My First 10

Earlier this week I posted about my rentry into the world of physical fitness. I can proudly report that for my first week I worked out 6 days. I also did something for possibly the first time ever. I did a ten mile workout this weekend. It's amazing when you allow yourself the time in your schedule and set your mind to it what your body will accomplish. As I went on this nearly two hour journey my body went through a series of reactions. At times it felt like time wasn't moving, other I was strengthen with adrenaline to push through the exhaustion but most of the time was spent people watching and telling myself I couldn't give up. Several pop songs later, an empty water bottle and legs that felt more like wet noodles I walked back to my car feeling like I had just climbed Mount Everest. As someone who can safely say they will never personally know the feeling of climbing Mount Everest, I can only make this comparison to acknowledge what an accomplishment these ten miles are.  I think this is the same for our careers and relationships; the goals we set can be attained when we follow two simple rules. First, the goal must be attainable. Please note I didn't use the word realistic or possible, because many goals will start out as unrealistic or feel impossible but it is only by following the second rule, which is to never give up that we can do the impossible. I pray that whatever area of your life feels impossible that you would believe that if God calls you to it He is going to strengthen you to achieve it. Many will ask- how do I know God has called me to this? I can't answer this question specifically for everyone but I can share how I have answered this question in my life. First, God will continually bring this area or idea up to me. Either in my own thoughts or in opportunities around me. Second, there will be glory brought to God by this goal being accomplished. Example, my physical fitness reflects my care of this body has a temple of the Holy Spirit   So no matter the goal. No matter how big or small, how realistic or impossible. Believe that God has spoken to you and act in faith with obedience to that call. Go out there and get your first 10! 

Do It Again

Today marks a new beginning, as all days do (but that's another post for another day). Today's new beginning was found in a room full of strangers, all with different goals and motivations. Today's new beginning lasted 50 minutes and took me on a 4.3 mile journey. I don't write this post to brag or for others to encourage me. I write this post because it took me three years to go back to a public gym and I honestly was terrified going today. But I'm more terrified of not committing to my health and will lean into the truth that God cares about every area of my life. So here we go. One day at a time. One mile. One workout. #healthyliving 

A Birthday Post for You

1 hour and 11 minutes until my birthday, 1 hour and 11 minutes until the Facebook posts, photos, and texts from friends commence, 1 hour and 11 minutes until 25 was last year.

Before I embrace the craziness of memories and what are sure to be some embarrassing photos and stories I am reminded of what has taken place to leave me with just 1 hour and now 10 minutes until my 26th birthday.

It was 10 years ago that I went to dinner with some friends not realizing that one of the guys sitting around the table would end up marrying my sister and give me the privilege of being an aunt. 

It was 8 years ago that my sister and her college friends saved the day and took my friends and I to In an Out which ended being so much more fun than what I had planned.

It was 6 years ago that I convinced my roommates that jumping out of a plane was a good idea, little did I know it wouldn't be my last time. 

It has been 3 years since I waited in the family room for my dad's parents to arrive for my birthday lunch, and to read each hand written note before opening the carefully thought out present.

Looking back over the last 12 months I am overwhelmed by the memories. I have had to say goodbye to family and friends whose time here ended too soon, I have had to say see you soon to friends as they moved on to their next adventure around the world, and I have also had some wonderful hellos.

I have had the honor of saying hello to Australians who although not all of our words may mean the same thing, their ability to love me transcends; to Zimbabweans who's passion for God and building His Kingdom stir my desire even greater, to countless young women who give me the honor to do life with them and reveal more about who God is every time we sit together.

My year has been filled with some of the most challenging moments of my life but also the most rewarding. Having my family by my side as I was baptized, sitting in the back of the room as my roommate proposed her dissertation topic for her doctoral degree, watching friends say I do, and cheering for my brother's alma mater and current law school teams at they battled up and down the football field (I am so proud of you buddy!). 

Of all the memories and stories I can recall from the last year, I am left speechless at the incredible people I am blessed to do life with. So with 21 minutes left to spare before the well wishes begin I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who shape me into the 26 year old that I am.

Thank you for reminding me that my identity is not found in this world but in God's word spoken long ago, that my purpose is greater than even my wildest dreams, that my worries are cared for and heard, that I am loved, that I am seen, that I am remembered. 

You are who I celebrate today, the unbelievable people who love me so well.

God Bless each of you.

Thankful Day 11

Today I am thankful for Christmas Decorations. 

Yes I am one of those people who would decorate on October 1st if I could. 

This year decorations went up November 8. 

A tree. 

Lights. 

Wreaths. 

Stockings. 

Candy dishes shaped like stars and trees. 

Lights, oh so many lights. 

I am thankful that it is Christmas season. 

Although this is one of the most commercialized holidays driven by material goods. At the heart of it we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. 

A birthday that changes everything. 

I pray for opportunities this season to share the good news with others. 

To point the glory back to God. 

As sit here and get to be reminded of the reason for the lights, trees, stockings and wreaths I am thankful that Jesus came!

Thankful Day 9/10

I am thankful for home cooked meals. 

I have been blessed to receive some amazing home cooked meals lately and even had the opportunity to cook tonight.  The process can be challenging but the end result so exciting! Either you prepare ahead of time and gather ingredients you know will work together or you look around with what you have and decide to get creative. Either way it's a process and the end result is a learning experience. I hope to always challenge myself to continue learning in the kitchen, to continue cultivating, to continue creating. 

Thankful Day 8

Today I am thankful for Saturdays!

Saturday come with endless opportunities. 

One could stay in bed all day. 

Head to the beach, to Tahoe for the day, catch up on errands from the week. 

This Saturday was filled with a birthday party for my favorite niece, community time with some of my favorite ladies and decorating my house for Christmas! 

Thankful Day 7

Today I am thankful for my health. 

I woke up today with a sore throat. Like most sore throats I thought I could drink some tea, limit my vocal interactions and I would be ok. 

At the end of my day I can tell you that is not the case. I stood in line at Safeway among your typical Friday night shoppers. Between desserts and flowers I put my throat tea, cough drops and soup. 

This will only last a few days and I will be back to 100%. However I am struck with the humbling reminder that so many are not as fortunate to be able to run to the store for a quick remedy. We are so blessed to have common aid readily accessible to us. 

So as I wait for my tea to cool I will continue to thank God that He is the ultimate healer and pray that when I wake I will be able to swallow again without pain!