"Commence to Start!"

I tried to think of a great first post title for this new blog of mine and was reminded of a line from a movie that's a family favorite, Father of the Bride. I don't know how many times I've grinned and rolled my eyes when it comes to the part in the movie where the seedy contractor yells out this redundant phrase to begin a construction project but somehow it's stuck with me.

At first it just sounds like silly slip of the tongue but sometimes it's not that far from how I think about projects, or missions, or challenges. I think sometimes I'm better at the "commencing to start" than I am at actually starting. COMMENCING to start just feels so good! I write lists of goals, create fun reminders and motivational posters, get all the supplies ready and make elaborate schedules and commitments...and sometimes they work! Really. I do effectively function this way. I've got to give a lot of credit to all the preparation and excitement that "commencing to start" has provided. Just the boost in motivation alone that I get from writing down goals demonstrates that, at least for me, it's a worthy activity. 

Lately, though, I've noticed that I haven't really been actually starting any of the projects and challenges that I've been "commencing to start." I get all into the idea and the planning and that's all the further it gets. 

To be honest, the idea of starting a blog has been nagging at me for quite a while. I've been inspired by the women (and men) out there that share their lives, their work, their insights and talents with readers like me. I'm eager to have my own outlet. A place where I can diffuse MY ideas, accomplishments, struggles, questions, and beliefs. A place that is mine, entirely of my design. I'm also a little bit daunted by the idea of the whole wide world having access to this personal outlet. I've decided, though, that the desire to share and have a say will only be complimented by the accountability that comes with knowing anyone could stumble across my space. 

I may have shouted, "Commence to start!" long ago but I'm  finally taking this first step, with many more to follow.  At first I wanted to be able to narrow the scope of this blog to one topic: crafts, cooking, theology, life as a Marine wife, psychology or any other but that just won't do. This slice of media is dedicated to the fulfillment of a multitude of my heart's desires and a testament to who I am -- as a whole.

I commit this space to creativity and honesty. To personal development and fellowship. To encouragement, humility, and humor. And most of all, to the glory of God, without whom I wouldn't have the faintest hope of any good thing. 

Andrea 

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."