I had absolutely no idea that this is what my life would look like at 24. Out of college for over a year. No job. Single. Living at home.
I will admit that while I was in college, I never truly thought about life after college. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do while in college, let alone after graduation. And in some part, this is still true today. I'm still deciding what I want to do for the rest of my life. Actually, I'm still learning how to listen to God and how to follow His will. I'm learning how to be content with where I am.
SINGLENESS.
Let's be real. When you are single, sometimes you feel like you are the only fish left alone in the big, open sea full of fish couples with little baby schools of fishes swimming all around you.
And then that open sea gets even bigger. A friend you've known since childhood gets engaged. Someone you went to college with gets married. A couple you know just announces they are expecting a baby. And before you know it, it feels like there is no place you can swim to, to get away from all the happy fishes. This past weekend, I was that fish. And those three things all happened. On one day. I've said it before that I am always happy for my friends and I love celebrating with them. They have entered joyous times and deserve to be celebrated and showered with happiness. And that is all I want to give. But, in the midst of celebrating, you can't help but wonder when (if) its going to happen for you. People all around you are telling you to be patient, to wait, that your time is coming soon, and that it always happens when you aren't looking for it, so stop looking for it. And what is our reply? "Yes, I know. You are right." But, what are we actually thinking in our heads? "Easy for you to say. You have no idea what it's like." Not everyone gets married. Sorry you guys, I hate to break it to you. But, it's the truth. And it's a truth that I've been dealing with ever since my sisters got married. And then my friends in college. And then people I went to high school with. And then my cousins. And then...well, you get it. You can't possibly be a twenty something and not have a fridge full of wedding announcements, invites, and maybe even some future baby shower parties. It surrounds you. It consumes the life of your friends and your Pinterest. Flowers, dresses, receptions, games, music, invitations, and monograms galore. It's hard to ignore. And it's hard to look at. Do I really think I'm one of those people that will never get married? Some days, yeah, maybe. If that is what God has planned for me. But, I also know that I do want a marriage. Not a wedding, a marriage. You know, that thing that truly begins after the party ends? That thing where two people do life together. Through sickness and in health? Through good times and bad? Especially the bad. I want to have somebody beside me to do life with. To enjoy each other and go on fun adventures. But, only if that is God's plan for me. And honestly, if we have learned anything from this post, its that I have no idea what God's plan for my life is. I'm still learning. I'm still listening. I'm still discovering. Even though I'm where I never thought I would be, I'm happy to be in this place. But, am I content? Oh, there it is. Content is so much different than being happy. Being content implies that you are satisfied with what you already have. So satisfied that you want nothing else. You don't need anything else. Confession: I am not content. I bet that if you swam around in that big, open sea long enough that you would find a school of fish that is just like you. A school of fish that is not made up of fish couples or little baby fishes swimming around. A school of fish that is also fighting to be content with where they are. One of my friends spoke some amazing truth to me this weekend. Truth that is so often overlooked. "We'll always be waiting for the next step. Once you get a job, its marriage, then kids, then the next thing and the next. We need to be content with who we are in God, where we are, so that we're not always stuck..." We are always going to be waiting for something.
I may be waiting, I may not be content, but I won't stop celebrating. And we all have something to celebrate.
