-Jenn's Den-

This Season

2012-01-19T14:24:00.006-06:00

Seasons. We all go through them whether (or weather:)) we like them or not. Winter is my favorite, closely followed by Fall.

There are other seasons we go through too. I've been through a waiting season, dark season, rejoicing season, changing season, trust season, and numerous other seasons.

At some point I can usually name the season I'm going though and it helps me realize what I'm supposed to be doing- EXAMPLE: During the Waiting Season, I should probably be waiting. Probably.

There are times, which right now happens to be one, where I have no clue what season I'm in. Maybe I'm in transition? Maybe it's a good thing I don't know what's going on at all? All I know is I'm clinging on to God more tightly than I ever have before.

Probably putting nail marks in His arm from holding on so tight.

This is a good thing, yes. But I can't tell you how lost I feel.

It's so weird to be talking to God, holding on to Him and seeing Him in everything, but still feel so distant. Like I'm wandering aimlessly, constantly looking up to Him, seeing if I'm getting hotter or colder to where I'm supposed to be.

Above all, I just want to make sure that I'm in the center of His will. So I'm sitting up, watching every move He makes, waiting, looking for Him to say, "Ok, you can come this way now."

I'm listening for Him to say, "Simeon Says, ______", then it's game on!

So, honestly, I don't know what I'm doing. I'm looking to God for that answer in this season.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and reached out and offered whatever I need. You are incredible and are reminding me of His love everyday.

Been finding refuge in these lately:
"For You are my God, my Savior,and my hope is in You all day long." Ps. 25:5
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

What season are you in?

Happy New Year...what about the Old Year?

2011-12-28T12:38:00.005-06:00

If you ever have a free moment or time for a coffee, hit me up. I've got quite the stories of what God has done in me and my family this past year. I want to hear your stories too!

Sometimes, it's really easy for me to cry out to God, wonder where He is in my current circumstance, only later to look back and see that He was not only there, but He was working! I guess my hindsight really is 20/20.

So, looking back on 2011, or what I like to refer to as "Old Year", I've seen God be patient with me. I've seen Him bless and guide my choices. I've seen Him sustain me. I've seen Him keep 3 precious little girls in our family, ultimately to stay with us forever. I've seen Him through every month, week and even day; doing life with me. Never leaving.

Of course, the cliche` thing to do now is make a New Year's Resolution, right? Ok, then. My silly, crazy, out-of-the-box choice for 2012 is to be a "Classy Vegetarian". What does that mean? Simply, no meat. I've already had people ask legalistic questions like, are you cutting dairy or if 'no meat' includes fish...here's the thing: it's no meat. That's it. Nothing fancy. I already don't eat much meat as it is, so this is just me going all the way.

Feel free to pray for me. Or just take the meat I'm not eating.

I'm not stopping here though. I don't want to be remembered as the girl who didn't eat meat in 2012. Naw, that's not good enough.

Here's what I really want to do in 2012: I want to pursue peace. In every area. In each choice. Every relationship. I don't want things left unsaid, or disagreements left in the air. I want to clear all the spiderwebs of whatever that gunk is between me and other people, but mainly, between me and God.

I want 2012 to be the year I fully embrace Psalm 34:14, "Seek peace and pursue it." Peace with every day, choice, person, especially God.

Remember in the Bible where it talks about that "peace that surpasses all understanding" thing? Yeah, that only comes from God. That's what I'm chasing.

Peace.

Doesn't that sound nice?

If you answered (or thought) yes, jump on board. Run after peace with me.

Come on 2012, give me your best. Give us your best.

Saying Goodbye

2011-11-22T14:09:00.003-06:00

I'm terrible at saying goodbye. Terrible.

I don't care if it's friends or family that I'll see the next day, or a random stranger I just met- I'm just awful at saying goodbye.

Granted, I've been to A LOT of funerals in my life. The number of funerals I've been to is at least equal to the number of years I've been alive...so a lot.

Maybe that has something to do with it?

I don't know. What I do know is I dread having to say goodbye to someone. Every stinkin time.

Though, my little sisters are teaching just about everyday how to get over this.

When I say, "Ok, bye." and try to sneak out, at least one of them says, "I WANT A KISS!"

Yep, no matter where we are, you might hear a little girl saying, "WAIT! I WANT A HUG! ...AND A KISSSSS!"

They are so unapologetic. So unafraid to say what they want.

I'm the complete opposite.

I'm working on finding a happy-medium.

Anyway, that's what I'm learning from my family. What are you learning from yours?

Oh, and when I tell you goodbye, I'll try to refrain from yelling, "I WANT A KISS!" No promises though.

What a difference a year makes

2011-11-14T20:00:00.007-06:00

A year ago, my house was robbed.

Honestly, it feels like it was last month.

I had just moved into a new place less than a month before, and then the very little that I owned, was taken. Never recovered. Right before my extended family came to my new house for Thanksgiving.

If there's anything in this world that's not right, there's something.

Really, it wasn't so much the stuff. I mean, yeah, I lost anything that had value, but I'm a poor, single lady, with the career choice of a DJ. Not a lot of moolah in my coin purse. :)

The worst thing was thinking about people being in my house, going through everything, and I mean everything. Taking my pillowcases to stuff all my things in and then just walking out my front door like they owned the place.

Somehow God gave me the peace to sleep there THAT night. Granted, I had a giant saw by my bed as a weapon, but that's beside the point.

Everyday, He's worked on me. He's also restored possessions back to me in very odd ways. People just coming out of no where to give me furniture, clothes, jewelry, and electronics.

Even though I lost a lot, I was never in need. He provided just what I needed at just the right time.

The cool thing is, when God restores, He multiplies! See Job 42:10, Exodus 22:1; 22:4, Leviticus 6:5; 22:14, Mark 10:29-30, Ephesians 3:20, even Proverbs 6:31 says,
"Yet when he, the thief, is found, he must restore sevenfold..."

I'm definitely still affected by what happened a year ago, but I can't say enough of how God has provided for my every need (and even some wants!) so much so, that I'm continuously giving things away!

What has God provided for you? How has He blessed you in the last year?

Sitting on the sidelines

2011-11-09T10:14:00.002-06:00

Have you heard Mandisa's new song "Waiting for Tomorrow"? Here's the Chorus:

Can't spend my whole life wastin'
Everything I know I've been given
'Cause you've made for so much more than
Sittin' on the side lines
I don't wanna look back and wonder
If good enough could've been better
Everyday's a day to start over
So, why am I waiting for tomorrow

I love that. Especially the line "You've made me for so much more than sittin' on the sidelines".

You know who sabotages myself more than anyone? Me.

I'll be the first to give you a lengthy list of why I can't do something; why I'm not qualified enough, pretty enough, talented enough...it's easy for me to sit on the sidelines.

I'm also a planner; I like to know what is going to happen when, where, how, etc. I like to play it safe...but that usually means taking myself out of the game and sitting on the sidelines.

Maybe with my decision years ago to wait for "Mr. Right", I've started waiting (or maybe stopping altogether) in other areas too.

That's not necessarily a good thing.

All I know is that I count myself out in almost every situation before I even have a chance to think about it.

Why do I do that?

I've just sat on the sidelines, figuring- no, KNOWING other people would be better at what God was calling me to do or be. The problem is that's just not true. God has called me to a specific plan; it was meant just for me.

The next line of the song is probably just as important: "I don't wanna look back and wonder if good enough could've been better".

Ouch. Wouldn't that stink if I looked back 20+ years from now and wished that I wasn't sitting on the sidelines, although safe, not doing the things I knew God had called me to?

So, here's my first step in everyday choosing not to sit on the sidelines. Get in the game and do what God has called me to, whatever that is.

Join me?

QUESTION:
Where do you need to jump in the "game"?

More Jesus

2011-10-24T12:15:00.005-05:00

My mom told me yesterday, "I want more of you."

I started thinking, awe..it has been a while since I've spent time with just my mom. I need to plan some time for us to do something...

Then, this nice thought was shattered by the realization that I was cleaning her kitchen and she was really saying she wanted more Jenns. She was wishing she had chosen to have at least 3 more kids just like me.

Yeah. Great talk, Mom. If only cloning were biblical. If only.

After I got over that, I thought about this coffee mug that's been sitting in my office. It says "More Jesus".

I think we all want more Jesus. Not sure if drinking Him out of a cup really works or not, but it couldn't hurt, right?

How do you get more of Him, though? Seriously. Only go certain places? Wear clothes that have scriptures on them? Blast our Christian rap at the stoplight? See how many times you can say "Can I pray for you?" in a day?

Don't get me wrong, all these things are great...and I do them all, my point is this: is it Jesus memorabilia we have, or actually more Jesus?

See, I don't want to be known for being a good Christian. I don't. That's not what I'm here for.

I need to strive to know Him. To seek Him. To get more of Him. Not little bobble heads of Jesus in every area of my life, but just Jesus in every area of my life.

If I happen to be a good Christian in the process, awesome. Even better.

So how do I, personally, let more of Jesus into more of me? By giving more of me to Him.

That's totally against my human nature, but I'm working on it.

I hope you will too.

Do you have more things with Jesus on them or more Jesus?

Passion: Purity

2011-10-14T15:08:00.006-05:00

Something that I've always been passionate about is purity. Honestly, I haven't been as vocal about it in the last few years. No particular reason; I'm still passionate and practicing purity, but I guess I just toned down my bugle horn about it.

Almost 10 years ago, I went through 8 weeks of classes, studying, and completing a course through my church where I ultimately stood up in front of a few thousand people and vowed to stay pure. I was specific in the multiple areas where I would stay pure in my life. This is something I didn't take lightly. I'm sure TONS of churches do this. I'm sure to lot's of tweenies and teenagers after a little while, it's no big deal, but to me, it always has been. I've kept that promise, because I took it to heart and I recommitted it everyday to God. It was, and still is a daily choice.

Now, I'm not perfect, but again, this wasn't something I took lightly. I was a very old 12 year old.

So as I'm coming up on almost 10 years "clean" so to speak, I'm dedicating the next 10 to Him now. I'm planning ahead because I'm a planner and a freak and that's what I do. It's by the grace of God that I am where I am today and 10 years from now I want to be as blown away as I am today, if not more.

I got a ring when I was 12 and I've been wearing it ever since. For this "dedication" I just talked myself into buying a new one. When it arrived, I had to talk myself into actually taking the old one off. It was quite the pep talk. Guess you had to be there.

So, here's my dedication to my Savior. The God who saved me. Who caught me at a young age. Saved me from having to go through awful things to find Him. Yeah, my testimony is kind of vanilla flavored, but I'm crying as I type this because I'm thinking of all of the good & bad He's brought me through. Just as I'm sure it's true in your life, you have no idea what He's done for me!!

I hope you have a passion for something.

And if it needs to be renewed, don't wait, renew it!

Trust your tongue

2011-09-19T14:14:00.005-05:00

A few days ago I was working on moving and decided to have some breakfast. Have to start the day off good, right?

The only food left in my house was some cereal and a little milk. Still a good start, right?

Poured it, had a seat on my living room carpet (since I'm devoid of critical furniture at the moment) said a short prayer, then took a bite.

*DISCLAIMER- Personally, in order for milk to be described as good/edible to me, it HAS to be ice cold, with no chunks. Shouldn't be too much to ask. Well, you'd think.

My first bite wasn't terrible ... until I swallowed.

I was getting over being sick, so apparently my smeller was out of commission. My taste buds however, were not. See, the bitter taste buds are near the back of your tongue. So I didn't have a problem until I swallowed and it went over those "censors".

Though, because I had smelled it and the first part of my bite tasted normal, I kept, very slowly, taking bites.

Something was just not right though. So, I went to brush my teeth, thinking that would help. Went back to my living room carpet and took another bite.

Nope. Now I was sure something was wrong. At this point I'd probably taken about 10 bites.

Even though it didn't smell rotten, it was for sure! The rest of the day I felt sick and worthless. Don't let this happen to you.

There's probably a spiritual parallel for this, but I'm going to let you figure that out. :)

I just had to post this, if nothing else, to tell you to trust your tongue.

Just trying to save you the agony. Seriously.

You're welcome.

2 things I never do.

2011-09-15T13:12:00.006-05:00

There are 2 things I never do.

1. Scream.
2. Get mad.

I guess, for some people, those two can even go hand-in-hand! I'm a pretty even-tempered, problem-solving, peace-making person.

That being said, any time I experience one of these things, I tend to hold on to it. Especially if I'm the one who screamed or got mad.

This is probably why I love roller coasters. It's my chance to get some screams out!

However, it's not such a good thing when I get mad. It's almost like when you try something new, it's exciting, you get a rush, it's just a whole new experience!

So, I tend to hang on to that anger for a little bit, to savor it, if you will. I don't do anything destructive or hurtful during this time, more like I keep it inside for a little bit. Usually only ends up being a few hours. Though, I know that time needs to be a lot shorter. Instead of "reveling" in this new-found emotion I never get to use, I have to give it to God and not hang on to it.

Something that's never failed for me, almost like a magic trick, is prayer. No joke, every time I pray, all that anger slides off. Even if I wanted to be mad, I can't! I see the whole situation differently, I'm seeing through God's eyes.

I had one of these experiences last week.

It was a righteous anger. It was seeing people turn their back on God and deliberately living their life like they never knew Him, and I'm supposed to be around them and act like everything is ok?!?! I knew I was going to be around them and I had a few things I had planned to tell them - I just knew they needed to hear it too!

About 20 minutes before I saw them, though, I just crumbled before God. I knew what I wanted to say was stirred by my heart knowing that they don't know Him. It's like someone headed down a road, at 70 mph, with a bridge out at the end. I want to yell at them, "STOP!! TURN AROUND! THIS IS THE WRONG ROAD! YOU'RE GOING TO PERISH!" Even though all of those things would come out of love, they won't listen to it like that.

I've tried all I can with them and I know the only thing left is to focus on my life, living right and seeking Him. Hopefully the light I'm running after will make them want the same for their life. That's the hope I'm clinging to.

What makes you mad? What do you do?

*My church is talking about this, too. What breaks your heart? What are you doing about it? Check it out here: http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch/change-your-world/1

I Love It.

2011-08-31T10:31:00.001-05:00

I've been doing worship on a stage on and off since I was about 9. I love it. I love getting lost in praising my God, however I choose...which is usually in singing or just being silent.

Most recently, I've been a part of worship at Life Center (A Part of the LifeChurch.tv Network) for the last few years. I love it. I love leading this new group of people right to the feet of Jesus and showing them what it looks like to worship Him on stage and in my every day life.

I just took about 2 months "off" to simplify my life, get some clarity and focus on where God was leading me next. It was hard, but I had to say no to a good thing, in order to say yes to a great thing. I've come to the conclusion that, for now, God is calling me to stay and be faithful where I am in my life.

Waiting. More waiting.

Yet, through this time I'm being refreshed and I'm ready to come back and worship Him and lead others to do the same very soon! I love it.

One thing I've missed a lot is being around our keyboardist, Ed.

He's hilarious.

I have to make a conscious effort NOT to look at him during worship because of the way he "participates".

Really. He's crazy. I love it. While he's showing that keyboard who's boss, his legs are flailing, his off-key voice is about as loud as the entire sound system and he's got this HUGE grin that could engulf your whole head.

After just about every set, or even practice, he says one of the following:

"I love it."

"This is so much fun...are you sure this isn't sinful?"

"I hope I get to play with you in Heaven."

That last one is my favorite. I love it. Makes me look ahead and long for our eternal home. Makes me get lost in my dreams of what it might be like to not only forever sing about Him, but sing directly to Him - where I can see Him and this huge mass of people singing right along with me. Sounds like the ultimate concert.

I can't wait.

I love it.

-Jenn

QUESTION:

What aspect do you love about worship? How do you worship?

Oh, arrogance. Psshh.

2011-08-11T12:07:00.004-05:00

The dictionary defines arrogance as "having disregard for other people."

God has many things to say against arrogant people. He holds all of us in such high regard that anyone who doesn't hold others in a high regard is operating counter to His ideals.

I don't believe that anyone sets out to be arrogant. No one says, "I'm just not conceited enough" or "My goal is to belittle twice as many people today." But yet, it happens all the time.

We become arrogant through the force of our self-perspective.

"I'm older."
"I'm the boss; my opinions matter more."
"I'm richer."
"She's just a waitress."
"I make a bigger difference than he does."

...and so many more.

Make a point, a real effort, today to hold everyone you see in higher regard than you normally would. Go out of your way to think more highly of them than you do of yourself. You might be surprised on how much different your day has been by the end of the day.

