Just a quick note to say that our Thanksgiving post will be up probably next week, so stay tuned.
In other news, I could really use prayer right now. The semester is coming to a close and with all my "obligations" I'm realizing something needs to go. Please pray that God give us clear direction on choices we need to make coming up soon. I'm confident the Lord will carry us through as he always does!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Still busy, story of our lives
Quick update, because it's been a while since I've last posted.
The weather is absolutely beautiful lately. Finally, Phoenix decided to give into Fall's weather. Good thing too because I was SO done with summer.
We tore up the side yard in the front, and put in some beautiful plants. It looks SO much better than what it was. Feels more like ours now too. But seeing these pictures make me realize how nasty the brick walls and side of the house look. I'll add that to the list.
Last weekend we went to Flagstaff for the NAU Shrine of the Ages Alumni reunion and had a blast. I've kind of gotten out of the habit of taking pictures, so I don't have any. Ooopsies :o) But it was a blast. The alumni choir sang the National Anthem at the Homecoming game, and it was actually pretty good. That's saying something. I mean, there were 150+ people singing in a sports dome. Not exactly the best of circumstances for good sound. But I think it was pretty good. Of course the weekend would not be complete without an alumni concert. We sang together with the current Shrine and mamasita! It was like sweet honey to my ears. The last time I sang in a choir that good was...well, when I was IN Shrine in college! Of course some of the alumni were um...aged (I think 84 was the oldest?) and their vibrato was...wide...to say the least. HOWEVER, it's a small thing to overlook when sitting next to 4 current Shrine members. Those of you from NAU know what I'm talking about. Other than the concert, all we did was eat. I mean, what else is there to do in Flagstaff? We went to Beaver Street Brewery, Hiro's Sushi, The Lumberyard, Crystal Creek Sandwich Co., and other places I'm sure. Seriously, the whole weekend was about food. And I always feel a little nostalgic when visiting Flagstaff. Afterall, that is where I met the love of my life...(dang we were skinny).
Not to much else going on. I take that back. There's a LOT going on here, but it's no different than reported before. I'm still working part time at Phoenix Christian, going to USC full time, selling Scentsy, doing worship team at church, and working at my school internship. Patrick is working and taking classes as well. So we're busy, there's no doubt about that. But if all goes according to plan, this will only continue until September when I graduate. I'm really looking forward to having 1 job, this juggling schedules is getting old pretty fast. Worth the sacrifice though.
I hope this post finds you healthy, happy and loving life. Until next time!
The weather is absolutely beautiful lately. Finally, Phoenix decided to give into Fall's weather. Good thing too because I was SO done with summer.
Last weekend we went to Flagstaff for the NAU Shrine of the Ages Alumni reunion and had a blast. I've kind of gotten out of the habit of taking pictures, so I don't have any. Ooopsies :o) But it was a blast. The alumni choir sang the National Anthem at the Homecoming game, and it was actually pretty good. That's saying something. I mean, there were 150+ people singing in a sports dome. Not exactly the best of circumstances for good sound. But I think it was pretty good. Of course the weekend would not be complete without an alumni concert. We sang together with the current Shrine and mamasita! It was like sweet honey to my ears. The last time I sang in a choir that good was...well, when I was IN Shrine in college! Of course some of the alumni were um...aged (I think 84 was the oldest?) and their vibrato was...wide...to say the least. HOWEVER, it's a small thing to overlook when sitting next to 4 current Shrine members. Those of you from NAU know what I'm talking about. Other than the concert, all we did was eat. I mean, what else is there to do in Flagstaff? We went to Beaver Street Brewery, Hiro's Sushi, The Lumberyard, Crystal Creek Sandwich Co., and other places I'm sure. Seriously, the whole weekend was about food. And I always feel a little nostalgic when visiting Flagstaff. Afterall, that is where I met the love of my life...(dang we were skinny).Not to much else going on. I take that back. There's a LOT going on here, but it's no different than reported before. I'm still working part time at Phoenix Christian, going to USC full time, selling Scentsy, doing worship team at church, and working at my school internship. Patrick is working and taking classes as well. So we're busy, there's no doubt about that. But if all goes according to plan, this will only continue until September when I graduate. I'm really looking forward to having 1 job, this juggling schedules is getting old pretty fast. Worth the sacrifice though.
I hope this post finds you healthy, happy and loving life. Until next time!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
You want me to do what?
1 Kings 17:7-16 says, “7And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 8Then the word of the LORD came to him, 9"Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to
This morning I felt kind of like the widow. I think, “Lord, I'm not really sure why you ask me to make you bread, I haven't even had time to get groceries! The dishes are piling up, the pool is still not fixed, I tried to get the laundry started but it is a monster all of its own. I have an internship, teach 3 classes, teach 2 voice students, sell Scentsy, have a lot of church obligations, I'm a wife who doesn't have much time for her husband, a daughter who never calls her family (again, not much time), a friend who still hasn't returned a phone call from last week, and I'm going to grad school full time. And you want me to make something from nothing?"
I'm almost certain this widow's attitude was much better than mine. After I read this passage I think, "She is just confused as to how she's going to feed Elijah-she doesn't even have enough for her and her son." It's a simple dilemma-I haven't made any bread yet (it takes a while by the way) and I have very little flour and oil. My attitude on the other hand is more like, "You want me to do what?!" And yet, Elijah's response to this widow speaks volumes to me, "Go and make bread-first for me and then for you and your son. Oh and by the way, God will never let your flour or oil run dry." Wow. So not only is God reminding me that he must come first, I also have to trust him for the things I need. And how easy is it to just say, "How? How God, are you going to make this happen? I don't see how." And cue worship song...
Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other...
Yes, my God is greater and stronger, and higher than anyone, anything I could fathom. Today Lord I will trust in you. Today I will put you first. Today I will see how you provide for me, regardless of how defeated or beat down I feel. Today I'm relying on your truth.
Monday, August 22, 2011
A Good Reminder
I've been reminded, and brought back into focus, the reason I am where I am today. Lord, let me never forget what you've called me to.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tonight the world makes sense
I don't know why my serotonin levels are so high tonight (just my guess :) but things are making a lot of sense today. I'm not naive to think you care about my daily life-let's be honest you have your own life to think about, but when I look back on this blog I'll be happy to see that God was at work today. And that is something to write about.
