Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You

I often find that when I am in the midst of a time of self examination, I write more. Perhaps this is because that has always been my way of dealing with things. I have always enjoyed the art of journaling. Anne Frank's Dairy always fascinated and scared me for that reason. I always imagined someone finding my words. I was in fear of what finding out what the real me looked like would mean. At a very young age I began to write poetry, which was an acceptable way to get my words to readers. I went from poetry to some prose and eventually onto the wonderful world of blogging.

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Apparently writing has helped me discover, cope, and celebrate my entire life. I am blessed that along with my love for it, I also got a measure of talent as well. However, I don't think its a requirement for one to have superb writing skills in order to express their feelings through journaling. I really feel like writing is a lot like music; if you love to do it, who cares what others think.

I have recently been reading the book Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You which I received from Family Christian Stores. In this book the author Stasi Elderdge does a lot of what I consider to be "journaling". She relives some of her memories in a very real way. She also shares the stories of others. She shares all this for the purpose of helping the reader to start embracing who they truly are- what God sees them as. No matter where you are in your life journey, you have been through a time of self doubt. We all have. This book is really helping me see those times in a new light.

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So far I can say that I recommend the book. You can buy it in stores or online at www.familychristian.com.  Its hitting close to home in many ways for me. I also always recommend taking the time to write. I really think journaling is for everyone. To prove it, I have a very special giveaway.

Please feel free to enter it and join me in the writing journey!





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Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Day

October 15th is Miscarriage and infant loss awareness day. This topic is so close to home for me because it is not just statistics to me, its who I am. I am the one in four who has lost a child.

In this day an time it seems that this issue is taken so lightly. People brush off this loss as little and expect woman and families to go on like normal after it. However, having gone through this, that little life will always be a part of you.

Its about time we stop ignoring the hurting woman everywhere. We need to bind together and build a strong connection of support so every mother who has lost a child can have sanctuary. It doesn't matter whether you were 10 weeks along or your baby made it to birth or beyond, the loss of a child is a very real pain.

Join with me in supporting those who have gone through this. My miscarriage happened before finding out my child's gender. My family had already lovingly nicknamed them "Squash". "Squash" will always be a part of my heart, even if no one ever got to meet their beautiful face.

If you have been through this, I know the pain you feel. Let's break the silence!

Is it Christmas Yet?

I love Christmas! I realize that it is only October, but I am aching for the arrival of December. I love the sounds, smells, and sights of the season. I love the reason why we celebrate. I love decorating, shopping, and baking. I've been spending some time recently preparing for the holiday season. Which is mostly playing on Pinterest and creating board of  companies I would love to work with for gift guides, ideas for gift making, and Christmas cookies.

All this makes me wonder, are there other people as passionate about the holiday as I am? If so, could we be buddies?!

What is your favorite holiday? How and when do you start preparing for it?

I am a Dreamer

Did you know I that I am a dreamer? I am sure that all my regular readers gave a resounding, "duh" to answer that question. Are you a dreamer? What is it that makes you consider yourself a dreamer?

As I face a future with a lot of limitations, I consider the things I would still love to do in life. Although some of the are not really possible anymore, some may need to be pursued earlier than I expected to, or in a different way.

I have thrown around many career options in my lifetime. None have really stuck with me, with the exception of education. I have been working with children nearly my entire life. I love it deeply, but I have always dreamed of exploring other options. Among my list of choices I included artist, author, storm chaser, scientist, and stay at home mom. More practical and relevant ideas have also crossed my mind. At one point I considered being a special education teacher, an occupational therapist, or even an elementary teacher. My wildest notions have included theologian, professor, and Christian marriage and sex therapist. My calling has always been to go into the mission field. As you can tell, I am all over the career spectrum. For this very reason I have not gone back to school to get a masters or doctorate!

As for hobbies, I am even more eclectic. I already write, read, and listen to music on a regular basis.Which are all pretty "normal" hobbies. I even dabble in the arts at times. Yet my dream hobbies are nowhere near as mediocre . I would love to do beauty pageants, opera singing, professional party planning, an "ask Manda" column,Harley riding, and even  fashion design and dancing. World travel is also on the very top of that list. At one time that was one of my regular hobbies. However, it has been years since I have been abroad. Now, all these hobbies are worth while plans. Still, I am clearly aware that I am no longer that right age (or shape) for beauty pageants. I also know that opera singing takes a lifetime of practice I do not have. Dancing is not that practical now with my own physical disabilities. The same will soon be true of world traveling since "the world" is sadly not handicap accessible. The other options above are a toss up. If you could choose any hobby, what would you consider?

A dreamer does not let their limitations stop them. They use those limitations as starting points for
finding new opportunities. So, are you a dreamer or do you let life stop you? Do you push past your weakness to build new strengths? If so, explore with me. Let's find some new passions together!

Preschool Bentos

I warned you that you would get whatever popped into my brain!

As most if you know, I am starting to really love the idea of bento lunches. However, I have only one child in school and he is preschool age. So, I started packing simple, preschool friendly bentos on his school days. He goes twice a week and I am having blast created lunches that will make his buddies jealous. Here is what I have come up with so far:

Bat Bento

Car Bento, notice the read and green "light" cereal

Pumpkin Bento

Superhero bento

Yellow Bento, for yellow day at school

pirate bento, with treasure juice box

Ben (my son) has seemed to enjoy his lunches so far this year. I look forward to creating more as the year goes by. I always use whatever I already have in the house. Other great bento supplies include:

• tooth picks
• paper
• cookie cutters
• food pens
• sprinkles
• muffin papers
• fun shaped foods

I hope this inspires a little bit of creativity for you. It really doesn't take much money or even much time to create these fun little lunches. These meals take me between 10 and 20 minutes to design, create, and pack.

Have bento fun!

Sit With Me a While

I've really been all over the place as far as blogging goes recently. My head has been hopping to so many ideas that I cant seem to settle on one and start writing. I have been interested in rebooting a little more fashion since I am having fun playing with my clothing as I lose weight. I have also considered writing a series on Bento lunches, since I do those several times a week as well. The last thing that's bounced around my head is providing a few healthy/ diet recipes I have created since starting my diet about a month ago.

Eventually I have a book review in the works and hopefully a few giveaways. There is of course a giveaway currently going on over at my other blog Missionary Manda's Musings. I have worlds of updates and random thoughts that I would love to share with you as well.

Truthfully, I'd love to know what going on in your brain so we can discover together. If you don't tell me, you will get what ever my fickle mind decides! Always fun, but I just cant guarantee what it will be!

Keep your eyes open for all the fun, take a seat with me and let's start a conversation!

Hope is on its Way

Its interesting how sometimes when it rains, it pours. At this moment in my life, this is how I feel. I sure many of you (if not all of you) can relate to that. Although there is always light at the end of a storm, it can be so hard to remember that as you hear the thunder, see all the lightning and are soaking wet.

I am here to tell you today, that it will turn out. It will get better. I am not promising a quick fix or some speedy resolution. I am just reminding you that in the end, it all comes around. I want to just spread a little hope today. Perhaps I just need a little bit myself!

On a whole different topic, on Missionary Manda's Musings I am having a neat little giveaway going on! Please feel free to enter!