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Thursday night at the Titans game. Yes please!! (Taken with Instagram)

Thursday night at the Titans game. Yes please!! (Taken with Instagram)

My commute this morning was very productive.  While it was early, the Lord had much to say this morning.  Today was my first day driving my car after I took it to the doctor.  My uneducated diagnosis based on the horrible shake brought on my high speeds was that the driver front tire was out of balance.  I dropped my car off praying that the official diagnosis would be inexpensive and effective.  Turns out it was both.  I was pretty close with my diagnosis…my wheel was out of balance but so were the other three.  After a day at the doctor, my car is riding smooth and the ride the morning was quite enjoyable.
As I was gliding down the interstate this morning (except when I was sitting in traffic), the Lord was speaking to me about balance in my life.  Just like my tires, my life seems a little shaky and bumpy these days.  I think it can be attributed to a combination of the following…
not enough time alone
too much tv
not enough time in the Word and prayer
too much working
not enough sleep
Moving and settling into a new job and home has gotten me a little off.  My work schedule is very different and adding almost 2 hours in the car everyday has been very different.  The result has been life that’s a little off kilter. I kind of feel like Gabby…just hanging on to the beam.

So now I’m on a quest to bring balance back into my life.  I am praying through the issue above and seeking the Lord about the changes that needs to be made.  I am sure balance will begin to reappear one decision at a time.

So how’s your balance these days?  What causes you to get out of balance?  What is the Lord saying to you about bringing balance back into your life?

My commute this morning was very productive.  While it was early, the Lord had much to say this morning.  Today was my first day driving my car after I took it to the doctor.  My uneducated diagnosis based on the horrible shake brought on my high speeds was that the driver front tire was out of balance.  I dropped my car off praying that the official diagnosis would be inexpensive and effective.  Turns out it was both.  I was pretty close with my diagnosis…my wheel was out of balance but so were the other three.  After a day at the doctor, my car is riding smooth and the ride the morning was quite enjoyable.

As I was gliding down the interstate this morning (except when I was sitting in traffic), the Lord was speaking to me about balance in my life.  Just like my tires, my life seems a little shaky and bumpy these days.  I think it can be attributed to a combination of the following…

  • not enough time alone
  • too much tv
  • not enough time in the Word and prayer
  • too much working
  • not enough sleep
Moving and settling into a new job and home has gotten me a little off.  My work schedule is very different and adding almost 2 hours in the car everyday has been very different.  The result has been life that’s a little off kilter. I kind of feel like Gabby…just hanging on to the beam.
So now I’m on a quest to bring balance back into my life.  I am praying through the issue above and seeking the Lord about the changes that needs to be made.  I am sure balance will begin to reappear one decision at a time.
So how’s your balance these days?  What causes you to get out of balance?  What is the Lord saying to you about bringing balance back into your life?
Friday night lights! Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.  (Taken with Instagram)

Friday night lights! Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose. (Taken with Instagram)

Stuff…

After cleaning out every room in my house, I’ve decided that I have way too much stuff.  I followed the guideline of throw it, donate it, or keep it.  I decided to be ruthless and really purge.  I don’t want to move this stuff again.  The results were lots of throwing away and a car and a truck full of donations.

My heart longs for more simple and less stuff but my usually never wins.  I am praying about how to cultivate a less crowded life.  Having less stuff is a goal but a pursuit of simplicity is even more important to me.  This move seems like a great time to unload some stuff…physically, mentally, and spiritually!

The Rollercoaster

I’m in my final week in Colorado Springs and the goodbyes are starting today.  My mind is spinning because one minute I am excited about the future and the next I am overcome with sadness.  The relationships God has given me here are deep and bring lots of life to my soul.  I will miss each person and know that I’ll stay connected to many despite the miles.  The next chapter holds the promise of new relationships that I am sure will become just as deep.  For now, I’ll let the tears flow and enjoy every moment with these fantastic people.  Their investment of time and love will carry me to Nashville and help me sustain me during the changes that await!

The Next Chapter

Many times the Lord talks to me in pictures and over the last 8 months there have been several of those in our journey together.  Most recently the picture I have been holding to is a book where one chapter is ending and another is beginning.  You know that blank page between chapters?  That’s where I’ve been living for the last several months.  Over the last few weeks that page has flipped and now I’m ready for the next chapter.

My chapter in Colorado Springs has come to a close and my next chapter will be written in Nashville, TN.  I will be leaving NavPress as of July 20th and beginning a new position at LifeWay Christian Resources on August 1st.  The drive east will commence on July 25th and then I’ll have a few days to get ready for this next chapter.

Until then, I am spending as much time as possible with friends and packing for the move.  I have a house to list and many odds and ends to take care of in just a few days.  If you think of me, please pray for the following…

  • finishing well at NavPress
  • adequate time with friends
  • finding the right realtor and a quick home sale
  • time to finish all the things on my to-do list

Even as one chapter is ending, the next chapter is just beginning.  I can hardly wait to see what the story will be.  Praise be to the greatest Author of all time!!

Jul 9

Routine

It’s ironic that in my recap from Europe I talked about my need for adventure because what I discovered this morning is that I also have a need for routine.  Between my stay in Bratislava and my unexpected trip to Nashville, I’ve been gone from home for over 6 weeks.  It’s hard to believe how much I’ve experienced in those 6 weeks.  Lots of new places and faces as well as some scary moments during the fire in Colorado Springs.  I also turned the page on a new year in my life.  So much to absorb and think about and I am looking forward thinking through all of it.

So today, I get back to the routine of cubicle life, grocery shopping, laundry, and connecting with friends.  While the adventure is fun, there is nothing like a little routine to make life seem stable.

Full

I am sitting in the Vienna airport using the free wi-fi and reflecting on the last 32 days in Europe. My heart is so full an my soul completely satisfied. Here’s just a few things rolling around.

It was my honor to be with he Porta libri team dreaming about the future. They are innovative and passionate about seeing people know Jesus nd helping the 50,000 Christians in Slovakia grow. Thanks for welcoming me and making my time so incredible.

I’ve been to 3 new countries for a total of 6 since my vacation. How did I get picked to experience this? Humbled…

I’ve seen God in majestic cathedrals, small chapels, voices of women singing German hymns, church services, art, and the creative touches scattered across every city.

I’ve learned that I really thrive on adventure and probably need that as a regular part of my live. From a girl that used to be dominated by fear, that is a big deal!!

I discovered that my sense of direction that usually is greatly lacking at home shows up on these adventures. God knows exactly what I need!!

I’ve had a taste of how nice it is to slow down adding margin for reflection and relationships. Where else can you have a 3 hour dinner with a friend at a sidewalk cafe but in Europe? (there was no sever pressuring us to leave)

I’m grateful for technology and how it keeps me connected to my friends and family.

As I travel toward home these are just a few things that I will treasure. Many more are captured in photos or simply in my memory. Goodbye for now Europe. I will certainly be back!!

An Inside Look

I am still trying to wade through my photos from Prague so I thought I’d share another video.  Visiting cathedrals in Europe has been one of my favorite things to do in every city.  The St. Vitus Cathedral that sits in the middle of the Prague Castle didn’t disappoint.  Here is a quick look at the inside…

Quick look inside of St. Virts Cathedral from NavTech on Vimeo.

A Little piece of History

Just add another piece of culture to the list of my European experiences.  Zuzana took me to a concert in the Bratislava Castle tonight.  It was a Basset horn trio called the Lotz Trio.  They play 3 horns that were rescued from a fire in a castle in Slovakia.  The horns are made as a trio and were often special ordered for the royal musicians.

The music was beautiful and the history fascinating.  Zuzana was nice enough to translate for me.  Have a listen to the Lotz Trio…