Hey girls!! Where on earth have I been?!? Just busy that's all! :) Christmas is coming up and that's always a busy time for me so hang in there and I will post something worthwhile soon!! :) LOVE YOU ALL!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Soap Box
I don't like to get on soap boxes.... ya know rant and rave and yell and scream my point of view, my opinions, my ideals. I don't like to nail people with how I feel but lately I have been stewing over some things. Facebook statuses are tools from Satan sometimes. I'm a firm believer of that. When friends post their rants and raves as their statuses I have a hard time letting it go and not telling them how I feel, but I breathe a prayer and God says, "Pray instead Jen. Their eyes are not open."
Please excuse me for a minute as I step onto my soap box....
I refuse to believe in tolerance and relativism!!!
OK getting down now...
But what are those things??? What does it mean to be tolerant??? Good ole dictionary.com puts it this way: "Tolerate- to allow the existence, presence, practice, or act of without prohibition or hindrance; permit." And the thesaurus: "accept, bear, condone, consent to, endure, go along with, live with, sit and take it, stand for, submit to" These are just a few.
Does God call us to be tolerant? Tolerant of sin? Tolerant of other religions? Consider these verses:
Exodus 23:1-3 “You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand. 2You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. 3And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor."
And what's relativism??? Dictionary.com says "any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments." HUH?!? Basically it means faith and religion is different for everyone based on where they are in life. So whatever you WANT to believe and FEEL is right is right for you. And whatever I WANT to believe and FEEL is right is right for me. But God definitely DOES NOT say that in the Bible:
John 14:6 "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
That's pretty clear. There is no other way to heaven. There are no other gods. There are no other things you can believe and do that will lead you to God except through Jesus!!
Girls DO NOT BE LEAD ASTRAY!!!! Don't let other people convince you that because you are a follower of Christ that you are "narrow-minded" and "judgmental"... No no no.... you are grounded on the solid rock and that means that no, you won't tolerate sin and evil. You will love others no matter what but you won't ever give them the idea that what they are doing is ok with you! AND THAT'S NOT BEING NARROW-MINDED OR JUDGMENTAL! It's standing for righteousness and believing in the RIGHT way not the WRONG!
Girls, know that in today's world the common belief is "You believe what you want to believe and I'll believe what I want to believe and it's all ok!!" That is not ok and will not lead them to heaven or to God. John 14:6 is clear and not up for debate!
BE STRONG! STAND FIRM! LOVE OTHERS! DON'T BELIEVE EVIL!
OK.... really I am getting off the box now. I just get tired of hearing people say that I'm being insensitive and judgmental of people. Go with this last phrase girls...
LOVE the sinner.... HATE the sin!
Living it out (sometimes louder than other times),
Monday, October 4, 2010
I went back...
This past Friday I reluctantly went to the Otsego Homecoming game. Now why reluctantly??? Because I've already been through high school and don't really like putting myself in places that bring all of that back. Well sure enough, had a lot of fun BUT it brought up all kinds of memories, thoughts, emotions, reflections, prayers... so on and on.
First, when I was actually at the game a few thoughts occured. One for the players on the field my thoughts were, "How does it feel to win?" "Do they really connect as a team?" "I wish I had this much fun watching the team when I was in school!" (Otsego lost a LOT before the past few years!! :) )
Then, my thoughts went to the band. I was in band... I was a band nerd, geek, dork whatever you call it nowadays I was one of 'em. But hey we were good and won trophies and that's what mattered! :) I was the drum major for 3 years (the one that leads the whole shebang) and this brought back SO MANY GOOD memories of victories and fun and friendships and I teared up a little. I loved marching band. Everything about it and to see it go on without me was a little sad.
Next, my thoughts went to the students in the stands. Actually they went to Vicksburg's students first because I could see them and HEAR them better than Otsego's (and yes I was sitting on Otsego's side!!!). I thought "Wow, what a crowd!" "That's pathetic that they are louder than our students." and then "Hmmm.... they actually watch and cheer as the game is going on... unlike our students who aren't really cheering their classmates on, on the field." Now ladies, I'm not knocking on Otsego's student fans... just observing! I had to laugh at the group of boys that paraded down the track without their shirts and OHS painted in blue and yellow on their chests.... good to know that that group of boys never leaves the stands!!
All night I couldn't help but notice how many teenage kids were simply EVERYWHERE!! Goofing around, making out, doing whatever they wanted.
After the game, on the drive home I had time to reflect on a few things. I couldn't help but think, which kids are going to a party tonight and getting drunk? Which kids are going home with friends to get high? Which couples are going to have sex tonight? My heart broke. If I could have anything to do with it.... NONE! But as hard as I try to fit into those tights, I just can't make myself SuperWoman. I thought to myself, "Man I would love to sit with all of those kids and tell them how NOT worth it it is to do that stuff. How much it will mess you up and how long the road is back to erase it all. I wish I could make them understand." It was a very somber and sad drive home.
Once my husband and I were both home (he gets to live vicariously by instructing the drumline-I'm jealous.) we talked about when we were in high school. I started the conversation with "There is no way I would go back and re-live those 4 years. Those were hard years and they're even harder now." Matt began to ask what I would change about high school... oh sheesh... what would I change..... these are just a few things:
my grades in a few classes
some of my friendships
a lot of my attitudes
the majority of my focus
my relationship with my boyfriend (who did become my husband)
so so so many of my decisions
and especially my relationship with the Lord
He was curious about a lot of that so after explaining a few he agreed that those were mostly his too. But I did tell him that I wish I could have the simplicity of my teen years back. Now that we have bills to pay, life decisions to make, a child on the way, financial issues, marriage issues and all of that grown up junk, I sometimes wish I could go back to getting up for school, driving my '92 Buick into Otsego, having an easy day, hitting band rehearsal or soccer practice and then coming home to sit in front of the TV until about 10:00 came around. But after reminiscing, Matt and I both agreed that we are glad to be where we are and that those 4 years went the way they did. We learned a lot during high school!!
So girls, be content where you are. God has you there for a reason. DON'T go to those parties, drink, get high, have sex, but enjoy your teen years in the Lord because life gets tougher after 18. Oh yeah and GO BULLDOGS!!!! :)
Living it out,
First, when I was actually at the game a few thoughts occured. One for the players on the field my thoughts were, "How does it feel to win?" "Do they really connect as a team?" "I wish I had this much fun watching the team when I was in school!" (Otsego lost a LOT before the past few years!! :) )
Then, my thoughts went to the band. I was in band... I was a band nerd, geek, dork whatever you call it nowadays I was one of 'em. But hey we were good and won trophies and that's what mattered! :) I was the drum major for 3 years (the one that leads the whole shebang) and this brought back SO MANY GOOD memories of victories and fun and friendships and I teared up a little. I loved marching band. Everything about it and to see it go on without me was a little sad.
Next, my thoughts went to the students in the stands. Actually they went to Vicksburg's students first because I could see them and HEAR them better than Otsego's (and yes I was sitting on Otsego's side!!!). I thought "Wow, what a crowd!" "That's pathetic that they are louder than our students." and then "Hmmm.... they actually watch and cheer as the game is going on... unlike our students who aren't really cheering their classmates on, on the field." Now ladies, I'm not knocking on Otsego's student fans... just observing! I had to laugh at the group of boys that paraded down the track without their shirts and OHS painted in blue and yellow on their chests.... good to know that that group of boys never leaves the stands!!
All night I couldn't help but notice how many teenage kids were simply EVERYWHERE!! Goofing around, making out, doing whatever they wanted.
After the game, on the drive home I had time to reflect on a few things. I couldn't help but think, which kids are going to a party tonight and getting drunk? Which kids are going home with friends to get high? Which couples are going to have sex tonight? My heart broke. If I could have anything to do with it.... NONE! But as hard as I try to fit into those tights, I just can't make myself SuperWoman. I thought to myself, "Man I would love to sit with all of those kids and tell them how NOT worth it it is to do that stuff. How much it will mess you up and how long the road is back to erase it all. I wish I could make them understand." It was a very somber and sad drive home.
Once my husband and I were both home (he gets to live vicariously by instructing the drumline-I'm jealous.) we talked about when we were in high school. I started the conversation with "There is no way I would go back and re-live those 4 years. Those were hard years and they're even harder now." Matt began to ask what I would change about high school... oh sheesh... what would I change..... these are just a few things:
my grades in a few classes
some of my friendships
a lot of my attitudes
the majority of my focus
my relationship with my boyfriend (who did become my husband)
so so so many of my decisions
and especially my relationship with the Lord
He was curious about a lot of that so after explaining a few he agreed that those were mostly his too. But I did tell him that I wish I could have the simplicity of my teen years back. Now that we have bills to pay, life decisions to make, a child on the way, financial issues, marriage issues and all of that grown up junk, I sometimes wish I could go back to getting up for school, driving my '92 Buick into Otsego, having an easy day, hitting band rehearsal or soccer practice and then coming home to sit in front of the TV until about 10:00 came around. But after reminiscing, Matt and I both agreed that we are glad to be where we are and that those 4 years went the way they did. We learned a lot during high school!!
So girls, be content where you are. God has you there for a reason. DON'T go to those parties, drink, get high, have sex, but enjoy your teen years in the Lord because life gets tougher after 18. Oh yeah and GO BULLDOGS!!!! :)
Living it out,
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Incredible!
I go to lunch at noon on a daily basis and try to catch WCSG which airs Family Life Today at that time. If you've never heard of Family Life Today, they broadcast a wide range of family topics/discussions for half an hour that are mind-blowing and simply FULL of Godliness!! Today's was exceptionally unbelievable....
In a nutshell, the broadcast began with the hosts talking about a young lady that had tried to take her own life by laying down on train tracks and being run over by the train. She endured 30 freight cars passing over her body at 55 mph all while conscious! I am tearing up again writing this! I cried the entire 30 minutes of this program! Her story is amazing!! I have posted the youtube link of her interview with Oprah and ordered the FLT interview on cd and her book listed below! I am planning on discussing and showing her story to my girls in Sunday School! God is AMAZING!! Check this eXtraordinary girl out!!!
Living it out,
Jen
In a nutshell, the broadcast began with the hosts talking about a young lady that had tried to take her own life by laying down on train tracks and being run over by the train. She endured 30 freight cars passing over her body at 55 mph all while conscious! I am tearing up again writing this! I cried the entire 30 minutes of this program! Her story is amazing!! I have posted the youtube link of her interview with Oprah and ordered the FLT interview on cd and her book listed below! I am planning on discussing and showing her story to my girls in Sunday School! God is AMAZING!! Check this eXtraordinary girl out!!!
Living it out,
Jen
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Always a Tiger
So I'm a HUGE Tigers fan! I love me some baseball in the D! :) So to change courses a little I was excited to read this this morning!!!
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/08/24/johnny-damon-leaning-toward-tigers-but-red-sox-are-lobbying/?icid=main|main|dl1|sec3_lnk2|166002
Living it out,
Jen
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/08/24/johnny-damon-leaning-toward-tigers-but-red-sox-are-lobbying/?icid=main|main|dl1|sec3_lnk2|166002
Living it out,
Jen
Friday, August 20, 2010
Makes me sad!
It's no surprise to see Lindsay Lohan's name and then 3 words down, the word rehab, in the news! How does her situation make you feel??? Does it make you shake your head? Does it make you mad? It makes me incredibly sad... and here's why!
Lindsay is 24 years old. Actually just a few months younger than me. She has quite the past. As most of us are aware, she shot to fame when she filmed The Parent Trap and went nowhere but up from there. So how could that lead to where she is now??? She is in the same spot as many 24 year olds that I know, she's just famous so it looks worse and is broadcast to the whole nation.
When life gets icky and sticky and not so nice, where do you turn? What do you do? In Lindsay's case she turned to partying, drinking, smoking- which lead to DUI's, passing out, bad choices. Girls, those things DO NOT numb the situation or make it feel better. It's a temporary outlet with permanent effects. Instead I choose another drug.... I love getting high on my Savior!!!!
God can and will rescue Lindsay IF she opens her heart to him. Life isn't nice all the time and when it's not- RUN to the Lord and He will set you free! He won't make all bad things go away but He'll be there to comfort and hold you. Alcohol, drugs, sex they don't hold you. They make you feel numb for a while and they drop you like a sack of potatoes! God holds you tight and never lets go!!
Lindsay is 24 years old. Actually just a few months younger than me. She has quite the past. As most of us are aware, she shot to fame when she filmed The Parent Trap and went nowhere but up from there. So how could that lead to where she is now??? She is in the same spot as many 24 year olds that I know, she's just famous so it looks worse and is broadcast to the whole nation.
