Disciple

Hello! I hope you had a good Easter Sunday! Mine was spent at church, then with family, and ended with watching the conclusion of The Bible series. Yep, I still get an Easter "basket" (decorative box, basket, or etc...this year was going to be a flower pot for my front porch, but I was unable to decide on one), anywhoo... :)   It was a bag filled with candy, a new glass water bottle, a melon baller (yes, I been kinda wanting a melon baller,  I like kitchen gadgets and appliances  it's my other addiction besides office supplies.), and a few other fun things! My doggies were also giving a basket full of 3 different kind of dog treats- one is duck shaped crackers, they love those! and a new rope toy (they love stuffed toys to shreds (literally) so only durable toys make it in this house now).
The Bible series was pretty cool. I only saw a few episodes, but they were good. I hope to watch the whole series sometime. I'm more of a visual person. I like to see things in order to figure things out, like with problems I like to write things down, or with traveling I like to see the directions and how to get there on a map instead of hearing the directions. I've been reading/hearing the Bible since I was very little. Always tried to picture the stories in my mind. Actually seeing them through this series brought them to a different light. One of my favorite things to see was involving the disciples. I don't know why, it just stuck with me different. Seeing a portrayal of their relationship with Jesus, how they interacted, how they loved him and each other, how they followed him- even after his death and resurrection, and a bit of their stories.

Being Christian then wasn't easy. Many of them were persecuted, most were put to death because of their beliefs, and yet they didn't give up. Being a Christian today is a little different, depending on where you live of course. Living in the U.S, there is persecution, but not to the point of prison or death. But there is more distraction, more things that make us comfortable and willing to live in our comfort zones. Jesus is outside of our comfort zone. I don't want to be a Christian who just sits on the side lines. Just goes to church and lives a nice life of being good to people and loving God... I want to do more, be more. I want to be like Peter, when an opportunity comes, to speak bolding about Jesus and do His work. I want to be like Paul, to encourage people and not give up. I want to be a disciple who does the work of Jesus, believes His word, and loves people. I want to live the life God intended me to live. One in which He will say, at the end of it all, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

But how? I know what being a Christian means, I know what His word says, I know how to love others. But how, specifically does God want me to be a disciple. It's kinda a weird question, I mean you should be a disciple in your everyday life- at your workplace, school, home, in everything. I guess for me, i'm trying to figure out what God wants me to do. I've been wondering this for awhile, as far as my calling. I suppose that's for another post. But yeah, I just want to be a disciple. One who walks with Jesus, one who hangs out with Jesus, one who knows Jesus. I want to help people, heal people, give to people, love people, and most important share with people that God loves them, that Jesus is their Savior.

That's what i've been thinking about this Easter. Being a true disciple. I guess I can go in more detail on that too in another post. This is mostly about what's on my mind. God is amazing and good. And even when we think we aren't good enough, He doesn't see it that way. He loves us right where we are, and wants to help us grow from there. There's so much more I can post about this and I will, but I will end this here for now.
-Jen

Martha Moment

Is moving into a house 7 months ago and still not fully unpacked a bad thing? Or does it just show that I may not need everything I have? Or that I want to be organized and make sure everything has a place? I hope it's not bad and I think it could be a both some things unneeded and some things I just wanted to get the right place set up for it. When I first moved in I originally wanted to get the house ready- clean, paint, pull up carpet, then unpack. But life happened and I was never able to do what I planned. I had to just live in my unfinished (cosmetic, not structural or anything unlivable) house. I've been working like crazy to just unpack and settle in a half primed and painted 2 different color for sampling living room. I think I need a week off to get this house done (minus painting, I don't like painting in the winter), but I will work on it little by little with the free time after work. As I was working on it today, a thought came to me. Am I too busy thinking and working on my house when I should be thinking and working on my heart? I do spend a lot of time on pinterest getting ideas for my house, thinking about decorating and furniture placement, and cleaning and unpacking. So much time i've been neglecting other things.

Psalms 37:4 says- "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." and Philippians 4:8 says- " Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Houndstooth and Damask are lovely... oh and a pink couch is something I kinda desire. But these aren't the things I should be obsessing thinking about. I was reminded of the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” I'm so caught up in my house, my problems, and just daily life stuff that I lost the opportunity to spend more time with God, think about Him and what's on His heart for the day, to pray more for what's on God's heart.

To be honest, i'm not the best at setting aside time for that. I spend my entire day taking little moments to talk to God or read a verse, but not a good amount of time. I'm letting life distract me from being at Jesus' feet. I'm being more like Martha in this case. I need to let some stuff go and realize what is truly important- spending time in God's presence.
And once I let go, things will get better, I will feel better. I need Him more than anything, more than a pink and navy blue room. When it comes down to it, not much matters except God and people. God loves us and cares about what we care about. And He is totally cool with that lamp from Target, or the table from Ikea. The desire for my house to be a home and nicely decorated is one that God is ok with. Just look at Solomon's place (well read about). God's ok with nice things. He wants us to have the best, but more importantly He wants us to be the best.
I encourage you, I don't know what things you have going on in your lives, take time for the things that matter most. Do what makes you happy (or buy, with in your budget :), what makes you happy (a nicer tv)) and most importantly do what makes God happy- love Him and love others.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!!! 
It isn't my favorite holiday yet. It's fun for kids and couples, but not so much for singles. Kinda depressing. Well, after many years of "depressing" Valentine's days, i've learned its ok, it's just another day! Basically I got over it. This year i'm still over it. I'm still single. And I started something different, something new, something uncertain, and yet something- I signed up for an online dating site. I'm learning as i'm going (was always and will always be cautious). I'm still not a big fan of it, but it's something. I'm tired of not doing anything but waiting, hoping. I'm still waiting and hoping, but i'm also trying this. And if I even just meet some new friends or whatever, that's cool. But I do hope i'll find the right guy sometime soon.
Some things for singles to remember-
1.) You are more valuable and worth far more than anything. No guy can take that away. The right guy will see it and treat you as such. Don't settle for just any one, go for the best, the right guy.
2.) Your time is valuable. Don't let people waste it.
3.) If someone you have a crush on doesn't feel the same way and you get crushed, don't be heart broken. Be sad for a bit, be mad if you have too, then move on. He's not worth it, and really he's missing out. The right guy will come and will know you're worth more and he will be worth everything.
4.) A guy won't define you. Dating won't define you. You define you and before you are in a relationship you should really have a solid grasp on deep down who you are. No guy can change the true you, only God.
5.) A guy won't complete you. He should compliment you. Bring out the best in you.
6.) Be careful. Guard your heart.
7.) Be yourself. The right guy who you are ment to be with will love you for who you are. Never try to impress a guy with exaggerated facts and things to make you look good.
and
8.) Have fun and trust God. He has the best plans for you. Just be patient and prepare yourself. And enjoy your life whether you are single or not.

There's just a bit of my advice for fellow singles.
Later. -Jen

I'm Just Waiting

I'm been questioned, questioning, and be persuaded about some things I believe. I am pro saving yourself for marriage, but a lot of people don't understand that. Well, I don't agree with their side of the issue, and never will. It had me thinking a lot about this. Just alittle back ground, i'm currently single. The desire has always been there to get married. I've dreamed about it for so long and hoped it would happen soon. Well my soon came and left. And here I am still single. So I took matters into my own hand, I went on a few online dating sites. I've never been a fan of them, and still weary I registered any ways (never paid though). Well, I came across a few semi decent (online at least, in real life- no clue), some creepy, and a few that could possible be potentials. I quit a lot of them for a while then reactivated, quit, reactivated. Every time I quit I felt so much better. I recently read a blog post about online dating and why she doesn't like it, and it totally reconfirmed and helped me realize why I don't like it, which you can read the post here: Becoming a Hopeful Romantic - Online Dating.  So I quit for good! I am just simply going to wait, but in my wait I am going to seek after God more than ever.

