Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Day 10 - Don't take yourself so seriously

Day 10. Today I am grateful for pushing myself a little (okay...a lot!) out of my comfort zone. For those of you who know me well you know I don't like to bring attention to myself. For those of you who share my sentiments the actual dressing up for Halloween is the most TERRIFYING aspect of the whole day! But in the vein of trying to be more positive and fun at work I decided I better go ahead and go for it....really go for it! There were many times I almost backed out. Walking up the stairs to enter work was painful...but I did it. And you know what...I'm glad I did!

1 - It really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. They say "it is good to push yourself," and "you'll be a better person for it"...or whatever!

2 - It made people laugh...and laughter is good for the soul. (Except for that poor elderly lady at the 4 way stop I think I confused driving home this afternoon.)

3 - It forced me not to take myself so seriously...I need to do that more often! It is okay to have a little fun once in a while.

So there you have it...I was SHOCKED (get it?!) it wasn't as painful as I had anticipated. Don't get me wrong...it was still painful...especially when pictures started circulating throughout the company...but not SO bad.

Who knows...if I keep this up maybe I'll be known as the fun, confident one. Yeah, you're right...still a long way to go on that one!

And no...I'm not a zombie (common mistake today). I was "struck by lightning!" I'm missing my fried umbrella in this picture.

Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Day 9 -Companionship

Day 9. What got me through today was the quote,

"Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
 Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that was a Thomas Jefferson quote. I feel like I'm coming down with a bit of a cold and it was an emotionally exhausting day at work. All day long part of me was pulling to go home, put some PJ's on and just "relax." This quote was in the back of my mind and helped me get some things accomplished at work that really needed to be done.

After getting out of work a little later than I was hoping the quote once again encouraged me to get the grocery shopping done. Yay - now that is no longer hanging over my head.

Today I am grateful for God, in His wisdom, arranging for a companion in life through marriage. You always have someone in your corner who has your back. Sometimes one of you has to step up a little more, but you know the favor will soon be returned.

Thanks Wilson for having the house vacuumed, getting dinner ready and being just so sweet and supportive on a day when I really needed it. Thanks for being my companion in life, my partner in crime, my encourager, the one who calls me out when I need it, my best friend, and the love of my life! Love you Wilson!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Day 8 - Celebrating a Birthday

Day 8. Today I am grateful that I got to celebrate a dear friend's birthday with her. I feel like sometimes we start to take birthday's for granted...it turns more into cards and presents. Sometimes maybe we lose the real meaning of birthdays - taking time to reflect on how thankful we are for an individuals birth, celebrating the last year of their life and wishing them well in the year ahead.

Nothing has made me realize that more than celebrating Angie's birthday with her today. As we embraced this morning with tears in our eyes the words, "I'm so happy to celebrate with you today" have never meant more. Angie fought breast cancer this past year. She still has a road ahead of her, but she kicked cancer's booty and is getting strong.

So today I'm thankful for my sweet, generous, gracious, beautiful friend. I'm thankful she was born; I'm thankful her Mother's spirit shines brightly in her. I'm thankful that God brought this amazing woman into my life. I'm thankful she is a fighter and we were able to celebrate with her another year of life.

I wish you all the love and joy that the possibilities of the future bring. I know you will be a blessing to many people as you help them through their journey. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship!

So Happy Birthday Angela Marie Frakes - I love you dearly!

(Ang rockin' the pink hair as only she could!)

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Day 7 - My health

Day 7. I was avoiding writing this tonight because I have a pretty bad headache and am feeling nauseous.I had a couple meals this weekend that I wasn't totally sure of the ingredients. BUT...it does make me think how grateful I am for how much improved my health is from a year ago.

So that is what I have tonight! I'm not feeling so great right now but it helps to know that tomorrow will be a better day! Last year at this point it could get pretty depressing because I felt bad most of the time. So I'm thankful for the health God has blessed me with and that I was able to find something that helps me feel worlds better...and is helping my family too.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Day 6 - Saturday with the Mr.

Day 6. Another short one today. We are about to head out to a Halloween party.

I just wanted to say today I am grateful for a nice relaxing day with my husband. We don't get the weekend off together too often these days so I'm really thankful when we do. We slept in this morning (I slept in a little too much which is unusual for me). Then we enjoyed an awesome brunch in front of the cozy fire place. We had paleo pumpkin waffles topped with coconut ice cream and blackberries, eggs and bacon; I'm still a little full!

It is kind of easy to stay positive when you don't have a whole lot going on and aren't being pulled in a lot of different directions and get to spend the day with the person that you love. It was a nice day to recharge, get some things done around the house and get ready for the week ahead. I would say I wish it would never end, but I'm looking forward to a day of worship and celebration with family tomorrow.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Day 5 - The best Friday nights

Day 5. By Friday night I am usually so tired from the week that I don't make it much past 9 (if I'm lucky). I'm pretty sleepy right now so I'm thinking this won't be a very long post. The timing is really poor because I could say so much about what I'm thankful for today. My eyelids are trying to close on me as I'm typing this...but here it goes...

The past couple Fridays Kyle and I have brought dinner over to my parents house and enjoyed a meal together. Do 2 Fridays in a row count as a tradition? Kyle was the one that suggested we go over tonight...that made it even more special. I headed over pretty much in my PJ's after a run with Lo in the rain today. (Isn't that the best thing about family? They don't care what you look like, they love you for you.) Kyle made a delicious stew (more brownie points) tonight stocked full of vegetables; it was just so warm and perfect on a cold rainy night. After enjoying some good food we enjoyed some good conversation. I was even able to get a little time in with my busy brother, Jordan. Mom had made some paleo banana bread muffins that were pretty yummy served up with some blackberries and coconut ice cream. All in all a pretty great night.

Today I'm grateful that...I get to enjoy simple nights like this with the people that I love most. We'll have to get Jess and Sam in on this and we're set. I feel so lucky to be a part of such an amazing, loving family.The family I chose I would choose again and the family that was chosen for me I couldn't choose any better!

I wish we didn't let the busyness of life get in the way of making time for the people we love. Spend time with your family! Don't let not doing that be something that you regret later!

I know I didn't do it justice at all...but as soon as I shut this computer...I'm pretty sure I'll be asleep!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Positivity and Gratitude - Day 4

Day 4. Here is something that has been on my mind a little these past couple days... Do you ever feel disappointment when you feel like you're trying really hard (and I do have to TRY REALLY HARD) and then feeling like others maybe aren't trying as hard? I guess that kind of defeats the whole purpose of being positive, right? I'm just asking a question. I'm not admitting that I have ever felt this way. (wink, wink) But seriously, it has made me stop and think how others have maybe felt about me in the past (and the present for that matter). My struggle has been remembering to give others the benefit of the doubt and be patient with each other as God is patient with us. (Sometimes it is just a little misunderstanding and you have to have the patience to work it out!) The other struggle: not letting a little bump in the road get me off track but DECIDING my reaction to any given situation. I could have handled things differently today...but remembering God's word helped me through it.

Colossians 3:12-13 

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Romans 12:17-21

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 Today I'm grateful for..."the friend that sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). Close friendships can be like family...sometimes you have disagreements, sometimes the relationship is strained. But you put the work into it and have the difficult conversations. It tests your longsuffering. It tests your humility. Sometimes it causes you to look at yourself in the mirror. The hurt hurts deep, because the love is so deep. But you love each other through it and you never have a doubt that the friendship will remain. Because in the end...you ARE family...and what is family if not love?


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Positivity and Gratitude - Day 3

Day 3. Today was a pretty great day. I think I stayed on track for the most part. I'll be honest, I did slip up once. I have a pretty sarcastic sense of humor and sometimes I just can't help myself! But I was thinking about it...and I think I'd rather be known as the kind-hearted person over the sarcastic person. I still have a long way to go on that one. Which brings me to the other thing on my mind quite a bit today: relying on God. I fear at times I may come off as making changes and accomplishments in my life via my own strength and will. I know it is God working in me and giving me the strength as I work to transform my life according to His perfect will. I feel I need to acknowledge that more in my life.

Philippians 2:12-16
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputingthat you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

What I'm grateful for today...there are just SO many things. How can I possibly choose just one? I'm going to go with what is filling my heart with joy at this very moment. I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to teach Bible Class. I am so thankful to be able to teach Connor and Logan.  Connor is an old pro at coming to Bible Class and is helping to be a good example for Logan. Logan just started coming to Bible class over these past couple of weeks. It is just so neat that he is starting to pick things up and is so excited about coming to Bible Class and Connor is being such a good helper. It just warms my heart to see Logan's big ol' open mouth grin and excitement as he claps his hands after he does little things like bows his head as Connor says the prayer for us. It is also heartwarming to see how supportive Connor is and happy that Logan is participating. One question: How do children always have SO much energy! I'm always exhausted by the time class is over...but I'm also somehow energized.

Thank you Connor and Logan! Thank you for energizing me with the love, excitement and purity of a young soul that loves to learn about God! I pray that you never lose that as the years go by! (I'm really wishing I would have taken a picture of those two right about now so you can see how adorable they are!)

Oh...and Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Sam. I love you and am thankful for you...but we'll save that for another time!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Positivity and Gratitude - Day 2


I had an epiphany today. I never realized how many times a day I do or say something that isn't necessarily constructive or for that matter...necessary. I caught myself about 6 times today.  It feels good that I'm making progress, but it is a little unsettling that I never really noticed how many comments or emails I probably shouldn't make or send in the course of a day. I'm starting to see how pushing the "pause button" and asking myself if what I'm about to do or say is constructive can really be life changing. I talked with a couple other people who are taking the positivity challenge and they echoed the same sentiments...at least I'm not alone!

Ephesians 4:29-32
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, 
but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, 
even as God in Christ forgave you."

Today I am grateful for - A jog with a friend on a brisk fall day! After work today a friend and I went for a quick jog on a trail by work. Even though we didn't do much talking, I think we pushed and encouraged each other. It just felt good and gave me so much energy for the rest of the day. Thanks Lo!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Positivity and Gratitude - Day 1

Day 1: The Power of an Unexpected Compliment

I found myself driving home from work today contemplating if everyone really was in a better mood today...or if it really just took me adjusting my attitude! I'm still not sure, though I suspect it was just me adjusting my attitude. I am finding however, if you look for the positive in things...you just find more positive. I already knew that...but deliberately practicing it is so eye opening...and energizing!

So far so good on my first day or having a more positive attitude. There were a couple real tests thrown my way today too. :)

What I'm thankful for today: The power of an Unexpected Compliment!
I'm not the best when it comes to compliments. I'm not the best at receiving them...I'm not the best at giving them.  Hmmm...maybe that will be a future 31 day challenge? Today I'm thankful for compliments...they are so powerful...especially when they are unexpected.

Someone at work paid me an unexpected compliment today. They said I looked really nice and my outfit looked like something you would see on Pinterest. :) Maybe this is a silly example, but it kind of made my day...especially since what I was wearing was a little out of my comfort zone and I wasn't too sure about it. In fact, I sit on the couch at home right now still fully dressed (including my boots). I usually will discredit what people are saying when they try to pay me a compliment. Why do we do that? Okay, I still did it a little bit today. I pointed out that I had actually brought a black purse(I was wearing brown boots) - so my entire outfit didn't really work. (Maybe I shouldn't have admitted that...now I'm going to have an even tougher time convincing Kyle not to wear his black belt with brown shoes!) Back to the compliment...for the most part...I just tried to go with it and say Thanks! So that was example 1...thanks for making my day Jen!

Example 2: I also paid someone a compliment today. I let Cathy know I thought she was a very gracious person (which is absolutely true...even if you don't believe me Cathy!). I think it really meant something to her and it actually ended up getting me on the Wall of Gratitude at work (which really meant something to me! Funny how that works!). It made me stop and think...I need to do so much better at paying people sincere compliments!

All those little thoughts that run through your mind about someone (let me clarify...the nice thoughts!) SAY THEM OUT LOUD!!! You never know what it could mean to someone. It can totally change someones day.

Compliments...so little effort required...such a big impact!

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

31 Day Challenge: Positivity and Gratitude

Proverbs 31:28
"She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness."


It is that time again...time for another 31 Day Challenge!

This time around I am going to tackle Positivity and Gratitude. 31 days will conclude just in time for Thanksgiving...how appropriate!

This one is really going to take a lot of self-discipline and determination. I am choosing not to criticize, not to complain, not to entertain a negative self dialogue, look on the positive side of things and try to keep things in perspective for the next 31 days. One way I hope to keep things in perspective is by recording one thing that I am grateful for each and every day.

I'm really excited to get the work crew involved with this one! We have a "Wall of Gratitude" for us to put daily what we are thankful for and why. We are also having different people post something around positivity or gratitude on our work blog every day. I am really looking forward to reading what others have to share and it hopefully creating an even more energetic, positive work environment.

Here is my positivity pledge for the next 31 days:

If it is not constructive, I will not say it.
If pessimism creeps in, I will choose optimism.
My purpose is greater than my challenges.
Wish me luck on this one...it is really going to be a challenge. If you catch me slipping up (which I probably will) do me a favor and remind me of my goal. Kyle can keep you informed of how well I'm actually doing! :)
Does anybody want to join me?