alone

like walking in a desert all alone.

nothing for miles and miles.

never ending.

nothing but sand, sand, sand.

uncomfortable and far too much of it.

try to run away from it.

it's everywhere.

maybe i'll wear better shoes

one's that trap the sand from perturbing inside

waste

i do not want to be a waste.

simply just another wrapper or crumpled up napkin.

use life wisely.

friends

well hello. i haven't written on here in quite some time. recently, i have become aware of the beauty in friendships. friendship is something so captivating and something so freeing about the community of laughing, loving, and even crying together. i have recently had the opportunity to meet some pretty outstanding people who are held very close to my heart.

"i awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new"

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

www.connectforthecure.net

these three boys + one driver are biking across america beginning this past sunday and ending at the end of july. coast to coast. they are raising money ($100,000) to cure diabetes. as i think about the enormous impact they are making, i am in awe. visit their website (see above) to learn more about it or to support them!

strength.

i have not written on this blogspot for a long time. as i read the past post's, it encouraged me to write on a more frequent basis, than just once a year. recently, i have learned the true meaning of strength. what exactly does strength mean? what measures strength? does it reflect the amount of strength one can lift in the weight room? not always. as i go through each day, conquering each experience, and as i meet more and more people, with a different story, i learn what strength is.

take running a marathon for example. i believe that this is one definition of strength. to be able to run that many miles, one has to truly trust in God. my best friend and i ran one this past weekend. i ran it to fundraise and bring up the attention of human trafficking in greece. in those long runs, my motive was "i am running for something greater than myself, my personal pain isn't as great as these girls in greece." with many complications along the way, we finished that race strong, relying on God (and our sports beans)

i met a quite incredible individual over the weekend who is the true definition of strength. this young man went though a very severe car accident, which damaged his brain, that ultimately has altered the rest of his life. five years later, he is still fighting, keeping the faith, and is strong. wow. what an amazing testimony to himself and to others. rather, an inspiration.

strength.

fuel

what is it that fuels us? what is it that fuels us as christians? what is holding us back? temptation? lust? greed? when we are passionately in love with God, He is going to take us places. be prepared. sometimes it doesn't look like a promising path, it might be difficult, but continue to follow God. do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed and renewed because when we stay conformed, it's hard to hear God's voice... distant. ask yourself, what's Christ's goal for my life? there is a goal. don't let your past get in the way. let go of the mentality that "your past is holding you back." past's should not dictate our lives and keep us held captive. instead, we are called to let go of our past, however painful, and keep our eyes focused on what is ahead and to come. when we begin focusing on who we are to become, it is not about the title at all. instead, it's about who are we becoming in Christ's eyes...our character. we need to lay aside immaturity...this is key. do you want wisdom? are you passionate about getting wisdom? have a teachable spirit, don't walk with pride, but instead hold your head high with humility. be excited for the good doings in other people's lives. be cautious of the people you surround yourself with. make sure you have people that will keep your accountable and constantly on check. now, this doesn't mean that since we are christians, that we are to be completely shut off from the world in our own little bubble. no. wrong. we are still called to be connected to the world. how are you ever supposed to make a difference, help the poor, help the broken-hearted if you don't connect yourself to the world? where are we at when it comes to being responsible? press on towards the goal.... this is also key. let this fuel you.

thanksgiving

it does not have to be thanksgiving to give thanks. i am thankful now. february 20. yep. 

blessed

in the past month, a lot has occurred and a lot of it has been a bit overwhelming. it is times like these where i find myself totally running to God and letting him take control. why does this only happen in the hard times? that's not correct. without Him, i am lost. both good and bad happened. gain of one the loss of another. in the midst of all the craziness did i realize how truly blessed i am. the friends He has placed in my life for one are incredible. i definitely began to take advantage of specific things i had been blessed with. i had to put myself in check and realize that how i went about situations was horrible. not everything was going to go my way but realize that i'm blessed with what i have.

NOTE: this is an incomplete thought.