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Thursday Tips: Snap Out of It

May 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment

thursday

We talked about worry yesterday, a topic I’ve touched on several times in the past years. So for today’s tip, I wanted to list some practical tools that I’ve picked up along the way to help combat worry.

Snap It.

This is not some form of weird penance. I take a rubber band and write a verse on it, usually Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Obviously you need a wide rubber band and some tiny handwriting. Stretch that sucker out and write the verse, or part of the verse. This allows me to meditate on the words, glance at the verse every time my eyes go to my watch, and occasionally pop myself with the band if I’m on a worry cycle headed to nowhere but anxiety. That little pop can sometimes pull me out and force me to acknowledge my anxieties rather than letting them take over my thoughts.

Face the alternative.

Take out your journal and open it to a new page. Write out Philippians 4:5-7. “Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Now translate this verse into your own version of worries. For example…

“Let your fear be evident to all for the Lord is distant.  Be anxious about everything, but in everything, by making lists and keeping yourself awake at night, with complaining, present your worries to yourself.  And the weight of the world and all the problems that could happen, and all the things that did happen, and everything that might happen, will keep your hearts and minds captives to worry.” (Ginger 4:5-7)

Refreshing way to live, isn’t it?  What would your verse say about the way you live your life? Is it plagued by worry, or have you come to the point where you realize your best chance is to give up and trust?

Read the book of Joshua.

Whenever I’m coming down with a case of mental “shaking knees” I spend some time reading about Israel’s worried leader. Over and over God tells Joshua to “BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!”

After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant:

“In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1:1,5-9, MSG)

Fight like you mean it.

Resist the urge to simply flick your hand at worry like a gnat. If worries take more of your thought life than prayer or gratitude, take a firm stand and commit to working on this struggle. Take your thoughts captive, don’t let them run you around. Wake up each morning with a song of thanksgiving in your heart rather than worries on your lips. (Easier said than done, right?) Just like any discipline this will take practice. Don’t give up- it’s worth it.

Following,
Ginger

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Thursday Tips: Eyes Up

April 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Yesterday we started walking through M’s complex thoughts about self-worth, anxiety, and what to do when we don’t like how we look or feel. Obviously it’s not something that can be answered in a short blog post or with a pat answer.

Acknowledging the truth, that we will never live up to the world’s standards is essentially step one. Step two is to then choose to live and see ourselves through God’s loving eyes. But step three involves our eyes.

When I get so focused on my own worries, imperfections and failings I get caught in a crazy cycle of self-loathing. One long look in a mirror, a step on a scale, a harsh word from a classmate… any of these can send our self-esteem reeling out of control. So we ground ourselves in truth, and then we look outward!

The truth of the matter is that joy flows most often when we take a step back from ourselves and notice those around us. Joy comes from blessing and encouraging others, rather than focusing on our own needs. When life is “all about me” it leaves little room for the joy that emerges through loving people.

The next time the tears threaten to overtake you, try one of these tips before you give up.

1. Make cookies and give them to friends and neighbors.

2. Write a letter (snail mail!) to a grandparent, relative, or teacher who has been instrumental in your life. Thank them for the role they have had.

3. Leave a flower for someone and don’t tell them who it’s from! Instead just include a note that says, “You matter. Thank you for being you!”  Have fun encouraging from a distance.

4. Go for a walk outside!

5. Turn on some music and dance in your room.

6. Offer to help your mom cook dinner.

7. The next time a volunteer opportunity is presented to you, say “yes”!

8. Go through your closet and collect clothes to donate to a local charity. That sweater you wore once last year might just make someone else’s day.

9. Take time to collect runaway shopping carts in the parking lot and return them to their homes.

10. Commit to only use texting and social media to encourage other people. No more lamenting, moaning, or complaining.

11. Invite someone in your family to go out for lunch, your treat! Plan the “date” and even dress up to make it more special.

12. This list could go on and on, so start making your own!

I know that counting my blessings is a huge kick in the pants when I need to refocus my gaze, but this list can also help in those moments when the hurt threatens to knock us down. We each have so much to give to a world in need!

