Happy Valentine's Day!

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was, I wonder how many girls are going to get engaged today?

Valentine's Day - a Hallmark holiday, a day about love, to remember to say I love you and hug those close to you, a day of flower deliveries, heart-shaped boxed chocolates, fancy dinners, chick flick movies, a reminder that you're single, to celebrate love stories, cheesy cards......whatever it means to you.

I received the sweetest (and unexpected) Valentine today from one of the students who works for me. It totally made my day and reminded my why I love my job. My students are the best and are kind of like my "children" since I don't have any of my own yet. They are very good to me and I hope my children grow up to be a lot like them. I am proud of all of my students. 

I hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day - however you decide to spend it. XO

"a page from your book...."

I received a text message after work today from Matthew....

"So, I took a page out of your book and bought groceries for a guy at the store."

What is he talking about? - I thought.

Then it clicked. Last month I was out grocery shopping and while I was bagging my groceries, I observed a woman in the checkout right after me. [I people watch all the time.] Her cart wasn't very full. As I watched, I just couldn't help but listen in. She only had so much money. She decided to only get what she needed, which in turn were the less expensive items. I noticed the few groceries she left behind included food such as meat, vegetables, and some other things. As the woman walked away, I could tell, feeling discouraged, I rushed up to the cashier to ask if I could buy the rest of the woman's groceries. The cashier was shocked. A complete stranger insisting on buying someone else's groceries and anonymously.

Growing up with a very young single mom, I know this feeling. I experienced it, although my mom always tried her best to hide it. I was that little girl at the store not able to buy my favorite cereal, because it was too expensive. I was fully aware that we couldn't buy the best brands of everything. I was happy with what we did have. My mom sacrificed so much for us growing up. She always tried to give us what she never had when she was a child. I am so grateful for her.

As an adult, I try to repay the favor to my mom and to others in need. This is something my mom instilled in us.

I texted Matthew back.

"That was very nice of you. You are an amazing person. I am so proud and lucky to call you my boyfriend."

Pay it forward. Random acts of kindness go a long way in someone's life.

"A life lived for others, is the only life worth living." - Albert Einstein

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." - Mother Teresa

Did you know that April 26 is Pay It Forward Day?
Check it out: http://payitforwardday.com/

the prisons of life

My church Pastor is currently on vacation, so we had Jason, who is a member of the church and has served as a guest teacher in the past when our Pastor has been away, give the message today. It was amazing. Jason has spoken to us before and shared God's message, but never like this. Maybe he's getting the hang of it. ;)

Jason kicked off a new series entitled, When God? Today's focus was about the prisons of life we experience, such as job loss, death, divorce.....the hardships in life.

I can often be seen taking notes during our church sermons. This is why I LOVE Gracepoint....it's not boring. The message is always relevant and interesting. You won't see anyone falling asleep at GP. 

Here's a glimpse of my notes from today's message....

Today's message was a good reminder that Jesus went through so much, he sacrificed his life for us. While we all face "prison" experiences, it always serves a purpose. The purpose to grow and become what God wants us to become. 

If you can't make it out in my notes, the two passages we talked about today were 2 Corinthians 11:26-27 and Phil 1:12-18....both stories about Paul. Somehow Paul was able to the find the strength and faith to keep going through everything he faced in his life. Hardship is temporary and a learning opportunity. 

The three points Jason wanted us to take away from today's message....prison experiences:

1. Cause growth in us that otherwise would not happen. 

2. Open opportunities for ourselves and others.

3. Accomplish God's will. 

My favorite quote from Jason today....

"Christianity is not a religion that gets you around the prisons of life, it's the religion that will get you through the prisons of life."

Girls weekend in Chicago

Last weekend was our girls weekend in Chicago for my future sis-in-law's bachelorette party. It was AMAZing! SO much fun! Here's a glimpse at our weekend in pictures........

Somebody to stand still with for a minute....

God created man not to be alone....to do life together with someone. It is about happiness and finding that person to spend the rest of your life with. I absolutely LOVE this scene from SATC and it's one of my favorite quotes. 

It's 3am and Carrie asked Mr. Big to meet her at the park...

Carrie: I've done the merry-go-round, I've been through the revolving door. I feel like I met somebody I can stand still with for a minute and...don't you want to stand still with me?

Mr. Big: You drag me out to a park at 3am in the morning to ask me if I want to stand still with you?

Carrie: Yes

Mr. Big then hugs Carrie as they watch the stars above...

Carrie (v.o.): In a city of infinite options, sometimes there's no better feeling than knowing you already have one...

That's just it.....knowing you have an option....you have someone to stand still with....to do life with together. 

“Things usually make sense in time, and even bad decisions have their own kind of correctness.” -Miranda July

 This quote is perfect the time of year it is for me. I finish grad school this May and there are a lot of decisions to be made. I am ready for change. It can be scary, but life is about taking that leap and seeing where you land sometimes.

While I watch friends and family around me take the next steps in their lives - marriage and children, I am on route to take the next step my life - my career. I am feeling confident and ready for the next chapter in my life regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. I know I am ready. I have been ready for the last year. Life isn't about standing still, it is about moving forward. 

stuck in the mud, no....play in the mud.

I had a rough day yesterday. I felt that my post was a little negative and not me at all. So, today's a new day. I wanted to share something a friend of mine texted me last night....he said, "Instead of being stuck in the mud, realize you got to play in the mud."

What a great way of looking at it. Not just my car literally getting stuck in the mud, but when you're feeling stuck in life. Learn to enjoy the journey and play in the mud when life gets messy, rather than get upset over.

Sometimes all you need is a good friend to offer a different perspective.