I started this blog because I was coming out of a funk and I was ready to see my dimples again. I have to say the funk has made a re-appearance lately but with good reason.
And for those of you who know and those of you who don’t know, I am moving to Dallas at the end of June. My time in Austin is coming to an end rather quickly and it’s been hitting me a lot lately how much I am going to miss being around some amazing people I have met during my stint here. I have been so blessed to have spent the last 7 years of my life in Austin. They have gone so fast!
So, this is kind of my send off/thank you letter to the many people I have encountered during my time here in Austin. I know I don’t leave until June but this is on my heart now so I decided to write it.
First, I had never had a job for more than two years, before I became a teacher in the Hays school district. I am still shocked that I have been teaching for five years in Hays at the same school. It seems so crazy to me, but it has felt so right. Having had parents and a sister who are and were teachers, I knew that the faculty that you work with can make all the difference in the world. I could not have predicted the amazing people and friends I have made throughout my five years here. I have had this awesome group of ladies who have been praying with me for the last five years (we prayed for 2 of my friends struggling with infertility to have babies, and they both have had 2 healthy babies). They have prayed for my husband, has yet to be answered, but we will see. I hang out with these co-workers/ friends on the weekends, mid-week happy hours, lunches, and during the summer when we don’t have to see each other. These co-workers/friends have been my cheerleaders, mentors, sounding boards, hug givers, and most of an inspiration on how to love our students well. I wish all of my friends outside my school world could see these amazing people at work on a daily basis. Most of all I wish our legislators could see what an incredible job each of these people do for our students on a daily basis. My prayer for you friends that you will continuously see the profound impact you have on our students, and know what an awesome job you do on a daily basis!!!!!!!! You have such an important job!!!
I have been blessed with an awesome Christian community here. I have been involved in three different churches while I have lived here in Austin. The first was Austin Stone. I was only there a year, but I made such awesome friends who I stayed in touch with over the years. Thank you for being my first church experience in Austin.
The second was First EV Free. I moved there when I started working there in their middle school ministry as an intern. It was a profound year for me. Most of all the love and support I received that year that I worked there was nothing short of life giving. Specifically, thank you Shack, Ainsley, Flor, Brian, Kevin, Emily and BJ- y’all were amazing to work with!! Thank you again to the awesome Taylor family who let me live with them for a year. They are such a great family.
Then, for some crazy reason I decided to be part of this group of people who were going to start a church. Granted I had known Robie and Jonathan, a married couple who I had known since college. Jonathan and I even went to seminary together in Boston. It still seemed like such a crazy risk. But I learned you have to trust that God is always with you, especially in the risky crazy things. He was with us in the good times and the really hard times of starting this church. It has been amazing to see it grow from 7 people sitting in Jonathan and Robie’s living room to about 100 or so people sitting in the Austin Ballet. And the many babies that have been born and are about to be born just shows that life is happening there! There are way too many people in this community for me to name specifically. I am just so thankful for so many people in this church community. I hope you know who you are you know how much I love you and so very thankful for each one of you!!!! Blessings upon each of you as you continue to reach out and love the city of Austin with the love of Jesus!
And for all the friends who I have met in various places, the students I have had, the roommates, and everyone in between I leave with wonderful memories of all of you!
I truly leave Austin a changed woman. I do feel like a woman now- maybe its being in my thirties, but I feel like Austin has grown me and shaped me in ways I never thought it could. I came to Austin not knowing how long I would stay and with the attitude that it’s going to be a fun city to enjoy. I have left more stretched, transformed, full of grace for myself and others, feeling a little more free, and I won’t lie a little fearful of what is to come. But, as I have seen time and time again in my life God has never failed me or left me in my journey. I have truly felt His timing is all over this move despite how sad I am to leave really good friends behind I am excited about the next step. I feel like my life and I am sure all of yours are little trust exercises, how much are we going to trust that the God of the universe loves us, delights in us, and desires us to go deeper into our relationships with Him.
Everyone keeps asking if I have a job yet and the answer is no not yet. I do have some strong leads. But, I am excited about what I am thinking about doing in about a year from now. I am the process of developing a non-profit organization where I could work with special needs students individually. I would ask for your prayers on that as I develop a business plan, write grants, and begin developing relationships with the community for which I hope to work with.
I am hoping to live with my mom for a month so I can get my bearings and figure out what part of Dallas to live in that would best for work and life. Prayer for both of us on that!
