Life

Each step of life is a journey that you choose to walk.

Each moment of life is another line, sentence, paragraph and chapter of the book called your life.

Enjoy all that life has to offer, good friends, good food, good coffee and as always wisdom and a good laugh.

~Jen





31 August 2010

I am not one...

that usually vents out my frustrations on a blog. Mostly because the feeling will pass. But I must say that when I get myself so worked up that it drains me, then I know that I must release it out of me & writing (or in this case, blogging) has always been my release.

It started off a normal enough day...getting up on time & getting the kids ready for school. One thing that I am doing again is praying in the morning before ever leaving my room. This is a habit that I have gotten out of. Probably because I felt, no take that back...because I felt that I pray all the time, why set time aside. Well I know that I need that time alone with God to be right with Him and to remember to rely on Him no matter what happens in the day. Well today has been a day that has tested (or maybe tempted), my thoughts & my faith.

So after the fallout, where do you go? I turned to God and asked for clarity today. I don't have that clarity yet, I am still blinded by my one sided thought, but I do know that I asked for forgiveness and I just pray that the situation that came to a head this morning will be handled with love from both me and the other person tomorrow when we talk again with a fresh day on our side. It hurts me so much when I unintentionally hurt someone, especially a friend. It really truly grieves my spirit & I know that she has already forgiven me for my thoughtlessness, now I need to forgive myself. It is hard at times to forgive yourself when you mess up.

The word of God says in ‎1 Peter 5:5
In the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you,
clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Funny thing...this is exactly what Brother Tim preached on this past Sunday. Real life application for real life learning I suppose is in order for me this week. I just pray that I am obedient to where God is going to take me. I don't want to be stubborn & I don't want my pride or ego to get in the way & I really really need to shake this feeling like I lost a friend.

I guess that assessment that we did a few months back is right & really quiet accurate, because I reread it after my things came to a head this morning. I wanted to see where I went wrong & I do believe that the assessment hit my personality right on the head! That is very scary & humbling all at the same time.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

My CD Pick of the Week




My personal CD choice of the week. Phil Wickham has an honest and sincere way about himself & his music speaks to your soul. If you have not heard him yet, maybe it's time you did. Enjoy!


Heaven and Earth (Expanded Edition) by Phil Wickham | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

30 August 2010

When Monday feels like...

Tuesday you are bound to miss a thing or two. I know that I have felt that way all day. I keep thinking that I'm forgetting to do something, but I don't know what it is. I know that there is always work to do, but I have to "STOP" when the boys get home from school. Logan, my youngest, is still struggling with school work. He has been home for 30 minutes and he has yet to complete either one of his assignments. I am at a loss when it comes to motivating him. It seems like all he wants to do is play when he gets home from school, but that is not a luxury that he has. Between football for the boys, karate for all of us, PTA meetings & tap classes for my daughter, there is no extra time to give him to do his homework later. So how do I get him to understand that he has to get his homework done as soon as he gets home? I know I'm not the only person with this challenge, so I know that I will find an answer.

So I suppose the other reason that it feels like Tuesday to me is because last night was a very long night at church. I am really enjoying being a part of Blythe Island Baptist Church. Last night I went to choir practice & Nichole went to Stick practice. Afterward I was blessed to help the youth with their praise band. It is so exciting to see young people praise God with song & their gifts. An unexpected came to me after that,I was asked to sit and talk with a young lady that came to the church looking to "talk with someone". I do not mind taking time to talk with someone, but not being a member yet of the church I felt a bit off balance. She seemed to appreciate the time to get things off her chest, so I know that God planned that meeting. After that I went to Youth. I missed the lesson and I was so bummed by that, but I know that all things happen according to His Will, so I was just thankful to be used.

So today I felt like I was just continuing where I left off from last night & by time I got home for the boys, I felt like I had done all I was suppose to, but yet I feel like there is more that I'm suppose to do. Maybe that is just me. I know I have dishes to do & dinner to prepare for, but I have no other place to go for the day... how odd. It feels wrong in some ways but in other ways it feels good to know that I can get some detail things done this afternoon/this evening. So with that I am going to plan out & list out my agenda for the week so that nothing slips through the cracks.

So what is on the agenda...

TUE: Strike Zone, set b-day party date & football
WED: Karate/Youth
THU: MOPS & Tap
FRI: Suns Baseball Game & maybe family in town
SAT: Karate

Yup...nonstop so today I will bask in the knowledge that I am at a stopping point. Why do I feel guilty about not doing anything from 4pm on? I'm not sure, but I'm sure that I'll get over that feeling.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

26 August 2010

Book of the Week


Well I have finally began & finished another book and I really enjoyed it. This weeks pick is FINDING KYLIE by Kimberly McKay. This book is ripped with human emotion of loss and healing with an amazing touch of reality. This book does deal with some very real topics and is not recommended for young children, but it also shows you how faith can pull you through.

I am looking forward to the follow up.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

24 August 2010

There is much..

to share, but I will have to break it up into a couple of different blogs. Right now I want to focus on music. Today is a big day for new releases & I just love the creativity that comes from all the musicians. I am also very excited that CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) Conference is coming up in just a few short weeks.

Time is going by so fast, so I am going to try try try to slow myself down so I can enjoy the moment. I am reminded of the moment even more than usual right now. I don't know if it's nestalga or the book that I just finished reading, but I have been reminded that life is precious and not to be taken for granted...which leads me back to music.



Music has always been a time piece for me. I can hear a song and remember when and where I was when I first heard a song. Being a part of the music industry has just awesome & I'm so thankful that I am helping someone else create memories. Music is so much more than "background noise". It expresses how you feel and what you are going through in life. I love Christian music, it is so positive and uplifting & has a message unlike anything else. Don't get me wrong, I love all music, but very few songs can carry me through a tough time like Christian music can.

I was able to be a part of a great concert on Friday night with Julian Drive! These guys are awesome & if you have not heard them yet, then I encourage you to. There love for God and there energy seems to have no bounds. I hope that you get to know them.



Have you ever thought about what you hear? I know I use to not really think about it, but then I catch myself singing songs from years ago & realize what the message is, and I just want to burn it out of my brain, but I know I can't...so instead I change songs in my head & praise God instead. That is, after all, what we are suppose to do.

So I say all this to say one thing ~ Be careful little ears what you hear & enjoy this weeks new releases!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

21 August 2010

Clarity of...

thoughts before going to bed. It's 1AM and I just got home a bit ago from spending the day with Julian Drive. It was really great getting to know each one of them better. It just amazes me how God has given me more that I had ever hoped for in this life. I remember dreaming of such a life when I was younger, but never really thought it would be possible to have. As I was talking with Shane today, well this evening, it dawned on me that I am truly living out my dreams...well part of my dreams anyways. This made me realize that my other dreams that have been given me are really truly possible.

When I got home, I went onto facebook to check for messages and such and to link over to my blog and I saw the scripture on the side of my page, Psalm 16:8, "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

I know that I am scared to really write this book that God has placed upon my heart, but I also know that I have had a dream to be a writer in some aspect, and more importantly, I have asked God to use me for His glory and to further His kingdom. So I will not be shaken, for I know the Lord has set my path before me.

Have a wonderful weekend.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

18 August 2010

It's the middle...

of the week & the last day of summer break. I'm still on the air and I am feeling very anxious. I feel off today and I'm not real sure if it is because I didn't get to bed until after 1am or because the kids will be in school tomorrow and the anticipation is in the air or if it's just one of those days.

I really don't have much to blog about, maybe that's because I feel a bit drained, or maybe because what I'd like to get off my chest is not clear to me yet. Maybe it is just the surreal moment of knowing that tomorrow I will not have my kids with me and that my daughter is officially in Middle School. I remember when I was in 6th grade I was still in Elementary School. Have times really changed that much? Do we really want our children to grow up that fast? I know I don't.

Nichole, my daughter is also officially a "Youth". The youth group from church came to the station on Monday and "kidnapped" her! It was great & it was great surprise to her. She was not expecting it at all. They went to the beach on Monday, then yesterday they went to Pizza Hut to have lunch and fellowship. Today they are cleaning out the vans and then this evening I am going with her as the youth group is going to be watching the movie "To Save A Life".







It's a movie that I have been wanting to see, but I know that she will have questions about the movie afterward.

So overall I'm looking forward to my kids going back to school and in other ways, I don't want to see the summer come to an end, but change is the only constant in life.



~Peace & Blessings~Jen

17 August 2010

A great analogy

Sometimes it's hard to encourage the ones around us. At times it's even harder to give them an analogy to help them grasp truth. This was sent to me by a friend and I really love the analogy that is displayed.

The Wicker Basket

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.
Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, 'Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book.
What good does reading the Bible do?'

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, 'Take this old wicker coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.'

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out be fore he could get back to the house.

The grandfather laughed and said, 'You will have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the old wicker basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was 'impossible to carry water in a basket,' and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Papa, it's useless!'

'So you think it is useless?' the old man said.
'Look at the basket.'

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old wicker coal basket, it was clean.

'Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible.
You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.'

Moral of the wicker basket story:
Take time to read a portion of God's word each day - it will affect you for good even if you don't retain a word.

Thought for Today:
God's Love is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings but not its end.

