Steph's Engagement Brunch

Today I went to Mimi's to meet up with Steph and a few of her other friends for an engagement/birthday/celebrate Steph brunch :) The food was good and the laughter was flowing. Come April 18th, Steph is going to be a married woman, but I must say her fiancee, Blake, is a great guy and they are a lot of fun together! Oh and I got to see Stacey, who I backpacked Europe with about four years ago, but I hadn't seen her in probably over a year...so that was really nice too!

And people laugh when I say I'm scared of hippos...

Gingerbread House Making Extravaganza!

Tonight Dani, Mallorie and I decided to construct our very own gingerbread house complete with gingerbread people (I say "people" because we're not sure if they are boys or girls... :) We had a lot of fun, got icing all over us (okay, I got icing all over ME and we had only a few minor "the house is falling down" moments. If you've never made a gingerbread house, well you haven't truly lived until you have! And I suggest the Costco boxed gingerbread houses...so SO much easier...and they come with everything you need. Here are a few pictures of the process and our finished product!



Notice the icing ALL over my sleeve...

2 of the 13

Below are 2 of the 13 paradigm shifts Donald Miller talks about that he encountered when doing Christian ministry in a pagan environment...

1. Nobody will listen to you unless they know you like them: We began to understand that people, subconsciously, merit a religious or philosophical idea not on logical conclusions, but on whether or not the idea creates a “good person”…the definition of a good person being whether or not a person is kind to them, tolerant and understanding, able to listen without arguing and so on.

2. Nobody will listen to God unless they know God loves them: We came to believe there was usually a hidden pain behind hostility, that many people have been hurt by the church, or people or perspectives they believed to represent God. Many times its as simple as an interview they saw on CNN, but an apology and kindness went a long way in helping people understand God was loving.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what makes a person "good" or "bad" in reference to how people describe others. I think describing someone as "good" or "bad" is obviously completley subjective, and I often question what I really mean when I say it.

I've also been thinking a lot lately about who I'm intentionally investing into that aren't followers of Christ. I truly believe that as followers of Christ it is vital to make sure we're "doing life" (that was for you Jen :) with those who don't know Christ yet. This can obviously look differently for everyone, but this is something I try to continually remind myself the importance of, because of where I work and live, it would be incredibly easy to get comfortable in my faith and settle for mediocre living.

And I really don't want to do that...

My Christmas Gift to You...

If you're looking for a few good Christmas songs to add to your iTunes library this holiday season, then HERE YOU GO... A free gift to you from me...well, not really from me...I'm just the messenger...


I went to Fresno Pacific with Gene, where we both served as RAs together. And Luke, well, I met him and his wife, Sarah, through mutual friends we share. Both are great guys with a passion for music and a heart for the Lord--and that's evident in these songs. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!

"Now this is the story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down..."

I like Will Smith. I think he is a really good actor. He was chosen as number 10 on Barbara Walter's "10 Most Fascinating People of 2008". I watched this clip and really like what he had to say about marriage. Now, I'm not married, so my personal experience is non existent when it comes to this topic, however, it seems there is a lot truth in the words he spoke regarding marriage...

"Being married is the most difficult thing you're ever gonna do in your life ever. Anybody who is married and divorce is an option...you're getting divorced."

Here's the whole clip if you're interested...

Hope, Hope and More Hope...

"My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name."

I'm reminded more and more how necessary it is to have hope. And not just hope in anything, but hope in Jesus. In Him and Him alone.

"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..." Romans 5:2-5b

Christmas must be here...

because I've eaten FOUR sugar cookies today... I better start pacing myself...! But I must say I make some mean sugar cookies with homemade icing...and red sprinkles of course.

A few reasons why I love my mom...

1. She waves at people with her index finger

2. She calls everyone her "friend". "I was at Rite Aid the other day and my little friend Lucy was working...."

3. She calls people "fart heads"

4. She doesn't kill insects...she sets them "free" outside.

5. She defends other people and makes up stories for them... I would say, "Mom, that person just cut me off in traffic..." And she would say, "Well honey they're probably having a bad day. Maybe their boyfriend just broke up with them...you never know..."

These are only five of the many reasons why I love my mom...

Thankful for Thanksgiving...

This year Thanksgiving was filled with family, good food, and Wii! We bowled, boxed, played doubles on Tennis and had a great time. Of course my brother HAD to win at everything we played, but I would just like to say I held my own in Mario...

