I don't know where that phrase comes from but it makes me chuckle.
The drawing for the CD winner was a little complicated because of the anonymous comment throwing things off. Anyway there were a total of 11 people once I skipped over the anonymous comments, my comment, and comment from friends who already got the CD. And the winner is...
True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 11
Result: 9
AnnQ! Congrats and send me your address so I can get this in the mail to you.
And a special bonus second chance drawing for the book The Traveler's Gift (I couldn't get in touch with the original winner)
And the winner is...
True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 7
Result: 7
Sam! Congrats and send me your address so I can get this in the mail to you.
Thank you for all the kind comments and emails on my last post. I really appreciate it and am glad I can share my journey with ya'll!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Defining Character- Accepting Criticism
I got a comment on one of my last blog posts criticizing me for my spending habits and how I slammed those who send picture Christmas cards. It really bothered me. I was angry and shocked and didn’t know how to respond. It’s hard hearing criticism. The first reaction I often have is to defend myself. Even if I know what the other person is saying is true, I want to explain why I have fallen short of their expectations and give a long list of excuses to justify my behavior.
But that never gets me anywhere. I don’t want to use the word “sin” because that sounds so ugly and ultra-religious, but that is what it is. Every way I fall short in life can be traced back to sin (aka a deep seeded issue in myself that causes me to act destructively to myself and/or others). Call it what you want- sin, vice, problem, issue…it’s all the same. Confessing my sin is the first step to overcoming it.
What do I struggle with constantly?
Envy- This is the one that usually leads to overspending and self esteem issues. I see someone else with something shiny and new and I want to have it. I hear about a competition and I have to win it. I envy other people and I want other people to envy me. This is what leads to spending lots of time and money on my Christmas decorations. This is what makes me want to buy a new house. This is why I hate Victoria Secret models. This is part of the reason I hate picture Christmas cards- because I envy that person and their perfect little family. It’s an evil that creeps up on me everyday and I just have to shift my mind to think about things in a different way to shake that green eyed monster off my back.
Gluttony- I think about food a lot. I’m not just one of those people who can eat the same tasteless thing everyday. I have cravings and sometimes I like to indulge those cravings. When there is chocolate or cookies in the office, it is hard for me to say no. When I am craving a cheeseburger, even if I put it off for weeks, I will eventually cave and have to get one. I've wasted a whole lunch hour before because I just couldn't decide what to eat. I let food control me sometimes instead of me having control over the food. It’s a blessing and curse- this wonderful tasting food. And it’s one of the hardest things to overcome because you have to eat to live, so why not enjoy it? It’s all about finding a balance and it's a constant challenge for me.
Sloth- I am lazy. I hate to clean. I put off exercising. I get distracted easily. When I get home from work (especially in the winter) I just want to cuddle up on the couch and watch mindless TV sometimes. I have spent entire Saturdays in my PJs never leaving the house. I try to overcome this with lists (like my 30 Before 30) because that motivates me. But that doesn’t stop me from procrastinating either.
As to what the next steps are in overcoming these things, I really can’t say for certain. I know that I need God’s help and it isn’t something that will happen overnight.
The good thing is that we are all in this together. Everyone has something they struggle with. No one is perfect and if you think you are, then you are in denial. You may not have the same struggles I do, but everyone falls short in some way. Realizing that is what helps keep me humble and understanding of others. All I ask for is the same forgiveness and understanding from others.
But I have to remind myself understanding and forgiveness is not acceptance. I can’t just confess my sins and then keep on doing them and never change. Albert Einstein said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It would be like a murderer who confesses, asks for forgiveness, but then goes out and does it again. It’s an extreme example, but it’s basically the same thing. I can't just accept my shortcomings and expect others to as well.
So even though it’s not easy to hear, I am thankful for the criticism. It’s like medicine on a cut- it stings, but in the end, it helps.
But that never gets me anywhere. I don’t want to use the word “sin” because that sounds so ugly and ultra-religious, but that is what it is. Every way I fall short in life can be traced back to sin (aka a deep seeded issue in myself that causes me to act destructively to myself and/or others). Call it what you want- sin, vice, problem, issue…it’s all the same. Confessing my sin is the first step to overcoming it.
