LOOK WHO'S BACK, BACK AGAIN

(that last one's a little hard to make out but, although it looks eerily similar to the picture before it, it does in fact say Washington)

What's in store now? A different, new type of adventure in life. That's what. What that looks like? That is yet to be seen. Here we go, again.

THE MEANING OF HOME

Awhile back I found myself meandering through an apartment parking lot here in Denver while taking some dogs for a walk. As the dogs and I sauntered on, I started looking at the license plates of the cars that had been parked there. . .cars from Wyoming and Nebraska, Michigan and Louisiana, and as far away as Maryland and California; in total, I counted at least 16 license plates in that singular, small parking lot that were from places other than Colorado.
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Whether by choice or circumstance (i.e. job placements, etc.), "home" seems to be more and more in flux for a large number of people these days. And while I may think that my nomadic life is an oddity, the truth is, several of my own friends and acquaintances have made their home in a different city, state, or country at one point or another [for some, multiple times as well]. I think that it's fair enough to say that, in this day and age, "home" is a bit more of a subjective term and may apply to a variety of places.
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Which, in turn, reminds me of the fact that our true home is not to be found here on earth. As I, and others, have experienced, it can be easy to find things that we love about the places that we call home here. Even then though, it would seem that there's still something within us that is inclined to search for OUR place, where we feel like we fully and truly belong. Well, folks, as C.S. Lewis once said, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." Or, in other words, "But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven!" (Philippians 3:20a [from The Message]).
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We may wander from place to place, building community, creating a home environment, but will we also cling to the reality that we were created for something, somewhere, even more? Will we remember that the homes we find ourselves in here are only temporary, and that another one that is permanent, and exponentially better, is awaiting us? More importantly, will we find solace in the fact that if we feel as though we haven't found where we belong here. . . it's because we don't belong here, we belong somewhere far more amazing?! I don't know about all of you, but I look forward to the day where I can settle into my one true home!
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Until then though, I will keep on enjoying my other homes here that God blesses me with. I hope that you do the same, wherever that may be.
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BECAUSE EVERYBODY LOVES ANALOGIES (OR ATLEAST I DO)

"What if what I think is great really is great, but not as great as something greater?"
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[Yes, I did in fact quote The Wedding Planner right there. I'm not even ashamed]
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What a thought to ponder. . . what if we're destined for even greater things than the greatness that currently surrounds us? Should we just remain where we are and enjoy the good stuff that we have, or should we take the risk and step out in faith to see what else there might be? Perhaps something even more wonderful?
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This past week I ventured out on a small-scale hike in the foothills. The particular trail that I was on led to two different ruins' sites: one being the mountain home of John Brisben Walker, and the other being what was left of the humble beginnings of Mr. Walker's attempt to build a summer home for the U.S. presidents. After hiking in and surveying the bits and pieces that remained of Mr. Walker's former residence, I headed back out on the trail for the nearly mile-long walk to get to the summer home ruins. But as I started heading further away from where I had originally come from my mind caught up to me and started formulating thoughts along the lines of: 
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"Am I really going to go that far just to see a cornerstone of a place that never got built and no one really cared about?"
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"I know that there's a closer view of Red Rocks all the way out there, but I think that I can see them pretty well from here. . ."
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"Is it going to be worth it?"
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In spite of my questioning I decided to trudge on with hopes that my effort would not be in vain (even though I did consider stopping along the way at a couple of places that had decent views of the metropolis area or the surrounding foothills), and, you know what? It was most definitely worth it!
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The cornerstone and the rubble themselves weren't anything too spectacular, but that didn't matter because I was overjoyed at the location that I found myself in! A location that boasted far better views than those which I had second-guessed passing by, and that provided the most perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and feel God's presence!
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Had I turned back when I first started questioning whether to continue on or not I would still have had a great experience. Had I decided to stop at the other inviting places along the way, I'm sure that they would have been great. But if I hadn't pushed on as I did I certainly would have missed out on something far greater, something that felt as though it was created just for me and that moment in time. True, there was the possibility that it wouldn't be anything too special, but even if that had been the case, at least I would have taken the risk . . . and could always return to one of the great places that I had passed in the process.

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Why does this seemingly simple hiking experience elicit such an elaborate explanation from me? Because the reason that I ventured out to this spot in the first place was to take the time to weigh out a life decision -- of the "should I stay, or should I go?" nature -- and I can't help but liken the experience to my decision-making process.

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Life in Colorado is good, really good. It's beautiful, has the amenities of city-life and nature, and I've made some quality friendships here with wonderful people. But is it enough to keep me here? Or is there something greater that I need to step out in faith to walk towards, not knowing what lies ahead?

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The hours that I spent thinking and praying, lofted above the earth on my personal, rocky precipice while looking out to the snow-capped mountains provided me with my answer . . .

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I'm moving back to Washington.

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I may find myself wanting to be complacent, to dig in my heels and just stay here, [aside from the lack of a job] it would be easier on one hand. And yet, I feel the same stirring within me to trudge on, leaving behind the good, and pushing on until I see what the adventure before me holds, whatever it may be. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find myself faced with something even greater than I thought. I think that it may be worth it. . .