So I am so excited about the next step and I feel so loved and supported! Thank you for having such an impact on my life!!!!!!! And yes I will come visit on a fairly regular basis…don’t worry about that…and know that you will always have a place to visit in Dallas! Love! Love! Love you friends!!!!
I think I am going to have to come up with a Dallas to-do list.. oh by the way I have done all but 2 things on my list and they are in the works for those of you who read my first blog! Again love!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Friday, July 23, 2010
what I have been up to this summer??
hi friends...
I have been asked by friends what I have been up to this summer...or what do I usually do in the summers off due to being a teacher? good question...well, this summer I went to Alaska with my mom. I know crazy. It was amazing. We went on a cruise that left out of Seattle. It was a seven day cruise that hit Juneau, and a couple of other cities in Alaska that I can't spell, and then the last stop was Victoria, B.C.- this had to be one of my favorite cities. It is so clean, historical, and beautiful. I have to say this was such an amazing trip for a few different reasons- 1. I got to spend time with my mom (you can never get time back) 2. The breathtaking beauty that surrounded us the whole time (made me just worship my creator and the creator of these beautiful sights all the more) 3. It made me appreciate taking a deep breath (something I take for granted every day). you can see my pics at http://doesntgetmuchbetterthanthis.shutterfly.com/
I was truly blessed by this trip and it will go down as one of my favorite times of my life. But honestly I have a lot of sweet moments this summer. I got to have my nephew 2 whole days and one part of a day. He is growing so fast and he just keeps getting more and more precious I can hardly stand it. I love him so much. Its for sure hard to be 3 hours from him.
I have had the time to catch up with friends, which I for sure take for granted during the year- and this is a goal I have every summer. I have also had a ton of friends who had babies towards the end of the summer and that has been awesome to get to hang and meet these new precious lives. I have a feeling next summer I will also have quite a few babies to meet and hang out with.
Right now I am getting to take care of four kids ages 9, 11, 14, and 16 while their parents are in Africa (yes I am getting a paid a little bit). But its neat to feel like I am a little part of their Africa experience even though I am not getting to go this year. They live in a really beautiful part of Wimberly, TX and its been so nice to sit on the front porch or walk through their neighborhood. I have come up to several deer...they are so funny. But, I have just enjoyed the peaceful moments and the beauty of this area. I just feel truly blessed.
Life is sweet...
so places I recommend going to if you get a chance...
blue hole in wimberly
zdt amusement park in seguin- its relatively cheap but clean and the people are nice- great for kids under 12
any snow cone place...realized how amazing joy it can bring a kid...
seeing an old movie at the Paramount...its a neat experience
the symphony on Sundays
gruene hall such a fun place to see a show and I just love gruene
so books I recommend....
A praying Life by Paul Miller...its has been life transforming...oh my goodness I want everyone to read it
the above the line series by Karen Kingsbury...yes she is a little cheesy but I so love her heart and what this series is talking about
so I ask your prayers as I begin this year. We have some new staff on my team- for them to feel part of the team. Lots of new adjustments in our district...that we can all roll with the punches. and most of for connections with my students- that I will listen and really hear their hearts and look past what they are reacting and see their hearts.
also, thinking about starting a part time venture with a friend...just that I will listen to God and not go before Him and be wise...more details to come with that...excited about the possiblity.
and that I will continually trust God and believe His immense love and his plan for my life.
thanks friends and family for being in my life. I just stand amazed how gracious God had been in my life thus far...
I have been asked by friends what I have been up to this summer...or what do I usually do in the summers off due to being a teacher? good question...well, this summer I went to Alaska with my mom. I know crazy. It was amazing. We went on a cruise that left out of Seattle. It was a seven day cruise that hit Juneau, and a couple of other cities in Alaska that I can't spell, and then the last stop was Victoria, B.C.- this had to be one of my favorite cities. It is so clean, historical, and beautiful. I have to say this was such an amazing trip for a few different reasons- 1. I got to spend time with my mom (you can never get time back) 2. The breathtaking beauty that surrounded us the whole time (made me just worship my creator and the creator of these beautiful sights all the more) 3. It made me appreciate taking a deep breath (something I take for granted every day). you can see my pics at http://doesntgetmuchbetterthanthis.shutterfly.com/
I was truly blessed by this trip and it will go down as one of my favorite times of my life. But honestly I have a lot of sweet moments this summer. I got to have my nephew 2 whole days and one part of a day. He is growing so fast and he just keeps getting more and more precious I can hardly stand it. I love him so much. Its for sure hard to be 3 hours from him.
I have had the time to catch up with friends, which I for sure take for granted during the year- and this is a goal I have every summer. I have also had a ton of friends who had babies towards the end of the summer and that has been awesome to get to hang and meet these new precious lives. I have a feeling next summer I will also have quite a few babies to meet and hang out with.
Right now I am getting to take care of four kids ages 9, 11, 14, and 16 while their parents are in Africa (yes I am getting a paid a little bit). But its neat to feel like I am a little part of their Africa experience even though I am not getting to go this year. They live in a really beautiful part of Wimberly, TX and its been so nice to sit on the front porch or walk through their neighborhood. I have come up to several deer...they are so funny. But, I have just enjoyed the peaceful moments and the beauty of this area. I just feel truly blessed.
Life is sweet...
so places I recommend going to if you get a chance...
blue hole in wimberly
zdt amusement park in seguin- its relatively cheap but clean and the people are nice- great for kids under 12
any snow cone place...realized how amazing joy it can bring a kid...
seeing an old movie at the Paramount...its a neat experience
the symphony on Sundays
gruene hall such a fun place to see a show and I just love gruene
so books I recommend....
A praying Life by Paul Miller...its has been life transforming...oh my goodness I want everyone to read it
the above the line series by Karen Kingsbury...yes she is a little cheesy but I so love her heart and what this series is talking about
so I ask your prayers as I begin this year. We have some new staff on my team- for them to feel part of the team. Lots of new adjustments in our district...that we can all roll with the punches. and most of for connections with my students- that I will listen and really hear their hearts and look past what they are reacting and see their hearts.
also, thinking about starting a part time venture with a friend...just that I will listen to God and not go before Him and be wise...more details to come with that...excited about the possiblity.
and that I will continually trust God and believe His immense love and his plan for my life.
thanks friends and family for being in my life. I just stand amazed how gracious God had been in my life thus far...
Friday, May 7, 2010
So, I am not Oprah but I have a few favorite things I would like to share...
So I finally did something on my list!!!! Yeah very exciting. I went kayaking and it was amazing just like I remembered…and of course I was thinking why don’t I do this more often. My friend Sarah went with me and she had never been before so of course it made it even more fun and we took a double kayak, which is always an adventure. It was so incredibly peaceful and tranquil. We did go at ten in the morning before there was a ton of people and it was a perfect Texas spring morning. So, go and do it!!!
I don’t think I am Oprah or anything like that. But, I do have a few things that I would love to share with ya’ll. A lot of people ask me different things like where do I find all these good deals or music or my hair products (surprisingly that happens a lot). So I thought I would make a blog of them.
Deals and Steals
We all know how crazy the economy is and we are all looking for the best deals. I pride myself in being the queen of finding steals or the best offers. A few of the websites that give me those tips or deals.
1. www.couponcravings.com- it’s a blog and if you sign-up to get emails you will get an email from her everyday with all the best deals on groceries, free stuff being offered, and just about anything where there is a deal. I promise you will not regret signing up for this.
2. www.groupon.com - I have gotten so many deals and if you sign-up and get your friends to sign-up and use you as a reference you will get a $10 certificate to use on your next purchase. They also do a daily email.
3. www.livingsocial.com - Again just like groupon but offers slightly different stuff but equally is good.
4. If you live in Austin, TX get a golocal card. You can buy them wherever you see go local. Check out their website www.thegolocalcard.com
5. And for hotels I use www.hotwire.com the only thing with it is like priceline you can’t see the hotel name until after you buy it but trust me if you go with a 3-4 star hotel you won’t go wrong. I have gotten some amazing deals on there.
6. Also, if you think those membership cards at local stores are not worth it I am going to have to argue with you. For sure if you at all like the movies get the Regal card. I get free movie tickets and concessions all the time. Also with Borders books you get great coupons weekly and I love books. They now also offer free wifi. So check it out.
Amazing Non-Profits who are changing the world!!
1. I have to plug a few organizations that are doing some amazing work to help our world. One is called Music for The City. I am really partial to this one as my friends are the ones who created it. But, check out this video:
http://vimeo.com/11561817 and go to www.musicforthecity.org
2. The next ones have to do with trafficking of humans, which gets my blood boiling. These two organizations are doing amazing things to help put a stop to this horrific crime. I happen to have met the founder of the not for sale campaign in Africa this summer. He sat around and told us stories that broke my heart. I just want there to be more awareness of what is going on with this. So, please check both of them out because both are truly amazing.
http://www.sctnow.org/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
3. And the last but not least organization is the March of Dimes. They do so much for helping newborns especially ones who are born with complications. I have gotten to see first hand how they help when one of my friends babies was born early just last month. It is truly amazing. So please support them. www.marchofdimes.com
Music and musicians that I adore quite simply!
Hey if you have made it this far I greatly appreciate it! So, music… here are five local Austin bands/singer/songwriters that I think everyone should know about. Okay so they also happen to be my friends…but seriously they are incredibly talented and Austin is truly blessed to have them here.
1. Betty Soo…simply put fun and amazing lyrics…and fantastic voice. Check her out at www.bettysoo.com! Go see her live you will love her!
2. Miranda Dodson…incredible voice and songwriter and about to have a CD release party on June 11th at Stubbs in Austin. She is at www.mirandadodson.com
3. Jordan Whitmore…sweet sound that you will love! http://www.myspace.com/jordanwhitmoremusic
4. Trees of Lyres- again amazing…they are cute married duo that I really like. You just gotta find them on facebook.
5. Alpha Rev- they are getting to be big time and don’t really need me top plug them…but check them at http://alpharev.com/index2.php
Other blogs and websites you should check out for other amazing things that can enrich your life and…
1. My friend and pastor Jonathan Dodson has a great blog…. www.jonathandodson.org
It will challenge you and just simply want you to be living and exploring what the gospel means in your life.
2. Jonathan Dodson’s wife and my friend is incredibly talented and has great store on Etsy (and if you don’t know what Etsy is go on it! www.etsy.com) She designs clothes and its so fun- you might even see me modeling a few dresses. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Parsimony
3. My friend DeeDee does a blog and its awesome…http://www.adoredaustin.com
4.My friend Shawnda also does a blog. She is my hero and inspiration…because I really want to adopt one day and she and her husband have such a true Godly heart for adoption and it inspires me. I also happen to be in Uganda at the same time she was adopting the latest addition to the Kovac family. It was incredible and really special. Check her out at www.james127.blogspot.com and see what adoption is all about.
5. The amazing church I go is also one to check out... www.austincitylife.org
I hope you have enjoyed my top favorite things! Seriously, I love giving shout outs to people, places, and things I believe in.
Finally, I am going to Alaskan cruise this summer with my mom and I can’t wait to come and share about that.
But, if you are in Texas and looking for a sweet short trip- go to Fort Worth and check out the amazing museums and the zoo. Texas Cowgirl museum is awesome and so is the Modern Art Museum. And you can check out Groupon and Living Social to see if there are any great deals happening there when you want to go.
PS. I use Pantene pomade on my hair…amazing and sometimes Garnier surf hair. They are cheap and awesome!
I don’t think I am Oprah or anything like that. But, I do have a few things that I would love to share with ya’ll. A lot of people ask me different things like where do I find all these good deals or music or my hair products (surprisingly that happens a lot). So I thought I would make a blog of them.
Deals and Steals
We all know how crazy the economy is and we are all looking for the best deals. I pride myself in being the queen of finding steals or the best offers. A few of the websites that give me those tips or deals.
1. www.couponcravings.com- it’s a blog and if you sign-up to get emails you will get an email from her everyday with all the best deals on groceries, free stuff being offered, and just about anything where there is a deal. I promise you will not regret signing up for this.
2. www.groupon.com - I have gotten so many deals and if you sign-up and get your friends to sign-up and use you as a reference you will get a $10 certificate to use on your next purchase. They also do a daily email.
3. www.livingsocial.com - Again just like groupon but offers slightly different stuff but equally is good.
4. If you live in Austin, TX get a golocal card. You can buy them wherever you see go local. Check out their website www.thegolocalcard.com
5. And for hotels I use www.hotwire.com the only thing with it is like priceline you can’t see the hotel name until after you buy it but trust me if you go with a 3-4 star hotel you won’t go wrong. I have gotten some amazing deals on there.
6. Also, if you think those membership cards at local stores are not worth it I am going to have to argue with you. For sure if you at all like the movies get the Regal card. I get free movie tickets and concessions all the time. Also with Borders books you get great coupons weekly and I love books. They now also offer free wifi. So check it out.
Amazing Non-Profits who are changing the world!!
1. I have to plug a few organizations that are doing some amazing work to help our world. One is called Music for The City. I am really partial to this one as my friends are the ones who created it. But, check out this video:
http://vimeo.com/11561817 and go to www.musicforthecity.org
2. The next ones have to do with trafficking of humans, which gets my blood boiling. These two organizations are doing amazing things to help put a stop to this horrific crime. I happen to have met the founder of the not for sale campaign in Africa this summer. He sat around and told us stories that broke my heart. I just want there to be more awareness of what is going on with this. So, please check both of them out because both are truly amazing.
http://www.sctnow.org/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
3. And the last but not least organization is the March of Dimes. They do so much for helping newborns especially ones who are born with complications. I have gotten to see first hand how they help when one of my friends babies was born early just last month. It is truly amazing. So please support them. www.marchofdimes.com
Music and musicians that I adore quite simply!
Hey if you have made it this far I greatly appreciate it! So, music… here are five local Austin bands/singer/songwriters that I think everyone should know about. Okay so they also happen to be my friends…but seriously they are incredibly talented and Austin is truly blessed to have them here.
1. Betty Soo…simply put fun and amazing lyrics…and fantastic voice. Check her out at www.bettysoo.com! Go see her live you will love her!
2. Miranda Dodson…incredible voice and songwriter and about to have a CD release party on June 11th at Stubbs in Austin. She is at www.mirandadodson.com
3. Jordan Whitmore…sweet sound that you will love! http://www.myspace.com/jordanwhitmoremusic
4. Trees of Lyres- again amazing…they are cute married duo that I really like. You just gotta find them on facebook.
5. Alpha Rev- they are getting to be big time and don’t really need me top plug them…but check them at http://alpharev.com/index2.php
Other blogs and websites you should check out for other amazing things that can enrich your life and…
1. My friend and pastor Jonathan Dodson has a great blog…. www.jonathandodson.org
It will challenge you and just simply want you to be living and exploring what the gospel means in your life.
2. Jonathan Dodson’s wife and my friend is incredibly talented and has great store on Etsy (and if you don’t know what Etsy is go on it! www.etsy.com) She designs clothes and its so fun- you might even see me modeling a few dresses. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Parsimony
3. My friend DeeDee does a blog and its awesome…http://www.adoredaustin.com
4.My friend Shawnda also does a blog. She is my hero and inspiration…because I really want to adopt one day and she and her husband have such a true Godly heart for adoption and it inspires me. I also happen to be in Uganda at the same time she was adopting the latest addition to the Kovac family. It was incredible and really special. Check her out at www.james127.blogspot.com and see what adoption is all about.
5. The amazing church I go is also one to check out... www.austincitylife.org
I hope you have enjoyed my top favorite things! Seriously, I love giving shout outs to people, places, and things I believe in.
Finally, I am going to Alaskan cruise this summer with my mom and I can’t wait to come and share about that.
But, if you are in Texas and looking for a sweet short trip- go to Fort Worth and check out the amazing museums and the zoo. Texas Cowgirl museum is awesome and so is the Modern Art Museum. And you can check out Groupon and Living Social to see if there are any great deals happening there when you want to go.
PS. I use Pantene pomade on my hair…amazing and sometimes Garnier surf hair. They are cheap and awesome!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
I have completed one of the things on my list...finally
Seriously the last six weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. I have loved it. I have gotten to hang out individually with a lot of friends. I have gotten to meet some fun new people. I have gotten to eat at some fun new places. I have gone dancing a couple of times. It has been just so much fun to feel like I am living life again and creating great memories. I am having to cut back a little because going out can be a little tough on the pocketbook. Its funny now I truly appreciate the few quiet nights at home so much now.
I have also added one thing to my list that I never thought I would do ever in my life...I am training for a half-marathon. Okay so I am walk/jogging it...But I am doing it! Its to raise money for a counseling non-profit that goes into low-income schools and provides counseling and resources to the students. Its a great program so I am excited to raise $500 for them! Hey, all I need is 50 friends to give $10. But seriously it is really fun training and getting
Well, so I took a cooking class...one of my 7 things on my list down! yeah! It was so fun. I went to Whole Foods cooking school. Super nice and the people are great who run it. My friend Kristan came along which made it even more fun. We made fish, kale, and sweet potatoes oh and bread pudding for dessert. Yep it was a hands on cooking class and we got to eat what we made at the end. I would so recommend taking a cooking class at Whole Foods if you want something really fun to do.
I want to say thanks to all my friends who have been my wingwomen...and to all those who have let me tag along on some fun adventures in the city. I have loved every minute of it!
only more to come...
Saturday, August 22, 2009
feeling life again...
So, I haven't done anything on my top seven list yet...but I have been out there engaging in life and boy does it feel good.
A couple of weeks ago I went and saw the movie Julia/Julie... the premise is this woman who is about to turn 30 and she's stuck in a job she hates, married to a great guy, but is really unhappy in her life...so decides to try all the recipes in Julia Child's French cooking for Americans cookbook. The movie flashes back to Julia Child's life in France when she went to cooking school. And you go back and forth to current day Julie trying out these recipes and Julia Child's life.
I am writing all of this because a lot of what they were going through the movie I could relate too.
Julia Child was in France and loved it but didn't feel like she had this place- she tried hat making because she loved hats.. I too love hats...but she hated making them and I think I would hate it too.. but she kept looking for something to give her purpose until she found a cooking school...ah ha she found her place. She thrived. Doors started opening and she found what she loved. There have been many times I felt that this past year. Where is my place especially as a single woman? Where do I fit amongst all of my married friends especially those who have children? Where do I fit in a job that doesn't feel like it fits anymore?
Then, flash forward to present day Julie was struggling with that amongst her friends who were deemed uber successful and here she was in a job she didn't like. And she was about to turn 30. I resonated with all of that.
You hit your 30's and I feel there is the whole other level of expectation. I feel like my 20's were full of hope and adventure. A big part of my 20's was moving to different places okay so just Dallas to Boston to Austin. But each of these offered a new adventure. There was hope of meeting new people and seeing all kinds of new things. And I did all of those things for the first few years but about the fourth year I was getting restless to try something new...have new experiences. Thankfully, God was always with me through this process...
So, I have been here in Austin for 5 years now and its crazy because I have sorta felt settled which is a weird feeling for me... Last summer I did struggle with moving to Dallas to be near family but the doors didn't open. So this year has been one of resolving myself with the fact that one I am growing up (scary) and two how can I make life an adventure without having to move halfway across the country and truly live in community for a significant amount of time. Adventure comes in a whole lot of ways. And I have also been putting a whole lot of hope in the possibility of a new adventure rather than hope in the God who allows for adventure...crazy huh!
So like I said I haven't done anything on my list but life has come and I am finding new adventures...and the adventure has been mostly trusting God for life and hope and delving deeper into community with friends.
I have too often run away because of what ever reason...mostly fear and not have allowed for the fact that we are all broken and we can hurt each other because we are sinful and some friends are not forever friend but friends for a season...but the hope here is that we can accept that hurt and pain comes with the territory and allow it to build a deeper trust and love for others. And then we do that we can see the beauty of grace that God continuously bestows upon us even though we don't deserve it. We get to catch a tiny glimpse of what new creation will look like...oh and what an adventure new creation will be!!
stay tuned I promise to do at least one item off my list in the next couple of weeks...
A couple of weeks ago I went and saw the movie Julia/Julie... the premise is this woman who is about to turn 30 and she's stuck in a job she hates, married to a great guy, but is really unhappy in her life...so decides to try all the recipes in Julia Child's French cooking for Americans cookbook. The movie flashes back to Julia Child's life in France when she went to cooking school. And you go back and forth to current day Julie trying out these recipes and Julia Child's life.
I am writing all of this because a lot of what they were going through the movie I could relate too.
Julia Child was in France and loved it but didn't feel like she had this place- she tried hat making because she loved hats.. I too love hats...but she hated making them and I think I would hate it too.. but she kept looking for something to give her purpose until she found a cooking school...ah ha she found her place. She thrived. Doors started opening and she found what she loved. There have been many times I felt that this past year. Where is my place especially as a single woman? Where do I fit amongst all of my married friends especially those who have children? Where do I fit in a job that doesn't feel like it fits anymore?
Then, flash forward to present day Julie was struggling with that amongst her friends who were deemed uber successful and here she was in a job she didn't like. And she was about to turn 30. I resonated with all of that.
You hit your 30's and I feel there is the whole other level of expectation. I feel like my 20's were full of hope and adventure. A big part of my 20's was moving to different places okay so just Dallas to Boston to Austin. But each of these offered a new adventure. There was hope of meeting new people and seeing all kinds of new things. And I did all of those things for the first few years but about the fourth year I was getting restless to try something new...have new experiences. Thankfully, God was always with me through this process...
