Aloha from Florida!

I'm here in Florida on business and honestly, it feels weird. I am not the seasoned business traveler, but it is now part of the territory for my job and I'm trying to embrace it, despite the fact that I am petrified of flying to begin with. So much so that I had no shame and asked a team of sweet blogging friends to hold me up (you know who you are...love you ladies).

My sleep is completely out of whack and it has definitely taken its toll on me, but it's all good. I'm happy for this experience, even though I am just a tiny bit disappointed that I don't have more time here to explore and that of course, Phil isn't with me. Ironically, long before this business trip was even planned, we had entertained the idea of a getaway out here to a destination I've been scoping out, but the only thing holding us back was the trek it would take for us to get here. And it's funny how things work, because not more than a month after this conversation, I'm here. Such is life.

It's a quick trip for me, as I'll be heading home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to being in my own time zone, stretching out in my own bed and getting back to a regular sleep schedule.

Hope you all had a good week!

Less This, More That

This is the third year in a row that I am enjoying my decision to not make any New Year Resolutions. I have learned (the hard way) that resolutions and I don't really mix. There has always been way too much weight and expectation in that one little word, and 99% of the time, when I slacked and failed and gave up on these hard-to-reach, self-imposed goals by the third week of January, I ended up feeling worse about myself than I did to begin with. Growing up, I had somehow learned to put too much emphasis on the the concept of "time"---specifically, that transition between December 31st and January 1st that is measured by the televised event of watching the ball drop. And for so many years, I would go to bed on New Years Eve, naively thinking I would wake up the next morning a completely different person. Pffftttt.

So, no more.

A few years ago I decided to do away with resolutions altogether. And honestly? It was liberating. That's not to say I don't have dreams or goals for each new year, but I've learned to let go of the negative connotation - the deprivation that almost always leads to failure (for me, anyway). And instead of saying "No more...", I've learned to substitute it with "Less This, More That."

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One area in my life that I feel Phil and I can always improve upon is our health. For the most part, Phil and I eat fairly healthy; tons of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains, but I'm not gonna lie. There are nights when I indulge in a juicy cheeseburger and french fries with mayonnaise, and there are definitely nights when I will have a glass or two of wine. Or a martini. I am learning (I haven't totally relinquished my "all or nothing" attitude, but I AM learning) to be less rigid and more flexible. Everything in moderation, right?

But eating healthy isn't the only ingredient for a healthy heart and a healthy life; it goes well beyond just what we put into our bodies and minds. A healthy lifestyle is comprised of a clean diet, exercise, plenty of sleep, time outdoors, communication, relationships, L-O-V-E and being nourished by time spent in His Word. This year, I made a brief list of Less/More:

Less Sugar, More Fruits and Veggies.

Less Caffeine, More Water.

Less Reality TV, More Books.

Less Social Media, More intentional time spent with my husband.

Less Spending, More Saving.

Less Me, More Him.

What is pressing most on my heart these days is spending more time with Jesus; reading and sharing the good news and being a source of love and encouragement to others has moved higher up on my priority list, and it feels good to spend less time thinking about myself and more time thinking about others.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of Life.

Proverbs 4:23

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What does your Less This, More That list look like?

Taste the Rainbow

If you follow me on Instagram, then you are no stranger to why Hawaii is aptly nicknamed The Rainbow State. Phil and I live in an area of the island that sees quite a bit of morning rain, so we are fortunate enough to experience rainbows on the daily. And I'm not even exaggerating; we see them every morning on the way into work (and if we're lucky, on our way home), and like the amazing island sunsets we are blessed with, our rainbows never get old. Ever.

Some days, these colorful arcs are subtle, hiding shyly behind a blanket of gray cloud coverage, and other days, they are loud and vibrant, reverberating across a bluebird sky. Regardless of the backdrop, whenever I see a rainbow, I am reminded of Jesus, and in that moment, I give thanks and praise. And then I follow it up with a high-pitched squeal, because underneath this skin, I am a kid at heart and when I see something big and colorful and pretty painted across the sky, it warrants a heartfelt "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!"

While looking through the camera roll on my iPhone tonight, I smiled at the countless rainbow photos I've managed to hoard over time. I am blessed. And I feel SO lucky to live here.

Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

Genesis 9:16

Yeah, double rainbows are the norm.

It has been especially soggy upcountry these last few days, but it is also a welcome reprieve from the heat and high temps of late. I've happily busted out the flannel PJ's and extra blanket at night; it feels very winter-y to fall asleep (and wake up) to the sound of rain drumming against our roof. This weather--as comforting as it is--makes it just a little difficult to get out of bed and rally for the day; there is something about rainy weather that just beckons you under a fuzzy blanket with your hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee or tea.

Come to Maui. Let's share a rainbow together.

One Little Word for 2013

I like this concept. I like the idea of choosing just one word to focus on, meditate on and reflect upon; one word that sums up what I want for myself in the new year. My word for 2013?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Word!

Authentically Me

I've written this post in my mind many times since taking my impromptu hiatus from blogging throughout the month of December; I have spent a lot of time in reflection, pondering exactly why I blog, who I blog for and what content I choose to share over the internet. And in doing so, I came face to face with some fairly harsh realities while answering my own questions.

I found that my joy for and commitment to blogging began to wane towards the end of the year as anniversaries came and went, reminding me with a pain so fresh, of family members I have lost (2010 and 2011), while other external circumstances over which I have no control (Newtown, CT), broke my heart and left me feeling so sad about this world we live in.

But I think the biggest (and likewise, most ridiculous) factor that has kept me away is the horrible Comparison Trap. What would begin as leisurely afternoons/evenings perusing blogs often left me feeling grossly inadequate, hi-lighting what I knew to be my own issues, my own insecurities. This comparison thing, it can be tricky; there is a delicate balance between feeling inspired and motivated by someone and thinking you want what they have. I am guilty of allowing myself to be seduced by this counterproductive syndrome that serves no purpose other than to make me feel less than about my blog, my talents, my home and sometimes, my life. For the record, I am astutely aware of the ridiculousness of this statement, but I am human. And in my flawed human-ness, I sin. I compare, I covet, and ultimately, I show contempt towards a faithful God who has given me so much, already.

And the beautiful and amazing thing in all this is that even in my selfishness, He shows me grace.

I've written before about my desire to live for Him; to glorify Him in all that I say and do, and how much my heart yearns for my life to be a walking, living and breathing reflection of Him. And even though I have complete freedom to do so, I still struggle with my comfort level (that human thing, again) and fear of being judged. I need to work on that.

In my pursuit of living an authentic life, the one life I am given by a God who asks nothing of me other than my time, I am beginning this new year acknowledging these simple (yet easily overlooked) truths. Truths that apply to each and every one of us, all woven into a beautiful tapestry of individuality and uniqueness:

There is only one me.

God has given me specific gifts and talents.

I have something to offer others that only I can give.

There is purpose and meaning to my life.

I am important.

I matter.

I am blessed.

I am loved.

I am praying that this year, God will use me--and this blog--for His glory and that I will not only be wise enough to distinguish my desires from His, but more importantly, I will be still enough to hear (and heed) His voice.

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I am so thankful for my readership; some of you have been a part of this blog from the very beginning, and I love when you come by to read along, say hello, offer your kindness, support and encouragement. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You. Please know that I appreciate you!

Wishing you all a blessed new year. Aloha!