I am the "odd man out" in my family.
I don't really fit in.
You know, the awkward family member who's obnoxious?
That's me.
I like it :)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thankful... Saturday?
It's been awhile since I've posted a blog about things I'm thankful for. I know it's kind of a random day (Saturday) to be posting something like that but that's what makes it so perfect.
1. I like to spice things up :)
2. We should be thankful EVERYDAY. (Even after an exhausting, catch-up week)
I am thankful for...
Our boat selling, a comfy bed, a cat that sleeps on my back, warm water, honest friends, The Beatles, surrendering, getting my job back and getting to keep Sundays off, having things to look forward to, taking big risks, Sugar Pine, Teazer, quiet time, my new Bible, Emergen-C, road trips, Modern Family, God's love, Jr. Highers, being awkward, my obsessive compulsive list making, people who will help me out at the drop of a hat, excitement, prayer, spare change, new TOMS, bear hugs, the ability to help my parents out financially, feeling closer to Jesus.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
1. I like to spice things up :)
2. We should be thankful EVERYDAY. (Even after an exhausting, catch-up week)
I am thankful for...
Our boat selling, a comfy bed, a cat that sleeps on my back, warm water, honest friends, The Beatles, surrendering, getting my job back and getting to keep Sundays off, having things to look forward to, taking big risks, Sugar Pine, Teazer, quiet time, my new Bible, Emergen-C, road trips, Modern Family, God's love, Jr. Highers, being awkward, my obsessive compulsive list making, people who will help me out at the drop of a hat, excitement, prayer, spare change, new TOMS, bear hugs, the ability to help my parents out financially, feeling closer to Jesus.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Monday, January 24, 2011
"The Grass Is Always Greener Where You Water It"
*All credit for the title of this blog goes to Stephen Morales.
So I'm just going to come right out and say it; I'm not going to Biola tomorrow, I'm not moving in on Wednesday, and I'm not starting classes on Monday.
I made the decision yesterday to stay home, and I'm 100% happy about it!
Let me explain..
If you know me, you know I love youth ministry and would love to be a youth pastor at some point in my life. I've been helping out at youth group since the end of summer, and have really grown to love the kids.. Last weekend, I got a last-minute invite to be a counselor at Jr. High's winter camp. I said yes, fully aware of all of the things I needed to do with Biola, but there was no question in my mind; I was going. What a perfect way to say good bye to some of the kids! At least, that's what I thought.
After being completely surrounded by jr. highers and youth pastors for only a day, I had a sudden change of heart. I realized that not only do I not want to leave Fresno, but I actually think I'm SUPPOSED to stay here.
Sugar Pine wasn't the "perfect good bye" that I thought it would be, it was the one thing that would finally get me to see that I still have room to grow here at home... In youth ministry
That is where God wants me right now.
But why in Fresno when I can major in Children's Ministries at Biola? Because there is no one I'd rather have as my mentor than Stephen Morales, there is no church I'd rather grow in than CCF, and there are no kids I'd rather teach, and be taught from, than the kids I spent last weekend with.
After talking to Stephen, it's been decided that I will be like an unofficial intern to him. I will help with lessons, administrative work, devotionals, and anything else he throws my way while teaching me the ropes of youth ministry. I think there's even going to be a syllabus involved. Haha :)
Unfortunately, I will be taking another semester off due to it being so late in the semester. I postponed my acceptance for Biola until the fall '11 semester, so it's possible that I might be going then, but I'm already leaning towards going to City College for my GE, and then transferring to a Christian College afterward. Depending on where I am then, that school might be Biola, but it very well might be Fresno Pacific.. I'm trying not to think that far in advanced, though.
I'm still technically a Starbuck's partner, but I only have a couple more weeks to find a store to transfer to. I would absolutely LOVE to be picked back up at my store, but I'm completely aware of the slim chance of that happening. I'm looking into other stores around the Fresno/Clovis area, as well. I need to be working, but I don't want to work any more than 20 hours a week. I want to put most of my time and energy into this opportunity.
I just gave up an AMAZING school to stay in Fresno and not be in school for another semester, but there is not a single part of me that's sad, or regretting it!! I am so incredibly excited for this amazing opportunity, that I honestly just can't contain myself. I cannot wait to learn amazing things from Stephen, help out CCF, continue making breakthroughs with the jr. highers, and glorify God! I think this is going to be such an amazing opportunity and I just can't wait to get started! I think Stephen and I will make a great team, and maybe someday I'll have soaked up enough to be a youth pastor all on my own!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me and been just about as excited as I am, thank you Stephen Morales for being so great and making my idea reality, and thank you God for making my rash decisions the best decisions of all :)
**UPDATE 1/25: This might seem like a crazy idea, but that's why I'm so happy I'm doing it! This is the next step in me completely surrendering to God. Even though Biola would be a sacrifice financially, staying home is a big sacrifice in so many more ways, but I know that God is bigger than these things, and I fully trust that He knows what He's doing. I'm willing to take this huge risk in order to glorify Him, and grow closer with Him here.
So I'm just going to come right out and say it; I'm not going to Biola tomorrow, I'm not moving in on Wednesday, and I'm not starting classes on Monday.
I made the decision yesterday to stay home, and I'm 100% happy about it!
Let me explain..
If you know me, you know I love youth ministry and would love to be a youth pastor at some point in my life. I've been helping out at youth group since the end of summer, and have really grown to love the kids.. Last weekend, I got a last-minute invite to be a counselor at Jr. High's winter camp. I said yes, fully aware of all of the things I needed to do with Biola, but there was no question in my mind; I was going. What a perfect way to say good bye to some of the kids! At least, that's what I thought.
After being completely surrounded by jr. highers and youth pastors for only a day, I had a sudden change of heart. I realized that not only do I not want to leave Fresno, but I actually think I'm SUPPOSED to stay here.
Sugar Pine wasn't the "perfect good bye" that I thought it would be, it was the one thing that would finally get me to see that I still have room to grow here at home... In youth ministry
That is where God wants me right now.
But why in Fresno when I can major in Children's Ministries at Biola? Because there is no one I'd rather have as my mentor than Stephen Morales, there is no church I'd rather grow in than CCF, and there are no kids I'd rather teach, and be taught from, than the kids I spent last weekend with.
After talking to Stephen, it's been decided that I will be like an unofficial intern to him. I will help with lessons, administrative work, devotionals, and anything else he throws my way while teaching me the ropes of youth ministry. I think there's even going to be a syllabus involved. Haha :)
Unfortunately, I will be taking another semester off due to it being so late in the semester. I postponed my acceptance for Biola until the fall '11 semester, so it's possible that I might be going then, but I'm already leaning towards going to City College for my GE, and then transferring to a Christian College afterward. Depending on where I am then, that school might be Biola, but it very well might be Fresno Pacific.. I'm trying not to think that far in advanced, though.
I'm still technically a Starbuck's partner, but I only have a couple more weeks to find a store to transfer to. I would absolutely LOVE to be picked back up at my store, but I'm completely aware of the slim chance of that happening. I'm looking into other stores around the Fresno/Clovis area, as well. I need to be working, but I don't want to work any more than 20 hours a week. I want to put most of my time and energy into this opportunity.
I just gave up an AMAZING school to stay in Fresno and not be in school for another semester, but there is not a single part of me that's sad, or regretting it!! I am so incredibly excited for this amazing opportunity, that I honestly just can't contain myself. I cannot wait to learn amazing things from Stephen, help out CCF, continue making breakthroughs with the jr. highers, and glorify God! I think this is going to be such an amazing opportunity and I just can't wait to get started! I think Stephen and I will make a great team, and maybe someday I'll have soaked up enough to be a youth pastor all on my own!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me and been just about as excited as I am, thank you Stephen Morales for being so great and making my idea reality, and thank you God for making my rash decisions the best decisions of all :)
**UPDATE 1/25: This might seem like a crazy idea, but that's why I'm so happy I'm doing it! This is the next step in me completely surrendering to God. Even though Biola would be a sacrifice financially, staying home is a big sacrifice in so many more ways, but I know that God is bigger than these things, and I fully trust that He knows what He's doing. I'm willing to take this huge risk in order to glorify Him, and grow closer with Him here.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Crazy, Unbelievably REAL, Love!
"After reading Crazy Love, I have learned enough to cause me to look at life differently. By life, I mean Christ. I want to be so in love with God that I do things that the American church would call "radical" or even "crazy." I want to have so much faith in my Creator that I would give up things in my life in order to further the Kingdom without even thinking twice. THAT is what the Bible calls us to do, but we get so comfortable on earth that we forget about that, and God. My life has already been moved by the Holy Spirit in the three days it took me to read the book, and I pray that the Spirit continues to move me in ways that will further the Kingdom of Go, and bring me closer to HIM!"
----> I wrote that on Sunday at college group. Since then, I really have been thinking about going down to L.A. jobless. My amazing manager gave me an extra week to find another store, and as grateful as I am to have this opportunity, I can't help but want to say no. I could grow SO MUCH closer to God by giving up my comfortable job, with steady pay and benefits. By having to completely, 100%, rely on God's faithfulness I could go down there with no job, in a city where I know 3 people, at a school that is far too expensive for my family and me, and I know that God will provide for me no matter how risky it may be.
Isn't it so true that when times are tough you feel so much closer to God??
That's the kind of crazy, radical love I should have for our Lord! The kind where I give up comfort, and stability, just to be closer to Him!
I'd do it for a spouse, so why shouldn't I do it for my Lord and Savior?
I HIGHLY encourage that everyone reads Crazy Love.
(The front cover isn't kidding when it says it'll change your life.)
----> I wrote that on Sunday at college group. Since then, I really have been thinking about going down to L.A. jobless. My amazing manager gave me an extra week to find another store, and as grateful as I am to have this opportunity, I can't help but want to say no. I could grow SO MUCH closer to God by giving up my comfortable job, with steady pay and benefits. By having to completely, 100%, rely on God's faithfulness I could go down there with no job, in a city where I know 3 people, at a school that is far too expensive for my family and me, and I know that God will provide for me no matter how risky it may be.
Isn't it so true that when times are tough you feel so much closer to God??
That's the kind of crazy, radical love I should have for our Lord! The kind where I give up comfort, and stability, just to be closer to Him!
I'd do it for a spouse, so why shouldn't I do it for my Lord and Savior?
I HIGHLY encourage that everyone reads Crazy Love.
(The front cover isn't kidding when it says it'll change your life.)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
COUNTDOWN!!
Currently listening to: Watermark by Sleeping At Last
Countdown until..
Last day of work: 8 days (Only 6 more shifts!)
Leaving for Biola: 20 days
Move-In: 21 days
First day of school: 26 days
Eeek!
Everything's coming together (I hope!). I'm just waiting to hear back from financial aid before I go through phase II of registration. I'd love to know where my dorm is and who my roommate is, but I guess I can wait... For now ;)
Michael left for Vanguard today, which just proves to me how quickly the next 20 days are going to be.
I cannot WAIT :)
Countdown until..
Last day of work: 8 days (Only 6 more shifts!)
Leaving for Biola: 20 days
Move-In: 21 days
First day of school: 26 days
Eeek!
Everything's coming together (I hope!). I'm just waiting to hear back from financial aid before I go through phase II of registration. I'd love to know where my dorm is and who my roommate is, but I guess I can wait... For now ;)
Michael left for Vanguard today, which just proves to me how quickly the next 20 days are going to be.
I cannot WAIT :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Our Life Begins With This.
Currently listening to: Umbrellas by Sleeping at Last
If I just stay at home will this night promise not to end?
...Didn't think so.
Better get on with it.
"Cause you were meant for amazing things"
If I just stay at home will this night promise not to end?
...Didn't think so.
Better get on with it.
"Cause you were meant for amazing things"
Saturday, January 1, 2011
If There's No One Beside You, When Your Soul Embarks..
Currently listening to: I'll Follow You Into The Dark
(by the lovely Death Cab for Cutie.)
It's the first day of 2011. Wait, 2010 is Over?! I honestly feel this holiday season went by without me even being aware that it was happening. I've been so busy that it all just flew by!
With that being said, the best year of my life (so far) is over and done with. With both the good and the bad, I couldn't be more happy with the events of the year behind us, or more excited for the year ahead.
A Summary of 2010..
Bowling, iPod/iTunes references, New Year's with Catchprase then staying up until 6:30 am, staying awake at Austin's until 4 am EVERY night, Teazer runs with Kasey, Parachute, one Teazer run in particular, Jesus, Death Cab, SLO trip in the pouring rain, ruined boots, the original 6, the Tank game, Oka, confusing futures, the nasty dirty Tempurpedic mattress, Pismo girl trip, After church Panera lunches, MBS shows, Valentine's Day bike ride to the Lavagnino's, totaling Toby on the way to SLO trip #2, Vikki keeping Kasey's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza everything it was supposed to be, job hunting, 6 Flags with Jordan and Tommy, coming home from Hollywood with literally nothing to mine and Jordan's names, Voodoo Hannah Montana, new music, spring break in SLO, A Day Without Shoes, mud volleyball, just blow soams daddy chunks like a boss, becoming a Barista, trouble at home, Kasey's grad, Mexico, SWC, Ikea, Red Airplanes, Bonfire Voyage, SLO trip #4,5,6, Jr. High Group, Mae, moving, the good ole' days, Disneyland trip #1, my birthday, applying to Biola, Disneyland trip #2 with the Fast's, movie nights, meowing, Practically Perfect Halloween, Biola acceptance, In N Out, Christmas '10, New Year's at the Herrick's...
Most importantly, I realized that I have the most amazing group of people in my life. God has really blessed me with great company. These are tight-knit friendships that I know are here to stay. Even though we are all coming into our own as different people, this last year has bonded us in a way that I know can't be broken.
All I have to say to 2011 is you have a lot to live up to. I can't wait to see what you have in store :)
(by the lovely Death Cab for Cutie.)
It's the first day of 2011. Wait, 2010 is Over?! I honestly feel this holiday season went by without me even being aware that it was happening. I've been so busy that it all just flew by!
With that being said, the best year of my life (so far) is over and done with. With both the good and the bad, I couldn't be more happy with the events of the year behind us, or more excited for the year ahead.
A Summary of 2010..
Bowling, iPod/iTunes references, New Year's with Catchprase then staying up until 6:30 am, staying awake at Austin's until 4 am EVERY night, Teazer runs with Kasey, Parachute, one Teazer run in particular, Jesus, Death Cab, SLO trip in the pouring rain, ruined boots, the original 6, the Tank game, Oka, confusing futures, the nasty dirty Tempurpedic mattress, Pismo girl trip, After church Panera lunches, MBS shows, Valentine's Day bike ride to the Lavagnino's, totaling Toby on the way to SLO trip #2, Vikki keeping Kasey's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza everything it was supposed to be, job hunting, 6 Flags with Jordan and Tommy, coming home from Hollywood with literally nothing to mine and Jordan's names, Voodoo Hannah Montana, new music, spring break in SLO, A Day Without Shoes, mud volleyball, just blow soams daddy chunks like a boss, becoming a Barista, trouble at home, Kasey's grad, Mexico, SWC, Ikea, Red Airplanes, Bonfire Voyage, SLO trip #4,5,6, Jr. High Group, Mae, moving, the good ole' days, Disneyland trip #1, my birthday, applying to Biola, Disneyland trip #2 with the Fast's, movie nights, meowing, Practically Perfect Halloween, Biola acceptance, In N Out, Christmas '10, New Year's at the Herrick's...
Most importantly, I realized that I have the most amazing group of people in my life. God has really blessed me with great company. These are tight-knit friendships that I know are here to stay. Even though we are all coming into our own as different people, this last year has bonded us in a way that I know can't be broken.
All I have to say to 2011 is you have a lot to live up to. I can't wait to see what you have in store :)
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