1. See that I’m leaving the world better than I found it
2. Get married
3. See my kids making a difference in the world
4. Make a real, lasting difference in at least 50 people’s lives
5. visit Alaska and Europe

Lies are a particular thing. When close to a lie, it can be almost impossible to spot the lie as it is alarmingly intertwined with every fiber of life. However, it can be easily and quickly spotted by those removed.

The biggest lie that I have struggled with is the lie that “what is done in private will only affect you.” Of all the lies that people struggle with, this is the most dangerous and deadly. When buying into this lie I have gotten into more trouble than any other. That is why I always need to remember that sin is always sin and it will always affect everyone around me.

Sometimes this is how I feel about my work in China. Sometimes I ask myself, why am I here? Why did I give up a good job with a good future to come to China and help sometimes-no-so-cooperative students? Why am I sorting and counting hundreds of pieces of paper in preparation for the next session? And then the answer comes. It’s because I might have the opportunity to make an impact in the student’s life here and for all eternity. That’s why I’m here.

His face was locked in a concentrated stare as he focused all of his energies on the ten pins silently standing at the end of the lane, awaiting and certain and swift demise: almost like prisoners standing before a firing squad. Taking a deep breath, Frank’s 235 pound frame slowly eased into motion as the ball was gently and purposefully drawn back, cocked and ready for action. Then exhaling, his body fluidly began propelling itself forward; arms, legs and torso all working together to provide a maximum velocity. As Frank reached the foul line, he released the ball, his body straining to give it one last bit of energy.

Upon the release, a satisfied grin crept over Frank’s face. It had been a good night. With five straight strikes in a row, his luck was strong tonight and he felt confident that this bowl was a winner. The ball crashed into the pins, sending pins sprawling in every direction. All the pins had been decimated, racking up yet another strike. Frank performed his victory dance and raised his hands to high-five his onlooking friends. The fires of his enthusiasm were quickly doused with the apathetic glazes of his friends. One of friends put his arm around Frank and said soothingly, “Frank, we’re happy for you, we really are. Maybe tomorrow you can play without the bumper guards!”. Frank sighed…. baby steps; baby steps….

The other day I found out about Plinky, a service that sends you a daily writing prompt. It can also link into various different social networks. However, I just use it for its writing prompts. Hopefully this will get me to practice / improve my writing and I can blog more! I created a new “musings” category and I’ll be putting all my writing from Plinky in there

EDIT:

I also found the One Minute Writer. I’ll be using both of these. I can take one minute every day to improve my writing