Bragging on my Pop

If you know my Pop, aka Greg Alexander, you know that he is always bragging on me for things. He has truly been one of the biggest blessings in my life. He came into my life when I was 9 years old and showed me what consistency of having an Earthly Father looked like and an incredible unconditional love. My Pop has always encouraged me no matter what journey I have been on. At Thanksgiving Pop, joined my bandwagon of losing weight. He has done an incredible job and I'm so proud of him as he continues to lose weight!!! He is losing weight so much quicker than me...But I am so proud of him as he Completes his Goals!!

I love MY POP,
Jenn

The Frustration/Joy of Losing Weight

Have you had a time where you have been trying to loose weight and then your body hits a huge plateau??? Well this has been my life since Dec 31. I can not get over this hump. So Ive changed my diet to be very strict, added more workout time into my daily routine and YEP you guessed it, Still nothing... Ive been so frustrated by this it has kind of gotten me down. But then I keep praying Lord, please help me not to get discouraged but to Keep my Eyes on YOU!! Focusing on what the Lord has for me and not getting bogged down with my frustrations. Just continuing to work harder at it.

But here is what is so Exciting for me, in being an only Child I never had someone to share or borrow clothes with.. I have finally gone down to sizes where Im getting hand me down clothes from other friends. This has been a huge blessing due to trying to save money till I get to the size I want to be. My friends Lauren and Carla have given me so many cute clothes. But what has been so fun is to go look in my friend Jenny's closet and be able to wear something of hers. I know this might sound cheesy but its a great feeling when you can wear someone else's clothes...

For the past week and a half, I have officially gone to the gym every morning by 5 am and am working out for an hour. This next week my goal is to get weights into my routine. I have never been able to run on the treadmill and am finally able to. I love the Couch to 5k application. If you do not have it you should get it because it tells you when to run and the walk.
I have become the girl who parks further away in parking lots so I can walk further it all adds up.
Also, I have added lime/lemon or just a little bit of organic apple juice to my water. I have even cut down on my decaf unsweetened tea.

I would love to hear about your successes/or frustration of trying to lose weight, so leave me a Comment.
God Bless
Jenn

An Opportunity

Lately I have been trying harder to have more conversation with people while I'm checking out, or browsing for clothes. Yesterday, I was in the mall shopping in a cute little store, it just so happened that I was the only lady in the store. The lady working at the store and I started talking and here is our conversation that went down.
Lady: Do you have big plans tonight.
Me: Yes, I'm going bowling with my church single friends.
Lady: I wish I had friends to go and do fun things with.
Me: Do you go to church anywhere?
Lady: Well I'm Buddhist.
Me: Do you go to the Buddhist church?
Lady: Sometimes I go with my College friends. You see I'm just so busy with work and school. I just don't have time for that.
Me: Well I go to church at Prestonwood and would love for you to come visit.
Lady: Going to church just makes you feel good.
Me: Having a personal relationship with Christ makes me feel great. So I started telling her about the different services at Prestonwood and the singles classes.
Lady: Well I'm just always working.
Me: What time do you work on Sundays?
Lady: Not till 12:00
Me: Oh girl you have plenty of time to make a morning service if you ever want to try it out.

One of the hardest things for me to do is to Share my Faith, because I'm so scared I'm not going to know the right answer, but my prayer is Lord let me glorify you, that I would get out of the way and let the Lord speak through me. I look forward to going back and seeing my new friend and showing her just Love, and hopefully we will have more opportunities to talk about the Lord, and what it means to be a believer.

If this is something you struggle with, remember why we are here on Earth is to tell others about Heaven, so we will see them again one day.

God Bless and Love
Jenn

Blessings

I love just catching up with friends and spending quality time with them. Tonight Jenny and I went on a walk and we were just talking and she said something that really Grabbed hold of my heart. Here is her quote,

"I do not want to miss out on the blessing God has for me because I did things my way."

So many times I get so caught up in how I want things that I forget to just wait and let the Lord guide me. We live in a world where we get so focused on what we have to have that in Reality our focus should be on the purpose God has given us.

Here are some blessings that the Lord has revealed to me:

• Last weekend at Freedom getting to spend time with amazing Junior girls.
• This weekend getting to hang out with Haley and Zach who are just incredible kids.
• Working at a school with an incredible boss and coworkers.
• Having the accountability work out partner who encourages me to be at the gym at 5 am.
• Spending quality with girls and just getting to be apart of their Journey as they seek the Lord.
• Learning to depend on God more and more every day.
• Constantly changing and improving to be more like Christ.

