Showing posts with label bucket list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bucket list. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
#5 Read 24 Books In a Year
Hello reader! I continue my quest to accomplish every item on this ongoing goal/bucket list. One of my goals was to read 24 books this year. Reading not only enhances our vocabulary skills, opens our imagination, but it furthers our understanding of different perspectives. I love getting into a book, and reading for hours. This may sound really lame, but I read with a dictionary right next to me, so that if I pass a word I don't know, I learn what it means. I like to learn new words. Here's the two current books I started early this month!
Check it out:
5. Read 24 books in a year
The Chris McCandless story is possibly one of my favorites. I just found out about it last year, and heard there was a movie. I usually like to read the book first, so I got the book. It's called "Into The Wild" by Jon Krakauer. Let me tell you, this true story about the journey of one man in search of his soul is truly fascinating. Most people will go on vacation to get away, or get into hobbies. This guy, on the other hand, went all out. "In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25, 000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself..." The book was written by a writer who became insanely intrigued by his story, and it contains many of the real journal entries from Chris (Alex was the new name he gave himself). His story is remarkable, and I thought it was admirable, where as others might think he was insane. I find it cool that he didn't want to live the normal American life (considering he was pretty wealthy and very educated) and chose to find himself in the wild. I've learned that life isn't all about the human relations we build, but living life itself in all its beauty is much more fulfilling.
"It is true that many creative people fail to make mature personal relationships, and some are extremely isolated. It is also true that, in some instances, trauma, in the shape of early separation or bereavement, has steered the potentially creative person toward developing aspects of his personality which can find fulfillment in comparative isolation. But this does not mean that solitary, creative pursuits are themselves pathological.... [A]voidance behavior is a response designed to protect the infant from behavioural disorganization. If we transfer this concept to adult life, we can see that an avoidant infant might very well develop into a person whose principal need was to find some kind of meaning and order in life which was not entirely, or even chiefly, dependent upon interpersonal relationships."-Anthony Storr (Solitude: A Return to the Self) This was the intro to one of the chapters, and I absolutely love this quote. I too sometimes feel like my creative mind gets in the way of my relationships and normal understanding of people and the world, often thinking much deeper into things than the average Joe. Over all, it's a great book and story, and I can't wait to watch the movie. I definitely recommend it.
Next on the list, is "Healing for Damaged Emotions" by David A. Seamands. It was published in 1981, this book to me is ancient because I still remember being a little girl and seeing this on our book shelf at home and thinking it was such a weird looking book. Recently, I saw it again and thought, "hey this could actually be relevant for me now!" And let me tell you, it has been. Pastor David goes in depth of the process of the healing of our hearts, and the procedures we must take to do so. Some damages need much more attention and effort, than just the simple praying and living accordingly. The things no one likes to talk about, the scars deep down that so many live without even recognizing. I truly love how well he demonstrates stories that are relatable, and relevant to everyone. It gives so much scripture to turn to, to find places in the truth where we can find answers. It teaches how to forgive, how to move on, how to deal with the unchangeable etc. I recommend this to anyone who wants to overcome something, or just to understand that certain damages need more than the typical Christian dose of "I'll pray for you" and "everything will be fine, you just have to move on in life." It's a great book.
Check it out:
5. Read 24 books in a year
The Chris McCandless story is possibly one of my favorites. I just found out about it last year, and heard there was a movie. I usually like to read the book first, so I got the book. It's called "Into The Wild" by Jon Krakauer. Let me tell you, this true story about the journey of one man in search of his soul is truly fascinating. Most people will go on vacation to get away, or get into hobbies. This guy, on the other hand, went all out. "In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25, 000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself..." The book was written by a writer who became insanely intrigued by his story, and it contains many of the real journal entries from Chris (Alex was the new name he gave himself). His story is remarkable, and I thought it was admirable, where as others might think he was insane. I find it cool that he didn't want to live the normal American life (considering he was pretty wealthy and very educated) and chose to find himself in the wild. I've learned that life isn't all about the human relations we build, but living life itself in all its beauty is much more fulfilling. "It is true that many creative people fail to make mature personal relationships, and some are extremely isolated. It is also true that, in some instances, trauma, in the shape of early separation or bereavement, has steered the potentially creative person toward developing aspects of his personality which can find fulfillment in comparative isolation. But this does not mean that solitary, creative pursuits are themselves pathological.... [A]voidance behavior is a response designed to protect the infant from behavioural disorganization. If we transfer this concept to adult life, we can see that an avoidant infant might very well develop into a person whose principal need was to find some kind of meaning and order in life which was not entirely, or even chiefly, dependent upon interpersonal relationships."-Anthony Storr (Solitude: A Return to the Self) This was the intro to one of the chapters, and I absolutely love this quote. I too sometimes feel like my creative mind gets in the way of my relationships and normal understanding of people and the world, often thinking much deeper into things than the average Joe. Over all, it's a great book and story, and I can't wait to watch the movie. I definitely recommend it.
Next on the list, is "Healing for Damaged Emotions" by David A. Seamands. It was published in 1981, this book to me is ancient because I still remember being a little girl and seeing this on our book shelf at home and thinking it was such a weird looking book. Recently, I saw it again and thought, "hey this could actually be relevant for me now!" And let me tell you, it has been. Pastor David goes in depth of the process of the healing of our hearts, and the procedures we must take to do so. Some damages need much more attention and effort, than just the simple praying and living accordingly. The things no one likes to talk about, the scars deep down that so many live without even recognizing. I truly love how well he demonstrates stories that are relatable, and relevant to everyone. It gives so much scripture to turn to, to find places in the truth where we can find answers. It teaches how to forgive, how to move on, how to deal with the unchangeable etc. I recommend this to anyone who wants to overcome something, or just to understand that certain damages need more than the typical Christian dose of "I'll pray for you" and "everything will be fine, you just have to move on in life." It's a great book. 
Saturday, January 15, 2011
#6 Do Devotionals Everyday
Hello Blogger. I haven't posted for a while, and well I guess you can say I've been taking a vacation from my normal social life. I think we all need to take breaks occasionally from our routine lives. When you step back from people, technology, and distractions, you leave much more room to learn new lessons and find so much more about yourself, that you wouldn't have just walking through the repetitive stages of life. You need to set aside time for what really matters. I've really been taking my Bucket/Goal List seriously, and have started to really accomplish a few on it. One that I really am happy I started to do was #6.
Check it out:
6. Do devotionals everyday
I've learned how to let more God in, and more of the world out. Meditation in the word, and a dialogue with our Father is crucial for growth. I've learned to make time for Him no matter what the agenda is. To be honest, I am blessed with tons of time on my hands being home schooled. So, I'm taking advantage. I am learning a lot, and turns out I have a lot of areas that need improvement. I will never reach a stage of perfection, and I'm okay with that now. You can say all the right words, and convince yourself and the world that you are trying to improve, and are truly seeking Christ thoroughly. But it's so much more than just speaking the words, and acting the part. It's dedication, an open mind to learn and accept that we can't obtain all knowledge on our own, and will always need guidance. James 1:3 says, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." We're constantly being tested of our faith, left and right. It's how we react and how we handle situations that really proves our faith, and makes those words actions. Lately, I've been applying the first chapter of James to my life frequently. "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."(James 1:19-20) Not only is that verse amazing, but so relevant for all our lives. It's part of my instincts to want to defend myself and say whatever comes to mind, when a friend, stranger or even family says something I don't agree with. But each time I react based on how I feel, usually with frustration, it leads to quarrel and distress. In contradiction, every time I handle a situation with keeping my mouth shut, and listening to what the person has to say, and really just thinking before I speak, the outcome is a winner. You can learn a lot from just reading and memorizing scripture.
Check it out:
6. Do devotionals everyday
I've learned how to let more God in, and more of the world out. Meditation in the word, and a dialogue with our Father is crucial for growth. I've learned to make time for Him no matter what the agenda is. To be honest, I am blessed with tons of time on my hands being home schooled. So, I'm taking advantage. I am learning a lot, and turns out I have a lot of areas that need improvement. I will never reach a stage of perfection, and I'm okay with that now. You can say all the right words, and convince yourself and the world that you are trying to improve, and are truly seeking Christ thoroughly. But it's so much more than just speaking the words, and acting the part. It's dedication, an open mind to learn and accept that we can't obtain all knowledge on our own, and will always need guidance. James 1:3 says, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." We're constantly being tested of our faith, left and right. It's how we react and how we handle situations that really proves our faith, and makes those words actions. Lately, I've been applying the first chapter of James to my life frequently. "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."(James 1:19-20) Not only is that verse amazing, but so relevant for all our lives. It's part of my instincts to want to defend myself and say whatever comes to mind, when a friend, stranger or even family says something I don't agree with. But each time I react based on how I feel, usually with frustration, it leads to quarrel and distress. In contradiction, every time I handle a situation with keeping my mouth shut, and listening to what the person has to say, and really just thinking before I speak, the outcome is a winner. You can learn a lot from just reading and memorizing scripture.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
My Bucket List
Okay, so I made my goals for this upcoming year of 2011, but I want to make a new and improved Bucket List/ Goal List for my lifetime, some are near future, and some are far. Here it goes...
1. Eat something I've never ate before✓
2. Do a random act of kindness, everyday
3. Grow my hair to my hips
4. Get famous on YouTube
5. Read 24 books in a year (two a month)
6. Do devotionals everyday
7. Discover new music✓
8. Be content, completely
9. Get a job✓
10. Make someone smile✓
11. Go snorkeling/scuba-diving
12. Swim with dolphins
13. Visit someplace new✓
14. Make a scrapbook
15. Write a novel
16. Get a legit filming camera
17. Go to film school
18. Go back to Australia
19. Be nice✓
20. Spread love✓
21. Finish my documentary
22. Be a great friend✓
23. Not lose my identity✓
24. Start a drawing business
25. Exercise, frequently✓
26. Live like Jesus
27. Go to Europe
28. Learn to breakdance
29. Keep up with my blog✓
30. Not be consumed by people
31. Help deliver the gift of Salvation to someone✓
32. Meet LIGHTS (again)
34. Learn to let more people in✓
35. Get my license
36. Save someone's life✓
37. Master saying the alphabet backwards
38. Be a good sister✓
39. Become a leader✓
40. Be an example✓
41. Eat healthy
42. Go to college
43. Survive adolescence
44. To see one of the Seven Wonders
45. Swim in the Ocean
46. Forgive.✓
47. Create a Skype account
48. Make a dance video
49. Ride a gondola in Venice
50. Witness an Eclipse
51. Host Saturday Night Live
52. Learn to skateboard
53. Go on a cruise
54. Go on a missions trip to a third world country
54. Inspire someone✓
55. Expand my vocabulary
56. Learn parkour
57. Spend New Years at Time Square, New York
58. Meet the love of my life
59. Follow my dreams
60. Go on a hot air balloon
61. Go zero gravity
62. Go back to Disney World
63. Write a song✓
64. Get my work in an art gallery
64. Have a full conversation with a telemarketer
19/64 Completed
(This isn't the end of it, I will continue to add to it!)
1. Eat something I've never ate before✓
2. Do a random act of kindness, everyday
3. Grow my hair to my hips
4. Get famous on YouTube
5. Read 24 books in a year (two a month)
6. Do devotionals everyday
7. Discover new music✓
8. Be content, completely
9. Get a job✓
10. Make someone smile✓
11. Go snorkeling/scuba-diving
12. Swim with dolphins
13. Visit someplace new✓
14. Make a scrapbook
15. Write a novel
16. Get a legit filming camera
17. Go to film school
18. Go back to Australia
19. Be nice✓
20. Spread love✓
21. Finish my documentary
22. Be a great friend✓
23. Not lose my identity✓
24. Start a drawing business
25. Exercise, frequently✓
26. Live like Jesus
27. Go to Europe
28. Learn to breakdance
29. Keep up with my blog✓
30. Not be consumed by people
31. Help deliver the gift of Salvation to someone✓
32. Meet LIGHTS (again)
34. Learn to let more people in✓
35. Get my license
36. Save someone's life✓
37. Master saying the alphabet backwards
38. Be a good sister✓
39. Become a leader✓
40. Be an example✓
41. Eat healthy
42. Go to college
43. Survive adolescence
44. To see one of the Seven Wonders
45. Swim in the Ocean
46. Forgive.✓
47. Create a Skype account
48. Make a dance video
49. Ride a gondola in Venice
50. Witness an Eclipse
51. Host Saturday Night Live
52. Learn to skateboard
53. Go on a cruise
54. Go on a missions trip to a third world country
54. Inspire someone✓
55. Expand my vocabulary
56. Learn parkour
57. Spend New Years at Time Square, New York
58. Meet the love of my life
59. Follow my dreams
60. Go on a hot air balloon
61. Go zero gravity
62. Go back to Disney World
63. Write a song✓
64. Get my work in an art gallery
64. Have a full conversation with a telemarketer
19/64 Completed
(This isn't the end of it, I will continue to add to it!)
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