-A Birthday Reflection Post-

26 years ago today my parents were at the hospital having me.
I was born at about 2 am  November 29th 1986. I came a little earlier than what they expected me. mom was incredibly sick in the hosptial before she had me. 

Thinking on past years, past birthdays - and just thinking about what i've accomplished so far in my life....
I have had a wonderful life, that is for sure. I have an amazing family. I really do. Supportive, loving, and always there (sometimes a little too much haha!) anyways- I feel that my parents did a good job of raising my brother and I... I really do... even though we fought until I moved out of the house...
After I came back home from being away at college for a few weeks, I remember that it was an odd feeling that we werent fighting... we actually gave each other a hug! haha. anwyays--
In the past I have felt 'un accomplished'- people that I graduated from high school with were already graduating college.  After I graduated high school, I went to a university for a year, the ultimately decided it was best for me to just move back home with my parents and go to school at night and work during the day....for about 5 years I went to that community college, I was able to knock out the majority of the 'core' classes though. then after trying to really figure out where I was going in life... God called me to get into ministry -for young adults.- and here I am... going to school just to do that.
While I know basically everyone I know has graduated and is in their career... I dont mind it. I have had to learn lessons along the way of finding my true path. But as usual just ready to be really on that path of helping young adults.

Looking back on a year  - in my life several things have changed. All good things ... of course at the top of that list is getting engaged to a wonderful man, a man who God certainly designed for me. Then I have gained alot of other experience with work, and just other things. Of course actually beginning school and getting a few classes under my belt and what not.

I cannot wait to see what God has planned for the future. The next year will be a busy ride, but a good one.. I really can't wait.

I have realized I really have learned that the simplier things in life are sometimes the most fun.
Since Steve and I began dating, we rarely go out to eat. ... we just really enjoy being at the house, in the kitchen, cooking dinner, trying a new recipe, and just being in there together, and talking and whatnot.
in the past I have always wanted to go out to dinner and everything for my birthday dinner. This year, when Steve asked me what I wanted to do - I thought on where I wanted to go for my birthday - but ultimately decided that one of my favorite things to do is just to have dinner at home... I requested that he cook and clean up, that would be a wonderful birthday dinner.. So that is what we'll be doing saturday for my birthday... I can't wait.

It is amazing of how much things can change... for good and the bad... I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me the rest of my life. The first 25 years were fantastic. :)

 

Happy Thanksgiving....

Yesterday was Thanksgiving... I know we all have various family styles and traditions. Yesterday my family enjoyed all the traditional foods.... turkey, green beans, corn casserole, sweet potatoes, and stuffed ourselves with too much food.then we all got in the living room, where the football game was on, and we all visited and hung out... a few people fell asleep. Steve and I went for a walk (almost 2 miles!... which felt great! so much better than getting in that food coma and passing out. we were able to enjoy the great outdoors and enjoy each others company, and get some fresh air.

Last night as we left, we passed by a Wal-Mart and we passed by a mall. The parking lots were absolutely PACKED with cars - this year they moved up 'black friday' into thanksgiving evening.... people were there fighting over crockpots, toys, toasters... and who knows what. just to get a few cents of a discount.... I had thought about going out and going shopping on black friday(today) however I decided against it. I realized that the store that I wanted to go to, wasnt really having any special deals on anything. So I am just sticking to some shopping online... ANYWAYS... just seems funny that yesterday we all were Thanking God for all that we have, everything that we are Blessed with, the food that has been provided, the loving hands that prepared it. Thanking Him for clothes on our backs, our friends and family, and family that are traveling. Then mere hours we are killing each other over a crockpot. .... seems kinda silly. almost like its all for 'bragging rights' ... "i got the last crockpot, I had to punch an old lady to get it!!"


Just something to think about. The sales will continue for the next few days- as we continue to eat on the left overs and spend more time with family
.

Even though Thanksgiving has officially past us, We still need to be Thankful for all that we have. There are so many that are truly without... Not only just this time of year, but during all parts of the year, we need to remember those who have hit a rough patch and are trying to get back on their feet. Or even those who may be emotionally, or spiritually lacking, and need some help....

Always able to change

Last week I was talking to my brother (he and I rarely have a conversation, just busy schedules, nothing bad...) but we talked on my way home... and something was brought to my attention....

There was someone who had mentioned to him that they had messed up so much in their life, that they just didnt care how much more they messed up....

I just wanted to say that no matter what kind of mistakes you have made in the past it is all forgotten by God.
It's up to you though if you want to change and not make the same mistakes, or if you want to continute the same path that you are going down.
no one can make you change though... its all up for you to make that decision.

It doesnt matter how old you are or what kind of things you have done...

I have made plenty of mistakes, everyone has... but it's that moment when you make that decision to walk in a different light.
its that decision to turn towards God, and have Godly actions, rather than walking in the path of the world.

When you walk the ways of the world, you will never be completely 'satisfied' you will constantly be 'searching' for something... in the midst of your searching maybe you get into a group of people who party, and drink, or do drugs...or get into random relationships with someone, and end up sleeping together... at the end of it all...at the end of it all do you feel good about yourself? or are you still in a 'slump.'

a typical girl Good student, high grades, very talented... - who had alot of trouble at home the last few years of high school. she essentially gave up.. she didnt care about anything anymore, so she got in with a group of people when she got to college and began partying, and she stopped going to church, got into relationship after relationship. grades started dropping, and the partying continued..... she said that she 'gave up' - and that she wanted to go to church and become better, but what was the point since she had messed up so bad...

when you are so involved in worldly things, its hard to see clearly. You just want to focus on those things that give you that 'temporary high' - when in actuality it brings you down, and it sucks the life out of you.

WHen you turn from those worldly things, and turn towards God, and really begin to have a relationship with Christ, your life will change. and you wont care about the parties and other worldly things that you have been surrounding yourself with.

I cant tell you what to do. no one can, it's all up to you. You get to decide of which path to take. Just know that Jesus wipes away and it doesnt matter about what you've done in the past... just matters to have a relationship with him, and to love others around....