Beginnings require endings

Beginnings can be wonderful things. I will actually move to Action Sports at REI come Monday. I will learn snowboards, boots, skis, shoes, car racks, Nordic equipment, watches, goggles, sunglasses, heart-rate monitors and. . .who knew there would be so much to learn, eh? Usually to begin one thing, something must end. In this situation it is the Soft goods department. As happy as I am to give up clothing and footwear consulting, I am sad to leave my boss and my teammates. At least now they will not have to listen to my jokes. :)

I thought I was heading into a new beginning with cars as well. Baxter is still with me and this process is taking a lot longer than I anticipated for sure. I am trying to be patient, yet most of you know this is not one of my defining positive characteristics. God has a lot to teach me for sure. So, instead I take a deep breathe, go for a hard bike ride and make a good dinner.

It's been a quiet evening, and needed. I have been reading my school book (which finally came yesterday afternoon). It is a Saturday night and it's one thing to choose not to go out with people vs. not being asked to go out. I realize my weekend schedule is pretty wild and hard for me to even keep track of, often I must remind myself of that. My friend said it well, "It always feels good to be chosen." I must agree. We all want to be thought of, desired to be around, and chosen. I think God has a strong lesson for me with few e-mails or phone calls- you are chosen, by me! I know I should find comfort in that but sometimes I truly think, "Yes, and you choose everyone! Therefore, I'm not a special pick." I know that fully brings out my selfishness, and ultimately, I am thankful to be serving an all-inclusive God. I really don't want anyone to be left out. I can have a new beginning as I end more selfish sin, die to self, and take on the character of Christ. This can happen only by God's gracious work in my broken life.

Changing Weeds

Here is a scenic view out our front window of our changing weeds. They too are actively participating in fall events. Somehow the only thing I am able to keep alive are the weeds. They really do not take much care. They do look beautiful. There's a great analogy right there that I'll let you think about. . .I'd love your comments! Sunday (1:00 PM) will be my next adventure of hiking to experience the changing leaves. If you want to come, let me know!

Two blogs in a row. . .I know, what's come over me? The truth, I was still on summer break during most of my last class, including purchasing my next textbook in the middle of it. Oops! It left OH yesterday according to the UPS tracking system. Hopefully tomorrow it will make it to Colorado Springs and I will be able to start reading it.

Seasonal Sensations

Coffee addicts: can you decipher what drink this is? :) It has something to do with the Fall Season and I love the spice. Each season has great flavors to offer, things to enjoy. I still need to cut back on my caffeine addiction. . .I don't drink regular coffee after noon to help promote good sleep hygiene! I have yet to enjoy Pumpkin Ice Cream.

Dental Floss and Repentance

I have the wonderful opportunity to go to the dentist today. Last night Jim Singleton was discussing repentance and how it is turning completely around from an action or way of doing something. He just came back from the dentist and they confronted him on flossing. He did not do it and the dentist showed him a picture of someones teeth/gums rotting away. Jim pulled out dental floss and said he had repented and is now flossing twice a day. I don't know if I will go to that extreme, yet I did floss last night in preparation for today's appointment. Why is it so hard to do what is best for us? Flossing takes a few minutes a day, yet I choose to do it once every six months. (Unless I eat corn on the cob, then it's a bit more.) Flossing is just one example of many I could mention. . .I will stick to dental floss for now.

Road Trip

My friend had a dream of owning a VW bus and here the beauty is! This was my view for an hour and a half as we drove from Limon back to Colorado Springs. It was beautiful to see "Old Lady" running after many months of sitting idle. It was if she was saying, "I'm ready for an adventure and will not fail!" It was a peaceful trip with no stories of breakdown.

We did make a stop to the gas station and I was in such a hurry to get to the restroom that it took a few minutes to realize that I chose the icon without the skirt. Oops! At least no one saw me. My confession rests here! :) What a great day for a road trip! The weather and company was phenomenal. I was even able to have a great talk with my lovely g'ma on the way home. Have you talked with your g'ma lately?

Fall and School

I was at the grocery store yesterday and a clerk reminded me that Sunday is the last day of Summer. The weather has already started the process as I observed leaves changing on my bike path. I love how each season has so much to offer. The same route can look so different depending on the month. I love God's creativity.

I sent out two e-mails for internship possibilities about a month and a half ago. Last night I heard from both of them, saying yes or it is a strong possibility. The wilderness therapy internship (for my clinical requirements) will need some flexibility from my advisor, so please pray! I am very excited!! There may also be another possibility in Utah that I became aware of last night as well.

Last night I joined a prayer group and it was a much different experience than I anticipated, in a great way! It was refreshing to be with people who love Jesus, are willing to be authentic, and come together to share with each other. I know this happens in many places, yet it hasn't been part of my community for some time. I was also able to re-connect with my invitee which was rejuvenating to talk about life, God and our brokenness without false pretenses.

I love how God can surprise us in many ways, sometimes in one day, other times in mere moments. How beautifully complex is this journey we call life!

Friendship and Grace

I am reading "Forever in Blue" by Ann Brashares. It's the fourth book of the Traveling Pants series. I know, it's a teen book-I want to work with youth so it's important for me to keep up on these things. The characters in the book give me the desire to reflect on my life. If someone were to write a book about my life, would it be interesting? Would people read it? I was reminded of the mix life brings through out each of our journeys, providing both good times and good stories. I am thankful that God has blessed me with good friends.

When I was in Austria with Krishana, some people were in the square with these signs that read, "Free Hugs", and they were just giving away hugs. What a fun concept. I think we are a bit deprived of affection and community conversation as we busy ourselves with daily living. I have a few friends who are good at living in the moment, being fully present. They are good examples and reminders of how I really want to live my life, now I need to choose it.

Carrots and Detox

A friend of mine told me that carrot juice is a great way to detox. I am learning to appreciate carrot juice. It is hard to find, surprisingly. Naked Juice does not make it, Odwalla is probably the sweetest, and R.W. Knudsen is OK. I think the detox factor may be compromised when extra fruits are added and yet, oh so much more tasty! Any thoughts on carrot juice?