Thursday, February 9, 2012

Drowning In a Sea of Uncertainty.

Have you ever felt like you can't breathe? Whether is be because you've swimming and accidentally swallowed too much water, or been punched in the gut and feel like you had the wind knocked out of you?

I feel a combination of all of that right now, I can't tell which way is forward and I certainly don't want to go back. I can head in so many directions right now with my life and I just don't know what is the best way to go. Feels like every aspect of my life is failing to come together. I know the easy solution..Give it all to God! The only problem with that is why do I feel like I should be handling this all on my own. I've shut down emotionally. Everything looks all great on the outside I look like a good example of a young Christan woman, but on the inside I'm fighting to breathe...I know this is just a valley of doubt I'm going through and I need to hold on because it will get better but I'm so impatient that it's beginning to wear on me. Every single day this last week I've waken up in the morning with absolutely no motivation to do anything during the day. I'd rather just sleep when I get into a funk like this because then I don't have to deal with life. I don't have to deal with reality.

The reality is there is nothing wrong in my life, I have a God who forgives me when I sin, and comforts me when I'm weak. I also have a home, a job, a car, my bills are being paid and I have amazing friends and family. I great support system. So why do I feel completely uneasy about life right now? Again, the answer is simple. I'm not putting God first in all I am and everything I have. I read my bible daily and pull out bits and pieces that I'm drawn to. I tithe to my church and I am very active with my social functions. But I still feel empty. This is something I need to focus on, because I know only God can fill that void. So I do know that I need to spend more time with him and less time focusing on every day frustrations.

Last night in small group we were asked to write down the things that we're struggling with and give them over to God. At the end of the evening we drown them in a bowl of His "Thirst Quenching Water" because just like the Samaritan woman, we all believe that the little distractions in our lives that are pulling us apart from God aren't such a big deal. But the reality is they are a lot bigger to God then we play them off to be. Anything that separates us from him is a huge deal.

So how am I going to deal you ask? Well I'm going to start by being more intentional with the time I spend in His word and with him every morning. One of the pastors at my church challenged us from his blog this morning. It's a '30 day Challenge.' Basically we're being challenged to pray the Lords Prayer every day for the next 30 days. Doesn't matter where your at or what time of the day it happens, because that is becoming too legalistic about the whole thing. All that matters is doing it. So I'm going to take the challenge. I'm also going to be more intentional about doing my daily devotionals because I know that I can gain so much knowledge from doing so. Maybe then I will be able to find the peace I've been seeking through the Lord.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Progress

Well 2012 started off with a bang. I however was asleep, I'd had such an exhausting day at work the day before that I couldn't even keep my eye's open to ring in the new year. But for the first time in my life I was ok with that. No one special to ring it in with, and wasn't going to be kissing a random guy just so I could have that midnight kiss.
First week of 2012 started out ok. I didn't start any goals that week and it was my own fault, I was being lazy. But as of January 8th it was on like Donkey Kong. I've been able to stay on track and I'm so proud of myself. Kept on a regular workout schedule (5 times last week), kept a healthy diet as well.

I've been able to work on several of my other goals this week as well. Starting to get massage on a regular basis. I'll be trading with Tammy, a friend and fellow Massage Therapist. I've also been able to figure out what college game I want to attend and tailgate at hopefully. It will be the Florida Gators vs. South Carolina Gamecocks in Gainsville Florida on October 20th. One more goal that was recently added to my list was to attend a pro football game (which I've never been to either) I'm not sure of the date let but I will be attending the Denver Broncos', Carolina Panthers game next Season in Charlotte North Carolina. I can't wait!!

I've been fasting for God and with the Church as well. Some days have been easier than others. I gave up sweets for our 21 day fast. Not as easy as it sounds. One night I even dreamt about pie...I don't even like pie!(It was apple, lol) But on a good note, I've been studying the bible every single day, it's drawing me closer to God.

I've felt so drawn over the last 6 months to go on a mission trip, but didn't know where to start or where to go. Well, last Thursday night we had our "Satellite Service" for theWell and during part of the sermon Ernest was talking about "Being the Church" and in that he mentioned going on missions. There were three possible chances to go with theWell this year and it was in that moment God placed in my heart where I'll be serving my first ever mission's trip. It will be in Washington DC, our own capital. I'm so excited that he's calling me to go there, because if we can serve at the core of our country, in the capital city then hopefully that will bring change within our own countries walls. Maybe one day God will call me to serve somewhere outside of our borders, but until then I'll gladly serve in his name in our own country!

I'm so excited to continue along the godly, healthy path I've started on. Can't wait to see how many of my 2012 goals actually become accomplished. Stay tuned to find out!!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Awakening 21 Day Fast

It's been on my mind, with the 21 day fast starting today, of things that I could take away from my life to be more close to God. First it was sugar, then it was sweets in general, this morning was kind of a slap in the face with being more conscious of my spending. Then it hit me, I just need to live more simply in my life in general.

I've put these "things" ahead of God. So my challange for myself over the next 21 days is to live a more simple life. Only spend what I need to (fuel for my car, food for nutrition). Eating to live and not the other way around. Getting back into a more consistant work out routine. I'm sure the first few days are going to be hard, but as with any routine/habit they are all hard to maintain in the begining. But the whole point of this fast and the "live more simply" aspect of life is to grow closer to God.

So I'm going to spend as much time as possible, reading, praying and learning about him and growing in my relationship with Him. I'm also going to be working on tracking what I eat, read, and pray about every day. Plus my feelings and emotions towards the whole experience. I'm expecting that God will show up during this time and give me the strength I need and the guidence I'm looking for. He's already done so much in my life especially in the last year.

It was one year ago today that I started the next chapter in my life in Charelston South Carolina. I can't wait to see what God has for my in store not only for the next 21 days, or year. But for the rest of my life. I feel so blessed.

Happy fasting!!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

2012 Goals

So it was brought to my attention by my friend Nikki that resolutions for a new year almost never get followed through with. So for 2012 I'm resolving to not have any resolutions, just kidding!!!

No actually I've come up with a list of things I'd like to do an accomplish in 2012. So I wanted to share them with you. Some of them I'm already working on obtaining. Others I won't be able to work on until later in the year. We should always work on improving ourselves though so It's not a big deal. :o)
  • Pursue God more
  • Pray daily
  • Read Bible everyday
  • Lose last 30-40 lbs
  • Get sugar cravings under control
  • Eat more fish
  • Workout 5 day a week
  • Polar Bear Plunge (Jan 1st 2013) This one sort of doesn't count.
  • Run 6 5k's
  • Do a half marathon
  • Get two massages a month
  • Read 12 books
  • Go on a mission trip
  • Get a tan
  • Travel outside the country
  • Go back to school
  • Work on having a more positive outlook on Colorado
  • Massage become my primary income again.
  • Massage Parties blow up
  • Try Blast 900
  • Be single until 11/9/2012
  • Tailgate at a college football game (Hopefully a Gator Game)
  • Attend my first college football game (hopefully a Gator game)
  • Serve in the community with my small group
  • Go to as many concerts as possible
So yes I've got a lot to accomplish in 2012, but I think that God is going to provide me with the skills, money, opportunity to do them all. But I best get busy because there are only 360 days left in the year. Guess it's going to be an after thought sort of goal as well to update you every now and then to let you know about my progress. Hope you all have a blessed new year!!!

Friday, January 6, 2012

A Time for Change

Well with the 2011 year ending and the 2012 beginning, it's bringing about a lot of change. First off I'm another year older and so that means I'm a little more wise correct? One would hope so! Well I spent a good majority of December celebrating, mostly my birthday :o) But it more so had to do with spending time with good friends. Several Christmas celebrations. Some with family, and some with friends, some in Charleston and some in Denver. Celebrated my birthday in three different cities :o) Charleston, Charlotte, and Denver. So I think I can say I spent a good Majority of time traveling as well.

Started off December with a weekend trip to Charlotte with my friend Tammy and her two kids. While we were there we got to visit the Southpark Mall (pretty fancy) The Nascar Hall of Fame(Really cool so see the history), and IKEA(holy CRAP). We were able to stay with Tammy's In Laws in their beautiful home. Made the trip all that more enjoyable because they were so much fun to be around and have two little girls as well. Tammy, her sister in law Nan and I spent and evening out on the town, after having AMAZING Sushi (yes I've acquired a taste) with the rest of the family. Visited a few pretty cool bars. I found a lot of new favorites that weekend, because I now can say I enjoy a good martini. My favorite that night was Tammy's Pineapple Upside Down Martini.




Celebrated the start of my 27th year of life with several women that I'm so blessed to call my friends. We went to sushi. I found the most amazing drink called Basil Berry Lemonade at O-ku restaurant. Had more awesome sushi rolls, I think I'm falling in love!! After the celebration a few of us decided to hang out at a local bar. Didn't have too late of a night though since it was a Friday and most of us had been working that day.





I did spend just a tiny bit of time this month working. Also spent a considerable amount of time traveling, spent a week and a half in Denver for the Holiday's. It was certainly good to see lots of people from back home.

