Moneyball Part 1

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! This past weekend was one of my favorites in Charlottesville so far. We somehow managed to squeeze a lot into a short period of time—cooking, crafting, Halloweening, birthdaying, and a movie.

Saturday we saw Moneyball with Brad Pitt. Moneyball is the true story of Billy Beane, the General Manager of the Oakland As who is frustrated that his $40 million dollar payroll has to play against big leagues like the Yankees and their $121 million dollar payroll. When increasing his payroll isn't an option, he stumbles upon a young, Yale grad who has theories, calculations, analysis, and ideas about putting together a team that change everything Billy's ever known about baseball. Together, they set out to change the way the recruiting, hiring, coaching, and the game are handled and put together a team that is totally unprecedented.

The result? After a major string of losses, amidst the criticism and jeers, the As eventually get to the point of a historic 20 game winning streak. They ultimately don't make it to the World Series, but their style forever transformed baseball. Two years later, the Red Sox FINALLY won a World Series using the same strategy that the As introduced to baseball.

I hope my attempt at summarizing the movie does it a hint of justice. I promise it's a must see. Here's a link to the trailer for more. As I sat there, two themes emerged that I LOVED.

The first? Billy Beane wasn't afraid to step out and take a risk.

In a lot of ways, Billy reminds me of my boss who I admire as a true visionary and leader. She always reminds me that, "we can't keep doing business as usual and expect to see different results."

Often if you want to see real impact, you have to approach things differently and can't be afraid to shake things up.

In Billy Beane's case, he went against what all the baseball experts were saying and tried something new. With an $80 million dollar payroll difference against some of the major teams who were scooping up his major players, he didn't really have many other options. He has to step out and think differently.

Even though his moves were unprecedented, and didn't take off right away, Billy did not waver in his decision and saw it through until they started seeing the real results.

Oftentimes in our faith, God might call us to take a risk that seems totally crazy, but in the end, totally worth it. The examples I always look back on are David and Joshua.

In David's case, God told him to defeat a giant using only a rock and a slingshot. How crazy is that? People thought he was losing it, but David obeyed God. The result? A Divine Defeat against Goliath.

In Joshua's case, God told him to gather the Israelites and march around the walls of Jericho for 7 days. Do you think the people thought Joshua was a little crazy? Yet Joshua, didn't question God's methods and he diligently obeyed. The result? On the 7th day when they blew the trumpets, the walls tumbled down and the Israelites were able to take the city.

Sometimes God calls us to do things that sound totally crazy and certainly not what we planned, but we have to trust that He always, always knows what He's doing. Even when people think we're setting ourselves up to fail, even when initially we're not seeing the results we want, don't give up on God and His vision. He has a plan!

My (daughter), give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways...There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Proverbs 23:26, 18

Theme number 2 from Moneyball coming tomorrow, stay tuned!

Friday Faves!

Wilson Phillips, one of the greatest girl groups that has ever lived!

Happy Friday, Friends!

There have been some great links this week I'm excited to share!

Nester has a great post on (in)courage about Lovely Limitations

I was so encouraged by Lysa Terkeurst's post on The Best Worst Thing

Any Mad Men fans?  Sally Draper is featured on Lucky Magazine with fabulous fashion advice.  As I told my friend Anna Kate, if being obsessed with an 11-year-old's style is wrong, then I don't want to be right.  The girl has taste!

Now for a little Friday fun...Last night in honor of our birthday girl turning 27 on the 27th, we had a little "27 Dresses" theme party where each girl wore an old Bridesmaids dress.  It was amazing!  What was most glorious was the dance party that erupted towards the end.

I just love how dance parties can be such powerful therapy, don't you?!  Here in Charlottesville, I'm fortunate to have found several "dance party friends." Ya'll, I can't tell you the joy it brings to my heart to jump around and sing out hearts out to Britney, Miley, Kelly, Maria, and of course The Backstreet Boys.  And so, in no particular order, here are my "Top Five 90s Dance Party Hits":

1.  Hold On, Wilson Phillips.
This is more of a ballad, but it makes my heart soar!

2.  Tell Me Why, Backstreet Boys.
This song brings back memories.  It's as if I'm 15 again watching TRL with Carson Daly.

3.  MMMMMBop, Hanson.
Enough. Said.

4.  Wannabe, Spice Girls.
My closest love has evolved into full fledged adore!

5.  Number five is a toss up between our two Mickey Mouse Club darlings:
Crazy, by Britney Spears or Come on Over, Christina Aguilera.  Both solid classics, am I right?

So what about you, if you put together a "90s Dance Party Playlist," what would you put at the top? 

27 on the 27th!

On October 27th, 1984, the world heralded the arrival of sweet Catherine Coleman Brown.  A joy and delight from day one, Catherine wins everyone over she meets over with her kindness, love, and infectious laugh.  I'm beyond proud to call her one of my oldest and dearest friends.  She's the type of friend who is not just a friend, but as Meredith from Grey's Anatomy would say,  she's "your person"—the one you call at all hours of the day and night, the one who's allowed to come over when your house is messy, and the one you can make plans with five minutes in advance.

Alas, our story was not without its complications and nearly ended before it ever began...In fifth grade, I was a mean girl.  Pretty much all I cared about was being cool and popular. 

So when a little fourth grader was placed in a tennis class with two of my friends, I can't say I was thrilled.  This little fourth grader didn't even know all the words to Ace of Base's "The Sign", I mean really, who did she think she was?!  All ten-year-old girls should know that!  Eventually our exclusivity and meanness was too much for this sweet fourth grader and she quit the class.

I always felt horrible about how we treated Catherine, but never did anything to remedy the situation.  And so, life moved on.  She lived in her grade and I lived in mine. 

Until, as luck would have it the grades began to intermingle in middle school.  All of a sudden, we were talking more, playing sports together, in the same study hall, and going on youth group trips together...Somehow this rift that began years ago on the tennis court was no longer.  She freely and graciously gave me a second chance.   

It was a few years before we were able to joke about our tennis days (I guess I was hoping she had forgotten), but I have to tell you, only a girl like Catherine would give me another try.  If it were me, I probably would have cut me out long before our friendship ever began, but Catherine is different—she's forgiving, compassionate, and incredibly serving.

I mean, not just anyone would sign-in to Instant Messenger for me when my internet wasn't working and talk to my crush online, while I dictated what to say over the phone.  I'm not sure what she said, but he asked me to go to the movies when Catherine was doing the typing, job well done!  If that's not true friendship, I don't know what is!  

And so sweet birthday girl, on your golden birthday, I want to say thank you—for second chances, for being a friend who loves at all times, and for being a friend who is a constant source of encouragement, inspiration, and strength.  You, my precious friend, are my hero.  Each day, you blow me away with your strength, faithfulness, servant's heart, and hilarity.  Happy, happy birthday!!  

   

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Prince Edward Island via Pinmarket

"All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them...“I chose you . . .” (John 15:16). Keep these words as a wonderful reminder in your theology. It is not that you have gotten God, but that He has gotten you. God is at work bending, breaking, molding, and doing exactly as He chooses. And why is He doing it? He is doing it for only one purpose— that He may be able to say, “This is My man, and this is My woman.” We have to be in God’s hand so that He can place others on the Rock, Jesus Christ, just as He has placed us."

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Not Weary

With a few exceptions, I tend to tire of things pretty easily—I buy supplies for projects I don't even begin, I read books I never finish, I dabble in hobbies I never fully develop (in fifth grade I played the flute for two weeks before kicking it to the curb), and that fabulous top I just "had to have" doesn't look so fabulous six months down the road.   I get tired of it, and I move on. 

Clearly I have more than one issue here we could delve into regarding my personality flaws, but not today, I'm already tired of that!

I linked to this fabulous post by Nina Simone on Friday, but the Truth she brought to light for me has continued to resonate and strengthen my heart.  In a MUCH more eloquent and beautiful way (beyond silly hobbies) she depicts her own weariness and contrasts it with a God who "does not grow weary of us."

In spite of my tired, weary, fickle heart, my God does not grow weary of me.  In the midst of my abundant failings and shortcomings, my God does not grow weary of me.  Even though I (and most likely everyone around me) grow weary of me, my God does not.  Even when I'm loud and annoying, or an emotional wreck, my God does not grow weary and He does not move on from me.  What a faithful, eternal companion we have in our loving God!

"Each morning, as I rise, carrying my own weariness into another day…my assumed and asserted hope is in a God who has new mercies for me. And He does.

Yet,  I often live like someone teetering on the brink of despair...standing at the Weariness Cliff, from which I often fall…

God does not stand at this cliff. And I am so grateful.

God does not grow weary…of me.

And so I repeat the truth over and over to myself. Often out loud...my newest mantra allows me to discover the Miracle of Grace all over again…a Miracle with  enough power to  strengthen me to start living my life with generosity, and loving my people boundlessly, and getting my recycling on the curb without causing a scene."

Read Nina's full post here and for more of Nina's fabulous, encouraging insights, check out her blog.  

Man's Best Friend

Neely last year on Christmas Morning

Ever since I began working from home, our sweet dog Neely has switched her allegiance from Bernie to me and has become my little shadow.  When I'm moving, she's moving; when I'm working, she has a little spot in the corner and she sleeps by me for the day. 

Each time I come home from a work trip, Neely gets so excited when I walk through the door.  You would have thought Justin Bieber just walked into a room full of 13 year old girls! Neely. Goes. Crazy.  She jumps, she smiles, she kisses—talk about a self-esteem boost!  I know she's just a dog, but her enthusiasm is a fabulous feeling.

Neely loves both of us dearly, because we're her providers, her parents, and companions.  Even though she misbehaves (a little too much for my liking lately), we go out of our way to make sure she is cared for and well-loved.  In exchange, Neely gives us her loyalty, affection, obedience (sometimes), and lots and lots of praise.  

Last week, when I came home to my jazzed up little dog, I thought about what it would look like if I exerted the same energy and enthusiasm to my Provider, Parent, and Companion.  My God who is always with me, who continually strengthens my weary soul, who loves me despite my indiscretions, who never grows weary of me, and who constantly blows me away with His mighty hand intricately moving in the big and small details of my life.

This Master is One who is so worthy of my entire heart—my praise, my affections, and my devotion, yet somehow I find myself settling into a complacent heart and idly going through motions.  God deserves so much more than my complacency, He deserves my everything.   

Because your love is better than life,
   my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
   and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
   with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 

Psalm 63:3-5 (NIV)

Happy Fall, Y'all!

So technically we're a month into fall, but for me, this is the first long stretch of fall we've had this year in Virginia.  Hopefully the 80 degree days are gone and we can finally usher in the crisp autumn air.  I mean, there are boots, sweaters, pashminas, and tights, just itching to be worn!

So in no particular order, here are a few of my fall favorites:

Pumpkin Anything—lattes, candles, muffins, cookies, soup, orzo, decorations!  

Pashminas—ever since I was 16 and my mom and I went to this sketchy pashmina sale in a hotel room in NYC (we're kind of professional bargain hunters) where I found and fell in love with my first pashmina, I've been hooked.

Football & Tailgates—so we're not always good, but we do pull off an occasional upset.  I love UVA football, and more importantly, I love the tailgates!

Fires—there's something so warm and inviting about a real fire in the fireplace.  I'm hoping Sunday will be our inaugural fire in our little tree house.  

Hiking at the perfect temperature—as Miss Rhode Island would say from Miss Congeniality, "it's not too hot, not too cold, and all you need is a light jacket."  I love hiking when I don't have to break into a massive sweat.  

You've Got Mail—one of my all time favorite movies that must be watched each fall.  

"Don't you love New York in the fall?  It makes me wanna buy school supplies.  I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."  

-Joe Fox, You've Got Mail

So what about you?  What do you love most about fall?  

Email subscribers, click here and scroll down to leave a comment.  

In other, non-fall news, my friend Nina has a guest post on (in)courage today!  She's joining the ranks of some amazingly fabulous women like Lysa, Ann, and Nester.  Be sure to check it out!   

*All images found via Pinterest

Presentation skills 101 with a little help from Clueless and the Bible

So today, I have to give a presentation. The details aren't important, but I will tell you that ever since yesterday, I have been quite nervous. It's like all of a sudden I can't think about or do anything else until 1:30 when my time in the spotlight has come and gone. (And by anything, I mean cleaning and laundry!)

