Kind of like getting dumped

Recently we've found out that two couples we love very much will be moving to the midwest this summer. I can't help but feel like we're getting dumped.
"It's not you, it's me."
Usually this is the punchline to a breakup but right now it's more of a condolence for myself.

The Beattys and Morrows have been awesome friends and we're going to miss them tremendously.

The Beattys will be moving to Illinois where Brian will be the new communication director at a church in a Chicago suburb. Kirsten will be looking for teaching possibilities while she continues to be a great mother. Brian has been my friend, co-worker, and in a lot of ways my mentor. Kirsten has been a great encouragement and friend to Liz and myself. Yesterday she threw Liz's baby shower. The ways that they have supported and loved us have been amazing. We'll miss them.

The Morrows will be moving to Minnesota where David will, no doubt, find an amazing job. And Erica will be able to have the support of David's family and her sister in raising their little girl. David has been my sounding board, roommate, groomsman, and my best friend (besides my wife). Also, the relationships between Erica and Liz has been one of the most natural, beautiful, and loving relationships I've ever seen. We love them so much and we're beside ourselves thinking about what life is going to be like without having them in close proximity.

So as far as getting dumped is concerned, it always hurts.
It hurts even more when you care for the person.

Hoping it's you, and not me,
Jeremiah

Walk before crawl

I am studying for my series 6 licencing exam.
There seems to be a lot of jargon that I don't know. I am trying to retain as much as I can. But I can't help but feel like I'm being asked to walk before I crawl.
The study material assumes a certain level of financial education. So needless to say I am somewhat handicapped with my Biblical and Theological Studies degree.
It's funny because this licence is a requirement for my job but I fail to see where and when this knowledge applies.
Se la vi.
Please pray that I am diligent in my studies and that I am able to retain the information.

Hardly: Studying,
Jeremiah

Burnt Tortilla

Many of you many know that I am 25% Mexican (Liz likes to tell people I'm half Mexican).
Growing up I would help my mom make different Mexican meals. It is one of my favorite memories.
I still enjoy Mexican food very much. It's pretty much my default. If I'm hungry and don't have anything made or planned I will make something with a southwestern kick.
Today I did not pack a lunch for work so I went home. I didn't really have anything waiting for me, I just didn't want to spend money. So I looked around and decided to make quesadillas.
In the process I inadvertently burnt the edges of the tortilla.
There is nothing like burnt tortilla. It reminds me of home and my mom. It's a smell that gets in your skin and stays with you all day long.
Hopefully you have smells, sounds, or images that can transport you to a place/time.

Blessings,
Jeremiah

Sisyphus

This might seem melodramatic but sometimes I feel like Sisyphus.
I don't feel like this all the time. And generally I would like to think that I am an optimist. But there have been times and events in my life that have lead me to think of myself as this Greek character.
Most recently work has been the large boulder I have been tasked with rolling.

First let me explain a little bit about what I do.I process transactions. Transfers, redemption's, purchases. I receive this work via phone, mail, and fax. I have a work container called a queue and this is where I receive most these transactions (mail and fax).
I work hard and try to get things done but at the end of the busy day even though I may have processes many transactions because of incoming work flow the number of items in my queue either stays the same or increases.
Please do not get me wrong. I am very grateful for my job and I do enjoy it. I understand that the daily routine that I just mentioned is indicative of the position.
So, for right now, I am the smiling T. Rowe Price Sisyphus.

Keep that boulder rollin,
Jeremiah

Heart Strings

It's amazing to me that God has created each of us so uniquely. There are a few things that are tied directly to my heart.
I've always loved music. The rhythms, beats, melodies, harmonies, runs, breaks, and lyrics. They all speak to me. I feel blessed that God made me in such a way that my passions ultimately end in the worship of my creator.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Praise God,
Jeremiah

Proverbs Prayer

Solomon prayed for wisdom and it was given to him (1 Kings 3:1-15). Whenever I read or think about Proverbs I am convicted. We can learn a lot from the wisdom of Solomon but one theme seems to always hit me square between the eyes. Diligence...
This permeates every aspect of my life. I have always been a good starter but a poor finisher. Whether it's projects around the house, reading the word, or writing new posts for this blog. I always seem to fall short because I am not diligent. I do pray for wisdom. But today my prayer is for diligence.

"Lord, help me to be more diligent. Help me to finish the things I have started. Teach me your ways and your paths. Give me the strength to follow you because I know it's not easy. Too often I try and do things on my own. I want to know, hear, and follow your voice."

Blessings,
Jeremiah