From the Ashes – Part One

Some people in my life have bugged me recently, or perhaps repeatedly over a multi-month span, concerning the fact that I never really update this blog. I know, I know, and I’ll readily admit to the rather sad lull within which this blog has found itself. Part of the problem, to be sure, is that so many things are going on in my life that it would be overwhelming not only to write about it all but for anybody to actually want to read it. With this in mind, I’ve decided to start blogging again and to start off with a series of updates. Each update will revolve around a particular topic in my life that bears updating people about. Let’s see what we can do about this blog, and perhaps with a little elbow grease and a few sprinkles of words, we’ll be able to raise this blog from the ashes.

Without doubt, the most exciting and interesting aspect of my life that has changed (particularly for the better) is the one that people want to hear about the most. That one…is my girlfriend!

Amanda and I have been dating since August 23rd, which means that as of Saturday we’ll have been dating for 16 weeks, or 112 days. These past months have been the happiest of my life! Amanda and I live 189.34 miles apart from each other. While it’s difficult (understatement of the week) at times to be far apart like this, I know without a doubt that God is not wasting that hurt or pain and that in many ways we’ll be better for it in the long run. It gives us lots of chances to work on our communication, and I know it certainly makes me appreciate the times that I do get to spend with her every couple weeks or so.

For much of my life I’ve often wondered if I’d be so fortunate and blessed to experience true love and a happiness so indescribable. I’m excited to announce to you that I now have!

It’s been great getting to know her and her family – She’s been such a great blessing, encouragement and joy in my life and I find it really hard to picture my life without her, and I don’t want to!

So if we live so many miles apart, how on earth did we even get to know each other? I have three main people to thank, though others were involved: God, Beth, and Henriqueta. If it hadn’t been for God working through these two individuals, whether they knew it or not, I don’t know if our paths would’ve ever crossed. Someone once asked me over a year ago if I’d ever consider dating Amanda and my response was, “Yes, I think I would,” but would continue to explain that given the distance and the fact that we knew of each other but didn’t talk or know each other…it just couldn’t happen. Thanks to God using mutual friends, we started communicating and made the commitment to make it work despite the obstacle of us living down the street from each other…that street being Interstate 5.

I look forward to the future, treasure the here and now, and cling to the sweet memories especially while we’re apart. And I share this with you, oh readers, because I want the world to know how truly special and precious this beautiful soul whom I love truly is.

I probably sound a little romantic, or a lot, but I’m okay with that. Take care till next time… and part two.

-in HIS strength,
Stephen