My prayer as I start a new week would be that I would not miss out on the blessings God is trying to show me.
With Love
Jenn

Changing Things Up a Bit

Since I hit losing 30 pound mark on New Years, I have been at a Huge Plateau. Well in January I started working out alot more due to wanting to Meet my Goal which is 15 more pounds. So this week I have changed my workout just a bit, I went and joined the Frisco Rec center. This means I am waking up at 4:45 to go to the gym. I have always struggled with this in the past of getting up so early, but I started praying this time that God would just help me to wake up and be ready to go... Guess what! HE has totally answered my Prayer. With this new work out schedule I am trying to be as disciplined as possible, even going to bed earlier than I ever have in my life...(I am a huge night owl). I pack everything up the night before so I can come home shower, spend time with the Lord, and then begin the day.

Here are some new things I am trying:

• Water with lemons and limes (it spices it up just a bit)
• Salad with mustard-- I love it, but some people do not care for it.
• Grapefruit-it takes the sweet tooth edge and I stay full longer.
• Cutting down on sugar free gum because of the aspartame it has in it.
• Stop drinking tea at restaurants- Now I just make decaf tea at home.
  
• More things to come later....
  

If you have any tips that has helped you in loosing weight, I would love to hear them. Thru reading magazines, articles, and talking to friends I have been given a ton of tips.

God Bless,
Jenn

Verse for the Day
HE will yet fill your mouth with LAUGHTER and your LIPS with shouts of JOY! Job 8:21(NIV)

Just the Details

As I have been reading the bible, I always wonder why do they list all of the names and then there is the book of Numbers, and then you have all of the details of the temple built in Exodus. Then it hit me, The Lord wanted us to know that he takes care of every little detail. Even the little details are important to God.

So now Im reading Exodus more intrigued because the Lord wanted us to know exactly what he had done. So what little details has God been showing you lately?

Well I will go First..
During Freedom I had the chance just to enjoy and sit back with my girls not feeling rushed about where we had to be. In fact it was so fun at night as we all would just yap away before going to sleep, which was really late. I love getting to talk to the Lord but just listening to what God is doing in their lives is so exciting.

Looking forward to hearing about the details God has been taking care of in your life lately!
Jenn

Do You Remember???

What an incredible weekend we had at Freedom. I promise I will blog about it later, but tonight as I was studying God's word, I had a thought.

What is the very First Scriptures you memorized?

I remember memorizing John 3:16 For God so Loved the World that he gave his only begotten SON that who so ever believes in Him should have Everlasting life.

Then the Second verses I memorized- are very Special to me because my Papa Smith helped me. The 23rd Psalms. Now as I was thinking about this tonight little did I know when I was learning these verses, my papa was helping me study the Word of God. We went through each scripture and discussed what it meant.

What Couple of Verses did you Memorize??

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Jenn

Freedom 2011
SHINE

Last night kicked off Prestonwood Baptist Church's Disciple Now, which we call Freedom. Freedom is where students in 7 thru 12th grade will spend the night in host family houses this weekend, starting tonight(Friday) thru Sunday morning. This is truly one of my favorite weekends, to just spend time with girls, act silly, and most importantly spending time in God's word. This weekend we will be reading through the book of Philippians.

I look forward to blogging about the weekend! I will have ten Junior Girls in my house, and a leader.

Beyond Excited to see what God has planned this weekend,
Jenn

Just Keep on Being Still
Last week I wrote about Being Still, and this morning as I was writing in my Journal what verse stood out to be.

Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

So Today, my goal is to just be still more often. I do not want to miss out on what God has in store for me.

Happy Monday!
Jenn

A Verse of Encouragement to Kick off the Week

Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (NIV Version)

This week I will be memorizing this Verse, and wanted to share it with you this morning. What a Powerful verse this, that everything I say and do be Pleasing to Our Lord in Heaven.

Basically am I bringing Glory to His Name daily by my words and actions. This past week I was reading out of Ann Spangler's book Praying the Names of God, and it says to Ask God daily for 1 Thing the Grace to Glorify Him.

