Friends and a long weekend!

After being sick SO much this winter I have needed some good friend time! I have much to look forward to in the next couple of weeks :) This past week I had a few fun things as well. First was a surprise 30th birthday for my good friend Bec! It was so fun- I did have a cold then so would've enjoyed it even more without it- but still had fun celebrating her! I'll add a few pics to this from that night (you can see more on my Facebook). The first pic is Jessica her sister-in-law with week old Titus, her mom, Nikki and me. The second is Bec when she walked in- SURPRISE!

Last weekend my sister, her boyfriend and I went to spend a night at the beach with my grandparents. It was fun to window shop, relax, eat yummy food and play games. I LOVE the beach rain or shine. It was nice most of Saturday which was unexpected! We had a nice view of the ocean from our room.

I have realized how much I need friends in my life this winter! Having to cancel my plans too many times makes the times I do get with friends even more special :)

Prayer requests

I know a couple of babies who are fighting for their life right now. One is the daughter of a guy I grew up with. They thought she would die at birth from Trisomy 13 but she is alive still (I think she was born last Thursday). They haven't confirmed yet if that is what she has. Also a blogging friend's baby is in the hospital. He was a miracle baby- they thought he would also die at birth from heart conditions. He was born healthy but now is having problems. Her blog update was really good about trusting God even when things don't go our way! Really inspiring as she is going through a huge trial and so much truth to what she says... I would recommend reading it and saying a prayer for her little one!

Praises!!

I am a loyal reader of a blog I found from a friend. It is a fun blog and she puts up prayer requests for people which can get really heavy. I found myself almost brought to tears (which is hard for me since I'm not very emotional) by one of the stories she asked us to pray for. So when I read her entry today I was inspired and realized I need to do this publicly and with my time with the Lord more often.... PRAISE HIM for all the blessings in my life!!

PRAISE the Lord I have a job...a job that I actually love and a job that pays the bills. This is something I try not to take for granted as I know many people are out of jobs or are at jobs they don't like!

PRAISE the Lord for my family. My parents and sister love and support me even when I don't deserve it! Rarely do I go a day without talking to my mom and sister on the phone!

PRAISE the Lord for the friends I have- both near and far. It has been a hard 6 months for me with friends moving (esp. since quality time is huge to me in a relationship) but I am so thankful for my friends who are still here and miss those who are far!

PRAISE the Lord for the blessing of my home. I know without a doubt that it is ONLY because of Him I ever bought a house or still have it. I can speak many praises to Him about this story in my life and His provision.

PRAISE the Lord my grandpa is still alive and doing well. When he was first diagnosed with cancer they didn't give him a very good prognosis.

PRAISE the Lord for my puppy...I seriously think I would be depressed without her to come home to...she is always happy to see me, shows me tangible love all the time and cuddles with me when I'm sick or tired!

PRAISE the Lord for my overall health. 3 viruses in 1 1/2 months is frustrating but I am extremely thankful I don't have something serious!

PRAISE the Lord for sunshine today!! I seriously needed it after the past few days of dark skies/rain/hail...thank you, Lord, for a break in the weather!

PRAISE the Lord for 2 days off during Spring Break and a beach trip!

And everyday things that I enjoy and don't always praise the Lord for...sunshine, Spring flowers, coffee, having the resources to decorate my house and make yummy food, chips/salsa/guac/nachos, Jamba juice, watching movies, taking a walk in the sunshine, encouraging notes, jewelry, organic makeup, Creme Brulee or Tiramisu dessert, waking up to sunshine and having it last until bedtime, the beach, seeing Mt Hood as I drive to work, sunrises and sunsets, holding babies or playing with little kids, gardening...and the list could go on and on!!

So if you have a blog I officially tag you to do something similiar...I think we all need to stop and praise the Lord publicly! He is GOOD...and even when things seem to be out of control in the world around us we KNOW He is in control! Praise you Lord :)

Thoughts...

I have several thoughts circulating in my mind right now :) I am not sure who actually reads my blog since I never have comments- if you do would you mind leaving me a comment? I am just curious...

Anyway, one of those thoughts is about contentment. A good friend of mine once told me (paraphrase) "If you cannot be content single, you will never be content married. If you cannot be content married, you will never be content as a parent..." This has stuck with me and encouraged me time and time again. It is okay to have desires and dreams and to fervently seek the Lord for them. But we are asked to be content in all circumstances. I have realized by watching friends and "blogging friends" go through trials that life is not fair. I can become upset when I see someone who doesn't "deserve" blessings to have them...I know that sounds really selfish and I admit that it is! But I see friends who are wonderful, godly people who DESERVE to have kids and cannot get pregnant...I see myself and others who want to find "the one" and haven't yet... So how do we move past this and learn to be content? I am not completely sure but I am trying to seek the Lord in my frustration...I am trying to remember that no one has a perfect life (even if they appear to)...even those who deserve every blessing under the sun don't have it all...I realize daily that this is part of life on earth...we live in a fallen world and there will be hurt, disappointment and pain. Only when we meet Jesus will the disappointments of this world fade! And what hope there is in that promise!!

Weakness...

I am coming out of my second sickness in two weeks. I normally don't get sick very often but this winter it has hit hard. This last sickness really wiped me out. I could barely get out of bed the first day and by the third day at home from work I tried to go in and lasted an hour! It was almost embarrasing how weak I was. I couldn't even process what people asked in their e-mails. I have realized I pride myself in my efficiency and strength. Both of those were taken away from me last week and I realized how weak I really am! Through this sickness I am realizing more about the Lord...how he truly desires to be our STRENGTH. When I was not able to do what I normally do and be on top of life He reminded me He didn't care about what I do...He cares about me in my weakness. He LOVES me and holds me when I feel weak and tired. He PROTECTS me when I can't protect myself. It was a sweet time for me as I prayed and felt His presence around me. I think it is the best time to slow down enough to realize these things. Though I don't want to be sick to learn these things again aboout my Lord I am thankful for His presence through a rough week.

Take time in your busyness to listen to the Lord...He loves you and desires you to acknowledge His presence through the mundane days of life.

100 things about me...

I saw this on my friend Laura's blog and thought it looked fun!
1. I am the first of two children- I like being the oldest!
2. I will turn 27 this year...makes me feel old!
3. I was born on Easter!
4. My favorite color is green for decorating but I'm also a big fan of red and pink.
5. I love almost all kinds of music but some favorites are probably Christian, jazz, Country, bluegrass, some rock...Pandora.com is great!
6. I tried learning to play the piano, sax and guitar. The only one I wish I stuck with was piano.
7. I hope and pray more of my family will be in Heaven than I expect
8. I love to travel and wish I could to do it more! My favs are tropical places but I would love to go to Europe, too.
9. I have been to Hawaii but it rained half the week :( Worst rainy season in 4o years.
11. I had just graduated from college and was 23 when I bought my house. Wouldn't happen now- I bought when they gave loans to just about anyone!
12. The biggest physical blessing the Lord has given me is my home...it's also the way he has taught me the most in the past 3 years
13. I got my job by a clear work of the Lord. It's a cool story that I love to tell :)
14. I love to bake! I don't do it very often because I have little self control with baked goods!
15. I intend to eat healthy...but healthy food is boring to me. I really do try, though.
16. I hope to have a family to cook and bake for some day :)
17. I am trying to finish several books- I have a bad habit of starting but not finishing books.
18. My parents have modeled a great marriage to me. It will be 30 years this year!
19. I have Verizon Wireless...most my friends and family are on it, too, which helps my bill!
20. I wish I could sew still.
21. I love photography and have thought of taking a class.
22. I like family heirlooms. I have a bookshelf my great grandpa built. I want the dresser I used as a teenager that was from my Grandma Friesen's side. I also have some baby sweaters, a cookie jar and doiles my great grandma had/made (she is turning 97 next week!)
23. I used to be adventurous but in my old age have too many fears ;o)
24. I enjoy reading blogs...even if I don't know the person!
25. I love to eat at nice restaurants.
26. I have a thing for reality shows and most TLC and HGTV- thought I don't have cable
27. I think celebs are highly overrated and over paid!
28. I hope that someday I will be a mom of 2-4 kids.
29. Before the kids...I hope to become a wife!
30. My favorite vacation was probably our trip to Puerto Vallarta for my college graduation.
31. I love cheese, chips & salsa, ribs, shrimp, steak...yum- can you tell I'm ready for lunch?
32. I love fondue. I love it with sausage, bread and beer. I'm a true german at heart!
33. I liked tracing my family tree in highschool. I am a mutt but am mostly german and norwegian.
34. I took 4 years of Spanish but because I'm not using it I don't remember much!
35. One of my best friends is in the Czech...I would LOVE to visit her but don't know how to make it happen financially.
36. My favorite profs in college were Dr. Harper and Dr. Patty.
37. I started college in Canada at Briercrest. My favorite prof there was Hinderager.
38. My degree is in Educational Leadership. Closest thing to prepare me for my job I could find at Multnomah.
39. I have thought of getting my Master's in School Adminstration...not sure if I ever will but think I would enjoy it.
40. I don't like onions!
41. I got a puppy the year after I moved into my house. I picked her breed because of the low-shed and because I thought she'd look cute in my little cottage :)
42. I was only person in my immediate family not to go to George Fox.
43. My first 2 years of college were debt free and paid for by my highschool job!
44. I wish I didn't have any college debt. If I hadn't bought my house I would have it paid off by now- oh well!
