I think it's easy to blame responses we have on our "tough" or "stressful" weeks at work. A few years ago, I may have come home and crawled into bed. Instead, I shrugged it off and enjoyed a nice date with Ricardo. We went to a new movie theater to see Oz The Great and Powerful.
Sitting in a nice comfy recliner, we ordered dinner and enjoyed a night out. We were both tired from long weeks but graciously Ricardo indulged me this treat. Saturday found me painting a vase at Cafet Monet! So excited to see the final result on Friday!
I made a quick trip home to see my folks. Most people would visit friends or engage in a hobby or do nothing after a tough week and perhaps I'd normally be one of them. Lately, we've had a lot going on in our family. I spend a lot of time traveling to be with them even though I'm in this great city. I don't regret it, it's just part of this season in my life.
I'm an older sister and no matter how old my siblings are: I will always attempt to look out for them and also respect their space and choices in life. We're all very different and have different outlooks on life: it's just who we are and part of being adult siblings is respecting those differences. It can be hard but I think the bigger picture for me is just wanting to see them safe and happy. What can I say: I'm a protective mexican sister! I think I've always been transparent about my family and what they mean to me. I work hard to have meaningful relationships and work hard to maintain them.
Some of you have been more present than others and certainly there's nothin wrong with that, that's just where life has taken us. I have this love hate relationship with Facebook for that reason. So many of you have shared your life's experiences with me via the social experiment that is Facebook. It's allowed me to connect and re-connect with those of you I might not have been afforded the opportunity to, otherwise. It's beautiful in that regard. Others have taken a lazy route to rely on Facebook for the inner workings of my life. A fallacy because while I work hard to be true and loyal to myself in h writings and posts: I if d high value on keeping some things private only shared in face to face interaction. So for that I think Facebook can give a false sense of feeling that you really know someone by their FB posts.
For many reasons, I don't discuss or air certain parts of my life on FB. My relationship with Ricardo is certainly one. Do I love this man and want people to know know he's a part of my world: sure. I don't feel that every aspect is privy to all eyes.
I also work hard to protect my sometimes pointed comments when something in my life has irritated or upset me and try to remain as ambiguous as possible because sometimes it can hurt those you care most about in your life.
Fast forward to tonight (3/15):
Another tough week fighting an upper respiratory crud, allergies, massive sinus headaches, and mocos! Boooo to mocos! I spent most of the week playing catch up and feelin like there want enough time in the day!
But I did get my vase and I'm please with the results: so pretty to me!
So I'd like to talk about giving. I've live by the philosophy that you reap what you sow: always! Often time I'm moved to give my time and when able my finances. My view: God's blessed me with more than I could ever imagine possible; allowed some of my greatest dreams to come tue and the things in my life possible: others have poured into my life and blessed me so the greatest way to honor them is to give back to those in need.
So I give in whatever way I feel God leading. I'd had a conversation with God about giving without expectation of return. Then I heard a sermon on the radio and a lot of songs and had conversations with other about giving without the expectation of return - giving just to be a blessing to someone else.
It's also amazing how when you do give God always makes provision for needs. I believe we have to be good stewards of those things entrusted to our care.
So I'd like to present you with an opportunity to bless a few folks that I personally know would benefit greatly from your gifts.
The first is Jeff Peters from San Angelo. He was diagnosed with leukemia and Lord willing has a donor for a bone marrow transplant later this month. His story and how you can help can be found at: www.pray4jeff.com
I know Jeff because in the late 90's we played in a band together. Jeff is the real deal and has a head after God's. he'd give you the shirt of his own back if you needed it and is just about one of the best listeners I've ever known! Through this journey he's remained optimistic and hopeful pointing attributing it all to God's glory!
The next is a friend I went to jr high with and her son Keegan. Keegan is in need of a service animal and his dad was recently deployed. You can find their story and make a donation here: http://www.gofundme.com/MiracleforKeegan
Keegan's mom, Becky, and I have remained in contact via Facebook and as I've posted about my sister and brother-in-law she's sent me notes to say they've been in her prayers and she's always asked me how they are doing! Her actions mirror the words "more than you ever know" by Watermark!
Finally, my good friends, Anthony and Crystal, discovered their daughter has a rare genetic mutation and has been tentatively diagnosed with AT.
Defined:
ABOUT ATAXIA-TELANGIECTASIA
Ataxia-telangiectasia, or A-T, is a rare genetic disease that attacks children, causing progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems, and a high rate of cancer.
What is A-T?
A-T affects a large variety of systems in the body, causing symptoms that affect health and daily living.
You can learn more about the disease here: http://www.atcp.org/page.aspx?pid=3642
In the months to come, I'll be working with friends and family to support fundraising activities to support them as they seek necessary medical care for their daughters chronic condition.
This is important to me because Zaria isn't even 7 yet and the life expectancy with this disease is somewhere in the late 20's to early 30's. Anthony and Crystal will likely have a hard journey ahead with specific modifications needed like moving into a single story dwelling. If you're interested in helping with our efforts, you can inbox me on Facebook or shoot me an email at lmleyva@suddenlink.net.
I've known Anthony since I was in 7th grade and apart from my cousins and Jackie and family camp friends - he's one of m oldest friends. He harasses me like a brother too!
Please consider helping one of these friends. Blessings have a way of returning to you in unexpected ways! Even when you don't expect it.
Blessings to all!
Ps - included pictures of the before and after at Cafe Monet!
