notable, quotable... worth sharing

As the American dream goes, we can do anything we set our minds to accomplish. There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we combine ingenuity, imagination, and innovation with skill and hard work. . . In direct contradiction to the American dream, God actually delights in exalting our inability. He intentionally puts his people in situations where they come face to face with their need for God. In the process he powerfully demonstrates his ability to provide everything his people need in ways they never could have mustered up or imagined. –from Radical by David Platt

the lake

I'm so glad that I had time yesterday to ride to and around the lake. There's nothing like a quiet, ipod-free 13 mile bike ride alongside peaceful water to clear your head and get you pumped for the rest of the day. While I really enjoy this quite time to myself - going at my own pace, taking it all in without talking, explaining, pointing out the things I see - I should also probably invest in some mace if I'm going to keep this up... :)

On another note, but related to that bike ride along my ADD brainwaves, I'm working really hard to learn to love myself. To stay centered and present in the moment, to identify anxiety, fear, rejection, sadness, excitement, happiness, love, and others as I'm feeling them in my body. To say "hey you! I hear you, I feel you, I acknowledge that you are here and am going to look for what it is that's got you talking!" And to the less pleasant "managers" (most often, for me, anxiety and fear), I get to quiet them by paying attention. Since I'm almost a stranger to myself when it comes to being present within myself in the moment, I have to actively "check in" throughout the day. It's like a meditative break every hour or so just to pay attention to what's up.. Anyway - it sounds pretty hokey, but it's working well for me.

My bike ride yesterday was like an hour and a half long "check in" on steroids. It makes me consider a silent retreat in the near(ish) future. We fill up our lives with television, computers, movies, music, smart phones, games, talking, etc and all of those things are wonderful and I use almost all of them daily! But the next time you're in the car or exercising - try silence. Meditation, contemplative prayer, or "checking in" instead of an audio book, the radio, a phone call to friends & family, or your ipod. It's uncomfortable at first, but quickly becomes addictive. It's so rewarding to take back some time in the day just for yourself; to be present in the moment and pay attention.

Love to you all
Anne

Lent

We're back in Lent already - this year has flown by and brought so many changes. Yesterday, at the Ash Wednesday service, we were reminded that "thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return." When we remember our mortality in such a way, I begin to focus on our short time here in our bodies and in this life. Immediately, I am overwhelmed by the gift of life. How precious and how wonderful! It makes me want to be more intentional about every moment and avoid the rut of routine and the wastefulness of television, facebook, etc.

In Lent, we are remembering Jesus' time in the desert resisting temptation and preparing for his passion and resurrection. Many people choose to observe a "Holy Lent" which for some means self-denial, fasting, self-examination, repentance, meditation, or prayer... others add daily devotions or good habits. This year, I've given up beer (i know, i gave my parents so much crap for giving up wine last year and not "alcohol" but here i am) and I've taken on daily journaling - hence my renewed attention to this blog. :) I won't write here every day, but sometimes it will be here - so get excited!

Goodnight!