A Fancy Night Out:

Have you ever felt the need to get all dressed up and go to a fancy restaurant?

Whether it be with a loved one or one of your very best friends it’s definitely a must.  There’s just something about laughing, getting ready, and listening to music that just makes you want to love life.  It was a beautiful Monday night and here you have two grown women getting ready for a fancy night out in the town.  Can I just say living outside of the box/ norm makes moments like these even more special and memorable.

We made our way to the restaurant and as soon as I was about to go in, a lady was sitting outside and she stopped me and said “Are those heels comfortable? They’re really cute!” I nodded and even showed off that yes they’re cute and also super comfortable!  We’re greeted by the front desk and they show us to our table (would you believe I even made reservations as we were getting ready, I know shocker!) The first thing I noticed was the soft music playing, the lights were a little dim, and the table was set beautifully. As we sat down I could overhear a conversation from a  table near us and the women stared at us and said “wow, they’re dressed so classy and they’re so beautiful.” To hear that made my night even better because I was a little self conscious at the fact that half of the people there were dressed casually but I was not going to pass up the opportunity to dress up at a fancy Italian restaurant!

I was fully soaking in everything about this night, the laughter from the tables around us, grandparents sharing memories from their younger days. The service was fast and amazing, and the food was absolutely delicious (Chef’s kiss really.) As I was enjoying every minute of the night I couldn’t help but be grateful for having such a kind and loving friend to share this with. Rebekah is one of those friends that will truly live the best of what life has to offer. She pushes me to be the best version of myself, she’s the one who takes most of my pictures, always willing for an adventure no matter how big or small.  She’s the kind of friend that you can be serious and silly with. The kind of friend everyone dreams of meeting. She is selfless, smart, and truly an adventurer.

The night was coming to an end and we decided to end it on a sweet note so we ordered and shared Tiramisu ( which was heavenly by the way!) and as we left I relished in the fact that not only was I full but I was truly happy. 

Word of Advice? Go out to a fancy restaurant, even if it’s a Monday night, put on some pretty clothes, look at yourself in a mirror and I mean REALLY look at yourself because you are beautiful, you are worthy, and you are loved!

If you decide to go out please let me know, I’d love to hear all about your night .

Love,

Janny Mari

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What’s occupying your Heart?

That was the question that stood with me from Wednesdays last night’s bible study. We were speaking about how most people have idols or idolize something that has taken God’s place in your life. This question is one I heard many times and throughout the years I’ve been sad to say a few things have taken the place that should have always been God’s. 

Most of the time it truly is unintentional and that’s why it’s so dangerous because sometimes we don’t even realize we are committing idolatry against God. In the bible it clearly states as one of His commandments “You shall have no other gods before Me.” [Exodus 20:3] As the teacher asked during these times what would be considered to be an idol, I said anything that takes God’s place, priority, and time that we should devote to Him. Our cars, our houses, money, children, spouse, work, and so much more. Now I’m not saying that everything is bad, Paul writes to the Corinthians and says “ All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.  Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”  [1 Corinthians 10:23-24]  There’s nothing wrong with having these things but the problem lies when we give me importance to them and push God to the side as if we can live without Him.

Now that being said as much as I would love to say that God has always been my priority and nothing else ever occupied my heart I can’t say that.  One thing I strive for when I talk to others, when I post on my social media, and even here on this blog is to be as truthful as I can. There were times when I could feel the shift in focus when once all I thought about was God and studying His words to thinking about a guy that was talking to me or where I went to the gym more than I went to church, where I could spend hours on my phone/ watching tv but couldn’t even pray for 5 minutes. A group that I love and most of my friends know I love them is BTS, there was even a time that I gave my time to knowing everything about them, keeping up with their music and schedules. Listen, we’re all human and it happens, and to me these things seemed very innocent but I realized I messed up when I gave more time to all of those things than God. I realized that my spiritual life wasn’t the same, my walk, my talk, my actions weren’t guided by God because I wasn’t focusing on my relationship with God, I wasn’t asking God to guide me or to help me live a better life. Like I said these things are not bad but when we put it above God that’s when it is bad. 

