1 year, 100 posts, and 1 happy blogger!

Today is the one year anniversary of Sweet Somethings and coincidentally also the 100th blog post!

So much can happen in a span of one year: things of greatness, things of sadness, times of great joy and jubilation, deep thoughts, outings and vacations, adventure, love and heartbreak, holiday celebrations, filled with friends, family, acquaintances, picture taking and a whole lot of writing.

You, my loyal readers, have followed me along my finest and not so finest moments, reading, laughing, and even sometimes crying along with me. You even put up with my countless spelling and grammar errors, missing words and run-on sentences.

From one of my very first posts, you were my biggest fans. You continued reading, even when half of it didn't even make sense.

You trusted my baking advice and tried some of my favorite recipes like this and this. You cheered me on when I talked endlessly about all the cool cakes I made in class. And most of all reaffirmed my calling and passion, as I shared in this special post.

You were here listening as I poured my heart out when I was sad or upset about things. Even as silly as letting go of my sweet French student, Tino, last summer. More importantly, when I was thinking back to the scariest day of my life, when I heard my Mom had almost died if it wasn't for my Savior and Protector.  And most recently, having to leave a piece of my heart in Roseville.

Holidays were always followed by pictures and thoughts, which you promptly read along with.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and even Mother's Day, we celebrated together.

You let me talk endlessly about how much I love being a nanny. Reading all about this cool activity and that way of going about things. And always reminded me that I am a super cool nanny ;)

Reader, you were so very patient with me. You let me fuss, whine and talk about how life is just. not. fair. Fussing about people, about how hard I think life is, and finally understanding that it's all gonna be ok.

I experienced a lot of love this year too. In a whole lot of different ways. Here are my favorites, (Mom and Dad get Re-married! Roommate Soulmate Theory) and by the reader count they were yours too!

My loving readers supported my family and I through a big move to Iowa(Home Tour!) and gave a big cheer for me living on my own this summer(Summer Home!)

Most of all, you allowed me to share my heart. My jumbled thoughts about God and the way we should live our lives. You read along as I tried to teach myself  how to be a better follower of Christ and all around person, and while doing so touching your hearts too. Pouring my heart out about love, life choices, and what it means to have humility.

I could never be more grateful for the joy you have brought me by being so loyal. Thank you for every sweet, encouraging, and funny comment you left and even just taking a spare moment to catch up with my crazy life. You are all so special to me. 

With the most love,

Jasmine 

Don't worry.. I really am wearing clothes in this picture. 

Humility

As imperfect humans, we struggle with humility. We struggle with our own sense of pride, lack of humbleness and our own selfishness.

We tend to forget that the people around us are flawed, and likewise that we ourselves are flawed. We forget that there is only one man who has ever been perfect. No one but He has or ever will be perfect. 

Humans quickly place judgement on those who may be different, less fortunate, or walking on a path than themselves. Judgement occurs unrightfully in our minds when we witness things we do not believe or feel is right. Hate seeps into our soul when we experience how evil some people are. 

But is it our place to judge them, when we are just as imperfect as they? 

Where is our humility? Where is our love? Where is our compassion, grace, and humbleness? 

Why can we as humans not go to that lowly place, where our hearts are filled with the utmost love for someone who has done wrong, who has nothing to their name, or a misguided heart. 

God instructs us to find those people, to show them the abundant grace that he has always shown us, to remind them they are a beautiful creation of the Lord's, and let them know they are never alone. 

Matthew 25: 34-40 explains to us just how much God loves humility. 

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’


³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’


When we act in humility towards the least of these, God is so pleased, for the least of these are His children as well, his precious creations.

To have humility, you need humbleness though. You must let go of your pride. You must be willing to step down onto an equal level with those whom need your humility. By embracing God's love within you and showing grace towards others, humility will come naturally.

I'd say the greatest act of humility was from God, Himself. He sent His one and only Son to the Earth for us, so that he may hang from that cross, wearing a crown of thorns and die to cleanse our body from sin. God weeped to see his son in such a state. But out of his astounding humility, He gave us Jesus, so that we may live a righteous life.

You were shown the greatest act of humility, shouldn't you return the favor?

Next time you see a homeless man asking for food, stop. Give him food, a smile, tell him how much he is loved.

Next time you judge a man like James Holmes, who killed 14 people and injured 74 in a movie theater, remember humility. Humility for his family. They lost a son too. 


And even remember humility when something as silly as a guy cutting you off in rush hour traffic. 


Your humbleness and humility is truly the greatest form of worship to God. Loving one another is the essence of Christ. Excepting all people with grace is what He stands for. And as disciples of Christ we should want to stand for all of that too.


"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12


Until Next Time,


Jasmine 

Our Kind Of Love

*Written on the plane to Denver yesterday*

In my short life span I have loved many people. I love my Mom, Dad, Jack and Chloe. I love others in my family. I love God. I love my friends. I have loved a few boys too.

I’ve felt love from all those people and I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on what it means to love and be loved.  There is nothing better than to feel the warm fuzziness inside when you are told you are loved.

One thing I know is that I haven’t felt the type of love that a husband has for a wife and a wife for her husband. And when I see my parents together, I know that kinda love is something very, very special, especially when it has lasted through 20 years of marriage and 26 years of being together.

My parents have the most beautiful relationship and commitment to each other and today, they publicly proclaimed to continue the promise they made in front of a judge 20 years ago. Reciting those vows they said so many years ago.

Courtesy of Borel Photography

It was a beautiful ceremony that had me, and everyone else, sobbing the entire time. (Doesn’t help that I am a hopeless romantic.)

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

My Dad is a very talented poet, although he doesn’t share that with anyone but our family, and he wrote my Mom a touching prose. He couldn’t hold back tears, either could my Mom. My Mom wrote a beautiful promise to my Dad confirming her undying love for him.

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

I look like I am singing.. just praying tho:) 

         

I got the chance to say something to my parents too about how I can only pray for a marriage as wonderful as theirs. And how growing up surrounded by their love has molded me into who I am today.

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Every one needs at least one ugly crying picture..

So many of our great friends and family came out to support my parents. Not just because my parents made it this far but also because this may be the last time we ever see them again.

I know I’ve said it before but they are moving to Iowa in 2 weeks and the ceremony was our last hoorah.

It was so special in service at church to be invited on stage to be prayed for. People who I have grown up with. People who have supported my family through every single trial and tribulation in the last 10 years.

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Courtesy of Borel Photography

Looking out onto all those people who love me and my family so very much broke me down. I had not come to terms with not coming back to this place I know as home yet. I broke down and sobbed for the first time.

We spent the next few hours in fellowship with everyone at our little reception. Which I have to brag about my Mom and my decorations for second. Check out how cute this turned out. Oh and how in love my parents are..

Courtesy of Borel Photography

After it was all said in done, it was time for me to hop on a plane and go back to Denver. As I hugged my Mom goodbye, I lost it again and broke down sobbing.

That’s it here. This is no longer home. I may never see some of the people again. My safety net of church, friends, even my home for the past ten years will not be home any more. I didn’t want to have to leave. I wanted to spend those precious moments with my family.. I wanted to sleep in my room in my bed for one last night. I wanted to get the chance to cope with the fact that its not my reality anymore.

My Dad in his usual loving fashion immediately tried to change my flight so I could have one last night to be home. And even though it didn’t work out for me to stay, that’s ok.

As I sit on this plane back to my “home” I hold back tears.

I think of those people in Roseville that have molded me into the young woman I am now. And I just want to thank you from the very depths of my heart for every thing you have done for my family and I. You will never be forgotten. We will always love you like you have loved us. You have prepared us for this next chapter in our lives, and we couldn’t thank you more.

As easy as it can be to be loved it can be devastating to walk away from those who cherish you so deeply. But you know, its never goodbye, just until we meet again, whether that be later in life or in the golden streets of heaven.

Until Next Time, (wherever that may be),

Jasmine and the Spoonemore's 

Courtesy of Borel Photography

The Calling.

When I was younger I wanted to be a actress or a dancer or a teacher. Maybe all of them put together. As I got older I realized that I would never be a actress, and I couldn't be a dancer. I felt I would be a good teacher because of my love for kids and my creativity. Up until my Junior year of high school, I was pretty convinced that I would be going to school for and English major and minor in Photography and with that eventually become a teacher. But all along the way, I never in a million years thought I would become a Pastry Chef.

It's not that baking wasn't something I loved and cherished, I guess I just never realized that I could have that as a career. I feel like I have loved baking forever, but never really realized it. I had been baking with my mom since forever, I would film cooking shows with my neighbors, bake brownies with out recipes, and later on even sell cakes to friends and family.

I wasn't until I was accidentally placed in a cooking class at school my Junior year, that I realized how much I enjoyed being in the kitchen. Through that class and Mrs. Bergman I learned about Johnson and Wales. They even had a school in Denver, my top choice for where I wanted to attend college.

Still threw it aside believing that I had to go to school for something "real." That is until, my Aunt Tammy and I were discussing college one day as I flipped through on of my favorite cookbooks. I told her that I wasn't feeling confident about going as an English major and I still had no clue where I wanted to go. She asked me what my passions were. Dancing, writing, kids, and baking. And as I flipped through the cookbook I realized that I could go to school to be a baker, in Denver, and do something I really love.

It's funny how God works, because soon after I applied to JWU ( the only school I applied for) I received a letter back congratulating me on being accepted and not to worry because I qualified for 7,000 dollars in scholarships. It's almost like He was saying, "OK Jasmine, go do what you love for way cheaper than usual!"

There are some days were I have doubted my own passion, talent and career choice. They are rare days, but they happen. I struggle through a day of labs, wondering why I am even here, how am I going to make it in this dog-eat-dog industry, do I really want this?

But God has a way of pulling me away from my doubtfulness. He is teaching me to trust Him, and make me remember that He worked this out for me so that I don't have to worry. All I have to do it work hard, be passionate and put all my heart into each and every pastry, cake, cookie and dessert that I create.

Since I have began my internship my passion for baking has multiplied into something that can't
 be contained. I wake up refreshed each morning at 3:30am, because I know I get to go to work, and do what I love. How many people just absolutely LOVE their job? Not many.
I go into work and work my backside off but still get to enjoy the smells of chocolate, cake batter, almonds, and cinnamon rolls. That's they way God intended work to be.

My passion is finally being witnessed as my boss and co-workers constantly tell me how talented I am. How they are extremely impressed with my work ethic, efficiency, professionalism, and most of all how great my products look. Even to the point where they are considering hiring me after the internship.

I almost cry every time I think of their complements. They truly do not know how much they mean to me. I struggled so long wondering where I am supposed to be in the world, who I am supposed to become and how to make a bright future for myself. God, being the wonderful God He is, knows just how to confirm my passion and talent. He reminds me everyday, even just with little things that my God given talent is to bake. To fill people with sweet goodness the form of pastries.

Some days, like today I am far from doubtfulness yet consumed with a pure happiness that God allowed me to be where I am. And you know what, I'm glad I listened when he called, because this is my calling.

Until Next Time,

Chef (almost) Jasmine

Just One Day?

One day a year we celebrate love. Just one. We take the time to make reservations to the nicest restaurants, buy chocolate, cards and flowers, and put on our best for the ones we love. There are the men who forgot their Valentine and are out buying the last chocolate heart box on the shelf, while the ladies have a homemade and bedazzled card and have made cupcakes for their man. Singles dread "V-day" (which is similar to "D-day" in their minds), and make intimate plans with Ben and Jerry.

But they are doing it all wrong.

Love was not meant to be shown through bought items. Love was not meant to be limited by a day. Love is not meant to be only shared with that special someone. Love does not equal Valentine's Day.

For those who do not know, the story of Valentines Day came from a story of a bishop named Valintine. In 270A.D. the emperor of Rome felt that unmarried men made more adequate soldiers therefore banning young men from marrying. Bishop Valentine had pity on these poor men and secretly wed them to their sweethearts. He was later jailed and executed for showing love and compassion towards the young men.

St. Valentine gave up his life for love.

There is another story along the same lines that I heard growing up.

The story talks about a Father who sent His son out into the world. He sent him out with the mission to show unconditional love to whomever He met. And after He showed even the prostitutes, tax collectors and beggars unconditional love, He sacrificed his life so all the people of the world could have their sins taken away.

Sounds like Prince Charming.

But yah, that was kinda the knock off version of John 3:16

"For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever believes in Him shall not parish but have eternal life."


The thing is, love in all forms should not be kept to Valentine's Day. God sent his one and only Son to show us that. He taught us to love our neighbors like ourselves, love our family, our friends, our enemies, our earth, and our life. What are we in His eyes if we only choose to exercise the love in our hearts on one day of the year?


Love is more than just a way you feel about your significant other, family or friend. It can present itself in a million different ways. But one thing is always true, true love is described in 1 Corinthians 13.


"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."


Love never fails. Never. 


I want to love like everyday. Patiently, kindly, without jealously or self-seeking.

That is the hardest possible thing to do. But I want to. I want to love more than just on Valentines Day. Everyday of life should be a celebration of Love. Loving the least of these. Loving those who have never been shown the "Corinthians" love. Loving my family more throughly. Loving those who hate me for loving them. Love. Everyone. Everyday.

It will be a challenge. But God has put up with me thus far. He has loved me unconditionally, no matter how I betray him. I wouldn't be a good follower of Christ if I didn't try to love the same way.

Just some food for thought.

With all the love I have to give,

Jasmine

Is That Your Final Answer?

You make thousands of choices everyday. From the time you get out of bed ( or choose to sleep another 15 minutes) to the time you say your head back down, you have made for choices than the number of American Idol seasons ( it's really never end, is it?). You choose to wear sweats or dress up. You choose to do the dishes or let them sit. You choose to write your essay or sit on Facebook for 2 hours. You make choice after choice after choice, sometimes without even considering repercussions.

Not every choice you make can be as simple as what to eat for breakfast. There are choices you need to make that you dwell on for days, months, years at a time, without a clear understanding of what you should ultimately choose. Choices that can lead to heartache, turmoil, the ruining of friendships, relationships, family ties.

We make bad choices. We make good choices. We make choices that require more choices to be made.

Where to go to college? What to study? Who to marry? When to start a family? What career path you want? Where to live? When to buy a house?

Who, what, where, when? Everyday, all day, for the rest of your life.

I've been thinking about choices I have made recently: Ones that have been brilliant and worth every second of decision making and ones that have broken others hearts and my own.

Sometimes when you make choices, they hurt. And because they hurt you don't want to have to choose that option whether is is the best option for you in the end. You worry about regret later on, how others will react, how you will feel after, and ultimately whether it is the choice God wanted you to make.

The nice thing about God though, is that He gave you free will for a reason. He isn't a puppet master controlling your every choice. Of course, He hopes you will follow down the straight and narrow path he has laid out for you, but God will never forsake you because you made a wrong choice.

God is not asking, "Is that your final answer?"

You may go through your life making choices that you want to take back. Some that you cant change even if you tried with all your might. But God will never turn his back on you, even if you choose a life far from Christ like.

Just because you used your free will to please yourself does not mean God has given up on the idea of you, His child, being His again. He will never take the chance to be one with Him away from you. Life without God does not have to be your final answer, a choice set in stone.

God likes choices. He loves when you choose to spend time with Him, when you choose to walk in the light. He love that even though you have the free will to choose to do anything that you want, that you choose to be with Him not that he forced you into it.

Just something to ponder.

Jasmine