As it is Memorial Day weekend, I've been thinking a lot about those who serve in some capacity to fight and defend this country whether here, locally, or around the world. Particularly in my own life, Isaac comes to mind, and the thoughts of how much I am thankful for him. There truly are no words to express my gratitude for not only his service in the Army and the hard work he's putting in to becoming a Police Officer, but the love and and dedication he has towards me and our life together.
He has not been "shipped overseas" (yet, and I hope never) or endured the grueling agony of participating in the tours to Iraq or Afghanistan, but he has devoted, tirelessly, his time, his heart, and his life to the causes of this country and this community. Though only a short time serving in both capacities, as he is nearly only 28, I have seen him grow and blossom and reach upward, since he was 17. Not once has he stopped grasping the call on his life and not once I envision will he. He is full of achievement to the highest level.
I have seen his one small bag with just a toothbrush to tote while traveling to Boot Camp turn into a mound of defense gear, weaponry, uniforms, books, badges, and boots, which then led, and will lead, to graduations and new careers. He is the man, my man, of my life. And I am very proud of him.
Not only am I honored to be a part of his journey in the realm of his career (and not just because he serves in very honorable positions), but I am blessed to be a part of his regular, every-day life. It actually wouldn't matter what kind of career he had or where his passions lied, the fact of the matter is that he represents the epitome of integrity, humility, peace, nobility, laughter, determination, grace, and truth. He is kind, he is caring, he is gentle, and he is like no other I know.
He has taught me so much about what marriage is and means and the simplicity of love. And moreover he has lived out dedication to the highest level. He is my hero. And if there were one man I had to call on to demonstrate God's humanity, it would be him.
I say this with deep sincerity: I truly don't think I could have found a better man than Isaac. To God and him I thank for giving me a life of fulfillment, grace, adventure, and love.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Pushing Through
The other day I was thinking about pushing through and what it means for me, and perhaps others who experience similar challenges.
In particular, I've been challenged lately in three very common areas: the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
The hardest part of a challenge is when you get to that point where it's actually hard. That would be the point of a challenge, of course. The beginning is a piece of cake because the excitement has been built up. The end is easy because you're almost done. The middle, however, is where the "meat and potatoes are," as one of my professors at SEU used to say. The middle is where you do the grueling, tiresome, long-houred work that often prompts you to lose your focus and give up. The middle is where you lack motivation because you don't see results and it is the place where there often seems to be no life. The beginning and end are the salad or vegetables, if you will, but the middle is where you will do the hardest, most difficult, and most challenging work.
The middle is the hardest place to be because you don't want to look like that failure if you give up mid-stream or let other people see your vulernability. The middle is long, drawn-out, and often times can be boring and tedious, which actually could be the very reasons it is made "hard." Sometimes what's hard about it is the very fact that whatever you're doing can be boring and tedious, and trying to stay focused when something is boring and tedioius is one of the hardest things to do. But it's part of the course.
When each of us completes a goal, we go through these stages: beginning, middle, and end.
I've been challenging myself physically, these past few months, where I've been trying to push my body to do things that it's never done before--to surpass limits it's never known and to make it reach greater heights beyond anything I've ever felt. To see great results -- (yeah we'll see how that pans out LOL).
I've been challenging myself mentally, these past few months, to gain knowledge and understanding about exercise science and what it takes to become a personal trainer. I've been studying and reading my books in an attempt to learn the intricate details of the human body so that I can execute and design programs for people who want to better their own bodies.
And lastly, but most importantly, I've been trying to challenge myself spiritually by reading the Bible, which I've never done, in chronological order. This consists of a few chapters each day.
I say all this to tell you that in each of these scenarios and more, there comes a point in any challenge you face that in order to see those results and get to the "good stuff," you inevitably must come to a crossroads where you have to literally force yourself to continue on. For it is in that moment when you feel least like doing the task at hand that you find the greatest reward--in the middle.
It is in that moment on the bike at the gym where spinning on level 14 is killing your legs and you feel you have nothing left to give. Press on. It is in that moment where you're in Chapter 11 of 19 in your text book and everything is blurring together and nothing makes sense. Press on. It is in the chapters of the Bible like Leviticus and Deuteronomy where you're reading schedule requires studying Chapters 8-10 and they're all about every intricate detail of how the tabernacle was made, which doesn't spark your interest at all. Press on.
