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!

random

I am committing to at least 2 posts a month this year. See you all in February!

With that said...

My youngest brother turns 21 today. How can this be??? I've thought about this day before. I've said to myself, "hmmm... when Cameron is 21, I'll be 28, almost 29. That's crazy!". And here we are! So in honor of my baby brother's 21st birthday, I am re-posting one of my Facebook posts... (slightly selfish to post about myself when it's Cameron's birthday, I know...)

Happy Birthday Cameron!

25 Random Things About Me and My 28 Almost 29 Years of Life...

1. I attended 4 colleges, and a trade school before getting my B.S. in Social Science (at least 3 diff majors)
2. I played field hockey for 3 years in high school and 1 year in college
3. I wrote one of my college essays about Mr. Powelson (my high school's legendary gym teacher/coach)
4. 2 of my BFFs and I HATED each other before becoming BFFs- Love you both!!!
5. I hate paper towels- especially when my hands are dry... it's like nails on a chalk board
6. In 6th grade I wanted to be on the show Full House, and even wrote the director a letter proposing this
7. I have 3 younger brothers... and no sisters. :(
8. I won a contest in Seventeen Magazine for an essay on a mission trip I took to Albania
9. I have lived in Maryland, Massachusetts, South Carolina, & now Colorado
10. I have to sleep with a fan blowing in my room
11. I love sushi, and could it eat for every meal
12. I believe the death penalty is wrong
13. I love those little crackers you get in the packages, Cheese on Wheat
14. Strawberry Poptarts are a major weakness
15. I put sugar free hot cocoa in my coffee
16. I spread grape jelly on top of my grilled cheese- my dad's thing.
17. I ran my first (and possibly last) half marathon in October
18. My favorite show is Lost
19. Someone stole my bowl at work, and now I can't eat my soup
20. I have a little dog named Sophie
21. I have been to the following European countries; Italy, Albania, Germany, Austria
22. My ultimate vacation would be to Santorini, Greece
23. I want to live in California someday
24. I have 3 roommates- yikes! :)
25. My ultimate adventure would be to backpack into Machu Picchu

2009

Ok, so I was definitely planning to post a reflection of the past year before January 1st hit. But... that didn't happen. So the revised plan is to concentrate on who I am and my future; what I plan to do in 2009!

2009 State of Bethany Address:

Times are tough financially for everyone right now. So many of my friends have lost their jobs, or are in fear of losing. I would like to say how thankful I am that I have 3 roommates to help me pay the bills and a job that is rewarding, even beyond the income.

While my weightloss and fitness goals were abandoned after the half marathon in October, I am proud to say that I am back in the saddle. I renewed my monthly gym membership, and even bought a personal training package through the gym. Totally worth it!

My family; Mom and Dad, and my brothers are all healthy and employed. Honestly, don't know that I could ask for much more right now.

Relationships and friendships seem to be turning a corner in my life. It feels like things have been simplified for me since I wasn't able to do it myself. I am content with those who choose to engage in meaningful friendship with me. I am thankful for the people whom I can call upon at any time.

I will trust God. I will be in the Word. I will seek wise counsel. I pray God's love abounds from me to others.

Adventure is my middle name! Hee, hee! Ok, so this adventure thing is fairly new to me. I've really only begun to scratch the surface with all the outdoor sports that Colorado and the world have to offer. This year I vow to sharpen my snowboarding skills, take at least 2 backpacking trips, hike my first 14er, and be open to other adventure that I may come across. If you're reading and you have a suggestion; hit me up!

Sophie is my little mutt. She's such a loyal pal. So cliche, yet so true. This year we'll take more walks and play catch a lot more, I promise! I might even try to teach her a few tricks!

This year is the year I really make a dent in my debt! I will be on a spending diet for the next 12 months, excluding a much needed vacation, location TBD. If you're my friend, please continue to encourge me in this goal! Don't ask me to go out and spend money with you!!! :)

Could 2009 be my year for love? Who knows?! But, I vow to be content in life, and never stop enjoying the ride even if it isn't! Here's to all my friends who have found love and plan to get married this year!!! You are my inspiration!

So, that's my plan for 2009, Lord willing! Join me as I continue the journey as an evolving Denver girl.

Cheers!