Project 21 Day #9

Awhile ago, I made a bucket list and since I have made it; I have done quite a few of the things on it! Below are 21 things I have done off my bucket list.

1. Ran a 5 K: My first one was my Freshmen year. I have ran quite a few of them since then.

2. Grow vegetables from a garden: I help my parents with their garden, and I have really enjoyed the process. I hope to have a garden of my own some day.

3. Learn Sign Language: Rochester has a high deaf population and slowly, I am beginning to get better. I can almost carry on a conversation on now with little help!
4. Start a non-profit organization: This offically happened in High School with A Hope 4 Lyme!

5. Spend a weekend at a monastery: I also completed this my Freshmen year of college... There is just something so peaceful about spending a weekend there!
6. Walk to the top of the Empire State building: I did this with my parents a few summers back and it was incredible. It's so crazy. I don't really like heights that much... So this was pretty crazy and scary. But I thought it was really neat to look down and see the taxi's... They looked like matchbox cars!
7. Buy a stranger a meal: I have done this a few times. The surprise the one guy had was pretty incredible. He was so thankful.

8. Read an entire book in one day: I read Rob Bell's Sex God in one day this past summer. It was a pretty good book! Came with high recommendations from June.

9. Learn how to knit: Last year I got so much better at knitting! I made a few scarfs! It was very therapuetic. I hope to learn to make hats next.
10. Get my license: I got my license out of necessity really once I started working at the hospital... And I was finally seizure free! I got it on my first try!!

11. Receive flowers for no reason: My mom ordered them and then had the flower shop down the street call me and have me pick them up! I was super surprised and very thankful. I love fresh flowers.
12. Piece a quilt: I finished my first quilt this winter; for a friend who has been sick in the hospital. It was very fun and quite easy. I was really surprised!

13. Laugh until I cry: I actually have done this a lot over the past few years and it's funny to think I hadn't done this when I made out my bucket list.

14. Go six months seizure free: Woo! I finally accomplished this a few summers ago and have completed a year seizure free!! YAY!
15. Take up Photography: I actually have gained a lot more skill... But still have a long way to go! I am so blessed that I also got to shoot a wedding this past summer!
16. Simplify my life and learn to live with less. Over the summer I also got to live with no internet or TV among other things as I lived on my own for the first time. It was quite the adventure!!

17. See a shooting star: Over the summer, I got to see a shooting star while I was at a camp fire. It was so significant to me... Like a secret message to me alone from God!

18. Start a successful bible study. This fall, I got to know, and grow with a small group of friends that were truly incredible. I am really glad that I was able to experience the atmosphere. It was more prayer group than bible study... But I think it counts.

19. Keep a blog up and going for one year. It has been up, it's been going... I don't know how faithful you would consider me! You can be the judge.

So, I quickly realized that I haven't quite made it to 21 things off my bucket list! However, I came pretty close. Here are two things that I am getting closer to completing in the next year:

20. Go to all 50 states!

21. Get a college degree.

The 21 Project Day #8

I thought (I re-read this post, today... After writing it at 1:00AM this morning and accidently saving it as a draft... I had a lot of confusing errors! Opps!) have been thinking about dreams and what I could potentially do in this world. People constantly talk about their dreams and ambitions... I have always worried about not being realistic enough. How I need to have this picture perfect life and everything in order. I hear about these other people with dreams of doing crazy things, traveling the world and experiencing all sorts of stuff! I always think: I wish I could do that. And lately, I have began to change my thoughts into a new thought... Why not?

Why can't I do what I dream about? Here I am, now, 21 years old... (crazy right?! I am 21 years old today! ahh...) And I have soo much on my side, if I can dream it: I can achieve it... I believe that and now let's put it into motion, eh? (The order of these dreams aren't in any order of priority or desire, just when they popped into my head.)

1. Work on Capitol Hill. Summer 2011 I went to capitol hill to lobby for Israel on Capitol Hill and I had a blast. It was totally crazy to feel the energy there and just to know that you were part of something much bigger than yourself. Knowing that you were in our country's capitol was crazy to me! We have a country to be proud of and I really am proud to be an American citizen... One day I would love to work there, even if it's just for a summer internship or something! Wouldn't that be so cool?! I think so!

2. Become an author. I would really like to finish my book by the time I graduate from college. It is so close to being done... Just a little further... It seems like it is taking eons. I am really excited to get it completed though! Maybe some day it will be a best seller? Who knows!!

3. This is kind of linked with #2. I would love to be an inspirational speaker and get people pumped up for things. I don't really know what that's called... However, I have a heart for women. Maybe I am a little bias because I am one. Who knows! BUT: I just wish that we, myself included on this! Could really realize and grasp how BIG our God is and How incredibly in love with us He is. I still can't grasp that... However, I would love to travel the country and get people excited about life! Since, hey: I am pretty excited about it! :)

4. Travel to all 50 states! Seriously, I want to go to all the states and see this country! I would love to see all there is to see and just experience our country. Experience the culture and the people and the sites. There are some really beautiful places in our country! Just sayin'.

5. To bike 100 miles! I know that sounds crazy... But there is this thing called: Team In Training and they do this thing where they ride 100 miles. There is one in CA this JUNE! I know it would probably be crazy to add that to my cross country trip... But again, who knows! It might be do-able! I will have to think about it and pray about it more.

6. Run a marathon already! Gosh... I feel like everyone is doing it... I think I might have to become a little more insane to actually get the training done to complete it. However, I feel like it's not crazy enough to just want to run a marathon... I would like to qualify for the Boston marathon! Yeah, that sounds about right... Gotta stick with GOD sized dreams here... Only things that He can provide His strength in my crazy human weakness.

7. Climb a snow crested mountain. I soooo badly want to do this. I have never seen a mountain like this in person. And I think about it, dream about it... I really wanna do this some day.

8. Drive across country. I didn't realize this wasn't on this list yet... This is the trip I am describing in #5. I wanna drive across country!! It's another crazy idea. This is my second year of really wanting to do it. I would like to see the national parks and see all the crazy land formations that there are to see... I have already sketched out a plan on a map... Now I just need a really big dog traveling companion. I think my parents would prefer it to be human! :)

9. Hike the Appalachian Trail. Another random weird one... I know it would take approximately 3 months. However, maybe when I graduate from grad school... I will take some time off and do it. A graduation present of sorts?? Who knows!

10. This might sound weird... But I want to get a weird degree in something. Part of me wants to become a Naturopathic doctor. People have given me a lot of weird looks about that. It's like going to med school and I think it would be incredibly helpful. However, I don't know if that's something I am really supposed to do or not. It could just be an interesting job that I have laid eyes on. However, I also think it would be cool to go to school to become a massage therapist or something. Chances are if I got a degree in massage therapy or something like that... It would be after I already had become established in a career like Social Work...

11. Go to a formal event/ ball... Or a picnic type thing where the ladies act like ladies and the men act like men... But with a little adventure and edge! Something like this, or a ball like Jane Eyre.

12. To live a life on Fire for God and totally head over heals for Him. This song offers an accurate depiction of this dream.

13. Open a cafe/ coffee shop! I want to open a coffee shop and just have a place where people can meet. Take a break from the chaos in life and revive, and rejuvenate. Stop and catch up with old friends... Slow down and embrace life. I would love to own a shop where women come in they are celebrated... Give each women a flower just for coming in and getting a sweet treat! It's random, I know! But I just feel like we get so caught up in the chaos of life... We frequently lose sight of the gift it is!

14. Blog once a day for a year, month, week, I feel like making these commitments seems so tall. However, I would love to blog every day for a year. I don't know how soon that will be able to happen... Especially because school is insane. The bigger dream out of this: to have a blog that is heavily followed.

15. To inspire one person, to touch one life... because someone famous once said... "To have changed one life, is to have changed the world." Okay, I actually googled that and no one famous said it. However, I believe it. If you think about the ripple effect... You have no idea what your kindness could do to change the course of someones life.

16. Learn how to play the piano. I would love to learn how to play the piano... Just to be able to sit and play for hours and hours...

17. Go on a missions trip in another country. I have never actually been out of this country on a missions trip... I have heard they are life changing for everyone involved. I would love to go on one... Lord willing!

18. Become a better photographer. I am really good at coming up with ideas for photographs, however, I lack the assertiveness to be able to tell people how to pose. Or I lack the skills in actually making the photo come out exactly how I want it.

19. Learn and understand the Word better. I want to know the Bible so well, and grow so deep in my relationship with God that it's literally ingrained on my heart.

20. Do something spontaneous every day for one week.

21. Approach every day as if it is an adventure for a year. I believe that it's not the outside circumstances in your life but the dreams you create in each day. It's about being able to create adventure with limited resources or an expanse of resources. It's about meeting with God no matter what your outside circumstances may be.

If you get a chance: you should look up John Hagee's teaching on dreams here.

Project 21 Day #7

You think I am crazy yet?! Three posts in one day to catch up... I can't fall behind like this! However, I made the commitment and I am going to remain true! This post brings you 21 of my favorite bible verses!

1. "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
          - Psalm 46:10
2. "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." - Daniel 6: 26 & 27

3. "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." - Psalm 103:1-5

4. "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." -Psalm 42:7

5. "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:13-14

6. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." - Romans 3:23

7. "Then the Lord replied: write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:2-3

8. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

9. "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?" -Esther 4: 13 & 14

10. "After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before." - Job 42:10

11. "Then he said to them all, 'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?" Luke 9:23-25

12. "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." - Isaiah 1:18

13. "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." - Job 19:25

14. "It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

15. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

16. "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hears to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6

17. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it's by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:4-10

18. "O Lord, if you heal me, I will truly be Healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone." -Jeremiah 17:14

19. "The king is enthralled by your beauty, honor him for he is your Lord" - Psalm 45:11

20. "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” -Exodus 14:14

21. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5

Project 21 Day #6

Random Facts! Everyone loves a good ole' list of random facts. These are 21 Random Facts about me. Some may be little known... Enjoy!

1. I live in a barn. Yep, you read that right. I have recently moved off campus and into a barn that was re-furbished... Actually to be even more specific my room used to be a horse stable! Pretty cool right? Well, until the pipes freeze... It is an adventure, our land lord's are awesome about helping us make the most of it! It feels like every morning I wake up to a new noise, smell, adventure. Just kidding, I really love it and it has been such a blessing. Maybe I will write about it more another day!

2. I don't know if I ever blogged about this, however, last year before my 20th birthday, I cried for about a month. I didn't want to grow older! I was really scared, and had a hard time. This year I am taking the more relaxed approach! Bring it on!

3. I broke my pelvis in 2 places my Freshmen year of High School. Between courses of antibiotics for the Lyme disease.

4. I decided in about 3rd grade that I didn't think it was fair to have a favorite color... I didn't like having "boy" colors and "girl" colors. I remember a boy telling me I wasn't allowed to like blue because that was a "boy" color. Ever since then: when someone asks me my favorite color... I try to remain neutral. I don't play favorites and love them all.

5. I have never read the bible all the way through. It's something I have still always wanted to do. And by this I mean from cover to cover. Beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation.

6. I don't like to sit still for movies.

7. I love playing in the snow! I am very disappointed we haven't had much snow this year and I am holding out to build a snow man.

8. I have never been downhill skiing. And secretly I am scared that I would break my leg or something.

9. I am horrible at texting. I actually have a really hard time using technology at all. Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong generation.

10. I hate taking multi-vitamins. I wish they had no taste... It's the only pill that I have trouble swallowing. I don't know what the deal is.

11. I can't listen to music while doing homework, having a conversation, or praying... It's too distracting. Really, any background noise makes it hard for me to concentrate.

12. I have a fear of heights... But I have always wanted to go sky diving.

13. I am not very good at cooking; but I love to bake!

14. If I had one food to live off the rest of my life: it would be pizza.

15. I go out to coffee all the time: but I actually hate coffee!

16. I turn off about six alarms before I get out of bed in the morning and plan for this by setting the first one twenty minutes before I have to get out of bed... I know this can't be healthy.

17. I am very particular about the pen's I use... I only like to use one pen throughout any given notebook and it bugs me if they are different. I have gone to the extent of not journaling for long periods of time because I couldn't find my pen!

18. I love quotes.

19. I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life and I find it secretly exhilarating that I am about to graduate and have no plans.

20. I am scared to death that I will fail.

21. I love having pillow fights, finger painting, coloring, playing with play dough, and laughing until I cry. I think adults should do this more often... I think overall, we're too serious: most of the time!

Project 21 Day # 5

Psyche!!! I know you probably thought: okay: It's 10:00 on day five, day six,  day seven, Victoria. You gave up the lists... Couldn't even make it a week! Well, this 21 Project isn't for the faint of heart. It has tried my creativity... But I do not surrender that easily. Here's your dose of blogging for today!

Confession time... I love to read blogs. It's quite the addiction... I assume since you follow my blog, you probably have other blogs in the blogging sphere that you like to read. These are my latest favorites.

1. A Cup of Jo I love Joanna's candid writing and her taste! She writes frankly about marriage, and raising a child in NYC. She also writes about love, life, and enjoying the journey! :) I found Joanna when I first started blogging in 2007 and have consistently followed her since.

2. There and Back Again I love Jessica's writing tone and enjoy the adventure of living through her, slightly more exciting life. Married to a man in the Air Force, Jessica writes and laments about the woes of life... From traveling Space A, to moving around the world to stay with the man she loves. She offers a hilarious perspective on everything from learning German, to keeping up with the cultural mores... She leaves me coming back for more!

3. Confessions of a CF Husband This is a blog that I fell in love with when I was sick... I always remember thinking: I hope some day my Nate will come. I began following their blog, probably a month or two after Nathan started blogging! I followed through Tricia's very high risk pregnancy, then double lung transplant, cancer, and now the road to recovery. Their blog is honest about life with Cystic Fibrosis a lung disorder that is fatal. I have learned a lot from them, and their journey is a story of inspiration and love.

