Weekly Wrap

Amongst the Facebook posts and the Twitter tweets, you'd think I'd be all out of words! Not really...I have found solace in expressing life through my words. I often believe that too many people hold way too much in, and often do not speak enough. Besides, I know if I don't keep a journal, I will forget, and there's just too many good things in life to remember. You know what is really cool (and I learned this not too long ago)...Kings kept a daily record of what went on in their life and they would often ask for a reference from the historian so they could recall an event or person at any given time. I thought that was cool. This week has had its moments of sheer happiness and of course it has had moments of doubts and frustrations. At home it's been full tilt as Mike has been working on a side job and catering. Work at work is still pretty slow. And he has still been having trouble sleeping so he's been very tired. That in itself is a whole other blog. So let's go to this past weeks events... Last Saturday the kids and I went to the Union Avenue concert at BCA. It was a great time of fellowship, and all the guys were just great to meet and have a great heart for the Lord God.

(Johnathon from Union Avenue) Sunday was a great day of worship and as we are coming to the end on the end of times, I have to say that I am encouraged in knowing that not only is there a purpose for this life, but there is a purpose for my life, and I only want to share that good news with others!

This week we have been gearing up for our WAY Radio Free Fall Concert (learn more @ www.wayradio.org) This year's concert, I believe is going to be better than ever! Mark Schultz, 33 Miles, and Finding Favour...what could better!

Had a great meeting with BNI this week...I love BNI! So much fun and I love meeting all these wonderful people that call this community home. Wednesday Bart and I went to a chamber luncheon. That was nice, different, but nice. There always seems to be an agenda...why is that? My boys...ahhh...my boys. They had there first basketball game last night. Since there's not enough players for a full roster, CIA SportsClub (http://www.ciasportsclub.net) has made 4 teams of 6 players, with 3 players on the floor at a time. It seemed to work. My boys are on the same team, and it was cool to watch them play together. It's the first time that they have been on a team together where Lil'Man actually wanted to play! For me..that is a victory! The boys team (the "black" team) won last night. But what was the most important thing about that win was they did it together as a TEAM!

There you have it...my week in a wrap. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at 90.7 WAY Radio's FREE Concert...did I mention...it's FREE?!!

~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

When do we Prepare?

Two weeks ago I began to really look at what it means to be prepared. God has really spoken to me about getting prepared, being ready and what it all really means. So last week I looked at Who prepares and today we are going to look at When. So when do we prepare? I suppose that is a very valid question. It seems like the days are filled with distractions. There's family and work that can take us off course of being prepared, but there are bigger distractions that I want to look at today. I want to look at the what we do to avoid God and avoid preparation. There's everything from video games, to Facebook (yes...I went there). There's the television, and of course our own selfish desires that take us away from God and His love. When we allow the distractions to take over, we are no longer preparing for what God has for us. God really does have our best interests in mind and at heart. So why do we allow these temporary trappings take us away from Him, the One who LOVES us more than anyone else? When we do not prepare our hearts for God, we loose out on more than peace and joy, but we miss out on sharing God with others around us.

We really begin preparing at birth. I know that may sound odd to you, but truly, you were created for a reason, a purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

God knows the Plans He has for YOU! What good news! God has prepared you and for you before you where ever born! King David gives Praise to God for His preparing him before he was even born, and for when he was born in the Psalms.

Psalm 139:13, "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb."

Psalm 71:6, "By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; My praise is continually of You."

Psalm 22:10, "Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb."

Psalm 22:9, "Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts."

What a comfort to know that God prepared for us before we could even begin to comprehend who He is! Even before we had the understanding that we are sinners, God had planned and prepared for our salvation. Jesus Christ has been with us since the beginning and was prepared from the start.

John 1:1-5,"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

So when do we begin to prepare? When we recognize, realize, acknowledge and know that we are sinners, saved only by GRACE. We begin to prepare when we humbly go before God and ask for forgiveness. We begin to prepare when Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ enters into our life and begins a great work in us for His glory. As mundane as John 3:16 may seem, it is so powerful. Take a moment and read John 3:16-18 with fresh eyes.

"16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Tuesday's New Release Top Picks

Yes it is another Tuesday. I just love Tuesdays. Tuesdays is a day to celebrate...new music! I have 4 albums that I am going to share with you today, but you can get a full list of new releases at http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/new_release.php

Switchfoot's much anticipated new album is now available for your listening pleasure!

The soulful pop sound of siren, Heather Williams is out today for you to enjoy.

Looking to strike a change in your music library? Check out Rush of Fools and their latest songs.

Back and better than ever, Rachael Lampa is just as singing better than ever. ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Exciting New Releases

So much music is out this week and I am excited to share with you all of it! So let's get started...

Needtobreathe's highly anticipated album, The Reckoning is the follow-up to the band's acclaimed album The Outsiders, which debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Top 200.

Mike Weaver and band mates aka Big Daddy Weave have hit another home run with The Ultimate Collection, a 15-song set featuring the band’s biggest radio hits and fan favorites, plus their brand-new single “Love Come To Life”.

I am looking forward to adding Matt Mahr's latest, The Love In Between, to my collection! Matt Maher's third studio project demonstrates the evolution of an inspired artist. This Canadian, and CCLI mainstay, is well known for moving worship anthems including, "Your Grace Is Enough," "As It Is In Heaven," "Hold Us Together".

Jamie Grace is a firecracker and to have her energy focused on sharing God's love to everyone with hit's like her #1 Hold Me on her freshman album, One Song At A Time, shows you that this girl has staying power.

Jeremy Riddle's third full length album from Vineyard Music is the newest collection of songs penned by this gifted songwriter and worship leader. Furious communicates the story of God’s love.

Out on tour right now & ready to share God's love for you, Leeland's The Great Awakening is far and away their most impressive artistic and spiritual expression yet,

New band, fresh music and I think this duo is one that you will want to watch! Check out for King and Country with their full length self titled album.

Celebrating 60 Years of Christian Music is Word! For the avid collector, you don't want to miss out on this 3 CD library! ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Prepardness Pt. 2

Last week I began discussing what it means to "Be Prepared" and what is it that we are really preparing ourselves for. I had to prepare for this next segment because I was not sure which way to take you. So do we discuss the Who, When, Where, Why, or What. As you see I am going back to basics with the 5 "W's" of journalism. I think over the next 5 posts we should hit on each one of the W's. That means we are looking at the "Who" (and I don't mean the band!). Who actually prepares and who are we preparing ourselves for? These are two very important questions to ask ourselves. If we do not truly believe that others take the time prepare, then why should we, ourselves prepare. As I looked at this I really began to wonder about this and I came up with only one answer. EVERYONE actually prepares. Think about it. When you get up in the morning, what is the first thing you do? Get up, go in and get cleaned up, brush your teeth, make your bed (sometimes), get ready (prepared) for the day. Your daily routine is your way of getting prepared for your day that is full of preparation. As I listed those few (but important) elements to your day, I left one very important element out. Do you know what that is? Your prayer life! Not only must you prepare for your day with the physical routine of the everyday, but you must prepare yourself spiritually...EVERYDAY! So we have answered the first question, Who gets prepared. Now to answer the second questions, how do YOU get prepared. You already know how to prepare yourself the physical day, do you know how to prepare yourself for your spiritual (your mental and your emotional) day?

Ephesians 6: 10-21 shows us how to do just that! "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.

So the answer is two-fold. When you pray, you are preparing time with God and you are preparing yourself against your enemy, Satan, who comes to destroy you. My prayer is that this will either remind you to get prepared or that is will be the beginning of teaching you how to become prepared on a daily basis and WHO it is you are preparing yourself for. ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

ESPN Teams Up With Switchfoot Sat. Night Premiering Songs From New Album - New Release Tuesday - Music News Powered by CMSpin.com

ESPN Teams Up With Switchfoot Sat. Night Premiering Songs From New Album - New Release Tuesday - Music News Powered by CMSpin.com






~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Preparation

Last night as I was finally settling for bed (late night), I was wrestling with a thought that would not let go. It was one word...Preparation. God was revealing to me what so many of us struggle with, being prepared. As I tried to doze myself to sleep I had probably 20 different thoughts on preparation, so I want to get these thoughts on paper and IF I can stay true to form, I will touch on these points over the next couple of blogs. What do we prepare for? Well let's think about this...we prepare for marriage, for children, for school, for graduation, for vacation, for retirement and possibly for a rainy day. As an "On Air" Personality and Public Speaker, I have to be prepared before I speak (we should all do that though, shouldn't we!). What about salvation? Do you prepare for your salvation?

I want to dig into this idea of preparing and being prepared so if you would indulge me, I'd greatly appreciate it. My thoughts on preparation are still a little scattered, but yet very precise. My desire is to help you understand what it means to be prepared, for eternity, for God's Will in your life, but it all begins with salvation. In Exodus 23:20, God reveals that He is preparing a place for Moses.

“Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. -Exodus 23:20

God is preparing! What a revelation! Again you see God's preparation in the Gospel (Good News) of John. John 14:2-3, "In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also

. There it is, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, going to prepare a our eternal dwelling place, for ALL who believe in Him! And again you see God's preparation in the Victory. Revelation say in Revelation 12:6,

"Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days."

As you see, God has been preparing, for you! So what are you doing to be prepared for God? ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

New Release Tuesday (On Thursday)

I know I'm a couple of days late. I'm sorry for that. If you follow me on twitter or facebook, then you know that I have been out for a couple of days due to illness. And like you, when I'm sick, I don't want to do anything! So please forgive my lateness and enjoy the couple of selections that I have chosen. First is Matt Hammitt's solo project. Matt is the lead singer of Sanctus Real. His son, Bowen, has just celebrated his 1st birthday and if you are not familiar with Bowen's story, can I encourage you to log onto bowensheart.com! So check out the latest from Matt, Every Falling Tear

Now for my second choice to add to your collection. That is none other than Jason Gray with his latest, A Way to See in the Dark. Jason is a very creative story teller who shares his faith and life through his unique style of music. I hope that you enjoy this project as much as I do.

~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Sanctus Real | Matt Hammitt's Son, Bowen, Turns One, Inspires Sanctus Real Lead Singer's First Solo Album | TodaysChristianMusic.com

Happy Birthday Bowen!

Sanctus Real | Matt Hammitt's Son, Bowen, Turns One, Inspires Sanctus Real Lead Singer's First Solo Album | TodaysChristianMusic.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

Ten Years Ago...

was a day that changed our lives forever. I have read a few blogs today that have reflected the thoughts and feelings about today, ten years ago, and I know that the very thought of reflection is still very real and raw for many.

If you are new to my blog, and don't know much about me, let me tell you a little of who I am. I grew up as a military brat. My Dad is retired Air Force and I grew up on an always "ready alert". Not because we were always "at war", but to be honest, my Dad joined the Air Force in 1976, and we, as a nation, were just coming out of the Vietnam War. I was just a child and only really remember what I've read in history class. Growing up in the military is great, we moved all the time and I always had a sense of security. I never really thought much of the "evil" that is in the world because everyone I knew was defending good against evil.

In 1988 my Dad was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Our first (and only) overseas assignment. We spend 6 years there, and to this day it is "home". It was in Okinawa that I was introduced to the other military branches, and that is where I first understood war. I was there when the wall came down in Germany. I had many friends that were there. I was there when I had friends deployed to places of scrimmages, and it was there when "Desert Storm" initially happen in 1990 and a multitude of my friends were deployed for the desert with an uncertainty of when they would (or if they would) return. Since that time I have been very aware of the threat that is posed to us on a daily basis. I don't live in fear, but I am aware of the risks that are taken daily for my very freedom.

Since 1995 I have not been around a military instillation as I had when I was growing up. I don't live on base, and I get a feeling of honor and nostalgia when I see a person in uniform. I know that world and understand it better than most. So, on September 11, 2001, when my Mother called me to tell me to turn on the TV, I was in so much shock, that all I could do is say No, No, No, wait, this can't really be happening. It was so surreal. I was in my living room, of my first non military home, with my daughter at my feet and my new born son on my hip. I stood there, just watching the first tower burn, and then as the second plane dived into the second tower, I thought I was going to throw up, or faint, or both. I really could not believe my own eyes. I just wept..or rather cried uncontrollably for all those people, people that I had never met, or would never meet on this side of heaven. I thought about all the lives that were taken in just that brief moment, and wondered, to myself, how many knew who Jesus was, and if they were saved from eternal damnation. Then I heard of the other planes. 4 all together. So many lost. In the 10 years since I have seen many changes occur in our country. Doubt, Superstition, Hatred, Higher Security seem to be on the top of the list. Yes, they were terrible people that did a terrible thing. Yes, I believe that what happened was wrong and unjustifiable. But I believe even more in a loving, forgiving and healing God. I believe that His word holds true and that we are to continue to love one another. Mark 12:31 says, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” and God's word says in Matthew 6:14-15, " For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." My prayer is for us to find peace and forgiveness as we continue to heal as a nation, as a people. No, don't ever forget, but I urge you to forgive. ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Labor Day

is upon us. Really? This year has really gone by fast and I just wonder if I'm really doing all that I am called to do. There is a nagging feeling in the pit of my soul that keeps saying that there is more to life than what I am living. I know there is more and then when I read blogs about people that are making real changes in their lives, and I wonder what holds me back.

Just like anyone and everyone else...I am full of excuses. Let's be real for just a moment. We do what we want to do far more often than we should. I am just as guilty as the next person. I know what I should do, and yet, as the Apostle Paul says, I do what I know I ought not to do. It takes real discipline to be a disciple of Christ and it takes real discipline to live life according to God. I am afraid that I have failed miserably and I would love to turn it around and be that person who gets it all together. I'm not sure if I will, but I'd like to try.

I know that you are suppose to make "resolutions" either at the beginning of the year or maybe the 1st of the month, but I am breaking from tradition. It's Monday. It's Labor Day. Why not make a fresh start today? I know what my heart's cry is, so I am going to (once again)start taking steps in the direction of being more of a disciple of Christ, and to be more healthy. I am inspired by those who completely change their lives for the better and that have a support team rooting them on. Will you be my support team? Will you pray for me, encourage me and hold me accountable as I work on the next steps of doing the right thing vs. the Jen thing?



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen