New Release...MercyMe

Bart Millard and the boys (Better known as Mercy Me) have released their long anticipated worship album today!


This is the CD MercyMe fans have been requesting for years, and it’s only available at Family Christian Stores. The Worship Sessions is a collection of popular worship songs, classic hymns and original tunes from the early days of this award-winning band.

Purchase the album exclusively at FamilyChristian.com.



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

With a new month..

on the horizon, I have decided it's time to have a new look on life. There has been a lot of interruptions at my house this past week, but I would have to say that for the most part they have been good.

I have to say that I am thankful for all the prayers that have been lifted on my son Thomas' behalf. I did not realize how serious cellulitis was and I'm thankful that we caught the infection at an early enough stage. He is recovering, but is still in some pain.

Yesterday Mike and my Stepfather-in-law put our new sink yesterday. My in-laws had upgraded their kitchen and we were the recipients of their sink. It is nice, and deep, and I really like it!

Earlier this week, my favorite painter was over and we finally have our bathroom painted a beautiful blue! I'm so excited to have one more room done!

OK, so most of this is trivial, but I have been feeling like I've been in limbo lately, so these little things have had a big impact on me. I'm hoping that I can really focus on my goals for the month of September. Have you ever done this...set your goals and within 48 hours...they are lost for "next month"? I feel like that has been my life this past year. It seems like there is no progress, but I know that is a lie. I can look back and see all that God has done and has provided. So this month, I want to just give back to God, give Him more of my time and to allow Him to work on me more. I already feel like I've been in the fire, but I have not let the impurities out yet, and now is the time to skim those impurities out.

I know this is really random, and that's ok...life is random. I hope that you have a great week, and I pray that God will reveal more of Himself to me this week.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Home today...

with one of the children. It happens about this time every year. Thomas (my oldest son) develops an upper respiratory/sinus infection. His cough has increased in frequency and intensity. So with that said, I called his health care provider and he has an appointment this evening, but we are on breathing treatments all day today. My second most important job is Mom (My first is Wife) and so when one of the kids are sick, I'm home with them. It is actually really nice to be able to stay home when I need to and I have a job that allows me to do it. I'm very fortunate.

So of course I slept in this morning while Thomas slept beside me. I didn't know it at the time, but my lovely husband put the boy in the bed first thing. Ahhh...to cuddle :-)

As you can tell we are up and about now...coffee in hand (my second cup) and reading inspiring blogs while the boy watches a movie (check out http://www.terilynneu.com/). I am always challenged when I read great blogs from women that I know are chasing after Jesus.

At times I feel very inadequate to be very honest with you. Am I in the Word enough? Do I understand enough? Even more, am I really qualified to do what I do for His Kingdom, being a morning co-host on the radio and speaking to women groups, or teaching the Bible?

These are my thoughts this morning as I finish my second cup of coffee and begin to wonder what to make for breakfast. Today, since I have some home time, I believe I'll pick back up in Ezekiel. Then to finish up the first part of "What is Gods Will for My Life?". Thanks for your time and prayers. Please pray that we've caught this infection in time for a speedy recovery.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Getting into the routine..

of school being back in session. So far so good. I'm not sure if I have any real expectations for the kids this year, other than doing there best, but 2 of them have brought home a couple of papers with less than stellar marks. I however, am no alarmed. I know that it's hard the first couple of weeks to get back into the groove of things, and I am sure that I will see improvement.

Sunday was the start of children's ministries and I have all 3 kids involved. My youngest, however, does not want to be a part of anything. Can I just tell you that I'm not giving him a choice.

Sunday was also Logan's birthday (he is the youngest). We had a few friends and family over and it was nice. I like having the house filled with kids and laughter and noise, as long as it's in short spurts. Honestly I love the quiteness of my house in the middle of the afternoon.

So this is the last year that I have a child in the single digits. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but here it is...this time next year...they will all be 10 and older. I'm so thankful for the time I have with them, but my youngest is official half grown (sort of...well according to the US government).

So here's a few pictures of the celebration, and I hope that as he continues to grow and mature that he will remember these good times too.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

So much music to choose from!

I am so excited about today! Not only is it New Release Tuesday, but there's a plethora of new music out! So I am going to share my favorites with you today, but you can get the full list @ www.newreleasetuesday.com.


First and foremost...MIKESCHAIR! I remember when I first met Mike, Sam, Jon, Jessie and Nate. It was at 90.7 WAY Radio's Beach concert. They had just released "Other Side" and it hit home not just to me, but for so many others. Here it is 3 years later and I'm so excited about their new album "Beautiful Life". I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

Secondly there's Downhere. The boys from Canada are back and better than ever. With there hit song "Let Me Rediscover You" their lyrics are just as strong as ever. I know that you will love "On the Alter of Love".

I'm not finished yet! There's a few more nods that I must give today. Aaron Shust is back and on Centricity Records. Check out "This is What We Believe".

Also out today and one of my new favorites is Ashes Remain. I have had the pleasure to meet Josh and Jon and I look forward to seeing what this band from Baltimore. "What I've Become" is worth the listen.

Wrapping up my nods today is DecembeRadio. Yup they are ready to rock you with their newest album "Southern Attic Sessions". Back in VA they have been busy, and this Grammy nominated, Dove Award winning trio hit the studio, they give it all they have. This one is for you to sit back and enjoy!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

The Story of Every Falling Tear

Today is a day of stories. Stories of God's triumph in our lives. Just when you think that you can't go through another moment, there He is to remind you of His goodness and His promises. This continued story of the Hammitt family is just one story, but it's a story worth sharing. As Matt embarks on his solo album, we are all reminded that God's Grace is enough.

FOLLOW THIS LINK: The Story of Every Falling Tear

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

A little more on "You Are More"

TENTH AVENUE NORTH'S MIKE DONEHEY SAYS THE GROUP'S HIT SONG 'YOU ARE MORE' IS BASED ON THE BIBLE VERSE JOHN 14:6.

In that verse, Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but by me." Mike tells New Release Tuesday that God's been reminding him of that for the last two years -- that truth is a person, the person of Jesus Christ. Mike says he's been learning that before he tries to fix peoples' problems he needs to be willing to sit down and weep with them.
You can read the entire interview with Mike Donehey about the song "You Are More" at newreleasetuesday.com.
Look for the "Behind the Song Devotionals" feature. -Source RNR

To learn more about Tenth Ave North, check out their website through wayradio.org, or follow the link http://tenthavenuenorth.com

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

re:creation by Steven Curtis Chapman | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

Through trails and triumph check out the reviews for Steven Curtis Chapman's re:creation...

re:creation by Steven Curtis Chapman | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

New Release - DVD

If you love inspiring stories that touch your heart than you'll be chomping at the bit to see "The Grace Card" starring Lois Gossett, Jr. & Michael Higgenbottom.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

New Release

For all you SCC Fans...the wait is over as re:creation is available today! Total of 15 tracks (5 brand new) it will be worthwhile to add to your collection.

re:creation by Steven Curtis Chapman | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

Ready or not...

it's time to get back to the school routines. It has been a good but strange summer break. The first part of the summer was so smokey that you could not enjoy the outdoors so much and then their was 2 weeks of storms followed by triple digit temperatures that left you wanting nothing but air conditioning.

I have to say that the kids had an enjoyable "stay-cation" this year. They have been to Wild Adventures several times over the summer (thanks to some really cool grandparents) and they played a lot of Wii.

So today is middle school open house. I'm excited for my daughter. She's going to be in 7th grade this year. I think that this is going to be a good year for her. She has adjusted to middle school nicely (far cry from her mother) and she has even decided to try for tennis (if they have a team this year). Tennis. I never saw that one coming. She is also going to go back to dance. She has decided on ballet and I am hoping that she enjoys it like she did when she was 7. I'm very proud of my daughter. I don't think I could have asked for more.

Tomorrow is elementary open house. This year the boys are in 3rd and 5th grade. So this is the last year for my older son. I know that he is excited. I am too, but at the same time, I'm a little sad. I have been at the elementary school for 9 years! WOW! I have 3 more years including this one, but I can see it quickly coming to an end. I love our elementary school. I love the teachers, the staff, the administrators. They are such a great team. So this year the boys have decided the following...the youngest wants to do "nothing" this year. I don't think that will last. If nothing else I want him involved with one group. I do believe I may have to make him. I know it's important to be involved with life and I don't want him to miss out on opportunities. My older son has decided on K-Kids (Kiwana Kids) and Basketball. I may get him involved with the science club this year. He is very good.

If they stick with just these few activities and focus on what they love, I think that this year will be calmer than last year. Only time will tell.


As for me, well I have enjoyed simplifying my life a little more. I am beginning to teach clarinet from home. I have decided to focus on working with home school students. That is the only "new" thing on my schedule, however, it's 2 hours a day, 4 days a week, and it is before my children get home from school. With the way my work schedule is now, I am able to have meetings early, and then be home to teach. God is so good to allow me to do this, and I am humbled.

So that's about it...for now.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

It's Tuesday...

That means it's time for new releases! I just love Tuesdays, it's like Christmas as we unwrap what's new in music!

If you are a Mat Kearney fan than you have been looking forward to today! His new album "Young Love" is now out and ready for you to enjoy! With 10 new tracks it is sure to hit home as Mat continues to sing to the soul.

And for you surfers out there who were inspired by the surprise hit of the spring, "Soul Surfer" is now out on DVD. This true life inspiring story can be yours to enjoy and share with others when they are down and questioning their faith. I say it's a must have in your collection.

There you have it. Jen's picks for this week. Happy Ears makes happy Souls!
For more releases or for more information - > http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/new_release.php


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen