Unveiled

Hair soaks up oil video

2010-07-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

When was the last time your haircut saved lives?

Short Family Update

2010-07-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

So it's been about 6 months since I blogged last. I feel like it's time for an update.

Kendall is now 11 months old and getting so big and so smart. She loves to sing and to play outside. She picks up rocks and grass. It took a very long time for her to learn not to put them in her mouth. She has one little nub of a tooth and I can't wait until the teething stage is over! She says "dada", "DAG!" (dog), and "nom nom" (mama). She has such a big personality and I love hanging out with her.

Everything is mostly the same with me. Still working. Still figuring out how to be a parent. Being a mom has given me such respect for the people who are parents and do it well. Kendall is patient -thank you, Jesus!

A friend told me I need to write down funny stories about Kendall to remember later. Here is my funny Kendall story of the week:

I was matching socks on the bed while Chris and Kendall were watching "Monsters, Inc" next to me. The movie froze and Kendall got bored with a blank screen so crawled over to see what I was doing. She then, one by one, took the socks and threw them behind her back. Seeing that there was just one sock left, she took it, put it in her mouth and crawled away back to Chris.

ERs and Baby Food

2010-02-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

I've grown slightly accustomed in the last six months to dealing with hospital staff, doctors and nurses. Hospitals are just no fun. I try not to hold it against the people who work there.

Chris and I spent eight hours in the emergency room last night with Kendall. We were there so late that I cuddled up with Kendall in the hospital bed and slept for two hours while we waited for the doctor to find out test results and get a second opinion from the on call pediatrician.

Kendall had an ear infection at the beginning of the month that never fully healed and then turned into slight pneumonia. She also had a very high white blood cell count. Her condition was almost to the stage where they had to admit her overnight. The doctor said we looked like capable enough parents and sent us home with an in-home breathing treatment.

As we were leaving the hospital, the doctor realized that the nurse had written Kendall's weight down wrong. We were asked by three different hospital staff what her weight was and if they could weigh her again. I said, "No!". I was not about to wake her up one more time to get information that they should have communicated better in the first place. (She is 14.2 lbs by the way.)

She is doing much better today. The breathing treatment is working nicely and she spent a good deal of cuddle time with mama today. Most of her appetite is back, too. She even ate all the carrots I made.

On a side note: Baby food jars are about 80 cents. I spent that same amount of money on organic carrots; peeled and mashed them myself and got 10 baby size portions. I don't see why more people aren't making their own baby food!

Back at Work

2010-01-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

I've been back at work for a few months now. Things are settling down around the house. I've found that trying to find a balance between work and family is easier than I thought it would be. My goal is to love work while I'm at work and to love my family while I'm with my family.

Right now Kendall is napping in her car seat behind my chair.

Oops. No she's not. Don't make eye contact...maybe she'll go back to sleep.

Today I was accused of being a bad parent.

A customer was following me down the grocery aisle talking all about how corn syrup was bad. I regretfully told him that I have a six month old and that I have been reading up on how to make baby food. He then went on a rant on how baby formula has hidden chemicals that will harm my baby if I feed it to her. He added some information about the government and china in there too. I stop listening to people when they insult my ability to make informed parenting decisions.

I might google this chemical he was talking about. It started with an M. But then again, I might not.

Kendall is now sitting on my lap.

Nine months

2009-10-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

When you get pregnant, its only natural to assume that that pregnancy will last nine months. A lot of planning goes into that nine month time frame; when to enroll in birthing classes, when to have a baby shower, when to go out on maternity leave, etc.

So, needless to say, when my baby was born eight weeks early I had a lot of plans that needed changing. I was 5 weeks into my 12 week birthing class. I had not yet trained my replacement for work. I didn't even have my baby shower yet.

Kendall Grace Jensen was born August 19, 2009 because of a premature rupture of the membranes. It's actually more common that I originally thought. I was in the hospital a grand total of three days. Kendall, however, stayed a day short of 4 weeks.

My plan was to have a water birth sometime in the beginning of October at the hospital in my hometown. Because of the premature labor, I did not get the birth experience I was planning. Not only did I have to deal with the loneliness of leaving my new baby in the hospital, I had to overcome feelings of guilt and helplessness.

I couldn't help think that this situation was somehow my fault. I felt betrayed by my own body and blamed the early labor on a combination of stress and certain physicalities. I felt guilty that Chris had to deal with all the stress as well; especially since the idea of having a baby was largely a result of MY hormonal timeclock.

Leaving your baby in the hospital for someone else to take care of gives you such a feeling of helplessness. Kendall was hooked up to so many different machines, I felt my role as a mother was taken over nurses and doctors. I knew I couldn't give her the specialized care she needed and that was one of the most painful things about the whole experience.

Kendall is now home and so beautiful and healthy. If it weren't for the attention and care of the hospital staff and nurses I don't even want to think about where Kendall would be right now. I am so happy to be able to now bond with her and love her. Although it was not the experience I was planning for, it was still an experience; and one I will savor always.

March of Dimes

2009-09-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I avoid most politics and debates. I try to keep a neutral stand on most issues; especially the issues in which I am not educated in.

