Climbing a mountain and wearing a dress

Dear Friends,
Today I climbed my first 14er! It was the hardest and most challenging physical activity that I have ever participated in.  But I absolutely loved ever second of it!  I hiked with several peers but it was a mix group of singletons and married couples.  As I was heading down from the summit I had this realization that I could care less about how I looked.  I had just completed a great feat! My hair was a mess, no make-up, work-out clothes, and I probably didn't even smell very fresh.  But I didn't care.  I was enjoying my time with my friends and relishing in the fact that we had just climbed to the top of a mountain.  But at the same time I realized that I also really like to wear dresses and feel very girly.  I think for most of my life I have often thought that I could not enjoy both - the outdoors and dressing up.  In hope of catching a man, for most of my life I opted in the thinking of always making sure my outfits and hair were perfect.  I missed out on a lot of great adventures because of this lie I believed in. Ok, here is the added bonus to the story.  Once back in town my good friend and I stopped in the local hamburger stand for a big coke, burger, and fries (that's all we could think about while climbing the mountain).  She brought up the point that it was so nice to be able to hike a mountain one day and be able to dress up the next day. My mouth about dropped! I quickly explained to her that I had the same realization earlier in the day.  I am excited to see what other lessons I may learn from this experience.  I do know for certain that this accomplishment has made me more confident in the person that I was created to be :)  Until next time...

Ms. Single 

In the midst of summer...

Summer is here and in full force.  What happened to June?  It was lived, now it is in the past.  Friends, I gave on-line dating another round.  A close girl friend and I decided to give it another go one late evening (why does it always seem the sporadic decisions happen late at night?). So far I've been on one date and have been matched with a few friends.  I have found that when matched with your friends it can be quite hilarious, awkward, try the dating process, or it is never spoken of.  One attitude that has increased, is judgement. Can these dating sites make you even more pickier??  Or is it wrong to be picky?? Honestly, friends I don't think you can be too picky.  Now don't get me wrong I know that there is no perfect man out there, but a girl has to keep her standards.  I think what worries me is how I go about judging the profiles.  The match may not be for me but they are still a wonderfully created human.  I was convicted of this today as I was reading the devotional Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His presence - by Sarah Young.  Open your heart as your read the entry for July 3. "My Children make a pastime of judging one another -and themselves.  But I am the only capable Judge, and I have acquitted you through My own blood.  Your acquittal came at the price of my unparalleled sacrifice.  That is why I am highly offended when I hear My children judge one another or indulge in self-hatred.  If you live close to Me and absorb My Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct you as needed. There is no condemnation for those who belong to me" (Luke 6:37; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:1).

I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Miss Single