Tonight, I got the honor of seeing the inspirational movie "Soul Surfer" before it is released to the general public on April 8th. This movie is AMAZING! I am a little biased though because I love Hawaii and I love surfing, but this movie really spoke to me and I feel like I could really connect with the story.
Some of you may have heard of the young surfer girl from Hawaii who's arm got bitten off by a shark a few years ago. Her name is Bethany Hamilton. She has been an inspiration to many all over the world, and as of now, I feel inspired by her actions and her faith in God.
When something major and awful happens in our lives, we often ask or even blame God for the incident and wonder why he would plan for that event to happen in our lives. I have experienced a traumatizing event in my life. Afterward, I did wonder why I had to go through such trauma. Why me I asked? But after a while, it occurred to me that God wants me to use that situation into something positive.
This is what happened to Bethany. She was confused at first why she had to encounter such trauma and hardship. But she realized she had a gift, and she used her situation to inspire others. We learn to never give up and to have faith in God.
This is a must see movie. I was thrilled with the fact that it had a lot of well known actors (Dennis Quaid, Hellen Hunt, Craig T. Nelson, Carrie Underwood, and Kevin Sorbo) are involved in a movie where faith and God was praised and encouraged.
Go See It! April 8th!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Way to a Man's Heart is Through his Stomach
At this moment, I am pretty stoked right now. Why you may ask? Well, it's because I tried something new for dinner and my husband totally loved it! One might be thinking this is totally lame. But to me, I find it satisfying. I have been wanting to make mini pizzas for a while now. Since I have a food allergy to dairy, eating my favorite food has been depressing. However, I got the idea of using pitas as a crust (since there is no dairy in pitas) and of course going without cheese on my pizza. When I presented this idea to John to see if that is what he wanted for dinner, he didn't look too thrilled, but agreed that mini pita pizzas would be okay for dinner tonight. I got some of our favorite toppings: pineapple, olives, peperoni, mushrooms and broccoli. I created the pizzas and ten minutes later, out came some good looking pizzas. At this point, I was still a little worried that John wouldn't like the pizzas, but I was wrong. He totally loved them! I just love it when he enjoys my cooking. He also complimented on my cooking last night, which we had steak, asparagus and avocado.
When I cook...and others like my cooking, I get full satisfaction, especially when I don't follow a recipe and I just create. I never knew that I would feel this way after I get the thumbs up after dinner. In the last five years of marriage, I have gotten more thumbs up than down. From the beginning, I asked John to always tell me when I didn't make something very tasty. I didn't want to be lead on and certainly didn't want to continue making the same dish when all along he didn't like it. At first, I assumed that I would get a lot of thumbs down, but to my surprise, I wasn't that bad of a cook from the beginning. Yes, I have improved, but at least we didn't eat burnt dinners every night of our first year of marriage. :)
As a wife, I always want to make my husband happy. I am so glad that feeding him with good food isn't that hard for me to achieve. Feeling satisfied is such a good feeling, especially when it's from your spouse. I am so glad that every night, I am able to have the chance to make my husband happy and feeling like I did a good deed.
I am looking forward to all of the new food ideas to come and the satisfaction I will get after I put a great meal in my husbands tummy.
When I cook...and others like my cooking, I get full satisfaction, especially when I don't follow a recipe and I just create. I never knew that I would feel this way after I get the thumbs up after dinner. In the last five years of marriage, I have gotten more thumbs up than down. From the beginning, I asked John to always tell me when I didn't make something very tasty. I didn't want to be lead on and certainly didn't want to continue making the same dish when all along he didn't like it. At first, I assumed that I would get a lot of thumbs down, but to my surprise, I wasn't that bad of a cook from the beginning. Yes, I have improved, but at least we didn't eat burnt dinners every night of our first year of marriage. :)
As a wife, I always want to make my husband happy. I am so glad that feeding him with good food isn't that hard for me to achieve. Feeling satisfied is such a good feeling, especially when it's from your spouse. I am so glad that every night, I am able to have the chance to make my husband happy and feeling like I did a good deed.
I am looking forward to all of the new food ideas to come and the satisfaction I will get after I put a great meal in my husbands tummy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
True Joy
Since the beginning of January, we have been talking about True Joy while studying the book of Philippians at church. Our Pastor has done a great job every Sunday analyzing and preaching the letter that Paul wrote. I have gotten a lot out of this book and it seems as if every Sunday, our pastor says the things that I need to hear.
Last week really hit me. Lately, I have been questioning..or thinking about the kind of people I want in my life. Who are my role models? Am I surrounding myself with people that bring me joy? The answer to this is yes...and no. I don't really have any quality Godly role models. I do have some, but not enough. At least none that I interact with on a regular basis. I feel that it's important to surround yourself with Godly role models and I hope that I can find some. For me to be the woman I am called to be, requires me to know these people. I'm not talking about the "Christians" that are only "Christians" on Sundays...I'm talking about true, Godly people. Unfortunately, these people are hard to find. So I guess from this point on, I have to pray that God will help me find the people I'm seeking. I know he wants the best for me, so I am not too worried that I won't find any role models.
In regards to being surrounded with people that bring me joy, this is tough. Of course I have a handful of wonderful people in my life, but I have to be honest...there are some people in my life lately that have been completely awful to me. And get this, there are suppose to be my "family." Yep, family. Of all the people in my life, I would never expect to be treated like rubbish by family members. This is where it get's tough. In church, I'm taught to surround myself with great people, but what do you do with family members that treat you like dirt?
I am very hurt by these individuals who have treated me so poorly. I don't even know what I did to deserve this kind of treatment. I am a hard working person, that doesn't do drugs, party, get in trouble, etc. I take care of my husband, our home, our dogs, go to school and work. I do the very best I can in life and I've been told by my parents and my husband that they are proud of me. I feel like I am a target with these individuals. Why? I don't know.
The worst thing is that I am so hurt by the way I've been treated, but it seems that my feelings are minimized by others and it's not that big of a deal that I received this treatment. Or that I can't really say anything because it causes conflict. So I pretty much have to bottle things up and get treated like a doormat. It's so frustrating! I just want to scream! It's not okay for them to do this to me..and my little family. But of course, they will get way with it..and my feelings will be brushed aside, just to save a little conflict. Meanwhile my blood pressure is sky high because I'm so ANGRY. Yes, ANGRY with these people. I know I said hurt before, but I'm ANGRY.
At this point, I am not sure what I am going to do with these people. My main priority is surrounding myself with people that are Godly role models, that brings me joy and people I love the most. This situation is really in God's hands and I know God will take care of the people that have treated me un-Godly.
Last week really hit me. Lately, I have been questioning..or thinking about the kind of people I want in my life. Who are my role models? Am I surrounding myself with people that bring me joy? The answer to this is yes...and no. I don't really have any quality Godly role models. I do have some, but not enough. At least none that I interact with on a regular basis. I feel that it's important to surround yourself with Godly role models and I hope that I can find some. For me to be the woman I am called to be, requires me to know these people. I'm not talking about the "Christians" that are only "Christians" on Sundays...I'm talking about true, Godly people. Unfortunately, these people are hard to find. So I guess from this point on, I have to pray that God will help me find the people I'm seeking. I know he wants the best for me, so I am not too worried that I won't find any role models.
In regards to being surrounded with people that bring me joy, this is tough. Of course I have a handful of wonderful people in my life, but I have to be honest...there are some people in my life lately that have been completely awful to me. And get this, there are suppose to be my "family." Yep, family. Of all the people in my life, I would never expect to be treated like rubbish by family members. This is where it get's tough. In church, I'm taught to surround myself with great people, but what do you do with family members that treat you like dirt?
I am very hurt by these individuals who have treated me so poorly. I don't even know what I did to deserve this kind of treatment. I am a hard working person, that doesn't do drugs, party, get in trouble, etc. I take care of my husband, our home, our dogs, go to school and work. I do the very best I can in life and I've been told by my parents and my husband that they are proud of me. I feel like I am a target with these individuals. Why? I don't know.
The worst thing is that I am so hurt by the way I've been treated, but it seems that my feelings are minimized by others and it's not that big of a deal that I received this treatment. Or that I can't really say anything because it causes conflict. So I pretty much have to bottle things up and get treated like a doormat. It's so frustrating! I just want to scream! It's not okay for them to do this to me..and my little family. But of course, they will get way with it..and my feelings will be brushed aside, just to save a little conflict. Meanwhile my blood pressure is sky high because I'm so ANGRY. Yes, ANGRY with these people. I know I said hurt before, but I'm ANGRY.
