July!

It's my birthday this week! About a month ago I celebrated my "new" birthday.  It's been three years since my gall bladder was removed and my life was saved due to a handsome, young doctor that remembered something that had been done fifty years prior that he'd once seen in a book.  I have NO doubt that his remembering that was an answer to many, many prayers!  Well, as I've mentioned before, I am so grateful for being saved, and sometimes wonder why I was saved, what I'm supposed to be doing. 

For whatever reason the build up to this birthday has not been so fun.  I've been annoyed with not being at the place I always dreamed I'd be at, at this point.  However, at the same time, I'm extremely thankful for the opportunities that I've been given.

So, I have had no idea of what I wanted for my birthday.  Guess what I decided on... a bike!  It's been forever since I've ridden one!  I got one today.  It's small, and the guys at the store kept saying I needed a taller one.  I couldn't reach the ground on any taller ones.  So, I'm going to ride my little bike!

So, sometimes I'm amazed what people say to each other.  For example, people post whatever they have on their brains on Facebook, when they really wouldn't say that in real life.  Well, remember Mr. D from here, over time he's popped out with some amazing things, and I'm saying amazing, not in a good way.  Well, I've had the chance to hear from Mr. D., Jr.  Now, I'm not going to say he's anything like Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice, still a great guy though, but he is an awful lot like the Mr. D that I know.  These men are so concerned about where they are, that they're not getting married, that they're not meeting any women that are exactly 3 1/2 years younger than them (okay, so I'm exaggerating on the 3 1/2, but it's close), etc.  If they'd just let things happen, and not be so stressed about it, it would work out. Another thing, while relaxing and not getting so stressed about the above mentioned things, people really need to let go of what they have pictured for themselves, because the Lord may have something [or someone] way better than they're expecting prepared for them and their circumstances, whatever they may be.  Everyone has a past and everyone has issues, you need to let that other person in the "maybe relationship" have a say, whether they're able to deal with those issues or not, not just decide on your own.  It's a right that he's taken away from her or vice versa.  Another thing is that these Mr. D characters just talk and talk, not even aware that they're telling you all of these things that, although you were prepared to hear, may be affecting you personally!  Sort of like you don't matter, and I guess you don't.  So weird!

I've decided that besides all of the obvious reasons why being married, as man and wife, is important and should be happening, is the communication that being on your own lacks.  Men and women think so differently, and that is such a blessing in so many ways!  As a couple, you can discuss anything and everything, and you can let each other know when you're stepping out of reality.

For example, I'm a prime example of this!  I go on a date, it's super fun, then I don't hear anything from him for a week or so.  At first, I'm totally fine with that.  By that week mark/ week and a half mark, I have totally convinced myself that I've ruined everything, and I'm second guessing every little thing I remember saying or that I did something wrong or said something that could've possibly been read wrong, etc.  So, I'm a mess by this point!  Then I finally have to talk it out with someone, obviously not the person I should actually be talking it all out with, because apparently he hates me at this point :)  See... Craziness!!!  However, talking it out, I realize that yes, I've gone a little overboard, and need to relax.  See, they're concerned and scared, and so are we.  I think this dating stuff stinks at this stage of the game.  It's hard!  I so wish people would not read too much into things, and over think things, and just have faith.  I don't know why it's so hard, but it is definitely hard!

I think the same thing applies in many other situations, how you feel about work, how you feel about church, how you feel about your family.  If you have these inner discussions with yourself for too long without feedback from someone that's distanced from the situation, you're going to get stuck in a rut you don't want to be in.  If you're not happy with an aspect in your life, pray about it.  Pray long, and hard, and be hopeful, and keep moving!

Wow!  That was quite the tangent!  I've just been around so many different situations lately. Some have been things involving me, some are things that I get to hear about, since people like to share these kinds of stories with me!  My heart just hurts at times for these great people that are struggling!

Anyways!  I have six hours of work, 3 hours of piano, and then I'm off for the rest of the week!  I'm thrilled!  Hope everyone has a great 4th!  I'm proud to be an American, even though my heart is breaking for some of the changes and struggles that our country is facing!  I'm grateful for the freedoms that we have, and those men and women that fight and have fought for that freedom!