Strength

I have found that I have been so overwhelmed lately and have felt that my life is in an uncontrollable downward spiral. I have lost passion, I have had not time to reflect, to be with people I need. The piles are never ending up. While I know this is a picture of my future, man does it suck!

Then Tuesday at noon came where I went and met with Sarah about my project and presentation I have to prepare to give in regards to
Our conversation went something to the extent of:
        "When do you want to work on your project?"
                  "Sigh, uh..."
         "Are you thinking this semester is going to be too much, I just thought you had a specific deadline."
                          "No, just by time I start my internship..."
               "Well we just need to block out big chunks of time, are you thinking you will have that?"
     "Ha. I think I need to make time, maybe having to go through all of this stuff will help refocus why I am  going into this field again..."
                "What's the matter, you don't seem like yourself, you do not seem okay."
                                                     {Tears}

The conversation went on of course and this quote sums up it, and it really was something I needed to hear, it redirected me and put me back on track. I went home so motivated and got so many things accomplished. I found this quote today: "I am a strong person, but every now and then I need someone to take my hand and say everything will be alright." 

Thank you Sarah.

In the past couple of weeks I have been so caught up in school that I have forgotten many things, I have forgotten my focus, drive, passion. I have started to question things. I have started to stress big time. I have just started to slowly see myself become unhappy. But I am refusing to let that keep me down, I am so close to the end, I must keep going. 

Its a hard battle, its something I deal with every day. But I am reminded daily of the struggles others are suffering with on a daily basis and know that while I become overwhelmed I have it so easy. And knowing that is something that is so important to hold onto, it refocuses, it grounds, and it keeps me moving forward. 


I am a firm believer in that everything happens for a reason and while I know that there is not always a direct answer, there usually is one along the way. And while this week I do not have time to be blogging and I really owe Brad a jumbo apology for completing losing it several times this week. Here I am for a brain break.

Anyways, back to my 'everything happens for a reason rant...' Here are my reasons why:

1. Music: The song 'Follow Through' aka what my blog is named after came on while filling in applications and something I based my decision off Africa on. "I bless the rains down in Africa..." Toto was our theme song while in Dakar, we all loved it and it made our bus rides go smoothly. This morning while still waking up I turned on the ipod at work and that line came busting through the speakers. The volume was much louder than it usually was, it made me stop dead in my tracks.

*Last week: completely in over my head, lacking groceries, and a creative mind I went to the local grocery store (similar to Family Fare back home) -- I stood and stared at the Macaroni and Cheese for almost ten minutes, not because I couldn't decide [okay well maybe] but I was spent. I continued down the aisle with a box in my hand [Velveeta, its so bad for you!]. Anyways and there I stopped again in front of the ethic foods section and a song came on Jason Mraz 'You and I Both,' out of my daze I smiled, giggled quietly and thanked God. God puts Jason into my life at all the right moments, as you can probably tell if  you look back on past posts. "You and I Both" is the song that got me hooked on Jason and "I Won't Give Up" held my hand all the way to Dakar and all the way back. Side note: Love is a Four Letter Word is a fantastic CD by Jason. Anyways I firmly believe God puts music into my life when he knows I'm struggling. Regardless of nannying, grocery gazing, or Pandora listening its always a good reminder he is still listening to my heart cries.

2. My Jesus Calling Devotional, I was reading back on some old posts last week and realized I quoted that book a lot while I was away. And while I do not check it every day like I should, sometimes I feel compelled to pick it up, and when I do I am never let down. I am so wonderfully reminded that God is still with me. That book has a way with knowing exactly what I need to hear. 

3. I think I started out having three reasons, but I like my 2 for now.

All will be well. I am looking forward to heading home this weekend,  to taking a mental break at home. Today I am grateful. It's Monday, its a new week. It's time to keep pushing forward. 

Monday Glory [in photos]:

Happy Monday all! Stay dry & be happy!

Morning Glory

Good morning!!

Yesterday began with a text from the mom I nanny for informing me that I was a HALF hour late, only asking if I was alright I rushed out of bed forgetting to brush my teeth, apply deodorant, and completely forgetting anything to complete during nap time. Do not worry I have a second supply of everything but my homework so I eventually got everything squared away once I let them go on their way.

Let me tell you, waking up like that is not a fun way to welcome the morning. It completely threw my day off and got me upset for not having any of my to-do list with me, not to mention I was making B late. But then I sat and thought.... I could either let waking up late bring me down the whole day OR I could embrace the lesson that God was teaching me for the day. Then all of a sudden I get a text with this written on it from the one and only Jesus Calling Devotional Book...

"When many things seem to be going wrong, trust me. When your life feels increasingly out of control, thank Me. These are supernatural responses, and they can lift you above your circumstances. If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you may fall prey of negativism. Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mind-set. With this attitude controlling you, complaints flow more and more readily from your mouth. Each one moves you steadily down the slippery spiral. The lower you go, the faster you slide; but it is still possible to apply brakes. Cry out to Me in My Name! Affirm your trust in Me, regardless of how you feel. Thank Me for everything, though this seems unnatural -- even irrational. Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.

When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from humble perspective. If you choose supernatural responses this time --- trusting and thanking Me --- you will experience My unfathomable Peace."

It was in those words that my initial thought about being frustrated, but not letting it ruin my day shined through in those words. [Thanks Jen aka Fish]

So as we all embrace this day and all that it has in store for us, let's take it all with a grain of salt and more importantly understand that all that occurs in today is meant to be and if it at all seems irritating its merely a lesson, its not a frustration. 

Enjoy Thursday friends, and plus it is almost Friday which means its almost the weekend!!

Happy day! :)

Monday Happy

 Start here, press play and scroll!

**Feel free to read the lyrics too :)**

Candles make everything better, hands down.

breakfast in bed, don't mind if I do. I heart Farmington trips!

take me out to the ball game

puppy love.

change is good for the heart, for the soul. loving a change or scenery.

they keep me young at heart, their zest, their young molding minds, they are inspiring.

everyone needs loving, siblings are great.

its okay to take a 'me' day with a friend. pumpkin spice is in the house.

my  best friend makes good memories and welcomes fall with yummy treats.

trips home to one of my favorite places, ahh!

one of the best nights I've had in a long time, Jason I tell you he has a way with his lyrics.

the future is at their finger tips, I hope I'm making an impact. these two make me want to be good, to do good. to be.

the great debate to work out or to study -- I'll have a glass of both thanks.

change is good. beauty comes in change.

sometimes something from the past comes along, and boy is it a great reminder that all is gonna be okay!

I have some good support, love, and drive. Thank you.

I realize that I love taking pictures of the little things that make me happy. I don't always share them all but today is different. Today we all welcome Monday with open arms, and the greetings of Fall is in my opinion in full fledged now because its October! Happy Breast Cancer month, and Down Syndrome month. 

Another reason for this post, well to be frank. POSITIVITY! Man oh mister have there been some debby downers and negativity that have a way of crawling through my life path. Peace out. Above are pictures that capture some of the best moments of this semester so far and guess what its not showcasing those who can't confront their own insecurities and those whose only deeds are to talk behind backs instead of facing it head on. Newsflash people, words spread. Life is too short to be hating. 

Change is good and change is what is happening before my very eyes. I'm happy. I'm in a good place. And I am perfectly content with that sticking around for a bit.

"As much as we love to be unique and we make efforts to stand out as different through our style, our home decorating, our thoughts and ideas, we cannot escape the fact that at our core, we are the same. We are human. We want to be loved, we want to feel safe, we want to be heard, we want to contribute, we want to be happy. All of us."  [quote of my day]

Happy Monday!