What do I struggle with constantly?
Envy- This is the one that usually leads to overspending and self esteem issues. I see someone else with something shiny and new and I want to have it. I hear about a competition and I have to win it. I envy other people and I want other people to envy me. This is what leads to spending lots of time and money on my Christmas decorations. This is what makes me want to buy a new house. This is why I hate Victoria Secret models. This is part of the reason I hate picture Christmas cards- because I envy that person and their perfect little family. It’s an evil that creeps up on me everyday and I just have to shift my mind to think about things in a different way to shake that green eyed monster off my back.
Gluttony- I think about food a lot. I’m not just one of those people who can eat the same tasteless thing everyday. I have cravings and sometimes I like to indulge those cravings. When there is chocolate or cookies in the office, it is hard for me to say no. When I am craving a cheeseburger, even if I put it off for weeks, I will eventually cave and have to get one. I've wasted a whole lunch hour before because I just couldn't decide what to eat. I let food control me sometimes instead of me having control over the food. It’s a blessing and curse- this wonderful tasting food. And it’s one of the hardest things to overcome because you have to eat to live, so why not enjoy it? It’s all about finding a balance and it's a constant challenge for me.
Sloth- I am lazy. I hate to clean. I put off exercising. I get distracted easily. When I get home from work (especially in the winter) I just want to cuddle up on the couch and watch mindless TV sometimes. I have spent entire Saturdays in my PJs never leaving the house. I try to overcome this with lists (like my 30 Before 30) because that motivates me. But that doesn’t stop me from procrastinating either.
As to what the next steps are in overcoming these things, I really can’t say for certain. I know that I need God’s help and it isn’t something that will happen overnight.
The good thing is that we are all in this together. Everyone has something they struggle with. No one is perfect and if you think you are, then you are in denial. You may not have the same struggles I do, but everyone falls short in some way. Realizing that is what helps keep me humble and understanding of others. All I ask for is the same forgiveness and understanding from others.
But I have to remind myself understanding and forgiveness is not acceptance. I can’t just confess my sins and then keep on doing them and never change. Albert Einstein said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It would be like a murderer who confesses, asks for forgiveness, but then goes out and does it again. It’s an extreme example, but it’s basically the same thing. I can't just accept my shortcomings and expect others to as well.
So even though it’s not easy to hear, I am thankful for the criticism. It’s like medicine on a cut- it stings, but in the end, it helps.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Chistmas Elf Spreading Christmas Cheer
I'm a little elf spreading Christmas cheer this year! Last year I didn't even put my tree up because it was too much work. This year, I have went all out.
I have the inside of my house decked out and the outside too. I'll be posting some pictures next Monday when I go on The Christmas Tour of Homes with The Nester!
Also this year I did a little something different with my Christmas cards. I included a mix CD of some of my favorite Christmas songs! I mailed them out this weekend, so people started getting them yesterday and I got so many positive comments on them!
I also tried to write something personal about the person I was writing to in each and every card. I think this is the most important part. It lets the person know you weren't just a part of some kind of mass mailing. I often feel that way when I get a generic card with just a person's signature, or even worse, their TYPED NAME. I mean thanks for slapping my address on the front, but really you could have saved a tree and a stamp. Thanks for letting me know I made your "list". I feel so honored.
The picture ones kind of bother me too sometimes. It's like, lets promote our perfect little family. "Look how happy and perfect we are in our matching outfits...just wanted to let you know...no we don't care about you, but look at us and Merry Christmas anyway."
Ok, I digress...losing my Christmas spirit...anyway, back to the point.
I spent a lot of time and money on these cards. I bought songs I really liked. I burned over 50 CD's. I bought cases for each one and made a personalized cover insert. This was my gift to all the people who made a difference to me! Even though it was a lot of work and it cost $1.28 to mail each one (dang post office...I hand delivered some, so take that!) it was so worth it! I love spreading Christmas cheer!
I wish I could send you all one! But I have limited resources...
So for my Grateful Giveaway #2, you can win a copy of my Christmas Mix CD and a handwritten personal card! Some of the songs include Sugarland, Dave Matthews Band, Martina McBride, Mariah Carey and more!
