Happy New Year from Trader Joe's

It's official! I just got my three year shirt from Trader Joe's. The three year mark is when the company gives out a collared shirt instead of a T-shirt. I was excited to get it because there was a rumor going around that we missed the cut off to receive one. Anyways, it doesn't sound that exciting now that I am writing it down, but it kind of made my day.

Here is what I have been working on in the art department:



I know it's a little hard to read...I am still getting used to my new phone.


(Yes, I drew the fireworks too.)

Have a good first!

Nor Thorns Infest the Ground

-A familiar line in an old Christmas carol. Recently, I had my Sunday School class of Jr. High and Highschoolers read through the Hymn, "Joy to the World". It's a pretty straight forward song, nothing too deep or spiritual. At least that is how I thought it would go in class -that the students would say for every line, "It means what it says".

Never underestimate the wisdom of teenagers. Sure, their ability to rationalize a situation is somewhat underdeveloped and they don't seem to consider the consequences to any of their actions and they lack basic control of their emotions, but deep down they are smart, deep thinkers. Here's why:

My Sunday School class took a basic hymn that they have probably sung their entire lives and broke it down line for line replacing the words with important gospel truths. I don't have room to write down everything they said but would like to look at one line: "nor thorns infest the ground".

When I was reading this hymn by myself before class, I took that line with a grain of salt. Because the line before it says not to let sins or sorrows grow I concluded that not to let thorns infest the ground basically meant to not let bad things grow where good things should be growing. That probably would have been a great answer had I been teaching the 1st through 6th grade class.

My teens took that one simple line and ran with it quoting a passage in Matthew.

Then He told them many things in parables, saying: "Consider the sower who went out to sow. As he was sowing, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn't deep. But when the sun came up they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. Still others fell on good ground, and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times. Matt. 13:3-8

Perhaps "Joy to the World" is not just about spreading joy and happiness but about your part in spreading the gospel. Christians often forget that before we "plant a seed" of the message of Jesus, we need to make sure the ground is soft and ready. I am not going to write any further about this for fear of sounding too "preachy" because that is not the purpose of this blog entry. The point is: I didn't come up with this analogy between the song line and spreading the gospel -my youth did. I plan to look at song lyrics in a different light from now on. Merry Christmas!

Looking forward to this year's trip

State Youth Conference. Thousands of screaming teenagers on fire for God -I couldn't think of a better way of spending my Christmas!

Christmas thoughts and wishes

I like Christmas. I won't admit that too often in conversation, but I do. This is the one time of year that the same songs you sing on Sunday morning are the songs you hear blasting from the speakers at your grocery store. I enjoy the smells and feels of Christmas, too: cookies, cinnamon, pine trees, snow, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. I especially love seeing people come into the grocery store in elf hats and light up Christmas sweaters.

With all the merriment that goes on at Christmas time I have a few thoughts that I'd like to reflect. As much as I appreciate a giant lit up Grinch next to the baby Jesus on someone's front lawn (sorry William), I can think of better uses for that money going into next month's PG&E bill.

1. Christmas is about giving -Why not buy a gift for a homeless child, or a family in need. Heck, pay the utility bill for a struggling family. I don't even want to know how many families are without heat this winter.

2. Christmas is about sharing- What about buying hot chocolate and donuts for your local shelter. Better yet, go and serve a meal there yourself. Since you are going there anyways, dig through your closet and find some extra coats and shoes that you don't really need in the first place.

3. Christmas is about family- Now I don't think this is has to be your biological family. There are kids and as well as adults without anyone to really call a family. On mother's day this year I took two girls (that weren't my biological daughters) out to lunch and spent the day with them. May I suggest to you to invite a lonely person to your Christmas celebration and buy them gifts to unwrap just like everyone else. Trust me, it will be worth it.

4. Christmas is about receiving -Jesus offers the best gift that anyone will ever receive (I know that sounds really cliche). Lastly (I promise), you can use the money you save ditching the blow up snow globe lawn ornament to give to missions. Lottie Moon is a program to help raise money for missions in other countries. Missionaries need funds to live, just like everyone else, and resources to help spread the gospel.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! God Bless.

What I do at work

Desert Island Movies

1. Fiddler on the Roof -because it's the best movie of all time



2. Life is Beautiful (the Italian version) -it makes me cry everytime



3. Lost in Translation -Maybe I'll figure out what he says to the girl at the end



4. Tarzan -My high school crush (other than Chris)



5. Love Actually -I'm not usually into romantic comedies but I can't get enough of this one

End of the Year Reflections

The end of 2008 is quickly approaching. More quickly than I would like, however. It is the time of year (for me anyways) to take a breather and reflect on the past year and start making positive decisions for 2009.

When people ask me what's been going on in my life, I usually respond with, "Same as always". The fact is, a lot has changed in the past year. The biggest change is probably getting a dog. Chris and I, in the entire 6 years we have been together, have never had a pet. This was a big step with (to be honest) very little planning. I couldn't be happier with our new little buddy, though. Believe it or not, I think having a dog, in more ways than one has helped us prepare for children someday.

Another change has been at work. Since I had my first job at 17, I was always praised and respected for my ability to work just as hard, if not harder, than the guys. Now, 7 years later, I am being recognized for my ability in other areas of the retail world. I have gotten in touch with my creative side. This year, I started working in the sign room and have gained more confidence in my artistic abilities. The subject of management has also come across in my reviews this year and is something I am looking forward to in the future.

This year, like everybody, I experienced financial setback. I really had to struggle to make ends meet. Like everything in life, I came out stronger. I learned to communicate better with my husband, to work hard for the things that I want and to really trust God. I know this won't be the last time I struggle financially, but I know that God provides.

I could start making plans for next year but I think sometimes it's best to leave it be. Plans can get in the way of life. I can't wait to see what life has in store!

Eat, Pray, Love

Ok. I said I wasn't going to post anything in a while but I am reading a wonderful book and I feel the urge to share it with everyone. The book is called "Eat, Pray, Love" and is written by Elizabeth Gilbert.

This book follows Elizabeth's travels across Italy, India, and Indonesia on her search for God and meaning as she tries to forgive her past and look towards the future.

Even as a professed Christian, she writes for all audiences. She invites readers with her on her journey to become closer to God. Both believers and non-believers will gain wisdom and understanding from Elizabeth's insights on love, forgiveness, and faith. Although I could not relate to many of her circumstances, I feel that I can relate to her understanding of life.

Stepping back from my own religious convictions, I would like to quote an excerpt from a section in her book while she is in India.

"The Indians around here tell a cautionary fable about a great saint who was always surrounded in he Ashram by loyal devotees. For hours a day the saint and his followers would meditate on God. The only problem was that the saint had a young cat, an annoying creature, who used to walk through the temple meowing and purring and bothering everyone during meditation. So the saint, in all his practical wisdom, commanded that the cat be tied to a pole outside for a few hours a day, only during meditation, so as not to disturb anyone. This became a habit -tying the cat to the pole and then meditating on God -but as years passed, the habit hardened into religious ritual. Nobody could meditate unless the cat was tied to the pole first. Then one day the cat died. The saint's followers were panic-stricken. It was a major religious crisis -how could they meditate now, without a cat to tie to a pole? How would they reach God? In their minds, the cat had become the means.
Be very careful, warns this tale, not to get too obsessed with the repetition of religious ritual just for its own sake. Especially in this divided world, where the Taliban and the Christian Coalition continue to fight out their international trademark war over who owns the rights to the word God and who has the proper rituals to reach that God, it may be useful to remember that it is not the tying of the cat to the pole that has ever brought anyone transcendence, but only the constant desire of an individual seeker to experience the eternal compassion of the divine. Flexibility is just as essential for divinity as is discipline."

