Recently, I interviewed with a retail establishment for a part time job. I did the first interview with the Assistant Manager two Saturdays ago. It went well, and I was told he would speak to the Store Manager about setting up the second interview. I didn't hear back from him, so I called the store back. I talked to the Store manager, and last Thursday, I had my second interview. It also went well, and was told that as long as the background check and drug test came back clear, I would be offered the job. So yesterday, I went and did the drug test. The results will be sent electronically to the store by tomorrow, and the results of the background check should be in by Friday. So, I am doing my best to wait patiently. Patience has never been my strong point, especially when it comes to job seeking. I will keep everyone posted. This job would be a great thing for me and Rex. It will help bring some extra money in, and since it's only a part time position, I can still spend plenty of time with the baby. I believe that God has opened this door for me, and I have done all I can. It's up to Him now, so please pray for me!
Thank you.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Still unemployed.........
I have been unemployed for 15 months now. I was depressed at first, because I missed the people I worked with. Once I got used to it, I enjoyed it for a while. After about three months, I started hating it. I missed working. I tried to find a new job, and even went on a few interviews. I guess I wasn't what they were looking for, because I continued to be unemployed. I kept looking, but no luck. Nobody wanted what I had to offer. I began to doubt my own abilities, and became discouraged.
Amongst all the searching, I discovered I was pregnant. I kept searching for a job, because I knew we would need the extra income. I checked several online job sites, talked to some people I knew. No luck. Most businesses were on a hiring freeze, because the economy was going downhill. Still, I continued to look. As my pregnancy progressed, my searching slowed down. I knew my chances for finding a job were getting slimmer. Not too many places would want to hire me, then have me turn around and go on Maternity Leave.
By my seventh/eighth month of pregnancy, I decided I should give up until after I had the baby. It was hard for me, because I never saw myself as a housewife or stay-at-home mom. I enjoy working, and being around lots of people. I don't mind cleaning, as long as I get paid to do it. In my ninth month of pregnancy, I discovered the baby was breech, which meant I had to have a C-section. I was not thrilled about this discovery. C-sections require the mother to be mostly inactive for two weeks. I was practically confined to my bed, and wasn't allowed to go too many places.
Thankfully, those two weeks went quickly, and I was back to being able to do anything and go anywhere. I started wanting to look for a job, but we had no internet service, and were down to one car! So, looking for a job was limited to word-of-mouth, or an occasional day when I took Rex to work and kept the car. The baby was getting bigger, and I was "stuck" at home taking care of her. Don't get me wrong, I love my baby. I just never imagined I would be home every day, with nothing but housework and baby care to do. Of course, my situation should have motivated me to do something around the house. It didn't.
Then, Rex did our taxes, and we got a nice tax return. After buying a digital video camera, a 22in flat screen LCD television, and more stuff we needed for the baby, we were finally able to get cable TV and internet service. I was now able to go back to those job websites. My OB had already cleared me for full activity, so I could find a job! Of course, by then I was starting to feel guilty about wanting to go back to work. I convinced myself I was a bad mom for wanting to be at work, rather then at home. Rex reassured me that I was still a good mom, and encouraged me to look for work.
I started checking the job sites, but too many places are still not hiring. Some businesses are even closing their doors. People are losing their jobs or getting laid off. I started becoming discouraged again, then a friend of mine told me they were hiring where she works. I became excited, and decided to apply for the job opening. I went in yesterday, filled out the application, and took a "Personality Survey". Now, I just wait and pray. It's no longer up to me. I did my part. If this is the right job for me, God will allow it to happen. If it's not, I'll keep looking. I'm feeling pretty optimistic, but only God knows.
For anyone who has read this, I could use your prayers, too. Please ask that God reveal his plan for my employment. If He wants me to have this job, great. If He wants me to be a stay-at-home mom, I will do my best to accept it and adjust. I can only do what He wants.
Amongst all the searching, I discovered I was pregnant. I kept searching for a job, because I knew we would need the extra income. I checked several online job sites, talked to some people I knew. No luck. Most businesses were on a hiring freeze, because the economy was going downhill. Still, I continued to look. As my pregnancy progressed, my searching slowed down. I knew my chances for finding a job were getting slimmer. Not too many places would want to hire me, then have me turn around and go on Maternity Leave.
By my seventh/eighth month of pregnancy, I decided I should give up until after I had the baby. It was hard for me, because I never saw myself as a housewife or stay-at-home mom. I enjoy working, and being around lots of people. I don't mind cleaning, as long as I get paid to do it. In my ninth month of pregnancy, I discovered the baby was breech, which meant I had to have a C-section. I was not thrilled about this discovery. C-sections require the mother to be mostly inactive for two weeks. I was practically confined to my bed, and wasn't allowed to go too many places.
Thankfully, those two weeks went quickly, and I was back to being able to do anything and go anywhere. I started wanting to look for a job, but we had no internet service, and were down to one car! So, looking for a job was limited to word-of-mouth, or an occasional day when I took Rex to work and kept the car. The baby was getting bigger, and I was "stuck" at home taking care of her. Don't get me wrong, I love my baby. I just never imagined I would be home every day, with nothing but housework and baby care to do. Of course, my situation should have motivated me to do something around the house. It didn't.
Then, Rex did our taxes, and we got a nice tax return. After buying a digital video camera, a 22in flat screen LCD television, and more stuff we needed for the baby, we were finally able to get cable TV and internet service. I was now able to go back to those job websites. My OB had already cleared me for full activity, so I could find a job! Of course, by then I was starting to feel guilty about wanting to go back to work. I convinced myself I was a bad mom for wanting to be at work, rather then at home. Rex reassured me that I was still a good mom, and encouraged me to look for work.
I started checking the job sites, but too many places are still not hiring. Some businesses are even closing their doors. People are losing their jobs or getting laid off. I started becoming discouraged again, then a friend of mine told me they were hiring where she works. I became excited, and decided to apply for the job opening. I went in yesterday, filled out the application, and took a "Personality Survey". Now, I just wait and pray. It's no longer up to me. I did my part. If this is the right job for me, God will allow it to happen. If it's not, I'll keep looking. I'm feeling pretty optimistic, but only God knows.
For anyone who has read this, I could use your prayers, too. Please ask that God reveal his plan for my employment. If He wants me to have this job, great. If He wants me to be a stay-at-home mom, I will do my best to accept it and adjust. I can only do what He wants.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Being a New Mommy
I became a mommy on January 7, 2009. I was so scared! I thought I was going to be a terrible mommy, and that my baby would suffer because of my inexperience. I had no clue what I was doing! Nothing anybody told me was going to prepare me for this new life that I was responsible for. I began to wonder what God was thinking when he made me a parent. I'm not the most patient person in the world, and I never saw myself as a stay-at-home mom. I've always wanted children, but never expected to be the primary caregiver. I would rather be out working. I beat myself up about that thought everyday. I wonder if there is something wrong with me, because I don't want to stay home with my baby. God knew what he was doing, right?
Obviously, God knows something I don't. He has faith in me as a parent, and knows I will do a good job. I look at my beautiful baby's face, and realize I have been given a gift. It is my job to take the best care of her that I am capable of. There have been, and will be times that I will become frustrated, but God will help me through those times. I remind myself that it's not her fault, and there is no reason for me to be angry with her. I am not expected to raise this baby alone. Not only do I have Rex to help, but we also have God supporting us as well. I was never expected to do it by myself. God is always by our side, holding us up and giving us the strength we need to care for this precious baby.
Children truly are a miracle. Everyday, I'm reminded that I wouldn't have been given my baby, if God didn't trust me to raise her. Whenever I get scared, I just need to go to God, and ask for the peace I need to get through the day. It's also comforting to know that God has placed other people in my life, who love my baby almost as much as I do, and who will help me and Rex whenever we need a break from parenthood. Even the "perfect" and "ideal" parent needs a break from their children once in a while. We are not the only ones! I truly am blessed to be a parent, and look forward to whatever the future holds for me, Rex, and Baby Katherine.
