Guide. Pray. Faith. #loveproject365

14/365 #loveproject365



























Last night, with a cancellation of an appointment, the family got to get out for dinner. I absolutely love spending time with Rob and Jacob. Having an adult child has certainly changed things around here but it has been a fun time watching our "little guy" grow up and figure out the world. This past year has been rocky at times with questions of faith and school goals but it is all part of the process and I believe God has big plans for him.

Sitting at dinner and chatting about the future can be exciting and scary all at the same time. We live in a world that is unpredictable and has no guarantees. We talked about majors and careers and options for the future but when it came down to it, the most important thing in life is being right with God. Our lives can take a turn at any time and we have to be able to turn to the one who created us to find peace. People and jobs will disappoint us, but God is the only one who's got our back.

Teaching our kids this truth is the single most important thing we could do for them. If you have children or grandchildren, no matter what age, teach them and pray for them. God will do the rest.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

It's God's Plan, Not Mine #loveproject365

13/365 #loveproject365





















I love when I feel I have accomplished much and this week was one of those weeks. I started back on Monday with a complete overwhelming sense of "oh my, what have I signed up for this time?" This semester, I have taken on a few more things but all moving towards a direction I believe God is leading me. In my lifetime, I have never settled and am always looking for something new and exciting. Teaching has provided me so much of this and I am grateful for the opportunities it has allowed me to tackle. From the classroom to leadership to running a summer camp for young writers, I have enjoyed so many aspects of my career.

Sometimes the days get long and I have a hard time figuring out why I do what I do. But then the reality of those around me who struggle for work and finding a job they enjoy hits me. I am so lucky to have a support group encouraging me when I feel inadequate or ineffective in my role as a teacher.

This week, I went from teaching online to meeting with an awesome group of leaders on my campus to finding myself in a room full of college writing professors, one of which was a graduate from the very school in which I teach, and one who had come to observe my classroom on an earlier occasion. The world is big, but in some ways, so very small.

No matter your career or life goals, make the best of every opportunity. God has lead me to the very place I am today building on what he has created me to be. Connecting with others professionally and personally keeps us grounded in what we do and reminds us that our purpose is one guided by a God who knows us better than we know ourselves.

"The purpose of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out."

 Proverbs 20:5

The big, big world #loveproject365

12/365 #loveproject365

God is all around and yet sometimes we miss Him. I love when I get away from the hustle and bustle of the "real world," and head out to the mountains for some time outdoors. It is when I am outdoors that I realize how big the world is and how small I really am in all of creation. It humbles me and reminds me that God is good and He is in charge of it all.

I didn't get out today, but watching the rain from the inside brought a sense of peace and calm in the busyness of my day.

Remind yourself to look around for the good God has in the every day.

"His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God."

Romans 1:20-21 

Forgive and Forget...#loveproject365

11/365 #loveproject365

I don't like to be fooled.

I don't like to be lied to or deceived and I would bet most people don't.

But as humans, it happens to us all at some point. In our culture today, it seems that it is easier and even acceptable to stretch the truth a little, keep some details out or just simple keep quiet all together and we aren't actually lying. I have said it many times before, but I one of integrity regardless of what it might cost me. I value honesty and truth and if it hurts, so be it. Just be honest with me.

As a teacher, I get a lot of stories. Stories that stretch the truth and even flat out lie. Sometimes the stories are so believable, I am not sure what is truth anymore. Today, for example, a student came in to contest his B+. As we looked at his grade, I realized he submitted his final project three days late and it didn't even look like he worked an extra three days on it. Actually, it looked more like three hours on a five week project. His explanation? He didn't know where to submit it. Hmmm....I have 38 students in the class, and 37 knew where to submit it. Lie? Maybe? Maybe he just was too afraid to ask someone, knowing it was so late. Who knows? This is a minor offense, but a lie nonetheless. Unfortunately, I have a hard time letting it go for the next time he comes in with a story.

