When I left for college at age eighteen, I took with me a thick foam pillow I inherited from my grandmother. This pillow saw me through Ricks College and the BYU Marriott School of Management. After graduation, it accompanied me to Los Angeles and, a couple of years later, into my marriage. When my husband’s work brought our then family of three to Salt Lake City, my pillow came too.
At some point over the several years that followed, my foam pillow started to fall apart. At first I’d occasionally notice a tiny bit of foam in my bed when I woke up in the morning. Before long, though, the pieces got larger, and they were appearing more frequently. Sadly, I started contemplating life without my pillow.
I’d never purchased a pillow, but for some reason my expectation was that such a purchase was outside of what my budget would allow.
One day, while shopping at Target, I decided to look at pillows. To my amazement, I discovered that I could replace my worn-out pillow for less than $10 - and I could obtain an even better pillow for about $20. I couldn’t believe it!
I quickly placed a “new and improved” thick, firm pillow in my shopping cart, and my old pillow ended up in the trash can.
Even as it happened, this experience seemed to me to have the essence of a parable, but at the time I didn’t know what "the parable of the pillow" meant.
Recently, though, have I come to see the experience through the lens of Yes.
Sometimes what we want — or even what we really need — is available to us at little cost.
Sometimes something of worth doesn’t require a lot of money, time, or effort.
Sometimes we just need to put what we've desired into our figurative shopping cart and take it home.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Sunday, October 30, 2016
A Joyful Day
One morning last spring I woke up in a gorgeous mountain setting. The beautiful blue sky held the promise of goodness, and the glorious sunshine invited joy. Almost immediately the words of Psalm 118:24 came to mind, and I was glad.
The trick, though, is learning to feel this same gladness when I wake up on a Monday morning to a rainstorm that will certainly lengthen my commute, or when I wake up to a gloomy day that promises only long hours of below-freezing temperatures. Harder still is waking up not fully rested, struggling with a cold or with lingering memories of disturbing dreams.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made." Still a true statement.
Will I make the choice to feel joy despite the circumstances?
The trick, though, is learning to feel this same gladness when I wake up on a Monday morning to a rainstorm that will certainly lengthen my commute, or when I wake up to a gloomy day that promises only long hours of below-freezing temperatures. Harder still is waking up not fully rested, struggling with a cold or with lingering memories of disturbing dreams.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made." Still a true statement.
Will I make the choice to feel joy despite the circumstances?
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Light of the World
Last Friday, en route to the Utah Shakespeare Festival for Fall Break, my husband, our son, my mom, and I stopped by the newly opened Light of the World Garden. It was an amazing experience!
Be Thou Clean (Matthew 8:1-4).
One Thing is Needful (Luke 10:38-42).
Lazarus, Come Forth (John 11:1-44).
Because of Love (Mark 15 and John 12:23-50).
Reach in Faith (John 20:24-31).
Note: I took these photographs during our visit. For professional images, go here.
The founder and sculptor of the Light of the World Garden is Angela Johnson. Right after the garden opened, I read a newspaper article about its conception and development. I was particularly interested in the sculptor's background:
The founder and sculptor of the Light of the World Garden is Angela Johnson. Right after the garden opened, I read a newspaper article about its conception and development. I was particularly interested in the sculptor's background:
Johnson's career as a sculptor and later her vision of the garden came about in a unique way. After vigorously pursuing a dream to become a prima donna of the Metropolitan Opera for many years, Johnson realized with finality in 1997 that it would never happen. Instead, she felt inspired to go to an art supply store, where she bought a block of water-based clay and a sculpting tool. Within hours she had created a bust of a little girl. Thus began her journey as a sculptor, she said.Sometimes it's hard to leave one dream behind to say a big Yes to something else. This incredible garden exists only because Johnson was willing to do just that!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Living Redemption
The Provo City Center Temple — the 150th temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), located in downtown Provo, Utah — has an interesting history.
From 1898 to 2010, the Provo Tabernacle served as a multipurpose religious meeting place and community center. Then, in December 2010, a four-alarm fire gutted the interior of the historic building.
In the words of Linda S. Reeves, a leader of the LDS Church's worldwide women's organization:
[The building's] loss was deemed a great tragedy by both the community and Church members. Many wondered, “Why did the Lord let this happen? Surely He could have prevented the fire or stopped its destruction.”This magnificent temple, which my husband, son, and I were able to tour in February, was dedicated on Sunday, March 20, and we were blessed to attend that service. As I sat waiting for the dedication to begin, I read from Shauna Niequist's Savor, the daily devotional book I'm reading this year.
Ten months later, during the October 2011 general conference, there was an audible gasp when President Thomas S. Monson announced that the nearly destroyed tabernacle was to become a holy temple — a house of the Lord!
Suddenly we could see what the Lord had always known! He didn’t cause the fire, but He allowed the fire to strip away the interior. He saw the tabernacle as a magnificent temple.
The scripture for March 20 was Isaiah 43:19:
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."Shauna's words seemed to have been written just for the occasion:
This is what I know: God can make something beautiful out of anything, out of darkness and trash and broken bones. He can shine light into the blackest night, and He leaves glimpses of hope all around us.
© Alison Walker 2016
The theme for my annual women's retreat this year was Living Redemption. On the first night of the retreat, each of us shared a definition or experience or quote about what redemption means to us. I shared Shauna's words and the circumstance in which I'd read them, because this is what I know — God can make something beautiful out of anything!
Monday, October 24, 2016
This Far
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll start this post by indicating that it's backdated. Tonight is actually October 29, and it's been six days since I've posted for #Write31Days. After twenty-three days of posting every day, I hit an incredibly busy week at work coupled with a level of fatigue I haven't experienced in a while. Something had to go — actually several somethings — and writing was one of them.
My teenage son Jonathan, who is a senior in high school pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, had his own extremely busy week, what with end-of-quarter assignments, service hours for National Honor Society, college applications, and putting together a costume for the Halloween dance.
(Tangentially, didn't the costume turn out great?!)
Woodstock and Snoopy.
© Alison Walker 2016
One morning this week, as we were hurriedly gathering our belongings so we could get out the door and on the way to school and work, Jon told me about his current mantra, the thing that's keeping him going during this final stretch of high school.
Those words?
I didn't come this far to only come this far.
This seems like a good mantra for me too, something that's going to keep me going for a while, the thing that brought me back to #Write31Days when it would have been easy to just be done.
I'm saying Yes to perseverance!
My teenage son Jonathan, who is a senior in high school pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, had his own extremely busy week, what with end-of-quarter assignments, service hours for National Honor Society, college applications, and putting together a costume for the Halloween dance.
© Alison Walker 2016
One morning this week, as we were hurriedly gathering our belongings so we could get out the door and on the way to school and work, Jon told me about his current mantra, the thing that's keeping him going during this final stretch of high school.
Those words?
I didn't come this far to only come this far.
This seems like a good mantra for me too, something that's going to keep me going for a while, the thing that brought me back to #Write31Days when it would have been easy to just be done.
I'm saying Yes to perseverance!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
All Things New
Last year for Advent, my family and I prepared our hearts for Christmas with a study from She Reads Truth titled "Born is the King." (You can find it here.) The entire study is beautiful, but one Bible verse in particular settled itself in my heart.
I'd read, even studied Revelation 21:5 before, but this time it meant something more — and ten months later, it continues to fill me with all the hope and joy and peace that I find in Jesus. It seems to embody all of the Yeses that matter most.
I especially like the way the verse is worded in the HCSB:
"Look! I am making everything new."
© Alison Walker 2016
I'd read, even studied Revelation 21:5 before, but this time it meant something more — and ten months later, it continues to fill me with all the hope and joy and peace that I find in Jesus. It seems to embody all of the Yeses that matter most.
I especially like the way the verse is worded in the HCSB:
Saturday, October 22, 2016
I'm Not Sugar or Salt
When my kids were little, my mom had a phrase she'd repeat to them whenever they were out together on a rainy day.
It's a good thing we aren't sugar or salt.
I don't remember her saying this when I was a child, and I don't know the phrase's origin. But the idea, I think, is that a little rain never hurt anyone — unless he or she is made of sugar or salt, which will dissolve away if it gets wet.
I thought of this phrase recently as I read in a young adult novel about two teenage boys joyfully playing in the rain on a summer afternoon.
In October 2014, religious leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us."
When we not willing or able to close our umbrellas, we miss the daily evidences of God's love.
Saying Yes means recognizing the hand of God in my life and expressing gratitude for it.
I want to walk in the rain!
© Alison Walker 2016
I don't remember her saying this when I was a child, and I don't know the phrase's origin. But the idea, I think, is that a little rain never hurt anyone — unless he or she is made of sugar or salt, which will dissolve away if it gets wet.
I thought of this phrase recently as I read in a young adult novel about two teenage boys joyfully playing in the rain on a summer afternoon.
In October 2014, religious leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us."
When we not willing or able to close our umbrellas, we miss the daily evidences of God's love.
Saying Yes means recognizing the hand of God in my life and expressing gratitude for it.
I want to walk in the rain!
Friday, October 21, 2016
The Commission
Last Saturday I visited the Brigham Young University Museum of Art
to see an exhibition entitled A Visual Testimony: Minerva Teichert’s Book of Mormon Paintings.
Minerva Teichert (1888–1976) was an American painter notable for depicting Western and Mormon subjects, including a collection of murals depicting scenes from the Book of Mormon. These forty-two murals are part of the BYU museum's permanent collection, and they are the subject of this exhibition.
The following photographs show some of my favorite snippets from the murals, depicting Teichart's emphasis on the significance of women in the Book of Mormon history:
From Alma Baptizing at the Water of Mormon.
From Helaman's Striplings.
From Morianton's Maidservant.
From The Sacrament.
I love Teichart's art and enjoyed this exhibition immensely, simply as an opportunity to see her work.
Because of The Year of Yes, however, something else about the exhibition impressed me. I'll attempt to illustrate that impression with two excerpts from the narrative of the exhibit and a sentence from her biography on Wikipedia:
References
Minerva Teichert, Wikipedia.
A Visual Testimony: Minerva Teichart's Book of Mormon Paintings. "Current Exhibitions," Brigham Young University Museum of Art.
to see an exhibition entitled A Visual Testimony: Minerva Teichert’s Book of Mormon Paintings.
Minerva Teichert (1888–1976) was an American painter notable for depicting Western and Mormon subjects, including a collection of murals depicting scenes from the Book of Mormon. These forty-two murals are part of the BYU museum's permanent collection, and they are the subject of this exhibition.
The following photographs show some of my favorite snippets from the murals, depicting Teichart's emphasis on the significance of women in the Book of Mormon history:
I love Teichart's art and enjoyed this exhibition immensely, simply as an opportunity to see her work.
Because of The Year of Yes, however, something else about the exhibition impressed me. I'll attempt to illustrate that impression with two excerpts from the narrative of the exhibit and a sentence from her biography on Wikipedia:
- At age four, Minerva's mother presented her with a set of watercolor paints. From that time on, she knew that she was meant to be an artist.
- Teichert studied under Robert Henri, and she recounts this exchange with him:
"One day he said to me: 'Has anyone ever painted that great Mormon story of yours?'
'Not to suit me.'
'Well, good heavens, girl, what a chance! You have the greatest things on earth to paint. You do it. That's your birthright.'
"I felt I had been commissioned!'"
- Teichart once explained "I must paint", when asked about how she persisted in painting despite being in near-complete artistic isolation, without a dedicated studio or even much free time to create.
References
Minerva Teichert, Wikipedia.
A Visual Testimony: Minerva Teichart's Book of Mormon Paintings. "Current Exhibitions," Brigham Young University Museum of Art.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
#HisDay
The prophet Isaiah called the Sabbath "a delight" (Isaiah 58:13). Modern revelation indicates that the Sabbath Day was given to us "that [our] joy may be full" (D&C 59:13).
Learning to make the Sabbath more of a delight for me and my family is one of the things I've wanted to do during my Year of Yes.
God told Moses that the children of Israel were to keep the Sabbath as "a sign" between them and Him, so that they would know that sanctification comes from Him, in other words, that they — and we — are literally "set apart" for a special use or purpose. Sabbath observance was to be "a perpetual covenant" between God and His people. (See Exodus 31:13, 16.)
Jesus said that He is Lord of the Sabbath. (See Luke 6:5.) It is His day!
How can I say Yes to a Sabbath of joy and rejoicing? What kind of "sign" do I want to give God of my commitment to this eternal covenant?
Here are a few thoughts:
What ideas do you have for keeping and hallowing #HisDay?
Learning to make the Sabbath more of a delight for me and my family is one of the things I've wanted to do during my Year of Yes.
God told Moses that the children of Israel were to keep the Sabbath as "a sign" between them and Him, so that they would know that sanctification comes from Him, in other words, that they — and we — are literally "set apart" for a special use or purpose. Sabbath observance was to be "a perpetual covenant" between God and His people. (See Exodus 31:13, 16.)
Jesus said that He is Lord of the Sabbath. (See Luke 6:5.) It is His day!
