Am I Gonna Miss Something?

We become so busy with all the things life throws our way... it is rare to stop for a moment to let it all in or just to simply breathe.

2013 has been nothing short so far of a race.... it is already racing by as we hopefully end winter soon (I don't care that the groundhog saw his shadow.... winter will end soon-- I know it ;-) ).

I know last year before I got to take a "step out" and be in New York and the opportunities job wise that came from it-- by coming on with Samsung, which also meant coming back to the place I have spent 10 years of my life. Coming back has been very different, and I think it has been a good different. I realize what I can do, and where I can go.... and that I am not confined to a small town or a place of complacency. God will let me go to big places and there is nothing wrong with dreaming big if you have a plan. I have so many amazing and talented friends who have amazing things going on in their lives: 2 of my very best friends are getting married (no, not to each other :-) )... and one of those just got a great new job. Another friend is gearing up to take his exams at the end of this week to become a CPA (Okay, I am pretty sure that is what it is... I know it has 3 parts and this is for the 3rd part); Another friend of mine is waiting for her 2nd baby to be born this week (yay Carlene and Drew).... and then there are more... a dear friend applying to nursing schools, another friend just filmed a pilot for a show he has been working on in front of and behind the cameras.  My dear friend also just got engaged the other day and I couldn't be happier for her.  Then a friend from NYC (we worked together at Verizon) transferred to California, in the awesome city of Hollywood. This is a big year for people and life is just zooming by.

In all of this.... how often do we stop and PRAISE God for these things? Or are we just so focused on continuing to pray for wants and needs? I know it is easier to give God our "list" instead of our thanks. I am not saying I am not guilty of this, because I very much am. I am also not taking away the value of the amazing things happening, because they really are all amazing and I know with all these things people's hearts are fully in these things and these are dreams, loves, passions, desires of their hearts. It makes me reflect on the things God has brought into my life this past year and the things I am still striving for. I don't desire to stay in a small town forever. I want to continue to grow spiritually, personally, professionally... and seek things to better myself. I don't compare myself to others, just to myself... and wanting to be a better version of myself. I want to make an impact for Jesus, I want to do amazing things job wise. While I miss New York City  terribly these days, I know God does things for a reason when he puts up every sign and makes certain roads very narrow... I know I am supposed to be here in California and I am very much at peace for that. As I figure out what that means.... how my job fits in to that, my career goals, finishing my MBA, and my ministry desires... I still feel as though with life going SO fast, and the pace picks up the older I get.... am I gonna miss something? Have I already? Do I stop enough to listen to what I need to hear. My mom posted something on her facebook recently and it was very interesting (and I don't normally seriously comment on her postings-- sorry Mom)... but that "listen" and "silent" both have the same amount of letters in them and use the same letters.... these are two words I don't exercise enough in my relationships with people or with God. I am too busy "GOING" all the time. I may just miss something if I don't stop, listen, and sometimes just be silent.

2013 is gonna fly by... isn't it?

I think since the moment I touched the ground in December after coming back from New York, my life has been nothing but busy (or sick). January proved to show that 2013 is going to be one crazy year. Work has been going well and sent me to a whirlwind trip to Dallas. Definitely wish I saw more of the place before flying out, but hey.... if I go back to Texas... I think I want to go visit Austin.

Just last weekend I ran a 5k in LA (well 75% run since I am still recovering slowly from bronchitis) and went to the happiest (and most expensive) place on earth. I still don't know how a family of 4 can afford it now that it is $125 per day for a park hopper pass (PER PERSON). It was a great weekend with great friends and a much needed weekend. My first 5k for 2013, and no complaints. It was so much fun and my college friend and her husband (10 years and counting) came up from Irvine as well to run with me. For those of you who have Facebook I know I inundated the pages with the pictures.

Please be in prayer for some things: Staying healthy. I can never ask enough for that ;-) Also, prayers for our youth ministries at church and our church as a whole as the search continues for a youth and family pastor after Aaron and Heather moved to Washington back in the Fall, leaving a very big hole. Prayers for the students as they continue to adapt to changes and so many have stepped up and taken ownership which is such a blessing. Prayers for our Mexico team.... this is so near and dear to my heart and I am sad I can not be in two places at once this summer to be there and involved with another commitment... prayers as the team prepares and as we fundraise a very high amount for this summer. Prayers that the lives our team encounters this summer will see Jesus in such an amazing way through service.

Prayers for friends: A friend completing his CPA exams this month.... prayers for nerves and to be ready and then for after in job direction; prayers for one of my best friend's getting married and going into a new job.... prayers she would not be so stressed out and that she would enjoy these amazing new chapters in her life. Prayers for a friend applying to Nursing schools.

Thanks guys!