Our Christmas

Was wonderful. We managed to get our two clans together to celebrate! I mean, seriously, who has in laws that get along?! So cool. Not only do we get along, we actually feel like family. Not awkward. I think it helps that we've all known each other so long. 


I know you're all wondering, "where's the pictures of the new apartment?!" Gosh, hold your horses. I have to clean the place first! I don't want to air my not-so-tidy living space out in the open for all the world to see. :P 


Random tangent: Funniest quote of the day, my boss declares he doesn't want his change of two pennies if they're not shiny because, "They'll be a disgrace to my pocket."


On another seemingly unrelated note, I tried a new product today at work. It's supposed to be like a pre-workout supplement/energy booster/ performance helper. Basically it tastes like tang, delicious. I apparently have little to no tolerance for caffeine because in no time I was amped up, shaky and giggling to myself for no reason! Seriously I couldn't stop laughing and I started tripping over stuff cause I was moving too fast. My manager was then quizzing me on some items I've recently learned and all my mind could think of at the end of my spiel was some ridiculous quote from homestarrunner.com. Don't ask how my mind made the correlation, but they stood there, staring at me... dumbfounded. The stuff is brilliant. They day flew by and I never once felt tired. Can you say, wired? (judging by the state of this blog the effects still haven't worn off.)




Anyways. Now that I'm done being ADD. I shall recount some of this years loot from Christmas:

• A crock-pot. (Yay! Someone to do the cooking for me. AND it's dishwasher safe, so I don't even have to wash it myself. How lazy is that? What can I say, I'm American...)
• Some super fun crafting supplies, like paper cutters, crocheting needles. 
• The Help (An AMAZING film, btw. Go, watch it now. Well, not now. After you're done reading of course!)
• My S-I-L and her husband bought us a Wii! Yay, no more joint custody of the other one, and I can get back to wii-fit. My body is thankful, Tom and Amanda!
• The mother of all gifts this year was a memory foam topper for our mattress! Halelujiah, we can sleep restfully again. The gift that keeps on giving. And lets be honest, sleeping is one my favorite parts of the day. My favorite past time just got better!

We are so blessed. 
OH, I'll have to post about our bible study's Crafty Christmas Party soon. I don't want to overwhelm you all right now. 


Hope that wherever you are, your Christmas was magical, filled with goodness and goodies. May your New Year be filled with passion, that whatever you do, that you do it your best. We're looking forward to a new year, full of new adventures, endeavors and less debt! Here's to changing the world in whatever way we can, loving people, and making our section of the world a little brighter and more beautiful as we go in the love of God. 

Peaceful Movement

So far we've spent two nights in our new place, and all I can say is it sure is peaceful! All told it only took 2 hours to get everything moved in! Is that some kind of record? Well, unpacking took much longer. Even still, everything was unpacked and realtively "at home" by the end of the day. 


Yesterday we slept in, decorated for Christmas and hung all our art on the wall. Now it really feels like home. I keep walking around feeling like I'm still in a temporary location and then it hits me, I'm HOME. I can relax, spread out and be myself. It's an amazing feeling, being in your own space. I really feel like it's a reflection of Jesse and I as a couple. It's something we've never been able to do before. Even when we lived at the Elizabeth house it wasn't "us." It was a house with a lot of family history that we had grand plans for making it ours, but they were a long way off and way out of our budget. Now we have a cozy little ground floor apartment, painted fresh new colors and full of our artsy, whimsical style. [Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures soon, for all you who live too far to visit. Except for you Brian and Christie! You don't live too far away, so no excuses!]


It's just so cute. Don't believe me? Come for a visit! Seriously. We can't wait to entertain! Our first guests come over tomorrow night for a game night. Yay!


I'm just so happy. 
So blessed. 
God has taken such good care of us. He is faithful. 


OH. And I got a job yesterday. How crazy is that? Everything's working out. Hab kein angst. (Have no fear.)

Season of Upheavel

Everything is changing! So much happening this month-ish. 


Jesse had a birthday! Wahoo, 25. My old man. :) We had a nice evening together, watching a movie at the local Dollar Theater. (which, by the way is now $2: false advertising!) We watched the movie "In Time" and it was actually really good and interesting. The people are genetically engineered to stop aging at 25, and when you work, you earn 'time' instead of money and however much you earn is how long you get to live. Like I said, interesting. And fitting to watch on Jesse's 25th!