So, I will celebrate the engagements. I will celebrate the marriages. I will celebrate the new babies. They say good things come in threes! I will celebrate my friends. I will celebrate me. I will celebrate my family and my parents. I will celebrate my life. I will celebrate my singleness. I will celebrate all that God has given me. I will celebrate Him. I will learn to be content in plenty and in want... Follow Me :)
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Let's play a game. It's called Two Truths and A Lie. Here's how you play. You simply tell two truths and one lie. Then, the other players choose which one they think is the lie. I'll start. 1. My senior year in high school, I was the mascot. 2. Jennifer Lawrence learned how to shoot a bow from me. Immediately don't believe that? Okay, how about just, I know how to shoot a bow. 3. I've been to three Olympic Games, one Summer and two Winters. Not as a competitor, don't be silly. Just as a fan. Leave me a comment below or e-mail me, telling me which one you think is the lie and I'll reveal the truth. :) We used to play this game in college ALL. THE. TIME. It is a great icebreaker when first meeting people and you usually get some pretty fun stories out of it as well. My least favorite moment on the first day of class was when we all introduced each other. My teachers would normally make us go around, say our names, where we were from, our major, and one interesting thing about ourselves. I don't know what it is, but everyone seemed to get stuck on that last one. Not saying we aren't interesting, but when you are put on the spot, it can be hard to come up with something that you think people want to know. Really, all I have to do is direct you guys to the 'about me' page and you can learn the basics. But, I wanted to take it a little further. To have a time where I can be real with you guys and share a little about my life. Our past will always be with us, but it's what we learn from it that's the most important. I can't tell you about who I am, until I tell you about whose I am. I am first and foremost, a Christian. Here's some of my story. I first believed in God at a young age, about 7 or 8. I was young and did the whole walk down the aisle and get baptized thing. I was lucky to grow up in a household with two awesome parents who loved and provided for me (and still do). Especially my step-dad who has become one of my best friends and is now simply Dad. When I was in the eighth grade, we moved South to a very small town. Once high school rolled around, I started getting more involved in the activities and all that high school is. And I got more involved in church, youth group, etc. The youth group was very big on going on mission trips and they were planning a trip to Honduras. I begged my mom to let me go, but seeing as it was about two weeks from the trip, we didn't have the money, I had no passport, or anything ready for the trip, I didn't go. Then, the next summer, I went on my first mission trip to an Indian Reservation in Southern Arizona. And it was there that my life was changed. We were going to be on the Rez for only a week. Throughout the week we were having VBS in the different villages, block parties, revivals, and concerts. One night, toward the end of the week, we were having a concert and a few of us went up on this hill to watch the sunset. It sounds crazy, but guys, it was then in that moment that I felt God completely change me from the inside out. I can remember that sunset even now. I have pictures of it, but believe me when I say it doesn't do it justice. After that night, I had a reawakening. Even though I had been believing in God for awhile, it was now that I was truly trusting Him. I went back to Arizona the next two summers on that same mission trip and it just started a fire for my love of travel, missions, and people. I always tell people that a sunset in the desert changed my life. And I always get funny looks. But, I love explaining and telling the story. Because, it continues a story of how God has always provided for me. Always. There is such a difference in saying that God is real and actually knowing and trusting Him. And ever since that time I witnessed a remarkable sunset in the desert when I was in high school, I can tell you some pretty cool stories about how God has kept providing for me. Whatever the circumstance and whatever the event, God has had His hand in it all. He has shown me what is good. He has shown me His love. He has shown me His protective hand. He has shown me His providence. Whether it's me going to a great school and getting involved in an awesome college ministry, meeting some incredible friends who have encouraged me in Christ, a car wreck, falling down the stairs and spraining (breaking) my ankle, a F4 tornado, a 10 month job in California, serving in New Orleans (multiple times), leading a bible study, hanging out with high school girls, eating lunch with friends, or moving back home at 24. He has played a part in every scene. Don't miss the scene that is playing out before you today. Don't miss Him. The background for this image is a picture of that remarkable sunset in the desert. Again, pictures don't do it justice. Linking up for the first time today with Amy at Taking Steps Home! Follow Me :)
Guys, I have a confession. I love really good TV shows. You know, those ones that make you laugh hysterically, the ones that make you feel a part of the family, the ones that make you absolutely crazy with all the drama, the ones that hold so many twists you aren't sure what is happening by the end, the ones that entertain, and the ones that inspire.
So, it goes without saying that I LOVE Fall TV. It's the time where our shows are coming back to the screen and we once again get to fall in love with our favorite characters. Here is what I'm watching this Fall! (in ABC order, to show no favorites. because I can't possibly choose a favorite)
Oh, Grey's. Oh, Shonda. The things she has done to us throughout this show. There have been some seasons where I didn't watch faithfully, but I quickly picked it up again. We never know what is going to happen with these guys. This season will certainly be no different. Also, I don't really enjoy this picture, but it had the most recent cast members, including my favorites, Jackson and April.
