random things saved in 2011

I am cleaning up my 2011 blog drafts...
and if I ever print my blog in a book, I wanted to include some of this.

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down this road...
the light is still shining in these days of unknown,

but it's hard not to wonder if the days down the road, 

around this next curve,  

will turn into dark days.

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This story over here [click to go to (in)courage] is powerful.
The video clip is thought-provoking.

The life behind the writer (Gitzen girl) is heartbreaking.

The challenge is real.

One I want to try to live more -

cherish the moments,

be thankful for the moments,

and live in the moment.
In her words - "Savor your life and and blessings.
And thank our God for the gift of it all."
"Please Don't Miss It."

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Do you look "across the fence" and wish for something else?

I read this post from (in)courage recently titled "Looking Over Fences..."

and it really made me think.

It is easy to look at other people -

their lives -

(work, family, house, job, etc, etc)
and try to measure up or either see yourself as a failure.

Honestly....I am guilty of both at times.

Comparing and seeing better or worse is "no good."

Comparison is an easy way to create misery.

It is hard not to -

sometimes other people seem to have it all.

I am still learning and it will probably take a lifetime...

but I want to get it right.

I know without a doubt that I have a blessed life.

But deep down I have struggles that I keep to myself,

doubts and fears that I battle.

I don't want anyone to look at me and wish for my life -

you wouldn't want it - trust me.

God is writing my story, weaving the tapestry of my life.

I do not know who this quote belongs to,
but it has remained in my thoughts for a long time...

Don’t Compare Your Life To Others’. 
You Have No Idea 
What Their Journey Is All About.

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The nester shared on (in)courage about friendship here.
Her lessons about friendship:
If you want friends 
you have to spend time with people you don’t know, 
in order to get to know them so that they can be your friends.


Say yes.
 (say yes to going places, doing things, finding time for others, etc.)

She also linked to this website here by Gregory TeSelle.
Some of those thoughts mixed with mine -
The benefits of friendship include healthier, happier, better adjusted people who
are more empathetic, more connected, humble, and real.
Friendship is a risk - risking your pride, risking the fear of rejection.
risking the fear of someone knowing who you really are.
Friendship involves pain, forgiveness, grace.

This writer (Gregory TeSelle) pointed out this scripture:

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants;
for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:
but I have called you friends;
for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

He was mainly talking about great leaders are great friends, they see the risk and dive right in.
His last sentence of the blog post is quite profound...as Jesus made friends -

"May we follow his lead." (Gregory TeSelle)

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