Apartment Living Part 2

Money Matters

Money is something that everybody wants but nobody seems to have

 (even though we all know that whatever our circumstances are, we really are blessed considering that we are doing far better than we deserve). 

In order to grasp financial planning on any scale, 

I highly recommend purchasing Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. 

I listened to the lessons via C.D. and the points listed below are some of the financial lessons I have learned so far. 

1. Budgets Are Beautiful

One of the most important things I have learned while living on my own has been budgeting. While budgeting is a concept most people hate, I have found it enjoyable. The beauty in budgeting is that you actually learn how to manage your money rather than having your money manage you. It is also an opportunity to thank and praise the Lord for providing you with money. I really like this budget print out because it is cute and simple. For the practical minded, this sheet from Dave Ramsey is also helpful. The key is to start somewhere (anywhere really) and to determine how much you are spending each month on different items.

2. Coupons Are Cool

I know that you're probably thinking, "Coupons?! What next? Mom Jeans?!!!" But fear not! Coupons are actually cool. I personally buy the Los Angeles Times because it comes with 3 coupon inserts. The trick is to look through store ads to see what is on sale and then find a coupon for that item. You can also create a Swagbucks account in which you earn 10 points for every coupon you print out and use. The points can be used for different types of gift cards and deposits into your PayPal account. It also helps to download the app for whichever store you shop at and to download the digital coupons for that store. I shop at Ralphs and am on my way to earning 100 fuel points which means my purchases will earn me 10 cents off a gallon. Finally, check out The Krazy Coupon Lady where a team of women work to find the best deals for you!

3. Saving is Savvy

There is wisdom in saving money even if you think you don't need to. Life never works in the manner we expect it to and it is best to be financially prepared for whatever circumstances we may face. If you are looking for a tool to help you save for something specific, Smarty Pig is a great choice. You are able to earn interest on the money you save. Keep in mind that this should NOT take the place of an emergency savings account. The point of saving is to SAVE something. Whether you have an extra $5.00 a month or $500.00 a month you need to be saving. Whatever you save will add up over time and a little self control goes a long way. Rather than buying that stuff you don't need in the Target clearance section (I'm obviously preaching to myself here) why not save for the unknown?

4. Offering is Opportune

And as a believer you will never understand this concept until you give. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver," (ESV). Your heart may not be cheerful at first and giving may seem like a burden but when you realize that it is God who has enabled you to work and earn money {hopefully} you will have a heart of gratitude and find joy in giving to your church and ultimately to God.

5. Giving is Glorious

"Really? Didn't you just lecture me about this in your last point?" No . . . well maybe, but this is different. It is important to use your money in a way that is not about you. There was a time in my life when I was convicted as I realized most of my money was spent on myself . . . and then I would gripe and complain about how I never had any money! Look for organizations to donate to that also support the mission of the church, which is sharing the Gospel and being the hands and feet of Jesus. I really like Compassion International and American Bible Society. Find an organization that supports a cause your passionate about. I challenge to find a means of giving to an organization and as a result do not experience balanced reciprocity. If you're unsure about an organization's credibility, you can always look it up on Charity Navigator.

Finally, keep in mind that with a little discipline, finances can actually be fun! 

Anxious for Nothing

This morning I listened to this message by John Piper as I was getting ready for work. I also recently read two devotionals about anxiety by Jerry Bridges (thanks Jill!) and while I was tempted to be anxious, I confidently walked in to work today knowing that I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me and that by the Holy Spirit I could be free from anxiety. It's been busy a week so far. I woke up Monday refreshed and ready to go back to work after having a week off for Spring Break. Twenty emails (and at least twenty interruptions) later, I knew it would be a long week. By Wednesday I had finally caught up on my work - just in time for the audit that would take place on Thursday.

Auditing. 

*SIGH*

 One of my least favorite times of the year. I have only been given two directions when it comes to auditing 1) Don't be sick and 2) Don't offer too much information. On top of auditing, we also had awards ceremonies today (and have one more tomorrow) and I have a deadline that was moved from Tuesday to tomorrow (yikes!).

The pressure is on and it is crunch time!

