The trip to California was noteworthy on several accounts. My moment came the 2nd day of the Catalyst Conference. Brooke Fraser led worship with "The Desert Song".
I hope you'll check out the video and read the lyrics.
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
And this is my prayer in the fire
in weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
when favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
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A much needed thing happened in that moment. I realized it's OK and that He is with me even in the desert moments.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
airports
I love to people watch. Right now I'm sitting in the Reno/Tahoe International Airport and I'm people watching. :_ I'm always curious. Where are people going? Where are they coming from? It's so interesting to think that your life can cross another one's so quickly with no direct relationship to them. They are people. You are people. They need to take a flight somewhere. You need to take a flight somewhere. And that's the end of the relationship. Interesting and funny. This world we live in.
I'm looking forward to the next 9 days in So Cal. Lots to do, but no doubt FUN will be had in between it all!
Wish me safe travels.
Jen
I'm looking forward to the next 9 days in So Cal. Lots to do, but no doubt FUN will be had in between it all!
Wish me safe travels.
Jen
Saturday, April 18, 2009
creativity
I enjoyed sleeping in my own bed last night after being in Reno this past week and house/teen/dog sitting the past week. In a few small ways I'm not looking forward to the upcoming trip to Los Angeles. I'm definitely excited about what I'll be doing while in Los Angeles, but not exactly thrilled about sleeping in four different people's homes and a hotel over the next 9 nights. But I'm excited to share these experiences with my good friend Lara! That's a highlight of the upcoming trip and seeing some people I love and miss who currently live in Los Angeles is also a highlight for me. I'll be sure and take lots of pictures of the ocean! I'm sure I'll be jet-setting to the coast on every possible occasion :)
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I have realized that with all this moving around, I haven't really been able to settle into the creative flow that I would like to pursue. There have been so many adjustments with this new ministry position, that my schedule just seems choppy and chaotic. I know those are feelings but I think I'm sort of a homebody snob. I need to have a place that I can create the kind of atmosphere that is welcoming and warm for me and the ones I want to have around. That's hard to do when you're living with your parents.
My mom noticed a few pieces I painted and sketched while in Budapest and said, "I didn't know you did that." I was able to tell her about the Monday nights in Budapest where I had girls over and we painted and created things. For me, there's something medicinal about it. This is one of those things I'd like to set up again very soon.
I pulled out the guitar today and practiced some chord combinations, trying to find out the sounds I like. Martin Luther had a dream and I have one too - writing and playing my own song or two on that darn guitar. It doesn't seem like I catch on quick enough but I really haven't put that much energy into it. I do enjoy it and would love to learn more. It was fun today as I went through some old files and I actually found a song that my sister and I wrote about my Grandma, probably almost 4 years ago. It's actually pretty good, if I can remember to play it at the same tempo I originally had when I created it.
The third aspect of creativity I'd like to explore is sewing. I almost wandered into a fabric store to get a pattern and start with something. But then I thought I should take one of the shirts I really like and own and make that my pattern. We'll see. I was on my way somewhere when the thought crossed my mind and didn't have a chance to do it.
Finally, if it all happens as Lara and I have been talking about this past year, we will be moving to the Sacramento area. I hope we can find a house for rent with an extra bedroom for guests and for a craft room. If we get a house, (even if we don't), I want to start a garden. Veggies that won't die easily - tomatoes, salad and then some fruits - strawberries or something.
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I've been using the RICE on my knee. I think it helps. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. I am about to go for a run again and in the off times, I try and keep it iced and up. I think it's helping do something!
-------------
I have realized that with all this moving around, I haven't really been able to settle into the creative flow that I would like to pursue. There have been so many adjustments with this new ministry position, that my schedule just seems choppy and chaotic. I know those are feelings but I think I'm sort of a homebody snob. I need to have a place that I can create the kind of atmosphere that is welcoming and warm for me and the ones I want to have around. That's hard to do when you're living with your parents.
My mom noticed a few pieces I painted and sketched while in Budapest and said, "I didn't know you did that." I was able to tell her about the Monday nights in Budapest where I had girls over and we painted and created things. For me, there's something medicinal about it. This is one of those things I'd like to set up again very soon.
I pulled out the guitar today and practiced some chord combinations, trying to find out the sounds I like. Martin Luther had a dream and I have one too - writing and playing my own song or two on that darn guitar. It doesn't seem like I catch on quick enough but I really haven't put that much energy into it. I do enjoy it and would love to learn more. It was fun today as I went through some old files and I actually found a song that my sister and I wrote about my Grandma, probably almost 4 years ago. It's actually pretty good, if I can remember to play it at the same tempo I originally had when I created it.
