The last mile....

Hello people!  Yes, here I am once again strolling in late but just right on time.  Now, I understand that it is already close to July of 2025 and no, I have not written anything since last November.  I do apologize but you guys already know that I am a terrible blogger.  I will just go ahead and say it out loud so that you don't have to!  But I do have some exciting things to share with you so please keep reading.

Here is our timeline...

Back in November, I shared with all of you that my husband and I started our Visa process back in December 2023.  Well on March 31, 2025, we received an email from USCIS indicating that our I130 application had been approved.  Let me just tell you when I first read the email, I didn't even know what to say because I was just in complete shock.  Even when I called my husband on the phone (at about 6 AM his time there in Korea) he did not quite believe it either.  Probably due to the fact that we had been waiting so long for an update that we just didn't even know how to react.  As we were on our video call, we just kind of looked at each other like, hey is this really real?  Why yes...yes, it is!

Now, from this point USCIS sent our information on to the National Visa Center (NVC) for the verification of income process.  My husband and I had to gather more documents to send over to the NVC for approval.  It kind of felt like we were starting this process all over again and it was a little stressful too.  This time there were two new applications we had to pay for and complete. (And yes, you have to pay the fees first before you can even start filling out the applications).  

At this time I had just started a new job, so my head was just spinning with new information to remember and trying to get all of these documents uploaded on their website.  When you don't have a printer in your home it can be a bit challenging to get it all done too.  All I am going to say is that I am very thankful for my parents and for the people who helped me at Office Depot every time I had to go in there and scan documents! 

We got everything submitted online on the NVC website the first week of May and we heard back from them a few weeks later and all documents were accepted and approved!  On June 9th, we got our email from NVC about the interview being scheduled on August 4th!   This part of the process has gone by so fast, and we are so happy and exhausted! (Whew).

Though I am excited for what is coming, I have to just be transparent with you all about how worn out I have been with this whole process.  This has definitely tested both me and my husband mentally, physically and spiritually.  Going through an experience like this really shows you things about yourself, your spouse and your marriage.  We feel like we are on the last mile of a race, and this is the point of the race where you feel like your body starts to give out on you.

Your breathing gets heavy, your chest starts to hurt, and you feel like at any given moment, your legs are going to give out on you.  You can see that finish line and every step that you take gets heavier.  There have been times when we both might have had thoughts of quitting because this is too hard and too heavy to deal with.  And you all know that Satan has a way of slithering in at these times and filling your ears with doubt and fear.  We have both felt the effects of all of this on us, but God has been consistently right there in the midst of all of this.

I feel as if he is at the end of the finish line; cheering us both on by saying, you can do this.... keep going don't quit!!  So, as we approach this interview date all I am asking is that you pray for us.  Pray for us on this last lap of our race.  

I will be praying for you and your race as well.

Stay tuned....

Did you notice....

Well, a very big HELLO to all of you.  It seems like it has been so long since I have sat down and written anything on this blog.  For those of you who have been reading my pages, I just wanted to take the time to sincerely thank you for taking the time out of your days to venture over to my little blog.  As you guys know, I started this page to share fragments of my life and to talk about the journey that I was on when I was a single woman.  Because I had been single for a long time, I felt like just sharing some of the things that I have been through, and I also wanted to share with you all about experiences that God was growing me through.  

I did not start this blog for financial gain or anything like that.  I just knew that there were many people out in this world, like me who have experienced the growing pains of being a single, Christian woman.  Looking back at older posts, I wish that I would have shared a little bit more about myself, but I am still a very private person, and I always want to be respectful of my family and friends anytime I share my experiences here on this page.  But as I sit here reflecting on all of these things, I will let you know what has been happening in my world since last year. 

Now, before I get started, please allow me to talk about the obvious changes that have happened.  I wanted to change the name of my blog to "Being Mrs. Lee" because I am definitely in a completely different chapter of my life at this moment.  I got married two years ago to the most gracious and patient man that I have ever known.  He is such an amazing human being, and I thank God every day for him.  However, our story is different because I am here in the United States, and he is there in South Korea.  So, we have spent our first two years of marriage not being in the same place at the same time.  

It's so funny when I meet new people and I tell them about how we met each other, they always ask if my husband is in the military.  I always understand why they ask this question, and I always respond with a chuckle and tell them no, my husband is from South Korea.  He was born there and he has lived there his whole life.   

