Blog Has Moved!

With 2010, changes are evident.

My blog has moved to http://austinklein.wordpress.com/

Check it out there!

Take It One Day At A time

In the hurries of life, work, social activities, school, etc. or whatever it may be in life....you just need to take it one day at a time. Visibility to the big picture is important but you can't let that consume you. If you succeed at each of the individual days, you will reach your goal or the big picture.

The Holiday Season - The Meaning

What is it about the holidays that always seem to make things stressful? Have we forgotten the true meaning of this season? The birth of Christ.

Refocus

I've been challenged lately in my life, happiness, relationships and my overall focus of my life. Realizing that I am ultimately not in control, it's time for a refocus in my life. I had a conversation the other night with a friend who is experiencing the same need / desire for refocus in their life and has served as some inspiration for this post.

Why is it that life and all that comes with life can, at times, just cloud our primary focus in life: being obedient to God? Sometimes the drama of life and relationships has a negative impact on my life. I'm a challenged with navigating the waters through the drama to determine if there is indeed a purpose behind those relationships and if they support the primary of objective of my time on earth. Lately, this challenge has become overwhelming and has caused me to rethink some of the friendships I have in my life. I'm not removing those individuals as friends in my life but withdrawing to take the time to reflect on who I am becoming as a person apart from those people in my life.

Happiness cannot be found in others but only in yourself. Until I can find contentment with who I am as a person and my own personality, true happiness will continue to elude me. Unfortunately, a figment of my happiness will try to consume my life and give me false impressions of what I will someday truly achieve.

What is a Moment?

So my blog is titled 'Defining Life's Moments but what is the definition of a moment? I think a moment can mean different things to different people and can also be dependent upon the situation. You're sitting at the coffee shop and across the way your eyes meet with an attractive young woman...and there is that moment, where you both smile and look away.

There is that time when you get a call from a friend who you haven't spoken with or seen in many years and you pick up the phone and don't miss a beat....that's a moment.

With two seconds left, down by a 2 points and your star player gets the ball and from behind the 3-point line, throws up a shot....nothing but net to with the game...in that moment....

Moment's are simple points in time when something changes, whether for the good or bad (but hopefully the good). Embrace those moments in life for life on earth itself, is only a moment in time.

It Is What It Is and Therefore Will Be

We, as humans, can only control so much in life. Ultimately, our God, creator is in control of our lives down to the littlest detail. So why do we strive so hard to make decisions, plan for the future and stress so much over what our path for our life is?

The decision-making process should be left out of our hands and left ultimately to our creator. What can we do when we realize life is what is is and will be? Pray. We can pray continuously for guidance and direction in our lives and the decisions that we make, the people we meet, the words we speak and the actions we take.

Friendships - Relationships - Community

I've recently reconnected with some old friends over the past few months with a bit more regular communication as of late. I've come to realize that distance in life should never come between friendships. There shouldn't be a need to 'reconnect' with people just because they move far away. Friendships take a little bit of effort but the effort is worth the relationships that you can build over time. Sometimes conversations are reduced to the hi, how are you and what's new. Other times, the conversations start right from the beginning...'Hi Austin...what's the meaning of life?' There are those people in your lives that bring meaning and purpose to life to promote healthy and meaning communication and relationship in one's life. Those relationships reconnect you with community and allow you to expand your network in various forms. Community can bring people together from all walks of life with similarities or differences. Individuals can thrive in community, grow individually and grow together.

Thank you to those in my life that I've 'reconnected' with.

All You Gotta Do Is Ask

So much of life is all about what we want and what we 'think' we need. While at the same, so often we come up with excuses or obstacles that come between us and what we desire. Many people associate this with materialistic things but this it's not limited to that.

The same goes for relationships, especially your personal relationship with God. When we pray, we may not always know what to say or how to 'speak'. The key is to make it conversational and less structured. God knows your heart, regardless of what you are saying. Also, if you want something, you gotta ask for it. God may or may not give it to you and it may not always come in the form you expect. Remember, God ultimately has a plan but if you don't ask, you won't receive.

Do not ever underestimate the power or prayer.

A Troubled Heart

Troubled hearts come and go but there is one thing that will last forever. The Love of God. One must consistently Trust in God and rely upon Him for all things. God works in mysterious ways. Pray for patience and God will not give you clear direction until the time is right (teaching you to be patient and wait on His timing).

John 14:1 - Do not let your heart's be troubled. Trust in God.

Three simple words: Hope, Love, Faith

The weekend message at my church focused on three simple words: Hope, Love, Faith. It's amazing how simple the words are but how extensive the impact can have on ones life.

Hope is given by God. We 'hope' for something in our lives; similar to wishes. God provides Hope to anyone seeking it. Without hope, comes despair.

Love: without it, you are empty and struggle to have relationship and connect with others. However, Love is the source of love, hope and faith. 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.' 1 Cor. 13:3 Without love, we are selfish.

Faith is active where 'belief' is passive. The act of faith allows us to understand what God says in His word and responding positively to it. Without faith, we have fear.

Over the past few weeks, I've been challenged to 'live by faith and not by sight'. 2 Cor. 5:7. It's a lot easier said then done but I am learning patience and slowly giving up control of my life and what I want and letting God lead and guide me.

Music brings peace and calm to life

I decided to spend some time this evening at home, without the TV on and just listen to some music while cleaning up. Considering I have quite a vast library of music, I landed on James Taylor. There is something about calming sounds of the acoustic guitar and the voice that brought me back to a better frame of mind.

It's amazing how something as simple as music can have such an influence on someone. I will admit that music can play a big part in my mood and emotions in life. There are times where I will just hear a song and it just hits you....whether in a joyful and relaxing way or sometimes just makes you want to cry.

Music can bring peace and calm to life....make your music choices for the mood and season for its impact can be great.

Stepping up the social activity calendar

I've officially completed 15 of the 16 classes required for my Masters program and am currently on a 2-month break. Oh the relief and lack of stress. It's been a true blessing so far. Surprisingly though, I find myself bored and lacking that drive keeping me going every day.

I've decided to 'step up the social activity calendar' and starting getting out a bit more. Now granted, I practically live a my second home (a.k.a. Caribou Coffee) but I am usually doing homework and focused. I've now been out a few times with no real agenda except to just be 'out'.

This increase in social activity is new to me and I'm attempting to make some adjustments but I am hoping that the social side of me begins to shine through.

Does anyone have any tips on establishing more social awareness in a non-technology focused way? (i.e. in person vs. behind a computer screen)

Inspiration: Blank

I feel inspired to write tonight but yet at the same time have no inspiration in my writing. Could this be called Inspiration by the lack thereof? Does that make sense. I'm in a funk...gotta get out...gotta get through this. Wishing I had all the answers yet knowing all the answers won't change this place where I am. But where am I? Am I where there is the lack thereof? I feel lost in a world...like a grain of sand in a desert. I seek direction but am adverse to guidance. Why is that? I know the path that must be taken but am yet skeptical of the destination. In a land of unknown, I want to know but don't want to know what I don't know. How's that for confusing?

Things I'm Pondering...
.... something and nothing but only that in between....

Why Don't You Understand

Tell me, please, why don't you understand? Is it because you've tried to hard and in doing so, you have pushed it away? Did you lose your hope? What has happened to your foundation? You know it is still there....go back to that which your foundation is built upon. Put aside your emotions and seek constantly. In all things you do, become intentional and for a reason, not just because. You will understand, one day....and every day. But open your eyes and see where you are and what you've become.

You will understand but you must openly accept that which has been placed before you. No harm will come, just follow the path.

Vacation

Time off is an amazing thing. Time to just relax, no worries for the woes of life and time to just be. It's calming how simply reading a book, for leisure, can be a rejuvenating activity.

Remember to take time for yourself. Time is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted.

Things I'm pondering...
.... nothing...just enjoying the moment of time.

Complications

No one ever said life is easy. So why do we constantly expect it? Life is too hard? I don't know what to do? Why can't I just see into the future and see what the outcome will be? Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. If only....

But what if complications are a good thing...could they be used to help us grow and be challenged? Maybe its just God's testing...not actual loss of direction of complication's in life but small tests of our faith and willingness to put God in front of our own desires and plans. The reward, in the end is so great, that why would we want to neglect this opportunity to become closer to our creator?

But...easier said then done. It's a daily challenge to not take control of your life and give that control over. We'll all be better off if we can do just that.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Things I'm pondering...
...amazed how God works in mysterious ways...
...conversations with friends are inspiring...I highly recommend it...
...life will get easier with God in the driver's seat...

Judgement & Perfectionism

One must realize that it doesn't really matter what others think of you. As humans, we strive to always do the right thing and achieve perfection in our lives. Often, if not most times, we believe we are in control of this and can achieve that high-perched status of being perfect. When, in reality, we will also fall short of this for there is only one who is perfect.

So then, why is it we continually beat ourselves up, view ourselves as failures and then attempt to reach perfection when we know it is unattainable? Is it the pursuit of something we want but can't have? (Reminds me of relationships!)

A friend of mine recently expressed their concern of being a failure because of what others think of them. Who cares. Focus on you and your life. And remember, there is only one who we need to please with our actions and our life. For He has already paid the price for our sins and the decisions for our lives. He has set us free from judgement and criticism. Rejoice in what He has provided you with and surround yourself with those who love you. In the end, that is All that Matters.

Things I'm pondering...
...why must I strive to be perfect when I knowingly accept I'll never reach it?
...what happened to summer weather? a low of 40 tonight...seriously...
...why do I ponder so much?

Interests

I've realized I have many interests in life. One might say I have too many interests and need to focus myself. I question that because I think its healthy to have a diversity of interests.

As of late, I have found myself much more focused on future plans in my life and how my interests may correlate. I feel inspired to take a risk and purse some of these interests 100% however being one who likes security and routine but maybe its time I break out of that shell. I'll take all the encourage you might be willing to give as I know it won't be easy for me.

It's time to take a chance, pursue those interests that bring joy in your life.

Things I'm pondering...
... which interest do I start with?
... can I really do this?
... I can do all things through Him who gives me strength....Amen. Philippians 4:13

Just Because

So I feel like writing a blog post right now except for no other reason to just do it. I have no real topic in mind, but feel somewhat inspired at the moment. Sitting in a coffeeshop, working on school work and I feel inspired to write...I know, random.

I'm in the corner, in my own little world, listening to some great tunes by Wolfy. A great band, a true friend, even if I didn't get to travel with the band. Maybe someday in the future. You never know how things might just work out.

Maybe that's a good topic for a brief post. Fate. Does it exist? Are we in control? Is there a greater being that is in control of our fate and when will that great 'plan' be revealed to us?

The plan for our lives is revealed each and every day...we just don't always know it. Through the people we meet, the places we go and the decisions we make, we are paving the road of our future.

But, don't forget to take a moment to stop and breathe and take it all it. For life, moves quickly and will flash before your eyes.

Things I'm pondering...
... I like the random blog...
... hot tea should warm you up but for some reason, mine is not. Why?
... why is it that it is almost summer and yet we can have 25 degree changes in the same day

Inspiring Moments

Sometimes in life when you feel like you're down for the count, you have to pick yourself up and do something out of the ordinary. But sometimes its not that out of the ordinary but something that you should have been doing for awhile but have somehow neglected to make time for in your busy life.

I stepped back into something that I used to greatly enjoy the other night--Live Music. I had no plans and ended up at a local coffee shop for some live music and realized that I've let life get in the way of pure enjoyment. Music has always had a place in my life however in varying forms. I think its time to do some refocusing on let it take on a bigger piece of the this pie we call life.

Things I'm pondering...
...Patience....seriously?
...How can something so simple have such a great impact?
...I like rain.