mustard seed Archives - VernetteOutLoud

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32 New International Version (NIV)

When I think about what “enough” means to me I think about the mustard seed in the parable. This tiny seed, had everything within itself to grow into a tree. So often I get caught up in where I would like to be and why I’m not quite there yet. Then I get down on myself when I think about how far I have yet to go. And I am so afraid of failing. I don’t want to be mediocre but then the gremlin in my head tells me that maybe I am…just a little bit. And I get even more down on myself. Then I remember the mustard seed. That from something so small and insignificant, can grow something so strong and bountiful. And I am reminded that I have everything within myself…in this moment to be everything I want to be. I am enough just as I am.

Like the mustard seed needed sunlight and water to grow…so too do we need help along the way to come into our fullness. That’s why when I read about the Year of Enough I was quick to sign up because remembering that I am enough just as I am is not always easy when times get hard and things are rough. And this challenge seems like a fun way to start 2014.

Sooo You’re Invited to the 2014 “Year of Enough” Kickoff Challenge!

I’m super psyched to take part in the upcoming 2014 Year of Enough Kickoff Challenge Event, hosted by Therese Schwenkler of The Unlost.

About the event: Imagine starting 2014 off with a newfound sense of confidence and a spring in your step that can only come from an internal sense of security, worth, and inherent “enough-ness.” This can be your reality, and the Year of Enough Kickoff Challenge exists to help you do just that.

This worldwide FREE streaming virtual event — sent straight to your inbox every day in January — gathers 23 of the wisest, kindest souls on the interwebs for daily heartfelt conversations on what it means to be enough, have enough, and come from a place of sufficiency and worth in a world of “never enough” + 23 daily challenges that will help you foster a sense of “enough-ness” in your own life.

Date: Every weekday in January

Price: FREE

Where: Sign up here

I don’t know about you…but I really am EXCITED for 2014. I’m so ready for a fresh start, a new beginning…will you join me?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MEEE!!!

Today’s affirmation:

I give more than I receive today.

It’s my BIRTHDAY!!!!

As much as I love, love, LOVE my birthday, I tend to be hard on myself whenever it comes around. I usually have this idea about how I want everything to be, hoping that it would all be perfect and often times it comes with disappointment. Today, I decided that I wasn’t going to focus on receiving, since this was the source of my unhappiness. I expect things of people and usually without even giving a hint as to what those expectations are, and well because the majority of the human race are not telepathic, I usually don’t get what I expect. So today, none of that. Today I am going to give in every way I can and not focus on the small things.

My sister took me to breakfast and then we went to Mass. It was simply lovely. The Gospel today was the parable of the mustard seed.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches” (Matt. 13:31-32)

I have heard this gospel many times but this time the priest said something very poignant in his sermon. He said the mustard seed is tiny and as tiny as it is, inside it contains everything for a mighty mustard tree to emerge. Talk about an AHA moment. I am so hard on myself when a new year approaches, always looking back and measuring where I am to where I want to go. Not considering that each step forward is in fact a step forward and that I have everything I need to achieve everything I am going to ever achieve inside of my right now. I was perfectly imperfect just as I am. I say perfectly imperfect because I am pretty good at making mistakes. Like I make them ALOT. But that is how I learn and grow and evolve. My gift to myself today, is permission to be perfectly imperfect, knowing that I am enough just as I am in mustard seed state.
It was the greatest gift I received so far.

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”
Matthew 17:20

Isnt that some strong birthday medicine!

So after Mass, leaving absolutely filled spiritually, I thought I was heading to Lucy’s for our lunch date. Only, my sister and Lucy had a lovely surprise planned for me. But first there was the biggest surprise of them all…

TIRAMISUUUU!!!!

Anyone who knows me, knows just how much I love Tiramisu. I can eat it everyday for the rest of my life and never get tired. And this folks, this turned into my biggest gift of all. I was going to share *gasp* my tiramisu. I really am growing up.

After collecting the dessert, on to my surprise: A lovely day at Maracas beach with my family. I could not have asked for a better day. I didn’t care to. Tomorrow I will think about plans for the new year. Today I’m going to savour the love all around me. Cherish all the people who took time out to wish me a happy day, especially my friend Rowan, who messaged at 12 on the dot. I feel truly blessed to have so much love in my life. I look forward to another year of realising dreams in love.

Happy New Year to me! Light and Love always.

Below are some of my favourite photos taken by Lucy during the day.