tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937616930850666402024-02-19T04:39:59.834-08:00Woman in Training"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:4-5Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-52676865363845736632011-05-01T00:31:00.000-07:002011-05-01T00:33:35.445-07:00Alive AgainWhen did life become so complicated?<br />Moments ago problems weren’t real problems. Problems were petty.<br />Now they come in bigger sizes with much worse shapes.<br />Shapes of sickness and suffering.<br />Shapes of death and seeming defeat.<br />Sizes that cause us to lie awake at night.<br />Sizes that weigh so heavily our breath catches.<br />It catches and we wonder how we can ever breathe again.<br />“The Lord God…breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living being.”<br />Alive again.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-60738043839686318012011-02-20T05:40:00.000-08:002011-02-20T06:02:42.883-08:00Treasure Hunting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqrakrjYcZPiF7pGNX-41EZwVLHkF16KXgVHFyvhtln1sYXDAFTMWwmwDR5P2NFW2uY9NHn39F6mlsWKGjGZL5MeahVdIWzZkuqG2XnRvPlvPPtnKGoZoSIFnVL9t9ZliS0uHxrMhhSyw/s1600/thrift+store.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575766355660091842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqrakrjYcZPiF7pGNX-41EZwVLHkF16KXgVHFyvhtln1sYXDAFTMWwmwDR5P2NFW2uY9NHn39F6mlsWKGjGZL5MeahVdIWzZkuqG2XnRvPlvPPtnKGoZoSIFnVL9t9ZliS0uHxrMhhSyw/s320/thrift+store.jpg" /></a> I {heart} thrift stores! I don't think I had ever been in one until I worked at MS Baptist Youth Weeks at Gulfshore Baptist Assembly when I was in college. I believe the first trip I made to one was to find 80's clothes for a theme night we were having. Interesting. You could just smell the Aquanet. <br /><br />Anyway...I've loved thrift stores ever since! I recently went exploring to try to find some good ones where I live. I love to find household items (picture frames, knick-knacks, old furniture) to give new life to. (I haven't been too successful with the old furniture yet. I have to build up some confidence before I try my hand at sanding and painting!) I found some "treasures" a couple of weeks ago. I got a wicker-like laundry basket for a couple of bucks. I love to find baskets to store my babies' toys in. They look better than big plastic containers! (Which, by the way, I have those all over the place too.) I also got a couple of empty frames--no backing, no glass. They now are part of a wall display in my living room that I'm very proud of. So cute! I will have to post pictures soon.<br /><br />I'll give you an example of a furniture project I was not brave enough to try. I found a cool nightstand at Goodwill for 5 bucks. It was pretty big and had two drawers. It was very beat up, but I thought maybe I could sand it and paint it a cool color. I wish you could have heard my husband laugh when I used the words "sand" and "paint". Granted, my track record with crafts and projects like that gives him no reason to put any confidence in me in that area. I chickened out. Maybe next time!<br /><br />I do want to give you a link to an amazing lady who is awesome in the thrifting and re-purposing arena. Her name is Myra, and she has two blogs called <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myblessedlife.net">My Blessed Life</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.casabellaproject.com">The Casabella Project</a>. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myblessedlife.net">My Blessed Life</a> is an encouraging read for Christian women striving to be Godly wives and mothers. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.casabellaproject.com">The Casabella Project</a> will give you amazing ideas about crafting and decorating.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://casabellaproject.com/2011/01/virtual-thrift-shopping.html#comment-685">here</a> for a virtual thrifting trip with Myra to get some cool ideas for a project you may want to try! Hope you enjoy!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-89533417263740037972011-02-08T05:27:00.000-08:002011-02-08T06:10:54.302-08:00The God Life<em>The good life</em>. I've heard that expression a million times. I'm sure you have too. It's what everybody wants. Good family. Good house. Good job. Good car. Good finances. But, even when those things seem good, life sometimes isn't. I have so many friends (whether face-to-face friends or online friends) who are experiencing less than what our culture calls "the good life." My friends Brooke and Brad have a 3 month old baby girl named Rylee who was just diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder. (<a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryleemarlar">www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryleemarlar</a>) The Whittakers at <a href="http://www.howcantheyhear.org/">www.howcantheyhear.org</a> have a four year old, Susana, who is dying of cancer. The McRaes at <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate">www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate</a> just found out their kindergarten daughter Kate's cancer is back.<br /><br />Life is not good. Even at it's best, life is not good. We live in a fallen world. Romans 8:20-22 says:<br /><br />"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."<br /><br />Humans are fallen. Nature is fallen. Not one thing on this earth was left untouched by sin. But God, through Christ, will make all things new (2 Cor. 5:17). Life is not good. But, God is. God is good. In Matt. 19:17 Jesus says, "There is only One who is good." The only true good life is the God life. It's the only life that can say, "My baby is sick, but God is good." "My daughter is dying, but God is good." "My family is broken, but God is good." Because, the God life doesn't hinge on people or stuff or circumstances. It is a life that is hung on one statement, "There is only One who is good."<br /><br />I am beyond thankful today for the goodness of God. My home is peaceful. My marriage is strong. My babies are healthy. My cabinets are full. But, I know there will come a time when life may not seem so "good." I pray that God will give me the faith to know then more deeply than I do now that HE IS GOOD.<br /><br /><br />*Please be praying for Rylee, Susan, and Kate. Visit their blogs and websites to see the amazing gift of faith God is giving these families.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-30179762472050345872010-10-20T22:12:00.000-07:002010-10-20T22:31:42.950-07:00Count Your Blessings<em>Are you ever burdened with a load of care?<br />Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?<br />Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,<br />And you will keep singing as the days go by.<br /><br />Count your blessings, name them one by one,<br />Count your blessings, see what God hath done!<br />Count your blessings, name them one by one,<br />Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!</em><br /><br />"Count Your Blessings" by Johnson Oatman<br /><br /> 1. Relationship with the Lord<br /> 2. My wonderful husband<br /> 3. Andy<br /> 4. Ava<br /> 5. Christian parents who raised me in a godly family<br /> 6. 3 beautiful sisters<br /> 7. Church family<br /> 8. My home<br /> 9. Health in my family<br />10. Teaching Sunday school<br />11. The ability to play the piano<br />12. A voice to sing<br />13. Laughter<br />14. Food to cook<br />15. Clothes to wash<br />16. A bed to make<br />17. Toys to pick up<br />18. Diapers to put on my babies<br />19. Andy's kisses<br />20. Ava's toothless smiles<br />21. Naps<br />22. Conversations with Brandon<br />23. Quietness<br />24. Chocolate<br />25. Long, hot showers<br /><br />I could go on and on. I needed to put this day in perspective.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-50016123764024621232010-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:002010-10-12T09:38:07.882-07:00Off DaysDo you ever have days that just seem to be "off"? Today is already one of those days for me. I have a ton to do today! (And yet here I am.) I was making my grocery list and planning my menu for the week this morning when my baby boy decided he wanted to use the potty. He doesn't do that much! So, I took him. After that was unsuccessful, we went to his room to get him dressed. He got dressed, and we turned on his Bible story songs CD. He wanted to get in his bed. He got in and laid down. I told him I was going to go work on the grocery list and asked if he wanted to go with me or stay in his room. He said he wanted to stay. I left and went to finish the list. A few minutes later I noticed he was being really quiet (had the baby monitor on). I went back to his room, and he was laying in the bed asleep! Before 11:00 this morning! I couldn't believe it. Naptime here is 1:00 pm. So, needless to say, we're a little "off" today! My whole day seems weird now. I'm a little hooked into a schedule when it comes to my babies' routines. We'll see how the rest of the day goes.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-28348613314456225722010-10-07T21:24:00.000-07:002010-10-07T21:42:42.346-07:00Being StillNever in my life have I valued quietness like I do now. By nature, I'm an extrovert. I thrive on being around other people. Yet now that I'm a mother I cherish quiet, still moments. I love my family. I love the sound of Andy galloping down the hallway. I love the sound of his laugh when his daddy tackles him and tickles him. I love the sound of him singing "Jesus Loves Me." I love to hear my sweet Ava "talking" to me with her coos and sighs. But, I also love the still moments when they are tucked in bed and I'm alone. It's really the first time in my life that I've craved time alone. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." Way too many times I've just been still. Period. The other day the Lord reminded me during one of my precious quiet moments that there is a second part to that verse: "Know that I am God." I pray that the Lord would continue to remind me of that until I get it. I pray that I would use my quiet moments wisely to remember that He is God, and He deserves my complete devotion in the quiet moments as well as the chaotic ones.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-34018027429960502912010-10-04T23:22:00.000-07:002010-10-04T23:43:07.058-07:00Grocery Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hyphenhyphena5sIFShyphenhyphenzdmE-TOLw1f6AvL3CMDhbuVEf0IczncfhehxxWRewCwaLtsmnyUPWHAVEbEkwIgJGNfu5N5cSSMSjhjl-3wIuDDPNhda5MqfRPS6AMXwv54dB3mu505fc7SRmGAIUeJgQi/s1600/groceries.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 85px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hyphenhyphena5sIFShyphenhyphenzdmE-TOLw1f6AvL3CMDhbuVEf0IczncfhehxxWRewCwaLtsmnyUPWHAVEbEkwIgJGNfu5N5cSSMSjhjl-3wIuDDPNhda5MqfRPS6AMXwv54dB3mu505fc7SRmGAIUeJgQi/s320/groceries.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524448554680273602" /></a><br />So, today was supposed to be grocery day. We're out of just about everything. But instead I took Andy and Ava and went to my Memaw and Papaw's house. We spent the day there with my sister and her husband and little girl. Andy had so much fun outside playing on the swing set. It finally feels nice enough to be outside! Now I'm back home and we're going to have to ration milk for breakfast in the morning. I've been working on my list all night. I thought I had it finished last night, but I discovered more deals and coupons so I've tweaked it. We'll see how successful I am tomorrow. I love to find a good deal! I'm a little obsessed with coupons. I go through phases. I haven't done it for a while (had my hands full being pregnant and having an infant!), but I'm gradually easing back into it. I found some good deals at www.coupons.com and www2.kelloggs.com. Kroger also has coupons to download to your Kroger card at www.kroger.com. Maybe these will help you in your grocery endeavors this week!<br />P.S. Kroger doesn't double coupons that are downloaded onto your card.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-77927304670227060812010-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:002010-10-01T23:12:17.984-07:00Starting OverIt seems that I'm about as consistent with this online journal as I am with a real one. Recently, Brandon and I cleaned out our "junk" room to make room for our sweet baby girl. As I went through things I found at least five incomplete journals. Never in my life have I filled one. Each of them had a few entries and would then trail off into nowhere. I seem to have been equally successful blogging. However, I've decided to start fresh! I want to somehow log my journey as a woman in training--training to be the Godly wife and mother I've been called to be. So, I know it will be encouraging to me just to write. Hopefully, it will be encouraging for you to read.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-45085009781258764492008-12-19T06:52:00.000-08:002008-12-19T06:59:30.826-08:00Christmas is here!I'm trying to type while Andy rolls around on his aquarium play gym. He's gotten really good a rolling over now. Before I can even see him do it, he's flipped all over the place! My kitty cat Cadie has been crawling all over the keyboard while I've been trying to type. It's been an interesting morning already. We are all headed to Brandon's grandparents today to have Christmas with that side of his family tomorrow. This will be the first of many family get-togethers this Christmas season. I'm excited about it, mostly for Andy. I hope he has an awesome first Christmas even if he can't remember it!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-72895024603771797102008-11-30T15:10:00.000-08:002008-11-30T15:14:44.040-08:00These are a few of my favorite things...1. Hearing Andy "talk"<br /> 2. Cold days<br /> 3. Warm coffee<br /> 4. Trying a new flavored creamer<br /> 5. Christmas decorations<br /> 6. Cuddling with Brandon after Andy's gone to bed<br /> 7. New magazines<br /> 8. Laughing with family<br /> 9. Trips to Walmart for no reason<br />10. When Phoebe or Cadie (my kitty cats) come and sit in my lapJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-39956541377625272692008-11-28T12:04:00.000-08:002008-11-28T12:09:15.691-08:00ThanksgivingI am having a great Thanksgiving week. We went to my Memaw and Papaw's Tuesday through Thursday morning (Dad's parents). Then we headed over to my Grandma and Grandpa's for Thanksgiving day (Mom's parents). We spent the night with my aunt and cousins last night. We teamed up and played Wii sports and Guitar Hero. I realized that I kind of like Guitar Hero. Brandon realized that Andy should get Guitar Hero for Christmas. Right. Tonight we are going to my Grandma and Grandpa's for a Britton family reunion. There are going to be so many people. Andy doesn't stand a chance!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-14450776532416978642008-11-20T07:43:00.000-08:002008-11-20T07:50:46.185-08:00Back on BlogspotSo, it's been a while! As you can see, I haven't blogged for over a year. Alot has happened. Alot has changed. I'm not a student at Southern Seminary anymore. I realized it wasn't for me. God called me to be a mom, which I am now. My little boy Andy was born August 22 of this year. I love him so much. I am a stay at home mom. It can be exhausting, but it is so wonderful to see him smile, to hear him "talk" to me, and watch him learn and grow. Also, our family has moved backed to Mississippi from Louisville. My husband is still attending Southern Seminary through online classes and an extension. He is now pastoring Glendale Baptist Church in Northeast MS. We love it! God has given me all my dreams: an unbelievable husband who loves me like Christ loves the church, a beautiful little boy, a loving church, and I'm the piano playing pastor's wife!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-90961539718462420152007-08-18T19:41:00.000-07:002007-08-18T20:09:22.196-07:00For the Truth. For the Church. For the World. For the Glory of God.That is Southern Seminary's motto. I hate to call it a motto. It is more of a mission. I am so blessed that God has allowed me and Brandon to be here to study, to learn, to be stretched, and to grow. The first week of classes went well for us. God has given me a passion to learn. Last year's stress and feelings of being overwhelmed have been replaced with a great sense of His meaning and purpose. <br /><br />Just as an aside to answer some questions...You don't necessarily pick a major as such at seminary. When you come, you pick a degree track. First, you decide whether to get a Master of Arts or a Master of Divinity. Then, you pick the field of study. I am working on a Master of Arts in Christian Education with a concentration in Women's Ministry. Also, Wayne Grudem's <em>Systematic Theology</em> is one of the textbooks for my theology class. As our main text, we have the option of choosing one of three to read: Wayne Grudem's book, Millard Erickson's book, or a new book called <em>A Theology for the Church</em> edited by Daniel Akin. I am reading Akin's book. Brandon has the other two. I wanted to read this one because it was just published at the beginning of this year and contains writings by an impressive list of Baptist Theologians including Daniel Akin, Al Mohler, Russell Moore, Mark Dever, Paige Patterson, Timothy George, David Dockery, and several more. Actually, Russell Moore is my professor for the course. He is the Vice President of the seminary and Dean of the School of Theology.<br /><br />I am so thankful for this sense of renewal and excitement at the beginning of this new year. One passage, 1 Timothy 4:7b, brought out in my Personal Spiritual Disciplines class says, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." It is the theme verse for that class. I also feel that God has given this verse to me as a theme verse for my time here at Southern. I lack discipline to such a great extent. God has been opening my eyes to see the areas of my life that need to become more disciplined. Two of the major areas are my academic life and my spiritual life. I pray that God will find me faithful in disciplining myself for the purpose of godliness. For the truth. For the church. For the world. For the glory of God.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-42651101225655819302007-08-12T13:23:00.000-07:002007-08-12T13:40:23.140-07:00But really, seriously, I'm still alive......well, not that you can tell by the number of times I've posted lately! Sorry! I would like to say a special thank you to my momma and Xandra for being faithful readers of my blog. I'm gonna have to tighten up and do a better job of keeping ya'll posted!<br /><br />Anyway, I am sitting in a Huddle House with my hubby on a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Kentucky. We just needed to get out, so we decided to bring the laptop, the books, and get dessert. What could be better (well, better than my hubby & dessert)? Why the books you may ask? Tomorrow is the first day back to seminary for us. Well, for me actually. I have Monday and Wednesday classes, and Brandon has Tuesday and Thursday classes. I'm nervous and excited. Mainly nervous. It was good for me to take the last semester off. I'm just hoping this semester goes better than my first. I know more of what to expect this go around. I know I have to hit the ground running. Brandon and I have already started reading for our classes. I am taking three classes this semester (which is full-time). I'm taking Systematic Theology I, Personal Spiritual Disciplines, and Biblical Hermeneutics. Pray for me ladies! I have an average of about 1,000 pages of reading per class. I am one who is easily overwhelmed, so you can see why I'm a little nervous. But, I'm looking forward to it. I know that I am going to be stretched this semester and learn alot.<br /><br />So, I just thought I would update everyone on that big event in my life that is quickly approaching. Also, as a side note, we just got Mandisa's new CD in at the bookstore where I work. I listened to part of each song yesterday at work. It is sooooooo good! It's one of those CD's where every song on it is wonderful. She has a beautiful voice and a powerful message. So, check it out! I hope you all are doing wonderful as the summer winds down. God bless!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-651405545608518262007-07-25T10:44:00.000-07:002007-07-25T10:51:44.727-07:00I'm still alive!I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive. The past few weeks have been hectic to say the least (but in a good way). The first week in July we took our youth group at the church to M-Fuge in St. Louis, MO. We all had a blast! God blessed and taught our group so much that week. The weeks following that Brandon and I were packing to move back to Louisville. We actually moved last week. We moved to be closer to school since I'm going back this semester. We moved into a great apartment that I'm absolutely in love with! It's awesome. And, to top that all off, my family came to visit this past Friday until yesterday. I'm so glad that they got to come. It was their first time to come since we moved up here. We went out to several great restaurants, toured the seminary, and all sang in church together on Sunday. It was a wonderful weekend. I just wish they could have stayed longer. Anyway, that's where I've been. Busy, busy, busy! Hopefully, I'll be able to blog more now. Have a blessed day!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-78040665435164296492007-06-30T07:55:00.000-07:002007-06-30T08:15:33.197-07:00ConfessionsMy first quick confession is...my momma gave me an award! It is now proudly posted on my page! I think I am supposed to pass this award on, but since I'm new at this I want to wait until I know you ladies a little better.<br /><br />Now, the real reason this blog is called confessions...When Brandon and I were in Lexington last weekend we went to several bookstores (because we're just nerds like that!). We were in Barnes & Noble and spotted an interesting book. It is called Confessions by St. Augustine. This past year at Southern, we had a professor recommend it. It is Augustine's most famous writing. It is very personal writing. The book is what I like to call his thoughts, meditations, and ramblings on God. It is so amazing! So, every now and then I would like to share some of these confessions with you.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#663300;">[I.I.I] You are great, lord, and greatly to be praised; great is your power, and infinite is your wisdom.* And man desires to praise you, for he is part of your creation; he bears his mortality about with him and carries the evidence of his sin and the proof that you resist the proud. Still he desires to praise you, this man who is only a small part of your creation. You have prompted him, that he should delight to praise you, for you have made us for yourself and restless is our heart until it comes to rest in you. Grant me, lord, to know and understand whether first to invoke you or to praise you; whether first to know you or call upon you. But who can invoke you, knowing you not? For one who knows you not may invoke you as another than you are. It may be that we should invoke you in order that we may come to know you. But how shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? Or how shall they believe without a preacher?* Now, they shall praise the lord who seek him, for those who seek shall find him, and finding him, shall praise him. I will seek you, lord, and call upon you. I call upon you, lord, in my faith which you have given me, which you have inspired in me through the humanity of your son, and through the ministry of your preacher.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#663300;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#663300;">*Psalms 145:3, 147:5</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#663300;">*Romans 10:14</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#663300;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Can you imagine the hours this man spent doing nothing but thinking about his great God? I hope that his confessions spark your own.</span>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-32669792701620562612007-06-27T13:14:00.000-07:002007-06-27T13:43:17.559-07:00Wedding Wednesday!So, just for this week I am having Wedding Wednesday. I just joined the Marriage Challenge with Christine today. I didn't want to wait until Marriage Monday to start, so just this once I am calling today Wedding Wednesday.<br /><br />My hubby Brandon and I just celebrated our first anniversary on June 24, 2007. I can't believe it's been a year! (I mean that in a good way!) We went to Lexington for the weekend. We had a good time just being together. Of course, we ate the top layer of our wedding cake on that day. Well, we didn't eat the whole layer. It was more like a bite. It was my first experience eating year old cake. Interesting. Actually, my memaw was responsible for wrapping it up last year. Let me tell you, it was like trying to get into Fort Knox! But, she was successful. It actually tasted alright (for year old cake). Anyway, it was great to celebrate our marriage.<br /><br />In light of this, I think it's a great time to start the marriage challenge. I'm excited about it. When telling people how long we've been married, we always get the same, "Oh, you're still in the honeymoon stage!" I think I might gag if I hear that again! Don't get me wrong, this year has been great! I love being married to Brandon. God has blessed us and grown us so much this past year. But, being newly married, there are alot of adjustments that have to be made. Some have been easier than others. Some things I did for him while we were dating have fallen by the wayside now that we see each other all the time. So, to begin my challenge this week I am going to:<br /><ul><li>Write him love notes</li><li>Give him a compliment everyday about himself (not about something he does, but who he is)</li><li>(This is to go along with Christine's theme of the week) Make a conscious effort to let him know how important his work is to me by doing anything I can to help him get ready for youth camp</li></ul><p>*Note: Brandon is a youth and children's minister. We are taking the youth group to M-Fuge in St. Louis, MO July 2-7.</p><p>Well, those are my goals for the rest of this week. I've got to get going! The week is halfway over! </p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-38189803634793566582007-06-10T17:59:00.000-07:002007-06-10T18:01:11.986-07:00InadequateHow do we describe God? <br />With human words? <br />But, how can we use something finite to describe Someone infinite? <br /><br />We begin by using adjectives like awesome, great, powerful, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, just, loving, gracious, compassionate, merciful, caring, and wise. <br />But do these words really capture all that God is?<br /><br />We move on to naming God with words like Creator, Comforter, Healer, Physician, Lamb, Lion of Judah, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, Morning Star, Friend, Provider, Father, Lover, King, Lord, and Redeemer. <br />But do these words really capture all that God is?<br /><br />We continue to struggle to paint God with human words by writing volumes all about Him. <br />He is our purpose, He is our God of greater glory, He is more than enough, He is our God who will come again, He is our God of redeeming love, He is our God who rescues us from the pit, He is our God who came near. <br />But do these words really capture all that God is?<br /><br />We push further on, grasping for a single phrase that might encapsulate God by composing musical scores. <br />He is the lover of our souls, He is more precious than silver, He offers amazing love, He is a mighty fortress, He is Father, Spirit, Jesus, He is the Word, His faithfulness is great, He is holy, holy, holy. <br />But do these words really capture all that God is?