Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2013

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

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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

Friday, April 22, 2011

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

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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

Saturday, April 9, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Guess What?!?

Hello blog world! Guess what?!?!?

I'M STILL ALIVE!!!

I know you may not believe it and you may have thought that I dropped off the face of the earth, but I haven't. Life's just been extremely busy, sometimes busier than I'd like it to be. Between working full time, moving at the beginning of November, taking care of the house, spending time with my husband and family and friends, Thanksgiving and Christmas life's been pretty chaotic and I've completely neglected this blog. I decided today that I'd write a quick post just to say hi and let you all know that I haven't completely forgotten this. I'll try to blog more, but I'm not promising anything.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as you celebrated the birth of our Savior! Have a great night and take care!

- Jenn

Friday, October 1, 2010

Lots of Happenings

There's been lots of things happening here in PA. I'll make a quick list of a few of them...

- I GOT A JOB!!! I went for an interview at a childcare center on Tuesday and was offered a position that day. I, of course, accepted the position. I started training on Wednesday and trained for 2 days. Today was my first day with the children and I loved it. Monday will be my first time all alone with the children in my class for a full day. I am working with 6 darling one year olds. They're absolutely precious! I'm excited to see how things go and excited to see them learn and grow.

- We've been apartment searching for a few weeks now. We've found several apartments that are and/or were possibilities. We went and saw one last night that we both really love. We submitted the application for it so we'll see what happens. We're praying we'll find one soon, especially since the 31st is our last day in this apartment. I'm definitely excited to find a new place!

- I started teaching Sunday School at our church a few weeks ago (at the beginning of September). It's been a lot of fun and I'm enjoying having an avenue of ministry in our church. I definitely love the kids there too!

- Josh has been keeping busy with work, the Marines, and helping out at the house and calling prospective apartments. He has a lot of things to keep him busy at work. I really appreciate how hard he works, both at work and at home! I'm thankful for the blessing of a wonderful husband.

So, those are some of the happenings here. As you can see, there's lots of new adventures and lots of exciting things happening. It's great to see how God provides opportunities and opens doors. I'm so thankful for the doors He's opened already. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how things are going with all of this.

- Jenn

Thursday, September 23, 2010

You're Beautiful

I heard this song today and absolutely loved it! Thought I'd share it with you all too :)



What do you think of it?

- Jenn

Friday, September 17, 2010

This Week's Events

A lot has happened this week. This past weekend (the 11th and 12th) was a busy one. On Friday night we went to Allentown because Josh had drill on Saturday. We got to stay in a hotel that night, which was nice to get away. Saturday, as I said, Josh had drill. He was up bright and early to do his Combat Fitness Test (CFT). I slept in. By the time the CFT was over, it was afternoon. We headed out to a park to enjoy his unit's annual Family Day. It was a gorgeous day outside and a really nice family day. It was definitely the best one I've been to.


Here's Josh after Family Day



After Family Day, we headed up to my parents' house for the rest of the weekend. On Sunday we celebrated my nephew's second birthday. It's so hard to believe that he's already 2 years old!


His 3D Thomas cake



Playing with the train table that we got him for his birthday


On Sunday night we headed home after a busy, but nice weekend. Then the week happened. Both Josh and I worked most of the week (of course he worked more than I did). Also, during this week (after a series of events) we decided that we're going to be looking for a new place to live. We can't stay here much longer than we need to now. So, we're officially apartment hunting (which I've found out isn't very fun). Hopefully we'll find one very soon.

Besides what I've mentioned, there's not much else happening here. It's been a long, busy week and I'm sure glad that it's the weekend! Hopefully it'll be a relaxing one.

- Jenn

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Our Life

Since it's been well over a month since I posted last, I figured I would update with a post about what's been going on in our life...

- It's hard to believe that today is September 1st! It seems like it was just May and we were preparing for summer. Now summer is pretty much gone. Kids are going back to school and the weather is cooling down (well a little bit). It's crazy how fast time goes by!

- Speaking of going back to school, I didn't get a full time teaching job for this year. That means I'll be substituting this year. I'll also be working on my resume and cover letter, trying to make it better as I apply for new jobs as they are posted. I actually don't mind subbing though. I kind of like the adventure and the unpredicatability of it. So it should be an interesting year.

- Josh was gone for over a month of the summer. In June he had his normal Annual Training with the Marines and was gone for 2 weeks. In August he was involved with another training exercise and was gone for 17 days. To say I missed him would be an understatement. I missed him more than I could have imagined! But, now he's home which of course makes me happy. Hopefully he won't have any more long training exercises in the near future.

- We celebrated our second anniversary in early August (right before Josh went away). It's hard to believe that it's been over two years already since I married my best friend! I do have to say that each day is better than the last and I fall more and more in love with my husband every day. It's great to be able to spend my life with my best friend. And, although there are challenges and trials, it's great to know that we have each other to go through them together. I'm looking forward to many more years with him!

- We went away for a little weekend away earlier in the summer. It was actually over the 4th of July weekend. Of course, with our luck, we both were sick with pretty nasty colds over the weekend, but that didn't stop us from enjoying our time with each other. We didn't go far from home. We actually just went to Allentown. We went to the drive-ins together and out to dinner on Saturday. On that Sunday we went to Dorney Park. Josh actually got in free because he was military, so that was nice. The park was definitely interesting, but we still had fun there. Then on Monday we just hung out and then headed home. It was a relaxing weekend and was our early anniversary getaway, since we knew we couldn't get away on our actual anniversary.

I can't think of anything else to write about from this past summer. I'm sure I'll think of more later. Hopefully you all enjoyed your summer as well and are enjoying the cooler weather!

- Jenn

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

How Quickly Time Flies!

It's amazing how quickly time flies! I remember, as a kid, time seemed like it lasted forever. A year actually went by slowly. When Christmas was over one year, it seemed like an eternity until the next Christmas came. Now it seems like I just close my eyes, blink, and another year has flown by. Lately, time has been flying even faster. It's so hard to believe it's already the middle of the summer. Before we know it, school will be starting up again! It's also hard to believe that...


- My niece just turned 6 years old last month. It seems like just yesterday that she was born!

- My nephew will be turning 2 in just two months. Again, it seems like just yesterday that we were in the hospital seeing him for the first time!

- In less than 5 months I'll have another niece or nephew (due date is December 7th). It seems like we just found out the exciting news, yet my sister's already over half way through her pregnancy!

- In less than a month Josh and I will be celebrating our second anniversary. It's crazy that we've already been married for two whole years! It seems like we were just saying "I do".

- I've been out of college for seven months already. It seems like I just walked across the stage.

- My husband's EAS (End of Active Service) in the Marine Corps is in just 6 months. It seems like we were just talking about how he was halfway done with his contract, and now he's almost done with it!


Anyways, those are some of the things that have just struck me recently and made me think about how quickly time flies by! It makes me treasure each second even more, knowing that time passes so quickly. I guess as I've gotten older I've begun to realize the value that time has. I'm working on really making the most of each moment in life, knowing that soon I'll be looking back and saying "Wow, it's already been 5 years since that happened. I can't believe how quickly time flies!" and also knowing that as each second passes, it's a second that we can never get back...

- Jenn

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Encouraged

I was encouraged today by Candace Cameron Bure's (D.J. from "Full House") testimony and thought I'd share it with you. I hope you're encouraged by it as well!



- Jenn

Monday, June 7, 2010

The Journey...

This song spoke to me today. The journey is often long and hard, but He's always with us and goes before us. We are NEVER alone. That's so comforting to know...



- Jenn