If I could do anything

Every so often I like to dream about what I would do, if I could do anything.

I don't mean "anything" like when you're a kid and you wish you had super powers and could fly or shot laser beams from your eyes. (Although I would be one of the first to sign up for super powers, if I could.) I mean "anything" in a more realistic sense, as in any job or career.

There are a lot of things I'm interested in, and would love to try my hand at. Some are just whims, that I'd want to try for a year. For example, I think it would be fun to be an interior decorator. I'd love the chance to put together fabulous rooms, using paint colors, furniture and decor. Or be a florist and work with an array of flowers to make beautiful arrangements. I also would like to go to cosmetology school so I could learn cutting techniques and how to mix and apply perfect hair color.

Others are more serious, things I think I would like to do long-term. One of them is being an editor at one of my favorite magazines, and do things like brain storming ideas, interviewing and writing full-time. The other is being a travel journalist, so I could visit all the little corners of the world and write about them, but get paid to do so.

If you could just jump into a job, anything you were interested in doing--even for a short amount of time--what would you do?

Grabbing the bull by the horns

I'm usually a fairly easy-going, peaceful person. But if you push me into a corner, I'm not going down without a fight. I'm going to come out swinging. 

Over the past month and a half, I've felt gradually pushed into a corner. It made me anxious and agitated. The frustrations consumed me and I found myself complaining constantly.

But about noon today I had had enough. Enough of being anxious and enough of my own complaining. So I faced the person I was afraid of, the person who was making me so anxious.

My heart was practically beating through my chest, but I did it. My reasons were twofold: 1. I wanted to show this person I can be assertive and to not overlook me and 2. I needed to fight for my own well being and confidence. I let this person chip away at my self-worth, and that is a dangerous thing. 

Today I grabbed the bull by the horns, and I feel stronger and better for it. 

When Life Turns Upside-Down

Romans 8:38-39 TNIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Beauty and Ugliness of Politics

The dynamics of this year's presidential election is exciting to me. It is certainly on its way to being the most interesting political race I've experienced in my lifetime.

I love that we have the freedom to vote. I'm glad I live in a democratic country where we have the opportunity to choose our governmental leaders. I see it as both an honor and a responsibility for American citizens.

But I also hate politics.

I hate the mud-slinging, and nasty accusations. I hate the heated arguments that are caused by them. I hate how different political views can create rifts between family members, friends and colleagues.

The freedom to choose - to vote - is a beautiful thing. But sometimes it makes us say or do ugly things. I pray that this election season you have wisdom to discern the candidate you believe will be the best to lead our country and the grace to accept those who believe differently.