Inspiration for the Morning

This morning as I put the finishing touches on getting ready for the day, I reached down to get a bottle of perfume from the many options under my hand. Which scent should I wear today? I have on a blue shirt, so perhaps I will go with the blue bottle. As I sprayed, I realized I have had this perfume for many years, but somehow it still has some left. Probably because this particular scent only takes a little squirt. It is strong. As I placed the bottle down, I looked down to see what the perfume was called. It was there where I smiled: Inspiration by Lacoste. Just like the perfume smells strong, those that inspire are strong. Inspiration means strength.

As I sat down to read about Jesus and write my prayers and write eucharisteo, I began to think about that word again. Inspiration. Inspiration. Inspiration. I began to thank God for those that inspire me to be better. I prayed that I would be an inspiration to others, that I would not live for naught. That I would use my time in this world for God's purpose and that my inspiration for others would breath out of God's inspiration in me. 

Then, I did what I always do after my time with God: check my email. Because Heaven forbid we go a second without doing that. When I checked my email, I had a few emails from a good friend from Liberty law school. I was delighted to see an email from her because this is no ordinary woman. She is a treasure. The kind of woman you only meet once in a lifetime and when you do, you remember her forever. She is the "remember forever" kind of girl. Then that word hit me again as I read the emails: Inspiration. She is an inspiration. To me and to everyone she comes in contact with. And she makes me want to be a "remember forever" kind of girl too. Inspiration is a pattern. 

You see, she is the girl that the doctors said to abort. That she had a heart problem, and a mineral deficiency and no limbs. But her parents had a different idea. They were inspired by God. They said no to abortion and yes to life. Thus began the journey of inspiration. And she beat the odds because the God of inspiration had a different idea. You see, He gave her legs, and arms, and no heart deficiency, and no mineral deficiency, and a brain that worked well. So well in fact she obtained a degree in Statistics and Actuarial Science from the University of Minnesota. And then a degree in law. Two of the most difficult degrees out there. Yes, she is smart. Because God created her beautifully. Yes, God inspires. As a result, she inspires. You can hear about her story here and you can be inspired too.  

So, in this email, I read a story about my friend and how she has always wanted a car, but they have always been too expensive. But someone was inspired and put her name in the hat to win a car in honor of National Mobility Awareness Month because she is considered a local hero. Heroes inspire. And she said I could vote to help her win a car. And you can vote too by clicking here. And if you click on the green box beside it and get the question right, you get two votes. 

The doctors said she would amount to nothing. Well, I guess the doctors can eat their words. Because the girl I know amounted to something so much more than nothing. She amounted to a friend, an attorney, a hero. She amounted to a divine inspiration of God's faithfulness. 

We serve a GREAT God. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our ways. He creates each of us in His image and knows us even when we are in our mother's womb. That is the God I serve. "Value does not come from our abilities but in His image and because of the blood of Jesus, we have value."

Yes, inspiration is a pattern. God inspired Kristal's parents through their conviction and His word that their daughter was made in the image of God and had value. He inspired her with His beautiful plan. She inspires me with her strength and testimony. Hopefully you have been inspired as well. So, vote for her to get a car, and if you are inspired spread the word!

Until next time be blessed.....

Journals for the Journey

I know I mentioned that I am taking the journey of Eucharisteo.  I knew it was going to be an exciting journey, but I did not know how good it was going to be. To learn the art of living a life of Thanksgiving and Thanksliving is rich, life-giving. Then I got an idea. How about ask those life friends of mine to take the journey with me? If I have been changed, perhaps they will too. And perhaps we can take this joy dare together and learn what a life of thanksliving means in good company.

I had plans to meet up with these precious sisters. So, I drove down to the store, picked up some journals, making sure they were the perfect size and style to carry around. And then I drove to meet them. And the fellowship began. And the hugs. And so did the eating, stories, and laughs. And I waited until our stomachs were full of good food from our favorite little spot in Waco. And I waited until our hearts were full from the time spent, laughs had, and memories made. Hearts full from that sweet fellowship of sisterhood, SING, and familiarity. Familiarity of a town we used to call home and of each other. This is what I like to call deep communion...life changing communion.

