What dreamers do

We start.  We start dancing to the inner design that we know and love.

Find out what I have in common with a giraffe.

This place will soon be a site of memories.  God has birthed a new blog in me that has been a long time coming.  It's not that I want to leave you here though, I want to take you with me.  If you have the time to see what's going on with me, hop on over to this place and follow in the journey with me.

It would mean a lot to have company in this new free place that God has uncovered.  I'll explain as we go, but since time is short just come on over...

Happy Christmas blessings!

What mistakes are good for

Have you ever made a mistake?  Like it or not we all make them.   

My mom had a saying, "If you can cover it up, it's not a mistake."  It makes me wonder what kind of mistake she was talking about.  Was it while she was cooking and I ate it?  Was it while she was sewing and I wore an imperfect dress?  Was it while she was disciplining me and I have blocked it out of my memory?

We tend to bury our inadequacies and weaknesses.  Some of us are pro at making them disappear without even a nod.  There are some mistakes that debilitate us and we don't dare speak of them.  Other mistakes cost us money, time, and energy.  I have learned lots in making many mistakes over the years.  

There are days that I think this blog is a mistake.

I've learned to expect the unexpected falls, the failures, and the mess-ups.  But if you are like me, you like to avoid those pitfalls.   Recently I've learned that mistakes can actually help you.  And not trying to work through a mistake is the failure.

You have to decide to be better and to try again.  

"What do I do if I fall?"  That small question was posed to me by my 3-year-old grandson, Avery, who was riding his bike around the block.  He had his helmet strapped on and was giving his ride some good energy.  I thought about my answer as I jogged alongside.  I told him, "We have to get back up and finish strong."

"But what if I can't?" he asked, with worry in his voice.  "You have to decide to try again.  You have to choose to do better."  I replied.

Isn't this true of our faith journeys too?  We fail at something and think we've misheard from God, or don't deserve a second chance at obedience?  We quickly spiral into a defense mode making excuses that erode our confidence.  What I'm learning in the trying again, re-doing, in the "make another or better effort" is that there is a strengthened power at work in the recovery of our mistakes.  

The human spirit is resilient, and hope helps us get there.  

One failure that I have experienced in the past is a stab at regular exercise, specifically running.  It never has been a part of my healthy regime, and for years only periodically, have tried to improve that habit.  Recently though I've been pretty good at making exercise a priority, and it just so happens I started with running.  But I have to be honest with you, my motivation needs a redo about every day.  It's an old habit that I am trying to break letting self-control do a new thing in my tired self.    

Another thing is that I'm learning to lead myself in successes versus failures.  I'm choosing to try again and give every attempt to bring my best.  Like in this blog.  I am choosing to get back up and try again. 

Ever since I've left a full-time job where I've had more time to write, I have wasted a lot of minutes deciding what to share with you or editing what I have started to share with you.  I have even made several attempts at writing a book and scrapped some of it because it wasn't perfect.  And yet, I started again.  I'm trying.  

I feel that I've failed at being a good blogger with over 100 drafts left unfinished.  But yet, I find myself back at this place wanting to push publish, putting my lest-than-perfect grammar skills to the test.  The plummeting numbers of this little blog project don't sit well as they shout failure, rejection, and boredom.  

Want to know what doesn't feel good?  Mess-ups, re-dos, mistakes, failures and falls.  What's powerful in the re-dos and the un-dos, is the lessons learned because of them.  

I have been taking inventory of my past lessons.  It's good to remember back and see how you've grown.  I have found what I am made of and know that I have to keep trying.  I must keep trying.  I realize that I’m far from perfect, and but I know God still has a lot of work to do in me.  

Another thing I have found out is that you might be just like me, on the inside, and while we all share the commonality of failing to live up to our better nature, we also share the bond of being able to start again.  You might just hide your failure better than me.  The biggest mistake I have made is being afraid to try again.  

The problems start when you stop taking action just because you are afraid of making a mistake.  That gives your inner critic licence to capitalize on your failures.  You can probably relate to this kind of self-talk. You might even have indulged in it.  Even if the mistake is a small spelling error, the blame and sarcasm that we direct at ourselves is always disproportionate – and damaging.

There's a hiss in the wings that's waiting to pounce on your imperfections and wants to contribute to your already full-volume spews of worthlessness.  It can be hard not to listen to that voice. It is relentless, and we may start to believe that it is telling the truth.  The inner critic is a liar who wants you step back into the shadows of your own insecurities and self-doubt for fear of making more mistakes and looking like a fool.

I believe that one can't move forward without making mistakes!

Even pros make mistakes.  The difference is that professionals don’t let mistakes put a stop to their progress.  Making mistakes is a big part of our learning process.  We learn better by making blunders and failing forward.  To fail forward is to have the courage to keep going even after we have messed up.

Why is it important to make mistakes?  So that you learn to take risks, push yourself hard, go far with your dreams, and better yourself in mistakes.  Mistakes are necessary for continued progress.  Accept this fact. Understanding that mistakes are unavoidable are an essential part of achieving growth.

Every mistake offers a lesson to be learned.  Look for the lesson, and try not to repeat it.  The best way to learn is from experience.  Silence the inner critic by getting back in the saddle as soon as possible.  Your inner critic will try very hard to prevent you from trying, it may even make you quit altogether.  I have found that the best way to silence the accuser is to slam the door on negativity, to get back up and finish strong.  

What you’re actually doing is trying to become different, unique, and you – not a different version of another person, but a more authentic version of yourself.  That’s the thing about making mistakes — it builds character, helps you become strong enough to do what you need to do in order to achieve the tangible, material goals.  The reward is in the transformation in character that comes along with it. 

It's about the beautiful exchange and the resilient change in you over all.  

“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.”   - Ray Bradbury

Dear you, It's been six long years,

Today I am celebrating the work that has been accomplished here.  I am so taken aback by your generosity in linking arms in my mundane to see God in our everyday life.  It's an honor for me that you spend time to read the thoughts that have spilled out here.

Why do I come here often and write to you?  Because...

It's my heart's response to what God has already done in my life.  It's my expression of God's glory to do the work that has been placed in my hands.  It's my heart displayed for you to see.  Sometimes when you come around you cheer for me, and I thank you for that, it encourages me to continue the work that God has begun.

Honestly there are days I have to remind myself of why I do this.  Being transparent with you is probably the hardest part of doing this.

Sometimes when you don't come around, well you don't encourage this.  I've learned how to get past the doubt in living my spiritual life online.  It's not about that, it's about having faith in knowing this is my calling and then being obedient to write what God has placed on my heart.

I don't show up to highlight my problems.  I'm here to show you who God is in my everyday life.  So thank you again for your cheers in lifting the name of Jesus high in the thoughts that are spilled out before you.

It's the shoes that God has fitted me with.  Ironically, my very first post six years ago was all about shoes.  Little did I know the pair of shoes that God was fitting for me today.  I wish for you is that you too would go in and discover the difference written from that place to this one.

Thank you for believing in the fact that this pair of shoes fits well.  I'm learning how to go the distance in this faith gig, this dream, this what I call a crazy life.

Everyday we all have the opportunity to display God's glory when we do what He has lovingly designed us to do.  My pair of shoes will never look like yours, and that's okay.  Your shoes will pinch my little stubby toes, or the heels you wear might be too tall.  I have to learn this balance this dream for myself, with the Holy Spirit as my teacher.

But friends as you discover what pair of shoes that God has for you, as you recover the dreams laying deep inside that you think will never happen, have hope today.  Don't give up in seeking God's best for you.

God's dream for you is to know who He is in your life.  You just want to do God's will?  Know who God is, then His will is evident to you.  If your prayers are asking for what He wants in your life, then believe me, and if you listen to nothing else that I say here, lean in on this...

God loves you.  You don't have to earn His love, you don't have to look to your husband, or food, or your earthly parents to love you like you long to be loved.  You don't have to look to anything but God for the love you yearn for.  Lift up your eyes and see the keeper of your heart, your soul, your future, your destiny, your calling and just receive the love that HE has created you with.

Once you know the depth of God's love for you, things fall into place and you stop searching for all those missing pieces in your life that you long for in your dreams.  So far in my trying on shoe after shoe, dream after dream, I have found that God's love, his words to me, the fullness of His love is all I need to get out of bed.

I know nothing can separate me from that kind of agape love.  It's all I need in my life, in my dreams, in my today, in my tomorrows, in my full life.  If you never come back, please know that this is on my heart today.

Yes, God you have prospered this writing in very long loving way.  Thank you God for the journey you have given, may I faithfully serve you with all the love I can give back in response to your great and everlasting love.  When it comes to words to encompass your love for me, well I don't have them.  You are everything You promised You are.  It's not just words I proclaim here, it's your Word, it's Jesus, who's name stands forever.  Amen.

There are some changes coming soon.  So excited for what's ahead.  Thank you for joining in!  So thank you for the encouragement you have given in your comments, your prayers, your cheers along the way.  Please holla back anytime.  I love to hear from you.

Love, lattes, and laughter all along this way,
Janelle
your word nerd

Dear you

It may look like it comes easy, but it doesn't.  Some days, knowing what to share with you and what to keep inside, reveal some uncertain areas for me.  I have a tendency to just spill my spiritual guts but also selfishly I don't want to open up to you.

Until that one person says...."I love what you are doing on your blog."  That was so kind of you to say...random lady on the street corner.

Honestly, it's not what I am doing with this blog.  It's more importantly what God is doing with this.    I am just one who sits and lets the words flow through her heart.

It seems I am always writing something uncomfortable or incomplete.  Not good enough.  I understand now this is continuing story.  God's continuing story in me to you.

Dear you...

So why am I writing this today?  I just wanted to say thanks for being faithful to show up here to read my heart today.  Here's a big 'ole heart hug for you.  Guys, you only get one of those side hugs, awkward...I know.

You have been so supportive to read, comment and share.  Well, some of you have.   I remember when I first started this thing.  It was really for no reason than to be heard.  My first post was about my favorite subject...shoes.  But what God has done in the process of this practice is to let His heart be heard.

He has helped my find my writing voice.  It's different.  I just hope it connects with you.

One thing you need to remember today, if nothing else hits you with this, is that you matter to God.  I can remember when I wrote a post about mascara.  It was one of the most impacting posts and life-changing for one reader.  I didn't realize it at the time but when I got a life update from her the other day, wow...has God done a wonder in her life.  That's what happens when you allow God to wander through your heart.  I come away changed every time, and it's what I pray, that His heart that is reflected here.

Will I make some grammar errors?  yes.

Will I make some crazy life analogies?  yes.

Will I reinforce life truths with His Truth?  yes.

That's what I promise to you.  If nothing else I will keep writing because this is my spiritual act of worshiping God with the written word.  I hope you are okay with that reason.  If you believe it's worth it to stick around to see what this is all about then please do so.  We can wander through God's heart together.  But I have to tell you....I am such a slow student it make take a while. And may I be gut level honest with you?  I like lingering around Him....

My heart here is to shine the Light of God's heart.  You're so invited along for the ride.  It's going to be fierce and wild, but hopefully inspiring and warm around those brittle corners.    

Many other bloggers can't say they have a purpose.  Pretty sure I will fail sometimes at purpose too, but you don't want to read perfect, you want to read real.  And if it's authenticity you want then I can promise you that.  

I write about the Real Deal.  I can write about God's real truth dealings with me.  I'll just be over here in the corner, maybe in a nice little purple and daisy-dotted room with a corner view will be just about the right place for me, crunching the keys as I pour my heart out post after post.

Can you please just offer me a little grace for my incompleteness?  

Would I do this if no one read it?  yes.

Can I count you to be here?  If so, please leave a comment letting me know.  I want to get to know you too.

It's from this little heart lens that I see God.  It's from the large lens of truth that I want to share God's heart with you.  It's worth the cost, worth it all.  At least to me, I hope it is to you too.  Thank you for investing your time, I pray my time was spent encouraging you today.

Now....go do something awesomely dreamy-like today.    

"You are imperfect and you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging."
-Brene Brown

All my love,

Janelle, I am a writer.  (There, I said it out loud)

Monday Mania #janellekeithquoteswithpictures

Sometimes Brent says some facts that make me react in ways you would not expect.  And there are times I pop off with the first thought that floats through my mind.  That's where most of the #janellekeithquotes were really born.  These are my reactions to his words.  Or random words that pass through the grey matter.  They are also my reactions to my life.  And this is were God loves to deal with me.  In words.

Brent has added his accent to my quotes.  

Yes, you have to click this link to see the funniness!  This is Brent's second attempt at putting humor by adding cartoons to my words.

