tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79997966753011270492024-03-05T15:28:14.784-08:00The Kline FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-59554046784362940542011-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:002011-06-09T07:58:00.139-07:00My perspective's changing...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ13cjrjd2CgqqteqEuqYN2FziP54TWr-8zM68tBJT2-DOBk9u9h73P97txWg5vgeOs9mG80gxwndkzZdAXzeP5Sia7D_MMRrcYQ_ojuG17GOtAlDx9NMG8EGnSCHKUVPTg7o26R9hobK/s1600/J+%2526+T.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ13cjrjd2CgqqteqEuqYN2FziP54TWr-8zM68tBJT2-DOBk9u9h73P97txWg5vgeOs9mG80gxwndkzZdAXzeP5Sia7D_MMRrcYQ_ojuG17GOtAlDx9NMG8EGnSCHKUVPTg7o26R9hobK/s320/J+%2526+T.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616234366681660610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDViLQyCJ-MxOrLMz-IFdMpvl_v51kmVCZ1zF4ZZstmLf8BzQgw0Jy27WcjX3J_7pTQbCe0tlS1GGeWVb90hTtXfT5BsvZaTWBaAzgJ8BQtuwOfd0g0CTNR32aFkUektnnXSLwnAdKM4k5/s1600/Josie+hope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDViLQyCJ-MxOrLMz-IFdMpvl_v51kmVCZ1zF4ZZstmLf8BzQgw0Jy27WcjX3J_7pTQbCe0tlS1GGeWVb90hTtXfT5BsvZaTWBaAzgJ8BQtuwOfd0g0CTNR32aFkUektnnXSLwnAdKM4k5/s320/Josie+hope.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616234362694514562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LFimY7SEIBArDA8vJEk80_c8nVLie_f0mLsUMuI1bCjtAxBG3wD2mvFEw0LtGooWfTJkaNBgmkVgdhHS7C2tWgXP2kQNWwrZ8mt8AX411m1O2RfkYGgMfCI4-utNm-9GD8Tpjgvv7zOi/s1600/Miss+J.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LFimY7SEIBArDA8vJEk80_c8nVLie_f0mLsUMuI1bCjtAxBG3wD2mvFEw0LtGooWfTJkaNBgmkVgdhHS7C2tWgXP2kQNWwrZ8mt8AX411m1O2RfkYGgMfCI4-utNm-9GD8Tpjgvv7zOi/s320/Miss+J.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616234356766906242" /></a><br /><br />I have to say, that although I am being stretched spiritually right now I am so excited at what God has in store. He is putting big things on my heart for riverKIDS, He is showing me new things about myself (how incredibly selfish and yucky I can be) and He is revealing more to me about his love than I have ever understood or fathomed. So with that being said, I think I'm doing all right. <br /><br />I met with our senior pastor's wife Miss L.... she has an incredible blog and she has been very inspirational to me in my walk with the Lord. But we had coffee the other day. Miss L has loads of kids a HUGE heart for the orphan and a passion to see all of the orphans all over the world experience the love of family. And let me tell you, when I say passionate, she is passionate. It is one of the things I most admire her for. That she makes no apologies for what God is showing her, she is so obedient to Him. Anyway, she has adopted children from Africa, Korea and China, she has also adopted here in the United states and has 10 kids! I don't know how she did it, has done it or continues to do it, but she does. It's a wonderful gift God has given her to have a heart for orphans and to tell the world. When she adopted I from China... God moved mightily in my heart for Him. I never grew in my spiritual walk as much as I did when I was praying on behalf of Isaiah. God gave me my prayer language, I saw his amazing power and love for this orphan and God literally changed the mind of the Chinese government to provide Isaiah a home her in the United States and a family and we are blessed to see him every Sunday. <br /><br />Anyway, L had been in Uganda in April, she took a team of women there. She has been to orphanages in China. And when I hear her heart for the orphan, it dawned on me. I have NO CLUE what she has seen, what little ones have looked into her eyes. What despair she has witness, what joy she has seen in the midst of devastation. What sadness she has seen in the hearts of little children. I have never been there, I have no clue. I don't think the majority of Americans realize how bad it is in other countries like Africa... and even China for children. <br /><br />One of my favorite things to do in riverKIDS is to sit with the babies and toddlers and to say the name "Jesus." I love to see the expression on their faces, I love to watch their eyes light up waiting for me to tell them more. Watching them look at me wanting me to say the rest... "loves you." There are millions of kids all over the world who have never heard those words. Who cannot fathom love because they don't have a parent to love them. When L walks into a Chinese orphanage and 30 kids surround her all looking at her like they want to be loved by her... it stamps something on your heart as a Mom. When L walks into the Chinese orphanage to see 60 cribs in one room with many toddlers basic needs being taken care of but hardly any human contact (snuggles, hugs, etc) it leaves a mark on your heart. When L walks down the streets of Uganda and there are street kids living hour by hour for their next morsel of food.... it leaves a stamp on your heart.<br /><br />And we are here, in the USA with SO much. I have caught myself looking at my home and wanting more, needing a bigger tv, a better couch, bigger home. Desiring my life to look like something out of a Pottery Barn catalog. When in other countries there are kiddos out there who just need a place to lay their head and whispered to them they are loved. Hmmmmm.... what's more important to God? My pretty house or what I have done for "the least of these?" <br /><br />I'm praying about going to Uganda in the Fall. I told Linn that I am not afraid of going there, but afraid of how going there will effect me. What will my spirit do? Will I ache to take a child back with me? I'm kind of a "no holes barred" kind of chick. My poor husband, but when I get something in my brain... I'm a little headstrong at moving forward with it. But what will God show me? What will he call me to do when I know what I know. Who knows... but I'm excited about it. I'm excited to move in what he wants for me. I'm excited to have my perspective changed and I am thankful for Miss L and her passion for what God has called her to tell people. <br /><br />I only posted some Josie pics for my friend Carie to see. I have been a slacker on Blogspot. Check out Miss L's blog here... <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-25681857335344378472011-04-29T14:42:00.000-07:002011-04-29T14:57:31.714-07:00An Epiphany... Breakthrough, Freedom... whatever you want to call it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1h_nPoGWqeTpcDzzhwjmD7VW401tkAcBn8qyF2nGk7NUPKNZAUCl4aM1rF5X2fHZenV9j1IkZt3t0BWkWbuq4KfARxvznN0BHJcLl9H0en3pne6fXAeBq3WQa89bDh33cbKmh9y0ny1b4/s1600/lady.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1h_nPoGWqeTpcDzzhwjmD7VW401tkAcBn8qyF2nGk7NUPKNZAUCl4aM1rF5X2fHZenV9j1IkZt3t0BWkWbuq4KfARxvznN0BHJcLl9H0en3pne6fXAeBq3WQa89bDh33cbKmh9y0ny1b4/s320/lady.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601128000566559938" /></a><br />I've had it. I've had some kind of weird breakthrought that a 39.5 year old woman has. God has been stirring my heart in so many ways lately. So totally crystal clear. I've been listening. I'm on the brink of something big. I can just feel it. I'm not sure if it's a personal breakthrough or a ministry breakthrough or what. But I am starting to have some clarity in areas I have been blind to for years. <br /><br />I am a 39 year old woman with three children and a husband and I happen to be employed at a church. But my problems are the same as everyone elses, my struggles are real. <br /><br />I think part of this breakthrough is that I am just "beginning" to understand what it looks like to "love" myself. Does that make sense? I think as Moms we get SO caught up in everyone around us. Our husbands, our kids, our friends, our family, our work, etc. etc. That we lose sight of ourselves. Not in a selfish "do everything for me" kind of way but in a way that honors our feelings, our thoughts our perspectives our hearts. All of it. <br /><br />I've been struggling with not feeling very healthy and frankly I have gained lots o weight in the past two years. Working full time and finding the time to work out with a family of 5 has been a challenge. I've been stressed so the "eating" part is how I've coped. (let me tell you how wonderful it feels to down a large fry at McDonalds....) But alas as you all know that kind of behavior while delicious for the moment is fleeting. Because it lasts mere seconds. <br /><br />Today I was at my crazy insane workout class. Led by my 22 year old trainer named Corey. Corey was a body builder and has mad skills with working out. I was in class today and started crying... literally tears rolling down my face. You see, while I was working out I was praying and asking God to give me a verse that would and could sustain me. I was in the middle of ten thousand mountain climbers and squat jumping jacks and I heard... " You are my daughter with whom I am well pleased..." It is my slogan for the year. To believe and know that I He is pleased with me. To begin to understand HIS love so I can love myself and pursue a healthier lifestyle. This will filter into my family being healthy, my husband being healthy and me being healthy. <br /><br />So there you have it. He is pleased with me. So I am pleased and choose to begin to love myself. I'm so excited to see how this plays out. I know I haven't blogged much lately but I will for sure keep you posted. <br /><br />Peace. Out. <br /><br />JenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-65367619041396817982011-02-13T05:55:00.000-08:002011-02-13T06:25:31.359-08:00I will Follow you...