Ahem. I would like to thank the Academy...

Well, maybe not the Academy, per se, but I sure would like to thank Lydia Joy and Thinking Out Loud for awarding me.. *drum roll please*



The Versatile Blogger Award!

Now, I don't think I officially deserve this award.. I am, in fact, a HORRID blogger! Sooo neglectful.. oy vey. But! I do graciously accept. :) Now, I am supposed to list 7 things about me and tag 15 people. I don't think I can tag quite that many.. I only have a handful of followers, but we'll see what we can work out. :)

As for my 7 things, here we go!

1. I crochet, knit, and sew. Most people don't know this factoid about me, but it is nonetheless true. I used to be really proficient at it, and create all sorts of neat things, but alas, I have neglected this hobby. It has been far too long. I really should pick it up again.

2. I love reading almost more than anything else. The greatest gift you can give me is a gift card to a bookstore. I can guarantee you, it will most definitely be put to good use.

3. I live and breathe film. It took me far, far too long to realize that this is what I should be doing with my life, but now that I am certain that this is what I was born to do, I couldn't be more driven.

4. Most people are highly confused as to what nationality I am when they meet me.. believe me, I have gotten almost every nationality under the sun. Mexican, Filipino, Indian, Pacific Islander, Viatnamese, seriously.. the list goes on and on. I am, however, Colombian Jewish. So there you have it. For all of you wonderers out there. Karla is Colombian Jewish.

5. My biggest passions? Jesus, People, Film, Literature, Art, Travel, World History, and Biblical History.

6. I am called to the country and the people of Italy. I know that to the core of my being, and I love that country and its people with a fierce kind of God love.

7. I can sing. Now I know that this is an ability that most people with vocal cords are capable of, but I can actually sing well. My parents used to enter me in talent contests, and I sang and danced all through my elementary, junior high, and high school years. It's a talent that I have not revealed to many, but one that I have recently had a strong desire to pick up again. We shall see where that leads. :)

Now to tag people! Oh dear. I don't know many people of which I could tag, so I will cheat completely on this and say that I tag whoever reads this little post of mine who has yet to be tagged. :) Please let me know if you decide to post your own!

Love you guys, and thanks for reading despite the bloglessness of the past couple of months! <3

Dote-Worthy Directors Part II: Hayao Miyazaki

I am so sorry I have been absent from blogger for sooo long. Finals and work were wreaking havoc on my schedule and as a result, I haven't been able to blog. BUT. I am back, and I have decided not to take classes this summer, so I will be able to post more frequently.

I have been wanting to post the second blog on Dote-Worthy Directors for some time.. but have not had time to do so until just now.. and I am excited to finally be posting this. This blog is exclusively about: Hayao Miyazaki.. or Miyazaki Hayao, as it really should be.

If you have not heard of Hayao Miyazaki or seen any of his films, you definitely SHOULD. His films are some of the most beautiful, brilliant, creatively artistic films I have ever had the privilege to watch. He specializes in full-length anime films. I know that many people are not fans of anime, but I would recommend Miyazaki films even to people and audiences that I know aren't fans of anime. The reason why is simply because I used to really dislike anime.. that is, until I watched a Miyazaki film. Shortly after that I watched ALL of his films in succession. I watched all of the major ones in a matter of two days.. and let me tell you.. that is alot of watching! Ever since then I have been a die hard Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli fan and through that have actually become a fan of anime as a whole. I think many people just look at anime through a surface lens, and never really give it a chance. I know that is precisely what I did, I am so guilty of it. However, I have found that there is so much depth to so many (not all) anime films that I see lacking in American animation.. and Miyazaki is frequently referred to as the Walt Disney of Japanese animation.. a title that is no doubt an honor, though I quite disagree. His fame is perhaps comparable to that of Walt Disney, but his work is an entirely different story. I love Miyazaki because of his use of deep elements, brilliant animation, and a free running imagination. The end result is a stunning visual and mental feast.

In short, I love Hayao Miyazaki.