Obviously, God knows something I don't. He has faith in me as a parent, and knows I will do a good job. I look at my beautiful baby's face, and realize I have been given a gift. It is my job to take the best care of her that I am capable of. There have been, and will be times that I will become frustrated, but God will help me through those times. I remind myself that it's not her fault, and there is no reason for me to be angry with her. I am not expected to raise this baby alone. Not only do I have Rex to help, but we also have God supporting us as well. I was never expected to do it by myself. God is always by our side, holding us up and giving us the strength we need to care for this precious baby.
Children truly are a miracle. Everyday, I'm reminded that I wouldn't have been given my baby, if God didn't trust me to raise her. Whenever I get scared, I just need to go to God, and ask for the peace I need to get through the day. It's also comforting to know that God has placed other people in my life, who love my baby almost as much as I do, and who will help me and Rex whenever we need a break from parenthood. Even the "perfect" and "ideal" parent needs a break from their children once in a while. We are not the only ones! I truly am blessed to be a parent, and look forward to whatever the future holds for me, Rex, and Baby Katherine.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I have internet access!
To all my readers who have been waiting patiently for me to continue my blog, the wait is over! Rex and I have internet access at home again, so I will be able to keep everyone updated on Journey happenings, and Centerpoint Church goings-on. I will also be offering personal thoughts occasionally, so stay tuned!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Congratulations to our Journey graduates!
For those of you that don't already know:
Our illustrious leader, Pastor Shawn Candelaria graduated on December 19th, from Biola University. He received a Master's degree in Christian Apologetics.
Jessica O'Neill, a.k.a. Wanda or Wandica, also graduated on December 19th from California Baptist University. She received a Bachelor's degree in English.
Congratulations to both of you!
Our illustrious leader, Pastor Shawn Candelaria graduated on December 19th, from Biola University. He received a Master's degree in Christian Apologetics.
Jessica O'Neill, a.k.a. Wanda or Wandica, also graduated on December 19th from California Baptist University. She received a Bachelor's degree in English.
Congratulations to both of you!
Monday, December 22, 2008
I'm sorry it's been so long!
For all my readers: I apologize that it's been so long since I've posted a blog. First, it was because I was trying to finish school, but then around Sept/Oct, my internet service at home was shut off. I am working on finding a way to get back online at a regular basis. I'm not sure how or when that is going to happen, but please be patient with me. I will find a way! I am determined to keep all my readers aware of what is going on in my life.
Personal Updates: I finished my last class at the end of August, and am now the proud recipient of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. I'm considering going back for my Master's Degree, but I haven't made a definite decision one way or the other.
Rex and I are expecting our first child in January. The baby is due on January 22nd, but you know how babies are.........they can decide to arrive at any moment! We are very excited about this upcoming addition to our family! We have received several wonderful gifts from our friends and family, and we're hoping to save up money to buy the things we didn't receive.
The Journey Update: There is no Fuel meetings until January 9th! Subway Groups (small groups) will not be meeting for the next couple of weeks, either. We are taking time off for the holidays! As for the coming year, Fuel will be following a new format. We thought we would try something different, and change things up a bit! Check Towardtruth.com for any and all updates on all Journey groups and goings on.
Personal Updates: I finished my last class at the end of August, and am now the proud recipient of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. I'm considering going back for my Master's Degree, but I haven't made a definite decision one way or the other.
Rex and I are expecting our first child in January. The baby is due on January 22nd, but you know how babies are.........they can decide to arrive at any moment! We are very excited about this upcoming addition to our family! We have received several wonderful gifts from our friends and family, and we're hoping to save up money to buy the things we didn't receive.
The Journey Update: There is no Fuel meetings until January 9th! Subway Groups (small groups) will not be meeting for the next couple of weeks, either. We are taking time off for the holidays! As for the coming year, Fuel will be following a new format. We thought we would try something different, and change things up a bit! Check Towardtruth.com for any and all updates on all Journey groups and goings on.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
We need volunteers!
Here at The Journey, we need people who are looking for a way to serve God by serving others. Our volunteers help Fuel services run more smoothly. Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be able to give our attendees the full spiritual experience they are searching for. In fact, if it weren't for all of our volunteers, Fuel might have never existed!
We could use volunteers in the following departments: Childcare, Food Servers/Preparers, and Sound Technicians. If you have been a part of The Journey for three months (or more) consistently, and you feel that God has put it on your heart to help others, let us know! We are looking for God-loving and God-honoring people to help build and support our ministry.
