5 Reasons Why You Need to Take a Spontaneous Trip.

Hello Friends,

As some of you may know, a few weeks ago I wrote out a bucket list for things I want to try to accomplish this year.  One of the items on my list was to go on a spontaneous trip without making any plans.  And that is what we did.  My friend and I got in the car and hit the road.

We ended up driving down to Port Aransas, Texas for the weekend and had a blast at the beach (which was also on the list).  Part of why it was such a fun trip was living moment by moment without feeling pressure to move onto the next activity purely because it was "scheduled".

So, here are 5 reasons why I think everyone needs to go on one spontaneous trip where no plans are made:

1) You are able to fully embrace each moment for what it is.  The clock now really has no meaning.  If you wanted to sit in lawn chairs next to the beach for hours, you can do it.  The ticking of the clock to remind you it will end soon, is no longer a factor.  You can stay right at the shore all day if that's what you want to do.  What a beautiful feeling.

2) Expectations of how the trip is supposed to be like completely vanishes.  When plans aren't made and you choose what you do when you feel like it, it leaves you stress free with total freedom to change your mind at any point.  We have all been there when we make vacation plans months in advance and when the time comes to actually go, if those items do not come to pass, there is somehow a sense of frustration and disappointment.  Isn't the point of a vacation to relax and enjoy what you're doing with good company?  When expectations are gone, you really can only go up from there.

3) It helps us give up control.  We live in a world where we NEED to know what we are doing, when, where, and how.  Sometimes letting loose and giving up control helps remind us it is the simple things in life that matter. 

4) They create for some good memories.  Because plans and schedules are not made, it leaves room for the unthinkable to happen and those are the memories that will keep us talking for years to come.  Those are the stories worth telling.  You may be reminded of these times when someone starts a sentense with, "Remember that one time...".

5) It is not the trip that really counts, it is who you share life with.  Some of the most memorable trips I have taken have been with family and friends who hold a special place in my heart.  Of course the places and things we have seen and done are memories I cherish, but it is the people that really hold value to those memories.

I encourage you to let go of control and just go.  The sooner is always the better.  There is nothing more freeing than getting in a car with some good friends, popping in that mix cd, and get on the way to your next adventure.

There is no better time than now.

We Out Here Fishin'.

So.  I just want to take a moment to share that I have the coolest little sisters in the world.  Seriously, my little sisters rule.

Today, we went fishing and decided to document it.

Enjoy.

The Art of Wood Burning.

So, today I spent most of the day learning how to burn wood.  The art of wood burning.  I am not sure the correct terminology, but either way I did it today.  First item off of my to-do list.

And it was awesome.

It took a lot of time and patience, but I loved trying something new and something completely out of the ordinary.  Here is a video for you to watch and some photos of the finished products.

Enjoy.

My To-Do List.

Life after college is a strange one.  It pushes you into adulthood whether you are ready for it or not.  I have learned many things being in the real world and thought I'd share what's been on my mind recently. 

One of the things I have learned is time is precious.  Time flies.  Time moves.  Time pushes everything forward.  In a blink of an eye you are going to ask yourself where the last 5 years have gone.  What about the last 10?  I don't want to live a life where time is gone and I haven't taken advantage of the adventure that was right there in front of me. 

So, here I am publicly saying things that I want to do and improve on for this year.  You may be asking yourself why I am doing this.  Well here it is.  I want to share my adventures with you.  Yes you.  I want you to be a part of it.  So, here is my list.  Take it or leave it, but I am going to take life head on.  So what do you say?  Are you game?

I want to go country dancing.
I want to go on a spontaneous trip where no plans are made.  Just get in the car and go.
I want to learn how to burn wood and make art.
I want to spend an entire night outside looking at the stars in the middle of nowhere.
I want to go to the beach.
I want to spend an entire day at the river sitting in my hammock.
I want to get on a plane and visit friends I haven't seen in years.
I want to learn how to play the banjo.
I want to giggle more, laugh more, and laugh so hard I cry.
I want to go bow-fishing and deep sea fishing.
I want to be kissed at midnight on New Years Eve.
I want to write a song and sing it.
I want to go to a hockey game.
I want to spend an entire day without looking at my phone.
I want to learn how to make a pie.
I want to take more photos with and of people and places I love.
I want to stop comparing myself with those around me. 
I want to write more letters to people.  Simplicity will always be timeless.
I want to take a cake decorating class.
I want to pick an entire bouquet of flowers from a field of wild flowers and give it to someone.  Just because I can. 
I want to live with a spirit of wild abandon.
I want to have a moment where I have 20 seconds of insane courage.  Just 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery.
I want to make a difference for the Kingdom.
I want to love and care for those who are the nameless, faceless, and Fatherless.
I want to think more of others and less of myself.
I want to be a difference maker.
I want to see beauty in anything and everything.
I want to make compassion second nature and love my everyday attire.
I want to live a life full of adventures that leaves a legacy that is glorifying to my Savior.

My Story. Your Story. Our Story.

It has been a while since my last post, but in all honesty I think it's because I have been learning so much and I didn't really know how to put what I was learning into words.  I thought maybe it is time I try to share what has been on my heart for the past few months.

Recently I have been struggling with the concept of what it means for us to be men and women of God who are all so different, yet we are supposed to live in community with one another.  Why is it that we can begin to feel alone even if we are sitting in the church pews?  It all boils down to relationships.

We all have stories; our stories have shaped us and molded us into who we are today.  Some may struggle with their "story" and feel embarrassed or ashamed, but I find so much encouragement in the past because it can be used in a mighty way in the future.  We have all gone through hardships and we feel like there is no one on this planet that will ever understand what it feels like.  No one is going to understand how it all came to pass.  People are going to judge me or hold it against me.  God could never forgive me, how could other people?

I think we need to change how we look at our pasts and refocus on how we can allow the Lord to use our pasts to be used for something far greater than we can ever imagine in the future.  I believe that the Lord does not desire for us to hurt or feel "lost", but if we allow Him to work in us, He can show the light in what we see as our darkest times.  Don't allow the past to stay in the dark, because the dark can creep up when you least expect it.

But that is what is so amazing about grace.  The Lord takes our past and wipes it clean if we just give it all to Him.  He doesn't keep any records or remembers the countless times we mess up.  He makes us new every day if allow Him to work in and through us in this everyday adventure.

Why do we allow the enemy to use our past to haunt our present and future?  Why not take our story and share with others to glorify Him?  Sometimes all it takes is a conversation that can change the trajectory of someone's life.  Becoming vulnerable and honest with others about what we have gone through may be what someone needs to hear.  Share with others how the Lord is taking your past and shining through to your future.

We were created to be in relationship with one another.  God never intended us to live life alone or isolated, and I honestly believe that is where the enemy can do the most damage: when we have become isolated from the family of God. 

Text someone today and tell them hi.  Ask them how they are doing.  Call them and say you want to finally grab that coffee you've always been talking about.  Do something.  Be proactive in sharing your story.  Be courageous.  Be bold.  Be love.  Be in relationship with others and build the community we all want and need.

Who knows, your story may be the introduction of Christ to someone.

Short Girl Problems.

Okay.  So, I have spent my entire life being short.  If you know me I am short; if you don't know me, all you have to know is I am short.  You all think it is so adorable and funny how short I am as if you have never been my height before.  Well, let me remind you, you were my height once too.  Hey, I am not hating on all you 5 feet and plus people or anything.  I like who I am.  Actually, I love who I am.

But in case you have forgotten what it is like to be my height, I just want to touch base on a couple of things:

1)  I am not in junior high.  I am not in high school.  Nor am I in college.  And no, I did not graduate at an insanely young age.  I know you're laughing now because I look "young" and all, but let's see who is laughing when we are 45 years of age.  Yeah.

2)  Cabinets, closets, and pantries were made for giants.  How about next time you can't reach something, I just sit, point, laugh, and tell you to get a ladder.  Trust me, it does wonders for your self esteem.

3)  Yes I have small feet.  And yes I can buy kid shoes.  My shoes are half the price of yours.  Who's the sucker now?

4)  Let me stand in the front at the concert.  Your view will not be disturbed.  You won't even notice I am there.  Help a sister out.

5)  If you run into me because you "didn't see me down there", you can at least apologize or something.  No need for the giggles.  Didn't your mother teach you anything?

6)  Jeans?!  You want to go jean shopping?!  How about I go stick a needle in my eye.  That would be 95% more enjoyable.

7)  I love to hug.  But I apologize in advance if it turns into a side hug.  Don't take it personally.  It is an across the board rule.

8)  You want me to order a kids meal for you?  Sure.  I would absolutely love it if you could order off the senior discount menu.  It would make me the happiest girl in the world.

