The Bubbly blogger

Have you heard that song from Grinch, Where are you Christmas? Cindy Lou Who sings it after seeing the Grinch at the post office. I don't know why but  I love the melody. I think my favorite Christmas song is a tie between  Do you hear what I hear by Anthem Lights and Mary Did you know by Go Fish or Pentatonix This season is all about waiting and anticipation of Jesus coming to Earth and being born. I think this season is so good about focusing on Jesus. But sometimes I get caught up on making it about me and things I am waiting for. Its good to self reflect and notice how God is working in your life. I can name two things that I am waiting for and I can't wait to see how and when God will bring them into my life or change these desires. I have just realized that this time last year I was so focused on blessings God is going to give me and not Jesus and his birth. I don't know where I am really going with this but God has just changed my perspective on this season. I

As most of you know my friend Kassie and I are participating in dressember. We are committing to wearing a dress every day in the month of December to raise awareness and finances for victims stuck in human trafficking. Well today I found out that another teacher in my school is participating in dressember too. That was a great connection for my Monday. Sometimes it has been hard to wear dresses but having an accountability partner has helped a lot. Praying for the victims and International Justice Mission  has been encouraging too. Our goal is to raise $500 and I am at $15 personally. I am so excited to see how God will move in this particular area in my life. If you feel led to give you can donate here: https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/team/jane-and-joyce So in other news I had an awesome weekend. I got to go out to dinner with my mom on Friday night. Then Saturday, I went Christmas shopping, had a coffee with a friend from college and then later babysat. On Sunday

Happy December!!! I can't believe its only 22 days till Christmas!!! Wow so many things have been happening in the past week that God has opened my eyes that why I called this post that. These things include: Meeting with my principal to discuss future position and him being impressed with my work. Going on a date with a a great guy but finding out we don't share the same values. Seeing how God spared me from future hurt Receiving a nasty email from a parent and realizing that God could hold me and my tears Happy hour with a girl from a small group and getting 2 for 1 drinks, and encouraging each other in this season of singlness Finishing report cards at Avant in Anoka, love this coffee shop Birthday celebrations with good friends Sleeping over at my parents and having good, deep conversations with them about life Working a half day yesterday and running errands with my mom Sun shining in this MN weather december God bringing me back to teaching Havi

What a weekend!!! I have never had  such a life giving weekend than this one. We celebrated Thanksgiving at my house, went shopping at Albertville with my brother, his roommate and my sister. Then later Target with my other sister and friend Kassie. Friday I was so sick with my cold, so I stayed in all day. Saturday: I got to have coffee with my former Bible study leader Stephanie at the new daily dose. She gave me such encouraging words of wisdom with all areas of my life. One of the things she said is that we stop living life when we start waiting for something as if our life will start when God provides that one thing. Saturday afternoon: I went to my sister's Haylee's basketball game at Bethel. They played against a really good team and won by two points. We had game night and a family dinner. We played Pictionary. Just lots of laughter and funny drawings. Sunday: I went to Kassie's church and met some awesome people. Then we went to Brunch at the hen house. Bru

Man guys, this week has been crazy busy, and definitely full of some high and lows. Thought I would use my next few posts to list things I am thankful for with Thanksgiving coming up next week.... Grocery shopping with my roomie on Saturday !! When I am used to relying on my parents due to lack of funds, it was nice to be able to buy my own food for a change... I love Aldi Happy hour with my friends Leah and Kelly on Tuesday, we always have good talks and lots of laughs My firsties they say the cutest things such as " How does God make buses? Can I eat lunch with you? He called you his mom A SUPER encouraging text from a friend at my small group, the face that I woke up to on Tuesday morning and it came at the perfect time dealing with mean people in my life. Just the fact that I can teach again, my restored passion for it from God parents that pray for you and tell you that they love you everyday principal that asks how my day is every day a half day tomorrow,

