I keep pages and pages of things that inspire me. I even devote entire journals full of inspiration. Photocopies, quotes, lists, drawings, websites, blogs, heroes and artists……sometimes the pages are all over the place and random. Other times they have specific themes. Use today to start using your journal to log your inspiration:
Two days ago I pulled into the parking lot where I was running errands and pulled up a video on my phone that Dave Ramsey had just mentioned on his radio show. And there I sat in my parked car……tears streaming…..in awe at the goodness and mercy that is in the world:
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My friend Jen passed away early yesterday morning from her fight with ovarian cancer. It is heartbreaking and shocking. We were the same age. We have similar cancer stories. Why her and not me? Like I did with my dad…..I poured over past conversations we’d had. I loved her spunk:
We will meet Jen….just not yet.
I took all the sadness and shock I was feeling yesterday and threw it into my work….never once coming up for air. Because that’s what I do. I won’t waste one. single. day. I will live fully….and I will live generously. While I may not always be able to give financially, I know that I can give in other ways: I can give my time. I can give my friendship. I can teach others. I can give away my secrets. I can give encouragement. I can say something kind. I can smile at a stranger. I can speak up. I can forgive. I can pray for others. I can embrace humility. I can love unconditionally. I can see the good. I can choose joy.
Go on you peeps of awesomeness…
continue being remarkable.
be lionhearted.
be present… here… now.
be kind.
be you.
-Jen Thompson
Exactly one year ago today I wrote this post: Are you there God? I struggled on whether or not to share such personal information….but my gut told me to just spill it all. And with that post……the Cancer Chronicles began. Today’s Jesus Calling: Be still and know that I am God. How fitting.
A few days ago I discovered I Like Giving. For three days an email comes with a new giving challenge like the one below:
So go on you peeps of awesomeness…..live fully. Live generously.
From The Prayer that Changes Everything:
Thank You, Lord, that You heal us when we are brokenhearted and bandage our wounds. You build us up when we are weak in our soul (Psalm 147:1-4).
Lord, thank You that I don’t have to live with sadness, hurt, or depression, I know that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 39:5).
Thank You that “You have put gladness in my heart” (Psalm 4:7).
This day I put on the garment of praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:1-3), and I glorify You as Lord of all.
I recently drew out for Boo all of the occupations that have preceded her in our family tree. She thought it was awesome that she was the product of: firefighters, homemakers, actuaries, farmers, entrepreneurs, bankers, contractors, bridge engineers etc. In church the other day, my pastor asked the congregation how many people had been in the same job for at least 30 years…..only a handful of people raised their hand. It got me thinking about how my grandparents and great grandparents really only had one or two occupations their whole life….but my parents and I have had several.
For today’s journal entry, create a family tree of occupations. Be as detailed as you can. Do you think your history had any influence on what you do today? [Read more…]