http://martynballestero.com/2011/09/15/the-pentecostals-at-the-church-of-christ-funeral/
Read this.
At first glance, someone might think that this a great testimony to the advancement of the Kingdom, or even in a less denominational stance- that so many Christians advanced their walk with God that day.
True, and valid.
BUT. I think we missed a huge point about Christianity today. Did you notice how the whole article is about the "Pentecostals" and the "Church of Christs"? Why is Christianity so divided? Is that what Christ intended?
I don't think so. Actually, I know so. Christ rebuked the Pharisees over and over for their strict lawful practices and their exclusive behavior. Christ died to open up the salvation opportunity to ALL people. And as we know, salvation is not a one-time confession and statement of faith, but a continual, daily walk with the Lord. Why in the world would we separate ourselves from people who want to know God just as intimately just because we don't see eye-to-eye on every verse in the Bible.
If you ask me, biblical themes are unchanging from denomination to denomination: grace, love, giving, modesty, mercy, sacrifice, devotion, etc.
As the article states, it is a great thing when Christians commune together, but why in the world are we separate in the first place? Battling our own sins and the temptation of the world around us is difficult enough, but add on fighting every denomination but your own? Seems impractical to me.
We are all on the same team here, instead of considering yourself better because you believe a certain way- strive to grow in your relationship with Christ, show that growth to your fellow Christians, and see where that leads them. It's simple, love people into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
the newest.
It's been a minute, hasn't it?!
Well.. here's what Sarah has been up to lately.
School.. all consuming and completely exhausting, but I am thoroughly enjoying this semester. I am learning things that I love, working harder than I have ever worked, and it is paying off. I feel so accomplished just juggling my schoolwork, let alone the other things I have committed myself to this semester!
A few months ago I mentioned something about spending more time getting my self physically fit.. mission in progress. I joined Crossfit Murfreesboro almost a month ago and it sounds incredibly clique but the place is changing my life. I have pushed myself farther than I ever have and I know this is only the beginning! I haven't seen a huge physical difference yet but I know it is only a matter of time. Not to mention I have already met some amazing people who love taking care of themselves in every aspect.. physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I know I am in the right place to learn to take better care of myself.
theSpring youth/college age is taking off. This past weekend we had our first "Youth Fallout" which was a big bonfire of ages 12-18. We ended up having some college age kids come too and totaled out at 25. Not a huge number, but I count it as a success. Not to mention we have incredible teens who are funny, talented, smart, beautiful, and wholesome. I am so blessed to know each of them and I know that they are teaching me far more than I could ever teach them.
Yesterday I picked up my guitar and played until my fingertips were numb. Today, I did it again. I'm still learning my chords, but it is progress.. right? I have this fresh breathe of motivation this semester and it is so exhilarating!
And last but not least.. this time in 2 months I will be packing two very large suitcases for a 6 month vacation to the country of Belgium. I say vacation.. more like a work/study opportunity, but to me it screams vacation and opportunity :)
That's it for now! Until next time...
Well.. here's what Sarah has been up to lately.
School.. all consuming and completely exhausting, but I am thoroughly enjoying this semester. I am learning things that I love, working harder than I have ever worked, and it is paying off. I feel so accomplished just juggling my schoolwork, let alone the other things I have committed myself to this semester!
A few months ago I mentioned something about spending more time getting my self physically fit.. mission in progress. I joined Crossfit Murfreesboro almost a month ago and it sounds incredibly clique but the place is changing my life. I have pushed myself farther than I ever have and I know this is only the beginning! I haven't seen a huge physical difference yet but I know it is only a matter of time. Not to mention I have already met some amazing people who love taking care of themselves in every aspect.. physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I know I am in the right place to learn to take better care of myself.
theSpring youth/college age is taking off. This past weekend we had our first "Youth Fallout" which was a big bonfire of ages 12-18. We ended up having some college age kids come too and totaled out at 25. Not a huge number, but I count it as a success. Not to mention we have incredible teens who are funny, talented, smart, beautiful, and wholesome. I am so blessed to know each of them and I know that they are teaching me far more than I could ever teach them.
Yesterday I picked up my guitar and played until my fingertips were numb. Today, I did it again. I'm still learning my chords, but it is progress.. right? I have this fresh breathe of motivation this semester and it is so exhilarating!
And last but not least.. this time in 2 months I will be packing two very large suitcases for a 6 month vacation to the country of Belgium. I say vacation.. more like a work/study opportunity, but to me it screams vacation and opportunity :)
That's it for now! Until next time...
Friday, September 30, 2011
Financial Peace University
One of the great things my dad and stepmom taught me early on was the principle of giving.
When I was 9 I started getting a weekly list of chores and a payment plan was put into place based on the amount of work I did that week. Fortunately, dad was a big spender and I learned quickly that hard work pays well. Before I knew it, my piggy bank was getting quite full and I was faced with the decision of what to do with my earnings.
I would like to take credit for it, but I am sure that at 9 it was probably some persuasion from my dad that convinced me to start donating to Feed The Children. I believe my first donation was $10 per month. But soon, it was $20 and I believe I topped out at $40/month (from CHORES, y'all... I was scrubbing the toilets with a toothbrush).
Now, I was no saint, I definitely spent some of that hard earned cash on the newest Left Behind book or the best GameBoy Color game EVER. But... looking back, I am pretty proud of myself and thankful for a family that taught me the value of giving. I would receive a monthly newsletter from Feed the Children with some bios of kids who were now getting hot meals daily because of my contribution... it felt good.
And 10 years later, I am learning to re-adopt the love of giving. I am reluctant to say that I got greedy for a while, but I am back to putting consistent effort into being a servant of Christ, especially with my finances.
If I have learned anything on this perilous journey of mine over the last 2 years, it is that God provides. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.. He is there to fulfill and over-fill. Maybe not in the way we think He should, but hindsight is 20/20 and I can always look back and see God working in every area to protect, provide, and strengthen me.
Have I mentioned how liberating it is to give your money and time to something bigger than yourself? I literally get giddy when I look at all the things I have contributed to and connected my heart, money, and faith into.
The title here was a pun-intended, but let me also give a shout out to Dave Ramsey and all of his financial wisdom. Ramsey equips his listeners with the skills and knowledge to save money, reduce and eradicate debt, and get back on track financially- who doesn't love that?
When I was 9 I started getting a weekly list of chores and a payment plan was put into place based on the amount of work I did that week. Fortunately, dad was a big spender and I learned quickly that hard work pays well. Before I knew it, my piggy bank was getting quite full and I was faced with the decision of what to do with my earnings.
I would like to take credit for it, but I am sure that at 9 it was probably some persuasion from my dad that convinced me to start donating to Feed The Children. I believe my first donation was $10 per month. But soon, it was $20 and I believe I topped out at $40/month (from CHORES, y'all... I was scrubbing the toilets with a toothbrush).
Now, I was no saint, I definitely spent some of that hard earned cash on the newest Left Behind book or the best GameBoy Color game EVER. But... looking back, I am pretty proud of myself and thankful for a family that taught me the value of giving. I would receive a monthly newsletter from Feed the Children with some bios of kids who were now getting hot meals daily because of my contribution... it felt good.
And 10 years later, I am learning to re-adopt the love of giving. I am reluctant to say that I got greedy for a while, but I am back to putting consistent effort into being a servant of Christ, especially with my finances.
If I have learned anything on this perilous journey of mine over the last 2 years, it is that God provides. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.. He is there to fulfill and over-fill. Maybe not in the way we think He should, but hindsight is 20/20 and I can always look back and see God working in every area to protect, provide, and strengthen me.
Have I mentioned how liberating it is to give your money and time to something bigger than yourself? I literally get giddy when I look at all the things I have contributed to and connected my heart, money, and faith into.
The title here was a pun-intended, but let me also give a shout out to Dave Ramsey and all of his financial wisdom. Ramsey equips his listeners with the skills and knowledge to save money, reduce and eradicate debt, and get back on track financially- who doesn't love that?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
For what it's worth...
