Whirlwind

This week is a whirlwind, but not the kind of whirlwind that destroys everything in its path...

A good kind of whirlwind, depending on one's perspective.

A whirlwind of new adventures, growing responsibilities, possible opportunities, and a lot of running.

For me, this has meant a few sleepless nights, trying to process all of the things I have to do and grasp the new season I have come upon. And I don't mean sleepless nights where I can't fall asleep. I mean those nights where, even when I am asleep, I am dreaming about what goes on during the day and continuing to process information or make to-do lists in my mind.

This passed weekend I was blessed to be able to immerse myself in playtime. Little things like shopping at Cost-Co with my mom and getting ready in the morning with my little sister were so nice.

I got to meet my highschool cross country coach for coffee,

and he gave me so much encouragement and good advice.

I went to a wedding. And those are always the best.

I vegged out and watched tv with my parents.

I watched the most ridiculous redbox movie ever with some friends.

I went out to breakfast after church on Sunday with a bunch of lovely people, and I was paid for!

What a blessing!

I didn't have time to be on my computer.

I just played and relaxed and cut loose.

And then came yesterday. The first day of practice.

That was a whirlwind. One of meeting new people, filling out paperwork, and scoping out what the team will look like this year. I will say that it is MUCH more fun being a veteran on the team. Everyone comes to you to ask you questions. You get to lead stretches.

 I remember what it was like to be new to the team,

and I want to make everyone feel as welcomed and included as possible.

We got gatorade waterbottles. Feeling like a pro.

Then I went to work. I had no change of clothes or way to shower (what was I thinking?) so I sat in the government office all day in my sweat.

Another practice at 6 p.m., though,

would have made showering pointless anyway (I don't like showers). 

The practice was followed by a team dinner, and a lot of bonding and getting to know you took place. Needless to say, I got home late. 

And got up this morning to drive back for another 8 a.m. practice. 

A whirlwind, this time, of anxiousness....

Today was a tempo time trial. 

And as much as I don't want to compare myself to other girls on my team... as much as I don't want to fall into that trap.... and as much as I just want to run for me, it's hard for any athlete.  

So I prayed this morning on the way. I prayed that I would remember why I run. Not to be the best. It doesn't really matter if I am. Yes, I'm competitive. But the thing is, EVERYTHING I have comes from God. He gave me the talent, and I have worked hard, trying to put any talent I have to good use.

He gave me the DESIRE,

and he takes so much delight in watching me participate in something I like.

If someone else is more talented than I, so what???

I don't run to prove myself to people.

I run for me. Because I like it. And that is praise.

Let all that I am praise Him!!!!

So now I'm at work again, in my sweaty clothes (again!), and I'll work until team bonding bowling tonight.

The student leadership team retreat is this weekend, and I planned it and will be helping lead it as the incoming President. I also found out I have to make an eight minute speech to the administration, faculty, and staff in a couple weeks. So instead of writing this blog, I should be writing that.

Whirlwinds don't necessarily destroy everything in their path. If you stay firmly planted, you won't get lost in the mess of everything. And as busy and stressful and new and exciting everything is right now, I'm going to remain at peace, in the eye of the storm, resting in His love.

Perfect Day

Yesterday was a nearly perfect day. 

Everything I needed to get me ready for the craziness to come these next few weeks!

And because I know you all want to know every detail of my life... I'm going to tell you all about it! :)

I started off the day with a hill repeat workout (still getting ready for xc!) followed by a short, but intense lifting session at the gym. 

You want to hear a secret? I love lifting weights. More than running sometimes! And I love the gym. Everyone their is just, super jazzed about fitness. It's great. 

You want to hear another secret? I used my sister's gym card to get in.... :) 

I'm the only person in my family without a membership, because usually I can just use my school's gym. But as I am home for now, I couldn't. 

I feel bad, but they don't use theirs' that often, so just once, it seems ok. 

Then I made protein pancakes (my favorite days always start with pancakes!), did some journaling, caught up on my new favorite Netflix tv show, Dance Academy (its all the cheesy drama of ABC family with an Australian twist), and got ready. 

Around noon, my little sister, Liberty, and I, went with another friend to go get TCBY frozen yogurt (their hard-serve froyo is my favorite dessert of all times) and brought it back to the house for a day of movie watching and art projects. 

It was the perfect, relaxing day. 

The day continued to get better when my sister and I decided to go on a date at the Cheesecake Factory before church. 

 Hanging out with her is always a good time... :)

I love her so much. It is unreal how much she has grown up the last couple of years. I look up to her in so many ways... she is not my "little" sister anymore!!!

Then church was great, as always, and I am sad that the school year is starting, because I won't be able to go as often on Thursday nights anymore. I have so many great friends there, and I keep meeting new people each week. 

I'm ready for this new season, though. At least... 

I'm trying to be. 

And I was so encouraged by Colossians 1:11-14 today (Message version)

As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

 God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

Its amazing how a little time reading the 
Bible can encourage me so much!!!

Running On.... Anxiety

The other night I had a dream about my first day of practice.

We were planning on going on an eleven mile run. 

In the dark. 

On a rocky path. 

In the woods. 

Up a mountain.

And I showed up to practice, but I wasn't dressed to run.
And my coach was mad. 

And I had five minutes to change.
So I started sprinting up this hill to go change.

Then I woke up.

Do you guys ever have anxious dreams? 

I knew that I was a little nervous about starting cross country again (there is a lot of pressure returning), but it wasn't until I had this dream that I realized I am actually anxious....

It reminded me of a dream I had the first week
of track practice in seventh grade. 

I was new. 

I was nervous.

I know it's silly to be nervous. 

And I'm excited too, don't worry.

But since I'm being honest on this blog, running in college is a lot of pressure.

Mostly because I put pressure on myself.

And I want to have a good season. I want to do better than I did last year.

And coming off of a successful season, it is easy to fear failure.

But guess what. My motto always has and always will be NO FEAR.

And even though I may not feel completely prepared for the season, I have given everything I have and more this summer. So I have to be confident in that. And I have to be content in giving my best.

My XC Team last year


Cross Country, bring it on.

Weekend Recap

It was another busy but amazing weekend. As my cross country season and school draws nearer, I'm taking advantage of every moment I have to see my friends in Boise. I only go to school an hour away, but I'll be so busy I do not know how often I'll be back!

Friday night I had to say goodbye to one of my best friends, Christi... again. 

She left to go back to school Saturday morning, so a few of us went to her house for pizza and swimming. Swimming didn't actually happen, but it was really fun. We all talked and helped her pack.

I already miss her!!

We haven't lived in the same city the last two years, but we are still close as ever. 

I left at around 11:30 and headed to my church for midnight prayer. It's a thing the college kids do in August on friday night. Why not pray at midnight? 

Well, because I'm an old person and like my sleep :) But seriously, so worth it!

I got in bed at around 2:30 a.m and had to get up at 8:00 a.m. for a ten miler!!!

When I got back I dug in to this baby. I laughed out loud when I realized... I have almost single handedly eaten this whole thing by myself. 

That on top of the pb and almond butter I had with me at school. I can't get enough of it!

Then I went shopping with my mom. All day. It was so fun, but exhausting!!! I wasn't feeling like doing anything too crazy, but a dollar movie sounded nice. So I texted my lovely friend Ally, and we met up for dinner, a movie, and dessert (frozen yogurt!!!). 

She made me this CD for my long drives back in forth from here to school. How sweet!!! :)

Then church on Sunday. It was so good. I'll have to recap the message on a later blog. 

Stripes and Starbucks!!!!!

I spent the rest of the day completely relaxing, other than this art project I tackled.

Sometimes, you just have to create stuff. 

Practice starts one week from today!!! Ahhh. 

Meet the Parents!

And the rest of the family....

I know I have talked a lot about my family on this blog in the past, but I figured it was about time for some formal introductions. Shall we?

My parents: Otherwise known as the two sweetest, most selfless individuals on this earth. They were both pastors for many, 

many years (I grew up a pastor's daughter), 

and both have given so much 

of their lives to the penniless existence

 of working in the ministry 

and helping people. 

But they are so blessed for it.

My dad is now a missionary, and he started his own non-profit organization that allows him to do things like travel to Pakistan and set up sewing centers for mistreated women to work at and make money from. I want to do something like that one day.

He is also a total hambone.

My mom is currently a middle school teacher, and even though I can't imagine dealing with a bunch of screaming pre-teens all day, she rocks at it. She is my best friend and we love to shop together and watch B movies on Netflix. She also takes care of me...which I'm really grateful for :)

My siblings: 

Naphtali, my older sister, is married to Anthony, and they have the cutest little baby ever: Benton. I love this little family so much!! And Naphtali and I are so close, despite our ten year age difference.

Jonathan, my older brother, just got married to Kristina. They are the most fun loving, adventurous couple ever, and I hope to be more like them in that way. Jonathan is like, super smart. He's a computer scientist. He works from home. And he looks like a nerd in this picture. But he actually isn't at all, guys.
He got lucky and got brains and social skills!

Liberty, my younger sister, is my best friend. She is so much fun and inspires me to be the same. She is also one of the most talented photographers I know, she dominates in rugby and basketball, she makes the best iced coffee ever (even for Dutch Bros), and she will probably be president one day. She is going places.

Oh, and she is a babe. That too.


My grandma:

My only living grandparent, my Meme is one of the greatest influences in my life. She loves to hike and work in her garden and drink Starbucks with me. She is the coolest grandma I know.

There are many other members of my family, as well. I have the most incredible aunts and uncles and cousins and estranged relatives I could possibly have. My family is my biggest support system and my rock. They have seen me through all of life's struggles and have celebrated with me during life's victories. I'm so blessed to have been born into this family.

Of course families are never perfect, and things get rocky from time to time, but I know they are always my safe place to return to, and they are my best friends.

Passwords

Almost everything now days requires some kind of password. 

Facebook, twitter, online banking, blogging...

To use your debit card, you have to type in a password. 

To unlock your phone, you have to type in a code. 

Throughout our day, we probably use more passwords than we even realize or could keep track of!!!

We have become accustomed to the idea that passwords. Without them, we aren't apart of the club. We aren't secure. We don't have access to the things we need or want. 

Aren't we lucky that God doesn't have any passwords to get to him?? A lot of people think that there are. That they have to say the right thing, do the right thing. That for prayers to be answered there is some magic formula or specific order of words that must be said. That for God to love them they have to do things a certain way and not mess up or access will be denied. 

THAT'S NOT TRUE!

God made a way for us to come to him without a password, by sending Jesus to pave the way. 

God has open arms. He is continuously calling and trying to get people to pick up the phone.

You don't need a password for his presence. 

You just need to come. 

You don't have to "log in". 

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you have to know a password.

Just go to the website, and you can become a member!!!!

Friday Faves

Happy Friday everyone! My weekend begins on Thursdays, after a long and exhausting week. But the three day weekend is a total blessing :)

My favorites right now:

Favorite thing to do: Going to GCD (Generation Church Downtown) on Thursday nights, getting rocked by God, and then eating frozen yogurt with these lovely ladies.

Favorite thing to eat: Dark chocolate. And I mean, really dark chocolate. Meet 90%. This stuff tasted disgusting at first, but now I'm seriously addicted to it. 

Favorite thing ever: This Iphone case. I don't have an iphone. I don't even have a smart phone. The bill is not something I can deal with right now. But I love this case. 

Favorite Fashion: Bring on the scarfs, layers, tights, and boots. I don't want summer to end, but fall has the cutest clothing items by far. I went shopping the other day and couldn't control myself. Here are some of my lookbook inspirations:

Favorite new thing I own!: I had been wanting one of these mugs from Anthropologie for forever, and my sister surprised me with an "S" one the other day!!!

Just my favorite:

This picture makes me want to pack up everything I have in a backpack and go on an adventure.

Favorite revelation this week: 

That's about it for now :) Have a wonderful weekend guys!

When I Grow Up

.... I want to be.....

As a little girl, I was always asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

At some points in my life I knew the answer: "A writer!" "A movie star!" "An olympian!"

Most little kids answers go something like that. Firemen, ballerinas, and singers are all common choices. The world is full of possibility, and it the question is nothing more than a fun game of dreaming.

As kids begin to grow up, however,
the answers become a little bit more serious.

"A doctor." "A lawyer." Not that these are bad at all! Except that sometimes they are chosen for financial stability. 

As kids enter the real world, the question became less and less exciting to answer, because a lot of pressure comes with it. No longer can someone answer on a whim. With the answer must come a lot of strategy and planning: whether the job is realistic, what degree to get, how much time and money it will take, etc.

I have always been jealous of those people who know exactly what they want to be and exactly what it takes to get there.

At different times throughout my life, I have wanted to be a writer, an astronaut, and even a senator. But all for very fleeting amounts of time. I have never been sure. Not even close to sure.

And the older I get, especially now that I am in college, being asked what I want to be gets a little frustrating. I have no idea how to answer, and I end up looking like I have no direction, even though I'm working incredibly hard at everything I do.

Then one day, I realized something. People are asking the wrong question.

