New Beginnings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR (Almost...lol)!!



I couldn't think of a better time to talk about new beginnings! We all have "New Years Revolutions", yet how many of those have to do with God? Many people have a goal of losing 20 lbs this next year, making more money, having a boy friend, making more friends, etc. What are some of your resolutions though? Is one maybe as simple as getting a new beginning? For many people that would be a perfect goal! Here is the deal though.... What do you want to change about yourself or improve about your self? You don't have to wait on a new year to think about this or change things, but since it is a new year you mise well think about it! Here are some of my goals for the next year....



~ Read the Bible through in one year (I've read the whole Bible, but I want to do it in one year! Please keep me accountable!)

~Go on another mission trip

~ Save more money

~ Spend more time with my grandparents (Yes, I'm busy, but they are never promised tomorrow!)

~Then a few more I rather not tell the whole world! ;)



So, what are your resolutions or goals for 2011?



Back to the new beginnings part... do you need/want a new beginning?? We have all made mistakes over the past year... I know I have. Some need a new beginning more than others, but here is a chance! Yes, you can get a new start anytime, but for some reason a new year just seems like the right time to get a fresh start! Anywho, only you know what you need to leave behind in 2010. Leave it there... do not take it to 2011 with you. The old is gone and the new has come!! Please know that I'm praying for you that God will give you the strength to move on from what you need to leave behind.



Praying for you as you begin 2011!!



JEN

Testimony Tuesday!

blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from the clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is." Amy Carmichael



i LOVE reading anything by amy carmichael. she was such a woman of Christ and one of my biggest inspirations besides Jesus of course. i was babysitting tonight...rather "kid"sitting three girls. 10, 9, and 8... and while we were eating they started talking about their boyfriends...it was precious. they were like "where's your boyfriend??" and i said "i dont have one" and they were all like "ive had three" "ive had four" and "ive had five but one didnt count." and while i KNOW that they are just children and they don't really see it as a big deal its kinda warped that even at 8 they're already worried about boys.

trust...when i was 8, winning the Bible drill or finishing the math quiz first was high on my priorities. NOT chasing boyssss. not me, not ever. i never really fell in the category. the "girls who could never be single." if fact, i was quite the opposite. and not that that was bad or anything, it taught me a LOT. a lot about me, even more about my friends, tons about boys and the MOST about Jesus:)) gah, i really want to look every girl in the WORLDDDD in the eye who thinks a man is what it takes to be complete and tell them that there is a love that is so much better.

not that love is bad. im not bashing it at all:) i know i have a prince of Christ somewhere that at the EXACT moment will come into my life. but, in the meantime, wouldn't it be wise to try to get to know that ONE that created ME so i can be the best me i can be for my mannnn??!!! just a thought. no one has to agree. and trust. lately....its like a big deal:) im more than okay with that.

Jesus is all i need. He has to be. it has to ALWAYS be about Jesus. we as girls (or guys) can't rely on each other for confirmation on who to date. if so, we'd all be married by 12. nahhh, it is JESUS who knows. its Christ who has already appointed the very one we're suppose to be with. ive never understood how girls (or guys) feel the need to date. we have to be full on God before we can bless anyone else. so if youre dating to get filled, forget it. cause behind all the butterflies is emptiness. if God is behind the butterflies, you've got your happily ever after.

people will not understand. people didn't understand Christ so you can be sure that people will try to talk you out of any sort of committment, etc you make:) i made a personal committment that i havent really told a lot of people about but its helped me so maybe itll help you. i saw first hand in highschool almost every girl go through relationship one after another. and it hurt me to watch. i took it to Christ. he told me "i didnt create you to long for anyone but me" and i was like AMEN!!!! im just gonna pour it out to You Jesus. grades and being on every committee was my thing in highschool so it was easy not to get distracted. and, the more i fell in love with God, the more even my closest friends drew away until it was literally me and Him for a while. and every girl who messages me and feels lonely...just remember....its a season. just like singleness....if the deisre to have a husband and family is in your heart...its from Jesus and he will honor it:) but in the meantime, i want everyone to experience the EXTRAVAGENT:)) love of Christ. its overwhelming. spending time with Jesus is the same way you spend time with someone you're dating, etc... the more you spend with Him, the more you'll crave him and the more ONLY HE will fulfill your heart. then when youre full and overflowing with love, joy, peace, etc....look around you, it'll be the BEST season of YOUR LIFE!!!!:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Well... Christmas has once again come and gone! What did you do this Christmas? Were you able to spend time with family? I would love to hear about your Christmas! Just to give you a glimpse into my Christmas I'm going to add some pics! Merry Christmas!! :)

My family at my grandmothers house!

