GrownWithGrace

On this fine day, my car hit 161k miles. I purchased my car with 59k miles on it, a little over six years ago. It was a major investment when I signed the paperwork and luckily, she's very reliable and running like she did when I purchased her (CamCam aka Toyota Camry), like a champ. :) 

At 100k, I thought my car had a good story, complete with lots of laughs, tears, and fun adventures. At 150k, I probably had a similar thought. Now, 161k (no extremely significant milestone in time, just another 1000) and my life is not at all what I expected to be at this point or ever. I didn't think I'd be back in school, let alone in NC and pursing a second career. I didn't know that God would grow me and use me, break me and teach me in the ways that HE has over time. It's most definitely a blessing, yet still weird and thought provoking. Just when we think we have things figured out, things change and God provides and continues to reveal His goodness.

Cam has traveled across the country multiple times, in addition to traveling many local miles to and from my favorite places to see my favorite people and things. She has been hit by three other cars and met the backend of another car once, which I'll still blame on the tornado-like weather and the man creeping at a green light with no tail lights signaling he was stopped or not moving... I'm over it and remind myself how great my insurance company is to me. :)

Anyway, life goes on and my car is just a little piece of the journey. I like to keep it clean, like most other things in my life. My dog loves riding in it on a regular basis and it creates a fun environment to enjoy the sunshine, windows down/wind in my face (Zoey's too) and listen to great music and sing out loud, like no one can hear me... it's great!

Today is also significant because two of my dear friends celebrate their one year, wedding anniversary. On this date last year, we were celebrating their love in a beautiful pasture, with lovely drinks, and a grand, outdoor country dinner and reception. We laughed, shared great memories, cried, and made some really wonderful memories to take with us into the future.

Like my car and all the adventures that contribute to her odometer reading, this is just another thing that has happened in life. Beautiful people, beautiful friendships, great examples of love, genuine relationships, experiences and joy are just a few of the many blessings that get me through the day. Regardless of what life throws at me, these things, among others, can put a smile on my face. So, here's to more miles, more stories, more laughter, more life happenings... I'm excited and have no idea what to expect! I feel it's better this way, you know, little to no expectations... it will keep me open to all things and prevent disappointment... It's also a good challenge to be reminded that it isn't up to me anyway. :)

Have a great week!

Some things that have been on my mind of late:

1) The importance of community and the impact of who we choose to surround ourselves with continues to amaze me. Like Bob Goff says, be cautious of who is behind the wheel of your car. Are you driving or are we letting the influence of others drive our car? If it is someone or something else, is this person or thing of God or of the world? When we think about this, our answers may surprise us... (I'm reading Love Does, so my reference to Mr. Goff comes from a chapter in the book.)

I'm really blessed.

I'm quickly reminded of community and the need to appreciate and value the genuine relationships that exist in my life when the world we live in gets to me. Whether it has been a rough day, heartache happens, loneliness hits, increased anxiety, and/or self doubt creeps in, I have to calibrate my head and my heart to my basic beliefs, who I am at my core, and the confidence I have in Biblical truths that exist. Sometimes it's easier said than done. Fortunately, God always seems to have a subtle way of reminding me of HIS presence in my heart, in my life, and in this world. Through trials and times of joy, HE is our lover, our Redeemer and our protector. Things happen. People fail us... we fail us, but HE will never fail us.

2) "you can't microwave it" - this was said in the sermon on Sunday morning. The guest pastor/church staff member was referring to discipleship via relationships. Like discipleship, relationships can't be microwaved (instantaneously started and ready to eat in a matter of minutes). Genuine relationships take time and resources. You have to take risks, love well, and commit. It's all about earning the right to love someone well by sharing life and Jesus with them. Side note: more often than not,  this happens just by living out our spirituality and sharing our lives with others... so, be awesome! Not extraordinary, just kind and humble and "normal" or abnormal (whatever that means to you).

3) I've always had a theory that it takes six months to a year to feel like you're getting acquainted with a new place. I'm seven months into living in NC and finally feel a level of comfort with the area, with school, and with the Church I've been attending. I've yet to really connect with anyone outside of school, but I'm attending a church function later this month. (I should also mention that I don't go out of my way to introduce myself or talk with folks while I'm in the building... I'm the quiet person who sits in the middle of a row, smiles, and enjoys the music and singing horribly because it's unlikely anyone can hear my voice :) )I'm encouraged and am feeling optimistic about what will come from the meeting, even if it is just more encouragement and peace being in this place during this season of life.

4) I deactivated facebook. Additional details will be made available at a later date. I'm praying to be challenged and experience peace through the reasons and choice to disengage from the world of facebook.

5) The countdown continues... August 10th will be here before we know it! A lot is scheduled to happen between now and then, but whatever. This date is significant in my life and the lives of my fellow schoolmates because it means we've survived second semester and that we are half way done with our program... we are half way to becoming eligible to take the NCLEX to be real nurses, woohoo! 8 months down, 8 to go... eeks! It also means that I'll be headed "home" for a couple of weeks to visit and chill and prepare for the second half of this journey... dun, dun, dunnnn.

I could write some more, but I'll save that for a later date... I'm exhausted. Please excuse any spelling or grammatical errors, per usual. :) 

peace&love

Confidence in what matters most is critical during times of stress. So, be encouraged by this little tidbit...

"All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies."

Psalm 25:10

This lovely reminder is preceded by one of my all time favorite pair of verses: 25:4-5

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."

Timing is everything. Faith, patience, being true to your emotions, and embracing challenges by remembering the grace and mercy we are blessed to receive make all things in this world seem a little smaller... Be thankful, live life and share its happenings with others. 

Only 19 hours of class, a test, and a 12 hour clinical on Monday stand between me and summer staycay 2014... holla!