party chick

Laugh 'til you can't laugh anymore ... and then laugh some more! ~ Holly Wagner

It is a happy talent to know how to play. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ladies, life is for loving! It's time that you start living your life with PASSION! We all have good things in our lives, even if you have to search for them. Celebrate the moments you are given. Embedded somewhere in one of my past posts I wrote about your "dash". (I looked all over for the mention of this and couldn't find it, so I either forgot to put it in where I was planning to or, just can't find it, so, I'll review.)

The "dash" in your life is where you make a difference. On your headstone one day you will have a dash. It's the small little sign that separates the day you were born from the day that you passed away. ALL of you LIVING happens in that dash. What are you doing with your dash? What are you doing with your NOW moment? We often times feel like our time is infinite. However, we do not know what tomorrow brings for us. For crying out loud, we don't even know what the next few moments will bring. Ladies, it is so important for us to make every moment count! Be intentional about the way you are living your life. And remember, there are little eyes watching your every move!

So, you might be thinking that I have deceived you with the title of this post, and then posting such serious material. My apologies. I just wanted to remind you of that little snippet. Remember, Party Chicks LIVE LIFE!

Party Chicks live in the moment that they have been given. These ladies are content with the life that they have been blessed with. Party Chicks quit wishing that they are somewhere else, and are just happy with where they are. They are not comparing their lives to others, and they are not jealous, or envious of their friends. These girls search their own lives and find happiness and joy, and they live life to the fullest!

In response to the answer, "I'll do it tomorrow," my mom would say, "Tomorrow never comes." Ooh, I shuddered as I wrote that, as I promised myself long ago (like when I was 13) that I would never utter those words, and yet, here I am, uttering them to you...but, her words are so true. There are no guarantees in life except that one day, we will all die. Hmm, not the nicest thought, but it's true. I don't know about you, but I am the queen of procrastination. My poor husband has finally learned to give me a 2-day notice for underpants and t-shirts. Why labor with the laundry today when I could do it tomorrow...

Listen girls, I know laundry isn't enjoyable, but stop putting things off. Do it today, get it over and done with, but, and this is a big but, don't consume your days with the "have-tos". It seems like we are always putting off living. When we're 15, we can hardly wait to be 16. When we're in high school, we can't wait to get to college. Once we're in college, we can't wait to get out and start working. When we have our first house, we dream about what it will be like to have a bigger house. We can't wait to get married, have kids, be grandmas, retire, etc. If we're always looking towards the next big adventure, we often times will forget to enjoy the adventure that we're living (or supposed to be living). Who has ever looked back and thought, "oh, if only I could go back to this part of my life?" I challenge you to stop looking forward and backward, and just enjoy today!

Party Chicks are champs at living their moments to the fullest! Do you know girls like that? They can take any situation, no matter how mundane or terrible it may seem, and turn it into one of the best times ever! They love life, and everyone around them knows! Realize that not every moment of your life is going to be a party, but that doesn't mean that you should mope around during those times. If you are making the best of a situation, you will feel so much better about it! I don't know if you know this, but it is easier for you to smile than it is to frown. Give your face a break, and smile! Your face will love it! And so will those around you!

We know now that Party Chicks value the now. They also celebrate the victories no matter how small they are. Princess Chick lost 3 pounds, let's have a party. Champion Chick finished her class, let's have a party! Warrior Chick's son graduated high school and she made it through the ceremony without crying (too much), let's party! Friend Chick had a baby, PARTY HARDY BABY! You found the perfect shoes (and now need the perfect outfit to go with them), P-A-R-T-Y!!!

The great thing about Party Chicks is that they can (and we should) rejoice in the midst of challenges. God promised us a whole bunch of things in the Bible. And, if you know anything about our Lord, you know that He keeps His Word! Unfortunately for us, He never promised us a life without turmoil. He promised that He would be with us when we suffer, but we are not exempt from tough times. James tells us to "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of may kind." ~ James 1:2

Think about how you go through struggles. And believe me, I have not arrived yet. I have been known to withdraw from others and turn inward. I can let bitterness into my heart, and allow it to consume me. But, as I grow, I also learn. I also know that now my daughter will be watching me. The bar has been raised. I pray that the Lord will walk with me through my trials, and that I will come through them stronger than I was before.

Party Chicks search deep within for their source of strength in order to find that joy during difficult times. One of Holly Wagner's favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 2:14. The Message says it this way, "God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade". Do you love it! Can you picture your Creator, your Savior, leading you around. He wants the best for you! We will all walk through valleys, but we will also have a few mountain tops as well. Look to God for your strength. He wants you to come to Him. He wants to provide you with the strength that you so desperately need. We each wake up every morning and make choices. Choose to be happy. Choose to trust God. It is your choice.

Party Chicks are able to identify the "wondrous" things in life. Paul tells us to think on whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, and whatever things are praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Look around you. I can look out everyday and see the Rocky Mountains from my house. Others of you may see the ocean, or a beautiful snow-covered pine tree. God has left us so many reminders of His wonders! Open your eyes and see them!

I can only speak for myself, but I know that when I am focused on the needs of others, I don't dwell on my own needs or desires. What are you focused on? If you can't see beyond yourself, then I can almost guarantee that you are dwelling on your own self-pity. See beyond yourself. Look past your own selfishness and see the others that are hurting. Not only will you feel better, but you will realize that a lot of your "needs" are really just "wants". Also, when you encourage another person, you are helping them. To encourage someone means "to put courage in." I think that's awesome!

Girls, look for the good in life. It's there. I promise. Find the good and PARTY! Party Chicks open their mouths with laughter! Open mouth laughter is real laughter, and the best part is that it's contagious! Don't be afraid to laugh. Let yourself laugh. Laugh at yourself! Laugh with (not at) others! Laugh until you cry! There is a party chick inside each and every one of you! Let her out - and P-A-R-T-Y!!!