Here's first attempt, and yes you will have to click this sentence to see it.  (Don't you love the way I am making you jump through my blog hoops?)

And believe it or not..there is really is more to this #janellekeithquotes story!  One more time to enjoy some horribly funny stuff!

Now for the hard question.  It's been posed to me that I should put these silly little slices of my life on a V-neck t-shirt.  That's all good and fine in the conversations of things of this nature, but I want to know if you are serious!  If you are and you would like one for your very own...you have to read this post and then leave a comment saying so.  Otherwise...guess what people, I will think you are just pulling my blog-lovin leg.  

And if we are friends, and I would like to think we are, then I would wish that you wouldn't be toying with the thought.  And since I can't read your mind, I can't assume that this t-shirt idea that displays my quotes is a good idea.  

Thanks for reading today!  I hope you enjoyed your stay!

I Like You!

This is my thanks to all you who read my thoughts on a daily basis.  I don't take that for granted.  And I just wanted to say thanks.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts back.  And please...feel free to stop by and say hello.  I enjoy hearing from you too!


I like you and please come back tomorrow!  Please?


I have been growing through a lot of personal issues and sometimes I don't feel comfortable sharing my inner thoughts with you.  I feel so exposed and like a failure most days.  Putting my words out here is still very scary.  I know in my heart that your opinion doesn't matter and that only God's opinion matters...but sadly I crumble at what you think of me sometimes.  So if you ever wanted to know how to pray for me?  It's that I would be so hungry for God that nothing else matters.  

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” 

– Winston Churchill

The things of this world will leave you lacking ....every time.

How can I pray for you?

Book of Dreams

I call myself a dreamer.  I like to wonder about the impossible and wander down the aisles of my imagination.  I wishfully think of the possibilities and get carried away with hope of the future when reality tells me it may never happen.  It's the right brained part of me that tends to float and create.  I can't hold it in.  

Places to put my random thoughts 

I like to journal.  There are many new creations born on those worn tear-stained pages.  Many projects, to-do lists, wish-lists, prayer circles are born.  It's a launch pad of my emotional sink hole.  It's a safe and secure place to trust my words back to God.  It's a battleground of my transforming heart.  

It's a spiritual discipline. Habakkuk did it and encouraged others to write things down and then wait on the Lord.  It's visionary and the ways of the planners.  It tucks my feelings into God's heart.  It's a way to captivate my thoughts back to God, and as He captures my prayers, I tuck Him back into mine.  It's a glimpse into my faith.  It's faith words written.  

I have never really considered my thoughts being valuable.  I still struggle with it actually.  Some days, I feel good about what I have written.  Others not so much.  But as I pour into God's word I read the words that are recorded about our Creator.  I realize someone had to value those words to write them.  They were God inspired.  They are God-breathed. Those words are brought to life by God in our hearts and minds.    

There was the willing to lend some paper and a pen.  There those that scribbled the happenings of the day.  There were the historians of faith that were so moved by what they had seen that they knew they had to share it with others.....so great and so moving...they knew in their heart it would help someone.  At the back of the bus, there was one writing in a field journal to record on a blog later.    

If nothing else, I'm able to share with you how God has worked in my life in hopes that could help someone.  I don't know about the helping part, that's for God to take care of.  All I know right now is that I need to share with you here how He has helped me.  I dream that is good with you.  That you will come back and read often.   

For me, it's a necessity to write it down my thoughts.  If I don't I will lose it like vapor.  It doesn't matter if they ever grow into their own post.  I need to write to reason.  I need perspective with focus.  I need more growth into a deeper realm of faith.   That matters to me.  So I dream, I capture, I take hostage my thoughts.  I journal.  

You should try it too...just journal..."the shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory!"  And see what thoughts you capture.

Summer Is Here!

Hey boys and girls...

Now that May is over and summer has unofficially begun, I thought it would be cool to go back and look at your favorite blog post that you wrote this Spring.

If you're a blogger, leave a comment with a link to your favorite blog post that you wrote in March, April, or May. (If you're not a blogger, leave a comment to your favorite blog post on someone else's blog during the Spring.) And no....it doesn't have to be my blog, BUT you can pick one of mine if you wish. I just want to read what the words YOU like to read.

Excited to read your favorites! Go!