She Did What She Could

"People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.” ~Beth Clark

Sometimes it's overwhelming to see all that's wrong with the world.  War and hunger, homelessness and disease.  Hatred and division.  School shootings and kidnappings and senseless murders.  It can feel hopeless--like nothing we can do will make any difference.

Jesus must have known that things would get that way.  Remember the story of Mary Magdalene who broke her alabaster jar and washed Jesus' feet with her hair?  And when the disciples criticized her, how did Jesus respond?  He defended her, saying simply, "She did what she could."

That might be my favorite story in the entire Bible.  A woman who was looked down upon.  She had only one thing to give to Jesus, and so she gave it.  She did what she could.  And that was enough.

Photo by me - Loretto Chapel - 2012

Giving what we can.  That's all any of us can do.  If we look at all of the things that we can't do, or if we compare what we can do with the things that other people can do.....well that's where we run into problems.

If, instead, we realize that, like Mary Magdalene, we are simply called to do what we can, that's where the little things can make a difference. Mother Teresa understood this, and she said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

We can be kind to our neighbors.  We can donate what we are able to the hungry.  We can pray for the lonely.  We can bake a casserole when someone is going through a hard time (particularly if we're from the South).  We can give our time to worthwhile causes.  And while these may be little things, perhaps that is not where the story ends.

A priest put it best at the end of a homily I heard last week when he said, "I trust that if we do the little things that we can do, and if we do them with great love, God will turn these little things into great things." 

Amen to that.

30 by 30 Report: Month 3

“In the autumn of your years don't make it so that what you look back on is regret. Live your life now so that whatever you do gives some sunshine before you head into the winter of your life.”  ~Stephen Richards

Another month down....which means that I'm a quarter of the way through with this project (and a quarter of a year closer to 30!)  I thought that I was pretty darn productive this month and I'm excited to share these things with y'all!  If you're new to the blog, you can see my complete 30 by 30 list here!

#1:  Cook 10 new recipes.  (7/10 completed).

This month I knocked out three new recipes.  You read before about two of them...Baked Potato Soup and Protein Packed Banana Nut Bread.  But that's not all, folks! 

I also made a Cabbage Roll Soup that was seriously amazing and packed full of veggies.  Here's the recipe.  I left out the onion and added some cauliflower.  You could really put in any additional veggies that you wanted to.  It was perfect for a cold day!

#4:  Check 5 items off my bucket list.  (1/5 completed).

Don't you love me cross referencing other lists?  Monica from Friends would be proud.

What was the bucket list checkmark I got this month?  Well I submitted a couple of articles to a magazine.  ND Friend got me a subscription to Seeing the Everyday, which is the most adorable magazine ever.  They invite contributions from readers, so I ended up sending a couple of my prior blogs.  So far I've not heard anything back, and they probably have far better options, but I submitted those babies and got my checkmark.

On a sidenote, ND Friend's sister, Super Mom, has been doing an Everyday inspired project with her boys every week and it's seriously the cutest thing you've ever seen.  Check it out on her blog here.

#5:  Get a draft of Uncle Black Belt's book put together.  (.25 completed)

This is really more of just a progress report to let you know that Uncle Black Belt and I (along with a few other family members who have kindly agreed to supply info) are working away.  What exactly is this book, you ask?  Well, it's basically Uncle Black Belt's memoir from his year spent as an army officer in Vietnam.  It's gleamed from his journals, letters that he wrote home to his family, and memories of him and his sisters.  And, well because I think you guys will enjoy this and we could use a little encouragement, here are a couple of snippets from the book.

I'm not too sure why we hunt to kill other human beings...

I still can’t get used to the idea of killing people, but it’s you or them, and this is one boy who’s gonna make it home.  

Send some snapshots of yall and some koolaid.  This water tastes worse than buffalo pee.

I’ve never really thought or done much praying, but when the first bullet went over my head, I started.  

I'm sending you this letter at school because I'm not sure mom should see it.

Out of eleven of us, eight were wounded and three died.  The last I remembered was my radio operator James STOKLEY helping put me on the medivac to the field hospital. 

Okay....who wants to pre-order?  Pretty heavy stuff, right?

I don't know how this thing can't be a best seller.  Uncle Black Belt sent me this message last week, which made all of this worth it, even if this book never sells a single copy:  "Tiffany, I want to thank you for taking on the task of writing this book. The memories that have come back to me about the good times have done more to help me than all the crazy Doctors at the VA."  

Turns out that this little goal had a much larger purpose than I thought.

#7:  Read 24 new books.  (7/24 completed).

In January, I actually read three books, which you heard all about in this prior blog.  Usually it's a struggle for me to get through two, but the fact that I could not put The Fault In Our Stars and spent like 4 hours one afternoon just reading helped to speed things along.

#8:  Send my friends little gifts once a month.  (3/12 completed).

 

For January's gift project, I decided to try my hand at making some hand stamped candles that I'd seen on Pinterest and some other blogs.  Summary:  Cute, but not really worth the effort (unless you have a really good stamp collection and a lot of time).

So I just bought white (coconut scented) candles from Target, some cute stamps and ink from Hob Lob, some tissue paper, and some wax paper.  You just stamp your design onto the tissue paper and set that on the candle.  Then you put wax paper over it (wax side down...that matters I found out!) and hold a hairdryer over it for maybe a minute.  The wax paper melts to the candle and your design sticks.  Pretty simple!

I decided to make two candles and to turn this into a little themed gift box. 

The first candle said, "All you really need is a friend with chocolate" so that gift box turned into a chocolate fest and got sent to ND Friend.

The second one said, "Life is about using all the crayons in the box."  I wanted to send this to Teacher Friend (thought it was appropriate for a teacher) and decided to include a coloring book and crayons for her sweet little girl in the gift box.

Pretty simple, inexpensive project and I think the girls enjoyed their gifts!

#9:  Eat in 10 new restaurants. (3/10 completed)

Well this month a little trip to College Station got me two new restaurants to check off the list.  Holy moly....both of these were amazing.  The first was Veritas, which is a little wine bistro.  I had a steak, mashed potatoes and squash and it was to.die.for.  Seriously, so good.  The next day I had lunch at Cafe Eccell and was just as impressed.  I had a bowl of corn chowder which was seriously SO good and a chopped salad that was even better.  It was like they put all good things in life in that salad and served it up on a plate.  If you're in College Station, I'd highly recommend trying both of these places!

#15:  Go to church every day for a week.  (Completed.)

Photo via me - Switzerland - 2009

I was really excited to check this item off the list, and I figured that there was no better way to start the year off than by going to church every day for a week.  And so I started on December 31 and went to church every day.  7 days, 5 churches.  And I loved it.  As much as I'm not a morning person, I think my favorite might have been 6:30 am mass in a cold, quiet, dark church.  It was just so beautiful and peaceful and the perfect start to my morning.  I would highly recommend this for anyone to try, I just can't tell you how much I enjoyed this experience, and even since then I've been going to church at least one "regular day" a week in addition to Sunday.

#29:  Bring home a bouquet of flowers once a month.  (3/12 completed).

Friday Book Club: January Books

Well my 2013 reading list started out with a bang.  Not only did I read three, count them, THREE books this month (it's a record) but I loved each and every one of them!  I hope the rest of the books I've got on my to read shelf for this year are going to turn out this well!  Linking up with Friday Book Club today to share my January reads with y'all.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller

Well you already know that I loved this book because the author, Don Miller, is friends with my boy Bob Goff.  Sigh.  Some guys have all the luck.  Anyway, this book is all about Don's life and how instead of just floating by while sitting on his couch, eating pizza and playing video games, he decided to intentionally live a life that would make a good story.  And that changed everything.  It was a great book--easy read, inspirational, and he's got a great sense of humor.  Here were a few of my favorite quotes.

"The truth is, if what we chose to do with our lives won't make a story meaningful, it won't make a life meaningful either."

"What I'm saying is I think life is staggering and we're just used to it.  We all are like spoiled children no longer impressed with the gifts we're given--it's just another sunset, just another rainstorm moving over the mountain, just another child being born, just another funeral."

"Did I really believe God could write a better story?  And if I did, why didn't I trust Him?"

"It is when people do not allow God to show up through them, that the world collapses in on itself."

"There is a force resisting the beautiful things in the world, and too many of us are giving in."

"The ambitions we have will become the stories we live."

"The story made us different characters than we would have been if we had skipped the story and shown up at the ending a different way."

"I think about the hard lives so many people have had, the sacrifices they've endured, and how those people will see Heaven differently than those of us who have had easier lives."

"What I really remember are the few times we made an extra effort to do something memorable."

"We don't know how much we are capable of loving until the people we love are being taken away, until a beautiful story is ending."

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Holy cow, guys.  I could not put this book down.  And I mean, I spend over three hours one Sunday reading  all but the first 50 pages (which I read the night before).  This is a sort of miracle for a girl like me who is not a fast reader and who has a super short attention span.  And because it was a fiction book, which I basically just don't read.  But this book, well, it was amazing.  I don't want to give too much away, but it's a love story about two teenagers with cancer.  I know, I know, that sounds sappy and pre-teeny, and Taylor Swift-ish.  I promise that it's not.  It was awesome.  So awesome, that I gave it the coveted and illusive 5 ranking on my Goodreads.  That don't just happen, folks.  Buy it.  Read it.  Love it.  Thank me later.

Seven by Jen Hatmaker

College Roomie got me this book for my birthday and she.did.good.  I absolutely loved this book!  In fact, I liked it so much that I've already had it sent to two other people--Dr. Kyra and Cousin SameMiddleName because I thought they would enjoy it as well.  The basic idea is that the author decides to rebel against excess and focuses on something different each month....from food to media to stuff....and she chronicles her journey.  You'll love this book.  Jen Hatmaker is hilarious.  I mean completely hilarious.  She reminds me a lot of ND Friend, who is one of the funniest people I know.  (You do have to overlook a couple of pages of hippy nonsense where she gets all free range, no antibiotic anti-ag preaching, but other than that, I had no complaints!)

Jesus, may there be less of me and my junk and more of You and Your kingdom.

I want to live gratefully, humbly, hopefully.

For whatever reason I was born into privilege; I've never known hunger, poverty, or despair.  I have been blessed, blessed, blessed--relationally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  My life is so happy it's almost embarrassing.

I won't defile my blessings by imagining that I deserve them.

Until every human receives the dignity I casually enjoy, I pray my heart aches with tension and my belly rumbles for injustice.

I have come to see tha tthe great tragedy in the church is not that the rich Christians do not care about the poor, but that the rich Christians do not know the poor.  I long for the Calcutta slums to meet the Chicago suburbs, for lepers to meet landowners and for each to see God's image in the other.  I truly believe that when the poor meet hte rich, riches will have no meaning.  And when the rich meet the poor, we will see poverty come to an end.  (Quoting Shane Claiborne)

Obedience Isn't a lack of fear.  It's just doing it scared.

In a culture of hero worship and conspicuous rainmakers, this concept struggles to emerge, but the story of God's people comprises a billion little moments when an average believer pressed on, carried through, stepped up.  In the quantity of ordinary obedience, the kingdom truly advances.

The discomfort is where the magic happens.

What would the early chruch think if they walked into some of our buildings today? .. They'd wonder if we had read the Bible, or worry it had been tampered with since their time.

Sometimes vigils are for waiting, when your struggle has been voiced and God's hand hasn't moved.

You've Been Pep Talked.

"The world needs to stop being boring."  ~Kid President

Have y'all seen this video that's going around?  I love it.  This kid is awesome.



How funny was the part where he says, "Not cool, Robert Frost!"  I laughed for like 10 minutes.

Happy Thursday!

Peer Pressure

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher

I've given into peer pressure again.  In college that usually meant that I ended up at the Penny at 2 in the morning with a bunch of drunk boys who needed a ride home.  Sigh...I love those crazy kids and miss those crazy nights!

Nowadays, my friends have grown up and it means that I've signed up to send letters and care packages to a soldier serving overseas!

Two of my real life friends--Pharmer Girl and Almost Gypsy Soul--both adopted soldiers through this program and blogged about it.  You just commit to sending a letter a week and 1-2 care packages a month. Pretty easy, right?   Now I'm not nearly as crafty as Pharmer Girl and I'm not as good at coming up with fun ideas (Taco Bell sauce) as Almost Gypsy Soul, but my poor soldier will just have to deal with what I can come up with.

I'm working on my first package. I'm thinking a football theme for Super Bowl weekend!

If you are interested on adopting a soldier, check out the website for Soldiers' Angels here.

If...

Weekend Update: Granting a Wish

"Volunteers are paid in six figures... S-M-I-L-E-S." ~Gayla LeMaire

I love being a Wish Granter for Make-a-Wish.  I mean, first off, the title "Wish Granter" sort of makes me feel like a fairy who goes around with my magic wand and makes people happy.  "Your wish is my command!"

But seriously, the fact that I get the chance to help make wishes come true for seriously ill kiddos and their families?  It really is the best gig on the planet.

This weekend, I was able to help make a wish come true for the sweetest boy. 
Unfortunately, privacy rules make me unable to give you any details on the kiddo, his wish, or share any pictures.  But let me just tell you that getting to see him smiling and laughing and surrounded by toys and balloons and a whole house full of people who clearly love him to pieces....well that's a picture that I'm never going to forget. 

I cannot encourage you enough to support the Make-a-Wish organization.  They make dreams come true for sick kids, and give precious memories to families who more than deserve them.  A wish is granted every 38 minutes.  Those are a lot of lives that MAW is making better!  To read some of the wish stories, you can click here.

You can donate money, donate airline miles, or get involved as a volunteer.  It's super easy and I cannot think of a more rewarding organization to be involved with.  For more info, feel free to contact me or check out the Make-a-Wish website.

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #16

“No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain something greater...The love we have for each other is bigger than these small differences. And that's the key.  Love can make up for a lot.” ~Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby

Dear Mr. Right,

When I was in college, I had a list of qualities I thought I needed to find in you.  Things like the ability to bench press my weight.  Have health insurance (I was quite practical for a 20 year old).  Never wear flip flops.  Know how to put your hand on the small of my back when walking into a room.  Beat me in a game of 1 on 1.  Have a job.  Not believe in dogs sleeping in the bed.  Wear cologne that made me weak in the knees.  Propose in the correct manner.  Know how to ride a horse and have branded calves.

Photo via Pinterest

And now?  I think I'd throw that entire list in the trash so long as you really love me. I haven't lowered my standards, but I've grown up.  Which is why it's probably good you didn't come along when I was 20.  Because I might have missed you.

(But if you happen to ride a horse and smell really good, well I wouldn't mind that much.)

Waiting for that day,

Me

*Linking up with Ashley for Friday Letters.  To see prior letters to Mr. Right, click here. 

Thankful Thursday

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.”  ~Henry Ironside

My dear sweet friend College Roomie did this little link up last week, so I'm excited to join in this week!

* Speaking of College Roomie, I'm thankful that she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding!  And even more thankful that she's letting me pick out any black dress that I want.  Love those kind of brides.  Love, love, love.  Feel free to send along any dress ideas you come across.

Me and CR at Bay to Breakers 2010

*  I'm thankful for the opportunity to volunteer with Make-a-Wish.  This weekend we will be granting the most amazing wish for the sweetest boy and his family.  I cannot put into words what it is like to be involved with something like that.

*  I'm thankful that I get to see BFF and Mrs. BFF this weekend.  These two are just my favorites.

*  I'm thankful for the "stress relief" aroma therapy bubble bath from Bath and Body Works.  Is it over priced?  Sure.  Does it relieve stress?  Probably not.  But dang it, it makes me smell good.  Good enough for this girl.

*  I'm thankful for LOKG who I will be running a half marathon with in exactly 93 days.  93 days!!  She's totally kept me going with my goal of eating healthy and getting back into the running game.  Bring it on, Oklahoma City Half Marathon.  You bring it on.

*  I'm thankful for all the babies in my life that are having birthdays this month.  I may have spent entirely too much money on gifts for the birthday kiddos (and their siblings...you can't leave them out!) and shipping them last weekend.  It's probably a good thing I don't have my own children, because I'd be broke as a joke at this rate.

On that note, check out this video of Little Linebacker (who turns 3 in two weeks!) singing "My God's Not Dead" and playing the drums--tree stumps, whatever--in the back yard.  Is this not the most precious thing you have ever seen in your life?  I just love that kid to death, and his parents are clearly doing something right!

* I'm thankful for ND Friend, who has to be the kindest person I know.  Right now she's praying multiple Novenas at the same time for other people and I'm still unsuccessfully avoiding the amazing homemade Nutella that she gave me for Christmas.  She's a Saint.  And a Betty Crocker.  Good combo.

*  Basically, I'm just thankful for my life and for all of the people in it.  I am blessed beyond belief.

Throwback Thursday #61: Homecoming

"Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.  Oh, what can it mean?  To a daydream believer, and a homecoming queen?"  ~The Monkees

[I know it's Wednesday, but I have another blog for Thursday.  So it's Throwback Thursday today.  Go with it.]

Oh, y'all.  I'm old.

This weekend was Homecoming at my alma mater, Logan High School.  I didn't go (does anyone actually go to high school homecomings?) but seeing the posts about it on Facebook made me remissness about the olden days.  You know, dances in the gym, the big mums that are totally impractical and illogical but for some reason are deemed "cool", putting on a prom dress immediately after finishing playing a basketball game (read:  sweaty and gross), gluing balloons to arches, and crooked plastic crowns.

And there's nothing like a few decade old pictures to make you remember the good ol' days.  Shall we?

Just for the record, that dress cost me $25 (Blue Eyes' poor tie cost twice that) and I wore it to homecoming and two proms and two different younger girls wore it to their prom.  That, friends, is $5 bucks a wear.  Years later and that is what I remember about homecoming.....you can see just how cool I was!  Ha!