Mom was amazed at how big nick's hands are!

Mom and her mom!

Jon (My bro) and I with wawa and papa (dads parents)!

Mom and dad with wawa and papa!

Yes, we did this for a while....lol

Wawa and papa!

This one is just funny!! She was showing how when you get older it is hard to open your eyes bc of all the "extra" skin! You would have to know my grandmother, but this picture is precious! :)

Another random one, but i love the way he looks at her!

I hope my husband looks at me like that after 60 something years of marriage!

I got a tinsy bit bored....lol

One of my favorite gifts.... Houndstooth rainboots!

Side note.... unless you live in the south you will not understand how BIG of a deal houndstooth is...

I am a BIG Alabama fan and therefore most of my Christmas consisted of houndstooth items! :)

I'm not sure there are words to describe this...lol

Maybe...REDNECK!

My brother enjoys being a redneck and I rather not be!

A shirt I gave Jon.... AMEN!!

When I opened my phone, which was a suprise!!

Nick and I! :)

Love,
JEN

Word Filled Wednesday!

Luke 2


The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

the blessing of where you are now

Hello Precious Girls!!! It's been a while since I've posted, and I've missed writing to you greatly. But sometimes life is just so crazy you can't get to the computer. But I've been learning several things while I've been away from the blog, and I want to share one of these things with you today. Lately I've been learning to view your circumstances as a blessing. One of my favorite Christmas movies is White Christmas, and if you have ever watched it you know the song about counting your blessings. That's kinda what I want to encourage you to do today.

For me, I count the blessings of being who I am now. I count it a blessing to be single. To me it's a blessing because I am free to focus on growing in Christ and just loving and serving him. I don't have to fear I'm spending more time with my boyfriend than with God. I don't have to worry about pushing purity limits because I'm not in the situation to begin with. I count it a blessing because sometimes I have the hardest time picking out gifts and (feel free to laugh) since I don't have a boyfriend that's one less "perfect gift" to find. haha. It's silly, but in my life these really are blessings.

But you may not be in the same situation I'm in, you may have a boyfriend. And I do not mean to make anybody who does feel bad because of what I said in my previous paragraph. On the contrary I think that God can bless you just as much in a God-honoring relationship as he can when you are single. Never having been in one myself, I don't know for sure what those blessings are. But I can imagine one of them would be that your boyfriend actually makes you feel closer to God. Possibly another would be that you can be an example of purity in a relationship to other girls (yes, it is a blessing to be that). I'm sure that Jen could tell you many more, these are just two that come to mind right now.

I've heard that January is proven to be the most depressing month of the year. Perhaps because the Christmas season didn't fulfill you like you thought it would. I want to encourage you today to not let it be that way. I urge you girls, when you feel down and depressed, just look at God and that he has blessed you with, and thank him for it. You will feel better! Merry Christmas!!!

Love, Kat

"I love You"... what does it really mean?

We have discussed saying, "I love you" before, but I think we need to revisit it! :) How many of you have ever been told this by a guy who soon left, who disrespected you, and who basically just truly didn't care about you. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Anyway, it bothers me how many statuses and wall post I see on face book between people who are dating saying, "I love you baby!", "You are mine forever!", "I want to be with you always!" and then the next week they have broken  up, gotten with someone else and began writing all the same things on that persons wall. Is that what love is?? If you think so I'm here to tell you it isn't.... That is NOT what love is! 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the "love" chapter. I could paraphrase it myself, but i doubt I could say it any better. So, here it is...