"Their arrogance testifies against them." Hosea 7:10

How do you keep from being arrogant and think of others more highly?

I'm No Good.

2011-08-04T12:01:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had that thought?

You try and try and find that you're just no good at something?

I have.

For example, my entire family is fantastic at drawing, sketching, painting, sculpting, etc. I'm telling you, you can give them anything to create and they can.

I can barely draw stick people.

I took some classes in high school that helped with the basics, but I don't dare draw around my family because I know I'm no good at art.

Or is it drawing I'm no good at? Yeah, let's change that to "I'm no good at drawing". I can live with that. I've tried, I've practiced and I'm just no good at drawing. Ok.

Now, there's still that word "art" out there...now that, I just might be good at. I've been doing Photoshop for almost 1 year and I'm really enjoying it and getting kind of good (maybe).

That's art, right? I like to work on pictures and I like music...wait a minute, that's art too!

So, yes, I'm no good at drawing, but if I take a step back, I see that I don't have to drop art altogether, because it's not art that I'm no good at; it's drawing.

So, what is it for you?

If you're no good at singing, you can still be good at music.

If you're no good at speaking, you still have a voice and something to say.

If you're no good at making a home run, you can still be good at sports.

If you can't get pregnant, you can still be a parent to someone.

See what I'm getting at? We can't all be good at everything, but you may be good at more than you thought.

What are you no good at?

No More Crazy-Craze

2011-07-13T08:42:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a little crazy-craze.

Not awful; not rip-my-hair out bad...just crazy.

Attitudes were on high alert everywhere I went. People were offended before, during and after talking to me. It was like it was "National Attitude Day" and I didn't get the memo.

I even had someone get upset at me for not "going with" the natural curly texture of my hair that day...and it was a dude who had a problem with it, which is even weirder.

I wanted to get a bugle horn and announce, "IT'S ONLY TUESDAY PEOPLE! HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK?"

Needless to say...it was, well, crazy.

All the while though, I couldn't join in. Oh, it would have be easy, believe me. I could have had an attitude and been all offended right back, but I couldn't.

I guess it was a mixture of two things:

1. I saw how irritated, annoyed and miserable they all looked and acted and that just wasn't appetizing.

2. I had already decided how the day was going to go, for me anyway.

You see, in the morning I decided my stance for the day.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

I asked for help to have the right attitude.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

I prayed that He would go before me and orchestrate my day.

"You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head." Psalm 139:5

I praised and thanked Him because I had a reason to.

"The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!" Psalm 126:3

I asked for strength so I wouldn't feel like I was just trying to make through another day.

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord in your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Also, I knew that this stance for my day would help the things I'm praying for.

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." Psalm 37:4

So start fresh each day. Take a minute right now and ask Him to take over today. Not this week, the upcoming events, the next year, 10 years, etc...just today. Ask Him specifically for help in areas like I've listed above.

Take your stance.

Have an awesome, Frown-free, Attitude-less, joyful day!

What are your must-have elements for a great day?

I am SO humble! Wait, is that contradictory?

2011-06-23T16:23:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed how extremely hard it is to be humble? It's just so against our nature.

We are "me" focused and we're always "looking out for #1". We do things to get noticed, or to be praised, or to get respect or just to look good. It's easy but that messes everything up, because our motives are wrong.

So, overall, do we do things to be noticed or do we just notice things we can do? Do we do something because we are loved or to be loved?

If we're not looking at what we can get, could we instead look at what we can give? Be more "God focused" rather than "me focused"?

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

-Because I am loved, I can humble myself.
-When I’m trying to be loved, I must build myself up to look better.

-Because I am loved, I can cast all my anxiety on Him.
-When I’m trying to be loved, I cast all my anxiety on my performance.

I'm just so tired of living for me and being surrounded by people who do the same. We may be doing "good" things. We may profess to be a Christian, serve at church, volunteer, etc. but if in the meantime we're not acting like Christ at all...what's the point? Something has to change, right? This won't happen overnight, for sure, but take it one day at a time. Have a "humble sandwich" every day for lunch or something like that...in little bits, we'll get there. We may miss our "Pride Pie" that we usually eat and may even sneak in a few bites of it, but soon, if we keep at it and see how much it's needed, humbleness can become second nature.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

What reminds you to be humble? What's the hardest part for you?

*By the way, I'm still working on this myself :)

Change

2011-06-20T16:39:00.002-05:00

I keep looking at this blank space, wanting to write, wanting to update things that are happening and things God is showing me, but ... there's always that "but" isn't there?

Honestly, I am still alive and breathing. I am still growing (hopefully) closer to God.

There's just...

I don't know. God is revealing stuff to me and decisions are coming my way and I'm simply busy. All three of those things are good AND bad.

God is revealing stuff to me and that's good! But it's also very scary.

The decisions need to be made and could result in a better outcome but they are hard!

And busyness. Oh, how I hate you and yet I seem to cling to you all the time. You help me do many good things, but you steal from me being able to do greater things.

The message I heard this weekend I know I need to listen to again. Actually, the last few weeks have been pretty much a slap in the face. Those messages mixed with what God is telling me, what others are telling me and what common sense is telling me. It's like a "life cocktail" or something.

I always say, "I know, I know..." but I never do anything about it. So, I'm in the process of doing something about it.

No longer just saying I hate being busy, but actually changing that. Not just having a full schedule and therefore can't have time with friends or the potential of any new ones...no, this has to change.

With God's help, I'm working on it. I can't do it on my own, or I would've already. He's helping me prioritize, pray before acting (or writing something on my calendar), and take the time to cultivate the relationships I have and invest in new ones.

This is scary, unknown and seems impossible. Yet, I know nothing is impossible with Him and He'll help me succeed.

I'm not trying to be dramatic by any means but I am trying to make a deliberate change by taking strategic steps.

What do you need to change?

I've gotta get married...quick!

2011-05-30T15:42:00.005-05:00

Do you ever see emails or commercials like this?

Wow! Such a great deal! I need to get right on this.

Honestly, I've only thought that sarcastically.

I mean, really? Surely, they've done their research and think this has to be a good ploy to sell more, right?

Let's say you were about to get married...would you see this and go, "Oh yeah, I need to get one of those." or "Oh! I almost forget I needed a dress!"

I think not.

Who does that leave? All the ladies in the world who aren't about to get married and every man on the face of the Earth.

So, I ask, who does this help?

Are these the kind of things people plan their proposals around or the season they get married in?

I hope not.

Now that I've got you wondering, I wish I had an answer for you. But I've got nothing. These don't make any sense to me. Maybe someday they will. Right now, they just make me think that I could get a gorgeous dress cheaper, then not have anywhere to wear it. Genius.

Have you ever known someone who bought a wedding dress because they saw a commercial?

You're Worth It

2011-05-26T14:52:00.003-05:00

There's a new song we've started to play at The House FM & My Praise FM called "Someone Worth Dying For" by Mikeschair. The whole band has a really cool heart and makes awesome music, but this song stuck out to me. Honestly, it's pretty simple and things we've all heard before. But, if you're like me, you haven't taken it to heart...or you forget it easily.

Yes, we've heard the stories, the fact that the Creator of the Universe loves us but every time I hear that I automatically think "as a whole". You know, He loves all of us. The breakthroughs and strengths, though, come when we realize it's a personal thing. That's heavy.

He loves you. He died for you. He thinks you are thebomb.com. He thinks you're worth the effort.

Here's the lyrics:

You might be the wife, waiting up at night
You might be the man, struggling to provide
Feeling like it's hopeless
Maybe you're the son, who chose a broken road
Maybe you're the girl, thinking you'll end up alone
Praying God can you hear me?
Oh God are you listening?

Am I more than flesh and bone?
Am I really something beautiful?
Yeah I wanna believe, I wanna believe
I'm not just some wandering soul
That you don't see and you don't know
Yeah I wanna believe, Jesus help me believe that I
Am someone worth dying for

I know you found the truth that God has set you free
But you think you're the one that grace could never reach
So you just keep asking, oh what everybody's asking

Am I more than flesh and bone?
Am I really something beautiful?
Yeah I wanna believe, I wanna believe

I'm not just some wandering soul
That you don't see and you don't know

Yeh I wanna believe, Jesus help me believe that I
Am someone worth dying for

You're worth it, you can’t earn it
yeah the cross has proven,
that you're sacred and blameless
Your life has purpose

And you are more than flesh and bone
Can't you see you're something beautiful
Yeah you gotta believe, you gotta believe
He wants you to see, He wants you to see
That you're not just some wandering soul
That can't be seen and can't be known
Yeah you gotta believe, you gotta believe that you
Are someone worth dying for
You're someone worth dying for
You're someone worth dying for

Do you feel worth it? How do you remind yourself, daily, that you're worth dying for?

10 (fun) things to do at Walmart

2011-05-18T07:40:00.002-05:00

Let me first say, I don't necessarily condone these things that are about to be presented...though they would be hilarious.

Set a bunch of alarm clocks to go off at 5-minute intervals.
Walk up to an employee and tell him/her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in Housewares...and see what happens.
Go to the Service Desk and ask to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.
Move a "CAUTION - WET FLOOR" sign to a carpeted area.
Set up a tent in the Camping Department and tell other shoppers you'll invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the Bedding Department.
When a worker asks if they can help you, begin to cry and ask, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"
While handling guns in the Hunting Department, ask the clerk if he knows where the anti-depressants are.
Dart around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme song.
Hide in a clothing rack and when people browse through, say, "PICK ME! PICK ME!"
Go into a fitting room and shut the door and wait a while and then yell very loudly, "There's no toilet paper in here!"

So, there you go. Again, maybe not the greatest ideas, but they would be oh so funny.

What's the weirdest thing you've done in a Walmart?

Do you have a "list"?

2011-05-10T09:19:00.003-05:00

^{Do you have standards? Sure you do, right? How firm are they though? Can they be swayed by a good argument or enough begging? I hope not. Your morals, standards, beliefs...that's what sets you apart and help you stay on the right path. We all have those "lists", even if just in our minds, of what we will and won't put up with; what we will and won't be a part of. Maybe we should follow David's example, though, and write it out. Like in Psalm 101:2-8, make a proclamation; our manifesto:}

² I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will conduct the affairs of my house
with a blameless heart.
³ I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile.
I hate what faithless people do;
I will have no part in it.
⁴ The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with what is evil.
⁵ Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
I will put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
I will not tolerate.
⁶ My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
the one whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
⁷ No one who practices deceit
will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
will stand in my presence.
⁸ Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the LORD.

He clearly said I will not be a part of:

Vile things
Faithlessness
Perversity
Evil
Slander
Pride & Haughtiness
Deceit
Wickedness

Ultimately, you will get what you value. Value good things, and say no to things that destroy.

To keep a good character, what are the things you refuse to be a part of? What's your "list"?

The "Wower" of the Weekend!

2011-04-12T12:57:00.004-05:00

A couple weekends ago I went to Fort Worth for the Passion 2011 Conference. It was incredible in so many ways, but the HUGE wower of the whole thing for me was...(drum roll) Kristian Stanfill!!

I love him! Well, his music that is. :)

Seriously, worshiping with him was so great. You could see his heart and love for God. And I love that the songs he sang weren't just about what God has done, or is doing, etc. They were about Jesus. That's it. Just who He is.

So, I'm in love with Kristian Stanfill...or at least his music. You should check it out! kristianstanfill.com

Getting Set Up

2011-04-11T15:50:00.002-05:00

Ok. I know what this feels like. Maybe you do too.

Someone you know says, "Hey! You should meet so-and-so! You'd be great together!" or something similar.

My instant reaction is to close up, disappear and maybe they will forget they were even talking to me. One time I literally got under my desk while this guy told me about a guy I'd be good with. No joke. There were witnesses.

Last weekend Francis Chan (at Passion 2011) talked about this very thing. His family had a young lady living with them. After a few years he thought, "We need to get her married off."

She was a good sport and would do just about anything Francis came up with. He'd introduce her to all kinds of guys and never missed an opportunity for a possible relationship.

One time, he told her, "Ok, there's a plumber coming over today. I want you to go make some brownies and at just the right time, come out with them and act surprised that we are there."

And...she did! Though, every "set-up" that Francis tried one of them would be like, "Yeah, she's great!" or "He's ok..." He just couldn't make them fall in love. No matter how many times you set-up just the right scenarios, you can't make someone fall in love.

He related this to Jesus. Sometimes we try to bring someone to church, maybe even on a weekend where they are giving away free stuff, showing a movie, etc. We try to live our lives in a way that makes them want it. Granted, yes, we should live our lives in a way that reflects Him and makes others want it. But, you can't make someone fall in love with Him. It has to be their decision. They have to "get" it.

They may say, "Yeah...He's nice..." Then we're like, "Really? That's it? Don't you see what I do?"

So, our role is to stop setting people up. Seriously...you can't make love happen. When they have a real encounter with God, their eyes & hearts will be opened. We just need to focus on our relationship with Him. He's not just an idea, a nice story, but a person. Whom we love and have a personal relationship.

Oh, and that girl found a guy on her own and they are expecting a child soon.

This is ridiculous

2011-04-04T18:29:00.004-05:00

I went to Passion Fort Worth this weekend and was so refreshed! It would take at least 1 book to explain what happened and what God showed me personally, not to mention the other 11,000 people who were there as well and what happened to them.

I heard amazing worship from some of my favorites: Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Charlie Hall, David Crowder & even LeCrae! All of these people inspire me.

I heard moving stories and sermons from Francis Chan, Louie Giglio (My fav) and John Piper.

I made some awesome friends, which I didn't think would happen, and I'm hoping some of them will be lifelong.

I'll blog more later about Francis Chan's story about setting people up & God's love for us. I'll talk about the 1 person who gave me the "WOW!" factor of the weekend. I'll share Louie's awesome message about carrying Jesus' name.

I could tell you countless things about all of that, but what it comes down to is...Jesus.

Something was mentioned about what God thinks of us & I realized I need to let that sink in. Not just have head knowledge of it, but to "get" it, in my heart. Here's the list I came up with in about 3 minutes:

You love me, personally.

You are crazy about me.

You love EVERYTHING about me.

You love being around me.

You love my laugh.

You think I'm beautiful.

You believe in me, even when I don't.

You love my voice.

You love when I sing to You.

You think I'm gorgeous.

You know me.

You think I'm enough.

You think I'm smart.

You see HUGE potential in me.

You listen no matter how long I talk.

You love me when I mess up.

You love me when I'm simply a mess.

You love me when I don't love me.

You love me when I question You.

You are my biggest fan.

You still have a plan for my life when my life is falling apart.

You are beside me when I wonder where You are.

You are my friend when no one is friendly.

You make everyday more than good.

You are my joy.

You inspire me.

You forgive me, every time.

You are my source & provider.

You will always be my home.

Man, it takes me a whole day just to let ONE of those sink in! And then the next day I have to learn it all over again, like I have short-term memory loss!

Yet, everyone of them is true. For me. For you.

Look at the list again. It's ridiculous! It really is. Who else is all of that and more? I only know One.

What do you need to grasp from this list? What do you need to add to it?

So it's that time of year again...

2011-03-23T11:24:00.003-05:00

...that time when your age adds a number.

My birthday is 1 week from today. I've never NOT looked forward to a birthday before...until now. Yes, I'm excited to celebrate my life, look at how God has blessed me and is using me, but I'm not excited for the only thing associated with being 21. For the first time, I want to go into hiding on the day of my birth. No, really, I do.

I'm not scared, just tired of the "jokes" and comments about partying, drinking, being crazy for one night, etc.

Excuse me, I'm sorry, but do I live a life that looks like I'd be into that kind of thing? Tell me the truth. Yeah, that's the stereotypical thing most people do...but I'm not most people.

So, yes, I get it. I understand turning 21 brings more temptations and people just expect and are ok with you doing certain things, but no thanks.

Don't get me wrong, I want to party like nothing else and enjoy myself for sure...just not like that.

This is one of my favorite scriptures, which relates very well to this:

"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to it's level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2

Sorry, but when it comes to turning 21, it's just another birthday. So...Happy Birthday to me :)

You are enough

2011-03-14T15:52:00.004-05:00

I have something really important to tell you today. Lean in close. Let this get past your self-doubts and into those open, assurance-seeking places of your heart...

God is absolutely crazy about you!

Yes you. The beautiful one sitting there looking at the screen.

I know it's hard to believe sometimes, but it's true. You fill God's heart with absolute joy and every day you take His breath away with your smile.