However, after having a premature baby, I did some research on preemie care. In my research, I came across the March of Dimes organization which raises money to help find treatment for prematurity and birth defects in infants. This may sound very peachy on the outside, but in researching this subject further, I came across some information which upset me. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support March of Dimes. Here is a link to one of the articles I read.

Kendall Grace Jensen

2009-08-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to upload a picture but blogger is being weird and not letting me upload an image. Oh well!

Lots of pictures on Flickr!

Surrender

2009-05-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to download Chris's sermon for the Sunday evening service. It is an amazing message to listen to (and I'm not just being biased).

"Surrender" by Chris Jensen

Summertime memories

2009-05-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

I keep hearing people say that they are praying for no fires to come through our area again this summer. Although I like the idea of over 50 homes in the Concow/ Paradise area NOT burning to the ground, I can't help but think of what Chris and I experienced together as a result of those anxious weeks of relocation and chaos.

During the first evacuation, the town of Paradise closed all roads going into it and all but one going out. It also happened to be at a time when I was working in Chico and Chris was in Magalia (with our only car). There was a point when I didn't know if he was going to make it down to me at all.

It was a Thursday. I remember this because Farmer's Market was busier than ever in downtown Chico. I was very blessed to have two good friends wait with me for close to six hours while Chris fought traffic and fires to be with me. Sitting barefoot in the plaza I could see the smoke cloud coming up from the valley and looming overhead but I felt strangely at peace knowing that my Chris was doing everything he could to come to me.

I remember dancing with a toddler on my hips to the music and rhythm of the belly dancers in the park. I remember walking through downtown Chico barefoot and not caring about the dirt or broken glass. Even though my home was in danger and I didn't even know where I was going to stay that night, I felt free.

Chris finally made it to Chico as it was getting dark. We said goodbye to our friends and then started making phone calls to where we were going to stay. All hotels were booked but with a few more phone calls we found a family with a room they were willing to let us use as long as we wanted. Again, I am so thankful for this woman and her daughters who took us in. I think we made some really good friends that week.

Chris and I went to the store and bought some needed supplies and a cold six pack of our favorite beer. That night we sat in the grass in the smoky, muggy, Chico night air, drank our beer and talked about our future. I don't really remember specifically what we talked about but I remember just having a good time. I was so happy we were together. I love sitting beside him.

This day was my favorite day of last summer; not because homes were destroyed and families suffered loss, but because I found what was meaningful to me.

Encouragement for believers

2009-05-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Next week's Sunday School lesson is on encouragement. Although we are going to be studying the life of Barnabas, I find that Christ is our ultimate encourager. Just listen to John 14:

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would not have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also...I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

John 14:1-3, 6, 11-21, 26, 27

Retreat and Rest

2009-05-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend was my rest, my sabbath. I put down my work and entered into communion with God in the mountains.

I had a wonderful, fulfilling time at a retreat for minister's wives. I missed my husband and my family, but I was still reluctant to come home. As a minister's wife, I often find myself too busy at church and home to be properly fed by God's word. And I will admit that with my stressed out life I have been neglecting my time with God.

This weekend I was able to put aside my life and focus on God and what He was trying to tell me. I prayed that Christ be the center of my family all weekend and nothing else. Amazing seminars were offered and I soaked up every word -classes on domestic violence, anger, marriage and prayer.

I committed to God the things of my life and my family but God put those things to the test before I even made it home. I got a phone call from my husband with news of a "slight" family emergency. Pre-retreat I would have just withdrawn and ignored the situation letting my husband deal with it; but this was now post-retreat. How was I going to handle this situation?

I wish I had a snazzy verse or spiritual insight to share but sometimes life is not like that, even as a minister's wife. I simply prayed; waited for my husband to get home; then dealt with it together, as a team, with the love of Christ on our hearts.

It's a...

2009-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

changing lives

2009-04-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

This week started out with what Chris called "the worst day of his life". I don't think he was exaggerating. If I was in his shoes I would probably call it the worst day of my life. In fact, I have gone through a similar situation and it did change my entire life.

Thursday, my only day off during the week, Chris and I drove down to the bay to visit family and friends. Actually, our intention was to go down there to announce the conception of baby Jensen. It wasn't much of a surprise because apparently my dad reads my blog. Anyways, what we got instead was the surprise of another baby! That's right...I am going to have a little brother or sister and whatever child I have will have an aunt or uncle not even two months younger than itself. That's crazy (but in a good way).

If you're wondering what's up with the ducks, Chris and I went to the duck pond in Fremont. We had fun walking around and looking at all the variety of birds. It was some much needed time alone together; no dog, no teenagers, just the two of us.

This week is called Holy Week. Today is Good Friday and Sunday will be Easter. With everything going on in my life right now I am glad I have the reminder that Christ already shed His blood for my sins. I have the confidence of salvation and the power of my Savior to get through anything that comes my way.

I LOVE IT!!!!

2009-03-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

New Work Pictures

2009-03-10T19:19:00.001-07:00

This is my most recent chalkboard. I really like how the colors came out on this one.

It's a bit blurry but I had fun creating this one.

