2012's first Friday's Fave Five

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1. Family Game Night ♥♥♥

Although the time was short, it was wonderful having twin sis home for the weekend.  She just returned home - engaged! - from the Philippines and returned to New York 2.5 days later. On Saturday night, we went to sis & bro-in-law's house for dinner and games (after crazy fun and goodnight kisses with the baby girls.)  We played Quelf - random & unpredictable! "As you move around the game board, as one of eight quirky characters, crazy things start to happen. Your friends start talking strangely. Your mom's face is wrapped in toilet paper. Your dad is acting like Dracula. And you are reciting a poem about your armpits."

2. Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides ♥♥♥

The Pirates of the Caribbean movie series has been one of my favorites since the first movie in 2003, and I finally saw the last movie on Saturday and LOVED it - my favorite Pirates movie yet!

3. USCIS ♥♥♥

Tuesday morning, Dad, hubby, and I drove to Indianapolis to the US Immigration office for Titus to have his fingerprints taken.  The first step towards Titus' Work Visa and Green Card (and eventual citizenship) was the initial application, and the second: finger printing!  So I am very grateful for this morning's appointment and very grateful/proud of Dad's patience and willingness to drive us.

4. 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp ♥♥♥

My sweet husband bought me this book for Christmas and it is changing my life - at least my mentality.  It's like a love song.  I'm reading it slow and anticipating reading it again.  Thanks to the wise and beautiful Suzanne Howell for recommending this book.  I'm recommending it to others!



5. Journey to Adoption ♥♥♥

My friends Bridgette and Trey are in Uganda right now awaiting court (at 3am this morning.)  They began their adoption journey 1 year ago, and it has accumulated to this: bringing home Baby Solomon. [Lord willing...]  Please pray for Bridgette, Trey, big brother-to-be Trenner, Baby Solomon, and their judge, and lawyers.

Until next Friday...

Blessed and Grateful,
Jewel

September 2011's first "Friday's Fave Five"

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1. A Great Job ♥♥♥
Last Thursday I started working at the daycare and I have absolutely LOVED it!  It has been a joy to earn the trust and love of my two-year-old class and I'm looking forward to getting to know their little personalities more in the weeks and months ahead.  On Thursday I earned M*m*'s trust by cuddling him until his mommy arrived to take him to the hospital to get stitches (he fell out of his chair during snack time :(.)  It was a sad but sweet few minutes.  I also enjoy the head-rubbing and back-patting as my little princes and princesses drift off during nap time.

2. A Precious Gift ♥♥♥

This beautiful elephant brooch is on its way to my house thanks to a sweet and generous ebay seller who calls herself "The Turtle Lady."  Priced at $16.99+shipping, I knew I couldn't afford it for my broach bouquet, so I messaged the seller and she's sending it as a wedding gift!  I'll be cherishing this one in honor of a stranger's kindness, and in memory of my granddad, who passed on a collection of elephants from around the world, and an admiration of the royal animal.  Both these elephants have their trunks up, which is a symbol of "good luck" in many parts of the world.  I just love it and can't wait to see it in person!

3. A Plane Ticket ♥♥♥

I finally bought my fiancé's one-way ticket from Cambodia to Indiana.  He doesn't have his visa yet, but I bought it in FAITH - remembering how God has already been faithful to Titus and I throughout the visa process, believing that He won't stop being faithful, and praying that He will go before Titus to his interview and will provide a visa.  I can't wait to see him in 26 days and marry him in 57!

4. A Farewell Party ♥♥♥
Today is my last day working at the cemetery and it's BITTERSWEET.  I know there will be days at Cracker Barrel and the daycare where I will wish that I was simply behind a desk again.  Yesterday the cemetery staff had a farewell party with a "Good Luck Jewel!" ice cream cake and cards and a gift.  Everyone awkwardly surrounded my desk... and it was touching in a sweet way.  I have grown to really enjoy the company of some of my co-workers, and I'm going to  miss them.

5. A Cousin in Town ♥♥♥

My cousin from Ohio is transferring from a college in Nashville to IWU and she moves in today!!  I'm excited about spending time with her and helping her in any way that I can.  It will also mean that we will be seeing her parents more, and that will also be nice.

Love love love, Jewel

Another Week Passed!

