Monday, September 27, 2010

WHATEVER

If you follow me on facebook, you know that is the word of the day. WHATEVER. It is basically my response to all the stupid stuff that I hear about, the stupid things that are happening to me and happening to the one's I love. WHATEVER!

It is really hard sometimes to understand what God is doing. I know he is bigger than us, created us, loves us, wants good things for us, but often lately I am left wondering what he is going to do in our lives.

I like to know what is coming my way, what to expect, what to look forward to. To just hear the "NO's" of today it is really easy to realize that a "YES" will come soon enough and we will know what our next steps should be.

This also reminds me of how interesting the older you get, the more decisions are harder to make because so many decisions impact situations in the future. Sure, we could sell all that we own and move to some remote area of the planet, BUT, is that using what God has given us wisely?

OR we could do what we do for this is what we know, and miss out on some incredible opportunities. I would say this, both Jamos and I know that change is coming. We don't know what type of change, or what these means, but we LONG for something different. You hear me rant about how we are STUCK in HOUSTON. And, if you give me long enough, I will say that is how I feel today more than anything-- STUCK. WHATEVER.
I love my job. I love my husband. But, I also our families, our friends who we live far from. We just finished a very great class called, "sprituality in the workplace" and although I went into this thinking it was talking about Christianity in the workplace, I learned the difference between religion and spirituality. Each person NEEDS to find a fulfilment in their work, something that touches their core and gets them out of bed each morning. Another interesting aspect is that of leadership. People really need to understand if they manage a group of people, the impact THEY have on the group. I sure wish I knew what I know now about management when I was in charge of the admissions reps at SAU. I thought I was a good leader, but I am learning how much impact a leader can have- when using both servant and spiritual leadership. It can change lives. And make a job more fulfilling.

WHATEVER.

I don't think that this post actually makes sense. In fact, I am more confused now than I was when I started writing it. But, I do beg you- reader to PRAY for Jamos and I. Hopefully you have been, and we appreciate that. It is easy to become discouraged when the face of God seems hidden in the tough moments of life. We have MUCH to give thanks for- we HAVE jobs, a home, food, clean water, an education, TWO cars, etc., But, we also feel a bit lost, confused and stuck in the place we are at right now.
A positive in this is marriage. Two people- going thru the SAME THING. TOGETHER. Maybe all of this is to soley teach us a lesson in partnership and the true meaning of marriage. Life isn't roses and beaches, but rather, windy days with some lightening and hail....big hail that HURTS when it hits you on the head.
WHATEVER.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Puppy Love

Well, let's see... Sunday was a crazy day. I went to work out with my friend Riikka at a great yoga store called Lululemon. They offer free classes, so we tend to go. Anyways, she came over and I was going to drive Jamos' car. I got in- and the brake light was on- I thought maybe the parking brake was on for some reason? And, so, I was like, well, I guess I can try to drive it. Well, I didn't get out of our parking lot before I realized we would NOT be taking Jamos' car to the workout. The brakes were NOT working right- and the peddle was going all the way to the floor.

I HATE CAR ISSUES!

So, Monday comes around- and I have to drive Jamos to the airport in the morning- and then get our car TOWED from our parking lot- to the auto shop to get looked at. Oh, and there is obviously a leak in the brake line because brake fluid is leaking out like mad.

So, now Jamos is in New Orleans, the car is at the shop waiting for new brake lines since ours rusted out(thanks michigan winters and salty roads). It isn't an easy fix or a cheap fix, but I am still grateful for how it worked out and that Jamos wasn't driving and left stranded anywhere.

Anyways. We finish up our class on Sunday and start our LAST TWO GRADUATE classes on MONDAY!!! We are VERY excited to graduate on November 20, 2010 with our MASTERS DEGREE! :)

Friday, September 17, 2010

Office Chair

Many of you may or may not know that our 2nd bedroom is both a guest room and an office. We use it mostly for an office room- for Jamos and then it is also where we do our homework. Well, for some reason when we bought Jamos a desk for back here- we never got an office chair. So, he has been using a folding chair from our set of folding chairs and table... well, he had been putting an old pillow on the seat of the folding chair the the past....5 months or so.... yes, sad day if you knew how much time was spent back here on homework.

I was shopping at the container store yesterday and saw a bungee chair. I sat in it and it was really comfortable- it rolled and moved back and forth (swivled) and then I remembered seeing these bungee chairs at Target this week on sale. SO- off I went to get one of these chairs for my husband.
It is GREAT! :) And, we ask ourselves how we lived here with no desk chair for nearly 3 years....I am not sure really.
So, all this to say- if you need a desk chair- I suggest getting one! :)

* I am sitting in it right now at his desk. :)

I am also excited because tonight and tomorrow Jamos and I will be attending a Love and Respect Conference at church. We bought tickets a while ago- but I am really excited to go! We haven't been to a marriage conference since we were dating and I really appreciate the wisdom from the Love and Respect books.
You can check out their website here: http://www.loveandrespect.com/

The Emmerson's live in Michigan of all places, so it is funny that we come to texas to hear them speak! Either way, I am excited.

This week has also been nice because we have had only one class. Having just ONE class makes all the difference in our stress level! Of course, in another week we will start our FINAL 2 classes!!

Also pray for my brother in law- Javin- who will be starting his time with YWAM- Youth With a Mission. He will be in Orlando for a few months and then spend 1 month in another country applying what he has learned. We are proud of him for taking this step of growth and discovery as he waits to hear from the Lord as to what his next steps will be.

Jamos and I continue to ask for your prayers for us as we seek our next steps. Not that we are tired of Houston... But, we would LOVE to get back to our friends and family. When we were back in Michigan, we really enjoyed it and it filled up our cups again to come and fight this texas world together. For anyone who has lived away from family understands how much a family is also a support system. When I was in college- I was across the country from my mom- who is also my best friend. We handled it well because we used the phone, e-mail, packages, etc.,
The same goes for us now. We need that support from family and friends and at times, in this busy world, it is harder to give and to get. ALL of this to say, we would love to be closer to family.

And... I think that is all I can think to write. Enjoy your day. Be blessed!

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Updates from us


I am sure most of you have given up on checking for updates from our blog! Sorry about that. I have no excuse other than: mom came for a visit, move-in day at SAU, MarriagePrep August, 2 grad school classes, and a trip to Michigan! We have been a bit busy.

Let's see... Jamos and I just got back from a great trip to Michigan. Even with the purchase of a plane tickets, a rental car, parking at the airport, and vacation time taken, the trip to see family is always worth the cost. We had a great time in Michigan even if the weather wasn't ideal. I just love the lake, the pier, the farms, the fresh peaches, the smell of the breeze. There is something about Michigan that I LOVE. Being back at SAU was fabulous too. It always feels like coming home for me. Like I never have left- even if there are new people around, there are the same familiar faces and many hugs to be had! All my kids showed up- which is good.

Yesterday was Jamos and my third wedding anniversary. Too bad he left in the wee hours of the morning for Corpus, where a tropical storm had just flown thru. BUT, on the subject of marriage, I just have to say how I am continuing to get to know my husband. It is amazing each day what I learn about him and how we can both work together to bring out our best. I love that I have someone who knows what I am thinking before I say it out loud- that we say the same "things" and make the same hand motions...the list can go on and on.... I just love him! We sure have experienced a lot in our three years of marriage- we have been strengthened with the trials- there has been a lot of laughter, love, and joyous moments for us.