I can't remember if I showed this one yet or not...if I did, you get to see it again.

This is my Valentine's display. It went outside the front entrance until it rained...then it went inside (a bit smeared).

Quick Update

2009-03-05T07:02:00.001-08:00

Chris was telling me yesterday that I need to blog. I haven't been lately because I have been super busy. We not even three months into the year and already my life has changed so much.

Chris and I have taken "non-relative placement" of a 15 year old girl in our youth group. I have a hard time explaining this to people at work. It's not really foster care and I'm not sure if it is even considered legal guardianship, however we are state approved to take care of her until she can move back in with her mom.

An extra person in the house always makes schedules more involved. She attends the high school and has physical therapy twice a week as well as hanging out with friends on what seems like a daily basis. Oh to be a teenager again!

As well as working full time, I was asked to direct our church's annual ladies retreat this year. There is an amazing group of ladies working on this project with me and I am so amazed at how God has taken an idea of mine and made it His own. I do need prayer in this area because I lack certain organizational skills (and time) it takes to run this type of retreat. Other possible ministries to be started in 2009 are a women of the bible class for teen girls and a mentorship partnering program for ladies in the church. God is doing some great things in our new women's ministries thanks to Josie and Jan.

Lastly, and I wasn't going to mention this (because certain family members haven't been told yet)...I am two months pregnant! Dad, if by some chance you read this I wanted to tell you in person, so next month when I come down there, act surprised.

I think that is it for now. I hope to post some pictures of my artwork up this weekend...things have been really busy at work.

I will be Your God

2009-01-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Ezekiel 36:28

You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Hosea 2:23

and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, 'You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God.'"

Jeremiah 31:33

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"

Exodus 6:7

I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Leviticus 26:12

And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.

Ezekiel 11:20

that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

2 Corinthians 6:16

What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Revelation 21:3

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

2 Samuel 7:24

And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O LORD, became their God.

Ezekiel 37:26-27

I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Hosea 1:10

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God."

Exodus 29:45-46

I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

Zechariah 8:8

and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness."

Jeremiah 30:22

And you shall be my people, and I will be your God."

Jeremiah 24:7

I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.

All things Trader Joe's

2009-01-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

I was doing research for a new project I am working on in the wine section. What I found was that the internet has a lot of devoted Trader Joe's fans (like me!). I also found a few other Trader Joe's artists with sites as well. There were hundreds of articles and blogs about Trader Joe's and its food, howeverI posted only the links for the sites strictly designed for all things Trader Joe's.

Tracking Trader Joe's -not affiliated with TJ's at all but extremely devoted and surprisingly knowledgeable about all the products

Cooking with Trader Joe's -again, not affiliated with TJ's.

Trader Joe artist #1

Trader Joe artist #2

And finally, the actual Trader Joe's website.

Who knew!?!

Butte College Journal

2009-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

I have lots of filled (or partially filled) journals laying around my house. I think it's time to start going through them, learning what I can about myself, then getting rid of them and moving on. Here are the highlights of my past year.

Things I was musing over:

the differences between "shadow" and "shade"
Why I sometimes lie to avoid confrontation and embarrassment
How to survive domestication -I wrote this after having to be at home all day by myself with nothing to do.

Projects I was working on:

2009 women's retreat -Theme: "Healing Blood"
Lifeway writing assignment -huge assignment I did about being a servant like Christ. It was supposed to go online but I haven't seen it at all.
Brittney's house warming party -now she's all grown up and getting married!
Fund raising for young woman's ministries (stopped because everything fell through)
Devotional assignment for Lifeway about Jesus being the only way to salvation.
Started working on a personal essay for the Sac Bee but never finished.

Significant moments:

The day we brought home Dozer
2008 VBS -I love my group of 5th and 6th graders
September 6, 2008 -Youth Day
August 30, 2008 -SYC car wash fundraiser
Writer's workshop at the Paradise library

Sunday School:

August 10, 2008 -Help in our Christian walk (Hebrews 2:14-18, 3:5-14)
August 31, 2008 -Getting through our Christian walk (Hebrews 12)
Date unknown -Romans Road

Something I wrote after a walk with Dozer in the Park:

Walk.
A carnival with laughing kids.
Everyone is happy.
I am alone but peaceful.
Not scared.
A man with jeans on.
Is He following me?

I'm excited to have kids someday.
To take them to the park or a carnival.
Until then I must watch from a distance.
Watch smiling children come up to me,
To pet my dog.
I'm more of a dog person anyways.

That is all for my Butte College journal. I can now recycle those memories. One small step to getting rid of some of the junk around my house.

What I have been learning

2009-01-11T13:22:00.001-08:00

I have been learning that God is constantly leading me and sending me reminders of His love and grace in unexplainable ways whether I take the time to notice them or not.

Verse that I have been dwelling on lately:

Psalm 19

The Witness of Creation and Scripture

For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.

² Day after day they pour out speech;
night after night they communicate knowledge.

³ There is no speech; there are no words;
their voice is not heard.

⁴ Their message has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the inhabited world.
In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.

⁵ It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber;
it rejoices like an athlete running a course.