9)  WHAT?!  I am short?  Thanks for letting me know.  I completely forgot that I live in the land of giants.  I really needed that daily reminder.

10)  Yes I can reach the pedals.  Yes I sit on a pillow when I drive.  And you can bet your bottom dollar that I have the most comfortable seat in the car.

11)  I am allergic to the floor, so sitting in chairs really helps me out.  No need to worry about me.  It is all good.

12)  Short girls throw other short girls under the bus.  The moment they find another girl who is shorter than they are, you become their best friend because they feel tall around you.  As if one inch is THAT big of a difference.  Pft.

13)  Just because we are taking a photo, doesn't automatically mean I am in the front.  I can go stand on that chair in the corner.  While we're talking about taking photos, there really is no need to take a "raising the bar" photo.  That fad is long gone.

Life is beautiful.  Go hug a short person.  Go hug on a tall person.  Just go hug on someone.  It'll make their day.

Have a happy Friday my friends!

The Insta Challenge: Photo a Day.

December 1st, my sister-in-law Sara talked me into doing The Instagram's "Photo a Day" challenge.  For those who do not know, The Instagram is a social media avenue for friends, family, and strangers to share photos of all the happenings in their life.  The challenge goes as such: every day there is a given theme and the participant is supposed to take a photo corresponding with the word or phrase that is given.

I have always been slightly weary of doing one of these things, not because I don't like it, but I just don't have to patience for these kinds of activities.  But I thought, hey why not?  It is Christmas time and I should have things to take photos of, or so I thought.

Here is the list of all the days and the corresponding photos I was required to take:

1. Red                                        11. Green                                 21. On the Door
2. Where I Stood                       12. Joy Is...                              22. Sparkly
3. Silver                                     13. Composition                       23. Tradition
4. Tiny                                       14. Drink                                 24. Wrapped
5. In the Cupboard                     15. Lights                                25. Best Bit of Your Day
6. Shadow                                  16. Makes You Feel Merry      26. Where You Slept
7. 6 O'Clock                               17. Tree                                   27. What You're Doing Now
8. I Shop Here                           18. Big                                     28. Something Awesome
9. This is the Weather Now       19. 'Tis The Season To..          29. Reflect Best Bit of 2013
10. R is For...                             20. I'm Listening To..              30. You
                                                                                                   31. Celebrate

So, I decided that I was going to try this.  I was going to take a list and be as creative as possible with my photos so I can share with the rest of the world.  I felt like I was beginning this awesome challenge and I needed to dominate.

But I have a couple of confessions to make: 
1)  I didn't do all 31 days during the challenge.  The 6th day, I had my wisdom teeth taken out so I did not participate on "shadow".  But after an event like that, I don't think anyone can really be creative with taking a picture of a shadow.  I mean seriously.  I also didn't do "where I slept" because who wants to see a photo of someone's bed?  Man, I am such a rebel.
2)  I couldn't keep track of the days.  I did not post "Day 27", but posted two "Day 28s" instead.  Each word/phrase for the day was numbered.  How I lost track of the day is beyond me.
3)  I thought some of my posts were more clever than they actually were.  I really do crack myself up.

Towards the end of the month, I began to lose my "oomf" for this photo challenge.  I have always had a love for photography, but this was a whole different ball game.  This was work.  This was commitment.  A crap ton of it too.

I began to realize I didn't want to have to "search" for the best photo to post on The Instagram.  I didn't want to be put in a small little box.  I didn't like that I felt like I couldn't post things that I wanted to post.

Then it hit me.  Hit me hard I tell you.  In the midst of this challenge I began to recognize God in everything.  I began to see that His hand is everywhere, even in the smallest of things.  Why is it that I didn't see it before?  Is it because this little electrical box is always glued to the palm of my hand?  Is it because I just want to take a photo so I am able to receive insta-affirmation that what I like/do, people like too?  Am I too consumed with other things that I can't look up to see around me?

We all get so wrapped up in social media and our lives that we forget to recognize the little things that God loves and does.  We need to learn to appreciate the little things and cherish them.  And maybe leave it at that.  I don't think we need to be Instagramming this and Facebooking that.  Yes, it is fun to share life's moments with others, but sometimes the best memories are those you can keep close with you.  Cherish the "awwww" moments.  Simply hug on others.  Take in the beauty of this world and give thanks.  

Here are a couple of photos of December's photo a day challenge.  If you like these pictures, please feel free to check out the rest of my photos on The Instagram (@angelamardock).  I think they're fun.