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

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