August.

Dear August, 

You had your ups and downs. Lots of trying times.

But I love you. I always have.
You were the first month in my life. Day 3, 1985. 

Always envied those kids in grade school who would celebrate their birthdays w/ the whole class. 

While I had to settle for having 3 months of summer break to enjoy mine ;) 

The weather that you present to us (here in California) is a bit, bipolar.
Seriously...108 degrees one day, 74 degrees the next? But I still love you. 

Who knew that you would be the month where I can possibly change my life (or maybe I already have changed). 

I've always looked forward to you, and always hated saying goodbye and hello to September.
It use to be, hello birthday...then hello school. & as kids, no one ever wanted to go back to school! (maybe just to see friends). 

Well, this year...there is no more school to greet me on the other side.
Life begins, maybe it's just another month. 

But I feel like August, you had a lot to do w/ what's going to transpire in the future. 

Summer is all but over, and Fall (Ironically, my favorite season), is about to come. 

Goodbye sweltering heat, and hello falling leaves and autumn dusk. 

Thank you August, for teaching me about patience and determination. You've been a great stepping stone. 

With only 4 more hours till September, I bid you farewell.
See you in 2011. Hopefully, I'll have a lot of changes in my life that are going to be worth sitting down and discussing. 

Till then. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

Always, 

Russy

Love.

We're always here for each other my love. 

No matter what the challenges are, I always know we can always depend on each other. 

God has truly blessed us, and I continue to thank Him for sending you into my life. 

I love you.

Buildling a house.

I feel like I'm building a house, or working on a car that's taking forever. 

Some days you just feel tired, but still motivated to get the job done. 

I'm fighting my temptation to just relax and give up. 

But that's not me.
Diddy said this once on making the band..."Someone is always working harder than you, trying to take your spot". 

As little relevance as that has to what I'm trying to do.
I need to keep working hard and keep pushing.
Feels like I blog a lot, but sometimes it takes me writing a blog to just get my butt up and get motivated for the day. 

Let's go. I'm ready. 

It hit the spot.

OMG! 

I just had the best lunch!!!!!!!!!!! EVERRRRR!!!!

Got some whole Romaine Lettuce leaves right... 

Cut some thick slices of Red Juicy Plump Tomatoes right... 

Opened up a pack of those thin slice "budding" turkey packets ya...(only 90 calories! ;))

Laid down the bed of lettuce (about 2 or 3, to give it thickness)...uh huh... 

Followed that by a whoppingly generous layer of Mustard... 

After that came the TURKEY (for my PRRRROTEIN)...wheeeeew, it's only gonna get betterrrr... 

Then our of no where, the Tomato came down from the sky and gracefully fell on top of the turkey...

It doesn't stop there... 

A trickle of garlic salt & pepper came to top it all off...

BAM! 

The greatest lunch in the whole wide world. 

Real talk though...it hit the spot. :)

p.s. Finished the meal off w/ a home brewed Green Iced tea w/ a dash of cinnamon. MmmMMmm... 

Seek ye first.

Always your child.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." 

       - Matthew 6:33

Trust & believe that God will deliver HIS plan, not ours. 

Jesus says just to ask and it shall be given, but we need to seek Him first & remember to trust that He will deliver us. 

This is my prayer for today.
Dear Jesus, 

I believe. I trust. I give my life to you oh Lord, not only today...but tomorrow. 

In this world, I am lost w/out you. Like a traveler w/out a map. You Lord are the way, the truth, and the light. 

Today Father, I come knocking at your door. Ready for the plans you have for me. 

Guide my every step so that I won't lose my footing and so that I may follow where You want me to go and not where I want, or think it should be.

I love you Lord, and I'm ready to take on any challenge w/ you by my side. 

These things I ask, in your glorious name oh Lord. 

Your Son, 

Russy 

My LOVE for food isn't such a good thing.

I love food. Who doesn't!

Well, my passion for food goes beyond eating it. Learning more about the in's and outs of how it's prepared, w/ what goes best with what, why you boil instead of fry, why you bake and poach, how to best use butter or olive oil...you name it, I'm a student of the cooking.
It has gotten so bad, that I catch myself watching ONLY food channels on tv. 

Food network, travel channel, back to food network...then I go on youtube for hours just to find how to cook something. 

I just absolutely LOVE food. 

If you put music or food (learning about it and cooking) in front of me, it would really be a hard choice for me. 

And honestly, I would probably pick learning more about cooking and travel the world picking up on how different cultures are transformed by their cousine and how it transforms their lives. 

I'm sounding pretty crazy at the moment, but I just can't deny my passion and intrigue for cooking. 

*sigh* 

This hasn't been the best for me. When you cook, you have to taste...and I can EAT (if you know what I mean?) 

I went from being able to control myself for the majority of the week & cheat one day... 

To basically cheating every day. 

My weight gains were so drastic and fast, but I ignored it. 

The beauty to me of cooking was being able to share it. I shared plenty of my "trial & error" recipes with so many of the people I loved, and I enjoyed doing it. 

But it led me to ignore my own body's needs of proper nutrition & exercise. 

If I'm going to be totally honest, emotionally...this weight gain has taken a lot out of me.
It's prevented me from going places because of how embarrassed I was. 

Jenny keeps asking me to please come out to her area more, and there were plenty of good reasons why I wouldn't go such as school and being broke for gas, but a lot of it had to do w/ me being FAT. 

There were also times, as a musician, I wouldn't go to a certain event or decline a show because of how I looked. 

When you're up there, it always feels like people are not only listening to your music, but looking at you as a whole, and I didn't ever want to be that person that people make comments on. 

I would get these youtube comments on my videos like..."Dang, Rusoul is putting on some weight" or "He's looking a little hefty", things like that really hurt...but what did I do, turn to food for comfort. 

The "feel good" feeling that food gives you only last a few minutes, but the end result can drastically change your life. 

To those who think I didn't notice it...of course I did.
I tried to avoid the subject when talking to people because I was embarrassed and ashamed that I let myself go that much. 

I'm tired of feeling that way, and I am adamant of making a change in my life. 

My love for food doesn't have to make my life, hell. But it can be a treat of what's to come in heaven. 

Jesus says to take care of our bodies like temples, and that was something I didn't do. 

This isn't just for me, but for my Dad, Mom, Kuya, Jenny, Cousins, Tito's & Tita's, Friends... 

I'm not going to stop cooking good food, but I'm going to change my life style and habbits and become a healthier person. 

I'm not going to let being over weight stop me from going to events. 

I'm going to over come everyone who thinks I can never change wrong. 

I'm going to do this for my future...I want my kids to have a daddy who can play for hours and be an example. 

Food will always be a big part of my life, but it will most certainly not change it for the worse. 

I love you all, and this one's for you. 

Russy will be a changed person. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

always, 

Russy 

California.

It is SO beautiful outside!!!!!!! 

I can't get over how perfect the weather is right now.
A cool 74 degrees, slight breeze, and lots of sunshine. 

California kid, born & raised...this will always be my home. :)
 

You're so beautiful Loma Linda.

 

My life.

Absolutely LOVE the weekends.

The weekends are like "mini holidays", are they not? 

God gives us the weekend to rest our bodies and to regenerate for the upcoming week. 

I love going to church and receiving the word of God, and lessons that we can carry. 

Although this weekend seemed so short, I definitely needed to get away from the stressful grind of the week. 

*sigh* as the sun sets and the Sabbath comes to a close, I just want to thank the Lord for giving us this day to chill. 

This week is going to be VERY busy, but I'm ready for the challenges ahead. 

My prayer today is: 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you. Simply thank you for giving me a breath of fresh air. 

Thank you for being the creator that you are, and for letting the world be so beautiful. 

Thank you for giving me such a loving family. 

Thank you for allowing me to study to better my life.
Thank you for giving me so many opportunities in life to witness for you and do let others know how much you love us. 

Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins, all to save me, even though I don't deserve it. 

Thank you for everything.
I am not gonna ask for anything tonight Lord, because you give enough and you will continue to give to those who follow you. 

I trust you Lord and give my life to you. My whole heart and soul. 

When my life is in your hands oh God, I am fully content and satisfied. 

And Lord I thank you for all that you are. 

Forgive me for my short comings Lord and make me become a better person. 

These things I ask. 

Your son, 

Russy 

Be blessed. 

Live. Love. Be healthy world. 

Always.

This is my quest.

I'm on a quest. 

A quest to prove to myself that I can turn my habits around, and finally quit doing so much talking, and more doing. 

I feel the change, not only physically, but mentally. 

Part of this quest is knowing when to push yourself and break out of those barriers that held you back. 

For 3 whole years...I let myself gain 83.9 lbs. (From 146 to 229.9)
YES, I said it...almost 100 pounds. 

It doesn't feel good when you know people are talking about you behind your back. 
"Dang, did you see Russy...dude got big huh? what happened?" 
I've even heard someone tell me people were talking about me saying..."he's even bigger than he was when he was fat"
I know you all won't say it to my face, but you'll talk behind my back. 

As much as I hate to hear it, I would rather you be honest w/ me and let me know. 

This journey is going to be hard. It's going to take determination, and it's going to take a lot of trust. 

My focus has been impeccable. Mentally I'm doing it. It takes 21 days to break a habit and I'm at day 22. 

I need to keep going and remember that I AM ABLE TO DO WHATEVER I PUT MY MIND TO DO. 

My goal is to be a healthy person who can live his life to the fullest. 
I want to be able to play w/ my kids and not worry about health issues. 
I want to beat the trend of "getting bigger when you're older", cause it's happening before my eyes. 
I want to be an example, instead of people saying "I don't want to end up like Russy and how fat he is".

I want to treat my body like the temple that God told us to take care of so we can carry on his works here on earth. 

I am so ready to continue this quest, and ready for all of the ups and downs.
I will fight until there's no more fight left.
This quest is all mine, and I'm ready to take it. 

Let's go. 

Question of the day.

So I've always wondered... 

If you fart (and if you fart a lot), are you losing weight? 

Does gas account for some of the weight in our bodies? 

haha...before bed last night, it just came to me...maybe each fart is worth like .10 of a pound? or more? 

Guess we'll never know, or will we? ;)

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

always, 

Russy

TLAYH

Trust in the Lord w/ All Your Heart. 

I'm know for writing things on my arm. 

All these acronyms, like BST, TLF, and numbers... 

But from now on, I will write this on my arm every day. 

Jesus is always w/ us. and we need to do is trust Him always. 

He always delivers, it's always up to us to step up and do our part. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

always, 

Russy 

Don't go around the wall. Go through it.

I absolutely LOVE this picture.
Ron Artest is one of those guys who I admire. 

A person who has always had the "never back down" mentality. 

Do whatever it takes. 

Work harder than everybody else, despite limitations. 

It's all about pushing yourself. Don't be lazy and go around the wall. 

Go through it.

The unexpected.

The Lord really does know how to work his way around our emotions. 

For the past couple days, and maybe even weeks, I've been down on myself w/ my studying & other things. 

Today while studying, I go check the mail, and receive a letter from one of my professors saying a pt sent the manager a letter, and enclosed was this from a patient who I truly loved having:

Dear (Nurse Manager; won't say her name), 

    My name is _____________, I received a new liver in late Feb 2010 at Loma Linda University Medical Center. 

    You have an Employee "student", Russell Isberto who totally stands out as a dedicated and passionate man with his dealing with patients such as myself. 

    This letter was my idea to maybe assist him with work at LLUMC after his school. 

     If you or a co worker need more specific reasons why he was such a standout nurse please call --- --- ---- 

                 signed, ____________ 

This brought a smile to my face when I needed it the most. 

My goal and purpose in life, has always been to make a difference. Whether it be big or small. 

Sometimes I question if I'm made to be a nurse, and this reassures me that I can do it and will do it. 

Mr. ___________, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to show that God is present in our lives no matter what. 

I'm blessed to have been able to study the field of nursing, and will continue to be blessed in the future as I work. 

My prayer today is:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you. 

Thank you for constantly reminding me that I can and will be able to do this with your help. 

Everything is possible with you on my side.
I have people around me who support me and believe in me, when sometimes I doubt myself. 

Help me to remember that I am able. It takes time, but I will be able to do it w/ you guiding my every step. 

Thank you for giving me these words that I really needed to hear today. 

Bless me now, and bless the world Lord. Watch over us always. 

I love you Lord.
Your Son, 

Russy 

Rocky.

Thank you so much Rocky, for making my days so much better.
Our walks really relieve the stress I have during the day. 

I know you don't really understand everything, but you're the best dog anyone can every ask for. 

I love you, and I always look forward to coming home to you after a long day. 

Jesus really knows when to bring something (someone) into your life. 

:) 

Breath.

