Well it's that time again: the time when I'm thinking about my next vacation, and looking to book my flights. I'm going out west in early September (that's right, no summer vacation for me, I'm saving it all up for the fall).
I have to clear my vacation with my supervisor and be able to announce it for sure to the rest of the staff at least 2 weeks before I leave, because I have to find people who can cover for me every minute. (The one downside to being a receptionist; I can't even go to the bathroom without someone covering for me).
So anyway. The date I would like to book my flights is Tuesday, August 21st.
Now I've been looking at flights and prices, and it's ridiculous! Why can't they have great low prices for evening flights? Not all of us are going to leave at 1:00 in the afternoon. And another thing: Air Canada's great low rate used to be $149, which I've still seen on a few flights. But for whatever reason, the return flight I want costs $289!!!!! Who comes up with these prices?!
Anyway, I am NOT paying that much for a flight. So you can all join me in praying that I can get some decent prices. We have 3 weeks. Get your prayers on!!
And thank you. :)
July 31, 2007
July 16, 2007
Filling Up My Spiritual Trust Fund
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength. ~Corrie Ten Boom.
I was reading my friend Ruth's blog, and she was talking about walking into the unknown, and being able to trust God completely. I really needed to read that today. And it would have done my soul good had I read it yesterday. Or even last week.
The fact is: I'm worried. I've been worried for a while. Like, at least a month. And I don't know how that happened. Two months ago I was trusting God as I have never trusted Him before. I was walking in complete peace. And it felt so good. And then just like that, it was gone. But lately God has been calling (loudly) for me to return to Him and rest in the assurance of His provision.
I was having a pity party yesterday, and I was crying and pouting, and at one point I thought angrily to myself, "why can't I be a blade of grass? Life would be so much easier if I were a blade of grass!!!" Thinking back to that now, it's pretty funny. But in that moment of frustration, I'm pretty sure I meant it.
And then God's voice gently broke through the storm in my mind. "Jenene, if you were a blade of grass, you would most certainly be taken care of. And if you were more than grass, say, a flower (perhaps a lily?), I would say of you 'good' and 'beautiful', and I would care for you. And if you were more than a flower, perhaps a bird, I would look after you. (Matt. 6:25-30) \
But you are SO FAR above those things, how much MORE am I going to take care of you?! You are My child, My princess, made in My very image, I value you more than My own life. Everything is going to be OK."
Well God, feel free to repeat those words to me as often as You like. I desperately need to hear them. What's worse is that I'm worried about things that MAY happen in the distant future. I mean, we're not talking about later today, sometime tomorrow, or even next week. I'm worried about potential problems that could arise one year from now.
Now, it's good to think and plan ahead, but getting worked up like this is so pointless. So I'm making it my mission to become a prayer warrior for at least these next 12 months. I'll be an expert at trust after this. ;)
I was reading my friend Ruth's blog, and she was talking about walking into the unknown, and being able to trust God completely. I really needed to read that today. And it would have done my soul good had I read it yesterday. Or even last week.
The fact is: I'm worried. I've been worried for a while. Like, at least a month. And I don't know how that happened. Two months ago I was trusting God as I have never trusted Him before. I was walking in complete peace. And it felt so good. And then just like that, it was gone. But lately God has been calling (loudly) for me to return to Him and rest in the assurance of His provision.
I was having a pity party yesterday, and I was crying and pouting, and at one point I thought angrily to myself, "why can't I be a blade of grass? Life would be so much easier if I were a blade of grass!!!" Thinking back to that now, it's pretty funny. But in that moment of frustration, I'm pretty sure I meant it.
And then God's voice gently broke through the storm in my mind. "Jenene, if you were a blade of grass, you would most certainly be taken care of. And if you were more than grass, say, a flower (perhaps a lily?), I would say of you 'good' and 'beautiful', and I would care for you. And if you were more than a flower, perhaps a bird, I would look after you. (Matt. 6:25-30) \
But you are SO FAR above those things, how much MORE am I going to take care of you?! You are My child, My princess, made in My very image, I value you more than My own life. Everything is going to be OK."
Well God, feel free to repeat those words to me as often as You like. I desperately need to hear them. What's worse is that I'm worried about things that MAY happen in the distant future. I mean, we're not talking about later today, sometime tomorrow, or even next week. I'm worried about potential problems that could arise one year from now.
Now, it's good to think and plan ahead, but getting worked up like this is so pointless. So I'm making it my mission to become a prayer warrior for at least these next 12 months. I'll be an expert at trust after this. ;)
July 13, 2007
FREEDOM!!! :D
I would like to take this time to congratulate myself. I paid off my loan today. I took out a small loan to pay for my last semester of bible college, and I have been paying it off for a year and 2 months, and today, I made my last payment. It feels SO good to be debt-free.
Of course, I'm going to be paying my parents rent now, and it's only fair (considering I've been living at home for free until now). But the rent isn't going to be nearly as much as I was putting towards my loan, which means more money can go into savings.
And I will also have more money to put towards other things, like the repairs in our church roof. And since I'm being so holy with my money ;) I could also use that extra cash to treat myself once in a while. Although, it's not like I need a ton of extra cash; I'm not a big spender. I just hate debt, so I'm glad that's out of the way.
It's time to concentrate more on other things: like saving up for my wedding (which will be taking place in about a year from now). (And no, I'm not engaged. I just know that I'm getting married in a year.)
Of course, I'm going to be paying my parents rent now, and it's only fair (considering I've been living at home for free until now). But the rent isn't going to be nearly as much as I was putting towards my loan, which means more money can go into savings.
And I will also have more money to put towards other things, like the repairs in our church roof. And since I'm being so holy with my money ;) I could also use that extra cash to treat myself once in a while. Although, it's not like I need a ton of extra cash; I'm not a big spender. I just hate debt, so I'm glad that's out of the way.
It's time to concentrate more on other things: like saving up for my wedding (which will be taking place in about a year from now). (And no, I'm not engaged. I just know that I'm getting married in a year.)
July 12, 2007
First Anniversary: The Flowers
These are the roses Art sent me for our One Year Anniversary. A baker's dozen. They are so perfect and beautiful!!!
The card reads: "Jenene: There are 12 red roses for each month we've been together, and one year until it's forever. Love, Art."
The card reads: "Jenene: There are 12 red roses for each month we've been together, and one year until it's forever. Love, Art."
Art, you are the sweetest, most wonderful man on earth. I'm glad I'm yours. :D
July 11, 2007
First Anniversary: Part 2
**If you haven't read Part 1 already, you really should: you'll understand Part 2 a lot better.**
It was nearing the end of the school year. Jenene would be graduating soon, and then she would be going home for good. Art and the Other Girl were finishing their first year, so they would both be returning to the college for the next year. Jenene tried to convince herself that this was God's plan. She should go home and forget about Art, because he and the Other Girl belonged together.
Just as quickly as things began, they ended. One minute, Art and Jenene were practically a couple. The next, they were barely friends. Jenene knew that she and Art could not be friends; as difficult at that would be, they knew it was necessary to be apart completely. They needed to let their feelings settle down and subside.
As if things weren't already bad enough, it would inevitably get worse before it got better. Soon after Art and Jenene had ended their friendship, Art began another friendship with another girl. And since nothing can be kept a secret at a small bible college, it quickly became general knowledge that the Other Girl fancied Art.
And since they were spending a considerable amount of time together, everyone (including Jenene) assumed that Art liked her back. Jenene became very jealous, and downright furious. Art had told her that he wasn't going to pursue any relationships that year, but that's exactly what it looked like he was doing.
And since they were spending a considerable amount of time together, everyone (including Jenene) assumed that Art liked her back. Jenene became very jealous, and downright furious. Art had told her that he wasn't going to pursue any relationships that year, but that's exactly what it looked like he was doing.
And so the year continued. Jenene held onto her assumptions that Art left her for another girl, and she would not admit to anyone (not even herself) that she had never quite gotten over him. And Art had to live with his assumptions that he had made some terrible unknown mistake, and that Jenene hated him and would never forgive him.
It was nearing the end of the school year. Jenene would be graduating soon, and then she would be going home for good. Art and the Other Girl were finishing their first year, so they would both be returning to the college for the next year. Jenene tried to convince herself that this was God's plan. She should go home and forget about Art, because he and the Other Girl belonged together.