My in-laws are in the middle of a massive move this week, as they have decided to move on the infamous Black Friday. dun dun dun. They're actually moving to the same street my mom lives on, so it will be great to have family in town, and more company for my Mom. :)


And, now, on to more exciting news, we have finally found an apartment! Yay! PTL. It's been a long time coming and a hard battle, but it is now finally becoming a reality. It seems like it is all happening at once, and in such a sloppy, non-organized manner that I know it must be the Lord calling us out onto the waves. For the German in me is screaming in terror and shaking at not having all the answers lined up and all the necessary precautions taken care of. Fortunately I have an amazing husband who is lovingly supporting me through all my mental turmoil. I am so grateful he is patient when I am doubtful and fearful. 


Apart from the fact that we still lack a table and chairs, I believe we have everything we absolutely need to be able to sustain life on our own four feet. (ha) 


AND, I also have an interview coming up to work at a local department store in the cosmetics department. How fun! This is an especially good opportunity since our condo is literally right behind the mall, so I could walk there in two minutes. I am also applying for another position as a part-time secretary, so we will see what turns up. If all else fails, I am still babysitting part-time, so that is much needed income. My old job in the bowling alley restaurant basically asked for me to come back, and I politely evaded the question as I value my sanity and my health. It was all I could do to not run away screaming. (To be fair it wasn't THAT bad, just extremely stressful and dramatic.)


Did I mention our apartment has a pool! Yippee! Free summertime entertainment. :) It also has a club room that we can reserve at no cost, so we would be able to hold larger gatherings and parties if we want to. 


So much is changing, and I hope for the better. It's just all happening at once, in a great muddy mess. It will be a wonderful blessing to have our own home. To be able to retreat and be together. To be able to grow as a couple and make memories in our own space. I'm so stoked at the possibilities of making it our home, decorating and putting our personal touch on it. 


Please pray for us during this time...
That we remain trusting in God,
That our finances will be in order and sufficient for our needs,
That our marriage would only grow and increase in sweetness as we walk through these trials,
That I would find a great job that works with my schedule and ministries, 
That Jesse would receive a much needed raise, and
That our home would be a place to fulfill many needs. 


Thanks to all of you who have already prayed so much for us! We are so grateful for your friendship and support. We are ecstatic to be able to finally have a home!

First (Annual?) Clothing Swap

So, my ladies and I had our first ever clothing swap this past Tuesday, and I must say, it was a smashing success! Everyone brought clothing they had planned on donating, and we all got a chance to pick through and get some new things. Fall is just around the corner, and something about the blustery season brings a fresh new desire for fashion. Well, at least for me. It was so fun, I'm sure this won't be the last clothing swap that we do!


Here's the kicker, my Mother-in-Law helps run a secondhand store here in town as part of her ministry with a local church and they've been looking for donations. Especially donations for younger girls/teenagers, since their selection is rather dull at the moment. So the collection we took up will go straight there to help many families who are struggling this year. The coolest part is that there is a family with two teenage girls that are in need of clothes for the school year, and the majority of the clothes we collected are in their sizes!!! How amazing is that? It's totally God, and I can't wait to drop off all of our things, since most of it is name brand and in really good condition. 

...This massive collection of shoes and clothes are soon to be delivered!

I'm really encouraged. Our group of ladies is growing in depth, love and size. They are all so sweet and are really pursuing their walk with the Lord, and it delights me. There is a lot changing and happening right now, and as I write this, I still am unsure of what's next for me, but I know that God is faithful, and I won't be wandering forever. We have seen this week so many good things that God has done and continues to do in the lives of those around us. I know an opportunity will turn up soon, and I'm excited.


OH! And I got a free bread machine! How awesome is that? My Mom and I were garage saling, and I expressed my desire to someday purchase a bread machine, and later that day we found a stray puppy... So, we went door to door trying to find its' owner and ended up at my Husband's bosses' house, who just so happened to have a bread machine sitting on his porch (? really). He gave me the machine, said he'd only used it once and it is in perfect condition! Talk about a quickly answered prayer. :) I've christened it, and so far it works, but I think I'm the one making mistakes. Although, it did turn out some pretty tasty pretzels! 


Sorry to ramble for so long, but I wanted to give you all an update. If there is anyone who reads this, of course. 