Hello Monday, it's a fresh new start and I'm ready to go. 

Just relax, breath and remember that the Lord is with you. always.

*sigh* one step at a time. 

Live. Love. Be healthy 

always, 

Russy 

Jesus always has it all under control.
I just got to trust and let go. 
Forever His child.  

hoping.

I'm really hoping and praying that this week is a lot better than last week. 

Sometimes I feel like such a failure at so many things I do. 

I disappoint myself, but worse of all...I feel like I disappoint a lot of people. 

Right now, I just need to breath and face that not everything will be perfect

I know that I'm extremely hard on myself, but I've always been like that. 

People from a young age, have expected a lot from me and I hate making mistakes, and letting them down. 

To those of you I have let down...I'm really trying my hardest at everything, but sometimes my hardest isn't good enough. 

So it's time to pick myself up, move one, and try even harder. 

*sigh* - I need to depend upon the Lord and realize that I'm nothing w/out Him. 

This is my prayer today...

Dear Jesus, 

Please grant me the strength to do what I need to do. Shelter me w/ you love and guide my every step so that I may forget that i'm not here to please others, but to remember that I live my life for you, and when I live my life for you, everything will fall into place. Offer me peace so I don't think about what I'm doing wrong or how bad I'm doing, but to just know that I'm always trying my best. Let me accept your grace that you have given to us, because you Lord died on that cross for our sins. Forgive me for my sins and all of my short comings. Thank you oh Lord for you just being YOU and for being the only person who could never fail us even tho we have failed you so many times. Help me to remember that our lives should be built around you and nothing else. All these things I ask in your name father. 

Amen.

Everybody struggles, and maybe this is just another one of those times.

Jesus never puts us through anything that we can't handle. 

He continues to bless me in so many ways, and for that I am thankful. 

Today is a new day, and the start of a new week. 

Forget the things that happened last week, and start fresh. 

Don't hold on to the things you cannot change. 

Live your life w/ meaning. love. and compassion. 

always, 

Russy 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no even, for thou art w/ me. thy rod and thy staff they comfor me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; though anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell with the lord forever." - Psalm 23

worst day ever.

Got my first speeding ticket going 80 mph.
The CHP made it seem like I was going 100...
But hey, I was going over 65, so it is well deserved.
Not really looking forward to paying for it, going to court, and possibly traffic school.
*sigh*, what I thought would be a restful and enjoyable weekend, turned into one of the worst ever.
Well, time to make the most of what's left of the weekend.
Take care ya'll.

Live. Love. Be Healthy.
Always,
Russy

My love.

goodnight.

Another day down...Frustratingly Successful. Proud of myself.

So ready for the weekend. 

Goodnight world. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy 

w/ Love, 

Russy 

My motivation. Did it before, I can do it again.

Letter to self.

Dear Russy, 

Giving in to your frustration will only make you give up on your goals. 

Stay focused and remember that you need to concentrate on the short term goal & quit looking at the big one. 

You are now 25 and losing weight is harder than it was when you were 17. 

There is major support around you, and use them to your benefit. 

Most importantly, NEVER forget that Jesus is always looking after you. Talk w/ Him and let him know your struggles. 

Lastly, don't give up. You've showed that you can do it again, it's all about being consistent & putting the work in. 

There isn't anything that is unreachable or unattainable. You got this! 

Live to love. Love to live. 

Always, 

Self 

I Need Sunshine!

Been locked up in my house for about 2-3 weeks now. 

Consumed in review books, practice questions, flash cards, study guides. 

I've actually only been out of the house once or twice...and that's not good. 

Yesterday, I felt the effects of the lack of UV rays that our bodies need. 

They say we need 15-20 minutes of sunshine to get our vitamin D supply...me ZERO! 

So I took a little break, went outside and played some basketball. 

Maybe that's what I needed to get me out of my "blah" mood. 

Sunshine does wonders, and I'm definitely looking forward to getting some today :) 

Are you ready for yours?
 

Stay blessed. 

Live. Love Be Healthy. 

always, 

Russy 

Quote of the day: 

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." 

- Maria Robinson

As beautiful as the setting sun can be, there is something about the morning sun rise that reminds us...it's a brand new day, and a fresh new start.

 

Fighting through.

I was always & still am the "happy" fighter

When I was a senior in High School, my life took many turns. 

I was always looked upon as the guy who was "always happy", or always "joking around"
The kid who was known for loud bursts of randomness, laughter, and obnoxiousness...turn into someone who was determined. 

It was during the summer between my junior & senior year when I realized that I had some fight in me. 

Battle through a stomach ulcer, I gained weight, having been prescribed antacids & small frequent feedings.
"Small" isn't in my vocabulary when it came to eating at any point in my life dating back to this day, so the weight packed on. 

I was a little over 210 pounds and w/ many senior trips coming up, I was embarrassed on how fat I was. 

That summer, I vividly remember one day while working at Kids U, I told myself...I'm going to lose this weight & get fit. 

The previous 17 years up until this point, I tried everything possible to lose weight...I'd lose 5, but gain it all back. 

But there was something about my mindset that just felt different. 

I remember having a talk w/ my cousin who lost a bunch of weight and he told me, all you have to do is count your calories. 

So this I did...I remember even counting the calories to a grape, which equals to about 6 calories.
I would go to school w/ a lunch box, that had post it notes on them stating how many calories were in my food. 

This diet consisted of: protein bars, trail mix, protein shakes, chicken breast, and Skyflakes (pretty much saltine crackers).
 

When senior year began, I was much the same, with little progress, but determined...I kept at it. 

I had so many people who doubted, from friends, PE teachers, family...but for once in my life, I believed in myself.
One day my best friend Justin and I were sitting in choir, I walked in w/ a lunch box, a big jug of water, and an inspiration fitness book. 

He laughed at me and knew I had to be joking! But no I wasn't. I wasn't the same guy who ordered a double quarter pounder w/ cheese meal (supersized), with a Dr. Pepper, 2 apple pies and some chicken nuggets for my meal. 

I wasn't that guy. I Changed. 

I also remember growing out my hair, cause I've always wanted cornrows, but Justin being the honest friend that he is, told me, "It'll make your face look fat if you get corn rows, you gotta lose weight first". 

I shrugged it off, but kept it as motivation to grow out my hair. 

2 1/2 years later of growing out my hair...I was at 146 lbs & was determined for more. 

Fighting through adversity is something I learned about myself.
The person who would shrugged things off, became a person who would put those comments on my back or failures that once kept me down...and PUSH through. 

It was an adrenaline rush to keep fighting through these tough times. 

I fought through everything: from being out of shape, to academic struggles, to relationship problems. I fought hard. 

Somewhere down the road, I lost that person who was able to fight through and prove everyone who doubted, I could do it.

This isn't about proving people wrong anymore. But proving to myself that I can still fight through, and keep pushing.

Growing out my hair this time around, symbolizes the journey that I'm ready to take. A journey where struggles will happen, but what matters the most is that you try your hardest & believe in yourself.

I always said...I going to do whatever it takes. To train like a freak. and that nothing comes w/out blood, sweat and tears. 

Now, it's just about bringing out the best in me, loving life, and striving to become someone who I'm happy with. 

I'm ready to fight through, and to be honest...today is one of those days I need to remind myself to FIGHT!

I remember Kobe Bryant saying something along the lines of: "Being at the top feels great, but the journey you take to get there is the best part".

Push. fight. and never forget that nothing is impossible. 

Be blessed.
Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

Always, 

Russy 

"A dream doesn't become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."

- Colin Powell

Wishful thinking? Magic? or Scientifically Proven?

About a week ago, I finally gave in to what they call the "Power Balance" wrist band. 
I'm usually not one that believes in gimmicks or infomercials, but this one truly caught my eye.
Can a person gain some balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility (and also focus) by wearing a simple wrist band? or pendant? 
I ordered one of these concoctions online for a little over $30. 
I did a few test on friends (some that worked and some that failed). 
Have I felt a difference? I've felt slight more flexible, but it's not like you can turn a person who couldn't touch their toes to automatically touch their toes ya know? 
Maybe it is a placebo effect and I'm just tricking my own mine. 
I remember the day I got it, I was studying...and believe it or not I was able to focus and just felt better.
It hasn't given me super powers, but I find it hard to take it off. 
My workouts have been great and I have more energy than I had before. 
Time will only tell if this thing really works.
Wishful thinking? Magic? or is it really science?
People will probably laugh at me for being an "idiot" for trying this thing out, and wasting $30. 
Try it for yourself :)

Be Blessed. 
Live. Love. Be Healthy 
Always, 
Russy 


Quote of the day: 
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

The Science

It has truly gone viral in athletes around the world. Here are a few Athletes who wear the band. 

