Submission?

I'm not a submissive person by nature. I have to admit it. I'm really not. Both of my parents gave me a very, very stubborn heart (I inherited it from them). I have a hard time with being a sweet, submissive girl. It's something I need to work on. Something I've been trying to work on for quite a while.

I'm 18 years old. I feel like my parents keep me in a 10 year old's box. I have a hard time submitting to their authority. I don't understand why they won't let me do things that seem so trivial. I don't understand why they have to protect me when I should be old enough to choose the right things. 

But I am trying.

My dad has decided that he wants me to wear skirts. All the time. I understand his reasoning (he thinks it's more modest), but I'm not happy about it. I don't want to wear skirts all the time. I love my jeans. 

So, even though I do not agree with my father, I love him dearly, and I want to honor his decisions. I've been wearing skirts all week. And not complaining about it, either. Maybe this will be a first step to being more submissive in general. 

Maybe. =)

Beautiful Rose

Isn't it pretty?

This rose just opened up over the past few days. The funny thing is that it's ben kind of chilly lately, and it almost seemed like the rose liked the colder weather! My rose bush is really scrawny and does not bloom very frequently, but when it does, it sure is pretty!

As an aside, my miniature roses did not fare so well. I wish I had a greener thumb. I feel bad because Hayden sent them to me, and now they're dead. Of course, I also found out that Katheryn had been watering them without me knowing it...that also may have been a big part of it. =) I guess next time Hayden should just send me cut flowers; that way they're supposed to die! =)

Check it out!

Do you like butterflies? I do. =)

How about dots and flowers?

Any music lovers? =)

All of these cards (and more!) can be found at my Etsy shop, The Art of Paper. I'm trying to get the word out about my shop, so if you like what you see, pass it on! So please, check it out! I have tons of paper from that big Michael's sale, so I'll be adding new items fairly often.

Not Me Monday

Ah, another Monday. I don't like Mondays too awful much. Cleaning is always much worse when it's been let go the whole weekend. But I do love Not Me Mondays. MckMama was brilliant. I just have to say that. Head on over to her blog to see how Not Me Monday's work and to read other people's Not Me's! =)

I did not tell myself that this past week would be a fabulous week. I never give myself pep talks. I never need pep talks. I never get discouraged over stupid things.

I am not really frustrated right now by the fact that one of the buttons on my laptop mouse is not working right. And the fact that I can't figure out why. And it certainly did not do the same thing last night. Ugh.

I'm not tired at all, either. I didn't stay up until 1:00 am and get up at 6:30, 7:45, and 6:50 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'm not exhausted from said sleep schedule.

I did not go to the library on Friday and get approximately 3,807 pages worth of reading material. I have a life. I never spend that much time reading.

I am not despairing over the fact that I've only sold 1 set of cards on my Etsy shop. I am realistic and know that Rome wasn't built in a day.

I don't miss Katie at all. Actually, that is like the biggest lie ever, I miss her terribly!! Love you, Katie!

And on that note, I'm going to go eat lunch. Happy Monday, everyone!

House Beautiful?

I can't necessarily say that our house is beautiful. Not that I wouldn't like it to be beautiful. But with 7 people, a big black Lab, 2 birds and a hamster in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house and not a large budget, decorating gets shoved to the bottom of the list (if it's even on the list!).

When I was probably about 13, I decided I was going to be an interior designer when I "grew up". I got books from the library, planned out how I would love to decorate a house...My mom was even going to let me redo our bathroom. It never happened, and I've never really pursued the interior decorating thing. But I still love color and design and all that.

Our house could probably be classified as a mish-mash. But that's okay. I would be thrilled if we completely redid the house and my mom put me in charge. But I know that's unrealistic. Actually, my family would probably tease me and say they'd redo the house when I get married and don't get to enjoy it. =)

No, our house would not be considered House Beautiful. But what about Home Beautiful?

I'll admit it. Our family is far from Leave it to Beaver. In fact, we just had a big blow-up this morning involving 5 out of 7 of our family (though I'm happy to report it's all blown over). But we are a family. And we do love each other.

Our house is where we live. Our home. Where we laugh, cry, and confide. Cook in our ridiculously small kitchen, gather around the table, and just talk. Where we try to play board games and end up getting mad because we're all way too competitive. Where we sing, hum my mom to distraction, and even dance.

It's our home. And it can be beautiful.

Prayer for a President

President Bush is no more.

Congratulations to President Obama.

All during the election process, I was in a discussion group with about 15 other teenagers. I don't think any of us were actually old enough to vote, but we watched debates, read articles, discussed the issues...It was fun and interesting. I learned far more about both candidates than I probably would have on my own.

I'll admit it. I don't agree with President Obama on several issues. He was not my choice for president of our nation. But I trust the One who has ultimate control over the entire universe.

God has really laid it on my heart to pray for President Obama and the rest of our government. Oftentimes I completely forget that I need to not only pray for the people I see all the time, but for everyone around me, and especially those in authority. I don't know what will happen during President Obama's term, but he needs prayer. Will you join me?

Not Me! Monday

Another Monday. It seems like Mondays come faster than they used to. It's time for another "Not Me!" Monday here on the blog! Head on over to MckMama's blog if you want to join in on the fun! =)

So, among other things I did not do this week, I did not shiver when the weather dipped into the 50's. MckMama's had NEGATIVE 22 DEGREE weather. 50's is not cold. I didn't don jeans, "real" shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, a t-shirt, a jacket, and a scarf on a sunny afternoon. Why would I when it's not cold?

I also did not spend $4 on 17 ounces of conditioner just because I really, really like Herbal Essences. And I was not proud of the fact that I got 17 ounces for $4 instead of the normal 12.

I am not woefully behind in my Bible reading. Certainly not 17 chapters behind. Oh my.

I am not getting sick. Even though my dad's been sick since Thursday, and my sister's coming down with it, my spectacular immune system can totally handle it.

I did not secretly contemplate the fact that if something tragic happened in my life, more people would read my blog. I don't care a whit about blog traffic. Not a whit.

I also didn't stay up until my eyes hurt last night working on a card set. I'm not that exuberant about paper. Even if it is really, really pretty.

And I certainly, most definitely did not sit down last night and make a list of my "Not Me!"s so I could write the best possible blog entry that you all will (hopefully) enjoy immensely. =)

I'm so glad I didn't do all those things. =)

Look at all that gorgeous paper.

No really, look at it! =)

Yesterday my mom and I had to run errands, and she needed to go to Borders. Unfortunately, we don't really have a Borders super close to us, so we ended up going to Clearwater. I needed to go to Michael's and get paper for a project (for a very dear friend of mine!), so we just went to the Michael's that was in the same shopping center.

And boy, did I strike gold! 

(I'm really excited about this, if you couldn't tell.)

Walking down the paper aisle, looking for pretty blue paper, what do I see but a sign that say 7 for $1? It's only for the red-tagged clearance paper, but as I meander down the aisle, I realize that most of their paper has a red clearance tag! And I'm telling you, scrapbooking paper like that is never that cheap. Ever. The cheapest I've ever seen is 4 for $1.

This paper is normally anywhere from 59-99 cents. I got each sheet for 14 cents! It's a paper crafter's dream, really. The solid colors weren't really on sale, but that's okay. I can buy those as I need them. Now I have probably 100 sheets of paper to work with. My mom and I got a bunch yesterday, and then today I went back and got about 60 more sheets...for only $9.59! 

I'm really not trying to brag. I'm just really excited! I can make a LOT of cards out of all that paper. And have spent a lot less on them! 

And that was pretty much my excitement for the week. =)

Sacrificing Isaac

Last night I was trying to catch up on Resolution #5: Read through the Bible. I skipped out for a few days, and I needed to read up on the chapters I missed. Part of the reading was Genesis 22. This is some of what I read:

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."  Genesis 22:1-2

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. Geness 22:9-10

This passage stuck out to me. God was pulling my heart to listen to His words. 

