Explore. Dream. Discover.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson


“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain




-- Lately I've been longing... Longing to travel, explore, take a chance..... Why am I so afraid? Who knows whats out there? Who knows where my feet will take me? 
All I've ever wanted is to see the world... I've always imagined that my journey would start in Italy, but maybe thats not it. I just want to get out there.... I'm only young once and I don't wanna live my whole life regretting that I didn't just do it. Just took the chance and went... I've always blamed money, or time, or my job but the truth is, I just don't wanna take the risk. But why? Its my dream, always has been... I guess I need to get over my fear and just do it? Save as much money as I can, set a day and go... Get out of here! No matter for how long, no matter who with... Just go... 

So this is my goal... One year from now, on June 19, 2013 I promise I will have taken a chance or be on my way to somewhere great... Nothing holding me back... 

Pause. Reflect. Refresh.

As you know, I work 40 hours a week. I very rarely ask time off and I have the same schedule almost every day. I have a routine and don't step outside my comfort zone very often, (however, I wish I would.) And even though I love all of the above, sometimes I just need to take some time and NOT do what I'm used to doing. So this past weekend, thats exactly what I did.

Friday, I went home and spent the night. It was just my brother, mom and myself but it was nice. We just chilled out. Saturday I spent the entire day at the ranch with my grandparents, parents, siblings and my boyfriend. We were outside in the sunshine and it was incredible, but very tiring, I don't know why! Sunday, I went to church (and usually I work at 3... but not this week...) This Sunday, I did absolutely nothing! I rented a movie with my boyfriend and rested. Boy, was it one of the best weekends in awhile.

Pretty much I'm saying all of this to say, sometimes, while routine is good, its even better to take a second, and pause. Just smell the roses! Do something you haven't done in awhile (which in my case was doing nothing.) Spend time with loved ones and enjoy the sunshine.
Sometimes I forget all the little things in life, and I guess I just needed a refresher. It was the kind of type of refreshment like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summers day, it just makes you go, "Ahhhhh."

Life is busy and crazy, but don't forget to stop and take some time to enjoy life! God took a day of rest, why don't we? Food for thought :)
I'm out,
Taylor

p.s. did you know its officially spring?!?

Struggling with jealousy and wants.

Lately I've been struggling with this thing called: Jealousy.
Yes Jealousy.
I have a huge issue with it and I need to get over it and move on.

Two things about me:
1) I have a huge urge and desire to travel. I just have so many places I want to go, its my dream! But. Money is an issue. I know I'm only 19 but it would be nice to go places. However, I do know that someday I'll see these places if I work hard and stay focused. God wouldn't put those desires there for no reason.
2) I really want to own nice things. Especially a nice car. Don't ask me why I just do.

So as you can see, both of these things cost money, which, I have money just not enough to do these things. I try so very hard to stay content and know that I'm super blessed and lucky with what I do have. But the desire is still there. My issue is, I know a lot of people and some of them have nice cars (most of which their parents have bought for them, so it doesn't bug me too bad. I want to work for what I want.) and 90% of the people I know have been to many places around the world.
I know that shouldn't make me jealous but it does!
I just want to see things, and experience things.
I. Dont. Want. To. Waste. My. Life.

The world is meant to be seen!!!!!!!!!
Life is meant to be lived!

I just need to realize that I'm here for a reason, and if I'm meant to see the world I will. But I guess for now, I just have to be happy and try my best to kill the jealousy.
Okay, well I'm out.
Night,
Taylor

Lets get involved together :)

Well hello!


I realize its been a bit since I've written, haven't had much to say I guess? Some new things happening in my life, I just had to share! First off, tonight Tyler (yep thats my boyfriend!) and I went to a small group at Kyla and Tim's house. It was lead by Pastor Todd and his wife. I don't go to their church, but I really enjoy listening to Pastor Todd, and so does Tyler. So I guess thats good :) anyways, this is his discipleship group I guess. There are 8 of us (6 if Todd is counting. haha) And it was great! We went over Luke 5:1-11. We discussed Jesus calling Simon Peter to act in faith and cast his net(s) out into the water! What a great story. 
Anyways, I feel that this is going to be a really great thing for Tyler and I. Honestly, I don't know what God has in store for us, but I hope its something great! I love Tyler so much, and while we aren't perfect, he's my best friend. I can't imagine life without him! 


Second, this is something I've been dying to type since I started this post. *drum roll please* In 3 and a half months I will (God willing) be on a plane to Italy! EEEEK! I can't believe it! My dream is coming true! I know this sounds silly, but it almost brings me to tears. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to go there. I've wanted to see it with my eyes, experience the culture, just... be there! And while all this time things have happened it looks like I'm finally gonna jump in, head first! I've got almost half of the money, and I'm going to pray and seek God that I get the rest that I need before April 1st. If I am able to go, I will leave May 24th, 2012 and return June 25th, 2012. It will be the greatest 30 days of my life and I'm so stoked. Honestly, I have to thank Hannah and Wendy though, for encouraging to not forget my dream! 
Okay, well its super late (not really, but 9:20 is late for a girl who gets up at 5 am) and I have to work a super long shift tomorrow. 
Goodnight world!
Love,
A super happy and incredibly blessed girl!

My best friend

Vatican at Night

Praying with a Grateful and Open Heart

This morning I went to church. I go to Word of Life Fellowship and I love it. Its a smaller church, which is weird to me because I grew up going to a huge church, but that's beside the point.
Anyways, our head pastor was out of town today so we had a fill in pastor, and normally I don't like this pastor, but before church I asked God to give me a willing heart, and that He would speak to me about whatever I needed to hear this morning. Well, He did! 
Rob was preaching about prayer and its importance in ALL circumstances in our lives. We have a tendency to only pray when its an emergency! "Oh no, break the glass and grab the fire extinguisher!" 
NO NO NO! This is not how it should be! God wants to be in communication with us at ALL times. Whether we're having a good day, bad day, if we're having a time of mourning, or joy! He loves us and wants to be that best friend we talk to cause we want to. 
Another thing I'm learning. Prayer and scripture reading go hand in hand! You don't write a letter to your friend not wanting a response! If you pour your heart out to God, chances are you won't hear a thunderous voice, you might hear a whisper. Most likely however is that you will go to the word and that is how God will reply to you. But the best part is, we have access to his words whenever we want! There is no delay. We have access 24/7/365. Its the best thing ever!


Anyways, I don't have much else to say. 
Love,
Taylor

Not Enough.

Today, I started reading, "Don't Waste Your Life," by John Piper. 
I guess you could say that is what inspired me to start this blog, or whatever you want to call it. 
I'm almost 20 and lately I've been struggling. I quit college and am working full time. But what am I doing? Am I wasting my life? I do the same thing, I get up, work, eat, watch movies, rest, and sleep. What a waste! Going to church once (sometimes twice) a week is not cutting it. 
I know I was made for more than this, but what is it? I just want to know! 
I'm sure God has been trying to tell me, but who am I? Too busy to listen? Apparently.... 


I've got and incredible family, and a boyfriend who I'm crazy about. I've got a good job, and a nice house. But this is not enough. I feel a longing inside me.
Of course I know Jesus, but what else is there? Its something inside he's trying to show me but I don't know where to begin. I don't even know how to listen.


Over the next year I plan on taking time to actually listen, I plan on doing new things, and I plan on searching for my purpose, but most of all, I'm going to glorify God through it all! 


Well, we shall see how this goes! Thanks for following me on this journey, I hope to have some people by my side. 


-Taylor