Missed me?

I honestly don't know who reads this anymore, buuuuut I think I shall write again. soon. very soon.

much love.

Sup

Sup people. So I really suck at this blogging thing. I feel like whenever I post, it has to be something informative, inspired, or just important. But I have to face the fact that life is preeeeettyy much the same as it always is. Back in school. Sometimes I hate it and sometimes I love it. I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I have great family and friends. Boys...well are boys. That really needs no explanation. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling...24? (I don't even like T-Swift, sorry peeps) Anyways, one thing I did learn this summer is if life is going in a bad way and there are things you don't like, you CAN change it. Seriously. It WORKS people. Take control of your life and also realize that there are things (or people) that you CAN'T or SHOULDN'T control because 1) it'll make you crazy 2) its wrong and 3) you'll always lose. I'll be the first to admit, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. My friend asked me how I was doing this week and I said good! She said she loved seeing good! Which of course I do too. However, it made me realize, "Wow, do I always have bad things going on in my life? Or am I the one making them be bad things?" Its probably the latter one. So that's a goal I'm setting. Trying to wear more positive...good emotions on my sleeve. And to remember, change those things that are letting you down, but don't worry about the things you can't control.

Oh and guys, its FALL TIME. My favorite season. The smells, colors, clothes, food, PUMPKIN THINGS. All good things. Can't wait.

XOXO, 

James

Fathers

In The Family: Proclamation to the World it says, "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." My father has done this to the best of his abilities in my family. He always says he isn't perfect or that he should have done this differently when we were growing up, but I know that him and my mom always tried their best. They loved their children unconditionally and would do anything for us. I remember my father coming home from a long day of work and just wanting to play with us. I couldn't wait until I heard the car pull up and the garage door open. Now I can't wait until I have time off of school to go home and see my family and spend time with my dad, whether its going to Sharks or Giants games, or just sitting on the couch watching our favorite shows. I'm grateful for the best man in my life who has taught me to love God, to love our family, and to love others.

so Happy Father's Day Dad!

Chances

I feel sorry for those people who aren't willing to take chances in their lives. To go for something that would make them so unbelievably happy but they just pass on that opportunity. I don't just mean in relationships, but in other aspects of their lives as well. Right now, I only regret one thing in my life, and it was an opportunity that I missed out on. I don't ever want to feel that again. I try and go for things, even if I'm not certain of the outcome, I know that I at least tried. My good friend Ashley put this quote from C.S. Lewis on her blog that I wanted to share. It reminded me of why we go through the hard things. They change and shape us into better people. 

 I hope that we learn to not miss out on good opportunities in our lives. And that even if our heart aches that we know why we are going through it and WILL become better people. People that God intends us to be.

Be Real.

I was just thinking about how I wish people would communicate. Be REAL. Just say what you mean and mean what you say. Its not that hard.

until next time...

Motivation?

There is a part of us that just wants to give up. The motivation is gone, lost or was never there to begin with. (I partly blame spring break on that) We don't want to go to that activity, hang out with that friend, go on that date, have that awkward talk, fulfill your calling, do that assignment, study, read, work, clean, shower, do your hair, paint your nails, shave, workout. Ah. It can be overwhelming and all we want to do is curl up in a ball and cry....

I remember when I was on the 6th grade basketball team, our coach ran us to the ground. I think we were the worst team, but probably in the best shape. We would run suicides A LOT. And I remember thinking during them that I would say to myself, you can do it. Don't give up. Just a little bit longer. Fast forward a few years and the worries, responsibilities and challenges have piled up. There are a lot of suicides to run. It seems like my positive thoughts, not all the time, but lately have turned into ones of defeat. But why can't my 11 y.o. self tell my 24 y.o. self..."You can do it! Just a little bit longer...you are NOT giving up." 

 When I am so close to giving up or wanting to throw in the towel, something pulls me back in and says, "you've still got many rounds to go." There is that little voice in our head that keeps us going. I don't always know how it remains there, but there is this instinct part of me that can't ever fully give up. I definitely know God doesn't want me to. I think my motivation is knowing that Heavenly Father is in my corner and Christ is next to me fighting. They can give me the motivation to finish this PTA program, fulfill my BIG calling, serve others, and yes, I'm going to say it, keep on dating, no matter how annoying it can be. :) Whether its small or big, they've always got my back. 

 

pancakes and memories

This semester I am taking an oral communications class. I already really like it. We are asked to give speeches every class period, usually only about a minute to a minute and a half at most. This week our teacher wanted us to speak about our favorite dish. This was somewhat hard for me because I really just like any food! I love trying new dishes, food from different cultures, and plates with lots of flavors. However, when I really thought about it, I thought about pancakes. yup, pancakes. Specifically, applesauce cinnamon pancakes. They remind me of my weekend mornings with my dad. I would sit on the counter while he made pancakes for all of us, and he would specially make those applesauce cinnamon ones for him and me. We were the only ones who liked them.  It is such a simple dish and a simple memory but one that I will always cherish.