revisiting… October 27, 2008

Gosh darn, it has been awhile seen I popped on here to update!  It is gonna be hard to update all the events.  But to say the least, I have been busy-or at least it feels like it.

Just a quick update on the job thing:  I have had two first interviews.  However after interviewing for them I am realizing that I have a lot more to learn (supervisory skills, analytical skills, and project management).  I have not heard either way on the outcomes of my interviews.  I am still awaiting word from the Education Department on campus about my application for the master’s degree.  I will be following up with them this week.  I am praying God’s will.

To get into the Halloween spirit I met up with “Once Bitten Twice Lucky” to see Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein on the big screen.  It was  BLAST!!!  The theater was surprisingly packed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves!  I am so happy that I did not miss the showing.  I love Abbott and Costello–classic comedy duo at it’s best!

Fabric Patterns & Projects

Yesterday I spent the morning doing some cleaning around the house.  Afterward I went to my local scrapbooking shop only to find out that there is a big possibility they are going to close up and move to a larger city.  From what I can gather it is not a matter of if but when.  So I felt good about giving them a little business, even if it is too late.  A few doors down is a really great fabric store.  I have been looking for a specific purse pattern and by george they had that and more.  The wheels are turning on how to make extra money, and I think a variety of purses, aprons, and possibly dog accessories. I am looking forward to revisiting a hobby I have missed.

Last night I was able to chat with a new friend.  It was nice, and we have a few odd things in common: our dogs are named the same, and we drive the same make and model car.  Too funny!

I went back to GS church today.  I thought I would give it another try, and on the encouragement from “Once Bitten Twice Lucky”.  It was nice.  I am a bit sad that I am unable to attend any small groups during the week, because I think I am really missing that.  I am not sure if I should look around Sac for a Bible study during the week or if the one I am doing on my own is enough for now.  Something I need prayer in.  I am currently reading through Anxious for Nothing by John MacArthur.  It has, so far, been a really eye open and rewarding book- I am only on Chapter 4 by the way!  I strongly recommend it if you are struggling with worry, doubting God, faltering faith…

Today I cracked open the Cricut Design Studio software for my Cricut machine.  After about 45min of trying to figure out why it was not cutting correctly, I updated the firmware and it cut just great!!  Which is good, cause I was depending on it to work right for Halloween cards and the cards I am making for Laura’s retreat.

Well, that is about all for now…I will probably be posting again soon!  Thanks for stickin’ with me and my lil ‘ol Blog.

-in Christ

I think I found one… September 29, 2008

no not a man… (yet…) however…

Ladies and gentleman, I think I may have found a church *applause!*.  I visited G.S. church this past Sunday.  It is about 15 minutes away, and I enjoyed it a lot more than the G.F. church.  G.S. had a churchy feel (compared to the cement laden and vastness of size at G.F. ).  It appears to be a small close knit church.  The worship was nice: drums, 3 different kinds of guitars, 3 vocalists, and a piano.  G.F. had 1 guitar and two singers on a gigantic stage.  At G.S. they take their prayer seriously, and that makes my heart and soul flutter; they have a special prayer time during their service–think small group prayer time on a large scale.  People not only raise their hands but they speak their request to the congregation.  I noticed they also have a prayer chain, and a few different times to meet for prayer during the week.  Being that I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, this is really something amazing.  The pastor was clear, concise, on point and sincere.  The sermon notes were short and sweet, unlike G.F.—*drum roll* 4 pages!  Over all I felt more at “home” at the G.S. church and I am making plans to begin their Sunday school class this coming Sunday, and attend service, where it is apparently “World Communion Day”.  I am excited and thankful; a little perplexed why it took so long for me to try this church.  Ahhh, a little bit of a relief to have this aspect of my life back in order!

This past weekend I completed traffic school–online!  Which by the way I completely recommend if you happen to find yourself in need.  In the past I had gone to traffic school in class–all we would ever end up doing is talking and answering the quiz questions as a group.  The last in class traffic school I went to had over 40 people crammed into a High School Econ. classroom.  Where each person stated why they were there and whether or not they deserved the ticket—which as you can imagine opens up a lot of discussion.  In the end we spent about an hour going over the quiz.  It was utterly ridiculous, and a co-worker’s husband did the online class, and so I thought what the heck.  I don’t even have to send anything off to the court!