Singleness is an amazing season that you should treasure. I'm learning that more so now. I've single most of my life, and at times I did not view it as a gift but it really is. And by letting go of the online dating game, i've given my trust back in God to write my love story. I am more of an old fashion type, I love the story of how Isaac and Rebekah met in the Bible. Isaac actually sent his servant to find his wife and the servant prayed to God that the right girl would water my camels. He came to the well and there was Rebekah and she offered him some water and his camels. She was Isaac's one. But She didn't go to seek out Isaac, he pursued her. You can read the complete story here: Bible Gateway- Isaac and Rebekah. And Ruth and Boaz's story, so Ruth moved to another country with her mother in law (her husband passed away). Well, long story short, Ruth ends up working for Boaz, and then they marry! I left a lot out so you can read the whole story here: Biblegateway- Ruth and Boaz. Another story I like starts at the very beginning of time with Adam and Eve. Adam, newly created by God, was chilling in the garden of Eden naming the animals (off subject, how cool is that- first he named all the animals- he came up with zebra and panda, secondly that he had the creative knowledge to name all the animals, amazing). And out of all the animals there was no suitable helper, not even the dog. So God made woman out of Adam's rib (and dust and God's breath). And the two became one and set the official standard of marriage, which is between a man and woman. You can read that story here: Biblegateway- Adam and Eve.

God is so creative, faithful, good. He has the best love story for you and me. Someday, if it's your desire God will set you in the right place at the right time to either be found or to find the right person. I believe that the guy should pursue the girl. The girl should be found. Proverbs 18:22 says: The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. In all the bible in all those stories and more, the guy found the girl. Isaac found Rebekah, Boaz found Ruth, Adam found (kinda, more she was made for him) Eve. And all these stories were written by God. God had Rebekah go to the well and give water to Isaac's servant, God had Ruth go to her mother in law's country and work for Boaz, and God simply made Eve for Adam. And God lead each of the guys to their ones. I trust God and know He will direct my path to be at the right place at the right time and be prepared for my future husband. I can't wait to find our what God is writing for my love story, but I will also wait. Along with waiting, i'm not going to date. My goal is to only date my future husband. I was inpired my this from the book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' by Joshua Harris and the song 'Average Girl' by Barlowgirl, which you can watch here:

Well, that's all I have to say on this for now. Here's a final video to close that I recommend watching. I saw it last year and it also inspired me to wait for the right guy.

Financial Friday: Becoming a CEO

Hey! This Financial Friday isn't really financial advice, but business and self advice rather. I was reading a post by Tyra Banks. I do enjoy watching America's Next Top Model and I find Tyra to be a good business women. So actually all I have for now is just her article. I actually learned and re-learned a lot. I do want to say that owning a business is a great thing, that is if you have a good business idea. I'll post another time about business. But regardless of whether you own a business or not, you are the CEO ( chief executive office) of your life, and I think Tyra speaks on this point well. So here's the link!
http://www.typef.com/tyra/blog-10-steps-becoming-ceo-own-life/
-Jen

It's the God in Me

I just heard this song through my Pandora quick mix station and I love it. It's 'God in Me' by Mary Mary, ft Kierra Kiki Sheard. I feel like it says exactly what I want to tell people: God is the reason for the good in me,  and it's His goodness over my life that is why i'm so blessed. I'm far from perfect, I will probably never reach that. At times my life is such a mess, and I feel so far from God. But because of His goodness He will always love me regardless of my faults, the same is true for you as well. When we give God our bad, He gives us His good. He looks at us not as we are, but through His Son, Jesus. He sees use as more -as His beloved, His chosen, His child. It's just amazing the love God has for His children. I love discovering new music through Pandora. I found another new artist that I may have to do some listening research, he's Sufjan Stevens. Ever heard of him?

Well, i'm off to enjoy this lovely Saturday. Scheduling some house cleaning and Forever 21 browsing (and maybe buying) and getting some home inspiration at a few other stores.
Have a good day!
-Jen

Financial Friday- House Hunting

Hey! Sorry about the delay on the Music Monday-Plumb post. Everytime I write it I get super tired and stop (maybe I shouldn't blog at night so much :)  ), so i'm going to post it this up coming Monday. Well, for today's financial friday i'm actually going to share my personal experience on house hunting. I am currently looking for a house. I've started my search a year ago, but financially I wasn't there. This year I am! And I actually started looking again the same month as last year (February). My goal was to find one in February, start the process in March, and be in it by April. Well April is quickly approaching, and so far, I'm still looking. House hunting is so hard. HGTV makes it look so easy, but in reality it's not. I wish house hunting was like buying a pair of shoes, if you don't like them, you can return them. Well you can't return a house, you can sell eventually, but to go through the whole process again would be a little tiring. I do love looking at houses, the layouts, the decor (though in most houses i'm looking at are foreclosed and doesn't have anything in them), picturing furniture in the houses, and how I would live and decorate them. If looking at houses was a hobby, it would fall in like next to sewing, I love it! Buying, however is more than simply looking at houses. Right now i'm at a place where i'm questioning regrets. Will I regret not waiting and buying a house that I like but not 100% sure about it or will I regret not buying a house that was a really great (or potentially great) house. I wish it were easy, like a neon sign flashing or something obvious and grand saying: This is Your house! I suppose though, that's where God gives you a peace about a house and says, this is your house. I would like to think you will know that you know that this is the house you are suppose to have. I have a lot of praying to do.
Here's some first time home buying tips that i'm experiencing or have learning in my home buying journey.
 1.) Know your budget. Know how much you can afford and how much you want to afford. Once you know those figures you can start to look for houses in your price range. Also remember to consider utilities into your budget too.
 2.) Start saving as soon as possible for two things- 1.) Down Payment. - You ideally want to have 20% of the house price saved up. This way you won't have to pay for PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) which will save you roughly $30+ (i'm not entirely sure of how much, but some mortgage cost estimates said about that). Also it will be less you're paying in interest and more towards your mortgage. And 2.) Fixing it up/ Appliances and Furniture. - Depending on your price range and houses you look at some won't have appliances, so having a couple thousand saved will help in getting what you need a bit quicker. Also some houses may need work. Most foreclosures will, especially deeper than cosmetically. And most will need new paint, carpet, flooring, etc. And if you find a nice house that's in really nice shape it's good to atleast have some extra money for paint if you want to customize it to your style. And furniture money is good too. Even if you have furniture already, it would be nice to have extra saved up to get more, or to decorate, or whatnot. Also don't forget about small kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster, blender, etc) , outdoor maintenance (lawn mowers, shovels, rakes, etc). There is a lot more cost that goes into a house than the house itself.
3.) Write down and know your wants in a house, needs, and would be nice but not necessary. I have a list of things I want in my house - first floor laundry, decent size back yard, nice area, 2+ beds, 1-1.5 bath, 2 Car garage would be nice but not necessary, etc. Know which one of your wants are ones you don't want to sacrifice and ones you can.
4.) Be prepared when meeting with your mortgage lender. Have all the paper work (mine was 2 months bank statements, last 2 paycheck stubs, and tax info, I imagine it's similar to most lenders) and stay organized with everything. I recommend getting a binder or folder to put everything you need for the lender and houses you find too.
5.) Get a realtor you can trust and get to know them. I love my realtor, she is super helpful and knows what she is doing and is really good at it too. Having a good realtor makes a big difference.
6.) Don't be afraid to walk away from a house or to make an offer on a house. If you think it's the right house, go for it. If it's not or your offer gets rejected, be ok with walking away. There is plenty of houses for sale right now. The right one will come along in the right timing too.
7.) See Potential. Be opened minded when looking at houses. Carpet, flooring, paint, even some walls can be changed. Just because the bathroom is all pink shouldn't detour you from what may be a great house. Just repaint and put a bathtub cover over it. Some "problems" can be easily fixed.
8.) Be realistic. The house you love may have a bad roof or foundation. Know what your limitations are, what you want to afford, and what you can fix or get fixed. It's on to look at houses above your price range because there is a chance they can drop in price, but don't look at only house that you can't afford, same with looking at house.
9.) Don't give up. There is a house out there for you. Just be patient and keep up the search.
10.) Have fun. House hunting is fun, so enjoy every moment of it. Even the not so fun.

So there is my tips. I will probably come up with more, the more I go into this journey. Hope these helped and if you have any questions about house hunting feel free to comment or email. And if I don't know the answer I will look it up.
Thanks for reading!
Night, -Jen

Just, Me

Hello there! I'm kind of thinking things over. I think as far as my blog, I need to be more of who I am, and not try to (loosely) be like others. So what does that mean? It just means, my blog will just be filled with stuff I love (diys, recipes, inspiration, music, Jesus, fashion, photography, goals, dreams, random things, etc). I find that if I don't do what I love it won't mean anything or wont be as good. I'm not saying that the things I've written in the past aren't things I have loved doing, they are. I just don't want to compare my blog to anyone elses and blog similarly to theirs (and not saying I may not have a similar style or post sometimes). I just want to be original, unique, and me. And I think everyone should too. Be you, do what you love to do, be who you were made to be. You are unique and special and loved. Don't be like someone else, just be you!
-Jen