tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29441408590402906712024-03-14T12:50:08.536-06:00Jen's Walls TalkIn you living your life, you can inspire others.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-9368058457001958512017-03-09T06:34:00.002-07:002017-03-09T06:34:57.058-07:00Moving in Cyberspace<div style="text-align: justify;">
I moved. I moved my blog. That's an easy thing to do logistically speaking, but in cyberspace that translates to you not finding me. So this is me reminding you that you can find me at the address below and be sure to subscribe while you're there so you don't miss a single post.</div>
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<a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/blog-it/" target="_blank">Jen's Walls Talk</a></div>
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I look forward to seeing you there.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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-Jennille</div>
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<a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" Jen's Walls Talk" border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u9_XTGIkzU7WKR-pirMjpp88JFZ8XAp0EP_M7AAN7X0vpATnESYFCv8fk7SEBaf0w-6U9o8UIfNLuwSlSxG-k2iBPS1XhopKw16yYnwsS9Cyu24pSJYqqjYEUqJ800FlwowrU1tqdJc/s320/JensWallsTalk+Logo+COLOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-13128740002660295442017-02-03T07:16:00.002-07:002017-02-03T07:16:55.738-07:00Because 10 is Less Than 50<div style="text-align: justify;">
We finished our #Whole30 body-food-mind reset this week. Whoo hoo! Then there were donuts at work yesterday...and I didn't need one. It's good. I feel good. As a result of continued working out, <a href="http://emeals.com/invite/jennille-spellman" target="_blank">eating well</a>, and <a href="http://jennille.le-vel.com/" target="_blank">supplementing well</a>, I ended up losing 5 pounds by the end of the month. </div>
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If you know me live and in person, then you know I'm not severely overweight. Other than when I was pregnant with my kiddos, I have never gained a significant amount of extra weight. I tell you this not to brag, but to shift your thinking a bit. It has been my practice for the few times I have gained some extra weight to address the issue before I get to an extra 10 pounds. Why? Because 10 is less than 50. It's a whole lot easier to address the issue when it's smaller than wait until you have a bigger problem...and more side effects.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=3009&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=366" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL warm stone & royal blue" border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJuMlMo5qfyTpkDRnN2fETlmYwRBFe0fmypyMwLr2-K07nQbwIfZuvwE_iprob4GX82O8tPhC9KZyVhUEZKQOr5mKhlmSK9A6zsg2mRXO77YxXdcokEEixy3YKeoZaF8e1fgnql3UQOg/s400/UL+every+true+strength.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The same concept applies to a lot of areas of our lives: personal finance, marriage, conflict at work, organizing/decluttering, and the list goes on. Why do we wait until it hurts really badly before we address the problems? <i>We don't have to. </i>Just so you know.</div>
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As a disclaimer, I am speaking to a normal, otherwise healthy person. There are some medical conditions or medicines that can cause weight gain, and under those conditions, we just have to do the best we can to feel as best as we can.</div>
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What issues do you need to address? </div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Very soon you'll read these posts on my website. Stay tuned! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-21818584420831718392017-01-30T05:00:00.000-07:002017-01-30T05:00:07.055-07:00Why Shout?<div style="text-align: justify;">
From time to time you see me give a shout out to someone. It might be someone who has helped me. It might be someone who has inspired me. Maybe it's someone who shall not be named because they've insulted, hurt, or attacked me. I strive to not live in negative land as I grow myself and my business, but life happens sometimes and I want to vent... Nevertheless, life goes on, business grows and I am much happier living in the place of gratefulness and empowering.</div>
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For you my reader, I want to talk about this for a minute. I want you to understand that when I give a shout out, it's not because the recipient has asked me to. None of the lovely people I have highlighted on here have ever asked me to post something about them. (In all reality, I'm sure that sounds really scary and vain to ask someone to write about you.) Because it would be weird and because I am truly grateful for the help offered to me, whether I paid for it or not, I like to further offer thanks by letting others know what an awesome job someone has done for me in whatever arena it is that they have assisted me in.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=366&DesignId=5882&ItemId=&Keyword=help&CurrentPage=2" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL cherry blossom & lemon chiffon" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhTke4EES8FvLS0nF2ZX9j7VPrsV_c8s2qLCZboHejj6K5JTaX-iuJ9bFk4ktcqQwnzSqMT1Ki2JM_JRyH9eMKeZSiRlv2jNJx4MnO1PlXf-gQSQRE0UAjRaf6WplfAOa4hmBvj2Wz9M/s400/UL+be+happy+help.png" width="306" /></a></div>
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So <i><b>thank you</b></i> to each of you that have inspired me, encouraged me, challenged me, helped me, fixed my mistakes, or just given me something to write about. Some of you may not have known it was you I was writing about. Not everyone is okay with living a bit in the public eye, and that's fine, too. I respect your privacy by not putting your name out there, but I'm still thankful for you.</div>
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For those of you reading posts with a link to a business, I hope you take the opportunity to visit those websites. These people are awesome. I wouldn't put it out there if they weren't.</div>
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Who do you have to be thankful for in your journey? Tell them today. Share it with someone else.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Very soon you'll be able to find my blog at <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a>. I'm not done yet and may be jumping the gun by putting this out there. I just want you to know where to find me. See you soon!</div>
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...AAAAND HAPPY 250TH BLOG POST TO ME!:0D </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-3385509498015405152017-01-28T09:01:00.003-07:002017-01-28T09:01:52.492-07:00Do the Right Thing?Martin Luther King, Jr. is credited with saying,<br />
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...as Mr. King knew, it's not always easy, though. Just like every other action we have, there are consequences when we face a moral dilemma type of situation. I had one of those this week. I can't share what happened, but I knew if I took action, it would directly affect someone else's life, and maybe not in a way they would enjoy or appreciate.</div>
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The problem with the world we live in is that it's broken. The father of lies is a master of deception. I struggled with doing the right thing because I heard a voice in my head telling me that I would be causing some very unfortunate consequences for someone else because of me taking the initiative to call this person out on their actions. Did you get that? I was feeling <i>guilty</i> for calling someone out on a illegal action because I knew they would get in trouble. I was feeling guilty for the other person's actions. And then I realized that I didn't make them do what they did. That was all on them. It was their choice. Not mine. But it did cause me to have to make a choice of my own: whether or not to tell the truth.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=259&DesignId=4389&ItemId=&Keyword=truth&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL valencia orange" border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qnppg9SyQ9J76VhyW-OhPRkuWd6CEjCTyWSEuGlyarA0oASTfspz-fK2ZBZpMHw08olU8cvzTFCjOkofxLRfwVIletxYXs87yFM50zLdIVSysmzRh6X2OhPMRC7zS7UuvKj3GXm7xDQ/s320/UL+truth+kanji.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was at peace with the choice I made...but I kept hearing those little lies nagging me in the back of my mind. Then I read my devotions the next morning and this was the verse,</div>
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"The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful." Proverbs 12:22</blockquote>