Every fear is rooted in a insecurity. Hmm this thought crossed my mind during church this morning. I believe it was from the Holy Spirit. He had me name my desire and convinced me to look at the fear behind it. I have this desire to be in a relationship and settle down with my future husband, Bur I have been trying to control my life regarding this issue. That's when through the gentle nudge of the Spirit did I resize that my fear is being the last single one. I was spending so much of my time looking at other people who were in serious relationships, desiring that which then led to a spiral of negative thoughts including the one "What about me God?" I wish I could say that peace came in that moment but it hasn't. I believe God is going to give me victory over this fear. I remember reading this book in college by Mandy Hale called the "The Single Woman" It sounds corny but it was challenging. She says"  you don't NEED a significant other to

Wow guys it has almost been a month since I have blogged. I didn't realize that. Life has been crazy busy. I started my new job as a long term sub and I love it. The students are full of high energy & there are 25 of them. The principal is so supportive. The other teachers are helpful and kind. But not being in  a classroom for a year has definitely been a struggle. I am constantly relying on God to show me how to have high expectations but also earn their respect. Another new thing in my life is that I have serving in my youth group by co-leading an 8th grade  girl's group. I went on a retreat with them to Camp Shamineau last weekend. It was fun and event filled. The weather was freezing and the speaker was harsh. But I enjoyed horse back riding, and rock climbing with my girls. We stayed up till at least 12:30 every night, tiring haha. If you know me I am in bed by 9:30 every night. I wanted to expand and give my thoughts on the speaker because he came across harsh. U

Happy Sunday!!! As most of you know I have been subbing to fill my time while I wait for the teacher to have a baby so I can start being a long term sub. Last week I subbed at an Early Childhood Center for students with special needs. It was only supposed to be a half day job. Then they asked me if I could stay around for the afternoon since they were short staff. I worked into two different classrooms. In both classrooms, there were 4-5 students. The morning was tough because the students needed a lot of care. It wasn't your typical preschool classroom. The students didn't have structure instead had a lot of free play time. I can't even think of how to describe it but long and an emotional day As I drove home that day I started reflecting on why I was so emotionally exhausted. God opened my eyes that it was tough to see the kids not be able to do "normal" school stuff. Most of the kids can't really talk so its a lot of songs and movement. The sadness led

6  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,  continue to live your lives in him,   7  rooted  and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,  and overflowing with thankfulness.  Colossians 2:6-7 Lately as in the last two weeks, I have been learning a lot about being rooted in Christ. I am in two small groups and serve with my church's youth group. In all three groups we are studying Ephesians and God is just blowing my min revealing two overall themes to me: Being Chosen and Rooted. One of my Bible Studies is called Rooted which is cool. First we are chosen by God, the Creator of the Universe, that should blow your mind ! That makes me feel overwhelmed by His love Second I can't do anything apart from Christ and that is ok. I am trying to break the habit of reading my Bible in the morning and then never acknowledging God throughout my day. Even though I know internally that he cares about EVERY detail of my life. I couldn't put it into

There is so much sadness and injustice going on in the world that I just want write a post about things that I like about Fall. 1. The pumpkin chai latte at Caribou 2. Flannels and leggings 3. Windows open 4. Apple orchards so I can eat kettle corn 5. Boot weather 6. The different colors on the leaves 7. Net Gen at church starting 8. MEA break 9. New episodes of all the TV shows I watch haha 10. Football season

This girl got a job!!! Yes you read that right. Last Tuesday I went on second interview for Long Term Sub position in first grade at a Roseville elementary school. I went into the interview hesitant and came out confident. There were things that happened that showed me God opened this door. The principal was so nice and remembered that I had hearing loss in my left ear. I never applied for the job either. Its also in my favorite grade, first! There are 25 students in the class and the teacher is so nice. Taking this job surprised me but talking to family and close friends, and praying about it I felt led to accept the offer. It is supposed to go through February 1, which is cutting it close to when I need insurance but I am trusting God to provide. Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement. Getting eager to start

What if? This is the question that God posed to me during my time alone with him on Saturday afternoon. What if I lose my friends? What if I never get back into teaching again? What if I don't start working for another month? He was asking me to trust Him if I lose everything tangible and not tangible. The dream to teach again and have my own classroom is bursting out of my heart. God was showing me that I had gotten into the habit of only going to him when I needed something and then running away when I didn't get what I wanted. I had grown into a selfish kid that only needed their Father when I wanted something. That conviction from the Holy Spirit was a slap in the face and I knew I needed to repent right away. I was and am still struggling with wondering why it's not in His plan to provide a job. I still ask him over and over again " When will I get my own classroom again?" But I am learning that even though I am asking this question I affirm my trust

    who doesn't love Copper !! I thought I would take a minute to update you on life. Its been a little rocky lately if I am being honest. But at this point I am just taking day by day. I am glad we just came off of Labor Day weekend so that means there is only 4 days in this week. 1. I am still unemployed and losing my mind jk haha but sometimes it feels like that. All of my friends are back in school teaching or back at work. I am trying to find things to fill my time such as interviews, lunch with friends and time with my grandma. 2. I am planning on going back to school to get my early childhood license, God willing. I am praying that he will open the door for me to head back to school in the winter and that it will only take a year to do that . I am meeting up with one of my advisers from college tomorrow to find out next steps. 3. I am in PT for unknown shoulder injury! I am seeing improvements so that's good. 4. I am also doing  a lot of cleaning and organi

" Allow Jesus to fill your heart with a perfect love that casts out all fear and causes you to walk in boldness and confidence . There is no weapon formed against you that can prosper. ... We are never without hope because we are never without Jesus." Devotional from the You version Bible App  I have been thinking a lot about worry and lack of control. It always seem to happen after a job interview or an interaction with someone that I think I said something wrong. I stew about the mistake for so long that I drown out His voice. You know the Holy Spirit's whisper.   This happened to me yesterday when I was driving home and I felt like I could have done better or said more. That's when I realized that what the Enemy wanted me to think and obsess over because then I am taking control of my life. I heard " Be still, not your control, my control" whisper over my heart. I started mediating on Psalm 46:10 " Be still and know that I am God, I will exalted

What's the boat you are afraid to step out of? That's the question my pastor asked me and the rest of the people in church today.  We have been studying Matthew 14 and what led up to the disciples getting in the boat before the storm came. Today we studied the same story in Matthew 8.  18  When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.   19  Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20  Jesus replied,  “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man  has no place to lay his head.” 21  Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 22  But Jesus told him,  “Follow me,  and let the dead bury their own dead.” When my pastor first asked me that question, I instantly thought of a physical place that I would consider my boat: my house or the Twin Cities to get broader. As many of you know I am looking for a teaching job right now. I h

Dreams: we all have them! Sometimes we have the same ones from when we were little, but most of the time they change as we grow up. I love that God knows what we are going to dream and desire but that he ultimately has the best plans in store for us. The reason this topic was on my mind was because I was talking to my best friend about how this summer is so different than last summer. Last summer was a hard summer. I had just come out of three long term sub jobs, 2 of which were at the same school. I was hoping and praying they would hire me on after the school year was over. Unfortunately that didn't happen.  So I ended up spending the whole summer applying for jobs on top of being a nanny for two difficult kids. I think I applied for over thirty job across 8 school districts and 3 charter/private schools. Toward the end of the summer I went to 3 or 4 interviews. On my last interview it was for a second grade position and I even got a call back. I set my hopes on getting

So my family and I just got back from taking a vacay in San Fransico, California We were gone for a week, I wish it could have been longer. Oh well, we had a wonderful time!

