Mimi's Bucket List!

Faithbooking

2009-07-16T15:13:00.015-05:00

A few weeks ago, Geraldine Woodell hosted a night of scrapbooking at her home for a few of us ladies, and it was tons of fun! I came home from that evening looking at boxes of photos that I had never archived properly, wondering how on earth I would ever get around to organizing them in particular themes, getting some supplies together, and finding inspiration for page layouts. When I was browsing some sites for ideas, I came across a link to a concept called faithbooking, and all of a sudden a lightbulb went off in my head! All the inspiration I could ever hope for came flooding into my head, and the excitement flared!

Most of you know that I've recently started the journey to renewing my faith, and it's been such an uplifting, empowering experience! How better to share all I've learned than in a creative setting? As an added perk, it has been such a great source of motivation for my studies! My first page was a tribute to the key people responsible for getting me back on track with my faith; John and Jan Hite, and Jim and Geraldine Woodell. I also incorporated a beautiful card that was sent to me from Pam Stephenson, who helped me come up with the scriptures on the page. She has one of the sweetest, most giving spirits any student could dream of in a teacher!

"Remember those who led you. who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith"
~Hebrews 13:1

My second page was inspired by one of the other girls in our Sunday class, Mr. and Mrs. Hite's daughter, Angie. She has the greatest story of overcoming adversity and obstacles, and is truly a great example of how God can and will get you through anything as long as you seek and follow Him. "Footprints" speaks more to me now thanks to Angie.

"The Lord makes firm the steps of those who delight in him."
~Psalm 37:23

This third page was difficult for me to get through since it was on forgiveness. To date, this is the toughest lesson I've had to learn. Strangely enough, the past couple of weeks at church, the services had to do with forgiveness! I learned that forgiving someone or asking someone for forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean that relationships can or will be reconciled, but I can honestly say that since I've grown to accept that the most hurtful experiences I've had in my life to date may never bring certain people knocking on my door asking for forgiveness, I feel great for being able to forgive them! It doesn't mean I have to have a relationship with them, in or out of the church environment, but it has definitely strengthened my relationship with God! Isn't that the one that counts most?

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
~Mark 22:25

It all comes down to faith, doesn't it? The center piece around this page is an image that is probably in every Korean-Christian household. Can you see his face in the shadows of the snow? If you can't see his face just yet, have faith that it is there! All you have to do is seek it! There were so many scriptures I wanted to put on this page, so I had to figure out how to keep it organized, and yet be able to continuously add to it, so I made a little pocket and cut a slit in the protective page so that I can keep adding as many tags as I can fit in there!

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."
~Hebrews 11:1

So now some of the things you may need to get started! I went a little overboard, and probably don't need half of what I've accumulated, but there are some essentials you'll definitely need. I did my research before buying any costly items to see if they were worth the added cost. Two of the items I highly recommend are the Making Memories 12 by 12-Inch Folding Paper Trimmer At first I was tempted to go with a cheaper cutter, but after doing some research, I found that this particular cutter has a self-sharpening blade so I'll save in the long-run with the cost of replacement blades adding up quick!

The second item I knew I needed would be a travel bag for toting around my essentials that would hold up with time, so I splurged on the cutest little tote from ScrapBug SD1402 So Debbie Pink Polka-Dot Shoulder Tote

Don't let the description fool you! It's in no way little! I was shocked at the size of the box that arrived, expecting an oversized messenger bag when I read that it was a shoulder tote. It's HUGE! It even has an enclosed paper storage accordian in the front that stores so much paper that I won't need to invest in a separate paper storage caddy!

Of course I needed to invest in some acid free markers to decorate and write on my pages, so I tried out the new BIC Mark-It and the BIC Mark-It Ultra Fine to write with.

I picked up some 12x12 paper and an album at Walmart, but I found some better deals at Amazon once I got home and did some research. The Dmd Designer Printed Paper Pack 100/Package has 100 pages in the pack with some great prints on them! My next album will also be the Die Cuts With A View AL013010 12-by-12-Inch Once Upon A Time Memory Album with Glitter Accents. I'm also hoping someone has a baby girl soon to give me an excuse to buy this cute pink Carter's Sweet Baby Girl Large Photo Album!

For mounting my photos and embellishments, I've found the Pioneer AM-350 Auto Mounts Dispenser with 350 Photo-Mounting Double-Sided Self-Adhesive Squares worked really well and are acid free!

Eventually I'll invest in getting some border punches like the Fiskars Border and Corner Punch, but I'll hold on some of those until I run out of ideas using the basics!

There you have it! A quick rundown on why I haven't gotten around to blogging much lately! I hope I inspired some of you to learn more of God and share His glory with others in a creative way! If you already have been faithbooking, or start one, please be sure to share them with me! I'd love to see what you've been working on!

Ghosts From the Past

2009-06-23T13:04:00.004-05:00

What is it about our pasts that haunt us and keep us trapped in chains? Why is it that when you're the one who was wronged, you have a greater tendency to avoid those that have wronged you as if somehow you are the culprit?

It took me a long time to figure out that it was me who was allowing myself to be wrapped in those chains rather than setting myself free. I have recently taken steps to allow myself to rediscover that not only am I worthy of His love, but that I did not deserve to be subjected to such hurtful and demeaning acts. As we go through our journey in life, there will be many people that will hurt us in one way or another. As sad as it is for people to feel that they can go through life treating others this way, it is much sadder to deprive ourselves of what God intended for us to have in this journey called life. "At times, others may treat us disrespectfully, but we can be certain of our dignity and worth because we have been created in the image of God". You won't always get that apology you feel you deserve, nor will you always see karma at work or have the satisfaction of having all truths revealed, but we should never forget that we mean everything to our creator. Continue to "love thy enemy" for we are taught that there is no honor in loving those who love us back, but rather that there is great honor in loving those that wrong us. Trust that all will be put right in its due course, and that even though all your prayers may not be answered, all of the ones that SHOULD be answered in accordance to His divine plan will be!

I want to thank all of those that helped me face my ghosts from my past, and most importantly, helped me get back on track in my spiritual life! You know who you are! I couldn't have done it without you! I know it couldn't have been easy!

Spring Cleaning Fun!

2009-06-01T04:02:00.008-05:00

Yes, I've been a bad girl! Old habits die hard, don't they? Almost as soon as I made the transition over here from LJ, I reverted back to it! Well, after another glitch on their side, I finally decided to shut LJ down! So there you have it, no more bouncing back and forth! As a part of my spring cleaning regime, I've cancelled LJ! So to keep in line with the spirit of spring cleaning and my re-introduction to blogspot, how about a hands-on review on...cleaning supplies! YAY!

Now don't go running for the hills just yet. This is one of my newest additions to my Going Clean Green lineup! Of all of the dish detergents I've tried to date, Earth Friendly Products Natural Spa Dish Soap has been my favorite so far. Not only is it great at cleaning up the grimy grease, but it leaves my hands nice and soft! Oh, and the lemongrass scent is a great perk! The price may be a bit daunting for some, but I will say that a little bit really does go a long way with this product. And who can put a price tag on helping to save the environment, right? Did I mention it leaves your hands super soft? :)

Earth Friendly Products Natural Spa Dish Soap

The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls

2008-12-11T08:29:00.008-06:00

What an awesome read! While it was heartbreaking to see children suffer from the irresponsible actions of their addict-parents, it was inspiring to see these brave little souls overcome the crazy obstacles that an unstable childhood threw at them. It makes you just want to grab them and hug them! Children that are forced to grow up at such a young age just breaks my heart, but when you see them beat the odds it makes you want to jump up and do a victory dance for them! I couldn't help but Google Jeannette after finishing this book to learn of all of the accomplishments she's achieved even in the face of such adversity, and was surprised to find out that I've seen her countless times on MSNBC and would have never guessed that she had such a rough time growing up!

The Glass Castle: A Memoir-Paperback
The Glass Castle: A Memoir-Kindle Edition

A-shopping we will go!

2008-12-09T09:14:00.014-06:00

I LOVE Oberon's journals and I've had mine for what seems like forever. Well, they've recently come out with Kindle covers with the option of velcro or corners. Most of you know that I HATE velcro so I'll probably go for one with corners. I'm bummed that their design selection is kinda of meek at the moment, but I've been eyeing the Tree of Life Kindle cover for awhile now, and considering my most recent horror with an M-Edge cover purchase, I'm thinking of getting myself a nice one for a few bucks more! So help me decide before I end up getting one of each!

Oberon Design

Now what???

2008-12-09T05:00:00.007-06:00

It's been a busy week of Christmas shopping so I haven't had time to blog at all, but i thought I'd post a quick tip for all the readers! If you're like me, sometimes you just can't figure out what to read next. Well, since I love Pandora for my music, I was thrilled when I stumbled across this handy little site!

