Lessons Learned in Colorado

So, I've been in Colorado for a month now. I'll be sad to leave it on Monday, but I won't be leaving without taking some lessons with me. Here's what I've learned at MTI, Focus on the Family, and everywhere in between over the past few weeks.

~ Big change becomes normal soon enough. Funny how that works, but this fact gives me peace every time I think about graduating next spring.


~ I'm in love with words. I guess I've always known this, but it's nice to be reminded every once and a while.


~ Colorado sky could keep me excited for life. The clouds, stars, rainbows, colors.... Who cares about the mountains? The sky is freakin' awesome!


~ Driving isn't as difficult as I initially thought. As long as I have enough gas, a Starbucks, and The Weepies with me, I'm good.


~ Joy can be found in simple things. Just take a closer look at a one-year-old.


~ Fellowship can happen pretty much anywhere at any time and with anyone. And strangers can easily become close friends when out of their comfort zone.


~ Sharing is caring : )
One of the many lessons I've taught the MTI kiddos since arriving.


~ Cubicles could possibly be the end to me when I start working full time. I guess I'm more of a socialite than I thought!


~ An author is only as good as the people who stand behind her.


~ Push is an interesting movie and 7 Pounds doesn't explain why it's called that.


~ God has a way of directing people to cross paths when needed the most. More than any other summer, I've been given a lot of opportunities to hang out with and talk to people I know will play a role in my future.


~ Reading is fun. But reading in order to discuss material is even funner!


~ Hiking is a good analogy for life. I never really understood why until I hiked 4 hours up a CO mountain.


Those are just some of the random things I've been learning recently. What has God been teaching you?

Reese's Cups

So, I just had a Reese's peanut butter cup. You know how they always come in one of those paper cup thingys? Well, this one came in 21 of them! Does anyone else find this odd?

The Power of You and Me

Verse: When the sky is so blue
You can almost see through it
To reach the stars
And the air is so clear
I can feel you near me
You're not that far
That far


Chorus:
Though we're miles apart
Today you'll stay
Right here
In my heart


Verse:
Funny how it goes
The waves ebb and flow down
To the sea
And the mountains are bold
As we grow older
You're still with me
With me


Bridge:
Rainbows may fall
The earth could stand still
The oceans and valleys
Fight as they will
Distance can call all it wants
But nothing can ever stop
The power of you and me


*Written as a song. Sorry the tune's only in my head : )

Boy + Balloon

Have you ever seen a boy with a balloon?

Today, I did. To give you the specifics, the boy was a one-year-old named Isaac. And the balloon was yellow.

Hand a boy a balloon and you'll probably be given in return a huge, cheeky grin and a look that says, "I've been waiting my entire life for this moment!" Then, allow that boy to play with the balloon as much as he wants and he'll be your best friend for eternity.

Give a boy a balloon and you will learn the joy of simplicity. You will experience the wide-eyed twinkle of a small miracle. You will observe the pudgy wave of a goodbye to the ordinary. And the more he plays, the more you'll wonder why you can't be more like him.

I hope you find your own balloon, grab onto it, and never let it go.

Thoughts on Talent and Passion

Yesterday I watched a pair of my favorite dancers on the show "So You Think You Can Dance" perform an amazing contemporary piece that portrayed a love story between two friends. By the end, the judges and performers had tears in their eyes, the crowd was going wild, and I could not help but smile.

A few minutes later, I excitedly told a friend of mine about the dance. But, unlike me she wasn't too thrilled. Instead, she asked, "Why do you even get so excited about this? I don't see what the big deal is."

Her question got me thinking. Why do I love shows like this as much as I do? Why am I completely content when I see performances like this one?

Well, after much contemplation I think I've figured it out. There is a joy that wells up inside of me every time I see something like the dance last night for three main reasons.

1) I love to see people using their gifts and talents.

I can't remember a time when I didn't love this. Whether it's in the realm of art, sports, leadership or something completely different, I have always been fascinated by the variety of talent God has given people. I'm continually amazed at everything humans are capable of doing as creatures of a creative God.

2) I love to see people producing quality work.

Using the gifts you've been given is great, but what's even better is when people are using their gifts to produce quality. In our consumer culture, it's really easy to settle for mediocrity because we want things now. However, quality work is what really speaks to people. And taking this one step farther, for us as Christians, quality is what God expects of us. We are to do everything as though doing it for Him. With this in mind, I get excited when I see people living up to their potential.

3) I love to see people passionate about something.

This gets to the tears of last night. When people care about what they are doing, it shows. And more than that, their passion is contagious. I can't dance for the life of me. I don't know all of the technical terms and can't even always tell whether someone is on beat or not. But I can tell when they love what they're doing. Last night, the dancers cared. Because they cared, the judges and the crowd cared. And because of all of that, I, sitting at home on a comfy chair, cared.

For these three reasons, I enjoyed the dance last night. I can now explain to my friend why I think TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" matter. But more than that, I hope this challenges you to use your God-given gifts and passions. Dream big, work hard, and be the best you can be -at whatever it is you do.