The third aspect of creativity I'd like to explore is sewing. I almost wandered into a fabric store to get a pattern and start with something. But then I thought I should take one of the shirts I really like and own and make that my pattern. We'll see. I was on my way somewhere when the thought crossed my mind and didn't have a chance to do it.
Finally, if it all happens as Lara and I have been talking about this past year, we will be moving to the Sacramento area. I hope we can find a house for rent with an extra bedroom for guests and for a craft room. If we get a house, (even if we don't), I want to start a garden. Veggies that won't die easily - tomatoes, salad and then some fruits - strawberries or something.
------------------
I've been using the RICE on my knee. I think it helps. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. I am about to go for a run again and in the off times, I try and keep it iced and up. I think it's helping do something!
Friday, April 17, 2009
He has told you.....
I just came back from a two mile walk and as I was listening to worship music on the I-pod, I got to thinking about what it is in life that God is really after in us as humans.
I mean, there are so many variations of Christianity in the world and so many styles and people who claim Christ-following as a way of life, but when God looks at us all, what are the things He's looking for?
The reason I was asking is because I still don't feel as though I have it all figured out. As I mused over these things in the beautiful sunshine, I took in the desert landscape in Nevada (not the most picturesque for me, but it is what it is).
Then I was reminded of the scripture in Micah 6:8
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with your God."
Enough said. Now if I could just focus on that.
So what does it look like to do justice?
What does it look like to love kindness?
What does it look like to walk humbly with God?
The musing continues.
I mean, there are so many variations of Christianity in the world and so many styles and people who claim Christ-following as a way of life, but when God looks at us all, what are the things He's looking for?
The reason I was asking is because I still don't feel as though I have it all figured out. As I mused over these things in the beautiful sunshine, I took in the desert landscape in Nevada (not the most picturesque for me, but it is what it is).
Then I was reminded of the scripture in Micah 6:8
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with your God."
Enough said. Now if I could just focus on that.
So what does it look like to do justice?
What does it look like to love kindness?
What does it look like to walk humbly with God?
The musing continues.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
10 things to live by...
I'm house/dog sitting this week for Jeff and Teri and I thought I'd pass this bit of inspiration on to you.
This is hanging on their fridge.
1. Spread beauty.
2. Do what you love.
3. Love what you do.
4. Keep it simple.
5. Laugh out loud.
6. Go with the flow.
7. Be real.
8. Focus on the postiive.
9. Do your best.
10. Just breathe.
The only one of these that I sort of disagree with, atleast at times, is #6. Sometimes as Christians, even as human beings, we need to stand up for what is right, true and real and forgo the "flow."
That's all. :) Happy reading.
This is hanging on their fridge.
1. Spread beauty.
2. Do what you love.
3. Love what you do.
4. Keep it simple.
5. Laugh out loud.
6. Go with the flow.
7. Be real.
8. Focus on the postiive.
9. Do your best.
10. Just breathe.
The only one of these that I sort of disagree with, atleast at times, is #6. Sometimes as Christians, even as human beings, we need to stand up for what is right, true and real and forgo the "flow."
That's all. :) Happy reading.
Monday, April 13, 2009
the future....is exciting.
My friend Lara and I have been talking for awhile about getting a place together in the next year. She suggested the Sacramento area. I was OK with that but not really sold on the idea.
While I was in Nashville, I spent time with my friend Amber who is working for Mercy Ministries in Nashville. They are opening a home in Sacramento this July. Divine coincidence? Maybe. My friend Lara is a perfect fit here. And I just need to be near an airport. I'd love to work part-time for Mercy too.
We'll see what the future holds! Whatever is ahead, it's going to be fantastic.
While I was in Nashville, I spent time with my friend Amber who is working for Mercy Ministries in Nashville. They are opening a home in Sacramento this July. Divine coincidence? Maybe. My friend Lara is a perfect fit here. And I just need to be near an airport. I'd love to work part-time for Mercy too.
We'll see what the future holds! Whatever is ahead, it's going to be fantastic.
Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips
So I'm staying at the Peterson's this week. Uneventful really.
One thing I found interesting that I've read before are beauty tips in Teri's bathroom.
Thank you, Audrey Hepburn.
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed.
Never throw out anybody.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries,
or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial beauty mark,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
the passion that she shows.
And the beauty of a woman with passing years, only grows!"
One thing I found interesting that I've read before are beauty tips in Teri's bathroom.
Thank you, Audrey Hepburn.
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed.
Never throw out anybody.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries,
or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial beauty mark,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
the passion that she shows.
And the beauty of a woman with passing years, only grows!"
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