50 Lessons Life Taught Me
- Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
- When in doubt, just take the next small step.
- Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
- Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
- Pay off your credit cards every month.
- You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
- Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
- It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
- Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
- When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
- Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
- It's OK to let your children see you cry.
- Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
- If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
- Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
- Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
- You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
- A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
- It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
- When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
- Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
- Overprepare, then go with the flow.
- Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
- The most important sex organ is the brain.
- No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
- Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
- Always choose life.
- Forgive everyone everything.
- What other people think of you is none of your business.
- Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
- However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
- Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
- Believe in miracles.
- God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
- Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
- Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
- Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
- Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
- Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
- If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
- Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
- Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
- All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
- Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
- The best is yet to come.
- No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
- Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
- If you don't ask, you don't get.
- Yield.
- Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift...
PS- this is a good moment to add in something else I have been trying to do more lately.
I love to establish a set of goals for myself- some short and some long term, just to ensure that I am always improving, not to mention it creates a sense of completion and confidence :)
But FYI- we are now halfway through 2011! So re-evaluate those New Years resolutions and get to work on some of them!
I set a few goals for the remainder of this year... some spiritual, some financial, some physical, some educational, etc... so I know that I am only improving myself, not standing still or moving backwards.
Until,
Sarah J <3
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Midnight
This evening I decided to take my dog on a midnight stroll. Not the safest idea, but by far best decision I have made in a very long time.. there is something about feeling like the only person in the world that I tend to relish in. So, I am on this little trek of mine; the air is filled with the scent of honey suckle and the temperature is that cool, brisk, summer-time air that immediately sends me back to late night outdoor games at jr high camp, and all I can hear are crickets (or more likely cicadas) chirping. For a city girl, this scenery is rare, but I absolutely adore it when I take the time to enjoy it. I can't help but marvel at the nature created solely for our benefit.
So I am walking which is usually when I take the time to process, organize, analyze and reflect on my day but tonight my mind was flooded with all of these memories of intensely spiritual moments in my life. I won't give a rundown of every single one (because there are SO many ;) but I quickly realized that not a single one of them was inside a church and yet all of them were so meaningful to me that I was moved to tears just thinking about them again.
So why do we make spirituality so much about a service, congregation, denomination, or building?
Don't you think God is more interested in a one-on-one relationship with you?
I do. I think God still walks to "walk in the garden with us" but not in the way I've been taught to communicate with my Creator and Savior. See, I think the church has been programmed to think that God has to be riled up to show up. As in, we need to create the perfect environment for God to enter into.
I'm learning that your heart is the perfect environment, no matter what condition it is in. God desires to know YOU, to communicate with YOU, to reveal things to YOU, to confide in YOU, to listen to YOU. This is not a communal relationship God is after, it is individual.
Did you catch my "no matter what condition it is in"?
Call me crazy, but I have met some very imperfect people that God has done huge things through. And yes, there are plenty of examples in the bible, but I am talking real-life, right now people that churches quickly condemn and write off because of their mistakes.
Here's a bit of wisdom I heard in high school that has stuck with me ever since: people with the biggest callings for God often struggle with their flesh the most. As in, some people who are doing the greatest things for God, can also do some of the worst things to people.
I don't think I'm getting too far off-base to say that I believe God knows our hearts and intentions and is going to bless our passions, even if our flesh isn't 100% in line with our intentions. We are human, and I think the goal is to grow stronger in your spirit so that you can deny your flesh more often. The goal is not to never sin, it is to grow away from sin.
So I am walking which is usually when I take the time to process, organize, analyze and reflect on my day but tonight my mind was flooded with all of these memories of intensely spiritual moments in my life. I won't give a rundown of every single one (because there are SO many ;) but I quickly realized that not a single one of them was inside a church and yet all of them were so meaningful to me that I was moved to tears just thinking about them again.
So why do we make spirituality so much about a service, congregation, denomination, or building?
Don't you think God is more interested in a one-on-one relationship with you?
I do. I think God still walks to "walk in the garden with us" but not in the way I've been taught to communicate with my Creator and Savior. See, I think the church has been programmed to think that God has to be riled up to show up. As in, we need to create the perfect environment for God to enter into.
I'm learning that your heart is the perfect environment, no matter what condition it is in. God desires to know YOU, to communicate with YOU, to reveal things to YOU, to confide in YOU, to listen to YOU. This is not a communal relationship God is after, it is individual.
Did you catch my "no matter what condition it is in"?
Call me crazy, but I have met some very imperfect people that God has done huge things through. And yes, there are plenty of examples in the bible, but I am talking real-life, right now people that churches quickly condemn and write off because of their mistakes.
Here's a bit of wisdom I heard in high school that has stuck with me ever since: people with the biggest callings for God often struggle with their flesh the most. As in, some people who are doing the greatest things for God, can also do some of the worst things to people.
I don't think I'm getting too far off-base to say that I believe God knows our hearts and intentions and is going to bless our passions, even if our flesh isn't 100% in line with our intentions. We are human, and I think the goal is to grow stronger in your spirit so that you can deny your flesh more often. The goal is not to never sin, it is to grow away from sin.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Alright! Love Post #2
My church family.
I wish I would have had a love month instead of a love week, because each and every person at my church is near and dear to me and essential at theSpring.
My pastor and his wife, Tim and Kim Rutledge, felt the need to plant themselves in Franklin, TN at the exact same time that I chose to leave my comfort zone behind and search for a new place to call "home".
To say that God's hand was on the situation is an incredible understatement.
The first week that theSpring team met, we took turns explaining how we ended up in the Vienna Coffee House in Cool Springs, TN at 11 AM on a Sunday morning. I have never encountered a group of people who were so confidently pursing God's will and risking everything to live it out.
Not only are they passionate about creating a church, each one is equally if not more passionate about reaching the people around us.
I know this small church will soon be a large church, not because of any one person, but because of the faith and the passion that our church feels.
Because of them I am a confident Christian, because of them I have a safe haven to commune with people and refresh each week.
I wish I would have had a love month instead of a love week, because each and every person at my church is near and dear to me and essential at theSpring.
My pastor and his wife, Tim and Kim Rutledge, felt the need to plant themselves in Franklin, TN at the exact same time that I chose to leave my comfort zone behind and search for a new place to call "home".
To say that God's hand was on the situation is an incredible understatement.
The first week that theSpring team met, we took turns explaining how we ended up in the Vienna Coffee House in Cool Springs, TN at 11 AM on a Sunday morning. I have never encountered a group of people who were so confidently pursing God's will and risking everything to live it out.
Not only are they passionate about creating a church, each one is equally if not more passionate about reaching the people around us.
I know this small church will soon be a large church, not because of any one person, but because of the faith and the passion that our church feels.
Because of them I am a confident Christian, because of them I have a safe haven to commune with people and refresh each week.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love Post #1
An old friend turned me onto Pastor Steven Furtick from Elevation Church a few years ago. I used to listen to his messages each week (And still try to catch it) but I became an even bigger fan of his daily blog. At the time I was aspiring to be a pastor's wife, so I figured I should probably listen even closer to his wife, Holly Furtick.
My aspirations have changed a tad, but I still read Holly Furtick's blog daily. She is so normal and yet so wise and godly (something to be admired). I love the little window into her life that she allows her readers to peek through.
Anyways, this week she started a "love post" and each day is dedicated to the people she loves most. So I am taking her example.
Today is about my mom. To say that she is a great mom is such an understatement. She is not only a great mom, she is a great woman and a great friend. She is by far the hardest working person I know and has accomplished so much- as I get older I realize just how much she done, for herself, her co-workers, her family, and the people she loves.
My mom is from a small town in West Virginia where very few speak correct English and most never leave their coal-mining towns begins. I am almost positive that rotary dial phones are still the main source of communication and satellite television is a "new" feature.
However, my mom is one of the most educated people I know and the woman has more connections than most politicians haha. (It comes in handy when I need a favor ;)
Not only does she know people, but I have yet to meet a person who didn't just love her. She is the most giving person I know and would do anything for someone in need.
She is also the strongest person I know. She has gotten out of bad situations, even at the risk of being unstable or insecure for a season. She has lived on her own and parented me single-handedly all these years.
I am so thankful for her guidance and her love. The older I get the more I respect her and the happier I am to have her around. I know I have been everything but easy to raise and she stuck around when anyone and everyone else has left me to fend for myself.
Happy Valentines Day Mom.. I am so proud of you and to be your daughter.
My aspirations have changed a tad, but I still read Holly Furtick's blog daily. She is so normal and yet so wise and godly (something to be admired). I love the little window into her life that she allows her readers to peek through.
Anyways, this week she started a "love post" and each day is dedicated to the people she loves most. So I am taking her example.
Today is about my mom. To say that she is a great mom is such an understatement. She is not only a great mom, she is a great woman and a great friend. She is by far the hardest working person I know and has accomplished so much- as I get older I realize just how much she done, for herself, her co-workers, her family, and the people she loves.
My mom is from a small town in West Virginia where very few speak correct English and most never leave their coal-mining towns begins. I am almost positive that rotary dial phones are still the main source of communication and satellite television is a "new" feature.
However, my mom is one of the most educated people I know and the woman has more connections than most politicians haha. (It comes in handy when I need a favor ;)
Not only does she know people, but I have yet to meet a person who didn't just love her. She is the most giving person I know and would do anything for someone in need.
She is also the strongest person I know. She has gotten out of bad situations, even at the risk of being unstable or insecure for a season. She has lived on her own and parented me single-handedly all these years.
I am so thankful for her guidance and her love. The older I get the more I respect her and the happier I am to have her around. I know I have been everything but easy to raise and she stuck around when anyone and everyone else has left me to fend for myself.
Happy Valentines Day Mom.. I am so proud of you and to be your daughter.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Life as a Soap Opera
There is something to be said for the cast of shows like Jersey Shore, The Hills, Laguna Beach, Real Housewives of *name that city*.
And here is what I have to say, "I am so glad that I am not you."
Call me crazy, but I would rather be bored out of my mind in a world of simple than to spend a day in the "he said, she said.. did you hear about ____?" world that so many girls, teenagers, and sadly to say grown women, find themselves in.
I found myself in a situation similar to the above recently and two days later I found myself driving with the radio off, shaking my head and thinking.. "what just happened and how did I get here?"
And as I thought, I just got more and more disgusted with myself to the point where I decided that it was more important (and profitable) to have 2 or 3.. maybe even 1 great friend, then a whole group of friends who don't really act as friends.
That is a tough pill to swallow for someone who genuinely loves meeting new people, making new friends, and creating a connection and bond with each and every one of them. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is literally biblical. How many men of the bible had hosts of friends that defended them and loved them deeply that they actually trusted?
Coming up pretty empty-handed? I did too.
So- consider this a challenge to myself and to you: Cultivate the great relationships you already have. Don't let those slip, because they are so rare. Instead of trying to please everyone and make some people like you even more, spend time with the people who already think you're great and don't make you work for a friendship.
It might not be reality TV-worthy, but it could be life-changing.
And here is what I have to say, "I am so glad that I am not you."
Call me crazy, but I would rather be bored out of my mind in a world of simple than to spend a day in the "he said, she said.. did you hear about ____?" world that so many girls, teenagers, and sadly to say grown women, find themselves in.
I found myself in a situation similar to the above recently and two days later I found myself driving with the radio off, shaking my head and thinking.. "what just happened and how did I get here?"
That is a tough pill to swallow for someone who genuinely loves meeting new people, making new friends, and creating a connection and bond with each and every one of them. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is literally biblical. How many men of the bible had hosts of friends that defended them and loved them deeply that they actually trusted?
Coming up pretty empty-handed? I did too.
So- consider this a challenge to myself and to you: Cultivate the great relationships you already have. Don't let those slip, because they are so rare. Instead of trying to please everyone and make some people like you even more, spend time with the people who already think you're great and don't make you work for a friendship.
It might not be reality TV-worthy, but it could be life-changing.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Currently Listening
Miss Adele has been on my mind for a while, but tonight I finally broke down and bought her album. I think I have already listened to it 10 times straight through tonight alone. She has such a BIG voice, I adore it. Her sound makes me feel so British too. For whatever reason I got into a picture-taking mood and since I was feeling British- I played with some of the hats I own! I even got a little edgier with my photo editing (edgy haha, as edgy as you CAN get with iPhoto) while listening to Adele's beautiful tunes.
Here is her cover of "Make You Feel My Love". She literally makes you feel the love! <3
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Under Construction!
I mentioned in my first blog that I used to write a lot. Clearly, it has been a while because I am quite out of practice. But after reviewing my few and far between posts, I decided that I am being too vague and not informational enough about what's going on in the here and now. And, since I have a memory span slightly superior to a goldfish- I think it would be a good idea for me to be more documentary about my life. So I actually know what I am talking about a week from now.
2011 has brought a change or two in my life so far and I'll fill you (or myself, for the future) in on a few of those things:
1. My appetite and work out schedule. Well, honestly my appetite hasn't changed much yet (I still crave all things carbs and sugary) but the goal here is to improve my diet and lessen my portions. So far it has been great! I sit down every night and plan out my meals for the next day and it really helps me avoid unnecessary munching and over-eating. I've also resolved to eat healthier options too (might I recommend the spicy black bean burger? GOOD stuff, y'all). I already feel better about myself and I'm not sure if I have noticed a weight difference yet, but I know it is coming soon. My work out schedule on the other hand is definitely paying off. I have started running 3-4 miles a day and I change it up every day by either running/biking/walking. It is seriously working wonders! I have so much more energy and I just feel better about myself. This semester Andrea and I are going to play some intramural sports at MTSU with some friends too. Exciting! I'm ready to meet new people and have fun getting exercise in.
2. My general schedule and study habits. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I tend to spread myself very thin because I just can't say no to anyone. I love spending time with people so I accept any offer to connect with friends and acquaintances. Well, after a very stressful year of committing to everything and giving less than my best to everything. I have decided to plan my time more efficiently and to learn to say NO. (to drugs too, but mainly to dinner, icecream, lunch, movie, and shopping all in one day!) My week days now consist of staying in Murfreesboro, going to class, coming home and studying, going to work or working on some work, working out, cooking dinner, spending some personal time, and going to bed to get a FULL night of sleep. My weekends are free-for-all at this point but I have decided to spend Saturdays with my friends and Sundays at church and then coming home for some R&R. My pastor has said that God doesn't interrupt chaos, because no one will recognize it is God. I am so excited to see God ripple through theSpring and my personal life. I love that my structure and organization is going to pave a way for me and the people around me to recognize God more clearly than ever before.
3. The one area people always want to know about: dating. I am not going to get too terribly personal for the world wide web to read, but I will share a bit :) 2011 is the beginning of a new chapter for me in this area. I spent all of my teenage years in one of the following categories: 1. Great timing, terrible guy. 2. Great guy, terrible timing. After years and years of this heartbreaking and exhausting circle- I decided to take some time off from boys and wait until they were men and until I was old enough and mature enough to handle them. I wouldn't say at 19 (and a half!) that I have it all figured out, but it is really amazing what you learn about people, communication, and relationships when you aren't the one involved in them. I know what does and doesn't work (like communicating everything, works. Nagging and being obsessive/possessive, doesn't. And trust issues REALLY don't fair well.) and I know how to handle most situations in a mature, adult way. It has taken a lot of practice and a lot of bad experiences, but I think I have a good head on my shoulders finally and can handle stepping back into the dating scene. I'll say that I've had a pretty good experience so far ;) but that's all you get to know until I know more!
That's pretty much it for 2011 so far!
These are the things that I resolved to change about myself in 2011 and so far I am feeling very confident about each one!
2011 has brought a change or two in my life so far and I'll fill you (or myself, for the future) in on a few of those things:
1. My appetite and work out schedule. Well, honestly my appetite hasn't changed much yet (I still crave all things carbs and sugary) but the goal here is to improve my diet and lessen my portions. So far it has been great! I sit down every night and plan out my meals for the next day and it really helps me avoid unnecessary munching and over-eating. I've also resolved to eat healthier options too (might I recommend the spicy black bean burger? GOOD stuff, y'all). I already feel better about myself and I'm not sure if I have noticed a weight difference yet, but I know it is coming soon. My work out schedule on the other hand is definitely paying off. I have started running 3-4 miles a day and I change it up every day by either running/biking/walking. It is seriously working wonders! I have so much more energy and I just feel better about myself. This semester Andrea and I are going to play some intramural sports at MTSU with some friends too. Exciting! I'm ready to meet new people and have fun getting exercise in.
2. My general schedule and study habits. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I tend to spread myself very thin because I just can't say no to anyone. I love spending time with people so I accept any offer to connect with friends and acquaintances. Well, after a very stressful year of committing to everything and giving less than my best to everything. I have decided to plan my time more efficiently and to learn to say NO. (to drugs too, but mainly to dinner, icecream, lunch, movie, and shopping all in one day!) My week days now consist of staying in Murfreesboro, going to class, coming home and studying, going to work or working on some work, working out, cooking dinner, spending some personal time, and going to bed to get a FULL night of sleep. My weekends are free-for-all at this point but I have decided to spend Saturdays with my friends and Sundays at church and then coming home for some R&R. My pastor has said that God doesn't interrupt chaos, because no one will recognize it is God. I am so excited to see God ripple through theSpring and my personal life. I love that my structure and organization is going to pave a way for me and the people around me to recognize God more clearly than ever before.
3. The one area people always want to know about: dating. I am not going to get too terribly personal for the world wide web to read, but I will share a bit :) 2011 is the beginning of a new chapter for me in this area. I spent all of my teenage years in one of the following categories: 1. Great timing, terrible guy. 2. Great guy, terrible timing. After years and years of this heartbreaking and exhausting circle- I decided to take some time off from boys and wait until they were men and until I was old enough and mature enough to handle them. I wouldn't say at 19 (and a half!) that I have it all figured out, but it is really amazing what you learn about people, communication, and relationships when you aren't the one involved in them. I know what does and doesn't work (like communicating everything, works. Nagging and being obsessive/possessive, doesn't. And trust issues REALLY don't fair well.) and I know how to handle most situations in a mature, adult way. It has taken a lot of practice and a lot of bad experiences, but I think I have a good head on my shoulders finally and can handle stepping back into the dating scene. I'll say that I've had a pretty good experience so far ;) but that's all you get to know until I know more!
That's pretty much it for 2011 so far!
These are the things that I resolved to change about myself in 2011 and so far I am feeling very confident about each one!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Seasons..
Life is just one long series of short seasons. Reflecting over the last year, I can divide the time into a few different seasons. Some short, others longer.. some joyful, some tragic, some seemingly insignificant, some defining. And these make up life..
For whatever reason, whatever my current circumstance, whatever situation I find myself in... knowing that it is a fleeting moment makes everything that much more valuable.
I think that is exactly what my friend Amanda and I did the past 6 months. Cherished everything, lived up to our 19 year old potential and then some, and just took everything in stride- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
People make up seasons of life. Learn to appreciate the good ones, endure the tough ones and see the lesson that you're being taught in all of it.
For whatever reason, whatever my current circumstance, whatever situation I find myself in... knowing that it is a fleeting moment makes everything that much more valuable.
I think that is exactly what my friend Amanda and I did the past 6 months. Cherished everything, lived up to our 19 year old potential and then some, and just took everything in stride- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
People make up seasons of life. Learn to appreciate the good ones, endure the tough ones and see the lesson that you're being taught in all of it.
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