At this point, I am not sure what I am going to do with these people. My main priority is surrounding myself with people that are Godly role models, that brings me joy and people I love the most. This situation is really in God's hands and I know God will take care of the people that have treated me un-Godly.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Take Care
It's hard being a grown up. Life seemed so much easier when I was a kid, and I often times miss my carefree days just playing and having fun. I've been an adult for 10 years now and it's hard now and then to be that adult that takes care of others, pays bills, works, goes to school, cook, clean, etc. As a woman that is a giver (at least in my eyes I am), it's honestly taken a toll on me. Lately, I feel like I am sinking in this mass ocean called life. I've come to realize that I don't take care of myself. Which, is not an uncommon thing that many wives to do. Why is that? Why don't we take time for ourselves?
My goal over spring break is to come up with ways to take care of myself and realize it's okay that dinner doesn't have to be ready when John walks in the door (not that he has complained one way or the other) or that if I don't get to the dishes one night, that's okay too. I've also put a lot of pressure on myself in regards to school. I'm in graduate school. In my program, we can't get a grade lower than a B-. I've never really had too much of a problem getting good grades, but to me, it's just that added pressure that drives me crazy. Last term I got all A's, so now, I feel like I have to get all A's for the duration on my graduate school career. Is this a little crazy for me to be thinking this? Probably. I have come to the point what I have complete anxiety about grades. Stupid, I know...especially when I know I am going to do great. And if I get a B, it's not the end of the world..right?
Ugh!
Anyway, back to taking care of myself. I've been thinking of ways on how to do this. It's a hard thing to do...and it's hard to think of things that will utterly bring me the zen that I need. My naturopath doctor has ordered me to take epsom salt baths. This is mostly for my headaches and my body aches, plus I also get me time. But I'm not always able to get baths scheduled every night. I really need to try harder at this though.
Dance is something that brings me joy. I love to dance. I haven't done it for a while and I really miss it. Thankfully I was actually able to find a ballet class that will actually fit into my schedule! I'm so excited about finally getting back into dancing. I start in a couple of weeks.
Fitness is another area I desperately need to focus on. I have gained some pounds since I've been married and I've noticed it's taking a toll on my health. I've been working out more at school, but I really need to be strict on my workout plan. Again...sometimes it's hard to stay motivated.
My diet is very important for me to follow. In October I found out that I had a food allergy to dairy as well as sugar. When I eat dairy, I feel awful. It's really hard not to eat dairy. Dairy is everywhere! I feel overwhelmed by this lifestyle change...but it's vital for me to stay strict because my health depends on it!
Lastly, I need a social life. Since moving to Portland 3 years ago, I haven't really had a social life. I really miss having friends, but since the move, I have gone into my shell and it's really hard for me to come out of my shell. I am scared. Why? Because I have a hard time trusting people. The last time I made friends, they turned out to be not very good people. Portland is different. It's very liberal and not very Christian. I feel like an outsider most of the time, therefore it's hard to make friends. But I know that I have to reach out and meet nice christian women who are a good influence on me. At this point, I have someone in mind to reach out to, but I'm still thinking about my plan of attack. :)
In a way, I am disappointed in myself that I let myself get to this point in life, but I know that I'm not perfect and I believe God is working in me and that this is his plan. I will succeed.
My goal over spring break is to come up with ways to take care of myself and realize it's okay that dinner doesn't have to be ready when John walks in the door (not that he has complained one way or the other) or that if I don't get to the dishes one night, that's okay too. I've also put a lot of pressure on myself in regards to school. I'm in graduate school. In my program, we can't get a grade lower than a B-. I've never really had too much of a problem getting good grades, but to me, it's just that added pressure that drives me crazy. Last term I got all A's, so now, I feel like I have to get all A's for the duration on my graduate school career. Is this a little crazy for me to be thinking this? Probably. I have come to the point what I have complete anxiety about grades. Stupid, I know...especially when I know I am going to do great. And if I get a B, it's not the end of the world..right?
Ugh!
Anyway, back to taking care of myself. I've been thinking of ways on how to do this. It's a hard thing to do...and it's hard to think of things that will utterly bring me the zen that I need. My naturopath doctor has ordered me to take epsom salt baths. This is mostly for my headaches and my body aches, plus I also get me time. But I'm not always able to get baths scheduled every night. I really need to try harder at this though.
Dance is something that brings me joy. I love to dance. I haven't done it for a while and I really miss it. Thankfully I was actually able to find a ballet class that will actually fit into my schedule! I'm so excited about finally getting back into dancing. I start in a couple of weeks.
Fitness is another area I desperately need to focus on. I have gained some pounds since I've been married and I've noticed it's taking a toll on my health. I've been working out more at school, but I really need to be strict on my workout plan. Again...sometimes it's hard to stay motivated.
My diet is very important for me to follow. In October I found out that I had a food allergy to dairy as well as sugar. When I eat dairy, I feel awful. It's really hard not to eat dairy. Dairy is everywhere! I feel overwhelmed by this lifestyle change...but it's vital for me to stay strict because my health depends on it!
Lastly, I need a social life. Since moving to Portland 3 years ago, I haven't really had a social life. I really miss having friends, but since the move, I have gone into my shell and it's really hard for me to come out of my shell. I am scared. Why? Because I have a hard time trusting people. The last time I made friends, they turned out to be not very good people. Portland is different. It's very liberal and not very Christian. I feel like an outsider most of the time, therefore it's hard to make friends. But I know that I have to reach out and meet nice christian women who are a good influence on me. At this point, I have someone in mind to reach out to, but I'm still thinking about my plan of attack. :)
In a way, I am disappointed in myself that I let myself get to this point in life, but I know that I'm not perfect and I believe God is working in me and that this is his plan. I will succeed.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Are you prepared?
With the recent earthquake in Japan, it reminds me (and should others as well) that events like this can happen anywhere and at anytime. A year and a half ago I took a 11 week disaster emergency training and I learned a lot on how to respond in case of a disaster happens in my community. During one class, we talked about earthquakes and I learned that it's just a matter of time that a major earthquake will happen in Portland, Oregon. This earthquake will leave major damage to the city and surrounding areas and we as residents really have to be prepared. When I think about the devastation that could occur during my duration of my stay in the Portland area, I often times get scared at what could happen. I often think of one of those suspenseful movies where the "star" of the movie has to go through all of these obstacles in order to get to safety or see their loved ones again. I really don't want to live out one of those movies.
John and I attend school at Portland State University, which is downtown. Many of the buildings are older and will not hold up in a strong earthquake. The building at my work scares me because it is very old and I know it will not hold in an earthquake. I also get worried that John and I will be separated at the time and then we would have the challenge of getting back together again..that is if we both make it out alive. In an ideal world, I would love for us to be together if this event happens, but I can't count on ideal. Therefore, I need to know how I can take care of myself, just in case.
Though we will never know when a disaster strikes, the only thing we can do is prepare, prepare, prepare! So let me ask you this....are you prepared for a disaster to strike? Do you have a plan in place for your family if you are separated? Do you even know what you need? Do you even understand what will happen if your city is in the middle of a disaster and how emergency responders will react? These are all important things to know in regards to disasters and surviving.
When a disaster happens, emergency officials will respond to locations with mass amount of people. Thus, if you are able to call 911 for help, the likely hood that someone will respond in a quick manner is slim. Therefore, if you are hurt and if it's safe and possible, find help. If not, then take proper actions in the best interest of you and your family. This may even be staying put in your own dwelling until help arrives..which could be a couple of days.
If you are stuck in your dwelling, make sure that you have all of the supplies you need to survive for a couple of days. This includes, water, food (make sure to include a can opener), blankets, TP, garbage bags, flashlights with working batteries, a batter operated radio, rope, gloves, matches, etc.
Make a plan for your family if you are separated. This has to include a meet up spot (if possible) for your family to meet. This could be at a school, work, library, city hall, etc. Also, provide an out of town phone number for each family member to call and check in. Many of the phone lines won't be working locally, but you can call out of town easier.
These are some some of the important things you need to be thinking about. Below is a couple of helpful websites to visit and get more information on disaster planning, including what to put in your disaster kits, etc. Please prepare yourself because disasters can happen anywhere, anytime.
http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/
http://72hours.org/
http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm
John and I attend school at Portland State University, which is downtown. Many of the buildings are older and will not hold up in a strong earthquake. The building at my work scares me because it is very old and I know it will not hold in an earthquake. I also get worried that John and I will be separated at the time and then we would have the challenge of getting back together again..that is if we both make it out alive. In an ideal world, I would love for us to be together if this event happens, but I can't count on ideal. Therefore, I need to know how I can take care of myself, just in case.
Though we will never know when a disaster strikes, the only thing we can do is prepare, prepare, prepare! So let me ask you this....are you prepared for a disaster to strike? Do you have a plan in place for your family if you are separated? Do you even know what you need? Do you even understand what will happen if your city is in the middle of a disaster and how emergency responders will react? These are all important things to know in regards to disasters and surviving.
When a disaster happens, emergency officials will respond to locations with mass amount of people. Thus, if you are able to call 911 for help, the likely hood that someone will respond in a quick manner is slim. Therefore, if you are hurt and if it's safe and possible, find help. If not, then take proper actions in the best interest of you and your family. This may even be staying put in your own dwelling until help arrives..which could be a couple of days.
If you are stuck in your dwelling, make sure that you have all of the supplies you need to survive for a couple of days. This includes, water, food (make sure to include a can opener), blankets, TP, garbage bags, flashlights with working batteries, a batter operated radio, rope, gloves, matches, etc.
Make a plan for your family if you are separated. This has to include a meet up spot (if possible) for your family to meet. This could be at a school, work, library, city hall, etc. Also, provide an out of town phone number for each family member to call and check in. Many of the phone lines won't be working locally, but you can call out of town easier.
These are some some of the important things you need to be thinking about. Below is a couple of helpful websites to visit and get more information on disaster planning, including what to put in your disaster kits, etc. Please prepare yourself because disasters can happen anywhere, anytime.
http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/
http://72hours.org/
http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Love is Here
I love inspirational music. From time to time I like to share songs that really speak to me. I really like this song by Tenth Avenue North (which is great in concert). I am always reminded that no matter what, God is here with me and as long as I have God in my life, everything will be okay and that I'm loved.
Come to the water
You who thirst
And you'll thirst no more
Come to the father
You who work
And you'll work no more
And all you who labor in vain
And to the broken and shamed
Chorus
Love is here
Love is now
Love is pouring from His hands
From His brow
Love is near
It satisfies
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
'Cause love is here
Come to the treasure
You who search
And you'll search no more
Come to the lover
You who want
And you'll want no more, no
And all you who labor in vain
And to the broken and shamed
Yeah
Chorus
And to the bruised and fallen Captives bound and broken hearted
He is the Lord
He is the Lord, yeah
By his stripes
He's paid our ransom
From His wounds we drink salvation
He is the Lord
He is the Lord
Chorus
Love is here
Love is now
Love is pouring from His hands
From His brow
Love is near
It satisfies
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
'Cause love is here
Love is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sBuajPzBTw
Come to the water
You who thirst
And you'll thirst no more
Come to the father
You who work
And you'll work no more
And all you who labor in vain
And to the broken and shamed
Chorus
Love is here
Love is now
Love is pouring from His hands
From His brow
Love is near
It satisfies
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
'Cause love is here
Come to the treasure
You who search
And you'll search no more
Come to the lover
You who want
And you'll want no more, no
And all you who labor in vain
And to the broken and shamed
Yeah
Chorus
And to the bruised and fallen Captives bound and broken hearted
He is the Lord
He is the Lord, yeah
By his stripes
He's paid our ransom
From His wounds we drink salvation
He is the Lord
He is the Lord
Chorus
Love is here
Love is now
Love is pouring from His hands
From His brow
Love is near
It satisfies
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
Streams of mercy flowing from His side
'Cause love is here
Love is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sBuajPzBTw
Hmm...what to do?
Well, It's spring break (for the most part) and I'm finding myself with a little bit of free time. I've been wanting to blog for some time now, but never really had the time. So maybe this is a time to explore the world of blogging. I don't really think anyone will read this, but I like to write. I think a lot..but don't speak my thoughts. Thus, I wind up feeling overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings. Since I was a little girl, I used to journal my thoughts and I would feel better. So maybe if I expressed my thoughts this way, it can help me grow...or even teach others. I am random with my thoughts, I like to be funny, I like writing about controversial issues, I think deep and I sometimes don't. So this should be interesting. :)
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