Perception and Judgement

I spent this past weekend away in beautiful Julian and I right now, I'm kinda wishing I was still there. I miss being away, in the mountains, in nature and out of cellphone service range. I miss the simplicity of being out of the city and out of the busyness of life we sometimes get way too caught up in. 

Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate city life and I absolutely love living in San Diego. I also appreciate a nice restaurant, good food, symphony concerts, fast cars, Kate Spade, high heels and a chance to dress up every once in a while. 

But what I always love more than the bright lights and shiny objects that attract many are the simpler and often forgotten things people used to once enjoy a whole lot more and a whole lot more often. It is the chance to be outside, to sit on a porch in a rocking chair and watch the stars for hours. It is the chance to befriend stray animal and plant gardens and collect fresh eggs in the morning. It's horseback riding in the mountains away from everything and digging for worms with my grandpa for our next fishing trip. It's finding solace in nature and hiking for hours, appreciating the beauty of the world we live in. It's building campfires and roasting s'mores. It's the little things that cost nothing but their value is priceless. 

Growing up in the South, I spent all my time outdoors. The millions of mosquitoes, ever present risk of contracting West Nile and annihilating humidity could not keep me from the outdoors. My family didn't have cable and grass grew faster than our Internet connection but it didn't matter. I had outdoor cleaning businesses and dog walking services. I made compost piles and buried countless animals in my backyard.I grew fruits and vegetables with my grandparents and I ruined all my nice church dresses after Sunday Service but I would get lost in the woods and catch every speck of dust, dry leaves and sticks I could find. I was one happy child. Being in Julian was a reminder of childhood and the part of me I sometimes forget about and a part not many people know. 

Reflecting on these opposites in myself got me thinking about perception, judgment and how one of the most beautiful characteristics you can find in a friendship or relationship is a person who comes to understand the many facets of our personality.

People all too often take each other too quickly at surface value. Obviously if you wear a suit or high heals, you must be high maintenance. Obviously if you get a manicure, you aren't willing to camp that weekend. Obviously if you are a star sports player, you must be full of it and a jerk. Oh and obviously if you wear glasses, you must be really smart.. or a wannabe hipster. 

There can be some truth to these statements, but there is many times a whole story behind appearances and first impressions and we often fail to get to know people as a whole after learning just a part of who they are.

Quote of the Day 12/30/13

“The better part of one's life consists of his friendships.”

[Abraham Lincoln, in a letter to a friend, reminding us that friendships matter]

Quote of the Day 12/18/13

"And then I will look a little more carefully with a little more love at my surroundings, to listen to what can be heard in the depths of the wreckage. The footsteps of friends on the deck. The calls on my phone from family. The texts of kindness. The emails of opportunity. The likes and the comments and the hearts and the replies from every other broken heart. When the army doesn’t come for you, when no one chooses to fight for you, when no one dives in after you with fairy tales and promises, you write a different story. You write a tale of adventure and chaos, of survival and fortitude, and instead of wishing to be saved, you save yourself. "        [Kelton Wright]

__(insert suggestions here)___

In an attempt to name this post appropriately, I found myself on Google quest, searching through dictionaries, posts and blogs. When the dictionaries failed me, I turned to good old trusted Wikipedia. 

Originally this post was titled “content” but then Wikipedia defined bliss as: “Bliss is an emotional state that is characterized by perfect happiness (feelings of enjoyment, pleasure, and satisfaction,” I couldn’t help overlook the words “perfect happiness.” This led me to attempting to figure out what exactly “perfect happiness” means.

This led me on another Google search, to find out what the 1037345836430480 Google users around the world believe perfect happiness is. 

Let’s just say I found answers from one extreme side of the spectrum to the other. Infamous Yahoo! Questions had a user who posted the question “How to acquire perfect happiness?” and which the best answer chosen by the voters was “drugs or brain damage…. Happiness is a mish-mash of emotions, and it is loosely defined by its symptoms.” 

Google provided me with 41 million (to be exact) pages of results and skimming some of the pages, words such as nature, family, good book, house stood out, there were also debates of “god exists” and “no he doesn’t.” 

Even the Wall Street Journal had an opinion on the matter and  put a monetary value in the mix and reported that “the perfect salary for happiness is $75,000.”

Now I don’t know how happiness can be found through money or books or trees but I do know that no matter who you are, where you live and what you do, all you want at the end of the happy is to be happy and you want to be the real kind of happy. 