I wonder what Abraham must have thought. God, the Creator of the Universe, whose covenant with Abraham was that his descendants would outnumber the stars...Sacrifice my son, the one long awaited?  Did he question God the way I'm sure I would? Did he struggle with this thing God asked of him? They had waited for so long for Isaac. And now, to sacrifice him?

But they set out to the land of Moriah. 

I wonder what Abraham was thinking as they journeyed. Maybe he was sad as he though of losing his son. Maybe he believed God would intervene. Maybe he was confused.

And when he took the knife to slaughter his son?

I can't imagine what that must have been like.

God did intervene, though. 

But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. Genesis 22:11-13

Because of Abraham's faith, God blessed him. Because of his willingness to give up his only son, he made Abraham's descendants numerous. But still I wondered. Did God have to test Abraham's faith in such a drastic way?

And then a thought came to me. A synonymous situation, of sorts. An only Son, and a sacrifice. The greatest cost paid for redemption.

Redemption for my sins.

God reminded me that yes, for Abraham it was a huge step of faith. But God has also given me the greatest gift. Because of my sins, He nailed His only Son to the cross. To take my place. To defeat death.

And so often I throw it away. I don't remember how great the cost was.

It's a humbling reminder.

It's Up!!

Well, I may have abandoned some of my resolutions, but notice #11. Set up my own Etsy shop. I am very proud to announce that my Etsy shop is up and running!! You can check out The Art of Paper here. I can't promise that it's perfect. I just set it up yesterday, and if there are any kinks, I'm still trying to work them out. I guess we'll just see how everything goes! Hope you like what you see!

Not Me! Monday

Is it really Monday already? It seems like just yesterday it was last Monday. Anyway, I'm jumping back on board with MckMama for another Not Me! Monday. I skipped last week because I couldn't think of anything to write about, but we'll try it this week.

This week, I most certainly did not dehydrate myself. I completely understand the value of drinking enough water. I did not drink less than one glass of water a day all last week. I would never do that.

I also have not broken almost every resolution I made. I'm so on track, keeping resolutions is on the top of my list.

And I would never, ever drool over this and desperately want to win one. And if I don't win one, I'm not at all tempted to ask Hayden to buy me one. I'm a very frugal person, and I would never consider spending that much on a necklace.

So, those are just a few things I have not done this week...

Shortcomings

I have many shortcomings in my life. Way too many. If I started making a list, I don't think I would ever finish it, so suffice it to say that I have a ton. 

One of these definitely has to do with being patient and content. And there are so many more.

I'm just not good at it. Sometimes I wonder why God made me the way I am. Wouldn't it have been much easier if He had made me the patient, kind, loving, serving, content, respectful, submissive daughter of the King that I should be?

I guess then I'd be in Heaven, huh?

Instead, I tend to be impatient, never content with where I'm at, slightly rebellious, and not good at submission. At all.

Katheryn has this cute little t-shirt that says "Be patient. God's not finished with me yet." And I think I really need a shirt like that. But it's not an excuse. I know I can't act however I want just because God isn't finished working in my life. 

God and I have not been especially close lately. And it's my fault. It's something I feel like I'm constantly working on and never catching up with. But He isn't finished with me yet. It's just a day by day struggle to serve him more completely.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6, ESV

Sweet Audrey

I'm not even sure where to start on this one, but I feel like I should write something.

Probably about 8 months ago, I discovered a blog that touched my heart. I have no idea how I came across it; I blog-hop all the time, so it was probably just a random link I came across. Anyway, the blog was the story of Audrey Caroline. 

I read the entire blog, archives and all, in one night. I couldn't stop reading. I would love to explain it to you, but you really need to hear it from Angie. I could never write about her story the way she did. 

She posted a video yesterday, and I just finished watching it. Oh. My. Goodness. I'll admit it. I cried. How could I not? 

I would encourage you to read her story. God has done amazing and really tough things in their family. I'm sure they could use all the prayer they can get.

Random Jaquelyn: The Game of Life

So we were playing Life this afternoon. I taught my nephew to play baseball (in the game, that is), and he broke a neighbor's window. "It was worth it," I said. "After all, little Freddie is named after me."

But my name is not Fred.

And, in the game of Life, I changed my name to Frieda Frofmeyer. Don't ask. No idea how I thought of that one.

The game progresses, the years go by. I get married, have 3 set of twins. I decided to name them. First of, my husband's name was Fred. Fred & Frieda Frofmeyer. And then the twins...Fred & Frieda, Jr. Frederick & Frederica. And Bob & Jane.

Oh yeah. 

Jessica and I were dying laughing. =D

Just a peek into my incredibly random, extremely strange mind. I have no idea how I come up with thing like that. I mean, sure, Frieda's okay, but Frofmeyer??

Goodness gracious. =)

Best of 2008: Christian Leader in Action

Ah, time for another Best of 2008 post. This time I thought I'd write about a time this past year that was really good, but also really hard.

Every year for 5 summers, I've been working with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in their Christian Youth In Action program, or CYIA for short. Oh, how I wish it were super easy to explain...But I'll try the best I can. Basically, it's a bunch of christian teens from all over the state of Florida that come together and go through a 2 week training program. We learn to teach missionary stories, bible verse, bible lessons, songs and games, and then during the rest of the summer, we go out and teach 5 Day Clubs to kids who may have never heard about God and what Jesus has done for them. It's a really cool experience.

So this year I had the opportunity to be a Christian Leader in Action (CLIA). CLIA's are the older students who have been involved in CYIA for a while, and are picked by the staff to help out. We are still students, but we are also counted as staff. CLIA's teach demo's, some classes, head up study groups, and do evaluations, along with helping out with whatever else needs to be done.

I enjoyed being a CLIA. I really did. But it was hard. I had to do a club demo, teaching a memory verse and a missionary story so other students could see how it's done. Now, I'm okay with teaching stuff like that to kids, but my own peers? And staff? And the missionary family I had to talk about? Extremely nerve-wracking. Plus the fact that I had a bad cold didn't help. But I survived, and everyone said it was good.

I also had a tough time with doing evaluations. The students are evaluated, not on a pass or fail basis, but more so the staff can see if they are understanding the material they need to learn. If they're not quite getting it, we work with them and have them do it again. Let me just tell you, when you have a student that needs help with stuff, it's a lot of work to help them! At least for me, it was. I had to really sit there and think on how to help them out, and how to explain things, because I do it without really thinking about how I do it. Did that make sense? 

I also had a really tough person to deal with in one of my evaluation groups. I can't really explain it, but it was hard to deal with. I spent a whole recreation time in my room crying in Hayden's ear (he was on the phone). And for me, that is saying a lot. For one thing, because I hate crying in front of other people, and I also hate missing my recreation time. We have classes all day, so the hour and a half of rec time is much needed! 

But I did survive. Everything ended up okay. I got to help out with Sing & Share, spend time with my friends, get Starbucks a couple of times, made really great friends with my fellow CLIAs...and God taught me a lot during those 2 weeks. So even though it was really tough, it was one of the best things in 2008. =)

*The picture is of me teaching the memory verse during a club demo, and my fellow CLIA, Ryan, helping me out with the verse game.

After 2 Years...

In this post, I put in a picture of Hayden and I in May 2007. That was just a few months after we were officially "together", and we were in Tennessee on a youth group trip. I love that picture of us. =) But Katie said I should post a more recent picture. So here's one of us from last night. I actually like that picture okay. So that's what we look like now...=)

Family Picture 2008

Well, we finally got our family picture taken...I would have liked to have a better shot than us just standing there, but my family wasn't too cooperative, and it turned out nice. =)

Fun Times!

Oh yeah. We were having a great time tonight. =) 

*I look interesting...just another reason why I hate pictures...

Latest Project: Apron for Katheryn

So, we finally got the sewing machine my granny gave us repaired. We had a really nice one a while ago, but it ended up breaking, and to get it fixed would have been way too much money. So my granny gave us one when we visited in August, and we just now got it up and running.

I wanted to make an apron for me, but I need a pattern and some cool fabric. I ended up scrounging up some cute apple cloth leftover from some place mats I made, and I made Katheryn an apron. It turned out okay. Not the best quality of sewing, but I'm still trying to get used to the new machine--it's an older machine, and not quite as smooth as our other machine. But I'm happy to have it! =)

1/6/2007

So, obviously, today is January 6th. And 2 years ago, I finally came to my senses. Hayden and I have been together for 2 years! It seems shorter than that.

When I was 15, I was pretty stupid (looking back, at least). Hayden and I liked each other when we were like 13/14, but for some reason (and I really have no idea why), the year I was 15, I stopped liking him. I didn't even want to see him. I know it broke his heart. =( I think I was just being fickle.

Finally, right before I turned 16, I realized something. Out of all the guys that liked me, it was always Hayden who knew me the best. I knew he loved me. And so, on 1/6/2007 (at a paintball game, of all things), we made ammends. We've been together ever since.

So, happy January 6th. =)

Best of 2008: Me & My Piano

It's been a big year for me & my piano. I really am not even sure where to start with this post! But we'll try from the first big happening of the year...

I've been on our church's music team since I turned 15. I started out singing, and Stephanie (who plays keyboard) helped me out with playing keyboard about once a month. But then, Stephanie met Ben. And fell in love, got married in June, and moved to Pennsylvania. So, I became main keyboard player at my church. I'll admit I wasn't totally thrilled about it, because I wasn't sure I could do it. But it's been good. I really do enjoy it. I'm not quite where Stephanie's at, but I guess I can hold my own. 

Then at Christian Youth In Action training this year, I got to help out with Sing & Share (our worship time each night). It was pretty similar to playing at church, except on a real piano rather than a keyboard. And then my friend Stephen and I started playing together and arranged a duet from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian soundtrack. That was a lot of fun! We played it for Skit & Talent Night, and I think it was a big hit. It was cool to play a duet like that when we both figured it out by ear.

I ended up playing for 2 weddings this year. Last year, I played for my first wedding. It was okay, but extremely nerve-wracking. This year, it was better. I enjoy playing for weddings, except when you can't see the bride's maids walking down and have to guess at when to end. That gets interesting! =) 

This school year is probably my last year of taking piano lessons. I almost didn't get to take lesson at all this year! With the economy and everything, our finances are tight. And piano lessons are a little expensive. I was okay with it, even though I was a little disappointed. But God ended up working everything out where we can afford to take lessons, and used a very sweet lady who also takes piano lessons from my teacher. I'm hoping to finish up my level 5 books before this semester ends. I could take lessons next year as an adult student, but I don't know if we can afford it. We'll see.

So this post could have been a little chattier or more well written...But I'm running out of time. Oh well!

Facelift

Any thoughts on the new background? I can't decide if I like it or not...Loved my other one, but Christmas is over, so I thought I should probably change it. 

Best of 2008: Growing Up

Ah, the good old days. When we were little, and not a care in the world. This picture was from a "Take Your Child to Work Day" a very long time ago. We were maybe 2, 4, 6 and 8? My "Uncle" John taught me the weirdo smile =) Glad I don't smile like that anymore!

So fast-forward about 10 years...We've grown up a lot since that picture. Now we are (left-right) 11 (Sarah), 15 (Jessica), 18 (me) and 13 (Jessica). Plus the newest addition to the family, who is now 4 (Katheryn). =) I wish I had a picture of us all, but I haven't been able to get one yet. I'll post a few when I get them.