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Breathing in books

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Just a few days ago, my Aunty returned from her overseas holiday. She knocked on our front door with a little gift. A repurposed present, but a much loved one at the same time. She said ‘I’ve just finished reading this book and I thought you would really love it.’

A paperback.

A fictional story called ‘The prayer box.’

It’s not a revolutionary storyline, in fact the first few chapters were not that enticing, but something changed around page 103.

I got addicted.

I started to dream the plot line.

I found myself breathing in the story and its characters and soon I couldn’t put it down.

I’ve finished this little story now and I find myself missing the characters living on a little island, protecting that which is important and dreaming of better days.

What I adored about this little courtship over a few days, was holding a paper book in my hands.

Holding something tangible, folding its corners over like ears, eating its ink with my eyes and breathing in its touch with my fingertips.

Sublime.

My kindle and Ipad have a queue of books awaiting the flick that turns them on, however I am a little over the glare of the screen and I am most definitely over scrolling aimlessly through others thoughts.

I want to breathe in words again, how they were created.

Off to the library on tuesday for me.

Monday is a public holiday in Australia, otherwise monday morning would have been my friend.

Pick up some paper this long weekend and delight in its delicacy.

Love

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Learning to trust

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I spent part of my day today in cafés with friends. In moments of quiet whilst waiting for new friends to arrive I found myself thinking about trust.

Trust in God for his help in circumstance.

Trust in people and their parts in my future.

Trust in myself that I can learn to trust again.

Some of our thoughts become so overwhelming in the moment but honestly they are thoughts that won’t even make a difference in one years time.

We will forget the shallow words, we will forget the offense, we will forget the frustrations.

There are other thoughts like my series of thoughts today, that have the potential to change what my tomorrow looks like.

Thoughts of trust. When I trust again.

They change your tomorrow.

Thoughts of bravery, when I begin again.

Thoughts of surrender to God and trust his will and purpose in my life.

What fills your thoughts today?

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Thoughts that you won’t even remember in a years time?

Or decisions and thoughts that will change your future?

A

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Learning to love the weeds

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Somedays are so full of weeds you don’t even know where to start to pull them out and clear your mind.

Although weeds are messy and they are often unwanted. It’s those little niggly things that can make you stop and appreciate the flowers in your world.

Being grateful in times of growth and challenge has every potential to change the way you see your circumstance.

When you feel overwhelmed at a situation. You feel unheard, you feel misjudged, you feel put down, you feel misrepresented, those times where the weeds are exposed, have the potential to truly change your perspective on your everyday.

Grateful for the little things, the beautiful simple flowers that are unnoticed until times of challenge come.

Weeds are flowers too once you get to know them A.A. Milne

If you’ve had a hard day, don’t worry so have I, my day however has caused me to reflect on the beauty that is in my everyday life and take time to love the weeds, because they bring attention to that which is unattended.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Love

Amanda

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Safe

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How often do we play it safe to protect ourselves from being hurt again?

In our creativity?

In our friendships?

In our families?

One of my favourite poems is from a magnificent lady ‘Marianne Williamson.’ I put it in my first capture book and have been drawn to it many times since. It is profound.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson

You were created to shine.

You were creative to thrive.

Playing it safe, will never inspire another to step out of the boats that contain them.

Playing it safe, will never enable the dreams deep within your heart to burst open.

Playing it safe, never encouraged another to live beyond their limits.

Sail out of the harbour dear friend.

That is what you were created for.

Amanda

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Your voice

20140120-204014.jpgSo many people forget that they have their own voice.

It is unique.

It is purposed.

It is beautiful.

Your voice is your capacity to create and bring your thoughts and brilliance to this world.

So many people echo other people’s ideas, innovation and creativity.

Rather than projecting their own voice.

Simple thought today.

Stop copying other people’s thoughts and use your own perspective and bring something fresh.

Use your voice.

A