10 . 16 . 2013

Did anything interesting happen today?

After work I met up with my mentor for our first meeting. I have been praying for a mentor to come into my life and the Lord has provided beautifully. We had a great dinner at ¿Por Que No? and an equally great conversation. Feeling very blessed and encouraged.

Did you learn anything new about yourself?

Last week I was reading a chapter in the book "The Gift of Being Yourself" and a paragraph stuck out to me. I've been thinking about it off and on these last couple of days ... 
"We all seek a way of being that will lead to happiness. The reality is, however, that not all routes are equally authentic. If there is a way of being that is true to my deepest self, then there are also many other ways that are false. Everything that is false about us arises from our belief that our deepest happiness will come from living life our way, not God's way. Although we may say we want to trust God and surrender to his will, deep down we doubt that God is really capable of securing our happiness." - David G. Benner
I am constantly seeking my kind of happiness ... but where will that lead? "Everything that is false about us arises from our belief that our deepest happiness will come from living our way, not God's way" It will lead to destruction, despair, hopelessness, and ultimately deep unhappiness. That is NOT God's plan for me. Why is is so hard to embrace His loving plan for longer than a couple moments?

How do you feel about your relationship with God today?

As I walked away from the dinner with my mentor I felt so encouraged and hopeful. Even though I struggle & wrestle with my relationship with God, it felt so good to hear from a wise woman that it's normal to struggle! It's normal to have hard times. It's normal to not have it all together. God loves me in spite of my struggle. He LOVES ME no matter what.

How do you feel about your relationships with people today?

Things are pretty good. I have been through a lot of ups and downs with my friends and other people lately. But today was good.

Other thoughts or feelings:

Struggle is a part of the journey. 

Why not flourish while I'm at it?

10 . 15 . 2013

:: playing catch up again ::

Has anything interesting happened lately?
Today was my first day back after a nice little break from work. I had been SO BUSY with everything in my life that I needed a break or else I WOULD BREAK (for reals had to buy new underwear at Target because I had not gotten to do laundry yet). 
Thankfully, a long weekend came at just the right time. Phhew. I finally had time to do my laundry, grocery shop, paint my nails, read, journal, SLEEP, and watch movies.
Have you learned anything new about yourself lately?
I was asked to puppy sit this last weekend and I jumped at the chance. It was a perfect excuse to seclude myself and have an introverted weekend of being all by myself. Some people may hate that thought ... but I loved every minute of it. 
I have realized over the years that I am a total introvert and I should just embrace it. If I am over-taxed and don't get time to decompress ... and then do the same thing over and over again, I become emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted.

How do you feel about your relationship with God lately?
Thee last couple of weeks have been the busiest I've been in a long time ... and the funny thing was, most of the things that I was doing was for the Lord. Either it was ministry, going to church functions, or being with friends (all of these things are SO GOOD!) ... but what was I doing to grow my relationship with Jesus?? *crickets* 
Sure those things gave me encouragement along the way - but I wasn't able to spend quality time with my Savior and that meant I wasn't able to be my best self for others or for myself.

How do you feel about your relationships with people lately? Even though I have been crazy busy these last couple of weeks, I have been able to meet up with some of my closest friends for dinner, which is always good for my soul. I always find it amazing how my friendships with women have such a great impact on my life. I am truly a blessed woman to be surrounded by awesome, funny, sweet, genuine and Godly ladies.

Other thoughts or feelings:

My hope is that life will slow down and that I can breathe. But even in the midst of a busy life I want to focus on the many blessings I have and the remember the goodness of God.

found this sweet image on pinterest

10 . 3 . 2013

Did anything interesting happen today?

Blah day. It was a half-eaten sandwich for lunch at my desk, coming home exhausted, eating a random dinner and running out the door to get to the next thing kind of day.

Did you learn anything new about yourself?

These last couple of days I have been thinking about boundaries and personal responsibility. My therapist asked me to think about the things that I am responsible for when it comes to myself and others. The key to this is boundaries. Dun-Dun-Dun. 

All of this has been brought on by having too many "irons in the fire" as my Mom says. The thing is ... all the irons are great and I love them. BUT it's time to let something go or else I will become a crazy person.

How do you feel about your relationship with God today?

Today I have spent a lot of time in prayer about my upcoming decisions as well as asking others to pray for me and with me. Having someone pray with me is a special treat and I am so thankful that I have people in my life to do that with.

Praying for the peace of Christ to rule in my heart today as I figure out what to let go and what to keep.

How do you feel about your relationships with people today?

Meh. Although tonight I was finally able to catch up with my roommate tonight and talk about everything that has been going on. We commiserated about life, celebrated her new job, and cheered each other on as we talked about the coming weeks!

Other thoughts or feelings:

This is something that I want to remember ...

10 . 2 . 2013

Did anything interesting happen today?

Worked all day, went to therapy on my lunch break and then after work went home for an hour to catch up on personal emails and things. Around 7 my friend and I got together for a late dinner. We hadn't seen each other in a couple months - which is a travesty! It was a cold and rainy night and I wanted something warm and cozy so I drove us to Gustav's for dinner & drinks. One of my favorite things is cheese fondue and Gustav's has some of the best!

Did you learn anything new about yourself?

With my how busy my schedule is lately I have had to start implementing at lease one full night where I can just be at home. Trouble is I don't have to time to start that until next week! : (

How do you feel about your relationship with God today?

Today I have been praying a lot for my friends and others that need to feel Jesus' presence. Praying for people helps me focus on Jesus and realize that life isn't about me.

How do you feel about your relationships with people today?

It was SO GOOD to have dinner with my dear friend and catch up on life. She is a friend from college and thankfully she has stayed in my life. She is the kind of friend that can make me cry from laughing so hard, is authentic and genuine, and gives the best momma bear hugs. Everybody needs that kind of friend.

Other thoughts or feelings:

Today I was talking to another friend of mine and we tried to set up a movie date ... I replied to her text by saying "...I don't have a free night until ... Oct. 16th..." 

HA. That is crazy. Something needs to be done about this.

10 . 1 . 2013

Did anything interesting happen today?

I could not drag myself out of bed today ... but I finally did and got to work - which didn't stop until I left after 6pm. I quickly called in a dinner order for Spaghetti Factory, picked up dinner, and went over to my Sister & Niece's apartment. With my crazy schedule I hadn't seen my niece for over a month. We hugged for literally 5 minutes and then she filled me in on how 1st grade is going. The night went by way too fast and soon I was reading her a chapter out of her Ramona & Beezus book while she was taking a bath. Then it was bedtime and we talked about halloween costumes and gave lots of goodnight kisses. I love that little girl so much.

Did you learn anything new about yourself?

I had no idea that I could love someone so much. Becoming an Auntie has totally changed my life, in a great way. There are times when I laugh with my niece and I am overwhelmed once again with how much love I have for this little human. Who knew your heart could love so much?! I am learning that over and over again.

How do you feel about your relationship with God today?

I have been so busy today that I haven't had time to stop and even read from my devotional. However, I know that there is more to my relationship with God than just reading my devotional ... I believe that spending time with my family is a great way to glorify God and strengthen my relationship with them as well as with my Heavenly Father. He has blessed me abundantly. The more I grow to love my family, the more I find myself growing in my love for God.

How do you feel about your relationships with people today?

:)

Other thoughts or feelings:

When I was helping my niece get tucked into bed tonight I told her, "Sami, I love you so much!". She said, "Auntie, I love you infinity times pi". That is a whole lotta love right there folks. 

❤

"I love you infinity times pi"