Hey Blog Followers,
I hope this new year has been a good start for you. Even through the valleys (hardships) I'm hoping you are taking some life lessons and will be able to pass down your wise experience on how you have overcame them through this season.
I feel pretty open talking about the dating/single life, because I feel it's a topic that people want to talk about, but often there is a dark stain that comes with that topic, so I want to try and break that. I'm not saying that I handle it the best way, because my close family and friends know how much it touches me talking about this.
I want to share a dream and my thoughts about it, because it truly taught me on what I'm really looking for in a life companion. I'll be the first to admit that I had a list of of the superficial qualities that I was looking for in a guy, however recently I am learning it's so much deeper than that. This dream has shifted my heart and mind to think and feel differently.
The dream:
The dream started off with me meeting a guy that I use to have a crush on. In the dream I was suppose to wait for him to get ready, because he was not ready, but then the next scene in my dream was we were at church singing songs of worship. This person in my dream knew the lyrics to the songs, but wasn't singing it from his heart. He was basically lip singing and then I said to him, "You know the words, so why aren't you singing?" In my dream I felt the change shift drastically all because of those words I told him. The dream ended with that guy having his arm around me-like a side hug and we were truly singing songs of worship to God from our hearts. The most powerful thing I felt in my dream was, I felt spiritually safe with that person.
So here are the lessons I learned:
1) You may be ready to date someone, but maybe God is still working on that person. Maybe they aren't ready. Maybe God only wants to give you the absolute best and He knows that it can even better.
2) A person may "know" Jesus, but does he really know him? He may say he does and sure, he knows the stories or can defend with bible verses that he knows God, but what really matters is his heart. Is he able to sing songs to God with his whole heart or does he just sing the lyrics?
3) Feeling physically safe is important, but feeling spiritually safe with someone is just as important or even more important. Physical looks or protection will pass and is not guaranteed, so I would argue that being with someone who is cheering you on to live a life eternity with God is more important.
4) You want to be singing side by side with the person you end up with singing praises to God. It was so beautiful that it's hard to describe the feeling (AND THAT IT'S JUST A FEELING FROM A DREAM! I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT THE REAL THING FEELS LIKE!)
I'll admit, that it's so tempting to date someone who you get along with, but isn't pushing you to a deeper relationship with God. I'm not saying that it's easy waiting for the right person. I'm saying that I'm at least going to try and if those feelings from my dream are true, then I rather wait for the right person to spend the rest of this life with than settle.
My list of the guy that I'm prayer has changed from physical features to something deeper.
The guy I will end up will...
-Love and knows jesus whole heartily.
-Prays with and for you.
-Thanks God for you.
-Values you and your family.
-Laughs with you a lot!
-Has you're back, you're a team!
-Is a gentleman
-Makes you feel physically and spiritually safe.
-Cowboy at heart :)
Why cowboy? Well that will be for another post. Until then, I hope you are able to feel inspired and encouraged. Trust me, I don't always feel hopeful and there are many days that I feel lost in this specific topic, but writing it out or posting on my wall has been such a great reminder to not give up on what I have been dreaming all along.
These are the things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
The random me
Hey blog followers,
I am a very random person. It was bound to happen, because my family and upbringing is pretty unique and random than the average nuclear family. Not only is my family random, but I'll be the first to admit that the things that come out of my mouth are pretty random (It's why I called my blog, "Drea Said It-The Things I have to say"). I have this problem where I think people can hear my thoughts, which means people automatically know what I'm talking about without giving them a preface.
Here are some quotes that's my friends still remind me of what I have said in the past:
"I like to thank God for creativity. Like today, I thanked God for Twilight" (APU Study Abroad South Africa, 2009)
"Thank you Nelson Mandela for sacrificing your life." (APU Study Abroad South Africa, 2009)
The author of Twilight is intellectual. She uses fancy French words like, Façade. (APU, 2010)
"We're Hydro-PLANKING" (In the car... can't remember what year)
Alright alright, they may not be funny to most of you, but for the ones who were there in those moments, you know you still make fun of me for it. I love laughing with you about it too :)
My family, the jobs I have had, my groups of friends, and life experiences that I have had have been pretty random. I broke down into categories the things that are random and explained why.
Family:
I am a very random person. It was bound to happen, because my family and upbringing is pretty unique and random than the average nuclear family. Not only is my family random, but I'll be the first to admit that the things that come out of my mouth are pretty random (It's why I called my blog, "Drea Said It-The Things I have to say"). I have this problem where I think people can hear my thoughts, which means people automatically know what I'm talking about without giving them a preface.
Here are some quotes that's my friends still remind me of what I have said in the past:
"I like to thank God for creativity. Like today, I thanked God for Twilight" (APU Study Abroad South Africa, 2009)
"Thank you Nelson Mandela for sacrificing your life." (APU Study Abroad South Africa, 2009)
The author of Twilight is intellectual. She uses fancy French words like, Façade. (APU, 2010)
"We're Hydro-PLANKING" (In the car... can't remember what year)
Alright alright, they may not be funny to most of you, but for the ones who were there in those moments, you know you still make fun of me for it. I love laughing with you about it too :)
My family, the jobs I have had, my groups of friends, and life experiences that I have had have been pretty random. I broke down into categories the things that are random and explained why.
Family:
- My dad had me when he was 60 and my sister at 61.
- The fact that I have sister that is 11 months and 2 weeks apart is pretty random. (yay for being Irish Twins!)
- I have 8 1/2 siblings and even though my mom never knew my 1/2 siblings mom- my mom was friends with my 1/2 siblings mom's, sister.
- I was an aunt before I was born (Yes, my nieces and nephews are older than me)
- I was a Great-Aunt when I was 21. A GREAT AUNT!!!! I'm hopeful to be a Great-Great Aunt in my lifetime ;)
Jobs:
- Working for Boys and Girls club at 6am
- Had one of the best jobs in the whole world, Kindergarten Aide! (How that all happened was random in my opinion)
- Working in Culver City (When I applied I had to idea where Culver City was, but the blessing is that my sister lived 15 minutes away from there and I didn't even know it when I applied).
- Ending up as a computer elective teacher (The plan was elementary!!! Kindergarten, first grade, MAYBE 4th!)
- Ending up as a MIDDLE SCHOOL teacher ( I told people all the time, "I would never do middle school. Elementary and High school for sure, Middle school-never)
- The only middle school experience I had was on my 1st day on the job. I'll never forget. It was Thursday, September 11, 2014.
- Ending up at Sandburg Middle School with the same job as C.C.M.S
- Coaching 7th grade boys basketball this year!
Life experiences:
- Being destined to go to South Africa
- Getting stuck in a Sci-Fi Freshman writing class my sophomore year of college and loving it!
- Walking up to a guy I had a crush on and telling him how he called me a boy in the 2nd grade...(What can I say, the nerves get the best of me and I had nothing better to say?)
- Eating Del Tacos beef burrito when it use to be the #1 with ketchup.
- Flew from CA to Seattle to only end up sleeping at the airport and came back home less than 24 hours(I was suppose to end up in Montana, but their was snow storm, which canceled the trip)
The beauty of all these random things are they make me, me! It's fun that I have different groups of friends, a unique family, random interests, and experiences. Most of the things I have enjoyed in my life have been put into my path randomly. I wasn't necessarily looking for it, but it found me and each event has truly led me to next. Every thing has been done for a purpose. I full heartily believe that. Some things can't be explained, some things are in the making still, and some things are just super clear on why it is the way it is.
Whatever life has brought you, embrace it! There is a reason, a purpose, and even if you don't understand-it will one day link a puzzle piece to another.
These are things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Thank you for loving me- Letter 1
Hey Blog Followers,
I have been in a funk lately... I have felt sentimental and reflective of where I am in life and the people I get share it with. Not that's a bad thing, but it's just where I am.
We often think of writing love letters to people, whether it's to lovers(P.S. Single people-you don't have to be in a relationship to write a love letters) or to someone who has gone away-things we wish we could have told them at some point. Well, my plan is to write love letters in the near future to people that I love and that I want to express to them as we are living life right now, in the present. You just never know how fast life can change and I am trying to live a life with no regrets.
Keyword: TRYING!
I don't want to wait to share how I feel at a funeral, a death bed, or something like that. If you feel something, you just gotta say it. When you are healthy. When you are alive. When life is good! I'm on a journey on wanting to make people feel special and to make sure that they know how loved and broken my life would be without them, because lately I have been surrounded by people who make me feel so special and this is the beginning of my love letter to them.
So, THANK YOU to my family and friends who have stuck by through the thick and thin. Who tell me the truth even when I didn't want to hear it and who wouldn't allow me to settle for less. Thank you to the ones who point me back to my moral beliefs and compass. Thank you to the ones who laugh at my lame jokes and comments, embarrassing moments, and my contradicting thought process. Thank you the ones who spoil me with the 5 love languages. If you have no idea what I'm talking about CLICK HERE. Thank you to the ones who pick up where we last left off with no question on where our friendship stands. Thank you to the ones who have pushed me to be the best person I can be. Thank you to the ones who have made me feel special by dressing me up on the outside and on the inside. The ones who have pushed me to try new things, who have challenged me, and give me the best hope too. Ultimately, I thank God that He gave me the best thing... which is YOU guys! Who are truly the best things that happened to me, even when I don't say it enough.
I dedicate the chorus of this song to you...
I have been in a funk lately... I have felt sentimental and reflective of where I am in life and the people I get share it with. Not that's a bad thing, but it's just where I am.
We often think of writing love letters to people, whether it's to lovers(P.S. Single people-you don't have to be in a relationship to write a love letters) or to someone who has gone away-things we wish we could have told them at some point. Well, my plan is to write love letters in the near future to people that I love and that I want to express to them as we are living life right now, in the present. You just never know how fast life can change and I am trying to live a life with no regrets.
Keyword: TRYING!
I don't want to wait to share how I feel at a funeral, a death bed, or something like that. If you feel something, you just gotta say it. When you are healthy. When you are alive. When life is good! I'm on a journey on wanting to make people feel special and to make sure that they know how loved and broken my life would be without them, because lately I have been surrounded by people who make me feel so special and this is the beginning of my love letter to them.
So, THANK YOU to my family and friends who have stuck by through the thick and thin. Who tell me the truth even when I didn't want to hear it and who wouldn't allow me to settle for less. Thank you to the ones who point me back to my moral beliefs and compass. Thank you to the ones who laugh at my lame jokes and comments, embarrassing moments, and my contradicting thought process. Thank you the ones who spoil me with the 5 love languages. If you have no idea what I'm talking about CLICK HERE. Thank you to the ones who pick up where we last left off with no question on where our friendship stands. Thank you to the ones who have pushed me to be the best person I can be. Thank you to the ones who have made me feel special by dressing me up on the outside and on the inside. The ones who have pushed me to try new things, who have challenged me, and give me the best hope too. Ultimately, I thank God that He gave me the best thing... which is YOU guys! Who are truly the best things that happened to me, even when I don't say it enough.
I dedicate the chorus of this song to you...
These are things I had to say
#DreaSaidIt
Monday, October 26, 2015
Walking with Strangers
Hey Blog Followers,
I'm going to get straight into my thoughts and points tonight. I have been thinking about the question, when do strangers become familiar faces and when do our familiar face friends/family become strangers?
Life doesn't make sense sometimes and I don't mean to sound negative about it, but truly I don't get it sometimes. One of my favorite quotes from Gossip Girl is,
"In life, as in art, some endings are bittersweet. Especially when it comes to love. Sometimes fate throws two lovers together only to rip them apart."
I'm not talking about lovers or love here. But, replace the word "lover" with stranger, or friend, or family. I know the typical answer that I have heard many times before...everyone comes into our lives for a reason or for a season, A blessing, or a lesson, blah blah blah.
Are we living a life with full of strangers? Perhaps. Think about the people you know if your life right now. At some point were they a stranger and now your best friend? Were they family and now you feel distant and don't have a clue about where to even start with them? I have ran into people who are not friends, nor strangers, nor family, so what are they and how is it that I ended doing this thing called life with them. Co-workers, the cashiers at the gas station, the bank teller, our doctors, familiar hikers, gym goers, etc.
HOW COOL is that though!? That everyone we meet and see has the potential of making a mark in the memory spots of our brains. That even if people do disappear in our lives it can still be part of your story no matter how big or how small of an impact they made. I know strangers who have helped me along the way to where I am now and I don't even know there name, but I have their face implanted in my brain. For example, the guys who helped me when I got rear ended last year. Or the girl who actually ended up hitting my car. The lady who basically told me to go to South Africa. STRANGERS! Implanted in my brain and made in impact in my life in some way.
What about you blog followers? What are your answers or perspectives on this topic?
These are things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
I'm going to get straight into my thoughts and points tonight. I have been thinking about the question, when do strangers become familiar faces and when do our familiar face friends/family become strangers?
Life doesn't make sense sometimes and I don't mean to sound negative about it, but truly I don't get it sometimes. One of my favorite quotes from Gossip Girl is,
"In life, as in art, some endings are bittersweet. Especially when it comes to love. Sometimes fate throws two lovers together only to rip them apart."
I'm not talking about lovers or love here. But, replace the word "lover" with stranger, or friend, or family. I know the typical answer that I have heard many times before...everyone comes into our lives for a reason or for a season, A blessing, or a lesson, blah blah blah.
Are we living a life with full of strangers? Perhaps. Think about the people you know if your life right now. At some point were they a stranger and now your best friend? Were they family and now you feel distant and don't have a clue about where to even start with them? I have ran into people who are not friends, nor strangers, nor family, so what are they and how is it that I ended doing this thing called life with them. Co-workers, the cashiers at the gas station, the bank teller, our doctors, familiar hikers, gym goers, etc.
HOW COOL is that though!? That everyone we meet and see has the potential of making a mark in the memory spots of our brains. That even if people do disappear in our lives it can still be part of your story no matter how big or how small of an impact they made. I know strangers who have helped me along the way to where I am now and I don't even know there name, but I have their face implanted in my brain. For example, the guys who helped me when I got rear ended last year. Or the girl who actually ended up hitting my car. The lady who basically told me to go to South Africa. STRANGERS! Implanted in my brain and made in impact in my life in some way.
What about you blog followers? What are your answers or perspectives on this topic?
These are things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
Sunday, September 27, 2015
A Harden Heart
Hey Blog Followers,
I hope this wonderful new season that we call, FALL, has been a good start for you. Well, the truth is depending where you are in the country or in the world for that matter, it doesn't feel like it yet. However, the point is, I love that seasons change, but my favorite thing about fall is that it's a time to start preparing for rest and maybe come up with some new reflections or revelations.
I am in a season of life where I feel so stuck in the middle of this youth and adult transition, which I know many young adults can relate to. I am going to be 26 this year... (26!!!!) I feel so much like a kid still. I don't know if I am in denial right now or I'm just not allowing it to be an option to grow up. I admire the young adults in my life who have embraced this responsibility, whether it was by choice or not. However, for me, I'm stuck. People come to me and sometimes ask for my professional or non-professional opinion and the first thing I say to myself is, "Why in the world are they coming to me?, I'm not adult enough for this."
I haven't really been feeling like myself lately. I feel mean, unkind, and ungracious. I am tired of saying yes when in reality what I mean to say is no. Maybe some of you can relate where you feel you have said yes yes yes so much and then you either resent it, or the one time you say no, you start feel that you are these mean words..."I'm mean, because I didn't say yes." I need to find a balance, but I don't want to lose myself either, which I feel like I am.
I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to do something just do it. Also, I wasn't going to stick with the things that make me unhappy, because I value every second that I am given on this earth and I want to fill it up with only positivity and things that bring me joy. However, there is a danger that comes with those rules. It's tempting to give up people and on things that you once started with a purpose and now is becoming unfinished work.
I ask myself, why is my heart hardening? Who is the person that God has planned for me to be? I know that sometimes life events attribute to harden hearts and I can say this week for sure has attributed to that. However, I'm disappointed in myself with how I handle it. I feel a disgrace to my faith sometimes, because I am suppose to be practicing kindness, grace, love, etc. What am I so afraid losing or gaining?, because if I have God then I shouldn't be afraid of anything and I should be showing His light all over, even in the darkness. The story of Job is a perfect example.
I write this out, because it's part of my therapy and way of processing my thoughts and feelings. However, I would love to hear for you if you are able to relate or give advice on what to do about this?
These are things I had to say today.
#DreaSaidIt
I hope this wonderful new season that we call, FALL, has been a good start for you. Well, the truth is depending where you are in the country or in the world for that matter, it doesn't feel like it yet. However, the point is, I love that seasons change, but my favorite thing about fall is that it's a time to start preparing for rest and maybe come up with some new reflections or revelations.
I am in a season of life where I feel so stuck in the middle of this youth and adult transition, which I know many young adults can relate to. I am going to be 26 this year... (26!!!!) I feel so much like a kid still. I don't know if I am in denial right now or I'm just not allowing it to be an option to grow up. I admire the young adults in my life who have embraced this responsibility, whether it was by choice or not. However, for me, I'm stuck. People come to me and sometimes ask for my professional or non-professional opinion and the first thing I say to myself is, "Why in the world are they coming to me?, I'm not adult enough for this."
I haven't really been feeling like myself lately. I feel mean, unkind, and ungracious. I am tired of saying yes when in reality what I mean to say is no. Maybe some of you can relate where you feel you have said yes yes yes so much and then you either resent it, or the one time you say no, you start feel that you are these mean words..."I'm mean, because I didn't say yes." I need to find a balance, but I don't want to lose myself either, which I feel like I am.
I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to do something just do it. Also, I wasn't going to stick with the things that make me unhappy, because I value every second that I am given on this earth and I want to fill it up with only positivity and things that bring me joy. However, there is a danger that comes with those rules. It's tempting to give up people and on things that you once started with a purpose and now is becoming unfinished work.
I ask myself, why is my heart hardening? Who is the person that God has planned for me to be? I know that sometimes life events attribute to harden hearts and I can say this week for sure has attributed to that. However, I'm disappointed in myself with how I handle it. I feel a disgrace to my faith sometimes, because I am suppose to be practicing kindness, grace, love, etc. What am I so afraid losing or gaining?, because if I have God then I shouldn't be afraid of anything and I should be showing His light all over, even in the darkness. The story of Job is a perfect example.
I write this out, because it's part of my therapy and way of processing my thoughts and feelings. However, I would love to hear for you if you are able to relate or give advice on what to do about this?
These are things I had to say today.
#DreaSaidIt
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Craving adventure and investing 20 hours on a new skill
It's been a while since I have posted last, so I hope you are doing well in whatever season of life you are currently in. This season of life is all about school. A new school year has begun and let me tell you it's been go go go since day 1. I can't believe that next week will mark 1 month down of school!
Starting my new job at my new school has been a harder transition than what I was expecting it to be. Whether you are a kid or an adult, being a newbie definitely has it's challenges. A new culture, rules, faces and names to remember. It's not a bad thing, it's just different.
One thing I have been excited about is I gave my students a semester long assignment, which is from now until December they need to invest 20 hours into learning a new skill that they are interested in learning. They need to incorporate technology as one of their resources, but I'm still ok with them getting a book or shadowing a person to help them learn their new skill. I was initially thinking they can youtube how to do something, Pinterest, get a language software if needed...resources are endless! Regardless, they are into it and they have inspired me to do it with them too. I still haven't decided what my new skill is going to be. For years I have been trying to sit down and learn French, "Clair de Lune" by Debussy on the piano, intense computer programming, and cooking my moms meals. I'll let you know what I end up deciding.
These kids have come up with some awesome goals from memorizing long poems, learning new languages, learning how to bake a cake from scratch and decorating it, becoming a better runner and sports players, learning to draw anime, writing books, website making, and the list goes on. I am so inspired and so proud of them already! It starts with the heart, you got to have the heart and willingness to want to learn something and hopefully it comes true.
Even though I feel the season of life I am currently in is pretty busy and fast paced, there are some things that I have been craving deep inside, which are new adventures. Some will be near and some will be far, because there are many trails to be walked on, many sunrises to still see, oceans to swim in, and people to meet.
This past weekend I went on a hike near my home. I have been on this hike many times, but this time I soaked in how beautiful the sun and mountains/hills looked. I have realized that I have the power to keep seeking these fun spots and that is definitely something I will be doing more of. Many more weekend trips are to come!
Let me know what are some skills you want to learn or any cool adventure spots that are worth putting on my list!
These are the things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
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| Here comes the sun |
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| Early Morning Smiles |
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Another God miracle story! I ran into someone I have been hoping to run into for a long time!
Hey blog followers,
I have not been good about keeping up with my posts lately, but I really wanted to share this story!
So, back in Fall 2009 I studied abroad in South Africa and maybe I will write a post about how much that journey has impacted me today. However, the point of today is different than that.
It all started off back in 6th grade when I took choir with Mrs. Kelley. Well, she taught us a song called, "Shosholoza". At the time I fell in love with that song and it forever was implanted in my brain with no idea where the origin came from or the meaning of they lyrics. Hear it here (This is from the Invictus soundtrack).
When I was in South Africa I heard it when 2 little boys were singing it outside our bus one time and I totally recognized it and even knew the lyrics still! It was such a internal magical moment for me. Who would have thought a 6th grade choir class would have such an impact on me. When I got back from South Africa I wanted to tell Mrs. Kelley how much her class impacted me and especially that song. She use to drive a blue beetle and every time I would see one on the road I would look in to see if it was her. The question I ask myself now, even if it were to have been her would I have followed her all the way home? Would I have honked to get her attention...lol. I have no idea.
Anyways, TODAY I finally ran into her! I was going into the bank and she was going in too and I couldn't believe it! My search and wonders have finally concluded! I was able to talk to her and let her know how much that song and that moment in time had a major impact in my life!
It truly is God's perfect timing, because 1) she told me she ended up moving to another city and she was at the bank to deal with address change and 2) what if I had gone through the drive-thru atm, which I highly considered! I would have totally missed her!
I am so in aw and just humbled by God's love and His faithfullness! All I can really say is, thanks be to God and for awesome teachers who have impacted my life. It gave me inspiration to continue to make a positive impact to my students, especially as a start a new school year at a new school in a couple weeks!
These are the things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
I have not been good about keeping up with my posts lately, but I really wanted to share this story!
So, back in Fall 2009 I studied abroad in South Africa and maybe I will write a post about how much that journey has impacted me today. However, the point of today is different than that.
It all started off back in 6th grade when I took choir with Mrs. Kelley. Well, she taught us a song called, "Shosholoza". At the time I fell in love with that song and it forever was implanted in my brain with no idea where the origin came from or the meaning of they lyrics. Hear it here (This is from the Invictus soundtrack).
When I was in South Africa I heard it when 2 little boys were singing it outside our bus one time and I totally recognized it and even knew the lyrics still! It was such a internal magical moment for me. Who would have thought a 6th grade choir class would have such an impact on me. When I got back from South Africa I wanted to tell Mrs. Kelley how much her class impacted me and especially that song. She use to drive a blue beetle and every time I would see one on the road I would look in to see if it was her. The question I ask myself now, even if it were to have been her would I have followed her all the way home? Would I have honked to get her attention...lol. I have no idea.
Anyways, TODAY I finally ran into her! I was going into the bank and she was going in too and I couldn't believe it! My search and wonders have finally concluded! I was able to talk to her and let her know how much that song and that moment in time had a major impact in my life!
It truly is God's perfect timing, because 1) she told me she ended up moving to another city and she was at the bank to deal with address change and 2) what if I had gone through the drive-thru atm, which I highly considered! I would have totally missed her!
I am so in aw and just humbled by God's love and His faithfullness! All I can really say is, thanks be to God and for awesome teachers who have impacted my life. It gave me inspiration to continue to make a positive impact to my students, especially as a start a new school year at a new school in a couple weeks!
These are the things I had to say.
#DreaSaidIt
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