Wordy Wednesday

It's Wednesday. If you're a regular here at "The Sunset Won't" then you know what that means. For many people, this is one of the busier days of the week. You realize all the work that must be done before Friday. You have evening commitments that tie you up. Or maybe you are just tired after a couple long days at work.


Regardless, Wordy Wednesday here at "The Sunset Won't" is a quote, short passage or verse that I enjoy and want to share with you. Today's quote is from the TV show Bones.

If I've learned anything its that we can never let the chaos and injustice make us so blind with anger that we become part of the problem. Understanding, compassion, kindness and love are the only true revolutionary ideas. When we compromise those, we become what we despise and we lose our humanity.

Repost: I Believe I Do Believe

During this week I am on Christmas break.  While I love blogging I know that my mind is on vacation and am not sure what would come from my writing.  So I'm going green! Sort of.  Enjoy this post from May 2010:

Weeks ago I read a post by Mandy at Knowing the Difference called I Believe In.  I thought it was a great idea to blog about some of the things that I believe in.  A way to share them with myself, and with others.

I believe that there is a God who knows me, my transgressions, who forgives me and loves me anyway.  I believe that this God created me for a reason and that He has a purpose for my life and the lives of all of us.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  Even when those things are bad and it seems that He is cruel.  Down the road I will understand the purpose behind the events in my life.  I believe that the sunrise is a wonderful thing because it is the dawn of a new day that Jesus promised to us. 

I believe that every friend in my past, my present and my future brings something to my life.  Every best friend, school friend, work friend and acquaintance adds something to my life.  I believe that I have been blessed to have my family despite our differences and struggles.  Who would I be if not for my family?  I believe that relationships of every kind are important but there is no relationship greater than the relationship with God and the relationship that I have with myself.

I believe that the reason we have rain is so that we can see the beauty in the sun.  So that the rain can nourish the earth and bring forth its beauty.  I believe that the earth is meant to be enjoyed, not destroyed.

I believe that everyone can make a difference.  Everyone has a choice to make someone laugh or cry.  To give a smile or a frown.  I believe that I am a teacher not for the money, not for the title of a teacher, but for the difference, that small difference that I can make in a student's life.

I believe that for every wrong, there is a way to make it right.  For every wrong there is a lesson.  There is a reason we make the choices that we do.  I believe that when we lose, we should never lose the lesson.  I believe we should always remember to remember.  To remember the sunset, the beauty, the love, the life.

I believe that every movie should have a happy ending.  That is why I watch the movie.  I believe that every song tells a story, shares a message even if it may not seem that way.  I believe that a good book can be the perfect ending to a tough day.

I believe that showers are meant to be long.  I believe that car stereos are meant to be played loudly, with the windows down on a sunny day.  I believe that pizza is meant to be enjoyed with an ice cold beer or soda.  I believe that ice cream is a freezer staple.  I believe that vanilla ice cream must always have a topping or two.  I believe that pizza, ice cream and a great friend can make a bad situation feel a little better.  I believe that fires are meant for s'mores.  I believe that grills are meant for a burger on a summer afternoon.

I believe we should say thank you when someone does something for us or shows us kindness.  I believe that respect for others is something that needs to be revived.  I believe that chivalry still exists even if I can't see it.  I believe that people are inherently good.  I believe that we should never deprive anyone of hope, because hope may be all they have to hang on to.

I believe that laughter is the best medicine.  I believe that we all have a something to share with others.  A gift that, big or small, makes a difference.  I believe that beliefs are never ending. 

We all believe in something.

I believe that we all need to believe in something.

I believe.

What do you believe in?

Wordy Wednesday

It's Wednesday and for many it is a busy day of the week.  It's the day when you realize all that you have done and all that is yet to do before the weekend.  Between work, school, church and family obligations it can be a crazy day.  So here at The Sunset Won't Wednesdays are a day when I offer up a quote, short passage or song lyric to give you a quick mental break.  No major thinking required.

Today's quote is from a Hallmark (I think) movie called Farewell Mr. Kringle:

I supposed there's a lot of people with a double dose of crazy.