I am thankful for Thanksgiving and for family to share it with. The Thanksgiving break was also filled with meals with other good friends, including a "Three Hot Chica" reunion night at Starbucks (that would be Jen, Nina and myself). It was good for the soul.

On Saturday Derek and I went for a brisk walk at Woodward park (it was a BEAUTIFUL morning and we were planning to just meet up at the gym, but once I walked outside and saw how beautiful it was, I knew I couldn't be stuck indoors on treadmill...yuck...) And apparently the High School Cross Country National Championship...or something like that...was taking place at Woodward, so there were a TON of people there. We dodged all of them and took a trail away from all the people. Unbeknownst to us, we walked longer then we set out to...but a little extra walking never hurt anyone...except Derek's hip :(

The Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close, but that means Christmas is just around the corner...!

Bon Qui Qui...

You may have seen this before, but if you haven't, you should watch it.... Super funny stuff...

Mr and Mrs. Andrew DeWitt...

So, I've been told I've had too many "wedding posts"... And I'm trying to cut back...but here's just one more...

Steph and Drew got married this weekend in Napa, CA. First off, it is BEAUTIFUL there. It was a really fun day and a super fun reception with good food, good wine and dancing! I feel like I say this a lot, but it's true...Steph and Drew make a great team and both love God and love people in very real ways. It was great to be able to be a part of their special day with them. Enjoy a few pics...


I caught the bouquet and the best man, Daniel, caught the garter... haha...

Happy Birthday Derek!

Today marks the day that Mr. Derek Abbott is officially a quarter of a century old. We celebrated last weekend (because I am out of town for a wedding right now) but his fingers show how old he is...


Happy Birthday D! Hope it is wonderful (well as wonderful as it can be without having me there with you to celebrate :) And remember, age is nothin' but a number!

Mars and Venus...Men and Women...

A friend sent this too me and I have to say, it made me laugh. Just a reminder of how differently God created men and women... To the men who read this blog, I hope you enjoy this and for the women, hopefully you'll get some laughs too...

We always hear 'the rules' from the female side ...Now here are the rules from the male side.

Man Rules:

Please note, these are all numbered '1 ON PURPOSE...

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports - It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Please just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' we will act like nothing is wrong. We know you are lying,

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...really.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.

Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Art Negrete

It's official as of yesterday!

What are the odds...

Check out Dani and Mallorie's blog for the full story...

Really, what were the odds...!

We Need One Another...

I thought both Obama and McCain's speeches were phenomenal. I've watched both of them quite a few times. For the first time during this entire season of campaigning I saw grace and dignity from both parties. Whatever our differences, we do need one another...

And I agree, "Yes we can"...and it's only by God's grace and because of God's grace that we can...



"A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain. Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he’s fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they’ve achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."



"I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited. Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that."

Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight, I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone,

I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.

Americans never quit. We never surrender.

We never hide from history. We make history.

Mr. President Elect...

I am SO glad this election is over. I'm sure both Obama and McCain are too.

Oh How Time Goes By

The picture above is of my two brothers. Okay, technically I only have one brother, Tim (on the right) and Brandon (on the left) is Tim's best friend. They've been friends for over 20 years now...since they were about 5 years old. Tim and I are two years apart, so I was about 3 years old when they became friends, so really, I've grown up with both of them as my brothers.

We, along with a few other kids always did stuff together. In our neighborhood would play cops and robbers, baseball in the front yard, (using both trees and sprinkler heads as our bases), football in the street, Royal Rumble on Sega Gensis, have water ballon fights, play catch and "pickle" with the baseball in the backyard, walk to the near-by convenience store and stock up on way too much candy and soda, and at the end of each summer we would walk together to school to check the posting to see what teacher we had for the upcoming year.

Lots and LOTS of memories. I just found out tonight Brandon is engaged. His fiancee Jessica is a wonderful girl--I really like her. She's real...and funny. They haven't set a date yet, but today my brother jokingly said, "Yeah, you might be invited to the wedding..." To which I responded, "Trust me, I've been to plenty of weddings and this will be one I will surely crash if I'm not invited...!"

Congrats Brandon and Jess! Oh how time goes by...

I Voted

I think this has been one of the most heated election seasons by far. With the uniquness of the presidetial candidates and all of the campaign and propostion ads that infiltrate our lives (through tv, radio, email, news commentaries, campaign signs on the street, etc...) this has been an interesting (and in many ways dishearetning) season to say the least.

