smile...it's a beautiful day! :)

starting anew...

2011-01-18T09:13:00.001-08:00

so, i was reading an article about accountability and since i'm in the mindset of weight loss, healthy living and transitioning into a gluten-free lifestyle i thought this might be a good outlet to vent, share, etc. throughout this journey...

so i begin today with a prescription to a sparrow weight management program, not sure how long it will take to begin the program and with our 10 yr anniversary cruise coming up, i am a little nervous how this will all play out.

i am on a 3 week break from class, so the stress should not hinder the beginning of a program...

i have been earnestly trying a G-F diet and have learned it is time to learn more about the ingredients i need to stay away from rather then just the wheat flours...i notice a BIG difference as i consume foods and the way i feel physically...this journey is tough, but my doctor and i fully believe it is what my body needs at this point in order to fend off some of the many health problems that i currently face as well as those that are on the near horizon if i do not make some significant changes!!!

now is where i ask "WHY!?" "Why me Lord!?" "Why am I not allowed to enjoy 'normal' food like the rest of the world!?" "Ugh!" :(

this is what i'm learning...my faith is lacking and so is my self control! i have been struggling w/ being still and letting go for some time now and i believe this is a lesson that God wants me to begin learning and this is the first step...letting go and letting God!

so here God goes...

stay tuned for my progress...

in 1.5 wks i have lost a total of 4 lbs!!!

my DREAM goal is 75 lbs, my 'happy place' goal is 60 lbs

Interesting...

2009-10-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

from http://www.unlessthelordmagazine.com/articles/Church%20w%20Family%20Only.htm

Reasons for a Local Church
A key part of the evangelism efforts of the apostles was the formation of local assemblies of believers. The work of evangelism was not complete when people came to Christ, nor when they had sat under an apostle's teaching for 6 months. The job was not done until there was a functioning local body of believers that could perpetuate itself. This assembly served the purposes of: maintaining unity, maintaining correct doctrine, evangelizing unbelievers, discipling new believers, and correcting those who strayed. It also offered a family of believers from which to receive love, encouragement and practical assistance. The church was to be the main vehicle for Christian growth and for serving God together.

Many churches do not perform these functions well. They become social clubs with little true spiritual encouragement. The Sunday gathering is mostly just sitting in a pew, passively listening to one man preach or teach (who may or may not have much to say). For children, church often becomes the place for doing crafts, listening to Bible stories and playing with other children. With many churches, the whole focus becomes growth for growth's sake. More members mean more boasting rights, more money for pastors and staff and larger and more beautiful facilities. Growth is encouraged with recreation facilities and endless varieties of programs, classes, and church sports. Though many churches have many failings, is that sufficient reason for us to abandon church altogether? Did Jesus make a mistake in deciding to use churches for the building up and spreading of the kingdom of God?

what am i doing!?

2009-03-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways," declares the Lord.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV)

in a funk...

2009-02-13T00:32:00.000-08:00

I'm in a funk, in a funk, in a funk...

I cannot do anything on my own strength...

I am seeking Him, but currently in a funk, waiting...

I would like an audible answer, please!?

how many kings...

2009-02-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Our HOME Group has been reading through the book of Phillipians over the past couple months and we've had some really great discussion. I just LOVE it when our scripture readings match up with our Sunday morning gatherings...God is cool like that, isn't He!?

The verses that struck us the most this past month were:

Phillipians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, bring made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that as the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

It goes along with the lyrics of one of my favorite songs...

by Downhere

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me.

These verse and lyrics came up again today during our Staff meeting devos (this week led by Jim Rathbun) Funny how God puts the things in our heads and hearts for specific times...on repeat mode...trying to sink it into our thick skulls! (at least I know mine is THICK!) ;)

Anyway, my thought keeps coming back to verse 5...

my attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus

and his was one of humilty...He was God and is God and always will be.

Yes, I am His child, but I am nothing in comparison and yet I do things w/ an attitude of selfishness...who am I to act that way and say the things and think the things that I do?

Father, help me...

May I live my life in obedience to you...may I have the attitude of Jesus in my heart everyday! May I put Christ Jesus at the forefront of my days and ask His direction in everything I do...

You stepped down from your throne and loved on EVERYone w/o an attitude of self righteousness...help me to strive after your heart and bring that love into the lives of others.

In Jesus Name...

interesting figures...

2009-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

...pretty darn interesting and shameful!!!

BREAKDOWN OF INCOME & TAXES PAID BY CATEGORY

Income Category 2006 AGI % OF ALL INCOME % OF INCOME TAXES PAID

Top 1% >$388,806 22% 37%

Top 5% >$153,542 37% 57%

Top 10% >$108,904 47% 68%

Top 25% >$64,702 66% 85%

Top 50% >$31,987 87% 97%

bottom50% <$31,988 13% 3%

Data Taken From Kiplinger.com 1/27/2009

put a new song in my mouth...

2009-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Today's morning devotional was my life verse...

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." Psalm 40:2-3

Mercy is when we don't get what we deserve.

Justice is when we get what we do deserve.

Grace is when we get what we do NOT deserve.

Thank you Jesus for your grace...

New President...New Start?

2009-01-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

Wow...as I watched and listened to the inauguration on cnn.com and on the radio, I was amazed. I don't know or at least remember another one quite like it.

The invocation delivered by Rick Warren was amazing...He was asked to think about taking "Jesus Christ" out of the prayer and he didn't. Instead, Rick Warren chose to use multiple names in closing his prayer...Jesus Christ, Jeshua, etc. Some believe that he spoke on unity instead of focusing on the Christian-way. I took it in a different light...I believe that Rick Warren is a mighty man of God. I thank him for delivering the prayer in the way that he did on Tuesday. I think he was praying for unity among our American brothers and sisters in the fight for bettering our country and our world...and he did so in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ's name...AMEN to that brother Warren.

And for those who think he shied away from the whole gay rights thing...I'm ashamed! I read somewhere online that the quote, "He (God) is loving to everyone He has made" was being thought to include homosexuals and abortionists...well DUH!!! God DID create everything and everyone and YES He DOES love everything and everyone that He created...including sinners!!! FYI...we are ALL sinners!

I am thankful that created me in His image and I believe that His image would be thankful for President Obama's choice in Rick Warren leading the invocation in His name. I also believe that God has BIG plans for President Obama, his cabinet, this country, this world, and His people!

Let's always focus on Jesus Christ as our example...He was sent to provide us with a "Dumbie Guide" for how to live our lives...afterall we are dumbies compared to Him, right!?

LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS!!!

I am proud of our new administration and look forward with great hope...and YES we should pray for our leaders...both democratic and republican the same...for we have ALL fallen short of His glory.

throwing away the key to lies...

2009-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Back to school...Spring 2009 is in full swing! :)

As I opened my online course information for my World Civilization to 1600, I began to realize that this would be a long semester course for me. I'm not much of a history buff...especially ancient history! (However, Greg eats this stuff up...he's a nerd about history.) Anyways, as I read through my course syllabus and requirements, I noticed that there will be much discussion on the history of religion. My professor is of Middle Eastern descent and is a practicing Muslim. I read on and discovered that much of our semester learning will be on Globalization and Universalism...two things that God's word warns us about!!! I began to struggle with the thought of taking this course vs. dropping it due to its content...

I finished by printing off the 1st month's worth of readings and assignments and went on with my morning routine...well kinda routine, Micah doesn't go back to school until Wednesday! ;)

So, on with my "routine"...next up, my morning devotional led online by "Girlfriends in God."

The verse of the day = "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

WOW! I just LOVE how God knows our days and our "routines" before they even take place! He knew that I was going to struggle with the thought of pursuing this class and He knew that I needed a reminder of His word...

I have prayed through my morning devo and have prayed over my textbook and course syllabus and I am pursuing this course for Spring 2009 with God's help and strength and wisdom and TRUTH, I will complete this course and cling to His word! (who knows, maybe God will allow my discussion forums to breathe His truth into this course and into our professor's life.)

I have placed this verse in my book and also in my folder for this class...as a reminder that His word is TRUE and this class is only a small requirement for my schooling. I pray that this semester will be an area of learned lessons...of taking each thought captive and making it true to Christ!

And I say it again...

I WILL... demolish arguments and every petition that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

can't you smell that smell...

2008-09-03T19:16:00.001-07:00

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrances of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those tho are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life." (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a)

WOW, the devo this morning used the analogy of spilled milk and the sour smell it leaves for days...sometimes weeks! Thinking about that all-to-well-known of a stench...and then thinking about how a negative attitude STINKS up a storm that can last or at least make an impression that could last up to a lifetime...WOW! Father, I know that I can have a pretty NASTY attitude at times and I NEVER want to leave a stench when I leave a room or end a conversation!!! Father, I pray that you create in me a clean/pure heart that portrays a sweet smelling aroma to others. May I be the fragrance of life to my family, friends, fellow students, stranger at the grocery store, and beyond! In Jesus' sweet smelling name I pray...Amen! :)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)

good heart = good tongue...

2008-08-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

today's verse:

"We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong." James 3:3-4

In a small country church, an altar boy who was serving the priest at Sunday mass accidentally dropped the glass of wine. The priest struck the boy and shouted, "Get out and don't come back!" That boy became Tito, the COmmunist leader. In another cathedral, an altar boy who was serving the bishop at Sunday mass, accidentally dropped the glass of wine. WIth a warm twinkle in his eyes, the bishop gently whispered, "Someday you will be a priest." That boy grew up to become Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

(THE ABOVE TAKEN FROM WWW.GIRLFRIENDSINGOD.COM)

This lesson is so powerful to me as a mother & wife. There are many times that my words are not positive to my kids or to my husband. I am ashamed at some of the things that come from my mouth. I think my heart is right, but I also know that I am a selfish person...so when I'm not busy with what I want to do, my words are positive and encouraging to my kids. However, when I'm busy with a task or schoolwork, or even a silly little email, I do not choose to have the patience or desire to put my kids first. Father, I pray today I start being intentional about my priorities. I pray that my heart for You be apparent in my words to my husband and my children. Father, I want to be like you and I want my children to feel Your love every time my mouth is open...even in times of discipline, may they know and feel my love and more importantly Your perfect love for them. Thank you in advance, God, for giving me the patience and positive words that you desire for my family. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Matthew 12:34-35 says... "The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart. Good people have good things in their hearts, and so they good things. But evil people have evil in their hearts, so they say evil things."

These verses scare me today as I think back and see how my words have been changing. I am embarrassed to think and reflect on the foolish words that I have spoken recently. Father, I ask your forgiveness today for the things I do and say that displease you. I am foolish at times and pray for a better day when my words are encouraging and powerful rather than degrading and destructive. I also pray that my attitude in speech is more positive as well. When I speak to my husband, Lord I pray that my tone and my heart are full of love and grace! In Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Thank you God for allowing me the freedom to speak and type what's on my heart. I LOVE you and want to be more like your Perfect Son, Jesus! :)

contentment...

2008-08-20T17:15:00.001-07:00

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." = 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19 NIV

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." - 2 Peter 1:3 NIV

Dear Father, forgive me when I act like a child and want more. Forgive me when I go from "I want" to "God wants me to have" in the blink of an eye. I know You desire me to have a thankful heart - a contented heart that wants only one thing...more of You. I say with the Psalmist, "The Lord is my Shepherd. I have everything I need." In Jesus' precious Name, AMEN!

www.girlfriendsingod.com

love God & love others...

2008-08-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

so, as i was reading my morning devotional (www.girlfriendsingod.com), it reminded me of a news show i saw a few months back about the good samaritan : www.abcnews.go.com/Primetime/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=4420829&page=1

1 Thessalonians 5:14 "We ask you, brothers and sisters, encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone."

It seems that we are encountered with special needs each and every day...however, we are not always aware of these needs because we are sometimes too focused on ourselves and our busy schedules. It is our relationship with God that determines our love for others and our compassion for other's needs.

There are 2 main reasons we are blinded by the needs that pass us on the streets each day...

#1) We are too busy (read Hebrews 13:2)

#2) We do NOT care enough (read 1 John 4:8 and 1 John 4-20)

Bringing me back to The Good Samaritan story...

The Samaritan had a choice, just like we have a choice every time we are confronted w/ a need. The way we love and take care of one another should be a living illustration of God's love.

Father, please forgive me for my calloused attitude toward those in need around me. Forgive me for making my Day Timer my Bible. I don NOT want to be a hypocrite, Lord. Give me a heart of compassion and the eyes to see those You send my way. I pray that my life will exemplify Your love and mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

running in circles...

2008-08-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

(idea taken from www.girlfriendsingod.com)

Do you ever feel as if you are going in circles spiritually? Do you feel as if you are going through the same struggles repeatedly?

I have 2 specific "struggle circles" that I repeat over and over again...

(and NO neither one is drinking!!! ...just wanted to make that CLEAR!) ;)

It is becoming a bit frustrating not reach victory over these areas of my life.

And I continue to wonder why???

We aren't the only ones going in circles. God had the Israelites going in circles for 40 years in the wilderness. Why? He was waiting for them to be obedient.

God help me to be obedient...I understand why you gave us free will, but sometimes I wish I didn't have that will as an option...It just makes things that much harder to choose You! Help me to have self control in my "struggle circles" of life. And I thank you, in advance, for the victory You already have planned in my life! :)

Dear Lord, so many times, I see myself as an untrained horse. I bolt to what is familiar rather than submit to Your lead. Help me to follow Your lead, submit to your guidance, and walk in tandem with Your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE: "Submit yourselves, then, to God." JAMES 4:7

today's truth...

2008-08-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Today's truth:

"However, anyone who does not love does not know God...for God is LOVE. God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away or sins." 1 John 4:8-10

God, thank you for teaching me to sacrifice my fleshly desires, being negative & critical of my church family. Thank you for teaching me unconditional love through it all...

I want to be LOVE just as Jesus was...

spreading light throughout the earth...

it's been a long while...

2008-08-12T06:55:00.001-07:00

Oh My...

I can't believe it's been 8+ months since my last blog entry...I look at that picture and think...

"That doesn't even look like me anymore!" "AHHHHHH!"

(I've chopped my hair and gained about 25 lbs. or so.)

In the past several months a LOT has happened besides physical change...

I finished my 1st FULL year back to college since the 90s! (OUCH, I'm old!)

I turned 30! (double whammy w/ the 'oldness' factor!) ;)

Greg threw me a surprise party! (i LOVE him!)

I accepted a PT job to begin in September! (YEAH!)

Our family has taken several vacations/roadtrips! (memories that will last a lifetime!)

And I have enjoyed my 1st ENTIRE summer as a stay at home Mom! (priceless!)

Spiritually,

I have learned a LOT! Maybe not what I expected to learn in terms of scripture and godly wisdom, but nonetheless it's been a good lesson...a simple lesson.

I'm not one to hold a grudge...I think I'm a pretty loving and forgiving person overall.

However, in a year of church transition God pointed out something HUGE!!!

I LOVE my church and have always felt it was my extended family...until I felt hurt and threatened by certain words and actions I witnessed. I then became embarrassed and unsure of my LOVE for this church I once called, "Family."

There were times I wanted to just GIVE UP and stop going.

There were times when I wanted to give everyone a piece of my mind. (Greg got more than he bargained for with me!)

BUT, God was NEVER calling me (or my family) to leave the church, He never told me to speak "my mind."

Instead He used me to calm a storm that enraged my soul.

He used me in other's lives who were feeling some of the same hurts and transitional pains.

He taught me what it truly means to know & be unconditional LOVE.

He reminded me of the power of prayer and a positive attitude!

I am thankful to serve an AMAZING God who unconditionally LOVES me, even in my darkness. Yet, He continues to use me...I don't know why...I feel so inadequate on so many different levels, yet He continues to use me. I pray that I continue to follow His lead in my life and that He will lead me onward to a better life filled w/ unconditional love.

p.s. God has even worked on restoring a broken relationship in my life...something I never thought was possible...THANK YOU Father for teaching me.

I pray that as I prepare for another semester back in school and a new PT position, that I am constantly reminded of the importance of keeping you 1st in my days. I LOVE you and Praise you for all that you are...merciful, powerful, and full of grace! In Jesus name, AMEN!

not only is he a professional scuba diver, he's a news anchor as well!

2007-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

gotta love my husband...the goofball and his 'other' wife, scott christopher...
check out their new venture as news anchors for "the sunday morning update"

http://scottfergu.wordpress.com/

pictures make me smile! :)

2007-12-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

okay, i just received some pics from our girls trip to nashville...oh what fun we had! i can't wait til our next visit...here are a few photos...enjoy!

seven years & still in love...

2007-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

today is our 7 year anniversary! we feel so thankful for the past 7 years we've shared...both the good times and the not so good...we have grown sooo much in our love towards God, our love towards each other, and beyond!!! God has blessed our marriage more than I would have ever imagined!!! i hope and pray that more people in this world would know the love that we share! We chose to love each other 7+ years ago...and there were days that were hard to keep the joy & passion, however...I am thankful that God chose to love us first and that Greg chooses to love me more & more every day...I'm a SUPER blessed girl and I LOVE my 'professional scuba diver' more than anyone (but God) will ever know! :)

Greg and I have a tradition of 'taking turns' in planning our anniversary celebration. This year was Greg's turn...he did an AMAZING job!!! With gas prices outrageously HIGH and limited time to be away without the kiddos, he planned a romantic getaway to The Kellogg Center in EL...we had a WONDERFUL dinner at The State Room, then chocolates/strawberries and a FREE movie in our room...then another amazing meal...breakfast at the State Room before heading out to do some Christmas shopping...oh the sacrifices he makes for me! Shopping among a million other holiday shoppers...I love to Shop...Greg does NOT, but on our anniversary weekend he went along w/ me anyways...what a sweetheart! ;)

It was a GREAT weekend celebrating 7 years!!! I'm looking forward to planning our 8 year celebration next year! :)

be loved & be love,
:)
1 Corinthains 13:13

merry christmas...

2007-11-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

Brennan Manning, in The Ragamuffin Gospel explains, "To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side, I learn who I am and what God's grace means.

May we all be able to experience the JOY & PEACE God has for us this Christmas season. Grace is the BEST gift of ALL and my prayer is that we can acknowledge our darkside, our pasts, but embrace our new life in Christ and be able to smile in joy and peace! Grace was gifted at the cross...may we celebrate the life of Jesus, who brought us this gift as we celebrate His birth this Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to YOU!
be filled w/ peace...

let freedom ring...

2007-10-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Forgiveness provides freshness and beauty in our lives. I know how it feels to live a life in bondage. For years after making poor choices, I felt that God had frogiven me for those wrongs, however God's fullness of peace had yet to encompass me...I hadn't been able to forgive myself!

As a woman, I believe that this is the most difficult step in forgiveness...it's the 2nd part of 1 John 1:9...it's mush easier for us to..."confess our sins and receive forgiveness from he who is faithful and just" However, when do we truly receive the purification from all unrighteousness??? When does that FREEDOM set in??? I belive it's when we allow the Holy Spirit to move within our hearts...when we stop believing Satan's lies. When we truly forgive ourselves, that's when the peace sets in and frees us from our dark past.

It's an amazing difference #1) accepting God's forgiveness and #2) letting ourselves off the hook. Deep down, I think it has more to do w/ our self-image/worth. We almost feel so bad about ourselves, we pretend that what we did was forgiven by God, but we never accept the sweet freedom God has for us in His forgiveness if we don't also forgive ourselves. We feel like what we've done is unforgiveable and dark and wicked...these feelings are NOT from God!!! It is Satan deceiving us and trying to gain a foothold on our lives. If we truly believe in Jesus and he lives in our hearts, then we need to accept the truth in our minds and soon our hearts will follow!

Speak truth and Speak it LOUD!
Sweet Freedom is an AMAZING gift from God and He wants us ALL to experience it...it brings Him glory to see us live in PEACE!!! :)
Thank you Father for the cross where your gift of forgiveness was born! :)

real love never fails...

2007-10-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

WOW...my morning devo hit me in the heart! It was AMAZING! (on so many different levels...truly amazing and spoke HUGE to my heart this morning!) it was about true love and commitment and that they are both choices that we make on a daily basis.

After a long, hard look at some struggles Greg and I were having a couple weeks back w/ each other (mostly communication stuff) and some feelings towards our church...this devotional hit home for me. I totally understand the fact that our love for people and places and things should not collapse in hard times. True love and commitment is strong and unconditional!

The piece by Mary Southerland, points out that commitment is foreign in today's culture. We want everything to be easy, painfree, happy, and convenient! (That's total BS!) ...just like the myth of Christianity...it's supposed to be a "happy" life...no struggles, no worries...yeah right! :)

Our Love and Commitment to things and people is what makes us stronger! It's easy to just walk away from difficult situations and relationships. Commitment never stops trying! True love looks past the "current circumstances" and locks its gaze in on the "PROMISE"

(read jeremiah 29:11-12)

God promises that he knows what's best for us...he has plans to prosper us and not harm us...we need to trust in Him and put Him first...He never walked away from us, and I know taht I'm not that easy to love...hands down!

1 Corinthains 13:8 - "real love never fails"

Today, I thank God for saving my life and for His faithfulness to me. Today, I thank my husband, Greg for not bailing on me when I'm tough to love (which is a lot of the time). Today, I thank my friends and family for not leaving me when the going gets tough and I'm in a negative mood. I am thankful to be surrounded by people who love me and are committed to me! I am truly blessed!

Father, help me to make real love and commitment a heart habit! I want to be strong in my faith to You and to others...thank you for your perfect example of love! :O)

smiling friends vs.barking dogs

2007-10-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

thinking today about what amazing friends i have...i'm so blessed!
friends that smile & speak words of encouragement to me rather than harsh words and barking...my friends are beautiful examples to me!

my hope today is to be a better friend, wife, mom, and person...speaking words that build people up rather than tear them down. my hope is to be a person that brings light as i enter a room and not a dark cloud...i want to spread joy and peace and happy days to those i encounter...i want to be conscious of my words and even my thoughts...that they are ALWAYS positive & encouraging! (i know that sometimes harsh words are needed, but let them be honest words spoken out of love, not judgement!)

this is my prayer for today...

ephesians 4:29 says:
do not let any unwholesome talk come from my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen .

fulfilled promises...

2007-10-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

thank You for Your promises today, tomorrow, & always...
i'm dreaming hard right now...today, i choose to lay my dreams at Your feet and ask that what is of You will stand and what is not will fall away!!! i will choose to praise no matter the outcome and i will choose to give You the glory!

my dream of finishing school seems so 'normal', not really sure why it is something i have to lay at His feet, but i am willing if He promises to make my paths straight...that's all i want...confirmation that what i am doing is of His will in this season of my life.

Your word tells us of Your promises...plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (jeremiah 29:11)...i await hearing Your promises for my future...

thank You for Your promises, for Your truth, and for Your love!

music city usa, here we come...

2007-10-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

so, it's offical...we're off to music city usa for a girls weekend, november 8-11th...i can't wait! we're staying in the penthouse suit of the marriott in nashville and will be visiting the opryland hotel, riverboat cruise, and i'm sure many shopping malls!!! after the LONGEST week of my life...i'm ready for a mini-vaca w/ my girls! :) and thank goodness greg is on board...he's my hero! :) stay tuned for more stories and i'm sure i'll post about all the fun when we return...but until then...it's back to life as mom, etc!

ok, let me reword that since blogspot won't let me edit or erase my previous post...am i being selfish???