Here are a few photos that I found online and fell in love with and a few photos of his major films:

Spirited Away: This is the first Miyazaki film I ever watched.. and it is undoubtedly one of my personal favorites.

Howl's Moving Castle: Probably my second favorite Miyazaki film.. and the hardest to follow just because it is so random. That doesn't make it any less amazing, however. :)

My Neighbor Totoro: Such a cute, cute film! This film actually competes with Howl's Moving Castle for my second favorite. Out of Miyazaki's films, this is one is said to have been symbolic of Miyazaki's relationship with his mother.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Okay. I will give you a fair warning. If you are scared of bugs or anything creepy crawly.. BEWARE! I am highly afraid of insects and I will admit to having difficulty watching this at first.. I stuck it out, though, and was really impressed. This movie is so empowering! I almost even started to kind of like bugs.. ALMOST. :)

Princess Mononoke: Hailed as Miyazaki's masterpiece. He actually won an Academy Award for this film and this film was number one in the Japanese box office until the release of Titanic. Wowow. Moral of the story: watch. O.O

Ponyo on the Cliff: This was Miyazaki's latest release. One word: CUTE. This film was actually inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid, and it is such a beautiful interpretation. I really, really loved this movie.

I just really loved this photo. :) ^^ As you can guess it is Miyazaki at the center with his creations surrounding him.

In short, Miyazaki is brilliant.. and definitely.. without a doubt dote-worthy in my book.

:)

I am hoping my next post won't be so delayed! It shouldn't since finals are over. :) Thanks lovelies!

Love, love,

Karla Von Guerra.

xoxo

Oh! I almost forgot! If you are going to enter the world of Miyazaki film viewing.. please, please-- watch in original Japanese. It does make a difference. If you absolutely hate subtitles, or can't stand listening to Japanese, then by all means, watch in English.. but.. you are missing out. Okay. End of rant. :) Love you guys and thanks for reading! <3

Formspring

I jumped on the band wagon a few months back. Just wanted to share the link with you all. :)

http://www.formspring.me/macheretrange

Love & love,

Karla Von Guerra.
:)

Dote-Worthy Directors Part I: Tim Burton

Hello Lovelies.

I have an announcement!

I've been thinking lately that I really want to do a series of blogs on my favorite and most influential directors.. sooo here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the first installment of this series! If you know me at all, my first choice for my first blog upon this subject will not come as a shock to you.

TIM BURTON.

What can I possibly say of my creative muse but that he is brilliant? It seems too commonplace to even just leave it at that. I have always been a big Burton fan, even at a very early age. I can clearly remember my parents putting movies on for my sister and I as we went to sleep, and usually they tended to pick movies such as Cinderella, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, and the like. I, however, would sneak out of bed and switch out the VHS for Beetlejuice or Edward Scissorhands instead. I cannot quite point out what stands out the most about his work to me. It's a mixture of things, really. I love his vision, I love that he's different, real, raw, and edgy. Going from being an animator with Disney to building your own production company and being known for edge cutting phantasmagoric films is quite a feat. Being a Christian, I tend to get reprimanded quite a bit for my love of all things Burton. I cannot begin to tell you how much this irritates me. Yes, Tim Burton is a darker character and much of his signature style and vision can be labeled as morbid and death obsessed, which is why, naturally, it raises some eyebrows as to why he is my favorite director. I can explain that quite simply.

I love the way he deals with such real issues-- such as death and the after life-- things that make many people uneasy and matters which individuals want to forget about-- and confronts them head on. Though, he is not a Christian, (he claims himself to be spiritual, but not religious or prescribing to any certain denomination) I find it intriguing that most of his films are centered around the idea of an after life, such as Frankenweenie, Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride, etc. It may not be a utopian after-life, but it is an artistically beautiful concept of an after-life interwoven with very real and beautiful human emotions. Honestly, he's the first and only director that I think will ever be able to successfully pull together life and death and wrap them up in an intricate and beautifully creative wrapper and introduce them to audiences in a way that keeps them coming back for more. Brilliance, ladies and gentlemen, brilliance.

One of my bestest friends, Lydia Joy, who is a magnificent photographer, recently did a Burton inspired shoot featuring the both of us (we are both Burton afficionados!) and I thought it was brilliant. Here is one of my favorite photos from the shot! :)

To wrap up this blog, I will leave you with the following link. It is a photo shoot that Harper's Bazaar did inspired by Tim Burton (much like the shot Lydia and I did). He is in a few of the shots, in one dressed as a clown, and in another dressed as "Sandy Claws" :) It really is an artistically beautiful shoot and I love it.

http://wwburton-halloween-fashion-1009w.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/tim-

Cheers lovely ones,

Karla Von Guerra.

:)

"One person's crazyness is another person's reality."

-Tim Burton.

Quick Little Post..

To let you guys know what I have been up to.

: )

I have been absolutely swamped with work, school work, and PRE-PRODUCTION. Ah! I really feel as though I am going mad.

...

Can I be honest, though?

Good.

*I find I quite enjoy it.* :)

I never thought I would be one to enjoy "busy-ness", but I am finding I am falling in love with it. I think it could be cos I am finally going into film (beautiful, wonderful film!) and I am in love with every step of the process of bringing this short film to life. It is exhausting, for sure, and I am learning as I go, because I haven't really even started my first semester of film.. but I am excited and I have spent much of my time doing research, research, research. I must also say, I have a new found appreciation for film makers everywhere now. I never realized that there was so much work that a film maker had to account for! I have just started (I know, should have started wayy earlier) having to give myself daily checklists, goals, and map out a personal calendar for me to get things done by (aside from the official production calendar) and I'm also currently setting up a production notebook. I get the feeling this notebook will most likely be my best friend for the next couple of months straight up until the end of post-production, which I suppose isn't a bad thing since it will help me stay organized!

I am also finding that I must learn to delegate. Naturally being a perfectionist, I want to get everything done on my own, especially when I have a project that is dear to my heart. I want to ensure everything goes as I planned and envisioned it. I am, however, learning that this maniacal perfectionism may just turn around and bite me in the rear if I don't learn to delegate soon. I mean, that's what a crew is for, right? Right.

...

Until I remember that I don't technically have a crew.

So maybe I do have to run around like a mad woman for a few months to pull this off until I find some trusted crew members. :)

I have much left to do, such as casting, scouting locations, rehearsals, rentals, props, costumes, etc.. and this is only a 12-15 minutes film! Oy vey. I can only imagine when I start doing feature length films! It's a good thing I am in love with what I do. :) A big, big thank you and I love you to Lydia Joy for helping so much with this project of mine thus far. She's a gem and a dear, dear friend! :)

Well, that is all for now, lovelies. I think I am going to hit the hay. I have a busy week ahead of me with finals close at hand as well! I love all of you muffins and will update soon! :)

Karlita

xoxo

Changing.

"If I'd had gone to art school, or stayed in anthropology, I probably would have ended up back in film... mostly I just followed my inner feelings and passions... and kept going until it got warmer and warmer, until it finally got hot... everybody has talent, it's just a matter of moving around until you discover what it is."

-George Lucas.

So, dear readers. I have an important announcement. I have officially changed my major. It is no longer, Counseling. My major is now, Electronic Media Production. I know, crazy, eh? No doubt about it. It has taken soo long for me to actually make this decision.. let it be known, it has been in my head and in my heart for a number of years. I know it seems like nonsense to many. Lunacy. Craziness. Madness. It's okay to voice your opinion. I thought it was for many years.. until now. Tim Burton once said, "One person's craziness is another person's reality".. the truth is my craziness is my reality.. and for the first time ever, I am okay with that. : )

So why the sudden and drastic change? I will answer that by saying it isn't sudden, though it is very drastic. I have always held a keen interest in films.. in film making. The truth is, I am called to the ministry. I have known it since before I even came to know the Lord as my Savior. I really fell into counseling by default. I knew the Lord wanted to use me, so I went to Bible College.. and please don't misunderstand me.. I don't regret attending Bible College. God intended for me to be there for a reason, and I don't question it. I loved being in Bible College, and I still love the fact that I went. I don't regret it. For the past couple of years though, I've felt as though something in my heart, in my being wasn't right.. I felt so direction less. I knew that I was on this path towards graduating Bible College, but I wasn't fulfilled.. like I wasn't doing what I was supposed to be doing. Something inside me was restless. Fidgety.

I have always been a highly imaginative and creative individual. I love art. I love literature. I love music. I love history. I love people. I love Jesus. I love FILM. I didn't understand why, if I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, I felt such a huge void.. like I was mechanically doing something without any original thought or desire on my part. I love Jesus, I do.. and ultimately, my heart beats for people. Art moves me. Poetry, vision, textures, colors. They invoke something deep and meaningful.. something so great within my soul, that it is all I can do to keep my mind and imagination from taking flight. I am a lover of beauty.. and I have always felt a burning need to bring the beauty of life, that beauty, that overwhelming feeling that brings tears to your eyes, that beauty that the Lord created our souls to know, to people in a very real way and through a very direct avenue. I can't explain to you how I knew that I was supposed to be doing film. If I knew myself, that would be ideal. I just know that I woke up one morning and very literally looked at myself in the mirror and asked myself, "What am I doing with my life?" and I couldn't really formulate an answer.. and I knew, right then that I needed to stop living my life for others. I was in Counseling, because it was a safe place for me to be.. a major that was easy for my family to accept. I knew that if I did something crazy, like do what I really wanted to do (film), it would create waves.. waves that, quite frankly, I wasn't sure I could stand up against. But I'm 23. I can't live my life for my family, I can't live my life for my peers, and I can't live my life for my mentors.. heck.. I can't even live my life for myself.. I live my life for HIM.. and I know that the Lord planted these deep set desires in my heart for a reason.. and I know that what I want to do, what I have always wanted to do, what I feel I was created to do, is to make films. I know it's unorthodox. I know that film making is not the average Christian's idea of ministry, but I'm not your average Christian. Film making is my ministry. I want to be a light, and shed light. I want to revolutionize the film making industry for Christians. I want to break the boundaries and parameters of Christian media and bring something real, and raw, and unhibited to the screen. I want to make films that will reach through the screen and touch those who view it. I want to make people feel and think things that perhaps, they have never allowed themselves to think before. I want to bring the love, the beauty, and the passion of a risen Savior to the eyes and ears and hearts of a media driven generation.. and I want to do it in a way that will revolutionize our idea of Christian films. I know that all these things are weighty. I know that they seem impossible, but, through Him, ALL things are possible.

So, perhaps I am mad.. but I feel excited, and alive, and vibrant, and hopeful for the first time in a long time. My favorite director is Tim Burton. His latest film, Alice, is a wonderland (literally) of ingenuity, creativity, and feeling. I have seen this movie twice so far, and each time I watch it, one scene stands out to me the most, a scene I have taken as my own personal motivator:

The Mad Hatter says to Alice:

"Have I gone mad?"

Alice checks his temperature and says,

"I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret.. all the best people are."

I love you guys. Please pray for me, if you can, and I will post more at the earliest convenience. I am setting a goal to update my blog at least once a week, if not more, so there will be much more postings to come! :))

Karla.

xoxo

Floating On.

I am a horrible blogger.

I've neglected updating for sooo long.

Boo.

Sooo.. to my handful of readers, I am sorry.

I really do love you all. :)

So wow. I usually have a myriad of thoughts running through my head that I always tell myself I will blog about when I have the time.. and when it comes down to it and I actually decide to blog, I forget them all. Goo figureee. :)

Mmk. So here are a few things that I wanted to brush just lightly on.

1. The Buried Life.

I've written about this TV show before, but I couldn't resist writing about it again. I've been able to see a few episodes, and every time I watch this show.. as corny as it sounds.. I end up crying my eyes out (not literally, fyi.. that would be quite disturbing). The show is about 4 average guys who have come up with a list of things to do before they die, board a tour bus and travel all across the United States marking off each and every one of the things they have jotted down on the list. Some of the things they do are just outright ridiculous, and some even crude, but you have to hand it to these guys.. at least they are out there doing what so many of us make excuses everyday for not doing. That.. well.. that takes courage, and I applaud them. But that's not the most remarkable thing that they do. I mean, it's definitely entertaining watching them go about actually accomplishing these things on their list (some of them are just straight crazy), but I love, love, love what they have dedicated themselves to do WHILE they are working on getting things crossed off their lists: for every thing they cross off of their list, they help a random stranger cross something off of theirs. So far, they have done the following (from the episodes I've seen): They helped an artist in Dallas be reunited with his son whom he had not spoken to in about 20 years, they helped a little girl get over her fear of heights and get on a rollercoaster, they helped a rapper in L.A. who came out of a past of violence and crime and was rising above his situation through his music get his song played on the local radio so that he could show his grandmother he was doing something with his life, and in the last episode I saw, they helped a young student visit her mother's gravesite in Colorado, which she had never been to due to finances (her mother was killed in Hurricane Katrina at the Super Dome and was flown out to Colorado to be buried). I mean. Wow. If that doesn't do something in your heart, I would dare to say you're not human. One of the things that gets me about this is that these guys work their tails off to help other people. To help the young girl get to her mother's gravesite, they worked at a BBQ place for hours, waiting on tables to raise the money for her airfare. Watching this show, I can't help but think, if a show on MTV can get it straight, why can't we, as Christians? Why aren't we going out on the streets and connecting with people? Why aren't we being the ambassadors of Christ that we are supposed to be? Why aren't we loving on the people in our own backyards? Why aren't we willing to go to unmeasurable heights to help others accomplish their goals? Now, don't get me wrong, I know that many do and are going out and doing the work of the Lord.. but there are SO, SO may of us who are NOT. I know I am included in this equation, and I can't help but feel an immense sense of guilt for not being out there like I should.. and at the same time, I feel soo motivated to get out of my comfort zone and connect- truly connect- with the people I come into contact with on a daily basis. I thank God that there is actually a show that is worth watching on MTV. If you ever get the chance, do yourself a favor and watch it. Let me know what you think. :)

#2. Formspring

Does anyone else out there have a formspring? I made an account a few months ago.. and it seems no one else has one. :( If you have one, let me know, please and thank you. :)

#3. The Smiths

Ok. I admit it. I had only heard mention of The Smith's before I watched 500 Days of Summer (great, great movie, btw).. I had never actually heard any of their stuff until I bought the movie soundtrack and they were on it. BUT.. now I find myself addicted. I bought their greatest hits, and it's been the album I find myself listening to over and over on my ipod. The awesome thing is, I had no idea they were an 80's band until I purchased their album. There are some bands that I believe were just way ahead of their time, such as The Cure. The Smiths definitely fall into this category. I love them. Brilliant, brilliant. :)

#4. Where the Wild Things Are

It comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray tomorrow! Wooo! Spike Jonze did such an incredible job with this film and I have been anxiously awaiting its release on DVD. :)

#5. Alice in Wonderland

HITS THEATRES THIS WEEK. I cannot tell you how long I have been patiently waiting for this movie to come out. Tim Burton is my favorite director, and Carrol's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are among my favorite works of literature. There is no way this combination can be bad. AND! I get to watch it with the lovely Lydia Joy. It shall be our Weasley reunion (I have not seen her in about 2 years.. wowow) and she is one of my dearest and closest friends. It will be good to just sit and talk and watch Alice!

Andddd.. I know there is much more that I wanted to write about, but it is getting late.. and I must get some shut eye before I wake up for work tomorrow. Booo. :( Another day at Starbucks.. wooo!! or not. :) Thanks for reading my random musings, though, I appreciate those of you who actually stop by! Oh.. and please forgive me if my writing seems incoherent.. I am listening to The Nanny in the background and (though I love her) Fran Drescher's voice isn't necessarily the most calming thing in the world. :) Arrivederci!

.Karla Carolina.

Sprinkles, really.

So, I know that these sprinkles are all the same color, and all the same shape but they were super cute and I love dinosaurs so I decided to use them nonetheless. :)

Lately, my thought life has been just like a handful of sprinkles. Scattered, numerous, and different. Please forgive me in advance if my thoughts are jumbled and random, but then again, it is me we're talking about here, and I rarely make any sense. :) So this semester has just started and I love my classes so far. It's a totally weird and different dynamic taking online classes exclusively online.. I am not sure at this point, but I don't think that I will really like not having an actual class to interact in, if there's one thing that I've learned, it's to never judge a book by its cover, so I suppose I'll find out soon enough. For now, I am content with my classes and excited and that's really all that matters. :)

So I've been flipping channels over my day off and apparently there's this show coming out on Mtv called, "The Buried Life" and it really is an interesting concept. Probably the first really worth while show to ever hit Mtv if you ask me. The concept behind this show was that if you only had a limited amount of time to live, what would you do? I know that the thought seems cliche at this point, and that movies like The Bucket List, etc.. etc.. have overpopularized this concept, but it holds such a relevant idea because inwardly, we all have things we want to accomplish in this life. It really got me thinking.. what if we all lived our lives like this on a daily basis? I mean, if you look at it, we really should. We are not omniscient, nor omnipotent. The Bible clearly states that our lives are like a vapor. You never know what day will be your last. I guess the thing that boggles my mind is how we can live the way we live when we are made fully aware, from a very early age that we are not invincible.. I mean, wouldn't you want to make the most of your life? Strive to not have any regrets? Let your loved ones know that you love them, be nice to your neighbors, tell someone that Jesus loves them? Please don't misunderstand me. I am not advocating that we are filled with terror for our lives because they are not certain.. I am simply posing the question, "what if?" That brings me to another thought. Why is it that it takes disaster to make us act like decent human beings? For example, the earthquake in Haiti. It truly grieves my heart to see such an already broken country fall apart. My heart really cries out for the people in Haiti and I have been praying for them and I am so, so touched to see not only our country, but other countries respond to the need and the cry of the Haitians. BUT. That's exactly what got me thinking. Why, why, why does it take a 7.0 earthquake to make us react like humans? We should have already been willing to reach out to a country that was struggling so desperately. Please understand, that I am including myself in this. I know that I also contribute to the problem.. I am vocalizing the random thoughts that are running through this crazy mind. Haha. :)

On another note, my dog Cheerio has been sick. We don't quite know what's wrong with him, but we took him to the vet today and they are running tests. Hopefully we will know by tomorrow, but the poor boy has been throwing up like mad. :( Oh, another random side loop. Family Guy. Have you guys ever seen the show? I don't think that there has ever been a show that I have HATED like I hate Family Guy, but I just do. I'm sorry if I am stepping on toes when I say this, and I am so sorry if you personally watch it, but it is just so.. degrading, and disrespecful, and stupid. The only reason I say it is because there are so many people that I know that watch this program and it just amazes me. Then again, there are many shows that I watch that people can't stand, so, what can I say. Potato, potatoh. :)

Oh, I've discovered something about myself. I've been working out loads lately, and I figured I needed to make a list of my favorite work out songs. I don't know if anyone cares to hear it, but I'm posting it. It's random, I warn ya. :)

* The Pokemon Theme Song (it's really inspiring.. listen to the words!)
* "It's a New Day" by Will.i.Am
* "ABC" by the Jackson 5
* "Please Don't Leave Me" by The Temptations (awesome song)
* Any Family Force Five
* "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones (don't ask.. I'm not quite sure I know myself.. haha)
* "Wolf Like Me" by TV on the Radio
* "I'm Not Your Toy" by LaRoux
* "Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit
* Any Black Eyed Peas
* Any Beyonce (woman power, seriously! She rocks, I don't care what anyone says.. lol)
* "Yeah Yeah" by Matt and Kim
* " Dance Hall" by Modest Mouse
* "Baby by Me" by 50 Cent (I know.. that is so out there.. and random.. but it's catchy.. haha!)
* Any Justin Timberlake (a workout playlist is not complete without him.. you know you secretly love him)

That's just to name a few. Haha. Ok, so on a closing note, I know this has been horribly, horribly scatterbrained of me.. I am so sorry that you have to make sense of my jumbled mind and God bless you if you have actually read this whole blog.. I love you! You guys are AWESOME. :)

.:Karla Carolina:.

P.S.- Somehow, someone switched the channel just now and Robin Williams is doing stand up. It is horrible. Please don't ever watch it. Love him as an actor..... not so much as a comedian. The End. :)

New Year. New post.

Hello lovely, wonderful readers of mine! Happy New Year to you ALL! I hope you guys had a lovely time ringing in the new year with your friends and loved ones. :)
This past year has been a rough one, yet an unbelievably life changing one as well. I have learned so much in 2009 and God has totally rocked my world beyond what I could have guessed. God is so good! :) So I suppose I'll give you the run-down on what made 2009, well, 2009 for me. :) Here goes:

GOD.

He is FAITHFUL. UNCHANGING. UNRELENTLESS. MIGHTY. POWERFUL. LOVING. COMPASSIONATE. BEAUTIFUL. PERFECT. I could go on and on about my God, but I just wanted to brush lightly and say that I love Him with the whole and entirety of this beating heart that He has so lovingly given me. Without Him, I would be lost, devastated, and completely hopeless. I am so thankful that He has revealed Himself to me, and has called me to do great things for His Kingdom. I am not worthy, and I am grateful. May I decrease, so that He may increase.

FRIENDS.

I learned that God reveals a peice of Himself in every one of my beautiful friends. Without them, my life would be utterly void and completely lifeless. I love them all more than I can explain and am thankful to God for them everyday.

OBEDIENCE.

Sometimes, God leads or calls us to places that are just puzzling. It's hard to trust Him when our selfish nature doesn't want to naturally obey, but obedience is better than sacrifice, and sweeter than wine. I made a major change this year, one that I honestly did not want to make at first, but am now grateful that I did. I don't know what God has up His sleeve, but I have it smells of greatness. :)

FAMILY.

This is truthfully something that I have lost sight of over the past couple of years. My adopted parents are amazing, and I could not thank God more for placing them in my life. Seriously. They are wonderful, and put up with more than they should have to. Lol. But I have neglected my family in Miami for years. I felt it was time to change that, and I sought out to do so. In the process there has been alot of hurt, but alot of joy as well. I am so so thankful for my sister and my nephews. They are more than I could ever hope or ask for and they are following so closely after the Lord that it encourages me. I love them, and am so glad that I have had the chance to reconnect with them. :)


As if all this doesn't sound awesome enough, I had another incredibly pleasant surpise right before the New Year. I had been thinking over alot of mistakes that I had made in the past, and I prayed and felt led to correct one major mistake that I had regretted over the years. That in turn, led to a friendship being mended with one of my best friends, Lydia

.



I cannot tell you how happy I am that we have worked through things and are friends again. I am also thankful for a mended friendship with her mother, Lillian, whom I also had a close friendship with. Thank you, Jesus for second chances! :) Yay!

Well, lovelies. That is all that I can write for now, because I am off to run errands! I hadn't updated in a while.. yikes! I shall have to get better at that. I love you all dearly, and am praying blessings over you in this new year.


.:Karla:. :)

P.S.- I couldn't find any pictures of obedience and my family won't let me post any pictures of them. Go figure. Not to mention.. Blogger is being weird with photos. C'est la vie, I spose. :) Love you all!