Do words really make a difference?

Proverbs 16:21; "The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction."

I recently had a lively conversation about how we talk to people. Their point of view was starkly different to mine. They believe that speaking harshly to people (even children) is how people hear you, even to the point of cussing. They also went on to say that the problem with society (more specifically, America) is that we caudal too much instead of correcting, and the only way to correct is with harsh language.

Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

I disagree. To yell at someone or to even cuss at someone to get your point across is not only harmful to the person receiving the words, but it is more than likely that the person you are trying to "get your point across to" will actually tune you out. If spoken to harshly long enough, the cycle will begin again. This my friends, is a vicious circle.

Proverbs 7:27; "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered."

Correction is the words used, not the harshness in which the words are said. I have worked with many people over the years. I have been cussed at by superiors, co-workers, even family. To say that I listened to them would be far fetched. I have always felt like less of a person after being belittled with the harshness and tone that was spoken to me. Over the years the yelling at people to get a point across or even to cuss at someone out of frustration and anger was where I found myself. I didn't like being talked to that way, yet there I was (sometimes still) talking at people the way I had been talked at instead of talking to people the way I wanted to be talked to. But the good news is the cycle can be broken!

1 Corinthians 14:9; "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

By far the most effective leaders (and parents you are a leader) are ones who correct with loving intentions and with a heart to help not hurt. This is where my learning, how to change how I spoke to others, began (and it is a work in progress). When heated debates and disagreements occur a couple of things begin to happen; first you can feel your temperature rise, and secondly you can feel the anger begin to boil on the tip of your tongue. So what sets apart a person who corrects without harshness and cussing. I do believe it is a few things...like grace, mercy, and that they are acting out of love.

Proverbs 16:24; "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

There's a few things I have to do in order for me not to lose my temper (and I don't always succeed). I have to pray. Pray for God to help me control my anger and to not say something that I'm going to regret. I have to stop. Yup, stop and take a step back. Before I say a word, I have to look at the situation and ask myself why I'm getting so angry. Is this a fight that is worth risking hurt feelings and further anger?

Ecclesiastes 9:17; "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools." 

It is time to begin a new cycle. As Christians we are not to use harmful, hurtful words, to anyone. It's time for change, in how we speak to one another. We are called to be like Christ, and this is a great place to start.

~Peace & Blessings~
            Jen

Faith, Civic Duty and when they collide

There's been a lot of news being reported about people not performing their civic duties or jobs because of their faith. I have to admit, this confuses me.


As a Christian, I do know that we have to follow God's law, but Jesus did remind his disciples to also "Give unto Cesar what is Cesar's" (Matthew 22:21). As a Christian, we are called to do everything in LOVE (1 Corinthians 16:14,"Do everything in love"). Is it our job, our position to pass judgment on those that we are called to serve? (Matthew 7:2, For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.) (Luke 6:37,[ Judging Others ] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.) (Romans 14:10,"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.")

If you are not willing to do what is asked of you and your job because of your faith, then you have a decision to make. Either you quit your job or you do your job without complaint and petition to God for His help in your situation. (Hebrews 4:16); "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

This is to be said that as we are free to worship how we choose in these United States (http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am1.html; "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof") so this should hold true for ALL who struggle with their job and their religion. Jehovah Witnesses do not vote or pledge allegiance to the flag or join the military because of their beliefs. They CHOOSE to not serve in this way, because they know that if they were to join the military they would have to pledge allegiance to the flag, they would have to possibly kill another. They do not complain they just do not take the military as a job option.

My point is this. If you have a job, do it to the best of your ability and with a servant's heart filled with love, not hate or with contentment. You may be the only witness to those you serve that do not believe as you believe. Are you helping or hurting the cause?

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

3 months...

has gone by already? Sometimes I believe that the days just go by way too fast. I remember as a child I thought that the days just DRAGGED on and on and on. Not anymore. So since I have failed at keeping a weekly blog update, I suppose I should start fresh.

But first a recap -

AUG: School started, a wedding, a birthday and of course...humid and hot (not bad for a recap)

SEP: Fall Concert, a birthday and of course...football season (my team is 0-4 {a perfect record})

OCT: Half way through and it's been a tough one.

Over the past few weeks a lot of "changes" have taken place in my "little world"

One of my dear friends is being sent home, to South Africa, because of delay in work visa paperwork. Her family has been in the country for over 14 years, and now...they are being forced to leave. We have been praying for God's Will to seen and to be honest, it has, just not the way any of us thought. We were thinking of buying her house, but God said NO. Then they thought they'd have to short sale, God said NO. Instead God said - here is a person that needs to rent your house for about 9 months and oh by the way, you now have a house in South Africa to rent for about 9 months, and I'm still working on your paperwork and you will have to TRUST me. You husband's company will allow him to continue working while in South Africa. I'd say that is a much better plan because now I'm praying that she and her family will return to us again.

Remember the car that God gave us? Well...it has finally died! YUP...a goner...RIP. Praise God, we had enough money and resources to put a good size down payment on a newer vehicle! I now have AC!! Woot-Woot. I don't much care for the car payment, but it is only for a short time and after four plus years of living in bankruptcy....I'll take it! God is so good...to allow us to have a running car up until we could afford to buy another one. There were so many close calls, but I see His provision.

This past week...my neighbor 2 houses down...lost their home to a house fire. Everything...GONE! It was so surreal to see their house burn down. My heart just broke. Praise God no one was in the home. All three kids were at the sitters. I have seen God's people move to help her out with clothes and food. Others are helping her to find a new place to live and others said they have furnishings to help her start over. AMAZING! My youngest son has been praying, reading his Bible and crying over this situation, because the house...was his friends house. I love that my son has a heart for others who are hurting, and that he has been praying and reading his Bible, but it does break my heart to see him so sad.

My final thought...I have been praying about what to share with you on a regular basis, and God has not made that too clear as of yet. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as He does.

 Well there you have it a wrap up of what is going on in my life. Maybe you can relate to some of this or maybe you can join me in praying for each of these situations. Either way. Thanks for reading.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

A picture is...

worth a thousand words, at least that is the saying.

This past Friday the kids and I joined a few other people to participate in a Photo Walk in Downtown Brunswick. Now this has been on my calendar for a month. On Thursday, the day before, there was a fatal shooting in Downtown Brunswick. Of course it made news, even CNN was here. We talked about and decided that we would rework our walk to include a stop at the vigil sight where the 13 month old boy, Antonio Santiago, was shot by two local teenage boys. It was a sobering and surreal moment as we sat for a moment at the vigil sight.

Senseless murder, whether in Connecticut or in Brunswick, Georgia, breaks my heart. It was only four months ago when young children at Sandy Hook lost their lives to a senseless act of murder, but now it has hit home. There is an outcry of anger, rage, and hatred.

I'm at a loss for words. My heart is just breaking. My thoughts also go to the fact that I probably was their substitute teacher, or that I watched them play ball as they were growing up. Where did we go wrong in their lives? How did we let them get so far off track? Is there something that we could have done to alter this life changing decision for these boys?

As I was at Palm Sunday service last night, I had a lady ask me how I handle this kind of news for the radio station, without being so angry. Simply put, I told her, we need to forgive these boys. Not for their sake, but because Jesus Christ has called us to. Jesus has forgiven us of our sins...ALL sins. If we (I) hold on to the hatred and anger then we (I) lose out on what it is that Christ did on the cross. I miss the point of His sacrifice. By all accounts, I am just as guilty as these two young men. I am just as guilty.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5: 17-18,

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

In Romans 3:23-26 we are told,

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶ he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Anger is an emotion we all feel, and if we really wanted to, we could justify this feeling, but as a Christian we are told to not sin in our anger, not to hold on to it, but to let it go. 

Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"

So today, I ask you to pray. Pray for the  Santiago family, and pray for the families of the two young men who committed this crime, and pray for the two young men (boys really) who committed this crime. Pray for healing, forgiveness, and salvation.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Baptism and Bullets

This week has started off with a "BANG"!

Saturday morning the kids and I walked for our local Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center to help raise money for this loving caring ministry with the Karate 4 Christ ministry.

We had a great time walking the two miles with smiling faces even though it was windy and freezing out. After we were done we all met up at Grandy's (a local restaurant) for some food and fellowship. We really enjoyed our Saturday, spending time with friends, and spending the rest of the day shopping and hanging out as a family.

Sunday morning started as a normal, exciting day. Lil'Man, my youngest, was baptized! What great and happy occasion it was. We had our family and friends with us to witness his baptism and he was all smiles! After we got home and the kids were outside playing...



my older son came into the house to let us know that "something" hit Dad's car and broke the back window. At first we thought he may have done this on accident, as this has happened before", but the look on his face was different. The tone of his voice was different. We immediately got up to investigate. It was obvious that the "something" was going very fast and was very small because of the way the glass was shattered. I call 9-1-1 and have the police come out to make a report.

I have to tell you that we have the greatest police in our community! After some time talking and getting the report going, we found out that he is an avid listener to 90.7FM WAY Radio, and he said that it was so nice to meet me...even though the circumstances were less than good. Although we can't "determine" for certain that it was a bullet hole, that is what it seems to be. WOW! A stray bullet? In the neighborhood? WOW! Makes me want to just love and hug my kids forever. I am so thankful for God's protection on my children.

So the week most certainly started off with a "BANG", but I resolved not to let this derail me. I am trusting God and what He has called me to do, and what we are doing as a family. Of course I should expect that things are going to happen to either tempt me or test me. I was mad. VERY mad that this could even happen. Scared? You bet! But I am not going to live in fear. I say again...I will live in FAITH!

That's were we are right now. Living in Faith. On Thursday my daughter will celebrate her 14th birthday with friends in Disney, my boys are going to enjoy some "man" time, and on Saturday we are going to enjoy a cookout with our neighbors and celebrate all the good that God has given. I can't wait to share with you what happens when we go to Disney, and to share with you all the GOOD that God is doing in our lives.

Remember that even in the midst of madness there is mercy.
Even in the midst of pain there is peace.
And in the midst of ciaos there is the cross.
Don't look at the negative, wait for the full picture to develop.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

The Dog, The Kids and more...

I had to let you know that we have had a lot of ups and downs this past week, so I will try to keep it all in snapshot forms...but sometimes you have to roll with the punches!

I'll start with the dog...Parker...
Right after Christmas we found out that Parker had diabetes and has been on insulin since. We first started with prayer. We believe that God can heal our dog, so we prayed. Our goal was simple: help him lose weight, get him on a structured exercise program (as we began ours) and to change the dogs' eating habits (as we began ours). As of yesterday, Parker is off the insulin!!! He has lost a total of 12 pounds so far (that is a lot of weight for a beagle)! God is GOOD!

  
and now...the rest of the family...the kids were out of school for 2 days this week. This makes for a long week at home and a short week at work. I'm so thankful to work for a company, organization, business that allows me to be a SAHM when I need to be.

Last week my daughter landed wrong on her hand and is now in a soft brace. We are waiting to see if she will need x-rays, but we have another week to wait.

Yesterday...I thought was going to be normal day, but God had other plans. My car broke down right after I dropped the kids off at school. Made me stop a realize just how much I am NOT in control.

Today was a full day that started with the morning show and ending with a fantastic meeting, but then I totally forgot to pick up the youngest from school before getting the other two...good thing the schools are so close to each other.


We have also been very  with work, as in our company, Krouse Drafting Services, LLC. Since '08 with the slump we have struggled to keep our little company going. Again, I have been praying. Praying for my husband, my marriage, my children, and for our finances. It seems that trusting God with our finances is the hardest thing to do. Why is that? I'm sure I'll touch on that in the near future, but I do know this. God listens, and when I am quiet enough...I hear Him answer. God has shown me in the past 3 weeks so many blessings, that I (once again) have no doubt that He is in complete control. 

 Maybe life has been a struggle for you too. You may be asking yourself if you can trust God. If you are reading this blog I want you to stop just for a moment and reflect on all Who God is and all that God is doing. He loves you. It may be hard to trust Him the first time, or even the hundredth time, but you can trust him.

I only want to share with you what God is doing in our lives and to be as transparent as I can so that He can be seen.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

My heart...

is just broken right now. And it's not just over the unforeseen death of so many young children. This past week has been riddled with death, and today has been my first day to really let it all sink in.

My week started with hearing about a shooting, no two shootings, a plane crash, and a homicide. I do not watch the news. I probably should, but it depresses me to the point that I just can't, and I don't read the paper, so when I hear of a tragedy, I know it is a tragedy, as they say good news travels fast, but bad news travels faster.

Mr. Poppell, an active community leader, took a private plane to Valdosta earlier this week, but never made it. He died in the accident. Then later that morning news came in that Commissioner Sublett, of Brunswick, was reported missing and later found dead and his death has been ruled a homicide. That is when I learned of two more shootings in our community. This was Tuesday. That afternoon we were having a station meeting and we were discussing the recent tragedies, and within a few hours we announced a prayer vigil for next Thursday...

Wednesday...that morning, Pastor Tim came into the station to share God's Word and to try and give our listeners peace, in light of all the dark. That evening, I read about the shootings at a mall in Portland (I have friends there).

Thursday we get the approval for the "City on Our Knees" Prayer Vigil, and we begin to share with everyone via email and Facebook...Prayer Vigil Info

Friday...we hear of the shooting and deaths at the elementary school, Sandy Hook. My heart broke when I heard the news. My thoughts were of loss, and fear, and of my own children. It just shocked me...almost as much as the day that the Twin Towers fell.

Here's where I must interject...all of these events, were "events". They "effected" me, but not in an immediate way, so I could and did brush them aside and place them on the back burner. I had too many other obligations and things that needed my attention, so I could not really take the time to focus on all the death around me. I...my children and I...were in the midst of Nutcracker rehearsal, and Benchmark tests, so I had not been home long enough to sit down and absorb all the news.

Now that my day has given me time to read and catch up on all the information that was given to me earlier in the week, I am just shocked, saddened, hurt and broken. I have teared up 20 different times in the past hour, and I teared up a dozen times at church today as we talked about HOPE, and where HOPE comes from and how now more than ever we NEED to bring HOPE to a dying world.

I went on to Facebook, to see what I could find as far as posts go, so I could get a better understanding of this Adam boy, and to learn about the adults who acted so bravely to save children, and to learn about the children who did not survive. I forget how angry people can become and how easy Facebook makes it for people to be vocal in a very hateful, mean-spirited and hurtful way. This too, broke my heart.

So I say all of this to say one thing...I am praying for the Poppell and Sublett families. I am praying for the 28 families that lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook murders, and for the remaining family of Adam, the young man who committed this horrific crime. My heart just hurts. I'm not sure what else there is to say, but I needed to post this. I know you are angry and I know that we don't have an answer to the question WHY, but I know that GOD is GOD, and HE alone is in control. We, Me...I am called to pray, forgive, love and give mercy, just as GOD has forgiven and loved me and has shown me mercy.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

I Could Not Ask For More

Since we have moved into our rental home, I have not really blogged much. It's not that I don't have things to say. It seems that I just run out of time, and before I know it...it's a new day.

So here's the quick of it...

The kids are all doing well in school. All A's & a couple of B's so I am a PROUD MAMMA! I am so blessed by my children, and I could not have asked for better.

We are in a new routine now. I have officially moved to mid-days on the radio. So I am home to get the kids ready for school, and then I go into work, and I'm finished with work in time to get them from school. I'm so thankful for where I work and for what God has given me as far as a job. I am so blessed, and I could not have asked for better.

The home is great. We are completely moved in, and we have great neighbors. There's plenty of activity to keep us going, and I have so few things to worry about as far as the home goes. I am so blessed that God has provided a wonderful place for us, and I could not have asked for better.

My first speaking engagement in over three years is tomorrow. I'm excited, and a wee bit nervous, but mostly excited to speak to a room of women hungry for God's Word, and how to become the Woman that God has called her to be. I am so blessed by this opportunity, and I could not have asked for better.

My first conference that I'm head of is in just three weeks. Now that makes me a nervous wreck! I am praying that we reach as many people as possible and that the seats are filled with women that are ready to take that next step to spiritual healing. I pray that God will use me and the ladies that are speaking to engage His people. I am so blessed to be surrounded by friends and like minded women for this upcoming event, and I could not have asked for more.

I seem to see a theme here...no matter what...I am so Blessed, and I am trusting God with it all.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Post Move

Well we are finally settled in. We've been in the new house for almost two weeks. It took all of last week to finish packing, move, unpack, and put the house back together. I know that a lot of people find it hard to believe, but it really does not take me long to put a house together. This time, it took 5 days, but if I had it my way I would have taken another day from work and had it done in 3. Not to bad for having 7 years and 5 people's worth of "stuff". We did get rid of a lot, but there is still so much stuff! How on earth do we collected so much stuff?

I have two schools of thought on this. First, we are afraid to get rid of junk. I'm not sure why it's so hard to throw away things that are broken, harmful, hurtful, and overall not important in our lives. We not only do this with earthly possessions, but we do this in our spiritual life too. We tend to hold on to the very things that are hurtful, painful, shameful, and overall just not good for us.

2 Corinthians 5: 17-18 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation"

We need to learn to let go of the old, and prepare for the new, and who doesn't want something new? It's kind of like what I tell my kids, you have to make room for the new, so it's time to get rid of the old. If there is something in the past that you are just carrying around, because you're afraid to let go of it...well...it's time to just get rid of it!

My second thought on this, we put the "stuff" in a pile and say to ourselves that we'll get to it later. My friends, later never seems to come, and then the next thing you know, you are looking at a mountain of JUNK instead of a few items to get rid of. Sin can be like that too. We make a mistake, miss the mark, sin against God, and we say to ourselves that it's not a big deal, or we'll "work on it later". Later will not come. Let's take care of the junk when it first comes into the home.

Pslam 32: 4-6 says it like this, "For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the        iniquity of my sin. Selah

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him."

So we are now in a new house and it's a new school year. The kids begin school this Thurday. I'm so excited about the new school that two of my kids are going to this year! We have the new middle school (Jr. High when I was a girl) complete, and we had open house last night! I'm loving this school. My son, T, will begin 6th grade there, so he's the "1st Class" of the new school that will go 6th - 8th, and my daughter will be the "1st Class" to graduate from the new school. It's a year of New Beginnings! I love how new beginnings make you feel! If you look, you will find there is something new every day. You may have to dig for the good, but it's worth it. You may even have to move to a new home to see the new and the good, but it is worth it!

Lamentations 3: 22-24 tells us that, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

 So as my family and I look ahead to this new chapter in our lives, I am reminded once again that the author of this story already knows how it ends, and I have to have faith in all that He is doing. I'm not going to say that it's been easy, but I take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who has gone through this kind of struggle, and I hope that I will be able to help someone else in the future.

Acts 3: 14-16,  "But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all."

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

The Road has...

lead us to a new direction in our lives. I had to go back and read my posts from a couple of weeks ago. I could not remember where I left off, and I needed to make sure that I didn't repeat myself. First let me say that I apologize for not posting last week. I did keep a running status via Facebook, but I also know that is not the same thing.

So where I left off...

We stayed at the hotel until July 9th, and then we had to say good-bye to our new friends at the Comfort Suites. I will tell you, that I enjoyed our stay there. Everyone was so gracious.
I am just so overwhelmed with gratefulness by people that I know and didn't know well who helped us out every night. Our family enjoyed many home cooked meals while we were at the hotel. I don't know if I'll ever be able to express how I feel. Loved. That is a good word to start with. Loved. We've decided that as soon as we get moved into the new home, that we are invited each person that took the time to bring us dinner to our home for a meal. We love to do this anyway, but I have a little more in mind than just a meal.

On July 4th, we took the kids to a friends for a cook out and then we went and watched the fireworks. Where we were at, we were able to see 4 different firework displays! It was really a nice break from all that was going on.

  So on the  9th we went to talk with our lawyer and try to figure out what was the best direction to go. After much counsel from friends who have been where we are, realtors, and now our lawyer, we surrendered the house. I want to say that it broke my heart, but a house is a house. My home is where my family is. I am sad that I have to walk away from the house that we've called home for almost 7 years, but we know that we cannot fix such a huge problem. I find it quite absurd to fork out $40,000 for a fix that should not exist on  a home that is less than 10 years old.

After the decision was made, I felt at peace. The hardest thing for me is having so many options and not sure which way to go (Maybe that is why I don't care to shop). Now that I have a direction, I can now focus on the task at hand and take the next step. So the next, Mike and I went house hunting. I have to say that even that was a "which way do we go" type of feeling. We knew what we were looking for, but we weren't sure if it was out there. I'm so glad that God is in control....

