To Care?

The past week has sure been a whirlwind of emotions. Highs and lows like no other. The onset of these emotions I'll elaborate about in a following post.

Now this summer, I've been reading the works of author Rick Riordan. While re-reading the Percy Jackson series, there is a part in the series in which Annabeth tells Percy about how each and every demigod has a certain "fatal flaw". For her, it is hubris (or pride); whereas for Percy it's his undying loyalty to his friends. Going off of that, these past few days has had me wondering on one of these "flaws" I possess.

Care.

Yes, there is nothing wrong with caring for others. But is there a point of no return in which giving up on oneself is actually harmful to yourself? At the moment, I've re-addressed an old friendship and the caring has gone up for that person and to me it's just a tad weird because this would've never happened except due to the current circumstances. Friendships that are severed usually cease to exist and the mutual caring fizzles. However to me as much as I attempt to push away the broken friendship, I seem to not to let it go. There is my stubbornness emerging. Or in better terms my diligence, haha.

But even as I write, my answer to this "question" has been decided.

We, as children of God, are called to serve others. To care for the sick, elderly, sad, and to just be blunt all people. Friends and foes alike are deserving of love.

So do I keep caring?

Yes.

Lord willing I will not waver, not for you or anyone else. That's my calling and my best to do so is all my Heavenly Father is asking of me.

This won't be easy, but reader remember that there are millions of people out there in the same situation. And another million who are there who would urge you to continue.

Let's join those million and become the friend we all want to have. 

Dieting..... Really?

So one of my friends and her sister have been asking me to bake with them (yes you read that right, baking, now no judging until you've tried one of my baked goods). But back to the topic, the elder sister now has changed her mind. She states that though she loves baked goods, she is trying to eat healthy before her taper swim meet in August. Now I'm sure many of you are saying to yourselves "Good for her!" or "Way to go girl!". However I'm not thinking that whatsoever. I've seen this oh so many times in the swim world. People eat whatever they please for the bulk of the season, but come a month or two before the "big" meet, they attempt to wean themselves of sweets and other unhealthy foods. Sure it is indeed a great idea to eat healthier and all. But to totally revamp one's diet just for one weekend and then go right back to your usual habits, I personally think is dumb.

My philosophy on this subject is that, people shouldn't change just for one thing. But rather, change is meant to be lasting. So if you're going to eat healthy, keep eating healthy. It's not bad to eat sweets, just keep it in moderation. Like the saying goes "Too much of a good thing, isn't good."

I'll admit, I'm prone to just changing and then reverting back to habits. However I'm on the same road as all of you when it comes to becoming a better person. So take a step back, think about what you can do to become a better person altogether, and join the rest of humanity who wishes to vanquish their bad habits, demons, and poor lifestyles. 

The Great Outdoors

So this past weekend I had the pleasure of being a part of my friend's "man hiking trip" (his bachelor party). It included 9 guys and had us hiking on the Laurel Highland Hiking Trail. Now many of you know that I'm a fairly active person and love being outdoors. However this past weekend was the very first time I went camping. Surprising yes, but alas I've never had the time before/been around when my friends were on camping trips.

Now back to the trip. The weather was perfect, warm but a bit overcast with an occasional breeze. The climb was the usual western PA terrain. And being in Somerset of course most of it was uphill. However it felt great to be with a group of guys all chugging it out. We all mingled and kept in touch with the man of the hour and our main connection, Seth Zimmerman. Before we got to the area where we were gonna set up camp, we hiked a decent bit, played frisbee over the turnpike, and just goofed off while hiking. We then found a suitable location off the trail to set up camp and then preparations were set. A lovely dinner of kielbasa and cheesy noodles was made. And from there chit chat around the fire ensued.

So the next morning, the trip ended with breaking camp and then just a bit more hanging out before the guys parted ways to go back home. But to be honest the trip was something I desperately needed. I was away from civilization for a day, but being away helped me clear my head a bit and think about my life. It helped me focus on how amazing the Lord is and how I was able to see the beautiful creation around me. I know it all sounds a bit cliche, but in reality the trip help me realize things that I needed to realize. Along with that, Seth has been one that I look up to ever since I started college and he continues to be one of the most supportive friends I have. I cannot wait for his wedding at the end of this week and I hope the very best for him and soon-to-be wife.

Any of you reading this, I encourage you to find that place or activity that makes you realize how powerful the Lord is. Also remember that nothing can ever be achieved alone.


Relationships matter.
Just one of Seth's pieces of wisdom to me.

That Choked Up Feeling

So tonight as I worshiped with countless other students at Grove City College's All Campus Worship, the worship team played the Hillsong song "With Everything". Now as the song went on the line "our earthly crowns and all our desires, we lay at your feet" stuck out to me. Maybe its because I just started reading the book Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney or perhaps it's because there are some things in life that I want to do but I'm being held back in hopes of something better.

But then near the end of the song there is this part on which everyone goes "woah....." and holds/keeps singing it for however long.
Choked up feeling experienced right there.

For the whole time that part was sung, all I heard in my head was my little brother when he sang this at our high school's youth group. I guess one could say that this feeling is the way I miss my brother. And hey you're probably right. Even though my brothers and I don't necessarily have the closest sibling relationships, I know that we all do love each other and at whatever time miss each other for one reason or another. Seems as though for Michael, music is what brings him up in my life. I guess this is just another humble plug for him, but you should check his voice out here.

As for those who've come this far in reading this short post.
Take these next few minutes and listen to this song [in a quiet place] and just think about all that is happening in your life. The good, the bad, the joyful, the sad.

Then try to answer the question, what exactly am I living for?

So I've been lazy in posting anything for the past several months. I hope to get in a swing of things once more. We'll see.

Excitement: As The End Draws Near, A New Beginning Arises

Three days from now my last conference championships will be underway. And in six days my competitive swimming career will be over.

Growing up I never did once think about when this was going to end. I just assumed I'd be swimming for the rest of my life (and I do plan to still), but as my last season draws near, a new beginning comes forth.

A beginning of a life that no longer has me swimming day in and day out. A life that I now must begin to live on my own after college. As well as a new chapter in my life concerning the realm of dating.

Don't get me wrong, I'm nervous for all this because who knows what's in store for me. But I'm also excited to see what is going to happen.

Thinking of the title for this post, it made me think of one mythical creature: the phoenix. For out of the ashes, new life is born. And thus out of the end of my swim career, rises a new chapter of my life.

I'm not entirely ready for what's going to happen, but I know whatever does happen I'll be watched over by my heavenly Father.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." - Proverbs 16:9.

Neverending: He Never Lets Go

So yesterday morning while conversing with a very good friend of mine, something came up that I felt I needed to put out here.

My friend told me how that they felt no difference on the days that they delved into Word of God and the days that they had skipped a daily reading. That friend felt frustrated by it and I can totally relate. Hearing this I attempted to console them, but when I started to do so I myself began to realize that such advice applies to me as well. Mainly because I struggle with the same situation day in and day out. Recently (as in this week) I've been good in reading (the little that I do), but I always end up putting more time in other things rather than my relationship with the Lord.

All that being said, it's ever so reassuring that no matter how much we fail at being in constant communication with the Lord, He will never let go us.

Before I end I'll make three points:
1. Go to the Lord in prayer, ask Him what to do when you're struggling.
2. Delve into the Word for answers.
3. Live out what you read.

All these are suggestions to help any of you since I feel these things have helped me as I struggle.

Father Time

So here we all are enjoying a lovely (and much needed) Thanksgiving break. But after break, the end of the semester is oh so close, and with that my senior year will be halfway done!

Yea holy smokes! It's a crazy thought in that I'll be finishing up my undergraduate education in just 6 months. Talking to friends, we all agree how fast time has gone by and how we can still think back to freshmen year and reminisce as if it was only yesterday. 

Since that time, three years ago, I've seen three classes graduate taking away friends and mentors from here to the real world, made countless memories with friends and colleagues, toiled for numerous hours on engineering homework, endured yard after yard in swimming pools, and learned lessons that helped shape who I am today.

Now as much as I love hearing people ask me "What are you gonna do when you graduate? What are your plans?" <insert sarcasm>, I very much have to remind myself not to look forward to what's going to happen. Banking on plans for the future, only prepares you for disappointment. Not that one shouldn't prepare for the future, but keep the result in the Lord's hands. Only He knows what's going to happen in your life, and by trusting Him it'll all work out. I'll admit it's hard. I struggle with this realization all the time, but I write about it to encourage the ones around me (and hopefully clear up that I fully know how hypocritical I am).

As the sands of time keep falling, keep in mind what I just mentioned.

Best of wishes to all of your futures.

And remember "Everything is gonna be alright" :-)