Blogging Postponed

No...I didn't die...I just don't have internet right now.
I am just doing a lot of reading right now and hope to start writing again soon.
See Ya.

Our Youth Group

What a month!

June 12-14 Humbolt fire and evacuation of my home
June 14 moved back home to no power
June 16 car accident (not my fault) with a lady on her way to her mom's funeral
June 17-20 children's and youth camp
June 21-28 World Changer's

So that's how I am...how are you?

my thoughts exactly

I recently read a blog about homeschooling and sheltering children which I pretty much agree with. (Please note:this blog is written by a homeschooling mom) Since I have gotten into this homeschooling issue with several people, I am going to post the link HERE.

I especially like the secular jobs listed at the end (both places where I have worked).

Mimestry

Yesterday I had the privilege of watching a mime group from Pasadena perform under a tent with another dance group. This group called Mimestry was amazing. They presented the gospel message in a very beautiful way. My favorite piece was called "The Craftsman" in which a craftsman was trying to build a beautiful statue. When he left three evil figures came and made the statue sad and broken. When the craftsman returned he couldn't fix the statue. The only way to make it beautiful again was to melt it down completely and start over. When he was finished, it was a beautiful smiling woman.

This group showed a great deal of character, not only in their art but in their lives. I got a chance to be around them before and after the performance and their attitudes were very humbling to me. They took the time to talk to people and really be interested in their lives and getting to know them instead of just talking about themselves and what they do. I was really blessed by meeting this group and I think a lot of lives were changed last night.

Date at Farmer's Market

Chris and I spent the evening at farmer's market yesterday. It was such a fun time. We don't often get to be out of the house and alone at the same time. We got fruit, bread, and olive oil (not to mention all the free stuff people hand us). It was the best date we had in a really long time.

I am so lucky to have a husband who is also my best friend. A husband who talks to me and listens to me and is willing to plan a future with me despite my imperfections. I love you, Chris...thanks for spending a lifetime with me!!!

The Waltz

The Waltz
Unity in Ministry
By Vi Estel


"Will you come and dance with me?" he asked me oh so tenderly,
"And waltz with me around the floor like no two ever danced before?"
I smiled at him; my heart skipped a beat and before I realized it, I was on my feet.
Accepting his invitation seemed so right and I was willing to dance all night.

He looked to the Maestro and said, "Conductor, if you please"
And at His direction, the orchestra played with the greatest of ease
The most beautiful waltz I'd ever heard
And we danced and we danced without saying a word.

We both knew when the music began that we were a part of a much larger plan,
And this waltz that we started just minutes ago was the first of a lifetime of dances
To show that we were becoming partners for life;
Not just on the dance floor, but as man and wife.

I followed his lead as the music played on and we moved 'cross the floor in complete unison. What freedom I felt with his hand in mine, keeping in step, stepping in time.
The future was bright for two people that night who waltzed as though dancing on air.
Life was just grand while holding his hand and gone were all worries and cares.

As the music played on the the clocked ticked away, night time approached at the close of the day
And the music took on a different mood; and we found ourselves with a new attitude.
We were tired, without a doubt, and found that even good things wear you out!
But when one would faint, the other was strong and together we faced each new song.

There were times, I'll admit when I wanted to quit, But how could I leave him alone?
We'd partnered for life and I was his wife, "flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone."
He was my "head" and I, his "helpmate," We've waltzed now for so many years.
I've laughed when he laughed and cried when he cried, shedding innumerable tears.

Now, we've become one and though the dancing is done, we still make quite a smart pair.
I'll never regret that day when we met and he asked me to spin 'round the floor.
Sometimes it seemed slow, the music you know, and other times it was so fast.
But together we stayed whatever was played and looking back I thank God for the past.

