Saying Good-by is Tough

I can't begin to count the number of people I have said good-bye to over the past few years. I think at the rate I'm going...I say good-bye to more people than I am meeting. Kidding. But it sure has been a lot.

It makes me think about whether or not I've put all of myself into the relationships and what things might change in my life. I am always sad when I say good-bye. It was probably the hardest when one of my best friends moved away to teach English overseas.

I have been so blessed to know these friends and while I'll miss them, I am excited for them. I am hopeful that this new chapter will be full of exciting new adventures. Wonderful new people. Experiences that help them learn and grow. And that occassionaly, they remember to keep in touch. ;-) It's hard to always want the best for them when I feel like there is now a gap in my own life. I miss all of my friends dearly. Even though there is Skype and I can talk to my friends...it's not quite the same as having coffee or getting a meal together and shooting the breeze. I will miss all the hangouts. The BBQ's. The Game Nights. The Jokes. The Laughter.

It's a new chapter for me as well. Making new friends and becomming more aware of myself and the things that I do. The impressions that I leave people with and the importance of being open and honest in everything that I do.

I am looking forward to the new year. I can't wait to see what's in store for me and all of my friends.

I and Love and You

New Art

Seaweed prints from Canada!
Originally uploaded by kiki5253

These are now hanging in my apartment. I purchased some nice wood frames from Fred Meyer today and decided to replace some of the Monet prints that were hanging in my dining room.

The prints are made from pressed seaweed. I love the colors used and it's fun to see the different types of seaweed. A perfect import from Canada.

In other news...this weekend I will be watching Vampire Weekend at Marymoor Park on the eastside. I'm pretty excited for Sunday.

It's been a good week even though it's been lacking in sleep. :)

-Cheers!

Both Sides - Joni Mitchell

Things on My Mind

There are many things on my mind lately. So here goes...

God's Sovreignty - How much does God intervene...when and how. If He intervenes or speaks to us, how do we know it's not our own voices or the devil attempting to fool us?

Unconditional Love - How do I make sure that the people I love and care about always know they're loved. Particularly, my family members. Do I do enough and am I demonstrative enough in my acts, to show them that I love them.

Encouragement - How do I make sure that the words that I say and the things that I do are always building people up, rather than tearing them down. Am I playing nicely and safely (safely pertains to emotions as well as physical safety) with the people that surround me.

Investment of My Time - Have I been investing enough time and energy into the things I care about? That answer is probably no right now. Since that's the case, what are the things that I need to change in my behavior and attitude to make sure that I spend my time wisely.

The Past and the Future - No one's past is perfect. How do I make sure that the past isn't defining me and determing what I do in the future. Thta the future really is something I and my Maker determine.

Personal Growth - Am I growing in the manner and methods that are required of me for following Christ? Have I done the necessary things to always be changing and growing...becomming a better person.

My Talents - Am I using the gifts that were given to me for the Glory of God? If I'm not, then what's wrong with me and why haven't I been more disciplined. It must be laziness on my part. How can I change this

There are even more things on my mind right now, but this is the short list.