It was here where I shared my own story about how Eucharisteo was changing my life and mentioned that everyone gets their own journal for their own journey into thanksgiving. Only if they want to. No pressure, but I think it could be a journey worth sharing. A lesson in caring for each other's journey.

Our sisters from Zeta did their show, the one where they sang about having the time of their lives. Yes, I did have the time of my life. But as they sang, I realized, I am still having the time of my life. I guess that is what they call the good life, not the perfect life where nothing goes wrong, but definitely a good life. A content life. Especially now that this is a life of learning eucharisteo. Yes, sisterhood communion was good. If only twelve hours in each other's company, it was good, sweet communion. Needed communion.

And so the journey of sisterhood continues. But I hope the journey of sharing Eucharisteo is just beginning.

Letters of Love

I love letters. When I say love, I mean love. Probably because I like words. You see, my love language is words of affirmation. So, when people say encouraging things to me it makes me feel loved. But when people write me letters, I feel real loved.

Yes, I love letters. Writing can lift a spirit with thoughtfulness of someone besides self. And receiving can make a day...bring sunshine in the rain. Come like an unexpected gift in a moment of need. And lift a spirit that someone thought of this self.

Maybe it is because I lost a dear friend once and never got to say goodbye that made me realize the importance of letters, saying what you feel and mean before someone is gone forever. Or maybe its because letters can be read and re-read over and over and over, while spoken words are often times forgotten. And on those bad days when you have nothing good to say, and let bitterness or dispute settle into your heart, you can go back to that box of letters…and remember. Remember the good. Remember the love. Perhaps that is why Christ wrote us a love letter. Yes, Christ showed us love on the Cross and then He wrote us a letter. To remind us of His love, unwavering.

Yes, love letters are for the telling before they are gone...and for the remembering...

Growing up, I always dreamed and yearned for a husband. You see, I had so many things to say to the man I would one day love. So, I decided to put pen to paper and write love letters to my future husband, not knowing who he was. By the time I got married I had journals full of letters to give to my love. It was a special moment. His wedding gift to me was a box, full of paper and envelopes so that we could write letters to each other at each anniversary remembering the past year we had. Remembering. He never knew about my journals of letters, until that wedding day. But he thought to write letters too. Yes, we will read, re-read, and study those words. And we will remember. Remember why we said yes. Remember why we chose each other. Remember love. For years to come. 

This Valentine’s Day, I have a gift. You see, I am a much better writer than speaker. When I write, I can write, erase, re-write, edit, re-read, fix, and then give it to my recipient. However, when I speak, it usually just comes out in a big blurt and it is usually not eloquent. As a result, I do not feel as if I have done a good job at encouraging and uplifting my love like I want to. So, this Valentine’s Day, this day of love, I am pledging to write more. My love and I will start the art of writing letters to each other on a daily basis. We will follow the examples of those that have gone before us. Ones that have lasting relationships. Ones that take time to give thanks. And we will write. And we will read. And we will give thanks. And hopefully it will be lasting. And meaningful.

Yes, this gift starts on the national day of love, but hopefully we will learn a lifetime of it. Perhaps we can learn to cherish each other a little more through the writing and saying what we feel before they are gone...and perhaps through the reading we will learn how to love better, fuller, and more meaningfully. And most of all, we will do it for the remembering…and the reminding of our love for each other...because He first loved us...And I pray through the process we learn Eucharisteo, the art of joy, grace, and thanksgiving for each other…Yes, maybe these letters will lead to a fuller life of love....

I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day…go write someone you love a letter…you will be blessed….and they will too…

Learning "Eucharisteo"

Eucharisteo. It means grace, joy, thanksgiving. I started reading Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts" a few days ago. It has been on my list for a few weeks. So, when I got a Barnes and Noble gift card in the mail, I knew exactly what I was going to spend it on. If it were not for Husband, errands, work, laundry, and dishes, I might have read it in one sitting. From the first moment I cracked open the book, I have not been able to put it down. Perhaps it is because my heart was ready, longing to hear what Ann has to say in her book. She talks about learning to live a live of eucharisteo. So, today marks the official day of learning to live a life of eucharisteo. Not just a life of thanksgiving. Not just a life of joy. Not just a life of grace. But a life deeply entrenched in every character of this word. I am excited about this journey. I am ready for this journey. I need this journey.

Ann talks about making a list of things that you are grateful throughout the day. While I will not share my list every day, I thought I would share the start of my list today. Here is to a life of eucharisteo.

• new neighbors
• putting make-up on just because
• a note on the counter from Husband when I wake up
• refreshing showers
• new books
• gift cards to buy new books
• inspirational writing
• the start of a new month
• new beginnings
• discontentment that leads to new beginnings
• fresh fruit smoothie to start my day
• the feeling of the cold smoothie on my throat
• spring on the horizon
• work from home
• a flexible schedule
• living near family
• bridal dress fittings
• pure whiteness of a wedding gown, symbolizing purity
• flannel shirts, plaid flannel shirts
• a productive day ahead
• an elderly man at the grocery store walking out with flowers to take home to his love
• husbands that still date their wives and enjoy it
• a note from Husband telling me he looks forward to dating this weekend
• busy weeks so that I can look forward to a relaxing weekend
• the weekend on the horizon
• everything the weekend ahead holds

Until next time........be blessed...and pick up a copy of "One Thousand Gifts." It will not disappoint...

Coffee-The Drink of Intellectuals

I found this unpublished blog entry, and it is awaiting its debut. It's from a long time ago, but I hope it inspires my readers to be moved to action....

I am sitting in the cutest little coffee shop you have ever seen called "The White Hart" in downtown historic Lynchburg. Mid-terms are over and I am officially taking my first break from all things law since classes started. I am on my fall break. Most of my classmates went home, thus making it hard to be here alone, but surprisingly this little coffee shop actually reminds me very much of Austin...hence I am feeling very urban today in my converse, scarf, and cardigan. As I breath in the coffee air surrounded by true "urbanites" (I am just a wannabe), I'm reminded of home. The only thing missing from my "urban" day is Anthropologie, but I am grateful for the comfort that this little coffee shop has brought me...I think I will come here more often...

Mid-terms are over and fall break is here! Mid-terms went well. I had four mid-terms in a span of four hours. It was the most intense experience I have ever encountered You would have enjoyed being a fly on the wall....things were TENSE amongst the 1L's. We took them on the computer so the fingers were flying and the keyboards got a beating...1 hour, 6 weeks of material, and 1 doozy of a test (professors write them so that you need two hours to complete it but have one hour)...I am here to say that I survived! I haven't gotten my grades back yet, but survival is a miracle in and of itself. I am beginning to think I can do this law school thing...

As I sit here, I am looking at an article posted on the wall. "Coffeee-The Drink of Intellectuals." I was intrigued...Because law school has taught me how to research and I love learning (and because I want to think about anything BUT the law today) I began a little research project of my own about the history of coffee and coffee shops. Thus my blog inspiration...

Coffee was once introduced as the "satanic threat to the soul." Maybe this was because when coffee was first introduced and coffee houses first erupted in the Middle East, attendance was affected at the Mosques. When coffee reached Rome, priests claimed that Christians that "drank the hellish brew risked eternal damnation." Who knew coffee was such a controversial drink? While my addiction to coffee has not affected my church attendance (yet) maybe this could be called a "satanic threat to the soul" because I am addictd. As a law student, I confess coffee has become a lifeline. I wake up each morning to the smell of ceoffee brewing. I haven't always liked coffee but once you start, you can't stop...it is an addiction of no returns! But when you think about it...coffee is comforting. It gets you prepared for the daily grind. A morning without my coffee can be viscious. I never thought that I would say this, but it is true....

