My Christmas Weekend

Christmas was pretty good actually! I've been sick since Christmas Eve, but otherwise it was an enjoyable weekend. We had a candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. After which we had the traditional Christmas Eve dinner of pizza! yay! Dad also got the camera out and took some family pics.

Christmas I was full blown sick, Dad too, but we just sat around and watched movies and ate ham and gingerbread house..... too much sugar basically! It was nice not to think about the sugar intake for a day. (I'm paying now, though!)

I worked all day on Friday (10 hours.... ) and Saturday was one last hurrah for me and Becci. We hit the mall and did girlie things, with me STILL sick as a dog. (not gonna let a nasty cold get me down!)

So here's hoping yours was Merry and Bright!

Birthday Fun!

Hey all!
Much apologies for not posting... It was my birthday, and I saw no computer until I came back to work today. (okay, I did play way too much Tetris, but I had to keep Becci off the top of the leaderboard...) Anyways, I had a great weekend! Shopping in Philly with Becci and Andrea on Saturday and dinner at Bahama Breeze. Yum! Shopping in Philly with the parents and Becci on yesterday and dinner at PF Chang's! Yummy!
I got everything I wanted- perfume, leather gloves, biscotti from Starbucks, and an Aaron Rodgers jersey. (I know, all ya'll are like "who's that?" He's the QB for the Green Bay Packers, satisfied?) :) Yes, I love sports!
Has anyone else run across the sales I have? Even Tiffany's had a sale! Still couldn't afford anything! I have never seen prices like this! 3 pairs of shoes for under $20. Enough said. :)
So this year I'm thankful for family and friends, wishes granted, shoes on sale.. jk, heated seats, and gift cards!
Love to all ya'll out there, and may all your prayers be answered, dreams come true, and wishes be granted! Treasure this time with family, and don't forget the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Merry Christmas!

God bless us, every one.

Update

Just wanted to let ya'll know.... drumroll please..... The tree is decorated! Presents are wrapped! 3 kinds of cookies are baked! And, I'm not losing my job! yay! Wasn't really that worried about that last one, but with all the hype going on in the media and some layoffs in our area.... ok! I did wonder... :) But, everyone in our office is staying, and we are actually gaining an employee! Isn't God great?? Just pray we last thru the next three years, huh? :)

In totally happy news, I get off early tomorrow, and am off thru Tuesday! yay! On the schedule? Shopping in Philly and eating at my new favorite restaurant P.F. Changs! yummy.... :) Have a great weekend!

Freedom!!!!

Ahhh.... :) Isn't it wonderful??? I am done with my Christmas responsibilities and free to enjoy the season. :)
So now, I officially have no excuse for not wrapping my Christmas presents... :) Oh yeah, and I have to start baking those cookies..... And decorate the Christmas tree...... At least the shopping is finished! :) I know! Work is a good excuse, right??? Come on..... please...? :)
This holiday season at work has been busier than I've ever seen it, but we all get along really well so it actually makes it kinda fun. (if you call working fun...) We have our work Christmas party on Friday, and instead of everyone cooking this year we decided to get one of our customers who owns a restaurant to cater for us. We are also going with the quite eclectic blend of Nachos, Quesadillas, Grilled Chicken sandwiches on Focaccia bread, and one hamburger. (for the pregnant girl, who will change her mind at least 3 more times before Friday.) :)

So, thanks to everyone for their prayers! Cantata went well. I didn't mess up too terribly bad! :) The kids were adorable, even when Grady fell off the stage, and Charlie, who can't read, read the cue card that said "smile!" on it! It was right at the end of their song and he says loud enough for everyone to hear "hey, that says smile!" :) It got a big laugh!
Ok... must stop rambling.... must do something constructive, like baking! :)

The Busy Season

Hey ya'll! Just wanted to let you know I haven't and won't abandon ya'll. Tis the season, right?? between parties and Cantatas and being short staffed at work it's amazing I have time to sleep! :) I'm just holding out for January 29th! (sorry Becci! I love you, I really do!)
On a brighter note, last night was the Women's Missionary Society Christmas Party. What was a long week of preparation culminated in a great party! Decorations, food, punch, and gifts all turned out great!
Pray for me on Saturday and Sunday all ya'll in cyberland! The church is having their annual Christmas Cantata and I am playing the piano.... Not so terrifying to me anymore since I've done it the last two years, but the scary part is that I've had little to no time to practice this week.. :o So just pray for my nerves to be calm and fingers to be sure at about 6pm EST on Sunday! :)

P.S. Pray for my friend Shauna on Saturday! It's the big day!!! love ya bunches girlfriend!

