Day 7 of 31 Things: Work

I haven't Blogged in about a month, so I decided to check in on what's next for the 31-Things workshop I started a few months back. I looked back and realized I'm only on day 7 and still have 24 days/topics to go. But it's not a race, just a fun way to document whats going on in my life right now. And what a coincidence! The topic for day 7 is WORK, lol!

I just started a new job working in the corporate office for Raley's. Raley's is rolling out a new loyalty program and I got hired onto the team that supports this new program. So far so good! Nice people in a very laid back environment. It's such a refreshing change of pace! Unfortunately it's a bit of a drive from Lincoln about 45 minutes to an hour. I commuted to Sac State back in college, so I guess its nothing I haven't done before. At the end of the day (so far) I'm happy.

I've always found it necessary to work. I didn't have parents who paid my way (which I'm not complaining about) but they taught me if I wanted something, I had to work for it. Don't get me wrong, if there was a financial crisis, I know my parents would be there to help in any way they could, but I was responsible for paying my insurance, car, college etc... It's definitely taught me to be self sufficient and careful/purposeful with my money since I didn't have an abundance of it.

My first job was in high school at Round Table Pizza. The smell of pizza followed me every where I went while working there. After that I worked at Apple Bee's for a couple years. Then, when high school was over I got a job at Claim Jumper Restaurant. I was at CJ for all of my college years and then some. CJ was like home for me for a long time. After college I worked one season with the Sacramento River Cats in sales and game events (while sill waiting tables part time at Claim Jumper). Then in 2008 I got hired on with Addison Avenue Credit Union. I worked at Addison for 3 1/2 years and learned a whole bunch about the banking industry!

But these were all just jobs. I was never really passionate about any of these jobs. I still don't really know what I'm passionate about. I just hope that some day I find my passion and find a job that will allow me to use my passion daily. I know one day I'll look back and see how each job was a stepping stone to get me where I'm going. But for now, I just work for the money and experience and chance to simply learn something new.

Day 6 of 31 Things: About Me

1. Age: 29 (How in the world did this happen! Time seriously flies)

2. Favorite part of my day: End of the day when Mike and I (and Kitty & Addie of course) snuggle and    watch a show. 

3. Loving: My husband, parents, siblings, nieces/nephews and wonderful friends! So blessed with lots of people to love!

4. Inspired by: My small group. Mike and I and some friends decided to create our own small group. This has made such a huge impact on me. Every week I look forward to meeting with this wonderful group of new friends! They motivate, encourage, and stir something up inside of me that wasn’t there before. I get a great dose of inspiration from this fun group! 

5. Longing for: Internship/Job at Bayside to start. Such a great opportunity and can’t wait for it to start!

6. Navigating: This test of patience. These past 2 months have made me extremely uncomfortable. Usually I’m a very patient person but my patience and faith have been put to the test! Hoping to pass this test soon!

7. Struggling with: Being unemployed. I’ve worked since I was 16 and this whole not-having-a-job thing makes me feel a little bit useless. What am I producing? What am I contributing to? What kind of income am I bringing to the table? Definitely struggling with these things.

8. Needing: A job. Obviously me being jobless is a big part of my life right now. J But other than a job, I seriously have everything I need!

9. Dreaming of: A vacation somewhere tropical. Waves, sand, sun, food, drinks with umbrellas….ahhhh

10. Knowing: Everything will be great. Someday I will look back on this experience and wonder why I worried so much. I know this is a good life experience that will help me become a better, stronger person. Just ready to put it all behind me. J

Day 5 of 31 Things: Conversation

When I think of all the meaningful conversations I've had in my life, I think of a lot of people and different experiences. But sometimes the best conversations are the meaningless ones. I love conversations as simple as sitting on the couch with my sister, mom or one of the Brittany’s and catching up or reminiscing about old times. 


Discussing the last episode of the Kardashians, quoting lines from an old movie, talking about how bad my cramps were last week, my current favorite book, what so-and-so posted on Facebook, etc…  I love those conversations! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good passionate, intelligent, challenging conversation. But more times than not I prefer the light, funny, everyday-life conversations along with the company of a friend. 


Attached is a video of a set of twins having a serious conversation lol! I love this video! My mom says my sister and I were just like this. Their words don't make sense but they know exactly what the other is saying. To this day I can simply look at my sis and know exactly what she's thinking. We will even occasionally say the say thing at the same time... not as much as when we were younger but it still happens and makes me laugh! 

















Also, I've always had this obsession about what my pets would say if they could talk. I found something that pretty much sums it up! LOL!

Day 4 of 31 Things: Spirit

"Man's way to reach God is religion; God's way to reach man is a relationship through Jesus." -Unknown

Spirituality plays a huge role in my life. I can say with all my heart that my relationship with Jesus is the core being of my existence. While I am a Christian, I don’t like to think of myself as religious. Religion can have a negative connotation. A spiritual relationship with God is VERY different than being religious. God's plan for our eternity and for being right with Him is told in the bible and as I grow as a person/believer I am learning how important it is to have a biblically based faith.

There are so many different types of religion; Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian,

Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Assemblies of God and lots more. These denominations have teachings from the Bible but everyone seems to have their own set of rules and regulations. Don’t get me wrong, I love church and the support from getting together with people who love God. I love being taught the Bible as it is a source of life and strength for me. I have nothing against people who belong to a denomination. Although sometimes I feel that more emphasis is being put on the denomination instead of the spiritual relationship.

Some religions are based on reaching God and being made right with Him through their own human efforts. They suggest that we must work our way into heaven by doing good deeds in hopes of an eternal reward. Some say there is no reason to search for truth because they have step by step instructions and works to be completed. While others can seem more like a dance of routines and rituals. Some religions place specific people on a pedestal such as ministers, pastors, elders, etc…  While I agree that being a good honest person and respecting my elders is very important, I believe more in my relationship with Jesus.

Now, I grew up in church attending almost every Sunday, Wednesday evenings and of course summer time vacation bible school (VBS). I have some of the most wonderful and fond memories growing up in the church. I am thankful for my parents and their choice to introduce and inject the truth of Jesus Christ in my life from the start. Although I grew up missing something. It was not my parents fault or pastors fault but there did feel like a missing piece.

As I grew older I went through an I-Don’t-Need-Jesus phase. I’d occasionally go to church (Christmas, Easter), maybe read a scripture here or there, but I was having fun and wasn’t making time for Him in my life. I wondered why I should go church and practice my religion when I didn’t feel any reward. I felt I could be perfect, strong, successful and at peace with just a little bit of Jesus in my life. In reality I was so week, so lost and so scared! I couldn’t fake my life any more with-out His ultimate purpose. Insert mental break down and anxiety and panic disorder. Then insert relationship with God! And here I am now! LOL Halleluiah!

To experience the joy of having a loving relationship with God, I simply put my trust and faith in Jesus and accepted His gift of eternal life. I realized that God's plan is not based on my efforts and good works, but based on His love and Grace. I put my trust and faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross rather than putting my faith into a religion or my own efforts. My relationship with Jesus encourages me to learn more about Him and strive to emulate Him.

I found a wonderful bible based church that encourages me, teaches me, and helps me to grow closer to the One who created me. I’m not required to memorize all the books of the bible or forced to write a big check before I leave, or dress like I am going to a funeral. I come as I am and I am encouraged to feed my intimate relationship with Jesus. If you’re wondering what this whole relationship thing is all about, let me know! I’d love to have you join us one Sunday and I promise that you’ll have fun at church again learning and growing with the Lord.

Jesus tells us that He is the way the truth and the light, and by growing in a relationship with Jesus I know my questions will be answered. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We are all lost, week, have heartaches and pain. I learned that when I allowed the Holy Spirit to control and direct my life, I could finally live with purpose, peace, joy, love, freedom… 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.- Ephesians 2:8-9

James 1:2-4

There are times when a bible verse speaks to me so clearly I have no words!
Thank you thank you Lord for your faithfulness!
Thought I would share this in hopes that it will benefit another as it has benefited me! :)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
- James 1:2-4

Day 3 of 31 Things: Reading

I was not a big reader growing up. In fact, I haven’t been big on reading until the past few years or so. Reading in school was so boring and took up so much time. There was never a book that could keep my attention long enough for me to keep reading. I’d often read a page and not really remember what I had just read, so I’d have to go back and re-read. This took even more time! So to be honest, I never really ‘read’ an entire book growing up in school. And to be super honest, I never really ‘read’ an entire book through college either. I’d simply read the cliff’s notes, Google the book, or contact a friend who took the class prior to me. How bad is that?!?!

