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

A Christmas letter.......

Tim Cahill once said, “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” So by the time you read this letter, our journey will have taken us to Ohio. After 6 long months, lots of praying, and a roller coaster ride of emotions, we have moved our family closer….to family! We are excited at this new adventure that God has allowed us to embark on. It is a rare blessing when you are given an opportunity like this to start over; begin again. We enjoyed our last year in the green mountains of Vermont, having left behind many good friends that will remain close in heart and memory.
Our firstborn, Elijah is growing into a cute, sweet toddler, full of words and thoughts. He is still trying to get the concept of potty training, being most comfortable with squishy pants. He is good at keeping Gabriel in line…..No Baby! is a common phrase we often hear. They have shared the same bedroom over the past year, and so we are privy to the chatter that goes on in the room next door. Elijah is good at making Gabriel roll with laughter. Gabriel turned 1 this year, and like any one year old is in to everything and anything. He has become a ring leader of sorts, perhaps a peek into the future of what our parenting days hold.
I am preparing my mind and heart for a new place of employment. I have enjoyed the past 5 years at the small community hospital where I have become familiar and comfortable in. I am looking ahead at a career change, interviewing this month for an ER position, something that will be new to me.
John is excited about the prospect of owning/starting his own company, buying a house and fixing it up to rent or sell. He had much practice with our house in Vermont, learning what not to do next time!
We extend a sincere thanks to those of you who have prayed and loved us through this year of decisions. We leave behind many good friends, and a wonderful church family, but look in anticipation to what lies ahead. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are confident in He who holds the future. “God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ.” Wilda English

Merging

I am in the process of merging my forthcoming future, to my soon to be past. Saying good-bye for me has always been a process. How do I sum up my relationships with people in a few sentences, people who have donated their time, and energy to me and only made me better. I feel so privileged to have met the varied people, men and women, children, Vermonters who have colored my world, and challenged my thoughts and beliefs. I am hurriedly trying to enjoy these last few days here in the Green Mountains, taking pictures of people at work, writing letters of importance to those who I cherish and love. So I am in the process of merging.....my future with my soon to be past. "I shall be telling this with a sigh. Somewhere ages and ages hence. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I....I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

Two little men, and some leaves

Thank goodness for snapfish! Last evening, I sat down and put in an order to snapfish.....all from the comfort of home, and now in a few days I will have an 8x10 picture of the above. These fall portraits are becoming a little tradition in the Leavell home, one that hopefully will continue, last years portrait is a few posts back. We had a lot of fun taking these pictures, the kids loved the maple leaves. These old, and tall maple trees were some of the last trees to lose their leaves, providing some last minute fun in the fall. Some generous leaf raker, had previously raked a pile of leaves, and so all we had to was jump in. These canopies of maples provide a backdrop for some great picture taking. In the winter, when the snow falls, the large maple trees provide a maze of sled paths for avid sledders. The leaves are mostly fallen now....but thank goodness for digital cameras and snapfish, fall portraits from the comforts of home.

10 years and counting!

Tens years ago yesterday, in 1997, I sat with 2 childhood friends over an awesome dinner at Mountain Jacks (a fancy, smancy restaraunt in Ohio). We drank champagne, and wine, and talked about college (which wasn't so far removed from our memories). We spoke of the current condition of our lives, engagements, weddings and the life ahead. Then each of us went around and shared what we thought our lives would be like in 10 years. Nothing out of the ordinary, our journeys have come full circle, some of us took longer to get to our 10 year prophesy than others. So fast forward 10 years, and the year is 2007......I have reached the age of my parents, or at least the age when I became aware of how old they were, and boy was it old at the time.....35!!! I have reached the age of my parents, that sublime age, 5 years removed from 40, another milestone age of my parents. My mom encourages my heart, by stating that I am still a babe in the world of age. I feel younger than I am, "Of late I appear to have reached that stage when people who look old, who are only my age. " I had a great day, a day of silent contentment, I have been taking life in quietly as of late, trying to savor these moments of family, safety, and peace. I shared a wonderful dinner with my husband, battered shrimp appetizer, a pina colada, scallops, and creme bullee to top the evening off.
I am 35 now, not too sure what that means, probably nothing too dramatic. If I rewind my memory, the year is 1997, and I am seated next to two childhood friends in a fancy, smancy restaraunt called Mountains Jacks....and I am only 25....

Another piece.....

All summer I look in antipication to the Tunbridge Fair, also known as the World's Fair. It is a small scale fair, lasting only 3 days, attracting many of dozens of fair goers on the hunt for an elephant ear, or sausage sandwich with a sweet array of peppers. The carnies line up in their game booths, taunting the passer byers to try their hand at darting a balloon, or shooting an air rifle at the floating rabbit. The sound of park rides in the background mesh with the low mewing of cows, and sheep.
We checked out the different variety of cows, petted some long haired rabbits. Baaahed back at some sheep, watched a man spin some wool. Oinked at the pigs, all of which brought new meaning to the pop up farms books that lie on the bookshelf at home. It was a full, satisfying day of new scents, sights and different sounds which only come around once a year. Next year hopefully I will be looking forward toward the fair in Knox County. Stay tuned for October as we await a visit from grandma, a pumpkin patch wagon ride, and the Great pumpkin!

The whole month........broken in pieces

Only one post for this month of September broken into two pieces......which started off with a birthday. Gabriel turning one! It was fairly low key, cupcakes, pictures, and the opening of a few gifts. Elijah was fully aware that something special was being done for his brother, and we saw specks of that green monster surface every bit and awhile. The peace was kept, and a balance achieve. It turned out to be a great day! The cliche of "where has the time gone", which is on the tongue of most every parent is very real and very true. I keep trying to suck every joy from the minutes that pass with my kids at the current age they are, and yet I can not help but wonder what they will become. I dream sometimes of two beautiful, sandy haired men, named Gabriel and Elijah, serving the Lord somewhere. But the dream is quickly interrupted by the shrill cry of a child, which brings me back to reality. I continue to live in the moment, wondering "where the time has gone", enjoying what I have.

Front porch sitters unite, this is one cause I could believe in and support. It is a growing movement of people who are trying to return to a more traditional way. Turning off the television, moving outdoors to a common area, to get to know the people who lightly grace our lives each day. I had a front porch while growing up in Ohio, though I can not say it was fully utilized. There were moments spent playing cards with the neighborhood friends, Dad and I would sit out there and philosophize. People it seems are busier, more caught up in the dailies of life. We have succumbed to the comfortable boxes hanging outside a window, and Monday night football games, and forgotten about the other world right off the front steps. Transience has replaced permanence. There is little time it seems to become invested in our neighbors lives, though I think if we did reach out a bit, we wouldn't have some of the problems that isolation brings forth. The motto of a front porch sitter is "Sit down for a spell. That can wait." I have a front porch, which until a few weeks ago was partially uninhabitable, but due to some new paint, and front porch furniture it is quite welcoming. Won't you join me in becoming a front porch sitter. Meet me on the front porch, you bring the conversation, and I'll provide the lemonade, and together we can, "Sit down for a spell." Life can wait, because people are more important.

Rich in oils, straw, and the smell of a lamb

I have heard it said that knitting is soothing for the soul, like an invisible balm that penetrates and protects. I first took up this hobby about 3 years ago under the tutelage of a skilled knitter. She would show me these amazing masterpieces of yarn, that she had skillfully crafted. Partly out of envy, and part respect for this form of art, I too picked up a pair of needles, and under her careful guidance made myself a felted purse. Since that first project I have moved onto more complicated matters of yarn, and have become a regular at our local knitting store. I have found solace when knitting, it brings a comfort, however imaginary some may say it is. I know at the end of a skein of yarn or two, that I have made something that will bring joy to myself or someone else in the form of a gift. They say that worrying is like rocking a chair, you find yourself doing something, but you never get anywhere...well I have found I can worry and knit, and in the end I have created something. I think through things while knitting, pray for God to move, plan future projects, and in someways hide in a secret labrynith of yarns. There is an older couple who often find themselves guests at my hospital, most often overnight, and the wife always comes prepared with a thick skein of newly spun yarn. The skein is normally rich in oils, straw, and the smell of a lamb, and amazingly when all is said and done; there on her lap is a newly knitted pair of socks. I have seen her on more than one occassion gently cover her husband's feet with these knitted socks to warm them, and show her love for him. So like an invisible balm that penetrates and protects, I keep on knitting.....and ssshhh come Christmas, I too will have a newly knitted pair of socks to gently place on my husband's feet to warm them, and show my love for him!

Two years ago today.........

I laid my favorite girl to rest, here is a rewrite of that blog entry..........

Tuesday, August 9, 2005 Saying good-bye,"I can look back at my darkest periods and realize that these were the times when the Lord was holding me closest. But I couldn't see his face because my face was in his breast - crying." John Michael Talbot. Today I said good bye to my little honey girl....my first baby, Lily. I can't quite put into words how vacant I feel at this moment, I would never have anticipated the grief that I am feeling. It is strange, that in this moment of sadness, the world doesn't stop to mourn with me, life just keeps clicking by never missing a beat. I placed her on the table, feeling like Abraham must have felt preparing to sacrifice Isaac......and placed my head selfishly in her fur...and cried. I had cried before into her fur, but this time was different, because I was crying for her.....the technician placed that thin needle into her paw, and this thick blue liquid slowly was pushed in. Within 5-10 seconds Lily my friend was gone, her eyes vacant of life, and fun, and happiness. I clung on for some time, hoping that maybe like Lazarus she too would be raised from the dead. Home is different now, no fury face, cold nose pushing you out of the way at the refrigerator. No jingling sound from her collar as she made the ardous trip up the stairs. I have some things to get used to....silence maybe a better word. "Old friends work their way deep inside your heart. They force you to get going on a day you'd rather loll in bed. They remain constantly at your side while allowing you all the privacy in the world. They inconvenience you yet make you more generous and so devoted that you become uprooted and off balance without them. Given time, they weave themselves, magically and inextricably, into your own life story." Good night sweet girl.....my little Lily girl! 9:38 pm edt J.A. Leavell

Swallowed up and spit out

"It is only when we are swallowed up by God, and spit out as a new creation, that we find ourselves changed in the twinkling of an eye" I have been mulling over this post for the past several days, chewing on it in my thought life. In this place in life, I find myself coming back to the crux of what I believe.....to be obedient to my Lord. I believe that all of Christianity can be narrowed down to that one word, "OBEDIENCE". I feel most comfortable when I am obedient, because I feel in right standing, all is well with my soul. I stepped out in obedience the other night at work, praying with a co-worker regarding a very serious eye condition. In the stillness of that moment, I felt God's hand and presence, my words faltered as I felt my eyes welling with tears of pain for her. I know she is wrestling with something much bigger than herself, and I know that I have something she does not. If you are reading this, and are a praying individual, pray for her...her name is Amy. My deceased mentor Oswald Chambers has this to say about obedience. "We must never put our dreams of success as God's purpose for us; His purpose may be exactly the opposite.......What we call the process, God calls the end." "God is not working towards a particular finish; His end is the process - that I see Him walking on the waves, no shore in sight, no success, no goal, just the absolute certainty that it is all right because I see Him walking on the sea. It is the process, not the end, which is glorifying to God." "We have nothing to do with the afterwards of obedience.....if we realize that obedience is the end, then each moment as it comes is precious." Obedience not only has taken on a reality at work, but in the process of selling our albatross (a beautiful home!). I know it is only through the obedience of being patient that I must live in the moment, in the "process". So whether I am being still and knowing that He is who He says his (while waiting for my house to sell), or ministering to a hurting woman......I know it is through the process where I will become changed in the twinkling of an eye.....