Consequences vs. Punishments

Josh and I were discussing the differences between consequences and punishments yesterday. It may seem like a rather odd topic to discuss (which maybe it is), but it's what came up in our conversation.

After much discussion, we came to an agreement that consequences are "natural" results that come from an action. Punishments are deliberate or intentional "disciplinary" actions that come because of something you have done.

To give an example... a man robs a house and gets caught. The punishment is jail time and a criminal record. The consequences are that he won't be able to get a job as easily and will experience general distrust from people.

It was an interesting discussion to say the least. In fact, it was so interesting that I threw it out there for opinions from my Facebook friends and got some more input.

So, what are your thoughts on consequences vs. punishments? How are they differentiated?

- Jenn

What's Going On?

You may wonder what has been going on in my life (or maybe you don't really care to know). Either way I figure I'll share some of the highlights....

• I quit my job. Yes, you heard me right. I gave my two week notice near the middle of July and my last day of work was July 29th. There was a lot going on in life, both inside and outside of the workplace, and Josh and I felt that this was the best decision for our family. It was definitely a very difficult decision, but one that needed to be made. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't miss it - because I truly do each and every day. But, I did quit and now I'm beginning a new leg of my journey in life (even though I'm not sure exactly what that is).


• My sister got married on August 6th. She and Brandon had a beautiful, little outdoor ceremony at a local campground. Despite the fact that it was a rainy day, it was still beautiful. I'm so happy for the both of them and their little family and happy to have another brother added into our family!


• Josh and I just celebrated our third anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for three years, but it's the truth. It's been a wonderful three years together though! We went away for two days to the beach and had a great time (beautiful weather too). I'm so grateful for a wonderful, loving husband and am looking forward to spending many more years with him!


• Josh and I also added onto our family at the end of May. No, there weren't any babies born that you didn't hear about. We got another cat - well a kitten to be exact. My cousin found him and didn't have anyone to take him so we volunteered. We named him Minion. He's about 16 weeks old currently and is a giant ball of energy. Our other cat, Titan, has slowly gotten used to him. I think they've finally come to terms with each other and actually love laying around together now.
  

Well, not much else that I can think of to write. Hopefully I'll be writing more often now (although I'm not making any promises).

- Jenn

Honoring Those Who Gave All

On Memorial Day, we take the time to pay tribute to the men and women who gave everything they had, the ultimate sacrifice - their life - to ensure that our country could be free. It's certainly a privilege to live in this great country and to have the freedoms that we oftentimes take for granted. I am truly thankful for those men and women who fought on behalf of me, who left their families and friends to go to a foreign country and combat the enemy, who gave their life for me and my country. There's no words to express my gratitude to them. So in lieu of any fancy words, I would just like to say a simple "thank you" to them for all they gave. We will never forget them or the ultimate sacrifice they gave for our country and the citizens of it!



- Jenn

Little Hands, Little Feet, Little Hearts...Little Lives

Little hands. Little Feet. Little hearts.

These are three of the biggest things that I deal with on a daily basis at work.

Little hands that push and shove. Little hands that give hugs and high fives. Little hands that touch my face while saying "I love you Jenn". Little hands that draw pictures and paint artwork.

Little feet that run around. Little feet that climb up ladders and on chairs. Little feet that occasionally kick. Little feet that dance.

Little hearts that are so full of love. Little hearts that are eager to be filled with love. Little hearts that are so tender and moldable.

Oftentimes I take these "little things" for granted. Often times I focus on the negative aspects of these little things- the pushing and shoving, the kicking and running. I've been thinking about how I need to not take these "little things" for granted and how I need to look for the positive each day. Each of these "little things" belongs to a little person - a little person who is longing for love, commitment, and dedication. I need to focus in on each of these "little people" individually and invest in their lives individually. I need to show them how much I care and how much I love them.

It's so hard to stay positive in a fast paced, high stress job that's full of challenges. But that's my goal. I want to be positive for these children, for these little lives. I want them to know that I love them and care about them. I want them to know that I am there for them. So, that's my new goal for myself. I want to stay positive and enjoy the "little things". I want to invest in little lives every day in hopes that one day they'll make a BIG impact because of something they've learned now.

- Jenn

In God's Time

I heard this song on the radio tonight and couldn't help but cry a little. It's what I needed to hear. It's so hard to wait on His timing, but I know He has a plan for my life and that His plan is best. Anyways, listen to the song. I hope it touches someone else too...



- Jenn

Mighty Is The Power Of The Cross

A friend of mine shared this song today on Facebook and I was really touched by it. I figured I'd share it with you and hopefully it'll bless someone else as well.



It's so amazing...the power of the cross! Right in the middle of this Easter season, I can't help but be so incredibly thankful for the power of the cross and for the sacrifice that Jesus made on it for me - for lowly me. I'm eternally thankful for all that He's done for me and for the power of the cross!

Happy Easter! And don't forget the real meaning of this season - the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior so that you and I can have our sins forgiven and spend eternity in Heaven one day.

- Jenn

Dreams

Dreams... what is your biggest dream in life? What do you hope that you'll do before you die?

I know what my biggest dream is. I've had this dream ever since I was a little girl. My dream is to be a wife and a mom. I know; I have the first part covered. For that I am truly thankful. I'm so incredibly thankful that God blessed me with the man of my dreams...a man who I can do anything and everything with and a man who I can dream about the future with.

The second part of my dream is what I am waiting on. Right now I am just waiting on God for it. It's not easy to wait for his timing...not easy at all. When you've dreamed of something for years on end, it's so ahrd to sit back and wait for it to happen. Waiting...I think it's the hardest seven letter word in life.

So, what's your dream? What do you hope to accomplish on this earth before you die?

- Jenn

It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile...a long, long while. I guess I'm not so good at the whole blogging thing. Or maybe I'm just not disciplined at taking time to write. I do really enjoy writing though. I guess it's just a matter of putting aside the time to actually do it.

Anyways, life has been busy and sometimes chaotic. I've been keeping myself rather busy at work. Between the normal hours, trainings, and preparing materials and lessons it takes up a lot of time. I do love my job though. I love the children that are in my class (and many who have moved up out of my class). I love seeing them learn and grow everyday. I also like the trainings I go to most of the time. It's nice to continue learning. It kind of reminds me of college all over again (and sometimes makes me regret that I didn't appreciate college as much when I was in it).

I've also been keeping busy at home and with family and friends. Often times I feel like I don't get as much done at home as I would like. I feel like my house is always a mess and I'm always trying to keep my head above water as far as getting things done around the house that need done. It can be slightly stressful at times, but somehow it always gets done (or at least the important things get done). I also feel like I don't get to spend as much time with people as I would like, especially Josh. It seems like life gets so busy sometimes that there's not enough time in the day to see the people who are most important to me. I guess that's something I need to work on (as far as re-prioritizing things).

Anyways, that's mainly what's been going on in life. Now very exciting - I know. But, as has been said a million times before on here, I'll try to update more often. No promises though, but I will try. Leave me a comment if you read this so that I know at least someone is still reading. Otherwise, take care.

- Jenn

They Stand

LOVE this song! It's such a great tribute to our men and women who are willing to STAND up for our freedom!

- Jenn

Happy New Year

Even though it's three days late, I'd like to wish everyone a happy new year! Praying that the adventures that lie ahead in the new year are wonderful and full of blessings. Looking forward to seeing what 2011 brings for each and every one of us!

Have you made a new years resolution? And have you picked a Bible verse to cling to this coming year? If you have, what are they? Care to share? I'll share mine in an upcoming post. For now though, PLEASE SHARE YOURS!

- Jenn