changing tide

Life has changed so much in the last 6 months.  And, I am SO thankful for that!  Praise God for the work He is doing in and through me, when after 29 1/2 years, I finally surrendered to Him completely.  Maturity is so elusive.  Just when you think you've arrived, reality hits, and you see how far you've got to go!  Good thing I rely on the Holy Spirit and not my own worldly, human perspective.

In the last 6 months, I have seen my faith grow by leaps and bounds as I rely on God to shape my days, and lead my steps.  He has given me precious friends, incredible ground breaking time with my family, healed broken relationships, a chance to marry off my best friend, provided me the courage to send my youngest brother off to Marine bootcamp, prompted me to go on a mission trip to Israel this October, changed my heart for people and justice.... the list goes on and on and on.

I have found that I am really not a very good blogger.  Didn't seem right writing about myself. Now, I hope to have much more to share about God's work, provisions, and His abounding love.

Stay tuned...

cautious optimisim

It's my new motto.  Like it?

In trusting God with my every minute, I want to be joyful and prepared for what He has, not for what I've planned out! That goes against every grain of my being- I'm a planner by nature.  And, when things don't go the way I've planned a temper tantrum can ensue.  Even if it just rages inside me and never gets expressed outwardly.  I am so grateful that I get to surrender to Him and feel the peace that He provides when I finally submit!  God is GOOD!

I am feeling so blessed in this last week of January!  Today is my youngest brother's 22nd birthday- so proud of him!  And, I get to celebrate the marriage of my dear friend and roommate over the next week and a half.  Loving the life that God has given me!

a new year

The year ended on a bittersweet note.  

It was just the six of us for Christmas.  Can't even remember the last time that happened.  I think God knew that we needed to reconnect as a family.  We laughed and cried, and just enjoyed the time together.  That was the best Christmas gift any of us could have asked for, or received.

New Year's Eve was spent with a few close friends.  It was lovely.

I put myself back into the world of dating at the end of 2009, and realized once again that when I take matters into my own hands- God humbles me!  I am thankful for God's fresh mercies each morning!  So here I am beginning my new year with a renewed passion to seek God, and let the Holy Spirit pour into me.  The perfect Love of God is unmatched.  I can't find it in any relationship that I have or will have. 

I am so very thankful for dear friends near and far- those who love me unconditionally, and pray for me.  Praying many blessings on each of you this year.  

 

merry christmas

Looking forward to a relaxing Christmas day with the fam!  Thankful for the birth, death, & resurrection of Christ.  Have a blessed holiday with your loved ones! =)

a quandary

Being a single adult child is difficult for me. Deciphering the boundary lines of family relationships as I venture further and further into adulthood is becoming more perplexing. For instance; is it appropriate to spend holidays away from family members, and vacation with friends instead?Should I disclose details about my friendships and dating relationships to my parents and siblings? Who will I turn to for advice about my career- friends or family, or both? When something does go awry in my family, how do I address the issue in a loving way without hurting feelings? Is it even possible to avoid hurt feelings, as boundaries are continually defined and redefined?

I think ultimately, I want my family to feel loved by me, no matter the answers to the questions above. In figuring out how it looks in my life, I don't want to alienate anyone or myself for that matter.

Not many people follow my blog, so I am not exactly sure who might have input. Words of wisdom are welcomed though!

today

September 11th, 2009- Can't believe it's been 8 years. 5 days after my 21st birthday, 9/11 rocked our worlds. I was working in DC at the time, actually painting an old house with a couple of friends. We thought it was a joke, when the DJ on 98Rock announced the tragedy. Hours of traffic, fear, and phone calls later- we were back in "safe" Carroll County. I remember sitting with my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins that night in complete shock, having no idea how this could have happened.

My thoughts are with those who are mourning their loved ones today. Thank you to all of the men and women who gave their lives to rescue others.

Never forget.

a work in progress

Who would have thought that this introverted, independent girl would be able to LOVE having roommates, and 3 of them at that?! But, I do! It is wonderful to have someone or several someones to help with house projects. The community we have in that home is priceless to me at this point in life. Team work- Yesterday evening we ripped down the awful fencing around the back deck, that was really serving no purpose at all. Now we have a direct path into the yard. Wonderful! I have so many plans for that space!

Besides the fact that God has give me a love for a full house of roommates, I know God is doing a work in me, and I hope it never stops. I have been praying for a heart change among other things. I have noticed that worship songs are affecting me the way they did during a really pivitol time in my life. My early 20s were really tumultous, but God was working through each experience to change me. During that time, and currently I get so emotional while singing/hearing worship songs. There's one in particular that moves me. The Revelation Song. Ummm- WOW. Can you imagine tens of thousands of angels singing "HOLY HOLY HOLY" to our God?! Gives me chills!

Another reason God is working in me...

After a little break from ministry, I have decided to get back into it! I am going to be working in Childrens Ministry on Sunday mornings. This is a big step for me, since my exposure to children has been limited in the last decade. I am really excited to work closely with several good friends as well as some pretty cool kids! Since I've started attending the morning services at Grace Chapel, I haven't had a chance to get to know a lot of people. This ministry may provide some relationships, and I am looking forward to to that!

God is good. I am blessed beyond belief. There are so many daily reminders of His love.

Happy Wednesday!

august

Well here we are in August, and my plans for posting twice a month are apparently not well planned at all.

I confided in a friend, that some times I just don't think my life is interesting enough to write about. The more I think about that, the more I know it's not true. My life is full of interesting situations and people. However, I guess I choose to be cautious as to the content of my blog. Never know who's reading!

Bottom line is: I could write at least one small line a day. I could. Since, I know that probably won't happen. I am going to make a new resolution, a mid-year resolution. I'll post more than once every 3 months.

Baby steps.

scripture

I am attempting to commit the following scripture to memory. And, in an effort to do so, I am posting it EVERYWHERE! Myspace, Facebook, igoogle, car, bathroom, bedroom, and now my blog.

Hope God's promises are as encouraging to you, as I have found them to be. Here's to making every day count... CHEERS!

1 Corinthians 13:13: "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."

2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Jeremiah 32:27: "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"

can it be april?

Two great pics from Jon & Hannah's wedding! So much fun!



Ok- so much for posting twice a month.... Ooops. :)

It's been a busy February and March. Good friends got married. Courtney & Tim, Jon & Hannah. Had a blast at both weddings!

Made the trip to Maryland for Courtney & Tim's reception, and I got to catch up with my precious friends and family while I was in town!

I have been attempting to train for 2 more half marathons, one in May and one in June. This is a slow process this time around! The motivation isn't quite there for some reason. Need to get back in "The Zone"!!!

I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by already.

I spent this last weekend in Santa Fe with a friend. We started our road trip in the middle of the only Colorado blizzard this winter. What luck?! When we finally made it to Santa Fe, it was a fabulous weekend of relaxation and fun! We had 90 minute massages on Saturday, need I say more?!

Next weekend, good friends Melissa and Ryan tie the knot! Can't wait!

Then I head to Charlotte to see Amy! I am really looking forward to the time away, and especially hanging out with my BFF!

I have a new roommate who conveniently likes to brew beer in our basement (my favorite, IPA), and he also happens to be one of the coolest guys I've met in Denver! Thank you, Craiglist! ;)

Look for a few "catch up" posts this month to make up for February and March! Happy Spring!