We all know that no one is perfect. We all do tend to give up from time to time. We all try our best, take breaks, and restrategize. But yet, we all do fail ocassionally as well. But if we push through to stand up when we're on the ground and can barely get up, we will rise and walk to the finish line.
In particular, I've been challenged lately in three very common areas: the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
The hardest part of a challenge is when you get to that point where it's actually hard. That would be the point of a challenge, of course. The beginning is a piece of cake because the excitement has been built up. The end is easy because you're almost done. The middle, however, is where the "meat and potatoes are," as one of my professors at SEU used to say. The middle is where you do the grueling, tiresome, long-houred work that often prompts you to lose your focus and give up. The middle is where you lack motivation because you don't see results and it is the place where there often seems to be no life. The beginning and end are the salad or vegetables, if you will, but the middle is where you will do the hardest, most difficult, and most challenging work.
The middle is the hardest place to be because you don't want to look like that failure if you give up mid-stream or let other people see your vulernability. The middle is long, drawn-out, and often times can be boring and tedious, which actually could be the very reasons it is made "hard." Sometimes what's hard about it is the very fact that whatever you're doing can be boring and tedious, and trying to stay focused when something is boring and tedioius is one of the hardest things to do. But it's part of the course.
When each of us completes a goal, we go through these stages: beginning, middle, and end.
I've been challenging myself physically, these past few months, where I've been trying to push my body to do things that it's never done before--to surpass limits it's never known and to make it reach greater heights beyond anything I've ever felt. To see great results -- (yeah we'll see how that pans out LOL).
I've been challenging myself mentally, these past few months, to gain knowledge and understanding about exercise science and what it takes to become a personal trainer. I've been studying and reading my books in an attempt to learn the intricate details of the human body so that I can execute and design programs for people who want to better their own bodies.
And lastly, but most importantly, I've been trying to challenge myself spiritually by reading the Bible, which I've never done, in chronological order. This consists of a few chapters each day.
I say all this to tell you that in each of these scenarios and more, there comes a point in any challenge you face that in order to see those results and get to the "good stuff," you inevitably must come to a crossroads where you have to literally force yourself to continue on. For it is in that moment when you feel least like doing the task at hand that you find the greatest reward--in the middle.
It is in that moment on the bike at the gym where spinning on level 14 is killing your legs and you feel you have nothing left to give. Press on. It is in that moment where you're in Chapter 11 of 19 in your text book and everything is blurring together and nothing makes sense. Press on. It is in the chapters of the Bible like Leviticus and Deuteronomy where you're reading schedule requires studying Chapters 8-10 and they're all about every intricate detail of how the tabernacle was made, which doesn't spark your interest at all. Press on.
We all know that no one is perfect. We all do tend to give up from time to time. We all try our best, take breaks, and restrategize. But yet, we all do fail ocassionally as well. But if we push through to stand up when we're on the ground and can barely get up, we will rise and walk to the finish line.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Young Hearts
Today I was looking at pictures of my cousin's senior prom on facebook. I can't believe she is a senior in high school and graduating this year. I wanted to leave a comment on her album like, "cherish every moment" or "enjoy every second because it goes by so quickly" but I felt it too cliche and typical. I may say it, when the timing is right again, but for then I did not want to ruin her moment with a comment that would already get her thinking about the future.
I never thought I'd think, or let alone say to someone, that they should cherish every moment or enjoy the memories while they last because I'm somewhat use to people still saying it to me. I don't know if I thought I really wouldn't get older (how dumb is that) or that by the time it was time for me to say it, there would be this cosmic revelation about society whereby the people from my generation would never be considered part of the aging factor. Clearly, I was too "young" to grasp reality. Gosh, how quickly time does go by.
As much as I don't want to admit that I'm getting older, I am. Yes everybody, I'm still young--27--but not 17 with a salad bar of choices on the cusp of my fingertips. I am not in high school anymore. I can't do backflips like I used to. I don't have college choices weighing on my shoulders or college degrees to pick from. I can't just pick up and move cross-country to enroll in a new vocational internship or take three weeks off in the summer to explore Europe. The reality is I have a mortgage to pay, student loans to bear, car payments, and many unforseen doctor bills, car maitenance, and appliance repair bills that will probably come my way at some point in the future. For most of you this too will become inevitable at some stage in your life unless you audition for American Idol and get to the top four or something.