My husband and I both know that being in a long-distance relationship is not easy.  We have known this for quite some time now.  But for those of you that know what this feels like, you know that every moment that you have with that person, is so precious.  The current time in Korea is 14 hours ahead of my time here.  When my husband wakes up in the morning, it is evening time for me and at this time of my day is when we call each other on the phone.  We have visited each other three times out of the eight years that we have been together.  (The last visit was much longer than the first two visits) Yes, I did say eight years. But that is another story for another time...

So last year, two days before Christmas, we filled out our I130 Visa application with USCIS.  And let me tell you all, it has definitely been a journey for us.  I have to be honest with you guys, it has not been any easy thing to do.  Waiting is so hard.  Let me say that again because I don't think heard me the first time...WAITING IS SOOOOOO HARD!!!  I will admit to the fact that it has definitely challenged me, my marriage and my mental health.  It is has taken me a long time to sit here and write about this because quite frankly, I did not even want to talk about it let alone even write about it.  But I want to be really transparent about my feelings now because I know that we are not the only ones that are going through this. 

Every day I feel the effects of me and my husband not being in the same place.  I believe that we both have good and challenging days but that does not mean that things are always easy.  This time of year, when many are celebrating the Holidays, is always our toughest season and we have had our dark days. But I know that through all of this, God is using this 'waiting season' in our lives to help us grow.  This week, I was having a good conversation with a friend of mine at work, and we were just talking about some of the things that have been weighing heavy on our hearts.  She shared a song with me in her office and as I was listening to the lyrics of the song, I was deeply moved.  There was a part in the chorus that really got to me and it was this specific line...

In your darkest hour, I'd light your way  

As the tears welled up in my eyes, it was just the fresh reminder that I needed to hear.  Even in our darkest hour there is someone there who will light our way.  I know who that is and that is God.  I needed to again understand that even in those darkest moments, He is still there and he will guide us through it.  I cannot say it is easy to thank God in the hard times, but I always want to do it.  We have to thank him always, no matter what we are going through.  He is taking me and my husband through this time to help us and for us both to lean on him even more.  We are never going to be exempt from problems, but what God does promise is that he will light our way for us.  

Well, I think that I have said enough for today.  Once again, I thank all of you for listening to what has been on my heart.  I hope that you all are in a good healthy space in your lives.  Take care of yourself and your mental health!!

Remember to always be thankful not just because Thanksgiving is coming.  Be thankful and gracious to those that are around you.

Now, I know that I have said this before, but I promise I will be back...Please stay tuned.

What happened to 2023?

Here I am!  Strolling in again, literally a year and a few months later since my last post!  Wow, I cannot even begin to tell you the changes that have taken place since then.  First of all, let me apologize for the millionth time for not keeping up with this blog!  You guys already know that I am a TERRIBLE blogger, and we are already more than halfway through this year!  Good grief where did the time go?

But before I get started with all of the details...let me catch you up on a big event that took place last year in September.  I got married and it was a beautiful evening.  Though I wished that more of my family and friends could have been there, it was still so special to us.  I cannot believe that it has almost been a year since it happened! 

A few months ago, I started a new job and let me tell you, it definitely keeps me busy! I am so much happier now than I was before.  I know that you all have heard me talk about my previous job before in some of my posts.   Last year, I had really reached a point in where there was just way too much toxic stuff going on around me.  Poor leadership, unethical behavior and work gossip were just a few of the things that were happening on a regular basis.  And it was taking its toll on me.  It was wearing me down mentally.  I think I got so tired of it that I did not even want to talk about it anymore.  I wanted to write, but I felt like if I were to write a little something, it would just come out in a negative way.  I believe you all understand where I am coming from.  

Throughout that time, I kept seeing God work.  He was keeping me quiet for a reason and in that quiet time, he was teaching me how to handle people.  Showing me how to not react to things as the world would react.  It was hard.  But I believe all of that was preparing me for what I am doing now, and I am so grateful for that.

Even though there are still many things going on around me, God reminded me last weekend to not focus on those trials; he reminded me to focus on Him in the midst of it.  Because when you focus on those storms happening around you, you lose your focus.

Well, I hope and pray that all of you are doing well.  I hope and pray that you always keep your focus on God.  Do not lose sight of what you are here for!

See you next time...hopefully it will not be year from now!  I will work on that......

How are you REALLY doing?  

Hello, my people!  I really do hope that all of you that are reading this blog right now are doing good.  It's been a while...but I haven't forgotten about you.  Just like all of you, I have been dealing with a lot of changes.  Some really good and some that have really been a challenge for me.  But give me a moment and I will get to some of this.  

I woke up this morning and I remembered where I was three years ago.  I was in Ulsan, South Korea.  It was the most amazing day of my life.  For many reasons.  I will never forget the moment when I was on this bridge, and I was looking out at the water.  I thought to myself, "I can't believe that I am here and that I have been blessed to see this!"  

In that moment, I was just reflecting on many things.  I remember just breathing in and out, taking in everything I could in those quick minutes.  Looking at things I had never seen before through my own eyes and being grateful for the journey that it took to get there.  And later that day, when I really wanted a cold Coke to drink and a nap, my boyfriend proposed to me!  It's a day I will never forget.

Now, let get back to the statement that I made earlier about having some challenges.  This year so far has definitely had its moments.  I've had a lot going on at work and in my personal life.  I know you have too!  A few months ago, I realized that I was trying to take on battles that I was not meant to fight.  Those battles are the Lord's and not my own.  And let me tell you it started to mess with my mind a little bit.  

I also began to see what was happening around me.  I felt like there were so many people around me going through the same stuff that I was.  Weary and worn out with everything in their own lives.  Don't get me wrong, I am so blessed to have the people in my life that I do.  But there's nothing like going to your heavenly Father for help.  I needed to have those real prayer closet moments with God.  

He is so good for our health.  Let me put another spin on it...he is good for our Mental Health!  Everything in our bodies is so connected with each other.  

When our minds go to that dark place, we just begin to spin out of control.  People are dealing with so much heaviness right now.... depression, anxiety, suicide and addiction.  You don't ever know what the person at your workplace, that person on the street or even the one you meet at the grocery store is dealing with right now.  But God does and maybe he is using you to be that little light for them.  This is what he put us on the earth to do.  If your light is dim, how can they see Him through you?  

Someone was that light for me, and I definitely want people to see his light shining through me.

I could talk about so much more and believe me I really want to, but I think for today, I'm just going to leave you with a question...

So, how are you doing today?

 Life of a terrible Blogger,

I am laughing right now. You all already know why I chose this title for this post.... because I am a TERRIBLE BLOGGER! Haha.  I think that most folks who start a blog write with the intention of posting ideas or thoughts as often as they can.  But apparently for me, it takes me awhile to get my thoughts together. 

I went back to see when the last post was, and I believe it was in 2020.  I am literally sitting here laughing and shaking my head at myself right now.  Hopefully this year will bring more of my crazy thoughts and more posts to you.  So, for those of you that have been reading my blog since the beginning, please know that I am very thankful for you.

I started this blog almost 7 years ago...good grief where did the time go?  Life for me has definitely changed sinced 2015.  When I started this, I was single and now I am engaged (Engaged to such a wonderful guy by the way).  At that time, I wanted to just share my heart and maybe even share a little bit of my struggles with being a single Christian woman.  I was also feeling led to go to South Korea and in 2019, I was blessed with the opportunity to go and see this country.  It was an experience that I will never forget. 

Now we are already a month into 2022 and I am reflecting on all that has happened.  A lot of things have taken place in my life and I have shared a few with all of you.  It's funny too because I am a pretty private person, so I always found it interesting that God put it on my heart to start a blog.  Weird huh?!  But I am so glad that I did start because I do believe that maybe this will reach someone across the globe.  Because I want every single 'seoul' to be touched by God! 

I will end today's post by saying that I hope that all of you are doing good.  I pray that you are doing well so far in 2022.  I've got some new challenges but don't we all?  I know that there are some things I will have to say goodbye to this year in order for me to walk through the new door that God is about to open for me.  And I'm pretty sure he's probably doing the same for you.  

Please take care...and stay tuned!  I promise I will be back

Everything changes

Hello, people!  Oh, how I have missed you and all of that gushy stuff.  I REALLY want to apologize for almost letting a year go by without checking in.  Last year, life was kind of crazy and this year has put all lot of that stuff to a halt.  But, I am ever so thankful for the trip that I took to Korea last year.  It was beyond amazing!  

Now before I get started yapping about stuff, there are some thoughts that I need to share with you.  When I started this blog, (Good grief, it's been 5 years!)  I really just wanted to share my experiences and also share my journey to get to Korea.  Plus, throw in a few thoughts about some of the things that we go through when we are single.  Well, a lot has changed over the years, including my "single" status. 

Last year during my trip, I did get ENGAGED!  I'm not sure why it took so long to share this information but if you knew me you'd know that I'm a pretty private person.  I am excited about this new chapter of my life.  But, a lot of things got put on hold because of Covid 19 (Of course!!!).  So, I'll try to keep you all posed about this crazy stuff.   I do have some other news to share....I started a brand new job about a month ago.  God has definitely been busy doing his work, let me tell you!

Well, I think I've dropped enough news on you for now!  As always, I'll be back!  Hopefully, sooner than later

Take care

 

  

One amazing trip and it all started at the beach

Hello, hello!  I am back...well, actually I've been back for several months but you know I'm always a little late to post stuff.  So sorry!  But, I know that you missed me.  Well, I just wanted to share some of the highlights from my trip to Ulsan, South Korea.  I was actually there for about nine days and it went by so fast.  I'll fill you in later as to why I was in Ulsan; so as usual stay tuned.  I'll be back to share more stuff in a little bit.   But for now, please enjoy a few photos from my trip.  Take a look....

Beautiful views

A peaceful look out at the water....

Walked up and down some crazy steps and my body still hurts.  Can you see

the guy way in the back on the rocks?  

Very tasty eats

Some traditional Korean clothing...beautiful

Yes, I promise I will return...sit tight!

Finally it has come...


Happy Easter everyone!  It is an extraordinary day.  The sun is shining and it's not raining outside.  I love that we can celebrate today and cherish the fact that Our Savior has risen!  I don't really think that we will ever fully understand the power of those words.  But I am so grateful and thankful for Jesus.  

Well, I know (as usual) you are asking yourself...hey, where have you been?  What have you been up to for these past four months.  And as usual, It's been a whole lot of crazy!  But, I do have a tiny bit of news to share with you....you ready for it? 
Are you sure that you are ready for this announcement?  Ok, here it is.


I AM GOING ON A TRIP TO KOREA IN ONE WEEK!  Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(This definitely required a lot of exclamation points)

Yes, that is correct ladies and gentlemen.  I am going to South Korea!  I am beyond ecstatic, nervous and all of that gushy stuff.  This whole experience has been like a six year journey for me and I still cannot believe that it's really happening soon.  Wow....just wow!  I know that you are probably very curious as to how all of this came about but I'll share those details later.  I can say that this trip is truly a blessing and someone blessed me with it.  And I hope to take everything in and to remember all of it.  So, hang in there with me because I'll be back with plenty of stories and hopefully plenty of pictures!  

But for now enjoy your beautiful day, your family and your friends.   Again, Happy Easter everybody!

Stay tuned for more....as usual, ha!

We celebrate...

I'm back!  I told you that I would be.  However, I thought that it would be a lot sooner.  But, it's the last day of the year so I will definitely get these last group of thoughts in.  I know you missed me!  Anyway, I know in my last post I mentioned how crazy the month of October was!  I'm still trying to catch my breath.  But I'm even more grateful to be apart of two wonderful weddings.  Those are precious memories that I will treasure forever.

But in November, I watched a good friend say goodbye to his mother.  I had just stood right beside him weeks before this, singing at our friend's wedding.  We were celebrating!  That day we all laughed, ate some amazing food and danced like we were still in our 20's.  Well, ok I know I did.

On the day of his mother's memorial service, I saw my brave friend greeting people and shaking their hands.  Beautiful pictures of her had been placed towards the front of the room.  People sweetly celebrating all that she accomplished in her life and celebrating the person that she was.  I thought about her life and her family.  It made me wish that I had known her more. Yet, I could see little pieces of her in each one of her children faces.  She left her fragrance with her family.  She left this with her son; my friend.  Her beautiful life was celebrated.

You know, so many things have happened this year.  Some have been challenging and some have just been plain hard.  But, I don't know how I would have made it through all of it without knowing God.  He's been there when the days were tough and hard.  He has fought a lot of battles for me and still continues to do it.  He also was right there in the bright moments of my life too.  This is how 2018 has been for me.  No matter what comes our way in 2019, let's remember to celebrate.  Celebrate God by honoring him everyday.  Celebrate your crazy life, your family and your crazy friends.  I am so thankful for all of mine.  Have a wonderful New Year!

And of course, I'll be back
 

Two weddings and a trip to Nashville.

Hello, again.  More months have passed!  Wow, next week in Thanksgiving.  Where has the time gone?  I think I ask myself that question every year but I can never come up with a clear answer.  Well, let me catch you up to speed because obviously a lot has happened, as usual.  In September, I went to a conference in Nashville.  Yes, it was work related.  We actually left on the day of my birthday but, that trip was so worth it!  We stayed at the amazing Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
(Please see the lovely picture below.  Why, yes those are very big boots.  Hello, it's Nashville!)

Being goofy in front of The Grand Ole Opry:

As far as the music goes it wasn't just a little bit of country; it was A WHOLE LOT OF COUNTRY!  Now, please don't take what I'm saying personally because I put those words in all caps.  I have always enjoyed listening to country music.  Because of that visit it just made me appreciate it even more.  When I was walking downtown in Nashville, the sounds just hit me.  Not only that but there was so much great history there.  I wish I could've stayed longer.  I definitely hope to go back someday soon. Sigh..

So, let's move on to October.  October was packed with stuff.  A baby shower and two weddings.  Let me mention to you that the weddings were beautiful and literally one week apart from each other.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I was a bridesmaid in one of the weddings.  Plus, also singing with another mutual friend in the same wedding!  Whew, so much to say in one sentence.

It was such a blessing and an honor to be apart of it.  I watched two of my close friends say 'I do'.  It made me think about my own wedding day.  And I'm just going to leave that thought right there.  So, while you ponder over that...I'll be right back

Just wait

Saying goodbye again.

Hello my people!  This is my first official post for the year of 2018.  I'm sorry, so sorry! (In my mind I am singing this to all of you) But, I don't want you to think that I haven't been writing.  I wanted to post a little something a few months ago but as that time my head was in a whole other space.  There have been a whirlwind of events happening lately.  Still, no matter what's going on I still want to connect with you.  I haven't forgotten about you!

I do want to explain the title of this post to you.  The past ten months have been really challenging.  In my last post, I know that I mentioned to you that I had lost two of my aunts to cancer. Well, at the end of January, my grandmother passed away.  And just this past week, we lost another loved one to cancer.   My mother has endured a lot and so has my father.  I don't think that I have ever experienced something like this in my life.  To have both parents grieving at the same time is a hard thing to watch.  It's hard to say to yourself that this is a part of life.  Dying is a part of life.  But, that doesn't make this easier to handle.  It's very strange to see those people that you have grown up with begin to leave you.  The reality is...we are not meant to stay here.  This is just our temporary home.

But the beauty of all of this is knowing that I will see them again.  Because they are up there in heaven with the Lord.  What a beautiful reminder!

That is all for today.
I'll be back soon.

On this final day....

As I begin this last post for this year, I have to apologize to you all.  It's been way too long since I have updated you anything.  Good grief!  But, as always I will update you.  In my last post, I mentioned to you that my laptop died.  That was so hard for me to type again....so many memories. Tear! Sorry, I get a little carried away sometimes.  I am so happy to report that my nice, sweet boyfriend gave me one for my birthday, in September!!!!  And let me tell you that it was such a blessing to receive that gift from him.  He is pretty cool.  Not because of the laptop though!

Anyway, so I need to share something with you all that's very serious....

I want to explain what's been happening for the last four months of this year.  In August, my mother lost her sister to cancer.  Three months later, on the exact same day, my father also lost his sister to cancer.  It's hard to lose anyone.  But to lose them both on the exact same day, three months apart from each other is unreal.  Both are my parents are mourning now.  I know that there are leaning not only on each other but also on the Lord.  It is a reminder to us that God gives us people for a moment.  Moments to him are very different than what we think they are.

I am thankful for each and every moment that I had with both of my aunts.  That is something that I will always carry with me.  My Aunt Helen's quietness and Aunt Eddie Mae's boldness is what I remember the most.  And it's what I will treasure.  Sure, this year has been a challenging one.  I think that some of you would agree with me on this.  Yet, as challenging as it was, something always remained the same.  God was there.  Even in my celebrations and in my pain, his love remained. 

As we all go into next year, let's keep this in the forefront of our minds.  Remember that He is always there.  Love you guys and I'll see you in 2018!

