Rainbows

Today as it rained I thought how awesome it would be to see a rainbow. A little after 7pm I was turning down the street to go home and I saw a rainbow. At that time I was reminded of all the promises God has made and just how awesome God is. The one main promise that I was reminded of is the promise of his return. What an awesome day that will be. I look forward to the day that I stand before God and hear "well done good and faithful servant." I hope that those of you reading this will be able to hear the same thing. Are you aware of the promises of God? Are you ready to face the creator of this world or are you afraid of what will be said to you in return?Or maybe you are ashamed of what you will be asked about the disbelief in your life? I can tell you how to not be afraid of that day. The God of this Universe wants to spend eternity with you. He loves you so much that he allowed his son to pay our pentalty.

National Day of Prayer

May the 1st is the National day of prayer. I have told several people that I would like to get a group together to meet up at StarBucks on Roosevelt and pray together. I figured since everyone likes coffee it would be a great place to meet and pray together. Here are some thing that I am and will be praying for. Please be in prayer with me about these topics and concerns. Thank you.

Our Nation
The men and women serving our country in Irag and other places
The elections coming up in November
The Economy (rising prices)
Schools (particular students where I teach)
God's vision on Image lesson (don have a particular name for it yet)
Our Youth PLBC
Youth Camp
Children's Camp
Lost Friends and Family

I plan on being there around 7:30pm looking forward to a great prayer time together.

Everlasting

On Wednesday I was listening to a song we were playing during worship and it became a prayer for me. Here are the lyrics to Everlasting by Hillsong.

A thousand times I've failed
still your mercy remains
and should I stumble again
I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades
never ending your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else
My purpose remains The art of losing myself
In bringing you praise
Everlasting your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul Lord I give you control consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise become my embrace to love you from the inside out.

I pray that my life is a reflection of this song.

Red Birds

A little over a year ago I was dealing with an issue (singleness) and really wanted a sign from that God I would not be single for the rest of my life. Around February of 2007 I started praying I would know that God wasn't going to let me be single for ever so I asked God to show me a red bird. I must say that I didn't see this bird instantly it took some time. I can tell you to this day (4-23-08) I have seen many red birds. The first time I saw the red bird I was on a mission trip (in Georgia helping fix up a church) with the youth of my church. We were outside sitting at a table when across the way I saw the red bird. I was reminded at that point of what I had been praying for as well as the promises that God had made for his Children. That day I knew that God wasn't going to let me be single for ever. The next time I saw the red bird I was at the beach on vacation and the bird flew over me while I was sitting by the pool. (Now how many times do you see a red bird at the beach) Just a few weeks ago I was taking one of my girls home from church and just as she was getting out of the car I saw a red bird fly in front of my car. Then when I was at a retreat with our youth I saw three red birds, thanks Chelsea for pointing them out to me. Then yesterday I was driving down the road to my house and I saw another red bird. I was so excited. Not only does this remind me of the promises God has made but it also reminds me that God is in control and I need to trust Him and wait for His time. God knows what he is doing and will provide just the right man for my life that will compliment and support me the way a godly man should.

Vision

Ok, so I have decided to share the vision that God has given me so that people who know me or read this can be praying for me and with me on this. So here is goes. Last month we took our youth on a weekend retreat "Look" which was to discuss purity. I didnt want to use the same lesson I had done before on this so I wanted some different thoughts. Kevin (PLBC youth pastor) gave me some direction to go in. He told me to talk about image and how we are viewed then he gave me three topics and it all dealt with how we dress, how we are viewed and how God views us. My main vocus was for the girls to see that society should not dictate to us how we should look. God created us and he loves us just the way we are. Of course I went into much greater detail. (maybe one day I will post my notes) So here is where the vision comes into play. After that lesson I was beside myself as to how God moved and showed up for the lesson and took over. It was awesome, I told Kevin I was on a high after that. So, I knew that God wanted to do more with that and said that it would be great if I could share this with my brothers youth in Lake City. Well, the weekend of passion came and the first night I was sitting there I felt as though God was saying Jenny this is what I want for you, a large crowd, you on stage and sharing with women how God views them. My first thought yeah right. Me infront of hundereds of people will never happen much less thousands, no way God. The second night the vision was clear God was telling me and showing me that he wants this message to go further. I dont know if it is me that will be teaching the lesson or me being used to help promote the lesson, not sure but I am open to what ever God wants me to do with this. So, prayerfully I will be updating this blog to share how God is moving this vision. My prayer is that I will not hinder God in this, if it is me that he wants to share this message then by all means God use my mouth to teach this lesson. One more thing, the last night I did see myself standing on the stage infront of the crowd telling them how much God loves them. That was very scary for me. So many things have invisioned my brain on this whole idea. Hear are the others, t-shirt design, band,theme song, traveling, contact people. I am not creative but God is and he is giving me the thoughts to continue this vision. I want to be used by God.

Discontent

Yesterday I met two friends for lunch and I hadnt seen one of them in a few months. As we were sitting there at lunch discussing what all was happening in our lives Monique asked me why the discontent. I was taken off guard by her statement. Me discontent, no I am good. The more we talked and the more she listened she asked again "Jenny why are you discontent?" I really didnt know what to say because I didnt think I was. I began talking to her about my passion weekend and then briefly started to tell her about the vision God was showing me (but I didnt go into detail yet). She began asking me some question so I finally told her the entire vision. She was speechless as was my other friend Holly who knows that this is way out of my comfort zone. Monique started to tell me how the process was going and what my next steps were, I told her that I didnt know the process or the next step that I was waiting to see what God was going to do next. After we left lunch her comment to me of discontent rang through my head. Am I discontent and why? Maybe it was my tone or that fact that I havent felt 100% since I got home from passion. As I was working out in the yard again I started to pray and ask God if I was discontent and if so then show me why and how to move on. I felt like God was showing me not only during the prayer time but also with Monique and Holly that I was discontent with myself in that I have not been doing anything about the vision that God has given me. Yes, I need to wait on him but He wants us to put the feet to our prayer at times. I am reminded of a conversation I had with my brother and the verse that he gave me was Matthew 7: 7-12 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how t give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets."

I will continue to seek God about this and knock and see what doors are open. If God continues to give me this vision then doors will be open in areas that will move this vision into reality

Worship in all ways.

I know people are going to think that I am a little strange but oh well, hopefully you will understand where I am coming from. Last night when I got home from work I decided that I would mow the yard or at least part of it since it is fairly large. So, I got out the lawn mower and then put the head phones on. At first I really wasnt listening to the music because I was really wanting to get most of it done before it got dark. As I moved to the center part of the yard I really started to listen to the words of the song. Many times I listen to music and sing along (sorry for those who can hear me I know it sounds horrible) but never really HEAR the words to the song. Last night I heard the words. I was really worshiping out on the lawn mower. Strange I know but it was good. I started praying that the worship that I experienced at Passion would over flow into my everyday life. I dont want to be caught up with the concern of who is around me or what they think of me. I want to know that I can experience worship with raised hands if I am moved to do so and not be concerned that people are going to look at me strange or think that I am wierd. Can you worship without worry about what people think? If not let me share this with you. God should be our only concern and audience. I sing for an audience of one which is God, I dont need to worry about what other people think of me. True worship is an awesome experience that we should have every day. I Chornicles 16:29. " Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.

The Pope is visiting.

So, this morning as I am getting dressed I turn on the news to see what the weather is going to be like since it is so different every day almost. The news reporter started talking about the visit of the Pope and how it is his first ever trip to the U.S., then it switched over to another reporter and she called him holy father. The only Holy Father that I know is God himself not some Pope Benedict (I think is his name). I know that there are people in this world that do not believe the same as I do and probably dont even believe; I fear for them one day. There is a Holy Father and he is in Heaven waiting and preparing a place for his children. There are so many people in the united stated that are so excited about the pope being here for a visit, I pose this question to myself; " Am I as excited about the return of Jesus". I pray that I am more excited because the return of Christ means so much more than just a simple visit from the pope. This really encourages me to witness more to people that I come in contact with. There is a lost world out there and if I (we) dont share the gospel with them then hell will become a very real place to them one day. If you are reading this and you are not sure of your salvation and who your Holy Father is, please post a comment and ask me some questions I would love to share how much God loves you. Have a great day.

Notes of the weekend.

I know I have already posted about this past weekend but I really want those that read this to understand how awesome this was.

Friday night: Discussion on theology - what we believe in. What do you believe in? If someone was to ask you to explain your faith could you do with it? We need to know what we believe not what we have been taught. So many people talk about what they were taught when they grew up, this is what my pastor says. People get off the couch and research for yourself and make a stand for what you believe in. I believe God the father created this universe and everything in it, there is no other god but God himself. He himself becam man so that I one day may live in eterniy with him. He bore the sins of the world so that I can be His princess.
There was also talk about being a match for God and that our match needs to be joined to His flame. Let our match burn longer than 5 seconds.