If you know me, you know that I love to run. I can't run fast and I don't like to run long distances.  But the reason I run, besides wanting the exercise, is to connect with God and to practice perseverance in a tangible way. I recently purchased new NIKE running shoes and love them which motivates me even more to run. I only run 5ks right now but hope to run a 10k and eventually a half marathon soon. I guess the reason I explain my reasons for running is because today I got caught running in the rain. I planned on doing a longer run since I have a 5k coming up and want to be in shape for it. As soon as I started on the walk with my mom it started raining. She turned around to go back home where as I kept running. When I was running I felt like the Lord was cleansing me from all my negative thoughts. With every step I took, more peace came and the hard thoughts fell away. It was super invigorating. Then I get back from the run and of course the thoughts come flooding ba

I want the weekend to last forever..... or at least longer. I want more time to relax, spend with friends or family. I want to be back at Kassie's surprise party. I want more time reading my Bible this weekend. I want more of that ice cream from "Grandpa's in Fridley haha ( coffee and cookies) I want to be able to go walking more with my sisters and mom. I want more time outside. Thanks for reading about my weekend :)

The past two weekends have been an adventure as I was able to travel to Iowa and then to Duluth this past weekend. The above picture is from my time in Iowa with my cousin Augie, April's son. He will be 5 in August. We got to out to lunch on Saturday, play at the park in the afternoon and then hang out at home Saturday night.  Overall it was a fun but also relaxing weekend. I was grateful to God that he provided my grandma and mom to ride with me. I am really just learning about faith right now in my walk with God. Faith involves believing in the unseen. God is showing me how life is more about the memories than the photos on snapchat, the money I make or the clothes I buy. I am trying to focus on being with my friends and family. Right now its easy to want to post the next best picture to show off your life but then forget that we are still people going through hard and good things. Life will never be perfect this side of heaven so thankful that Eternity is coming and Jesus i

I thought I would write a post about things that I am thankful for because who doesn't love focusing on the blessings that God has provided! 1. Tomorrow is Saturday!!! My favorite day of the week! 2. I get to enjoy a bonfire with my parents tonight. 3. I get to sleep with the air condition on. 4. I am going to get brunch with my best friend tomorrow 5. I have a teaching job. 6. God shows me unconditional and steadfast love every day. 7. I get to run outside now that the weather is nice. 8. I joined a small group through my church 9. I moved into my new renovated apartment in a week. 10. My sister is finally home from Colorado!

You're moving mountains that I don't even see You've answered my prayer before I even speak All You need for me to be is still- Still by Hillary Scott " If you could describe what season spiritually you are in, what word would you use?" I love  asking this questions to my friends and family because everyone has a different answer. But along the way I think I have forgotten that I am transitioning out of one season and into another.  My word before was trust. I was trusting God to provide a new job for me, a 2 bedroom apartment, and a new relationship. I was experiencing so much growth in my relationship with others and with God. Then God provided a pre-k job for me at a new preschool right by my parent's house, and then a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment for me and my roommate and later on a new relationship. I was truly in a mountain top season. I could see all my blessings so easily.   Now I am in  a season of faith. There are days I would say

Time has finally come to say goodbye to living at Mallard. Its amazing how fast 12 months has gone by. Kassandra, Alexi and I moved into this apartment May 2016 and now our 12 month lease is up. Alexi and i will be moving to another apartment 2 bedroom and 2 bath :) on june 15th. This apartment is being so generous about renovating our unit and giving us new flooring and stainless steel appliances. In the meantime, I moved all my boxes of stuff back home today. You realize how much stuff you own when it comes time to move out. I am just trying to make the best of living out of boxes for 18 days. As you recall my sister took my room when I moved out last year so she could have her own room. I am crashing on an air mattress. Least I have to wear a uniform at my job so as long as I have those clothes out I think I will survive ;) I think reflecting is a good strategy to use when processing life events and so I thought I would list some memories I made at Mallard. The first weeken

With tomorrow being Mother's day I wanted to do a post that was dedicated to my Mom and Grandma. I am so thankful that God has placed them in my life.   Dear Mom, thanks for always being there for me, praying for me, standing up for me, encouraging me, texting me have a good days. I love that we can go walking together, shopping together and I can look to you and dad to steer in the right direction back to God.   To my Grandma- thank you for raising my mom and her sisters by yourself. You show me what a strong, faithful, dependent woman in God looks like. I love that you bake sweet treats, knit me a blanket, go to breakfast with me, always have a Cadbury egg or apple cider at your house for me when i come over. You never complain about the hard things life throws at you,  and continue to show me through your love that God will always be my Great Provider and Sustainer.