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1. Lakeview Christian School Daycare ♥♥♥
Last Friday, I told you that I was just hired by Cracker Barrel.  I got another job this week!  On Wednesday morning, I turned in my application at a local daycare and on Wednesday evening, they called me and asked me to start Thursday morning! WOW!  It's been a little confusing/stressful trying to finish my two weeks notice at the cemetery, and start at the daycare, and arrange training at Cracker Barrel, while meanwhile being a church janitor. HA. BUT, I feel blessed to have three GOOD jobs.  I really really really loved the daycare yesterday. 19 2-year-olds on my first day was a little overwhelming, but I enjoyed the cuddling, the head-rubbing and back-patting during naptime, and the one-last-hug goodbyes.

2. Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus) by Chris Rice ♥♥♥


Weak and wounded sinner, lost and left to die, o raise your head, for love is passing by. Come to Jesus! Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted and carried far away; and precious blood has washed away the stain, so... sing to Jesus! Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby, don't be afraid to crawl; and remember when you walk, sometimes we fall... so fall on Jesus! Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely and steep and filled with pain; so if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then... cry to Jesus. Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over and music fills the night; and when you can't contain your joy inside, then... dance for Jesus. Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye. Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side... and fly to Jesus! Fly to Jesus and live!

3. I Shot a Gun ♥♥♥

On Wednesday night, my college/young adult destination unknown group had a time of "personal and gun safety" and a local police officer came to advice the new college freshman on personal safety.  Marion isn't quite like Noblesville or Gary or Indianapolis, Indiana; but it isn't quite like Mayberry either.  So it was a good idea! After the talk, we went into outside to shoot real guns. I was nervous... pretty nervous, but I thought, "Go big or go home!"  So I shot the shotgun! TWICE!  *Crossing "shoot a gun" off my bucketlist! :)

4. Bangs... ♥♥♥

I got these yesterday. I haven't had a drastic hair change (if you can consider going from 'no bangs' to 'bangs') since I was probably 17, but I decided it was TIME.  I also really needed a trim - hoping it will speed up some hair growth (which is almost a foreign idea to me, despite how quickly my twin sister's hair grows!) before my wedding in only 64 (SIXTY-FOUR!) days.

5. Girls' Night ♥♥♥

I'm really looking forward to a much-needed, very fun girls' night tonight.  More tissue paper pomanders, more scones, more laughs, more memories, and who knows what else!  My fiancé could be arriving in America one month from today and I'm wanting to spend much time with my girls AND get most of the wedding things pulled together before he comes!

Love love love, Jewel

All Good Things!

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1. Cracker Barrel ♥♥♥

Yesterday morning, I was hired to be a server at Cracker Barrel - one of my favorite restaurants in the whole world!  I have never worked in food, so I am a little nervous about training, but so EXCITED to start something new and make a little more money! [And seriously, I have had enough job interviews for awhile! 5 in 7 days!]
My supervisor at current job in the cemetery has been so so so good to me as I have been on the job search - totally understanding and allowing me to take extra long lunch breaks for interviews; I am very GRATEFUL for that!

2. Honeymoon ♥♥♥

I finally planned my honeymoon - booking a condo ON Daytona Beach. So excited to relax on the beach with my groom!  We are only about 1 ½ hours from Orlando, so we are planning on visiting Disney World one day. For those who have an opinion, should we go to Magic Kingdom or Epcot?  The "cultural village" idea would be very interesting for us both (since I'm American and he's Cambodian!) but I would also love the enchantment and fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Hmm...

3. Half.com ♥♥♥
Two years ago, I discovered the goodness of half.com and I have saved lots of money buying my textbooks online, and also made lots of money selling my textbooks online.  With the start of universities quickly approaching, our (Mom's, Jessie's, and mine) used textbooks have really been selling.  In August alone, we have made $911.70!! And that's after ebay took 10% sales commission.  SERIOUSLY INCREDIBLE.  Let me know if you want me to teach you how; I would be glad to share the secret! It's super easy; the hardest part is getting to the post office!

4. Good Deals at Goodwill
Dear Goodwill,
          Thank you for three pairs of Docker pants for $11! I can't wait to wear them to my new job.

From,

Someone Satisfied

5. Wedding Planning Progress

Mom and I went to the craft store on Wednesday and bought ribbon, string, and tulle for 20% OFF.  I also collected lots of sticks in the yard from a recent storm. One of my ushers has agreed to be an usher, my pianist has agreed to be my pianist, and another friend has agreed to help me make something like this 'S' [<---] as an alternative guest book (which I am super excited about!!)  I got an antique family heirloom from my grandmom to collect our cards in, and I have been looking at pictures of dessert receptions on pinterest and getting lots of yummy and gorgeous ideas!

Love love love, Jewel

Lots of Excitement This Week

Log on at Living to Tell the Story and share your own Friday's Fave. Five!  You will notice that I had a very exciting and eventful week and I couldn't limit myself to only five points; I limited myself to six....

