Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Lost in thought...

I completely got on here tonight, with the intention of catching-up on some blogs I haven't been able to read lately. I figured I'd read a few, then get ready for bed. HOWEVER...God apparently had a completely different idea in mind.

I came across a blog that I enjoy looking at, probably because she loves photography and frequently has some adorable photos posted. Ya'll know my love for photography as well...and well, I always enjoy looking at how other photographers take their pictures.

God, however knew that I needed to read what Ria had posted back a few days previously. (Which she took from a pastors blog)

(I'll post the blog websites at the end, so you, too, can read what they wrote!)

She talks about being content with where God currently has you in life. EVERY word that she wrote hit me and gave me the reality check that I needed.

Quote: "Sometimes God will prevent us from a certain goal at a time that does not coincide with His will. It’s not that we’re not doing what’s right. It’s just that we’re not doing it with the right timing.

He’s not saying not ever. He’s just saying not now."


Lately, I've been feeling "left behind" as I see my friends achieving goals and dreams that I have for my own life. They are getting married, having babies, and I often sit around, praying to God, "OK...when is it going to be my turn."

(NOW friends, and you know who you are, know I LOVE YOU so very very much, and while I sometimes get jealous of you, I wouldn't change a thing in our relationships. You girls (and families) are EXACTLY what I need to get through this period of life.)

I can't tell you how many times I've told myself "it will happen when God is ready for it to happen." Yes, I know there is so much truth to this statement, yet at the same time, when you feel as though the world is progressing and you're not going anywhere, it can be very very discouraging. I'm ready to move on too...yet for some (unknown) reason, God isn't ready for that next chapter to begin.

SO....tonight, I feel as though I've come to a cross-road. Do I: 1) sit around, waiting for "it" to happen, potentially missing out on some amazing opportunities?? OR 2) embrace Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I choose option #2. God knows EXACTLY why I am "where I am" and he knows how long I will "be where I am." I choose to trust him, based on the promises found in his word, that He will bring things into my life in due-time.

Now...let me go out on the record, and say this: I WILL STILL STRUGGLE WITH THIS! I can guarantee it. My type-A personality wants things to happen in a timely manner. However, for tonight, I'm ok with where I am at in life.

Thank you, friend, for these closing words to your blog--words that are bringing me much peace tonight: "You’ll eventually get to your goal or dream too. In the meantime, you’ll just have to trust that if God is preventing you from getting somewhere, it’s because you’re exactly where you need to be. For now."





(Ria's) www.riathurston.com/2011/06/lets-be-honest.html
(Pastor) http://www.stevenfurtick.com/personal-development/not-ever-vs-not-now/

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Insanity

Ok...so the ONLY reason I'm posting this info on here, is because I'm hoping it will help keep me accountable to the task I began tonight.

My brother, Kevin, somehow talked me into doing the 60 day workout program called Insanity



Now, if you are like me, and didn't know what this is, let me fill you in.

In a word: INSANE!!

The time-test/warm-up thingy that I did tonight, kicked my little bum! I love a good workout, and at the end of this, there was sweat running down the side of my face (TMI i know!), and I was thoroughly EXAUSTED! There was tons of cardio/squats/push-ups in this lesson, and I'm pooped now!

The best part of all this...I can't wait for day 2!

I'm not sure if it will get done tomorrow (Friday) or now, simply because tomorrow is the day I blow out some candles, and my age increases by one digit!

BUT EITHER WAY...all the cake and good food I will consume in the next few days, will be (hopefully) burned off pretty quickly!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Wanted to share with you guys one of my Top 3 pictures from Hawaii. Enjoy!!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Father's Day

I have this feeling that if I don't get to this post ASAP, the fun-filled activities that will be claiming my attention in the next 24-48 hours will prevent me from doing it.

SO...let me say without further adieu: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the best dad a girl could ever want!!



I LOVE you so much, and will forever be your little girl!!!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Music Monday

Here's the latest and greatest Music Monday installment....hope ya'll like it!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Miss me?!?

Hello, long lost blog friends! Have you missed me at all?? I've been missing you!! I'm so very very happy to be back blogging with you. I have been MIA simply because I got to go on the AMAZING vacation I mentioned many-moons ago! And where did I go?!?



HAWAII!!! Yes, that's right, I got to spend 8 beautiful days on the island of Maui! Talk about a trip of a life time. It was so amazing to see the beauty that people who have been there had told me about, and it was a much needed rest break for me!

Let me share some pictures that while look nice, fail to show just how beautiful this land is:












So, now for a description of what you are looking at:

1. The beach! Need I say more?? You are actually looking at the island of Lana'i, which is about 15 miles off the coast of Maui (more about this location later!)

2. We took a drive up the NW coast of Maui, pulling off at "scenic view" locations. At this spot, there were several sailboats that had taken people on lunch trips docked.

3. Looking at the rolling "hills" of the volcano as you head towards Ka'anapali (town where we were)

4. Another one of those "scenic view" locations...I could spend HOURS watching the waves crash against the rock. So predictable in the fact that they will come, yet unpredictable in the "intensity" of the wave, thus causing different "splash" levels.

5. We drove a few hours to the base of Haleakala (the other volcano on Maui) and went to the beach that is surrounded by lava. This picture is taken from the beach, looking up at Haleakala. All that "black rock" in the forefront of the picture is the lava. Haleakala last errupted in the 1700s and its magma flowed down towards this beach. It was like walking on the moon, such a strange place to be.

6. Finally, for today, this last picture is of my Parents, myself, and Kevin. We are standing on lava! We flagged down the only other people out there, and had them take a family photo. Might not be the greatest picture, but shows we had an amazing time!


Well friends, I hope you enjoyed your first 'taste' of Hawaii blogs! I know I've only touched on a sampling of pictures and stories from my time spent there, so please stay tuned to future blogs in which I will share about the adventures I was able to do while there!

Love ya'll!!