It shouldn't be "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
It should be "What do you want to do when you grow up?"
Because what profession we have does not define us. What I do is not WHO I am.
What I'm doing right now doesn't define me. It never has, and it never will.
So, even though I don't know what I want to do when I grow up, I know what I want to be.

I want to be a follower of Christ.

source

I want to be an inspirer.
I want to be a world traveler.
I want to be a good friend.
I want to be a hard worker.
I want to be humble.
I want to be an influencer.
I want to be a good example.
I want to be generous.
I want to be joyful.
I want to be selfless.
I want to be successful.

And I can start working on who I want to be right now,
even though I don't know quite what I want to do yet.

Because if I am happy with who I am, it doesn't matter so much what I do.
My identity and worth won't be in that.

I do have dreams, however. Some possible career choices/dreams for me?:

Magazine Journalist
News Anchor
TV Show Host
Actress
Missionary
Non Profit Work
Politician
Writer/Blogger
Olympic Runner...? :)


Maybe one day I'll be on Good Morning America, or maybe I'll be in Africa helping victims of human trafficking. I'm not sure, but I'm excited about my future. And I'm excited about becoming a better person as I grow with God. Everyday finding my identity and purpose in him.

source

Being.

Thoughts About Work, and Chocolate Is Always A Good Idea

Sorry about the ridiculous title. I'm tired :)


I got up early today, but I wasn't my usual chipper morning time self.
I still managed to pound out an intense tempo run on the treadmill at my school's gym, though, and then I did a little lifting.
I just wasn't feeling an outdoor run. And even lifting, which I usually love, was sort of frustrating because I'm trying a new program and I felt a little lost.

Work today was busy!!!
And I realized a couple of things things:

1. I don't think I could handle working at a job where I have to manage a whole bunch of people and things. As student body president, I am doing it right now... but it's tough. And people at big corporations who do that... wow. I'm impressed. So maybe starting a non-profit, like I was originally thinking about maybe doing one day, is not necessarily my career path. But then again, maybe it is. Maybe I'm in training for it right now....

2. I need to start being less insecure in myself and my decisions. I always have liked to have someone to bounce ideas off of and make decisions with... because I HATE making them. But I don't always have help making decisions in this job. My advisor is not always available. And sometimes, I'm forced to make decisions alone. Not everyone is always going to like every decision I make, and I am just going to have to get thicker skin.

Despite those things, I think I really am learning a lot this summer, and I am sure next year is going to go well. God gives grace for situations that he places us in. And I definitely know I am where I am supposed to be and doing what I am supposed to be doing. So even though I have a steep learning curve, and even though I am going to be the busiest student/athlete/president ever next year, I am confident that it is going to be blessed. I am simply going to focus on God every day and my relationship with him, and the rest will fall in to place.

After such a busy day of work, I returned to the dorms starving and exhausted.
The perfect remedy for that?

Frozen chocolate covered bananas.

My roommate and I had the brilliant idea of slicing bananas, melting dark chocolate, combining the two, and freezing them. Perfection.

Chocolate is always a good idea.

I'm glad to have ended the day on a positive note.
And now it's time for some Bible reading and then sleep.
Goodnight bloggers!

Mornings and Memories

This morning I got up at 5 a.m.

Why on earth, in the summertime, would I do that? 

Well, here is why.

First, I love mornings.

•       I love everything about them. 
•       Running with the sunrise while the world is still sleeping. 
•       The promise of a new day. 
•       A hot cup of coffee. 
•       Breakfast!  (I could eat breakfast all day, everyday.)

Secondly, today is my beautiful mother's birthday. 

• So we went out for birthday breakfast at 8 a.m. 
• And I have a training schedule to stick to!
• Which includes running in the morning. 
• I don't know why, but I prefer it SO much to running at night. I like to get my runs out of the way. Start off the day on the right foot. Not think about how I'm going to have to squeeze a run in later. 

Third, the haze that is covering the valley is deadly.

• Crazy summer wild fires are causing unbearable smog all over the state. Everyone is advised to limit strenuous physical activity outside... 
• So I went to the gym and used the treadmill. 
• And I LOVE the gym. It's worth the little drive. Plugging my headphones in to the television on the treadmill and zoning out for seven miles... sometimes, that's just what the doctor ordered!

So I got up at 5 a.m.

And I ran seven miles. 

And then I went out to breakfast with my family in downtown Boise. 

My favorite place. My favorite people. 

