calling...

There are a ton of resources out there talking about finding your calling in life. Christians spend a lot of time talking about, trying to find and live out God's calling on our lives. Different people suggest different methods. Sometimes it can almost be crippling as the instructions can send us into overload.

A few years ago I was debating a job opportunity and could not figure out if that was where God was calling me. I felt like God has a plan for my life and I wanted him to guide my steps... so much so that I wanted Him to tell me yes or no to the job. I felt like if I made the wrong decision, I would be outside of God's will. I am so grateful for a pastor I met briefly and haven't seen since who told me God's plan was for me to glorify Him and I would be in His will no matter what I decided as long as I glorified Him. It reminded me of the John Piper quote, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

I still consistently pray God open the doors He wants me to walk through and close everything else. I still don't always trust my decision-making and I am thankful for God's direction in my life.

Earlier this year I came across a quote from Frederick Buechner, "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." I love it... I'm still trying to figure out what it means for me, but I think to find a place or places like that is so encouraging and what I would like to think of as the sweet spot in this life on earth. Here's to finding the place God calls us.

laugh of the week...

When all else fails there's always Ellen Degeneres scaring people...

harder than training for the Olympics...

Hmm... how do I keep this professional? I have loosely followed track and field since I was a kid. I was in a running club as a kid (because our PE teacher was hot) and at some point I started competing in track meets in middle school. Eventually I joined the high school team and after reaching the pinnacle of my career finishing fourth at states in the pole vault I retired soon after and embarrassed myself in other sports. Since then I've been fortunate to meet storied Tennessee track coach J.J. Clark and work alongside former Olympian Duane Ross. I have an appreciation for track and field and recently have admired Lolo Jones' career. (even if she did go to LSU!) Last night she was featured on the show "SEC Storied" and everyone got to see her crazy background going from sleeping at a shelter to making the Olympic team.

Tonight they're airing a special on HBO I won't have a chance to catch due to the lack of HBO, but Yahoo showed a clip that had me cracking up and just added to my admiration. Not only is she a world champion hurdler, but she's rocking that V card proudly. I love that she isn't nerdy and she's not a virgin because she didn't have the opportunity. I'm not sure how many other 29 year old women are virgins by choice, but I'm glad Lolo's keeping me company.

laugh of the week...

Sports teams have been doing choreographed dances to songs for years... or at least our baseball team has... somehow Harvard baseball went viral with "Call Me Maybe" and now SMU rowing has a rebuttal. These are almost as much fun as rain delay dance-offs. Name your winner!

praying for mom...

Remember when I used to blog all the time? I had a schedule and often even blogged a week ahead of time just overflowing with wisdom (ha!). And then... life happened. I haven't blogged in more than a month and before that it was probably at least three weeks... definitely not the typical rules of thumb for a successful blog. And then I thought... since when did I create this blog to be a success? Everything else in our lives is set up to attempt to be the best or to gain some kind of praise... and maybe this just needs to be my safe place to just write without expectation or need for approval. Would be nice! So yes, I'll probably blog more in the summer, but I don't want it to be out of obligation or rules or expectations.

On another note... I happened to be inspired on mother's day! I'm spending another one without my mom so I have the chance to be sappy and reflective. In church this morning, Pastor Cook shared prayers moms have prayed for their children. I started thinking about prayers children pray for their moms.

Today... I'm praying for mom that she might always be happy. I'm praying she'll continue to grow in her relationship with God. I'm praying for our relationship that we might continue to get to know each other better. I'm so grateful for her patience with my dad, sister and I and pray it will continue! I'm praying she can retire soon and still find some financial freedom. I'm praying she'll always feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. I'm praying she never has to feel pain or suffering (would be nice!) and I'm praying I'll always be there when she needs me... even if it means changing her diaper. (I'm thinking she's probably changed one or two of mine!)

I am so grateful for my mom and hope she and all of the other moms have an amazing mother's day!