alexgalrza

[alexgalrza]

Something will grow from all you are going through. And it will be you.

[alexgalrza]

[alexgalrza]

When God Says "Wait"

When I was little, I was taught in bible class and at home, that each and everyone of us are born with a plan: A life with purpose through Christ. I was taught that I had to remain still to hear God’s voice; but, nobody told me how to lower the noise keeping me from hearing His voice. Nobody told me how to determine whether my choices were part of His plan, or whether I was acting upon my own will. As we get older, facing this dilemma becomes less strange; and through trial and error, I’ve realized that I’ll never know the exact details of my plan. 

God wants us to learn how to wait, even if it hurts, even if we get discouraged. God wants us to realize that His time is perfect, and that He will never forsake us. While we wait on Him, He works behind the scenes on our behalf. And yes, it’s very easy to attract frustration during our ‘metamorphosis’, during our wait. It’s easy to perform on our behalf, in order to fulfill the plan that we think is ours. Just know that, while we wait, God is arranging every detail, desire, wish, hope, and need so that you receive His best. He knows what’s best for us. He knows the mind, heart, and soul of those who obey him.

During this change of season, marked by a little bit of confusion, stay loyal to the only one who truly cares for you. Give Him your time, and prioritize Him in all aspects of your life. I know that ever since I was a baby, I haven't had the need to worry about a thing. When God is in control, all your wishes come true, but in its time. Lesson learned, time to flip the page onto another chapter of this book called, Life. 

"True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life." - Proverbs 22:4

Best,

Alex

[alexgalrza]

This photograph was taken in Ecuador, about six months ago. It brings back memories, and emotions; emotions that have the potency to break me down or motivate to continue on the pursuit of my happiness. Feelings, of course, are part of life. They are what make good relationships so rich and satisfying, something similar to what you feel the moment that your eyes discover this place. Feelings like passion and pride, silliness and warmth, and even jealousy, disappointment, and anger let us know that we are fully alive. While some choose to abstain from expressing their feelings as a way of self-protection, it seems as if these unexpressed feelings drag us down. It is difficult to open up to those who have hurt us in the past, but it is also very easy to transform these emotions into paintings for others to see. It is up to you to choose whether you want to lock all negativity inside of you, and paint black portraits; or whether you want to forgive, forget, and move on while painting vivid portraits for others to enjoy. 

Alex

[alexgalrza]

[alexgalrza]

After this semester is over, in seven days, I'll be packing my bags to head back home, Ecuador. Not only will I be going back to my roots, but I will be visiting one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Pichu, Cusco. Words can't describe how excited I am. 

[alexgalrza]

[alexgalrza]

[alexgalrza]

If you wanna see a rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.

[alexgalrza]

It's Chris' birthday! This little blessing came into our lifes three years ago. Three years of joy and laughter. Can't wait until he's old enough to feel embarrassed by 'Aunty Alezz'.

[alexgalrza]

Photographer: Frank Arsics

I guess long nights in the library demand for photo-session breaks in Atlanta. I'd like to point out that Frank has photographed Pres. Obama, One Direction, Jordin Sparks, America Ferrera, and Alex Galarza. He's the photographer you always wanted. BOOK HIM!  

http://www.frankarsicsphotography.com/

[alexgalrza]

Meet Iris, a top notch photographer.

http://www.pinterest.com/irisraydiant/

[alexgalrza]

ALL UNDER 20 DOLLARS. Then again, there's not much fabric in this outfit. 

[alexgalrza]

I'm just having my two seconds of not-so-much fame. Let me be. I'm one semester away from graduation, and I love what I did with my media major. It might not be ultimate passion, but it was a great experience. Time to move on to greater things. I know they're there! 

[alexgalrza]

IGNORANCE IS RAMPANT. Bravo, America! your population of racist bigots has done it again! I've seen a few posts about Miss America throughout the day, and I can't help but join the crowd. But seriously, America's racist and overcritical way of thinking perturbs me, (not America as a unit, but the group of people that target ethnic groups). I'd like to think that I'm establishing my career in a country where my ethnicity is not seen as a defect or as a motive to reproach me, and the articles I've read so far make me question the country's biased values. I think it's time for americans to realize that we live in a diverse country where children are taught to say that the United States is a nation 'under God', and 'indivisible'. Instead of fretting over a person's irrelevant racial links to another country, we need to take pride in the fact that our generation's 'America' is not a basic reference to a country. Our 'America' has become the home to citizens that have the ability to overlook all racial divergences, and that have the ability to work together for a better nation. So far I can tell that this has and will be a slow progress, but I'm hopeful to know that these unspoken, yet obvious minority boundaries, will cease to exist at some point in the beginning of my career.  "I have to rise above that. I always viewed myself as first and foremost American." Nina Davulur, Miss America 2014. You go girl, keep it classy.

http://publicshaming.tumblr.com/post/61388585374/americans-call-first-indian-american-miss-america

[alexgalrza]

It was an Atlanta kind of day :)

[alexgalrza]