Don't Give Up

I am really enjoying Josh Groban's new cd, AWAKE. Two favorites would probably be She Dances and Don't Give Up (lyrics below).


Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When you're heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you lost inside
I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one is to be heard
You are loved

I think this song is beautiful and really encourages us not to give up, even when times are hard and we don't think we can make it through. Even if you are lost, there is always someone that God will place in your life to help you and encourage you to stay on your path.

Random Stuff

A good quote...

"You know how when you were a little kid and you believed in fairy tales, that fantasy of what your life would be, white dress, prince charming who would carry you away to a castle on a hill. You would lie in bed at night and close your eyes and you had complete and utter faith. Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Prince Charming, they were so close you could taste them, but eventually you grow up, one day you open your eyes and the fairy tale disappears. Most people turn to the things and people they can trust. But the thing is its hard to let go of that fairy tale entirely cause almost everyone has that smallest bit of hope, of faith, that one day they will open their eyes and it will come true." - Grey's Anatomy

But you know what??? Sometimes, fairy tales can come true...you just have to believe

And another...

A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying.

And some more good songs...

Save Me...Aimee Mann

Are You Happy Now...Michelle Branch

Landing in London...3 Doors Down

Edge of Seventeen...Stevie Nicks

Good Songs

Here are some good tunes on my playlist right now...

Chasing Cars...Snow Patrol

On a Day Like Today...Brian Adams

Collide...Howie Day

Brothers on a Hotel Bed...Death Cab for Cutie

Come Fly with Me...Michael Buble

My Love...Justin Timberlake (and I guess SexyBack too...haha)

Want To...Sugarland

Quotes

I have been all about the quotes lately...they kinda help me express myself sometimes...so here are a few to share with you...I will keep adding as I find more...Enjoy!

The only joy in the world is to begin. ~ Cesare Pavese

What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork. ~ Pearl Bailey

If Columbus had an advisory committee he would probably still be at the dock. ~ Justice Arthur Goldberg

If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies. ~ Moshe Dayan

The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent from one another. ~ Genesis 31:49

Serendipity

Serendipity is my favorite word (and also one of my favorite movies). According to the website Whatis.com, serendipity is: the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it...The term is also sometimes used to mean "the randomness of fate." It's getting late and time for bed, but I will really try to post more often. :)

Long Time

Hi everyone...well, has it been a while since I last posted...sorry about that. Life has been crazy/beautiful and to be honest, I can't believe how fast time is going by. So much has been going on and changing and I can't wait to see where this road leads me to next. Here are some of the things I have learned in this past month:

1. God has an amazing plan...we just need to learn to trust...and be patient too :)

2. Asking questions can strengthen your faith, relationships, or your beliefs about the world around you

3. Sometimes to see the future, we have to turn our backs to the past

4. Work is supposed to be hard...otherwise, it would be called a vacation

5. God didn't do everything in one day, so what makes me think that I can?

6. Trying to control the future is like trying to take the place of the Master Carpenter. When you handle the Master Carpenter's tools, chances are you will cut your hand

7. Time is what keeps things from happening all at once

8. There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered. (Nelson Mandela)

9. Faith without good works is nothing. ~Luke 10:25

10. Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

11. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

~ I Corinthians 13:4-8,13

I was excited to discover that this passage was the theme of VBS this week. This has always been one of my favorite pieces of scripture and I thought I would share it with all of you. I hope these words inspire you too...

Faith of a Child

This week, I have one of the most wonderful experiences...teaching children about God during a Bible camp at a church by my house. Every year I look forward to this camp because I always feel stronger after the week is over. I know it sounds crazy, but these children teach me so much about my life and faith. It is a beautiful experience.

Today, we talked with the children about patience. It was the sweetest thing to listen to them as they tried to explain what patience means. And the funny thing is, that most of them could define patience better then I could. Even the preschoolers...One of the little boys told me that patience is waiting for something that you want really bad but knowing that it will take time to get it. And how true that is.

After my time in the mountains and now with these children, I am getting the message from God that I need to be patient. Nothing comes overnight and it takes a while to get answers to questions that we have. But if we are patient like I talked about with these kids, answers will come, happiness will come, and the dreams that we have can come true. It just does not happen overnight.

Now I understand what God means when He says that we all must have the faith of a child. Their faith is the strongest of all and I hope that one day I can be just like those kids. :)

New Path

Wow! It has been a little while since my last blog. Since my last post, I finished the school year, met a few frogs in Chicago, and had the most amazing trip of my life. I went to Montana. I know, most of you are probably thinking "what?" but it was the best trip of my life. I went out there to visit some friends that I met in D.C. last April and had a blast with them. They live in a valley in the beautiful mountains of Montana and I fell in love instantly. While I was there I went gopher hunting, learned to drive a four wheeler, drove up mountains and through the valley, reunited with old friends, and was reminded of the power of God. He has a purpose for everything, whether or not we realize it at the time. I never thought that I would meet such wonderful friends in D.C., but I did. And I never thought we would keep in touch for over a year. I never thought I would actually have the chance to see them again or visit them in their hometown. I never thought they would become such important parts of my life. But they have and so has this state because the mountains, people, and adventures there taught me that God has a plan for everyone and we must trust in it. Sometimes He will surprise us with beautiful gifts and experiences that we never thought would happen to us. Sometimes people come back into our lives that we never thought we would get to see again. And that gives me hope that I will see them again, that I will realize where I am supposed to be and who I am supposed to be with one day. It is ok that I don't know everything because we can't know everything. God has surprises for us, and I can't wait to be surprised again!!!

