Coffee Break

For real though...

2011-03-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm back. I know I took an extreme blog break. For that, I apologize. Life has been quite crazy, and I needed time to figure things out a little before I could share with the world (or really just the 3 people who read my blog!). I'm going to be posting over the next few weeks about all that has happened and all that I've learned. So, buckle up. It's a wild ride. One of my favorite quotes is from C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia series. It so applies to living life with Jesus: "Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."

Babies and Buhbies

2010-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friends and pastors the McGoverns have their second son! Jack Jones is really adorable and the size of a peanut. Okay not really but that's all I could think of when I saw how tiny he is. I forgot how little new borns are. Since I don't have pictures of my own children to post, I thought I would post pictures of the next best thing...our buhbies aka puppies. They really are ridiculously fun. Confession: I miss my dogs when I'm out of town. So, here's a little photo fun for you...

Nadia is a snuggler. She will invade your space and try to snuggle at all costs. If you don't create a "snuggle spot" for her, she just sits and stares at you with sad eyes.

Chloe is our happy little girl. She is so happy that she usually looks like she is smiling at you.

David making the dogs dance. Clearly, the are pleading with me to save them. I did not.

Cuteness.

Chillin on the porch.

At 8 weeks...they have grown so much since then!

I love babies, but for now, I'll just stick to buhbies.

California Love

2010-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have been noticing lately the number of songs created over the years that are odes to Cali. Think: California Girls (Beach Boys), Hotel California (Eagles), California (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers--although there are like 50 other songs by different artists with just the state's name as a title), most recently California Gurls (Katy Perry), and the list goes on. You can literally google "California songs" and come up with pages that are like the top 100 songs about California. It's a little crazy. What other state has so many songs in its honor? You really do fall in love a little bit with the state. We may have our problems, but we are proud of our land, our culture, and our spirit. I may not be a native, but I'm here for life. So, I think I qualify as a Californian now.

I have to say that I like living here. I like that we have like the 7th largest economy out of any country in the world--just in our state. I like that there is such diversity and creativity that flows from our cities. I like that there is a sense of adventure and freedom here--even though some people take this to its extreme. There is so much potential in the people of this state. I'm excited to really see a move of God because Cali is a force to be reckoned. When we get on fire for God, the nation will be watching.

Jesus LOVES California, and so do I.

I was struggling...maybe still am

2010-07-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, this one is just a little stream of conciousness about life right now. It's just where I am.

So, I was really hit last night with a lot of thoughts about my life. I feel like David and I are in a trial that is never ending. I am, most of the time, encouraged and can overcome the heaviness of it. Last night, I just had a hard time. I know we are in God's will to be here in CA, but it just gets tough once in a while. There are only 5 other people who can even understand the intensity of being here and doing what we are doing. (I am immensely grateful for the 5 of you though!) Sometimes, I just want it to be easier, more fun. I know this is totally my flesh, but it gets to the point where I wish we could move somewhere and just join a church that already has leadership in place, where there are tons of people there that are instantly able to be my friends, where we don't have to plow the hard ground because someone else already did it.

I know (because David often reminds me) that the Christians in the book of Acts suffered far more than we will ever suffer in order to grow the kingdom of God. I just cannot seem to understand that or relate to it. I even "know" that people in other countries are facing persecution for believing in Jesus. This, I also cannot really understand. How do you see around your circumstances to the bigger picture? I try to pray about it. I try to ignore it and just go on. I try to think of solutions or work harder to improve. Nothing really seems to help though. I feel like we just have to walk through it. Last night, I got tired of walking. I felt like quitting. I guess I am saying all of this to say--I am in need of your prayers. All I can pray lately that feels authentic is "Breakthrough, God. Breakthrough." Pray that with me, please.

What I've Been Reading...

2010-07-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

I love to read. (I also love to watch movies, but I love to read more.) Specifically, I love to read fiction. I have loved it since I was little. Reading for English classes was never a chore throughout school and even into college. There is just something really beautiful about the creativity and eloquence it takes to write a good work of fiction. Since I fly a lot, I have many hours of uninterrupted reading time. It is my "me" time when I can just enjoy something that makes me happy.

When you read, you can imagine your way into times and places that are outside of your reality. I'm not talking about brain candy like John Grisham (although I do like his books). I mean the real art of storytelling that leaves you feeling like you are somehow part of the plot. Good fiction produces a reaction that changes some small part of who you are.

Recently, I have read three fantastic books: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (amazing story of a small island off the coast of England and how it survived German occupation during WWII--surprising quite funny), Sarah's Key (a woman's journey of self discovery as she uncovers her family's role in a French Jew's life during WWII), The Swan Thieves (the story of a brilliant but mentally ill painter and his psychiatrist's quest to help him heal). The two WWII novels in a row were a coincidence--very different though and both really well done.

It makes me sad when people don't like to read. So, pick up a book--preferably one of the three above--and read.

I googled Reading Rainbow for a picture to add to this post--come on somebody if you remember Reading Rainbow! Here is the very weird picture that came up. I guess he is SUPER excited about reading?

Nevertheless, props to RR. Way to encourage kids to read through a tv show. Irony.

Good News--All Hell is Breaking Loose

2010-07-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Remnant Church and its leaders would love your prayers right now. We have good news. All hell is breaking loose against us right now--as a body and individually.

I know this seems like a weird thing to say, but let me explain. When we moved to Cali and started Remnant, there were a lot of things in our hearts and relationships with God that were not healthy. We are finally now at a point where we are all living in passionate pursuit of Jesus and His kingdom. God is moving big time in the church's people. Lives are being internally impacted. Satan is getting scared because we are getting ready to breakthrough in a big way.

So much craziness has happened lately that we should be discouraged. The opposite is happening. Every time some new plot of the devil comes our way, we get encouraged. I am smiling as I write this because I know that Satan would not bother with us if we weren't doing anything for God.

Pray for us to be sustained through trial. Pray that we find favor for all of the issues we are dealing with. Pray that we have strength to overcome and endure. Pray for more salvations. Pray for more baptisms. Pray for more miracles. Pray for more healings. Pray for abundant finances. Pray for the right people to join us.

We so appreciate your support. I can't wait to share all of the ways that God comes through. Very soon!

My Vacuum Sucks & an Ode to the Swiffer WetJet

2010-07-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

I have been having cleaning problems:

1. I avoid mopping at all costs. Sorry that this is gross, but I'm just being real. I can't get into it. There is no particular reason. In my list of stuff to do, mopping just keeps getting pushed lower because the colors on the floor do not show dirt. Out of sight, out of mind. However, seeing the bottom of my socks get dirty from the inside of my house made me feel like a failure of a house keeper. (Sorry for the full disclosure, but I promise that other areas of my house really are clean.)

2. My vacuum sucks....meaning it does not actually do what it should...which is suck. David and I both vacuumed throughout the week and the dog hair on the carpet just would not go away. It was like we were pretending to vacuum but with a real vacuum.

So, I got fed up.

1. I recently saw a friend using a Swiffer WetJet. It looked fun. So, I decided to buy one. It was actually fun in an OCD way. As you mop, you can see all of the dirt collect on the disposable pad on the bottom of the mop. (Although, the pad on the mop looks like someone got the idea from...well, you be the judge.)

After you are done, you just peel the pad off the Swiffer and throw it away. This kind of felt like cleaning the lint out of the dryer trap. :)

2. I decided we are not so poor that we cannot afford a vacuum that actually sucks...how it should. So, I bought a new one. Eureka! Literally, a Eureka. It was glorious. I vacuumed anything that was not moving--carpet, couches, stairs, tile floors. I thought about going to the source of the problem and just vacuuming the dogs directly, but they have a mortal fear of the vacuum. So, they were spared from my vacuuming zeal.

My house is clean.

The end.

Being Passionate

2010-07-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, immediately get your minds out of the gutter.

Now, let's proceed... :)

This is a follow up about one of the topics I mentioned in my last blog. I have a huge desire to be passionate about what I am doing in life. I feel like I go through life day by day working at my job because I cannot figure out anything else I could do to make this much money and not commute into San Francisco. For my lovely readers from other states, the traffic is absolutely horrendous during rush hour, if there is an accident, if there is bad weather like fog...etc.

However being around the amazing Bobbi (http://www.bobbiandmike.com/index2.php), I decided there must be a way to absolutely LOVE what I do every day. I hate the feeling of waking up and inwardly groaning that I have to go to work. I'm not saying I don't want to work. I'm saying I want to be passionate about what I do. Watching Bobbi take pictures, it was very clear that she not only loves what she does but is also really good at it. That's what I want.

I was talking to David about this, and he told me that most people don't love their jobs. To this, I replied that I don't care what most people decide to do with their lives. If people want to schlub through life day by day, that's their choice. Not me. I want to live an extraordinary life. What I'm doing from 8am-5pm right now just isn't cutting it.

My other issue is that I'm not one of those lucky people who immediately know what they were created to do--Musician, dancer, teacher, doctor, whatever. I'm really not sure what God has for me to do. Also, I do not have a special talent. (This is probably the only reason I was not Miss America...nothing to do during the talent competition! Um yeah.) So, what does this average Jane do? No really, I'm asking. What do I do? How do I live a life where I am passionate about what I do every day?

I feel like this was a little dramatic today. So be it. I feel dramatic.

Goodness

2010-07-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

This past week was filled with so much goodness.

I shared in one of my very best friends' weddings. I am beyond happy for Jess and Bobby. They have a beautiful life ahead together. I told Jess a long time ago when they were in the "falling in love" stage that my life and marriage with David are so good that if anyone settles for less than what we have I feel sorry for them. I think Jess and Bobby have what David and I have. It is not a quality I can name but some indescribable combination of things that I know when I see. Truthfully, I don't see it very often, even in married couples.

Jess was one of the most beautiful brides ever--I know people say that at everyone's wedding, but this is true. All of the bridesmaids would just stare at her because she was that breathtaking.

I got to play dress up with a couple of old friends and a couple of new friends. There is really nothing I like better than doing hair and make up, putting on beautiful clothes and jewelry, and feeling fabulous. Love the hair, love the shoes, love it, love it, love it.

I did not have to work! I was much in need of time away from email and my outlook calendar. (I'm back at work now and already dreaming of my next time off...) Consequently, the wedding photographer inspired me to figure out what I love doing and then start doing it. Hmmm....the tricky part is figuring out what that is. Any suggestions from my wonderful readers/stalkers?

I loved being around a sister and friends who know me so well that I can just be myself without any explaining. That level of friend is hard to come by, and I really do cherish them. I leave you with a final pic that is a keeper. Love these ladies like whoa.

Many more thoughts and insights from last week to come in future bloggage, so stay tuned for more!

WORD for your Friday

2010-07-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my new Bible. I think I say that quite often. It is the Life Application Study Bible in the NASB version. I HIGHLY recommend it. I am more excited to read the Word than I have been in a few years. It has many amazing features including footnotes about historical context, footnotes about life application of verses, profiles of different people from each book, an overview of each book, and many more really useful tools. Warning: It is also a fatty version of the Bible.

It is literally like I'm reading the Bible for the first time again. Amazing. It is so good that my Bible scholar of a husband keeps trying to steal it from me. I have held firm though insisting he will have to get his own!

So, I thought I would share a couple of thoughts from my recent reading:

1. John 20:1 "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance."

We read elsewhere that Jesus basically was no longer governed by physical law when he suddenly appeared in a room where the disciples were hanging out. Why then, did he roll away the stone to the tomb? He did not need to do that to get out of the tomb. Jesus rolled away the stone, so the disciples could get into the tomb and see that He was risen. A lot of times, God does things in our lives a certain way, so WE can see His actions and recognize what He has done.

2. John 20:13-16 'They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).'

Mary did not expect to see Jesus. It was beyond her reasoning that He would be there and be alive. She was looking at her grief and not her God. How many times are we blinded to recognizing Jesus because we don't expect to see Him in our situation?

Shabaaam.

What's on your ipod?

2010-06-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Most of the time, my plane travel is mundane (like that vocab?). However once in a while, life throws me a little gem. The following events happened recently while I was flying to Oregon.

I was sitting next to a twenty-something lady. We were both reading and minding our own business. All of a sudden, techno music starts playing loudly in the row behind me. I assumed some teenager was probably behind me was enjoying their music. Being the world traveler that I am, I do not stare or comment on travel issues--I would spend all my travel time upset about something. Crying baby? It happens. Bad smell? It happens. Etc. Etc.

After about 10 minutes of techno without singing, the music transitioned to a techno version of "Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me?" Now, if you are familiar with techno at all, you understand that most techno songs are REALLY long. After about 8 minutes of "Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me," the girl next to me starts to fidget. I look over at her, and our eyes meet. We silently communicate, "Really? How much longer can this possibly go?" I notice the other passengers across the aisle starting to grow restless. I just couldn't help myself. I turned around....to see this guy--headphones on, staring straight at the back of my seat totally oblivious:

I busted out laughing as soon as I turned back around, and so did the girl next to me. I guess he thought his headphones were plugged into his ipod but really the music was playing out loud and not through his head phones.

HILARIOUS. I guess you just never know what is on someone's ipod. I am still laughing as I write this.

P.S. I secretly snapped this photo as we were standing up to deplane because I already knew I had to blog about my techno friend. Sneaky. :)

Deep Thought: Soccer

2010-06-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Deep thoughts by Jack Handey, I mean Lara Jackson.

Okay, I'll share one from Jack:
http://www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandey.com/media.asp?file=150

Now, here's my deep thought. Sorry for the slightly bitter tone, but it's my blog, and I'll be bitter if I want to.

There is a certain group of American males that cannot seem to appreciate the sport of soccer and complain throughout the World Cup on facebook, twitter, etc about it. (I typically picture this group of males grunting while they watch AMERICAN football. You know the ones I'm talking about--they say soccer is boring, too slow, blah, blah, blah. It does not take a genius to figure out that AMERICAN football scores would be lower if each touchdown were not worth 6 points--I think this math may be too difficult though as many of them cannot seem to understand.) If the entire world says that soccer is the best sport, why can they not appreciate it or at least shut up until the World Cup is over? It's not like those of us who like soccer complain throughout the year while football and basketball dominate the sports channels and a lot of network prime time. Needless to say, their ignorance (is that the right word?) bugs me and makes me want to kick a soccer ball at their faces.

Love,
Lara

P.S. Soccer is the most popular youth sport in America.

P.P.S. I bet if the U.S. wins the World Cup, the previously mentioned group of men will be waving the American flag and acting like they actually know what off sides means.

Food so good....

2010-06-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Restaurant review: Tommaso's Italian Restaurant

Yesterday, we ate at one of the best restaurants I have visited in many moons. Tommaso's Italian Restaurant is in a pretty seedy part of North Beach (aka Little Italy) in San Francisco--think many places for adults only nearby. We chose to ignore the surroundings in favor of the rave reviews. I am sooooooo glad we did.

We arrived at ~5:30 on a Sunday evening, and there was already a line out the door. Tommaso's has a pretty small dining room and does not take reservations. So, I recommend you go early to avoid a long wait. We were seated around 6pm, and it was very worth the 1/2 hour standing in a crowded entry. David and I split a small pizza with italian sausage and a bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. The pizza at Tommaso's has been voted the best in San Francisco multiple times, and it is certainly the best I have tasted--maybe anywhere. You could taste the fresh wood-fired dough, amazing cheese, home made sauce, and mild italian sausage simultaneously. The meat sauce on the spaghetti was rich and had deep flavors...so refreshing in a day when most restaurants dump Preggo on noodles.

Friends, this food was so good, I literally just wanted to stuff it all in my mouth so I could taste it more. I probably won't go anywhere else to eat in Little Italy from now on. A-MAZING.

Check it out: http://tommasos.com

My review? Food so good, it makes you wanna slap yo mama...

Audience of one

2010-06-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here's to a new page!

Much love,
Lara

The little things matter

2010-06-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

So, I have realized that even more than big gestures or expensive gifts, the little things matter. One of the things I love most about people is the little things--those traits or preferences that make them unique and special. My David is perfectly capable of making his own breakfast (eggs, oatmeal, anything), but he really loves it when I make it. I despise stopping to pump gas, so when I get in and my tank is full, I am a very thankful wife.

I think it comes pretty naturally to me to notice the little things about people and remember them for a time when they come in handy like birthdays or random times of celebration. I have realized that I really like to bless people in ways that are meaningful to them. I almost get mad at myself if I give a generic gift (think those stock gifts that every woman has a drawer full of for times of "gift emergency" like an unexpected birthday or a party for someone you do not know well). The little things are important to people because it shows you care and you know them. Those are really two of the intangible things that people want most: to be cared for and to be truly known.

Recently, I arrived home from a work trip to find this:

Some of our friends had been talking about this amazing coffee. David remembered the name of the coffee and ordered it for me to surprise me. Considering the name of my blog, this was a wonderful "you know me" kind of present that makes me smile every morning when I wake up. (It is delicious in case you are a coffee drinker!)

I want to challenge you to remember the little things because they matter.

What am I going to do with my life?

2010-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

So, it seems like just when I think I have things figured out...like I have laid out some kind of plan for myself, things change. Recently, I really thought I had a plan laid out for the next few years. I thought it was God's plan. Then, a new option came into the mix. I don't know if it's God, and I'm not sure how to know for sure. (Did that make any sense?) Maybe, I had one path decided and thought it was Him, but it was really just my "perfect" plan. What if God has something different that I didn't expect but will grow to love?

I feel like I have two sides to my life/personality/ambitions, and they cannot coexist. Like I'm Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde. One plan for Dr. Jekyll and one plan for Mrs. Hyde.

Sorry that I'm a little vague, but there are just some things that cannot go on a blog that anyone can read.

I know prayer is the answer to my issue, but I feel like on decisions like these I never hear very clearly. Does anyone else have that problem? How do you decide when you have big life choices to make?

A laugh for your Friday

2010-06-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Introduction: I don't deal well with gross-ness. It is a pretty broad category for me. David says that I think everything is gross. That is mostly true. I think a lot of things are gross.

The Story: David went out to run errands a few weeks ago. He took our buhbies (aka puppies) because they love to ride in the car with their daddy. They are very well behaved in the car. I was working from home that day and received a call from David. "Meet me outside in 5 minutes." He would not tell me the reason, so in my mind, I am very hopeful that he has a surprise for me. I meet him outside in great anticipation. He says, "Put Nadia in the back yard." So, I get Nadia out of the back seat and take her to the back yard. Then, I come back to the car and look in the front seat....There sits Chloe (who NEVER gets in the front seat ever). She is surrounded in every direction...by explosive diarrhea. Now, I can not emphasize the quantity and diverse directions of splattering enough. Literally, the back and seat of the passenger side were covered. The dash board, the floor board, and the door...also covered. I just stood there not sure whether to laugh or cry. So, I kind of did both. I took Chloe and put her in the back yard. Then, I proceeded to clean the GROSS-EST mess I have ever seen. After hours of scrubbing by me with David fetching various cleaning items for me, my car appeared clean but still smelled like poo.

I left it over night, and then deep cleaned it a couple of days later to rid the car of all remaining poopy-ness. I am happy to say that everything is now clean and neutral smelling. I still am keeping a towel over the seat because it grosses me out that there was poop on it at one point.

What happened in the car you ask? David said he was driving along when all of a sudden Chloe hopped up into the front seat. This should have been a clue that there was a problem because she NEVER gets in the front. Then with her bottom facing the seat, a high powered spray of explosive diarrhea shot out of her. It was so high powered that it bounced off of the seat and rebounded onto the door, dashboard, and floor. David said he literally just stared because it happened in a matter of 3-5 seconds.

I doubt that there is anything gross-er than this experience. David said that I am ready for kids now...

Being Me

2010-05-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

I realized in a discipleship meeting last week that for the first time in a VERY long time--maybe ever--I feel like me. For much of my adult life, I have been a chameleon. I have changed and adapted myself to meet the expectations of others. I molded myself to be what I was told was right or the best way to be without really studying the scripture and seeking God to see who He says I should be. No more. After almost two years walking out a life that is being transformed by God's grace, I finally feel free. Free of expectations, pressure, and a "law" mentality. This was affecting every area of my life, even the clothes I chose and how I worshipped. I figured out that I was living my life a certain way because I wanted to do what was in my heart for God (lead women to love Jesus), but I did not think that I would be allowed to do it unless I followed the rules and was a "good girl" by a certain set of religious standards.

I finally feel authentically like Lara. I am moving into living life abundantly--love and grace filled. I am beginning to walk in what God has called me to do and who He has called me to be. I want to live an extraordinary life, and I think I am now in a place where I can do that.

Thank God that He is patient and teaches us lessons when we are in a place to hear them. I hope this encourages you to be YOU as God has made you and called you to be. It is true freedom in Christ.

I'm BAAAAACK

2010-05-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

For all of my blog readers, I apologize. I realize that I totally dropped off the face of the earth without warning. Please forgive me, come back, and read my blog. (Also, leave me comments. It really does make my day.) Why the absence? I had a serious case of the blahs. I needed to focus on God, my husband, and Remnant. I didn't have a single ounce of me leftover to give...even in a blog. Plus, I didn't want blogging to be a chore that I had to do. I am on the road to recovery from the blahs and will be talking to you a lot in the upcoming weeks. Things I want to write about:

1. Discipleship

2. Remnant's first Encounter with Rod and Mary Aguillard

3. Trusting God (aka faith)

4. Friendships

5. My life plan

6. Why Jessica and Bobby should move to CA (Hhmmm okay, I won't actually devote a blog to this Jess, but I thought I should give the bride a shout out.)

7. More lessons from the puppies plus a tale of explosive diarrhea--quite possibly the most disgusting thing that will ever appear on this blog. Seriously, it will be worth reading every blog I write just to hear this gem when I am healed enough to talk about this very scarring experience.

That's all for now. I look forward to more goodness and sharing with you soon!

Yeah, about that

2010-02-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 8:13
"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil..." (Do you ever read a verse and think to God, 'Yeah, about that...')

This is kicking my butt right now. Do I really HATE evil? Do I HATE pride, greed, doubt, lust, and fear (not of God)? I think I want to hate it and would say that I hate it but tolerate sin and evil a lot of times. Satan really has lulled most Christians to sleep when it comes to actively standing against evil. I think this mainly happens through the media. Sin is made to be normal and even humorous. Eventually, even Christians begin to forget that sin is evil and leads to death.

God has done such a work of grace in me since moving to CA. I have truly learned to love people regardless of their sin. However, I think God is going to teach me to love sinners and actively hate evil simultaneously. It really will change the way I live and pray. If I really HATE evil, I will truly fight for the evil and darkness in people's lives to be defeated. So, this is just a first pass at this verse. I'm not really sure what it will look like once it gets a little deeper in me. Just wanted to share my walk and challenge you to think about how you react to evil.

Freakin awesome chicken and Michael Jackson

2010-02-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

I'm suuuuper busy between work and Remnant. I have been dreaming of blogging but find myself tired of my keyboard between work work and church work. So, three minor updates:

1. I'm staying on top of the Bible reading still...yeah! It is good like an old friend that I haven't talked with in a while but can just sit down and pick up where we left off.

2. I made some freakin awesome chicken. Normally, the meat is not my favorite portion of a meal...and then I made my freakin awesome chicken. Check it.

a. Ingredients: 8 chicken breasts, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce, 1 entire clove of garlic, black pepper, diced dehydrated onions
b. Put all of that in a crock pot and let it do it's thing for like 5-6 hours shredding it into chunks after about 3 hours of cooking.
c. Be amazed.

This was maybe the best chicken I have ever eaten in my life. My recipe making brain astounds me sometimes...and bonus that it was pretty healthy.

3. I finally watched the Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" with David last night. He might have been crazy but man could he dance. I really recommend it even if you aren't an MJ fan.

I'm Going to Disney World!

2010-01-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Not really. That's just what people normally say when they win a lot of money. No, I didn't win a lot of money either. I was just contemplating what I would do if I had an obscene amount of money like Oprah. Why was I contemplating this? I don't really know.

So, I once heard Oprah say that she has her sheets changed every other day (by a maid of course) because she just cannot stand it if her sheets don't have the crisp "just washed" feeling. This leads me down the rabbit hole for today's train of thought. What would I do if I made as much money as Oprah? (This is purely for fun, so no serious things like giving to the church, feeding the hungry, etc, will be included. Those are a given.)

1. I would only use fresh bars of soap. I love a big fresh bar of soap the first time you get it all sudsy.
2. I would have someone come to my house to wash my hair in one of those salon sinks every other day. The water is always the right temperature, they massage your scalp, and the Aveda products where I go are just amazing.
3. I would hire a really great photojournalist to take pictures at all major life events and then twice a year at random times to take family pictures.
4. I would hire a personal trainer like Bob or Jillian from the Biggest Loser to kick my butt every day in the gym.
5. I would build a Panera within walking distance from my house.
6. I would wear ridiculous amounts of diamonds all the time. (Diamonds match everything.)

Alright, now let me know what you would do...and be creative.

Tasty Results

2010-01-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

Alright, so my Rachel Ray recipe was a huge success. Taking a picture of the meal? Not a success. David and I dug into the meal so quickly that I totally forgot to snap a picture of the uneaten food. It looked very pretty though...I promise.

David said, "This is the tastiest thing you've ever made." This is a high compliment in my book.