I’ve learned to ask God to help me balance all of these things and I’ve prayed that no matter what I may be going through that He remains my priority. I began to focus less on the other things and gave Him more time and can I tell you life hasn’t been easy but my relationship with God is finally in a place that I am proud to be in. Of course we should strive to always build a strong relationship with God daily and ask Him to help us get closer to Him. Take it from me, you will definitely feel better knowing that you’re giving God the best of you. 

I leave these verses with you:

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” [Revelation 2:4-5]

So now I ask you, What is in your heart that is taking God’s place and not letting you live fully for Him? My prayer is that God can help you through this time to help you fall in love with Him again and have an even stronger relationship with Him.

Hope you have a wonderful day Fam,

Janny Mari

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How do you take your Coffee?

Pretty simple question or is it? A friend of mine asked me that question a few years ago and at first I wondered why he asked but didn’t think much of it. Of Course I asked how’d he take his and he said black with a lil sugar. One of my brothers likes his as light as possible with as much sugar as they’d allow, my parents both take theirs with 4 creams and 4 sugars. I love Iced Coffee and quite a few love Hot coffee, others would rather have tea than coffee and that’s perfectly fine. Where am I going with this? You’ll see

As I think about the different types of ways people prefer coffee or tea my first thought is “Why not Iced Coffee, it’s the best!” But when I think about it, that’s just my preference, we all like different things and that’s okay. Something I had to learn the hard way in life is that no matter how nice I am to others they don’t have to like me or be my friend. My mom told me many years ago “Janny, your heart is too good but I want you to listen and think about what I’m going to say. As much as you are kind, loving, and care about others the world doesn’t have your heart and sadly you will probably never get the love you give out and that’s okay because it’s their loss not yours.” I’m going to be honest, that wasn’t the easiest pill to swallow, what do you mean I won’t get the love I give? It’s not fair that I can love the way I do and not get any of it in return.

The more I thought about those words the clearer they became, just because someone doesn’t like Iced coffee doesn’t make it any less great and desirable. Just because someone prefers tea it doesn’t take away from the value of other drinks. Some prefer sweet while others prefer bitter and that is okay.  Our value isn’t in other people’s preferences because no matter what Coffee is Coffee and Tea is Tea, you make the most of how you want it to taste.  Some people will not like you’re personality, or the way you look, talk, laugh but honestly who cares! You’re not someones order at a Dunkins or Starbucks drive-thru. They can not customize you with some Pumpkin Spice here, a pump of white Mocha there, or swirls of any kind. Sadly like myself some people are lactose-intolerant and you’re not going to sit well with them, but you know what there is someone out there for you who will appreciate all that you are and all that you have to offer.

 You’re not always going to be someone’s cup of tea (pun intended) but to the right one you will be. You may be an amazing person and others will always have an opinion on you but it’s up to you if you want to let it affect you and who you are as a person. So dear friend and reader; How do you take your coffee?

P.s. Below you will find some pictures of my beloved Coffee and adorable ones of me drinking tea because as much as I love Coffee I also have a soft spot for tea.

Love Always,

Janny Marie

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How do you maintain your relationship with God?

Below you will see a picture of my Bible Journal and my beloved coffee. This picture was taken some time ago early in the morning before I clocked into work. I do believe that how we start our day determines how the rest of the day will go. Before I would get up a little later than I do now, which is 5am because I liked to sleep in and just get ready fast to leave. But I realized something, I would always rush my prayer or I wouldn’t dedicate much time to God. I wouldn’t spend time in His word or even having conversations with Him. I didn’t like feeling that way because I know God deserves better than that and one of my main prayers was to have a better and deeper relationship with God, but I wasn’t getting anywhere because my routine stayed the same.

It was time to switch up my routine, so I decided if I needed more time to give to God I had to get up earlier, I had to switch my focus as soon as I woke up, and I had to fight my flesh that wanted to keep hitting the snooze button. Something that I found to be helpful is that as soon as I hear my alarm I get up and turn my light on. I go to youtube and put on a half hour or an hour long preaching and I listen to it while I get ready. You’d be surprised what sticks to your mind and spirit from what you hear and I find myself meditating during this time and throughout the day on the topics the Preacher discusses. Whether it be from “Are we listening to the voice of God? Are we following the will of God for our lives? The perfect plan for a deeper prayer.”  A lot of the preachings I listen to are so Spirit led that I can’t help but be grateful and thank God for always ministering to my soul when I need it the most.

