Pay It Forward

If you've ever seen the movie "Pay it Forward" you know it's about a young boy who decides to help change the world a little at a time through a process called 'pay it forward.' It's the idea of doing something for someone in hopes that they will pay it forward to three more people, which begins a chain reaction. Now I'm not going to talk about or give away the movie, but I want to linger on this idea of paying it forward. Have you ever heard of someone paying for the person behind them in the drive-thru at Starbucks? Then each person following keeps it going and it becomes a day long thing? That is an exact example of paying it forward. What if, instead of paying someone back for a favor they provide, we paid it forward? Could the world change?

Try it this week. Start simple. When you're out, why not smile at someone you normally wouldn't even look at? Or how about randomly giving someone a gift, then asking them to pay it forward. Or go for the Starbucks idea and pay for the person behind you in a drive-thru. We may not see the results each one of these can have, but I guarantee it will prompt others to be generous and 'pay it forward.' It's been said that a smile is contagious. Just think about how one smile given to someone can travel around your city from person to person the entire day. Just because we may not see the impact one small act can make doesn't mean it's not worth it. Show an act of kindness this week and let the world flow with it. See how the atmosphere of your day can change. From my experience, I can assure that not only will the person on the receiving end will be blessed, but you will too.

(this was taken from a post I did last year for the Hoops of Hope blog)

2010: A Year of Random Adventures

2010 made its reputation as being a year consisting of random happenings, a handful of ‘firsts’, and a bit of globe trotting. To bring 2010 to a close, here is my year in review (just some of the positives):

• Visited the bustling city of Cairo, Egypt with 7 other young women
• Taught on Proverbs 31:10 toa room full of Egyptian Christian women
• Found myself stuck in a hotel elevator in Egypt with 3 of my team members
• Visited Times Square in NYC for 2 hours on our way back from Egypt
• Got to reconnect with seven of my friends from around the world that I met Australia
• Got to be a bridesmaid for the very first time at my close friends’ wedding
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• Attended six weddings
• Saw the close of the Third Format service at Central Christian Church, but began a new adventure drumming at the new Queen Creek campus
• Began my Bachelors program at ASU
• Went on my very first roadtrip to California with some girlfriends
• Saw the sights in Seattle, WA and Vancouver, Canada
• Turned 21 and celebrated with midnight bingo at the casino
• Saw the ending of the tv show, LOST after 6 years of airing
• Held a newborn for the first time and learned howto take care of him
• Experienced country artist, Dierks Bentley, and rapper, Chingy, in the same concert
• Won a Cardinals package complete with a signed jersey,on-field pre-game passes, and game tickets
• Attended two Oktoberfests and 1 Greekfest
• Worked part-time at a costume shop
• Dressed up as Flo from Progressive for Halloween
• Had my go at slot machines at the casino: Too confusing...
• Regretfully sat through a timeshare presentation
• Went on a quick jaunt to England to see my close friend from Australia get hitched
• Got braces and then got them off 8 months later
• Caught my first bouquet at a wedding. You know what that means…
• Transformed my “little girl” room into a travel themed oasis
• Observed a meteor shower in Mesa and survived an earthquake in Gilbert
• Witnessed a school bus full of canines
• Met one of the contestants from “The Bachelorette” at the Seattle airport
• Lastly….ended the year happily twirling giant Q-tips at the Fiesta Bowl Parade…. Something that only happens once in your lifetime

A Baby Changes Everything

A lot of us may find pain amidst the joy at Christmas time. While it's 'the most wonderful time of the year' many people come across hardships during this season, whether it be the memory of a lost loved one, financial downfalls, or just plain stress from the pressure of buying gifts and cooking dinner. In a time where there should be the greatest joy, one can find great sorrow, fear, or confusion. When I look at the story told about the coming of Jesus Christ, I see that Mary was one of those people experiencing a hardship in this time. You see, as a young woman engaged to marry the love of her life... a time when so much joy seems to surround her, an angel comes to Mary and tells her, you will be with child. Can you imagine for a minute the depth of confusion this girl must've experienced hearing those words. I mean, her next phrase tells it... "How can this be since I am a virgin?" Yeah, how? That's the exact response anyone would have! I can imagine those next few minutes as hundreds of thoughts and emotions race through Mary's mind and soul. "What are people going to think? How will my parents feel? And Joseph? Oh God... Joseph... I don't want to lose him because of this!" Many of us would do everything in our power to let this not happen by arguing with God, questioning Him, and thinking "why me?" I think that is often our response when God tells us something so completely out of our comfort zone and understanding. We initially become fearful... at least it happens to me. Yet look at what Mary says in response to what she was just told, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Wow. That's.... unexpected. Inspiring. Hard to understand. In a time of great confusion, uncertainty, and fear of being shunned by society, Mary, a young girl in a small town in Bethlehem says, "Okay Lord, I trust You. I am Your servant. May Your will be done in my life, even if it means being pregnant and looking like, to society, that I was unfaithful to Joseph." Mary is my inspiration during this time. She inspires me to be fearless, to have faith, to trust God even when it's difficult. Because look what came from her obedience... the Savior of the world.

I Wish You a Melodious Christmas

In honor of the Christmas season that's fast approaching, I thought I'd share some fresh Christmas music to replace the many wretched songs that we've heard a gazillion times on the radio. Anyone else sick of hearing the same stuff over and over and over again? These are some of my favorites this season and I hope you'll enjoy supporting upcoming artists along with me.

For the hopeless romantic: Dave Barnes 'Very Merry Christmas'
This album is filled with a mixture of poppy, fun traditional Christmas tunes and rich, soulful, 'makes you want to have a glass of wine and fall in love' tunes. Dave not only sings our fave Christmas classics, but he serenades us with some of his very own songs that communicate the importance of Christ, family, and love during the holidays. In fact, right now K-Love Radio Station is giving its listeners a free download of Dave's "The Christmas Song." Take advantage of the offer while it lasts! For the full album on Itunes, click here.

                              

For the Jesus worshipper: Phil Wickham 'Songs for Christmas'
Phil Wickham simply never lets me down, and his Christmas album has exceeded my expectations. The album sets the tone beginning with an instrumental Prelude, a heartwarming introduction that feels like you're being wisped through enchanting snow covered streets and watching the smiling faces of every family in their homes celebrating the beautiful birth of Jesus Christ . As a worship leader and contemporary Christian artist, Phil sings each tune with incredible depth and soul. He leads us into the worship of our Savor's birth. If I could use one word to describe Phil's unmatchable vocals and indie-pop worship style on this album...I would say it is magical. This album can only be downloaded on Phil's website, philwickham.com.

                             

For the Indie lover: Be Still 'Sounds Like Snow'
I unexpectedly came across this album while searching for a solo artist on Itunes, and was pleasantly surprised. The harmonious voice of Lauren Zettler and abnormal blend of acoustic instruments on this album makes it a calming and delightful set of timeless holiday classics. If you have any interest in Christmas songs done by a ukulele, mandolin, or glockenspiel, then this is just the album for you.  Download the album here on Itunes.

                            


For the happy at heart: Paulina Cerrilla & Douglas James 'Christmas Ain't the Same Without You'
These two artists are YouTube-inspired performers, meaning they got their start on Youtube by posting several covers of popular songs of today. They recorded a Christmas album for this season, which is featured on Itunes. The vocals between these two mix so beautifully, it's hard to pass up listening to and viewing some of their covers. I'll be honest and say some of their videos feel a bit awkward, but their vocals are fabulous and worth listening to! Check out their YouTube Page!

                            

Hey Now, This is My Desire

In the last few years, I've gone through two different blogs, "Be the Change" and "Travel with T." While the first one I kept up with quite well for the first few years, I've seemed to abandon a bit. I wanted to start over with a new blog featuring a new design, name, and concept. I will keep my travel blog, due to its specific topic and similarity to my studies in school, but here's to a fresh start on something new.

This blog "Something Beautiful," will be an attempt to seek out things that inspire me, whether it be words from God, talented musicians, quotes, stories, etc. My desire is to see something beautiful in my lifetime, and I don't believe that will be one specific mind-blowing event, but various little wonders that occur all around me... occurrences I may sometimes need to open my eyes to see. The title was inspired by the song by a band called NeedToBreathe. In it, the lyrics say, "Hey now, this is my desire. Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful..." I hope and pray that as I jump on this idea, God would consume me and cause me to see the "something beautifuls" of my everyday life that will inspire me to live a life of beauty, creativity, and inspiration.