Story of My Life (currently)

He strategically places us in situations in life, in which we can make the greatest impact, even if this means being separated from things that we want and the people we are most familiar with.

Days of Retreating

It's been a while since I've read the Gospel of Luke in it's entirety. I remember now why reading a book through is helpful -- and rereading it can be even more so. I am one of those Christians, girls, whatever you want to call me who likes to read other stories and books...about Jesus, of course and His life and His saving grace and forgiveness but stray away from the Bible at times.

I'd say the Bible has the best stories of all. Especially when it's Jesus himself teaching. Not that Don Miller and Francis Chan don't have great things to say (they do, and there is a lot of things I've learned and been able to apply because of their books) ... but there's something more about the Bible. I suppose this is no new thinking ... just renewed thinking for me and it was much needed, today, especially.

Sometimes I like reading about all the "good" things Jesus has to offer us; hope, forgiveness, love, mercy, and the list goes on ... and I like reading all those encouraging passages from  the Epistles especially but the life of Jesus was INCREDIBLE. Sometimes I forget it -- or maybe it's not that I forget it but I have other things on my mind like how will I pay for this bill this month or when am I going to meet friends here St. Charles/St. Louis, or why can't I live closer to my family. Anyways -- they're all about ME and as I've been told and taught this life isn't about me and one of these days I hope I'll get the picture.

Anyways - I haven't posted in a while so there's an update on my spiritual lacking or stupidity at times and I'm learning a lot. I feel like I ventured to a Christian college and learned a LOT about myself (thankful for most of the situations) and then I moved to Savannah and learned even more about myself (more grown up type things I suppose) and I thought, eh ... maybe I've learned enough about myself and others for a while. But I've realized that learning about myself, others, and especially Jesus should never and will never stop. That's good -- I just needed a little refresher course. 

I like learning things about myself...for the most part. Sure, there's things we find out when we're put into circumstances and we're like "dang, I wish I wasn't this way" but it's beneficial at least to know who we are. I find that important especially right now when I don't have a strong community of friends near me. And not to mention, before I meet this prince charming of mine it'd be pretty awesome to figure out a lot about who I am, what I want, what I'm about etc before I drag him along for the ride.

All this to say - I'm growing up, whether I like it or not and it's not always going to be easy. I heard a lot about the direction of one's life during the beginning of January. Direction, not intention determines your destination. I think there's been several times in my life where my intention truly has been good (possibly even God lead) but the direction that intention is leading me is not necessarily where I want to end up. Will God use me where I land? Sure, I think so ... if I'm open and willing to let Him do His thing, but when does being happy and liking where I am become selfish? I'm happy where I am, don't get me wrong. Have I been happier in other places? Sure ... But who says it's all about happiness? (LS if you read this I know you'll have something to say, please do...) and when will I learn the difference of happiness and contentment and joy? I thought Bible College and millions in college loans would have sorted all of that out for me.

Do I choose to be joyful daily? Sure, I think so for the most part ....do I complain sometimes (maybe more than I should) probably so -- which then makes me ask the question if I'm content.

I just remembered I'm blogging and not writing in my journal so the blabbing will end now. It's good to write sometimes for me ... helps me see my thoughts and think through them a little more clearly. Plus, comments sometimes help too (and sometimes they don't ... so if you're not going to be helpful don't comment :) -- kidding). Anyways - today is my Spiritual Retreat Day and I'm very thankful.

I'm learning and I'm living and it's all for a greater purpose so here I go continuing on this little journey of mine ... 

Oh last thing -  I'm excited for a few upcoming trips. I'm going on a cruise with one of my best friends, Kathie, to the Bahamas in March so that's going to be super fun and then in April I'm heading to LA for a conference that should also be great -- plus, I'll get to spend some quality time with another one of my bffs, Holly.

And to all a good day. :) XoXo! 

Things I miss - pre 2009

A friend and I were talking the other day about how good things used to be. Not that they're not good now so maybe good isn't the right word. How care-free things used to be. I mean, Christian College has it's rules but Christian College girls are sometimes silly  (and by sometimes I mean always)-- if you went to Bible College you know what I mean. That being said I had some pretty crazy friends thus had some pretty crazy times. Here are a few things I miss ... or at least wish that they could happen every now and then.

1. I miss getting all dolled up to go eat chips and salsa from Chilis -- or just going to Chilis.

2. I miss having house parties. Ny-quill and all.

3. I miss staying up until all hours of the night on IM -- even if the person was in the next room or you'd see them the next day. 

4. I miss dying my hair or at least attempting to and then having to get it fixed the next day.

5. I miss game nights. I could have these now ... but the group of people who used to come to game night is irreplaceable ... unforgettable memories, seriously.

6. I miss passing notes in class. This sound like 4th grade. :)

7. I miss living life with some of the greatest people I will ever know. 

8. I miss staying up all night to write papers -- while taking non FDA approved caffeine pills & such.

9. I miss dorm drama. Oh so funny. 

10. I miss college .... regardless of all the homework, the stress of getting good grades, the drama that comes along with boys and girls interacting, and some just nasty people I miss it. I miss the people ... 

When I win the lottery (not that I even play) I will buy houses for me and 40 of my best friends in the same neighborhood. What a sweet sweet life.

In 5 years I hope I'll have 10 more things to miss from the present. 

Post-Thanksgiving Thankfulness

So it's 2 days after Thanksgiving and I'm still extremely thankful. That being said I really think I could learn something from Paul who tells us he has learned to be content regardless of the circumstances he's in. Hm - I'm thankful, but content always, no. And why's that? I tend to compare to many things ... maybe it's a "me" thing ... maybe it's an entitlement thing, who knows ... but I wish there was a simple fix, an easy switch I could flip off and I would no longer compare. Compare my life to what it was during certain "happy" times" or compare it to what I know could be "happy" times in the future. I am thankful NOW. I have so many things to be thankful for NOW ... so I want this feeling of contentment. Well ... here's to reminding myself how good I do have it. (I'll stop at 10 otherwise I could go on and on)

1. I'm thankful for a God who loves me regardless of my mistakes and inadequacy.

2. I'm thankful for a wonderful family. Specially 2 parents who have loved each other for over 30 years and have loved me for almost 25 no matter what. I'm thankful for the love we share.

3. I'm thankful for some of the worlds greatest friends. No need to specify who you are because you know BUT I'm thankful for real friendship - with honesty, and trust, and fights, and tears, and laughter. 

4. I'm thankful for a roof over my head. I love/enjoy my apartment ... this is something I take for granted.

5. I'm thankful for my 2 kitties ... Zazu and Meiko. I know what you're thinking..."crazy cat lady" but there's something to be said for these cuddly furry little girls! :)

6. I'm thankful for Honda's. Amen.

7. I'm thankful for medicine. Weird, sorta ... but I've recently been diagnosed with more problems than a 24 year old should have so I am thankful for medicine ... that can help correct these problems.

8. I'm thankful for DVR. 

9. I'm thankful for the church. For my job there - there teaching and community that is shared and the love I feel from some of those I work with.

10. I am thankful for the past I've lived - the lessons I've learned, the friends I've made, the fun I've had, the tears I've shed. I'm just thankful. 

Well - enough is enough. I have so much more I could say. I need to learn the power of being content in any and all circumstances. If you've learned this (the hard or easy way) and have some suggestions - comment below :)

Show me the way.

Stick a fork in me ...

So I've made it to St. Louis -- well, I'm actually living in St. Charles, but I'm here.

1. The weather is perfect. So far, in about 2 months I won't have the same opinion but for now ... I love me some 70's.

2. I like the idea/surroundings of a bigger city. St. Charles has a lot to offer (Target is only 1.5 miles away) -- and St. Louis isn't far either ... so this means there should be plenty to do :) -- Come visit, I'll show you.

3. I like my apartment. Before I got here I didn't think I did -- but I am here and I do. There's enough room for everything. An extra bedroom, washer & dryer and I guess that's about all I need.

4. I got a new car. Thank the good Lord. I'm the proud new owner of a 2009 Honda Civic LX 4 door. I'll be paying for this the rest of my life (not really, at all ... ) but anyways, I'm happy as a clam.

5. I start work tomorrow. Nervous, happy, excited ... all of these emotions. I know I'll miss SCC and my family there though ... 

That's all I have to say for now, really. I'm 24 and feel like I've moved enough to be 50 years old ... so I'm praying I'm here for a while ... and I'm also praying that prince charming will be showing up very soon. ;)

Tata for now. 

P.S.

-Grey's Anatomy starts in a few weeks ... as does many of my other favorite shows.

-New Moon is coming soon ... November 20th, I think I can wait!

XoXo.

Who knew

I'm moving to St. Louis soon -- who would've thought.

Senior Pastor's Executive Assistant at Harvester Christian Church.

My life takes so many turns. :)

How do you measure a year?

In daylights? In sunsets? In midnights? In cups of coffee?

In inches? In miles? In laughter? In strife?

In truths learned? In times cried? 

I've been in Savannah for 13 months now ... crazy long time. Still feels like just a few months -- I'm sure eventually it'll feel longer. Some aspects are "home like" and some are still getting there. Not sure how long that takes. Manhattan maybe took 2 years, I don't really remember but I know eventually it'll all feel like home.

I moved here for my job and thankfully I'm still here for my job :) Which means I love it. I've also made some friends along the way which is quite helpful for me.

I still do wonder though if I'll make friends like I've had in the past (they're still in my life, I just means friends I made before Savannah). I know I'm supposed to be here -- it's very clear so that's reassuring. 

Besides moving to a new, unfamiliar city in the last year I can't really say much has happened...which might be a 1st for me...and maybe that's good. No big, eventful news ... do I want something big, I duno ... maybe!

In the next year let's see what'll happen:

-I'll turn 24. (In less than a month actually) Gifts accepted.

-Trip to Orlando ... coming soon and I cannot wait!

-Getting a new car, hopefully sooner than later, '09 Toyota Camry here I come. 

-I'll make a few trips to see my parents.

-I'll go over-sees on a missions trip .... TBD.

-I'll find prince charming (Unlikely -- but hopeful)

-And I'll buy a house (again, maybe unlikely but more possible than the above)

-Oh, of course I'll learn and grow and all that good stuff too.

I think you learn a lot about yourself when you move away from everything you've ever known -- surroundings, friends, family, etc... I think I suggest this for everyone (or almost everyone).

In other news: I saw The Proposal and it was really great and really fun. Boys, you'd even like this one. I saw the preview for New Moon which isn't coming out until November 20 but I'm super excited. And lastly, I cannot believe it's basically July. Time flies when you get old and grow up, I guess ...

Plans for the 4th = ZERO ... Savannah is too hot to spend it outside and I'm not sure there's anything else to do. Friends in far away places -- fly to me.

"You know that love is a gift from above.

Share love, give love, spread love.

Measure your life in love."