Rockin' it out in 08088 and beyond

Late Sunday evening finds me lying on my bed exhausted and worn, but in a tremendously powerful level. Saturday I spent the day with two of my closest friends on a blanket in the middle of the Pine Lands enjoying Shamong's annual wine festival. There aren't a whole lot of things that put Shamong on the map and this may or may not be one of them. Thousands attended and it seemed every 14.41 feet I ran into someone making it feel like the six degrees of 08088. We didn't do anything particularly exciting, but having an entire day to have nothing on the agenda and enjoy one another's company was truly awesome. I'm pretty sure it's officially going to be an annual thing and I'm pretty stoked about that one.

On today's to do list I had every intention of heading to the shore, but my heart lead me elsewhere. I spend a good portion of the day with someone that I consider to be my little sister who I've felt has had a tremendous amount going on in both mind and heart. It's funny how we have a tendency to walk around with thoughts, worries and burdens that we were not intended to carry. I equate it to an invisible book bag filled with bricks that weighs you down in the most physical and emotional of ways. Over these past months I've gained such richness in the reality that the bricks were not ours to be lugging around - all the baggage, regrets, hurt and uncertainty... nope, not for us to tackle. As I sat with this young girl I had the privilege of breaking down how critical it is to surrender all the big and little stuff to a God who is so much bigger and more epic than our minds can wrap itself around. We so often compartmentalize God into a box that really just has to go; whip out the lighter, burn the box down and let God be whom He was intended to be and I promise it will rock your world. The past two months I've gained such a firmer sense of God's mercy, love and most of all grace. There is so much I don't deserve and I am in awe...total awe and I have to tell you that's a greater stoke than any wave that could ever be found on the farthest most part of the globe. Hang ten, baby...

Measure to measure

There is an innate propensity to look ahead and live life in a fast forward fashion that simply leaves our bodies tired and minds numb. With a start of another school year my hope is to live each day for what it is in an almost freeze frame fashion. There is something about being able to simply be content with the moment and relish what is instead of what is to come.

Whenever I return from a venture across the pond I find myself even more self reflective than normal. The jury isn't back yet as to whether that is a positive or negative trait of mine. There is a richness of history and culture abroad that we will never grasp just due to the young nature of our nation. My spirit embraces their prioritizing of family, friends and savoring the sheer beauty in many facets of life that are too often overlooked in the States due to our own deviation from true prioritizing. So as summer casts an amber glow that fades ever so softly into fall consider measuring your hours and days not for what they are, but what they were intended to be.

Even with darkened skies and excessive rain fall forecast for the weekend I intend on, of course, multi-tasking and will find a way to be productive while balanced. That is my mission and it's one that I'm stoked about....



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All my life's a circle

I have a tendency to cut things a little close. I call it a challenge while others might categorize it as anxiety provoking. With a hop over the Atlantic I find myself back to the normalcy of life with a flight into Philly followed by a meeting for work less than twelve hours after our plane touched down. I personally thought that twelve hours was a nice cushion of time and playing it safe : )

Janet and Deb survived my defective gps and ability to reach any destination with a few circles, conversations with locals (of which I comprehended very little) and a handful of sighs in search of a recognizable sign or landmark. I know it takes a dose of patience and a tad unbalanced sense of humor to endure my method of travel, but I look it as character building for those who have dared to cross the Atlantic with me.

Sometimes we make the assumption that we know much more than we actually do. Traveling and friendship have been two key ingredients in learning more about myself and reinforcing how important it is to push beyond your limits and continually face challenges in order for growth and enlightenment. About a year ago I took a fairly bold step in pursuing friendships that consisted of honesty, depth and accountability while distancing myself from relationships which were much too one sided and left me playing the role of counselor or crisis control unit in lieu of friend. Initially it was difficult and something I struggled with, but I asked God to provide individuals to whom would be solid, steadfast and consistent in my life. These are attributes that too often were lacking and the combo of that and my job left me often running on empty.
What I've found so awesome is how when God answers prayers it is in His timing and with results that can often leave me dumb founded. Less than a year ago I didn't even know Deb & Janet. Now, I truly praise God for them and their friendship. I had a blast peddling along the picturesque plains of Lucca, feasting on fresh olives, mozzarella and bread in the marina of RioMaggiore and sipping wine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. As the summer's curtains begin to draw closed I am recharged and possess a sincere sense of gratitude and appreciation for another global endeavor and for the tremendous gift of friendship.

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Las Picturas....

Once I get settled I'll be sure to do a proper update on the past week plus abroad. It was not just a recharge, but a lightening of my spirit and relishing the beauty found in nature, culture and friendship. In the next day or two I'll be sure to check in.

Steppin' back to reality

The past ten days have been the ideal spring board into a new school year. Twelve hours ago I was sitting at a cafe sipping cappuccino and gnashing on a chocolate croissant. Fast forward just a bit & I'm now scurrying around my house doing laundry & attempting to play a hurried game of catch up before diving back into the work zone. I would have to say that I've pretty much laughed my way through Europe and had yet another epic adventure.







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