Just a slight glance in His direction makes Him pause. He loves the unique way you do things. He really enjoys watching others love on you and bring out His best in you. And He's not critical of your mistakes like you sometimes think, or waiting for you to do something productive. He simply delights in you because you are His. And that is enough.

You are enough.

Oh, and if you are a guy reading this, you can reread this and replace "beautiful" with 'handsome", if you'd like :)

Brains or Upturned Lips

2011-02-08T20:09:00.004-06:00

In every movie I watch, I try to guess what will happen next & how it will end before it comes. I've gotten pretty good at it, too. See, I can't stand not knowing what's coming! I always thought I liked surprises, but I've recently found out that I really don't. Maybe I just like surprising other people better.

With that being said, today I was trying to "guess the ending" of my life. I play all these scenarios in my head & I've got to admit, some of them look pretty nice!

After I played this little game in my head for a while, I was frustrated once again because nothing in the real world had changed. I kinda threw up my hands and said, "Alright, God...once again, I know, I need to give this to You and just let you take over. But- can he just be either REALLY smart or REALLY funny?* That would be good. Thanks." (*Thus the title "Brains or Upturned Lips.")

See, I figure if he's really smart then we can be rich, make good choices, etc. and just have an all-over good life. If not, at least let him be hilarious so when life is hard, we can at least laugh along the way! One of those should be good, right? Oh...silly, I know.

It sounds good in my head, but when I say it out loud, I kinda look back at myself and say, "Really? Wow...you're crazier than I thought."

So, lately I've been frustrated. Really frustrated. And...it's all my fault. It also doesn't help that we're less than a week away from Valentines Day and this is on my mind more than usual. (DISCLAIMER: I don't hate Valentines, per say...I just don't love it. At least right now.)

Just thinking about what is to come; everything I don't know. I'm trying to speed up God's timing and it's just not working out. I feel more confused than I have in a LONG time. See, the "deal" I told God about him being either smart or funny sounds ridiculous and pretty much like I'd be willing to settle because I'm tired of "keeping face", going against the tide, etc. And in all truth, I'm not ready to quit! I'm not ready to give up on God and say, "Thanks, but no thanks. I'll take it from here." I hope I never get to that place.

I know, I've got to give it up. The thing is, it's a daily process. I have to remind myself everyday of what I already know, because apparently I have short-term memory loss.

He has great plans for me! Greater than I can guess, even.

What truth/promise do you need to be reminded of?

What you fear reveals what you value the most

2011-01-31T12:46:00.006-06:00

Also, what you fear reveals where you trust God the least.

Ouch.

I heard this message this weekend about fear called "I Quit: Fear". At first I thought, "Eh, no big deal...I don't really have fear in my life."

I was wrong.

Pastor talked about this lady who feared losing her husband all the time; either by death or just leaving. She was so consumed by it. It's all she thought about & she just worried all the time. She finally wrestled about it with God. She kept saying, "What if this happened?" She felt like God asked her back, "Yeah? What if?" Then she went down the 'What if" trail. "What if my husband died? What if he left me?"

"Well, I guess I wouldn't get dressed for a month & I would just cry and cry and cry."

Then God said, "Uh-huh, then what?"

"Ummm, I probably wouldn't get dressed for another month."

"Ok, then what?"

"I guess at some point I'd cry and run to You and You would restore me. You'd help me get through it one day at a time."

"Exactly."

This struck me for some reason. I just don't let my mind go down the 'What if' trail. That's too scary. It's like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book. Too many loose ends; too many things can go wrong; too much pain. So I avoid it.

This weekend I made myself go down that trail, though.

What if I keep living life like this? What if I keep working all the time as life passes me by? What if I keep doing a "good" thing and miss out on a "great" thing? What if I keep acting like everything is ok and I'm fine when I'm not? What if in the process of convincing myself that I'm not beautiful that everyone else starts to believe it? What if I get content going down the highway of life and miss the exits I need to take to stay in His will? What if everyone keeps trying to "encourage" me with "When you stop looking, that's when he'll come" or "Maybe you should say yes more or lower your standards because they're just too high" or "Maybe God wants you single forever"? What if I actually meet someone that is ok but I miss the red flags that he's just not it; that he's only in this because of what I do or who I know? What if God brings that right man and I freak out? What if I never meet someone who loves me for me ... and that's it?

Told you it was scary.

I guess my fear is ending up alone. So, that reveals that I value relationships and marriage in general. It also reveals that I don't fully trust God with this.

Why?

He's big enough. He loves me. He's even gave me a promise years ago that He would take care of this area of my life! And yet, I still cling to it; like I can do a better job...yeah right.

But, just like the lady who feared losing her husband, the ending is the same. God's got this! This doesn't mean we won't experience some of our fears or go through hard times, but it does mean that He's with us the whole time and we don't have to go it alone. He will sustain us, pull us through and help us one day at a time.

So, I'm in the process of letting go.

What's your fear? Where do you need to trust God?

If you think something nice, say it!

2011-01-23T17:31:00.002-06:00

I heard this in a sermon a while back. I always liked it; thought it was a catchy phrase & a great idea. I never took it to heart though.

Until recently.

There's a little girl in my life. Precious, 3 year old Krista. Every time I see her, and I mean every time, she touches my hair, combs it, smells it, says things about it. Every time. Even her little 2 year sister touches it every time now and says, "Your hair!" I finally asked Krista why she always says stuff about my hair and touches it, etc. She stood really still, frowned a little and said, "Because it's beautiful." (All the while stroking my hair.)

Wow. What a compliment from a 3 year old.

After she said that, she just kept touching my hair and looking at me. Man, some days I wish I could see through her eyes. See the beauty that she obviously sees in me. She's not afraid to tell me that my hair is beautiful or my eyes are pretty or that I'm funny...she just says it. She observes something and wants to make sure I know it.

Why can't I do that?

I talk myself out of saying things like that. I think something nice and before I let it escape my mouth, I stop myself and think, "What if that makes things really awkward?" or "She already knows that" or "That won't make that big of a difference."

Maybe I've missed out on a lot. All I know is I'm working on it. With Him, I'm stepping out of stopping kind things from escaping my mouth and missing opportunities.

Ever notice how after someone dies, you think of everything you wanted to tell them? Don't let that happen.

Start now - if you think something nice, say it.

Joy to the World?

2010-12-22T12:23:00.001-06:00

"I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11

Do you ever have days where someone tries to rip the joy right out of your life?

I do.

And it's really hard. It's a battle. The good girl part of my brain says, "Be nice. Honor Jesus with your actions. Your response is your responsibility. Self control, Jenn, self control."

But the mean girl part of my brain says, "How dare they act that way! I'll show them."

One part of me says fold your hands in prayer.

But another part of me says throw your hands in the air and throw a good old fashioned hissy fit.

Issues.

I have them. Maybe most of us girls do. Especially that one special week a month.

But God.

I love how those two words interrupt me. Redirect me. Remind me. Comfort me. Battle the mean girl in me. And cause me to pause.

Pause. Just for a minute, pause. And it's in that pause where we give the Holy Spirit room to interrupt the mean girl response just dying to come out and bloody the situation.

The Holy Spirit says, "Jenn stop and think. It might feel good in the minute to scream, retaliate, pitch a fit and flood the situation with emotions. But it won't feel good in the long run. It will feel awful in the long run. You'll feel the sting of regret. Come on Jenn... be rare. Be a girl who looks ahead and determines to do what's best in the long run."

Yes, it stinks that this other person is determined to steal my joy.

It really does.

But in reality, my joy can only be stolen if I let it be stolen.

In John 15:10-12 Jesus says, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

Several things struck me as I read this verse. In each interaction I have with others, I'm faced with the choice to either remain in God's love or retreat from God's love. I can't control how this other person is acting towards me. But I can control how I act and react. If I chose to remain in God's love and react to this other person kindly, it affects my joy. Jesus interjects His joy right into the heart of a kind person. If I make the choice to be kind, instead of my joy being depleted, it will be completed.

So back off mean girl part of my brain. The Jesus girl in me is taking over. And holding on to every ounce of joy that's rightfully mine. Circumstances can steal stuff from me. But not my joy.

And all Jesus' girls say, "Amen and amen!"

This sounds so good in this moment, doesn't it? But it will not be easy when I have an interaction today or later this week with "that person" ... the one who makes my mean girl want to come out. God is the only one who can help us remember the truths in His word & remind us not to let them steal our joy. Maybe you'll be around someone like this for Christmas...just know, they can't steal your joy! (Also, we have the privilege to give this joy too!)

Something BIG that I'm ok with now

2010-10-19T16:31:00.003-05:00

My whole life I've wanted to be a wife & Mom. My whole life. So, all this time I'm waiting, praying, growing until I become that. (And hopefully becoming more prepared in the process!)

I've been known to drive around on random evenings or on the weekends through nice neighborhoods, imagining my life to come...the 2-story house, perfect grass, 2-car garage, kids in the front yard, etc. These have always been happy days for me, just dreaming of the future.

Until recently.

I'd drive by these same houses, think of a guy in my life that I'm praying about, then get really really discouraged. I'd think, man, this guy is awesome, we'd be so happy, he'd be a great leader, he'd love our family; we could really build a life in a house like this...then reality would sink in that his choice of career (or an accident, family illness, or whatever) may never allow us to have something like this; or even remotely close.

I know, you're thinking, "How worldly. It's not about a big house!"

I know, you're right. It's not. It never really has been - it's just subconsciously been a part of "the dream" for so long, it's hard to change it now.

I think it comes down to I want a quality life. A life that matters; where the house is large enough, the kids have enough room; there's just more space and less chance of hard times & heart aches.

So, for a couple weeks now I'd drive by houses thinking, "Nope, that house is too nice, that one too...and yep, even that one."

How pitiful.

I'm seriously not that superficial that I'm looking for a guy who can provide a huge house or living a certain way. Honestly, I could care less. Like I said, it's just the dream I've had playing in my head for so long. Who knows? God could bless me with that someday after all.

But that's not the point. The point is that I actually cried about this whole, dumb, house thing this weekend!

Yeah, I cried.

I finally yelled out in the car, "WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT??"

(Good thing I was alone in the car.)

Maybe you just have to be a girl? Maybe you have to have the same "dream" as me to understand?

I don't know if this makes sense but God changed my heart when it comes to this now. Somehow I was able to let it go, give it to God, and forget about it. The desire is no longer there. Strange, right?

In the end I know that He will provide for me no matter what. No matter what, He needs to be enough.

So, that's what I'm working on. Focusing more & more on Him everyday & realizing He's enough. More than enough, actually.

A few things you need to know about us ladies...

2010-09-21T10:54:00.002-05:00

Something that I'm still working on is really believing. Hang with me here for a second. I mean really believing something that someone says. I hear, "You're awesome!", "You're doing a great job!", etc. The thing is...it takes a few times for me to actually take that in and hear it. Maybe it's a mental problem. Maybe it's a hearing problem. Maybe it's just being a girl.

Guys are kind of know for being clueless sometimes and don't pick up on "hints" that we might send their way. We're just as bad! We don't hear or see them loving us everyday! I can't stand stereotypes but this is something I've seen more than once. Why is it that as ladies we don't let it sink in that we are loved by the Creator of the universe?? He made all that we see & is all powerful and yet He loves us, through all of our faults, every day.

Maybe I'm not being clear. You are loved. You get that? Even if you don't feel like it. Even if your day started with stepping in dog poo, cleaning cereal out of little pig-tails, cranking up the radio over the screaming in the backseat, throwing your back out while trying to buy dog food, voicing your opinion when you should have kept your mouth shut and ended in slamming your own thumb in the car door. No matter what you did or are doing - you are loved right now.

I tend to be stand-off-ish of compliments and I'm not sure why. I'm just a little wary and it makes me wonder why someone would choose to say something like that. Do they want something? Are they trying to smooth-talk me? When I write this down, it sounds dumb & really paranoid. But it's true! I think that's why I struggle with this from God. I carry this over that He has no reason to say something nice about me or to me.

Yet, I'm learning each day that He does.

He's madly in love with me. He's madly in love with you.

He can't help it. You're wonderful, you're His child that He cares for more than you'll ever know.

Here's the best part - there's no way you can escape His love! You can't run far enough, mess up enough. On this, that's the difference between God and man. In life, I'll be too paranoid or whatever and not believe it when people say nice things to or about me, and I'll miss out on a great display of love being dropped in my lap. Maybe they'll give up. Decide it's not worth it to build someone up, only for them to shake their head & be suspicious. But God, He's not gonna give up. He'll continually tell you that you are beautiful, unlike any other, precious, and endlessly loved.

Maybe right now, go find a mirror and pick something that God is telling you - "You are beautiful, You are loved, You are forgiven, etc." Say it 5 times & let it sink in.

I hope this helps today. I hope you let it sink in that He loves you, with all your faults & insecurities. That's not going to make Him shy away like people would. He's constantly by your side, wanting to live life with you.

The song "Don't you know You're beautiful" is awesome from Seabird. Also, I heard this song this morning from Tenth Avenue North called "You are More" and it says:

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade

In life, people seem surprised, "Don't you know? Don't you see what a difference you're making?" Sometimes the truth is, "No, I'm not seeing what you see."

The only way to change that is to look at ourselves through Christ. He sees beauty. He sees a hard worker. He sees his daughter, His beloved.

Sorry, there's nothing you can do to change His mind.

**Side note for the guys: Be patient with us. We need you. We need you not to give up on us. We need you to believe in us, and tell us that! We need you to confirm these things that God says about us. We don't have it all together ... I know, shocker. :)

Because I said so!

2010-09-07T13:56:00.005-05:00

I just came back from a week long vacation...with 3 girls...3 & under...!

Just in case you didn't know, 3 year olds have A LOT of questions! Sometimes it's a fun, enlightening experience. Other times it's embarrassing and makes me shake my head!

Sometimes when we tell her to do something, she'll say, "But why?"

She wants to understand our plans, motives, and reasons for everything. If she doesn't understand the logic of something she has a hard time accepting it. She loves us and truly wants to please us, but she wants to know why before she obeys.

She's usually obedient, once she's heard our reasons. Nonetheless, in response to her questioning I often want to use that infamous phrase: "Because I said so!"

I wonder if God ever wants to use that phrase with me?

God is infinitely more patient than I am, and He is abounding in grace and love. He can easily handle all my questions without exasperation. But I wonder if He wishes I would just simply trust and obey - just because He is God.

The scriptures say: "Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience. Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours. The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, 'What are you doing?' Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately" (Ecclesiastes 8:2-5, MSG).

I want to be that wise person.

So my goal today is not to question God but simply to trust and obey...even if I don't understand why, and even if it's hard to do. I will accept the way that I am made and the plans that He has set before me.

Yes, I know I can take all my questions to the Lord and He will lovingly sift through them, but today I want to obey His commands in swift, willing obedience - just because He said so.

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." 2 John 1:6a

Being Single

2010-08-24T16:09:00.002-05:00

A friend texted me last night & said "check out 1 Corinthians 7!!!" I looked it up & I knew it had been too long since the last time I read that chapter. If you haven't read it in a while, or at all, and you are single ... you need to.

I think it sounds a bit like Paul is trying to cover himself when he says it's better to be single ... but it's ok to be married, but it's good to be single, but it's good to be married ... kind of like he's arguing with himself ... but I understand where the guy is coming from.

A few parts that stuck out to me: verse 27, "If you are married, stay married. If you are not married, don't try to get married." Not a lot of gray area in that scripture. In verses 29-31 it basically says the world is coming to an end & it doesn't matter how happy you are here - this is not our home. God's coming back & it won't matter if you're married or not.

In verse 35 it says, "...I want to help you to live right and to love the Lord above all else." That was Paul's heart & entire message.

I needed to read this chapter again ... and probably again and again! It is easier to focus on serving God & following Him completely when you're not distracted by trying to make someone else happy. It makes sense. Still, I'm hoping this is not forever! Right now, I'm following the words of Paul & seeking to please & glorify God ... hopefully along the way I'll catch the attention of someone with the same priorities. Ironically, I had yet another person try to set me up with a guy today ... oh, the timing of all this. Humorous.

Praying

2010-08-05T11:35:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been praying really 'blunt' prayers, so to speak. Not much structure to them, just talking to Him, like a friend, and blurting out whatever I'm dealing with or thinking about. When I say it out loud, it tends to have a bigger impact on me.

Like I'll look around or at the ceiling & say,

"God, I'm really sick of being alone"

"God, I feel like I'm the only one still wanting to do right"

"God, I don't think I can do this anymore...I just don't know."

