It's all a blur

From day to day I feel like I'm on auto pilot and I really don't like that feeling. I want to live a life with intention, with purpose, with desire and joy. I don't think I've been living that way for the past couple of weeks. My days seemed to be filled with obligations and must dos. I know that I set my own schedule...to a point...but my desire is to not have so many obligations. I know that this is a very temporary feeling...and it's just that...a feeling. But anxiety is nothing to take lightly.

You see, I have this longing to just sit and be with God. I would love to do nothing more than spend hours in His Word and to sit quietly and listen to God and feel the Holy Spirit move me. This desire fights with my daily life as a wife, mother, and professional. I love that I work in ministry, but it is not the same as just sitting and being with God.

I have learned that there is a time and a season for everything in life. I have to believe and trust that I will have that time to just sit and be with God for long periods of time. My prayer is to be content with where I am right now, even if it does cause me to feel overwhelmed and anxious. I had never imagined that my life would be filled with so much love and joy, but I also never imagined it to be filled with so much business.

My prayer is to take the day one moment at a time and to "schedule" in downtime, and have no guilt over the downtime. Yeah, I believe I can (and should) do that.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

"Click"...A week in review...

since I was so terrible at really posting any blogs this week. I have to say I think that this week really went in a blur from one day to the next and that I really have not had time to stop to think through all of the moments that made up my days.

Last weekend Mike and I stowed away to Charleston for a quick get away. The boys stayed with one friend and the girl stayed with another friend. Charleston was, as always, a wonderful stay. We stopped in and ate at Hominy Grill. The food was just delicious! Mike bought the cookbook for our trip souvenir.

We were able to see Mike's sister while on our quick trip! His sister, B, lives in Arizona, but was training in Charleston. The timing could not have been more perfect! We had a very nice (and rather "fancy") dinner at a French Restaurant down on King's Street and we had an enjoyable time.

Sunday we had "Home Church" with some friends. I have never been apart of a home church before. It was nice. The study was in depth and I learned a few things...as I should every time I'm in the Word of God. It seems that there is still more to learn from the book of Ephesians.

As for the rest of this week...well it rushed by in a hurry! The girl had choir practice a couple of times this week, and head colds have been abound in the house. I'm fighting a major sinus block right now. This is day 2 of cold medicine. YUCK! They always make me feel so loopy! OK, so it has otherwise been a "normal" work week. You know filled with Doomsday Prophecy and joyous kids getting ready to celebrate another school year gone. As for me...I left wondering...where is the time going...

As I was laying in the bed yesterday afternoon (remember I told you...medicine), the movie "Click" came on. So I watched it. I realize, as I'm watching this movie, that it really hits home, not just for me, but for thousands! What are we chasing? Why are we chasing whatever it is we are chasing? I do believe that is a question that all of us must ask ourselves time and again.

So "fast forward" to today. AAhhh...today...Friday...the automatic "pick me up" of the week. AS for me...I'm still on medicine and wishing upon wishing that I was sick enough to stay in the bed, all the while knowing that I'm not. Work went well (I think) and thankfully I was able to push off my appointments until Monday, but one date I had to keep. That was the date with my first born son. We had set a "Date Night" 2 weeks ago, and I was not going to disappoint my son. Especially after watching that movie, Click, TWICE!! I think maybe God is trying to tell me something here...

...I had already missed my youngest son's "Field Day" and my older son's "Field Day" and I have had to miss several school activities this year. Does this make me a bad mom? I don't think so, but it does make me "pause" for a moment to make me prioritize what is important. So I have made arrangements to take next Friday off from work to be with my family as it is their "Last Day of School" and we have all the last day of school stuff to do. So with that, I'm happy.

So there it is...my crazy life wrapped up for the week. All the happy, sad, angry, fearful, a-ha moments all tied up in this blog...well not really, but hey...don't we all really just want the highlights?

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Manners...what manners?

"Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons." -By David Lowry, Ph.D.

As a parent I am torn between when I should correct my children, or when to just "let it go". Have you ever been there? My philosophy is to correct the correctable...like manners, character, and discipline of mind, body, and thought. This can seem to be an overwhelming task at times, so when I find great practical advice I like to share it with those around me. I hope you find some of these to be helpful.

Your children may not even realize that how they are behaving is wrong or rude. Many times the behavior that they are displaying isn't even intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe another persons physical features.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. I do find these 25 must have manners to be important not just for my children, but for me as well.

Manner #1: When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2: When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3: Do not interrupt another conversation in progress unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4: If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5: When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6: The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your close friends, and out of earshot of others.

Manner #7: Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8: When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9: When you have spent time at a friend's house, remember to thank them for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10: Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11: When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12: Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13: Never use foul language. People already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14: Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15: Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16: Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and work on being interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17: If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18: Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19: As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20: If you come across someone working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21: When someone asks you for a favor or for help, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22: When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again.

Manner #23: Use eating utensils properly and do not talk with food in your mouth. If you are unsure of which fork or spoon to use, watch what the others are doing around you.

Manner #24: Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25: Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

**Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine**



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

New Christian Music Releases For May 17, 2011 - NewReleaseTuesday.com

Here's the full list of New Releases from newreleasetuesday.com

New Christian Music Releases For May 17, 2011 - NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Happy Birthday Coca Cola!

In honor of Coca Cola Company's Birthday I wanted to post one of the recipes is just simply delicious! Here's to another 125 years!!

1 box of chocolate cake mix
1 can of Diet Coke
1 small package of instant sugar-free pudding mix
1 8-ounce container of fat-free chilled whipped topping
Mix cake mix and Diet Coke together. Bake in an oil-sprayed 9 x 13 pan. Cook at
350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes until slightly underdone. Cool.
FROSTING
Put 1 small package of sugar-free, fat-free instant chocolate pudding mix into one
8-ounce container of fat-free chilled whipped topping. Mix well. Frost the cake and
cut into squares.
They taste like brownies, but without all the fat!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

National Day...

of Prayer is today. I am thankful that we have the opportunity to come together to pray as a nation. I do want to encourage you to not just pray today, but to pray everyday. Our God is I AM, God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So many times we come together to pray during crisis, special occasions, or in this case as a one day event. My heart cry is that you come to know The Lord in a very real and personal way. To spend time with Him each day in prayer.

May I encourage you today with some scripture? Maybe, just maybe you are unsure as to how to pray. I remember asking that question many years ago, and a very wise mentor told me, "Jennifer, if you are not sure what to pray, then pray through scripture." How comforting those words were to me! So with that wisdom, I say the same to you. Here are a few passages to pray if you are not sure where to begin.

James 5:16, Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Philippians 4:6-7, Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7And God's peace [shall be yours, that [b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 15:29, The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).

1 John1:9, If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

Matthew 6: 9-15, 9Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.10Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven ([a]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have [b]given up resentment against) our debtors. 13And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [c]reckless and willful sins, [d]leaving them, letting them go, and [e]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [f]reckless and willful sins, [g]leaving them, letting them go, and [h]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

I hope that these will help you as you continue to grow spiritually and closer to God.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

I know that...

Mother's Day is right around the corner, but I just want to say how much I love my Dad! For many many years, my dad was lost. Lost in his sin, lost in this world, and it was not always easy to talk with him and sometimes I really did not like him. To be honest those feelings have long since been gone. I remember the day that my mom called to tell me that my dad was going to church. I also remember the day that she called to tell me that my dad had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior!

My sister, husband and I went to church the day my dad was baptized and I remember crying for joy as I watched my dad become a new man in Christ! Now let's fast forward to last week...yup last week. My dad was asked to preach this past Sunday. It was a very surreal moment for me when he was in my living room telling me what his sermon was going to be on and I could see in his eyes how excited and yet uncertain he was. I can't think of a time when I was so proud to be his daughter!
What's even cooler is that he shared part of his sermon was on. He was preaching on John 16: 12-15 and it was titled "Can You Hear Me Now?". Now what my dad used during his sermon was a fun, not really practical, but fun illustration of Senior Text Lingo. I liked it so much that I'm posting it here for you.

Now I'm sure that I could have just posted the txt part, but I wanted to share where my dad has come from and where God is taking him. It's so exciting to watch God work!


Here's the List: Seniors Texting Code:

ATD..At the Doctors, BFF..Best Friend Fell, BTW..Bring The Wheelchair, BYOT..Bring Your Own Teeth, FWIW..Forgot Where I Was, GGPBL..Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low, GHA..Got Heartburn, IMHO..Is My Hearing-Aid On, LMDO..Laughing My Dentures Out, OMMR..Oh My Massage Recliner, ROFLAGCGU..Rolling On Floor And Can’t Get Up, TTYL..Talk To You Louder, OLGG..Oxygen Low Gotta Go.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Current Events...

of yesterday left me almost speechless. I had to really digest all the news about Osama Bin Laden. For a decade his name alone had brought terror, fear, anger, and rage to many. For others the name meant freedom, change, radical thought and possibility. For me...it has been an ongoing part of life. I remember being in Okinawa when the Gulf War first began. I was 18 when the air strikes began. My dearest friends, Marines, were sent to "The Desert". My dad was also sent to "The Desert". That was and is the military way of life.

So my forethought has always been what is going on in the Middle East, only my thoughts are not of oil, or terrorism. My thoughts have always been on those that are fighting a fight that, seems at times, uncertain. I have often wondered why we meddle in foreign affairs, but again...that is what we do, so I pray for our military that are on foreign soil.

When September 11th happened...I remember where I was, what I was doing and I really could not believe my eyes. Hence the hunt for the past ten years. Like I said, this is nothing new to me, but my heart was torn out and stepped on when the towers fell.

Fast forward to yesterday...the boys had a capture or kill order, and kill they did. It is never easy to take a life...as a matter of fact, it is life changing, no matter who you are or how it is done. Again, my heart broke, but for a different reason this time. My heart broke because, according to God's Word, not only was a life lost, but so was a soul, to live apart from God. This is what truly breaks my heart. When the towers fell, my heart cried out for those civilians, who were not part of the war, as their lives were cut short. I remember praying for them and their families. So much pain and loss...and anger. To many it seemed easy for the "terrorist" to kill so many, but I wonder (often) what was going through their minds before the act was carried out.

I know that there was much rejoicing and celebrating about the death of Bin Laden, but I also know that all life is precious, all life is a gift by God. I know that the enemy comes upon us and there are physical and spiritual battles; however I was reminded of this

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.
Proverbs 24:17.

I did not blog yesterday on the events, as I said, I was really unsure of how I felt about the events. My concern now...what will happen next? I'm sure many people are wondering the same thing. I take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He is ever present & the God of Today is the God of Yesterday and Tomorrow. He is I AM, and I take comfort in knowing that.

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

2He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.(A)

3He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

4Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

My final thought...pray. Pray for our troops, for those who desire war and death. Pray for our leaders and for those who are stuck in a situation that they have no control over...pray that they will come to know the True and Living God.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

New Releases

Hyland - Weights & Measures: This is a new band with it's radio debut "This Love Is Free", Hyland is a promising up and coming band.

John Waller - As For Me and My House: This much anticipated album is out today!

Nicole C. Mullen – Captivated: This powerhouse performer has been busy with Women of Faith and with working in Haiti. New music to get your Praise on!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen