The Storms

Over the past two months we have had a lot of storms. In fact I used to love storms until recently they have become a little scary. On Monday I watched the sky turn from pretty to the bottom fell out of the sky. The rain was blowing sideways, and I have to stay calm because I am responsible for 20 kids. Now this storm did not last long then it dried up and was absolutely a gorgeous afternoon.

My point is the weather can truly change in a blink of an eye. Just like with our Eyes being on the Lord. If we take our eyes and focus off of the Lord the storm is going to hit us. We will be ready for our own personal storm. Last night I was at a party when the storm came in, my phone was receiving lots of calls and texts about needing to be home. But I decided to wait the storm out. I had to be patient and not let the fear of this storm get to me.

When you have your own personal storm, will you be prepared? Let's not spend our days thinking about what we do not have but rejoicing for what God is going to do, especially in the times of the Storms in our own lives.

Blessings and love,
Jenn

Who Says
by Selena Gomez

First of all, this song is very catchy! I love it because it is a Song every Girl needs to hear... Also, check out her shoes, I want a pair!

Blessings,
Jenn

A Quote to Chew on....

From Walking by Faith by Jennifer Rotschild
"Our relationship with God affects our relationships with others, and they will find us fully reliable only when we depend fully on Him.

Lessons I'm Learning on the Journey

This weekend I just needed to read my bible and different books. I am reading Walking by Faith by Jennifer Rotschild its an actual workbook..
Here are some quotes she said that caught my attention today:
We are all on this journey of faith together. God is the captain of our souls!

When we don't depend on God for direction, we can fail others and ourselves. But when weve traded our independence for the freedom of fully depending on God and the fullness of depending on each other, we are ready to dance.
This made me think about when life is really going good, how many times I say to God, I've got this we are good, when God is like No, Maam. We are in this together, except Jenn I want to lead and be in control of this situation.

Recently I heard someone say, (sorry I can not remember who it was) if you really want it then spend time praying about it. In my prayer journal I have been writing about this certain topic in my life. I can not even begin to tell you how the Lord is using this one topic to ask me questions while Im writing. As I was journaling one morning last week the Lord said, Jenn be specific in this matter, what do you really want? So I started making my list.... IT was a moment I will never forget as I know God has such a sweet plan for my life and he has something AMAZING in store for me but until this prayer is answered I have to sit back and Wait on the Lord...

Now I write alot in my journal these days and especially about verses that are speaking to me. Phil 4:19 (NASB)
And my God, shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

May the Lord bring you into an even deeper understanding of the love of God and the patience.
that comes from Christ. 2 Thess 3:5 (NLT)
As I sat down the journal my prayer this verse was waiting for me and I have meditated on it for the past few days. I want to love God and Embrace the patience that he gives. Some days I make excuses for my actions because I'm tired or stressed and that does not bring glory to God in my life. But I truly desire to grow deeper in understanding the Unconditional love God gives me daily and I need to show this love at all times.

I would love to hear what you are learning right now!
God Bless and Love
Jenn

The Rainbow.....

I am not a fan of lightning or storms unless I am staying at home. Over the past month we have had a lot of storms. Today I watched a hard rain and the wind blew sideways. As I watched the storm it made me want to go to sleep. After the storm stopped I went to run some errands, and as I looked in the sky on the right side of the road there was a beautiful long rainbow and to the left there was a sunset with the sun sitting in the clouds. It was actually breath taking. Now in my opinion, I feel that the rainbow is just the sweetest blessing from the Lord. You never know when it is going to appear. Its a surprise!! If we just take the time to appreciate the Surprises in life-and just appreciate what God has planned for us. Thank you for the Rainbow today what a sweet way to end the week!

Looking forward to the next Rainbow!
Jenn

Quick and Easy Dip

Recently I was given an amazing recipe that is 3 ingredients. I do not know the exact name of it...

Ingredients:

1 box of cream cheese
1 can of chili of beans
1 bag of shredded cheese

Preheat your oven at 350!
First, Spread the box of cream cheese in a pyrex container. Make sure to even the cream cheese out. Second, dump the can of chili over the cream cheese. Next, sprinkle cheese over the cream cheese and beans. Finally, place in the oven for 12-15 minutes.

Then serve with chips or take a tortilla and wrap the dip in it! It is quite tasty and very simple and easy to make!

What recipes have you tried lately?
Jenn

Getting Ahead of God's Plan

Yesterday morning I was reading my bible and read the story of Samson. Now it starts in Judges 13:1 thru Chapter 16.

There are so many little snipets in this story that I love.
vs 8 Then Manoah entreated the Lord and said, O Lord, please let the man of God whom Thou hast sent come to us again that he may teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born.
Samson's parents want to be taught how to raise their child up by God. For me this is a constant reminder of the power of prayer and leaning on God for training on being a parent.

Ch 14:1 Samson saw a girl, and asked his parents to get her for him. Now this is where Samson gets his eyes off the Lord and he thinks he knows best, rather than following Gods best.

As his parents are uneasy about this they head to the land of Timnah when a mighty lion comes up roaring at him. Again God is trying to get his attention to tell him NO....

So I have been chewing on this story for two days, comparing it with how I try to jump ahead of God's plan when I think I know what would be good for me. Then God gentle reminds me by shutting a door or just beats on my heart saying thats not right.

How many times do you try to get ahead of God's plan? Or take matters into your own plan? I pray that today you will be reminded of God's plan for your life. Even though you can not see the whole plan yet and just be patient why you wait on his plan.
Patiently Waiting,
Jenn

What's a Memory??

One of my favorite books to read to my students is called Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. It is the sweetest story about how this lady looses her memory and Wilfrid a cute little boy tries to help her regain it back.

Tonight I keep going back and forth on what to write about so here we go.... I started thinking about this book tonight and about the memories we have deep inside us that are sweet and pleasant but because of life we get caught up of thinking about the stress and problems we might be facing instead of Thanking God for the Precious Memories we have been given.
So tonight I am stopping to share some pretty fun memories....

My Pop
My favorite memory is our water fights in the kitchen when I was younger, yes it made a huge mess but it was so worth it.

Learning how to drive on the back roads of 2 lane roads in Hunington.

My momma
Salvation and all the Graduations, Youth Camps
Trips/Shopping and most importantly just laughing about a certain SONG...

Youth Camps
The good ole DABC bus breaking down....
Or getting tackled to the Ground and tied to a TREE, and boys putting shaving cream all over me...

Babysitting
My very first babysitting job....

Teaching-- My first year could be a book....

My sweet and dear childhood friends: Karla, Paige, Angela, Tiffany, Jen Mac, Carrie Dixon, Allison James, Casey, and the list can go on... But all of these girls listed we sang in childrens choir, some of us sang as an ensemble at church, and we have some wonderful bonding moments...

The list of Memories and Happy Times Comes Running Back....
What are some of your Happy Memories....
When your having a rough or hard day think about the Memories...
Jenn

And the Trumpets Sounded

Joshua 7

Gideon is preparing to sound in on the Midianites and the Amalekites as they were laying in the valley. As I was reading this I could visually see this, Gideon with 300 men carrying their trumpets and pitchers. Can you imagine the Sound of 300 trumpets at one time?

It made me start thinking about when Jesus returns and will their be trumpets sounding? I think it will be such a beautiful presence. Again this was my reminder as I start out this week that I would not waste time but remember why I am here on Earth and that is to Serve the Lord.

Blessings,
Jenn

Happy Mother's Day!

I am beyond blessed to have a Mother who has raised me and taught me the importance of having a relationship with Christ. She is my Best Friend. My mother makes me laugh about the most random things and we have memories.

My favorite part of the day:
is Every Morning when my mom calls me!! ITs usually around 7 am and after we chat for a few minutes we pray together. This has made us closer and we cherish this uninterrupted time.

After a disappointment:
When life gets tough I run or call my mom as fast as I can to hear her voice, love, encouragement, and most importantly she prays with me.

Scripture
I love that my mom will send me a scripture of something we are dealing with or she will flat out ask me what scripture has God been showing me or better yet Whats the Lord been showing me?

Giving
If you know me I love to do for other people. This is a Gift I have learned from my mother by watching her do this time and time again growing up. She is constantly showing me ways to give to others without it neccessarly costing money!

Travel
As you know I have been on some amazing trips with my family. I am so thankful for the memories we have made during these times. My most memorable is mom and I parasailing! It was amazing because I am terrified of being up high in the air and just new the thing was going to break!

Mom- thank you for your constant love, your words of wisdom, and just being an amazing mother to me! I love you!

Life Lately

Well, lets see Where do I begin???

Ive started reading 2 books along with the Bible in a Year Plan. The First book I am reading is called Beautiful Things Happen when you Trust God by Sheila Walsh. She has a wonderful testimony. I am learning so much from reading this book. The key thing that I am learning most is to BE REAL with people and strive harder in Trusting God. I am focusing on letting him be in Control.

My dear friend Becky told me about this Workbook called Walking by Faith by Jennifer Rotschild. If you have not read any of her books, her story is incredible as she is blind. I have just started this book so I will let share more as I go.

SOFTBALL
Well last Friday I made it all the way to 2nd base..... Hopefully I will get to score before the season ends. Each time we play I am getting better and more comfortable as the Catcher. BUT Geez my quads are so sore afterwards!!

Working Out
I have changed up my routine again, and I am loving sleeping a little later in the morning and going to workout after school!

Cooking-
I can officially say that I ate at home every meal this week!! I am trying to eat more healthy and trying to save money by not eating out as much.
Friends and family
Last Saturday, was a marathon day of activities! I started the day with accountability with my friend Jenny. Then I headed to Mesquite for my cousin's son Blaze birthday party. We had so much fun catching up and fighting off the wind. Then I left Mesquite and went straight to Flower Mound.
I got to go and be apart of Haley getting Ready for Prom. Since I started babysitting her when she was little it was so fun to go hang out while she got ready. Yes it made me feel old!! We had so much fun going to the house where Becky was taking pictures of the group! Afterwards Z-man, Becky and I went to go eat YUMMY mexican food! Then we went to Cindi's for a night of relaxing sitting out by the pool.