You see the more you spend time with God the more sensitive you become to His voice and Spirit. Life as a Christian is anything but easy but when you allow God to guide you, to lead you to where He wants you to go the easier it becomes. Sometimes the first step of having a deeper relationship with God is surrendering who you are and submitting to who He wants you to be. A lot of you may think “That doesn’t sound like a loving relationship. Why should I stop being myself for someone I can’t even see.” Well you see, God is a God of free will and He loves us so much that He lets us decide the life we want to live but you also have to remember that this world is filled with so much sin and as much as you’d like to think you’re your own person you’re really not. Why you may ask? Because you are slaves to your flesh and earthly desires. The beautiful thing about coming to God and submitting your flesh is that because Jesus died and paid for our sins on the cross we are no longer slaves of this world, we are no longer chained down by the enemy. I’m not saying temptation never comes our way but it is easier to deny it when we have God and we’re filled with His word and Spirit.

Another change I made was starting my Bible Journal, honestly it’s something I look forward to filling out. I’m going to be honest though this past week it was busier than usual and harder to journal but my goal for this week is to get back on track. Writing down verses that help you out each day, or just writing down your thoughts and how good God is, even writing down prayers and when God answers them uplifts your spirit.

Everyone’s relationship with God is different, something that works for me may not work for you and that is okay. Find what works for you and make it happen. Remember this needs to be something you want, desire, and are willing to work hard for because things that matter are never easy but they’re so worth it. I leave you with these verses that a good friend sent me this morning:

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me,

And delivered me from all my fears.

They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces were not ashamed.

This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,

And saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,

And delivers them.” Psalms 34:4-7

So do whatever you need to fall in love with God and His word again, He truly misses you. 

God bless & Love always,

Janny Mari

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Hot Dogs & Churros

I know the title is pretty random but it’ll probably make sense later on (hopefully). 

So this past Saturday my mom and I went grocery shopping and ran a few errands. To ya’ll it may seem mundane but to me it was much needed therapy time. You see, my mom and I have very different work schedules and we don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like so we use our “errands run” as an excuse to catch up, talk about what is happening in our lives , and get coffee on the way.  After what seemed like forever at Sams Club we decided to just get some hot dogs and churros and sit down for a bit.

This may seem like it’s not that special or important but I can’t stress enough how important it is to spend time with a loved one. Just to sit and talk and see how they’re doing because forever isn’t promised. Life is going by so fast and I don’t want to go a single day without letting the most important people in my life know that they are loved and appreciated.

My goal for you today is to reach out to someone you love and care about and see how they’re doing. Make sure that you’re not the only one talking but also listen to them. As family or friends we tend to make a mistake that we don’t even realize we’re making. As much as we like to share our problems and worries we forget that the person we’re talking to also needs to vent and they need us to listen. Remember sometimes we’re not looking for answers to our problems, sometimes we just need to lean on someone and know that we’re being heard. 

So go on an errand with a loved one and maybe share a Hot Dog and Churro…

Love always,

Janny Mari

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Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes

Hey everyone, hopefully your week has been having a pretty good. Wednesday night I was scrolling through TikTok when I came across a video of the most delicious looking mini pumpkin pie cheesecakes. I saved it in hopes that some day I’d get to make them. Now we’re in October and by now I would have already baked cookies and all sorts of delicious treats, but sadly I haven’t been in the mood to bake nor have had the energy. I decided that the recipe looked simple enough to just buy the ingredients after work and just try it.

Sure enough it was easy, the only thing I had to put effort in was making the stencil to be able to cut out little pumpkins from the pie crust. I was super tired and on top of that it was my father’s birthday. We went to Wooster St. Pizza and had just an amazing time as a family just laughing and sharing our day. By the time I got home I had already prepped everything to just put the mini pies in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes.

As I waited and cleaned up the mess I made I thought about how tired I was, how my back was hurting, and my feet were probably swollen. Though my mind wanted to run to negative thoughts and wondering if maybe I should’ve just rested I thought about the reason I decided to make them. Work has been very tough on me and my team, working in an Educational field/ School is not for the weak. There are days where you want to give up, days where you wonder if you’re even making a difference but what I do know is that some days something as simple as a sweet treat can turn your day around.

