So I haven’t posted anything on here in ages, but I have been writing nonstop. Only it’s been me writing essays on essays on essays for scholarships. Scholarships for college, because in four months I’ll be in college. That’s crazy. It’s crazy to think how tied up I still am in my life that is only high school when in a week, it’ll be over. Time seems to go by so quickly, I can hardly keep track anymore.

A lot has happened since I’ve last posted, so I’m going to use this as kind of a “catch up” rather than anything else, because I know a lot of people that read this are family and friends interested in what I’m doing.  So I will go on a timeline from my last write up, to where I’m at now, or maybe I’ll organize it into categories, or I’ll decide as I go along. I’ll probably change my mind a few times during the process. My last post was in August, also a “catch up” post about the trip I took to Ireland. SO MUCH has happened since then. I’m going to try to keep this as orderly as possible, so I’m going to type in three categories- sports, school/art, and my future plans.

Sports

By the time I got back into the states last August, volleyball practice had already started. I’d missed two days and had to do some conditioning for it, but I figured it was all worth it ;). This year was a much different dynamic. The team was once again dominated by underclassmen, outnumbering the upperclassmen 10 to 5. We also had only one setter going into the season.. and it was me. You can imagine my thoughts behind running a 5-1 setup and having to be an all-time setter. So you can also imagine my relief when we had a couple girls evolve into great setters.

            We ended the season with a winning record, and I was left with many great memories. Even though volleyball is not considered my favorite sport, I enjoy being around and growing closer to all the girls on my team greatly. Through playing zumie zumie before games, pigging out in between the games, and complaining how hot and tired we were during games, you seem to become awfully attached to each one of your team mates. I was also blessed with having the same coach through my whole high school year, who just so happens to double as my aunt. I am extremely thankful for everything I got out of my high school volleyball experience, and as much as I hate to admit it, I will probably miss it next year (but we’ll have to wait and see about that one, so Aunt Laurie if you’re reading this, don’t quote me on that ;)!)

            Ever since last year’s basketball season, I had been not so patiently waiting for November to roll around so we could start again. I was not surprised when it took what felt like years to finally get there. I remember having a countdown to the first day of practice, I was that excited. I’m very grateful, because the season ended up exceeding my expectations.

            We start every season off with a tournament, the two years before this season we had won first. We went in this year expecting the same results and walk out with another 1^st place title. We did exactly that, completing a “3peat”. We were undefeated going into Christmas break, which is a great feeling to have. Our winning streak was ended a lot earlier than we had hoped for, though. We went into our mid-season league tournament with only one loss, expecting to make a reappearance in the championship game, but this year winning it. We fell short though, and walked away without achieving that goal. That was proven to be only a minor setback, though. We went on to beat both teams we had lost to in that tournament later on during the regular season, as well as beating a couple teams we had lost to during the regular season last year, which put us with only three losses going into sub-state. With that record, we got the first seed position. I think our whole entire Southern Cloud community was set on us making it to state this year. We had to travel two hours to get to this tournament, so I didn’t imagine there would be much of a turn out, but I was completely wrong. I was shocked to see just how many people came to support us, but at the same time I wasn’t. These were the people who had shown up to all of our home games, and sometimes away games to cheer us on, no matter what. So when we won our first round, which gave us a spot in the championship game, I wasn’t surprised at all, because of the endless support from the best fans in the state. I think our team could’ve won a game against anyone with the level of the noise in the gym that night.

            I played in the first basketball sub-state championship game of my life this year, and I will definitely never forget it. We were paired up against the team that had beat us out my sophomore year. This time we were prepared and ready to win, though. We went into the game with so much fire and hunger to make it to state, because that is what we had been playing for this whole year. It was a crazy feeling during the game and at half time looking at the score board and seeing we were ahead. Somewhere during the second half, we fell behind, and ended the game losing by three. I can’t explain how much it hurt to watch the other team run, and scream, and jump after the final buzzer went off, filled with all the joy I had expected to have, and I can’t explain how that two-hour drive home felt. I don’t think I will ever be able to think back to that game and not have some anger sparked inside me, but I am thankful I’ll be able to look back on the whole season with happiness. I can’t believe all the emotions I went through, how close of a bond our team grew, and how much we accomplished this season. We set another new record and reached new heights I never would have imagined possible, and I am so, so grateful for it all. Just like volleyball, I was blessed to have the same coach all four years, and I credit him with a lot of how my basketball career went.

            That night ended my sports career. After seven years of school sports, it has come to a close. I want to thank every girl I ever played with, every coach I ever had, all my family for making it to almost every game in that seven-year time span, and for every fan that sat in those bleachers to watch us on Tuesday and Friday nights for both volleyball and basketball. I have benefited so much through the whole experience, and will miss it all so much. I cannot wait to come home next year as a part of the fan section, instead of a player, and cheer my Warriors on.

School/Art

After four years, I am finally on my last week of high school. What a ride it has been. I have learned and changed so much in this time. I’m trying to take in everything I can in these final days. I’m looking at the desks more closely, walking the halls more than usual, and enjoying Jolynn’s amazing food while I still can. I know I will miss all and who I have come to love in my time here, but I am so excited for the next part of my life, too. Instead of being sad in knowing that I will miss it, I am thankful. I’m thankful that I’ll have a class to miss being around every day and teachers I will miss talking to. I’m very blessed for the experience I received going to school here and for all the memories this school will hold for me.

This year I have gotten down to business in art. Realizing I want to pursue it as a career, I have put in so many hours and all my focus into improving and producing. I can’t believe how many pieces I’ve been able to create and the diversity of mediums I’ve experimented with this year. I was able to compete in multiple art competitions this year, and am very happy and content with how I placed in them. Last night I participated in my last high school art show, which wraps up my high school art career. It’s hard to imagine that none of this would’ve happened if my school wouldn’t haven’t been given a grant my freshman year to start up an art program. I can’t believe my luck on timing with that. I also can’t believe my luck on the teacher we got to be in charge of that art program. I can’t explain how truly blessed this community and school is to have gotten such an amazing person to be here. I know every student could attest to this, and you can see it in the artwork K-12 has made. It is evident how wonderful this teacher is through the quality of work her students have achieved. I know without her I would not have this burning passion for art that I do, and I would not be where I am, nor would I be where I’m going. Yes, that means I have finally come to a decision where I’ll be next year for my next step of schooling.

Future Plans

The University of Wyoming. I will be a cowboy starting this August of 2017.  It took many, many prayers and talks to myself to come to this decision. In the end it came down between KSU and UW. The whole time I knew my heart was in going to Wyoming, but I put it off thinking maybe something would change. Nothing changed. Every trip I’ve taken to Wyoming I have fallen more and more in love with the beautiful landscape and the beautiful souls of people that populate the state. I think no matter what, I would’ve somehow ended up in Wyoming at some point.

I’m going to major in fine arts. The art department in Wyoming is outstanding. It was built only three years ago and is filled with unbelievable students, professors, and equipment. The whole university is unbelievable, honestly. I think I’m in love with the whole idea, and I feel like it’ll only grow in these years to come. I’m in love with Laramie and its local shops and restaurants. I love that mountains surround the town and that it still gives me a feeling of home because of how rural it is. I love how everyone talks to me like they’ve known me for years. I love the feeling of being there in general. I know I’ll be able to thrive in there, and that is what I was looking for.

I will only be focusing on art during college, which means no, I will not be playing any sports. I have had many people tell me that I’ll regret not taking any of the offers or that I’ll miss it too much to not play. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and support on wanting me to continue on with basketball, but I truly believe that this decision is what’s best for me. I have reasoning for this, I didn’t just spin and choose whatever it landed on. I ended basketball on a good note, and want to end with those good memories. I don’t want to give any other school the chance to put a bad taste in my mouth. I also will be practicing art for so many hours a day that there will be no time for basketball practice or traveling. I’m satisfied with the basketball experience I have had, and I will be okay ending it here. So thank you everyone for the encouragement to keep playing and the belief I could, but I will not be.

So that’s it! All three categories. To everyone who made it this far, I congratulate you on being able to make it through one of my long, long rambles in typing form. I hope this answered some questions and also was at least a little bit entertaining. Once again, THANK YOU to everyone mentioned above for any role you played. You are so appreciated more than you will ever know.

The Summer I Spent Losing My Tan

I’ve tried writing an introduction paragraph going on nine times now, because I have no idea how to put all my mind is thinking into words. As soon as I think of something, another memory pops into mind, and then another, and another.

As an overview, this past week I just got home from a trip that impacted my life like no other. A week in Dublin with my mom, three weeks at a school with 19 other kids, and a few days in Thomastown with family friends. Throughout the weeks, I got the opportunity to take on so many challenges that have already, and will continue to help me. I feel that I found a lot out about myself, that I grew more as a person, and now know what I’m capable of. The whole journey was so empowering in so many different ways, from hardships to some of the best days of my life. Upon arrival home, my heart is as full as it has ever been.

I once again am at a loss of words, where to go from here, because I have so much to talk about but I’m not sure how to organize it all. So I’m going to apologize beforehand for how chaotic this post will be/has already been. I’m going to try to keep it as orderly as possible, but I’m not making any promises. ;)

So I’ll start at the beginning, seems logical enough, right? The first week. My first overseas flight, my first time in another country, my first time seeing cars drive on the left side of the road. So many firsts came with this week. It started out in Dublin, doing all the typical tourist things with my mom, but ended in County Westmeath with my mom’s aunt and uncle. Within this week I got to see four different churches, meet some people that shined God’s light in an inexplainable way, walk miles upon miles, experience a type of architecture you wouldn’t believe, and ate maybe 100 slices of brown bread. It took me a while to get used to roads the size of one lane back home, stone walls separating every field as well as surrounding the sides of the roads, and the overgrowth. Oh the overgrowth, you couldn’t look in any direction and not see green, it was wonderful. Every house had a sun room, because the weather averaged 60 degrees. Every building was able to keep their windows open all day for the same reason, so there was a constant aroma of fresh air. It was a dream. At the end of the week, my mom and I returned to the airport, where I had to say my good bye to her, and hellos to the 19 other students I’d be sending the next three weeks with.

On to my next three weeks, spent mostly on a farm at a place called, “Cow House Studios”. Arguably the best three weeks of my life. I was exposed to a whole new world. I was surrounded not only by beautiful scenery but beautiful people. It felt like a retreat as much as it did a school. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed or looked forward to learning so much before this. Even with an average of maybe five hours of sleep a night, I was full of energy. To try and organize these three weeks, I’m going to split them into two topics. One being the education aspect, the other being the trips we took while there and the people I got to experience it with.

The school aspect- first off, the most beautiful studio I’ve ever worked in. I spent 7 hours a day learning and painting in a renovated barn that had skylights and stone walls. It was also fully equipped with and endless amount of paints, inks, pencils, and every other art supply you could possibly imagine. I learned more and improved my technique more than I had ever hoped going in. I thank the instructors for this. Given it was a challenging experience, it was also the most delightful one I’ve ever experienced. We had expectations to uphold, and we had the help to get there, and by the end I believe each one of us did. I got the chance to test so many new mediums, techniques, and tools in the process. 

The studio was not the only place I grew on the farm, though. Sitting in the forest, in the fields, and on the dock, also taught me a lot. I did a lot of self reflecting here, which was highly beneficial. With all the time I spent in these places, I learned more about myself, when I thought I already had everything figured out. I possibly learned as much in the time I spent with myself, as I did my time in the studio.

Onto the trips and people now. During the three weeks, we partook in two excursions. The first one was at the end of the first week to Dublin, and the second was at the end of the second week to County Cork. It was kind of funny, because when I went to Dublin, I was in the exact same places as I was the week before with my mom. This time was different though, they were both unbelievably enjoyable, but in different ways. This time round, with Cow House Studios, I grew close to a lot of the other students.

To get to County Cork the next week, we rode a bus for about four hours to the southeast part of Ireland (a town called Baltimore), where we then took a ferry to Cape Clear Island. The ferry ride itself was a great adventure. Depending where you sat on the boat, you could get soaked because of how rough the water was that day. It was like a 45 minute roller-coaster. When we got to Cape Clear, we walked about a mile to a hostile we rented out for the night. The hostile was located right on a cove that held the bluest, clearest, most beautiful water I’d ever seen. Soon after we took a long hike to the top of cliffs that overlooked the ocean. This was the most beautiful view I’d ever seen my whole life. The grass was like a carpet and the waves crashing against the rocks created a place I could easily stay for hours at a time. From the cliffs we walked to castle ruins nearby, where there was also a rainbow what seemed to be only feet in front of you. That night a few of my friends and I went to the local pub, they were having a family night where they played traditional Irish music. That made for a good time. The next day I went kayaking in the cove outside the hostile we stayed at. You were able to enter caves carved into the cliffs and listen to the waves hit the outside. I’ve been kayaking before, but never like this. I didn’t even notice my legs were going numb from the cold water, because I was constantly distracted by the beautiful scenery. The rest of the next couple days were also full of places you thought only existed on your “Travel” board on Pinterest. I had the time of my life.

The three weeks of school came to a closing that I hoped would never happen. I had some hard good byes to say that morning. I truly do believe though that I came as close to these people in three weeks as I have with friends I’ve had my whole life. I know that at some point I will get to see some of them again, and I look forward to that day. This school was a chance of a lifetime and I was beyond blessed to get the opportunity to go. I made memories and met people I know there’s no way I could ever forget.

The last few days before departure back home, I spent with a couple family friends, at a place called Thomastown. During this time I got the chance to visit Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny Castle, and eat like a king every day (soup isn’t considered a meal here, it’s a starter for another huge selection of food). The last night I traveled back to Dublin for the last time, and started my long journey home the next morning.

I had an incredibly hard time leaving. I was happy to be going home, but sad to be leaving Ireland behind. A very bittersweet moment, but the best way it could’ve felt. Overall I view this experience as one of, if not the, best experience of my life. I am so, so thankful, for everyone back home that helped me get here and everyone I met in Ireland that gave me the opportunities I had. I will continue to learn from this for years, and will have memories to look back on for the rest of my life. I hope I get the chance to travel again, because I would love to now. Once again, thank you everyone, I don’t know how to express how grateful I am, but I’ll feel it for the rest of my life.

The final hike we went on as a group. (this is only a couple miles from the farm I stayed at.)

All of us students participating in a final critique at the end of the first week.

A group photo of all the students, instructors, and their child/dog.

During one of the hikes we took in Co. Cork
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The students in the studio

Pre Departure

I am officially boarding a plane to go to Ireland in five days. I thought just last week I still had months to wait? Time flies.

My thoughts have been everywhere the past week. I don’t know if it’s the same for everyone else, but nothing ever really seems real until it’s actually here. So ever since April, I’ve known I will be overseas by the end of July, but it never felt as true as it does now. I’ve been thinking non stop about it for a long time now, trying to figure out every little detail, like the itinerary, how to get there, how long to be there, and addresses of every castle imaginable. 

The questions I get asked most frequently are if I think I’ll get homesick, or if I’m scared to go, and every answer I gave was no. I was talking to a good friend of mine about this, and he told me he left for seminary after 8th grade, and didn't get homesick because how much he loved what he was doing. I feel like that’s exactly what’ll happen to me too. Of course I’ll miss my family and friends, but I think I’ll be so absorbed in the experience I’ll forget to feel like I’m missing out back here. 

This past week though I did start second guessing my answers, I started to worry what if I don’t like it and I’m stuck there for over four weeks? I was able to push that thought out of my mind soon after though, and now all that’s left is my excitement to be there and immerse myself in every possible opportunity I’ll receive while there. You’d be surprised how many people I’ve talked to that have been to Ireland. Every single person I’ve talked to that has though, also didn’t have one bad thing to say about the trip, I’ve only heard about how green it is and how nice the people are. So this only adds on to my thrill to get there already.

I’ve decided after how many times I’ve been asked to take a lot of pictures, that I’ll be filming most of my trip to put into short videos so everyone can follow along with how it’s all going. I personally can’t wait and am getting more and more antsy with every second that passes. 

I have my beautiful cousin’s wedding this Saturday, and will board the plane the next day. I’ll keep you all updated from there. Enjoy the rest of your week everyone.

Also, this past week a man named Brian Bergkamp, a seminarian from the Wichita Diocese, died while saving a woman in the Arkansas River. Please pray for him, his family, and his friends.

Living In A Dream // The Past Couple Months of Art

I’ve been M.I.A. for quite a while now, due to the overload of events I had penciled into my planner for the past couple months. Although I was definitely stressed over all of them, they were all things I’d do again in a heart beat. The past couple months have been so exciting and full of beginnings for me, and I love it.

It all started, as you all probably know by now due to my countless posts about selling prints, with the final decision that I’d be making a trip to Ireland for art camp. With this decision, also came the realization that it wouldn’t come free of work, which I was, and am, all up for. I planned to start producing prints of most of my artwork, and selling them to help with the expenses. Sounds simple enough, right? Haha.. I thought so too.

To begin my “print selling journey” I first had to make a website that would display all of them and allow you to pay online if preferred. That itself took much longer than I had expected. Once I had my site up though, I started on the actual prints. The trial and error experienced with that whole process was UNBELIEVABLE. Having to measure and crop them as well as get the color to show correctly was a big time consumer that put me slightly behind. It’s safe to say that all the printing, cutting, and packaging, has been well worth the while though.

To help sell more prints, my art teacher (which I owe basically everything to, she’s absolutely amazing.), helped me set up an art show at the Cornerstore in downtown Glasco. This took place on the 17th of May, and it was such a wonderful experience for me. The amount of support I got, from people showing up in the first place (I was a little worried it’d end up just be my mom, art teacher, and me), the amount of prints I ended up selling, the comments I received, how many people seemed genuinely interested in what I was doing and want to see me succeed, I had the time of my life.  

I remember having the exact thought, “I can’t wait to do this for the rest of my life” when I had finished setting up. I stood at the doorway and took it all in for a good 5 minutes. I truly could not stop smiling the whole evening. Watching people walk around and look at all my pieces I had set up brought me so much joy, I don’t even know how to explain it or put it into words. I was amazed with the night. I know it may have not seemed like much to people who had stopped by, but it meant the world to me that they showed up.

I also have gotten the opportunity to display some of my art at some of the branches of the bank I work for. This also sounds like something little, but is a big step to me. I have gotten messages from people I don’t even know and am stunned by how many people have now seen my art through all of this. So I go back to the beginning where I said, it was a lot of work, but it has been so, so much worth it.

I believe that all this experience I’m getting with exposing myself to the “art business” through shows, displays, and online, is going to help me a lot more than I know/realize. That’s why I’m so grateful for the participation I’ve gotten from everyone. I see this as preparing me for what I’ll hopefully get to use as my career.

The response I’ve received from everyone is astonishing. I honestly don’t know how to thank everyone enough. I just want you all to know that every penny I’ve obtained will not be going to waste. I plan to make the absolute most of this trip I’ve been blessed with the opportunity of going on. I also plan on making a lot of videos while overseas to share all that I’ll be doing. Thank you again, everyone, for everything that you’ve all done. I can not wait to take you all along my journey with me.

Below is a link of a video I put together with clips from the show I had in Glasco.

Art Show - Glasco // 2017

Bailey and I on the 17th

Art/Art Print Info

I find a lot of joy in art, whether it be drawing, painting, or any other medium. My freshman year I was very blessed to get the chance of taking an art class at school (it was also the first year my school started an art class). I was always interested in art before that but I thank my art class and teacher for what started me on the belief that art could be more than just a small hobby, and also for helping me progress and improve in ways I could have never imagined possible. Even just looking at my pieces of art from my freshman year and comparing them to this years, it’s evident in uncountable ways.

I recently decided I would like to take my interest to a new level and attend college for an art major, although I do not know which college yet. Being that I still have another year before I go off to college, I decided to take advantage of this last summer I have in every way I could. How I decided to achieve this was spend most of my summer developing my technique and learning how to handle art as a career now. To do this, I recently applied, and was accepted, to a three week art camp that will take place at Cow House Studios, in Ireland, from the end of July through mid August. This camp is located on a farm in a small village in west Ireland, so it’ll probably have the same feel I have at home now, only it’ll be overseas. It is also a family operated program. If you would like to view their website and learn more about the camp, the summer program link is:

 http://www.cowhousestudios.com/ireland/education/art-on-the-farm.html

This camp is something I believe will help me excel tremendously in many ways, and not only in art. I will be learning more on drawing, painting, and photography. While in Ireland I will also be doing some tourism while at the camp, and on my own before and after I attend the camp. The reason I am writing this post is because I have decided to start selling prints of a number of my pieces, and created a catalogue to get an idea of what people are interested in buying and also how many prints of each I should make. I am in the process of creating a website that’ll include every project I’ve done the past few years, information on each, and all of my print options. I also have been working on a lot of typography prints but will upload those all at once later. Payment options will be by paypal for online, or if you know me personally cash/checks will be just fine and I will be able to accept in person. I have decided to start selling my prints now because all money I raise will go toward helping me pay for the camp expenses as well as the plane ticket. I didn’t list the prices or dimensions in the catalogue because I would first like to get a feel on how many people are interested and their preferences.

If you could please message me by phone, on Facebook, Instagram, or I also created an e-mail specifically for art inquiries, raygraceworks@gmail.com , to let me know if you are interested or know of anyone who would be, I would appreciate it GREATLY. I can not thank you or express my gratitude enough for all everyone has done to help me get here. I am beyond thankful and can not think of any words to describe just how much I am. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

17 Things I've learned by 17

I compiled a list of 17 things I've learned from experiences of the now 17 years I’ve lived as of today. A card I received this year read “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.”

Enjoy my list.

1. Trust in God.

Even in the short span of 17 years, I’ve learned there’s a reason behind everything you get put through. You may be going through a tough time, but remember what you’re working towards. Heaven will be worth all of the tears, happiness, and confusion.

2. Mom is ALWAYS right.

No matter how many times you checked the fridge door for milk, once your mom’s the one looking for it, it’s there.

Also, I can not even describe how right she was for not allowing me to dye half my head of hair neon colors when I was in 6th grade. Thank you, mom. I owe you one.

3.There’s always room for dessert.

Maybe you did just eat three full sized meals and can hardly move you’re so full, but when the cake and ice-cream comes out, don’t even lie to yourself saying you won’t take any. I saw a picture once that said, “Life’s short, eat the cake.” and I am a firm believer.

4. Effort is more respectable than success.

No matter how much I can’t stand hearing this over and over, life’s not fair. There can be somebody that works harder than anyone in the world and not get near the same results. I personally hold those people to high honors. Not everyone deserves what they get, and that can go both ways, but just because all the work you’re putting out doesn’t get you where you want, you can’t give up.

5. Success isn’t always noticed. 

There will always be times that you reach personal goals you may have been working on for a long time, and no one will notice. Not all success is to be flaunted though, no success ever really is. All you need is self contentment in your accomplishments. 

6. Don’t rush into anything, all good things come in time.

You do not need a boyfriend. You do not need to sell everything you own for a new car. You do not need to get a job just because everyone else seems to think you do. Chances are you rushing into something like a relationship or a job will not end well. Be patient and refer to number 1, God will give you everything you need at the exact time you need, even if you don’t notice at first. All of the best opportunities I've been granted so far have been completely spontaneous.

7. There’s always a bright side in every situation.

I feel this one speaks a lot for itself. You just have to be able to see it, and choose to see it.

8. Followers and likes are only a number, and a person is more than a number.

ARE ALL THOSE INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS GOING TO BRING YOU A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS AS THE CEO OF THE LARGEST COMPANY IN THE WORLD? NO. Post what you like for yourself, not how many likes you think it'll produce. It is ridiculous how much a person gets judged on how many followers they have. Live your life.   

9. Life looks better from behind a smile.

Smiling is the most contagious thing and laughter is the best medicine. Living life as a happy being makes for a very enjoyable time.

10. Surround yourself with people that make you a better person.

Whether you notice it or not, you form to the people you hang around. So make sure you put yourself around people you really like, or someone you want to be like. It’s always fun knowing you’re going to be with friends who make you laugh countless times.

11. You won’t remember that time you got called for a charge with two seconds left and lost the game by two in ten years.

Yes of course I love basketball, but that one play during that one game isn’t going to have any effect on the rest of your life if you don’t let it. I mean this for every sport. You may be upset with yourself and/or the world after a game for so many possible reasons that sports give, but you can’t write down you made the buzzer beater at the state championship game on a resumé. Enjoy every practice you're privileged to have, but don’t let it leave a sour taste in your mouth.

12. The real thing is always better than the pictures. Go outside. 

The outdoors are SO beautiful (I say while sitting inside on my computer), no sunset is ever the same and every time I think, “It can’t get better than this” and they always do. Nature never fails to amaze me. I feel like it’s one of the most direct creations God has given to this earth and something to cherish every day.

13. When the race is on, all bets are off.

Who cares what anyone has to say about YOUR abilities. Let them underestimate you, and then prove them wrong and walk away with a smile on your face.

14. You’ll never hear stories like your dad’s again, listen to them while you can.

The supper table holds some of my favorite memories and also holds most of my time from how many stories I’ve heard my dad tell there. I love every second and take in every word when he’s talking. I see him reliving the exact moment in his mind while he’s telling me. Savor every detail you’re given.

15. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from doing what you love.

If I gave up every time someone doubted me, I would be the polar opposite of who I am today. Same goes on if I quit doing something I had passion for just because someone else thought it was useless. Do what you love. Not everyone will always agree with you and that’s okay, someone somewhere is going to look up to you for what you do. 

16. Supper at your grandparents tastes better and is more entertaining than any five star restaurant.

“You can have one more piece!” “Don’t let that last helping go to waste.” “Here, have another one.” Whatever you say, grandma.

The best meals are always served at your grandparents house because we all know we’ll be getting spoiled rotten once grandma steps in the kitchen. When the whole family is there, you know there’ll be a show too.

17.Be thankful for each year you’re given.

I had a recent post talking about my great grandma, but if you don’t know her, she’s the sweetest soul with the kindest words and always dresses up. I’ve never heard her say a negative word about someone. She is a blessing to me, and to sum up this last thing I’ve learned, she worded it best in my 16th birthday card last year. 

“The best thing about a birthday is that it means you’re still alive. If you’ve lived as long as I have, and lost as many loved ones, you ought to not take for granted such a gift.”

The beginning of the Lenten season - 16 ideas to give up/take up

The 2016 Lenten season begins tomorrow, February 10th. This marks the beginning of a journey. Every day of course is important, but the one’s during lent are extra special. Full of repentance, prayer, and fasting. The journey begins with Ash Wednesday, which is an amazing day to partake in, and an amazing way to kick off the rest of your Lent.

When you go to receive the ashes on your forehead you hear the words, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” You may have heard them spoken (or possibly you haven’t, and if not I recommend 10/10 to challenge yourself to), but have you ever thought about what they’re really saying? They’re what was spoken when Jesus began to preach. I was reading and article online that was spoken by Pope John Paul II, and he says it better than I ever could put into words-

“Yes. Today we need to hear the "you are dust and to dust you will return" of Ash Wednesday, so that the definitive truth of the Gospel, the truth about the Resurrection, will unfold before us: believe in the Gospel. 

On the threshold of Lent, it is necessary that this perspective be opened before us, so that we may believe deeply in the Gospel with all the truth of our mortal existence. 

We are called to take part in the Resurrection of Christ. For this appeal to resound within us with all its force at the beginning of the Lenten season, let us realize what death means... "You are dust" ... "Repent! ... Believe in the Gospel"! “

I came up with a list of ideas to maybe give you inspiration or direct uses of things to give up or take up for lent. I hope you choose to challenge yourself this season, and grow closer to Jesus every step of the way.

1.) Attend mass every Sunday if you do not already. If you do, that’s great! Now try going to at least one daily mass a week in addition, many parishes offer a service time before you have to be at work/school.

2.) Read the passages that’ll be read during mass, before mass. Familiarize yourself before you go in so you are fully prepared and ready to take in the homily. This’ll allow you to experience the reading in a much different way, more intimately.

3.) Prepare yourself to be able to take full advantage of Lent, go to confession. Start on a clean slate and work your way to becoming the best person you can be, the person God wants you to be.

4.) Attend Eucharistic Adoration. Even if you can only make it once. The more you go the more knowledge you’ll obtain, and going once is a good start. If your church’s times don’t fit into your schedule, adore without the monstrance in front of you. Go to a quiet place and meditate, adore.

5.) Research. As crazy as it sounds, research can be fun when it’s on a topic that actually interests you. I’ve found myself doing a lot of research on transfiguration lately and I thoroughly enjoy learning about it. Research about the Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis started early this year. Find out why he started it early, what it even is, what purpose it serves. There’s so much to learn, it’s impossible to ever run out of things to learn about the church.

6.) While driving to your destination, turn on the Christian radio station, or even ride in silence. I’ve heard of so many people doing this and not once have I ever heard of it not having a positive effect.

7.) Once you get to your destination, sacrifice the best parking spot. Who knows how much you could’ve helped the next person out.

8.) Pray the rosary each day. If you can’t pray the whole rosary, pray a decade a day. This is something that is beneficial to the mind and soul. It allows yourself down time as it does meditation on the mysteries. This is an amazing way to kick off your day, or to end your day with, watching the sunset or sunrise.

9.) Fast. This is a very common one I feel like, giving up a certain food that you frequently eat is something I believe is a good sacrifice personally. You could also have water as the only liquid you drink. Also, instead of only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, don’t eat between any meals, ever. Which brings me to my next idea - 

10.) Do not eat unless you are truly hungry. You can go weeks upon weeks without eating, but we find ourselves eating multiple times throughout the day. I am by no means saying don’t eat, because that of course isn’t healthy, just limit yourself. I know I personally find myself eating a lot purely out of boredom or because ice-cream sounds really good at the moment, but if you’re not hungry, don’t eat.

11.) Pray for your enemies. This may seem impossible, impossible to pray for them, or maybe impossible for them to change, but never doubt the power of prayer. It is the strongest healing power in the world for all reasons big or small.

12.) Be positive. Life is such a better experience when you’re smiling. Try to not let things get you down, make a point to always see the benefit of every situation. Happiness is contagious, in just a little over a month you could effect so many people. In the words of Mother Teresa, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

13.) Listen more, and talk less. By this I mean keeping quiet with gossip. This is one of the most challenging I personally would say. I always catch myself saying little things on input of a subject, when I would never say them if that person was right by me. A way to prevent this I’ve found is to not speak unless necessary, change/avoid the subject, or ask the people you are with if they could stop talking about others (I can only imagine how much I’d be stunned but how much respect I would gain for a person if I heard them say this.)

14.) Something that ties into gossiping is social media antagonization. If you can’t say it out loud, don’t let your typing fingers do the talking for you. Do not post something unless you find it will be beneficial or inspiring to read. If you’re having a problem with someone, take it up with them personally. Talk to them directly and you will find you accomplish a lot more this way.

15.) Thank God more for everything you’re given. Every second of life is a gift, put it to good use.

16.) Adventure more! Try to go outside your every day to day routine. Do extra or do less, just something to switch things up, something to get you out of your comfort zone every now and then. Getting a new perspective on thing can be refreshing.

Those are all the ideas I’ve heard or thought of, I hope you get some use out of them :). I also hope I did not offend anyone with the proposal of any of them, I’m not directing them at anyone. I have participated in each scenario, I am not trying to say I am above anyone. THANK YOU everyone for reading and I hope your lenten season is a GREAT experience!!