Despite all the controversy of this drink, during the 17th and 18th centuries, coffee houses flourished in Europe. While the actual drink was viewed as "hellish," coffee houses seem to be quite the opposite. They became places of conversation. Intellects, politicians, poets, and literary men would sit for hours over a cup of coffee and converse about anything and everything-mostly intellectual. I can picture it now: men in glasses with their books discussing philosophy, theology, politics, and other world issues. What a sight to behold! Maybe this is why coffee shops are such a comforting place to me. I love the intellectual world. Who knew that coffee shops historically were a place of intellect-I surely did not.

I have found myself in the same place as these historic intellectuals today talking with a few of my friends about law, why the criminal justice system in America could use some improvement, politics, and what we can do to make this world a better place (aka: graduate from law school and conquer the world together-one victim of injustice at a time). I am inspired. There is no other place that I would rather be. I know that I have continually said this, but the people here inspire me and challenge me to rise above myself. They challenge me to think about issues from a Biblical perspective. I have never been more encouraged, challenged, and inspired than in these past few months. I am excited about the study of law and the opportunity that awaits me upon graduation...and to think that I learned this all from an article on the wall at a ecclectic hole-in-the wall coffee shop...inspiration....

But my thoughts do not end there....inspiration breeds action. Inside this little coffee shop is also a bookstore called "The Inklings Bookstore." Who are the "inklings" you might ask? Well, the inklings were some of C.S. Lewis' friends and students. They all studied at Oxford College and would converse about their literary writings. So, not only am I drinking the drink of intellectuals, but I am in a bookstore named after intellectuals. We'll call that a double dose of inspiration....As I sat in church this morning, the pastor talked about not only knowing the Word but telling others about it and acting on what it says. Thus, begins my deeper thoughts. As much as I love the coffee shop feel of sitting around talking about how to make the world a better place, it is all mute if I never act on what I learn from those conversations and take my inspiration into all the world. C.S. Lewis certainly did not keep his little thoughts within his "inkling" group. He has impacted the world through his writing. I do not merely want to be a girl that sits around and talks about how horrible it is that little girls are sold into slavery every day...I want to do something to change that. It has effected me, now I must be moved to act....

So, my little 12 oz. Mocha has caused me to reflect on many things today. I think I will come back here for more...that means "The White Hart" will be getting much more business from me. The Mochas in the future have a lot of expectation to live up to...I might even mix things up a bit and breed inspiration from other little coffee shops...I hear there are may to choose from...I think that I will give "The Drowsy Poet" a chance next time....

Coffee really is a drink for everyone. In my research about coffee, I found that during the 16th century coffee was seen as a necessity to life....so much so that a husband's wedding vows included a promise to keep his wife "well supplied with coffee." Failure to do so was grounds of divorce. I don't know about you, but that sounds delightful. A man bringing me coffee every morning...yes please! I also read that coffee is the universal drink-a good housewife always has some ready and her house filled with the aroma of coffee! HA! So, I leave you with this charge-go find you a cute little coffee shop and get some coffee-be inspired!

Until next time...be blessed!

Research came from the following articles:

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19961114&id=zGgWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dRUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1187,2511274

http://www.essortment.com/all/defineintellec_rybo.htm

http://www.inklingswhitehart.com/

Writer's Block

I have decided that this will be the year of writing. I have always wanted to write a book. However, I have never truly gained the courage to do so. In fact, I have no clue what I would even write a book about. So, I have decided to start with baby steps: blogging more, perhaps getting an article or two published. But for now, all I can do is think about writing. When I actually sit down to do it, I get a sudden brain freeze. 

So, in an effort to write more, and in an effort to avoid the writer's block, I have decided to read more. This year I am going to attempt to read 30 books. I know that this goal seems completely reachable, however, it also seems quite daunting. However, I am very excited about this goal for the following reasons: 1) My new job is very taxing emotionally (more on that another day); 2) the legal career leaves little room for creativity; 3) my husband has just started his first job in politics. So, with the often need to escape the emotions of a job and with my non-creative legal world, and a world where it seems as if all my husband and I do is talk about politics, which are quite depressing these days, I shall read. Then write. And turn on my creative juices. For my sanity. At least that's the plan. 

