Expensive...

Why is life so expensive? From a pack of gum to a tank of gas, you practically have to give an arm and a leg to get anywhere. Then at the end of the day, you might have to run some stairs just to make yourself feel better. Which is kinda weird to think about if you only have one arm and one leg hobble'n up some stairs.

Thinking about the future and what I want to do with my life, I get overwhelmed with all the financial statements I am looking at. I have come to the conclusion that my brain is in overload. I think this is why God states, Do not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow has enough worry for itself. (Matt 6:34)

Taking care of twin four-year-olds, I have come to realize my faith is not like a child. They hold my hand as for dear life, like I can protect them from anything. They snuggle with me because I can keep them warm and safe. When they are hurt, they cry on my shoulder because they think I make them feel better. Why can I not do this with my heavenly Father? Having this same faith should be instinct. But it's not always. Then I think that this life was not cheap. Jesus gave his life on the cross for me, so why can't I lay down my life daily in thanks for what a life he has given me. Even if it means hobbling up stairs with one arm and one leg.

-Girl on a mission.

Endless Stairs

With this morning wake up text reading, "Why are you not here yet?" I jumped out of bed to race to somewhere in Mill Valley. Somewhere- meaning someTHING I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. As I returned home, I looked up how "high" I walked today. Their are only (I say only in a very sarcastic way) three flights of stairs. These flights are as tall as a fifty-story building. Arriving to meet Kari and already breathing harder than normal just to get to the stairs, I look up and go, "OKay I can do this." The first set of stairs are like little baby step stairs. You would think that they would be easy. Kari says, "Put two stairs together and add a dip that will create a lunge." Yeah ok. So this is just the first flight of stairs in which we go up three times. Not so bad- feeling it still, but doing alright. Second flight gets a little harder bigger steps and the last 10 steps are stones straight up. So after I come back from gasping for air, I'm like ok. Then we walk 300 feet and go up the next flight. These actually were my favorite stairs, which is weird because at this point throwing up seemed reasonable. But each stair was dedicated to someone. So it was fun to read instead of thinking- I'd rather die than walk another step. haha

I really did enjoy the morning- which after reading the last paragraph, you might think otherwise. After thinking about and praying that I could make it back down to my car without falling over- I felt reassured that when I did get down, I would feel better than I did when I got up. Which is true. It was a sence of accomplishment for me. I did it. Every person on those stairs probably were 5'4'' and under weighing 120 lbs max. So I felt reassured that one day running the stairs might be an option.

I never knew how relaxing and stressful nature could be at 6:30 in the morning. But I love it.

P.S. Get ready Kate- We are doing the stairs. ;)

~Girl on a mission

It's very Marin

California is like a cult. It's not a religion it's an attitude of life. And yet I am trying to invade it giving them a southern hospitality feel that really confuses this cult. People actually enjoy talking about themselves around here. The problem is- NO ONE asks them! People in retail need those friendly customers to make it through the day. Trust me, I KNOW from experience. Smiling at people who work at gas stations- most don't speak much English, but no one cares about them. I have never felt like I have been making this much of a difference in such a long time, and it is just by being myself.

One very close friend told me before I left for California, "California changes people." Well, not me- or atleast not yet. It maybe changing me for the better and helping other people that it doesn't have to be so "Marin." I love that I feel helpful and needed in this community and let me tell you- They all need Jesus.

So keep praying.

Update on Life!

As I have started to read a new book there are always little quotes that I take to heart. The new book, of probably the next two weeks, is Eat, Pray, Love. This book is also going to be turned into a movie with Julia Roberts in the next couple of weeks, which indeed I will have a girls night and go see it. :)

But in the mean time, I am not going to ruin the book or the movie for you but I am going quote Gilbert a few times just because she is hysterical!

My life is a series of dramatic points and yet, it is really not me that is dramatic, it is people I surround myself with and then I have dramatic stories because of them. How is that??? It is funny because my boss, Chris(tine) loves to hear about the 20's drama. She feels that she lives her life though others and is glad at the end of the story that it is not her. Facinating!

I have met in the past two(ish) weeks instantly close friends. Chelsea, Shari, Julie and April (not my sister). I have found a Bible study that I love and feel as though I am probably the weakest Christian and yet still have points to bring to the table. They aren't afraid about bringing the truth even if it hurts and the power of prayer is undescribable. I continuously learn about the spiritual life that I have completely defocused on all my life and now realize how much prayer has an affect on it. Let's get moving people! Start praying! And HARD!

On a flip side, I am loving both my jobs. The photography is getting more fun everyday. I am learning a lot and most days I am ready to start my own company, then realize that God says BE PATIENT! And then I go, I am happy where He has brought me from and I need to live in the moment. I am working on the being content on where I am and waiting for the next step from God.

Three upcoming events that I am SO excited about: One, is that KATE is coming on August 10th! She and I will be a tourist and go ride the farrie and do fun things! YAY! Second, my sister returns from around the world! Comes here to tell me all about her adventure and then I might actually get to see her. WEIRD! Third, I bought a plane ticket home so I can see my mom for her birthday!! I also get to be home close to mine and Wattie's bday so we can celebrate together! YAY! I am so glad that my life is relax and not stressful. Well it has its days of kids kicking and screaming, but that is all about learning the ropes of motherhood. Now let's say our ABC's as we walk out the door. :)

That is all for now.

Love,
Girl with a Big heart.

Craziness

So I have officially moved into my room. WHAT? I know you would think I would have done that months ago. BUT I have painted my room "chocolate sparkle," bought curtains, took them back, bought picture frames, and then took them back. Then went to Michael's with Chelsea and bought new picture frames. Now I need to print pictures. HMMM

I feel more like home now. I relax in my room now. Which is so nice! It looks like me. The family comes home tomorrow so we shall see what they think. Hope they like it... cause I'm not painting it back! haha Just an FYI, yes I did ask first and they said it was ok. So no freaking out.

This week alone: I was asked to be a maid of honor in a wedding, painted and rearanged my room, talked to my sister in Africa, prayed- a lot, was in LA, talked about middle school, then hung out with a friend from middle school and missed my family a WHOLE lot!

Tried Boca Steak and Seafood in Novato. It was one of the best steaks I have had. And I have worked at some good steak restaurants.

Things I have learned:

1. Painting is very therapeutic- thanks APES!

2. Maturity is very attractive in men.

3. I like brown and black together.

4. I love photography

5. GOd provides

6. Friends are great to have.

7. Smile- it confuses Californians

8. Do not let pet peeves bother you- even if it has to do with driving.

9. Driving is also therapeutic.

10. Last but not least- Do not through recyclables in the trash.

Need some friendly, loving comments...