Monday, January 28, 2013

Designing Life Live



Today, I went live!  Well not exactly me, but two of my posts.  I have become a new author over at Fancy Little Things and a Guest Poster over at Gabbing With Grace.  As it turned out, they both were posted today!

When God Is Quiet:
http://www.gabbingwithgrace.com/2013/01/28/when-god-is-quiet/

Excerpt: "I was asked to write about when God speaks or didn’t speak. When I was contemplating what I would write, I never considered writing it about when God didn’t speak. I wanted to share about the times that God did speak and was clear. Who wants to focus on those times when we don’t understand what God is saying or when we are not sure why God is silent? Then at 11:49 p.m. as I am trying to sleep, God brings to my mind my confusion about how He has not told me his big plan for my life. I’m still waiting. Then it gets even better, I make a bargain, “God, if you take away my headache . . . "

Grow:
http://www.fancylittlethings.com/2013/01/grow/

Excerpt: "If you need to know anything about me, it’s that I’m obsessed with planning and organization. I actually enjoy that which makes stronger women cringe (except washing dishes, ick!). To me, a messy room is like a grand opportunity. To me, New Year’s resolutions aren’t about writing down things that I never plan to obtain, but rather about planning the exciting possibilities for the New Year. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I want to improve my walk with Jesus this year. This new opportunity of 2013.

As the slightly OC planner . . . I tend to get carried away . . ."

I thank you for spending some time stopping by!  Please take some time to stop by these other amazing blogs too!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Quick Quote Sunday

"I've decided that I'm glad that I don't always say the right thing and I embarrass myself frequently. I've realized that I don't want to be perfect and I don't want to always do everything just right. When I make mistakes and feel stupid, it reminds me how happy I am that God has everything in his control. If I were in charge, everything would NOT turn out as well as it does with God running things."

 
Brooke Shambley

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Where is Peace?


When you read a blog, you are probably looking for a bit of peace . . . and quiet.  Something to relax your mind, yet interesting and engaging.  I can honestly admit I have written blog posts that create no peace and instead make the reader leave frustrated yet thoughtful about my subject.  We don't really gain peace through a blog, do we?  We allow ourselves to de-stress and to be calm, but this isn't really peace, is it?

For some reason, I am not a peaceful person.  I'm not saying that I stir up trouble with every person I see, but I am not always a relaxed kinda gal.  I am upset so easily by things. If I find a word interpreted wrong in a devotional, I'm up in arms. If I feel like I've been forgotten, I feel offense. If I'm cut off by Italian drivers in traffic, I snarl. Where is my peace?

Where is that "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" that "will guard" my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 ESV)?

When I think of David in the Bible, I see a guy whose life was extremely "unpeaceful."  He was always dealing with something!  One minute he's talking about lying down in green pastures and the next he's crying before heaven's doors dealing with heart's bitter agony.  Yet in spite of all of it, he has a peace.  Every time he ends one of his psalms he looks to God in trust and counts on Him to be his peace.
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
(Psalm 40:16, ESV)
 
Is there a difference then between having peace . . . and quiet around you and having a peace within you?  I think so.  Around me things don't always work out alright.  Things just don't go the way I planned, but you know what?  God hasn't changed.  His love for me hasn't changed.  My peace inside can't be affected by things not being at rest in my life.  If I take the time to think about my hope in God, I realize that nothing can truly shake me.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)
Where is peace?  My peace is found in my Rescuer, Jesus.  When we find ourselves disturbed and our hearts troubled, Jesus says, ""Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1, NIV 1984).  Nothing in this world can take God's love from us!

As I continue with my weekend and with my week, I just want to raise my hands up to God in surrender.  I want to let go of my upset feelings and my inner turmoil and lay them at his feet asking for his strength to continue on.  Asking for his peace, because you know what?  He will give it to me.  God's got this!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Underneath Your Nose

While a lot of the things I write about on this blog are serious and are about Designing Life intentionally . . . I'm all about having fun intentionally too! Here's a clip of my son and I having fun with his Mr. Potato Head.

Underneath Your Nose Featuring Mr. Potato Head



Monday, January 21, 2013

Why Making Printables Is a Lot Like Photography

 



My husband loves photography and I love designing Printables.  At first, I couldn’t see how either could have anything in common, but the more I understood about photography the more I could see the same things being true of Printables.  Whether you are a photographer or a Printable designer, I am pretty sure you can appreciate this list of similarities.

Original vs Copies

Photographers have an especially hard time being original.  Those just getting into photography often look to the greats and mimic, copy, and recreate their photos.  The same is true with Printable designers.  While there is so much room for creativity since Printables have only been around for a few years, so many new Printable designers simply pick their favorite designer and mimic, copy, and recreate their Printables.  Within the world of photography and the world of Printables, the artists need to remember to embrace new ideas and always look for ways to be unique and to do their own thing.  Collect ideas but always make them into something new!

Paid vs Freebies

In the age of digital media, photos and Printables flood social media, websites, and blogs.  What was once unique and treasured becomes cheapened by the mere volume of accessibility!  Why buy a photo when you can go to Flickr, pick a photo that has been made accessible to the public, and print it at home?  Why buy a printable when you can go to a blog, click on Freebies, and print it out immediately?  Why does the Flickr photographer give her product away?  Maybe recognition or it may be just a hobby.  Why does the blog writer spend time producing Printables to give them away?  Maybe to get more hits on her blog or because she does it for a hobby.  However, the existence of free photos and free Printables, doesn’t take away the legitimacy of photographers who charge for their art or Printable designers who charge for their work.

Paid photographers value their work and are not interested in giving away their work.  They prize the time they spend on their subjects and they expect others to see the value of their efforts.  Whether it’s their unique talent, experience, and/or style, they are desirable and people pay money to have prints of their photos.  The same is true with paid Printable designers.  They spend time researching for their Printables and expect others to see the value of their efforts.  They have a unique talent, experience, and/or style that sets them apart.  These photographers and designers are artists who place worth on their time, efforts, and styles and this makes them stand out in the community of digital media.

Experienced vs Amateurs

Most people know the difference between a photo that has been taken by an amateur versus that of an experienced photographer.  One looks crisp, organized, and draws you to it, while the other leaves you missing something.  Not everyone knows the difference between an experienced Printable designer and an amateur.  An inexperienced Printable designer may use tons of color on their Printables and the Printable can end up looking glorious, but imagine printing these out a few times.  Printables with blocks of color use up tons of ink over time and end up costing the buyer way more money as they replace ink cartridges.  An amateur Printable designer may also oversimplify their design.  Title, list, and table.   While this may be useful, it is not enjoyable to use!  In contrast, experienced Printable designer uses just enough color to make the Printable fun, but respects the ink cartridges of their buyer.  In addition, they make their design compelling and enjoyable to use.  They have their own design and unique style elements that show their effort.  In addition, look for photographers who have schooling in photography and Printable designers who have experience in graphic design, interior design, or home organizing.

Successful vs Popular

This category is hard to calculate.  Within the world of photography and Printables, many artists sacrifice success to be popular.  Instead of revering their work as something meaningful, they may use it as a means to gain social media popularity.  Photographers give away their photos by using good quality images on their blogs that are easily copied and enjoy the feedback from fans rather than looking to other photographers in their profession to recognize the quality of their work.  Who cares if a random follower from Spain said that their photo is the most beautiful sunset he’s ever seen?  Are these photographers wanting success or are they simply wanting popularity?

The same is true with Printable designers.  Printables are popular!  Every SaHM and working mother and SaHD and working dad (okay, a little less with the dads), are enamored by the selection of Printables now available online.  Though in the world of blogs, most people think that popular = success, is it really true?  If people line up to access the latest Printable at the popular mother blog, are they staying to read her special words?  A blogger’s success is not based on how many hits she (or he) gets.  It’s based on readership, relationships, and loyalty.  Giving away free Printables to gain popularity gets more hits and more money, but does not necessarily create a successful blog.  Whether in photography or Printables, success can be a lot different than popularity.

Consistency vs One Shot Wonder

A landscape photographer can take one hundred shots and end up with two good prints or a seasoned landscape photographer can take twenty and half of them are print worthy.  One is a one shot wonder type and the other is a consistent photographer.  Printable designers can be similar.  Enter the shop of a Printable designer and you can see many useful tools, but which ones actually make your life better and are worth using?  You could buy a package of 80 and realize that only 20 are really beneficial.  Keep looking, find a Printable designer who has a smaller package with Printables that are well thought through, organized, and are all helpful.  Consistency is key in both photography and Printables.

Key Points
·         Look for originality in photos and Printables
·         Consider what you want and be willing to pay for it
·         Seek photographers and Printable designers who are experienced
·         Support photographers and designers who are seeking more than just popularity
·         Buy the set of photos that demonstrate consistency or the package of Printables that are all well developed

As a Designer

Let me be a little more personal in my ending.  This blog is meant to be informational for those considering the realm of photography and Printables.  As a designer, I don’t want to classify myself within this blog rather I prefer to let my buyers and clients make their decisions about my work.  I would love to call myself the super professional Printable designer, but I’m still learning and growing even with my background in Interior Design.  We all are.  I hope reading this has taught you a little more about photography and a little more about Printables.  Thank you for spending your time here with me at Designing Life’s Blog!

Friday, January 18, 2013

How to Make a Printable Mini Binder




In 2012, I wrote a blog titled How to Make a Home Organization Binder.  The blog has a great list of items to help a person get started with their 8.5 x 11 household binder.  Since then, I have expanded my interests and my shop into the realm of mini binders.  I love mini binders.  They are soooo cute!

My first endeavor into the world of mini binder pages came when one of my best friends who is a wholehearted Disney fan suggested that I design a Disney Vacation Planner that would fit into a mini binder.  She explained that mothers would love a planner in a size that could be carried all around the park in their stroller or purse.  She was so right!  I put together the Magical Theme Park Trip Organizer Vacation Planner and many mothers have been very happy to be able to easily plan all their details in one location (the mini binder).

*This post does contain affiliate links from Amazon.  I am an Amazon affiliate member and it helps me to keep on blogging!*

Magical Vacation Planner Via Designing Life



Since that time, Mini Binders have taken over!  This blog post will show you how to compile your Printable Mini Binder.  Here are some great ideas to get you started on the road to half sheet size bliss :-)

How to Make a Mini Binder


First, you need a mini binder.  While the full size paper binders come in an array of thicknesses, the mini binder is a thinner binder.  Most come in one inch size and are perfect for day planners, vacation planners, or half sheet size menu planners.  The possibilities are endless and adorably sized!

Here are three things to look for when buying your mini binder:

1. Find a binder with a clear outer pocket so you can label the binder clearly
2. Buy the sturdiest mini binder you can find
3. Go with a binder that will hold a 5.5 x 8.5 size sheet of paper and 5.5 x 8.5 dividers




Mini Dividers for Sections


Depending on the use of your particular mini binder, you can use dividers to separate sections in your petite notebook. If you are going to use it for a Disney Trip Planner, then you may want dividers to separate your daily plans from your restaurant reservations or separate your checklists from your notes.  The main thing is that you don't necessarily need to use all the dividers.  Use what you need for your small binder and save the rest for later!

Here are three things to look for when buying dividers:

1. Go with tabs that you write directly onto, the tab inserts can get lost in transport
2. Look for brightly colored dividers to make each section stand out
3. Again, durability is important; you may use some of your sections daily

My Finds



Paper Cutter


A paper cutter makes it easy to buy the standard size printables that are designed to be cut in half to provide two 8.5 x 5.5 mini pages.  Why specially buy paper when you can simply use your standard size and save tons of money and time?  Many companies sell 8.5 x 5.5 inserts and refills, but I absolutely cannot find blank 8.5 x 5.5 paper to be printed on! If you search for printables online (like the ones offered in my shop), you can find much more affordable sheets in the full size that can be cut in half perfectly for your mini binder.



Here are four things to look for when buying a paper cutter:



1. Buy a paper cutter that is at least 8.5 inches wide to cut across standard paper.

2. Go for the sturdiest paper cutter you can find

3. Make sure that the model you purchased has replaceable blades.

4. Find a paper cutter that is sturdy enough to cut through multiple sheets at a time without shifting



My Finds




Hole Puncher



A hole puncher is a must for a low cost mini binder project.  Many companies sell 8.5 x 5.5 inserts and refills, but they cost you a fortune!  If you search for printables online (like the ones offered in my shop), you can find much more affordable sheets that can be hole punched for your mini binder.  I suggest two hole punchers, one for your full size printables and one for your half size sheets.
Here are four things to look for when buying a hole puncher:
1. Buy a hole puncher that punches all three (or seven) holes at the same time
2. Go for the sturdiest hole puncher you can find
3. Make sure the paper hole compartment at the bottom of the puncher stays on securely
4. Find a hole puncher that can easily punch holes in multiple sheets at a time

My Finds
Perfect Pens
I love pens!  You want to find the best for writing on your new mini binder printables.  Some pens will bleed through to the next page, some will fade over time, and some do not leave the mark you intend to make on the page.  Therefore, you want to make the best decision you can and have a pen you love and will use.



Here are four things to look for when buying a pen:

  1. Leave the felt tips, the permanent sharpies, and the runny pens at the store
  2. Use a high quality ball tip pens for simple writing tasks
  3. For yearly sheets that you will use for reference, consider scrapbook quality pens
  4. Try out the pens at the store and find one that makes solid and obvious lines

My Favorites
Printable Mini Binder Pages

The point of having a household management binder is to have all of your home organizational planning accessible by flipping open a binder and easily finding the right section with just the right printable. We have the binder and the ability to easily access the right section, but what of the right printable? How do you find the right printable for you and your household?
Here are four things to look for when buying printables:
1. Find printables that will help you save time by planning ahead
2. Buy printable with an attractive design that will encourage you in your planning
3. Look for printables that you will actually use; all printables won't be a perfect fit for you
4. Mix and match, remember that there are many printable designers with great sheets


Etsy Sources for Mini Binder Printables

Designing Life Etsy Shop
- My Printable Planner Shop -

 Confetti Saturday Etsy Shop
- Planners Shop -

Crown Bindery Etsy Shop
- Planners, Binders, and Notebooks -

In Completion

Last but not least, if you are in need of specific mini binder pages, I am endeavoring to design more 5.5 x 8.5 sheets as I go.  Make a special request and I'm sure I can make it happen!  Thank you for stopping by my blog and I hope you picked up some helpful hints to begin your journey into the realm of mini binders!



Brooke Shambley

Owner/Designer at Designing Life


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

What Can One Person Do to Change America?


As I see my Facebook friends debate over politics and share in the concern for our country's liberties, rights, and stability, all I keep asking myself is, "what can one person do?" I honestly want to know what I can do personally to make a difference in my country and change things for the better. I don't want our civil liberties removed. I don't want to change the constitution that was drafted by amazing American's who were much smarter and educated than I am (and much smarter than today's politicians). These men came from a country that was in tyranny and they knew firsthand what happened when rights were removed and liberties were withheld. They knew it and they planned a constitution that protected the people from the government.

Why in the world are we letting our government remove rights that were intended to protect Americans from the government?

Bill of Rights Via Archive.org
Does anyone else find it amazing that the government is planning to restrict 2nd amendment rights in order to protect Americans from themselves?  Aren't you so glad that we have a big brother that is so worried about our protection that they make sure that we can't protect ourselves from those who would cause us harm. Okay, back to the question at hand: What Can One Person Do?