<br /><br />Adjectives cannot describe, names cannot label, volumes cannot contain, and musical scores cannot resound with all that God is. <br />Only He is able to express the magnitude of His personhood. <br /><br />I AM THAT I AM.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-89737367725971731442007-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:002007-06-07T22:56:04.787-07:00The Coffee Chronicles Part II completely agree with my momma that coffee is something we should be thankful for. I love to hear the rumbling, bubbling, and dripping noises coming from my little four-cup pot in the morning, followed by the strong smell filling my kitchen. That warm cup of coffee makes me feel good all over first thing in the morning. Alas, I have a dilemma. There is not a coffee maker to be found at my work. Who doesn't have a coffee maker at their work?! Even most Sunday School classrooms are well-equipped with coffee makers--and that's just to tide people over for one hour! I have to work a nine hour day without so much as a savory little sip! Oh, we sell coffee mugs galore as well as many a book about coffee, but I'm convinced it's a ploy to tempt and try me throughout the day. So, I have decided to talk to my boss about our sincere need to implement a coffee maker. Granted, I must tell her that if she decides to take this step, it will be at the risk of feeding my addiction. It's a risk I'm willing for her to take.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-56769025889457010502007-06-03T14:23:00.000-07:002007-06-03T18:56:59.537-07:00Flowers & Cherry Limeades<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4StE4nq4D9fdxV3EQpfRXi2UeUbCgKhHBNi3lQJf_17qF3_9_Atpb80gj1YBMZ8UvAGOXMl8_03fQ3k2_TgD2uyU_GmtaZukvLILBoisd6aL6E7lqUhZwFv8w-9-j66E4twsWS05K3SS/s1600-h/handsomebrandon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071954183540739106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="316" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4StE4nq4D9fdxV3EQpfRXi2UeUbCgKhHBNi3lQJf_17qF3_9_Atpb80gj1YBMZ8UvAGOXMl8_03fQ3k2_TgD2uyU_GmtaZukvLILBoisd6aL6E7lqUhZwFv8w-9-j66E4twsWS05K3SS/s400/handsomebrandon.jpg" width="217" border="0" /></a>I just wanted everybody to see my handsome, gorgeous husband Brandon. Like I've said many times before, he is just wonderful. We had an interesting experience together today. I potted my first (and second) plant today! You might think that this is a fairly average accomplishment, but let me offer a little explanation. My mother (sorry momma!) has never been one to do well with plants. So, I assumed I wouldn't do well either. Well, I decided the other day, hey, I might kill them, but I'm going to try to have some flowers on my front porch! Now, I guess I'll find out if I at least have half a green thumb. I potted two New Guinea Impatiens plants. (Anyone who knows me knows that "impatiens" describes me just fine!) One is bright red and one is coral orange. You might want to send them an I'm Thinking of You or I'm Praying for You card. Brandon was right there of course to lend me his advice. He told me he grew a vine once in his room when he was little. So....you can see what kind of knowlegde the two of us have. We had a blast! It reminded me of playing in the dirt when I was little. It was fun! And, we topped it off with Route 44 Cherry Limeades and Dr. Peppers. God is teaching me so much about living an abundant life in Him. He is teaching me to take advantage of opportunities He gives me, even if I think I might fall flat on my face. He is showing me how to savor the little things in my life, like a new flower and a cold Cherry Limeade on a hot day. He gave us our senses to take in and enjoy things! Hope everyone has a blessed day. Enjoy (really I mean it!) your day!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593761693085066640.post-52563316504391792432007-06-02T09:41:00.000-07:002007-06-02T09:46:21.760-07:00My First PostSo, this is my first post on Blog Spot. My momma told me about this site. Well, first she told me about Beth Moore's sight. I went and read it. She is so funny! Anyway, then I went to my mom's page. It's great. She told me about all the friends she has made on here through Beth's site. I thought I would try my hand at this. I have MySpace to keep in touch with my sister, cousins, and friends. So, this will be great to keep in touch with my mom and maybe meet some new people. I hope you all have a wonderful day in the Lord.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03267255988285712267noreply@blogger.com4