Fun Filled Week

If you've ever spent any length of time with me, you've come to know that I appreciate some of the most random facts/ideas. So, with that said. It's been a GREAT week. I will explain...

Wednesday, July 8th was: 07/08/09, how cool! Then, I further learned that only ever once in my life would this be. To add to that coolness, I learned of the fact that it truly would only ever be this cool:
04:05.06 on 07/08/09

In case you're confused, it's 04 am, 05 minutes, 06 seconds the 08th day of July (07) in the year 09. Talk about awesome!!!! I sent out a text to friends & had an updated Facebook Status, and I had some fun responses from people, so I'm putting some of them here!

Kimberly Garavito: u r 2 cute thxs 4 sharing
Candy Teague: Oh jen :)
Melissa Martin: yaaaa! hahaa
Nancy Barrales: :) oh how i miss you :)
Brittany Ingold: Very interesting speef!
Becky Crossley: Haha oh jeni. Only you!
Jenn Vandersluis: Ha ha thanks Jeni!
Justin Guerrero: You would Jeni! Ha ha... You mom!
Me: Mom?
Justin: Yeah...You are a mom. Its a good thing :)
Ashley Siemens: Yes only you would know something like that :p
Daniel Hestehauge: you would notice something like this...haha

SOOOO the conclusion I've come to is: 1) I'm really weird or 2) I just appreciate the small things in life. I'd choose 2! But, really, things like this make life more interesting!!!

Today, Friday, July 10th is Cow Appreciation Day! Chick-Fil-A honors you if you dress in any way like a cow. Melissa and I have made this an annual tradition, check out the pictures!
1st: Melissa & I
2nd: Me, I'm a cow, mooooo!
3rd: The FREE food. The spots & nose were worth it, score!

Lastly, tomorrow, Saturday, July 11th is SLURPEE day!!!!!!! 7/11...come on now!
If you don't believe me, then visit the 7-11 newsroom report!
http://www.7-eleven.com/NewsRoom/FreeSlurpeeDrinksLiveMusicToTheirEars/tabid/319/Default.aspx

Have a splendid Fun Filled Week :-)

HOPE YOU'VE ENJOYED MY RANDOMNESS!!

Kids Grow Up TOO Fast

Look at the vast difference in Jadyn!

Top: December 2005

Bottom: May 31, 2009
Kids just grow up way too fast!

"Landed" A New Job

Beginning Monday, I will be one of these:

Yep! You got it...a Ramp Agent at Ontario Airport. I will have 4 days of training, then will be on a normal schedule! I will start part time & see where things advance. I will be working here & at MandM where I currently am working.

My main duty at the airport will be to have some smarts in Baggage Make Up, which is where all luggage is originally sent, then separated by flight, then into 4 different sections on each flight. Good times right there, especially with my strength of being strategic :-) I think I will like it!!!

Disaster Results Blessing in Disguise!

I came home from work today, not feeling too well (as I've been a bit under the weather since Sunday) only to open my bedroom door to see my closet in shambles. If you know me at all, I've been on this organized/neat freak kick ever since moving out (when I lived on campus) and thus sticking with it since returning home in December.

Well, apparently from weight & multiple earthquakes (my assumption here) the rack that holds all of my clothes and storage stuff, decided to take a dump today. Here's a picture.

So you're probably wondering what the blessing in disguise is. Well, since everything came tumbling down, I had to obviously pick it all up to get the rack out, so we can put a new one in. I have this bag, that I've used to keep special/important papers in. But knew it was very old. I decided what the heck, I'll go thru it. Well, in it I found 2 very important letters. They were scholarship letters! Of $ I had earned during my youth bowling leagues. At first I was upset, because I've obviously graduated college & didn't use them. I continued reading this letter, to find out the monies don't expire until 6 years from my high school graduation date. This year makes 4 years since then, so it's still good!!!!!! But, I'm no longer in school - bummer. Except, if I can show a receipt that I used $ to pay for tuition, books, etc. they can reimburse me. Wahoo, Jeni is getting $130.58. Hey, it's not a whole lot - but it will do. I'm not complaining!!

To Do or Not to Do

This is a product of my no longer being a college student. If I had to write a persuasive essay, it would go something like this! Sometimes I really miss school!!! I miss having my outlets of writing!

Contrary to popular belief, I don't think it's such a bad idea! It's funny how often this topic of conversation comes up, and it's very interesting to hear the different sides that people present. I'm pretty open, and am typically an out of the box thinker. I don't just agree with people because it's the "expected" thing, I tend to voice my opinion & form my own beliefs. I think it's definitely hard sometimes to stand behind your own beliefs, especially when they're contrary to popular demand - particularly with those closest to you, but then what would this world be like if we all just simply had the same thoughts & belief system? It'd be pretty dull if you ask me.

So, my thoughts on online dating.... 1st, I think the term "online dating" needs to be defined. I guess it could be interpreted in many ways, but here is what I deem the meaning to be, a social network, providing just an additional avenue of how you could potentially meet someone. I'm not sure "online dating" is very accurate either. Because you don't date online, unless you only intend to converse with someone online, never having the potential to meet them & become friends. If that's the case, then online dating is accurate, though that's now how I'd interpret it. Dating is an actual act, going out, getting to know someone - how you'd ever do that online, I'm not sure. Anyone can type something out about themselves, making them out to be whoever they wish, but when you interact with them, seeing their personality come to life, etc. you can make a judgement on whether the individual has portrayed themselves properly or not.

Just as you meet someone at a restaurant, waiting in a line somewhere, at a theme park, at a bar, at a park, through a friend, etc. you have the same chances of meeting someone online. Sure, there are crazies, and creepos out there, but who's to say that the person you meet in line at the grocery store doesn't have the potential to be just as crazy, if not worse, than someone you'd meet online. Bottom line, there are weirdos and creepos everywhere, we'll never steer clear from them. Whenever or however you meet someone, it should be done w/ caution & discernment, because you NEVER know what you're getting yourself into. Just as someone can send you an email stating facts about themselves, a person telling you face to face could easily be lying to you the same way.

I think we all know the potential dangers of online dating...you hear the stories on the news, you get the horrific emails, etc. If you're going into something blindly, you need to have your guard up, and be prepared in any given situation. I'm going to focus on the positives, because I think we all get in this rut of negativity, and it's time for a change.

Watch a TV show, and you're bound to see an eHarmony commercial, a Match.com commercial, or something of the sort. Why are these so popular? Is it because they're making bank? Well, they are, because people pay to use their services, but it's popular because people have found it to work. Technology has been so advanced over the past 2 decades, and especially in my generation, our focus has been on virtual communication. We were the generation that used to hang out in chat rooms, spend hours on end on AIM, email our friends/family whenever the opportunity presented itself, etc. We have known online communication, so of course internet dating seems like a valid option.

If I were to label a perk of online dating, it would have to be that you get to bypass the awkward stages of getting to know someone. Sites usually have profiles, where you can post pictures of yourself, your basic information, answer typical questions, and then you would generally have an area where you can say anything else, & mainly state what you're looking for in someone. One of the best parts, is if you're completely honest in stating what you want, if someone reads your profile & they know they don't fit to what you're looking for - you don't have to bother talking to them. I guess you could more or less say that profiles are like pouring flour into a sifter & sifting out the parts you don't want. You're not wasting anyones time, and that's a plus. You're not wasting your heart, emotions & efforts to try and impress anyone either. They either like what they see, and you can communicate, or you don't. Sounds good to me!

If they like what they see, and you like what you see, you can likely pursue further communication. It is often recommended to not give out personal information, which is obviously smart, for reasons we all should know. If communication is continued & you feel like your values match & you would be interested in getting to know one another further (either just as friends, or in pursuit of a potential relationship), an exchange of #s would be a good start. Then you just progress as if you'd just met anyone. You have to spend time together in order to get to know someone, but I would highly recommend not going alone for the initial meet. Better to be safe than sorry, right!?! If you hang out, in due time you'll be able to see if their character reflects who you thought them to be, etc. If you're in the right state of mind, and aren't just desperate to be with someone, I don't see online dating as being all that bad. Your motives should be pure (as in seeking out ANY relationship), and if you have certain expectations & standards for a relationship, don't ever lose sight of those!!! You should always seek someone who not only shares the same values/morals as you, though someone who helps you & encourages you to keep those values/morals in tact.

Here's to you & whichever avenue you choose to take in order to meet new people. Maybe it's one or the other, or maybe it's both. I wish you good luck & discernment in making wise decisions, in whatever it may be!

176 Days

Britt & I will be running a 1/2 Marathon together in 176 days. In 3 days I will begin my training, wahooo. Life change here I come :o)

If you want to read about the marathon, please visit:
http://www.afchalf.com/

1 Item To Be Crossed Off

A year ago, Brittany Ingold & I became Speef's. What is a Speef? Well, a Speef, is a Spouse/Friend Forever. We became "spouses" because we had a health class together and the professor often referred to "how your spouse might do something" etc. etc. Obviously, neither of us have spouses, so we starting calling eachother Spouse. Then from there, she enlightened me to tell me that in high school, when they referred to their best friends, they called eachother Beef's (which is just pronouncing BFF's) So, we replaced the B w/ SP and thus we have SPFF, which is pronounced Speef. Now that you're clear on what Speef is, we can proceed.

When we moved back to campus this year, Speef & I lived together in a house w/ 4 other friends. It was great. We had similar school schedules and work schedules, so every Thursday we would go out for Speef Dates. We went to the MI (Mission Inn) and did hw and just enjoyed time together. During these times, we created a Speef Bucket List, and just recently added (due to Britt's amazing life goals) another item to the list, that WILL be crossed off in 2009! Now that I work full time...we've changed Speef dates to Wednesday nights. They're a ton of fun - and we do a variety of things. Someday SOON though, Speef Dates will be turning into marathon training nights (either running x amount of miles, or doing cross training). Britt had the brilliant idea of running a 1/2 marathon, and it took me all of about 2 minutes to invite myself to do it with her & jump on the bandwagon. I'm excited to do this!! I will keep you posted on what 1/2 Marathon we decide to do, and will probably do updates of how trainings are going :o)

The pictures are from our latest Speef Date (Wed. 2-4-09) at the Tyler Mall. Gotta love photo booths, $3 and you get a strip of pictures for each of you - you should do it - they rock. And, press for instructions in Spanish...it's even better! Cinco, cuatro, tres, dos, uno...Foto!

The Power of THANK YOU

Don't you just ever wish someone would say thank you?? I mean, we hear the average "thank you" on a daily basis when we hold a door open, say hello, or something just to say "thanks" for. But really...when someone does something thoughtful and/or caring do the least and say "Thank you!!!"

There are 2 particular things I would've expected a "Thank you!!!" for in the past 2 months, and really... REALLY!?!?!? REEAAAAALLLLLLLLLLYYYY? Is this what we've come to? Take take take and never give. All I ever expect is a thank you, you'd think that's the least someone could do - but they can't even do that.

Lord, I give these thoughts that have been consuming me, to You...

Crybaby!

I know the term wasn't meant for harm, but it definitely has got me thinking.

There are a lot of things in life that make me cry: being upset, being hurt, hurting someone else, emotions (love, weddings, etc.) other people crying, or PMS. It's not that I cry all the time, but the above listed things trigger my crying. I am glad to say that the Lord has created me to be an emotional being, and I truly like to embrace this quality. I wouldn't be me, as He created me, if I didn't have this quality.

Now the term "crybaby" it wasn't used negatively, it was just posed to me in a question. "Awww, Jeni, are you a crybaby? Cuz I thought I was bad!" My response to that was, "Yes! Yes, I am." What made me cry, you may ask? Well, I was at a Bridal Shower for my dear friend Erika, and 2 particular things made me cry. 1: Erika presented her mom w/ a poem she wrote, then gave her a handkerchief w/ an inscription on it, reflecting on the purpose of tears, and how these tears she is crying as Erika's wedding is approaching are those of joy, and delight...as she sees her daughter bloom into a woman and soon to be wife. 2: The video of Erika & Jay! They put together a video, which told their story. Each step of the way. At the end, they just embraced eachother and said why they love the other. It was so wonderful, and of course, the sentimental value made me cry. At the end of the video, a friend from another table came over and offered her napkin to wipe my eyes - then we reverted to the fact that there is probably NO WAY I will ever be able to make it thru my own wedding, or anything of sentimental value without crying.

I'm excited for what the future is going to bring. I am in no rush for things to come together, for I know the Lord has His hand in it all, and it is His will I want to trust in and follow after.

Here's to the tears I've cried - and to the tears that will come! Cheers.

Nearly 3 Months Later!!

Needless to say, there has been a whole lot going on in the life of Jeni McKeithen!!! So much that I don't even know where to begin - so if this is scattered, I'm sorry, you will have to deal with it :o) My thoughts come & go, so that's most likely how they will be presented here, haha.

Most recently (one week ago to be exact) I graduated from California Baptist University w/ a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Cum Laude (that means I had over a 3.5 GPA). What a marvelous 3 1/2 years it was at CBU. Graduating and moving on as a whole is quite bittersweet, I'm really not sure how else to put it! I will really miss the community there, no doubt. I will miss the caf (but that can be a good thing, maybe there's hope of actually losing that freshman 15!). I will really miss my 1 and only room mate: Nancy Barrales, and of course the housemates as well: Beth Crowell, Kendra Faulkner, Brittany Ingold & Candy Teague. We had such a great experience living in the house together, and as I am happy to be back home, I will miss what our house at school was. Speaking of being home, I totally changed my room around today (wahoo!!) I figured I'm at a new place in life, so I deserve something new to come home to. Since I will be a working woman come January 5th (I'll be doing accounting/office assistant duties for M&M Sports and Apparel) I figured my bed should be the focal point & most comfortable place in my room. I got a new mattress memory foam, some memory foam pillows, some decor pillows, and my bed is now complete. It looks good if I say so myself! And the wall decor & lighting is now different as well, it's definitely a different room, a big change...and change is good!

In these past 3 months, I have been wondering what the future as a whole holds for me. I've graduated with a degree, and of course would love to use it - but I'm not so sure that I want to teach in the state of CA, so I have decided not to credential, and to just work for a while and pay down my loans, and see what comes. I have determined there are 2 options that I would like to pursue. One is to seek out administrative positions on Christian college campuses or to teach overseas. There is a great teaching program in Russia, which allows teachers from the U.S. (w/ any states credential) to teach at a private school there while receiving a U.S. teachers standard salary. This would be ideal. But I would have to look into getting my credentials first to do that. I'd like to see what options are out there, and then determine what I would like to do. I know it all rests in God's hands, so I will be prayerful to consider what He has in store for me. I will keep updating as to what I believe the future may hold (only time will tell).

As far as travelling goes, I went up to Chico in November to visit Melissa (my best friend) and had a blast there. My friend/co-worker Mallory flew up with me, and we spent the weekend w/ Melissa. We hung out, slept, went shopping, and also got to celebrate Samuel's 21st bday. Samuel and I have become friends, and he is a great guy! Seriously, if you want a good friend (someone to have meaningful conversations with, someone who is interested in what's going on in your life, someone who is fun/entertaining, someone who is honest, etc.) I know where you can find one!!!! Other than Chico, the only other trip I went on was to Vegas after graduation. What a GREAT weekend that was. Vegas deserves its own post, there's too much to say about that trip. In January I will be going with my dad to Alabama (what has become our annual father/daughter trip). We will be going hunting for white tail deer and hogs. Good times! I'm looking into going out to New York for a friends wedding in the late Spring and then to Chico again for Melissa's graduation. Even though I won't be in school, I know time will continue to fly by.

As I was putting some laundry away about 20 minutes ago, I realized I had completely left something out of this blog update. I was summoned for jury duty this summer, in the late weeks of August, though was unable to go at the time, so I had it postponed. And wouldn't you know it, it was rescheduled for Dec. 22nd. I didn't have to go in on the 22nd, but I had to report on the 23rd. Contrary to popular demand and popular complaints, I have thoroughly enjoyed jury duty! It is my 1st ever experience, and I was actually chosen for a jury. It's a 5 day trial, criminal case. Meaning, we have to have a unanimous vote as the jury, so that should be interesting. However, I really am enjoying the experience and it has tought me so much about the system we are blessed to have. Think of people in other countries who are not innocent until proven guilty, how would that make you feel if you were locked up for life immediately w/ out any say in the matter? I don't know about you, but what we have here is great, and we should be delighted to give of our time and thoughts in order to serve. Call me crazy if you wish, but truly, I look forward to my summons next year. Thank you Court!

For now, this is what's going on in my life. I will be posting more often, as I won't have papers, homework, projects, study groups, etc. to tend to...Hallelujah!!!! Until next time, adios!

Some stuff about me...

1. Were you named after anyone? Not that I know of, but I do have my aunt's middle name, Lee

2. When was the last time you cried? Probably during orientation week (August) when I was thinking about a lot of things...

3. Do you like your handwriting? Yes, actually I do.

4. What is your favorite lunchmeat? Roast beef.

5. Do you have kids? Nope, not yet...but someday I want 7.

6. If you were another person would you be friends with yourself? I think so.

7. Do you like sarcasm? Yes, I use it quite often!
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes
9. Would you bungee jump? No, skydive only.
10. What is your favorite cereal? Life or Cap-n-crunch or Fruity Pebbles
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nope.
12. Do you think you are strong? Yes....

