A Garden Oasis

My Sunday was filled with peace and love today. I got to spend the afternoon with 5 women from a small group at a women's retreat. Our host has the most beautiful oasis in her backyard. I walked through the front door and could automatically see the bright colors of green, orange, red, and pinks! It really is heaven on Earth walking into her backyard. Then I get to see all the kind sweet faces. We are women of course so the hugging and talking begins!

We got a tour of the garden and all the beautiful sights and smells. I just stood and took deep breaths. I went to the farmers market yesterday with friends and got to walk through seeing vegetables, fruits, breads, plants flowers and even pottery. There is something about natural items that God has created. Walking through the plants and garden areas I had a longing for a garden. Just a small plot to plant herbs and flowers. I think about my aunt's garden. She knew so much about plants and herbs. She was always trying something new. God's creation is so calming.

We finally sat down to eat and began the "catching up" convos. As I sat listening to what struggles and joys everyone was going through, I thought, it is amazing how different we all are. We are from completely different walks of life. I loved it! Being the youngest and single you would think I would feel disconnected from the lives my fellow group members, but no, we have the most important bond and that is God. We all rely and have faith in God in our lives and we seek out the fellowship and support of our sisters in Christ.

As I was leaving I couldn't help but get overwhelmed. I got in my car and immediately called my mother. I told her I can't believe I know and have so many wonderful women in my life, loving, praying, and supporting me. They are all so supportive of me going into the Peace Corps yet I will be leaving them when I go. I feel like I am building so many bonds through this small group and another group. I have 15 to 20 women praying for me. What an overwhelming feeling!

The saying "To be known is to be loved, and to be loved is to be known" keeps resonating with me. I am known by these women and God and I feel the love that comes from the fellowship rooted in God. How sweet it is to be loved by you!

And now its Spring!

Oops Its been awhile since I've blogged. Life has been up and running and now I sit in the heart of Spring surrounded by flowers, birds chirping, beautiful weather, and of course pollen everywhere. As for my life it is still going pretty well friends, family, job, etc.. are all good. However I have had a lot on my mind: the future. 


I am just coming off of Spring Break which I spent at home in SC with my mom. It was a nice trip to just relax but a little depressing finding out that I no longer have any friends from high school that live in the area. My sister and some old family friends are what 's left.


I am in the process of applying to the Peace Corps. Its a long application with hard questions and a lot of blanks to fill in. The questions really make you think and I haven't felt like I've had time to sit and reflect and think in awhile. 


As for my goal 25 birthday goal setting, I'm not doing so hot! I think I have gained weight, I've only read 3 books, and I haven't worked out in awhile. I can make excuses but I think I freak myself out by making goals like that. I set myself up for failure on purpose. I was running and reading, totally focused and then I got a crick in my neck, work got crazy, and I got completely off track! I guess goals are something to work toward not completely conquer all the time, especially the high ones I set. I am going to hop back on my 25  band wagon just to see what happens not necessarily to conquer. 


There is something about Spring that rejuvenates me. It is my favorite time of year. It feels like everyone can start over. Easter I guess is a little reminder that it is a new life. Jesus gives us freedom, forgiveness, and complete support and love. I need to trust in this more and rely on him. 


My mom and I always talk about faith and God so when I was home this past week of course we had some great convos and I had a strange epiphany and that I wasn't too happy with : I talk about God more than I talk to him. 


I don't know why this is. I sometimes view God as that best best friend that you don't have to talk to everyday but when you do talk it takes about a minute to catch up on life and they completely understand and know what to say. I know God's will is to be in every part of my life yet I forget to squeeze him in, even though I see him in so much that passes through my life every day.