There is beauty in all things.



Photo Cred: Cindy Alvarez

 

I've come to understand several things about myself this year.

Have you ever had a year where nothing seemed to be going as you had planned it? If my present self could go back to my past self and say something, I would say this " You are not who you think you are, and the dreams you have now won't be the dreams you'll have than-- just keep your eyes on God."

My past self would laugh at me now and say "you're such a softie and how did you get to be so happy?"
And lastly I'd says "feeling something doesn't mean you're weak it just means your alive. Embrace it. Saying something nice isn't going to hurt you, but it will bring someone else some joy. Be generous and just love people."
I've come to understand several things about life this year.

There is beauty in all things. My dad gave a short lesson to my youth group earlier this year that bounces around my head when I have no idea where I'm headed. He said " Do what must be done today and don't worry about the things of tomorrow" -- I have always lived my life postponing major change and major decisions with the thought that tomorrow I'll want something different. And as true as that was it has caused me to worry more about what people want and need from me, that I've managed to put all my dreams on long term hiatus.  I must do what I can today and God will provide for the tomorrow's.

I've come to understand several things about God this year.
When I fell in love with God, I didn't realize it would impact my whole entire life. Don't judge me on that statement. I thought I would be able to continue through life with the benefits of loving God and him loving me without him being the center of every decision, every blessing, every trial, every victory that I'd ever have. Life was much easier when I only had to please myself. Does that make any sense? Fortunately for me, when he is in it, he'll make a way.

As complicated as it may seems and as hard as it may get-- its going to be okay. Just keep your eyes on God.

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3701127/?claim=n7u9ms7rh4v">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
 





Red, Black & White + Stripes.

Don't judge these pictures too much. It was cold & super bright out. But I love this skirt, this shirt and these shoes! 

I hope everyone has a Happy Wednesday<3

Shirt: H & M
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Spring

Its been a super long day & when I mean super long, I mean LOOONG.

Picked up an extra shift today but right now I regret it.

I had to move boxes up and down stairs and then unpack fifty boxes

 (Yes! 5-0!)

My feet and my back were hurting but I was greeted by my little buddy and that made me feel a little better. After much debate whether to even post these pictures, I figured why not. I've been pretty consistent with my blogging and hope to continue so. 

Anyways, wanted to post a couple pictures I found on twitter that made me wanna die laughing. Hope you guys enjoy them as much as I did. 

hehehehehe. <3

k, bye.

Love Story & Outfit Post

Hola! 

So long ago. But I like it. 

True Love

This isn’t your typical love story. You’re going to be mighty impressed by how amazing He truly is. Growing up I never really went looking for my other half, nor did I have any intention in meeting him so early in my life, but I guess when they say if it’s meant to be, it will be. I want to start by telling you where my life was when I met him. I had known him all my life. He’d always loved me and He’d call me and ask me to give my heart away. But there were other things that seemed more important. He was not even on my priority list and if he was, he was at the very bottom.

It wasn't that I didn't know he was good, loving, wonderful... oh! The words I could say to describe him. He was and is perfect. Nobody will ever compare him. He is one of a kind; he is unique in his manner of loving. He is wonderful in his way of embracing me. When he wraps me in his arms, it is heavenly. When he calls out to me, his words touch me to the very depth of my soul, he convicts me to be better every day because I see the way he loves people. You could say He is for the people, you've never met someone so unselfish. The thing I truly love about Him the most is that he is there, every day, every moment. Even though he wants to please us and bring us joy, he also stands strong in his convictions. He never wavers and always does what is right, and even if in that moment I hate that I must change my way of thinking so that it coincides with him, I know it is for the better. He is the epitome of brilliance and goodness.

Back to me, I was a mess. Like most 17 year olds, we are huge balls of mess. I was miserable and mean. I appeared happy and was very good at pretending that I was. But if I’m honest, I hated my life. I didn’t understand why I felt like this. I was part of a family whose parents managed to stay together, I had more than I needed and never went without. I had friends who claimed to love me and I had goals. Yet, I felt unaccomplished, unwanted, unloved and desperately alone. I was unhappy and therefore the world sucked. You know that teenage mentality, it’s all about me!  

After going away for Christmas break right after I turned 18, I came home and out of desperation I called him. I told him what was happening. And he courted me. He was gentleman. Spoke to me in poetic melodies and love songs, showed me things I’d never seen, embraced my flaws and showed me what I could improve. Showed me how good true love could be and before I knew it I was falling in love. Love like I’d never experienced, it was beyond this world. I was walking on sunshine in the mornings and seeing stars in my eyes at night. Calling him in the middle of the night and he’d call to me every day just because he wanted to speak to me. And before I knew it, I was happy. I was nice for the sake of being nice, and I loved those who I had hated. I forgave those who had hurt me and received forgiveness from those who I’d hurt. I was changed by this indescribable love.

After four years of this beautiful relationship, I can only say I’m the only one that makes mistakes and he’s as forgiving as always. And sometimes I’m determined to walk away, but there he is, talking to me in that sweet, melody of a voice. Reminding me that I’ll never find a love like His. Not because he is boastful or full of himself (and even if he was, he has every right  to be) but because he is perfectly perfect for me. And if you ever got a chance to be in a relationship this lovely, you’d agree with me. So today, I’d like to introduce you to the reason of my happiness.

His name is Jesus. I invite you to let him love you like he’s loved me. 

RealGirlGlam,DressForTheDayYouWant,FineLinen&Purple,thePleatedPoppy,CreateWithJoy,WardrobeWednesday,RolledUpPretty,RandomWednesdays,TransatlanticBlonde,IFeelPretty

Winter Madness (outfit post)

I enjoy snow. 

Not the cold.

So Cindy from EverydayToUs and I decided to take some winter pictures a couple weeks ago. She posted some on her blog and I'm going to post the rest. 

“We could all do with a bit more joy in our lives couldn't we? The wonderful thing is that when we start spreading joy, we begin to actually experience more joy in our lives too!” 

― Steve Goodier

Links:
RealGirlGlam,DressForTheDayYouWant,FineLinen&Purple,thePleatedPoppy,CreateWithJoy,WardrobeWednesday,RolledUpPretty,RandomWednesdays,TransatlanticBlonde,IFeelPretty

After All. (ootd)

after all You are constant 
                           after all You are only good 
                                                    after all You are sovereign 
                     not for a moment did You forsake me.      

                                          Meredith Andrews- Not for a Moment. 

 My favourite part of this whole day and outfit was my hair. It took me 1.5 hrs to do it but it was definitely worth it. 

Links:
RealGirlGlam,DressForTheDayYouWant,FineLinen&Purple,thePleatedPoppy,CreateWithJoy,WardrobeWednesday,RolledUpPretty,RandomWednesdays,TransatlanticBlonde,IFeelPretty

Dear Me,

Dear Me,

I know that you wish you hadn't picked up that extra shift. But lets be realistic here, you gotta do what you gotta do. I know you wish that you'd been faithful to your weight-loss goals but you've just been too tired to go. I know I promised I'd wake up and pray today but sleeping was so blissful, because you finally slept through the whole night. I know this week has felt like forever & EVER, but its Friday  which means tomorrow you get to go to church after your last shift of the week. And I know you miss home & your friends, but you know you're in the will of God by being right where you are. 

I know its been one of those weeks, but you've had a great time doing some living lately. Your true hearts desires are beginning to show and your kinda learning to walk on your own. And you've grown up a bit and certain things aren't as important as they once were. Remember, that we started the year of with determination and that you decided to be a better you, a much better you. 


Lets keep in mind all of your favorite things that we've done this week anyways,

1. Started a new book.

2. Found a song that expresses what I feel these days.

3. Sandals @ Payless.
It just means springs coming!
That makes me super happy!

4. My nephew. Yesterday when I got home he gave me two kisses and wanted to play with me.
I love that.

5. Winter Pictures. They just look so beautiful. 

Happy Friday!

"that I'm fat, what else are they gunna say?"

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth.” 

― William W. Purkey

Hey! Has anyone ever had a great couple days? Where even if something is going wrong, its alright. Almost like your overjoyed and nothing can bring you down? I've been having this exact emotion for the last couple days. I think it started mid-week. I went home to finally renew my passport because a) its expired, so i can't take any random trips and b) i'm going away in ONE week so ... I needed it.  

Anywho... While at work yesterday, me and my favorite co-worker were talking, she thinks I'm super funny (I am, teehee) and we had such a great time. So work was rather fun and immediately after that I went to the gym.  (woohoo) 

Speaking of the gym, I've been a Goodlife member for more then six years and this year I decided that maybe it was time to change gyms and try somewhere new. Best decision I've made this year? POSSIBLY.  I joined the Athletics club. I went for a tour this week and I was convinced the minute I got inside. Its fancy in there. It makes me feel like a baller. But I know, appearances can be deceiving but I decided that I wanted the grand tour. So what really made me decide to switch gyms after such a long time? A personal all woman's pool, sauna and steam room. Plus, Zumba classes almost every day at different times and a free fitness consultation and personal training session all for the same exact price I was paying at Goodlife. So, I'm sorry Goodlife, until you can offer me the same amenities here in Guelph, we're over. 

So, immediately after work I had lunch with my fabulous coworker and then I headed straight to the gym for my fitness consultation. And to let you know how that went... Just read the following text message below. 

Pretty much that's how that went down. But to be fair, the girl was really nice about. She wanted to know what motivated me. She also gave me a handy new workout regime that she thinks will work very well with my body type. So maybe this year, I'll actually be able to lose the weight I've been saying for the last ten years.

I'd also like to say happy birthday to Tim Horton. If you're Canadian, you know what Tim Horton means to us down here. I do love me some Timmies. 

I'll leave you with a simple question....

What do you guys do when you go to the gym? 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Insanity of the New Year.

Hello fellow bloggets!

I hope everyone had a Happy Holidays and a great New Years day. So whats been happening with me lately?

Well, I got a new job. 

I'm an official PayLess Shoe Source sales associate. 

Everything been going pretty good so far and I'm having a great time learning the ways of retail. 

 These pictures were taken by my photographer of a sister in law.
She has been wanting to take pictures outside and this was the day to do it.
I didn't really wanna wear this outfit, but I changed last minute because the other shirt and skirt I had on just looked weird. So I ended up throwing this together and now that I look at the pics, not too shabby.

so if Cindy wants to take anymore outdoor snow pics.
Le'sss do it. 

Shirt: unknown
Skirt: Old Navy
Blazer: H & M
Shoes: Suzy Shier