"Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be. Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before."
-Erich Fromm-

30 July, 2010

SMiLE =0)


One of my favorite songs and just a little reminder... And who better to remind you than Charlie Chaplin?!

Smile
tho'your heart is aching,
Smile
Even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,
If you...
Smile through your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through- For you.
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
Altho' a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

Have a Blessed Weekend my dearest friends.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

28 July, 2010

Fear or No fear?!

I couldn't wait to get to my PC to share this with you all... 

The BFF has to perform Community Service for her Social Working class. And last evening, we decided to go to our 1st ever AA meeting to get a feel of what she will be dealing with in her future career, WE had the dickens of a time finding the center and finally found our way to the hall where the meeting was about to take place. 


Walking in to an unfamiliar setting is NEVER comforting, but it's something we HAD to do and I've learned sometimes we need to be taken from our comfort zone to offer our assistance to someone less fortunate than we. 


We walked in thinking it would be a small crowd and to our surprise, the room was packed (30+ heads). So many faces in the crowd, many you would never imagine were taking part in this rehabilitation: young and old, business women and men, and many others. You can tell from their faces how "lost" and confused these people are. It's a sad place to be. Always uncertain of what the day will bring, because you just can't seem to put the bottle down, you cant seem to turn away that last drink. And in between all that...you end up losing who you really are as a person. 


The Serenity Prayer started us off and thus began the AA Meeting. The Chairwoman of the club began by introducing herself, a former alcoholic, now sober for 5+ years. She then passed "the baton" so to speak, over to any person who felt a "burning desire" as they call it, to share their sober stints with the crowd. One man in particular touched my heart. His name was "Big Dave"; he stood about 6'5" with sandy blonde-ish white hair. August 31st will be 19 years that he has been sober. 


Big Dave exclaimed that he was a fearless individual while drinking, Fearless of dying, fearless of living, fearless of pretty much anything, stating, "I would fight you even if you had 15 guys standing behind you. And if i got beat down, I would still feel proud that I at least got some good hits in." But in all reality, it got Big Dave no where different than from where he started. He made some statements that hit really close to home. Although I am not an alcoholic, there is a lot you can learn from a person who has gone through hell and back. Big Dave says he gave "it" up to God, his creator; because there wouldn't be a day that he could stay sober if it wasn't for God. He says he woke up every morning knowing God has handled everything for him and knowing he will NOT be tempted to relapse into a drinking state of mind. 


One of the main things Big Dave stated was, "God is always on time. It's up to us to be receiving of him (and his help)." He stated that it wasn't until he made the decision to be sober that he was fearful. Fearful of people actually seeing him for whom he truly was as a person. And this had me thinking about my own life...past mistakes that I thought would get the best of me, etc. But, God always came through for me. Even when i felt alone and at a cross road, all I needed was to open my heart and accept his help.


I may have never had this opportunity to hear this man's story. I learned many things from this experience. I've learned, there are times to forget and things to forget. But, if we would remember all the miracles God has done in our past, we would not so easily fall into worry and fear when we have new challenges to face. 


"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
-2 Timothy 1:7-

I would be so bold to ask: Are you facing something right now that looms before you like a giant in your life?? Take time to evaluate your situation...but, remember where God has brought you from and where in turn he is taking you. Our life is precious because we can overcome our fears in life. The future is ours to take... why not take it with a sober state of mind...

Boldly state: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear."

Stay strong, with undaunted courage.

Thank you Big Dave for allowing me to experience your life in a matter of 30mins. You are truly an inspiration to those of us who claim to be fearless.  

26 July, 2010

Be still...

[Psalm 46:10] "Be still, and know that I am God."
How difficult is it to find stillness in our lives when we are constantly wishing for "something" else? Always finding reason to complain about what we have. Instead of being grateful for all that HE has blessed us with.I find there are times, times when i want something, but don't get it and the first one i blame is GOD. I've learned that what God blesses us with at certain times in our lives, is what he knows we can handle at that very moment.

Stillness in turn is our way of showing God that we truly do believe that he has our best interest at heart. Stillness can be captured in short moments of solitude when everything around us seems to be falling apart.

Just for today, Let go and let it happen!!

I wanted to share some FOOD with you all before I leave. Last week I made Three Cheese Green Chile Chicken Tortellini...and might i add, it was BOMB!!!!!!

And tonight, I threw together classic Spaghetti w/ homemade Garlic Tomato Sauce and Garlic Bread.


I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend... and is enjoying the start of a brand new week. My B-day is fastly approaching... i can't believe how OLD i am getting! YIKES!!

Be continuously blessed and continue to strive toward your purpose!

18 July, 2010

Women...

Personally, I'm tired of seeing Women take advantage of who they are. Considering we are acknowledged to be the more intuitive half of the human race, we don't do much to press our advantage. I've noticed that we seem to settle for less than we ought to. Many of us accept what comes our way, rather than taking charge and making sure what comes into our life is what we want. 


We are more than we give ourselves credit for. We need to learn to be an advocate for ourselves. Now, this doesn't mean to be condescending to each other, which is another "fad" i seem  to be noticing. Catiness in women is immaturity elevated to it's highest degree. Yes, there may be women whom we don't get along with, whom we don't think are as attractive as we are, and who may not be as smart as you or i... but, i believe women have taken the way we treat each other to a different level of hatred. I too have been guilty of this. But, I've made the conscious decision to no longer degrade my female race.

I feel, the way we treat ourselves, comes across in how we allow ourselves to be treated by men. If we don't learn to value ourselves, who else will? I am lucky to have a man in my life who treats me like i am the only person who matters. Even while he is working everyday, making a living, he still finds time in his busy day to let me know how much i am appreciated. I've had way to many friends in abusive relationships, whether it be mentally, physically, emotionally or any other type of abuse you may think of... and there is NO reason any woman(or man) should ever feel inferior. again i say, how you value yourself will define how others value you... Just don't become too hot-headed, God has his way of of humbling us. 

The reason women become millionaires, whether it be with money, spirtuality, love, etc... is because they see themselves as who they should be, a Queen . 


There will always be people who want to tell you who you should be and what you should do, but NO ONE can tell you how to live your life because there is no one quite like you! See, embrace and honor yourself by insisting on your right to choose the life you are meant to live!
I am on a mission to get every female excited about being a woman in this day and age. See your life as a vast array of choices that can bring you closer to the person you long to be.

I challenge each and every one of you, to take time for yourself sometime this week. Set aside reading time, go shopping(just don't over due it), get in some spa time, pamper yourself in some type of way... imagine yourself as that which you are.. a Queen!


Blessings to all!

12 July, 2010

Flowers on the Nightstand...

Good evening purpose-filled people! I hope today you had an opportunity to take one step closer to your destiny!

I know I did!!! Taking that step into a new dimension in your adult life is sometimes scary, but Oh, so worth it!

Last week...I walked into my house from a long day at work and to my surprise, I had flowers on my nightstand! beautiful orange(my fav color) and white flowers!! I knew they weren't from mi amor, because he knows me too well and knows I would much rather have a fresh 59Fifty fitted Yankees cap! So... I researched and... They were from my brother!! now, my brother will be the first to tell you that he's selfish, but its times like this I appreciate most. The times when being the little sister has an advantage! despite our quarrels... I have to say, I have the BEST brother anyone could ask for. I know that no matter where this road in life takes us, I will always have him and his love to fall back on. Not very many people can say that about their siblings and for this...I am truly blessed!


Many lessons are learned everyday! the other evening, the BFF & I were leaving the gym and we walked out to find shattered glass and belongings stolen. A brand new phone, glasses, books, etc...all missing! It baffles me how a person could be so desperate!! Everyone has trying times, but it gives no right to make anothers life miserable. Thankfully...the BFF was more concerned that her brand new phone and make up bag were stolen...mainly because she had to buy a new i.d. the next day and was upset because she'd be make-up less...she cracks me up! We ended the weekend with dancing and shopping...and I am exhausted!

[P.S. Check the earrings i picked up in Santa Fe for my 4th of July exstravaganza! very sparkly!!!]

I learned this weekend that in spite of betrayal and denial from others, I must stay the course. My dreams are larger than life and although there may be a slight bump in the road, I must finish what God has given me to do. He has called me for a greater purpose and my desire is to please him!!

I hope you all are blessed...and I appreciate the fact that you all allow me to release my thoughts, even if I don't sound like the extremely talented Maya Angelou!!

Deuces!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.5

07 July, 2010

Who Doesn't love 3 day weekends?!

Good Late Evening Purpose-filled people!

Thought I'd give you a little rundown on my long needed, but short lived 3 day weekend. BTW... i hate my job! Any who... back to serious business.

4th of July weekend was filled with Wine, Mimosas, Comida, Friends, Family, more Comida, Fireworks, Explosions and more Mimosa!

We spent Saturday at the Santa Fe Wine Festival. I received a sunburn on my left shoulder, weird how every other place on my body got a tan. Funny how things work.. 4th of July(Sunday), we drove back to Santa Fe, met up with an old(not in the sense of age) family friend and enjoyed Pancakes on The Plaza, although we opted for The Ore House, instead of pancakes. Which i don't mind because the thought of thousands of human beings breathing over my shoulder, contaminating my food... is a NO-GO in Bethany's town! I ended up running into a vendor i had met the day before at the Wine Festival... and when i tell you her jelly is delicious... i mean it's SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS(?)! She's my new favorite person, which is why i had to lay some mula down and buy some of those bad boys! 
Sunday evening was spent with the BFF at her house. i bought St.Clair Mimosa... DELICIOSO! And she provided the food and the artillery shells. Her younger brother decided he would be the designated firework lighter and ended up placing the artillery shell backwards in the tube, thus causing the biggest explosion I've ever seen... well, from a firework anyway. =0) Despite the mishap, the evening ended up turning out terrific. 

Monday was spent with the family... eating, shopping, frozen yogurt and the BFF again! 

All in all... who doesn't love 3 day weekends?! I know I do... even if it was as short as... well.. let me stop there and just load up these pictures. 

Hope y'all had an awesome Independence Day! I love my country!!

SF Wine Festival 2010


4th of July


06 July, 2010

Excellence in Me...

It's been an extremely busy and trying few weeks. I am mentally and mentally tired!! Yes, you read it correctly!

It's the time when you make the decision to fully rely on God and God alone, that things seem to fall out of sorts.

I've stood by idly for far too long allowing myself to dwell on the negative. Never seem ng to realize that negative thinking, talking and acting effects everyone around, including  myself. It makes no sense to allow another persons thoughts defeat your being. 

I Believe that its taking me a long time to become the person I WANT TO BE. I have my faults.. far too many to count on both hands, but i am called to pursue excellence...To be able to set proper values on things. And, not so much the ability to distinguish good from bad, but good from BEST. To focus my time and energy on what really matters. 

"Excellence, I can pursue. Perfection is God's business." (BTW.. i stole that quote)



No longer giving 90%..it's all 100% from here on out.

 
I thought you knew??? i RULE THIS BEECH! :)


P.S. I would like to thank you all for allowing me to be ME in this bloggerific world we all share. Have a Fantastic week! 
"...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God..." ▪Isaiah 43:1-3▪