Intentional

Today I have been thinking about what it means to be intentional. Especially, what it means to be intentional with those you love. Many of the goals I have made this year focus on being intentional with my time. My goals for the year included reading more, writing letters to those that have impacted my life, and spending more time in the Word. I tried to be specific so I could accomplish my goals. I have tried to be intentional in those goals, but I also need to be intentional in the “how” I am living.   

This year has been a different sort of year. I’m not exactly sure why, but it has been different. I suppose it has to do with the life events that have taken place this year. Early this year, a young member of our extended family died from cancer, at only three years old. It was the first funeral I had been to for a young child. It was very hard to see… such a young life, such a short life. Then just a week later, we attended another funeral. This weekend, I heard about a young person (a family that my parents know) that was in a fatal accident. This person was younger than me. I look around me and I keep thinking, “Am I living intentionally?” I want to live intentionally, I want to live in the moment and make the most of my time.

I feel very reflective today. Looking at what I have done with the short years that I have been on earth and what I may yet do with the hours, days, and years to come, Lord willing. None of us know how much time we have left here on earth. None of know when God will call us home. Will we be ready? When we come to those finally moments, or when others look back on our lives, will we have made an impact for eternity?

While I have many goals for this year, I want to make sure that I live intentionally, that I do make the most of my time, and that I spend quality time with those I love. The only true and lasting legacy that we will someday leave behind will be the impact that we make on the Kingdom. As we look forward, let us live intentionally, making the most of each moment, finding joy in every circumstance. Let’s live for the Kingdom!

The Art of Letter Writing

The Art of Letter Writing 

Recently, I took up this challenge of letter writing. (You can read more about it in my last blog post about reversed Lent). My goal during Lent, and for the year of 2015, is to write 50 cards/letters to people (and actually send them). I am using Lent as my jump start, but the real goal is to have 50 sent by the end of the year.  

I feel that letter writing is a dying art form. I have read many books from past ages where letter writing was what got people through the hard times. During wars, sickness, and trials, the letters were what helped keep people going. Letters shared joyous announcements, deep sorrow, and day-to-day life. It may have been one of their only forms of communication, but it was effective. They left a legacy.  Those letters were handed down to the next generation and they told a story, they told real life. 

When I decided to do this challenge, I thought it would be easy. Just write a note with a few lines of encouragement and send it off. Then I started doing it... It is harder than I thought! The words I have written have all been true, but I find it hard sharing how much I appreciate the people in my life and to tell them how much they mean to me. I am blessed by so many people in my life that encourage me. When I go to write to them, I cannot express my feelings of how much of a blessing they are to me. While it is not as easy of a task as I first thought, I am finding joy in the process. It is stretching me to write these letters and notes. 

In the past week, I have been to two funerals. One for a child, who had lived a short life, but who had touched the lives of those around her, even those who did not know her well. The other funeral was for a man that had lived a good, long life, a full life. He was a blessing to those around him and was an influence for Christ. Both celebrations of life reminded me of just how short life is, whether I only have a few years or many, I want to live my life to the fullest and be a witness for Christ. I want to build up other believers. And I pray that my simple, yet heartfelt letters, will do just that. 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Post on Reversed Lent:

http://musingsmadebymandy.blogspot.com/2015/02/lent-2015-reversed-style.html?m=1 

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck ~Book Review~

I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck.

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Below is my review of this fun book!

Rachel Hauck

How to Catch a Prince is the third in the Royal Wedding Series written by Rachel Hauck. Hauck does a great job with these modern-day fairy tales, making every girl’s dream come true. This story, along with the others in this series, reminds me of Princess Kate’s story. 

This particular story tells of an American Heiress who meets a prince while at university. It describes the trials that they go through in order to find out what true love really means. It describes true love between a man and woman and between man and God. The story also shows what it means to truly love someone and what is at stake when you do.

The third book in the Royal Wedding series is a beautifully woven story with the message being clear throughout the whole book. It demonstrates how if we let God work in our lives He can, and will, do great things. If we are willing to love, without reserve, we will find many blessings. I would highly recommend this wonderful story and the first two in the series. You will not be disappointed with this exciting, fun story that shares the message of what it means to love and be loved. 

To watch a "book trailer" for this story, follow this link: http://www.rachelhauck.com/books/everyone-reading-catch-prince/ 

To order the book on Amazon, click here. The book releases on February 24, 2015.

2/19/2015

This is what my weather app was showing today... Brrr.....

Lent 2015 (reversed style)

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I have been thinking about Lent and what the season means. I read a blog post that a friend had posted on Facebook about doing a reversed version of Lent. I really liked it because I think the giving something up for Lent is sometimes done out of context. One of the suggestions for the reverse Lent was to write one letter or note to someone each day for Lent. The point being to encourage others. 

I had just told my mom the other day that I wanted to add an amendment to my New Years resolutions so I think this would fit in perfectly. My new resolution was going to be to write 50 cards/snail mail to people this year. If I do it for Lent, I will have 40 completed!

My goal in this is to write encouragement and share scripture with those around me. Also, I want to write more thank you notes. I believe sentiment gets lost these days. I don't want to see that happen. 

And who doesn't love to get real mail! I know I do!

Anyway, I'm gonna give it a go and see what happens! And if I don't get 40 done during Lent that will be fine, too. I'll give to the end of the year to get all 50 done, but this will be my jump start!

Here is the blog post I read about the Reversed Lent Challenge: http://www.karenehman.com/2015/02/the-reverse-lent-challenge-dont-give-something-up-take-something-on/

Do you give up something for Lent or would you try this challenge with me? 

Valentine's Day - 2015

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV

Jesus paid the ultimate price and demonstrated the Father's love for us by laying down His life. I pray that you will seek Him this Valentine's Day.

For the story behind Valentine's Day, check out this blog post from last year: http://musingsmadebymandy.blogspot.com/2014/02/happy-valentine-day-2014.html?m=0 

Here are a few pictures of the treats we made for Valentine's Day!

Red heart-shaped cinnamon rolls

Heart-shaped muffins

Word of the year: Trust

As I mentioned in my first blog post of the year, my word of the year is TRUST. I hope throughout my posts this year, I will be able to show you what I am learning about the word and its place in my life and world around me. When I decided I would pick a word for the year, the word "trust" just stood out to me. I heard it over and over and knew that was the word I should focus on. I may not have chosen the word, but it was definitely chosen for me. My goal in focusing on this word is to learn more about it and to share with you what I am learning. I will be sharing quotes, Bible verses, and stories about trust.

Quote for the day:

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” 

― Corrie ten Boom

Lastly, I would just like to share my inspiration for this word of the year challenge. I know a lot of authors that I like focus on a word each year, but I was inspired by "One Perfect Word" by Debbie Macomber. 

Here is a link to more information on her book: http://www.debbiemacomber.com/books/one-perfect-word