Remember

On this day remember,
in the midst of a fantastic horror,
many gave so freely,
that others might live.

Remember their sacrifice and rejoice.

grateful,

jene'

"It was a dark and stormy night..."

I can clearly remember the first time I read A Wrinkle in Time . I remember getting lost in the journey through the folds of time (A.K.A terrasects) in the search for Dr. Murray. The strange way Mrs Whatsist, Mrs Who and Mrs Which appeared.

I remember being enthralled in finding myself in such a fantastical universe. It was not until I read the book a second time at 14 that I understood all the Madeline L'Engle had to say. I truly cannot overcome Evil without my Father. Love can solve any problem. Great Light will sacrifice itself to conquer darkness.

As I grew up reading scripture I thought nothing out of place in finding verses being quoted by the main characters. It was for this reason her books were challenged. There were also those who disliked her inclusion of Buddha and Ghandi being listed along with Jesus as those who fought darkness on earth.

This story and all of her other writings hold a special place in my heart. I learned from her. I learned girls can be the "Hero" and be brave and bold. I learned that love does not make you weak, it makes you strong. I learned that questioning and reasoning are good things if they lead to understanding.

I will always be grateful for that.

-jene'

P.S. Mrs Who taught me to love Shakespeare

Waiting tables

Lord. take me where you want me to go;
Let me meet who you want me to meet;
Tell me what you want me to say;
and Keep me out of your way.

Father Mychal Judge


I stumbled across this prayer earlier this year. It says better than I ever could the desire of my heart. I love being open to God placing me where I can show His love to everyone. So many times people think sharing God's love with the world is something done only by missionaries in foreign countries.

Still, if you think about it, all those who follow Jesus are part of His Kingdom. So wherever you are on this earth, you are in a foreign country. You are a visitor from God's Kingdom to the world. You are the ambassador to everyone around you. Do you represent your Kingdom well? Do the people you meet know you are from afar? Do they know your Kingdom's benefits? Can you share with them your prime product?

I have had the opportunity of late to find myself with a lot of time to meditate on this. I love the fact that there are many I know I can be a tour guide for. I can share with them the love I have for my Kingdom and why it is the greatest place to belong to.

I have been reloading music onto my MP3 player lately and one old song from Take 6 seems to say just how I feel about sharing God's love.

The Best stuff in the world cafe

Time for lunch, my stomach said
I left the office to get fed
I had dined at every place on Main
My appetite was ripe for change.
And there stood this old restaurant
I had never seen before
And a stranger in an apron
Came bursting through the door and said

Welcome to the best stuff in the world today cafe
We are all believers in a better way
We were served as customers not so long ago
Now we are all waiters, thought you ought to know

Then the waiter said to me
"Everything we serve is free"
And when he saw that I was full of doubt
He shoved the best stuff in my mouth.
The food was so fantastic, man
I could not stay in my seat
I jumped up from the table
And dragged a stranger off the street
And said:

Welcome to the best stuff in the world today cafe
We are all believers in a better way
We were served as customers not so long ago
Now we are all waiters, thought you ought to know.

And if you're inclined to take the time
To show your gratitude
Then serve somebody else today
Like I've done for you.

Pretty soon the business went berserk
And all the people left their work
In every case because they took the time to serve
They each got more than they deserved.
The pantry soon was empty
And all that we could find
Was some simple bread and wine
But the people stood in line to say:

Welcome to the best stuff in the world today cafe
We are all believers in a better way
We were served as customers not so long ago
Now we are all waiters, thought you ought to know

So know you know the way I learned
That once the tables have been turned
It's just not enough to have your fill
Tip the waitress, pay the bill
When you can serve the banquet
That the world's so hungry for
So grab an waiter's apron
And see who's at the door And say:

Welcome to the best stuff in the world today cafe
We are all believers in a better way
We were served as customers not so long ago
Now we are all waiters, thought you ought to know.

When I first heard it it really touched my heart. It was so true. If you have been to the banquet you feel compelled to share it with everyone. It isn't enough to just feast at the banquet and let the rest of the world starve. If you can, you missed the gift of the banquet. You had dinner, you didn't find the feast.