So as we kick off another week, Will you join me by trying to Glorify God in Everything we do!
Glorifying Him,
Jenn

Being Still

Over the last several days Ive been thinking alot about different family members and things I did during my childhood. Growing up every Saturday night I would spend the night with my Pa-pa and Ma-Ma Smith. They would always entertain me. Pa-pa taught me how to 2 step and we would dance in the living room. Then I would crash out hopefully in my room at their house, but normally I was right in the middle of their bed. My favorite thing on Sunday morning would be to wake up and snuggle in between them with my pillow and wait to be served.... Yes they would drink their coffee in bed and talk. So they started me on coffee at a very young age, except my coffee had a little bit of coffee, lots of milk, and a ton of sugar cubes. As we all drank our coffee we would just talk and I learned many stories of my grandparents. Then we got ready and went to church.

Now I do not know about you but this week I've had to keep warm because of all of the snow and ice. I was thinking how often Do I crawl up in God's arms and tell him everything going on with me? Or just be Still and listen to the Lord. During this week off has been so Great to rest and recharge my own Batteries but more importantly reading and spending time alone with the Lord. I am trying to be Still more and listen to hear our Father in Heavens voice. Just like my grandparents had so many stories to tell me, so does God. So today will you Join me by getting all warm and cozy, get a glass of hot tea, and spend some quality time with the Lord just listening to him and BEING Still.

Psalms 46:10
Be Still and Know that I am God, I will be Exalted among the Nations; I will be exalted in the Earth.

Learning to be Still,
Jenn

Spice Up Your Cauliflower

Ingredients
1 head of Cauliflower- chopped up
2 Tablespoons of Smart Balance
Black pepper
Crushed Red Pepper

What to do
First, Bring water with 1 tablespoon of butter to a boil. Once your water starts boiling put in your cauliflower. Then time it for around 10 to 15 minutes, checking it to make sure its not over cooking. Next drain the water and cauliflower into a colander. After water is drained mash up the cauliflower. Once it is mashed put it back in the pot on the stove with 1 tablespoon of butter. Next, pour in black pepper and crushed red pepper. Stir all together... If its not buttery enough for you add more butter or spray butter...
Enjoy!

I've Fallen But I will Get Up!

Never in my life would I have Dreamed that I would be stuck in my house since Tuesday. I got really excited when one of my friends called for me to come play with them on Tuesday afternoon so I very gently go on Coit which is close to 121 to embrace the ice. Well my car slipped and slided so I decided to carefully go back home.

On Wednesday morning I woke up to my alarm system going off, it was because the power going on and off. The dish is on and off so it takes longer to reboot.This took place for most of the morning. So again I worked on stuff here at the house. It was great getting to catch up with friends on the phone. It has been great spending time with the Lord by catching up on reading, journaling, and blogging.

Today, I woke up it was nice outside and the sun was shining so I decided this afternoon I would venture out. I love being around People but Ive been in this house by myself since Monday night. Its time to see people. Oh well I only made it a little ways down Coit it was just too icy for me. Then I got home and my car could not make it up the drive way. Bummer! One of my friends called and said to pour hot water and salt on the ice. Well as I started doing it the ice was breaking, I was so excited until....

Yes you are right.. I fell really hard on the ice. My hands are bruised and my clothes got soaked.. Im sure tomorrow will be hard to move.. and Yes my car is sitting in the front of the house..

Having Cabin Fever,
Jenn

A Very Special Day

Today is my Mom's Birthday!
So I thought I would tell you about her in case you do not know her.
Melinda Gale
My Very Best Friend
Enjoys life by traveling
Loves the Lord with all her Heart and everyone that comes in her life.
Inspires me to be more like Christ.
Never misses the opportunity to love on others
Does not miss the opportunity to ask me "What is Christ teaching me?"
A woman who speaks with wisdom and compassion


Mom- I love you so much! Thank you for Being a True picture and a Living Example of the Proverbs 31 Woman. I hope that when I become a Wife and Mom, I will be able to follow in your foot steps. Love you!

(Mom, Pop, and I)
Happy Birthday!!
Love you!
Jenn

Jump Start Your Day!

Lamentations 3:22-26 (NIV)

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Thank you Lord for your Compassion and never failing us. Thank you for blessing us with things we may not see.. Let us seek you at and wait on you today as we try to Glorify you in all that we do. May we Give you all Glory and Praise throughout our Journey!

Seeking Him,
Jenn

Chewing on Phillipians

Today I was reading through the book of Philippians getting ready for our Freedom weekend which is next weekend. Freedom is our Disciple Now at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Philippians is one of my favorite books of the bible. I get so caught up in Daily life that when I sit back and read this book, I am encouraged and want to go back to my daily routine and serve Christ even more. Seriously this is a VERY Easy book to read if you have never read it. It only has 4 Chapters. I could blog about so many verses from this book of the bible but for now this is what I am Chewing on..

