Striving For Greatness...

Hello World. I have no great inspirational thoughts or deep seeded angst to express, I just felt like writing. It is a curious thing sending out various groupings of words and sentences into the vast unknown hoping that someone out there is reading my entertaining blog. It'd be nice if what I wrote meant something to another person, but the fact that I'm expressing it is enough to satisfy. I guess I just enjoy putting pen to paper (or in this case fingers to keypad).

Often after reading an excellent novel or a quote so eloquently stated, I wish that I had that natural prowess and was so adept that I could carelessly toss out a statement and everyone around would be in awe. To be an Edgar Allan Poe, Fyodor Dostoevsky or Shakespeare would be phenomenal. Alas, it is just I, Laura, the novice striving to put her mark on the world in some way. Perhaps if I could sing beautifully I would inspire thousands with mere verses. Or if I had raw talent in any sport, I could encourage athletes all over. Basically, I am trying to find a means of putting my average talents and common qualities to use in a meaningful way.

I want to make a difference. I want to improve the lives of those around me and leave this world better than I found it. It's cliche, but it is my heart. Sometimes I feel so small and insignificant in this grand place. How can I make any lasting impression or change? I still don't know yet. I am searching different passions to find the right fit for my characteristics. I have at least narrowed down the field a little.

I wish to work in a non-profit organization or an organization that focuses on children, music or athletics. I am quite fond of each of those categories and would be beyond content to partake in a career devoted to any of them. Currently I am awaiting news from Teach For America to see if my application qualifies me for the phone interview stage. I would most like to teach younger children. I love how innocent and capable kids are at that early age. The world is still so full of mystery and little discoveries are much more exciting. I would love to be part of that wonder.

Thinking of how to impact the world in a large way also lends my thoughts toward small difference makers and how they are just as important. I think of my parents and how they have challenged and encouraged me from birth to present. Without them I would be a lesser individual. I think of bad days and how one smile or kind comment turned the entire day around and changed my mood instantly. That is something I, we, could all do on a regular basis. If I was just a little bit kinder, a little slower to anger, a little more hesitant to judge, a little quicker to lend a hand or a little bit more encouraging, I could impact people in a prominent way without the glory. We rarely remember the small souls that intersect our lives and change it for the better. But that doesn't make their presence valueless. It is the best way to make your mark on the world, anonymously.

All that jibber jabber to simply say I want to value the way I affect others more than I value my own praise. I think often of the character Melanie Hamilton Wilkes from Gone With the Wind. She was the kindest person in the film and loving toward everyone regardless of how they treated her. She didn't always receive acclamation for her good deeds, but she was always happy and she changed those around her for the better by simply believing in the good in them. She made a lasting impact because she helped change people in her life and with their renewed spirits they changed others. She started the ripple of good. Much like the movie Pay It Forward, where the main character dies, but his kindness lives on in hearts of those he touched. He too saw the good in each person he met. "There is good in everyone," is what my Nana always used to say and I agree. I am going to strive to find the good in others and treat all as if they were a cherished friend or family member.

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" -Anne Frank

Just Be

One day as I was roaming the various bookstores of Murfreesboro, I came across a very intriguing book, This Book Will Change Your Life. Written by Benrik (combination of the "mentors" of the book, Ben and Henrik) and seemingly silly, I chose to take a chance on this bargain priced book and see if it would uphold its promise to change my life. I decided to wait until my 25th birthday to begin my adventure with the book. Partly because it would be easier to keep up and mostly because I would be starting a new chapter in my life of post-graduate adulthood.

This book drew me towards it because of the complacency and mundanity I had begun to experience in my daily routine. I eat, I sleep, I work at Plato's and occasionally I throw in a hang out with friends, a visit to family or another random act. I began to feel as if I wasn't living at my fullest capacity and I was becoming too zombie-like for my taste. I decided to use this book as a jumping off point of shaking things up a bit.

I am genuinely happy with all circumstances of my life and I am very blessed to be where I am at today, but I don't want to just live a nice quiet life. I want to go on an adventure. I like my current job, but it is by no means a permanent choice. I yearn for a vocation that allows me to help others in a meaningful way and causes me to feel excited and passionate about my profession. I want to want to go to work.

I also like Tennessee a lot and it will always be my home, but I need a change of scenery. I want to live in a big city, see the country, see the world and experience different cultures.

I plan to take my ordinary circumstances and make them extraordinary by living life to the fullest. I firmly believe that all my dreams stated above are highly probable, but I need to take initiative and step out of my complacency. This book is the tool to help me do just that.

I have only done 4 of the 365 daily tasks so far and they have been silly, challenging and inspiring. I can only anxiously await the remaining days arrival and the adventures they bring. One day asked me to throw something away that I liked. That was really hard to do and I stood back and really saw how many things I hang onto that are superficial and serve absolutely no purpose. I own a superfluous amount of clothing, shoes, entertainment, etc. The task really made me aware of how materialistic I am.

Today's task had me color in a map of countries I have visited, will visit this year, wish to visit and wish to never set foot in. It was humbling to see how many countries were colored in yellow (representing want to visit) in comparison to the 3 colored green (representing visited). I always say I want to travel the world, but I also always say I will when I have money, when I have time or when I am older. Why not now? I decided to live more spontaneously and if a trip arises to take it and never look back. Although it wasn't out of the country, I traveled to D.C. this fall on a whim. Jon Stuart and Stephen Colbert were holding a rally and I decided to use every last penny in my bank account and go on an adventure. It was beyond worth it and one of the best trips I have ever taken.

I hope this book does change my life and I can look back on my 26th birthday and laugh at the crazy things I did and saw. I'm not going to post for every day (that would be too crazy) but I am going to write about the interesting, hilarious or just plain weird tasks required from this book. I hope it is entertaining and maybe, just maybe, it will change your life as well.

In closing, my motto for this year is to be daring, to be spontaneous and to just be.

'Tis The Season...

Donning my new TOMS, I sauntered out my front door into the crisp cool air that smelled of snow to come and made my nose tingle just slightly. I love the first few days of winter when I can still feel my fingers and toes and a warm scarf is the perfect accessory to keep one toasty. Coffee and hot chocolate are stars during this time of year, and while I don't drink either, I greatly appreciate the atmosphere that surrounds them both. Winter makes me want to snuggle up by the fire (well other people's fires due to the lack of a fireplace at my house) and stay up late having good conversation. Movies and books are always a classic and valid choice when staying warm and listening to the wind whistle.

Appreciation for all things increases with the decrease in temperature. I think it has to do with the fact that you are stuck inside and have to sit still, which causes you to think and once you're thinking, it's only moments before you realize how great life is and how blessed and fortunate we all are! If you are reading this it means you have a computer or at least access to one. As we sit cozily on our couches reading blogs and stalking friends on Facebook, there are thousand of unfortunate people spending their holidays in the bitter cold. There are many levels of need during the giving season. I challenge you to validate the name of this supposedly generous season and donate time or resources to those less fortunate than yourself.

I am a firm believer in non-profit organizations and have listed several organizations that I personally donate to and support.

TOMS Shoes was started when founder Blake Mycoskie discovered a need during a mission trip in 2006 in Argentina. He researched and found that many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. This opens them up for risk of injury, infection and disease. Lack of shoes also prevents children from attending schools which often require shoes as part of their dress codes. Blake created the concept of "One for One" which simply means for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS Shoes will donate one pair to a child in need. This is the perfect compromise, you can give your loved one a tangible gift while also donating a functional present to a deserving child.