What Should I Read Next?

Just plug in the name of a book you enjoyed and a list of suggestions will pop-up for your reading pleasure! Enjoy!

Kissing a Fool

2008-11-23T04:22:00.002-06:00

How's THIS for a blast from the past? George Michael. Yep, you heard me right! Read me right, whatever! So I was helping a friend do some major Spring cleaning in preparation for his move and he finds a crazy old CD. Then "Kissing a Fool" comes on and wouldn't ya know that the sap in me rears its ugly head? I'm sure a few of you can relate like I did to the song!

You are far,
When I could have been your star,
You listened to people,
Who scared you to death, and from my heart,
Strange that you were strong enough,
To even make a start,
But you'll never find
Peace of mind,
Till you listen to your heart,

People,
You can never change the way they feel,
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will,
If you let them,
Steal your heart from you,
People,
Will always make a lover feel a fool,
But you knew I loved you,
We could have shown them all,
We should have seen love through,

Fooled me with the tears in your eyes,
Covered me with kisses and lies,
So goodbye,
But please don't take my heart,

You are far,
I'm never gonna be your star,
I'll pick up the pieces
And mend my heart,
Maybe I'll be strong enough,
I don't know where to start,
But I'll never find
Peace of mind,
While I listen to my heart,

People,
You can never change the way they feel,
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will,
If you let them,
Steal your heart,

And people,
Will always make a lover feel a fool,
But you knew I loved you,
We could have shown them all,

But remember this,
Every other kiss,
That you ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man,
One you really can surrender with,
I will wait for you,
Like I always do,
There's something there,
That can't compare with any other,

You are far,
When I could have been your star,
You listened to people,
Who scared you to death, and from my heart,
Strange that I was wrong enough,
To think you'd love me too.
I guess you were kissing a fool,
You must have been kissing a fool.

What are you thankful for?

2008-11-23T04:12:00.004-06:00

With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, I'm curious to see what you all feel you're thankful for in your life! A few things I give thanks for on a daily basis include:

My family who encourage me to make my own decisions and make my own mistakes yet love me anyway.
My friends who are always there to catch me when I fall, and don't yell at me until AFTER they've told me they love me =p.
My dog that loves me even when I'm late feeding her!
A roof over my head.
A steady job (a rarity these days!).

So what are you thankful for this holiday season?

My new hobby!

2008-11-23T04:11:00.003-06:00

Remember how much I used to love to go fishing? Well, I'm considering learning how to hunt now >.< I love being outdoors and I don't get many opportunities lately to spend time with nature, so I'm learning new ways! I tagged along a few times with some friends and cringed at the sound of the rifle or crossbow going off, even when I would be sitting at camp and hearing rather than seeing the shot. Lane doesn't think I can "kill Bambi" as he so eloquently put it, but I'm thinking of giving it a shot. I have to say that I'm honestly excited about learning how to properly shoot a rifle and a crossbow, but Lane may prove to be right when it comes down to the execution! Nevertheless, it will give me more time outdoors and that's my ultimate goal!

A Child Called "It" and A Brother's Journey

2008-11-23T03:50:00.005-06:00

Years ago I read and raved about A Child Called "It". I couldn't fathom a mother hurting her own child as much as this crazed lunatic. It made me realize that even though we all have a right to privacy, we also have the responsibility to report suspected activities to the appropriate authorities. There are times when things are none of your business, and there are times when you need to make it your business. Learn the line and don't cross it! That being said, years after my first time reading this book and its sequels, I discovered that David Pelzer's brother, Richard, came out with a book highlighting a different perspective of David's experiences as well as his own traumatic experiences.

A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive-Paperback
A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive-Kindle Edition

A Brother's Journey did not leave me in awe with the writing, but it was interesting to read Richard's accounts of what happened when he was just a child. It's hard to say anything more without giving too much away, so I can't say much more than--it can be repetitive at times and worth the read if you can keep from comparing it to his brother's book!

A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse-Paperback
A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse-Kindle Edition

Fireproof...not so hot!

