I told myself I would watch the whole Tigers Game tonight. Although it has been a less than positive outcome, I couldn't help but start a little daydreaming about the beauty of their story.  I can't help but be filled with pride for our city of Detroit and my heart can not stop loving that Austin Jackson just a little bit more each day.

Comerica is emptying out, people are heading home, and the game is not over.  It is less than perfect right now - mid ninth, tigers up to bat - but what if right now, our line-up stepped up to the plate and the first smack with the bat was a game changer.  What if we got all of the ducks on the pond and Santi sends another one out of the park.

This is where we stand as Michiganders.  We are all waiting for that game changer.  Hoping to make things happen.  Change this state, uplift this economy, believe in something better/faster/stronger than what it is.

Or, what if, the game stays 10-1 and there are no game changers - no comebacks, no runners on base, and no chance of getting more than 3 guys up to bat. What if this is what it is.

A great friend always tells me that "something is brewing" and I love the hope that comes from that statement.  However, it got me thinking- what if what's brewing is right here, right now. 9 down, ALDS game, Home field, and a pretty good chance this will be a loss for the books.

Well friends, here we are 11:45 PM and all I know is what Jesus says and I believe those promises.  But I need to believe that they are here, right now, 9 up or 9 down - ALDS title or not.  Leggooooo!

P.S. 2 trophies this weekend for our HXC program - They are pretty stinkin' AWESOME kids.

"Figure it Out."

Life was a bit of a pull, nothing seemed to be filled with momentum and the daily-ness of being alone in Arizona was starting to take it's toll. I had a friend tell me, "Figure it out."  There was no sympathy or pity.  It was what it was.  He was right.  A couple of months later, here I am - it's figured out.

During a sprint tri, it was pouring rain - we were riding fast on the bike and I was alone.  The fields of Holt, MI were my friends and the road was my journey.  At one point I looked down, out of the rain and could see my reflection in the water on the road.  It was Arizona. It was the girl who thought she knew, but had no idea.  It was the girl who struggled, hurt, dug holes, and got weak.  It was the girl who thought in the world and stored nothing, trusted little, and thought vaguely of what is in store in heaven.

Then I looked up.  Miles logged, hours of training, discipline, trusting my training, hoping for results, and expecting everything that comes from the peace of Christ. The road was there.  It hadn't changed. Same journey - different reflection.  This was Michigan. It was what it was, but filled with something else.  It was figured out.

good to be back.

A new title, a new look - "Enjoy the Struggle" served me well for a long time - but my heart is pulled towards something new.  Something trusted and treasured; spreading stories of the comfort that comes from remembering what we are trusted with as disciples in Jesus and more reminders about the treasures we are promised in heaven while embracing the treasures of peace and grace evidently in front of us on earth.

Personally, I have new goals - refreshed ambitions, and a hopeful perspective on what is next in my twenty-something life.

That is why I return.  Writing makes things click - Blogging puts puzzle pieces together - Sharing via the web keeps me dreaming of the love reaching the other side. I like to think of readers who grab a mug of coffee, Spotify some good music, and read the words, stories, and laughter of others.  Writing makes a big world seem smaller - far hearts seem close by - and will forever keep memories alive.

You can continue to expect my poor grammar and lack of new vocabulary, as well as fabulous stories about the dull and mundane events of my life.  What will change is unknown - the story is not yet written, the thoughts are not yet live.  What I will tell you, is that the heart is very much and incredibly tied to the beauty of today.

What's brewing is now. It's not a maybe, or could be, a would've/should've, or a might, probably.  Now is here. And now is something great.

Shel's Wisdom.

Listen to the MUSTN’Ts, child,
Listen to the DON’Ts,
Listen to the SHOULD’Ts
The IMPOSSIBLEs, the WON’Ts
Listen to the NEVER HAVEs
Then listen to me --

Anything can happen, child,

ANYTHING can be.
[Shel Silverstein]