So, I told you last time that I had some planned modifications to the meal, but once I got cooking, I totally strayed from the recipe. Instead of mashed potatoes, I quartered the potatoes, mixed in some olive oil and a fresh clove of garlic, and baked at 400 with some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. P.S. the clove of garlic should have been with the broccoli. I ended up just steaming the broccoli.

Really, the only part of the recipe that I actually did right were the meatballs. They were amazingly delicious with the tomato/pesto sauce.

So, huge thumbs up to the meal even though I can't follow a recipe to save my life. Thank you Rachel Ray, you helped me break out of my recipe funk and make the tastiest meal ever.

Rachel Ray = genius

2010-01-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

In my effort to improve my repertoire of recipes, I have been watching Rachel Ray's 30 Minute meals whenever I can. Now, most days, I veto her recipe due to the ingredients being 1)things I don't like--I am picky 2)too expensive 3) too fattening--I eat enough sweets that I don't need my dinner to help me pack on the pounds.

However in a stroke of pure genius, Rachel introduced the following meal:

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Sausage Balls with Tomato-Basil Sauce, Cacio e Pepe Potatoes and Roast Broccolini
Serves 4

•2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
•1 tub bocconcini (bite-size fresh mozzarella in water)
•2 pounds Italian hot or sweet fresh chicken or turkey sausage
•Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for liberal drizzling, 4-5 tablespoons total
•Salt and freshly ground black pepper
•1 1/2 pounds broccolini
•1 head garlic
•1 can San Marzano tomatoes (28 ounces)
•1/2 cup milk
•1 tub grated Pecorino Romano
•1 tub good quality, freshly prepared pesto

Preparation
Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.

Quarter the baby potatoes and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then salt the water and cook until tender, about 12 minutes.

While the potatoes come up to a boil, place a nonstick baking sheet alongside a mixing bowl. Remove 12 pieces of bocconcini from the water and set them on your work surface. Remove the sausages from their casings, if bulk sausage is not available, and place in a bowl. Combine the meat into a single mound, then score it into four sections. Each section will yield three large sausage meatballs. To form each ball, take a handful of meat and wrap it around a piece of mozzarella. Roll 12 balls. Wash your hands after handling the raw sausage.

Coat the balls with a drizzle of EVOO. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until cooked through and evenly browned.

While the balls are cooking, trim the ends of clean broccolini and scatter evenly over a baking sheet. Grate or chop 2-3 cloves of garlic and drizzle the broccolini and garlic with olive oil, then season with the salt and pepper and roast for 12-15 minutes to crisp the broccolini tops.

While the broccolini is roasting, add the tomatoes to a small pot or skillet, mash with a potato masher and season with salt and pepper. Heat over medium heat, then simmer to reduce, about 8-10 minutes.

When the potatoes are tender, drain and return them to the hot pot to dry them out a little. Mash the potatoes with 1/2 cup stock or milk, 1/2-2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, a few generous handfuls, lots of black pepper and a little salt.

Turn the heat off the tomatoes and stir in 1/2 cup of the prepared pesto.

Serve three stuffed sausage balls with tomato-basil sauce on top or underneath and the cacio e pepe smashed potatoes and broccolini alongside.

Here are my modifications: I will use baby potatoes with red skins and mash them with grated Parmesan cheese. I will use a dry pesto mix with just a little EVOO since the store made pesto is expensive and contains a lot of EVOO. I will use broccoli instead of broccolini.

Taste results and pics tomorrow....

These are my confessions (Usher style)

2010-01-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

First: I apologize for being such a slacker over the past week or so. Confession--I've been feeling uninspired.

Second: 2010 Challenge from Remnant--not doing so great. I have trouble remembering to write down my one prayer a day and have not invited anyone to church yet. Confession--Maybe it's pride, but I don't feel like this should be so difficult for someone who has been a Christian for 8+ years now.

Third, I've been meditating a lot of the verse James 1:2-4. Not part of the Bible reading plan from the aforementioned confession, but I cannot get it out of my head. James says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience/endurance. And let patience/endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Confession--Like that usage of aforementioned? I have to use some fancy vocab once in a while because I'm pretty sure I'm getting stupider since I left college. See! I just said stupider. I don't think that is a word, but I'm not even really sure.

Third part 2, I have perspective. My life vs. someone in Haiti. My life is amazing. Don't get me wrong. It just seems like there has constantly been a trial for the past 2 or 3 years without down time. I would like some trial-less time, maybe a month even? Confession--I think the trial would even be more bearable if I knew what the perfect result will be. I'm not sure what I'm lacking exactly that I then am gaining from trials. What is this patience/endurance producing as an end result? If anyone understands this verse better, help a sista out.

Fourth, I have also been meditating on the Matthew 6:30-33, "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Confession--I still am worrying. It is just more subtle than it used to be. It is a challenge to seek His kingdom and righteousness above our own seemingly more immediate needs.

Fifth, Confession--I wish I had lyrics like Usher. I can't think of a poetic way to end this entry.

Puppy lessons

2010-01-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I really think that God is speaking to me through the puppies. (Not audibly...I'm not that crazy.) David and I have been talking about this over the last week. Parents, you probably learned these lessons from your children, but we are learning from some slightly furrier babies.

Loving and caring for the puppies is not convenient. Just the potty breaks alone are enough to seriously put a cramp in our style. I began learning the lesson of loving when it's inconvenient when I fell in love with David. (Lol...just keep reading.) When you really care about someone, you are willing to sacrifice for them. This seems to be a lesson that I must continually learn because my self wants to be self-ish, but God wants me to be self-less.

Loving and caring for the puppies is unconditional. Even when they are disobedient--which is most of the time right now--I still want to care for them. I want them to be healthy, safe, and happy. I want their affection and companionship even when they have been bad. Ummm hello? If I feel this for some dogs, how much more does God feel it for every single one of His children? He loves us all the time, no matter what. He's so good to us, His little ones. AND He wants to be with us, even when we are disobedient.

Maybe while I'm working on training the puppies, they (and God) are really the ones training me?

RadicALL

2010-01-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have never been so excited about what God is doing at Remnant. It feels like we finally are "Remnant" how we always wanted to be and how God created us to be. We've had tastes of it over the past year and a half, but now, it's on. The body of Christ at Remnant is radicALL. Every opportunity that we have to gather as believers is explosive, and people far from God are falling in love with Jesus. There could not be anything better on earth.

Over the next year, we will ALL be reading the Bible in 1 year, praying 1 faith filled prayer every day, memorizing 1 verse of scripture per week, having 1 guest per month attend the worship experience, giving our 1st fruits to God, and leading at least 1 person to Christ this year. Read more about what we are doing here: http://remnantloves.me and then click on the LoveStrong icon.

I am jazzed. I'll be updating you because there is a lot of goodness coming this year.

P.S. The puppies are named after Chloe O'Brien and Nadia Yassir from the tv show 24.

New Year, New Jacksons

2009-12-31T07:52:00.000-08:00

That's right. We're adding to our family....but no baby humans. We adopted puppies! Chloe and Nadia are 8 week old sister lab/beagle mixes. (If you can figure out why we named them those names, I'll send you a present. You can't win if I already told you why.) They are sooo frickin cute....and a lot of work! I'm pretty sure we take about 10 potty breaks every day to ensure that there are no accidents on the carpet. So far, things are going well in that department. One thing that has become obvious in their first week with us is how very different they are. Nadia looks much more like a beagle with a short nose and stout body. Chloe looks like a lab with a longer nose and leaner body. They are both black with a little white on their chests.

Nadia (aka Whizzer, Baby Cow, Snuggle Baby, and Pretty Girl): loves to snuggle, snuggle, snuggle. She is definitely a lover...and an eater. When she came home, she was probably 1 1/2 times the size of her sister, and we found out why quickly. At our first meal time, she sat down, spread out her front legs and literally face planted into the food. She didn't move for about 1 minute in which time she had demolished the dinner. Then, she moved on to try and eat all of Chloe's food. Nadia's signature moves include: the leap frog--she will jump from a seated position straight up in the air like a frog, the 360 pounce--similar to the leap frog but she jumps four times in a circle, the groan/grunt--she shows her displeasure with gusto if you are outside in the cold for too long or go into a part of the downstairs that scares her (she is afraid of new places), the crash--when Nadia is sleepy no human effort can keep her awake.

Chloe (aka Lil Whiz, Velociraptor, Psycho, and Pretty Girl--yes they are both my pretty girls): loves to play and explore. Chloe is our skinny minny. We think that she wasn't properly weaned and hadn't eaten for about a week when we got her because she didn't know how to chew food or drink water from a bowl. She has learned though. Chloe can be found sniffing and exploring. She will definitely be our trouble maker but looks so cute doing it that you almost don't want to punish her. Chloe's signature moves include: Sneak attack--she hides about 4-5 feet from Nadia then bum rushes her for a play attack, crazy face--she bears her little teeth and her eyes get all big so she looks like a demented chiwawa, the head tilt--do you remember how in Jurassic Park the velociraptors tilt their heads like they are confused right before they try to eat people? That's what she does..should be cute but it kind of scares me, the guard dog--when she sees her reflection in the glass door at night she goes to great lengths to protect us from the scary dog outside that pounces and barks at us.

More pictures and stories to come I'm sure. I already love my pretty girls.

Chreasters

2009-12-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

Ever heard this term? It refers to people who only go to church on Christmas and Easter. Between the ages of about 8-15, I was one of them. (I do refuse some of the blame mainly because I couldn't drive, but I also don't think I ever begged my parents to go to church either.) Chreasters have some moral sense that going to church on these major Jesus holidays is the right thing to do. They mentally ascent to Christianity as true but are uncomfortable with the sacrifice and the radical life that you have to live when you follow Christ.

People give 1000 excuses why they do not/should not/do not have to go to church on a weekly basis. What's so ironic is that if Chreasters truly understood the power the two sermons they hear every year--of the birth of Jesus and then His death, burial, and resurrection--those two messages would compel them to actually stop being Chreasters. They would have to choose. You must either be for Christ or against Him, believe or renounce belief. You cannot mentally ascent that God came to earth and was born through a virgin, that He lived a sinless life, and that He died as a sacrifice for our sins, overcame death and was resurrected through the power of His Spirit so we can live with Him forever. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis.

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic -- on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg -- or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." – Mere Christianity, pages 40-41

God didn't give us the choice to be Chreasters.

A Happy Soul

2009-12-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

I was "getting my soul happy" in the Word today, and God laid a thought on my heart. I have been reading in the beginning of Luke as Christmas approaches, and I was reading Zacharias's prophecy that starts in Luke 1:67. It struck me that the Jews must have been absolutely shocked when they encountered Jesus. The Jews had a promise from God about their salvation and redemption. They stood on that promise for hundreds of years. When Jesus came, the fulfillment of that promise didn't look how they thought it would look. God absolutely did what He said He would do. He saved them from their bondage. He gave them freedom, righteousness, and rescue from their enemies. However, it wasn't how they anticipated. In addition, it was more than they anticipated. He included the Gentiles in this opportunity for salvation and redemption. Even though He had told them He would through the prophets, they did not understand and became offended when Jesus began to do what the prophets said.

How many times in your life has God done something that He promised, but it did not look like what you expected? For example before I met David, I really had a desire in my heart that I would like to get married when I was 24. (Don't laugh, I just really wanted it.) However, there were no guys within a million miles to make that happen. So, I resigned myself to the fact that I would be single until I moved to CA where I would meet my husband. Then, David came out of no where and totally changed everything. I did not realize that I had a pre-conceived idea about how my husband would be, but I did. One day in Indiana I was sitting in Starbucks where a group of trendy (white) Christian guys were having a small group meeting. I realized it. My husband will not be a guy like that, and deep down I thought he would be. I didn't get offended though, and David is a bazillion--that's a real number--times better than I imagined my husband would be.

Second example: When we moved to CA, we thought that our church plant would go just like how it went for another church that we have really drawn from. Their church exploded in the first few months and has grown at an astronomical rate. That has not happened (yet) for us. We were very tempted to be offended. We knew that God sent us out here to start a church that would transform this entire region, but how would we ever change the region when no one was coming? God had a much bigger plan. Before He could change the region, He had to change us. He has unleashed a true revelation of grace and love on our team. I can honestly say that we are all different people than when we moved here. Now, people are coming, getting rocked by Jesus, and staying. Then, they are bringing their family and friends.

What do you do when the fulfillment of God's promise does not look like you imagined it? Choose to not be offended. He is infinitely more good than we can know. He won't let you down.

Great Analogy

2009-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

I just heard a great analogy about giving. So, here it goes in a paraphrased version:

When a little child decides that they want to give a picture to their dad for a present, they go to the supply of paper that their father bought. Then, they get the markers out of the drawer in their dad's house. The picture they draw blesses their dad because it was out of their heart of love, but the child cannot truly give their dad anything that was not already his.