4. Cheap Love Book This is new blog on my bloglist. Quickly turned favorite. This blog captures the candid life of Carrie and Erv, professors from my college. They are honest about living life in love, and striving to have conquering a life of being debt free! They make you laugh and smile, and they also challenge you. Not only are they incredible authors, they are also incredible Land Lords! :)

5. Donald Miller I have made my way through one of his books.... And many of his blog entries! This man is an incredible author, and inspiration. Read one blog, and I am sure you won't be disappointed.

6. Young House Love Looking for interior decoration inspiration? Or inspiration? Or a few laughs here and there? This blog is for you! They have a variety of different posts and are incredibly talented in the D.I.Y. department. I fell in love at first sight.

7. Beka Stays one thing about being friends with June is that her friends are contagious. Beka, was an admissions counselor my Senior year of High School. Her writing is candid and funny... While I read her blog, I feel like I am catching up with an old friend. She also has a great knack for delicious recipes, and interior design as well!

8. Cultivate Her This is a blog about leadership within the church. Just over a year ago, I was helping out with an incredible youth group here in Rochester... I was having a blast; but had never really done anything like it before! During that time, the youth leader told me about this blog. It's incredible especially for women within the church! I am inspired and refreshed by many of these posts! And while I am on the topic of incredible and awesome blogs, and my former youth group: you should check out the youth leader, Jonathan's blog here! I am sure you won't be disappointed.

9. Leading in Shades of Grey This is another incredible Christian blog for leaders. Jenni is an awesome woman of God who has posted multiple different posts that have had me walk away thinking about something in a different way from a new angle.

10. Eat Drink Chic This is another place I go for inspiration. Though I don't follow it as regularly... If I need a craft idea, or if I am feeling stumped while trying to make an art project: I stop by this blog and browse the key words! I love the multiple different areas it sends you across the web.

11. Relevant Magazine This site is great for reading up on the trending issues and topics in the Christian realm and within the Social culture in general. I love reading their reviews of different books, movies, and CD's both secular and Christian alike. They offer up some interesting topics and definitely keep me on my toes with information. If you're looking for a Christian site with lots of contributors on a decent array of topics, you should give them a go!

12. Boundless This was the first Christian Blog or site, that I got hooked to. I really liked a lot of their articles and the "old fashioned" approach they talk about with chivalry. When I read their posts sometimes I think: wow! I am not the only one who still thinks this way?! AWESOME! It's a fun place to read and when I am looking for some time to kill, I frequently pull this blog up!

13. Our Daily Blessing... Life I started following Amy B.'s journey when I was sick. She posted a comment on my blog, and I would pop in and out of her blog. This is more of a journal for her... However, her reflections on life offer inspiration and a poignant reminder of the frailty of the life that we live. I am so thankful for her honesty through the good, the bad, and the ugly. She is an incredible author and blogging friend! She also just started blogging again after a long hiatus: so welcome back Amy B!

14. One Lap at a Time This is a friend from school who has undergone a fair amount of struggles. Her ability to approach each day with joy and excitement has left me in awe and inspired! I am so blessed to call her a real life friend and I love her faith that is so transparent and shines through her blogging.

15. Mrs. Southern Bride I don't know exactly how I came across this blog. However, when I visit her blog I feel like I am catching up with an old friend. It's both interesting and exciting. I find her posts about faith, art, and her book reviews, and everything else, helpful and light-hearted, and even a little inspirational sometimes! :)

16. Johnny and June This blog gets the most inconsistent blogger award! Maybe I just get to say that because I am friends with June... ;) Hi June! However, I love their posts and each post is like a piece of gold , as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. This is most certainly true with Johnny and June. Each post they publish usually makes me laugh, or think, or a little of both! I love it when they post, and I extend grace for the lack of posts... I mean hey, they are pretty busy people (it's not easy changing the world one high school senior at a time and finishing up seminary and getting your Master's!)!

17. Not Unredeemed I recently stumbled upon this blog... She is a friend of a friend... And from what I have read, I love it! Katie's honest and insightful tone creates a podium of thought. I like thinking!

18. Sohl Design This is a Rochester based Graphic Design artist... That is awesome. Her blogs inspire me to become more crafty and get in touch with my inner artist! I also love that she's from somewhere that I am familiar with.

19. Wrecked for the Ordinary I really enjoy reading about Social justice, working on projects for it, and investing time doing things that will help change things for the better. This blog offers information about stuff going on in society. It is another blog that just amazes me sometimes.

20. Happiness Is... I am beginning to realize my blogs I follow are very similar. I love to come to this blog and just look at the pictures and be inspired... Inspired to think about things that make me happy, or angry, or jump with joy! :)
21. Black Effel I will admit I don't follow this blog as much. Similar to the others it's especially helpful when I need some insight on a craft or am looking for a graphic. In college, I try to limit my time in the blogging world. Try is the operative word.