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...
Friday, November 12, 2010
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
Thursday, July 8, 2010
My Food Idol...
Greetings on this BEAUTIFUL day.... I really wish I was outside and NOT in this office! We have another slow day today but I am going to attempt to enjoy the slowness!
SO... as I wait for the first of our 2 patients for today... I felt like blogging about some personal struggles that I have been battling with for 9 months! (But I really have struggled with them my entire life)!
One of the many idols in my life is food... maybe you can relate. I enjoy food... probably too much! I love the accomplishment of cooking, I love the pleasure of tasting and eating, and I take MUCH comfort in food and I have often used it to cope with the stresses that life brings.
Last October, after finally getting a new job and being settled back in Fargo (from our summer in Minot), I decided it was time for a change in this ridiculous almost addictive relationship I had with food. I began counting my calories using a online site that helped you find out how many calories I was consuming daily and then helped me set goals of eating a healthier, balanced diet... without the binge eating! With the help of my husband in encouraging me to exercise, challenging me when I go for the ice cream, and praying for me, I have learned quite a few lessons....
Lesson #1: This is not just a physical battle.... this is a spiritual battle. A recent realization I had was that SELF-CONTROL REALLY IS A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT! Jesus has given me the power to overcome these addictive behaviors. Max Lucado states it well in his book "When God Whispers Your Name"... " "I choose self-control... I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control." (this is my new motto)
Lesson #2: Because I am imperfect... I will fail... but that does not mean that I quit! I have had many bad days (4th of July weekend for example.... WAY too many smores). It is sad that I did not allow the Holy Spirit to help control me... but I learn more about my weaknesses in those moments and I am up for another challenge when the next holiday comes.
Lesson #3: Exercise is actually fun and yes... I CAN RUN! For years, I told myself I hated running and running was just something I simply could not do. Well, surprise surprise, when I put my mind to it, running is not so scary. I started slow... jogging only a couple blocks at a time... and I'm not saying I'll be doing marathons anytime soon... but exercise does not scare me anymore and I have found going out for a jog a great way to meet with Jesus and talk with Him... thanking Him for the physical body He has given me and the beautiful creation... again... it is a neat spiritual experience!
Lesson #4: I'm not only obsessed with food.... I'm obsessed with my own vanity! I am now less excited and less motivated because I have come to a plateau in my journey. For a while, I was loosing weight and things were fitting looser and looser... I was gaining some serious confident and I was very pleased with how I looked. I'm not making that type of progress anymore and I have found myself down about it.... What I think Jesus is trying to teach me is that I have a vanity idol (another idol) and I need to focus on becoming more healthy... not just more thin!
I'm going to the gym tonight... :D My biggest prayer request is that I can continue these healthy habits all through my life, especially after big changes... (moving, children, death in the family etc.)
Hope this has encouraged some of you and maybe challenged others.... I will end with a few verses that sum it up pretty well....
1st Corinthians 10-11-13
11These things happened to them [Israelite] as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
SO... as I wait for the first of our 2 patients for today... I felt like blogging about some personal struggles that I have been battling with for 9 months! (But I really have struggled with them my entire life)!
One of the many idols in my life is food... maybe you can relate. I enjoy food... probably too much! I love the accomplishment of cooking, I love the pleasure of tasting and eating, and I take MUCH comfort in food and I have often used it to cope with the stresses that life brings.
Last October, after finally getting a new job and being settled back in Fargo (from our summer in Minot), I decided it was time for a change in this ridiculous almost addictive relationship I had with food. I began counting my calories using a online site that helped you find out how many calories I was consuming daily and then helped me set goals of eating a healthier, balanced diet... without the binge eating! With the help of my husband in encouraging me to exercise, challenging me when I go for the ice cream, and praying for me, I have learned quite a few lessons....
Lesson #1: This is not just a physical battle.... this is a spiritual battle. A recent realization I had was that SELF-CONTROL REALLY IS A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT! Jesus has given me the power to overcome these addictive behaviors. Max Lucado states it well in his book "When God Whispers Your Name"... " "I choose self-control... I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control." (this is my new motto)
Lesson #2: Because I am imperfect... I will fail... but that does not mean that I quit! I have had many bad days (4th of July weekend for example.... WAY too many smores). It is sad that I did not allow the Holy Spirit to help control me... but I learn more about my weaknesses in those moments and I am up for another challenge when the next holiday comes.
