I Wanna See You Be Brave

I'm kind of at a major cross-roads in my life.

My career/education could take a turn...if I want it to.

My social life could shift....if I let it.

My living situation could alter...if that's what I choose.

But here is the thing.  It could change....if I decide that's what I will do.

It doesn't HAVE to change.

Anyone who knows me knows the pro/con lists and flow sheets of if this...then that are ABUNDANT in my life right now.

Its been a frustrating time, not knowing which direction I should take. 

I spend lots of time in my car and it is often the perfect place for out-loud and...well lets call them... honest conversations with my Heavenly Father.

They aren't the tradition bow your head, close your eyes and kneel down prayers.

They are more the "look...here's what's going on" prayers.

Recently I was having one of these prayers.  And in exasperation I said "I don't know what to do!  Tell me what to do and I'll do it!"

Suddenly....This song came on the radio......

Now I'm not saying God made this song come on the radio.......

But I know He helped me hear it in that moment.

The answer to my question was to be brave.

Who knows what on earth that means, but its meant I've been looking for bravery.

I saw it in a dear friend who openly admitted to having a problem and asked for help.

I saw it in a severely depressed young women who reached out to a person who might reject her.

I saw it in a young girl who was sick but went through a medical treatment with her head up and her eyes bright.

Bravery means doing something that scares us.  It means not letting our fears paralyze us.

It means going outside of our comfort zone.

Its hard to be brave.  And we can't always be perfect at it.  But lets celebrate the moments we are!

I WANNA SEE YOU BE BRAVE

Dear Boys: A Letter to Sons/Nephews

(Since I am single and not sure at this point in my life if I will be Aunt Stephie or Mama)

Either way-here is what I want these boys to know....

Shout out to Nicole Shepherd of From the Mind of Nicole Shepherd who gave me the inspiration for this post

http://fromthemindofnicoleshepard.blogspot.com/2014/02/80-things-i-want-to-teach-my-sons.html

(LOVE LOVE LOVED everything she had to say)



And so...Dear Boys of My Future


1. Hang up your clothes the MINUTE they get out of the dryer.  Cause ironing is dumb and should be avoided.

2. Don't EVER leave the house a wrinkle-ly crinkle-ly mess.  (refer to number 1)

3. Brush yo teef...no one likes bad breath and gingivitis is no bueno

4. Don't always tell a girl she's beautiful..pretty is nice too.  Beautiful has unfortunately gotten kinda trite and cliche.

5. Never be afraid to apologize.  It is not a sign of weakness.  It is a sign of strength.

6. If you feel like its something you have to hide-maybe you should reconsider doing it

7. Know that no matter what it is-you can talk to me about it.  If you are scared I'll get mad...come to me anyway.  If you are scared I'll be sad...come to me anyway.  I want to help you and I can help you.

8. Have meaningful morning prayers.  They are easy to forget about and hard to have.  But they are very protective.

9. Hold open doors...for everyone.  Its just a nice thing to do and people appreciate it.

10. Smile at people as you pass them in the halls...the store..on the street

11. Be polite to those who serve you...cashiers, waiters etc.  Even go above and beyond the thank you.  Say hello...ask them how they are....and NEVER EVER EVER think it is ok to be rude to them just because they are a stranger.

12. Remember it is just as prideful to look up as it is to look down.  Look straight ahead and focus on doing your best.  Don't compare

13. If you ever even consider a tattoo...or an earring....or something else equally stupid...Just stop.  There is no one reason for this.  The list is endless.  So just trust me and DON'T

14. Its ok to disagree with people.  But NEVER be disrespectful when you do it.

15. Remember that you will make mistakes.  But also know that rebellion is different.  Don't make mistakes on purpose.  You've been taught...now do your best.

16. NO MATTER which it is...rebellion or a mistake...you can fix it.  You can make it better.

17. You are in control.....don't let someone else push you to do something you don't want to do.

18. Again YOU are in control.  You as a person...not you as a guy.  Basically let me spell it out....your desires and passions are not who is in charge.  YOU ARE

19. Avoid ALL "back-burning".  Never keep a girl on the side/ in the background just in case things don't work out with the one you have now.  And don't allow a girl to play you like that either.  It won't be easy necessarily-but walk away

20. Speaking of walking away....much like apologizing, sometimes that is the greatest sign of strength.

21. Don't be reckless!  Its not cool to be dumb and risk getting hurt.

22. Avoid pornography like it is the plague.  Because it IS!!!!  I know you hear this all the time.  But its because it is INSANELY important.  It hurts your mind and your spirit.  It effects EVERY aspect of your life.  Please please please I beg of you.  Avoid AVOID AVOID
(and please refer to 6,7,15, and 16)

23. If you EVER DARE honk/whistle/cat-call at a girl.  I WILL KILL YOU!!!!!!!
And if you are picking her up on a date...GET OUT OF THE CAR.  YOU HAVE LEGS.  USE THEM TO WALK TO HER DOOR.  DO. NOT. HONK.

24. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.  Give both the benefit of the doubt...and then work hard to be better/help them be better

25. Allow yourself to feel.  Emotions are ok...happy sad angry.  Allow yourself to feel them all.

26. Make hometeaching about being a friend and not about checking it off a list

27. Don't allow yourself to get stuck in a rut.  Don't do the same thing over and over.  Try new things.  Find what you love.

28. Never avoid something because you think you will be bad at it.

30. I don't care what you do...just make me proud.  Do your best at whatever you choose and you will always win in my book.  Remember I love you....no matter what

With Love
From Me



Be Happy Be Healthy every one

Dear Future Fiance

I decided tonight you are going to have to propose to me twice.

Yes I am greedy and demanding....you are the one who decided to marry me in the first place.
I consider this your problem now ;)

First proposal...sweet simple and private.  Just us and a VERY WELL hidden photographer friend! (and don't show me the photos till later..I don't want it to get spoiled!)

Second proposal...big elaborate and CRAZY.  Be creative my love!  Its so fun!

Like I said...you signed up for this...have fun!!!!!!!

;D