Perfectly Happy. 

Always Happy. 

Am I right....? 

getting it together

Every time I wrote I can't believe how much time has passed since I last blogged and I always get upset with myself. I love to write; I love to receive y'all's messages and emails and I even love the hate mail. I heard once that if you are offending someone, you must be doing something right, so I hope that perhaps I am doing something right..

Year 3 finished the first week of May and I enjoyed a few days at my parent's home before heading out into the big ole 8-5, Monday to Friday, business attire clad world. My 6:45 alarm calls are a consistent reminder  (or annoyance) that this is the real world. I've had jobs consistently since I was 15, but something about working a solid 8-5 block has really put things in perspective.

That being said before I dive in what's really been on my heart and mind, Id like to say that despite everything, I am beyond blessed and incredibly lucky to live the life I live. San Diego is beautiful, my home is welcoming and inviting and every day I am learning new things about my city, my friends, myself and life as a whole. I can't forget to mention that for a foodie as myself, San Diego is a food Mecca. It has every type of food and cuisine you could think of, whether you spend 5 dollars or 155 dollars, there is something delicious to be tried. I am working on a huge blog post of everything I have the chance to eat and the things my stomach is jumping for joy to try! Check back soon for that. Warming: don't read on en empty stomach or you might find yourself in your car en route to San Diego :)

Now that I've got that off my mind (or my plate), I can share a little bit of what I've been thinking, learning and maybe even messing up. Come summer vacation, I felt great, I looked great and I believed that anything was unachievable. I was high on life, and it was such an indescribable feeling. Yet, happiness came to a halt a little over two weeks ago. My health is as stable as the stock market which meant that as things seemed to get better, things evidently  crashed. It felt like all the progress and effort put in was worthless. It's as if I was stuck on a stationary bike. All that energy  put in and no matter how hard how hard you push, you are exactly where you started. Naturally, the first reaction was "Seriously? Again? Can you just cut me some slack God?" My cloud 9 had withered away and I was back on the ground.

Ironically, as physically and emotionally hard the past days have been, I feel like I have been awakened. While my body seems to still be confused that its only 22 years young and not 92 years old, I feel like my mind and eyes have never been clearer.

Dear Mama

"She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many women do noble things
    but you surpass them all.”
 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
(Proverbs 31)

An open letter to my mother,

Dear Mama,

     When I was 7, I wanted to be an ice skater and you said “no.” When I was 10, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer, and you said “no.” When I was 15, I wanted to be a stylist, and you said “no.” This may sound like a very depressing conversation and for a 7 or 10 or 15 year old with the biggest of dreams, it very well did sound like that. But now as a 22 year old with now even bigger dreams, the multitude of ‘”no’s” that I have heard in my life were exactly what I needed. You were not the mom who approved of average grades, half colored pictures or weak performances. To a little girl it may seem so confusing but to an adult woman, it was just what was needed. Maybe part of me still hopes I can scoot by with half hearted attempts in my moments of laziness and complacency, but your resounding “no” has through my life journey stopped me from settling on anything short of my very best. You have taught me to push harder and give more, 100% can many times be 110%. Though I have lived only half the lifetime you have, the commitment to excellence you have taught me has already done me well. If I ever do receive praise or compliments, I can only humbly deter them to you because you are the reason for my success.

     Boys and beds were also two things you had strong, one-liner, imperative statements: “Never chase after boys” and “Always make your bed.” I promise I am still trying to live by these rules, and I hope to pass these on to my daughter one day too. Nothing is more valuable that your rules have kept my heart, soul and body safe and sound for my future prince. Furthermore, the biggest lesson I have learned is one that many could only dream to learn. I have learned what love is, what it looks like, what it sounds like and what it is suppose to feel like. Love, I have learned, means ongoing sacrifice, limitless forgiveness, unfailing grace and always letting the other have the first bite. Mama, I have watched you give yourself wholeheartedly to your God, your family, your work and even to those who are not very nice. With grace and elegance, you never fail to grab hold of a room, unknowing the awe in which people around you stand. I believe you would give Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton quite a run for their money.