Just talking, out loud, to God with what's going on & allowing Him to speak to me & change my thinking. I hear the enemies lies when I speak out loud what I'm feeling, AND THEN I allow God's truth to come back in.

You don't have to put on a face for God. Like you've got everything put together, like you can handle it and you'll just "ration" out what you think God can or would handle concerning you today.

Let it all hang out! Tell God what's going on ... and then let Him handle it.

A car of your choice!

2010-07-17T21:39:00.003-05:00

I had a dream a few nights ago ... could've been the pain meds from getting my wisdom teeth removed ... could've been God. I'm betting on at least a bit of both.

A friend and I were at a Dodge/Chrysler lot, just looking around. The manager came over to us and said "See that pile of keys over there? Go pick one, hit the panic button & the car that sounds is yours!" We were shocked. Of course, we ran right over - grabbed a set of keys and went outside to find our new cars. For some reason ours were right next to each other. Mine was a dodge car, not too fancy. Weird creamy color with bad red trim. His had a great red finish but was a funky shape (Don't ask...). My first thought was to look around, see if I could run back inside and pick a different key without the manager noticing. My friend & I decided to take a stroll around the lot to see if there were any others & just plan to talk to the manager if that were the case. We didn't see any we liked better but by the time we got back around to where we started, the ones we had the first pick to were gone! We were in such disbelief. People were taking off everywhere in new, free cars like they couldn't get out of the parking lot fast enough & here we were critiquing the 2 we were given.

Our hearts sank at what we lost & we left empty handed.

I've been thinking about this dream for a few days, really uneasy about it. Am I that ungrateful? Am I that close to situations that I can't step back and see, first of all, I'm being given a blessing? A free car is being given to me & I can't look around quick enough to find one in a better color? It makes me wonder what I've missed. How many things have I passed by, relationships overlooked, or blessings have I given back?

Why should I get the luxury of picking the color of my blessing?

I can't think of a particular thing that I have handled in this way, but maybe that's just it. I can't help but feel a sense of loss ... embarrassment even to think that I would act that way. Maybe that's why a few of my prayers seem to go unanswered? Maybe I just didn't like what God was offering. It makes me sick to think that I've gone around "the lot", even if just once, to see if there was anything better, only to leave empty handed.

What to say?

2010-07-07T15:38:00.002-05:00

Struggling to know what to say to that cute girl sitting 2 rows ahead of you with her head in her new pink, sparkly NIV Bible? Look no further! Maybe try one of these:

1. “nice bible.”

2. “is this pew taken?”

3. “for you i would slay two Goliaths”

4. “i would go through more than Job for you”

5. “when Moses struck the rock, water flowed from it like a river. I promise I will never strike you.”

6. “you are so unblemished that i would sacrifice you.”

7. “shall we tithe?”

8. “i didnt believe in predestination until tonight.”

9. “i believe one of my ribs belongs to you.”

10. “i went on a mission trip, but all I ended up doing was mission you.”

11. “can I buy you a non-alcoholic beverage?”

12. “now i know why Solomon had 700 wives… Because he never met you.”

13. “bathsheba had nothing on you”

14. “your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead”

15. “so, can i clothe you in righteousness?”

16. “how would you like to join my Purpose Driven Life?”

17. “so, my parents are home, you wanna come over?”

18. “i’m a proverbs 32 kind of guy and you’re a proverbs 31 kinda woman…”

19. “i consider myself to be fisher of women. this would be referred to as “casting my net”.”

20. “i have familiarised myself with all 5 love languages, in fact, i invented 4 of them.”

21. “i predicted David over Goliath… now I’m betting on you and me.”

22.. “if you were a leper, i would still hold your hand.. even if it wasn't attached.”

Ok, so maybe you shouldn't use these. Sadly, I've gotten some of these! What's the strangest line you've ever heard...or used?

Answers and Peace

2010-05-21T12:52:00.005-05:00

I just finished a 7 day fast. It's been a while since I've done that. Every once and a while I'd do it for a day or two just for some clarity and to pause life for a bit. This time I didn't just want to pause - I wanted change. I went into this expecting God to reveal Himself & to give me some answers in a few specific areas. I felt kinda stuck. Like I am so blessed and overwhelmed with good things but I needed to know what to do next. (I'm good with lists & tasks - just tell me what to do!)

That's where God comes in. He's been faithful, so why should this time be any different? The ongoing hard thing that I battle every day is waiting. I know His ways are not my ways & His timing is perfect...but year after year (after year, after year...) goes by; I'm just so ready for God's promises to come true. 20 years is a long time to wait, and it makes me wonder - how much longer?

So, I decided to fast for a week and seek God on this, full throttle. It amazes me every time how much closer to God I get & how much easier it seems to be to talk to & trust Him. I have more time & He gives me the energy I need. On the second night, I cried out to God (literally did this about every day.) to show me what He wanted me to do, to guide me. I prayed about a few specific things, and just stopped talking. (Do ever get tired of hearing your own voice?) I just sat there, eyes closed, waiting on God. Then I said, "I just need peace." Instantly, I felt kind of light headed - not sick, but like a weight had been lifted and my whole body felt like it was floating. I got exactly what I asked for, peace.

He wasn't done either! On the 5th day, there was something stirring in me. I was really restless and just burdened. (Leading worship, I was probably too much.) I was really challenged to change & I wanted others around me to catch this fire too. God is giving me a renewed passion for Him, but that's not all He did.

I went to the movie "To Save a Life" that afternoon and that was the breaking point. Everything just came together and cemented what God was already doing in me. After the show, I just needed to get away and talk to God alone. I went to the park and I sat there for 30 minutes talking to God and letting Him change me. I just didn't want to stay the same. It's really hard to explain, but God just opened my eyes to see them in the way He does. I see how valuable each person is. Not just the people we think are cool, or need help, or we get introduced to, or whatever. Everyone. That's who we're called to tell about Christ. I cried there about the whole time and allowed God to change my heart, deeply. I saw the error of my ways in multiple areas. I had the overwhelming need to ask forgiveness from people.

The really surprising thing that He did in the midst of this week was renew my strength to carry on, to wait. He's amazing like that. Just about every time when I think, "I just can't do it anymore! Am I ever going to get married?" God steps in and somehow removes that completely and gives me peace & helps me rest in Him. It's at those moments that I honestly feel like I could stay there forever. I could just sit in the park for years; no food, no shelter, no guy, no showers (gross), with Him, like that, so intimate. Like my best friend who lets me let it all out, then goes in and fixes everything in me. He focuses on me, like I'm the only one in the room. Let's be honest, that's what we all want - we just normally look for that in other people.

Anyway, I'm still a work in progress - I'm human, I'm flawed, but I'm a beautiful mess! He's so awesome to be willing to keep picking me up and giving me the strength I need to live for Him. This change has been radical for me, that's just what I prayed for. Hopefully you'll have the boldness to simply ask God to change you. Be willing. Be specific. Be all-in. He will if you allow Him to.

I prayed a few specific things (waiting, way of living & about a few people) and then some others things that I was concerned with like not to let me get comfortable, to be radical for Him - no matter who looks on in a disapproving way or pokes fun. My confidence is in Him, not the very lacking compliments I get...which I have a hard time receiving, anyway (weird, I know.).

He, like always, has gone above and beyond what I've asked Him to. He met me right where I was and changed me. He can do it in you too. If you're ready, feel free to pray this daring prayer:

Lord, I'm being faithful. I'm holding on to You. I'm reminding You right now of Your promises and I'm expectant that You will fulfill them in Your time. Help me to wait even more. Give me peace. Help me continue to rest in You every day. Help me continue to go against the ways of this world & strive after you. Swimming against the current gets tiring after a while. Strengthen me, God. I'm keeping my focus on You - it's You I'm chasing after instead of the next gadget, promotion, guy, car, wad of cash, etc...it's just You. At the end of the day, I commit again, that if You never bless me with the things I long for - I will still love You. I will still serve You. I will still tell others of Your goodness. You are faithful, help me to be more like You.

Bible vs Cell Phone

2010-05-18T17:42:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

Think about how much you use your cell phone and your bible. Which one gets the most of your time?

What is that smell??

2010-05-12T15:44:00.004-05:00

That's what I said when I walked past my refrigerator the other day. I skeptically looked in to find the culprit of the smell. After carefully rummaging around for a bit I found the last bit of a casserole from so long ago that I can't remember what it was to begin with...yeah, that's bad.

Now imagine a pleasing aroma. What comes to mind? A freshly baked cookies, the scent of the ocean, newly brewed coffee, or a cinnamon candle? A pleasant aroma is so powerful that it can bring a smile to our faces and make us feel more positive and even bring back memories. The same is true of our positive attitudes. In our relationships we can be like a fragrant aroma by adopting attitudes that please and reflect Christ. In fact, Paul teaches that we are a "fragrance of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15). Consider these pleasing attitudes: thankful, humble, generous, gracious, kind, and cheerful.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." Philippians 2:5

What do you smell like today?

Shine

2010-04-18T12:25:00.002-05:00

Here's the chorus & second verse of Salvador's song "Shine":

Lord let me shine
Shine like the moon
A reflection of you
All that I do
Lord let me be
A light for your truth
Light of the world
I want to be used
To shine for you

As simple as a passing smile
Or listening a little while
To someone that's convinced that
They are in this all alone
Well, here's my chance to share the news
To introduce the good that's you
Here you go again,
You never cease to blow my mind

I've been praying a lot lately that God would use me in a powerful way, however He chooses. I have to warn you to be careful what you pray for, because you just might get it all! There have been so many changes recently, it's insane. God is so good. Just like this song says, He never ceases to blow my mind. I pray that He continues to use me to shine for Him.

Who doesn't need a RED phone?

2010-04-09T13:21:00.008-05:00

The Station Engineer, Darcey, recently purchased some phones for different tower locations. He found a great deal to buy 5 for $60.

I don't need 5, but I am a fan of the RED!

What's your story?

2010-03-23T22:24:00.003-05:00

Matthew West's newest project is writing about your life - yes yours!! He's in a cabin for the next 2 months reading what you send him and writing new projects. You can tell him your life story at http://matthewwest.com/

Here's what I submitted:

Hey, I'm Jenn - wow...how do you just start off telling the story of 20 years?? I got saved at 4 and prayed with my Mom and brother for the next 8 years or so that my Dad would find life in Christ too. I grew up in Tulsa, OK and lived there until I was 15...just about everything I knew was there. I was homeschooled and Tulsa has amazing stuff for homeschoolers! There was so much going on, we had to cancel activities so we could get our school done! Anyways, I moved to Blackwell, OK(for my Dad's job)which was a huge culture shock! I mean, I could count the number of stoplights on 1 hand...just about. I went through depression and found God again there. He never left me. I just found Him in a new way and He opened doors for me to mentor students in a small church down the street. That grew into being a youth leader, to back-up singer on the worship team to worship leader in youth to guest speaker to fill-in worship leader in Main Church. I really grew there in my leadership skills and learned all over again how to serve God along with other people. In my Senior year I started interning at a local Christian Radio Station(The House FM & Praise 88.7)and God really grew a new passion in me for radio. I've always loved music and the message that we are able to convey in it, but this was a whole new ministry mindset. Over the lat couple years I've been promoted a few times to one of the "Office Ladies" and I'm a DJ too. When I step back and think about it, it doesn't make sense. I started working there while in high school and there's no way I can afford college, yet God is blessing me to do things that I shouldn't be able to do. I'm on the radio speaking to literally thousands of people everyday and working concerts and making Him known daily. I love that I am able to do this. I am SO blessed and I know it's God.

I'm a part of Life Center in Ponca City; part of the LifeChurch.tv network (doing church in a 21st century way). I'm highly ingrained there and I lead worship too.

Another thing I haven't mentioned is an old passion of mine - purity. When I was 12, I got up in front of about 3,000 people in my church and took a "Zero Pledge". I pledged to do zero drugs, alcohol, etc. and to stay pure until I'm married. I know a lot of churches do this and they get a ring and all and it's no big deal a few years later, but I took it to heart. I'm still living that life, though it's not easy. It's hard and it's a conscious decision EVERY DAY. It's easy to feel lonely and lose hope. It's easy for my flesh to tell me that I've lost my mind and I'm going to wake up at 32 years old with no one and all this waiting was for nothing. But, then God steps in at just the right time and reminds me of His promises. His promises are so special to me. That's what I hold to. When I try to explain my lifestyle or why I don't want to go certain places or do certain things, people don't get it. It's hard to explain and at the end of the day when I'm at my lowest and I'm vulnerable to being like the world, it could be easy for me to just give in or even give up. That's when God is my strength. Even when it doesn't make any sense to anyone, even my family, I know that God is trustworthy, faithful and He loves me and wants the best. I believe with all my heart that He does have a plan for me. I have to believe that. Over time I've been able to help other people understand and pointed them to God in the process. Some have prayed and ended up living the same way and others have shunned me, but you know what? It's worth it. Honestly, I haven't seen a physical payoff yet but I have faith that it will. And even if my highest dream of being a wife and Mom never happen - He's still good and He's still in control. It's in His hands and that's where I'm leaving it. So, that's the quick version of the story of my life...but it's not really over - I'm still finding out what the rest of my story is every day.

So, there you go. Tell them your story and you could be featured in one of his songs! We'd lvoe to know what your story is too! Be a part of the "My Story" Project with The House FM - http://www.thehousefm.com/thehouse.asp?ID=MyStory&S=0&b=1

Song of the Week

2010-03-13T18:31:00.003-06:00

I love Brooke Fraser. Her songwriting sound is just awesome. We play "Shadowfeet" on The House FM and that's how I discovered her. She has so many good songs and messages and she actually has 2 albums already. This is one of my many favorites:

"The Thief"

Your eyes are full
Full of the future of us
The air changes as you look across
At me in that wondering way

It is as if
I knew you before we spoke
Do our hearts know something we don't?
Conspiring, converging without giving us any say

[CHORUS]
You, sing me to sleep
Talk down my walls
Look through my windows as I wait
You could be the thief
I give the key to

You're ruining me
With secrets and gestures and looks
With sonnets from second-hand books
Playing the chords in me nobody knew how to play

[CHORUS]

[Bridge]
It fits in your hand like water in rain
It unlocks our two different selves
And shows we are the same
Rather than wait `til I put me out for the taking
You're breaking
You're breaking
You're breaking into my heart
And I'm letting you

Beautiful. I hope you check out her stuff - it's amazing. (http://brookefraser.com/)

This could change your whole thinking on dating...you've been warned.

2010-02-18T14:33:00.005-06:00

If you lend a guy $10,000, what are you going to want from him?

You'd want him to pay it back, right?

Would you lend it to him if he wouldn't commit to that?
_________________________________________

This is how I feel about dating. So many people date just to date. Sorry, I'm just not into that. If I give you my trust, I want a commitment that your not going to break my heart. Is that too much to ask, really?

My whole life I've been preparing to be a good wife; I want a good husband. So, I'm not going to compromise. I'm going to stand firm and hold to the promise that God gave me long ago. I'm going to do what I know is right.

This is a conscious choice I made a long, long time ago. You won't really want to do this if your parents pressure you into it, or it's like a rule to you. This has to become your own, a passion and you have to come to the realization that God has the very best for you & He will fulfill His promise. (I know this sounds weird, but my parents are on the look-out for me! They know my heart's choice about this and they are behind me on it. So, I have 2 extra sets of eyes looking and praying for me and my future. Actually, because of this I can rest easy. In the last year or so they have come to me with prospective people they see potential in. They're like "How about so-and-so? I thought you guys had a connection. He's a great man of God and so kind." I'm sorry, but that is just awesome. The awkwardness is all on them now!) If you ever want to chat about this, let me know.

If you don't believe your wife is precious, you won't cherish her.

If you don't believe love is best when it's pure and new, you won't wait patiently for it.

What you believe effects the way you behave.

What do you believe?

Running on Empty

2010-02-12T10:00:00.002-06:00

I have a disorder. I have the “I want to see how far I can drive AFTER my low fuel light comes on” disorder. Anyone else with me? I’ve gotten to the point now where I keep track of my mileage after the light, trying to beat my own record for mileage driven after the low fuel light illuminates. I have actually prayed out loud before ” God, you turned water into wine, you multiplied fish and bread, you can multiply the gas in my tank so I can get to the gas station.” And then God said, “I’ve multiplied the gas stations you’ve been driving past for the last two days, you’re on your own!”