I pinned this photo on Pinterest this week. I love the thought behind it. Let’s find our passion and get to loving others!

purposeful

Happy Thursday.

Following,
Ginger

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Friday Finds: Favorite Things

February 1, 2013 by 9 Comments

Just think of today’s post as the “Oprah’s Favorite Things Show”, and if I had unlimited resources I would gift them all your way! A random list of what I currently utilize on a daily basis…

 

Ginger’s Favorite Things!

 

1. Flipboard News App. I check the top stories when I wake up in the morning. It’s become my go-to resource for everything that I missed while I was asleep. I try to stay up-to-date on current events. I may not be able to pronounce the name of every world leader, but at least Flipboard gives me a huge scope of stories to choose from.

app

 

2. Podcasts! If I’m not listening to music, I’m usually listening to a podcast. While I cook, exercise, drive… you name it. I use the Stitcher Radio App and frequently listen to: Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me, This American Life, Radiolab, Freakonomics Radio, The NPR: Hourly News Summary, among others. Now you know… I’m a public radio fan(atic?).

stitcher

 

3. Reading out-loud as a family. Hubs and I have done this off and on since marrying. We take turns reading a book aloud to each other at night before we shut out the light. We just finished “To Kill A Mockingbird” and I was so sad to see it end. (I am especially sad to know that this is the end of my husband speaking to me in a southern accent. He makes a really good Atticus!) Looking forward to starting the next book soon: The follow-up to Lois Lowry’s “The Giver,” entitled “Son.”

 

4. My Tervis Tumbler with lid and straw. Sure, Willy the Wildcat from my Alma Mater is cool, but even if this was a blank cup I would still love it. It keeps my tables free from water rings, my water cold, and this accident-prone gal from spilling. I use it every day that it’s not in the dishwasher. For real.

water

 

5. My house moccasins. Even though I live in Arizona, the winter nights still get chilly. We try not to turn the heater on unless it’s going to get below 35 at night… thus the tile floor is FREEZING. I don’t walk in my house without them. I tried to find the exact design on the Daniel Green website, but no luck. They are super soft and comfy – so I’m sure all of their products will fit the bill.

shoe

 

6. The Valley of Vision. My dear friend Becca gave me this copy three years ago and I pull it out just about every morning. There are over 300 Puritan prayers inside. The humility of the beautiful words always stills my heart before I open the Word. I highly recommend this book.

vision

 

7. A Mat Kearney Pandora Station. I’ve added in some Mumford & Sons for variety, but this is the go-to station in our house. We might be addicted. :)

 

8. I LOVE day planners. Blogging and real life friend Jordy Liz made me aware of one of her favorite calendars this year. I couldn’t resist and bought myself an early Christmas present. I was counting down the days to January so I could start using my Erin Condren Day Planner. I carry it with me all the time… it’s my right hand gal.

calendar

 

9. Smoothies. For the past 4 months I’ve been eating smoothies for breakfast at least 5 days a week. Since kicking caffeine, it’s been a nice replacement wake-up to get my day going. My personal recipe: 2 oz orange juice, about 1/2 cup of frozen berries, 1 small banana, 1/4 cup of flavored greek yogurt, 1/8 cup of fresh spinach. Blend that sucker up and enjoy.

 

10. Writing in my new “Getting to Know You” journal. We returned home from Youth Group one Sunday night to discover a bag hanging on our front door. Sweet friends from across town had left us this book to begin recording our new adventure: parenthood! I’m not sure why I’m choosing this format to share, but there it is. I’m in my second trimester and expecting our first child this summer. This really is my favorite realization each day! “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” Psalm 126:3

baby

 

So now it’s obviously your turn to share your top picks. What gets the most use in your world?

Happy Friday!
Ginger

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Friday Finds: The List

January 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

finds

Ginger, why are you listing your favorites of 2012 on the first Friday in 2013?

Life happens, my friends. And sometimes, we have to be okay with being just a step behind. I  love receiving recommendations from others. I’ve spent the week catching up on Google Reader and reading the “Best Of 2012″ lists that abound. I’ve bookmarked some must-reads/watch/see/find/wear/pin for this year. But I also took the time to think through my year and jot down a few of my top recommendations!

My standouts for 2012:

Best New Recipe Tried and Tasted: Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili. We aren’t vegan, paleo, or vegetarian but we both agree that this recipe is a SUPER WIN. Hearty, tasty, and yet full of vitamins. This here is good eats.

Favorite New Reads: Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman, Love Does by Bob Goff and the chef inside of me loved My Berlin Kitchen by Luisa Weiss

Favorite Films: The Chef, Argo, Lincoln, Les Miserables

Favorite New Albums: Babel by Mumford & Sons and Give Us Rest by The David Crowder Band

Favorite Television Show: Parenthood (Weeping just thinking about it)

Best Books to read again: The Giver by Lois Lowry and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Song with the most plays on iTunes: Waiting Here for You by Christy Nockles

And finally looking forward – on the reading list for 2013:

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Storyline 2.0 by Donald Miller
Help, Thanks, Wow by Ann Lamott
Forgotten God by Francis Chan
Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges
Written Together by Shanna Mallon
The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and The Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan

Care to share your favs for the year or what’s in store for 2013? My list is calling for some additions!

Following,

Ginger

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And suddenly, it’s time for Fireworks!

July 2, 2012 by 4 Comments

Happy Summer!

Thank you so much for your patience during June. I appreciate your answers and candor to a month full of questions. I feel like I was able to take all the energy I pour into the blog to finally finish up a manuscript that I’ve been working on for almost two years! Hopefully I will have more news on that front in the coming weeks and months. But in the meantime… WHEW.

We are going to get back into a routine soon, but I’m treating today like a phone call with a close friend. So… Hey, Friend! Thanks so much for calling, things are good. Yeah, wow, where to start? Well…

1.) Aside from focused writing, this has been such an exciting month! Engagements, birth announcements, new jobs, travels, volunteer opportunities, growing community, adoption news, spiritual journeys, and emotional breakthroughs – I feel like my circle of friends and family has had so many things to rejoice about. PRAISE THE LORD!

2.) I spent the first few weeks of my writing project working at the local library. I loved the atmosphere and found myself bringing home way too many new books to read at the end of the day. It was so nice to finally have some fun reads to mix in with my usual serious reading. (My favorite new read was “French Kids Eat Everything” by Karen Lee Billon!)

3.) On top of some Ireland travel guides, travel memoirs, and foodie books, I also brought home several cookbooks. My husband and I love to cook together. We especially enjoy tackling complex Italian cuisine. We braved homemade fig and prosciutto ravioli, pizzas, orecchiette, and roasted onion risotto. It’s been a good day in the Ciminello house when you see two aprons draped over the counter and flour everywhere.

4.) To feed our appetite for cooking, we’ve now become slightly addicted to cooking shows. Anyone with me? I feel like I can’t get enough of them. I can do without the ones full of drama – just show me how to combine ingredients!

5.) I’m going to a counselor for the first time at age 30. I’ve wanted to go for years and now I can honestly say that counseling has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Seriously, I look forward to the one hour with my counselor the way some people anticipate a new movie release. I love it and feel as though we are making some awesome progress.

6.) I’m continuing to read and treasure a book of Puritan Prayers that my friend Becca gave me for my 28th birthday. “The Valley of Vision” is part of my daily read and I love starting my day with the prayers. If you’ve never heard of the book be sure and check it out!

7.) I know it’s really hot wherever you live. It’s probably more humid in your state than here, but can I just say that 112 degrees is miserable no matter what? Remind me again why anyone goes outside in Arizona in the summer…

8.) I received a great question from a friend regarding the fear of being left behind when your friends move into new seasons of life. I’m really looking forward to addressing it this week or next on the blog. I’m planning out the next month, so if you have a “Dear Ginger” question that you’d like to have answered, be sure to send it my way soon!

9.) Just one last group of questions, I promise! What’s your: favorite summer read thus far, favorite cooking show, or 4th of July plans?

10.) I’m excited to be back, to share my heart and continue to hear from you.

Happy July, my friends!

Following,
Ginger

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Friday Finds: Summer Reading

June 1, 2012 by 2 Comments

I’m not actually going on a vacation this summer, so there’s no time set aside for more reading than usual- but it just feels right to stack up the books and make a goal. Jordy Liz posted her pic this week and inspired me to do the same. Here’s my list, in no particular order.

The non-fiction titles:

1. The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller: “Facing the complexities of commitment with the wisdom of God.”

2. God’s Story, Your Story by Max Lucado: “When His becomes yours.”

3. Under The Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken: “A sequel to A Severe Mercy.” (*A Severe Mercy is one of my fav books of all time!)

4. Worldview Conversations by Stanley J. Ward: “How to share your faith & keep your friends.”

5. Breath for the Bones by Luci Shaw: “Art, Imagination, and Spirit: Reflections on creativity and faith.”

6. Love Does by Bob Goff: “Discover a secretly incredible life in an ordinary world.”

7. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp: “A dare to live fully right where you are.”

8. The Well by Mark Hall: “Why are so many still thirsty?”

I have to keep a steady diet of non-fiction… otherwise fiction would keep me from having a functional life! During college I would spend my breaks reading through entire series lying on a couch and soaking in stories. But for a treat, here are my few pieces of fiction for the road:

9. The Arabian Nights: “Sometimes called The Thousand And One Nights, is the title of a collection of fanciful Oriental tales first brought to the notice of English readers in 1704, by Antoine Galland, Professor of Arabic in the Royal College of Paris.”

10. Hole In My Life by Jack Gantos: “A memoir, by turns harrowing and hilarious, about a huge mistake.” (-Miami Herald)

That’s the list, but I’m sure it will grow with each passing day.

And now I’m curious. What’s on your nightstand, dresser, or list for this summer? Do tell!

Happy Friday,
Ginger

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Smooth Transitions

May 2, 2012 by 4 Comments

Hey Ginger, I am a soon-to-be college freshman! What advice/resources can you recommend for me as I start off on this new journey? –T

Congratulations, T! What an exciting transition you are entering. If you are anything like me, you were ready for your freshman year in college when you were a high school junior. I couldn’t wait for the adventure of starting something so completely different and fresh. New friends, new home, new church, new rules, new classes, new everything!

I’ve been jotting down things to share with you all week long, but I’m hoping other readers will comment with some bits of advice to add to the list!

  1. Remind yourself that change brings grief. This IS going to be so exciting, but it’s also going to be so different. Even if you thrive with change, there is some part of you that will mourn a shift or two. Let yourself be sad. It’s ok and it’s normal. Acknowledge your feelings and grieve… just don’t stay in that place for too long!
  2. Repeat this out loud: “When expectations and reality don’t line up, the only thing left is disappointment.” Your freshman year isn’t going to look like what you see in the movies. (Thank goodness.) The reality of grades sets in and sometimes you need to close your door and study, or even sleep. There will be someone staying up all night long just about every night of the semester. You don’t have to be the person that joins them!
  3. Sit with someone new at lunch. There are no more social stigmas. You can introduce yourself to anyone you like and tell them where you are from and your major. They will in all likelihood, share the same info with you! College is a social blank slate. Make the most of it!
  4. Take your time to visit churches, but I suggest selecting one by the end of your first semester. Having a place to belong will help get you out of bed and to spiritual nourishment. I’d also recommend volunteering at your church. When I was super tired and considering staying home, that obligation to the 4th and 5th grade Sunday School class kept me accountable and responsible!
  5. Don’t let yourself assume that you will meet your spouse in college. I certainly didn’t and I only went on 3-4 dates during my whole 4 year experience. Letting go of that expectation will make reality a lot more pleasant!
  6. There are so many things you can do with your time. Try lots of things – take random classes, and try intramural sports. Just make sure you also remain diligent to the purpose of school: your degree! Focus when it’s time to focus and have fun when it’s time to have fun!
  7. You don’t have to get a tattoo, piercing, or anything else to make college memorable. It’s four years. It will be memorable on it’s own.
  8. If you have the ability to study abroad – go for it! I don’t know of a single person who has ever told me, “I regret those 3 weeks/months I spent in that other country.”
  9. Rather than focusing on “WHAT do I want to do when I grow up?”– May I suggest a different question? “WHO do I want to be when I grow up?” Your job can change; your character and integrity are with you for a lifetime.

