Trash the dress...

So, Travis Hoehne has asked me to do a photo shoot for him called "trash the dress", which entails me scuffing up my wedding dress a bit, or maybe a lot! Maybe with dirt, mud etc. I know most brides usually preserve their dresses for safe keeping... but I thought this would be way more exciting, and uhhh maybe crazy? Go big or go home. (Okay, I must admit I asked my Mom's permission first since she bought the dress. Okay, okay I asked my husband too...Haha. Yay.) So we will soon see the outcome of this artistic vision Travis has for this shoot... stay tuned! And good-bye white dress!

Today...

   "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me."

       -Psalm 43:3

Props to Liberty....

Nowadays it's refreshing to turn on the television and see something that promotes simple goodness- Random acts of kindness.  Yes, I know Liberty is using it to advertise for their company but props to them by doing in a way that reminds people not to get too busy to lend a helping hand. Jay Leno cracks jokes on the commercial on his late night show, but hey, he's bringing attention to something that gives a great message. I hope I never get so caught up in my own life that I forget to help someone. We are all in this life together. This is my favorite commercial:

It's up to you and only you.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.        -Theodore Roosevelt

You may have heard this quote before, if not, remember it. It is such a great way to look at life. Last night at Seven, Pastor Tom talked about Jesus feeding thousands of people from one  tiny meal that seemed worthless. The one thing that stuck out the most to me was when he said, “If you want God to bless you with a lot, then give thanks and make the most out of the little he has already given you”. Think about this for a minute. Do you focus more of your attention on what you wish you had, rather than constantly thanking God for what you have right in front of you? In this competitive world, it is so easy to look at other people’s lives and wish we had what they had. But the reality is, no matter where you go in life or what you do, there will always be someone better. So stop comparing yourself with others, and begin to focus on how amazing and talented you are in God’s eyes. 

Our lives basically reflect what we spend most of our time thinking about. If you focus on failing, or getting hurt, or having bad luck; that is what will most likely continue to happen in your life. If you train yourself to replace all of your negative thoughts with positive thoughts, your life will begin to feel more positive and productive. Focus on the things you are good at, rather than dwelling on what you are lousy at. Take one day at a time. Take one task at a time. Realize that every tough situation you are in, is to prepare you, and give you wisdom to do something great later on. 

Don’t spend your life worrying.  Wake up everyday giving thanks for the little things you have. Even things like, “Thank you God for this bed I have to sleep in. Thank you God that I have a tooth brush. Thank you God that I am able to take a warm shower this morning. Thank you God that I have the physical capability to go to work/school. Thank you God for loving me exactly the way I am, and show me how I can use all of the things you've given me to further you kingdom.” There is purpose and meaning in every single breathe you take. Don’t let life pass you by, there is so much beauty to be found, and so much to learn. Do the very best you can, no matter what you have in front of you, and no matter where you are. This is the only life we get, let’s do amazing things with it! It’s up to you and only you.

I dare you...

Think positively in 2008. Discipline yourself. Train yourself to be an optimist. It's not always easy, but it will make life more enjoyable. The more positive energy you give off, the more likely people around you will respond in a positive way. Don't take my word for it, try it yourself. No I am not an expert, just a simple person who chooses to enjoy life instead of merely existing. 

Let's face it. Some of us may not even make it to see 2009. I know some people don't like thinking about death, but it is the one thing everyone in the world will agree that is absolutely certain. Whether you live to be 22 or 92, what will you be remembered for? Someone who drifted through life miserably or someone who truly made the very best of every single second they were breathing? It's up to no one but you.

-Think positively.

-Expect good things.

-Find purpose and meaning in every single task or situation.

-Encourage people daily.

-Realize everyone has a different opinion about everything, and love the people who don't agree with you.

-Look at bad situations as opportunity, not bad luck.

-Forget your past mistakes.

-Smile often, it can alter the mood of another individual tremendously.

-Live life not for yourself, but with the intention of making someone else's life easier and more meaningful. 

-Make forgiveness a daily habit. (Even down to small things like the man who took the gas pump you were waiting for!)

-Listen to your heart. Never make decisions based on what other people will think of you.

-Wake up asking yourself what you can give to the world, instead of what the world can give to you.

-Be grateful.

-Love everyone. Jesus did.

And finally, live like there is no tomorrow. Truly enjoy every breathe you take. Let people know they are important. Get a taste of Jesus. 

 

I'm just throwing it out there. Try it... Come on, I dare you.