Trifecta Writing Challenge

I've seen my big brother do several of these challenges and thought I'd try it out....not even sure if this is how it's supposed to be done, but here goes nothing!!  :)

http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/

 

 

This weekend we are asking you to play around with the following quote:

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.
--Henry James

 

For the sake of clarity (and brevity), we'll impose a thirty-three word upper limit.

Three things in life are sure to help you learn something new. One, jump right in expecting the best.  Two, jump right in expecting the best.  Three, jump right in expecting the best.

THE BLESSING OF SISTERS!

Today was the day I've been looking forward to with great anticipation.  Knowing that I get to see my sisters puts an instant smile on my face and lifts my spirits to the sky.  Differing schedules and family demands often put a damper on all four of us getting together.  Somehow, someway we always find the means to make it happen. 

The IHOP staff didn't know what they were in for when the Burhans girls showed up this morning. 
Giggling and bouncing in the booth, we welcomed each other and our day began!

Conversation was sporadic, but meaningful as we all tried to cram months of life into minutes of fellowship.  Silly stories and uncontrolled outbursts of laughter spread through the restaurant during our breakfast.  Why is it that time has to pass so quickly when you truly wish it would stand still?  Why does Suzy love napkins so much?  Did the bathroom need to feel like a sauna?  Was Christina, our waitress, giggling along with us because she could tell how much we were enjoying each other, or was she secretly hoping we would leave?  Will Beth burst into Chakaboom dance right there in our booth?  Do you think Tina's co-workers would have been upset if we just took her for the day instead of having to say good bye right after we ate?  Would Tammy leave this place with marks on her from the seat?

There are so many things I adore about my sisters.  Each of them adds quality to my life. I treasure their suggestions and opinions, knowing that they care so much about me.  It's funny how just a little over an hour with them fills my heart with more than enough joy to carry me until our next get together.

Each time I think of my sisters, I am reminded of the love that binds us with one another.  It runs deep, and close to my heart.  Treasured are the times we spend connecting, even when they are short lived.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.  ~ Philippians 1:3

 

 

 

Quiet Time

Ahhhhh, morning.  How I cherish the uninterrupted quiet, peaceful time.  I love having a chance to fuel my mind and spirit for the upcoming day by beginning it with God.

Some days, I am fully awake and just soak in all the wisdom and guidance from the Word.  Other days, honestly, I am groggy and still wishing I was curled up in my comfy bed, dreaming and sleeping.  I can remember kneeling at my couch one morning and actually falling asleep during a prayer!  How's that for failing at an attempt to have quality quiet time!

The wonderful thing about time with the Lord is that it doesn't have to be perfect.  I know years ago I struggled with this thought.  I felt that if I didn't rise at the break of dawn and spend hours in prayer and Bible study I would be banished from heaven for being such a heathen.

Then a wise woman shared with me the importance of seeking God.  She mentioned that our goal in having a meaningful quiet time was to give God our best.  If that means 5:30 a.m., then so be it.  It might mean for some that the middle of the day is the best time for meeting the Lord.  For others, late at night when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep is their best time.  Your best time is just that - yours!  Don't let anyone else tell you something different.

The most imperative part of this process is that you are seeking Him and wanting to spend time with Him. 

Life happens, as we all know.  You oversleep.  The kids wake up earlier than usual.  You have an appointment, or you aren't feeling well.  Those circumstances are understandable.  Just don't let them completely take you from your intention to be with God.

There have been situations in which I'll have 4 wonderful minutes with Him, and then something happens to take me away from that time and I have to come back to it.  Once I get back to that place of worship and focus on God, another little fire appears that I have to put out.  Now I'm up to 6.7 minutes with Him!  I quickly realize that the actual number of minutes is not what matters. Having my heart and mind fully focused on the Lord and His goodness is what counts.

 



Just be still.  Quiet yourself.  Close your eyes and simply be in His presence.  Check in with Him, and ask what you can do for Him today.  Ask for guidance and see what He tells you.  Read your Bible.  Seek His wisdom.  Unload your burdens.  Pray about what matters to you.  He cares, and He loves to have that special time with you.

The physical place and time you take to be with God is not of utter importance.  Your genuine desire to be with Him and your willingness to make it a priority is most significant.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13



Out The Door

 

 

 

This stuff is fab-u-lous!!!  I love it! 

 

I am such a low maintenance girl, and do my own nails at home.  I've had people comment on how nice my toenails look, and often it's after several weeks of painting them!  I'm sharing this information with you so you can protect your polish and not have to change it so often.

 

 

Ladies, trust  me.  This works wonders!  Not only does it last a long time, it is named "Out The Door" for a good reason - once you put it on and it dries for a minute or two, you can jet out the door without a worry!  No smudges, chips, or smears.  For real!

 

Men, buy some for your girls, and you will save lots of dough on those expensive pedicures.  Go to Sally's Beauty Supply store and get a bottle or two.  Your girl will thank you!!

 

If you try it out, let me know what you think! 

 

Happy painting!

Running

Clothes.  Socks.  Shoes.  Hat.  Phone for tracking mileage.  Arm band for phone.  Drink water.  Time to go!

"You can do this,"  I say several times.  Press start.  Listen for 5 second count down.  Start running.

Every time I begin my run it is the same drill. No matter which direction I choose to go when I leave my house to run, I am faced with a hill.  Honestly, each time I have to pep talk myself into making it.  Amazingly enough, I always get there and as I crest the top of the hill, I feel very empowered and happy.

I shared with my daughter that I talk to myself while I run.  "Seriously mom?  Please, no!" she says to me.  She found it quite funny that I do.  "It motivates me," I tell her.  "Oh my gosh, what if people hear you?" she asked.  "Oh well!"  I said.

Strength.  Determination.  Perseverance.  Commitment.  Stamina.  Focus.  Will power.  Purpose.

I am thankful that so far I've been able to enjoy running without injuries or pain.  I definitely feel it in my muscles and body after a run, but it's a good thing.  Let's me know I'm working hard.  I just wonder if I look goofy when I run!  Silly, I know, but I have seen people out there running who clearly look as if they should have chosen another way to exercise.  The pain they seem to be in as they shuffle along is hurtful to watch and I don't feel that way so hopefully I don't look that way!

On September 7th, I will be running a 5k.  I am so excited!  It's a goal I've set for myself and who knows what I'll do after that.  Maybe continue to run, or possibly go back to power walking.  We shall see.  Until then, I'll continue to run each day, talking to myself along the way!  :)

...they will run and not grow weary...(Isaiah 40:31)