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"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9

JUMBLED THOUGHTS

While rooting around in my closet the other day I caught sight of my "colder weather clothes" and I couldn't help but lose a few seconds of my day staring wistfully at them and imagining myself all bundled up in their cozy glory . . . and then I snapped back to reality as a drop of sweat rolled down my back due to the 90+ degree heat. Ah, Colorado summer. Perhaps a little too hot for my liking.

Speaking of summer, it seems as though I unintentionally took a summer vacation of sorts from putting my thoughts and words here. I can assure you that I was thinking and speaking (for the most part) outside of this medium but I just needed some time to 'be' in the midst of life's current adventure.

I find it ironic that last year I reflected on Augusts of years' past , and questioned what August of this year might hold. Did I foresee that I would, yet again, be looking for work? And/or be considering venturing into uncharted territories? Most certainly not. Is that where I do find myself currently? Most certainly.

"Well I keep on coming to this place
That I don't know quite how to face
So I lay down my life in hopes to die
That somehow I might rise

Yes I will rise
Out of these ashes rise
From this trouble I have found
And this rubble on the ground
I will rise
Cause He who is in me
Is greater than I will ever be
And I will rise."

~ Rise, by Shawn McDonald

I will rise. I may be back in a place that I've experienced a few times before, but I've changed. Who I am, how I see things, what I perceive my "path" to be, how I trust He who is in me, they've all changed. And I will rise because of them.

August 2012, I'll be ready for whatever tricks you might have up your sleeve . . .

DON'T STOP BELIEVING

While driving around town the other day I happened upon this sight:

I almost blew right passed it, but as fate would have it, the not-so-normal sign caught my attention, leading me to put my car in reverse and find a spot along the street to park so that I could snap this shot . . . and ponder a bit.

I'm sure that the criminal artist who rendered this masterpiece was largely paying tribute to Journey's infamous "Don't Stop Believin'" but I chose to perceive the phrase in its most basic sentiment. Don't stop believing.

When you're not where you thought that you would be at this point in life, don't stop believing. When life hands you lemons, time and time again, don't stop believing. When others let you down, don't stop believing. When you let others down, don't stop believing. When you make mistakes, don't stop believing. When God and His plans don't make sense to you, don't stop believing. Whatever the case, don't ever stop believing. It may seem easier to doubt, belief after all can be trying and may call for us to move out of our comfort zones (and/or pity parties), but belief breeds hope, and hope paired with action is the gateway to changed perspectives/circumstances.

Keep believing and have hope my friends!

COME AWAY MY BELOVED

"O my beloved, abide under the shelter of the lattice, for I betrothed you to Myself, and though you are sometimes indifferent toward Me, My love for you is at all times as a flame of fire. My ardor never cools. My longing for your love and affection is deep and constant. . .

Tarry not for an opportunity to have more time to be alone with Me. Take it, though you leave the tasks at hand. Nothing will suffer. Things are of less importance than you think. Our time together is like a garden full of flowers, whereas the time you give to things is as a field of stubble . . .

I love you, and if you can always, as it were, feel My pulse beat, you will receive insight that will give you sustaining strength. I bore your sins and I wish to carry your burdens. You may take the gift of a light and merry heart, for My love dispels all fear and is a cure for every ill. Lay your head upon My breast and lose yourself in Me. You will experience resurrection life and peace; the joy of the Lord will become your strength; and wells of salvation will be opened within you." ~ The Call of Love, from Come Away My Beloved

NEW MEXICO, THE "LAND OF ENCHANTMENT"

Now, only 22 states left to see . . .

Hasta luego Santa Fe!

JUST ANOTHER DAY AT WORK

In case you ever wondered what I would look like as a sculpture made out of chewed chewing-gum, then wonder no more. . .

Please note the attention to details [it WAS a curly/wavy hair day for me and I WAS wearing a green vest, I can assure you that I was NOT, however, wearing green lipstick]. Perhaps my middle school friends have a future in gum-sculpting. . .

Gotta love this job!

WALKING WITH GOD

Earlier this month I spent two whole weeks in the mountains for some work training -- for being a requirement of the job, I think I may have lucked out. . .just a little.

While I was there, I somehow managed to pick up the habit of going on walks. I just started walking aimlessly one day when I couldn't think of anything better to do, ended up enjoying it (and the scenery), and thus, started working it in to almost any free time that we had, spicing it up with music. . .and the occasional walking partner(s) as well.

What made these walks the most meaningful for me though was the undeniable presence of God in them -- in the handiwork of His creation that was laid out before me, in the sweet stillness around me that allowed for me to focus on what He would have me hear, and in the sunshine and/or moonlight that kissed my face and reminded me that I had a Companion with me on my walk. It was indescribable. 

Being back at home now, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, part of me yearns for that escape to simplicity, where God seems most accessible. And yet, I find myself being reminded that God is ever present regardless of where I am, or what's going on, and if I seek Him I will in fact find Him. Not only am I capable of walking with God, and He with me, in the beautiful calm of the mountains, but also in the hidden beauty of "the everyday." All I have to do is make the effort to walk with Him wherever I am, and He will show up. 

Thank goodness.