We found the right house to rent!! I'm so super excited! Can you tell!!!!!! Yes it was everything that I was praying about. There are many prayers and praises over this whole entire situation that I don't think that I can express them all. Anyways, the house...it's one tenth of a mile from our old house, so same neighborhood! I don't have to change school zones!!! The kids already know the other kids!!! The rent is less than what our mortgage was!!!! That is instant savings (Woo0H00 & can I get an Amen!!), and we are able to keep our personal belongings, so  I don't have to worry about buying a bunch of new things (I'm so glad about that!). And it's rent buy owner, because the owner just remarried and is not ready to sell just yet. We will be signing a one year lease, and she said that we could fence the backyard! BONUS, because we have fence already to use!!! I'm so super excited!

So, we have flooring to replace what we need to in the old house. We are slowly packing up the rooms. That is fun, because we are able to clean and find things we forgot about. All in all, we (well I) am just once again Totally Amazed at God's mercy, love and provision!

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Progress report

Very quickly on the past 10 days (I promise a better blog later in the week)

I am now 40! Yeah, that's right the BIG 4-0! I am so thankful to have made it this far! God is good.

I celebrated my 40th with a "psudo" surprise party. It was so wonderful to just have a "normal" day with all of the uncertainty that is currently our normal life.

As of today, we are still in a hotel. When Tropical Storm Debbie decided to hit us, she decided to flood (only a little, but enough) my den. Our carpet was soaked 2 feet in. So, now we not only have a homeowners claim in, but also a flood claim in.

We only have 1 bid in for the septic. It does not ease my mind when I saw the dollar amount. All I do know is that God has a MUCH bigger plan than what I can see.

So one day at a time it is. We have been so blessed by friends and family who have brought us dinner or have had us over for dinner. It has been overwhelming the neighborly love that we have been shown.

Most of all, we have become "family" to the staff of Comfort Suites. Everyone here has been just so friendly and kind and have really just gone over and above what they needed just to make us feel comfortable.

I'm sorry that this is not more detailed, but really, who needs details, when you have God on your side and you know that He has it all planned out already. He has the details, so I don't really need them. I will keep you up to date though.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Practicing what I...

confess and speak. Yes indeed. 5 days ago I wrote about being thankful for what could be deemed a "defining moment" out of a bad experience. On Father's Day my husband came home to our water (septic) lines backing up into the house (again!!)

Now of course our first reaction was to throw down some towels and call the plumber. We did that and the answer was what we suspected...the septic tank is full (again). Now mind you I just had it pumped out 3 months ago. With all the rain that we have had (like 9 inches in 11 days) our yard is not absorbing the water fast enough. So now we have a "situation".

Of course it would be easy to look at the negative, like no extra cash for the fix, or we do not have full use of our home, but I am choosing to look at this as more of an adventure that God is wanting to take me and my family on. I know that He will provide for our need. I am just waiting now to hear what that need is. Yesterday I called the county for the permit, and now I'm waiting for the inspector to come out to do a perk test, then I can call the septic people for bids.

Can I tell you that yes I'm scared? I don't know where the money is going to come from. Can I tell you that I'm frustrated? In my mind (and my own little world) I thought this would be the month that we could put some money into savings to start saving up for these types of fixes. Can I tell you that I'm worried? We are in no position to borrow money, and to be honest with you I don't want to borrow money. We are a "pay as you go" kind of family. No credit card debt and no loans out (besides the mortgage).

Despite my "Job" like feelings, I am trusting in God. Despite the feeling of fear, I am believing in the goodness that is going to come out of faith. I am reminded that I have been through worse and have not just survived but thrived, and that all glory goes to God so that others may see Him through my life.

So there it is...I'm having to practice what I speak.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

I don't wanna...

really write a blog post today. My heart is very heavy and I have a lot on my mind that I'm still trying to sort through. I'll get like this from time to time. I know that I am in good company because some of the most influential people in the world get a little heavy hearted from time to time as well.

I have been thinking a lot lately about Christ's sacrifice. A couple of days ago I watch the Passion of the Christ for the first time all the way through. It was visually hard to watch. As I made myself watch different scriptures kept coming to mind, and I began to really wonder what it must have been like to walk in the presence of Jesus for 3 years like his disciples, or to have known Jesus his whole life, like his mother, Mary. Or even to have known him for only a shorter time as Mary Magdalene did, or even to have just met Jesus like the Roman Soldier. Would I have been so affected then as I am now?

I remember being asked when I was younger if I had lived when Jesus did, if I would have been a Christ follower. I believe that my answer stands as a YES. Because God's Word says that "His Sheep know His Voice" (John 10:27) and that all that are his will be brought into the fold (John 10:16). Still I wonder what it would have been like to have seen, heard, maybe even touch Jesus while he was walking this earth. Would my heart hurt like it does now for my friends that are going through hardships? Would I be so quick tempered with my family or so quick to think I'm always right? That...I do not know.

I suppose that is part of the reason I feel so heavy in the heart today. I know that I have to change. I have a strong desire to be a better person, but I realize that I'm trying to change me (or I feel like others are trying to change me), and I'm not letting the Master do the changing. I have this want to just take a few days and be in solitude (a dream for me since I'm a mom of 3!) and just seek God and be in His presence, yet I wonder if it would do any good. Even Paul said that he struggled with what he wanted to do and what he actually did (Romans 7:15-20).

OK so there it is...what is on my mind. My friends that are going through a season of loss, my friends who are hurting for others, may family as they continue to grow, and for my friends who are lost...my heart is heavy.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

What's your job?

That is such a pointed question, isn't it? Fact of the matter is many people, when you ask them, stutter to give you an answer. So what is your job? Are you a cashier, server, banker, CEO, president, janitor? Can I tell you that none of these titles qualify your job! These are only descriptions of what you do, not who you are or what your job is.

There are 5 different definitions for the word job...

1. a piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price
2. a post of employment; full-time or part-time position
3. anything a person is expected or obliged to do; duty; responsibility
4. an affair, matter, occurrence, or state of affairs
5. the material, project, assignment, etc., being worked upon

My definition of job more relates to #3.



My job? Easy...to be the best person I can be when you meet me and to show (to the best of my ability)this dying world who Jesus Christ is, with Love (not hate), and to be sincere when I see and ask, "How are you?", and that I have the time to listen to how you are, not just the polite "I'm good". I am a people person. My job is to help you with your day, however God needs me to do that. Now, I'm not perfect at this...just ask my husband. Sometimes we get short tempered, drained, tired and we don't give our best to our family, because we have given our best throughout the rest of the day to everyone else. So it's my "job" to renew myself so I can be 100% to my family.

Renew...I love this word! It's one of my favorites. You may be asking yourself, "How do I renew?". I have found that sometimes renew means falling asleep on the couch, or just putting on a pair of headphones and listening to your favorite music. Maybe it's a relaxing shower or gardening. Can I tell you, all these are good, but they are temporary. They will not renew you like you need to be renewed. To be renewed (the way that is fulfilling) is to turn to God. Spend those moments in prayer or in His Word. The Bible is refreshing, nourishing and renewing.

Exodus 33:14, The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 12:10, "But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety."

Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."


So no matter your station in life, it is your job to encourage each other, love one another, lift each other up in times of need, and to be Jesus to the least of these.


~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

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

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

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

New beginning...

of a new week. I have had some real heavy deep thoughts over the week and wondering where it is that God is carrying me to. I feel a difference coming, but I have yet to know what it is. I have to be honest with you...I'm a bit scared to let you know these things, only because to many of you, it sounds crazy. The fact of the matter is, I can always tell when a major change in my life is about to take place.

A few things have already happened. A close friend of the family lost her brother Thursday and then her husband was rushed into emergency surgery on Sunday morning. I am praying for them both. My heart is heavy for my family too. I know that there is a change that is going to take place; however, I don't know what that is yet.

I have also had this longing in my heart to just sit and be with God. I don't feel like I have had enough time to spend in HIS presence. I did wake up early this morning to read His Word and to pray. I'm not scared of where I am going, I can just feel that the change is coming. So my heart is heavy today, as it was yesterday. The things that should be "important" to me are not important right now. There is an urgency in my heart and I must be obedient to that urgent calling.

My desire is to be the best person I can be for Christ and to honor Him with this life that He has given me. That's all I have for now.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

True Woman | I Need to Vent

I have been feeling a bit frustrated, and instead of blowing my top I decided to look up "Anger" for some wisdom and insight. I have to tell you that I am not the best when it comes to keeping my cool, and I really have a hard time with going with the flow when "My" schedule gets changed. So instead of lashing out I looked up and this is what I found. I hope it helps you too.


True Woman | I Need to Vent

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen