2016: out w/ the old, in w/ the new

pic from: http://quotesideas.com

Another year is upon us and you know what that means...time to make a list of things that I (*hope*) to accomplish in the upcoming year. I present to you my list of little "things" to improve upon for 2016. Ultimately, this year I plan to learn a lot while staying true to myself and showing kindness to others along the way.

Things I hope to accomplish in 2016: 

bad habit to break: less time wasted on social media (lol, this will be tough).

limit amount of screen time in bed.

places I'd like to visit: Savannah, Georgia & Charleston, South Carolina & anywhere in Hawaii (&the list goes on).

get better at managing time.

make time for fun things (don't let schoolwork take over).

something to improve upon: not ignoring someone when i'm mad at them.

be more helpful when possible without wanting/expecting anything in return.

read the Bible more.

read more books for personal leisure.

blog more.

be open to trying new foods (maybe even sushi).

work on my physical well-being (take use of new yoga mat).

take the stairs more.

give more compliments.

reconnect w/ old friends.

explore more (the outdoors is a beautiful place).

discover a new artist/song each month.

read uplifting news articles (don't get too consumed w/ the depressing stories).

do more brain games (e.g. word searches).

clean more.

cook more (try new recipes).

get out of bed earlier & don't keep hitting snooze (this will be tough).

quiet reflection time without electronics.

show kindness always.

volunteer.

shop less (stop buying unnecessary crap).

save $.

grow a plant.


Hopefully, I'll be able to check off a majority of these items at the end of 2016. I also hope to be held a little more accountable for these things since I have them written down. (If it's posted, it has to come true, right?) I encourage you to jot down some things you want to accomplish in the upcoming year; we can keep each other accountable.

I wish you all a happy & healthy new year!!! Best wishes in 2016!!!


until next time,
Lauren

Letter of Thanks

Dear Wendy's employee, 

Even though I know the likelihood of you reading this post is extremely slim, I just wanted to take the time to say a simple thank you. Thank you for the cheerful greeting along with your big, vibrant smile and the "how are you" as I pulled up the window to pay for my food.

Thank you for exceeding my expectations of my trip to get lunch. You were the most joyous, kind-hearted person that I had the pleasure of encountering today.

Moreover, you served as a glorious reminder to me of the "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." You never know who may come through your window and really need the smile and compassion from a stranger. It is so easy to get bogged down when a lot is going on, but you allowed me to step back for a moment to realize otherwise. Even during the week prior to finals, there is so much for me be cheerful about. Thanks for opening my eyes to that today.

It's definitely the little things that can make the biggest impact on someone's day. Thank you once more for impacting mine.

I was just expecting a cheeseburger and fries, but I received much more than that. It's not everyday that I encounter a stranger that seems to care so deeply about a fellow stranger. I know it may seem like I'm making a big deal out of this. However, it's definitely worthy (in my opinion) to point out the good in a world that seems to be suffocating with the bad.

Also, thank you for the "Have a blessed day." It means more than you know.


May God surely bless you too,

Delighted customer 

p.s. I pray that you continue to be a light to all other customers that come to your window & radiate cheer to them as you have shown me. :)

http://www.liveandlovework.com/http://liveandlovework.com/images.liveandlovework.com//2014/03/be-kind-for-everyone-you-meet-is-fighting-a-hard-battle.jpg

Loved Beyond the Tatters

The other day, I noticed that one of my favorite t-shirts had a hole in it. Throwing my shirt back into my t-shirt drawer, I did not think much of it. This morning, I reached for this same shirt. It occurred to me that even though it had a hole in it, I still desired to wear it. It still continues to be one of my favorite t-shirts regardless of the fact that the hole can never truly be undone. My love for the shirt is greater than any little hole it may possess. (side note: Just in case you were wondering, the shirt just so happens to have an AU on it, haha).

Through this little hole in my t-shirt, I was reminded of how we (as children of God) are still His favorites. Regardless of being flawed, He chose (and continues to choose) to love us anyway. His love for me and you is greater than any sin we may wear upon our hearts. I was especially reminded of this verse:

“…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Other applicable verses:
Psalm 136
John 3:16-17
John 15:13
1 Corinthians 13:7
Hebrews 13:8
Lamentations 3:22

Yes, of course I sin. We all do. I sin more than I'd like to admit, but I find comfort in knowing that Jesus is always on my side through it all (the good, the bad and the ugly).

Today, I'm thankful for His love that endures through the tatters (of my sinful life).

until next time,
Lauren

Things Worth Smiling About

because there is so much to smile about even when a bad day is telling you to do the opposite...

