In My Own World

Thinking back, I realize that All Saints' and All Souls' Day might just be my favorite holiday. When I was younger, especially in high school, these days meant heading back to the town where I grew up. It wasn’t just about visiting my grandparents’ grave—it was also a chance to see my cousins. We’d be together for a few days, playing, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. Those memories are some of my favorites. We’d spend hours just being kids, catching up, and making each other laugh. It was a break from school and routines, and we got to make the most of every minute. I didn’t know it back then, but those simple moments would end up meaning so much. Now, whenever this time of year rolls around, I think back on those days. If I had a time machine, I'd go back in a heartbeat to those little reunions with my cousins.  But things have changed. We’re all grown up now. Some of my cousins have families of their own, and we all live miles apart. We don’t go back

As I sit down to write today, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Despite the storms that recently passed through, we are safe—our family, our home, even our beloved dogs. In times like these, it’s easy to focus on the chaos around us, but today I choose to reflect on the blessings that remain. Each storm brings uncertainty and fear, but as I look around, I realize that we have come through safely. Our family is intact, and our home, though tested, still stands strong. Our dogs, who sense every rumble and tremble, are by our side, reminding me that even in times of turmoil, love and loyalty endure. For all of this, I am deeply grateful. I don’t take this safety for granted, and I thank God for His protection. While we weathered this storm, I know others are facing harder realities. My heart goes out to those who were deeply affected—the families who have lost homes, the communities left in disarray. I pray that God will provide them with strength and comfort in these tr

We’ve all had moments where we see someone splurge on the latest phone, camp out for hours to grab a new gadget, or shell out big bucks for VIP concert tickets and wonder, "Why?" It’s easy to think, "That’s so unnecessary," or question their choices. Similarly, we might see collectors spend fortunes on dolls, action figures, or rare memorabilia and think, "What’s the point?" But here’s the truth: we don’t really understand because we’re not the ones living their lives. We are simply observers, and what makes sense to us financially may be completely different from what fulfills or excites someone else. When we judge how others spend their money, we often do it from our own perspective, without knowing the personal value behind that purchase. To the person standing in line for hours to get the newest smartphone, it could represent a love for cutting-edge technology or an investment in something that makes their day-to-day life smoother. To the concert-goer

Sometimes, we think we’ve moved on. We think the past no longer holds any power over us, and the pain we've experienced is safely stored away, a distant memory. But then, something happens. A conversation, a situation, or even a small reminder of that old wound comes up, and suddenly, we’re right back in that place of disappointment and hurt. It feels as though nothing has changed. We thought we were healed, but it becomes painfully clear that we’re not quite there yet. I’ve found myself in that position more times than I care to admit. After thinking I had left the hurt behind, it resurfaces unexpectedly, like a ghost that refuses to be laid to rest. I realize that while I've made progress, I am still affected by the same things that broke me before. It’s frustrating, because deep down, I truly want to be healed, to be free from the grip of these emotions.  What does it mean to be truly healed? For me, it means not being shaken when the same painful situations or memories resu

Sarting a new job always brings a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a dash of uncertainty. But when that new job also involves a graveyard shift, things take on a whole different flavor. I’ve just completed my first week working from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and while it’s been challenging, it’s also been surprisingly... peaceful. One thing I’ve quickly realized is that time seems to move at a different pace during the night. There's a stillness that contrasts with the fast, chaotic energy of daytime. During the day, it always feels like the hours slip away too quickly. You wake up, rush to prepare for work, and before you know it, half the day is gone. But at night, there’s a quiet that stretches time. My shift starts at 11 PM, and from the moment I settle into work, it feels like I have space to breathe. No rush, no urgency. I can take things one step at a time. The shift may be unconventional, but I’ve found it works for me. One of the perks of working at night is waking

Turning 33 feels like a milestone—a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I have to be thankful for. As I reflect on this new chapter, my heart overflows with gratitude to the Lord for all the blessings He has showered upon me. This past year has been a journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, but through it all, I have felt the Lord’s presence guiding me. I’m thankful for the good days that brought me joy and the difficult ones that strengthened my faith. Every moment, every person, and every experience has been a part of His greater plan for my life, and for that, I am deeply grateful. I am blessed with amazing people in my life—family who love me unconditionally, including our dog.  As I celebrate my 33rd year, I also acknowledge how much I’ve grown spiritually. The Lord has been my constant companion, helping me navigate the highs and lows, always lighting the way forward. His protection and provision have never failed, and I find peace in knowing that He is always b

I’m excited to share a significant milestone in my professional journey! I’ve just wrapped up a month-long training program that’s been both intense and rewarding. But before I start my new job, there's one final push: another week of training to solidify everything I've learned so far. The past month has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and early mornings. I embarked on this training with a mix of excitement and apprehension, knowing that it would be a demanding yet crucial step towards my new career path. Each day started with alarms ringing. Rising early became a routine, a necessary sacrifice to make the most of the training sessions. The content was vast and varied. From technical skills to soft skills, each session was designed to build a solid foundation for the role I’ll be stepping into. The pace was fast, but the knowledge gained was invaluable. Naturally, there were challenges—complex concepts, and moments of doubt. But with perseverance, and patience, I navigat