Matt and I went on a date last night to see "The Impossible." We had prolonged to see this movie because we knew it was going to be extremely intense and sad. As we got to the theater, I went in with an open heart, ready to learn something about this devastating true story.
If you have not heard of this movie or seen it, it's about a family who survived the unexpected tsunami that hit Southeast Asia in 2004. I don't want to give anything away, just in case you'd like to see the movie as well.
Going into events like this with an open heart I find inspiring. I've noticed lately that I've had a lot of negative feelings in my heart regarding many things. After watching this family experience this, it made me realize that anything can happen on any given day.
We must live each day as if it were our last. Love one another deeply just in case it's our last moment. Live with no regrets.
Some days, it's hard to have a positive outlook on life, especially when times get tough. Often times, you feel angry, hurt, alone, and ready to give up on everything.
Never give up. Life isn't easy. It's also not forever. You might question why you are in a certain situation, but you are in it for a reason. Lend a helping hand, smile, laugh, and love unconditionally. It makes every bit of difference.
You may think and hope your life will end up how you always imagined it. And maybe it will. Just remember, unexpected things do happen, so make the best out of of every moment you have.
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord." -Jeremiah 29:11
I've heard that Christmas doesn't end until January 6, hence the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas." This year, I didn't allow Christmas to end on December 26th. I continued enjoying the season up until now. I've lit my tree every single night, and tonight I watched "The Heart of Christmas." Yes, I know today is the 8th, but it's never too late to watch an inspiring movie. If you haven't seen that movie, it's a must see.
This movie was based on a true story about the Locke family. Their son, Dax was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of two. This movie takes them through their journey and how they got so much loving support not only from St. Jude hospital, but also from their neighbors. It helped this family cherish every moment they had with Dax.
This movie really got me thinking about how I have lived my life up until this new year. In all honesty, I hadn't cherished every moment that God has blessed me with. For the longest time, I complained about everything, I was never happy, and it turned me into a person that I never want to see again.
As most of you know, I started my new year's resolutions and surprisingly have stuck to them. I've been working out 3 days a week, reading my Bible each night, and spending more time with my wonderful husband. I don't plan on giving up on these things either...because it keeps me positive each day, and it allows me to cherish every moment (even if my cat puked three times in the last two days and stained my comforter). While cleaning it up, I smiled. Weird, I know...but I'm just happy to be alive another day.
Then I sit down and watch this movie tonight. Of course it's a tear-jeaker and my hormones have been wacko so this woman cried her eyes out. By the end of the movie, I realized it's time to cherish every moment, no matter if they are filled with bad moments. It took me back to a memory of my husband and I while we were dating. It was during one of our rough patches and we were on the verge of breaking it off. I was coming home late one night after Zumba and pulled in the driveway to see Matt's car there. He gets out with flowers in his hand and you want to know what I did? I got mad at him and told him to leave. I cry now every time I think about that because all he was trying to show me was how much he loved and cherished me, even when we were at our lowest point. No matter how mad I may get, I will pull my husband in close and tell him how much I love him and cherish him.
The point I'm trying to make in this post is... just cherish every moment you have. Whether it's with your friends, your family, your pets, your children, or even by yourself.
You are here on this earth for a reason.
Cherish it.
Change someone's life by just showing them you care.
How many of you out there make New Year's resolutions...to better yourself in some way?
How many of you actually follow through with them?
Not me!
2013 is going to be different, at least for me.
After Christmas service, my mom grabbed a CD and a calendar off the table in the lobby of the church. She handed them both to me.
Oh great, something I probably won't listen to.
I thanked her anyway and told her I would listen to it.
She suggested I listen to it on our long drive back to Texas. After we pulled out of the driveway, Matt and I looked at each other. We agreed to listen to the CD.
Matt popped the CD into the CD player and this guy with an Australian accent blasted through the speakers.
Are you kidding me? I thought this was just a Christmas CD with the traditional Christmas music. There is no way I can listen to someone speak as I drive...I will fall asleep.
We let it play for about 2 minutes before we ejected the CD and put in one of my Christmas music CDs.
The next morning, I woke up to a text from my mom saying something along these lines...
"Morning!! I highly recommend digging that CD out I got you from church and listening to it as you drive...great message! Has no denominational take. It can't hurt. It may help greatly. Love you! Safe travels!"
Of course I snarled but had a little tug on my heart.
As we started down the highway, I asked Matt to stick the CD back in. He snarled too. I read the cover of the CD.
Be The Best Version of Yourself
Matthew Kelly
I was completely blown away with the message he gave on this CD. As he spoke, I felt like he was speaking to me. He talked about how God's want for us here on earth is to continue to better ourselves and become the best version of ourselves. I was not a very good version on myself this year (2012). I wasn't exactly the most patient wife, I was always complaining, I didn't take care of myself like I should have.... He described four core areas that we should all work on throughout the next year. The areas include: Physical Emotional Intellectual Spiritual He then went into giving examples on how to better ourselves in each of this core areas. Physical: How many of us are always low in energy? I know I am. I always seem to get about an hour, maybe two of full energy before I crash. He said we should make it a goal this year to exercise at least ONCE a week, every week for the entire year. Pick a day you will work out and stick to it. Manageable, right? Matt got me a yoga kit for my birthday that I plan on using as a part of my physical improvement. The more energy we have, the happier we are. When we exercise, we feel better about ourselves...and our bodies also release endorphins that will give us more energy. Emotional: When a relationship with someone is great, we are happier, right? In order to keep that happiness in our lives, we need to make an effort to spend more quality time with our significant other. Matthew Kelly said for the next year, pick one day a month, every month, for the entire year to do something with your significant other or someone you love. It doesn't have to be a big luxurious vacation, but something different each time. Sit down at the beginning of the month, pick a day and place. Plan for it and follow through. It'll make a difference in your relationship which will increase your happiness. Intellectual: For 10 minutes a day, every day for an entire year, read a "good" book. A "good" book is a book that will help improve yourself. It could be a self help book, Bible, etc... something that you will take something positive from it and apply it to your every day life. When we feel better about ourselves, we are much happier. See a theme going on? Happiness :) Spiritual: Matthew Kelly was specifically talking about Catholicism. I grew up Catholic but have not been a practicing Catholic for the last few years. Why? Because the Mass was too boring, too traditional, always the same thing every Sunday, etc. Many Catholics say that, right? Even though I'm not involved in a church as of right now, I figured this next task could still be done. Get a journal. Take it to church with you every Sunday (or take it with you where ever you go). On the front, write, "Things I've learned to be a better version on myself." Every Sunday, write down ONE thing you heard that could help you become a better version of yourself. Not only will you find ways to improve yourself, you'll aso find church more enjoyable. Even if you don't go to church (like me), this is a great chance to take every day life experiences and turn ONE event that happens each day or each week into something that could help you become a better version of yourself. I'm looking forward to finally sticking to my New Year's resolution this year. I want to be a better person, a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter, and a better wife. I feel that focusing on these four core areas frequently throughout the year will help me become a better version of myself. Anyone else willing to try? Whatever your resolution may be, I hope you find happiness and become a better version of yourself this year! God Bless!!
There is a popular theme on Facebook for the month of November to post something you are thankful for each day up until Thanksgiving.
I decided to blog mine instead....
I posted something each day for 22 days!
So here we go!
Day 1: First and foremost, I'm so ever grateful for the number one man in my life; God. He is one of few I can truly depend on in my times of weakness, He lifts me up when I fall, and gives me strength when I need it most. Most of all, His unconditional love has taught me how to love and accept others. I would be so lost without Him.
"Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:4-5 NLT)
Day 2: I'm thankful for my family. I've lost connection with a lot of them, but I still love them like I see them every day. I wouldn't change them for the world (my aunt Fran, aunt Mary, Aunt Jayme Lee, Uncle Bruno, Uncle Gregg, Uncle Grant, Abbey, Andrew, Nicolas, Mamaw, and Papaw)
Day 3: I'm thankful for a good Irish win today! 9-0 baby!!! I'm also forever thankful that I did not have a heart-attack or injure myself further during the game!
Day 4: I'm thankful for a day of rest. Many people don't get this opportunity as they have to work every day a week to make a living. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to rest and re-energize myself for the upcoming week.
Day 5: I'm thankful for the beautiful weather here in Texas. 70-80 degrees in November is perfectly fine with me! I'm thankful I don't have to deal with snow yet!
Day 6: I'm thankful for my friends. Lindsay: you are not only my big sister, but someone I admire. You are such a strong person, even if you don't believe it sometimes. I will always remember our many camping trips in our backyard with Dingo as our watch dog, going to school together, staying up late playing cards and giggling, and our many traditional holiday get togethers. I wish we lived closer so I could watch your daughter and unborn son grow! Most of all, I'm thankful for a friendship that will always hold a special place in my heart.Jenny: you have been there for me through the good times and bad. You never left my side. You prayed for me and I finally found my way to light. Our friendship means so much to me and I miss you each and every day. God has worked in your life in so many different and difficult ways and has made you such a strong person in Christ. You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. You are such an inspiration to me! Even though we are far apart, you are always close to my heart. Hope: Girl, where do I begin? I'm thankful for all the fun times we had down at JCC with AJ: going to Taco Bell every Tuesday and Thursday, and becoming the one and only 'Chicken Heads.' I will never forget that time we got lost and went on a road trip to Indiana, just for 2 minutes! You have such a beautiful heart and soul. The love between you and Patrick is a love I hope I can obtain one day! All of my other wonderful friends, you know who you are!: Each and every one of you has left a footprint in my heart. We have shared many great memories together and I'm forever grateful for all of you.
Day 7: I'm thankful for getting reconnected with one of my dearest friends. Antonia: We always had such an amazing friendship. We could always turn to each other in the roughest of times. We went through a lot together and even lost connection for a while. However, God has allowed us to reconnect again, and I'm so grateful for that. You have helped me strengthen my faith and I enjoy our weekly bible studies. As much as I hate that we are apart, our faith in Christ is what binds our spirits together. Thank you for contacting me back in August. I've really enjoyed watching our friendship blossom into something I've never known or experienced before!
Day 8: I'm thankful for my sister. Every 8th day of the month, we celebrate my sister's health of not having a seizure. On May 8th of this year, we celebrated 14 years of being seizure free. Kimi: You are such a strong person. Seeing you struggle for most of our childhood with epilepsy was painful for a twin sister to see, knowing you were in so much pain. But, you overcame it, just as you can overcome anything! I might not have shown it through the years how much you mean to me, but it is true that twins do have a special connection. I have always felt a part of me missing, especially being so far away. You will always be my best friend. I love you!
Day 9: I'm thankful for the most beautiful and amazing mother. Mom: First of all, today is your birthday (November 9th), so happy birthday! Through the years, we have had many difference, a lot of disagreements, and sometimes a little resentment towards one another.You mean the world to me and I'm so thankful for you. I have to say, I miss your uncontrollable laugh at funny movies, commercials, tv shows, etc. That laugh has always been contagious and always left me laughing until I couldn't breathe. I miss you more than you know and wish we lived closer together. I do enjoy our long conversations on the phone though. I can't wait to see you at Christmas! I love you!
Day 10: I'm thankful for my dad. Dad: We might have struggled for a while, but in the end (as always), we overcame it. I'll always remember our times riding out in the country on the 4-wheeler and you on your dirt bike; all those times you, Kimi, and I would play football until it got dark; and all those nights we would laugh and play 'The Game of Life!' Even though I live far away, I still love you and miss you. I'm thankful for the time we do have now, and enjoy spending it on the phone talking (for 3 hours sometimes!). I love you!
Day 11: I'm thankful for days like today....spending the whole day curled up in my pajamas watching tv/movies with my wonderful husband. :)
Day 12: I'm thankful for our fury babies, Cotton and Gidget. Even though you may drive me nuts sometimes, you always have a way to brighten up my day. Cotton, you are always so happy; and when you play, you play! You always give Matt and I a reason to laugh!
Oh Gidget, your unpredictable ways make me love you even more. You are such a softy, even though you put on a tough guy image. You love to play "mind" games, as much as they drive me crazy. You turn almost everything into a game! Hide-n-seek.... you're favorite!!
Day 13: I'm thankful for the moments that I feel comforted by God's amazing grace. As I began to worry about if Matt made it to work okay, I received a text message shortly after telling me he had been busy, but was okay. Thank you God for this sign and the comfort that has come over me.
Day 14: I was NOT wanting to wait until Day 14 to say I was thankful for my wonderful husband! However, today is significant to our relationship...so I thought it was worth the wait! 2 years ago today, sometime after midnight, we were on the phone discussing how we should start a relationship. I'm forever grateful for that moment because it has led us to the most beautiful love I've ever experienced. We have had a lot of ups and downs, however have overcome them as usual. You are my rock, my knight in shining armor. I love you more than you know, sweetheart! This has truly been the best 2 years of my life and I can't wait to experience the rest of my years of existence with you!
November 2010
November 2011
November 2012 Day 15: I'm thankful for the webcam and skype! I got to see my hubby for a little while this afternoon. It's going to make this "long" 4 days bearable :) Day 16: I'm thankful for having the opportunity to be a house-wife. Even though I'm ready to start working again, I've really enjoyed having this time off because I was given the chance to grow as a person. Day 17: I'm thankful that I got invited to a job fair/screening for a teaching position! I'm looking forward to see what God has planned for me. I'm also thankful that Notre Dame not only won the game against Wake Forest (11-0 baby!!!), but also has made it to the number one spot!! Go IRISH!!! Day 18: I'm thankful for God's Word. It comforts me and encourages me. I never thought I would get to a point and feel like such a strong person, even in my weakest moments! Day 19: I'm thankful for the food that is continually placed in front of us each day. I'm also thankful that I can multi-task and have cheesy vegetable chowder ready to eat when Matt gets home! Day 20: I'm thankful my grandmother made it out of surgery okay yesterday and is feeling better than she was. Day 21: I'm thankful that we are able to fly into Utah for Thanksgiving. I'm so thankful for my in-laws and glad to be spending this season with them! Day 22: I'm thankful for another day of life; and being able to spend the day with amazing people! I'm also thankful for my family who I cannot be with today. If I could be in multiple places at once, I'd be with all of you!! Love you all!
As some of you know, about a month or two ago, I started doing a Bible study with a friend of mine. Each week, we do one or two (sometimes more) Bible readings/studies. In between these studies, we'll ask how one another is doing, our strengthens, struggles, accomplishments, etc.
Today, she had mentioned about seeing a sermon on TV about keeping your mouth "clean." This not only means keeping the language you say positive, but also your thoughts and your attitudes.
Everyone has the ability to stay positive. A lot of people struggle with it though...I'm one of those people!
It is easier in some situations to just complain and be negative. I'm good at this too. What we have to remember is life is full of challenges. How we react to these challenges is a reflection on our perspective on life.
Here is a clear example of how my life is being tested even as I write this post. Being a stay-at-home wife has it's advantages. However, having two cats who have completely different personalities and needs could drive this stay-at-home wife crazy! See, "crazy" is a negative word. Between Cotton being under my feet, scratching and meowing in my face as I do yoga, and Gidget always trying to cause trouble by jumping up on the kitchen counter... it is very hard to stay positive!
However, my friend just enlightened me. It's going to be struggle, but I'm going to try to make it these next couple weeks without complaining about them and just accepting them.
*Gulp*
"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT)
I may need a little encouraging and may need a reminder to read this verse every morning before I get out of bed! I want to be a better person and my friend really just made me realize how negative I was (without evening telling me I was!)
I challenge you to do the same. Try it for a whole day. Go to work, class, or whatever you do each day and don't complain about anything. Don't even mumble anything under your breath...
"Stupid crazy cat. You're hungry, I get it. But leave me alone. You don't eat again until 5:30. You are on a diet, get over it!!! Give me some space so I don't go insane!!!!"
Negative words: Stupid, crazy, insane
Turn your situation into something positive...
"Okay Kara, breathe. She is just hungry. She is hungry because she is on a diet and doesn't know any better. *Breathe in through the nose and out the mouth* Gidget just wants attention and that's why she is jumping on the counter. Just walk away and breathe. Try to understand and be in their shoes, err paws for a moment."
Yes, I just did this about 30 minutes ago....but see that difference? I wasn't as angry afterwards and I was able to laugh it off and begin to enjoy their cuteness as they chased each other around the house.
Try this challenge with me! Give me feedback on how it works for you!
I was discussing with my mom the other day in a 2 hour phone conversation how I felt my life has taken a complete 360 and everything "evil", "bad", or "negative" has been thrown my way ever since I moved to Texas 5 months ago.
Then I realized the same thing happened when I moved to Indiana back in 2009. Everything always went wrong instead of right.
I think this is how God works in our lives though; throws us a few curve balls to challenge us so we learn how to...
"Trust in the LORD with all of your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 NLT)
It makes sense, right?
Even through these rough times, I've learned that I went through this to not only build a strong character in myself, but also learn how to be responsible and independent. I've also learned how essential it is to be dependent on God. There are situations that we as humans cannot control. That's when we must lean on God and trust that He will make things right.
With battling my decision on "what I want to do for the rest of my life," I've come to realize that I miss being near children. After going through countless circumstances trying to get back into school over the last 5 months hoping that one day I might become an ultrasound technician, it's not in God's plan for me right now.
I have to follow God's plan.
I want and need to go back to teaching.
I've been applying for teaching positions all week. I just have to be patient (something I discussed with a dear friend of mine how this is a weakness I need to work on). I've never been a patient person, but I know God will lead me to the job I'm supposed to be at.
No matter how hard situations can be, no matter how bad they always start off; in the end, something positive will come from it!
"Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who are patient."
This is a simple and easy meal to make that lasts for about 3 meals between Matt and I. We love to eat this on football game days. As a blogger, I found this recipe on another blog and knew we had to try it. Tonight is our second time making it and I have to admit, it's still yummy!!
Here is what you need:
1 tablespoonvegetable or canola oil
1medium yellow onion, diced
3bell peppers (red, yellow, orange or green), sliced