Completion

According to my calculations, I have completed and submitted all of my requirements for my degree! Wahoo! It's been a long semester, but a rewarding one. There were times where I didn't think I was going to make it, but somehow I managed to get all the assignments submitted before the deadline.


I've learned more than I ever thought possible, and it's quite surreal to think that it's all over. It's been a few days since I finished and I still feel like I'm missing some deadline or I have something I should be doing. ha ha. Maybe that feeling will go away over time. :) Right now I am enjoying slowing down for a while, and Jesse and I are planning lots of fun events and sweet times with friends.


 I'm excited to start cooking and being artistic again. I lost my passion for all those things simply because I was so busy and tired. BUT! Get this, I got a bread-maker for free! Long story short, we found a puppy while we were garage-saling, knocked on all the neighbors' doors, and one happened to be my husband's bosses house. While there I noticed he had a bread machine for sale, and he let me take it home! Meanwhile his 3 year old son dubbed the tiny maltese puppy "Eclaire." I thought it was appropriate. Altogether it was a very rewarding afternoon, although sad when we had to give the puppy back to her family. I never thought I'd fall in love with a dog! (let alone in just a few short hours.)


Maybe I can coerce Jesse into spending a grand on a puppy for my graduation present!?




unlikely. haha


Hopefully I will have more exciting updates for you all soon! :) 

My life is Average.

I had some epic dreams last night. Just thought I would share the fun. :)

Part one of last night's dream: I walked into a stranger's house because I saw their kitchen was gorgeous and wanted to check it out (?).

Part two: running for my life from the owner of said house, who apparently thinks breaking and entering is a capital offense.

Part three: Realizing I'm in a Harry Potter alternate reality and I should have just worn an invisibility cloak. duh. Ended up dueling Lucius Malfoy instead...

Part four: Ended up at a kid's birthday party watching Barney perform. Weirdest part, all the kids were me and my childhood friends, when we were about 7.

My assessment is that today will be amazing and unbelievable. Bring it!

so.

I should probably post something. 


I've been thinking of doing it for weeks now.


Yet I don't. 


Soo... hi.


There. 


Sorry, I just used you to satiate my guilt. 


But, seriously, I will probably update soon. 


Maybe. 
Possibly.




















Maybe don't get your hopes up.  Life is pretty fast-paced. So, in case I don't get the chance to update, this is what my life will most probably consist of for the next few weeks. 


wake up (probably later than I intended.)
make excuses for sleeping in. 
eat.
class. 
reading. 
lunch.
class.(and/or internship)
reading.(and/or paper writing)
cleaning.
taking as many breaks as possible to keep my brain functioning. 
cooking. eating. dishes. 
have 1-25 people at my house for various reasons. 
reading. 
sleeping. dreaming. praying for more sleep. 
repeat. 


boy, I'm ready for vacation in 2 weeks!

Lastly

It's hard to believe I am on the home stretch of Bible College. Only 4 months left. :)


Starting April 1st this is what my life will be:


1. Romans 
2. Colossians
3. The Epistle's of John (1,2,3 John)
4. Major Bible Doctrines (aka "Theology")
5. Practical Christian Ministry (Which is a fancy way of saying, "free labor". lol. I will be an intern at our church in the Worship Arts Department! yay!)


Busy, busy. But I am looking forward to it. 


PS: I have been extremely crafty lately. Pictures will follow. I've been working on a beautiful strand of paper bunting for some friends who are having a baby. I can't reveal it until after she's born though, her name's a secret! My next project is to re-paper the inside of a beautiful old trunk that has been passed down to us from Jesse's ancestors. "Ancestors" makes them sound ancient, but in reality, it's origination was probably less than 50 years ago. ha. 

Heritage

I've been thinking a lot about heritage, more specifically, my family's heritage. This was all sparked from a recent conversation with my Great Grandpa, who is 95 this year! 95. Let's put it in perspective a little.


2011-95=1916. He was born in 1916 (roughly, I don't know the exact date, but hope to find out).


1916. I can't even imagine what the world must have been like then. It's almost like he has this secret knowledge that I can only get through him. I'm starting to have an appreciation for history and am fascinated by what he must have experienced. I mean, I know some basic history of what our country has gone through since then, but his specific experiences must have had some impact on even the way my life has gone. I really want to sit down with him and write down some of the milestones in his life, and get to know him better.


It reminds me of what a rich heritage we have in Christ. His experiences and His life have left a legacy that is ours to grasp. Everything that He said and did is now in my lineage as His child. Just as our earthly families have bequeathed us some precious treasures in this life, Christ has left us His riches and glory. It's magnificent to stop and think of these treasures.


I think some of the things we own ironically describe our lives. For instance, when we first got married, all we had was basically given to us. We really didn't have much of our own. We were eating on plastic plates with 100 year old silver cutlery that I inherited from my Pappy (Grandma's Dad, aka Great Grandpa). While we by worldly American standards seem poor, we are so rich in blessings. Spiritual blessings. Blessings of love and family. Blessings of friends and fellowships. And yes, we have some lovely earthly treasures with rich family history that really mean a lot to me.


I am learning everyday that we are so blessed and so rich. I am thankful for running water, shelter and food in my stomach. I am thankful for my wonderful family and the sacrifices and joys that they have passed down for us. More than all, I am thankful for my spiritual heritage and that I have eternal riches of grace and mercy.

New Year

So much is changing right now. I feel as though our entire lives are in constant shifting and I can't keep up with all of it!

I've been trying to get a grasp on my studies, figuring out how many classes and all I need to finish, on top of working on all my studies. Jesse was also recently in a car accident, no injuries, PTL. Unfortunately this means the car is totaled and no more. :( It's a major bummer, but in a way, a blessing. It relieves some of the monthly financial stress, and, get this.... the debt! Jesse and I have been diligently praying that the Lord would move heavily on our finances in the way of debt. We truly believe it is good to "owe no man" and would sincerely like to live a debt-free life. This isn't the way we expected or wanted to really eliminate some of the debt, but we are grateful to be free of it. Now, to make the school debt vamoose and we will really be free! Currently, since I am not working it's fine to be down to one car, it just means I'm cooped up in the house all day. Pray for my sanity! I get a little stir crazy. I plan to start going to work with Jesse one day a week just for a change in scenery. We'll see how it goes.

Also, we are totally stoked to be a part of a new little Christian community that's just formed, called the Flame. I like to think of it as an experiment in revival. We have only a vague understanding of where it's going, we just show up and seek the face of the Lord, and every week He takes it in a new direction. Basically, our desire as a leadership team is to move towards a 24 hour prayer/worship room. Right now it's only a few hours every week, but it's clear that with time and more worship leaders it will expand! It's so exciting to be right at the start of a brand new work of the Spirit in this dry and weary land. One of the major things we have been seeking is the awakening of lost souls and the rekindling of love and desire for the Lord in the believers in the area. Also, the room we currently have faces the back of a newly planted abortion clinic, so there have been meetings and many prayers said for the abolishment of the establishment. I hope to connect with this group soon and see where I can get involved.

Meanwhile, the ladies Bible study has been moving forward in our studies on what it means to be a woman of God. It has so blessed me to prepare a weekly study and I am always so challenged by His word. We've covered an array of topics from work, marriage, resting, priestly ministry and next week we will be talking about our speech.

Dear friends and family, I miss you. I pray the love of Christ is dwelling in you all richly and that you are hearing Him daily. May we lay down our lives to receive the wonderful true Life He has for us.

Ode to Sulfur.

I love how your hair reflects the rosy glow, but I can't stand the smell no mo...
nothing more dost i do dread, then inhaling such fumes until I am dead.


Oh to stroll hand in hand down the river walk path, to kiss your cheek would be lovely, please lift you hazmat mask


From the top floor of St. Ritas hospital i gander,
looking south to the fire and smoke my mind doth wander.


What fumes through yon window seep?
That maketh me heart go to a deep sleep.


With words of wit, we love the flame
That gives to Lima all that fame
And someday when that flame goes BOOM
All that remains, will be the fumes


Breathe deeply, then, that Lima fog
That changes taste, of gruel and nog
Alas, the fires and smoke will pass
When we no longer need the gas.


So tis the end of this great tale,
of gas, of fire and penned by no ale.
Of a lima refinery, in a small little dell.


(This poem was inspired by the stench of the local Refinery, our finest attribute. ha. If any of you have been to my town, you know what we're talking about. So, thanks to John, Connie, Bob and Sheri we know have our own little sonnet. )