Porch Time

For the past few weeks or so, the weather has been absolutely beautiful where I live, on the Eastside of Seattle. We have had several days of clear blue skies and temperatures well into the 70s…for any area it would be considered good weather, but especially for this area.

One of the things I like most about days like these, are the evenings. I have done my best to spend time each day outside, and especially in the evenings. There is something peaceful about sitting on the porch and just enjoying the sunshine, getting to spend time in God’s creation. From reading, writing, taking a nap, or even just listening to the sounds of the birds and playing with my dog, it just feels great to be outside. During these times I spend time thinking and reflecting on many different things. I often just let my mind wander, for better or worse, and see where my thoughts take me. It is great having a time for reflection and relaxation, not to mention getting to soak up some good old Vitamin D!

This post does not have much of a main point or purpose, I just wanted to briefly mention that I enjoy these times and greatly appreciate them. I have been reminded to be intentional about taking time each day to relax and just enjoy life. Below are a couple pictures of my time this evening, including a picture of the writing of this post…which I am doing outside!

Full Circle

In March 2007, during my senior year of high school, I was interviewed at school by a manager of a local country club. Several of my friends also applied and we were all interviewed for a variety of open positions, ranging from maintenance to golf attendants to banquet work. Truth is, we all thought it sounded fun and we all needed summer jobs. So when the opportunity came, we could not pass it up.

I had a great conversation with the manager and felt pretty good about it afterwards. Fast forward to immediately after school that day (like an hour after I interviewed) when I got a phone call letting me know I was being offered a job within the banquets staff and should come by that day to fill out my paperwork. It was an opportunity I could not say no to, and I started working.

This job ended up being one of the best jobs I have ever had, I absolutely loved getting to work a variety of events for people and working along side amazing people. I worked at the country club until december 2010, and left due only because I was getting more involved in college and could not get home to work.

Working at the country club was the start of what appears to be a career of hospitality-related work. I learned so much from this job, from F&B skills to customer service and critical thinking and problem solving. Two of the best bosses I have worked for were here too, along with several other banquet staff.

Now, six years after being initially hired, I am once again returning to work at the country club. I will still be working on banquets, but this time I will be leading events. I have worked in a variety of roles over the years, roles that I now know have been preparing me for this position and potentially more. I am excited to return to a place I love, doing work I enjoy and am good at too. I start again this week, and am excited to see where this leads.

So there’s a little update on where I am right now in life. I’ll be sure to post more in the future, but for now know I am happy to be returning to the place where my professional career and personal development truly began, many years ago. I know this is where I am supposed to be, we will have to see what happens!

Be the Difference.

Once upon a time, there was a man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing where he tended to walk on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore he looked down the beach and saw a human figure standing by the water.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a child. As he watched the child, he noticed the child reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.

He came close and called out to the child, “May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The child paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

The man was somewhat startled by this response and asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”

Before answering, the child bent down, picked up a starfish and threw it into the ocean. He picked up another before turning to the man, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they will die in the sun.” And he threw the starfish into the ocean.

Upon hearing this, the man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You can’t really believe that what you are doing is making a difference!”

To this, the child bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean.

“It made a difference for that one.”

And he bent up to pick up another.

~~~

Each of us, no matter how young, can make a difference in the world around us. If a young child can save the act of a starfish, imagine what you are capable of doing.

Make a difference.

Just Some Advice

Hey everyone!

I was just perusing through various websites and came across the below picture. I know it is a bit out of focus but there are some great bits of advice on it! It is mainly for guys but it works for nearly anyone. Check it out and feel feel free to comment with any pieces of advice you may have too.

Risen!

This song is powerful any time of year, but especially so during the Easter season.

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!

Good Friday…an account

The following is another video produced by the Skit Guys and depicts several accounts of Good Friday.

Good Friday is one of the most significant days in human history. In fact, I would say it is the second most important day in history (with Easter being the first and Christmas the third). This is the day that Christ gave Himself, His life, for us. He surrendered Himself to death on the Cross. By the end of the day, He was dead…dead for the sins of the world…for you and for me. The good news is that the story does not end there, not by far, but today it is important to sit in the power and meaning of the day, the implications this day has for all of us.

 

As you go forward into this Easter weekend, think about today…think about the sacrifice that was made for you.

Palm Sunday- Skit Version

Today is Palm Sunday, a pretty important day within the Christian faith, the day He entered into Jerusalem on a donkey, less than one week before He would die on the Cross.

The Skit Guys put together a video explaining various aspects of the day for us in a fun way with a great message! Check it out…

This week…let’s cover the road to the Cross with our hearts, our souls and our minds as we reflect on the final week of Jesus’ life. And let’s celebrate in anticipation of the return of the King of Kings.