I have a test in my research class on Thursday, and although I've chosen sleep over studying several nights in a row, today I looked in depth at the material and I think it makes sense to me. Thursday may tell a different tale, but today it makes sense!
I have a paper due on Thursday in a different class that I've also put off because other things have taken priority. I looked at it for the first time today, and began my outline. I'm pretty sure I can finish it tomorrow and have a high quality product. Now HOW does that make sense?
I usually try to "turn off" school, teaching, internship, etc. etc. by 5:30 when Patrick comes home otherwise I feel bad for not spending time with him. And let's be honest, no one wants to work 20 hours a day and sleep 4. Today he had errands to do until I was done with class at 7pm-which means I didn't feel like I was missing out. That makes sense.
I was able to go to the gym today, open up my Bible, study, do homework, have two really good class discussions, figure out tomorrow's schedule, make eggplant parmesan (one of my favorites), plan a friend's baby shower, start my paper, and write this blog. Wow. So grateful for things that have gone well today.
I have a test in my research class on Thursday, and although I've chosen sleep over studying several nights in a row, today I looked in depth at the material and I think it makes sense to me. Thursday may tell a different tale, but today it makes sense!
I have a paper due on Thursday in a different class that I've also put off because other things have taken priority. I looked at it for the first time today, and began my outline. I'm pretty sure I can finish it tomorrow and have a high quality product. Now HOW does that make sense?
I usually try to "turn off" school, teaching, internship, etc. etc. by 5:30 when Patrick comes home otherwise I feel bad for not spending time with him. And let's be honest, no one wants to work 20 hours a day and sleep 4. Today he had errands to do until I was done with class at 7pm-which means I didn't feel like I was missing out. That makes sense.
I was able to go to the gym today, open up my Bible, study, do homework, have two really good class discussions, figure out tomorrow's schedule, make eggplant parmesan (one of my favorites), plan a friend's baby shower, start my paper, and write this blog. Wow. So grateful for things that have gone well today.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Not enough hours in the day
Teaching (both in the classroom and voice lessons), grad school, homework, internship, worship leadership at church, Scentsy, dogs, husband, working out, friends, me time, God. How do you fit it all in?
Well, I must admit, I'm really struggling with this one (this is the recurring theme in my life). Although those responsibilities are listed in no particular order, the list itself seems very reflective of how I feel: a pile of to-do's. So how do you fit everything in?
Keri, my discipleship/mentor/really cool lady from church suggested actually listing out all my obligations and the hours that they take in any given week. First I penciled that assignment in my calendar, and then two weeks later I actually got around to doing it.
Patrick and I sat down and planned out what our lives could look like for the next two years. (Disclaimer: FULLY knowing that God's plan trumps anything we write down on paper). But I mean, if you sit down and write out all the things you've committed to, then take a step back to look at it-mamasita it's overwhelming. But what if I changed my mindset and took everything in stride, realizing that few things belong at the top of that pile?
Balance is a tricky thing, especially when you've crammed in as much as I have into one year. And in order to make it through my master's successfully I keep telling myself, "Anyone can do anything for just a year." So I try to keep my emotions and feelings at bay and truck on through. It's the only thing that has kept me going so far.
But when the year of grad work, and teaching, and internship is over, what will change? Less responsibilities, probably. But only if I don't fill up that time again with other stuff. And that will take a conscious effort. How funny that I'm looking forward to my 9-5 job that I will come across after I'm done with school. Most people dread it :o)
My biggest concern is where God fits in all of this. And even that sentence repulses me, "Where GOD FITS in." But the fact is, I choose to fit Him in-and that takes a conscious and intentional effort. The rest? Well, hopefully it falls into place :o)
And so the journey continues.
Well, I must admit, I'm really struggling with this one (this is the recurring theme in my life). Although those responsibilities are listed in no particular order, the list itself seems very reflective of how I feel: a pile of to-do's. So how do you fit everything in?
Keri, my discipleship/mentor/really cool lady from church suggested actually listing out all my obligations and the hours that they take in any given week. First I penciled that assignment in my calendar, and then two weeks later I actually got around to doing it.
Patrick and I sat down and planned out what our lives could look like for the next two years. (Disclaimer: FULLY knowing that God's plan trumps anything we write down on paper). But I mean, if you sit down and write out all the things you've committed to, then take a step back to look at it-mamasita it's overwhelming. But what if I changed my mindset and took everything in stride, realizing that few things belong at the top of that pile?
Balance is a tricky thing, especially when you've crammed in as much as I have into one year. And in order to make it through my master's successfully I keep telling myself, "Anyone can do anything for just a year." So I try to keep my emotions and feelings at bay and truck on through. It's the only thing that has kept me going so far.
But when the year of grad work, and teaching, and internship is over, what will change? Less responsibilities, probably. But only if I don't fill up that time again with other stuff. And that will take a conscious effort. How funny that I'm looking forward to my 9-5 job that I will come across after I'm done with school. Most people dread it :o)
My biggest concern is where God fits in all of this. And even that sentence repulses me, "Where GOD FITS in." But the fact is, I choose to fit Him in-and that takes a conscious and intentional effort. The rest? Well, hopefully it falls into place :o)
And so the journey continues.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
No ipad today.
Today was a good day, an interesting day. I say interesting because we have had the pleasure of being around many people today, and we all know people can be...interesting.
It started out with a wonderful breakfast with friends. They invited us over for a good home-cooked meal. Delish! But it went downhill from there.
Then we decided to go to the Apple store to check out a computing device for Patrick. It's funny, in our house we could live off of one car. But we are most definitely a TWO computer family-especially now that I hog this one for my grad work. Poor Patrick hasn't touched the computer in I don't know how long. So we decided to check out ipads and possibly another macbook. The closest Apple store to us is in the Biltmore, which I must admit may have been a mistake in itself. Patrick had his comfy Saturday morning clothes on and I basically looked like I rolled out of my college dorm-room bed with everything but the dreads. No matter, we walked into the Apple store with all the other folks that had just shopped at lululemon, Saks and Coach. Well, I can tell you that our money is just as good as theirs (ours is cash!) but we weren't helped for 20 minutes. Maybe it was the attire, but that really shouldn't matter. Finally Patrick was clearly (by the looks of his face) frustrated with not getting any help and a young guy came over and said, "How's it going team?" Finally! Someone to help. It's sad that we were the last to be helped, and I'm almost certain it's because of the way we looked. Haven't purchased an ipad yet.