How can I say Yes to a Sabbath of joy and rejoicing? What kind of "sign" do I want to give God of my commitment to this eternal covenant?
Here are a few thoughts:
- Rest. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word shabat, meaning "cessation" or "time of rest." When I finally do my experiment in Loving My Actual Life, one of my priorities will be on rest.
- Worship. I need to be in the proper frame of mind when I attend church services so that I can have a heart to know and eyes to see and ears to hear. (See Deuteronomy 29:4.)
- Music. "Is any [among you] merry? let him sing psalms (James 5:13). Music can be such a great way for me to be filled with the spirit of the Lord — both listening and singing.
- The Word. I love God's Word! I want to be more intentional about being in the Word, and I want to experience the Word in new ways.
- Connection. Building and maintaining relationships takes time and effort. I want to improve familial relationships and friendships. I also want to make connections to my ancestors.
What ideas do you have for keeping and hallowing #HisDay?
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Saying No
I read an interesting scripture this morning in my daily devotional.
This year I'm reading from Shauna Niequist's Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are every morning as part of my efforts in saying Yes to more time in God's Word. (The subtitle of the book also just seemed appropriate for The Year of Yes.)
By the way, when I decided that I wanted to do that, I told my husband about my intention. His response was skepticism that I could actually do something every day for a whole year — and being the rebel1 that I am, he was probably right. But, being the rebel that I am, because he said I couldn't do it, I've been very successful in this endeavor!
Anyway, I read an interesting scripture this morning in my daily devotional.
What I heard in this verse of scripture was my rebellious nature asserting that I can do whatever I want — with God's gentle reminder that my Yeses ought to be mindful, that they need to be intentional, and that I have to set priorities. Sometimes, maybe frequently, saying Yes means saying No.
1This year I've embraced the rebel label of Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies Framework. As she describes that tendency, "Rebels resist all expectations, outer and inner alike. They act from a sense of choice, from freedom. Rebels wake up and think, 'What do I want to do today?' They resist control, even self-control, and enjoy flouting rules and expectations. They sometimes frustrate others — and even themselves — because they resist any expectation, even one that’s self-imposed."
This year I'm reading from Shauna Niequist's Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are every morning as part of my efforts in saying Yes to more time in God's Word. (The subtitle of the book also just seemed appropriate for The Year of Yes.)
By the way, when I decided that I wanted to do that, I told my husband about my intention. His response was skepticism that I could actually do something every day for a whole year — and being the rebel1 that I am, he was probably right. But, being the rebel that I am, because he said I couldn't do it, I've been very successful in this endeavor!
Anyway, I read an interesting scripture this morning in my daily devotional.
"I have the right to do anything," you say — but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything" — but not everything is constructive.Shauna talked about cooking and recipes — about moving "outside of established rules and expectations" [page 315]. But, being the rebel that I am, that wasn't the lesson I needed.
— 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)
What I heard in this verse of scripture was my rebellious nature asserting that I can do whatever I want — with God's gentle reminder that my Yeses ought to be mindful, that they need to be intentional, and that I have to set priorities. Sometimes, maybe frequently, saying Yes means saying No.
1This year I've embraced the rebel label of Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies Framework. As she describes that tendency, "Rebels resist all expectations, outer and inner alike. They act from a sense of choice, from freedom. Rebels wake up and think, 'What do I want to do today?' They resist control, even self-control, and enjoy flouting rules and expectations. They sometimes frustrate others — and even themselves — because they resist any expectation, even one that’s self-imposed."
Monday, October 17, 2016
168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam
A Book Review
This time management book, filled with statistics, is actually quite a compelling read. Subtitled You Have More Time Than You Think, its basic premise is that how one fills one's time is a choice and that there is time to do the things one really wants to do.
I think I've always believed that — and I already do several of the things that Vanderkam suggests, such as listening to audio books during my commute, using the DVR to record the few television shows I watch so I can do so on my own schedule, keeping a Bible with me all the time (via an app on my iPhone) so I can read a few verses whenever I have a few minutes, and focusing on gratitude, and I've been a planner all of my adult life.
Time spent doing one thing is
time not spent doing another.
- — Laura Vanderkam
I would like to make two lists that Vanderkam recommends — a "List of 100 Dreams" and a list of things that make me happy or that I find meaningful that take 30 minutes or less, or even less than 10 minutes.
When we analyze what we are actually doing with our 168 hours each week, Vanderkam asserts, except for sleeping and eating, we probably don’t have to do any of the things we're doing.
Everything else is a choice.
I choose to say "Yes" to the things that matter!
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Living Water
You and I need His living water daily and in ample supply.
Brigham City Temple, 2012.
© Alison Walker 2016.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus is found in John 4. Here we read about Jesus and a Samaritan woman. One day when this unnamed woman goes to Jacob's well to draw water, she finds Jesus waiting there.
I believe Jesus was traveling through Samaria at this time specifically to find her. In violation of social norms, Jesus speaks to her, asking, "Give me to drink" (verse 7). As they continue to converse, He says:
Yes, I need His living water. With joy, I will drink!
- — David A. Bendar
© Alison Walker 2016.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus is found in John 4. Here we read about Jesus and a Samaritan woman. One day when this unnamed woman goes to Jacob's well to draw water, she finds Jesus waiting there.
I believe Jesus was traveling through Samaria at this time specifically to find her. In violation of social norms, Jesus speaks to her, asking, "Give me to drink" (verse 7). As they continue to converse, He says:
Whosover drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. [verse 14]He goes on to declare that He is the Messiah, the promised Savior of the world — that He is the living water.
Yes, I need His living water. With joy, I will drink!
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Young Woman Reading
Currently located in the lobby of the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University is a pair of statues by Dennis Smith entitled Young Woman Reading and Young Man Reading.
Young Woman Reading by Dennis Smith.
© Alison Walker 2015.
Sculpted in 2002, these statues didn't exist when I was, in fact, a young woman reading at BYU. I'm now more of a middle-aged woman reading mostly at home and during her commute.
A number of years ago, a friend posted this thought on Facebook:
There is a difference
between interest and commitment.
When you're interested in something,
you do it only when it's convenient.
When you're committed to something,
you accept no excuses, only results.
This idea immediately resonated with me - and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it!
I am an avid reader, with the annual goal of reading 104 books. Other people often mention to me that they'd like to read like I do — when they find the time. I doubt I'm any less busy than they are, but I'm "committed" to being a reader. I'm not just interested in reading when it's convenient — but I make the time for this most enjoyable pastime.
Whether we are talking about reading for pleasure, losing weight, being a contributing member of an organization, or just about any other aspect of one's life, the difference between interest and commitment is significant. In the things that matter most to me, I want to always be committed.
© Alison Walker 2015.
Sculpted in 2002, these statues didn't exist when I was, in fact, a young woman reading at BYU. I'm now more of a middle-aged woman reading mostly at home and during her commute.
A number of years ago, a friend posted this thought on Facebook:
between interest and commitment.
When you're interested in something,
you do it only when it's convenient.
When you're committed to something,
you accept no excuses, only results.
This idea immediately resonated with me - and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it!
I am an avid reader, with the annual goal of reading 104 books. Other people often mention to me that they'd like to read like I do — when they find the time. I doubt I'm any less busy than they are, but I'm "committed" to being a reader. I'm not just interested in reading when it's convenient — but I make the time for this most enjoyable pastime.
Whether we are talking about reading for pleasure, losing weight, being a contributing member of an organization, or just about any other aspect of one's life, the difference between interest and commitment is significant. In the things that matter most to me, I want to always be committed.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Eat and Train
My husband recently ordered our courtside season tickets for BYU Women's Basketball for the fifth year in a row. Our initial decision to buy season tickets was primarily a feminist thing — especially after we found out how inexpensive they are.
What began for philosophical reasons quickly turned into sheer pleasure. We have become huge fans!
I follow the team and many of the players on social media, and several weeks ago I read a concept I'd never heard before on one of their Instagram posts. It's an idea that has really stuck with me — one that is changing the way I think. The idea?
Athletes don't diet and exercise.
Athletes eat and train.
What began for philosophical reasons quickly turned into sheer pleasure. We have become huge fans!
I follow the team and many of the players on social media, and several weeks ago I read a concept I'd never heard before on one of their Instagram posts. It's an idea that has really stuck with me — one that is changing the way I think. The idea?
Athletes eat and train.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Loving My Actual Life
by Alexandra Kuykendall
A Book Review
From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I knew that it contained something I needed for this year's exploration of my 2016 One Little Word. I was so right!
In the same spirit as Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project but with a biblical perspective, Alexandra Kuykendall's Loving My Actual Life outlines an experiment she created to improve her outlook on life. I think there is something here that every woman will find relevant to her life. Kuykendall's experiment lasted nine months, and she gives us an in-the-trenches view as she logs her thoughts and activities over each month.