My sis in law Becky is a huge reader! She’d always be talking about the latest book she read and when Mike and I would go to her house to visit, I would pick up the book and read the back. She read a book called The Other Boleyn Girl. A few years ago they made a movie out of the book. I went to see the movie and I loved it! So I thought maybe I would borrow the book from Becky and try this whole reading-for-fun thing. The Other Boleyn Girl was the first book I ever read, front to back, for fun. It actually was enjoyable! Although it felt like it took me forever to finish because I was such a slow reader. I think the fact that I already knew the background of the plot and the characters helped as well.

I have since read a whole bunch of books for fun! The Boleyn Inheritance, The Other Queen, The Red Tent, The Case for Christ, Heaven is For Real, The Purpose Driven Life, Twilight Trilogy, The Hunger Games, 50 Shades Trilogy. When I finish a book I'm often sad that is over and I end up missing the characters. For example, when I finished the Twilight trilogy I seriously had withdrawals lol! Its like the book takes me to a different place that I cant wait to go back to. I never thought a book could have that kind of effect on me.

Over 10 books in 3 years (for me) is HUGE! Between Mike and I, our book shelf is growing! I’m excited to find my next book to read! If anyone has any suggestions of a good book, let me know! 

Day 2 of 31 Things: Morning Routine

I am not a morning person, AT ALL! 

No matter how much sleep I get, I wake in the morning wishing I could go back to sleep for the rest of the day. Now that I am unemployed there really is no rush for me to get up in the morning (which is glorious!). Of course Mike is still on his normal work schedule so I usually get waken by him around 7ish but in and out of sleep until about 9am. 

My routine now-a-days is to be awake no later than 9am, even if that means getting a bowl of cereal and sitting in bed watching Regis & Kelly or cuddling with my little animals. I’ll make the bed, fold some laundry, feed Addie and Kitty, watch the View, treadmill for at 30-45 minutes, take a shower…HUNT FOR A JOB!

But before I was unemployed I didn’t have to be in the office until 8:45am which meant my alarm would go off at 7:30 and I have about 50 minutes to get ready and be out the door by 8:20. First thing I do is brush my teeth and wash my face. Next I turn on Rob Arnie and Dawn, grab my make-up bag, hop on my bed and put on my face!

Putting on make-up while sitting in bed gives me a little bit more time to savor the warm comfy-ness of my soft squishy bed! Also, Rob Arnie and Dawn are a must! Their topics either make me laugh (which I need to get me going in the morning) or make me think (which also gets me going in the morning). Rob Arnie and Dawn are a morning MUST!

Once my make-up is on, it’s time to tackle my hair. I flip my head upside down and blow dry for a few minutes to get all the kinks out. Then I run a curling iron or flat iron through my hair, tease the crap out of the top for that wonderful volume I LOVE and voila! Hair is ready to go!

Next I pick out an outfit. I’m more of a jeans-and- tshirt kind of girl but I work in an office so I have to be a little bit more creative than that. Luckily jeans were aloud so for that I was grateful. By this time it’s almost 8:20 and I really need to light a fire under my behind or I’m going to be late! I put on some Arbonne Shea Butter lotion, of course deodorant, grab my purse and head out the garage. No coffee for me, instead a coke. It’s much more mild than coffee but enough caffeine to perk me up a bit. 

Right now all I have to do is take care of myself in the mornings. I know some day this will all change when the little babes come into the picture. And to be honest, sacrificing my sleep is one of the main reasons why I’m not in a rush to have kiddos. Sleep is a precious thing that I will continue to savor! (probably for only one more year ;-))

Day 1 of 31 Things: Jewelry

My favorite piece of jewelry is my wedding ring! This is the first piece of super fancy jewelry I've ever had! Most of my jewelry is a cute necklace or pair of earrings I found at Target.  My wedding ring puts all those other pieces of jewelry to shame, lol! While I love my fun Target jewelry, it doesn’t have the meaning attached to it like my wedding ring.

My wedding ring is so incredibly precious to me! When I look down at it I see my husband and our love. Not to get all lovey-dovey on you but I stinking love my husband! And I love the way he loves me. I love his humor and passion. I love how important his family and friends are to him. I love how playful he is with me. And even though it’s annoying sometimes, I love his sarcasm! But most of all, I love watching him grow and develop into an even better person than he was when we first met.

And when I see my ring I’m reminded of that love. I think of all the years we’ve been together and the ups and downs! Let me tell you, there were a lot of ups and downs. But after all this time, we still have each others back! My ring is a reminder I get to see every day that I have someone who completely knows me, the good, the bad and the ugly, and stills loves me. 

My start to 31 things!

A couple of my friends are big bloggers and they started a blogging challenge called 31 Things. Everyday for 31 days you're provided with a simple topic to blog about and along with your words you insert a picture of the topic. I've been wanting to get back into blogging and thought this would be the perfect start! I've also been wanting to improve my writing skills, so here's my chance!

Wish my luck, day 1 of 31 Things is coming shortly!

Poem For Grandma Tudor's Service

There’s a special place in my childhood
That felt so far away.
The drive was about 3 hours,
But always worth the wait.

This place was tucked away,
In the mountains full of snow.
One of my favorite dogs was there,
We called him Mo!

We were always greeted,
With kisses and hugs.
At bedtime we were tucked in,
With the warmth of hugs.

There was a special closet,
Filled with all our toys.
Puzzles, games and coloring books,
We made lots of noise.

The morning smell of cinnamon,
Filled the air in the house.
My favorite stuffed animal was there,
It was the cotton stuffed mouse.

We’d sneak a piece of gum,
From the secret kitchen drawer.
There was never a dull moment;
This place was not a bore.

Outside on the deck,
The humming birds were near.
The feeder was sweet and red,
They fluttered with such cheer.

During Christmas,
There was magic in the air.
I remember the Christmas tree and village,
Nothing could compare.

The house was filled
With warmth and love.
A wonderfully special place,
We never got sick of.

This safe place exists,
Without any flaws.

It’s one of my favorite places,
I call it grandmas.

Poem For Grandma Cameron's Service

HEAVEN

I took a trip to heaven I hope you all don’t mind.
It was time for me to go, so I left the world behind.

I closed my eyes and began to see,
Just how beautiful heaven can be.

I could see the pearly gates, they were so white,
and behind them was a brilliant light.

I saw an angel as she was passing by.
So beautiful I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Everything was perfect, there’s nothing you can bring.
There are no words to describe these beautiful things.

I sat with the Lord on a bench in a garden.
God is so good, my sins He pardoned.

I took a look at the beauty around.
But most of all, it was peace I found.

There is nothing here to cause me fear,

So please don’t cry for me my dear.

Please know I am happy now.

I’ll ask the Lord to comfort you somehow.

Believe when I tell you, my loving family/friends,
You cannot die, life never ends!

Coincidence/Devine

My husband and I were driving in the car one day having a casual conversation. We were discussing our plans for Memorial Day and agreed that we would go with my family to visit my grandpa. My grandma recently passed away so our pan is to clean out their house to help my grandpa move on. Not only did I lose my grandma on my dad’s side this year, but I also lost my grandma on my mom side. Its been a tough start to the year. 

My birthday was this past Friday and I can expect like clockwork to receive a birthday card from both my grandmothers. It made me sad to realize that I would never receive a birthday card from either of them again. It made me sad to know certain traditions are over. There’s something special about grandmothers and as the months pass little things happen that make me sad. I try to be grateful that I was able to have 2 of the most wonderful grandmothers and some people never get that experience.

Just as I was feeling sorry for myself and wondering “why”… a car switched lanes right in front of us and in big bold letters the words “TRUST GOD” was on the back of the window. Tears immediately well up in my eyes. I began crying not tears of sadness but tears of peace and joy. Call it a coincidence if you will, but I truly believe this was Gods way of comforting me. How blessed are we to have a God who comforts us in such unique ways! My heart is full!

Thrive 2012

If your looking for growth, energy, inspiration, knowledge, faith, love, compassion, hope, confidence, truth, belief, conviction, encouragement, motivation, vision...I found it!

 However, sometimes we need support to keep it alive in our lives.

 Mike and I attended our first ever Christian conference called THRIVE! A life changing experience that not only supported our relationship with the all mighty, but also with each other!

 A truly indescribable impact was made on our marriage and we are forever changed!

 If you every have the opportunity to attend I would highly suggest it!

 Here's a little bit of what you can expect!

 

The Case for Christ

I just started reading a new book called The Case for Christ. The author Lee Strobel, former editor of the Chicago Tribune, retraces his journey from atheism to faith. Just a few pages in and this is my favorite part:

"For much of my life I was a skeptic. In fact I considered myself and atheist. To me, there was far too much evidence that God was merely a product of wishful thinking, of ancient mythology, of primitive superstition. How could there be a loving God if he consigned people to hell just for not believing in him? How could miracles contravene the basic laws of nature? Didn't evolution satisfactorily explain how life originated? Doesn't scientific reasoning dispel belief in the supernatural?

Lets face it: even a cursory examination of the evidence demonstrates convincingly that Jesus had only been a human being just like you and me, although with unusual gifts of kindness and wisdom. But that's all I had ever really given the evidence: a cursory look. I had read just enough philosophy and history to find support for my skepticism- a fact here, a scientific theory there, a pithy quote, a clever argument. Sure, I could see some gaps and inconsistencies, but I had a strong motivation to ignore them: a self serving and immoral life style that I would be compelled to abandon if I were ever to change my views and become a follower of Jesus.

As far as i was concerned, the case was closed. There was enough proof for me to rest easy with the conclusion that the divinity of Jesus was nothing more than the fanciful invention of superstitions people.

Or so I thought..."

I cant wait to read what happens next in his journey!

Lean on Me

We all experience difficulties, problems, and trials throughout life. We also look for ways to solve those problems. One basic question we all ask is "What can I do to solve this?" Rather we should ask "What can God do to solve this?"

In my experience I’ve found, the more I try to take control of a situation (and not pray about it or involve God in it), the more the situation seems to fall apart or not go as planned. Not only do I feel like I’m losing control, I feel afraid and worried.

I found this really wonderful explanation of how we can handle problems throughout life. I hope it helps you as much as it helps me.

Colossians 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him.

This is such an awesome scripture. It says that the way we are saved is the way we should live.
-We didn't get saved by trying and struggling; it’s free! Likewise, you don’t have to live your life on your own strength by trying and struggling.
-Help from the Lord is free. We just have to receive it.

Every believer is saved simply by believing (and receiving) God's love, grace, and mercy. We are not required to quote ‘clean house’ to receive His forgiveness. We simply need to receive a free gift. Pastor Ray Johnston at Bayside Church tells a really funny example that I know my family and friends can relate to. Of course his explanation is much more entertaining than mine, but I’ll try.

Ray compares receiving Gods grace to cleaning your house. For example, many people hire a cleaning lady to clean their house. We feel embarrassed by our messes so we actually straighten up before the cleaning lady come…which is silly. That’s what the cleaning lady is for!

Likewise, many of us think that in order to have a relationship with God we have to ‘clean house’. Many of us think God won’t be interested in a relationship with us because we’re not good enough. We think we need to become ‘religious’ or do certain things and act a certain way and only then will God consider a relationship with us. In truth, we don’t need to ‘fix our selves’ to have a relationship with God. He simply accepts us as we are.

Similarly, we don’t have to solve our problems on our own. We don’t have to fight and struggle to get by. We simply need to lean on him and He will carry our burdens.

-1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

-Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.

-Psalm 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, the LORD upholds him with his hand.

-Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

With all that being said, trust the Lord God in every area of your life, even during problems, because every problem He gives you an opportunity to strengthen your faith and trust Him.

Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4

<3