In the same way, God is our Father, and everything we have is His. He desires that we use what he provides us to give back to Him out of our heart of love.

Why would we ever choose to be selfish and not give to our Father from the abundance He provides? When we don't give, we are saying that God does not deserve what is His and take it for ourselves.

Deep. Kind of makes you evaluate your giving, huh?

My secret hope

2009-12-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

is that one of our neighbors will decide that they are tired of looking at our overgrown grass and come mow it for us....

Bonus video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_eYSuPKP3Y

Love,
Lara

FROG

2009-12-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

FROG=Cheesy Christian rubber bracelet that stands for Fully Rely On God.

David is finished. (If you aren't sure what that means, talk to me.) Praise the Lord. Throughout this season, I have really learned to FROG. Due to the nature of what he was working toward and the high stakes regarding our future, I had the opportunity for the past 5 months to live in a constant state of worry. If he didn't make it, then what? I had no idea. So, I worried. After about a month of constant worry and pressure, I realized how crazy it was to live like that. From that moment, I began my FROG journey. I'm not saying it happened overnight. I was still battling worry and fear today during his last 2 tests for graduation. BUT, I can say that I am not conquered and held captive like I used to be. I overcome through FROGging. I praise, I thank God, I remind myself of His past goodness toward us, and I tell satan to get the hell out of my mind.

Although I am ashamed by the total cheese factor of the bracelet (which I do not wear), the concept is powerful. FROG. He is sovereign. He is good. That's all I need to know.

Possibly the best compliment ever

2009-12-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

I was at the couples small group last night, and one of the ladies approached me to talk with me privately. She wanted to talk about the women's Momentum meeting that we had both attended about a week and a half ago. Amanda did a great teaching about the Proverbs 31 woman and really broke down what it looks like to be that woman of power and virtue. This friend said to me that when she was thinking of the Proverbs 31 woman all she could think about was me!

I, of course, got all teary eyed. It was such a sweet compliment. I'm not writing this blog to brag about myself but to glorify God. He has truly done a work in me if that is how other people see me. I used to read Proverbs 31 almost every day and had most of it memorized. (Let's just say I may have slipped on that practice.) However, it really is the desire of my heart to be like that woman. She is an example that God set in the scriptures for all of us ladies to follow.

I think that it is really important that God never gives her a name. He names other women: Ruth, Deborah, Mary, Priscilla, etc. He never names her though. I think it is because He wants us to put our name in that Proverb and see ourselves as her.

That may have been the best compliment I have ever received. It has definitely motivated me to study Proverbs 31 again and sharpen myself in the areas that I fall short.

I encourage you to read Proverbs 31 in the amplified version. Praise God for forming us into such beauties!

A Remnant Thanksgiving (in pictures in reverse order)

2009-12-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Food Hangover

All smiles...about to eat!

The food...so much food that it didn't all fit in the picture.

Beautiful chef with new cut/color.

Lovin.

Best baby ever.

A friend with a gourd.

The beginning.

A Tiny Bit Naughty

2009-11-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Since my parents are coming in for Christmas and we only have one bed right now, a trip to the furniture store was inevitable. We planned to buy a queen mattress to go with a wooden frame we recently bought from some friends. However, I was having some second thoughts about the color of the frame we bought. It is a medium color (sorry I'm not up on wood names), and I have a slight obsession with dark woods--think Mahogany or espresso stained. While at the furniture store, we spotted a bedroom set (two night stands, bed frame/headboard, dresser with mirror) in a delightfully dark wood that we both really liked. Ummm...the store was also having a 25% off sale, which they have never had before. The best sale previously was 10% off or free shipping...times are tough, and the furniture people needed to move the goods. Without too much hesitation, we decided to buy the bedroom set and put the step child of a light wood bed frame in our guest room.

Then came the mattress testing. I have always been a "buy the cheapest one and get out of there" kind of gal. This time, we let ourselves get sold. We laid on the most heavenly of all beds. Seriously, we had to lift our hands and praise God when our backs hit that bed...you think I'm kidding, but we literally lifted our hands and praised God for that mattress....and then without much hesitation, we bought it too!

David and I have been so ultra conservative about spending--think "we haven't even bought cable since we've been married conservative." I think both of us just cracked at the same time and wanted what we wanted. We had the cash for it, so don't worry that we're going into debt or anything. Can I say though....it felt really good to be a tiny bit naughty?

P.S. I'll post the pics as soon as we get the furniture delivered.

Decorating Update

2009-11-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

I've decided to keep you updated as I begin decorating our house. First, the master bedroom. My vision for the room is elegant yet comfortable.

Walls: Won't be painted for a few more months, but will be a light kind of chocolate brown.

Carpet: Beige-y

Furniture: No idea yet, but we need a new dresser, mirror, and comfy chair. We did recently purchase a wooden bed frame/head board/foot board.

Bedding: Check! I actually just bought our bedding and love it. It is a cool light blue/green with chocolate brown accents. Pictured here are the bedspread with the throw blanket on it and a throw pillow. I also bought bomb.com sheets that are so nice they feel like silk. I bought them in the blue/green color and brown.

Wall decorations: Framed wedding pics, the shelf pictured here with candles added on it--which I LOVE, and ??? Good ideas are welcome!

I am suuuuuper excited to make our house finally begin to feel like a home.

Pumpkin is a gift from God

2009-11-23T13:23:00.000-08:00

Seriously. In combination with cinnamon and nutmeg, it is amazingly delicious. List of pumpkin-ness I enjoy: pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake, and my #1 favorite....Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.

I realize that I could really make most of these foods year round. Somehow, that seems like cheating fall out of one of its most glorious wonders. So, every year around the end of July I begin dreaming of all things pumpkin. Then, every year around the beginning of January I push aside the memories of pumpkin and try to think that I've had enough of pumpkin. In my heart, I know I lie to myself. There can never, never, never be too much pumpkin in my diet.

P.S. Pumpkin pie is a perfectly acceptable breakfast food. Crust=carbohydrates that are necessary for your body to function. Pumpkin=a very healthy vegetable for breakfast! Whipped cream=dairy that your bones need.

Best. Moment. Ever.

2009-11-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Lara: I don't like it when women marry people.
David: Why are you so severe on your own sex?

David has been watching Pride and Prejudice when I go out of town....laughed until my cheeks hurt.

Can I be real?

2009-11-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I am very tempted to "go shallow" or censor my thoughts on my blog because I'm afraid what people may think if they read it. I know that I don't like reading shallow blogs--now, these are different from "everyday life" blogs which I totally understand won't be deep all of the time. I just mean that I don't want to write fluff to just post something.

That being said, I have been thinking a lot about my recent trip to Indiana. I had an absolute blast hanging out with my sister and friends--finding THE white dress. Seriously, I don't think it could have been more fun. The weirdness came for me when I visited my old church. It was wonderful to see everyone, and I felt very welcome. I felt the power of God. It was really positive in almost every way. The weird thing was that I didn't belong anymore. It was like I was watching my life from 2 years ago, but I wasn't in it anymore. It made me really sad, but I couldn't figure out why at the time. After thinking about it more, I have come to the conclusion that a chapter of my life is closed, but I didn't know it had happened until I was in church. That was so much a part of who I was for so long that I almost grieved a little for the loss. I think this will sound crazy unless you have experienced something similar.

Cali and my experience here have changed me more than I realized: being married, planting a church with a very small team (that really is like family now), leaving comfort, truly understanding grace and love...

I am not the person I was. I am thankful for the change, and God is sovereign. His perfect will is coming to pass in my life. It is just weird to realize all of this within the span of a couple of hours.

Yeah, so that's what I'm thinking, for real.

So Good to Me

2009-11-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Can I say that I love, love, LOVE the song So Good to Me by Cory Asbury? If you haven't heard it, it is a "must download." It just totally focuses on the goodness of God in our lives and all that He does for His kids.

If you are in a hard time, it will get you dancing. If you are in a good time, it will get you dancing. I was thinking today about all of the amazing things God has done in my life. He is so AMAZINGLY good. It is crazy to me to think how many people in the world are right now attributing bad things to Him. They think He is mean and punishing the world or just indifferent to suffering. Soooo not true. If you are struggling with those thoughts, take it from me (and the Bible!), that's not Him.

He's good all the time.
He's good when I'm not.
He's good when I feel it.
He's good when I don't feel it.
He's good when I see it.
He's good when I don't see it.
He's good in every way.
He's good-er than I can even imagine or know.

I really encourage you to start thinking and meditating on the goodness of God. (I have heard like every theological argument about why bad stuff comes from God, and when Christians especially make these arguments, they usually are not theologically sound in separating the way God operated in the Old Covenant vs. how He operates in the New Covenant. Want to know more? I'd love to share.)

How has He been good to you recently?

Twitter

2009-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hmmm....I joined twitter. Still trying to decide if it is too much commitment to actually tweet and blog. At least I will follow some friends and church leaders. Any suggestions for people that you think I should follow?

LaraAJackson is my twitter account...maybe if enough of you follow me on twitter, it will convince me to tweet? I know you love my insights and can't wait to hear from me multiple times a day :)

I know...again

2009-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

I know you are (maybe) getting tired of hearing about David, but too bad. I am going to blog about him again. This is because I am amazed on a regular basis about how great he is. This may seem small, but on Saturday, he straightened up the entire house and vacuumed while he forced (literally, I cried because I didn't want to go) me to go get a massage. It wasn't even a special occasion! Come on fellas--if any fellas read this--treat your lady right. I think David needs to teach a class on relationships and marriage. I know we've only been married a little over a year, but he's really good at it. He is selfless, generous, fun, handsome :), and a true man of God. I am so very blessed.

Now, all of this goodness does reciprocate back to him. I enjoy serving him and making his life better in any way that I can. It starts with the man though. He sets the tone of the relationship and is the leader. So, thank you, David. You are more than words can express to me!

It's Christmas time! and other random thoughts

2009-11-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know it's only the beginning of November, but Starbucks has Christmas cups and Gingerbread lattes. For me, that means it's time to snuggle in to big blankets on the couch and watch Home Alone....only it's still like 65-70 degrees here every day. Maybe I'll turn on the AC and pretend it's really cold :)

On a totally unrelated note, I have been thinking a lot about my role in other people's lives lately. There was a time in life that I really understood my relationships with other people. That is not so now. I feel like my relationships are so undefined. I'm kind of friends with some people but not at that friend stage where they truly tell me what's on their heart. The few people that I feel like are my best friends are far away. On top of that, the new friendships I am starting to develop are awkward. Maybe it's the people I'm meeting, but it feels like no one knows how to relate and become friends. It is a struggle to hang out, a struggle to have conversations, and a struggle to get to know them. It isn't a two way street. It's like I am trying to be friends, and they are allowing it but not an active participant in the process. Very weird. Why am I not meeting anyone that just "clicks" with me? You can pray for me about this because it makes me want to just stop trying which isn't good either.

On another totally unrelated and much happier note, David and Kaela, Remnant's worship leaders, got married last Sunday. It was totally a nor Cal wedding. So relaxed and very "hip" (even though I know hip is such an un-hip word to use). I loved being a part of their big day. Here are a few pics of them. They are wonderful. So in love with Jesus and each other.

The One Whom Jesus Loved

2009-10-27T10:47:00.001-07:00

I have always noticed how John referred to himself as "the one whom Jesus loved." I have heard many different takes on what he meant by that. Some people have said that he was a little arrogant or that Jesus loved John more than any other disciple.

Today, I really understand what John meant though. John was so humbled by Jesus' love for him, that he could not think of himself in any other way besides as being one whom Jesus loved. Nothing else defined him. Above everything else in his life, above the miracles, above teaching, above his personality, above the church, above his suffering, above all, he understood that he was because Jesus loved him. Everything in his life became secondary to the fact that Jesus loved him. That's how he thought of himself because it became the all consuming, overarching idea that burned in him, Jesus loved him.

How powerful is that? I want love to ravage me how it ravaged John. I am the one whom Jesus loves.

Friends & Good Hair

2009-10-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

I just had a really fun (and tiring) weekend. The entire weekend was pretty much consumed with being involved in other people's lives...wedding showers, meals together, just hanging out, etc. It has been a really long time since I've had a weekend like that, and it felt great to be with people and just love on them and relate.

The combo of moving away from so many great friends in Indiana and me traveling alone so much for my job really left me in relationship shock. I went from people constantly to alone (or just with David) almost all of the time. I think I just went into some kind of survival mode where I thought that being alone was really normal. This weekend helped remind me that I am really a people person. I love just doing life with great people. I know that is a weird thing to have forgotten, but it happened.

When I am in town, I am going to make a much better effort at being proactive and pursuing people. I need it in order to be the best version of me.

P.S. David and I saw the Chris Rock documentary Good Hair. I highly recommend it. It was very funny, mostly clean, and totally interesting. Since I could potentially have a girl child one day who faces these hair issues, I was fascinated. Plus during college, I had a brief stint cutting African American women's hair...and I have to say that I was pretty amazing at it too.

Wedding Craze

2009-10-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

I think I'm officially about to burst internally. Three of my best girls are all engaged with one of them about to get married very soon. I am soooo excited for all of them. It's almost a little crazy on my part, but I really cannot help it. My life with David is so incredibly amazing, more than I could ever have imagined, and I want the same experience for them. I want them to have all of the goodness that comes after the wedding too--minds out of the gutter, I mean the being married to your best friend part. (I may focus on this in a later blog, but today, it's all about the wedding.)

Things I love about weddings:

Romance

Bling

Beautiful dresses

Cake

Bling

Planning everything

Love

Flowers

Dancing

Being sentimental

Bling

Getting the hair done

Shopping a lot for all of the stuff

The vows
Bling

So, congratulations to my buddies. I'm so happy for you :)

P.S. I am a little obsessed with diamonds...trying not to be, but they're so pretty.
P.P.S. My next job will be as a wedding planner. It's decided.

Shopping

2009-10-04T19:01:00.001-07:00

I finally did it. I went shopping. This may not seem very exciting to some people, but let's just say it's been a reeeeeaaaaallllllly long time since I have bought anything new. (Engagement+Moving to CA+Job Transitions+Higher Cost of Living+Wedding+Honeymoon+Car Repairs+Buying a House=No cash to shop)

I didn't go crazy--I just bought a few new things, so that I don't feel like a total style-less shlub as I have been feeling lately. It's nice to feel nice. The end. :)

LUKE

2009-09-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

I am jazzed. I'm talking jazz hands level of jazzed-ness. Mark Driscoll, Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, is starting a three year series (yes, count them...1, 2, 3 years!) on the book of Luke. David and I are committed to following the study by watching the Mars Hill podcast every week. I have not been this excited about the Bible in a while.

I feel like this is a huge opportunity to learn in depth about Jesus and all of the goodness that is recorded throughout the book of Luke. I've felt stuck lately when reading the scriptures, like I'm not uncovering or understanding anything new. I've just been reading....which leads to not reading because it's not meaningful. (I know you just gasped right then. A leader on a church plant team, and she said the Bible wasn't meaningful!) Am I an awful Christian or what? I'll go with "or what." Thank God for grace.

Anyway, back to Luke. This past Sunday was just covering Luke 1:1-4.

"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."

You may be asking, "What in the world did that guy preach on out of this verse (for over an hour!)?" Trust me. In the words of my good friend Ruby--bomb.com. I learned more in that hour than I feel like I've learned in a really long time. (Disclaimer--this excludes Sundays at Remnant where I do learn a lot but am often very distracted with volunteer duties throughout the worship experience.)

My challenge to you: If your Bible study time has slid into being just Bible reading time which will slide into your Bible not reading time, join us for the 3 year study through Luke. Let me know if you decide to do it. I think I'll be posting about what I'm learning quite a bit.

Did I mention that I'm jazzed?

Identity

2009-09-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

So, David and I have been talking a lot about identity lately. Since moving to CA, I feel like we have both really been struggling with trying to figure out our identities. This is mostly because in the past we linked our identities more with what we did than who we are. Now that we don't do the things we used to do, especially in the church, we are feeling a little aimless and more than a little insignificant.

I blogged about finding my sweet spot a while ago. This is connected to that issue. I am trying to understand that even if I am doing small tasks right now for the kingdom that don't look (in my eyes) like they are meaningful and that don't feel like my sweet spot, that I as a person am still significant. I am trying to understand that my worth to the church is not based just on what I can give but also who I am. AND, I am trying to understand that if God has entrusted me with a role, no matter how small, it is what He has for me and that is enough. Where satan really wants to go with the negative thoughts here is that if I am not doing much than it would mean that I am no one. That is a lie, and I recognize it when I say it outright like this.

This all seems easier to write than to believe though. How do I disconnect who I am (my identity) from what I do (my contributions/tasks)?

Just wanted you to know

2009-08-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

I found out a few nights ago that a very dear Christian woman went home to the Lord. It was quite a shock because we haven't even seen each other in probably 10 years. However, I am eternally grateful to her.

When I was a freshman in high school, my friend Liz invited me to attend a Christian youth conference called Acquire the Fire. Her mom, Laurie, took us to the conference. Even though I had been to church sporadically as a child, I had never heard about the need for a relationship with Jesus. I gave my life to Christ at that conference. I spent quite a bit of time with Liz and her family during that year or so of my life. I had never seen what a Christian family looked like, and they provided such an amazing example. Even now when I think about how I want my own family to look one day, I imagine them. Her death has really made me reflect on how beautiful the promises of God are. He is faithful and true. His word stands forever. I am excited to see her in heaven one day. She will be greatly missed here and now though.

I wrote to her shortly before she passed away to let her know what an impact she had on me. Kind of a "Just wanted you to know..." moment. It made me think, "Why didn't I do this before?" I guess I'm learning to express my heart to those who are important to me. Laurie's death was unexpectedly hard for me. It also made me reflect on the legacy that I want to leave behind. Hers is so marked by impact for Jesus. How amazing!

So, that was a lot. I would love to hear your reactions and thoughts on any or all of it.

One Year

2009-08-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. David and I will have been married for one year on Sunday, August 23. I can't believe it has already been a year, and yet, it seems like it has been so much longer than a year. I decided to write a top 10 list of things I've learned about marriage and David...here it goes:

10. Being married to the right person is a natural step. (People told me before marriage how much we would have to work through and deal with in order to get along. That wasn't the case for us. We just fit together after marriage. It has been easy.)

9. Being married to your best friend is fun. (Of course we argue once in a while, but it has been the most fun I've ever had living with anyone. Everything is better when I am with him.)

8. David snores only if he goes to sleep with his arms flung up over his head. (At first, I was polite and waited a while to see if he would stop snoring. Now if he lays down with his arms above his head, I make him move them right away.)

7. Dating after you are married is important. (Even though we see each other all the time, we still need isolated, concentrated time that is designated just for being with each other.)

6. David knows how to have a good balance in life of work and relaxation. (I tend to work myself really hard and then crash and not want to do anything. He understands the importance of pacing life, so you enjoy it along the way.)

5. Serving someone is much easier when you really love them. (I don't mind doing chore-like tasks for him. I don't mind doing chore-like tasks for him that I don't even want to do for myself.)

4. You need to splurge once in a while. (I totally understand financial constraints. It has been, by far, the poorest year of my life financially because of the wedding, move, and cost of living increases. However, we've found little ways to splurge and just treat ourselves. It's important because you just need to feel a little special every once in a while.)

3. God is the glue. (I cannot understand non-Christian marriages. I don't understand how they survive. David and I have a common view of life and marriage because we have a standard to look at in the Bible. We learn to love each other through God.)

2. David eats a lot. (I have had to adapt the amount of food I cook. I cannot cook just two portions because we are two people. David eats at least twice what I do...easily....and is still not full.)

1. Falling in love isn't just for people who are dating. (I am so much more in love now than I was even a year ago. My love for David is deeper, richer, and more powerful than I knew a year ago that it could be. I know more and more how blessed I am to have such an amazing man as my husband.)

I'm excited for our second year together!

Advice

2009-08-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Alright my blog friends, I need some advice.

Several years ago, I had one of those very best of friends kind of friends. She was (hopefully still is) a Christian. We had some pretty strong disagreements about the paths we were each taking in life, and slowly, our friendship just dissolved. It got to the point that she didn't even invite me to her wedding, and we haven't been in contact for at least 4 years.

I was looking back through some pictures and kind of got nostalgic thinking about all of the fun we had and how close we were. Now, I'm wondering if I should try and get in contact with her. It is a situation where the hurt caused was very deep. I have forgiven her, but I don't think we would ever go back to being how we used to be. Too much has been said. Is it worth trying to find her to let her know I love her and hope everything is okay? Should I just let it be? I don't want to find her only to make things weird or hear that she doesn't want anything to do with me now.

What do you think?

Sweet Spot

2009-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

At Remnant, we refer to your sweet spot a lot. It's the intersection of your unique gifting, abilities, and talents, with what God has called you to do. Your sweet spot is the place where you find yourself happiest, most productive, and most successful.

For some people, sweet spots are obvious. They just know that they are supposed to be a _____. (Whatever career, life path, role in the church, etc you can fill in there.) For others of us, me included, it's a little trickier. I've never been quite sure how I fit. I'm good at a lot of things but not necessarily passionate about them. I can do a bunch of different roles, but I don't feel like I'm really called to any of them. Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of myself doing something sweet-spot-ish. I can tell because it's when I really feel fully alive and time just flies. It's never anything that lasts though...just a passing activity or moment.

I think a lot of Christians get burnt out because they are operating outside of their sweet spot. They are filling a role or doing a job for one of the following reasons: Someone asked them to do it, they like the prestige/honor/blessing that comes with a doing it, they think they don't have any other options so they might as well do it. I am pretty sure that I have tried to make different areas my sweet spot for all of the reasons above. Take it from me. You won't be satisfied. You will eventually get frustrated, bored, or apathetic because you are doing something God never intended.

I'm still on my journey to find Lara Alyson Jackson's sweet spot. Now, I'm hunting for those sweet spot moments and trying to figure out how to cobble them together into something permanent. I'll let you know when I figure it out.

What's your sweet spot?

The Garden

2009-08-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Lara to David: Ooh these grapes are good! Try one. (I hold a grape to his mouth.)
David: (Eats the grape.) Those are good....I just had a flashback to Adam and Eve.

LOL.

A weekend with no plans...

2009-08-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

Glorious. I have been going fast and furious lately, and I am sooo excited to literally have nothing on my plate for this weekend. Things I do want to do: go out for Saturday breakfast, go to the gym, vacuum and dust the house (I've made a commitment to vacuum and dust every other weekend and then clean the bathrooms and mop on the other weekends. It makes me feel good to keep the house clean!), go for a walk in the park near our house, and paint my toenails. I'll probably end up doing some laundry and grocery shopping in there somewhere, but such is life.

What are your favorite plans for weekends when you don't have any plans?

Jesus Culture

2009-08-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

So, I recently attended Jesus Culture....check it out here if you are unfamiliar with what it's all about: http://www.jesusculture.org/. It was pretty much amazing. Here is how I can best explain it using incomplete sentences:

1. People my age and younger who are passionate about Jesus.
2. Music that is off the chain. Seriously. How do that many amazingly talented people all gather in one location? (oops...part of that was a complete sentence)
3. Miracles--lots of people unleashed to pray for strangers in public with huge expectations=God shows up.
4. Bill Johnson. Enough said.
5. Large numbers of men wearing deep v-neck shirts and/or skinny jeans. (Don't understand? Come to Nor-Cal and you will.)
6. Revelation being dropped like it's hot.
7. Seeing people get rocked (by God) and all of the funny things that happen when that happens.
8. Learning that God is not good at hiding...just ask me and I can explain.
9. Remembering my personal call and what God has made me to be passionate about.
10. Kim Walker, Chris Quilala, Joel Houston--yes from Hillsong. Again, enough said.
11. Soaking.
12. Creating a personal history with God--what you do in secret sets you up for what God wants to do in public.
13. Lots of people with very cool haircuts. (I've made a resolution to soon shed my mid-western-ness, and do something crazy with my hair.)

That's it in a nutshell...love to tell you about it if you want to hear! (How can you really write an adequate blog about a 2.5 day all out Jesus-fest that totally refreshes you? I'm not sure it's possible.)

P.S. Buy the new Jesus Culture CD "Consumed." You will not be disappointed!

Brinks Customer Service....Awesome

2009-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

And by awesome, I mean NOT awesome. Here is the story:

In our new house, there is a Brinks alarm system that always appeared to be on although we thought it couldn't be because we have never paid for anything. Every night it would start beeping about 2am, and I would get up and hit "cancel" to make the beeping stop. So, I finally decided I was tired of this routine. I tried reading the instruction manual and hitting a lot of buttons on the key pad, but I couldn't seem to turn it off. This was about 8pm. David had a late night of studying for the Academy plus an interview to prepare for the next day. I went to bed about 10:45pm. At midnight, I was awakened by a deafening "WOOO, WOOO, WOOO" sound coming from the alarm system. Apparently, David had to go to the garage to get something from his car and had set it off. When I was messing with it earlier that evening, I must have engaged the alarm somehow.

So, I call Brinks and tell them that we are the new owners of the home and have never paid for the alarm system. Can they please turn it off? They say that they cannot do anything without the access code. We say we don't have an access code because this is not our alarm system. They say that it is an active account. We say, "Why don't you call the number on file with the account and ask them if they still live here?" They say they cannot release that information. We say that we're not asking them to release any information. They refuse to call the owner of the alarm system without us giving them an access code. We say we don't have the access code because it's not our alarm system, and we've never paid for it. They tell us that they will not turn it off unless we call the police and have them come to our house to verify that we are the new owners on the phone with Brinks. We say it's 12:30am, and we aren't calling the police. They say they cannot help us.

We say aren't you supposed to call the owners of the house when you see that their alarm system is going off, and they haven't called you to tell you everything is okay? They say that they cannot release that information. We say no that is your procedure. It says so right on the information booklet that is with the alarm system. They say that we must call the police. We say, so if we are burglars, we could have the home owners tied up right now and you aren't calling them per your company's safety procedures. They refuse to call the owners of the system to make sure that we haven't tied them up to rob the house. (PS--if you have a Brinks security system, this should concern you.)

At this point, we are almost yelling at them on the phone. David and I have both tried reasoning with them to no avail. We have been through two customer service agents. They keep telling us "I understand." I yell, "No you don't understand! It is one in the morning and an alarm system that we have never paid for is going off in our house." The customer service agent says, "Well, it's 3 am here." I would have punched him if I could have.

David and I give up and decide to call the police non-emergency line. When we call the police, they say that Brinks must call them in order for them to dispatch an officer. So, we call Brinks back and tell them that. Brinks calls the police. About 1/2 hour later (keep in mind a deafening alarm is sounding about every 15 minutes for 10 minute intervals), the police show up. They call Brinks to confirm that we are the owners of the house. The Brinks customer service agent then begins the police officer instructions on how to find our main security system box and disengage the alarm. The police officer says, "I'm not paid to be your maintenance man. Send one of your people out here to do this." Apparently, the Brinks customer service agent says that they will not send one of their people. So, the police officer says that they need to call us back and tell us how to do it. The police leave.

Ten minutes later, Brinks still has not called us, so we call them. David asks them for the code to the system, so we can disengage it. They tell us that they cannot release that information. We say why not? The police just proved we own the house. They say they cannot release that information. We say then how do we turn it off? They say we will have to go to the security system's main power source and cut the power. Eventually, David finds it in the laundry closet in a corner. The box is screwed shut in such a way that he cannot fit a screw driver between the wall and the screws on the box. We begin to really despair. We say we cannot open the box. They say that there is nothing they can do. We say send a maintenance person now. They say no. I find a pair of bolt cutters. David cuts into the box. We turn off the power. We go to bed at 2am. We get up at 5am.

That was by far the most ridiculous customer service experience I have ever had. I can say definitively...BRINKS SUCKS.

Another Good One

2009-07-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes when you feel like you are at the very end of your energy and strength all you can do is just worship (not really pray effectively or even read the Bible)? Maybe that's just me. Anyway, that's been my life lately. I have another oldie but goodie for you today. I really suggest you buy the Deluge Band album "Live from Bethany World Prayer Center." Here is my inspiration today:

Worshiping You
by Deluge Band

Take this offering that I bring
Humbly I fall on my knees
To proclaim Your everything

My life's nothing without You
Take my hand and lead me through
You are my sustaining love

I live to worship You
I live to worship You

Here I am, worshiping You
With all I am, worshiping You
Bowing down in spirit and truth
Lifted hands, worshiping You
(repeat)

I'm gonna worship You forever
I'm gonna worship You
(repeat)

Wow--ness.

2009-07-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaack. It has been two crazy weeks. David and I officially closed on our house. God has saved us an amazing amount of money through this whole process. We got the house for $5,000 less than what we offered (which over time with interest is much more than just $5,000)! Plus, the seller bought our stove, repaired a leak in the roof, and fixed a wall inside that was damaged. That totaled at about $1,700 in repairs/appliances that we would otherwise have to fund. Yeah God! Because the market crashed so hard out here, we were able to buy the house at 1/2 the price it cost when someone bought it in 2005. Wow! God moved us out here at the exact right time for us to be able to afford a house.

We are moved in and getting things really arranged now. It is starting to feel like home. Now, it's on to painting walls and finding a puppy :) I promise that I will post pictures soon. (I'm going to get rid of boxes first.)

David goes into the Police Academy on Monday which is such a huge step. Please pray that he gets picked up to work for the right department where God wants him to be. We are super excited about this next phase and for his career to grow. I'll also post pictures of David in uniform. I have a very good looking husband ladies.

I'm glad to be back and writing again. So many exciting things happening!

Really good song...

2009-06-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this may not be new to all of by blog friends, but take time to listen to this one again (or for the first time). Soooo good.

I Surrender
by Kim Walker

Verse 1:
There is no love, sweeter than the love You pour on me.
There is no song, sweeter than the song You sing to me.
There is no place, that I would rather be,
Than here at Your feet, laying down everything.

Chorus:
All to You, I surrender,
Everything, every part of me.
All to You, I surrender,
All of my dreams, all of me.

Verse 2:
If worship's like perfume,
I'll pour mine out on You.
For there is none as deserving of my love like You.
So take my hand and draw me into You,
I want to be swept away, lost in love for You.

Bridge:
No turning back,
I've made up my mind,
I'm giving all of my life this time.

Bridge:
Your love makes it worth it,
Your love makes it worth it all,
Your love makes it worth it all.

Why I Love My Dad the Best

2009-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

When I was in elementary school, there was this contest with the local newspaper every year around Father's Day. Elementary students had to write a paragraph or so about why they loved their dad the best. The newspaper would publish this special insert with the responses. The top three kids who apparently REALLY loved their dads the best won some sort of prize. Needless to say, I must not have ever loved him the best or had enough eloquent words at 8 years old to express it because I never won. In honor of Father's Day, I would like you to leave a comment with the rest of this statement filled in: I love my Dad the best because...

(P.S. I know I said I was taking a blog break, but I couldn't stay away.)

(P.P.S. I have recently found out that there are many more of you out there reading this who don't subscribe and don't ever leave comments. I know it can feel weird to leave comments on someone else's blog, but don't. I read other blogs, and it took me a while to have the courage to actually leave a comment. I want to encourage you start subscribing or to at least leave a comment. It makes my day!)

(P.P.P.S. These are pics of my dad.)

Leaving

2009-06-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm going to be out of town and moving simultaneously over the next two weeks. Plus, it's the fourth of July and my sister is coming....all of that combined means I need to take a little blog break.

See you in two weeks. I promise to post pics of the house then!

Lara

To Do List

2009-06-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Over the next 3 weeks, I will:

1. Pack up our stuff
2. Close on the house while I'm out of town
3. Get carpets cleaned in the new house while I'm out of town
4. Have David and helpers move our stuff to the new house while I'm out of town
5. Order appliances and have them delivered
6. Clean the new house top to bottom--use sister as forced labor here
7. Unpack our stuff--use sister as forced labor here
8. Clean the old apartment
9. Have carpets cleaned in the apartment

I am choosing not to feel stressed. I will cross things off as they are done instead. This week, my goal is to just get everything possible packed into boxes/suitcases.

Addicts

2009-06-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Last night, David and I watched 4 episodes of the tv show "24" in a row. Now before you judge us with your noses stuck up in the air saying, "I just can't find the time to watch tv," there is something else you should know.

It is not our fault we spent like 2 hours and 40 minutes glued to the tv. We are addicts. 24 is more addictive than crack and heroine combined. If you think I'm joking or we just don't have self control, then I dare you to watch the first 2 episodes of season 1. Just try it, and see what happens. If you don't have the urge to compulsively watch the second 2 episodes on the DVD, I'll pay for your rental. However, beware if you take the challenge. You will almost certainly find yourself driving to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video at strange hours of the day because you just have to get the next DVD in the series.

Anyway, I just wanted to say, "Hi, I'm Lara, and I'm a 24 addict." I have no shame in my game.

Carrying Burdens

2009-06-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

I listened to a podcast from Elevation Church (www.elevationchurch.org) yesterday, and one verse from the message really stuck out. The Bible says to cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us. However in reality, most of us don't give Jesus our cares very effectively. We know the verse but just have trouble actually doing what it says. Why is that? Do we think that God doesn't really care enough to fix it? Do we think He isn't able? Do we think He doesn't hear? Maybe it is a combination of all of those things. Instead of just resting in Him, we continue to haul all of our burdens around like we're carrying 400 lb tumors. Worry, stress, and anxiety are all simply cancerous in spiritual terms. They drain away our focus, our joy, and our victory in Christ. Who would want to be a Christian like me when I don't look any better off than they are?

My challenge this week is to REALLY cast my cares on Jesus knowing assuredly that He cares for me....and then not pick up those cares anymore no matter how the situation looks.

No Mas

2009-06-02T09:37:00.001-07:00

Well friends, I must admit. Fasting has not been my strong point....ever. Especially, now. I just don't really enjoy it. Does anyone really enjoy fasting? Well, they must be much more spiritual than me. Since being out here in CA, Pastor Mark has really helped our team with understanding about why we do spiritual disciplines like fasting. It is to focus on Jesus. I think a lot of the fasts I've done in the past have been really motivated by other things or totally unfocused altogether.

So lately, I have been eating way too much of my favorite dessert...ice cream. I am feeling the need to give it up for a while which seems inconvenient because it is just starting to get really hot here. Beginning tomorrow (I have about 1/2 pint of Ben & Jerry's in the freezer right now that must be polished off today), I'm saying no mas to ice cream and mas to Jesus. (Mas=more for all of you English speakers.) Pray for me....in my mind, this doesn't sound fun, but my spirit says "Let's do this."

Favorite ice cream? Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby. It is oh so delightful. What is yours?

Retirement

2009-06-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

(Disclaimer: I really do love my job. It is a blessing for which I am very thankful. I won't be leaving it any time soon.)

I told David that after he gets a job as a police officer I am going to retire. He laughed at me. I wasn't joking. Maybe it's just me, but not working sounds like more fun than working. It would be incredible how clean my house would stay and how great the meals I could cook would be. Not to mention that I would get to do some killer workouts during the day when I have a lot of energy. Hmmm...yes, retirement is the only option. I've always thought that we do it backwards. You shouldn't have to work until you are 50 years old. We should all go out and live it up when we are young. Climb mountains, see the world, stay up late. Then when we get older, we go to work. Sounds better to me, but maybe I'll see things differently when I'm 50 :)

Secrets

2009-05-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am currently entrusted with a couple of secrets from various people. I'm not talking gossip-type secrets just personal things that shouldn't be made public. What is it about knowing a secret that makes you feel good? I think it is the intimacy that someone else has told you something that is close to their heart. It is also special because you were chosen to keep that information out of everyone else that could have known it.

As much as I like knowing secrets, I hate it when someone keeps a secret from me. I just ask and ask until I get a hint or clue. Usually, this happens when someone is trying to surprise me with something. As much as I love being surprised, I don't like waiting for it. I think waiting for David to propose was the biggest challenge.

Little kids are hilarious when they know a secret because it never stays a secret for long. They don't have the filter that prevents them from talking about something even though they have been told to not talk about it. I'm still a child in this way. The better the secret, the more I want to tell it. I have learned a little self control though, so your secrets are safe with me.

Are you good at keeping secrets? If you aren't, post one in my comments! :)

Personal Space

2009-05-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

So, I have had various experiences with a lot of different ethnicities that do the thing where they kiss on both cheeks as a greeting. I just cannot get used to it. It is always awkward and slightly embarrassing for me. I think I have a fear deep down that I'm going to miss and somehow end up kissing them on the lips. Americans shake hands. If you really know someone, it's okay to hug. Kissing is reserved for only your closest family. The bigger issue behind this kissing thing is personal space. Personal space is a value that is American to the core. Most other countries do not have this concept. One of my room mates during college had some friends from Sweden visit the U.S. for the first time. When we asked them what was different about the U.S., they said that "everything is bigger." At first I thought they were making a jab at our obesity rate, but when I followed up and asked what they meant, they said: Streets are bigger, curbs are higher, cars are bigger. (They politely didn't mention the huge portions we serve at restaurants.)

We like things big because we like our own space. Our children have their own bedrooms or at least their own beds. The bigger the house you can afford, the better regardless of whether you actually use the space. When you go to a movie, you only sit next to someone if there is no other option. Otherwise, you politely place a seat of border space in between yourself and any stranger. I have a thing where I don't like anyone to breathe in my space. I can't sleep face to face in close proximity with anyone. It feels like the air has already been used. I blame American culture for my weirdness. (Sometimes David will torture me by pinning my arms and just breathing out near my face....makes me crazy.) People hate flying on planes because you only have a tiny seat's worth of space. How else have you seen our American value of personal space manifest itself?

I want...

2009-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I know this is going to sound very selfish/western/superficial, but I don't care. I'm saying it anyway. I want some new clothes. Since moving to CA, we have been on a really tight budget. This means I have bought like 3 new articles of clothing in about a year. Right now, we are working on getting the Benz fixed, paying for a house and ALL of the costs associated with that, and putting David through the Police Academy. AKA: Our budget is tighter than ever.

