Soon

I know there's someone somewhere 

Someone who's sure to find me soon 

After the rain goes there are rainbows 

I'll find my rainbow soon 

Soon it won't be just pretend 

Soon a happy ending 

Love, can you hear me 

If you're near me 

Sing your song 

Sure and strong 

And soon

- Thumbelina

Live Epically

Have you ever wanted to fight for what you believe in, to carry a quest so important that all rely upon you to complete it? Haven't you wished that life was actually more than it seems?

Why do we love stories like Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Braveheart and The Patriot? It's because we all long to be a part of something bigger, something so important it trumps all else. Working at an office, going grocery shopping and cleaning the bathroom are so insignificant yet we take them as main responsibilities. There is no big story, there is no cause to fight for... or so we think.

How many times have you imagined yourself in the place of Frodo Baggins? What about Harry Potter or Hermione? Even Spock or Captain Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise? All of these characters have a destiny to carry out, even if it means death.

Where did this fascination and love for these stories come from? Maybe we are made for more.

C.S. Lewis author of The Chronicles of Narnia, wrote "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

Lewis created new lands, new races, and new stories because he believed that the human race was made for more. We weren't made to stress out over taxes and our next promotion. These things are insignificant compared to what we should be committed to. With a fallen world, our destinies have become less than noteworthy. Most of us are just happy to make it through a day of work. Many just want to leave the world having made it a little better than when they arrived.

What is important to you? Is there something you would fight for?

I feel God is calling us to live an epic life. One that gets our heart racing, a life that causes others to know that we are doing something big. Imagine a world where people don't sit on the couch but get up and carry out their promises, dreams and quests.

We don't have to slay Ringwraiths or defeat He-who-must-not-be-named. I challenge you to find something you truly believe in and go after it.

I believe God wants us to be who we were meant to be. I don't want to be caught up in this world and miss my chance for an epic adventure. I want to live it. I want to carry out His will and be part of something bigger than myself. I want to be my own Frodo. I have a destiny to fulfill and a job to do.

Answer the call in your heart. It's there, and you feel it when you hear stories. You were meant for more.

My heart's longing

I desperately desire to be the heroine in my own epically beautiful story.

2010: Please Bring Me Happiness

I wasn't going to write a summary of my 2009. Overall it was pretty bad. But honestly, a lot of good things happened this year, and I would be remiss to not mention the good. I've found that focusing on the positive is something not a lot of my friends and family do, and I want to stop the bad habit with me. I've done pretty well these past couple of years turning my attitude about life and myself around.

This year, I took two Conrad Fink classes and managed to score A's in each. I got A's on 5 out of 6 term papers for this man, and I've finished my Fink "requirement." I feel lucky to have met, spoke with, and learned from this expert of a man.

Also this year, I've realized that my writing is my "thing." It's what I do best and what I need to use, not just for myself but for others. I've realized that my passion is to inspire others with God's message through my writing. I want to change people's lives, or at least the way they think about things.

I have also changed the way I think about things too. Or rather, my experiences have. I used to be so judgmental about those who do not do things the way I do. I can't completely escape my prejudices, but I have made room in my heart for those behaviors and people I don't understand. Who am I to judge? Am I without sin? How could I know what it is like for them if I am not in their shoes? I feel that throwing "dirty labels" onto someone is not Christlike and prevents me from helping or loving them like I should. I thank God for opening my eyes so that in the future I'll be able to help rather than hurt.

Instead of giving up at the first sign of failure, I've learned to work harder. At one point this year, I felt like I was worthless because I did not get recognized for my hard work. In fact, I was told my work "killed" me. I was out of commission for a few days, constantly thinking about my failure and when the time came around again to prove myself worthy of recognition, I hit it out of the park. When it seems I am not good enough, I must push past it and prove that it's not true.

Lastly, I've learned that family is not just those who you are related to. Family is those you love and care about, regardless of where they live, what their last name is, and what they do for a living. Family extends beyond blood and relation. I've found that my family extends beyond these things. My family makes my life richer in every way.

I hope 2010 is a good year. I hope that more happy events happen and God guides me in the right direction. I wish this for all of you who read this. May God bless you and keep you in 2010.