2008-11-23T03:42:00.003-06:00

You know how I've been waiting forever and a day for this movie to hit the theaters? I finally find a theater locally that's playing it and drag a friend of mine with me to a known "chick-flick" only to be.....SORELY disappointed! I rarely check reviews or spoilers for a movie (other than the trailer) since I don't want someone else's opinion to influence me either way, but this time I really wish I had! With its amateur actors (even Kirk Cameron seemed noobish!) and poor picture quality (I guess it could have just seemed poor because of the theater we went to), this movie in NO WAY did the book any justice! Makes me such a sad bunny!

Fireproof-Paperback
Fireproof-Kindle Edition

Oprah strikes again!

2008-11-23T03:24:00.002-06:00

What is this fascination with Oprah?! Ok so now I've had my Kindle for about a year now, right? I've even turned a few of you guys onto them =p. Well, when I find something I think is great I like to share it with everyone so that they can share in the wealth. I mean really, the initial cost is saved in a matter of maybe 20 Kindle books? Not to mention, it saves bookshelf space and is great for traveling without lugging around a bag of books. Fast forward a year. All those people that told me they thought it was a waste of money and useless? They get a Kindle...why? BECAUSE OPRAH SAID TO! It's scary that one person has such a great influence over so many that don't have a clue as to what they REALLY think! All of a sudden people are asking me where I've been getting all my books and if they can get copies! I honestly don't mind sharing, I mean I've let people borrow my Kindle in the past when they were considering the purchase, but it makes me laugh that the people that had firsthand experience with it didn't purchase it until Oprah said "OMG YOU MUST BUY THIS!". When will people learn to think for themselves?!

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-23T03:23:00.003-06:00

Since you guys are all posting your Halloween costumes I thought I'd share mine too!

The Shack - William P. Young

2008-11-23T02:40:00.004-06:00

As most of you know, I've been putting off this read for quite some time just because I truly feel that it is extremely arrogant that any author believe they can express the thoughts of God or Jesus, directly from the lips of God. I finally picked it up out of sheer boredom, and let me say that it left a bad taste in my mouth! I swear people don't have a mind of their own anymore! Oprah says that it's a great book and then her cronies all think it's a great book without even giving much thought to the jibberish they just read! Ok ranting aside, as far as the fictional aspect of this book goes it was definitely sad and tugged at the heartstrings. The writing started out rough with a lot of awkward sentences and some amateur-ish style, but by Chapter 4 things seemed to smooth out. The problem I personally had as a Christian was with the theological aspect. The author makes it impossible to separate the two here, but I'm as open-minded as they come, right? Sure. Moving on...without giving too much away...there are some gross (not the kind of pickled herring gross!) contradictions in this book that I can only describe as Universalist Unitarianism mystical philosophy. I'll give on God possibly being female, but since when does God not punish or hold you accountable for your sins (page 119-120)?!

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)

Or how about where God is said to be the same as the Great Spirit from some Indian folktale (page 31)?

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:13-15)

Now I'm no expert in the Bible, but I do know enough to see the contradictions to it. Now if Young meant for the contradictions in his book to lead people to pick up the Bible and study it more, kudos to him! I highly doubt that was his intent though. Moving on..."Jesus was not meant to copy. He is not our example." (Pg 149) Really? Since when? And what of these passages from the Bible?

"Imitate me(Paul), just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1)

"14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (John 13:14-15)

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40)

Ok enough spoilers and I'm sure I've given you enough info to see where I'm coming from. If I, as a fairly non-practicing Christian realize that there is something seriously wrong with Young's version of God and the Trinity, then how is it that so many so-called Christians are raving about this piece of work?! Seems to me that there are many church-going Christians that need to dust off their Bible some before wasting any of their time reading something like this. People warn voters and consumers to make informed decisions all the time before casting a vote. The Christians that are raving about this book seriously need to be better informed on the Bible!

The Shack-Paperback
The Shack-Kindle Edition

Hypocrite alert!

