7 Days Left!!

In 7 days (8 if you count today...but who does that!?) we will close out yet another school year...wow, I cannot believe how quickly this time is slipping by!

When I reflect on the past year, it has been a crazy one, full of adventure, heart ache, love, disappointments, disillusionment, and joy.  Amazing how we - especially women - can fly through so many emotions, because some of those happened within hours of each other!

As we approach the summer of 2013, I am going to try my absolute best not to rush through life each day, but to take the time to reflect on what God is trying to show me in each moment.  There is a reason for it all, you know.  We aren't supposed to just sit here and make ourselves comfortable then perish.  He has a purpose for us all.  Eston, a boy we sponsor from Kenya, Africa told me that the other day in his letter to us.

He told me that he is looking forward to getting letters (either online or through the mail) from not only us, but the kids.  He is always  sharing his current memory verses with us, and it has been amazing over the last few years to see his growth.  Not only in schooling, but his writing to us and in his love for the Lord!

Oh, and with my memory verse...I am still working on it!  So far, here's where I am (consistently):

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.  I pray that the eyes of your heart would be opened so you may know what is the hope and calling of His will for your life, what is His incredible inheritance for those who love him.  To know His immeasurable greatness of His power; and the working of His vast strength.....

I know, I know...still a ways to go...and those middle and last parts are still not quite right.  I am striving for the understanding of these verses, not merely knowing the words.  As I process through learning a verse, the first thing I do is try to connect it with my heart.  Then the words begin to make more sense so that the understanding of it flows.

I pray you have a very blessed day!

Jennifer 

A Challenge Evoked...

Last night at church we were going over Ephesians 1:15-19.  Pastor Troy had mentioned a few times the desire to memorize verses 17-19, and I had those very verses highlighted in my Bible, so, at the end of our meeting, I evoked a challenge... "I'll quiz you if you will quiz me Sunday".

Oh my!  Talk about a direct hit since then!  Today I have felt AWFUL!  Don't want the lights on, let alone to pick up something to read!  After laying around most of the day, however, the Lord has given me the precise amount of energy I need to pick up His Word and prepare for the challenge ahead.

I (pray) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I (pray) that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. Ephesians 1:17-19

Turn on the news and it is evident we are in a very trying time in our country...one that is becoming increasingly hostile to those of the faith.  That is going to prove to be very good...and very devastating.   It is when persecution comes that those with a true faith will chose to stand against the current, and those who are weak in the faith will waiver. 

My challenge to you is to begin building your strength in Him, so when that time comes you will not be one who waivers.

If you see me, I ask for you to please quiz me on this verse...I desperately need to be praying it over my children, their friends, my neighbors, my family, my friends...please pray with me.

Over the next month I am also hoping to add a page to this blog that will highlight memory verses in video form.  One of the methods I use to memorize Scripture is to create movements for it and teach them to my children.  This has been very successful in the past, and I would love it if it is able to assist you in memorization as well.

In the mean time - have a blessed day!

Jennifer

Calling All Ladies!

Hello Ladies (specifically in the Ellaville, GA area) :-)

A few of us have been in dire search of a time/place of when we can begin getting together regularly again for fellowship, encouragement, prayer, and study...and now that we have an excellent little eat-in diner in town....how about Sherry's Restaurant!?

Beginning Next Wednesday (5/8/13), we will meet at Sherry's Restaurant at 6AM (I know it is early, but some ladies have quite a drive to get to work and would like to be included as well) - If 6 is a No-Way time frame, please get in touch with me and we will try to work out a better time frame.  I would love to have as many ladies as we can, but especially those who stretching themselves to come! :-) 

I really hope to see you all there - and bring a friend!

Have a blessed day!

Jennifer

Firsts and Lasts

This past week has been a crazy one-well I suppose anyone would say this life time frame is such. Six children, four of which are currently enrolled in school...and well...It’s SPRING!!  A great time of reflection of the past and new beginnings.  Softball/baseball/T-ball season has officially been kicked off and is in full swing around here…not to mention we have a Spring Soccer League this year as well – All 6 of my children are actively engaged in one sport or another:

(2) – 3/4 T-ball

(1) – 5/6 T-ball

(1) – 7-9 Softball

(1) 9-10 Baseball

(1) 10-11 Soccer

This is my youngest (3-year old) first year in rec ball, and likely my eldest (11-year old) last year.  Firsts and Lasts are so exciting….scary…yet weirdly common.  If you really think about it, how many first experiences do we have?  First steps, first tooth, first haircut, first day of school…for each grade, first date, first kiss, and the list goes on and on!  Then there are the lasts….the last day of school…for each grade, the last game, the last day of ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!  That last one is the fiercest for me that is quickly approaching.  My baby girl, growing up.

When those words slip from my lips, first...last, two similar words spring to my mind: Alpha...Omega.  He is not only the first and the last, He is the only thing in my life that is consistent.  There will never be an end with Him, only different seasons of my life, and differing degrees of my usefulness to Him.  Unfortunately, I am not consistent.  I would like to be - oh goodness would I like to be! But I am human; emotions and life circumstances take over at times and I look up to realize I have missed numerous opportunities to be His hands, feet, mouth, or ear.  

During this Spring season, I am committing to reflect more on Christ with each first and last I cherish.  After all, it is only through His goodness that I am able to encounter those experiences.

Have a blessed day!

Jennifer