It's been a long time

It’s been a long time since I last wrote on my life. I realize this may have been negligent on my plan to document my thoughts and experiences, but I feel that it was necessary. My life has been rather hectic and confusing. Not confusing in the sense that I don’t understand the direction I am heading in, just in the sense that I’ve desperately needed some order my life. I’ve allowed my lack of spare time to dictate my mind. I easily got caught in a whirl wind of “to-do’s” and rarely allow myself enough time to think.

This week I believe God intervened and sent me friends that create an atmosphere or relaxation. Being near them, whether doing nothing or something, has always been refreshing. These moments of peace have allowed me to gain back my sanity and joy. I’m not fully to the point where I can give my control to God, but I am certainly working on this aspect of my life. I depend on His direction in my life, and I don’t want to revert to my old ways of dictating my every decision.

So here it is…a reminder of my life goal

I wish to live a peaceful, yet productive life.
I wish to allow God complete control over my actions and thoughts
I wish to think of others more than myself
I wish to create on a regular basis for His glory and not my own gratification
I wish to not take relationships for granted
I wish to create harmony and order in my life
I wish to cherish every moment as is it were the perfect moment
I wish to trust in HIM

New Blessings...

Little update on my life…

• I got the job at the new boutique that is opening in Nampa. Very excited
• Today was the first day at my babysitting job. The twins are one year older making my job a bit easier and less dramatic. Very nice
• This week I am packing and preparing myself for a very long trip to Europe. I will see some of my best friends for the first time since I left over a year ago. The reality of this trip hasn’t quite hit me yet. I know that I’m going to Norway. I keep telling myself this, but only in these moments do I fully take that fact in. I’m going to Norway! I get to see them again! I honestly didn’t know if I would ever get the chance, and here it is 1 year later not 10 years like I had imagined. This trip is a true blessing. I thank God so much for this opportunity. I’m sad to be leaving friends behind, but I know this trip will be wonderful for me and I will be home shortly.
• I have the chance to visit friends tomorrow before I leave so I’m very happy.
• Have a interview at Urban Outfitters. I don’t know if I should work there or not with all my other commitments so I’m praying and leaving it up to God.
• Life is good…what more can I say?

True Blessings...

Though I could recount this experience in a detailed explanation I’ve decided to keep it short and sweet. Tuesday’s events…

My morning was rather average until, while on my way to Nampa, I stopped by my church. A film crew was taping short clips for a type of visual guide that pastors can use in their sermons. My pastor knew my interest in film so he introduced me to the producer and director of the project. Although I most likely won’t have contact with them in the near future I still believe our meeting was by no accident. In the film business, even on a small scale, connections are needed. They now have a name to a face; and I wouldn’t turn down the opportunity if my pastor was asked to suggest college students.

I then went to Nampa to visit Becca for the first time since school was let out. I never realize how much I miss friends until I am there visiting with them. I so easily become complacent with the mundane activities I complete throughout the day. Spending even a few short hours with her reminded me how much I appreciate friends.

Becca and I later fed our shopaholic natures at Brass Razoo, proudly enough I didn’t purchase anything. While at the store I ran into an old friend that I had met a few years prior at a woman’s conference. After discussing the past years events she told me of her new business venture. The business will be a small boutique in which she not only sells apparel, but also teaches garment design and production. Amazingly enough Tammy is planning to offer a Bible Study out of the store once a week, and hopes to focus her efforts on the encouragement of young women’s self-esteem. After discussing my summer plans she “offered” me a job at her store. This meeting was so remarkable for the very reason that for the past month I have specifically been praying for a female mentor, creative encouragement, and a way to learn more in the area of fashion. In one short unexpected meeting God proved Himself to be a remarkable provider once again. Although the job is not 100% mine I can still be grateful for the surprising events that took place. To me this day was perfect in that I was able to see God in every way.

Movies...too many to count

I will be keeping a list of all the movies I see this summer…I know this is already quite a few movies, but I’m taking the Classic Cinema class so I haven’t technically watched the 18 films I mentioned as my summer goal….(I’ll be updating this at the end of every week)

High Noon
It Happened One Night
Citizen Kane
Casablanca
Chariots of Fire
Ordinary People
North by Northwest
Places in the Heart
Grapes of Wrath
A Man for All Seasons
Sense and Sensibility
Shop Girl
Animal House
Prize Winner
The Forgotten
Bella
Lars and the Real Girl
Rent
Million Dollar Baby
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
The Golden Compass
Better Off Dead

New beginnings are always the Best…

So here it is. I’ve finally began writing my blog. Although I’ve only recently considered keeping my life to date through the wonderful world of blogging the concept is not new to me. While in Norway my friends attempted to convince me that blogging was the way to go. Despite their efforts I never gave in (well until now that is).

I hope this blog will be used to express my thoughts, experiences, and share my sometimes ordinary life with others. This summer I hope to challenge myself in new ways, and perhaps this blog will be a good means to document that change.

So first off here is a list, which I will be periodically updating, of the things I would like to accomplish this summer: this list does not include the adventures I will be having in Europe fairly soon….

1. Watch 18 classic movies
2. Read 6 novels of classic children’s literature
3. Begin writing a children’s short story or novel
4. Brainstorm screen play
5. Spend more quality time with my family
6. Invest in the lives of others
7. Visit my grandparents on a regular basis
8. Keep my creative journal up to date
9. Spend ample amounts of time perfecting my journal/photo album project
10. Learn to do the unexpected
11. Learn to take chances
12. Show others that I appreciate them in a more tangible manner
13. Spend the time I need, not just am ok with, in the Bible
14. Prayer journal. Also pray for others
15. Learn to love life to the fullest**