Thanks Mom

Thanks Mom for...
Always cutting my sandwiches in triangles
Showing me what it means to be loved
Making me breakfast every morning before school
Explaining to me what a sino was
Watering my plants while I have been away
Leading by example
Alway having my back
Not disowning me when I turned 13
Standing by your convictions
Not disowning me when I braided my bangs and wore them through the back of the baseball cap
Loving me no matter what
Not disowning me...period
Being strong
Sharing your wisdom
Amazing genes
Dressing me in flannel and corduroy more than pink and frills
My smile and my sweet tooth
Being my fan, even though you weren't a fan of the sport
Our Sonic happy hour moments
Teaching me how to drive a manual
How to be frugal (ok cheap)
My creativity
"Good morning Gorgeous" and "Hello Beautiful"
Forcing me to read Psalms 139 over and over and over and...

Always believing in me

Good health

NOT giving me some terrible name which would allow people to torment me for my entire life

My ability to fall asleep anywhere and in any position

Teaching me to always carry a sweater every where I go

My strong sense of morals

Teaching me how to love and how to have faith

Thanks Mom for always allowing me to be yours (Your flower child, Your luck of the Irish, Your Nessadine)

My Mother

I am so grateful for the wonderful mother God placed in my life. So many individuals are raised in a home where love was in short supply. I am fortunate to be blessed with a mother (and father) who loves me unconditionally and chooses to lead by example. My mother is a beautiful woman who shines the light of Jesus everywhere she goes. She has been a cornerstone for me during times of difficulty and uncertainty. She has chosen to be involved in my life and support my dreams and ambitions. My mother has made many sacrifices for my well-being and has spent countless hours and money investing in my interests. She has supported and encouraged me to follow the plans God has designed for my life and commit myself whole-heartedly to them. What I admire most about my mother is her unwaivering faith in God. I know how to live for God because my mother has set an example of what a true woman of God is.

Even though I am not able to be with my mother on Mothers Day. I want he to know I love her and miss her and would not be the person I am today without her love and positive example.

Where You Are

I  wrote this poem after I had a dream about Grandma going to heaven. 

In addition, it is the one I read at the graveside. 

Where you are

The night before you passed

I had a marvelous dream

I was standing to the side

Before you was a brilliant light beam

So beautiful and enticing

Heaven I knew it must be

As you strolled towards it

I leaned in, eager to see

All the splendor of glory

My whole life I'd been told

The mystery of the promised land

I was anxious to unfold

But no matter how hard I tried

A glimpse I could not steal

For you see it wasn't my time

To experience what you now feel

One thing I do remember 

Before everything went black

Never once did you hesitate

Shift your focus, or glance back

Your eyes were not fixed on heaven's gates

Streets of gold failed to capture your attention

You appeared oblivious to the crystal sea

And the mansions Jesus did mention

The spectacular objects of heaven

You seemed not to notice

There was one thing on your mind

Seeing Jesus was your sole focus

Often times you wondered

When you would take your place

Around the throne of God

And see Jesus face to face

Grandma we will miss you

But with Grandpa you now abide

Worshiping Jesus together

Hand in hand and side by side

Vanessa

Grandma on her 92nd Birthday

Crutches Make Sense

Often times we hear individuals say Christians use God as a crutch. The idea they are typically attempting to convey is we lean on God because we can not stand on our own. Here is my thought on that subject. 

If a man breaks his foot, he goes to the doctor and is given a crutch. Now a smart man would use the crutch. Walking around on his broken foot not only creates unnecessary pain but it also prevents the body from healing itself. A wise man would use the crutch, decrease the pain and increase healing time. 

When we come to God we are broken and hurt. Leaning on God allows us to heal faster and hurt less. 

I say only an idiot would walk around on a broken foot and refuse to use a crutch :)

Crutches make sense

Beauty Tips

Beauty is certainly a hot topic these days. It is all over the media. Commercials and other forms of advertisement encourage the use of all types of beauty products. These advertisements promise to make you look years younger, get rid of acne over night, and help you lose 15lbs in one week, while eating whatever you want!Toothpastes ensure whiter smiles which will increase appeal. Body wash commercials suggest by using their products, you will become irresistible and gain that much wanted attention from the member of the opposite sex.

Outfitting is in a league of its own. The purse has a matching belt which also matches the shoes. If you change shoes, then you also have to change the belt and purse, unless the belt was a solid color, and if that's the case, then you only have to change purses, but if the color of the new shoes, clash with the color of the belt then you have to completely change the whole outfit. Then of course the final touches include at least one large necklace, along with its matching bracelet and earrings. Guys are not an exception to this rule. I guarantee there are thousands of guys out there who own more accessories than I do.In today’s society it is all about the right look.

That’s ok. I myself spend plenty of time in the morning, getting ready (Although I will admit, I don’t have the belt, shoes, and purse issue). There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, but at the end of the day, when all the makeup has been removed, all the accessories have found their way back into the closet and drawers, and it’s just you looking in the mirror, how do you feel about yourself?If you look at yourself, and desire more, here is a thought to ponder… If you want to be beautiful, do something beautiful.

I firmly believe one of our purposes here is to create beauty. There are many ways to bring beauty to the world. Plant a tree, or a lovely rose bush. Clean a park or a highway. Help someone. Yeah, that’s right, help someone. Helping someone is an amazing way to bring beauty to this world, and in today’s setting, there are many ways to provide assistance to someone. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. Listen to someone who needs to talk or just loves to share their stories (You’ll be amazed at what you learn about someone). Cut someone’s grass, or babysit, and expect nothing. Donate to a research foundation, or find a cause to support (it has to be something which has your passion).

Try simple ways to make someone’s day. This is one of my favorite ways, and it is so easy to do. Smile at someone who is serving you, and wish them a great day (with feeling) Use words like please and thank you. If someone knocks over something, clean it up with them. Please tell someone if there is something in their teeth, or on their face (it may be embarrassing, but very much appreciated). Complement someone, and remind your friends how important they are to you. Send friendly notes (the old-fashion kind which require stamps) just to let someone know you are thinking about them.Come on, I know you are all intelligent. Don’t be afraid to find your own creative ways to bring beauty into this world. Of course, while you are thinking, don’t forget to enjoy the beauty which already exists. There are so many wonderful and beautiful things out there, just waiting to be enjoyed.So tonight if you look in the mirror and find yourself wondering if you could bring more to life, just remember...IF YOU WANT TO BE BEAUTIFUL, DO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL!!