When life gets icky and sticky and not so nice, where do you turn? What do you do? In Lindsay's case she turned to partying, drinking, smoking- which lead to DUI's, passing out, bad choices. Girls, those things DO NOT numb the situation or make it feel better. It's a temporary outlet with permanent effects. Instead I choose another drug.... I love getting high on my Savior!!!!
God can and will rescue Lindsay IF she opens her heart to him. Life isn't nice all the time and when it's not- RUN to the Lord and He will set you free! He won't make all bad things go away but He'll be there to comfort and hold you. Alcohol, drugs, sex they don't hold you. They make you feel numb for a while and they drop you like a sack of potatoes! God holds you tight and never lets go!!
John 16:33 (The Message)
31-33Jesus answered them, "Do you finally believe? In fact, you're about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I'm not abandoned. The Father is with me. I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
I love those verses!! He promises that we will have hard times but that He has overcome! Look to the Lord when things get bad! And pray for Lindsay to see God's grace and mercy. I think she could use some prayers!
LOVE YOU GIRLS!
Living it out,
Jen
Monday, August 16, 2010
CHECK IT OUT!!
Christy McGraw sent a message to the members of Exemplify Online.
 | Christy McGrawAugust 13, 2010 at 7:28pm Subject: Exemplify would like to announce 2:21 The Magazine Hi Ladies! Exemplify has something new we would love to introduce to you...and hope you will share it with the teen girls in your life! It is called 2:21 Magazine and it is a digital magazine for the teen girl audience. Here is what 2:21 is about: 2:21 Magazine began, much like Exemplify, with one mission: encourage teenage girls to live lives that glorify Christ. We focus on bringing relevant, fun, Godly content to teens. We put out a quarterly full color and length magazine that we pray encourages girls to look to Christ for their fulfillment. You can expect to see articles on fashion, social networking, friendship, Bible study, self esteem, humility, our call to serve the least of these as well as devotionals, music/ book reviews and much more. It is our aim to do this thing called life for the glory of Christ. Our foundation verse is 1 Peter 2:21, a call to no matter the circumstance, follow the footsteps of Christ. Come join this song of glory. We would love to have you. -Kristen Schiffman, Founder & Ministry Director of 2:21 & Exemplify Doesn't that sound great? We are very excited about it. The first issue of 2:21 launched this week. If you would like to check out the first issue and share it go here: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ede9I8YOyx7MudHdIPHA-y-oiQ;bit.ly/221august To learn more about 2:21 visit the website: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ede9TMCDNb0VJQh64RRI2s_Aog;221mag.com To keep up to date with the latest about 2:21 you can join the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/221-Magazine/109223515779096 and on twitter: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ede9dZqoPZX3c3Q1GFFvPLET8A;twitter.com/221Mag We hope you will share this with your daughters, grand daughters, nieces, friends and any other teen girls in your life! We are very excited to see God work through Exemplify in this new and different way. Blessings dear Ones, Christy Director of Community/Singles Columnist Exemplify Magazine |
Thursday, August 5, 2010
MY FIRST DAY!!
Well this is my very first day as a blogger!! I am so excited about this blog and what it stands for! So what is it going to be for??? Well, a few things:
1. First and foremost this blog is a place of encouragement for teen girls/young ladies facing an ugly world today. There are so many heartbreaking stories, articles, and issues out there and girls need to hear the GOOD NEWS!! God is good and has so much more in store for them!!
2. This blog is to share my experiences, wisdom, counsel, stories, ideas, thoughts and words from God to uplift, inspire, and help the next generation of young girls!
I cannot wait to see what's around the corner and even though you might feel like you are just another ordinary girl- God wants to make you eXtraordinary girl!
Living it out,
Jen
1. First and foremost this blog is a place of encouragement for teen girls/young ladies facing an ugly world today. There are so many heartbreaking stories, articles, and issues out there and girls need to hear the GOOD NEWS!! God is good and has so much more in store for them!!
2. This blog is to share my experiences, wisdom, counsel, stories, ideas, thoughts and words from God to uplift, inspire, and help the next generation of young girls!
I cannot wait to see what's around the corner and even though you might feel like you are just another ordinary girl- God wants to make you eXtraordinary girl!
Living it out,
Jen
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