Mocha Club is focused on providing the donors with a hands-on experience in the club's five main focus areas: Clean Water, Education, Child Mothers + Women At Risk, Orphan Care + Vulnerable Children and HIV/AIDS + Healthcare. The name comes from the concept of giving up 2 mochas a month ($7) and instead donating that money to this worthy cause. It is more interactive because you are able to have a team and make a difference with your collective efforts. Then each month they send blogs updates and videos so you can witness your money at work. One of their mottos is, "Africans developing Africa." All of their work done is through indigenous leaders.

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) is another organization I support. They are devoted to providing medical aid to those most in need and play the role of advocate for countries in crises that have been neglected. "The vast majority of MSF's aid workers are from the communities where the crises are occurring, with ten percent of teams made up of international staff..." is a quote from their website that summarizes their cause. This organization selects trained medical professionals to assist in giving over 60 countries first-rate medical care during times of violence, epidemics, or catastrophes. I really believe in this cause because they provide quality medical care and a voice to those struggling.

Operation Christmas Child is a branch of Samaritan's Purse and is probably my favorite charitable donation for the holidays. It is very simple. You pick what age child you want to donate to and then you fill a shoe box with fun toys and gifts that they will enjoy. You make as many or as few shoe boxes as you like and when you are finished there are drop off locations throughout the country. I like this one the most because I have made a shoe box every year with my family since I was 5 or 6 years old. It also allows you to donate on a more personal level. Their mission is: To demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world."

I'm not asking you to forgo all Christmas presents, but can you not spare just one? Find a family member or friend and instead of trading gifts, each of you donate to a charity in the other's name. Albert Pine puts it beautifully, "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." I'll leave you with another quote by Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."

Mulan

A poignant quote from Disney's Mulan is, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."

I might be biased on how meaningful this quote is because I adore Mulan along with most other Disney movies. They are so simplistic in plot, deep in meaning, have great soundtracks, can be enjoyed by all ages and span the test of time. I relate to the above quote because I have made several mistakes in my youth that led me toward a path of trials and struggles to get back to where I should be. I am still striving toward my goals and overcoming adversities caused by a few bad decisions years ago. This quote offers hope and inspiration that what is to come will be beautiful and make me appreciate the hard times.

Thinking of how these few words are so dear to me, has me pondering what other Disney movies are filled with words of wisdom. I list below the quotes I find relevant no matter your age and exquisitely capture moments in all of our lives. Hope these encourage and inspire you:

"Always let your conscience be your guide." -Pinocchio

"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartache. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true." -Cinderella

"You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew you never knew." -Pocahontas

"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." -Nemo

"The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it." -Lion King

"Cheer up, child. It'll turn out alright in the end. You'll see." -Beauty and the Beast

"Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely." -The Land Before Time

Dearest George

George Killian's Irish Red is my alcoholic beverage of choice. I love the rich flavor and how it is the perfect addition to any great conversation or delectable meal. I recently visited the website for this particular brew and found that they designed the flavor to accompany not only Slim Jim's (my personal preference) but a variety of foods. Here is an excerpt from the website that captures the full-bodied beauty of my second favorite beverage: "Fresh and light enough to quench a hot thirst, substantial enough to stand-up to a meaningful conversation. Consistently delicious and never bitter, it goes with virtually everything. In fact, if what you're eating doesn't taste good next to a George Killian's, maybe you shouldn't be eating it."

Through my adult years I have tried a variety of drinks to find the one that compliments not only my lifestyle, but my personality and tastes as well. And George Killian's Irish Red is that drink. My first taste of Killian's was several years ago when my friend Almo let me bum a beer. It was love at first sip and I've been a beer girl ever since. Long Island Ice Teas used to be my drink of choice (and they are still top 5) but after Killian's entered my life I was a changed woman and couldn't place any drink but Dr. Pepper above my beloved.

The reason I glowingly reference Killian's is because we've been through so much together. We've stayed up til 4am discussing deep philosophy, we've laughed and cried at well crafted films, we've had a quiet evenings alone snuggled up with a book, and we've had a couple rambunctious adventures, too. I take the sentiment of it going with all foods one step further in stating that it goes with all occasions as well. George has been my buddy through thick and thin. That is not to say I use alcohol to cope or that I drown sorrows in beer. It is to say that George has been the perfect addition to already meaningful moments.