Power Balance Wristbands

David Ortiz

Lebron James

Lamar Odom

Trevor Ariza

Carmelo Anthony

Small Steps.

I've got to stay patient. 

Small steps are more important than taking great leaps. 

Taking shorter strides, will keep me consistent. 

Like they say..."it's not a sprint, but a marathon".

Good night world. 

I've never been this excited to wake up in the morning, since...Christmas :)

Believe.

Skepticism was always a trait I seemed to have, growing up.
There were just certain things in my life that led me to question or to "not believe in my self". 

This uncertainty led me to question my abilities, and has quickly become a part of my character, that I continually struggle with. 

Sometimes I just find it hard to believe in yourself when you have one let down after another. 

One of the reasons why I have questioned my ability in "music" is because, to me...someone is always better. 

Or when I was in school, and I studied for hours, and days, and even weeks..yet I couldn't pass?
There were those in my class, who had just opened their books the night before and would get A's? 

Believing in yourself is pretty hard right? 
But this is my problem...I need to stop comparing myself to others, and focus on my own abilities.
 
Although I got through school, and I still love to do music, I can only take so much until I...stop believing. 

When I was younger, I was a heavy kid who always wondered if I would become morbidly obese and struggle to gain the acceptance of the public eye. 

The "aww, he's adorable" kid look, would eventually fade fast and it soon turned into a..."wow, can that guy control himself?" 

I would walk into stores, and people would stare at me, with the look of disappointment, or was it disgust? 

Elementary school would be filled with jokes and a barrage of ridicule. 

I tried everything...from all sorts of diets and exercise plans...but I would eventually gain it all back and more. 

You guessed it...I stopped believing. 

Belief in ones self is just as important as attaining whatever it is you are trying to gain.

It takes a certain type of person to admit these struggles, and I admit, I find it hard to believe when I seem to let myself and those around me down. 

I have accepted that things will never be perfect, and that throughout my life I have masked my lack of confidence with a smile. 

But there is one thing that I have never stopped believing...That GOD believes in me and that w/ Him, I can do ALL things. 

Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things, through Christ who gives me strength" 

Jesus has covered my weaknesses, and has allowed me to be who I am 

He gives me opportunity after opportunity, giving me confidence that I can complete any task if I place Him in the center. 

I know I am going to continue to struggle. 

I know I am going to battle w/ my confidence. 

I know I am going to fail in life. 

I know I am going to get up from those failures and succeed. 

I know I am going to doubt my self, but God will bring me from doubt to certainty. 

I know that I will never stop Believing that God will never stop believing in me. 

Belief is something that takes a lot of faith. 

Faith is something that takes a lot of time. 

and time will allow a person to grow. 

I know I have much growing left to do in my life, but I am ready for every struggle and succession. 

My prayer is that God continues to guide my life in the right direction, and that He gives me every opportunity to believe in Him and myself. 

Blessings. 

Live. Love. Be healthy 

Always, 

Russy 

Quotes: 

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful." 

- Mark Victor Hansen 

"Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve. Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do."
- Benjamin Spock

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."
- Gail Devers

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." 

- Proverbs 3: 5, 6

Sacrifice.

Why are people so afraid to sacrifice?

Here is a quote from one of the greatest athletes of all time, one who people considered selfish early in his life, but it was only until he realize that he cannot do everything on his own, but needed to sacrifice for the greater good of the bigger goal. 

"There are plenty of teams in every sport that have great players and never win titles. Most of the time, those players aren't willing to SACRIFICE for the greater good of the team. The funny thing is, in the end, their unwillingness to sacrifice only makes individual goals more difficult to achieve. One thing I believe to be the fullest is that you think and achieve as a team, the individual accolades will take care of themselves. Talent wins games, but TEAMWORK and intelligence win championships." - Michael Jordan

As you get older, there are certain things you realize, things that you couldn't fathom when you were younger. 

Some of the things our parents would hide from us, because they wanted us to stay innocent. 

I am grateful for everything that my parents have done for me, and continue to do for me. 

At the point of my life now, when some families would've stopped believing, mine keeps on trusting and believing in me. 

Growing up, my parents sacrificed financial stability, just to send us to a Christian school. 

They wanted us to be in a situation where the same values and principles at home, were being kept in an environment with tremendous influence on our lives. 

Sacrifice. 

The more and more I think about it...my parents would buy my brother and I $100 pair shoes (or close to that), when my dad or mom would be wearing the same ones for 5-10 years, when we would "NEED" new ones every year. 

From a parents stand point, this is what they had to do...this is what they WANTED to do. 

Our parents have done for us, what Jesus did (only on a level that we cannot even understand). 
My parents sacrificed SO MANY things, for my brother and I to become better people. 
To give us the things that they never were able to have growing up. 
But most importantly, they brought us closer to Jesus and helped us understand that Jesus was all about sacrifice.

God sacrificed His son to die for all of our sins.

It is human nature to be "selfish", to be self loathing in our actions...but when it comes to our family, we sacrifice. 

This sacrifice and dedication should go beyond that of our family and generate to our world. 

I'm blessed to be in the situation I'm in. To belong to a family who loves no matter what, and sacrifices for the greater good.

I can only pray and hope that I will become as great as my parents (here on earth) and my Father up in heaven.

Today, I leave w/ the thought that we need to lay everything on the line for those around us. 

Our sacrifice (no matter what it is), can only make us and those around us stronger. 

Jesus is and will always be the true example of this and by keeping Him as our example, will make us stronger in our own walks through life. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

Always, 

Russy

Loyalty.

There are only a few I consider to be "loyal" friends. 

Should it be this way? 

"Friends will come, and Friends will go" is the all so familiar saying which people have heard, and lived by. 

But do true friends go? Do we hand pick our friends, and how much does society really pull its influence on our lives?
In some cultures, being loyal (to your spouse, friends, etc...) are key components, w/out even thinking about it. 

Why can't we all live by this same loyalty? Why does our American culture have to be all about "taking care of ourselves". 

Our world is a family, and God places each of us here for one another.  

To keep ourselves accountable for things that might be detrimental, or the things which make us happy.

An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness (Hubbard). 

Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice (Wilson).  

Loyalty is the pledge of truth to oneself and others (Boardly).  

Our loyalties must transend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective (Martin Luther King Jr.).  

Loyalty cannot be blueprinted. It cannot be produced on an assembly line. In fact, it cannot be manufactured at all, for its origin is the human heart-the center of self-respect and human dignity. It is a force which leaps into being only when conditions are exactly right for it-and it is a force very sensitive to betrayal (Franks).

Lack of loyalty is one of the major causes of failure in every walk of life (Hill). 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17) 

 

A true friend, isn't just a "friend" but a brother. Proverbs says, he is built to stand w/ his brother/sister through even the most difficult times.  

Live your life to be loyal. True friends will come, and real friends are brothers/sisters who will stay. 

Be blessed. 

Live. Love. Be healthy. 

Always, 

Russy 

Thankful.

I am truly thankful. 

Even amidst all of the of the struggles & challenges in my life, the Lord has been so good to me. 

I wake up each morning, thankful for my life. 

A life that I control. A life that nobody else can touch. 

I praise Jesus for giving me the opportunity to serve Him each day and for loving me, even when I fail Him. 

5 months ago, today, was the day I was in the hospital for the unexpected. 

The day when my life flashed before my eye, and when so many things could have change my life...God was watching. 

There is never a day when God isn't watching, even when we don't watch Him. (when we should always have our eyes up). 

Blessings come in our lives that go unnoticed...but I will always, and continue to be thankful. 

As I sit here, consumed in my studies...I pause for a moment to remind myself that the presence of the Lord is never unnoticed. 

My life is a testament to the power that Jesus holds.
When we sit and complain about the things we "don't" have, we really should be sitting here basking and praising God in all that He has, and will continue to do in our lives. 

I pray for you all, that you will find the happiness that Jesus brings into your life. 

"Seek Him, knock on His door, and He will bless and give to you". 

Today, I am thankful. blessed. and ready to take on the challenges with Him on my side. 

I am "Robin" to a God that "Batman" could never, ever compare too. 

Let's Go... 

Stay Blessed. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

Always, 

Russy

Repetition.

People say, it takes "21 days to break a bad habit". 

Repetition is one of those things that bring people out from being a mediocre individual, to one who truly stands out. 

I believe that "practice does make perfect." - w/out engulfing yourself in this repetition, you'll remain and regress (eventually). 

My goal is to be consistent. Consistency is a form of art.
Goals are set to be attained, but are only gained by the amount of work and effort you put in to it. 

Sure there are prodigies born to become great...but these individuals also showed patience in their gift, and made it shine by putting in the necessary work that has made them consistent beings of their craft. 

The one thing that I absolutely wish I could change about myself, is the notion that something has to be an extreme right or a drift far to the left. I am radically one way or the other, never in the middle. 

It's frustrating in a way...but when I motivated, I give 200% in everything I set my mind too. 

Our world will never be a straight line, because every life lived on this earth will have bumps in the road that will make us steer one way, then the other, but these bumps make us stronger people. 

This is when you have to really grasp the wheel of that car, and be a good driver. When we repeat the course over and over again, and learn from our mistakes, when those same bumps come along the road, you'll know how to steer away from them. 

With constant repetition and work, you'll be able to cruise through the tough parts of the road. 

I'm ready to work. Ready to break these habits. and excited for what's ahead. 

There are days when I'm frustrated and scared, angry but content, feel accepted but far from the expectations that are expected of me...I'm my toughest critic, and I am also the only one stopping me from bringing the best out of myself.

Live to love, Love to live.
Working hard is important, but working smarter is of greater importance. 

Seek the Lord in ALL your ways, because HE is the answer to all the problems that you will ever face.

To new beginnings... 

Live. Love. Be healthy. 

Always, 

Russy

Life....25?

This last month was filled w/ many ups and downs. 

On July 1st, one of my best friends & biggest mentors passed away from a tragic accident. 

Manong Ken, was one of those guys who was always there for you, who you could trust and rely on w/ anything and everything.
This was by far one of the biggest losses in my life and it really look a toll on my life. 

Countless nights I tossed and turned in bed, having nightmare after nightmare and could not believe it was reality. 

Even as we laid my friend to rest in his grave, it still had not hit me that this precious life that served the Lord was taken from us. 

I guess when it comes to these fatal tragedies, there is always something that the Lord is trying to teach us. 

He lived to serve, and served because he loved to do it.
We need not rely on people who "will always be there", but we need to make our lives just as meaningful as what the Lord wants for us. 

Manong Ken, led by example...I feel it is our turn to step it up in our community, church, and home. 

Although my heart remains heavy from this loss, Jesus reassures us that when he comes again, we will be reunited w/ our loved ones in heaven and that we have better things to look forward to, then this life we are dealt w/ here on earth. 

This year also marks my 25th birthday. A birthday that I truly wasn't looking forward to.
I guess as we age, we wish things would just SLOW DOWN. Sometimes I catch myself wanting to be in high school again with no cares in the world, but to come to class and hangout w/ friends (w/ a little bit of homework on the side). 

Being 25, and just out of college with no job and spending countless hours sitting on the table studying for board exams, while most if not all of my friends have found jobs and are taking the next step forward...this is when I find it hard to just be happy and motivated.
But that is the total WRONG mindset to have. I am gratefully happy that the Lord has blessed me w/ life and health that many people would die to have. Even though I have been battling health problems myself, there is no reason to complain about anything. 

I have a family who keeps me driven, who supports me in all that I do. I have a girlfriend who will stand by me at all costs, even if it means that I don't have much time for her because I need to focus on my studies.
I am blessed and thankful for all of them who are just patient with me. The past 3 years of school haven't been easy, and sometimes I just wish I could just relax and chill, but with the looming payments of the oh so dreaded "LOANS", I'm scurrying just to get these boards out of the way. 

I will remain faithful no matter what, and I trust that the Lord has made plans in my life to serve Him and further the work He has started here. 

I know along the way I am going to have trials and many struggles, but life wouldn't be worth living w/out those struggles that make us stronger in Christ and in our lives. 

25 is going to be a year I am going to remember. for sure.
It's going to be the time where I have no more excuses to make certain changes in my life that I've been wanting to change. It's a time where putting my health, truly comes first. 

We only live once, and we have to enjoy the lives we live here on earth, but live it through Christ in all of our ways. 

I guess this IS the new beginning I have been hoping for and wanting for quite sometime. 

May this year be filled w/ love and lots of laughter. 

Blessings to all. 

Live. Love. Be Healthy. 

Always, 

Russy