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a good spotlight, but there are some situations where my nerves get the best of me. So what's a girl to do? First take a few tips from Cher Horowitz, one of my favorite movie heroines. Look cute, be witty and personal, and keep the audience on their toes:

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Isn't she deep and profound?! But before we fully lean on Cher's poiseful prose to get us through, there are a few scriptures that I like to keep in my back pocket:

Two prayers and two incredible Truths. First, the prayers:

"May the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!"

Psalm 90:17 (NLT)

"Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Nehemiah 1:11 (NIV)

And then, the Truths:

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5,6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Do you have verses that help fight off nerves? I'd love to hear them!

Running On Empty

Yesterday I made another trek from Virginia Beach to Charlottesville.  At the end of the day, when it's time for me to go back home, I have one mission: get home as fast as possible without getting a speeding ticket.  Typically, I make sure I have a full tank of gas, water, snacks, and an empty bladder prior to hitting the road to avoid any unnecessary stops.  I race against my fastest time (2 hrs & 37 min) as I fly down 64 back to my little tree house in Charlottesville.  I'm a woman on a mission and don't let anything get in my way.


As I settled into my car last night my gas range read "180 miles."  "I'll be cutting it close, but I'm SURE it will go up a bit once I hit the highway, I'll be fine," I thought.  (Side note: this is they type of thing that drives my mom CRAZY.  When her car has 1/4 of a tank of gas left, she fills up.  Me?  I like to push the limits.)


I continued to keep track of it, doing the math in my head as I continued down 64.  "Will it be enough?  Can I make it?"  As I blew through Richmond, my range began to fall a bit.  The numbers weren't going to lie—I was just five miles short of being able to make it to my house.


As I continued to drive, still debating whether or not I could make it, I realized that no matter how fast you drive, no matter how much positive thinking you do to try to will a little extra gas in your tank, no matter how effectively you try to improve your average mpg, eventually, you reach the point where the only thing that will save you is pulling off, taking a break, and filling up from another source.  


Isn't that just like us?  We go, go, go, refusing to stop, but eventually, we find ourselves running on empty, and it's only a matter of time before we shut down completely.  To keep on going, we have to pull over, take a break, and be revived and filled up by another Source.  


Only this pit stop isn't something I need every 360 miles like my little wagon, but it's something I need each and every day.  Thankfully, our God is more than able to freely and abundantly supply us with the sustenance and energy to get each day.  We just have to pull over and ask for it.

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

John 6:35 

"Are you tired? Worn out?...Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life."

Matthew 11:28 (MSG)

"He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

Psalm 107:8-9 

A little worship on this Tuesday morning

Recently Bernie and I stumbled upon a small, traditional Anglican church in Charlottesville that we have been loving. It's definitely the most traditional service we've ever attended, but the pastor is amazing, the people love Jesus, and it's so clear to us that God is in each and every detail.

One thing that is taking a little getting use to for me is only singing out of the hymnal. I know God connects with us all in different ways, but one of my favorite ways to connect with God is through contemporary worship music. Others, can't really stand it. So, I've been searching for other ways to experience that kind of worship during the week. (Mainly in my car driving to and from Virginia Beach). Recently, I stumbled upon Brooke Fraser out of the Hillsong church and I'm slightly obsessed. You may remember her from Desert Song that I posted a few weeks ago. Sunday night I discovered a fabulous "mash-up" with her song "Like Incense" and "Step by Step." Here's a peek at the lyrics:

You statutes are my heritage forever

My heart is set on keeping your decrees

So still my anxious heart towards rebellion

And let love keep my will on its knees...

All Your ways are loving and are faithful
The road is narrow but Your burden light
Because You gladly lean to lead the humble
I shall gladly kneel to leave my pride

Here's a video of the live version. Enjoy!
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Victorious

Sometimes when you least expect it, against all odds, when the bets are against you, and expect you to fail, the underdog pulls through. And what a glorious celebration it is indeed!

It's been quite a while since Charlottesville has seen this type of celebration after defeating #12 Georgia Tech this weekend. It's nice to be reminded every once in a while that the underdogs can pull through. And when it comes to living life with our God, He always pulls through!

"The battle is not yours, but God’s...Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld."

2 Chronicles 20:15,20 (NIV)

Friday Faves

Lulu pictures are always a favorite for this Aunt!

Happy Friday!   A few favorites of the week:

I recently invested in some new worship music (it was time for a serious upgrade) and have been loving Hillsong's CD from last year This Is Our God, it's fabulous!

Also, my sweet friend Josie sent me a link via Cup of Jo to this great article on Chick Flicks written by The Office writer/actress Mindy Kaling.  What chick flick character are you?

I was recently asked in an email what recent YouTube video I've been loving.  (We like to ask random questions like what's your current hair style, what have you been eating for breakfast lately, etc. to get a better idea of what every day life is like). I didn't really have an answer until yesterday, when I hopped on elaney's blog (one of my favorites) and found this:








Have a fabulous weekend, friends!

To brown bag, or not to brown bag?

Image from Martha Stewart.  Wouldn't it be nice if she could pack our lunch each day?

Yesterday was a rare occurrence in my little office—all four of us brought our lunches!  Yay for us!  But after a little deliberation, did any of us want to eat them?  Nope!  Why would we want to eat what we brought, when right down the street was Greek salad, delicious pizza, and some of the best garlic rolls you will ever eat.  It didn't take us long to decide to pass on our lunch and head out for pizza.

I try to be good about bringing my lunch, but it's never quite as "sexy" as choosing from the array of restaurants nearby.  Even with the most delicious of lunches, I always want something else...Pizza, Thai, Greek, or Fattening, Delicious Bar Food...pretty much anything BUT my homemade lunch.

In something as small as my lunch to something bigger, it's easy to get caught up in mindset that there's always something better down the street—a better house, a better marriage, more well-behaved children, a better job, better friends, better clothes—we look at what we have and think "This just isn't not good enough; I want something better."

This can be a dangerous mindset to embrace, because no matter how hard we work to find something better, there will always be something else we want once we get there.  It's a vicious cycle that leaves us unhappy and always wanting the next best thing.  Where does it end? 

Discontentment has been something I've struggled with since I was a little girl.  When I was in 9th grade, I went on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic and after seeing the exceeding joy from people who by our standards have so little, my best friend Catherine and I embraced Paul's words in Philippians where he says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."(Phil. 4:11-13)

For Paul, it wasn't what he had or didn't have that was the source of his joy.  His joy was in the freedom and life that he had through Christ—no matter what his circumstances were.

If we're looking for delicious food, magazine-worthy homes, and perfect relationships to fulfill us and make us happy, we're never going to arrive at the contentment that Paul is talking about.  It's only when we allow ourselves to let our contentment come from God's overflowing freedom, joy, and incredible love, that we begin to learn what a satisfied, content heart truly looks like.

"Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing..."

Psalm 34:10 

 

This Is My Story

One of my favorite little pleasures in life is Pandora.  For those of you who may not know (mom) Pandora is an online site where you can punch in your favorite song, or band and then it creates a station based on similar music.  Along the way, you can like and dislike songs for an even more personalized station.

I just love how the more you use it, the more it figures out your musical likes and dislikes and the result is a radio station handcrafted for you!  Somehow, and I still haven't figured out how, a few worship songs have trickled their way onto my "Adele" station.  The first one was on Sunday and was the song I refer to as "This is My Story" or officially known as "Blessed Assurance."  I was excited this little ditty had wandered it's way into a mix of Adele, Florence & the Machine, and Duffy (all my British loves) so I immediately hit "like."  Now, about every ten songs,a different version of that song comes my way.

"This is my story, this is my song..."

I have to tell you, it's very interesting, because I've been spending a lot of time lately thinking about our stories.     

Some of our stories are messy, complicated, and painful and we think that there's no way we can make sense of it or use our stories to help someone else.  Other may seem like they kind of roll along  and we wonder what value our story could add to anyone.  But the more I think about stories, I continue to see that each one of us has a story as unique as our fingerprints; one that God is perfectly and meticulously weaving together.  No matter what the surrounding circumstances may be, we have all been given a story, and it’s up to us to share it with one another and be encouraged by how our God, who is very much alive and working, manifests Himself in our daily lives.  

But no matter what kind of story our life has created so far, at the heart of each and every story for those of us who are Christians, is this: we were born sinners, full of fault and imperfection, but God--so rich is He in mercy and love, chose to have compassion on us and sent His Son to die on our behalf, so that that we could live eternally with Him. 

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine..." 

Talk about a great story!

 

Monday, Monday

Oh Monday....Here we are at the start of another week!  I don't know about you, while I'm always sad to see the weekend end, my Mondays are typically met with a fresh anticipation, to-do lists, and a week's worth of goals:

Do the laundry that was supposed to be done yesterday.
Work out 3-4 times.
Give up sweets.
Begin reading the book you "just had to have" that's been on your night stand for five weeks.
Work on finding a hobby you enjoy besides watching TV.
If that hobby turns out to be sewing, use the fabric sitting in your closet and finally make your curtains.
Mail those wedding presents you've had since June.
Oh, and don't forget about that whole job thing...be sure to go to work! 

But before you know it, life starts moving faster than we planned and all of a sudden the list, the goals, and the grandeur wind up looking more like Lulu's latest ballet class: 
(Email subscribers click here to watch the video)

Or something like this:

Neely all sprawled out

By Wednesday, I'm tired, worn out, and somehow I've managed to not check off one from the list.  I find myself just trying to make it to Friday, resting up, and starting all over again on Monday.

I often compartmentalize God and depend on Him for some things and not for others, like how I manage my free time.  But Proverbs 3 tell us that "In ALL of your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight."

I can compartmentalize, manage, and write lists that go on for days, but without God, I'm absolutely nothing.  In the big and small things, I need Him--His strength, perspective, wisdom, and guidance.  At the start of each week, each day, each hour, and each minute, I can't forget how much I need to cling to and rely on my God.

Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?

Galations 3:3 (AMP)

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:5 (AMP

Friday Faves!

Favorite/Only Picture From Last Weekend's Festivities

Happy Friday!  This week has been a bit of a whirlwind, so I don't have many links to share, but I do have some recipes.  I am loving this semi-cold weather and it has propelled me into a major soup kick.  Over the past few weeks, I've made this delicious black bean soup from Rachel Ray and attempted to recreate Deer Valley's famous turkey chili with this recipe.  As my niece Lulu likes to say, "It's delicious!!" 

Image from Food Network

What about you?  Have a favorite fall recipe?  Sound off below! 

Thank you, Mr. Jobs

Getty Images via WSJ

"The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come." 

-Bill Gates

Yesterday, I along with many of you, learned of the loss of Apple chairman and co-founder Steve Jobs.  I was surprised to see on my Facebook and Twitter feeds how many people left statuses honoring his life and his legacy.  Though we didn't know him, in the past ten years, millions connected with him through iPods, iMacs, iPads, iTunes, and iPhones.  He is a man who has left a huge impact on our world.  

The Wall Street Journal wrote a great piece summarizing his life and after reading it, there were several things I think we can all appreciate when it comes to making an impact:

Steve Jobs was adopted in 1955.  Did you know that?  I think speak for millions when I say, "Thank you" to his parents for giving him a chance at life and a family. 

After he co-founded Apple in his family's garage in 1976, he was fired by the board in 1985.  But did he give up? Nope!  He created a new company that Apple later acquired for $400 million in 1996. 

During his break from Apple, he also had the foresight to purchase the computer graphics department of Lucasfilm Ltd. for $10 million that evolved into Pixar and was sold to Disney in 2006 for over $7 billion.  No big deal... 

By 1997, Apple was floundering and had $2 billion in losses over two years.  Who did they call?  They guy they fired in the eighties.  Did Steve hold a grudge and say, "Thanks for buying my new company, but you fired me, remember?  I'd rather take my $400 million and watch your rapid decline from a far."  Nope!  He came back and took over as the interim CEO in 1997 and it was made permanent in 2000.  There were still a few stumbles initially, but Steve Jobs didn't give up--in his last decade of life, he took those $2 billion in losses and turned Apple into the world's most valuable company at $350 billion.  

 

My favorite line from the article was this: "Those who knew Mr. Jobs say one reason why he was able to keep innovating was because he didn't dwell on past accomplishments and demanded that employees do the same."

 

Sure, we may not have the vision to found a company that literally transforms the way a majority of us operate on a daily basis, but we have all been created for a purpose.  When we were created, God  equipped each of us with unique gifts and talents.  As we continue to seek and pray through what those may be here are a few things to remember:

 

Don't give up.

 

Don't let hurts, failures, or rejections destroy your dreams.  Remember Kathryn Stockett?

 

Pursue excellence and refuse to settle. 

Don't ever get too comfortable and think you've "made it."  Apple could have rested on the success of the iPod and iTunes, but we would have missed the iPhone and iPad.   

 

Hold onto the vision and keep looking forward.  

Though it linger, wait for it;
   it will certainly come and will not delay.

 Habakkuk 2:3

 

 

 

We're In!

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

In today's world, there are so many clubs, associations, titles, labels, and statuses that we have to work incredibly hard to earn and then find ourselves working equally as hard maintain.  It's exhausting!  

But when it comes to God, we have been chosen and grafted in to His family, His promises, and His provision.  With great pleasure, He has adopted us into His own family.    That status, my friends, is something that will never be revoked, no matter how horribly we mess up.  Once we're in, we're in!

Rest confidently in the love and delight He has for you, His beautiful daughter.  

   I have called you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

Never Deprived

So this past weekend, the entire Robertson/Kraus/Williams/Everett family descended upon Virginia Beach to come together with our extended family and celebrate a major milestone for my grandparents—50 years of ministry!  It was pretty unbelievable and so cool to be a part of it all.  When I think about saying yes to God, my faithful grandparents are a stellar example.

It certainly wasn't their plan, they definitely didn't have all the answers, and they didn't even have the means to get started, but when God came knocking, they faithfully and boldly said "YES".  The result?  God has moved mightily and countless lives have been changed.  Now, over 50 years later, they've never looked back and they're still not stopping.  As my grandfather puts it, "As long as there are over 6 billion people in the world, half of them who don't know Jesus, we still have work to do."  It might not have been what these two Yale graduates originally envisioned when they said "I do", but it was so much better!  Together, they continue to live out God's adventure and answer His calling on their lives.       

I was talking to my mom the other day about life, choices, and God's plans vs. our plans.   Once again, she offered a gem of a nugget: "If you and/or your husband are answering God's call on your lives and going where He leads you, even though it might look different than you planned, you will not be deprived."  

God has plans that are full of unexpected turns, but even though things might change, He is always faithful.  Don't be afraid to say yes!   

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11

In Style

Rompers...one trend I will never be able to pull off.  Image via People

Even though I'm on a shopping fast at the moment, I still love and adore myself some clothes.  Typically, I try to stick to classic pieces, but there are always trends that I quickly buy into...in sixth grade, I went through a big sunflower phase.  I had sunflowers embroidered on my "jorts" (jean shorts), sunflower shirts, and sunflower purses.  I know, I'm totally hip!   

While we do have Audrey and Jackie who remind us of what classic style should be, usually styles are here one minute and gone the next.  Few are timeless.  

This weekend, I heard a minister tell a story of a teenager who came up to him and said, "how can you still be preaching from the Bible? It's old and outdated.  I want a newer version."  To which he replied, "Look at the sun—it's been around since the beginning of time, but I don't hear anyone saying they're cold; the sun is old, but it's still hot.  Similarly, the Bible may be old, but it's still incredibly powerful."

Isn't that amazing?  It's easy to look at the Bible and think that it's outdated, or doesn't apply to us anymore, but we would be missing out.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word of God is "alive and powerful."  In it are promises, advice, wisdom, and stories that remind us that even when we totally screw up, God is still more than able to rescue, save, and redeem the messiest and most broken of situations.

Leggings, over-the-knee boots, maxi dresses, and plaid may not stick around the fashion world forever, but much like the perfect trench, the Bible, it will never, ever go out of style.

Image from Daily Mail

Cling to it, rely on it, and embrace it.  It's way more than the perfect accessory, it's our lifeline on which we can totally depend.   

When I discovered your words, I devoured them.
      They are my joy and my heart’s delight.

Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT)