This Will Not Be At All Inspirational

But, I wanted to write these things down somewhere so I remember to do them! Also, it's a pretty good glimpse into my obviously all too glamorous life. (Sarcasm...)

1. Shower. Freakin A.
2. Clean room. Like, deep clean. Not just pushing all the clothes into the closet.
3. Eat something. Don't skip nighttime meals!!
4. Pack for home tonight because you know you won't be doing it tomorrow morning before work.
5. Apply at Norm Pub Lib.
6. Breathe.
7. Clean out refrigerator. Just toss everything. It's easier that way.
8. Go through old dance clothes and find tiny leotards and ballet shoes for Yana.
9. Never again sing along to "Moves Like Jagger." It will be forever stuck in your head.
10. Finishing reading Acts. It's starting to get really good.
11. Fill up with $15 of gas so parents will fill it up for real when you're home.
12. Buy more deodorant. Seriously.
13. Do laundry. Maybe make mom do laundry? Maybe toss laundry into family's laundry without anyone noticing...
14. Take dishes out of dishwasher and actually put them away. You actually have roommates this month.
15. Breathe.
16. Sleep. At a decent hour this time. Maybe.

Blessings

Today as I was driving home from the bank I was nearly in tears because of how overwhelmed I was when I realized all the wonderful things God has blessed me with today. It all started out with making it to the bank five minutes before close, despite hitting basically every single red light from Fort Jesse to Vernon, then on Towanda from Vernon to Empire. The story goes like this:

I hit the first red light and checked the clock. 5:17. Crap. I have to make it all the way across town in thirteen minutes. That sure ain't happening. What do I do? I have to get this check in the bank TODAY so it will clear in time for me to pay rent. I guess I could take the late penalty...but no, I can't, what if I'm accidentally late again? They can evict me after the first one. Shoot, then I'm homeless...I have to make it to this bank. Dang it light, TURN GREEN ALREADY!!

I hit the second red light and checked the clock. 5:19. Gosh darn it, I can't keep sitting at these stupid lights. Shoot, I'm almost to a quarter tank of gas. Another reason this check needs to get to the bank pronto. Come on come on come on. Change....NOW....NOW....NOW...I should've turned right and taken Towanda from out here...

Then I got lucky, a green light through the intersection at College. Hoorah. This excitement doesn't last long.

Because I hit yet another red light at Von Maur Drive, or whatever it's called. I check the time. 5:21. Cutting it close. Bank closes in eight minutes. Should I call my parents and ask to borrow the money so I can pay rent? No, then they'll think you're irresponsible and they'll make you live at home again. Shoot, please be open, please stay open, please turn green!!!

Last light, traffic on Veterans is a slow 30mph while the speed limit is 45. Tailgating until my turn lane for Vernon appears and then I gun it. 35, 40, 45, pushing 50, back to 45, 40, 30, 25, wide turn, red light.

Freakin A. This light is NEVER red. Come on, come on, come on. Go greeeeeeeen!!!

Finally, I'm approaching Towanda, turn lane, yes, and of course, red light. Time check: 5:24. Six minutes. This is pushing it. I can't hit any more lights or I'm screwed. Hope there aren't any cops out.

Through another green light at Emerson and a hop skip and a jump and boom, turn signal on, sharp turn, and we're here. 5:27. Three minutes to spare. Window down, music down, sunglasses off. Hi, yes I'd like a checking account deposit slip please. Thank you. Scribble a few numbers, scrawl out my rather sloppy Hancock, check in, cash out, done. 5:30. This, friends, is where things get messy.

After I turn out of the bank parking lot and take a few deep breaths, I remember. Thank God. Really. I just sat there in my car and thanked God for providing yet again when I thought I was S.O.L. Thank God for a family willing to pay half of my rent, for a car to get to the bank, for making me sit at all these red lights to realize that He had me covered and that I need to stop being such a worrier.

Why is it so difficult to remember that sometimes? For some reason I seem to find it so very easy to forget about all of the wonderful things I've been blessed with and instead can only focus on the problem right in front of me. It's like having a giant tapestry, an artistic masterpiece, and only seeing a single thread. Francis Chan points out the realities of these things in his book, Crazy Love:

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.

Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control."

It's a constant struggle in my life and I know it is for others of you as well. It's something that we have to deal with, a consequence of actions humanity made long ago, and we need to challenge it every single day. But with the grace and power of God, and a whole lot of effort on our end, it can be easier. I'd forgotten about these verses for awhile, and while skimming back through the section of Crazy Love I just quoted, stumbled upon them again. Take them to heart and remember that God is there for us to lean on always.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."--Philippians 4:6-7

Blessings,
Liz.

Because I Wish It Was Colder Outside

And because this is just freaking amazing and ridiculous and real life, which blows my mind most of all. Check out some of her other videos! Especially the virtuoso inspired by Rhianna's Please Don't Stop The Music. She's insane!

Little Things

Well hello again. I realize it's been awhile since I've posted anything new, and I'm sorry about that. Part of the reason is that I was away at a friend's house last Wednesday through Saturday, then had plans at home Saturday night and Sunday is always packed. Alas, my most sincere regrets. Hope you all haven't missed me too terribly! :)

Ok, so today it was stupid hot again, and the kids were so ridiculously energetic for 8am I wanted to shoot myself. (Ok, not really, but you know...) But, as the day went on I was gifted with some of the most adorable little blessings from these youngins! Before nap time today, the little girl I nanny, Yana, decided she wanted to fall asleep in the car on the way home from swim lessons. Which was wonderful, because usually she's a pistol to put to bed, and after she woke up when I pulled her out of her car seat, she fell asleep again on my shoulder as I carried her inside and up to her bed. Although it made me about ten degrees hotter, it was precious, so a little extra sweat wasn't even a problem.

Then, as I was about to leave the house for the evening around 5:15, I realized I had left the laundry I folded earlier in the living room instead of taking it upstairs to the bedroom where I usually do. As I walked over and picked up the basket, the little boy I sit, Arav, asked if he could carry it for me and put it upstairs where it belongs without question. Holy moley y'all. These little terrors are actually looking like tiny humans!! And it's great. Also, as I was walking out the door, both kids wanted to walk me to my car, and I got hugs from them both before I hopped into my seat.

I realize these things probably seem super lame to any of you reading this, but trust me, if you had had this job all summer like I have, you would truly realize just how wonderful these little things made me feel. Especially after getting flack yet again from the mother for something ridiculous. Oh well, she's taking me shopping on Friday and I'm PUMPED.

Well, that's all for now, until next time,

Blessings,
Liz.