One, two, three, -one, two, three -It's the rhythm of the waltz you see;
One Conductor, plus two partners, make a unit of three.
The Conductor selected the tunes and tempo for each melody.
And side by side, we simply complied with the music He played faithfully.

Minister's wives retreat

I just got back from a minister's wives retreat. It was truly a blessing to say the least. Apart from the food and the relaxation, I was completely filled and renewed spiritually. God did some amazing things in my heart over the weekend. The main speaker was Tara Barthel. She is an amazing speaker and role model. I thank God for her ministry.

Hey All

So much has been going on this month. I've been super busy but I made it a point to sit down and blog. No kidding. I wrote it on my to do list for the week. The one that for everything I cross off two more things get added. Yeah it's one of those months.

The first training session for VBS is tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun. I am really excited about this year's theme and biblical outline. Hawaii. How much better can you get than that? The bible stories are all about God's truth. Knowing God's word as the truth is so important to kids. They live in a world where truth is relative, so to teach them that there is an absolute truth is so important.

Other than that everything seems to be happening all at once. I've been working on my first writing assignment for Lifeway's teen magazine. It's a lot of work but I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Our church's women's retreat is coming up which I have been helping put together. Really good friends of Chris and mine are getting married at the end of the month. We also got invited to our friend's daughter's 2nd birthday party. This is the only kid's party I have been invited to so far (when you don't have kids yourself you never get invited to kid's parties so it's kind of a big deal...to me anyways).

For those of you who don't know, the beginning of this month was really rough. I am so grateful we have a loving God who shows His mercy just when we need it most. Although times are rough, I have confidence that my creator has it all in His hands. He keeps working. He is faithful.

And it's Jesus!!!

Life Changes

For the past year I have been experiencing bad stomach pains which had recently gotten worse. Coming home from the doctor's office, I had with me a capsule of pills and a large list of lifestyle changes prescribed by the doctor. Among them included, cutting back on caffeine, carbonated drinks, high fat foods, citrus foods, excessive amounts of vitamin C, and most importantly STRESS.

Eager to reduce my stomach discomfort, I set to work making these very specific lifestyle changes. I was tired of pain being an everyday occurrence in my life. Despite my good intentions, I failed miserably. The bad habits I had learned became so much apart of my life that within hours of my new commitment, I was already wanting to cheat. Less than 24 hours later, I had withdrawal symptoms like no other: Splitting headache, fatigue, hunger, dizziness, and my stomach still hurt. The headache became so bad, I cheated on my new diet. I couldn't go on without the things I was used too.

I think coming to know Christ can be quite like this experience. We develop bad habits in our life that consume our decisions and lifestyle. Pretty soon, we are living in pain but do nothing because of our unwillingness and fear to change. We learn to ignore and block out the pain sensors that tell us that something is not right. When we finally can't handle the pain in our lives anymore, we turn to Christ.

In His word, He gives us clear guidelines and lifestyle changes. He teaches things like love our enemies, sell our stuff and give to the poor, pray for the people who hurt us, and trust Him and not ourselves. These things can cause hurt the first time around (maybe even the 10th time around). Sometimes our old life sounds easier and more convenient than these changes Jesus wants us to make. So many times we are tempted to go back to doing things our own way and "cheating".

Lifestyle changes are never fun. When we let our habits define who we are then we start to become our habits. Getting rid of our bad habits our painful but nothing compares to the end result. What if we made Jesus our habit? What would our lives look like?

TJ's friend

Yes, besides the wacko foodies that come into Trader Joe's a few times a day, we have a friend who visits us nightly. Actually, he's not really a friend. He acts more like the annoying brother-in-law who sits on your couch, watches your TV, and eats all your food. Except you never see him but always end up cleaning up after him.

Ok, our "friend" is a rat. He's been around almost a year but still hasn't been caught. Not only is he smart, he's huge. I haven't seen him, but I have seen His footprints...on the sticky pads that Clark left down to catch him! Now either the sticky pads aren't that sticky, or this is one Samson-sized rat.

His appetite's been getting bigger lately too. Instead of chewing up one loaf of bread a night, he's been going through two. As much as he is part of this store, I really don't look forward to the day when I meet him face to face.

Exciting News

So, I just got an email from lifeway. I have been asked to write a weeks worth of devotionals for their teen magazine. I'm really excited. This would be my first real writing job. The only trick is finding time to write the assignment.

I'm back...sort of

It's been almost a month since we sent our computer in to get fixed. It's back now so I can finally check email and such out of the comfort of my own home. The reason I say "sort of" for being back is that I feel like I haven't been home in a while. I have been working two jobs and any moment to sleep is fully taken advantage of. It's been good though. Working at Baskin Robbins is a lot of fun. I might want to open up a ice cream shop someday. I was thinking like a ice cream/coffee shop. That would be awesome.

Work has been interesting. I have gotten myself into quite a few religious conversations recently. Not bad (I hope). They weren't debates on who is right and who is wrong. They were more of discussions on what we believe. I tried my best to speak truth and love without being judgemental but that in and of itself is very hard. I think my main question to God right now is, "Was that conversation honoring to You?" I can sit here and say all the things I said right but what I really want to know is what I did not say. Was I too tolerant of the other person's beliefs? Was I too passive? Did my thoughts and opinions come out in a way that distorted the others view on Christianity? I wish God could give us an evaluation form at the end of each day. Maybe I should tell him to email it to me...I got a computer now.

The Mandy Update

Hey everyone. I would like to apologize to you. I know I have been pretty distant and emo lately. Things have been a little rough. God is testing my patience, AGAIN! Not in the bad way, in the so-this-is-what-you-want?-I'm-going-to-make-you-work-for-it kind of way. This is sort of becoming the story of my life.

I am enrolled in school so I don't have to pay half of my student loans. I stopped going to class, though. It wasn't what I expected. I'm not really into the school thing anymore. Maybe someday.

I start my second job tonight! I am now an employee at Baskin Robins on Mangrove. I really hope I get free ice cream for working there. That would be awesome. I only plan on working two jobs for about a year. My main goals are to get caught up with bills, pay off some credit card debt, then start saving up for a little Jensen.

Chris and I are thinking about taking a vacation to Tennessee next year. He will be old enough to rent a car! Yeah!

I think that about sums up where I am at right now in my life. Thanks for listening.

Baby Boom

Are you like me and seeing lots and lots of babies popping out recently? I knew I wasn't going crazy...we really are in a baby boom.

My purpose and Goals

Recently, I was looking at some websites on debt-management. One site had me fill out my life purposes and goals. I wanted to share them with you here.

My life Purpose

My relationship with God:
To constantly grow and deepen in every situation.


My relationship with my family and friends:
To never take my family for granted. To view my family as a gift and to treat them as such.


My service to others:
To do the will of God in their lives.


Summary of life purpose:
To never let anything hinder my communication with the Almighty Father.

Short Term Goals

God:
To learn how to listen to His voice. To open up lines of communication and be open to what He has to say to me personally.



Family and Friends:

To be a better friend by being a support and listener. To be a better wife by not being so lazy and taking care of the household needs.


Service to others/ministry:
To be passionate about peoples lives and to seek out the needs of others.


Financial (Income, Debt, Savings, Investments, Giving, Spending):

To start living within our means. Giving to the church. Buying groceries instead of take-out.


Career/Skills:
To improve on the job I have right now and find another part time job to help me catch up financially.

General:
Just to be the best that I can.

Long-Term Goals

God:
To have a clear line of communication with my Father. To be a woman of prayer.

Family and Friends:
I want to start a family of my own.

Service to others/ministry:
To be a good counselor and friend.

Financial (Income, Debt, Savings, Investments, Giving, Spending):
To live debt-free and able to send my kids (if I have them) to college.

Career/Skills:
To go into management.

General:
I want to be a person that people look up to and want to be like.

I don't know much about this website. You can check it out at www.crown.org
It says it's a free service but wants you to buy their book. Sounds pretty lame to me. I am going to try and get things under control without spending any money. That sounds like the best plan to me.

Test Your Geography Knowledge

http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq

I got to level 5! Post your score...Let's see how high we can go!

Some Thoughts

UHH..........what......beeping? Oh...My alarm.............4:45? What time do I work? Wait...something doesn't seem right...not dark enough to be this early in the morning..................ppphhhh.......it's not morning.........I'm still tired...............wish I could sleep longer.................gotta get up for something................what's going on tonight? It's really quiet...............what has Chris been doing this whole time? Ooohhh.............my head................blaaaahhhh........OK......gotta get up.........HHHhhhhhhhhh......I'm up.

Do you know Him?

This is a really cool video I ran across a couple years ago.

Coal Walk

"Hey! I want to say something. I've been trying to be more honest lately, and I just need to say a few things. I did the coal walk. Just... I did it. Michael, you couldn't even do that. Maybe I should be your boss. Wow, I feel really good right now... Why didn't any of you come to my art show? I invited all of you... that really sucked. It's like sometimes some of you act like I don't even exist. Jim, I called off my wedding because of you. And now we're not even friends. And things are just, like, weird between us... and that sucks. And I miss you. You were my best friend before you went to Stamford. I really miss you. I shouldn't have been with Roy... and there were a lot of reasons to call off my wedding. But the truth is, I didn't care about any of those reasons until I met you. And now you're with someone else, and that's... fine."
-Pam Beasley

Undefined

I call myself "undefined" because I have never been able to tack down exactly who I am. If you ask me my favorite color, I will tell you a color. Ask me again a week later. It will probably be another color. People who know me, know that I have moved 9 times in the last 5 years, have been to 3 different colleges, changed my major 4 times (and am now officially undeclared), and the rate of me starting a book is almost double of the rate of actually finishing one.

Once in a great while I re-assess the roles I play out in my life. Here's what I came up with at the start of the year: wife, grocery clerk, minister to youth, aspiring writer, child of God. These are not roles that I necessarily excel at, but more of roles that I desire to be.

First of all, wife. I love my husband. I truly see Him as a gift from God. He is my friend, my confidante, my balance, my love, and (God willing) the future father of my children. We have been married for a year and a half. I'll be the first to admit that I am not the perfect wife. Just the one role of "wife" brings on so many other roles and responsibilities: house-cleaner, supporter, lover, helper, etc. I've probably failed at each one of these at one time or another. However, I am trying to learn through my failings. My husband deserves the best that I can give him.

Secondly, I have a job. I work at a wonderful grocery store called Trader Joe's. It's not only a great company to work for, it's a great place to shop. I work full time and LOVE it. I won't bore you with the details of my responsibilities while on the job, but I will tell you this: If you don't like your job, quit and find one you love. It is so worth it!

Ministering to youth. My husband, Chris, is the youth director of our church. I have been so blessed to be able to support him in this ministry. For me, this has been so rewarding. If anyone from our youth group is reading this: I love you! This role has taught me so much. I have learned to be a mother, a counselor, a servant, and a listener. Most of all, I have discovered a passion (something I had been praying about for a while).

Aspiring writer. This role is recent and undeveloped. I want to discover more of my talents and this is one area in my life I want to explore. I hope to post some of my writing for critique.

With all the different roles and activities that pull at my heartstrings, one thing is for certain: I am a child of God. I know that I am a part of His family because of what Jesus has done for me. He took away the sin that separated me from God. Now I can go to God freely and confidently. I want to display Christ with my life. I want to show God's glory shining through me; to mirror His image in my actions and words.

Thank you for letting me pour out my heart to you. I look forward to our times together in the future.