I really like this story because I don't retain things too well anymore...old age may have something to do with it but I just figure my brain just gets overloaded!
God isn't concerned about my brain anyway;
He's more concerned about my heart.




~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Offerings: Worship Box Set by Third Day | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

New out today!




Offerings: Worship Box Set by Third Day | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

13 August 2010

It's the little things...

that happen in my day that make me realize that God is ever present. Today was one of those days that was filled with no more stress than normal, but I always have this underlying fear that I may run out of resources before I am able to fulfill what I deem as necessary.

My Friday's usually intale getting ready for work & being on the air by 0730 and then once I am done, I check for the weeks requests for Bumper Stickers and review the weeks prayer requests.

Every other Friday I go with my mom down to Kings Bay Naval Station to go to the commissary. Today was that day. We headed out later than normal because Nichole, my daughter, had "Rule the School" day for her preview of Middle School. I was stressing on the way down today because my eyes were killing me, and for the past month I have been trying to remember where I put my glasses. I don't have to wear them often, mostly for eye fatigue, but my eyes have been killing me and I was at the point of going to by doctor and ordering a new pair...and that is money that I don't have in the budget at the moment. So that was a bit of a stress on my already over active mind.

What brought all the worry back to my glasses was that my daughter had found a pair in the car and asked if they were mine. I said no that those were my friends glasses and I had meant to give them back to her yesterday. I told my daughter just to leave them in the car so I would remember to take them to my friend this upcoming week...
well...I went to put up my sunglasses...10 minutes ago & I saw my friends glasses still in my glasses drawer (yes I have a drawer for glasses) and then I thought...wait a minute, if these are my friends glasses, then whose glasses are in the car? We had searched my car a number of times for my glasses and they were not in there - I was praying all day for God to help me find my glasses so I wouldn't have to buy a new pair and then tonight...my glasses were in the car! How amazing and awesome is that!

I got my daughter out of bed to tell her what happened and then I asked her this simple question..."Do you know what you call it when this kind of thing happens?" Her response..."A miracle." How much better is that! My daughter recognizes when God moves in daily living! That too, is a miracle!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

A Thank You


Every day I ask God to use me and for others to see Jesus through my daily living. I am truly blessed. I work in music & ministry. Because of His grace I have met and continue to meet some of the most remarkable people. I have known Preston & Arlene for many years now & I feel honored to be able to help them each year with Project Backpack. This year a new civic group has joined to help in the effort & this is what they said. I wanted to share this email with you, because it has moved me. If you want to learn more about The Miranda Faith Foundation go to the website, www.mirandafaith.com

Here's the email

Thank you for including the Brunswick Lions and our efforts to help with Project Backpack. Last night while listening to Way Radio I heard more than an announcement of where to find our Yellow School Bus today. I listened as your on air person spoke of the work the Lions were doing to help. I am very thankful for the more than expected words.

There is no greater purpose in life then to serve the Father and no better way to do this service than to serve His Creation. The service Way Radio gives to those of us in the Kingdom is beyond measure. I thank you for your service and those involved in the continuance of Way Radio by providing the many small things it takes to keep a Christian Radio Station on the air for others like me are able to enjoy.

As a follower of Christ, I searched for an organization where I can serve, yet, reach out in a way a "Christian Organization" may not. In the Lions, whose motto is "We Serve" I am able to do this. Mind you we are a Civic Club, not christian, but as a christian I am not able to separate the two so the work flows into my civic responsibility. Lions International is a world wide organization which is not to promote any one religion over another. I respect that and honor that as a Lion, but again, I am in Christ first and as our Local Club have chosen to help Children and Youth in the Brunswick area what better way than helping children receive supplies for school.

Yesterday, Preston and I were speaking of how The Miranda Foundation was not able to reach certain business due to the Bible being placed in each book bag (such nonsense) yet, a Civic group such as the Lions were able. I truly believe this to be the providential Hand of God as the work of the Kingdom moves about and look forward to continuing this process next year, hopefully getting an earlier start.

Respectfully,

Frank

G. Frank Lane

"Soli Dei gratia"



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

11 August 2010

An analogy

I don't read a lot of forwards when it comes to my email inbox. To be very honest I delete 99% of them. My mom is one of the few people that if she sends me a forward, I will read it. That is because she does not put on the subject line that it's a forward. So when I read the subject line of the email she sent me this afternoon it read "Recall Notice". I read it. I thought about the meaning of the recall and believe that it's worth sharing to any and all who read my blog.

Never heard it put quite like this before

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured,
regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and
central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam
and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent
units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal
Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily
expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is
providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct
this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire
burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee
required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE
procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into
the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before
Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids
any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too
numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently
impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have
to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter
Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your
attention!

- GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important
recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!

Because He Lives!


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

08 August 2010

It feels like day...

one for me. I woke up with a renewed sense of self. Last night I fell asleep in prayer & I'm not sure where I left off in my prayers, but I know that I woke up feeling refreshed and sure of my next step.

Since my last day of working part time at The Millhouse I have found a calling coming from God that I was not expecting. It was like He was waiting for me to be finished with the assignment that he'd given me there to begin my next assignment. I started Karate yesterday with the Blythe Island's Karate for Christ. I am going to be memorizing scripture, learning how to defend myself spiritually and physically. I believe this to be very important & I am excited about not only doing this for myself, but with my children and for Christ. To teach others that you can have Him live fully in yourself while taking care of yourself. We must learn balance and karate is a good way to find balance.

The first 2 scriptures to learn is John 3:16 & James 1:12. John 3:16 is written on my heart...I think I say it in my sleep sometimes. James 1:12 I am still learning. Here it is...and it's worth learning and remembering.

James 1:12(New International Version)

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.


My eyes have been open to another reality that is hidden in this world. People really are looking for hope. I was watching TV with the kids last night - a show we like to watch together on Disney. One of there promo's is about helping the planet, giving hope to the next generation. Well isn't Christ the only real hope that any of us have? I know that I had no hope before truly giving myself 100% over to God through Christ Jesus. I know that I was only pretending to know what was going on around me and to be very honest I always felt like I was "missing" something. I know I'm not the only one that feels or has felt that way.

So with that realization, the question now is imposed, what am I going to do make a difference? Better yet, I believe that the question is, God, now that you have open my eyes, how are you going to use me to help others know you?

All I have ever really wanted is to love God the best way I can and for Him to show himself through me ~ even when I was walking in the biggest darkest valley of my life, I still yearned for Him to find me and to keep me. He has done just that, now I just have to listen.

So day one...again. But what a great way to look at life.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

05 August 2010

A week's worth...

of catching up. I will do my best to be brief, but since this is my journal as well I want to make sure that I don't leave anything out...

So as I said last week, God has really been working on my heart these past few weeks. I have been praying for change, yet I have been resisting at the same time. Sound familiar? Yeah, I do that quite often. I'm only human. But I have been making the changes that He is asking of me.

I knew that the time had come for me to put my 2 weeks notice in at my part time job at the Brunswick Millhouse, so I did that & yesterday was my last day. This time when I said I was quitting I meant it & I am at peace. Last time I was going to quit, I did not have peace about it and kept a shift & then over the summer worked 3 nights a week. I knew that God had a purpose for me working there & I knew that I was not going to be done there until He said so. And now He has & this is why...

I met Lisa. Lisa has lost a child & she is one of my chapters in the book that God has called me to write. I am scared to death about writing a book, but I can't fight God anymore...He is intent on me doing this, I have no peace when I set the project on the back burner. I'm also scared to death about this book, because I am not sure how to proceed, but I know He does so I walk with faith. When I met Lisa, it was about a year ago and this past Friday is when she came to my house & shared her story with me. I saw her 2 weeks ago & I said, that's it, you have to do this chapter before you leave & she did. Now I have peace with leaving Millhouse. I guess that is a round about way of sharing my small part of the story & how God has been working on that part of my life.

So that is only 1 part. Now I am living on the promise that God will provide for me and my family financially without me working a part time job. I am dedicating my time in improving what I do for the station. I know that what I do for the station is "part time", but I love it so much that I really can't see myself doing anything else that is not related to the station or the ministry. I have been asking God to help me focus on what He wants me to do in my life for Him & He keeps pointing me back to where I am. So when the kids go back to school in a couple of weeks I am really looking forward to sitting at my desk for the first couple of days and reorganize my efforts & my thoughts.

The 3rd area that I have been asking God to work on in my life is my family and marriage. I have been on a long and bumpy road as far as relationships go, and right now I can see where I need to work...on me. I have to thank my friend Gail for giving me the book "Every Woman's Battle" to read. It has really opened my eyes on my relationship with Mike. I know the kind of woman and wife I would like to be, and I pray that God will help me get there.

I know that I have given a lot to chew on. I know that when I look back on this blog I will be amazed at where God has taken me from this point.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

03 August 2010

Tropical Storm Collin

Is in the area...well sort of. I have always been fascinated with storms, especially Typhoons & Hurricanes. I love to watch God at work through nature. So with that ~ if you are a storm tracker...NOAA has a great map to keep you up to date. Enjoy!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Great app for families...

who travel. www.Mizpee.com helps you find restrooms while traveling. This is great for parents with young children, as you know, they can't always "hold it". It seems that we are always relying on technology, but I just love the practical applications that are being created, and thought I'd share this one with you...it will make for a happy family get away!


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen