Day 27 - A letter to my readers
Well, I'm not sure how many of those I have, but that's not the point, right?
Dear amazing readers,
I love that you read my blog! No matter how often, it's so nice of you to take an interest. I'm a sharer, so naturally, I enjoy sharing. I also enjoy connecting with others. I think if we look closely enough we would find that most everyone has SOMETHING (if not many things) in common. I'm pretty sure that's why I think it wouldn't be a problem for me and Rachel McAdams to become besties. I just know we'd hit it off and have a lot in common.
I digress. Basically, thanks for reading. I strive to be honest, entertaining, and to reflect the love and hope of Jesus Christ in all that I do. If that's happening, than I consider this blog a success. And if you're enjoying it...EVEN BETTER!
Let's continue this journey together. That'll be fun.
xoxoxo
-Brit
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
"We can either pay the organic farmer today or pay the hospital tomorrow."
Day 26 - Something I read online. Leave a link and discuss.
I'll keep it short and sweet tonight, y'all!
I read THIS article, accompanied by the video below, earlier today about an 11-year old boy who delivered a speech on what's wrong with our food industry today and the importance of organic farming.
I've become a little obsessed with researching genetically modified and processed foods. It's not pretty, friends. Not pretty at all. It's so important to be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. With so many health issues on the rise today, we owe it to ourselves to become educated on what's truly healthy and good for us and what's not. I have PLENTY of learning to do on this topic. I really feel like I'm just beginning!
And don't get me wrong...if there's anyone that loves a krispy kreme donut or a corndog, it's this girl, but it has to be an "every once in a while" thing, not an everyday thing.
Watch the video! Research organic farming! Research processed foods and our food industry! Do it for your health! Do it for your family!
I'll keep it short and sweet tonight, y'all!
I read THIS article, accompanied by the video below, earlier today about an 11-year old boy who delivered a speech on what's wrong with our food industry today and the importance of organic farming.
I've become a little obsessed with researching genetically modified and processed foods. It's not pretty, friends. Not pretty at all. It's so important to be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. With so many health issues on the rise today, we owe it to ourselves to become educated on what's truly healthy and good for us and what's not. I have PLENTY of learning to do on this topic. I really feel like I'm just beginning!
And don't get me wrong...if there's anyone that loves a krispy kreme donut or a corndog, it's this girl, but it has to be an "every once in a while" thing, not an everyday thing.
Watch the video! Research organic farming! Research processed foods and our food industry! Do it for your health! Do it for your family!
-Brit
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I'm funny??
Day 25 - Something someone told me about myself that I'll never forget
Well, as we've discussed, I don't really have a great memory.
I certainly remember bad things that people have said about me...but I'll choose not to focus on them.
And to be honest...it took me a while to remember something good that really stuck with me! Sad story!
BUT I do remember writing down the good things people have said about me in my journals....those journals just happen to be put away in an attic and I just really can't be bothered to go search for them. Maybe I'll do that soon, though!
Allllllllright, sidebar over....after racking my brain for something, I DO remember one of my teachers in college saying something significant to me.
Her name is Holly Thuma and I love her. She is a really great teacher (I actually had a LOT of great teachers in college, which I am so thankful for!) I had her for theater my sophomore year. She was hilarious, smart, honest, and really good at helping each of her students grow in their craft.
I was seriously struggling with some self confidence issues at the time (I mean, I was 19 and I chose to major in Muscical Theatre, which basically means that you are critiqued every single day...SO, I think self confidence issues were a given) and I think Holly picked up on that...she was intuitive...or I wore my heart on my sleeve, whichever.
Anyway, I was working on a comedic scene with my partner and I was struggling because I just felt like it wasn't working and I knew it was my fault!! I was holding back because I felt insecure.
I don't remember EXACTLY what she said....but I do remember it felt like she was peering into my soul and telling me precisely what I needed to hear to get me out of my slump and she meant every word.
Holly stopped the scene and said:
"Brittany! You are funny! You are so funny! You are gifted with comedic talent and timing that is natural and hilarious. Just go for it! You can do it!!!!!"
Now, please picture a precious, trendy woman enthusiastically saying that with all of her passion and might....and maybe you'll get a picture of just how startling it was!
Up until that point, I didn't have much confidence in myself as an actor, but after Holly laid that on me I really felt like I could do it. I felt like I was actually talented enough to be there and do what I was doing.
Doing something like musical theatre is really hard, especially when you start questioning your talent, which happens often. Having someone affirm your talent and your instincts is a really really great feeling.
When someone tells you that they believe in you, it really does stick. It took me a little while to dig up that little nugget of belief in my memory...but it's there and I'm thankful for it.
- Brit
Well, as we've discussed, I don't really have a great memory.
I certainly remember bad things that people have said about me...but I'll choose not to focus on them.
And to be honest...it took me a while to remember something good that really stuck with me! Sad story!
BUT I do remember writing down the good things people have said about me in my journals....those journals just happen to be put away in an attic and I just really can't be bothered to go search for them. Maybe I'll do that soon, though!
Allllllllright, sidebar over....after racking my brain for something, I DO remember one of my teachers in college saying something significant to me.
Her name is Holly Thuma and I love her. She is a really great teacher (I actually had a LOT of great teachers in college, which I am so thankful for!) I had her for theater my sophomore year. She was hilarious, smart, honest, and really good at helping each of her students grow in their craft.
I was seriously struggling with some self confidence issues at the time (I mean, I was 19 and I chose to major in Muscical Theatre, which basically means that you are critiqued every single day...SO, I think self confidence issues were a given) and I think Holly picked up on that...she was intuitive...or I wore my heart on my sleeve, whichever.
Anyway, I was working on a comedic scene with my partner and I was struggling because I just felt like it wasn't working and I knew it was my fault!! I was holding back because I felt insecure.
I don't remember EXACTLY what she said....but I do remember it felt like she was peering into my soul and telling me precisely what I needed to hear to get me out of my slump and she meant every word.
Holly stopped the scene and said:
"Brittany! You are funny! You are so funny! You are gifted with comedic talent and timing that is natural and hilarious. Just go for it! You can do it!!!!!"
Now, please picture a precious, trendy woman enthusiastically saying that with all of her passion and might....and maybe you'll get a picture of just how startling it was!
Up until that point, I didn't have much confidence in myself as an actor, but after Holly laid that on me I really felt like I could do it. I felt like I was actually talented enough to be there and do what I was doing.
Doing something like musical theatre is really hard, especially when you start questioning your talent, which happens often. Having someone affirm your talent and your instincts is a really really great feeling.
When someone tells you that they believe in you, it really does stick. It took me a little while to dig up that little nugget of belief in my memory...but it's there and I'm thankful for it.
- Brit
Monday, May 27, 2013
I've got 99 problems....math is 1.
Day 24 - My top 3 worst traits.
Oh my gosh, only 3? I feel like there is a 9 way tie for 1st place between my worst traits.
I talk too much. I make really ugly faces when I'm concentrating. I am HORRIBLE at math...legitimately 6th grade status. IF that. I always leave my cup of coffee in the living room every morning instead of taking it to the kitchen.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, my friends. Let me get real with you....
3. I am a side seat driver. The WORST side seat driver- Ugh, there is this vicious cycle that happens when Ryan is driving and I am a passenger. I tell myself that I won't comment on his driving only to find that 5 seconds later when he stops at a stop sign for a BIT too long I'm saying "oh my gosh why are you still stopping?" and then I apologize and tell myself that I won't say anything else only to hear myself saying, "are you gonna stop for that pedestrian???" And it goes on and on. It's bad. REAL bad. Pretty soon, Ryan is going to make us ride everywhere separate. I'm really hoping that I can get myself under control before that happens.
And don't worry, it's not just with Ryan. If you are outside of my family and I'm riding with you (because I have NO problem saying anything to my family members about their driving), I'm usually biting my tongue so I don't completely embarrass myself in front of someone who doesn't have to love me because we're related.
I'm so ashamed. I have a problem. I need help.
2. I'm indecisive -
Terribly terribly so. I had wanted to start a blog for at least 9 months before I ACTUALLY created one but didn't because A.) I couldn't decide on a title for the blog (I'm still not totally satisfied) B.) I couldn't decide on a color scheme/design (which I recently changed from the original design.) and C.) I couldn't decide what my first post should be about.
I've also had the following conversation more times than Kate Gosselin has had to change a diaper:
What do you want for dinner?
Oh no, I don't want that.
Yeah that sounds good!!
Actually no I'm not in the mood for that!!!
How about......nooooo I'm not in the mood for that either.
Aggghhhhh I don't know what I want!!
*spends the rest of the night sitting at home eating popcorn.*
True story.
1. I have a REALLY really REALLY hard time letting things go - this one is definitely something that I need to be in prayer about. Everyday. It's bad and definitely makes it hard for me to move past anything in my relationships with others. I don't know why it's so hard for me to just move on. To get over it. Forgive and forget. And what's even worse is that if I feel that I've been wronged I need an explanation. I feel like I can't even begin to move past it unless I have a complete and broken down explanation of why. "I don't know" will send me over the edge.
I do feel like I'm making progress with this....otherwise it would be really hard to have a functional marriage. I've definitely been humbled by God more than a time or two when I feel like I shouldn't have to forgive and I'm thankful for those lessons.
Now that you know you don't want to drive me anywhere, ask me to decide anything, or hurt me in any way....I'm sure we can still be friends, right???
The math thing is what's really turning you off, isn't it?
Not all of us care about the circumference of a circle, ok???
xoxoxo
- Brit
Oh my gosh, only 3? I feel like there is a 9 way tie for 1st place between my worst traits.
I talk too much. I make really ugly faces when I'm concentrating. I am HORRIBLE at math...legitimately 6th grade status. IF that. I always leave my cup of coffee in the living room every morning instead of taking it to the kitchen.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, my friends. Let me get real with you....
