::Captivating::

My small group is starting a new series this week that I am so excited about. We are reading the book  Captivating by John & Stasi Eldridge and doing the guide that goes along with it. I read this book when it came out in 2005 and learned a lot about who I am, who God created me to be, and what it truly means to be a woman created in God's image. But...that was in 2005 and it's now 2012...fast forward 7 years to 2012...I am a different person in a different stage of life. I am now trying to figure out what it means to be a 33 year old woman who is passionately pursuing God while trying to balance a professional career, my volunteer work, and my relationships with my friends and family...oh yeah, and search for Mr. Right. Some days I am a raging success story...and some days, I fail miserably. But, it's a journey; a journey that I will continue on all the days of my life.


In the first chapter of the book, there was a quote that really struck me...like someone finally said what I have been feeling. It says,

"We feel unseen, even by those who are closest to us. 

We feel unsought- that no one has the passion or the courage to pursue us, 

to get past our messiness to find the woman deep inside. 

And we feel uncertain- uncertain what it even means to be a woman; 

uncertain what it truly means to be feminine; uncertain if we are or ever will be."

It's true. I do sometimes feel unseen....feel unsought...and feel uncertain. But I know that God has a plan and part of that plan is for me to see myself as He sees me...to see myself as a beautiful creation who was created in His image. The authors also quote a great song written by Bethany Dillon called Beautiful. 

"I want to be beautiful

And make you stand in awe

Look inside my heart

And be amazed

I want to heart you say

Who I am is quite enough

I just want to be worthy of love

And beautiful."

It is a powerful song that speaks truth about what it means to be a woman and our desires. Listen and I think you'll agree. Enjoy!

Total. Utter. Complete. Randomness

Was told I needed to update my blog so here goes....

Girls on the Run 5K

This 5K was awesome!! It was sponsored by Girls on the Run Atlanta. They are an amazing organization that "uses the power of running to provide girls with the tools to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, recognize their gifts, and activate their personal power." Starting a Girls on the Run group at my school is now on my bucket list! I've even thought about starting a similar group for teachers called "Teachers on the Run" as a way to encourage teachers to be active and as a way to de-stress...I think it would be fun! Anyway, the 5K was a lot of fun. There were close to 700 girls running their first 5K as their culminating event to the 12 week program. It was just a fun environment to be a part of. It wasn't my best time...but honestly, it had been a

l-o-n-g time since I had really run so I was just hoping to finish and still be able to walk. Two really neat things about this race...all the number bibs have the number 1 on them and all the girls who finish the race get a medal! The race route was off West Paces Ferry and Northside Parkway near Pace Academy...it was hilly but the houses were beautiful. Overall, I'm glad I did this 5K and can't wait to do more with this great organization. 

Start spreading the news...I'm leaving today....

I want to be a part of it...New York...

Super excited that I might be heading to NYC for a few days this summer!!! Don't have the details worked out or even a plane ticket yet...but hoping everything works out so I can get away for a few days. The last time I really traveled was 2 years ago when I went to NYC and Boston over Spring Break. I've got the travel bug again and really just feel the need to get away from Atlanta for a bit. I don't know about you, but getting away and traveling is really good for my soul...gives me a break and let's me just be. I'm also going to NYC (or just outside) in October for a dear friend's wedding and there really won't be time for me to do any fun touristy things in the city on that short trip. There is a show on Broadway called Anything Goes that I am dying to see! This is the musical that we did my senior year of high school and I did all the piano accompaniment for it...it's also what was the beginning of the downhill spiral for my wrists! It's only planned to go through early September now so if I want to see it, I better get going! I wouldn't mind seeing another show or 2 while I am there either. My friend, Randy, who I go see up there also suggested we do a 5K in Central Park...what a great idea!!  Anyway...right now, we are looking at dates to see when the best time would be...and I am watching airline prices like a hawk...so far Southwest is in the lead. I won't bore you with all the details but the Southwest Visa card and I are going to be great friends...pay $304 for this flight to NYC....get the flight in October for f.r.e.e!!! 

And last but not least...

16...the number of school days left.

Enough said.