From Crossroads to Milestones: 3 Guiding Tips for Change

 “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” —Heraclitus

My 29th birthday was a real challenge. Momma teases me, saying I freaked out more at 8, and this family joke makes me smile. Nevertheless, in 2003, I carried the weight of shortcomings. I'd dropped out of college, which goes against my finish what you start mentality, my living situation echoed dependency, and my romantic relationships held their own complexities. Oh, Life!  

My life is SO different now. It's like I've lived multiple lifetimes in one. Over the years, I changed things. At 32, I got my college degree and began checking off  things from my dreams list. In 2014, I started my family by adopting teens. And in 2021 at the age of 47, I married a great guy I met during the pandemic. 

So reflecting recently, I pondered what has been the compass for me.  Maybe they can help you too.

1. My Relationship with God: letting scriptures guide me as well as my desire to get closer to Him
   
   
2. Embracing Learning and Growing: trying new things or learning a new skill. Maybe even change jobs. Continue evolving.
   
   
3. Being More Flexible: As things change, move with them like it's a dance. If you get out of step, don't worry, you can get back on beat again.
   
   
4. Create a Meaningful Legacy: Infuse your life with purpose, considering the legacy of inspiration, impact, and cherished memories you're crafting for the future.

But, of course, you don't need me to tell you that life's full of learning, growing, and changing. These just came to me as I was reflecting. 

Today, I'm sipping coffee in my dream bungalow, amazed at how each chapter, whether tough or triumphant, has shaped me. Momma also shared with me a few months ago that she thinks I am the woman generations of my family would hold in high esteem in view of the life I've led. And that warmed me as much as the coffee.

"The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change." - William Arthur Ward

 

 

Seasonal Cinema: Ultimate Holiday Movie Guide from Fall to Summer

Get ready. I've been planning a cinematic journey that will carry me through the changing seasons! The list shifts from the spooky delights of Halloween, to the heartwarming stories of Christmas, and all the way to the fireworks of July 4th. I have both my hand-picked favorites and some I've never seen. I like different ones than the "traditional" movies many list. By planning ahead, I can add a touch of magic to each holiday, creating a cozy movie experience to explore throughout the year. 

Feel free to grab my list, your popcorn and settle in; it's time to celebrate the holidays with a "reel" unforgettable time. 🎥 Below my example photos is a full list!

*Correction, Miracle on 34th street. Ha

 

Halloween 

·        Practical Magic

·        What Lies Beneath

·        Signs

·        The Pale Blue Eye

Thanksgiving/Fall

·        Evan Almighty

·        You’ve Got Mail

·        Cheaper by the Dozen

·       Gilmore Girls: S1 E7: Kiss and Tell

·        The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

·        The Bookshop

Christmas/Winter

·        A Christmas Carol

·        Elf

·        Mr. Bean Christmas

·        Little Women (1994 version is my favorite!)

·        Die Hard

·        Noelle

·        Mrs. Miracle

·        The Holiday

·        Annie (1999)

·        Miracle on 34^th Street

·        White Christmas

·        Last Holiday

New Year’s Eve

·        The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

·        The Age of Adaline

·        Where’d you go, Bernadette?

Valentine's Day

·        Stranger than Fiction

·        Kate & Leopold

·        Pride & Prejudice

US Independence Day

·        The American President

·        Thirteen Days

·       Top Gun: Maverick

Cozy Caboose Reflections: 25 Years of Faith

Over the years, I've scheduled many a vacation in unusual accommodations. The list includes: Airstream, grain bin, airplane hanger, tiny home, converted church, and container homes. Still on my list are earthhouse, hobbit hole, and potato [I'll let you research that one]. 

Recently, I marked off caboose on a personally beautiful and and special day. October 11, 2023, marked a significant milestone in my life...my 25-year spiritual anniversary as a Christian. I've been walking this faith journey for a quarter of a century, and I couldn't be more grateful.

I've looked forward to this anniversary for years due to it marking the moment when I've officially been a Christian longer than I was not. Inside this charming caboose, I found a sense of tranquility. The soft glow of the interior lights and the soothing sounds of nature outside created such serenity.

I came prepared go deep and started with communion and a fresh air walk with Jesus. My intention was to have a "Stars & Embers Fireside Devotional," which included prayer time under the stars and a symbolic fire pit ritual. This ritual involved writing down trespasses, worries, burdens, and then releasing each one by burning them. However, due to a cloudy night sky and a burn ban, I had to scrap that plan and instead scribble journaled those items and tore them up.

The next morning for my Coffee & Cozy Time, I recited my baptism scripture, Psalm 116, by memory - an annual tradition - then read John chapter 10, chapter 14, and Matthew 11:28-30. The majority of the new morning though was singing worship songs focused on the Spirit. [Spirit Lead Me (Oceans) by Hillsong, Breathe by Michael W. Smith, Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli]

This special day I was humbling and I'm so grateful for the love, grace, and unwavering presence of God in my life. I'm filled with hope and anticipation for the next chapter of my faith journey and the years ahead. Here are a few special photos below: