Hoochy Mamas and the Mamas Who Raise Them

This may be my boldest, most controversial post yet.

But, somebody's gotta say something.

Winter formal where I live was this last weekend. Since it was my birthday weekend, we saw some people out and about getting ready for formal...and saw lots of pictures posted on FB from students we know from church (mostly). I must admit, I was pretty shocked by almost every picture I saw. When did winter formal dresses go from being floor length and elegant, to barely covering booties and tatas? And, when did the parents of those little hoochy mamas decide this was acceptable attire for 14-18 year old girls to wear??
It reminds me of a blog I wrote last year about the role models our young girls are looking up to. Is this epidemic a result of the Disney channel and Nickelodeon? Or, have we all just become so blind to what is decent and right that whatever is popular is ok with us?
I remember shopping for a prom dress. You would rarely find some little short number. All the dresses were long and beautiful and made a girl feel like a princess for the night. Of course, there were the low-cut ones and the ones with the cut out sides...but they seemed to be the minority. I was even talking with a friend at church last night who ran into some of the formal-bound teens herself...and totally agreed with me on how different things were when we were in high school and attending dances.
Now, please don't hear this as being judgmental. I have no clue what runs through any of these girls' minds or the minds of their parents. I honestly just don't understand how a parent could allow his/her daughter out of the house with half her chest bared in a dress that she can't even sit in without showing all her goods. It makes me sad...because I remember being a young girl and hating the looks or comments I got from certain guys. Do these girls and their parents not understand what runs through the minds of the boys that escorted them to the dance...or even all the others that will be at the dance? Do they not understand what this verse means?:

You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
(Matthew 5:27-30 NIV)

How can these boys NOT look lustfully at these girls when they dress like this?

I would hate to be a stumbling block for a brother in Christ...and to aid in him committing adultery.

What is wrong with our society, and us as individuals, that even followers of Christ see nothing wrong with this?

I am by no means perfect...and I did buy into the lie of showing off my body at one point in my life...but it just saddens me to no end that our beautiful, young girls are buying into the same lie...and that our young boys are constantly stumbling.

Sorry if this post offended anyone...I just had to get it out. Feel free to comment however you'd like. I will not be offended.

Taxes, Normalcy, and Prophecies

We finally got all our W2's yesterday.
I did our taxes last night...and was SO excited with the results! We are getting a good chunk of change back this year. So good that we are able to pay off two credit cards, pay for our Disneyland trip, buy a new radiator for Josh's car, pay for the rest of the cost for the women's retreat for me, pay for the two of us to go on the 20 Somethings/College Group Retreat, pay my car registration, and STILL have money left over. We are planning on doing something very exciting with it...but I will let that one be a surprise.
It's just so fitting that all this happened now...as I was just complaining two days ago about the fact that we had all these things coming up we had to pay for...and no money to pay for them. Oh, ye of little faith...


On another note, I am SUPER excited, as I have mentioned before, about the things coming up in the near future. It feels weird to feel this way, as I feel like this time last year, I was so focused on getting pregnant that I couldn't even function normally. Now, I feel like I've finally gotten my life back...and it's such a good feeling. Of course, I would still love to get pregnant soon...but it's not consuming my life the way it did last year. It's such a healthier place to be.


I also think I am finally starting to get over my nerves with singing...which is weird for me because I have been singing my whole life. I sang my very first solo at the first church service my old church had in their own building...and I was almost 8. I sang on my dad's worship team when I was in high school, and on my youth group's worship team. I have been singing on the worship team at church for almost a year now...but it's only been more recently that I've been asked to lead songs or parts of songs...and that I've agreed to and not freaked out. I don't know why it's so nerve wracking to do, when I used to dance in front of a much larger group of people...and never got nervous. I guess it's a little different...since I never did a dance by myself. But, tonight I lead two songs for worship...and barely felt nervous. I just worshiped God and forgot about everyone else in the room...and it felt wonderful.
There were a couple of prophecies that were spoken within the first year of my life. The first being when my mom found out she was pregnant with me. She had been trying and trying with no luck, and was on a business trip with my dad when she turned on the TV, and started watching the 700 Club. For those that have never seen the 700 Club, Pat Robertson and some of the other hosts of the show have a time of prayer where they pray for specific situations that God brings to their minds. I always used to think it was kind of fake until my mom told me about the one that had to do with my arrival into the world. Anyway...Pat Robertson said there was a woman out there that had been trying to get pregnant and hadn't been able to...and that she needed to go see her doctor because she was finally pregnant. My mom knew it was for her, and went to the doctor when they arrived home...and sure enough, she was pregnant with me!
The other prophecy spoken over me was said when my parents had me dedicated. The pastor said that music was going to be one of the biggest parts of my life...my ministry even. My mom and dad used to always tell me that growing up, encouraging me in my singing...and when I started piano lessons...and guitar lessons. But, I never felt it was a call on my life. I love music and everything about it. I love just listening to music, singing it, playing it (well, at least I did when I actually picked up my guitar or plucked out some notes on the piano)...because it speaks to my soul in such a powerful way. Some songs have brought me to tears because of the powerful message behind them. Yet, I've never thought it was supposed to be that big of a part of my life...but maybe I was wrong. I have had a strong desire lately to learn chords on the piano, to be able to play and sing at the same time. Maybe God has bigger plans in store for me than I can see in this moment. But, whatever the case may be, I am very happy to be more comfortable leading songs.


Goodbye, weekend...hello Monday.

Only Comes One Time Each Year...

Today, I turned 26.
I didn't really know how I would feel this morning. I wasn't very excited last night about 26. Not because I'm getting older...not because I don't like the number 26...but just because one of my "goals" in life was not achieved in my 25th year.
Regardless, I woke up this morning quite content. I got to sleep in and relax and watch some TV. I did some cleaning, got ready at my own pace, and awaited my birthday dinner with friends. And, I got the BEST birthday present ever...a text with the ultrasound pic of a baby I am very much looking forward to meeting in about 7 months.
My birthday dinner was pretty fun. It was memorable...yes, that's the right word (we had an awful waiter and waited a LONG time for things. We were in Chevy's for over 2 hours...it was a little crazy). But, the best part was being able to spend it with some of the people I love so very much.

Gotta love the sombrero! :)

All of the people that went to dinner with us!
(I don't know why this picture has all these funny spots, though. None of the other pictures had spots.)

We then returned home for some cake and ice cream...and some Buzz Word. Those that weren't able to join us for dinner were able to hang out with us for that part. And, the festivities ended just before midnight...

My husband picked out a good cake! White w/ raspberry filling. Yum!

26 hasn't been so bad so far. I am actually pretty excited to see what God is going to do in this year. I think it's going to be fabulous...and even if it's not, I am ready to go down whatever roads He may take me.

From an Unlikely Source

I had a horrible morning.
I woke up with the worst headache...and fell back asleep. I didn't wake up again until 12pm. And even then, I still wasn't feeling much better. But, I figured it would be better to get up and eat something.
I read through the blogs I'm subscribed to this afternoon and came across this one. If you have time to read it...and to read through the blogs she linked up to...you will be doing yourself a big favor. I was in tears. And then my husband sent me the sweetest message and I was in tears all over again. But, the part that really got to me was what top of the page put at the end of her blog:

But truth be told, I kinda like being moved to the point where there's a lump in my throat and my eyes start to blur. That means someone else is speaking something precious about life. They took the time to write a script or a book or a blog post about the human condition in one aspect or another. We need the medicine of regularly opening our hearts to the stories around us. Letting ourselves feel what someone else felt. Really feel it. Drink it in.

Because when someone else's story pierces your heart, you realize you were following your story all along.

I find this to be so true in my life. It is so important for us to hear the stories of others and let them speak to our hearts. The Bible is full of the stories of others who dealt with all sorts of situations...and how they leaned on/didn't lean on God to get them through... We can learn so much from the things that other people deal with...and how they get through the good and bad times.
I think that is why I like blogging so much. I am constantly encouraged by the stories of others...even people I've never met in person...and may never meet.

Find encouragement in this:

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV)

Stronger Together (All About the Ladies)

This post has been brewing for a few days now.

And yet, I didn't know how it was all going to come together a few days ago.

I have had some very important, needed, sad, and hard conversations lately. And yet, the conclusion that came to my mind after each one was the same: women are stronger together. What does that mean exactly? Well, let me explain it a little...

No matter what category(ies) in life you fall into...
Married...
Single...
Dating...
Engaged...
Under 20...
20-40...
40-60...
60+...
Mommy...
Mommy to be...

You need other women in your life. No matter what you may think. Even if you have a man in your life who is your best friend. He's not enough (no offense to any guys reading this). And, you can't simply have any woman in your life...you need Godly women in your life. And, not just ones to have fun with or have surface conversations with...ones that dig into your life and allow you to dig into theirs.
Remember that verse I shared in this blog?:

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2)

Women...well, we understand each other. We all have our off days. We all have those moments where we want to pull our hair out...and just need to vent to someone. We all have days filled with tears and sorrow...and just need a shoulder to cry on. We all have those wonderful happy moments where we are just bursting to tell someone...and have to call someone immediately. We also know when another woman genuinely needs space...and when she really needs some girlfriend intervention. And, if we are Godly women, we know when someone needs encouragement...and where to go to find those encouraging words.

I'm not saying at all that husbands or boyfriends are horrible or unnecessary. But, sometimes having a conversation about something super personal is just better with a woman. Besides, we just "get" each other...and sometimes the guys in our lives just don't.

I am VERY excited about some things that are coming up in my life that have to do with this very thing...women walking together through life...sharing burdens, fears, struggles, and the things that hold us back from living to our full potential. Because, we truly are stronger together. I know from personal experience, that the moment I allow myself to be vulnerable with another woman, or a group of women, I suddenly feel a lot more free. I don't feel like I have to hide anymore. I can just be open and honest...and not have to worry about being judged.

I am also feeling a much stronger burden to really be there for more of the women in my life. I am not working right now, so I have the time to meet with and talk to other women. Maybe this is the purpose behind me not working right now. Maybe God has me in this place for a reason. He's done crazier things in my life, so it wouldn't shock me a bit. I just really know that I have a lot to offer other women...and I know they have a ton to offer me. There is something so beautiful about women, that love God, spending time together.

I leave you with these words from James:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
(James 5:16)

Beads, Blessings, and Busyness

I made a couple more necklaces today.
I went to Joann and used my coupon. They were having a MAJOR sale. I was able to get a ton of stuff, without spending a ton of money. I found some beads to go with the black ones I bought last week...and I made a necklace with them that I am quite happy with. I also made one as a gift for someone very close to me...who I don't think reads my blog...but I still don't want to say who it's for in case she finds out somehow.
I took some pics of them...but my camera batteries are almost dead, so they're not the best...but I think you'll get the idea.

I am really proud of this one. I didn't know how I wanted it to look, so I started experimenting, and this was the result.

The big black bead in the middle is one of the ones I bought last week that I had nothing to go with.

I really liked how this one turned out, too. It's very simple, but I think that's why I like it so much.

This at least shows a little bit more of the length of it.

I just kind of held this one up to myself. You can't see the whole thing, but at least you get an idea. The colored ones look orange in this pic, but they are definitely more of a pink color.

I think I may be addicted...and that makes me very happy. It's exciting to know that something you've been wanting to try is something you actually enjoy.



On another note, my life is about to get a lot busier...in a good way. I have a lot on my plate in the next couple of months...but I am excited for all of it. I am looking forward to the growth that is going to take place in many lives.
God knows what my heart needs...and He's been doing a wonderful job giving me opportunities to fill those needs. Or, maybe the opportunities have always been in front of my face...and I'm just now seeing them. Hmm...

Rollercoasters and My First Response

So much can happen in a day.

A lot of interesting conversations took place...a lot of fun times were had...and a lot of serious contemplation occurred.

Today was a mixture of emotions.

I am feeling so much for someone who found out something shocking this weekend.
I realized that sometimes I need to be more confrontational.
I laughed a lot at myself and with friends.
I realized how much like the Israelites I truly am.
I watched a TV show that made me sick...to think of how ridiculous, petty, selfish, and crazy some people live.

Yet, I need to learn to respond to every situation with prayer. If I don't like how someone is being treated or is acting, I need to lift it up to God. If I know I need to say something to someone, I need to ask God for wisdom on how to say it graciously. When I'm realizing how many times I turn my back to the ways of God and how much I hate it, I need to ask Him for the help to stop doing it. And, when I see things that make me sick, I need to pray for those people.

Too often, I just vent to Josh or someone else about these things. I know many of us are probably guilty of that...but that doesn't make it right. God put these people in my life for a reason, for sure. But, He knows the best way to handle things and gives the best advice...so why would I go to someone else first?

I really do want to pray more often. I really do want that to be my first thought when something comes up. I really do want to depend on God more. I think prayer is going to be my focus this year. I really want it to be an automatic response in every situation.

On to another day...

I hope my actions look a little more like Christ's this time around.

The Power of a Word

I have spent the last hour or so reading through some different blogs.
I actually found quite a few new blogs to read last night that have been very encouraging to me. So, when I logged into Blogger today, I had a lot of blogs to read. Two of them in particular stuck out to me...for two very different reasons.

The first was this one...and it broke my heart.
Jeannett is a beautiful person with a story that will make any heart feel for her. She is the one that started the fundraiser for Cliffy. She has a huge heart for other people...and now her huge heart is so broken. Oh, it makes me so sad...


The second blog I read today was this one...and it made me do a lot of thinking.
I just started reading Heather's blog last night. I love that she is super creative, a wonderful mother, and has a huge heart for God. One of the things she put in that blog brought tears to my eyes:

He wants me to love that my life doesn't look the way I had
planned, so that my heart can let go of what it's still
hanging onto. He wants me to love the broken and
crumpled up parts of myself so that I can love myself and
the world without hesitation. He wants me to love the
person in front of me, even if it's a person that's afraid of
me and my loss. He wants me to love like Him.
(to read about her loss, click here)

I need to learn to love that my life doesn't look the way I planned it...because in my heart, I am still hanging onto some sadness and some pain for what happened or didn't happen. I need to love the broken and crumpled parts of myself so that I can truly love myself and those around me. I definitely need to LOVE like Jesus loves.


Oh man...


The power of a word.


Zero.


Love.


They are simple words...but have such complex meanings.

My Creations

Here are the pics of the jewelry I made yesterday.

This one was actually the second one I made and it came together so easily.

A close up of the beads near the top

The next set

And the last set and bottom section

I LOVE this clasp!

Doesn't it look so cute?

This is the first necklace I made. I really liked these red beads as soon as I saw them at the store.

What the sets look like

And the bottom section

Another toggle clasp

So easy to put together

I took these to show the length

I am hoping to experiment with chains next time I make a necklace. There are so many endless possibilities and I can't wait to try some of them out!



My next project to tackle this week/weekend is putting up more pictures. I bought a Family frame a few months back, and we got a multi-opening collage frame for Christmas. I printed all the pictures for both and picked them up from Costco today. Now the pictures just need to go in them so I can hang them up! Can't wait!

Creative Side...Fed

I spent the majority of my day doing something I've just learned that I love.
I wrote a blog a little over a week ago about something I've been wanting to do lately (you can read it here).


I got to do it today!!


I made jewelry with some of the girls from the college group (Oh man...this could seriously be a dangerous hobby for me). I could have spent all day in Joann picking out different beads...and I hear Michael's has an even BIGGER selection! I bought some beautiful beads, gold and silver nylon wire, crimp beads, and gold and silver toggle clasps. We spent over 2 hours creating some beautiful masterpieces. I made two necklaces (I will upload pics tomorrow. The hubby is sleeping and the necklaces are hanging up in our bedroom). I was extremely happy with how they turned out. I have some other beads that I bought that I didn't use that I am already dreaming up ideas for.
It was so relaxing and enjoyable for me. I found much joy in it. It made me feel like I was fulfilling a huge need in my life. I suppose that life test may have been right all along.


On a side note, I am really excited about some fun things coming in the near future. I have mixed feelings about my birthday...but I think that's just normal. I always feel a little happy and a little sad when it's time for another birthday. This year has to beat last year, though (you can read that blog here). But, there's a trip to Disneyland in the near future, our third wedding anniversary, retreats, and so many other wonderful things to look forward to. It's going to be a good year...and it's just getting started.

Sunshine and Waves

Yesterday was a very foggy, dreary day.
Fortunately, we had plans to meet up with some good friends in Santa Cruz...and it was bright and sunny there! We hung out around the boardwalk, walked to downtown and ate at Pizza My Heart, walked along the beach and the length of the pier, and ended our day with some yummy Marianne's ice cream. It was a glorious way to spend MLK Day.

Waiting in Neptune's Kingdom for Emily and Phil to arrive

Gotta take a picture of the husband in front of the pirate ship :)

We took this same picture when we were in Santa Cruz in the summer

This guy is just too creepy looking

Oh yeah. He's pretty BA.

Some of the arcade games

Our new shoes!!

Ahh...sunshine and waves

The boardwalk from the beach

Emily and Phil

I was SO wishing I'd worn flip flops at this point

Yep. They're manpanions.

We've been friends for 11 years!

Taken on the pier

I find paddle surfing fascinating. I thought they'd have to have foot straps or something...but no...they are just standing on the boards with their bare feet!

It was a wonderful day of fun! We were so glad to finally spend some time with Emily and Phil!

A Fun Adventure

Sometimes you just need to do something out of the ordinary.
Saturday was one such day.
I actually had been planning on this whole big fun day for Josh and I for a couple of days. We were going to go to Knight's Ferry and take pictures, and go to the old drive-in A&W in the area. Unfortunately, it was really overcast on Saturday, so we didn't end up going to Knight's Ferry. We did, however, go to the A&W, which Josh had never been to. We brought the new camera along and took some fun pictures.

I think this may be the original sign

Waiting to order our food!

The cute husband

The menu

I love that they serve the root beer in a frosted mug

I am not a huge root beer fan, but there is something about A&W root beer that makes me so happy

Bottoms up!

This was a fun way to spend an afternoon!

Share the Load

Some days I really feel inspired or empowered to do something different.
Today was one of those days.
I took this test a few months back after coming home from the Women of Faith conference. It's supposed to tell you what your strengths are, direct you towards the type of jobs or things that would allow you to use your strengths best...which will then help you to work through the things you're not so strong in (in a nutshell. If that didn't make sense, check out that website to see more about the idea behind it). It gives you the top two out of the nine categories of strengths that best fit you.
My lead role was Creator. I found it quite odd, actually. Not that it didn't make sense...but because I'd never thought of myself in that way. This is the description:

You aren’t immune to the feelings and perspectives of others, but your starting point is your own insight, your own understanding.
Your best quality is your ability to find patterns invisible to others
You should always find time to be by yourself
Be careful you don't think so long, you never do anything
Your smartest career move would be any job where you’re paid to produce new content

My supporting role was Advisor. This one makes a bit more sense to me. Here is the description for it:

Your thrill comes from knowing that you are the person others turn to for the answer. You don’t necessarily want to be the person who actually makes the changes happen. Rather, what excites you is being valued by others for your insight and your judgment.
Your best quality is your ability to find a solution
Always search for data to support your advice
Be careful you don't get frustrated by other people's failings
Your smartest career move would be any job where you're paid to be opinionated

Today, I felt inspired by each of those roles.

I looked up some info online about making jewelry. I'm not really sure why, but I suddenly had the strong urge to learn how to make jewelry. It sounds like something fun and creative to do while I'm not working.
I also felt inspired to be better at fulfilling this verse:

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2)

I love that, in the description for Advisor, it says to "always search for data to support your advice". I try my best to point people back to Scripture when they ask me my opinion on something or want my advice. I know it's the best advice I can possibly give someone.

So, while I don't know how working at a place where I produce new content and being opinionated really go together (unless it was some sort of reporting/newspaper type thing), I do know that I thrive off of being creative, having time to myself, listening to people, and pointing people back to Scripture. I love being able to carry people's burdens. I love knowing that people feel they can trust me and, in turn, entrust me with personal things. Some day, I am sure God will help me figure out how all these things work together. But in the meantime, I am going to continue doing the things I know He's currently called me to.

Cliffy's Fundraiser...and Some Other Thoughts

Cliffy's fundraiser ended last Friday.
I just want to say thanks to all who read my blog and/or liferearranged's blog. Thanks to those who felt compelled to pray or donate. Thanks to those that participated in the Great $1 Push. Thanks for taking the time to think outside of yourself, even if you didn't give or pray.
The total raised for Cliffy's adoption was $9,300.52!! So amazing!! You can read more about it here.



On another note, I have been finding some great blogs to read lately. I know I mentioned this in a previous post, but I keep finding more and more. Seriously, if you ever want some suggestions, I've got some. I've also read some that make me sad...and not in a good way. I just don't understand the way some people think...



And, on an even different note, I am really excited about some changes that are happening within my church, some of the LifeGroups we are a part of, and some of our friends. God is really doing some amazing things and I'm excited to see how they all turn out!

That's all for now.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

So, I really like my new camera.
I haven't been going many places without it.
I have been experimenting...trying to take some more "artsy" pics. I thought I'd upload a couple on here.

(I took this one at In 'n Out on Thursday night after college group. I really like how it turned out. I only edited it just a little bit...just added a soft focus on the edges)

(I took this one at the Elephant Bar tonight. They have these cool salt containers on every table now. I didn't edit this one)



(I took this one at the Elephant Bar, too. I added a little bit of soft focus to it as well)

I am really lovin' taking pictures. It may just be a new passion of mine.

Early Birthday Present

It is here!

My new camera!

We ordered it last week...and it's here!

Look for many more photo blogs to come...I love this thing!

I had more I wanted to write, but it's late and I'm not feeling the best...so that is all for now.

The Best Husband Ever

I seriously have the best husband ever.

No, really. I do.

Not only did he get me the best Christmas present ever (my Harry Potter movies), he got me the best birthday present ever...a new camera! We ordered it last week and it will be here in a few days. But, the best part about it? He used his gift card, and the money he made on side jobs to buy it. He didn't have to do that, but he did. And why? Because he read my blog about how I want to take more pictures...but our camera has that funky spot in it. It's not even that it's "my" camera, because I know we will both use it...but it's that he loves me enough to sacrifice the things that he has or wants to put a smile on my face.
I really don't think I appreciate him enough...or deserve his love. He does so many wonderful things to help me. Some days, I am in so much back pain (or lately, it's been neck pain...and I have no idea why), that I can't do a lot of cleaning or cooking or anything. And, even if he had a long day at work, he will do whatever needs to get done. Sometimes, he even just does that stuff because he wants to...not because I ask or because it needs to get done.
He also works very hard...and has for as long as we've been together. He has worked some jobs that I know he didn't really care for...to be responsible and take care of his bills. He never worries when money is tight...he just finds side jobs. He wasn't nervous at all when I found out I wouldn't be going back to work (or should I say, when HE found out). He's my rock, he's almost always positive about every situation we get into, and he loves me very much.
He's also a wonderful leader and man of God. It almost always brings me to tears when he asks if he can pray for me when I'm having a bad day or am in pain. He always thinks to pray before meals. And, he loves to teach the college students more about God. I have seen so much growth in him in this last year and a half and it makes me so happy. He is going to be a wonderful spiritual leader for our children as well.
Of course, we have our arguments and bad days and frustrations with each other. Of course, there are always the little things that bother us about the other person. Of course, there are always the off days when one of us had a bad day at work or had a bad conversation with another person, and we take it out on each other. Those things happen to every married couple. But, when I think about my husband, I think about all the wonderful things he is and does. He is the love of my life and has been pretty much since our first date

...and I wouldn't have it any other way.