A Few of My Favorite Things

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Oprah did it, now Ellen's doing it, so I thought I should jump in too!  I always love watching the shows about their favorite things, wishing I was in the audience, and crying with joy for the people who get to receive all of those gifts!  (Can you tell that gift-giving is my love language?) :)

So, here are "A Few of My Favorite Things" right now:

TV Shows

If you have not yet seen Call the Midwife,  it is my favorite show on TV right now.  As Wikipedia states, "The plot follows newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee and the work of midwives and the nuns of Nonnatus House, a nursing convent, coping with the medical problems in the deprived Poplar district of East London in the 1950s."   Based on true stories, Call the Midwife is on Sunday nights on PBS (which is not a cable channel), but you can also find the episodes online at PBS.com.

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I'm also a bit obsessed with American Idol right now. Aside from Nicki Minaj, who makes me want to throw stuff at my TV screen, I watch it solely for Angie Miller, the pastor's daughter from Massachusetts who is a worship leader and writes her own songs.  She is in the top 3 right now and I'm hoping she wins!  Check out this song she wrote and performed:

(I think Randy Jackson's "Wow" and "Really" comments are hilarious)

Music

I have been listening to Meredith Andrew's new album Worth it All, which is worship-driven and amazing.  If you need some encouragement today, listen to this:

Books

These days, I rarely finish a book I pick up to read.  Typically I read about 1/3 of my way through and find it in the bathroom 2 months later. But these two books are ones that I can hardly put down.

First, I found in my bookshelf the old classic Hinds Feet On High Placesby Hannah Hurnard. This book brings back a lot of memories for me since the last time I read it was probably in high school. It is such a powerful book, an allegory similar to Pilgrim's Progress, with a ton of life lessons.

Second, I'm reading Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids.  This book followed 400 youth group graduates to see what factors helped some of them stick with their faith, and what caused some of them to leave it behind (research has shown up to 80% of churched kids will leave their faith behind).  Their research is fascinating. They give a ton of tips for parents of young children to start developing sticky faith in their kids - it is a must read.

Food

I can't do a "My Favorite Things" post without mentioning my current favorite food.  There are lots of them, but I'll narrow it down to just one for right now:

Trader Joe's Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream

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This contains just enough caffeine to keep you up all night if you eat it too late, so for me, this is a daytime treat!

Now it's your turn! Leave a comment and share with me one of your favorite things right now!

Advice to my Younger Self

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Last month I turned 36.  No big deal to some, just "a baby" as others would say, but to me it was a big deal.  35 was the last year that I felt young.  All of my life -for some odd reason- I have seen 36 as the official "middle age" number.  Once you turn 36, you are closer to 40 than you've ever been!  Your twenties are officially behind you, and your thirties are closing in as well!  You have to start thinking about life insurance, retirement, and nursing home options!  Kidding, of course.  But seriously.  36 has always been old to me, and now I'm 36.

I was looking back at my life, reminiscing about my younger days, and started thinking about what I would say to my 25 year old self (why 25 and not 26? It just sounded better).  The year was 2001.  At age 25 I had been married for 2 years.  I was almost finished with my Master's Degree. I had already been a Licensed Minister for 4 years, and was working at a University pursuing full-time ministry on the side.  I was an ambitious girl.  My husband and I were living in a cute little 750 square foot apartment in Costa Mesa, and life was full of working, school, cooking dinner every night, and staying up late watching Friends re-runs.

Here are 10 things I would say to that girl:

1. Chill out a bit.  Ambition is good, but it isn't everything.  Your accomplishments don't define you.

2. Even if you don't end up doing what you set out to do, you are still important and valuable.

3. When things go wrong and you feel forgotten by God, remember all the times He was faithful to you, and He will continue to be faithful to you in the years ahead.

4. Life is not all about you.  One day you'll have kids and they will throw up on your cute clothes and you won't be so self-centered anymore.  Get a head start and start liking kids now. Be kinder to those moms you see in Target who have kids throwing tantrums.

5.  Be patient with your husband. Cut the guy a break.  He puts up with a lot from you.

6.  Invest in your friendships, because they will last as long as the effort you put into them.  Cut off the ones that drain you and leave you feeling empty. Pour your energy into the ones who make you feel alive and refreshed, as well as the ones who challenge you in your walk with God.

7.  Find a good counselor, for you will need her over the years.

8.  Handle your money wisely now, because your life 10 years from now will be affected by those decisions you make today.  Don't just take out loans without thinking of the long-term consequences.

9.  Forgive others. Show more love.  Be less harsh. 

10.  You are passionate.  Be more passionate about God than you are about His causes. 

What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?  I'm curious to know!

Just Write.

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Do you remember the dreams you had as a child, then as a teenager, then as a young adult?  My own dreams have changed so much over the years, from wanting to be a veterinarian, to a singer, to a youth pastor, to a mom.  Before motherhood I was pretty ambitious, trying to continually work towards my goals, which led me to become a licensed minister and get my Master's Degree.  My life was going one direction, and then I became pregnant - a dream come true - but I knew my life was going to be forever changed.

For the past 6 years I have poured all of my energy into raising my boys, all the while knowing that I had changed and wondering what would come next.  I think it is good when dreams change - they kindof "evolve" over time, and as our seasons in life change, so do our dreams.  The last 2 years in particular I have wondered what God would have me do next. Was I called to focus solely on being a mom, or also pursue interests outside the home?

Six months ago I sensed that life was changing, but was unclear what the direction was.  I was about to turn 35, and in some ways it felt like I was having a mid-life crisis. I wondered if anything I had done up to that point had been effective. I wondered if I had made the right choices in life. I wondered if I had messed up somewhere and should have pursued other interests. I really wondered if I was a failure.  After becoming a mom, it seemed like all those accomplishments I had made meant nothing, and as though I had worked for....what?

This was my journal entry on June 19, 2011-
"Lord, show me what you created me to do.  Narrow my focus and give me a vision. Show me clearly what you have called me, specifically, to do.  Call me into a new season of ministry." 

On June 22nd -
"I've been praying that God would narrow my focus....A I write, I'm coming up with more ideas for articles....God, please show me what to do."

Then this-
"Hmmm....a thought.  If my only way to encourage people right now is through writing, I guess I better just write."


I won't go into the background of the statement "If my only way to encourage people right now is through writing..." because it would take hours.  But basically I felt like I had no ministry, no outlet, no direction, so all I knew to do was write.

Little did I know that God would answer that prayer only 4 days after I prayed it, but I didn't know He had answered it until 6 months later. Does that make sense?

It is now January...God has opened up multiple doors for writing and for speaking.  It was a dream inside that was pushed far back into a corner, and it is just now surfacing again.  For two years I heard of other people's dreams coming to fruition, and it discouraged me.  I wondered, "When will that happen for me?"  Although the doors opening for me would seem small to most people, to me they are huge, because they are an answer to that prayer I wrote on June 19, 2011.

I honestly don't know what will happen in the next year with this dream that started out as two words - "just write." Yet those two words provided me direction in the last 6 months that I needed.  I think a new dream is being born.

I say all of this because I know so many people who have dreams inside of them, and wonder if they've been forgotten. They wonder why God is not opening doors, and feel confused.  Last January I tried to get these doors to open, and not one door opened.  This January, the doors are being opened without me even trying. It's all about His timing.  When it's supposed to happen, it will happen.  If not, ask God to show you what to do in the meantime. For me, that meant "just write."  Maybe for you it means "just sing," or "just encourage," or "just be happy at home," or "just be patient."  But take heart, because He has not forgotten  you, and He will give you new dreams - or awaken the ones you had almost forgotten about.

Unexpected Obstacles

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Last week I wrote about unexpected joys we experienced last year, in response to Simple Mom's annual "20 Questions for a New Year's Eve Reflection."  Another one of the questions she asked was "what was an unexpected obstacle you faced?" and I wanted to share a little bit about my answer to that question.

Last year started out hard, as we were entering the 2nd half of Micah's kindergarten year.  He was doing fine in school, but I was struggling with certain aspects of it that affected my health and my emotions in a big way.  Some days I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around that situation and why God would have allowed it.  I did learn that life is not all about me, but about Him.  He put people (adults) in my life through that situation that I feel were divine appointments from Him - these were people who needed to see Jesus in someone's life, and our relationships continue to this day.  That year was also fun for Micah.  True, he did not learn a lot. But if he started out his education having fun and looking forward to each day, I can be happy about that.

We are now in a new classroom with a new teacher, and we love her.  She has been amazing for Micah and I wish we could have her every year!  Through that whole experience I also learned that many hard situations are just seasons, and things will change.

Another obstacle we faced last year was from January through March.  For two months, our family was extremely sick - we dealt with 2 bouts of pneumonia and I had strep throat twice.  For almost 6 weeks I could not talk above a whisper and was laid up in bed.  I remember just crying asking God, "Why is this happening?"  Those two months held a lot of silence for me, and a lot of listening.  They were painful, but God and I had a lot of conversations that I still hold deep in my heart.

In June of 2011, I got the devastating news that my best friend's adoption had fallen through. She and her family had driven from California to Oklahoma, held their adopted newborn baby in their arms for 11 days, and then the birth mother changed her mind and took the baby back.  This was one of the biggest shocks she had ever experienced, and I felt helpless from thousands of miles away.  My heart ached for her in the deepest way, and every thought was consumed with how she was doing.  As they made the long trek home, they were welcomed home by a group of their closest friends.  During the time they were gone, we came together and redid the baby's room, putting up a "yarn tree" with colorful leaves that had Scripture promises written for them by their family and friends.  We sat in the baby's room and cried together.  It was a precious moment that I will never forget.  Another unexpected obstacle, but rich with love and mercy.

Also in June, a young single mother came into our life and into our home.  We took care of her and her son for a little while, and I worked tirelessly to find her a job and a place to live. The situation felt completely hopeless and got worse every day.  One morning I received a phone call that a family at church wanted to take her and her baby in, and she has been living there ever since. She has an amazing full-time job now and is doing well.  During those few months that we were helping her, I truly could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once again I was challenged to trust God, and He did not fail us.

All of these obstacles seemed like impossible mountains to climb.  None of them felt like they were ever going to end.  But again, looking back I see that everything is a season, and God is faithful to carry us through! Why do we doubt Him when He proves Himself over and over again?  Even if we feel nothing good came out of a painful situation, we know that God is always working everything together for His good, even if it is a deep, dark corner of our soul that needs healing and repair.

I don't know what obstacles 2012 will hold for us. Yet looking back at last year proves to me again that even if we face trials, they are just for a season, and God is faithful.   What is an obstacle you faced last year that taught you about God's faithfulness?

Unexpected Joys

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Earlier today I sat down and typed up a blog post, and after 30 minutes of re-writing and editing, hit "publish."  But something happened and the entire post was deleted.  It was about some answers I had written to SimpleMom's "20 Questions for a New Year's Eve Reflection" (which I highly recommend you download and complete - awesome stuff).

Anyway, one of her questions was "What was an unexpected joy this past year?"  I thought long and hard about this one.  What kept coming to the forefront of my mind, however, was this one Saturday morning in July.  We were on vacation in Morro Bay with our close friends, and found out that some mutual friends of ours were camping right down the street. Morro Bay is about 5-6 hours from where we live, so the fact we were all there at the same time was just awesome. One morning I was able to sneak out with two of my closest friends, Anna and April.  We had coffee, chatted about life, and went thrift store shopping.  Those 3 hours were one of the best "unexpected joys" that I had all year.
 

Why did that moment stick out in my mind so much?   I think it's because friendship revives the soul, brings encouragement when we are weary, and comforts us in the deepest way.  To laugh with friends has to be one of the greatest gifts.  To connect with people who have known you for over 15 years is a special treat.  You know you can be yourself, flaws and all, and be loved.

Then I thought about the other unexpected joys this past year, and they all involved friends or family...

My best friend Heather's 35th surprise birthday party...

My sister's engagement and surprise engagement party...

And even coffee dates, phone calls, letters in the mail, and even Facebook posts were all little moments - unexpected joys.

There were unexpected obstacles as well (which I'll write about later), but these unexpected joys are things that we need to hold on to, especially to carry us through dark times.  Friendship is hard work; it takes time, energy, investment.  But when we work at it, it reaps us the most amazing rewards.

This year, I'll be seeking more ways that I can be an unexpected joy in someone else's life.  Whether through a word of encouragement, a card in the mail, a phone call, or just spending time together, I know how much it blesses my own life, and I hope to bless others in this way as well!

Change

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January 1st came and went, and I've barely had time to stop and reflect on 2011 yet.  These past 2 weeks flew by so fast, and we had so much activity going on, that all my free time was just spent catching up on much-needed sleep!  I'm so thankful for the time we had together as a family and with friends.

These past 3 days have been the hardest; getting back into the daily schedule and starting school again.

In the midst of all of that, yesterday I started a new job!  I'd been looking for something for over a month, and just the right opportunity came along. I'll be working as an administrative assistant for a counseling center, part-time there and part-time at home, and only about 10 hours a week.

It has been an exciting week, but also draining, and I feel those familiar body aches and sore throat that signal I have been a bit stressed and need to recoop for a few days.

Today I was thinking about change, and how even when change is good, it can be hard.

In December our church consolidated with another church - a huge change. We are now meeting at a new building, have different service times, different responsibilities, and are meeting a lot of new people.  Good, but hard.

Yesterday I went to work and felt good about it, but today felt more emotional.  I realize that this is my last "semester" with Jaden at home before he enters Kindergarten.  I cherish my times with him. Although I need to work (and want to), there is a little twinge of guilt every time I leave him.  Sure, he's in school on the mornings I work, but I've always been the one to drop him off and pick him up, and I won't always be able to do that now.  Again, good change, but hard.

The past two weeks we cleaned up a lot and got rid of Jaden's old car seats. We officially bumped him up into a booster seat, and he loves it.  Just a small change, but it reminds us that he is growing up and leaving the baby stage behind.

As my boys are leaving my side a little more these days, I see that we are entering a brand new stage.  A stage that is good, but hard.  It is always hard to watch your babies grow up and need you a little bit less.

The next two months I'll be focused on working and preparing for the Re:Write Conference in March.  I'm finishing a book proposal and entering a writing contest, and it is taking a ton of energy and focus.  Good, but hard!

We are only 3 days into 2012 and I see that this is already a year of change and growth.  This is really interesting, because last December I wrote about how I saw 2011 as a year of change.  It was a year of change, but 2012 might be even more of that!

What change are you currently going through and how are you feeling about it?

New Adventures

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It's been awhile since I've been over here at The Wonder Years, and I miss it!  I have a few blog posts in the works so please don't give up and keep checking in!  :)

As many of you know, I decided to end my photography business this summer.  After 6 years, I just felt it was time for a change.  When photo shoots start giving you high blood pressure and make you have nightmares, you know you need to take a break.  I still greatly enjoy editing, but the photo shoots just became un-enjoyable after so long.

As I've been praying about what to do next, I picked up a small side job as an Event Coordinator for a small insurance company. It's only 4-8 hours every other month, so it is not much, but still fun.  For a few hours I get to put my business-attire and pretend I'm an executive. Sort of.

Anyway, what is really exciting me is that I've started taking writing more seriously and have been working on a book for the past 6 months. I don't want to reveal the title just yet, but it is a book for stay-at-home moms.  Speaking has also been a passion of mine, and I've been praying for more opportunities to speak at local churches and women's groups.  A few months ago I launched JaimieBowman.com, which is my promotional (ministry) website for speaking and writing.  My blog over there is focused on women in ministry, so if you are passionate about that, please hop on over!   I have to admit, it is humbling (and a bit embarrassing) to have a website named after myself and try to promote it.  Yet in this digital world, I'm realizing people don't take you very seriously if you don't have these things in place.

I'm also very excited to be attending (and working at) the Re:Write Conference, which will be held in San Diego from March 2-4, 2012.  If you are an aspiring writer, you need to attend this conference. Even if you are "just" a blogger, like me, this will give you great tips on how to expand your audience and sharpen your writing skills. The normal cost of the conference (without lodging) is $595, but right now Money Saving Mom is offering a huge discount and you can register for only $199.

That's the latest from my neck of the woods!  Thanks for checking in. Please feel free to visit my new website at www.jaimiebowman.com and become a follower there too. I greatly appreciate it!!

Catching Up

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My poor little blog...how I've been neglecting thee...but things are slowing down now and I am BACK!

Here are a few fun things we've been up to the past few weeks:

1) The OC Fair - We had an opportunity to go to the Orange County Fair, where this year's featured foods included fried butter, fried kool-aid, and chocolate covered bacon! While I did not partake in any of this fine cuisine, I did have some mexican funnel cake, and it was AMAZING.  It's basically soft funnel cake that is swirled and made to look like funnel cake.

We saw the Ice Museum

Pet the wallabies and a baby deer

and Jaden went on his first roller coaster (he loved it)!

2) I joined a gym and started ZUMBA!  Yes, folks, I have been shaking my booty something fierce at Zumba.  It is so fun and quite the workout, but a little embarrassing when you see a lady from church in front of you, and the instructor for the day decides to do a "sexy" routine.  Yeah.

3) We had a girl from church stay with us for a few nights, along with her 17 month old son.  We lost a little sleep but it was a precious time of staying up late talking about God, laughing together, and eating a ton of food.  I think I actually gained about 5 pounds the week she was here, since I had to make food for all of us every day (as opposed to "wingin' it" which we do occasionally).  On Sunday night I helped her and her son move into their new place, and I already miss having them around.

4) Even though I keep trying to get out of the photography business, I have been taking jobs here and there if we need the money.  I had a beautiful maternity shoot at the beach and it was well worth the time and effort.

5) I am in the process of writing a book for stay-at-home moms.  My goal would be to have it finished by December if all goes as planned, and then self-publish.  Lately I've been working on my website and will publish that when it's ready.  It's been a lot of work!  I'm also looking for speaking opportunities for the Fall and Spring, if you know of anyone looking for a speaker for their church or women's events.

I cannot believe that school starts in 4 short weeks, and many of your kids have already started!  This week my goal is to continue to get ready for school - cleaning out our closets, our office, etc...  We have a few more weeks of summer so we're going to take full advantage of that.  Have a great week!

In Case You're Wondering

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Sometimes people wonder what pastors do.  They ask questions like "what do you do all day?" and get frustrated if you're not always in the office.  My own pastor even received prank calls almost every day for a year with an anonymous person leaving him a voicemail asking, "Where are yoooouuuuu???"  Strange.

Pastors have an extremely hard job. They are daily faced with people in need asking them for help, as well as constantly facing criticism.  "The music is too loud!"  "The preaching is too soft!"  "The chairs are too hard!" and other nonsense.  Very few pastors receive encouragement and most receive complaints more than anything. People can be critical and just plain mean.  However, despite those obstacles, this job is also very fulfilling.  There is nothing better than knowing you are right where God wants you to be, doing what He wants you to do.  It is an amazing privilege serving people and caring for their needs: emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

My husband and I have both served as pastors on staff at our church in different capacities for over 11 years. SO - in case you were wondering, here is what the last 48 hours have held for me personally, not to mention my husband who is also a pastor (actually paid for it) and deals with way more than I do:

Saturday
8:00am- take church member to get her car fixed
10:00am- have a Skype call with a former youth group member who is in Israel
10:30am- leave to go pick up car that was fixed, along with previous church member
11:00am- talk with church member about life and God
12:00pm- head to store for groceries for a get together later
1:00pm- lunch and clean house
3:00pm- leave for dinner at a dear friend's house
4:00pm-9:00pm - have dinner with dear friends- food for our soul.
11:00pm- remember that I have to teach Sunday School in the morning and pour over curriculum in bed.

Sunday
8:00am- get boys ready for church, keep them from destroying their church clothes until we leave
9:00am- run to the store to pick up a gift for church member
9:30am- arrive at church and set up for Sunday School
10:00-11:30am- teach Sunday School and lead worship for Sunday School
11:30-12:30pm- fellowship with people from church
1:00pm- lunch and try to nap, but fail to nap due to loud 4 year old
2:00pm - spend the rest of the day in a coma trying to recover from the busy morning.  Way too much socializing for me! :)
4:00pm-8:00pm- spend time helping a person from church who is in an emergency situation
11:00pm- crash into bed

Monday
2:00am- receive a phone call in the middle of the night from a church member who needs a place to stay
2:30am- welcome church member into home, making her a bed on the couch
2:30-3:30am- lay in bed wide awake
7:00am- wake up to head to court with church member who is on the couch
8:00am-12:00pm- sit in court with church member.  She is devastated from the ruling.  Console and counsel.
1:00pm- have lunch with church member, pray, provide her with resources...

Finally things slowed down and we were able to enjoy a nice afternoon with great friends. We went to the beach and had dinner- just what we needed after a rough 2 days.

As exhausting as some of these things can be, they are also so rewarding. God supernaturally gives you the strength you need, the wisdom you need, and the resources you need to minister to people who are hurting.  You find that you're able to touch lives out of your own life experiences and pain.  God is faithful to use your own weaknesses for His glory.  We are privileged to serve God in this capacity and feel honored that He uses us in this way.  He can use you, too - you don't have to be a pastor or a minister with a title. We are all ministers of Christ if we have Him in our hearts.  Ask Him how he wants to use you today - it is a great adventure and so worth every moment!

The Beach & I

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I have never been a beach person.  Maybe it's because of my fair skin, which gets burnt to a crisp even in 73 degree weather.  Maybe it's because I am afraid of scaring the natives in my bathing suit.  Maybe it's because of the sand that gets in every crevice.  I don't have fond memories of the beach, because as a child I often left with sunburns that sent me to doctors' offices, even after applying SPF 75.  But the fact is, I live by the beach.

For the past year I have come to terms with the fact that everyone around me loves the beach, relishes living by it, and always wants to go.  I, on the other hand, would rather drive an hour up to the mountains to breathe in the crisp air and see nature at its finest.

However, the past few Thursday mornings I have had the opportunity to have some rare time to myself, and each Thursday I have found myself at the beach.  It is within 2 miles of my house, and the weather has been beautiful.  For $2, I can park there for however long I want, read a book or take a walk, and breathe in the sea salt air.

Last Thursday I stopped by my favorite cafe, The Yellow Vase, and picked up a cupcake (now you know why I don't wear bathing suits).  They were filming 90210 that day, and these two girls walked right by me.

Um, awesome!!  Seriously, everyone on that set was so beautiful. There I was with my crazy hair, no makeup on and my outfit from the floor of my bedroom - I felt really hot.  I fit right in.

Anyway, back to the beach.  My point is, that I think I am falling in love with the beach.  Not because of the sand in my pants, or the sunburn I might get, or all the interesting people there.  It is because when I am there I feel close to God.  Even if I am having a bad day, I can take a little drive, put .25 cents in the meter, roll down my window and hear the waves.  And it even gets better when I see something like this:

This photo was taken last week by my friend Heidi.  Every time I go down there I see dolphins. Today I walked a mile on the sand, while they swam the same direction the whole time.  My friend Melanie was there yesterday and they were doing flips in the air!  When I see the dolphins, it always reminds me of the glory of God.  Something about seeing His creation like that just speaks to my soul.

This week we also took a little trip to see the dead sardines.  You may have heard about this on the news - over 1.5 million sardines were found dead in Redondo Beach on Tuesday morning.  We had rough winds on Monday night, and the sardines made a wrong turn and ended up in the harbor (where it dead ends). There were so many of them that they suffocated to death.  It was really sad seeing them there, many with their mouths wide open like they were gasping for air.  I was expecting to see tiny sardines (like the ones in the cans), but these were all 6-8" long.  The boys loved it.  They were fascinated and asked so many questions.  I have never seen anything like it.

In talking with people about this event, numerous people have said, "It reminds me of the end of days."  Even people with no faith are saying thing like that.  Again, nature has a way of turning people to God, even in odd ways like this.

So, while you may not find me parked on the sand in my bathing suit with my beach umbrella, you may find me there...sitting in wonder and awe at God's handiwork.  It is amazing!

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'"  Revelation 5: 13

My Inward Resolves

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I used to be a BIG New Year's Resolution girl, but each year I grow more disenchanted with that word...with the unrealistic goals I set for myself...with trying to be different instead of accepting the way that God made me....and then with the feeling of failure that I haven't met any of my resolutions at the end anyway.  I read this post from my friend Victoria, however, that I really liked - her resolutions seemed to focus more on inward resolve rather than external things. 

Every year around Christmas time, I pray that God will give me a word that will describe the coming year for me.  A word that I can hold on to and look forward to.  In 2009 I felt that the word was TRANSITION, and we ended up moving to our new house.  In 2010 my word was CLARITY.  This past year did give me opportunities to clear out "excess" from my life and focus more on what is most important.  I also stepped aside from ministry in a few areas which allowed me a much needed break. 

This year the word I have sensed for 2011 is CHANGE. I'm not sure what (or how), but I pray that I will welcome it and be open to what God has in store. 

One of the first changes I am making is taking a break from photography for awhile.  I will still do editing on the side for income, but I am not going to do any photo sessions for a long time, possibly until September (for the 2011 Christmas season).  I need to upgrade my equipment, get my computer fixed, re-define my goals and just have a break.  The business has been running for 5 years now and I'm praying about whether I should continue to pursue it as a legitimate business, or just a hobby.  As of right now, it is no longer fun, no longer energizing to me, but just constantly draining.  The minute I made that decision, I felt a huge weight lifted off of me. 

This past year was busy.  Photography, MOPS, women's ministry, lactation counseling, and then entering the world of kindergarten was a lot.  I have ended 90% of what I was involved in, and it feels good.  For now I will focus on continuing to help in Micah's class, volunteering once every 2 months at the Pregnancy Help Center, and as for the rest, we will just have to wait and see...

Change is ahead, and it feels good.  Sometimes you have to stop and re-focus so that you can enter a new phase with energy and vision.  I also don't want to be known as a "busy" person, and I regret that is how many people have seen me.  Busy does not mean important, or effective, in any means.  I want to be present, not busy and distracted.  While we can't avoid certain commitments or scheduled events, I don't have to overload myself with more to do.  It is okay to say "no" and not be overly concerned with what someone else might think of me for saying that. 

So, if I'm going to make resolutions this year, instead of my same old list (like last year's), here are my 2011 Inward Resolves:

-I resolve to welcome change instead of resist it
-I resolve to find the beauty in the season I am in
-I resolve to be less busy and more present
-I resolve to appreciate my boys and the stage they are in more
-I resolve to say "no" more often
-I resolve to not feel guilty about having to say no
-I resolve to love more and fight less
-I resolve to honor Christ more with my thoughts and words
-I resolve to serve and love my husband in new and creative ways

What are your 2011 Resolutions or Inward Resolves?

I Write.

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For me, I write.
Like hot tears falling on soft cheeks, they flow.
Words may stop for a few seconds while I catch my breath
But soon enough they are pouring again,
rippling down from the top of my head, down through my throat
where I just had that lump from holding back tears
and they bypass my chest, passing right by my heart,
where the feelings are all bunched together.
They run faster, faster still
Coursing through my veins, up towards my shoulders,
where I often bear the weight of the world.
They fall down my arms,
which carry my babies
and they trickle through my fingers,
which lovingly pluck at the keys
Like a romantic sonata is being played.

The heaviness I bore within starts to release,
as I feel the thoughts, the words, and the letters
being played in perfect harmony.
It is my sonnet, it is my breath.

Starting as hail, pounding harshly
Turning to rain, as I process
Becoming lighter, lighter still
Soon it feels like snow,
falling gentler and gentler on the page

What was a mixed ball of emotions
that was hard to make out,
has now become a soft song
that suddenly makes sense.

For the writer has released her love
and it flies forth across the page.
It is not for the reader that she writes,
but for herself.
For it is her truth, her life, her voice
that often gets lost in the noise.

She is in love with words,
with poetry and song,
and as she lets it out,
she breathes new life again.

© 2010 Jaimie Bowman

28 Things

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So, these emails have been going around for years and just keep popping up.  Yet somehow they are still fun, because our answers are always changing as we get older.  Here is the latest version of "28 Things About Me" (as if you wanted to know) ;)

1) If I could have any job right this second, it would be traveling and speaking.
2) If I could not travel and speak, I would like to work with foster kids.
3) I am a total extrovert-introvert.  (Make that introvert-extrovert)
4) I have been known to hide in stores to avoid people I know.  (See #3)
5) I am currently obsessed with parking at the beach and staying there until I see dolphins.  (My kids aren't big fans of that unfortunately).
6) My love languages are: acts of service and gift giving.
7) My love languages are NOT: physical closeness and words of encouragement.  But they are my husband's and so I am working on it :)
8) If I could spend a day with anyone in the world right now, it would be Beth Moore.  (I know you're disappointed I didn't say you, but I would love to spend a day with you too).
9) My favorite place to vacation is in the woods, preferably near a lake.
10) I cannot handle being around people with lots of drama in their life, or who get offended easily.
11) I have lived in California all of my life, in both southern and northern parts.
12) I was a pastor's kid until I was 15, and wrote my Master's Thesis on "The Identity Formation of Pastor's Kids"
13) My main goal in life (up until college) was to be a professional singer.  That is, until I auditioned for the choir in college and found out that I was a very small fish in a very big pond.
14) I have not changed a whole lot since high school.  My hair is the same, my clothes are the same, and my favorite colors are the same :)  I have just toned my bangs down a bit.
15) I am more of a "glass half-empty" sort of gal, and am working on it.
16) Someday we want to adopt a little girl, age 7 or older, out of the foster care system.
17) In my photography business, I enjoy the editing of the photos more than the taking of them.
18) One of my most embarrassing moments happened at church last year, when I slipped in the lobby and did the full-on SPLITS in front of everyone in. a. dress.  (I put periods on the ends of those words just. for. you. youknowwhoyouare) ;)
19) The only movies I rent are comedies.
20) My favorite candy is See's Candy, preferably the raspberry truffle.
21) High maintenance people really frustrate me.
22) I might be a high maintenance person.
23) My favorite birthday tradition is going to the Old Spaghetti Factory with Heather and then going thrift-store shopping afterwards :)
24) I really have no hobbies except for blogging (and Facebook).
25) I also eat way too much.
26) I find my greatest joy when I'm ministering to others.
27) I married an incredible man whom God has graced with incredible patience for all of my weaknesses.
28) I love my life and am a blessed woman!

Now it's your turn!!

Why I Blog

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(From a wedding I shot recently)

I have found there are two types of people when it comes to blogs: those that get it, and those that don't.  Neither one is better than the other, mind you;  it's just that people tend to fall into one of those two categories.  

The ones who "get it" may or may not have their own blog.  But either way, they love to read other people's blogs.  When they meet someone else that uses the word "blog" or they overhear it in conversation, they get just a little bit giddy inside - "Hey! She must be just like me!"  Those that "get it" also love to tell other people stories that they've read on their weekly blog reads.  They also may have certain bloggers in common that they follow, like The Pioneer Woman, Angie Smith, or MckMama.  

We learn from other bloggers how to do fun or useful things.  We learn more about ourselves, and more about God. It is a fast and condensed form of reading (which used to be one of my main hobbies, until I had to do a Directed Reading for my MA program of 5,000 pages, suddenly had to be prescribed glasses, and declared that I would never read a book again- but I digress).  It is a little bit like reading a magazine;  you can get through a post in 5 minutes and come back to it later if you want to.  I can honestly say that reading blogs has helped me to become a better mother and wife, as I have been encouraged by others.  I have learned new strategies for dealing with stress and household chores.  I have seen that other moms have the same struggles as I do, and it helps me to relate to others better.  In addition, I have made some real friends through blogging!  These are people who I have never met in person, but we keep in touch aside from our  blogs and would love to meet someday.

I blog because writing is an outlet for me.  I really only have 1 hobby, and this is it.  Some people scrapbook, some people crochet, some people cook, some people clean.  For me, I write.  

There are also those who don't get what blogging is, and ask questions that come off a little cynical at times.  Questions like "Gee, when do you have time to blog?  I'm so busy that I don't have time to do anything like that." or "Yeah, that's not my thing.  I'd rather connect with people for real, like on the phone or face-to-face."    In a way I think they're putting bloggers down, mainly because they don't  understand it.  It's okay if you don't understand it.  

So, here are my responses to those two questions/comments that I get all the time.  In response to the "Gee, when do you have time to blog?" question, I mainly blog at night, after the kids are in bed.  Sometimes I will start a post earlier in the day and finish it later.  But it's just like any other hobby.  You fit it in because you love it.  Don't worry, I am not neglecting my children (because that's another misconception about mommy bloggers).  I don't do it every day, but try to at least 3x a week.

In response to the "I'd rather connect with people on the phone or in person" comment, I am thankful that I do regularly connect with people in the real world.  But I don't have time to be on the phone more than 3 minutes once a day, so I hardly ever talk on the phone.  If anything, blogging has enriched my personal relationships by getting to know people on a deeper level. I blog about things I may never normally have a conversation with you about, yet the next time we see each other, we can connect in a new way because we have connected through the power of our life's stories.

So, why do I blog?

1) Because it's fun!

2) Because it is an outlet

3) Because I want every mother who reads my blog to know that she is not alone.  I want every woman who reads my blog to be encouraged.  I want every person who reads my blog to experience Jesus.

It would be great if this blog grew and had thousands of readers.  Not because I want to be famous, but because I want to encourage others and reach out, and it is a form of ministry to me.  Yet many bloggers think that bigger numbers means they have a better blog.   In the efforts to get more followers, there are "Follow Me Friday" link ups all over the web, but all they really do is give you followers so that they can get you as a follower.  They are NOT necessarily readers of your blog.  I tried it once, but quickly got tired of the "I'll follow you if you follow me" comments.  I won't do that again.  

Some bloggers get paid to blog, in essence, because they have sponsors or advertisers.  I may pursue this at some point, but I like the feel of having control over my content and not feeling like I have to write about any particular thing.  It is also a lot less stressful to not have to deal with the whole business side of the blogging world.

For now, this blog will stay what it is, and I'm okay with that.  I appreciate each and every one of you who take time to stop by each week.  It really means so much to me that you would be the least bit interested in something I would have to say.  I love reading your comments, and I love the conversations we have in person, too.  It is always encouraging to know who is reading, as I have no way of knowing without comments or knowing you in person. 

I hope this gives you a better understanding of why people blog in general, and why I choose to blog. If you blog, why do you do it?

9 Questions

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My friend Corrina posted some fun questions for her readers to answer, so here goes...

1.  What is one goal you have in the next 5 years?  To pay off our last school loan

2.  If you could purchase an entire outfit--head to toe--what would it be?  Oh man, this question stresses me out.  I'm horrible at choosing outfits, as evidenced by my entire Merona-on-sale closet.  I would probably go to Anthropologie and pick out something like this:

(As you can see, I don't wear a lot of color) :)

3.  What country do you want to visit and why?  Ireland, since we tried to go there 7 years ago and the whole trip fell through, or Israel, because I've always wanted to visit the places Jesus walked.

4.  What is your favorite See's Candy?  Raspberry Truffle

5.  What music are you listening to most frequently right now?  Seeds Family Worship :)

6.  What's the last thing you did for yourself?   Had Pumpkin Spice Coffee, and removed my toenail polish.  Nice, huh?  ;)

7.  What time do you wake up in the morning?  7am, then go back to sleep until 8am. (I know, it seems late, but you don't want to be around me before 8am, trust me.)

8.  What kind of jammies do you wear?  Nothing fancy; I have about 10 different things I rotate through, from a gray pajama set, to some cute nightgowns.

9.  What is your outlet?  Blogging and being with friends.

Your turn!! Copy these questions, delete my answers and go for it! 

Crazy True Stories

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Sometimes weird things happen to me, and my friends always say, "The craziest things always happen to you!"  I don't think they always happen, but there have been a few interesting incidents.  I remember one day, when I decided to go into ministry, praying that God would give me some good sermon illustrations.  I guess he listened to that prayer! :)  Here are a few that I was remembering recently:

-When I was about 18 years old, my friend Amy and I were driving through the forest to get to a camp where her dad worked.  As we drove around a bend, a large deer jutted out of the forest and directly into my side of the car door.  I looked that deer in the face as his head smacked in to the window.  It hit the car hard.  We were both in shock and Amy pulled over.  I couldn't open my door since it wouldn't work anymore.  I climbed through her side, and joined a crowd of people that had gathered around the deer.  I put my hand on the deer as it lay on the ground and took it's last breath.  It was SO sad!  As we drove away, we both started to cry.  We stopped at the Ranger station, because we weren't sure if we were supposed to report it, and the ranger said, "Who wants some dinner?!"  and laughed.  What a mean man.
Sermon illustration: God's protection

-In college, my friend Beth and I were driving up the 405 freeway to pick someone up from LAX (airport).  Suddenly we saw a golden retriever in the middle of the freeway, right in our lane, and she had no choice but to hit it head on.  We pulled over, and saw that the front headlights had been knocked out and the front of the car was heavily damaged.  We drove the rest of the way with no headlights on, in shock (again), and both holding back tears.  At the airport we got pulled over and explained to the cop what had happened, and he said, "Oh, that was you?"  He apparently had heard about the incident already.  So sad.  In both cases, it was a miracle nobody was hurt.
Sermon illustration: God's protection

-When Martin and I were first married, we lived in an apartment complex and had to walk to get our mail.  I headed downstairs, on a cold and blistery day, and casually walked towards the mailboxes.  All of the sudden about 3 police cars came speeding down the driveway and all surrounded me.  About 5 policemen got out and surrounded me with guns drawn.  "Take your hands out of your pockets and put them in the air!" one shouted.  I was scared, but at the same time amused.  I remember saying at one point, "Um, do I look like a criminal?"  One of them patted me down and then they let me go.  Apparently someone had reported a woman with a gun (in the parking lot) who was wearing a black jacket.  That was fun :)
Sermon illustration: I have no idea


-A little over 5 years ago, when I was 9 months pregnant with Micah, I got a spurt of energy after work and decided to go to Mervyn's (remember Mervyn's?).  I shopped for awhile and had my hands full of a big pile of clothes when my cell phone rang.  It said "home" so I knew it was Martin.  I answered the phone and heard another voice on the other end.  "Ma'am, this is Officer Flores and I am in your home right now.  Your house has been broken into and you need to come home right away."  I dropped everything on the floor and ran out.  I called Martin on his cell phone and he rushed home, getting there before I did.  The house was a mess. Totally ransacked.  Everything was taken out of every drawer, every closet, and even from under our bed.  We tried to figure out what was missing.  The only thing missing in the house (amidst all of Martin's guitars, my camera equipment, our computers, etc...) was our small digital camera and about $4 in change from our change jar.

The police officer said that 4 young men approached the house.  One knocked on the door and the other three went through the side gate.  They came in through the back door.  Two employees from Toyota (next door to our house) were on their lunch break and saw the whole thing take place.  They pounded on the front door and said, "POLICE!  Get out of the house NOW!"  All of them ran out the back door, jumped over the fence and to a getaway car driven by a female.  The two men from Toyota got the license plate number and called police.

The policemen kept telling me it was a good thing I wasn't home.  Yes, it was, because every single day after work, being 9 months pregnant, I would come home and take a nap, with earplugs in my ears.  I probably would not have heard them knocking on the door, and they would have come inside and found me in my bedroom asleep.  Lord have mercy.

That night our friends came over for pizza, and the investigator came to take fingerprints.  It was quite entertaining eating our pizza, watching him dust the whole house for prints.  The female was caught, put on probation, and had to send us monthly payments for our camera and the $4 in the change jar. :)  I am not sure what happened to the other four.

"God is our refuge and strength, and ever -present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1

So many people spend their lives in FEAR of so many things that can happen to them.   But I am living proof that God protects his people and watches over them.  God is our protector!  I think that sermon illustration is pretty obvious :)

Now I want to hear your crazy stories!!

And 'The Versatile Blogger Award' Goes To.....

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I discovered this wonderful blog the other day (Striving For 31) and it has already inspired me so much.  I am taking the 30 Day Challenge along with the author, Amber, and today I found out that she nominated me for "The Versatile Blogger" award - woo hoo!! :)  I have no idea where this award originated from, but it is for those blogs that are "Versatile" - you know, those of us who blog random thoughts that may or may not relate to each other :)

So, my task is to list 7 random things about myself and then nominate some other great bloggers for this award. Here goes:

- I was a youth pastor for two years before I got married.  The youth group started with 1 girl and grew up to about 15 kids.  We were a small church of about 50 people, but it was one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs I have ever had, and I grew SO much.

- I have been on four TV shows - two as a guest on the show, and two as a studio audience member shown on TV.  All will remain nameless ;)

- I used to practice singing 3-4 hours a day, in my quest to be the next Amy Grant.  I did solos at church every month, sang each week on the worship team, and led worship a few times in college.  Now I hardly ever sing at all, but miss it immensely.

- In junior high and high school I went through a long phase where I did not like my name (Jaimie), and asked all my friends to call me by my pig-latin name:  Amy J.  Seriously.  I'm not joking.

- I moved quite a few times in my life and changed schools, and have always had a "gift" of keeping in touch with people.  In fact, when people don't keep in touch with  me it makes me really sad, because relationships mean so much to me.  I am still regularly in touch with my best friends from 2nd grade, 6th grade, and 10th grade.  Old friends probably think it's weird that I still write and call, but I just could never really let go.

- I have a major problem with hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands and feet) and have blogged about it before.  Just never ask me to hold hands with you, and never, ever massage my feet.  I need surgery for it but it is $5000.  Care to contribute? ;)

- I have no sense of style.  I regularly ask my husband if something matches or looks good together.  If I don't match or I look strange, just blame him. ;)

OKAY.  So here is who I nominate for this blogger award - I am picking 8 today:

-Suzie.  Suz is a good friend of mine, fellow partner in women's ministry, and a beautiful woman inside and out.  I look up to her as a friend, minister and mother.

-Beth at The Stories of A to Z.  Beth daily inspires me.  I get giddy checking her blog for new decorating ideas.  And she is an amazing woman who loves God.

-Victoria.  Vik has been a friend of mine ever since I met my husband.  Her husband and mine are best friends from junior high school, and we love to get together and laugh.  She has blessed me in so many ways and I'm so thankful for her friendship!

-Jenny.  We met in blogger-land but I feel like we are next door neighbors.  Our two boys are the same ages, and I love having someone to relate to in that way.  Plus, I check out her blog just to look at her majorly adorable little girl Emery.

-April.  My dear friend/former roommate/bridesmaid/like a sister who currently lives in Egypt with her sweet family.  I miss her so much, but am thankful she has a blog now to write her hilarious stories of life in another country.

-Heather.  I'm so thankful we got back in touch through blogging after going to college together many years ago. She is a woman of God, someone I trust and know she will pray for me, and has 3 beautiful girls!

-Corrina.  Another college friend, we also lived together for a time, we formed a Point-of-Grace copycat group for a time (with Heather from the above blog, and our other friend Heather), and she is a ministry mama too.  Corrina inspires me to be healthy and I love reading her blog.  Plus, we're both white girls married to Mexicans so that gives her extra brownie points in my book ;)

-Mindy.  Mindy is a fellow photographer who is blowing me away with her awesome skills!  I love looking through her shoots and she inspires me!  She has a hilarious little girl and the cutest little boy and I love reading her stories.

Okay, girls!! Your mission is to accept this blogger award, post 7 random facts about yourself, and nominate other worthy-bloggers of the Versatile Blogger Award yourself.  Thank you all for inspiring me and giving me a little getaway each day! 

Looking Back

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Today is my 34th birthday.  I thought it would be fun to look back at my baby book today and found a few fun "highlights" in there:

First, there were a bunch of doctor well-check visit notes from my pediatrician to my mom.  In it, I found recommendations that she start giving me rice cereal at 16 days old, and baby food starting at 11 weeks old (my, how things have changed!).  I was frequently at the doctor's office for ear infections and high fevers (103+ until I became an adult).  It was interesting seeing how many of my own health issues as a baby were also Micah's same health issues.

I found this letter in my baby book as well, which I probably wrote when I was around 11 or 12 years old:

I like guys who are really cute.
My favorite restaurant is Seasons and Dennys and all the great restaurants.
I hate seafood.
I like PopTarts for breakfast.
I want a dress that flows out really far.
I like beautiful dresses.
I want to work with animals when I grow up.
Sizes:  Large and medium, but not small
I like beautiful things.


P.S. And flowers.


I see not much has changed in the past 22 years or so! :)


My mom had me when she was only 21 years old.  She and my dad had been married 3 years already. When I think about how young she was when she had me, I am just amazed that she did such a great job!  She gave birth to me with NO epidural, either.  Go mom!  I was born with white blonde, very curly hair, and my personality was very much like Micah's (introverted, shy and cautious).

(Almost age 3)

(I seem to have come out of my shell around age 3 1/2 long enough to celebrate Jesus' birthday.  Just give me cake and I'm happy!)

Growing up, I sucked my thumb until I was almost ELEVEN years old (yes, you read that right) had a HUGE gap in my teeth.  When I was around 14, a friend of my moms told me she got rid of her gap in her teeth by putting a small rubber band around them every night before she went to bed.  I did that for over a year, and my gap disappeared.  Saved my parents a few thousand bucks and I never did have braces.

Now that I have found this treasury of photos and letters in my garage, I am enjoying looking through everything (and laughing a lot).  Don't be surprised if you find more pictures and momentos I find on my blog in the next few months :)

Goals and Dreams

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Are you a "New Year's Resolution Maker"?  It seems like there are people who make resolutions every year, and people who say they never make resolutions.  It depends on the year for me.  This year, I am newly inspired to create goals, mainly because of this website I found a few months ago called Simple Mom.  Seriously, this website is amazing.  I told the author of it that I really think this is my favorite website EVER.  Tsh thinks like me (meaning, she is easy to understand because I seem to need that right now), she loves making lists, and she helps me to be more organized and a better mom!  Anyway, she has these downloadable questions to help you set goals for 2010.  One is called "20 Questions for New Year's Eve Reflection," and the other is "Goal Setting Questions for 2010."  This last one is kicking my butt because it's 7 pages long, but SO good!!  


Through completing these questionnaires, I have discovered that I have a L.O.T. of goals for this year.  Here are some of them:


-Exercise 4x a week
-Spend a minimum of 30 minutes 4x a week playing outside with the boys (this is so hard for me!!  I know- lame mom!!) :)
-Learn how to be a more effective home & time manager
-Read 5 books
-Read the Bible to the boys each night before bed (4-5 times a week)
-Teach them to memorize 1 verse of Scripture each month
-Have a more consistent time with God each day
-Pay off 2 credit cards
-Stay debt free through 2010 after paying those off
-Increase savings
-Spend less time on the computer (ha! no, seriously)
-Clean more (this would probably happen more if I was off the computer more often!)
-Have more family fun time


Oh, that doesn't seem like enough?  Trust me, I have about 15 more goals in my head; things that have to do with eating out less, getting Jaden off of the binky, stay on top of the laundry, etc... 


Normally I would feel like I am just shooting myself in the foot by making so many goals.  But I do think that it is good to have things to be working toward in life.  When I look at this overwhelming list, I have to ask myself, "What would be my very top goal?"  It always seems to come back to the most important thing:  my spiritual life.  Time with God.  Teaching our boys about God.  Secondly, it comes down to health: exercise regularly.  


And the truth is, these two top goals would happen if I were simply a more effective time manager.  That includes spending less time on the computer (the time that I waste, not the time that I blog, obviously) :)


Today I read a quote from Dave Ramsey who said that "On average, New Year's Resolutions end around 2/14"  (Check out his site - he's pretty cute for an old guy!) :)   I think we'd do ourselves a favor by keeping things simple.  As in, I don't have to accomplish all the things above, but I can work on what I consider to be my TOP goal every day.  Then work on the 2nd, 3rd, and so forth.  At least I'll know I completed one of them!   


So, what are your goals?  Are you a "New Year's Resolution Maker"?