I didn't start watching HIMYM from its beginning. And I won't tell you how long it took me to watch all eight seasons to finally be caught up and ready for the ninth and final season. Hint: it wasn't long. At. All. I'm super pumped for this season! We finally have met the mother and the whole season takes place in one weekend. With flashbacks showing how each character individually met the mother before Ted. I'm going to enjoy it and just not think about the fact that we have to say goodbye to these people soon.
Parenthood. The home of the Braverman family. I seriously believe this is one of the most underrated shows. This is a show that portrays real family issues and a family that knows how to stick together. I've heard we are in for some surprises this season. I don't know what to think, except that I'm glad they are all back again. And I want to be a Braverman. Thankfully, on Thursdays, I can be.
Oh, Big Bang. This is another show that absolutely cracks me up. And another that I didn't watch from the beginning. When I moved back home, I found that my Dad had bought ALL the seasons. I don't have to tell you what I preceded to do. Now, anytime Big Bang is on, that is what we are watching, even though we have seen all the episodes multiple times. Can't wait for this season! Bazinga!
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I remember watching old seasons of Biggest Loser and then they started switching trainers. Eh. But, then came Dolvett. Who I think is just a great addition. And I'm glad Jillian is back. Add Bob and they are a great trio. This season, former American Idol, Ruben Studdard is a contestant. AND this season in called 'Second Chances', in that all three trainers will get one chance throughout the season to save a contestant that would be heading home. This show is just inspiring to me.
I almost put this one in the "possibility" list, but then I decided to bump it up. I watched the first episode yesterday and if you like U.S. Government, spy-ish, FBI intelligence, secrets, twists, and action, you should give it a try. I'm interested to see what happens throughout the season and what Spader's character is really after.
The Mindy Project. Another hilarious comedy that is right up there with New Girl! I have to be honest for a second. I wasn't much of a Kelly fan on The Office, but Mindy Kaling is just so great in her new 'project.' (ha. get it?) I didn't watch the first season...until last week. Yes, I watched the whole first season in one week. Season 2 just started! Another great and funny hit on FOX. Also, if anyone has her book they want to lend me, I would greatly appreciate it. Please and thank you.
I talked about this one in my post from yesterday. I've kind of given up on singing competition shows. I stopped watching American Idol a long time ago. I didn't fall in love with Phillip Phillips until after he was proclaimed winner. I didn't even know he was ON American Idol! Anyways, I watched this show for the first time this week and I love the way they do it. I could watch a whole season of blind auditions! I'm not sure how the rest of the season works. Here is what I do know: Blake's team has won 3 times. Adam Levine is a judge/coach. And I already have my top 3 favorites who give me chill bumps every time they open their mouths.
There you have it! My Top 10 TV Shows I will be watching this Fall. Now, I left someone very important out of this list, but I felt like his show was in a group all on its own. I was never a really big fan of late night television, mostly because I was never awake then. Well, then I discovered that Jimmy Fallon was doing Late Night. And, well, I just love Jimmy Fallon. He is so hilarious and literally cracks me up every time I watch his show. He has great guests, plays fun games, and has great musical acts. Not to mention, The Roots. The best band in late night! Those guys are super talented and funny as well. And they just released an album with Elvis Costello!! So, every night my DVR records Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. And every morning, I have breakfast with Jimmy. It's probably the best routine ever. Possibilities // Honorable Mentions (these are shows I'm still deciding on for this fall)
Well, I told you guys I liked TV in the Fall! :) Which shows are your favorite? Which shows are you looking most forward to this Fall? Follow Me :)
I originally wrote this last night, but then it was too late to publish.
So, here are the late night thoughts...in the morning.
We had a really intense thunderstorm come through this afternoon. After the rain finally cleared, Dad and I went outside to clean up our back deck a little bit. We saw this bright, intense, beautiful rainbow.
This picture definitely does not do it justice.
While it was raining cats and dogs outside, Mom mentioned that when there is whether like, she always wants pancakes.
So, that is what we had for dinner. We took a Mixed Berry Muffin Mix and turned them into pancakes instead. This isn't the best picture, but it may still make your mouth water. :)
Do any of you guys watch The Voice? I stopped watching American Idol a long time ago. I feel like it just got superrr old. So, I strayed away from singing competition shows. Well, tonight, Mom and I were flipping through the channels and there wasn't really anything on. {Yes, I realize New Girl AND The Mindy Project were both on. No worries. I DVRed them both so I could watch them tomorrow with no interruptions.} We landed on The Voice and I LOVE it. I love the blind audition aspect and I would watch a whole season of just that! I'm not sure how the rest of the season works, but I definitely think I'm going to add it to my Fall Watching List. I will admit, I got chill bumps very often and may have cried during one of the performances. I'm just excited to watch and listen to these people sing. They. Are. So. Good! Plus, any reason to see Adam Levine. I'm there.
I also introduced Mom to Coldplay tonight! Mainly, because one of the girls we love on The Voice auditioned with a Coldplay song. This one to be exact. So, of course, I listened to Coldplay songs for the next 10-15 minutes. They are a great band and I just love listening to their music. I'll probably be listening to them all day tomorrow. And I discovered that they have a song on the Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack. It is called Atlas and the lyrics are just perfect for Catching Fire. If you are a Hunger Games fan, {and I hope you are} you will see what I'm talking about. If you are just a Coldplay fan, you will still enjoy it. Have a listen below!
I'm so excited that Fall is here. I'm not sure if I have talked about this yet and this definitely won't be the last time I bring it up. I also think it is so funny how so many bloggers love Fall as well! I have seen so many posts celebrating this new season. It just shows how much alike we all are and that we are meant to be friends in real life. I love all the love that Fall is getting. I love the changing leaf colors. The brisk, cool winds in the morning and evening. It's the perfect weather for layers, boots, cardigans, and scarves. I can wear shorts and a long sleeve shirt and be completely comfortable. I'm not a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, but I do love Salted Caramel Mochas. Not too mention there is Thanksgiving and Halloween, which means family time galore {and a birthday celebration for my mom}! Also, small town festivals and Pioneer Days. It's just so good, people. I'm glad that I'm home to experience it. Fall, I welcome you with open arms!
I took a break from Twenties Answer this week. I just wasn't feeling it honestly. Instead, I worked on my new 'About Me' page. I've been wanting to redo it for awhile and just make it a little bit more fun and simple. Won't you guys please go check it out and let me know what you think? Tomorrow, I'm going to try and tackle Henry's page. Fingers crossed!
I really hope you guys are enjoying the blog lately. It's a great place for me to escape to and I love when you guys stop by. Replying to y'all's comments is one of the funnest things. And I really enjoy reading your posts as well. The blogging world can be a great community if you let it be. Most importantly, I just hope you guys are encouraged and are enjoying life.
Follow Me :)
A LIFE LATELY POST
I took these photos yesterday as the first official day of Fall came to an end. And Fall has definitely decided to welcome itself to us with some great weather so far! Hope there is more to come.
Fall is my favorite season!
I would like to introduce to you guys, for the first time, Henry! My precious, rambunctious, 4 month old boy.
Unless you follow me on Instragram or Twitter in which he may have covered your feeds before. I'm in the process of working on his own page, but look for some fun stuff on it soon! :)
I've updated to IOS 7. I know there are tons of different opinions and people aren't enjoying it, but hey, I like it!
One, I like change and two, I like fun colors. IOS 7 has both. It definitely appeals to a younger crowd with design, but when it comes to function, I haven't really run into anything too difficult. I have the 4S, so not all new features are available to me and I'm kinda okay with that. I do think when it comes to the brightness of the icons, there should be different options. I mean, most guys don't like bright greens and blues. Here are some articles that I read about the new IOS 7: here, here, and here. Have you updated? What are your thoughts, like it or leave it? Or are you completely anti-iPhone?
I mentioned earlier that I finished reading through the book of Ephesians. I'm now deciding on the next thing that I want to study. I thought that I wanted to do another book of the Bible study, similar to what I did with Ephesians. But, now I'm thinking about going through a book. Preferably one I already have, so I don't have to spend some money. But, I'm always up for new ideas and new studies.
Do you do Bible Studies?
Do you like studying books of the Bible or doing a book study, chapter by chapter? Have any suggestions for me as I decide?
Well, that is my life lately! I'm sure more has been going on, but this is it for now!
How has your life been lately?
Linking up with Jenni for Blogtember!
Follow Me :)
Sometimes, I just like to write. When I can't escape life or I get caught up in the every day routine, I like to create stories that allow me to explore other life scenarios that involve adventures. Because, we all know that I love adventures. Well, this story is just that. A story of a girl that leaves for a year-long (or more), present day, adventure around the nation. Yes, the world sounds more adventurous (and maybe that will happen one day), but for now she is staying in the USA. Remember, this is just me writing for the heck of it. I don't actually plan on publishing anything or this becoming something greater. Here is a little snippet. Enjoy! January 1st It had been a year. One year since she had first dreamed up this idea of leaving everything behind for something else, for somewhere else, for an adventure. She wasn't sure where she was going, but she knew that there was no way she was backing out now. This past year had brought with it so many dreams and ideas that it only made her more excited to get started. Yes, she would be spending most of the time in her car and her nights in a tent somewhere. Yes, her clothes may get extra wrinkly and eventually need some cleaning. Yes, there were going to be times when her money ran low and she would have to spend a little while in one place. She wasn't exactly thrilled about this part, mainly because she was ready to spend this year only doing what she desired. And yes, she might just get lonely a time or two, but she was ready for this trip. She needed this trip. This trip had been one year in the making and nothing was going to stop her now. She had decided to leave her house when both of her parents were at work. It just seemed easier that way, especially for her mom. If she had had to say goodbye to her mom, it would have been worse. The goodbyes would have been dragged out and that wouldn't have been good for anyone. She wasn't going on this trip to abandon or hurt feelings. This trip was to explore and learn about herself and the world around her. Well, at least the nation. She probably wouldn't actually get out of the country on this trip, but if there was a way to make that happen she would certainly take it. Plus, it wasn't like they were living in the olden times. This was the age of iPhones and the internet, Facebook and Twitter, virtually she wasn't going anywhere. Her plan was to call home every Sunday and FaceTime whenever she reached another destination. She wasn't leaving her parents behind; she was taking them with her in every way imaginable. Her trusty SUV seemed liked it was going to be her best friend throughout this journey. She was so thankful for that vehicle, because it was another reason her parents even considered letting her do this. Not that she necessarily needed their permission, she was 22, but it was still important for her to have their blessing. Dad always said that if there was something she wanted to do, she would find a way to do it. She was glad that he understood her reasoning behind the trip, even though she could never actually give a straightforward reason. Her car was loaded with just the essentials, which was a miracle in itself. Ever since she could remember she had always over packed! In the past, she would pack everything, because the moment she didn't pack that shirt from her sophomore year of college, she knew she was going to need it. As she was stopped at a red light, she looked behind her. She saw her yellow and gray travel pack stuffed to the brim and remembered how she thought the zippers were going to pop as she carefully guided them along their tracks and knew how there was no way all of those contents were going to fit back into that bag. Next to her pack was her two-person tent that matched her bag. She had pitched that tent in her backyard many times, dreaming of the nights that she would finally be sleeping under the stars somewhere else, somewhere new. Besides the fact that that tent was easy to set up and did a great job of blocking out the cold wind, her favorite part was that she could uncover the roof and see the stars above her as she laid deep down inside her sleeping bag. She couldn't wait to fall asleep under new skies. Among her other possessions she had books, journals, extra camping gear, a few extra clothes, and her camera. The light turned green and she turned left onto the two lane highway that led out of town. She was heading North. Remember, this is just creative writing. Just have fun with it. Maybe when I write more, I'll share more.
If it was interesting to you guys. :) Do you like to write stories just for the fun of it? If you have a story you've written, leave a link in the comments below or e-mail me. I would love to read some more stories! Follow Me :)
Today I'm sharing some of my favorite photos that I have taken.
Keep in mind that I do not own a fancy, real camera. Most of these were taken with a point and shoot camera, my iPhone, or (in two cases) my Mom's fancy, real camera. Enjoy!
I'm not a professional, but I love capturing moments and different scenes.
Please be nice and don't steal any photos on this page or elsewhere on this site. All photos are mine unless otherwise noted.
Linking up with Jenni today for Blogtember!
Follow Me :) Welcome to Twenties Answer! This is a new series that was inspired by Paul Angone and his 11 Questions That Every Twenty Something Needs to Answer! For the next several weeks, every Tuesday, I'm going to be answering these questions. Send me an email or comment below your answers if you're a twenty something. Or, if you are past your twenties, how would you answer the question or what would you have done differently back in your 20s. Us twenty somethings, we love advice! Will you join me? For more in this series: Q1 // Q2 // Q3 // Q4 I think learning to love, learning how to love, and learning what love actually is, is one of the hardest and most complex things we will ever experience in life. Of course, I could be wrong. I know for me, and only at 24, love is something I don't understand completely. There are different forms of love, some of which I've experience and others I haven't (hello, singleness. looking at you). And there are two different ways in which we love, as Paul Angone has show us in today's question. Love:
{here} Ways To Love:
{here} If we are all lucky and blessed, maybe we will experience every type of love in our life. We will love and expect nothing in return, we will deeply know and love another person in marriage, and we will be surrounded by friends and family who make us laugh and love easily. But, as we know and may have already experienced, life is hard and people won't always be there. Friends come and go, people move across the country, BFFs don't always stay BFFs, marriages end. And it causes people to question whether they were really loved by the other. It's not just whether we love, but how we love. Are we loving from our insecurities or from our strengths? I love watching other people reach their dreams and seeing them succeed, I love celebrating with friends, and I always want the best for them. It sounds like I love from my strengths right? Well, maybe. But, honestly it's not always that way. See, I don't always give to others as I should. I don't always call, I don't always send mail, I forget Skype dates, and I may be late in remembering a birthday every now and then. My love for the people in my life isn't perfect and it never will be. There are times where I want to be the center of attention (even though that terrifies me. introvert here). There are times where just once, I want to be the one with good, awesome, amazing news that deserves to be celebrated. There are times where I get tired of reaching out and giving, but constantly receiving nothing in return. There are moments where I love from my insecurities and not my strengths. Friendship is hard. Intentional friendship is even harder. Being separated (distance wise) from my friends has challenged me to be a better friend. I ask my friends for specific ways that I can pray for them, I ask them how I can be a better friend for them. Friends and family are one of the greatest things we have been blessed with. And I want nothing more than to love them through my strengths. It's not easy to be selfless and to not expect anything in return (I'm not saying I'm there yet). But, friendship, and love, is more than just asking, "How are you?" It's asking the hard questions, it's getting to the root of the problem, it's being intentional. It's letting the people around you know that they are dearly loved. Do you love through your insecurities or your strengths? What are some ways we can intentionally love the people around us? How do your friends love you? Comment below or send me an e-mail. Follow Me :)
Oh, guys. I don't know what has come over me. But, I've decided to take the challenge and allow Jillian to come into my home for the next 30 days. Yep, I finally got my hands on the 30 Day Shred DVD. So, instead of repeatedly going to YouTube and looking up her Level 1 Day 1 video, I'm going to complete (attempt) all three levels. It will probably take longer than 30 days, since I still plan to take weekends off. I'm not brave enough to post before pictures, sorry 'bout it. But, I will still be updating my fitness page weekly. Also, I'm keeping up the September Workout Calendar in case anyone sees it and wants to use it and also for the days I don't feel like doing Jillian (because I'm sure they will come).
Also, I made a grocery trip yesterday and I'm trying my hand at the whole meal prep thing. All I can say is that I have A LOT to learn. Here is a picture of some things I will be eating this week. Basically, fruits and veggies galore.
So, basically I haven't made many "meals", but I have sliced and individually bagged my snacks. It makes it a lot easier to grab and eat since they are already washed, cut, and all that jazz.
Does anyone do meal prep? Do you have any suggestions for a newbie? Comment below or send me an e-mail. Follow Me :)
I'm in no way looking good for some selfies right now, so instead, I'm going to share some pictures of me in my element. You know, doing the things I love to do.
Here we go.
Left: Pacific Ocean
Right: Hiking Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe
Top: Another real selfie, mirror pic even!
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