Before I post Resolved, Part 2... which will be a "year-in-pictures" if I ever get around to it (and let's hope I get around to it this weekend, when I'll finally have time to clean my apartment, do my finances, organize my life, plan my quarter, and... breathe), I thought I'd ask for some advice.
For many years I was single. Maybe not as many as some, but for a girl like me, it felt like forever. Over those years, the Lord used my singleness to teach me many things, and to grow my walk with Him. I wrote about it, not only as an outlet but as a way to preach to myself, and remind myself of what I knew to be true, with the hopes that it would in turn encourage and remind other single women of the truth.
I loved that. I felt it was my niche, of sorts.
And now, I'm not single anymore. Well, technically I am because I'm not married, but I'm spoken for. I'm obviously thrilled about that, but the struggles of single Amanda really aren't there anymore. Instead there are now struggles of Amanda-in-relationship, on which I could write epic blogs but don't really feel that telling the world about my relationship is entirely appropriate (no offense, oversharers). At least not not all the time, anyway.
Over pizza at the little shop where I once often frequented (and wrote a blog about one of the Italians there, who, I might add, can't hold a candle to my Italian), I talked to BF about the fact that I feel I need to reinvent my blog. But how?
Here are my concerns:
1. I don't want to become out-of-touch with the single women who may read my blog, and the single women still in my life. This is actually a large burden on my heart at the moment, and here's why: I remember when, as a single woman, attached/engaged/married women would talk to me about how they were single and then waited, and now they have their man. And I (admittedly with the wrong attitude) would think, That's all well and good, but see, you are in a relationship, and I still am not. So thanks but no thanks to your unsolicited advice. I feel that I still have valuable lessons to convey, but I don't want my single friends to think like I did about me, to think Oh great, another one bites the dust. What else is new? BF reminded me that I can't control their response to my advice, and he's right. But that doesn't take away the burden on my heart that I may be estranging my friends/readers without even trying. I'm just being honest here.
2. I don't know what I want my blog to be. I could post lessons I learn from the Word, and probably always will do that no matter how I reinvent this blog, because that's the biggest part of me. I could make it a photo journal. I could make it a DIY blog. I just don't know. And the fact that I just don't know kind of sums up the overwhelmed sensation I am feeling these days.
So, readers and friends, what do you think? How should I reinvent my blog? About what should I write? Please think about that and respond; meanwhile I'll be working on my "year-in-pictures" blog... so stay tuned.
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
January 7, 2011
August 24, 2010
100 Posts Posted, 100 Lessons Learned...
This is my 100th post. Well, technically it is not the 100th post on this site, but it is the 100th draft I've... drafted. There are about four drafts that didn't make the cut. Even so, I decided my 100th post should be somewhat epic in either length or substance, if not both. And then my mind went blank. I then left it up to my facebook friends to help me think of something worthy. My friend Brianne (thanks, Brianne!) suggested I type up a list of 100 lessons I have learned, I guess post-college. Epic, in my opinion, in both length and substance. So here goes:
1. IT (meaning life) is not about ME.
2. Nothing can prepare you for a life of singleness.
3. Men have fragile egos.
4. Men and women cannot be best friends without one or both wanting more at some point.
5. I am not nor have ever been "big boned," despite my childhood claims to the contrary.
6. Writing a book is not even the hard part of becoming published.
7. Drama can be completely avoided.
8. Smiling really does change your attitude.
9. I have a lot more neuroses than I'd care to admit.
10.Working with youth opens you up to a whole lot of potential for hurt.
11.Friendships have no age barriers.
12.Boundaries keep the peace and sanity in life... and in countries.
13.I may get lost a lot but I always find my way eventually... literally and figuratively.
14.Given the opportunity, people can and will take advantage of you.
15.Serving is the best way to feel at home.
16.Teachers must be thick-skinned.
17.Facebook is my Achilles' heel.
18.You can teach yourself anything.
19.Being creative for creativity's sake and not for money is okay.
20.College does not prepare you for the hands-on of teaching.
21.It's okay to surprise people.
22.My time is more valuable to me than money.
23.I can't control what others will do; I can only control my reactions.
24.It's OK to pray out loud in the car, even if it makes you look like you're talking to yourself.
25.I don't need to correct others' mistakes... all the time.
26.A lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.
27.If you do a good job at one thing, you'll be asked to do something else... and something else...
28.Leadership shouldn't always be sought out, it should often come naturally.
29.High school students think they're funny; middle school students don't know they're funny.
30.When you're headed in the same direction, nothing, not even spouses or miles, separates close friends.
31.He's just not that into you.
32.It doesn't matter what your GPA was in college; your students will still think you're stupid.
33.It doesn't matter how cheesy they are; a girl likes a good chick flick now and then.
34.They'll seldom admit it, but a guy likes a good chick flick now and then.
35.It doesn't matter how spotless the rest of my house is, I will always throw my clothes on my bedroom floor.
36.My Bible training at Moody is priceless.
37.Going shopping is a natural "upper" for me. Receiving my VISA bill is a natural "downer."
38.My parents are two of the wisest, funniest, most interesting and intelligent people I know.
39.The love my family has for each other (even extended family) is rare.
40.There is no place like home, but you can have more than one home.
41.Through its people, a place will wheedle itself into your heart.
42.I am truly a half-and-half mixture of my parents' personalities.
43.I will always have a love/hate relationship with technology.
44.I am an artist trapped in a box of financial restraints.
45.Prayer changes things (me).
46.Everything, literally everything can point back to some aspect of God's character.
47.Everything is redeemable.
48.Transparency builds solidarity.
49.Hope for the best, expect the worst.
50.Children are depraved.
51.There is no limit to human depravity.
52.There is no limit to God's grace towards me.
53.I grow most through trials.
54.Irish girls can tan, but it's a painful process.
55.Teachers are actors; the classroom is their stage.
56.I have walls around my heart.
57.My confidence and intimidation factor mask my insecurity fairly well.
58.God likes to put you outside your comfort zone... as often as possible.
59.Humor diffuses most awkward situations.
60.It is entirely possible to revert back to middle school every Wednesday night.
61.A husband will never fully fulfill me/complete me/satisfy me. That's God's job.
62.Independence is fun.
63.Boys LOVE to talk about poo, and it will probably always be funny.
64.My age is just a number.
65.I am the butt of many a joke. Yes, I said "I am the butt." har-har.
66.The following things will always be hilarious: falling down, abruptness, making hideous faces, laughing at inappropriate times.
67.The Helen Keller card is a no-fail in "Apples to Apples."
68.Never bring work home with you... if you can help it.
69.Life is too short to deny yourself your favorite food.
70.Nothing lasts forever. Except my relationship with the Lord.
71.If the book was fantastic, the movie will probably disappoint.
72.Laziness accounts for much of what's wrong in the world.
73.There are some legit psychos out there.
74.You never know how a small gesture or word will affect others, whether good or bad.
75.Most students are more respectful of male teachers. Female teachers work twice as hard for respect.
76.Who you are at home, when you are most comfortable, is who you are.
77.It is all to easy for me to become a hermit.
78.Axe spray should have never been invented.
79.Sometimes colored bras will bleed dye onto your clothes, and it will be sucky.
80.Fiber One yogurt is a bad choice.
81.Becoming a good cook/baker just takes experimentation and courage.
82.Apathy is one of the most unattractive traits a person can possess.
83.Inspiration distracts (happily) from the daily grind.
84.Once bitten by the travel bug, you will itch your whole life.
85.Good pizza is worth the calories.
86.Never ever pay full price for anything.
87.God is my protector and provider, even when I only have $22 to my name.
88.It's OK to cry, even in front of other people.
89.Toothpaste on pimples doesn't really work. It just smells minty.
90.I have become a realist with idealistic tendencies.
91.You can't force someone to see things the way you see them.
92.Friendships require routine maintenance.
93.If I am really looking forward to something, I will be disappointed.
94.My imagination can be my best friend or my worst enemy.
95.You don't have to experience mistakes to gain wisdom. Sometimes wisdom is gained in avoiding mistakes.
96.Moving is THE WORST.
97.Fresh starts are THE BEST.
98.Being a bridesmaid is ridiculously expensive.
99.Don't talk to strangers. Or smile at them. Or even look at them. Unless they are babies or the elderly.
100.When you ask God to change you, he absolutely will.
If you actually read all 100-- I am impressed. :) Thanks, friends, for reading.
1. IT (meaning life) is not about ME.
2. Nothing can prepare you for a life of singleness.
3. Men have fragile egos.
4. Men and women cannot be best friends without one or both wanting more at some point.
5. I am not nor have ever been "big boned," despite my childhood claims to the contrary.
6. Writing a book is not even the hard part of becoming published.
7. Drama can be completely avoided.
8. Smiling really does change your attitude.
9. I have a lot more neuroses than I'd care to admit.
10.Working with youth opens you up to a whole lot of potential for hurt.
11.Friendships have no age barriers.
12.Boundaries keep the peace and sanity in life... and in countries.