3. I am a side seat driver. The WORST side seat driver- Ugh, there is this vicious cycle that happens when Ryan is driving and I am a passenger. I tell myself that I won't comment on his driving only to find that 5 seconds later when he stops at a stop sign for a BIT too long I'm saying "oh my gosh why are you still stopping?" and then I apologize and tell myself that I won't say anything else only to hear myself saying, "are you gonna stop for that pedestrian???" And it goes on and on. It's bad. REAL bad. Pretty soon, Ryan is going to make us ride everywhere separate. I'm really hoping that I can get myself under control before that happens.
And don't worry, it's not just with Ryan. If you are outside of my family and I'm riding with you (because I have NO problem saying anything to my family members about their driving), I'm usually biting my tongue so I don't completely embarrass myself in front of someone who doesn't have to love me because we're related.
I'm so ashamed. I have a problem. I need help.
2. I'm indecisive -
 |
| This picture encompasses PRECISELY how I feel when trying to make a decision |
I've also had the following conversation more times than Kate Gosselin has had to change a diaper:
What do you want for dinner?
Oh no, I don't want that.
Yeah that sounds good!!
Actually no I'm not in the mood for that!!!
How about......nooooo I'm not in the mood for that either.
Aggghhhhh I don't know what I want!!
*spends the rest of the night sitting at home eating popcorn.*
True story.
1. I have a REALLY really REALLY hard time letting things go - this one is definitely something that I need to be in prayer about. Everyday. It's bad and definitely makes it hard for me to move past anything in my relationships with others. I don't know why it's so hard for me to just move on. To get over it. Forgive and forget. And what's even worse is that if I feel that I've been wronged I need an explanation. I feel like I can't even begin to move past it unless I have a complete and broken down explanation of why. "I don't know" will send me over the edge.
I do feel like I'm making progress with this....otherwise it would be really hard to have a functional marriage. I've definitely been humbled by God more than a time or two when I feel like I shouldn't have to forgive and I'm thankful for those lessons.
Now that you know you don't want to drive me anywhere, ask me to decide anything, or hurt me in any way....I'm sure we can still be friends, right???
The math thing is what's really turning you off, isn't it?
Not all of us care about the circumference of a circle, ok???
xoxoxo
- Brit
School, schmool....lessons from life.
Day 23 - Things I've learned that school didn't teach me
Let's get down to business! (to defeat the HUNS! Did they give me daughters, when I asked for sons?...I know you know that song. From Mulan!! You totally know it.....)
Outside of school I've learned:
...how to successfully grocery shop.
Seriously, y'all know it's hard. When I first started grocery shopping on my own, I was SO overwhelmed. Like, what do I need to be buying? How much of it do I need to buy???? What does a good tomato look like as opposed to a BAD one? I really wish I could have learned the last one before I had to eat a mushy tomato to find out!!
....that tragedy will happen and it will SUCK, but you will survive.
I guess nothing can really teach you that except for going through it.
....how to get a J-O-B.
For reallllllll every school needs to have some mock interview courses. While I don't believe I'll ever be an expert at interviews, I have had to go through some PRETTY nasty ones just to get decent at interviews. There really should be a course on interview techniques. Anyone can be incredibly talented and intelligent, but bombing an interview makes it really difficult to get a job.
...that there is light in every situation.
Where there is dark, there is always light. I believe that there is something to take and learn from every situation, no matter how incredibly unfair, tragic, or stupid it is. If the bad means nothing than all it is, is bad. But if it means something than it's an opportunity..to grow, to learn, to teach.
...that focusing on the things that really matter is what REALLY matters.
Hint: it's not money or things.
...and the most important lesson I've learned outside of school:
I feel like there are so many other things I've learned that school didn't teach me, but to be real, I'm just not feeling very wise right now.
So far, this is what I've got! I've still got some learning to do though, so don't you worry!
- Brit
Let's get down to business! (to defeat the HUNS! Did they give me daughters, when I asked for sons?...I know you know that song. From Mulan!! You totally know it.....)
Outside of school I've learned:
...how to successfully grocery shop.
Seriously, y'all know it's hard. When I first started grocery shopping on my own, I was SO overwhelmed. Like, what do I need to be buying? How much of it do I need to buy???? What does a good tomato look like as opposed to a BAD one? I really wish I could have learned the last one before I had to eat a mushy tomato to find out!!
....that tragedy will happen and it will SUCK, but you will survive.
I guess nothing can really teach you that except for going through it.
....how to get a J-O-B.
For reallllllll every school needs to have some mock interview courses. While I don't believe I'll ever be an expert at interviews, I have had to go through some PRETTY nasty ones just to get decent at interviews. There really should be a course on interview techniques. Anyone can be incredibly talented and intelligent, but bombing an interview makes it really difficult to get a job.
...that there is light in every situation.
Where there is dark, there is always light. I believe that there is something to take and learn from every situation, no matter how incredibly unfair, tragic, or stupid it is. If the bad means nothing than all it is, is bad. But if it means something than it's an opportunity..to grow, to learn, to teach.
...that focusing on the things that really matter is what REALLY matters.
Hint: it's not money or things.
...and the most important lesson I've learned outside of school:
 |
| Can't go wrong with this one. |
I feel like there are so many other things I've learned that school didn't teach me, but to be real, I'm just not feeling very wise right now.
So far, this is what I've got! I've still got some learning to do though, so don't you worry!
- Brit
Stop your stereotyping!!!
Day 22 - It's time to rant about something...to get up on my soapbox and tell you how I really feel!
Oh man. This could get REAL heavy REAL quick.
I tend to be passionate about a lot of different things. I think it may be one of my defining characteristics...a blessing as well as a curse.
I had a really hard time deciding what to write about. There are a lot of topics that I would love to go on a rant about....but my fear is that without having a discussion face to face, and instead using TEXT, that important things will get misconstrued. Sooooo picking a topic was tricky.
Anyway, what I finally chose to rant about is STEREOTYPING.
I know that I have been guilty of stereotyping people and I try to work on it, but I have seen WAY too many people who are just outrageous about it.
It's wrong to make assumptions about others based on their skin color, religious beliefs, clothing, social status, etc. It doesn't matter what the majority are or what statistics show...we are individuals!
It infuriates me to see someone judge a homeless person. We have no idea what their story is or why they're homeless. I've heard so many naive comments about all homeless people being alcoholic deadbeats. This is not the truth for EVERY homeless person. How can anyone be so arrogant that they would speak for an entire group of people without knowing anything about them, individually?
Or if I have to witness a Hispanic person working or driving or doing something else where they're doing nothing but minding their own business...and then hear someone talk about how "they're not even a citizen of this country." I'm gonna flip. my. lid. FOR REAL. It is truly insane to think that anyone can know if someone is a citizen of this country JUST by looking at them.
Comments like these BAFFLE me.
Yes, I understand that stereotypes are what they are for a reason...because it (maybe) applies to the majority...or DID at one time.
I just don't care about that.
We are individuals. Everyone deserves the chance to be free from any preconceived notions about them simply because a group of people like them has been labeled.
It's not right. It's not helpful. It's a waste of time and energy.
Get to know someone instead of automatically labeling them.
WELLLLL, I'm glad I got that off my chest.
Be well, friends. :)
- Brit
Oh man. This could get REAL heavy REAL quick.
I tend to be passionate about a lot of different things. I think it may be one of my defining characteristics...a blessing as well as a curse.
I had a really hard time deciding what to write about. There are a lot of topics that I would love to go on a rant about....but my fear is that without having a discussion face to face, and instead using TEXT, that important things will get misconstrued. Sooooo picking a topic was tricky.
Anyway, what I finally chose to rant about is STEREOTYPING.
I know that I have been guilty of stereotyping people and I try to work on it, but I have seen WAY too many people who are just outrageous about it.
It's wrong to make assumptions about others based on their skin color, religious beliefs, clothing, social status, etc. It doesn't matter what the majority are or what statistics show...we are individuals!
It infuriates me to see someone judge a homeless person. We have no idea what their story is or why they're homeless. I've heard so many naive comments about all homeless people being alcoholic deadbeats. This is not the truth for EVERY homeless person. How can anyone be so arrogant that they would speak for an entire group of people without knowing anything about them, individually?
Or if I have to witness a Hispanic person working or driving or doing something else where they're doing nothing but minding their own business...and then hear someone talk about how "they're not even a citizen of this country." I'm gonna flip. my. lid. FOR REAL. It is truly insane to think that anyone can know if someone is a citizen of this country JUST by looking at them.
Comments like these BAFFLE me.
Yes, I understand that stereotypes are what they are for a reason...because it (maybe) applies to the majority...or DID at one time.
I just don't care about that.
We are individuals. Everyone deserves the chance to be free from any preconceived notions about them simply because a group of people like them has been labeled.
It's not right. It's not helpful. It's a waste of time and energy.
Get to know someone instead of automatically labeling them.
WELLLLL, I'm glad I got that off my chest.
Be well, friends. :)
- Brit
Saturday, May 25, 2013
The Archives!
Day 21 - A list of links to my favorite posts in my archive.
Another list! I love lists!!
This one should be short......I haven't been blogging for that long...soooooo the material isn't that much to choose from. Actually....this will be 31st post! Wooo hoooo!
1. My name is Brittany and I am an Olympic junky. - one of my first posts! I remember it being really fun to write and it's still so true. I love the Olympics forever. FOREVER.
2. Stay in Your Lane - a post that's honest and a time that I can remember when God was clearly speaking to me. I love moments like that.
3. Apologies From My Younger Self - a sincere apology to my fam for putting up with me through the tween years.
There ya go...a few of my faves! Mostly I like them because they were fun to write!
Enjoy!
- Brit
Another list! I love lists!!
