Saturday, September 28, 2019

Finding Peace with Singleness

I have spent my entire life fighting with singleness. How to become un-single (lol) has occupied much of my thoughts; that and my ticking biological timeclock. Surprise, surprise all that worry amounted to NOTHING, but an endless cycle of stress. With each passing birthday, I felt I was missing out on something that may never happen. That thought was devastating. All I dreamt about was a husband and family of my own, but it felt so out of reach. I felt sorry for myself all the time. I felt lame for each night I was at home alone. Overall, I was just super unhappy; that was the last 20 years of my 35 years of life, in all honesty.

While at a Christian women's conference, last month, God changed my mindset about things. I was in a session about my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11. The session leader shared her journey of faith. The handout from her session had some key points that started the change in my mindset. The session topic was: God Meets Us Wherever We Are. The description was: "Come and listen as I share how God met me right where I was and how that brought freedom to my life and for the people around me, and can do the same for you." Some of the key points were, 1) "God will meet you and use you right where you are, 2) That will bring you freedom, 3) That will bring freedom to those around you, 4) How is God meeting you where you are?, 5) How is He using you or can use you right where you are?, 6) How can this verse bring you freedom, 7) How can this verse bring freedom to those around you?"

In that session, I realized that in Christ, I am complete and whole. I had been living my life as if I wasn't enough. As if I wasn't a complete, whole person because I'm single. I didn't enjoy my own company, because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. This new mindset has brought me peace in Christ and in my life. While I still dream of a family, I'm trusting in God's plan and timing for my life. If His plan for me doesn't include a family, God is still good and gracious. I hope that what I shared helps you in your walk with Christ and helps bring His peace to your life and soul.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Part 2: My Trip to Wichita, KS

With time in the morning before the track meet, we ventured out to the Nifty Nut House. A referral from my cousin and my research using TripAdvisor told me that'd it'd be an interesting stop. It was essentially a large cinder block nut and candy shop. What was so interesting about the building was the extensive murals.




Inside, I found an extremely large variety of nuts. In addition, they had all types of candy. It was a little overwhelming, so I decided to focus on my favorites: nuts (since they're known for them), licorace, gummy bears, and toffee. Even with that fairly concise mission, I was taken a bit aback by the vast selction. Everything I bought I really enjoyed and I can't wait to make it back there.

While there, we were told about the Spice Merchant which was said to also have many varieties of tea. It was a lot to take in. There I found a cool, new tea mug from their vast selection, as well as lots more tea! Such a cool spot!


We were surprised to see some cool murals while heading back to the car. Such a cool art form.




Friday, September 6, 2019

Part 1: My Trip to Wichita, KS

I work part time as a track and field official. I met my best friend through being an official, last spring. Since, we've worked a lot of meets together and have traveled to a few meets together also.

My friend talked me into working a meet at Wichita State for the Shocker Club. That matched up with a John Crist comedy tour. So, we made a overnight trip of it.

Last year, was when I started following him on social media and he's fantasically funny, as well as a Christian. If you haven't heard of him, you're missing out! Enjoy!







His show was an experience unlike anything I've ever seen. It was essentially like a hip hop concert with loud music via a DJ and colored lights. The opening comics were so funny. It was definitely a high-energy experience.

Mike Goodwin was one of the opening comics. Here are some of his funniest clips.


We stayed at the Best Western Plus Eastgate Inn & Suites. It was super affordable, but not the nicest place I've ever stayed. We did feel safe there and used their gym which was small, but adequate.

We researched restaurants a lot before this trip, since my best friend has a gluten allergy. After looking at restaurants that listed being able to work with those with a gluten allergy, we picked Bite Me BBQ.

We found the restaurant pretty easily downtown. We went in and inquired about their gluten free offerings and the waitress was clueless. We talked to a manager who was a little more helpful, but what they had shouldn't have warranted them marking that they have gluten-free items on the TripAdvisor website.

Now to the food. After reading reviews, we had really high hopes, but unfortunately the food had no flavor. To be honest, the food didn't set well with either of us that evening. We were disappointed and would not go to Bite Me BBQ again.



After the comedy show, we decided to find a local place to get ice cream at. We settled on the cool-named, Churn & Burn. Churn & Burn was a cute, little shop with gelato and lots of fun flavors. I settled on their peanut butter truffle flavor. It was SO good. Unfortunately, I think the ice cream was too rich for my system, because I got sick after eating it. My friend was fine though.

Well, this encompasses our very full first day in Wichita.