But something changed, this time for the better: Art and Jenene, knowing that they had little time left, started becoming friends again! Jenene couldn't believe that he was actually paying attention to her. Art couldn't believe that she was speaking to him. By the time Jenene had to leave, they had more or less reconciled their friendship. But they still had to say good-bye.
If only they had known each other's thoughts. They both wanted to say what they were feeling, but neither thought that it would do any good. It was too late. The year was over.
Their belongings were packed, and both left for their respective homes.
Only then did Jenene finally admit to herself that she was in love with Art. But it was no use. They would never see each other again. Or so they thought.
If only they had known each other's thoughts. They both wanted to say what they were feeling, but neither thought that it would do any good. It was too late. The year was over.
Their belongings were packed, and both left for their respective homes.
Only then did Jenene finally admit to herself that she was in love with Art. But it was no use. They would never see each other again. Or so they thought.
Thank goodness for a lovely little thing called MSN. As soon as Jenene got home, she and Art began chatting online. They had long conversations, and talked every possible minute that they could. Jenene knew that this wasn't exactly helping her get over him, but it was too tempting. She liked him too much, and if he wanted to talk, she wasn't about to say no.
They finally got onto the topic of their friendship, and the relationship that didn't quite happen. You can imagine their complete shock when the full truth was finally revealed: Art had never liked that Other Girl, Jenene had never hated him. They found out that they had been crazy about each other the whole year, but thought that it was too late.
They finally got onto the topic of their friendship, and the relationship that didn't quite happen. You can imagine their complete shock when the full truth was finally revealed: Art had never liked that Other Girl, Jenene had never hated him. They found out that they had been crazy about each other the whole year, but thought that it was too late.
Art wasn't about to let another opportunity pass him by: he told Jenene right then and there that letting her go was the biggest mistake of his life, and that if she gave him another chance, he would hang onto her forever.
Some might consider that a heavy statement, but this was Jenene wanted. It was what she needed. She didn't want any maybes. She didn't want any uncertainties. For her and Art, it was all or nothing. Jenene said yes. She jumped in with both feet, determined to do things right this time, and determined to make it last forever.
Some might consider that a heavy statement, but this was Jenene wanted. It was what she needed. She didn't want any maybes. She didn't want any uncertainties. For her and Art, it was all or nothing. Jenene said yes. She jumped in with both feet, determined to do things right this time, and determined to make it last forever.
Art demonstrated his love for Jenene right from the start, and she couldn't help but love him back. On July 11, 2006, Art asked Jenene to be his girlfriend. On July 12, 2006, they shared their first kiss. On July 16, 2006, Art and Jenene said "I love you" for the first time. And they were more than ready.
It has been a long year. Countless emails have been exchanged, and many many hours have been spent talking to each other on the phone. And everyday, they do the best they can to love each other from a distance, and just hang on until the next time they can see each other.
It has been a long year. Countless emails have been exchanged, and many many hours have been spent talking to each other on the phone. And everyday, they do the best they can to love each other from a distance, and just hang on until the next time they can see each other.
One long, incredible year has past. Only one more year to go, and then Art and Jenene can be together forever. Happy Anniversary, my dearest Arthur. I love you!!
July 9, 2007
First Anniversary: Part One
Once upon a time there was a boy named Art, and a girl named Jenene. Jenene was a lady of the Canadian prairies. Art was a man of the American west coast. They were the same age, but led very different lives, so of course, they had never met. They did not know that each other existed.
But that would change one fateful day. Only God Himself could have set it up (and clearly He did, or otherwise I wouldn't be telling this story).
Jenene decided to leave her home in the flat lands and go west, to a bible college near the coast. The mountains, the fresh ocean air, a music program that fit her to a tea, new people who would become her closest friends. It was like a dream. Except it was real.
So she attended that college, and her first year was everything she had hoped for and more. At the end of the year, she decided to join the president of the college and a team of students on a tour. They would perform skits, lead worship, have matching shirts, minister to various churches and have a marvelous time in a too-small, smelly old van, traveling around the North Western states. And so they embarked.
Their first American stop was at a church, in a city in the Harbor of the Oaks. They would stay there two days, and perform for the youth group of that church. Jenene (along with her team) walked into that church, and was promptly introduced to two rambunctious young men, who were apparently the youth interns. They had been very excited to meet this college group, and spend time with them.