If you'd like to win my Christmas Mix CD, here's how to enter:
1. Become a follower- if you're not already
2. Leave a comment on this post with YOUR favorite Christmas song!
I'll draw a winner on Friday. Good Luck!
I have the inside of my house decked out and the outside too. I'll be posting some pictures next Monday when I go on The Christmas Tour of Homes with The Nester!
Also this year I did a little something different with my Christmas cards. I included a mix CD of some of my favorite Christmas songs! I mailed them out this weekend, so people started getting them yesterday and I got so many positive comments on them!
I also tried to write something personal about the person I was writing to in each and every card. I think this is the most important part. It lets the person know you weren't just a part of some kind of mass mailing. I often feel that way when I get a generic card with just a person's signature, or even worse, their TYPED NAME. I mean thanks for slapping my address on the front, but really you could have saved a tree and a stamp. Thanks for letting me know I made your "list". I feel so honored.
The picture ones kind of bother me too sometimes. It's like, lets promote our perfect little family. "Look how happy and perfect we are in our matching outfits...just wanted to let you know...no we don't care about you, but look at us and Merry Christmas anyway."
Ok, I digress...losing my Christmas spirit...anyway, back to the point.
I spent a lot of time and money on these cards. I bought songs I really liked. I burned over 50 CD's. I bought cases for each one and made a personalized cover insert. This was my gift to all the people who made a difference to me! Even though it was a lot of work and it cost $1.28 to mail each one (dang post office...I hand delivered some, so take that!) it was so worth it! I love spreading Christmas cheer!
I wish I could send you all one! But I have limited resources...
So for my Grateful Giveaway #2, you can win a copy of my Christmas Mix CD and a handwritten personal card! Some of the songs include Sugarland, Dave Matthews Band, Martina McBride, Mariah Carey and more!
If you'd like to win my Christmas Mix CD, here's how to enter:
1. Become a follower- if you're not already
2. Leave a comment on this post with YOUR favorite Christmas song!
I'll draw a winner on Friday. Good Luck!
Friday, December 4, 2009
We have a winner!
The winner of my first Gateful Giveaway contest is...
True Random Number Generator
Min:1
Max: 8
Result:3
Powered by RANDOM.ORG
Congratulations Amanda!! Email me you address so I can mail the book to you!
Thanks for all your bits of wisom everyone! Look for my next Gateful Giveaway next week!
Speaking of winners...my neighborhood is having a contest to see who has the best decorated house this year (outside only). I had no intention of entering because there is this crazy person who has a huge blow up Santa every year and I thought they would win. But I think those people moved, because I have not seen the Santa.
Last night I drove around my neighborhood to check out the competition. There wasn't much! I mean we live in townhouses, so there isn't much you can do anywaay. There were a couple houses that had some lights on the bushes, some with candles in every window, but not too much else going on.
So now I am on a mission. I want to win! I got a candle for each of the windows in front and got wreaths with red bows to hang on each of the downstairs windows. I wrapped a tree in white lights. I got a lighted garland to wrap the column on my porch with. I put out a Christmas garden flag.
But I have this tree with bare branches right in front that needs something. I want to find some lighted balls to hang in the tree but I don't know where to find them. I was thinking of hanging some big pretty ornaments in the tree, but I don't know if you'd be able to see them at night. So I need some suggestions!
Here's a picture of my house (it was from when it was first built, the tree in front is much bigger now):
So give me some suggestions...what can I do to win this thing without being tacky?
True Random Number Generator
Min:1
Max: 8
Result:3
Powered by RANDOM.ORG
Congratulations Amanda!! Email me you address so I can mail the book to you!
Thanks for all your bits of wisom everyone! Look for my next Gateful Giveaway next week!
Speaking of winners...my neighborhood is having a contest to see who has the best decorated house this year (outside only). I had no intention of entering because there is this crazy person who has a huge blow up Santa every year and I thought they would win. But I think those people moved, because I have not seen the Santa.
Last night I drove around my neighborhood to check out the competition. There wasn't much! I mean we live in townhouses, so there isn't much you can do anywaay. There were a couple houses that had some lights on the bushes, some with candles in every window, but not too much else going on.