     You still know exactly what you do to me when you say the words “Don’t disappoint me.” No matter if I am in Santa Barbara, San Diego, or Rome, I know you are watching my Facebook, my Instagram, and emails from home. What I did not know then, but I know now, is that it’s not a lack of trust but an honest truth of the value of accountability and knowledge that even the strongest fall down. Over the past few years, our dynamics have changed; instead of mother and daughter we have become friend to friend. We share secrets, we share pain, we share dreams, the only thing that has not changed is that you ask me “Have you met any nice boys?” Don’t worry Mom, when I do, I promise you will be the first to know. I have learned very well that when I do not run them by you, you get the fair chance of saying “I told you so.” But that is just how our relationship is: it is honest, it is raw and I would not want it any way. No matter what part of the world life has taken me, I always miss our late night chats, morning coffee follow ups and you asking why I have not made my bed.

Roma Roma Mia

Still can't believe this was real life.

 Editors Note: Please excuse my lateness on this post, but I figured better late than never :)  

Okay this is actually Budapest… but I kinda left a piece of my heart there too!

     4 countries, 18 cities and 100 amazing days later, I am back in the grind. The adventure I had waited for what seemed like forever came and went in a glimpse. I no longer wake up to the noise of nuns protesting, run downstairs to get my daily cappucino from a little old man named Giovanni, get harassed on the metro on the way to school or pass by the Vatican on my nightly runs. It still seems crazy that just a few weeks ago, Rome was my home and Italian life became the norm. The pavement I walked held more story then the entire state of California. But as they say… "all good things most come to an end." My trip may have come to an end, but the learning, memories and friendships made have not. What happens in Rome, does not have to stay in Rome and nor do I want it to. I am proud of the journey I made and the impact my trip has made on the rest of my life. 

Yeah, all the dessert was to die for. Brought a new meaning to death by dessert

  If you knew me prior to my trip, you knew I could not wait to go to Italy. It could not come soon enough; September could not come quick enough. I landed in Florence on the evening of September 6 and despite my rough flight, late night and inability to adjust properly to time change, it all felt so unreal. I was here, in Italy, afters months and months of waiting. Yet the next night when my parents dropped me off, things became very real and actually a little depressing. I was going to be away for a long long time (or so it seemed at the time) and despite all the wonders and glories that Europe had to offer… my family would be miles and miles away. In that moment, my eagerness quickly faded and I was left standing with a room full of suitcases and a handful of Kleenex. 
     
     In true Lydia fashion, the homesickness comes right away and as fast as it comes, it also leaves. Looking back today, Italy gave me the journey and adventure of a lifetime. I lived with 5 other girls, each of us so vastly different.. in personality, in style, in belief and in daily routine. But that was the beauty of 114 Viale di Trastevere, we learned to live, compromise and communicate with each other and came to find that maybe we  weren't so different from each other after all. We all had the same fears, failures, heartbreaks and heartaches.. we all missed our families and american food and venti sized lattes.. and at the end of the day, all we wanted to be is to be understood. Perhaps some of us will cease to exist in each others lives and some of us will only strengthen our newly grown friendships, but the point is that we grew on our own because we grew together. 
    People ask me why I chose Italy and apart from the obvious response of "why not?" there is another part to the story. My political science program at Point Loma may have required a semester abroad, but it was something I knew I wanted to do long before I even went to school. I always knew I wanted to go abroad and was set on London for years but one day, something within me changed and to be honest, it wasn't my choice, it was made by the man upstairs. I had prayed about study abroad for a long time and one morning I woke up with complete peace and confidence just knowing that Rome was it. It was settled and done and doubt never again crossed my mind.

Quote of the Day 1/3/12

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."         [Muhammad Ali]

Life Lessons With Lydia (and a Nov/Dec update)

The past few weeks have been exhausting, exhilarating, and educational:exhausting because you run on minimal sleep, exhilarating because life always throws a curveball or three and educational because well, you never stop learning. I have not written in a few weeks but in the meantime, I have been thinking and reflection about what I want to write. There is so much I have experienced and wrestled with the past few months but along the way I have discovered life lessons to abide by and things that naturally, I also struggle with. Ignore my cheesy title, I promise you will find these life lessons very applicable.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

    

     Wednesday was my aunt's birthday and today is the birthday of my one and only fantastic little sister, Elizabeth. Congrats on turning 12.... only one year away from experiencing the joys of being a teenager and PG-13 movies...

Happy Birthday Yana!

Today is a day worthy of great celebration.... it is the birthday of the wonderful, beautiful, inspiring, adventurous, spontaneous, loving, brilliant, virtuous Yana! 

Quote of the Day 10/7/11

got this message and it reminded me that words don't cost anything but they sure buy a lot:

"So it's been ages since we met (and last spoke) but I have a story for you... 

So this morning (here in Joburg it's 8:40) I got caught in major traffic for an hour and landed up missing an important lecture. I was sitting in my car, feeling rather irritated, when I stumbled across your blog. Needless to say after reading it I felt inspired to just make the most of the rest of my day.

So thanks for that, it's exactly what I needed."

a personal update for october

     Life has been crazy... well a super good, amazing, hilarious, maturing, exhilarating type of crazy. Time is flying, literally flying by. It is flying by so quickly that even Mondays no longer upset me anymore because before I know it, it is Friday. They say time flies when you're having fun and that statement could not be any more applicable to me right now. I usually address general subjects in my blog so I have decided to switch it up a bit. I get so many calls, texts, messages and emails and I figured it would be nice to at least address some of the questions in this blog so that I can fill in the people I love a little bit of whats going on in my life. 
     I am finishing up my 6th week at school. This year is very different  from last year. Last year had its charm in its own unique way but this year... well it's only week 6 and I couldn't be happier. The people I interact with, the professors I am taught by and the picturesque scenery that I am surrounded by have completely, entirely, inspired me. This year, my goal is to be proactive and pursue the desires which Christ has placed within me. There have been so many things I have wanted to do and see and be and now is the time. I am surrounded by limitless opportunities and possibilities and I am eager to take them. Every day here is the greatest blessing. Every day is better than the one before it. Yes, my schedule is monotone during the school week: class, work, homework, gym, but I gladly do these things with joy and I spend the majority of my day in laughter. The kind of laughter where you lose your breath and your stomach hurts. I know it sounds so cliche but no matter what I do, it is so memorable. The people that have surrounded me see the good in everything; the most annoying or upsetting of tasks become hilarious unforgettable adventures. 
     I am finishing up my last polisci lower division class and it's a tough one. I love politics but I don't love science and  that is what this class is all about: the science of politics. In the past, I have given up on science and mathematics but this is no longer the case. I want to learn it all and love it and I accept the challenge. My professor has been so understanding and helpful and I thank God for professors like her, so gracious and willing to do whatever it takes to help. Also, my major requires that I study abroad, so in 10 months I will be a student in ROME (stay tuned for those adventures). I wish I could go now but based on how fast time is flying,I know that my italian adventures are right around the corner. 
     My days consist of one thing happening after another so it is crucial to stay focused and on track. So far I have been able to do things in a timely manner so pray for me to keep that pattern up since coffee no longer helps stimulate any energy in me whatsoever, and sleep is of the essence. 
     I wish that everyone could be experiencing what I am experiencing. To be surrounded with so much love, support and understanding; to be given limitless opportunity; to be cared for and sought out by professors; to spend the majority of your day in laughter; to feel God's presence surrounding you and inspiring you; to live in place resembling paradise; to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to ocean sunrises; and know that you are absolutely, 100% at the right place at the right time ... I am blessed. So blessed. 

the gift of friendship

i love point loma for many, many reasons. one being that I have made some of the best, most fulfilling, inspiring, honest friendships. these people have changed my life forever, i have truely learned the meaning of "lifelong friendship." my fellow friend and blogger gave me a little shout out the other day in her blog about friendship. here is what the ever so brilliant masey schrader wrote:


If we are, as I have heard the rumor, a combination of the five people that we spend the most time with, then I think it is safe to agree that who we befriend matters. Where we invest our time, who we invest our time in, is either beneficial or detrimental to our own spiritual growth.
Friends are not just companions. They are models of character.
I could not talk highly enough of a young woman who has become one of my closest friends in the past year. Lydia's person sort of just speaks for itself though: her unselfish and genuine manners, classy presentation, adventurous spirit and confident mind, quick wit, and a faith that is rooted deeply in the image of Christ. I strive to be a person of her likeness.
Without sounding like I have or girl crush or that I am campaigning for her presidency, I'm gonna say that she's one worth stalking in the blogging realm. We need more brutally-honest, Russian woman to speak from the depths of their convictions. To challenge the consideration of priorities. To motivate inward change that produces tangible results. To remind us to live in laughter and love.

One of these women just so happens to be a dear friend. And how strengthened I am by her companionship


i humbly accept your kind words and know that i cannot put into words how much our friendship has touched my life.


read the rest of her honest, candid look on life at:
http://maseykole.blogspot.com/

to be or not to be, to say or not to say

Consider the following quotes:
1. "Treat others as you would want to be treated."
2. "Eye for an eye, ear for an ear."


     Those two statements are contradictions. The first one tells us to treat people the way you would want to be treated while the second echos that sometimes it is okay to play fair. I have really been struggling and thinking about these ideas. We come across so many people and so many situations and it is inevitable that in our lives we will be hurt, and hurt more then a few times. The manner in which we respond to these situations can make all the difference. We can choose to avenge, confront, forgive or forget (or some combination of these). 

the quality of life is improved by people of quality.

gen·u·ine:

possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic;      real. free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy.

     Considering that I never have free days, I try to make the most out of the free time I do get. Today I got to catch up with a friend on the past few months of her life. As we spilled our hearts and laughed over Starbucks, we realized that we have one common desire lately: to meet genuine people. 

     It got me thinking about the people we meet and the people we befriend. It is not hard to meet people, but it is hard to meet people who you can connect with. Its easy to poke fun, see a movie or eat a dinner, but where do you go to find those people with who you can talk about something deeper. Personally, I have a really hard time opening up to people. Its not that I don't trust them, its just something I cant even explain. The idea of someone knowing something very personal about me just makes me feel uneasy. It takes a lot to get me to open out. But at the same time we weren't made to hold everything in and deal with it on our own, that is why friendship is such an important part of life. 

     I have realized lately how much value people who are genuine and thoughtful. People who freely give and never demand anything in return. People who are willing to listen and accept criticism and at the same time provide constructive criticism when necessary. Over the past few weeks, I have been feeling a little burnt out and going through a rough patch health wise and at times unmotivated and on days like that a simple, thoughtful gesture has been all that I needed to turn my day around. I value those little things so much. Its the people who can simply sit with me and drink a cup of coffee while I vent; or those people who show up at my work with some chocolate and a hug, letting me know they are thinking about me; or coming home to flowers at my doorstep; or taking a nice evening walk on the beach together. Its nothing extravagant, just a little tlc.

     At the end of our conversation earlier today, we realized that we couldn't answer our own question, and I still don't know where it is a person goes to find genuine people. Its hard to find these people but I know they are out there. By sheer grace, last year 4 amazing ladies were placed on my residence hall and they have become a significant part of my life. That being said, I would like to meet more people like that. People who are selfless and open, people who can listen but also share, people who are willing to try new things and see new places. People with an open heart and open mind. People who can admit their faults and failures but strive for improvement. People of good character and good morals. And lastly, people who simply care. These people are one in a million, but I would rather know one genuine person, then a million fake ones. 

lost in translation

     It is pretty amazing when you consider the variety of people who go in and out of your life. Theres the people who inspire and motive you; theres people who deceive and mistreat you and theres the people who become part of a small, intimate group we call best friends. 
     I can't say that I have included many people in my "best friends" group,  but I come to learn that its about quality, not quantity. The best friends I have, are rare and priceless. They are people who are far and few between and no words can describe the impact of the role in my life.
     However, what about those people whom you have wanted to tell how much they actually mean to you. It's those friendships where maybe you live far away from each other, or maybe you are just not that sure of how that other person feels about your friendship. No one ever wants to be that creeper-stalker-obsessive friend.
     I have a friendship like that. I have never been more inspired by a peer, then by this person. They are absolutely brilliant. They know what they want and they go for it. They are motivated beyond words and I know without a shadow of a doubt that they will be one of the most successful people of our time. This is one of those people where they just do not know how incredible they really are; they are a gem in our society. In my eyes, this person never fails to surprise me with their maturity, decisions and words of wisdom. I wish I  could adequately transfer to them all the thoughts I have of them. I want more then anything to strengthen my friendship with this person. We started off as complete opposites but the more I get to know this person, I see similarities and ironically differences that bring us together even more. 
     A lot of us have these people, people that we wish we would spill out heart to. But the fear of rejection or just plain old awkwardness prevents us from doing so. One of these days, I will find the courage to say all these things but for now, I am revealing things one step at a time or maybe they will happen to stumble upon this. Regardless, kind words are free but they buy lot... says my wonderful wise mother. She has always told me that people deserve to hear kind words, there can never be too much kind words. 

1 down, 3 to go!

I. AM. DONE... with my 1st year of college! I honestly cannot believe how fast everything has flown by. 10 months ago, I left the comforts of home to go to unknown place filled with unknown people. The first few weeks, I wanted out. I was convinced this was not my place, my environment or people whom I would ever connect with. I had made a mistake by coming here.


Looking back, I have had 10 AMAZING months filled with memories that could fill up textbooks. Not only do I live in a place that looks a little short of heaven, but I live in a place with some of the most genuine, hard working, caring, loving, supportive, thoughtful, profound individuals I have ever met. My professors were all people who had the greatest passion and love for their students and teaching. Despite the stress, exams, papers and presentations, they made everything worth the effort. They pushed me to want to achieve my maximum potential. They were truly individuals who have poured their love into their students wanting only the best. They were there every step of the way, always offering help, advice and even just a little chat to ease up the days when I hadn't quite woken up on the right side of the bed. I have learned so much this year and am looking forward to the opportunities ahead of me and the things to be learned and seen.


I have 3 more years at wonderful Point Loma Nazarene University and I know every year will out do the year before it. To my hall-mates: Masey, Clarissa, Bri and roommate Courtney, you ladies have had such an effect on me, that I am at a lose of words for. Each one of you has something so special and defining, where one of us is lacking, another can complete. We just all make sense, we click and the only thing that can explain how I feel is the fact that from the bottom of my heart, I feel like this was the hand of God bringing us together. He knows us and what our needs are and our wonderful Savior knew we needed each other. I am more of a person because of each of you and would be less of one had I not met y'all. My hope and prayer is that we will continue this friendship and continue to support and uplift each other, in the good and in the bad. I know that God has so much in store for each of us individually and us collectively. I love you all so much. I have loved the memories we created, the laughs we shared and the tears we experienced. Courtney, we were both so nervous about who our roommates would be but I think we can both agree it turned out quite well. We lived together in a room smaller then our own rooms at home but we made it work. Never a silent night or awkward, tense moment, I guess we are quite compatible. Thank you for putting up with me and I didn't mind putting up with you ;)


To Megan and Anne, our leaders and advisors. You helped us through our awkward freshman moments and countless questions. Thank you for your time and attention, N5N will never be forgotten.


I think us girls would also agree that we could not have done it without some "men" support. Jon, Jeff, Tanner, Daniel and Daniel, we met on day 1 and not a day has gone by where we do not appreciate you all, for being yourselves, for being honest and supportive and always willing to help. To Tim, thank you for driving me around and for study groups and just being a great friend. To Matt and Billy, we go back to the start, back to PoliSci, and we have many more experiences to come. To Alex, for being there at meals and making me waffles and always having a comforting word.


To my biggest support group, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and little sister. They were always praying and encouraging me. Thank you for the visits, flowers, food and letters. When I was not motivated and tired, y'all pushed me through those moments. Being away strengthened our relationships even more and pushed us to value even more the moments we shared. My parents made it possible for me to go to a dream school, taking on quite a burden but doing it with so much love and faith that where there is a will, there is way and God will provide.


Finally, only through Christ were the above things mentioned in any way possible. I am in no way perfect and have stumbled but the love of my Savior has picked me up every single time. I know I have many more improvements to make yet only in Christ alone my hope is found.He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What a wonderful Savior, what a wonderful maker, With a strength like no other and the heart of a father. How majestic your whispers, what a wonderful God! Glory be to God on highest, He made this all POSSIBLE.

An update to things I have learned this year...

A few weeks ago I had written a post about things I have learned this year/ have really made more sense. Reflecting today, I thought of another one...


Number 11: Don't let your "sketch" "friends" meet your nice friends.
Some people are not at all who you think they are. When in doubt, do not let them meet your close friends. I have learned through some mistakes that sketchy people may no longer be part of your life eventually, but because they know your friends, they are still entangled in your life. Never again will I let people who I am not sure about meet my friends. The less mutual ground, the better.

Quote of the day 3/15/11

“It is one of the severest tests of friendship to tell your friend his faults. So to love a man that you cannot bear to see a stain upon him, and to speak painful truth through loving words, that is friendship.”                                    [Henry Ward Beecher]