This time of year I think we can all relate to having seen some people with lots of crazy.  But take a minute to appreciate this time of year.  Even if you aren't religious it's the spirit of the season, the season of giving.

Guest Blogger! Taking Action.

Hello Readers.  Today is a special day here because Teresa from First Impressions will be posting today.  She and I were paired through the 20SB Blogger Swap and are excited for the opportunity to swap blogs for the day.  Her blog is great, so please take a minute to check it out.  Without further ado:

Hi everyone! My name is Teresa and I’m guest blogging here at The Sunset Won’t as part of a blog swap. Just a little bit about myself, I’m a college student in San Francisco who loves knitting, wandering around old bookstores, traveling, and watching old movies. I blog at First Impressions .

The topic of our blog swap is: Action. What will you do next year that you've been putting off for too long? With New Year’s resolution lists coming up in a couple of weeks, it seems like a fitting topic. It’s the time of year when we all take a good look at our lives and decide how we can improve them. Action then is the bridge between these ideas and actual change.

I’ve actually been thinking about this topic for a while. I’m currently a senior in college and I’m graduating this upcoming May. I’m a Communication Studies major with minors in Media Studies, Catholic Studies, and English. I’ve had internships for a TV news station, a non-profit blog, a newspaper, a magazine, and next semester I’m working for HarperOne book publisher. I know it’s a weird combo, but it does manage to reflect my different interests and I’ve learned a lot from each gig.

For the past year or so, I’ve gotten used to people asking me what I’m planning to do after graduation. Usually once my parents’ friends hear that I’m into media studies, they always assume I want to be a reporter on TV. I get a lot of reactions like, “Oh my God! You’re gonna meet Anderson Cooper!” or “Be careful! You know they kidnap journalists for ransom in other countries.” I appreciate their enthusiasm and concern, so I almost feel bad every time I have to tell them that I don’t really see myself as an in-front-of-the-camera kind of person.

The follow-up question then is inevitably, “Well, what do you want to do?” I wish I could tell them that I know exactly what I want to do and that I have a fabulous job lined up for me after graduation. The truth is, I’m still trying to figure out what I’m meant to do. But that’s ok. I know that 2011 will be the year of action. This is the year that I’m applying for grad school. Wow, it felt good just typing that last sentence out.

I know I want to go into publishing, either book or magazine. I’m a word nerd who can’t get enough to read, I love hearing and coming up with new ideas, and I’m a stickler for details. Publishing and me seem like a match made in heaven. My dream is to get into the Columbia Publishing Course , an über intense six-week, post-undergrad crash course in magazine and book publishing. On their website they tout it to be “the shortest graduate school in the country. It would take you a year in an entry-level position in publishing to learn what you will learn in six weeks here, and 10 years to meet all the people you will meet.” The course is composed of lectures and book and magazine/digital publishing workshops. It also offers a post-course career fair so students can meet alumni and publishing company reps.

Doesn’t it sound awesome? I don’t know if I’m going to get in, but I’m going for it. Like I said before, 2011 will be the year of action and I’m hoping this will change my life.


Well, that’s it for now. I’d like to thank Heather for hosting me today. You can check out her guest post on my blog here.

Wordy Wednesday

It's Wednesday.  If you're a regular here at "The Sunset Won't" then you know what that means.  For many people, this is one of the busier days of the week.  You realize all the work that must be done before Friday.  You have evening commitments that tie you up.  Or maybe you are just tired after a couple long days at work. 


Regardless, Wordy Wednesday here at "The Sunset Won't" is a quote, short passage or verse tat I enjoy and want to share with you.  Today's quote is from "The Cowboy Next Door," a book by Brenda Minton.  Though the title, or genre of book may not appeal for you, I think the message might:

We look at life, at things that go wrong, and we just see things that went wrong, that didn't go our way.  And sometimes they went wrong for the right reason, 

because God has a better plan.

It's a Ride

Back in May of 2010 I shared my list of personal commandments that I created for myself.  In November I edited that list.  Personal Commandments are commandments I have given myself to help me be the best version of me that I can be.  To live life to the fullest.  To love.  To learn.  To let go. 

So far I've shared more about these commandments:

Be Heather.

Dance with God.  Let Him Lead.

Let Go of Perfect.

No Deposit, No Return.

Be in Awe.

Next Up: Enjoy the Ride.

Life is crazy.  It's busy.  Fast paced.  Between work, home, church, friendships life gets away from you. It's hard.  But that's what they tell you, right?  They warn you it's not easy.  But they don't warn you that sometimes, you forget to enjoy the moment.  Enjoying the ride goes right along with being in awe (my last commandment).  Taking time to appreciate the things around me.

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what needs to get done.  What my next step is.  Where I am headed that I forget to enjoy the moment.  To enjoy this crazy ride called life.

Along the way mistakes are made.  Feelings are hurt.  You veer off the path you envisioned for yourself.  But the point is that you enjoy it.  You may have regrets.  Things you didn't do and you wish you had.  But you learn.  You learn and you move on.  You learn and you try to enjoy.  And trying is a whole lot better than not trying.

We only get one seat.  One spin around on the roller coaster of life.  One shot.  One ride.  Enjoy the ride.

Remember to live life the best you can, love the most you can.  Moments are precious, many things can wait... The Sunset Won't.

Wordy Wednesday

It's Wednesday. For many, it's one of the busier days of the week. You realize all the work that must be done before Friday. Maybe you have commitments in the evening that tie you up. Maybe you are just tired after a couple long days at work.

Regardless, Wordy Wednesday here at 'The Sunset Won't' is a quote, short passage or verse that I enjoy and want to share with you. I'm a social studies teacher, and on this day in 1941 one of the most famous speeches in American history was delivered by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was a speech about a day that forever changed this nation, a day which will live in infamy:

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

God bless the men and women who served or are serving, the families of those who served and who lost loved ones, and the people back home who support our troops each and every day.

Take it In, Stand in Wonder.

When I started my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days, one of the things that seemed most important to me was to make a list of personal commandments.  While it's easy for me to make a list, it's harder to actually remember it.  Harder still to put it into action.  As a way to help me I am reflecting about each of my commandments here, on my blog, in my little slice of the blogosphere. 


My first four commandments were to: Be Heather.  Dance With God; Let Him Lead.  Let Go of Perfect.  No Deposit, No Return.  My fifth commandment: Be in Awe!


The idea behind this blog, it's theme, it's title, are based on a book by Dee Henderson called "The Guardian."  This book is part of the O'Malley Series, the prequel to that series is called "Danger in the Shadows."  Still following?  Good.  The main character in that book LOVES flowers and explains that to someone by saying this, "I need the reminder that God loves to make detailed and beautiful things, and that act of creation itself is a sufficient reason to make them.  These flowers will live and die here, the majority of them never seen, even though a busy road is less than a mile away."


Beautiful.  No?  I need to be in awe of the wonder of God and his creation.  Of the beauty that is all around me. How often do get up early for work, get ready, make your morning commute, trudge through your day, head home, make dinner, get things done around the house, head to bed, only to do it all again the next day?


Did you see the beauty of the sunrise?  Notice the flower growing in the crack of the sidewalk?  See the uninhibited smile of the child who just passed by?  Witness the act of kindness by random strangers on the street?  Catch the intricate design of the snowflake before it hit the ground? Take in the promise of the sunset?

Well.  Did you?  Because oftentimes, I don't.  I am so busy getting from A to B that I miss it.  The whole point.  It's to live.  To love.  To experience.  To embrace.  To Be in Awe.

Wordy Wednesday

It's Wednesday.  For many, it's one of the busier days of the week.  You realize all the work that must be done before Friday.  Maybe you have commitments in the evening that tie you up. Maybe you are just tired after a couple long days at work.

Regardless, Wordy Wednesday here at 'The Sunset Won't' is a quote, short passage or verse that I enjoy and want to share with you.  You don't have to respect his policies or political decisions, or perhaps you just aren't a fan of his in general.  But when I heard him say this on Oprah I was quite impressed with George Bush:

If you chase popularity your chasing something, and its just a fleeting moment, but principles last forever.