tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44732108734331889012024-03-21T16:01:26.752-07:00The journey begins today...A real life account of my transitions as a wife, mother, and friend.Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-44358797204586551762015-10-01T22:55:00.001-07:002015-10-01T23:31:34.086-07:00CallingI'm writing with <a href="http://katemotaung.com/31-days-2/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2015-edition-link-up-here/">my Five Minute Friday friends</a> for 31 days starting today.<br />
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The prompt today is CALLING.<br />
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Appropriate for me since as of today I am starting a new life coaching business. I will post the link once the website is ready.<br />
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I've had jobs my whole adult life. Some I've loved and some I've hated but all developed me into who I am today.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Today, it's time to live my CALLING --<br />to help people discover who they are and what they are called to do</i></span>. </div>
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I can no longer shove myself into the administrative box I've resided in for decades. My passion for people and helping them find their purpose is bubbling out to the point where I've started getting in "trouble". My latest position was in a great place with great people and a fantastic transition from stay-at-home-momhood into the workforce. However, my restlessness to fulfill my destiny wouldn't allow for living in the clerical container.<br />
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Pretty soon I will move from this blog to the fully functioning livecourageouscoaching.com site and my CALLING will be my career.Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-26347941657899441552015-07-11T14:38:00.001-07:002015-07-11T14:38:04.980-07:00Five Minute Friday --- HOPEEvery once in a while I join with an online community of bloggers to write five minutes on a one word prompt - It's called <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday</a>.<br />
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The prompt for yesterday was HOPE.<br />
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Ready, GO!<br />
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There are a million directions to go on this word. But I'm going to go with the one that is floating to the top of my list first.<br />
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I HOPE I cross the finish line tomorrow.<br />
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Tomorrow is my fifth triathlon but its been three years since my last one. I am smaller in size (by more than 60lbs) and more comfortable in my skin. I am still significantly overweight, but that won't matter tomorrow.<br />
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Tomorrow I HOPE to swim, bike and run with 557 other women celebrating fitness, life, and each other.<br />
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Tomorrow I HOPE my five month post op knee can hold up while I have to walk the whole 5k at the end.<br />
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Tomorrow I HOPE I can keep my sense of humor while I am passed by lots of women faster than me.<br />
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Tomorrow I HOPE the sports bra (especially!), tank top, cycling shorts, and running shoes are the best for doing the job I need them to do.<br />
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Tomorrow I WILL enjoy the strength I have, the endurance I've gained, and the purpose for which I am doing this race - to finish it. I don't need HOPE for that. Because I already KNOW it.<br />
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Five minutes are up - STOP.<br />
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If you want to follow my progress on my race tomorrow here is the link <a href="https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=27080">Valley Girl Triathlon Stats</a>.<br />
I am number 158. Thanks for all your encouragement and support.<br />
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Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-59449634510171242052014-09-05T05:01:00.001-07:002014-09-05T05:02:29.711-07:00Journey from Panic to Peace<span style="background-color: #f6f2f9; color: #3f0072; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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I haven't written with <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday</a> for several weeks, but today, this word has me up at 4am.<br />
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The word prompt is WHISPER - and other than the nudge to get me out of bed at this hour to write, I heard something so clear yesterday, I must share...<br />
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My heart and mind were racing, flashbacks of past years challenges, trials, and traumas resurfacing in a matter of hours.<br />
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"Are we really going to do this?! Again?!"<br />
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As I launched my question to the vast expanse of sky, I felt angry and disillusioned. The kids have only been in school for a few days, I've been at my new job for a few weeks, as a family we've been in yet another transition for a few months, the heartbreak and healing of the past few years and now... this.<br />
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I took the scenic route in my mind wandering through the past - most recent - events and felt the peace flood me. He was reminding me of the vast provision that has covered us all this time. The healing that has taken place. How different I am. How different we are as a family. How BIG He is.<br />
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Then I heard it, the WHISPER,<br />
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"Yes, WE are. YOU are different. I AM the same."<br />
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<br />Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-2460691461553917452014-07-30T15:48:00.002-07:002014-07-30T15:48:39.620-07:00FinishWhen I finish something it's like a miracle come true. An epic event that is so rare there is never a camera around to capture the moment!<br />
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I rarely finish anything... That's what it FEELS like.<br />
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If I really look around and consider all I've been called to do in my life thus far, I realize that the assignments God's given me RARELY include a finish line. They are more about someone else's finish line.<br />
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The time when I come alongside a stranger in a parking lot and pray with her, when I carry a burden for someone's marathon-like journey, or simply get the dishes done at bedtime only to have my treasures surface and get them dirty again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9fKqRr48QQQ5rcFFDKOj1i1APZvq74qTdIZzzmnwVC7GcuiFQLAQ0fdGZHF0eH5_-Lkvg41y9fX4e8RmIuXnEi3UVZ5NxXKrKzrxiOzgHNQy6YhZQRrT3Oifo1LvFwTKfBtljMhRH8zE/s1600/empire-state-building2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9fKqRr48QQQ5rcFFDKOj1i1APZvq74qTdIZzzmnwVC7GcuiFQLAQ0fdGZHF0eH5_-Lkvg41y9fX4e8RmIuXnEi3UVZ5NxXKrKzrxiOzgHNQy6YhZQRrT3Oifo1LvFwTKfBtljMhRH8zE/s1600/empire-state-building2.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfinished Tasks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHHCcuF7TWHKyLbKHhIb83QtijvRB59nNskVoq4vtzdzRcw4OY6xZFL2nug02F1UCtNymkvwsElloihRI8peAvTt2EkTF1YJV_kgn8DL0zzCwO2_Q0KG4NTEUAhg3V00yco4sMjAeOSsF/s1600/small+building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHHCcuF7TWHKyLbKHhIb83QtijvRB59nNskVoq4vtzdzRcw4OY6xZFL2nug02F1UCtNymkvwsElloihRI8peAvTt2EkTF1YJV_kgn8DL0zzCwO2_Q0KG4NTEUAhg3V00yco4sMjAeOSsF/s1600/small+building.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Projects I've finished</td></tr>
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If I stacked up my value next to the projects I actually finished I'd be found quite short next to the Empire State Building of "Unfinished Tasks".<br />
