What a beautiful life it is... It's amazing how someone can completely change your life for the better. I cannot imagine my life without Fr. Federico. The most inspiring, kind-hearted, God-loving, people-caring, genuine person I have ever met. I will never forget his sly remarks of me [always] holding a Dutch Bro's coffee in my hand when I first started hanging out at the Newman Center. That, as well as fighting over whose turn it was to play a song on you-tube. I love his passion for music!

Most of all, I will not forget the time he took out of his days to listen to me vent about my faith and my relationships and struggles with boys ;P He saw a side of me that I had never seen myself, he encouraged me every day to fall in love with Jesus all over again, and share that love with everyone I meet. I can't thank you enough Father for everything. And I will miss you so much! 

Woke up to a text from my wonderful roommate that started my Tuesday off just right. It said: "I heard someone say yesterday don't follow your heart because your heart can be deceived, instead ask God to help lead your heart in the direction He wants you to go." I am so grateful to have someone who reminds me of what is important in life. <3 nbsp="">

How true is it that we mistake our heart's desires for God's desire for us. He wants nothing but the best for us each and every day. He wants every day to be perfect. So why should we not let a day be perfect? I feel as though it is the expectations and assumptions that shape our realities.

Why is it that responsibilities seem to be such a chore? Why does work or school have to have negative connotations to them. Both are such blessings. Ultimately we are meant to be blissful, yet the world tells us not to be conscious of bliss. As Osho says, "Ordinarily the mind is always conscious of pain, never conscious of bliss. If you have a headache you are conscious of it. When you don't have a headache you are not conscious of the well-being of your head...My own experience is that life consists of 99 percent bliss and one percent pain. But people's lives consist of 99 recent pain and one percent bliss; everything is upside-down. Become more and more conscious of pleasure, joy, the positive, the flowers, the silver linings in the black dark clouds." (Osho; Body Mind Balancing).

Today's challenge: To take note of all the positive things that you have become so accustomed to that you don't even recognize them. Then to write down 5 things you thank God for. "Imagine if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today."

I am grateful today especially for:

1.) Great friends and conversations over coffee! Sarah, Phil, Daniel; you three totally made my morning! What a blessing to spend a morning at Mass and then drinking delicious coffee while sharing personal thoughts and testimonies of God's love!
2.) My cozy home and fire-place. While I am completely missing my life in warm/sunny Hawaii, you can't appreciate sunshine without rainy days in Corvallis!
3.) The fact that I am FINALLY a Senior and taking 3 classes that actually allow me some spare in-between time to write a blog post. (Thinking back to my last 3 years of Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy...no words to express the relief of having those classes over with ^-^).
4.) My {Cheaper By The Dozen} family- even though I don't see or talk to them enough, they are always on my mind and in my heart. Can't imagine life without them in it--- constant motivation for me.
5.) A new friend I get to spend the evening with! 2 year old Jackson who I will be babysitting tonight!    While searching for this new Mac, met an awesome guy (Who's birthday is just two days after mine!) who just so happened to need a babysitter! And they literally live right across from me. God is SO good. :)

I hope you have a BLESSED TUESDAY!