Save Yourself

Happy Valentine's Day

Whisper Words of Wisdom, Let It Be

So my mom went on a rant today. A pretty great one. It started off with "You shouldn't pray to God asking for your parents to have money. You should pray for our health, so that we can keep working and providing you with what you need". It was a long speech about how you should honor your parents because, even when they're wrong and drive you crazy and annoy you, they're the only ones you've got. And God gave them to you for a reason. These are the people God chose to be in your life, so we should love them. And everything she said is absolutely right. She then went on to talk about her dad. A man who pretty much walked out on her and my grandma before he was even able to make his presence felt in my mom's life. Does she agree with all that he's done? No, but he still is her father. She said, "If it weren't for him... we wouldn't have Baby Cristina!". That floored me. Seriously, the fact that she thought that far. Not just that he gave life to her, but she extended it to her daughters and her granddaughter. Never in a million years would I have thought of that. That's such an amazing thing to say, it's so big of her. I legitimately felt proud. You know, I truly see God making a difference in my life. Things are getting better all around. I can feel it. part of that is my relationships with people. And if my mom is included in that? Even better <3

This song has been stuck in my head today. God bless Sondheim.

The Lord Is Testing Me

Yes, He is. But I'm up for it, I think. Honestly, I see God changing my life for the better in many ways, especially recently. And I think part of that is improving my relationships with people. Today, I found out that our youth group is doing Secret Santa. So we will give little notes and trinkets and such for the next few weeks, and on Christmas we present them with their gift. I. Am. SO. Excited. Since I only came today, I got the last pick from the bag. And it's not easy. Which is completely my own fault. Younger Sammy found no need to make friends with this person, and so I know very little about the recipient. HOWEVER that will not stop me from trying my hardest. I hope my little notes will bring some smiles, and maybe, with time, I'll find the perfect gift. The Lord is indeed testing me, but I need this. And hopefully this starts a nice friendship. In the meantime, it would be SO HELPFUL if I could find this kid on ANY form of social media. But alas.

Admittedly I haven't heard the original song. But this cover? Is so gorgeous. Like, don't look at it as a sad song. Look at the beauty of the voice and the music and the honesty of the lyricist.

To Pinterest!

Brunch with my laughing trio today, plus Spencer who asked for the whole thing to happen because he wanted to see us outside a work setting. With special guest, Harrison! And oh my gosh did we laugh. And have a beautiful meal, thank you Charlotte and your pinterest board. I'm especially glad I saw Harrison, because I didn't think I would his summer. It's been so nice to just hang out with everyone like old times. Except I think we're all in a much better place than we were a year ago. I see these people being dear to me for very long.

I'm In Love With Michael Aranda

And you should be too

Reason 230: People who are willing to make changes for the better because of the love they have for those around them