Will you sit down and Chew on this verse with me?

Phil 4: 5 Let your Gentleness Be Evident to all. The Lord is near.(ESV)

What does the word gentle mean?

Defined by dictionary.com it means kind, not severe, calm,easily handled or managed,soothing, absence of bad temper.

Do you ever get worked up about a situation that has happened in your day? When this happens do you handle it with a Gentle spirit? I know sometimes I get wrapped up in the moment, and think about how all the Time I need to be gentle not just so that it is Evident, but that the Lord is watching me is pleased with my words and actions. I want the Lord to smile and say, Wow, thats my daughter and she is such a Delight as she handles her way of life.

Desiring to be more like Christ,
Jenn
PS... Please be in Prayer for our Freedom weekend (Feb 11th-13th) for all of the students, leaders, hosts, co-hosts that will be apart of this event.
If you live in the DFW area and have a teenager in 7th thru 12th grade and would like more information on this event.. Please shoot me a comment or an email!

Sweet Treat

So Ive gotten a little Cabin Fever today and wanted something Sweet for my Taste Buds. Here is what I came up with a Sugar Free Box of White Chocolate Pudding and 2 cups of Almond (By Blue Diamond) Unsweetened milk. Stir it up and refrigerate... Now for kicks I added walnuts.( You could add any other toppings!)

Here is the good thing about Blue Diamonds Unsweetened Almond milk it is only 40 calories per cup. Its a delcious and pretty low calorie treat.

Loving Healthy Sweet Treats,
Jenn

Music to Melt

This morning I finally created a play list to go with my blog. I will change it from time to time but wanted to share some songs that have really ministered to me when I have been down or blue.

When I can Only Imagine came out it was a couple of months after my dad died. Every time I heard this song I would just bawl like a baby because it gave me a clear picture Heaven and I wanted to be with my daddy. This song gives us such a picture of HEAVEN and what a Glorious Day that will be.

Lately the song that I JUST LOVE is GOD GAVE ME YOU by Dave Barnes. When you first hear it, you might think it is for that Special person in your life. But for me it is a Constant Reminder of the people God has placed in my life during this journey. It reminds me How I need to praise GOD for all of the people he has put in my life during the good and tough times in life.

What songs have ministered to you lately??
Warming Up,
Jenn

Being Still
Have you ever had a moment when a Scripture just jumped off the page and you see it in a totally different perspective? Tonight I picked up my Journal to write to the Lord and I glanced down to see this Scripture:

The LORD will Fight for you; you need only to be STILL. Exodus 14:14(NIV)

How Awesome that we have a GOD that Wants the Best for us but he so desires for us to spend time with him and just be still and listen. Listening to God is something I am working on, it is so easy to get distracted by too many things and MISS out on the sweet words God wants us to hear. God is going to take CARE of all of our Needs if we will take the time to BE Still...

So this week will you join me in taking the time to be Still?

Being Still,
Jenn

Catching the Wink

Today I have been cleaning and organizing. since we have a snow day I found something I had written back in 2009 and shared it with a few friends... So today I would like to share it with you!

How many times in a day do you STOP and Look at the winks, God gives us each day! Just recently as I was going through the illness and the death of my grandfather, a very wise woman, Mona said to me, " As you go into this weekend look at the winks Jesus Gives you!" Well since this conversation I have really started looking for these winks. God is looking down on us not only pleased with his children by being obedient, but wants us to know how precious we are that he sends us little winks along the way. Sometimes, I need a physical touch from God, and seeing his winks are so sweet that it brings a smile to your face. One precious wink I received last week in the midst of my grief was getting to share with my Uncle Rob the ESV bible. By him seeing this bible in my car, he started looking through it and it sparked the most unique conversation allowing me to share with him, what Christ is teaching me in the midst of our family storm. Guess what the winks that I get, may not be the same ones you receive. As I have started looking at the winks we are given, I catch myself wanting to share with others these special winks. So, when God gives you a wink in the midst of your day, share it with your friends, you never know the lives you can impact by sharing a little wink with them. You are Giving God praise back by telling him you Caught the Wink.

Food for Thought
The word wink is only written 1 time in the bible. (Psalms 35:19 NIV)
Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.

Verse for the Day:
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

As I close today, back at my home church Denman Avenue, every Sunday we would say,
God is Good, All the time...
Jenn