Never judge a book by its cover

“Reputation is what others think of us; character is what God knows of us. When you have spent what feels like eternity trying to repair a few moments of time that destroyed the view others once had of you then you must ask yourself if you have the problem or is it really them? God doesn’t make us try so hard…..only enemies do.” ~ Shannon L Alder

The above quote truly represents how I feel at this point in my life. The past couple of years have been a whirlwind. I can tell you all, I haven't been 100% happy. Something has been missing. I have felt alone.
 
During this last deployment, a lot happened that truly rattled my faith and my marriage. But I took it as a moment to reflect. I am one to hold on to things, to judge. And with all the sorrys and feelings, I wanted to make sure things were justified. And they are.
 
I can gladly say now that I'm 100% happy. I've forgiven the demons. I have seen that people really can change.
 
With that being said, this is where I must reference the above quote. It's the nature of the beast to judge. It's what humans do. However, the only one person that really can see the difference someone has made is God. Ok, scratch that, the only two people are God and someone who is around the person all the time. I've been guilty of judging. Of holding on to things. And you know what folks? I shouldn't. No one is perfect. I've had to ask for forgiveness and it's been granted, so why shouldn't I afford this same opportunity to someone else? Why is it totally acceptable for me to say, "yea, I'm not that person anymore" and for it to be ok, but when someone else is the same way, it's a crime?
 
Hostility rattles people. It rattles friendships, relationships, etc. It harbors resentments.
 
I just hope the next time you are so quick to judge someone that you can take a step back and see that you aren't so perfect either. And then maybe you can give them a chance.
 
Not a sermon, just a thought. You know, sometimes I get all deep in here. :)

#click366: A few of my favorite things....

Have you heard of #click366? If not, here's some info about it: "#click366 is a photo-a-day project created to inspire people to tackle their goals for 2012 one day at a time. Make the project your own by sharing photos of food, fashion, family or everyday life." 

So, in a nutshell, I'm sharing my favorite photos with the world, one day at a time. I'm trying to stay goal oriented, with the occassional cat photo here and there. (What can I say, they are adorable!). My goals so far are to stop and smell the roses, appreciate more, hug more, and take more pictures. I think these are totally doable goals!

Another goal I am working on is actually keeping up with this. My problem is, I get so gungho in the beginning and then a few months in, I get that, 'ehhh I don't need to post today effect'. That happens here on this lovely blog too. I really want to blog more, but sometimes I just don't have the inspiration. I hope this allows me to be inspired more too!

Here's some photos, enjoy!

*all personal photos by yours truly

Deep in thought

I find myself quoting movies almost everyday. It's usually a funny line or two. Today, however, I'm in a serious mood.

I often feel that I could try a little harder to be perfect. I really do. However, this quote hit the nail on the head:
"You're not perfect sport, and let me save you the suspense, this girl you met, she isn't perfect either. But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other."


-- Good Will Hunting
 
It's true. I may not be as blonde, skinny, or beautiful as anyone else, but I'm me. And that should be enough.

Stop and smell the roses

So, yesterday was just the kick in the tush that I needed to take a deep breath and put things in perspective. I've been a bridezilla lately. I've been stressed more than I've ever been in my life. I cry for no reason and eat like the food supply on the planet is going bye bye. I'm overwhelmed...

As I was leaving work yesterday I kept forgetting stuff. Having to run back in, do this, do that, go here, go there. It was mayhem. I parked in the 15 minute lot at a store and they took way longer than 15 minutes, so I immediately began to panic. We are broke as a joke and can't afford a ticket, OMG do I get out of line, do I tell them to hurry up, what do I do?! Eek! I didn't get a ticket, so I worried for nothing. Why do I do that?! However, as I left the store, there was a HUGE accident on the road I always take. Had I actually left the store on time and 15 minutes earlier, that could have been me. I immediately began to cry.

I think things happen for a reason. I'm a huge believer in that. I was able to realize yesterday that I need to stop stressing. The wedding will happen as it happens. If something goes aray, oh well. If I keep eating like poo I won't fit in my dress. If I keep stressing it won't help me get my head and mind in order. Wow. Sometimes you do need a wake call to make you see things. The accident also relayed to me that I need to keep up with my faith. I pray, but not nearly as much as I should. I believe in God, but I don't really take the time to sit back and ask Him how he is doing. I need to. And my family and friends. I'm so wrapped up in this wedding that I have lost track of how people are doing. I suck.

Thank you God for not letting that accident be me. I promise to take time to smell the roses each day and, when I get way too stressed, to breathe.