2007-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

well, today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! i am glad that God has given me another day. however, today i'm not feeling much like rejoicing...and just yesterday i was feeling grand! (what a rollercoaster ride) today, i am wondering why? what on earth am i supposed to be doing? yes, i know i'm a mom...yes, i know i'm a wife...yes, i know i have too many responsibilities at church...yes, i know i am a friend and daughter and sister in Christ to many, yes, i know i am currently a part-time college student...but what does He REALLY want of me? i'm doing my best, but for what? for a day of questioning? i'm sick of questioning...i want answers and i want them now!!!

i want my degree more than anything else right now. i'm succeeding in school, doing better than i have since high school. i'm excited about it BIG time...but am i the only one? am i being selfish for wanting this? i really don't think so, but apparantly that's the consensus around here and i'm pretty much ticked off...

so there, i'm having a bad day and i know the good Lord will get me through, but my prayer is that He will speak to me in the midst of my pissiness (excuse the expression) happy day to you, i hope you are being encouraged today...because i am NOT!

am i full of self-pity or am i just rightfully pissed-off!?

2007-10-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

got poop?

2007-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

ok, i know this pic is a bit old, but it's the only one i found appropriate for the following blog! ;)

so, our daugther, julia leigh, has been not-so-honest w/ us lately about going potty. she has been hiding the fact that she has not gone #2 in at least 1-2 weeks, possibly longer! we found out by process of elimination...believe me, you don't want me to go there...it was a pretty gross laundry day for me! ;( anywho, we took her to the doctors 1st thing wednesday morning after we were concerned w/ more than just potty problems. julia had not eaten for 24 hours straight and was vomiting any liquid she tried drinking. the dr. appt. took over 2hrs. it was interrupted every 2-3 minutes w/ the urge to push and then....nothing! the resident doc was having trouble w/ the smell and tried to do an exam and next i knew, he spit up in a kleenex and then called the official doctor in for the exam. (i was so embarassed, but seriously, is that guy ever going to cut it in the medical profession!? he must not have children either!?) so LONG story short...we began giving julia oral laxatives (no poo), then 3 suppositories (no poo), then an enema...yuck...still no poo...

so this morning i was doing my 'girlfriends in God' devotional and it talked about how we aren't perfect and even though we try to be supermom, we can't make the grade, even w/ God on our side. perfection will not come until we stand face to face w/ Jesus someday! this was what i needed a lil bit of encouragement...an honest woman's point of view who has been wife, mom, etc. who has accidentally place dher mug of coffee in the freezer thinking it was the microwave or forgot to include her son's underwear in the laundry and left him wearing the same pair 2 days straight...WOW, the whole supermom theory out the window! that is what i needed, real people being really honest!!! this week has been tough...sick julia ALL week, constant potty breaks to no avail, psych exam monday followed by lecture til 10pm, cancelled advisor appt, bio lab tuesday night til 10pm, insertion of suppository #1, nathan's conferences and football wednesday, insertion of suppository #2, micah's speech session thursday, insertion of suppository #3 , bio lecture test thursday night followed by lecture, enema, micah's audiology test at MSU, reading my morning devotional at girlfriends in God (crosswalk.com), praying and handing everything including julia's potty problems over to God for good!...and then guess what!?

she pooped! praise God on heaven and earth!!! thank you Jesus! literally, thank God it's Friday! thank you for your strength and patience this week, thank you for relief, thank you for tonight! greg and i are headed to dinner and a movie w/ rich & jen. thanks to lindsey, our backup babysitter, on-call, ready and willing! i love my friends and i love my Jesus!!! and even though it's frustrating at times to abandon control, i thank God for reminding me that He will always make our paths straight when we trust in Him!

Proverbs 3:5-6

check out the devo at: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/

(check October 5th's edition: "Mother of the Year")

enjoy!

bad girls, bad girls, what ya gonna do...

2007-09-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

so, we've begun a new book study w/ the ladies of faith, entitled Bad Girls of the Bible. i haven't yet figured out what type of bad girl i am/was, but in my devotional time this morning i searched a topic online and found this great article...it's so cool to see how it coorelates w/ the book thus far...sorry it's so long...it's good, i promise! ;) enjoy!

The New Bad by Greg Laurie
It seems as though everything is turned upside-down in our culture today. Think about it: Good has become bad and bad has become good. This is even true of certain slang expressions we use today. Back when I was a kid, words like "far out" and "groovy" were popular, although I could never bring myself to actually say "groovy." Some of these terms have gone by the wayside, but certain expressions dating back to the 1950s are still popular today, such as "cool." Here in the 21st century, people still say "cool."
But today, we have another word, "hot," which means the same thing as "cool." To take it a step further, if something is really cool or really hot, we say that it's "bad." If you have a really fast car, someone might ask you, "How fast will that bad boy go?" They wouldn't ask, "How fast will that good boy go?" because good is bad and bad is good. Everything is turned upside-down.
In the old days, back when more people would try to live a moral life, if someone was doing drugs or having sex before they were married, people would say, "Oh, that is bad," and "bad" actually meant bad. But now in our twisted culture, which is reinforced by music videos, television, and all the rest, someone who might do these things would be-in a way-good. Meanwhile, someone who doesn't do these things would be considered bad.
Here is what the Bible says: "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever" (Isaiah 5:20-21 NLT).
If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, then you will be considered bad in the eyes of many, and by "bad," I'm speaking of the negative sense of the word. You will be thought of as conceited or lame or out-of-touch or insensitive. So here is what it comes down t If you want to be a true rebel in today's culture, if you want to be a real bad boy or bad girl, then simply follow Jesus Christ. That is true rebellion. In today's culture, it is not rebellious to do drugs. It is not rebellious to have sex before you are married. It is not rebellious to party. These things are the norm. But it is rebellious to live a godly life. It is rebellious to go against the flow of the culture.
Psalm 1 begins, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (verses 1-2, NKJV). Note the progression in this verse: First you are walking, then you are standing, then you are sitting. And that is exactly how temptation works. You are just walking by, minding your own business. Then you are standing and thinking, Whoa! What is that? Then the next thing you know, you are sitting. You are doing something you shouldn't even be thinking about, much less engaged in.
So be careful. The Bible says, "Don't be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant" (Galatians 6:7 NLT). Satan will try to pull you in and destroy you. But Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 NKJV). In other words, He wants you to live a life that is full. You don't need drugs. You don't need alcohol. You don't need to chase after the things this world says you need to make you happy. If the things this world offers has all the answers, then why are people so miserable? Because that is not where it's at. It is in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Why settle for the cheap substitute when you can have the real thing?
Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life." That is life not only beyond the grave, but life during life. Medical science seeks to add years to your life. But only Christ can add life to your years and give you a life that's worth living.

1st day...new school, new teacher, new teeth!

2007-09-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

today was nathan's 1st day back to school!

he begins 2nd grade today, on a new school bus w/ a new driver (#9 - mr. sherman), in a new school building (murphy el.) w/ a new teacher (mrs. megge) he'll be meeting new friends, and making new memories! not to mention LEARNING LOTS of new stuff!!!! :)

we are so thankful to have 3 beautiful children who love God and love beginning new journeys each year w/ school and friendships and beyond!

nathan is our oldest, so learning the ropes has been challenging, we're blazing through new territory in everything...our school system, doctor appointments, development, attitudes, spiritual growth, etc...but we continue to be reminded that we must pray over ALL things...even those that might seem insignificant...they are still important in the life of a child.

we had a rough week last week...i began college classes for the 1st time in a LONG time, julia began preschool, and nathan had his 2nd grade open house. we were all very excited to begin the school year and this new journey w/ nathan...into 2nd grade! and nathan was thrilled to meet his new teacher and see his new classroom! (BUT we never really prayed about the specifics, we never prayed for anything other than thank God for this new year and that was it)

upon entering his classroom for the first time i was disheartened by the lack of familiar names on his class list. in fact, i became a bit irritated! i heard nathan's disappointment with not having anybody in class that he knows (except one child from last year's class, whom is a disruptive & volatile child) anyway, it was hard as a parent to see his sad face, to hear his disappointment, and to feel his excitement turn to anxiety...bummer big time! :(
i then spent the next 24 hours on the phone & internet talking w/ principals, former teachers, superintendents, teacher & administrator friends & family! researching online about responsive classrooms and the need for familiarity in transitioning children, on and on and on...it was a BLAH day indeed!!!

after expressing my disappointment and concern, i grew even angrier! :( it was only after 8 hours of fuming, that i was overcome w/ a cloud of peace! God spoke to me at 4pm and said, "Nathan is going to be Alright!" He filled me w/ peace again. And with excitement for the coming school year! He said, this is good for Nathan and good for the new classroom. Nathan is a nice boy and a good student. "He is my child," God exclaimed! and it finally hit me...God's plans prevail, not mine! God's plan for Nathan's 2nd grade year are already in place and who am I to change them!? His purpose for Nathan this year could be to share his love for Christ w/ a new friend or maybe the teacher!? Who knows? But the truth is...God knows!!! And I'm trusting in Him for Nathan's life journey...including his public school education!

"Remember, Jen...this is all part of you and Greg's prayerful decision (way back when) to send Nathan to public schools...to share w/ others His truth and love!!!" (maybe you (jen) should continue to be prayerful!!!)

hmmm...i think God just hit me again w/ a 2-ton brick...duh!!??!!
stop being so stubborn, jen...TRUST!!!

back to school...

2007-08-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

2010!

my new graduation year from Michigan State University...only 10 years behind schedule, no biggie! better late than never, right!?

it is OFFICIAL...i'm back to school! (it reminds me of adam sandler singing in billy madison..."back to school") :) anyway, last night i 'enjoyed' my first college course/lecture in 9+ years and it was GREAT! LONG, but GREAT! due to family priorities, my classes are scheduled at night, so a 4 credit course meeting 1x/week = a 4 hour class...6pm-10pm...WOWZERS! this is when i begin feeling old! however, i am happy to report that i am NOT the oldest person in my psychology class...now, that could change tonight when i attend my biology lecture...cells & genetics...just my forte...can't wait!!! :)

oh, happy day!

Psalm 118:24

summer fun ending...routine beginning...

2007-08-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

WOW...so much has happened since my last post! We had a blast camping w/ a group of collegesomethings! We've shared a couple special weddings of close friends, we've opened our hearts to a new pastoral candidate at Faith, we've celebrated the life of a legacy of Faith, we've begun farewells to special friends & leaders as they prepare their next season serving God...we're drained, but pluggin away w/ His help! He is our strength today...

Have you ever felt dehydrated from crying so much???
Can I get a glass of water right about now!? Please!? ;)

No, but for real...Tears have become a way of life for me over the past 2 weeks! I am soooo looking forward to summer ending and routine beginning! Even though we have a lot on our plates and new journeys ahead...we look forward w/ great anticipation of what our future holds!

Gosh, where do I begin...sometimes I giggle at the thought of knowing God has a silly sense of humor and it irritates me! :) In a good way I guess...anyway, I was preparing for my Jumptown (Children's Church at Faith) and it FINALLY hit me! We've been learning this, or should I say...I've been teaching this to my crew for the ENTIRE month of August and it finally hit me...TRUST! Definition: Putting your confidence in someone you can depend on!
Verse: Trust in the Lord w/ all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Bottom Line: You can trust God because He's in control of EVERYTHING!
WOW...dont' ya just want to laugh...God is using a children's message to hit me hard right where it counts...I guess He's done w/ using adult ways w/ me...He's realized that I am too darn stubborn and in order to get through to me, He must use simple terms...

OK God I get the Point!!!!! AGHHHHHH!!!! :)

After all the tears, I have learned (again) that I can't put my trust in my friends & church...my friends may move away...far away, my church may be shaken, it is not perfect...but He is & has ALWAYS been...He will never leave me nor forsake me...He is my constant!!! And if I'm not trusting God w/ everything, then I'm trusting Him w/ nothing! It is time for me to let go and let God...

He is in control and He has promised to be with us...He has already gone before us and so we must trust that His plans are already in motion and boy oh boy do I look forward to the day when I can say THANK YOU...face to face to my Jesus, for His fulfilled promises!

The best is yet to come...
I love you Jesus, thanks for your peace ----

my first post

2007-07-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

well, here it is...my first post! i thought i'd try out a new site to post my blogs...the myspace thing wasn't cutting it for me.

so, the end of summer is approaching and we just returned from a long weekend trip to gaylord for my dad's surprise 60th (oh what a blast!) and we have one final hoorah before school begins and things settle back into normality around the thompson household. we are taking a trip to leelanau state park in northport, mi...it is a rustic campground and so far, it is our favorite place we've found for family camping! we are taking our 3 kiddos along w/ a few college/somethings from UG...should be fun times and so far, the weather looks to be BEAUTIFUL! (i will post more on our excursion when we return)

on a personal note...i'm very excited and nervous all at the same time...i'm pursing my degree AGAIN...after 7 years of being a stay at home mom...i'm looking forward to this new season in my life and hope to approach it w/ a boldness like never before...i am an intelligent person, who's eager to finish something i've already started. this has been a humbling experience for me to say the least...i had to pick up my transcripts from michigan state university the other day, only to be reminded of my OLD self and the horrible memories that come along w/ my first attempt at college...all the partying, screwing around, skipping classes, etc that i did...YUCK, how embarassing! anyways, i guess on the positive side of things it is only a reminder of where i've come from and the changes that have taken place in my life...for which i am very thankful! i am a NEW person in Christ and i am pursuing this goal w/ a freshness that is ALWAYS exciting! so pray for the best and i will too...only God knows what the road will hold, but i claim it will be a road of excitement & fulfillment! (yes, it will be hard...i have a hubby & 3 kiddos that i need to tend to first, but this is my dream and i am striving HARD!)

on another personal note...i am in a tough spot right now...seeing good friends move on to new jobs, new homes, new cities, & new states...i understand the whole truth of "He gives and takes away" but why does it have to happen ALL at once!? i've crawled into my hole over the past month or so, really trying to figure it all out...silly me! i'll never figure it out, but for some reason i feel as though i'm hiding out or something...trying to make sense of it all. again, the positive side is that God's way is alwas best and if i truly believe that, then the best is yet to come! :) i'm trying hard to smile today, but it's worth it...the power of a positive attitude!!! :)