And celebrated my most amazing mother at the cutest

 coffee shop I have ever been to.

Think iced coffee in mason jars. 

My little sister is really happy about hers, as you can see!

And guys, this is serious: If you haven't tried steamed eggs, drive to the nearest restaurant that serves them and ORDER THEM. It will change your life. 

You know that scene in Runaway Bride where 

they talk about her favorite way to cook eggs?

If yes.... then I have finally decided my favorite way to cook eggs 

- and therefore, my identity. 

If no, then please disregard this paragraph... I sound crazy!

My mom is seriously the most remarkable woman I know. She gives and gives. She is not simply just my biggest support, my greatest ally, and a role model. She is one of my best friends. 

Going out to breakfast is one of my favorite things to do, 

and going with such a lovely family made it all the better. 

After, I headed back to school for the work week. But before I left, I had to say goodbye to my sister, her husband, by baby nephew, and their dog. They leave to go back to Texas on Wednesday, where they are on base.

I shed a little tear. I won't lie. I love them so much. 

It's been a long day, but a very good one! I am feeling blessed right now. 

Are you a morning person?

What's your favorite way to cook eggs?

Are you close with your mom? 

More Olympics Talk

I found this picture on pinterest, with the caption: 

"Raise your hand if your country 

has been personally victimized by Regina George". 

hahahhahahahha. 

In other news, the men's marathon is TOMORROW! On NBC at four a.m. No, I will not be getting up to watch it. But DVR will conveniently allow me to watch the last thirty minutes. Let's go Ryan Hall! 

Also, I read these articles about Olympic Village and found them SUPER interesting. 

Guys, that's 25 THOUSAND loafs of bread. 

Click on the picture for a link. 

This next article was super interesting too... All about the "down and dirty" of Olympic Village life. I'm not sure I believe it, but you can decide for yourself!!!

Sex, Games, and Olympic Village Life

Running WIth Friends, Specialty Ice Cream, and Goals

I honestly feel like my weekends are busier than my weeks! They are filled up with errands, seeing friends, running, and church. I don't get much sleep, and I am all over the place. But I like it this way!

This morning I met up with my friend Laura for a 10.5 mile run in the beautiful Boise foothills. She is my favorite running partner... we have been friends since our first week of cross country practice our sophomore year of high school, and we have seen each other through the ups and downs of cross country, basketball, and track seasons. 

This is my old cross country team!!! 

 Five years later, we are both running at different colleges. 

(Sometimes, she borrows my sweatshirts and reps my school :))  

But we love to meet up when we are still in town for workouts, long runs, and great conversation!!!

Afterword, I did some errands in downtown Boise (never a chore, because I love it there), and I went to meet my lovely friend Christi for Coldstone Ice Cream. Coldstone was sort of our tradition for awhile, but we hadn't been for awhile so we decided to meet up there. 

For how expensive this specialty ice cream is, however, I have decided it is not my favorite. I'd much rather spend money on Baskin Robin's or TCBY. 

Sorry, Christi, but I think we
may have to put our Coldstone tradition behind us! 

I did not take that picture, by the way. Google images baby :)

She goes back to school next weekend, and I do not want to say goodbye!!! 

Today, during our run, we started talking about our goals for next year. I was asked what my running goals are, and the first thing that came out of my mouth was "I don't know". I immediately realized that I DO know. I just am not really confident in them right now. But that is no way to reach goals. I am working so hard for this, and I should be confident that my hard work is going to pay back eventually. 

So, here are my goals. Written down for EVERYONE to see. I'm not showing them so anyone can compare their personal bests to mine. I compare myself to people so much, and honestly... it's just about me being MY best. Pushing myself to MY limit. 

Cross Country

5k PR: 18:27

Goal: 17:55

Track

10k PR: 38:01

Goal: Break 37 

After everything I am going through for this, I have to be confident that I am capable. I CAN do this.

Thoughts Rollin'

It's Thursday!!! Which means it's the weekend for me!!! This whole working Monday through Thursday thing this summer has been wonderful. 

Three day weekends? Yes please!!! 

I have wondering lately how much I actually want to say on this blog. Because the thing is... I have SO much to say. I carry around a notebook with me constantly so I can write thoughts down if I have no one to tell them to! It's not like I talk all the time or anything, but my thoughts are constantly rollin'! 

(Did you like that reference to the title? Yeah, I 'm clever I know!!) :)

Anyway, I think I'm going to start saying more on this blog. More frequent posts about more random things and more personal things. I know that people I both know and don't know read this blog... and there are things I will post on here that I wouldn't necessarily tell people. But I figure if someone actually reads my blog (which I really, really appreciate!) then they have earned the right for me to let them see a little more of myself than I normally would. 

So here are some of the thoughts rollin' around my head today!!!

1. I'm so proud of my American Olympic Ladies. 

They are killing it, and they are medaling like crazy!!!

2. I love these new shoes I bought. They were only ten dollars, 

and I figured I should own more that two pairs of shoes! So I "splurged". 

3. Getting up early in the mornings to do a grueling running workout sounds miserable when the alarm clock goes off. 

But the feeling of accomplishment afterword is so worth it!!! 

Today's workout?: 

A 60 minute treadmill run including 

40 minutes of brutal incline and increasing speed. 

It feels good to sweat!

4. With all the training I have been doing (and the resting I have been incorporating in to my training, which you can read about HERE), my Olympic dreams are budding! Train like an Olympian, eat like an Olympian, maybe one day be an Olympian...? Dream big or don't dream at all, folks! :) 

5. Since I am having to pound down food like a champ lately to keep up with training and put on some muscle 

(I have really been making a crazy effort with this lately), 

I decided I'm going to STOP being so stingy with my grocery shopping. 

Meaning... I'm going to start spending a little more money 

on some of the expensive, organic foods I want. 

I'm still super frugal, but I need food to live. I might as well like my food.  

So I need to get over it. 

Maybe this will start a money spending kick. I need some new clothes. It's about time I get them! I really want some furniture for my student apartment next year. And heck, some "non essentials" would be nice too! Life's short. 

6. I get really proud of myself every time I cook myself a dinner that doesn't simply involve microwaving 

oatmeal or throwing a whole bunch of salad stuff in a bowl. 

Sometimes, I take pictures because I'm excited, 

and that's what people seem to do! 

But I don't have instagram, so I feel stupid doing it. 

Exhibit A: I made a protein pancake last night. I felt like a rockstar. 

7. Have you heard of Oogave? My sister and I found it in a random little coffee shop when we were in Baker for my brother's wedding. 

It's just carbonated water and agave. 

It's seriously better than coca cola. I'm not even a pop person. But it was delish. 

8. I have been drinking chocolate milk after runs lately, because I finally got convinced to join the bandwagon. Everyone has been talking forever about how perfect of post-run fuel it is due to the carb to protein ratio and readily absorbable sugar. I figured it was all hype, and I prefer my sugar to come in either ice cream, candy, or cookie dough form. 

But a sport's nutritionist suggested it, and now I'm obsessed. 

It tastes so darn good after running. Really, guys. Try it. 

9. If you have kept reading this whole time, I love you. Let's meet up. I'll buy you coffee. Or ice cream. Because this was one long post :)

What was your workout today? 

Is it easy or hard for you to spend money on things you want/need?

What do you think about chocolate milk as post-run fuel? 

Power in Positivity

It has been getting dark earlier and earlier every night. 

Fall is coming. 

I can feel it, despite the 100 plus degree temperatures 

and the fact that it is only the beginning of August. 

But I don't want it to come. 

I really do not feel like being in Ontario anymore. (I love weekends when I can be in Boise!) 

Or being president of the student body on top of being a year round athlete. 

It all takes such mental and physical commitment. 

Fall, please come slowly. Because the business is going to hit hard. 

And I'm really worried about letting people down! About letting my coach down. 

About letting my advisor down. 

About letting myself down. 

Now, I'm a huge believer in positive confession. 

Meaning: your brain believes what your mouth speaks. 

What you speak has power. I creates something in the atmosphere. 

It leads your thoughts. 

I talk about positive confession with my friends all the time. I preach it daily. 

But I think that I should apply it more to my own life! 

So my plan is to make my conversations (especially when talking about next year) positive ones. 

How will I do this? 

Well....

I want to start reading the Bible more. I have been reading it sort of aimlessly these past few weeks... more out of a feeling of obligation than anything. I feel terrible confessing that, but its true. 

But God has still been speaking to me every day!!! Its wonderful, isn't it, how he isn't limited to our failures? He loves us and speaks to us and uses us all the same!!! 

Getting filled up with the Word will help me to think more positively, which will help me to speak more positively.... which will in turn help me to believe more positively. 

You know, life is great. Despite all the hard things in life, there really isn't all that much to complain about. It's all about attitude. And I want to have a positive one!!!