Persistence.

Over the course of many years, and particularly as loss hit home hard, I've seen some ugly attributes displayed as a result of frustrated emotions. When operating out of a place of pain, if not careful, human nature needs to find something, or someone, to control.....

Rather than fighting for my "rights", I have chosen to bend until I break, to fall to my knees. I choose to look to the heavens and believe in a Higher Power who takes my matters into His hands....... I would rather allow freedom to find its way......

In the face of many obstacles, it took the persistence of Moses to never give up; to go back to a Pharaoh until he finally granted Moses' request. Moses had superior skill, "outplaying" those in positions of power; it was only a matter of time when the best rose to the top. Because of his actions, a whole nation would find new found freedom.

Logan's ankle is on the mend and he is quickly recovering; he is resilient. He's back on the court, practicing daily with his team for JO's in Houston. The countdown is on. Back, better than ever. There are times to return to the basics..... and it seems he and I are on a parallel path.

The Tough Mudder in Vancouver brought Jordan a challenge he embraced, training and preparing his "mental game" for this feat. I'm hoping he'll share his adventures with you:) Next up, expanding the blog, as I continue to grow my writing ventures.

I find myself in a position of doing whatever needs to be done; in other words, "suck it up and just do it." There's really nothing I can't tackle or haven't faced. There used to be times in my life where I could just say "I don't feel like it", but not anymore. No one else picks up the slack.

Today, I was racking my brain over Austin's college loans, past, present, and future, to figure out what he needs going forward. And of course, there's a deadline of July 15 to have all aid/loans in place. I'm always on a deadline, ha ha. Perhaps that's why I'm such a pusher and persevere:)

Persistence is key. I used to be a quitter; now, I will be a winner.
Goodnight and Grace.

Home.

 I finally got to talk to my daughter, who's in our hometown in PA, for two weeks. She is ever inspiring and appreciative, even more so since leaving our home to pursue our purpose. For each of us, it has brought an even greater focus on what is important in life.

I want those with ears to hear me to know how VERY MUCH we love each of you, those who have followed along with us on this incredible journey. You truly are the reason we are here and able to be ourselves in SoCal, in this incredibly vain society of "superficial personalities." You keep us real.......

To always know we have a "home" to go back to has empowered us to be who we are and effect change, and influence people. Our roots give us the support and stability to come to a place of knowing no one, and feeling broken at times, only to dig in deeper and see further. Her trip home has served to re-energize and reinvigorate........

As we continue to search for what is real as we find the fakes and flakes, we see meaningful relationships are being established. We are spreading our roots, not in the ground, but in the air, in the heavens, where they belong...... that's where our connections are.

In updating my home address today, I discovered my car insurance and renter's insurance policies will increase monthly by a total of $70. You know, I finally thought I had gotten this budget stuff settled. Ugh. I resist the urge to complain.

Moses of the Bible was an ordinary man called to lead an exodus of people into their promise. At various points along the way, they lost sight of why they had left and where they were going. They struggled, leading to contention amongst each other. In times of loss, it's easiest to turn on those you love and have your best interest in mind........... I would know.

They got too tired, life seemed so hard, they wondered when it would get easier. Moses was instructed to "strike a rock" in order to find a resource; sounds insane. His persistence paid off as water came gushing out from an unlikely source. His obedience released this resource......

I'm determined to not be defined by my "struggles" but rather, make them work for me. I am not giving up; neither am I deterred.

Striking my "rock."

Crystallized.

As I expand in this area and word of our past back East is spreading, I find sharing specifics still surreal. I wonder how I can calmly speak to the hope that lies within me, that has kept me living, in the wake of circumstances completely out of my control.

I hear myself sharing the condensed version, seeing and feeling the impact the words make upon a person who has taken the time to talk or get to know me. Many are afraid to ask, while a few feel comfortable enough to speak to me about it. That's the way meaningful connections are made........

I've been studying the life of Moses in Exodus of the Bible, where many adventures began. While he was doing something ordinary, living his life, tending sheep, an extraordinary opportunity came his way.

He was on the "far side of the desert" which I imagine to be a very lonely place. During this time, he noticed a bush that was on fire, but not burning up; it was all aflame but not consumed. He saw this from a distance initially, but decided to take a closer look. It was in taking the look that he realized something spectacular was right in front of his face.

What had been ordinary ground was transformed into something holy...... Had he not taken the time to look, he would've missed the purpose of his time in this desert.... where he was alone, where it seemed there was nothing of value. It was in this setting, things would become much clearer in his life. His difficult past would be used for a purpose.......

Tonight Logan is playing videos he and best friend Dillon Wright made in their younger days back home. Those were great times:) We miss you Dillon..... but love these memories!
Austin's going to El Camino College to sign up for Club VB, after having made contact with the coach. Other opportunities are coming for him as he continues to ref for USA VB on weekends, and is looking into volunteer coaching in Hermosa Beach.

When a plan is laid out and a purpose is made clear, I just have to say yes....... even if I don't know what lies ahead if I let go of the past.

"Crystallized." Young the Giant