And who were these interns exactly? She cared not for one of them, whose name she no longer remembers. The only name and face that stuck in her mind was none other than the aforementioned Art. Jenene was smitten at first sight. He was friendly, and funny, and VERY good looking. She soon found out that he played the drums, which only made him even more attractive.
And what of Art's opinion about Jenene? She was by far the cutest member of the team. And he absolutely adored her acting skills, especially in one sheep skit, where all she had to do was repeat practically everything the other sheep said - with a slight lisp, an over-sized grin, and a somewhat lopsided, jaunty walk. In his mind, this only made her even more attractive.
It was a wonderful two days for both of them, and after the team had left, Jenene heard rumors that this Art might attend their college come fall. All summer long, Jenene wondered about Art, and fancied (with absolutely no seriousness whatsoever) how bizarre it would be if something were to happen between the two of them. And all summer long, Art thought about Jenene, wondered if (and secretly hoped that) she would be at college that upcoming September.
September rolled around, and Jenene arrived for her second (and last) year at this beloved college. It was a delightful time, seeing old friends, and meeting people who would become her new friends. She waltzed through the door of the common lounge on orientation day, and there stood none other than Art!
She was delighted, but remained completely casual (she hoped). She walked up to him, said hi, and asked if he remembered her. He had indeed. Jenene had no idea at the time just how much Art had remembered her. The year began, and they fast became friends. It would seem that something was about to happen between them after all.
Alas, Jenene actually became less happy about the situation. She liked him, she was pretty sure he liked her, and they got along well. But she was not happy with the flirting. It was small college, and nothing goes hidden there. Everyone began to notice this blooming relationship, and they began to ask questions.
In a panic, Jenene finally decided to confront Art about it. He was completely caught off guard. He loved where things were going with them, and he had no desire to change it, or at least, no desire to talk about it in depth. In his mind, the in-depth conversation about their relationship was not to come along soon. These things cannot be rushed.
Poor Art, cornered by this fretful girl he liked so much, admitted that perhaps the flirting had got out of hand. He then felt obligated to come up with somewhat of a definition of their relationship. He did not feel it was time, but he didn't want to lose her either. So they took a new approach.
And suddenly, nothing was quite as good as it had been before. The spark had gone out. Spending time with each other felt forced, strained, and awkward. Perhaps Art had a made a mistake in the way he had formerly conducted himself. Perhaps Jenene had made a mistake in trying to force their relationship to go in a different direction. And perhaps it was never meant to be.
Jenene sought God about this in earnest. She didn't speak to Art for an entire week. And at the end of that week, she knew.
Art and Jenene went for a walk. They had a talk. And it was exactly as God had told her: they broke up. Or rather, whatever tenuous relationship had previously existed, now ceased to be. Jenene was sorely disappointed, but she trusted God, that He knew what was best.
She dove head first into her studies and into all the other aspects of college life, determined to make it a good year. And determined to distract herself in a feeble attempt to get over that wonderful man named Art.
To be continued in Part 2...
But that would change one fateful day. Only God Himself could have set it up (and clearly He did, or otherwise I wouldn't be telling this story).
Jenene decided to leave her home in the flat lands and go west, to a bible college near the coast. The mountains, the fresh ocean air, a music program that fit her to a tea, new people who would become her closest friends. It was like a dream. Except it was real.
So she attended that college, and her first year was everything she had hoped for and more. At the end of the year, she decided to join the president of the college and a team of students on a tour. They would perform skits, lead worship, have matching shirts, minister to various churches and have a marvelous time in a too-small, smelly old van, traveling around the North Western states. And so they embarked.
Their first American stop was at a church, in a city in the Harbor of the Oaks. They would stay there two days, and perform for the youth group of that church. Jenene (along with her team) walked into that church, and was promptly introduced to two rambunctious young men, who were apparently the youth interns. They had been very excited to meet this college group, and spend time with them.
And who were these interns exactly? She cared not for one of them, whose name she no longer remembers. The only name and face that stuck in her mind was none other than the aforementioned Art. Jenene was smitten at first sight. He was friendly, and funny, and VERY good looking. She soon found out that he played the drums, which only made him even more attractive.
And what of Art's opinion about Jenene? She was by far the cutest member of the team. And he absolutely adored her acting skills, especially in one sheep skit, where all she had to do was repeat practically everything the other sheep said - with a slight lisp, an over-sized grin, and a somewhat lopsided, jaunty walk. In his mind, this only made her even more attractive.
It was a wonderful two days for both of them, and after the team had left, Jenene heard rumors that this Art might attend their college come fall. All summer long, Jenene wondered about Art, and fancied (with absolutely no seriousness whatsoever) how bizarre it would be if something were to happen between the two of them. And all summer long, Art thought about Jenene, wondered if (and secretly hoped that) she would be at college that upcoming September.
September rolled around, and Jenene arrived for her second (and last) year at this beloved college. It was a delightful time, seeing old friends, and meeting people who would become her new friends. She waltzed through the door of the common lounge on orientation day, and there stood none other than Art!
She was delighted, but remained completely casual (she hoped). She walked up to him, said hi, and asked if he remembered her. He had indeed. Jenene had no idea at the time just how much Art had remembered her. The year began, and they fast became friends. It would seem that something was about to happen between them after all.
Alas, Jenene actually became less happy about the situation. She liked him, she was pretty sure he liked her, and they got along well. But she was not happy with the flirting. It was small college, and nothing goes hidden there. Everyone began to notice this blooming relationship, and they began to ask questions.
In a panic, Jenene finally decided to confront Art about it. He was completely caught off guard. He loved where things were going with them, and he had no desire to change it, or at least, no desire to talk about it in depth. In his mind, the in-depth conversation about their relationship was not to come along soon. These things cannot be rushed.
Poor Art, cornered by this fretful girl he liked so much, admitted that perhaps the flirting had got out of hand. He then felt obligated to come up with somewhat of a definition of their relationship. He did not feel it was time, but he didn't want to lose her either. So they took a new approach.
And suddenly, nothing was quite as good as it had been before. The spark had gone out. Spending time with each other felt forced, strained, and awkward. Perhaps Art had a made a mistake in the way he had formerly conducted himself. Perhaps Jenene had made a mistake in trying to force their relationship to go in a different direction. And perhaps it was never meant to be.
Jenene sought God about this in earnest. She didn't speak to Art for an entire week. And at the end of that week, she knew.
Art and Jenene went for a walk. They had a talk. And it was exactly as God had told her: they broke up. Or rather, whatever tenuous relationship had previously existed, now ceased to be. Jenene was sorely disappointed, but she trusted God, that He knew what was best.
She dove head first into her studies and into all the other aspects of college life, determined to make it a good year. And determined to distract herself in a feeble attempt to get over that wonderful man named Art.
To be continued in Part 2...
July 7, 2007
Hidden Miracle
I can't believe I almost forgot to blog about this! Elleah and Jared came over on Sunday (because they were bored, which means they still find us interesting! HA!) The baby is very active these days, as it should be, and Elleah talks about it all time, how it's kicking her lots.
So, of course, I wanted to feel the baby kicking. But babies are smart: as soon as there's a hand on mommy's stomach that isn't familiar, they stop moving. It's like they're suspicious, or scared. So I had my hand on her tummy, and Elleah tried poking her stomach to get the baby to move, but it wouldn't.
So then we tried a new tactic: she would keep her hand on her stomach, and then once the baby relaxed and resumed it's Tae Bo exercises, we would "trick" it by quickly switching hands. It worked! My hand was there, and the baby gave a little kick! Of course, it looked and felt a bit like a muscle spasm, but still, there's a baby in there, and I felt it!
I am thankful that the baby gave me the honor of feeling its presence. I can't wait to meet it. I hope it likes me. It better like me! I'm its only flesh and blood Auntie!!
So, of course, I wanted to feel the baby kicking. But babies are smart: as soon as there's a hand on mommy's stomach that isn't familiar, they stop moving. It's like they're suspicious, or scared. So I had my hand on her tummy, and Elleah tried poking her stomach to get the baby to move, but it wouldn't.
So then we tried a new tactic: she would keep her hand on her stomach, and then once the baby relaxed and resumed it's Tae Bo exercises, we would "trick" it by quickly switching hands. It worked! My hand was there, and the baby gave a little kick! Of course, it looked and felt a bit like a muscle spasm, but still, there's a baby in there, and I felt it!
