Quick October Recap

So I’ve been so busy. I am working two jobs- doing about 65 or so hours a week. Which means as soon as I get home and after showering, the minute my head hits the pillow I am knocked out. So its been awhile since my last post and I just wanted to update on everything that’s been going on in my life thus far.

•      Well beginning with the obvious. I got two jobs. I work at a residential facility with children with special needs. And I work at a Children’s Psychiatric Crisis Unit. All the kids are wonderful and need a lot of help and I love to be that person to help them. Though I like both jobs, I love my crisis unit job so much!
•      I realized that what I want to do deal with are teenaged children with suicidal and homicidal ideation. I have found this passion through the crisis unit since most the children who come there are EOD from hospitals and police stations after attempts. I love these kids. And I want to devote my life to helping them know that life is worth living!!
•      Weather  of October here in O- City well the weather is playing mind games with me. 50’s in the morning 80’s in the afternoons 60’s at night. Needless to say I am still getting use to it.
•       Deaths: Praying for the Fisher/Mobley family as they lost a wonderful sister/mom/daughter/wife to a battle with breast cancer. Loosing my step-mom to brain cancer I know how it feels but I know that the God of comfort provides the best support! I always read Amy’s blogs and well she was a fighter, and is one of thee strongest woman ever! True definition of trusting in the Lord and living to the fullest, regardless of situations. Another family I am praying for is the Trebbi family; who lost their 15-year beauty Samantha. She was admitted to the hospital for strep throat but died out of nowhere from Streptococcal Toxic- Shock Syndrome. She was a wonderful, beautiful inside and out girl who touched the life of many that she knew and through charities touch the lives of those she never met
•       Johnny & I went to Dallas, Texas- it’s a 3 hour drive from OKC. AND WE LOVED IT.Seriously, one of the best cities I've ever been too!
•  Basketball season started!! Favorite ever!
• October has pretty much just been a month of work, work and more work for me.

Oh and please pray for my dear friend Jenn's Fiancé whose going through excruciating back pain! May God heal him, so when November 13 he can be pain free and enjoy their wonderful day!

I am looking forward to November because: Johnny’s season starts. He has scrimmaged two games already but it gearing up for his first exhibition game vs. OSU Nov 1! And the best person everrrr is coming to visit me MY MOMMY!!!!!! I can’t wait for that, I miss her so much!

Well now that I am use to my schedule, hopefully ill be able to keep this more updated!! 

Surrendering All

Just had a wonderful one on one time with God. And I just had to share what my devotional was all about it. 

Why do we feel safer driving our car than flying when we know that we’re more likely to wreck our car than die on a plane? The answer is that we like to be in total control.

            We experience this tension every day. We desire control in circumstances because that makes us feel safe. But it’s deceptive. Are you really in control driving your car? What about the other people on the road? What about all the moving parts in the engine? Will the brakes work?

            The truth is that we have never been in complete control. Believing we are is an illusion we cling to every day. It’s easy to believe God and surrender all to Him when we feel as if we’re in control, when life is good, when things are going easy. But as soon as we feel as if we’ve lost control and our circumstances become too much to bear, surrendering and trusting Him gets more difficult. Too often in life God must bring us to a place where we literally have nowhere else to turn but to Him.

            Letting go means feeling unsafe, unprotected, and vulnerable. If you’re not willing to go there when things are good. God may have to take you there.

            He calls us to let go, To open our fists and relax. You’ll find that when you give your deepest desires and biggest concerns to God, He surprises you by making a way where none was apparent. Open your fists. Give up control. Surrender all.

Surrender to God! – James 4:7 

Home

I’ve come to realize since I’ve moved that you can make anywhere home. Home and a comfortable life is being surrounded by love, working hard towards your dreams and always focused on God to direct your path.

Although my family is not in the same city as me right now. Were in constant communication. The constant calls and emails make me feel at home. I speak to my mother in Florida, every day in and out via email and phone and speak to my dad who lives in South America every single day. I am never short of that love that keeps pushing me to be the best that I can be. Although, I am geographically miles away- but my loved ones all have a home in my heart and therefore where ever I go- I’m home. 

Matthew 6:21 

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Wordless Wednesday

We have to PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. 

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

My Labor Day weekend was pretty fantastic and low key. The weather here has been absolutely blissful. I’ve found my saving grace located right across the street- Lake Hefner. It is 9.5-miles long has several parks, a biking/ running trail around it and much more. This has become my favorite place to run, favorite place to read and is a great location to stroll around and relax. Relaxing is the best way to describe this Labor Day weekend. I watched documentaries, movies, I read a bit, ran a couple miles and enjoyed quality time with a wonderful boyfriend… Oh and smashed some good food! HA! Hope everyone is enjoying his or her Labor Day weekend.

Remember that Labor Day is about the economic and social achievement of workers. In our era right now it may be hard to keep our heads up- unemployment, low wages and high bills can easily get us discouraged. But always remember that in this world your still better off than most!

New City!

First week in a new city!

After an 18 hour and 36 minute drive were home, and although I’ve only been here for exactly a week- I couldn’t be any happier with the way that God has blessed us during this transition period. Of course, there have been unexpected turns but they haven’t been setbacks. God has us in the cradle of His hands, and although adjusting to a new city can be both adventurous and hard, I am so excited to see what He has in store for me!

I’ve always lived on the east coast, and nothing can take away from those wonderful beaches, but I am sincerely really enjoying myself. And not to sound like a fat girl or anything, but the south has some good food- zaxgby’s anyone?!

Since arriving, well the both of us have been hideously busy- unpacking, signing up for things, working out, taking test for jobs, interviews, meetings, ect. Oh and lets not forget the first day we got here we had to deal with my windshield that crack and shattered out of no where and getting pulled over by a cop. The cop was nice enough to explain to us the rules that are different between Oklahoma and other states. See we’ve had trials already, but amazingly enough God took care of us.

I love my apartment. LOVE. Its in a real safe place, everything is open 24 hrs not just Wal-Mart and Sheetz ((big change from Lynchburg)) and the people are so kind. This place is so big. Like seriously, I come from Miami I know what is big and Oklahoma City is huge! I have got lost countless amount of times, but I have come to the realization that getting lost in the city is the best way to learn it; since I can now maneuver without my GPS a good 75% of the time.

The first week I was here I had interviews for really great jobs, and well the lady more like told me I was hired within 15 minutes of our conversation- which was absolutely wonderful! Considering the job that I had secured before I moved here, had an unprofessional, senseless director. So within my first week I secured another job, and I am just waiting for the department of mental health to give me the okay on my background check so I can start! So excited to start working again- weird I know, but I am so excited to see what God has for my future and the wonderful opportunities He is going to provide.

Every weekend is relaxation time! We were so busy this week that this past weekend we decided to do some yoga, enjoy the pool and get comfortable with our environment and community. Lets see what this upcoming weekend we get into.

Johnny just finished his first week of school- Senior year! And me well I will be starting to work later on in the week- but in the meantime will continue to workout, unpack and take the state required test and training needed for the jobs.

Anyways, although I am and will always be a Miami girl at heart- the Midwest-central time is so far so goood ;) 

Packing up to go… Good Bye Lynchburg, Virginia

Packing up to go… Good Bye Lynchburg, Virginia

My life has made a 360. The last two weeks in July, I literally sat in the patio soaking up the sun lost in my own thoughts. So focused on just sitting there that a part of me doesn’t think I was even lucid. And the first two weeks of August I have been busy like a bee with endless priorities and thing to do. Seriously, packing up and moving up your entire life is no joke! You talk about it, you plan it out for months and there are still a million things left unorganized! This coming from an extreme anal person, who before executing the plan devised it, revised it and did that back and forth for a good uh billion times?! Why do I have so much stuff, seriously? And as I individually pack each thing that occupies my townhouse, that’s where it all hit me. What was suppose to be an emotionless task became an emotional review of the past four years I spent in Lynchburg, VA.

This has been nothing but an incredible journey and as I look back at the past four years, I marvel at not only the good times but the bad times as well, amazed by how each event God has used to shape and mold me. How blessed I am to within the city lines of Lynchburg find love, loose love, make friends, loose friends, find my way when the world as I thought I knew it was crumbling, find the definition of true friendship and love, impact the lives of some and be impacted by the lives of people a quarter my age.

God used this town, and the people here to impact and touch my life. Though there are a thousand complaints to have against this place, town and people, they all left a remarkable mark and carved me into the woman God has planned for me to be. I have met some remarkable people, and um some not so good people. But either way, I love them all and wish them nothing but the best because they are apart of my story. They made me who I am and have in one way or another been used by God to teach me valuable lessons.

True friendship and true love never dies. People are placed in your life for reasons and seasons. People disappoint, but every person has something to offer you- Regardless if it is by a lesson that brings you the greatest happiness or rocks you to the core. Sometimes its good, sometimes it will hurt, sometimes it will make you incredibly happy, and other times it will make you want to crawl in a ball and just die. But regardless all those people, all those events- they have a purpose. And well, they made me- me.

And now- well, I am ready for the next chapter of my life. With a degree, a true love, true friends for a lifetime, and a ton of experience in my career field- I set out to another city to make my mark, continue my journey and live out my dream. 

"Wordless Wednesday"

This was supposed to be Wordless Wednesday – no words, just a picture. But after reading this CNN news story- I was speechless that things like this were occurring in our world. A picture is not enough, you have to read the story. And once your done reading, you have to pray. Pray not only for the children and family she left behind but for the people and nation who allowed such a cruel and unjust act to take place. It really is heart breaking and unbelieveable that things like this are going on in our world. Praying to change hearts is all we can do. 

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/08/09/afghanistan.woman.killed/index.html

A pregnant widow was accused of adultery and executed in public by Taliban. They whipped her 200 times, before shooting her in the head. 

On Vacation!

Enjoying the weather in Miami

I have been so out of the loop and not blogging. After packing for a little, I decided to fly home to Miami, Florida for some much needed relaxation and fun times back home. You can't blame me, can you?! This place is absolutely wonderful! Not only does house the world's great food, beaches and fun activities but it's where the best people I know are. And literally this trip has been amazing, my mom, my best friends and my boyfriend all in the same place at the same time. Being home I have been able for the first time to have nothing to do, and I must say it feels, feels really good. For the past four years regardless of season or holiday I never have had a break. I was always either doing school (fall, spring, intensives, summer session) or working. It felt so good for once to just wake up and not have any strings attached and nothing important on a 'Things to do' list, and literally sit there and do nothing but be lost in my own thoughts. It was a much needed vacation and time spent with loved one, helped me regain clarity of mind and sanity! Soon my life is about to take a quick change!! Can’t wait for the ride. I know God has a wonderful new adventure out there for me!! 

Busy, Busy, Busy...

 I haven’t been able to post a lot lately. I've been super busy packing and at the same time just flat out lazy. Packing, is seriously no joke. I have owned and lived in this townhouse for four years of my life, and have accumulated so much stuff, its not even funny. But I will be writing soon, since this blog is mainly for the purpose of sharing the changes, and to keep connected with wonderful friends that I am leaving behind, as I move literally half way across the country to another time zone! 

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day. What a great thing it is to live in a country where freedom lives. Always remember that freedom isn't free, and it was worth fighting for and continues to be worth fighting for. Thank you to all the soldiers who have courageously fought and those who are fighting for our country, to preserve the freedom and protection of this wonderful country that we call home.

Free Agency- LeBron James

Hmm...

Last Night on Twitter Chad Johnson (football player better known as Ocho) tweeted this,

"OGOchoCinco #breakingnews the homie just gave me the info on where he is going, to bad I can't say but this city is gonna be very happy #6 *wink* 

  

  

Chad is from Miami, Florida; born and raised. And is currently living their during off season. 

#6 is Lebron's USA jersey # ... and hes already talked about switching from #23 for NBA 

Where is he going?? Obviously since i LOVE my Miami Heat.. you already know where my vote goes for! :)

Food for Thought: Crossroads

Ever been caught at a crossroad? Speaking for myself, I’ve reached so many crossroads that I think I meet them more then I get to an actual destination. Anyways, we always run into new situations, changes, and things that we have to choose and make decisions for. Decisions that will greatly impact the way our lives play out. I wish that when life takes us through its crazy turns, and when were brought into new situations, that we had instincts like the sea turtle. A sea turtle stays in their shells until their ready and then they tear their shells apart and introduce themselves to the world. Once they tear the shells apart, with their snout they dig through the sand to reach the surface and then instinctively head towards the ocean; This is key for survival. I am baffled at the thought and sights of this. How in the world do they know exactly where to go right after being born? I wish that I had the instinct of sea turtles. I wish I knew immediately without hesitation what to do when I am approached with a new scenario. I wish that I had a survival tactic like them to know exactly what to do. I know the journey is what makes you, you. I know that the purpose of life is for you to find your way, but I still cant help to look at the sea turtles with a sort of envy that with no experience or no guidance they know exactly what to do. Changes and new situations can definitely prove to be challenging and overwhelming. I guess that’s what having faith is all about. The being confident that your going to make it through, regardless if then and there you don’t know what to do.

It's in the time of unknowing that having faith is what sees you through to the other side. Faith is what gives you strength. Faith is that light in your heart that keeps on shining even when it's all darkness outside. Now is the time to keep that faith alive!

Amateur Baker Alert: Wings

So I recently saw Julie and Julia and I LOVED the movie. I  was inspired by Amy Adams character and was like hmm I can learn to cook. Not that I didn’t before but by no means am I Rachel Ray or Emerald. However, I have decided to try new things and perfect my cooking and baking skills. And that brings us to the first recipe … wings.

Never EVER have I even attempted to make hot wings. I made two types of wings; hot wings and another with more caramelized glaze. So I was a little nervous, probably more so cause my BF was really excited about them… and uh I’m not to sure it would come out right. Needless to say, he bit one and couldn’t stop eating them. So Far, So good J
It aparently was irresistable the minute i took it out he bit into one, hence the half eaten one in the picture. 

Wordless Wednesday

This is the destruction caused by the oil spill in the gulf. Ruining our beaches,  and destroying the homes of many creatures. This is devastating. 

"The current worst-case estimate of what's spewing into the Gulf is about 2.5 million gallons a day. Anywhere from 67 million to 127 million gallons have spilled since the April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig that killed 11 workers and blew out the well 5,000 feet underwater."

Food for Thought: Party of 2

     Couldn’t go to sleep. I often fall asleep listening to Relaxing Piano music; it aids me in falling asleep and refreshes me for the morning. But tonight, the only aiding the piano music was doing was allowing me to continue developing thoughts and feelings that were playing in my head a mile a second, Thoughts and feelings about anything and everything. Then all of a sudden, although I was not alone in the house, I was alone in deep thought and in the moment- just the music and I. The first feeling that filled the keys of my heart was that of loneliness. Being lonely, by definition is a human state or feeling involving disconnection with others. It’s easy to just read it, and nod in agreement with the definition, perhaps because we know that feeling all to well. But I allowed myself, of course with the prying assistance of the music, to really sink myself in the definition. “Involving disconnection with others” kept running in my head. In reality isn’t there always a disconnection with others? Not all day every day, but surely daily at one point or another. Realistically, were definitely not alone- there are billions of people around us, yet the state of being disconnected from people occurs frequently.  Why? How is it so easy to feel like you stand alone in your thoughts, feelings and concerns when there are a billion other human beings that inhabit this world? Disconnection with others could involve several things, such as believing different things, belonging to different groups based on culture, morals, religious beliefs, political parties and infinity of other reasons. In some way or other, were all disconnected from one another, were all unique and experience and carry very different perspectives, perhaps that is why loneliness is so common.

     But then as the piano melody continued to develop so did my thoughts. And something such as loneliness that at first glimpse seemed as such a dark place actually brought me comfort, joy and strength. The development of my thoughts reached the climax and began to wind down with joy and empowerment at the same rate as the melody carried by the piano came to a beautiful conclusion. Its so easy to see ourselves as a party of 1, but in fact no matter how lonely or how disconnected from others we believe we get; God is right there. He has already provided us with all the answers and encouragement needed through His Word. “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you” And just as quickly as a story being told though the keys of a piano took place, in 4 minutes and 40 seconds, that’s how long it took me to realize that no matter what I do, and no matter how many narrow roads I walk and bad turns I make- I’ll always be a party of 2.

He is my strength. And in Him alone, lies everlasting joy. 

     Tonight as I finally go to bed my heart and prayers go to those who don’t know Him. Because their melodic ending wouldn’t end with the conclusion that they are not alone, theirs end with them being a party of 1. I often think of my children at work (at risk youth) who have gone through so much more then I can even imagine and who must feel like this, and it numbs my body just thinking of it. And I pray that God reveals to them in whatever walk of life they are in, that they are not alone and that He loves them unconditionally. I pray that not only God help them see and accept it, but pray that God be with me as well. So that every second of my time with them is spent displaying to them the love they deserve, and to make their lives for even a second more jovial and content. Tonight and everyday my heart really yearns for them, and the hope that they find in this world true happiness and love, which they are most deserving of. I pray that they realize that through everything, that God is there, and that in fact they are never alone.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139: 7-10

Thought For The Day!

Road Trip: Oklahoma City, OK

After a day of packing the car to the max, and driving 18 hrs and 6 minutes we were at our destination- Oklahoma City, OK. Our plan was to drive there and fly back and then take the train back to Lynchburg, so we took advantage that we could move things over there and keep a car over there too; A little less stuff to have to transport the next time. Cause trust me my wardrobe alone can pack my car to the max! It was a long trip, but between the laughs and new adventures the time was really saturated in good times; and in a flash we were there. On the way were so many big cities like Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, Little Rock… I wish I had time to stop at all of them. But well I did stop in Knoxville, I mean we did have to eat and watch the LAKERS game so might as well stop at a big city and have some fun. 

The road trip was business and well of course I had to mix some pleasure into it. I mean I did just drive a good 18 hours. Well I had to take several merit test for the county for some jobs i applied for. And My bf had some business to handle too, with basketball and his school stuff. And together we visited apartment complexes just trying to get familiarized with our soon to be new address. But at night- it was on. Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City was amazing. Living in Lynchburg, VA almost made me forget how many things there are to get into in a big HUGE city. I cant even begin to describe to you everything they have, alone in the city is over 5 malls. Say what? Lynchburg has 1. I almost lost my mind- with how many OPTIONS there were- a long list of things to do. And thankfully for the entire journey and new experience was a great supportive and loving boyfriend. It is the Home of the OKC Thunder and SONICS.. I am telling you sonics on every corner more sonics then Mickey D's, which i never thought was possible. Needless to say I LOVED IT and I DEFINITLEY did not want to get on the plane back. I was sad to have to come back, but the more time that passes by the faster I get out of Lynchburg and will soon be living here in the wonderful, big and developing city of Oklahoma City. 

Update: A sample of my new city, more to follow after some much needed rest and unpacking!

I have been extremely busy the past couple days. One minute I was in the dumps cause I got accepted to take some test for the county for some jobs I applied for and the next minute I was packing up the car and driving 18 hours and 6 minutes with my boy. Can we say spontaneous!?! Cant take all the credit because it wasn’t all my idea, my mom was like “What are you waiting for? Hit the road, you don’t have kids or no strings! Take a mini vacation!” And my bf definitely went along and encouraged my moms plan too. Good thing they did encourage me, cause it was a wonderful and much needed vacation. And it was great to visit for the first the city that will soon be called my new home.

Trust me- I will definitely be putting up pictures and talking about the fun vacation there; but before I do that I need to desperately sleep and unpack. 

   Until then here is two picture of my new and wonderful- soon to be called… my new home J

CHANGE. It can be a scary word. A scary thought. And it is definitely nerve wrecking to think that something that that has occurred consistently for years and has become a routine will soon change. Change is a part of life and needless to say no matter how many times I’ve meet change in the face, I have yet to properly prepare for it.  

I’m fresh out of college, just graduated with my Bachelors and have been waiting for this moment to finally be here. It’s a bit bittersweet to think that what I’ve grown accustomed to for the past four years is all about to change. But in reality I have never been more ready for change, and I am extremely grateful for the past four years of learned lessons God has blessed me with.There really is no way to properly be prepared for change, but one thing is certain HE will help me. As I look back and reflect on my life, I see the different changes that I went through. Changes in address, schools, friends, boyfriends, hobbies, but one thing that has remained consistent in my life is GOD and the unconditional love HE has showered me with.

So now I am setting out on a new journey, in a new city- miles away from anything I know, a mind full of ideas and a heart full of dreams.

 Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.  ~Pauline R. Kezer

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.