Music brings peace and calm to life

I decided to spend some time this evening at home, without the TV on and just listen to some music while cleaning up. Considering I have quite a vast library of music, I landed on James Taylor. There is something about calming sounds of the acoustic guitar and the voice that brought me back to a better frame of mind.

It's amazing how something as simple as music can have such an influence on someone. I will admit that music can play a big part in my mood and emotions in life. There are times where I will just hear a song and it just hits you....whether in a joyful and relaxing way or sometimes just makes you want to cry.

Music can bring peace and calm to life....make your music choices for the mood and season for its impact can be great.

Stepping up the social activity calendar

I've officially completed 15 of the 16 classes required for my Masters program and am currently on a 2-month break. Oh the relief and lack of stress. It's been a true blessing so far. Surprisingly though, I find myself bored and lacking that drive keeping me going every day.

I've decided to 'step up the social activity calendar' and starting getting out a bit more. Now granted, I practically live a my second home (a.k.a. Caribou Coffee) but I am usually doing homework and focused. I've now been out a few times with no real agenda except to just be 'out'.

This increase in social activity is new to me and I'm attempting to make some adjustments but I am hoping that the social side of me begins to shine through.

Does anyone have any tips on establishing more social awareness in a non-technology focused way? (i.e. in person vs. behind a computer screen)

Inspiration: Blank

I feel inspired to write tonight but yet at the same time have no inspiration in my writing. Could this be called Inspiration by the lack thereof? Does that make sense. I'm in a funk...gotta get out...gotta get through this. Wishing I had all the answers yet knowing all the answers won't change this place where I am. But where am I? Am I where there is the lack thereof? I feel lost in a world...like a grain of sand in a desert. I seek direction but am adverse to guidance. Why is that? I know the path that must be taken but am yet skeptical of the destination. In a land of unknown, I want to know but don't want to know what I don't know. How's that for confusing?

Things I'm Pondering...
.... something and nothing but only that in between....

Why Don't You Understand

Tell me, please, why don't you understand? Is it because you've tried to hard and in doing so, you have pushed it away? Did you lose your hope? What has happened to your foundation? You know it is still there....go back to that which your foundation is built upon. Put aside your emotions and seek constantly. In all things you do, become intentional and for a reason, not just because. You will understand, one day....and every day. But open your eyes and see where you are and what you've become.

You will understand but you must openly accept that which has been placed before you. No harm will come, just follow the path.

Vacation

Time off is an amazing thing. Time to just relax, no worries for the woes of life and time to just be. It's calming how simply reading a book, for leisure, can be a rejuvenating activity.

Remember to take time for yourself. Time is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted.

Things I'm pondering...
.... nothing...just enjoying the moment of time.

Complications

No one ever said life is easy. So why do we constantly expect it? Life is too hard? I don't know what to do? Why can't I just see into the future and see what the outcome will be? Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. If only....

But what if complications are a good thing...could they be used to help us grow and be challenged? Maybe its just God's testing...not actual loss of direction of complication's in life but small tests of our faith and willingness to put God in front of our own desires and plans. The reward, in the end is so great, that why would we want to neglect this opportunity to become closer to our creator?

But...easier said then done. It's a daily challenge to not take control of your life and give that control over. We'll all be better off if we can do just that.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 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.

Things I'm pondering...
...amazed how God works in mysterious ways...
...conversations with friends are inspiring...I highly recommend it...
...life will get easier with God in the driver's seat...

Judgement & Perfectionism

One must realize that it doesn't really matter what others think of you. As humans, we strive to always do the right thing and achieve perfection in our lives. Often, if not most times, we believe we are in control of this and can achieve that high-perched status of being perfect. When, in reality, we will also fall short of this for there is only one who is perfect.

So then, why is it we continually beat ourselves up, view ourselves as failures and then attempt to reach perfection when we know it is unattainable? Is it the pursuit of something we want but can't have? (Reminds me of relationships!)

A friend of mine recently expressed their concern of being a failure because of what others think of them. Who cares. Focus on you and your life. And remember, there is only one who we need to please with our actions and our life. For He has already paid the price for our sins and the decisions for our lives. He has set us free from judgement and criticism. Rejoice in what He has provided you with and surround yourself with those who love you. In the end, that is All that Matters.

Things I'm pondering...
...why must I strive to be perfect when I knowingly accept I'll never reach it?
...what happened to summer weather? a low of 40 tonight...seriously...
...why do I ponder so much?