Last night, courtesy of blockbuster online, I watched 27 Dresses.  Keeping in step with the week of wedding dreams and magazines!  It was a really cute movie!!  I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a chick flick.  There were some pretty funny parts too! Next movie up is Kansas City Bomber–roller derby movie from the the early 70s.  Ahh yes, I haven’t posted about Roller Derby yet here…  well all in good time cause there is a double header coming up in October!

*What is Holly Reading?* I finished The Shack and passed it along to a co-worker, who I knew would appreciate it.  I am now reading:  I Want to be Your Joey Ramone.  Um, this book is on the complete opposite end of the book spectrum than The Shack.  I Want to be your Joey Ramone is a book that can be summed up in three words: sex, drugs and rock’n roll (ok so that is four words but you know what I ment).  It is actually written really nicely, and flows very good!

After talking with a co-worker, and realizing that I need to make me resume look better, I am going to be applying to the Grad program at CSUS, and begin work on a Masters in Higher Education.  I have been working in Higher Education now for nearly 2 years, and I feel like this is where I should be and most likely will be for sometime.  The program is 3 semesters long!!  The deadline is October 10th, but since I have my BS degree from there I won’t have to worry about sending transcripts.  I have to fill out an application, write a two page essay, and have people I know and work with asses me and my abilities.  There is also an interview process, but I am not too worried about that.

A quick note about work —for those that are following and know what is going on (don’t want to completely spill it out just yet-at least in blog form), but i have not heard anything yet–I am thinking this week is when I will know a little bit more.  I do know that all the “paperwork” was received by everyone! Please keep praying!  Sorry to be so vague…

Well at the risk of me rambling more I am signing off!  Have a blessed day!

-in Christ

Randomness #102… September 21, 2008

This morning I attended G.F. church for a 10:30am service.  The church is 14 miles away and took me 20 minutes to get there.  I had time to do a little reflecting on the video I posted this morning.  The church was a bit larger (in size & in numbers) than I expected.  While sitting and glancing over the bulletin I took a gander at the mix of people-since that is one of the aspects I am looking at (my last church was a church that was primarily older couples in their late 50′s and up).  I was happy to see quite a mix of ages, and demographics.  Some people where there in their Sunday best and others rode in on a Harley wearing a t-shirt and jeans. I filled out the card to let them know it was my first time and that I was interested in a woman’s group and/or Bible Study (in the evenings).  The worship time was nearly an hour—yes that is correct and hour.  That included communion, that is only once a month.  I was very happy that I knew all but one song during worship. A total of 7 songs!! It was really nice! The sermon was in reference to 1 Peter 1:6-12. The pastor was ok. I have to be honest, but at times his voice became extremely loud and very preachy-pun intended.  I was in my car by 12:15pm (nearly two hours…) I would like to give it another try. I would like to see what kind of study groups they have. Overall, it was nice. I am going to try G.S. next weekend.

My next topic was going to be online dating…I just want to say—is there a normal guy out there? No, I don’t want to move to Oregon and be the only one that has the ability to drive; no I don’t want to talk about our “future” when I just “met” you.  I just want to meet a great Christian guy have a normal courtship, and go from there.  Ok.. nuff said on that subject!

I am getting excited about getting my knitting needles out and playing with some yarn!  I just bought some new knitting magazines and there are some simple patterns that I can do.  One of them is just so adorable, and I am going to consult a knitting guru at work.  See if she can’t get me started! One of the main reasons I am going to start working on a bunch of projects is because I am going to put them on etsy.com and raise money for next year’s 3-Day walk! 

So I mentioned in my post this morning that I did not sleep well last night.  I had a weird dream last night…. *cue dreamy sequence music* I was frantically trying to make my wedding dress fit–yeah that is right, I could even describe it to you but I will spare you.  I had somehow lost quite a bit of weight, and I could not get my dress re-fitted the day before my wedding. All the while I realized that I had not received one reply from the invitations which made me believe that no one received an invite.  And… I had realized I never talked to my matron of honor about her dress.  The dream lasted most of the night, and kept going on and on like this.  Funny thing is…I never saw my husband.  I know this all may be personal, but I had to share with you the odity of my dreams.  Oh by the way… this is one of a few dreams I have remembered in about 6 months.

Well, I realized I may have overloaded your eyes, but thanks for stopping by!

-in Christ

A few things… September 20, 2008

Hi all, whomever is reading!  Well I ment to post Friday night and share with you the adventures of the day. Of which included an appreciation day at work-where the programs unit gave us awards, and a little dance to “The Right Stuff”!  Oh, yeah, a little NKOTB on a Friday was wonderful!

I finished The Shack tonight!  Amazing, amazing book.  I do not wont divulge much because I think you should read it for yourself.  I am passing my book on to a co-worker, and hope that if you read it that you will pass it on too! 

So I attended a large church in Granite Bay.  My mom and I attended to hear Nick Vujicic speak. I was overwhelmed by how large the church “campus” is, the congregation is so large that they have 5 services on the weekends.  Anyways, I digress, when the worship time began it felt like your run of the mill Christian concert.  And I realize why that was, apparently Lincoln Brewster is the worship leader!  I am curious to check out the church again, and I hope to have the opportunity next month.

Speaking of churches I start my search tomorrow: attending a 10:30 service at a local church.  I am looking forward to it and I will have a “review” tomorrow!

Today my folks and I attended a local shin dig, it was a Fiddlers’ Jam in, you guessed it Fiddletown! It
was a lot of fun!  The weather was perfect, the vendors were awesome (I bought 4 handmade necklaces for $20).

Fiddle Contestant

We watched several people compete in a Jam competition.  I was able to take video, but due to the lack of speediness in my internet-I lost patience-and all I am posting is a pic!  Enjoy!  I went all black and white today for the Jam.  I also took some really fun pictures of the puffy clouds today!  Driving around the Shenandoah Valley made me salivate for some wine! My dad recently worked for one of my favorite vintners for a second time, and he graciously gave my dad a box of assorted wine. We still have not quite finished the first box!  One word–MUSCAT!! Yum-oh!  Anyways, it was just a really beautiful day, cool and breezey just how I like it.  Next weekend is an International Jug Competition-in conjunction with Blues and Brews.  I had no idea this time of year was so busy in the sticks!

Did you know the first day of Fall is on Monday! I can’t believe it is here already, but I am giddy like a school girl!  The fall brings: scarves, jeans, sweaters, knitting needles, rain, clouds, cool weather….I could go on!  I hope this post finds every one well! And I will be back tomorrow with a church update.

Oh dear I just realized, I have to find a new book to read…

-in Christ

Randomness #325… September 18, 2008

Clooney & Pitt

In an effort to get geared up to see Burn after Reading I am watching Ocean’s 13.  Clooney (swoooon) and Pitt, are such a great duo and I am looking forward to seeing Burn after Reading it looks horribly quirky and funny!

On a completely unrelated note, I have decided which church to attend this coming Sunday.  Between the two G.F. and G.S. I am going to start with G.F. since it would come first alphabetically!  Funny I know, but it solved that decison!  I am hoping that these two will not be the only ones to choose from.  I am seeking certain qualities and such, so just finding those narrows down the list a bit.

The work situation took one step forward today, which was relieving!  Now I am just mediating on Phillipians 4:6-7:  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

*Book Update* The Shack is moving along amazingly! I would be surprised if I don’t finish it tomorrow. It has really taken an interesting turn and I am curious to see what happens…must…finish…soon…

Well that is a nice quick update for now!

-in Christ

In Pursuit… September 14, 2008

I am in pursuit of a home church.  One that I can come to worship the Lord and learn of His word.  My task in the next few months is to really narrow it down.  So I would like to use this space as a way to talk out my experiences.  Finding a home church will help me in my pursuit of getting nearer to God, finding a small group, and becoming a part of church where I can grow and help others grow.

I know that without a church to call home my spirit weakenes.  I have had amazing experiences at several churches and small groups, and that feeling of the holy spirit’s presence is amazing!! I have struggled to find a church in my rural area that meets these needs.  So I will be trying a few different churches in my area, within about a 30-40 min radius (due to the gas prices–otherwise I would be going to my “old” church in Sacramento an hour and a half away).

I am in puruist of purpose.  I recently participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in San Francisco, and it was the most amazing experience in my life so far.  So many emotions, challenges, and triumphs.  I am detereminded and eager to sign up for the event next year in two forms: being a walker again and being a crew member. This has got my mind racing for new ways to raise more money for a cause that I care about and has affected people near and dear to me.  In addition it has come to my attention that the local relay for life is looking for someone to help promote the event in my area.  I am giving it some prayer, and will be contacting the lady soon to ask some questions.

Lots of things to ponder and I look forward to finally getting things down here, as I have been so reluctant lately.  Since I no longer keep a journal I need to start writing things out!

-in Christ