The other night a grand friend and I were sharing dinner. We talked about being open to the people God places in your life. We shared our concern about several mutual friends who surround themselves only with Christians. How can they be happy when there is no one in their life they can pass along God's love to?

Glad to serve at the banquet table and staying out of God's way,

jene'

Job description

Over the last two weeks my three favorite Burpeau gals have come to spend the night. They each came alone and for the two younger ones it was their first time to spend the night away from home on their own. With each visit little gems of wisdom were left behind. They all came together on Sara's night over.

We watched the Prince of Egypt. She knew the story of Moses but had not seen the film before. When the scene with God asking Moses to return to Egypt was on she had loads of questions. How does the bush burn and not burn up at the same time? Why did God choose that bush instead of any others? Why should Moses go back to Egypt, couldn't God just free the people on His own? Why did Moses argue with God? Why didn't he just go the first time God told him to?

I answered the questions briefly during the film but they came up for discussion later as we were getting ready for bed. She asked me what was the thing that meant the most to me from the story of Moses. I told her the thing that impacted me the most was God's response each time Moses gave a reason why he couldn't do what God asked of him. While God told him of the many miracles He would have Moses perform, His first and repeated answer was " I will go with you."

I told Sara God does the same thing for us. Whenever God asks us to do something it does not matter if we are good at it or not. God goes with us and He can use anyone to accomplish His work. I told her our goal for life should be doing what God wants us to. She then wanted to know how we can know what God wants us to do.

I swallowed a chuckle and told her there were some things we can know for certain God wants us to do. I explained Jesus had left us some rather detailed instructions which we could consider to be our job description. He told us to love God with all of our being and to love others as ourselves.

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

Matthew 22:37-40
The Message

I explained this is something everyone can do and know that it is what God wants them to do. Just to forestall any further questions I told her that God always goes with us and helps us to do the things he asks.

She is young enough to not let external limitations keep her from doing what needs to be done. You will find many older Christians who come up with a variety or reasons why they cannot do a particular task.

Common replies includes :

"That's not one of my spiritual gifts."

"I am uncomfortable _____________" (fill in the blank with serving, talking, witnessing, teaching Sunday school, meeting strangers)

"I don't have the skills to do that job."

"I don't feel the Lord is calling me that way." N.B. The Lord always calls you to love and share His love, that's a given

"I am not that kind of person, I just can't do that."

For all of these excuses there is but one answer. It is the same one God gave Moses.

"I am going with you."

I told Sara the saddest thing on earth is how many people who call themselves Christian who never read the job description.

working at it,

jene'

Hope of a promise

Walker Joseph, you are the hope of a promise .

You who were so new from the Hand of God.

Who returned to the Father as quickly as you came.

You were a gift which celebrated your parents’ love.

They cherished and adored you.

You have grandparents who longed to spoil you.

You have aunts and uncles who eagerly awaited the chance to make you laugh.

You were to be welcomed to a large extensive family.

That family, Walker Joseph, is made up of many who are also part of the family of God.

Because of that, we are assured we will get to know you someday.

For now you wait with the Father in Heaven.

Because His Son Jesus made it possible,

our future will lead us to Heaven too.

There we will finally be together again.

That is the hope we all know will be fulfilled.

Until then,

missing you,

your cousin jene’

Heartbreaking

This morning my cousin gave birth to a stillborn son. There is nothing I can say or do for her that will take away her heartbreak. I sent a message that just says " I love you."

She doesn't need me to help her make sense of this. There is no way to do so. When horrible things happen you just have to hold on to the love you can find and pray you'll be able to survive.

Thankfully, while it may be hard for her to believe so today, she knows God loves her too.

Please keep Drew and Carolyn in your prayers. They will need them.

Sadly,

jene'

A right nice chuckle

A friend from Derbyshire sent me this, he loves to make me laugh.

Which is it?

A friend in California has been sending me random obscure links to blogs and their comments on the latest Harry Potter book. After spending the last two weeks reading them I have come to a few conclusions.

J.K. Rowling wrote a great series. I believe her only agenda was to write something she loved and to provide for her family. I don't think she set out to lure anyone to occult rituals. I don't think she meant to make any religious statements either.

The oddest thing I have found in following the great Harry Potter blog trail is how atheists see her stories two ways. Some say she should be credited for not giving in to Conservative pressure to put a "Christian spin" on the plot line. Some say by not outwardly having the characters declare there is no God she leaves the door too wide open.

Christians have been lambasting her for not naming God as the source of all power. Others have been praising her "obvious" comparison of Harry's sacrifice to the sacrifice of Jesus.

So from both sides she is alternately loved and hated. You might wonder how this happened. The answer is simple.

Everyone reads and interprets what they have read from their own mindset. They will see what they desire and will take the pieces they like which reaffirm what they already believe.

That's what happens when you read a book.

Literature is nothing like that.

Literature is to be consumed, to be taken to your heart, to make a change in your life.

The difference between reading a book or a piece of literature depends on the reader. If the experience you have reaches beyond your mind and into your heart you have literature in your life. If you enjoy what you read but it has no causal effect in your life, you have read a book.

How are you changed by what you read?

More lessons from little girls

I have spent a few evenings the last few weeks with my favorite little Burpeau gals. I love spending time with young children. They are so flexible and creative in their thinking. It takes a while to learn limitations and inhibitions. When children are so fresh from the hand of God their theology is centered on how they see Him. I think that is why Jesus advised us to have the faith of a little one. He knew they were clear in their thinking as it is done mostly from the heart.

A couple of weeks ago Julia was talking to the Lord in her bedtime prayers. She always starts with an old favorite.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
I love guard me through the night,
wake me with the morning light.

Well after the prayer I pointed out the actual phrase is "Thy love guard me". I explained that the word Thy is an old fashioned fancy way of saying you. Now on to the original one of a kind Julia part of her prayer. She followed up her nightly recitation with this.

"Almighty Heavenly God, thanks for all the things you've been gaving us. Now can you give us what we need?"

When she had finished so told me "I like to call Him Heavenly God cause He's in heaven and He's God." I have got to admit she definitely has a point.

Tonight's unique offering was just as sweet. "Thank you God for going back to Heaven after you were Jesus down here, and thanks for leaving a part of you in my heart."

I have to admit, prayer time with Julia is better than many sermons.

Glad He left a part of Himself in my heart too.

-jene'

Is this love?

My morning meditation had me in I Corinthians today. Any student of the Bible will recognize this passage tells us much about love.

While I was reading the scripture, I reflected to a conversation I had with a friend earlier this week. She was sharing a story she heard over the lunch table at work from one of her friends. This woman was relaying her frustration in dealing with her family's apparent refusal to acknowledge her work for them. Evidently she is upset over their ability to keep things tidy and help her maintain the home. She has employed many methods to get them to help. She was sharing with the lunch crowd that she felt the effort she put forth was a gift of love for her family and she thought it was not being appreciated. She went on to say how much it hurt to have her love gift ignored.

As I was listening to the whole story one thought kept running through my brain. She obviously doesn't understand what love is. If you are truly expressing love you do so for the sheer joy of giving of yourself to another. The gift is it's own reward. That doesn't mean that you don't enjoy it when you get a positive reward. Everybody likes a pat on the back. It just shouldn't be the motivator for loving.

True love cares more for others than self, is pleased to bring others pleasure, is satisfied by meeting someone else's need.

The most distressing part of this whole story is the fact this woman works at a local church. Church is the place to learn the most about love. Accepting God's love for me causes me to share it with others. I am convinced if you allow God to fill you with His love you have no choice in sharing. You will be filled to overflowing and love should spill out of you onto everyone you encounter. The verses below are often quoted as being a description of the virtues of love. I don't think that is quite right. I find it to be a guide for expressing love. Notice how many of the identifiers of love contain verbs. Verbs connote action.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

I Corinthians 13 4-7
The Message

Later in the chapter we are told that we and our knowledge of God is incomplete but to hold on until we can be made Complete in Him.

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation:

Trust steadily in God,

hope unswervingly,

love extravagantly.

And the best of the three is love.

I Corinthians 13:13
The Message

Seeking God's help to love as extravagantly as I can
-jene'

Losing sleep for a good cause

You would think that someone like myself who has great difficulty getting good sleep would not voluntarily give up that precious commodity. Not true. Early on Saturday morning after leaving Borders just after midnight I stayed awake on purpose to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in one night.

So what draws a forty-six year old woman to stay up all night and read a children's book? I have read all of the series and have spent a good deal of time talking with children about the lessons which can be learned from reading for a purpose. This latest offering has spurred many discussions. I would have to say that this is the hallmark of a successful book. I know many will call the Harry Potter series a success because of the revenue it has and continues to generate. I believe it is a success because of all the conversation and real thought it has engendered

Sleep is something which for me is fleeting at best. Having an impact on a child's life is the greatest. The trade off seems more than equitable, I lose some sleep but I get to chat with kids about what they feel and think.

just because

Every so often you have to do one of these things.

It's worth at least a chuckle.

You Are a Realist

You don't see the glass as half empty or half full. You see what's exactly in the glass. You never try to make a bad situation seem better than it is... But you also never sabotage any good things you have going on. You are brutally honest in your assessments of situations - and this always seems to help you cope.

Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?

Generous souls

Today was my last day to work for a week. I am taking some time off to celebrate my birthday. There have been a few times this year when I wondered if I would make it to this one. I have no great plans for the time off. I hope to get in some fun times like visiting museums and the zoo, but mostly hope to nap often.

I am blessed to work with several talented people. I have been following the works of one in particular. There is something about the way he makes use of his talent on the canvas that makes my heart sing. Today he showed just how generous his soul is as well. He gifted me one of his beautiful creations. As I looked at the piece I was overcome with how glorious it was. I turned to hug him and had to fight hard not to burst into tears. His art has always touched me, and his kindness is something I have long known, but today I learned just how giving he is.

I don't see how I could have had a better start to my vacation. No matter what else happens this week, today was a winner.

Thanks John for giving me so much of yourself. You are a treasure.

Profoundly thankful,

-jene'

Needs

I was taking a nap on Sunday and rolled over on the TV remote and turned it on. There was a televangelist on doing a fund raiser for his ministry. I was going to turn it off when I heard something that made me take notice. He said that it was important to give your seed offering to God if you wanted to reap the wealth the Lord has waiting for you. You should know I have no respect for David or Morris Cerullo. Both of them have been known for their exultation of the dollar rather than the Lord. For this they are both idiots. What makes me angrier than I can recall ever being is a statement he made during the program. David said "God only sees your seed, not your need." David wants you to send money to his ministry and says God will reward your giving to him.

This is so far from the truth that you would have to go to the edge of the known universe and it would still not be far enough. God knows and sees every need. There is nothing He is not aware of. I am grateful for this. There have been many nights of late that I am glad God is aware of my needs. He is the one thing making my life livable right now.

I guess my anger is based in my sadness that anyone who believes what this self serving nitwit has to say about the Lord. I comfort myself that God has withstood attacks from ding dongs for all of recorded history. The ding dongs come and go, but God is forever.

Now I am praying that the Cerullo family comes to know the true and mighty God and not the self fashioned image they are trying to make of Him. Boy are they in for a surprise.

Thankful for a God who more than meets my needs,

-jene

Help at hand

I talked with a friend today who is going through a rough time. The hard part is it seems like that is always the case for her. I've listened for years and at times feel like I am of no help to her. The only thing that encourages me is remembering her in my prayers each morning. As I spend time with the Spirit He hears my need to help her and He can do what I cannot.

Being a Christian does not get one a "get out of trouble free card". Being a Christian does give you all you will need to survive the trouble. This I have personal experience with. I am certain I would have been unable to make it to this point in my life without knowing God loves me. I know this because He sent Jesus to save me and the Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage me.

I have been trading emails the last month with a young man in Alaska. He has been asking me some tough questions. It all started with; "If the Holy Spirit is really part of God, what does He do?" With that query we began a bumpy journey through pneumatology. (Yes I had to look it up a few years ago) He is now delving into something many Christians never give a second thought. They accept the concept of a triune God but don't want to deal with what that means. Why is it so hard for someone who already claims to believe in God to believe in a fully functioning Trinity?

As odd as it may seem the the world is often doing more to search for wholeness in their spirituality than those of faith. I need more fingers than I have to count how many times I received a confused look when I asked a fellow believer how the Holy Spirit is working in their lives. Many concentrate on the gifts of the Spirit and never give the Giver another thought.

"If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me. I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. "

John 14 :24-27 The Message

I count on the peace, I listen for the voice to remind me of Christ's words and God's love. It's how I start my day. I know that whatever may happen after I leave my house, I grounded my day in what is True. This has eased my journey through life. If you are finding yourself with a need unmet ask for help from the Helper. I know He'll not fail.

Happy for the help,

-jene'

Darkness

This morning we had a big storm go through as I was trying to get to work. Nothing like taking a shower in the dark. Fortunately I know where everything is in the tub and on me so I did alright. I found myself chuckling in the shower as I replayed the scripture I read this morning in my head


Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 The Message

Just an early morning reminder that my God is a God of humor and He likes to give me a reason to smile.

Out of the darkness,

jene'

Timing is everything

...or is it. My time this week seems to have gotten away from me. I accomplished some of my goals but others have fallen by the wayside. Several people needed me and my choice was to be there for them and to let go of my to do list. You might think this means I have changing priorities but really this isn't so. Goals are good, plans are necessary, but a soul needing love takes precedence over all. For when it comes time to total up my life's acheivements I'd rather list people helped than tasks completed.

One young girl I have been mentoring needed a face in the audience this week. She was so glad to see me and asked how I had found time to get to her school program. I told her that goals are important but friends are more so.

A friend has been blessed with a new job she is enjoying, but needed someone to cover her shift on her old job to make it happen. So a day off gets offered up to Jesus to help her out.

In both cases I feel the choice I made was the right one. My niece and I having been trading notes on facebook about what it means to show the love of Jesus to others. I want her to know that treating others needs as greater than your own is one way to do so. It's easy to talk about love, but hard to do.

Tiredly,

jene'

God's day

I leave aside my shoes
-my ambitions,
undo my watch
-my timetable,
take off my glasses
-my views,
unclip my pen
-my work,
put down my keys
-my security,
to be alone with you,
the only true God.

After being with you,
I take up my shoes
to walk in your ways,
strap on my watch,
to live in your time,
put on my glasses
to look at your world,
clip on my pen
to write up your thoughts,
pick up my keys
to open your doors.

Graham Kings


This was one of the poems I read this morning during my meditation and it made me aware of just how much everyday belongs to God. I am thankful to call Jesus my friend but I think I need to realize anew that all I am and all I have, is His.

I spent some time today with a couple of his best creations. A sweet older lady who has outlived her family and a young girl who hasn't any family who care for her. As I was listening to each I thanked God for placing me where I could be and feel His love for them. It's quite a kick and it made my day!

Joyfully,

jene'

love playing with photos

I always have a great time learning new things.

An honorable man

Today is my nephew Joshua's birthday. He's at college as an engineering student. He has in his rather abbreviated life as an adult, proven himself to be an honorable man. He cares for his family, he is considerate of his friends, he is compassionate in dealing with everyone. He takes time to stay in touch with his younger siblings and his grandparents. He has a great relationship with his parents. He has a wonderful girlfriend. And the hardest to believe, he is good to his aunt.

I am glad to know such a fine man and can forgive him for making me feel old for having such a grown-up nephew.

Happy Birthday Josh, I love you!

Your "anut"* jene'


*When he was much younger he addressed a card to me this way. Seems he had discernment early on.

Rejoicing

Last night at around this time my sister called. She was quick to reassure me she only had good news to share. This was good to know as late night calls are not always so.

My nephew and my niece made the decision last night to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. This excites me no end. It is a joy to know they have chosen to seek God's guidance on their own.

They are being raised in a home of faith. But that doesn't make any difference if they do not reach out and claim their faith as their own. As an aunt who prays for them daily, this makes a big difference to me. Now I can rejoice that one of my prayers regarding them has been answered.

The only bad thing about finding out last night was that I was so excited I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. I find the excitement hasn't lessened much in the 24 hours that have passed. I have been sharing my joy with my prayer partners and they have been glad to hear the news.

Rejoicing still,

me

Heartache

People are going to be debating for a long time how today could have been avoided. The answer is simple, it couldn't have been. Ever since mankind left the Garden of Eden, violence against others has been part of the world.

Someone determined to kill will do so. The fact that it is easier to do so with a bullet than a bomb has little significance to the families who are in mourning tonight.

Now before you go all NRA on me, I don't want to limit your ability to own a gun. It is your right to do so. I do want to make it harder to buy bullets. Just to see how easy it would be I tried earlier this year to purchase ammunition online. One place said they would send my order as soon as they had received a faxed copy of my drivers license and a signed statement swearing I was of age.

In a land where cold remedy must be signed for is it too much to expect that buying a bullet should be a little bit more difficult?

Unfortunately nothing you or I can do can comfort those dealing with their loss tonight. Only God can ease their heartache.

Father,

You know so well the loss of one
You gave us Christ, your only son.
Many today have lost a child, the greatest grief that's ever known.
Help them now to feel your Love,
and send the Comfort of your Own.

In Jesus name,

amen.


-me

Soulful teeter-totter

At church we have been working on discovering who Jesus is and what he means to us. Last week Doug had us close our eyes and visualize how we would see Jesus. I was asked by a friend after the service what my representation had been. I told her I don't usually see Jesus as having any specific facial features. She looked perplexed so I went on to clarify how it was so. When I close my eyes and think of Christ, and I do so daily, I see the weave of hand-loomed cloth. I sense the rough texture and scent of the outdoors. You see, I always picture myself being held in a pair of arms offering comfort. I am leaning on the strength I know will hold me up.

Yesterday I had one of the saddest moments I have ever had in my life. I was designing solutions for a customer. She was what we refer to as an "intimate" customer. This type of person will share parts of her life that her friends may not even know. While I was trying to determine what kind of storage she needed she asked me what I knew about Judaism. I told her I have some Jewish blood in my background. She then proceeded to tell me how she was converting to Judaism and leaving the Methodist church behind. I asked her what prompted the change. She replied that it had been her experience that the Jewish people in her life seemed more at ease in their faith and comfortable sharing it with others. She said they seemed to have a real relationship with God. I asked her how she felt about leaving Jesus behind. She stated she had never seen much of Jesus in the people she went to church with and wasn't sure that anyone ever did more than just talk about Him.

My heart felt like it was breaking as I listened to her tell me her story. I struggled with the overwhelming desire to weep right there at the design station. I was glad I was able to help her with the problems that had brought her in. She stayed in my heart for the rest of the day. I frequently take part of my lunch break to meditate and center myself for the rest of the day. The plight of this woman kept coming to the front of my brain. I was then pondering how people who claim to love Jesus, can't show that same love to others in church with them. That led to thinking of how many of those people don't share Jesus with those not in church. Lots of people talk about the need to do so but never do anything about it.

This has been a point of contention between me and someone close to me. Can you really have a meaningful relationship with Christ and not share it? I don't think so. I think those who love the Lord can't help themselves. They are going to have it pouring out of their hearts. My mum is a great example of this. You can feel the love just rolling off her. Stand next to her for any length of time and you will feel it wash over you. I have a friend here who does the same. Either in person or over the phone he exudes the love he feels for his Lord. When he grabs you up in a hug you will feel great comfort and strength you know isn't coming from him alone.

Today I joined several friends of many varied backgrounds as we shared a meal together. There was joy and fellowship. People told of life experiences. Those that gave pause for thought and those that had us trying not to fall out of our chairs laughing. More than once I heard the phrase "I don't know how I could have made it without God's help". What makes it so fantastic is the fact that not everyone who was present knows Jesus. Today they got a good look at who he is.

In these two days, I have been at both the high end and low end of the teeter-totter.

Praying others see Jesus in me,

jene'

Time

I really believe God means for me to see four o'clock only once a day and He means for it to be in the afternoon. Still, here it is just after four and I'm aware of it. I figure if I'm still awake having taken two meds for pain and one sleep aid, meditated and prayed, there's got to be a reason.

I have family spending the night and we are stretched out all over the apartment. I'm sleeping in the living room with my nieces. Right now I have the laptop on the kitchen floor so I won't wake them.

I love having family over. They are the best friends I have and the greatest gift short of salvation God has ever given me. I am cognizant of the fact that many people don't have that relationship with their family.

Monday morning I was also up at four. The Burpeau gals had come to spend the night again. Putting all three of them into bed with me almost always ensures I will spend a good portion of the night dodging arms and legs. Then I had much to give thanks for as well. I love that God allows me to play an important part in their lives. I adore children and not having my own, it's nice to have some I can "borrow" from time to time.

I am glad to have this time to thank God for all He has done and continues to do for me. Time awake also leads to prayer for friends I don't see that often. Remembering them brings feelings of joy. To be able to do this more than compensates for being tired tomorrow.

Having said that, I think I'll get horizontal again and see what happens.

Praying in the kitchen,

jene'

Quiet hugs

Several members of my family are under the weather. But the good news is we can pray for, encourage and comfort each other. I count myself very blessed that we are close. But an even greater blessing is not having to wait until things are difficult to be there for one another.

Right now I have a friend whose father is ill but won't have anything to do with him. His father disapproves of a choice he made and is allowing that to keep walls between them. My heart aches for him and there is little I can do for him but to let him know he has my love. So, we sat together and I gave him a hug.

Several people have told him how he should handle the situation and offered lots of advice. I know from this last year in my life that people love to offer advice, even when it's not wanted. I have had people offer all sorts of suggestions to me this last year. Some of them too bizarre to even repeat. I have no words to express how much I appreciate someone who can offer support and a quiet hug. They have been the best gift.

Think of someone you can gift today.

love,

jene'

Lectio Divina

With the inclement weather we had this week I headed off to Bible study not really certain we were even going to meet. I called Sharon as I was driving to church and had her check the website to see if she could find anything out. As she couldn't find any news, I continued to make my way to the church.

The class was considerably smaller than the week before. I hope it was due to the bad weather and not because some who came to the first session were so baffled by what they found that they couldn't return.

One of the things we are putting into practice in this class is an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. I think for some in the class it is a new concept. I can recall how baffling it was for me when I first gave it a go. I was young and still open to new ideas so I didn't let the strangeness of it dissuade me. Still, I remember when I first started praying the scriptures. Many things would try to interrupt my time and I used to struggle with finding the silence to listen for God's word. A dear friend pointed out to me that I shouldn't let this worry me and just offer up each stray thought to the Lord for Him to deal with. Once I did that it was so much easier to find the quiet I needed.

It consists of four phases. Reading or listening for the Word God gives you for the day, meditating on the Word, prayer which begins a loving dialogue with God, and then contemplation.

Contemplation

FINALLY, WE simply rest in the presence of the One who has used the Scripture word as a means of inviting us to accept a transforming embrace. No one who has ever been in love needs to be reminded that there are moments in loving relationships when words are unnecessary. It is the same in our relationship with God. Wordless, quiet rest in the presence of the One who loves us has a name in the Christian tradition - contemplation. Once again we practice silence, letting go of our own words; this time simply enjoying the experience of being in the presence of God
The Sisters of St. Clare

I can't tell you how much joy and peace I have found in resting in the quiet listening to One who loves me as no other can. It is the only thing that has kept me from running screaming into the night these last few years. There is no way I would have been able to cope with the turmoil without His loving voice. I love my family and friends dearly and they have been a tremendous help during this same time. As great as they are they were not enough. I had not faltered in my daily Bible study but I had forgotten to listen. I believe God has used these experiences to teach me just how much I needed to hear His voice. He has brought me back to the place where I long to hear Him speak. For that, I would do it all again.

Listening,

jene'

New look

To those who have been reading this for a while you may notice the new look. It's been a long time since I made any decorative changes and I felt in the mood to do so tonight.

I started my new Bible study tonight. I am looking forward to it and had a great time in the first class. It has a long name, Living in the heartbeat of God. Discovering our Spirituality in Christ in the midst of chaos. Several of the activities we participated in tonight are things I do on a daily basis.

I can see I am going to have a great time.

I'll let you know more later, now I've got to tweak some changes in this layout.

Anticipating great life lessons,

jene'

Rejoicing in the moment

Today was full of moments where the choice to rejoice was not easy.

When I woke up this morning the pain that had visited me in the night was still here. I spent some time in a prayer walk remembering there are many reasons to rejoice.

I headed to the bank and for the first time ever, encountered a long line. I then made my way over to the ancillary courthouse to renew the registration on my car. The line wasn't out of the building but it did weave all over the room and entailed a 45 minute wait. Actually this gave me more time to pray and rejoice. Rejoice that I had a bank account and rejoice I can drive around town. Believe me, for anyone who has spent eight months using public transportation this is a phenomenal reason to rejoice.

Next I made my way through heavy traffic to medical center. I was headed down for some blood tests. A dear friend is a great doctor who wants to keep me as healthy as possible. Toward that end he wanted to see if there is anything else he can help me with. I always find a nice parking place in the street when I visit him. I put my money in the meter and headed in. There was a little bit of a back-up in the lab and I was five minutes late getting back to my car. You guessed it, I got my very first parking ticket.

I use meters all the time, at least two or three times a month. This is the first time I have ever missed a deadline. I usually leave a meter with time on it for the next guy to use. It is the cheapest way to park in a city of parking garages.

I called the help line number listed on the citation and chatted with a clerk downtown. I explained what had happened. I couldn't help but laugh as I told her I thought it was a bit rude to get a ticket when I had always been on time before. She started laughing and then apologized. I told her there was no need for her apology. I explained I had spent some time this morning praying for moments to rejoice today. I then told her all the things that had happened. At this point she could hardly catch her breath between the laughs. She said I certainly had a good attitude. I told her I didn't do it on my own. I told her what made the difference today was the time I spent this morning with The Attitude Adjuster. She thanked me and said I had given her much to think about.

Of course to round out the day I spent a good deal of time on I 10 going nowhere. As I was stuck in what had become a large parking lot I pondered the day. I got what I asked for this morning, though not necessarily the way I would have wanted. It really was a day full of moments to rejoice.

Thankful for answered prayer,

jene'

Goals

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This week many are setting goals for the year or listing things they would like to accomplish. A long time ago a great friend challenged me to rethink my approach to goal setting and achieving. She reminded me that many had vague ideas of what they wanted changed but no idea of how to see it to fruition.

Each time I spend the evening with my favorite little girls, we come up with a plan for the night. I always ask them what the want to do. The reply is to "have fun." We then make a list of things we can do to make that happen. It seems a small thing but I hope it helps them to see that getting things done requires thoughtful planning and definite action.

I have a friend who has spent the last couple of years longing for a change. Now her job is ending and change is being forced upon her. She is not alone in her dilemma. I know another who year after year has voiced her desire to make her life different but as each year passes she has done nothing but wish.

The saddest thing is to see this happen to those who supposedly have a connection to the best encourager around. God specializes in transforming. I can personally attest to His power to work miracles. I am the me I am today entirely because of His work. He has supported me, comforted me, and caused me to rejoice in change.

As I contemplate my wishes for this new year I'll spend much time in prayer. Often the things at the top of my list, are not at the top of His. Thankfully He is patient and will wait until my priorities change to His.

Praying for plans,

jene'

Life gets better

Today is really no different from any day this year. Still most of us see a new year as a chance to start over.

Last night when the clock hit midnight one of my little guests jumped up to wish all of us a happy new year. She then told me that this would be the best year ever because we could make it be whatever we wanted.

I started the old year with some severe infirmities. I contemplated the new year and asked for God's grace to cope with the difficulties. I am proud to report that He answered my prayers. I have learned how to rely on Him for all my needs. God gave me what I needed.

My health is still a shaky affair, but my heart is solid. God's peace can see me through anything I will encounter. I know this now to be true. For that, last year will go down in my memory as a grand one.

Glad to be one whom God loves,

jene'