be the good kind of -ist

I assume that by the title of this post most of you are wondering, “what on earth, is an -ist.” Generally speaking, when we are in need of answers and more understanding on a particular word or subject, the most common and easiest way to find it is, well, googling it. 

When you search the word “-ist” through dictionary.com this is what it is defined as…

-ist:
a suffix of nouns that denote a person who practices or is concerned with something.

In other words, -ist is a suffix, the ending to a word, that you tack onto another word, which combined becomes a longer word that is used to define and identify what a person practices in life, what is important and most concerning to them. Seems more complicated when you say it like that! Here are a few basic examples. A realist is simply a person who tends to view things in life as they really are. They generally practice realism in everyday tasks and are concerned with “real-life,” rarely taking part in the wishy-washy-day-dreamer-elaborate-visionary type of stuff. They go about life as they see it. A cartoonist is a someone who practices visual art and drawing, specializing specifically in cartooning. They are often concerned about using the cartoons as a means of entertainment either on television or in the newspaper. 

I got to thinking about this three-letter ending, and it made me realize something. Something so small—something that isn't even worthy of being called a word—can so greatly define who we are and what we practice in life. 

Unfortunately this isn’t a new way of thinking for us humans. It is so easy for us to fall into this rut, believing that as soon as we make one mistake, as soon as we mess up, as soon as our secret is out—that is it for us. We will be forever defined by our past, unable to shake our old practices, concerns and “-ists” no matter how badly we want to. 

Fortunately there is a way out…

Think about this for a second. A terrorist is someone who practices terrorism, someone who terrorizes and intends on creating fear in others. A terrorist casts fear into individuals, into political groups and into nations. The main concern for a terrorist is to instil fear into who ever they can, no matter what that may look like. But with Christ—“there is no fear in love, perfect love casts out fear,” 1 John 4:18. When Jesus’ perfect love is so present, all fear is cast out! Cast out of the individual, cast out of the political group, cast out of the nation and even cast out of the terrorist. If Jesus is in the picture, love has overcome and overpowered casting out all reminisce of fear. And if there is no fear, what does that leave the terrorist with? A clean slate—simply just an “-ist.”

Jesus has the power to transform a terrorist into a love-ist. A depression-ist into a joy-ist. A hurtful-ist into a kind-ist. An unworthy-ist into a specialist. A lonely-ist into a social-ist. An ungifted-ist into an artist. 

No matter what you are practicing and what you are conceded about in life right now, by God’s grace and perfect love, that can all change. You no longer have to feel like what you messed up with today will define you for what you will empower tomorrow. Don’t let the little things in life, the massive mistakes or the three-letter endings drag you down or define you.

So what kind of -ist will you be?

What ever it is…be a good one. 

One Last Essay

Wow, it’s hard to believe I graduated high school exactly two and a half years ago. It’s been two and a half years since the last time I wrote a real “1-3-1” essay, with an introduction, three body paragraphs, a conclusion and no more than 1000 words—give or take 10 percent. To be honest I kind of miss it. Kind of. There’s just this sense of accomplishment I get every time I write an essay. It always leaves me walking a little taller, feeling just a tad more intelligent than I had a moment before. 

Here in LA at DCLS, we have Book Study every Thursday morning. Each week we read two to three chapters of the assigned book, take time to answer a few thought provoking questions, discuss what we learned and thought, and—once we finish the book—write an essay about it. The latest book we read was called Boundaries, written by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. To be honest, I didn’t love it—too text-booky for my liking. But, did I gain something from it? Of course. As I was finishing up the essay I realized that I had learned a lot more from the book than I thought, and it’s actually some pretty good truth that I felt someone else needed to hear. So, for all you who thought you were done with essays—here’s just one more. Enjoy!

Boundaries

Emily Granzotto-Martin

December 18, 2014

With approximately seven billion people living on Earth, it’s hard to imagine that each person is designed so uniquely, with different personalities, characteristics, talents and physical appearances. Despite all seven billion differences, the world somehow manages to stay—for the most part—in peaceful order. This would never be possible with out Jesus, first of all, but secondly, with out boundaries. Boundaries are what allow ourselves and others to establish what we can and cannot tolerate when it comes to relationships, time management, finances, organization etc. They determine our property lines—what we own—and are responsible for the good or bad we allow into our lives. Boundaries are a fundamental aspect of knowing who we truly are, and how to live an honest life in relationship with God and others.

The way we build our boundaries, how we react to and treat others boundaries, can say a lot about who we are. Something that has become very clear to me is that I am a compliant boundary builder; continually saying yes, even to the bad. Compliant's often “melt into the needs of others…taking on too many responsibilities and setting too few boundaries, not by choice, but out of fear.” Compliant’s often have a hard time saying “no” to people because they fear guilt, selfishness, anger and abandonment. I personally love being busy and involved with as many projects as possible. I live for the experience, and if a friend is in need I love to help them out as much as I can. Most people would think that is a good thing, which it for sure can be, but when we continually say yes—when truthfully and honestly we’d rather say no—that’s where it becomes unhealthy. Complacency often keeps us from recognizing evil. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 is a great example of this. Martha, frantic about Jesus’ visit, was so distracted by all she was involved in—cleaning, cooking, making Jesus feel at home—that she didn’t stop once to actually visit with the one she was working so hard to impress. What Martha was doing to prepare for Jesus was not at all wrong—rather, quite thoughtful—it just happened to be a good thing at a bad time, neglecting what was really the priority. I find the devil will often use this tactic against compliant personalities. We constantly say yes to people and believe we are doing a good thing by serving others, that we become so distracted and begin to do things out of guilt rather than the full, loving heart that engaged us in the first place. 

Like I mentioned above, knowing your personal boundaries and the boundaries of friends and family around you is one way to ensure healthy growing relationships, built on honesty and trust. Being compliant, I know—from both experience and information based off Boundaries—it is very easy to become resentful towards others when boundaries are pushed. We focus so hard on pleasing people, and confrontation does not come easily. For example; when two complaints are together, neither one really ends up being honest with the other because they both will “politely deny their own boundaries to keep the peace.” Around aggressive controllers, compliant’s feel inferior and intimidated and after what tends to be lots of nagging from the compliant, they start to resent the controller because nothing seems to be solved. Manipulative controllers, often disorganized or needy, will use compliant friends to their advantage, because they know how easy it is for them to say “yes,” leaving the compliant frustrated and angry. Lastly, around non-responsive friends, compliant’s usually end up feeling invisible, depressed and resentful because they take on too much responsibility for the friendship while the non-responsive hardly takes on any. I have personally experienced every single one of these boundary issues with either a family member or friend, which could have easily been avoided. Confrontation is not something that comes easily to me because I fear hurting, loosing, and upsetting the other person. I often forget that—as much as I wish this were true—people can not read minds. If I don't speak up and make my feelings known to others, how are they supposed to know what frustrates me, or what my boundaries are? Speaking up is not always easy and may cause discomfort for a period of time, but in the end, is the best way to stay true to yourself and live honestly with one another.

God, the most powerful being, has boundaries that need to be respected too, and we tend to forget that a lot. God has created each one of us in his image, with talents and abilities so unique that the plan God has for our lives can only possibly be lived out by us, no one else. He leaves work for us to do, that only we can do and he will direct us on that path setting up the exact opportunities for us to make the job successful. What a slap in the face it is to Jesus, for us to think we should set up our own “Plan B just in case he doesn’t pull through.” When God makes a promise he never breaks his promise—all he asks for is our trust. That being said, God wants us to be honest with him. He wants truth, something to build a real relationship off of. God wants us to talk to him honestly, not passively. If you are angry, tell him, yell at him—be honest. God respects our feelings and emotions, just as much as we should respect his. He doesn’t abandon, forsake or withdraw from us when we say “no” to something he has called us to do, and we should do the same. He knows what is the absolute best for us at the absolute best time, so when we want and pray about something so hard but don’t receive it, don’t withdraw from him—respect his “no” and continue to be faithful—he may be holding out for something greater later on. Realizing that God respects our boundaries, and respecting God’s boundaries all the same, helps us be the best person we can be in God’s image.

Imagine, for a second, a world with absolutely no boundaries. How would we function? People running around recklessly demanding their every need met while others work to the bone to fulfill them. Some would just be too blunt and honest, while others would be like walking robots, never speaking their mind. We all have limits—buttons that can easily be pushed—and the only way of protecting ourselves is knowing, establishing and respecting our boundaries. Although it is not always easy and definitely takes practice, the more aware we are of our limits the easier it is to stay clear of being burnt out or resentful towards others. As important as it is to know our own boundaries, it is just as important to know God’s and others. A relationship is a two way street. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Thanks for tuning in.

EmGM

1st the worst, 2nd the best, 3rd...was just exhausting!

Well, I finally made it. 

Sitting here, writing my blog whilst having the view of the Hollywood sign and palm trees all around me, it dawns on me, my dream in life has come true. All the long hours and hard work have paid off…I’m living in LA, California! Thinking about it still gets to me every time.

It wasn’t easy at first though. I’ve never moved away from home before, or even lived close to a such a big city as LA. I love being comfortable, and being in LA is definitely not comfortable! I knew every nook and cranny back at home. Knew how to use the public transportation like the back of my hand, and even if I was lost I could walk around with ease till I found something familiar. My idea of a great friday night is watching chick flicks at home in my pj’s with my girls, and Sunday night family dinners, with mom cooking, was my favourite way to end the weekend.

About eight months ago I had this feeling that God was calling me to do something bigger with my life, something that wouldn’t be comfortable or easy. Something that would be a lot different then being a grocery clerk, or waiting tables. Something that would really test my faith and broaden my knowledge. When I came across the Dream Centre Leadership School, I knew this was it!

Friday September 12, 2014 is when I started my journey. My goal is to write a blog post as often as possible to keep family and friends in the loop with what I’m doing out here (also, so I don’t have to repeat myself so often)! So here’s how the first few days have been so far…

Wifi in the air!

Friday September 12, 2014: Danielle, Tia and myself headed off to Syracuse in the early hours of the morning so I could catch a flight to LA. Bumping tunes and belting Aretha Franklin and Sam Smith, you could say we had a great ride. We made it to the boarder with ease, it was just passing through that took some time. I was questioned for about an hour on what exactly I’d be doing down in LA, why I was going, if I was taking college courses, if I would be making money, etc, but eventually was granted a year long Travel Visa…and only for a small price of $6! At the airport I said my farewell’s and headed inside. 

The first flight was quick, Syracuse to JFK Airport in NYC, and as soon as I walked off the first flight, I walked straight back on to the second. No waiting! The second flight was much longer, but very spacious and had wi-fi access, and gluten free snacks!! Six hours later I landed in LA. After grabbing my bags I was picked up by my second year host, Amanda, and we rode back to the DCLS talking about what to expect in the year ahead. I arrived at the DCLS at around 10:30 at night, feeling like 1:30am Ottawa time. This was when I started to hit me..the home sickness. Unpacking a large suitcase full of stuff from home, and putting it into the little dorm I’d be living in for the next nine months, I realized how long that actually is. I’d miss hiking in Gatineau for Thanksgiving, the first snow fall, Mom, Danielle and Stephen’s birthdays…just to name a few. It was all so new, and such a big change, it just felt so uncomfortable (that might have been because of the 37 degree weather and no air conditioning though). In the midst of my minor break down I just wanted to Skype home, but it turns out, along with the air con, there is no wifi either. So I prayed a little prayer, and went to bed. First, the worst.

Amanda and I at Echo Park.

Saturday September 13, 2014: The sun shone through the window nice and early, and I was up and at ‘em at 6:30 am. I met my lovely roommate Holly, from Manchester! She’s amazing. I also met some girls, Amanda, Stina and Evelina, down at breakfast over some pancakes and bacon (well I just had a peach actually) who also ended up living right across the hall from me! The four of us desperately wanted to talk to our families back home, so we headed out down Sunset Blvd, to find an internet cafe. We ended up asking a gentleman where we could find one, but he said to just go to Echo Park..free wi-fi in a park..who knew! It was awesome. After sitting in the park we walked back and sat in a little cafe/book store called Stories Cafe, did some groceries at Vons, then walked back to DC. All in all, a very relaxing day meeting new friends and exploring a little bit of the city! Second, the best.

Sunday September 14 2014: Today was church day…and Serve24! At 8:45 we all walked over to the Angelus Temple to listen to Pastor Matthew Barnet speak an awesome word about “The Hub.” His message was about how we, as the church should be like a 24/7 hub where ministries are constantly going on and anyone could come by and get connected, and serve at anytime. It was a great way to start off the annual Serve24 event. Most of you might be wondering what that is…but it’s just as it sounds. We serve for 24 hours straight. An all-nighter?? Yes! Still 37 degree weather?? Yes.

After the three morning services we headed back to DC where there was a huge community party happening! Loads of food, water slides, games, music and more. A bash to start off the big event. At 3:00 Blue Crew (group I was in) went back to the Temple to set up a LEGO Movie Night for a bunch of kids that were being bussed in from different projects. By 5:00 all kids were hopped up on sugar and so ready to start the movie! There were about 200 kids there, eating popcorn and candy and loving it! It was great.

At 10:00 we had street cleaning duty. We walked up and down Sunset Blvd for roughly an hour and swept the sidewalks and picked up trash..Sunset was sparkling. At 1:00 in the morning we headed over to one of the local elementary schools and sorted shoes. Every single child in the school would wake up the next morning and be surprised with a brand new pair of shoes for them sitting in their class room! I wish I could see the look on their faces! At 3:00 we were back at DC cleaning some bathrooms. For those of you who don’t know..DC is HUGE, and there’s always lots of cleaning to be done! 

After sweating out of every pore and working away in the bathrooms, the lack of sleep was really getting to me and I dozed off for 40 minutes. I just couldn’t help it! When I woke, I ran to Starbucks with Amanda and downed a Grande Extra Extra Coffee Coconut Milk Mocha Frap in about 5 minutes. For those of you back home..yes I know, I had coffee! This place is changing me! 

Dream Centre Leadership School

Our last leg of Serve24 was a huge culture shock, but also my favourite part. At 7:00am we headed down to Skid Row to hand out T-shirts and breakfast to the homeless. Some of you might not know what Skid Row is, but it’s basically an area of about 5 blocks where a lot of people that live on the street gather (for anyone familiar with East Hastings in Vancouver, BC..it’s like that, but over about 5 blocks). It was definitely hard for me to see. I’ve never really served in an area like that before, but it really opened my eyes. A lot of people are terrified to even go out to places like that, because they think these people are going to hurt them and are out to get them for their money..but if you take the time to smile and say good morning, and just talk to them, they are just like everyone else..just a little more broken. The more broken, the more mending, the more love. 

Finally we finished the 24 hours at McArthur Park handing out more T-shirts and giving away hot-dogs, for those who set up camp there. It was also an eye opening experience, but I’m so glad I could be apart of it! So yes, my third night in LA was definitely exhausting…but even more amazing!

God is doing great work in this city, and could definitely use your prayers!

Since then, the past week has been a lot of orientation for the year ahead. We had an awesome team building day, and a great team worship and prayer night, I’ve watched the sun set at Santa Monica beach and ate the most delicious vegan ice cream at Salt and Straw, walked the Walk of Fame and did groceries. Lots happening here, and loving every minute of it. 

Thanks for tuning in,

Emily G-M

Well, That Was Awesome.

Being a christian, I strongly believe that miracles do happen.

The first miracle performed by Jesus in the Bible is in John 2:1-11, where Jesus turns six, twenty to thirty gallon, stone pots filled with water into wine, because they ran out of wine at a wedding reception. I'm not even a wine drinker, but that sure is quite the miracle.

I recently just had an experience that I truly believe was a miracle from God, an answer to prayers, and a sign that Jesus totally has our back through everything.

About a month and a half ago, two friends and I decided to do some spring cleaning. It was a project that had been on our minds for awhile but was always pushed to the side, simply because we thought we couldn't handle it. We knew it would take a lot of patience, physical and mental strength, determination and, of course, a LOT of time and unpaid hours. Hours we could easily be working and making money, watching a movie or working on our summer glow under the brilliant sun, that had finally decided to appear. Time to do anything we wanted, but clean.

Sizzling Fajita's...mm good.

One afternoon, while talking over a zesty fajita lunch at Lone Star, we came to the conclusion that we had to put our doubts and complaints aside, take it head-on, and start this challenge we had been dreading for a long time.

With this new found excitement about the project, we began to talk logistics. When we would start, how many hours a week we would work, what days of the week, how to go about this in an orderly fashion and, most importantly, the milestones in which we would reward ourselves with a "special drink" from Starbucks!

A week later standing at the doorway, lunch boxes in hand and determination in our hearts, we were ready to begin the process that would close the previous chapter of life and open the door to a brand new exciting one. And the first day was a success. With a few roof-top rest breaks here and there, and good old country tunes, we finished the day strong with lots of energy, and a sushi dinner. It only got better from there.

We continued to stay energized and motivated, and made great progress throughout the next two weeks. We definitely had our moments where we thought there was just too much and wanted to give up, but somehow we kept going back day after day, getting more and more accomplished.

After a long morning of cleaning and dropping a few items off at the Goodwill, we stopped for some lunch.

"I can't believe how much progress, we've made guys. Honestly, we're doing awesome!"

"I know! We should be professionals, seriously, we're working so great together and getting it done so much faster than we thought!"

"Yeah, so true. This is clearly God helping us, no doubt. There's no way any normal person would have the determination to keep it up. God is too good!"

"Yeah, God is giving us so much strength to do this! He knows how much this means to us!"

We then said a quick prayer for lunch thanking God for all the strength, and being with us every step of the way. Lunch conversation was good, but didn't stay as hopeful as the previous conversation.

"The only issue with working this much is I'm missing a lot of hours at work, and I'm already stressing about not having enough money for LA."

"Yeah that's true. It's a lot of hours we're missing at work, which really sucks. We all need money, we just gotta finish this!"

The motivation and strength to keep going was a huge miracle on its own, but this is where the big one comes in:

After lunch we headed on back over to start the afternoon cleaning. At the start of the whole process we set aside a Tupperware container that we would throw loose change into, that was found on the ground or under furniture. The change had been piling up by now and we actually had quite a bit.

Working through a box of paper work and still listening to our country music, we find a twenty dollar bill wedged in between a few receipts.

"Oh wow guys look, a 20$ bill! Sick! I'll go put it in our change box."

About five minutes later, still working through paperwork boxes..

"Whoa, no way. Guys I just found two $20 bills! 40 dollars guys!!"

About 10 minutes later, going through some old birthday cards..

"Oh my gosh, you guys. I can't believe this. I just found $170 in this old birthday card. Three $50 dollar bills and a $20. OH MY GOSH!!"

By this point we can't keep it together. We start squealing, holding hands and jumping around like preteens meeting One Direction in real person, which I would still do as well. Little did we know.

Going through some files about 5 minutes later..

"Are these real?? Em come here right now and tell me, are these real??"

Out of an empty file folder we pull out two One Hundred Dollar Bills. That wasn't even the last of it. Not only in the span of half an hour did we find almost Five Hundred Dollars, but through out the rest of the day and cleaning process we had found more and more.

I have no doubt in my mind that God knows exactly what we were, and are, going through. He knows we were doing this voluntarily, not expecting a reward. Taking on this challenge was something we knew would be hard but wanted to do and needed to get done. God is always blessing us, even in ways we don't even notice or expect! God heard our prayers, and I believe, saw what we were going through and showered us with unexpected blessings!

Dream Centre Leadership School, here I come!

A month and a half later, we have completed the project! It was such a great learning experience, and definitely opened my eyes to see the love of God in a whole new way. We haven't tallied up how much loose change and money we've found throughout the entire process just yet, but I know it will definitely be enough to make a dent in my Dream Centre tuition.

God is TOO good.

With that, we deserved a special drink. Frappuccinos for everyone!

Thanks for tuning in,

EmGM

How can I help you?

The video may be lengthy, but I highly suggest you take a brief fourteen minutes out of your day to hear what Alternative-Rock icon, Amanda Palmer has to say. Some find her eccentric, obnoxious for inevitably striping down to the nude at almost every show, some might not like her music, but all of that aside, I think she is brilliant.

Back in high school, grade twelve chemistry, I was never one to ask questions. Nor was I one who knew the answers. I would sit in class, eyes glued to the board, hands frantically scrambling down every word dictated to me, hoping all this information would one day just magically click. When I was stuck, I'd ask a friend. When I was really stuck and utterly lost in a pool of numbers and formulas, I'd go after class to ask the teacher personally, but I'd never raise my hand during class to ask a question. Nervous, intimidated, vulnerable: three common emotions.

No matter what the circumstance is, when it comes to asking, people tend to feel so vulnerable. The fear of sounding or saying something "stupid," or being unfair and selfish. Asking to borrow some lined paper because you forget to refill your binder before every class, asking for a ride home although it is out of the way, or asking for some support because you don't think you can make ends meet financially. There is always a sense of vulnerability when it comes to asking.

But why is that?

As some of you may know, I'll be leaving in September to embark on an amazing journey to Los Angeles, California. I'll be attending the Dream Centre Leadership School, studying God's word, memorizing bible passages, and learning to be a leader in the church. The part I'm most excited about is the outward ministry that we'll be doing. Feeding the homeless, providing rooms for low income families, support for those going through substance abuse and more.

When I got the acceptance package in the mail, it came with a sheet of paper explaining to me how to fundraise and write a proper support letter to send out to friends and family asking for financial support. Reading this I instantly felt very uncomfortable. "It's not fair for me to be asking for people's money when they have so much to pay for themselves, and I'm not giving them anything in return." 

After watching the video above, it really got me thinking. Focus less on just asking first for what I need, but offering what I have in exchange for support.

Way back when, in the early 1500, Jacques Cartier set sail from France and, months later, ended up near the St. Lawrence River. Here he met some First Nations people who habited there, and in exchange for knives and other hunting tools, Cartier gained a fur coat to keep warm in the winter months. It was the only way of living back then, you would use your talents and goods to serve others, and they would help you in return.

When we willingly offer what we can to others, we connect with them on a personal level. We complete a task, helping each other out whatever way we can, getting to know their needs, desires, and goals. By doing this, they will also be willing to offer help to you in return.

Recently I have been a little nervous and stressed about financially supporting myself in LA. I still don't feel comfortable asking directly for money from people, but I do feel comfortable offering what I have in return for some support, whatever it may be.

I can drive, do errands, grocery shop, be a DD for a night out, babysit, help study for exams, do yard work, paint a wall, clean the house, be a motivating work out buddy, bake and cook (gluten and dairy free as well), and am so willing to learn new skills.

By offering my services and helping out anyway I can, as Amanda Palmer says, "I'm going to fall...and trust the crowd to catch me." So Im asking, in return for any sort of support, or maybe just a friend, can I help someone out in anyway?

Thanks for tuning in,

EmGM

Favorite Movies and Words, an Explanation and an Introduction

Serendipity:
noun
-an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident


Not being able to sleep one lonely, winter night, about thirteen years ago or so, I come stumbling down the stairs and curl up next to my dad, and we watched Serendipity. I remember it as if it were yesterday. Watching John Cusack romantically connecting the freckles on Kate Beckinsale arm, making the Cassiopeia constellation and skating around a fountain in New York City. Probably one of my first, most vivid memories, and still, to this day, one of my favorite movies.

It's also my favorite word. "Finding something good without looking for it."

How awesome do you feel when the leaves start to fall, autumn is just about kissing winter, and you throw on your winter coat, stick your hands in the pockets to keep warm and pull out a $20 bill and a tube of Blistex lip balm, jackpot. Or when you get on the bus expecting the usual long, tiresome bus ride to work and end up sitting beside a really interesting women in her seventies reminiscing on her past life, and sharing her wisdom to the "young folk." Or maybe its just simply coming home from a long day, and finding a single piece of chocolate in the cupboard. Sweet Serendipity. 

Beachy keen.

My name's Emily Granzotto-Martin, and I'm twenty years old. The start of a new decade, new adventures and new discoveries. I'm a daughter, sister, traveler, considering nurse, wannabe carpenter, decent chef, shower singer and Jesus freak.

After graduating high school I took some time off, two years to be exact, worked three different jobs, travelled around Europe, Mexico, America and Canada, experimented with different diets, made some helpful discoveries and created some crafts here and there.

I love to travel. Seeing postcard pictures in real time, learning historical facts about the exact piece of cobblestone under your feet, and trying exotic new foods, is a day at its finest. I love palm trees, and my dream vacation spot is anywhere in Asia.

Working however, I don't love. But who does, really? I've worked in a cafe, restaurant, shoe store and grocery store. And let me tell you, I now have a wonderful fine-the-customer-is-awlays-right-even-when-they-really-aren't-and-I-would-rather-be-poking-my-eyes-out-than-standing-here smile. Nailed it.

I also love DIY anything, and HGTV, when I get access to cable. What do I do to relax, you ask? Well, you could either find me painting my room, for the third time this year, or maybe slicing up a palette found behind that Sports store in the plaza to make a cool bed frame, compliments to pinterest, or sitting on the front porch struggling to figure out how this stupid jigsaw works.

Cooking is also something I find interesting. I've done the vegetarian, the vegan, and the no sugar diet, but am currently ,and permanently, on the gluten and lactose intolerant diet. After years of pain, action was finally taken. Almond meal is a life saver, as well as corn. And surprisingly, life without grilled cheese sandwiches isn't as terrible as most people may think.

I sing constantly around the house, with a fake microphone, and always pretend I'm in a broadway musical. I love it, but for the most part, it stays behind closed doors. Maybe someday.

Last but not least I'm a Jesus Freak. I love my church family, and am pumped for what God has in store for my life!


So, with milk and honey, you may ask. Why? I don't really know, to be honest. Maybe it's the way you eat your cereal, or what you put in your coffee. Maybe its the promised land you're still waiting for, or a reminder of blessings and answered prayers. For me, it's a reminder to stay focused and keep believing.

Starting a blog seems to be the new "in thing" these days, and I am completely guilty of jumping on the bandwagon. The purpose for the blog is to share thoughts, stories, ideas and creations. No specifics, just plain and simple, life shenanigans. 

Thanks for tuning in,

EmGM