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!