This one should be short......I haven't been blogging for that long...soooooo the material isn't that much to choose from. Actually....this will be 31st post! Wooo hoooo!
1. My name is Brittany and I am an Olympic junky. - one of my first posts! I remember it being really fun to write and it's still so true. I love the Olympics forever. FOREVER.
2. Stay in Your Lane - a post that's honest and a time that I can remember when God was clearly speaking to me. I love moments like that.
3. Apologies From My Younger Self - a sincere apology to my fam for putting up with me through the tween years.
There ya go...a few of my faves! Mostly I like them because they were fun to write!
Enjoy!
- Brit
Let's get real
Day 20 - Getting real - something I'm struggling with right now.
I think the better question here is, what am I NOT struggling with right now?
Clearly I'm struggling with keeping up with this blog everyday in May challenge!!! Yikes!
I'm struggling with time management right now. Big time.
I'm struggling with not being consumed by the chocolate chip cookies that are currently in my kitchen calling out my name and the ice cold milk that's in the fridge......
BRB
Jussst kidding y'all! I've got more will power than that!!!
SIIIKKKKKEEEE.
Ok, but really I'm struggling with contentment. And if I'm being honest, this is a constant struggle for me.
There are times that I feel so incredibly grateful for everything that God has blessed me with. Sometimes I seriously can't believe it! I have no reason to feel any other way.
But other times I feel like everything in my life is not enough. It's terrible! It really is. I think that my life isn't exciting enough, what I'm doing isn't enough....it's a problem.
But other times I feel like everything in my life is not enough. It's terrible! It really is. I think that my life isn't exciting enough, what I'm doing isn't enough....it's a problem.
Why can't I just be content with being present and enjoying the now and taking it one day at a time and all that jazz?
I know this is something that is between me and God. I definitely need to be spending more time in my Bible and take this problem to God instead of letting my thoughts consume me.
Basically, it comes down to God's plan and if I'm following that, than that's enough. That's more than enough, that's best and I need to find peace in that.
It's a struggle, for sure. I'm a control freak...so it's obviously hard for me to not be in control of every detail of my life....but how can I be? There are so many things outside of my control.
So there it is...my struggle all out there in the open.
But that's the first step, right? Admitting that you have a problem?
I call that progress.
-Brit
Basically, it comes down to God's plan and if I'm following that, than that's enough. That's more than enough, that's best and I need to find peace in that.
It's a struggle, for sure. I'm a control freak...so it's obviously hard for me to not be in control of every detail of my life....but how can I be? There are so many things outside of my control.
So there it is...my struggle all out there in the open.
But that's the first step, right? Admitting that you have a problem?
I call that progress.
-Brit
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Favorite blogs!
Day 19 - 5 of my favorite blogs!!
Alright, I'm just gonna go ahead and say that I'm not sure I have 5 favorite blogs at this point in my life. While I am not completely immersed in the blogging world, I'm totally getting better. I read these blogs at least a couple of times a week!
These are in no particular order, BTW:
#1 The Small Things Blog!!! - Ok, I know I'm about 1 in 18,000 who obviously love this blog....but it is just really great! The author, Kate, is a Christian who SERIOUSLY has some skills when it comes to hair, makeup, fashion, etc. So many fab hair tutorials!! And ones that I've actually used and had success with!! I don't have a lot of skills when it comes to my hair, so that's saying something! And she seems super sweet! So that's something.
#2 Penny Pincher Fashion - I immediately knew this blog was for me when I saw the title! She really does a great job of putting styles together with affordable pieces! I love looking at all the different outfits she puts together and then actually feeling like I can afford them....that's pretty great!
#3 Laura Parker Blog - Laura and her family are missionaries in SE Asia who fight human trafficking - Something I'm very passionate about....basically they're super heroes and I love all of her posts. Some of it's heartbreaking, but it's honest and something that everyone needs to be aware of.
So...there's 3! I feel like there are so many more that I love but I haven't saved them :( and obviously I have writer's block and can't remember them!!
It's apparent that I need fabulous blog suggestions!
Suggest away!! I'm allears eyes!
- Brit
Alright, I'm just gonna go ahead and say that I'm not sure I have 5 favorite blogs at this point in my life. While I am not completely immersed in the blogging world, I'm totally getting better. I read these blogs at least a couple of times a week!
These are in no particular order, BTW:
#1 The Small Things Blog!!! - Ok, I know I'm about 1 in 18,000 who obviously love this blog....but it is just really great! The author, Kate, is a Christian who SERIOUSLY has some skills when it comes to hair, makeup, fashion, etc. So many fab hair tutorials!! And ones that I've actually used and had success with!! I don't have a lot of skills when it comes to my hair, so that's saying something! And she seems super sweet! So that's something.
#2 Penny Pincher Fashion - I immediately knew this blog was for me when I saw the title! She really does a great job of putting styles together with affordable pieces! I love looking at all the different outfits she puts together and then actually feeling like I can afford them....that's pretty great!
#3 Laura Parker Blog - Laura and her family are missionaries in SE Asia who fight human trafficking - Something I'm very passionate about....basically they're super heroes and I love all of her posts. Some of it's heartbreaking, but it's honest and something that everyone needs to be aware of.
So...there's 3! I feel like there are so many more that I love but I haven't saved them :( and obviously I have writer's block and can't remember them!!
It's apparent that I need fabulous blog suggestions!
Suggest away!! I'm all
- Brit
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
My dad is SO wise.
Day 18 - Tell a story from my childhood. Dig deep and try to be descriptive about what I remember and how I felt.
My sisters will be the first to tell you that I have the WORST memory when it comes to our childhood. I wish that I could remember more but I just can't!!
One memory that is VERY clear in my head involves my older sister Andrea. I can't be sure how old we are but I would guess around 6 and 7.
So....there was this bear. It was LITERALLY the cheapest stuffed bear of all time....like, came from a junky vending machine game cheap.....but I wanted it. And of course Andrea had dibs on it. She IS The oldest after all.
I just didn't find that fair so I decided that I would have to fight my big sister for it. And by fight I mean scream and yell until my dad intervened and solved the problem for us.
The plan was going well....there was the appropriate amount of yelling and crying....but no dad!
Finally my dad called Andrea and I into his room. He asked what the problem was, I explained that there was a stuffed bear that I just couldn't live with out and I didn't think it was fair that Andrea should have dibs on it!!
All of a sudden, my dad asks "who loves the bear more?" I remember being very confused by this question, because it wasn't typical daddy fashion. Usually my dad would just ask questions like "well who had it first" "who did it belong to"...things like that. (in retrospect, I believe that Andrea DID own the bear and I'm not sure WHY I felt that I should have a claim on it????)
Despite my confusion, I immediately answered "I love the bear the most!!!". After all, I was certain that I DID love the bear the most.
Well, obviously Andrea said she loved the bear the most too. Convenient. I remember being so angry that she thought she could love and want the stuffed bear as much as I did. How dare she!!! WHO does she think she is???
Clearly my dad anticipated this response. His next move was TRICKY. So tricky.
My dad said, "well, if you both love it so much, I'll split it in two and you can each have half."
My response came with no hesitation. I wanted to be the first one to say it and I immediately screamed:
"I GET THE HEAD!!!!!"
I seriously remember picturing the head of the stuffed bear, with stuffing coming out of it, just sitting on my shelf. WHY? WHYYYYYYY? Why would I think that was ok?
Anyway, I was certain that I had the correct and quickest response until I turned to look at Andrea....who was in full on MELT DOWN mode!!! There were tears (I'm pretty sure they were fake), sobs, and possibly even convulsions. In between sobs Andrea was gasping: "Nooooo dad!! NO!! Don't cut it in half!!!!"
And the real kicker: "Dad, Brittany can have it! Just don't cut it!"
Wellllll wouldn't you know that's exactly the answer my dad was looking for?
He explained that obviously Andrea loved the bear more because she didn't want to see it harmed.
OHHHH BOOOOO HOOOO!!!
I was set up. I know it. And I was so angry with myself for answering incorrectly!!
It was only in my later years that I realized my dad played a King Solomon on me!!!
There's a Bible narrative (1 Kings 3:16-28) where two women come to King Solomon claiming to be the mother of a baby boy. After hearing their argument, King Solomon asks for a sword, stating that since an agreement can't be met that he would split the baby in two, giving each woman half. The false mother finds this solution fair while the true mother finds it horrifying and begs King Solomon to spare her baby and give him to the false mother. King Solomon then awards the true mother with her son.
Clearly that King Solomon was very wise.
And clearly I was NOT the true mother of that bear.
Good one, dad. So wise.
- Brit
My sisters will be the first to tell you that I have the WORST memory when it comes to our childhood. I wish that I could remember more but I just can't!!
One memory that is VERY clear in my head involves my older sister Andrea. I can't be sure how old we are but I would guess around 6 and 7.
So....there was this bear. It was LITERALLY the cheapest stuffed bear of all time....like, came from a junky vending machine game cheap.....but I wanted it. And of course Andrea had dibs on it. She IS The oldest after all.
I just didn't find that fair so I decided that I would have to fight my big sister for it. And by fight I mean scream and yell until my dad intervened and solved the problem for us.
The plan was going well....there was the appropriate amount of yelling and crying....but no dad!
Finally my dad called Andrea and I into his room. He asked what the problem was, I explained that there was a stuffed bear that I just couldn't live with out and I didn't think it was fair that Andrea should have dibs on it!!
All of a sudden, my dad asks "who loves the bear more?" I remember being very confused by this question, because it wasn't typical daddy fashion. Usually my dad would just ask questions like "well who had it first" "who did it belong to"...things like that. (in retrospect, I believe that Andrea DID own the bear and I'm not sure WHY I felt that I should have a claim on it????)
Despite my confusion, I immediately answered "I love the bear the most!!!". After all, I was certain that I DID love the bear the most.
