We were hit with some tough news this week. Now it is our choice- if we are going to trust in God or if we are going to let fear dictate. Lord, let our path be directed by You, let us go to You in prayer always.
A sweet friend sent me a note the other day (in the spirit of Thanksgiving) listing off the reasons she was thankful for me. It really made my day and encouraged me in the gifts God has given me. It served as a reminder of those gifts and to pray about how I can use them more for His glory.
This same friend told us about an opportunity that totally fits in Jerry and my heart for ministry. We need to learn more and pray more, but I am really excited about this.
Tried a new church that we love. I share many similar convictions and love the way the pastor treated God's word with reverence, truth, completion and practicality. It was awesome.
So Lord- I end this with a simple request: Have me pray more. I want to be in constant communication with you. I want our steps to be guided by you. I want to serve You. Help me do this. Amen
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Hey Peterman!
Jerry and I have noted that we both feel as if almost all stress has been removed from our lives. It’s like Peter from Office Space, post hypnosis. We have our own place, are more secure financially and do not have an awful commute anymore! I think I was clinging onto weight due to stress because as soon as we moved in I have already lost a few pounds without really changing my routine.
I am so blessed by my job. Though it can be hectic at times, I realize that I have so much fulfillment from this job-it’s a great ministry, I have a great boss and co-workers, I enjoy using my gifts and talents and I wake up excited to go to work. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this apartment, work and so many other things- we are so thankful!
Yesterday we held a memorial service for my great-grandmother. She was 95 years old. Longevity definitely runs in my family and she was blessed with a wonderful life. She was one of the sweetest and funniest people I have ever known and I will miss her very much. Times like these often make those surrounding think of their own mortality. Life is interesting- it seems so short, yet we are blessed with so many memories and chapters. I would love to take some time to reflect on all that has happened in my life- maybe jot it down. Then I think on my birthday each year I will reflect on that year- I imagine it will be interesting to see all that has happened. Life is such a gift. I am so thankful that God gave me an amazing partner in crime to go through life with.
Jer has gained 20 lbs and I am so thankful. I am beginning to see all the signs of his hyperthyroidism diminish. We are so blessed to live in a day and age where he can take medicine and see these kind of results. I am so glad to have my husby back!
I am so blessed by my job. Though it can be hectic at times, I realize that I have so much fulfillment from this job-it’s a great ministry, I have a great boss and co-workers, I enjoy using my gifts and talents and I wake up excited to go to work. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this apartment, work and so many other things- we are so thankful!
Yesterday we held a memorial service for my great-grandmother. She was 95 years old. Longevity definitely runs in my family and she was blessed with a wonderful life. She was one of the sweetest and funniest people I have ever known and I will miss her very much. Times like these often make those surrounding think of their own mortality. Life is interesting- it seems so short, yet we are blessed with so many memories and chapters. I would love to take some time to reflect on all that has happened in my life- maybe jot it down. Then I think on my birthday each year I will reflect on that year- I imagine it will be interesting to see all that has happened. Life is such a gift. I am so thankful that God gave me an amazing partner in crime to go through life with.
Jer has gained 20 lbs and I am so thankful. I am beginning to see all the signs of his hyperthyroidism diminish. We are so blessed to live in a day and age where he can take medicine and see these kind of results. I am so glad to have my husby back!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
What a Year!
It has been crazy lately, and as a result I have not been diligent about blogging. Hopefully I will be able to blog consistently again in the near future.
We have had our fair share of trials and tribulations this year. It started with our former employers changing our status on our W2 without our knowledge. As a result, we owed $3K in tax returns (there went our entire savings for the move). Then we hit a deer (actually he ran into us), a $2K expense. We were told we owed a $500 bill that I had been assured three different times we did not owe. My husband landed in the hospital with a Thyroid crisis (another hefty bill) and our car was broken into (with many expensive items in my wallet stolen).
So we ended up being a great deal poorer than expected and a lot more stressed out. It was frustrating because we planned ahead financially, but still ended up in this situation.
Looking back on it, I note it as a time where God was working on my faith in Him. See, when planning ahead financially, I was in control. I had to lose that control to fully trust God with our lives. And you know what? He came through every single month. When I didn’t think that we would have enough money for groceries, Jerry’s parents randomly gave us a gift card for Stater Bros. When I didn’t think we would have enough money to pay for the unexpected bill, we were given a love gift for the amount.
It’s the trials and tribulations that strengthen our faith. God blessed us with the opportunity to rent a place in Anaheim. My human side worries that another major trial is going to happen and we won’t have enough money. But then I am reminded of what the Lord has taught me in this year and I realize that even if that does happen, He is in control. Lord, help me to remember the amazing lesson that you have taught me. Thank you for taking care of your children. Amen.
We have had our fair share of trials and tribulations this year. It started with our former employers changing our status on our W2 without our knowledge. As a result, we owed $3K in tax returns (there went our entire savings for the move). Then we hit a deer (actually he ran into us), a $2K expense. We were told we owed a $500 bill that I had been assured three different times we did not owe. My husband landed in the hospital with a Thyroid crisis (another hefty bill) and our car was broken into (with many expensive items in my wallet stolen).
So we ended up being a great deal poorer than expected and a lot more stressed out. It was frustrating because we planned ahead financially, but still ended up in this situation.
Looking back on it, I note it as a time where God was working on my faith in Him. See, when planning ahead financially, I was in control. I had to lose that control to fully trust God with our lives. And you know what? He came through every single month. When I didn’t think that we would have enough money for groceries, Jerry’s parents randomly gave us a gift card for Stater Bros. When I didn’t think we would have enough money to pay for the unexpected bill, we were given a love gift for the amount.
It’s the trials and tribulations that strengthen our faith. God blessed us with the opportunity to rent a place in Anaheim. My human side worries that another major trial is going to happen and we won’t have enough money. But then I am reminded of what the Lord has taught me in this year and I realize that even if that does happen, He is in control. Lord, help me to remember the amazing lesson that you have taught me. Thank you for taking care of your children. Amen.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Camping
It is amazing how God always takes care of us. Just when it feels like we won’t have enough to make it, He provides in an amazing way. Lord, help me to continue to put my trust in you.
Our pool is out of commission. I am doing aerobics in the meantime, but I am hoping that the pool will be fixed soon, as I am not seeing the same weight loss results as I do with swimming (probably because it is the highest caloric burning workout).
Jer has an interview on Friday. If you have a moment, would you pray for him? This would be an amazing opportunity for us. We would be so thankful for this.
Random thought- Do you think that the Garden of Eden was destroyed by the flood? It was something that Jer and I had talked about.
We are going camping on Saturday...I can't wait :)
I have been sucking at doing devotions. I think I am going to try to do them during lunch. We’ll see how it goes. It is sad that I need a schedule, but as an adult I see that my days disappear before my eyes. Lord, please help me to be able to do this. I love spending time with you. You are my all and I want to show that to you by spending time with you. Amen.
Our pool is out of commission. I am doing aerobics in the meantime, but I am hoping that the pool will be fixed soon, as I am not seeing the same weight loss results as I do with swimming (probably because it is the highest caloric burning workout).
Jer has an interview on Friday. If you have a moment, would you pray for him? This would be an amazing opportunity for us. We would be so thankful for this.
Random thought- Do you think that the Garden of Eden was destroyed by the flood? It was something that Jer and I had talked about.
We are going camping on Saturday...I can't wait :)
I have been sucking at doing devotions. I think I am going to try to do them during lunch. We’ll see how it goes. It is sad that I need a schedule, but as an adult I see that my days disappear before my eyes. Lord, please help me to be able to do this. I love spending time with you. You are my all and I want to show that to you by spending time with you. Amen.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Curses
Yesterday in Church the pastor talked about blessings and curses. I was not a huge fan of the way the pastor was teaching (he was a guest pastor), so in the middle of the sermon I prayed that God would humble my heart to be able to hear what He needed me to hear.
One thing that did stand out to me was the sins of a family. These are sins that you may not necessarily have, but that may come up because of your family. Jerry and I talked about these and the need to pray about them.
If you think about it, we would appreciate prayer for Jer to find a job too. Thanks!
One thing that did stand out to me was the sins of a family. These are sins that you may not necessarily have, but that may come up because of your family. Jerry and I talked about these and the need to pray about them.
If you think about it, we would appreciate prayer for Jer to find a job too. Thanks!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Flowers for Algernon
A few years back I read a book entitled Flowers for Algernon. It is the tale of a mentally disabled young man who agrees to be apart of science experiment that could potentailly make him "smart" (in his words). SPOILER ALERT! Through this process he becomes one of the smartest men in the world. However, after only a few months into this new life, his mind begins to slowly deteriorate to it's original state.
I kind of feel like this is happening in one part of my life. For so long hope was gone, then through a quick series of events, I encountered an amazing climatic state of bliss, joy and contentment. However, it feels as if things could return to the way they once were- following the steps of Algernon. Everything in me wants to believe there is still hope for this sinking ship, but I still feel despair.
Perhaps it will have the same fate as Algernon, perhaps there is still more to be written. Only God knows- so I wait on Him and seek Him. Lord, please guide me through this. I feel hopeless- I once had joy about this situation, but I feel as if that joy has gone away. I want to trust in You through this. Amen.
On a seperate note,I am trying to give Lord of the Rings a shot. No offense to you LOTR fans, but it is really not my cup of tea. I am not naturally a fantasy person, so I am admittedly out of my element. However, I have the feeling that many of the characters do not have the depth that many claim. Themes such as loyalty seem to be a stretch to me. Perhaps Tolkien merely meant for the books to be sprinkled lightly with these themes and others have read too much into them over the years. I don't know. I do know that I will continue to try to watch these movies with an open mind and open eyes (as I fell asleep the first time I attempted to watch the movies) :)
Well it is time to retreat so I can shower- night!
I kind of feel like this is happening in one part of my life. For so long hope was gone, then through a quick series of events, I encountered an amazing climatic state of bliss, joy and contentment. However, it feels as if things could return to the way they once were- following the steps of Algernon. Everything in me wants to believe there is still hope for this sinking ship, but I still feel despair.
Perhaps it will have the same fate as Algernon, perhaps there is still more to be written. Only God knows- so I wait on Him and seek Him. Lord, please guide me through this. I feel hopeless- I once had joy about this situation, but I feel as if that joy has gone away. I want to trust in You through this. Amen.
On a seperate note,I am trying to give Lord of the Rings a shot. No offense to you LOTR fans, but it is really not my cup of tea. I am not naturally a fantasy person, so I am admittedly out of my element. However, I have the feeling that many of the characters do not have the depth that many claim. Themes such as loyalty seem to be a stretch to me. Perhaps Tolkien merely meant for the books to be sprinkled lightly with these themes and others have read too much into them over the years. I don't know. I do know that I will continue to try to watch these movies with an open mind and open eyes (as I fell asleep the first time I attempted to watch the movies) :)
Well it is time to retreat so I can shower- night!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
I'm Back!
So it’s been awhile since I have blogged. I tried to start up a few times in grad school- but my masters took up my life, so it was near impossible. Now- for the first time in a long time, I have time to blog.
I really have missed it. It was great to write about spiritual matters and just growing up. I realize that writing helps me process a lot.
We found a new church I think. I love the way that they preach the word and how diverse it is. Time will tell, but I really like this church so far. I think we’re looking to join a small group too. Being in Maryville made me realize how as an extravert I need fellowship. We really have missed that. I feel like being with others really strengthens my relationship with Christ. I have been trying to increase the time I spend with God more too. Just talking with Him is amazing sometimes. It’s hard to put into words, but I just need more of Him.
We are pretty poor right now, but I am really thankful for this stage in life. It makes me focus on working out, writing, music and learning Spanish (all things that are free). It’s also nice because we know that we can make rent, pay our student loans and will always have food from family. Life is good!
Well, I will keep the first blog short and sweet. I am going to try to blog once a week (hopefully more :))
I really have missed it. It was great to write about spiritual matters and just growing up. I realize that writing helps me process a lot.
We found a new church I think. I love the way that they preach the word and how diverse it is. Time will tell, but I really like this church so far. I think we’re looking to join a small group too. Being in Maryville made me realize how as an extravert I need fellowship. We really have missed that. I feel like being with others really strengthens my relationship with Christ. I have been trying to increase the time I spend with God more too. Just talking with Him is amazing sometimes. It’s hard to put into words, but I just need more of Him.
We are pretty poor right now, but I am really thankful for this stage in life. It makes me focus on working out, writing, music and learning Spanish (all things that are free). It’s also nice because we know that we can make rent, pay our student loans and will always have food from family. Life is good!
Well, I will keep the first blog short and sweet. I am going to try to blog once a week (hopefully more :))
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