I do have to say though today I was completely overwhelmed by God's grace. I heard that the auditor was just asking simple questions (that's always a good sign). When it was my turn to be interviewed, I prayed as I walked hoping the torture audit would end soon. The auditor I had was actually nice (what?!) and cute (that always helps) and single (. . . I did a ring check). Since he was nice, I was actually able to relax. The auditor that came last year (my only previous auditing experience) was cut and dry and to the point. The auditor this year (Drew - not that I remember his name or anything . . . ) was actually personable (what a concept). I told my co-workers that I thought he was cute and next thing I knew, one of them had called my supervisor and she was going to attempt to get his business card (double yikes!!). Long story short, my day turned out better than expected because Christ allowed me to find joy in my circumstances (something that has been lacking for a while). I was teased all day long and even had to take my ten minute break and walk away from my desk because I couldn't stop laughing! The temptation to be anxious actually ceased! I have learned that God's grace is more than sufficient for my needs and I am so grateful that he conquered the sin of anxiety when He died on the cross and the burden is no longer mine to bear. 

Love,
Lolo

Apartment Living Part 1

The Bare Necessities

A vintage Kodak camera I bought for $5.00 and an original first edition Nancy Drew book from 1930 are just a few of the treasures we've used as decorations.

As a girl I'd often dreamed of how I would decorate my house when I grew up. I used to think the Better Homes and Garden magazines my mom received and the HGTV home improvement shows she watched were absolutely boring and that viewing such content was a violation of my 8th Amendment rights.

I think music sounds better when it's in vinyl format.

 As I grew older I realized that there is something to be said for investing in one's home through design and decoration.  I was so excited when I first moved in to this little apartment and had hopes and dreams of what it might look like once it was decorated. After being here for four months my room mates and I have established a sparse/bare vintage look. The reasoning behind our decorating choices is finances (or lack thereof) and time.

I LOVE vintage books and have quite the collection of vintage Nancy Drew books.

 Pinterest has played a role in interior design by opening up our minds to decorating possibilities we never knew existed. Reality has taught us that such artistic endeavors come with large price tags. All of the furniture we have in our family room and dining area was graciously given to us by parents and church family. Let's just say that when you are fending for yourself, dumpster diving takes on a whole new meaning. While one man's trash is typically just another man's trash, you may find that you occasionally find a treasure.

A collection of vintage finds that remind me of games and toys I played with as a child.

 I've learned that decorations are enjoyable but not edible (unless you have some type of fruit arrangement - which would just be weird) and that survival definitely takes place over decorating (although when it comes to clothes - it might be a different story . . . ) Apartment living is really just about compromise or, learning to live without.

You might be surprised (as I was) that you actually DO NOT need the following items in order to survive:

• Electronic can openers (we're on our 3rd manual can opener BUT we are saving electricity by not having to plug it in - yes, I am one of those people)
• Art work (Do I want it? You bet I do. Do I need it? Nope!)
• A Mac Book Pro (I'm not convinced . . . but, I'm using a PC and I'm still alive . . . )
• Internet (Yep, we learned to value our local Starbucks the first month we moved in. We also learned that Verizon has a fee for EVERYTHING - I think they've recently started charging for oxygen use when you walk in their stores . . . )
• Candles Yeah, right! It's the simple things in life that matter and sometimes a cheap candle can (literally) brighten up the whole room - plus, they smell good. Candle budget is one of my new favorite  terms!
• T.V. (We FINALLY got one for free from a family at church that was moving and gave it to us for free - the screen is flat however the rest of the t.v. isn't. Two guys at church were nice enough to move it in for me and the price was right . . .)
• Cable/DVR (I had cable living with my parents and I don't miss it at all!)
• Decorations (The few decorations we have are thrift store finds that I began collecting while living with my parents)

As children we all adored the fun song Bare Necessities from the Jungle Book. As adults we actually realize the meaning behind the song and that reality is not always rainbows and butterflies. I have learned to be grateful and enjoy the few decorations I do have and know that more isn't necessarily better. I look forward to adding a few more decorations to my home someday but as for now I have learned that I would rather spend my money in such a way that I will receive a return for my investment. I'd rather invest in eternal things (and clothes - moment of truth here) and since the decorations will just be filling space on a wall I have realized that I don't actually need them to live. 

What are some of the things you had to give up once you began living on your own?

Comment below or join the conversation here.

Apartment Living

Intro. - What I've Learned So Far While Living On My Own

So I've been living in my apartment for 4 months now and there are not enough words to describe how much of a blessing this little {temporary} home has been to me. I never expected that moving out of my parent's house would have been a possibility before I turned 24 but I have come to learn that with God, all things truly are possible. Being a Type A personality, my plan for my life meant saving up for a down payment for a condo or a house. When difficult circumstances arose in my family, I knew I had to move out as soon as I could and though I moved in the midst of heartbreak, I am so grateful that the Lord has been my faithful provider and allows me to live here, in apartment 710 at the beautiful Plex (the term I lovingly use to refer to the complex where I live). I am grateful for the lessons I've been able to learn while living here and although this period of life has it's uncertainties, I wouldn't trade it for anything else. 