13.I may get lost a lot but I always find my way eventually... literally and figuratively.
14.Given the opportunity, people can and will take advantage of you.
15.Serving is the best way to feel at home.
16.Teachers must be thick-skinned.
17.Facebook is my Achilles' heel.
18.You can teach yourself anything.
19.Being creative for creativity's sake and not for money is okay.
20.College does not prepare you for the hands-on of teaching.
21.It's okay to surprise people.
22.My time is more valuable to me than money.
23.I can't control what others will do; I can only control my reactions.
24.It's OK to pray out loud in the car, even if it makes you look like you're talking to yourself.
25.I don't need to correct others' mistakes... all the time.
26.A lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.
27.If you do a good job at one thing, you'll be asked to do something else... and something else...
28.Leadership shouldn't always be sought out, it should often come naturally.
29.High school students think they're funny; middle school students don't know they're funny.
30.When you're headed in the same direction, nothing, not even spouses or miles, separates close friends.
31.He's just not that into you.
32.It doesn't matter what your GPA was in college; your students will still think you're stupid.
33.It doesn't matter how cheesy they are; a girl likes a good chick flick now and then.
34.They'll seldom admit it, but a guy likes a good chick flick now and then.
35.It doesn't matter how spotless the rest of my house is, I will always throw my clothes on my bedroom floor.
36.My Bible training at Moody is priceless.
37.Going shopping is a natural "upper" for me. Receiving my VISA bill is a natural "downer."
38.My parents are two of the wisest, funniest, most interesting and intelligent people I know.
39.The love my family has for each other (even extended family) is rare.
40.There is no place like home, but you can have more than one home.
41.Through its people, a place will wheedle itself into your heart.
42.I am truly a half-and-half mixture of my parents' personalities.
43.I will always have a love/hate relationship with technology.
44.I am an artist trapped in a box of financial restraints.
45.Prayer changes things (me).
46.Everything, literally everything can point back to some aspect of God's character.
47.Everything is redeemable.
48.Transparency builds solidarity.
49.Hope for the best, expect the worst.
50.Children are depraved.
51.There is no limit to human depravity.
52.There is no limit to God's grace towards me.
53.I grow most through trials.
54.Irish girls can tan, but it's a painful process.
55.Teachers are actors; the classroom is their stage.
56.I have walls around my heart.
57.My confidence and intimidation factor mask my insecurity fairly well.
58.God likes to put you outside your comfort zone... as often as possible.
59.Humor diffuses most awkward situations.
60.It is entirely possible to revert back to middle school every Wednesday night.
61.A husband will never fully fulfill me/complete me/satisfy me. That's God's job.
62.Independence is fun.
63.Boys LOVE to talk about poo, and it will probably always be funny.
64.My age is just a number.
65.I am the butt of many a joke. Yes, I said "I am the butt." har-har.
66.The following things will always be hilarious: falling down, abruptness, making hideous faces, laughing at inappropriate times.
67.The Helen Keller card is a no-fail in "Apples to Apples."
68.Never bring work home with you... if you can help it.
69.Life is too short to deny yourself your favorite food.
70.Nothing lasts forever. Except my relationship with the Lord.
71.If the book was fantastic, the movie will probably disappoint.
72.Laziness accounts for much of what's wrong in the world.
73.There are some legit psychos out there.
74.You never know how a small gesture or word will affect others, whether good or bad.
75.Most students are more respectful of male teachers. Female teachers work twice as hard for respect.
76.Who you are at home, when you are most comfortable, is who you are.
77.It is all to easy for me to become a hermit.
78.Axe spray should have never been invented.
79.Sometimes colored bras will bleed dye onto your clothes, and it will be sucky.
80.Fiber One yogurt is a bad choice.
81.Becoming a good cook/baker just takes experimentation and courage.
82.Apathy is one of the most unattractive traits a person can possess.
83.Inspiration distracts (happily) from the daily grind.
84.Once bitten by the travel bug, you will itch your whole life.
85.Good pizza is worth the calories.
86.Never ever pay full price for anything.
87.God is my protector and provider, even when I only have $22 to my name.
88.It's OK to cry, even in front of other people.
89.Toothpaste on pimples doesn't really work. It just smells minty.
90.I have become a realist with idealistic tendencies.
91.You can't force someone to see things the way you see them.
92.Friendships require routine maintenance.
93.If I am really looking forward to something, I will be disappointed.
94.My imagination can be my best friend or my worst enemy.
95.You don't have to experience mistakes to gain wisdom. Sometimes wisdom is gained in avoiding mistakes.
96.Moving is THE WORST.
