I do not even know where to begin because, as usual, it has been so long!
I finished classes in Valdosta the first of May and was super proud of myself~ I finished with an A and 2 Bs! Chem I, Chem II and Physics II
Finishing school in Valdosta has really given me a lot of time to settle in here in Birmingham. Blanton and I have visited a church we both love, Church of the Highlands, and look forward to getting involved. It is super huge and contemporary BUT we love it. And you can join us any service ONLINE! It truly is a worship experience like no other.
We have both committed ourselves to a new life together. The past months have been a struggle. Depression has been kicking my behind, but I am determined to move beyond it. Our commitment to one another involves a healthy lifestyle, committed to Christ and staying healthy.
We have found some great outdoor activities the dogs love too! There are a few great running courses at Veterans Park near us and also some great hiking at Moss Rock Preserve. The pups LOVE Moss Rock because they can run the paths and swim in the creek with no leashes.
Cam came to stay with us the first week of June while Saralyn has a class she had to take. We had a great time, as usual even though Blanton had to work most of the week. We had a playdate with the Williamson children while Mommy went to the Dr, we had pedicures, played in the pool and went to the Regions Classic. The highlight of the tournament was Cam getting an autograph and her picture taken with Dr. Condolezza Rick. She got autographs from so many others too, including Freddy Couples, Taylor Hicks and so many more!
We ended the month of June with the annual family vacation to the beach. This year was Mom and Pryor's year. Tons and fun and maybe soon I will get better at getting pics into my posts. We spent the 4th of July in Birmingham, going downtown to watch the fireworks at the Vulcan with new friends Mattye LaSuer and Woody Woodcock who are getting married in November!
I have spent a lot of time the past few months crying... happy tears, sad tears and angry tears. But I believe tears are cleansing. I do struggle with mild to moderate depression and some days are better than others. But I truly believe I have overcome a huge mountain and God is giving me the strength to move forward.
I began working at Brooks Brothers as a sales associate on July 2. BB is a tremendous company and I could not ask for better work associates. Does my future belong in retail? Only God knows the story of tomorrow.
James 1:2-3 (NLT) “Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
God’s ways are higher than our ways and most human reactions are in direct opposition to the paradoxical ways of God. Honestly, there are times when what He has asked me to do simply does not make sense – to me. And there we find the problem. Faith is a matter of blind obedience, not human logic. At the heart of every storm is victory – waiting to be claimed!
What storm is raging in your life today? What step do you need to take in order to experience His strength for that storm? Your Father stands ready to meet you in your darkest hour. He longs to wrap His arms around you until the winds die down and the waves are stilled. Right now – surrender. Celebrate the storm that dashed your battered life on the shores of His unyielding love and let Him give you the strength to stand firm.
GiG post July 11
Today is great, tomorrow will be better and the days only God can see will be the best.
I write all of this to those who read so that I may be held accountable. Just like I decided to verbalize another goal today so that it becomes real and so that I may be held accountable.
I will be registering for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Feb 22-24, 2013 and I cannot be more excited. This is a HUGE goal for me, a bucket list item as such. Running does not come natural for me. It is a commitment I am making to myself, to remind me that giving up when it gets tough only puts you back at the starting line, no closer to the finish.
I know my posts may seem redundant, but again, this is my way of reminding myself what is important to me and in this life. Thank you to my family, my friends and most importantly Blanton, for loving me through the times I need it most. Depression is not easily overcome, and most certainly not alone.
Show God's love to someone today
We not only need God in the midst of the storm, we need each other. The essence of love is tested within the context of relationships. Paul writes that we must “prove” ourselves by being patient and kind. How we handle relationships exhibits the depth and validity of God’s love at work in and through us.
Ephesians 4: 2-3 (NCV) “Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.”
GiG post July 11
much love
xoxo