2008-11-23T01:55:00.003-06:00

Ok I'm forewarning everyone! This is going to be a heated response to what happened to a dear friend of mine recently, and it revolves around religion! It surprises me to see just how many people are out there who are not only close-minded and judgmental, but also hypocritical! Am I Christian? Yes. Am I a perfect one? No. I don't claim to be a devout or perfect Christian, however, considering the so-called "Elders" that lead our churches these days it's not hard to understand my discouragement or disinterest in being a member of one. Being an Elder does NOT give you the right to judge someone in God's stead. Being an Elder does NOT give you the right to act self-righteous and not be held accountable for your actions. Being an Elder does NOT mean you get to walk all over someone and not apologize for your hurtful actions. Being an Elder does NOT make you a superior human being that no longer needs to EARN respect! Being an Elder you have a responsibility to lead by example. Lead the Christian life and teach those who want to learn the TRUE Christian way. Being an Elder means you forgive the sins of others the same way you've been forgiven of your own (I know plenty of Elders that have pasts full of drugs, alcohol, and partying which they've conveniently forgotten about!). Now don't get me wrong, I also know many Elders that should be greatly respected despite their pasts. I respect them for acknowledging their imperfections and for trying to lead us in a Christian way of life despite our everyday struggles. I respect them for showing us that when we as humans make mistakes and stumble, we as Christians should continue to love, accept, and respect each other. As most of you know, most of my Dad's family all serve as Elders in their church which they've been a part of for over 20 years, and not once have they used it as a license to put someone down or brag. Have they all been perfect Elders? No. But I will say this much. In due time they've ALWAYS apologized for any hurt they've caused or mistakes they have made. They don't make the same mistakes twice, and they strive to live by their hearts every day. They commit to the responsibility that as Elders they must acknowledge, admit, and apologize for their mistakes no matter how difficult it may be. We must forgive each other as Christians if we ever expect to gain forgiveness by God! That, to me, makes not only a true Christian, but a truly respected Elder!

Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer

2008-11-23T01:44:00.003-06:00

Every so often I like to read something that doesn't require my "grownup" side of my brain. If you're like me and are a fan of the original V.C. Andrews books (not the ghost-writer...I'm talking Flowers in the Attic original one and only!), and you haven't read the "Twilight" series yet, get it! I have to say that way back when the second book of the series came out, it lacked a little something, but "Breaking Dawn" made up for that disappointment! There are some crazy plot twists that make it impossible to put this page-turner down!

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)-Hardcover
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga Book 4)-Kindle Edition

The Love Dare - Stephen Kendrick

2008-11-23T01:36:00.004-06:00

Yep. This is for chicks! Let's face it, if you could honestly get your guy to read this book, chances are you don't need it! It's a GREAT relationship workbook in many ways if you can get past some of the repetitiveness. Ideally, you would both read the book and make the changes together, but maybe after he sees some of the changes he might be inspired enough to pick it up even if he doesn't want you to SEE him pick it up! We can dream, right? All kidding aside, commit to the little changes in this book and I can't see how it wouldn't work. Marriage is about committment, right? =p On a side note, my Kleenex and I CAN'T WAIT for Fireproof to hit the theaters!

The Love Dare-Paperback
The Love Dare-Kindle Edition

Dreams from My Father

2008-11-23T01:06:00.003-06:00

From Publishers Weekly
Elected the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, Obama was offered a book contract, but the intellectual journey he planned to recount became instead this poignant, probing memoir of an unusual life. Born in 1961 to a white American woman and a black Kenyan student, Obama was reared in Hawaii by his mother and her parents, his father having left for further study and a return home to Africa. So Obama's not-unhappy youth is nevertheless a lonely voyage to racial identity, tensions in school, struggling with black literature?with one month-long visit when he was 10 from his commanding father. After college, Obama became a community organizer in Chicago. He slowly found place and purpose among folks of similar hue but different memory, winning enough small victories to commit himself to the work?he's now a civil rights lawyer there. Before going to law school, he finally visited Kenya; with his father dead, he still confronted obligation and loss, and found wellsprings of love and attachment. Obama leaves some lingering questions?his mother is virtually absent?but still has written a resonant book. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

First of all, THANK YOU KRISTY FOR SHARING THIS! Ok politics aside, this book was such an inspiring memoir that took me by surprise! Let's keep in mind that this was written WAY before his political campaign began, so we might do well to think of it as simply a successful black man's memoir. It could be that I was able to identify with many of his struggles being a minority myself (a double minority at that in the corporate world! An Asian WOMAN!), or it could be that I'm a hopeless sap. Either way, this book deserves more attention! Dare I say it? Oprah might need to start promoting it!

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance-Paperback
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance-Kindle Edition

My new blog home

2008-11-23T01:04:00.002-06:00

So I know it took me long enough to make the transition from LJ considering how long it's been since most of you made the switch, but I finally did it! Since the most recent craziness of them losing my past month's posts happened, I finally took the leap and made my new home! For the time being I'll re-up some of my past month's archives from LJ so that my new home doesn't feel so empty!