And lastly,
10. Live out what God has already spoken! Follow His Word and enjoy the experience. You will find Him on the journey with you at every turn.

My favorite books about transitions, change, and adventures:
“A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Donald Miller
“Chasing Daylight” by Erwin McManus
“I Married Adventure” by Luci Swindoll

And I have a FAVORITE book that I love to give graduating seniors:
“You are Special” by Max Lucado

Alright friends, what would you add to the list for T?

Following,
Ginger

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Lessons from the Road

July 5, 2011 by 4 Comments

I’ve been traveling for the past few weeks.  I’ve missed you, bloggies, but I’m so thankful for the wonderful writers who stepped in to lend their voices and stories for the Hindsight series.  My time during the series contained 4 plane trips, a dozen board games, 3 hikes, 12 mosquito bites, and more sweat than I would care to mention.

Here’s a little something I’ve taken from life out of a suitcase:

  1. Obedience brings joy. Even if you are reluctant or hesitant, trust and obey.  He knows what He’s doing.
  2. Take a hike! Even if it’s 95 degrees and 95% humidity or 103 by 10am, get up, get out, get moving, get hydrated, and get in God’s creation.  It’s totally worth it.
  3. Learn to be a humble and graceful loser.  (FAIL.)  I try to laugh this one off, but my own “hunger for the win” is neither flattering nor God-honoring when it makes me the grumpiest loser at the table.  I’m trying to do better at this!
  4. Call them back. If you finish a phone call and feel uneasy about it – call them back rather than stew or worry about it!  Call them back a third time if needed. ;)
  5. FILL UP: drink water and saturate yourself with Living Water.  I am my worst self when I am dehydrated, sick, tired, or lacking in quality time in God’s Word.  I was caught red-handed with ALL FOUR of these one day during my travels one day and it wasn’t pretty.  Just picture me crying for an hour… in grocery stores, restaurants, and the airport.
  6. Look up. I spent one of my evenings standing in an open field and gazing up to the stars.  I just started singing.  I didn’t worry about people or bugs or the volume of my voice.  I was praising God with eyes full open and it was honestly the most honest, sincere, and heartfelt praise I’ve given in over a month.
  7. Seek TRUTH! The last week of my travels I was actually “performing” for a youth camp.  We were learning how Satan twists the truth to be his version of truth.  My role was to play the deceiver every morning.  Watching the students response has reminded me that instead of just getting angry about the lies of the world, I should know the truth so well that I can recognize a fake in an instant.
  8. Ask for help. I’ve had SO much help along the way!  I received rides from friends, bug spray and sunscreen from strangers, family members reading e-mails to me over the phone, guest posts, and countless prayers from faithful people.  I could not have made it through June alone.  (THANK YOU!)
  9. Ask questions. You want someone to feel loved and valued?  Stop talking at them and start listening to them.  Ask questions, lots and lots of questions.
  10. Be thankful! Thank you, Father for…

-60 years of marriage to celebrate
-Loving family who laugh and play together
-The beauty of God’s creation
-Safe travel
-The kindness of strangers
-Opportunities to go, obey, and learn.
-A loving home to return to.
-Grace for each day.

Grand Canyon = WOW.

“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;

Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.”

Isaiah 26:8

 

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