Dear Couples, Sincerely Me.

Dear couples, I am very happy for you. Now before you jump to any conclusions. I really am. It is exciting and awesome that you are pursuing a relationship with that special guy or girl. Dating should be an adventure. It should be a time where you not only get to know someone else on a deeper level, but where life just seems to be going right. Yes of course we know relationships are hard work. They require time, communication, listening, compromise, and more. At the end of the day, you're dating:that is exciting!! I want you to enjoy every minute of dating and your relationship, but I want you to remember some very important things. I hope that you take time to read the rest of this letter because well.... I am not dating. Yep, that's right. I have never had a girlfriend. Been on a second date or shared a kiss. I am also 23. Most my friends are in relationships, have been in the past, engaged, married, or the newest having kids. Is being single a bad thing?? Of course it doesn't have to be ... nor should it. I want to share with you why its a struggle so maybe you can understand me a little better and remember what its like to be in my shoes. Often people say "Well, it will happen when you stop looking for them".....I can't tell you how many times I have heard this statement. Like magically the second you forget about being single then bam! You find the person of your dreams. You know this may be true for some people. Others its not. Or maybe well "This person doesn't have a girlfriend also"... I really do appreciate your help and your intentions are right but honestly...being single can be really tough and lonely sometimes...reminding me of other people in my same spot just reminds me...I am in that spot...yes I wish it helped but often I just want you to listen. I can't describe how much this helps. I know there isn't an answer or magic cure but when you take time to hear my struggle, it gives me hope that I am not alone on my journey. I work hard, often long hours. As much as I do care about work and doing my job to the best of my ability. ITS JUST WORK.I am not defined by my job. Most people would agree they are the same way. Almost every person in a relationship that I talk to has only one question when they see me.... Hows work going? Do I do that as well...of course I do...but just because I don't have a girlfriend doesn't mean I don't have a life outside of work or goals that I want to accomplish which have nothing to do with my job. I can't remember the last time someone asked me how I was doing being single? or what I was doing with my weekend? or what new hobbies I have? or something about me. Everyone feels the need to be valued. I am more than a job. Probably the hardest thing about being single (especially in 2013) is social media. I would love to block the distractions and temptations of not being in a relationship, but its pretty much impossible. Remember my opening words...I am thrilled for your relationship, but posting about how the last 7 weeks and 2 days have been the best days of your life with a picture of both your feet #sweaterweather #twobirds does not help us out. It kills me. I would love to be in a position to share my excitement and I am not saying you should not. Relationships are supposed to be fun. I just want you to understand next time you go to instagram your movie night or walk in the park or post a facebook status about date night and like your own photos of each other...there are people like me...who struggle with feeling lonely watching and hurting when we see we don't have anyone. I wonder if it will ever happen (please don't say it will - just listen to me and try to come over to my side)or if anyone will message me to see how my day way. Most nights I wonder if anyone will message me...notice..if anyone cares to see if I need help. I often don't ask for help or reach out because people always listen with the intention of responding rather than listening. Also its not cool or manly to write about being vulnerable. We all know you are dating. Same idea as facebook...when we are in a group please for my sake...think about how it feels...we are at lunch having fun and the couples are lightly massaging their significant others' shoulder or briskly touching hands...Its hard for me to write this because I have never dated so I could never understand what that feels like...but I can tell you it makes me feel like a 5th wheel or the kid who got picked last. It reminds me...Oh ya there is no way this could have been about having fun or getting food...its about are you in a relationship. Sometimes I want to see you ( not your boyfriend/girlfriend) not because I am against couples or out to take the fun out of relationships...but I value you...I want to have fun without being reminded of my struggle.You can hang out with your guys or girls more than once a month a guys night. Before your relationship you did this...pretty much every night. I loved those moments don't lose them. I haven't dated. This does not mean you can't talk to me about your relationship.I have been on the sidelines watching the game for years. I understand the rules. I care for you. I can help. I can listen because I know how it feels to not have someone to do that. Just like anything. Some days are hard some days are good. But I need you to know. As time passes...it gets harder. If you told a baseball player who had done nothing but strike out for his whole career ...the next pitch you're getting a hit...he would not believe you..you might say "well with that attitude or confidence..of course not." Listen to me...I know I mess up...I know I am not prince charming...I know I have clearly not done it right...sadly trying to be "ME" feels like it backfired. I would love to forgot the past but sometimes I can't. I really need you to encourage me...it doesn't have to be with dating. Don't suggest online dating (I tried it and didn't work). Spend time with me...I could care less what we do...going to office depot can be an adventure if we choose to make it one.As more of you get in relationships and married...to me I feel more left out and a lone ranger. Live life with me, don't check out on adventure. You have new responsibilities...of course but you can still help me if you make the effort. I really do wonder if there is someone out there for me. I think about it most nights, some I have trouble sleeping because of it. I trust God has someone very special in mind and will be faithful to my prayers.Despite my struggle...thank you couples...for showing me what I can look forward too. That relationships are something to be valued. They take time, work, and effort..but are worth every minute. I only ask that you don't forget where you were and where I am now. Sincerely, ME

The Best Story Ever Told

Are you watching closely?

Unashamed

Would you have the courage to stand for Christ?

Back at it!

SO summer is now over its back to school and to blogging!

Awe Factor of God

So today is Earth day and just has me thinking how awesome God is...look at the Earth and everything he created it blows my mind. From the mountains to the oceans to all the animals, I am just in awe. I love watching shows like animal planet and discovery channel. Our planet, our galaxy, we as humans scream God is real. The bible is chalk full of verses proclaiming his works by creating the Earth. Here is some sweet verses about God & Earth.

Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed‑bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:20‑21
And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.


Genesis 1:24
And God said "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according their kinds. And God saw that it was good


Creativity belongs to God, look at the stars, the jungles, the lions, the tigers, the flowers, the sun

Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.



Isaiah 43:20‑21
The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.


God's creation is soo amazing it even states in Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities‑his eternal power and divine nature‑have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.



Psalm 19:1‑6
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.


Job 12:7‑10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.


Here is a sweet video that shows the magnitude, power and awe-struck wonder that God is and this is just the tip of the ice berg.

Amazing story

Gospel Graffiti

CSU Oval Race

So this last weekend was our home raceweekend. I was supposed to race 3xs but we had so bad luck and due to weather racing on saturday was cancelled. So that left a crit on Sun.



Race started off actually pretty hot. There was a prime on the 2nd lap which actually caused some decent attacks/ splitting of the pack. A group of about 6 riders got off the front and formed a pretty strong break away. We actually got 3 guys in the break including my boy Koonsman so Luke & I chilled out in the pack since we had no obligation to chase the breakaway.



Overall the pace in the pack was fairly easy and the breakaway was about 35 seconds in front. I was sitting 2nd, 3rd or 4th in the main pack for the whole race which was really good position since all of us in the main pack were racing for 7th place. Well with about 5 laps to go Mesa State came to the front and started turning some screws and tested the main pack. Gaps started to opening up and it seemed lots of people were actually tired or bad at holding the wheel in the corners. So with one lap to go I attacked as hard as I could and got a small gap. Sadly I got caught. In when it came to the field sprint I was shot from my attack and took 14th. So overall not a super high place but based on what happend I feel good. My next race will be back home in the Springs

CU/UNC Race Recap

So here is how everything went down. CU crit was on saturday and the weather was perfect. It was my first mass start race of the year so I was interested to see how I would do. I felt pretty good during warm-up an prepared. So the course was not technical and pretty fast you could pedal through every turn. Race started off pretty normal we tried to get Luke into the break but it didn't last that long. I got into a solo breakaway but didn't feel like I could hold it so I just chilled and got back in the main pack. I felt really strong during the race for the majority of the race I was in the top ten and near the front. We worked well as a team sending some counter-attacks along with bringing some back. Well everyhting was going great I was in the top ten with 3 laps to go when a rider from CU tried to advance in the one sketchy turn and ended up causing a fairly decent sized crashed. I luckly slammed the breaks and avoided flipping over downed riders but by then it was to late to get re-clipped in and back in the field. So pretty much my race was over...but massive props to Matt Miyamoto my buddy/teammate had an awesome solo attack to win the day! Matt way to go!

So Sunday was the UNC crit. It was freezing!! I wasn't in the mood to race but decided I needed to anyway. The course was changed like 3 times because it had very dangerous corners and they finally got the course acceptable for my race. I was absolutely shot before the race started. During warm-up I knew I didn't have much in my legs. This was my first double race weekend so it was understandable. Literally the first part of the race I was done, what didn't help was the new brakes I had put on were rubbing my wheel and I got off the back. So I had to pit and got the problem for the most part solved but realistically I coudln't hold the wheel because my legs were done. So I was off the back with 1 other guy who I decided to attack like 3x per lap but couldn't drop him. In the end I did horrible in finished in the last group. I knew that even though I was tired it would only help to not quit.

I am happy I didn't crash at CU but was pleased with my progress since the TT. Wasn't happy with my performance at UNC but I have a bagillion races left and I am only going to make more progress. Next weekend is our home race weekend @ CSU on the oval so I am really stoked. So I am hitting up the training hard this week so I can rock our home race weekend. Only the strong survive baby.

Race Numero Uno

So first race of the season, didn't feel so hot, still not fully recovered from being sick but I did what I could and took 14th. I am not super stoked with my performance but did what I could with how I felt. I got the CU & UNC Crits this weekend so time to step up my training so I can start putting down the hammer.