13. What is your favorite ice cream? Rainbow Sherbert

14. Whats the first thing you notice about people? Teeth/Smile

15. Red , or Pink? Red for clothing, pink for accessories

16. What 's the least favorite thing about yourself? Being out of shape

17. Who do you miss the most? Dancing and doing TaeKwonDo

18. Do you want everyone to send this back to you? No, they can't on this.

19. What color pants & shoes are you wearing? Light blue jean capris, and no shoes :o)

20. What was the last thing you ate? Chips & Guacamole from Albertos, yummy!
21. What are you listening to right now? This movie on Lifetime and some "band" playing in the neighborhood.

22. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow, because brightness is a necessity

23. Favorite smells? Guys cologne

24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Beth

25. Do you like the person that sent this to you? Yes, Yvonne sent it to me!

26. Favorite sports to watch? Basketball of course

27. Hair color? Brown

28. Eye Color? Brown/Green, they change

29. Do you wear contacts? Yes, or glasses.

30. Favorite foods? Mexican or anything my mom cooks!

31. Scary movies or happy endings? Scary if there's a guy to protect me, happy endings any other time.

32. Last movie you watched? My Best Friends Girl (today w/ Melissa!!!)

33. What color shirt are you wearing? White

34. Summer or Winter? Summer

35. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs are my favorite, but kisses are more special.

36. Favorite Dessert? Cheesecake, or sorbet.

37. Most likely to respond? No one

38. Least likely to respond? No one

39. What book are you reading? The Bible, Define the Relationship & When God Writes Your Love Story

40. What is on your mouse pad? Don't have one

41. What did you watch on TV last night? One Tree Hill

42. Favorite sound? Rain on a tin roof (aka Alabama)

43. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles

44. What is the farthest you have ever been from home? Romania

45. Do you have a special talent? Just being me :o) I have an extreme flexibility gift though.

46. Where were you born? Yorba Linda, CA

...Music & Lyrics...

No, not the movie.

Anyone who has been in my car (or with me where there is music) for longer than an hour would know that I relate music to all aspects of my life. I'm pretty sure I have a song for everything. I like to link the different areas of my life, and music is a huge aspect of my doing that.

If there was a significant event in my life, significant people, fun times with friends where a song was involved, I remember the importance of these things and people in relation to the songs. It's part of my remembering. Music and lyrics are a part of my life.

The following are ways in which music is a part of me:
Mom: In My Daughters Eyes by Martina McBride
I Will Be by Natalie Grant

Dad: She Don't Know She's Beautiful by Sammy Kershaw
You Don't Have to Let Go by Jessica Simpson (Father-Daughter song for wedding)

Wedding: Tonight Is The Night by Betty Wright

Jesus: Often times when people are praying, or make small statements, they remind me of
worship songs...random, but AMAZING.

CARWASH (room mate upbeat songs that we deem important in washing our cars)

These are just a few specific ones. There are definitely WAY MORE. But, it's time for me to go to bed, because unfortunately I have a 7 am class, and then have to work. So I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.

I have a feeling I will be blogging quite a bit to come, so stay tuned.

RE-UNITED

The FAB 4
Jeni & Brit (aka Speef)
Jenna & Jeni (the Jen's!)
Becky & Jeni (aka Becky-sita & Jeni-sita)

Reunited and it feels so good, that song comes to mind when I begin thinking of the reunion that the FAB4 had last night. The last time we were all together was when we celebrated finals being over in the Spring. I was gone for Jenna's wedding, so the FAB4 was incomplete. We finally were able to get together last night, and as always, we had a BLAST. We met at Beck's and then went to In & Out (cuz Brit and I were craving it) then we headed over to the Glass House for some Tyrone Wells time!!! We needed to waste some time, and we somehow ended up wandering into a bridal shop, and the lady working there, Angie, wisped Becky away and made her the next bride to be. It was quite an experience, and now is making us all look forward to marriage that much more. Except for Jenna, she's gonna get to re-live the wedding experience through all of us, she's the expert now - I think we decided that. After we shopped for Becky's future wedding dress (which I believe she found) it was GORGEOUS!!! we went to see Tyrone. Jason Reeves opened for him, and he was really good. Some new fav. songs now, that's for sure. It was the first time I had ever really listened to Tyrone, and he seriously was the BEST. I'm sure that will be a new tradition for the FAB4. Check out his new single, Patience - it comes out on Tuesday. After the show we went to BJ's, a tradition when we get together!!

I am fine, REALLY!

Ok, so this is my first ever VENTING blog. People, seriously, I AM FINE! I may not appear that way, but honestly, and truly, I am fine. I think I might not be ok if everyone keeps asking me that and trying to figure whatever "it" is out. There isn't an "it"!!!!

I have just had a lot of stuff on my heart and mind lately, and I've been thinking. Once I get to thinking about something, it's hard to get my mind off of it. There are some tough things to think about, some decisions that need to be made, and none of the above come easily - especially in relation to my future and where I'm going. I don't know exactly what I'm thinking right now, but when I do - I will write about it I'm sure.

For now, I'm looking forward to a normal schedule and a routine. Where I can make plans for the weeks to come and be able to schedule out my days like I'm used to. This up and down, all around stuff is starting to wear on me - please don't be offended if I say I need "Jeni time" trust me, if I say I need it, I need it. I may be extroverted most of the time, but I'm starting to wear down because of people overload. "Jeni time" is my introverted time, where I can get rejouvenated and have some peace.

And with that thought, I'm off for some Jeni time and gonna read a new book! Hallelujah!

…I Have a Confession to Make…

I went to Sandals tonight, as I’ve been going with Greg & Tami Cash for the past couple weeks. It has been awesome. Tonight was about confessing one to another, and praying for each other. I have been wanting a mentor in my life, and I think that time is finally here – time to be serious about seeking and making time for something of the sort to be an active part of my life. For too long now I’ve been trying to do it Jeni’s way, and that obviously isn’t working. Well, it’s been sufficient, but not enough…because it’s NEVER enough when we try to do something on our own – we were created to rely on Him. I definitely have not been relying on Him for everything. He deserves so much more for me, and in accountability and confession, I hope to bring Him more.

Something that stuck out particularly to me was when (1) Pastor Neil posed the question/thought: “Are you choosing fake community over real intimacy?” Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. By my decisions to come, I’ll be deciding this for myself. Do I simply like someone because it’s appealing to have attention, or do I genuinely like them? Is it something I’m about because I like the thought of it, or because I like the reality of it? Do I like it because others notice it and are willing to invest time in me because of it? All of these things crossed my mind. I may truly like this person, or I may be after it for the big picture. I don’t know. Truly time will tell, but this calls on a true observation of my heart, actions, and life as a whole. If I don’t do this now – I may cause hurt for myself, and potentially hurt for another. We’ll see where things go. I truly think God used the message tonight to open my eyes to the realities of me not giving Him the least bit of what He requires of me. It’s time for action…no doubt.

Another sermon point that is weighing on me is to “start acting in love, so as NOT to be selfish!” When we truly love others (like 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all you do be done in love.”) we are putting our own needs aside in order to put others as more valuable and important. When we do this, we are eliminating the chances of being selfish. After doing the love languages test and reading the book, the ways I express my love and receive love from others is by Quality Time & Gifts. I have often felt that in gift giving, people think I’m trying to win them over (for FOCUS people, yes I have Woo!) but it’s not as to do it in a negative way. I love to do small things to remind people that they are thought of and that they are special to me. I also love to do things to encourage people…it’s part of how He wired me I suppose. (Actually, I know…I don’t suppose that.)

Well, this is my piece of mind for now. More to come sometime.

Contentment

Contentment...what is contentment? According to dictionary.com, contentment is "happiness with one's situation in life"

I can truly say that where I am right now, is at a place of content. I have been doing much thinking lately, and it has been driving me nuts, but thinking is good. If we don't think about things - how do we really know how we feel? We may think we know - but the more thought we give to something, we see whether we really do know, or if we simply need to give it more thought...thus, we're presented with an ever present cycle of "thinking"

You may wonder what in life is making me content. If you are...continue to read, if not, disregard and go read someone else's blog :o)
#1, I am content because of Christ. I would not be content if I did not have a loving, forgiving, and gracious Father, who is my Savior!! To know that I am loved unconditionally by Him, no matter what I look like, no matter what I think, say, or do - if I come to Him with a repentant heart and a desire to serve Him, He welcomes me with open arms - there is not much more contentment than that.
#2, I am content because in 12 days I get to move into a house (which we're making a home) with 5 friends: Beth Crowell, Britt Ingold, Nancy Barrales, Candy Teague & Kendra Faulkner. What an exciting time. I truly cannot wait to live with these women, ahhhh WAHOOOOOOO! Pictures of our home will definitely be posted...probably after orientation, after we get all settled in - so expect pictures sometime in beg. of September.
#3, I am content because I got to be open with a friend, and they were open in return. You know when you just wonder something for so long, but don't know how to ask it, because you don't want things to be awkward, and you don't want them to take it the wrong way - well I was feeling just that, for about 2 months now. But didn't know how to bring it up. Finally, I got bold enough, and just asked. I know I didn't ask what I wanted to know in the right manner, but we were able to talk about it a little more later, and things are fine. No need to think there will be awkwardness.
#4 (really #3 cont'd), I am content, because I don't feel a need to want to like someone, or to be liked in return. This is weird, and I'm not even sure if my words are portraying my feelings properly...but I will try my best. If you know you like someone, why do you search somewhere else to see if you can find something better? Usually I've always been the type to keep the open mind, but for some reason, my mind and heart keep coming back to one person. Could it be that I really really really like this person? I would say YES!!! I have never liked anyone like I like him, and I don't know what the difference is. Maybe it's different because I'm more mature now - I dunno, my last relationship was in uhhh, June 2005 (so over 3 years ago). But, when you like someone, it doesn't mean you have to be in a relationship. Of course, in time, and in development of the friendship/relationship, you may see that you're better as friends - or that you can potentially be together...but you can't limit your friendship in the present, you must just continue to develop the friendship you have, and see where God leads it. This is exactly where the "in time" and "we'll see" come into the picture. Out of love & respect for one another though, be honest with one another, and see where things go. If you're like me, and you know in your heart of hearts that you don't want to pursue a relationship with anyone else right now, stick to that - but have people around you that can see the situation as a whole, to make sure you're not just sitting around, waiting for their time only, where you're a convenient person to have around - that's not what friendships or relationships are about - DON'T SETTLE, and certainly don't be used. With that said, I'm content with where I'm at in the friendship/relationship stage of life...and am looking to stay where I'm at.
#5, I am content because I will graduate December 19, 2008!!! Wahoo. Though if you ask me in a couple months, I probably won't be so content, as I will have to be looking for a full time job. But, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
#6, I am content because I figured out that I've been best friends with Melissa for nearly 10 years! 2 weeks from now, we're going on a trip to the very 1st place we ever went as friends - how exciting. I guess you could say we'll celebrate our 10 year anniversary of being friends :o)
#7, I am content because I just got all of this off of my mind...and I hope it made sense!!!

If you've managed to make it to this point - congratulations, sorry for the different ways I went, but that's just how my mind works!!!

<3...The Five Love Languages...<3

I know I have told a few people about this book, but the Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman is now one of my favorite books. I have never in my life learned so much about myself and others all at the same time.

You may wonder why I even bought the book, or became interested in it in the 1st place. Well, I was having a good conversation with a certain special someone, and he cared to say he wasn't sure he really knew how to love someone, at least in the ways they deserve to be loved, respected & cared for. It took a lot for him to say that, but for him to say it, has meant so much. I think these days we all are trying to make ourselves out to understand it all, and then when we have a hard time, we feel like we can't talk to anyone about it, because we should have all the answers. But the truth is, we don't have all the answers - and Christ made us to be relational beings. Without other people around us, we wouldn't be complete. Sure, some of us enjoy less people, some more, but if you narrow it down - there are always people you have in your life that you must depend on, or you would be incomplete. In our conversation, I asked if he had ever read the 5 Love Languages. Problem is, I said it like I knew all about it, when in fact, I'd only ever heard a sermon on it - and that was my freshman year of college, and that was by Matt Brown. At that time, thru the sermon, I understood that my Love Language was Physical Touch. About a year ago, I did an online assessment and it said Acts of Service. But, back to the conversation. He said no he hadn't, just had heard it mentioned here and there in sermons, and from the FOCUS class offered at our university. I said, same here...and then we let that go.

The next day I continued to think of our conversation (I'm a thinker, if you didn't know that, I soak up everything, and consider it all time & time again). I realized that I wanted to read this book, because I really knew nothing about the 5 Love Languages. I started looking online at Border's, Barne's & Noble, and then Berean. I realized that there are a ton of 5 Love Languages, one for married couples, one for singles, one for children, and the list goes on. I called the book stores & they only had one copy. Luckily, Berean had quite a few. I didn't want to buy the book only for him, because I wanted to figure things out too. Do I really know how to love people?? So, I bought the book and read it in about 2 days.

The 5 Love Languages are: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, & Physical Touch. From reading the book & doing the assessment included, I learned that my Love Language is Quality Time, with Gifts in a close 2nd. The more I think upon these 2 things, I see how apparent they are in my life. I LOVE to spend time with people. Whether it's just sitting and watching a movie, TV, etc. I love being in the presence of those who are close to me. It makes me feel loved to be able to spend time. The other is gifts. No, not big, expensive gifts (though I don't turn those away, hahaha) but the small things, the inbetween things, these are what mean most to me. Thinking about it right now, there are little things in my car that I've received over the years, and I keep them because they remind me of people in my life. If you know me, you know I'm a PEOPLE PERSON! I would go crazy if I didn't have a constant flow of people in my life. In my car, I have a little paper mache flower made by Callista Grace (she made it at preschool, and I picked her up the day she made it, so she wanted me to have it), I have a little mirror sticker on my hazard light button from Debbie Long (given to me when we were making crafts for the Women's Retreat last year), I have mardi gras beads (which were from Beth on my 20th bday, no matter what the cop wanted to believe!!!), I have the teddy bear on my shifter (from The Boys when The Girls did a v-day dinner with all the friends...it was on the vase of flowers, I let them keep the flowers, I have the bear), I have a ring on a string (from Jenna's bachelorette weekend) and I think that's all for in my car. In my room & in the house, there are umpteen things that I have received from people, and everytime I see the gifts, I'm reminded of my time with them.

When you learn someone else's love language, you learn to love them the way that makes them feel loved. It's easy to do things that we like to have done for us, but if we really want people to be valued and loved by us, we need to love them in ways that make them feel special. Read the book, you'll learn a lot - and for sure, your relationships (of all kinds, not just dating ones) will be improved.

The certain special someone shared his with me last night, and it wasn't one that I expected for him. But the more and more I thought about it, it's exactly him. Lucky for me, we have the same love language, so now I know what will mean most :o) His 2nd love language, now that I'll have to work on!

Friendships, relationships, family, etc. relational things take work, and I think we've gotten too comfortable doing just what we like to do. It's time to step out & fulfill 1 Corinthians 16:14,

"Let all you do be done in love."

That was then, this is now...

It sure has been some time since I've posted. In between that last post and now, I have had some eventful things happen.

From June 8-28th, I was gone to Romania for my ISP trip with our amazing team: Roxi & I, Ashley, Alyssa, Michelle, Rebeca, Shareen, Dave, Lucas & Mat. When we were there, we got to work at an orphanage, work at a camp that the orphans get to go to during the summer, and worked with people in local villages. It truly was a blessing to be His hands & feet. Many people have asked what the most significant part of my trip was, and I would say, it was the things that Christ opened my eyes to. We read a book, Celebration of the Disciplines, and in the first 2 chapters, I knew I was being called to change. One specific part stuck with me, and has been a challenge to uphold, but that is to not make expectations for others to withold if I'm not willing to uphold them myself. Tough, but necessary lesson to learn. Also, my love and passion to serve children was made clear. I definitely have a gift with children, and can't wait to have some of my own someday (plenty of days from now though!!!) The last 7 days there, I was sick. When I came home, I spent the 1st night at Urgent Care, was put on 3 antibiotics, and have been feeling good now (this is day 5 of feeling GREAT!!!) Needless to say, coming home was nice, but my heart is still there.

Since then, I've gone back to work, and have spent time with family & friends. I got to go to Forest Falls w/ Roxi & Hillary, had a great time. I had some pretty crazy falls, but I guess that's expected when Jeni does anything - it always happens to me. I fell 3 times: #1, I was climbing a big boulder, as soon as I pushed off my foot slipped and I couldn't grip the rock because it was wet from the Falls, so Hillary SAVED my life, she pulled me up, and I just layed on the rock for a couple minutes, thankful to be alive. #2, we were coming down (cuz we hiked all the way up!) and I slipped, and my butt went into the waterfall, so I looked like I peed. #3, we were on the flat part at the end of the trail, and I tried to step OVER a rock, but my right foot wasn't set, and I came down only to FACE PLANT into the rock. Roxi got a picture, I'll have to post it soon. My scab is going away now :o)

And now, I'm just enjoying life. Trying to figure out what's ahead, 5 months from now, I'll be graduating college. Real life here I come :o)

Well, I need to get some sleep, but there are definitely some things on my mind/heart that I will post about soon: Love Languages, The Past (and Present), Risks...I will post on those soon!

What's the answer to everything?

TIME! Now, I'm not sure if I agree with this yet or not, so I'm gonna think about it - and I'll post again with my full thoughts on it.

Pictures That I Promised

I didn't take any pictures of all of the things that filled the living room once I got home, but I took pictures of some of my stuff packed before I left the school. I didn't know I had so much, I think I came home with more than what I had in my room before I ever moved to school. Guess it's just what happens. And no, I still haven't unpacked everything! I think my mom will be fed up soon - my bags are still in the living room.