I do not have any major regrets, but perhaps I would have gone to a cheaper college, picked a different degree, or waited to buy a house (who knew the market would crash). Some things are unpredictable and you just can't help it. But you can help the degree you pick, the college you go to, the places you live, the jobs you take, the people you associate yourself with, and the dreams you fulfill.
To the young at heart, be young. Live with no fear. Start over if you're halfway there, but it's not really what you wanted to do. Be bold. Get involved. Stay out late once or twice. And know that when someone says "Cherish every moment", they mean it. Because the future will be there tomorrow, and today is your day to make the memory you choose for it.
I never thought I'd think, or let alone say to someone, that they should cherish every moment or enjoy the memories while they last because I'm somewhat use to people still saying it to me. I don't know if I thought I really wouldn't get older (how dumb is that) or that by the time it was time for me to say it, there would be this cosmic revelation about society whereby the people from my generation would never be considered part of the aging factor. Clearly, I was too "young" to grasp reality. Gosh, how quickly time does go by.
As much as I don't want to admit that I'm getting older, I am. Yes everybody, I'm still young--27--but not 17 with a salad bar of choices on the cusp of my fingertips. I am not in high school anymore. I can't do backflips like I used to. I don't have college choices weighing on my shoulders or college degrees to pick from. I can't just pick up and move cross-country to enroll in a new vocational internship or take three weeks off in the summer to explore Europe. The reality is I have a mortgage to pay, student loans to bear, car payments, and many unforseen doctor bills, car maitenance, and appliance repair bills that will probably come my way at some point in the future. For most of you this too will become inevitable at some stage in your life unless you audition for American Idol and get to the top four or something.
I do not have any major regrets, but perhaps I would have gone to a cheaper college, picked a different degree, or waited to buy a house (who knew the market would crash). Some things are unpredictable and you just can't help it. But you can help the degree you pick, the college you go to, the places you live, the jobs you take, the people you associate yourself with, and the dreams you fulfill.
To the young at heart, be young. Live with no fear. Start over if you're halfway there, but it's not really what you wanted to do. Be bold. Get involved. Stay out late once or twice. And know that when someone says "Cherish every moment", they mean it. Because the future will be there tomorrow, and today is your day to make the memory you choose for it.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Weekend Update
I so look forward to the weekends and I surely hate when they are over. Isaac and I are having a great weekend (listen, just because it is Sunday does not mean it is over already!). It's one of those ones where truly nothing is of utmost importance and you just get to fly by the seat of your pants and do whatever you want. It has been that kind of a weekend.
We went to Logan's on Friday night. I was feelin' good after my Cardio Interval class, meanwhile Isaac needed a relaxer from the Gas test he encountered earlier that day--it is one of the things he has to pass in the Academy. If you're interested about what it was, you should ask him. I'm sure he'd be MORE than happy to tell you about it. :) So, sitting on the deck at Logan's was nice and chatting over a few glasses of wine overlooking the nice lake was enjoyable. When we got home he passed out and went to bed and I caught up on my DVRings.
Waking up on Saturday was uneventful. I put on a pot of coffee, we did some devotions, relaxed, I studied a bit, and then we went and looked at some trucks. I came home and went to the grocery store while Isaac dropped his car off at Acura. It needed some serious work. Then, I made some lasagna and Mom and Pop came over for dinner. The dinner was followed by brownies and ice cream. Simple pleasures. We dined in our new dining room, and mom and I talked the night away. It was so great catching up and just relaxing.
Today we've just been lounging around...went to go get some Starbucks and came home to watch an Elevation Church sermon (I loathe telling you we skipped church). The sermon was great. It was on dreams.
This afternoon I find myself settling down to my study materials and writing to you. And, after a brutal jog in this beginner's May heat, I opened my Health magazine to find a simple but brilliant article on how to "Have Your Most Relaxing Weekend Ever." And so, I leave you with it.
