Linking up with Kelly's Korner... Guest post

Today is link-up day with Kelly's Korner a fun blog that Amanda follows. And it just so happens that it's Show Us Your Singles Friday. Amanda has given me permission to post on her behalf and share a little bit about her. Oh, I'm her sister-in-law Deana.

I've known Amanda for about 9 years now and we have walked quite the journey. She is one of the most genuine people I've ever met and she is known for her truth speaking abilities. In her friend circle she is known as the truth speaker. She values authenticity and seeks that out in all of her friendships. She is rather hilarious and loves to laugh. She will be competing in her first Triathlon on Sunday and completed a 1/2 marathon in May. She enjoys the challenge of doing things she never thought possible even though it can be scary. She is passionate about Jesus, serves at her church and loves children. Right now she is in school getting her Graduate Certificate in Teaching. She'd love to live in a city and work in an inner city school and make an impact on the children there. I've heard her say many times that she just wants to change the world. The crazy thing is, I really think she could do it. She is one of those people you just love to be around. And when you leave hanging out, you feel like a better person. She deeply cares for people and what they're walking through at the time. Community is a huge desire of hers and she loves to connect and hang out with others. I've been praying a long time for the person Amanda is to meet and know that the Lord is preparing the man for her in the right time. 

Thanks for letting me share about my sweet sister in law. She really is an amazing person! Comment on this post if you would like to connect with her or connect someone you know with her! 

and... i'm back

happy new year?!?! yes, a bit late. i'm pretty sure that everyone who used to follow me has probably given up on coming here for a new post. well friends, the lack in posting is about to change. not to sound redundant but life has been busy busy with work, school, 2nd job at a gym, church things, training and such. never a dull moment. and yes, i am beginning to realize the importance of having me time. me time that is more than just a three mile run or so. really taking time to invest in me. how come that is so difficult? so life has been rather interesting for a while. many different changes going on around me that in one way or another indirectly affect me. and if i'm honest, it's been really hard. harder than i imagined. through it all though, the Lord has been so faithful to me. over and over proving His love for me and showing me how deeply he knows me. it's beautiful really. in the last couple months, i have reconnected with some amazing women. women that were in my life at a previous time but didn't really connect with them before, but now connecting on such a deeper level. just another way God has shown me how much he cares for me. definitely learning the discipline of trust and timing. and the reality that our definition of good and God's definition of good might not look the same. important truths to to know and believe unwaveringly.

in other news...

i got a tattoo. yep. i finally told my dad, so now i can make it web official. i really like it and think i'll like it more when i can wear shoes that show it off. i've been wanting a tat for a while now. just never found a time that seemed right. one day a couple of my friends were like, let's go get our tattoos. and we did. 6 months to the day of my 1/2 marathon. the tattoo is on my foot and says ...so she did... from the saying "she believed she could so she did." i realize that some people completely disagree with tattoos and you know what, that's totally fine. i'm not forcing anyone to get one, and we'll just leave it at that.

i am training for my 1/2. trying not to beat myself up for taking a little running hiatus. i'm pretty discouraged if i going to be honest. it's hard to get back in to. and then i get mad at myself for not sticking with it. so, i must remember that a strength is building. strength not just physically but mentally as well. and that's exciting. i will push through.

i also signed up to be part of a training group called Tri It For Life. It is a group of women that train together for a sprint triathlon. i've known several women to go through that program and they have had nothing but good things to say about it. we will be participating in the Rambling Rose Tri in Huntersville September 23rd. i'm excited to push myself physically in this way. and i am excited to connect with other women who have the same goal!

i'm believing this year is going to be so good. even with all of the changes going on. i just know it's going to be amazing.

"every passion has a destiny" -billy mills-

"if you are running, you are a runner"