Lesson #3: Exercise is actually fun and yes... I CAN RUN! For years, I told myself I hated running and running was just something I simply could not do. Well, surprise surprise, when I put my mind to it, running is not so scary. I started slow... jogging only a couple blocks at a time... and I'm not saying I'll be doing marathons anytime soon... but exercise does not scare me anymore and I have found going out for a jog a great way to meet with Jesus and talk with Him... thanking Him for the physical body He has given me and the beautiful creation... again... it is a neat spiritual experience!
Lesson #4: I'm not only obsessed with food.... I'm obsessed with my own vanity! I am now less excited and less motivated because I have come to a plateau in my journey. For a while, I was loosing weight and things were fitting looser and looser... I was gaining some serious confident and I was very pleased with how I looked. I'm not making that type of progress anymore and I have found myself down about it.... What I think Jesus is trying to teach me is that I have a vanity idol (another idol) and I need to focus on becoming more healthy... not just more thin!
I'm going to the gym tonight... :D My biggest prayer request is that I can continue these healthy habits all through my life, especially after big changes... (moving, children, death in the family etc.)
Hope this has encouraged some of you and maybe challenged others.... I will end with a few verses that sum it up pretty well....
1st Corinthians 10-11-13
11These things happened to them [Israelite] as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Jordan's Graduation and picnic
My dad, Seth, and Ben at the after picnic!
Waiting before the ceremony started. (starting from left to right: Janet, Howard, Jacob, and Caleb)
Jordan and Grandma Charlotte
Jordan and his parents (Howard and Janet Rodgers)
Jordan and Me.... I'm so proud!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
nothing clever ;)
Greetings:
Kind of an odd day today... we only have three patients scheduled and it seems as though the sky could spit out a tornado at any minute! However... I am at work again... in our quaint little office, awaiting any poor soul who may have a foreign object stuck in his/her eye.
The summer is going super fast... I have some pictures to share but I apologize for not having them up yet... I have little patience when it comes to uploading pics. I am enjoying using my brand-new CAMERA which my husband picked out for my birthday in May! It really takes some GREAT shots so I'm excited to share!
Our summer really hasn't been all that exciting but it seems to stay busy. We haven't been to the lake or even one of Jordan's softball games due to weather or the fact that Jordan was fighting a nasty bug (he self-diagnosed it as viral meningitis). He is FINALLY better but is slowly getting his strength in the gym back. He's enjoying working full-days with Aaron Carlson! I have been working at least two evenings a week for Easter Seals as well as my full-time day job at the Optometry office. I have done a bit of applying for other jobs... but God must REALLY want me to stay here... I have not heard one word from any of these other businesses.
And so we keep on keepin' on!
During the slow days at the office and in my spare time, I have been doing some reading! (Reading is actually fun now that I get to pick exactly what material I get to read, I get to read at my own pace, and I'm not graded on the material.) I have read:
"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan
"Here Burns my Candle" by Liz Curtis Higgs
and I'm in the process of reading:
"When God Whispers Your Name" by Max Lucado and
"Pocket Handbook of Christian Apologetics" by Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli
(the apologetics one is REALLY stretching my brain - I'm glad I have a VERY logic driven husband who can interpret for me at times!) I have greatly enjoyed learning OUTSIDE of the college atmosphere... it is WAY more fun! God has been teaching me a lot of things through all this reading...
I've also found myself praying more throughout the day... just for whatever is on my heart. We have many friends and family members who are struggling with infertility and a few who have lost babies before they were born. My mom and sister are currently in Romania doing a missions project through the First Baptist Church Youth Group in Minot. Three of our 4 grandmothers are now widows... and I think of them often. There are many other things that come to mind... but I have just been overwhelmed by the fact that the God who created this WHOLE world and the universe in which it exists CARES about me and my family and my friends and the pain (either emotional or physical) that we face.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Peace... My heart longs for peace... there are moments that I feel it, but many times that I do not. SO - - - I keep leaning on Jesus and I hope I can continue this pattern of prayer throughout my days!
Blessings and Grace to you... wherever you are... and however your feeling...
p.s. I promise to get fun summer/graduation photos up soon!!! MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL!
Kind of an odd day today... we only have three patients scheduled and it seems as though the sky could spit out a tornado at any minute! However... I am at work again... in our quaint little office, awaiting any poor soul who may have a foreign object stuck in his/her eye.
The summer is going super fast... I have some pictures to share but I apologize for not having them up yet... I have little patience when it comes to uploading pics. I am enjoying using my brand-new CAMERA which my husband picked out for my birthday in May! It really takes some GREAT shots so I'm excited to share!
Our summer really hasn't been all that exciting but it seems to stay busy. We haven't been to the lake or even one of Jordan's softball games due to weather or the fact that Jordan was fighting a nasty bug (he self-diagnosed it as viral meningitis). He is FINALLY better but is slowly getting his strength in the gym back. He's enjoying working full-days with Aaron Carlson! I have been working at least two evenings a week for Easter Seals as well as my full-time day job at the Optometry office. I have done a bit of applying for other jobs... but God must REALLY want me to stay here... I have not heard one word from any of these other businesses.
And so we keep on keepin' on!
During the slow days at the office and in my spare time, I have been doing some reading! (Reading is actually fun now that I get to pick exactly what material I get to read, I get to read at my own pace, and I'm not graded on the material.) I have read:
"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan
"Here Burns my Candle" by Liz Curtis Higgs
and I'm in the process of reading:
"When God Whispers Your Name" by Max Lucado and
"Pocket Handbook of Christian Apologetics" by Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli
(the apologetics one is REALLY stretching my brain - I'm glad I have a VERY logic driven husband who can interpret for me at times!) I have greatly enjoyed learning OUTSIDE of the college atmosphere... it is WAY more fun! God has been teaching me a lot of things through all this reading...
I've also found myself praying more throughout the day... just for whatever is on my heart. We have many friends and family members who are struggling with infertility and a few who have lost babies before they were born. My mom and sister are currently in Romania doing a missions project through the First Baptist Church Youth Group in Minot. Three of our 4 grandmothers are now widows... and I think of them often. There are many other things that come to mind... but I have just been overwhelmed by the fact that the God who created this WHOLE world and the universe in which it exists CARES about me and my family and my friends and the pain (either emotional or physical) that we face.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Peace... My heart longs for peace... there are moments that I feel it, but many times that I do not. SO - - - I keep leaning on Jesus and I hope I can continue this pattern of prayer throughout my days!
Blessings and Grace to you... wherever you are... and however your feeling...
p.s. I promise to get fun summer/graduation photos up soon!!! MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
ZOOM... ZOOM... ZOOM!
So here it is.... June... officially the beginning of the summer months. May was full, fast, and furious. With Grandma Klingbeil's 80th birthday party, Jordan's College Graduation, Grandpa Klingbeil's funeral, my birthday, memorial day weekend... I am tired. But not physically tired... more emotionally tired... maybe even spiritually tired.
It has been so encouraging to have Jesus by my side through it all. Even though I am NOT fully focused on Him, He is near, holding me close and giving me peace when the rest of the world ZOOMS on! (hence the title)
In honor of my Grandfather, Howard Klingbeil (and the fact that we just passed memorial day weekend), I wanted to share a bit about this past weekend while singing at and attending Grandpa's funeral.
Grandpa Klingbeil went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 27th 2010. Although I am sad that we will never see him again sitting at the head of the table for HUGE family gatherings, I'm sad that I will never hear his warm voice and see his welcoming smile, and I'm sad I will never have to make sugar-free lefsa specially for him during the holiday meal prep... I am praising God that Grandpa is with Jesus... no longer suffering in a fragile, ill, worldly body. Grandpa is home.
However, he has left behind 9 great grandchildren, 23 grandchildren, 8 sons, his wife: Marion, and his mother-in-law: Great-Grandma Clarice Vinje. The hardest part of the weekend was watching the tears flow from Grandma Marion and Great-Grandma Vinje's eyes. They both know that Grandpa is with Jesus, yet, they weep over the loss. I had some time after the funeral to visit with my 101 year old, Jesus preaching Great-Grandma, who is 4'5" and shrinking.
Can you imagine the loss she has seen through her life? I like to call her the last of the Mohicans. There are very few people on this Earth who can relate to her and understand her current living situation and understand the world that she grew up in. She is the wisest woman I have ever met and she is deeply in love with Jesus. But... even at 101 years old she cried to Jesus asking, "Why?" Why must I watch my son-in-law (who was more like a son to me) be buried? Why do you still have me on this Earth, Lord? How much work could you possibly do through this old, body?
We will never fully understand why we must suffer or linger in this sinful world (no matter how old or wise we become). And, we are not guaranteed a life without suffering or pain. In fact, we DESERVE an eternity FULL of pain, despair, and loneliness. But what has Jesus offered us through His great and perfect sacrifice? Eternal peace, joy, and fellowship with the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
So while this life zooms around us and past us, do not miss the things (actually the one thing) that will matter when you are lying on your death bed. I hope and pray you choose Jesus and I pray that you share Jesus with others. There is no better way to say you love someone than to introduce them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Before we meet our Jesus - we will have pain and we will have loss. I want to share this song with you that I sang for the funeral.... I pray it encourages you.
"See" by Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-25KlfLJOFg
Psalm 63:1-5 "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth with praise you."
It has been so encouraging to have Jesus by my side through it all. Even though I am NOT fully focused on Him, He is near, holding me close and giving me peace when the rest of the world ZOOMS on! (hence the title)
In honor of my Grandfather, Howard Klingbeil (and the fact that we just passed memorial day weekend), I wanted to share a bit about this past weekend while singing at and attending Grandpa's funeral.
Grandpa Klingbeil went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 27th 2010. Although I am sad that we will never see him again sitting at the head of the table for HUGE family gatherings, I'm sad that I will never hear his warm voice and see his welcoming smile, and I'm sad I will never have to make sugar-free lefsa specially for him during the holiday meal prep... I am praising God that Grandpa is with Jesus... no longer suffering in a fragile, ill, worldly body. Grandpa is home.
However, he has left behind 9 great grandchildren, 23 grandchildren, 8 sons, his wife: Marion, and his mother-in-law: Great-Grandma Clarice Vinje. The hardest part of the weekend was watching the tears flow from Grandma Marion and Great-Grandma Vinje's eyes. They both know that Grandpa is with Jesus, yet, they weep over the loss. I had some time after the funeral to visit with my 101 year old, Jesus preaching Great-Grandma, who is 4'5" and shrinking.
Can you imagine the loss she has seen through her life? I like to call her the last of the Mohicans. There are very few people on this Earth who can relate to her and understand her current living situation and understand the world that she grew up in. She is the wisest woman I have ever met and she is deeply in love with Jesus. But... even at 101 years old she cried to Jesus asking, "Why?" Why must I watch my son-in-law (who was more like a son to me) be buried? Why do you still have me on this Earth, Lord? How much work could you possibly do through this old, body?
We will never fully understand why we must suffer or linger in this sinful world (no matter how old or wise we become). And, we are not guaranteed a life without suffering or pain. In fact, we DESERVE an eternity FULL of pain, despair, and loneliness. But what has Jesus offered us through His great and perfect sacrifice? Eternal peace, joy, and fellowship with the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
So while this life zooms around us and past us, do not miss the things (actually the one thing) that will matter when you are lying on your death bed. I hope and pray you choose Jesus and I pray that you share Jesus with others. There is no better way to say you love someone than to introduce them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Before we meet our Jesus - we will have pain and we will have loss. I want to share this song with you that I sang for the funeral.... I pray it encourages you.
"See" by Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-25KlfLJOFg
Psalm 63:1-5 "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth with praise you."
Friday, April 23, 2010
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Jordan was on his computer one evening after we had just watched the movie "Jumper." (a movie about humans who can teleport). He was going through youtube videos, then all of a sudden, stopped! He turned and asked me.... "Would you rather be able to teleport or have the superpowers of Wolverine?" (Wolverine is his FAVORITE super hero... by far). As the woman I am, thinking "Teleporting would make grocery shopping way easier.... it would make carrying laundry down to the public laundry room way easier.... etc." SO.... I quickly replied to my husband's question.... "TELEPORTING... all the way." With a smile, Jordan said, "Well GOOD... then I can have Wolverine's powers and you can have the teleporting!"
We were just being goofy, but I still think that teleporting would be AWESOME! Can you imagine a vacation if you were able to teleport? I was just thinking how wonderful it would be to have a cup of joe with my friend, Sarah Schelkoph, who is living in Germany! I COULD JUST TELEPORT!
However... I would NOT want to be a parent if my children could teleport... can you imagine a teleporting toddler? or how about a teleporting teenager? YIKES!
HA HA!.... SO.... I regress.... it is Friday... and work is slow enough that I can blog about teleporting....
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
We were just being goofy, but I still think that teleporting would be AWESOME! Can you imagine a vacation if you were able to teleport? I was just thinking how wonderful it would be to have a cup of joe with my friend, Sarah Schelkoph, who is living in Germany! I COULD JUST TELEPORT!
However... I would NOT want to be a parent if my children could teleport... can you imagine a teleporting toddler? or how about a teleporting teenager? YIKES!
HA HA!.... SO.... I regress.... it is Friday... and work is slow enough that I can blog about teleporting....
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Spring Fever!
HAPPY END OF MARCH!!!
Yes... I know it has been way to long since I have blogged... but I really don't feel like I had anything interesting to share!
I have been dragging through the days the past couple months, however, now that the weather is much more lovely, I'm beginning to feel more energized!
Today is the "END OF THE MONTH" at work... which means everyone else is doing yucky paperwork - while I sit here... at my desk (maybe clean a couple things if needed) but mostly sit at my desk!
This job is beginning to wear on me! I think the thing that I dislike the most is that I am not needed! I am pretty sure that if the other two gals in the office wanted to, they could do my job... (which they did for 4 months before I was hired) - making me feel VERY disposable. Not feeling needed or appreciated at work stinks... and makes it really hard for me to keep a joyful spirit some days. (Thankfully... my amazing husband is good at making me laugh.... I LOVE coming home to that man). There are many other things about this archaic office and my all-knowing boss that I could rant and rave about... but instead I will just share with you all that I am CONTINUING to look for a different full-time job!
I have been applying to a number of the Nursing Homes and Assisted Living places around town (I REALLY ENJOYING WORKING WITH THE GERIATRIC POPULATION). So, for now, I am trying to wait on my Jesus, learning about contentment, and trying to do the best work I can where I am today.
Jordan has just started some part-time work at NDSU (which will turn into full-time work for the summer) - working for Aaron Carlson (a friend from church)! He enjoys manual labor and seeing the physical progress of the work that he does! I'm really glad he enjoys his work so much - and he continues to excel in all of his college classes! He will graduate on May 16th, 2010 with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration! I'M EXCITED... and pretty sure I need to make a sign or wear a customized "I LOVE JORDAN" t-shirt for the occasion!
We are heading to Minot this weekend to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the Klingbeils! (I have a feeling my spirits will definitely be lifted after this weekend!... I can't wait!)
Wish you all a very happy spring! GET OUTSIDE!!! The weather is amazing! And I'll try and come up with something interesting to blog about... but I'm not promising anything!
Blessings!
Yes... I know it has been way to long since I have blogged... but I really don't feel like I had anything interesting to share!
I have been dragging through the days the past couple months, however, now that the weather is much more lovely, I'm beginning to feel more energized!
Today is the "END OF THE MONTH" at work... which means everyone else is doing yucky paperwork - while I sit here... at my desk (maybe clean a couple things if needed) but mostly sit at my desk!
This job is beginning to wear on me! I think the thing that I dislike the most is that I am not needed! I am pretty sure that if the other two gals in the office wanted to, they could do my job... (which they did for 4 months before I was hired) - making me feel VERY disposable. Not feeling needed or appreciated at work stinks... and makes it really hard for me to keep a joyful spirit some days. (Thankfully... my amazing husband is good at making me laugh.... I LOVE coming home to that man). There are many other things about this archaic office and my all-knowing boss that I could rant and rave about... but instead I will just share with you all that I am CONTINUING to look for a different full-time job!
I have been applying to a number of the Nursing Homes and Assisted Living places around town (I REALLY ENJOYING WORKING WITH THE GERIATRIC POPULATION). So, for now, I am trying to wait on my Jesus, learning about contentment, and trying to do the best work I can where I am today.
Jordan has just started some part-time work at NDSU (which will turn into full-time work for the summer) - working for Aaron Carlson (a friend from church)! He enjoys manual labor and seeing the physical progress of the work that he does! I'm really glad he enjoys his work so much - and he continues to excel in all of his college classes! He will graduate on May 16th, 2010 with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration! I'M EXCITED... and pretty sure I need to make a sign or wear a customized "I LOVE JORDAN" t-shirt for the occasion!
We are heading to Minot this weekend to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the Klingbeils! (I have a feeling my spirits will definitely be lifted after this weekend!... I can't wait!)
Wish you all a very happy spring! GET OUTSIDE!!! The weather is amazing! And I'll try and come up with something interesting to blog about... but I'm not promising anything!
Blessings!
Friday, January 29, 2010
TARGET: ACQUIRED... PATH: UNKNOWN
HAPPY END OF JANUARY!!!!
I get very excited when I think that spring is on its way.
Jordan is a fourth of the way done with his FINAL semester before obtaining his undergrad degree in accounting and business. I am so proud of him.... do you know that he is pulling a 4.0 GPA??? yah... I know... amazing! Although, every semester brings challenges. Just this week, he had the unfortunate opportunity to witness BLATANT plagiarism by a fellow group member. He was working on a group paper, received this group member's written part of the paper in an e-mail, and discovered that he had CUT and PASTED sentences from a government website into his portion of the paper. Jordan informed the rest of the group members and needless to say, the rest of the group will not be working with this individual any longer. (the joy of group projects). BUT... the end is near... kind of....
HERE'S THE BIG NEWS!!!! Jordan has decided to pursue a career as a Professor of Accounting, PHD! We have turned down the job offer in Minot (sorry FMC) and Jordan will be continuing his Master in Accounting at NDSU. We are excited to stay in Fargo for the time being, and we FINALLY feel like this is the direction that God is leading us. As far as a future after Fargo... Jordan will need to get some accounting experience before he can be accepted into a Doctorate program. So depending on where he wants to go for his PHD (FL, Minneapolis, WA,... there are many options... none very close to home) that is where he will be looking for a job in accounting. And then... maybe back to NDSU or MSU to teach accounting. So (there is where my title comes in ) TARGET: acquired ... PATH: unknown
God is good and will provide our way... but for now... WE'RE STAYING IN FARGO!
I am VERY happy about this for a number of reasons.
#1... college women's small group! I have been helping lead the college women's small group for Calvary, and this semester, the girls requested that we dig a little deeper and challenge ourselves in the issue of purity. AWESOME.... I am sooo pumped for what God will teach these amazing girls and myself. (we are going to be going through the book "Every Woman's Battle"). However, these means A LOT more work from me and the other leader. But thanks to my job... which is VERY slow during the winter months when our geriatric patients do not like to come out in the cold and ice... I have plenty of time to research, prepare, and pray. God is showing me His great and perfect plan through this seemingly meaningless job. I am still periodically looking for a job in social work, but for now I am very much at peace with where God has placed me (most days anyway) ;)
#2... I am building new friendships! There are a number of friendships that have blossomed since last semester and I'm very thankful that we have the opportunity to continue to strengthen those relationships.
#3... CALVARY SUMMER SOFTBALL NIGHTS!!! Our first summer married, Jordan and I lived here in Fargo (last summer we were in Minot). Anyway, I think my favorite part of our first summer here was softball nights. I got to go out into the beautiful summer weather between 6 and 7 pm, watch my sexy husband hit some balls and run around some bases, and have marvelous girl time with the rest of the girl friends and wives of the softball players! It was such a blessing and I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER!
I want to thank you all for your prayers as this decision was so daunting at first. But God has really cleared the way for us and His grace ever surrounds us.
Thanks for reading!
Blessings,
Jocelyn
I get very excited when I think that spring is on its way.
Jordan is a fourth of the way done with his FINAL semester before obtaining his undergrad degree in accounting and business. I am so proud of him.... do you know that he is pulling a 4.0 GPA??? yah... I know... amazing! Although, every semester brings challenges. Just this week, he had the unfortunate opportunity to witness BLATANT plagiarism by a fellow group member. He was working on a group paper, received this group member's written part of the paper in an e-mail, and discovered that he had CUT and PASTED sentences from a government website into his portion of the paper. Jordan informed the rest of the group members and needless to say, the rest of the group will not be working with this individual any longer. (the joy of group projects). BUT... the end is near... kind of....
HERE'S THE BIG NEWS!!!! Jordan has decided to pursue a career as a Professor of Accounting, PHD! We have turned down the job offer in Minot (sorry FMC) and Jordan will be continuing his Master in Accounting at NDSU. We are excited to stay in Fargo for the time being, and we FINALLY feel like this is the direction that God is leading us. As far as a future after Fargo... Jordan will need to get some accounting experience before he can be accepted into a Doctorate program. So depending on where he wants to go for his PHD (FL, Minneapolis, WA,... there are many options... none very close to home) that is where he will be looking for a job in accounting. And then... maybe back to NDSU or MSU to teach accounting. So (there is where my title comes in ) TARGET: acquired ... PATH: unknown
God is good and will provide our way... but for now... WE'RE STAYING IN FARGO!
I am VERY happy about this for a number of reasons.
#1... college women's small group! I have been helping lead the college women's small group for Calvary, and this semester, the girls requested that we dig a little deeper and challenge ourselves in the issue of purity. AWESOME.... I am sooo pumped for what God will teach these amazing girls and myself. (we are going to be going through the book "Every Woman's Battle"). However, these means A LOT more work from me and the other leader. But thanks to my job... which is VERY slow during the winter months when our geriatric patients do not like to come out in the cold and ice... I have plenty of time to research, prepare, and pray. God is showing me His great and perfect plan through this seemingly meaningless job. I am still periodically looking for a job in social work, but for now I am very much at peace with where God has placed me (most days anyway) ;)
#2... I am building new friendships! There are a number of friendships that have blossomed since last semester and I'm very thankful that we have the opportunity to continue to strengthen those relationships.
#3... CALVARY SUMMER SOFTBALL NIGHTS!!! Our first summer married, Jordan and I lived here in Fargo (last summer we were in Minot). Anyway, I think my favorite part of our first summer here was softball nights. I got to go out into the beautiful summer weather between 6 and 7 pm, watch my sexy husband hit some balls and run around some bases, and have marvelous girl time with the rest of the girl friends and wives of the softball players! It was such a blessing and I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER!
I want to thank you all for your prayers as this decision was so daunting at first. But God has really cleared the way for us and His grace ever surrounds us.
Thanks for reading!
Blessings,
Jocelyn
Monday, January 11, 2010
2nd Anniversary Pictures!
Hey All -
Here is a link to some of our photos. They were taken on our 2nd Anniversary. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.gemarphotographyblog.com/
Monday, January 4, 2010
God's Grace....
After re-reading my previous blog, I realize I sound like a crabby pants. And maybe I was... but hopefully, through this post, you will see a change in attitude.
The end of my Christmas break was this past Sunday, January 3rd. However, Jordan does not start school again until next Monday. So, with many tears, I left for Fargo without my husband. During this short time, I have learned many things about living alone that I normally take for granted... especially when you don't have that one person to come and help you whenever you need it. Anyway, I have been missing my husband... A LOT... and I am very thankful to have a God that ALWAYS takes care of His children... even in the smallest ways.
As you all know, I have been having many tire pressure issues. We attempted to resolve them over Christmas Break by putting a different set of tires on the Honda. However, these tires have been sitting in a garage for the last 6 months and therefore, are not holding a consistent air pressure yet.
Being extra paranoid, I have been looking at my tires quite frequently. So today, towards the end of my lunch break, I again checked the tire pressures. It was after I was visiting with Jordan on the phone. Sure enough, the front right passenger tire was low. So, I took the air pumper, which Jordan gave me, and went pumping. Probably due to operator error or other factors, the pressure on the tire just kept getting lower and lower (down to 15 PSI, if anyone’s interested). Thankfully, Jordan was on the phone with me and gave me sound, calm instructions as my emotions were causing my eyes to fill with tears. (Yes, I realize this may seem like a silly thing to waste tears over. But, I was missing my husband, mad at my tires, frustrated with myself for not being self efficient, and angry that I had to figure it out by myself.... hence the tears.)
Jordan suggested that I stop trying to fill it up with air, and that I go to Tires Plus which would have an indoor air pump (which would not be frozen like the gas station air pumps) and ask them to fill it up. On my way to Tires Plus (which was a good 15 minute drive away... and I was already late from my lunch break), I saw a random body shop/tow truck building and assumed that they would have some sort of air pump. I got my emotions semi-under control and walked into the body shop.
(This is the cool part - and the reason I'm telling you this story). By the GRACE OF GOD... the guy working in this body shop is a friend of Jordan and mine from Calvary Church (CJ Schnase). I had NO idea that he worked there, but it was such a comfort to have someone that I know and trust, help me with my tire this afternoon.
So there you go… God’s Grace…. At work in our lives… through even the little things. I challenge you to look for God’s Grace in your life…. You might miss it if you do not open your eyes.
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feed them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to this life?”
The end of my Christmas break was this past Sunday, January 3rd. However, Jordan does not start school again until next Monday. So, with many tears, I left for Fargo without my husband. During this short time, I have learned many things about living alone that I normally take for granted... especially when you don't have that one person to come and help you whenever you need it. Anyway, I have been missing my husband... A LOT... and I am very thankful to have a God that ALWAYS takes care of His children... even in the smallest ways.
As you all know, I have been having many tire pressure issues. We attempted to resolve them over Christmas Break by putting a different set of tires on the Honda. However, these tires have been sitting in a garage for the last 6 months and therefore, are not holding a consistent air pressure yet.
Being extra paranoid, I have been looking at my tires quite frequently. So today, towards the end of my lunch break, I again checked the tire pressures. It was after I was visiting with Jordan on the phone. Sure enough, the front right passenger tire was low. So, I took the air pumper, which Jordan gave me, and went pumping. Probably due to operator error or other factors, the pressure on the tire just kept getting lower and lower (down to 15 PSI, if anyone’s interested). Thankfully, Jordan was on the phone with me and gave me sound, calm instructions as my emotions were causing my eyes to fill with tears. (Yes, I realize this may seem like a silly thing to waste tears over. But, I was missing my husband, mad at my tires, frustrated with myself for not being self efficient, and angry that I had to figure it out by myself.... hence the tears.)
Jordan suggested that I stop trying to fill it up with air, and that I go to Tires Plus which would have an indoor air pump (which would not be frozen like the gas station air pumps) and ask them to fill it up. On my way to Tires Plus (which was a good 15 minute drive away... and I was already late from my lunch break), I saw a random body shop/tow truck building and assumed that they would have some sort of air pump. I got my emotions semi-under control and walked into the body shop.
(This is the cool part - and the reason I'm telling you this story). By the GRACE OF GOD... the guy working in this body shop is a friend of Jordan and mine from Calvary Church (CJ Schnase). I had NO idea that he worked there, but it was such a comfort to have someone that I know and trust, help me with my tire this afternoon.
So there you go… God’s Grace…. At work in our lives… through even the little things. I challenge you to look for God’s Grace in your life…. You might miss it if you do not open your eyes.
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feed them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to this life?”
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