Healer, encourager, friend

I know after my post yesterday you may or may not want to hear my sentiments towards anyone or anything today, but this is different. For those of you that have had the pleasure of meeting my brother Ben (Benny) Mendoza, you will know just how true my words are. For those of you that haven't met him, you are missing out greatly and need to meet him. The reason I am writing about him today is because I know that he knows I love and appreciate him but I don't think he knows how much. From the time we were small children (from the time I was born really) Benny has been like a caretaker for me. He is my best friend and just overall amazing. He would be there for anyone that needed him at the drop of the hat and somehow always seems to know what to say to make your problems seem a little less hard to tackle. I just know he is going to make the most caring and awesome doctor the world has ever had the chance to see. It seems like he has this sixth sense to notice when I am having a rough day. On those days that everything seems to be going wrong, I get a phone call from the one and only brother of mine. We talk as often as we can (we both have insanely busy schedules most of the time) but when something is bothering me he can tell and before I know it, I am ranting my entire story in tears and he listens patiently. When I am done explaining the situation he generally says something that blows my mind. Just yesterday in fact, I was pretty upset about something and he told me that he knew I could get through this because he has learned that if I get knocked down, I always find a way back up, even if that means I get knocked down four more times. Wow! I didn't know he thought I was that strong, and to be honest, yesterday I was feeling pretty down on myself. His words made me stop crying and get back up, just like he had faith that I could do. Ben is an encourager, a healer, a great listener, an amazing brother, and most of all the best friend I have ever had. I don't know if he has time to read these but if you do Bens I love you and appreciate you.

One more quick update on my life and all things Vae, I am still searching for a job and am going to start applying to places in the food industry which I have wanted to avoid but at this point I can't be choosey so wish me luck and send me all the love and prayers you can. I appreciate it very much! I don't know how many people actually read these but thank you! Even if I only have one reader, thank you. I love writing and will be doing this blogging thing a lot more because it helps me to continue to write for myself and not because I have to. I forgot just how much I enjoyed blogging until yesterday so expect lots more from me. Have a wonderful day! If you could, if you are reading this, you should leave me a comment. It makes me so happy to hear from all my friends and family and anyone else reading this by pure chance. Love you all!

A brother is a friend provided by nature.

-Legouve Pere

America=Faith?

So I was driving in the car today listening to a song called gotta be more like falling in love. The song basically talks about how having Faith has to be more of a deep feeling. It can't be tangible because that isn't faith, but rather a desire so deep that it penetrates your very soul much like love but only stronger and even more beautiful (at least thats my interpretation of the song). Anyway, I'm driving down the road listening to this song and a thought pops into my head. Forgive me if its far fetched, but here's a glimpse into how my brain works:

Having a faith in God is like believing in one's country. Someone else established that this area we live in is called America and we have been told since we are young children that we should have pride in the USA. None of us were alive when the declaration of independence was signed. "Yes but Revae! What about the fact that we can visibly see the land we walk on, we can go to the edge of the country and feel the water! Doesn't that prove that America exists?" Well, yes and no. It proves that we have land to stand on, it proves that we have oceans, it proves that we are occupying a space, but it does not prove that we live in America. Someone had to come and identify it as so and the teachings have to be passed down. This is like believing in God. We are standing on this land we call America, and guess what?! It was made by God! Jesus came to be our messenger, to remind us and teach us of our loving God. Stories are passed down to our children, and the history is taught. We just have to believe and have pride in our God. Granted yes it is much more powerful a feeling and a much more beautiful relationship, but it works. Its a beautiful thing isn't it?

A quick update on GA, I have had a lot of reading to do, but todays was super exciting. Today we found out what the YAAD event is going to be. *Drumroll please!* We are going to Mall of America! Not only that but its sponsored by COLA so we get to do all kinds of neat stuff! There are opportunities to ride the amusement rides, a backstage tour of the facilities, shops, a ropes course, mini golf, scavenger hunts and much more! Dinner is included and when the mall closes we get to gather in the Great room for a performance by Comedy Sports a well-loved local improv group! I can't wait!!

I guess thats all for today, sorry its kind of a short update :)

Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others.

-Helen Keller