I headed back to Colorado during the middle of the month for the holiday season. Got to spend lots of time with family which is always nice, a little stressful at times, but well worth it. Went out to my grandparents farm the weekend I got into Denver, got to spend some time with them before the hustle and bustle of the Holidays so that was very nice. Spend some time with the 'rents and also got to spend the week with my youngest brother because he got to go home on leave for the holidays. Although he did sleep most of the time, but he wasn't feeling to hot so it was understandable.

Got to see so many people while I was home, some of my most favorite though, was when I hung out with my friend Sara, she's 5 months pregnant and it's the most amazing thing to see her tummy growing and to know that there is a little baby in there. It was also the only time I'll get to see her pregnant with this little one so I soaked up as much time with her as I could. Next time I'll see her she'll have a little munchkin in tow.

Also got to see the bestie for a few short hours while I was home as well. She flew into Denver on the 23rd and I flew back to Charleston on the 26th so we didn't have too much time. But the Friday that she got in we went to dinner at this cute little place in the Highlands called Patsy's. Had a couple guys tagging along on our "girl time" but it was completely ok, because I think the four of us had a blast. After dinner Rick and I headed to Red Square downtown to grab some drinks and wait for Deanna and John. They dropped Deanna's stuff off since they had just come from the airport. The Red Square is known for their quirky Russian vodka shots like dill pickle, black pepper and various others that are supposed to take exactly like their names. Well between the four of us we didn't get toooo adventurous, We tried a pineapple, orange, and honey shots. Some were better than others :o) Didn't stay too long though ended the evening on a high note.




It may have bee super cold outside (I'm southern now, not used to the cold) but we were having tons of fun at Scruffy Murphy. Tried my first ever Chocolate cake shot, because everyone said that it was amazing and a true birthday shot, wasn't really a fan! The Scooby Snack shot that Deanna suggested was WAY better, lol, sorry guys!! Had a few more drinks and ended the evening with great conversation and a new friend :o)

Christmas seems like it came and went way too fast. Visited a new church in Denver for Christmas Eve Services, just in case I ever decide to go back. It was very interesting but pretty awesome at the same time. Reminded me of Seacoast, but no one can ever replace my current pastor Greg since he's A) from Colorado, B) A Bronco fan, and C) oh because pretty much everything he preaches hits me like a ton of bricks!


As my trip to Colorado was coming to a close, got to spend some time with my Dad, Mom and best friend for the holidays. What more could a girl ask for? Nothing, it was awesome because I got to spend time with all those I care about. I was kind of sad to be coming back to Charleston, but once I got back to Charleston and the temps jumped a whole 50 degree's I was ok with it, not to mention I was coming back to some great people as well. The month and year ended on a high note. I've got a lot of goals for the 2012 year (those will be in the next blog) I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

All I can say is God has blessed me so much with the people in my life, where I am mentally, physically, geographically, etc. He's blessed me in every aspect of my life. This however doesn't mean that things are easy, I've actually had a quite difficult last few months but I know God's got a purpose for it all and he's in control so I'm letting him take the reins and I'm going to sit back and see where he takes me :o)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

In the midst of the Holiday's

Well what do you know. Before we know it Christmas is going to be here. But before we get to that it's about being thankful for those around us, what we have, and who gave us all of that!

I've taken up running as of recent, and ran my first 5k race on Oct 15, 2011. It was the Fight for Air race on Folly Beach. Ran it in 36 minutes and 10 seconds. Very proud of myself since that was my first run. I followed up on Thanksgiving morning with the Turkey Trot here in Charleston. Ran that around downtown Charleston. Finished that race in 35 minutes and 15 seconds. So I decreased my time by almost a whole minute. Go me!!! After the race was over met up with my friend Tammy (she'd done the race as well) just to celebrate together a little before the rest of the day's activities took place. After a tiny celebration headed towards home to begin preparation of not only the Thanksgiving meal but the arrival of my best friend for the weekend.


My soon to be new roommate, Nikki was gracious enough to pick up Deanna from the airport so I could keep cooking. They arrived at my house at about 1:30. It's been 4 months since Deanna and I had gotten to hang out. So a bestie weekend was WAY overdue. The rest of the day was pretty low key. Nikki, Deanna and I all celebrated Thanksgiving together. We had a pretty awesome spread of food. Later that afternoon we headed to the movies to see Breaking Dawn part 1. Very disappointing by the way. Well as the day was coming to a close we headed back to my place for a little dessert before Nikki had to head home since she was working the next day. I made a Pecan Cheesecake...all I can say was YUM! After a long day Deanna and I settled in for the evening and passed out from exhaustion quickly.