45. I sometimes think I should dye my hair dark just for fun but am afraid I'd hate it!
46. I learned an easy way to make a quick yummy appetizer from the Wiggins...cheese with pastry dough wrapped around it and cooked- eat with crackers.
47. My mom has been a stay at home mom/wife since she was pregnant with me- a life I'd love to have :)
48. I hate being the center of attention- I turn red usually if a big group of people are looking at me
49. I loved college but wasn't a big fan of high school.
50 I my 10 year reunion will be next year but I don't plan to go.
51. This past Spring I got into gardening...I still have lots to learn but enjoy it!
52. I love hanging flower baskets and potsin the late spring and summer.
53. I love Spring...it's would be my favorite season if it wasn't for the rain.
54. Cleaning is stress relieving for me if I have enough time to do it. If I'm busy it becomes stressful.
55. I love browsing and know if I had a lot of money I would love to buy.
56. I have been on too many first dates.
57. Last night was watching American Idol! Go Danny!
58. We never owned video games growing up. I am glad and hope to not have it in my own home someday.
59. I love the game Apples to Apples...I love most board games!
60. I am competitive but not athletic
61. I like salty and sweet...yogurt covered pretzels and kettle corn are my favs!
62. I hate being late- I am usually right on time.
63. I love being around my friends and family- it's my favorite past-time.
64. My car is messy- it used to be clean but ever since I've had a house I'd rather keep the mess in the car.
65. I bought a fun car and had to get rid of it for a more practical car when gas prices sky-rocketed!
66. I love reading magazines...Real Simple, Country Home, etc.
67. I think my job is perfect for me!
68. I wish I could sing better. One of my good friends Amber has a voice that gives you chills- so amazing!
69. I wrote a paper my senior year of college about teen girls and their self-esteems.
70. I want to get more involved in child advocacy but don't know where to start!
71. I love listening to babies and kids laugh.
72. I always wanted to be a little shorter so I can wear heels without being taller than most the boys. No I try to embrace my height.
73. I love lifting weights but hate cardio!
74. I was raised Happy Valley, OR.
75. All my friends but 2 are married.
76. I learned to bake pies from my grandma
77. I love the beauty of Oregon and the mild summers but hate the rain!
78. The beach is my favorite getaway. It's so pretty and reminds of the Lord's faithfulness as I watch the waves.
79. I am on the border of extrovert and introvert so I...like to be with people but need to be alone to unwind; love to talk but am shy when I am uncomfortable...
80. I have a hard time identifying with either the Republican or Democrat parties. I am moderate and wish there was a perfect political party!
81. If I had the money I would buy a hybrid car but would probably start with making my house more energy efficient
82. I am attracted to country boys but love the city and am not much of a country girl myself.
83. The closest thing to being country for me was growing up on 2 acres and riding horses in Bend every summer.
84. I was a wedding coordinator once and would do it again!
85. I love planning parties!
86. I love, love to decorate and redecorate! I think if it wasn't so materialistic I would like doing it for a living.
87. Babies usually like me!
88. I love the charm and character of my 1925 house...I love porches and hardwood floors.
90. If I had a million dollars I would pay off all my debt, build wells in Africa, donate to my church and college and save!
91. I love diamonds and it is my birthstone
92. Roses are my favorite flower but I am allergic to some!
93. I love perfume, makeup and clothes...girly girl at heart :)
94. I have never had a pedicure because I can't justify spending money on one. I would love it as a gift!
95. I love coming home to my dog...she is always happy to see me and makes me feel loved! I never knew I would be so attached to her!
96. I wonder what my life will be like in 5 years...I try not to dwell on the future too much but live in the present!
97. I was 4 when I accepted Jesus...I love working with young kids in church because I know how important planting those seeds are!
98. I enjoy spending time on the internet...esp Facebook and reading blogs!
99. I am trying to challenge myself in new ways at my job
100. My sister and I are told by strangers that we look like twins but I honestly think she is the prettier sister! I have thought that for a long time so I would tease her when I was in jr. high about having "dad's nose". So mean to try and make her insecure! :(

Waiting for sun!

I have to admit I am missing the sun more than usual these days. We've had a few teasers here and there of beautiful, sunny, winter days! Saturday was one of those days...it was so beautiful! I was actually too warm in a sweatshirt when I took Maggie to the park. I am thinking it would be nice right about now to move to a sunny state...or at least take a sunny vacation :)