End of Year Syndrome

Have you ever had a feeling where you feel sort of restless inside, but don't know what it's for? Like it's an anticipation for something exciting to happen soon, but yet you have no clue why you even have the feeling...  For a while now I've had this feeling. and then at the same time I do want some change in my life--for the better, of course--not that I need it so badly, but I just want to experience something different for a change. Repeat. For the better... Because so many people are so desperate for change in their lives that they seek new experiences in all the wrong places. That's NOT what I want; I want something uplifting, maybe so effective that it's life-changing. I suppose it's because I realize that 2013 has a lot in store for me, and there's also the fact that my vacation is near and you never know what to expect--life is an adventure! Both are definitely factors. But, plainly put, I am yearning for something new, because for so long now it's just been the same routine over and over. And this excitement isn't helping. Because it's making it very hard for me to concentrate on the tasks I have to get done before I can kick off my shoes and just relax. 

So...after writing this long post...I realize I have a typical case of what I now call "End of Year Syndrome." I think a lot of people get this. Isn't it so obvious? Do you have it too? The year is coming to an end, and I'm so excited for the new experiences that lie ahead that I'm all mixed up. My ability to keep my excitement in tow, my concentration, and even my work ethic: all gone with the wind. Therefore, I have just diagnosed myself with End of Year Syndrome. If you are experiencing the same things, I have just the right treatment for you (although I have to admit it might not be exactly...enticing...). So here's your prescription: Byt vas en sit skouer aan die wiel, jy is amper daar. Afrikaans for: Hold on and work hard, you're almost there:) 

And while you're at it, don't count the days...make the days count! (Mohammed Ali)

x

The NSP Rule

Ever heard the expression "the power of prayer?" Well, today one thing after the other just went wrong. And I don't believe in bad luck. Then I remembered that God reminds us through 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to "never stop praying." So, immediately stopping everything in the midst of our very busy schedules, my mom and I asked God to help us, and sure as can be, He did. Isn't that the power of prayer?

That's why I abide by and believe in the NSP Rule. "Never Stop Praying." It doesn't mean we have to pray every single second, because of course that's not really practical. But it does mean that in every situation, good and bad, Jesus Christ wants us to talk with Him and if we really listen...He'll talk to us.

Life Right Now

It's December. End of year. Holidays are near! And I have quite a time lined up for me. Here's a sort of overview of things up and coming this December...

• I've got about 2 more weeks of school left until it's officially VACATION TIME.
• And 3 more artworks (and other school work) to do before that...
• I am thinking of joining an exchange student program in 2013... which costs a lot of thinking time and research--really time consuming. But I'm praying and it's a fun process, so hopefully things go well!
• Christmas is seeeriously near and I'm reaally excited. Family, friends (a bunch of little boys running around, me chasing them, and eventually them scaring me with a little spontaneous present....a frog.), presents (nothing big, just little special things, and to us its symbolic of the Gift God sent us more than 2,000 years ago--Jesus Christ--which is really cool), and deeelicious food! Oh, dare I get started on the food? 
• For Christmas I want to donate to a missions organization, I think one that helps people in India. I'm excited to do that! 
• And last, but not least, my gran is visiting us for the holidays. I'm so GLAD she'll be here, because I have this tough accounting thing to do and she's a pro at that, so good thing she's joining us for the festive season.

Right now I'm wondering what's happening in other people around the world's lives during this Christmas season. Drop a comment and let me know! 

But wait! Yesterday I discovered some awesome Roald Dahl quotes from his books. He's my all-time favourite kids books writer. One of the most fantastic quotes is this one:

“If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it.
“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” 
― Roald Dahl, The Twits

And with that, au revoir!