Miami Drivers

I've come up with the perfect description for what Red lights mean in Miami...Red is just a basis to begin all negotiations.

Life in Miami

So, I'm currently sitting on my balcony with an amazing view of the bay or the city that is Miami, all depending on which way you prefer. I've discovered some things I love and some things that take some getting used to here in Miami. I'll start with things I love... 1.) Weather - The weather is amazing. The non-scientific average temp since I've been here is probably around 75 degrees. In case you have a hard time referencing that, it's perfect for hanging out at a pool, sitting on a balcony, walking around Miami, etc. 2.) Fitness - The level of attractive fit bodies here in Miami has motivated me to get my butt in gear with working out. It's a whole new level for me. I have now set goals I hope to b attainable for where I want to be, with respect to how fast I can run, weight, etc. 3.) People Not Driving - This is something I like and something I don't like, so I'm not sure where to truly classify it. People here seem to be pretty friendly, as long as they're not behind the steering wheel of a car. You can get on an elevator and people say hello, eat at a restaurant and people seem to be interested in what's going on, go to work and people care about more than just you getting your job done. People Driving (One dislike worth noting here) - Man, talk about Yellow meaning speed the hell up. You have to give a hard 5 second pause when a light turns green or you're likely to get run over in this town. I've also discovered that a lot of people don't know that you should use blinkers to change lanes. Overall, things in Miami have been good. I'm starting to venture out a little beyond just my route to and from work. Miami seems to have things going on every weekend. It reminds me a lot of Austin in that aspect. Anyways, that's enough for now. Hope you're all well.

Found out recently a picture of me is a hit at a local museum... haha

Long Overdue - Welcome to Miami

So I've been meaning to post about moving to Miami for a while now. For those of you who haven't heard, I moved to Miami to accept a position with The University of Miami. I've been here for about 3 weeks now and have loved every minute. Thanks to all of you who have expressed your congrats on me and my move. It's a great athletic department and a great opportunity for me. I look forward to continuing my development in this profession. Here's a few pictures from Miami so far.

Views from my balcony



At Night
The Inside

Finding Your Place

Have you ever just thought about where you are and what God has in store for you? What about how you are meant to live your life? These are all questions I think we all go through. It's something you must set your mind on and must get a grasp around. I've been going through this in my life. What exactly is my place in this world? I know there are areas of my life I'm trying to improve upon. You hear people talk all the time about how someone's a "good person." My goal is always to have this true even when there's no one around I'm trying to impress. We all have our faults, but we can look to God to see His love and realize His grace. My prayer is to be someone that not only values others but to also be someone people can look up to. This is especially true when it comes to kids. They soak up all the small things. Being a role model is, in my opinion, one of the most influential things we can be in our life. Helping children to become the people God wants them to be is one of the most important tasks any of us will ever face.

Pursuit of God

So, I've been going through 2nd Timothy in my quiet times this week. Yesterday, I read through 2nd Timothy 1:8-10. It's an interesting passage that talks about how God's plan calls us to remember we will struggle and that God wants us to be in full pursuit of Him. Through Jesus Christ, God removed death and suffering from our lives. What a humbling passage that brings forth the idea that God's grace is amazing. It is easy to become frustrated with God and want to know what he'll do to change our lives. However, we have to remember that we too must contribute to the changes in our lives. I listened to Matt Chandler's sermon titled 2009 the other day and he talks about how you can't truly diet and become more healthy by the flip of a switch. You have to address the mental and spiritual things that cause you to be lazy, eat bad things as a way of comforting yourself, etc. This is a similar idea to what you get from 2nd Timothy. Just thought it was interesting and worth sharing.

I love you this much

A simple phrase said to kids, but equally applicable to how our Savior feels about us brought into light for me by a country song titled the same and sung by Jimmy Wayne. "He reallized that he hadn't been unloved or alone all his life. His arms were stretched out as far as they'd go, nailed to the cross for the whole world to know...However long it takes, I'm never giving up. No matter what, I love you this much." I mean, is there a better way to describe God's love for us than this simple verse of a country music song?

God's Touch

Have you ever felt like God was just working in your life. I've had this feeling lately. I feel like God's working in my life. I'm not sure what he's doing, but I feel his touch in the minor things going on in my life. I'm at a point where I'm trying to figure out where God wants me and what God wants me involved with. For this, I praise God. I've found myself lately humbled by God's grace and encouraged by His faithfulness. It's an amazing thing to be experiencing, yet confusing at the same time.

Christmas

So Christmas this year was a blessing. It was the first Christmas with my nephew Payce who is precious and the best part of 2008 for me. At my Grandma Koehn's house, every kid, grandkid, and great-grandkid was able to make the trip to Temple. My family is amazing and all the kids are so much fun. I hope Christmas was good to each of you and that you were able to spend time with friends and family like I was.

09-11-01

Who would have ever thought the significance of a single day on American culture and in American history? On a day like today, you can't help but be humbled by the amazing nature of humans and all they are capable of. I sit here tonight in the comfort of my home truly amazed at the blessings God has provided to this country we live in.

God's Love

The very fact that a holy, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, merciful, fair, and just God loves you and me is nothing short of astonishing.
- Francis Chan, Crazy Love

How amazing is that thought? The God of the Universe, in all His glory, loves each and every one of us. I've been reading Francis Chan's Book Crazy Love. It is a book about God's love and has really made me think. God, who has our lives pinned down, takes care of each and every one of us. We each have a purpose and have certain gifts that come from Him. What an amazing thought. I, an obviously imperfect character in this play called Life, has a God that cares enough to want me in His life. Yes, it is an interesting and somewhat backwards thought. God wants us to want Him in our lives, but at the same time, He wants us to be with Him in His kingdom. Think about it. It is quite an interesting situation to find yourself in.

Back Home

Back home after a great weekend in Lubbock. I love my little nephew and am so glad Zach and Christy let me hang out with the three of them all weekend. It was also nice to see old friends from Levelland over the weekend. Christy's family is just as amazing as always too. God has blessed me with some truly amazing people in my life.

Payce's Little Laugh

So Payce seems to do this little laugh when he sleeps...Hilarious. Makes you wonder what's going through his mind. Probably his goofy daddy. Haha.

Lubbock / Levelland This Weekend...Weird.

Back to Lubbock this weekend. I can't wait to see Zach, Christy, and little man Payce. I love these guys. Plus, a wedding in Levelland. It's probably been 5 years since I've been to Levelland. Should be fun.

River Fun - Cuatro de Julio

Floated the river for the Fourth. New friends, river, fun times...

Taylor Boys

Hook Em Already?

Payce, Troy, and Zach

Payce

Made a quick trip to Lubbock to meet the nephew. Amazing little thing. I cannot express how excited I am. Who would have thought that just looking at and holding the little guy could be so relaxing. I could do it for hours. I sure hope Zach and Christy decide to keep him. haha. I'll post pics as soon as Zach and Christy post them or send them to me.

Uncle Troy Tomorrow?

Can't believe it...Tomorrow's a big day. I'm not sure the world's ready for another Taylor boy.

Self Improvements

So, the self-improvement thing continues. Now that I'm in shape again, I'm going to start lifting again. Should be interesting. Wish me luck.

Payce

Seriously, little guy...Where have you been all my life?

Happy Graduation to me...

I decided to get a new car for graduation.