Simple but Sweet

ROMANS 4:25-He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Lets get it started

So racing finally starts this sunday. Am I stoked? Yes, Am I nervous? Yes ... I have some big goals for this season but by far the most important goal is to bring God glory & honor through my cycling. I thank Christ for dying for my sins and giving me a freedom that allows me to do all things through him. It took me awhile to realize its more than the medals. Whether I finish with a gold medal or as the last rider in the race my goal is the I have represented Christ and given an effort worthy of my King. I love cycling and racing its super sweet but I understand that Christ has to be at the center. I used to race and ride to get rid of deep pain. Stuff from my past the haunted me for a long time. Last spring I finally let Jesus take my pain away and now I race for him. No longer do I race to make my past numb but rather to honor him and bring him praise. I can do nothing without him. I can't compare myself to others. So here we go ...the start of a long season. I give everything thing I can so when I hit the line I have nothing left to give because Jesus hit the line with nothing left to give. He died..and rose again. For Christ!

Date Doctor

So this past Nav Night was all about the supa fun subject that we all love to talk about..relationships & dating. I really enjoyed the talk and feel we can apply it to all of our relationships, even if you are not dating.

Lets start of by giving God some credit..marriage or man & woman was his idea. Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now a key part of relationships is for men to grow in understanding of women..Here are some things that as men we must realize

~Women value relationships and feelings over facts- As guys we tend to hide or cover our emotions and bury them deep down so this is something we have to continually work at since this is the way women connect to us.
~Women value questions over stories-As guys its easy to fall into the trap of who has the best story to impress or to take the checker flag but when it comes down to it, women don't care how much you know or how many stories you have until they know how much you care
~Women value praise over criticism-Instead of trying to "fix" the problem as men we need to realize women just need someone to listen to them and be their friend
~Women are more intuitive than men are-this sounds like I am saying men are not smart, i'm not, but women kinda have a 6th sense about things guys can't even sense

Men need "guy time" and women need "girl time". This is a vital part of any relationship. You need time away from each other its plain and simple. Even my best friend in the whole world Lane and I if we start spending too much time together with no break we get on each other's nerves. Even married couples need to hang out with their friends. Why?? well because for girls you get special love & fellowship that you can't get from your man and for guys well we just need to do manly stuff ..haha that sounded weird but you get the point. Yes i am not saying don't spend time together but it is necessary to keep your outside relationships strong. Especially making sure God is your number one priority instead of that special someone.

As godly men we must 1)Show Strength 2) Risk to Lead 3) Risk to Love

For all you ladies out there this verse shows what godly men are looking for..."Ephesians 5:33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Deep down most men are looking for respect which can sound weird..some women might say well can't I show him love by loving him..well yes, but men feel love in a completely different way which comes down to RESPECT.

Learning to be a man of God takes time and work, the same should be for dating. Dating should be practice for marriage.

Here are so tips that Jim, Monica, & Gentry gave us for a high-standard of dating and keeping our relationships pure & full of joy

1) Don't compare your relationships to other couples
2) Never go to bed angry with each other (Eph 4:26)-talk it out
3)Set the boundaries high & at the beginning-men we need to do this
4) Vertical vs Horizontal-stay veritcal (think about it)
5) Keep doors open
6) Home by midnight-what good thing ever came from hanging out after midnight
7)Pray together
8) Read the bible together

Now you might be thinking wow that is ridiculous and way to strict. In my opinion I feel that by setting boundaries like this will not only keep each other pure but focused on God. As men of God we can think about it like this... "If you don't marry her that will be probably someone else's wife and how would you want someone treating your wife??" It is important to set the bar high because as awesome as relationships are they can be a stumbling block.

I think dating/marriage is awesome and should be fun but we need to honor God in our relationships. Purity is what we should strive for. Psalm 119:9-11 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you."

I have never had a girlfriend, never kissed a girl, or anything so how can someone give dating advice? when I have no experience..well I know alot about God and God is Love and love is at the center of all relationships..so I do know the key to any relationship is God. I know one day soon God will bring her to me and say thats the one, but until then I guess there is only one more question to ask....

Do you wanna go to dinner & a movie??
:)

That's My King.

Jesus Christ is my saviour, friend, King, hope, Father, my peace, my joy, my everything ...Do you know him??

Fact: God exists

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Jesus > Pain

Here is song about Haiti from Christian rapper Lecrae, this song not only moves me about Haiti but it makes me realize that no matter what the storm may be or look like God is our refuge and our Rock & our Hope. No matter how hard life might be Jesus is bigger than anything and Psalm 34:18 says " The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Even if you don't know Christ if cry out for him to heal your broken heart he will...Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life is Christ Jesus". You don't know what life will bring but you can have an assurance that if even if you died today that you would live in eternal peace in Heaven. Call out for Christ even when he feels far away....he will always answer.

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How would you introduce God?

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So how would you introduce the King of Kings??

Psalm of the day

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

A Saint...literally

Here is a cool video about new super bowl champ QB Drew Brees talking about his faith...