It's up to you and only you.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.        -Theodore Roosevelt

You may have heard this quote before, if not, remember it. It is such a great way to look at life. Last night at Seven, Pastor Tom talked about Jesus feeding thousands of people from one  tiny meal that seemed worthless. The one thing that stuck out the most to me was when he said, “If you want God to bless you with a lot, then give thanks and make the most out of the little he has already given you”. Think about this for a minute. Do you focus more of your attention on what you wish you had, rather than constantly thanking God for what you have right in front of you? In this competitive world, it is so easy to look at other people’s lives and wish we had what they had. But the reality is, no matter where you go in life or what you do, there will always be someone better. So stop comparing yourself with others, and begin to focus on how amazing and talented you are in God’s eyes. 

Our lives basically reflect what we spend most of our time thinking about. If you focus on failing, or getting hurt, or having bad luck; that is what will most likely continue to happen in your life. If you train yourself to replace all of your negative thoughts with positive thoughts, your life will begin to feel more positive and productive. Focus on the things you are good at, rather than dwelling on what you are lousy at. Take one day at a time. Take one task at a time. Realize that every tough situation you are in, is to prepare you, and give you wisdom to do something great later on. 

Don’t spend your life worrying.  Wake up everyday giving thanks for the little things you have. Even things like, “Thank you God for this bed I have to sleep in. Thank you God that I have a tooth brush. Thank you God that I am able to take a warm shower this morning. Thank you God that I have the physical capability to go to work/school. Thank you God for loving me exactly the way I am, and show me how I can use all of the things you've given me to further you kingdom.” There is purpose and meaning in every single breathe you take. Don’t let life pass you by, there is so much beauty to be found, and so much to learn. Do the very best you can, no matter what you have in front of you, and no matter where you are. This is the only life we get, let’s do amazing things with it! It’s up to you and only you.

I dare you...

Think positively in 2008. Discipline yourself. Train yourself to be an optimist. It's not always easy, but it will make life more enjoyable. The more positive energy you give off, the more likely people around you will respond in a positive way. Don't take my word for it, try it yourself. No I am not an expert, just a simple person who chooses to enjoy life instead of merely existing. 

Let's face it. Some of us may not even make it to see 2009. I know some people don't like thinking about death, but it is the one thing everyone in the world will agree that is absolutely certain. Whether you live to be 22 or 92, what will you be remembered for? Someone who drifted through life miserably or someone who truly made the very best of every single second they were breathing? It's up to no one but you.

-Think positively.

-Expect good things.

-Find purpose and meaning in every single task or situation.

-Encourage people daily.

-Realize everyone has a different opinion about everything, and love the people who don't agree with you.

-Look at bad situations as opportunity, not bad luck.

-Forget your past mistakes.

-Smile often, it can alter the mood of another individual tremendously.

-Live life not for yourself, but with the intention of making someone else's life easier and more meaningful. 

-Make forgiveness a daily habit. (Even down to small things like the man who took the gas pump you were waiting for!)

-Listen to your heart. Never make decisions based on what other people will think of you.

-Wake up asking yourself what you can give to the world, instead of what the world can give to you.

-Be grateful.

-Love everyone. Jesus did.

And finally, live like there is no tomorrow. Truly enjoy every breathe you take. Let people know they are important. Get a taste of Jesus. 

 

I'm just throwing it out there. Try it... Come on, I dare you.

Greetings from Colorado.

Hope everyone had a good Christmas! Marcos and I enjoyed our first Christmas as husband and wife! Then we got to spend a few days in Colorado with some of my family. We were excited to see some snow! Marcos got his "White Christmas" after all! Happy New Year everyone! It has been blessed year full of surprises. I hope God blesses you and amazes you in the year to come!!

Just in case you needed it...

Lord, shine in all that I do!

I had a discussion with a friend not long ago about how unhappy she was with her job. She absolutely hates it. I pray that she will use her situation to let God shine through her life instead of just getting through the day. It made me think. How many times do I complain about things I don't like? Obviously, whatever situation I am in, God has me there for a reason, and he always has something to teach me.  I don't want to wait for a particular event to happen before I am happy. I will choose to be happy today.  That is what allows me to live, instead of just exist.  My Dad gave me a good reminder today of worshipping God in every situation. If I don't like a particular situation, I want to be reminded that it is in God's hands, and my part is to ask myself, "how can I worship God right now?" That's it. In all that I do;  in my relationships, in a job, in school, in life, "Am I worshipping you, God"? Lord help me to look for the best in every situation. When my time comes to meet you, I want to be able to say, "I made the very best out of every single day you gave me". 

Travis Hoehne Photography

Travis Hoehne was the photographer for our wedding, and has become a good friend of ours. Here is a recent post on his blog. If your looking for a photographer, he is the man! May God continue to bless his talents.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2007

I've been PUBLISHED!!!

I got an email a few months ago asking me if I would be interested in shooting for an Inland Empire based magazine "M.D. News"...It is a medical lifestyle and business magazine. I met with Bobby, the publisher, and we hit it off so I agreed to be the magazine's photographer. Basically, I get to meet and photograph some pretty big names in the medical world. It's a lot of fun and the first issue just came out. I took some pics of the magazine so you could all check it out. I have a full page ad in the magazine as well. My brother-in-law, Dylan, is the world's best graphic designer ;) and he designed my new logo (which I absolutely love) as well as the full page ad. He is also helping me with my new website (which will be coming soon, so check back for more details on that). Well I hope you enjoy.

For you....

Encourage someone today....