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But my value is not dependent on the tasks I complete or even what I start. It is in the eyes of the One who has set the course for my journey.Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-69864516985671959192014-06-09T16:14:00.001-07:002014-06-09T16:14:51.558-07:00I Just Can't Help Myself! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I feel compelled to share some of the past several months of craziness with you - for your amusement and mine...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8bp6FXC78HmRkVme_nMoS-aFvNlR02hvu72sHl55P5zny7I_SaSPCwV48RoYfM8HxS7VSop5g8K-zkJ8CQq3sKohLUOnl54ESXoKrHaL5spM4W0cYX7VM-RuNNBwFUHEblXaWFgIUDEj/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8bp6FXC78HmRkVme_nMoS-aFvNlR02hvu72sHl55P5zny7I_SaSPCwV48RoYfM8HxS7VSop5g8K-zkJ8CQq3sKohLUOnl54ESXoKrHaL5spM4W0cYX7VM-RuNNBwFUHEblXaWFgIUDEj/s1600/003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I get tired just thinking about it... but Sophie looks cuter while she sleeps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJxB350YcShkX7L4zDKjCk_P5X_R5EVsovGhDvvXt2C638U_Yz2M5v5Vgg7snj7FG3UdKVPySLNwdHjssRzbChX1gkXGtHc29fxDsJJuH_4_TbzWbEKgDCeFrF2GWLV_qEbhm5gPmIp1m/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJxB350YcShkX7L4zDKjCk_P5X_R5EVsovGhDvvXt2C638U_Yz2M5v5Vgg7snj7FG3UdKVPySLNwdHjssRzbChX1gkXGtHc29fxDsJJuH_4_TbzWbEKgDCeFrF2GWLV_qEbhm5gPmIp1m/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Star Dress Up Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJspOJX7xXT_IMcmlWbfIae7vf6xxbGEmfW_mZWnp6N22Y7YhVCo2gN7DPzvYk98LKHrDCtGQrKsq_Ft7R4yGMpPYXrUV_U3Pg_ecJ3Pxl0dNaVRMQM8HMwfx-0n8EHlx26XtEnppsZ2A/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJspOJX7xXT_IMcmlWbfIae7vf6xxbGEmfW_mZWnp6N22Y7YhVCo2gN7DPzvYk98LKHrDCtGQrKsq_Ft7R4yGMpPYXrUV_U3Pg_ecJ3Pxl0dNaVRMQM8HMwfx-0n8EHlx26XtEnppsZ2A/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if 5 articulate family members aren't enough... the dog talks too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPJKHv-l_2UBZqa04g5S51FjKsxJw_T-wsiUf63IoG8O7FVPdV9IY8DrntR2mLreUZ4vAkgjtMWZbJ_PNHifsjwaE8h7qLJOpP5TimU8V08ggLHckCe76LDraMjcIrPEqVSf_sRA8zD78/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seemed like a good idea at the time... too bad they LIED about how long it would take.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeTe9e4KMGcFd1o4r6WtWKEFMeClOvrZV5n6mUYWN2Hgk2o8bwsGh15dycLaXSwWFGoLdjRcpwhLC45EpMJHVxpD37ElOsTHX8X_rHT1OS4_eYUpwpNpgcUA1HJgi4BOsv_0C7-uurKxT/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeTe9e4KMGcFd1o4r6WtWKEFMeClOvrZV5n6mUYWN2Hgk2o8bwsGh15dycLaXSwWFGoLdjRcpwhLC45EpMJHVxpD37ElOsTHX8X_rHT1OS4_eYUpwpNpgcUA1HJgi4BOsv_0C7-uurKxT/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Bazillion little cake dots later... and filling inserted as instructed...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPJKHv-l_2UBZqa04g5S51FjKsxJw_T-wsiUf63IoG8O7FVPdV9IY8DrntR2mLreUZ4vAkgjtMWZbJ_PNHifsjwaE8h7qLJOpP5TimU8V08ggLHckCe76LDraMjcIrPEqVSf_sRA8zD78/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nailed it! At least according to the Birthday Boy who got to bring his treats to school! Every student had a baggie with 4 different colored "whoopie pies" in them. Whooopie!!! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03VGu80r9xMVT3udQZf5FAiLvZEHHf0fqFOKEML_jMNTbLS2K2yUCwkVt2z7uhW12P4Cen6RjwDFA_A4SImmMnxYFNKIu-myQpNHqb7ek6Zoc-AacAuw_aDvrPJBizvxNlNYB7uswy7UI/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03VGu80r9xMVT3udQZf5FAiLvZEHHf0fqFOKEML_jMNTbLS2K2yUCwkVt2z7uhW12P4Cen6RjwDFA_A4SImmMnxYFNKIu-myQpNHqb7ek6Zoc-AacAuw_aDvrPJBizvxNlNYB7uswy7UI/s1600/042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I try to include decorative amusements when I can. It keeps us all smiling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVlrOtxMFfB1AVU90ni9goBPNyTKIrwnI1C5feJbwggRtMhbWMQNAp7MzCZGq_L7pUPJwNWMazEy7t5MNRtAEx9bmK8YehBS1R_vEu5odbWvWQo_jV0UjYAEifvU8nLG0FOrK3skL_XcN/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVlrOtxMFfB1AVU90ni9goBPNyTKIrwnI1C5feJbwggRtMhbWMQNAp7MzCZGq_L7pUPJwNWMazEy7t5MNRtAEx9bmK8YehBS1R_vEu5odbWvWQo_jV0UjYAEifvU8nLG0FOrK3skL_XcN/s1600/055.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I'm still celebrating!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ds4b6IDfRUSHTa0PrXO-e6RyFvBFoQDZ0tTSxGzyHPJsX2XmK_PbKs3UOLWapWTYjhLuUXBBw05VpbekMvSVlnB1wTZ8QMQKqXeibXf52L964HDtpg3OkYCUcn5qK8e1c4d_BOvwfUio/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ds4b6IDfRUSHTa0PrXO-e6RyFvBFoQDZ0tTSxGzyHPJsX2XmK_PbKs3UOLWapWTYjhLuUXBBw05VpbekMvSVlnB1wTZ8QMQKqXeibXf52L964HDtpg3OkYCUcn5qK8e1c4d_BOvwfUio/s1600/058.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardboard and duct tape biplanes were made.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49xMkoTHBgI87OhjrJGLEFHfgsBKLAKliFbI28DMR1dm-EiqH-JZFORmzEQn7dFqooziZNMyyAKOUWy303SQ3qQRU7ouF2bx30zzB9u_QYu4UA-ziJNcl3LHR9rhKjLoP5F8y0ohLqPLP/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49xMkoTHBgI87OhjrJGLEFHfgsBKLAKliFbI28DMR1dm-EiqH-JZFORmzEQn7dFqooziZNMyyAKOUWy303SQ3qQRU7ouF2bx30zzB9u_QYu4UA-ziJNcl3LHR9rhKjLoP5F8y0ohLqPLP/s1600/060.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie had to wear a mask.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozn0SGfG3bng3AD62ehUfSOg-CxRItw4CJIyF13FZZBLscL-MgAlUpSKca_f-XNAsZ02UlL_fi1mlT9A4D7Pf-7W6RpzKAwXIcX3bFYjOdWxpCtzrQjYxbscbyaYnBFcCb2nsHaczwrfP/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozn0SGfG3bng3AD62ehUfSOg-CxRItw4CJIyF13FZZBLscL-MgAlUpSKca_f-XNAsZ02UlL_fi1mlT9A4D7Pf-7W6RpzKAwXIcX3bFYjOdWxpCtzrQjYxbscbyaYnBFcCb2nsHaczwrfP/s1600/063.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter found the mask less irritating.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIl1djxLUU1m5NIuL4zOHNx6uJfOWbta8OEk4ACRX1wkckLGJWFhUDIhMO0NQ22kzf438VKW4dWY35XWPcyOtSFNNDY_Ptk_saCg1N8JSKmAchfW3ZB7sPaEWpeksImSznm6Oq44leba73/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIl1djxLUU1m5NIuL4zOHNx6uJfOWbta8OEk4ACRX1wkckLGJWFhUDIhMO0NQ22kzf438VKW4dWY35XWPcyOtSFNNDY_Ptk_saCg1N8JSKmAchfW3ZB7sPaEWpeksImSznm6Oq44leba73/s1600/093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow boards were designed.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSUJsl8MH4Et9y5fiOj9UbesQpnv-eCusaI0K-ppL44Vu8JZPl9lZgiPMkt1ihskvnpzQCmoVZK2bbELyfLQq7aD1kJ3ecxC2fvAP85TxKyzygMYu9cjTlBpieiTBDJLv3jiktPClqz8x/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSUJsl8MH4Et9y5fiOj9UbesQpnv-eCusaI0K-ppL44Vu8JZPl9lZgiPMkt1ihskvnpzQCmoVZK2bbELyfLQq7aD1kJ3ecxC2fvAP85TxKyzygMYu9cjTlBpieiTBDJLv3jiktPClqz8x/s1600/095.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And used, until they fell apart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinemJeA4aLlg5b7xtLoZ59qOeHHI2HFPiQVme50MfdaFOoAz1Y5E6EtWl5u9XtqTSTvn9rtzOg8OC-cBKtpGPRmFZLT3dUpZJL2qBwCpVjEwh42rC_uSdJbetRuPiWOwziQ2xZwptsliaD/s1600/DSC07837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinemJeA4aLlg5b7xtLoZ59qOeHHI2HFPiQVme50MfdaFOoAz1Y5E6EtWl5u9XtqTSTvn9rtzOg8OC-cBKtpGPRmFZLT3dUpZJL2qBwCpVjEwh42rC_uSdJbetRuPiWOwziQ2xZwptsliaD/s1600/DSC07837.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided that while my Love was out of town I should end the pink counter top suffering I have endured for over 10 years. I took to Pinterest to find a solution. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RJdw8EO6TWoIAHr-S_p0_xPAy2ybzU0gbWGyn2WUw88EOYtESNqf5Hg76kBGLve876ZHgwPPBDrqtNj4mvF9yMTfW9V3syY9wX6t-4Usj0v6y97tXiS_GQKoU5r0xjATcUkfy2pRPKRI/s1600/DSC07836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RJdw8EO6TWoIAHr-S_p0_xPAy2ybzU0gbWGyn2WUw88EOYtESNqf5Hg76kBGLve876ZHgwPPBDrqtNj4mvF9yMTfW9V3syY9wX6t-4Usj0v6y97tXiS_GQKoU5r0xjATcUkfy2pRPKRI/s1600/DSC07836.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some bucks at Lowes, some elbow grease and I painted them over, </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TuiEBr72_u_0Tvc6bqBlt7ctJ5fwqcLJ-yMFfGD50ffGAPiyvpSZwnEINuXSuqJIGTjSeLlXjgW_g4-B20loKLVz66_yg3KIXaiTsxgEM5pnSipo7d4NuJ4S6tLoScISn_yEWhaO1Eyd/s1600/DSC07841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TuiEBr72_u_0Tvc6bqBlt7ctJ5fwqcLJ-yMFfGD50ffGAPiyvpSZwnEINuXSuqJIGTjSeLlXjgW_g4-B20loKLVz66_yg3KIXaiTsxgEM5pnSipo7d4NuJ4S6tLoScISn_yEWhaO1Eyd/s1600/DSC07841.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and over, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1DxG8_JaJcIiv-UGWzKKdB-bYzMCJD4PIeLpG7baNXMopZVd2dPaCl2FhvQPB8m1jwNZphnOss_6wFiSxb0oC3unv4qaFHjN52kI6RX3ujBiWQ3mLNJllyEuBw52qujh8ZkuTm_IVx8s/s1600/DSC07848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1DxG8_JaJcIiv-UGWzKKdB-bYzMCJD4PIeLpG7baNXMopZVd2dPaCl2FhvQPB8m1jwNZphnOss_6wFiSxb0oC3unv4qaFHjN52kI6RX3ujBiWQ3mLNJllyEuBw52qujh8ZkuTm_IVx8s/s1600/DSC07848.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and over, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPidT48Wq5DFzqY1Unrb_75jvmiz_JuNJ0ZWhIdMsA81XxF7guR5WW1hiPNiYChR6RBkxc9O3PJ8GXAlqhJ3T-I-9OF_tsmAIIJquHy0b89IuUoMIwdeh-AMqNxGBbYnjkZXhNBO2Xtac/s1600/DSC07915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPidT48Wq5DFzqY1Unrb_75jvmiz_JuNJ0ZWhIdMsA81XxF7guR5WW1hiPNiYChR6RBkxc9O3PJ8GXAlqhJ3T-I-9OF_tsmAIIJquHy0b89IuUoMIwdeh-AMqNxGBbYnjkZXhNBO2Xtac/s1600/DSC07915.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and over,<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcJb21is5iTYgFXPVxaS0ja7QTVxFVjrB2TYNc2sZGKt3J-AWrGrn2HLDLRi3xJFoVsIa2zlxq5TGgMkIbNO-f9jAZtyVwRaSm3de5zgMTiRv7M074GKWH02EE_4FB_UUMvYmmPjAVl8b/s1600/DSC07924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcJb21is5iTYgFXPVxaS0ja7QTVxFVjrB2TYNc2sZGKt3J-AWrGrn2HLDLRi3xJFoVsIa2zlxq5TGgMkIbNO-f9jAZtyVwRaSm3de5zgMTiRv7M074GKWH02EE_4FB_UUMvYmmPjAVl8b/s1600/DSC07924.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and over, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W-ySN30FMw6_2Ehg0KghFGus21YfH40ga3wx5NSW_4bNAUgmVgh2EYZ81uPlU1RwvDvpS0DApb8jcdWi2AwbLob40t_1EF726RPk_5bszmh-Mk6j1ACY88hLz2TAaO62CS_iOgxYPknS/s1600/DSC07925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W-ySN30FMw6_2Ehg0KghFGus21YfH40ga3wx5NSW_4bNAUgmVgh2EYZ81uPlU1RwvDvpS0DApb8jcdWi2AwbLob40t_1EF726RPk_5bszmh-Mk6j1ACY88hLz2TAaO62CS_iOgxYPknS/s1600/DSC07925.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until I LOVED them! It took a week out of my life that was so very worth it! </td></tr>