I've heard lots of coversations and arguments, watched too many campaign commercials and read too many inappropriate email and Facebook comments/debates.

I voted absentee so my vote has been cast. I have lots of friends whose political ideas and convictions fall ALL over the board. I didn't vote soley in one direction (Rebuplican or Democrat) but rather, I looked at both sides, prayed (a lot) and voted based upon as much truth as I could find.

Some would be appalled at what/who I voted for. And that's okay. I don't claim to know it all but I do know that I refuse to let how I voted be a dividing force or factor in relationships. Period.

At the end of the day, I know this: God is soverign and He is not surprised by what has happened or what will happen.

He see. He knows. He understands.

I do not see all. I do not know all. I do not understand all.

I really feel that how one lives and treats people on Novemeber 3rd and 5th is more important then how one votes on November 4th...

25 things to do before I'm 25

In light of my recent birthday resulting in me turning 24...the start of my "mid-twenties" I decided to make a list of 25 things I want to do in the next 364 days. Some of these things I've done before, but I put them down because I want to be sure to do them again. Here we go...

1. Be in a graduate program and on my way to getting a MS in Counseling.
2. Visit Boston
3. Go sky diving
4. Read More
5. Visit my brother and go to a Dodger game with him
6. Visit Dave and Heather in Oregon
7. Open a Roth IRA
8. Go camping with my dad
9. Go camping with Jen and Derek again :)
10. Sing kareoke with Jen
11. Set Dani and Mallorie up on a blind date
12. Visit another country
13. Host a formal dinner party (with Jen of course...I wouldn't be foolish enough to try that on my own)
14. Learn a choreographed dance
15. Turn off my cell phone for a day
16. Learn how to make my Grandma's chicken noodle soup
17. Take my mom on a surprise trip
18. Go out on a date on Valentine's Day
19. Sing really loud in the car
20. Laugh so hard I cry
21. Drink less diet pepsi
22. Make a pie from scratch
23. Write more
24. Listen more
25. Love more...

Comfortable Pain

A little excerpt from my weekly writings to women on campus...not the whole thing this time, but a piece of it...

"But there is hope in the midst of our sin. There is hope when we slip and fall in life. And often when we slip up, we fall and we fall hard. But Jesus is in the business of restoring us. Restoring us back to Him and back to one another. We are imperfect people by nature—we are going to mess up. Although no matter how many times we fall, Jesus extends grace to us and continues to pursue us in the midst of our messiness.

The process of getting up might be painful—we may have to change things or habits in our life that we’re comfortable in. As humans, we don’t like pain and we seek comfort, so although it may seem strange, there is sometimes comfort associated with pain. Even though something might be painful, at least the pain is familiar. Think about it…how many times have you continued a habit or a relationship not because you necessarily liked what it did or thought it was best, but simply because it was what you were used to—it was familiar…it was comfortable…

Jesus is the only one who can bring true healing and hope to situations that seem hopeless. In the midst of our pain (whether we’re comfortable in it or not) He desires to do a work in us where He restores us back to Him and relentlessly pursues us so that we may experience life and life abundantly in Him …"
I really enjoy writing these, because I feel that the Lord speaks to me through them too... I'm grateful that Jesus is in the business of restoring people back to Him...restoring me...restoring you...and He doesn't give up on us...ever...

"He is worthy of my praise – even in the midst of intense grief..."

I can only hope if I was in their situation, my faith would remain as strong as their's... This is what my cousin Dave posted on his blog...

"It is moments like this that truly cause you to reflect on your faith.

Thursday morning Melissa and I found out we lost our daughter. 6 weeks from her entering the world and we find out that her life has ended. We are devastated. The thought of holding her, enjoying her smile and laugh, discovering her personality and the ways God gifted her are no longer possible. Instead we are left with tons of questions, many of which I do not think we will ever have satisfactorily answered.

The doctor cannot tell us why she died. It probably has something to with the cord. He did say it was nothing Melissa did or experienced. He also said 1 in 400 people go through this, we are part of the 1. On Tuesday, he will induce labor and Melissa will spend one night in the hospital in New Albany, MS. The doctor will run a few test to try and determine what happened in the womb. We are tentatively planning a grave side service Thursday morning in Pontotoc, MS.