A Day Which Will Live In Infamy

Today is the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Take a minute and thank God for men and women who answer the call to defend our country every day, for those who gave their lives on that day, and for those whose heroic deeds saved lives and helped a nation to get back to their feet. So the quote for today is actually the transcript of President Franklin D Roosevelt's speech after the attack.


Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
President Franklin D Roosevelt


To the men and women who were there that day-Thank You, your heroism, sacrifice, and commitment will never be forgotten.

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Eight

OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE REPAID. THEY HAVE EARNED OUR UNDYING GRATITUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES.
President Harry S. Truman

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Seven

THE HEROISM OF OUR OWN TROOPS...WAS MATCHED BY THAT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE NATIONS THAT FOUGHT BY OUR SIDE...THEY ABSORBED THE BLOWS...AND THEY SHARED TO THE FULL IN THE ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENEMY.
President Harry S. Truman


P.S. In other happenings... Let the Birthday celebration begin!!!! I received my first gift tonight! A lady in our church shares the same birthday as me, and so we exchange gifts each year. My gift? Tickets to the Woodstown Candlelight Tour. Thanks Lynn!
Now, "What?", you may ask,"is a candlelight tour???" Basically since we live in an area where every other house is over a hundred years old and something historic happened in at least 3/4 of them, people like to restore these homes to their former glory. And what is the point of restoring said homes without a chance to show them off right??? :) So every Christmas many of the towns have these events where lots of the people in town have open houses all on the same night, and you pay the local historical society to get a ticket to see these houses. The drawback??? It's Christmastime.... in New Jersey people!!!! Yeah, COLD!!!!! Can any one say 25 degrees tonight??? I lie not when I tell you I had on 2 pairs off gloves and 3 pairs of socks! (and my snow boots!) Now the upside... free cocoa, coffee, cookies, and wassail! You also get to meet the interesting characters who own these houses (many dress up in period clothing), and many places have free entertainment. So a fun time was had by all, and feeling is staring to come back in my nose...... :)

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Six

WE ARE DETERMINED THAT BEFORE THE SUN SETS ON THIS TERRIBLE STRUGGLE OUR FLAG WILL BE RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM ON THE ONE HAND AND OF OVERWHELMING FORCE ON THE OTHER.
General George C. Marshall

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Five

WOMEN WHO STEPPED UP WERE MEASURED AS CITIZENS OF THE NATION, NOT AS WOMEN...THIS WAS A PEOPLE'S WAR, AND EVERYONE WAS IN IT.
Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby


THEY HAVE GIVEN THEIR SONS TO THE MILITARY SERVICES. THEY HAVE STOKED THE FURNACES AND HURRIED THE FACTORY WHEELS. THEY HAVE MADE THE PLANES AND WELDED THE TANKS, RIVETED THE SHIPS AND ROLLED THE SHELLS.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt


P.S. I know... Two?? But, they just seemed to go together, ya know?? :) By the way, in the way of answered prayers.... you ever have one of those moments when you think "hey I might need to think about budgeting for that soon" and then God just drops it in front of you?? Totally happened yesterday! I had just mentioned to my mom about getting a bedroom set. (I have bits and pieces.. just what I need to exist basically. Dresser, bookshelf, mattress.) That night, my mom tells me someone wants to get rid of their whole bedroom suite! I mean there is enough furniture for 2 rooms! And they just said "take it, here, its a gift!" (okay, maybe not in those words exactly...) Don't you love how awesome God is?? :)

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Four

THE WAR'S END
TODAY THE GUNS ARE SILENT. A GREAT TRAGEDY HAS ENDED. A GREAT VICTORY HAS BEEN WON. THE SKIES NO LONGER RAIN DEATH - THE SEAS BEAR ONLY COMMERCE - MEN EVERYWHERE WALK UPRIGHT IN THE SUNLIGHT. THE ENTIRE WORLD IS QUIETLY AT PEACE.
General Douglas MacArthur

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Three

THEY FOUGHT TOGETHER AS BROTHERS-IN-ARMS.
THEY DIED TOGETHER AND NOW THEY SLEEP SIDE BY SIDE.
TO THEM WE HAVE A SOLEMN OBLIGATION.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz


P.S. Today officially kicked off the holidays in Port Norris. The Sunday School Staff had their annual Christmas party and gift exchange. Of course we all acted like responsible adults and waited 'til after the meeting to open gifts.... and then acted like children! lol! :)

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day Two

THEY HAD NO RIGHT TO WIN. YET THEY DID, AND IN DOING SO THEY CHANGED THE COURSE OF A WAR...EVEN AGAINST THE GREATEST OF ODDS, THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE HUMAN SPIRIT - A MAGIC BLEND OF SKILL, FAITH AND VALOR - THAT CAN LIFT MEN FROM CERTAIN DEFEAT TO INCREDIBLE VICTORY.
BATTLE OF MIDWAY, JUNE 4-7, 1942
Walter Lord, Author


P.S. Today I was told in my Sunday School Class that Peter was in jail because he stole a car.... :) Kids, ya gotta love 'em!

Quotes From a Grateful Nation: Day One

Next Sunday is a day that many people have forgotten about. It's sad really, and I think it's also one of the reasons our country is the way it is today. Now I have you wondering, don't I? It's December 7th - Pearl Harbor Day. I think the saddest part is that even saying "it's Pearl Harbor Day" gets a puzzled glance more often than not. It's tragic really, our generation has little to no interest in history. It seems people don't want to learn from history anymore, and it scares me to death. You know what they say - History repeats itself - and it's been proven time and again. We most likely will encounter things as a country in the coming years that could have been avoided if someone had just payed attention in History class. December 7th, 1941 proved that it can happen. We were "a nation asleep" and we payed heavily for it.
And so today I want to thank the approximately 16 million men and women who answered the call 67 years ago to defend their homeland. They truly "came to liberate, not to conquer, to restore freedom and to end tyranny".
I also want to thank all the history teachers (and those who are working to become one, Becci!) out there who have made history come alive for their students. You didn't have to choose the field you are in, but you did, and for that I'm grateful. For those of you who have children, or have contact with children, teach them to love history! They are the hope for our future, if you want them to live in a better world, this is the place to start.

So, in honor of December 7th I want to post a famous quote from WWII each day. These are from the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. If they don't make you feel proud, awestruck, and thankful, nothing will.

HERE IN THE PRESENCE OF WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN, ONE THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FATHER AND THE OTHER THE NINETEENTH CENTURY PRESERVER OF OUR NATION, WE HONOR THOSE TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICANS WHO TOOK UP THE STRUGGLE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND MADE THE SACRIFICES TO PERPETUATE THE GIFT OUR FOREFATHERS ENTRUSTED TO US:
A NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY AND JUSTICE.

From the Announcement Stone at the entrance of the memorial.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Just want to wish ya'll a very happy Turkey Day!! Eat lots, Enjoy your families, Don't forget to relax ladies, But most of all.... Take time out to thank God for the things He has blessed you with! And then, tell someone else you're thankful for them and what they have done for you this year.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Patience

PATIENT
1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3: not hasty or impetuous
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5 a: able or willing to bear

It is what this blog is supposed to be about, right? :) I've been learning that I have none. None at all. I used to pride myself on my patience...I know, Pride goeth before destruction.... But, I am learning that although I exhibit many of the traits mentioned in the definition of patience, I only have them when there is a specified time that my "trial" will come to an end. I tend to count down the days. Ok, I admit it, I have a calendar at work with the big stinky marker to mark off the days until my next vacation, and a countdown widget on my computer....
I've just started to realize these things, and it's kinda disturbing! :) I mean, I count down the hours in 15 minute increments at work 'til the day is over, count down the days 'til the weekend, weeks until the next vacation or holiday, you get the point!
So I guess the point of this post is to encourage everybody to live in the moment! I'm working on it, I promise! So to quote one of the ladies from the Jubilee last month "Don't wish for what isn't- embrace what is!" and as my mom has become fond of saying the past few weeks "Life isn't about the destination, it's about the journey"
So when you're stuck behind a school bus, or in line at the store, or just find yourself wishing the day was over, just remember that these are the moments that truly shape you. Use them wisely. Make a memory. Enjoy the quiet. Pray. Listen, you'll be surprised what you hear! (yeah... that one has a tendency to backfire in certain circumstances.....)

Thank You!

So, a few weeks back, I posted about not having any books left in my to be read pile. Rare, I know! But, the next day in the comment section, one of my favorite new writers - whose blog I just happen to read every day - left a note for me! Think of it... she read my blog!!! :) But, anyway, back to the story! She told me to email her my mailing address and she would send me a book!! So to make a very long, very gushy story short, she sent me a signed copy of her new book Captive Dreams. I have read the first two in this series and they were fantastic! Especially to someone who is very nit-picky about historical accuracy in books. (I hate it when people add modern slang to historical books, or think just because something is old or from the general era that they can throw it or a reference to it in! )This one didn't disappoint! I think Anna and Sid were my favorite couple from the series. The whole series is set in Nebraska in WWII. Great portrayal of life on the home front during the war. Believe me, I've done the research! WWII is probably my favorite era in history, and I love reading and talking to people about that time.

So I want to encourage all of you to go out and read a new author this week! If you don't already have one in mind, may I recommend one?? :) The first two books in the series are Canteen Dreams and Sandhill Dreams. Oh yeah, did I mention the author's name??

Cara Putman!

Get to reading...

Jess

Impulse Buys...

We all do it right??? That feeling comes over us, and we just can't help ourselves! We have to have it, and have it now! Well, Monday night I had that sort of night. I saw this belt on clearance (for $4!) and I just couldn't decide which color I wanted it in. I knew whatever color I got, I would want the other color when I got home. So I did the only logical thing I could think of - I bought both! "Now Jess", you may say, "That's not impulsive!" But for me it really is! I tend to talk myself out of any purchase at all, or take a whole year to decide I can afford it. (as was the case in buying my car, and my wool coat) So here I was, so proud of myself for being so impulsive, and thinking that Becci would be so proud! (She thinks nothing of dropping everything and heading of to Disney on 10 days notice, me? Ack! I don't have a month to pack??)

So, back to being proud of myself.... Mom and I leave Target, did I mention she was with me? So we leave Target and head next door to Petsmart to get my cat some food. Everything is going good, we find what we came for, and we are ready to leave when Mom says " Sweet Pea was so good at the vet today! Let's get her a toy!" So we go to the cat toy aisle, and what do you suppose is on the endcap?? That's right!

Parakeets

A look I have never seen crossed my mom's face. She made a sharp left hand turn, and started filling her cart with birdseed and various bird toys. "Mom", I say, "shouldn't we ask Dad?" Once again, that look! She asks the sales clerk "Which cage is a good size?" The clerk points to a little one. Mom says "How about with 2 birds??" Clerk points to the same cage. My mom says "Wouldn't they be so much happier in this one??" as she points to the birdy condo next to it. So in goes the birdy condo, and off to pick out the birdies - yeah, you read right, we are now at 2 birdies. (because "You can't just have one... it will get lonely."

I don't know what was funnier, the sales clerk who was on his first week of the job trying to catch these birds while all the other employees are watching like some kind of initiation, saying "Not that one, they wanted that one over there!" Or, the look on my dad's face when my mom walked in the front door with a birdcage in one hand, and 2 birds in the other!

So, the above picture is of the newest members of the Senn family. My mom has now outdone anything I have ever called impulsive! I will have to elope with a total stranger to upstage her! Just Kidding! She is trying to justify the purchase as a toy for the cat.... exactly what she went into the store for! We're not buying it. :)

BTW at work we were audited on Tuesday, and we got a 7! Yay! 10 is perfect, but a 7 is perfectly acceptable. Pressure is off for the rest of the year- we met our sales goals already and passed our audit! Now I just have to stay difference free for the rest of the year. :)

What I did this weekend

I ate out with the folks

I saw the Constitution

I visited the WWII memorial- fitting for Veterans Day!

I looked at old photo albums... wonder who that is?? :)

More photo albums.... Anyone want to guess who those two girls are??

And for all you women who voted last Tuesday- this piece of paper made it possible! The Right of Suffrage

Can you tell by now that I was in DC?? :) That's the Capitol for those of you who don't recognize the building.

Hope you enjoyed the glimpse into my rare 2 days in a row off! :)

Confessions...

I have a confession to make. I listened to Christmas music today.... and I liked it! For those of you who truly know me, ya'll know I'm one of THOSE people. I am very strict about Christmas music not being played until Thanksgiving day, so it came as quite a shock that I enjoyed it so much! I should have seen the signs though. I have been Christmas shopping already, have been preparing my cookie making stash, playing Christmas music on the piano (that one doesn't really count though, because it's for Cantata practice with the choir, and I'm forced to play it!) :) And the one thing that really should have tipped me off was taking the Christmas music survey last night! We have the best Christmas music station ever up here, and their playlist is completely listener selected and regulated! We even got to rate the songs on a scale of 1-5! So we the listeners got to pick when the infamous day was, and in my defense I picked Thanksgiving! Honestly! But apparently more people picked now, because I got a text in the middle of work today from my mom saying "the Jolly has begun", and sure enough, as soon as I turned on the radio there it was and I didn't have the willpower to turn the station. Ack! :) So now I am going to struggle to keep the radio off until the fateful day.....

Praying for the President

Yeah, yeah, yeah! I know, it's been awhile! I wanted to wait to blog until I could get calmed down. It was a rough election for me. None of my co-workers share my political views, and have made it miserable for me at work. I also know someone running for office locally, and his opponent ran a vicious campaign. That race ended in a recount, and he lost. :( So here I was, praying for God's will, but not quite prepared for His answer. (even though in my head I was ready, it was still a rough Wednesday!) It took a little while, but I'm ready now to get behind our President-Elect and support him thru prayer.
So now I'm joining Michael Hyatt in his Four Commitments to Obama.

1. I will pray for him and our country.
2. I will assume his motives are good, giving him the benefit of the doubt.
3. I will not speak ill of him, even if I don’t always agree with him.
4. I will cast off the spirit of cynicism, and be a positive force for good.

I may not agree with Obama on almost any issue, but the Bible is clear on how I need to respond to this! So I've taken it to heart, done some serious Bible time, and I'm ready. Are you?

GO VOTE!

Just a friendly reminder to exercise your right to vote! Just remember, you have no right to complain if you don't vote! People died to give you this right-exercise it! Okay, rant over! :) Now get out there and VOTE!

Things that make you smile!

I was smiling all day long today! Can you tell I had a good day?? And yes, I did work today. I got to do one of my favorite things at work today..... dig thru old paperwork! Now Jess, you may say, where's the fun in that? It is sooooo much fun for a history buff! Especially when you work in a bank that has been in the same building for over 100 years. I was cleaning out the vault, and ran across the original stock certificates and the original blueprints for the bank across the street. can you say 1924??? (and all the dust to prove it!) It was sooo cool! And finding names of customers who are now in their 90's on these documents makes it even more personal!
So that was my cool thing today! Here's some things that made me smile this week......
Comments from an author you read regularly on your blog (thanks Cara!)
Text from a friend about a goof she made in school as a first year teacher
The simple faith of my kindergarten and first graders in Sunday School
The things that come out of said students mouths... :)
Zechy saying 2 memory verses to someone other than me or his mom
Fresh apple pie and coffee after a long day of work (thanks mom!)
Seeing the sun after a long Nor'easter
Your favorite song on the radio
Finding out your quarterly bonus at work is going to be doubled! Yay!
Perfect hair days....all week!
Heated seats in 30 degree weather

So what about you?? What made you smile this week?
Jess
PS Go Vote on Tuesday!

Jubilee

Hey!

Have any of ya'll been to the Sword of the Lord's Ladies Jubilees?? If you haven't I want to STRONGLY encourage you to go! It is worth every penny. I have been blessed to have the East Coast Sword Ladies Jubilee just about an hour away for the last 4 years. I couldn't go last year because of work, and this year was largely hit and miss, but it is worth it! I came away so encouraged.

Dr. Smith preached a message out of 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

So I'm going to pass along some of what encouraged and blessed me!

First, Thanks to Kay Chandler who taught a workshop on "True Friendship Makes a Difference" and probably made me laugh harder than I have in a long time! We can make a difference by the things we say- Encouraging Words, Be Complimentary, Words of Wisdom from God's Word, Intercessory Prayer, Tame Your Tongue. We can make a difference by the things we do-Smile, Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated, Be a compassionate listener, Give a hug or a pat on the back, Share in other's joys and hurts. "A smile happens in a flash-but it's effect can last forever!"

Second, Sonya Williams who taught "Finding Balance in a Too-Busy Life" and "Standing Strong in Your Christian Life". "Pray believing-then leave it alone!" "If God can use a stick-He can use you!" Exodus 7:8-12 In the finding balance class she must have said "Learn to say no!" about 15 times. :) (maybe it just seemed that way to me, it's been my struggle lately and I needed to hear it!) She also said "Don't over-load yourself with ministry" and "Don't allow your ministry to become a burden"

Third, Samantha Jeffcoat "Don't wish for what isn't-embrace what is!"

Fourth, Susan Smith taught on "Spiritual Drought" and I really needed this one! "You can be in a spiritual drought and not be backslidden! Backsliding is a wrong response to spiritual drought." Psalm 42:1, Psalm 63:1

D raw Nigh to God Psalm 34:4, 40:1-3, 57:2 Don't give up because of feelings, keep going because of facts.

R emember God's Promises Psalm 71:20 Remember past victories.

O ffer Praise Psalm 68:19 For blessings and in trials.

U se Available Resources Gather in times of plenty-sermons,verses,truths proven, prayers, hymns, lessons learned, friendships.

G rasp Moments and G ather Lessons 1Timothy 6:17, James 1:17 Drink in positive moments.

H old onto Hope Lamentations 3:22-24

T rust God Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 58:11, Psalm 71

Hope you were encouraged! And please, next time, come with! :)

So Sad.. :(

So I finished the book ya'll. It was fantastic!!!! But, now I'm sad because it's done... :( I actually finished on Wednesday night. Yeah....I admit, I'm a speed reader. But the real reason I'm sad is that my stack of "books to read" has dwindled down to 2 books that I've already read. I know! I have a serious addiction! But anyway, the book was really good. In fact I would recommend anything by Susan May Warren at this point! Everything I've read of hers has been the kind of book that you wait and wait and wait for it to come out, and then you just inhale it when it comes! I mean, you finish it in one sitting 'cause you can't put it down type thing going on! So anyways, I was going to do a review, but I really don't want to give anymore away than I already have. So go buy it, borrow it, come visit me and I'll let you read it.... :)
Jess

It's here!!

Finally! My book has come! For those of you who know me, you know that I always have at least 2 books on me. No matter where I go, or what I'm doing, I have them handy. It must be a PK thing, always be prepared for anything to happen. I have always loved to read, so bringing a book along is something I've done since I was 3. People actually understand that one, but 2 books is just baffling to many people!

So back on subject, the much anticipated book arrived in the mail today, and proceeded to taunt me from the remote corner of my desk for the rest of the day. So now ya'll are thinking "this must be an awesome book!". Well, I'll let ya'll know how it is when I'm done! But meanwhile, I'll leave you with the blurb from the back of the book.

Wiser Than Serpents

by Susan May Warren

Into a nest of vipers....

Her sister had vanished, trapped in a human slavery ring. To find her, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka arranged her own kidnapping into Taiwan's sex-trafficking trade, and herself with no way out.

Until Yanna discovered an ally deep undercover: Delta Force captain David Curtiss. He was after the kingpin of the Twin Serpents, the organized crime syndicate that had Yanna--and hundreds of others--in their clutches.

With opposite agendas, David and Yanna had to rely on each other to outwit their cold-blooded enemy.

This is the third book in the series. I read the first two, and they were fantastic. The best part of these books is Susie's ability to transport you directly to Russia. Susie and her husband were missionaries in Russia for 8 years, so she's speaking from experience! :)

So now I have probably made ya'll want to read this... so I'll leave you wondering!

So now I'll leave you with a very serious prayer request. My good friend Shauna is having some very serious health problems. If her estrogen levels do not drop dramatically before tomorrow she will have to be hospitalized. Please pray for God's will in this situation. Thanks so much!

Jess

After all, tomorrow is another day!

Have you ever had one of those weeks? It really started off great! (as evidenced by my previous post) You feel invincible, like nothing can ruin your great mood. And then Tuesday at 9:30am it all changed. Between work, church, and even people who are a 1000 miles away, I had an awful week! It probably wouldn't have been sooo bad if I hadn't expected so much, but it is a let down when you head into work ready to have a fantastic week and get yelled at before you even get in the door! But, God did show me this week that even when I have one of "those" weeks, someone else has it worse. It just really encouraged me to pray for someone else every time I was tempted to feel sorry for myself. And you know what? It really does make you worry more for them! Just kidding! It did help me to stop obsessing about myself though. So please just pray that I will have a better weekend! (and that all the people I'm worrying about will too, because then I won't worry so much! Yes mom, I know, worrying is a sin!) So I leave you with a great verse:
Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions they fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Or as Scarlett O'Hara would say "after all, tomorrow is another day!" :)

Day with Dad

So today I had the day off for the not so widely celebrated even though it's a federal holiday Columbus Day. But maybe that's just New Jersey! I mean there was talk that even one of the local banks was open, and most of the city department! So anyway it was great for me because I have been sooo totally exhausted lately. Maybe because of the cold I've had for a week...... or all the stress at work..... maybe both?? :) So back to the subject! I got spoiled today! First off, and I know it sounds trivial, but I've not really "needed" but could really use a new TV in my room. The one I have is an old hotel floor model, and you can only watch splashy colorful musicals on it because the contrast is soooo bad on it! So I have been half-heartedly been shopping for one, and let me tell you, they are expensive! People are willing to pay way too much for TVs these days! So it's just kinda turned into a back burner thing until I pay off my contacts. So last night in church the youth pastor and his wife tell my dad that they have to get rid of some stuff. (they just moved and got a new TV and the old house needs to be cleared out by the end of the week) They were selling their TV for $25! Talk about God answering prayers you haven't even prayed! So we had to go pick that up today! Whoo hoo! I got to sleep in... Yay!!! Mom spoiled me by making pumpkin waffles for breakfast. Yum!!!! Then my dad took me golfing. No, I did not golf. I excel in driving the golf cart.... :) It was nice to have daddy-daughter time. Our time is usually Sunday afternoons watching the game, but he's been napping during the game..... :) So it was overall a great day topped off by a trip to A&W! I will refrain from telling all the golf course exploits- like near death experiences and birdies- and just mention that he did shoot a 92. His best ever!
So I'll end this long rambling post with 2 prayer requests. My mom's skin cancer saga continues, they had to take another spot off. On her stomach this time (thank God not the face again!) but, it's causing some pain and we haven't got the test results back. So just pray that the pain goes away and that the tests come back good. And for my friend Shauna that God will give her peace and calm her nerves this week. Thanks!

Hey Ya'll!

So I figured it was time to start this up. If for nothing else but to chronicle my experiences through this season of my life! So for those of you who know me, you know that I will probably never stay on subject, post rather random things, and have far too many "blonde" moments! For those of you who don't know me, be assured it's endearing in person! (or so I've been told) :) Most of ya'll know my story, and what a rollercoaster my life has been. So the last 4 years has been a struggle in dealing with what the rest of the world craves- stability and predictability. Monotonous and boring to someone who has never lived in one house longer than about 3 years! But God has been teaching me to be content during this time and I'm trying to accept the lesson! So I'm going to leave you with a verse from Lamentations that I found today. Enjoy! And BTW.... Welcome to my blog! :)
Lamentations 3:26
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.