Among my favorite months were her emphases on rest ("Sleep is worth prioritizing. Always.") and creativity (which I wrote about here).
Kuykendall is a natural storyteller, and she balances her stories with simple, readily quotable statements of truth. Each month includes questions for reflection useful for the individual reader and also productive for a group study.
I am excited to design my own experiment for "loving my actual life" because it's a full life and I want to feel more gratitude for it on a daily basis!
Disclosure: I was selected as a member of the launch team for this publication and, as such, received an advanced copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Carry the Brick
For the past four years, my son Jonathan has been a member of his high school cross-country team. He isn't the fastest runner on the team, but he shows up and he works hard. At the end of their summer training camp this year, the team captains gave Jonathan an award for being dedicated and dependable. Jon got the same award last summer too. I'm so proud of his commitment!
In a recent meet, Jonathan was a medal winner for what turned out to be a personal record (PR) in a 5K.
© 2016 Alison Walker
He entered the race determined to be one of the top fifteen finishers, and early in the race he and several of his teammates ran together to pace each other. The third mile is frequently the hardest for Jonathan, and in this race he felt like he had swallowed a brick at the two-mile mark. With that brick sitting in his stomach, Jonathan made the decision that he would just carry the brick to the finish line.
That's exactly what he did!
In a recent meet, Jonathan was a medal winner for what turned out to be a personal record (PR) in a 5K.
He entered the race determined to be one of the top fifteen finishers, and early in the race he and several of his teammates ran together to pace each other. The third mile is frequently the hardest for Jonathan, and in this race he felt like he had swallowed a brick at the two-mile mark. With that brick sitting in his stomach, Jonathan made the decision that he would just carry the brick to the finish line.
That's exactly what he did!
Monday, October 10, 2016
Just Show Up
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
© 2016 Alison Walker
In July 2012, I ran my first 5K.
This past summer — in my fifteenth 5K — I won my first medal.
I didn't run this race much faster than I did in any other race I've run over the past four years. Though I celebrate even small improvements from race to race, in this case it wouldn't have mattered even if I'd run quite a bit slower.
For whatever reason, there were only three female runners in my age group in that particular race — so basically I won a third-place medal for just showing up!
Isn't this a great metaphor for life?
- — John Bingham
In July 2012, I ran my first 5K.
This past summer — in my fifteenth 5K — I won my first medal.
I didn't run this race much faster than I did in any other race I've run over the past four years. Though I celebrate even small improvements from race to race, in this case it wouldn't have mattered even if I'd run quite a bit slower.
For whatever reason, there were only three female runners in my age group in that particular race — so basically I won a third-place medal for just showing up!
Isn't this a great metaphor for life?
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Running the Race
"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
© 2016 Alison Walker
I love these words from the epistle to the Hebrews!
For one thing, the phrase let us just makes me want to respond with Yes! Yes! Yes!
For another, the comparison of our lives to a race is one to which I can readily relate.
I love these words from the epistle to the Hebrews!
For one thing, the phrase let us just makes me want to respond with Yes! Yes! Yes!
For another, the comparison of our lives to a race is one to which I can readily relate.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Expanding My Horizons
Part 2
Another idea I had for The Year of "Yes" was to try my hand at Bible journaling. (If you'd like an introduction to the concept, here is an article entitled "What is Bible Journaling and Why Should You Care?")
I honestly do not remember where I first learned about this approach to exploring God's Word, but I was intrigued. I'm not a crafty person, and although I've done some scrapbooking and card making and I enjoy digital photography, I am not particularly artistic either. Nevertheless, because of my desires to be more creative and to study the Word in new ways, I decided to say "Yes" to trying something new in 2016.
Because I didn't want to invest much money in something I viewed as an experiment, I decided to pick up an inexpensive large print copy of a KJV Bible. (By the way, I grew up with the KJV and it's the text used at my church, but I've been using the NIV quite a bit in my personal study.) I'd looked at journaling Bibles but they cost more than I wanted to spend, figuring I'd be more willing to try my skills if I wasn't worried about ruining the Bible. I went with the large print version as a means to give myself more space to create. I also like its heft.
I started the year with a 31-Day Bible Journaling Challenge from Move the Mountains, and while I didn't create something all thirty-one days, I did get a good start on this project.
I've done a lot less work in my Bible since then (more planning than executing) — but I've used Illustrated Faith as a resource, my teenage son Jonathan has helped with some artwork, and I've joined a local Bible journaling group on Facebook and even met with them in person once.