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God is good. This devotional is on a schedule and He planned it for that day after my situation occurred. This verse affirmed to me again that I had done the right thing...because the time is always right to do the right thing. </div>
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I am not infallible, friends. I am not perfect. I mess up plenty. <i>Believe me</i>. This time I made the right choice.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Next week you might see my blog in a different location. (Remember <a href="http://jenswallstalk.blogspot.com/2017/01/change.html" target="_blank">that change</a> I was talking about?) I'll keep you posted. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-34457393024712134142017-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:002017-01-23T05:00:20.496-07:00Call for Backup!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm in the process of rebuilding my website...basically from scratch. I thought it was pretty good the last go round--until I had a professional web designer look at it for me and give me some feedback. I was swiftly reminded that I don't know what I don't know. </div>
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As I evaluate and re-evaluate and process and reprocess what it is that I want my professional website to say to my clients, it would be very easy to get lost in the minutia that is the psychology of selling and dispersing information online. It's no wonder companies spend thousands and thousands of dollars to build websites. It's madness! But I don't have thousands and thousands of dollars to spend (yet) and I don't believe in going into debt, so I'm finding a way to make it work. I'm asking for help.</div>
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I know a lot of business people. Many of my friends are entrepreneurial. It's pretty cool, actually. So I looked at who did the website for the successful dentist, the exploding headband company, the jammin' custom jump rope maker, and you know what I found? It was all the same person. So I called him. He was gracious enough to acknowledge my budget restrictions and meet me where I was at. A consult became the plan to head my internet ship on the right current. A consult he did and a website to rebuild, I have.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Want this for your wall? Get it <a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=360&DesignId=4005&ItemId=&Keyword=help&CurrentPage=2" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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I am under no illusions that having a great website automatically makes a great business, but it is often the very first interaction people have with a business in this digital age we live in. So where am I going with all this rambling about ineffective web presence and business friends? I simply want to remind you that <i>it's okay to admit when you don't know something</i>. Even someone like me (who appears to know a bit about everything) is at a loss sometimes. Call for reinforcements. You may just end up better in the end...in fact, I'm sure you will.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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When you're done learning your lesson for today, and you realize you are ready for a better and more effective web presence, check out <a href="http://justinfarrdesigns.com/" target="_blank">this guy</a>. Justin Farr is really creative and smart...and very patient with those of us that insist on doing it ourselves. He does an even more amazing job when you let him do what he does best.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-4431117505634096442017-01-20T05:00:00.000-07:002017-01-20T05:00:28.349-07:00Change...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Change is coming. It's inevitable. I'm not talking about today's presidential inauguration, though I'm glad for change in that arena (and that's all I have to say about that for the time being). I'm actually doing a big change up on my blog. </div>
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I've been blogging since January 1, 2015, in this particular space. I'm not ready to spill all the details yet, and, quite frankly, some of them aren't ready yet. Keep your eyes peeled for some fun new things to be featured in this blog space. </div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=440&DesignId=5813&ItemId=&Keyword=change&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL mustard seed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBN1e69dQlHB5JGflpGvC-rau-p0miaY4S0XxepglLbtMV2aYUL3Wkcb6h2jYLHMvrJHJqrIhyphenhyphen3qEgAsknjMpf4Af93d16azEn_79Nla2DCcAKfjsv7Q4sT7sG2VxTTNqJrWGwDF1HOE/s1600/UL+change+your+thoughts.png" /></a></div>
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No need to fret. I'll still be posting regularly. I'll still be sharing snippets of wisdom and inspiration I've gleaned from living my life and seeing the wonderful, crazy, silly folk around me. Things will just be...a little different.</div>
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Stay tuned, and in the meantime...</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Catch up with me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. See you soon!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-36321416357304420032017-01-16T05:00:00.001-07:002017-01-16T05:00:13.901-07:00Color Makes it Better<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've mentioned before that we got a screaming deal on a fixer upper 4 years ago. With the skills of my uber-handy hubby, we have made great strides since we've lived here. The kitchen was remodeled and the basement finished before we even moved in, but in the fashion of a true fixer upper, we are still working on many projects. We live in it and have to work around that tiny little fact. We are also paying cash for any renovations we've done, so many things are still in progress...my master bedroom included.</div>
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If you have ever visited <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/" target="_blank">my website</a>, then you know that I do color consulting and specialty painting on the side of my day job. I love it. It's one of my creative outlets, but you know how the cobbler's kids go barefoot? Combined with mommy-puts-herself-last syndrome...well, that may be why I have no color on my bedroom walls, in addition, the paying cash for each remodel project slows down this project because this room needs entirely new drywall. You get it. It's a process (and also confirmation that we will never buy another fixer upper that we have to live in while we fix it up!).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=360&DesignId=3609&ItemId=&Keyword=paint&CurrentPage=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL navy & winter gray" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDHiFCHHxmzCmPvQnznHWyyE7EcgEgqOkh8FUxidIKqnQxJDbutWUwqYnOkiIKselrW1L33dPwu_06yrjl_msiOuMYBhfSYhjpkiSAaskGf4IcjkDwlpghPTQv1M6FGuqo0gp0ojjmMU/s320/UL+art+gallery.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get this little art gallery for your little artist <a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=360&DesignId=3609&ItemId=&Keyword=paint&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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I need a band-aid for the issue. My room feels blah and incomplete. It doesn't feel like the sanctuary or retreat, like I would like it to. It was actually hubby's idea, but we're going to paint that room because it's not the next project on the list, and we need it to feel better. No, I don't think the room has feelings. Let me rephrase that: we need to feel better when we are in our room, and mismatched colors (it was two rooms made into one) don't give that vibe very well. Color changes the way our environment feels. I believe that, and that why I do what I do. A little color change can make everything feel better, but don't do it wrong because that can open a whole other can of worms...</div>
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Sometimes the answer to a solution is very simple. What are you trying to over complicate today?</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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You can see my color choices if you pop over to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Jen's Walls Talk. Do yours?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-9808600016386291912017-01-13T05:00:00.000-07:002017-01-15T19:00:21.421-07:00Almost Ruined by a Noodle <div style="text-align: justify;">
"What are you doing? You can't eat that!" yelled my son incredulously as I stuck a spaghetti noodle in my mouth to check doneness. There wasn't anything wrong with the noodle. I don't have any allergies to foods that I know of, but I am doing a #Whole30 for the remainder of this month...so no grain. </div>
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I don't usually cook two meals at one sitting. As in, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit when it comes to dinner around here. But during a Whole30 might be the one exception. Tonight we had spaghetti squash with meat sauce. I made a package of noodles for the kids simply for time sake and to be an understanding mom. (It happens on occasion!) </div>
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I simply put the silly noodle in my mouth to see if it was done. While it wouldn't have been the end of the world, it would have technically ruined my Whole30. I didn't even want to eat the noodle. The irony is that an hour earlier, I was at a meeting...with a tummy actively engaging in hungry rumbling and a pan full of delicious smelling, ooey gooey, chocolate, peanut butter and marshmallow goodness that I politely declined and walked away from. I didn't need it. And THAT, friends, is the beauty of the Whole30.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=37&DesignId=2480&ItemId=&Keyword=food&CurrentPage=2" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL herb garden" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG66PzFE8hYSMZQCbAaoYy3DGBi9xe3DlkJjf1fcspWB1VW2uSAa5af4qafQ7tg5eOfvdH_zjw6GgxqQccOhtp4RJy7yzWBC0JT9lBsSN1M_EYFh0Xn5d0GItYn-hqcx5djvnuNT2oj4/s400/UL+buon+appetito.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The mindless eating is so often what throws us off kilter. We stuff food in our mouths because we're in a hurry, bored, craving _______ when we really need the opposite of that. My encouragement for you is to simply pay attention to what you put in your mouth. If you want the brownie, eat it, enjoy it. But if you really don't need it, leave it.</div>
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What other mindless activities are sabotaging your efforts?</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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When your done spitting out your noodle, hit the subscribe button so you can have each blog post delivered to your inbox. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-52239054879743794702017-01-09T05:00:00.000-07:002017-01-09T05:00:14.994-07:00Easier the Second Time<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's January. Almost everyone has new year resolutions to get healthier. Sometimes that includes weight loss. Sometimes it just means to cut out soda. At our house it means doing a #whole30. </div>
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A <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544609719/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544609719&linkCode=as2&tag=jens0c-20&linkId=f2fb0a4d127fb7ad9361b009722eb3a6%22%3EThe%20Whole30:%20The%2030-Day%20Guide%20to%20Total%20Health%20and%20Food%20Freedom%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jens0c-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0544609719%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Whole 30</a> is not for everyone. It's a reset on your body in relation to food. It's not so much a cleanse as it is a re-establishing of healthy tastes, cravings, and mindset when it comes to the substance we put in our faces everyday (that should be nourishing, not harming). Here's the rules in a nutshell: no dairy, no grains, no alcohol, no sugar (in any form), no legumes. At first glance, you might think that doesn't leave much to eat, when in reality it leaves an abundance of food in their natural form. It forces us to try new foods and flavors. It's more a food adventure than a self imposed torture session...and at the end, I <i>know</i> I will feel AMAZING. I know this, because I've done it before.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=37&DesignId=4773&ItemId=&Keyword=food&CurrentPage=4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL mustard seed" border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xFNrkKG6oGfsceNX-YROgOsePB4QN6UyVxS40ZbNAxRXtPXbNpJh0pdAF5Ma9G0aJsmlwEG3smHuOeImSD7qUlcSUTF-YC2y_pz8vGW0RHTZkqHzsOo7lkXvKPZNGDFx2RFINiG_NxA/s400/UL+cooking+is+love+made+visible.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get this lovely reminder for your kitchen <a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=37&DesignId=4773&ItemId=&Keyword=food&CurrentPage=4" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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It's been a couple years ago, but I still feel some of the positive effects of having done a Whole 30 before. As with any discipline habit we are just beginning, it is helpful to look to past victories to know that I can reach the win this time. We're a week into this food reset, and I feel really good already. Knowing how super amazing I'll feel at the end motivates me to keep going and making one good food choice after another. It's easier the second time around because I know the victory will be real, so it's worth it.</div>
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Is your current struggle worth the end result? Have you pictured in detail how that end result will feel? If it doesn't feel worth it right now, then make your goal more detailed and maybe bigger.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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You can find me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. And at <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a>. See you there!</div>
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P.S. If you want more info on the Whole 30 program, you can get the original book <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=jens0c-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1628600543&asins=1628600543&linkId=3df1fb0355bfaed089c8b7f05bef20c1&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">here</a>. If you want more recipes to go with your current or upcoming Whole 30, click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544609719/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544609719&linkCode=as2&tag=jens0c-20&linkId=f2fb0a4d127fb7ad9361b009722eb3a6%22%3EThe%20Whole30:%20The%2030-Day%20Guide%20to%20Total%20Health%20and%20Food%20Freedom%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jens0c-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0544609719%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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P.P.S. A couple of support things I've been doing this time around are my <a href="http://emeals.com/invite/jennille-spellman" target="_blank">emeals account</a> (they have a paleo option that is very simple to tweak any questionable ingredients to Whole30 approved ingredients). And I've been using <a href="https://jennille.le-vel.com/" target="_blank">this supplement system</a> for the past 3 weeks...and have NOT had any coffee (except 1 cup and that was a mistake) to drink. I'm not even kidding.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-53925781436480737012017-01-06T05:53:00.001-07:002017-01-06T05:53:25.729-07:00Your Application<div style="text-align: justify;">
A <a href="http://jenswallstalk.blogspot.com/2016/11/your-pain-is-showing.html" target="_blank">while back </a>, I alluded to a relationship challenge. It would be arrogant and ridiculous to imply that I never have any challenges, but it doesn't seem to happen too often, fortunately. It would be inappropriate for me to divulge names and details of the rift, but suffice it to say, it's an ongoing issue to a certain extent, as sometimes we are unable to walk completely away from some relationships. The only other option is reconciliation. As I pondered what it means to reconcile and heal, there came realization of what exactly is so hard: application.</div>
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Application is the self-discipline portion of the relationship. Application is where we simultaneously acknowledge the wrong done and look you in the eye and say, "I still like you." It's the part where we act on the base of love that the relationship was built on, rather than the more recent hurt that we see every time we look at that person...and that is difficult. There is no arguing that sometimes we <i>want</i> to be mad. We want to live in our hurt place because we're justified. We are righteous in our anger or hurt. So what does it look like to apply healing in a wounded relationship?<br />