Here are a few books that I am going to begin with: 

• 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp
• Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
• Jacqueline Kennedy by Michael Beschloss
• Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
• Life After Yes by Aidan Donnelley Rowley

I am very excited to read these books and I will definitely keep you posted on my thoughts of the books and which books turn out to be favorites. I am trying to add variety to stimulate creativity. However, I will have to say that there may be a lot of autobiographies in the list come the end of the year. I am on a biography kick these days. In fact, amidst all the recent travels for work and the holidays, I recently finished "No Easy Day" about the Seal Team that captured Osama Bin Laden. It was fascinating, and I am excited about the movie coming out this weekend. 

So, here's to writing....and reading....and creativity. Until next time, be blessed.......

Hello 2013!!!!!!

Well, the holidays have come and gone, and I am left saddened that they are gone for some reason this year. Perhaps it is the fact that I spent my first Christmas away from home or perhaps it is the fact that we were so busy with everything because it was our first Christmas without a month long break, thanks to graduation. Whatever the reason, Christmas came and went, and I found myself feeling sad as I drove home from my parents house Sunday night. I love marriage, but this growing up thing where everyone gets married and moves away has lost its lovely feeling some days. Sometimes I find myself longing for the days where it was just us three girls living under my parent's roof. Back then, things seemed complicated. Now on the other side of it, things back then seemed simpler. Yes, some days I long for those days and perhaps that is why I was saddened when Christmas season was up this year-those few days when we were all under the same roof again were comforting, if only for a while. And as much as I love Scott, I was sad when those few, short days were up. Some days, I secretly long to be a little girl playing dress up with my sisters where curls, and girls, and dolls were the most of our worries. Now its on to bigger things, grown-up things such as bills, laundry, jobs, cleaning house, and schedules. Yes, I long for those simpler days, but life must go on-I can't stay five forever. Plus, these "grown-up" days are pretty great too.

Christmas was good this year. This year we spent the weekend before Christmas and Christmas day with the Stiers in North Carolina. It was a fun time, cram packed full of movies, presents, and as always, lots of eating. Then it was back to Texas for a couple of days of Duncan family Christmas. Each experience warmed my heart-both in their unique ways, but both in ways that left me yearning for more of Christmas. As we flew home from North Carolina, Scott and I began talking about the year behind and the year ahead. With Christmas in our backpack and the New Year on the horizon, and a three hour plane ride leaving lots of room for conversation, new year's resolutions were what was on our mind and laced in our conversation. With two lawyers in the family, you can imagine the analysis that went into our New Year's Resolution list. I normally do not like resolutions, but Scott made a good point: it is good to have goals and end points in mind. It gives us something to look forward to as we start a new year and something to look back on as we reflect on the year behind us. 

As we talked, we realized that this past year has been full of blessings: we graduated from Law School, moved back to Texas, took the Texas Bar, celebrated a year of marriage, found out we passed the Texas Bar, and both accepted our first job. We traveled to Washington D.C., Myrtle Beach, SC, Minnesota, Bald Head Island, NC, and the Outer Banks, not to mention taking several day trips to parts of Virginia to see parts of our country's history. As we look forward to the upcoming year, we are excited about getting settled in Texas, starting our careers, and maybe even getting a dog (even though Scott doesn't know it yet). Each of us have made our own goals for the new year (mine includes reading 30 books, writing more, and being more positive), however, we decided to make a list of goals for the new year as a couple. My most favorite goal is: less stress, more fun, and more spontaneity. With two lawyers and a marriage that has thus far been filled with many stressful circumstances (3L year of law school, TX bar exam, moving, and finding jobs), you can imagine how much we are both looking forward to this goal. With the passing of the bar and recently moving into a new home, we are beginning to see what normal is. It is quite refreshing, and we are looking forward to more of it in the upcoming year. 

We hope that you will reflect on your past year, make goals for the new year, and above all, give thanks. Hello 2013-we are looking forward to a great year! 

Until next time....be blessed......