(More posts are coming.  Yes, I know I've said it before but just trust me!)

One chapter ends and so did my laptop! Long sigh...


Hello, my people!  So I decided to start this post off with a title.  I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to do that but it just felt right today.  As you can read by the title, yes my laptop is having a difficult time right now.  Probably due to all the stress and strain of school.  I just don't think that it could take it anymore.  Actually, I had it checked out and I think that it will cost more than what I want to pay to fix it.  So, I'll probably have to look for a new one!  Ugh, so sad!

But, enough about my poor laptop.  Now you know that I have to give you guys an update and a lesson too!  I received my TESOL certificate in the mail.  FINALLY!  There was a bit of a hiccup to receive it but it is finally in my hands.  Haha...sorry I will try and compose myself.  But, all joking aside this truly has been a crazy experience.  From start to finish it all really challenged me on so many different levels.  I started this journey doing several different things all at one time.  I was still learning the Korean language with my tutor, singing in the choir and the vocal team at church, helping a friend with his English on Wednesday nights and on Thursdays nights; being with my crazy drama team!  Whew, I'm worn out just writing all of that.

There were a few of those that I had to give up.  I was trying to do all of them at one hundred percent.  Well, it was such a good thought!  You know what happened after that, right?  When you are trying to do too many things all at once you slowly wear yourself out.  I began to resent being involved with a few of them.  I started to treat them like a job and not as a ministry.  It is hard for me to say this but it was exactly how I felt.  God was also painting a very large picture for me to look at.  He was allowing me to see myself.  He also showed me that it was time for me to let go and focus on what was in front of me.

You know, God has an amazing way of preparing us for the next project.  He gives us time to let go of the things that we think we may need in order to give us something else.  It's like God giving us a new tool for a new task.  If we hold onto the old tool how are we supposed to start the new task in front of us?  I'll tell you that it is hard for me to give up things.  I think because I don't want things to change or I really don't want to disappoint anyone.  Is that way of thinking helpful though?  Probably not. The new chapter that God prepares us for is about us being willing to be used by him.  Change is a continuous thing.  It will always happen no matter where you are at in your life.  And where I am right now is in the chapter of WAITING!  Oooo, it's a hard one.

I'm not sure where you are at in your life but maybe it's time to ask yourself this question.  What is the next task that God is preparing you for?  You might be surprised by his answer.

Until next time.....

I told you that I would be back.  I didn't forget about you.  How could I?  I will tell you that I have a major announcement to share with you all.  Yes, I do.  Are you ready?

I AM OFFICIALLY DONE WITH SCHOOL!  YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!  Oops, sorry I didn't mean to keep going.  Wait, one more...YEAH!!!!  I had to let you know. I finished my last class this past Tuesday.  I have been waiting for this moment for the past year and a half.  So, I am going to celebrate.

Now, this will be another short post but I promise I will fill you in with more details.
So, don't go anywhere.  I shall return...

 

Wait a minute... no new posts yet?  What?  Are you serious?  I am so sorry!  I even made a promise to you that I would send you more updates this year.  Epic fail on my part.  Wow! 

Alright, now that I have gotten all of that off of my chest I feel much better.  Well, I still feel bad about not keeping you updated on some things.  If you only knew all of the crazy stuff that has been going on you would totally understand. But, to make it up to you... I do have some exciting news to share with you. 

Ok, are you ready?  In one month I will be done with school.  And I can truly say that I am ready to finish now.  This is all that I can tell you at this moment.  I'll be back with more details soon.

I promise.  Just be patient with me!   

Happy New Year!  Well, technically it's New Year's Eve.  But we are so very close to 2017.  Of course, leave it to me to squeeze in one last post on the last day of the year.  You know I had to though, ha!

First and foremost, I would like to apologize to all of you for not being on the ball and giving you more posts about my year.  Life caught up to me this year and I am just plain worn out.  I know, I know...I have said this to you way too many times before.  But, I did want to fill you in on what's been happening lately.  I'll try to list it all down below.

*I am now 60 hours into my practicum teaching hours of my certificate. (Woohoo! Only 60 more to go.)
*Helping teach ESL classes two nights a week
*December 17th, we performed our show at church called, 'The Prodigal Christmas'.  It was a lot of fun and a lot of work.  My legs still hurt from running in those heels!
*Rehearsal, Rehearsal, Rehearsal for the show.  We had been working on the show for about 5 months.
*Memorizing my lines and the songs for the show
*Me-working full-time. Should I say anything else? I don't think so.
*Trying to spend time with my boyfriend.  It's hard when there is a 14 hour time difference between us. (Wait, what? Boyfriend!  Yes, ladies and gentlemen I did say boyfriend.  Hmmm...I feel like questions are coming to me about this.  I will give you answers soon.)

Whew, that was a lot of stuff!  And somewhere in the midst of all of this I did eat and sleep.  It all seems like a dream but it happened.  Yet, I must say...What an amazing year it has been.  Trust me, it has definitely been a year of surprises and challenges.  I can't say that it has been easy.  There were days when I thought I wouldn't be able to get out of bed.  I didn't know if I would have the strength to help another person who was being rude to me at my job.  Or to even sit down and help students from different countries with their English.  Still God seemed to always be there when I wanted to throw in the towel.  He quickly reminded me that I had come to far to even think about doing that.

I also let go of some things this year.  I let go of some baggage and some childhood dreams.  I mourned the loss of some idols that I grew up watching and listening to when I was a child.  (Prince, George Michael, Gene Wilder, Patty Duke, David Bowie, Carrie Fisher, Muhammad Ali and Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire)

***I can remember listening to 'Purple Rain' for the first time and being moved to tears.  Where would my brother be without listening to Gene Wilder sing, "If you want to view paradise simply look around and view it" from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory***

With everything that this year has brought to me, I can still be thankful.  I am grateful for the good days and even the more crazy days.  I realize that those crazy days pruned me for the upcoming year.  And I am really looking forward for what is to come.  Now, I don't know what your year looked like for you.  Some days may have been sweet and there may have been some that were bitter for you.  They were there to make you better not make you bitter.  So, ask yourself this question...What I am going to do for the new year? 
It's really up to you.

Well people, my time is up! I hope that your thoughts, your next steps and your next challenges are always centered around God.  Have an awesome and fabulous New Year people!

More thoughts next year......




   

Oh my it has been so long...ok, way too long. It has almost been five months and I cannot even believe that it is November already.  We are approaching the holidays and then the end of the year!  Ahhhhhh!  I don't even want to think about that right now.  There are way too many things swimming around in my brain today.  It seems like I have been on this 'life-merry-go-round' lately. You know exactly what I am talking about when I say this.  School stuff, work stuff, family stuff, relationship stuff and this everyday-being-a-Christ-follower stuff.  (Do I really need to go on...I didn't think so!)

Now let me explain the 'Christ-follower stuff' to you. I think you know where I am going with this so please just keep reading  It is so difficult to let His light shine in us when people are rude to you, when someone cuts you off in traffic or when co-workers gossip and want you to join the discussion. Even when you have to wait in line to vote for 2 to 3 hours or even when you have a disagreement with your family.  (I put the voting comment in to see if you were paying attention! Ha.  This only happens once in a while!)

This is the stuff that I am talking about.  At first, we try to gain control and maneuver things in our own way.  We forget about spending time with God because we are too tired from the battle. When we are tired and worn out we only seem to give God the leftovers of our day  And that is the problem.  But, it is not our battle to fight.  It is the Lord's.  Yes I said it!

One of my real cool friends reminded me about this today.  I love how God gives us the exact people that we need in our lives.  My friend gave me that gentle, soft reminder about keeping God first in my life.  As I listened to my friend speak about this to me, the tears began to fall down my face.  God used this person to speak to my heart and it is exactly what I was supposed to hear this afternoon.  We need to unloosen our grip on whatever we have it on and allow God to take over.  Leave it with him and don't even think about taking it back!

Whatever comes our way let's continue to hold on to Gods hand and move forward with him.  Not without him.

Have a wonderful Sunday!
(Note:  Yes, I promise I will write more before the year is over.  Just be ready when I do.)

And she is....back!  Hello, again.  I cannot believe its been almost three whole months since I have posted anything.  Good grief..so much has happened since that time.  So many things have changed in my life since March.  You have no idea how much!!!  (Speaking of changes, did you notice that I changed my background on my blog?)

In case you did not know today is Father's Day.  I love this day because it has such a special meaning for me.  I enjoy spending time with my Dad on this day.  I love seeing his smile and hearing him laugh.  Well, I try to enjoy this everyday, actually.  I am so grateful that my Dad is still here.  I appreciate him more the older that I get.  Because he contributed to my craziness!  Ha-ha...Yes, I am my father's daughter.

I wanted to share with you the other reason why I get excited on this day.  About 14 years ago, I sat in a little church in Cincinnati, Ohio and gave my life to Christ.  I won't get into the whole story because that would be way too long.  I was happy, emotional, exhausted and confused.  I wasn't quite sure what was happening to me on that day.  I had a feeling that my life was never going to be the same.  And you better believe that it has not been.  And I am so thankful for this.

This morning, as I sat in church with my parents, many things were racing through my mind.  My mind was full of too many unnecessary things.  As I settled down and listened to the sermon, it all came back to me.  It's no coincidence that their pastor's message had to do with coming back home to God.  I instantly remembered what happened to me 14 years ago.  All of the emotions and feelings came back to me.  It was such a beautiful reminder for me.  It is really what I needed to hear and experience today.  Sometimes we forget all of the mountains that God has brought us over.  We forget about all of the late nights on our knees, praying to him.  We forget about the miracles he did in our lives because we get too busy with our own ways of thinking.  I know I am guilty of this from time to time.

So, what can we do?  Let's start with making him first.  This is the most intimate relationship we could ever have in our lives.  Nothing in this world compares to the time that we spend with God.  NOTHING!  Let's never forget this!
Well, that's my time.  Alright, stick with me people...I've got a lot more to say on the next post!
But for now, to all of the Father's out there....Have a blessed Father's Day with your family!!

Hello there!  I told you that I would return.  You knew I couldn't stay away too long!  I cannot believe that we are almost through the month of March.  Isn't that crazy?!  Anyway, there are some exciting things that I need to share with.  But, before I get started, I need to acknowledge how precious this week is.  Today, is Palm Sunday.  It is really hard to wrap my brain around all of this.   I sat in church this morning and saw a painting of Jesus on the screen.  He was sitting by himself and he was up high enough to look out in the city.  What was going through his mind?  What was he thinking?  Well, in the painting he was weeping.  Because he knew what lied ahead for him.  Yet, we all know how this story ends.  He arose!  How powerful are those two words?

Lately, I have been reflecting.  A lot.  I'm reaching the end of a chapter; the end of a book.  I start class again this week on Tuesday.  This is my last class.  After this, I will begin the practicum part of my certificate.  I will be done soon.  Last year, this moment seemed so far away.  Now, it seems so close.  When you reach the end of a chapter it's so hard get through the last few pages of it.  I just want to rush and skip ahead to the last page so that I can finish.  For me, I just want to end this book so that I can start on a new one.  But do you know what happens when you do that...you miss a crucial part of the story!
 
Let me explain it in another way....You know that feeling of running in a race.  You are on the last mile.  Your legs are so heavy and you can barely breathe.  You want to just stop where you are and just end it here.   It seems so right to just end it now because it's too hard to finish.  You make the decision to quit.  And because you quit, you never know what might have been waiting for you at the finish line. 

I wanted to quit.  Many, many times for so many different reasons.  I told myself that this is too hard and I'm just not smart enough to do this.  But, those were just lies that Satan tried to get me to eat and swallow.  That is not God's truth.  Don't let these lies keep you from what God has for you. Otherwise, you will never know what is waiting for you on the other side.  I have come way too far for all of this to be in vain.  Whatever you are going through right now...please don't give up.  Finish your race!  It's ok to rest when you are weary.  Get up child and keep going!  Don't let go of God and don't let go of his hand.  He is right there with you.  C'mon let's finish.

Have a blessed Easter, everyone.

Happy anniversary to me, happy anniversary to me.....Happy anniversary to meeeee! Oh, I'm so sorry.  I got caught up in the moment.  Well, you see on this day last year, I started this blog! Isn't that exciting?! Woohoo! Ok, maybe it's only me that is excited.  I can't believe that it has already been a year.  Even though I wished I had written so much more than what I did.  But, it is alright.
I know that it's Valentine's Day and people were out celebrating. Getting flowers and eating chocolate...need I go on?!  For me, today meant something else.  I hung out with my crazy,wonderful friends and simply enjoyed their company.  And that was priceless.
So, this year I want to continue to update you on all my adventures. I know that God has it all worked out!  Stay tuned for the next fabulous post.....I mean it!