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.

Getting Acclimated

It's Thursday and today is the fourth day of my new position at Food for the Hungry as their newest Artist Rep. So far, it's been a whirlwind of conference calls and instant messaging with the corporate office, getting acclimated to the business protocol, setting up my office space, etc. Everyone I've talked to has been unbelievable and the common thread that I've noticed is that everyone seems to be genuinely in love with what they do and the cause it stands for. These are some incredibly and truly compassionate people! I'm anxious to continue to learn from them and glean as much knowledge as possible. I have a ton on my plate and am looking forward to getting in the trenches with my colleagues.

I'll be working with artists and anyone involved in the entertainment industry while also doing a fair amount of domestic and international travel. All for the cause of helping others in the name of Christ! What a great and humbling responsibility!

My Mom used to say to my brother and me when we were young, "Be careful what you pray for. You just may get it." Well, this is a perfect example of this coming true. This whole job situation has been what I asked the Lord for and He has gone above and beyond every one of my expectations. He truly knows the heart of His children and knows our needs. I'm learning that more and more every day.

The Saturday 22

This morning I woke up at 6:00 am to get in our weekly Saturday 22 mile ride. However, I had to do this all by myself. Troy is having a little problem with his left glute muscle. He's not real sure how he tweaked it, but to him it's painful and he's trying to be cognizant of not doing more damage to it yet still allowing it to heal and be able to train. I know it's frustrating for him. I deal with the same crap. However, it's part of the process and it's something that has to be dealt with by every athlete.

Today was a very enjoyable ride - even though it was alone. I had a good amount of quiet alone time with my thoughts and prayers and was granted an extra dose of peace from the Lord. Throughout this process, I know and have faith that the Lord will protect me and my family and keep them safe and cared for. This I know and am thankful. Triathlon and its training has, in many ways, saved my life!

A Rest Day Swim

Since I ended up doing NOTHING on Monday, I figured that I'd better make up for it today even though today is mine and Troy's rest day. I went to the Rec. Center and got in an easy 30 minute drill/swim workout before I had to be in the studio to finish the never ending kids project. This thing is going to be the death of me for sure! I can not wait to get this thing done and in the can! Our training however, is what's keeping me sane and in touch with the Lord on a daily basis. He seems to speak the loudest to me when I'm alone and focused. It's also the most peaceful time that I have. It's actually funny how that works. Putting your body through stress and strain while your mind and soul is totally at peace. It doesn't seem possible in my brain, but I can only chalk that up to the sovereignty of Christ.

The Long Road Home

As I lay here typing this entry, Troy and I find ourselves in Georgia somewhere North of Macon and just South of Atlanta. We're in a hotel room getting some rest in order to awake in the morning to finish our trip back to Franklin. In the quiet of the room, I contemplate our trip, what we did leading up to the race, our preparation, what we can do better, and what lies ahead. I gotta say, it's greatly rewarding knowing that we set out to accomplish something and we did it! I love that feeling. It's the same feeling that continues to bring me back to this place and want to help others to get to experience what I've experienced. I feel that's becoming my calling. Maybe that's better decided by the Lord. In any case, I'm rejuevinated and ready to get back in to our routine of training and starting to step it up a notch. On the other hand, I'm still very stressed by what awaits me back home in my responsibilities, my duties, and the overwhelming mountains I have to climb on a personal level. However, I do find comfort in the peace I'm afforded from the Lord almighty. I've realized that it's through my family and close friends that I've truly felt His presence and peace. He continues to speak to me mightily through people He places in my life and I'm grateful for that. I don't receive subtleties very well and the Lord knows that best. He's managed to purposefully place some very special people in my life, and it hasn't been until just recently that I've truly opened my eyes to that.

Well, enough of the sentiment. It's now 11:50 CST and it's time to allow my body and mind some rest. The Lord is good and I know that He is with me through this tough time. With His strength, I know I'll make it through and actually have the ability to look forward to the coming days.