Sarah

Sarah, I seriously adore you! You are the perfect mixture of smart, fun, hippie, deep, and beautiful! I miss you so much! The times we spent this summer just talking and grabbing coffee meant so much to me. Yeah, I was supposed to be mentoring you, but you taught me so much! You taught me how to love people regardless of their past and how to get over different prejudice I had. You taught me how to have fun and embrace freedom. You are a total fighter! You never give up no matter how crazy circumstances seem and you always see the best in people. Even when someone is at their worst, you can see the greatness in them AND have the boldness to let them know! You are a total life giver and that's the beauty I see in you!

Love and miss you!

Keep your heart and eyes open,
Sincerely,

The Myrtle Tree Blossom

Me

Today I decided to write about myself. It's super easy for me to see the beauty in others. It's not so easy to see my own beauty. Perhaps I am distracted by perceived flaws or my flesh and blood. Either way, it's time for a change not just for me but for everyone. It's time to stop allowing the past and mistakes warp our perspective. The truth is, I am amazing. I am freaking brilliant. I am extremely perceptive which is why I love people and showing them their value. I am compassionate and generous. I love things to be real, raw, and honest because that's what's valuable, even when it's ugly because that's actually beautiful and not ugly at all. I'd rather people see my flaws than not know the real me which is why people feel safe around me. I am also really brave! This is a new discovery. Nothing on earth can hold me back from seeing my dreams become reality. This leads to another valuable characteristic; tenacity, some call it stubbornness. When applied to the right situation this is an invaluable treasure. I apologize to myself for any judgement or grudges I have held and for critical thoughts. I am made in the image of God which means I am so glorious and righteous. So is every person reading this. I am not an accident, neither are you. My existence is very purposeful and I intend to make the best of it. I pray you do the same. The beauty I see in myself is infinite creativity and honesty. I am a reflection of my creator and want the world to know me as the girl who loved. I will spend my life doing just that; loving God, myself, and others.

Keep your heart and eyes open,

Sincerely,
The Myrtle Tree Blossom

Jen!

Let me introduce you to my beautiful friend Jenny. I call her Jen. I first met her at college during my freshmen year and her Junior year. We grew closer with each semester until she graduated, I came home, and our friendship slowly dwindled. Recently we reconnected. She reached out to me and I really appreciate that. True friends are the ones who choose to love you despite your flaws; with every struggle, you grow closer and closer. Jenny has supported me through so much and was there for me when I experienced some of the biggest tragedies of my life. She has done a wonderful job of showing Christ like love to me and I wish I would have expressed my gratitude more when we were not separated by miles of highway, vast expanses of sky, and stretches of geographical barriers. What always impresses me about Jen is her ability to stay in touch no matter the distance. She has lived in so many different countries and still stays in touch with her roots. She has a lovely way of allowing all her diverse backgrounds to mesh and result in the creation that is the epitome of Jen. She is unique, brave, confident, and truly values people, not to mention She's the hottest Asian lady ever! ;) The beauty I see in you Jenny is your undying commitment to God, yourself, and others.  You display the verse that says nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. No matter what happens, you push through. You choose to love and be loved. Thank you Jen, for showing the world what a gift you are!

Keep your heart and eyes open!

Sincerely,

The Myrtle Tree Blossom

Aaron

Aaron, you are probably the sweetest guy anyone will ever meet. Everyone who knows him can see and feel the magnitude of your heart. You see the best in people and that is why you love fearlessly and give your time and energy so generously. I really admire that about you. You never hold offense or if you do, it doesn't show! The peace you carry is something the world craves and your friendship is valuable beyond measure. Thanks for showing the world what a true and humble servants heart looks like and maintaining a standard of inclusive relationships. The beauty I see in your is your courage to freely give your love. That's extremely rare in the world today and yet the highest thing in demand.

Keep your heart and eyes open,

Sincerely,

The Myrtle Tree Blossom

Micah

Micah, I am so glad we're friends! I know I tell you this often, but it's just so true. You keep life simple and never get stressed over the little things. You know what's important and what you are passionate about and you pursue those things will all of your strength. I admire your faithfulness and lighthearted attitude. You are funny and brilliant! I also admire the fact that you have TONS of dreams and refuse to pick just one to follow. So many people choose to define themselves with just one sole purpose but you realize you're a woman with many facets and to focus on just one would put a hamper on the beautiful shine. So you choose to let each facet sparkle! We all should take a lesson from you on that! xoxo! 

Keep your eyes and heart open!

Sincerely,

The Myrtle Tree Blossom

Kyle

Kyle, I want to beyond encourage you! You are beautiful! You are fun! And your youthfulness leaks all over those around you freeing them to be themselves and embrace a lifestyle that is without limits or fears. Within you is the most beautifully tender heart that embraces and overflows with compassion and empathy. Your value for relationships and honesty is something all should desire in their own lives. You may have gone through some rough times and those times have no doubt made a lasting impression on you, but I believe it is the trials that have made you strong. The fact that you refuse to give up or give in makes you a champion. This battle isn't just for you, but for your family and for the families who also go through their own trials and are in need of hope. You will be that for them. Thanks for being you and continuing to fight for positive and lasting change!

Keep your eyes and heart open!

Sincerly,

The Myrtle Tree Blossom

MJ

MJ, you are truly an inspiring woman. I really admire your heart to serve the impoverished from Haiti to Truth or Consequences, but especially your family and friends. Sometimes it is easy to be compassionate towards those who are visibly struggling and neglect those close to you. Even though you see their flaws and (according to most people)  have many reasons not to show compassion, you do a great job at loving those who you simply do life with. It takes a strong and confident person to do that. Thanks for sharing your brilliance with me and staying committed to serving those around you, even when it is hard. Know that your love empowered tenacity and persistence is not going unnoticed! 

Keep your eyes and heart open!

Sincerely,

The Myrtle Tree Blossom