Hey!

I have realized that I do so much during the week post work that I’m often exhausted during the weekend. Though I love post 5pm opportunities M-F, I’ve got to reclaim the power of Saturday and Sunday. After lots of time running on the hamster wheel of catch up when it came to work, spending sunny days in my office checking things off my to-do list that were not addressed  due to manufactured crises, useless meetings, social media distractions, colleague conversations, or impromptu and lengthy counseling sessions with the students, I decided that I could no longer subject myself to such torture aka weekend deprivation. The weekend belongs to me and should not belong to my occupation. A weekend side hustle is fine and being on campus to tailgate and cheer on the football team are acceptable but this whole “overachiever” business just needed to cease. Whatever I get done at the end of the day is ENOUGH! The world will keep spinning whether or not I rewrite the Student Leader Survey.

After engaging in intense, needed, and rejuvenating couch time on Friday night and Saturday during which I watched Rush and Walk the Line and went to bed early (Don’t be jelly!) I planned to make Sunday an external day. When I first moved to Nashville in 2011, I was hellbent on seeing this city in all its loveliness. Everything and everyone was new and I had to experience every delicious, melodic, and Christ filled part of it while I whirled around town on solo missions and prolific friend dates. If you need some help with friend dating, holla at your girl. I got that game on lock. I decided that it’s time to get back in the action. Music City is growing at a rapid pace and I’ve gotten behind on touring the list of wonders that make this place the “it” city.

Sunday’s Agenda

– Church at Church of the City in East Nashville

– Barista Parlor for brunch in East Nashville

– Barre3 Nashville in the Park in Public Square Park

I think my three basic elements were covered: A good Word, A good plate, and A good workout–my mind, body, and soul were well fed this fine Sunday.

Ephesians 3:20 –“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” — His power goes beyond anything we can even fathom. His power saves us and sends us. He is able to do so much more because His power is at work within us. We have to step into God’s power. We walk around feeling like we are in control and we have the ultimate power over our lives BUT we don’t and we have to stop living at that level. “Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man.” —R.C. Sproul –How true is this? We claim that God is at the center of our lives and that we are placing everything in His hands but in actuality we are holding on to it tightly in our palms in fear of letting it go. Pastor Matt told us to think about the relationship in our life that we feel will never be healed and give it to God. Pray about it and watch Him work. Because God’s power is  working within us and it sends us to spread the good Word, we also have to be cognizant of how we can capitalize on his power in our everyday lives. How can you use the word in your workplace, the place you workout, during your volunteer efforts in the community, or when you meet a stranger in the check-out line. I realize that having The Bible in my office and scriptures posted in my office, and when I proclaim, “God is good” or “Give it to God”  or when I’m blaring my Christian Spotify playlist that I’m spreading His word in a way that allows others to tap into that place within themselves even for just a moment. I’m not being pushy, I’m just being present. I crave control but everyday I must remind myself that ultimately, I am not in control. He is God and I am not. Done. His power saves us and sends us. Those are the truths I need to hold on to all day, every day.

After all this message and beautiful worship I headed over to Barista Parlor for brunch and what I found to be a really cool atmosphere. It was gorgeous outside and the sun hit the Barista Parlor sign perfectly. I ordered The Huntsmen with Bacon and a Hot Chocolate. The cornbread was EVERYTHING!!! #cornbreadcoma –The place is cool and a perfect hipster destination. It’s one of those places that you question whether or not you’re actually cool enough to be in the room. Luckily, I think my hair makes me 10 times cooler than most people in the room ;). KIDDING! People told me that the Baristas were a bit pretentious but I found them to be adorably sweet. The decor was curated in an intentional way that makes the place look vintage and modern all at the same time. I enjoyed sitting and writing with addictive music in the background.

—COSTUME CHANGE—

Off to Barre3 Nashville in the Park at Public Square Park to find my edge and embrace those muscle changing shakes. I loved the weather and the workout, but most of all I love the team that make up this studio. Strong women who are beautiful inside and out without any pretense whatsoever. The mic was dropped when it didn’t work and the show went on while we all did crescent lunge under the most beautiful blue sky. The studio is co-owned by two powerhouse women and they have golden hiring fingers. All of the instructors make me happy and I never thought how great it would be for me to find a sense of belonging at the place in which I workout. Barre3 is a great fitness movement for women and I’m an avid supporter.

Called my mom on the way back home (I call my mom every Sunday. If I don’t, the police will be at my door. NOT KIDDING!) and that was a perfect end to my day. She made me laugh extra hard and made me extra proud for the work she’s doing at my home church. I know that He’s using her in the best way. She’s so great with kids and I know that’s where her brain and heart need to be focused. She did pretty well with me and my bro. We are so blessed to have had a mother who challenged and supported us. Kids need that so much. My mom was never my friend, she was my mom and THAT made ALL the difference.

I think I did a pretty stellar job of Owning My Weekend. Next weekend, I’ll be in Kansas City at AJLI’s ODI representing the Junior League of Nashville. Can’t wait to tell you all about it.

It was nice to get back into the city and commit to adventuring around town to new places. I can’t let my week claim all of my energy and passing the time by slumping around my apartment just ain’t gonna cut it. Taking time to get some adult things done is fine BUT I’m only 31 and there’s no need to miss all this sunshine and leaf changing color time. Time to get back in the game.

How are you Owning Your Weekend?

Thanks for reading!

Lata Y’all.