I am sure you could think of a few stories of your own to share where someone has told you a story that just didn't seem right, only to find out later, it was a flat out lie. I don't know why people are so afraid of the truth, but they are. Knowing this about others, I have become quite skeptical of pretty much everyone and everything. Over the course of several years, I have a hard time trusting anyone, in fear that what I think is true is a lie. That some day down the road, it will hurt me. With this attitude, love is hard to find.

But then, I look at Jesus and I think about Judas. Talk about the ultimate lie! He sold him down the river to be crucified. AND they were friends! But guess what? Jesus forgave him and let it go. If only I had a little bit of that Jesus in me to forgive so easily and then forget. As I work through this year, trying to love more freely, I am reminded again that I have to be willing to let go. Let go of the little lies and the big ones. To love no matter what. To be like Jesus, is to forgive, so you can forget. To give that young man who came in desperate to save his grade, a little forgiveness, so next time, I can be open to his next story.

"it (love) is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

1 Corinthians 13:5

Everyone Wants to be Loved #loveproject365

10/365 #loveproject365


Yes, it is true! No matter what we say, we all want to be loved and be pursued. Sometimes I wonder what God was thinking when he created man and woman, both so different and with such different needs. After watching the Bachelor last night, yes I went there, I realized how desperate girls are for love. We want to be THE one he chooses. We want to have what the others don't. I know it is a "reality" tv show but if it weren't so real, why would there still be an audience? And why would men and women still apply? They have watched the train wreck for years. Yes, of course, there are the exotic dates and trips to faraway lands that could entice any single male or female, but seriously, these girls really believe they will find love and are willing to pursue it at this cost. Some get it, some don't.

Unfortunately, for most of us, love isn't a trip to Paris to skydive from the Eiffel Tower or finding ourselves having a picnic on some deserted island for the weekend. Of course, we could all fall in love on a helicopter landing on a yacht in the middle of an ocean only to find ourselves in a hot tub that same day on that same yacht and then land ourselves dinner in the middle of Newport Beach with no one around. I wonder how many of us could arrange that for a romantic day out. When life is forgotten and you don't have to take the kids to school or get up in the morning to go to a job to pay the mortgage, it is easy to fall in love. BUT that isn't our reality, and nor is it theirs when it is all over. Love has to withstand life and all that it has to offer without the glamour and glitz and in order to do that, we have to pursue the one we love continually. The bachelor girls maybe go a little too far in their pursuit of love, but what we can learn from them, is the longing to make someone feel like they matter. You don't have to take off your clothes or make out on the first date, but be gentle, kind and most importantly, pursue love like God pursues you-unconditionally and mercifully.

"Love never fails." 

1 Corinthians 13:8

Find what makes you happy #loveproject365

9/365 #loveproject365

A good run on the beach never disappoints. Today I went back to work after two weeks off for the holidays and it was a busy day. My love for the beach started at a young age. Living relatively close, at least a bus ride away, summers were spent laying in the sun and eating shaved ice on the sand and staying through the night for a bonfire.

As an adult, I still love getting to the ocean but no more baby oil or sun in to bleach my hair. A simple run on the sand with the waves crashing nearby is enough for me. The ocean air combined with a good run can clear your mind and remind me that everything is ok in the world. God has given us so much to enjoy and sometimes the busyness of the day blocks our view.

Today, it was just two miles on the sand, but it was just enough to relax from a long day back at work.

We all have something that takes us to a happy place. Make sure you find yours today!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

James 1:17

"It does not boast, it is not proud." #loveproject365

8/365 #loveproject365

In most cases, I am pretty content with where I am and what I have. God has been given more opportunities in life than most and has truly blessed me with a loving church, a loving family, a great job and a good home. And as much as I know God has had a part in all of it, I have had to work hard a long the way. The hardest part of this verse for me is in loving others who haven't done the same to pave their way. Loving those who complain or make excuses is hard for me, but today I realize that it is not what others do that matters as much as what I do. 

Let's take a look at the homeless guy on the corner. 

I think it is pretty safe to say that we all see one or two with a cardboard sign sitting at the freeway exit, and most of the time we don't even look their way.  And that may be ok for you. But for those who won't give to the homeless because we have made the assumption that they will buy beer or drugs may be missing the point of loving others. Of course, we have to be conscientious of our time and money, but every man and woman on the corner has a story to tell. I don't know all the stories, but I do know God's story and he has created each of us to know Him and to live in harmony with one another.

A few months ago, I decided that what I do is not dependent on what others do. If I love unconditionally, I may just share Jesus in a way someone has missed. If I worry less about how someone will respond, I will love more freely and God will be made known. Of course, the homeless guy or girl may buy beer or drugs, but it is not up to me to make that judgment. If we love unconditionally, we will give freely and if we believe God is good, we will be blessed, regardless of how someone else responds. 

There's a man who sits outside our 7-11 in the evening when we make our coffee run. He is usually half asleep, or slumped over sadly as we walk in. He never asks for anything, but occasionally, we bring him in to get a cup of coffee for himself. This small act of faith isn't changing his life dramatically, but in those moments, he is warm and cared for. On a cold night, this may be all he needs to get through. We all have a desire to be cared for, no matter what our circumstances. 

It may not be a homeless guy in your life, but maybe a family member or friend who needs some unconditional love today. Loving others sometimes requires us to look past ourselves and focus on others, regardless of their story. 

"Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

1 Corinthians 13:4

Adventure Awaits! #loveproject365

I love adventure! From my first week-long backpacking trip in high school to weekend trips to Joshua Tree to rock climb, I knew at a young age I loved the outdoors. I cycled and hiked whenever I could...and then life got in the way. Taking up running about 15 years ago, I was able to get out a little easier and more often, hitting trails on the weekends and running through nearby parks during the week. But the past few years, my family as stepped up the game with hiking and weekend camping trips.

Yesterday, we picked up our new Base Camp and and I am so excited for this year's adventures.
God has so much for us to see in this country and I can't wait to explore more.

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."

John 1:3

Enjoy the Simple Things #loveproject365

6/365 #loveproject 365

After a long drive home, I am always thankful to get back to this little guy. He wags his tag like crazy and follows me around for the first hour while I put things away. In the midst of it all, I have to remember to stop and reach down to love on him before I get too caught up in all that still has to be done.

The simple things can bring us joy each day. Don't forget to pay attention.

"But ask the animals they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." -Job 12:7-10

Working Together #loveproject365

5/365 #loveproject365

Today is our last day in Vegas at CES and what a great time it was! This will definitely not be a love post of Vegas but our time there was awesome. We aren't big gamblers, we don't drink and we didn't see any shows but working side by side and exploring new technology was fun. Maybe a little too nerdy for some, but Rob and I have different perspectives and different reasons for exploring technology in our lives. The cool part of the trip was that we worked as a team to review and experience the show. Rob meeting and networking while I was wowed by all the new ideas I could gather for my teaching. An overwhelming day for me at times, but the joy came in the end when I realized how fun it is to work as a team with my one and only.

"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Ephesians 4:16

Don't get in my Way #loveproject365

"Love is patient, love is kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4

Some people are so good at being patient. Waiting in line, they spark up a conversation. When they are stuck in traffic, they turn up the radio and sing along. When they kids are taking too long to get ready, they embrace the time they have with them that morning. In every situation, they focus on others. For me, I am not very good at being patient and often am quite selfish. Like most of us, I want things now and want everything done yesterday. I have a schedule to keep and appointments to get to, but the funny thing is, even if I had all the time in the world, I would still rush people. 

