Risk
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To place our ideas, our dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love...live. Chained by his certitude, he is a slave; he has forfeited freedom.
-author unknown

"Failing to step out in faith is to risk missing real life." -Neil Anderson

"What a privilege for us to be able to walk by faith in God Himself, armed with all the promises of His word." -Neil Anderson

I thought this would be a good snapshot of the heart moment, think about this:

If you want to know how to live your life. Just think about what you want people to say about you after you die and live backwards. –Michael Josephson

Don't make life about keeping up with the Jones' or chasing after power or material possessions.  Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  There is so much more to life!  Enjoy your family, friends, and others whom God has allowed in your life.  It really does matter what these people think of you so live your life backwards!

Now ask yourself, how am I livin'? I don't know about you but I have some work to do. 

Let's make our lives count!

Since our family lives so close to Washington DC one of my favorite things to do is visit museums.  I can visit them multiple times and learn something new about the subject and life every time. For instance, I visited Portrait & Art Museum. While I enjoyed the side of the museum which displayed the portraits, I found myself really drawn to the sculptures which is different for me.   I loved that there was such a variety of materials used for each sculpture and found it most interesting.  
I felt I learned several things while touring the museum yet one of my most valuable lessons was recognizing more than ever that in life everyone has a different point of view (perspective)—we all see life in different colors  shapes, and shades.  We all use different techniques and resources to reach our destiny and we are all known for something (whether good or bad).  But the main thing is, we must learn to appreciate the gifts of other people.  What may be little and insignificant in your eyes—may be grand and great in someone else’s. And, that's okay.
Celebrate someone else today even if their sculpture doesn't look like yours!