Register to Vote

I know this is basic, but I truly believe that there are many people who are not registered to vote. With my husband's job, I move around a lot and do not always take the time to register in my new state. I should! Always! So should you. Contact your local court house and get registered to vote. Each vote makes a difference, one election at a time.

USA.gov Information on Registering to Vote
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting/Register.shtml

Become an Advocate

As citizens in the United States of America, we have the power to influence our government for the better. Becoming an Advocate involves educating local and federal legislature on specific needs that affect citizens in their districts and communities. Here is the difference between advocacy and lobbying: :Lobbying is about directly influencing the local and federal legislature and encouraging them to pass specific bills, while Advocacy is about educating and showing the needs of the community and their constituents. If you choose to become an advocate check out the PDF below written by the Psoriasis Action Network. It lays out the steps that a bill takes in the congress and senate and shows how advocates can work for change along the way. Wonderful resource.

"In short, if it has to do with specific legislation, it's lobbying. If it doesn't, it's advocacy." - Common Sense Media: Advocate or Lobbyist?

Example: For Psoriasis Research - How Be An Advocate
http://www.psoriasis.org/document.doc?id=541

Stage a Social Protest

1. Choose a specific topic to protest. Keeping your topic focused makes your efforts worthwhile and allows people to join in knowing what the protest is working towards. Be clear, precise, and know why you are doing what you are doing. Ask for what you want; know what you want to achieve.

2. Research the topic thoroughly before proceeding. Know everything there is to know about this topic that you are choosing to demonstrate the need for change by a protest. Find dependable resources that confirm you are supporting a justified need for change. Locate newspaper articles, books, online credible resources, and talk to local officials before you move forward. Choose to educate yourself before staging your protest. Only truth will further your cause, one false fact can destroy the integrity of the protest.

3. Gather others to your cause. If you sit with a sign at your local courthouse, you may raise a few eyebrows, but you won't demonstrate a united front that demands a change. Find friends, family, co-workers, and others around you who agree with your cause and are willing to stand with you to show others that they also see the need for a change. Depending on the size of your protest, find a small group to delegate tasks to in order to keep the protest organized and running smoothly.

4. Pick a location where you will be seen and your cause will be heard. If you are protesting the passing of a bill, go to the county courthouse. If you are protesting a business that holds to poor business practices, go to the front of the business. You need to be off private property so be sure that your group knows to stay on the street or sidewalk.

5. Talk to the local police to discuss the legality of your proceedings. To stage a protest in some areas you may need to have a permit to protest. Consider local laws when organizing your protest and educate yourself to uphold the law.

6. Choose a date and time for your social protest. Make sure to leave enough time for others to join your protest. Advertise your protest in advance! Use social networking to boost the awareness for your cause and your protest. Begin a Facebook page, a blog, a twitter account just for this cause. Use them to give information on the protest and the change that you are working towards. Do not let them become a free for all for bashing the government, a local business, or another entity. This is not helpful and will discredit your endeavors. You may even want to notify the local newspapers, radio stations, and news stations to encourage their reporting on your event.

7. Educate your social protest group in advance. Let them know where it is okay to stand, where to park, what the protest is demonstrating, and encourage them to maintain a peaceful yet obvious protest. Suggest ideas for signs, posters, and create a printable PDF that can be printed out by protesters in advance to hand out during the protest. Find a local printer who supports your cause, they may even volunteer to make signs, flyers, and pamphlets for free. Remember to pull out your cell phones to take pictures and video the day’s events, encourage your protesters to do the same thing.

8. Meet at the location on the appointed day before the appointed time. As the protest organizer, people will be looking to you to guide them on the day of the social protest. Be professional, be organized, and continue to educate your protesters on the cause as well as those who come to witness the protest. Some will support your cause, some will likely disagree . . . quite harshly. Encourage your protesters to remain calm and to not respond to those who disagree in harsh ways. You set the tone for the protest, make it a protest that none will forget and further your cause!

