Sometimes Life Just Isn't Pretty

I know God has more in store for my life than where I am now.
And, I am going to cling to that hope with faith and wait and do my best to get there with His grace and love and discipline and help.

Vacation

Taking a vacation away from home is always good for my body, mind, and soul. And, the beach seems to be a great place to rest and get back in tune. I was thinking tonight (after being here since Tuesday) about how easy it is to lose myself in all of the busy-ness. I know that I shouldn't ever let the crazy aspects of life, like my job, carry me so far away from what's important to me and what makes me who I am. But it does. And sometimes it doesn't take very long.

Kim came and spent a couple of days with me. And, it is always a blessing to have time by ourselves together. She is as busy as I am in her everyday life. And, being at the beach, we're both away from distractions like doggies and houses and work. And, it's nice. We laugh a lot. And we talk. She makes things fun.

My mom came this afternoon. And, it's hard not to feel like I just don't have enough time with her. My mom is better at not being too busy. So, time with her usually is quality time. We just haven't had enough of it the past few years. She came up to Nashville in May, and it was one of the best weeks ever. She and Amy and I had a really fun time together. I am looking forward to the rest of my time here, with her!

I read The Help. I think I will read it again. What a great book. I enjoyed reading every page.

The moon has been beautiful. The water crystal clear.
I love the warm sand and can stay out there for hours and hours, reading and listening to the waves. It really is amazing to look out at the vastness of the ocean. And it's hard to believe I have been gone from this area so long. I actually go YEARS without coming to the beach. It is only an hour from Mobile, but I don't come over when I am down. I said the last time I was here (in July 2007) that I would not wait so long again.

I saw the most beautiful shooting star I have ever seen.

The past year went by very, very fast and was full of ups and downs. Good and bad. Wonderful and exciting along with difficult and painful and yucky. I think that I have finally learned some things I should have learned years ago...but I know them now. And, for that I am thankful. Maybe one day soon I will write more about some of those things. But for now, I am headed to bed. My mom and I have a day at the beach together just waiting for us tomorrow.

Some people tend the be givers and some takers. I hope that I am not solely a taker to anyone in my life.

Thankful for this day for many reasons.

Thankful that work was short and sweet.
Thankful for no rain and a long, long, long walk.
Thankful that Erin shares sweet stories about Mozambique that warm my heart.
Thankful for Murphy and his fussy company.
Thankful for unexpected surprises.
Thankful for the sweetness left by my mom visiting.
Thankful that my house did not flood.
Thankful that God saw it to give me another day.
Thankful that my boss is adapting his approach.
Thankful for all that life has to offer.
Thankful for hope! hope! Hope!

just read this

If she's amazing, she won't be easy. If she's easy, she won't be amazing. If she's worth it, you won't give up. If you give up, you're not worthy.

I think our parents were right about the significance of our choice of friends and that you can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps.

I am thankful for undeserved forgiveness on a large and small scale, from God and people.