⁶ It rises from one end of the heavens
and circles to their other end;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

⁷ The instruction of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.

⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right,
making the heart glad;
the commandment of the LORD is radiant,
making the eyes light up.

⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are reliable
and altogether righteous.

¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold—
than an abundance of pure gold;
and sweeter than honey—
than honey dripping from the comb.

¹¹ In addition, Your servant is warned by them;
there is great reward in keeping them.

¹² Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

¹³ Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule over me.
Then I will be innocent,
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

¹⁴ May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to You,
LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

In times of disappointment God gives us the gift of His creation. In times of confusion He gives us the gift of His word. My prayer is that my heart be turned away from sin and disobedience. THE LORD IS MY ROCK AND MY REDEEMER. AMEN.

Do It Yourself Marriage Retreat

2009-01-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

I just came across a this Do-it-yourself Marriage Retreat document online. I read through it pretty quickly but I noticed there were some questions in it that I wouldn't think about discussing with my husband on my own. Chris is still sleeping but I am going to say that this is something we will try. It is for Christian couples which means the questions are designed for stay at home moms and their bread winning dads. For us, being a couple with two incomes and no kids, we will need to adapt some of the questions to our lifestyle (that apparently isn't very Christian), but I digress. Lord help me, I am trying to be humble.

Anyways, here is the PDF file. I hope it works ok; my computer skills are non-existent when Chris is asleep.

My New Year's Resolution

2009-01-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

I never usually make resolutions. I don't make them because I know that I can't keep them. This year I am making a resolution and I hope that it sticks. I am going to cook more meals at home. This is a lifestyle change that I have been wanting to do for a while and this is the year I am going to do it. It just makes sense. Not only is it healthier but it is cheaper to buy groceries and cook something. The only thing I will be missing out on is the convenience.

I started out last night making fish enchiladas. They were yummy. I even had enough to take leftovers to work, saving me money during my lunch break. Chris is helping me out by making his resolution to EAT more at home.

Good luck to all who made resolutions this year!

Happy New Year from Trader Joe's

2008-12-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's official! I just got my three year shirt from Trader Joe's. The three year mark is when the company gives out a collared shirt instead of a T-shirt. I was excited to get it because there was a rumor going around that we missed the cut off to receive one. Anyways, it doesn't sound that exciting now that I am writing it down, but it kind of made my day.

Here is what I have been working on in the art department:

I know it's a little hard to read...I am still getting used to my new phone.

(Yes, I drew the fireworks too.)

Have a good first!

Nor Thorns Infest the Ground

2008-12-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

-A familiar line in an old Christmas carol. Recently, I had my Sunday School class of Jr. High and Highschoolers read through the Hymn, "Joy to the World". It's a pretty straight forward song, nothing too deep or spiritual. At least that is how I thought it would go in class -that the students would say for every line, "It means what it says".

Never underestimate the wisdom of teenagers. Sure, their ability to rationalize a situation is somewhat underdeveloped and they don't seem to consider the consequences to any of their actions and they lack basic control of their emotions, but deep down they are smart, deep thinkers. Here's why:

My Sunday School class took a basic hymn that they have probably sung their entire lives and broke it down line for line replacing the words with important gospel truths. I don't have room to write down everything they said but would like to look at one line: "nor thorns infest the ground".

When I was reading this hymn by myself before class, I took that line with a grain of salt. Because the line before it says not to let sins or sorrows grow I concluded that not to let thorns infest the ground basically meant to not let bad things grow where good things should be growing. That probably would have been a great answer had I been teaching the 1st through 6th grade class.

My teens took that one simple line and ran with it quoting a passage in Matthew.

Then He told them many things in parables, saying: "Consider the sower who went out to sow. As he was sowing, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn't deep. But when the sun came up they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. Still others fell on good ground, and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times. Matt. 13:3-8

Perhaps "Joy to the World" is not just about spreading joy and happiness but about your part in spreading the gospel. Christians often forget that before we "plant a seed" of the message of Jesus, we need to make sure the ground is soft and ready. I am not going to write any further about this for fear of sounding too "preachy" because that is not the purpose of this blog entry. The point is: I didn't come up with this analogy between the song line and spreading the gospel -my youth did. I plan to look at song lyrics in a different light from now on. Merry Christmas!

Looking forward to this year's trip

2008-12-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

State Youth Conference. Thousands of screaming teenagers on fire for God -I couldn't think of a better way of spending my Christmas!

Christmas thoughts and wishes

2008-12-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

I like Christmas. I won't admit that too often in conversation, but I do. This is the one time of year that the same songs you sing on Sunday morning are the songs you hear blasting from the speakers at your grocery store. I enjoy the smells and feels of Christmas, too: cookies, cinnamon, pine trees, snow, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. I especially love seeing people come into the grocery store in elf hats and light up Christmas sweaters.

With all the merriment that goes on at Christmas time I have a few thoughts that I'd like to reflect. As much as I appreciate a giant lit up Grinch next to the baby Jesus on someone's front lawn (sorry William), I can think of better uses for that money going into next month's PG&E bill.

1. Christmas is about giving -Why not buy a gift for a homeless child, or a family in need. Heck, pay the utility bill for a struggling family. I don't even want to know how many families are without heat this winter.

