I was never the same...

My friend Jill posted an awesome blog about her relationship with Christ. It is a MUST READ for all. I tried to put a link to her blog but it did not work. So I cam copying and pasting it on my blog.

If you didn't read my first post about this please refer back. Basically I am wanting my children (and anyone else who wants to know) to see how different things in my life have changed me. It's been so interesting for me to think back and see what has meant so much to me in my life.

I was never the same after...I asked Jesus into my life.

I grew up going to church. Every Sunday (except for the summers...I was HUGE into softball and that's when the tournaments were!) the Coopers were there in the second row on the right side. If we weren't in that pew then we weren't there :) Although there were a lot of things I didn't understand back then, I am so thankful that God was made part of my life from the beginning. I know that it made a difference in the future.

When I was in high school my church got a new youth pastor. Her name was Ann. She was awesome. We did ski trips, youth group and overnighters at her house. I think for the first time I was having a blast going to church. She was helping me to understand what it meant to know Jesus - as a friend. I remember thinking that she had such a great job. What fun to hang out with highschoolers {funny how God worked that out...}.

Anyway, I went away to college. Fort Lewis College -- Harvard on the Hill -- in Durango, CO. My first two years were spent trying to figure out what I was doing and who I was. Living a life that I thought I was supposed to live. I had planned on going to college then on to med school. When I realized that I wasn't that motivated, I switched to nursing (a lot less time in school). Honestly I was so unsure of what I was supposed to do. What was my purpose? Where was I going?

I met my friend Lori playing softball for the Fort. We were team captains together our sophomore year. She was a Christian. I remember thinking that she was some crazy Christian {forgive me Lori - I had no idea how awesome you were}. Crazy because she actually lived out what she believed. She brought her Bible with us on road trips - and read it! She was nice, genuine, caring, didn't cuss {I cussed like a sailor - sorry mom and dad - pot-ty mouth!}, and my friend.

We spent a lot of time together that year. I got to know her better and got to see what it meant to live your life with Jesus as the center. For my life, up until then, Jesus was on the outside looking in. I knew who He was, what He did and church was a part of my life but really, Jesus wasn't. He was part of that church thing.

One time at the beginning of my junior year Lori asked me if I wanted to go to a church retreat with her. I didn't want to. I was scared to death about what I might encounter there. Christians who were different from me? I didn't think I could handle that. What if they were super dooper weird?!

I told Lori that I didn't think we believed the same thing and that it probably wasn't a good idea. She asked me what was different. I couldn't think of much to say so I told her that I had lots of questions and really wasn't sure about the whole "Jesus" thing. At the time I was being challenged in so many areas of my life. I had a boyfriend who really was not good for me. I was confused about my future with school and confused about my life. And I was confused about God and church and Jesus. Why wasn't my faith the same as hers? What did I really believe? I mean, I thought I knew but then again, I had no idea.

Then she said something that I will never forget. She asked me if I wanted to meet with her once a week and discuss my questions and talk about things. This blew me away and here's why. No one, since my old youth pastor, had wanted to spend time with me. Intentionally. Sure I had friends. Sure we hung out. Sure we lived together, had class together, had fun together. But it wasn't the same as someone caring about me. Investing in me. Wanting to help me. Answering questions. Listening to my life problems. It was amazing.

So we started meeting. I asked all my questions. Lori did her best to answer. But truthfully, deep down, I didn't care about her answers. I wanted what she had. I wanted that peace and confidence. I wanted to feel secure, purposeful and content. She did a great job with my questions but I really wanted to know the Jesus she knew. And very soon I met him. And I was not disappointed. And I was changed from the inside out.

Since those meetings I have learned so much about Jesus. About Jesus my friend, not Jesus/church. Ya see, I, like so many others, thought that Jesus was church. That church was Jesus. I didn't always like church so I didn't always like Jesus. When church was great, Jesus was great. When it wasn't, He wasn't. Make sense? Now I know Jesus as my friend, my savior, my King. It's not about church. It's about a relationship with Him. And it's changed my life.