Well, obviously Andrea said she loved the bear the most too. Convenient. I remember being so angry that she thought she could love and want the stuffed bear as much as I did. How dare she!!! WHO does she think she is???
Clearly my dad anticipated this response. His next move was TRICKY. So tricky.
My dad said, "well, if you both love it so much, I'll split it in two and you can each have half."
My response came with no hesitation. I wanted to be the first one to say it and I immediately screamed:
"I GET THE HEAD!!!!!"
I seriously remember picturing the head of the stuffed bear, with stuffing coming out of it, just sitting on my shelf. WHY? WHYYYYYYY? Why would I think that was ok?
Anyway, I was certain that I had the correct and quickest response until I turned to look at Andrea....who was in full on MELT DOWN mode!!! There were tears (I'm pretty sure they were fake), sobs, and possibly even convulsions. In between sobs Andrea was gasping: "Nooooo dad!! NO!! Don't cut it in half!!!!"
And the real kicker: "Dad, Brittany can have it! Just don't cut it!"
Wellllll wouldn't you know that's exactly the answer my dad was looking for?
He explained that obviously Andrea loved the bear more because she didn't want to see it harmed.
OHHHH BOOOOO HOOOO!!!
I was set up. I know it. And I was so angry with myself for answering incorrectly!!
It was only in my later years that I realized my dad played a King Solomon on me!!!
There's a Bible narrative (1 Kings 3:16-28) where two women come to King Solomon claiming to be the mother of a baby boy. After hearing their argument, King Solomon asks for a sword, stating that since an agreement can't be met that he would split the baby in two, giving each woman half. The false mother finds this solution fair while the true mother finds it horrifying and begs King Solomon to spare her baby and give him to the false mother. King Solomon then awards the true mother with her son.
Clearly that King Solomon was very wise.
And clearly I was NOT the true mother of that bear.
Good one, dad. So wise.
 |
| Me and my wise dad. He looks reallllllll good in a tux! |
- Brit
Monday, May 20, 2013
Favorite photo of myself
Day 17 - a fave photo of myself.
Oh my dear! Another decision!!! And to pick a favorite photo of myself?! Nearly impossible as I suffer from finding something wrong in EVERY photo of myself.
Well, I called in the husband for back up on this one. Who better to pic a favorite photo of me than him?!
Ryan's favorite photo of me is one from our wedding day.....
Ryan saw this picture while looking at all of our wedding photos and he couldn't stop talking about how naturally pretty I looked. I think this picture was the background on his phone up until a couple of months ago....and then I was replaced by a deer or something. Figures.
I like this photo, not necessarily because of the way I look, but because I remember it being taken right before the ceremony was about to start! I snuck away to the bathroom to (obviously) apply some lip gloss and to just have a minute to breath before the happiest/craziest/most emotionally charged moment of my life!! And our sneaky photographer caught this. I remember being so nervous and happy!! I was also trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it was all REALLY happening!! Our wedding day was finally here!!
Did you get all that from this photo?
I thought so :)
- Brit
Oh my dear! Another decision!!! And to pick a favorite photo of myself?! Nearly impossible as I suffer from finding something wrong in EVERY photo of myself.
Well, I called in the husband for back up on this one. Who better to pic a favorite photo of me than him?!
Ryan's favorite photo of me is one from our wedding day.....
Ryan saw this picture while looking at all of our wedding photos and he couldn't stop talking about how naturally pretty I looked. I think this picture was the background on his phone up until a couple of months ago....and then I was replaced by a deer or something. Figures.
I like this photo, not necessarily because of the way I look, but because I remember it being taken right before the ceremony was about to start! I snuck away to the bathroom to (obviously) apply some lip gloss and to just have a minute to breath before the happiest/craziest/most emotionally charged moment of my life!! And our sneaky photographer caught this. I remember being so nervous and happy!! I was also trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it was all REALLY happening!! Our wedding day was finally here!!
Did you get all that from this photo?
I thought so :)
- Brit
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Blessed.
Day 16 - Describe my "lot" in life and how am I working through it.
Ok, so in the last few years I've had a bit of an attitude adjustment.
I used to be kind of negative, especially in regards to myself, and I just never found the light in any situation.
There have been hard times and just like everyone else there have been events in my life that have had a negative impact on me. At times I have allowed these events to dictate my mood, attitude, and thought pattern.
But I just can't have it that way anymore. God has intervened in my life and through His grace I have moved on.
Do I still struggle? Of course.
Are there days that I think so many things about my own life are so unfair? Sure.
But listen, I'm healthy. My family is healthy. I have a husband who loves and adores me, treats me well, and is a Godly man. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and people that love me. Do I need to go on?
And even if none of those things were true...GOD IS STILL GOOD Y'ALL.
I don't have a "lot" in life. I have been abundantly blessed and I'm so thankful.
- Brit
Ok, so in the last few years I've had a bit of an attitude adjustment.
I used to be kind of negative, especially in regards to myself, and I just never found the light in any situation.
There have been hard times and just like everyone else there have been events in my life that have had a negative impact on me. At times I have allowed these events to dictate my mood, attitude, and thought pattern.
But I just can't have it that way anymore. God has intervened in my life and through His grace I have moved on.
Do I still struggle? Of course.
Are there days that I think so many things about my own life are so unfair? Sure.
But listen, I'm healthy. My family is healthy. I have a husband who loves and adores me, treats me well, and is a Godly man. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and people that love me. Do I need to go on?
And even if none of those things were true...GOD IS STILL GOOD Y'ALL.
I don't have a "lot" in life. I have been abundantly blessed and I'm so thankful.
- Brit
Friday, May 17, 2013
A Brittany kind of day
Day 15 - a typical day in my life!
I'm late to the party but I'm on top of things!
This week has been crazzzzy busy and I find it ironic that I'm supposed to blog about a typical day. I have no idea what that is at the moment.
6:15am 6:45am - Ryan has already left for work. It takes ALL of my strength and determination to get out of bed in the morning no matter how early I go to sleep. But, alas, I do get out of bed and immediately turn on my Keurig. (sometimes Ryan will make me a cup of coffee before he leaves. So presh.) Then I start to make my breakfast which usually consists of an egg white omelet, fruit, and/or ezekial bread. It's so super quick to make but sometimes I just can't force myself to do it in the morning.
7am - I sit on the couch with my delicious breakfast and coffee then I turn on the TV to watch Savannah, Natalie, Matt, and Al on the Today Show. I watch it EVERY morning. I'm kind of upset if I miss it (by over sleeping, duh.) And I would say I'm borderline obsessed with the show. It's just such a great mix of the important news and the fun stuff. Morning television. Brilliant.
7:30am - 8:30am - this time consists of showering, getting ready, and running back and forth between my laundry room and closet to try and find something to wear.
9am -WORK TIME! From here on out, my day is really up in the air. I work for a company that is starting up and my job description changes on a daily basis. On any given day I could be sending countless emails, traveling all over the greater Louisville area for miscellaneous needs or in between job sites, going to lunch meetings, and basically just doing it ALLLLL. I like it and it's fun so I have no complaints!!
5pm - most of the time I get off by 5 and then I usually try to meet Ryan at the gym or somewhere we can do something outdoor-sy if it's nice!
And then it's dinner time!!! We try to cook something....if we don't have time we eat out. I'm REALLLLLY trying to stop this because it just costs so much money to eat out all the time!!!
MUST. GET. MY. LIFE. TOGETHER.
Anyway, we have a million activities throughout the week that fill up our nights or we spend time laying on the couch together. That's my favorite.
That's the "typical" day. Lately I'm finding that we don't actually have a typical day....which is just the way I like it. Each day is new and different. :)
-Brit
I'm late to the party but I'm on top of things!
This week has been crazzzzy busy and I find it ironic that I'm supposed to blog about a typical day. I have no idea what that is at the moment.
 |
| Delish |
7am - I sit on the couch with my delicious breakfast and coffee then I turn on the TV to watch Savannah, Natalie, Matt, and Al on the Today Show. I watch it EVERY morning. I'm kind of upset if I miss it (by over sleeping, duh.) And I would say I'm borderline obsessed with the show. It's just such a great mix of the important news and the fun stuff. Morning television. Brilliant.
 |
| Coffee and The Today show....my kind of morning. |
7:30am - 8:30am - this time consists of showering, getting ready, and running back and forth between my laundry room and closet to try and find something to wear.
9am -WORK TIME! From here on out, my day is really up in the air. I work for a company that is starting up and my job description changes on a daily basis. On any given day I could be sending countless emails, traveling all over the greater Louisville area for miscellaneous needs or in between job sites, going to lunch meetings, and basically just doing it ALLLLL. I like it and it's fun so I have no complaints!!
5pm - most of the time I get off by 5 and then I usually try to meet Ryan at the gym or somewhere we can do something outdoor-sy if it's nice!
 |
| Beautiful sunset on the way home from some outdoors exercising! |
And then it's dinner time!!! We try to cook something....if we don't have time we eat out. I'm REALLLLLY trying to stop this because it just costs so much money to eat out all the time!!!
MUST. GET. MY. LIFE. TOGETHER.
Anyway, we have a million activities throughout the week that fill up our nights or we spend time laying on the couch together. That's my favorite.
That's the "typical" day. Lately I'm finding that we don't actually have a typical day....which is just the way I like it. Each day is new and different. :)
-Brit
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
These are a few of my favorite things.....
Day 14 - Ten things that make me happy
Oh yes! This is a fun one!
My happy list:
1. My husband. Duh. This goes without saying but also, it must be said. He brings a smile to my face everyday...not ALL day everyday, but everyday. He makes me laugh, he comforts me, and cares for me. He paints a cupcake gold with edible paint for my golden birthday. He kills the bugs for me. He is truly one of a kind and I don't thank God often enough for His perfect mate for me. Also, he's smokin' hot.
2. Coffee. All day, errrrrr'day. Hot, iced, blended....I love it all.
3. Music. A good song can change my mood. Nothing beats rocking out in your car.
4. Small gifts! Yes, this is my love language!! And you can pretty much guarantee that if you surprise me with a pack of gum or a Dr. Pepper, I will react as if you bought me the Taj Mahal. (oook I exaggerate, but I would be REALLLLLLY happy about it.)
5. Disney. Every time I see the beginning of a Disney film and I see that castle and hear that music, my heart sings. I love Disney.
6. Rainy days filled with reading, lounging, and yes....coffee.
7. Office supplies, specifically pens but I love it all. Have you been to the Martha Stewart section at Staples? I have. At least 8 times. And I love it more every single time. Please give me notebooks and calendars that color coordinate and pretty colored staplers
8. Sunshine and being outdoors during the summer. I DO not tolerate cold very well, but I looooove spring/summer time. I love cookouts, picnics, hiking, walks, swimming.....anything and everything!
9. A good book. Is there anything better than being so caught up in a book that you just can't wait to keep reading it?
10. Craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Although it is basically impossible for me to PICK anything to craft (especially anything having to do with a scrapbook) I love looking at all of the crafty things!
- Brit
Oh yes! This is a fun one!
My happy list:
1. My husband. Duh. This goes without saying but also, it must be said. He brings a smile to my face everyday...not ALL day everyday, but everyday. He makes me laugh, he comforts me, and cares for me. He paints a cupcake gold with edible paint for my golden birthday. He kills the bugs for me. He is truly one of a kind and I don't thank God often enough for His perfect mate for me. Also, he's smokin' hot.
 |
| Am I right, ladies??? STUD |
2. Coffee. All day, errrrrr'day. Hot, iced, blended....I love it all.
 |
| I would prefer a full cup as opposed to an empty one. duh. |
3. Music. A good song can change my mood. Nothing beats rocking out in your car.
4. Small gifts! Yes, this is my love language!! And you can pretty much guarantee that if you surprise me with a pack of gum or a Dr. Pepper, I will react as if you bought me the Taj Mahal. (oook I exaggerate, but I would be REALLLLLLY happy about it.)
5. Disney. Every time I see the beginning of a Disney film and I see that castle and hear that music, my heart sings. I love Disney.
6. Rainy days filled with reading, lounging, and yes....coffee.
7. Office supplies, specifically pens but I love it all. Have you been to the Martha Stewart section at Staples? I have. At least 8 times. And I love it more every single time. Please give me notebooks and calendars that color coordinate and pretty colored staplers
 |
| Just some pens I had in my purser at one time. |
9. A good book. Is there anything better than being so caught up in a book that you just can't wait to keep reading it?
10. Craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Although it is basically impossible for me to PICK anything to craft (especially anything having to do with a scrapbook) I love looking at all of the crafty things!
- Brit
Monday, May 13, 2013
Apologies from my time as a waitress
Day 13 - a public apology
Well, I'm ahead of the pack on this one, seeing as how I already have public apology, Apologies From My Younger Self.
But don't you worry, I have PLENTY of apologies to write in my lifetime.
We'll just mark another one off the list.
Dear every person I ever waited on while I was a waitress,
I am truly sorry that I was, at best, a mediocre waitress.
I did the best I could, but I'll just be honest and say that it wasn't enough. Not by a long shot.
To the nice couple that I just couldn't figure out how to charge correctly for their meal: I'm realllllllly sorry for charging your debit card incorrectly and for not applying your coupon correctly. And thank you for still leaving me a tip. Truly classy of you.
To the man who asked if we made the spamoni icecream in house, to which I promptly answered "yes": I'm sorry that I unintentionally lied to you. We indeed do NOT make the ice cream there and I have no reasonable explanation as to why I answered yes without a second thought.
To all my fellow servers who helped pull me out the" weeds" basically every night: thanks again for making change for me because I never brought the proper amount in with me and I don't count very well under pressure. And thanks for refilling the dressing/bread/ice for me because I just truly didn't have enough time to do so myself.
And lastly, to the group of people who ordered 20 alcoholic beverages at once: please accept my sincere apology for attempting to carry ALL said beverages on one tray and as a result sent the tray tumbling directly on to a few you. To be fair, a man scooted his chair our in front of me, which resulted in the massive drink spillage.
Don't worry, I've found a more suitable day job.
Sincerely,
Your terrible yet charming waitress.
Well, I'm ahead of the pack on this one, seeing as how I already have public apology, Apologies From My Younger Self.
But don't you worry, I have PLENTY of apologies to write in my lifetime.
We'll just mark another one off the list.
Dear every person I ever waited on while I was a waitress,
I am truly sorry that I was, at best, a mediocre waitress.
I did the best I could, but I'll just be honest and say that it wasn't enough. Not by a long shot.
To the nice couple that I just couldn't figure out how to charge correctly for their meal: I'm realllllllly sorry for charging your debit card incorrectly and for not applying your coupon correctly. And thank you for still leaving me a tip. Truly classy of you.
To the man who asked if we made the spamoni icecream in house, to which I promptly answered "yes": I'm sorry that I unintentionally lied to you. We indeed do NOT make the ice cream there and I have no reasonable explanation as to why I answered yes without a second thought.
To all my fellow servers who helped pull me out the" weeds" basically every night: thanks again for making change for me because I never brought the proper amount in with me and I don't count very well under pressure. And thanks for refilling the dressing/bread/ice for me because I just truly didn't have enough time to do so myself.
And lastly, to the group of people who ordered 20 alcoholic beverages at once: please accept my sincere apology for attempting to carry ALL said beverages on one tray and as a result sent the tray tumbling directly on to a few you. To be fair, a man scooted his chair our in front of me, which resulted in the massive drink spillage.
Don't worry, I've found a more suitable day job.
Sincerely,
Your terrible yet charming waitress.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Childhood.....
Day 12 - What I miss.....
Sheesh, these topics just never get an easier, huh?
There are certainly people that I miss....the grandparents that I've lost, friends I don't see often enough, and friends that I've grown apart from through the years.
I truly miss being a kid, though.
I feel so grateful for every new chapter in my life and for how God has blessed me with so much more than I deserve. I don't want to go back to any point in my life, but I do miss the innocence of childhood.
I miss......
- snow days filled with snow suits that made bending your elbows nearly impossible.
- pretending when it didn't take so much effort.
- being oblivious to anything and everything outside of The Carebears and snack time.
- running to my dad, mom, or mamaw to answer my toughest questions...like which crayon to use in my color by numbers picture.
- when my Polly Pockets and Lisa Frank notebooks were my most prized possessions.
And I just reallllllllly miss having dinner made for me every night, ok???!!
Just bring me back to a time when it was considered acceptable to wear perfectly matchy matchy outfits with my sisters and it was cute when I asked inappropriate questions.
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| Yep, that's me....bottom left. I think it's safe to say that I DO NOT miss any hairstyle that I had as a child. Why didn't my parents like me enough to give me a Toddlers and Tiara hairstyle like my twin sister Candice (next to me)????? |
But seriously....I can't wait to experience all of these things with my future children. What a sight it will be to watch them experience everything that I so fondly remember.
- Brit
Saturday, May 11, 2013
10 words
Day 11 - Sell myself in 10 words.
Believer
dreamer
love
silly
imaginative
compassionate
experiencer
passionate
creative
bubbly
BOOM.
 |
| This was when I was rocking the broken hand. Still working that pose with a cast..PROFESSIONAL |
My rendition of the national anthem
I'm a day behind!!! Darrrrrn it! I've been super busy the last two days and I haven't been getting home until late....but blog I shall!! Let's get to it......
Day 10 - My most embarrassing moment
I can't.
I can't even write about this without cringing.
Basically, my most embarrassing moment is a singer's nightmare:
I forgot the words.
While singing the national anthem.
In front of police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel. i.e. super patriotic people.
I STILL want to die just thinking about it.
The story goes like this:
My uncle (a retired police office) started an organization called Supporting Heroes. Basically, when a police office, firefighter, or ems worker loses their life in the line of duty, Supporting Heroes immediately goes to the family and offers them support financially, emotionally, and in any way necessary. They even take care of all the funeral arrangements and ensure that they have the proper special rituals in place for the ceremony. It's an AMAZING organization and I'm proud to be included in it.
So you get where I'm going with this. My uncle asked me to sing the national anthem at a remembrance ceremony they have each year around Christmas time. I said yes, of course, I would be happy to.
Well, the ceremony is outside and obviously at Christmas time it's cold. So I begin singing and everything is fine......
I get towards the end of the song and I take a large breath....the air is so cold that it chokes me a bit!! So, in my head I'm sort of freaking out, figuring out how I can get a good breath without messing up or stopping....and suddenly.....
I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I AM IN THE SONG AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I JUST SANG.
That's a problem. I think I literally had 3 lines left in the song and I reversed some words around.....
I've blocked it out I'm pretty sure.
Afterwards, my uncle assured me that it was fine....but let's be real....he's family. I saw the look on everyone's face when I was done singing....it was NOT fine.
I don't believe I have ever sang that song by myself since then...and I don't see myself doing it anytime in the near future.
I sort of laugh about the incident now....but just thinking about it brings a pit to my stomach.
Forgetting the words to the national anthem in front of extremely patriotic men and women......THE WORST.
Maybe one day I'll recover....
-Brit
Day 10 - My most embarrassing moment
I can't.
I can't even write about this without cringing.
Basically, my most embarrassing moment is a singer's nightmare:
I forgot the words.
While singing the national anthem.
In front of police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel. i.e. super patriotic people.
I STILL want to die just thinking about it.
The story goes like this:
My uncle (a retired police office) started an organization called Supporting Heroes. Basically, when a police office, firefighter, or ems worker loses their life in the line of duty, Supporting Heroes immediately goes to the family and offers them support financially, emotionally, and in any way necessary. They even take care of all the funeral arrangements and ensure that they have the proper special rituals in place for the ceremony. It's an AMAZING organization and I'm proud to be included in it.
So you get where I'm going with this. My uncle asked me to sing the national anthem at a remembrance ceremony they have each year around Christmas time. I said yes, of course, I would be happy to.
Well, the ceremony is outside and obviously at Christmas time it's cold. So I begin singing and everything is fine......
I get towards the end of the song and I take a large breath....the air is so cold that it chokes me a bit!! So, in my head I'm sort of freaking out, figuring out how I can get a good breath without messing up or stopping....and suddenly.....
I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I AM IN THE SONG AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I JUST SANG.
That's a problem. I think I literally had 3 lines left in the song and I reversed some words around.....
I've blocked it out I'm pretty sure.
Afterwards, my uncle assured me that it was fine....but let's be real....he's family. I saw the look on everyone's face when I was done singing....it was NOT fine.
I don't believe I have ever sang that song by myself since then...and I don't see myself doing it anytime in the near future.
I sort of laugh about the incident now....but just thinking about it brings a pit to my stomach.
Forgetting the words to the national anthem in front of extremely patriotic men and women......THE WORST.
Maybe one day I'll recover....
-Brit
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Just a moment
Day 9 - A moment in my day
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Just me, my Bible, and The Explicit Gospel Bible study by Matt Chandler.
Side note: It took me a minute to get over the fact that I couldn't find my PINK highlighter. I had to settle with orange and now there will forever be two different colors of highlighter in my study. Yeah. I'm upset about it.
Moving on, I started this Bible study in a discipleship training class that my church offers on Sunday nights. I've never done a Matt Chandler study before and I gotta tell ya, I'm a fan. He's really great about making things understandable.
He's also really great about backing up everything he says with scripture, which is totally how it should be.
Fave snippets from tonight's lesson: (FYI if anyone from class is reading this, obviously I'm behind!!)
"The cross satisfies the justified wrath of God, and God Himself is the justifier."
"Apart from the cross our lives are utterly and hopelessly lost. Completely meaningless."
"Whether or not we realize it, we're all looking for shalom - real wholeness. In the end nothing under the sun brings lasting fulfillment. We have to look beyond the sun. The groove in our hearts can't be filled with the temporal. It demands eternity. Therefore, our very searching for more and more, for bigger and bigger, for better and better is our sense that something is off, amiss, deformed, and broken in our souls. Only Jesus makes us whole. In Him we have shalom."
That last part is my favorite. It's very hard for me to not be constantly wanting more and bigger and better, but those things don't satisfy the hunger we feel, they don't make us whole. It's very easy to forget that.
What does a moment from your day look like?
- Brit
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Google is much wiser than I am.
Day 8 - What is a piece of advice that you would give others?
I don't consider myself to be a particularly wise person. I'm young; I have a lot to learn, to experience, and to do. Sooooo as far as advice goes......
You guys. I Googled.
I was just drawing a blank. I mean, I have advice about certain things, I just felt like when I was thinking about it, it all seemed very generic.
And just so you know, if you were to Google the term "grand advice", you would be hit with some pretty SOLID words of wisdom. If you're ever in need....there you have it. Google never lets me down.
But seriously, I found a few inspiring pieces of advice that I would definitely give to someone. So I'll share those:
#1.
Yes. 100% yes. I used to struggle with this so much (ok, I still do sometimes.). I was so afraid of making mistakes that I just wouldn't do anything at all. It's easy to feel stupid for making a mistake or making the wrong choice, but if we're not making any choices at all, where does that get us? Where is the growth in being idle? So make a choice! A bold choice!! And own it! You have a tough decision at work? Make the choice!! You're not sure about that haircut? Make the choice, hair grows! Stuck on what to name your first born child? Choose anything other than Blue Ivy. I kid :)
#2
Ok, true story: this was ALMOST the title of this blog. I feel so strongly about this piece of advice. We may not always be where we want to be or where we thought we'd be, but BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED. There is something to be learned each day. There are new ways to grow, new activities to be involved in, ways to build your imagination or promote creativity. Just make it work. Find ways to grow. Don't be stagnate. It's not easy and it takes work. Even if you're exactly where you thought you'd be, it still takes work to keep from being complacent.
#3
I didn't Google this one, it's totally an original: Just love others. Be compassionate, be kind, put others first. I TOTALLY do not do this as much as I should, but MAN wouldn't it be lovely if we all did this more often? Don't always pass the beggar on the street without a second glance. Talk to them, give them some change, buy them a meal. Be kind to the person at the drive thru window who is moving just a little slower than you'd like. I know it's not easy, believe me, I struggle just as much as the next guy, but let's work on it.
If we could commit to doing one completely self-less thing per day, what would that look like?
Beautiful.
My advice is nothing special, just a few things I've learned and am still trying to implement into my life.
- Brit
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
There is nothing to fear but fear itself!! And bugs....duh.
Day 7- One whole week straight of blogging!! Woo hoo!! I have to say...I like this a lot more than I thought I would!
Unit now. Today I have to write about what I'm afraid of!!!
I'm not afraid of anything!!!
Yeah...that would be true...if this were opposite day.
I am kind of a fraidy cat. And by kind of, I mean DEFINITELY.
I'm afraid of bugs. SOOOOOO afraid of bugs. All bugs. Spiders, beetles, ones that fly. GROSS.
I'm also afraid of doing anything remotely dangerous...such activities may include swinging too high on a swing, riding in go carts over 10mph, or doing a cartwheel.
I want to be brave! I do!! It's something I'm working on....trying new things all the time!!! Someone had a pet snake and I HELD it. It doesn't matter that it was the tiniest gardener snake I've ever seen. I had a SNAKE IN my hands. That's progress!
What I am most afraid of is losing the people that I love. Ever since I was a child there have been times when I've been GRIPPED with fear of losing people I love.
I know this is a universal fear for most people. I have intense anxiety about it sometimes and I just don't know how to get past it!
Three years ago, my family went through an extremely trying time. We lost my maternal grandfather, a month later we lost my uncle on my dad's side, and at the same time my paternal grandfather suffered a terrible fall from which he passed away three months later. Looking back, I feel like I was so detached from everything else in the world at that time, except my family. Which is how it should be at such a time, I suppose.
Right before all of that happened, Ryan and I started dating . I know now that God was in control of that, providing a shoulder for me to lean on at just the right time. Crazy how God works.
But it was also a very trying time for my faith. I really went through the stereotypical emotions of being angry, confused, hurt, and afraid that I would lose more people I love. Watching my family go through such a time of grief and pain was something I hope to never experience again. I prayed, I know there were so many friends praying for me as well. I just couldn't get past not being able to understand all of the loss.
I still struggle. I know that God is sovereign and I just have to let it go. It's out of my control.
I read so many stories of families losing spouses, children, siblings... and I read about how faithful they are through it all (For example, this precious and faithful family). Praising God for his provision and being thankful for all that God is doing in their life. I SEE how this is supposed to happen. I know that it's RIGHT to happen this way. Scripture tells us that ALL things work for the good of those who love the Lord, according to HIS will. (Romans 8:28)
I pray that I never have to experience that. And to be honest, I'm AFRAID to pray that I would be so faithful if I DID have to experience that. That's me being real about the fact that as Christians, we definitely still struggle with trusting God 100% of the time.
BUT what other choice do we have? There are so many things out of our control. Probably best to trust the One who IS in control, no? Easier said than done, I know.
So this post is kind of heavy, but fear is a serious thing.
Trust. I will trust.
- Brit
Unit now. Today I have to write about what I'm afraid of!!!
I'm not afraid of anything!!!
Yeah...that would be true...if this were opposite day.
I am kind of a fraidy cat. And by kind of, I mean DEFINITELY.
I'm afraid of bugs. SOOOOOO afraid of bugs. All bugs. Spiders, beetles, ones that fly. GROSS.
I'm also afraid of doing anything remotely dangerous...such activities may include swinging too high on a swing, riding in go carts over 10mph, or doing a cartwheel.
I want to be brave! I do!! It's something I'm working on....trying new things all the time!!! Someone had a pet snake and I HELD it. It doesn't matter that it was the tiniest gardener snake I've ever seen. I had a SNAKE IN my hands. That's progress!
What I am most afraid of is losing the people that I love. Ever since I was a child there have been times when I've been GRIPPED with fear of losing people I love.
I know this is a universal fear for most people. I have intense anxiety about it sometimes and I just don't know how to get past it!
Three years ago, my family went through an extremely trying time. We lost my maternal grandfather, a month later we lost my uncle on my dad's side, and at the same time my paternal grandfather suffered a terrible fall from which he passed away three months later. Looking back, I feel like I was so detached from everything else in the world at that time, except my family. Which is how it should be at such a time, I suppose.
Right before all of that happened, Ryan and I started dating . I know now that God was in control of that, providing a shoulder for me to lean on at just the right time. Crazy how God works.
But it was also a very trying time for my faith. I really went through the stereotypical emotions of being angry, confused, hurt, and afraid that I would lose more people I love. Watching my family go through such a time of grief and pain was something I hope to never experience again. I prayed, I know there were so many friends praying for me as well. I just couldn't get past not being able to understand all of the loss.
I still struggle. I know that God is sovereign and I just have to let it go. It's out of my control.
I read so many stories of families losing spouses, children, siblings... and I read about how faithful they are through it all (For example, this precious and faithful family). Praising God for his provision and being thankful for all that God is doing in their life. I SEE how this is supposed to happen. I know that it's RIGHT to happen this way. Scripture tells us that ALL things work for the good of those who love the Lord, according to HIS will. (Romans 8:28)
I pray that I never have to experience that. And to be honest, I'm AFRAID to pray that I would be so faithful if I DID have to experience that. That's me being real about the fact that as Christians, we definitely still struggle with trusting God 100% of the time.