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After my <a href="http://peaceintheprocess.blogspot.com/2014/04/process.html">surgery</a>, the shenanigans, projects and activities of my fellas, meetings, doctor appointments, and kitchen counter renovations, we also managed to finish this school year belly crawling across home plate. But that is another blog for another time. Every bit of effort and energy expended for the benefit of my beloved ones is ALWAYS worth it! Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-15638304096225670372013-11-13T15:18:00.001-08:002013-11-13T15:18:17.542-08:00NEW BLOG!!! TRUTH!Its Wednesday and I'm getting ready to do my <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday writing with Lisa Jo Baker. </a><br />
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Her prompt this week (LAST Friday!) was TRUTH.<br />
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There are million directions I can plunk out five minutes on this word, but today, my focus is on this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW_M_kWojgcbYtbYRVPgpXI9HJUML0_-inyfRVId3PgUcf4bs5mtyZvmdl4OxmO0HypMFjakFojOvcBWw5r-wGqhJMLzi_VCXpIr71q7x1RlfX04Dj9Ga_R__sFdUlguhyphenhyphen_G1CnmOu2_P/s1600/51AkS6G1mrL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW_M_kWojgcbYtbYRVPgpXI9HJUML0_-inyfRVId3PgUcf4bs5mtyZvmdl4OxmO0HypMFjakFojOvcBWw5r-wGqhJMLzi_VCXpIr71q7x1RlfX04Dj9Ga_R__sFdUlguhyphenhyphen_G1CnmOu2_P/s1600/51AkS6G1mrL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Power-Female-Brain-Supercharging-ebook/dp/B008ZPG8EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384380174&sr=8-1&keywords=unleash+the+power+of+the+female+brain">This book</a><br />
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God made our brains. He is an extraordinary God of detail. I am not marketing this book to get paid, but reading it with the understanding that the TRUTH is that I am NOT living life with a healthy brain.<br />
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I've been suicidal this year. Deeply depressed. Required medication - LOTS of it to manage life. <br />
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I've been studying the Bible. Reading the Words of Life knowing they heal and restore because God is healing and restoration and prayerfully asking Him to show me ALL I need to do to become all of who He designed me to be. <br />
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Having been listed by the stats as morbidly obese for 20 years, I have completed 3 sprint triathlons and swam a mile in a lake as a part of a team. I have not let my weight destroy my understanding of who God says I am and yet this year, I am more irritated than ever with the body I am accommodating instead of altering for His glory. <br />
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I've written other blogs about my health journey at <a href="http://prismprogress-3boymomma.blogspot.com/">Prism Progress</a> but that hasn't been enough.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">So today, I started a new blog</span></strong>. One I will morph into ALL of the things I am encountering in finding <a href="http://peaceintheprocess.blogspot.com/">Peace in the Process</a> and some of that information is contained in this book. <br />
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Other insights I am gaining in a journey on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Process-Michael-Patricia-Fancher/dp/B000MNGST2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384384448&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Genesis+Process">Genesis Process..</a>.<br />
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The TRUTH is setting me free. One prayer, one verse, one insight, one revelation at a time. <br />
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If you like the idea of joining up, you are welcome to contact me. God is doing a great work and I am thankful to be in His TRUTH, walking by His leading and trusting Him with everything at a whole new level! <br />
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Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-54892454057509541982013-10-18T10:57:00.002-07:002013-10-18T10:57:58.751-07:00Five Minute Friday - LAUNDRY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its time for me to write with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Lisa Jo Baker on Five Minute Friday! </a></div>
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I haven't posted in a few weeks but this is the day I actually post on FRIDAY! Whoo Hooo!</div>
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Today's prompt is LAUNDRY!</div>
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Laundry - <br />
I have a love/hate relationship with it. My puppy loves it. She isn't picky. Clean, dirty, she isn't even picky about the item. We are her family and our stuff is hers, just like we are. <br />
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No, we aren't candidates for Dog Whisperer yet, she definitely knows her place, but when I was mid-laundry doing the other day and I came upstairs from changing loads to find her in this position, I was a little jealous. <br />
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She rests so deeply because her list of "to dos" isn't that long... Run, play, chase & herd boys, sleep, poop, eat, bark, wag tail, still piddle at the sight of new people... that's basically it.<br />
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I do most of those things (except piddle when I meet new people and wag my tail ;))but it's with a running list in my head of what's next. Being in the moment is one of my greatest challenges. That is why I love and hate laundry. <br />
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I hate laundry because I often forget to finish it. I forget, because of the giant list in my head, to switch it. My record for most re-washes is 3, or maybe 4. That's annoying! I wish I could just remember, and no, setting the timer doesn't help because I sometimes don't hear it, or sometimes I forget why I set it!<br />
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I love that I have mountains of little boy laundry. I waited 9 1/2 years to get pregnant with my first. It was a long wait of just two people worth of laundry. Just after our 12th anniversary we found out there would be more laundry added soon... then after one, 14months later came the other, then two and a half years later, the last little dirty laundry maker. <br />
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Each time I fold pants, pile underwear (I don't fold them... what is the point of THAT?!) attach socks, wonder where the spare socks are (pretty sure the dog or washer ate them when I wasn't looking), and nudge these fellas into hanging up their shirts I am grateful for the little bodies that get them dirty (well, ALMOST every time). <br />
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Laundry is a gift. It is a reminder of the people I serve, and I love that my puppy (the only other girl in the house) enjoys it too. <br />
<br />Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-17119305125956392572013-09-24T23:14:00.002-07:002013-09-24T23:18:30.016-07:00Five Minute Friday: She<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its late for "Friday" posting... but I just had to do this! </div>
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<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Lisa Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday</a> is wonderful fun!</div>
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We met the summer of 2011. She was in the internship at our church and watched our sons several times to earn money for a missions trip to India. She and I had many heartfelt talks when I would take her home. We grew closer and I prayed for her often. In August God put it on my heart to pray for her like a daughter. So I did. </div>
