Christmas gift suggestions

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!" Hamilton Wright Mabre.
Tis that season again, the time to reflect on the past 12 months and sum them up in a few short sentences. Upon our arrival last year to Ohio, we found ourselves living out of boxes in a small 2 bedroom apartment. We set about the business of finding a place to call home, a job, and a church family. I started out in the emergency room of our local hospital, soon realizing my talents did not lie in the adrenaline rich moments of life. I am currently on the medical unit, and feel fortunate to be in a place where I can utilize my strengths. John continues to stay at home raising our two boys, and restoring another house on the side. His name is becoming well known in the neighborhood as the handy man on the corner of Potwin and East Vine. All summer long passerby's and drivers alike would wave or honk their horn with a thumbs up sign hanging out the window. We have seen the power and hand of God throughout the process of relocating here to Ohio. He has provided us many new opportunities to serve Him, and in turn blessed our lives with sustenance, wisdom and encouragement. It has been a real treat to be nearer to parents and grandparents, and be able to celebrate in life's moments as they are happening. Our boys are becoming more comfortable with each other, and realizing the benefits of having each other in their lives. They keep each other busy, and challenge each other in ways only they can appreciate or need. Our new place of residence is near downtown, and so we are privy to the celebrations, parades, farmers markets, and local faire right out our front door. We have two universities within a 5 mile radius, and an old railroad converted into a walking path that we have utilized fairly regularly this past summer. There have been many activities and the such to keep us busy this year, and more to come I am sure. We welcome visitors, and so if you find yourselves in our neck of the woods stop by. We have much to celebrate this season, and much to be thankful for. So from our family to yours, here are a few Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness
To an opponent, tolerance
To a friend, your heart
To a customer, service
To all charity
To every child, a good example
To yourself, respect
Oren Arnoid

Stand up, stand up

Several Sunday's ago I was privy to something that has stayed with me, something that spoke to my needs and my life. We had a guest speaker preaching that morning in church. As he closed the message, the piano began to play. He then asked if a certain old hymn could be sung. The music director quickly stepped up on stage with hymnal in hand, turning the pages to find the song. Suddenly from my left hand side came the gentle older voice of an elderly man singing solo. People from the congregation joined in behind him, picking up on his lead. With eyes closed, and mouths open the words freely came. I was captured by this small example of what heaven may one day be like, as in unison believers join together to praise and make music unto the Lord. The words of that hymn have stayed with me, I have found myself humming these words as I walk into work, or drive alone around town.
"My Jesus, I love Thee I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
I love thee because thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
I'll love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus tis now."
William R. Featherston

A glimpse into the fall

The fall here was most lovely and inviting for leaf peeping. These little men are the jewels in my "princess" crown. They love being in the center of the camera's eye, and we loved that they cooperated. Enjoy!

Wednesday morning nausea............

Nauseated and mournful is how I would describe my overall state of being Wednesday morning. Mournful over the state of this great country called America, and nauseated over the selection of our new commander in chief. Godly men and women from all over this country have been on their knees praying for God's will to be done in the highest office. I was reminded by a wise woman in my life, about the end of Christ's time here on earth, as he stood before Pontius Pilate. Pilate says to Jesus, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus replies to him "You would have no power over me if it was not given to you from above" I am encouraged by these verses, because I serve a great God who is still in control, He is still present, real and involved in the daily events of this life, my life. My duty and call as a believer in Jesus Christ is to get down on my knees and to pray for our new president, his cabinet, family, and those who voted in his favor. I have been challenged and energized also to pray for one last revival to sweep our country, an awakening of God's people to rise out of complacency, material goodness and seek God's face. I know my time as a believer here on earth is drawing nigh, but I know too that there are many who don't have a hope, and eternal vision. We need a great awakening here "if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14. We as a nation need healing and restoration. I attended a Gen X'er church in Denver, at the end of every service the pastor would say these prophetic words. "May God use our generation to change the world one last time." May we be found ready and willing.

My favorite things

My anxieties regarding all that is going on around us, in our country, in our politics, and in the world abroad is unsettling, and challenging to my joy. So I sat down and made a list of my favorite things.
1. My husband John loving on my boys
2. My boys rolling with laughter, and making each laugh out loud
3. My new ice tea maker
4. Sweet smelling candles
5. Chocolate skittles
6. Playlist
7. Real Simple
8. Knitting
9. Pumpkin pudding
10. Enjoying my job as a nurse (love what you do, and you will never have to work another day in your life)
Lists are great, they help in reminding us of what we originally held as important.

Sights and sounds of a dying summer

Growing up, I can recall the sounds of crickets chiming away in the night. These chiming noises were the sounds of a dying summer, at least according to my uncle. The first sights of Queen Anne's lace also became an indicator for the close of another summer. To me the county fair is a way to celebrate the ending of summer, a fulfillment of the goodness of all the hard work of summer. This year we went to two different fairs, both unique, having much to offer in food, animals, and laughter. Our boys loved the John Deere tractors, feeding the goats, and petting the rabbits. There is always much to see and do at the fair. After the rides came to a stop, and the animals were loaded up, if you listened closely you could hear the faint chime of the crickets, and smell the fragrant offering of Queen Anne's lace.

Find your face

We were driving home from somewhere, and a song I had never heard came onto the radio. I rarely pay attention to the words (a huge flaw in my makeup), but these words caught me deep in thought. The song had a catchy melody, then I heard these words, "find your face in the history of His grace." I have seen my face in the shining, radiant history of His grace on more than one occasion. Those occasions are fairly numerous, and oftentimes private. I find His graciousness to be shed in my life in those instances when I find myself to be too proud for my own good. I have been learning through His example to extend this same manner of grace to others. It is a slow process for me. The longer I work with people, taking care of them, seeing how their lifestyles and life choices affect their long term outcomes, I am humbled and saddened by the fallenness of our flawed bodies and souls. There have been many opportunities offered me to educate the people I take care of on diet and exercise. I know that in those opportunities, it is my responibility to extend grace to those who are living with the consequences of poor decisions, both physically and socially. I can see my face among the the people I care for, for I have found my face in the history of His grace.

The ABC's of magazine reading

I have several magazine subscriptions, some have been given as gifts, and some have been from my own doing. I look forward to my magazine's arrival, much like looking forward to a well deserved vacation. I stand in the doorway, salivating as the mailman moves closer to our box, watching the items he places in the mailbox. As soon he turns the corner, I walk faster and faster to open the box and see what new magazines have arrived. Most often I am disappointed by a random mailing or bill, but pure delight fills my soul when a new magazine arrives. I wait for the right time, with no distractions. I start in the back of the magazine first, not sure where I got into this habit, but it seems to suit me and serve me well. I check out the newest gourmet recipes, adds, vacation spot adds etc. Then I start looking at the articles, dreaming, reading, gathering ideas until..... a child cries or dinner needs to be prepared, then I place the magazine by the toilet throne, so when I finally have another 2 minutes to a half hour to read and sit (red bottom or not), I can relish and salivate, and take my well deserved vacation.

The House on Vine street

Here are a few pictures of our house on Vine St. It has come a long way in six months. Our doors are always open to visitors, family and friends alike. We live pretty simply, but are so fortunate at all the Lord has provided for us. We love this old house, and are thankful that we can carry on making memories here. We (er John) have a lot of work still ahead of us, but God is good and faithful. We know after all is said and done, that the Lord will use our house to bring glory to Himself! We look forward to the many faces that will pass through the doors to visit, stay over night, break bread with us over dinner, or join us for a night of monopoly. I will post pictures again of how far we (er John) have come with the rest of the house in another six months.

So far this summer

Sorry for being so delinquent in posting pictures. We have had quite a fun summer so far which started out with our local Memorial Day parade. Gabriel really got into the spirit of running out for CANDY! A kid after my own heart. John and I waited till the boys went down for their nap, and then we feasted on red hots, and old time suckers. All of Gabriel's hard work paid off. Elijah is the more timid of our two boys. He did not participate in gathering CANDY for mommy and daddy, nor would he go on the Merri Go round at the zoo. They are growing and changing so much, and beginning to realize what fun they can have together! It is fun to watch and enjoy.

A Seventh Year

Ten years ago this month, John walked into my life.......literally. Seven years ago this month we were married in an aspen grove. It has been an amazing seven years. I first heard this song during the Christmas season while watching a jewelry commercial. The commercial showed a couple stopped at a street light, snowflakes falling outside of the car. Enjoy!

Into the Wild

John and I watched this film the other night. Few movies transport me into the film, but this one left a deep impression on me. I was completely blown away by the ending. This film is raw in exposing a young man in search of joy, and beauty in the people who cross his path. It is narrated by his sister, whose voice is woven throughout the film, filling in the gaps of time. The music played in the background is Eddie Vedder going it solo. Into the Wild taunts us to do what we dare to dream. I leave this review with a quote from the movie, " When you forgive, you love, And when you love, God's light shines upon you."

Catching up

Spring is upon me, and as look over the past several months I realize how much and how fast my boys have changed. It is neat to see them come into their own person, and witness the similarities and differences from John and I. Keep reading more post's to come!

Prosperity

I came across this video on a blog that I often read. It speaks for itself!

Choosing to be part of the story

Okay so I needed a little lift, and this song by David Crowder offered just what I needed. I have felt somewhat hopeless these past few weeks. The post Christmas, early New Year blues, the gray skies, and the long winter. I enjoy the buildup in emotion after Halloween, the preparation for Christmas, and then whammo after the holidays..........I hit a wall.
I like the words spoken at the beginning of this video.....that God is choosing for me to be a part of the story. He has chosen me, and is using me in great ways! I needed to hear those words, because oftentimes, I ramble or grumble my way through life without seeing the great story I am apart of. I still remember the day 16 years ago when I chose Him, and invited Him into my life. I had no idea at the time where His plan for my life would take me. Everytime I sit in a new place, a doctor's office, job interview, I look around in amazement at where He has placed me for that moment, I look at the new faces and people I may one day call friends, and silently thank Him for His plan. I crave the joys of heaven, more than I crave the comfort of home, but I know that He has purpose for me here. He has placed me where He wants me for this particular time to make a difference for Him, and I derive comfort from that. He has never failed me or forsaken me. I know that He chooses for me to be a part of the story, and to never let go of His comfort, His strength or His truth.

Super Duper watch

The morning after Elijah's birthday here is what we hear....
Elijah - "I have my super duper watch on and it says it is time to get up"
Jenni - "where in the heck did he come up with super duper watch!"
John - turns over "who knows"
Elijah - "my watch says it is time to get up, it is not dark outside, it is light."
Elijah "mommie can you tell me what time it says on my watch"
Jenni - turns over, states again, "where in the heck did he come up with super duper watch"
This dumbfounded morning dialogue went on for another 10 minutes or so. We will be seeking sweet revenge on the grandparent who got our child a "super duper watch". You know who you are.

Letters

"Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company." Lord Byron
I love letters, I love receiving them, and I love sending them even more! I have spent many an hour searching for the perfect card for someone to receive. I look at the texture of the paper, and if the card contains a seal. I make sure the wording on the card fits the person or circumstance, and will be true in my expression of encouragement or love for them. I find that when I sit down to write to someone, the actual act offers me time to focus on that person, to pray for them as I write, and to appreciate them in those moments. Several years ago, I took to heart the words of a wise pastor who during a message presented a challenge to his congregation....a challenge to write to someone and thank them for the difference they have made in your life. I took that challenge to heart, and what a difference it has made in my relationships with others. Letters and words carry permanence, they can have a lasting impact on others. I have sent several letters in the past couple years letting people know the role they have played in my life......some letters asking for forgiveness. I try to fill my letters with encouragement, and gratitude. The best examples of letter writing to me can be found in the New Testament writings of Paul. God's word, the Bible.......is a compilation of letters written over several thousands years by many different authors, all pointing to the same story. Those letters written especially in the New Testament constantly offer me encouragement, challenge and inspire me. I have found comfort in the words, the texture of the paper between my fingers. So my challenge is to write a letter that will change someone's day, offer some forgiveness, or say thank you. Keep your eye on the mail, you just might find a letter filled with encouragement, and gratitude.

First day jitters

Today is my first day in the ER, and I am very nervous, because I have a large learning curve ahead. My worst fear of all is the "dread" that has accompanied so many of my jobs in the past. The "dread" is more than just simple anxiety, it is a wash of nausea, fear and general dislike for the job all experienced on the drive in to work. I never had this "dreaded" feeling at the hospital in Vermont. I knew this was a good fit for me because finally I was free of the nausea, fear and general dislike of nursing. So I feel as though I am back at square one again, the new kid on the block, low man on the todem pole as it were....or any other cliche that will work. I am hoping I can even find the ER today when I go into work. I am confident in my skills, and knowledge base as a nurse. I learned a lot of stuff in my five years as a nurse in Vermont. I keep trying to maintain a perspective, this is just a job, and where there is a nurse there will always be a job. I know that in terms of nursing, I am a work in progress, always growing and ever changing. I close with this verse which is reminder that I am not alone in this new adventure. He has opened the doors wide so far......"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9: 8