BUT what other choice do we have? There are so many things out of our control. Probably best to trust the One who IS in control, no? Easier said than done, I know.
So this post is kind of heavy, but fear is a serious thing.
Trust. I will trust.
- Brit
Monday, May 6, 2013
What is it you do again?
Yes. So glad she said DON'T use your job to describe yourself. I love my current job (I never thought I'd see the day when I could say such a thing.) but I definitely don't think it defines me!
But then again, what DO I do?!
What a question....especially for a 20-something who is just finding her way in this world!!
For JUST a second I considered saying "I do me." as is standard for my generation to answer in such a way...and then I grew up. I mean realllllly what does that even mean?!! I do me...well of course you do??
Doesn't everyone do them?! Ok, rant over :)
So, I DO a lot of things. But what do I love, what keeps me up at night, what do I live for and yearn to do day after day after day?????? (I understand that WASN'T the question, but we've discussed that I'm dramatic, no?)
That would have to be God, music, and acting.
I worship. I sing. I do them together and that makes me a most happy girl. Singing brings so much joy to my life, I couldn't imagine going a day without it. I am also an actress, although I haven't been in a production in a couple of years, I still identify with this title and hope that it finds itself more prevalent in my life in the near future.
I love creating, as well. Whether that's creating ideas, working on crafty projects, baking; I love creativity!!
But truly truly truly if I'm being honest and digging way down deep....my heart lies in missions. And I DO believe that one day, God will pave a way for me to do all of these things together (worship, create, sing, and act!) on a regular basis!! He has already allowed me to do them on a mission trip to Nicaragua in 2010! We performed a silent drama for an amazing church there and led worship with them as well!
 |
| The very sweaty mission team after a LONG hard day of work! But we couldn't be happier about it! |
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| At one of our medical clinics washing the feet of children who had sores and cuts because they didn't have any shoes. |
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| Precious kids from our Vacation Bible School!! |
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| And this little guy just couldn't be left out!! A little Nicaraguan baby who holds my heart!! |
- Brit
Sunday, May 5, 2013
I've got a lotta love!
Day 5 - Publicly profess my love for a blogger friend, non-blogger friend, or family member.
Confession: I haven't really branched out into the blogger community very well! BUT with this new , Blog Everyday in May Challenge, I've already found a TON of new blogs that I really like! Basically what I'm saying is, I don't really have a lot of blogger friends.
It's ok. I'm fine with it.
Sike, I feel like such a loser.
But really, since we were also given the option to blog about a friend or family member......I still can't choose someone.
Shocking.
Here's why though: I have been ABUNDANTLY blessed with amazing friends and family.
I'm talking about the kind of friends that have shown me grace and love when I have not deserved it in the slightest. They've given me a listening ear when all I want to talk about is myself. They have prayed with me, grieved with me, laughed with me, sang with me, cried with me, and loved me unconditionally.
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| Some of my very best friends from college celebrating at Kirstie's wedding!! |
I'm not exaggerating. Near and far, I have been blessed with friends that I will have for the rest of my life and I pray that I can always show them how much they mean to me. I could go on and on but I hear you gagging.
 |
| Some of the most wonderful girls/friends ever at one of our retreats! |
And my family, is soooooo crazy in the best sort of way. I'm not even talking about that generic "oh my family is crazy" bit. I'm serious. Please spend a holiday with us. You'll need no further proof. But what they lack in sanity they make up for in straight up awesomeness and hilarious shenanigans. I have received so much from my family in the form of love, courage, inspiration, imagination, generosity, and yes, money. I couldn't ask for better people to raise and nurture me. And as IF that isn't enough, the family that I have been blessed with through marriage (and let's be real, I was family WAAAAYYY before it was official) is OUT of this world. They're so good to me and I cherish them deeply!
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| Our wedding day - with my handsome dad, two beautiful sisters, and the rock of our family, my grandmother. |
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| Cousins!! 95% of my childhood memories involve them, a tiny basement, and the Boxcar Children! (My twin sis Candice and I are the babies!) |
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| My mom's side of the family on our wedding day! Such a beautiful/special group! And as you can see, this is obviously where I get my height! |
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| My beautiful in-laws. Can we just be real for a second and look at HOW photogenic they are? Kind of crazy. |
Sooooo pick one? Huh-uh. Can't do it.
The fact that I have more than one to pick from is truly amazingly wonderful and brings me so much joy.
I've just got a lotta love! I'm all unicorns and rainbow bright over here.
Oh well, something has to brighten up this lovely gross weather we're having here, might as well be the loves of my life!
And don't even get me started on my husband....we'll be here for days while I tell you all the wonderful and special things I love about him.
Another time.
- Brit
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Darkness into light
Day 4 - Favorite Quote-
I used to LIVE for quotes. I have multiple journals that have page after page of nothing but quotes that I found online, while reading books, or while watching movies. I felt so strongly that these quotes defined me and helped express who I was. (geeeeze, dramatic much??)
I guess that's still a little true. While I don't feel that they define me, they definitely help me express myself better than I ever could!! Don't let my blog fool you, I don't have a way with words (or maybe my blog just reaffirms this. Yep, that's probably it.).
Clearly I couldn't choose one quote to be my favorite. I have a REAL issue making any choices, but Dr. Phil is unavailable at the moment so let's move on......
Disney. My love for Disney runs deep. I could pick one hundred different quotes from numerous movies, but I'll stick with a Walt classic:
Brilliant. We MUST look for light in the darkest of times. The light brings us hope and does not allow the darkness to bring us down. It's so easy to be consumed by everything negative and bad in our lives, but it's when we remember the light that we can have true joy.
I have always been a believer that there are MANY Christian themes in Harry Potter. Whether that is true or not, I can't answer, but there are just TOO many for it to be a coincidence! This quote is just one example! The bible has MANY verses about Jesus being the light of the world! Which leads us to my last favorite:
Great quotes make me happy. I'm so glad there are much smarter people than myself out there making beautiful images with words.
- Brit
I used to LIVE for quotes. I have multiple journals that have page after page of nothing but quotes that I found online, while reading books, or while watching movies. I felt so strongly that these quotes defined me and helped express who I was. (geeeeze, dramatic much??)
I guess that's still a little true. While I don't feel that they define me, they definitely help me express myself better than I ever could!! Don't let my blog fool you, I don't have a way with words (or maybe my blog just reaffirms this. Yep, that's probably it.).
Clearly I couldn't choose one quote to be my favorite. I have a REAL issue making any choices, but Dr. Phil is unavailable at the moment so let's move on......
Disney. My love for Disney runs deep. I could pick one hundred different quotes from numerous movies, but I'll stick with a Walt classic:
Man, Walt was one smart guy! I love laughter, I love imagination, I love dreams. Truly beautiful. We must never grow up enough to where we don't use our imaginations!! Speaking of imagination.......
Another obsession of mine: Harry Potter. I am in love with EVERY detail of Harry Potter in the biggest, geekiest way possible. What is contained in the Harry Potter books is truly magical and I'm NOT even trying to make a pun. Magic is the only way to describe them. This quote is in my top 5 favorites from the books:
I have always been a believer that there are MANY Christian themes in Harry Potter. Whether that is true or not, I can't answer, but there are just TOO many for it to be a coincidence! This quote is just one example! The bible has MANY verses about Jesus being the light of the world! Which leads us to my last favorite:
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
- Isaiah 42:16
I am a worrier (just another little something I'm working on) and this verse brings me so much comfort. In a moment of panic I can read this verse and immediately feel the sovereignty of God wash over me. I don't know my future and I don't know which direction God is taking my life, but I DO know that He is in control. If I am seeking God daily and devoting my life to Him, He will not steer me wrong. I don't have to worry about my future. I don't have to worry about hard times because when they come, He will turn the darkness into light and make the rough places smooth. What more do I need in life? 
Great quotes make me happy. I'm so glad there are much smarter people than myself out there making beautiful images with words.
- Brit
Friday, May 3, 2013
"I like to paint my nails"
Day 3 - Things that make me feel uncomfortable -
I think the better question here is things that DO NOT make me feel uncomfortable. That would be a much shorter list.
I am an awkward person. I have friends and I get the feeling that people like me but I'm SO AWKWARD. I've convinced myself that it's a charming quality.
Having said that, I feel uncomfortable and tense in a variety of everyday situations.
A few examples for you:
INTERVIEWS: I'll go ahead and nominate myself for the most awkward interviewee of all time. I just cannot act natural in interviews! In my head, I'm all "ok, you're doing great, you're so confident right now, you're wearing purple and that's your power color, this woman really finds your funny!" and while that's happening, I've MISSED the question and have to ask, "I'm sorry could you repeat that?" And the question is something like "tell us about yourself" which is BY FAR the worst question of all time. And in my efforts to steer clear of all the overused phrases such as "I'm a hard worker." or "I'm trustworthy". I try to think of interesting things but usually come up with things like "I like to paint my nails."
I said that once. We'll just end there.
SAYING NO TO PEOPLE: I have intense anxiety when thinking about having to tell someone "no". And verbalizing my rejection is even harder than thinking about saying no!! It's like a wave of panic washes over me and I no longer live in reality and I convince myself that telling them no makes me a bad person and I'll ruin my relationship with them and they'll be sooooo disappointed!!!!!
I'm having a panic attack just thinking about it.
CONSTRICTING SPACES OR CLOTHING: Also known as "claustrophobia". Being confined in any way shape or form is the most uncomfortable thing imaginable to me. Shirts with tight/high necks - absolutely not. Being in a space that does not allow me to extend my legs - not if I can help it. (Obviously this creates a problem while driving. I just try not to think about it.) Bear hugs that last longer than 10 seconds - I will use whatever force necessary to free myself.
