Swinging for Curveballs

May has thrown some real curveballs. In a lot of ways I'm feeling like I've been pegged by every. single. one. It is beyond frustrating!

My natural inclination is to become cynical.

Fortunately, God knows me better than I know me. He keeps putting little reminders at just the right moments in my days to show me that He has a plan. Even in the chaos! He's using conversations and texts and messages from friends to keep me from diving head first into Cynical World.

I'm pushing forward.

I'm keeping my chin up. (ok... trying!)

I'm looking for that next right step.

I'll be grateful for the good.

And maybe even the annoying, bad and frustrating, too.

(Thankfulness is a pretty effective attitude adjuster.)

For those who have tossed me a "life raft" in the form of a gentle reminder or check-in, thanks!

______________________

Side note: We just finished Annie with Justus which features the song, Tomorrow. And we're gearing up for Willy Wonka with Think Positive. Maybe I need to pay attention. :)

Five years from today...

This morning, I found myself thinking about what my life might look like five years from now.

Source Dan Zadra. Looks interesting!

Frankly, my five year plan needs some serious fleshing out. The details are not clear. Maybe writing them will help. So here goes:

I see Justus, taller than me, as a high school Junior. He's playing football and thinking about college. He's still serving with his buddies at church, but their horizons have grown. And as long as I'm dreaming, he still wants to tell me all about his day.
Lexi is a fifth grader. She's a great student with a love for the stage. She has lots of friends and a full social calendar. I picture the children's ministers giving her opportunities to lead, as they have done so well with her big brother. We enjoy special mom/daughter times often.
Jeremy is rocking his job. We're still having a blast dating. We're showing hospitality and traveling more together. He hasn't quite mastered the art of a clean garage, yet, but the motorcycle is back in one piece. (Just teasin'.)
My career has taken off. I get to set my own schedule and work from virtually anywhere doing what I love and making a difference for many, many ministries around the world.
We're still in Sugar Land, enjoying the friendships we've built over many years. And (bonus, cause it's my dream!) some family members have taken up residence nearby. Yay!

Yes, that is a bit more clear now. I'm actually feeling a little reserved about hitting "Publish" on this one. But I think the conclusion is worth the risk of sharing. The point is this. I came to the conclusion that today needed to be filled with choices that my five-years-from-now-self would appreciate!

Every day, in every moment, you get to exercise choices that will determine whether or not you will become a great person, living a great life. Greatness is not something predetermined, predestined or carved into your fate by forces beyond your control. Greatness is always in the moment of the decision.” – Jeff Olson, Author The Slight Edge

10 Life Lessons I've Learned from Running and Boxing

1. The hardest part is getting started.

2. If you do, you'll be glad you did.

3. When you throw a punch, the power comes from your waist/hips more than your arms.  Know the source of your power to hang on... to accomplish any good... to overcome... (2 Cor 4:7-9)

4. You probably need less gear than you think. 

5. Keep your eyes on your own bag.

6. Somewhere along the way, you might reach a runner's high. Savor it. Enjoy it. Take advantage of the feeling that you can run forever.

7. Accountability will keep you in the game on the days you want to quit.

8. It is consistency that results in noticeable changes. You probably won't see them today or tomorrow, but they do accumulate into BIG changes over time.

9. Rest is necessary for peak performance.

10. Keep going. You can do more than you think you can.

So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

(1 Corinthians 9:26 NLT)

This One Goes Out to the Real Girls

I just got home from a fun dinner with some of my girlfriends. I had a blast, but I've got something to say...