The Lord has taught me that He is for me, He is faithful and He is good.

 Not having my immediate family around or a husband to care for me, I have had to fall into the arms of Jesus and learn to trust Him as He leads me and my heart knows that His grace is sufficient for me and His power is made perfect in weakness. There are many times that I stop and think about how crazy it is that I actually have the opportunity to live in this cute little apartment and while my heart wants to be sad knowing that it won't last forever, I have chosen to find joy in the blessings of this season of life.
Join me for the next four weeks as I share some of the most valuable lessons I've learned while living at The Plex. 

What was the most important lesson you learned while living on your own for the first time?

Comment below or join the conversation here.

What Christmas Means to Me - Day 4

Yep, it's been a while. I was planning on writing twenty-five posts about the Christmas season and perhaps that will happen. . . next year. This year I tried so hard to avoid the diseases illnesses my young students bring in to my office every day (at least during Winter) but the bacteria got the best of me. . . no really, on top of an ear infection and horrid cough I had a "bacterial infection," at least that's what the label said on my antibiotics. So here I am on what is probably the second most anticipated day of the year, Christmas Eve.
It has been quite an interesting year for myself as I have grown and experienced many things that I was not expecting to such as serving on the high school ministry staff at my church, going to grad school after all and moving out. One of the most important things that I have learned this year is to serve. In my younger years I thought service was something one set aside time to do i.e. serve in ministry once a week or serve at the homeless shelter.

What I learned this year and what sticks to the front of my mind during this season is that service is a lifestyle. The best example of this lifestyle is Jesus Christ. 

Not only did He serve, but He did so perfectly. 

Mark 10:45 states, "For even the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many," (ESV). 

Jesus never once put Himself before others. He didn't grumble, gripe or complain. 

He was proactive in serving. Ministry was His life and He sought out ways to serve others knowing that ultimately He was serving God.

I understand that Christmas has many blessings but it can also be a burden to those who have suffered loss - whether that loss be a relationship, a job or even a life.

In light of the difficulty, fix your eyes on Jesus.

Consider how He took the opportunity to die to Himself daily and do likewise.

Serving makes us more like Jesus because it takes to focus off of us and onto those who don't know Him and gives us a heart for those who desperately need Him. 

I came "home" to my parent's house last night and jokingly said, "I'm here to be served not to serve," and received the Look of Death from my mother. I was kidding, naturally, and realized that just because I am on "vacation" doesn't mean I am exempt from service. 

Service means dying to myself daily which is what Jesus did for me. 

Since He gave up His entire life for me, it is not so difficult for me to serve a few hours in youth ministry each week or wake up and empty the dish washer for my parents or even my room mates. 

Do I enjoy unloading dishes and taking out trash? 

You bet I don't! 

But I know if I make myself do it, eventually it will be a joy and not a burden as I am doing it for Jesus. Sometimes it is hard for our heart to be in sync with our actions but if we practice serving faithfully our hearts should soon become engaged. 

For different ways on serving this season, seek to meet needs in your local church body.

I watch this video yearly in order to consider ways that I can invest in those who have been placed in my life. 

Merry {Almost} Christmas!

Love,

Lolo

What Christmas Means to Me - Day 3

Yep, it's that time of year (whatever that really means). Maybe when people say it they're referring to the burden of having to eat all the sweets and treats that are passed around. I bought a bag of Rolos last night (ummm yeah...I guess I could have just bought one roll) and let's say I was consuming chocolate an unusual rates today. It got bad enough to where I shared my candy so I wouldn't consume it and when the phone kept ringing at work (which is really hard to answer when your cheeks are stuffed with chocolate and caramel) I thought to myself,

"Can't a woman just be alone with her chocolate?" 

Then I remembered, "Oh yeah, I'm here to work - not eat chocolate."

I always tell people my main food groups are carbs and chocolate both of which I will stop eating tomorrow (I say this almost daily - with the best intentions of course). 

My 3 Cs for the Christmas are:

1. Coco powder (unsweetened - only for my coffee - ummm that doesn't have sugar right?) 

2. Coffee - Last night I was at Target again (I know you're in shock after reading that) and for a brief moment I asked myself, "Do you really need coffee?" and then I thought, "That's like asking if I want to live."

3. Coconut - Apparently it's healthy. I drink coconut milk and I bought coconut oil and coconut cream. The oil is for cooking and the cream? Well, I'm still not sure but the label has the word coconut so that's a start...right?

I am trying to have self control this season (as in not eating an entire bag of Rolos).

