My last post was in March and it is now October. I have become such a faithless writer. There are reasons why this is the case. I think a lot of it has to do with creating priorities. The older I get, the more I want to do, so I have to give values to what I do with my time in order to not neglect what is important.
So an update. Life is wonderful.
If I could talk to the Heather from 5 years ago, I would tell her to hang in there. What seems so discouraging will one day be what helps you appreciate what is to come.
I would tell Heather that she will have mentors who will help her through her doubts in her faith and bring an emotional stability. They will help her figure out priorities and what is important.
I would encourage Heather that what she hoped to find in a man did exist-and more. I would confirm that what she desired in a man is realistic and that her standards are not too high. That that man would be so patient with her heart that has been hurt so many times. She just has to hang in there.
Most of all, I would tell her that peace will come in her relationship with the Lord. That forgiveness is possible. That the Lord was meeting her in her confusion and her hurt and that the Lord was already starting the healing process. I would tell Heather from 5 years ago that one day, she would not know what to do with all the gratitude that would fill her heart - that she would see, it was all worth it.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tuesday (a few weeks ago)
I know I can be a little too emotional or detailed in my stories and sometimes maybe a little too honest. I don't know if this story fits into those categories but it is something I want to share because I like to share when God's love has been abundant in my life.
Monday night I went to bed just empty. I felt as if I had nothing left to give to anyone. I wasn't emotionally drained of physically exhausted from lack of sleep. I was mainly just sick of being busy all the time and I hit a wall of not having the motivation to keep going.
Tuesday Morning I pulled myself out of bed after hitting my snooze button for way too long. As I was getting ready in the early, dark hours of the morning, I was praying to the Lord to change my attitude or fill me with His love and His presence because I knew I was at a place of nothing left to give and I knew I would be interacting with many people that NEED His love. Then, my phone buzzed with a text message from a friend that encouraged me to pray to God and not pray to answers. I was so glad for that message because I spent the next TWO hours stuck in awful Atlanta traffic and it gave me a great opportunity to focus on the Lord and not what I wanted from Him.
The rest of the day was filled with my internship and school work. I decided to go over to my parents to do my homework because I hadn't seen them in a while and to be honest, there is no place that will ever feel so much like home. As I sat on my parents couch cramming for an exam due that night, my Dad sweetly implied that I was really risking it trying to get so much done so close to a deadline. When I explained my schedule, he saw I really didn't have any other time to study (another reminder to me that life is just WAY too busy!).
As I sat there studying, I received another text message from a friend that said she was so thankful for my friendship and that she loved me. I was humbled because for that past few weeks, I haven't had the time to feel like I have been a good friend.
Well, the homework continued and my family slowly started heading off to bed. My Dad however, decided to stay up as I rushed to take my exams before the midnight hour. When I finished the last exam with two minutes to spare, I thanked my Dad for staying up with me and he replied "everyone needs a little moral support every now and then."
I know this is a long post but I hope you are getting a hint at how I was blessed on a day when I felt like I had NOTHING left to give.
You would think my day would be over at that point but it wasn't! I went back to my apartment and picked up my mail on the way. In it was a letter from a friend that sadly, as much as I wish I could get to know more, I just haven't had the time! It was a letter with a substantial amount of money to go towards a mission trip I am going on. I had been a little frazzled because I hadn't written my support letters yet and a due date was coming up for a substantial amount of money to be due. I just stood there and cried. Here is a girl (who doesn't have a job right now, mind you) who felt like the Lord wanted her to give me this money.
I crawled into bed that night feeling like the Lord had just lavished HIS love on my and affirmed that HE will take care of me and when He asks me to be obedient, He will provide.
Monday night I went to bed just empty. I felt as if I had nothing left to give to anyone. I wasn't emotionally drained of physically exhausted from lack of sleep. I was mainly just sick of being busy all the time and I hit a wall of not having the motivation to keep going.
Tuesday Morning I pulled myself out of bed after hitting my snooze button for way too long. As I was getting ready in the early, dark hours of the morning, I was praying to the Lord to change my attitude or fill me with His love and His presence because I knew I was at a place of nothing left to give and I knew I would be interacting with many people that NEED His love. Then, my phone buzzed with a text message from a friend that encouraged me to pray to God and not pray to answers. I was so glad for that message because I spent the next TWO hours stuck in awful Atlanta traffic and it gave me a great opportunity to focus on the Lord and not what I wanted from Him.
The rest of the day was filled with my internship and school work. I decided to go over to my parents to do my homework because I hadn't seen them in a while and to be honest, there is no place that will ever feel so much like home. As I sat on my parents couch cramming for an exam due that night, my Dad sweetly implied that I was really risking it trying to get so much done so close to a deadline. When I explained my schedule, he saw I really didn't have any other time to study (another reminder to me that life is just WAY too busy!).
As I sat there studying, I received another text message from a friend that said she was so thankful for my friendship and that she loved me. I was humbled because for that past few weeks, I haven't had the time to feel like I have been a good friend.
Well, the homework continued and my family slowly started heading off to bed. My Dad however, decided to stay up as I rushed to take my exams before the midnight hour. When I finished the last exam with two minutes to spare, I thanked my Dad for staying up with me and he replied "everyone needs a little moral support every now and then."
I know this is a long post but I hope you are getting a hint at how I was blessed on a day when I felt like I had NOTHING left to give.
You would think my day would be over at that point but it wasn't! I went back to my apartment and picked up my mail on the way. In it was a letter from a friend that sadly, as much as I wish I could get to know more, I just haven't had the time! It was a letter with a substantial amount of money to go towards a mission trip I am going on. I had been a little frazzled because I hadn't written my support letters yet and a due date was coming up for a substantial amount of money to be due. I just stood there and cried. Here is a girl (who doesn't have a job right now, mind you) who felt like the Lord wanted her to give me this money.
I crawled into bed that night feeling like the Lord had just lavished HIS love on my and affirmed that HE will take care of me and when He asks me to be obedient, He will provide.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Holiday Morning!
I woke up this morning to a little boy calling my name "Heather?"
I was at my second home where I nanny and I had been sleeping in the basement guest bedroom when nine-year-old Aleks peaked through the curtains that separated my room from the rest of the basement. I then invited him to crawl in bed with me where we proceeded to watch an hour of cartoons.
Then, when his twin brother woke up, we all went upstairs and had breakfast together. The boys mom woke up at this time and made coffee so we had a leisurely breakfast. It was fantastic. It definitely beats waking up at my apartment by myself and grabbing a cup of coffee and hopping online!
After that, I invited the boys to come along as I walked the neighbor's dog where I am dog sitting. Only Aleks wanted to come along. So we went on a walk singing the drummer boy song repeatedly and wishing anything that moved a "Merry Christmas!" We played on a playground for a little bit and then made the trek back home. When we got to his house. Everyone was awake and playing around. It was such a wonderful way to start the day!
It's the little moments that put smiles on my face!
I was at my second home where I nanny and I had been sleeping in the basement guest bedroom when nine-year-old Aleks peaked through the curtains that separated my room from the rest of the basement. I then invited him to crawl in bed with me where we proceeded to watch an hour of cartoons.
Then, when his twin brother woke up, we all went upstairs and had breakfast together. The boys mom woke up at this time and made coffee so we had a leisurely breakfast. It was fantastic. It definitely beats waking up at my apartment by myself and grabbing a cup of coffee and hopping online!
After that, I invited the boys to come along as I walked the neighbor's dog where I am dog sitting. Only Aleks wanted to come along. So we went on a walk singing the drummer boy song repeatedly and wishing anything that moved a "Merry Christmas!" We played on a playground for a little bit and then made the trek back home. When we got to his house. Everyone was awake and playing around. It was such a wonderful way to start the day!
It's the little moments that put smiles on my face!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
My Christmas List
I am naturally an introvert. So usually when I have free time, especially if I have been busy, I just want to sit in my apartment and do nothing. Seriously, sometimes I just sit and really do nothing!
But this Christmas, I decided, if it was possible and I saw the opportunity, I was going to do as many Christmas things as possible or at least appreciate the Christmas moments that were around. So this is my list of the Christmas moments I have experienced so far this holiday season.
~The day after Thanksgiving, my roommate and myself bought our Christmas tree and invited friends and family over to help us decorate it. We strung cranberries and popcorn on the tree and hung our ornaments. We asked each other Christmas trivia. We also drank eggnog and apple cider, and watched "It's a Wonderful Life". It doesn't get much more "Christmasy" than that!
~Now that my parents are *almost* empty nesters, they don't have as much help decorating their house for Christmas. So one night I went over there and helped my mom hang all the stockings. We now have 10 stockings in our house! I love that our family keeps growing!
~One day all of my sisters and mom got together to divide all of the Christmas items my mom did not want or knew were ours. We had many laughs. I sometimes wonder what people are thinking when they make some Christmas decorations. My oldest sister did a wonderful job trying to convince us that some tacky item was worth claiming as our own. I did manage to find a white elephant gift! I love when moments like these end up with tears from laughing!
~I went to a Mormon church last Sunday to look at hundreds of Nativity scenes displayed. It was so fascinating to see how creative people get with Nativity sets. I couldn't help but think of the little boy that I watch who is obsessed with Nativity sets. I could picture him saying "Look Heather! Baby Jesus!".
~How could it be Christmas without an invitation to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party? I am always amazed at how hard it is to find an ugly Christmas sweater when I see so many ladies wearing them! The thrift stores were out of them but I managed to get one at Kohls at a bargain price. This did not come without having to navigate around the four elderly ladies excited about such a great deal on festive sweaters! Haha!
~One of my goals every Christmas season is to drink every holiday drink at Starbucks at least once! I was able to accomplish this already and have decided this year, I favor the Gingerbread Latte. Delicious!
~I went shopping with my sister yesterday. While we were shopping we walked past Carolers and even Mrs. Clause, a reindeer and an elf! Now that was some Christmas spirit!
I still have ahead of me a Christmas cookie exchange party, a Gingerbread house party and a few friendly get-togethers. All of these festivities have truly made me smile!
I cannot finish this post without mentioning listening to my favorite Christmas songs multiple times. This year I have two favorites: "O' Holy Night" and "The Christmas Hymn". I am a lyrics person so when you listen to the songs, listen to the lyrics. :-)
But this Christmas, I decided, if it was possible and I saw the opportunity, I was going to do as many Christmas things as possible or at least appreciate the Christmas moments that were around. So this is my list of the Christmas moments I have experienced so far this holiday season.
~The day after Thanksgiving, my roommate and myself bought our Christmas tree and invited friends and family over to help us decorate it. We strung cranberries and popcorn on the tree and hung our ornaments. We asked each other Christmas trivia. We also drank eggnog and apple cider, and watched "It's a Wonderful Life". It doesn't get much more "Christmasy" than that!
~Now that my parents are *almost* empty nesters, they don't have as much help decorating their house for Christmas. So one night I went over there and helped my mom hang all the stockings. We now have 10 stockings in our house! I love that our family keeps growing!
~One day all of my sisters and mom got together to divide all of the Christmas items my mom did not want or knew were ours. We had many laughs. I sometimes wonder what people are thinking when they make some Christmas decorations. My oldest sister did a wonderful job trying to convince us that some tacky item was worth claiming as our own. I did manage to find a white elephant gift! I love when moments like these end up with tears from laughing!
~I went to a Mormon church last Sunday to look at hundreds of Nativity scenes displayed. It was so fascinating to see how creative people get with Nativity sets. I couldn't help but think of the little boy that I watch who is obsessed with Nativity sets. I could picture him saying "Look Heather! Baby Jesus!".
~How could it be Christmas without an invitation to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party? I am always amazed at how hard it is to find an ugly Christmas sweater when I see so many ladies wearing them! The thrift stores were out of them but I managed to get one at Kohls at a bargain price. This did not come without having to navigate around the four elderly ladies excited about such a great deal on festive sweaters! Haha!
~One of my goals every Christmas season is to drink every holiday drink at Starbucks at least once! I was able to accomplish this already and have decided this year, I favor the Gingerbread Latte. Delicious!
~I went shopping with my sister yesterday. While we were shopping we walked past Carolers and even Mrs. Clause, a reindeer and an elf! Now that was some Christmas spirit!
I still have ahead of me a Christmas cookie exchange party, a Gingerbread house party and a few friendly get-togethers. All of these festivities have truly made me smile!
I cannot finish this post without mentioning listening to my favorite Christmas songs multiple times. This year I have two favorites: "O' Holy Night" and "The Christmas Hymn". I am a lyrics person so when you listen to the songs, listen to the lyrics. :-)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Fall Escape
It has been too long since I sat down with a cup of coffee and my blog.
Instead the coffee has been sipped while rushing off to my 8AM classes and my writing has been for research papers with the stress of trying to write an "A" worthy paper.
But here I am typing in one of my favorite ways and sipping an afternoon cup of Joe.
Yesterday I was reminded of the simplicity of life and how great a need there is to "escape" lists and planners, cell phones and computers. I was supposed to go to Six Flags (an amusement park) with my boyfriend but when we arrived, it was incredibly busy and we decided we would not have fun waiting all day in line to ride only a couple of rides.
So instead, we went on a hike next to a river. We crossed the river (boy! was that water cold!) and sat for a little while on a broken stone wall that used to be part of a dam. As I sat there, I didn't think about much. I just watched the gentle rapids go over and around the rocks and the fish swim in the calm parts of the water, while I let the warm sun and a cool breeze hit my face. After that, my boyfriend and myself took turns taking naps in a hammock with the breeze causing the leaves to rustle and add to the background noise of the rushing river.
After walking around in the woods and exploring old cotton mill ruins, I was so grateful for the chance to escape from responsibilities for a day and just soak in some fresh air and the sun.
It was the little moment of escape...that refreshed me.
Instead the coffee has been sipped while rushing off to my 8AM classes and my writing has been for research papers with the stress of trying to write an "A" worthy paper.
But here I am typing in one of my favorite ways and sipping an afternoon cup of Joe.
Yesterday I was reminded of the simplicity of life and how great a need there is to "escape" lists and planners, cell phones and computers. I was supposed to go to Six Flags (an amusement park) with my boyfriend but when we arrived, it was incredibly busy and we decided we would not have fun waiting all day in line to ride only a couple of rides.
So instead, we went on a hike next to a river. We crossed the river (boy! was that water cold!) and sat for a little while on a broken stone wall that used to be part of a dam. As I sat there, I didn't think about much. I just watched the gentle rapids go over and around the rocks and the fish swim in the calm parts of the water, while I let the warm sun and a cool breeze hit my face. After that, my boyfriend and myself took turns taking naps in a hammock with the breeze causing the leaves to rustle and add to the background noise of the rushing river.
After walking around in the woods and exploring old cotton mill ruins, I was so grateful for the chance to escape from responsibilities for a day and just soak in some fresh air and the sun.
It was the little moment of escape...that refreshed me.
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