Addicted

I have been writing notes on this post for months, but never seemed to have enough thoughts together to make sense of it. However, in the past few days, I have found two quotes that have brought it all together for me. I hope it makes sense to you...
I am not what you would consider an addict, in the true sense of the word. But, I believe that I have the potential to become addicted to people, things, or activities. It is part of my genetics, personality and experiences. 
Although my parents are not addicts, I have many relatives who fell victim to addictions, to alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc. For this reason, I made a conscious decision not to drink alcohol and to stay away from activities where the potential for addiction was high. Why? Because while I believe that there are many choices addicts make, I also believe that part of becoming addicted is out of our control.
As a student of psychology, I have exhaustively studied the nature versus nature debate. Is who you are based on your genetics or your environment? While there are strong arguments on both sides, I don't think it's an either or. It's both. 
What makes someone an addict? One definition of addicted is to occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively. Using this definition, I have been addicted to many things in my lifetime. I have let things like exercise and weight control consume me. I can be a compulsive hand-washer. I spend way too much money at Starbucks.
I have a personality that is destined to be obsessive. I understand this about myself. I can take something small and simple and turn it into something big and complex, just by thinking about it too much. That's why, long ago, I took a good look at my genetics and made choices based on what I know about my family. 

SOURCE

The only thing I want to become obsessed with, or addicted to, is Jesus. I want to spend so much time reading the Bible and talking to God that I can't think of anything else, but His truth and can't experience anything else, but His grace.
Everyone of us who embraces the glory of God as our purpose will end up doing great things, precisely because because we do God-things. His holy hand resting on the least act renders the ordinary extraordinary. Beth Moore, Esther
To steer my obsessiveness toward something extraordinary and divine...that is my goal.

Well, I never...

As I sit here trying to think of something to write for this post, there is a football game on the television. I didn't grow up with football, and I certainly never saw myself married to an avid football fan. But, I am. I've attended football games, watched numerous games on TV and cheered for my favorite teams. 

Like many things in my life, my appreciation of tolerance for football, was quite a surprise. Some other surprises...

Looking forward to new episodes of television shows, which only appear on Disney Jr.

NOTE POSTED ON THE DOOR WHERE THE MUSICIANS WERE PLAYING

Keeping my sanity while listening to a beginning clarinet player and recorder player practicing their music, at the same time.

Watching a movie about a boy band...and actually enjoying it.

Experiencing a love for wearing horizontal stripes.

Seeing my son participate in a team sport, like soccer, and actually enjoying himself...for the most part.

Are you currently doing something you never thought you'd do?

Old and New(s)

The other day I was searching for a blog post I had written about O's eating habits to share with a friend. When I found it, I realized that I had written it almost one year ago. A year later, we are still struggling with this, maybe even more so now than we were then.
I began to wonder...what else was I thinking and writing about this time last year? What did the first two weeks of September 2012 look like for me? How has my life changed since then?

OLD Last year, I wrote about the importance the church, and some of the positives and negatives about being a member of a church body. My stand on this issue remains the same..."As a church, we should gather with one common interest, and that's Christ, building a relationship with him, and building a kingdom of believers. A kingdom that is filled with love."
O's struggle with school was also on my mind a year ago. We have made progress, and for that I am grateful.
Similar to last year, I continue to struggle with focusing on my own needs and praying for myself. While I often excel at the "love your neighbor" part of the commandment, I tend to forget that the phrase "as yourself" comes at the end of that verse. 
Because I am not someone who thinks that dwelling in the past is a super-productive use of time, I also wanted to share some of the new (and exciting) things that are and will be happening in my life.
NEW(S) I am looking forward to making some small changes to my blog design. Even though it's only been eleven months since I acquired this look, I am ready for a change. I'm currently working with Chelsea and hope to reveal my updated look soon!
O had his first soccer practice on Wednesday. He loved it! I am excited for this new adventure with him.   I have been asked to be a contributing writer for the Unveiled Wife website. I am honored to be a part of a place that provides encouragement and support for women, as wives. Look for my first post sometime next month.   I love my new work schedule. I am currently working outside the home three days each week, which is a reduction from last year. It has been great to have more time to do "school stuff" with the kids, make dinner more often and be less stretched with work assignments.
I am currently working with Shanna to create another virtual closet. This time, for fall and winter outfits. I loved my experience the first time and am excited to see what wardrobe options Shanna will create for me.

So, what's new and exciting in your life? What has changed in your life since this time last year? I'd love to know!