I am thankful that the baby gave me the honor of feeling its presence. I can't wait to meet it. I hope it likes me. It better like me! I'm its only flesh and blood Auntie!!
July 6, 2007
Jenene Likes...
-cool, unique, unusual, colorful buttons
-brightly-patterned Kleenex boxes
-the feel of running water
-the smell of clothes drying in the dryer
-pictures of empty shoes, seemingly walking somewhere on their own
-paper with perforated lines (because that means I get to rip something)
-picture frames
-cool perspectives in pictures
-dressing up
-daydreaming about wearing beautiful dresses and going to balls
-giving myself French manicures and pedicures
-dangley earrings
-kitten heels
-pearls
-soft, flowing materials like chiffon and organza
-a good Christian mystery thriller
-office supplies
-tiny flowers
-kittens
-tulips
-kisses
-hearing Art tell me that he wants to take care of me forever
-soft piano music
-the smell of the seasons
-listening to snow falling
-my fleece blanket
-apple cider
-curling up with a good book
-wedding magazines
-salty, crunchy snacks (especially pretzel sticks)
-tea with honey
-the color purple
-Pizza Hut’s crispy pepperoni
-being neat and tidy, putting things in order, etc.
-fire places (whether the fire is real or not)
-correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
-sleeping, sleeping in, and napping
-lace
-poutine
-blogging
-choirs/choir music, especially compositions by Eric Whitacre
-the mandolin and guitar stylings of Nickel Creek
-carrots straight from the dirt
-fresh-picked, home-grown strawberries and raspberries
-walking and hiking
-ballet
-the month of May
-the feeling I get in my head and stomach in a plane at take-off
-whatever material my purse is made out of. Someone suggested lamb’s leather. Whatever it
is, it’s gloriously soft.
-The Subway in our town
-Subway cookies
-Alison Krauss’ voice
-making lists
-bottled water
-shaved legs under soft sheets
-wedding planning
-looooooooong talks on the phone with my friend Kat in Edmonton
-the satisfaction I get from cleaning
-daydreaming
-prairie thunderstorms (when I’m not trying to sleep)
-flying/floating dreams
-KD straight from the pot
-Ezekiel 16:1-14
-brightly-patterned Kleenex boxes
-the feel of running water
-the smell of clothes drying in the dryer
-pictures of empty shoes, seemingly walking somewhere on their own
-paper with perforated lines (because that means I get to rip something)
-picture frames
-cool perspectives in pictures
-dressing up
-daydreaming about wearing beautiful dresses and going to balls
-giving myself French manicures and pedicures
-dangley earrings
-kitten heels
-pearls
-soft, flowing materials like chiffon and organza
-a good Christian mystery thriller
-office supplies
-tiny flowers
-kittens
-tulips
-kisses
-hearing Art tell me that he wants to take care of me forever
-soft piano music
-the smell of the seasons
-listening to snow falling
-my fleece blanket
-apple cider
-curling up with a good book
-wedding magazines
-salty, crunchy snacks (especially pretzel sticks)
-tea with honey
-the color purple
-Pizza Hut’s crispy pepperoni
-being neat and tidy, putting things in order, etc.
-fire places (whether the fire is real or not)
-correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
-sleeping, sleeping in, and napping
-lace
-poutine
-blogging
-choirs/choir music, especially compositions by Eric Whitacre
-the mandolin and guitar stylings of Nickel Creek
-carrots straight from the dirt
-fresh-picked, home-grown strawberries and raspberries
-walking and hiking
-ballet
-the month of May
-the feeling I get in my head and stomach in a plane at take-off
-whatever material my purse is made out of. Someone suggested lamb’s leather. Whatever it
is, it’s gloriously soft.
-The Subway in our town
-Subway cookies
-Alison Krauss’ voice
-making lists
-bottled water
-shaved legs under soft sheets
-wedding planning
-looooooooong talks on the phone with my friend Kat in Edmonton
-the satisfaction I get from cleaning
-daydreaming
-prairie thunderstorms (when I’m not trying to sleep)
-flying/floating dreams
-KD straight from the pot
-Ezekiel 16:1-14
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)