Several people have said they want to do something but don’t know what. I’d like to share a few things with anyone interested. Please know that this is difficult. Not just for us but for anyone trying to express how they feel. If you don’t know what to say, that is ok. A hug in silence is meaningful. This also will not be something we (we being anyone affected by this) will deal with in a week. It will take time to work through the emotions and questions we have. Thank you in advance for the love, encouragement and patience you will provide in those times. Prayer is a great thing. If nothing else please pray for us, our families, our friends, the youth group we are so privileged to minister to and others who are affected by this.

I could type all day about how we feel or the questions we have I share this and then head back to be with family. Right now we are like Job. We are unsure of why this has happened. We have questions for God. But I know that God is bigger than this and for whatever reason we are going through this, He is worthy of my praise – even in the midst of intense grief. I know that my little girl is before Him right now, praising Him. That is comforting in some small way. God is giving us peace and I look forward to the day we can rise from mourning and grieving."

It's Always Exciting...

when a friend gets engaged. Well, it happened again tonight...This beautiful woman is officially off the market...sorry fellas. I received a text tonight around 10pm..."MORGAN PROPOSED...!" Not only is Mariana a dear friend but she was also my college roommate for two years... Congrats Morgan and Mariana! I'm excited for what the Lord has in store for you guys!

When There Are No Words...

My cousin Dave and his wife Melissa found out today, that after being pregnant for 8 months, they lost the baby. There aren't full details yet of what happened, but they went into the doctor for a routine check up and when they did the ultrasound, the baby's heartbeat (a little girl) was no longer able to be found.

It's moments and times like these when life seems to stop and we are reminded of how precious life is. I have absoultely no idea what it would be like to carry a baby for 8 months, and then learn that it was no longer alive...yet still inside of me. Absolutely no idea. They will induce labor on Tuesday, and will have a graveside service next week.

They waited and tried for so long to have a baby and this was their first one... There really are no words.

So we pray. And mourn. And pray. And trust. God is in the midst of it all and it's only in Him can we find comfort in times when there are no words.

Prayers for Dave and Melissa and the family are appreciated. Praise God for the comfort that He and only He can bring.

They love me...

Spiders that is. A little guy like this one decided to crawl up next to me on my couch today. I was sitting on my couch, with my laptop, when I looked over to find this little guy crawling next to me...

They might love me...but I really don't love them.

10 Things Everyone Should Keep In Their Car...

1. Napkins
2. Blanket
2. Flashlight
4. Tweezers (trust me...)
5. Good tunes
6. Water bottle
7. Ear piece for cell phone
8. Pen
9. Note pad
10. Spare change

What other random things do you keep in YOUR car?

Say What? Selah...

Selah.

Have you heard this word before? Selah (pronounced: ce-lah) is a Hebrew word used in scripture and often found in the book of Psalms that literally translates “to stop and listen”.

This weekend I went out of town and had the opportunity to see a number of good friends. My journey started at I left Fresno and drove to Turlock, CA. Turlock is home to my friend Steph and home to my friends Courtney and her husband, Drew. I then made my way up to the bay area to see a couple of other really good friends. I had a total of about 6 hours round trip in the car by myself, which is when this word “selah” came to my mind.

As I drove I started thinking a lot about all sorts of stuff. Have you ever noticed that when you start driving on a road trip, the open road ahead of you helps to clear your mind some too? Well, my mind was cleared and I felt I had room to think...And think I did! It didn’t take too long before I started thinking about lots and lots of different things. Things to do, people to call, emails to write, places to go, things to buy, chores to be done, and then I started thinking about future stuff, money stuff, and all that fun “adult” stuff. And then I remembered: Selah.

I thought to myself, “Just mentally stop for a moment Becky.” In the midst of my thinking the Lord reminded me that though I have an ongoing agenda in my head, His agenda trumps my agenda any day. I can make plans and choose things and make choices, but in the end I know that God’s plans are far greater then my own…far, far greater…one more reason to “selah”.

To stop and listen—it sounds simple, but if we’re honest, it can be hard. This morning I sat on my couch with my morning coffee in my hand and took time to “selah”. I prayed. I listened. I asked and pondered while I talked to God. It’s in those moments where I really feel my mind begins to get cleared and I begin to gain perspective on how God is at work and how I’m (hopefully) a part of what He’s doing. Road trips can do wonders to help clear the mind, but my mind felt even more clear when I took time to stop and listen.

I often find that it’s when I feel I have so much to do and I don’t have time to stop and listen; it’s in those times that I really need it the most.

Life is busy... There will always be things to do, people to see and places to go. Many of us don’t know how to not be busy. I encourage you to take time in the midst of busyness to truly “selah”. Stop. Listen. You’ll be surprised at what a difference it will make…

Reason #13 why I love my job...

This was really funny and these ladies make me laugh. A lot. FYI: You have to log into Facebook to be able to get to this link.

Good Friends and Good Food...

This weekend I'm getting in my car and heading north and will be seeing a few good friends along the way. Here's the schedule of events...

Friday (yesterday):

Lunch at Dog House with Steph Ridgeway--always enjoyable and refreshing. And good food is always involved too :)

2:00pm - Got in the car and started on my way towards Turlock

3:30pm - Met up with Steph Merkner at Panera to enjoy a latte and catch up time with her. She's getting married next month so there is lots of fun stuff going on! Drew (her fiancee) called while we were hanging out so we decided to meet up with him for a while and hang out. He's a lot of fun so it was fun to get to see and hang out with both of them for a while.

6:00pm - Drove to Court and Drew's apartment where we hung out for a while, went and had dinner with another friend of theirs. We all came back to their apt to enjoy some pie and ice cream and catch up on life. I stayed the night in their guest room and will be up in the morning to make my way to San Francisco...

Saturday: I'm not sure of the exact times but here's the agenda...

--Meet up with my cousin Caroline (who is now a freshmen at USF) around noon to enjoy lunch and the afternoon together. Hopefully we'll make our way to H&M for some shopping... :)

--Meet up with Neen and Scott that evening for dinner and hanging out.

--Stay the night at Neen's place (where I'm sure we'll eat chocolate and read all sorts of magazines...or watch TLC :)

Sunday:

--Hang out in the bay area and eventually make my way back to Fresno!

It's a weekend full of good people and good food. Really, what could be better?

According to Dani and Mallorie...

This is the continued list of 15 more things I love. I would agree with MOST of them... :)

16. Mallorie
17. Dani
18. Funfetti Cupcakes
19. One Tree Hill
20. Family Dinner
21. Dani's Soccer Games
22. Ninja Reflex
23. Trampoline
24. Hanging out with Dani and Mallorie
25. Going over to Mallorie and Dani's house
26. Texting Dani and Mallorie
27. Calling Mallorie and Dani
28. Rubbing Dani and Mallorie's Arm
29. Sitting on the same couch as Dani and Mallorie
30. Eating Desserts

15 Things I Love...

1. Cool fall weather
2. The smell of the air after it rains
3. My DVR
4. "Jon and Kate Plus 8"
5. Starbuck's iced skinny vanilla latte
6. Diet Pepsi
7. Writing cards to people
8. Lazy Saturday days
9. Talking to j.lo
10. Fresh baked goods at Panera
11. Traveling (either by plane, train or automobile...it doesn't matter!)
12. Listening to music as I get ready in the morning
13. Clean sheets
14. Watching football
15. Turkey sandwiches

October is here!

I love October. Here's why...

1. I love the fall season! I love wearing sweatshirts and jeans.

2. Lots of birthdays...including my own.

3. The fair! It's here...The Fresno Fair is running October 1st-13th. You better believe I'm going this Saturday.

4. Race for the Cure - Race/Walk to support breast cancer research. (October 25th at Fresno State this year).

5. October signifies a changing from summer to fall (September is just a funky month that I would not classify as "fall" as it is still in the upper 90's here in Fresno...) And I always enjoy it when seasons change. Things just seem fresh and new and it's a reminder to me of how seasons of life change too.

Here's to October!!

Crab Feed!

Last night I went to a "Crab Feed" dinner and silent auction as a fundraiser for FPU Women's Basketball. I'm pretty sure tonight was my first time cracking my own crab....I've never cracked open the legs and dug out the meat myself. It was an experience...both Dani and I were a little hesitant at first, but it was really good so we dug in and ate more!

My 1990 high school year book picture...

If I would have graduated high school in 1990 this would have been my yearbook picture...a little creepy...! Shout out to Eric because I took this from him!

You can't handle this...

These 9 ladies are fierce...and beautiful...and amazing. These lovely ladies are my RA staff. We were getting ready for a Health and Wellness Workout Night on campus.... I know, I know...we are fierce...!

You Really Should Watch This Video...So, SO Funny...

I stole this from Jamie's blog (I feel as though I've been doing that a lot lately...) but I watched it and couldn't stop laughing. I was actually in awe the first time I watched it...