So now I am on a mission. I want to win! I got a candle for each of the windows in front and got wreaths with red bows to hang on each of the downstairs windows. I wrapped a tree in white lights. I got a lighted garland to wrap the column on my porch with. I put out a Christmas garden flag.
But I have this tree with bare branches right in front that needs something. I want to find some lighted balls to hang in the tree but I don't know where to find them. I was thinking of hanging some big pretty ornaments in the tree, but I don't know if you'd be able to see them at night. So I need some suggestions!
Here's a picture of my house (it was from when it was first built, the tree in front is much bigger now):
So give me some suggestions...what can I do to win this thing without being tacky?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Forget Twilight...Pick Picoult!
When I read the Twilight books, I devoured them. I would read all the time obsessively. But I have discovered something I like just as much as Harry Potter and Twilight- Jodi Picoult!
I read her book My Sister's Keeper a few years ago and loved it. I didn't want to ruin it with a book of hers that may not be as good so I didn't read any of her other books. But I just recently decided to pick up The Pact- loved it! And just finished Plain Truth- loved it too!
Her books are one of the few that I just can't put down like Twilight and Harry Potter! But in a totally different way because they are not about vampires or wizards.
Go read my review of Plain Truth on my Bookshelf Blog
What authors do you love? What books can you just not put down?
Also don't forget to enter my giveaway!
I read her book My Sister's Keeper a few years ago and loved it. I didn't want to ruin it with a book of hers that may not be as good so I didn't read any of her other books. But I just recently decided to pick up The Pact- loved it! And just finished Plain Truth- loved it too!
Her books are one of the few that I just can't put down like Twilight and Harry Potter! But in a totally different way because they are not about vampires or wizards.
Go read my review of Plain Truth on my Bookshelf Blog
What authors do you love? What books can you just not put down?
Also don't forget to enter my giveaway!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Grateful Giveaways
As you know Christmas is the time for giving and who better to be an the receiving end than YOU!? When I first started this blog, I never thought anyone would read it other than my loyal friends who I sent a link to. It is just crazy how people (i.e. YOU) have discovered this blog and started following along!
So for the month of December I am going to have a giveaway each week!
Giveaway #1:
Remember how I blogged about a book my office was reading called The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews? I finished it last week and it is just too good to NOT pass on to someone else.
A unique blend of fiction, history, allegory, and inspiration, The Traveler's Gift has motivated tens of thousands since its release in late 2002. David Ponder's lost his job, his confidence, and his will to live. And just when it seems that things can't get any worse, they do: his only child falls ill, and he's involved in a serious car accident. But a divine adventure that includes encounters with seven of history's most inspirational characters, among them Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus, leaves him with a glimpse of life's big picture, and seven bits of wisdom with which to confront his future. This thought-provoking book encourages readers of all ages to reach their full potential using these simple keys to success.
If you'd like to win my paperback copy of this book, here's how to enter:
1. Become a follower- if you're not already
2. Leave a comment on this post with YOUR best little bit of wisdom or favorite quote!
I'll draw a winner on Friday. Good Luck!
And be on the lookout for other giveaways all this month!
So for the month of December I am going to have a giveaway each week!
Giveaway #1:
Remember how I blogged about a book my office was reading called The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews? I finished it last week and it is just too good to NOT pass on to someone else.
A unique blend of fiction, history, allegory, and inspiration, The Traveler's Gift has motivated tens of thousands since its release in late 2002. David Ponder's lost his job, his confidence, and his will to live. And just when it seems that things can't get any worse, they do: his only child falls ill, and he's involved in a serious car accident. But a divine adventure that includes encounters with seven of history's most inspirational characters, among them Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus, leaves him with a glimpse of life's big picture, and seven bits of wisdom with which to confront his future. This thought-provoking book encourages readers of all ages to reach their full potential using these simple keys to success.
If you'd like to win my paperback copy of this book, here's how to enter:
1. Become a follower- if you're not already
2. Leave a comment on this post with YOUR best little bit of wisdom or favorite quote!
I'll draw a winner on Friday. Good Luck!
And be on the lookout for other giveaways all this month!
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