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It was only a few more months before she came to live with us. She traveled with us, celebrated holidays with us, became a very treasured member of our family. </div>
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God did a mighty work in her. Beyond what we could ever have planned or imagined. She had a room in our finished basement that she made her own and she watched our boys to offset her living expenses. </div>
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She chose to get baptized, graduated the internship and found a job at a local preschool. She experienced more and more of Jesus, His provision for her, His grace, and His blessings. She moved out on her own in June of 2013. We praise God for who she was, who she is and who she is becoming. <br />
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I have learned to never underestimate the power of obeying God. He asked us to have her live with us and He did so much. If God puts someone on your heart to invest in and pray for. Please do it. You'll not regret it!Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-43332711571824277872013-07-26T22:32:00.001-07:002013-07-26T22:32:20.652-07:00Broken<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think I am <br>Cracked if not smashed<br>Dreams carved from heart<br>Altered forever<br><br>Broke-in<br>Love broke through<br>Despair and darkness<br>Light exposing pain</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Broken but not destroyed<br>He broke in to chunks<br>The devastation mass<br>Become pieces to be released. <br><br>Healing is a process. <br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-1565838550981254492013-07-12T09:01:00.000-07:002013-07-12T09:01:11.055-07:00The Present is a Present!Today I am finally attempting to get back into the groove of writing regularly... maybe. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">It's Five Minute Friday time with Lisa Jo Baker!</a><br />
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I figured I'd start small and go from here. Today the word is PRESENT.<br />
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GO!<br />
<br />
At PRESENT I am doing prep work for a major addition to our family (shhhh... don't tell! It's a SECRET!), continuing to work toward my physical goals concerning my health and fitness levels, neck deep in little boys antics, focusing on making memories and building relationships with our sons, needing to plan a menu for next week that will not include chicken nuggets, and trying to get rid of the post-vacation blues (and bloat) from the last two weeks. <br />
<br />
I feel the challenge of remaining PRESENT when all the questions, potty talk (ie:bathroom humor), altercations, and consequences tempt me to evaporate into a book, the internet, or Candy Crush. <br />
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When I see my life as a PRESENT it becomes less of a challenge and more of a gift. I must remember that. Every. Single. Day. <br />
<br />
STOP!<br />
<br />
There it is, my first blog in almost 3 months. It's not brilliant, but its a start...<br />
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-86849437347381759812013-04-17T13:32:00.000-07:002013-04-17T13:32:03.269-07:00Pain is a Pain!Several of you have asked what is going on with me over the past few weeks. I am going to try to keep it simple as to not air out all my process in public but many of you care so I feel compelled to share at least some of it. <br />
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For many years I have struggled with my weight and with depression. Both of which are genetic predispositions, but nothing I haven't worked diligently to deal with both nutritionally and with fitness. <br />
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About four weeks ago I had six migraines in eight days. VERY unusual for me when I typically will get one or two a year, maybe. I had a reprieve one day and decided to try a Pilates class, which I loved until my heart rate was up and I did a "Downward Dog" and it felt like my head would explode off my neck. It was quite alarming.<br />
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I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was 140/100 also VERY unusual for me. I have always had a lower than normal blood pressure. Even when I was full term with my youngest and heavier than I'd ever been in my life my BP was right around normal.<br />
<br />
He ran a FULL spectrum of blood work and suggested a sleep study. He indicated that we needed to look at my weight and depression issues as symptoms instead of causes for many of the things happening with my body. <br />
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EVERY blood test was within the normal range. The only one that was on the low end of normal was vitamin D (normal for this part of the country). No diabetes, no high cholesterol, none of the things that would come from my being medically categorized as "morbidly obese" for over 10 years. <br />
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Last week I did a sleep study. A bazillion electrodes and wires, snore monitor, etc were attached to me and I managed to sleep with a little medicinal assistance. The technician told me that in order to meet the insurance requirements for assistance with a <a href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-cpap-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea">CPAP</a> machine I needed to stop breathing at least 20 times for 10 seconds each within an hour's time. At some time in the night she came in and hooked me up to the machine. It felt weird but she had coached me how to use it before I went to bed. She told me the next morning that I easily met the requirements and she felt like it could really help me. <br />
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The headaches continue daily. I sleep occasionally. Sometimes I use medicine to sleep and it helps. <br />
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I am very aware of God's presence and Healing Power in this process. He keeps speaking to me about trusting Him in this. I know answers will come. I know the healing will come. <br />
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Persistent pain is incredibly exhausting. I MISS working out. Anytime my heart rate goes up everything feels worse. The medicine I am on for my blood pressure is helping but until we have more answers, or I have complete healing, I am where I am. <br />
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What triggered all of this? <br />
<br />
In January I began going through some healing for some deep heart hurts. Our oldest son has been having trouble in school, we discovered he needs hearing aids and God answered my prayer to bless our marriage with a "tune up" to remove some old patterns of communicating and replace with better more effective ones. <br />
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God has moved in powerful ways in our marriage and in our family. He has provided funds for hearing aids and for the sleep study (most of which were not included in our insurance). He has provided help from dear friends with prayers, encouragement and child care. He has built up and strengthened our communication in our marriage and it is better than ever. <br />
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And now this physical stuff has started with me... <br />
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I trust Him for my healing. I trust Him for the provision for the needs of my Love and our family. <br />
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Thanks for your prayers, if you feel led to do so. <br />
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-62258595188380122332013-04-05T08:08:00.000-07:002013-04-05T08:08:01.180-07:00After... - WHEN is that?!Writing with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/04/five-minute-friday-after/">Lisa Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday</a> again today. <br />
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I have five minutes to spill out whatever pops out of my brain through my fingers on the word AFTER. <br />
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GO:<br />
<br />
Many of my thoughts for years have started with that word: <br />
After...<br />
... I can get some sleep<br />
... they get out of diapers<br />
... I lose the weight<br />
... they don't need me so much <br />
... I can get organized<br />
... I get some different furniture<br />
... I have a bigger kitchen<br />
<br />
Do you see where I am going? How many things do I miss out on waiting for "after"? <br />
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I read Lisa Jo's blog often and wonder how she writes. It seems like life is plenty busy for her but she still manages to spill over me gracious wise words that refresh my soul. <br />
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I want to write like that. I want to know how to organize my time and life in such a way that the gifts that I've been given have a place to pour out and bless the people around me. <br />
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I think NOW is the time. Not AFTER... otherwise I will miss something waiting for the AFTER...<br />
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STOP.<br />
<br />
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-91050189153536166172013-03-15T10:37:00.003-07:002013-03-15T10:37:53.554-07:00FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY - REST
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday time again with Lisa Jo Baker </a><br />
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<br />
REST<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rest is
about perspective. If I am trying to figure everything out, plan too far ahead,
make arrangements for things that might happen… there is no rest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, if I
see things through Father’s eyes, I rest. He knows what to do. His vision is
20/20 in every direction. The One who knows the end from the beginning and the beginning
from the end wants me to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Resting isn't necessarily sofa surfing or bed bound, but peacefully pursuing His heart for
the day – the small or big people He puts in my path, the tasks that bless my
home and family, the words that speak wisdom and grace with the tenacity of a
warrior who knows victory is on the other side of the current battle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I see today
through His eyes, His vision, His design in me, moving forward in the way He’s
called me to go, busy with the relationships, tasks and challenges while I
rest. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CR5IoWH9OiI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-26949723038087635362013-03-13T07:47:00.000-07:002013-03-13T07:47:17.776-07:00Toothpaste on the Bathmat and Other Sticky Situations of Parenthood (Part 1) – Jennifer Bogdanowicz <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wash the bathmats. Often. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no idea how they do it. Well, I do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That doesn’t make it less annoying to walk in to brush my
teeth only to have my bare foot stick, to my freshly washed mat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grrr…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, there are bigger things, stickier things that plant
themselves on my heart that are harder to remove than a few tiny bits of Transformers
overspray.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like – This lingering sense that we missed something BIG
in helping our oldest son learn to the best of his ability – Oh wait, we did! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week we discovered our oldest son has mild to
moderate hearing loss that will require hearing aids and apart from a miracle,
it is permanent. Yes, he’s 8. Yes, I had wondered for years if that was a
problem. Yes, I’ve never missed a checkup and had the Doc look at his ears
several times. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I thought he was “selectively”
listening to us and had consequences accordingly. Yes, like a drop of
toothpaste drool, I didn’t think it was really there until I stepped squarely
in it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, like the blue foamy gunk, the guilt of the oversight
sticks. It feels emotionally more like gum imbedded in the tread of my favorite
shoe, but when I stop and think through the past several years that I have
prayed over my son, seeking God’s wisdom and insight on how to raise him for
the destiny he was designed for, I am very aware again of God’s perfect timing.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trusting God with my kids is always sticky because I like
to think that I am the one who knows what’s best for them. A lot of the time, I
do. But I have the choice when I am dealing with this kind of sticky situation
to view it as catastrophic like Bubble Yum squished into every crevice of my
best running shoe or as a frustrating but simply removed minty fresh splash
that ended up on my naked sole. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not likely to miss this kind of issue again. All the
other little anatomically perfect ears in our home will receive the testing
that checks the nerve development, the hidden culprit in this situation in the
next few weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wisdom gleaned from sticky situations can always be
applied to future possibilities. I plan to listen to my internal wonderings
more carefully, respond more quickly, coach a little more on containing the
slobbery brushing to the sink, and continue to wash my bath mats. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-61141989712960158212013-03-09T09:39:00.002-08:002013-03-09T09:41:09.669-08:00HOME Is Where My Heart IsIt may be Saturday, but today is my opportunity to write with one of my favorite bloggers: <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/03/five-minute-friday-home-2/">Lisa Jo Baker</a> for <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday</a>.<br />
<br />
Friday's word prompt: HOME<br />
<br />
When I think of HOME - the first thing that comes to mind is something that's been embroidered on zillions of pillows for generations:<br />
<br />
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS <br />
<br />
For me today, I set my mind and heart on the things above *. <br />
<br />
Today one of my dear mentors is being celebrated 11 hours from me after suddenly departing for Heaven last weekend. She is at HOME. Her nature and character communicated that you could always be at HOME with her too. I will miss her terribly. I grieve with her family and friends, longing for our eternal HOME together... looking forward to the reunion we will all have eventually.<br />
<br />
Also, today is the fifth anniversary of one of my first "sons of my heart" trip HOME to Heaven too. I miss him. He was and remains a gift to those of us who had the blessing of loving and doing life with him. <br />
<br />
Finally since I only have a couple seconds left... I am reminded that the earthly HOME where I reside is not permanent. I am here for a purpose, a destiny ordained for me by God, and I choose to be faithful and intentional about hearing His voice and walking forward in obedience and joy**. My heart is at HOME with my Lord, my life in my earthly HOME has a purpose, and I am trying to keep them both in their right perspectives. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymIjFOdQaJvXSCkkyWgFof2wEB_Wt8o364unwwDe5qvGSz1rQFLMBJ6RE_Zv3NIzbkhkEBi_wBCyLbDqbxFzgHklhZe2dUWb-UZhafb2PZWAXXoZaOG67v17PgIibyvqrSOZ1eq6icSkz/s1600/C021%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymIjFOdQaJvXSCkkyWgFof2wEB_Wt8o364unwwDe5qvGSz1rQFLMBJ6RE_Zv3NIzbkhkEBi_wBCyLbDqbxFzgHklhZe2dUWb-UZhafb2PZWAXXoZaOG67v17PgIibyvqrSOZ1eq6icSkz/s320/C021%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Purpose - Simply stated by "Unknown"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
STOP - end of 5 min write.<br />
<br />
