I really, really don't like puppy love/infatuation/whatever your favorite name for it is. You've seen the prototype - the man (the worst cases happen to the "macho" ones) falls head over heels in love with the girl of his dreams, and becomes pretty much consumed and obsessed. Almost every Facebook status mentions their "significant other". They are constantly talking or writing to each other. They want to spend all their time with each other. There's a time and place for romance - like after engagement and marriage - but some of what I've seen is just plain sickening. Maybe I'm just different. Or maybe, my time hasn't come yet. ;-) Of one thing am I certain - I want a guy who is obsessed and crazy about the Lord, not about me. I don't want some superficial love, full of silly nothings. Someone like Mr. Knightly - though he loves Emma, he isn't afraid to chasten her when she has sinned. I want a biblical love, one focused on encouraging spiritually, loving unconditionally, and becoming more like Christ.
That being said, here is a recent article on love that I enjoyed. My favorite is the list comparing infatuation and biblical love: http://ylcf.org/2009/11/what-true-love-is/
25 November 2009
24 November 2009
Thankful Thursdays
Nope, you're not going crazy. I'll just be busy tomorrow and Thanksgiving, so I'm posting this week's Thankful Thursday early.
41. That Janae actually sat through church. She's good about sitting through church, it's just doing so quietly that gets to her. It was nice to enjoy a full sermon with minimal distractions!
42. Relief in the mornings after being the one on 'night watch' with Jasmine. It is so nice to be able to get a little more sleep after waking up several times to give her the bottle during the night!
43. Yahweh's unchanging nature. We will lose friends, have family members move away, and experience changes in curcumstances. Yet Yahweh is always there, unchanging and in control of it all. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
44. My mother. She is just utterly amazing. She does such an amazing job at raising kids and always has an answer for any kind of issue I'm having with my younger siblings. I want to be like her!
45. Christmas lights. I enjoy Christmas lights, and am in the process of decorating our front yard. Here's a seceret - I actually have some strung around the baker's rack in the kitchen that I leave up year round. But don't tell anyone. ;-)
46. Being able to be together with my family for Thanksgiving. As us kids get older, I wonder at every big holiday or birthday, if perhaps this will be the last time we'll be able to celebrate together like this. We don't know from one year to the next what our family gatherings will look like, and I know that it won't be long before we are all pulled in different directions and will be able to celebrate together less and less. Thus I cherish these precious times we can spend as a family.
47. Rainy days. If nothing else, it helps us appreciate our sunny days all the more.
48. Cold weather. Though it often makes it a hassle with the younger kids to have to bundle them up more, this is the time of year where I get to make all my favorite soups and drink lots of herbal tea.
49. Yahweh's provision. It may not be until the moment we need it, but Yahweh always provides it. We don't have to worry about tomorrow or the future, He has it all under control.
50. My dear friends who actually take the time to read and comment about my scattered musings on my blog. :-)
Being Molded by Him,
41. That Janae actually sat through church. She's good about sitting through church, it's just doing so quietly that gets to her. It was nice to enjoy a full sermon with minimal distractions!
42. Relief in the mornings after being the one on 'night watch' with Jasmine. It is so nice to be able to get a little more sleep after waking up several times to give her the bottle during the night!
43. Yahweh's unchanging nature. We will lose friends, have family members move away, and experience changes in curcumstances. Yet Yahweh is always there, unchanging and in control of it all. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
44. My mother. She is just utterly amazing. She does such an amazing job at raising kids and always has an answer for any kind of issue I'm having with my younger siblings. I want to be like her!
45. Christmas lights. I enjoy Christmas lights, and am in the process of decorating our front yard. Here's a seceret - I actually have some strung around the baker's rack in the kitchen that I leave up year round. But don't tell anyone. ;-)
46. Being able to be together with my family for Thanksgiving. As us kids get older, I wonder at every big holiday or birthday, if perhaps this will be the last time we'll be able to celebrate together like this. We don't know from one year to the next what our family gatherings will look like, and I know that it won't be long before we are all pulled in different directions and will be able to celebrate together less and less. Thus I cherish these precious times we can spend as a family.
47. Rainy days. If nothing else, it helps us appreciate our sunny days all the more.
48. Cold weather. Though it often makes it a hassle with the younger kids to have to bundle them up more, this is the time of year where I get to make all my favorite soups and drink lots of herbal tea.
49. Yahweh's provision. It may not be until the moment we need it, but Yahweh always provides it. We don't have to worry about tomorrow or the future, He has it all under control.
50. My dear friends who actually take the time to read and comment about my scattered musings on my blog. :-)
Being Molded by Him,
There's a New Dance Group in Town...
Well, not quite yet. We - Jason, Jennifer and I - are working on it though!
Introducing, The Tummas Dance Group:
http://thetummasdancegroup.blogspot.com/
The name is derived from one of our favorite dances, Softly Good Tummas. I've actually played with idea of starting a dance group for a while, but the problem of where to meet has been the biggest issue. I have one building in mind that I'm hoping will work out, but I won't know for certain until next month. I'm praying that we'll find the best option. Right now we are looking at weekly Friday dances, 7-9pm. For updates, keep an eye on the blog or join our Facebook group (link address is on the blog). If you have a building to suggest or would love to come but those times won't work for you, let me know!
My dream is that this will become a family-oriented group where we can dance and fellowship together. I am excited about this new opportunity and am looking forward to watching this materialize!
With Thanksgiving,
Jessica
Introducing, The Tummas Dance Group:
http://thetummasdancegroup.blogspot.com/
The name is derived from one of our favorite dances, Softly Good Tummas. I've actually played with idea of starting a dance group for a while, but the problem of where to meet has been the biggest issue. I have one building in mind that I'm hoping will work out, but I won't know for certain until next month. I'm praying that we'll find the best option. Right now we are looking at weekly Friday dances, 7-9pm. For updates, keep an eye on the blog or join our Facebook group (link address is on the blog). If you have a building to suggest or would love to come but those times won't work for you, let me know!
My dream is that this will become a family-oriented group where we can dance and fellowship together. I am excited about this new opportunity and am looking forward to watching this materialize!
With Thanksgiving,
Jessica
21 November 2009
Thankful Thursdays
Yes, I'm late in posting this. But I have a good excuse reason. I had it all typed up on my phone, pushed "send"...and never saw it again. However, since this post is on thankfulness, I'm not going to go on about my phone troubles, but reminisce on those things in life for which I am grateful.
31. Rise-only cycles on dishwashers. Call me crazy, but I have this preference for washing dishes by hand and sticking 'em in the dishwasher to rinse. To me, it seems to most economical use of water, but I could be wrong. The only downside is no heat-dry. ;-)
32. The CHEA choir concerts. Twice a year, it gives me opportunities to see friends I wouldn't get to see otherwise, and enjoy some delightful music.
33. Access to clean water. Not everyone has this luxury, and I am thankful for the easiness we have in America of being able to satisfy our thirst with clean, fresh water.
34. My own, personal Bible. I can only imagine what it must be like to only be able to have a page or two of this precious book, knowing that I could be arrested if authorities found it in my possession. I pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ who daily experience such suffering as us American can often only imagine.
35. Internet access. When our connection was down for most of the day, it was easy to see how it can be taken for granted (esp. with important emails and documents coming through!). It is a blessing, indeed, to be able to have such a resource at our fingertips where we can so easily share information.
36. Thanksgiving. I enjoy Thanksgiving Day. For several years at least, I have been in charge of the Thanksgiving meals. I love to bake and cook food for my family to enjoy. To me, Thanksgiving hasn't had that sickening commercialism that has been directed at Christmas and Easter (well, at least not as much...). It is a time to spend in enjoying my family's company and good food. Not that we aren't to be thankful year-round, but having a specific day helps remind us to take nothing for granted.
37. Sewing machines. I can't imagine the hours that must have been spent in previous centuries slaving away with needle and thread!
38. Debates and discussions. Listening to 'em is almost as fun as being a part of one. I usually have some sort of opinion on most things (someone usually starts laughing when I say I don't have an opinion on the matter ;-), so I like to discuss different topics with my family and those of my friends who have a mutual appreciation for such things.
39. Online copies of sermons. Yes, I enjoy listening to sermons. Depending on the mood I'm in or what I'm doing, I tend to listen to a fifty-fifty mix of sermons and music. My favorite pastor, unfortunately, hasn't had his sermon page updated in quite a while. But, several of his sermons were uploaded the other day so I've been immensely enjoying some more recent sermons of his. Hopefully more will follow.
40. Normal days. Those days where nothing out of the ordinary seems to happen. Why? Because it makes those extraordinary days that much more special. If something amazing and awesome (in the true sense of the word) happened everyday, would we not be dulled to a sense of wonder? It is out of those plain, ordinary days that our special days, the holy days, stick out. Sundays, Christmases, Thanksgivings...they are that much more special for not happening everyday.
There's my ten for the week. Your turn! :-)
Shalom,
31. Rise-only cycles on dishwashers. Call me crazy, but I have this preference for washing dishes by hand and sticking 'em in the dishwasher to rinse. To me, it seems to most economical use of water, but I could be wrong. The only downside is no heat-dry. ;-)
32. The CHEA choir concerts. Twice a year, it gives me opportunities to see friends I wouldn't get to see otherwise, and enjoy some delightful music.
33. Access to clean water. Not everyone has this luxury, and I am thankful for the easiness we have in America of being able to satisfy our thirst with clean, fresh water.
34. My own, personal Bible. I can only imagine what it must be like to only be able to have a page or two of this precious book, knowing that I could be arrested if authorities found it in my possession. I pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ who daily experience such suffering as us American can often only imagine.
35. Internet access. When our connection was down for most of the day, it was easy to see how it can be taken for granted (esp. with important emails and documents coming through!). It is a blessing, indeed, to be able to have such a resource at our fingertips where we can so easily share information.
36. Thanksgiving. I enjoy Thanksgiving Day. For several years at least, I have been in charge of the Thanksgiving meals. I love to bake and cook food for my family to enjoy. To me, Thanksgiving hasn't had that sickening commercialism that has been directed at Christmas and Easter (well, at least not as much...). It is a time to spend in enjoying my family's company and good food. Not that we aren't to be thankful year-round, but having a specific day helps remind us to take nothing for granted.
37. Sewing machines. I can't imagine the hours that must have been spent in previous centuries slaving away with needle and thread!
38. Debates and discussions. Listening to 'em is almost as fun as being a part of one. I usually have some sort of opinion on most things (someone usually starts laughing when I say I don't have an opinion on the matter ;-), so I like to discuss different topics with my family and those of my friends who have a mutual appreciation for such things.
39. Online copies of sermons. Yes, I enjoy listening to sermons. Depending on the mood I'm in or what I'm doing, I tend to listen to a fifty-fifty mix of sermons and music. My favorite pastor, unfortunately, hasn't had his sermon page updated in quite a while. But, several of his sermons were uploaded the other day so I've been immensely enjoying some more recent sermons of his. Hopefully more will follow.
40. Normal days. Those days where nothing out of the ordinary seems to happen. Why? Because it makes those extraordinary days that much more special. If something amazing and awesome (in the true sense of the word) happened everyday, would we not be dulled to a sense of wonder? It is out of those plain, ordinary days that our special days, the holy days, stick out. Sundays, Christmases, Thanksgivings...they are that much more special for not happening everyday.
There's my ten for the week. Your turn! :-)
Shalom,
19 November 2009
Eschatology and Everyday Life
I will start with a confession. I send myself emails. Before you start worrying, these emails are either to-do lists, reminders, or links I want to save or write about. So...this link has been sitting patiently in my inbox for the past few months. :-)
Another confession - I read the Left Behind books when I was younger. I experienced some of the same feelings described in both articles. What is the use of marrying, raising children, etc. if the world is coming to an end anyway? By Yahweh's Grace, over time a vision for future generations was revealed to me.
Some would argue against frivolous doctrines. There are some doctrines that affect our daily lives more than others, and I think our eschatology is one of those that actively influence how we view our day-to-day lives. Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Those with generational visions these days can be few and far between. I am blessed to have at least a few friends in my age group who would share my vision. I am thankful everytime I meet a family with a vision for future generations.
Now that you've heard my musings, read the following article (and the article linked to therein) and tell me your thoughts. Half of this blog is to hear input of my friends, I don't blog just to tell everyone my opinion. A good, hearty discussion is so much better any day. ;-)
http://www.google.com/gwt/n?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fgwt%2Fn%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fvisionarywomanhood.blogspot.com%252F2009%252F09%252Fhow-diapers-and-dishes-will-change.html
With Thankfulness,
Jessica
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect
Another confession - I read the Left Behind books when I was younger. I experienced some of the same feelings described in both articles. What is the use of marrying, raising children, etc. if the world is coming to an end anyway? By Yahweh's Grace, over time a vision for future generations was revealed to me.
Some would argue against frivolous doctrines. There are some doctrines that affect our daily lives more than others, and I think our eschatology is one of those that actively influence how we view our day-to-day lives. Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Those with generational visions these days can be few and far between. I am blessed to have at least a few friends in my age group who would share my vision. I am thankful everytime I meet a family with a vision for future generations.
Now that you've heard my musings, read the following article (and the article linked to therein) and tell me your thoughts. Half of this blog is to hear input of my friends, I don't blog just to tell everyone my opinion. A good, hearty discussion is so much better any day. ;-)
http://www.google.com/gwt/n?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fgwt%2Fn%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fvisionarywomanhood.blogspot.com%252F2009%252F09%252Fhow-diapers-and-dishes-will-change.html
With Thankfulness,
Jessica
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect
12 November 2009
Thankful Thursdays
Yep, it's Thursday again! I have a few posts in my head that I haven't been able to put to paper (or keyboard ;-) yet. Hopefully I'll be able to actually post something instead of Thursdays taking over my blog!
