Home is Washington, D.C.

Sent from Coast to Coast. Capturing all this city has for me. Exploring -- a new city | new people | new career | new destiny | old U.S. history [&] being led by Jesus

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[homeisdc]

❤️

[bernadettelogue]

The worst thing about being lied to is simply knowing you weren’t worth the truth.

TheDailyPositive.com (via thedailypozitive)

[homeisdc]

Matthew 6:33 -- But seek first the kingdom of a God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. As I travel back to sunny San Diego, I can't help but meditate on this one scripture... What happens when we forget about what we want, as human beings, and start seeking God as He commanded? What would happen if we lived in a world that sought Jesus first; before speaking to friends, mentors, confidants, etc.? What would a Earth look like? What would Gods creation look like? How would we react if Christ was the center of all of our lives? If we sought Him, how much more would we be blessed with? What would the outcome of our decisions look like? This season, Christmas, is about the greatest gift to us all, Jesus Christ. Not just knowing His name, but knowing Him; His character, His value, His face. A true and genuine experience that is incomparable to anything else. One of the things I've experienced knowing Jesus is being able to sit and bask in His presence. Not just by myself, but with others who also enjoy Him and His presence. Some friends of mine back home are true examples of Christ followers. I am truly thankful for them. They live their lives pursuing this seasons gift, when it seems too hard, they never cease. A whole heart fully committed to Jesus. Merry Christmas Eve from DCA airport, xoxo.

[homeisdc]

I have been overjoyed these last couple days because of the weather. Being from CA, we don't get much snow in the suburbs and quite frankly it's such a nice change of scenery. I woke up, looked outside and to my surprise, there was snow on all the cars, the roads, grass, plants, etc. Something about the weather change makes me especially happy.

Days go by, doing the same ol' thing. It just never gets old! That is one thing about this city, there is something new everyday. You can learn so many things from so many people. Might be things that aren't necessarily useful, but regardless, knowledge that empowers the mind. Learning never gets old, and we can never know too much about one thing. I read somewhere that our mind only retains a percentage of what we actually learn. With that, the things we "learned" might not always remain in our cognitive minds. There are books that can be read, life to experience, emotions that come about, and relationships we never knew we'd make; which all contribute to our learning. Learning is a vital piece of our personal maturity and the way we view life/situations/experiences/people.

[homeisdc]

Walking on the streets of downtown DC, my friend and I stumbled upon this. This bike was locked to the pole, and if you don't want your bike stolen, this is what you do. But instead of the bike being stolen... ONLY the tires were taken. Who takes the time to remove bike tires?!? Whoever it was, must be really desperate for tires to sell or use on their own bike.

I've officially lived in DC for about 4 weeks. Still in shock how fast the time has passed and that this is the place i now call H.O.M.E. You can say that it is nothing like the west coast or the south. The people here are such a different breed. Whether you come from the north, south, east or west, almost everyone becomes one of the people that fall into the stereotype of city life people. Those who once were kind, gentle, soft spoken, polite and friendly have transitioned to be rude, selfish, obnoxious and cold. I have made a vow to myself, and those who know me, NOT to become the new breed of DC. By no means is this my main focus; more so reminding myself of why I am here and why others have been drawn to me to begin with. Yes -- there are many, many, many pros to living here. But also cons. I've had a few weeks to observe and do a small analysis of my surroundings. 

__ I am new. I've accepted that and can't pretend that I know the city really well or have even explored as much as I want to. Being true to ones self is essential in keeping the good character that has been instilled in me and in all of us. If we are true to ourselves, our inner beings become loud and not silent in this city. The bible says out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. My heart cries to be one of those in my generation to be an influence to the world that we live. Not only that but to be true in who Jesus has created me to be. And by that, not hiding behind walls, work, friends, talents, etc., be proud of the individual that I am and who I've become. Being humble and learning from mistakes. No one is perfect, except Christ alone, and who am I to compare myself to the creator of ALL things? It is foolish to think that I could ever be greater than the almighty Father; on the contrary, I do not wish that for myself. Living here is almost starting new, "being the person that I wasn't before" kind of mentality. I don't want to be a different person than I was in SD. I want to remain who I am and not conform or transform to the rest of the government workers/business men/women here -- the worker bees. 

My identity remains in Christ. Who He has said that I am. He who has called me out of comfortability. In Him, I live for purpose. 

[homeisdc]

WATCH THE LITTLE BOY IN THE FRONT! He caught my eye throughout the whole performance! 

[homeisdc]

Barracks Row Fall Festival - SE DC | September 28, 2013

Every weekend so far I've found random things, free things, to do in this city. Talk about military men. A TON were here at this festival. They put on a show. Kraze Burger came out and gave out free burgers, YUMMY. Military men cook off, kind of like Iron Chef - Barracks Row Style. Who knew these men could cook more than just top ramen. I kid, I kid. So many things to capture a quick photo. This old man... He was acting like an animal in that onesie - just a tad creepy, but more power to you. 

[homeisdc]

LINCOLN PARK | DC

Discovered a new park just a few blocks from where I reside. This park is locally used as a dog park, so I've learned, and locals come to run in and through the park in the morning and the evenings. This is the monument that is enclosed by the park. Lincoln really played a huge part in our country's history and it shows by his monument and this park.

+ I came to this park as a random stroll to my weekend run to perform my homemade workout. I'll say, most people in this town are runners. We walk everywhere and for exercise, we run. Really on the go.  

+ I've officially been in the city for 14 days now. Only living here for 11 days. Finally understand the quadrant system! Once you have that nailed, you're set to explore the city. 

[homeisdc]

"Anyone can follow (Jesus) but not without giving up everything" - Kyle Idleman

On a spiritual note...

+ To pack up my belongings, leave my family & friends, resign and do something completely fresh is beyond my scope. As I read this scholarly book "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman, I am blown away by what it means to follow Christ. Looking at what has come in my life in the past month, it does feel like I have given up everything to come out here and pursue something brand new. 

+ Little things in this new city: I purchased a new bed & new sheets!! I no longer have to sleep on the floor. I gave up what was comfortable with to follow what Jesus has put in my heart to carry out His will/plan for my life. 

+ N E W j o b: "Maybe if you had something like j-o-b". Well, that's me. I now have a job. Making money in DC people, making some money!

[homeisdc]

H Street Festival - NE DC | First weekend in DC on my own - making new friends, exploring new things, and establishing a home. 

_As we were walking toward H Street conversing about a need for a couch in our living room we spot a mint green couch on the sidewalk. Decided to take it home, fairly clean and no damage done. Ran into a few men who commented on a great couch. I think I say, "why aren't any guys offering to help us carry this couch?!" Low and behold a few more steps and two men ask to help us and carry the couch 2 blocks down the street and up 1 flight of stairs to our condo. Talk about Jesus answering my immediate need <3

_Tried  R i t a ' s for the first time! In the midst of looking at all the booths/vendors rain starts falling. And the first thing I want when it rains is ice cream of some sort. Rita's hit the spot. Italian ice with vanilla custard. West Coasters it's a must try! 

++ Such a diverse city with all the different cultures being brought together. Here, everything/one is brought in with open arms. Surreal that I live in this city and everything is falling into place at the perfect time and with the perfect people.

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV) 

[homeisdc]

"Be the CHANGE you wish to see in the world..."

Gandhi

[homeisdc]

Today is my 1st official day alone in a new city, without anyone from home to galavant with me. One thing I do know how to use in this city is the metro rail. After various events this morning I needed to put more money on my smartrip card. I was going to add $5.00 and saw this on the back of the $5 bill, "JESUS IS THE WAY". Seeing this reminded me that I am for certain that I am here, in DC, because of how Jesus has led my life and how He has orchestrated every detail and eliminated every worry thus far.