* Colossians 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29519A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29519B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> <span class="text Col-3-2" id="en-NIV-29520"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29520C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Col-3-3" id="en-NIV-29521"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>For you died,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29521D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.</span> <span class="text Col-3-4" id="en-NIV-29522"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>When Christ, who is your<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29522a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29522a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> life,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29522E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> appears,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29522F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> then you also will appear with him in glory.</span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-4"></span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-4">** Ephesians 2:10<span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-NIV-29240"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For we are God’s handiwork,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> created<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> in Christ Jesus to do good works,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> which God prepared in advance for us to do.</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29522G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span>Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-21561613681758853642013-02-27T15:26:00.000-08:002013-02-27T15:26:01.496-08:00Ever Feel Like You Don't Fit In?I was talking with a friend the other day about something we are both going through. She went to meet up with some other friends and said she felt like a giraffe among a pack of smaller animals... so I started thinking...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxGx6mKqRE-pq_kWHnUhlj1DXOclB5XHiOzYH3mw4t0WLk4pvzdhbvNLunHLJVjHsOEzrLVK_Uq6MNu3Jm7D3f2YbIIBo5my2Z9EaiQbnjEr9yFGHSNU3jfulrFjn5yHpwj63BPdF9LEM/s1600/Giraffe+with+Zebras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxGx6mKqRE-pq_kWHnUhlj1DXOclB5XHiOzYH3mw4t0WLk4pvzdhbvNLunHLJVjHsOEzrLVK_Uq6MNu3Jm7D3f2YbIIBo5my2Z9EaiQbnjEr9yFGHSNU3jfulrFjn5yHpwj63BPdF9LEM/s320/Giraffe+with+Zebras.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How many times do I feel like I stick out? Like I don't fit in because of what is going on in my life at the moment or some physical characteristic - for me - being overweight - that makes me feel like the odd ball. <br />
<br />
When you are in a season like that or have a challenge you are facing (losing weight) its almost like you have to have a long neck to see beyond now into what is coming to remind you that it won't stay this way forever. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2sbwzOh_vGmSzcmRoTGgT4RMlavpk18U1KPoUuEKu0tLLXxZokrO98E-VVG0x74QQRviG5betGbZmDObDMDNvkpAHzEOx8-vHwgJ7E6fAvI6RqYo9CL47TPnDZjy23R_qHv_zEXTxAyG/s1600/giraffe-trio-wallpapers_9167_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2sbwzOh_vGmSzcmRoTGgT4RMlavpk18U1KPoUuEKu0tLLXxZokrO98E-VVG0x74QQRviG5betGbZmDObDMDNvkpAHzEOx8-vHwgJ7E6fAvI6RqYo9CL47TPnDZjy23R_qHv_zEXTxAyG/s320/giraffe-trio-wallpapers_9167_1024x768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, the next time you feel alone, or like you stand out... look around, there might be someone you can walk alongside who feels the same way. Then, walk together, focused on the future, but working together through the now... being POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING to each other to drink lots of water... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gKdDtTZO3lTSh2IFatrhYIXixhFeFW_l__ZlmuTM_E12m8c3wnJ2aZ9fO18i55ET1nYs1PdkPbZGzk4hkE8bcmnQsXZ2ty0wM4_Bkf62Jd0JFfbaRB4LuMsbexunKmAf2kqeTnvXj6FC/s1600/thirsty-giraffes-wallpapers_11420_1600x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gKdDtTZO3lTSh2IFatrhYIXixhFeFW_l__ZlmuTM_E12m8c3wnJ2aZ9fO18i55ET1nYs1PdkPbZGzk4hkE8bcmnQsXZ2ty0wM4_Bkf62Jd0JFfbaRB4LuMsbexunKmAf2kqeTnvXj6FC/s320/thirsty-giraffes-wallpapers_11420_1600x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Eat your veggies...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1OMGt9S9X7d_DBfSRGx78_v5m9kJcIAoaJr6N05iwzMMbdtdWSp3OjIKgyETVeX-9NQYkLbuclrLajO592ZQo2Py5QJl_Ia_GstNoKLw-FA5N1bna7No05tE6V1Ja_hs9LQZtCPb-X5f/s1600/giraffe_eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1OMGt9S9X7d_DBfSRGx78_v5m9kJcIAoaJr6N05iwzMMbdtdWSp3OjIKgyETVeX-9NQYkLbuclrLajO592ZQo2Py5QJl_Ia_GstNoKLw-FA5N1bna7No05tE6V1Ja_hs9LQZtCPb-X5f/s320/giraffe_eating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And no matter what you look like...<br />
Don't take yourself too seriously... because everybody feels the way you do at some point in their life... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Tw8EMKwm0TO7rB5tQCEftM_Dehg7Q6jtgHa4RHTNpoHzxKJ9iOLXD7NFmQV4CMstNby2EnFcqOIdyA8Jh_T5jgs5BstMysMDfykoQDDuBP1qD6DxUFhzF2wMNBr5iJswNg15sgQVULt/s1600/giraffe-hd-wallpaper-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Tw8EMKwm0TO7rB5tQCEftM_Dehg7Q6jtgHa4RHTNpoHzxKJ9iOLXD7NFmQV4CMstNby2EnFcqOIdyA8Jh_T5jgs5BstMysMDfykoQDDuBP1qD6DxUFhzF2wMNBr5iJswNg15sgQVULt/s320/giraffe-hd-wallpaper-150x150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-20323169258385591292013-02-08T07:00:00.001-08:002013-02-08T07:00:20.372-08:00Bare
Its time for<br />
<br />
<a five-minute-friday="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" lisajobaker.com="">http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/</a>" title="Five Minute Friday"><img http:="" lisajobaker.com="" minutefriday.jpg="" src="<a href=" uploads="" wp-content="" />http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg<br />
" alt="Five Minute Friday" title="Five Minute Friday" style="border:none;" /><br />
where we write for 5 minutes on a prompt she throws out there for us... so here it is:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bare – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I think of this word I think of how I am walking right
now. I feel like my God is stripping away all the things I have clung to for my
own self- preservation and protection. I have made this choice willingly, to
allow Him to do this, but I will admit that every once in a while, the pain is
intense enough to want to throw in the towel and quit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But what I do know about Him is that in the stripping down,
there is always a re-clothing. A gift of a new wardrobe on the other side - a
wardrobe of solid identity in Him, confidence that comes from my core not my
rational brain, and the ability to believe Him when He says I am “fearfully and
wonderfully made.” (Ps 139). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I say again, “Yes, Lord”, I come to you bare, all things
between You and me stripped away, releasing my will to Yours knowing that Your
plan, Your process for me is far more than I could ever imagine (Eph. 3:20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-90316730694924962862013-02-01T14:58:00.001-08:002013-02-01T15:22:47.658-08:00Holiday<p dir=ltr>Clouds zip fast<br>
Wind pushing <br>
Snow-glitter spins<br>
Chill and beauty collide. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Skiers and boarders<br>
Heads dipped low<br>
Against thick collars<br>
Finish mountain play.</p>
<p dir=ltr>In sun-filled patch<br>
On floor resting<br>
Cozy still<br>
Shine on face<br>
Heaven's kisses go deep.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr-eC889EaL9LNiYOdtdzx3vTwNLM7VPuR6vPTJPutLOXKlkUDEm5a0REQ77ddm2dxZvziupZ4mJya_E3dOZ9yIWVS54_rr21HBLKjCjE6P2K-acAag0WI-OCnH1TmHqZcC8hMX_-wdG5/s1600/1359758007252.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr-eC889EaL9LNiYOdtdzx3vTwNLM7VPuR6vPTJPutLOXKlkUDEm5a0REQ77ddm2dxZvziupZ4mJya_E3dOZ9yIWVS54_rr21HBLKjCjE6P2K-acAag0WI-OCnH1TmHqZcC8hMX_-wdG5/s640/1359758007252.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaXansNF6IABdlqDcy_94aN3pKKVjYlMSUS_QGG592vrDTs15eal7OFwYHHoN_Nnp19uuUGmvz0SF0nNdd6OVPvXk6vvXl6YWn1AiINI0UIkZ2TDVaAVhbMS4hozqk8vHBI5GpYNpH5wR/s1600/1359758336239.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaXansNF6IABdlqDcy_94aN3pKKVjYlMSUS_QGG592vrDTs15eal7OFwYHHoN_Nnp19uuUGmvz0SF0nNdd6OVPvXk6vvXl6YWn1AiINI0UIkZ2TDVaAVhbMS4hozqk8vHBI5GpYNpH5wR/s640/1359758336239.jpg' /> </a> </div>Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-12765472226547921652012-10-05T13:14:00.000-07:002012-10-05T13:28:19.270-07:00WELCOME Holy Spirit<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here I am writing with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/2012/07/five-minute-friday-2/%20%7D">Lisa-Jo Baker - Five Minute Friday</a> - Today the word is: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WELCOME</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is what I felt led to write about regarding WELCOME:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>WELCOME Holy Spirit</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an evangelical Christian who passionately believes in the
trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) I welcomed Jesus into my life and asked Him
to be my Lord and Savior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But how welcome is Holy Spirit?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is as relevant and essential as God the Father and Jesus
His Son.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do I welcome Him? Do I listen for Him, walk with Him?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holy Spirit please forgive me for the times I push You aside.