As I wondered why I even started baking I remembered that maybe my efforts won’t be in vain and maybe I can make my coworkers day a little sweeter at the end of a very tough week. I am pleased to report that as tired as I was just seeing their surprised and happy faces at receiving something sweet made my day that much better. Something so simple can truly make someones day. So I encourage you not to wait for someone to make your day but to be the one to make others day because sometimes giving can truly mean more than receiving and in the mean time spoil yourself to a treat here and there too.

I can not end this post with out giving credit to @butternutbakery for her video on Tiktok, the recipe is also on her page so if you want give her a follow and Happy Baking everyone!

Love,

Janny Mari

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Bathroom Selfies

I don’t know about you guys but going to a bathroom and finding that it has great lighting and a good mirror is just top tier! This may be such a random post but it does serve a purpose. I’m going to be completely honest with you, I don’t feel 100% all of the time. There are days when I don’t think I’m pretty, I feel like I should try harder, or I feel like I’m not enough. I know I shouldn’t listen to these thoughts but I am human and there will always be insecurities and doubts, but I want to bring you into a new way of thinking. What if on days you don’t feel 100% you get ready and go or do something you enjoy, grab a cup or tea or coffee, meet up with a friend, do your skin care routine something that will get you out of bed. Go to your local Starbucks or Dunkin, find their bathroom look in the mirror and instead of seeing where you lack look at what makes you you. Look at your smile, your freckles, your dimples. Look at your hands that work hard, your legs that are strong enough to take you where you need to go, your back that at times seems to carry the whole world, look at your arms that hug others when you are the one in need of one, look at your stomach that holds the nourishment you need to keep on living.

Sometimes the things we despise or are insecure about need to be celebrated because we spend too much time talking down on ourselves. Our bodies go through so much, sometimes we keep on working even though we are exhausted, sometimes we starve it, and we don’t give it the rest it truly needs. If there isn’t something you like about yourself you alone have the right to change it but for one second, for one selfie, I want you to look at yourself in that mirror and see the true beauty in who you are as a person. You a strong, you are wise, and you are lovely. A few negative thoughts is not worth you thinking you are not worthy, that you’re not enough because you are more than worth it!

Did you take that selfie today? If not what are you waiting for.

Love,

Janny Mari

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My Shark Dive Adventure:

I can’t believe that I’m actually able to write about this experience. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always dreamed about swimming with Sharks. My dad and I would always re-watch all of the Jaws movies and we will always make sure to tune into Shark Week every year. There was always something about just being that close to them that I would always dream about.

I was actually supposed to go diving in July but we ended up running late. No one knew I was doing this, well actually two people who I knew could keep it a secret. As much as I was overjoyed at the thought of being so close to these beautiful creatures something laid very heavy on my mind and heart. For those who may or may not have noticed I am a pretty thick woman; growing up on the heavier side wasn’t easy. You have to over come thoughts of insecurities, thoughts of “What if I don’t fit? Are people going to judge me? Worse are they going to mock me?” As much as I’d love to say that I am very confident because of growing up thicker like a snicker I’ve had days where I don’t think highly of myself, not often but they do come.

I was so nervous the day had finally came but I couldn’t be as excited as my Sister Edith Marie pictured above with me. I was quite worried but my YaYas reassured me every step of the way that I would fit into the wetsuit no matter what. Everyone at the Long Island Aquarium was so nice and welcoming. When my turn came to pick a wetsuit I looked at the diving instructor with worry and sadness. She took a look at me and asked what’s wrong so I told her what if I dont fit into one. She smiled at me and made sure that I knew that I would find one that would fit perfectly and that I would have a great time.

So Edith and I did what only sisters can do and we crammed ourselves into the one person bathroom and got ready for the battle of the wetsuits. We were told that it would take us atleast 20 minutes to get into them and boy were they not lying. Edith is changing, I’m worried and changing in the shower since the room was so small. I looked at Edith and kept getting nervous, she looked me dead in the eyes and said “YOU WILL FIT IF IT’S THE LAST THING I DO.” Not gonna lie at this point all nervousness left, admiration for this woman grew even more, and also a little bit of fear because of the fire of determination in her eyes.

After getting both legs in, sweating like no tomorrow, we suddenly realized that it was on inside out. At this point I was ready to admit defeat Edith had plans of her own. With tears mixed with sweat I had to take the wet-suit off and we began the process all over again, sweating, crying, Edith pulling at the suit till she almost lifted me to the ceiling, some huffing, and puffing and the next thing I knew both our suits were on and we were ready to get in.

I WAS ON CLOUD NINE! I was finally going to do what I dreamed about in a tank filled with Nine Sharks. This experience was one I would do over and over again. At first getting used to breathing with an oxygen tank under water was scary but after a while I just focused on the magnificent sharks swimming around us. I’m truly so thankful to God for allowing me to experience this dream come true.

I can not end this post without thanking the person who made this dream a reality. My dear sweet Jackie, she is one of those people who you will always thank God for. She is a motivator, a light house, a sister, and someone you will always want in your corner. Not only did my YAYA plan this out and talked to whoever she needed to to make this possible but she also pushed me to dare to dream a better dream and for that I am grateful.

THE END!

Stay tuned for my next adventure!

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Here’s A little about Me:

Hello Everyone, if you’ve made it this far thank you. My name is Janny Marie Cruz, am I a blogger? Honestly I don’t know, all I know I know is that I love telling stories. If I’m going to be honest I’m probably the most Public Private person. I love to share all things about my life whether it be about my love for God, Adventure, and all things Coffee. I am 28 years old, currently a Special Ed Instructional Paraprofessional, and I am very active in my church. I will never go a day without having an Iced Coffee (you wouldn’t want to see me on a day without it).

I am at a point in my life that most of my friends find scary (almost hitting our Thirties). If I may be frank I was also scared to start getting closer to 30. I’m not in a relationship, most of my friends are married, have children, and are living their life with their families. Growing up we were always told that to be successful we should graduate college, find a good man/wife, get married, have kids, and have a good paying job. Who’s to say any of that makes you truly successful? I have friends who have graduated college but do nothing in the field they studied for. People who have found said “good man/ wife” and are not happy with them, friends who have children and wish they would’ve waited. That’s not to say that other haven’t been successful but what I’m trying to say is some things work for others and for others they don’t.

We can not live our life according to what others deem “successful” live your life to what best suits you. Did I go to college? Yes, but honestly as much as I loved school I struggled a lot to juggle it. It took a lot for me to realize that it was okay not to have a college degree. For many years I was a Daycare Teacher/ Nanny and I’ve always wanted to work in a School setting. I thought that i wouldn’t be able to because I didn’t have said degree but God made a way. He qualified me and allowed me to gain enough experience to work in a Middle School in the Special Ed department where I get to do exactly what I’ve always wanted; to help children become their best self and advocate for them. Some days are harder than others because of how demanding the job is physically, mentally, and emotionally, but than you have days where you realize that no matter how hard it gets it is rewarding. What I’m saying with all of this is to dare to dream a different dream. Thankfully we are all different and all unique, wouldn’t the world be boring if we were all the same.

As mentioned before I am a very active member in my church. I am a Pentecostal Christian, I taught bible study for many years and currently enjoy helping our youth learn and fall in love with God. Later on I’ll go into depth about my life as a Christian and why my faith is strong in Christ. Something I firmly believe in is not forcing someone into believing in God because God doesn’t force anyone to believe or love Him. My prayer is that you can have your own encounter with Him so that you can believe personally and not because someone guilt tripped you into it. I promise that serving God will never be a mistake, if anything it has been the best decision of my life.

I love everything to do with Coffee and Adventures as a matter of fact if we get Coffee before our Adventure you would most likely be my favorite person. I will try to have a page dedicated to past and current adventures including mini vacations, day trips, and spontaneous moments which most of my adventures are.

Lastly, this blog has been something dreamed up in my heart many years ago but I was to scared to even attempt it. My thoughts and worries included: “What’s the point? No one would ever be interested in reading what I would have to say. What would I even blog about? What would my main goal be?” I don’t have the answer to any of those questions or doubts but what I do know is that this is the year I over come all doubt, worry, and fear I may have. I’m tired of missing great opportunities because of what ifs or whats the point.

Come along with me and let’s do this thing called life “One Day At A Time”

Love,

Janny Marie

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