Changes

So much change and changes have and are occuring in my life. All I see for the better. Praise Him!

So in less than a week I will be moving. I have lived here amazingly more than two years. The stress I once had has subsided and only anxiousness resides.

I am amazed daily by the power of God. These past two weeks I have felt as though I am a new person. I can't explain how it happened but I have noticed the change, and it is a good feeling. I think a lot of it has spurred from my recent discussions on contentment.

So most of my nights I have been packing, sorting, and throwing a lot of things away. I am slowly seeing the place where I currently live become more and more barren, as it will await its new residents.

I am excited about the change of the new place that I will call 'home'. I will be a bit closer to my community and will be a lot closer to work. Honestly, the commute to my offices can clearly take a toll on me, so this move in that respect, will surely make life easier.

A lot of people are scared when they hear of change, but I can say I invite it wholeheartedly. Where can we grow without change?

"Lord Father, I kneel to You with thanks. I rejoice for what You provide and sometimes not. Thank you for the recent peace and perspective that You have laid on my heart. I understand little of what your purpose for me is, but I will surely continue to seek this out and live my life as closely as You did. Thank you again for this newness, and helping me with my pursuit to holiness."

Achievement

I wanted to take the time to congratulate a few people on a true accomplishment. Some friends and a few of those in my family have just graduated.

Congratulations to a couple of friends in my link group, Sandy Grone and Melissa Anderson. Both just graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education. They both will make great teachers.

My twin brother Brian just graduated with his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. His wife Carly, graduated with her Masters Degree in Psychology with a concentration on family counseling. Her sister Julie just graduated as well with her Masters Degree.

As many know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed in college and perform at the level these have. You all have done a great job. You should all be proud.

Congratulations again!

The Flash

What happens to a person when they get behind a wheel? Wouldn’t you say we become different people?

A raging driver cuts you off, another doesn’t let you merge onto an interstate. The scow one gets when someone takes another’s parking spot.

Let’s face it, when we drive we choose the fact that we must trust those around us. So why do we despise them so much? It’s as if we are all on opposing teams.

Throwing out all the animosity and impatience of the common driver there is one act that I find more than interesting. On my route this morning, I noticed the on coming vehicle flash their lights. Instantly, I knew that there was a Police car up the road. I didn’t just have this car flash me, but others alike.

This got me thinking of how when the Law is involved the teams change. It becomes us vs. them. Drivers go from rude, to civil, to almost congenial.

Again, I find it interesting to see how others react individually when driving. A thanks goes out to the driver that gave me ‘The Flash.’

Note to the Entrepreneur

My recommendation is to not rely so much on your sense of creativity and promotion. You are obviously successful, driving your new decked out seven hundred series BMW.

I just have one question, were you smoking something when you decided going with vanity plates that read, “WAHEED1”? Apparently!

Brother

Today was a great day. I mean working the entire day and then getting stuck in 2 ½ hours worth of traffic wasn’t that great, but knowing that I was meeting my brother for dinner just made everything ok.

Lately, I have had so much on my mind. I’ve been thinking particularly a lot about things at church, my current link group, work issues, getting things in order for my move, and my family.

It’s strange, I feel like I’ve been taking a break from the general community and those people that in the past I would have hung out more regularly. I don’t understand but apart of me needs the alone time. But at the same time so much excitement and interest is surfacing on getting to know those in my link group, on a deeper level. I am so excited about the awesome things that are happening. God truly amazes me. I see my time investment leaning more in this area.

I showed my brother, Brian, my new place tonight. It was so cool to have him here tonight. I feel so blessed to have such a gifted individual as him as a brother, a twin. He is easily brilliant, but mostly influential to expanding others potential. The time with him tonight made me realize that I need to invest more of myself into my family. I realized that I may if I’m lucky, speak with him once a month. This is my twin. Anyways, I think I have more to learn about investing in those that I love. I feel sometimes we may take our loved ones for granted.

More Contentment

Today I left home and was on the road by 6:05 am. I had the pleasure of an early morning meeting. Last night I spent time out with friends and may have made it to bed by midnight. The commute to work ended up being a little heavier due to the early morning rain. So how is possible that this morning, of all days, I truly felt content?

Last night I heard a message on the topic of contentment, and it has made me think a little bit more on how we see things.

I went back to reflect on an old entry I wrote almost two years ago.
http://twinbro.blogspot.com/2004/10/contentment.html

I think we all have a lot to learn about how we see things when we end up getting what we think we want, and when we don't.

So tomorrow, our link group will be discussing more on the topic of contentment and diving into what the Apostle Paul believes to be the secret.

So if you feel so inclined, please join us at the Geek House for some fellowship and discussion.

Family & Friends

Sometimes it takes something small for us to realize our blessings. Lately, I’ve been thinking of how blessed I am to be surrounded by such an amazing support system.

Special thanks to the following:

Dad- For the many things you’ve taught me and your amazing ability to always put others before yourself.
Mom- For your understanding and nurturing gift.
Brother- For your prayers, no words on how glad I am that they were answered.
Sister-For showing me the value of just being yourself.
Cousin- For igniting fire in everyone around you with new passion for the Lord.
Dave C- Showing me qualities of a shepherd
Mark S- Showing me qualities of a teacher
Paul- Dealing with and encouraging
Shannon- Showing me a rare compassion for others
Jenn- Giving me a different view of the importance to detail
Tronster- For modeling faithfulness and not taking the easy way out
Lydia- Finding something fun in everything you do
Aaron- Showing selflessness
Sandy- Showing that hard work and dedication pay off. Your growth is refreshing.
Mary- Continually inspiring with how much you have connected and grown within the community.
Sarah Lynn- Showing faithfulness, growth, and willingness to take risk.
Tali- Ability to back the underdog.
Rebecca- defining great hospitality and friendship.
Pat- For the newness and friendship that you bring to the community.
Link Group- Blessed to be apart of a group that is so diverse and at the same time open. We have come along way and I truly value the relationships that I have made and those to come.
Community- I feel so blessed to have connected with so many true people as the individuals that I have met through Grace, Central Pres., and Horizon.

I can honestly say that the people around me have made me a better person and with that I thank.