Encouraged

Every January my company goes through a year-end review with every employee.  Seems logical considering in a company of more than 10,000 employees it's impossible to keep track of the accomplishments people achieve and struggles they face.  However, I'm not a huge fan of this process for several reasons:

1)  It's very time consuming updating a very unfriendly form with repetitious information

2)  Everyone is compared on a bell curve against everyone else regardless of job position/description

3)  If you haven't been with the company for more than 2-3 years, it's impossible to get a good rating

4)  Unless a project is your idea, you will never get credit for it.  Even if you're the one that implements the process changes and does all of the leg work.

Needless to say, this left me slightly bitter and very discouraged yesterday after meeting with my boss (who, by the way, is no longer my manager).  I felt like all my accomplishments in 2013 were completely overshadowed by comments such as, "She's still a new employee", "That idea wasn't necessarily her idea"...  Hearing these things really de-motivated me. 

After venting to my dad about everything that went wrong he simply reminded me of everything I have going right for me.  (One thing I absolutely love about my dad is his encouragement and constant optimism... something I really need to work on)  First, he assured me I was being way too hard on myself (a comment like this coming from the guy where a 98 on an exam was never quite good enough meant a lot).  He followed up with:

In the moment, sure, I was disappointed.  Heck, I guess I still am.  But, one thing my dad helped me to remember is I have a relationship with the Creator of the universe and He doesn't want me to compare myself to other people. 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world..." Romans 12:2

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?  Or am I trying to please man?  If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."  Galatians 1:10

So, that’s my challenge to you and my challenge to me.  Don’t allow the world to define who you are.  Don’t allow their ratings discourage you.  Seek the approval of God first and allow that to be the only rating that defines you.

Always...

Oh my God
He will not delay
My refuge and strength, always...

It thrills me to see God moving in my life and in my relationships.  I'm so humbled by the people who have been delicately placed into my life-story.  Tonight I had the opportunity to spend time with a good friend and just talk.  We vented, we laughed, we caught up; it was wonderful.  Then this song came to my head. 

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You...

No matter how chaotic life gets; no matter how overwhelming days are; no matter how stressful work is; no matter what, God shows up and proves Himself to be greater than any circumstance the world throws at me by blessing me with incredible people to do life with. 

I will not fear the war,
I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way... 

Christ is closer than I make Him to be.  He cares deeper than any earthly relationship will offer.  That's pretty unfathomable to me, especially after nights like these when I'm so refreshed and in awe of the earthly relationships in my life.  Then I'm reminded - these relationships are rooted in Christ which dramatically changes the playing field.  Needless to say, God is so gracious.  I am so blessed.

I will not fear
His promise is true
My God will come through, always...

Anchorversary

I feel so blessed and thankful to open my home for The Anchor's Collective practice.  Tonight, they did this song that sent chills up my spine.  I had to go into the living room to hear more clearly and find out what song it was!  To my surprise, it is an original that is incredibly moving.

Truly, truly
You're making all things new

Surely, Surely
You've paved the way to You

The cross has pardoned every grievance

What sin had severed
Grace has mended

The death that shatters
The Son has ended

He gives me rest when these bones are weary

Emmanuel, God with us
Emmanuel, brushes off the dust

Lovely, lovely
The way You've called me Yours

Mercy, Mercy
My soul is made secure

I'm kneeling sinner, You stand me blameless

Like nothing, nothing
These waves You walk upon

Jesus, Jesus
How can my shame be gone

You must be Savior, this must be gospel

I will call upon the Son
And He will chase away the wolves

It is so easy to take for granted everything God blesses us with.  Jesus calls me His. 

I belong to the Creator of the universe... 
...the only one that can cleanse me of all my junk... 
....the provider of the impossible... 
.....the redeemer of the undeserving... 
......the answer for the confused... 
.......the rest for the weary and heavy laden
Whatever it may be, God supplies.  All we have to do is simply ask.  I'm in awe of His majesty. 

I am so thankful to be involved in such an incredible church that overpours with talent.  Thanks, guys, for this reminder tonight...

Reminiscent

This was a weekend to remember. It was quiet; it was calm; it was needed. After a long and rough week at work, I needed a 'lax weekend to just recharge.

Friday...
A night that started by sharing dinner with my boyfriend and then later enjoying the company of my sister and her friend while playing games and laughing. This past week my sister has been slightly out of commission because she was bit by a cat and had surgery on her finger. So, while it seems insignificant, surgery on a finger can really put a damper on everyday routines (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). As terrible as it may sound, this incident has been a really great thing for my family. It allowed us to bond at the hospital and continues to grow the relationship between Tracy and I as she needs to rely a lot more on people for things. (Hey, I'm not complaining! I'll do almost anything to spend time with my sister!) Anyway... back to my weekend.

Saturday...
I was very content with staying in my PJ's all day and doing little to nothing. So, Scott joined me and we watched a movie and lounged until I decided to do laundry and saw my mess of a garage. It was then that I decided it would be a good idea to rearrange the mess. Well, as opposed to this idea as Scott was, he couldn't just watch; so, he came to help. What I saw as a small task turned into a huge project; but, the outcome was very rewarding -- I can actually see the floor! We ended the day by going to my parents house to share dinner and play cards - always a fun time to be had by all! Saturday night, Tracy came back to my place to spend the night (really, she just wanted to use my Internet, but like I said, I'll take what I can get!)...

Sunday...
To my surprise, Tracy accompanied me to church and after we spent the afternoon with some friends while enjoying tacos and laughs! I concluded the weekend laying by the pool and spending more time with Tracy.  We played Dominoes and then I washed her hair, remember, she's gimp! But it was absolutely hysterical.

Just some moments I don't want to forget with family and friends I couldn't be more thankful for.

Four

Today marks four months from when Scott asked me to be his girlfriend, ever so sweetly. It's almost hard to believe it's been four months but, he continues to spoil me and makes me feel like the luckiest girl around. Last night was no different. I have had a pretty rough week at work and I was feeling pretty defeated. So, after work I went to the Links to spend some time with Steph and Noah while Scott went to class. When I got home, I began heating some dinner and studying. It wasn't long before my pups started going nuts and there was a knock on my door. If you know me at all, you know this startled me and altogether freaked me out. Hesitantly, I got up to look through my newly installed peephole... SCOTT! He never knocks, ever! Without skipping a beat, I quickly unlocked the door to let him in. As if that wasn't surprise enough... Four roses, Dunkin dark roast, cinnamon rolls, and hot chocolate filled his hands. Yeah, maybe he was a day early, but it is just what I needed - his surprise visit was more than welcomed to pull me away from studying.

Time may be flying by; but, I feel so blessed to be sharing my life with such a sweet guy!

2014: A New Year

As 2014 begins, I can't help but be overwhelmed with excitement for all the goodness that is to come.  I rang in the new year with some of the greatest friends: people that graciously opened their hearts to me only about four months ago.  They accepted me as I am and didn't skip a beat with allowing friendships to be formed.  I shared a kiss with my best friend and then proceeded to dance the night away.  I'm blessed to be loved and accepted by such wonderful people.

Left to right: Adrian, Alyssa, Bobby,
Adri, me, Scott, John, Shara)

Scott and me <3

So, while everyone is busy making New Year's resolutions, I'm going to do mine a little differently.  This year, I am going to try to blog weekly.  I really enjoy writing thoughts regardless if anyone stumbles upon and reads them.  This is going to be challenging as I don't always know what to write about; but I'm excited for the challenge! 

Here's to 2014 A new year with great things in store!  Cheers!

2013 in recap

So, I meant to post this on Tuesday, the 31st, but time slipped away and I forgot... So, here goes it...

This has been one of the best years of my life. It started off rough with so many questions, lots of confusion, and resulted in me making one of the biggest/hardest decisions I've ever encountered. I've learned how to trust; I've learned how to let go; I've learned how to forgive. But following the heartache, following the pain, I came out on top and couldn't be happier than I am today.  So, I'd be remiss if I didn't embrace both the bad and the good from this year. It's all shaped me to be the woman I am today.

"Pain lasts only a night - joy comes in the morning" 

Christ proved this verse in more ways than I could fathom this year.  He showed me His love and mercy time after time and provided me Hope.

January - March:  Breakup and heartache

April:  Keys with the greatest family; bridal shower for my best friend

May:  Jacksonville with two of my greatest friends

June:  Patmos Awakening - a challenging, much-needed wake up call.

July:  Surprise birthday party; passed my first section of the CPA

August:  North Carolina/Tennessee; met the love of my life

September:  The adventure with Scott began

November:  Disney with Scott

December:  Christmas combined with Scott's family and my family; birth of NOAH COLOMA LINK!

Needless to say, I have been blessed beyond measure.  2013 was a great year filled with travel, new friendships, and love; but, I know 2014 is going to be incredible!  I can't wait to see it unfold!