Friendships, family, music, good food.

I'm trying to figure out my favorite, but I'm drawn to Romans 5:3-4... "Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."  I at least try to remind myself of that passage and others like it when the 'suffering' approaches.

Seeing one of my favorite bands, Train, at a free all day rock concert in Rotterdam stands out.  One of my efforts to make the most of a bad situation - I was stranded in The Netherlands after my wallet (money, credit cards and passport) were stolen on a Friday night.  I couldn't do anything about it until Monday, so I tracked down a second cousin who happened to live in Amsterdam, and we went to the free all-day concert!  I also heard some great Dutch rap, which was surprising.

After a rather destructive relationship ended, I decided to renew my faith and started coming to Chapelwood on my own on a regular basis.  My brother and his family have been members at Chapelwood for several years, so I've come to the church for special occasions and have always enjoyed Jim's messages.  I was actually looking for a Sunday school class for young single adults and several people suggested I try out The Table, so I came last May.  Like many other times at Chapelwood, there was one message that struck a chord with me that night.  Tim had technical difficulties and the Powerpoing presentation he had made for that night didn't save, so I think they changed the music minutes before worship.  One of the songs that night was 'Breathe', which is still one of my favorites.  One of the phrases is...I'm desperate for You, I'm lost without You.  That's where I was spiritually, but I didn't know how to put it into words until I heard the song.  It seems that everyone at The Table is at a different point on their spiritual journey.  It's a place where I can be myself, and at times, think out loud, without feeling judged.

Struggling to find a balance.  Work has been the focus of my life for years.  While my career is still important, I'm trying to center myself with stronger faith and developing more meaningful relationships with friends and family.

I'm working on it.  Ask me again next year.  I generally don't do leaps of faith.

I've learned the hard way that you are the company you keep.  The people at The Table are diverse, genuine and have many characteristics I would gladly take on as my own.

Find happiness in simple, every day things.  A child's laughter.  A friend's smile. The wag of the dog's tail.  Unfortunately, I have to remind myself of this rather simple philosophy on a regular basis since I tend to get caught up in the daily grind.  I also try to find the best in people and in situations.

I make a surprisingly tasty roasted butternut squash soup (ask Tim & Jenn).  I can't say I have a signature dish, but I enjoy cooking to entertain.  Cooking because one must eat every day is an entirely different story.