Beautiful Century, A Beautiful Life: March 2010

3.23.2010

My Birthday Thoughts

©Joy Prescott | Dreamstime.com

Today is my 39th birthday. Except for the fierce snowstorm outside, it pretty much feels like an ordinary day. Which is fine, because this is only 39. But next year, for my 40th birthday, I want bells and whistles. A trip to Paris, something major.

Because I have looked forward to turning 40 ever since I was in my twenties. Sounds a little crazy, I know. Maybe it's because I've always felt older than my age. I've seen and experienced a lot in my life, and it's made me want to bypass the fluff to get to what really matters. Rose-colored hues turned to a jolting black & white early for me.

40. I believe it's when a woman reaches a certain peak in her life of Security. Stability. Knowing her own mind. Being less apologetic. Speaking with authority and confidence and grace. To me, a woman is incredibly beautiful at 40. The gentle lines on her face speak of knowledge, experience and living. There's a vulnerability and strength there, a lioness versus a cute cub. And it gets better from 40 on. So I will celebrate every day of being 39, enjoying the path that leads me to 40.

3.22.2010

1700 Miles Later

©Markstout | Dreamstime.com

I apologize for the lack of communication...we just moved. And I am digging my way out of cardboard boxes, slowly but surely. God has been with us throughout this journey, and I look forward to testifying of His goodness to us. But for now, I need to locate some clean clothes and make the kitchen usable. More soon! MIKI

3.09.2010

Book Review: Tim McGraw's Love Your Heart

This is a beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story. The father's love and encouraging words for his daughter overflows to her reaching out to another child. In this day and age of children growing up too quickly, a story promoting character and innocence is a necessity! My husband and I have read the book to our children, ages 2, 7 and 9, numerous times - it's a simple yet powerful example and teaching tool. I highly recommend this book and will be checking out the other books in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

3.06.2010

Making Our Way Through the Labyrinth of Life

Have you ever been in a labyrinth? It's a maze of paths that you must navigate through, with many confusing twists and turns and dead-ends. Even with a good memory and sense of direction, it is easy to get disoriented and lose your way. The paths start looking the same - you can't tell if it's a new road or if you've circled back onto one you've already been on. My husband and I raced another couple through a cornfield maze a number of years ago. They opted to go through the maze backwards, starting at the exit while we went in through the entrance. After the initial excitement and burst of adrenaline wears off, you realize the hard work of making your way through the confusing paths. It requires a lot of doubling back. Most roads come to an end. You find yourself alone in a confusing place. It is harder and takes a lot longer to get through than you imagined. At some point, panic may build as you feel stuck and utterly lost and disoriented. As we went deeper into the maze, all other voices disappeared and we were totally on our own. Then it started to rain. Thank God it was the summer time! Sloshing through mud and trying to keep hysteria at bay, we somehow found ourselves finally at the end. We made it through. Dripping wet, our pant legs covered in mud, we found our friends sitting in their car. Clean and dry. Chatting away as they waited for us, claiming that they had found their way through the maze before the rain hit. Harumph. To this day, I have my doubts about that. Life has been a labyrinth of sorts. The path of employment came to a sudden end last year, and we found ourselves navigating through layers of obstacles as well as opportunities that led to other unforeseen pathways. None yet leading to the exit of this confusing maze. Even the path we are currently on continues to throw obstacles and challenges, some rain and mud, on us as we plow our way through. And yet, I am the one that always said I didn't like the predictable and easy. That I was the pioneer, off-the-beaten track type of person. Though I am eating my words a little bit and want to take a nice long nap and wake up when this is all over, I will not give up. Like I did years ago in that corn maze, I am going to take a deep breath to calm the rising hysteria, cry a bit if I have to, holler some to get tension out, and find the way, no matter what. God is still on the throne. He is my ultimate Navigator and the Guarantor of my sanity. He Who holds the Universe together can manage to hold my life together as I continually yield it to Him. I may come out looking a little rough on the other side. But we will weather this season and overcome the challenges and the uncertainties with God's help.

3.01.2010

Friend Making Monday: My Design Style

Today's focus on Friend Making Monday is Design Style. According to the test at Sproost.com, I am 100% French Eclectic. Which is fabulous and totally me!

I found this book at the library which I am having a difficult time returning, French Style at Home. It makes me want to cry every time I look at it. Because within its pages, I found home. Me. My design sensibilities. All that appeals to me most. I put together some photos of elements that define "French Eclectic" for me:

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