Saturday session 1: Statement - " I can have the biggest and best churc without God" Francis Chan was talking about how he has done tihngs in his church and how it was good and all but it wasnt the way God really wanted it done. Do you get the glory fow what you are doing or for what you do does it glorify God? Think about it for a second, yes we can do good things but who is being glorified you or God. I know that I can do nothing apart from God. I hope and pray that anything and everything I do glorifies God and that people will see Jesus in me. Access the Holy Spirit. It is there but do w always allow it to work.

Two statements that were made that stuck out to me: The spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives inside me. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Saturday session 2: Big time trouble. Suffering and hardship can not snuff out God's mission. This goes back to the story about the college girl and her friend she calls fruit cake. She had some problems in her life but then ended up with a room mate that was a christian. By the end of the story the girl had gotten saved but then a few months later was killed in a car accident. Her dad is an anthiest and has now being asking questions about God. Bad situation when your child is killed at the age of 22, absolutely. Can God use that for good, of course. God can use the worse situation and use it for good.

Saturday session 3: Silience is golden was my thought. I wish I had the words to write out for you but I dont. Just think of it like this. You and 9,500 people sitting in an arena reading words of God's love in complete silence. I have never prepared myself for worship or a message like that before. I think I will start doing this from now on. Wait and listen for the still small voice and getting rid of the noise.

I hope you all enjoy.

Passion

Friday a groupd of us headed to Atlanta for Passion. I have experienced this before but a lot smaller group, so I really was excited to see what was going to happen and how God was going to move. Friday evening was the first session. Chris Tomlin lead worship and Louie Giglio was the speaker. He told a story about a young girl that went to UF and lived with the girl she called a fruit cake because she was a Christain. The story went on to talk about her relationships and lack of relationship with God. Fruit cake was a person that did not hold the things she did against her. She was showing God's love to her, how amazing it is to see this being done. At the end of the message I realized that I needed to be out there with people that are lost. Not meaning going to clubs, or anything like that. Just mean that I need to make myself more available to my friends that are lost and show them how much God loves them by not being judgemental, or condemning. I walked away from this night saying how awesome God was and how greatful I was that he spoke to me this way.

Saturday morning service: Franis Chan spoke about the Holy spirit and how it is available to us but do we actually grab hold. I again realize that I have not fully allowed the Holy spirit to work. I had a vision of a few things that I think God is trying to show me about ministry and service and it is blowing my mind. If this is God, wow he is really doing and changing a lot of things about me and what I am use to. Removing my comfort zone and steping out in faith. Later I will share details as to what God is speaking to me about.

Saturday evening we were asked to enter in silence. It was amazing. I tried to reflect back on the past few messages and focus on what God was going to do in that service. At the start of the session there were words that rolled through telling us how much God loves us, how much he cares about us and what he did for us. It was absolutely amazing. 9,500 people sitting in silence and worshipping together. I was blown away. Yes, it brought me to tears. I have a lot to take away from this weekend and I look forward to seeing what God is going to continue to do with what he showed me over the weekend.

God is AWESOME!

Passion

I am so excited. Louie Giglio is one of my favorite speakers and I actually get to go listen to him this weekend in Atlanta. The only bad thing is I lost my voice on monday and it has prgressively gotten worse. I have never had a voice for singing but I really dont have a voice now. I hope that God will allow me to worship without a voice. LOL I know he will. I am really looking forward to what God is going to show me this weekend. I have had several good moments with God these past few weeks, I know he will continue that. I cant wait to post about it either while I am gone or when I get back but you will have all the details. Passion Here I Come!

Host Home

I was a little nervous being a host home for our missionaries that we coming into town. I wasnt sure how well we would get along and exactly what I needed to do for them. Thursday a week ago is when they came into town. I met them at the church and then Robbie, Kyle, Ben and Ching (I think is how you spell his name) went back to my house for dinner, nothing special just pizza. The night ended fairly early because they were tired. As the time progressed with them being in town I realized on Sunday that I really hadnt spent that much time with them or taken the time to get to know them. I told Saralee on Sunday evening how awesome God is that he one allowed me to open my home for them to stay in and two that he brought people from half way around the world that ministered to me, arent I the one that should be going to ministering to them was my thought. So, after church I really got to see alot of their individual personalities. Filipino rednecks is what I called it. It was so funny, I am still laughing about it. It was an experience I will never forget and friends I will never loose contact with. God works in awesome ways. I was sad to see them leave on Tuesday but I look forward to talking with them and hearing what God is doing in and through them. Adoration is you read this God bless you. may he keep you safe in all you do forhim. It was an honor to meet you. Mel and Shen thanks for being my roommates for a few days, I miss you already. Saralee, never thought I would be praying about missions but I am starting to pray about where and what God wants me to do.