Friday morning was a big day. Deanna's first Starbucks run in a while, then we headed downtown to do some sight seeing and take lots( I mean LOTS) of pictures. It was a beautiful day, couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Deanna and I walked around the battery. Took lots of pictures. We decided to get a little creative with some of them. I taught her how to "plank" and then we decided to start "Tebowing" as well. As we continued to walk we headed down Waterfront park along the harbor. You never out have guesses that it was almost the end of November considering it was so nice outside. We saw a pod of dolphins swimming and that was pretty cool.





About this time we were getting hungry so we decided to head back to the car. I took her to California Dreaming for lunch, We had Butter Croissants and this amazing pasta dish. Shared of course, and we still have left overs. After lunch we headed back downtown so we could do some sight-seeing. Well this time we decided to hit up the shopping district. Bad idea for parking, it took up the better end of an hour to park, and that was on the very north end of King Street. So we began walking. Didn't do any shopping however took lots and lots of pictures. We were looking for Christmas presents, but ended up empty handed. Well again we were getting hungry and so decided to head to dinner. We stopped in at Hominy Grill where we were lucky enough to get a table only under the stipulation that we be done in 45 minutes since we didn't have a reservation. That was odd because I've never had to have reservations there. Well had an amazing dinner then decided to head to my house and relax for a while as our night wasn't even close to being over yet.

Well after relaxing for a couple hours we decided to head downtown to see what kinda night life Charleston had to offer. (I don't go out much, so I wasn't sure myself) Well considering it was Thanksgiving weekend I think a lot of people were away because downtown wasn't as hopping as I've heard it can be. We still made the best of it though. Found this nice little bar called The Brick, which was playing some pretty good dance music, because we all know how much Deanna and I LOVE to dance. We didn't hand out too long however because the night was young and it was getting very hot in there. Next we headed to a few more places. None of which really had the get up and dance type atmosphere. We did however cross paths with a couple cuties.


Stephen and Houston were there names. Both a couple guys in the Air Force. Out on the town for a fun night as well, there was dancing and talking and even a mini massages going on. I had to see what kinda mad skills these guys possessed. They were actually quite good! lol We did end up hanging out with them for the remainder of the evening but I think they were pretty disappointed when I told them they couldn't come home with us. That however did end our Friday.

Saturday we woke up, got ready and headed to breakfast at Charleston Cafe with Nikki. Had to be kind of quick as she was headed to hang out with our friend Holden so they could go bowling. This was Deanna's and my designated "relaxing" day because after breakfast we headed to the beach. I took her to Sullivans. She still couldn't believe it and the fact that it was warm outside as well and it was almost the end of November. We spent a couple hours here just walking around, talking (cause that's what we do best), and drawing in the sand. A little later I took her to Menchie's for frozen yogurt, which of course she absolutely loved. We then headed to Folly Beach. It was a tad colder and a lot more crowded on this beach. We didn't stay too long but while we were there we ran across a wedding, and a really cool sand castle.





Once we decided to end our beach excursion. We headed back to the house. Talked for the better part of an hour and then decided it was time for dinner. I took Deanna to Home Team. Which by far has the best BBQ in Charleston. I'm going to persuade this girl yet to move to Charleston ASAP, and I'm going to do it with food. Lol

Well the weekend was coming to a close and we were both dreading the next day. Because we knew that that meant the vacation was over. But on the bright side we get to spend a little bit more time together when we're back in Colorado for Christmas.

Sunday morning was hard, had to have Deanna at the airport at 5am. My best friend, and one of the most important people in my life was leaving and having to go back to her life. But while she was out here she has a 5 year plan which involves moving to Charleston by the end of it, if not sooner.

Well that was how November ended. Got lots of exciting things going on in December. I can't believe 2011 is coming to a close, more quickly than is started to boot. I'll be traveling back to Colorado for the Holidays, to get some much needed time in with family and a few friends. Also I'll be celebrating my 27th birthday and then getting ready to move at the end of the month. I can't wait to see what all this new year has to bring!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

It's been a while....

So what better way to start off a new blog with another candle added onto the cake? Well I'm not quite there yet. I'll be 27 in 15 days. But so much has gone on recently that I didn't feel like I should another two weeks to write it all down, especially with it being the last six weeks of the year, and officially three day's before Thanksgiving there is going to be WAY too much stuff going on to add in. Where so start off?

Well I've been in Charleston SC for 10 months now. So much has gone on, from work, to my faith, my kitchen and my relationships, not just romantically but friendships as well. Went out to Indiana in January with my best friend in the entire world, to help her get settled into her new career and life. Upon the trip out there I was offered a job in Charleston, which I took immediately and headed there, instead of back to Denver, to begin the next chapter in my life. My brother Jeff, his wife Ashley, and their son Talen (My nephew) were gracious enough to allow me to stay with them, for about 6 weeks, while I got on my feet and out on my own. Moved down to James Island and have been living in a town house with some pretty easy going girls, who I'd never met before moving in. Well this upcoming January I'll actually be moving to a different part of town with my friend Nikki (more about her later).

Well work has been amazing, I can't believe how much I've learned and accomplished in the short 10 months that I've been here. Center for Therapeutic Massage is the company I moved to Charleston to work with. I was very excited because not only is it no where close to having a spa reputation, but I was also given the opportunity to work with some major athletes in the Woman's Tennis circuit. I've been able to work with other athletes on much smaller scale and then I've been able to grow myself in working independently to help people with anything from every day aches and pains to chronic issues.  I absolutely love what I do to the point that I don't ever feel like I'm actually working which is an amazing thing! Well with the economy not being so great I found myself struggling financially so I decided to look for more work to supplement my income. In July I was offered a management position in a local chiropractors office, where I would be in charge of medical billing and booking patients. this was a saving grace. I've been there almost 4 months now and I love the people I work with and interact with on a regular basis. This kept me a little busier. But being the ambitious woman that I've become decided that I still needed to branch out. Center for Therapeutic Massage is becoming very slow and I don't necessarily think it's the best fit for my anymore. I'm very grateful for all of the opportunities it's given me and it is the reason I was able to come to Charleston in the first place. But again recently I've been on the job hunt. I was offered a position with a different massage company. One which might just down the alley that I'm looking for. Still working for myself but with a lot more marketing and exposure with the company. It's an opportunity I'm excited to take and I hope that I can can succeed in making a name for myself in Charleston.





I've always loved to cook and experiment with food, but ever since moving to Charleston that love has become even more. I've made things like Key Lime Pie, Apple Pie Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake with Peanut Butter Frosting , and Chocolate Covered Banana's on top, Peanut Butter Cookie Stuffed Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting. Well....I guess that's really more a love for baking. I'm trying to make things as healthy as possible, which i know when it comes to desserts isn't always easy, but I enjoy trying :o) I've got a few more recipes on the horizon, for the upcoming holiday's and my birthday. So we'll see how those turn out as well...













Well been in Charleston ten months now. I was single when I got here and I'm still single. Not for lack of trying. I've dated some, but nothing ever seems to be right. Everything ended with the last guy I dated about two weeks ago. All I can say is even though that door closed, I'm glad I found out what I did when I did before things got even more serious. So I decided I'm going to take a break for a while. No more dating, not until I'm a lot more secure in where I am in my life.  I've realized lately with everything that's been going on that the things that we manufacture a lot of things in our lives, especially dating relatiohships. and those manufactured things in our lives are not intended to work out because they are not sent to us from God. So in that case I'm giving it up to Him. When he deems I'm ready that's when I know he'll send the most amazing, wonderful, loving honest man to me. But until that time it's about focusing on God and me. I heard recently that we should treat our dating lives as seriously as we treat marriage. Well in that case I think my future husband (whomever he may be) will be proud of the fact that I took a stand and decided to wait for him.

On that note. I was able to find an amazing church and church family. I've found my relationship with God and I've realized that I'm not the one that made all the good things in my life happen. They only were able to happen because of the grace and mercy of God. He has given me so many great things in my life and has blessed me with so many wonderful people. I finally feel like I have a home and that I'm somewhere I'm able to flourish and grow. I have an amazing group of girls that I don't just call friends, but they are my sisters in Christ. The family that God didn't give us. We spend almost every Monday evening together studying the bible and catching up on what's been going on over the last week. We also are that support system for each other that everyone needs in their lives. I love my girls and I know they are a HUGE reason I'm still in Charleston today. Even though some girls come and some girls go, ever single one of them has stepped into my heart and will forever hold a piece of it.

Things may not always be perfect in my life, because God knows I'm far from perfect. But I finally realize that everything that is happening to me has a rhyme and reason and in the grand scheme of things what I might have to go through will only make me a person I can't wait to be. Only time will tell, but I imagine that since I've been working very hard on putting God first in my life, he will start making sure that everything else falls into place. It's not easy to give up that control, because we all feel as though we know what's best for us. But ya know, most of the time we don't. I am finally able to let go. Give God the things that I can't handle on my own because he will give me those things so I can lean on him for support and understanding. I can't wait to see what comes next and how God is going to bless me because of my thanks, and praise to him!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!