closing in

August 23 is fast approaching. I'm currently taking my time as I drive across the country to stop and chill with friends, run marathons, go to friends weddings, and watch baseball games. I am both excited for the year in Arizona and a little hesitant. I've been away from the west coast for 3 years and was supposed to come back home this year. I know my friends will understand and of course still be there for me when I do finally move back to the great state of California.

I think this will be a nice break from my hectic lifestyle of working full time at the hospital, part time at the gym and doing my master's degree full time while still traveling like a mad woman. I'm surprised my grades were still as high as they were when I was off in another state every other weekend over the past two years.

I'm looking forward to getting back in shape and living a more simplistic lifestyle. I can't wait to ride my bike instead of drive everywhere (like I did while in college in San Luis Obispo), fighting off sleep and falling asleep at the wheel even on the short drives to and from work (40-45 minutes in Virginia). I love cooking and I'll have ample opportunities in Arizona to do so and since I'll be at the food bank and farmer's market as part of my job, I will be able to help guide others toward living a healthier lifestyle as well. I'm excited at the prospect of living out my faith and sharing it with those around me through my actions and having people alongside me doing the same thing.

Honestly, I'm a little concerned about keeping relationships strong and I am praying that even with distance, that God will keep us close. He has helped me over the past three years and my best friends who were over three thousand miles away are still my best friends even though we only got to hang out once or twice a year. True friends are hard to come by! I've learned that once I find them, I should hold on tight.

God please help me to be the woman that You created me to be. To continue to be a relational person and keep in close contact with those who are important to me. Please help me to do Your will and to share Your word and the joy that You have given me with those around me now and in the future. Thank You for everything that You have given me, especially for my friends and family. I know that everything will work for Your glory for those who love You and thus, my life will glorify You. I keep my eyes focused on You as I head into this new season of life.

-run for life