Have you ever noticed how the last few people at a party are always deep in conversation and content to remain in that stand still state for hours on end. I credit Killian's (and other factors) to playing a role. Taking in a savory drop of beer lets you have a moment with your thoughts to contemplate that last comment made and think of an eloquent concept to send back to your avid listeners. It allows you a few moments to just soak in the glow of a bonfire and appreciate good friends and great moments. You are in no hurry to retire to bed because deep issues are being resolved and discussed in this moment and Killian's slows down the moment so you appreciate what you are a part of enough to stay a few more minutes. It lets your guard down just enough that you are willing to be honest and forth-coming and therefore have a real and meaningful conversation without the falsity of fitting into society's definitions holding you back.

What I'm trying to say is that alcohol isn't always a negative thing or an enemy. Often times it accentuates an evening so perfectly that you think of all the times prior that were equally monumental and thank God for the leisure time. All things when used in moderation and in the proper setting are wonderful. George Killian's is no exception and goes a step further by actually improving upon an already great moment. That is why when I drink beer I drink George Killian's Irish Red. And while I'm not the most interesting man in the world, I am somewhat interesting and having a great time with good friends.

Salvation

No, this is not a religious post as the title might lead you to assume. Do I even need to tell you what happens when you assume? I didn't think so.

Back to the original purpose of writing this, The Avett Brothers and another one of their songs I absolutely love and couldn't live without. I am starting to consider them in the running for my favorite band. They are definitely top 5 material currently.

The song I am referring to is "Salvation Song" off their album Mignonette. This song, like many other Avett Brothers' songs, really captures my attention with its lyrics. I enjoy most types of music, but I truly cherish artists that consider the meaning behind their lyrics. Those that actually put emotion into their songs and draw from personal and real life experiences as opposed to just writing superficial bull shit and adding a catchy beat. Although those songs are typically more fun to dance to, they lack the depth I'm looking for in my music.

Personal preference and opinion aside, I'll let the lyrics of "Salvation Song" speak for themselves. I have included the verses that stood out most to me below:

And if your love laughs at your dreams

Well it's not as bad as it seems

Either way one of them has got to go

And if you take of my soul

You can still leave it whole

With the pieces of your own you leave behind

Wow. A good song is one that makes you think about the meaning of the lyrics and appreciate the duality of different stanzas. A great song is one that illustrates your personal thoughts and experiences in eloquent ways you couldn't describe yourself. When I have an "aha" moment during or after a song and immediately think to write down the lyrics because I can't imagine a better way to phrase something, that is when I know I am experiencing a great song that I will enjoy many times over. "Salvation Song" is a great song because we have all had bittersweet relationships where the last three lines mentioned above ring completely true.

The Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan are my go to bands for fall because they are meaningful and a little soulful. That combination goes great with a hot chocolate, a good book, or even to make writing that paper seem a little less tedious and mundane. Do yourself and your ears a favor and add "Salvation Song" to your fall playlist. Let the music resound in your soles as you stroll amongst the leaves in the crisp autumn air.

(And yes, I meant to spell soles as I did. I'm talking about your feet people. But then again, you could use souls as well because, after all, it is called "Salvation Song")

Washington D.C.

Wow, where do I even begin? I just experienced one of the most fun weekend adventures of my life and there is so much to share. I'll only include part of the excitement so as to preserve space and time. This trip came about very randomly; I was so hyped when Jon Stewart announced his rally and Stephen Colbert followed with his march announcement. My little heart was aflutter. Then my bestie, Maegers, said she'd always wanted to go back to D.C. to enjoy an adult perspective of the history within this city. I eagerly accepted her as my travel partner and more so, partner in crime.

Our adventure began early Thursday morning (about 6am) and if you know anything about me, you realize this is pretty much 4 to 6 hours before my average wake up time. None the less, I was pumped and ready to go. We arrived in the capitol around 11 and met our great and gracious friend, Jessie, for a quick bite to eat before heading to her house to drop off our luggage, change into dresses (it was 78 degrees), and trek to the ZOO. I do love a good zoo regardless of the city. After the zoo, we toured Georgetown and Dupont for a few hours. In Dupont there was a really neat bookstore/bar/restaurant and one of the most brilliant ideas I've ever heard of, if I do say so myself. I loved it so much, probably because books and beer are two of my favorite things!

Friday was our official tourist day. We woke up extra early to avoid the crowds and shivered our way from monument to monument. The highlight of my morning had to be the Albert Einstein Memorial. I am a huge fan of his and love anything to do with him.

After hanging out and chatting about relativity for a bit, we moved onward to the museums. The Museum of National History was my favorite, but they were all enjoyable. We concluded the day by meeting up with our friends, Will, Jade, and Zach, for some delicious pizza at We the Pizza (amazing food and beer on Pennsylvania Avenue). If you are ever in the area, you should make the trip to this place for deliciously cheap pizza.

Saturday was RALLY DAY and a most glorious day. We headed to the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear and enjoyed all the fun and creative signs and costumes while waiting for it to begin. The rally was filled with tons of great guests and loads of hilarity. My favorite part was the intense debate toward the end that resulted in Colbert melting and being drug off stage by John Oliver. Overall, it was one of my favorite events and Sir Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A. estimated a crowd of around 6 billion in attendance. At the end, Stewart gave a sincere and nicely articulated speech. His sentiment really summarized the importance of each individual and the intention of the rally, which was to encourage average, everyday people to get out and take responsibility. We have the power to change the channel, go to the polls and vote, and take an active roll in our country. Also, to not be a douche. That was the essential message. After waiting for the mass exodus to mellow out, we headed to Union Station for a scenic dinner and then hopped on the metro to relax and catch some z's.

Sunday funday was for travel. Our early flight touched down in Atlanta and then we headed our separate ways. I to Murfreesboro and Maegsy to Athens. My drive back was filled with great music, windows down, and beautiful weather. I had a wonderful weekend and would recommend D.C. as a great and inexpensive vacation spot to any and everyone. I'll end with a poignant quote from the rally:

"If we amplify everything, we hear nothing."

-Jon Stewart

Did you know that 23 is my favorite number? Well, now you are aware, and seeing as it is the 23rd I have decided what better date than today to delve a little deeper into my psyche and the exciting plans I have for my future. Just to forewarn you, after reading this post you will be jealous of my movie star-esque lifestyle and wish desperately to lead a life one-eighth as interesting as mine. (Well, in all actuality, you might be vaguely entertained and have dedicated a few solid minutes to procrastinating on whatever you have going on in your meager existence)

Anywho, "I'm shaking the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I'm gonna see the world," as George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life so emphatically phrased my exact feelings. Don't worry, I won't require a near death experience to make me realize that the town I'm leaving isn't that crummy. But the second half rings true. I am going to see the world.

On a larger scale, I dream of traversing the globe until I croak at the ripe age of 98. While I still have my original hips, I aim to sight-see all over Europe as I backpack there one summer in the near future. Also, I want to set foot on every continent at least for a little bit. My parents definitely passed down to me their love for travel and adventure.

As far as a permanent residence, I am pretty much open to living anywhere in America or any English speaking countries. I hope to have someone to share it with, but I am content in my current single state. Looks like I have spent a majority of this blog discussing travel options and not one bit of it delving into my ever so interesting psyche. So to make up for lost time here is a list (23 items on it of course) of things you, the random reader, should know about me:

1. I LOVE three things: Dr. Pepper, Los Angeles Lakers, and Duke Blue Devils

2. House of Heroes is one of my favorite bands

3. Favorite Disney movie: TIE between Sleeping Beauty/Robin Hood (the fox version)

4. I have 1 tattoo of a cross on my right hip

5. Johnny Depp is my favorite actor

6. Burping, I'm good at it (ask my mom she's not a big fan)

7. Reading is one of my top hobbies

8. Killian's Irish Red is the BEST beer in my humble opinion

9. Favorite joke: What did the zero (0) say to the eight (8)?

NICE BELT

10. Albert Einstein is one of my heroes

11. Skinny jeans are the greatest invention in all of fashion

12. Photography is something I would love to be great at and I'm always practicing

13. Insecurities: Few, but one is being open and vulnerable around people. Lots of people know my goofy exterior, but very few know me well.

14. Bones broken: 1 toe (prolly shouldn't count, but it healed crooked and it's funny looking)

15. I write a lot of poetry

16. Secret Addiction (though not so secret any longer): Wizards of Waverly Place on Disney

17. Favorite sounds to fall asleep to: Rain and sneakers on a gym floor

18. Last time I peed my pants: 7th grade on the way home from a church trip, ask me to tell you the story sometime

19. Favorite Bible verse: James 2:26 (NIV version)

20. "Blackbird" is my all-time favorite Beatles' song

21. Best concert I've been at: Memphis in May 2009 w/ Shinedown winning of all the artists there

22. I have a number "thing" where I dislike certain numbers and can only turn the volume on my tv to the numbers I like. 22 is a number I dislike. It is gross.

23. Favorite quote: "Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything." -Mother Teresa

Life's Little Joys

So, I have been watching "Life" on the Discovery Channel since 6pm tonight (it's now nearly 11pm) and I am completely mesmerized. I am quickly hooked on any show that revolves around or highlights how and why things work. I can't resist a good knowledge session every now and again. I was addicted to the show "Earth" last year and watching "Life" tonight got me thinking about why I am so intrigued by these types of shows. I've decided it is because each system within a particular species is extremely intricate and largely instinctive.

"Life" highlights the idiosyncrasies among insects, primates, sea creatures, and even plants. Ants are the original architects. Their infrastructures below their hills are designed to create direct paths to main living chambers with smaller chambers off to the side for living area. They also have a ventilation system that expels carbon dioxide and draws in oxygen using food waste. Scientists recently poured concrete into an abandoned ant colony and found that the colony went 26 feet deep into the earth. A creation this large is comparative to a group of humans building the Great Wall of China and colonies like this exist all over the globe.

Another episode focused on a tree that was able to thrive on an island, even though it spent 6 hours a day beneath high tide. Salt water is deadly for any tree and by law of nature this tree should be dead. However, it has adapted and has pores on its roots that take in as much oxygen as possible during low tide and filter 99% of the salt water out during high tide. The little salt that seeps through this barrier is directed into a few sacrificial leaves which wither and die. A tree with no brain or thought is able to thrive when it should be dead.

Incredible stories like that of the tree and ants inspire me. They also highlight how reflective nature is of man and man of nature. When groupthink is in place and humans work together for the greater good of their "colony" they are able to create amazing feats just as the ants do on a daily basis. Watching their selfless existence causes me to really question my attitude towards my fellow man. Adaptiveness is another great quality that cause man, or tree, to thrive. Our ability to react to a situation and work with the surroundings or tools we've been given benefits us much more than being irritated that life doesn't work the way we want it to or refusing to change does.

As useful as the parallels are with what they can teach us on a survival and physical standpoint, they are all the more important on a spiritual level. I can't watch an episode of any of the aforementioned programs without being in awe of our creator. Every detail only further magnifies how breathtaking are the details of every living organism. Nothing is in place that doesn't serve a purpose. Knowing that, how can anyone not believe in a god of some sort? "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in," George Washington Carver illustrates this concept so simply.