One time my church youth group went on a cave exploring adventure. In my mind, I assumed we would walk through a MONSTROUS cave with a sweet helmet on that came with a light and we would look at the bats. Lovely. Count me in. And that's what our cave exploring was for the majority of the time. BUT for a brief period we were required to lay on our stomachs and INCH our way through a space three feet high and it took at least 2 minutes to make it through the entire area. There was no way around it and I wanted to die. TO THIS DAY I have nightmares about it.
I could keep going but I'll spare you. Plus, the list starts to get a little TMI. This IS the internet, after all. I can't just share my whole life!!! :)
- Brit
I think the better question here is things that DO NOT make me feel uncomfortable. That would be a much shorter list.
I am an awkward person. I have friends and I get the feeling that people like me but I'm SO AWKWARD. I've convinced myself that it's a charming quality.
Having said that, I feel uncomfortable and tense in a variety of everyday situations.
A few examples for you:
INTERVIEWS: I'll go ahead and nominate myself for the most awkward interviewee of all time. I just cannot act natural in interviews! In my head, I'm all "ok, you're doing great, you're so confident right now, you're wearing purple and that's your power color, this woman really finds your funny!" and while that's happening, I've MISSED the question and have to ask, "I'm sorry could you repeat that?" And the question is something like "tell us about yourself" which is BY FAR the worst question of all time. And in my efforts to steer clear of all the overused phrases such as "I'm a hard worker." or "I'm trustworthy". I try to think of interesting things but usually come up with things like "I like to paint my nails."
I said that once. We'll just end there.
SAYING NO TO PEOPLE: I have intense anxiety when thinking about having to tell someone "no". And verbalizing my rejection is even harder than thinking about saying no!! It's like a wave of panic washes over me and I no longer live in reality and I convince myself that telling them no makes me a bad person and I'll ruin my relationship with them and they'll be sooooo disappointed!!!!!
I'm having a panic attack just thinking about it.
CONSTRICTING SPACES OR CLOTHING: Also known as "claustrophobia". Being confined in any way shape or form is the most uncomfortable thing imaginable to me. Shirts with tight/high necks - absolutely not. Being in a space that does not allow me to extend my legs - not if I can help it. (Obviously this creates a problem while driving. I just try not to think about it.) Bear hugs that last longer than 10 seconds - I will use whatever force necessary to free myself.
One time my church youth group went on a cave exploring adventure. In my mind, I assumed we would walk through a MONSTROUS cave with a sweet helmet on that came with a light and we would look at the bats. Lovely. Count me in. And that's what our cave exploring was for the majority of the time. BUT for a brief period we were required to lay on our stomachs and INCH our way through a space three feet high and it took at least 2 minutes to make it through the entire area. There was no way around it and I wanted to die. TO THIS DAY I have nightmares about it.
I could keep going but I'll spare you. Plus, the list starts to get a little TMI. This IS the internet, after all. I can't just share my whole life!!! :)
- Brit
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Run Forrest, Run!
Blog every day in May- Day 2 - educate us on something you know a lot about or something you're good at.
OH my dear. Day 2 and I did not have an easy time together.
I've always felt like I am one of those people who knows a little about a lot of things, which is definitely not the definition of an expert.
BUT after some soul searching I did come up with something:
I, Brittany Bullock, am an expert at making others feel good about themselves. AKA encouragement!
God tells us that we are all blessed with unique spiritual gifts that are to be used to glorify Him.
Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -
1 Peter 4: 10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There's actually a handy resource known as a "spiritual gifts inventory" that helps you determine what your spiritual gifts may be.
Anyway, I took the survey a few years ago and wouldn't you know that the gift of encouragement ranked the highest on my survey. Convenient.
God also tells us that we're CALLED to encourage others!
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Not only are we called to build one another up, but do it according to THEIR needs. That takes thought. One friend may like to be encouraged about their physical appearance while another loves it when someone compliments a project they've been working on.
But let's be real, we all know HOW to encourage others, it's just hard because we have pride. I definitely fail at encouraging someone when I'm in a bad mood or I've had a bad day. That would be pride getting in the way. WHY would I want someone else to feel bright and bubbly when I feel like the grumpy old man from UP (in the beginning, not the end, duh)?
It can also be outside of our comfort zone to give someone a compliment. But it's worth it. Be uncomfortable for a minute.You'll get over it. Swear.
Think about how great you feel after someone has paid you a compliment for no reason! Or told you how great they think you're doing at work!!
Maybe if someone had paid Ursula a few compliments she wouldn't have been so insecure and felt the need to steal Ariel's voice!
If Mufasa and Scar's parents had just shown some positive attention to Scar maybe he wouldn't have been so jealous of his bro! I can't even talk about how that ended. That movie is traumatic.
And do you think that Forrest Gump would have run soooo fast and so well if little Jenny wasn't telling him to "run Forrest, run!" Probably not!
Truly, your compliments or words of encouragement can turn someone's day/week/life around. And we're glorifying God when we're building up His children!
Also, it doesn't have to be fake! Don't think that you just have to shower the world with rainbows and daisies. As LOVELY as that would be, just be real. If you see someone on the street and you love their shoes, tell them!!! Although, let's use good judgement here, people, if they're on the phone or having an argument....just pass. Get them the next time.
If you see your friend on Facebook doing something awesome, tell them! It literally takes VERY little of your time but the effects of your words last for SUCH a long time!!
Another added bonus of encouraging others: it gives you a little boost as well! Bringing a smile to someone's face adds years to your life. (this has to be true) It's a win, win!!
TRUE STORY: 2nd semester of my senior year in college, I was in a class with some of my best friends taught by a truly rare and special woman named Zeva. On our last day of the semester we all sat in a circle while Zeva read a poem out loud. (I went to school for musical theatre, OK?! But if you think that sitting in a circle and sharing with your friends isn't AWESOME, then think AGAIN.) When she was finished we each took a handful of index cards and on each card we wrote something special/encouraging/wonderful about each of our classmates. After we finished our dazzling notes of encouragement, we went around and glued each card onto the proper person's poster board. At the end of the class we had our poster board of love read to us by a fellow classmate. This memory will live with me forever. And as you can see from the photo below, my board of love is still very much intact and visible in my home.
Encourage others!! We all have the ability! All it takes is a littleENcourage! (see what I did there???) Be bold, be creative! And give God the glory,glory!!
Allllllright. Before I perform a full on Care Bear Stare, I'm outta here.
You're all wonderful. And you're so good at reading :)
- Brit
OH my dear. Day 2 and I did not have an easy time together.
I've always felt like I am one of those people who knows a little about a lot of things, which is definitely not the definition of an expert.
BUT after some soul searching I did come up with something:
I, Brittany Bullock, am an expert at making others feel good about themselves. AKA encouragement!
God tells us that we are all blessed with unique spiritual gifts that are to be used to glorify Him.
Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -
1 Peter 4: 10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There's actually a handy resource known as a "spiritual gifts inventory" that helps you determine what your spiritual gifts may be.
Anyway, I took the survey a few years ago and wouldn't you know that the gift of encouragement ranked the highest on my survey. Convenient.
God also tells us that we're CALLED to encourage others!
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Not only are we called to build one another up, but do it according to THEIR needs. That takes thought. One friend may like to be encouraged about their physical appearance while another loves it when someone compliments a project they've been working on.
But let's be real, we all know HOW to encourage others, it's just hard because we have pride. I definitely fail at encouraging someone when I'm in a bad mood or I've had a bad day. That would be pride getting in the way. WHY would I want someone else to feel bright and bubbly when I feel like the grumpy old man from UP (in the beginning, not the end, duh)?
It can also be outside of our comfort zone to give someone a compliment. But it's worth it. Be uncomfortable for a minute.You'll get over it. Swear.
Think about how great you feel after someone has paid you a compliment for no reason! Or told you how great they think you're doing at work!!
Maybe if someone had paid Ursula a few compliments she wouldn't have been so insecure and felt the need to steal Ariel's voice!
If Mufasa and Scar's parents had just shown some positive attention to Scar maybe he wouldn't have been so jealous of his bro! I can't even talk about how that ended. That movie is traumatic.
And do you think that Forrest Gump would have run soooo fast and so well if little Jenny wasn't telling him to "run Forrest, run!" Probably not!
Truly, your compliments or words of encouragement can turn someone's day/week/life around. And we're glorifying God when we're building up His children!
Also, it doesn't have to be fake! Don't think that you just have to shower the world with rainbows and daisies. As LOVELY as that would be, just be real. If you see someone on the street and you love their shoes, tell them!!! Although, let's use good judgement here, people, if they're on the phone or having an argument....just pass. Get them the next time.
If you see your friend on Facebook doing something awesome, tell them! It literally takes VERY little of your time but the effects of your words last for SUCH a long time!!
Another added bonus of encouraging others: it gives you a little boost as well! Bringing a smile to someone's face adds years to your life. (this has to be true) It's a win, win!!
TRUE STORY: 2nd semester of my senior year in college, I was in a class with some of my best friends taught by a truly rare and special woman named Zeva. On our last day of the semester we all sat in a circle while Zeva read a poem out loud. (I went to school for musical theatre, OK?! But if you think that sitting in a circle and sharing with your friends isn't AWESOME, then think AGAIN.) When she was finished we each took a handful of index cards and on each card we wrote something special/encouraging/wonderful about each of our classmates. After we finished our dazzling notes of encouragement, we went around and glued each card onto the proper person's poster board. At the end of the class we had our poster board of love read to us by a fellow classmate. This memory will live with me forever. And as you can see from the photo below, my board of love is still very much intact and visible in my home.
Encourage others!! We all have the ability! All it takes is a little
Allllllright. Before I perform a full on Care Bear Stare, I'm outta here.
You're all wonderful. And you're so good at reading :)
- Brit
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