1 Corinthians 13


1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

So here is my point... don't fall for the petty things that the world calls love!! Wait for TRUE love!! My boyfriend and I do not say, "I love you" for the simple fact that we do not know if we truly love each other in the form that we want to spend the rest of our life with each other. We do say, "I like you" bc we know that's true, but think.... If Nick told me now that he loved me or even when we started out dating and then when he did realize he wanted to marry me and he told me that he loved me it would seem no different. Don't cheapen this beautiful gift of love that God has given us!! I challenge you to pay attention to fb (If you have one) at all the things couples write... it is sickening!! The sad part about it is they are cheapening their future every time they say things like that...

The same as all the other post... this is just my opinion. It is worth a thought though! :)

Much love,
JEN R

The beauty of firsts...

Hey chicks! I want to talk to you today about different, “Firsts” today! Not just sex for the first time, but firsts concerning purity in general. Let me explain… Nick and I have been dating 6 months as of yesterday. He is the first relationship I’ve been in that has lasted that long. So, it was very special! Now if I had dated many boys off and on and had a couple that lasted 6 months would it have been as special? Of course not. I believe that there are some first that are ok before marriage then of course there are some that are not ok until after marriage. For example, I believe holding hands, dating, that sort of thing is ok before marriage. I also believe that there are some first that you should save until you are married. These are things such as any form of sex, kissing (Just my personal stand), much touching, etc. Here is the point… I want to save as many first for my husband as I can!! I challenge you to do the same. Just imagine if you could give your husband your first kiss, if you could give him the privilege of being the first male to see you without clothes, allow him to be the first person to ever touch you in a sexual way, and of course allow him to be the first person you have ever had sex with. How amazing would that be for him to know that he is the only one to have had that privilege?? Girls, now is the time whether you will get to tell him that or not. It isn’t the same to just be on your wedding night and be like, “Oh wow! No one ever did that before!” he should not be getting your leftovers. He should be getting the whole meal. Do you get this?! Now is the time you save your first!




Two side notes though… If you have been taken advantage of then that is NOT your first! If you have been raped then you are still a virgin! I do not care what anyone told you. You are and hopefully you will choose a husband who believes the same! When I say your first I mean the first time you gave anything away willingly! Make sense? Secondly, I do not mean this post to be condemning if you have given away some first times that you wish you had not. With god there is forgiveness. Yes, you will still have it in your past, but that is where it belongs… in your past.



I love you girls!

Waiting along beside you….

JEN

Thought Filled Thursday!

Jesus was not created to be an accessory to our life... He was created to BE our life!!

Word Filled Wednesday!

~ James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will recieve the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. ~

Grow where you are planted!

