Foreword: I am by no means belittling the loss and struggles of others in Minot. Our loss is minimal in comparison of thousands of others. This is simply a story of the Sovereignty of my Savior... hoping to bring Him glory and you encouragement.
For the past few months Jordan and I have been thinking about our future, excited for the clear plans that God had laid before us!
Jordan and I have been planning to move to Minot as soon as he finishes his final Master's Degree class on July 22nd 2011. He has a job lined up as a CPA at an accounting firm in Minot, starting the middle of November (he planned on working for his Dad at the farm until his start date.) We had a home lined up for rental AND I it seemed like I had a job in place. We felt like God was SCREAMING at us to "GO TO MINOT!!!"
I guess God has some other plans for us...
My job hunt is still in progress as there was some mis-communication between a human resources department and the actual department... one job uncertain...
Minot is facing its highest river crest ever recorded coming this weekend...
The home Jordan and I were planning on renting at the end of July will most likely be underwater... one rental home = not an option...
Our THREE reasons for moving to Minot (Jordan's job, my job, and the rental home) are down to ONE reason... Jordan's job.
Why God? Why the fog in this decision? Why make it clear and then unclear?
I still don't have an answer. In the midst of these question the past few days, I had a choice... to worry or to praise. I have been thinking about Job and how he praised God through immense pain, loss, and suffering. Would I do the same? This week I have been trying to practice that... I am putting my hope and trust in the Lord! Praising HIM for WHO HE IS... not where I am. Songs have come to mind such as "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns, "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin, and "Blessings" by Laura Story. I am CHOOSING to trust and not fear (not a natural choice by the way...)
Although, God does not always answer prayers immediately, He has GRACIOUSLY showered us with more blessings...
As Jordan and I were considering our options, (GAH... ALL KINDS OF THOUGHTS) we decided to continue to look for other housing options in Minot.
Yesterday: Found some apartments that are being built and will be ready mid to late November (about the time that Jordan is starting his CPA job). Coincidence??? NOT A CHANCE! We are in the process of filling out the housing application and putting down a deposit.
SO all we had to do was figure out where we were going to live UNTIL we could move into these apartments... (this is the REALLY cool part).
To check with our current apartment status, Jordan went to the Residence Life Department at NDSU and was greeted by empathetic and wonderfully understand people. (We are still in student housing... so if Jordan is NOT enrolled in classes, we CAN NOT live in our current apartment.) At first they said they wished they could help, but since we had already said we would be moving out on July 25th, they had another person signed up for our apartment. HOWEVER, standing near by was a maintenance guy listening to Jordan's conversation. He spoke up, saying he was willing to work hard and finish up another apartment so that the next renters would have that place to live in so that we could STAY in our apartment.... WOWZAS!!!!
The only thing Jordan has to do is take ONE credit at NDSU: He has decided on jujitsu - a martial arts class on Monday and Wednesday nights for one hour for the first half of the semester. (I had to google it... had NO idea what it was... hahaha!!)
God has ALSO blessed him with a full-time temporary job at NDSU's plant research department. (He made one phone call yesterday and has a job... amazing.) AND my boss is willing to keep me as long as I need.... we are just overwhelmed.
I have no doubt today that God will provide the right job for me in Minot... and He will grant us a place to live, EVEN if this apartment thing would fall through... He has NEVER failed me yet.
I am praying for you, especially those in Minot. LOOK for God's blessings, even in the smallest way. He has not left you... He has not forsaken you... bask in HIS peace and contentment... trust the Creator of the heavens and the earth...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
so i guess i fail at blogging...
Kinda just remembered that I have a blog and that I haven't updated it since November 2010! oops!
Thankfully, the biggest change in our lives lately has been my hair! Just chopped over 9inches off (donated it to Beautiful Lengths) and I have TONS of layers! (Fun to play with)! Jordan prefers my long hair, BUT HE LOVES ME and deals with my need to go crazy sometimes and just CUT IT OFF! It is safe to say that I am ready for spring and so is my hair!
Jordan is still working SUPER HARD on this Master's Degree. I am amazed at how well he has managed his time this semester (his heaviest class load to date)... he writes many papers, schedules tons of group meetings, lifts weight, and still finds time to hang out with his wife and make her feel special and loved! (I am super blessed).
Jordan will be done with his Masters Degree of Accounting at the end of July.... so that means we are about to make some BIG decisions... excited to see what God has in store for both of us!