21. Practically unlimited access to a wealth of information. Though it's easy for us to be on information overload, I am so thankful for the ease and accessability at just a few clicks of a button to answers I'm looking for - from how many tablespoons is in an ounce, to a list of scriptures support Calvinism.
22. Those sweet times when I'm holding Janae and Jasmine. It is so sweet to be able to cuddle with a baby and toddler. Makes me look forward to having children of my own someday, Lord willing.
23. Yahweh's sovereignty over the weather. Come rain, snow, or sunshine, Yahweh is in control of the weather, we have nothing to worry about!
24. My life. I am especially thankful for all the opportunities and training I've been able to receive at home that I know not every young lady has the pleasure of receiving.
25. My home. I recognize that not everyone is blessed with the abundance of room as my family has.
26. A washer and dryer that works. May sound silly at first, but think about the times when either a washer or dryer breaks! With larger families especially, it is not a pretty sight. ;-)
27. All my brothers and sisters. I can't imagine being an only child. I love my siblings, they assure me of never a quiet moment around here.
28. Books. I love books. Online copies can never replace wandering through a bookstore, permeated with the smell of books.
29. Loving parents who have raised me in the fear of the Lord.
30. Our ability to taste. Don't know what I'm talking about? Go burn your tongue and you'll see what I mean. ;-)
By Yahweh's Grace,
21. Practically unlimited access to a wealth of information. Though it's easy for us to be on information overload, I am so thankful for the ease and accessability at just a few clicks of a button to answers I'm looking for - from how many tablespoons is in an ounce, to a list of scriptures support Calvinism.
22. Those sweet times when I'm holding Janae and Jasmine. It is so sweet to be able to cuddle with a baby and toddler. Makes me look forward to having children of my own someday, Lord willing.
23. Yahweh's sovereignty over the weather. Come rain, snow, or sunshine, Yahweh is in control of the weather, we have nothing to worry about!
24. My life. I am especially thankful for all the opportunities and training I've been able to receive at home that I know not every young lady has the pleasure of receiving.
25. My home. I recognize that not everyone is blessed with the abundance of room as my family has.
26. A washer and dryer that works. May sound silly at first, but think about the times when either a washer or dryer breaks! With larger families especially, it is not a pretty sight. ;-)
27. All my brothers and sisters. I can't imagine being an only child. I love my siblings, they assure me of never a quiet moment around here.
28. Books. I love books. Online copies can never replace wandering through a bookstore, permeated with the smell of books.
29. Loving parents who have raised me in the fear of the Lord.
30. Our ability to taste. Don't know what I'm talking about? Go burn your tongue and you'll see what I mean. ;-)
By Yahweh's Grace,
Humor for Lexophiles
If you don't know what a lexophile is then this post probably isn't for you. ;-) I found a copy of this when I was going through some of my papers, and decided to share it with all y'all who may not have seen it yet. It makes me laugh everytime. Unfortuately, I can not take credit for writing this. Enjoy!
HUMOR FOR LEXOPHILES
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.
Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.
The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.
The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
To write with a broken pencil is pointless.
When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.
The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
A thief fell and broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.
Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.
We'll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.
When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A .
The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.
The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.
The dead batteries were given out free of charge.
If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.
A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.
A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
A will is a dead giveaway.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.
He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
A calendar's days are numbered.
A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
Acupuncture: a jab well done.
HUMOR FOR LEXOPHILES
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.
Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.
The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.
The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
To write with a broken pencil is pointless.
When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.
The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
A thief fell and broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.
Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.
We'll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.
When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A .
The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.
The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.
The dead batteries were given out free of charge.
If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.
A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.
A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
A will is a dead giveaway.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.
He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
A calendar's days are numbered.
A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
Acupuncture: a jab well done.
05 November 2009
Thankful Thursdays
11. Nineteen years of life.
12. The opportunity for a dear friend to visit us in NC.
13. Sneaky little sisters. ;-)
14. The opportunity to vacation on an empty beach during some lovely weather.
15. My simply awesome family.
16. Yahweh's never-ending mercy.
17. Janae learning to sit through church. (Still working on the 'quietly' part!)
18. Good surprises.
19. My mobility. I can walk, run, and dance without thinking twice about it.
20. Safe travels while we've been on the road.
With a thankful heart,
12. The opportunity for a dear friend to visit us in NC.
13. Sneaky little sisters. ;-)
14. The opportunity to vacation on an empty beach during some lovely weather.
15. My simply awesome family.
16. Yahweh's never-ending mercy.
17. Janae learning to sit through church. (Still working on the 'quietly' part!)
18. Good surprises.
19. My mobility. I can walk, run, and dance without thinking twice about it.
20. Safe travels while we've been on the road.
With a thankful heart,
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