May your inner light shine through!!

Good evening..night..morning? It is kind of late, but I've had a lot on my mind... Sometimes it doesn't matter how many people you have around, you can still feel so alone.. who has never felt that way?_I would love to know how you do it! ;) ...HOWEVER; I am one of those people that rather enjoys being alone... finding myself.. how can you be happy with anyone else if you can't even be that with yourself? :) ...I love reading...and doing artwork... and looking up quotes... and watching movies... and of course writing on here!! :))... and of course, I was looking up quotes when I discovered one that I see ALL the time...

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

First of all... has anyone every been sitting in church and noticed the beautiful windows...all the light shining in those frames to create a marvelous story. The windows in my church are pictures...pictures of Jesus!! :) ..Every piece different...every piece makes a beautiful picture. Those windows ARE true beauty... there is no denying that.

When everything is going right, anyone can appear to be nice and wonderful...but when a tragedy hits or one small thing goes wrong the true person is revealed... I have seen so many people have to go through soooo much and still have so much respect for the world. Sometimes, I wonder... how can I be more like them?? How can I walk around with a smile on my face everyday?? How can I be there for someone EVERYTIME they need me?? How can I be beautiful on the inside too?? ...funny thing is...a lot of people ask me those very questions... I love to smile... so most of the time, that is just what I am doing.. sometimes I think I smile too much and I think it bothers some people...but I strive to have that inner light shine out! People need me, just like I need them. We all need to be strong for eachother for when one of us falls flat on our face.

And all the pieces that make that beautiful stained-glass picture are just like all the different things that make up a person...all the pieces, that make them beautiful... all those individual pieces may not be that pretty, but when it is all put together, what a beautiful picture it is...day OR night! :))

...Let your inner light shine through and be happy!!! :) God Bless!
-love-
  dan

Why worry???

Finally!! Tomorrow is Friday...awww sweet, sweet Fridays! It surely has been a long week, like every other... but anyway, I've been trying to think long and hard about what I wanted to talk about. I always look up quotes, it's one of my favorite things to do! Quotes to live by!! ...They really do sum it all up with only a few short sentences.

Every week at work seems to be getting worse and worse. I'm still here and I don't understand what is taking the AF so long..And it's having a huge strain on my attitude.. I know I'll get my orders sooner or later, but waiting is not my strong suit. I worry about how my training is going to go. I worry about my dad and my mom and my brother and my whole family. I worry about all my friends, the decisions they all make... I worry about the decisions I make. I worry about who I am and where I am going... all I do is worry. WORRY, WORRY, WORRY!! ...but... why??

I found this quote tonight that sums it right up. "If your problem has a solution then...why worry about it? If your problem doesn’t have a solution then...why worry about it?" ~ Chinese Proverb You can't really say it any other way... if you have a solution, then I suppose you no longer have a problem... and if you don't have a solution, what's it matter anyway, whatever happens, happens.

Me telling you not to worry isn't going to help either... We all worry. Even after reading that quote, I am still me. My momma calls me a little worry wart. I never do anything that could get me in trouble, because that's what I do...I think of all the consequences or all the benefits of something. ...I absolutely hate it when I talk myself out of having some "fun." ..I do it quite often. Something sounds like a blast, but then I ask myself what kind of trouble I could get into. ..So I worry..and don't end up doing it... I think my friends hate that about me, but...at the same time, I like that about myself.

...a little sidenote...  I chose a butterfly picture for this topic because I find them very calming... they are just so peaceful and beautiful. :))) How could they not comfort you?? :)

Just try and remind yourself to not worry so much...I'll do the same. There really is no point, but sometimes, I feel we don't have a choice..it just happens. Have a calm, relaxing night everyone!! :) and God bless!
-love-
  dan

How much proof do you need??

What a wonderful day it has been!! ..I talk to some pretty great people, have an amazing family.. I have a job and a vehicle... a roof over my head.. great hair...and a positive attitude. _yes I said great hair.. :P ...So every negative thing aside, how can it be a horrible day?? I need reminding sometimes of all these amazing things_if you are the one who reminds me..thank you! :)))

So yesterday my brother and I were on our way home from work and we got on the subject of God. ..I don't hear my brothers opinions about Him all the time, but it makes me smile when I do, because he has the same beliefs as I do. ... We got on the subject because from Kenesaw to Grand Island people probably pull out in front of us at least.... 2 times a day.. it's rare if they don't. ..Then we started talking about how some incidents can turn out MUCH worse.

An example he used was the time about 2 or 3 years ago when he was involved in a car accident. ...His girlfriend, Chelsea, was the one driving..he was in the front passenger seat, and their friend, Natalie, was in the backseat. _Just miles before it happened, Nick realized he didn't have his seatbelt on and he buckled up..Natalie saw him and did the same thing... it was raining that evening and Chelsea mistakenly took the worst road home.. the road was too muddy and they rolled the vehicle, inches away from ending up in the pond. ...Had all three of them not had on their seatbelts, they could have been thrown from the vehicle and crushed. ...Had my brother not realized he wasn't buckled up... He said the thoughts rolling through his terrified mind were... "someone is about to die tonight.." I thank the Lord my brother was wrong. ...They all had scratches..that's it. He also asked, "how can someone not believe in God after hearing a story like that?" ..or experiencing something like that.

That wasn't the only time I was scared for my brothers life... He used to get hurt all the time. Four wheeler and three wheeler accidents to say a few... one day he was riding the four wheeler..his helmet flew off and he gashed open his chin because his teeth went right through... his three wheeler accident... he almost ran it right in an auger_that one would have been my fault too! ... I'm grateful for that accident prone kid, and maybe it is because of all of those accidents that he believes..who knows? ..it's proof to me.

I have a few stories of my own...one of them happened just this last winter. I went to Seward to hang out with my best friend. I shouldn't have gone_the weather was horrible and a big storm was coming in, but I hadn't seen her for quite a while. ..On the way there someone decided to whip around and almost cause me and a semi driver to wreck... and on the way back home traffic on the interstate stopped completely!! I came to a hault behind a semi, and next thing I knew.. I saw another semi trying to stop at high speeds going through the median so he could avoid hitting me... my car would have been completely crushed between two semi trucks! ..That is NOT luck!! That is one of my many proofs!! :))) It made me really stop to think about how close we can be to the end... it could have easily been a fatality...EASILY!! ..but not yet. :) God still needs me here on Earth! :) Yay!!

Proof...It is EVERYWHERE!! ..You can believe it or not. That, my friend, is up to you. Why live a life full of negativity though when you can live a life full of happiness?? I'm not here to judge you, just encourage, and hopefully you notice the same wonderful things I do!! I believe everything happens for a reason... all those accidents, good or bad. Whether we like them or not. We may never know the reasons...but they are there.

 ...Never forget about the one who really woke you up this morning! :))) God Bless!!!
-love-
  dan

Don't EVER leave the ones you care about behind!

HELLO!! ...  I have been super slacking lately... motivation, motivation, motivation..  Anyway..  a couple weekends ago, one of the girls in my class got married.. BEAUTIFUL wedding and beautiful bride by the way!! And to be honest, I was iffy about going... it was going to basically be a class reunion. I haven't seen soooo many of my classmates since we graduated. ..most of use were extremely close, we didn't want to leave eachother, but were thrilled to start our new lives. Trouble was... we forgot to take eachother along for the ride. Or maybe... it was me who forgot to keep in touch.

I was never fond of the idea of graduating! My life was pretty damn near perfect.... I was friends with everyone and life, it was a piece of cake. But that first summer I started working A LOT!!! That didn't help with having a life, but then I also realized how independent I am! ..I gained great work ethics, but I lost touch with some amazing people! It wasn't until that wedding that I realized the people I left behind. ...and yes...it was my fault. It was awesome being liked for me, and not being liked for who MY FRIENDS AND I were... (not sure if that makes sense.)

There were about 15 originals in my class, me being one of them... 15 out of 27 started the journey together... and the majority started it with us shortly after. TWENTY-SIX young men and women helped me become the woman I am today. I spent what, about 8 hours with them 5 days a week?? I made best friends...lost best friends... had crushes or boyfriends... but in the end, no matter who they were to me, we would always be friends. The amazing thing about my school..even town.. was even though drama started fast, it ended just as fast. If you were new, we welcomed you... If you didn't understand something, we helped you...

One thing, well actually one person, will always tie us together. We all experienced a tragedy together... a few of them actually. These people were my whole world!! ...and when one of our classmates was ripped from our lives, we all felt hopeless...actually I'm not sure what we felt... like our heart was ripped from our chests... but when I am feeling low I know I can talk about her with any of them, and only they will understand how truly amazing she was. :)

What I am getting at is...no matter who you meet along the way, never forget about those who you started the journey with. Even if you have nothing to do with them now, they helped make you who you are today. They will ALWAYS be a part of your life..the past is part of your life. :) .. It's been about three years since I've seen some of them, well before that wedding, but I am so glad I saw them. I missed them and love the reminiscing!!! :D

Walk into your future, but don't forget your past!! <3

(These girls... )

 Have an amazing night!!! And God Bless!!
-love-
  dan

The Golden Rule...

Helllloooo!! :) We are halfway through the week... it is getting there!! ..Soooo I think everyone can tell where I will be going with this post. RESPECT...but not like my last respect post. Yes, we do need to respect ourselves, but lets not forget about everyone else.. have some selflessness.. it isn't ALL about you.

I notice this EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. ..not respect, but disrespect. I know I am guilty... I have my moments when I can be rude, but I try really hard to treat people how I want to be treated. Problem is... I can take a joke. I like when people joke with me..and then I joke with people and they get their panties in a bunch. Come on... BUT I guess I am treating them how I want to be treated... :)

Just because someone is "beneath" you, does NOT mean this rule doesn't apply to you. I will give anyone respect until they give me a reason not to because even though it is earned, I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I've been made a fool many times...unfortunately many people have given me many reasons not to. A good example, if you are a boss or owner, how are you going to have a productive business if you are rude to your employees? or if you give some people privileges, but not others? ..Just a little food for thought... :)

Also... age doesn't matter. A child deserves just as much respect as an adult. They may or may not understand as much as you do, but they are human beings too. ...my friends are human beings... I am a human being!! .. I may not be as experienced in life, but I have my own list of experiences...probably different then your own. I've learned things you haven't... I've gone through things that you haven't... You're not necessarily smarter with age, so don't treat me or anyone like their opinion doesn't matter... I have to respect my elders AND vice versa!!

Matthew 7:12 -So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. ...I'm not quite sure what this world is coming to, but what happened to the Golden Rule?? If YOU respect me there is no doubt about it, I WILL respect you!

...Let's all take a step back and see if we want to be treated that way...

Have an amazing night!! and God bless!!

-love-

dan

Daddy's Little Girl...

Beach in Texas with my pa!! :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the amazing fathers out there!! :) ... I would have to say that my daddy is one of the most amazing of them all.. as many of you would say about yours as well! He is the definition of a REAL man and father.

My mom has told me many times how proud my dad was/is to be a father. He may have been more scared than anything else, but he was a natural with us. Both of my parents were always there with Nick and I...ALWAYS. I know a lot of people that never had much of a relationship with their parents..I could never imagine. ...He taught me sooo many things.. how to have a sense of humor, ride a bike, drive a car, change a tire, fix things, be independent, be a hard worker...etc.

..Anyone who has ever met my dad probably knows what a hard worker he is... I don't think the man ever sleeps! When I was younger and was doing pretty much every sport possible, who made it to EVERY game or event? ..My daddy... Not to mention he made it to all of my brothers things too... He has to be superman... or something! Never once did he complain about it either. He sacrificed SO much for the two of us, and at the time I never realized how much, but now I understand and appreciate everything he does for me!

We were always wearing our Husker outfits!! :D

Starting at the age of four I started taking dance classes... and when he picked me up, he would take me out for icecream or tacos and then roll the windows down, crank up The Eagles, Bob Seger,& Bruce Springsteen... but the one song we sang the most was Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus!! :) I'm almost postive everyone knows what song I am talkin about...



My dad always puts his family first. If I need him..he is there. If I ever felt scared...he comforted me. He would check the whole entire house if I thought someone was here that shouldn't be..ALWAYS! He turned me into the confident woman I am today. He always tells me how pretty I am..how smart I am. How proud he is of me and all of my accomplishments...Better yet.. he always tells me that he loves me!!  ..It's funny.. a lot of people think he looks scary or is a mean guy, but he has the BIGGEST sense of humor ever and the nicest guy!! And everyone may see his serious, hard working side, but me I've seen it all... I've had him wrapped around my finger since the day I was born!

My heart aches for those who don't get to spend anymore time with their fathers... I'm so blessed that mine is still in my life... and by blessed I mean it... when I was in 6th grade the man I knew to be so strong got sooo sick. I prayed to God everyday for him to get better and when I blew out the candles on my cake, my wish was for him. ...and look now...he is still here with me!! :)

... Christmas 2010 ...

A truly great daddy is hard to come by... men, be those great dads!! :) My dad has set pretty high standards for all the men in this world.. Good luck to all of you, because he is pretty great!

Hope all the daddy's had a great day..and everyone have a great night!!
-love-
  dan

Keep your head high gorgeous...

Good evening everyone! Sooo..I apologize... I have been slacking a little bit on my posts this week. I suppose I haven't exactly been following my own advice about staying positive and not letting people bother me. This whole week I've let people get the best of me... Some people are just rude. That is all there is to it and we can't let them get to us.

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up becuase if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Even though people get to us, we can't blame it on them. It's easy to do that, but we are the ones who control our attitude on a situation. ...Personally.... I kind of suck at not letting people get to me. You focus on the things they say or do and forget about the people who really matter...  Why does it matter what your haters think when you have people who ACTUALLY care about you that have a different opinion?? We all do it.. Why are we soooo focused on those other people? Shouldn't our friends and families opinions mean the most to us? My answer... UH DUHH! ...but we still always crave those other peoples' approval.

Like the quote states, we will have many friends. Fake and true ones... some will come and go, but there will always be those few that will be by your side through it all, and there will be times you don't always agree with them either.. but don't ever let your pride get in the way of ANY relationship!! ..I said in a previous post to never give up.. just keep on trying until you succeed... well.... I'm serious... You will get there. ...I love how this quote just about sums it all up! :) Life is a beautiful thing.. don't believe me?? Venture your way out to the country roads... look at the trees, the open skies, and the beautiful wildlife! ... Take a little stroll and smell the fresh air... (hopefully there isn't a feed lot nearby hehe) ..listen to the sound of... wind? the breeze through the grass and trees, the birds chirping...  what a beautiful world we live in!! :D

"Keep your head high gorgeous, there are people that would kill to see you fall."-unknown ...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this quote! I think some people major in that sort of thing... watching people fall. They can't be satisfied with the happiness of others. BUT..People only hate those who are great! :D ..That right there should be a little motivation.

Have an amazing night!!
-love-
  dan