Fall is a season filled with beautiful scenes in nature. You wouldn't think twice about trees covered in yellow, red, and orange leaves, yet there is a specific reason that the phenomenon occurs (beyond the aesthetic it creates) every year. As the temperature drops, trees begin to suck the nutrients from their leaves into their trunks, this includes chlorophyll which gives leaves their green color, and seal off the veins that connect branch and leaf. The trees do this so they can survive during the winter.

Look inward, if the tree wasn't astounding enough, to any of your various systems. The minute details surrounding something as basic as typing this sentence requires the collaboration of many different parts of our bodies. I have to think that 1) I want to type and 2) what I want to type. Next, the information from my brain has to flow from my nerves through synapses all the way to my fingers and then back so my brain is aware that the message was received. This happens for every single letter typed.

I guess I enjoy shows like "Life" and "Earth" because of their relevancy. Information on the shows is about creatures and plants I encounter on a regular basis. It is neat to understand why they function they way they do and that such care was taken into creating every thing on earth. I can only feel loved and in awe when I think of the time and effort God has taken and continues to take with each new creation. The parallels between them and I are no accident and the Discovery Channel provides programs that enlighten and inspire me due to their simultaneous depth and simplicity. I'll end with a quote from Albert Einstein, "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."

Insomnia

I am living up my bouts with insomnia for a while longer until I have to become an adult and get a real bedtime. But until that day arrives, I will entertain myself (and hopefully you) with my late night creative streak.

Often I go through phases of obsessing over one hobby or another. I had a scrapbooking phase which didn't result in the masterpieces I had anticipated; instead my designs came out more like a 3rd grade school project than anything else. There was also those few years that I wrote tons of poems. Edgar Allen Poe eat your heart out. I wrote across the spectrum of emotions and rhyme schemes. I am actually proud of several of them, but most are just jokey or angst filled. Painting is another hobby that had me trekking to Walmart at 4am to grab supplies for the project that could not wait for daylight. Usually once the sun rose I realized it could have waited and regretted inhaling all those paint fumes for naught.

I divulge all this information to bring you to my next point: books. Reading is the one hobby that has never waned. Possibly because it requires no skill and is essentially free. The love affair started in the early days of Kindergarten where I first discovered the enticing lure of books. Ever since then I have been reading continuously. Nancy Drew was my first beloved series and what turned me onto murder mysteries, where I eventually matured into being a Mary Higgins Clark fan. Biographies, Science Fiction, Sports, Novels, etc.; there isn't a genre I haven't delved in, even if only for a little bit.

Brian Jacques and Margaret Weis are my Science Fiction boos. I own every book in the Dragonlance Chronicles and Redwall series. The age old battle between good and evil is only made more interesting by their choice of using animals and mythical creatures to depict the conflict. Don't judge me.

Books are such a wonderful escape from the mundaneness of day-to-day life. I love their rich smell, the crisp feel of their pages between my fingers, the blanket and comfortable chair that most always accompany them, staying up all night or being late to something because I literally "couldn't put it down," the common thread I share with everyone else who has ever read the same story, but mostly the chance to view the world from someone else's perspective.

For some reason Fall is my favorite time to curl up with a good book. I guess the crisp pages and crinkling leaves remind me of one another. I cherish those moments outside as the breeze tickles my shoulder blades and my imagination runs wild with each turn of the page. As Fall inches around the corner, I will leave you with some of my favorite books from childhood to the present:

The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Redwall by Brian Jacques

City of Thieves by David Benioff

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Dragonlance Legends series by Margaret Weis

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne

When that next round of insomnia hits you, do as I do, open a good book and get carried away on your own adventure!

Abiding in Christ

Abide as defined by Webster's Dictionary:

1. to wait for

2. (a) to endure without yielding

(b) to bear patiently

3. to accept without objection

Abiding as defined by ME via analogy:

To abide in Christ is to be as His shadow. As we go through any motion; be it jumping, raising an arm, or changing direction; our shadow mimics each and every action. Abiding in Christ is living as if we are His shadows.

This section of my bible study really caught my attention today and made me ponder what life would look like if I were abiding in God. I'll take each definition one at a time and describe the way it would play out in my reality.

To wait for: Often I am impatient and eager to know what's next, arrive at a solution, or guess the right answer and move along. It is hard to wait for a few hours let alone an undisclosed time to find out what the future holds. Part of being a disciple of Christ is persevering through periods of waiting. There are reasons, beyond our comprehension, that God chooses to withhold information from us or make us wait.

To endure without yielding: James 1:2-4 illustrates this concept beautifully, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

To bear patiently: This corresponds with to wait for. Romans 8:28 is a verse that offers encouragement and provides a glimpse of the future God has planned for each individual. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It's much easier to be patient if I love and trust the person I am waiting to reveal more information. Also, previous experiences have allowed me to see the rewards of waiting patiently.

To accept without objection: This is the concept I grapple with most. I want what I want, when I want it. Now, after years of selfish motives and self-gratifying choices, I have to accept whatever God sends my way and do so with a smile? Kind of a hard transition to make. After reflecting on where my self-centered motives led me, I realized all to clearly how ineffective that route of decision making was and how fulfilling it was to wait, bear patiently, and accept without objection.

To be God's shadow is to embody the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). Any decision made utilizing the prior tools will lead to a satisfying and Christ-like life. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus," states Philippians 1:6.

John 15:4-5 summarizes the analogical benefits of being shadows of Christ, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."

Gram

Kentucky Lake is what comes to mind when I think of summer. My grandmother's house rests directly on the lake and most weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day were spent playing in the sun with her and Gram. Gram was my great-grandmother who lived in a trailer a little over a mile down the raod. We spent the days on the water, eating popsicle after popsicle, and burning rubber in the go-kart.

Once the sun began to sink below the water, we would get cleaned up and head down the gravel road to Gram's. I loved everything about her trailer. Lace doilies covered almost every surface and extras spilled out of the cabinets. You couldn't find a speck of dust if you wanted to, but it still felt like home. Gram's place always smelled delicious. My favorite dish she made was strudels. She would talk with my sisters and I as we helped her toss flour on the counter (and the floor) and roll out the dough. Those moments are what meant summer to me.

When I was about five years old, Gram sewed me a small pillow covered in pink and white gingham fabric. What she intended me to use the pillow for I can no longer recall, but it became my "cry pillow." That small, round pillow got me through scraped knees, hurt feelings, and a broken heart or two. I rarely used the pillow once I was in high school, but it still held a prominent place atop my bed.

As friends and boys became more important than family, the lake seemed further and further away. Trips became rarer and nights spent at Gram's were seldom. That is when Gram got sick and was moved to a nursing home. Now this once strong and stubborn woman was frail and didn't know my name. Each time we visited her and repeated past conversations, I watched my childhood disappear alongside her already small frame. How could the woman who survived being stabbed five times not sit up in bed without someone else's help? Life was no longer carefree and simple as summer had always been. When Gram died, splotches of black stained that pink gingham pillow as my tears fell. Now whenever we would pass her road it felt as if something was missing. That essence of childhood was lost forever, somewhere along that gravel road.

That long, gravel road between the lake and Gram's is where I grew up. I learned to drive on that road. Deep conversations were had on that gravel. Laughter was carried away on a sweet summer breeze as it echoed off those rocks. Many nights were spent on its hard surface listening to night settle in and staring beyond the stars. Strolling along those stones, I could think more clearly than when anywhere else. That road is where go-kart races were won or lost, where memories were made, where friendships blossomed, and where death became real for the first time.

Years have passed and I can still remember vividly the pain of standing in her church, holding my sister Hannah, as they carried Gram's casket away. Not all of my memories are sad ones. We started the tradition of eating strudels every Christmas (we still can't make them like she did) and lace doilies fill our dining room. My bed still proudly displays my "cry pillow." Now when I drive past her road I think fondly of summers long ago and life lessons she taught. Gram's trailer is long gone, but that stretch of raod will always be my second home.