If you would really like to be one of those people, contact Pastor Shawn at shawn@towardtruth.com, Cristina at cristina@towardtruth.com, Rex at rex@towardtruth.com, or me at marla@towardtruth.com. We would love to have your help!
We could use volunteers in the following departments: Childcare, Food Servers/Preparers, and Sound Technicians. If you have been a part of The Journey for three months (or more) consistently, and you feel that God has put it on your heart to help others, let us know! We are looking for God-loving and God-honoring people to help build and support our ministry.
If you would really like to be one of those people, contact Pastor Shawn at shawn@towardtruth.com, Cristina at cristina@towardtruth.com, Rex at rex@towardtruth.com, or me at marla@towardtruth.com. We would love to have your help!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Congratulations Warriors!
We won the football game on Saturday, which caused us to win the entire series! Love Potion #1 was a tough team to beat, and it was really looking bleak for us Warriors. LP won all the first three events, and WOL were lagging behind. It wasn't until the awesome comeback at the volleyball game, that WOL came within a hair's breadth of the title! We were within 50 points! LP fought back furiously at the Wii Sports Showdown, but WOL managed to win both rounds! So the score was tied as of Friday night. Saturday was the deciding factor, and after a hard fought game between the teams, WOL prevailed! LP gave us some serious competition, but we managed to pull through! Warriors of Love were the victors! Love Potion was a great team to play against, and team captain Bart was always good at pushing his team to do their best. I did my bast as the captain of the Warriors, but because I'm pregnant, and was unable to play in three of the events, I appointed Cristina as my Co-Captain. She did a great job taking over when I wasn't available. Both teams played with a lot of heart, and this years teams had a lot of good sports. Several players were injured in some of the events, but they pulled through and persevered! Some even continued to play through their injuries, unless they were too severe, and they bowed out gracefully. Great job Journey members! I'm proud of ALL of you. I would have to say this has been the best year of competition of the last three years. We had NO poor sports this year, and everyone supported everyone else! That is truly awesome!
For final scores and more details, go to Sports.towardtruth.com. They should be updated soon!
For final scores and more details, go to Sports.towardtruth.com. They should be updated soon!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Warriors finally won an event!
Yay Warriors of Love! Great comeback! Love Potion #1 is a hard team to play against, but you finally succeeded with a win! I'm so proud of you! I wish I could have been there to experience it with you. There's still plenty of time for us to turn everything around. Great game everyone! Everyone plays with plenty of heart and appreciation for their teammates AND opponents.
Now we have a true competition. Everyone is playing well, and enjoying themselves. There are two events left in the Series: Wii Sports on Friday 7/25, and Football on Saturday 7/26. At this point, it is truly anyone's game. Thanks to all of you who have participated, and those who continue to participate. We couldn't have reached these scores without you! For information about Summer Sports Series, and to find out the scores, visit http://thejourneyie.blogspot.com or Sports.towardtruth.com.
Now we have a true competition. Everyone is playing well, and enjoying themselves. There are two events left in the Series: Wii Sports on Friday 7/25, and Football on Saturday 7/26. At this point, it is truly anyone's game. Thanks to all of you who have participated, and those who continue to participate. We couldn't have reached these scores without you! For information about Summer Sports Series, and to find out the scores, visit http://thejourneyie.blogspot.com or Sports.towardtruth.com.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hope the camping trip went well.
I don't know who all went, and I haven't heard back from everyone, but from the ones I did talk to, I heard that it was a wonderful experience. I'm sorry that Rex and I missed it, but we had several very good reasons:
1) We were helping our friends Matt and Bridget move into their new apartment. We had to move everything from Ontario to San Bernardino. I helped on Friday, and Rex helped out both Friday and Saturday. We rested on Sunday. :-)
2) Rex doesn't like camping. He does not enjoy sleeping in a tent, in a sleeping bag, and not being able to shower, or use a normal toilet. (I heard about the "No Facilities" at the camp. Was there at least an outhouse, or some kind of indoor toilet?)
3) Rex's mom needed us, to take her to run some errands. It's only fair, since she's been loaning us her car for the last several months, until she has her last (hopefully) eye surgery, and her eye heals well enough for her to drive.
4) Last but not least, for those of you who don't know: Rex and I are having a baby! We are expecting our little bundle of joy on January 22, 2009! Of course, since it's my first pregnancy, there's even less guarantees on the due date, then there would normally be. We are so happy, and we're glad to share this experience with everyone in The Journey, and as of next year, we will have a new addition to the Journey family: Baby "Peanut" Arnold! (It's only a nickname, we are not actually going to name our baby "Peanut"!)
Hope everyone is well, and I will see some of you on Friday, at Fuel. We missed everyone last Friday, so we're glad Fuel is back at church! :-)
1) We were helping our friends Matt and Bridget move into their new apartment. We had to move everything from Ontario to San Bernardino. I helped on Friday, and Rex helped out both Friday and Saturday. We rested on Sunday. :-)
2) Rex doesn't like camping. He does not enjoy sleeping in a tent, in a sleeping bag, and not being able to shower, or use a normal toilet. (I heard about the "No Facilities" at the camp. Was there at least an outhouse, or some kind of indoor toilet?)
3) Rex's mom needed us, to take her to run some errands. It's only fair, since she's been loaning us her car for the last several months, until she has her last (hopefully) eye surgery, and her eye heals well enough for her to drive.
4) Last but not least, for those of you who don't know: Rex and I are having a baby! We are expecting our little bundle of joy on January 22, 2009! Of course, since it's my first pregnancy, there's even less guarantees on the due date, then there would normally be. We are so happy, and we're glad to share this experience with everyone in The Journey, and as of next year, we will have a new addition to the Journey family: Baby "Peanut" Arnold! (It's only a nickname, we are not actually going to name our baby "Peanut"!)
Hope everyone is well, and I will see some of you on Friday, at Fuel. We missed everyone last Friday, so we're glad Fuel is back at church! :-)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Never too late!
Hello to all my readers! I'm sorry I've gotten so behind in my blogging! I've been experiencing some serious craziness, with trying to finish all my classes by the end of August. I have to take four classes by then. I know, I know. I must have lost my mind, right? Probably, but I have faith that I can do it, and anytime I don't have the strength to do it by myself, I will pray to God for the additional "oomph" that I need. It will probably only get crazier! Oh well, once I complete these courses, I'm done for good! I won't have to go to school anymore! (Unless I get a wild hair, and decide to go back to school for my Master's. I don't see that happening, so all is well!)
As far as updates for the Journey:
Graduating seniors will be moving up to join us, either at the College-age Group on Tuesday nights (led by Evan & Adda), or at Fuel on Fridays. Whichever they decide, they are always welcome!
Young Women's group (led by Ellie) has moved to Tuesday nights at 6pm, instead of Monday nights.
Young Men's group has been put on hiatus for the summer. We'll keep you posted with any changes. Check www.towardtruth.com periodically for details.
We have a new addition to our Childcare Leaders: Jodie! She has finally decided to be apart of the Journey Ministry! We're happy to have her!
There's only one more week to Be the Difference in helping the Tunde and Friends ministry! Since the beginning of May, we've asked Journey members to donate their recyclables every week at Fuel. This is your last chance! You can either turn in the recyclables yourself, and donate the money to Tunde and Friends, or you can rinse them out and bring them to Fuel, so we can do it for you. Or you can just write a check to Centerpoint Church, and in the memo write "Tunde and Friends". However you feel moved to help, it will be a blessing to their ministry.
Fourth of July Fun in the Forest: We need your money in by this Sunday! That's $30 for two nights, or $25 if you need to come home by Saturday. You can pay Shawn on Friday or Sunday. The details are as follows:
· 2 nights camping at Mt. San Jacinto State Park (showers & bathrooms available; you bring your own camping equipment).
· Friday, July 4, 1pm, through Sunday, July 6, 1pm.
· 5 meals, FUEL in the forest, Summer Sports Series, hiking & more!
· All for only $30. THAT'S TEN DOLLARS A DAY!!! (and it INCLUDES GAS!!!). Payment in full secures your spot.
· All money must be in on or before June 29.
· If you have to be back early: We are only allowed 2 vehicles for every 8 people. So as long as you ride up with 2-3 other people who need to be back early, you can ride back together too. And if you HAVE TO leave on Saturday, I will knock $5 off your camping price, which means you'll only have to pay $25.
· Have any questions? shawn@towardtruth.com
As far as updates for the Journey:
Graduating seniors will be moving up to join us, either at the College-age Group on Tuesday nights (led by Evan & Adda), or at Fuel on Fridays. Whichever they decide, they are always welcome!
Young Women's group (led by Ellie) has moved to Tuesday nights at 6pm, instead of Monday nights.
Young Men's group has been put on hiatus for the summer. We'll keep you posted with any changes. Check www.towardtruth.com periodically for details.
We have a new addition to our Childcare Leaders: Jodie! She has finally decided to be apart of the Journey Ministry! We're happy to have her!
There's only one more week to Be the Difference in helping the Tunde and Friends ministry! Since the beginning of May, we've asked Journey members to donate their recyclables every week at Fuel. This is your last chance! You can either turn in the recyclables yourself, and donate the money to Tunde and Friends, or you can rinse them out and bring them to Fuel, so we can do it for you. Or you can just write a check to Centerpoint Church, and in the memo write "Tunde and Friends". However you feel moved to help, it will be a blessing to their ministry.
Fourth of July Fun in the Forest: We need your money in by this Sunday! That's $30 for two nights, or $25 if you need to come home by Saturday. You can pay Shawn on Friday or Sunday. The details are as follows:
· 2 nights camping at Mt. San Jacinto State Park (showers & bathrooms available; you bring your own camping equipment).
· Friday, July 4, 1pm, through Sunday, July 6, 1pm.
· 5 meals, FUEL in the forest, Summer Sports Series, hiking & more!
· All for only $30. THAT'S TEN DOLLARS A DAY!!! (and it INCLUDES GAS!!!). Payment in full secures your spot.
· All money must be in on or before June 29.
· If you have to be back early: We are only allowed 2 vehicles for every 8 people. So as long as you ride up with 2-3 other people who need to be back early, you can ride back together too. And if you HAVE TO leave on Saturday, I will knock $5 off your camping price, which means you'll only have to pay $25.
· Have any questions? shawn@towardtruth.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
Changes for the Journey.........
There will no longer be groups on Mondays.
The Young Women's Group has been moved to Tuesdays at 6pm. For questions and information, contact our group leader Ellie by e-mail at ellie@towardtruth.com.
The Young Men's Group is on hiatus, until Pastor Shawn has decided where the group is going. He's hoping to find a more exciting way to get more young men involved.
All other groups will still be meeting on their regular days, at their regular times. For more information about all these groups, visit www.towardtruth.com, and click on the small groups link.
As for Fuel, Rex will be teaching this month. Come visit us this month on Fridays, to hear what new things he will teach us about God's Word. Rex has a lot of knowledge about the Bible, and I'm sure he's looking forward to sharing it with us.
Check out The Journey's blog at http://thejourneyie.blogspot.com every week, and see what our Journey leaders have to share. It's the one place you can get the thoughts from several of our leaders, without having to go to several different websites. It's also a good way to keep in touch with what activities we have going on. You never know what you might discover when you visit our blog page! Come visit anytime!
The Young Women's Group has been moved to Tuesdays at 6pm. For questions and information, contact our group leader Ellie by e-mail at ellie@towardtruth.com.
The Young Men's Group is on hiatus, until Pastor Shawn has decided where the group is going. He's hoping to find a more exciting way to get more young men involved.
All other groups will still be meeting on their regular days, at their regular times. For more information about all these groups, visit www.towardtruth.com, and click on the small groups link.
As for Fuel, Rex will be teaching this month. Come visit us this month on Fridays, to hear what new things he will teach us about God's Word. Rex has a lot of knowledge about the Bible, and I'm sure he's looking forward to sharing it with us.
Check out The Journey's blog at http://thejourneyie.blogspot.com every week, and see what our Journey leaders have to share. It's the one place you can get the thoughts from several of our leaders, without having to go to several different websites. It's also a good way to keep in touch with what activities we have going on. You never know what you might discover when you visit our blog page! Come visit anytime!
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