Don't Break the Chain

Heyo!

New Year. What naturally comes next in a DIY world? New Year's resolutions. The next question is...did you make any this year? The answer that follows is usually yes, I do them or no that is stupid.

I have not put much stock in them. If I want changes in my life. I want to start NOW. If I do not then nothing happens. Not when I schedule it. Not even late, simply never. But then I realized that while I do not need to start anything at New Years, it is helpful with one thing: consistency. A year is simply a measure of time. Thus when
 

Based off of this, I am going to try these calendars for a year, and see how it goes. Keeping in mind that I am horrible with lists and any new thing, if I can do it, so can you.


Here are somethings that help me with prioritizing.

1. Some things do not need to be

This may seem counter productive, but for me things like brushing teeth just happen. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THESE THINGS. Like remember to eat, but don't freak out about it.

2. Prioritize the Priorities

This is totally not redundant. It is work. I printed five calendars, that is probably too many. I plan to REALLY SERIOUSLY use, like, two. Because two helping me, is better than five collecting dust. It is all about how realistic you are about you/life.

3. Be Accountable

Start by putting your goal somewhere that you see it. Like all the time. Second is telling another person and having them hound you about it. Or compete with you. However this is harder, because you have to find a motivated person. And that is hard to find (not even sure that I would be consider 'motivated') Anyway, ask lots, expect nothing and be grateful with what you get.

And there you go.

That is how you 'don't break the chain' and that is how I plan to use it to be productive. Have fun!

Side thought:

This blog was much more 'normal' blog and less stream of conscious...this might be yet another new thing that may or may not last. It all depends on where it is prioritized in my life. The past you know, but the future is fresh.

<3 Lissa

FOUND...An Epic Series

Heyo,

Today let's do a #reviewsdaytuesday

As we have previously noted on this blog I  LOVE reading. Since I have been on Christmas break I have had time to read, but haven't been hooked by any books. Until the Mickey Bolitar trilogy. (Which also has THIS really COOL website.) Anyway I thought this would be a perfect time to start reviewing some of my favorite books here.

The Mickey Bolitar Trilogy: Shelter, Seconds Away, and Found by Harlan Coban

Genre: Young Adult thriller

Rating: One 4/5, Two 4/5, Three 4/5 (and that ending was...woah.)

Family Friendly: Yes, it deals with mature themes, but keeps it classy as much as a teenager narrator could. The language is tame, however there is quite a bit of violence.

To be honest, I do not read many books from boy point of view, but when I do I like to read it from a male author. Mostly because I know what girls think boys think about, but I want to know straight from the source. And *sarcastic spoiler alert* it is not that much different than from a girl. Sure there are different social norms, but in this series it does not affect the heart of the character. Mickey is a hurting kid aching for a normal life. That 'normal life' is not treating him very well in fact nine times out of ten he gets the short end of the stick, but his inner strength and determination carry others along with himself to do the right thing in hard times come what may.

I started reading this series when I was about sixteen. I got through the two books that were out at that time. My first impression was probably how exciting it was. Also how sweet and slightly frustrating (as Ema- Mickey's friend- points out) that he is very protective of everyone. It is not a sexist thing, he does to any one he loves, and it is part of his development he learns when that is smothering and when it is life-saving.

 Recently the third book just came out and this is the first time I finished reading the whole thing. The voice seemed a little young at points for me now. For instance I wanted to shake Mickey into understanding the long reaching consequences he faced for pushing legal limits. On the other hand I loved how realistic school was. For instance no matter what beating he had just taken or what personal tragedy he was experiencing there was homework due in the morning. Because that is life.

One of my favorite themes is the importance of family. Friends abound, but family is still respected loved, and wanted. That is something I don't see much of in our current culture and was nice to read. It was not because Mickey had a perfect family, but he coped with his imperfect one. Like we have to do.

Of course the action and mystery of the story, kept me on my toes.  Although I love trying to figure things out, there were several surprises or links that I had not guessed. The answers to questions posed were satisfying and believable.

Overall if you are a teenager, find yourself this trilogy and then READ.

<3Lissa

P.S. Let me know what you think if you have read this or if you have a book I should read. And then review. Thanks!

Am I Too Hard on Myself?

Heyo,

Soo two weeks ago I made two lists, and then Christmas happened. Today is Monday so back to business as usual. Overall I both liked it and hated the list making thing. The bad thing is that I stressed myself out thinking I had to get everything done in one day. When really there was no deadline other than my own. I could flex if things came up, because sometimes (hint Thursday), things did come up and mess everything. On the upside, I got more done on a variety of things than I would have. In conclusion, I need to find a balance between being motivated and being a perfectionist. Lists are helpful, because I am a very goal oriented person, but everyday is a bit intense. So I am thinking that today we'll tweak things; I will try and make one for the whole week.

School

• Math for Medication Safety
• Organize school things for upcoming semester
• Read NCLEX review book (Christmas present!)
• Start on Med Surg 1 readings
• Look up OB book prices
• Listen to online lectures

Things

• Daily Bible study
• Exercise daily (found inspiration here: The Body Department)
• Keep a clean room
• Organize/purge clothes

Creativity

• Read three books
• Create an outline for WIP
• Create complex characters, maybe a cut a few and focus

Social Media

• Just try and keep up with it plus life.

A Hopeful Sunday

Heyo :)

"How did you find Hope?" My friend asks me and then laughs, "I never get tired of asking that question."

See this 'Hope' is an abbreviated version of my church's name. She was asking me how I found this church, but it is also a great question in general, not even connected with the church. How do I find hope?

Lets face it, life is not all puppies and rainbows. Unlike Hallmark leads us to believe, life is painful and hard. Many people struggle with depression, anxiety and feeling like there is no way out.

They are right. Here are some of the reasons why:

We can have no joy.

There are some small things most everyone can find happiness in, but true joy come from God. Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

 We can not create a different life for ourselves.

But God choose this way for a reason. We can not understand his plan, that is where faith directs our minds. And God may show us a way out, he may take the burden away

We can not  save ourselves.

God the father sent his son Jesus Christ to be born on earth, live a sinful life, die in payment for my sins, and then rise from the dead, conquering death. My Lord saved me. And I am so thankful.

Without God we can have no hope, because God is my hope.

I found hope through other sinners who had found God's hope. From there my parents discipled me in the Lord. Also God sent me trials spiritually and physically to strength my faith (the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen).

Today I am finding hope in the complexities of life. I am learning how to find hope in death, in abuse, and in all sorts of awful situations people have in this world. It's simple, it's just not easy. Thus, faith.


So tell me, how did you find hope?

<3 Lissa

Take a Walk

Heyo,

I keep myself very busy and I hope it follows that I am very productive. However lately I have been missing some fresh air.

So hold on a moment.


..........................................................................................................................................................................

I took a walk, not necessarily long, but not short either. And it was wonderful. Instead of overthinking life, I lived it. An estimated ninety percent of the time I need to DO things and stop talking (or writing/blogging about them).

This is similar to my problem with pictures. I love capturing the memories, but I hate when remembering things, becomes more important than doing things. For instance I took about a hundred (maybe more...) picture of the intrepid. This is awesome for now, but then, I should have been spending time with my Grandpa.

I end this post with go take a walk, whatever that means in your specific life. Right now, I am going to watch a movie with family.

Enjoy!

<3 Lissa

Clothes

Heyo,

The day after Christmas. This can be a bit of a let down from a holiday high. This year it has me reflecting on all I have materially. Spiritually too, but also I just have a lot of things, stuff, objects and 'memories'. And maybe all of them are too many. In our family Bible time today we read Luke chapter three verses one through twenty (because of time, we didn't get through the whole thing, like I would have wanted). In there John the Baptist teaches people about how we are to practically given different vocations and personal lives we are to live out the good news. This struck a  cord when he said if one of you has two tunics give one away, because if I just think clothes, I have soooo many more than two. I am not saying I am about to give away my whole wardrobe, but it is something to think about, especially around Christmas. How does the Lord wants me to share my blessings with others?

It is easy to share the books I love whether it is by reviewing here or my loaning them to my IRL friends, or easy to use a computer to listen to sermons online, but it is a challenge to know how to use other things like clothes for God's glory. Not saying that we shouldn't enjoy fun clothes, but I how to balance it is the question.

