7 Things.

Even though I tend to neglect my blog, my kind sister-in-law Amy challenged me to write 7 things about myself and maybe tag 7 others to do the same.  Since I don't think 7 people actually read my blog, I won't do the tagging, but I can do the writing-and think a little about myself.
BTW, Amy-I really enjoyed reading your 7!

Here goes......

1).  I am doing a lot of thinking about living a more liturgical life.  I have never followed the liturgical calendar, but am putting more thought into living my life by that calendar, as well as developing a "rule of life."  I am reading a book- "Living Faith Day by Day" by Debra Farrington-essentially how monastic traditions can help us live the spiritual life.

that brings me to....

2).  Although I am an extrovert by nature, my work, and my life with the family has caused me to crave silence, quiet, meditation in a way that surprises me.  I have been putting thought about building quiet into every day-and also thinking about a silent retreat.   (so far, just thinking about it) I am realizing how times of quiet increase my effectiveness for my callings.......But the other side of this is that I love BIG celebrations and being around a community of people on a regular basis.  I like people ringing my doorbell, or chatting on the sidewalks.   So, I need to find balance.....currently, a work in progress.

3).  I love to cook and make healthy meals and yummy desserts for my family with its growing appetite.  I like to try new recipies, follow food blogs, (currently Orangette), and love fresh fruits and veggies.  However, I am not that into the shopping for the food or the clean up-process, which sometimes hinders my cooking.  (to have energy for the whole package would be helpful)

4).  I love to be active and have found that it is a sure-fire way to keep my mood even keeled and my perspective balanced.  Currently, I am training for a 1/2 marathon, but I also play soccer, walk places with the kids, and love hiking in the outdoors.

5).  I have discovered more and more that I do have a gift of discernment for the needs of others.  I sometimes recognize their needs before they do.  Sometimes, I want to run as far away from job as a therapist as possible, but I do need to keep using the gift that God has given me.  I recently have found that the discernment has helped when my kids have been struggling, and I hope to be a resource for them as they age.

6).  I love to read-mostly fiction, but also love memoirs and historical fiction.  I have recently been reading with my kids-and have found great joy in seeing one of my kids (who doesn't like reading-)come alive when we read together.

7).  I used to be much more controlling than I am now ( I think).  Several things have happened in my life- a call to adoption, an addition of a child that I did not expect but now love dearly, a call into a type of social work that I had not planned on, past fiancial stressors, -have made realize (surprise, surprise) that I do not really know best.  (Can you believe that I thought I did?) And that having an identity in Christ has been a wild journey, but one better than I could have dreamed up.

Thanks, Amy for the fun idea-it was good to be introspective today.
 

Comments

[Frank Family]

Good list, Karen!  I like how you think.  And I'm thankful for your gift of discernment!