My Adventures

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I recently have been studying and writing down adventures I am expecting in the upcoming year. Already my adventures are beginning and it's only January!!

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Here are some amazing adventurers! Just had to post this!

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My Adventures for 2012:

• Moving from a large home to a small lake house (very soon!)

• Losing 40 pounds in 6 months! Winning a local “biggest loser contest.”

• Reading "Made to Crave" and learning to crave a daily relationship with God!

• Reading the Bible in 90 days.(an internet blog challenge group) starting in February. 
• Renewing my wedding vows with my hubby on a tropical beach! 
• Relaxing! 
• Getting involved with other couples in my church 
• Getting involved with more blog parties and making lots of bloggy friends. 
• Restarting an awesome garden on our new property! 
• Lots of fishing! 
•  Make a healthy eating plan for myself.

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Been reading "Made to Crave" with my bloggy sisters over at A Journey of Love and My Freshly Brewed Life. We are on chapter 3: Getting a Plan. Words in this chapter that popped out for me were plan(of course), sacrifice, invest, lessons, perspectives, friends. All these things are required, if an adventure is to take place!

When I think of the photos and quotes above I'm reminded that my choices in my food plan will be an adventure, as well, so I added it to my list.  Finding what works for me and my lifestyle and making it a permanent part of my life will be a challenge, especially at first. But what an adventure!

To read about some amazing adventure ideas go to my post "How to Become an Adventurer"

 

Linking over at these blog hops:

Word-Filled Wednesday

Made to Crave(A Journey of Love and My Freshly Brewed Life)

 Jam with me Thursdays(Faith Barista)

In Search of Beauty(A Pause in the Path)

Brag on God Fridays(Beholding Glory)

How to Become an Adventurer

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How would you define adventure?

"Adventure" is defined in the dictionary as "an undertaking or enterprise of a hazardous nature; an unusual or exciting experience; participation in hazardous or exciting experiences. 

http://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Adventurer

1.     For many people, "adventure" means being inspired to participate in extraordinary feats and experiences as an ordinary individual, to conquer something we once thought impossible, to find an outlet for freedom that our restricted working lives have taken away from many of us, and to leave us wiser, more fulfilled, spiritually lifted, and more in touch with ourselves as a result.

     A few things to remember for anyone who wants to be an adventurer: 

              1.  Be sure that your concept of adventuring fits well with what is possible, affordable, doable, and of interest to you in the long-term. Some ideas for adventure might involve the following: 

• Extreme physical adventure: such as climbing a mountain; sailing, diving the deeps (including free diving and base jumping underwater sinkholes); kayaking down a fjord; or spelunking, extreme running, etc
• Helper adventure (often under conditions very different from what you're used to): Activities such as helping to set up hospital or health services in a place without such facilities; training people and generally helping out in places without educational facilities; volunteering with a charity doing major overseas projects, etc
• Travel adventure: Not quite as rigorous or hazardous as the extreme physical adventure testing but still requiring a tough will and rough living, such as traveling to out-of-the-way places and pushing yourself to take on activities that are taxing and sometimes confronting, adventure involving retracing the steps of a well-worn path from another time in history.
• Charity or sponsorship adventure: Doing something intrepid and raising money for charity at the same time, including seeking sponsorship to travel or perform challenging activities, getting donations in return for completing a difficult adventure, etc.
•  Cultural discovery adventure: Learn more about a region in the world, the culture, the crafts, wine and food, art, music, etc., it's about discovering something you are passionate about but still have much to learn from.
•  Occupational adventure. Choosing a career can involve adventure if you select something like marine biology, space travel, missionary work, the military, art, journalism, historian, anthropology, or archaeology. These adventures are self funding when you complete the training, which may be long and expensive, short and paid for (military service overseas) or lifelong (art, music, writing). Academic ones may require developing a skill. Don't forget that with enough skill, anything can become a career - mountaineering guides, bicycle tour leaders, any form of coaching or guiding can become a way to make a living.
•  Self defined adventure. If it is challenging, demands the best of you and involves taking risks you can consider it adventurous. Adventurers are passionate, if you have a goal that you're willing to throw everything to the wayside to achieve and approach it with common sense, you are an adventurer. Adventure means accepting hardship instead of taking the easiest course in life, willingly grasping it to accomplish something wonderful. Choose something difficult that only seems impossible, then find all the ways that you can to bring the impossible into reach. An inner journey can be as perilous as traveling across the globe and as rewarding. Adventure demands and teaches believing in yourself and in what calls you.

     2.  Plan the adventure. A successful adventure requires good planning based on detailed research. Even if you're usually very spontaneous, the success of an adventure will depend very much on knowing what to expect and being generally aware of what you intend to do and get out of your adventure.

•  Do a lot of reading of people who have trodden in a path similar to yours before. Their inspirational stories of failures and success will give you an idea of what's involved. 
•  For some, planning for an adventure might mean taking a few years to gain qualifications, abilities, or fundraising.
• The mundane matters. Always have a mind on the details. If possible, talk with someone who has taken the same adventure.

      3.  Consider whether you intend to go solo, with a buddy, or with a group. Adventure is still adventure whether you're alone or with others.

• Any adventure that involves danger should have you considering going along with a buddy at the very least, and perhaps trained guides or adventure groups, to ensure your safety as much as is possible. 
•  Don't forget that you will also most likely meet up with new friends along the way of your adventure.

     4.  Get your health and fitness checked

• Know your health; see the doctor for a check up and if you have ongoing medical issues that need managing, talk with your doctor about what you can do to take care of medical needs.

     5.  Check your budget. Have you got enough money to become an adventurer? Most likely you have but you might need to scale back on the more glorified ideas of adventure in your head. Tailor the adventure to fit within the budget, or delay the adventure while you save up enough for the adventure of the lifetime you're keen on experiencing. 

•  Does being an adventurer have to be costly and not for those earning less? Absolutely not! Real adventure is simply living for new experiences, people, and places. Some of the most exciting adventures actually come from those times when a person has insufficient funds.
•  If your adventure is so exciting, quirky, and interesting, you might be able to get a sponsorship deal.

     6.  Clear the adventure with others. Do consider your loved ones. If your adventure is going to impact them through your absence and in any other means such as financial or emotional, then start talking to them about it soon. 

     7.  Consider updating people about your adventure via a blog, website, or social media network. Adventure seekers take time now and then to update their blog or to leave a note on Twitter or Facebook to let everyone know how their adventure is proceeding. 

•  Take a journal and document your adventure. You will appreciate being able to read it later in life, to recall the glorious fun and hazards that you experienced when you were free as a bird.

     8.  Get on with it. Most importantly, after you've done all the organizing, planning, checking and re-checking, get out there and love every moment of your adventure. 

• Not everyone has the courage to become an adventurer, to discover new things about the world and themselves, so give yourself a big pat on the back for being open-minded, energetic, courageous, and ready for anything!

If you've never considered being an adventurer and would like to try something new or have wanted to do something for a long time, I encourage you start with a list (no, I'm not talking about a bucket list) of what you would like to do. Think about things you would like to especially do in the next 1-2 years. Remember to make it realistic, but challenging!
To read about my adventures go to my post "My Adventures"
Sample list:

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Linking on over to these blog parties:
On Your Heart Tuesday(A Pause on the Path)
Winsome Wednesday(Beauty in His Grip)
Grace Cafe' (Reflections of His Grace)

Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary/Birthday Tea Party

Today I'm celebrating over at Rose Chintz Cottage where Sandi is celebrating Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary/Birthday Tea Party . Because of her love of roses, she has asked her friends to share all our "rose-themed" tea things. Here are some of mine.

This blue rose teapot was given to me by my mom. The teacup was an antique store find.

 

These sets of two different teapots with matching teacups are my favorites!

The teapot and teacup on the left have music boxes in their bases..

Here is the musical teacup turned upside-down. Notice the little winder that is used to wind the music box up to play.The teacup plays "just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

These teacup/teapot ornaments have rose designs on them

I do love white roses, but I don't have anything with white roses on it.
I found an awesome website, though, that made my mouth water with really cool tea things
(and white rose designs!)
It's called Cake Stand Heaven. Have you heard of it?
There are a couple of items I really want to get someday. . .
This rose cakestand is gorgeous, isn't it?

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Here is a close-up of the teacup in the cake-stand.

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This white rose teacup is used as a candle.

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Wishing Sandi a wonderful 2nd anniversary/birthday and may the party grow and blossom every week with the joy and fellowship of other tea-lovers!!!

In exactly one week (January 31st) my hubby and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary! I will have a little surprise for everyone, so come on back next week.

Linking over at these blog parties:
 Rose Chintz Cottage (Tea Time Tuesday)
 Artful Affirmations (Tea Cup Tuesday)
A Delightsome Life (A Return to Loveliness)

Relationships Take Work! ( Forgiveness - Part 1 )

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“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you..” Colossians 3:13

Understanding Marital Conflict from James 4:1-3

Just like any interaction between two people, disagreements in marriage are bound to happen. Sometime disagreements can turn into conflict and, if not dealt with wisely, can literally destroy a marriage. This is why so many marriage counselors and even businesses have offered conflict-resolution and problem-solving workshops.

Why do couples fight and argue? Why can’t they just enjoy lasting peace? Didn’t they get married to have a greater life together than when single?  We need to realize that conflicts are more than the simple difference of opinion or approach. Conflicts are the way couples poorly carry out the expression of their varying viewpoints.

“What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:1-3).

Two key words are used here:

Quarrels- the long-standing unresolved war along with all the tensions and underlying issues at stake.

Conflicts- the individual battles

If you solve a conflict, will you solve the quarrel? No. We need to go deeper, much deeper like James does. Six observations can be drawn from James 4:1-3

1) Quarrels require cooperation. Two are needed! We should be humble enough to accept that marital arguments require both the husband and wife.

2) Quarrelers are motivated to please themselves. Without careful thought, more than likely the world’s thoughts have influenced your attitudes and decision-making process when quarreling.

3) The actual pursuit to fulfill their desires causes conflict. James 4:2 says that they “cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. This is the opposite of love. There is no thought of God and they are self-driven.

4) Quarrelers lack self-restraint and self-control. Have you ever heard someone say, “That is just the way he is.”? Actually we all have a sin nature. The point is some spouses will repent and turn to God for His Spirit to help them and their marriage. Others will not. We all are responsible for our deeds.

5) Quarrelers do not seek God’s way. James 4:2 says, ‘You do not ask.’ They do not have a mind to seek what God wants or even to think how He might provide for them. They want to control God to get their wishes.

6) Quarrelers lack a perspective of peace or oneness. If a couple lives without a commitment to oneness, then their wills will compete against each other. Peace will be substituted for disharmony until they live according to their oneness.

Financial Issues:  When the purse strings are tight, then the spouses need to give up more of what they would like. James says that it is when they do not get what they want, that conflicts begin. 

The real source of conflict is our own hearts.  We allow ourselves to prioritize our own preferences over the wellbeing of the whole, in this case meaning our spouse and marriage. The reason we become so aggressive in meeting our own needs so that we will even become pushy or selfish (which is always impolite and unkind) is because of our selfish nature. Deep down below, we are out to please ourselves.

If you are a genuine Christian and still struggle greatly with these issues, we can be confident that God is able to and desires to help us out faster than we ever thought possible. We have the power to live a godly life in Christ by living out the fruit of the Spirit. Of course, we can also by choice and deception fall to living by our old nature.

Steps to Bring Relief from Past Conflict

(1) Identify these pleasures or desires. What is it that has been driving you into conflict?

(2) Repent from seeking your own gratification rather than God’s will. Focus on your own shortcomings rather than your spouses.

(3) Commit to doing God’s will regardless of the consequences. You as a Christian are to serve God.

(4) Follow God’s will. Talk is empty without action. (More on this is coming next.)

(5) Patch up ‘war’ scars. When you have hurt others (whether it was in anger or in defense of your spouse’s negative behavior), then you need to apologize, confess your wrong and ask for forgiveness.

The couple is one, not two. As husband and wife, are we not on the same team? Do we not have the same goal? Aren’t we both winning when the other does well? We sure are!

In “Forgiveness” (Part 2) I will talk about Creating Marital Harmony (Philippians 2:2-5)

Continuing to list God's graces upon me and take part in the Joy Dare

3 ways you witnessed happiness today: 

390. Son's reaction when he got in for an interview for a job. 
391. A video of missionaries at our church, who felt called to serve and are enjoying living in New Guinea.

392. People talking and laughing in the coffee shop.
One gift that made you laugh, one gift that made you pray, one gift that made you quiet

393. Time with family, reminiscing and sharing life’s experiences, and laughing

394. Prayed for my son to get a new job.

395. Reading scripture – finding words in the book of Proverbs that made me contemplate God’s wisdom.

3 Gifts from God’s Word -

– Proverbs 30:18-19 “There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:

396. the way of an eagle in the sky,

1.    397.  the way of a snake on a rock,

398. the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.
A grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that might never have been.

399. Watching my son and his girlfriend make a Caesar salad together.

400. Sun shining on a cold winter day.

401. Having and raising my son.

3 gifts you saw only when you got close-up

402.red plant covered with winter snow

403. Squirrel, gathering nuts

404. deer grazing in the back yard.

One thing in the sky, from your memory, that’s ugly-beautiful

405. Clouds

406. Growing up in a nice neighborhood

407. Moving to a new house in the wintertime

 

Linking over at:

A Holy Experience

The Beauty in His Grip

Hear It, Use It

(Information on marriage from the website “Biblical Foundations For Freedom” – Building a Great Marriage” Series.)

http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/Topics/Marriage/Great_Marriage/BGM00_Index.html

A Journey of Love Link-Up/Photo Sharing

 I'm linking on over to  A Journey of Love: Habits are hard to break..with Venessa, as she takes the "Made to Crave"(book) Journey!  So hop on over and check out her post! It's a great one!

I am also going on this amazing journey of better health habits!! Hopefully by June, when my hubby and I will be enjoying a beachfront anniversary trip, I will be fit and trim!!! So I'm also motivating myself by dreaming of some cute outfits I would like to wear...I'm 
posting some great outfits from my Pinterest and Polyvore Pages!

A simple white dress, denim shirt, and large-brimmed hat

 

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Simple, but cute above the knee dress

 

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Interchangeable skirt or sundress! Love it!

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I love maxi dresses. This aqua color is lovely!

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Here's some really cute color combos!

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For those cooler days/evenings on the beach

And the hot/sunny beach days, sunglasses, tanks, sandals, and bikini's

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Now, I'm really motivated to keep my healthy eating and exercise habits going! I want to be beachwear ready by June!!!! (I have lost almost 3 lbs this week. . . yayyy!)

Linking on over at:
Good Life Wednesday
 Best Post of the Week,
 As of Late

Pinning and Singing on the Weekend

Joy is a Choice and a Decision

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I’ve been reading and hearing about this word for quite a while now in different Christian blogs and communities. There must be something to it, since it is discussed so often. Yet, why do we seem to forget that joy is a choice and a personal decision we make every day of our lives? It seems like we(and I’m totally including myself) want to use the excuse that circumstances and suffering in our lives are the reason we are so unhappy. Yet the Bible clearly directs us differently.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I wrote down a few tidbits from an article I found on the internet that I felt was written very well on the subject of joy.

Our source of joy is God, not our circumstances. Where are we to rejoice? “In the Lord.” (Phil. 4:4) There is always cause for rejoicing in who God is!

“We can make a distinction between joy and happiness: happiness being dependent on external circumstances, while joy is internal, a result of being controlled by the Spirit. Some people consider happiness to be a feeling dependent on circumstances and usually restricted to moments when life is going well. Joy is an inner serenity of the soul, rooted not in circumstances but in a choice to trust God’s faithfulness, regardless of what is happening externally.”

Some will immediately respond, “How can I possibly be always joyful with the hurts, the pains and the difficulties that God has allowed to enter my life? Jesus greets us with surprising resources to cope when our own reservoirs are empty – when we face problems for which there seem to be no solutions. We can do anything God wants us to do through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).”

Joy is a choice! Trusting that, with God, there are no impossible circumstances, enables us to live as victors rather than victims. It’s when our future looks the bleakest that our Lord provides the biggest surprises. Tim Hansel reminds us from his own life of pain: “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.”

•  To have joy you have to abide in God’s love; to abide in God’s love you have to obey God’s commands.

• Joy is a choice but it is an indirect choice and a byproduct of something else – our experience of God’s love.

• Joy is the result (fruit) of being controlled by the Holy Spirit

Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” When things get tough, pray like a child firmly hanging on to the hand of a loving parent.We can’t abide in Christ’s love without having a strong, vital personal relationship with Him

·         People who please God by obeying God are joyful (John 15:9).

·         People who please God by loving God/others are joyful (John 15:10, 14).

·         People who please God by being grateful are joyful (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

One of the great barriers to gratitude ... and thus to joy ... is comparison. Do you know the favorite expression of those addicted to comparison is? “It isn’t fair!” (Oh, boy, I'm guilty of saying that sometimes!)  It is so easy to compare ourselves with those who: 

1) Have families when we feel alone. 

2) Have money when our bank account is empty. 

3) Are in good health when we suffer from poor health, etc. 

Ten Biblical Resources for Choosing Joy:

1. Make a list of God’s blessings. We need to daily count our blessings!

2. Develop the attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness is an attitude, but it is also a godly habit that can and should be regularly cultivated. By intentionally thanking God and others, bitterness and entitlement are replaced with joy and the humble realization of just how undeserving we really are.

3. Learn to love what God loves. The only way to be full of joy is to look for it in God and not in our circumstances. Learning how to please God can become a great sense of joy!

4. Give away what you need. Giving(helping/encouraging others) takes our eyes off ourselves (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

5. Shift your focus. As we learn to focus our faith on Christ we learn to find our joy in knowing, loving and serving Him.

6. Create a comprehensive growth plan. If you do not have a plan and an intention to grow spiritually, you will be floundering your way through life!

7. Focus on knowing, believing, meditating and obeying God’s word. Obeying the truth is a powerful source of joy as well as the means by which we express love for God (John 14:21).

8. Realize joy is a fruit (result) of being controlled by the Spirit. The injunction of being controlled by the Holy Spirit is not a mere suggestion but a divine imperative – a command! (Eph. 5:18)

9. Learn how to experience the greatest joy on earth. Disciple making! We need to pass the baton of godliness on to the next generation to experience the greatest joy on earth.

10. Choose joy. We choose it by: 

    1) learning, loving and living God’s Word, and by 
    2) submitting ourselves moment by moment to the Spirit’s control. We choose joy by 
    3) cultivating an attitude of gratitude and learning the practice the presence of God in prayer.

To read the article, go to Joy is a Decision by Dr. Steven C. Riser

http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/_PDFArchives/practical-christianity/PC1W0809.pdf

Here are a few books on joy that looked like good reads:

 “Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy”

- challenges and equips the reader to live a life of intention.

 "Little Book of Joy” 

Lots of verses and quotes about joy.

“Created for Joy: A Christian View of Suffering”

Christians view suffering in a different way, with the expectation—in the face of all evidence to the contrary—that we are created to experience joy.

I know I have been writing down a gratitude list for over a year, now, and my outlook on life and daily circumstances have changed drastically! Having JOY does a heart good!

 Linking up at:

Faith Barista Jam
Winsome Wednesday
Grace Cafe' (Reflections of His Grace)

Teacups and Chihuahuas!

I am a proud owner of two Chihuahuas! I also love teacups and teapots, so I thought I would share some cute "teacup" Chihuahua pictures I found to combine two of my favorite things today.

This teacup Chihuahua comes with her own "tip" money!(How generous for such a little doggie!)

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If you have a cup of "sad" Chihuahua. just add sugar and spice!!

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A teapot full of "Chi"

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A "Chi" Party!!!

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Cup of "Chi" to go!

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A "mar-Chi-ni"on the rocks!

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This is why tea is better than coffee!!!

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This didn't have anything to do with tea, but I just thought it was too cute to pass up!

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Here are some pictures of my Chihuahua babies!! (Though, they are too big to put in one of my teacups)
Jet is a short-haired and Sophie is a long-haired Chihuahua. Many people are surprised that long-haired Chihuahuas do exist. We didn't know until we saw her for sale at a flea market!

When Sophie was a pup she sat on my son's shoulder(then less than a pound). 
She's 1 and a half now and is too big too sit there.

Both dogs like to investigate in the yard, 
but going for a walk on a leash is a whole different story!

 I was thrilled when Jet posed so nicely in this fall picture!

 I love using this picture to show how small Jet is.(He weighs in at a whopping 4 lbs., 

Sophie is about 3 and a half lbs)

 Jet loves bike rides. 'Course, he has the best seat and doesn't have to peddle!

 O.k. I admit, I have dressed my dogs up a few times for Halloween  and other holidays.

Here, Jet is a punk rocker, with a bone to pick!!

 

Trying to get both dogs to cooperate on a cold winter day wasn't easy. 

They hated the cold, even though they had sweaters on!!

This Christmas shot is one of my favorites!

 Sophie loves to stretch and just rest in this position - 

front legs down in front with her rear in the air.

 What a sweet face!!

Enjoy your day and have a little tea on me and my Chi's!!!

Linking over at these blog hops:

Rose Chintz Cottage(Tea Time Tuesday)

Artful Affirmations(Tea Cup Tuesday)

Oh, Amanda (Top Ten Tuesday)