I don't know why, but I have felt like blogging a lot recently....I have also taking a liking to this style...
-I'm going snowboarding this weekend. For those that do not know, I LOVE to snowboard....it is a passion in life.
-I have recently begun to hate being engaged. You never hear how wonderful engagement is about mid-way through. Thats because it's like wandering through an endless desert of days, only to arrive at the unfathomable mountain of wait. Ok; a bit of an exaggeration. But I do want to be married already. I would be very seriously tempted to go to our local courthouse like...now if it weren't a complete slap in the face to our friends, family, and both our desires to have an evangelical ceremony. I don't see how a year long engagement is even possible...Thank God I'm not on that boat.
-I have been obsessed with GT5 (Gran-Turismo 5) lately. A game most gamers would find dull. I love it nonetheless.
-I have a fear of flying. More of a phobia really. And it's not like I'm afraid of crashing and dying. As soon as I step on a plane i get really claustrophobic (no plane could be big enough)also, once I realize I can't get off the plane of my own accord, I start panicking. I guess I don't like the no-turn-back factor. (Which is odd because I don't have commitment issues) It has kept me from going on some amazing trips with friends and overall experiencing life. I have resolved to solve this somehow with the help of people in my life...Ideas appreciated :)
-I have had many fears in life.(Some of them are absolutely ridiculous looking back. Case in point, Elevators) Most of which I have gotten over with the exception of a few. I also resolve to not raise my kids with these silly fears.
-I still love my job. This is the longest period I have gone actually enjoying what I do
-Jen does not like hers....I try to encourage by saying you will appreciate your next job that much more. I admire her admittance to the fact that she does not have to stay at her current job, and can find another. A quality I lacked these past few years.
-This one's going to be a bit of a shock to some....I don't like Christmas, and would prefer to not get presents. Yes, I am a grinch...lol. (that is to say...the commercial xmas. I love the actual meaning. And some stuff I do like, such as lights and songs...thats about it though)
-I don't like the sense of obligation that comes with the holidays. If you get a gift and don't give one in return...you feel bad. I know i should want to give gifts but I just don't. I would love to serve you in some other way absolutely, but I don't want to shop for you (this may possibly stem from my hatred of shopping)
-I read a blog from our premarital counselor, Rob Shepherd. (robshep.com) that made a few awesome points about surrounding yourself with different people, and people who are better then you at one of your particular interests. I just want to reiterate that point in the event that I go back and read this...I tend to like to feel like I'm the best at whatever I do. Not only is that rarely ever true, but a bad habit as well.
-I have constantly been mixing up "marital counseling" and "premarital counseling."....as was pointed out to me, big difference.
-I want to start using the semi-colon more...this was brought upon by my community group. I will learn how to use that darn thing!
-Out!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Encouragement
How many people do you keep in touch with regularly? A lot? A Little?
I don't find myself keeping in touch with a great many people; but with the few people I do I have begun to notice something different.
Positive steps in their life. Now, I find it important to notice these things so as to highlight them in conversation. I find it easier more often then not to point out whatever is wrong about something that is said or being done. Baby steps towards a better life is something I need to both recognize and encourage advancement of. criticism IS important (not to devalue) but I see criticism being valued over encouragement more often then not.
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Granted, that is the way Paul ended a letter. But I think it still applies.
I have found it rewarding to take the focus off of myself at times and take note of an ongoing maturing process in someone els's life. They appreciate me noticing it, and I know I helped said process continue.
-My thoughts on a Tuesday.
I don't find myself keeping in touch with a great many people; but with the few people I do I have begun to notice something different.
Positive steps in their life. Now, I find it important to notice these things so as to highlight them in conversation. I find it easier more often then not to point out whatever is wrong about something that is said or being done. Baby steps towards a better life is something I need to both recognize and encourage advancement of. criticism IS important (not to devalue) but I see criticism being valued over encouragement more often then not.
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Granted, that is the way Paul ended a letter. But I think it still applies.
I have found it rewarding to take the focus off of myself at times and take note of an ongoing maturing process in someone els's life. They appreciate me noticing it, and I know I helped said process continue.
-My thoughts on a Tuesday.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Years Eve Post
One of my favorite things about blogging is writing a new years post!
This year was ridiculous....Many changes that seemed bad at first and ended up being good.
Got engaged to an amazing woman who I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with.
Learned to trust that God has a plan and not to worry about things happening in the moment as much.
Looking back, overall it has been a pretty amazing year. Full of changes, growth, maturity and undeserved blessings. (emphasis on that last part) One that I am sure a lot of people will never forget....myself included.
New years resolutions? Hmm....To make myself more bold for Christ,(and in life) to be an amazing husband, to go to a real live race.(<--- random, I know)
I hope you have had an amazing 2010!
This year was ridiculous....Many changes that seemed bad at first and ended up being good.
Got engaged to an amazing woman who I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with.
Learned to trust that God has a plan and not to worry about things happening in the moment as much.
Looking back, overall it has been a pretty amazing year. Full of changes, growth, maturity and undeserved blessings. (emphasis on that last part) One that I am sure a lot of people will never forget....myself included.
New years resolutions? Hmm....To make myself more bold for Christ,(and in life) to be an amazing husband, to go to a real live race.(<--- random, I know)
I hope you have had an amazing 2010!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A Fascinating Tweet.
I refuse to use Twitter.. I feel the website would be more appropriately named "Stalkers R Us," nevertheless, I read a pretty awesome tweet earlier in the month. Kudos to Allan McCullough for writing it.
Joy, Fulfillment, Purpose. Are these your only reasons for following Christ? We must remember that these are not a CAUSE, they are a FRUIT.
There was one following that tweet about our walk with Christ being US centered and not CHRIST centered. Point being that as we mature as Christians, our focuses should shift. I can honestly say it has changed how I view things...
That is all, New Year Post to come!
Joy, Fulfillment, Purpose. Are these your only reasons for following Christ? We must remember that these are not a CAUSE, they are a FRUIT.
There was one following that tweet about our walk with Christ being US centered and not CHRIST centered. Point being that as we mature as Christians, our focuses should shift. I can honestly say it has changed how I view things...
That is all, New Year Post to come!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Updates
So it has been awhile since my last post...which is sad because I learned since starting this thing that I love to write. On to updating the reader with recent happenings of life....
1. Wedding planning is going very well...I think? Lots of amazing advise from recently married couples helps alot.
2. God has answered many prayers lately....I'm very thankful. I have tried to include the phrase "if its your will" to all my requests...I feel alot of people get upset when prayers are not answered when it may just simply not be the best thing for them...
3. I still miss northern VA...(I may mention this every post) but it has gotten alot easier lately. Good people in my life helps with that!
4. This Christmas season is much better then last for me. I still don't like a majority of Christmas movies though....I love everything else about Christmas, but the movies for some reason are completely uninteresting to me.
Speaking of, I will more then likely be shopping on xmas eve....why you may ask? Because it's fun....I love the pressure and chaos of waiting until the LAST day...:)
5. I don't think I have cared as little about football as I have this season...Which is odd because I used to be really into it.
6. I have recently been wondering how much of the bible is lost in translation. I'm sure nothing God would want us as English speakers to know....but, I have always felt the bible is worded awkwardly in the English language and wonder the beauty of it's original word construction.
7. Video games have been fading fast in my life sadly....its gone from any game I can sit down and enjoy, to I can only play games that take years to develop and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to make. One such genre of video games I really really enjoy is car racing simulators, I love them, Look forward to their release dates, and research them before they launch. One such game that recently hit the shelves is Gran Turismo 5...The game does have its flaws but I am overall impressed! Maybe I'll do a few video game review blogs...
8. Why is it that everytime I tag God in my blogs, blogger forces it to be a lowercase G?...I am not a fan.
Anyhoo that is about it...MERYY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
1. Wedding planning is going very well...I think? Lots of amazing advise from recently married couples helps alot.
2. God has answered many prayers lately....I'm very thankful. I have tried to include the phrase "if its your will" to all my requests...I feel alot of people get upset when prayers are not answered when it may just simply not be the best thing for them...
3. I still miss northern VA...(I may mention this every post) but it has gotten alot easier lately. Good people in my life helps with that!
4. This Christmas season is much better then last for me. I still don't like a majority of Christmas movies though....I love everything else about Christmas, but the movies for some reason are completely uninteresting to me.
Speaking of, I will more then likely be shopping on xmas eve....why you may ask? Because it's fun....I love the pressure and chaos of waiting until the LAST day...:)
5. I don't think I have cared as little about football as I have this season...Which is odd because I used to be really into it.
6. I have recently been wondering how much of the bible is lost in translation. I'm sure nothing God would want us as English speakers to know....but, I have always felt the bible is worded awkwardly in the English language and wonder the beauty of it's original word construction.
7. Video games have been fading fast in my life sadly....its gone from any game I can sit down and enjoy, to I can only play games that take years to develop and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to make. One such genre of video games I really really enjoy is car racing simulators, I love them, Look forward to their release dates, and research them before they launch. One such game that recently hit the shelves is Gran Turismo 5...The game does have its flaws but I am overall impressed! Maybe I'll do a few video game review blogs...
8. Why is it that everytime I tag God in my blogs, blogger forces it to be a lowercase G?...I am not a fan.
Anyhoo that is about it...MERYY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Influences-Work
So as probably alot of you know, I (somewhat) recently started a new position with the company I work for, Genesis Fiber Optics.
It has been a ride to say the least, but I LOVE it nonetheless!
To backtrack a little, for the past oh....6 years or so I have been one of the guys in the field. (doing things like fiber repairs, inside splicing/installs/troubleshooting and so on)
Right around mid-way through my DC experience I started to hate it....like, really hate it. I didn't look forward to work, tried to come in as late as possible and leave as early as possible. I hated the company we worked for, the 24/7 on-call schedule,...pretty much everything about it. BUT, the job provided such an amazing life outside of work I told myself "it's ok if I don't LOVE my job...
I can tolerate it for what it provides."....ugh, what a mistake.
The problem with that viewpoint (as I see it now) is that eventually, doing a job you hate (no matter what it provides) kills you as a person. I've seen some scary examples of what a person can turn into after years and years of a passionless profession.
Work is one of the more influential of all my influence topics I will write about. It's what you do with most of your day, and will ultimately play one of the biggest roles of who you are as a person.
One of the things I did (and would highly advise against doing) is lie to myself about my honest views of what I did were, mixed with the false belief that I could do nothing else. I think another popular lie is to do what you hate for your family/kids/spouse Etc. I mean, not say there are crappy temporary jobs out there (there definitely are) but to realize they most certainly are temporary. (While also rejoicing that you have that temporary job.)
To work and provide for your family is not only what we are called to do as men, (if you happen to be of the gender) but also honoring to God. However, I don't believe it's in His plan to have us do this with no passion for our profession because ultimately, it leads to no passion for anything else in our lives....(I mean, it makes sense right? It's what your doing for most of your day)
God doesn't want us to be miserable
Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
What made me come to this realization of what I did and didn't love, came about by me doing something I actually enjoyed (as of now, Admin and AP/AR) and compared it to how I felt doing something I did not....Unfortunately I am rather hard-headed and if God didn't allow that opportunity for me, I would have likely kept right on going till who knows what happened....
My brother Paul (actually I am sure this is a fairly popular quote) loves to say that "if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life." Seeing people do what God has designed them for, I believe it. I know for sure God has gifted each one of us uniquely to play the part of furthering his kingdom....and doing so, brings the kind of joy every single one of us was designed to desire, not the happiness the world says you need.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
It has been a ride to say the least, but I LOVE it nonetheless!
To backtrack a little, for the past oh....6 years or so I have been one of the guys in the field. (doing things like fiber repairs, inside splicing/installs/troubleshooting and so on)
Right around mid-way through my DC experience I started to hate it....like, really hate it. I didn't look forward to work, tried to come in as late as possible and leave as early as possible. I hated the company we worked for, the 24/7 on-call schedule,...pretty much everything about it. BUT, the job provided such an amazing life outside of work I told myself "it's ok if I don't LOVE my job...
I can tolerate it for what it provides."....ugh, what a mistake.
The problem with that viewpoint (as I see it now) is that eventually, doing a job you hate (no matter what it provides) kills you as a person. I've seen some scary examples of what a person can turn into after years and years of a passionless profession.
Work is one of the more influential of all my influence topics I will write about. It's what you do with most of your day, and will ultimately play one of the biggest roles of who you are as a person.
One of the things I did (and would highly advise against doing) is lie to myself about my honest views of what I did were, mixed with the false belief that I could do nothing else. I think another popular lie is to do what you hate for your family/kids/spouse Etc. I mean, not say there are crappy temporary jobs out there (there definitely are) but to realize they most certainly are temporary. (While also rejoicing that you have that temporary job.)
To work and provide for your family is not only what we are called to do as men, (if you happen to be of the gender) but also honoring to God. However, I don't believe it's in His plan to have us do this with no passion for our profession because ultimately, it leads to no passion for anything else in our lives....(I mean, it makes sense right? It's what your doing for most of your day)
God doesn't want us to be miserable
Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
What made me come to this realization of what I did and didn't love, came about by me doing something I actually enjoyed (as of now, Admin and AP/AR) and compared it to how I felt doing something I did not....Unfortunately I am rather hard-headed and if God didn't allow that opportunity for me, I would have likely kept right on going till who knows what happened....
My brother Paul (actually I am sure this is a fairly popular quote) loves to say that "if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life." Seeing people do what God has designed them for, I believe it. I know for sure God has gifted each one of us uniquely to play the part of furthering his kingdom....and doing so, brings the kind of joy every single one of us was designed to desire, not the happiness the world says you need.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Affianced/Betrothed/Husband-to-be, And Other Such Fun Synonyms
SO.....Last Friday (the 15th) I asked this amazing woman Jen Catalfamo to marry me on the beach of Virginia.....And she said yes!
1-What?? Nice!
2-I am one lucky man.
3-Welp, looks like I'll be getting THAT resized.
Up to this point, as I witnessed close friends getting engaged, planning a wedding....I always wondered what thats like. Whats it like to go to marriage counseling? To make a guest list? Have a registry, start a knot page? (link to come soon!) and MANY other things involved in this amazing event. I have heard things like "This is the most stressful thing anyone will ever endure." To "It's an amazing blessing for 2 people to go through." and just about everything in between.
I feel we as people tend to over-hype many things in our life which ultimately leads to disappointment....and while I tried not to do that before our engagement, I can say for me personally, this has lived up to every ounce of anticipation I tried not to muster up :)
I LOVE planning this with my future wife (and yes, I understand some things are just not fun to do...) I love that we both want to honor God in as many ways as possible in our wedding, and show others exactly what were about as a couple.
I love that we're both about a short engagement...:)
While I'll try and not make this blog about the things I love, I will make a point that God has clearly....CLEARLY blessed me with what I do not deserve (in many areas of life) and one of my goals in life is to honor him through marriage and a family...(eventually!)
Through this process, whatever it may look like for us, I'm pretty much one excited man who has much to learn in the marriage department....:)
1-What?? Nice!
2-I am one lucky man.
3-Welp, looks like I'll be getting THAT resized.
Up to this point, as I witnessed close friends getting engaged, planning a wedding....I always wondered what thats like. Whats it like to go to marriage counseling? To make a guest list? Have a registry, start a knot page? (link to come soon!) and MANY other things involved in this amazing event. I have heard things like "This is the most stressful thing anyone will ever endure." To "It's an amazing blessing for 2 people to go through." and just about everything in between.
I feel we as people tend to over-hype many things in our life which ultimately leads to disappointment....and while I tried not to do that before our engagement, I can say for me personally, this has lived up to every ounce of anticipation I tried not to muster up :)
I LOVE planning this with my future wife (and yes, I understand some things are just not fun to do...) I love that we both want to honor God in as many ways as possible in our wedding, and show others exactly what were about as a couple.
I love that we're both about a short engagement...:)
While I'll try and not make this blog about the things I love, I will make a point that God has clearly....CLEARLY blessed me with what I do not deserve (in many areas of life) and one of my goals in life is to honor him through marriage and a family...(eventually!)
Through this process, whatever it may look like for us, I'm pretty much one excited man who has much to learn in the marriage department....:)
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