But love is patient, love is kind. It puts others first and us second. It requires us to endure relationships and situations with patience. Sometimes relationships are hard and loving those who offend us or hurt us is even harder. For me, I just quit. Not because I don't like conflict but because I am afraid. During our times of hardship, love does not give up, but instead endures through patience and kindness. It allows the struggle and produces a deeper love. Like patience, kindness is sensitive to others in all situations. When I think about the times I quit because someone hurt me, I realize I made the situation about me. Loving others requires us to focus on others in a way that is forgiving and kind. 

Do what you Love #loveproject365

Just one of the reasons I love this guy...

This past year I started writing for Venture the Wild and finally got the opportunity to attend CES in Las Vegas. For those who are not as nerdy as I, that is the Consumer Electronics Show. Not only do I get to attend this year, I will be writing a few articles and researching better ways to engage my students in my teaching. 

What I love about all of this is my amazing husband who has paved the way for such an adventure. Starting VenturetheWild.com a few years ago, he has taught himself everything from designing a website, branding ideas to writing all the content for a successful website. Anyone in any one of these areas knows that that is a lot of work for one guy, one guy who retired from a martial arts business which he loved to kick start a new career from scratch. His tenacity and passion for everything he loves amazes me every day and I am thankful for his commitment to be his best no matter what obstacles pop up. And believe me, he has had more than his fair share of obstacles. Rob is an inspiration not only to me but to his readers and his friends. 

Because of his patience and passion to work hard, we get to work side by side doing what we love. 

#loveproject365

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, it always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Inspired by a friend who recently finished the #JoyProject365, I have committed this year to loving others and seeing the best in the world around me. With the election of 2016, so many people have lost focus of what's really important and instead chose to belittle and bash others in ways that were unimaginable before. Politics and religion have always brought some tension in the world, but most civil people could look past belief systems and still be friends and discuss ideas that mattered to them without a complete disowning of a friend. So, this year, I am choosing love and for 365 days, I will post about the things and people I love and those I am working on loving. 

So, here we go...

2/365 #loveproject365

You can't start love without Jesus as He is the best example of love we have and the model of how we should love one another. Without Jesus, I would not know love as I do today. Jesus came to earth to show us how to love one another. He acted out each day loving others and in the end sacrificed his life for us. For all of us, even those who betrayed Him, beat him and spit on Him. 

I pray this year to be more like Jesus and to love others unconditionally. 

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

John 15:12

Through it all...choose love! #loveproject365

The past few years have had extreme highs and extreme lows for me but hanging on to Jesus has helped me through it all. From diving in with both feet to serve God to being so angry at Him, to teacher of the year to falling on my face with new ideas, to loving those who don't love back, life has truly slapped me in the face a few times this year and last. Fighting back I continued to get up every day, go to work, face my family and simply trudge on hoping for the best. Last year, I vowed to love more and not let others bring me down, and I think it caused a spiritual battle I struggled to beat all year long. Some days were up, while others were so low, I sat in my office and cried until someone walked in to ask me a question or I got called out for a meeting. I put on a good face for the most part but those who know me, knew I was faking it. Growing in your faith can be a long hard road at times, but never let go of God and know He is the only one who can redeem you.

While others will let you down, day after day, God is consistent and constant, loving us where we are and for who he created us to be. Who I was this year, was NOT who He created me to be. He calls us to love and serve others and put all of our trust in Him. A few years ago, it came to me that if we all simply believed God with everything we had, there was nothing to fear in this world. I am still not so sure of what I am so afraid of, but my walls are thick and only God knows how to break them down.

This year, I am setting out again with the same goal to love others and myself so that I can serve God with everything I have. The last few months, Romans 8:28 has come up in my studies and sermons and in sharing with friends more times than any other verse, so this year, I will trust that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." No matter what happens, let this year be the year you trust it, too.

Now, with every goal, you need a plan and every plan needs some accountability. In order to stay focused on the right things, a few things need to happen every day. Focusing on God, focusing on others and paying attention to the small things that God intends for good.

Let's be people who love Jesus so much we have to share Him through that love.

Happy New Year!