97.Fresh starts are THE BEST.
98.Being a bridesmaid is ridiculously expensive.
99.Don't talk to strangers. Or smile at them. Or even look at them. Unless they are babies or the elderly.
100.When you ask God to change you, he absolutely will.
If you actually read all 100-- I am impressed. :) Thanks, friends, for reading.
February 5, 2010
Cyberspace Graffiti...
There is graffiti in a stall in the school in which I work that reads something like this: "hello person in the last stall. You would choose the last stall. I like it here too. <3"
What is the purpose behind writing with a Sharpie on the outdated, speckled tile of a bathroom wall? Or etching your nickname into a desk? Or musing on the graffiti-littered bunk beds at camp? Legacy. We want to leave a legacy-- make our mark, leave something behind. Some kind of physical emblem that evidences our brief existence. Isn't that why it's done? So we can point to it in the future, smile, and say, "that was me. I was here. I made my mark." And as I thought about this odd social practice that evidences such insecurity, I asked myself one uncomfortable question: is this what blogging is for me? My way to make an indelible mark in cyberspace? A kind of world-wide graffiti? Is blogging a way to leave a legacy-- evidence that I existed and my life meant something?
I suppose to an extent that's true, and for many people with blogs it must be true. But as I explored this topic, I found that this is the real reason I blog:
Though I'd never begin to actually compare myself to David or my writing to the Psalms, my goal in writing is to do what the Psalmist did-- lament or joy about the things of life-- true emotion, real though, veritable feelings... but then pull things back to God, where the focus should be, reminding myself of the truth that trumps emotion. This is often for myself-- a chance for me to air my thoughts, type it out, and get my head on straight. But like the Psalmist, I'd really like to encourage my readers. I would hope that by God's grace, readers would relate to what I've written, know they're not alone, and be encouraged to then live and react in an appropriate way. I hope others will learn and benefit from the milestones I've reached in my own life.
So I suppose in a way, I would like my blogging to be a kind of legacy. When I'm gone, if what I've written will point others to Christ, that's the kind of legacy I would like to leave. I've been putting a lot of thought towards the topic of legacies, as that will be much of what we talk about at summer camp this year. What do I want to leave behind? For me, I want to leave behind a group of girls who love the Lord and will in turn teach others about Christ. I want to leave behind writing that points to the Savior and the Truth. I want to leave behind the memory of an example of Christlikeness. And now, in the day-to-day, moment-by-moment, I strive to live my life in such a way that I will indeed leave these legacies, for God's glory.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind? Hopefully it's more than graffiti on a bathroom wall. :)
What is the purpose behind writing with a Sharpie on the outdated, speckled tile of a bathroom wall? Or etching your nickname into a desk? Or musing on the graffiti-littered bunk beds at camp? Legacy. We want to leave a legacy-- make our mark, leave something behind. Some kind of physical emblem that evidences our brief existence. Isn't that why it's done? So we can point to it in the future, smile, and say, "that was me. I was here. I made my mark." And as I thought about this odd social practice that evidences such insecurity, I asked myself one uncomfortable question: is this what blogging is for me? My way to make an indelible mark in cyberspace? A kind of world-wide graffiti? Is blogging a way to leave a legacy-- evidence that I existed and my life meant something?
I suppose to an extent that's true, and for many people with blogs it must be true. But as I explored this topic, I found that this is the real reason I blog:
Though I'd never begin to actually compare myself to David or my writing to the Psalms, my goal in writing is to do what the Psalmist did-- lament or joy about the things of life-- true emotion, real though, veritable feelings... but then pull things back to God, where the focus should be, reminding myself of the truth that trumps emotion. This is often for myself-- a chance for me to air my thoughts, type it out, and get my head on straight. But like the Psalmist, I'd really like to encourage my readers. I would hope that by God's grace, readers would relate to what I've written, know they're not alone, and be encouraged to then live and react in an appropriate way. I hope others will learn and benefit from the milestones I've reached in my own life.
So I suppose in a way, I would like my blogging to be a kind of legacy. When I'm gone, if what I've written will point others to Christ, that's the kind of legacy I would like to leave. I've been putting a lot of thought towards the topic of legacies, as that will be much of what we talk about at summer camp this year. What do I want to leave behind? For me, I want to leave behind a group of girls who love the Lord and will in turn teach others about Christ. I want to leave behind writing that points to the Savior and the Truth. I want to leave behind the memory of an example of Christlikeness. And now, in the day-to-day, moment-by-moment, I strive to live my life in such a way that I will indeed leave these legacies, for God's glory.
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