i wish you enough

usually im skeptical about these little forwards, but i cut out all the if you dont send this to 37 people you will live a miserable life nonsence, the rest is very enlightening :)

Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments >> together at the airport.  They had announced the departure. >>  >> Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I >> love you, and I wish you enough.' >>  >> The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than >>  enough.  Your love is all I ever needed.  I wish you enough, too, > Dad.' >>  >> They kissed and the daughter left.  The Father walked over to the >> window where I was seated.  Standing there I could see he wanted and >> needed to cry.  I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed >> me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it > would >> be forever?' >>  >> 'Yes, I have,' I replied.  'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a >> forever good-bye?'.. >>  >> 'I am old, and she lives so far away.  I have challenges ahead and the >> reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said. >>  >> 'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' >>  May I ask what that means?' >>  >> He began to smile.  'That's a wish that has been handed down from > other >> generations.  My parents used to say it to everyone...'  He paused a >> moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he >> smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting >> the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to >> sustain them.'  Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if >> he were reciting it from memory. >>  >> I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray >> the day may appear. >>  >> I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. >> I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. >>  >> I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may >> appear bigger. >>  >> I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. >> I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. >>  >> I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye. >>  >> He then began to cry and walked away.

this weekend.

coachella.

i wish i never had to leave.

camping+people+music= heavenly [minus the MASS amounts of drugs...not my thing]

really though, EVERYONE was incredible...real sad i missed fleetwood, phoenix, & spoon...but life goes on. someway some how.

more on this letter. time to study for operations management.

2 lives? yes i think so.

Stand out.

Music makes everything 10x better. Some people believe that life should be like movies and music should be the background to our every day activities. Imagine being in a foreign country....taking a canoe of sorts across the Indian ocean to an uncharted destination ['Peace of Mind'-Boston]...arriving at a reef of sorts, clear water and beautiful coral paired with rocks of death (how I'd like to describe them ;) ) [ ' "]....jumping in the water, swimming to a local Thai man...suffering minor scrapes and bruises along the way....arriving to a cave, crawling through only to see a private beach, hidden between two giant cliffs...['Wish you were Here'-Pink Floyd]....

I've been there, just when you think it could not get better.... the music fades in....its perfect!

Anyways, point proven...I love music, which is why its hard to pick one single theme song for my life but I'm going to try....drum roll....please.... 'Stand Out'- Disney, from a Goofy movie.

Before you write me off, or for those that have flawless taste...high-five me, think about it. Not only is A Goofy Movie, one of the greatest/most under appreciated Disney movies of all time, but the song has a beat that makes you want to flail your arms around and jump, it has a great message, and a singing dog is the face behind the masterpiece. Touchdown.

But really though, I do love this song, it has the power to put me in a great mood instantly. And once we get passed the Disney charm, it has a great message that I have always tried to live by (not because of the song, although it does further emphasis it) which is to put yourself out there, to not only be the best but have confidence in doing so. I firmly believe that regardless of who we are, where we grew up, or what resources we have...we have the power to become whatever we want to. Yes, it might be harder for some and easier for others but it is not impossible. Like Maximillion/Powerline says, "its not a question of how, just a matter of when".

Welcome to the life of Alexa Lynn Martz....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSakIqo8yN8&feature=related

Mejor Libro. (i think) nope, its libro predilecto.

As a prospective English minor, it can be assumed that I like or love to read. It is a just assumption, I do like to read. Although I do not read as much as I would like to or should, I would consider it an interest. Anyways, rather than reading the latest and greatest love story [I am anti-Twilight, apologies for any offense] I love the classics....The Great Gatsby & The Catcher in the Rye are givens. Anything makes that me reflect myself, hand it over. I also have a secret obsession with biographies/autobiographies of rock stars, predominately about Kurt Cobain.

I know I said I am not about the latest and greatest fads in literature, but I must admit my favorite book this year lies within the top selling book on this planet--The Bible. Whether or not people believe in the legitimacy or accuracy of the events described in The Bible, it is a beautiful beautiful piece of literature. It holds immense amounts of symbolism, historical references, analogies, love, action, and heart-clenching moments; it has something for everyone. And learning from the stories does not hurt either.

As for me, I do believe it in. I believe the accounts described are real.

But back to my favorite book this year, clarification: yes, the bible is a book but it is written by collaboration of authors and contains several mini-books within it, Phillipians. This book is actually a letter written by Paul the Apostle, for the people of Phillippi. But, although the history and background of this letter are important, I want you to know why it is my favorite, it is the purpose of the letter: to thank, to update, to send hope, to warn, to heed advice, and to let the people know that they are in good hands. I was not there when the town received this letter, but every time I read it I can only imagine how thankful they were and how much transformation occurred because it happens to me every time...and I have only a glimpse. This letter reminds me to be confident...in my faith, in life, and in myself. It reminds me to think before I act, to know that my actions affect others and may have positive or negative repercussion...actions prompt change...I need to be ready for that. It reminds me that everything that has happened in the past has made me who I am today...and can only be used for great things in the future. It reminds me not to live for myself but for my savior Jesus Christ and those that surround me (or don't, just others). It reminds me to be thankful for everything I have. It reminds me that everything I have is enough.

Paul not only affected the people of Phillippi through his letter, he has influenced hundreds of people over time. I am thankful to be one of them.

You see, whether or not people believe in Jesus Christ or the 'living word', the values can only help us better ourselves...there is nothing wrong with that.

what WE want vs. what WE need.

So I'm working on my application for interning @ an npo known as Krochet Kids [check it: http://krochetkids.org/home.php]

The application is awesome...yes they want a resume, standard. but they go beyond that..they want the face...the persona...they want to not only know who we perceive ourselves to be but who we are.

Question 1, well technically question 10, but numerical order is irrelevant..content, content.

"What is the biggest need in our current world?"

First things first, what is a need? [i knew this one, but for purposes of understanding I looked it up :) ]

According to good 'ol Merriam-Webster a need is...

(a) a necessary duty: obligation

(b) a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful/ physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism

(c) a condition requiring supply or relief

(d) lack of means of subsistence

...... (e) all of the above?

With that in mind....

I thought...hmm...more cowbell? (a friend said, thought I'd note it), ah the all cliche.."world peace"?, "universal health care system?" ...too soon? nothing seemed to do justice....target audience: the WHOLE world, what could everyone on this earth benefit from? theres one thing that keeps coming to mind...(without the cliche world peace answer in mind...just think about it)...

LOVE

I know what you may or may not have in mind: midnight calls, 'happy texts', long walks on the beach, lady & the tramp lets slurp spaghetti together type of love, but that's not what I mean. I'm talking about the type of love that exists through action, through serving others. The type of love that rises above our environments and circumstances...the type of love that is committed to the well-being of others. It is not based upon feelings or temporary gratification. It does not give a hand to receive one in return. It is unconditional. It is pro-active. It is the type of love that exists on kindergarten playgrounds...enabling children to become best friends because they have the same shirt... It is the type of love that smiles at complete strangers, that takes two extra seconds to hold the door for someone else....not because they have a disability, have their hands full, or because they asked...but simply because they are there...simply because they are another person....and you share that kinship with them. Simple love. Agape.

It is this love that could, does, and will change the world.

speak.

It is incredible that those we see the least, sometimes care the most.

For the passed week and a half, my grandma...one of the rocks that have held our family together through her consistent prayer, hope, and being has been in the hospital...she has a blood clot in her cordial artery. It is humbling to know that she has so many people behind her...prayers are extended worldwide...God is holding her in his arms...He is her strength...His will, will be done.

I love her.

It was important you knew the second detail, in regards to my first detail...you see for this passed week and a half- Facebook has enabled me to help extend these prayers/positive thoughts/whatever we want to call them..on her behalf...everything helps. And within this passed week and a half only a few have called...asked me..responded to my request, it is not a surprise, nor do i feel that I am somewhat entitled to have everyone at my beck and call, I just feel it is interesting. In life it is best to live without high expectations, I mean yes...have the highest expectation for yourself...do not settle for anything less, but as for others...you cannot be accountable for them...be content...do not impose your own views... onto others...because it is very likely you will be disappointed (not that you cant disappoint yourself either). Anyways, I am thankful for the way God speaks to us...it is through those that we do not expect. He likes to catch us off guard, He likes to remind us of the people that hold us dear within their hearts...almost (but not nearly close to how close He holds us dear to His heart)...I LOVE that...consistency through inconsistency.

I was greatly upset today, receiving news about my grandma maria that was not ideal... but the Lord spoke to me...He let me know that if He wants her, He will take her and she will be able to finally meet Him face to face. To be reunited with my grandpa Jim. To finally see the treasures Heaven holds. I know its not up to me...but I am okay with that...although I pray and pray for recovery, its humbling to have faith in God's plan for her. Thank you Lord.


Words from Dom's mom:
1 John 4:4
Hebrews 1:11
Job 23:10
Isiah 54:17
Psalms 23

In times of trial...to look for strength...to renew your faith...hold onto these words... they are real...

101 things to make you happy.

coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too)
crisp cotton sheets
soft skin
old family recipes
the first daffodils of spring
sleeping in
an exercise endorphin high
window boxes
a perfect cup of coffee
a genuine compliment (giving or receiving)
the way babies smell
a handwritten letter
waking up in a good mood...for no real reason
singing in the shower
finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket
doing something nice for your neighbor
a home cooked meal
laughing
movie theater popcorn
playing hookey
a bubble bath
swimming
an afternoon nap
street musicians
your favorite song
saying thank you
helping someone in need
old fashioned photo booths
fresh whipped cream
inspiring blogs
a glass of wine
rainy afternoons
the funny things kids say
a novel you can get lost in
finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale
clean laundry
the wind in your hair
treating the person behind you at the drive-thru
sharing an umbrella
the smell of lavender
a long walk that clears your head
a bear hug
The Beatles
smiling at a stranger
eating with chopsticks (Chinese food optional)
butterflies
staying in your pj's all day
singing along to the radio and knowing all the words
fresh herbs
ordering in pizza
happy endings...even if they're fictional
flying a kite
puppies
root beer floats
holding open the door...
...or having someone hold the door for you
fountain soda
white, fluffy towels
sunshine
spending an afternoon at a museum
really great advice
green lights all the way home
the sound of rain hitting the windows
sitting in a booth
holding hands
a great hair day with no effort
building a fort with your kids
when someone falls asleep with their head on your shoulder
fireflies
the perfect taco
geraniums on a windowsill
slow dancing
the smell of fresh-baked bread
cheesy, uplifting musicals
great stories
the smell of gasoline
the cold side of the pillow
love letters
old friends...
...new friends
a pull-through parking space
a baguette -- crisp on the outside, airy on the inside
when a dog licks your hand
sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner
using your favorite dishes
reading your child a bedtime story
Girl Scout Cookies
flossing
kissing someone you love
the smell of onions and garlic cooking
hot chocolate
jumping in puddles
old photographs
birds hopping on the sidewalk
Ella Fitzgerald
a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar
your softest t-shirt
a new magazine in the mail
fireplaces
having exact change
bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning