Saturday, October 29, 2011

Sweet Relief

Today I did something I've been longing to do for almost two years...
I obeyed the command that God placed on my heart and sent to me in a dream....
I asked for forgiveness from someone I hurt and it was HARD to do...
And Now...
                                                                                                                         

I am revived because I've been FORGIVEN.
I made a choice to own up to what I did to someone I hurt and ask them if they could ever forgive me and
they said yes. I can't tell you how much weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel like I can move on
with my life instead of living in this guilt that has been weighing on my heart for almost two years! I can finally let go of that part of my life and move on.





This is not the only thing that I have to own up for in my life, but it's a start. I think a big part of healing from this depression and anxiety is going to require me to confess to what I feel guilty about; all the things I have said or done that have hurt other people. Most have been unintentional, but that doesn't mean I don't feel bad about it. I need to right some wrongs and empty myself of anything I feel to be sinful or unholy. I want to serve the Lord by being His hands and feet on this Earth, but I can’t do that without His help. It is inevitable that I’m going to mess up many times for the rest of my life, but if I can ask for forgiveness from whoever deserves it and God, I can spread His Word without fear that I’m going to be a bad representation of Christ. I want people to look at me and see the work of God and know that He is good.


Making Things Right

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately and it seems to me that I have a lot of guilt. I don't want to announce all the things that are weighing on my heart, but if I told you what they were, you would probably say to me, "That's what you're so upset about? That's nothing!" But not to me... it is something.

I have always tried to live a good life. I have made it my goal to try to be nice to everyone, no matter what they're like or how they treat me. I try to set a good example for other people by saying things like, "You never know what someone is going through. Even though they're mean to you, doesn't mean you should be mean to them. Try to be understanding because everyone has their own problems." But there is one person in particular who I hurt in highschool and ever since then, I feel like I don't deserve to give people advice on "how to be nice."

It's been close to two years since I've hurt that person and if I'm being honest, I've thought about it atleast once every two weeks since then. It's wearing me down because I feel like I've never been forgiven and I am one of those people who can't stand it when someone doesn't like me. I know that not everyone is going to like me, but I want this person to know that it was a unique situation and I really DID NOT mean to hurt them. Everything was going so fast and I was doing a lot of thinking around that time, a lot of faith based self-reflection and then an opportunity came along that I had been waiting my whole highschool career for. Yes, I could have waited a little longer to take that opportunity, but my heart was longing for that opportunity and I was afraid I would lose it. I was torn and maybe I made the wrong choice. I know it hurt that person- I have always known it and believe me, I realize I am completely at fault.


I have decided that I can't take it anymore. I'm going to try to make it right. I'm going to ask for forgiveness and I pray that God will let this person know how sincerely sorry I am for what I did to them. I pray that they can look into their heart and forgive me so that I can move on with my life.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Thank You, God...Thank You, Friends

We're all living in our own little world, aren't we?
We've all got our own separate problems and our own separate secrets. We think that nobody
needs to know because nobody cares or nobody understands. But, is that really true?
In my own opinion, I don't think so. I think that our problems and our struggles are the things
that unify us the most.

When I started this blog (and still on occassion) I struggle with some thoughts that seem
to taunt me and run through my mind over...and over... and over again.

"Why do I need to take my medication everyday in order feel good?
 Why can't I just be happy on my own?
Why can't I be happy like everybody else?"

The last one especially bothers me. When I'm having "one of those days" I look around me and it seems like everyone, strangers and friends, are effortlessly happy. They seem so free. I, on the other hand, am praying that I don't run into anybody I know when I'm in the store because right now, the hardest thing in the world is to muster up a smile and friendly tone of voice. Sometimes it can be so hard for me to realize that I'm not the only one in the world with problems. Selfish, I know, but it's true. However, after I put a link to my blog on my facebook page, so many people have opened up to me and told me that they struggle with similar problems and that they're always there for me if I need to talk.
Thank You, God! Thank You, Friends!

I am so grateful for the stories that I have heard. Not only because these people have
offered a sympathetic ear, but their stories puts things into perspective for me. When some
people shared their stories, I was completely shocked. People I've known for my whole life,
or close to my whole life, have "shared their secrets" with me and I now understand certain things about them that I didn't before. But more importantly, I have a whole new understanding of what it means to be humbled. Those who have opened their hearts to me and shared their secrets, never hesitated to tell me how wonderful I am. What a blessing to have such thoughtful people in my life. Some of these people I haven't talked to that much, but they still offered their help and kind words despite the fact that they have their own problems to worry about.
"To see yourself through the eyes of a friend is to know how special you really are."

Right now I am so grateful. I am grateful for MY problems. I have heard many things that break my heart and I am so thankful that I have not had to go through the things that some of my friends and family have. I am grateful that I now realize that God needs me to love His children unconditionally, without judgment, because sometimes they can't feel His presence.

I'm grateful for my life experiences, and friends that keep me grounded and make me realize that I'm wonderful and that My Life Is Good.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A Revelation And A Confession

Confession: Forgive me Lord for I have sinned...

I will not be going to school today because I'm taking a sick day. I didn't sleep well last night because of these new pills that my doctor put me on. The thing that confuses me is that they supposed to help with anxiety and sleep. I woke up so many times last night and I am very tired today so I have decided not to go to school. My confession is that I could probably make it through my classes, but I don't feel like it, so I'm not. I'm sorry, Mom- if you're reading this.

Now that I've got that off my chest, I want to tell you about a wonderful Bible verse I recived from signing up for the daily Bible verse at http://www.klove.com/. Check it out if you're interested in that kind of thing.















 "Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body
you are called to live in peace.
And always be thankful."
- Colossians 3:15


I don't know why this verse hit me so hard today, but I'm glad it did. I posted it to my facebook page as my status and I didn't really read it until it was out there for the world to see. As soon as I took the time to analyze this verse, a wonderful calm came over me -which is why I call it a revelation.
Like I said in my facebook status today, how many times do we long for and search for that one moment of peace in our day? Sometimes my day gets so busy that I feel like I don't even have time to go to the bathroom! No, this is not a joke or a figure of speech. There have been days when I've almost wet myself and considered the easy fix of Depends underwear. Ok, so maybe not the Depends part, but seriously, some of my days are just too packed and I'll be the first to admit it. It's hard to believe that this is the life that God really intended me to have....NEWS FLASH! It's not. God didn't intend for me or any of us to be stressed out every minute of everyday-He wants just the opposite for us. God created us to live in peace! Infact, not only is this what He wants for us, this is what He requires of us! Yes, that may seem hard to do, but that's because we are so aquainted with our common lifestyle of filling up every minute of every day....well, atleast I know I am. I have committed myself to a lot of things this semester and this year, so I will have to keep my word and finish what I started, but I'm praying for the Lord to help me remember that verse in hopes that next year, I will finally come to my senses and realize that I don't need to have 5 jobs...I need to be at peace. 

Friday, October 14, 2011

One Day At A Time...Or Not

If you've been reading my blog, you know about my most recent investment, and let me tell you . . . boy was it a good investment ! This simple daily quote book , "Live Happy" has yet again captured my attention and forced me to reflect on my life . This is good because I need a little reflection time . Yesterday I had fall break, but as a requirement for one of my classes, I have to have 25 hours of classroom observation done by Thanksgiving . Don't get me wrong, I love the second grade class that I'm in, and I LOVED the field trip to Holy Hill, but sometimes, I just want a break . You know, every once in a while I'd like to have just one day where I don't have to leave my house at 7:30am and get home at 8:30pm . So, I had that one day today and it was NICE . I was going to go do some more observation today from 8-2:30 then work at the Daycare from 3-6, but I was up until almost 2am yesterday doing homework so I decided that I deserve to have one day of fall break . Although, on Monday, I'll have to start it all over again, which reminds me . . . Note to Self- tutoring Kindergarten students on reading and writing (Monday's and Wednesday's) starts on Monday !
Oh boy , come on back brain . We're writing a blog here . I started talking about that one little quote that caught my eye and now I'm all side-tracked . Well, I suppose that's alright- it makes a pretty good point .
Today's daily quote in "Live Happy," is . . .
"I try to take it one day at a time
But sometimes
Several days attack me at once."

I struggle with this and I'm sure everyone else does too . I try so hard to take life one day at a time, but no matter what I do,  I always end up thinking, "What do I all have to do tomorrow?" or "I cannot forget that my doctor's appointment is next week ." I think this is part of the reason that I don't sleep well . When I lay down at night it seems like it's almost impossible to shut my brain off . As much as I'd like to be able to go, go, go, 24 hours a day, I can't because God didn't make us to function like that . Hmm . . . that's something to think about, isn't it? God didn't make us like the Energizer Bunny, although, sometimes I try to convince myself that He did . The human body needs to be recharged, but not once a month like our friend Mr. Bunny . We need rest every day and honestly, if there is a "right way to relax," I don't think I'm doing it right .
There comes a point at night when I just can't keep my eyes open anymore, but even though my eyes are closed the wheels are still turning in my brain . I need to work on that . When I've reached that point of exhaustion and I realize it's finally time to try and catch some Z's, I shouldn't be spending my last few minutes of conciousness thinking about all the things I need to accomplish tomorrow, or the things I didn't accomplish today . Which, by the way, I am extremely guilty of . My last thought before my mind goes blank and I finally fall asleep is usually something along the lines of, "I know I didn't get ___ , ___, and ___ done today so I'll have to find some time tomorrow to do them . . . . *yaawwwn* Hmm . . . let's see . I'll have to get up tomorrow and do them in the morning before school because I don't have a break between classes and *yaawwwn* I have to work directly after my last class and after work . . . . ZZZZZZZZZZZZ ." When my day ends like this, I don't feel refreshed when I wake up . I feel like I pick up exactly where I left off and, even though I slept, it still feels like a continuation of one very looonnnng day .
I'm going to challenge myself to end the day when I crawl into bed . Once I'm all burried in the blankets, I'm going to try to turn on some music so that I can drown out the sound of my own thoughts . You know . . . it's almost too bad that the Energizer Bunny isn't real . . . I bet a few bangs to the old noggin with those drum sticks of his would really do the trick . But I guess I'll just stick with the music for now .  :)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Making The Most of My Moments

Technology Class...
I should have been learning about all the helpful tools that are available to me on Microsoft Publisher, but I wasn't. I should have been listening to my professor explain how this program can help me in my future classroom, but I wasn't. To put it simply, I should have actually been listening during his instruction, but I wasn't. Instead I had my nose buried in this little quote book called, "Live Happy." Shame on me, I know. But, for once I don't feel so bad about letting my mind wander into the quiet caverns of my brain because I think some good might have actually come from it.
This little pink and green quote book has been my newest obsession since I bought it yesterday and I think I've read it cover-to-cover about five times already. But, today one particular quote has been weighing on my heart. About half way through the book on a plain page with only some simple pale pink swirling patters near the bottom, reads this quote:

Be where you are. Otherwise, you will miss your life. ” -Buddha

It sounds so simple, so why is it so difficult? Maybe it's because we don't really understands what it means to live. To live could simply be going through our everyday routines. Wake up, go to work or school (in my case, both), go home, go to bed, do it all again tomorrow. But living fully is something completely different and completely sacramental. If we are not active participants in our lives- mind, body, soul- how can we claim to have lived even one day? In my own life I find that I'm always trying to race time; always trying to stay one step ahead of schedule. In doing so, I'm never fully present in the moment at hand. By focusing on what my next class is, what activities I'm going to plan for the kids at Daycare, or what homework I need to get done tonight, I'm not engaged in the moment. I'm not connecting with the people I am with by noticing their selfless acts of kindness or learning about their unique personalities. I'm not making the most of the gifts that I've been given; gifts as simple as the fact that I'm not paralyzed and I have the ability to, and should, take notes during class! I'm even missing out on how to use Microsoft Publisher, which is a shame because it turns out that I need it for an upcoming assignment. 
Ok God, point taken. Man, you really DO have a sense of humor...
Note to self: Pay attention in class. Take notes. Live in the moment (even if it's difficult.)  

Like my therapist keeps telling me, I am going to try to work on living my life one moment at a time because I think once I start to fully participate- mind, body, and soul- in each moment, I will be much more able to cope with problems that may arise in only that moment. When another moment comes along, I'll worry about that when I get to it. Tonight, I'm counting my blessings and thanking God for each moment He's given me. Tonight, I'm truly living.


Monday, October 10, 2011

The Beauty of Dirt

I've found that it is nearly impossible for me to enter any kind of store (grocery, pharmacy, gas station, retail, etc.) without entering the greeting cards isle . I don't know why, but the simplicity of a well written card just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy . Like there's still somebody, somewhere who knows what life is really about . But, this post won't be about all the lovely cards I read while spending half an hour in the local Walgreens, though, it does involve the same isle .
I came across this cute little pink and green book with flowers on it entitled, "Live Happy." It's one of those daily quote type books that I love so much . After spending about five or six minutes reading this book (add that to my 20 minutes of reading greeting cards) I began to notice that the Walgreens employees were passing my isle more and more frequently . I scooped up my items and headed to the checkout .When I got there, I hadn't realized it, but I still had the book in my hand . Looking at this little pink and green book I thought to myself, "What the heck, it's only a couple bucks."
After relieving the Walgreens employees of the theft threat, it's back to school to work on that homework that has been looming over my head all day . I left my house this morning at 9:30am and it is now 8:48pm, it's been a long day . Well, anyway, after 20 solid minutes of reading, "Bartleby the Scrivner" I am ready for a break...from homework atleast . I look over at my little pink and green book and start to read . Now this is my kind of reading! One sentence per page, if only all books were like that . No offense, Bartleby .
After reading a few pages I came across a quote that really spoke to me .

You can say that again . I think about all the things that I'm struggling with in my life right now and, boy, dirt just sounds like the perfect word . Maybe even like mud . I've been crying so much lately that those tears are bound to fall to soil sometime . I've been living with a heavy heart for a while now because right now I don't measure up to who I used to be . I used to be care-free and happy all the time . I would just feel so good on some days that people would ask me,
"Are you ok? You seem a little excited..."
And most of the time I would respond with some kind of sing-songy response like,
"Of course! Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day! I've got a beautiful feeling, everything's going my way!"
Lately, my personal interactions with people usually begin with them asking,
"Are you ok? You look like you're worried about something."


Often times this breaks me down because I feel like a completely different person than who I used to be . And the thing that really bothers me is that I really liked who I was .
But... "Every flower that blooms has to go through a whole lot of dirt [and a whole lot of change.]"If you don't mind that I add my two cents. :)
I'm beginning to realize that almost everything on God's green earth changes . After a rose has done it's job-reproduced through pollination, and given a glimps of it's beauty to those who care to stop and smell, it withers . A rose doesn't bloom and flower in every season of the year, so why should I expect myself to be at my best in every new chapter in my life? I feel that those "happy chapters" in my life are over because I did my job and did it well . I was there for the people who needed me most and I learned what God wanted me to understand in that period of my life so now, it is my time to wither so that I can re-gain the strength to push through all this dirt and renew myself once again .

Sunday, October 9, 2011

In This Moment

Fellow blog readers, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Amanda and this is my very first blog.
A little about myself:
I am currently a sophomore in college, majoring in Elementary/Middle Education with a Minor in English/Language Arts. I hope to someday become a fourth grade teacher in a small Catholic school. I am currently on my 14th year of Catholic schooling and I couldn't be more pleased. I am proud of the education I have recieved and hope to someday give children the same wonderful experience that I have had.
This coming January, I will have completed my first year as a certified Daycare teacher. I am thankful to be one of the few people in this world who can say, without hesitation, I love my job. It is not only good preparation for me as I come closer to becoming a teacher, but it is rewarding in so many ways. I have often found that the moment I step into work and recieve my first hug of the day from one of my School-Age kids or see a two year old running toward me yelling, "Miss Amanda!!!" I can't help but be thankful for God's gift of that simple emotion we so often take for granted...love.
Why I created this blog:
Watch out folks- here comes the personal story!
For the past year, I have been struggling with the newness of diagnosed depression and anxiety. I am currently seeing a psychiatrist and she keeps telling me to, "Live in the moment." As simple as this sounds, it something that I struggle with all the time. I currently have five jobs that are somehow related to child-care and while I love and enjoy each and every one of those jobs, they're constantly making me think ahead. For example, while I should be paying attention in class, I often find myself thinking about art projects for my School-Agers to do when they get to the daycare after school. Because I am human, and I am weak and stubborn, I cannot give up any of these jobs so lately my assignment from the therapist has been simply to, "Live in the moment." I'm not sure how long this blog will last, but it doesn't matter because for the past fifteen minutes, I've been living in this moment, and this moment only. Success, welcome back old friend.