I'm Scared...

Have you ever been handed a new opportunity, not even handed, maybe a new opportunity was just mentioned to you, but it peaks your interest?  Someone mentioned something to me the other day, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  It would involve me leaving my everyday life, and stepping into a new role, something I've always dreamed of.  But then you have to make the pros and cons list of why you should or shouldn't go. 

Am I scared to leave the ones I love, scared that everything will change when I'm gone, scared that I'll get home sick?  Or am I excited about traveling, having a new adventure, meeting new people?  Whether it's a positive or negative reaction, I'm still scared about the whole thing.  It seems all too real.  Am I willing to take a leap?  Can anyone relate?

I guess the best thing to do when I'm scared is to stop and be still. And instead of run around wondering what to do, I should drop to me knees relying that God will give me the assurance and confirmation...I'm scared Lord, but I know you will cast out all of my fear...help me here...

Love and Peace,

G

Where I'm Supposed To Be...

Do you ever look around and take in your surroundings?  And I don't just mean the environment of trees, flowers, grass, in our case, smog:).  But do you ever look to see where you're at in your life?  Are you satisfied, or are you wanting more?

I got a chance to do that tonight, and I have to admit, I liked what I saw.  I got to spend time with some of my girlfriends who are in my small group study; and what was supposed to be a night of quiet, journal writing and a time of being still; ended up being a night full of laughter, a true time of letting go, and honestly chilling with people who love you for who you are.  And while I could always use a quiet time with my Savior; sometimes it's good to have a change of plans.

I'm right where I need to be...and that may be to help others with their problems, listen to other's needs, to laugh with a girlfriend over silly things like PMS, or even cry with a sister over past relationships...I see God's hand moving in my life, and sometimes he has us in seasons where our lives need to be the rocks for our friends.  I see that in my life right now...while others are having rocky times, God's allowing me to be their safety net.  And i'm sure that in the future, God will allow things to happen in my life where I will need the shoulder of my friends...

I serve a great God, who knows exactly where I am supposed to be..."for such a time as this."  Amen.

Love and Peace,

G

You Are A Woman To Love...

I just got home from a women's retreat this weekend with my church, and as I reflected about the past three days and what happened; I realized that I was surrounded by beautiful, unique, talented women.  Every woman brought something to the table so to speak.  And as I looked around and marveled at the beauty of the mountains, and the trees which easily captivated me; I couldn't help to think how much better everything was with these women captured in every eye-shot.

Jack Nicholson once said, "You are a woman to love," and that statement has stuck with me for years.  To me, it's one of the greatest compliments someone could give.  All I could see this weekend was women...all whom were women to love.  They all, in their unique ways had inspired one another to love bigger and better.  Thank you for your lasting impression...

Love and Peace,

G    

The Woman In Me...

I've had the chance to really observe my closest friends the last few days, and I came to the overwhelming conclusion that all of us are different...I know, what a revelation right? :)

All of us have these different types of woman inside all of us, none are better than the other, none are more important than the other...in fact we all mix quite nicely together.  We all have different ways we need to be loved, cared for, talked to, listened to, laughed with, etc.  What's good to know is we have a God who loves us more then anyone ever could.  Someone said to me today, "If God is for me, then who can be against me?"  And I thought that was so true!

Sometimes as women, we feel the need to compare ourselves to each other; stacking ourselves up against one another.  When instead we should be appreciating the very essence which makes us all different.  Im so grateful we have a God who made us all differently, I personally would get bored with a world full of look-a-likes...so the next time you try to compare yourself to your friend, know that you have a God who sees you for you...Let your light shine friends...let Jesus be the reflection you give off, because that is truly beautiful...

Love and Peace,

G

World's Collide...

Have you ever been in a situation when someone's world collides with your own?  It can be with a new friend, a new boss, a new co-worker, a boyfriend/girlfriend.  We live our lives as if we are the lead characters, that is, until we meet someone else whose world is just as entertaining as our own...

I had the chance to go to a wedding this past weekend, and I couldn't help but think how scary and exciting it is to be a part of someone's world besides your own.  And in return for them to be a part of yours.  What part of ourselves are we willing to compromise, in order to be a part of it?

I've seen relationships blossom, because the new world in which they're entering is helpful, it's uplifting, it allows room for growth.  But I have also seen people enter a world of temporary satisfaction, nights of blacking out, and even broken hearts.  Both worlds can be very exciting, something you've never seen or experienced before.  But in the act of going into a new world, what are we in fact looking for?  Is it contenment, someone to fill that loneliness, a friend, a party, laughter, a drinking buddy, a best friend?  What is it you're looking for?

So I challenge you!  That whatever world you enter, go in knowing what you're getting yourself into...

Love and Peace,

G

My Teacher...

Today I attended a memorial service for my friend Cynthia Wheat.  And while I am saddened by the loss, I'm encouraged that she is in heaven with my Lord even now.  Cynthia would call me her teacher; and I never understood how I could teach someone who was more experienced then I in ALL areas of life.  We studied the Bible together, looked deeper, prayed harder.  And while I can no longer be in her presence, I feel her legacy with every part of my being.  She encouraged me to always ask questions, never give up, always be honest and genuine. 

I wrote a note to Cynthia, which I never had the chance to give to her...this is a little of how it went...

Dear Cynthia,
Thank you for loving me.  Thank you for making me feel beautiful and intelligent.  I pray that I could have the ounce of strength you have; I believe you have the strength to move the mountains.  You've left such an impact on me, and I wanted to tell you that you not only have an effect on your family, but on the all the people that come in contact with you.  I pray for you and your daughters always, thank you for showing me how to love harder...I love you, MY teacher...

We may hope to have impact on other people's live, but more times then not, it's the others who impact on us...Cynthia showed me how to have strength despite adversity, to say, "I love you," more often, and to embrace everyone around me...she may have thought I was her teacher, but in fact, it was her who was mine...

I love you sweet friend, I'll see youone day in paradise...

Love and Peace,

G

Falling Head Over Feet...

Recently I've noticed the greatness of being a follower of Jesus Christ.  Nothing is more freeing, purposeful, and straight-forward then Jesus.  There is nothing deceiving about Him, He won't lie to you, and He won't drag you down.  It's so refreshing to have a Lord who wants a personal relationship with me, He cares for me, He loves me, He is jealous to spend time with me.  I want nothing more then to be near his presence daily...

It seems like things are falling apart around you, nothing is working out the way you planned; and you just want explanations.  In Jeremiah 29:13 it says, "If you seek Me, you will find Me, if you search for Me with all your heart."  God is there, in our midst daily He is waiting to speak to us...In such an unconsistent world, it's great to know I have such a consistnent God...We all go through relationships that fail, but God offers a relationship that is everlasting...falling head over feet has never been better...

Be still and KNOW that He is God brothers and sisters...

Love and Peace,

G 

World Spins Madly On...

Do you ever wake up and wish you were still dreaming? I do all the time time. I wish I could take the time to be with all of you, to even think of you. But I notice that the world spins madly on...

Today I was at home reading everyone's comments, and I got the feeling that the whole world was moving and I was standing still. And usually I don't feel that way; but today was different...do you ever get that feeling?

I pray that as our worlds spin madly on, that we take the time to tell each other hello...

Love and Peace,

G

The Truth About Me...

I've come to know myself a little better the last couple of days. And while it's scary, and not always what you'd like to see; it's also freeing and very enlightening. I was disappointed this weekend; but by being bummed out, I also found out the good which was inside me all along. I got to see the truth about me...I encourage you to write a list of things which describe you...I bet you that you will admire yourself a little more...I did:)...

The Truth About Me:
1.When everyone disapproves with what you do; I'll be the one who will try to agree...