I have a spiritual disorder: I have been known to see how long I can live when I’m running on empty. When I’m running on empty in my spiritual life I have come to recognize the low fuel light. When I’m running on empty:

-God’s voice is harder to hear

-I feel promptings from the Holy Spirit less

-I am more irritable

-I am more selfish

-I don’t serve people with a heart of gratitude

-I do ministry out of obligation and not out of the overflow of my heart

The danger for many of us is that we don’t recognize when the spiritual “low fuel” light comes on, or we do and we just ignore it. I can get so good at ignoring it that I actually convince people that I have a full tank, when I'm really running on fumes.

I feel like I am running on empty this week. So… I’m not going to ignore it, I’m not going to “try to get through this week, then I can spend some time refueling.” I’m going to take little steps each day to replenish my heart so that I can live out the mission God has given me as a daughter, worker, friend and woman of God.

Do you try to run on empty? What are some signs in your life that you are running on empty?

Love With Grace

2010-02-10T17:54:00.002-06:00

Bringing criticism, judgment, and self-righteousness into relationships is all too easy. Saying "Why didn't you..." "You should have..." or "I told you so" requires no effort. But being gracious is what we need, and that's what Christ calls us to be. We're human. We're going to disappoint one another. We're not always going to meet each other's needs.

"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 (NAS)

How has Christ shown you grace, and how can His grace spill over in your relationships?

Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (NIV)

What you can do today to show a gracious attitude toward someone else? Some ideas:

· Let it go.

· Assume the best.

· In your quiet time, think about the different ways God has covered you with grace rather than burdened you with judgment.

· Hang around friends with gracious attitudes. Let their attitudes rub off on you.

· Be careful of keeping company with people who are constantly bashing and bad-mouthing other people. Their bad attitudes are likely to affect yours.

· Don't say, "I told you so."

Now, go! Spread the love - with grace.

Oh.....Valentine's Day.

2010-02-09T10:56:00.004-06:00

Are you a woman who doesn't look forward to Valentine's Day? Whether you are single and without a special someone in your life, or married and tired of being disappointed from unmet expectations on the "Day of Romance," you are not alone.

Surveys show that countless women feel frustrated every year and let down on February 14th primarily because of unmet expectations. Women look for expressions of love that will meet their preconceived romantic notions. And many times, even well-intentioned men can't possibly compete.

What if this year you took the man in your life off the hook? What if this year you focused not on your expectations or the disappointment that the "Day of Romance" tends to bring, but on the Author of Romance, Himself, and what He's been trying to show you day in and day out about how cherished you are in His sight? In other words, what if this year you looked to God to meet your expectations first and then let the man in your life (if you have one) do what he can and see it as an added bonus?

For instance, look at the tender words God says, in His Word, to and about His people:

• He calls you unforgettable: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! (Isaiah 49:15).

• He says He has always loved you and always will: "...I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).

• He calls Himself your Husband: "For your Maker is your husband - the Lord Almighty is his name - the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. The Lord will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit…" (Isaiah 54:5-6a).

• He says His love for you is greater than anything you'll ever find on this earth: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). And then Jesus did just that -- He laid down His life for you...one He calls "friend."

• He promises He'll never leave you: "...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b).

• He assures you in His Word that He has chosen you as His own: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…" (Ephesians 1:4).

• He assures you in His Word that nothing will be able to separate you from His ever-pursuing love: "... neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39).

Reading verses like that, over and over, is like re-reading portions of a love letter that resonates with our hearts. And when our emotional tank is filled - by recognizing that we are valuable, loved and pursued in the sight of an all-knowing, all-loving God - we can then receive whatever our husband or boyfriend has to offer as the "cherry on top." Or, if nothing else is offered us, we still know we are loved and we are more able and stable to deal with whatever does - or does not - come our way.

So go boldly into Valentine's Day this year, my friend, and celebrate it because of how loved and cherished you are in the eyes of the Living God. And if you have a husband or boyfriend who makes an attempt that isn't quite to your expectations, thank God for him and bless him anyway. Your "True Husband" will be watching!

lol...lol...lol...ugh.

2010-01-19T11:53:00.002-06:00

Ok, what's with people using 'lol' way too much? It's like a complete sentance to them. It makes me wonder if they ever really laugh out loud or it's just something easy to type? Here's how a typical conversation with someone would go:

Me: Hey! How's life?
Them: lol good lol
Me: Haha, ok...
Them: lol
Me: Really? That good huh?
Them: lol
Me: Is that all you can say?
Them: lol
Me: Uh-huh...so are you really laughing out loud right now?
Them: lol
Me: Hmmmm, I'm still not convinced.
Them: lol
Me: Wow, well...you know 'lol' is not a complete sentance right?
Them: lol
Me: I see you get my point.
Them: lol
Me: Riiiiiight
Them: lol
Me: Well, this has been a deep conversation...
Them: lol
Me: Of course.
Them: lol
Me: It's been good talking to you
Them: lol
Me: Bye
Them: lol

Yeah....get my point? If you are laughing out loud that much, I need to be a comedian! Come on people, 'lol' is way overused! Using it a bit here or there I understand but, really use discretion. Personally I say 'Haha' because that's an actual laugh and I'm laughing at the time. So, what do you use? Really, we need something new so we can throw away the 'lol'...

My Ode to Snow

2010-01-13T19:57:00.002-06:00

I love snow & cold weather. As of today, most of it is gone. And that makes me sad. So, here's to you, Snow:

My yard is soggy
But I'm no froggy

Snow, why'd you have to go
I love you more than any beau

Why, oh why did you go away
When all I want is for you to stay

Beautiful snow, come back soon
Until then, I'll watch the moon

There you have it, now the healing begins.

A Sweet Smell

2010-01-05T11:41:00.003-06:00

Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to "...live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (NIV).

What does that really mean? How can we offer a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God and be a fragrance to those around us?

There is a Hawaiian saying, "Tiny is the flower, yet it scents the grasses around it." What a great illustration of how the smallest things can have impactful results. The fact that the flower is small and seemingly insignificant, does not keep it from spreading the fragrance it was created to share. In fact, often the smallest flower can have the most potent fragrance!

Sometimes we may feel like a tiny flower. We wonder if we are really capable of doing anything big or important for Christ. Insecurities, feelings of unworthiness or life challenges prevent us from seeing how God can use us to bless Him and impact others. It is not the size of the actions that matter, but the aroma that is created by those actions. Each time we do something in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness we offer a fragrant offering to God. And we help others learn how to be a little fragrant flower too, in a big world that can be pretty stinky.

Each one of us can choose what fragrance we exude. It might be a good idea to ask from time to time, What type of fragrance am I leaving behind? How am I affecting the world around me with the gifts God gave me? Am I exuding a spiritual aroma that is a fragrant offering to Christ?

Our lingering fragrance should be one of love and kindness, not anger and harshness. Patience and faithfulness, not intolerance and selfishness. And lifting people's spirits with joy and peace, not leaving them discouraged and broken. Our fragrance should be sowing seeds that point to the goodness of Christ. (Check Galatians 5:22)

When God created flowers, He intentionally created them to give off a sweet aroma. And He created us just the same. So, what fragrance are you wearing today?

"Spritz" on a sweet fragrance today that is pleasing to Christ.

Consider how you can "scent the grasses" in your life with God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.

Think about the spiritual fragrance you have been wearing lately, and the impact it has on others.

Do you think God is pleased with your lingering fragrance?

2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (NIV)

Lord, teach me how to smell like You.

Top 10 CD's of all time ...OF ALL TIME!

2009-12-16T18:02:00.005-06:00

Hey, it's Andy. Jenn (or J-izzle, as I call her) let me be a writer on her blog a long time ago and I have never posted. As I get ready to take a trip to Minnesota, I find myself (oddly) with some spare time. So as I procrastinate getting my son, Joash, packed and ready, I have been loading up a playlist on my phone for the 12 hour trip up north.

I did something I have never attempted before: Create a top 10 albums of all time (in my opinion, of course). Each has different meaning for me, and I will explain below.

before I get to that, I have to say that I am an "Album" guy. I like listening to a CD in its entirety because I know that is the way the artist intends it. They have placed each song in a particular order for a reason, and I enjoy being along for the ride as the album progresses. Consider it like a movie almost. You would rarely just watch one scene.... you've gotta take it all in.

My wife, however, is the opposite. She loves a hodge-podge of songs from all kinds of artists and just puts her zune on shuffle and has no problem. Me on the other hand, when I try to use "shuffle", I end up skipping past every song because I don't feel in the mood for it. It's a surprise I can handle listening to the radio, you may wonder, but once again radio is like an experience, adeptly programmed (hopefully!) to ebb and flow and you never really know what song may be next.

With that out of the way, Here is my all time top 10:

Wierd Al - Even Worse

This is the first piece of music I ever owned. I still remember getting this for christmas, in tape form! I couldn't wait to put it in my new tape player boombox! I didn't listen to popular radio as a kid (my parents only listened to oldies) - so for the most part I didn't even know what songs Wierd Al was parodying! To this day I usually still know the parody better than the original :)

Satudray night fever soundtrack

I stayed on that wierd al kick for years. Not much changed until Middle School, where I became best friends with a kid named Blake. he had me sign up for one of those music clubs where they would keep sending you CD's whether you liked it or not. He chose all 12 of the "free" cd's I got, most of it was really hard metal which I didn't like. One day we were at Kmart (which was by his house and we always ended up there when we were bored), and we saw a disco cd at the checkout for 6 bucks. Curious, we picked it up, and after listening to it Blake though it was awful. I, on the other hand, was in love. I bought lots of disco music after that, and my parents would even know if I were having girl problems because I would blast "I will survive" from my room to drown out my sorrows. I don't listen to much disco anymore, but I can get my boogie on with the best of them with the saturday night fever sountrack. I have never watched the movie, however.

wallflowers - bringing down the horse

This was one from my Jr. High days. I remember playing Quake (the PC game) with this CD in the computer. For whatever reason you could play a CD in the game and each level it would play a new track. Was it good music to kill aliens by? The jury is still out on that. But the music was so good it deserved to be heard. Maybe I enjoyed it so much because my dad always played dylan when I was a kid and his son was the lead singer of the wallflowers. Same unique voice, but you could actually understand what Jakob was singing (most of the time)

jars of clay - if I left the zoo

This was one of my first forays into christian music. The first christian cd I remember listening to is something from Al Denson, who played at a billy graham revival that came to our town. I don't like to count that because... well it's Al Denson. The second CD I had was Seltzer, which was a compilation cd that I loved falling asleep to (especially tracks 3&4 together were pretty mellow if I remember). I found out that one of the artists on that was Jars of Clay, and got a full CD of theirs. I know J-izzle doesn't understand my love for Jars, but if it wasn't for them... I don't know if I would be into christian music now.

Five iron Frenzy - the end is here

High school was really hit or miss with me music wise. on one hand, I still liked disco, which really hadn't been cool for over 20 years. on the other hand I was really digging bands like mighty mighty bosstones and reel big fish! I even remember that the cool high school kid in his lifted jeep was blasting "Sell out" and peeling out in the parking lot on the last day of school. I really couldn't believe a type of music I liked (Ska in this case) was cool?!? It didn't last long. But my love continued, and I found a christian band, Five Iron Frenzy, that honestly was better than anything else out there. I finally got to even see them on their farewell tour, and so I have to go with their final 2 cd set, which includes a live CD of their best hits. if you listen closely enough you can almost hear the securtiy guard yelling at my friends for dancing too wildly! :)

ATB- Seven years

I had a good friend in high school, and if you would have seen us hang out we didn't seem like we would be friends. It worked though. She made mention one time that she had never had a nickname before and would like one. so I nicknamed her "carrot".
This is why you never ask for a nickname :) . One day when we were hanging out, Carrot showed me some new music she got from i don't know where... We lived in a small town with two radio stations, country and oldies... so I don't remember where she said she discovered this guy. But she popped the CD in and I was instantly in love. It was a somehow even more dancier version of the disco I loved! Electronic with some really cool lady singing softly in the backfground! Carrot even showed me how to use glowsticks to make figure 8's in the dark. ATB was the first techno guy I listened to and started me down another rabbit hole of obscure music that isn't really mainstream. and I can still do figure 8's with glowsticks to this day :)

strokes - is this it

Now on to college. My radio career started here in the basement of the cafeteria where I played the worst music I could possibly find. Usually my friends would just grab CD's off the rack that the band either a) sounded dumb or b) looked dumb. So we ended up playing a LOT of 80's christian rock music. I did get my radio start there but no musical tastes were acquired through that. Somebody showed me The Strokes, and it was such a departure from what I had listened to before, that I really took to it, and it set me on a path of indie-sounding rock for a while which led me to:

Squad Five-0 - late news breaking

Maybe the band I was the biggest fanatic for (John reuben being a close second at the time) - my friends and I traveled 4 hours to see them at a big christian music festival called Lifelight. I had a friend that lived nearby so we stayed at her place as we spent all weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I don't remember any of the other bands, just how awesome Squad Five-O was. I ended up seeing them a few more times whenever they were near minnesota. And they had a song on a CD that almost seemed prophetic. Check out the "bombs over brodway" cd cover (left). And the lyrics from that song:

Midnight, New York City.
Broadway, going up in flames.
Ground zero, big city.
Big Apple swallowed by the flames.
Bombs away, we never saw it coming.
Bombs away, til the bombs started falling.
Down, to seal our fate.
No time to run, now it's too late.
Countdown 5-4-3-2-1.
The end is near baby here it comes.
The neon lights of the city burn.
And the sirens warn: 'Bombs over Broadway!'
Lady Liberty is laid to rest.
'Give me liberty or give me death.'
Her dream died with her last request.
She didn't expect bombs over Broadway.
So long Manhattan Island.
Our pride in you had no end.
New York, New York.
Our pride has done you in.
Lights out, New York City.
You were the first, but you won't be the last.

Freeky Deeky, huh? By the way this CD was released in 2000. Their sound progressed and they jumped off their christian label to go mainstream. It didn't work for them, but their last CD, Late News Breaking was like pure Rock and Roll candy.

Rancid - ...and out come the wolves

I actually can't remember when I found out about this CD. It was probably in High School when my friend Blake got into Punk music, and installed nice speakers in his crappy izusu pup pickup truck to blast it everywhere we went. I liked some punk, but most of it I didn't like the politicalness of it (which honestly is half of what makes punk punk ) and a lot of it seemed really... rough. just not appealing to my ears I guess. Enter Rancid. This is the quintessential Rancid CD. The other CD's of theirs before and after don't really sound like it, maybe this one was too poppy and they were losing their punk cred. But in the songs you will hear their struggles and stories with crazy good hooks that make you want to sing along the whole time! I still listen to this on road trips and pretend to drum on my wife's leg as she tries to sleep!

The Clash - combat rock

I believe it was my College roommate my freshman year that introduced me to "Better" punk rock. His name was Josh, and he was probably one of the biggest music lovers I have ever met. Most of the stuff he liked was still out of my taste range, but he introduced me to The Clash, and I loved it. The reason this cd makes my top list is one of the songs on the CD happened to be my and a girl I dated in College's song. It was called "should I stay or should I go"

Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?

That girl and I decided to "stay" and we are now married :)

Well that completes our musical Journey into the mind of Andy. Please exit on the right, and remember to pick up your belongings before exiting the platform. Feel free to make fun of my musical tastes in the comments below!

Isn't it About Time You Got Married?

2009-12-16T12:15:00.003-06:00

I've got a few unanswered questions about my life. I'd like to know if I'll ever be a homemaker and homeowner. I'd like to know how to sell and buy, as well as manage maintenance on a car as a single woman. I'd like to know if I'll ever walk down the aisle as the main attraction instead of as a member of the supporting cast. I've discovered, though, that I rarely have to ask questions like this. There are plenty of other people in my life asking them for me.

At an event one evening, a mere acquaintance asked one. I heard his voice. "So, isn't it about time you got married?" Glancing left and right with the desperate hope that he was speaking to anyone else, I slowly looked up. Nope, I was the lucky target, and he hit the bull's-eye.

"Isn't it about time you got married?" He voiced one of those questions that lurks in the heart of every single adult who desires to be married. It resides next to half a dozen others we've been asked over the years--questions for which we either don't have the answers or don't like the answers:

•Do you have a boyfriend?

•You're a nice girl; why aren't you dating anyone?

•How's your love life?

•Are you looking for a husband?

•So, you're still single?

•Do you want to get married?

If you are single, you've fielded most of these and countless other remarks for which any answer seems inadequate. You've probably mastered the courtesy laugh and polite smile, and chances are you're an expert at shifting conversations away from your marital status.

While I laugh at both well-meaning friends and rude acquaintances for asking such bold things, they are really only voicing questions I have in my own head. I just don't ask them because I know there aren't answers.

If I'll marry, who I'll marry, when I'll marry, are some of God's question marks in my life, unknown obstacles in my race. That's the way God planned it. After wrestling repeatedly with these and other questions about singleness, I've resigned myself to the fact that God is the only One who knows the answers, and He's not telling. Most days I can live with that. Not everybody in my life has struggled through these issues, though, and so for them, I sometimes just don't fit into a preconceived mold.

To married friends and relatives, they sometimes look at us singles as if we should fit in a certain place. In attempts to make us fit, they often ask bold questions. At times they answer their own questions when our responses fall short of what they hoped to hear:

•God has someone very special for you.

•You just wait--your day is coming.

•You'll make somebody a perfect wife.

•He just doesn't know what he's missing.

•You never know who you'll meet.

•I hope you meet someone special; I really want you to be happy.

Begging the forgiveness of my friends and family, I don't have nearly as many problems with the unanswered questions in my life as I do with their answers! I wholeheartedly recognize their good intentions. They never mean to be invasive or rude; they really want only the best for me. I love them for it, and I've learned to laugh at them for it, too.

Like I said, most days I can live with God's absence of answers. But sometimes, I allow myself to listen to the well-meaning advice of bystanders, and I choose to hear their answers above the silence of God. When I filter their pieces of intended encouragement through my emotional sieve, I want to believe them. I want to take their statements as divine wisdom.

Maybe time will prove their words correct in my life, but I can't afford to live with that expectation. God really does have a better track record, just sayin.

Elf

2009-12-01T22:23:00.003-06:00

Wow. Great movie & now it's all I can quote...

"THESE TOILET SEATS ARE GINORMOUS!!"

"Your a cotton-headed ninny-muggin." (A grade schoolers cursing)

"WOW! World's best cup of coffee!! Great job everyone!"

"Singing is just like talking you just move your voice up and down. Here, I'll show you."

"OH, I forgot to give you a hug!"

"Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?"

"Santa? I know him; I know him!"

"We elves try to stick to the 4 main food groups - Candy, candy canes, candy corn & syrup."

"You sit on a throne of lies."

"You smell like beef & cheese, you don't smell like Santa."

"You like sugar, don't you? Is there sugar in syrup? Yes... Then YES!"

"What are you doing? I'm shoppi- Get in here! You can shop on your break! I'm sorry, I didn't know-WELL YOU SHOULD'VE KNOWN!"

"I like your purple dress, it's very purple-y."

"Fransisco...Fransisco...that's a fun name...Fran-sis-co..."

"Why do you wear such a big coat? Do your friends wear big coats?"

"Guess what? I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU!"

"Can I whisper too?"

**What's your fav quote?

Dreams...

2009-11-17T10:20:00.002-06:00

So, I've been having the same dream every few nights for about a year. Yeah. It's about me saying goodnight to my husband, then the next morning I find him dead. The next scene is him in the ambulance and me sitting next to him with both of our cell phones in my lap, about to call our bosses to tell them we won't be in that day. The next scene is doctors guiding me into the morgue. I haven't seen who the guy is up to this point. They lift the cover from his face & I cry and say that's him. It scared me in the dream, because I know this guy. The next scene is the funeral. I'm in the front row, head bowed. All the pallbearers get the casket ready to go & the next thing I know, I'm looking toward the back of the church and there's the silhouette of me & him walking outside, hand in hand.

After over a year, you'd think something would happen. I'd talk to him about it. He'd have a life or death experience or something, but nothing has happened. I came across this definition today:

Recurring nightmares -
Most people occasionally experience the same dream over and over. This is usually a signal that your subconscious mind is trying to send you a message. When you understand the message, and do something about it, the dream will change or end. Scary dreams are a way of generating excitement so you will be more honest with yourself. They should not be feared, but rather welcomed as helpful hints toward a better life.

A message? Ok, not getting it. If I got the message, then I could try to do something about it...then it would change or end...Be more honest with myself? About what?

Now, I'm more confused than before. Any ideas?

"I Love You"

2009-11-16T11:29:00.002-06:00

Here are some simple ideas on things you could say to your spouse to tell them "I Love You". If you're not married, practice some of them on your parents or friends:

You look great tonight.
That was a wonderful meal.
Thank you for not getting mad at me.
You're the best thing that ever happened to me.
You're a great listener.
I really appreciate the way you spend time with my parents.
Thanks for being honest with me.
That's a great idea.
I enjoy spending time with you.
Congratulations! I'm taking you out to dinner to celebrate.
Before I met you, my life was boring.
So what if they didn't like your idea? I thought it was great.
You're the best husband in the whole world.
I hope our boys marry girls just like their mother.
I bought this just for you. I hope you like it.
Thanks for laughing at my corny jokes.
You're a big help around the house.
I'm looking forward to growing old with you.
You deserve a kiss.
I'm so proud of you.
You've got a great sense of humor.
You are the reason I'm excited about the future.
That's a great idea. How did you think of it?
I'm glad you were right about that.
Thank you for working so hard for our family.
I'm the luckiest man in the whole world.
When I think of you, I can't help smiling.
I'm glad I said, "I do."
Somebody ought to make a movie of our marriage. It would make a great romantic comedy.
You're more beautiful today than you were the day we got married.
I'm so glad God brought us together.
Have I told you lately how much I love you?
I still believe in you.

Now, you have no excuse to not spread the love!

So I got a call....

2009-11-13T12:45:00.002-06:00

The other day I got a call from an old friend in Tulsa. They said, "Just felt like I should call you and tell you that even though we don't get to talk much, I'm praying for you everyday. You are loved. I'm so proud of you and I'm excited to watch (even if from afar) all that God is doing in your life!"

Hmmmm.

That was out of the blue.

Honestly though, it made my day. My day wasn't horrible before. It was actually pretty good.

It made me think, though, what can I do to change someones day? A phone call is not rocket science. I could do that. It's these simple things that make people's days and puts a smile on their face for the remainder of the day. I think Jesus went out of His way all the time to do little things. I think it was at the front of His mind to be kind and to love. I'm learning to pay attention more and to get creative.

Check out a phrase I heard this week: "You don't love God if you're not hiding God's Word in your heart."

I want my time with God to mean something and to show. I want to love God so much, that I love others in the process. So, watch out - I might be calling you soon! Or maybe kidnapping you would be a better way to convey his love...?

What can you do to impact someone today?

Post-Restorationist Perspectives: Giving away 3 more copies of "Drops Like Stars" by Rob Bell

2009-11-05T20:56:00.000-06:00

Win a copy of Rob Bell's new book!

Post-Restorationist Perspectives: Giving away 3 more copies of "Drops Like Stars" by Rob Bell

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-10-20T14:27:00.003-05:00

"Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You." Psalm 9:10 (NLT)

Seek Him DAILY. It's just like any other relationship. When you talk with them, you let them talk to you; you get to know them. If you want to know God, know His plan for your life & be in-tune with what to do at any given time - seek Him every day.

"Seek the Lord while you can find him.Call on him now while he is near." Isaiah 55:6

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

"If you seek Him, He will be found by you." 1 Chron 28:9

"Set your heart on seeking the Lord." 2 Chron 19:3

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

"Those who seek Me will find Me." Proverbs 8:17

"Blessed are those who seek Him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2

Sometimes, Janelle cannot be trusted...

2009-10-15T11:57:00.003-05:00

And here's the cold, hard & somewhat scary proof:

Put it down slowly, please...let's talk about this.

Janelle, you may want to lay low for a bit till this news blows over and settles a bit...

Check out what other crazy stuff she's up to -
Here

Whatever

2009-10-13T09:42:00.002-05:00

A survey by Marist College found out the most annoying words in American conversation. The article states,

47 percent of Americans surveyed in a Marist College poll released Wednesday [found "Whatever" to be the most annoying word we use].

"Whatever" easily beat out "you know," which especially grated a quarter of respondents. The other annoying contenders were "anyway" (at 7 percent), "it is what it is" (11 percent) and "at the end of the day" (2 percent).

"Whatever" — pronounced "WHAT'-ehv-errr" when exasperated — is an expression with staying power. Immortalized in song by Nirvana ("oh well, whatever, nevermind") in 1991, popularized by the Valley girls in "Clueless" later that decade, it is still commonly used, often by younger people.

It can be an all-purpose argument-ender or a signal of apathy. And it can really be annoying. The poll found "whatever" to be consistently disliked by Americans regardless of their race, gender, age, income or where they live.

Exactly! I've felt that way for years. When someone uses "whatever" on me in a conversation or email, it's a kick to the gut of non-importance. Beyond annoying, it's rude and dismissive. It's also ignorant, especially at the end of what was supposed to be a friendly debate or argument, because it illustrates that the person had no better retort and is now summarily ending the conversation with a parting shot connoting that nothing you just said mattered anyway. "Whatever!"

In a country sorely lacking in civility, manners, and conversation skills... and ripe with apathy and self-importance, "Whatever" is the motto du jour.

Then again... what a powerful word it can be for our walk with Christ.

It's kind of like when you are reading a play, or preparing to act in one. You have the script before you. There are minimal clues for how any word in the text should be read. What inflection, what level of voice, what tone shall I use? What does the context and the setting and the personality of the character tell me in regards to how this word or line is going to sound? Ultimately, you and the Director decide.

And I've decided that "Whatever" can be, if we so choose, the defining word of the Christian life. Because while few other words carry the same potential for dismissive rudeness, no other words hold the same potential for all-out surrender and steadfast faith.

I find you guilty in your sins.
Whatever you say, Lord, I repent and accept the sacrifice of your Son who atoned for them.

This situation you're in is going to hurt.
Whatever. I know my faith will be made strong through trials, and that I can do all things through your strength.

You don't know what the future holds; only I do.
Whatever it is, you deserve glory and honor and praise. Bring it on!

I want you to [go to Africa / give to this homeless person / quit this job / plant this church / preach my Word]
Whatever!

I know you think this is unfair compared to that person's situation, but do not let comparison steal my joy from you.
Whatever, God. Whatever.

***

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am (Phil. 4:11). Whatever you say.

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). Whatever you say.

Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (Gal. 6:7). Whatever you say.

Whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free (Eph. 6:8). Whatever you say.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (Phil. 4:8).

Whatever.

The Wonders of IM

2009-10-09T10:06:00.007-05:00

This is a typical conversation between me and Janelle over IM:

JK53 says:
sometime we need to talk about things
JK53 says:
no you haven't done anything wrong.
JK53 says:
you done everything right....
Jennifer says:
ok...
Jennifer says:
that's what they all say...
Jennifer says:
...then the hammer comes!
JK53 says:
no hammer from me.
Jennifer says:
alright
JK53 says:
alright
Jennifer says:
copycat
JK53 says:
your mom is a copycat
Jennifer says:
maybe...
JK53 says:
i love your mom by the way
Jennifer says:
good
JK53 says:
i guess you know that too
Jennifer says:
i do now
JK53 says:
so are you ready to have the cmas party at your house??????????
Jennifer says:
haha, sure!
JK53 says:
is that haha sure, "I can't believe she's asking me?" ha-ha OR
Jennifer says:
we need to come up with something to actually DO
JK53 says:
a Of course I want to have it my house!!!!
Jennifer says:
no, I'd love to have it there, for reals
JK53 says:
ok
JK53 says:
a plan is nice
JK53 says:
that's what i like about you
JK53 says:
you are for reals
Jennifer says:
it's true
JK53 says:
hope you think that about me too
Jennifer says:
yep, sure do
JK53 says:
I am funny don't forget that BUT
JK53 says:
i am for reals too
Jennifer says:
I like the fact that you tell me that you are funny.
JK53 says:
it's true
Jennifer says:
haha, yes. most of the time...
JK53 says:
most of the time??
Jennifer says:
...the other times is when you are for reals
JK53 says:
oh right yes
Jennifer says:
and sometimes you are a genious and you mix them together
JK53 says:
lol
JK53 says:
i think i like that
Jennifer says:
good, coin it. But give me some props
JK53 says:
will do

There you have it. Why can't we stay on one topic??

Check out Janelle's blog, here

You Are Loved

2009-10-08T13:31:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about a friend recently that I've lost touch with. We used to hang out all the time. Led worship together, prayed together, laughed together. We had the same interests. My friend went to college a couple years ago, then we hardly ever spoke. My friend calledearlier this year and was crying, broken from the way their life was. They had fallen away from God, rebelled really. They just wanted to live life, experience all the things that they were kept from growing up. They got in a really bad situation and felt stuck. They were ashamed of how they'd changed. I spoke with them and reassured them that God loved them even now. And so did I. God wanted them to come back, broken and ashamed, because He - and only He - could make them whole.

The next time I heard from them, they said they we moving back, got a house and decided to attend a local college. Wow! Talk about a life change. They had visited a church on Easter and God caught them right where they were. Sadly, since moving back I was only able to hang out and catch up one time with my long lost friend. About a month ago they were brought back to my mind and I thought, I need to call them. When I did, their number was disconnected, as well as the other numbers I had for them. I saw a family member of theirs a few weeks ago and asked about my friend. They said they didn't know either. They had moved out of their house, and moved in with a friend somewhere. I was in shock. How could someone make such a dramatic change, then slip back?

I honestly don't know where my friend is right now, how far, or even if they are in trouble and stuck in sin yet again. I do know that the God of the universe love them and still calls them His child.

God knows where my friend is and He knows their heart condition. He also knows how my heart longs for them to be close to Him again.

So many people get in this spot and they don't have anyone to turn to. Rebecca St. James' song "You Are Loved" was on my heart last night as I prayed for my friend.

As Christians, sometimes we get amnesia when it comes to what God has already done for us. We forget what circumstances He has brought us through and turned around for His glory. Maybe try writing down the things that happen to you, so when you get down or caught in sin, you can see proof of what God has done. This way, you never forget.

P.S. Feel free to join me in praying for my friend.

Give This Christmas Away

2009-09-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

I love Christmas. I love the oppurtunity to give. That's one of the reasons I love Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child. We at The House FMPraise 88.7 will be a part of this again this year. Keep checking our website, http://www.thehousefm.com/thehouse.asp, for more info on how you can get involved with a simple shoe box.

This is a video I came across today and I just loved the message:

Refiner & Purifier

2009-09-18T10:08:00.001-05:00

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered,'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Are you up for an evaluation or review?

2009-09-14T14:48:00.001-05:00

We all get nervous when we know that time is coming, here's some humor to lighten it up a bit...

These are actual quotes taken from federal government employee performance evaluations:

1. "Since my last report, this employee has reached rock-bottom and has started to dig."

2. "I would not allow this employee to breed."

3. "This employee is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won't-be."

4. "Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap."

5. "When he opens his mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet."

6. "This young lady has delusions of adequacy."

7. "He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them."

8. "This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot."

9. "This employee should go far, and the sooner he starts the better."

10. "Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together."

11. "A gross ignoramus - 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus."

12. "He doesn't have ulcers, but he's a carrier."

13. "I would like to go hunting with him sometime."

14. "He's been working with glue too much."

15. "He would argue with a signpost."

16. "He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room."

17. "When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell."

18. "If you see two people talking and one looks bored, he's the other one."

19. "A photographic memory but with the lens cap glued on."

20. "A prime candidate doe natural de-selection."

21. "Donated his brain to science before he was done using it."

22. "Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming."

23. "He's got two brain cells, one is lost and the other is out looking for it."

24. "If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week."

25. "If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you'd get change."

26. "If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean."

27. "One neuron short of a synapse."

28. "Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled."

29. "It takes him 2 hours to watch 60-minutes."

30. "The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead."

To everyone who has ever had an evaluation - just remember, it could have been worse...

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

Wow, it doesn't seem like it's been 8 years already. I remember I was at home doing school when my Mom was talking loudly on the phone to someone in the Living room. My brother and I walked in there and saw her watching the news and talking to my Dad on the phone. She was saying, "It looks like a horrible movie, surely this isn't really happening..."

I remember going to Walmart that day and everyone's attitude was different. People were more aware of others, nicer even. Everyone was really protective, though. People were walking around just to have something to do. They were really apt to talk too. There was an older lady who stopped us in an isle and talked about her daughter, who was in New York that week, and how she couldn't get a hold of her. We prayed with her right there in the pop isle of Walmart!

