Teeter-totter

Balance is something we all strive for and, if you're like me, probably don't feel like you have achieved it very often. For me, this week was a reminder of how a little 1.5 pound man came into my life for a brief moment, and changed it forever. I'm thankful for the change, for the transition into a new season, and for the balance coming from it.

To achieve this balance I've taken some things out of my life, and I've found freedom and contentment in their place. Though I don't show my emotions very often outwardly, I am finding that my emotions are actually swayed pretty easily on the inside. More than anything, this causes discontentment in my life. Being a doer, an action person, also affects this. If you give me a list, my biggest goal of the day will include checking off everything on it. Even if the things on that list aren't life-giving, or necessary, they still need to be done.

This balance, and removal, process affects every part of my life. I'm figuring out what is necessary, what is good, what gives life, and what doesn't. I'm taking inventory of what I put into my life, what I allow into my life, and if it's needed or not. Ultimately, I'm working on taking care of my heart and finding contentment. I'm learning to say no and to set up boundaries. This means that I'm learning, slowly, how to not do everything and make everyone else happy.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (ESV) and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you

1 Timothy 2:2-3 (ESV) for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior

How are you finding balance? 

How are you practicing self-care?

Rose Parade

Since living in California, there are many things we have not done, many things we have not experienced, so we have decided to do as much as possible now. First on that list was the Rose Bowl Parade. You can set up camp at 11am on Dec. 31 on the streets of Pasadena. Since I had to work, we decided to go over around 2am and see what we could find. It's an experience I recommend having at least once, but here's what we learned:

1. figure out where to park before you get there

2. do not sit close to a tow truck entrance to the parade

3. sit on the south side of Colorado (we faced the sun on the north side)

If you decide to go in the middle of the night, using a sleeping bag as a cocoon worked great to keep me warm. Many people brought along propane tanks with heaters attached and heat lamps like you see at restaurants. You don't need any lights because of the streetlights. Even the people who showed up behind us around 4:30am or so were in the third row, which still isn't that bad. More than anything, be respectful to the people who have been there longer than you and don't stand in front of them.