A New Semester

For any of you who happened to read this blog, sorry for the delay of posts. I decided to take a short break for the summer, especially when I realized that some people were still getting the wrong idea about the purpose of this blog.

Just to re-clarify: this is not a blog to mope about being single. In fact, I quite like my singleness most of the time. Rather, the purpose of this blog is to encourage other single people to have a healthy and beautiful perspective on singleness (rather than see it as a plague). I've had so many single ladies (and guys too occasionally) come to me, so completely discouraged by their singleness, and I decided that it was time for us to see our lives for what they truly are- useful.

If a relationship isn't causing us to glorify God better, than it's better to glorify God alone.

So anyway, that was just a refresher course to prevent people from making assumptions and judgements about my intentions of this blog. I know it was a risk to start this, but if it means furthering the kingdom of God in the single community, then it's a risk I'm willing to take.

On that note, this year- my last year in college- my goal is to highlight in this blog other single people who are using their singleness, despite their natural desire for a relationship, to serve God wholly and selflessly. And there are those people. I know them well, and I am blessed to be surrounded by them.

Anyway, that was just a public service announcement.. so stay tuned for a legitimate post =).

How to 3rd Wheel in Style

If you've ever felt like a third wheel, fear not! You are not alone. "3rd-wheeling," as I affectionately call it, sort of holds a negative reputation. And honestly, I don't blame people for buying into the idea that is impossible to have friends who are dating or married.
I mean, I believed it too. All year long. Ok, maybe my whole life.
The point is, it is possible to have a good time while 3rd-wheeling.
However, this skill must be learned.

So although you may have this extremely painful mental image when I mention the term "third wheel," let's try for a second to push that stereotype out of the mind and attempt to appear in a fresh field of poppies.

There we go. Now we can officially start.

Friends, 3rd-wheeling doesn't have to be a trip on a greyhound bus.
It can be a joyride in a red convertible.

In fact, 3rd-wheeling can be pretty enjoyable if done right. Take it from a girl who has her honorary doctorate in the field of 3rd-wheeling. I even almost accomplished 5th-wheeling (this one takes a little bit more concentration and tact).....

See the girl on the left? That's my best friend.
See the guy on the right? That's my other good friend.
They're dating. I was the matchmaker.

See that person in the middle? That's me.

This, my friends, is the portrait epitomizing the art of 3rd-wheeling.
It is, in fact, an art.

Honestly, it's not like any typical art form such as painting, dancing or acting, but it does share one quality as the previously mentioned: it all stems from the mind.
If you think you're having a bad time, then you will.
If you think it's going to be awkward, it will be.
If you think you don't matter, you won't.

Really, the issue is, attitude.  (which I typically find to be the key to almost everything).

Now, most people that would see that picture would laugh. Or maybe pity me. I would prefer you to laugh. Because it is funny. I'm sitting there cheezing in the background.
Do you know why I'm cheezing?
Because I had fun with these two.
Because I love that my friends are happy together.
Because I am assured that they both will take care of each other.
Because God has allowed them to have a relationship that is glorifying to Him.
Because I love that God allowed me to be a part of it.

I'm cheezing because God has blessed them and, by association, I am blessed as well! Their relationship is a blessing to me.

Hey look! We're all cheezing!

That's the thing, friends.  
Other people's joys should be the LAST thing to make us miserable.
It's one thing if the couple is awkward and inappropriate (oh, don't you worry, I have many words for those couples...), but it's another thing when you just have friends who simply are moving onto a different stage of life and have been called by God in that direction.

Who are we to complain about other people's blessings?
We are overlooking the example that the godly couples are setting for us. If you have those unawkward, godly couples in your life- thank them. Don't scorn them for their joy.

Also, have fun with 3rd-wheeling! If they aren't on a date, then join them ;]. They still need other friends too! Adventures are most definitely more fun in groups.
Also, you get to be awarded with capturing some pretty awesome moments for these folks.

 

Photo props to Heather for this picture

Let's face it, folks-- it's not really about us. Even though we always think it is, it's not.
Be a blessing to someone else for a change and as a result, blessings will come.

Let others be joyful, and jump on the joy ride. God provides true joy, so don't let the awkward 3rd-wheel stereotype stifle the godly relationships around you.



For a short anecdote I wrote about a year and a half ago on being a 3rd wheel, click here.

Embracing Singleness

It seems that the race of singles, even young ones, have been made to believe that their life somehow holds less meaning than if they were to be in some sort of relationship.
Well, as a young, single woman, I am here to prove the single population wrong.

It is my goal as a single female, with no prospective beaus (yes, I did just throw in the word beau... it just seems so much classier than the word "boyfriend"), to vulnerably share my adventures, my struggles, my lessons, my embarrassments and, well, my life with fellow singles.

My goals?
To be relatable.
To make you laugh.
To make you cry.
To encourage you.

But mostly...
To inspire you to embrace your singleness and enjoy it while you have it.
It's your life, so live it.

I don't know if anyone will read this, but I figure that, if anything, this blog will in turn act as a gateway to my past self, reminding me of who I was and what contributed to me being me.
Interesting experiences, life lessons, teachable moments, and all.
This blog will probably consist of testimonials, thoughts, quotes, etc. from other single folks I know as well as individuals in relationships, because let's face it- even our friends in relationships have been single (hard to believe.. I know).
Most of all, this blog will contain Scripture. Why?
Because without Scripture, there are no answers.
Whatever season in life we are in, GOD is our purpose. He is why we exist.

Now, before I go on, let me tell you that I will not pretend that I have never been guilty of being "that bitter single person," because.. well.. I have.
Well, my friends, this blog is to show that I have decided: no more.
I am sure there will be times when singleness, like every other season of life, will come with its struggles, but I refuse to live my life wishing I was living a different life.
Like I said before, THIS is the life God has blessed us with, so live it like it's a blessing.

So begins the saga of embracing singleness.