M O M E N T U M // My word for 2017

"...many media outlets (and tweets and Facebook posts) have crowned it the worst year ever. '2016: Worst. Year. Ever?' asks the New York Times.

 'Is this the worst year ever, or what?' decried a columnist at Slate. 

The Wall Street Journal even put together a guide on how to 'bid good riddance to the worst year ever.'" - Max Roser [for the Washington Post]

Look. I get it. 2016 had it's moments. 

It had moments filled with sweetness, butterflies-in-my-stomach, bold flares, red paint, kindness, grace, and love. 

And then there were the moments where my stomach sank, where racial divides overpowered, faith was tossed among the waves, and death won.

Everyone has their two cents and life experiences and ramblings and tweets about 2016. Here's mine.

If I learned anything this year, I learned that life is gonna toss you some bad bananas and you are gonna toss your own bad bananas to life. (yo listen. i'm a little nerdy. i know i'm a nerd. i've come to terms with it in 2016 :P)

Own up to your mistakes. Take responsibility for your life. Make decisions based on what you've prayed about, not emotions. If you want something to happen, then make it happen.

And the biggest thing I learned? 

Keep going. Don't lose momentum.

You'll get ill. You'll get bored of doing the same thing. People will say things. Your family may not agree with everything you're doing. 

Keep going. Don't lose momentum.

This life thing is between you and God. There'll be bad seasons, but there will be so so many good ones. 

Don't lose your momentum. 

Don't lose that drive. 

If you fall, get right back up. 

Love big. Work hard. Make it happen.

If you fall, get right back up. 

You may end up taking a different path than the one you originally planned. You  may realize God's purpose for your life is way different than the one you gave yourself.

You know what? 2017 is going to have its bad moments too. 

Keep going. Don't lose momentum.

xo,
Lily Garay

#BeBoldBeSoulful @beboldbesoulful

p.s. if you really need some reasons as to why 2016 was a good year for the world: https://socialmediaweek.org/blog/2016/12/not-bad-things-happened-2016/ 

Too Blessed to be Stressed

To Do:
-Shower
-eat
-get transcript requests ready
-go to PVCC
-go workout (your health is important, Lily!)
-1:45 English Writing Conference with Mrs.Pavlo
-BE SURE YOU TURN IN YOUR TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM
-Office
-lunch
-tutor Chandler
-get gas/run any other errands

This is what I write to myself in my notes. I just gave you my to-do list for today. Right now I'm at the office part so you'd think my day is almost over, but it really isn't. While I was at school for my writing conference I realized that I was stressing out. and it was showing. When I got back to my car I sat there for about 10 minutes while playing my Noel Robinson CD and listening to my favorite song "rain". And right there in the school parking lot I started to pray.

You see, I had made my day "so important" that I forgot to pray and read my Bible. When I woke up I said, "Good morning, Lord." and then thought to myself that I'd pray after my shower. Never really got around to it. In that moment in my car I said to God, "I'm doing this wrong. Forgive me for not properly thanking you for today and not devoting my errands to you."

God is up there waiting. He's waiting for you. He isn't going to force you to pray, He isn't going to force you to read the Bible. It's your choice. He wants to bless us, but He can't unless we fully allow Him to.

Ultimately the purpose of everything we do is to glorify God. I want to devote everything I do to Him because if I commit my plans to God, then He will bless me and direct me. So I asked Him to please take control of this day, to slow me down, and now I'm all smiles. I really have no reason to be stressed if everything is in His hands:)

xoxo

Secret to happiness....and success!

Maybe you saw my post back in March. I called it, "Stop Explaining Yourself". You can read it here. In the post I talk about some of my insecurities and such. It makes me a little sad to think I was that insecure. We all have our process and we all come a long way! I don't know about you, but 2013 has been life changing, baby.

I've grown as a person, I'm really happy, and I know who I am. I know my purpose and I know my destiny. I'll be writing a lot about purpose/calling/destiny on the blog these next couple of months. Be sure to follow me on youtube as I've been putting up some inspirational vlogs for you guys (youtube.com/lilygaraymusic ).

Anyways, I can be pretty insecure as I'm sure we all are. If you've NEVER been insecure...then wow! Please tell me your secret. I'll give you my secret to happiness & success. BE YOURSELF! Deep, I know.
We've all heard it here and there, but really, being yourself is the best thing..like ever. I always thought I was myself. I mean I definitely have my way of doing things and blah blah blah, but I don't think I've ever really been more me than I have since the beginning of school. I always try to stand out while blending in. Spoiler alert! It doesn't work.

You either all in or all out. No in between. Secret numero 2 to being yourself? Be comfortable. You've gotta love the clothes you wear, the food you eat (don't give in to gluttony, but a donut IS OK for you every once in a while), the way you do your makeup, and the way you style your hair.

I recently did something to my hair that I vowed I would never do again. Cut my bangs. yikes I know. It was totally spur of the moment and I actually did them myself with my own special hair chopping scissors ;) haha anyways the point of this story is that I thought I'd hate it and it's make me look like a little kid and I didn't understand why I did it because I've basically had bangs my whole life and my bangs were finnnaaally past my chin...but I feel comfortable and so much more like myself and that has made me happy which...is making me more successful because I'm more confident and can present things with that confidence :) Beauty really is from the inside out.



xoxo,
LG

My Secret Dream to Become a Model

Don't lie. I know you want to be a model too! 

I don't know. Maybe you do, maybe you don't.

But secretly I've always wanted to try.

There just seems to be something "glamourous"

about it. 

(see this is me trying to model. I'm obviously awesome.

minus my dog...ehem)

I seriously think I could make it out there

in the real world.

I mean I know I can!

With your help that it:)

I'm trying to become E.L.F. Cosmetics Teen Face of 2013.

If I win I'll get a trip to NYC for a photoshoot,

a lifetime supply of makeup from ELF (that's awesome),

and the chance to inspire other young girls like me.

I took some inspiration from Mrs.A to the S (check out 3:53)

and 

I really truly believe I can win.

but I need your help!

you can vote for me here: VOTE FOR LILY

And you can vote for my girl Chloe here: VOTE FOR CHLOE

(don't worry, we're in different categories so it's cool to vote for the both of us;)

XoXo

What is Love?

The Bible tells us the actions of LOVE. 

1 Cor. 13 

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It even gives us a picture of love. Jesus. 

For me, love is displayed through relationships

and the things you do in those relationships.

Not just boyfriend/girlfriend relationships,

but friendships, mother/daughter/son/daddy,

siblings, family, etc. 

Relationships are God's love here on earth.

At least that's what they're supposed to be anyways.

Sometimes we can get into the wrong relationship.

sometimes we make a mistake.

sometimes a person is there only for a season or for a lesson.

Whatever the case, just cherish moments. 

and learn from each relationship you ever have.

because that's what will make you grow.

Here are a few people/moments 

that I just L<3ve p="">

National Free Hug Day? ;)

XoXo,

Lily Garay

DIY - Change the world

As I finish my transaction at JCPenney the cashier asks me, "Would you like to donate to our (I don't know the name) charity?". Me out-loud, "Oh well how much is it?", Me thinking, "You know I just bought all this stuff and now they want me to donate money to their charity? Gosh I mean what do these people think? I'm a millionaire or something?" The cashier then replies, "Only .17 cents." "Oh well sure! I can totally afford that." And then I walk away with my purchases feeling like the All-American-Hero because I've donated .17 cents.

I've just described a scene that millions of Americans encounter all the time. That includes me. You know what I'm talking about. Now there's nothing wrong with this, but do you really feel satisfied about helping other people around you? I'm not saying you have to donate all your money! Or any money at all. I'm not even talking about changing the whole world people! So what is it that I'm talking about exactly?

I've found that true satisfaction of helping people comes when I get "down and dirty". Okay so maybe you don't actually have to get down (what does that even mean?) or dirty. But how is it that we can change the world? 

Simply this, go to the boys & girls club and volunteer. Go to your local elementary school and help them plant a tree (okay so this actually requires getting a little dirty). Go to your local trailer park (don't go alone) and give out toys, give out food. Put on a clown show. Hey, have a face-painting party!

What I'm trying to say is that as great as it is to sponsor a child in another country, don't forget you have a community that you're a part of. I'm not telling you that you to stop sending money to orphans because in the Bible it does say to care for the orphans, but have you actually looked to see the poverty where you live? Maybe you have to travel 15 minutes to really see poverty. I guarantee you that it's there. You can change the world by changing your community and by doing much more than only giving your money. Plus you'll be healthier, happier, more satisfied, changed, and active.
Those benefits are pretty awesome!

So go out and do something. Don't just sit there. Change the world:)

What if?

If life was easy,

 then what would the point of trying hard be?

And if life didn't have change,

then wouldn't it be boring?

If life didn't have ups and downs,

then what would be the point of celebrating

or of remembering?

If life didn't have tests,

than what would be our testimony?

If life didn't have messes,

than what would be our message?

And what would be the point of seasons?

On my heart

You know that moment when you just don't care? 

You want to care. So badly. Because it feels good.

But you can't. You're having trouble picking yourself up.

And at one point or another you feel this way. 

Even when things aren't looking up!!!! 

"Because we both know you care.. just not now. 

So just act like you do until you start caring again."

Wise words from a friend.

And maybe...just maybe...

just smile. smile till you get back up.

Tired

You're tired. I'm tired.

Life is tiring. 

This is when we go on. 

When we push through.

When we give it our all.

When we make it. 

This is what will make us alive.

Today, be you. 

It's quite a beautiful journey.

Resolutions..scratch that...goals.

Resolutions. Fun, but barely anyone finishes them.

This year, make goals. with plans.

it's never too late. 

confessions

When I started public school this past March, everything changed.

My schooling

My friends

My life.

Does this mean I got rid of my old friends?

My old life?

Of course not!! 

As they say, Old friends and gold and New friends are silver.

Or something along those lines. 

but to be honest...I've been resistant. definitely not open.

it's been a struggle. it's been really hard

to embrace these new friends and life.

but it's for the best.

Because this is now who I am. 

And isn't that what life is all about?

What I'm always singing about?

Change

It's the truth

Some pix where taken by me. Others were found on pinterest. 

you can find them on my person: pinterest.com/asshepins

It's all in the mind

Fear. Nervousness. Fear of Failure. Thoughts.

It's all in the mind and you have control over it.

And, yes. It's official! I'm a public-schooler :)

It's during these tough moments of transition you know who your real friends are.

Fashion Monday

I created the following on Polyvore and makeagif.com

It's OK to want. It's not selfish. It's not mean. It's not even the worst thing you could possibly do. 

Everybody has a wish somewhere. A dream. A goal. An inspiration. A like. 

If you don't then...... I guess you don't! 

My point being: Dream. Go for it. Do it. Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Stop. Go. Say Yes. Say No.

That has absolutely nothing to do with fashion...just thought I'd give you an inspirational post to get you through another wonderful week:)

Thankful Thursday

Hi!!!! 

I want to apologize for not doing my other two series this week: Tuesday's tips and What I wore Wednesday.
I got sick! Can you believe it?

But I'm back and ready for action:)

Some of you may know Aunie from Auniesauce.com

and here Thursday 13 gig;)

I'll  be posting 13 Simple things that I am Thankful For:)

1. Snail Mail - Especially when the envelope is blue and has a penguin next to the sender's name;)

2. The internet

3. My God and Saviour. 

4. Choclate Milkshakes

5. Friends

6. Family

7. Church

8. Love

9. Calendars

10. My own room

11. My seester:)

12. Our chickens which lay eggs daily.... I take it for granted sometimes most of the time

13. My Life

Link Up every Thursday:)

http://www.auniesauce.com/p/thursday-13.html

My thoughts....

{not sure where I got this from...I found it on a blog and forgot to save the link!}

I think it's so awesome how there is someone that I can trust in with all my worries and with all of my fears. Even my deepest thoughts. And He already knows them ALL.

I pray that you come to know Him to. His name is Jesus. 

P.S. Congratulations Casey!! Praying for you and am so blessed by your blog:)