what's good?

What are good things in life?
I started thinking about this. Honestly – it sprang from this trip to NY. I’ve been here going through training for my trip to Kenya in March. It’s been really good. One thing though that has really hit me, is how different life is going to be. Leaving most things, people, and places that are familiar and comforting to me. Wow…that sounds very dramatic…but it’s really not.
Anyways, so I was thinking about community and man, what an awesome thing that is. And how I definitely take it for granted. And know that I will certainly miss it in Kenya. Although I do believe God will create a new type of community for me to live and be in…which will be good, but man- God has just really blessed me with an awesome support group, really cool and weird friends, and just a lot of people who love me. Im so very thankful.
So I started thinking…what is good in life? To me…what are really good things. Fun to think about. Here’s a tiny list of what I came up with. ☺

What’s Good? (in no particular order)
community. early morning run as the sun is rising. hazelnut coffee from dunkin donuts. long conversations with old friends. riding in the back of a truck. the Word of God. feeling genuinely happy for someone else. prayer. really, really cold water. mint chocolate chip ice cream. walks in cool weather. bike rides in gainesville. thoughts of heaven. traveling. live music. family. bogo at publix. laying on a surfboard in the middle of the ocean. feeling exhausted after a day of really hard physical work. good music. pikes peak…heck, Colorado in general. surprises. holding a baby. getting new running shoes. visiting somewhere you’ve never been before. hiking alone. rollerblading with roommates. memories.

And then you take a look at your list and realize that…not everyone thinks those things are good. Everyone’s list looks a little different…but to them, they are all good things.
And then you realize just how much good there is in the world.
And that’s a good thing to realize.

-tana

"you are good and what you do is good." psalm 119:68

a few snapshots from today.
lots of snow. lots of talk about poverty and african missions. lots of thoughts running through my lil brain.






me and c-shallow in t-minus 2 days. booyah
love you guys.

i love beans.

"my fav egyptian" sent this to me.
that's all.

because you all are so bored and have so much time on your hands...
here is a list of a few of my favorite websites. not dorky.

Compassion Blog
Fonts Fonts Fonts!
Ragamuffin Soul
Matt Chandler
Who are the Jones'?
Desiring God
Huffington
OFM
mooch
great sermons
more great sermons
Moo
Great gifts
Marathons

let it bee.

"You can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right; but spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count.” -winnie the pooh

Check out this post from Matt Chandler.
Inspiration.
All about inspirations.
I ask myself that question a lot, “What makes me feel most alive?”
And I’ve tried to be consistent in pursuing those things. It’s definitely easy to lose sight of that though.
So perhaps I’ll share my lists in the next post?
You should do it too!

So, I wouldn’t normally do this, but I’m under the impression that most of the people who read my blog know me in some sense. And a lot of you may have even visited here because of the letters I sent out about my trip to Africa.
So I’m going to ask you for your prayers.
To keep it brief, we are having a few issues with some of my work permits that allow me to work overseas. Because I am technically “working” in Kenya, I have to have special permits and a work visa.

How can you pray? I’m not really sure, to be honest. I would ask you to pray for clarity for me…about my next steps and what not, but I don’t think God’s answer is always “clarity”. In fact many times, I think things are left unclear in order for me to really trust in His plan.
But again, I'll be very honest...
I am having a hard time waiting.
A big part of me would like the next few months completely mapped out - with no obstacles or "up-in-the-airs" but that's just not the case. I feel like there are a lot of areas in my life with question marks. Which is okay...but difficult sometimes.
Everybody wants security here on earth, but even if everything "safe" and "familiar" left my life....I know my feet are planted on the Rock...the God who encompasses all that is safe and secure.
Ultimately I know God will work things out for good. He always does.
And this is nothing...just a small bump. And what's life without bumps? booooorrriiinnnggg ;)

Speaking of bumps...sprained my ankle on an 18-miler. Shhh...don't tell my mom. (although she'll probably read this. hi mom!)
should be back in business by the end of the week. fingers crossed.

Going to NY next monday. Excited and nervous!

Thankful for my church, The Journey.

Thank you all in advance.
-T

"A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us."
-john steinbeck