Transitions

Transition: The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

 My dad has been in the same business for over 30 years until today. He knew this industry like the back of his hand. He has spent my entire life, providing for our family, by promoting baby pictures. It's amazing that today, that came to an end.

It made me think about the transitions that I have undergone in my lifetime. The first major transition was going to college. What an amazing time for me. This is where I truly found what I believe and why. It was also the first time my faith had been tested to its breaking point. After 2 years at UNCW, I left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I didn't know where I was going to go, or what I was going to do....I remember how difficult it was to not know. I ended up at the University of Tennessee. Talk about a transition! I went from the beach to the mtns. I went from one of the worst softball programs in the nation to one of the best. I went from a manageable Spanish curriculum, to very difficult classes. I went from having friends, to having none. Did I adjust? Was it for the best? No doubt.

What about from undergrad to graduate school? That was a major transition. Until graduate school, I had never written more than a 10pg paper. One of my 1st assignments was to write a 35pg paper. I remember being totally overwhelmed. By the time I graduated, I had written a 137pg thesis.

From college to the real word? Extreme Transition. I went from wearing sweats everyday, to wearing heels. I went from wearing no make up, to buying one of everything at the Clinique counter. I learned how to soften my approach toward people (something I am still working on) and close a deal. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

And from Corporate America to marriage? I faced a lot of transition during this time. I left FL, moved to NC, found a new job, got married, and became a home owner. There were MANY growing pains as the two of us became one, but I am so much better for it. I also have 2 beautiful and amazing children because of it.

There are many lessons on this Earth that will take an eternity to learn. I believe one of them is that God's truth will never change, although our circumstances will. From one life's transition to another, God gives us a constant reminder that this too is only a season. Before we know it, we will have survived the cold, dreary, winter...and are ready to embrace the spring. Until then, I try to meditate on the lyrics written by Fred Hammond which say:

All things are working for me, even things I can't see
Your ways are so beyond me,
but You said that you would let it be for my good,
so I'll rest and just believe

The truth is He cannot lie,
I'm in His hands and I'm on his mind,
promised me He'd always be there,
so by faith He will answer my prayer

It helps to see how God has used my past transitions to move me into a better situation, in which I would have never put myself. Ultimately, for my good. Good luck Dad. You are amazing.

Commissioned

Somewhere along the way, I was challenged to write a life mission statement. This was written years ago, but still applies to my life today. This is what I came up with.

My life mission is to serve God. to be a living testimony of God's love to my family and my community. To be grounded in scripture, devoted to prayer, and always thankful for my countless blessings.

Running

For those of you who don't know, I used to be a college athlete at the University of Tennessee. That was many years ago, and now I am a wife and a mom to 2 little boys. I have spent the past few years being pregnant, which is not a motivating time work out. Needless to say, I haven't "hit the gym" in a few years. However, my college room mate asked me to do a 7 mile mud run with her in 4 weeks. I agreed. Mainly because it is going to give me a weekend away from everything, and give me the chance to laugh hysterically with an old friend. I need that from time to time.

In order to prepare for this race, I have been trying to run daily. This is how I came up with the idea to do a blog. While I am running, there are so many things that go through my head, that I would like to write about. Lyrics to songs, points in a sermon, observations throughout my day...each will probably, at some point, be reflected upon on this blog. I have to warn you, I am no one special. I am very ordinary and somewhat unique at the same time. However, maybe I have something to say that will inspire or encourage you. I thought this would be a good way to let people know who I am, what I do, how I struggle, how I grow, and what I am really about. Thank you for taking the time to read. May God bless you always.