A Little Rain...

Right now I am sitting at my desk looking at the cloudy skies and the gentle rain falling down. At times, the rain pours from the sky, and then occasionally stops...it makes that pitter patter noise of the roof...the rich, green leaves on the trees contrast the passionate dark blue sky above, although the sky is finally starting to lighten up. We have not had sunshine in the past four days and it is supposed to be like this for the rest of the weekend...

As I was sitting here admiring God's creation and the beauty of the rain, I realized that our lives can be symbolized in the weather. Sometimes, on days like today, it just keeps raining and raining and will not let up. Or it might finally let up and the skies finally might start clearing, but then more dark blue clouds come again. Although it may seem like the sun will never come out again, it does. Eventually. Whether it is after a few hours or a few days. It comes back to warm the earth. But when you think about it, the sun helps nourish the grass and trees, yet so does the rain. Without the rain, everything would die. So I guess what I am trying to say is that without a little downpour, or sometimes a very huge thunderstorm, nothing would grow. Nothing would blossom. Nothing would be as beautiful as it is right now, just like in our very own lives.

At times, things happen that may seem terrible to us...and maybe they really are. We may think that life will never get better or easier or that we will never understand. But eventually, after days or months or even years, if we are patient enough, God will heal us and help us learn and grow from our struggles and tests. In fact, He is taking care of us during the entire storm. We just do not realize it because we can not see through the darkness. When the sun comes out, however, and things get better, we realize that God was there all along and that after every storm, the sun comes back out again.

So no matter what you are facing, whether it is the loss of a loved one, problems with friends, a sick sibling, or a confusing relationship, just know that although it might not be easy, the rain will eventually stop, and God will make the sun shine on you and warm you up again. I promise.

Letting Go

Sometimes you have to let go of something good to get something great.

Sometimes to see the future, we have to turn our backs on the past.

I think letting go of something is one of the hardest things we have to do here on earth. We have to let go of loved ones, dreams, relationships, and what we know because nothing ever stays the same for long. It always seems that just when you start getting used to something, it has to change. You either have to accept that change or let go...

As much as we wish we could hold on, sometimes it is just best to let go and leave with a few beautiful memories. Sometimes it is easier to just let go instead of facing the problem, doing the work, or expressing your heart to someone. Sometimes it is best to let go...but sometimes I think we just convince ourselves that it is the right thing to do because we are too scared to hold on.

I don't know what I am. Sometimes I think I should still hang tightly to this dream I have...but the logical part of me tells me I need to let go and move on because someone better will come along...right? I guess that is my predicament. I have been here for so long now...I want to hang on, but if the other person does not seem to want to, either because of fear and doubt or whatever the reason, why should I remain standing alone? Shouldn't I look for something better? But am I making the biggest mistake by letting go of something I still have not gotten an answer to?

I guess time will tell, but as time goes on, it sometimes seems like I only grow more confused. Maybe...maybe I should just let go in the sense that I don't worry about what ifs and what will or could or should or might happen. Maybe I am supposed to let go and give my worries and fears and hopes and dreams to God. And instead trying to solve everything myself, let God handle it...So that is what I will do. Let go...I am letting it go to God and trusting that He will move me in the right direction and give me patience, clarity, and joy. I encourage you to try it too.

Crossing Paths

One of my soul beliefs is that each person that you meet, no matter how long or short, is meant to teach you something and help you grow and become a better person. These people can be parents, siblings, relatives, friends, or some random person you meet walking down the street. I think that God teaches through the words and actions of others. I think He wants to introduce you to new ideas through them, have your faith tested, and grow spirtually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

But why then, are there those certain people that keep walking in and out of our lives? Why is it that you may meet someone once and then never see them again? Or know them but only see them every now and again, usually just about when you start forgetting them? Why is it that there are some people who seem like they will never stay? Or when they start getting closer to you, run away? I wish I knew.

I wish I knew why certain people just won't leave and other people just won't stay. Why you could meet such an amazing person only for a moment...and then every now and again, when you would rather always want them with you...

I wonder if it is because you have not learned enough from this person, or not helped this person enough, or not gotten close enough to this person...or if it just really means nothing. And maybe I worry about something that really has no importance to my journey.

I firmly believe that God has a plan for all of us (to an extent) and that we do have the choice of who we want to be and where we want to go...but there are some people we are just destined to meet for some reason or another...and those who simply cross our paths every now and again...One day, maybe we will finally find out why...

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts..." ~ William Shakespeare's "As You Like It."

Last night I had a conversation with one of my dear friends Jessica. We were discussing life, this Shakespeare quote, and the concept that although life is filled with beauty, how it is also filled with much hurt, sadness, and difficult times. Things happen that are out of our control and we also do things that we did not mean to do or regret doing later on. People, whether they realize it or not, hurt us and break us sometimes, yet we go around acting as if everything is ok and that we are full of joy. Who are we kidding?

Do you ever find that when you feel broken you often pretend you are happy and excited? Do you ever feel that you are faking and tricking people that you are supposed to be honest with? I have found that I am guilty of this all the time. But why would I do something so silly?

Well, I guess it is because I do not want people to worry about me. Or maybe it is my pride that makes me want to appear as if I need no one's help. Or maybe it is because I do not feel like I have anyone to talk to about my problems and concerns because they are all too consumed with their own lives. Or maybe I do not even know where the root of my unhappiness starts...

I love observing and watching people. Some of my friends have called me Dr. Phil and my nickname among many is Mom. As I watch people and help them through their problems, I realize that many of them really do not have problems. I mean, lots of homework or missing your favorite tv show or not being able to shop at the mall is not that big of a problem. Right?

I think the root of the issue is that people in this country are lead to believe that if you are not having problems or depressed or sad about something, then you are not normal. I mean, think about it. How many people do you ask "how are you?" to and they respond back with an enthusiastic "FANTASTIC!"? Not too many...in fact, probably none. And if they do, you think, what a weirdo...is he on something?

So I guess what I am trying to say in all of my blah blah here is that everyone is an actor...Yes, everyone. People either pretend to be happy when they are hurting, or broken just to "fit in" with everyone else who likes to complain and look at the glass half empty. But if we looked at our lives and realized the true gifts and miracles we have been given like our families, health, homes, nature, church, etc., we would realize that we wouldn't have to act anymore if we just realized how amazing each day is and that we are truly blessed. No, life is never going to be perfect, and yes, we will have some pretty miserable days...but we will also have some memorable, beautiful, blessed, amazing days...and those are worth every hour of tears. Don't you agree? Or would you prefer to be an actor for the rest of your life...pretending to be someone you really are not?? The choice is yours...

Running away...An action we probably most associate with a child packing up his or her bags and hiding out at a friend's house because life is "unfair" or "Mom made me do my chores again." Running away means leaving everything behind...or at least trying to...looking for a new place to restart or erase your previous actions and start anew. Running away may make one feel free, invincible, as if the world is just within reach. Running away may be temporary, for a few months, or for years. But it has occurred to me that no matter how far we try to run away from something, it will always come back.

I know this because I have experienced it first hand, in fact, too many times to even count. No I didn't literally run away, but I tried to in my mind. I tried to put behind me old friends, past actions, and lost love. But even now, those people, places, and things still come back to me. Things I thought I had let go. I guess I really hadn't all along...

Friends and family of mine have moved to different states, even across the US, but still their souls are unsettled because their problems follow them wherever they go. Some of my friends even came home this semester from college because things did not get better by leaving. In fact, they sometimes even got worse. I guess sometimes the answers we are looking for are right in front of us all along.

It is not bad to travel or to retreat to a new place, but just remember that no one's life is perfect and you would not be who you are today, whether for the good or bad, if you were not where you are right now. Although it may not seem like it, you are needed and loved by someone. You can't just run away from them or from your real self. Running away from life's every day "dramas" will not change when you alter your location. Mom will not suddenly get better...those debts will not just be paid off...and your job will always be stressful unless YOU decide to make it enjoyable.

Try to face your problems instead of waiting too long. Pay those bills, visit your grandma in the hospital no matter how much you want to cry, call your dad even if you haven't talked for years...and remember to always tell someone you love them. Do not just run away. So unpack%2

On March 11, I went to one of the greatest concerts of my life with my mom...We went to see Michael Buble! For those of you who don't know who he is, he sings the classic "big band/Frank Sinatra" music and also sings the Billboard hit, "Home." His concert was amazing! He is such a fun guy who really loves singing and his music. I was thrilled because during his concert, he jumped off the stage and into the audience and I actually got to meet him! Here is the picture for proof. :) That night I learned that sometimes things happen when you least expect them too. So my new thinking is that I am just waiting to be surprised with the least expected...What do you think?

Hello everyone!

Well, I never thought I would be making one of these, but life is full of surprises...Things happen when you least expect them to, and even when you don't think they can. I guess the purpose of me writing on this blog is to get some thoughts out there, hear some new ideas and opinions, and especially to give advice to readers like you who want an honest opinion from someone.

I have gone through a lot of strange, interesting, and difficult relationships and situations in my life. I have loved and lost, laughed and cried, and wondered what the heck God's plan is for me. But through all of the "tough stuff," I have learned that life is full of ups and downs and our mission in life is to learn how to hang on during the crazy roller coaster rides we are on.

Out of my group of friends, I am the counselor and listener of the group. Sometimes perfect strangers will start telling me their problems and ask for advice in the middle of a grocery store or at a restaurant. I love helping people and encouraging them as they find their way. It means the world to me. So as I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope you all will write about what you are thinking, situations you are going through, and help me learn about myself and this crazy path we all walk on called life. I will be happy to help you or just have a fun conversation.

I look forward to your responses and questions and hope this turns out to be as fun as I heard it is. Talk to you later!