I think one of the things I am MOST excited about is having a bigger... KITCHEN!!! Jordan and I are STILL in the same apartment we have been since we were first married (over three years now)! It is "aged" campus housing at NDSU, one bedroom, cinder-block walls, all tile floor, half size stove/oven and fridge/freezer. One my latest hobbies has been COOKING/BAKING and trying new food. However, it is VERY challenging in our tiny little kitchen... ready for something BIGGER or at least FULL-SIZED!
But, I am going to miss our apartment... it is home and we have worked REALLY hard with making it a homey place. Lots of firsts in that tiny place. It is going to be a sad day when we leave...
Your prayers would be much appreciated as we transition from this period in our life to something new, scary, and exciting. I am so thankful that God has and will continue to provide for our needs and lead us to the places He wants us to be. What a great God we serve that we can trust in Him to care for us... through all of our lives and through whatever comes...
This weekend, I am heading to Minot for the Annual Women's Retreat. I am so excited for the Christ focused fellowship with all these women! Not only that, but I have been asked to sing an incredible song called "Stronger." Just want to share the lyrics with you... Blessings and I hope to be better about blogging in the future (but no promises!)
"Stronger" Artist: Mandisa
Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather
Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...
Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger
'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger
Thankfully, the biggest change in our lives lately has been my hair! Just chopped over 9inches off (donated it to Beautiful Lengths) and I have TONS of layers! (Fun to play with)! Jordan prefers my long hair, BUT HE LOVES ME and deals with my need to go crazy sometimes and just CUT IT OFF! It is safe to say that I am ready for spring and so is my hair!
Jordan is still working SUPER HARD on this Master's Degree. I am amazed at how well he has managed his time this semester (his heaviest class load to date)... he writes many papers, schedules tons of group meetings, lifts weight, and still finds time to hang out with his wife and make her feel special and loved! (I am super blessed).
Jordan will be done with his Masters Degree of Accounting at the end of July.... so that means we are about to make some BIG decisions... excited to see what God has in store for both of us!
I think one of the things I am MOST excited about is having a bigger... KITCHEN!!! Jordan and I are STILL in the same apartment we have been since we were first married (over three years now)! It is "aged" campus housing at NDSU, one bedroom, cinder-block walls, all tile floor, half size stove/oven and fridge/freezer. One my latest hobbies has been COOKING/BAKING and trying new food. However, it is VERY challenging in our tiny little kitchen... ready for something BIGGER or at least FULL-SIZED!
But, I am going to miss our apartment... it is home and we have worked REALLY hard with making it a homey place. Lots of firsts in that tiny place. It is going to be a sad day when we leave...
Your prayers would be much appreciated as we transition from this period in our life to something new, scary, and exciting. I am so thankful that God has and will continue to provide for our needs and lead us to the places He wants us to be. What a great God we serve that we can trust in Him to care for us... through all of our lives and through whatever comes...
This weekend, I am heading to Minot for the Annual Women's Retreat. I am so excited for the Christ focused fellowship with all these women! Not only that, but I have been asked to sing an incredible song called "Stronger." Just want to share the lyrics with you... Blessings and I hope to be better about blogging in the future (but no promises!)
"Stronger" Artist: Mandisa
Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather
Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...
Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger
'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger
Friday, November 12, 2010
Is it STILL fall??? and what to do when NO ONE is around...
Today is November 12... It is only about 45 degrees outside but the sun is shining and there has not been any snow on the grounds of the F/M area. This BEAUTIFUL weather is causing me to question whether or not Thanksgiving really is less than 2 weeks away... hard to believe!
However, I am hoping that my weekend plans will change all of that!
Jordan is out of town this weekend! He is at the Rodgers' farm FINALLY beginning work on our 2 Chevy pickups (by the time we are done with the 2... it will be one... hence we are naming it "Frankentruck"). I am SO glad it worked out for him to go... Jordan thrives by tinkering. Living in a one bedroom apartment does not allow for much tinkering (although he did fix my broken hair dryer last weekend). The stress of grad-school will be temporarily numbed, Jordan will get to spend some quality time with Papa Rodgers and the rest of the family, AND I AM GOING TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT!
Allow me to explain:
I have to admit that, at first, I was really bummed about this weekend. Jordan left on Wednesday night, so there was no way I could take those extra 2 days off of work, plus I need to spend some time with my Easter Seals friend, Dave, this weekend. I am an extrovert... I rejuvenate by spending time with people... so BEING ALONE is never really something I am excited about. Knowing I would be all alone this weekend... I attempted to make plans with some girl friends early this week. To make a long story short... I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH OUT PLANS THIS WEEKEND... EVERYONE ELSE IS SUPER BUSY!