2. Christmas is about sharing- What about buying hot chocolate and donuts for your local shelter. Better yet, go and serve a meal there yourself. Since you are going there anyways, dig through your closet and find some extra coats and shoes that you don't really need in the first place.

3. Christmas is about family- Now I don't think this is has to be your biological family. There are kids and as well as adults without anyone to really call a family. On mother's day this year I took two girls (that weren't my biological daughters) out to lunch and spent the day with them. May I suggest to you to invite a lonely person to your Christmas celebration and buy them gifts to unwrap just like everyone else. Trust me, it will be worth it.

4. Christmas is about receiving -Jesus offers the best gift that anyone will ever receive (I know that sounds really cliche). Lastly (I promise), you can use the money you save ditching the blow up snow globe lawn ornament to give to missions. Lottie Moon is a program to help raise money for missions in other countries. Missionaries need funds to live, just like everyone else, and resources to help spread the gospel.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! God Bless.

What I do at work

2008-12-15T16:36:00.001-08:00

Desert Island Movies

2008-12-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

1. Fiddler on the Roof -because it's the best movie of all time

2. Life is Beautiful (the Italian version) -it makes me cry everytime

3. Lost in Translation -Maybe I'll figure out what he says to the girl at the end

4. Tarzan -My high school crush (other than Chris)

5. Love Actually -I'm not usually into romantic comedies but I can't get enough of this one

End of the Year Reflections

2008-12-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

The end of 2008 is quickly approaching. More quickly than I would like, however. It is the time of year (for me anyways) to take a breather and reflect on the past year and start making positive decisions for 2009.

When people ask me what's been going on in my life, I usually respond with, "Same as always". The fact is, a lot has changed in the past year. The biggest change is probably getting a dog. Chris and I, in the entire 6 years we have been together, have never had a pet. This was a big step with (to be honest) very little planning. I couldn't be happier with our new little buddy, though. Believe it or not, I think having a dog, in more ways than one has helped us prepare for children someday.

Another change has been at work. Since I had my first job at 17, I was always praised and respected for my ability to work just as hard, if not harder, than the guys. Now, 7 years later, I am being recognized for my ability in other areas of the retail world. I have gotten in touch with my creative side. This year, I started working in the sign room and have gained more confidence in my artistic abilities. The subject of management has also come across in my reviews this year and is something I am looking forward to in the future.

This year, like everybody, I experienced financial setback. I really had to struggle to make ends meet. Like everything in life, I came out stronger. I learned to communicate better with my husband, to work hard for the things that I want and to really trust God. I know this won't be the last time I struggle financially, but I know that God provides.

I could start making plans for next year but I think sometimes it's best to leave it be. Plans can get in the way of life. I can't wait to see what life has in store!

Eat, Pray, Love

2008-11-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ok. I said I wasn't going to post anything in a while but I am reading a wonderful book and I feel the urge to share it with everyone. The book is called "Eat, Pray, Love" and is written by Elizabeth Gilbert.

This book follows Elizabeth's travels across Italy, India, and Indonesia on her search for God and meaning as she tries to forgive her past and look towards the future.

Even as a professed Christian, she writes for all audiences. She invites readers with her on her journey to become closer to God. Both believers and non-believers will gain wisdom and understanding from Elizabeth's insights on love, forgiveness, and faith. Although I could not relate to many of her circumstances, I feel that I can relate to her understanding of life.

Stepping back from my own religious convictions, I would like to quote an excerpt from a section in her book while she is in India.

"The Indians around here tell a cautionary fable about a great saint who was always surrounded in he Ashram by loyal devotees. For hours a day the saint and his followers would meditate on God. The only problem was that the saint had a young cat, an annoying creature, who used to walk through the temple meowing and purring and bothering everyone during meditation. So the saint, in all his practical wisdom, commanded that the cat be tied to a pole outside for a few hours a day, only during meditation, so as not to disturb anyone. This became a habit -tying the cat to the pole and then meditating on God -but as years passed, the habit hardened into religious ritual. Nobody could meditate unless the cat was tied to the pole first. Then one day the cat died. The saint's followers were panic-stricken. It was a major religious crisis -how could they meditate now, without a cat to tie to a pole? How would they reach God? In their minds, the cat had become the means.
Be very careful, warns this tale, not to get too obsessed with the repetition of religious ritual just for its own sake. Especially in this divided world, where the Taliban and the Christian Coalition continue to fight out their international trademark war over who owns the rights to the word God and who has the proper rituals to reach that God, it may be useful to remember that it is not the tying of the cat to the pole that has ever brought anyone transcendence, but only the constant desire of an individual seeker to experience the eternal compassion of the divine. Flexibility is just as essential for divinity as is discipline."

Blogging Postponed

2008-09-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

No...I didn't die...I just don't have internet right now.
I am just doing a lot of reading right now and hope to start writing again soon.
See Ya.

Our Youth Group

2008-06-26T16:04:00.002-07:00

What a month!

2008-06-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

June 12-14 Humbolt fire and evacuation of my home
June 14 moved back home to no power
June 16 car accident (not my fault) with a lady on her way to her mom's funeral
June 17-20 children's and youth camp
June 21-28 World Changer's

So that's how I am...how are you?

my thoughts exactly

2008-06-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

I recently read a blog about homeschooling and sheltering children which I pretty much agree with. (Please note:this blog is written by a homeschooling mom) Since I have gotten into this homeschooling issue with several people, I am going to post the link HERE.

I especially like the secular jobs listed at the end (both places where I have worked).

Mimestry

2008-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of watching a mime group from Pasadena perform under a tent with another dance group. This group called Mimestry was amazing. They presented the gospel message in a very beautiful way. My favorite piece was called "The Craftsman" in which a craftsman was trying to build a beautiful statue. When he left three evil figures came and made the statue sad and broken. When the craftsman returned he couldn't fix the statue. The only way to make it beautiful again was to melt it down completely and start over. When he was finished, it was a beautiful smiling woman.

This group showed a great deal of character, not only in their art but in their lives. I got a chance to be around them before and after the performance and their attitudes were very humbling to me. They took the time to talk to people and really be interested in their lives and getting to know them instead of just talking about themselves and what they do. I was really blessed by meeting this group and I think a lot of lives were changed last night.

Date at Farmer's Market

2008-05-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Chris and I spent the evening at farmer's market yesterday. It was such a fun time. We don't often get to be out of the house and alone at the same time. We got fruit, bread, and olive oil (not to mention all the free stuff people hand us). It was the best date we had in a really long time.

I am so lucky to have a husband who is also my best friend. A husband who talks to me and listens to me and is willing to plan a future with me despite my imperfections. I love you, Chris...thanks for spending a lifetime with me!!!

The Waltz

2008-05-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Waltz
Unity in Ministry
By Vi Estel

"Will you come and dance with me?" he asked me oh so tenderly,
"And waltz with me around the floor like no two ever danced before?"
I smiled at him; my heart skipped a beat and before I realized it, I was on my feet.
Accepting his invitation seemed so right and I was willing to dance all night.

He looked to the Maestro and said, "Conductor, if you please"
And at His direction, the orchestra played with the greatest of ease
The most beautiful waltz I'd ever heard
And we danced and we danced without saying a word.

We both knew when the music began that we were a part of a much larger plan,
And this waltz that we started just minutes ago was the first of a lifetime of dances
To show that we were becoming partners for life;
Not just on the dance floor, but as man and wife.

I followed his lead as the music played on and we moved 'cross the floor in complete unison. What freedom I felt with his hand in mine, keeping in step, stepping in time.
The future was bright for two people that night who waltzed as though dancing on air.
Life was just grand while holding his hand and gone were all worries and cares.

As the music played on the the clocked ticked away, night time approached at the close of the day
And the music took on a different mood; and we found ourselves with a new attitude.
We were tired, without a doubt, and found that even good things wear you out!
But when one would faint, the other was strong and together we faced each new song.

There were times, I'll admit when I wanted to quit, But how could I leave him alone?
We'd partnered for life and I was his wife, "flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone."
He was my "head" and I, his "helpmate," We've waltzed now for so many years.
I've laughed when he laughed and cried when he cried, shedding innumerable tears.

Now, we've become one and though the dancing is done, we still make quite a smart pair.
I'll never regret that day when we met and he asked me to spin 'round the floor.
Sometimes it seemed slow, the music you know, and other times it was so fast.
But together we stayed whatever was played and looking back I thank God for the past.

One, two, three, -one, two, three -It's the rhythm of the waltz you see;
One Conductor, plus two partners, make a unit of three.
The Conductor selected the tunes and tempo for each melody.
And side by side, we simply complied with the music He played faithfully.

Minister's wives retreat

2008-05-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a minister's wives retreat. It was truly a blessing to say the least. Apart from the food and the relaxation, I was completely filled and renewed spiritually. God did some amazing things in my heart over the weekend. The main speaker was Tara Barthel. She is an amazing speaker and role model. I thank God for her ministry.

Hey All

2008-04-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

So much has been going on this month. I've been super busy but I made it a point to sit down and blog. No kidding. I wrote it on my to do list for the week. The one that for everything I cross off two more things get added. Yeah it's one of those months.

The first training session for VBS is tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun. I am really excited about this year's theme and biblical outline. Hawaii. How much better can you get than that? The bible stories are all about God's truth. Knowing God's word as the truth is so important to kids. They live in a world where truth is relative, so to teach them that there is an absolute truth is so important.

Other than that everything seems to be happening all at once. I've been working on my first writing assignment for Lifeway's teen magazine. It's a lot of work but I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Our church's women's retreat is coming up which I have been helping put together. Really good friends of Chris and mine are getting married at the end of the month. We also got invited to our friend's daughter's 2nd birthday party. This is the only kid's party I have been invited to so far (when you don't have kids yourself you never get invited to kid's parties so it's kind of a big deal...to me anyways).

For those of you who don't know, the beginning of this month was really rough. I am so grateful we have a loving God who shows His mercy just when we need it most. Although times are rough, I have confidence that my creator has it all in His hands. He keeps working. He is faithful.

2008-04-03T20:50:00.001-07:00

And it's Jesus!!!

Life Changes

2008-03-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

For the past year I have been experiencing bad stomach pains which had recently gotten worse. Coming home from the doctor's office, I had with me a capsule of pills and a large list of lifestyle changes prescribed by the doctor. Among them included, cutting back on caffeine, carbonated drinks, high fat foods, citrus foods, excessive amounts of vitamin C, and most importantly STRESS.

Eager to reduce my stomach discomfort, I set to work making these very specific lifestyle changes. I was tired of pain being an everyday occurrence in my life. Despite my good intentions, I failed miserably. The bad habits I had learned became so much apart of my life that within hours of my new commitment, I was already wanting to cheat. Less than 24 hours later, I had withdrawal symptoms like no other: Splitting headache, fatigue, hunger, dizziness, and my stomach still hurt. The headache became so bad, I cheated on my new diet. I couldn't go on without the things I was used too.

I think coming to know Christ can be quite like this experience. We develop bad habits in our life that consume our decisions and lifestyle. Pretty soon, we are living in pain but do nothing because of our unwillingness and fear to change. We learn to ignore and block out the pain sensors that tell us that something is not right. When we finally can't handle the pain in our lives anymore, we turn to Christ.

In His word, He gives us clear guidelines and lifestyle changes. He teaches things like love our enemies, sell our stuff and give to the poor, pray for the people who hurt us, and trust Him and not ourselves. These things can cause hurt the first time around (maybe even the 10th time around). Sometimes our old life sounds easier and more convenient than these changes Jesus wants us to make. So many times we are tempted to go back to doing things our own way and "cheating".

Lifestyle changes are never fun. When we let our habits define who we are then we start to become our habits. Getting rid of our bad habits our painful but nothing compares to the end result. What if we made Jesus our habit? What would our lives look like?

TJ's friend

2008-03-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, besides the wacko foodies that come into Trader Joe's a few times a day, we have a friend who visits us nightly. Actually, he's not really a friend. He acts more like the annoying brother-in-law who sits on your couch, watches your TV, and eats all your food. Except you never see him but always end up cleaning up after him.

Ok, our "friend" is a rat. He's been around almost a year but still hasn't been caught. Not only is he smart, he's huge. I haven't seen him, but I have seen His footprints...on the sticky pads that Clark left down to catch him! Now either the sticky pads aren't that sticky, or this is one Samson-sized rat.

His appetite's been getting bigger lately too. Instead of chewing up one loaf of bread a night, he's been going through two. As much as he is part of this store, I really don't look forward to the day when I meet him face to face.

Exciting News

2008-03-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

So, I just got an email from lifeway. I have been asked to write a weeks worth of devotionals for their teen magazine. I'm really excited. This would be my first real writing job. The only trick is finding time to write the assignment.

I'm back...sort of

2008-03-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since we sent our computer in to get fixed. It's back now so I can finally check email and such out of the comfort of my own home. The reason I say "sort of" for being back is that I feel like I haven't been home in a while. I have been working two jobs and any moment to sleep is fully taken advantage of. It's been good though. Working at Baskin Robbins is a lot of fun. I might want to open up a ice cream shop someday. I was thinking like a ice cream/coffee shop. That would be awesome.

Work has been interesting. I have gotten myself into quite a few religious conversations recently. Not bad (I hope). They weren't debates on who is right and who is wrong. They were more of discussions on what we believe. I tried my best to speak truth and love without being judgemental but that in and of itself is very hard. I think my main question to God right now is, "Was that conversation honoring to You?" I can sit here and say all the things I said right but what I really want to know is what I did not say. Was I too tolerant of the other person's beliefs? Was I too passive? Did my thoughts and opinions come out in a way that distorted the others view on Christianity? I wish God could give us an evaluation form at the end of each day. Maybe I should tell him to email it to me...I got a computer now.

The Mandy Update

2008-02-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I would like to apologize to you. I know I have been pretty distant and emo lately. Things have been a little rough. God is testing my patience, AGAIN! Not in the bad way, in the so-this-is-what-you-want?-I'm-going-to-make-you-work-for-it kind of way. This is sort of becoming the story of my life.

I am enrolled in school so I don't have to pay half of my student loans. I stopped going to class, though. It wasn't what I expected. I'm not really into the school thing anymore. Maybe someday.

I start my second job tonight! I am now an employee at Baskin Robins on Mangrove. I really hope I get free ice cream for working there. That would be awesome. I only plan on working two jobs for about a year. My main goals are to get caught up with bills, pay off some credit card debt, then start saving up for a little Jensen.

Chris and I are thinking about taking a vacation to Tennessee next year. He will be old enough to rent a car! Yeah!

I think that about sums up where I am at right now in my life. Thanks for listening.

Baby Boom

2008-01-27T19:59:00.001-08:00

Are you like me and seeing lots and lots of babies popping out recently? I knew I wasn't going crazy...we really are in a baby boom.

My purpose and Goals

2008-01-27T17:18:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was looking at some websites on debt-management. One site had me fill out my life purposes and goals. I wanted to share them with you here.

My life Purpose

My relationship with God:
To constantly grow and deepen in every situation.

My relationship with my family and friends:
To never take my family for granted. To view my family as a gift and to treat them as such.

My service to others:
To do the will of God in their lives.

Summary of life purpose:
To never let anything hinder my communication with the Almighty Father.

Short Term Goals

God:
To learn how to listen to His voice. To open up lines of communication and be open to what He has to say to me personally.

Family and Friends:

To be a better friend by being a support and listener. To be a better wife by not being so lazy and taking care of the household needs.

Service to others/ministry:
To be passionate about peoples lives and to seek out the needs of others.

Financial (Income, Debt, Savings, Investments, Giving, Spending):

To start living within our means. Giving to the church. Buying groceries instead of take-out.

Career/Skills:
To improve on the job I have right now and find another part time job to help me catch up financially.

General:
Just to be the best that I can.

God:
To have a clear line of communication with my Father. To be a woman of prayer.

Family and Friends:
I want to start a family of my own.

Service to others/ministry:
To be a good counselor and friend.

Financial (Income, Debt, Savings, Investments, Giving, Spending):
To live debt-free and able to send my kids (if I have them) to college.

Career/Skills:
To go into management.

General:
I want to be a person that people look up to and want to be like.

I don't know much about this website. You can check it out at www.crown.org
It says it's a free service but wants you to buy their book. Sounds pretty lame to me. I am going to try and get things under control without spending any money. That sounds like the best plan to me.

Test Your Geography Knowledge

2008-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq

I got to level 5! Post your score...Let's see how high we can go!

Some Thoughts

2008-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

UHH..........what......beeping? Oh...My alarm.............4:45? What time do I work? Wait...something doesn't seem right...not dark enough to be this early in the morning..................ppphhhh.......it's not morning.........I'm still tired...............wish I could sleep longer.................gotta get up for something................what's going on tonight? It's really quiet...............what has Chris been doing this whole time? Ooohhh.............my head................blaaaahhhh........OK......gotta get up.........HHHhhhhhhhhh......I'm up.

Do you know Him?

2008-01-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

This is a really cool video I ran across a couple years ago.

Coal Walk

2008-01-19T14:02:00.001-08:00

"Hey! I want to say something. I've been trying to be more honest lately, and I just need to say a few things. I did the coal walk. Just... I did it. Michael, you couldn't even do that. Maybe I should be your boss. Wow, I feel really good right now... Why didn't any of you come to my art show? I invited all of you... that really sucked. It's like sometimes some of you act like I don't even exist. Jim, I called off my wedding because of you. And now we're not even friends. And things are just, like, weird between us... and that sucks. And I miss you. You were my best friend before you went to Stamford. I really miss you. I shouldn't have been with Roy... and there were a lot of reasons to call off my wedding. But the truth is, I didn't care about any of those reasons until I met you. And now you're with someone else, and that's... fine."
-Pam Beasley

Undefined

2008-01-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

I call myself "undefined" because I have never been able to tack down exactly who I am. If you ask me my favorite color, I will tell you a color. Ask me again a week later. It will probably be another color. People who know me, know that I have moved 9 times in the last 5 years, have been to 3 different colleges, changed my major 4 times (and am now officially undeclared), and the rate of me starting a book is almost double of the rate of actually finishing one.

Once in a great while I re-assess the roles I play out in my life. Here's what I came up with at the start of the year: wife, grocery clerk, minister to youth, aspiring writer, child of God. These are not roles that I necessarily excel at, but more of roles that I desire to be.

First of all, wife. I love my husband. I truly see Him as a gift from God. He is my friend, my confidante, my balance, my love, and (God willing) the future father of my children. We have been married for a year and a half. I'll be the first to admit that I am not the perfect wife. Just the one role of "wife" brings on so many other roles and responsibilities: house-cleaner, supporter, lover, helper, etc. I've probably failed at each one of these at one time or another. However, I am trying to learn through my failings. My husband deserves the best that I can give him.

Secondly, I have a job. I work at a wonderful grocery store called Trader Joe's. It's not only a great company to work for, it's a great place to shop. I work full time and LOVE it. I won't bore you with the details of my responsibilities while on the job, but I will tell you this: If you don't like your job, quit and find one you love. It is so worth it!

Ministering to youth. My husband, Chris, is the youth director of our church. I have been so blessed to be able to support him in this ministry. For me, this has been so rewarding. If anyone from our youth group is reading this: I love you! This role has taught me so much. I have learned to be a mother, a counselor, a servant, and a listener. Most of all, I have discovered a passion (something I had been praying about for a while).

Aspiring writer. This role is recent and undeveloped. I want to discover more of my talents and this is one area in my life I want to explore. I hope to post some of my writing for critique.

With all the different roles and activities that pull at my heartstrings, one thing is for certain: I am a child of God. I know that I am a part of His family because of what Jesus has done for me. He took away the sin that separated me from God. Now I can go to God freely and confidently. I want to display Christ with my life. I want to show God's glory shining through me; to mirror His image in my actions and words.

Thank you for letting me pour out my heart to you. I look forward to our times together in the future.