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=338&DesignId=6229&ItemId=&Keyword=forgive&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL mulberry wine" border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcMBYe_qiASRIWLzSkSblU6wNmlRYeYXhVfZYB7LBZNAlCw8FknuYNPY0ybGaQ56ujbBIjXeBGGtIIuSfwv8D5WYaQg39i4k61fTV1iqkAYjHCZrMaACDkGB7BbPTbuf_bxhTrw8htJo/s400/UL+be+strong+in+loving+and.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sure it looks like a lot of different things to heal a rift. It could look like a hug and "I love you" when you see that person. It could look like a smile and a bit of joking like old times. It's sampling the waters and it has to come back slowly. There is no quick fix for a deep wound. Here's the part of application that takes the most tenacity: it's a choice. I must choose to <i>act</i> in forgiveness rather than in the hurt I still feel. Let me say that again: <b>I must choose to act in forgiveness rather than in the hurt I still feel.</b><br />
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That is your (and my!) assignment today. Go.<br />
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.<br />
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After your realization that you've been hanging on to your anger sinks in, run over to <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswalltalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for some fun. Thank you for sharing and subscribing. You're a rock star. Now go act like it.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-37224031526800691262017-01-02T05:00:00.000-07:002017-01-02T05:00:01.425-07:00It's My 10th Birthday Party--30 Years Later<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I was 10 I had planned the birthday party to end all birthday parties. I had games, beauty stations, food, and sleeping arrangements carefully planned for each of my 15 guests. Yes. I had 15 10-year-old girls at my house. I'm sure my mom tried to talk me out of it, but in my 10-year-old mind, I thought that was a good idea. What happened in reality was that 15 different people have 15 different ideas about what it looks like to hang out at a sleepover. Surprise! So halfway through my party, I ended up in my mom's room crying because I thought the party was going horribly.</div>
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I learned from that obviously traumatic experience that people have their own ideas, and especially in a social gathering, will tend to wander in all different directions. Fast forward 30 years to New Year's Eve. I did it again. In my effort to make sure everyone was included and going to have a blast, I did it again...and it was an epic fail. How could a gathering of great friends and food and kids become an epic fail? Because I didn't go.<br />
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=338&DesignId=2463&ItemId=&Keyword=invite&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL herb garden" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIiWLrX482xR_BIU8yhkxgj3CWp3LpeGqNqO3IYuhqrk6SHsZ5Fere0N3MD_34W3weh66Yh1V5IMBSJ2gkDzT7dREWAG0TrJnbyMq7lXtCkvq6Sslv6A5rdN9Mu2_vKCDdG1bkrAYeko/s400/UL+hang+your+troubles.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I allowed guilty, liar voice to convince me that I would feel really bad if not everyone was able to go...and that I was responsible for that. Ugh. This totally sounds like something from middle school, but you'll recall I turned 40 just a few weeks ago. The lesson I am reminded of and that I hope you hear as well is this:<br />
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I am 100% responsible for <i>my own</i> responses and actions...but I don't have any control over others' responses. </blockquote>
It <i>is</i> kind to include others. It <i>is</i> friendly to invite all--but I can't please everyone all the time. It's impossible. So continue to invite, include, and have fun in 2017, but for pete's sake, quit trying to please everyone all the time. You'll both end up unhappy, or not. It might just make only you miserable.<br />
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Make it a beautiful year, friends.<br />
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When you are done including everyone in your sharing of this post, click on over to <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for some fun color feeds. You can also find me on <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a> .</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-55997196968038929402016-12-30T07:00:00.000-07:002016-12-30T07:00:45.185-07:00What I've Learned About Resolutions <div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is a day just like any other. Tomorrow will be a new day. The day after is a brand new day. The day after that is a brand new day, too. Are you sensing a pattern? </div>
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It is almost a new year. It feels like we should be starting over, setting resolutions and writing down goals. And you should...if you do that in April or July, or another part of the year. You should write new goals...if you've already learned that your goals are only as good as the habits already developed. The daily habits that you set in motion way before January 1st are what will make resolutions stick. </div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=6106&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=366" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYmSz3xo4w8V1s9IumrInJ285pXA6pW2WSGtMlfJVIojMY6tpxr1l0ty27qjFjIx0K-G8giyeytdAllWLMAT3M57wMQaOTSKepurPL94WUuM_6IdJ9r2eMMFjjiYJBYbvjOXbugdr2zw/s400/UL+be+strong+the+pain.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So enjoy this new day. Enjoy tomorrow, too. Have a beautiful 2017. Admit that a new day will not automatically get you to your goal...your established, productive habits will get you to your new goal.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Thanks for subscribing and sharing. Visit me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-6954797891470291842016-12-26T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-26T05:00:00.185-07:00Who is Rooting for Your Marriage?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alone together. That's how I heard one person describe our culture of social media. We sit alone on our couch looking at other peoples' posts on social media. The posts are the highlight reel. It's not that they are bad things we post...it's just not<i> all </i>the things.</div>
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I don't believe we should air our "dirty laundry" on social media. We've all seen the posts that are vague and specifically angry. Um. Be a grown up and go talk to that person. Don't post it on facebook. But that's not where I'm going today. I found out last weekend that a couple I thought I knew is getting divorced. Apparently, I wasn't the only one surprised by this announcement. Someone else commented that they had no idea the couple was having trouble. </div>
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"They didn't want to air their dirty laundry," was the reply.</div>
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While I don't think it's everyone's business if someone is having trouble in their marriage, it's my hope and prayer that you have <i>someone</i> in your life that you <i>can</i> talk to and have that real conversation:</div>
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"I'm having a really hard time in my marriage right now with ___." Fill in the blank. Anything, on any given day can be really hard when you are married.</div>
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I have a wonderful husband, but there are still times that I want to choke him with my bare hands. At that point, I need a real friend to tell me that they are rooting for <i>my marriage</i>...not what a jerk my husband is and that I should leave him. Divorce is not easier, friends. That is the lie the world tries to tell you. That is the lie Satan whispers in your ear. Marriage is not always sunshine and roses. It's work...and it's a choice.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=38&DesignId=2296&ItemId=&Keyword=marriage&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL sugared plum & lilac bouquet" border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g6aa4CbM8A8tVx5CVoblCSmeb5UTBdwyI-tOh4mMUfHsUqLxwJce6ZJCeSOGxzPk7sjEvtAOJYiVfxSpPC-auuNxt-SNT711xc2ogxL2-rWwPzYFPOTYiGPk0e4-udJZQYRRxNIFbs0/s400/UL+it%2527s+never+too+late.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you are the one struggling, please reach out to someone. There are so many resources available. You are not alone. If you don't know anyone you think will be on the side of your marriage, please message me. I will pray for you. (<a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/promos/hope-restored" target="_blank">Here is one resource</a> you can look into.) If you are in a real physically or emotionally abusive relationship, that is another matter entirely. <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional-health/counseling-services-and-referrals" target="_blank">You need help</a>, too, and know that is not okay. Please, get outside help.</div>
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We all want our happily ever after. Sometimes we need to roll up our sleeves and work for it.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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I'm sad for the heavy topic today. This has been weighing on my heart. After you get done pondering the current state of your relationship, visit me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for some light hearted decorating fun. If you are looking for some color change up in your home or business, stop by <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a> for ideas and consult information. Thanks for sharing. You don't know who might need to read this today.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-1300166287965024452016-12-23T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-23T05:00:01.077-07:00Mountain Lions and Ninjas<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hang around funny people. Life is more fun that way. Two of these maybe-a-bit-competitive gentlemen may have an ongoing competition/hypothetical discussion about whether or not they could kill a mountain lion before it kills them. Fortunately, this is only a hypothetical discussion and not a retelling of a real life, horrific situation. This discussion has been going on for years, apparently, but now it's shifted...</div>
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A couple weeks ago, one of these pranksters approached me at the gym and told me that even with my black belt, he felt he could take me. He could take me down before I could kill him. I'll be honest, at first my feelings were a little offended. Sure he may have 50 pounds on me, but I have some skills and some knowledge that should give me the advantage. (I hope that studying karate for 8 years has taught me a little more than just how to punch or kick!) While I wouldn't say I'm super aggressive, I do feel like I could hold my own if there were to be a random "mountain lion" situation.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=4829&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=420" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL cotton candy" border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0t8dnR0jbpq5_XO9xvGsgBxlpGHRnBx06um-9IOnIxgehyQAfCAIaytFA3SxhHrZ47xlmXvowB4OeXXwDJSWhyMw3adwUzVnllIQY1AYwDQZ8ykbpHOs6LDpF-RuAmixHYxoebE65-M/s400/UL+attitude+is.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The funny thing is that I didn't know about this particular discussion before the throw down was issued at the gym. I thought my friend was being the sarcastic, sometimes filter-less, often outspoken, albeit hilarious person that he is. But the more I got to thinking about this weird challenge to my hard earned skill set, I realized they were comparing me to a mountain lion. (If you live in Colorado, you know that if you encounter a mountain lion in the wild, it's probably too late for you. Sorry.) What I'm saying is this: it's kind of an honor to have grown men wondering if they can kill me before I kill them...an honor in a weird, twisted kind of way, I know, but I'll take it.</div>
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What strange compliments have you received today?</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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When you're done contemplating what kind of strange people would come up with such a discussion in the first place, pop over to <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for some inspiration that's a little more tame. You can also subscribe to this blog simply by entering your email in the box below.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-21993805284040081102016-12-19T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-19T05:00:08.355-07:00What Did You Ask for 10 Years Ago?<div style="text-align: justify;">
At my gathering of friends for my birthday-ness, one of my friends asked me about the highlights of the last decade. I'm sometimes hesitant to pull up to the bragtable, but I do believe it's good to reflect and see how far we've come, on occasion. </div>
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My list accomplishments that I'm proud of could go on, but it wasn't until a week after my party that one of my friends pointed out something else that I have accomplished in the last decade: friendships. This particular friend, I have known since I was about 12. She reminded me of a conversation we had about 10 years ago. I was a stay at home mom and we had just moved back to the area and I was looking for relationship with depth and accountability and honesty. I had a few friendships that were close-ish, but I was desiring the next level in friendship and spiritual growth.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=366&DesignId=1801&ItemId=&Keyword=relationship&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" Colors: UL shoreline blue & matte black" border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZT-wFW_M61LLebq4M-aeEdsKO4YEmcA0v6pU1LSjrhuudv130nIMfLwUrQXVuTWOgNxEiDCO2E2YZM45Gn7no7LZQq8kXPvfxKpTlLteLJYiBHuI7sxot68iKj4ys4UMvt08RDD9KTM/s400/UL+this+home+is+built.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Through a series of circumstances, we ended up with a small group Bible study...that we're still a part of. Some of the faces have changed and there are some newer ones I've also grown to love, but these are my core people. We've even split a couple times because we were too large, but I still love all of the people. They are the ones that tell me when I'm having unreasonable expectations of myself. They're the ones that will stop what they're doing to pray with me. They're the ones who bring me a coffee and a hug just because. Ten years later, I'm glad we made the choice to find our people.<br />
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I know without a doubt that God brought each of these people into our life. He knew exactly what I needed to stretch, grow, challenge, and encourage me. That safe place to be vulnerable and honest has made me better at other relationships, too. My point is that it was a choice to put ourselves out there. It was a choice to be vulnerable and willing to develop relationships...and I'm so thankful we did.<br />
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.<br />
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Subscribing is what all the cool kids are doing, so put your email in the box below to get each post when it's hot off the presses. You can find me having color and decor type of fun on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, too.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-83730963538379920442016-12-16T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-18T21:29:26.923-07:00Rootin', Tootin' Flutin'<div style="text-align: justify;">
I played the flute all through school. I won't say that I was exceptional, but I was good and more than anything, I enjoyed it. </div>
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Last year, being the musical creature God made her to be, my daughter started to play flute, too. She was good, and, of course, a natural. Long fingers, great rhythm, and an amazing ear for all things musical, it was no surprise when she quickly picked it up. Tonight, I was so proud to witness the legacy continuing.</div>
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It's the time of year for winter recitals, so away we went to watch our girl do her thing. Of course, every parent was proud of their child. They all did well. But I was especially proud to see how confident she was as she played in a duet and a solo that she volunteered for. Volunteered. My baby girl who likes to think she's shy, but then has these glimpses of sparkle that break out every now and then. It's really beautiful! She's amazing!<br />
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=359&DesignId=2119&ItemId=&Keyword=music&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL Italian Turquoise" border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCONuRWIeqBhiew1mSy1BXxGWl0ojaTYBcI28mVqsnHWoxwlbpTfkYtH2Umjgk_5vp_4q5WZ28zw6kEXwnA4OCWAOpgeFNokhTx3qqARcyrOepZqm0O2q4ZwKWp3Gwp2IqLFdFBvHfwQ/s400/UL+music+the+voice.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I appreciate your letting me brag on my kiddo for a moment, but I want you to understand something else about this little recital: she wasn't amazing just because she practiced. She was amazing because the music was in her and she couldn't help but let it out. She is living in and expressing her gifting. What kind of glow do you have when you're living in your purpose? What's in you? Who were you created to be? </div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Thank you for subscribing in the box below. You're terrific! After you get done here, let your fingers walk you over to my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a> pages. There you'll find my color adventures. Happy Friday! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-23903498416198406512016-12-12T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-12T06:32:30.859-07:00Planning for Help<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have a lot on my plate. I think I always will, or at least for a good while. It's just the season I'm in. </div>
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I'm fairly organized, at least as far as my calendar goes, but I believe I can do better. I do manage to get my family fed on a regular basis--just kidding. They have food available every day, and usually there is some semblance of a meal (thank you, <a href="http://emeals.com/?utm_campaign=refer-a-friend&utm_medium=link&utm_source=direct" target="_blank">emeals</a>!). That part of my schedule feels like it works most of the time. Where I run into trouble is my to do list...I don't think I'll ever get done with it.<br />
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I was discussing this issue with my coach last week and we decided I need to add some priorities to my scheduling, as well as changing the format a bit. I know there are a TON of different planning and/or calendar systems out there. I'm currently using Google calendar, which I really like in a lot of ways, but it has some short comings. Here's where you come in: I'd love to know what calendar/planning systems you use. My qualifications are that it has to be portable and intuitive. I don't want a wall size calendar to carry around with me all the time, or something so complicated that I can't use it well. <br />
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=370&DesignId=2378&ItemId=&Keyword=calendar&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL bright white & crimson red" border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SoOyQ27EYbnmqXQ38v8s4cTdRorp_cEyWgrtJbLm_tXyjDQDkrQC9M0xWmkN5GqLGbDmzBjcwS0DipiqApTUU7kHz4fRuRUYazs5tukYKEycfxrC2PSV3WQ3vR9LCp0Cwx2cgOk7rVc/s320/UL+how+many+days+to+Christmas.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't usually ask for much feedback in this blog space, but I'd really live to hear what you know on this one.<br />
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.<br />
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Thank you for your feedback and for subscribing. You can also find me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or pop over to <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a> for a peek at what I do for fun and a creative outlet.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-57426195977119009282016-12-09T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-09T05:00:12.060-07:00Looking Back to Move Forward<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then I had a client ask me this question last week,</div>
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"Did you always know you would do something with artistic design?" I believe I did...it just took me a while to get there. <br />
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There were little snippets of my future sprinkled in my past...smoldering twigs, if you will. I took art classes during summer...like a lot of kids do. Coloring, painting, drawing. I always liked to do that stuff. At age 10, I started taking painting lessons. Apparently, my parents saw something in me that I thought was just something people did, but they saw as more exceptional. I'm not saying I was a phenom. I wasn't. But it was something I was fairly good at <i>and that I could develop</i>. <br />
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=366&DesignId=6284&ItemId=&Keyword=learn&CurrentPage=2" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL mulberry wine" border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8WldubgJj-A068zSu1mMx7VoZWEg8of_ty_MMejgd61j5mgHImglLrKUK-N6WY9ECtLXVlXEKQHGVJPOq2YJ8hquiCgTKBr7aVg0QCPBTKUCxcByUI2TdBUeCCHI1T37KYWai8PK5-w/s400/UL+learn+and+never+quit.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Along the way I have developed many skills and many more are still in the growth process, and hopefully will never leave that stage. I love learning. That is part of who I am.<br />
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What have you always known you would do? What can you grow into a marketable skill? What can you grow simply for the joy of learning?<br />
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.<br />
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Find me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. You'll see some snippets of some of the things I'm having fun creating. I've also added new posts and updates at <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a>, so stop by and see.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-57662068890933795582016-12-05T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-05T09:15:41.739-07:00Happy Birthday to Me<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm turning 40 this week. I didn't think I'd be so contemplative about it. I have several beautiful, amazing friends that are a few years ahead of me...and they make it look good so I'm not too worried. Nevertheless, conversations keep popping up in my mind.</div>
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-Do you realize you're halfway through your life? What have you done? You'd better get started!</div>
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-Do you realize you're halfway through your life? What have you done? You're too late. You might as well lay down and quit.</div>
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They may not happen simultaneously, but both those conversations happen in my head. Yes, I realize the dichotomy. It happens.<br />
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Thirty-eight (as in, last year) was a exceptional year for me. I earned my black belt in karate. I was offered and accepted (and completed!) a project in my business that was bigger than I had ever done before. I learned some of what I was capable of. </div>
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In the time since I've completed those bigger milestones, I haven't had other "huge" successes. I didn't have the huge explosion I thought I might after I finished my big project. I have had some firecracker moments, though. Our karate school is growing and we've implemented some new programming I'm really excited about.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=366&DesignId=6694&ItemId=&Keyword=birthday&CurrentPage=2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL lucky green" border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqietEAhhT-PjCVKn5XrvsCf3V_724NqR4t1stL5tohtiyg6vjgKc2Ukxk4TSkSoB_gO8PIurD4IvGh83mkBFwCv8vcrcg2qGedJK-LVkWtxdcCd-52F3rd4lgyRtfRki74Gq359PpLg/s400/UL+bring+on+the+happy.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=366&DesignId=6694&ItemId=&Keyword=birthday&CurrentPage=2" target="_blank">Cute up your birthday reminders with this adorable birthday board</a>.<br />Just hang a mini card from each month with the birth date & name on it.</td></tr>
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I've had some bummer moments, too. I injured my foot and couldn't participate in my regular CrossFit routine for 3 months...causing me to slow down a little and gain a little weight. Ugh. My son fractured his leg in his first season of football. I've had a slower season in my creative business. <br />
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But I'm not done yet and there are new adventures on the horizon. I still feel like I'm just getting started. Maybe I'll always feel like I'm just getting started, and that's a good thing. It means there's room for expansion. It means things are exciting and fresh. It means I'm growing...even though I'm almost 40. What new dreams do you have today?<br />
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.<br />
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Thanks for sharing and subscribing. Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JensWallsTalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Or find me <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a> . </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-10215253914189585202016-12-02T05:00:00.000-07:002016-12-03T09:44:09.447-07:00Little Man<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I might not have responded like I know I should have." That's what my 14-year-old son said when he called me to tell me he and his sister were fighting. He had the self-realization to know he was angry and that even though his sister was pushing his buttons, he knew he needed to not lose his cool completely.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=345&DesignId=3998&ItemId=&Keyword=grow&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL valencia orange & hot cocoa" border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMaIsvF8v0TU1kyXR7Pps-pp16JfAzoAEIpoC4GCAZodEdpcGl3YmIiliaf41qcxds62vXTwu4Vyw7oNGoYUR6n0oGc2pBsL3M-nvHM4dW_6Z_oclGCNYvGgBGFCr3q-O7aBXE5vKN6I/s400/UL+from+little+acorns.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was one of those rare moments when I wanted to congratulate myself for being a great mom...then I realized it was more a reflection of the amazing man he is becoming despite my best efforts. I have great kids. They aren't perfect, but they are terrific. It's easy to get down on yourself when one of your offspring makes a choice contrary to what you believe you taught them. </div>
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I often try to remember that I didn't birth little robots. They have ideas and dispositions that are all their own. I'm comforted by the thought that God gave Adam and Eve a perfect world, environment, and an actual perfect parent--and they still screwed it up. I'm not throwing in the towel, and, just like my Heavenly Father, I will always love my stubborn, feisty, smart-alecky, silly kids. </div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Thanks for subscribing. Thank you for sharing. #JensWallsTalk</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-57564645857211965442016-11-28T05:00:00.000-07:002016-11-28T05:00:23.709-07:00It Feels Good<div style="text-align: justify;">
...to clean out my laundry/utility room. It's been eating at me. The only thing keeping me going in<i> </i>that room was that I <i>had</i> to do laundry. (<a href="http://jenswallstalk.blogspot.com/2015/01/laundry-today-or-naked-tomorrow.html" target="_blank">Laundry today or naked tomorrow</a>, remember?) So in I went--stepping over piles of not-quite-put-away-yet tools, stacks of I-really-need-to-give-these-to-Grandma pictures, sleeping bags, and, oh, the next-load-needs-to-be-put-in-the-wash laundry. Admit it. We all have that space, but I can't do every room at once, or nothing will get finished. So it had to wait. And like most big projects like that, I waited until my husband was working and I was at home. Yep. The day after Thanksgiving.</div>
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Black Friday was cleaning day. I even got most of it done before said husband came home for lunch to find the laundry room exploded in his office (unfortunately for him, his office adjoins my laundry room). There was no turning back. I wasn't putting all the junk back in like it was, so onward we went. Keep, toss, or give. Those were the piles. My beautiful 11-year-old daughter was the sorter of the pictures. That was truly helpful, and while we're not completely done with the pictures, we are making great progress. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=2922&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=343" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL varsity blue & electric lime" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKwsis8CyF5rPxyaK38QO1OWhlxBLPxdTtU7NkaT4pixY2cpQO95J7Zt0GJklYnLH3fdzkt7CCO-iffCLG5yKAQBvJpqL3L2hNyY2hTo2XnHjMMr_H7R9ojXjTOXWdhcB_DN3Kvff3y0/s400/UL+warning+this+area+is.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get your own warning expression by clicking <a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=2922&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=343" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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The irony in all of this purging is that I really just wanted the pictures. I know. My husband didn't believe me either, but it really is the truth. I got the carpets cleaned in the other end of the house, and afterwards we rearranged the furniture. There is now a naked wall where there used to be a china hutch. And if I'm being really honest, I haven't really hung pictures since we moved into this house...4 years ago. Oops. Between remodeling and rearranging, I just haven't <i>quite </i>made it to picture hanging...yet. Progress is being made, though. You remember my <a href="http://jenswallstalk.blogspot.com/2016/09/clutter-confessions.html" target="_blank">clutter confession</a>? Well, I'm almost ready to post new and clutter free pictures. Almost. Rome wasn't built in a day, you know. My initial confession was on September 9th. Yes, I realize it's now almost December. Apparently, I had a lot of caca to go through, but it feels good to be getting closer to the end. The lesson in all this is that sometimes you have to dig through the crap to get to the really good stuff. Now to just keep it that way, but that's a post for another day.<br />
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.<br />
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You can visit me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to see what wall talking fun I'm up to. I appreciate you sharing this post if you find it useful or even just funny. Subscribing is also a fantastic way to know you'll get each post when it's fresh off the presses. Thanks for stopping by.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-91722698802326562182016-11-25T09:00:00.000-07:002016-11-25T09:00:18.276-07:00What It Means to be Perfect<div style="text-align: justify;">
Perfect can be defined as flawless, without blemish, not making any mistakes, without fault. While I'd love to say that I'm perfect, I'm not. I can't be. This is a broken world. Outside of Christ Jesus, there is no one perfect, so why do we seem to expect others to be perfect..and get really disappointed when they are not?</div>
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Someone told me recently that I expect too much from other people. My "expectations are too high" they said to me. Which at first glance seems like it would be a problem--and without grace it definitely would be--but I'd counter that it's not. What if I can see more ability in you than you can see in yourself? What if I can see vast amounts of potential that is untapped hiding beneath the surface, but you don't feel it? I speak from personal experience. I've had people do that for me. They can see something I'm capable of that I don't see in myself, and in the end I was able to accomplish more with others' belief in me. Here's the spectacular part of that: it increased my own belief in myself and my abilities once I realized I was able to do it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=6803&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=343" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL varsity blue" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzho7e3GwcJAAndLp0Az8HoufjPVcqWUOSe8_GXwthc8BXciCNMFyGG6RYAHYpDBg-ZiR2PayF6lAJWET72jPpbvVrrYI2RzB65r_zSQZrnLkD3eBfS4xJAExxta_r7TXwqXmN6GVPa0/s400/UL+I+have+unlimited.png" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you need a daily reminder for your wall of your potential? Get yours <a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?DesignId=6803&MenuLinkKey=products&CategoryId=343" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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I'm still not perfect, though, no matter how much someone else believes in me, but the growing confidence that comes after accomplishing something huge can be off putting to someone that is still struggling to find their own confidence. Once again, I will remind you that just because I am successful at something, doesn't mean that you can't be successful in your own endeavors. Just because you are pretty, doesn't mean I'm not, too. Just because I am celebrating a success of mine, doesn't mean I'm demeaning your struggle.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, Friends.</div>
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I'm thankful for you stopping by. Please share. Please subscribe. Celebrate someone else's success today. Then stop by and visit me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. You can also visit me on <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-90209388821719012882016-11-21T05:00:00.000-07:002016-11-21T05:00:05.312-07:00Have I Offended You?<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's okay to be upset with someone. It means you have feelings and you own your opinions. You're human. </div>
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But what if I don't know I've hurt you? It's unintentional, accidental, or maybe just a flippant error, but the fact remains that I hurt you. Should you tell me? That's up to you, but it's been my experience that sometimes yours truly just has a big mouth, and I don't know I've said something to offend. I don't know I've hurt you. And while I'm not saying I enjoy that conversation, I appreciate in the end that you told me. </div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=338&DesignId=5876&ItemId=&Keyword=feel&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" colors: UL sunshine yellow & cherry red #JensWallsTalk" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2Zt6Sq16GcYzG5jRzkAKkoYbqr5Jx4TBgeU4vZFiaJMA8JDQvkG5Ri-kXsfAeT1zZwipxmmzV2kMN2S3BBzDaObOMFxsfhyS-vJjvN8DgN78QTaQ_FyhiAvNnzejJirEKRuqid8HW9Y/s1600/UL+do+all+things+with.png" /></a></div>
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Let's explore this a little more. Hypothetically speaking, of course, let's say I hurt your feelings. I insulted you in jest, or I made fun of your favorite sweater thinking it was an "ugly sweater contest" day. Now you're hurt, but I don't know your hurt. Have you thought of what that looks like to be mad at someone and they don't know it? You fester. They move on. You stew...and they're not thinking anything more about it. Now you're really mad--and I still don't know I've wronged you. See who's feeling pain here? You.</div>
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Not only are you the one growing your pain and hurt muscle while I'm living in ignorant land, but eventually we'll probably have to interact again. You'll still be mad, and I'll still have no clue. Do you see how this is working? Not well for you. In addition to the unhappy stew you've made for yourself, you're not doing me any favors if you don't tell me I've hurt you. You're robbing me of the chance to apologize and ask forgiveness. You're robbing me of the chance to make it up to you. You're robbing me of the opportunity to take our relationship to a deeper, more authentic level.</div>
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All this is to say that if I've wronged you, please tell me. I'd appreciate if everyone could coordinate and not do it all today, but let's be honest and real. In the long run, we'll all be better for it.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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Thanks for sharing. Thank you for subscribing. I am appreciative of you stopping by to visit me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenswallstalk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. I am most thankful you have popped in at <a href="http://www.jenswallstalk.com/">www.JensWallsTalk.com</a> to see what's up.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-15204678914476771912016-11-18T05:35:00.001-07:002016-11-18T05:35:10.810-07:00There Are No Ducks<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life is hard sometimes. It's easy to think that if we could just get our ducks in a row, it would be easier to handle the hard things. Here's the truth: is going to happen anyway.</div>
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/DesignItems.m?CategoryId=220&DesignId=3383&ItemId=&Keyword=duck&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" color: UL antigua blue" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JFkN2fxBaBGHdpAarYXeItzsHOysgN9faHTkEGoVKRTwBER11p3gKF0gN21iGqHwoh0HiHNHBOchyBRMuBv0K6NqC-he9Mkn0c8G4ZJWaj4gvQsdJ23-bDbqnBFhxbDREcJcyXR-uYk/s1600/UL+rubber+duck.png" /></a></div>
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If difficult situations are going to occur no matter what we do, then how do we prepare for that? Truly there are only so many things we can be prepared for. Sometimes we will just be caught off guard. As I was practicing blindfolds last night at karate, I got a push from behind that I wasn't expecting. It jarred my back a little, but I had to immediately recover because someone was coming for me. (To explain a little more, it wasn't a real attack situation. I was blindfolded and searching to catch my opponent who is <i>not</i> blindfolded. It's part of my ongoing, black belt training.) An attacker is not going to wait for me to get set up and ready. They want to catch me off guard--when I am most vulnerable. </div>
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The enemy is the same way. If he can catch us when we are unfortified and unsupported, then he thinks he has a better chance of picking us off. You're not always going to have time to prepare when it hits. Know what you believe, know who you are, know what you will do <i>before</i> the attack comes. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-30&version=NIV" target="_blank">Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest</a>. That's what Jesus tells us. He knew this world is troublesome at times. (He told us it would be.) So He gave us a place to rest in during and after toils the world will throw at us.</div>
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We can't do this alone, friends.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944140859040290671.post-57776345460191864682016-11-14T05:00:00.000-07:002016-11-14T06:33:29.059-07:00Democrats are People, Too.<div style="text-align: justify;">
It would be very easy for me to complain about all the complaining going on about the election results, but we all know how lovely that is to endure. But here's something impacting I did notice about all the post election grousing: I'm really surprised by who's doing it.</div>
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We usually associate and are in close community with people who think similarly to us. Obviously, not everyone that is a friend will think <i>exactly</i> like we do, but it stands to reason that we don't want to go around arguing all the time, so we gravitate toward people that have similar core values. So imagine my surprise when I saw persons that I respect and get along with being vocal with their disappointment in the election results that I was relieved about. <br />
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<a href="http://jspellman.uppercaseliving.net/ViewItem.m?CategoryId=408&CatalogId=&DesignId=&ItemId=69331&CurrentPage=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HR71GF2HCxwnIu2b_neBWhsOx5s33rQqZZP0LzuDBf8Ew2DHC7f2zcen00rHXRt-zFgehye7n0DDTCh_tDVvuMU8_443CcOP2uALG1iKvVIwvt3VCoFCcwgBaeEA9pco7W8J-Ti9WFQ/s400/GeneratePicture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There appears to be a trend of mass "un-friendings" on Facebook due to just such issues. Why? Did our friends suddenly become a stranger we didn't know? Probably not. Did our friends suddenly have a massive change of heart on major issues? Probably not. Were they taken over by aliens? I'm going with no. So why was I surprised by their unrelenting passionate views expressed opposite of mine? Maybe some of those relationships are more superficial. I see them at the gym and talk sometimes, but apparently not about politics. I work with them on a professional level on extended projects, but we never quite get around to chatting about discipline techniques we use with our kids. We may talk about disciplining our kids, but never quite get around to discussing our personal financial practices. You get my point. Some people we just don't go in depth with. It doesn't mean I dislike them.</div>
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They are still good moms, dads, employees and neighbors in many ways. Our world would be a boring, unimaginative place if we were all the same. God is creative. He made us to be, also. I can like your creativity, admire your tenacity, or be inspired by your journey while at the same time not agree with the way you choose to only eat carbs on Wednesday (or whatever your particular belief is). It's okay. If we can look at each other and understand that we are all on the same team (um, hello, humans), then things look a little differently. I believe at the heart of things we all want our circumstances to be better, but we have differing ideas on what that looks like and how to get there. So stop throwing the hate bombs. Stop harassing. Look for opportunities to discuss with an open mind. It may not change your mind, but at least you'll have a new understanding of your fellow human that we're sharing the planet with.<br />
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Ultimately, the President is one person. We (as in you, me, and the millions of other human beings that comprise our nation) are the face and heart and soul of our country. Let's start treating each other that way.</div>
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Make it a beautiful day, friends.</div>
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After you're done listening to your neighbor, click over to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to ogle at the fun color things I'm up to. You can also find me at www.JensWallsTalk.com for my professional services. Thanks for subscribing.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585903722203398986noreply@blogger.com0