Then we went to Costco to see if we could get a discount on mac store gift certificates-to purchase the ipad. And now my friends, we come to mistake number two of the day: going to Costco on a Saturday afternoon. People were crazy. They were like hungry birds around the sample booths and just plain not paying attention. I sent Patrick in to get a sample for me while I stayed with the cart. He started to weave his way around the other carts when one just started coming at him and at full speed! He backed up, backed up, backed up some more, and finally the guy looked up and said, "It's a zoo in here!" Patrick looked at him as if to say, "Buddy, YOU are the zoo!" He had to move probably 10 feet out of the way before the guy even looked up. Craziness. People are crazy I tell ya!
So we get home, and it was our goal today to purchase an ipad. Well, Patrick is taking a nap on the couch (I think Costco wore him out) and I'm drinking my Skinnygirl margarita. Sorry ipad, maybe tomorrow.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Date Night: The free, the frenzy, the fun
Tonight we decided to go on a date night. The conversation was basically this:
Me: "Patrick, let's go get free slurpees from 7-eleven."
Patrick: "When?"
Me: "Now."
Patrick: "Okay."
Yeah, it started as me dragging him to another one of my "free things" expedition. I like free stuff, you can't blame me. So Patrick looked up the nearest 7-eleven and we got free slurpees. The creativity snowballed from there. We decided to go to seven 7-elevens and document our trip.
We made it all the way to ....
7!
(No more slurpees for a good long time).
Me: "Patrick, let's go get free slurpees from 7-eleven."
Patrick: "When?"
Me: "Now."
Patrick: "Okay."
Yeah, it started as me dragging him to another one of my "free things" expedition. I like free stuff, you can't blame me. So Patrick looked up the nearest 7-eleven and we got free slurpees. The creativity snowballed from there. We decided to go to seven 7-elevens and document our trip.
We made it all the way to ....
7!
(No more slurpees for a good long time).
Friday, June 17, 2011
Stop, Look, and Listen
This morning I woke up and right away begin writing my mental to-do list. Go to the gym, clean the house, water the grass in the front yard, watch the movie that's due, return it on time, go to the bank, get a head start on homework, hit the ground running with my research paper, make lunch for Patrick, figure out dinner-wait! one thing is already done, figure out what's wrong with the vacuum and get it working again, add in grocery expenses to this week's budget, and I should probably get some God time in since I didn't yesterday...
Well, I went to the gym and had a great time of release. During the week I usually go with a textbook so I can do cardio and required reading at the same time. Today, no textbook. Just my ipod and the elliptical. Ahh.
I came home and watered the grass since I was already sweaty. My neighbor from across the street came over to introduce herself. Ahh, I love this place.
I mentally checked off my list. Gym, grass, done. Took a quick shower, then sat down to Dr. Oz with my new favorite lunch: triscuits, lunch meat, lunch cheese and fruit, all separated on a different part of the plate. A guest on Dr. Oz said gouda and other hard cheeses decrease your risk of cancer-SWEET! I was eating smoked gouda. Now what should I cross off my list?
I don't know if it was guilt or a swift kick in the pants from the Holy Spirit, but I decided it was God time.
After opening my Bible I always come across the question, "Alright God, what do you want me to hear today?" which is actually the nice way of saying, "I don't know where to start." I searched online for a devotional to give me a direction and came across one that spoke on how the Father sees you as his child. I looked for the reference...YES! I love Song of Solomon! I ditched the devotional altogether and just started reading. I was struck by one of the most amazing verses in all of the Bible:
"Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!" ~Song of Sol. 4:1 (ESV)
I just stared at that verse. Then I read it over and over in my mind, and could almost hear the Lord himself saying those very words to me, "You are beautiful." For a moment my mental checklist was gone. School was the furthest thing from my mind, and even the snoring dogs under my feet were not a part of my awareness. It was me and God, and he was telling me I'm beautiful. Wow. Desiring more, I read chapter 3.
"Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!" ~Song of Sol. 4:1 (ESV)
I just stared at that verse. Then I read it over and over in my mind, and could almost hear the Lord himself saying those very words to me, "You are beautiful." For a moment my mental checklist was gone. School was the furthest thing from my mind, and even the snoring dogs under my feet were not a part of my awareness. It was me and God, and he was telling me I'm beautiful. Wow. Desiring more, I read chapter 3.
"On my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not. I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but found him not...'Have you seen him whom my soul loves?' Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my soul loves..."
Although the context is different than the message I was hearing, I understood it loud and clear. How many times have I run after things in mad pursuit, only to find temporary happiness at best? How many times do I put God at the end of my day, instead of the beginning? How much do I frantically look for God, "Lord! Where are you?!" and never open up his love letter to me-the Bible? Too many times.
Instead of feeling bad though, I choose to see the positive. My Creator is pursuing my heart. He has not made any mistakes, and his creation, me, is beautiful in his sight. So while I frantically try to get things done and stress out, God is saying, "Come be with me. I desire you."
Thank you Lord for never giving up on me. Please forgive me for trying to do things of my own power, and for denying my heart it's deepest desire-You. Thank you for loving me, and for seeing me as beautiful.
Amen.
Friday, May 27, 2011
New House
Husband is asleep...in-laws are asleep...but I'm not tired! So I'll write a quick post :o)
Patrick and I have moved into our new house, FINALLY! It only took 4 months of looking, 5 rejected offers, 1 failed inspection, living with my parents for two weeks and finally we're in. It's only been a week, and already we've been hard at work with home improvement projects. South Scottsdale is considered "Old Town" for a reason :o) Our house was built in the 50's but has had some remodeling since then. Still more to be done while we live in it. Many of the boxes are unpacked, and drawers and shelves are being filled. Now that I can step back for a moment, I'm incredibly grateful for all God has blessed us with. I'm so undeserving, and yet so blessed.
The dogs absolutely LOVE the pool. I don't LOVE fishing the dog hair out of it, but I guess its a small price to pay for happy children :o) And I can't say that I blame them-the weather is really starting to warm up, so having a pool makes me feel better about leaving them outside when I have to go somewhere.
We already love Scottsdale. We're closer to a lot of friends, closer to a lot of shopping, events, culture, work, things to do!! And I know everyone says, "Oh...SNOBstale or SNOTsdale" but honestly, our neighbors here are 100x more friendly than our neighbors ever were in Mesa. They have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. It's what I'd always hoped in a neighborhood. And good thing too because our backyard block fence is only 5' tall!! No skinnydipping for me I suppose :o)
We're so grateful to my parents for letting us stay with them for a couple of weeks while we were trying to close on our house. It was stressful, as the house buying process can be, but definitely made me realize what an incredible family I have. We could not have done this without them.
Patrick's parents have been helping us unpack and it has been so great, especially since I've been busy with grad school-which is fabulous by the way. I know they're in shock by the heat, and can't believe it when I say, "It's not even 100, it's actually kind of nice." They look at me like I'm a green alien or something. But if you live in 70 degree weather year-round, I can see how the level of comfort in AZ would be slightly different :o)
I haven't taken any pictures (mostly because I'm holding out for the "after" pictures, since I'm currently looking at the "before") but will in the next couple of weeks as we continue to get settled.
It has been a long process, but was worth the wait. I bid you farewell from the new place I call home. Good night!
Patrick and I have moved into our new house, FINALLY! It only took 4 months of looking, 5 rejected offers, 1 failed inspection, living with my parents for two weeks and finally we're in. It's only been a week, and already we've been hard at work with home improvement projects. South Scottsdale is considered "Old Town" for a reason :o) Our house was built in the 50's but has had some remodeling since then. Still more to be done while we live in it. Many of the boxes are unpacked, and drawers and shelves are being filled. Now that I can step back for a moment, I'm incredibly grateful for all God has blessed us with. I'm so undeserving, and yet so blessed.
The dogs absolutely LOVE the pool. I don't LOVE fishing the dog hair out of it, but I guess its a small price to pay for happy children :o) And I can't say that I blame them-the weather is really starting to warm up, so having a pool makes me feel better about leaving them outside when I have to go somewhere.
We already love Scottsdale. We're closer to a lot of friends, closer to a lot of shopping, events, culture, work, things to do!! And I know everyone says, "Oh...SNOBstale or SNOTsdale" but honestly, our neighbors here are 100x more friendly than our neighbors ever were in Mesa. They have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. It's what I'd always hoped in a neighborhood. And good thing too because our backyard block fence is only 5' tall!! No skinnydipping for me I suppose :o)
We're so grateful to my parents for letting us stay with them for a couple of weeks while we were trying to close on our house. It was stressful, as the house buying process can be, but definitely made me realize what an incredible family I have. We could not have done this without them.
Patrick's parents have been helping us unpack and it has been so great, especially since I've been busy with grad school-which is fabulous by the way. I know they're in shock by the heat, and can't believe it when I say, "It's not even 100, it's actually kind of nice." They look at me like I'm a green alien or something. But if you live in 70 degree weather year-round, I can see how the level of comfort in AZ would be slightly different :o)
I haven't taken any pictures (mostly because I'm holding out for the "after" pictures, since I'm currently looking at the "before") but will in the next couple of weeks as we continue to get settled.
It has been a long process, but was worth the wait. I bid you farewell from the new place I call home. Good night!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Time to brag
I just need to brag on my husband for a little bit. He is moving up in his new company so fast he's back in training for a new position. Wasn't he just hired a couple of months ago? you ask. Yes. I'm just as amazed as you are. And yet, it doesn't surprise me. Patrick is one of the most driven people I know. He has a natural gift to make the system better, learn the necessary skills and rise to the top faster than...um...anyone. (I know I'm biased, but I don't think that's too much of an exaggeration). If you've talked to him at all recently you can tell how passionate he is about his work too. I've had people say to me, "How can anyone be so excited about something like finance?" The answer? I don't know. I personally, was not designed for that work. But My Love, he was. Now he's in the process of refining his ideas for his new business. He told me it will come to completion in one year. Yeah, I don't doubt that.
But more than incredible work promotions, Patrick is the most amazing husband I know. He knows when I'm stressed, when I'm tired, when to encourage and support me, when to ask me if I'm ok and when to leave me alone. He knows how to diffuse my anger, how to point out my wrongs gently, and how to love me the way I will feel loved. His demeanor is endearing to all, and remarkable to me. And most importantly, he knows how to be the man God designed him to be. Of course he's human and makes mistakes, we all do. But never have I met a more incredible person than the one I married that beautiful January day when the rain clouds parted and the sun shone down with it's beautiful rays beaming (that actually did happen).
To the perfect man for me, the one I could not be more proud of. I love you.
::pant:::pant:::WHEW!!
I'm really impressed by the Virtual Academic Center USC has for the MSW (Master's in Social Work). Honestly, the first thing that pulled me in was the flexibility of having an all-online forum. That, coupled with my long-standing desire to be a Trojan and USC's rank of one of the top THREE schools for Social Work. It seemed like an all around good situation. So I wrote my entrance essay, and submitted my application...and was accepted!
I ordered my books online (sorry budget), and started browsing the Virtual Classroom. It is the craziest, most innovative education platform I've ever seen! This program has "live" classroom time (webcam and phone needed), study groups online, a library system that is ridiculous (if you can't find something within the USC library system they will purchase it for you for free!), mobile apps, 24-hour student support just for the online students, online office hours, technical support, student caucuses (cauci? :) and is RELEVANT to the job market now and society now. I am totally blown away. I sat in front of my computer last night watching all of the orientation videos and I probably said 4-5 times to Patrick, "Wow. This is no NAU." Don't misunderstand-my undergrad at NAU in Music Education was perfect for me then, and was exactly what I needed in my education including the necessary experience that most undergrads don't get. BUT! USC has got it going on. I will say though, all those things come with a very large price tag. But to have the networking that USC offers, the field-experience right here where I live, and this kind of education...long term it will be worth it. Did I mention I will be finished one year from September?! Yeah, pretty amazing.
Now it's crunch time. We're closing on our new house on Friday, moving in Saturday. I start classes the following Tuesday. Phoenix Christian finals and graduation that same week, while I'm unpacking, remodeling and purchasing new kitchen appliances. Oh yeah, and we're singing at church Saturday and Sunday :o) That's how I roll. I like to cram tons of stuff into as small a space of time as possible, lol. Please pray for us in this busy but necessary time. I'm excited for the new things coming up!
I ordered my books online (sorry budget), and started browsing the Virtual Classroom. It is the craziest, most innovative education platform I've ever seen! This program has "live" classroom time (webcam and phone needed), study groups online, a library system that is ridiculous (if you can't find something within the USC library system they will purchase it for you for free!), mobile apps, 24-hour student support just for the online students, online office hours, technical support, student caucuses (cauci? :) and is RELEVANT to the job market now and society now. I am totally blown away. I sat in front of my computer last night watching all of the orientation videos and I probably said 4-5 times to Patrick, "Wow. This is no NAU." Don't misunderstand-my undergrad at NAU in Music Education was perfect for me then, and was exactly what I needed in my education including the necessary experience that most undergrads don't get. BUT! USC has got it going on. I will say though, all those things come with a very large price tag. But to have the networking that USC offers, the field-experience right here where I live, and this kind of education...long term it will be worth it. Did I mention I will be finished one year from September?! Yeah, pretty amazing.
Now it's crunch time. We're closing on our new house on Friday, moving in Saturday. I start classes the following Tuesday. Phoenix Christian finals and graduation that same week, while I'm unpacking, remodeling and purchasing new kitchen appliances. Oh yeah, and we're singing at church Saturday and Sunday :o) That's how I roll. I like to cram tons of stuff into as small a space of time as possible, lol. Please pray for us in this busy but necessary time. I'm excited for the new things coming up!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Some Big News!
Well, I have some big news to share! I found out (finally! after waiting several weeks) that I was accepted into the Master's program for Social Work at USC! Patrick and I were trying to figure out how this was going to fit in to our "plan" and finally we left it up to God. 
I mean, He does know best after all ;) The thing we're praying for now is 100% tuition and books covered by scholarships. YES, I do believe God will provide all of that if not more! What's even cooler: I found out this morning that I will be finished one year from September if I take the 2 summer semesters. Done and done.
As I briefly reflect what I had planned for my life, and the new direction (new only to me of course not God) I'm headed, I hear a very clear answer to prayer. I was taken out of what I had planned for myself, and into a place where it was time to get more of God in my life. For this past year I've felt unsuccessful, unaccomplished, with no purpose or direction. Finally I think God got fed up with me and gave his words to my mentor Keri. She said, "I think you just need to get your priorities straight." Ouch. She was totally right though. You see, its not about me! It's not about how I feel, or what I accomplish, or how many degrees I have to my name, or even-get this!-my desire to work for God's glory! It's not about any of that. It's about God first. That's what I was missing. As huge, as awesome and powerful, as mighty as God is, he's also personal enough to desire more of me and I finally got a clue. So I've spent some real God time with my Creator and a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! We have renters moving in the 28th, but no house of our own yet. Am I worried-nope, not even a little bit. In 3 weeks I'm taking on a full time (school) and a half (teaching) schedule. Doesn't phase me. How am I going to pay for school? God is in control!! We've put off having kids for another year as I finish my master's...ok, this probably worries some-but not me :oD Instead of worrying about all these little things, I'm focusing on one thing: Am I doing what God asks of me? Not because I'm afraid of him. Not because I'm told I have to. Not because I'm "brainwashed." But because I desire to please the very One that gives me breath to do all these things. And that my friends, is a dense person who got a clue.
As you go into this weekend, remember that Easter is not about the peeps (although I love them so!) or the bunnies. It was Jesus Christ who died to give you the choice to know God in a very personal way. It's always a choice-otherwise it wouldn't be love. I'm proud to call him my daddy, and worship Him in remembrance of the day the world was changed once for all.
I mean, He does know best after all ;) The thing we're praying for now is 100% tuition and books covered by scholarships. YES, I do believe God will provide all of that if not more! What's even cooler: I found out this morning that I will be finished one year from September if I take the 2 summer semesters. Done and done.As I briefly reflect what I had planned for my life, and the new direction (new only to me of course not God) I'm headed, I hear a very clear answer to prayer. I was taken out of what I had planned for myself, and into a place where it was time to get more of God in my life. For this past year I've felt unsuccessful, unaccomplished, with no purpose or direction. Finally I think God got fed up with me and gave his words to my mentor Keri. She said, "I think you just need to get your priorities straight." Ouch. She was totally right though. You see, its not about me! It's not about how I feel, or what I accomplish, or how many degrees I have to my name, or even-get this!-my desire to work for God's glory! It's not about any of that. It's about God first. That's what I was missing. As huge, as awesome and powerful, as mighty as God is, he's also personal enough to desire more of me and I finally got a clue. So I've spent some real God time with my Creator and a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! We have renters moving in the 28th, but no house of our own yet. Am I worried-nope, not even a little bit. In 3 weeks I'm taking on a full time (school) and a half (teaching) schedule. Doesn't phase me. How am I going to pay for school? God is in control!! We've put off having kids for another year as I finish my master's...ok, this probably worries some-but not me :oD Instead of worrying about all these little things, I'm focusing on one thing: Am I doing what God asks of me? Not because I'm afraid of him. Not because I'm told I have to. Not because I'm "brainwashed." But because I desire to please the very One that gives me breath to do all these things. And that my friends, is a dense person who got a clue.
As you go into this weekend, remember that Easter is not about the peeps (although I love them so!) or the bunnies. It was Jesus Christ who died to give you the choice to know God in a very personal way. It's always a choice-otherwise it wouldn't be love. I'm proud to call him my daddy, and worship Him in remembrance of the day the world was changed once for all.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Drumroll please.....
Hey guess what? We're scheduled to close on our new house on April 8! Once it's a done deal, I'll make sure to post some pics :o)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Give me a revelation, show me what to do...
Lyrics from a great song. No, I don't know the name of the song or the group that sings it. I'm terrible at stuff like that.
The grad application is sent, and house contract is signed, and I just started a new Beth Moore Bible study on Revelation. Oh yeah, you can bet things are about to get crazy up in here, up in here.
Ya'll gonna make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here.
Don't know the artist or the song title to that one either. I told you-really bad at this.
The grad application is sent, and house contract is signed, and I just started a new Beth Moore Bible study on Revelation. Oh yeah, you can bet things are about to get crazy up in here, up in here.
Ya'll gonna make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here.
Don't know the artist or the song title to that one either. I told you-really bad at this.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Cha cha cha chaaanges!
Many new things happening in our lives right now! Some exciting, some a little daunting, all of them a new chapter.
Patrick officially accepted his position at Charles Schwab as an Estate and Retirement Specialist.
We're both thrilled about this opportunity for him to move closer to the focus he's aiming for! He's already given the recruiter some grief-as Patrick does. She's been negotiating with him for so long (and I'm sure gets a bonus for every employee she signs on). She called him to "up" the deal a little and he said, "You know, I've been thinking a lot about this...and I've decided to stay with Wells Fargo....................nah, I'm just kidding." She said, "Patrick?! You almost made me lose my lunch!" Already making friends in the company-that's what he does :o)Now that Patrick's job will be in Phoenix, and mine are in Phoenix and Glendale, we've started looking at houses in south Scottsdale. It's the perfect location to still be "where the action is at," close to lots of freeways, the SAME distance to church and my parents house (add 4 minutes), gym close by, dog park less than a mile away, and we'll significantly cut down our commute time (mine especially). So we have a couple picked out, and one specifically that I'm a little attached to. But they're mostly short sales so we're not expecting a quick answer. If we get a house out there, our plan is to rent our house out in Mesa. Right now there are lots of renters in the market with a turn around time of only 2 weeks. Sweet deal!
I'm in the process of applying to USC's Social Work Graduate Program.
They have an online medium, called their Virtual Academy, and the curriculum is every bit as rigorous as the traditional lecture classes on campus. In my experience, online classes are actually a lot harder than on-campus classes. I was a little hesitant about doing my whole degree online, but after talking with the admissions counselor found out that I could transfer to a campus easily if I needed to. So I'm going to give it a shot! I think this degree lends to a lot of flexibility in the kind of job I'll be looking for in the future. I'll be able to work in a school, be a director of a non-profit, advocate, get a certificate to be a therapist, the possibilities are wide open! (Plus I have some ideas for the near future regarding social work :o) I told Patrick that I will be walking in my black cap and gown across the Trojan stage. He said, "Of course."Something that hasn't changed? We still don't have kids. But that's ok because our plan was to be married for 5 years or so before we even start trying, and we're doing good so far! I think we'll have to push our timeline back about 7 months so I can finish my master's and then Mr. Stork you're welcome into our home.
Not that he's not welcome in our home, he's just not our preferred guest at this point in time. Man, that thing is ugly. Whoever made up the story about the stork delivering babies didn't see the real thing. Yuck! Plus we don't want to steal anyone's limelight. On Patrick's side Sheena and Jake just had baby Allison in January, Rami and Dave had baby Bo in February, and on deck we have Beth and Josh with another baby Jones and (drum roll please)........Krista and Jace with twins-coming soon to a hospital near you! Yes, it's a busy year for the Jones family. Patrick and I see this as a great opportunity to celebrate with them, hold babies, and go home to our dogs :o) Hey, you would think the same thing if your probability of getting twins was more than 50% too. Yes, that's where the 5 years comes into play. Of course with all these new things happening, I should probably knock on wood...Whatever happens, don't believe a word Patrick says. He's the boy who cried wolf. I see why he always teases people though. When he even hints around (falsely of course) that we're pregnant, he gets a big rise out of people. Oh Patrick.I'm not really one for change, and this season in our life has been quite a struggle for me. I think God just decided to dump it all at the same time so I'd get over it. Way to be God, way to be. You'll be happy to know that I'm a little more fond of new things now than I was before. It's all about the growing process...
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
What do you do?
What do you do when everything in your life seems to be changing?
What do you do when everyone around you seems to be going through some crazy changes in their life too?
What do you do if you're not particularly fond of change?
What do you do when a series of events happen that prove coincidence is much too light a term to use?
What do you do when you follow where you know you need to go only to find constant opposition?
What do you do?
Believe in the One thing that you know is constant. The One thing you know will never change. Trust that that One can see farther than your eyes can see, and can plan things you never thought imaginable.
At least that's what I do.
What do you do when everyone around you seems to be going through some crazy changes in their life too?
What do you do if you're not particularly fond of change?
What do you do when a series of events happen that prove coincidence is much too light a term to use?
What do you do when you follow where you know you need to go only to find constant opposition?
What do you do?
Believe in the One thing that you know is constant. The One thing you know will never change. Trust that that One can see farther than your eyes can see, and can plan things you never thought imaginable.
At least that's what I do.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Waging War Against Child Sexual Exploitation
**This post is not intended for the faint of heart, or for small children to read. It's not overly graphic, but please understand this is intended for a mature audience**
====================================================================
Today I woke up early to make the long trek (1 hour drive one-way) out to Streetlight for some training. The Phoenix Vice Sqad was teaching us about "the game" (prostitution).
I walked in the office building just as I do every week, signed in, stated my reason for being there-the usual procedure. I sat in a chair in the back conference room, took out my pencil-I was ready to go. These two normal looking ladies introduced themselves as members of the vice team, then wanted to hear how we heard about Streetlight and in a short description what led us to be there. There were about 30 women in this crammed room, and as each one took a short time to answer the question I noticed some strong similarities in responses. The normal response, "I heard about SL through my church ________ and I feel like God is calling me to work with these girls." The wording varied slightly, but the meaning was the same. They were basically saying, "I have a heart to help these poor girls." And who wouldn't?! If you have studied this issue at all, or have even remotely paid attention to the news you know that human trafficking is a local issue. More on that later. The other common response I gathered was, "I don't know what my role is here or how I can help, but I'm excited to help." Remember these two responses as you read the rest of this story.
So the vice officers begin by giving us some street lingo that we'll probably need to know to keep up a conversation with a girl coming through SL. I'll give you a few just as examples, there are too many to list...
Pimp-actually an acronym for provided income from managing prostitutes. Pimps are incredibly narcissistic and are described under two different categories:
Player-a pimp who is more persuasive verbally than physically
Guerilla-a pimp who is more physically persuasive than verbally
*most pimps are both
Wifey-prostitute (yeah, I'm sure your reaction was like mine...not going to use that word again!)
Stable-group of prostitutes that work for the same pimp. Obviously referring to a group of women as a stable is demeaning in the worst sense-basically calling them animals.
Square-you and me. People who aren't in the "game" and who lead basically normal lives w/ jobs that are legal. I never appreciated being called a square until today.
MOB-money over bitches
Track-location where prostitutes walk the streets. I found out in AZ that the biggest tracks are around Indian School, Bell, and 7-27th Avenues. Hmmm...Phoenix Christian is at 18th Ave. and Indian School. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. I'm in the right place without even knowing it! Put in the middle of the battleground.
Turn out-brand new prostitute, one who was just turned from a normal girl into a prostitute.
**don't read this if you get sick easily**
Turn out party-several pimps "unite" to abuse a prostitute either for being disrespectful, trying to leave, or reporting a pimp to the police. Usually consists of pimps "gang-raping" the prostitute, beating her, urinating and/or defecating on her, and other forms of abuses.
***
There's other stuff of course, but not necessary to put on a family blog-you get the idea.
So, we're talking about these terms briefly and I see the women around me drop like flies just with their facial expressions. They are shocked. I look around and think, "why am I not having that same reaction?" I wasn't shocked at all, it made perfect sense to me. IT'S NOT OK-hear me loud and clear on that, but I wasn't surprised by all of this.
In the next part of the training we saw actual footage from a pimp being interviewed by the vice after he received his life sentence in prison. He knew he was done for, so he spilled the beans to them about the industry. As the police officers asked him questions he very casually, very charmingly stated his answer. He was funny, witty, persuasive, totally likable. This was not at all what I had pictured. I sat there listening to this guy and thought, "I could have fallen for him as a teenager just like any one of these girls." That is scary. One of the most commonly asked questions is, "Why don't the girls just leave? Or why don't they seek help?" You see we "squares" can't fully understand why these girls don't just break free from this bondage. If you saw this guy in his interview it would all make sense to you. These guys are normal looking. They're charming. And not in a creepy way-I have a creepy radar! In a very unobtrusive, normal kind of way. Probably like your boyfriend or spouse was once charming. And their plan is to flirt with a girl who has low self-esteem (what teenage girl doesn't?!) and get them thinking, "Wow, he's really sweet. He's interested in me. I could see him as my boyfriend." Their relationship starts out like any other relationship. Then out of the blue-he picks her up for a date. Drives her away from her familiar environment, beats her nearly to death and the rest is the game. They take away her human nature through acts of sex. He begins "grooming" her and scares or convinces her that her only choice is prostitution because now he knows her family. If she refuses he'll kill them. THAT'S why they don't leave folks. They either can't because her pimp will kill her or she's been with him for so long that she finally believes the lies.
After watching some of these videos with girls telling their stories and how "normal" and actually quite charming the pimps are, some women are wiping tears. I look around and think, "This is exactly why they have this training BEFORE you work with these girls." You see, in an industry this hardcore, you can't react, you can't judge, you must be stable. I think it's ok to feel intense pain for these girls. I think it's ok to help because you have the strongest desire to see them changed, to see them healed. Those two reasons kept us sitting in that room. But if you react to what they're saying, if you judge them with "religious talk," even if you're too soft, those girls will manipulate you, shut down or worse, run back to their pimp. You have to know how to deal with kids. You have to know that they're lashing out as a direct result of their abuse. And you have to know that they're kids trapped in an nasty adult industry, so they will not trust you.
My reaction to all of this? It wasn't tears, it wasn't shock. I felt more mentally prepared than I ever have. I'm excited. I'm invigorated. I'm ready to do this because I know I have the ability to be what those girls need: a non-judgmental woman, with boundaries, with no shock on my face, able to acclimate to the environment and prove trusting me is safe. Underneath all that is a heart filled with compassion to see these girls' lives restored. I desire their restoration-I just can't tell them that right away. I have to prove it by winning their trust.
I'm ready Lord, send me into battle.
====================================================================
Today I woke up early to make the long trek (1 hour drive one-way) out to Streetlight for some training. The Phoenix Vice Sqad was teaching us about "the game" (prostitution).
So the vice officers begin by giving us some street lingo that we'll probably need to know to keep up a conversation with a girl coming through SL. I'll give you a few just as examples, there are too many to list...
Pimp-actually an acronym for provided income from managing prostitutes. Pimps are incredibly narcissistic and are described under two different categories:
Player-a pimp who is more persuasive verbally than physically
Guerilla-a pimp who is more physically persuasive than verbally
*most pimps are both
Wifey-prostitute (yeah, I'm sure your reaction was like mine...not going to use that word again!)
Stable-group of prostitutes that work for the same pimp. Obviously referring to a group of women as a stable is demeaning in the worst sense-basically calling them animals.
Square-you and me. People who aren't in the "game" and who lead basically normal lives w/ jobs that are legal. I never appreciated being called a square until today.
MOB-money over bitches
Track-location where prostitutes walk the streets. I found out in AZ that the biggest tracks are around Indian School, Bell, and 7-27th Avenues. Hmmm...Phoenix Christian is at 18th Ave. and Indian School. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. I'm in the right place without even knowing it! Put in the middle of the battleground.
Turn out-brand new prostitute, one who was just turned from a normal girl into a prostitute.
**don't read this if you get sick easily**
Turn out party-several pimps "unite" to abuse a prostitute either for being disrespectful, trying to leave, or reporting a pimp to the police. Usually consists of pimps "gang-raping" the prostitute, beating her, urinating and/or defecating on her, and other forms of abuses.
***
There's other stuff of course, but not necessary to put on a family blog-you get the idea.
So, we're talking about these terms briefly and I see the women around me drop like flies just with their facial expressions. They are shocked. I look around and think, "why am I not having that same reaction?" I wasn't shocked at all, it made perfect sense to me. IT'S NOT OK-hear me loud and clear on that, but I wasn't surprised by all of this.
In the next part of the training we saw actual footage from a pimp being interviewed by the vice after he received his life sentence in prison. He knew he was done for, so he spilled the beans to them about the industry. As the police officers asked him questions he very casually, very charmingly stated his answer. He was funny, witty, persuasive, totally likable. This was not at all what I had pictured. I sat there listening to this guy and thought, "I could have fallen for him as a teenager just like any one of these girls." That is scary. One of the most commonly asked questions is, "Why don't the girls just leave? Or why don't they seek help?" You see we "squares" can't fully understand why these girls don't just break free from this bondage. If you saw this guy in his interview it would all make sense to you. These guys are normal looking. They're charming. And not in a creepy way-I have a creepy radar! In a very unobtrusive, normal kind of way. Probably like your boyfriend or spouse was once charming. And their plan is to flirt with a girl who has low self-esteem (what teenage girl doesn't?!) and get them thinking, "Wow, he's really sweet. He's interested in me. I could see him as my boyfriend." Their relationship starts out like any other relationship. Then out of the blue-he picks her up for a date. Drives her away from her familiar environment, beats her nearly to death and the rest is the game. They take away her human nature through acts of sex. He begins "grooming" her and scares or convinces her that her only choice is prostitution because now he knows her family. If she refuses he'll kill them. THAT'S why they don't leave folks. They either can't because her pimp will kill her or she's been with him for so long that she finally believes the lies.
After watching some of these videos with girls telling their stories and how "normal" and actually quite charming the pimps are, some women are wiping tears. I look around and think, "This is exactly why they have this training BEFORE you work with these girls." You see, in an industry this hardcore, you can't react, you can't judge, you must be stable. I think it's ok to feel intense pain for these girls. I think it's ok to help because you have the strongest desire to see them changed, to see them healed. Those two reasons kept us sitting in that room. But if you react to what they're saying, if you judge them with "religious talk," even if you're too soft, those girls will manipulate you, shut down or worse, run back to their pimp. You have to know how to deal with kids. You have to know that they're lashing out as a direct result of their abuse. And you have to know that they're kids trapped in an nasty adult industry, so they will not trust you.
My reaction to all of this? It wasn't tears, it wasn't shock. I felt more mentally prepared than I ever have. I'm excited. I'm invigorated. I'm ready to do this because I know I have the ability to be what those girls need: a non-judgmental woman, with boundaries, with no shock on my face, able to acclimate to the environment and prove trusting me is safe. Underneath all that is a heart filled with compassion to see these girls' lives restored. I desire their restoration-I just can't tell them that right away. I have to prove it by winning their trust.
I'm ready Lord, send me into battle.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New Year!!
I noticed from the background that I haven't blogged since Christmas. Woopsies :o) Here's a quick update:
Patrick wasn't able to get any time off work for Christmas so we stayed in AZ instead of visiting his folks. It was a pretty busy season. We sang at church December 23 & 24 for a grand total of 7 services. WHEW! It was a blast, but boy it was long!
After getting home at 11pm, Christmas Eve, we each opened one gift. I opened one from Patrick and what did I find? The precious movie Charlie Brown Christmas.
We watched it together and definitely set the mood for a perfect Christmas Eve, just the two of us. It was so special to spend time with the one person I love more than anything in the world. I think I'm going to make that a tradition every year from now on :o) After the movie we finally went to bed. The next morning we slept in, and in the afternoon headed over to my parents' house for some dinner and presents. Afterward we had some friends over for drinks and dessert. Of course we had to play games! It was the perfect Christmas. (You can check out the videos on Facebook. No holiday get-together is complete without a game of Quelf!)
Christmas was over, and it seemed that in the blink of an eye New Years Eve was here. We made plans to go up to Flagstaff with some friends, but they had so much snow a couple days before, I-17 closed! We canceled our hotel reservations, but it turned out to be a great night anyway. We went to Amber and Ken's dinner party, and what a party it was! They made the most delicious food ever (words cannot describe-and I know good food when I taste it!), and we all had some great fun. I was also introduced to jello shots. Amber couldn't believe I'd never had one before. Let's just say I like them :o) There's a funny video to go with that story, but not one that I would post online, lol.
All in all, it was a wonderful holiday season. January is already proving to be full of great opportunities, and I have no doubt that 2011 will be even better than 2010. Thank you Lord for your blessings in our lives! Cheers!
Patrick wasn't able to get any time off work for Christmas so we stayed in AZ instead of visiting his folks. It was a pretty busy season. We sang at church December 23 & 24 for a grand total of 7 services. WHEW! It was a blast, but boy it was long!
After getting home at 11pm, Christmas Eve, we each opened one gift. I opened one from Patrick and what did I find? The precious movie Charlie Brown Christmas.
We watched it together and definitely set the mood for a perfect Christmas Eve, just the two of us. It was so special to spend time with the one person I love more than anything in the world. I think I'm going to make that a tradition every year from now on :o) After the movie we finally went to bed. The next morning we slept in, and in the afternoon headed over to my parents' house for some dinner and presents. Afterward we had some friends over for drinks and dessert. Of course we had to play games! It was the perfect Christmas. (You can check out the videos on Facebook. No holiday get-together is complete without a game of Quelf!)
Christmas was over, and it seemed that in the blink of an eye New Years Eve was here. We made plans to go up to Flagstaff with some friends, but they had so much snow a couple days before, I-17 closed! We canceled our hotel reservations, but it turned out to be a great night anyway. We went to Amber and Ken's dinner party, and what a party it was! They made the most delicious food ever (words cannot describe-and I know good food when I taste it!), and we all had some great fun. I was also introduced to jello shots. Amber couldn't believe I'd never had one before. Let's just say I like them :o) There's a funny video to go with that story, but not one that I would post online, lol.
All in all, it was a wonderful holiday season. January is already proving to be full of great opportunities, and I have no doubt that 2011 will be even better than 2010. Thank you Lord for your blessings in our lives! Cheers!
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