Two Years Ago...

I was teaching swim lessons and coaching. I was working at a local sports club/gym and spent at least half of my day in the water. I was working with some of my best friends and was the summer camp director for the club and later was put in charge of the aquatics department during the last month of the gym's existence. Two years ago I was biking an average of 10+ miles to and from work and had thighs of steel (no joke, those hills were killer). I was fresh out of college and back in my hometown, the last place I wanted to be. I started wearing a two-piece bathing suit, which was a huge deal for me and I looked good!

Thing is two years ago, I was a completely different person.

The Most Lovingest Day So Far

Quick update! This last Sunday was amazing. No joke it was spectacular!  My dear, friend who has been like a big sister for me, moved to South Korea about a year ago. She has been teaching English to elementary school students there and guess what? She came home!! I was at church and the first service people were leaving and the second service people were arriving. And there in the midst of the crowd I couldn't believe my eyes, I saw her! I had moved to Cali about four months prior to her move and so it's been quite a long time since we've seen each other. We were laughing and nearly crying with joy and hugging each other! One of the best surprises ever. But that is just the beginning!

This Month's Theme: Transformation

Oh and last month's was "Love as Christ Loved." Funny how things work huh? Last month truly was about letting Christ's love pour through me so that I could love others a little more like He does. The Love Project began last month, I've been learning how to "speak" clearer the love languages of other people, and so much more. I've learned that loving some people means doing what is absolutely best for you and them, and it meant saying goodbye, for now, to one dear person in particular. My eyes are being opened up to the immensity of God's love for me. I still cannot express these things well.

Theology of the Body: Revisiting

I finally finished up Christopher West's Theology of the Body, Into the Heart, CD series. I can't help but be different. It is like when you burn your finger. Sure you get that you touched something hot, but until you examine the details that compose how the body works you just don't reach the depths and appreciate all that goes into the body's protective, healing and notification system... And it is more than having a deeper understanding and appreciation, there is something that is going on within me that I can't explain. I am changing.

Ever dream of going on a treasure hunt? This is kind of like that. My best friend asked if I wanted to listen to the Cd's, like being given a map. The more I listened and questioned and was open the more I journey to and discovered the treasures. They may not be golden coins and pearl necklaces, but it is far better. The treasure I am finding is indescribable... and beautiful. And yes, at times the journey to the treasure, maybe more of to receive the treasure, has been painful too. But more than worth it. I can't be the same person I was, that person is gone.

Career Paths

(credit?)

There are many people who go to college knowing exactly what they want to do. And then there are those lovely "undecided" students. I was "undecided" for two years and choose to get my A.A. degree in general education to buy me some time. After that things got a little more pressured. Thing is I love school, I loved being in the classroom, learning with my classmates, discussing the numerous topics, doing research papers, elaborating on ideas and expanding my horizons. I loved living on campus too. But I flourished in the scholastic dimensions, aka not a party girl. Don't misunderstand, I had a great social life, but I was focused on school.

Today Is What Day?

This week I've confused my days. And it hasn't played out so well. I missed my shift yesterday. But thankfully my manager was understanding. It was a simple mistake on my part. 

This morning was a blaze of blue. It was absolutely gorgeous! But the best part about today is that I've been with Him for more of it than most days. While working I noticed that I forgot Him as soon as I allowed myself to become frustrated and when I started to talk badly about others. From there it was going downhill. I'm sorry. I failed. Thank you God for forgiving me and drawing me near again. Thank you for your presence and without you I can only fail. Lord I need you. The day is still not yet finished. May it end as beautifully as it began, with you!

The Love Project: Choices and Their Outcomes

Remember how I mentioned there are two people at work with whom I don't exactly "click" with? This morning I had the opportunity to work with one of them. And you know what? It was great! I was getting a little frustrated with my assigned tasks and she was not only quick to help me but also was encouraging. To be honest, it's been a difficult to love others on my own. The last couple of days I've been very "me" focused and it's shown in various ways. But yesterday things started changing for the better again. Instead of putting my attention on myself and what's been going on there I realized that the best way to love others is to love God. The best way to love God is to know Him ever better. Like any relationship, to love them you have to get to know them better and the more you know them the more you love them.