A Fresh Start

                                                Happy New Year!!

2012 was a crazy year to say the least. Even though it had its memorable moments, I'm glad to say the year has ended and a new one has begun.  It's a new year to do new wonderful things for people!!  It's a chance to clean your slate, and start new chapters in your life.  If you want something different for yourself, don't be scared to go for it!  :-)    I hope whoever reads this is well, and has a very prosperous 2013, filled with happiness and love.  This year, find some time to give back, and help people in need.  Wishing you the best in 2013!!

                                         Here's a little flashback of 2012. 

              I want to thank all my friends and family who were a part of it!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.   1 John 4:7

Are We There Yet??!

Another Saturday night of studying.  I feel like I have been doing this for my entire life.  You're probably thinking... You already graduated college, what are you studying for?  Well,  I decided to take a couple classes to spruce up my "scientific knowledge" for a particular test I have to take.  After 2 years of studying, I finally took the MCAT, and even with the 2 years of studying... I feel like I didn't do very well.  I can't help but feel defeated.  I went through four years of college,  sleepless nights (because of studying), thousands of pieces of paper, hundreds of dollars spent on books, and all of that for what.... ??

I like the job I have now.  But that's just it.  It's only a job. . .  Not what I want to do for the rest of my life.  I guess I didn't think about what kind of opportunities I would or wouldn't have with my particular degree.  So, here I am. .  . studying my life away, in hopes I will do better on my MCAT next time.  Sometimes I get to the point where I just want to give up, because my life isn't exactly what I envisioned it would be by the time I was this age.  Then I tell myself that God has a plan for me, and if MY plans for myself were delayed, I would just have to accept it, because he's got some other ideas in store for me.

Tonight,  as I am sitting here going cross eyed from all of this science gibberish, I realized that he did have a plan.  If I had taken my MCAT earlier, and was accepted into a school, I wouldn't be able to spend so much time with my nephew.  You might be thinking I'm crazy, and for the most part, I am.  But I took this as God telling me to stay here for Jonnie [my nephew].  In the bigger picture, I have so much responsibility in how he will turn out when he's older.  Yes, if you know me, that is a scary thought, but I think I am doing a good job so far :-).  I couldn't imagine him not being in my life right now, and if he was old enough to understand, I think he couldn't imagine me not in his either.

I don't want to be in school until I am 35, but what I would hate more, is if I missed some great opportunities to help and watch the little guy grow up.  School will always be there, but he only has a few years until he'll become his own person, and won't really need me anymore.

Well, what I really wanted to say is this....  *even though it is SO hard not knowing what God has in store for you, (and it is even more difficult being patient)  you just have to trust him and have faith that you will end up where he wants you to be.  And to me... he wants me here.  Not only for my nephew, but for my parents, my friends, and for the little boy I work with.


 - If you are still having trouble, this message from the Bible always helps me when I really need it:

Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening.  Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use time of routine to seek My Face.  Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms.  Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.

Cheap Toys and Life's Ploys

I’m sure most of you reading this already know I am absolutely obsessed with my nephew.  Most of the pictures I post on Facebook, are of me and the little guy.  I can’t believe he is already 2 years old, and is becoming his own person.  In a way, it makes me a little sad.  The day he will be too embarrassed to give me a kiss infront of his friends will break my heart, but I know that day will come.  But for now, I will keep enjoying his charismatic nature.  

When I look at my nephew, I see so much joy in his eyes.  His child like character and love of life makes me appreciate the little things a lot more.   [Seeing him so happy puts the biggest smile on my face].  It amazes me that something so insignificant as a cheap 99 cent toy, or a 50 cent stick on tattoo can make him feel like he is at Disneyland.   I see him light up when I make him a paper airplane, or when we play catch with a crumpled piece of paper.  He doesn't care if his toys are expensive or name brand.  He just likes to have something and someone to play with!!!  Children are entranced by so much that life has to offer. . . and we don’t take the time to enjoy what is around us.  

I notice myself always saying “I wish _________ made that happy”.  Now I am wondering why things don’t make me as happy as they once did.  Then the answer hit me:  L.I.F.E.  Getting older, having responsibilities, bills having to be paid, and having to grow up, took a little happiness out of me.  The pressures of life has found its way to the part of my brain that signals [stress].  And even though I’m not fond of it, it’s something that will never go away.  But something I can do about it, is be a kid at heart. . . :-D Don’t let the busy-ness of life drain the “child” out of you.  If you do. . .  life will get the best of you.  

Love what life gives you.  Smile, laugh, and enjoy the small things. . . and the bigger things will astonish you.  

-Me

Before It's Too Late...

September 11.  Now this date has two unforgettable memories for me.  I think one we all know (and I want to say thanks to all service men and women who helped on the tragic day, and want to give my thoughts and prayers out to the families who lost someone they love).  But this is also a day where I had to say good bye to one of my closest friends.

For the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of meeting one of the worlds sweetest, most genuinely kind people I know.  We have shared smiles, tears, laughs, and countless stories.  As we shared our last embrace, tears streamed down my face, and four years flashed through my thoughts.  I never knew my GCU throwing partner would evolve into a long time friend....

This got me thinking about all the people in my life.  My family, and my very close friends.  I am so grateful to have such wonderful people to be around; for those people have helped shaped me to be the person I am today.  I strongly believe that the people who you spend so much time with, have a HUGE impact on your life.  I am so blessed to have parents, siblings [especially my brother], a nephew, 3 wonderful aunts, relatives, family friends, and my own personal friends who have supported me, and who have been there for me through everything.  Nothing I could ever do or say would tell you all how thankful I am for having you in my life.  :)


I sound like an old person saying this... but in this day in age, it is very difficult to find kind, authentic, and friendly people.  When you have these kind of people in your life, CHERISH them.  And whenever you get the chance, let them know how much you love them. Before you know it.... 4 years will go by in an instant.  So.... Enjoy life now, and admire those who are in it, because you never know when they won't be there anymore.

-To my friend who is starting a new adventure back home.... I wish you the BEST of luck, and all the happiness in the world.  You are an amazing friend, and I will miss you soooooo much.  [LP] For Life!

Point of Departure

For a couple years now, I have been aspiring to write a blog.  It hit me one day, that I was inexplicably tired of hearing and reading depressing stories {news}.  I remembered thinking it would be great if someone wrote about topics that were gratifying and inspirational.... Which enticed me to write this. 

 
If I could put just one smile on a persons' face each day, my life will have more meaning.  If I touch anyones heart by reading these blogs, then I have done what I intended to do. :)   I've come to realize that my true sense of "happiness" comes from making others happy.  So please enjoy!!!

"Do humble things with love and it will open the door for others"!

-Mother Theresa