Pouring Concrete...and Other Adventures

I just wanted to write a brief bit in honor of my boyfriend Andrew (who probably won't see this post until I show it to him Friday night). We have spent roughly five months together. Andrew thinks we started dating on 1-1-11, but I thought it was later than that. I think he knew all along what was happening, but I know I was a lot more hesitant. It doesn't really matter. We have enjoyed our time together and hope that more good times are yet to come. I decided to make a list of things I've done since meeting Andrew.

1. Biked on the Rail Trail

2. Watched an action movie in 3D (Thor)

3. Road a motorcycle

4. Road a 4-wheeler

5. Kayaked

6. Attended a Revival (I grew up Methodist, we didn't have those)

7. Helped pour concrete. Of all the items listed, this one is probably the most "out of my league". Aside from some very basic yard work, I am not exactly an expert on outdoor home improvement projects. I have to say it was pretty fun being messy outside all day for a productive cause.

Sometimes, I don't know why we're together or what purpose our relationship has in the greater scheme of things, but I am happier now than I've been in a long time. I hope I can add to this list later.

Anyways, that's my thought after a long weekend. After all this manual labor, I'm tired.

Come Monday

Today was the beginning of a new semester and my first summer school experience. I believe that I will be thankful for it next May sometime. In the meantime, I will carry on.

My brother returned from South Africa yesterday after spending ten days in Capetown and Johannesburg working with nonprofits. If you're friends with him on facebook, be sure to check out his pictures. He is a pretty good photographer...much better than I am :-).

Yesterday, I had an opportunity that I have not frequently had in the past two years...the opportunity to go to church and not be in such a state that I fall asleep in the middle of it. Maybe it's due to so often feeling "left out" of such things in the past two years that I am now enjoying it so much, but some things really stuck out to me yesterday that I feel compelled to blog about.

Here's my disclaimer: The words I post are my own thoughts (as uninformed as they perhaps might be) not meant to be the fuel for any argument or dispute.

The scripture yesterday was John 10: 1-18. You can look that up on www.biblegateway.com if you'd like. It's where Jesus compares Himself as shepherd and the people in the world as His sheep. As a child, I was always taught that Jesus is the good shepherd and we are His sheep. That's simple enough. However, Sunday I saw the first verse in that passage which reads, " “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber." John 10: 1. All my life I've been comparing myself to a sheep, and that's what I would strive to be. However, far too often, I relate myself more to the robber or thief. When the robber or thief comes in, the sheep scatter in fear. They know better than to trust that guy. Well, sometimes, I feel like I have the attitude equivalent to that of a robber or thief. At times, it is my notion to have a very sour attitude towards people in general. Having that kind of an attitude towards people does not incline anyone to follow the "Good Shepherd". It does not further the kingdom of God in anyway whatsoever. Putting on a cynical, at times ruthless, attitude towards people is easy. It's easy to wall myself off to a point where people can't get to me, where you can say what you want but it doesn't matter because I really don't care enough to even take it into consideration...where the herd can't reach me either for that matter....but the Shepherd can. I can hide from people, but I can't hide from Him. Right now, I feel like every day is a challenge not to be that robber or thief who sabotage's the Shepherd's efforts...or the things He has given me in my life. I'm thankful for the people in my life who have put forth effort to keep me connected in some way. Your efforts aren't fruitless.

New Life

Today is the first weekend that I haven't worked in a very long time. I worked weekend nights for nearly two years. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my job...it's not about job satisfaction, it's about life. I'm going to church today on Sunday morning, and I'm not going to fall asleep in the middle of it because I worked the night before or that my Circadian rhythms are so out of whack that I can barely stay awake for more than two or three hours before needing to collapse and take a nap.

My brother is coming back from South Africa today. I am excited to hear about his trip. This is his first trip out of the country. Sounds like some fairly exciting stuff.

Well, I'm off to shower and start my day. I have a few things I want to do today before my brother gets home.

Life Is Good

I started this blog over a year ago, and I had every intention of writing on a regular basis. However, it was put on the back burner due to lack of inspiration and the demands of graduate school. Now, that my dear friend Christa has a blog, I think it is time to start writing again. I think it will be a more fulfilling experience with someone to share with :-).

Right now, I am about to embark on my first summer school experience. I was a very "traditional" student while pursuing my undergraduate degree, and spent my summers working. This will be a new experience. I'm also starting a new job as a graduate assistant leaving behind my position at the hospital.

I am blessed to have met a wonderful man I call my boyfriend Andrew. We were set up by one of my good friends who is married to his cousin. Andrew has helped me see some things in my life and has helped me rally the confidence and motivation to step out and make some changes that are proving to be really good for my life. Andrew has also introduced me to some new hobbies that have been rather enjoyable as well. Right now, we are very much into bike riding on the rail trails in West Virginia. I highly recommend http://www.traillink.com/home.aspx for information on trails in your area.

It is my hope that this blog gives me the chance to get some ideas out in the open and provides a place for friends to keep in touch in an environment that is less public than perhaps facebook.