2. When the world gets a little dark, I hope to be the light you'd see...

3. When I go too long without seeing you, I'll be at your door...

4. When you're up against a battle, I'll be by your side, ready to knock em' down...

5. Know you're in my heart for good, it's the one thing I know how to do...

6. I know how to be there for you...

7. I'll look deeper into a person, and find something that no one else sees...

8. I have a wonderful mix of bravery and compassion...

9. I'm introspective and extroverted at the same time...

10. I'm full of boundless energy...

11. I'm upbeat, enthusiastic, hopeful perseverant and childlike...

12. Although I struggle, I never give up...

There's a quote I have written in one of my many journals, and I've always held on to it's words...

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."
~ Unknown

Keep going friends, life is hard, its a bummer, but I know hope is whispering, "Keep going, try it one more time..." Don't be discouraged, the journey may be tough, but I'm sure the Lord is going to reveal just how great you are...He did that for me.

Love and Peace,

G

Moving Past The Disappointments...

Today I had a real bummer day in regards to the people I thought I knew. And then it began to dawn on me...how well do we really know each other? I may call someone a friend, yet they might not consider me one, or I may think I'm close to someone, but they might consider me an acquaintance. And then I thought again...am I being a friend, or someone who doesn't represent love at all?

I know I get bummed out when I don't understand the people I have relationships with; but then again, maybe I shouldn't put that much pressure on that relationship...

I was disappointed in a friend today. And while I was angry and saddened by what this person did, I realized that I had no room to judge; or to have an opinion on the situation. It's God alone who knows people's hearts. And while I feel He knows mine by heart, I need to trust in Him that these certain ordeals will work out in the end. If I remained stuck in the disappointments of life, the lost of trust between friends, and the lack of love in relationships, I would never grow. But if I can move past the disappointments, then I know there will be growth. Not only in the relationships I share, but with the God who grants me grace daily. The Lord said, "Be holy for I am holy..." I'm gonna try to move past the disappointments life has to offer, and try to live a holy life...I just have to remind myself, one step at a time...

Love and Peace,

G

Gravity, Always Keeping Me Down...

There's a song by Sara Bareilles called "Gravity," and to me it's one of those quintessential songs that has to be a part of every playlist I've made. I've always felt it was a sort of a love song.


But then I remembered the So You Think You Can Dance Performance to this song; and Mia Michael's(choreographer) interpretation was completely different. She took the song meaning and felt like it had to do with addiction. And as I watched the piece being brought to life on stage my eyes began to well up, and my heart began to ache. I could see how often an addiction is like gravity. It brings you down, causes you to continually go back to something unhealthy and harmful. And then I began to think of my friends who have been addicted to anything at anytime in their lives. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, sex, men, women, friends, etc. I started to think about all the times I myself have tried to escape from things which hold me down, and I just wept. Sometimes our strength isn't enough.



God said that He would never leave us or forsake us. And as I began to really take hold of that statement, my tears disappeared and my heart began to fill with hope. I have assurance that those I love, those I need patience with, those I need to be more loving to, those who frustrate me, and those who I just don't understand; will remember in times of darkness and literal gravity; to cling to a God who is faithful and a giver of hope. I pray that whatever we are drawn to would be beneficial to our minds, body and soul. I personally hope that I would draw nearer to a God who promises peace, hope, joy and love...


And like the song says, "Something always brings me back to you, it never takes to long..."


Love and Peace,

G

A Duty Of Love...

"The first duty of love is to listen."-Paul Tillich

I've realized the last couple of months that the best thing we could do for one another is to merely listen to each other. One of my closest friends just recently lost her grandfather; her "Opa," she called him. And although she knew her Opa's health was ailing, she still hoped for the best. And during the times of hospice visits and of their ritual Friday night dinners with her family; she waited to listen for her Opa to speak...she just wanted to listen.

Her Opa passed on Friday, and all I could think about was how often we just want to talk; get our point out, and have everyone listen to us. But what I really learned from my friend's situation, was that sometimes it's best to just cling to the words others have to say.

The quote above says, "The first duty of love is to listen." I've begun to realize that if I want any relationship to work, I have to step back and listen to the person whom I care for. Sometimes it can be a lot of listening, to the point where you yourself feel neglected...but often times it's a privilege to be the one people talk to.

I encourage you to just listen with focus and make eye contact, no interrupting! Put the cell phone down, the iPod away, the laptop down. One of the magic questions I've learned to ask is, "how does that make you feel?" Support your friends answers with emotion, never argue with their feelings; otherwise you'll shut them down and they will refrain from talking to you.

I always think of Proverbs 16:23-A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

I pray as I meet with my friend today, I refrain from talking; and instead listen and love. I would want her to do the same if I needed someone to talk to...

It's Been A While...

Hey you guys, so obviuosly it has been since April since I have written anything...sorry about that...

Anyhow I'm back and I'm glad to be...updates soon...

Life Has Taught Us Love...

I am currently writing a speech for my parents 25Th wedding anniversary; and let me tell you it's not easy. I had to think of how I can make an impression, make people cry, and make people laugh...sheesh...but let me tell you I found some good quotes to incorporate into my speech...I'll share a few with you...

1. 
   "I love her, and that's the beginning of everything."--F. Scott Fitzgerald



2. 
   "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."--Helen Keller



3. "Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."--Antoine de Saint-Exupery



4. "My love for you is like this scar, ugly but permanent."--Grace, (Will and Grace)



5. "You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."--Sam Keen



6. "If I know what love is, it is because of you."--Herman Hesse



7. "The most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life."--Sir Hugh Walpole

I could keep going, but it might become a little mushy...I just encourage whomever you love, to tell them that you do...nothing is better...

love and peace...

G

I Dreamed a Dream...

So if you're one of the few people who hasn't seen Susan Boyle's amazing audition for Britain's Got Talent, here's the link to check it out...

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=55732145

My mom was actually the first person to mention Susan Boyle's name to me. My mom recorded the news broadcast that had shown clips from her singing, "I Dreamed a Dream," from the musical Les Miserables. I was truly floored; not only by her voice, but also by the completely true comment made by the female judge, "I honestly think we were all being very cynical. I believe that was the biggest wake-up call ever."

And I admit, I too was guilty of wondering if Susan had the chops to sing this particular song. But the moment she opened her mouth, there was purity in every note she sang. I was just reading a blog from Zach Braff who commented on Susan Boyle's performance.

"I have been trying to think of why the entire Earth is currently so taken by this woman (Susan Boyle). And I realized she is iconic of so many things that all of us hide within ourselves; puzzle pieces of our personalities that we shield from everyone we know. And after a lifetime of withholding this rare beauty from the world; she steps up to a microphone (while a giant audience laughs at her) and reveals her secret to the planet.I cant get her out of my mind. I cant stop the inevitable goosebumps and my eyes from welling each time I watch it. I hope that everyone with a child who sees this video, sits them down and says, "Life is short. Do not hide yourself. Do not lurk in the shadows. Do not wait a lifetime to start being whomever it is that you are. Sing. No matter how hard they laugh at you... sing."

I was not only wowed by Susan, but also by Zach's comments. Both are honest, and emotional; capturing the essence of what should be shown everyday-one's true self. And like Zach said, "Do not wait a lifetime to start being whomever it is that you are."

The very lyrics to that song, are about a woman's struggle to move past the, "hell i'm living," and try to remember what it was she was dreaming. I encourage anyone who reads this blog, that if you start dreaming, to keep dreaming. Don't let life kill your dream, rather let it bring you to new heights, just like Susan Boyle. Here's a 48 year old woman, whom in many opinions is way past her prime; and yet she was still willing to go out there and share what everyone took away from her...her chance to sing. So I encourage you, just as Zach Braff did, to sing...no matter what!

A Leap of Faith...

"Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith."-Margaret Shepherd

So I've been approached about coming up with a place girls of the ages of 18 to twenty-something can come to and feel welcome. And although a bible study is the first thing I came up with, I thought this blog would be an exciting extension of what can happen!

The goal of myself and others was to come up with a place where girls could get away from the craziness, and be honest with themselves and others. I think we often deceive ourselves and others that we are fine; when in fact we're not.

So this is my personal leap of faith.

I want to challenge myself to be more honest, to challenge myself to be an example to all women around me. Making life blossom one day at a time...

What do you say? Will you take a leap of faith as well?

Abbie Update...

So I got a few e-mails asking how our puppy Abbie is doing! Thank you for the concern. She's doing great, she's a puppy so she's very resilient. Yesterday the poor thing had to be neutered, so she had her belly shaved. It's actually kind of funny. Here's a photo of her buzz cut(and hopefully it grows in quickly, because it's kind of a beauty disaster)...

A Girl's Best Friend...

So this weekend my family and I had a scare with our chocolate Labrador Abbie. She was running around like she normally does, but quickly fell, started vomiting and passed out. It was funny now that I look back at it; all 4 of us rushing to her side...she's okay now, she just had a funny reaction to immediate exercise right after eating. There were three older ladies staring at my family and I as we sat in the vet's office waiting to hear what happened, they had probably thought she died the way we were all crying...but it really made me think, what would our life be without her...

I know everyone says that a dog is, "a man's best friend." In my case more like a "girl's best friend." You can't imagine until you have a dog of your very own the amount of love you can carry for something so non-human like. It's rather strange, yet acceptable. My Abbie is hyper, and jumps on the couch, jumps on the bed and chews about everything in sight, but I would have it no other way.

A dog creates in you an unexplainable joy which rejuvenates your soul. The days when I'm lonely, sad, happy, mad; Abbie has been there by my side. She looks up to me, follows me everywhere, and always looks for an excuse to go on a walk or to earn a treat. There is a sense of unconditional love, and she always reminds me to love others in the way she loves me and my family. She truly is a girl's best friend...

Pressure Off...

So I was watching Oprah yesterday and they had a show featuring moms all across the country. The audience was full of moms, they Skyped moms from different locations, and they also had interview with different moms who honestly told what they do as mothers. The show was hilarious! My favorite interview was with a mom who doesn't always have time to bathe her kids; so what she does is have them go into the spa, hoping the jets will clean them! Her red headed daughter,(who looked about 3) has dreads now, and calls herself Bob Marley. In the interview, the red headed daughter was totally singing "Get Up Stand Up," talk about the best thing ever. But one of the key subjects they were trying to express to mothers, and single girls everywhere was the key to being honest.

Many of the woman they were interviewing were expressing that their lives were turned upside down from having children. A lot of women admitted to losing who they were, they admitted that they didn't always like being a mom, and they also admitted that no one told them what they were getting themselves into. One of the guests expressed that she had this idea of motherhood, that she had to clean, cook, make her kids go to sleep when they were supposed to, and most of all, pleasure her husband regularly. And she told the women in the audience to stop putting such huge expectations on yourself. Be realistic, because everyone thinks they're going to be a great mom, until they have kids and then they're thrown for a loop.

What I really liked about yesterdays show was the fact that they wanted to let single women know that we are all going to change when we have kids. What were once our priorities are no longer anymore, and what was once a decent social life, is basically non-existent. The encouraging factor to all of this, was the fact that they said to be easy on yourself. If you can't cook just yet, if you're not good with kids, if you can't stand to be around children for more then 5 minutes-IT'S OK!!!! And don't think you're going to be a bad mother, wife, or human being if you can't have everything perfect by 5 pm. I was so encouraged by that. Not only is it OK to be myself, but it's OK to keep being myself when I have a family of my very own. Let me tell you it took a lot of pressure off. And although I love the shopping trips with the girls, the coffee dates, and late nights; things will change when all of us start having families. I just hope we are all honest with each other when we do; asking for help, even if it's for our first diaper change, (literally our first!)

The Show Must Go On...

I was recently watching one of my favorite films, The Moulin Rouge; and something really struck me. In the end of the movie, Nicole Kidman's character, "Satine," is faced with the decision to leave with the man she loves, or to stay in the Moulin Rouge so he won't be killed by an assassin. Her character is torn between the hopes she had in regards to a dream life, and the actual reality which she was living. Satine began to sing...

"...inside my heart is breaking, my make-up may be flaking, but my smile, still, stays on!"

How beautiful, and of course the original lyrics were written by the music greats-Queen! I began to think of how relative those lyrics are today; in any situation where you have to protect the reputation of yourself, the reputation of others, even that of people you don't care that much about. And although it may seem horrible to not show the cracks beneath the surface, I often think of Emily Dickinson's poem, "'Tis so much joy! 'Tis so much joy!" She writes...

"Life is but Life! And Death, but Death!Bliss is, but Bliss, and Breath but Breath!And if indeed I fail,At least, to know the worst, is sweet!Defeat means nothing but Defeat,No drearier, can prevail!"

The words of a true poet. Life, death, bliss and breath; all actions easily played by actors. But I myself have played those roles. So I ask you...is it so bad to live life the best you can, even if the smile which you may be showing isn't always genuine? Even if it's a smile which says nothing but, "the show must go on."

I think William Shakespeare said it best in the play, "As You Like It," when he writes,

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players:They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts."

Even if it's merely acting, sometimes it's easier just to say, "the show must go on..."

Dealing...

So Erin from Palo Alto, California asked if I deal with the everyday insanities of boyfriends, friends, singleness, being alone, etc. And while I think everyone deals with one of those aspects, I do identify with one more then the other.

As of now I am single, but it hasn't always been this way. Love is, and will always be a great mystery to me. It's something that no one has mastered, and something that everyone has encountered; whether on a daily basis or not. What I found truly interesting though is the word, "deal," which Erin used. I think dealing with things sounds like a negative connotation; and while sometimes life is something that does have to be dealt with, it has definitely been the most rewarding experience.

I was recently watching an episode of the reality show "The City," and I was really struck by the way Whitney dealt with her love and life situations. In the episode she struggles with the move to a new city; wondering if she made the right decision or not. She felt alone, recently dumped by her boyfriend, and it was very apparent she didn't know what to do. While sadness seemed to be the clear theme of the episode, it was truly courage and independence which rung true. At the end of the episode, Whitney's character turns down her ex-boyfriend's plea of getting-back together. Instead she told him she was ready to discover who she was, and not have to rely on him to make her happy. I was shocked! I was expecting the hugging and forgiveness, and the take-me-backs.

I was refreshed by Whitney's story of independence. And I may not be screaming Beyonce's, "Single Ladies," but I may hum closely to the tune.

To answer your question Erin, I believe that there's a strength that lies in each of us; whether it be when we're single, attached, alone, whatever. I really like the line in Ray Lamontagne's song"Be Here Now," when he says, "Don't look for love in faces, or places. It's in you, that's where you'll find kindness."

So Erin, be courageous in whatever situation you are in, and in the words of Diane Von Furstenburg, "The most important relationship you have is with yourself."

Love and Peace,

G

Too Simple?

Have you ever noticed how complicated we try to make things. I mean everything has to be a jumbled mess of confusion, busyness, and loudness. Why is school so expensive that you need to get 5 loans just to attend...why do you have to wait three days to call someone back after a first date...why does stubbornness and ignorance always seem to get in the way? Is it a crime for things to become more simple?

E.F. Schumacker said, "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction."

I thought about this particular quote and was inspired. Is it so hard to make anything in life simpler? I challenged my self today to live in simplicity. This is what I came up with.

1. Know the amount of hours of sleep you need to function.

2. Tell the truth.

3. Tell someone you love them.

4. Say, "I miss you."

5. Believe in commitment.

6. Admit you're wrong.

7. Compliment someone.

8. Hug someone.

9. Be diligent.

10. Be a hard worker.

11. Smile often.

12. Laugh harder.

13. Tell someone what's wrong.

14. Be honest with yourself.

15. Communicate well.

16. Reach out.

17. Take a deep breath.

An architect, Dr. Koichi Kawana, said, "Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimum means."

I just feel this need to remind myself to keep it simple. I want to have the maximum effect with minimum means. I want to start with myself, and hopefully rub off on others. I encourage you to write down a list of things which can be made simpler in your life. It really puts things in perspective...

G

Truly Getting Ready...

It's an interesting time of day when you begin to get ready. It's a conscious decision to dress in a certain color, wear your makeup a certain way, and to accessorize with attentions to detail. The final product is hopefully close to what you envisioned. If only we addressed our minds the way we did our bodies; how much better we'd be as people. I work in retail so I see shallowness in a lot of people; but it's always refreshing to see someone who blossoms because of what's inside. Maybe if we'd challenge ourselves to spend more time on becoming better people, then better looking people maybe we'd feel more sustained and full. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people." I hope that we can all be great minds and discuss what's actually important. Intrigue one another, fascinate someone, captivate an audience. To me; that's when getting ready is worth it; when the person shines through making looking good, look even better!!!

G

Break Me Out...

There's a song that has been cycling its way through my iPod, and it has really caught my ear. The song's theme is about, "getting away." I'm the first to volunteer to go on vacation, and to get away. But is it really that easy? I used to think so!

The song by The Rescues, titled, "Break Me Out," goes a little something like this.

"Break me out tonight I wanna see the sun rising anywhere but here. Come with me Oh, this could be...the only chance we get, we gotta take it, we don't do it now we'll never make it, lose this crowd, Oh break me out..."

The catchy chorus really has stayed with me the last couple of weeks, and it's been on rewind every time it plays. But I began thinking...do I have to rely on others to really break myself out of whatever rut I'm in? Although I do rely on a tight group of friends most of the time, I've been truly convicted to get out ON MY OWN! What's the big deal if I go on a drive alone, if I go to the local Panera and read five magazines in a row? I've really been tempted to drive to the Huntington Library and check it out for the first time. Am I guilty because I'm a girl, and it feels weird to be alone. Or do I feel weird because this busy world has me trapped in a never-ending cycle. I challenge you as well as myself to go and break yourself free from routine. Whether it be driving to the beach to see the sunrise, or drive to the nearest city to see the sunrise, DO SOMETHING! Good luck with your journeys, let me know what you come up with.

G

Suddenly I See...

A good friend of mine questioned me about what kind of image I'm portraying; and as I tried to think of all the things which people perceive about me, I then wondered if any were good qualities. I'd like to think that I have a longer pro's list then a con's list, but you never know. I tried to think of the friend I am to my closest girlfriends, the type of daughter I was to my parents, the type of worker I was at my job.

Claude M. Bristol said, "Every person is the creation of himself, the image of his own thinking and believeing. As individuals think and believe, so they are."

We are who we are, because we choose to be that way. Plain and simple. But there's always rooom for growth. And I believe the growth has to start with the realization that there are other people besides yourself. Life is so much more fullfilling when you live it for others. When I thought of ways of how people perceive me, I began to question what were lasting qualities, and what were quickly fading.

Am I a friend, a helper, a comforter, a person you could talk to? I sure hope so. I guess the challenge here is; how do you want people to see you. What kind of image are you portraying?

Here We Go...

So I've been wanting to do a blog for a while now...the computer illiterate that is myself, literally held me back. But with the help of my beautiful friend Christina; I am now at technology's beck and call. What I envisioned for this blog was a place where I could express my thoughts, ideas, and dreams of the day and share them with all of you. But I also wanted this particular blog to be a place where all of you could ask me questions about anything and everything. From a hard day, work triumphs, love scuffles, sibling rivalry, etc. Your questions can be totally anonymous, and even some of the answers will be anonymous. I'm not a professional psychologist whatsoever; but I have lived life and I've tried to live it to the best of my ability. I've often looked for advice from others, and with the help of this blog, I hope to do the same for you. So here we go...ask away!

Proverbs 27:17-Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

G