I want to lead myself. I want to lean on my own understanding of situations or
circumstances instead of seeing with Your insight into them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E6kicIpk_BqbctawLacptG9z7VafXMwlywjquD9_12Y5sYHWWHUsVvkotmsyld7BKyoJz847N7wPQaoGM9zBlCbftl9CqaA60Mp8oxoryqgs6apn4ZEuaCTQ9yhXwGlb8bhI1tdTa1w5/s1600/Feather+in+the+sky+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E6kicIpk_BqbctawLacptG9z7VafXMwlywjquD9_12Y5sYHWWHUsVvkotmsyld7BKyoJz847N7wPQaoGM9zBlCbftl9CqaA60Mp8oxoryqgs6apn4ZEuaCTQ9yhXwGlb8bhI1tdTa1w5/s400/Feather+in+the+sky+1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recognize that I am not the utmost Bible scholar but I am
capable of doing a Key Word search on <a href="http://biblegateway.com/">Biblegateway.com</a> and being blessed
tremendously by the 96 verses listed in the New International Version that
speak specifically about Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to welcome Holy Spirit more. I want to develop the
habit of releasing my “own understanding” knowing it is incredibly limited and
based on only my own experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I watched the movie “Limitless” a while back. I thought it
was a good piece of entertainment. I prayed about the “pills” the character
took in the movie that allowed him to utilize his brain to its fullest
capacity. I asked God about His limitlessness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God sent Holy Spirit to me so that I can be “limitless” in
Him. He is the power, the strength, the wisdom, the joy, the peace, the
understanding I need to navigate all the day-to-day decisions of life and the
challenges that arise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Welcome Holy Spirit! I know You are essential to my life and
want You to lead me, guide me, teach me, and show me the way You would have me go.
Please show me when I am tempted to push You aside and remind me I committed to
listen to You first. Thank You! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-46546357598264442432012-09-26T13:26:00.000-07:002012-09-26T13:26:09.472-07:00Dishwashers and GunkI have noticed a funky smell coming from the dishwasher. Today I decided to do what any mom is trained to do... find the source of the funky smell. <br />
<br />
Much to my dismay there was a buildup of unknown but very stinky, sticky, greenish brown stuff in the crack where the door and the main part of the dishwasher meet. I pulled out the silverware thing and it was gunky too! ICK! <br />
<br />
QUICK! Grab the sponge, Comet and some elbow grease and get that nasty stuff gone... and then...<br />
<br />
subtle whispers and an internal arguement ensue. <br />
<br />
This thing CLEANS - how can there be gunk? <br />
<br />
It cleans GUNK - and sometimes it gets stuck.<br />
<br />
Wait... Wait... Wait... <br />
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I clean. I deal with gunk. Does it get stuck to me?<br />
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Yes. It does. <br />
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Staying clean in a gunky world isn't easy. I need my Jesus to come in and show me where the gunk has built up when things start to stink. He's the only one with the Comet who can show me where to apply the sponge and the elbow grease. If my Love had been home I would have had him help me figure out how to get the door off so I could give it a more complete scrubbing. Sometimes I need help. I will ask when he gets home.<br />
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Oh, and if I watch for where the gunk can build up, and I clean it regularly, no stink has time to build up. <br />
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Here's to no more build-up!Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-50673283982602194742012-08-31T07:19:00.003-07:002012-08-31T07:19:20.914-07:00CHANGE - Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its Friday and I am posting with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2012/08/five-minute-friday-change/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29">Lisa-Jo Baker</a> on <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday</a> - not Tuesday or Wednesday the following week! YAY!</div>
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For the past couple of weeks I have been battling a whole new layer of anxiety. I have struggled with anxiety/depression for most of my life. Someday I will elaborate on the roots of it all, but it's not relevant for the purpose of this post. </div>
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Most of my anxiety this time has been related to my kids going back to school. I am sure I am not the only one. </div>
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I am not only concerned about them returning to their other "life" that is apart from me, where they grow outside the "womb" of our home, but also concerned about how they present themselves to the world. </div>
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Have I taught them enough?</div>
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Will they be a blessing? </div>
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Will they reflect who they are in Christ or the sin they have seen in me? </div>
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Will others treat them like the amazing people they are? </div>
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Will there be enough grace to cover their imperfections and mine?</div>
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The rapid fire nature of these questions and others can make my heart race with nervous tension and my extremely solid faith in who Christ is in me quake like a 8.0 on the Richter scale. </div>
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But here is what rose up in my heart this morning: </div>
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I have given myself to Him - told Him I will do whatever He asks of me, regardless of my comfort and if I have to live like this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWxF1b0ad_KydUw1pthZOqS4wgGcJ2qEkG5Zs1vZmLvYfDNIbK2ZEgORPyMooYD85S8LnTQpItGysudHZLmsY6oUweb0W5M-vUh9sxXprQulLee6DZ1TPcn9D9YXJux8ygLHDoMvOBs2X/s1600/DSC05972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWxF1b0ad_KydUw1pthZOqS4wgGcJ2qEkG5Zs1vZmLvYfDNIbK2ZEgORPyMooYD85S8LnTQpItGysudHZLmsY6oUweb0W5M-vUh9sxXprQulLee6DZ1TPcn9D9YXJux8ygLHDoMvOBs2X/s320/DSC05972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At first glance its just a pair of little boy thongs, but as you look closely you see that one part is broken (a key part). I shall live - flaws exposed so that His glory may be revealed not only in the parts of me that function well, but in the parts of me that need repair. <br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians+12:9&version=NIV"><strong>2 Corinthians 12:9</strong></a><br />But He said to me, “My grace is <b>sufficient</b> for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.<br />
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My oldest is plunging into third grade with some learning challenges that will require lots of grace, consistency and encouragement, my middle fella is leaping into second grade with enthusiasm and younger than most second graders, and my youngest, he will be with me, serving wherever the Lord leads, on any given day adding his spicy nature into the mix of ministry and household maintenance. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-NL85lfh_n4xX63NV3asvy1Vz7OhCdMMzo04NdqZWSaGo-J9XMqDVCCYhVG1uZeWtvheWiVgNbFPUaabH4hRrkihD2QiG_b12LDxEDUhmVY37RYiIX73OKSvMTiY-6TpDFVudH-LJ153/s1600/DSC05966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-NL85lfh_n4xX63NV3asvy1Vz7OhCdMMzo04NdqZWSaGo-J9XMqDVCCYhVG1uZeWtvheWiVgNbFPUaabH4hRrkihD2QiG_b12LDxEDUhmVY37RYiIX73OKSvMTiY-6TpDFVudH-LJ153/s320/DSC05966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My perspective needs a CHANGE. His has never changed. It's about Him, for Him and because of Him that I live. For those who know Him, for those who don't, and for all who are in the middle, on their journey, not sure it where it will lead - I need to be who He made me to be and teach my fellas to do the same. Every day. No matter where we are. </div>
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He sees the beauty of the process. He sees the beauty of who I am and who they are. My perspective needs to be His. That is the kind of CHANGE I choose. </div>
<br />Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-81555533486560485442012-08-29T07:06:00.000-07:002012-08-29T07:06:41.592-07:00Join (Even When It's Hard)<br />
It's taken me until Wednesday to get my <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">"Five Minute Friday"</a> writing done, but this prompt took some time to germinate in my soul. <br />
<a five-minute-friday="five-minute-friday" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" lisajobaker.com="lisajobaker.com">http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/</a>" title="Five Minute Friday"><img lisajobaker.com="lisajobaker.com" minutefriday.jpg="minutefriday.jpg" src="<a href=" uploads="uploads" wp-content="wp-content" />http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg<br />
