Baby Giraffe, Spot and Cola

This weekend held the most unexpected surprise ever. Well, I was trying to figure out the whole drama over my new cell, I was asked to come over and sit down. Okay, so when my "twin" asks something like this...my heart skips one beat too many, my mind races with the possibilities of what she wants to say, and then in an instant of looking at the sparkle in her eyes, I knew. So, after I open my gift bag, I discover after moments of pure confusion (my usual reaction to the unexpected) that she has a bun in the oven! Yes, cliches have some sort of gravitational pull on me and any chance I have to use one I'll jump on it. So, my first foray into being a Tia began this Saturday afternoon and I can't wait for this fun adventure during the next 9 months.

Any store with baby animals and adorable onesies...watch out. I'm already becoming quite the researcher of all that is baby. Welcome to the family little bebe! May God bless you and your padres every moment during these next 9 months. Love, your Tia!

What will be your favorite color? Green, pink, blue, yellow, hmm...

So Long Insecurity Simulcast

Blond, petite, spunky, and Southern twang with each syllable. Who am I describing? The adorable Beth Moore and the awesome simulcast that I went to on Saturday. I'm so grateful that I decided to go to this jam-packed simulcast of over 300,000 women attending across the states. The following are my notes from her lesson and points that I don't ever, ever, ever want to forget!

Insecurity is not a weakness, but it is essentially unbelief.

A Secure Woman is:

1. Saved from herself.
2. Entitled to the truth. Perfection is insecurity in an art form...ooh, ouch!
3. Clothed with intention. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25). A vision of being baptized and putting on the new while letting go of the old ways of living. Being "clothed" in this type of Godly intention begins in our thought life, then goes to our feet to act upon, and then finally to our emotions. This was such a new way of thinking for me because like so many other women, I fess up to basing to much of my actions on my emotions first instead of last. However, starting in the mind is where the battle is won. When determined to walk in the security of Christ Jesus instead of circumstances, people, or my own fluctuating feelings is a powerful change of thinking. *Secure even before we feel it! We can't wait until we feel secure, but instead be renewed by the spirit of God in our mind and spiral up from there. Secure people are free from having to always think about themselves and be so self-absorbed.
   
4. Upended by grace. Grace takes up space in a secure woman. When we as women have been graced by the love of God through his son Jesus Christ, we should find it easier to grace others with this same grace and not be so easily offended. Grace turns all upside down (e.g. insecurity becomes security, impossible becomes possible). Receive God's forgiveness already and actually live a life walking in it and extending it to others.
5. Rebounded by love. To abide in the knowledge that we are all deeply loved children of God and to walk out the door in the morning holding on to Him as our security, a security that is no longer determined by social situations, events, or relationships, but by God himself! To remember the immeasurable love of God as the reason for such security and hope. Let our cups be overflowing when we wake and not wait for others to fill it for us.
   
6. Exceptional in life. To remember that God works through the pain in our lives and He makes it all worth it. Never forget that He's up to something wonderfully powerful!
   

Hot Dogs and Half Mexican

This day was super comical, I had to blog to not forget how hard I laughed. A group of first graders that I was guest teaching for today were working in a small group and all of a sudden there was this horrible smell. I asked what it was and someone pointed to this one boy and with a big smile on his face said it was the hot dogs that made him burp. But then the boy right next to him, said ughh no, he does it with pizza too! Hot Dog Burp Boy just smiles and laughs and thus affectionately earned his nickname.

Cut to snack time of oranges and I'm helping a bunch of the students peel their oranges and I start speaking in broken Spanglish to a boy who spoke little English and I get asked do you Speak? I answer with my overused, muy poquito and she replies, "oh, so you're half Mexican." If a camera would have snapped a picture at this moment, it would have no doubt found me with my mouth open and quickly defending my 100% Mexican self...geesh! She was sweet, but wow she threw a zinger that I would have expected from a teenager! A diss of mass proportions from a completely innocent student...will remember this and cracked up my family with this story.

He Stands By Me...

I've heard this song many times before, but it's amazing how a song can speak to you differently at different times in your life. Right now, in this moment I'm wholeheartedly reminded of God's protection over me and that He's always with me through the tough, ugly, and beautiful.

If I could only emblaze this on my heart...

So often, I hear the phrase, "be strong in the Lord." But how often does a more in depth definition really follow as to what that entails? In my experience not too often. This quote that I found from a Discovery Series study explained it perfectly! Let my heart be ignited with these words EVERY TIME I even try to do something in my own strength.

"You may be so by having no confidence in your own ability, by doing what God says and trusting him to back you, by exercising what is called "the obedience of faith," by stepping, at God's command, towards closed glass doors and watching them swing open as you reach them. Your strength lies in what he does whey you obey." This last line gives me chills each time and I imagine a choir of angels wondering if this powerful point has finally hit home with me.

Reminder to me: Don't be afraid to reach out or stand out for Christ. Don't hesitate, just obey.

Old Times

Today I had a sweet sub job that made me reminisce about having my own class. Although, I do miss having that consistent opportunity to support the same group of young minds and had hoped to get back into teaching at some point. However, with all the sad hoopla surrounding education right now, it would truly have to be God that opens that door. In the meantime, I'm going to do my absolute best to embrace this adventure of where He wants to use me and simply bloom where I'm planted in each situation. Fully knowing that this road is leading me to my permanent place of purpose.

101 in 1001

Melissa Jill inspired me before with her 101 in 1001 list and since she recently updated her list, I thought I'd update mine as well. So for mere reminders sake, here's my working list (more to come as inspiration hits) of 101 in 1001 list of things I would like to accomplish and then some.

Start Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
End Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012

1. Go to Canada by train.
2. Go camping in Yosemite (never been yet)
3. Relive my childhood summer at Burney Falls and climb up the white dirt to the top through the waterfall and up to eat a hot fudge sundae.
4. Go see a concert by Natalie Grant with a friend and hear her exercise those soulful vocals.
5. Write a book about wherever my zany imagination can fly.
6. Take relatively inexpensive photography classes & workshops to further develop my own style.
7. Not just act like a Christian but react like one too. (Thanks Pete Wilson for this one)
8. Take a cooking class with a friend.
9. Hike Mt. Diablo's waterfall trail and make it to the top of the peak.
10. Run 5 5k races for charity and health eventually building up to 10 10k races.
11. Get more massages purely for health benefits of course. ;)
12. Replace fear with FAITH!
13. Read two books a month. One for entertainment and another for growth.
14. Just buckle down and buy Rosetta Stone already and learn Spanish, which will make every penny worth it.
15. Write down my blessings for the day every day, so that I can look back and remember in detail how God's
worked his grace all around me.
16. Go on a summer mission's trip with a group of friends.
17. Join two professional associations that will support networking and career development.
18. Blog 3-4x's a week to track this journey of life, love, and and adventure.
19. Love more and judge less.
20. Expand my cooking repertoire with FoodNetwork style dishes.
21. Buy and Learn how to expertly use Lightroom and Photoshop.
22. Donate blood preferably without passing out, cookie or not.
23. Take a road trip with friends and document our travel along the way.
24. Learn how to box, Ali style...watch out.
25. Join a book club.
26. Practice pilates on a daily basis or close to.
27. Realize what my spiritual gifts are and put them to use.
28. Learn to play my guitar and 3 songs.
29. Find a career that I have a passion to serve in.
30. Go ice skating in Central Park.
31. Take a ballroom class that will have me dancing salsa and meringue all over the dance floor.
32. Go to a Rascal Flatts concert and support my guys with the southern twang.
33. Sing karaoke without the help of anything intoxicating.
34. Learn sign language.
35. Get involved with the multi-media ministry at church.
36. Go to Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and Ireland (not all at the same time of course ;)
37. Buy a Mac.
38. Go skydiving indoors.
39. Swim in pristine waters with my beloved dolphins.
40. Visit the Asian Art Museum for one of their exhibits.
41. Have tea at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco.
42. Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge and inhale the scenery with every breath.
43. Have a "classics" movie day to finally see movies such as Casablanca and Rebel Without a Cause.
44. Have a friends Fashion Shoot in Brentwood.
45. Enjoy Grecian culture on the island of Santorini.
46. Visit Austin, TX and experience the RiverWalk firsthand.
47. Drink sweet tea in Savannah, Georgia and bump into Paula Dean.
48. Listen to country music in Nashville while eating BBQ.
49. Learn how to take incredible videos on my camera.
50. Jog/Walk the Nike Half Marathon!
51. Do the Muddy Buddy Challenge sponsored by Columbia.
52. Make the best Summer Sangria!
53. Get some fantastic headshots for photography website.
54. Design a photography logo for website.
55. Watch no t.v. for an entire day!
55. Take a pottery/ceramics class.
56. Make Pysanky with friends for Easter.
57. Complete an entire crossword puzzle without having to check the answers.
58. Attend Academy of Science Nightlife.
59. Submit photos to Diablo Magazine.
60. Go to my first hockey game...Go Sharks!
61. See Pete Escovedo in concert.
62. Camp in Big Sur and take a dip in the hot springs.
63. Go to the California State Fair in Sacramento and take pictures at night of all the rides and games.
64. Plant my own organic vegetable garden.
65. Have the world's best hot chocolate at Serendipity in New York.
66. See the musical, Wicked.
67. Try out Yoshi's in Jack London Square.
68. Consistently practice Krav Maga...bam!
69. Attend more educational conferences.
70. Go to Hume Lake for a women's retreat with the gal pals.
71. Buy a Honda CRV in midnight blue.
72. Start my own nonprofit for empowering and supporting women and girls navigate self-esteem.
73. Dance in the rain.
74. Run in the rain.
75. Start my own photography business.
76. Visit and tour the Tuscan style castle, Castello di Amorosa (between St. Helena & Calistoga)
77. Photograph a b&W photo series spanning a variety of subjects and settings.
78. Be on the Amazing Race with my sister and make it to to the final four.
79. Meet Beth Moore and her cute spunky self AND work for her Living Proof Ministries.
80. Buy an adorable Mediterranean-style house.
81. Start my own Christian record label in the East Bay.
82. Visit the major baseball stadiums across the country.
83. Enter a photography contest...and win! :)
84.Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years, God-willing.
85. Fall in love, get married and have 3 kids with a heart for God. (obviously this list is random order ;-)
86.Host a dinner party (tapas-themed etc.)
87. Learn 3 of my favorite poems by heart.
88. Bake cookies for a senior center.
89. Buy an adorable dog that's sweet in nature, but protector in instinct (Bella).
90. See Angela Johnson in one of her comedy shows.
91. Leave a special gift for different friends on their doorstep at least 2x month.
92. Send cards to friends "just because."
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101. See God move in WONDERFULLY POWERFUL ways in all areas of my life including: relationships, spiritual, career, health, and every other area.

Fellowship

You know those people that make you feel a little less alone? Well, I have an entire group of women in my church growth group that God works through to speak to me and I'm incredibly grateful. We are different in so many ways, but what bonds us is our desire to serve the same God and live out a relationship worth every mountain and valley that we have to pass through. We're doing this church-wide study called Serving the Master and last week's focus was on spiritual gifts. It's amazing to study where my piece of the puzzle makes the most sense and though it is a process, I'm open to where God leads me and excited to fulfill His purpose for my life. God Bless those who wholeheartedly use their gift(s) and those of us currently searching.

For a more in-depth assessment dealing with the following 9 serving gifts (evangelism, prophecy, teaching, exhortation, pastor/shepherd, showing mercy, giving, administration), there is a free online 108 question questionnaire available at http://www.churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.php.

This song is so fitting for those searching days. Enjoy!

Fight the Good Fight

Fatigue, hopelessness, a cycle of worry. Why do I find myself struggling through my faith once more? I know that God has a plan for my life, but ooh it's been a long dry season of trying to get there. The parable of the talents has constantly been on my mind lately too. I don't want to waste a single day of not using what God has planned for me to use for his purposes. The only problem is that I've struggled for quite some time trying to figure out what these talents are let alone how to use them. So, until I have my epiphany in this direction, I'm going to P.U.S.H. (pray until something happens)!

What are some things you've done to get you through the rough seasons of life?

A Healing Hope

This first song led by Kirk Franklin left me overwhelmed with emotion and heart-strengthened at the same time. The first link as an example in motion of how they will know us by our love. May God heal and restore the Haitian people with hope. What reminders refresh your hope during times like these?

Haiti | Christian Music - Gospel Music Channel

One Question

Questions. Big or small. Thought-provoking or simple. This intriguing question really made me take pause this morning and ask myself how I would answer. With there being no right or wrong answer. Just a question you might be interested to ponder...

Fifty People, One Question: New Orleans from Benjamin Reece on Vimeo.

If you could have one wish come true by the end of today, what would your wish be? No limits...just go for it!

Another Year, Another Milestone

Every year around this time, on this day I contemplate the last year. Today is my birthday and I get more reflective than usual trying to remember where I was the year before. This special day was spent from morning to night with the attention of loved ones wrapped up in cards, fondue, and presents.

I cannot forget to mention that yesterday my sister took me for a day full of sweet surprises in the city by the bay. First up, we headed to the infamous Mama's on Washington Square. If you have never been, I highly recommend this quaint (only around 11 tables) but oh sooh cute breakfast nook that has been given such high accolades by Rachel Ray etc. We had to wait in line for about an hour, BUT totally worth it when I got the hot chocolate with piled on whipped cream and chocolate pastry followed by chocolate-cinnamon french toast (or we sensing a theme? ;) Afterward, we hiked the steepest of hills to work off our breakfast and ended up at a top secret "workout" spot. Location possibly disclosed if you ask...

After this "workout" my sister and I continued on for another strenous climb across the city. Word the wise, don't map out walking directions because they seriously lie and the "easy" route that is suggested is far from. After walking to our final secret spot, we came to Azalea's where my sweet hermana scheduled a mani/pedi (such a girly phrase) complimented by the coconut scent of the tropics...blue nails included. It was a relaxing end to such an exciting day and I'll remember how much loving time my sis put behind orchestrating it. Thanks Monie!

Ok...cut to my actual birthday.

Starbucks and crossword puzzles. Chocolate doughnuts with white sprinkles. Do we ever outgrow sprinkles? Vanilla Bean and blueberry scones, yep a birthday breakfast of champions. My ma took the day off to spend with my spoiled self and after such morning treats, we headed to go see Leap Year. Yes, I am a huge fan of chick flicks and not ashamed of it in the least. Sometimes, life is so full of the seriousness that a girl needs some corny, fairytale love story to snap her back into what it's like to dream again. At least this girl does and I loved every cheesy second of it.

Following our trip to Ireland, we headed to Skates on the Bay. I had never been and because I'm a nut for originality I have to try something/somewhere new on my b-day. Since it always rains on this day, today was no different. We drove into the Berkeley Marina area and saw around six crazy-butt windsurfers! I couldn't take my eyes off them. We walked into Skates and sat a table with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Berkeley Pier and water for miles. Even though it was a stormy day, there was still this sense of tranquility.

My ma and I narrowed it down to crab and artichoke dip. Scrumptious. Such a fun and accurate word for this delectable appetizer. Next up, I went Brazilian for the next hour while I sipped a Caipirinha drink.

The night ended with mom's famous philly cheesesteak sandwich by request. It was then topped off with chocolate fondue dipped with pound cake, strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, and more. This was all celebrated with friends and family and nobody was more in glee than my grandmother who went back for not three or four servings, but more around five to seven...go grams! :) This day was awesome and it ended with an ever-addicting episode of the bachelor. Thank you to all my loved ones that make each year more blessed and more cherished as time goes on. Gracias por todos!!!

Don't Have to Face It On Your Own

Far too often, one can hide themselves for fear of total exposure. Fear of being exposed for being so imperfect it hurts. Yet, the key to healing lies not in continued guilt, but rather connection with a Savior that accepted us with full knowledge of our past and future scars. This song has most recently compelled me to remember the freedom I have in Christ.

What is it you have been trying far too long to face solo?

Year in Review

Focus. Focus. And one more for good measure, focus. This is going to be my parting mantra for 2009 and heading into 2010. This year God-willing, I want to stay focused not on what the world thinks is important, but what I know in my heart God has called importance to. To be less about me and more about Him and serving as a reflection of Christ to others. (I feel like there should be a Hallelujah in there somewhere). With that said, here's my recap of 2009...

This is a rendition from a post I found through Shutter Sisters.

The #best09 Prompts

Trip- What was your best trip in 2009? Duh. Kaua'i was a very rugged and simultaneously serene family vacation. We ate like Hawaii royalty every morning with french toast, guava juice, french toast, omelets, and yes french toast again. This trip is sooh to blame for my obsession with dried mangoes. To sum Kaua'i up, roosters, rainforest, roosters, mosquitoes, roosters, must-see plantation train tour, roosters, Bubba's Burgers and killer milkshakes, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, roosters, Marriott water slide, roosters, Fern's Grotto, tiki torches lit nightly, roosters, and my beloved mangoes.

Restaurant moment- Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind? I'd have to say that it's a toss up between the breakfast french toast in Kaua'i with the dinner buffet that we had on the last night. My family and I experienced an gastronomical delight of massive proportions, that I'm still trying to work off. The sheer selection of pastries had me practically going into a food coma. Everything stands out in my memory, but probably the mini eclairs that were melt in your mouth sinful!

Article-What's an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious'd and reference throughout the year. Blank on this one. But please share if there's some amazing article I failed to come across this "09 year.

Book- What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies? Without a doubt, Margart Feinberg's Sacred Echoes and Organic God deeply spoke to me. I started it because of a church group that was doing a study.

Blog find of the year- That gem of a blog you can't believe you didn't know about until this year. Shutter Sisters and Bianca Juarez's, In the Name of Love.

Moment of peace-An hour or a day or a week of solitude. What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did you get there? My peace this year came not just in solitude, but in community-my growth group helped to bring me this complete sense of peace through laughter and support. Thanks chicas! Much love!

Challenge Something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you? By far, finishing my master's project on First-Generation College Students and Integrative Approaches to Reducing Street (sounds super academic, huh?) There were major highs and lows of writing such an intense paper, but through God's grace, His mercy covered my mood swings and I did make it to graduation day to accept my Master of Arts in Counseling (not the MFT sort, more like academic counseling serving students..but I digress).

Album of the year-What's rocking your world? Two Words. Addison Road. Enough Said.

The best place- coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook? Any pew at church, it provides a sense of safety and retreat that freezes time.

New food- You're now in love with Lebanese food and you didn't even know what it was in January of this year. Empanadas and Pupusas. Something about them just makes my mouth water. Then again most food makes my mouth water.

Tea of the year- I can taste my favorite tea right now. What's yours? I got hooked on TJ's green blueberry tea this year. It's my cup of coffee.

Word or phrase- A word that encapsulates your year. "2009 was _____." Heart-opening.

Shop- Online or offline, where did you spend most of your mad money this year? What can I say? Forever 21 is a girl's best friend, no matter the budget.

Car ride- What did you see? How did it smell? Did you eat anything as you drove there? Who were you with? Nada on this one too.

New person- She came into your life and turned it upside down. He went out of his way to provide incredible customer service. Who is your unsung hero of 2009? No sappiness, but family who support me and my dreams in whatever, shade or shape they come in. Gracias mi familia!

Learning experience- What was a lesson you learned this year that changed you? I've learned that daily living for me requires constant surrender of my worries and dreams. Since it is only in this surrender that God can really work in my life...when I finally let my grip of it go.

Gift- What's a gift you gave yourself this year that has kept on giving? More of a gift given to me. A graduation gift that captures every priceless moment.

Laugh- What was your biggest belly laugh of the year? "Buddha Baby" challenging me to a straight-up stare down contest and winning!

Resolution you wish you'd stuck with. (You know, there's always next year...) Eating less sugar.

Thank God for this year of eye-opening, pull at my heartstrings moments and for abundant blessings to many to name.

What have been some of your '09 bests and dreams for '10? Feel free to share and give me some ideas for 2010! ;)

Peace Out '09, it's been a ride for sure.

Verse of the Week

This week's verse that has resonated with me has been Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is far too easy to become distracted with everyday circumstances, but this verse reminds me that I can let go of feeling like I have to be in control of every little thing. Because in the end, it's ultimately in God's hands anyway and He has far more awe-inspiring plans for my life than I could ever imagine on my own.

Location Wishlist

I know that if I write down my ideal photoshoot locations, then I'll be more likely to actually put some effort into making it happen. Here's a list of the "ideals" and I'll definitely add to the list periodically.

• Train stations and the classic "track" shot
• Farmhouse and Barn-I can already hear Reba in the background...
• Basketball Court and someone slam dunking
• A field of Sunflowers
• Emeryville Warehouses
• Baseball Stadium
• Empty Indoor Parking Garage-sounds strange, but I've seen some great shots here before
• Graffitied Walls -my ultimate favorite!
• Airport

Study Hall: Post-Processing Software

I always get super jazzed when I find a website that is informative and sooo easy to follow. One day on one of my searches, I came across Patty Reiser from This Digital Life. I sent her a question about presets using Photoshop Elements because this is what I have to work with right now. She kindly and ever so quickly sent me a reply back with the most savvy suggestions. Thanks to Patty and her Tuesday Tutorials, I am now a bit more informed on Photoshop, Lightroom, and Watermarks. Thanks Patty!

Photographer Spotlight: Jules Bianchi

It all started with scouring over photographer websites for my sister's wedding three years ago. My mom and I kept coming across photographers that had good work, but nothing that really stood out UNTIL we came across Jules Bianchi. Long story short, we all met and her funky, original, and spectacular style stood out and we were all sold. Jules and Joy ended up shooting my sister's wedding and ever since then we've been two of her top blog fans. So much so, that when Jules had her new studio grand opening-Jules Bianchi Photograhy Bay Area Studios, guess who showed up to support? Yep, my sister and I were there and can say that we have first-hand experience with the JoyCam...don't be jealous.

Tears and Cheers

TEARS & CHEERS

Every week has its share of highs and not so highs. So, in an attempt to find memorable humor in life's happenings, I'm starting a weekly Tears & Cheers Section. So, here goes to this week's winners...

Tears-Dealing with student loans over the phone, ughhh! Loving the fact that I have a "classic" car, but not loving the pricey bill to keep it working.

Cheers-Major applause goes to storms that literally last for a day and sunshine clear mornings the very next day, bunnies (what can I say, sometimes when I ask God for a sign, it can come in unexpected things), growth groups that refresh my spirit and soul, episodes of Holidate, and library book sales where I was able to buy a Kaua'i book for a buck! Wahooo! :)

Security...Lay it Down

This faith walk that I've been on lately has been quite the revelation. The only reason for tonight's post is so that I remember this particular revelation and not let it pass me by. I had a slightly unexpected pricey bill come my way today and had the crashing realization that I had felt pretty "cushy" until this blow to my current stash. In this moment of rushing heaviness, I was met with the reality that I had based my security not on God alone, but on what I monetarily posssessed on my own. This lesson was definitely not a pleasant one, but appreciative nonetheless for the reminder that God is truly my only security and the worries that can come with having "seemingly" less need to be laid down at the cross of Jesus Christ. For only through, with, and in him does my true security lie. So, Jesus my troubles, I lay em down to you.