"Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes..."

"Maybe your going through a midlife crisis," my good friend jokingly says to me. All I can do is laugh! There's no way! I mean, just because I waited until I was in my 30's to get tattoos, a piercing, care about my fitness, buckle down and go to school. Does that mean I am going through a midlife crisis? And isn't that too early to? I don't feel "old" and what would that feel like anyway? I only feel "old" when I eat salsa or ranch dressing and TUMS is my only relief.

So...NO! I am not going through a midlife crisis.

I have always wanted a tattoo. Since my last name was Makepeace, I wanted a tattoo of a peace sign with the word "MAKE" above it and filled in with the Guatemalan flag colors. I am SMH now but then I was sure that is what I wanted. Man, I am so glad I didn't do that.

Twelve years later I get a tattoo of a "fleur de lis" and I love it. It roots from Song of Song 2:2 and I wouldn't change it for anything. This past summer I got a tattoo on my wrist of music notes. It's a reminder of who I worship and how our life is a song.

I heard somewhere that it takes you at least 5 years to think of your first tattoo and 5 minutes to think of your next one. So true!

I remember being in high school and wanting an eyebrow piercing because someone I looked up to had one. I was too afraid to endure that pain.

Twelve years later, I go with a friend to get the left side of my bottom lip pierced and I loved it! But, after 8 days, it started to irritate my gums and I removed it. Now, all that's left is a tiny scar and a photo. Maybe when I'm going through my midlife crisis I will get it repierced.

I wouldn't say that I was THAT athletic in high school. I honestly didn't feel that supported at the time. My brother and sister were the "stars" of basketball and baseball/softball. And that is totally okay, I agree they were amazing. I stuck to what I felt, at the time, was my purpose...singing. I loved choir and show choir. I loved the feeling I got when I would work hard and get a medal for accomplishment.

Eight years later, the tables would turn. I would no longer have that operatic voice but I would regain my support (from Christ) and run!

I know you have heard me say that running changed my life...and it did. It showed me so many things about life that I probably wouldn't have learned had I been athletic in high school or all my life for that matter.

But now, along with running, I have taken it up a notch. I have discovered Zumba, Pilates, and TRX suspension training. I am alternating my fitness and loving every bit of it.

I wasn't encouraged to go to college. College wasn't that big of a deal in my household. It was expensive and we definitely couldn't afford it. So, I just worked.

Eight years later is when my husband says, "you should go to college. I think you would enjoy it." After pushing my fear aside and checking it out, I started. It may take me more time than the average person but that's okay. I think sometimes thats what makes the journey worth the travel. Hard work and the final result. Now, my 10 yr old watches me do homework and talk about college. I even talk about how I have struggles just like her but we just have to do it.

So maybe there are a lot of changes. I am not sure why it all happened in my 30's but I do know because of the tattoo, I wouldn't have been able to minister to a friend who didn't think Gods grace was for her. Getting a piercing, with a friend who has them all over, and having lunch together was a ministry tool. With that time spent I was able to share my story with her. Fitness brings you in close proximity to others, there are ways to share the love of Christ. Going to school is more than a ministry tool, its a testimony. About how it's not too late...for anything.

I wouldn't say it's a midlife "crisis"...maybe a midlife "adventure." Realizing that sometimes you have live outside the box, like Christ did. Use every opportunity as a a tool for Him.

I do realize that some of you disagree and that's okay. I have been confronted, gracefully, by a good friend about the tattoos and all. I have also been encouraged by someone I take advice from in saying that, "if God gives you talents and you misuse them, He will deal with them." So, if you are getting tattoos that glorify God, then whats the problem?

Everyone has something in their life whether it be publicly displayed or in secret.

I would challenge those people to check their spending habits, why do you wearing make up, are you trying to impress someone other than your spouse, are you putting things before your family, are you being prideful in a situation to prove something, is forgiving someone your daily battle, are you doing things in secret, etc... It's all in your heart. You can say one thing to someone and do something else in secret-HE knows!

I have nothing to hide from Christ. HE is the only one who knows ME.

You may change outwardly but its the inside that matters.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."-Hebrews 13:8

Now, if you'll excuse me I have an appt. to get an industrial bar put in my ear! I'm only kidding, I would never do that...or would I?