Today Josh and I helped a friend of ours move. I don't feel like we did much to help her... oh how I wish we could have done so much more.
Our friend's daughter passed away a few months ago. She was only 2 years old when her life was taken. Our friend is living every parent's worst nightmare. Not only that, but she is having to leave the place she shared with her daughter... their home.
This blog tonight is short. There isn't much to be said. What can you say to something so horribly tragic.
Today Josh and I went to help a friend. While I took apart this precious 2 year old's bed... a bed she would never sleep in again... my heart ached. It ached for a Mommy so visibly hurting, it ached for a little life that had so much living left to do...
Her heart will go on living inside a darling little boy in Oklahoma. And she will fall asleep with Jesus tonight... She certainly must be the most Precious Angel of all.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Unanswered Prayer - Because God Does Have A Plan
This past weekend Lexie's older brother, Tyler, came to visit. Lexie had no idea he was coming so it was an excellent surprise! It always amazes me how time and distance cannot separate what is in their hearts. They fit seamlessly together, and they instinctively know to cherish every moment. There isn't a minute when they are not smiling, hugging, laughing, teasing... just truly enjoying each other.
This time Hadlie was old enough to get in on all the fun. When Tyler arrived she just stared at his face. Then she would stare at Lexie's face. It was almost as if she could see the resemblance... almost like she knew. We tried to get her to say "Tyler", but she never would. Then before we knew it she was running after him and calling him "Bubba". It struck me as funny because Lexie doesn't even call him that.
The kids had an excellent time together. The wonderful thing about them is that you can have them doing activity after activity or you can just let them hang out at home and regardless they are content to be together. It's so wonderful!
It was at our point in the day where we had just got done swimming and were just hanging out that brings me to the part of unanswered prayers. You see, Lexie and Tyler share a biological father. Lexie does not see her father. He does not call. He does not visit. He sends an occasional card or gift, but other than that he has no part in her life. Tyler, on the other hand, sees their father on a regular court ordered visitation schedule.
It has always been my prayer that someday Lexie's bio dad would wake up and realize what he was missing by not being in her life. That he would quit spending his money on game systems, vehicles, poker, or whatever else and actually be a part of her life. Perhaps come to visit her... at her house, doing what she wanted to do, seeing the things that matter to her. This weekend I finally figured out why God has never let that happen.
Tyler opened his heart and shared with us his feelings about not wanting to go over there anymore. Of course there are the basic things that kids just don't like... but there were things he said that left all of us adults speechless. At no point did we pry or say much. More than anything we listened and asked an occasional open ended question allowing him to express feelings it was obvious he'd been holding in awhile. At the end of it all, I knew...
I knew Lexie would be confused if someone implied things about me that were untrue. At 7 she would not build hatred towards her father for saying those things like her brother does. She would be confused and question them. I knew Lexie would not have the profound knowledge that her brother does that they are simply trying to "buy my love"... impressive words for an 11 year old to formulate. I knew she would be scared if they took her cell phone not allowing her to contact me, tell me goodnight, etc. Story after story that he told just made it that much more clear, and when it was all said and done I knew that more than anything God was saving her from a lifetime of emotional damage. God had a plan for her... Jeremiah 29:11 in action!
Someday Lexie will probably want to know why her bio dad didn't want to be a part of her life. Now I can say with confidence that God was protecting her from hurt and confusion by not allowing that relationship to develop. She will always have her brother to tell her the truth and what things were really like there. And because of Josh she knows the unconditional love of a father... the one that's there everyday, the one that tucks her in at night, the one who prays for her future... her Daddy.
I love Tyler with all of my heart. When he walked through my front door and straight into my arms it was like holding one of my own children. It always will be. So my heart aches for him knowing how unhappy he is when he is away from his parents. None of us can change the situation. Only Tyler and the courts can do that. So it is my prayer now that whatever Tyler wants to happen will.
This time Hadlie was old enough to get in on all the fun. When Tyler arrived she just stared at his face. Then she would stare at Lexie's face. It was almost as if she could see the resemblance... almost like she knew. We tried to get her to say "Tyler", but she never would. Then before we knew it she was running after him and calling him "Bubba". It struck me as funny because Lexie doesn't even call him that.
The kids had an excellent time together. The wonderful thing about them is that you can have them doing activity after activity or you can just let them hang out at home and regardless they are content to be together. It's so wonderful!
It was at our point in the day where we had just got done swimming and were just hanging out that brings me to the part of unanswered prayers. You see, Lexie and Tyler share a biological father. Lexie does not see her father. He does not call. He does not visit. He sends an occasional card or gift, but other than that he has no part in her life. Tyler, on the other hand, sees their father on a regular court ordered visitation schedule.
It has always been my prayer that someday Lexie's bio dad would wake up and realize what he was missing by not being in her life. That he would quit spending his money on game systems, vehicles, poker, or whatever else and actually be a part of her life. Perhaps come to visit her... at her house, doing what she wanted to do, seeing the things that matter to her. This weekend I finally figured out why God has never let that happen.
Tyler opened his heart and shared with us his feelings about not wanting to go over there anymore. Of course there are the basic things that kids just don't like... but there were things he said that left all of us adults speechless. At no point did we pry or say much. More than anything we listened and asked an occasional open ended question allowing him to express feelings it was obvious he'd been holding in awhile. At the end of it all, I knew...
I knew Lexie would be confused if someone implied things about me that were untrue. At 7 she would not build hatred towards her father for saying those things like her brother does. She would be confused and question them. I knew Lexie would not have the profound knowledge that her brother does that they are simply trying to "buy my love"... impressive words for an 11 year old to formulate. I knew she would be scared if they took her cell phone not allowing her to contact me, tell me goodnight, etc. Story after story that he told just made it that much more clear, and when it was all said and done I knew that more than anything God was saving her from a lifetime of emotional damage. God had a plan for her... Jeremiah 29:11 in action!
Someday Lexie will probably want to know why her bio dad didn't want to be a part of her life. Now I can say with confidence that God was protecting her from hurt and confusion by not allowing that relationship to develop. She will always have her brother to tell her the truth and what things were really like there. And because of Josh she knows the unconditional love of a father... the one that's there everyday, the one that tucks her in at night, the one who prays for her future... her Daddy.
I love Tyler with all of my heart. When he walked through my front door and straight into my arms it was like holding one of my own children. It always will be. So my heart aches for him knowing how unhappy he is when he is away from his parents. None of us can change the situation. Only Tyler and the courts can do that. So it is my prayer now that whatever Tyler wants to happen will.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
3-Day: Getting Started Meeting
My sister and I have decided to attend a Getting Started Meeting next Tuesday at Luke's Locker in Dallas. It may seem silly because we have already walked in the 3-day. And most likely, we have heard, read, or experienced everything they will tell us. (I'm a big researcher.)
In my opinion, Getting Started Meetings are an absolute necessity for NEW walkers. And quite honestly, I highly recommend them for repeat walkers. This is also a great opportunity for someone who has not decided whether or not the 3-day is something they really want to do. It's a no pressure way to find out the facts.
At a Getting Started Meeting you will get the opportunity to find out what the 3-day is all about. From fundraising, to training, to life at camp. This is an overview you won't want to miss. They will even give you some materials to help you get started with all of this. The best part is that you will have the opportunity to ask questions to people who have been there. There is no better preparation you can receive than talking to someone who has already walked.
My favorite part of the Getting Started Meetings is the inspiration you receive! You walk away feeling so inspired... so ready to make a difference... so energized to train, fund raise, and spread awareness for this great cause.
If you are walking in the 3-day and haven't attended a meeting, I encourage you to go. Come with us on Tuesday. Find one near you. You will be glad you did!
In my opinion, Getting Started Meetings are an absolute necessity for NEW walkers. And quite honestly, I highly recommend them for repeat walkers. This is also a great opportunity for someone who has not decided whether or not the 3-day is something they really want to do. It's a no pressure way to find out the facts.
At a Getting Started Meeting you will get the opportunity to find out what the 3-day is all about. From fundraising, to training, to life at camp. This is an overview you won't want to miss. They will even give you some materials to help you get started with all of this. The best part is that you will have the opportunity to ask questions to people who have been there. There is no better preparation you can receive than talking to someone who has already walked.
My favorite part of the Getting Started Meetings is the inspiration you receive! You walk away feeling so inspired... so ready to make a difference... so energized to train, fund raise, and spread awareness for this great cause.
If you are walking in the 3-day and haven't attended a meeting, I encourage you to go. Come with us on Tuesday. Find one near you. You will be glad you did!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Why Arbonne IS A Fit For Me!
I've had several people ask me questions about why I chose to become an Arbonne consultant lately. Ultimately, people have wanted to know why I chose Arbonne out of all the other direct sales companies out there. And some have wanted to know why I went the direct sales route in general. Here is my answer to that ever so popular question, "So, why Arbonne?"
I should start out by explaining why I chose direct sales to begin with. Josh and I are at a point in our lives where we are really trying to make some solid changes in our finances before we move out of my parents house with the kids. We have both made some very bad financial decisions in our past. Trying to reconcile those decisions is not only difficult, but costly.
We began taking another session of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peach University. We had taken this class shortly after Hadlie was born and completed it. However, Josh was out of job at the time, and much of what we learned we could not even apply because we had no extra income to go past basic living. Since the class is free to attend after the first time you take it, we decided we would go ahead and go back to get re-inspired and refresh our knowledge.
Knowing that Dave was going to recommend getting a second job, I began thinking about what I could do. I did not want to spend too much time away from the kids, and I didn't want to give up my current job which has sort of an odd schedule. It seemed only logical to go the direct sales route even though I'm the farthest thing from a sales person you will EVER meet.
I had already asked several questions from different people I knew who had different direct sales businesses in the past because I had known for awhile that for our situation to change what we were doing was going to have to change. Plus, I was always hearing people talk about how much they loved their business and what great things their businesses were doing for their lives. (Particularly from a Facebook friend of mine who was able to quit her full time, well paying, corporate job because of her Arbonne business and the success it was having!!!)
When I looked into the companies, it really wasn't a hard decision to make. Arbonne offered a variety of products which opened my sales market up wider than another other direct sales company could. Arbonne's product were all consumable. This would give me the opportunity to develop friendships with my clients instead of constantly seeking out new clients because they already had my products. That was key for me, as meeting new people takes me out of my comfort zone. So knowing that I wouldn't be relying entirely on that put me at ease. Arbonne had a product I knew I could sell because I believed in it. Not being a natural sales girl, I was going to have to believe in what I was selling. And the testimonies from people using Arbonne were outstanding! So my mind had been made up.
Then I chickened out. I wasn't sure I could do it. I just put it in the back of my mind, and instead agreed to have an Arbonne party. Well, apparently I picked the worst time to host a party because NO ONE could come. My sweet consultant came over anyway and talked to Josh and I about the products we were interested in and let us sample them. We had pretty much decided what we wanted so I was filling out the application to become a Preferred Client and get a 20% discount. Well on that same form you can check the box to become a consultant for only $109.00 and you get a 35% discount. So I started asking more questions than I'd asked her the first time she told me all about it, Josh started asking questions, and we chatted until I decided that I was going to do it enough to get my discount!
The rest has sort of flown by! I had a small kick-off party at the end of January, I've completely "Arbonized" my family's lives as we are all using their products for pretty much everything we can, and I've started working my business. Last month I even got into qualification for my first promotion to District Manager.
It's been a blast! And the best part has been that I only work the business when I decide to. For instance, this month my focus is not and will not be my business. I have made a commitment to Lexie's school that takes up 100% of my spare time. Due to this, I most likely will not become a District Manager this month. But THAT'S OKAY because it's my business. And next month when I have the time (that I choose) to devote to it, then I will be rewarded abundantly!
The products, the experience, the people, the personal growth, etc. have all been invaluable assets to my life! I'm so excited to be doing this. I know I have the potential to do great things with Arbonne because I've met so many other wonderful people who have been blessed by the Arbonne business and rewarded beyond imagination for their efforts!
Hopefully now everyone can see "Why Arbonne IS A Fit For Me!"
Could it be a fit for you?!?
http://jessicadunn.myarbonne.com
I should start out by explaining why I chose direct sales to begin with. Josh and I are at a point in our lives where we are really trying to make some solid changes in our finances before we move out of my parents house with the kids. We have both made some very bad financial decisions in our past. Trying to reconcile those decisions is not only difficult, but costly.
We began taking another session of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peach University. We had taken this class shortly after Hadlie was born and completed it. However, Josh was out of job at the time, and much of what we learned we could not even apply because we had no extra income to go past basic living. Since the class is free to attend after the first time you take it, we decided we would go ahead and go back to get re-inspired and refresh our knowledge.
Knowing that Dave was going to recommend getting a second job, I began thinking about what I could do. I did not want to spend too much time away from the kids, and I didn't want to give up my current job which has sort of an odd schedule. It seemed only logical to go the direct sales route even though I'm the farthest thing from a sales person you will EVER meet.
I had already asked several questions from different people I knew who had different direct sales businesses in the past because I had known for awhile that for our situation to change what we were doing was going to have to change. Plus, I was always hearing people talk about how much they loved their business and what great things their businesses were doing for their lives. (Particularly from a Facebook friend of mine who was able to quit her full time, well paying, corporate job because of her Arbonne business and the success it was having!!!)
When I looked into the companies, it really wasn't a hard decision to make. Arbonne offered a variety of products which opened my sales market up wider than another other direct sales company could. Arbonne's product were all consumable. This would give me the opportunity to develop friendships with my clients instead of constantly seeking out new clients because they already had my products. That was key for me, as meeting new people takes me out of my comfort zone. So knowing that I wouldn't be relying entirely on that put me at ease. Arbonne had a product I knew I could sell because I believed in it. Not being a natural sales girl, I was going to have to believe in what I was selling. And the testimonies from people using Arbonne were outstanding! So my mind had been made up.
Then I chickened out. I wasn't sure I could do it. I just put it in the back of my mind, and instead agreed to have an Arbonne party. Well, apparently I picked the worst time to host a party because NO ONE could come. My sweet consultant came over anyway and talked to Josh and I about the products we were interested in and let us sample them. We had pretty much decided what we wanted so I was filling out the application to become a Preferred Client and get a 20% discount. Well on that same form you can check the box to become a consultant for only $109.00 and you get a 35% discount. So I started asking more questions than I'd asked her the first time she told me all about it, Josh started asking questions, and we chatted until I decided that I was going to do it enough to get my discount!
The rest has sort of flown by! I had a small kick-off party at the end of January, I've completely "Arbonized" my family's lives as we are all using their products for pretty much everything we can, and I've started working my business. Last month I even got into qualification for my first promotion to District Manager.
It's been a blast! And the best part has been that I only work the business when I decide to. For instance, this month my focus is not and will not be my business. I have made a commitment to Lexie's school that takes up 100% of my spare time. Due to this, I most likely will not become a District Manager this month. But THAT'S OKAY because it's my business. And next month when I have the time (that I choose) to devote to it, then I will be rewarded abundantly!
The products, the experience, the people, the personal growth, etc. have all been invaluable assets to my life! I'm so excited to be doing this. I know I have the potential to do great things with Arbonne because I've met so many other wonderful people who have been blessed by the Arbonne business and rewarded beyond imagination for their efforts!
Hopefully now everyone can see "Why Arbonne IS A Fit For Me!"
Could it be a fit for you?!?
http://jessicadunn.myarbonne.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Beach Body Buddy
I am currently in need of a "beach body buddy". What's this you might ask?!? Someone who is willing to partner with me to get ready for summer! I need to be walking a couple of times a week (at least), and I need someone who is going to hold me accountable to lose weight! I'm talking weekly weigh ins and everything.
I'm going to be starting a 28 day detox next week. I'm using that to kick start this whole project! I welcome anyone who is interested to start that with me, but if not, anyone who just wants to get healthier will do!
Now let me warn you of a few of things... 1. I weigh a lot. 2. I'm way out of shape. 3. I don't walk very fast (which drives my current walking partner - my sister- crazy!) 4. I need someone who isn't afraid to keep me in check.
So, if you think you would like to join me then I would love to hear from you! Together, we can get our "beach bodies". I may never wear a bikini again, but I don't have to jiggle in my Shamu suit quite so much!
I'm going to be starting a 28 day detox next week. I'm using that to kick start this whole project! I welcome anyone who is interested to start that with me, but if not, anyone who just wants to get healthier will do!
Now let me warn you of a few of things... 1. I weigh a lot. 2. I'm way out of shape. 3. I don't walk very fast (which drives my current walking partner - my sister- crazy!) 4. I need someone who isn't afraid to keep me in check.
So, if you think you would like to join me then I would love to hear from you! Together, we can get our "beach bodies". I may never wear a bikini again, but I don't have to jiggle in my Shamu suit quite so much!
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Answer
A few days ago my best friend and I were having a conversation about men. Mainly we were discussing how when you ask them certain things it can make or break how you feel about them by the answers they give. More specifically we were discussing how she had asked a guy a simple question like, "Well, what is it you like about me?" and he had no answer. Now granted, men usually don't know how to put their feelings into words, but my goodness... come up with something! Surely you don't like to spend hours on end with me and not like a single thing about me. Even if all you like is my great rack, go ahead and say it. It's better than NOTHING!
So fast forward to last night. Josh and I had taken a day trip to OKC for me to do an Arbonne party and deliver Girl Scout cookies. We were on our way back to Flower Mound and just rockin' out to whatever songs we could find on the radio. Of course there is always that song that prompts a discussion so I thought, "Here is my chance. I should see what he says when I put him on the spot." So as we discussed past relationships and such I asked, "So why me?" And what does he say?? NOTHING! As I began to mentally move his things out of the house so that I didn't waste another minute of someone who has no answer as to why he's spent the last four plus years with me I decided to give him one last chance. I said, "So you don't have an answer?" And in the most sincere and loving tone he goes, "You are the answer."
Immediately my heart melted. I quickly moved his things back in (mentally of course), and assured him that he had received enough brownie points to make it through the week with that answer. He said he wasn't going for brownie points, and oddly enough, I know it's true. The way he looks at me... the way he touches me... it all tells me exactly what he said last night. I'm in love with an amazing man who loves me unconditionally and makes sure to go out of his way to show me that each and every day. However, it sure did melt my heart to hear him say it.
And guess what Mr. Marick... You are my answer too. The good, the bad, and everything in between. I will spend the rest of my life loving you.
So fast forward to last night. Josh and I had taken a day trip to OKC for me to do an Arbonne party and deliver Girl Scout cookies. We were on our way back to Flower Mound and just rockin' out to whatever songs we could find on the radio. Of course there is always that song that prompts a discussion so I thought, "Here is my chance. I should see what he says when I put him on the spot." So as we discussed past relationships and such I asked, "So why me?" And what does he say?? NOTHING! As I began to mentally move his things out of the house so that I didn't waste another minute of someone who has no answer as to why he's spent the last four plus years with me I decided to give him one last chance. I said, "So you don't have an answer?" And in the most sincere and loving tone he goes, "You are the answer."
Immediately my heart melted. I quickly moved his things back in (mentally of course), and assured him that he had received enough brownie points to make it through the week with that answer. He said he wasn't going for brownie points, and oddly enough, I know it's true. The way he looks at me... the way he touches me... it all tells me exactly what he said last night. I'm in love with an amazing man who loves me unconditionally and makes sure to go out of his way to show me that each and every day. However, it sure did melt my heart to hear him say it.
And guess what Mr. Marick... You are my answer too. The good, the bad, and everything in between. I will spend the rest of my life loving you.
A little lovey dovey stuff from our first year together!
Friday, February 25, 2011
3-Day Ambassador... now what?!?
Earlier this week I was notified that I had been chosen as a 2011 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Online Ambassador. I was totally excited! I really am not sure what all of that means. I'm hoping that we will find out more soon about what is expected/needed of us. However, anything that makes the 3-day experience more rewarding is something I'm definitely up for because this is a cause I'm so passionate about.
You see, the 3-Day is the most amazing experience EVER! Yes, it's a lot of walking. Yes, you are physically and emotionally exhausted everyday. But what you get back from it is priceless. Knowing you are spreading awareness and raising money to fight breast cancer... well, you just can't beat that!
I'm super excited to be a part of the 3-Day again this year. My sister and I will be walking together again. I'm hoping we can find some more people who want to join our team. (Right now is a great time to do it because you can save $25 when you sign up!!) I can't wait to be back in our pink tent (with our decorations), being cheered on by our community, eating gramwiches (the best!), making new friends, and FIGHTING BREAST CANCER!
www.the3day.org/goto/jessica
You see, the 3-Day is the most amazing experience EVER! Yes, it's a lot of walking. Yes, you are physically and emotionally exhausted everyday. But what you get back from it is priceless. Knowing you are spreading awareness and raising money to fight breast cancer... well, you just can't beat that!
I'm super excited to be a part of the 3-Day again this year. My sister and I will be walking together again. I'm hoping we can find some more people who want to join our team. (Right now is a great time to do it because you can save $25 when you sign up!!) I can't wait to be back in our pink tent (with our decorations), being cheered on by our community, eating gramwiches (the best!), making new friends, and FIGHTING BREAST CANCER!
www.the3day.org/goto/jessica
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