-Maybe God has something to teach me through this... haven't figured it out yet but I'll keep you posted if I do -
In my distressed state early this week, realizing I seriously would be ALL ALONE this weekend, my husband came up with a plan for me! (He said I HAVE to follow the rules... ok... here's the plan). Tomorrow I will NOT step foot out of our apartment (only to do laundry), I am to sleep in as LATE as possible, I am to watch at least 3 Classic Christmas movies while working my Christmas gift crafts, bake something fun, read a book, and just RELAX! I seriously can't remember when I have had an entire Saturday to myself... just me (and God). I am kinda nervous about it... I like to stay busy and, again, I like to spend time with people. But, I think God must think that I need this time of peace and quiet...
I realize that most of you reading this would give just about anything for time like this... a few years ago while I was in college I would have LOVED a day like this too... no obligations... just time. But now that I have the time.... I don't know if I appreciate it as much as I should.
I really am going to try and enjoy this as much as I can... too much of our lives are busy and I need to learn to slow down..... so....
Here's to the quietest weekend I will probably ever have...
However, I am hoping that my weekend plans will change all of that!
Jordan is out of town this weekend! He is at the Rodgers' farm FINALLY beginning work on our 2 Chevy pickups (by the time we are done with the 2... it will be one... hence we are naming it "Frankentruck"). I am SO glad it worked out for him to go... Jordan thrives by tinkering. Living in a one bedroom apartment does not allow for much tinkering (although he did fix my broken hair dryer last weekend). The stress of grad-school will be temporarily numbed, Jordan will get to spend some quality time with Papa Rodgers and the rest of the family, AND I AM GOING TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT!
Allow me to explain:
I have to admit that, at first, I was really bummed about this weekend. Jordan left on Wednesday night, so there was no way I could take those extra 2 days off of work, plus I need to spend some time with my Easter Seals friend, Dave, this weekend. I am an extrovert... I rejuvenate by spending time with people... so BEING ALONE is never really something I am excited about. Knowing I would be all alone this weekend... I attempted to make plans with some girl friends early this week. To make a long story short... I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH OUT PLANS THIS WEEKEND... EVERYONE ELSE IS SUPER BUSY!
-Maybe God has something to teach me through this... haven't figured it out yet but I'll keep you posted if I do -
In my distressed state early this week, realizing I seriously would be ALL ALONE this weekend, my husband came up with a plan for me! (He said I HAVE to follow the rules... ok... here's the plan). Tomorrow I will NOT step foot out of our apartment (only to do laundry), I am to sleep in as LATE as possible, I am to watch at least 3 Classic Christmas movies while working my Christmas gift crafts, bake something fun, read a book, and just RELAX! I seriously can't remember when I have had an entire Saturday to myself... just me (and God). I am kinda nervous about it... I like to stay busy and, again, I like to spend time with people. But, I think God must think that I need this time of peace and quiet...
I realize that most of you reading this would give just about anything for time like this... a few years ago while I was in college I would have LOVED a day like this too... no obligations... just time. But now that I have the time.... I don't know if I appreciate it as much as I should.
I really am going to try and enjoy this as much as I can... too much of our lives are busy and I need to learn to slow down..... so....
Here's to the quietest weekend I will probably ever have...
Thursday, September 2, 2010
School... is... BACK!!!
Hey Family, Friends, and any other random people who come across this -
HAPPY SEPTEMBER!
-I love fall (mostly because of the clothing - sweaters, jeans, warm colors)!
-I enjoy the hustle and bustle of starting school again (probably because I don't have to deal with it any more)
- I LOVE that Zumba is back on the group class schedule at NDSU's Wellness Center
- Thunderhead Clouds (AKA: cumulonimbus clouds).... ARE AWESOME... we are having a little rain storm today!
- My husband rocks my socks off!
- I saved over $10 with my coupon clipping at the grocery store yesterday!
Ok... enough with the random notes. Life is good, God is great, and Jordan and I are STILL as crazy busy as ever! Although our summer adventures have ceased, we had a GREAT many hours at the lake with friends and family, and I even made a weekend get-away to Sioux Falls, SD to meet up with a precious friend from college! We had an AMAZING girly weekend full of manicures, shopping, fun food, and great chats.
Now... the semester has begun. It started out a bit stressful, as with most changing schedules. Jordan is feeling the wrath of grad school and ALWAYS has his nose in some sort of text book. His first test is NEXT WEEK ALREADY! He has also begun grading papers as part of his graduate assistant job. The other part of this job has been new, different, and overwhelming. Jordan is assisting a student who is blind through a class as well as doing some private tutoring for him. The student has a number of things which assist him (like a computer that reads things to him... he's actually very computer savy), but there are just certain things the computer can't read and so Jordan helps and explains (I hope I am kind of explaining this correctly). Either way... it has been a learning experience. I really enjoy visiting with Jordan about this... Jordan now has a greater understanding of some of the work I have done through the years with Easter Seals Goodwill (providing in home services for individuals with developmental disabilities). I have really appreciated how this has brought us a little closer to each other.... YEAH GOD!
This semester... WE GET TO HAVE LUNCH TOGETHER EVERY DAY!!!! I DEEPLY missed seeing Jordan at lunch this summer, and I'm SO glad we get to do this again!
So Jordan is super busy and I plan on being just as busy! Right now, my hours with Easter Seals have slowed down, and I'm in the process of lining up voice students. But for now... I'm only working full-time at the Eye Clinic, began co-leading our college women's small group (we will be reading UNTAMED by Lisa Harper... I'm PUMPED), semi-leading our praise team group at church, and FEEDING my husband! ;) I'm looking forward to working with voice students again... and I'm kinda hoping that the Easter Seals hours do not pick up... it leaves more time for me to get to the gym and keep my sanity!
Speaking of new fitness goals.... I just started up with SparkPeople.com.... really cool website and way to keep you accountable with your health goals. I was led to this website by a friend just a couple days ago... I was feeling pretty down and defeated with my poor eating habits lately and I needed a change. God is SOOOO good and lead me to something that will help me learn more about wellness through my life...
Labor Day weekend is full of NOTHING!!!! AND I CAN'T WAIT! I plan on vegging around our apartment with Jordan, watch HOUSE episode after HOUSE episode, or movie after movie. Maybe we'll go to the mall or something (if I can convince Jordan) lol But it will be relaxing and well needed!
I will keep you all posted with the happenings of the semester. We are doing well... God is good...
HAPPY SEPTEMBER!
-I love fall (mostly because of the clothing - sweaters, jeans, warm colors)!
-I enjoy the hustle and bustle of starting school again (probably because I don't have to deal with it any more)
- I LOVE that Zumba is back on the group class schedule at NDSU's Wellness Center
- Thunderhead Clouds (AKA: cumulonimbus clouds).... ARE AWESOME... we are having a little rain storm today!
- My husband rocks my socks off!
- I saved over $10 with my coupon clipping at the grocery store yesterday!
Ok... enough with the random notes. Life is good, God is great, and Jordan and I are STILL as crazy busy as ever! Although our summer adventures have ceased, we had a GREAT many hours at the lake with friends and family, and I even made a weekend get-away to Sioux Falls, SD to meet up with a precious friend from college! We had an AMAZING girly weekend full of manicures, shopping, fun food, and great chats.
Now... the semester has begun. It started out a bit stressful, as with most changing schedules. Jordan is feeling the wrath of grad school and ALWAYS has his nose in some sort of text book. His first test is NEXT WEEK ALREADY! He has also begun grading papers as part of his graduate assistant job. The other part of this job has been new, different, and overwhelming. Jordan is assisting a student who is blind through a class as well as doing some private tutoring for him. The student has a number of things which assist him (like a computer that reads things to him... he's actually very computer savy), but there are just certain things the computer can't read and so Jordan helps and explains (I hope I am kind of explaining this correctly). Either way... it has been a learning experience. I really enjoy visiting with Jordan about this... Jordan now has a greater understanding of some of the work I have done through the years with Easter Seals Goodwill (providing in home services for individuals with developmental disabilities). I have really appreciated how this has brought us a little closer to each other.... YEAH GOD!
This semester... WE GET TO HAVE LUNCH TOGETHER EVERY DAY!!!! I DEEPLY missed seeing Jordan at lunch this summer, and I'm SO glad we get to do this again!
So Jordan is super busy and I plan on being just as busy! Right now, my hours with Easter Seals have slowed down, and I'm in the process of lining up voice students. But for now... I'm only working full-time at the Eye Clinic, began co-leading our college women's small group (we will be reading UNTAMED by Lisa Harper... I'm PUMPED), semi-leading our praise team group at church, and FEEDING my husband! ;) I'm looking forward to working with voice students again... and I'm kinda hoping that the Easter Seals hours do not pick up... it leaves more time for me to get to the gym and keep my sanity!
Speaking of new fitness goals.... I just started up with SparkPeople.com.... really cool website and way to keep you accountable with your health goals. I was led to this website by a friend just a couple days ago... I was feeling pretty down and defeated with my poor eating habits lately and I needed a change. God is SOOOO good and lead me to something that will help me learn more about wellness through my life...
Labor Day weekend is full of NOTHING!!!! AND I CAN'T WAIT! I plan on vegging around our apartment with Jordan, watch HOUSE episode after HOUSE episode, or movie after movie. Maybe we'll go to the mall or something (if I can convince Jordan) lol But it will be relaxing and well needed!
I will keep you all posted with the happenings of the semester. We are doing well... God is good...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Are you happy?
HEY AGAIN!
I am really enjoying this rumbling thunderstorm today! We haven't had a good long rain all summer! I love the smell of rain and love the coolness that it has brought us after some HOT AND HUMID DAYS!
Work is again kinda slow today... we've had a few patients come in. One is a young male contact lenses wearer who also has SEVERE seasonal allergies. Basically, his underlids looked like raw hamburger because of the poor contact lenses hygiene and allergic reactions... ICK! Moral of this story... TAKE CARE OF YOUR CONTACTS... love Jocelyn ;)
Today, actually I have a specific question that I want to blog about. In all honesty, it is still not clear in my own head. I'm hoping that while writing this, it will become more clear.
Is anyone happy here? I mean REALLY happy... fully satisfied... complete. And I don't mean you have MOMENTS of happiness... I mean... are you ALWAYS HAPPY??? I'm assuming anyone who reads this will say no, just as I do. But it is a HUGE bummer right? I mean, isn't that what we are supposed to find? We are supposed to find a job, family, lifestyle, health, and purpose in our lives and when/if we do we will be happy.... at least that's what I hear...
I struggle with discontentment.... ALL THE TIME! Whether it is in my job, in my husband, in my body weight or fitness goals, and in our current financial state. But now I think I know why... I knew that Christ was supposed to fulfill me and give me purpose, but I was assuming that God would use these earthly things to make me happy while I was serving Him and bringing Him glory. I see my flaw in expecting these worldly things to make me happy... even though I used the excuse that God would use them to make me happy... (sorry if that is confusing)
Because worldly things can not make me happy, but I live in this world, am I still to look for happiness?
The conclusion that I came to was... NOPE... (I bet I've got you wondering now...).
I am ok with not being truly happy here on earth. I would like to share another quote from Max Lucado's book "When God Whispers Your Name." (Yes, I'm still reading it)
"The only ultimate disaster that can befall us, I have come to realize, is to feel ourselves to be home on earth. As long as we are aliens, we cannot forget our homeland."
"Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention... We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are 'like foreigners and strangers in this world' (1 Pet. 2:11)"
IT'S OK IF I'M NOT HAPPY! For some reason... I thought I was supposed to be happy. But my deep longing from something more is God telling me that there IS something more... full fellowship with Jesus in heaven... wow... pretty sure I will be happy there!
The moments in our lives like our wedding day, laughs, sunshine on our backs are only glimpses of what is in store for those who surrender their lives to Christ.
"God flirts with us. He tantalizes us. He romances us. Those moments are appetizers for the dish that is to come."
God has been sooo gracious to share this with me today... I am beginning to understand being content without happiness! Don't get me wrong... I AM JOYFUL... but I'm not happy... and that's ok!
"No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor. 2:9)
GET EXCITED!
I am really enjoying this rumbling thunderstorm today! We haven't had a good long rain all summer! I love the smell of rain and love the coolness that it has brought us after some HOT AND HUMID DAYS!
Work is again kinda slow today... we've had a few patients come in. One is a young male contact lenses wearer who also has SEVERE seasonal allergies. Basically, his underlids looked like raw hamburger because of the poor contact lenses hygiene and allergic reactions... ICK! Moral of this story... TAKE CARE OF YOUR CONTACTS... love Jocelyn ;)
Today, actually I have a specific question that I want to blog about. In all honesty, it is still not clear in my own head. I'm hoping that while writing this, it will become more clear.
Is anyone happy here? I mean REALLY happy... fully satisfied... complete. And I don't mean you have MOMENTS of happiness... I mean... are you ALWAYS HAPPY??? I'm assuming anyone who reads this will say no, just as I do. But it is a HUGE bummer right? I mean, isn't that what we are supposed to find? We are supposed to find a job, family, lifestyle, health, and purpose in our lives and when/if we do we will be happy.... at least that's what I hear...
I struggle with discontentment.... ALL THE TIME! Whether it is in my job, in my husband, in my body weight or fitness goals, and in our current financial state. But now I think I know why... I knew that Christ was supposed to fulfill me and give me purpose, but I was assuming that God would use these earthly things to make me happy while I was serving Him and bringing Him glory. I see my flaw in expecting these worldly things to make me happy... even though I used the excuse that God would use them to make me happy... (sorry if that is confusing)
Because worldly things can not make me happy, but I live in this world, am I still to look for happiness?
The conclusion that I came to was... NOPE... (I bet I've got you wondering now...).
I am ok with not being truly happy here on earth. I would like to share another quote from Max Lucado's book "When God Whispers Your Name." (Yes, I'm still reading it)
"The only ultimate disaster that can befall us, I have come to realize, is to feel ourselves to be home on earth. As long as we are aliens, we cannot forget our homeland."
"Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention... We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are 'like foreigners and strangers in this world' (1 Pet. 2:11)"
IT'S OK IF I'M NOT HAPPY! For some reason... I thought I was supposed to be happy. But my deep longing from something more is God telling me that there IS something more... full fellowship with Jesus in heaven... wow... pretty sure I will be happy there!
The moments in our lives like our wedding day, laughs, sunshine on our backs are only glimpses of what is in store for those who surrender their lives to Christ.
"God flirts with us. He tantalizes us. He romances us. Those moments are appetizers for the dish that is to come."
God has been sooo gracious to share this with me today... I am beginning to understand being content without happiness! Don't get me wrong... I AM JOYFUL... but I'm not happy... and that's ok!
"No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor. 2:9)
GET EXCITED!
Friday, July 23, 2010
"Eclipsing" Christ Standards - my 2 cents ;)
HAPPY FRIDAY TO EVERYONE! I am really looking forward to this weekend - we are heading to Medora... one of my favorite places on earth... and we are meeting up with BOTH of our families... my favorite people on earth! :D It will be a grand time!
Jordan and I RARELY go out for movies! We have a BOMBING projector, screen, and sound system with Blue Ray high def. so watching movies is almost BETTER at home because you don't have the crowds and the extra high prices. However, because I am a hopeless romantic and think that a date and going out to a movie can be more romantic than just staying home (maybe some of you can relate). Therefore, my wonderful husband appeases my request by taking me out way more often than I deserve! :D Our last date night, we went out to a fun little pizza place in downtown Fargo, Spicy Pie! $2 per slice of pizza and a very casual atmosphere.... I would HIGHLY recommend it! After our fun meal, we went to the "epic saga" in the Twilight series - "Eclipse!"
After seeing the first 2 movies, I can't say that I was IN LOVE with the shows, but I did enjoy them. The series is different than anything else that I have ever watched, the vampire and werewolf thing is edgy, and I liked the cinematography!
However, this last film has caused me to BLOG/RANT/RAVE whatever you want to call it...
*disclaimer* This is where I may lose some friends/hardcore Twilight fans ;)
On a couple lighter notes -
#1: Bella should TOTALLY go for the Werewolf! COME ON, GIRL! A Wolf = Warm, A Vampire = Cold, A Wolf = life/soul, A Vampire = Death/soulless! Also... Werewolves are just COOLER than Vampires... end of story! I'm sorry but sparkling skin can NOT keep you warm at night (I thought the scene up in the mountain was pretty hilarious - plus the fact that Edward could read Jacob's mind).
#2: The movies would be NOTHING without the supporting actors/actresses! I loved how Eclipse shared some of the stories of Cullens family. Jock Vampire, Emmett, is AWESOME... loved some of his one-liners through the show. I also loved Jasper and Alice's stories... plus I simply adore Carlisle Cullen and his drive to do good in a world that he doesn't even belong to anymore!
A few more serious notes -
#3: Family is VERY important in these films. I really appreciate how the families stand up for each other - fight against evil together - and support each other. Whether human, werewolf, or vampire, family is valued relationship throughout these movies.
#4: HOWEVER... marriage is NOT as valued as it should be, especially in this third movie. If I may quote Bella... "Marriage? It is just a piece of paper..."
*(I could not find the direct quotes online sooo I am paraphrasing a bit)
When I heard this... I WAS JUST ABOUT READY TO SCREAM (and then I remembered I was in a theater and not at home). Marriage is WAY more than a piece of paper... it is sacred union (between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN) to represent and reflect the grace, peace, and love that Jesus shows to His church! (I am still learning about the amazing significance of this relationship... I don't have room to blog about it.... but MARRIAGE IS WAY MORE THAN A PIECE OF PAPER, BELLA)!
#5: In referring to Edwards stance of saving sex until after marriage, Bella says something like, "Yeah, it is totally old-fashioned!" I don't remember hearing such blatant, clear language about this subject in such a popular movie... and this GREATLY concerns me! The ONLY reason Bella can not throw herself on Edward is because the physical action would kill her (vampires EAT blood... which humans are full of)! Bella is ready to throw away her precious gift of purity to a soul-less being... well I guess to her... purity is not that precious. However, purity boundaries were already crossed with Bella having a very intimate relationship with Edward as well as Jacob... this does NOT teach us about commitment and fidelity. (I think Jacob even talks about another relationship where there are three people involved (love triangle) while he's trying to convince Bella that she CAN be with him too... ??? WHAT ???) Also, did you notice the humorous scene where Bella's father tries to talk to her about sex. Unfortunately, the humor came through the awkwardness and few-words that father and daughter were able to say while talking about this very important issue. I was DEEPLY saddened by the disregard to purity, commitment, and the closed communication shown in this film.
Subpoints:
~Fathers, BE READY TO TALK TO YOUR DAUGHTERS HONESTLY AND OPENLY ABOUT SEX!
~Physical purity is VERY important, as the Bible states numerous times, and should not be taken lightly! Also, emotional and mental purity are just as important as physical purity! We need to teach our young people about emotional and mental purity before we can expect them to make a sound commitment to saving sex for marriage... (wish I could rant more but this is already VERY long)!
~Marriage is amazing and worth WAY more than this movie portrays!
Popculture, through movies like this, change our values without even knowing it. Do not let ECLIPSE eclipse the values that Christ has set for us.
*told you I was going to rant* ;)
Jordan and I RARELY go out for movies! We have a BOMBING projector, screen, and sound system with Blue Ray high def. so watching movies is almost BETTER at home because you don't have the crowds and the extra high prices. However, because I am a hopeless romantic and think that a date and going out to a movie can be more romantic than just staying home (maybe some of you can relate). Therefore, my wonderful husband appeases my request by taking me out way more often than I deserve! :D Our last date night, we went out to a fun little pizza place in downtown Fargo, Spicy Pie! $2 per slice of pizza and a very casual atmosphere.... I would HIGHLY recommend it! After our fun meal, we went to the "epic saga" in the Twilight series - "Eclipse!"
After seeing the first 2 movies, I can't say that I was IN LOVE with the shows, but I did enjoy them. The series is different than anything else that I have ever watched, the vampire and werewolf thing is edgy, and I liked the cinematography!
However, this last film has caused me to BLOG/RANT/RAVE whatever you want to call it...
*disclaimer* This is where I may lose some friends/hardcore Twilight fans ;)
On a couple lighter notes -
#1: Bella should TOTALLY go for the Werewolf! COME ON, GIRL! A Wolf = Warm, A Vampire = Cold, A Wolf = life/soul, A Vampire = Death/soulless! Also... Werewolves are just COOLER than Vampires... end of story! I'm sorry but sparkling skin can NOT keep you warm at night (I thought the scene up in the mountain was pretty hilarious - plus the fact that Edward could read Jacob's mind).
#2: The movies would be NOTHING without the supporting actors/actresses! I loved how Eclipse shared some of the stories of Cullens family. Jock Vampire, Emmett, is AWESOME... loved some of his one-liners through the show. I also loved Jasper and Alice's stories... plus I simply adore Carlisle Cullen and his drive to do good in a world that he doesn't even belong to anymore!
A few more serious notes -
#3: Family is VERY important in these films. I really appreciate how the families stand up for each other - fight against evil together - and support each other. Whether human, werewolf, or vampire, family is valued relationship throughout these movies.
#4: HOWEVER... marriage is NOT as valued as it should be, especially in this third movie. If I may quote Bella... "Marriage? It is just a piece of paper..."
*(I could not find the direct quotes online sooo I am paraphrasing a bit)
When I heard this... I WAS JUST ABOUT READY TO SCREAM (and then I remembered I was in a theater and not at home). Marriage is WAY more than a piece of paper... it is sacred union (between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN) to represent and reflect the grace, peace, and love that Jesus shows to His church! (I am still learning about the amazing significance of this relationship... I don't have room to blog about it.... but MARRIAGE IS WAY MORE THAN A PIECE OF PAPER, BELLA)!
#5: In referring to Edwards stance of saving sex until after marriage, Bella says something like, "Yeah, it is totally old-fashioned!" I don't remember hearing such blatant, clear language about this subject in such a popular movie... and this GREATLY concerns me! The ONLY reason Bella can not throw herself on Edward is because the physical action would kill her (vampires EAT blood... which humans are full of)! Bella is ready to throw away her precious gift of purity to a soul-less being... well I guess to her... purity is not that precious. However, purity boundaries were already crossed with Bella having a very intimate relationship with Edward as well as Jacob... this does NOT teach us about commitment and fidelity. (I think Jacob even talks about another relationship where there are three people involved (love triangle) while he's trying to convince Bella that she CAN be with him too... ??? WHAT ???) Also, did you notice the humorous scene where Bella's father tries to talk to her about sex. Unfortunately, the humor came through the awkwardness and few-words that father and daughter were able to say while talking about this very important issue. I was DEEPLY saddened by the disregard to purity, commitment, and the closed communication shown in this film.
Subpoints:
~Fathers, BE READY TO TALK TO YOUR DAUGHTERS HONESTLY AND OPENLY ABOUT SEX!
~Physical purity is VERY important, as the Bible states numerous times, and should not be taken lightly! Also, emotional and mental purity are just as important as physical purity! We need to teach our young people about emotional and mental purity before we can expect them to make a sound commitment to saving sex for marriage... (wish I could rant more but this is already VERY long)!
~Marriage is amazing and worth WAY more than this movie portrays!
Popculture, through movies like this, change our values without even knowing it. Do not let ECLIPSE eclipse the values that Christ has set for us.
*told you I was going to rant* ;)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Yet another direction!
This will be short and sweet today!
Next year, JORDAN WILL BE A GRADUATE ASSISTANT IN THE NDSU ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT!
God has answered our prayers with this job and we are really excited about this opportunity. Jordan thinks he would enjoy becoming a professor of accounting at NDSU, so this experience will be wonderful in getting to know the staff and seeing first hand what it would be like to be a professor. (Plus... it takes care of his tuition for us... YEAH)! However, this will be a REALLY busy year for him. He will be working 10 to 12 hours per week along with his full-time gradschool classes. Also, because he's a graduate student now, many of his classes are in the evenings.... boo... which may cause some conflict in our schedules. In other words.... we're excited but nervous!
Please remember us in your prayers... I will continue to work my full-time job, part-time job, and teach voice lessons... which leaves little time for us to focus on each other. (which makes me nervous). I know God will use this time to challenge us and change us... but we would definitely appreciate the prayers!
For now... we are going to continue to enjoy our FUN summer! We have a wedding this weekend, going to Medora the following weekend, and then I'm sure a few more lake weekends before the school semester begins!
Until next time ;)
p.s. In my next blog.... I plan to give my personal review of the latest Twilight movie "Eclipse".... STAY TUNED.... :D
Next year, JORDAN WILL BE A GRADUATE ASSISTANT IN THE NDSU ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT!
God has answered our prayers with this job and we are really excited about this opportunity. Jordan thinks he would enjoy becoming a professor of accounting at NDSU, so this experience will be wonderful in getting to know the staff and seeing first hand what it would be like to be a professor. (Plus... it takes care of his tuition for us... YEAH)! However, this will be a REALLY busy year for him. He will be working 10 to 12 hours per week along with his full-time gradschool classes. Also, because he's a graduate student now, many of his classes are in the evenings.... boo... which may cause some conflict in our schedules. In other words.... we're excited but nervous!
Please remember us in your prayers... I will continue to work my full-time job, part-time job, and teach voice lessons... which leaves little time for us to focus on each other. (which makes me nervous). I know God will use this time to challenge us and change us... but we would definitely appreciate the prayers!
For now... we are going to continue to enjoy our FUN summer! We have a wedding this weekend, going to Medora the following weekend, and then I'm sure a few more lake weekends before the school semester begins!
Until next time ;)
p.s. In my next blog.... I plan to give my personal review of the latest Twilight movie "Eclipse".... STAY TUNED.... :D
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