Being Thankful

This morning, my bible study challenged me to think of some every day small things that I may take for granted but that I should be thankful for. It caused me to think and examine my life and current circumstances.

After living in Tennessee for over 21 years, I finally packed up my stuff and moved back to Florida where I grew up. I left behind memories, hurts, mistakes, friends, family, and even my daughters who are now grown-ups and in the working/academic world. This was one of the toughest decisions that I've ever had to make, yet I've never been more sure of a life decision in my life. I can't describe the feeling of "just knowing" it was the right thing to do. I believe that God truly laid it on my heart and has guided my steps in this direction for a serious purpose. For that, I'm thankful.

That brings me back to the initial question of; what are the small things that I need to be thankful for? First and foremost, I'm thankful for my life and my health. I'm greatly thankful for my wonderful children that I don't get to see enough of. And I'm immensely thankful for the amazing woman in my life that has caused me to see things, life, and myself so drastically different.

God has a continued plan for my life and I know that I'm a continuous work in progress for Him. Life has new meaning and purpose and for all of this, I'm thankful.

Picking Back Up

In the past, I've done some intensive blogging about a bunch of different things. Mostly as an outlet to get what was inside out. Lately, through the events that have caused a significant life change and re-focus on my personal and professional life, I've been compelled to pick it back up. Through the inspiration of some friends and co-workers (Daniel White), and with working more in the athletics and fitness side of my job, I'm thinking of jumping back in to the blogging foray. Mainly as a documentation to be able to refer back to when I'm helping other people with their training and/or nutrition.

Pretty soon, I'll be transitioning locations and ramping up my work with FH World Sports in working with athletes that compete in races for worthy causes. These are both pro athletes and regular weekend warriors that have a heart to help the poor and impoverished through raising funds for a multitude of different causes. This is some wonderful and tangibly rewarding work that I'm passionate about spreading to a wider audience.

If you're interested in tips for training, training programs, nutrition advice, competing in a race and raising money for a cause, advice on gear, etc., contact me here. I would love to help AND help people in need in other parts of the world at the same time. Let's make a small difference to make a big impact.

Graduation Day

Today is a bitter/sweet day for me. Today I travel down to Montgomery, AL to attend the high school graduation of my twins Shelby and Taylor. I'm excited for them. They are about to embark on another journey that will take them into their adult life and career. I'm also excited that they will be living with me over the summer, and that's something that I've been wanting and praying for since 2008 when I was divorced. It was their decision to want to live with their Dad and that makes it even that much sweeter! I can't wait!

I'm also a bit sad because in this monumental time, I can't help but reflect back on what my "babies" have meant to me, what I've partially put them through, how they've endured, and where they are now. I think to myself (like every parent), "where did the time go?" They're all grown up and they aren't the little premature twins that I could literally hold in the palms of my hands anymore. They are beautiful, smart, responsible, charming young women. I certainly don't feel responsible for that in them and I can only praise the Lord above that He has given me such a wonderful and special gift.

Today is a day of celebration, joy, and anticipation for what's ahead. The past is behind me. Past mistakes can't be undone. I can only learn from what I've done and continue to teach my girls the lessons that I've learned the hard way in hopes to protect them from the perils I've endured.

Thank you God for such a joy that you've given me in Shelby and Taylor. I am not worthy of such a beautiful gift!