It's okay to ask why.

Feeling the burden of the world today.

Wondering... why?

Why are there so many hungry children?

Why are there so many broken homes?

Why do people kill?

Why so much hatred?

Why do people have to die?

Why do people move away? 

Why do we grow up?

Why do people change?

Why do things change at all?

I know the answers to most of these questions...  I'm not naive. I know why.. There is sin in this world... and others are just part of God's perfect plan. I wonder why still.. Sometimes I just want to stop. I just want to think... and wonder. For the sin of this world has corrupted each one of us somehow. But there is something more than this world. There is only one source of true life. And I am reminded again.

"I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces." Psalm 34: 4-5

He is our hope. Our life. Our joy.

"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever" - Psalm 16:11

How blessed I am to be in the presence of the LORD every second of the day. The joy and the promise he offers is more than anything the world can offer me. 

"Tomorrow morning, when you put your rings on your fingers, also put on a spirit of peace. When you put your earrings on your ears, put them on with a cheerful attitude. When you clasp your necklace around your neck, clasp a sweet spirit to your heart also. The Jewelry you wear won't make much difference in your day, but the spirit you wear will" 

-Spangler & Syswerda

When nothing is certain-- Everything is possible. ♥

Frugal can be fun.

.... And still look contemporary. I'm not all about collecting junk... our house is pretty clutter free. But I do love finding antique pieces for a pocket full of change. I love going to yard sales to find that one piece that compliments my home. Here are a few things I've found recently.

I found this in someone's yard. (50 cents)
I found this just this morning in my neighbor's yard... it was very dusty. ( 20 cents)
And I found this is my father-in-law's garage when they were moving. (free =) ...Ok, Marcos says he bought it years ago, but I still found it and it was free for me.
And sometimes I like to be artistic. I love to write, but deep down I also really love art and interior design. I want to do it all one day. I really have no one thing... maybe I will just be a wife, a mother, a writer, a painter, an interior designer, and an antique collector =) I also want to have my own coffee shop and write books. Who says I have to limit myself?  So, we will see =) Yes, I am very indecisive. 

Something I painted with the help of my friend Anna. It's hanging in my living room, where I had a bare wall and not much money.

And this is the headboard Marcos and I made together after I saw how much furniture stores were charging. Mine was cheap and I like it better. Plus it was fun making it. Well, there's another peek into my life. Until the next blog...

Oh yeah, Happy New Year everyone!

A chance...

Sometimes life is good...

Sometimes, not so much. 

Sometimes we win...

Sometimes we fail.

Sometimes things are exciting...

Sometimes, things are pretty lame.

Sometimes we feel loved...

Sometimes we feel alone.

Things are always changing and nothing on earth is predictable. There are good days and there are bad days. Laughter and tears... But there is always hope in each new day. Circumstances change and people change, But the love of Christ remains the same. His promise is true and his love never ceasing.... He gives the hope of a new day.

With each new day, He gives new opportunity. Each new day is a fresh start. A chance to forgive. A chance to grow. A chance to encourage. A chance to renew. A chance to help someone. A chance to smile. A chance to make the most of it. A chance to go for it. A chance to learn. A chance to persevere. A chance to love. A chance to work it out. A chance to achieve.  A chance to make a difference. A chance to create.  A chance for laughter. A chance to decide. A chance to live for today. A chance to hope. A chance to embrace all that is good.

Sometimes we just need to believe He has a plan for us.... and take a chance on Him. 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” -Galatians 6:9

Africa Bound...

No, not me... my little brother Timmy (16 yrs. old) will be traveling to Uganda, Africa in March on a mission's trip with a church in Anaheim.  I am extremely proud of my little bro for all his hard work, dedication, and passion behind Invisible Children Aside from raising money for his trip, he has been working hard along side many of his peers earning money and bringing awareness in the desert to help these children in Africa. 

Check out these photos from a walk-a-thon he did a couple months back at :

mtaylorphoto.blogspot.com

Please join us in praying that God would continue to spark a passion in Timmy's heart, and that he would continue to seek God's will in his life... and also for his protection while in Africa.