My Prayer

In the book of 1 Chronicles, a man is introduced. That man's name is Jabez. The name Jabez is only mentioned one other time in the Bible. In that particular instance, the name is referring to a location and not a person.

Jabez was obviously introduced for a reason, considering that everything in the Bible is introduced for a reason. In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, it says " Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez,saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested."

This is a very short and simple prayer, but very meaningful. Jabez starts off by asking God to bless him. This isn't a selfish request. He's not asking for God to bless him so that he could boast in what he has or so that he can build himself up. He then asks for God to be with him and to keep him from evil. He recognizes that he needs God's help and protection.

We studied this prayer last night in midweek service at church. One thing that hit my was the simplicity of the prayer. Jabez didn't use fancy words and ramble on and on. His prayer was simple and to the point. I think sometimes I try to impress others while I pray, but that shouldn't be. My prayers need to be pure and simple, directed to God and God alone. Another thing that hit me was his unselfishness in his prayer. He didn't ask for money, land, or anything else selfishly. He asked that God would bless him so that he could be a blessing to others.

This prayer is now my prayer. I pray that I can be as unselfish and reliant upon God as Jabez.

- Jenn

Comfort Zones

Every individual has their own comfort zone. For some, theirs is large. For others, theirs is small. Personally, I have a smaller comfort zone. I like talking to people I know, going places that I'm familiar with, doing things that I'm used to, etc. I don't like venturing outside of my comfortable area very often.

I've seen recently that this can be a bad thing for me. I stick with the same people and build relationships - which is a good thing. However, I don't welcome new people in very easily. I do things that I'm used to, which is also a good thing. However, I don't branch out and try new things very much.

I've decided that it's time to get out of my comfort zone a little bit. I'm going to try to talk to at least one new person every week - whether it's a neighbor, the cashier at the grocery store, someone at church, or someone I meet along the way. This is one way that I can minister to others. I'm also going to try to find "uncomfortable situations" to put myself into. That might involve something as simple as going to a store that I'm not used to or doing an activity that I normally wouldn't do.

It may seem weird, but I've decided that I want to stretch myself a little and get out of my comfortable little bubble more often. I think this will help me grow personally and it may very well open up new opportunities that I never would have known of otherwise.

- Jenn

New Year, New Beginnings

We just celebrated the ending of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. With this new year comes new beginnings. For some, it may be just making a new years' resolution to change some aspect of their lives. For others it may be more serious changes - a new house, a baby on the way, a move cross country, or one of many other possibilities.

This year, as in years past, I have decided to make a new years' resolution. Of course, it's easy to make the resolution. The hard part is keeping it. I think one of the hardest parts of keeping it is the lack of accountability. It's easy to say you'll do something, but then when no one holds you accountable (including yourself), it's a lot easier to break it.

So, as one way of accountability, I decided to write down what my new years' resolutions are. I'll be writing them here and then it's viewable to the public and I have it to look back on to know how I'm doing.

First, I'm going to begin eating better and exercising more. I know that I need to get healthier - as my doctor has told me. So, I've decided to cut back on calories and fats. I'll also be focusing a lot on not eating as much red meats, white pastas,high fat dairy products, and junk foods. I'll be increasing fruits and vegetables, fibers, and drinking more water. I'll also be trying to exercise for at least 30 minutes 3-5 times a week. This may just be walking around the neighborhood or doing the Wii Fit, but it's better than what I have been doing.

Second, I'm going to make sure that I'm reading my Bible every day. I know how important this is, but often times I put it off and neglect it. I have a devotional Bible that I'll be using for this. I want to, and I need to, spend more time studying His Word.

Third, I'm going to strive to be a better wife to my husband. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I've been a horrible wife. I just know that everyone can stand to improve. I'm going to try to be more encouraging, do more around the house, be more respectful, and love him even more than I have before.

Last but not least, I'm going to try to update this blog more. I've realized how much I miss writing on it so I've decided to come back to it. Hopefully I do better this time than last. I also am working on another blog project that I'll hopefully be introducing soon.

So, those are my new years' resolutions. Did you make a resolution this year? If so, what is it?

- Jenn

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

As the song says, "it's the most wonderful time of the year". It seems that right around Christmas, people who are usually miserable have a little bit of joy in their lives.

You wonder why they have that joy. Do they know the real meaning of Christmas and are filled with joy because of it? Or are they just more joyful because everyone else around them is?

It's great to know the real meaning of Christmas - the only source of true joy in the whole world. It's great to know that God sent His Son down to earth as a newborn baby. He was born in a manger. He came here to die for my sins and your sins. He came to earth KNOWING what was ahead of him - that one day He would suffer and die a horrible death for sins that He didn't commit.

If that isn't a source of joy, then what is?

So, this Christmas, celebrate the true source of joy - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Make this truly the most wonderful time of the year by accepting His free gift that He offers to each of us - the gift of salvation.

I'm happy to say that this really is the most wonderful time of the year - only because I know Jesus as my Savior.

- Jenn

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