So, I have been here in Austin for 5 years now and its crazy because I have sorta felt settled which is a weird feeling for me... Last summer I did struggle with moving to Dallas to be near family but the doors didn't open. So this year has been one of resolving myself with the fact that one I am growing up (scary) and two how can I make life an adventure without having to move halfway across the country and truly live in community for a significant amount of time. Adventure comes in a whole lot of ways. And I have also been putting a whole lot of hope in the possibility of a new adventure rather than hope in the God who allows for adventure...crazy huh!
So like I said I haven't done anything on my list but life has come and I am finding new adventures...and the adventure has been mostly trusting God for life and hope and delving deeper into community with friends.
I have too often run away because of what ever reason...mostly fear and not have allowed for the fact that we are all broken and we can hurt each other because we are sinful and some friends are not forever friend but friends for a season...but the hope here is that we can accept that hurt and pain comes with the territory and allow it to build a deeper trust and love for others. And then we do that we can see the beauty of grace that God continuously bestows upon us even though we don't deserve it. We get to catch a tiny glimpse of what new creation will look like...oh and what an adventure new creation will be!!
stay tuned I promise to do at least one item off my list in the next couple of weeks...
Friday, July 31, 2009
the beginning...
So I have missed my smile...or I should say my dimples. That is why this blog is named dimples and such. I was just in Africa and I kept seeing these wonderful kids with huge smiles and these huge dimples and I would get so excited because it was like we had this connection point despite the fact we couldn't speak the same language. these kids were smiling even though they may not be eating that day or whatever hardship was coming their way they still chose to smile and of course it just makes you smile back. I realized how much I haven't smiled a lot lately because I have just been bogged down in life or have let fear replace my hope which makes my dimples not show up as much.
Its funny dimples are actually a deformity..I know crazy but I just think now its funny how God can turn something that could have not been so cute into something that is so beautiful and fun. Much like He does with our brokenness- He can redeem our broken hearts and broken lives into something with such beauty that makes others around us see that there is hope.
..so I recreated this blog with a sole purpose... to hold me accountable to bringing my dimples back. I have a whole list of things that I haven't done in Austin that I have been saying I wanted to do for a while but have let life get in the way...
I was inspired by a couple of things the movie Julie/Julia project...check out the preview if you are curious. And of course my recent trip to Uganda, Africa. They do such an amazing celebrating life amongst community. I realized I need do this so much more. I have realized I have been letting life pass me by or hibernating for whatever reason. Yep no longer! So, you may ask what kinds of things are you going to do...well here is my tentative list...feel free to make suggestions...
1. Cooking class at Central Market
2. Tour all the art museums besides my fave the Blanton which I tend to gravitate towards.
3. Kayaking on town lake
4. Dance class at Ballet Austin
5. walk the trails at the wildflower center
6. See a play or musical
7. See an orchestra concert at the Long Center
that's all I got. so let me know if you have any suggestions or if you want to join me on any of these adventures just let me know! thanks friends for supporting me in this pursuit.
Its funny dimples are actually a deformity..I know crazy but I just think now its funny how God can turn something that could have not been so cute into something that is so beautiful and fun. Much like He does with our brokenness- He can redeem our broken hearts and broken lives into something with such beauty that makes others around us see that there is hope.
..so I recreated this blog with a sole purpose... to hold me accountable to bringing my dimples back. I have a whole list of things that I haven't done in Austin that I have been saying I wanted to do for a while but have let life get in the way...
I was inspired by a couple of things the movie Julie/Julia project...check out the preview if you are curious. And of course my recent trip to Uganda, Africa. They do such an amazing celebrating life amongst community. I realized I need do this so much more. I have realized I have been letting life pass me by or hibernating for whatever reason. Yep no longer! So, you may ask what kinds of things are you going to do...well here is my tentative list...feel free to make suggestions...
1. Cooking class at Central Market
2. Tour all the art museums besides my fave the Blanton which I tend to gravitate towards.
3. Kayaking on town lake
4. Dance class at Ballet Austin
5. walk the trails at the wildflower center
6. See a play or musical
7. See an orchestra concert at the Long Center
that's all I got. so let me know if you have any suggestions or if you want to join me on any of these adventures just let me know! thanks friends for supporting me in this pursuit.
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