And so, it begins...

     

     So here's the deal:  I was recently inspired by a friend and fellow blogger (insert the wonderful, "Noel" here) who embarked on a really cool year-long challenge, to complete a list of 30 challenges before turning 30 next month.  <Check out her really awesome and inspiring blog, here.> Her list includes fun to-do's like, "raising a basil plant named Kyle", to more hard-core challenges such as "writing and directing her own short film and submitting it to a film festival".  Since joining her blog, I've been hooked on the idea of making my own special list of year-long challenges.  I've always loved the idea of the so-called "bucket list", but feel that an on-going list of yearly challenges (not resolutions) seems more appropriate for "living in the moment". After all, our bucket lists can tend to get pretty long at some point, and we may find that if we keep adding to that same list- year after year, never actually doing any of the things we hope to "someday" do, we'll be ready to 'kick the bucket' before those dreams and wishes have been fulfilled!
     Now, you may be wondering what the difference is between yearly challenges such as these, and the more infamously known: New Years Resolutions.  I like to think of it like this... Ten years from now, when I look back at a specific milestone in my life, be it turning age 25, 30, 50, or 80, I'll remember what wonderful experiences I had then, and which goals I accomplished during that time.  Whereas I find that many times, my New Years Resolutions tend to become redundant (lose 10 pounds, exercise everyday, etc) and fade into an after-thought by the time February rolls around!
     And so, it begins-- I crossed the big 2-5 milestone of my life yesterday, and I have chosen 5 special challenges of my own for my 25th year!  But before I begin, I would just like to say that my little list of 5 challenges are minuscule compared to the 30 life-changing challenges of my friend, Noel.  I owe her a heartfelt "thank you" for inspiring me to embark on a journey of lifelong challenges for myself!  May we each live each day to its fullest, each year at its finest, living in each moment fearless and free... and happy as can be!  

~Fab "5" of My 25th~

1. run a half-marathon (and a full one if I'm feeling rough, tough and ready... which is not likely.)
2. read the Bible through, in its' entirety (because I find something new, Every. Single. Time.)
3. make a "thus-far" scrapbook of my life (complete with photos, newspaper clippings, etc)
4. select/ read 50 of the "100 greatest novels of all time"(Austen, Dumas, Steinbeck- the works!)
   
5. journey to the remaining states I've yet to visit (I'm half-way there!)

Let the fun begin!  Here's to a wonderful 25th year. 

A picture is worth a thousand words...

     I'm back working in the Big Apple this week, which could be why my 'Instagram' feed is overflowing with photos.  I have recently became a little obsessed with this app and am literally taking pictures of just about everything lately.  Here are a few fun ones I've taken, during this go-around in the Concrete Jungle. 

<3 <3 <3

This pretty much sums it up; I love this place.

"keep the Son in your eyes"...

    

     The past week goes down as one of the happiest of my life. There are many reasons why, but I will only share one of them today.  I received an email from a very precious friend of mine that truly blessed my heart.  I met Sam and his beautiful (both, inside and out) wife, Cindy, while serving on the program in London this past summer.  You know how there are times in life, when it's evident that God put a person in your path?... well, this was one of those times for me. There were several instances, while chatting over coffee or pizza, that the conversation would turn to Christ.  We had so many wonderful conversations about Him; thinking back to them still brings a smile to my face.  The connection I felt with Sam and Cindy was instantaneous; and their advice-- life changing.
      Since returning home from London, we've continued to stay in touch through Facebook/email, due to us living in different states.  And those online chats are as dear to my heart, as the conversations we had talking face to face.  I wanted to take a moment and share just what I'm talking about.... the email from my God-given friends, ended with this beautiful conclusion:

"keep the Son in your eyes".  

     

     If I could express through my writing, the happiness I felt when I read this; so simple, yet so huge-- such a great reminder; words to live by!

     So to Sam and Cyndi: thank you. Thank you for your friendship, and thank you for your love.  The influence you have made on my life, I will cherish, always.  It's evident the Son is in your eyes, as well as in your hearts, by the life you lead.
     I strive to live a life, where that may be said of me.         

HE loves me anyway.

     Good morning, and happy Thursday!  Only one day until TG(oodness)IF-- get excited!  : )

     Soooo, I was doing some "Pinteresting" a couple nights ago and happened to run across a photo that caught my eye.  The picture itself was beautiful-- but what touched my heart was the words...
  

 Click here for more inspirational photos.

     Wherever you are on this Thursday-- in whichever situation you're in; whether you're feeling sad, lonely or lost-- I pray that you'll find peace in knowing there is a God who loves you more than you can fathom.  No matter our backgrounds or our failures,  He loves despite of it all.  Whatever you're doing at this minute, stop-- take a few minutes for yourself, and listen to the song below by Sidewalk Prophets.  You may already know it, but I encourage you to listen again.  Each time I hear it, my heart is flooded with peace and joy.  

"You Love Me Anyway"

"i am the nail in Your wrist, but You love me anyway.

i am the sweat from Your brow, but You love me anyway.

i am the nail in Your wrist, but You love me anyway.

And i am Judas' kiss, but You love me anyway..."

     He loves you.  Fall into the arms of Christ and accept His grace.  He will never leave your side.  He's the One friend you can always count on.  Even when you fail Him, He will still be there.  He loves you anyway... always and forever. 

I love elephants.

     It's a fact:  I love elephants.  I like the color black.  And I have a thing for four-leaf clovers.  But I seriously adore these massive four-legged, trunk-laden beauties.
     One of my favorite memories from grammar school was from the time my fourth grade class took a field trip to the zoo. Of all the animals there, my favorite was the elephant. Which is why I jumped at the chance to climb atop one of the giant creatures for a ride, (led by a guide, of course). I straddled her best I could with my short little legs and held on tight. And it was nothing short of incredible. Big black eyes, smooth grey skin, a sweet and gentle nature; she was absolutely beautiful. As the guide led us around the circular path, I remember leaning down to whisper into one of her-- the elephant's, not the guide's-- massive ears. Whether or not she heard or understood me, I didn't care. I fell in love with her right then and there. ...and for a minute, she was my Rosey.
     Which, you might guess, leads me into the topic of my list of "favorite things" for the week!  If you've read the book or seen the movie, you probably picked up on my "Rosie" reference. 

"Water for Elephants" is one of my all-time favorites. 

If you've seen the movie- read the book. If you've read the book- see the movie.

I love them both.

Next favorite: the adorable little Elephant House Cafe.

If I'm in Edinburgh, Scotland... you better believe I'm here!  Not only is the food delicious, but the place is filled with all sorts of little elephant nick-knacks, big and small, from all over the world!  And did I mention, it's know as the "birthplace of Harry Potter"?! Whattttt?.. click on the link above to check it out. :)

And lastly: the adorable little tokens that sparked the idea for this post: my new elephant earrings!

My gorgeous, fashion-savvy, doll-face of a friend, Kayte G., passed these beauties on to me after I made quite the fuss about them!  Bless her, she took them right out of her ears, and handed them over... love her! 

Best early birthday present ever... I think so.  :)