Lovin, Livin, and Single

So the age ol tension for myself and most women, and I'll go ahead and throw in a few men, of being "content" in our singleness has orbited around my world heavily for a few years now. If we aren't dating enough, we have the loving help and "encouragement" of those near and dear to get out "there" (wherever "there" is) and date. On the other hand, if we are some of the few that are fortunate enough to have a somewhat healthy dating life we get the ol "You need to just take it easy and be content in your singleness." The minute I'm not dating or interested in someone, I'm being set up by someone else...the same someone else that just gave me the "chill out and be content" talk. It's kind of a lose/lose situation. A frustrating and somewhat obscure line...that patience, contentment, and being "out there."

SO, instead of dwelling on the frustrations of singleness, I thought I'd take a second and be grateful for singleness for the following reasons...

Flexibility. Spontaneity. Freedom. Good gracious, could I be any more free than what I am right now? No schedule but mine to check. I can pack up and take a roadtrip whenever I want. I can be available for others a heck of a lot easier. I don't have to wait to see what the other is doing for dinner. I can eat cereal every night if I wanted to!

Solitude. Down time. Time alone. I never realized how precious my alone time was until I really began committing my life to a more missional life. I realized as much as I love reaching out to others, I definitely need and love my alone time. Being single allows me to have that down time a ton easier than if I were married and had a family. I love quiet mornings, peaceful afternoons, and relaxing evenings.

Investing. Serving. Now, I know this one doesn't just pertain to those that are single. I know more married people than I can list that invest and serve in ways far greater than I am capable of even as a single. BUT, because I don't have a husband and/or children, that just gives me all the more energy and love to pour into others. Fellow singles, I believe this is where we have a tendency to falter. We can get very self centered and "me" focused if we're not careful. Find a homeless shelter, Bible study, help your church's nursery/kids program, do missions. Just get outside yourself...

Things I want to do now!

Grow like crazy! I want to be so incredibly available to God's stretching, transforming, and redeeming. Be proactive in my faith.

Serve. Invest. Serve. Invest. Enough said...

Take advantage of the blessing of freedom singleness provides.

Have married friends! I never ever want to be one of those that draw a line between me and the amazing married people there are.

Have fun!! Plan girl nights, and go on fun trips with the girls!

And finally...Ecclesiastes 3 says there are purposes for certain seasons of life. I want to be before God asking what unique things He wants me to do or learn in this single season.

The last 2 years, my old roommate and I coined a phrase: "Single's lookin really good right about now." And I have to agree. Ahhhh, the single life...

I just saw Mamma Mia, and I just had to put this up...Girls, break it down!

"You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen"

A night with Brett, Colbie, and John

Here's a video of where I was lastnight...


John Mayer, Free Fallin' cover from Clare D on Vimeo.


Brett Dennen and Colbie Caillat opened for John Mayer lastnight. It was pretty fantastic. Thanks Clare for posting the video!!

Send Me

'Send Me' - Live at MHC | Ballard from Mars Hill Church on Vimeo.

Amazing lyrics.

An amazing story...

Most of you have probably heard the Josh Hamilton story. If not, take 5 minutes to hear it. Pretty awesome.

(It takes the first 30 seconds before it starts going)

Home Run Derby this year was insane! Practically cried when Hamilton didn't win it... I would post a clip, but can't really find a good one. Hope you got to see it!!

Love

Yesterday in my quiet time I read a passage I've read a million times before, 1 Corinthians 13. The "love" passage can get a bit mundane for me, but I am grateful yesterday brought a renewed sense of introspection. The last couple years, God has really grown in me a greater understanding and more tangible knowing of what His love really is. Without going into the details of that, it's premise is that His love is endless, perfect, and real. All three descriptions may seem a bit obvious to most, but when He graces you the honor of really showing you what those things mean, it's pretty amazing.

As I was reading the chapter one part really stuck out to me:

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

Powerful stuff using the words"never" and "always." But if we are to imitate Christ, and He is love, then this powerful statement should permeate our lives. Not saying that this easy. And when faced with hard, tough, real life issues it becomes even harder. Only by the Holy Spirit living in me, living in you, are we able to "never" and "always."

Love is the distinguishing quality of being a Christian. It is greater than all things, even faith and hope, and without it all other things are diminished. I pray that today God grows and surrounds you in His perfect love.

Still

I've been reminded lately how fleeting things on earth can be. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. The things in our life are not promised to stay. Hurt is definitely real. Sorrows will come. And loss is possible with anything gained. The only things that rise above these truths is God's love and our salvation in Him.

For those in my life that are facing huge storms, and the flood waters are rising, may the Lord cover you under His powerful wings...Dear friends, you are loved and being lifted up with many prayers. May God's grace give you abundant strength to stand in Him each hour of each day. We love you...


Still
Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

My new obsession...

Ladies and gentlemen, the Cupid Shuffle...

"To the right. To the right. To the right. To the right...To the left. To the left. To the left. To the left. Now kick. Now kick. Now kick. Now kick. Now walk it by yourself...walk it by yourself..."

Go ahead...Rock it like you own it!!!

The Kashubas

I am blessed to have two dear friends, the Kashubas. Michael and Amanda have supported, encouraged, and prayed for me in sooooo many ways, through so many things. I am truly blessed to have them, and I'm eternally grateful God brought them into my life. Amanda is so much more than a friend. I know not everyone is as fortunate to have the kind of friendship Amanda and I have, and I make sure to thank God daily for her.

Just recently, Michael and Amanda have grown their family by two. They now have 2 amazing sons...Jesse who is 20 months, and Connor who is 2 1/2 months. The boys are the cutest things ever, and definitely light up a room!! This last Sunday there was a shower to celebrate the arrival of these two sweet kids. I couldn't help but sit and be in awe of the way God has moved and worked in their lives the last few years. That we were sitting there opening gifts for their two kids!!! God is soooooo amazing!!! It honestly brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it.

Amanda and Michael....you both are amazing. God has grown, strengthened, and equipped you for such a time as this. Aunt Heather loves you both....and your two little boys!!!

Katie and Jeremy's wedding

This last week brought the final days of waiting...Katie's wedding was finally here!!!! Katie is a close, dear friend that I have known since 7th grade. It seems that our relationship has grown the strongest in college and after when there were hundreds of miles separating us. Isn't it weird how that happens? I would go visit her at Clemson and when she moved to Charleston, and she came to see me in Prague. Her friendship throughout the years has been a great blessing, and I'm honored to be apart of her and Jeremy's day.

The wedding took place at an amazing ranch outside Waco, Texas. Moon River Ranch was everything Texas...I loved it! Katie's 2 sisters and I were the only true Texans, so we had the honor of showing the other 5 bridesmaids our wonderful state. Thursday night we had the bachelorette night in downtown Ft Worth.

Friday we headed to Waco for the bridal luncheon, and from there headed to the ranch for some much needed pool time. That night was the "Nacho Average" rehearsal dinner. Nothing better than Mexican food and margaritas!!!! Mmmmm mmmm!

Saturday was the wedding, and everything went pretty smoothly. The wedding wasn't until 7:00 that night, so we all took advantage of a little more relaxin by the pool. The hair lady started at 1:30, and from there time flew by!!! We were all a bit scared about the wedding....only because it was outside in June in Texas!!! Blazin hot!!! BUT, thankfully it was overcast, so the sweat was kept to a minimum. A few highlights from the wedding: ginormous bumble bees attacking our heads, bugs landing on our heads and getting stuck on the hairspray that was melting in the heat, and the owners dog that attempted to run out in the middle of the ceremony. It was pretty difficult keeping a straight face most the time...OH, and one of the groomsmen definitely ripped one during the ceremony...his face after was hilarious! All the guys were laughing, and all the bridesmaids were wondering who did what.

Here are some pics from the week. The reception was beautiful, and we danced til the wee hours of the night...thanks Katie and Jeremy for letting me be apart of your honored day!!!

Progress

Alright, so I'm officially home...what a wonderful feeling!!! My time in Philly was really great. Met TONS of amazing people, and am excited to see what the Lord has in store. For those who may not know, let me give a brief recap on why I was there. I was in Philly going through something called A&O week (assessment and orientation). Basically, as the end of my time with Athletes in Action was nearing, I began seeking God on what He wanted me to do next. A few options were thrown out, but what I decided to do was look into staying in Prague but switching organizations. As you may recall, I was working for Athletes in Action in Prague, but now I'll be going back with World Harvest. I was fortunate enough to be apart of the beginnings of our great church in Prague, Faith Community. The World Harvest team in Prague became and are some of my closest friends, and it is exciting to now be able to "officially" work beside each of them.

For now I'm in Texas support raising, and enjoying the time with my family and friends. Of course, if you would like to hear more about this next part of the journey in my life please feel free to email me. I would LOVE to talk with you about how you can be apart of what God is doing in Prague!!! hnisaqt@hotmail.com



And on a smaller note, I just completed my first ever 80 minute run...without stopping!!! Or dying for that matter. Feels pretty good...well, my body doesn't feel to great right now, but you know what I mean...next up is my 90 minute!