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I am great at joining exciting and fun activities, events and clubs. It is pretty cool to be a part of something that influences the world in a positive way. <br />
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But...<br />
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What about joining the lost, depressed, broken or needy?<br />
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I am going to be transparent here. It isn't fun. But, you knew that. <br />
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Jesus did it. He's asked me to join Him. He's asked us all to join Him. If we call Him our Lord and Savior then we need to respond and act as He did. As He leads. <br />
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He joined even the dead (Lazarus) and brought him back to life. <br />
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He joins me in my brokenness and forgives me when I ask. His gift of Salvation sealed forever by His death on the Cross for me (and for you too).<br />
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One of the greatest gifts I can give in response to His gift to me is to join Him as He leads me to walk beside, touch, and pray with those He loves. <br />
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It is hard to climb into the muddy sticky mess of life next to someone in pain. But He did. So I will. <br />
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Stop. <br />
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Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-3279563616427515102012-08-17T11:18:00.000-07:002012-08-17T11:18:52.573-07:00Stretch - Five Minute Friday with Lisa Jo Baker<a five-minute-friday="five-minute-friday" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="http:" lisajobaker.com="lisajobaker.com">http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/</a>" title="Five Minute Friday"><img http:="http:" lisajobaker.com="lisajobaker.com" minutefriday.jpg="minutefriday.jpg" src="<a href=" uploads="uploads" wp-content="wp-content" />http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg<br />
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This is such a great opportunity to join with other bloggers! You will find more information <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">HERE</a> about how to be a part of this great community!<br />
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So here are my 5 minutes on S-T-R-E-T-C-H...<br />
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<span class="text Acts-4-31">This weekend I will be taking on my 4th Sprint Triathlon. In some ways it won't be a stretch since it is the first time I have repeated a race course so I already know what to expect. But with my sensitive achillies tendon I will be very careful on the run. </span><br />
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<span class="text Acts-4-31">By the time I get to the last third of the triathlon - the run - I am like a barn sour horse that can't wait to get to the finish line. </span><br />
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<span class="text Acts-4-31">But not this weekend. I am shooting for Ironman 2016 as a long term goal. I have had achillies tendonitis for months and after the doc told me to STOP running I had to listen so I wouldn't cause a permanent cronic injury. That was a stretch!!! </span><br />
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<span class="text Acts-4-31">I went to church for a healing prayer service and God <a href="http://3boymomma.blogspot.com/2012/06/healed.html">healed</a> it. I have gone back and forth with Him about why He didn't heal me all the way complete with no residual challenge but He did not. I have heard very clearly from Him that I am to lean on Him for all of my physical endeavors and trust Him for all the finish lines He's asked me to cross. </span><br />
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<span class="text Acts-4-31">This weekend I will stretch by most likely having to WALK the run portion. People will be passing me and telling me "You can do this!" and encouraging me to move faster. I will only run if there is NO PAIN in my achillies. </span><br />
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<span class="text Acts-4-31">Hearing His voice, obeying it, especially in the details of life will stretch me this weekend. But it will be good. Because He is good! </span>Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-68698500131110437312012-08-03T08:36:00.002-07:002012-08-03T23:24:52.077-07:00Here Am I... Send Me.<a five-minute-friday="five-minute-friday" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="http:" lisajobaker.com="lisajobaker.com">http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/</a>" title="Five Minute Friday"> <img alt="Five Minute Friday" gt="gt" p="p" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg</p><p>" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /><br />
(I have NO idea why the great Five Minute Friday picture isn't showing up. Those of you who know blog stuff - please drop me a note and let me know what to do! Thanks!)<br />
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Five Minute Friday bekons me again. I didn't even get half way though my post last week. It's still saved in a draft form... maybe soon. <br />
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But this week I am carving out my five minutes to let it fall out of me - the blog-jam in my head. <br />
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"HERE" I GO:<br />
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Isaiah has always been one of my favorite books, but <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%206:1-8&version=NIV">Chapter 6: 1-8</a> has held my heart for years. I recommend you take a minute to read it if you have the time. <br />
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HERE is where I am: <br />
- I want to go where He sends me. Right now, it looks like I will most likely be sent to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher and make breakfast for my three hungry fellas. <br />
- Then I will be sent to the shower to pull together my thoughts while I scrub the sleepys away and get ready for whatever "HERE" place He calls me to next. <br />
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The more I lean into Him for even the "small" places He wants to send me, the more I discipline myself to hear His ever present voice. <br />
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"Go into the room where they are - be with them. I know Legos aren't your thing. Be with them in their space. Let go of what you want and need. Meet their need. I will take care of you." my God says to me. <br />
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"Yes, Lord" is my common response. Even when it's hard. I am willing to be sent, even if it is just to the other room. <br />
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STOP.Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473210873433188901.post-25124995949961372352012-06-29T20:09:00.000-07:002012-06-29T20:19:04.313-07:00His Rhythm, Our Dance...<br />
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I am participating in <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2012/06/five-minute-friday-dance/">Five Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo Baker</a> again. I love joining up with her! She encourages me to be a better Mom, Wife, and mostly a more attentive woman after God's heart. <br />
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The prompt is Dance...<br />
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I have 5 minutes. <br />
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Here I go... <br />
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Since most days the music of my life sounds like the practice session of the Jr High marching band down the road, I have a hard time finding my rhythm. <br />
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It is not surprising with a life-full: my amazing Love, three busy birth sons, and several heart-daughters and heart-sons that I feel my rhythm is often a little "off". <br />
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And yet, it is right on... <br />
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The days when I feel off beat, it seems that I am more accurate in my obedience to all of what God asks of me.<br />
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I have to lean on Him for my rhythm, because I have none in myself (If you've ever seen me dance, you know this is true!)<br />
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My heart's desire is to obey Him at all times regardless of my comfort or personal logic. Holding on to Him is the only way to really dance.Jennifer - Live Courageous!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973150803451001138noreply@blogger.com1