Because gratitude is the expression of Love....

I started writing a status on my facebook and soon realized, this may be a little too long, let me write a blog better. Today in the place we like to temporary call home, earth, there is a celebration of "love" ... or better knows as Valentines Day! So many single folk dread this day, and honestly I can see why. Don't feel bad for single people, while I will embrace love, in all it's forms, I don't lament being single. It really hasn't been that bad (for me) -- it has truly given me a chance to learn so much about me, the people around me, my faith, and last but not least, God's love for me! Yep, my faith is a big part of my life, and it has taught me some valuable lessons. I do have to admit, in the past, I lacked "love" in my life, I had bitterness, and was not living a life in abundance, as I was called to. I hated everyone and everything, (but hid it very well.) I smiled, and (at times) even hugged folks, but deep inside I was full of pain, and hatred. I can't say that my hatred was justifiable, but I had seen some things in life that had washed away the meaning of love, (no I wasn't broken hearted by men) it was just, life happened. So to say that I lived in bitterness, may be actually conservative. Today a few years, after undergoing some spiritual surgery and cleansing, I can say that love reigns in my heart. I have experienced the wonderful, unconditional love from my parents, the not so perfect, I don't agree with them all the time love, but YES unconditional love. I have learned so much to appreciate them for what they have taught me, for loving me till the end, for never giving up on our relationship, Thank you mom and dad for this! I want to thank my brothers who challenge me everyday, keep me on my toes, and in their individual ways always seem to capture my heart, they will always be my favorite men (don't tell this to my future-boo). To my friends/family best-friends, partners in crime, soul-chika-mates, long-life friends, you have never left my side, even when we disagreed and argued, our relationships have always challenged us to love past all those things, love beyond unimaginable measures, love past ways I never even thought I was capable of loving, love is seriously like a rubber-band, it keep stretching. Thank you April, thank you Yoely for being my best-friends for life. I always had a hard time "labeling" relationships, because of my own insecurities, but I can gracefully say you ladies have loved me unconditionally and I am so deeply grateful for this. My DCS, junior high school friends, that boy oh boy did we share so many good moments, Diana, Kary, Aimee -- Diana and Kary thank you for opening your hearts to me, I remember our "friendship letters" we would write to each other, and the many fun, unforgettable moments we shared in school. My cousins that have stood by my side, even when we don't get to talk as much. You were my first best friends teaching me what a "bra" looked like, teaching me what "liking" boys was all about, what would I have done without you? I have to give a shout-out to Sara, you once taught me a valuable lesson about being a "lady" - as you knew being raised with boys, I was kinda of a tom-boy, but one day you told me "Gaby you need to let boys be nice to you", it took me some time Sara, but I think I got what you meant that day. To all my other friends, that have become such a unique treasure in my life that I would never trade for nothing in the world, you ladies, Diana, Jeanine, Crystal, Kimmie, Christina, Ruthy, Nai,Mickie, Denise, Karyn, Matos, - gosh so many ... I have been so blessed with an extended family and you have truly become that in my life. There are so many people I would want to name, and the order of the names really has no meaning. Each and every one of you has impacted me, and walked with me, made sure I don't space out, or continue to teach me so much in life. I know that I can count on you at all times. There have been leaders in my life that have shown me so many characteristics to make me a better person, guided me through my career-choices, through my heart-aches with life, my faith-walk -- I wouldn't be half the leader I am today had it not been for people that invested in me, so for all of this I want to thank you, my childhood pastor, Rev. Jose River (RIP), Robert Reyes, Ralphy, Aida... my teachers that loved me and pushed me - and now the leaders God has blessed me and surround me with love, grace and leadership, Gabriel and Jeanette, along with some loving leaders at The Lambs Church (a place I like to call home, "where life is met with love") that invest in me everyday and teach me something new, thank you!!! I have to recognize my niece and nephews that have brought so much joy and love in my life. If one ever has hesitation of their capabilities of loving, they are destroyed the moments these little people are born. I have experienced a whole new level of love in my life. They make my world spin, and my heart overflow!! I love you little ones, your life is a gift to me. Last but not least, I have to mention the love-of-my-soul, my Jireh, my Nissi, "the Father, Son and Holy Spirit" for loving me and walking through life with me. Enjoy this Valentines Day, my friends, whether you are single, married, unmarried on this day of celebration or any day for that matter, love will always conquer and WIN!!! I love you all!!!