Value... Who has it?

Who has value? Lately this has been on my mind a lot... When I talk with girls it seems like a continues problem. Girls caught in relationships where they are not valued or treasured. They really do like the guys, but yet it doesn't feel right. After listening to their stories it becomes obvious. They do not see it though. The guy whether intentional or not does not show them respect. I do agree with submission to an extent. This topic can get divided very quickly and I understand that. I guess the point I am trying to get at is do not settle... Ladies please stand up for yourself. A guy will only respect you as much as your respect yourself.

I feel like I have rambled and not really made any sense... Hopefully I have. You deserve respect. You must first respect yourself first though before any man ever will. Any ideas on how to respect yourself?

JEN

True Listening

I read a book the other day and in one small part of it they discussed listening. Something I figured I was pretty good at seeing that I am going into counseling. As I read more about it I became convicted...

Listening intells giving your whole attention (Eyes, ears, mind, heart) to one person, yet not saying a thing.

How often does that happen? I have girls who come into my dorm room and pour their heart out. How quick am I to give them adivce? Oh so quick... Yes, it may be what they need to hear and it may point them back to God, but have I really done my job as a friend? I really believe I havent. People just need someone to listen and care. I may care when i give them advice, but does it show that I care or does it just show that I know what they need to do? My old roomate is the best at listening. I can ramble and ramble and she just sits quietly, completely focused on me, nods so that I know she is keeping up, but yet hardely ever gives advice. Btw, she is also my maid of Honor.. Wonder why?! :)

What does true listening look like? I believe that it starts with putting the phone down... looking the person in the eyes... and shutting your mouth. I dont have to add in things or ask questions. There will be a time for that. Now they need to be able to tell what they want to tell, how they want to tell it and when they want to. More than anything true listening says, "I care about you and value you." When was the last time someone really listened to you like this? Sadly, probably not tht recently. Yes, people listen, but not passionately.


I challenge you as well as myself to care... to truly listen to our sisters in Christ... They matter.
JEN

For all you single people!- Amber's guest post

Girl Patient: My mom's last boyfriend was bald. He was nice, but she didn't marry him.

Kate: No?


Girl Patient: There's always something better coming around the corner. That's what she says...


Kate: If she's not careful, she can spend her whole life waiting.


The above conversation is from the movie, The Lake House.


While I was watching that movie on the eve of Valentine's Day (or as I like to call it, Singles Awareness Day) this year, the last line from Kate really struck my heart, "If she's not careful, she can spend her whole life waiting."

I've gone 20 years without a Valentine and, that quote reminded me that I could miss it. But, what if I have missed it? What if Mr. Right has walked right by me, in and out of my life, and I missed it? But before I begin to wallow in my self-I'm gonna end up like Jane Austen-pity, the Lord reminded me of something He spoke to me right at Valentine's day...while I was, well, wallowing in self-pity - lol.



I was thinking about Valentine's and I was talking to God about how I hated VDay and how it should've never been made into "love dove day" and how I wished I had a Valentine (especially since I've never had one) and in the sweetest voice, He spoke to me and said, "Why would you want to spend that day with anyone other than the one true love I have for you? Until I send him, you can spend the day with Me, the One who will never leave you or forsake you." It was in that moment I realized that I shouldn't want to spend VDay with just a random guy even if it were just a friend, I want to spend it with the loves of my life at this present moment, Yahweh the Father, Yeshua the Son and Holy Spirit! And I want it to be that way until Mr. Right comes along.


To close this blog (which took hours to get just right), I want to write to all you single people reading this. I know a lot of people don't mind being single, they love VDay, but whether you love it or hate it, whether you love single life or hate it, just remember that one day, God is going to send that one very special person into your life and you're going to have them for every Valentine's for the rest of your life...whenever the time is right and God sends him/her waltzing into your life. Who knows, He may have already sent them and you don't even know it yet ;)

Much love,
Amber ♥

P.S. And I've learned that the movies get it all wrong. The awesome guy that the underdog always falls for, never falls back. It's seriously a one in a million kind of thing. But I guess I'll be one of the million that holds out hope anyway...haha. Who knows, that awesome guy could be Mr. Right. Same goes for all of you out there...it's whatever God's plan is and remember, He knows best! Stay in tune with God, you won't miss it but don't rush it!

Awesome quote

Such Freedom

Lately life has been such a joy.... I have always loved my life, but I have felt more freedom lately. I'm not sure how to explain it or how to even really think it through. I know that I have gone through parts of my life controled by others. Whether you call it abused, manipulated, or what it happened. During those times without knowing it you lose your individuality. Over the last couple of years I have been regaining it, but not until lately have a really felt as if I have freedom to be me. Some of this I completely realize was imposed by me. I thrive off of perfectionism and being the best I can be. In doses that is great... although often it isnt in small doses. This is a fault. It can look good on the outside, but on the inside it can drive you up a wall. The small things that i cant seem to let go of. I have to be perfect. the sad reality is no one is perfect. That doesnt always matter though... I have to be perfect. Am I alone? I highly doubt I am. I believe matt has really helped me realize how I do not have to be perfect. I can have a bad day and not be equaled to a drama queen. I do not have o feel guilty if I am not always happy. It is ok to be sad, angry, or upset. Whoever tells you these things? I hoenstly believe churches do not know how to deal with pain and hurt very well. They think they do, but when it happens we often put a lid on it, tie it up with a few pretty verses and then send it off like it never happened. This is not reality. Life is messy and not perfect. Freedom comes when you realize you are who you are and that is ok. Now yes I still thrive off of perfection and love to do the best. Yet, it is ok if I dont. It is ok if i relax instead of doing that homework that isnt due for another month. Mybe I am the only one this driven, but I hghly doubt it.

Ladies.... there is freedom.... there is peace... there is joy! It sounds weird, but I love the verse where it talks about taste and see that the Lord is good. I feel like I've een bypassing the tasting and seeing part. I've been on a race and diet (Arent we all?lol) and yes I was there and yes I was reading my Bible and all, but there is such a difference in tasting and seeing that the Lord is good than just skimming so that we can get on to the next thing. Taste it. See it. Abide in it. I imagine a kid playing in a fountain. Such pure joy. That really has nothing to do with those verses except being in it... feeling it... enjoying it... lavishing in it... Oh how beautiful.

Some days I get to the end of day and wonder if anything I did mattered. I run 100 miles per hour and barely stop to really enjoy life. This is my passion as of lately... Stop and smell the flowers... Enjoy life and the freedom that is found in Christ!

JEN

Homemade Tortilla chips!

I love making things!! Im not sure why, but it gives me such great joy to make things! If I think I saved a penny then I am extremly happy for the rest of the day! :)
This is howI made homemade tortilla chips...

I had already bought and frozen some extra tortilla shells when they were buy 1 get 1 free. So I thawed a pack out.

Then I cut them in strips. You could do triangles or whatever shape you would like. I just did strips to be easy. Then I put them on a bakng sheet. I sprayed a tad of pam on the top and dazzled them with salt. I used a toaster oven since our dorms did not have an oven. Keep a close eye on them because trust me... the first batch burned within 10 mins. Just shake every once in a while to make sure they are being cooked evenly. The wala! They were great even days after! Still fresh!

Wedding planning bliss!!

 

The planning has begun!! I have asked some of my Brides Maids!! I asked Matt's sister first, but was not able to get pictures... :/ The rest have been documented! Such fun!!

 

 

 I special ordered Gigi's cupcakes with a ring on top! It was my turn to pop the question! :)

I also created on snapfish a personal card for each one... Pictures of us together over the years and then on the inside it asked different things and the last part was Will you be my Brides Maid? Such excitement!

 Sarah said YES!

JMO Said yes to being my Maid of Honor!

Delight said YES also!!

 

A few more to go!