I have composed a list of things that are wonderful [and I often overthink] to serve as a personal reminder of what all I have to smile about [even the things that are mostly perceived negatively]:

1. family [yes, even when they are annoying]

2. friends [yes, also when they are annoying]

3. school [Even when getting a bad grade is discouraging, the ability to get an education is huge.]

4. the walk to class [Yes, even in the rain/humidity/freezing cold... Walking means I still have two legs and I get to take the time to admire the beauty of campus.]

5. my apartment [It may not be the newest and most glamorous, but I have a roof over my head. Also, my roomie and I have made it feel homey.]

6. red lights [forcing me to stop and take in my beautiful surroundings]

7. blankets [a nice, warm & fuzzy one freshly out of the dryer is best] 

8. stars [God sure knew what he was doing when he created these]

9. dirty dishes [because sometimes it's fun to play in bubbles, ya feel me?]

10. gasoline [because I am blessed with a car to fill to get me from point A to point B]

11. phone calls [Sometimes you just need to know that someone on the other end is willing to listen to you vent.] 

12. ice-cream [just a spoonful of heaven in food-form]

13. candles [They make me happy esp. the kind that smell like vanilla/caramel/coffee.]

14. bubble baths [calming after a long day and again, who doesn't love bubbles?]

15. flowers [I know this sounds cliché, but not only are they pretty, they remind me of a bible verse. Isaiah 40:8 says, "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."]

I hope you too can compose your own list of things to be thankful for today because even the simplest of things are worth smiling about. :)

until next time,

Lauren 

Summer {I Adore You}

"Time is like the ocean; you can only hold a little in your hands." 

Summer,

As you quickly come to a closure, I'd like to take the time to reminisce and hold onto you for a little bit longer. You sure have been a HOT one and looking back on it, I've actually done a lot more than I thought.

Here's a list of some stuff I've done this summer

 (that I was able to cross off my summer buck-list): 

1.  observed 1 week in a 2nd grade classroom
2.  swimming & laying out @ the pool
3.  spent the night @ Brandee's apartment (we went & got pedicures!)
4.  Biscuit's baseball game (they won & there were fireworks after which was pretty cool)
5.  got some vitamin sea at the beach (went parasailing for the 1st time ever!!! so. much. fun.)
6.  cooking w/ friends & roommate (pasta, pesto chicken bake, smore's dip, cookie cake, kale chips, roasted chickpeas & more)
7.  watched 4th of July fireworks
8.  got SnowBiz (this is a must summertime treat)
9.  free meal @ Taziki's (yes, this is definitely worthy of being on this list, I'm talking FREE food)
10.  dressing up like a cow on Chickfila's cow appreciation day
11.  work @ the office (make dat $)
12.  working out (went out and got my first actual gym membership)
13.  got a haircut (lol, 1.5 inches off...fresh ends for the win!)
14.  my sunflowers bloomed (I planted them & they grew to look so pretty!)
15.  quality time with family (including spending the weekend @ grandparent's house)
16.  day trip to shop in Columbus (went to the new Forever 21 and H&M)
17.  movie night with the girls (watched the oh so sad, Titanic)
18.  went fishing (caught catfish)
19.  read multiple books for fun
20.  watched my TV shows (xoxo. Gossip Girl)

Here's some snapshots: 

(pics or it didn't really happen, right?)

relaxing at my neighbor's pool 

my catfish

cooking pasta w/ Sarah & Frances

movie night (Rach fell asleep)

cow appreciation day at Chickfila

Biscuit's baseball game 

working out w/ the roommate 

my pretty sunflower 

day-trip to Columbus w/ Brandee

riding around w/ grandma

grandpa in the background, lol

parasailing w/ my stepdad in Destin, Fl 

Well, Summer, you'll still be around for a few more weeks (until my Fall classes start) and that means crossing off last minute items (including Steel City Pops, Chewacla, and some DIY crafts) off my summer 2015 bucket-list. While in some ways, I wish I could hold onto you (Summer) a bit longer & I'm sad to soon say goodbye...

Here's to Fall making it's appearance & here's to a good upcoming semester!

I adore you. See you again soon.

until next time,
Lauren

P.S. thx 4 the memories.

What a Smoothie Move

Attention: put down your soft drinks [yes, even my fav, Dr. Pepper].

Okay sooo...my roommate, Sarah, and I are kinda obsessed with smoothies. They are super easy to make [we're no chefs]. Not to mention, they taste so de-lic-ious. Oh, did I mention that smoothies are healthy too?! Off the top of my head, I can't even think of a negative when it comes to smoothies. I could go on and on...They give you energy just like soft drinks do, but they are so much better for you [and always make me feel better afterwards]. Another perk of smoothie making: super easy clean-up! [side note: I have a NutriBullet blender so I only have 2 pieces to wash each time: the cup & screw-on blade!] Smoothie rant over.

Basically every single time I make a smoothie, I am not even looking at a recipe [aka Lauren is in charge!].

I always (yes, always) use these items:

-frozen fruit (~1 cup total of strawberries, mango, banana, pineapple, etc...)
-vanilla yogurt (~ two spoonfuls)
-ice (about 3 cubes)
-milk (~1/4 cup)
-orange juice (~1/4 cup)

optional:
-Hershey's chocolate spread (1 spoonful)
-peanut butter (1 spoonful)

for extra protein:
-spinach leaves
-chia seeds
-granola oats

It's literally as easy as 1-2-3! You just screw on the lid, plug the blender in, and blend everything together that you've put in the blender cup [depending on the consistency you're going for, you may want to add more or less liquid]. Enjoy your delicious concoction [and give yourself a pat on the back as well]! :)

Strawberry-mango smoothie 

Just a reminder: limit your intake of soft drinks because you'll be glad you did. [They have a high sugar content and contain significant amounts of sodium. Take a close look at the soda-can next time. It's scary to see all the funky ingredients just one 12oz can contains].


Until next time,
Lauren

The Time is Now

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/252/b/e/hold_time_in_your_hands_by_pamba-d5e0zrj.jpg

Time. Wow, what a complicated 4-letter word. I've always been quite interested in the concept of time and I've found it being placed on my heart a lot lately. We might not always be aware of time, but it's always there. It's amazing to me how time works. When you are enjoying something [for example; spending the weekend with a loved one], time seems to travel much quicker while the opposite seems to be true when you are not enjoying something [for example: staring at the clock during an extremely boring lecture]. In the reality of things, time is always constant [traveling at the same rate]. Time can never be re-winded or fast forwarded [sorry, Back to the Future fans]. We never get the same exact Wed, June 10, 2015 at 9:30 pm over again. There are no do-overs. That is why we must make the most of Now.

With that being said, dwelling on the past is unhealthy and prevents present enjoyment. I encourage you to let go of the things from the past that are weighing you down. These may be things that you regret or/ feel guilty about. You have the opportunity today to improve yourself and make amends for a past you may not be proud of.

As a college student, I'm experiencing a point in my life where a lot of things are uncertain. I keep getting told "you have your whole life ahead of you" and have been questioned many, many times, "What are you majoring in?" [you can probably relate to this]. I feel like I am 'running out of time' trying to make decisions along the pathway to my future. This leads to a lot of unnecessary stress, which I'll have enough of in the future. Right now, I just need to enjoy being a college student and everything that entails. I'll never be 20 years old again. I'll never be at this point in my life again and I might as well enjoy it while I can [in my life, that includes studying for tests, writing papers,venting to family about a rough day, not being responsible for paying rent, cooking ramen noodles, washing my blender, working a part-time job & etc]. Each stage of life will bring it's own positives along with the negatives. Even though I may not always express it, I am thankful for the aspects of life that I am currently being given.

Truth be told, I am scared of growing up. My future is ultimately unknown in my own pair of eyes. I don't know where my future income is going to be derived from for one thing. I'm the type of person that likes to be organized and it makes me feel safe to have a plan. I like to be prepared and know what's going to happen. When it comes to my future, I simply do not know. Although growing up can include some fun and exciting aspects [and is something to look forward to even if scary], I think we should slow down and take the time to enjoy/live in the now. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't be prepared for the future. I'm also not telling you to live recklessly. What I am saying is that we should not take advantage of time we are currently given. We should live each day to the fullest and not just rush it to arrive at the 'destination' you're aiming for. With that being said, "stop waiting for Friday, for summer, for someone to fall in love with you, for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now."

At times, I am guilty of procrastinating. Don't tell yourself "Oh, I will do this tomorrow." Why not now? If you have the time to do it now, why not get started and do it right away? Chances are, you will be glad you did.

Enjoy the blessing(s) of today:

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~Psalm 118:24 [Glory be to God for each day we are blessed with and wake up to (whether we are ready for the annoying alarm to go off or not)]

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is." ~Psalm 39:4 [this is an eye-opener to the fact that our earthly days are limited in number. The Lord wants us to be aware that time is precious and He desires for us to use this time we have been given in a precious manner]

I feel like I'm being slightly redundant here [for the sake of myself strengthening my own 'friendship' with time]. My goal through this blog post is to express what's been on my heart lately.

