Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving, is that time of year for loads of food, warm winter sweaters and being around those you love. Coming to a table of family and friends in remembrance for all that we have to be thankful for. For myself this year has been incredibly hard but I couldn’t be more thankful for the friends and family God has blessed me with. It has been through their encouragement, friendship and love that I have been able to push through all the struggles that have crossed my path. Without them and my Father’s undying love for me I would have not gotten through all of it. Here is a short re-cap of what I’m thankful for: My company went through three layoffs, I’m thankful I still have a job. After three months I found out my boyfriend cheated on me with his ex, I’m thankful I found out before I got too far into it. I ran my second marathon this year, I’m thankful I finished well. Dating again has been a huge rollercoaster ride, I’m thankful I’m not in any bad relationships and I am learning to be content being single. I almost made a huge mistake by moving to B-Ripple, I’m thankful God took me out of that situation. When my wallet and all my credit cards got stolen, I’m thankful nothing bad happened and even though it was a pain I got everything taken care of. I moved into my first one bedroom apartment, I’m thankful God provided the funds to do that. And when I thought all was lost and it didn’t seem like there was anywhere to turn, I’m thankful God was right there beside me. Needless to say I have much to be thankful for. Even though my struggles may seem minuscule compared to the rest of the world, they really challenged me this year to grow stronger and deeper in my faith than ever before. I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful thanksgiving and is blessed by the ones you love. Lastly, I will leave you with a verse that I hold dear to my heart. It will be my prayer for you this Thanksgiving.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:3-11

Melody & Lyrics

Have you ever wonder our lives would be like if we had soundtracks to them. If a song came on every time something dramatic happened or making that one defining moment seem endless with just a melody. I believe that is why we are so obsessed with watching our favorite television shows and movies. From my point of view the character’s lives are so much more interesting then are own, because of the music that is looming in the background. Music could be easily one of the biggest fundamentals to evoking emotion. We associate our hurt, romance and excitement with the not only the melody of the songs we hum along to, but also to its lyrics. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played a song repeatedly, because nothing better seemed to express how I felt in that moment in time. I guess if I really think about it, we kind of do have our own soundtracks in a way. We are consistently painting our life story with the melody of the paths we choose to take. Writing lyrics to the legacy we are leaving behind. My question to you is what does your melody sound like? What legacy are you writing? Is it the soundtrack you would want someone else to be listening to? Just something to ponder.

Just in Time…

Just in time for the holidays… I’m finally finished with unpacking the boxes for my new apartment! For all of you that don’t know, I moved into my first one bedroom apartment by myself a couple weeks ago! I love it and I feel real accomplished now that I have my own place. All I have to do is sit back, relax and just enjoy the winter season. Plus… now that I can use my dining room table, it makes having company over so much easier.

Crisp Winter Chill

This morning the sun just started peering through my window, as I tried to wake myself up from the slumber I was in. With the cold air biting at my nose I dare not leave the warmth of my bed. It is mornings like these where I just wish I could just dream the day away. But today was too beautiful not to brace the winter chill. So I stepped out on hope that today might be different then yesterday. You never know what the day might bring.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
-Lamentations 3:22-23

Don’t Lose Faith

It’s Only Life by Kate Voegele

“Take your hesitance
And your self-defense
Leave them behind, it’s only life
Don’t be so afraid
Of facing everyday
Just take your time, it’s only life
I’ll be your stepping-stone
No, don’t be so alone
Just hold on tight, it’s only life”

Came across this song and thought I would share it. Sometimes we just need a little encouragement to keep pushing forward. Don’t lose your faith, it’s only life.

The Scoop

Bummer… JF is no longer coming through Circle City before he heads home for Thanksgiving. It turns out last night he made it to the next round of the singing competition which will be held late wednesday night in Chicago. I’m kind of disapointed because I was looking forward to getting to see him but I guess I’ll just have to wait till the next time he comes in town. Just thought I would update you guys and let you know.

In the Stillness

I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Whether it is the path we choose to take, the friendships we make, the ones we lose, the song that touches our hearts, the struggles we have, or the something we read that grabs us. It is sometimes the smallest things that touches our soul, that make the biggest impact in our life. We just have to choose to listen or take notice to them. I came across this amazing quote by Amy Carmichael “Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is.” Isn’t that what most of us are searching for… a stillness, knowing what God has in store for our lives? After reading I stopped for a moment to reflect on what God was trying to say to me. I’ve wanted for so long just to find, “the one” and settle down. Struggling with waiting I’ve tried to hurry my love life and jump start relationships out of thin air… only to be left a couple weeks down the road confused, hurt and on to searching for the next Mr. Maybe. This relationship cycle has consumed a lot of my time the last couple years. I realize now putting pressure on myself to find him it isn’t going to go anywhere fast nor is it healthy for me if I keep this up. This quote is just reinforcing what God has been trying to show me. If I just wait on Him and be content just being single, He will give me the desires of my heart. It has been hard to finally realize that… but it was definitely worth the journey of getting to this point. The lessons I’ve learned have made me stronger, more confident in myself and has given me a passion for His word beyond my imagination. God has amazing little ways of showing us things we might not have seen otherwise, just make sure you keep your eyes open to them. Are you ready to listen?

Get that Heart Pumpin

Going to the gym the last couple days feels like a got a well needed face lift. It has totally lifted my spirits about myself and I feel like I’m back into the grove of things. I’m so happy I joined that gym and it has been the best decision I’ve made so far since the move. I took a cycle class tonight… Oooohhhh, man what a work out! My friend (old roommate) Brit ended up coming to the gym to take the class with me. It was awesome to hang out with her and it felt like old times again! And can I just say every time I go there… I see another cute “new” guy. But most likely I will just window shop, I don’t want to get a rep or anything. Anyway, so here is my advice… if you feel down and lazy because you have done anything in a while get up and find a place you can take your mind of things. I promise you will feel more confident, happy and stronger then ever before. You just have to want to make the change. Lastly, below is a verse that I hold dear to my heart. Whenever I think I won’t be able to make through the struggles I’m having… I think of this verse and know that God is right beside me. He gives me the strength I need to carry on, nothing compares to that. “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:31

The Holiday

Turning on my radio this morning to 93.9…Christmas music started playing out of it. What is going on ?!? Thanksgiving is still a week and a half away and we are already promoting Christmas? Does anyone else feel like the fall this year just came and went with the breeze? I love the Christmas season don’t get me wrong, I just think we should enjoy Thanksgiving and the rest of fall first before getting all pumped up for Christmas quite yet. I feel like it is being a little overly forced this year, due to the economy. Granted, I have already noticed a huge change in the stores as well. Lights are going up, Christmas music is now playing over the intercom and there is people everywhere trying to make a dash for the one day only sales. I went to the mall on Sunday with my girlfriend Carrie and I couldn’t believe how many people were there. I don’t mean to sound like the Grinch, I am really excited about Christmas I’m just not ready to give up the fall yet. I guess my hesitation for the Christmas season to start might be due to the fact I’m not dating anyone this holiday season once again. I kind of miss those days searching all over town for the perfect gift to give him and bringing in the New Year’s wrapped in his arms. Those days are long over now and I know someday I will have someone to share them with again but it kind of chokes me up just thinking about it. Even though I won’t be thinking of anyone special for the holidays, I am very grateful for the wonderful family I have. This year I will be spending almost two weeks in Florida with them! I haven’t seen them in a long time so it will be good to go back home and warm up while everyone freezes back here…hehe. Plus, I get to meet my sister Ash’s new boyfriend… I still have yet to approve the guy she has been dating the past six months! So needless to say, going to see everyone back home makes me so happy… I love them so much!

Finding a Gym

Lately, I haven’t been able to run outside due to the cold weather Circle City has been having… not even my under armor spandex has kept me warm! But after a week and a half of laying around the house complaining that it was too cold to work out… I figure it was time to get up and do something about it. So I got a gym membership this past Saturday. I figure it would be nice to get out of the house for a while and have some people to be around, while I work out. A great benefit with this gym is that I get to take any classes they offer… which is pretty sweet (I’ve been wanting to try out a cycle class, so I’m pumped about that). I have been twice now to the gym and I’m loving it! The gym is really nice and was just opened two days ago. Working out at a gym I think will be good for me because I find when I watch people during my working out it keeps me distracted from the time. Which is a nice change from staring at a wall the whole time and checking to see how much longer I have to go. Plus, I’ve seen some cute guys there (hey… you never know). So I’m sure I will have some fun stories to tell from the gym coming up, so keep an eye out for them.