Hey girls! I added a video the other day of a girl getting baptized. I decided to delete it so that I could add it to this post. Anywho, here is the point of this post. The point is to encourage you to flourish where ever God plants you! I'm going to share a little bit of my testimony. I wasn't the normal teen. I was to an extent, but in most ways I wasn't normal. What do I mean? I was always wanting to help someone, i absolutely adored witnessing, I didn't have to have a guy, and I often took leadership positions. I'm not saying this to brag... i have a point I'm getting to! I was often told things like, "You just need to be normal! Quit worrying about others.", "You are missing your teen years!", and other things. Of course I did have people who praised me, but you would be amazed at the people who questioned me or even degraded me bc I chose to not be "Normal". You may know what I mean. The thing is i chose to keep on... I knew God had something planned for me! Like I said I took on leadership roles such as teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, leader in the youth group, worked in kids programs all the time, and so on. The thing is I never felt like it was what I was made to do. You know? The thing is though I was getting experience... I cant tell you the books I read about youth ministry. I had a dream... wasn't sure what it was, but I was determined to follow God where ever He wanted me! Then about a year ago i was asked to help out at a youth group close by. I was only 18 (hadn't graduated high school) and so my first thought was how can i do that? I'm their age. I decided to give it a try though. I went and it was awkward at first, but I kept going... For the first six months i basically went, did what i was asked to do and that was about it. I was still going to my home church and just went on Wednesday nights when they needed me. Then some things happened with the leadership and the youth minister (The person who had asked me to come help.) left. Everyone thought I would leave, but i decided i was there for a reason. I began to get more active. Over the last couple of months God has done AMAZING things! As the video showed we have had numerous (So many we've lost count! We know at least 10-15) salvations! The coolest part about it is watching how God has worked it all together. We now have a new couple who have stepped in as youth ministers. We all work together, but it is amazing how God all brought us from different parts of the state to this one church to serve Him! Mr. Frank and Mrs. Danna (the youth ministers) were new to the church. They had been youth ministers in the past, but honestly they are spring chickens. They had visited around to other churches, but none felt right. Wonder why?? I was from a completely different church and would have never imagined leaving. God had other plans though... Each week as I help out I see things that if I had not been willing to be "different" as a teen I would not have had any idea what to do. Most of the leaders in this youth group have come from different Church's. Isn't God amazing?? I cant tell you the joy it brings to my heart to know that God has a perfect plan! I truly believe this is only the beginning! I ask you to pray as we continue to follow God though... This ministry is like nothing Ive ever seen. These kids come from TERRIBLE homes. 98% (Literally) come from broken homes. Many do not even know their father or if they do he is abusive. We hear stories constantly of abuse, neglect, and just a lack of love. Most parents have live in "partners" with no want to get married. Most of their parents and many of the youth are on drugs, are alcoholics, and smoke. 75% of their parents refuse to bring them to church even though it may only be a mile or so away. This is just a way of life.... Want to know the good news though? Over the last few months we have gone from 40 youth a night to nearly 90 youth a night! Please do not miss understand me... numbers do not matter, but they do show how the kids have a craving to know more about God! I've already told you about the salvation's and baptisms. Even past that though.... to be able to see youth read a Bible verse out loud for the first time, own a Bible for the first time, to see an 18 year old guy lower his pride enough to admit he had never even opened a Bible before, to see youth jump at the chance to pray, to see teens sing in a youth choir for the first time, to see youth ask how they can help.... it brings you to tears.... yes, sometimes it isn't easy. Getting calls at 3 in the morning, getting letters from a girl in jail, or being asked by DHR about a mom. It isn't always good, but at the end of the day I know it is in God's hands. If for no other reason than how He has prepared each one of us leaders!

With all of this said, here is why I share this... many of you girls are in the same spot that i was just a few years ago. You may get encouragement or you may not. it doesn't matter. Only you know what you are called to do! People may call you crazy for going on mission trips, people may call you crazy for leading a Bible study, people may call you crazy for writing a blog. Does that matter though? My life is 1 Timothy 4:12 Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, life, love, faith, and in purity! I love you girls and I want to encourage you to stand strong!

Love,
JEN

P.S. I'm going to add some pics for you girls to see who I'm talking about! Again, i value your prayers!!











A girls night I had at my house last weekend!

               We talked about how as Christians God calls us His "Daughters" and we are the bride of Christ!

                                  We did a drama to the song Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone!

                                                         Some girls at a 5th Quarter!

                                            Some of the girls preparing for a drama about gossiping!

                                                                Playing the cup game!

                                                                           The guys!

                                                                  Another girls night!

                                                            Car wash fundraiser!

                                                           Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil!

                                      Practicing for the youth to lead the worship one Sunday morning!

Thought Filled Thursday!

I had forgotten how great of message this song had... :)

Call on Jesus

Verse 1:


I'm so very ordinary, nothing special on my own.

Oh, I have never walked on water,

And I have never calmed a storm.

Sometimes I'm hiding away from the madness around me

Like a child who's afraid of the dark



Chorus:

But when I call on Jesus,

All things are possible

I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar

When I call on Jesus,

Mountains are gonna fall

'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call



La la la la la, la la la la la



Verse 2:

Weary brother, broken daughter,

Widowed, Widowed lover you're not alone

If you're tired and scared of the madness around you

If you can't find the strength to carry on



Chorus:

When you call on Jesus,

All things are possible

You can mount on wings like eagles' and soar

When you call on Jesus,

Mountains are gonna fall

'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue you when you--



Bridge:

Call Him in the morning', in the afternoon time

Late in the evening' He'll be there

When your heart is broken,

And you feel discouraged,

You can just remember that He said

He'll be there



Chorus (2x):

When I call on Jesus,

All things are possible

I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar

When I call on Jesus,

Mountains are gonna fall

'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me

Word Filled Wednesday!

This may be a week late (meant to post this for Thanksgiving!), but still a wonderful Psalm! :)

Psalm 100


1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.