Because of those amazing people that God brought into my life {really only a couple were mentioned but there were sooooo many others} I learned about Christ's love for me, His sacrifice for me, His plan for me. It's an adventure that I have not regretted...ever. Not once.

This happened in 1996 - 13 years ago. Today, I am married to an awesome Christian man who I believe wholeheartedly God brought to me. We have 3 beautiful children who we are raising to know and love the same God we do. I am part of an unbelievable church and we have the privilege to work there!! How cool is that? Getting paid to do what we love to do - telling others about God's perfect love for each one of us.

I pray that I have been able to positively impact others around me for Jesus, just as Ann and Lori and many others were able to do with me. My life has never been the same since I met Jesus and for that I am truly thankful!


NOTE FROM JEN: Jill has been an amazing influence on my life and my curiosity about what a life living with Jesus on the inside looks like. God works in cool ways like this...

My heart... for kids - They will impact our world.

Tomorrow we leave. My friends Jill, Jo, Jinny and I are all going to Texas. We are going to a children's ministry conference in Texas. We are driving tomorrow night and are staying for three nights and coming back Saturday morning. I am excited. I am excited because we are going to get to hang together. Even though I am 7 months pregnant and traveling so many hours seems daunting.

The motivation is kids. I think raising up children who love the Lord is the most important thing you can give your child or a child you know. A confidence in themselves, their faith. It's very important.

I saw this week on the cover of Newsweek the lead story was.. "The Decline and Fall of Christian America". It kind of gave me the chills. I grew up in a town where believing in Jesus was OK. It wasn't wrong, it was just the truth.

That is what I want for my kids. To know the truth. That God is the same today and yesterday and forever. He will never change. People will change and will walk away or pretend he's not there or make their own rules, but God will never change the truth will never change. Kids need to have a confidence in that. If they don't they will make decions based on a whim... or a gut feeling or worse yet... someone else's opinion of what's right or wrong. God has a plan for each and every one of our children... I am passionate about helping them seek it out... know God... and pursue a relationship spiritually.

Newsweek may have that lead story. But I have a BIG HUGE God who created everything we see. Who's love is unbelievable... and specific and powerful. The knowledge of God is powerful in the life of a child. Our children's pastor shared with us this verse from 2 Peter. It applies to children who are raised understanding that kind of love.

2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

The more knowledge (head and heart) knowledge they have about God and Jesus... the more grace and peace they will be given... How awesome is that.

Take that Newsweek... Christianity will not decline and fall in this country as long as I'm around... there is work to be done people. Work to be done.

Tid Bit... you better run and hide

So, we've lived here four years now in Durango Colorado. We adopted our dog Tid Bit about three years ago. She was a tiny puppy who was being fostered by a friend of mine from a local animal shelter. I am a little schizophrenic when it comes to TidBit.

Before I had chidren I was a HUGE animaal lover.

One time when I was very young I saw some boys at a park throwing stones at birds circling over the man made lake at the park. They hit them so hard they fell into the water and died. I cried so hard I could not breathe. My Mom helped me find the park ranger and the boys were fined and got in big trouble for hurting the birds.

Another time, my brothers were playing with fishing wire in our trees and a bird got tangled up in the tree. I just climbed the tree, unwrapped it from the line and let it go. I would catch crayfish in the Milwaukee river and keep them as pets, any animal I could find became my project to take care of. My very first job was at a small animal clinic because I aspired to be a vet. I had a dog named Buford who was horrible, but I loved him. I loved caterpillars and butterflies. I even had a pet Chameleon named Karl... He rocked too.

Anyway, I am trying to make the case that I am a loving person who loves animals.

I do love Tid Bit. She is smart, she LOVES kids... would NEVER bite them, she is gentle, very smart... almost too smart. Sometimes I think she knows exactly what I am saying because her facial expression changes with every sentence I speak to her.

But because she is so smart... she infuriates me. When we leave the house we have to put her in her kennel or we take her over to my Dad's house and let her in his house. She does not come when I call her. She just looks at me trying to negotiate her case and believe me if I could run as fast as her... she would lose the negotiation. Most times I call her and I need to get out of the house quickly. She just stares at me like... no... let's go to Grandpa's I don't want to go in my kennel. But on nice days, she hang out in her kennel for a long time just chilling in there on her own. She's feisty and needs training. Training takes time and that is something I lack. :)

Recently, the fence that seperates my Dad's land from a mobile park next to it has been crushed kind of. It's fallen down it's wire and really needs some repair. That fence once kept my dog and my Dad's dogs in our own yard. Recently the "mutts" have gone over to the neighboring park and brought garbage from the park into our yard... you can imagine how absolutely thrilled I am! She's in so much trouble.

Today I got a visit from the friendly Animal Control officer. Letting me know that someone in the park had filed a complaint about a black and brown dog who was eating the garbage on their porch. (again... she is totally in trouble) Because she had the complaint filed. I get a $53.00 ticket. So, Tid Bit is going on a leash in the yard until we can get a fence put up this summer to keep her out of the mobile park. I seriously had the most evil thoughts about what to do with this dog. If Grace and Toby did not love her so much... I am not sure BK and I would still be "Dog people". Is that bad?

On the flip side. The kids spent all afternoon running with Tidbit around the yard with a leash, she does not drag them, she is gentle, she loves them and they love her. Right now because she is so smart, she is upstairs laying in Grace's room on the floor waiting for the one who loves her most (Grace) to get out of her bath and hang out with her until bedtime. She knows BK and I are mad, so she is not even laying on our new carpet. Another smart move. (but she's still in trouble)

So pray with me as I try to find a balance between the good and evil I feel for our family dog. And... the animal lover genes have been passed down because my two children today found a snake in the yard and have put it in a cooler and are "Taking care" of it and loving it. It cracks me up.

Pray for Tid Bit. She is going to need all the help she can get!

28 weeks and counting...

I am at 28 weeks, which means i am heading into my third trimester of this pregnancy. The good news is all is well, the baby's got a nice strong heartbeat, she is moving and shaking and people are feeling my belly to see signs of this awesome new creation in the Kline family. We are totally excited for July and are preparing our lives for this new arrival.

It is interesting what happens in the mind of a preganant woman as she begins to anticipate the arrival of a new sibling, child and family member. One of the "symptoms" of pregnancy is something called nesting. Nesting is just a nagging feeling that you want everything organized, you want to be prepared, you want to take all the things you can control and make them organized. You want the rest of life to be organized so you can welcome this child into a peaceful wonderful place. I know it sounds terribly OCD... but it is what happens in the brain of a 28 week old pregnant chick. It would be like a mother bird... ready to lay an egg but having no where to lay the egg. You HAVE to nest. And I have to say that with Josie inside of me, I am brimming over with the nesting bug. I still have three months left... but I want to get rid of ANYTHING that we do not use, need or touch. I want to simplify down to the few things we may need to live. If we have not looked at it or touched it or played with it in the last year, it's out the door.

So as a result of the mad desire to cleanse and prepare. We are going to have a massive garage sale. We are emptying our garage, our drawers, our toyboxes, our bookshelves, our kitchen. Anything we do not sell will be donated to the La Plata County Humane Society Thrift store. Ahhhhh... sigh... relief.


In the meantime my body is growing by leaps and bounds. I've had a few people now ask me when I am due and when I tell them July their face scrinches up into a little ball and they look puzzled. Or their eyes open big and wide and look at me like... you have THAT far to go yet? Or they ask me if I'm sure I'm only having one baby and maybe it's twins. This to me is an indication that I am getting pretty big... and God is growing this baby inside of me. The other indication is the inability to breath correctly, the uncomfortable feeling I have when I get up to do anything and the absolute angst I feel when I have any type of project to face in front of me. I seriously have to talk myself into all projects. Big or small.

Go make Toby lunch... uh... well, he can snack all day... can't he? No... go make Toby lunch.... uh...it wouldn't hurt if he skipped a meal... YES IT WOULD... GO MAKE TOBY LUNCH!... big sigh... big grunt, heave ho up and adam and waddle into the kitchen.

I wonder how I'll get throught the garage sale, I think the motivation to nest might just get me through it all! So we are at 28 weeks and counting. May 1st is my next doctor appointment so I'll keep ya'll posted.

Thanks to everyone for their awesome support and love. Having friends and family to support us and love on us during this transition is one of the best blessings I could have. Have an awesome week.

The Awesome Power of God... through the play

I have to post some more pictures of the Passion Play. I am so proud of my husband and the accomplishment of this play. Bill practiced for months, he prayed for months, plus he worked his regular full-time job. Out of the 12 scenes that are in the play he acted and had lines in 10 of them. He cared about the role. He took it seriously and felt humbled to be able to play it. He learned and grew in relationship with some of the coolest people we never would have met had he not done the play. I look at him now... clean shaven, head shaved and back to being "my Billy" and he is a new person inside and out. God worked in his heart.

One of the nights of the play a friend of one of the cast members who is a veteran battling cancer watched the play from a VA hospital online. He wrote this note to the cast and crew. He addressed Bill in the letter. This letter is the motivation, the inspiration the reason everyone is so dedicated to communicating this message.

I wish I could tell you all in person how you have touched my life in
these troubled days, I pray for each and every one of you as you do for me. I continue to believe that all that my life has witnessed has lead me here to you, and to Him, at this place and this time. Your faith and utmost dedication came through to me again tonight as I watched the amazing performance from my new home here with other homeless veterans in Albuquerque, and hope that you find strength that
you have touched other lives here as well as my own.

What came forth from the screen of my computer was nothing short of glorious and
divine. There are no words to describe the power and emotion that filled this room and the faces of those of us here who many times have felt forgotten in life. I can assure you that tonight that was not the case.

I saw tears on the faces of tough, hard yet broken men who have seen the worst in humanity and too often have done things that scar the soul forever. We often find it hard to forgive ourselves and allow that Christ could truly do the same. We become callus and cold.

Tonight I saw grown men thaw and open their hearts in a way I could have never believed without the Spirit of the Lord coming through you all and overtaking this room. Every man was touched by God. Again my faith is confirmed and renewed by true love….His love. There was not a word spoken the entire show, no one left the room, no sound was made, but the gentle crying of men in pain finally letting some of it go. We had an older gentleman pass away today, and the facility was filled with sadness at the passing of another unknown soldier. After the show we talked, and many the remark was made that this man has gone home. That he will be welcomed with open arms into paradise, and his earthly pain is no more. He serves a greater Master and a Heavenly purpose now. What I saw tonight was beautiful and glorious and exceptional. You have all brought comfort and joy to those who need it most,and are all truly servants of Christ and blessings upon us.

Here was his message to Billy:
To Bill, your sacrifice was truly seen and uplifting to men who know of sacrifice
and honor, and you honor us here with your gift to us. My self and others pray for you and for your continued strength. I only wish that we could have felt the emotion and power of being there, it must have been overwhelming.

I have the "rockinest"(my own made up word)husband in the world. In so many awesome ways you have touched lives. Your decision to serve in this play has made an incredible impact on so many people's lives. I am so proud of you. Thanks Billy, for example, your leadership and mostly your love. Love you sweetie!

Jen

Happy Easter Everyone!

Today is the day thousands of years ago, people were blown away shocked to hear learn and see that Jesus rose from the dead! The tomb was open, the robe was in the tomb and Jesus was no where to be found. He had risen from the dead and fulfilled prophecy. No other faith based story can claim this miracle. Our pastor was a former Lawyer for 10 years and he said he would love to have the "Case for Christ." Christ revealed himself to 500 people after the resurrection.

I believe he still comes to us today. He may no appear physically but he reveals himself in the ways that effect our hearts the most. He tells us promises in the Bible about his love. I want to reflect on how Jesus has revealed himself to me thoughout my life and fulfilled many of his promises. Once I started focusing on my spiritual life and Jesus, it has been one of the most amazing life changing experiences. Here are some ways I remember how Jesus has revealed himself to me throughout my life.

When I was little, I would read the bible and every time I read it the message in it or story would move me. I seriously would close it and wonder... wow... how did this book know I needed to hear that.

When I was about 13 my friend Nikki brought home a book her aunt had given her about Jesus dying on the cross. The little booklet talked about how you ask Jesus into your heart and tell him you need him. I did it.

When I was raised in the Catholic church and a song came on the words spoke to my heart so strongly. I would cry. Tears would stream down my face. I could feel Christ's love.

When I knelt during a mass or service... I felt so peaceful. Like I was having my own private conversation with God. Mano y mano.

When my daughter was born. I looked into her eyes and felt the love God had for me.. that he created this special gift for me inside my body. I knew I didn't deserve something so precious.

When my husband and I were married in the Catholic church. I knew during that ceremony it was a sacred promise between Bill and I but the main reason we were there was because we wanted God to be at the center of it.

When Bill and I moved to Buffalo and attended a small Presbyterian church. The pastor ran off the alter to greet my husband right before the service. It touched him in a way that I've never could have imagined. I believe this pastor was such a reflection of what Jesus wants to do for each one of us... it spoke to Bill's heart.

When we decided to move to Durango after praying and asking God to guide us. We had buyers without even listing our home... and a home to move right into in Colorado. Everything we needed to have happen to move did. And the move was seamless.

When I had miscarriage last year. I prayed to God, on my knees revealing my heart and soul ("when we are weak, he is strong...") telling God we desired so much to have more children to please bless our lives with one more. He heard my prayers and my tears and delivered.

This Easter think about the ways in which Jesus has revealed to YOU that He is alive and living in your heart and life. If your heart has been stirred because a part of you understands these small things I am talking about, I encourage you to begin an intimate relationship by just in your heart asking Jesus to be part of it. Admit you need him in your life and watch how he meets you exactly where you need him most.


Happy Easter friends, Peace!

Night Two - Passion Play Update

The play started in Wednesday, I apologize for not having pictures from that night, but we had Bill's Mom in town visiting so things were a little busy. Opening night we had 200 people attend the play and it was the biggest opening night our church has had so far. This play is powerful, it tells the Easter Story of Jesus, but there are two particular scenes that really stirs hearts, it is what we did to Jesus before he got on that cross.

One scene is the scurging scene. It is a scene where they strap Jesus to some wood and whip him with leather straps that have shards of glass wrapped in them. He was beaten brutally and afterwards the Roman soldiers laid a cape on his wounds so the blood would dry and they could rip off the cape. I think about these soldiers and their sin. Their anger toward Jesus and I wonder how many people today feel the same way? People have such strong opinions and strong viewpoints on who Jesus was and is to them. How much does our own sin cloud our judgement and our ability to think openly about the life of Jesus.

The next scene is when they put him on the cross and the soldiers continue to mock and ridicule him. He was cold, bloody, trembling, in agony... and in those moments when he could be angry at God, angry at the world, angry at those soldiers, he says, "Forgive them... ". Forgiveness in the most painful time in your life. A sinless man who says forgive them. And he does this for you and me every day. So when this song plays, "Do still feel the nails... everytime I fail plays, it makes me realize how much Jesus loves me. The hardest part for people to swallow about Christianity is that our society would like us all to believe we are perfect and we have it all covered. The bottom line is that we don't and we need our sins forgiven. Sin seperated us from God, Jesus brought us back in relationship by paying the price for all we do wrong every day. In repentance we can find ourselves spiritually closer to the God who made us. Understanding I NEED Jesus is the most important decision I have ever made in my life.

Last night, after the play a woman I did not know was in the audience, she was crying after the show. She had prayed and asked Jesus to help her with her life. I was watching her as our pastor spoke. After it was over, I went over and talked to her. I could see the pain in her eyes, she was totally broken. She was so broken she could barely look at me. I asked her if I could pray for her. Her name was Susan. I prayed over her and as I prayed God put it on my heart to tell her how much he loved her and how he had GOOD plans for her. I felt like she had never heard this before. It was so humbling and honest, it was such a gift to me to be able to tell her this. I prayed for her future that she would begin to understand God's almighty specific love. I am praying she comes to church on Easter Sunday to pursue him more. I would like everyone who reads this blog to pray for her too. Susan needs Jesus, she needs to know His love and I am blessed that this play put me in a position to pray for her and bring the hope of Jesus and his love into her life.

So if you think the Passion Play is just a bunch of average people getting together to try to act... not so much. It is a play about reaching out to people, showing them the love Christ has for us and providing opportunity for people to pursue Jesus.

I am honored, humbled and amazed at this awesome production.

Opening Night

Well, this day has finally arrived. The opening night of the Passion Play. I can hardly believe it is here. Something Bill has been talking and praying about and rehearsing for weeks and weeks for.. has finally arrived.

The dress rehearsal on Monday was great. You can see the cast coming together in a coordinated way. What I am learning about this awesome production is not that it is 100% theater. The production is the result of prayer, fellowship, building relationships, music, meeting in small groups and the holy spirit working in the hearts of all cast members for evangelism.

This awesome gospel story is told so people in the audience are supernaturally touched by the holy spirit and are drawn closer to God. Jesus desires a relationship with every single person he died for on that cross. He desires a deep relationship so even though you may believe he died for you and know that he is the real Jesus working in your life... he desires to show himself to you by spiritually giving you the peace that he promises, the hope, the strength, the miracles. He is ALIVE today. We can see him in EVERYTHING we do. We can feel his spirit motivating us to be better, we can watch him work miracles, quiet our worried souls and show us his specific "awe inspiring, gasp giving, miracle working" love for us.

As I watch my husband in this play and on that cross. He does not look like my husband. He becomes "Jesus" to me. Jesus who suffered, died and was buried. Jesus who no one believed was real or true. Jesus who was mocked.

Jesus in 2009 is still mocked and ridiculed. Many people on this earth believe this story is a myth and not true. People will tell you it was made up and there is no PROOF that the Bible is even truth.

I know with every fiber of my being that God sent this man to earth to die on the cross for me. Not because I am gullible and believe everything I hear and or read. But because I have prayed to, been blown away by, been transformed by, my heart has been loved, I have been physically and spiritually changed by a mighty God who was thinking of me when he sent his son to die. I know this is true because I have experienced the relationship Christ wants to have with me.

Have you? If not. Pursue Him. He is pursuing you.

Love,
jen

Dress Rehearsal - Day One

Last night we had a dress rehearsal and potluck beforehand for the play. It was really cool. This is all very real now. We all were in costume, we ran through the play with lights sound, a small crowd of people in the audience because it was an open rehearsal. Like I said, I am totally out of my comfort zone on stage, but I am sensing the importance of really "nailing" this play for the simple fact it is an important story to tell well. Not just tell.

I was so focused on how this is all coming together last night, I forgot to take pictures. We go again tonight for our final dress rehearsal before our opening night. Tonight I will take some pics and post them. Bill is exhausted. We will all be spent by the end of this week. I talked to Billy last night and ask him how he will feel when it is all over and he admitted it might be kind of sad. He really enjoys being a part of something this important and giving his contribution. Plus I think he is learning a lot and stretching himself in many ways.

If you are reading this and are in the Durango area. Please come to see the play. It is April 8-11, 2009. The play starts at 7pm. We'd love to see you there!

If your not in the area. Check out our church website they may even have streaming video of the play each night on our website. We are checking into it.

Love, jen

Jesus - He's Alive!

Jesus BEFORE!

Well, we did it. Today we are beginning to "transform" my husband into his "thespian" role of Jesus. I have to say that theatre and acting and drama and "playing other people" is not something I am oh so comfortable with and I am NOT very good at. I respect everyone who can act, sing, and perform for people to the utmost. It is a difficult job and I trying to take part in it even as a crowd member has been stretching my comfort zone drastically. These people are incredible. And if I do say so myself, Bill is doing a great job.

But when Bill is onstage with his fellow thespians and actors, I am proud. Everyone involved has invested a piece of themselves in the play. Not only do they perform in the play and develop costumes, characters and build sets, they work on lighting sound and stage management. During the play which is the coolest things the cast is also praying for everyone. When the words from the Bible are spoken outloud those words come to life in the hearts and minds of people. The Holy spirit is at work during this play. It is an awesome awesome thing to watch and experience. That the peace of the holy spirit will rest on our church.

Before Jesus died on the cross he said this:

John 14: 25-27
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

As Billy begins his physical transformation I believe God is working in his heart as well. This play is called the "Passion Play." The scene where Jesus is being nailed to the cross is one of the hardest scenes for me to watch. He endured that cross because of my sin and rose from the dead to fulfill the prophecy... to communicate to the world he truly was the son of God... who came to earth to reconcile us to God. And when he does raise from the dead and the stone is rolled away and everyone shouts "He's alive." It means that Jesus died on that cross, but is still alive and working our lives today. He pursues us not just that we know he died for us, but that he rose from the dead so that we could be in relationship with Him. That we know Him like you would know your best friend.

Transforming BK physically was fun. Grace helped with his hair coloring, Toby and Grace took pictures and we all had a blast watching Daddy change his hair today. We look forward to dress rehearsal and the potluck before the play... tomorrow will be fun. Opening night is the 8th and it's going to be a long week but a week in which we will have a blast and it will all be worth it.

I cannot say enough about this man of mine. I am proud of his hard work, his dedication and most of all his journey with the Lord. He inspires me and motivates me to be better watching him pursue this with all of his heart. He can do anything in my eyes and if I do say so myself I think he look just as cute with brown hair as he did with blonde. :)

Here is my brown haired Jesus!

You be lifted high...

It's so funny to me... I have a bad memory. I cannot memorize a lot of verses. I know some of them. I read my Bible and there are verses that stand out to me. I know the Bible is truth and I want those words to be impressed on my heart so I can speak that truth into the lives of people. I pray that someday I get to that place. I am wanting to make sure that happens.

But right now... God knows my heart and knows my love for music. So many times I will have a song in my head that is a direct reflection of what my heart is feeling. A lot of times I will wake up in the morning barely awake and a worship song will come to my thoughts. It happens SO often and each time I thank God for the words and the song he has impressed on me.

This morning this song was in my head.



Please listen and watch this video. My prayer is that if you needed to hear this song this morning that it was for you. That God is speaking to your heart. I know that every word in this song is what I need to be reminded of. God loves me and you that much. He sends me a song in the morning to let me know how much he loves me and wants me to remember he is here for me and you.

Thankful Thursday

I am so blessed by Thankful Thursday. It reminds me to remember all the things God has done and is doing in my life. So here we go:

1. I am thankful for God stretching me and changing me. Never in my life have I been more impacted by my relationship with the Lord than in the past year.

2. I am thankful for the birds in the trees and the deer that comes to eat the grass and weeds in our yard. They are a simple reminder to me that God made these awesome creatures for me to enjoy.

3. I am so thankful for my husband. For his heart and his pursuit of the Lord. He sets a great example for me.

4. I am thankful for elastic and stretchy material. I love how it makes this prego woman comfy in clothing.

5. I am really thankful for girlfriends. The kind that challenge you, love you, understand you and listen to you. The kind that maybe don't agree with you all the time but love you more because of it.

6. I am thankful for my minivan, that gets me where I want to go with my beautiful family.

7. I am thankful for Durango. It keeps me "real." Living for Him and not the "world."

8. I am thankful for comfy beds for my kids to be tucked into... and the pillows I bought them at Wal Mart for $3.00

9. I am thankful for airplanes. That when we need to, we can fly back to the midwest to see family.

10. I am thankful for technology. It helps me stay connected in so many ways to so many people.