Life Lesson

It's been forever since I have posted anything on here but I have so many built up emotions that it's probably time I start writing again before I explode....perhaps there may be a new lyric one day? For those of you who know me well, you know I'm a songwriter. However, that's been put on hold with having little ones :) Anyway, the thought that is on my heart this very second involves the years my 2 babies were born. 2011 & 2013. These 2 years, although beautiful ones, they were also trying ones. 2011...Jimmie Clint Lorentsen was born, and my husband was involved in two car accidents. 2013...Avalynn Brooke Lorentsen was born, and my husband got word of being laid off and struggling to find work in his field of study. Becoming a mom once and then twice has taught me that during the rough times different things matter now. And that my friends, is life. Precious abundant life of your loved ones. They matter to me more than anything. I thank God my 2 children were born the same years that our little family had the hardest times because it brought me back down to earth and taught me a much needed life lesson. As long as my family is happy, healthy, and by each other's side, then nothing else matters. Just a little blib for now :)

Rescue

This was on my heart to share today. How many hurting people are there in our churches walls and we don't reach out?? Or are you one of them?? Be blessed!! You can listen to a rough recording of the following song at: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=564017&songID=4383452

Rescue Our Brother
©2006 Raina Lorentsen & Colten Krauter

Another Sunday morning
He sits in the back row
Painting a smile on that face
Hoping his heart won't show
His trials leave him empty
No one will ever know

Beneath it all
He wants to make it right
Give it up to God
And leave his double life

Do we see struggles
In the battle for his soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to God’s grace
And rescue our brother

Another Sunday night
She visits with her friends
Saying she's just fine
With her smile of pretend
Leaving good impressions
While she is fighting with sin

Beneath it all
She wants to make it right
Give it up to God
And leave her double life

Do we see struggles
In the battle for her soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to God’s grace
And rescue our sister

Oh we know that He's not that far away
Breaking down while He's lifting up

Do we see struggles
In the battle for her soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to Gods grace
And rescue, and rescue, and rescue our sister

Do we see struggles
In the battle for her soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to Gods grace
And rescue our sister

(TAG)
Another Sunday morning
He sits in the back row
Showing the joy that’s in his heart…

Moving time

Jason and I are getting ready for a move at the end of the month to a bigger apartment with memories waiting to be made. As I start packing, it reminds me of stuffing boxes before we got married. Oh the anticipation and thoughts that went through my head...

"Me? Old enough to get married?" "Man oh man I have no idea what I'm getting myself into but bring it on!" "Will I be a good enough wife?" "Will I be able to make new friends?" "I am not a CA girl, but it's about time I get to be with my man, wherever it may be" Etc etc etc...

It was all such a bittersweet adventure. Not only did I get married, which is a huge change in itself, but I moved away from all I've known for so long; probably a larger treck than a lot of brides these days. However, it was all a great change. Of course it was difficult and emotional, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am happy, making memories, and living forward with my Jesus and my hubby by my side.

As we make all the preparations for our move in just a few weeks, I have thoughts running miles around my brain with excitement looking forward to what the future brings. With God, it brings greatness and I couldn't ask for more.

Our little secret

My husband, Jason, and I have ran into many a people who have asked us about our first "fight". The look on the faces of these people is priceless when we tell them there hasn't been one. We have even had someone try to convince us that fighting is a "good" thing and every relationship goes through it. I don't think so. Where is the happiness in that? Sure we have had our disagreements and misunderstandings, but nothing we remember and definitely not a full blown fight. In fact, our few misunderstandings took place while we were apart, but that only seemed natural. It's hard to read someone when you aren't with them and definitely the stress of seperation played a big role.

However, since we have been married and together 24/7, there has been nothing but love and joy. No arguements and no fights. Why? Because it's not worth it. It wastes perfectly good time that could be spent in happiness with my husband. If we have an issue, we talk it out, work it out, then forget about it. We don't keep anything from each other. Honesty and communication is key. There isn't anything I wouldn't tell Jason. He is my best friend.

Marriage can be the most rewarding and uplifting experience that can happen to oneself for the rest of your life if you let it. Jason and I have a friendship that is unconditional, accepting, and looks passed the human flaws; a relationship full of communication, I love yous, surprises, and hugs and kisses.

That my friend is 'Our little secret'. And remember, fighting is NEVER a good thing.

Family Favorite

This recipe has been a favorite of friends and family for as long as I can remember. Try it and enjoy!!

Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti, enough for 4-5 people, (cook and drain, as directed on pkg.)
2 Tablespoon Melted butter
1 Egg
Salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Favorite pizza toppings
Mozzarella cheese

(DOUBLE ingredients for a 9x13" pan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 or 9” square pan. Combine butter, egg, seasonings, and cheese together, blending well. Stir in spaghetti, coating it well. Put into the bottom of your pan evenly. Top this with your favorite spaghetti sauce. Then top the sauce with your favorite pizza toppings. Cover all of it with mozzarella cheese (or your favorite blend of cheeses). Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned as much as you like it.

Keep on goin'

We are all born with a purpose. A purpose that takes us through twists and turns, bumps and bruises, heart smiles and heart breaks. That's just life. I for one love the journey. I've had my share of ups and downs but I wouldn't change anything about this 'roadtrip'. Every moment has led me to where I am supposed to be. I found my true self and true joy 'miles' down the road. My true joy is still being able to laugh and mean it when life beats down your door and throws everything at you. Joy that wakes you up with a smile when you feel like crying.

It's so easy to get discouraged, depressed, and broken. I get it and have felt it. However, I have also seen and felt the uplifting side. The side when you realize all that has happened along your journey had a reason. Without my experiences, I wouldn't be able to relate to those in need of encouragement, I wouldn't be as happy, and I definitely wouldn't have met my wonderful husband.

Whenever you feel like you haven't got a purpose and a meaning in this world, just keep on pushing. Push, cry, jump, dance, laugh, scream... Whatever you need to do to get you to your 'destination' (that doesn't involve bodily harm to yourself or anyone else), DO IT!! Take each moment, good or not, and run with it. You never know where it will lead you and what it will make you.

Some call it fate, I call it purpose. Keep on goin'!!

My Rant

I was flipping through channels the other day, just looking for something to watch, and I stumble across a talk show. On this talk show was a woman selling her virginity to the highest bidder, and yes you heard that right. The highest bidder so far is willing to pay $3.5 million (Note: All these men are strangers)! According to her, she is talking and getting to know these men to find out who she is most comfortable with, and it might not even be the highest bidder she chooses. She's not dating them or even spending time with them. She's basing her decision on pure facts.

She carries the most wonderful thing anyone could carry and she is willing to just give it away to a stranger for what? Money?!? Even the very worldly host asked her, "Don't you want to make it special and with a person you fall in love with? Wouldn't you consider changing your mind?" It's just really sad. She is a beautiful, smart woman but yet, she doesn't see herself as worth far more than what she is bringing herself down to. I care about her, I don't judge her, and I respect her decision but I sure do ache for her and pray for her.

The part that is so despicable is, you put her on the street doing the exact same thing, it's illegal. Put her in a "Bunny Ranch" (where she has chosen to do her act), it's perfectly legal. Utterly ridiculous!

My dear young girls: You are worth far more than money. By waiting to have sex with a special someone and not giving yourself away, the reward is by far greater than any material a man has to offer you. Love yourself, save yourself, and believe in yourself...that you are beautiful and worth waiting for.