Where have I been?

I must apologize!  I haven't written a word on this blog in months.

I cannot say that I had nothing to say, because I've had plenty..

I've talked nonstop I do believe for a few days this year..LOL

The year started out slow.  I was sick over Christmas and then again in January.  I had a couple sinus infections.  I also ended up with what felt like the flu.  I was weak and had an awful pain in my back that felt like I was knocking at deaths door.  It was horrible.  I could barely move for five days.  I was just sore all over and only had energy to do the absolute bare minimum each day.  I remember thinking, are my kidneys failing? Crazy.  I know, I am dramatic in my thinking, writing, and speech at times, but I felt that bad.  It started suddenly like the flu does, swift and painful, just waiting to take you down - HARD.

So far, we've had a great year.  We were busy, but as always, I am grateful.

We watched The Bible on the History Channel.  I must say we enjoyed the beautiful unfolding of The Bible each week.  The stories, the people, Jesus, Salvation, all told like it's never been told before.  For us, it was absolutely wonderful.  The ultimate was Jesus on the Cross, taking on the sins of God's children.  Again, I cannot say enough that the story was told like never before.  I've had the pleasure of watching many stories of the bible, but none quite like The Bible. 

It was a great family experience being able to share knowledge and thoughts.  Also, with it fresh on my mind, I was able to relate to the Old Testament as I read through Judges and Joshua.  I was not expecting to love this series, but I did.  We all did and I thought - God knew!  Even if I don't know, He knows.  I love that about Him!

We spent Easter at my Parents' House like always!  It was so good to relax and think about the goodness of God.  He has given us so much!  I feel so  unworthy at times because He didn't have to do what He did.  As I grow in my faith, I am just thankful.  I sometimes feel so overwhelmed at the thought of Him and His goodness!  AMEN!

Well fast forward to the month of May.

We had Honor's Day, Field Trips, Mother's Day, and not to mention Graduation.  We also had Spring Concerts!

Our Church's Spring Musical - Awestruck - was absolutely amazing!  God was with us as we praised and worshipped Him!  I've never felt such pure joy in my entire life!  I was in awe of Him and felt so honored to give praise!  I never imagined the depths and heights of joy through praise..

Orbit was in full swing and the kids were awesome as they presented Jonah!  There's joy and hope when children praise the Lord.  It's so pure and unashamed...Oh to worship everyday without any pretense, just you with your God!

My nephew graduated from high school so we traveled to be with family and celebrate such a joyous occasion.  We broke bread and celebrated the hope of a future.

Fast forward to July 4th!  I decided to try staying home this year and start traditions here.  We had a great day.  We should focus more on the celebration of Independence.  We wore our shirts and discussed the story of America and how we came to be.  We had traditional burgers and hot dogs hot off the grill!  I think we need to be part of community experiences so next year, we'll look for other activities!

I have definitely been away.  I am feeling so much better just thinking about the Blog and all the things I have to say!  I am thinking more about what God has to say and how I can share with all of you!

                                                                                                   
                                                                                                              **JourneywithJennifer**


Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32 NIV)



 

2012 - Thankful!!

This year has had it's share of ups and downs...I've had some good days and not so good days.  I must admit that the good days carried me through the not so good days. 

I learned that with age comes wisdom.  I learned that I can make a difference in the lives of others.  I learned to make choices for my life and worry a little less about what others thought of my choices.

I laughed more.  I loved more.  I listened more.  I accepted more.

I shared my thoughts.  I shared information. 

I prayed everyday!  I prayed for others and I also prayed for myself.

I am filled with peace in knowing that my Lord is with me and I with Him.  I am filled with joy in knowing He died so that I may live.

As I journey through this life, I'll take 2012 with me!  Thankful!


~JourneywithJennifer~

Gone too soon!

I have memories of my childhood, the memories of sheer freedom....

1.  I remember feeling like I could fly, as long as I was being held in my Daddy's arms, touching the ceiling of our home

2.  I remember feeling like I had the best Mama in the world.  She made delicious homemade biscuits, pork chops, and soup

3.  I enjoyed those lazy days of play - on my bike, in the dirt, kickball, hide and seek, cartwheels across the yard, pretending to be a mother...

4.  I loved spending time with my grandparents - my Granddaddy's smile, my Madea's flapjacks, and my Grandmama's pork and beans

5.  I spent days playing with my siblings, cousins, friends, or just on my own

6.  I said my prayers every night and we prayed in school

7.  I loved picking blackberries and pecans from trees

8.  I stayed outside until the street lights came on during the summer

9.  I indulged in tropical punch Kool-Aid

10.  We had the best shows on TV

As I grow and journey through this life, I realize how precious those times were.  Although my life wasn't perfect, as I've grown over the years, I realize no one's life is perfect.  But I lived a life freely with happiness and very few fears.  As a child, you are innocent, you are full of life, and you are loved.  I pray that we all experience love.

God's greatest gift to us all is love.  He gave us his son, Jesus who died for our sins.  We are allowed freedom beyond our dreams and still wake up living in fear and suffering because of a life gone too soon; but not just lives taken.  There are minds, souls lost.  If we could only let go of darkness and look for light.  Because when it's all said and done, we should never give up or never give in..

~~JourneywithJennifer~~

Been Missing The Blog

It's been a while since I last posted a message.  Actually, it's been three months.  I haven't taken the time to even consider what to write or how.  So to cut through the blah and get to the point - I haven't been eating right or working out at all!!!  That pretty  much sums up the last three months and my well being.

I have the classic story to explain why I haven't been focused on taking care of me - I am busy these days with my family.  It's not that I wasn't busy before, but school started in August, practices started in August and a few other activities have started since then and my whole life has been me focused on my family life and no focus on myself.  I figured out too late this wasn't the best thing for me or my family. 

I forgot about my own life and my own goals for me. 

****My goals *****

- Eat healthy the majority of the time
- Be an example of how you can start fresh no matter where you are in life
- Share my journey with others
- Have healthy meals at least weekly (leftovers)

***Promises to myself***

- Be me in all situations
- Don't sacrifice myself to be someone else in order to please others
- Be God's Girl
- Love everyone and see the good in everyone but not so much that I hurt myself in the process

What have I been doing?  How am I making a contribution?

I am missing this blog...Going to catch up on my life and find a fresh new start.  I'll keep you posted.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1 NIV).

I am not exactly feeling my best and need some discipline in my life.  It would be unfortunate if I didn't take the time to correct my mistakes and acknowledge that I've made them..Oh and will continue as long as I am living.

***JourneywithJennifer***

Thankful!

I am journeying through this life, sure that each and every day He reveals Himself to me.  I am learning about His word and how my life lessons are found there.. A friend said that I am learning and recognizing that I am learning because it's a living Bible and it applies to life today.  I never thought of the Bible in that way and must admit that it's an eye opening thought something that stays with me these days.

I cannot count the number of times that I've read and  not understood something important  - Old Testament.  A few weeks ago in Sunday School our teacher said that Jesus is revealed in the OT.  Now I am sure I've heard this many times before and this time it actually stuck.  I am currently reading the New Testament, involved in an online Bible Study.  It's been great!  Once we finish up, I'll definitely be starting the OT again.  I may even start this January since I have one of the chronological one year Bibles. 

I think it's important to recognize how great this life really is and how much God truly loves us and to just be thankful.  I am thankful for who I am, where I am, where I've been and where I am going!

**JourneywithJennifer** Thankful!!

God Has a Plan and Purpose for us ALL! Jer 29:11

God has a plan and purpose for our lives.  If we could just hang on to that TRUTH!  Hang on!  That plan involves your TRUTH and the beauty of your being here.  We are truly here for a reason and we must listen to Him so that we may understand and go forward with joy and peace.  More importantly than all of this is to go forward in LOVE!

I know that we all have our struggles, everyone of us.  The season of the journey can be painful and very, very long.  It's like no one understands.  No one else can see us, they cannot hear us.  God hears!  God sees!  He really does..He gave us His only Son. 

Sometimes it feels like others have more to carry, and we feel like we're complaining.  The truth of the matter is that we cannot truly walk in someone else's shoes.  Only our own shoes can we walk in and only imagine what someone else must be feeling.  Even though someone else's burden my seem small, it's still a burden to them.  Yes, your life and your struggle.  It's okay to be sad and to feel your pain...Just always remember - You have the love of your Savior!  You don't have to drown in the pain of it all.  You have been redeemed!

We must live our lives for Jesus! He died for our sins so that we may be saved. I know it is difficult to go outside our feelings sometimes. We're human and we don't know how we're going to deal with life's journey. One thing we can do is pray. Pray always for ourselves and others. We can read God's Word and when it all hits the fan - We can use those words. The words in our hearts and minds is what's going to pull us through.

**JourneywithJennifer**

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 NKJV)

He's always there!

He's always there!  Thanks to my Lord for always being with me.

I must say that the latest Biggest Loser Contest isn't as sweet as the previous.  I am not sure why, but for some reason, it's not the same.  I am not sure if I am pressuring myself about my weight gain.  Yes, gain.  I gained three pounds.  I am a little down about this, but not feeling like it's the end of the world.  I have learned that the body does really adjust to different foods.  I ate salads - I saw less fat, bloating, inches, and weight.  I drank more water, I saw more junk leave my system.  I am just a little burned out on the salads and eat more fruits, veggies, and proteins.  The basics have been enough.  At least now I feel like I actually have food in my stomach and don't feel weak and fatigued.  I am not sooo hungry.
Oh, yes, back to the weight gain.  SPLURGE ANYONE??  Yes, I decided to enjoy my favorite hot dogs, ice cream, peanut butter cookies, and chips during the holiday.  Unfortunately, I loved it a little too much.  In my defense it's difficult to tell your family that you cannot cook, bake or even eat favorite foods because you're trying to lose weight.  You really cannot use this excuse on special occasions.  You have to go ahead and make a choice and eat and cook and eat some more.  I guess this isn't funny though..maybe a little sad.

I still feel like I need to be in control and that by eating and then eating more, I am not in control.  Hello, I should know by now that I am not in charge of anything..One thing the weight loss has done is take some of the pressure off.  Once you let yourself know that hey this isn't working and definitely isn't correct, improvements can be made.  And, you should give yourself a break.

I am excited to say that God's been with me through all of this yes indeed.  Typically I get down on myself and my goals if I gain a pound.  Well, I gained three and don't feel like it's the end of the diet as I know it and on to eating more food.  NO, I realize that doesn't help me and that I should consider how my actions will affect me in the long run if I never stop and just take a chance on losing these 20 extra pounds I am carrying.  Yes, the kid has lost 15 pounds and has a few more to go..

I am never giving up and never giving in.  I am in this all the way and my Lord, He's not even a step away.  He's always right here...

~JourneywithJennifer~