things I've learned

So here's a list of a few things I've learned in the last few weeks or lessons I have revisited lately.

I've learned that...

1. When you least expect it a miracle happens.

2. Contentment really arrives when you truly love yourself the way you are and your value doesn't depend on someone else's opinion of you.

3. Love is not so much a feeling but a choice.

4. Decisions determine your destiny.

5. Someone is always watching and learning from you. And it's important to be passing on a good example.

6. Letting go people we love is possible. And yes, it hurts, but it's ultimately up to us for how long and how much.

7. The more you want something, the more it will be delayed. Take your mind off it.

8. We are able to look back and see that we made it through a storm we never thought we could survive.

9. Being alone doesn't necessarily mean lonely.

10. And that we are ungrateful people ... we tend to disregard that our things of common use are luxuries elsewhere. The video below kind of inspired me and it also challenged me to complain a little less. (Thanks to Jeremy Castro for sharing it!)

Beautifully busy

February will be a month to remember. For starters we began working on vocals for the CD (yay!!) and I hit the classroom for a history class. I've also begun the hunt for looks for a photo shoot coming soon. This past week, I headed to the mall with my friend Julie (a true fashionista by the way!). Finding this outfit has not been easy. And being original is even harder. Julie snapped these photos on a break after we exhausted our fashion sense, rack after rack. ::sighs:: Cant wait to see it all come together.

It's been really hectic lately but I'm so grateful. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. Thinking I'm too busy almost feels like complaining and if there is anything I need not do, is that. God has been too gracious. The beautiful things coming together and even falling apart during this time is truly a work of art. And finding beauty in breaking, molding and building a new woman in me is nothing short of miraculous. To take a step closer to my dreams. God's dream for me. Somehow it makes it all so fulfilling.

Although busy, and often times restless, I've kept calm in the mess. Surprisingly so! It's easy for me to lose peace when things get overwhelming. A good support team is important. God. Friends. And Coffee. Actually, I don't do too well without coffee. I could easily grow whiskers and claws. Pass me a grande Caramel Machiatto (White Chocolate Mocha or Cuban cafecito) and the disturbed kitty transforms into a princess again. I know what you are thinking. I need to quit coffee or worse that I am addicted. And maybe you are right. But I really love it. Here's a deal, I'll lower the dose as soon as more sleep is accomplished. :)

Most importantly, everyday I make the effort to look and feel my best. Inside and out. Physically and spiritually, they go hand-in-hand. A large dose of God, plus a dab of fashion to tackle my day. A true fashionista (in training!). Yes, it takes extra time but, really, it adds a few more hours to my day (it does... try it).

Looks like I'll make it to March!

simply put

I love to write and over the years, I’ve been collecting an immense amount of memories, tears and victories. I’ve kept these private, of course. But as times change and technology robs humanity of basic privacies, I’ve been swayed by the wave of the social networking scheme and fallen in tune with the art of sharing with the world the ideas that roam in my head. Some of these ideas are not so great, but they express my humanity and path of seeking righteousness.

Singing has also been a long time companion through this road. It has been the best companion, well only after Jesus, carrying me and helping me make it. The gift to sing a melodious tune is one I will never trade or give up, it fulfills my soul, it makes my heart skip a beat and it expresses the emotions that mere words can’t convey alone. Sighs. Yes, I’m in love… with singing.

Although, I’ve walked with art, singing and writing, life hasn’t been easy. From a young age, my time has been filled with rain storms. I’ve carried heavy loads, difficulties and emotional struggles that commonly affect so many children in America due to divorce. When I look back my life is divided by so many years with Mom and then suddenly so many years with Dad. And then of course, the rest of them, me alone, making sense of it all. Down the road, I met Jesus. He saved me. He healed me. He made the difficult path bearable and possible to defeat. Through Him I learned it’s possible to survive the storm without grief. I learned to sing my way to joy in the middle of the storms. I’m eternally grateful.

Today, life is good… full of a promising future. It kinda makes me feel young again. I know, I know. I’m not over the hill but I’m not a kid anymore (well, always one at heart). I just mean that the plans I had for my future back in high school are long overdue. But I know that times have changed. And here I am, living the dream that I never dreamt. Recording an album. Growing in character – from feeble shrub to strong flower. I get to make a difference through humanitarian work and even role model for younger kids in my youth group. All undeservingly. Only by grace. So I’m fighting to enjoy every moment, to diminish the negative, and make it through victoriously.

So here’s to “singing in the rain”, to making life count and to living every moment for Love!