1. Church Janitor

I was recently hired onto the janitorial staff at my church and I started on Sunday.  I can't brag about working in a cemetery or being a church janitor, but I am content.  I don't enjoy scrubbing toilets (or especially urinals! Seriously guys?? How can you accidentally pee on the wall??) but I do enjoy praying for my church family during the still and quiet hours in the basement. [And by the way, I couldn't ask for a better church family!]  ♥♥♥

2. Phillip James Stuller III

On Monday, my funny and beautiful friend (and bridesmaid) Stephanie had her precious baby boy.  Welcome to the world PJ!  I can't wait to cuddle you!!!  ♥♥♥

3. Visa Interview

After 8 months of filling out documents, and waiting and praying, and filling out documents, and waiting and praying, and filling out documents, and waiting and praying, Titus has finally received his interview date and time for his interview at the US Embassy in Phnom Penh. On September 20th at 7am (that's September 19th at 7pm, for all you Indiana and EST people,) my fiancé will stand before an authority and be interviewed in regards to gaining legal status to enter the United States and marry the love of his life. September 20th is farther away than we had hoped, but we are trusting in God's PERFECT TIMING, and we are grateful for a few more days to humble ourselves before the LORD, and ask Him to prepare the way and go before Titus to his interview.  ♥♥♥

4. Bridesmaids Shoes

Five pairs of these shoes landed on my porch Tuesday! After spending about 30 hours browsing 30 websites and looking at about 30,000 different pairs of shoes, I finally settled on the above pair of Old Navy sandals for my bridesmaids.  One of my wedding colors is bronze, and since pewter is NOT BRONZE, I am going to dig into my *Barney Bag* of creativity, and embellish them.  Look forward to before and after pictures!  ♥♥♥

5. DIY Tissue Paper Pomanders

On Thursday, 80 sheets of green and bronze tissue paper landed in my mailbox.  Once all my sweet ad wonderful crafty friends return from vacay, we are going to have a party and make tissue paper pomanders to decorate the pews and aisle at my wedding. Look forward to before and after pictures! Pretty pretty pretty... ♥♥♥

6. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred

Also on Thursday, I received a MUCH-ANTICIPATED and MUCH-FEARED package in the mail from a kind member of ebay.  I cannot [and won't] tell you how many days it has been since I last exercised.  I have been dieting, but not exercising, and my dress-fitting is quickly approaching (in 33 days, to be exact.) Since becoming a full-time 8-5 employee at the cemetery, I have found it to be quite inconvenient to go to the gym or to Zumba class after work. SO, I'm hoping this at-home DVD routine will prove successful and motivational.  Let me tell you: day 1 and day 2 were ROUGH! ♥♥♥

Love love love, Jewel

August's 1st Friday's Fave Five

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1. Storms ♥♥♥

According to the Weather Channel online, there's a possibility that it will start raining at 4pm today and storm through 9pm tomorrow.  Although that would put a damper on my plans for this evening and tomorrow evening, I'm pretty excited about the possibility of cuddling on the couch tonight and watching a movie while it thunders, lightenings, and rains allll nighttt longgg.

2. DIY Tissue Paper Pomanders

I can't wait to get together with some of my sweet and wonderful friends to make these tissue paper pomanders in green and bronze for my WEDDING.  Wedding plans are s.l.o.w.l.y. p.r.o.g.r.e.s.s.i.n.g. Pretty pretty pretty... ♥♥♥

3. A Niece

Munnith ♥♥♥
My dear dear dear friends Poleak and Malout, who are like my family in Cambodia, had a little princess last weekend.  Munnith was welcomed by my favorite nephews in the world - six-year-old twins, Peter and Paul.

4. A Package

Yesterday I received a MUCH-ANTICIPATED package in the mail from my kind friends in New York who recently returned from a trip to Cambodia.  Their daughter is one of the two flower girls in my wedding, and I asked them to pick out flower girl dresses, and a shirt for the ring-bearer.  The dresses are especially gorgeous, and the barong is "the bomb-diggity" too!  I also got a few other unexpected goodies from my fiancé. ♥♥♥

5. Healing

Since Grandmom had her eye removed at the end of June, she has been sick. Really sick.  She had an infection, and went into renal failure TWICE.  On Tuesday, she finally came home after weeks in the hospital.  Thank you, thank you Jesus for being present with her, for calling the Church to lift her in their prayers, and for touching her body with your healing hand.  She is still recovering and her body is weak, but she has come home with THE PROMISE that He is still working on her.  We are eternally grateful.

Love love love, Jewel

Friday's Fave Five: July 1st!

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1. Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman
Since hearing this song for the first time on Monday, I have had to repeatedly remind myself of it's message, especially while I am in the office.


You're picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today.
Matching up socks, sweeping up lost Cheerios that got away.
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips, head out the door.
While I may not know you I bet I know you wonder sometimes "Does it matter at all?"
Well let me remind you it all matters just as long as you.

(Chorus)
Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

Well maybe you're sitting in math class; maybe you're on a mission in the Congo
Maybe you're working at the office, singing along with the radio
Maybe you're dining at a five star restaurant or feeding orphans in Myanmar
Anywhere and everywhere you are, whatever you do it all matters
So do what you do and don't ever forget to do...

Read the rest of the lyrics HERE. ♥ ♥ ♥


2. Proverbs 3:5,6

"Trust God with your whole heart; do not be a rebel and try to determine what is right or best according to your own insight and understanding. Whenever you make a decision, listen for God's voice, and He will show you which path to take." [Jewel's edit]

This verse both encouraged and challenged me this week in unbelievable ways.  ‎Thank you Lord, for leading. Give me the strength to be obedient. ♥ ♥ ♥

3. Spanish

Spanish. There's something about it that makes me feel warm and capable. Maybe it's the pride I feel when I am able to understand and speak a language that I have worked so endlessly hard to learn. My determination has allowed me to build relationships with a nation of people, to whom I would otherwise be mute. I studied Spanish in the classroom for almost six years, but my real teachers were friends like Pablo, Miguel, Carlos, Abuelo, Geovanni, and others that I have met as I have traveled to Mexico, Honduras, the DR, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. On Monday, the fam. and I celebrated Aunt Holly's *0th birthday at La Casa Grande; I had a good conversation with our waiter and got free birthday ice cream. It's funny how much people appreciate you speaking their language! ♥ ♥ ♥

4. Swimming - For the first time in 2011, I dipped myself in our pool last night.  It was a beautiful beautiful beautiful day and all morning and afternoon, all I could think about was getting in the pool after work.  Although the sun was nearly set before I got in, the water was still warm and refreshing.  It was just what I needed after a stressful day in the office. THANK YOU JESUS!  I'm looking forward to a pool party and grilling out with family on Saturday evening. [Picture of Carson; credit to Holly Hoffman, family friend] ♥ ♥ ♥


5. Sweet memories of a happy place
Earlier this week I got a comment on my blog from Beth at three20 - a hot young Christian girl in Puerto Rico who lives at the camp where I visited last summer with our youth group.  I have been reminded of so many good memories there...

This view was only 30 feet from my back door! I found that umbrella bench to be a beautiful and holy place as I met with God there during my morning devotions. I remembered His Word as I heard the waves crashing onto the shore as I slept at night.  Happy happy memories. *Dreaming of going to Puerto Rico for my honeymoon.* ♥ ♥ ♥

Love love love, Jewel

Friday's Fave Five: Pretty Things

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1. Earrings from the Philippines - My sister brought me back these super cute purple pearl earrings from the Philippines this week. ♥ ♥ ♥

2. Bracelet from the Philippines - Another filipino souvenir from my sister. I love love love this. It's brass and has these awesome little teal gems on it to create beautiful flower designs. ♥ ♥ ♥

3. Noodle Bowl from Goodwill - I bought this ceramic "ying yang" bowl and matching spoon at Goodwill for super cheap. Love it!  It will be perfect for rice and noodles. ♥ ♥ ♥

4. Hand-powered Mixer from Grandmom - Thank you to my Grandmom for supporting the baking needs of my future husband and I. ♥ ♥ ♥

5. Sacred Influence - This book by Gary Thomas is so so so good.  Seriously.  It's about how God uses wives to shape the souls of their husbands. Quote: "A woman who commits herself to God and who learns to act with his wisdom is a fully empowered woman who is embarking on an exciting and life-changing journey."  And that's only in the introduction!   ♥ ♥ ♥

Love love love, Jewel

Friday's Fave Five: Today has been weird

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1. Payday - Yesterday was my first payday at my new job.  That was a good feeling!!  When my supervisor, Jeannie, gave me the check, she said, "Save this for your honeymoon."  I think I will. ♥ ♥ ♥

2. The guy in the basement who is fixing our water - As I write this, I am in quite a predicament. I stayed up late to talk to my sweet fiance, and I woke up early for a new extensive morning routine before work. It's also day five of a long work week. I am tired. I need coffee. I just discovered that our plumbing - taking no one else into consideration but its tired self - decided to quit working... today of all days.  I have been known to hold it for three days (in Mexico, I was convinced our outhouse was producing tarantulas by the dozen;) however, coffee runs through my system quicker than a nose in Spring.  I'm finishing my second cup, so let's hope the plumber in the basement finishes in the next five or I'll be visiting the neighbor's barn. ♥ ♥ ♥

3. Scripture - I will admit that I am still selfish and sometimes have a negative attitude, but I believe that it is by the daily reading of Scripture that Christ is conforming me into His image.  Earlier this summer, I made the committment to read through the Bible (starting at the beginning of both the Old and New Testament.) I admit that I have made this commitment before [numerous times] and quit before I ever a significant amount. I am muy glad to say that I am farther in my commitment than I have ever been!! I do not say that with pride in myself, but to testify that God has revealed Himself to me in awesome awesome ways and He is doing a new work in me! ♥ ♥ ♥

4. Lunch Breaks - I love my lunch breaks. I love packing my lunch, having a picnic at the park, and reading on the swings after I have eaten. Sometimes just getting away from the office for an hour feels like a vacation! Yesterday, a co-worker invited me to lunch and she paid! What a treat. We had a lovely time getting to know each other. ♥ ♥ ♥

5. Rummages - In preparing for Titus' arrival to America, I have begun collecting goodies for our apartment. We won't be living in America long and we want to live simply, but we have a few needs and I am hoping that I can collect a few things at a good price this weekend. Anyone want to join me? ♥ ♥ ♥

Love love love, Jewel

Friday's Fave Five: My Weaknesses

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1. Babies – Whether it is my friends’ baby or a stranger in Wal-Mart, my heart pitter-patters when I see a baby, especially a dark-headed baby [although I am partial to my blonde-haired neices.]  When  am shopping, I love looking through the baby clothes [and Jessie says, "Ugh... no!!!"] I love love love babies.

2. Peanut Butter Pie – Even with my wedding dress alteration appointment quickly approaching, I could not say no to peanut butter pie. I’m craving it right now!!! I haven’t had a piece in weeks. I have a little more control when it comes to peanut butter ice cream, peanut butter cookies, and peanut butter fudge… but not much. I love peanut butter.

3. Jack Johnson - I can never be in a bad mood when I'm listening to Jacky J.  He's great.


4. Books - I cannot pass by a book sale without stopping. I never go on a trip without a book. I have almost two full shelves of books that I have never read, but have good intentions to read. I’m currently reading three books: Follow Me to Freedom: Leading and Following as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne and John Perkins, Radical by David Platt, and The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine by Somaly Mam. I love books.

5. Romdenh Chamnol - Few things can keep me up past a certain hour of the night; Romdenh Chamnol is one of them. He's my best friend, and I can't wait to marry with him, live with him, and share my life with him.

Love love love, Jewel

April Fools: Friday's Fave Five

1. Osaka Sunrise

2. Summer
It's coming.  The weather might not be getting warmer, and it may have snowed two days ago, but summer is coming! Only 30 more days.  I don't have exciting plans to go places; I have exciting plans to stay, to spend time with people, to exercise, to earn and save money for my impending future, to read, and to run.

3. Joshua 24

In the twenty-fourth chapter of the Book of Joshua, Joshua recounts God’s great works on Israel’s behalf. God has a history of being faithful. God is as faithful as the sunrise and sunset.  In this twenty-third chapter of my life, I have spent much time this week recounting God's faithful, provision, guidance, and protection in my life.

4. Truett Cathy

In 2003, Indiana Wesleyan University established the World Changers Society to recognize role models who have exemplified the concept of world changers and whose lives can serve as an inspiration to future generations. Each year a World Changers Convocation is held at IWU to induct a new member into the Society and celebrate his or her accomplishments. A life-size bronze bust of each inductee is placed on permanent display in the Society of World Changers Hall of Honor located in the rotunda of our library.
This S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, was inducted and the service was both inspiring and memorable.  Cathy turned 90 only 2 weeks ago, and his life and business exemplify hard work, humility and biblical principles. He is a member of First Baptist Church and has taught the same Sunday School class (7th grade boys) for more than fifty years. Cathy and his wife have also lived in the same humble home for more than fifty years. Among other comments worthy of mention, Cathy said during his speech that he was "privilege to live during the Great Depression." An incredible man and a true inspiration. Thank you IWU for recognizing Truett Cathy and inviting him to share with us.

5. "Twin baby boys have a conversation"

I hope everyone had a great week and has a blessed weekend! Log on at Living to Tell the Story and share your own Friday's Fave. Five!

Love love love, Jewel