YAY!!!So my MN friends are probably as happy as I am about this weather. Its been in the 70 the past 2 days and is supposed to stay that way!! I am very happy about this since I start my job as a pre-k teacher next week.  The kids will love being outside. The title of this post came from my morning devo Everyday in His Presence  by Charles Stanley. I high recommend it .  Earlier this week I was praying that God would reveal to me qualities of His character. Then my devotional was about obeying God and leaving the consequences to Him. Then it went on to talk about how to handle different issues that may arise, such as anxiety, conflict, hurting, forgiveness toward other and vindication and sin in others. Then each issue had a Bible verse to go with it. Then after this I was reading Psalm 33, my Psalm for the month and my eyes were open to all these qualities that God has such as his power, his ability to save, his sovereignty, his eternity and his faithfulness. God is indescribable s

Ugg, its the end of April and its barley 40 degrees. I had to wear my winter jacket this morning. That's crazy. To be honest I just want to stew in my crabbiness. How can one day be so exciting and good, but the next day I feel frustrated and down. Then I started listening to Pastor Brent's  sermon from Edinbrook Church. He talks about grace, Grace means undeserved favor, and because Jesus came for me and because he is meeting me where I am right now I can give him my sad feelings.  I can give him my crabby thoughts and know that tomorrow will come because of His grace. So when I feel like I am carrying everyone else's burden, when i want answers regarding a relationship, when I find out my job doesn't start until middle of May, when I feel left out of a friendship and don't measure up to the world's standards I know my hope is found in Jesus. Jesus sees me, knows me and adores me, And he feels the same way about you. Isaiah 43: 4 Others were given in

This weekend I am down in Iowa visiting my cousins with my parents and Haylee. We are having beautiful weather. My parents got to take a nap. Haylee and I bought lularoe leggings at the mall. Overall I am thankful for this vacation that God has provided. As much as I say I don't like to have time to myself, I realize God knows when I need it and will place it in my day before I even realize it. This afternoon I got to go on a walk around the neighborhood by myself and just process all the things God is doing in my life. In the past week, I quit my job, accepted a new job and a side job, and got to try new things. Last year I was so set on the fact that God was calling me to give up my teaching dream since every door seem to be closing. I took a job working for a health insurance company but kept wondering why God would call me to major in education but not to get s job into it. I felt like my dream was dying with every passing day. Last summer my cousin April told me that I

So I am back from trip to Tokyo and it was one of the best trips I had been on in a while . God really exceeded my expectations. My friend Lauren did a great job planning activities for us to do everyday.  riding the train to Lauren's town  Lauren's church on Sunday  Lauren's classroom  My yummy rice bread with garlic sauce Our parfaits  we enjoyed at Jonathan's  Monday we went to the mall since it was raining outside  Afternoon- Sun came out we went to her favorite coffee shop  our walking path  My coffee= super good Trying Udon noodles and melon soda at the Onsen This was only from Sunday and Monday, more pictures of the following days to come

I love going to Corner coffee on Saturdays with my roommate. Just sitting and talking and being in atmosphere and with live music made it a great start to a morning. I love when my best friend texts me that we should meet up because she is coming to the cities for 24 hours so we do and get fro yo which besides coffee is my favorite thing in the world. I love the invention of Skype and being able to chat with my friend about my trip to Japan. I love packing for vacations. Sunday was just as great as Saturday minus the fact its the last day before returning to work :( I love seeing the genuine emption my pastor has when he preaches especially when its about choosing to walk through the wilderness, fasting on something so I can feast on something else. He challenged us with the question of how is my soul? Then he offered us space to sit and reflect on it. I love that God connected it to my discover group that meets on Monday night and the book we are studying is about our sou