Wow Factor

I'm in the midst of planning my vacation. Hotels are booked for Ireland!

I have Scotland/Northern Ireland mapped out; I just need to figure our where I am going to stay.

I was responsible for figuring out transporation from Dingle to Galway and from Galway to Dublin, which I did. I was just doing some searches for transportation from Cobn to Dingle and a link to my blog was on the first page. It made me smile and say WOW!

Work has been busy. Instead of getting on the ledge, I just remind myself of my upcoming vacation, which gives me some motivation to make it.

I think of all that must past before my trip: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, teeth cleaning, oil change, etc. They are like milestones along the way to show me the trip is nearing!

Another summer day has come and gone away in Paris and Rome

Step One: Notify boss of intended vacation. CHECK

Step Two: Complete PTO for three-week vacation. CHECK

Step Three: Purchase plane ticket for said vacation. CHECK

Step Four: Plan itinerary. IN PROGRESS

STEP FIVE: Secure hotels. TO BE DONE AFTER ITENARY COMPLETE

I am SO excited. I depart August 15 and land in London. From there?

Choose your adventure: 1) Head 2 Wales; 2 Head 2 Scotland

What I do know is that I will spend some time in Edinburgh, Scotland. I will spend at least one night in Glasgow, Scotland where I will ferry to Belfast, Northern Ireland. I will set up camp there and do some day trips around Northern Ireland before taking the train to Dublin, Ireland (Republic of) where I will meet my traveling partners for 10-days, Candi and her friend Pam.

2 nights Dublin, 2 nights Cobn, 2 nights Dingle, 2 nights Galway, Final night Dublin before heading back home on September 4 .

I am SO excited. Okay, I already said that but I am. The only problem is that I don’t have enough time to see all that I want to see. SIGH. I will pick the highlights and as I said during my last trip in England, I will be back.

There is so much history I want to explore. If we haven’t met, I love English history.

Article from Volume VIII Issue II

I began observing Lent a few years back. Lent is a 40-day journey that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Easter. Sundays are not included in the 40-day count. For me, practicing Lent began after a friend asked me to walk with her as she recognized the season. As part of the observance, we agreed to “sacrifice” meat. During my first few Lenten journeys, I gave up all meat. I determined I would include Sundays during my fast. Last year, I did not watch television. At first, it was painful, but I ended up getting a lot done. I was able to read, organize, and complete projects I had been putting off.

I consider Lent a time for me to sacrifice something to God for the gift and sacrifice He gave me. Lent is meant to be a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock of your walk with God. It is a time I am very aware of my own unworthiness. I realize that nothing I can say or do can compare to the Cross. There are no works I can achieve to begin to deserve the sacrifice made for my sins, pains, and hurts.

This year, I have been trying to determine what I hold most dear. I have been trying to determine what the item I do not want to sacrifice is. In short, I am trying to determine what I am trying to hold on to that should be let go of. Last week, I recognized who I turn to when I am in extreme distress. I begin by praying. I then write in my journal to sort out what happened and my feelings behind what happened. Interestingly enough, when extremely distressed, I also immediately want to chat with an old friend of mine.

It is a reality that has been in the back of my head. But for the first time, I really recognized that I call him because talking to him soothes me. Without realizing it, he became part of my coping mechanism to stress. When in fact, the only conversation I need to have about anything is with God, and He will work it out.

What am I trying to seek during this season of repentance and self-reflection as Lent prepares me for Holy Week? I seek and invite God to reveal to me the areas I need to change. God will reveal to me what needs to change. It is in my relationships with trusted friends and mentors this can take shape. However, this can be a slippery slope. Often times, man tries to create you into his image. I reject this. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I invite God to make me in His image.

God is trying to mature us and develop our characters. I invite you to join me in a time of honest and true self-reflection.