I'm not giving up on Bible journaling. I've just got to figure out how to better utilize the 168 hours I have in each week!
I honestly do not remember where I first learned about this approach to exploring God's Word, but I was intrigued. I'm not a crafty person, and although I've done some scrapbooking and card making and I enjoy digital photography, I am not particularly artistic either. Nevertheless, because of my desires to be more creative and to study the Word in new ways, I decided to say "Yes" to trying something new in 2016.
Because I didn't want to invest much money in something I viewed as an experiment, I decided to pick up an inexpensive large print copy of a KJV Bible. (By the way, I grew up with the KJV and it's the text used at my church, but I've been using the NIV quite a bit in my personal study.) I'd looked at journaling Bibles but they cost more than I wanted to spend, figuring I'd be more willing to try my skills if I wasn't worried about ruining the Bible. I went with the large print version as a means to give myself more space to create. I also like its heft.
I started the year with a 31-Day Bible Journaling Challenge from Move the Mountains, and while I didn't create something all thirty-one days, I did get a good start on this project.
I've done a lot less work in my Bible since then (more planning than executing) — but I've used Illustrated Faith as a resource, my teenage son Jonathan has helped with some artwork, and I've joined a local Bible journaling group on Facebook and even met with them in person once.
I'm not giving up on Bible journaling. I've just got to figure out how to better utilize the 168 hours I have in each week!
Friday, October 7, 2016
Expanding My Horizons
Part 1
The whole concept of TED Talks is still evading me somewhat. I'm not sure where to start or how to find things that I'll actually enjoy. I've not given up on the idea, however, so please share any suggestions you might have.
I did download the Podcasts app to my iPhone, and I've listened to several episodes of both Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Anne Bogel's What Should I Read Next? I'm finding these podcasts to be useful diversions while I'm commuting and either between audio books or just needing a change of pace. I've also listened to a few episodes while running.
I think part of my failure to fully embrace either podcasts or TED Talks is that I greatly value my audio book time. "Reading" during my commute is vital to my ability to get anywhere close to finishing the 104 books I have as my annual goal. I'm also more likely to exercise when I know I can spend time with a book I'm enjoying.
Moving forward, though, I think I'll continue to look at both TED Talks and podcasts as ways to say "Yes" to expanding my horizons.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
What She Knows
One night, when my older daughter Elisabeth was about five, as her dad was serving dinner, he quite relentlessly was teasing her about eating tomatoes and bell peppers, neither of which she liked.
Finally, she stomped her little foot and proclaimed, "I know who I am, and I know what I want!"
© 2016 Alison Walker
I hope Elisabeth — now almost twenty-six and living in Japan — will always know who she is and what she wants.
I, too, want to know with all my being who I am and what I want!
Finally, she stomped her little foot and proclaimed, "I know who I am, and I know what I want!"
I hope Elisabeth — now almost twenty-six and living in Japan — will always know who she is and what she wants.
I, too, want to know with all my being who I am and what I want!
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
A Book Review
I greatly enjoyed listening to Shonda Rhimes read this memoir of the year (or eighteen months) that she changed her life by saying "Yes"!
Honestly, I did not know who Rhimes is when the book caught my eye at the library. I've never seen one of her shows and am generally out of the popular television loop at this point in my life. But because my One Little Word for 2016 is "Yes" and I'd actually used the hashtag #TheYearOfYes, the title of the book caught my eye. I'm glad it did.
In the first half of the book, Rhimes' humor and narrative spoke directly to my soul and made me feel like I'd found my long-lost sister. I particularly loved the commencement speech she gave at Dartmouth in 2014, which is included in the book (as a live recording in this audio version). This brief passage seems particularly pertinent to the concept of "Yes":
Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams — fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them — it’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change. So ... ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer.I found the second half of the book to be a bit less lighthearted and somewhat focused on Rhimes' television shows, so it dragged a little bit for me.
Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you're paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn't matter. You don't have to know. You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new. It doesn’t have to fit your vision of the perfect job or the perfect life. Perfect is boring and dreams are not real. Just do.
But overall I found this to be an excellent read — particularly for my own "Year of Yes." And maybe now I'll go check out an episode of Grey's Anatomy!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Quote of the Day
"It’s rebellious, in a way, to choose joy, to dance, to love your life. It’s much easier and much more common to be miserable. ... but I think it’s our job to live each day like it’s a special occasion, because we’ve been given a gift."
- — Shauna Niequist
Monday, October 3, 2016
Women in the Scriptures
A few years ago, my daughter Erin and I visited an exhibit by the Utah-based artist Kathleen Peterson. The exhibit consisted of paintings Kathy had done of women from the Bible. Erin's favorite was a depiction of the prophetess and judge Deborah leading her army to battle, and I took Erin's picture standing below that painting.
Kathy's wonderful paintings have been used to illustrate the picture book Girls Who Choose God, written by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding — a book I own and love.
Recently, the children in our congregation did a presentation during the Sunday worship service about what they've been learning this year about the scriptures. For the most part I enjoyed their words and songs, and I truly appreciated their witness of the truthfulness of the Word of God. I was saddened, though, during one section of the presentation when a number of children told us of their favorite scripture study. Not one of those children, the majority of whom were girls, described a story about a woman!
I have my favorite Bible stories about men, of course, but aren't there just as meaningful stories about women? Yes!
Isn't it important that we learn to see the women in the Word? Yes!
Can't we find heroes to admire and emulate among the great female characters in the scriptures? Yes!
Among my favorite New Testament stories about women (as illustrated in the exhibit of Kathleen Peterson's work) are the account of Jesus' visit to Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene as the first witness of the Resurrected Lord, and the Samaritan woman at the well.
Who are your favorite women in the scriptures?
Kathy's wonderful paintings have been used to illustrate the picture book Girls Who Choose God, written by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding — a book I own and love.
Recently, the children in our congregation did a presentation during the Sunday worship service about what they've been learning this year about the scriptures. For the most part I enjoyed their words and songs, and I truly appreciated their witness of the truthfulness of the Word of God. I was saddened, though, during one section of the presentation when a number of children told us of their favorite scripture study. Not one of those children, the majority of whom were girls, described a story about a woman!
I have my favorite Bible stories about men, of course, but aren't there just as meaningful stories about women? Yes!
Isn't it important that we learn to see the women in the Word? Yes!
Can't we find heroes to admire and emulate among the great female characters in the scriptures? Yes!
Among my favorite New Testament stories about women (as illustrated in the exhibit of Kathleen Peterson's work) are the account of Jesus' visit to Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene as the first witness of the Resurrected Lord, and the Samaritan woman at the well.
Who are your favorite women in the scriptures?
Sunday, October 2, 2016
God's Plan for Me
Bethany was just thirteen when she was attacked by a shark while surfing off the coast of Kauai. Despite losing her left arm, she was determined to continue surfing — and anchored in her faith and with the support of her family, she has done just that. The book is a quick read, and I found it inspiring.
During her account of the immediate aftermath of the shark attack, Bethany describes the thoughts, feelings, and actions of her family members and close friends, including the youth leader from her church, Sarah Hill. As I recall the account, Sarah was rushing to get to the hospital, struggling to find the words she would need to comfort Bethany's family. As she prayed, the words to Jeremiah 29:11 came into her mind:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Listening to the words of this scripture as I ran down a hill, I gasped — but not because I was running hard. I had chosen this Bible verse months previously as my inspiration for The Year of "Yes"! Hearing it in the context of Bethany Hamilton's horrifying experience, the words hit me hard with their truthfulness. If God had a plan for Bethany following the shark attack — a plan to bless her, not to hurt her — a plan for her future, then surely He has a plan for me too!
Saturday, October 1, 2016
The Year of "Yes"
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
December 2011.
© 2016 Alison Walker
For a number of years I've chosen a one-word theme around which I can focus my thoughts, goals, and activities for the year.
My word for 2011 was Order, and in 2012, I chose Fullness. The word I chose for 2013 was actually three interrelated words — (en)light(en) — and in 2014 I wanted to build on what I'd learned in the previous years and chose Onward as my word. My word for 2015 was See — and I wrote on that topic for #Write31Days 2015.
For 2016 I chose Yes as my One Little Word. I had been thinking about the words Intentional and Mindful and Open — but none of those individually seemed to fully capture the ideas in my mind and heart. I found myself also thinking about the concepts of Expanding My Horizons, Seeing Possibilities, and Setting Priorities. Eventually, all these thoughts seemed to boil down to the simple word Yes.
I decided that I wanted 2016 to be The Year of "Yes"!
Throughout October I will be reflecting on what I've learned this year for #Write31Days 2016. I hope you'll say "Yes" to joining me!
Reference
Edwards, Ali. "One Little Word." Ali Edwards.
#Write31Days
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