Here are just a few of the take aways from the past 2 days:
"It's better to have an idea that people either love or hate, than an idea that everyone is indifferent about." - Guy Kawasaki
"As we become more open-minded we often become more close-hearted"
- Ravi Zacharias
"You tell these prostitutes to leave their "sinful" situations, and when they do, you don't let them forget where they came from" - Naomi Zacharias (calling out the church!)
"We are born extraordinary, but somewhere along the way we settle to live the ordinary"
- Erwin McManus
"This guy has forgotten more than I'll ever know" - Rick Warren
Nick Vujicic - just youtube him... words don't do him justice!
The spirit kicked my face like he always does through Francis Chan, so I won't even start on that one...
"The same power that conquered the grave lives in me!" Hillsong United & 3,200 other people
"I need to shut up, humble myself and listen more." - Me :)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Would you...?
take the time to figure out what this blog is all about?
I am very excited for this weekend!!! The Catalyst Conference will be amazing and I know Francis Chan is going to bring it! :)
ps. I am very impressed that you took the time to translate this blog... that means a lot to me that you care... or that you are just that bored.
either way... you are amazing!
~Jolene
I am very excited for this weekend!!! The Catalyst Conference will be amazing and I know Francis Chan is going to bring it! :)
ps. I am very impressed that you took the time to translate this blog... that means a lot to me that you care... or that you are just that bored.
either way... you are amazing!
~Jolene
Sunday, April 19, 2009
In awe...
You know those nights where your mind will just not let you fall asleep? You toss and turn, looking over at your clock every once in awhile and cannot believe how slow time is passing. Well tonight is one of those nights.
Tomorrow is a pretty huge day for my family. My brother Jason is getting baptized. This may seem like an ordinary 'whatever' occurance to most, but it's a bigger deal than what's seen on the surface. I think I even underestimated it. Tomorrow is the day of firsts. For the first time that I can ever remember, my family (all of my family) will be at church together. My dad and mom probably haven't been in a church service together for at least 15 years. and the fact that the reason that brought them there is that they will be watching their 29 year old, first born son, now proudly 6 months sober and clean of any drugs for the first tme in 12 years publically profess the death to his addictive flesh and pain filled past and claim life to his spirit and promise filled future.
I cannot believe the transformation that Jason has made; I don't think any of us can. I know it is going to be a surreal moment to every member of my family tomorrow.
For my mom, who unfortunately had to watch Jason's years of struggle from the sidelines, or my other brother John, who saw it all and took the grunt of it most of the time, or my dad, who doesn't believe change is possible. Jason's strength has shaken us all!
To anyone who has every had a family member with these struggles, you can understand the emotions I am talking about.
Jason is a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. All the crap (which is a massive understatement) he has gone through over the past 15 years was not in vain. Healing that I didn't think possible has occured in my family because of this transformation.
I am estatic and cannot wait to see the growth in my family over the next few years.
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for Jason and my family; it is only by the grace of God that I am able to write about this.
I'm going to stop now because I could go on forever, but I will leave you with the verse that I handed Jason 3 years ago as he got on a plane and started his journey of rehab...
"Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world" 1 John 4:4
In awe of His grace,
Jolene
Tomorrow is a pretty huge day for my family. My brother Jason is getting baptized. This may seem like an ordinary 'whatever' occurance to most, but it's a bigger deal than what's seen on the surface. I think I even underestimated it. Tomorrow is the day of firsts. For the first time that I can ever remember, my family (all of my family) will be at church together. My dad and mom probably haven't been in a church service together for at least 15 years. and the fact that the reason that brought them there is that they will be watching their 29 year old, first born son, now proudly 6 months sober and clean of any drugs for the first tme in 12 years publically profess the death to his addictive flesh and pain filled past and claim life to his spirit and promise filled future.
I cannot believe the transformation that Jason has made; I don't think any of us can. I know it is going to be a surreal moment to every member of my family tomorrow.
For my mom, who unfortunately had to watch Jason's years of struggle from the sidelines, or my other brother John, who saw it all and took the grunt of it most of the time, or my dad, who doesn't believe change is possible. Jason's strength has shaken us all!
To anyone who has every had a family member with these struggles, you can understand the emotions I am talking about.
Jason is a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. All the crap (which is a massive understatement) he has gone through over the past 15 years was not in vain. Healing that I didn't think possible has occured in my family because of this transformation.
I am estatic and cannot wait to see the growth in my family over the next few years.
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for Jason and my family; it is only by the grace of God that I am able to write about this.
I'm going to stop now because I could go on forever, but I will leave you with the verse that I handed Jason 3 years ago as he got on a plane and started his journey of rehab...
"Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world" 1 John 4:4
In awe of His grace,
Jolene
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thrifty-Thursdays #3
It's my friend Mark's birthday today.
Birthdays... what a wonderful day to get all the attention, all the gifts, and all the freebies!!
You can get many free things on your birthday or even in your birthday month. Just sign up here and there and when your birthday rolls around the bargains come to you!
Here are the top 5 best Birthday Bargains:
#1. Disneyland: Free entrance on your birthday, register @ address below:
Make use of these people!
and Happy Birthday Mark!
Birthdays... what a wonderful day to get all the attention, all the gifts, and all the freebies!!
You can get many free things on your birthday or even in your birthday month. Just sign up here and there and when your birthday rolls around the bargains come to you!
Here are the top 5 best Birthday Bargains:
#5. IHOP & El Torito: Free meal... register early online and they'll send you a coupon
#4. Wingstop: 5 free buffalo wings
#3. Taco Bell: free combo meal of your choice, just show up and show your ID
#2. (2 of my favorite things) Casinos & Movie Theatres: Casinos give away some awesome gifts if you go to the casino on your birthday and you can also get free movie tickets on your birthday#1. Disneyland: Free entrance on your birthday, register @ address below:
Make use of these people!
and Happy Birthday Mark!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What I love... "J"
Candice tagged me, which I think means I have to do what she says???
well, the tag was to list 10 things I like/love that begin with the letter J (in no particular order).
this is too easy:
1.) umm... Jesus? haha that was an obvious one!
2.) Jason, John & Jamie (my siblings)
3.) Japanese people named Mike Ozaki
4.) Journey's "Dont Stop Believing"
5.) Jacuzzis
6.) Jackpots @ Casinos! :)
7.) Journaling
8.) The movie Juno
9.) Miguels Jr. (pushing it?)
10.) Jasmine rice
well, the tag was to list 10 things I like/love that begin with the letter J (in no particular order).
this is too easy:
1.) umm... Jesus? haha that was an obvious one!
2.) Jason, John & Jamie (my siblings)
3.) Japanese people named Mike Ozaki
4.) Journey's "Dont Stop Believing"
5.) Jacuzzis
6.) Jackpots @ Casinos! :)
7.) Journaling
8.) The movie Juno
9.) Miguels Jr. (pushing it?)
10.) Jasmine rice
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Prince Charming...?
Last week I went against all my good judgement and agreed to a blind date. So, tonight we met up at Starbucks... he wasn't bad looking, didn't seem to be crazy, for a moment I thought all the horror stories I had heard about blind dates were myths, and then...
...our conversation began:
"God does not will for women to be in ministry" he said. (clearly wasn't aware of my occupation)
"I went to a church once and a female began speaking, so I stormed out"
"I believe women should only wear dresses" (As I sit before him in jeans)
This conversation (well more so him just speaking as I sat jaw dropped trying not to burst into laughter and the ridiculousness of my situation) was within the first 10 minutes of me sitting down.
He continued to explain to me his belief on how the South should've won and his view on government control (all 1st date conversation material, right?)
I was amused with the entire thing to be honest... what were the odds of getting set up with this guy?! what was the lady who recommended him for me thinking? What is he thinking?
Oh good times! So my 2nd date with him is this Friday, I believe were discussing why women should never leave the kitchen and how white people are the supreme race... can't wait!!!
Stay tuned...
...our conversation began:
"God does not will for women to be in ministry" he said. (clearly wasn't aware of my occupation)
"I went to a church once and a female began speaking, so I stormed out"
"I believe women should only wear dresses" (As I sit before him in jeans)
This conversation (well more so him just speaking as I sat jaw dropped trying not to burst into laughter and the ridiculousness of my situation) was within the first 10 minutes of me sitting down.
He continued to explain to me his belief on how the South should've won and his view on government control (all 1st date conversation material, right?)
I was amused with the entire thing to be honest... what were the odds of getting set up with this guy?! what was the lady who recommended him for me thinking? What is he thinking?
Oh good times! So my 2nd date with him is this Friday, I believe were discussing why women should never leave the kitchen and how white people are the supreme race... can't wait!!!
Stay tuned...
Friday, April 10, 2009
Coincidence??
I just signed into myspace and as my page was opening an ad popped up that read...
"Are you a single, 22 yr. old female, brunette, with a name that begins with a J and want to loose 10 pounds? well then this is the pill for you!"
Crazy right?! I totally bought it! It's as if they created this thing specifically for me!
I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
~Jolene
ps. I didn't really buy it, but the ad was no joke!
"Are you a single, 22 yr. old female, brunette, with a name that begins with a J and want to loose 10 pounds? well then this is the pill for you!"
Crazy right?! I totally bought it! It's as if they created this thing specifically for me!
I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
~Jolene
ps. I didn't really buy it, but the ad was no joke!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thrifty-Thursday!! #2
So... this week I was given a mini dell laptop by some very generous friends! Now I'm on the internet like 24/7. Kretzu gave me a little heads up as far as free wi-fi goes; so the first tip on Thrifty-Thursday is:
- How to get free wi-fi from Starbucks:
- You have to have a Starbucks card, and use it every now and then, in order to get free wi-fi access.
- You must register your Starbucks Card and use it at least once a month to receive two consecutive hours a day of complimentary Wi-Fi. (rumor has it that they don't enforce the 2 hour maximum)
- Alternatively, if you're one of AT&T's 12 million DSL customers, you will also have free access to wi-fi at Starbucks
If neither of these apply, and you simply can't bring yourself to get a Starbucks card (or to switch your DSL to AT&T) then access will cost you. But Starbucks is offering a 2-hour rate of $3.99, which beats the old rates they used to charge. - To register your giftcard or for more info see: http://www.starbucks.com/retail/wireless.asp
Another amazing thing I found last week that I think is the new ebay, but almost better is swaptree.com.
Swaptree.com is an innovative new website where you can instantly trade the books, CDs, DVDs, and video games you are finished with for the ones you want, all for free.
Simply list the books, DVDs, CDs, and video games you are done with and swaptree’s trade algorithms will instantly find everyone who wants those items and show you everything they are willing to trade. Best part is, you only pay for shipping, which using swaptree’s label service means you never have to go to the post office.
Check it out... it's pretty legit!
http://www.swaptree.com/
Amazing coupons are on their way too I promise!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Blessed
I am very thankful for the people in my life. I don't tell them enough, but I am! My family, my roommates, friends (not saying that my roommates aren't my friends haha) and every other random person I have had the pleasure of meeting lately. I love the community of people that surround me and the encouragement and love I receive from them. I do not take my friendships for granted and am excited to see them grow and learn more from them as the days go by... thanks guys! I love you.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Road Trip
So... a simple school visit has turned into a full-blown mini vacation. I'm leaving in about an hour, here's the agenda:
- Meet up with the crazy Camacho Clan
- Hit up freebirds
- Sleep in Solvang
- Wake up and head to Santa Cruz
- Go to Bethany University orientation
- Decide if I will be attending there in the fall... :/
- Sleep... wake up... head to San Fran
- Have lunch with an old friend
- Drive home, work the Coffee Corner, head to Face Down Fest
- Sleep, Church, and then Heather & Grayson's wedding.
- Dance, eat, repeat, sleep.
I'm in for some good times! "Thrifty-Thursday" will be postponed until next week, the 9th. I promise it will be worth it, my honorary coupon cutter (Candice) has been helping me collect the deals!!
...stay tuned!
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