• I've learned that I really can handle anything through God.  His plan is ALWAYS better than mine, so it's pretty much just best to turn everything over to Him from the start...that won't ever backfire on you, but your plan probably will.
  
• I've learned that I shouldn't sweat the small stuff...and seriously, it IS all small stuff when you think about it.
  
• I've learned that I shouldn't give up on people.  Not everyone will let you down.  Not every guy will break your heart, and sometimes, you have to take a few hits before you can really appreciate how good you have it.  I am incredibly blessed.
  
• I've learned that leaving can be one of the most empowering things you can do.
  
• I've learned that disconnecting from your "security blankets" can be the healthiest thing you can do and the only thing that will possibly allow you to grow into yourself.
  
• I've learned that church is necessary for my growth, sense of security, and accountability.
  
• I've learned that not every church is right for me, but I've been blessed enough to find the right one and I'm able to share that part of my life with some of the most important people in my life.
  
• I've learned that shutting God out of certain areas of your life simply won't work in your favor, so just quit while you're ahead, let Him in, and take that leap of faith.  You won't regret it.
  
• I've learned that relationships absolutely have to have God at the center, whether it's a friendship or romantic relationship, He has to be there for it to function healthily.  
  
• I've learned that you can never run out of love to give, and you can never run out of a positive thing to say.  However,
  
• I've learned that sometimes, you just need to rant to somebody who will love you no matter how ridiculous you are...and those people are hard to come by, so love them with all you have and make sure they know they are appreciated.
  
• I've learned that coffee can be ridiculously tasty...and trying new things can be fun and rewarding (beyond coffee, of course).
  
• I've learned that I hate political commercials.
  
• I've learned that stopping to appreciate God's creation now and then never gets old.  Seriously.  Look at the stars.  It makes you feel so small and just encapsulated by the wonderment of God's power. (In the picture above, check out the Northern Lights...I've GOT to see that before I die)
  
• I've learned that prayer is a necessity for spiritual growth.  You wouldn't go a week without talking to your best friend or lover, and you can't go without talking to God and expect your relationship to flourish.
  
• I've learned that despite what I'd like to think, I really am one of those girls that likes the mushy romantic stuff...oh dear.
• I've learned that acting like a grandma and knitting can be really fun.
• I've also learned that remembering my childhood and coloring or going to the zoo is still really, really, really fun...and turning 20 won't be the end of the world.

This is getting pretty long, but I think the gist of what I'm saying is that in 2009, in all things, I hope I continue to learn, grow, and seek God...to grow closer to Him individually, take some more chances, branch out, and be less afraid of losing.  Everything works for the good of those who love Him...why not live really, really believing it?