Just Because…

I opened my back door and there between the door and the screened storm door was a gift, in the package, with a note that read:

“Just Because…

Sharon”

That was back when I was a single teacher and coach living on a really tight budget.  I had been chosen, along with another coach, a few student athletes, and a Booster Club Representative named Sharon, to represent my school at a conference on sportsmanship.  This was really the first time I spent much time around Sharon.  She was a leader in the community and a very GrAcioUs and kind lady. 

A few days after the conference I came home from work one day to find a surprise at my back door.  Sharon had bought me a new FlAtiRoN and dropped it off at my house when I was in school – completely out of the blue and completely to my surprise.  She had heard me talk about my broken flatiron and took it upon herself to do something about it.

That was over 10 years ago, but I still remember this KiNd AcT that Sharon did for me.  And I ask myself from time to time what I can do for someone else… “Just Because.”

Robynn~

Who’s Your Rock?

Is the “rock” in your life a sister, coworker, friend, spouse, neighbor, child, or maybe your faith?  Who do turn to when you need good aDviCe or words of CoMfoRt? Are YOU a rock for someone? 

Having a rock (or two!)  makes life EASIER.  My “rock” is someone that loves ME unconditionally, AccEpTs my faults and shines light on my strengths. My rock puts my mind at ease and alleviates any stress through their presence.  After a bad day, there is nowhere else I’d rather be than with MY ROCK.

Have you told YOUR ROCK how much you appreciate them lately?  It is easy to take for granted the people that help us most.  This week, try to do or say something special to your rock.   You never know, this SIMPLE ACT may be perfect timing to return the favor!

~Lara

“Hoosiers” – The Challenge (Wk 10)

Whatever your dream, FiNd SoMeOnE who has already accomplished what you are desiring and learn everything you can from them.  Have such a unique idea that you aren’t sure it has ever been done before?  Then find someone who has had a unique idea of their own and then had to figure out how to bring it to pass.

The point is to find people who can InSpIrE and MoTiVaTe you.  This can come from many sources – a magazine article or picture, a song, a book, a feature story or a documentary to name just a few.  I remember my senior year of high school when the movie “HOOSIERS” came out during our girls basketball season.  Some of my teammates and I went to see it.  How motivating!  Although that was years ago, I still get inspired when I see that movie which is probably one of my all time favorites. 

Who inspires you?  What is it that motivates you?  What fuels your passion?  Opportunities and resources await.  Are you ready? 

GeT InspiRed.  Get MotiVated.  Get drEaMing!

Robynn~

Suede Sofa Makes Road Trip To “Good Ju Ju”

On Friday, June 3rd, Lara and I took a road trip from our home in rural southeast Kansas to Kansas City about 2 hours away.  The purpose:  Shop at “GoOd Ju Ju” an antique shop in downtown Kansas City.  I was specifically looking for a table for my back porch.  Come along on our journey and see what I found!

We’re almost there!!

Lara poses in front of the Good Ju Ju sign as we wait for the doors to OpEn!!

Is that my TaBLe?!

Inside Good Ju Ju its packed with items and PeOpLe!!

What a fun time we had looking around.   (And I bought the blue bench/coffee table).

InTeReStInG FaCt:  Good JuJu is a top 5 FiNaLiSt in KC Magazines “CiTy BeSt” for“BeSt AnTiQuE ShOpPiNg”.   (You can find them on Facebook.)

After we visited Good JuJu we walked down the street and hit some of the other antique shops within walking distance.  What a fun time we had!

So now, for the coffee table:

Before photo of space:

And now for the finished space:

We have already had our first meal out there. I’m sure the first of many.

Happy Antique – ing!!

Robynn~

P.S.  Thanks Cassie for the tip!!

What If…

After the devastation of the Joplin tornado and all of the threatening weather last week, I can’t help but mention that I’ve had several moments when my MIND began to ponder the “what if’s”. What if I and/or my family doesn’t survive a tornado? Although the chance of us ever being in a tornado are extremely low (I’ve lived in KS nearly all my life and haven’t even seen one!), have you noticed life can cycle through these feelings of insecurity?  I may experience the HappiesT day ever and then wake up the next morning with subtle feelings of fear, worry or anxiousness.  How frustrating!

It is easy for our minds to drift to these thoughts, but as I get older I ‘m better at ConTrolliNg these feelings.  Yes, all of the “what if’s” are frightening, but I heard a priest once say, “Worrying about something won’t add any more time onto your life.”  So true!

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I figure the only option is to stay optimistic.  I try to live each day as if it were my last, but also try and live as if my family will live to be 100.  Who knows, we may be the lucky ones that have a LONG healthy LIFE and nothing to worry about!  I just know that PositiVe ThinKing sure helps me sleep better at night.  Don’t let the devil win this battle…God gives us a life that is too sweet to waste, so make the best of what you have now. 

Optimistically,

~Lara

Write Your Legacy

The year is 2111.  Your history has been written.  What does yours say?  What is your legacy?

I think, for me, this may be the single most important aspect of dealing with an All-Or-Nothing mindset – seeing the BiG PiCtUrE.  The best way I have found to do this is to “write my legacy.”  I literally have put down on paper what I want my legacy to look like.  Here are some of my random thoughts:

  • My kids don’t have to LoOk PeRfEcT.
  • I (and my life) don’t have to look perfect.
  • My house doesn’t have to look perfect.  (Definitely easier said than done!)
  • People take PriOriTy over things – (Including schedules, my plans, etc)
  • My purpose – loving God and others

I don’t nail this 100% of the time, but I’m doing my best to hit the mark as much as I can.  Hopefully I get closer every day. 

What’s your legacy?

Robynn~

Vision Board-The Challenge (Wk 9)

To assist in making your dreams a reality, you must have a clear vision of what you want.  An easy and InSpiRinG way to document your goals is by creating a vision board.  Your vision board can include pictures, words, quotes or anything that depicts what you want to accomplish.  Do you want to improve your confidence? Hang a picture of a confident woman that you admire.  Want to be your own boss?  Display the words “SELF-EMPLOYEED“.

I recently made a VISION board for our entire family.  I actually used a picture that was hanging on the wall, took out the glass, flipped the backing to the front, and covered it with fabric!  It only took about 30 minutes and didn’t cost a penny!  Since our board hangs in a high-traffic area, we are reminded of our goals several times a day.  This helps us stay FOCUSED and motivated.  If my daughter sees something she wants in a magazine, we hang it on the board.  If we want to take a vacation, we post pictures of where we want to go.  Vision boards can be really fun!  Be creative!  You’ll be amazed at the number of things you’ll AccomplisH, all because you see it every day!!

Happy Dreaming!

~Lara