eclectic+electric+energizing

I am using the terms eclectic, electric, and energizing because that's how I feel like my February has turned out to be. First off, I used it because I've recently made a nice mix of music for the the month which has a nice melange of artists: Portishead, Flaming Lips, Moby, and Lusine. I think there are some themes running in my mind that I'm trying to be conscious of these past few weeks:

1) Connectivity to God's grace and gratitude: In order to have a real authentic relationship with God, you have to spend time with him and get to know him. And, I don't just mean indulging in just spending time alone. Sometimes, that just ends up being all about you... I mean spending time thinking about your circumstance, resources, and situations that lead up to ultimately serve, praise, and reverence God. I think we can get trapped into being our own cheerleaders and forget the vastness and greatness of God's grace. We can't do it on our own, and we weren't made to do all of this on our own. Remember that this is all for God through and through...

2) Energy and Electricity from God: In Cameron's "Artist Way," she speaks about affirmations. Some affirmations are very, very hard to face and trust. The following are the ones I grapple with the most:

:: I am a channel for God's creativity, and my work comes to good.
:: My dreams come from God and God has the power to accomplish them.
:: I am willing to let God create through me.

If we don't have faith, have joy, and lovingly accept the providence of God, we will not grow. Period. That's it. No trust, belief, and faith in the spirit leads to staleness. I don't want to be stale. And the result of growing, comes from being in tune with God, trusting God, and facing some ugly things that keep us from God. Again, we shouldn't guilt or punish ourselves, we should calmly accept that we don't do this on our own. We should face our barriers and lean into God even more. That's what character-building and maturity is about.

3) Financial Savvy and Bliss: Three weeks ago, I started the Dave Ramsey class. I heard about this class almost 7 years ago and watched other people turn their lives around. I never listened. I even tried reading up on certain financial tips and incorporating them on my own, but it often just sucked. I am at a point in my life where I had to look in the mirror and realize in order to continue growing I was going to have to manage this aspect of my life better. You can't work hard and just hope for the best. You actually have to plan in order to fulfill your dreams and help others. So, I hope this spring is a time that I can teach myself new habits and better discipline.

4) Serving Women and Being in a Faith Community: Connectedness to God doesn't just happen on your own. We are made to connect to others and be part of the Church. The body is one of God's most important instruments. If we are not part of the body, how can we truly relate to God and experience the beauty of God. Yes, prayer and individual time is crucial, but so is being part of a faith community. I have often wished to be part of a faith community, but lately gave up on trying to be part of one. The opportunity has come up for me to start serving other women. I think supporting women is crucial: as daughters, sisters, mothers, and employees we have a unique insight on the world and oftentimes we are spiritually exhausted because of all the roles we have. I hope that in my service to women I can inspire spiritual rejuvenation and connectivity. And, just have a spot in my life, where I can meet amazing people and serve more.

5) Gratitude and Simplicity: We are so driven to continue chasing carrots and we forget about what we already have. Having a gratitude perspective reminds us of the overwhelming grace God gives and reminds us that extending grace is our role as Christians. Ugh! That's so hard sometimes. We are hardwired to continue going and going and going to the point of exhausting. If we are not doing, we are not accomplishing and we are nothing.

That's a sad perspective to have on life. :(

Start thinking and reflecting on your actions and events that come up in your life. What did you do this past weekend? What were the highlights? Where was God present in those moments? And, where could you have used God's guidance? There are messages from Him if you listen and work with Him.

Reflecting on Things Gives You More Appreciation on the Abundances in Your Life
:: Great conversation with a colleague while enjoying a good cup of black bean soup and veggie sandwich
:: A long yoga session with live music from DJ Sun
:: Being able to watch Hotel Babylon and eat a scrumptious meal cooked by my boyfriend
:: Having a good massage --> getting the stiffness and stress rubbed out of my neck and shoulders and getting some rest
:: Finding a beautiful reproduction of Byzantine artwork for my mother's birthday and knowing that she would enjoy it
:: Watching hockey with friends
:: Belly-dancing
:: Watching Canada kick butt in hockey
:: Enjoying a meal at Tokyo One
:: Being challenged to face brokenness
:: Riding bikes with my boyfriend
:: Getting more sleep
:: A glass of wine and thinking about Montelpuciano
:: Discussing dreams and fears honestly with someone who is willing to listen

Reflecting is so, so, so important. Slow down and experience things. Breathe things in and let them excite your senses. Close your eyes. Feel the warmth and embrace your life.