Such a tragic day that has marred so many lives. This day always has kind of a grey cloud hanging over it. I don't know about you, but that makes me look to God even more. Only He can heal our pain and be our Ultimate Comforter. Look for that peace that surpasses understanding today.

Prayer for today:
We looked with horror on the terrorist attacks of September 11th.
But we looked with honor on acts of courage by ordinary people
who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction.

We shed our tears in a common bond of grief for those we loved and lost.
We journeyed through a dark valley, but your light has led us to a place of hope.
You have turned our grief into determination.
We are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just.

Help us to remember what it means to be Americans—
a people endowed with abundant blessings.
Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand
with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.

Lord, hear this prayer for our Nation. Amen.

The wedding dress that keeps on going, and going and going…

2009-09-09T11:10:00.002-05:00

No runaway bride here: A Chinese woman recently broke the record for the longest wedding train. The 1.2-mile-long train took 200 guests a whopping three hours to unroll. And in case the thing wasn’t obvious enough on its own, it was adorned with 9,999 silk red roses.

Wow, if you don't want to be able to move on your wedding day, here ya go...

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-09-04T09:17:00.002-05:00

"God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgement Day - our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life - fear of death, fear of judgement - is one not yet fully formed in love." 1 John 4:16-18 (MSG)

Song of the Week

2009-08-19T10:22:00.000-05:00

I'm lovin the new song we're playing at The House from Sidewalk Prophets. It's really heartfelt and the lyrics are powerful! Check it out:

Sidewalk Prophets - The Words I Would Say (2009 Video & Lyrics):

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
Gods got his hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why your here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
Gods got his hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why your here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the father,

Be strong in the lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
Gods got his hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why your here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

Can You Raed Tihs?

2009-08-18T13:28:00.004-05:00

Now try this:

Sewet! It's so ture...Aloguth tihs is my ngihtamre wehn it cmeos to spilleng!

Ok, it's really starting to bug me so, maybe you shouldn't try this...

BTW- I stumbled across this though Twitter... http://www.twitter.com/crowderband They went to the Mayborn Museum in Waco, TX

Song of the Week

2009-08-17T15:10:00.001-05:00

This song is stuck in my head right now... and I'm ok with it!

Story Side B - "Everything and More"

Pin it all on me He said as He turned His head to the sun
I'm the only one who can wash it all away
Take a look at yourself
Do you know when things aren't right?
Are you willing to stand up and fight?
For what you say you're believing in?

We all are human we make mistakes but
We were given a choice to make

[chorus]
What do you live for? Is it something to stand for?
Is it everything that you believe in and more?
A reason to give more, finally you found yours
And it's everything that you believe and more

And as I look around
It's impossible to deny
Even though sometimes I try
You still take me back again

My God I've finally found a friend to
Follow to the end

[chorus]

What do you live for?
Is it something to stand for?
Is it everything and more

[chorus]

You're what I live for, you're what I stand for
And you're everything that I believe and more
My reason to give more, finally I found you
And you're everything that I believe and more

A Daily Struggle

2009-08-12T16:38:00.004-05:00

Growing up when people asked me what I wanted to do, I always said I wanted to be a wife and a Mom. That is still true today.

Years ago, I was about 11, I stood up on a stage with an audience of about 3,000 and took a "Zero" pledge. I pledged to be pure in a number of areas. (That is what the ring I wear stands for) I'm staying true to that pledge all these years later.

I have to say it hasn't been easy. The urges to do something that everyone else was or go through with what my flesh wanted to do was hard to overcome. Even something that most people wouldn't think of, being asked if I'm gay - that's hard for a kid to handle. All of this is hard and a struggle for anyone. I wouldn't wish the incredible amount of self-control this requires on anyone - yet at the same time I would. It's been worth it.

The ONLY thing that has gotten me through this is God.

Years ago, I had to come to that place where God was enough for me. Even though I long for some things or relationships that people around me have, above all God is enough for me and He sustains me. There are no better arms to run to that His.

When I was about 14, my youth group in Tulsa had us write down our dreams for our life and "nail" them to a cross. (They had a huge wooden cross on stage) I wrote down my dream to be a Christian Artist. At the end they gave us a button with a cross on it to remind us of this. I took that to heart. (Actually, that is what started my button collecting.) The amazing thing is, when you lay down you goal or dream for your life, it allows God to step in with His plan which is so much better. He's not going to short you of something you love, because He knows the desires of your heart. Since then I did a lot of seeking God and allowing Him to speak to me. (That means being quiet!) He has opened doors of opportunity all around me and I am blown away daily at how far I've come in just a few years. Again, though, He is the one who made it possible - I just let Him have my dream and I picked up His.

So, God revealed different ways to do the things I love and opened the doors necessary to make it a reality. (If you haven't heard what I've been up to the last few years - ask me!) Because He has been SO good to me thus far, I have no doubt that He will complete this work. Obviously, that "little girl" dream of being a wife and a Mom has yet to come true. So, I'm doing the same thing I did long ago - and it's a daily thing - laying down my desires and dreams and picking up His. If I just get out of the way, my All-Powerful God can do some mighty things! I'm trusting in that daily.

You know what is even harder than that? Everyday, for a few years, I've told God, "Even if You don't bless me with a husband or kids(the desire of my heart), I will still love You." Imagine that. The one and only thing you've ever wanted to do, yet you love something else so much that even if you can't have what you want - You'll still love Him. Yes, it's hard - unbelievably hard! But I know where the greatest source of love is. Another great thing is that I know where to go if I'm hurting or lonely or need someone to listen. I know where to find joy when I have none.

I hope that touches God's heart. I hope He sees me striving for Him daily. I hope He knows that I can't wait to one day fully understand just how great His love is.

Try that this week. Whatever your daily struggle is or one thing you can't wait to get, say, "Lord, even if I never have ____________, I will still love You."

Lord, I pray over the person that is reading this now. You know all their hopes and dreams. You know the desires of their heart. God, I pray that you would bless them daily as they seek You. I pray that You would become all they need in their life - that they would learn to turn to You in ALL things. The secret to a good life? It's You. All the joy or happiness can't be found in a dream in our small minds. Your dream is SO much better and was made just for us. You care more about us than we will ever know. Lord, I thank you for loving us so much - in turn, no matter what, we will serve You and we will still love You. Amen.

*If you take this to heart, I encourage you to find something to symbolize this decision. A button, a ring, something that when you look at it you are reminded of the hope and vision you have today. If you can't think of anything, ask me. I believe this is really important, because if you make this decision today and a few months down the road you are in a hard situation or you slowly forget today - this will be a reminder; a symbol to point you to God.

Lyrics of the Week

2009-08-08T11:03:00.004-05:00

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cause someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
You're not easy to find

Is it possible Mr. Loveable
Is already in my life?
Right in front of me
Or maybe you're in disguise

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Here we are again, circles never end
How do I find the perfect fit
There's enough for everyone
But I'm still waiting in line

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Most relationships seem so transitory
They're all good but not the permanent one

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone
If there's a soulmate for everyone

"Soulmate" - Natasha Bedingfield

Not Easily Broken

2009-08-06T18:26:00.002-05:00

When God made Adam, He instructed him to do three things; work, cultivate, protect. Down through history men have been measured by how hard they've worked and cultivated, by how well they've protected their wives and children. In the old days women saw their men as conquerors, providers, heroes. But somewhere along the line, that changed. Women started becoming their own heroes. Maybe it was because their men forgot how to be heroic. Or because women didn't want to be protected anymore. Or maybe women had to be their own heroes because of the pain they had to endure in life. But whatever the cause, the world took away a man's reasons for being a man. They told him he wasn't important anymore. And when that happened, it turned the whole world upside down.
-From the movie "Not Easily Broken"

"...A cord of three strands is not easily broken..." Ecclesiastes 4:12

I've been passionate about this for a while now...I see how the majority of women act in relationships and it makes me sick and really sad. Even in the better marriages, the guy can be all attentive and focused on the woman and she's either expecting it, acting like it's no big deal or she's oblivious and ditsy. This makes me so upset and I just want to go up to them and show them a picture of what they are doing! Now, every situation and relationship is different, yes; but there are so many women who have been changed by this world into taking on the wrong role in relationships. If the men would step up and be men and the women would step up and be women - you'd be surprised at how we would fuel each other to continue to play those roles. We were made like this for a reason and a specific purpose! We've been brainwashed into thinking that we are the "weaker half"...is that so bad? I mean, really - Men are here to care for us, it's part of their role. And although I am the worst at accepting help from others, I'm learning that when I do it allows them to play out their role. It's not something that they can hold over me or bring up later...it's their role. They want to, they were designed to. Women are a vital part as well, of course. I just see so many people around me being stubborn, hard headed and they have the mindset that they have to do something because their husband won't. Maybe, just maybe, he won't because you are. Let him take over for a bit and encourage him...oh and pick your jaw up off the ground! Yeah, God designed us perfectly and we just need to play our roles so that others can play theirs.

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." Ephesians 5:22 - 24

Why is it that so many of us take offense to this? I'm thinking it's a heart issue. God wouldn't have this in the Bible to make us mad or belittle us. He wants the very best for us, right? Why, then, would this be a bad thing?

Submission to God is really hard in anyone’s life. First of all, we need to know that everyone that submits to God has to put his or her pride down first. Ouch! Solomon wrote in Proverbs 6 that the Lord hates 6 things and yet 7 are an abomination. He comes right out and tells us that the Lord hates a proud look. If we look at the scripture throughout the Word of God, we find that pride was the downfall of not only mankind, but of Lucifer and one third of the angels. Today, we see pride in families more now than ever. Wives not wanting to be submissive, husbands not wanting to be leaders, and children not obeying their parents.

A wife being submissive to their husbands is in direct obedience to God. In 1 Peter 3:1, Peter said, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives."

A good example of submission is the fact that instead of showing your spouse where they are wrong and gloating about it, work together to over come mistakes. Allow God to direct your paths together and seek HIS wisdom, which HE freely gives (James 1:5). Wives, submission to your husband’s authority(servant leadership), which God gave him, is submission to God’s authority.

20 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

2009-08-06T09:41:00.002-05:00

20 Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time , Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label it " In".

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks , Write "For Smuggling Diamonds".

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy".

8. Don't use any punctuation.

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water when ever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go".

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital. And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area and Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In the Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. Share One of These With a Friend to Spread the Insanity and to Make Them Smile!

The Newest Snuggie!

2009-08-05T09:13:00.003-05:00

So this is the newest thing in the line of Snuggies...cause we all know our hearts go out to our little pup when we see them shivering while watching a movie. You can't help but tear up a bit when the popcorn won't even warm them up. So if you've tried everything and still can't get your dog warm, try a snuggie. Humans love them, right? So, why not get one for your dog? Besides they come in different colors that make their eyes just POP!

Here's what they said about this new product: "Many Snuggie customers are also dog owners, and we didn't want the owners feeling bad about the jealous glances from their pets any longer."

Right, of course.

I wonder how long it took them to get this picture to come accross realistic?

Oh, if you seriously want one - https://www.snuggiefordogs.com/flare/next?tag=ossmgotm

Back to school time already?

2009-08-04T13:48:00.002-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it's already August and school will be back in session soon. Personally, I'm happy to be done with school, but I do miss having an excuse to get new stuff for the school year. You always need new shoes, right? And if you get new shoes, you have to get a belt and bracelet and....it goes on...

Speaking of new kicks though, how about considering some of these?

This is my personal fav...

I think this could be pretty awesome!

2 in 1?

Ouch!

Hmm, no thanks.

They are probably not as comfy as they look.

Yes, please! Do they come in red?

"Like a walk through the pasture..."

I would try these as long as I could stay sitting down.

hmm, different...

That's a violent shoe!

Looks like it's made from K-Nexs....

Wow, don't let that shoe tempt you...

Looks like something out of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe...

I wonder if someone could actually walk in those?

ummm, no.

A little slippery maybe?

You'd better hurry, these are getting sold out!

It's like going barefoot...kinda.

No more bullies for you!

Ok, so maybe you should go to Payless or something...

Do you want more than $3?

2009-07-31T10:45:00.002-05:00

"I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don't want enough of God to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please."

-Wilbur Rees

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-07-27T10:27:00.002-05:00

"So chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe that God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. ~Colossians 3:14 (Message)

Morning Time

2009-07-24T18:11:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but about my favorite time of the day is that 3o-45 minutes, maybe an hour sometimes before anybody in my house gets up. I kinda have to set my clock back a little earlier than I have to. Earlier than anyone would want to get up for anything. Nobody in my house would want to get up as early as I want to get up to do this. I love to get up when it's quiet, maybe a cup of coffee, talk to the Lord and allow His Word to talk to me. I love it. A friend of mine calls it 'Going Steady With Eddy' He says, "You do it Early, you do it Daily, you do it Diligently and you do it Yielding." You know what I found out about me? If I don't do it early, the day will slip away and I won't do it at all. I'll keep meaning to, of course.

"O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee..." Psalm 63:1

"Before the Day" from Newsong

Last night when I was sleeping
You were watching over me
While I dreamt about tomorrow
You knew my every need

Now another day is waiting
For me to make it through
And there's no way that I could face it without You

Before the day slips away
I want to stop and say
I love You I love You
Before the world rushes in again
I want to stop and say there's none above You
There's none above You
I'll just be still and know You are God
Be still and know You are God

There's something about the morning
The stillness of it all
It calms my heart to hear You
When You gently call

Here I am in Your presence
Where I long to be
Alone with You in the silence
Bring down Your love and Your mercy
Whisper softly to me



Try just one morning a week maybe, see what God has for you.

Eye Doc

2009-07-21T22:47:00.003-05:00

So I went to the eye doc today for my 6 month check up...I was there for about an hour before we actually had the appointment...so, I waited in an office with crazy equipment...

Also, the lighting is very dim...I started to doze off...

Anyways, the appointment went well. My eyes have improved a lot and are a lot more healthy!

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-07-20T11:21:00.001-05:00

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done." Galations 6:4 (NLT)

No House Party = Project Week!

2009-07-17T11:56:00.014-05:00

Oh, joy. There are never-ending projects at my house, let me assure you. That makes me stressed...

One of the big ones being, I haven't touched my room since I moved in over a year ago...the rest of the house is nice and my room just hasn't been touched. Well, that has all changed now!

And that makes me happy...

Also, I haven't had a dresser for years and my folded clothes were getting out of control! I was going to go shop for one when my Mom said that my bro wanted to get rid of the one he was using that was originally hers. I went and looked at it and had an instant design and vision!

There was no stopping me at that point! I went to the store, got black paint, Paint brushes and new hardware!

Then I went to work for about 4 hours in the 100 and some odd degree weather and produced a painted dresser and a bucket of sweat!

Somehow along the way I talked myself into painting an old curio cabinet that came with the house...

It turned out pretty well...

By the way, I listened to Jackson Waters the whole time...

I'm putting the finishing touches on my room now(hanging things on walls, de-cluttering and all that jazz)more pics to come!

July 4th

2009-07-17T11:48:00.003-05:00

This is about what it looked like from where we sat...George Bush was there! Pretty cool vacation, awesome speech and bugs...awesome.

And this is what it looks like when I try to take a decent pic with my bro while waiting for Pres. Bush to speak.

Jeremiah is deep!

2009-07-14T12:36:00.004-05:00

"The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be." Jeremiah 17:9-10

An Update on the Real Me...

2009-07-13T12:16:00.006-05:00

So life has been 'crazy as usual' lately.

Everyday something happens that catches me off guard and keeps me tied up. I'm constantly working, volunteering, going to events, counseling and teaching multiple people...among other things...

I hate to ask for help or prayer because, 1. I don't want you to know that I need help or prayer & 2. I don't want any doubt or negativity in the situation.

When Jesus prayed for people, He had the wailing women leave the room. He didn't want any doubt...and it was probably hard to think straight with a bunch of women wailing...

Even though there is a chance that there will be some who are negative or don't care and there might be some doubt, I'm asking for you to pray for me. I can handle a lot of things really well but there is a point when it becomes too much and begins to scare me. I'm at that point.

For a few months I've been struggling with weird symptoms...when I try to explain them to people I'm sure they think I'm crazy or don't understand at all. I don't blame them. It's hard to make it make sense.

I'm having thyroidal issues. Now, mind you, this is what I've deducted from research and symptoms. I have not been to the doctor because of time and financial reasons. It started on the right side of my neck. It was this nagging pain/bruise-like/lump on or in my neck. (Believe me, this is one of the hardest things to explain.) It spread down my neck and just continues to annoy me. You can feel the lump on the right side. Then, just a few days ago the left side started having this pain, like a pin point size, just like the right side started. Overall, it is really annoying and strange.

I've spoke with only a few people about this and done some research. It's not really "in" my throat like a sore throat and it's not really outside my neck either...I know, sounds weird, right?

Over the last month or so I have had other weird symptoms that may or may not be related but they scare me.

It effects my speech and breathing. One day I'm sure I sounded drunk. I couldn't make my words crisp and clear no matter how hard I tried.

It also effects the power of my voice. The strength to talk or sing. The 'want-to' if you will. It's like I'm moving my mouth wanting to sing and focusing and my voice just sits down on a couch and is like, "No, thanks. I don't feel like it. I don't want to right now, ask me after Barney is over."

A few times I had memory lapses, which NEVER happen to me, like trying to spell a simple word. (By the way, spelling has always been my strong subject.) Or trying to answer a simple question through an email. It's like I'm looking at the question, trying to word the answer correctly and my brain is off in la-la land. No matter how hard I look at that question and focus, my brain, who has the answer, is off somewhere else. If I move on to something else, then come back to that later, I have no problem with it.

Other little things like this highly concern me because it's not like me. It's not just because I've been out of school for a little while, so I forget how to spell something or do a simple math problem. It's different because the things I'm having issues with, I stick with it and there is a way to work out the problem. I don't have to look it up. When I used spell check the correct spelling didn't look right.

Somethings up. Maybe my minds out to get me? Maybe my neck is sabotaging my brain?

Whatever the case. It's not getting better. It is prgressively getting worse and more painful.

So what do I do?

Sit in my pity...........NOT!

Every day when I wake up I lay there for an extra moment and ask God for any extra strength He can give me that day. I need all I can get.

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

I ask Him to remind me to turn to Him when it becomes too much or when I'm overwhelmed. I speak life and healing over me even when I don't feel it because words have power. "The power of life and death are in the tongue." So, when I feel like my body is attacking itself, when I don't know how to get answers to what is happening to me, I turn to God. I ask Him, the knower of all things, to strengthen me and give me the answers I need. I ask Him to sustain me and put me at ease. I ask Him to continually work in & through me. Mainly I ask Him to give me strength as I pour all the strength I have into others. I pray that He would lift me up as I lift others up. He has placed people into my life that need Him and now I have to rely on Him to help me so I can help them.

God's working in me daily and I'm not giving up. Even though I feel like a wounded soldier working with my eyes fixed on the finish line. Even though I'm weak, He is strong.

This is a daily struggle and it effects every area of my life. Then again, that sounds a lot like the Christian walk.

Thank you for the prayers, positive thoughts and encouragement.

Scripture of the Week

2009-07-13T11:39:00.003-05:00

"...go out into the world...Provide people with a glimpse of good living and the living God. Carry the light-giving message into the night..."
Philippians 2:14-16 (MSG)

Twitter / @Jenndividual

2009-07-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

http://twitter.com/home#replies

Oh, the goobers I work with...

Faithbook

2009-07-08T10:47:00.001-05:00

Faith Book
Susanne Scheppmann

"They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:3 (NIV)

Devotion:
A new addiction slipped into my life recently - Facebook. Internet social networking slid in quietly and unobtrusively. Each day I found myself reading and posting a bit more. I learned how to create my visual bookshelf, so my "friends" could check out what I was reading. I linked my blog. My time seeped into Facebook like grains of sand slide through the hourglass.

My addiction soon took a turn for the worst. I began to put off my personal quiet time with God until after I had Facebooked. Sadly, scripture seemed boring next to my friends' postings. Strangely, the mundane posts intrigued me. I had fallen under the spell of social networking.

Then one day, I dragged myself away from my laptop. I had Bible study that night and needed to finish my lesson. The lesson pointed us to the book of Nehemiah. I read, "They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." (Nehemiah 9:3, NIV).

Yikes! They read God's Word for a quarter of the day, then spent another quarter of the day in confession and worshiping? These words haunted me the rest of the afternoon. When was the last time I spent that much time with God? How much time did I spend on the Internet? I felt a deep conviction about my Facebook addiction.

I determined that day to read my Bible, my FaithBook, before I turned on my computer each day. I would network with God, before networking with my friends. When I made this decision, I saw scripture jump back to life. God's Word spoke to me with a freshness that seemed as if He had just posted it Himself.

The addiction stopped. Oh, I still enjoy Facebook and other social networks, but I have learned to keep them in proper perspective. Psalm 119:59-60 sums up my new intent: "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands" (NLT).

Will you join me in the commitment to spending time in God's Word before time spent on Facebook?

Dear Lord, I recognize that I spend too much time on the computer. Forgive my inattention to Your Word. Help me each day to place You first in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Slow Dance

2009-07-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

This poem hits home with me:

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go round?

Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask: How are you?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is gone,
do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You’d better slow down.
Don’t go so fast.

Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time
To call and say “Hi”?

You’d better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race
Do take it slower.

Hear the music.
Before the song is over.

(a poem written by child psychologist David L. Weatherford, as quoted in “4-Hour Work Week”, Timothy Ferriss)

The Mystery Ring

2009-07-02T10:26:00.005-05:00

So I went on a trip a couple of months ago, stayed with friends and hung out in my hometown...when I got home there was a mysterious ring in my bag that I'd never seen before...kinda weird. I asked my friends and everyone I was with if it was theirs...nope. No one is claiming this ring.

Hmmm...

It's not that special...It's silver with a raised triangle-type emblem.

I don't think it's worth anything either...it's turning my finger green...

Well, what to do now? I decided if no one is going to claim it, it's mine. BOOM - try to stop me now!

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-06-29T16:52:00.001-05:00

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians, 2:2-3 (NIV)

It's hot...wanna get cooled off?

2009-06-26T13:11:00.003-05:00

So it's crazy hot outside...what's with the high of 103? Crazy. My advice to stay alive is:

1. Focus on breathing.
2. Carry water with you like a camel.
3. Come to Sun 'N Fun Waterpark tonight for our party!

It's going down from 5-8pm and all admissions go to our expansion fund for The House FM. Some of us DJ's will be there with great prizes like Guitar Praise, Season passes to Sun 'N Fun, Concert Tickets and 5 cd pack. More info is at http://www.thehousefm.com So come out, get wet, say "Hello" to me, ride some rides, win prizes and support your favorite radio station.

As Andy says, "It's a win, win, win situation."

If you don't come tonight, you'll be kicking yourself and that will only make your body temperature rise. I think the choice is clear.

Info on The House FM-http://www.thehousefm.com
Info on Sun 'N Fun Waterpark-http://www.sunnfunwaterpark.net/

Update from Russia

2009-06-24T18:49:00.003-05:00

I have friends in Russia right now. They are hoping to adopt a 16 year old and bring her home. This has been a long time coming, about 4 years. We are watching their third child, Xavier(X-Man) who is 4. Here's the update I got earlier today:

'We finally made it to the orphanage this afternoon after a 5 hour drive on WWII era roads. Anya was very happy to see us. She has grown a lot but still the same in a lot of ways.

The other kids were glad too because we came with 6 cases of chocolates. We took Anya to lunch were cabbage soup was the main course. Afterwards, some ice cream from the store, then some bowling at a 4 lane bowling alley, wrapping up with a walk through a park where the main attraction was the long haired goat monument who's nose you touch while making a wish. Tammy did the wishmaking.

Through the interpreter, we had some good conversations. Nothing too heavy on the first day. Over all she is in good spirits, very glad to see us and looking forward to tomorrow. Time will only tell if she will decide once and for all to come to America. We are praying for God's will in her life first and foremost. She is dealing with the prospect of leaving behind friends in the orphanage as well as a brother only a year older, that is wanting to stay. Anyway, it's tough for her so right now we are just focusing on the reunion. She still has a while to workout the best decision for her.

Tomorrow we will pick her up from the orphanage at 10:00am, 2:00am for you. I don't know what can do to top the goat monument, but we will try by having a birthday party for her with presents we brought from home.

Thanks again for all the help & support.'

Dave & Tammy

Volgograd Region

City of Urpinsk

Russia

Top 10

2009-06-24T09:16:00.003-05:00

This is a different kind of Top 10...these are just a few questions I challenge you to answer truthfully. Maybe even print this out and have it as a weekly reality check in your life. This is mainly geared toward kids and teens, but it may be helpful to you as well.

My Weekly Top 10

one - God
Have I spent daily time in the scriptures and prayer?

two - Family
Have I spent any quality time with my family?

three - Friendships
Have I done anything this week to or with my friends
that is not a good reflections of Jesus?

four - Love
Have I blessed somebody or showed the love of Christ
to anyone this week?

five - Pride
Have I told any half truths or lies, trying to make myself
look better to the people around me?

six - Purity
Have I had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes?
Have I exposed myself to any explicit materials that do not glorify God?

seven - Actions
Have I taken anything that does not belong to me?
Have I said anything about anyone that I shouldn’t have?

eight - Drugs
Have I eaten, drank or put anything into my body that is not Christ-like?

nine - Focus
Is there anything causing me to stumble or take my eyes off of Jesus?

ten - Honesty
Have I lied on any of the answers to these questions?

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-06-23T09:42:00.000-05:00

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence."
2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

Do It

2009-06-22T09:41:00.001-05:00

Do It
Marybeth Whalen

"But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Matthew 17:27 (NIV)

Devotion:
Sometimes God asks us to do something we don't understand. It might seem unnecessary. It might seem crazy. Or it might seem like something God shouldn't need us to do because He is capable of doing it without our involvement. So why does He require our action?

When Jesus was asked to pay a tax, He told Peter to go catch a fish. Miraculously, the exact amount He needed was found in the mouth of the fish he caught. Peter had a moment where he had to either accept Jesus' methods or question them. In our limited human understanding it's easier to question, "Why didn't He just make that coin appear?" But Peter knew Jesus, and he knew he was better off to just do whatever Jesus had asked of him (Matthew 17:24-27).

Sometimes we have moments like Peter had. We stand there blinking, wondering if we heard Him right. In those moments we have to make a decision to just DO IT:

Deliberate
Obedience
Intentional
Trust

Certainly Jesus could have produced the amount needed in many different ways, but He required Peter to be involved. He required Peter to take action, just as He does with us at times.

When God showed my husband and I that we needed to begin tithing when what we wanted was to get out of debt, it didn't make sense to us at all. We had to simply respond with deliberate obedience and intentional trust.

When God challenged me to stick with my marriage when it seemed over, I wondered if He realized what He was asking. He wanted me to deliberately obey Him and intentionally trust Him. He didn't want me to look for the easy button. He wasn't offering a supernatural rescue. He needed me to walk through the process, learning lessons along the way. Instead of handing me a solution, He allowed me to be involved in it.

Is there something He is asking you to do that doesn't seem right, or normal, or natural from your human perspective? Are you ignoring His still small voice urging you to just trust and obey? Whether it's catching a fish or building an ark, you can rest assured that you are in good company. God has a plan--even when you can't see it. Sometimes you have to DO IT to reveal that plan.

*Dear Lord, I want to learn to respond with obedience to Your requests. When I hear Your voice speaking to me, I want to willingly do it--whatever "it" is. Thank You for reminding me that sometimes You require me to be part of my own solution. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Scripture for the Week (Weak)

2009-06-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Romans 3:23-24, "All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins." (CEV)

Does Your House Have To Be Clean?

2009-06-12T11:01:00.002-05:00

Growing up, my Mom always wanted the house to be really clean when guests came over, like sparkling! I liked our house clean as much as the next person, but if things weren't perfect, the joy started to drain out of my family, the peace was gone. Because of that I have become somewhat of a neat freak, cleaning for fun and all that. Recently I've been praying about this and the motive behind it. The following is an article from Crosswalk that really hits home with me and really captures my heart now:

Does Your House Have to be Clean?
Sandy Coughlin
Crosswalk.com Contributor

When I think of hosting in our home, the first thing that comes to mind is all the cleaning I’ll have to do. Sometimes it’s hard to get beyond that issue, so that I just end up dropping the idea of having people over. How can I change my attitude about cleaning so that it doesn’t hinder hospitality in our house?

Last week we had friends over for a dinner, and I didn’t clean my house! It was an internal war inside - do I vacuum, dust and clean - or just let it go?

I’ll admit it. Sometimes I can be pretty lazy when it comes to deep-cleaning my house. A quick pick-up is definitely easier and quicker!

But what will my guests think?

Will they even notice?

Perfectionism
Recently a friend shared her struggles with me, admitting that her house having to be perfect was the main reason she hadn’t had anyone over in months. It’s a shame, too, because she has a cute apartment within walking distance of her church.

She’s afraid to have people over because most of her friends are neat-freaks, and she’s afraid her place won’t meet their standards.

Prioritize

When it comes to hospitality, we often lose our focus as life gets hurried and complicated. We dash around doing things that really don’t matter (like cleaning the house before the guests arrive!), and then our perspective shifts. We get so caught up in our present circumstances, trying to make things so perfect, that we can’t see beyond our difficulties.

Over the years I’ve learned to ask myself this: Would I rather continue on with what had already been a peaceful day - or kick it up a notch, running around crazily trying to make everything look just right? I won’t even mention what kind of mood that puts the whole family in.

I’ve learned to prioritize what the important aspects of entertaining are (obviously getting the food on the table in a timely manner), and I’ve decided that a happy family and a relaxed hostess are way more important to me than having things perfect.

Perspective

We had such a great time with our guests, but it’s so easy to get our perspective out of balance. At one point I found myself looking down at the un-vacuumed carpet. For a split second I was embarrassed. Then I looked up into the faces of those around our table and my perspective shifted back into place.

It’s not about the crumbs on the floor or the disorganized piles around the house. It’s not even that I am lazy when it comes to house cleaning. I definitely don’t fall into the mold of being a neat freak! I just tend to have a very busy, hectic schedule at times and I’m trying to prioritize what really matters.

I’d rather keep strong friendships going than give them up for a clean house.

Does your house have to be perfectly clean before you’ll invite others in?

Are You A Rebel?

2009-06-10T19:40:00.006-05:00

The following is the message version of Isaiah 46, titled "This is Serious Business, Rebels."

*Listen to the words and let it sink in...

The god Bel falls down, god Nebo slumps.
The no-good hunks of wood are loaded on mules
And have to be hauled off,
wearing out the poor mules-
Dead weight, burdens who can't bear burdens,
hauled off to captivity.

"Listen to me, family of Jacob,
everyone that's left of the family of Israel.
I've been carrying you on my back
from the day you were born,
And I'll keep on carrying you when you're old.
I'll be there, bearing you when you're old and gray.
I've done it and will keep on doing it,
carrying you on my back, saving you."

"So to whom will you compare me, the Incomparable?
Can you picture me without reducing me?
People with a lot of money
hire craftsmen to make them gods.
The artisan delivers the god,
and they kneel and worship it!
They carry it around in holy parades,
then take it home and put it on a shelf.
And there it sits, day in and day out,
a dependable god, always right where you put it.
Say anything you want to it, it never talks back.
Of course, it never does anything either!"

"Think about this. Wrap your minds around it. This is serious business, rebels. Take it to heart. Remember your history, your long and rich history. I am God, the only God you've eve had or will have-incomparable, irreplaceble-From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be, All along letting you in on what is going to happen, Assuring you, 'I'm in this for the long haul, I'll do exactly what I set out to do, 'Calling that eagle, Cyrus, out of the east, from a far country the man I chose to help me. I've said it, and I'll most certainly do it. I've planned it, so it's as good as done."

"Now listen to me: You're a hard-headed bunch and hard to help. I'm ready to help you right now. Deliverance is not a long-range plan. Salvation isn't on hold. I'm putting salvation to work in Zion right now, and glory in Israel."

Song of the Week

2009-06-08T15:50:00.003-05:00

My current fav song we're playing on The House FM (http://www.thehousefm.com/thehouse.asp)

"You Can't Take Away" Mikeschair

All alone, All of us
Fear has come and so we must
Ask ourselves in who we trust
Or we have fear it's not enough
To let it bring, in freedom sing

(chorus)
You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God

Waves will come, winds will blow
But it's not here, I've found my hope
My beating heart, my weary soul
Is held by one who won't let go
And so I'll cling to you my king

(chorus)

A hope that can't be lost
A love that can't be bought
You can't take away my God
Nothing high or low
Nothing you can control
You can't take away my God

(chorus)

*To listen to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nby-BPrTyPw