Five For Fighting!

Last night I had the opportunity to see John Ondrasik, lead singer of the famous band, Five For Fighting perform at the Knitting Factory in Boise. I went with Heather and Kasha, we had so much fun. Heather was lucky enough to get us both FREE VIP tickets to the concert. From old people, mullets and kids that smell like farm animals, we laughed, sang and had a great time, thanks for the fun evening girls!

Camp Gold Christmas Party-

My dear friend Heather Hammond asked me to be a volunteer this year at the Camp Gold Christmas party. It was for kids with Cancer and their siblings. It was such a rewarding experience to share with these kids in their time of need. Jeff and I were over the 5-7 year old boys, we had the BEST group. Thanks to Cade, Keith, Elijah and Dilan for giving me a new perspective on life.

Broken Things to Mend.....

I have felt like this broken and beaten down man for so long. I never knew what it meant to allow myself the time and ability to deal with things past and enjoy things present in my life. My perspective has all of the sudden been changing, I am growing and becoming something beyond myself. A dear friend told me that "pain is A messenger", listen to your pain and hear what it is screaming to you, to your spirit. This is the time for me to listen and listen with both ears, to hear for the first time those things I must now heal. Recognizing pain is hard and uncomfortable, yet it is an essential part of our living, growing and developing! I am loving who I am and all that I am. Time heals and for that I am grateful. There are so many wonderful and dear people in my life, their lives and stories have brought so much peace and joy. Our ability and desire to change however, must come in our own time and way. If there is something in your life that is asking to be fixed, something just screaming to be mended, please do it now, it cannot wait! Each life is precious, unique and individual, this is the joy of the journey.

Life is changing, I am changing....

There is so much on my mind right now. So many things I want to say, need to say and wish I knew how to say. I have some big news to announce, but not yet. I need to make sure I am in a safe and comfortable place with myself before I share my story. It is very personal and life changing for me. For years now I have been developing myself and finding out for myself who "Justin" really is. The process has not been easy, yet it's my hope that my honesty and devotion to me and my life will help liberate someone else. All each of us want is to be completely and totally happy! This is what I want more than anything. Some BIG decisions are taking place right now and it is scary and lonely, but exhilarating all at once. I have so many supportive and genuine people in my life, too each of them I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love each of you individually, without you, my life would not be possible! To my family especially, you are everything to me. To my two sisters, and the support they offer me, I owe so much to each of you. My little angels, Keaton, Andrew, Owen and Ava who bring a smile to my face everytime I see them, there love and innocence are qualities I admire and cherish. Here is to honesty and being true to myself and making decisions that make me love life again.

Demolition on my house!

I have been in my new home for a year now. I cannot believe that it has been a year, the joys of home ownership! I had my 1 year inspection on Monday and found some serious structural damage to the outside of my house. I had previously noticed that the siding on the back of my home was really wavy. I had my builder remove the siding, only to find that the materials used to build my home were in horrible shape. For the past 2 days they have been messing up my house with tons of loud noise and dust! For those that know me, I am an organized clean freak!!!! This is driving me crazy! Patience is a virtue!

It was time for a small change.....

On Saturday, one of my best friends Natalie, who is a hair dresser colored my hair a darker shade of brown and I absolutely love it! Thanks Natalie for the great advice and helping me to overcome my fear of changing colors!!!!

A much needed update about ME!

Time seems to fly, I cannot believe that this year is almost over. Halloween has since come and gone, Thanksgiving is in a week and Christmas is around the corner. I know that Winter has just begun here in Boise, but I am already ready for it to be over. Maybe I just need to find a summer house in Florida, or California. Work is great these days, and it has been really busy for this time of the year. The International market has not been hit by the recession. City league volleyball is going well and I am having a great time playing and meeting new people. Here are some pictures of life lately. Some of the highlights these past few months are, dressing up as batman for Halloween and the Mat Kearney concert, he is AMAZING live!!! Oh and not to mention that Jeff and I went down to utah a few weeks ago for the BYU Homecoming game and getting my car towed! Thanks to all my great and loyal friends for being there for me!

Difficult Trials....

I apologize to all those who follow my blog and have been looking for a new post, exciting adventures and most of all great pictures. Well to be honest, I have had all of these, but they have seemingly taken a back seat for the time being. I am going through some really huge hurdles, trials, growing experiences, whatever you want to classify them as. This one trial has shaken my faith at times, but most importantly it has taught me to rely on my Savior Jesus Christ. it is his eternal faith in me and who I am that keeps me going when times are tough, and believe me, they are tough!

These past few months have been HUGE for me. Admitting to myself that I have weaknesses and addictions that I cannot overcome myself. I need His help, the Master's healing touch to deliver me from this evil, this crutch. It has been almost impossible to sleep at night, and to get out of bed in the morning, I mean really HARD! I want to sleep to forget the pain, that pit in my heart that NEVER wants to go away even though I ask it to! I love this picture, I have it hanging in my home. This is me, Christ is holding me, comforting me, loving me regardless of what sin or burden I am working through. To my Savior, I love you, thank you for showing your love and faith in my life. The Master can change us and our hearts, he is ready today to allow us to change.

Luckily I am surrounded by the BEST and MOST loving people one could ask for. To those I have confided in and looked to for advice, I love you more than words can explain, I thank my Heavenly Father for each of you! Your prayers and faith are felt even if I have not taken the time to call, or write to thank you. So here is to healing, 100%. Better days are ahead, I can see it and sense it!

Happy 28 to me!!!!!

Yesterday I turned 28! It was honestly the BEST birthday I have ever had. My family took me out to eat for lunch at Red Robin! Later that night, I went out with my best friends to Sushi, then to Cheesecake Factory! Thanks to everyone who made it such a special day for me!!!!

My new backyard!

So just the other day, my mom was telling me that I needed to post pictures on my blog of my backyard, so here ya go! Before and after, what a huge difference!!! Thanks to all those that helped!