So why do we where clothes? Because we sinned; because we realized we are naked and now we have a need to be clothed. Every time we put on clothes we are (or should be) reminded that we are sinners and that we need a Savior.

And if we remember that, if we thank God for that, it brings him glory.

Post Christmas ramble=complete.


<3 Lissa

P.S. On a side note I recently read this blog post and thought it a wise reminder about social media....random yes, but cool all the same and very God-honoring.

A Very "Merry" Christmas

Heyo,

Merry Christmas!

How often do I exchange this phrase? Doubtless, it is countless times each year. 

Except maybe this one. This year I wasn't feeling very merry. Not jaded per se, I just was not getting into that Christmas spirit of which we hear. It simply did not feel like Christmas.

I don't know why. I read Christmas books, watch movies, bought gifts, did all the normal things. Still that feeling was not there. I was getting worried that would "miss" Christmas this year if I didn't get my act together soon. It scared my that oblivion would carry me through December and I might not ever wake up from it.

Then yesterday it hit me. Christmas spirit is a bit arbitrary; did I really know what I was looking for? Christmas is Christ's birth, my hero's birthday. And I am here worried about me. That I am going to "miss" somthing. With trite phrases I covered what I was missing, Christ. I didn't include him in my celebration (at least not inwardly) and I was spiritually feeling the consequences. As well as leaving the guest of honor, forgotten on His day.

Which reminded me of the cross, his victory over death and now his coming soon. How unworthy I am of all he has given me and how much I need him.

Last week in church we were talking about how failing to know God, to recognize him in every part of our lives all the time, is vital and easily overlooked. Worse than that something else other than my master is taking up that time. It is sinful to put other things in place of God. Harsh, but true.

This is my Christmas message. I unworthy, serve a great God, who is kind to sinners such as myself. 

So yes, Merry Christmas, but also Happy Birthday, Lord, and thank you.

<3 Lissa

Song lyrics by Michael W. Smith. Picture of a Christmas present for my little sister :)

Lists: Second Edition

Heyo,

Worked so well yesterday that I am going to try it again today.

School

• Math for Medication Safety Nope
• Read Fluid, etc. (what I didn't get done yesterday) Nope

Things

• Bible Study Yes.
• Run 2.2 miles Not by a long shot
• Clean something Okay sorta.
• Pick up 40 gallons of Egg Nog and 400 cookies Done and delivered
• CNA application Nothing
• Investment research Nope
• Plan Christmas gifts YES

Creativity

• Finish reading last Nanowrimo book Not quite...
• Read anther book Uh...not really..

Social Media

• Schedule a blog post FUN Yes. But it is not done yet
• Figure out Twitter Sure

Here it goes again. Make your list, check it twice and then use it!

<3 Lissa

P.S. TWITTER

Lists

Heyo :)
Eight days until Christmas, been on break for seven days and six days ago I was in Ohio. Woah. And now that I am home my productivity has been at an all time low and my workload has not diminished. This is due to things like all-nighters (and the following crash), trips, finals, families, and procrastination. It also ends today.

As the saying goes, if you want results you have never had, you need to try something you have never done.

Here come lists. For me it is two in one I get to have a blog project and I get to organize my activities and hopefully boost my time.

And it all starts today.

School

• Medication Safety Practice test
• Read Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid Base Chapter
• Watch Kathy's youtube lectures on it

 

Things

• Bible study
• Memorize three verses
• Take at least three walks today Yes I am so happy about the movement and fresh air I got out of it.
• Successfully babysit three kids So much fun (Ages: 6yrs, 4yrs, and 6 months)
• Clean something Kitchen floor
• See the Hobbit with Friends Postponed to another day, which was great, because I really did not have time for a three hour movie today. Hindsight, sigh.

 

Creativity

• Finish reading first draft of Forgottons
• Don't cry over it
• Read another book
• Watch the next Doctor Who season eight episode

 

Social Media

• Blog (if you are seeing this, it is done for today) Yup.
• Schedule a blog post that is FUN (ie not lists) Check
• Start a twitter (Do not let the fear ruin you) TWITTER GO HERE TO SEE

 

 

There it is and here it goes! Leaving right now to babysit...will update (hopefully) tonight with results ;)

 

Have a Merry Christmas season!

 

<3 Lissa