All of that being said, I am really tired of everything I have to wear. I am tired of feeling out of style or style-less because I am not updating my wardrobe. I resort to wearing t-shirts most of the time because I just don't feel like putting on any of my "nice" clothes. This is probably only compounding my problem. Working from home does not help my sense of feeling bad about clothes. Most days, I work in a t-shirt and soccer shorts or something comparable. On the bad days, I wear my pj's until mid-afternoon. Even though it is great to have the flexibility of not being forced to dress up every day, it is nice to feel like you look nice. Working from home does not give me much motivation, since no one sees me.

I have given up even looking at new clothes because I know it just isn't an option. Right now, that would be a waste of money when there are so many necessary bills. I don't look at anything when I'm in the mall. I am a great bargain shopper, but my talents can't be used. It is very sad.

I think I need to find a rich friend who wants to buy me presents. Anyone know someone like that? LOL....well, maybe I'll just be patient and know that this is only a season. I am not in need of anything. That is something to be thankful for....but I really do want some new clothes.

Serious slacker

2009-05-21T08:48:00.001-07:00

Alright all of my blog friends, I apologize. I have been a serious slacker. I know. Life has been CRAZY busy in the last month.

Here are a few updates:

Remnant--is amazing. God is adding to us every Sunday. This past Sunday was the highest attendance we have ever had (excluding our launch and Easter). We have a team of people who are committed and there every week now. That is a huge blessing because for the first few months I would hold my breath from about 9:45am-10:15am wondering who might show up. We are literally seeing lives change in ways that I have never seen in my past church experiences. We have a group of homeless people who show up weekly. After church last Sunday, one of them came up to Pastor Mark and showed Pastor his forearms. He said with a huge smile on his face, "I've been clean for 2 weeks!" We also have a man who comes every week with his wife who was the biggest meth dealer in our city. I know these seem like the dramatic cases, but it is really what God is doing! He is entrusting us with people that need real life change. He has brought us other people who were coasting in their relationships with God and are now completely sold out for Jesus. I could go on and on.....oh, one more thing. We are in a series called Cheers right now. It is all about communion. Last Sunday, we took communion for the first time as a church, and it was like you've never seen communion before. We all had shot glasses that say Remnant Church on them, and it was a huge celebration! No somber, sad communion. I encourage you to listen to the podcast at http://www.remnantloves.me/ in order to really understand what I mean.

David--getting ready to go into the Police Academy. He passed his physical tests and was accepted! This is so exciting because it is really what is in his heart to do. I am so proud of him. He has been working really hard and overtime right now to save up for the time he will be in the Academy. He is just an amazing leader.

House--in contract! We are (hopefully) in the final stages of getting our house. The picture posted with this is where we will live if everything goes well. One thing I love is that it has a huge yard. In CA, almost no one has a big yard. A lot of houses have no yard at all. I grew up with an enormous yard and a wooded lot next door. So, I can't imagine not having some space. I think we are going to have an amazing testimony when this is all said and done, but I'll save that for a later blog...I have to give you SOMETHING to come back for in the future.

Let me know what you have been doing!

Casting Stones, Washing Hands

2009-04-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

It is funny how God will speak the same things to you through several different people or ways. Recently, I listened to a Bill Johnson message about how to deal with people who are in sinful situations. He said most people either pick up stones and judge like they did with the woman caught in the act of adultery, or they wash their hands of the situation like Pontius Pilate so that no matter what happens they end up looking righteous. Jesus reacted to people in these situations by showing mercy--not giving people the judgement they deserved. Every morning, God's mercies are new for us. I challenge you this week to drop stones you may have ready to throw, get your hands dirty, and show mercy.

House Hunting

2009-04-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! David and I are house hunting....and I'm excited. I love big projects like these, and I especially love shopping. The amount of new financial information is really overwhelming, but we are starting to understand a little more of it. Thank God that the housing market crashed out here in Cali, or I doubt we would have ever been able to buy anything. A lot of houses are being priced at 30% less than last year! (One down the street from our apartments was $317,000 and is now $220,000. Talk about a clearance sale!) Great for us, bad if you bought a house last year. The prices out here are still shocking if you are from anywhere in the midwest. I guess that is the price you pay for living in beautiful Cali. I will keep ya'll updated on our progress, but we are looking with a realtor Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

I'm a Jew

2009-03-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is definitely not meant to offend any Jewish friends who may be reading.... I was talking last night with David about a particular part/practice of Christianity that I have always believed to be true and Biblical.....which he helped me to see was not so Biblical (in the New Testament at least). After talking, I realized that what I believed was part of the Old Covenant. It was Law and not grace. For some reason, I struggled and really clung to the "Law" that I thought to be true. David inadvertently compared me to the Jews of Jesus' day. They practiced what they knew to be the true way to worship and honor God. When Jesus came with grace, it was offensive. It was hard to change. Their hearts didn't rejoice because Jesus was fulfilling the Law. They mourned because they had to change. Granted, it was a change that was amazing and wonderful. They didn't see it like that. Last night, I did not see getting rid of my "Law" mindset as freeing. It was scary. I realized that in order to live by grace, you have to trust God infinitely more than if you live by the Law. You have to hear His voice much more personally. You have to be willing to give up control over what makes you righteous.

People have always asked me if I'm Jewish...I guess I have stereotypically Jewish features. Last night, I was a Jew. God speaks to me in such funny ways. If I wasn't so upset, I would have laughed.

O to the C to the D

2009-03-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how different people are OCD about different things? Examples: My dad counts the items he keeps in his pockets every time he gets up and is in public. (Pocket knife, money, silver dollar, etc.) My mom is obsessed with the security of our credit cards and with safety issues in general. David thinks that if you don't gargle with the nastiest version of Listerine (the orange/tan colored kind) that your mouth isn't very clean.

I know I have my share of OCD moments. They include but aren't limited to: keeping chapstick and lotion handy at all times, never getting on an airplane without a bottle of water, not touching anything--faucet, paper towel dispenser, door handle--after washing my hands in public, avoiding condiments on my sandwiches even if it means going hungry, cleaning the lint out of the lint trap in the dryer, and checking to make sure there aren't any bed bugs in my hotel rooms (this is a recent addition).

I know I should probably get over some of these things...but I haven't yet.

What are you OCD about?

Dreaming...

2009-03-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

I think I used to dream more than I do now. I know that people say you dream every night whether you know it or not. I just used to know it more I guess. When I do dream, I have very vivid, memorable dreams.

I have two types of dreams--God dreams and random/nonsense dreams. When it is a God dream, I usually wake up immediately and know it was a God dream. The random dreams are a little fuzzier and always less memorable.

When I was little, I used to have really scary nightmares and go charging into my parents room to sleep with my mom. I would say a good percentage of those were probably about spiders.

Another weird thing about dreaming is that while you are dreaming, your body is physically paralyzed. It is something to do with that part of your sleep cycle. I have actually woken up a few times when my body didn't react quickly enough and I couldn't move. Really weird feeling.

Funny dream from the past: I dreamed that I woke up in the morning and wanted to eat some of the strawberry waffles my mom had bought. When I actually physically woke up that morning, I went downstairs to the freezer to get some of the strawberry waffles. There weren't any. I got mad at my sister because I thought she ate them all....turns out the waffles were only in my dream.

Leggo my eggo, Sara.

What are some of your funniest dreams?

Uninspired

2009-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

I need some help with blog topics....what would you like to read about? If you request it, I will blog it...

Random Lara fact: I am on a kick of drinking iced chai lattes from Starbucks right now instead of coffee. Soooo tasty.

Random Lara update: I helped give the announcements yesterday at Remnant's worship experience. I actually had fun doing it...a new thing for me when speaking in front of people on a microphone.

The shine

2009-03-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

(Let me preface this blog: I am not talking about my marriage...just thinking philosophically. David and I are in love and life is good.)

What do you do when the shine of something that was so wonderful and grand when it was new begins to wear off? What do you do when you begin to see imperfections in something that used to appear perfect? What do you do when something you were so sure about seems uncertain? Disappointment seems to creep in, but how do you prevent it? I know that some of my spiritual readers will tell me that I should only put my hope in God and not the things of this world. I understand that. Can you honestly say that you don't ever hope for/in a person, plan, or idea? I doubt it.

I have high expectations for myself. I often transfer those high hopes and expectations to outside things, people, etc. And, I am often let down.

God is my constant joy and strength. I just wish sometimes that situations were different, people were different, life was different.

Age

2009-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

So much of America's culture is focused on youth and staying young....right now, looking young is actually a hard position for me. On the job, I regularly meet with Superintendents of school districts and other people who have been working in education for 20+ years. And I look young to them...very young. I realize that I look young and have to compensate with my level of professionalism and level of confidence.

I joked with one of my co-workers that I need a aging make up kit that I can pull out before important work meetings. Add some wrinkles...add some gray hair and voila! My outside will match my job....

On the other hand, I think I'd rather just impress them and let them think what they want about my age. Anyone else have unique challenges at work?

This one is for Sara....

2009-02-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

I need to expand the variety of recipes I cook. I think God was trying to tell me this on my 25th birthday. I received 2 cookbooks from different people plus a subscription to Cooking Light. (Although I'm taking all of the recipes as a sign, I'm ignoring the insinuation behind the "Light" portion of that magazine title.)

For some reason, I have trouble with using recipes, but I'm not sure of any other way to learn. Either I don't like something that is in the recipe, I don't have all of the ingredients, or I don't want to invest the amount of time it takes to prepare the food. I am realizing now just how much time my mom must have put into feeding our family. She prepared almost every meal for us...breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Typically, I just have cereal/bananas for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and something simple for dinner. I also seem to cook like 2 big meals each week that we eat for dinner over several evenings.

With a full time (demanding) job and Remnant stuff, I'm already struggling to keep up with all of the household work. How do other women with full time jobs, outside interests, and kids make this all happen and learn to cook new meals? Any tips, advice, or quick/tasty recipes?

Learning...

2009-02-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

I am learning what an amazing privelege it is to be humble and express my love for Jesus openly to other people....and then invite them to know Him too. I feel like it is Christianity 101...why am I just now getting it?

This one is for Ruby....

2009-02-22T17:41:00.001-08:00

Sorry to all of my loyal blog readers...I had a crazy busy week and failed you all by not posting much. I am traveling for about an entire month straight, and truthfully, I'm kind of bummed about it. I don't like being away from David. Talking on the phone isn't the same. I am not able to really contribute to Remnant like I want when I am away because I can't invite people. Work piles up, blah, blah, blah. You get the point. A lot of negatives.

However, I am blessed with a really good job in an economy where so many people don't have work. I am choosing to focus on the positives of travel for work in this blog.

I love:

People watching in airports.

Fresh towels every day that I don't wash.

Eating off of a menu for every meal that I don't have to cook.

Watching TV in bed.

Lots of pillows on the bed.

Eating ice cream in bed while I watch TV propped up by lots of pillows.

Workout facilities just a few floors below me. (Usually used by me after the ice cream...)

Going to amazing cities--I've seen more than most people will in their entire lives.

Feeling professional.

Drinking Starbucks every day because it is bound to be a few blocks from where ever I am.

Coming home after being away.

Ruby, I promise I will try really hard to blog more consistently. It motivates me to know at least one person is reading :)

P.S. The pic is from some work travel with Ruby in Seattle. Seattle has the best people ever. And, Ruby has mad photo-taking skills. Really random I know, but it kind of fits my mood.

My birthday!

2009-02-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Happy 25th birthday to me! I'm a quarter of a century young today. No gray hair or wrinkles yet....So, I thought that it would be fun to think about some of my favorite birthday moments from past years.

4th birthday--(Let's be honest, I can't remember any birthday before this...) My family went to Disney World for the first time. I got a figure skater Barbie and adored her.

6th birthday--roller skating birthday party. My mom made some amazing cupcakes with home made chocolate icing and pink lettering.

10th birthday--I got my ears pierced.

all birthdays in the early teen years--sleep overs with by girls. I'm pretty sure I had amazing sleepover parties. Mom always made chocolate chip pancakes for us in the morning.

16th birthday--my friends threw a surprise party for me. My two best friends at the time made me a gift package of all of my favorite things.

19th birthday--there was an extreme blizzard in Bloomington, and my friends' cars could not even make it out of the stadium parking lot to go to dinner. So, we suited up and played in the snow at night. It turned out to be amazingly fun...

23rd birthday--All of my favorite people assembled at Casa Brava for a birthday dinner to celebrate with me

24th birthday--David and I were engaged at 1am on February 16th (although we celebrate our engagement on the 15th now). On my birthday, I got to announce to everyone that we were engaged. We had a great party at my apartment with all of our friends to announce the engagement.

What are your favorite birthday moments?

Sweet 16

2009-02-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

All I can say is God is good. On Sunday, February 8, Remnant Church had our official launch. Our attendance goal was 100, and we had 93 people come! It was truly a day I'll never forget. Before I tell you what happened, let me tell you about the week leading up to our launch.

Over the course of the week before the launch, we:

Gave out about 5,500 door hangers letting people know about Remnant Church. Our team covered neighborhoods and apartment complexes at all hours of the day and night, in the sun and pouring rain, and through some areas that might not have exactly been considered safe.
Staffed a table at the mall for 1.5 days handing out information about Remnant Church
Bought crazy amounts of sound equipment that none of us really knew how to operate
Planned creative media and a set that churches 10 times our size might use
Found a worship band
Made the worship experience run from start to finish with 7 volunteers and 7 Remnant staff members--may not sound like a big accomplishment, but you try running a portable church with this many people, and then you'll understand
Began small groups for men, women, and couples

I am sure that I'm probably forgetting some things, but that is just a sampling of the kind of hours the team put in last week. I'm so proud to be a part of Remnant Church. There is no substitute for a group of people who are totally head over heals in love with Jesus AND driven by a compelling mission. Our mission is, "So people far from God fall in love with Jesus." Every minute we worked last week was focused to see our mission accomplished.

Now for the Sunday worship experience:

We all arrived with the U-Haul pre-loaded at the movie theater by 7:00am. We immediately started unloading the truck and setting everything up. By 8:40am almost everything was set up, and we started our volunteer huddles. God was so present as we casted vision about the launch and prayed for the people coming to our worship experience and all of the details to go right. I had the privilege of honoring Remnant's first volunteer of the month, Maria, during the huddle.

At 9:15am, we started our dry run to rehearse all of the volunteer's roles and everything that would be happening up on stage with the worship band, announcements, the message, etc. By 9:30am, all of the volunteers were in place ready for our guests. We were all believing that God was going to bring the people. At 9:40am, no one was there. Then five minutes later, our first new guests began to arrive. On the inside, I was doing back handsprings or something. At least we had one new family. From there, the people just kept coming. At 9:57am, we opened the doors to the worship experience and seated everyone. Children were checked into BIG, our children's ministry. The worship band started playing, David did the welcome and announcements, and the worship band finished their set. Pastor Mark got up to preach. You can listen to the message here: http://www.remnantloves.me/pod/. I wasn't able to come into the worship experience until about half way through the message because I was busy greeting late guests, re-arranging our lobby set up, and a million other details. However when I came in, the entire theater was totally captivated as Pastor Mark preached the Word of God. It was really powerful. When he invited people to give their lives to Jesus, we knew that some people raised their hands, but none of us on staff were really able to see the entire crowd to count.

When the worship experience was over at 11:00am, we gave away free movie tickets to everyone who came. It was such a great way to bless the community, especially because I know that some of those people couldn't afford to take their families out to the movies. As the kids came out of BIG, you could tell they had a blast. They were all smiling and excited. I heard all kinds of comments like, "I'll be back next week," and "I'm bringing one of my friends next week!" Finally, we did a crazy-fast tear down because we have to be out of the theater by 11:30am.

David is the Plug-In Pastor at Remnant, so he connects with every new guest. When we got home, we looked through the connection cards and found that SIXTEEN people had checked the box on the connection card that they gave their life to Christ. 16!!!!!!!! This is so significant because all week, our focus had been, "So people far from God fall in love with Jesus." And they did.

I am so amazed and honored to be a part of Remnant Church. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, given, and supported us. Your reward is eternal.

Cleaning the Bathroom

2009-02-05T08:39:00.001-08:00

The dreaded chore....I know everyone has (at least) one of them. Cleaning the bathroom is mine. Intellectually, I know that it does not take very long to do. I can complete the task in just about 20 minutes or 25 if I'm mopping the floor. For some reason though, I avoid doing it like I'm avoiding the plague.

Reasons I think I don't like it:

1. The smell of the cleaners

2. It makes me feel dirty, so then I end up taking a shower even if I was clean when I started

3. I now live with a guy (my husband of course)--his clippings from shaving end up everywhere making everything crustier and messier than it was when I lived alone

What is your dreaded chore?

P.S. This picture just made me laugh.....that's not me!

LAUNCH

2009-02-02T09:25:00.001-08:00

Next Sunday is the big day. Remnant Church will be officially launched on February 8. We are believing God that 100 people will be there to experience His presence and be WOW'd by church like they've never seen it before. It is crazy and amazing to have been part of Remnant from the very beginning because I understand how much impact we are going to have on this region. It is a privilege and an honor that God has chosen me (and Pastor Mark, Amanda, David, Gadi, and Ruby!) to serve in this way.

A few notes about church planting as I look back over the past year or so....
If you have never planted a church, count the cost before you do. It is a lot of work. We all knew it would take work, but now we understand what that work looks and feels like. If you want to live like the Bible says to live (go ye), there is more sacrifice involved than you can ever imagine until you've been through it. I appreciate so much the Remnant team. We have all put our entire lives into seeing people far from God fall in love with Jesus. It has been an amazing, challenging, life changing journey...and we haven't even officially launched yet. Please pray for Remnant this week: That 100 people come--we've sown a lot of seeds. That they experience the love and presence of God. That all of the logistics (worship band, volunteers, technology, etc) work out fine. That lives are changed for eternity.

House

2009-01-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

So, it's official. David and I are pretty addicted to the tv show House. Since we don't have cable, we usually watch it online. However, I discovered last night that I can rent different seasons of the show at our video store. Major Score! So, we watched a couple of episodes last night.

When I was really little, I watched Inspector Gadget and wanted to be like Penny. When I was a little older, I watched Matlock and wanted to be a lawyer. I also watched Murder She Wrote and...okay I never wanted to be Angela Lansbury so scratch that train of thought. I think that House is my grown up version of wanting to be a person who figures out mysteries. Plus, he's funny.

If you don't watch House, you should. (David and I have a dance we do to the theme music. I hope he doesn't read this blog because I'm not sure it's okay if I tell you all that!)

Pray

2009-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that at other points in the life of my blog, I'll ask whoever is actually reading this to pray.....

But today is seriously a very challenging day. Please pray for me that I have strength and don't lose my mind. Please pray that it really gets into my heart that things on earth are temporary, so I should not freak out about them.

I appreciate it.

Grrr

2009-01-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

I really don't like it when people talk down to me. Maybe I need a lesson in humilty or something. I just want to say, "Who do you think you are?" It happened to me recently, and I was steamed. I had to seriously bite my tongue. God, help me to have grace and wisdom to react in love to everyone. In the end, it is really about how I react and not how other people act.

Something New

2009-01-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

This week, Pastor Mark challenged us at Remnant Church to each do something we've never done before. I'm totally stuck on what to do. I know that there are things I've never done before but am having trouble thinking of anything that is feasible right now that I can do in the next few days...any suggestions?

Confused

2009-01-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so sleepy you get confused? It usually happens to me when I wake up from a nap mid-day. Like today. I'm not a big napper because I can't cat nap. I have to get a solid hour long nap in for it to really be worth it. Any shorter than an hour, and I just get mad that I can't sleep more. Back to the confusion though. Sometimes when I wake up, I genuinely can't figure out where I am, what time it is, etc. Today was one of my rare nap days. When I woke up, David was getting ready to go out for a meeting he has on Sunday nights. I got really upset with him at first when I woke up because I thought I was supposed to go to the meeting with him and that he was just going to leave me there without waking me up. Does this happen to anyone else?

The Past 6 Months

2009-01-13T09:46:00.001-08:00

This is it! Remnant Church is having our first Sunday morning worship experience this Sunday, January 18. WOW. I can't believe we are actually doing it. God is amazing. Over the past few months, the Remnant core team has grown and changed so much. We have had trials, unexpected hurdles, and some pretty challenging situations. Through it, I think we are all more in love with Jesus than ever before. I have literally learned to walk by faith. As a team, our level of leadership ability has increased greatly. I know that this is God's increase but also is due to our Lead Pastor, Mark McGovern. He is constantly challenging us to grow, give, and excel. Each person on our team has been really transformed since we moved to Cali. I really am in awe. So, thanks God! Thanks Pastor Mark! Thanks Remnant core team! You all mean so much to me.

Wedding ring

2009-01-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

I love my wedding ring. I really do. Even though I've now been married for about 4.5 months, I still catch myself just staring at it quite frequently. David did a really spectacular job picking it out (with a little guidance from me about what I like!). It is my favorite possession in the world.

I think the real reason I love it so much is because of what it stands for. David is committed to loving, cherishing, and honoring me for the rest of his life. It is a covenant. It is also his heart for me. Even when I'm away from him, I am constantly reminded of him, and he's worth being reminded about all the time! Okay, enough blogging...I'm going to go stare at my ring again for a while. BLING.

Airplane Etiquette Part I: Smelliness

2009-01-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

As a frequent flier for business, I have experienced just about everything on airplanes. Due to many of my not so positive experiences, I've decided that the general public could use a class in airplane etiquette. So, here is class #1. The topic is smelliness.

Yesterday on a flight from Sacramento to Minneapolis, I had the pleasure of sitting in the middle seat--not my favorite thing to begin with but usually tolerable. However on this occasion, the gentleman to my right smelled (very strongly, I add) like salami. Now, don't get me wrong. I really like to eat salami, a trait anyone from the east coast or Chicago probably shares. After 3 hours of overwhelming salami-smelliness, I may never be able to enjoy it again.

When you ride on an airplane, you will be enclosed in a small, not well ventilated area for at least an hour but typically several hours. People, please shower, wear perfume/cologne, brush your teeth, etc before hopping on the plane. It really goes a long way, and the 28 people crammed within 4 feet of you will be eternally grateful.

Another typical smelliness violation occurs when people bring smelly foods like raw onions on sandwiches or garlic on the plane. I know that it smells/tastes good to the person consuming it. To the rest of us, it pretty much just stinks.

So next time you think are going to the airport, please have some etiquette and avoid smelly situations for the sake of the noses around you.

The God Endeavor

2009-01-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

I completely believe that life gets better and better as you walk with Jesus. However, that doesn't mean it is always easy or predictable. My boss used to explain bad circumstances that seem uncontrollable by calling life "the human endeavor." Basically, he meant that because we're dealing with people, we can't control everything and things won't ever go exactly how we plan. On a small scale, I agree. No one is perfect, so mistakes happen. I think the problem comes in that most people don't isolate the concept of life as "the human endeavor" to small issues. Instead, it becomes a frame for how people see life on a big scale.

We look at life as "the human endeavor" with each person at liberty to do what he or she chooses because we are individuals and can decide how to live our own lives. As the wise man Bon Jovi said, "It's my life." Right? Wrong. God never intended for us to go it alone making choices by ourselves. He wants to be intimately involved in our lives. He never wanted for us to live even for a second outside of relationship with Him. Life is only "the human endeavor" on a large scale because we have made it that way. I'm not saying living "the God endeavor" is always easy, but it's always good. I've never regretted a decision that I've made as I live in the presence of God. More and more I want to live "the God endeavor."

You Never Know

2009-01-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

I know that this is only my second blog posting, but I'm going deep today.

So, I had a really strange experience yesterday. I was bored and on facebook--okay that's not the strange part. This is: A guy who came to a Bible study I was in years ago posted some pictures with captions demonstrating that he is now living as a homosexual. When he was in the Bible study and coming to church, I would never have guessed that it was something he was struggling to overcome. When he stopped coming to Bible study and church, I knew he wasn't really pursuing God. I didn't know where that road would take him though. I felt yesterday (and still feel) such a sense of sadness for this guy who is now living a life that is taking him far from God.

I guess what I got out of this whole situation was that you just never know what someone is really dealing with. I have such conviction to really pray for the people around me whether they are Christians or haven't received Christ yet. When we make choices that seem small at the time (like to stop attending a Bible study), I don't think we really anticipate where those choices may lead. It also makes me think, "What choices am I making every day that lead me to walk with God or to turn from Him?"

Okay, sorry if that was heavy. It just really shocked me.

My Secret

2009-01-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's true. I have secretly wanted to start a blog for several months now. I think random thoughts that seem pretty profound or just very funny and then wish I had a blog where I could share them. I hesitated because I was a little insecure that no one would read or that I wouldn't have anything to say or I would start and then get too busy with life to really be consistent. But...it's a new year. I'm going to do it. So, whether anyone reads this or not, here it is.

Things I'm excited about in 2009:

My first full year being married.

Remnant Church, our awesome core team, and all of the amazing things God is going to do.

The friends I'm (FINALLY!!!) starting to make here in Cali.

? It's a crazy life I lead. I'm never really sure what is about to happen, and it makes every day an adventure.

What are you excited about as 2009 begins?