9. Prepare a next step to your protest. Your cause is not complete, so why stop there? Consider putting together a petition to urge people to listen. Be sure to raise awareness for your Facebook page, blog, or Twitter in order to keep people aware of your ongoing efforts. Keep supporting your cause until you get heard. Many protests do not make a mark because after one event, they go home and forget it ever happened. Don't forget and remind others that the cause still needs to be heard.

Wikihow: How to Stage a Social Protest
http://www.wikihow.com/Stage-a-Social-Protest

Juliette Speaks: How to Stage a Protest or Rally
http://juliettespeaks.org/how-to-stage-a-protest-or-rally/

Join With Others

Maybe you aren't the type to stage a protest. You can still make a difference by following those who are working towards a big change. For instance, many feel that establishing a third party would radically change America for the better. Why only have the choice between two pompous politicians whose wallets are padded by those who wish to further their own agendas not the agendas of the whole of American? The solution? A third party or for that matter a fourth party and a fifth. Why limit the ballot to three good men or four? Let's get real Americans into the government! Real men or women with real jobs and not a whole lot of money. Or what about a group that is working towards legislation to stop politicians from receiving money and rewards for voting a certain way? I was taught that receiving money in exchange for an influenced vote is bribery. Let's stop accepting legalized bribery of our politicians! Join with others and make a difference for your cause.





Have a cause? Do you want to add to my list? If I am not a proponent for your cause, I will not add it to the blog, but I will leave it in the comments below. I'd be happy to have a long list of parties and causes that will encourage American's jump up and make a difference. We must make a difference before it's too late.




Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Each Day Is a Blank Piece of Paper

Do you ever have those days that you look at a blank page of paper and can see the endless possibilities presented by such a beautifully clean piece of paper?  I feel like that about notebook paper, I feel like that about canvas's, I am even starting to feel that way about computer screens with graphic design.  Now if only . . . I could think that way about each day!

 
no scribbles
 
I never really realized it before, but we have so much control over how our day goes and how we look at it.  So many times, I look at the day before me casting a shadow across the day from the previous day.  I let all the things that were weighing me down from the prior day mess up the day in which I'm living!  I'm not sure about you, but that seems like a bad idea to me.  Each morning is truly a blank piece of paper, why let it get scribbled on before we've even had a chance to live our story?
 
ink marks mid-page
 
Even more than just another day scribbling on the current day, my days become affected by things that go wrong, crazy, or just weird.  Like when crazy Italian driver that cuts me off on the road, when my coffee that doesn't turn out right (though that one is hard to get over . . . ), or when my son chooses that day to go bonkers, all these types things can make our outlook go from positive straight into the pits.  For me, I'm a quick drive to negative thinking.  However, why let everything get under my skin?  Why allow my entire day to be affected poorly by small annoying parts of my day?  It's as if the blank piece of paper is being written on with a great story then a bad part comes along and the whole rest of the story is just an awful read.  I don't want my story to be an awful read!
 
who thinks? you thinks
 
We are in control of what we think which controls our attitude and our emotions.  If I want to have a good day, then I keep thinking on the good parts.  Many times as a woman I think that I'm just at the mercy of my emotions.  It's so easy to just act like my anger just happens; my frustration is just a natural reaction from my circumstances; I'll explode if you push the wrong buttons.  Honestly, that's a bunch of bull.  How I act is directly related to how I think and I'm in charge of both.  A bad attitude doesn't just happen, we choose to have a rotten attitude.  Ouch, right?
 
back on track
 
Upon my realization that I choose my attitude and my thoughts, I began to think about how I can stop the cycle once the cycle has started for the day.  It's not like I wake up in the morning thinking, "Jee, I think I'll have a negative day today and treat my family badly and not get anything done."  Normally, I let one thing after another affect me until I'm a pile of rubble useful for . . . just about nothing.  I have two verses that I've found that make me think that God has a plan for this.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2 NIV 84).
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8 ESV).
What is the pattern of this world?  I mean look at the media.  We feed ourselves with news garbage like lust, murders, deception (politics), and fear.  God says to not conform to this pattern, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  His will is not having our mind embrace filth, bad attitudes, and thoughts, but to embrace what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and things worthy of praise.
 
So in the middle of a bad day with a bad attitude brought on by bad thoughts, what do we do?  Grab hold of God and take control of our thoughts for Him.  Think on all that is true, honorable, just, etc. and take our minds back to the throneroom of God!  Remember the verse, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30 NIV 84).  Intentionally love God with all of your mind!  Take it back!  Embrace your blank piece of paper and allow God to write his story in your life today.  God bless!
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, January 7, 2013

20 Movies That Motivate Women to Work Out

I noticed the other day when I was watching a movie with a physically fit lead woman character that watching the prompted me to get to work on my physique.  Actually watching these women who have awesome bodies (with the help of a personal coach, personal chef, and personal assistant) are inspiring, but we as women who are normal (without a personal coach, personal chef, and personal assistant) have to work twice as hard.  We have to plan our own workouts, our own diets, and take care of our own daily agendas.  No one is going to make it easy; we have to choose to make healthy choices.

Honestly, we need as much motivation as we can get, including these movies.  I am going to begin posting about my workout, fitness, and health motivators as I gather them together in my life and head.  Today's post is: 20 Movies That Motivate Women to Work Out

What are your favorite movies for workout inspiration?


  1. Laura Croft: Tomb Raider - Angelina Jolie
  2. Laura Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life - Angelina Jolie
  3. Charlie's Angels - Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu
  4. Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle - Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu
  5. Alias (It's a show, but no doubt motivating) - Jennifer Garner
  6. Whip It - Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore
  7. Enough - Jennifer Lopez
  8. GI Jane - Demi Moore
  9. Ultraviolet - Milla Jovovich
  10. Dollhouse (again it's a show, but you'll see what I mean) - Eliza Dushku
  11. Elecktra & Daredevil - Jennifer Garner
  12. Æon Flux - Charlize Theron
  13. Bond Girls - Halle Berry, Ursula Andress, Honor Blackman, etc.
  14. Xena (show, but timelessly strong character) - Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor
  15. Mr. & Mrs. Smith - Angelina Jolie
  16. Iron Man 2 & The Avengers - Scarlett Johansson
  17. The Hunger Games - Jennifer Lawrence
  18. The Dark Knight Rises - Anne Hathaway
  19. Pirates of the Caribbean (all three, especially last two) - Keira Knightly
  20. Batman Returns - Michelle Pfeiffer
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

Bring It On
The Matrix Trilogy
Stick It
Blue Crush
Rocky
Center Stage
The Fifth Element
Serenity
Salt
Bulletproof Monk
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li
One for the Money
Underworld
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Your Highness
Resident Evil Series
Wanted
Dirty Dancing
Miss Congeniality
Save the Last Dance

I'm still adding to the list, let me know your favorite movie for workout inspiration and I'll add it in!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Song: Caught Up



I am always nervous about sharing the lyrics to my songs, but I decided recently that it didn't matter.  The songs that I write that God wants to use to minister to others aren't my songs, they are his.  Please take these words to heart as God shared this song with me in the Spring of 2012.  The link is to ZippyTune where I uploaded the song.

Caught Up by Brooke Shambley
 

I come before you Lord
And lay my heart out
Sometimes it seems like longer
Than it should
The world it keeps on storming
I keep waiting
Expecting but merely sitting
This one out
I won’t get caught up in this world
In this thing that they call life
My life is in you
In you Lord
I won’t be taken by this storm
Won’t be taken by this pain
I’m taken
I’m taken by you Lord
I come before you Lord
I lay my life down
No more waiting, anticipating
More of you
I make a resolution
I draw this line in the sand
God it’s all or nothing
I’m surrendered to you!
I won’t get caught up in this world
In this thing that they call life
My life is in you
In you Lord
I won’t be taken by this storm
Won’t be taken by this pain
I’m taken
I’m taken by you Lord
I’m taken by your presence
I’m taken by your beauty
I’m caught up in your love
I’m caught up in you Lord
 
Copyright 2012 by Brooke Shambley


 
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