To conclude this post, I hope that you will choose to use your time wisely. Do not be so quick to rush things [appreciate the Now]. In addition to these things, I hope that you appreciate/give thanks to the present time you have been given.

until next time,
Lauren

Inspirational Quotes: Good for the Soul

I reeeaaaallllly like eating strawberries with Hershey's chocolate spread [believe it or not, it's even better tasting than Nutella!]. I find myself eating this magical combination quite frequently and if you know me well enough, you are probably already aware of this [but I must warn you: I find this chocolate to be quite addicting, so consider yourself warned]. Quite similarly, I like quotes just as much for their sweetness and goodness for my soul [cheesy, right?]. There is something just oh-so-wonderful about quotes and how the words are strung together [like beads making a beautiful piece of jewelry to admire]. Quotes are filled with wisdom and make me feel all warm & fuzzy inside. I'm hoping to share that with you by listing some quotes below that I really enjoy. Maybe, just maybe you'll find some of these quotes applying to your life at this very moment. I am a believer in being surrounded with positives [even when faced with the negative/not-so-good times]. I consider quotes to be a positive and even find myself jotting them down as good reminders throughout the day.

Lauren's List of Quotes:

• "Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth." 
• "Having courage does not mean we are unafraid." -Maya Angelou
• "Stop waiting for Friday, for summer, for someone to fall in love with you, for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now." [this is easier said than done]
• "Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow." 
• "Everyday is a good day to be alive, whether the sun is shining or not." 
• "Be a light in a world of darkness." 
• "Be your own kind of beautiful." 
• "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." 
• "Hakuna Matata. It means no worries for the rest of your days." -Lion King [of course I had to include this one]
• "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss 
• "Don't do it [whatever it may mean in your life] to impress someone else. Do it to satisfy yourself."
• "Do the right thing...even when no one is looking." 
• "Do what you feel in your heart to be right--for you'll be criticized anyway." -Eleanor Roosevelt
• "Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." -Marilyn Monroe 
• "Don't rush and never settle. If it's meant to be, it will be." 
• "Forgiveness doesn't excuse their behavior. Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying your heart." [wow, this is powerful stuff]
• "Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storms rage and calms His child." 
• "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." -Aibileen Clark from The Help 
• "Be happy with what you have while working for what you want." -Helen Keller 
• "Don't wait for sleep to dream." 
• "You will never influence the world by trying to be like it."
• "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take." 

[& please feel free to share any of your fav quotes with me!]

until next time, 

Lauren

P.S. definitely consider trying Hershey's chocolate spread if you haven't already. You won't regret it! 

1st post: Just Getting Started

Soooo... I'm giving this whole blog thing a try. I'm not actually good at writing, but I'm willing to give blogging a shot [we'll see how this goes]. I thought to myself what better time than now, especially since it's summer and I'm not taking classes at the moment. Summer also gives me the time to do things like bring out old Taylor Swift cds and listen to them on shuffle in my room [and while in the shower, of course]. The song "Ours" came on and the lyric where Taylor sings out in her high-pitched voice, "people throw rocks at things that shine," got me thinking. This line has always stood out to me, but even more so tonight with the controversy of Bruce Jenner's 'sex-change' all over Facebook. While seeing nasty comments online about Bruce Jenner made me feel sad.  Initially, I was skeptical about this matter myself, but after some thinking, I came to realize that everyone just wants to be accepted for who they are [including the now Caitlyn Jenner]. I am in no position to judge.

I've heard many, many times throughout my 20 years of life that people put others down in order to make themselves feel better. And this happens to be so true whether you'd like to admit it or not. I am 100% guilty of judging others at times due to aspects ranging anywhere from appearance ("oh, she wears waaay too much makeup") to personal possessions ("wow, so & so has the latest and greatest iphone"). A majority of the time, I have ABSOLUTELY NO right to judge because I do not personally even know the person I am judging. It seems so easy just to jump to conclusions, but you don't really know who a person is judging from these things. They are more than the makeup they may be 'hiding' behind or the latest iphone they text away at 102 mph. In the moment, I may not always feel guilty about making judgments, but usually afterwards it'll hit me and I'll feel quite bad about it.

Each and every one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who loves us all. Everyone is worthy of being loved in the eyes of the Lord. We, like the Lord, should do just that and show LOVE to others. After all, this world could sure use a whole lot more of it. [P.S. Jesus even calls us to love one another in John 13:34-35.]

Concluding this post, I encourage others [including myself] to take a step back and think the next time you decide to make a quick judgement about someone. We should ask ourselves questions like "Is this really necessary to say?" and "Do I really know that this is true or am I just assuming?"

Short and sweet reminder: showing love to others can go a tremendous way and typically makes us feel even better about ourselves [and not feel guilty about being judgey and putting others down]. Just keep in mind that it's worth it in the long run to refrain from judgmental remarks [love>>>>negative judgments]. Leave the judging up to the actual judges/lawyers while they are deciding upon a verdict in a court case.

until next time,
Lauren