But from this week forward I will be plagued by parents bringing in Christmas goodness for myself and my co-workers to "enjoy." 

My coworkers will always take any treats that don't get consumed and put them on my desk (umm thanks guys!) since I'm the youngest (at least that's what they tell me). Last year it was so bad I took an entire box of truffles and told the headmaster he had to take them over to his office.

The crushed m&m probably should have sent the message, but I ate it all anyway...
it would have been rude not to.

This morning I was greeted by one of favorite students who wanted to give me a homemade rice krispy treat (is there any other kind?) - and who was I to deny her the pleasure of giving (I work at a school after all - I should be teaching the children to give right?).

Additionally, I'm sure that the chocolate will help soothe my sore throat (which might be strep and if it continues could be scarlet fever - yep it's going around at the prep this week - tis the season). 

I figured if my soul will last longer than my body and chocolate makes my soul happy it's actually healthy for me to eat chocolate.

What are your must have Christmas treats?

Love,

Lolo

P.S. Yes, I realize it's a 25 day series and I'm behind but I am sick and next week is finals week. I'm a few days late but as long as I'm not a few dollars short I'll catch up later.

Photo Credit

What Christmas Means to Me - Day 2

Day 2

    Lolo's Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies:

1. The Christmas List

So 90s. So awesome.

2. The Santa Clause

Also 90s and equally as awesome. The first time I saw it I cried when Santa got arrested.

3. Miracle on 34th Street I've only seen the new one. I didn't cry when Santa got arrested.

4. Elf

A New York love story at Christmas. Does it get any better?

5. It's A Wonderful Life

Classic.

6. Meet Me in St. Louis

It's really a movie for all seasons but Judy Garland is the main character and there is a Christmas song that became famous after it's debut in this movie. 

7. The Santa Clause 2

Ususally sequels don't do the original justice. I have to hand it to Disney for doing a decent job.

8. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Ummm....hello. Linus shares the Gospel. How can you not love this?

9. Jingle All the Way

As stupid as they come but I still laugh every time. 

10. Holiday Engagement

Okay, so it has more cheese than nachos. But cheese (specifically a comment about cheese) is what has made this a classic in my family. 

These are movies that have become dear to my heart.

Which ones are dear to yours?

Love,

Lolo

What Christmas Means to Me: 25 Days of Truth, Tradition and Trivia

Day 1 - December 1st

Today was the first time (like ever) that my family bought a Christmas tree and took the Christmas decorations down from the attic. We usually wait until later in December to break out the Christmas decor but with a little begging (and a family that misses me) it was easy to convince everyone to begin Christmas early. For me Christmas begins at the end of August/beginning of September. The first sign of leaves changing color and colder temperatures means. . . Fall time to start listening to Christmas tunes. I am a very sentimental individual and I spend the ENTIRE year anticipating Christmas. Instead of going along with the false cultural notion that it is only okay to officially start Christmas after Thanksgiving, I ease into my Christmas by starting early. I am super excited for Christmas this year!!!! 

(Well okay, every year...but who isn't?)

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

 This year I am most looking forward to spending time with my family and church family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

I also look forward to the informal traditions such as wearing my Christmas socks that say Let It Snow (glitter included). 

I look forward to serving at our sponsor church in L.A. 

I love watching all the Christmas movies and listening to the Christmas music.

I love smiling and telling people - with a little twinkle in my eye - "Merry Christmas!!!"

I love that (sadly) people are a little nicer this time of year (ummm....should't we be nice errday?)

I love our family traditions.

Every year my mom violates our 8th Amendment rights by making us watch her old favorite 

The House Without A Christmas Tree. 

My dad gets his turn on Christmas eave with A Christmas Carol 

(but it has to be the George C. Scott version).

I am excited that when I drive around town and I see houses decorated with sparkly lights

 (blondes + sparkles is a bad combo especially when said blonde is driving).

Basically, I'm just excited about Christmas and I hope you are too.

Love,

Lolo

On Coming Home . . .

Lately I have found myself considering the concept of home. Growing up I always thought home was my house. After living in the same house for 22 years and then moving out, I realized that I was wrong. Sure, I would miss this building that had been my shelter and place of many joys and tears. I would miss the moments that had happened and the ones that would continue to happen not too long after I was gone. I realized that mostly I would miss the people who made it home - my family. I recently (November 3rd to be exact) moved out for the very first time in my life to an apartment with two incredible roommates. The apartment is beautiful, the neighborhood is quiet, the location is closer to work and church and close enough to stores but not too close to where I hear the freeway traffic when I open my windows. The price and time were right and so, unexpectedly I moved. Most people would say I have the ideal situation and I honestly can't argue with that. Compared to human standards, I do have it pretty good. I have learned though that while my temporary home is great something's still amiss. My home does not and  cannot define me. My home doesn't make me complete - it doesn't satisfy me. There was a little leak under the kitchen sink and the board bubbled over a little tiny bit - my home isn't perfect. The past few weeks have taught me that I don't really belong here . . . on earth. My real home - the one I have learned to long for daily - is with Jesus in Heaven.

 In Philippians 1:21-23, Paul wrote, 

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better," (ESV). 

There are many things that I love about being here on earth and I am so grateful for God's grace in my life yet I am grateful that He allows me to be disappointed when earthly things don't fulfill me. When I am disappointed by something not turning out my way, I know that His way is better and that when I am in Heaven I will not experience pain or disappointment - I will forever be in the presence of Jesus and in a place where sin is no more. John 14:1-3 says, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also," (ESV). . . . This is what home is to me and although I am here on earth today, I can't wait for Christ to come back for His bride and take me home where I truly belong.

Love,

Lolo

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, 

neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,

 for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4 ESV

30 Day Challenge: Day 10

Todays challenge is to ask God to help you consider people you know of who have faced difficult circumstances and to thank Him for sparing you from such circumstances. I believe that each person has, to some degree, their own suffering to bear and this will look different for each person. When I read this challenge, I immediately thought of my dad's boss who lost his dad earlier this year and then his mom unexpectedly last weekend. My mom told me last week to pray for him in order to take the focus off of myself (why yes, she is good at pointing out my sin). I also thought of two of my students who have both lost their mother within the past two weeks. It really hit home when I was sitting at the funeral service for one of their mothers. Whenever we see others suffering it seems that we begin to compare circumstances. I like this challenge, because it helped me realize that in life there will always be people who are better off than you and those who have it way worse than you. Remembering the ways in which God has cared for me, whether suffering or not, is a great way to focus on who I am in Him rather than my circumstances. It makes sense that since I follow Him, I should be grateful when times are good and bad because ultimately He allows both types of circumstances for my good and His glory. Love, Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 9

The challenge for Day 9 is to consider what acts of generosity your heart is motivating you toward today. I don't feel like what I did can really be considered acts of generosity, but it will have to do for this challenge. I did the dishes in the morning (I'm working on dying to myself by trying to do the dishes before anyone else has the chance) and I helped the kids at work make friendship bracelets (they don't know how to a do a square not or how to string the beads . . .yep that was it. I think to accept such a challenge, I would want more time to consider ways in which I can be generous to others. I honestly read the challenge and forgot about it once I was at work (I tend to forget things once I'm working because with kids they each need your attention, one right after the other) I do like this challenge and I hope it is one that I continually pursue daily. Over and out. Love, Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 8 Do You Want Some Cheese With That Whine?

The Challenge for Day 8 is to make a list of the things you've been whining about recently. Unfortunately, this was not a challenge for me. I've been praying confessing my sin to the Lord and to a few others who are close to me and what I have been learning through all of this is to be content. I already have more than I will ever need in Jesus. 1 John 2:17 says, "And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever," (ESV). I have been greatly convicted of my need to fix my eyes on Jesus and make it my aim to please Him. Here is my unjustified list of complaints:

• Not having benefits or full time hours at work (I do have a job at which I am working 37.5 hours a week and I did get a generous raise, but for some reason my wicked heart is not satisfied).
• Still living at home (I do have a home filled with family and more than I could ever ask for, but once again this is not enough).
• Not having a husband . . . or even a hint of one (I do have Jesus, but for some reason my heart says I need more. Shouldn't the love of Jesus be enough?)

Yep, this is very embarrassing and I really hope that someone besides me is able to learn from my sin . . . that's what discontentment is after all, just downright, ugly sin. It's not a "weakness" it's not just an area that needs improvement, it's deceptive sin. This doesn't mean I just fix myself and I'm good to go. I've learned that pulling myself up by my bootstraps leads to me falling flat on my face. I need to depend on Jesus and Him alone. I was blessed to hear our junior high youth pastor Jimmy preach last night from 1 John 2:15-17. He reminded us that sin leaves us feeling empty and we seek to fill the void with more sin.The problem with this is that we become stuck in a vicious cycle of sin and depend on ourselves instead of actively depending on Christ. What areas of your life are you complaining about? Jesus loves to hear our prayers and know our hearts, but He isn't the Complaint Department. 

So, how can we rely on Him to fix our hearts? 

There are a few ways:

1. Put on the whole armor of God.
2. Memorize scripture. Psalm 119:11 says, " I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you," (ESV). When we memorize scripture, we will be able to combat the lies of our sin with truth. Let's face it, as holy as we think we are, no one sits in front of the Bible for 24 hours. We are faced with many situations throughout the day in which we aren't able to open the Word for encouragement. If we memorize scripture we are arming ourselves with truth and are better prepared for the battle with our sin.
3. Ask Him to reveal to us our hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (ESV).  If we remember that our hearts are primarily deceiving us, we will desire to test our hearts and ensure that we are serving the Lord with our motivation being to glorify Him. 2 Corinthians 13:5 commands, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (ESV).

Now it's your turn. 

I challenge you to consider what areas of your life you are complaining about. 

Instead of  trying to improve on your own, turn to Jesus.

If you haven't already, confess your sin to the Lord, knowing that He is ready and willing to forgive you

 and has already paid for your past, present and future sin with what He accomplished on the cross!

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

1 John 1: 9 ESV

Love,

Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

Wow, I can't believe it has already been a week since I started this challenge! So far I've really enjoyed receiving an e-mail each day that includes scripture, a devotional and a challenge centered around cultivating a heart of gratitude. The challenge for Day 7 is to thank the Lord out loud for how He has worked in me. I thanked Him earlier in my head (or heart) for working in me in a specific way, so this is my way of thanking Him "out loud." Earlier I was provoked by an individual who has openly rejected Christ. I have ben provoked in a similar manner before only to respond in my flesh with a self righteous attitude, which is in no way honoring to the Lord. Today when the individual began saying things that I typically would have verbally debated, I told myself, "This is the part here you keep your mouth shut." Through Christ in me I was able to do just that. I thanked Him for helping me have self control and for His continual work in helping me develop a gentle and quiet spirit. Please understand that those who are lost do need to hear the Gospel in order to understand it. My former college pastor once asked something like, "How many times have you argued with someone and the result was them repenting and trusting in Jesus?" What a provoking question to be faced with. It is okay to disagree with non-believers and even debate with them so long as your priority is doing so with a heart that loves and cares for them. As Christ followers we are called to be peace makers. Presenting the Gospel in a self righteous way often leads to planting seeds of dissension and it makes sharing more about being right (our pride) and takes away from who Christ is and what He has accomplished. The Lord has done great work in me and I realize that there is much work yet to be accomplished. I am grateful that my salvation comes from Him and not from any work I've done (because even if I tried no amount of "good work" would could save me). Additionally I am grateful not only that He saved me, but that He wants to work in me to make me more like Him. What a blessed (or happy) life it is to be known and loved by God!

Love,
Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 6

The challenge for Day 6 is to compile a list based upon the two previous lists, of the top 10 things I am grateful for. Here it is:

1. Salvation

2. Freedom to own and read the Bible

3. My church family/a church that I can call home

4. Hope in Christ

5. God's faithfulness

6. Family

7. Friends

8. Job

9. Home

10. Sight

30 Day Challenge Day 5

Todays challenge (well, technically yesterdays challenge) is to add to the list of gifts that God has blessed me with.

Here goes nothing:

Health

Eyes that are able to see

Ears that are able to hear

Legs and feet that still work (I have tendinitis in my left foot which is sometimes hard, but it's not like I'm dying from it)

A house

Hope in Jesus Christ

Dana Point

Hume Lake

Seasons

The Lord's patience with me

Clothes

Seeing Christ at work in me!

Food

The freedom to have a Bible and read it

God's mercies

God's faithfulness to me

And the list goes on . . .

Love,
Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 4

Todays challenge is to write down a list of gifts from God and gifts from others. So, here's my unapologetic list. I realize that all my gifts even the ones from others are ultimately a result of God's grace on my life and ultimately are from Him. So, here's my list:

Salvation (that Jesus was willing to die in my place and take on my sin while giving me His righteousness and a new life)

Parents

A church I can call home

My ESV Study Bible

Friends

Job

The ability to read and learn

A new toothbrush

Being able to shower everyday (trust me, when you spend the weekend on Skid Row, you learn to appreciate a shower)

iPhone (I'm seriously having an amazing time developing photography skills with my phone! Who would have thought?)

Learning how to stay (It's great when you're literally in a place that you're unfamiliar with and can't leave. Trust me, if I was able to leave I would have made a run for it a few hours ago . . .)

Books

My Boo Boo

Car

Cinnamon scented candles

Hugs from students

Spending time with my church family

Family

Writing

Blogging

Glitter nail polish

Composition notebooks

Happy endings (the only reason I watch movies)

Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea

Birthday cake with amazing strawberry filling

The Nike Training Center App (which I definitely need after having said birthday cake)

Christmas

The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent which says, "No one can ever love me more or better than Jesus."

Adobe software

Seeing those who were lost come to know Jesus (very important to me - right up there with my church family).

What gifts are you grateful for?

Love,
Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 3 My Testimony Part 2

As a freshman in college, I had yet to begin dating. In my mind I was going to meet the right man and marry him and I wouldn't have to date a bunch of different guys. I would get it right the first time and the Lord would bless me because I wanted to honor Him. At the age of 18 I was ready to be a wife! (Or so I thought.) I started dating a guy who was in my high school graduating class and who also attended the same church that I did. I can honestly say now that I didn't know him as well as I thought I did. Less than a month later, it was over (although I'm not really sure what "it" was). Not too many months later, I started dating a guy I met while serving in the youth ministry at my church. A few months after we met, I KNEW that this time it was serious. In my little fairytale, he was going to take over when the youth pastor retired someday and I would get to be a pastor's wife and then we would live happily ever after. Things ended up changing drastically in the youth department at our church and the guy I was dating decided to attend a different church. He wanted me to attend to because the teaching was Gospel centered, with the emphasis always being placed on the Bible.
I was reluctant to go and try a new church after having been at my church for seven years and I told him that I would not go. I was so angry because this was not my plan (yeah, I was having major pride problems). I was so angry at this other church and decided that no matter what I would NEVER go there. Things ended up changing in our youth ministry even more than I ever would have expected and I decided that it was time for me to move on an find a different church. So, about three months after avidly refusing to attend the other church I found myself walking through it's doors one Sunday morning in August 2010. A week later, after dating for a year, and seeing that things were not working out between us, the guy I was dating and myself decided that things had to end. I'm sad to say that I was idolizing my relationship and at this point I was devastated. I was not sure what to do with my life. I wanted to get away from the life I had been living. I wanted to move away and have a fresh start. I looked online for jobs that would provide me with money to do so. I had been working the same job since I was a junior in high school and with no hopes of a raise or benefits in the future, I knew I had to start looking elsewhere. I had been job hunting for about a year when I found an open position working at a school where a man who had been one of my teachers in high school worked. The man who had been my teacher also happened to be a member of the church I had recently begun attending. I decided to apply for the job, not really expecting to hear back. About two days later I got an e-mail to set up my interview time and about a week later, I had a new job that paid much more. Praise God for His blessing in my life! At this time, Christ drastically worked in me and changed me greatly. I was initially apprehensive about attending a church where I only knew two people. I would argue with myself on Sunday morning and battle thoughts such as, "Why don't you just turn around? You don't really belong here." I was tired of who I had been though. I no longer wanted to be the shy girl or the girl who sat on the sidelines. I decided to stay at the church which was new for me. I was used to leaving situations that became uncomfortable or inconvenient. The guy I had been dating ended up marrying another woman at our church and . . . I love her! I mean we aren't best friends, but they are my brother and sister in Christ and she is a much better fit for him anyway (obviously). I took me a long time to learn to forgive and make peace and to show grace, even to myself. I am now beyond privileged to serve on staff for the high school ministry at my church alongisde an amazing family of believers. I desire to one day (Lord willing soon) be a wife and stay at home mom. Until that time comes, I am living with undivided devotion to the Lord and pursuing Christ daily. My life didn't all of a sudden become easier with Christ, which I find is a common misconception, but it did become better than I could ever ask for. I am His daughter saved by Him for His glory. He didn't have to save me, but out of love and mercy He chose to. I am not perfect, but through Christ in me I am able to repent of my sin, be forgiven and be made more like Him each day.

Love,
Lolo

30 Day Challenge: Day 3 My Testimony Part 1

Today's challenge is to share my testimony in a progression similar to the one in Psalm 107. In this manner, I will share my story with you describing in detail what my life was like before Christ saved me, how He drew me to Himself and how my life has changed since He saved me. I am what most people would refer to as a church kid, meaning I have been in church my whole life. I am so grateful to my grandmother Jeri Lane Londot for raising her kids to know about Jesus and for brining them to church. My dad was one of her kids and he accepted the Lord as His savior and eventually led my mom to Him as well, which is why my parents knew how important it was for me to attend church to see what the body of believers looks like and to gain an understanding of salvation, so that I too might one day know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. As a young girl, (probably around age 5 or 6) I participated in a Bible club at my church. Our teacher Mrs. Heiden would teach about the Word and what it meant to follow Jesus. I don't remember too many details about Bible club since it was many years ago, but I do remember that I loved going. I also remember that Christ drew me to Himself one night as my mother explained salvation to me. Again, this was long ago and I don't remember too many details, but I do remember that I gave my life to Jesus and was baptized a few laters (I was around 8 or 9 years of age). Since I was a young believer (and child) I was very immature. If you knew me in school (and know me today) I was the goody-goody or good girl. I obeyed my teachers, got good grades and avoided getting in trouble at all costs. Initially this was to make myself look good and as Christ changed me, I wanted to obey Him out of love for Him saving me, and I wanted to make Him look good. I went to elementary school from Kindergarten-4th grade and then I was home schooled for five years. I learned much while being home schooled and am grateful for the experience although it did leave me sheltered and unprepared to deal with my peers when my parents decided to put me in a private school for my high school years. I was completely unwilling to attend "regular" school and was very upset that my parents would be so "mean". Although the high school I went to only had about 80 student (huge right?) I broke out with rashes on my arms the first week because I was so nervous! (I even had my mom walk me to my locker on my first day of high school!). Over time it turned out that my parents actually did know best (shocker) and I really grew during my high school years. I also attended a Bible study at which I learned to set aside time each day to spend in the Word. Since not everyone at my school was a Christian, I had to learn to stand up for what was right even though it meant I would not make many friends (which in high school is a BIG sacrifice). Upon graduation, I was grateful for how the Lord had worked in my life in high school and that those four years were finally behind me. I was nervous to start the next chapter of my life which for me would include college and little did I know, my first dating relationship. . . to be continued.

30 Day Challenge: Day 2

Today has been very tiring. Not in the busy, draining way of typical day to day life, but in the living and dwelling within every moment and cherishing it knowing that it will not last kind of way. Part of today's challenge included reading Colossians 2: 13-14, which I fell in love with. Jesus took my debt and nailed it to the cross! I am no longer weighed down by the burden of my sin past, present or future because it has been paid for on the cross! As Romans 8:1 says, "There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (ESV). I no longer have to pay the wages of my sin, which Romans 6:23tells us is death. I'm free as a bird! And if that's not enough to make a believer rejoice in a grace filled life, then I don't know what is! I've included some pictures of my day so I can share with you what made me grateful throughout the day.



Enough said!



I love that my grandma still has the Strawberry Shortcake cups that I used to drink out of as a little girl! I still love coming back to visit every year to see if they're still here.



I love that my sister came with us on this family trip. Thank you Jesus for how you are working and praise be to You for answered prayer.




I love that the lighting was perfect for this shot.




Delicious food prepared by loving hands.




Fresh picked strawberries.




I have been WAITING to get a shot like this for a few months and today, I finally got it!




I love that my aunt and uncle have made their home a place that is kid friendly. Looking at the toys and the swing remind me that there are children here and to me that means that there is life here.

Friends, Christ saving us from God's wrath, canceling our debt before an awesome and holy God and crowning us with His righteousness is more than enough to be thankful for. The fact that we have other things to enjoy is a patent testimony to how loving and gracious Christ is toward us.

Love,
Lolo

30 Day Challenge:Day 1

Lately I have found myself having to confess and repent of being discontent with my life and of idolizing myself and trying to be in control of my life. This is not something I'm proud of and in addition to working on memorizing Philippians 4:11-13, I've also decided to take the 30 Day Challenge:Growing in Gratitude created by Nancy Leigh DeMoss of Revive Our Hearts Ministries. The podcasts of her series on being discontent and cultivating a heart of contentment can be found here. These are great, Gospel centered discussions that are truth filled and provoking. Another series also available from Revive Our Hearts is Practical Counsel On Singleness by Carolyn McCulley who wrote Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Since I had a nine hour car ride today, I had time to think, pray, read Scripture and listen to the wisdom Carolyn offers in this recent series. There are two thoughts that have been running through my mind today: 1. "Why is that I have what I don't want and want what I don't have?" and 2. "Why do I think that once I get what I want that I will be content?" As I started the 30 day challenge of cultivating a heart of gratitude and contentment, I was grateful to see the Lord at work in me. What I've been learning today is that Jesus is my portion and He is more than enough for me.
There were a few times today that I wanted to gripe about my circumstances.


I was frustrated when my shampoo leaked in my suitcase and spilled all over my Bible, but instead of getting angry, I considered how blessed I am to have a Bible, and that if my Bible really is destroyed at least I have the ability to purchase a new one and if that can't happen right away, at least I have 3 apps on my iPhone that have the Bible (yeah, life is really rough). As my mom always says, "If that's your biggest problem, you're not doing too bad."


Love,
Lolo




P.S. I was really grateful for this sandwich!