For my Husband.

Many of you know that Marcos and I are buying a house and getting ready to move in! If you didn't, well now you know.  I just wanted to take some time out of my day to praise my Husband. I don't want to sound like I am bragging about him.... but I probably am, because he would never do so himself.

 

Since we've gotten married, Marcos has taken on a huge responsibility-- Me! He tackled his first year of teaching, he has provided for me, put a roof over my head, given me food to eat, and most of all, loved me exactly for who I am. He is a beautiful example of what it means to sacrifice for another.

 I respect him and admire him for so many reasons. He teaches me to be a hard worker, he keeps me motivated, he encourages me, and he believes in me. He puts his heart into everything he does... and for that reason, so many people are blessed to be a part of his life.

He takes pride in being a good husband, teacher, son, brother, friend, co-worker, and most of all, a servant of Christ. 

Basically, I am proud of my husband and I am so grateful for all he has done for me and for so many others. I thank God for giving me such a good man and for allowing me to be the women that completes him. He is my protector, provider, and my best friend. 

Okay, the sappiness is over.... thanks for reading!

Not my will, but yours...

I often wonder what I would do if I knew exactly when I would die. For example, if I knew I only had 6 months to live, what would I do? I would probably not stress out about what is going to happen tomorrow. I wouldn’t let little things bother me. I would spend more time with people I care about. I would take more pride in my daily work. I would probably forgive people sooner and not hold grudges. I would better appreciate my education. I would let people know how important they are to me rather than trying to compete with them. There are a million other things I could think of.

The trouble is, we don’t know when our time on earth is up-- Only God knows that. And we have a problem with God having this control that we will never have. So our job is to find a balance. God leaves it up to us to set our priorities in a way that if we were to die tomorrow, we would have spent more of our time on the things that matter the most to each one of us.

Life is a roller coaster, regardless of how structured we attempt to make our lives. Sorry to burst the “Planner’s” bubble, but everything does not always go the way we expect it to. Yes, I agree in making plans and writing out my “to-do” list, however, it is important to remember that we do not have control over what happens in our lives. We have control over the choices we make and how we react to situations, but we cannot control the world around us. This is why it is so important to remember that God is with us every step of the way.

The reality is, we try to be God at times and map out our lives step-by-step. Then when God has other plans for us, we freak out and feel like failures because things did not go according to “Our” plan. I know I am guilty of this everyday. But it is a relief when I can just throw my hands in the air and say,

“Lord, I know you are in control. I am tired of trying to make sure everything goes as I have planned. You know what is best for me. If I was in control, my life would be a wreck.”

We are constantly looking to the future and trying to figure out what we will do next. It is good to prepare for the future, no doubt. But I hope we never get so caught up that we forget to enjoy what is sitting right in front of us. Let's spend our days expecting the best and preparing for the worst, not the opposite.

There are days I stress about a paper due or how I will cram everything I have to do in my schedule and still enjoy myself. But what happens when I lose a loved one? What happens when I experience real life? How will I handle that? Is that what it is going to take to really fall to my knees and surrender my life completely to Christ?

I need Jesus every step of the way. On the good days and the bad days. Time on earth is so short compared to eternity. What can I do today to spend my time more wisely, get real with God, and prepare for an uncertain future on earth that for sure ends in death? Thankfully, we have a savior who died for us so that earth is not the end, but the beginning. He has given us the gift of eternal life, a gift we take for granted every single day.

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truths and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long." - Psalms 25:4-5

Now that's some good b-ball.

Sorry to get all sappy on you again... but I'm beginning to accept that I'm just one of those want-to-make-you-feel-all-warm-and-fuzzy-on-the-inside type of people... Oh well. Anyway, my dad showed me this article, and I won't tell you that he started crying when he was telling me about it. Oops, I mean... read this story:

"Something remarkable happened in a college softball game Saturday in Ellensburg. At least, I am conditioned to think it was remarkable, since it involved an act of sportsmanship, with two players helping an injured opponent complete the home run she had just slugged.

Why this generous act should seem so unusual probably stems from the normal range of bulked-up baseball players, police-blotter football players, diving soccer and hockey players and other high-profile professionals.

The moment of grace came after Sara Tucholsky, a diminutive senior for Western Oregon, hit what looked like a three-run homer against Central Washington. Never in her 21 years had Tucholsky propelled a ball over a fence, so she did not have her home run trot in order, gazing in awe, missing first base. When she turned back to touch the bag, her right knee buckled, and she went down, crying and crawling back to first base.

Pam Knox, the Western Oregon coach, made sure no teammates touched Tucholsky, which would have automatically made her unable to advance. The umpires ruled that if Tucholsky could not make it around the bases, two runs would score but she would be credited with only a single. ("She'll kill me if I take it away from her," Knox thought.)

Then Mallory Holtman, the powerful first baseman for Central Washington, said words that brought a chill to everybody who heard them:

"Excuse me, would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?"

The umpires huddled and said it would be legal, so Holtman and the Central Washington shortstop, Liz Wallace, lifted Tucholsky, hands crossed under her, and carried her to second base, and gently lowered her so she could touch the base. Then Holtman and Wallace started to giggle, and so did Tucholsky, through her tears, and the three of them continued this odd procession to third base and home to a standing ovation.

"Everybody was crying," Knox recalled Tuesday. "It was an away game, and our four fans were crying. We couldn't hit after that."

The extra run made it easier for Western Oregon to win the second game, 4-2, and sweep the doubleheader. More important, all involved realized they had taken part in an event they would always remember.

The question is, where did it come from, this impulsive gesture by Mallory Holtman?
"She hit it over the fence," Holtman said Tuesday. "She deserved it. Anybody would have done it. I just beat them to it."

50 years of marriage.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." - Ephesians 5:25

I wanted to get a little personal and talk about my grandparents, Bill and Carol Shivers. I know most people who read my blog don't know them, but you know me.... and I believe they are a big part of who I have become. Other's of you have been lucky enough to be a part of their lives. 

Bill and Carol Shivers are a great example of simple people who have proven God's love through their marriage and family. Last weekend they had their entire family present as they renewed their marriage vows after 50 years. That is a long time to be married, and it is so uncommon these days. It made me smile to watch my grandmother look at my grandfather with such respect and admiration after all these years. It is obvious to me that they have really trusted in God to protect their marriage. I know life was never a cake-walk for them, but they stuck together through it all. 

My Grandpa is a respectable man who has obviously lead his family in Christ. He would put anybody before himself.  And as sarcastic as he may be sometimes, it is obvious that he loves my grandma more than anything in this world. My Grandmother is a sweet woman who respects her husband and loves the Lord with her whole heart. She takes time to talk to every person that crosses her path, and she has such a servant's heart. Together they have been a perfect reflection of God's love. 

My dad pointed out to us that our family is a true testimony of how God can work through a family, generation after generation. Bill and Carol have been fruitful, and out of all three of their children and spouses, their ten grandchildren and spouses, and even their great-grandchildren, every single one of them know the Lord. 

I know nothing could mean more to my grandparents on that day than to see their entire family together at one time. Bill and Carol Shivers will always carry a legacy in our family. I admire them more than they know. They have passed their family values and faith in God down to our parents, and now we have it. There is nothing more I want at the end of my life than to be surrounded by God's love and my family and friends, just as they are. I pray my husband and I will have a marriage that reflects God's love just as theirs does. They are truly my heros. 

p.s. To all the cousins reading this... I'm not sucking up and trying to be the favorite grandkid.... we all know if you are married or have a baby, you are automatically the favorite =) j/k.

Good beer commercial

I have a class that has me paying close attention to the media, and messages we get from it. Not sure how old this one is... but it made me smile. Hope it does the same for you. Beer companies make good ads too.

I'm not promoting alcohol consumption... just reminding us that there are often good messages even in what we view as the most unlikely of places.... think about it...

You have challenged me.

This week is a good week because I feel like I am being challenged in many areas of my life. Being challenged is rough. It doesn't always feel good... but it is beautiful. 

I truly believe in the power of positive thinking. I love to write to encourage, but that doesn't mean I don't have struggles. I want to be challenged in the areas where I am lacking. Challenge means that I examine my life and consider my weaknesses-- that doesn't feel good. Challenge means that I recognize the areas I need to grow in, even when I feel like I am doing just fine. Community, (whether it be blogging, church, MySpace, family, school, etc.)  has allowed me to seek wisdom from the people in my life, and learn from them. God uses people to build us up. We need each other, regardless of how together we think we are. I am thankful for challenge.

God's plan works best when we allow people of all different kinds to work in our lives. It is wise when we use our different gifts to work as a team. I am naturally a person who loves to smile and encourage people with positive words. I try to always look at the bright side. It brings me joy. But I am weak in many other areas, which is why it is important to have many different types of people in my life who will keep me in check, and keep me well-rounded. 

I am weak in theology, I can't quote verses and I have the hardest time remembering the order of books in the bible. I have a bad memory and I forget birthdays! I suck at math... I hate science... I am weak in expressing my feelings... my patient husband is helping me to learn to let it out. I don't feel like the smartest kid in class... but that just means I have so much to learn from everyone else. I am very disorganized, I cry because I miss people, I am a very messy cook=) And believe it or not, I am very stubborn. 

You won't see me write about this too often, because like I said, I enjoy focusing my heart and mind on the positive side of things... it just makes me feel better on the inside. My hope is to brighten your everyday... not burden it. Let's get together for coffee if you want that =)

 Back to what I was saying.... this is why I am so grateful for community and the people in my life. I am grateful for my husband, who challenges me to be a better wife. I am grateful for my small group who challenges me to be a better christian. I am grateful for my family who challenges me to always do my best. I am grateful for the stranger who challenges me to be a good person even when the people who know me best aren't around. I am grateful for my professors who challenge me to be a better writer and have an open mind. I am grateful for people who are way stronger in certain areas than me, so that I can see the areas I can improve. I am grateful for people who get on my nerves, so that I can learn patience and acceptance.

 Life would be so boring without all different kinds of people. Every person is precious in his sight =) Don't ever forget that.

Bottom line: It is good that we are all imperfect. We know we need Jesus, but we also very much need each other. It is good that life is a challenge, and it is good that we always remember to help each other along the way. No matter who we are, or what we believe, no one has all the answers. Let's learn to have an open mind and an open heart, especially to the people we don't agree with. 

Everyone has something valuable to contribute in our lives-- everyone.  As corny as it sounds, we are all in this together. No matter how good we are at what we do, there are many people who have helped us get there.

Show us some teeth!

Honestly-- which individual looks more approachable? Who makes you feel a little happier on the inside? Which woman would you like to sit and chat with over a nice latte? Who are you most likely to remember at the end of the day? 

Today I want to talk about the ever so simple, Smile. It is more meaningful and worthwhile than you may realize. Yet it is often taken for granted. Poor smile competes all the time with that dreadful frown! Which side are you on here?

Okay, I must confess.  I was pretty much trained from the time I was 17 that a smile was "part of my uniform". I was employed at In-n-Out burger for five years.... man, not only did I learn to cook up some of the best burgers in the state, but I was taught a life lesson that was even better than that. I was trained to smile at every single customer I saw that day... and believe me, some people didn't deserve a smile. But then again, maybe that's all they needed-- even more than that juicy burger in their hand. Smiling was one of those things... I never realized how much I enjoyed doing it until I practiced it day after day. 

I know what some of you may be thinking, we're not always happy.... and sometimes we just don't feel like smiling! And those people who smile non-stop just get on our nerves! But do they really get on our nerves? Or do we wonder why they smile so much-- and wish that we could do the same? I know that's the way I used to think.

In-n-out Burger was not the only reason why I began to smile... but it certainly did help. After smiling so often, I realized how good it could make someone's day. Smiling usually makes other people smile, which should be enough reason in itself to keep doing it.  One secret I learned to keeping the smile is to have a grateful heart. If I learn to be thankful for every single person, thing, circumstance in my life... I will have no problem smiling daily. And guess what? There has never, ever been a smile I have regretted or wished I could take back. 

So try it .... put on a smile today. Regardless of the circumstance, or of the person who has made you unhappy.... keep smiling. See how differently people react to you, and how much better you feel at the end of the day. If your day sucks already... I bet you have the ability to make it better- it's your choice. 

No one has the power to take away my smile but me. No, I don't smile 24-7...  but a happy life doesn't always just happen-- sometimes it just takes a little effort. But how hard is it to smile? I bet we put a lot of effort into a lot of other things that don't even come close... Think of what a wonderful life we will have lived if we smiled and thanked God for something small everyday. That's a life worth living. Now show us some teeth! =)