"Have Your Most Relaxing Weekend Ever" by Susan Hall
Stop the Clock
You wait all week for Friday at 5, and the next thing you know Sunday night is staring you in the face. Instead, make time feel like it's slowing down by living in the present. Researchers at the University of Pennslyvania found that when people made a point of actively savoring the things they usually hurried through - maybe it's eating breakfast, drinking a cup of tea, or walking to the bus - they experienced more happiness and fewer negative emotions. So revel in the softness of your fluffy duvet, the smell of an orange while you peel it, or the carefree giggles of your kids.
Work it Outside
Just as in real estate, exercising for stress release is all about location, location, location, according to research from the University of Essex in England. People who take their workouts away from the gym and move them into, say, a local park, seem to feel more relaxed and energized than those who stay indoors.
Suds Up
When's the last time you took a serious bath, as opposed to a mad-dash shower? A warm soak naturally calms the mind and loosens tense muscles. Add some smell-good bubbles, like L'Occitane's Lavender Foaming Bath and sink in for as long as you want.
Make Sunday the New Friday
Why should Friday and Saturday get all the fun? Whether you watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians with your best pals or have a dinner date with your hubby, grab Sunday by the horns and suck every bit of fun out of it. Just get to bed on time so you'll be fresh for the week.
Take a Novel Approach: Change up your usual oatmeal breakfast, take a new route to work, or check out a new gym class. Your everyday routines may actually stress you out, experts say, but change can make you feel fantastic.
We went to Logan's on Friday night. I was feelin' good after my Cardio Interval class, meanwhile Isaac needed a relaxer from the Gas test he encountered earlier that day--it is one of the things he has to pass in the Academy. If you're interested about what it was, you should ask him. I'm sure he'd be MORE than happy to tell you about it. :) So, sitting on the deck at Logan's was nice and chatting over a few glasses of wine overlooking the nice lake was enjoyable. When we got home he passed out and went to bed and I caught up on my DVRings.
Waking up on Saturday was uneventful. I put on a pot of coffee, we did some devotions, relaxed, I studied a bit, and then we went and looked at some trucks. I came home and went to the grocery store while Isaac dropped his car off at Acura. It needed some serious work. Then, I made some lasagna and Mom and Pop came over for dinner. The dinner was followed by brownies and ice cream. Simple pleasures. We dined in our new dining room, and mom and I talked the night away. It was so great catching up and just relaxing.
Today we've just been lounging around...went to go get some Starbucks and came home to watch an Elevation Church sermon (I loathe telling you we skipped church). The sermon was great. It was on dreams.
This afternoon I find myself settling down to my study materials and writing to you. And, after a brutal jog in this beginner's May heat, I opened my Health magazine to find a simple but brilliant article on how to "Have Your Most Relaxing Weekend Ever." And so, I leave you with it.
"Have Your Most Relaxing Weekend Ever" by Susan Hall
Stop the Clock
You wait all week for Friday at 5, and the next thing you know Sunday night is staring you in the face. Instead, make time feel like it's slowing down by living in the present. Researchers at the University of Pennslyvania found that when people made a point of actively savoring the things they usually hurried through - maybe it's eating breakfast, drinking a cup of tea, or walking to the bus - they experienced more happiness and fewer negative emotions. So revel in the softness of your fluffy duvet, the smell of an orange while you peel it, or the carefree giggles of your kids.
Work it Outside
Just as in real estate, exercising for stress release is all about location, location, location, according to research from the University of Essex in England. People who take their workouts away from the gym and move them into, say, a local park, seem to feel more relaxed and energized than those who stay indoors.
Suds Up
When's the last time you took a serious bath, as opposed to a mad-dash shower? A warm soak naturally calms the mind and loosens tense muscles. Add some smell-good bubbles, like L'Occitane's Lavender Foaming Bath and sink in for as long as you want.
Make Sunday the New Friday
Why should Friday and Saturday get all the fun? Whether you watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians with your best pals or have a dinner date with your hubby, grab Sunday by the horns and suck every bit of fun out of it. Just get to bed on time so you'll be fresh for the week.
Take a Novel Approach: Change up your usual oatmeal breakfast, take a new route to work, or check out a new gym class. Your everyday routines may actually stress you out, experts say, but change can make you feel fantastic.
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