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F4tFbkhWfIeQEUugjhklsF8MpP8QYXWqyveK2qxZXi0mxVA4CYIdI4_0DNMI9oAA91sfe-7xonMLAzHn8bZr11EDrcTkxr9A5L5ltUY6xyV4ahf7UzScZfd7K_hNYqOaMts8KKKbddzM/s1600/Josie+Stacking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F4tFbkhWfIeQEUugjhklsF8MpP8QYXWqyveK2qxZXi0mxVA4CYIdI4_0DNMI9oAA91sfe-7xonMLAzHn8bZr11EDrcTkxr9A5L5ltUY6xyV4ahf7UzScZfd7K_hNYqOaMts8KKKbddzM/s320/Josie+Stacking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573179993999725810" /></a><br />(my picture for Cari...to keep J occupied with cans... love it) <br /><br />This song has resonated with me lately. For me following Christ has been the most amazing journey I have EVER embarked on. God is bringing me some realizations about some of the pain of my past. What it was, how it impacted me then and how it trickles into my present. When I deal with kids in the youth group and in chidren's ministry it is overwhelming to me. It is overwhelming because I don't think we realize how sensitive and fragile the heart of a child is. When the kids tell me about how their parents degrade them, yell at them, tell them they are worthless, my heart nearly bursts out of my chest. When they tell me that their parent barely talks to them and ignores them emotionally... I'm stunned. When they tell me how they are "taking care of" their parents every day emotionally and physically. I seriously can barely breathe. I have had this overwhelming sense recently as kids have began to trust me more with thier stuff... but here's the deal - I am so overwhelmed because I am RIGHT THERE WITH THEM. I am 40 years old and realizing I don't know how to process how I was treated as a child. I don't know what healthy parent/child boundaries look like. Kevin, our youth pastor talks a lot about breaking out of cycles of the things our parents and generations before us have been wrapped up in. That is where I am. In order not to repeat some of the same things my family has seen for generations,(emotional, physical abuse.) I must press into the Almighty God who created me and break all that yuck that has surrounded my life. And break it for my children's sake. Because of some of the emotional abuse I experienced in my life I have a very hard time with boundaries. The boundaries of what is and is NOT my responsibility in my relationships. The boundaries of what intimacy and real love look like. The boundaries of what a healthy parent/child relationship looks like. What a healthy marriage looks like. <br /><br />Being in ministry my world is about relationships. My world is about calling upon an Almighty God to help people in their own discovery of pain and path and needing Jesus. I know now that all I am experiencing and feeling and carrying is my own inability to truly hand people over to God. My own perception is that somehow some way I am responsible, included and needed to make it better. I am loved more if I help. I am accepted more if I can "take it from you" and make your progress for you. I can't fathom God doing it without my help, my insight, my hand in it. My perception is that He needs me... not that I NEED HIM. <br /><br />So... as with all things when God gives me clarity. I press in. I research, I gain wisdom and counsel. I am doing that. He has brought me to this place of a deeper understanding of myself and my pain so HE can do the work. <br /><br />I am on a path to understanding what it means to love others AND MYSELF in a healthy way that God wants for my life and the life of my family. I look forward to what's next. It is scary to admit I need this kind of help. It is hard to change old patterns and ways of thinking, but I know that I know... He will see me through, every single step of the way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-60599492405987753542011-01-14T19:25:00.000-08:002011-01-14T20:11:19.707-08:00It's good in the hood.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYolSX4xK7fwRuKpn3Q07vi057VvduL3IF5ivzT0jTSlYx_mXz9PsxRKXF58f5khFV3KA1CawPHaLeGeCVa_4XnqtxdiCcYvpe9xrNixAEBbGdV56SMyYUe7i-qM420NdWodKOqiNQ6L4/s1600/Me+short+hair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYolSX4xK7fwRuKpn3Q07vi057VvduL3IF5ivzT0jTSlYx_mXz9PsxRKXF58f5khFV3KA1CawPHaLeGeCVa_4XnqtxdiCcYvpe9xrNixAEBbGdV56SMyYUe7i-qM420NdWodKOqiNQ6L4/s320/Me+short+hair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562260410261679906" /></a><br />So, I think I've figured out my angst. I've been so EMO lately. I don't like it, I don't understand it and I can't really predict it. I am truly in the most unchartered season of my life. But I think it is a combination of some very big things happening in my family. Growing from 2 to 3 is a challenge, but what was bothering me is that I don't remember the season being "this long" or this hard." But I think one of the toughest things I am challenged with right now is that both of my big kids are enrolled in school. I did not realize how "big" of a job it is to have my kids in school. The amount of support kids need when they are in preschool seems miniscule compared to what happens with all of the variables of when they venture into the public school system. My kids have been pretty sheltered. I have to admit it, We lived in a pretty secluded place in the valley. Not a neighborhood where kids ventured off to their friends homes. My kids played with each other and their friends from church. That's about it. And when we do things as a family we usually do them with other people in the church. The same friends who operate similar to us. They have similar parenting techniques, we agree on some of the same basics. But now, my kids are being influenced by other people. People who don't believe what I believe. Kids who's parents do not teach them the same things I teach them. My kids LOVE their school. Their teachers are great. But I am learning that I have to trust God in this process. These teachers are amazing, they tell me things I never noticed about my kids. They tell me other strengths that are blooming out of them, they point out areas of struggle and partner with me to support my kids. But I HAVE TO be paying attention. It would be very easy to put my kids in school and just have the mentality that the school will do the rest. But I have to ask questions, of my kids and the teachers, I have to be listening, attend meetings, participate and mostly support. I have to watch relationships, make appointments and stand my ground in some scenarios. It is a big job, but one I know is worth it. God did not call me to keep my kids home with me. I know that I am certain having them in the school district now is what he would have me do. But I have this sense of responsibility to support and love the staff and teachers who are investing in my kids. They are good people who want the same things I do for my child. My job is not to critique or criticize HOW they do it, but as a parent to support them while they are doing it. <br /><br />I take my kids seriously. My family is my number one priority. So I guess I didn't realize how much I would need to invest, sacrifice and contribute to support my kids while they were in school. I didn't realize how having less control over their lives was going to impact me. My kids sometimes have to learn lessons without me hovering over them. They have to fail and face consequences that were not my consequences. They have to succeed and do it on their own. I love my kiddos no matter what they do. It is the kind of love I am beginning to understand, the kind of love I want them to know and the kind of love that will sustain them through their lifetime. <br /><br />Funny story about Toby: <br /><br />Today Toby told me that two boys were fighting at recess. They were at a quiet table in the lunch room. Toby walked up to them and told them it was all going to be OK if they have "God in their heart." That "God would help them if they asked him to help." He made the boys promise to be nice to one another and made them shake on it. My son Toby has had HIMSELF in a world of trouble these past couple of weeks... and we have been praying together A LOT. So it warmed my heart when he told me he was ministering to his friends the words I spoke to HIM this week. <br /><br />So, although I have been a little challenged, frustrated and EMO. I thank you for listening. I thank you for your grace and I pray that God just continues to show me how faithful and loving he is. I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me. right?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-60346689769613873702011-01-06T08:35:00.000-08:002011-01-06T09:05:30.985-08:00Is it OK to be NOT OK?So, I am writing this not as a complaint, mostly as a memo, a pondering a point of view. I have been irritated lately. And I have been in a lot of prayer. I have been seeking God, listening and asking Him for guidance. I haven't felt any of the fruits of the spirit. My flesh has been weak. And by weak I mean... crabby, tired, selfish, whiney the list could go on and on. And believe me, I don't like it when I feel this way. Here's the thing and on top of just plain feeling yucky... I've felt GUILTY about feeling yucky. So on top of feeling like I am a gross, tired, yucky, angry, impatient child of God... I was starting to feel really BAD about myself and the fact I could not snap out of it. <br /><br />Now, MANY factors are feeding into my inability to be spiritually at peace. My pace is so fast. And to be perfectly honest I am still not used to it. I still struggle with it personally and struggle with the fact my family is in it. My 1.5 year old blessing is a lot to handle with two kids in school who have busy schedules and need much more guidance, parenting and time. We are constantly looking at our finances and our money matters. Mind you, I have an amazing and wonderful flexible schedule. By no means is anyone at the church making me feel like I have to operate at 500 miles per hour. It is a pace I put on myself and expectations I carry for my own perception of success. It is all my own doing... (another reason to feel the guilt). I am writing this because I wonder if other women feel the same way and I just need to put this out there. <br /><br />So, I am a Christian woman... beautifully and wonderfully made. But is it OK for me to NOT BE OK? And just be operating in my flesh and bugged and annoyed and irritated and working through some things with the Lord? <br /><br />Circa 10 years ago... my husband and I never went to church regularly. We lived in our own little bubble, struggled alone, rejoiced as a couple, mourned as a couple we really never let anyone in unless it was stuff we "wanted" them to see. We kept our friends at a close enough distance to feel close but never was TRULY vulnerable to them to see our "blemishes" the things we struggled with... our hurts and our pains. <br /><br />I have to say that now that I am HAPPILY involved with a church and a church family... it is tough. It is just darn tooting stinking tough. Because whether we like it or not, people are getting to know us at a deep personal level. A level that requires us to be honest about the good the bad and the ugly of who we are. It requires us to take a look in the mirror and seek God to help us with all of it. It is hard to disappoint people, be honest, be tired, be bugged when I know so many people all around me are going through so much and need to be ministered to while I myself need ministering to. <br /><br />Thankfully, God has surrounded me with the exact recipe I need to help me walk through this uncomfortable time. I have people who speak truth into my life in a very loving way (modeling this for me in my life) I have people who encourage me, support me and serve alongside me with such passion and excitement I am blown away. I have people who know what a "mess" I am and choose to let me lead them in this church. I have an amazing staff who are patient, give me grace and point out to me my strengths. The reason it is so hard is that for so long I want to make sure the other people around me are comfortable. I am not trusting that God is going to take care of them, love them even when I cannot fully provide them all they need. <br /><br />But I'm a stinking mess. And truly... it's not fun for me to say... but I better get used to it. Because if I wasn't, I wouldn't need "My Jesus" to walk me through this mess and see me to the other side of it. He will do that... I might get in the way of it here and there... but I am sure he will do it. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-85496397497370213642010-12-27T13:25:00.001-08:002010-12-27T14:03:37.321-08:00Here it comes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_1q8gexwbdS88Y6Xxz8TE2GOYJ_vHVcW_yaHYZHh3TbURfRydTs9_bReR2PpMLDG5t8nizSByGWOs71c3Rjow_8NMJElAOVVMhVyfadbU70z2uh2FqFhUEhnehhyzUUzk3khFmgUuf8w/s1600/G+and+B+at+ddd+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_1q8gexwbdS88Y6Xxz8TE2GOYJ_vHVcW_yaHYZHh3TbURfRydTs9_bReR2PpMLDG5t8nizSByGWOs71c3Rjow_8NMJElAOVVMhVyfadbU70z2uh2FqFhUEhnehhyzUUzk3khFmgUuf8w/s400/G+and+B+at+ddd+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555484949047463026" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDKrJXpMfpGTaSECPOJGSug_-LSl9QdC7dl5yHOqvU7cUkT8CAVgx5KUrJ1G8br7NbG0j1DQs-JxDtVZg1BICo3X4FTjQiaBjGlzVSez05Aeu7hwWtnXv5yVUSIK6mIuOUT8sWPb9tilJ/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+Centerpiece+II.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDKrJXpMfpGTaSECPOJGSug_-LSl9QdC7dl5yHOqvU7cUkT8CAVgx5KUrJ1G8br7NbG0j1DQs-JxDtVZg1BICo3X4FTjQiaBjGlzVSez05Aeu7hwWtnXv5yVUSIK6mIuOUT8sWPb9tilJ/s400/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+Centerpiece+II.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555479030791462418" /></a><br />The 2nd Annual Durango Daddy Daughter Dance is coming! I am the lucky recipient of the title of event coordinator to bring together an amazing event at our church that honors the relationship between a Dad and daughter. This year's theme came from another Taylor Swift song that one of my amazing teachers Ashley told me about. It is called, Never Grow Up. <br /><br />Last year we had an awesome turnout of over 185 Dads and daughters flood our sanctuary. I am meeting with the team of people who will help with various areas of the event next week. My daughter has already found, picked out and we've purchased the dress she is going to wear. My husband is thrilled to take his sweet girl again. As she fast approaches eight years old he is so excited to honor her and the relationship they have. <br /><br />I am AGAIN getting a little melancholy. Love the event. Love planning it coordinating the theme, decorations, directing teams, praying for it, promoting it. I'm totally excited. I love projects like these because they start at one point... and they have an amazing satisfaction. I get to "be" or hang out at the event ( I hid from my daughter and her friends last year) but to watch little girls dance with, chat with and eat with thier Daddies is awesome. <br /><br />I emailed my Dad the other day. I told him I loved him. I do. I wanted him to know it, because it's true. Anyway, listen to this awesome song. I can't wait for this really cool event. :) Peace, JenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-16241286132386175192010-12-23T08:05:00.001-08:002010-12-23T08:30:13.694-08:00My Mom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWgU8DgWT_BjB1G_vFoy7whA0Eivv1ukY5uZXz8zTZhEV88i6UnueTxCw6-JZj-1IqSdPj-hSVztHJiHb4KJ-7Zv3-JHv1uGfJDnmrYnji3LZuuiyR_Dze7D8y_a9Ztn0jELMach4lBo/s1600/Mom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWgU8DgWT_BjB1G_vFoy7whA0Eivv1ukY5uZXz8zTZhEV88i6UnueTxCw6-JZj-1IqSdPj-hSVztHJiHb4KJ-7Zv3-JHv1uGfJDnmrYnji3LZuuiyR_Dze7D8y_a9Ztn0jELMach4lBo/s400/Mom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553914945524172034" /></a><br /><br />My Mom has come to visit us this Christmas. She is actually staying with us in our home. She is a blessing to all who meet her and there is NO ONE like her. I repeat. NO ONE. She is an individual and perfectly and wonderfully made for me and my family. I am even more blessed because she is spending the week with my kiddos while I go to work. I cannot explain how much the kids love it when she comes. She really doesn't have to do anything other than wear her Spongebob Squarepants pajamas, snuggle them and read to them and encourage them. They adore her. <br /><br />After we moved away from my Dad and my brothers headed back to Wisconsin, it was a struggle and a process in missing my family. My Mom lives in New Mexico most of the time but comes back to see us often. But there is something about having your family with you on Christmas that makes it extra special.<br /><br />Christmas time is a time for showing one another the grace and love God gives us. It is a time for words that speak life into peoples lives. It is a time for giving of gifts. Homeade gifts, gifts of words, gifts of service, gifts of quality time and most important gifts of love. My Mom is that gift to me. <br /><br />It's kind of tough to have QT with her right now with the kiddos interupting our chats, but we're getting them in. We pour each other a cup of coffee and visit. We laugh. We hug. She is the BEST gift giver in all the world. She remembers anything you have ever said you wanted, needed or thought about and somehow they are all magically located under the tree Christmas morning. We painted nails yesterday... she allowed grace to paint her nails red, white and green. They were supposed to be stripes but turned out to be smudges of each color. Yet she admires them with love. My daughter made her coffee this morning. Wanting nothing more than to be near her Grandma. <br /><br />So this Christmas I am relishing and enjoying the time I get to spend with my Mom. Making every moment count and enjoying the time I get to spend with her. What a blessing she is to us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-15357533925923427242010-12-19T16:35:00.000-08:002010-12-19T16:49:28.814-08:00A prayer answered and a special Christmas gift...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WNm2htxSTuJHfxvQB60TNINdhm3zRTxLGaFQykdMMrxED3dyisxAXALcBxUj2n_kmpS-RxX6xBF3YeFSNgyajpA_7O_XYMeMnwHu7Qbsom15qGVIr-kAkzW5_WviuOeX26qdvGMgS-3O/s1600/Tidbit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WNm2htxSTuJHfxvQB60TNINdhm3zRTxLGaFQykdMMrxED3dyisxAXALcBxUj2n_kmpS-RxX6xBF3YeFSNgyajpA_7O_XYMeMnwHu7Qbsom15qGVIr-kAkzW5_WviuOeX26qdvGMgS-3O/s400/Tidbit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552560181927012498" /></a><br />I have to tell you a sweet thing my husband just came home and told me. If you remember, this year we had to give our sweet Tid Bit to the animal shelter. Our sudden move to a new rental made it impossible for us to keep her. Our schedules were that we are never home. When we lived on my Dad's land, she could run around and play with my Dad and his other dogs. She would be alone in our house, bored and frankly she was too smart of a dog to just have hang around. <br /><br />This was a tough decision for BK and I. G and T LOVED her very much. She grew up with them and was a very special part of our family. But because we did not have much time with her, she had a hard time listening to us, did not know what to expect and most of the time was utterly confused about what we wanted. <br /><br />The new rental is also very close to a busy road where we get lots of traffic. I feared the thought of TidBit getting out of our home and running into the street. <br /><br />Anyway, BK and I took her to the animal shelter and all I could do was pray. I asked God to bring her to a family or a couple who would be able to love her, spend time with her and thoroughly enjoy her. She is SUPER FAST. I always wanted to get her in an agility training or something. She is part "heeler" so she needed a job to do. Something she knew she was good at. <br /><br />Anyway, I followed up with the shelter after I dropped her off. They had a home and garden fair at the Fairgrounds and the animal shelter featured TidBit as one of the dogs to adopt at a booth they had at this event. MANY people came to look at her and thought she was great. When I called the shelter about a week later, the lady told me that she in fact was adopted by a couple who saw her at the fairgrounds and came back to the shelter to inquire about her. I was thrilled. No kids. TidBit would be the center of their world. Praise God. I told the kids and even though it was good news it was hard for them to hear. They didn't care if TidBit found a great home, they wanted TidBit to be their dog still. <br /><br />Yet, God is even more faithful. When I prayed, I asked God to give her a full life. I cried when BK dropped her off. She was special. I just prayed other people saw what I knew about her to be true. <br /><br />Anyway, today BK was at the Mall and found out from our old neighbor that friend of her adopted TidBit. That she is now a certified Therapy dog for people in the hospitals, hospice and little children. She sits with kids while they read her books, she visits sick grandmas and grandpas in the nursing homes and she visits hospitals where people need a friendly dog to greet them. <br /><br />BK are so excited for her. We haven't told the kids because again we don't think they would appreciate it yet. But we will. This is a sweet little Christmas prayer answered. A reminder to me of a God who knows the little things in my heart that I desire and meets me right where I am at. <br /><br />Thank you God for giving our puppy an amazing home and a new "job". Thanks for the reminder of your sweet love. May I never forget how unfailing, specific and good it is. Merry Christmas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-71662985779802494552010-12-17T07:53:00.000-08:002010-12-17T08:39:58.362-08:00Authentic Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq9QUuy_Ut_N7qjPh1CFsMWf5fyXOhiDHLdiQhWOuJ-HWCdeG-2q7W62DEPNV3_KIsJqoUaSvWWYajROOl_KEy6ubaRfaLTu51AwARKLVHIr_GbBJhHeNC3uo3JFD2oIl_LdeNyQZs0D1/s1600/when+I+am+old.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq9QUuy_Ut_N7qjPh1CFsMWf5fyXOhiDHLdiQhWOuJ-HWCdeG-2q7W62DEPNV3_KIsJqoUaSvWWYajROOl_KEy6ubaRfaLTu51AwARKLVHIr_GbBJhHeNC3uo3JFD2oIl_LdeNyQZs0D1/s400/when+I+am+old.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551691240232764130" /></a><br /><br />: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character<br /><br /> worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact.<br /><br />I've always considered myself to be an authentic person. You get what you get. I am who I say I am. I'm not too complex. I admit my mistakes, I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I do not care much what others think about me. I grew up in the midwest. You have to be a little bit tough to live there. Winters are harsh. We used to joke in Minnesota that it is hard to make friends there because everyone has all of their already established relationships, in the winter everyone hunkers down with their "peeps" and coming to the state from another place was hard to break into and form close relationships. But that is pretty much how it is. You have to "earn" your way into relationship. You have to "prove" yourself worthy. You have to show that you can "run with the big dogs" before you will gain any ground, respect or confirmation. As I've mentioned in the past, I grew up VERY CODEPENDENT. I was a pleaser. I was the "diplomat." I was constantly looking for ways to help people. I thought it was out of the goodness of my heart. But now I realize it was because I was paralyzed with fear that if I didn't do it, my world would spin out of control. I needed to "create" "force" and "maintain" order. Otherwise I wasn't sure I could survive. <br /><br />Like I've stated before. I was raised in an awesome home in the suburbs of Milwaukee, I love my family, my home and what my parents taught me. I was taken to church, we had nice things, my Mom and Dad worked their booties off to give us an amazing life as a family. But I believe the minute BK and I decided to surrender our lives to the Lord and call ourselves Christians is the day I started gaining new perspective on God's plan for me. God's intentions for my life and how God wants me to live. I have an audience of ONE.... (no more, no less) and in that HE is giving me insight, revelation, and a deeper understanding of my own heart and what it yearns for, and what it needs. And what he is showing me now is that I need AUTHENTICITY. I need to be more authentic. <br /><br />All the time I've spent "playing" peacemaker, has not prepared me for this day. An authentic Christian TELLS you what they want, what they expect, what they know to be true. An authentic Christian may not agree with you but will tell you how they feel and still want to be united in relationship with you. An authentic christian is not AFRAID of how other people will act, what they will do or what they might say. They wholely and completely trust the Lord to take care of everyone else. <br /><br />I think what people can't stand about Christians is the facade that we are all SO... OK. That we are like flippin Mr. Rogers. How many of us would one time have liked to see Mr. Rogers chuck his shoe across the room and demand a different style? <br /><br />Walking with Jesus is a journey and to be perfectly honest it may take me my entire life to get a COUPLE of the fruits of the spirit... but it's totally OK with God. It may take me a while to learn how to talk to my husband or my kids or my friends, but it's the journey I am on with God. I've stuffed a lot of crap over the years. (God loves me even though I say crap)<br />I know when it's happening. I do it to spare people the agony of having to "deal with" me. But God is showing me that it's not my job to spare people. It's not my job to tip toe around their issues. It's not my job to pacify, soothe and stroke everyone else around me. It is my job to love them yes. But not my job to make their lives OK. <br /><br />So... as I seek to learn with authenticity looks like and watch how it plays out in my life. I will remember that God is the only audience member I have. He is the most important and where the rest of this journey takes me is up to Him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-22171670615849991892010-12-15T12:59:00.000-08:002010-12-15T13:07:27.084-08:00Mostly pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJmdsPAjDEVMf6wGSy-AcZdarCvsI9WSKKgp5mZ2_jgh3lea44ktrJy33dLqtYqU6rfhLi8zYhSGdpRcOyw22Re6SLyiSvISRp703J61ezGyWZ-1mbPGI2t_JtenD3v2mjZhUvgeqEADX/s1600/December+2010+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJmdsPAjDEVMf6wGSy-AcZdarCvsI9WSKKgp5mZ2_jgh3lea44ktrJy33dLqtYqU6rfhLi8zYhSGdpRcOyw22Re6SLyiSvISRp703J61ezGyWZ-1mbPGI2t_JtenD3v2mjZhUvgeqEADX/s400/December+2010+049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551018602855944098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB26s2e0ysEWE5Amcd3T98X285877cQsorDueX0kuTgDSzA3sGrdkp3lpWnPmwEFjrRhLae5hZRc2fl-NhPPoIbTYSF1Oak9rrUHgtargjQAEDpDr-kjcHpNh_utke7JHLjRx0vpAMUlWO/s1600/December+2010+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB26s2e0ysEWE5Amcd3T98X285877cQsorDueX0kuTgDSzA3sGrdkp3lpWnPmwEFjrRhLae5hZRc2fl-NhPPoIbTYSF1Oak9rrUHgtargjQAEDpDr-kjcHpNh_utke7JHLjRx0vpAMUlWO/s400/December+2010+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551017312637876482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aMcYtbsalmH42N24lPay0DZiOIK471O5yZuvjf9LH98-LXuOKZeNFWXGODpoGt1fXE_wBkK7hEFaQswzsMBpvaJjouGjML_Hk8zwAvKeGDSxXwJCdfQKc48diDgqo06muQ2ZffC5sp5l/s1600/December+2010+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aMcYtbsalmH42N24lPay0DZiOIK471O5yZuvjf9LH98-LXuOKZeNFWXGODpoGt1fXE_wBkK7hEFaQswzsMBpvaJjouGjML_Hk8zwAvKeGDSxXwJCdfQKc48diDgqo06muQ2ZffC5sp5l/s400/December+2010+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551017305549006834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMYJtkN4-2rrfEyOgTvC9KNz4XyqvYSo8Y0E-k1ieX4Taaj-8z16UvAA1Kzln6688D-39Tzhdjb6FZRjErR4BVoExoafNOf3Bw4KlAJVjzvEX3Sv7rduMH9_jJHqOBosNRGdTLC4vlR0L/s1600/December+2010+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMYJtkN4-2rrfEyOgTvC9KNz4XyqvYSo8Y0E-k1ieX4Taaj-8z16UvAA1Kzln6688D-39Tzhdjb6FZRjErR4BVoExoafNOf3Bw4KlAJVjzvEX3Sv7rduMH9_jJHqOBosNRGdTLC4vlR0L/s400/December+2010+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551017301335337458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzdvAcEjwVMJDJ6kLfmZ8Nn5b-ymNfaVDAckGDgl4u3ARYDb4SVo0wQDevkEQ6caEBNcy1ucC6wHr0Y-raBOo9r-CYAkKbzsfQZlFYhTfDjIVVAV9yPcNLNdBynkOfOz6TCQPqiUmKrZp/s1600/December+2010+052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzdvAcEjwVMJDJ6kLfmZ8Nn5b-ymNfaVDAckGDgl4u3ARYDb4SVo0wQDevkEQ6caEBNcy1ucC6wHr0Y-raBOo9r-CYAkKbzsfQZlFYhTfDjIVVAV9yPcNLNdBynkOfOz6TCQPqiUmKrZp/s400/December+2010+052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551017297625001922" /></a><br />We are in the midst of Christmas Programs at school this year. Toby had his on Monday. (K - 2nd grade) It was sweet, lots of kids, lots of singing and dancing. It is one of those traditions I was talking about that I love so much. The kids love seeing their friends, performing for family and celebrating as a community. I was SO tired. Josie was ready for bed, but we went and we had fun. Toby was excited to perform for us. Enjoy the pics.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-52625223477077069882010-12-13T11:15:00.000-08:002010-12-13T11:51:06.401-08:00Christmas Traditions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGektwDAB6OcTjfryfXn54M9oWUuRlauc-v1fX-KcFPyEhfWUZo4EgHER1l20vZQysjsKID4zcNaZMZUCPDgy4IchD6LPJChz2iLvbsQtikhCCjx9VfRYbKAOhWG4Im3j5n1suTVMDAJJL/s1600/Toby+Kline.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGektwDAB6OcTjfryfXn54M9oWUuRlauc-v1fX-KcFPyEhfWUZo4EgHER1l20vZQysjsKID4zcNaZMZUCPDgy4IchD6LPJChz2iLvbsQtikhCCjx9VfRYbKAOhWG4Im3j5n1suTVMDAJJL/s400/Toby+Kline.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550250773559519906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC5GT6VmJwniifV5alvLTyo2ooYAkWZ01vcgtrqucFi8UW0o7ftByyBI6Z6WWPoJR9AkTjFlaWWQoAjiZg9Ef1Aj0tfgkZgvfrJ9jw0KuRWkJO348EXDUWUfaiXLTVy8KeHMAzq96fFQQ/s1600/Grace+Kline.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC5GT6VmJwniifV5alvLTyo2ooYAkWZ01vcgtrqucFi8UW0o7ftByyBI6Z6WWPoJR9AkTjFlaWWQoAjiZg9Ef1Aj0tfgkZgvfrJ9jw0KuRWkJO348EXDUWUfaiXLTVy8KeHMAzq96fFQQ/s400/Grace+Kline.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550250770967552210" /></a><br />I love traditions. I love when a family does something 'cause that's just what we do in our family.' I love it. It is what makes a family a family. It is one of the first things you learn about your spouse. The traditions of a family. You can either keep them going or change them or tweak them but having them is always so much fun. Here are a couple of ours... and a couple I'd love to try in years to come. <br /><br /><br />1. Making Gingerbread houses (Jinny started this with my kids last year and they LOVE it)<br /><br />2. Picking out and putting up the Christmas tree. Grace seems to be the "pro" at the perfect tree. This year I was wrangling Josie and keeping her warm while we shopped, but she found a beautiful tree that is perfect for our house. <br /><br />3. Stockings. In MY family we had St. NICK that came on December 5th and filled our stockings... Santa came on the 24th. We never questioned it because if we didn't BELIEVE.. he wouldn't come. And MAN did we want him to COME TO OUR HOUSE! :) We hang and fill stockings on Christmas Eve. <br /><br />4. Monkey Bread on Christmas Day... it is a gooey mass of deliciousness on Christmas Day that my husband makes for us. <br /><br />5. Where is Jesus? The nativity is put out before Christmas. However Jesus is not in the manger until Christmas Day. I used to love to come and look at the manger in oour house on Christmas Day. To see the cute little baby Jesus. <br /><br />6. Watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation... a tradition in my family. More appropriate for older kids. Our kids are too young to find it funny. Home ALONE is a good one for them now. Also another great Christmas movie. <br /><br />7. Christmas performance at church, Christmas program at school, Giving tree at school. <br />8. The Roger Whittaker Christmas music... as well as the Muppets Christmas. LOVE THEM BOTH. <br /><br />FUTURE THOUGHTS... <br /><br />I would love to do the following things in the future: <br /><br />1. Serve at a soup kitchen<br />2. Mission Trip <br />3. Birthday party for Jesus.(we are doing this at church on the 19th) <br />4. Get a forest license and chop down our own tree. <br /><br />Christmas is GRAND... isn't it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-43510756950704593752010-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:002010-12-07T19:13:09.324-08:00December Joy...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z5GpeUwZBJ6nNuy-LBUGxTYfeKAdaTDrdV7GeEnkfzMvo99XMiPcKMtBd5TIjeKqIiVEHmsCpB_yngGN6glX0VYKUT1dzLn6VF_Iyx7D-la9uxlz_tLaPjoU21-dpJMeACgoO2HjSK85/s1600/New+Josie+II.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z5GpeUwZBJ6nNuy-LBUGxTYfeKAdaTDrdV7GeEnkfzMvo99XMiPcKMtBd5TIjeKqIiVEHmsCpB_yngGN6glX0VYKUT1dzLn6VF_Iyx7D-la9uxlz_tLaPjoU21-dpJMeACgoO2HjSK85/s400/New+Josie+II.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548143444641818482" /></a><br /><strong>Josie via my mobile phone</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBpkcXC3hvgKtxr3Ox_6rkkNYDwTOLUXcO3xv8xSEeYRvEK1kP5tAqFYiaVs-Lyc-YYSeebIlGsuqsnlhhPlTKyo_L-0FNA00-kIwlOEWPG4PiQk__U8IAkXD8EAvK2y2lcHgUN0qgqyS/s1600/New+Josie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBpkcXC3hvgKtxr3Ox_6rkkNYDwTOLUXcO3xv8xSEeYRvEK1kP5tAqFYiaVs-Lyc-YYSeebIlGsuqsnlhhPlTKyo_L-0FNA00-kIwlOEWPG4PiQk__U8IAkXD8EAvK2y2lcHgUN0qgqyS/s400/New+Josie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548143444868854770" /></a><br /><strong>Josie knowing she's not supposed to DIG in the garbage, but trying to be cute anyway.</strong> <br /><br />I can't remember a time when I've been more excited about Christmas. I can't remember being more elated about celebrating the birth of Christ. It brings me such joy to think about decorating the house, buying a fresh tree and decorating it with the kids and making sure we are all focused on the reason we celebrate this beautiful season and time of year. My husband is healthy, my kids are happy and healthy and we have some of the best friends and family in the world. <br /><br />I was thinking about some past posts and it kind of makes me giggle how much I went into ministry with barely a smidge of understanding in terms of what God was doing with me to prepare me for this journey. I am being sanctified, stripped of the "old Jen" and being given some revelation about myself that sometimes is not so fun to know. I am giving up control of things... all the while kicking and screaming because it's so uncomfortable. I am learning to trust and love a God with my most precious priority. That which is my family. <br /><br />In a way, God has said to me... I've got them Jen. You don't have to be ME for them. You just have to be you... and love ME with all your heart. My friend Linn created a blog post about how the disciples threw down their nets and followed Jesus. They dropped everything that mattered to them to follow Him. In many ways I worship my children. I am overly consumed by how I AFFECT how I IMPACT how I TRAIN and how I LOVE THEM. I know it says in the Bible to train a child up in the way they should go. But it also says not to don't WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING... THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE... <br /><br />So, I'm in this awesome church, being impacted by God in such a personal way, seeking His kingdom here on earth. I'm listening to Him give me a vision, a passion and a burden for children and how much of a big deal they are to Him. I'm leading adults who themselves are learning from Him pressing into Him and being in relationship with me while they serve kids in our church. I'm trusting God with my husband and his health, I'm trusting God with my kids protection in public school and his provision for them in all that they need. I'm learning to manage my time and minister to kids and be honest with people about tough stuff. I'm dropping my nets. And following Him, trusting Him and "PRAYING ABOUT EVERYTHING." <br /><br />My baby is now one and a half. My husband is on the road to a healthier life with the new medicine he is taking and I am looking forward to the next year and all that comes with it. I am done worrying, done complaining, done wondering. I am doing it. I am not looking back and I am following Him. Jesus, Help me to always follow you. Help me to KNOW that you are who you say you are and that you'll do what you say your going to do. Lord, help me to know you have my kids in your arms, that those plans for them that you had intended are in full force and they will see them through to fruition. God give me peace about riverKIDS and what you want me to do to help reach more kids in Durango. And Lord most of all bring me people who understand what a "BIG DEAL" kids are to you. <br /><br />I love you Lord. Thanks for this Christmas season. Thanks for putting up with me for so many things... and thanks for reminding me how much you love me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-5788585918140144622010-11-25T18:12:00.000-08:002010-11-25T18:29:14.709-08:00This Thanksgiving.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWcq_xjUV0oO1N6LwnrCiV9g9_c5xWEYXxGJDHyD6pvY4EnOLVgI-8itH9ejcMyhyphenhyphenEGQIAkwBhZeN2oNd8c-eRIgc69oSmEont3QDwOnNOTH5qkmo6sCCs7uELgsfOqgjW3TBliwsia_7/s1600/Thanksgiving+2010+-+EB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWcq_xjUV0oO1N6LwnrCiV9g9_c5xWEYXxGJDHyD6pvY4EnOLVgI-8itH9ejcMyhyphenhyphenEGQIAkwBhZeN2oNd8c-eRIgc69oSmEont3QDwOnNOTH5qkmo6sCCs7uELgsfOqgjW3TBliwsia_7/s400/Thanksgiving+2010+-+EB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543677168678616066" /></a><br /><br />Thanksgiving 2010 - Elephant Butte New Mexico<br /><br />Posting a quick update from New Mexico. <br /><br />On Monday we traveled about 6.5 hours from Durango to where my Mom lives in Elephant Butte New Mexico. This is a much needed hiatus. MUCH needed time with my family and much needed time to decompress. I am thankful for so much, yet struggling at the same time? Can anyone relate? Maybe it's the holidays... but I believe it is more of a work God is doing in me... a BIG one, that I have yet to understand what it is. I always pray that God keep transforming me, but with that request comes seasons of facing things that aren't fun. Maybe seeing more of my own yuck I need to come to terms with. MORE trusting God. LESS of me. Maybe that's my prayer this year. When I ask God for MORE of Him and LESS of me am I prepared for what that might mean in my life? Am I ready for the sacrifice that comes with it? If I want to be "different" and transformed doesn't it mean that I'll have to do things I have not done before. Explore areas of things I have avoided for so long and TRUST that God will go before me, not forsake me and love me through all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly? Whew? <br /><br />I've lived a "safe" life for a very long time. I'm stepping out.. trusting Him and thanking God for what's coming. <br /><br />I pray you all have a great Thanksgiving.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-68118620826076163232010-11-02T14:56:00.001-07:002010-11-02T15:12:26.521-07:00Letters of intent... Oh where did you go?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeho4lSUpEFYyaFfSpsWl5RxMeB-KR50P3Doke0Qi-LFv-8WVq6CHUWi6SbMQc68vl5hTNzfw4eJhgoQR88GGGbALwrEpc9faefGqqCWMAKweG1a-1PdqAqP56iCT0WyQm1YdG2lNGhYh/s1600/six+pack.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 102px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeho4lSUpEFYyaFfSpsWl5RxMeB-KR50P3Doke0Qi-LFv-8WVq6CHUWi6SbMQc68vl5hTNzfw4eJhgoQR88GGGbALwrEpc9faefGqqCWMAKweG1a-1PdqAqP56iCT0WyQm1YdG2lNGhYh/s400/six+pack.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535077449469357074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcUJ3L4XKWX8yRzKB2Zhmq9xX_gb266ao2wFIjoNo3Hlbu3jFC0mV1h9XFHqR23fwqcUQlD2FquJJDk5YuRp4jhbetF04wDjWPQsCfRp042T-hfC0prjeuIFCjcVOTTaVgOaMmCsT8W5z/s1600/Tree+trunk.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcUJ3L4XKWX8yRzKB2Zhmq9xX_gb266ao2wFIjoNo3Hlbu3jFC0mV1h9XFHqR23fwqcUQlD2FquJJDk5YuRp4jhbetF04wDjWPQsCfRp042T-hfC0prjeuIFCjcVOTTaVgOaMmCsT8W5z/s400/Tree+trunk.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535077442469449314" /></a><br />I have been meaning to write this letter for some time. <br /><br />Dear waist, <br /><br />OK... so I know I have been kind of tough on you the last 8 years. With all the babies inside my body and the stretching, working out, then stretching again, I'll admit you've taken a beating. <br /><br />I'll also admit that I haven't made proper pant choices and jean decisions in that <br />I try to squeeze into a smaller jean size than appropriate for my body. It's a weakness I have... God is working on me. <br /><br />And I know I've had three children and made you carry about 20 lbs of baby around for quite some time... I'm always bending at the waist to pick up things... carry things etc. etc. <br /><br />But really, why did you have to leave? I miss having a waist! I miss you. I miss how my jeans feel and how my body looks. Having the stature that I do (fun sized) when I don't have a waist I look like a tree trunk. It's just how it is. My vertically challenged body can't afford not to have a waist... so I am begging you to please come back. <br /><br />Please come back as a miracle. As a work of the Holy spirit in which I would not have to do one Pilates, yoga or cardio move and you would out of nowhere be back with me on my body. I would have curves again... oh what a day that would be. <br /><br />If you come back to me, I would take you shopping for new jeans that fit me better. I would make Bill pick everything up and I would try not to bend over so much. I am not having anymore children that would put more stress and strain on you so we won't have to worry about that. Oh waist of mine, please also come back as a six pack....what a day that would be when we would be reunited again. From tree trunk to chick with a six pack waist. Ahhhh... how healthy I would feel. <br /><br />I just wanted to write to you because I miss you and I look forward to a day when we will be reunited again. (did I mention without situps as well?) <br /><br />Your friend, <br />JenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-88378274739186943092010-10-28T08:43:00.000-07:002010-10-28T09:15:19.320-07:00My Love - Thanks for ten awesome years together.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrpP9LiQviwR-zd2Voe3IXNWo5SI_H2RqEdUg3rkL7P9vZS9hjOUd_Fx2dVJCVzgYh7vRWTzm4mBhn6pL97qCzDzzF9sk4tgxx-uOiajYd3pK3WLnmmgc42aa9r43WATtt40bvwLNUGnc/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrpP9LiQviwR-zd2Voe3IXNWo5SI_H2RqEdUg3rkL7P9vZS9hjOUd_Fx2dVJCVzgYh7vRWTzm4mBhn6pL97qCzDzzF9sk4tgxx-uOiajYd3pK3WLnmmgc42aa9r43WATtt40bvwLNUGnc/s400/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533123757283836594" /></a><br /><br />*This song was going to be the song we were to play at our first dance at our wedding... but I was a "teeny" bit of a Bridezilla and changed it on BK. (I swore I told him) It was the first thing Bill had to adjust to on our first day as a married couple. My tendency to switch the plan... mid plan. ;)<br /><br />Ten years ago today I married this guy. I can remember when I first started dating him I told my Mom, "He's perfect Mom." I told her there was not one thing wrong with him. He was kind, he was sweet, he had manners, he had a great family, he was a gentleman, he made me laugh and loved to laugh, he had great friends, he worked hard, he had great values and morals. I still believe all those things to be true. I found myself a gem. Neither BK or I are perfect but we really are perfect for each other. <br /><br />I consider it a pretty awesome accomplishment to be married for ten years. We have been through a lot. We have struggled, individually and as a couple, we have grieved together, we have rejoiced having our three beautiful babies. We have had good and bad financial times, we have had battles of wills, and we carried our own junk into our marriage. But I believe the thing that sustains us most in our marriage is our God. BK and I can attest that when we seek Him earnestly, through prayer or reading the word or just attending our church and hearing from our awesome pastor... he directs our path and it is made much more straight. <br /><br />It is the same with our marriage. BK and I have not done this solo. We have not made it through adversity by our own strength. We give God all of the glory of how we have made it this far. Without being connected to our source (and each other) it is very difficult to operate in this crazy world in a marriage relationship. I pray for our marriage. That it is protected. I pray for our hearts, that they are softened for each other. I pray that my God give me new eyes to see my husband and that I can be the woman Proverbs 31 talks about. <br /><br />The thing I loved about Bill when I first met him was his blonde hair, his pure blue eyes and his sweet smile with dimples. As we got to know each other I loved how athletic he was how he played softball and sports and he knew everything there is to know about sports. As we were married I loved that he could fix things that i couldn't and that he knew more about managing money than I did. I loved how much he loves his kids and what a great father he is to them. Now, the thing I love most about Bill is how much he is interested in his faith in God. How he sets an amazing example when some mornings or evenings you will find him sitting with his Bible at the kitchen table eating his breakfast and pursuing God. Having his heart and his spirit stirred by the God who created Him. I still love him for all of the cool things I saw in him from the first day we met, but what a man of God he is. It doesn't get much hotter than that! :) <br /><br />When we first started dating I called him "My Love." I don't think I ever referred to him at Billy much in the beginning. I would say, what are we doing today "my love." How are you doing "my love." When can I see you again, "my love." He truly is my love of my life. I am blessed beyond words to be married to such a wonderful person. <br /><br />I love you Billy Kline. Your are my love and my friend. Thanks for being you and knowing me and loving me through all of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-58953325715672744622010-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:46:58.665-07:00Thankful Thursday - Overwhelmed with Thanks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhciRnG67pU-RHAywlHhRZmbrE6W_e1O3c6S265u5_Ik55fIafFnguQHm0lb3N30I2A1JXM8tD8drLDGutEniDjJEIFR-L9IDl_7Hc4JmxKmmICa0y7zQ9inIn0rkGAf_Tgb_KdAHHO2b/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhciRnG67pU-RHAywlHhRZmbrE6W_e1O3c6S265u5_Ik55fIafFnguQHm0lb3N30I2A1JXM8tD8drLDGutEniDjJEIFR-L9IDl_7Hc4JmxKmmICa0y7zQ9inIn0rkGAf_Tgb_KdAHHO2b/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530555264992416322" /></a><br />I don't know if it was because I had such a special birthday or that two of my friends came and helped me declutter and organize my office or that I had the privledge of sharing at our youth group last night or that I am just a big mush face, but I am so thankful. <br /><br />I am thankful for my friends. For my friends who are single, my married friends, for my old friends and new friends. My friendships show me the love of my Jesus. They show me with the twinkle in their eyes, with their laughter. With the tenderness of their hearts and their big huge hugs. They show me Jesus when they want to spend time with me, help me, talk to me, listen to me and just be with me. What a gift they are to me. <br /><br />I am so thankful for the beautiful place I call home which is Durango, Colorado. Oh my... it's a funny little place. No shopping whatsoever other than Wal Mart. Lots of "hippie" stores and granola, smoke shops, Hookah bars and things that I truly do not know about. It is the land of gear... camping gear, skiing gear, snowboarding gear, biking gear and mountain climbing gear. The leaves on the trees this time of he year are the most unbelievable things I have seen in a long time. So pretty, it blows my mind a little bit. <br /><br />I am thankful for my Jesus. I talked about Him last night at youth group. I was able to share a little bit about who He has been to me, who he continues to be and how He is building my faith in Him. I was crying on my way into work again today (mush face)in awe of how thankful I am that he has been with me, he loves me, he always has been with me and that I am getting to know Him better and better as each day passes. To those of you who read this and do not have a relationship with Christ... it may sound crazy to have a relationship with a God I cannot see. But in my heart he speaks to me, through my circumstances, he ministers to me, and through his Word he transforms and changes me for His good plan. And I could never be more thankful for something as wonderful as that. <br /><br />I am thankful for my sweet husband. Who gets sweeter and sweeter with each year. His heart is big... he desires so much good. I love my Billy and I am excited to celebrate the fact we have been married ten years on the 28th of this month. I look forward to many years to come. I love that man of mine! :)<br /><br />I am thankful for my children. After I drop the big kids off at school and walk Josie to the van. She nuzzles and buries her head in my neck and gives me the sweetest snuggles around. She stays that way for quite a while. Sometimes we just hang out for a minute and snuggle outside of the van showing each other our love in snuggles. We also laugh at our reflections in the van mirror too. Grace is a girl. Just about as girly as they come. Our latest conversations have been about whether or not we should cut her some bangs. She wants them. I am hesitant. BK said to let her hair grow out first. She has good friends at school. Girls she is becoming closer to. However, she can still go in my office closet and have a blast playing "pretend" with her little brother and have just as much fun. I love that they do that. Toby is just that... "Toby". There is no one else like him. The other day I asked him what his favorite part of his day was at school and he told me that he liked it because he got to use a "spork". It's a SPOON and a FORK mom! I think he saw them in one of his favorite Veggie Tale episodes. He constantly says things like that that make me laugh. Love Him. <br /><br />I am thankful that I "get to" be in a job that allows me to minister to kids and adults alike. That the job I have centers around Christ. That the kids who come to our church are desiring to experience God in a new fun way. That the parents have hearts who are open and are willing to be transformed by his good nature. <br /><br />This is a good Thankful Thursday. lv, jenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-12246439037573560892010-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:002010-10-05T09:20:42.681-07:00New Pics... - JUST US<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi854q64D4m7HTtK3gIKAljxxmJCDeQdxGdHANA_8zn-vPtpRBCqt5gNHtXcGtsCemFUIOI9-dWL-tRfTVamonJ1iyFi8Ps1LBBDIL4-VKJrvQd3B_tdu_Kl5DTTb8FhGa-VOSdMutuiY86/s1600/090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi854q64D4m7HTtK3gIKAljxxmJCDeQdxGdHANA_8zn-vPtpRBCqt5gNHtXcGtsCemFUIOI9-dWL-tRfTVamonJ1iyFi8Ps1LBBDIL4-VKJrvQd3B_tdu_Kl5DTTb8FhGa-VOSdMutuiY86/s400/090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524597592215662578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJX_Y6qGTeXQvt-KnvxG52oRAWJqX_g2qMkLbNpWe7ESpxbVN7fTwTUpHkFJKdUF5WgVWZDuZ87MD3u3S3l4xYpzR156SFrlycaWDVIuDk46C_QZ63cM1SkuAnPC80q1NtYusq6LNnjV1/s1600/089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJX_Y6qGTeXQvt-KnvxG52oRAWJqX_g2qMkLbNpWe7ESpxbVN7fTwTUpHkFJKdUF5WgVWZDuZ87MD3u3S3l4xYpzR156SFrlycaWDVIuDk46C_QZ63cM1SkuAnPC80q1NtYusq6LNnjV1/s400/089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524597588776979698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBC1WJun9N8s5Qhx4NXoBjNlSeEt5PVXQzdwiXA5bp1trLUEHOZkeEe_X44LqL20sI8cjFpW7c3nsJesGovXoIHncpL2kpPQieKCRujiZpaTPzMhyphenhyphenQ45t5HHTSz0dfKf7ILur167qecBJ/s1600/078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBC1WJun9N8s5Qhx4NXoBjNlSeEt5PVXQzdwiXA5bp1trLUEHOZkeEe_X44LqL20sI8cjFpW7c3nsJesGovXoIHncpL2kpPQieKCRujiZpaTPzMhyphenhyphenQ45t5HHTSz0dfKf7ILur167qecBJ/s400/078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524597029667065682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCyP8ofv6zd7Wg5YKr5ymBF-TenlMWv1d62Wo6r0x4mMTw-ur5zQQ_BvvBeZMjvjAVIrB0G7hSvXIJUtkxpmtEF5_K2nx7fb9mr5xf4CavGfyjxEHXA7tpkwFBF4X0oSOEnrHzbmdnmYS/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCyP8ofv6zd7Wg5YKr5ymBF-TenlMWv1d62Wo6r0x4mMTw-ur5zQQ_BvvBeZMjvjAVIrB0G7hSvXIJUtkxpmtEF5_K2nx7fb9mr5xf4CavGfyjxEHXA7tpkwFBF4X0oSOEnrHzbmdnmYS/s400/022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524597027437666850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWY9YNGHIwaIG5O9w9968JTEmx_sin9Ty2ilglpBxRT4aiTTCxsvyu4Im57JDeQhy-OyStHwstYAZv2zOqQ4dXMgKm9nhgQJaKU3-h0Wa_Mcny99Uzz5VN0QpgxNpXxdiprP_C3k6x6xU/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWY9YNGHIwaIG5O9w9968JTEmx_sin9Ty2ilglpBxRT4aiTTCxsvyu4Im57JDeQhy-OyStHwstYAZv2zOqQ4dXMgKm9nhgQJaKU3-h0Wa_Mcny99Uzz5VN0QpgxNpXxdiprP_C3k6x6xU/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524597020038924562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WzZxpYUY5r3OO9H9IU38Uy-okRx-ema-g7qY927SjjPJS7vklZS6EEWr5clBX9FadK3IAgGbb3tmtJSji5DpCbdiC_FvprJSmIYDcS0Rxu4OEWd7v7SCFOy9GQ20MJvJCROr5Rkufkcj/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WzZxpYUY5r3OO9H9IU38Uy-okRx-ema-g7qY927SjjPJS7vklZS6EEWr5clBX9FadK3IAgGbb3tmtJSji5DpCbdiC_FvprJSmIYDcS0Rxu4OEWd7v7SCFOy9GQ20MJvJCROr5Rkufkcj/s400/030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524595796837400114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsyJkOLyoNmczX1sRNOwoyN7FXsU7AwReOD2LcgodoDzw16M6HclnEwzAik_DCRjN1Bx4TfehHgpaIkP1k-JLddeloI4tt0u4ba1RgvjdsMZ6cRwWfLtX09O7mffWmDG6br5c52jN8vgs/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsyJkOLyoNmczX1sRNOwoyN7FXsU7AwReOD2LcgodoDzw16M6HclnEwzAik_DCRjN1Bx4TfehHgpaIkP1k-JLddeloI4tt0u4ba1RgvjdsMZ6cRwWfLtX09O7mffWmDG6br5c52jN8vgs/s400/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524595787907144978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFfTyoeeu5nBCu2A3THlyxQSNccf8iOev-fdTwPlgVvpl7anz3B4BB-D6-CQSN2Kwdb4bB9jT018OppgzC2aodxbsj9URu99VoYXlpLxSs6-hho4GXad9miYb670b1uerMbN5WC1_qYS2/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFfTyoeeu5nBCu2A3THlyxQSNccf8iOev-fdTwPlgVvpl7anz3B4BB-D6-CQSN2Kwdb4bB9jT018OppgzC2aodxbsj9URu99VoYXlpLxSs6-hho4GXad9miYb670b1uerMbN5WC1_qYS2/s400/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524595782747511474" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-34557457044068293912010-09-29T07:50:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:28:15.263-07:00I'm back... for a breatherHey all my blog friends (if your still even out there)<br />It's been some time since my last post. Too long actually. So much has happened I feel I am not doing the blog world justice if I don't get everyone up to speed. But since it's been so long I'll just give a brief synopsis of life in the Kline family circa September. And since my life is now broken into about seven intentional little categories of goodness. I'll update you on all of them. <br /><br />hubby Bill - Wonderful. Love him. Still being challenged by God on financial stuff. Stewarding money. Being debt free. Living disciplined with joy. Our ten year anniversary is fast approaching. And I can happily tell you all I am so excited for the next ten years. BK is blowing my mind with the man he is to me as well as the amazing father he is to our children. He simply rocks. And the fact that I think he's kinda hot doesn't hurt either. :) <br /><br />Grace - Grace is in third grade. She is a officially a reader. She escapes into book land whenever she can. She is reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Junie B Jones books constantly. She is an expert at homework. We have begun a family "schedule" when we get home from school. Kids do homework first. Then they can play and have the rest of the night free. Grace will do her homework in the van if it means she can have free time. She is Math girl and told me if she could teach a subject (she has the gift of teaching) it would be Math. And this makes my heart swell because in Math class I was always excused to go to my "lower" level math class. So Im loving that she is so into it. The "newness" of Josie has officially wore off. This morning as she was eating her breakfast in bed. (yes. I rock) I heard her ask Bill if he could close her bedroom door so Josie could not come in and try to climb on her bed. Dont' get me wrong. She digs her, but definatley needs her alone time. Grace needs a "thing" we are right now trying to determine what her "thing" might be. She has attended a 4H meeting. I am signing her up for gymnastics at some point this fall and can't wait to see what God is going to do in her life. <br /><br /><br />Toby - T is in 1st grade. And many of my prayers this school year have been for him. He is boy... ALL boy... and he may have a slight degree of his mother's side of the family ADD... he's dreamy, he is creative and LOVES to talk and do his thing. I'll give you an example. He was washing his hands in the boys bathroom. He put soap on his hands... some of the soap splattered on the mirror... he tried to wipe the soap off of the mirror with his soapy hands... realzing this made a very cool pattern he began to then create ART on the bathroom mirror. Upon the teacher's arrival in the bathroom, she sees toby "playing" in the bathroom and making a mess of the mirrors. These characteristics do not bode well in a classroom environment. So Toby and his Mommy are working through how to navigate life in a school system that needs to teach many children, without squishing the goodness and spirit and esteem of my boy who at time can throw a teacher's "system" all out of wack. HOWEVER, Toby is bright, intelligent, does HIS homework well. Is learning about telling time and counting money and fun things like that. God is teaching me what it means to "support" teachers in the school district. Being open about my perspective while being open to what teachers do in the classroom. Toby is great. And in his case he is LOVING Josie because he loves to watch her learn new things. <br /><br />Josie - J is unbelievably a go getter. She climbs everything, she eats everything, she touches everything. Nothing is too small too big too hot too cold too sharp too dirty for this girl. She has no fear. Yesterday we were watching a movie as a family and I walked into the kitchen and she is sitting on top of our kitchen table. We have a bench in our kitchen and her favorite spot is to climb up onto the bench and look out the window and scale the bench. But she is a firecracker. She has been having pooping problems lately. I've never experienced this with the other two. Josie "delivers" her poop. She gets consitpated and literally sometimes we have to help her. We are finding the balance of apple juice, peas, pears and milk that all work well together. Poor thing. She is smiley and laughs and giggles and tries to do things her way. I can't wait to see the gifts God has poured into her little spirit and to nurture them. <br /><br />Pastor/church stuff - This is exciting. We are officially kicked off into a new year of a new ministry and we are making some good progress. We have some new people on the riverKIDS team and I am excited to see them impact kid's lives. We have some die hard servant leaders as well who have perservered through all of this change like troopers. They have made more progress and been so dedicated it warms my heart just thinking about all of the people God has brought to me on the riverKIDS team. I went to Denver for a three day conference and terribly missed my family. But I had a good time and got to see my good friend Jinny and hang with my new friend Kelly. I am truly blessed by this church and this ministry. The pressure I put on myself is sometimes unbearable. But God seems to always reach in right when I have beat myself up enough and show me His grace, His love and His understanding. And then it's all OK. God is so good. It's why I am in ministry. So other people can see and know it too. <br /><br />Me - I was looking in the mirror the other day trying to get a pair of jeans on.... and I literally started laughing out loud. I was like... you know what I am just going to be chunky for a while. I am not going to freak out about it, I am not going to be self loathing and I am not going to think poorly of my body. This is just how my body is going to be until I have a little bit more free time to schedule in a FULL workout that can shape my body. Don't worry though, I am exercising... in babysteps. I play volleyball once a week and I started to run (slowly) and not for a long time on our treadmill. My eating habits are different working so much so I am still learning what a healthy life looks like in this job and my busy life. I turn 39 in October so I am fast approaching 40. I am looking forward to it. Because I have this "when I am old I will wear purple" mentality. I know my strengths, I know my weaknesses. I know what God is working on and what I can and cannot change. No one other that the Lord himself is going to make that different. So I might as well just accept it and enjoy it and keep on keepin on! Truth be told.. I miss my Dad. It has been six months since we last spoke. At least since I spoke to "that guy" who told me leave and never come back. My Dad is in there somewhere and man do I miss him. But again, God has shown me that He is taking care of my Dad. That this time away is giving me a perspective of God's love for me and also some time to heal my heart. Someday I'll see my Dad again and I'll be better prepared spirtually and emotionally. I actually miss all of my family. My Mom, My bro's and my sweet sisters in love. My neices and nephews. I miss my Grandma and Grandpa. Funny story... I was at McDonalds the other week with Billy and I was walking out and there was a man in front of me. He had on cowboy boots and black jeans. (just like my grandpa used to wear) as I walked by him he TOTALLY smelled like my Grandpa. I ran to the van and jumped in and started sobbing. Bill was like.. "What's wrong?" I told him that I just missed my Grandpa so much and that cowboy dude smelled like him and his cowboy boots clip clopped on the ground just like my Grandpas did. I think I had a little PMS, but the grief just overwhelmed me. Family is good. Family relationships are important. I was telling BK the other day the cool part about being with the family God gave you is that they love you NO MATTER WHAT. Even though my Dad is hurting and broken and wrecked. I still love him. Even though I am not perfect, my kids and husband love me. We have to. We are a team. We know all the good bad and ugly of each other and we love regardless. That's what family is for. It's vital. <br /><br />Anyway, I better wrap this up. Thanks for listening and thanks for checking back with me. My camera is fixed so I'll be posting more new pics soon. <br />Love, jenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-46462032345465563272010-08-31T18:32:00.000-07:002010-08-31T19:27:17.510-07:00Do you EVER feel totally safe...Throughout my journey of being a children's pastor at our church I know God has been working in my relationships. He sent me some people who have been just blowing me away with how much they love the Lord, how much they understand kids and ministering to kids and how much they have the gift of teaching. The first person he sent me was my friend Ben. Now... Ben is HUGE... and when I say huge I mean huge, like ultimate fighting martial arts kind of huge. But just as huge as Ben is... his heart is just as big. One of the first times Ben and I had talked when I started at the church a year ago, a man came into my office and was telling me a story about how he was taking care of his brother who had a neck injury and was very very sick. As the man was telling me the story, I looked over and these huge tears were rolling down Ben's cheeks. The man telling the story stopped, startled a little I think because Ben was crying... but that's just how Ben is. He truly sees the heart of situations. He is compassionate and an incredible listener and friend... and he served for many years ministering to kids who were going through crisis and divorce. So when it comes to ministering to kids. Ben has lots and lots of wisdom. <br /><br />Which brings me to my next person. Her name is Beth... Beth is a leader Ben served with in Chicago at a Willow Creek church there. Beth has her masters, she has taught in schools, she is wise beyond wise and she too seeks to understand and truly be Jesus to people. She understands pain, but moreso she understands God's grace in the midst of it all. Which brings me to the workshop and the concept of "safety" Ben and Beth are teaching me. <br /><br />Having not come from a "tradional" Christian background I feel like my perspective on riverKIDS is a clean slate. I know I don't want to develp a "traditional" children's ministry. I know I want a ministry that is first and foremost based on relationships with Jesus first and relationships with kids. If the kids don't feel safe and loved in the relationships they have at church why would they ever believe a Bible story we tell them? If they think the only reason we are in the class to teach them is because we have to run through curriculum, then why have a class at all. I want this ministry to be a place where kids feel SO safe, So loved and SO TRULY known... that they begin to reveal the truth of their hearts to us. That they begin to confess to us the things that are hurting them most. That they are able to say to us... I need to be healed by jesus, will you pray with me and believe with all of their hearts it is the same thing their teachers want. I don't want a show... I don't want a party, I want ministry. I want kids to learn the things of the Bible but to first and foremost know that I am not there fixing, judging and joking about their problems. I want them to know that every team member I have is someone who can sit with them in their pain. Can ask them questions that do not make them feel like they have to defend their emotions or justify how they feel. I want to hear that kids have been healed at a very young age from fear and anger. I want God to do a mighty work in my teacher's hearts so they too begin to understand that what we seek to do for these kids is what Jesus has done for us all along. He doesn't fix, He doesn't judge, He doesn't make jokes. He just sits with us in our yuck and says... "Yep... I am SO SORRY you feel that way." He sits with us in our yuck and says, "Tell me more about what your feeling..." He sits with us in our yuck and says, "I noticed you today and I hear what your saying and it's so important to me that you share with me... oh and by the way Jen... I love you no matter what is happening in your life." <br /><br />Ben and Beth talk about creating a "safe place" in the church for kids to not only learn Biblical truths, but a place where they actually experience what Jesus would have been like in real relationships with teachers and people who love them and want to help them be healed by Jesus. And yes... young children need Jesus' healing. Let's not fool ourselves into thinking they don't carry stress, difficulty and pain. I haven't even been in children's ministry that long and I know the pain of a child. They have parents who are divorced, they experience deaths, they know what bullying is, they have been betrayed, they help their addicted parents, brothers,sisters and families and some of them have parents who have committed serious crimes. Some of them have been exposed to sex younger than they ever should be. Some of them have been molested and abused. This ministry is not something I will take lightly. Yes, right now we are concerned with paint and esthetics and the 90 second first impression. But we will be communicating what a safe place looks like regularly. I'm so excited for this. And as I begin to uncover and look at this type of thing in my own life, I am feeling a huge conviction that I am seeking forgiveness for. A conviction where I know I have not been safe in communicating with many people who matter most to me. I have tried to fix them, I have tried to joke with them, I have tried to tell them a story that is simliar. I haven't just sat with them in their circumstances and tried to get their perspective. So I'm praying today that God reveal those things to me a little bit more clearly. I am completely trusting Jesus that he will take this ministry to the next level. Thank you God for Ben and Beth. Two people who have been Jesus to me. <br /><br />Here is Beth's company's website. www.envision-innovation.com. You want a fresh perspective on your relationships, talk to Beth see what she has to say.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-8673679982066952572010-08-23T20:11:00.001-07:002010-08-23T20:17:11.530-07:00Letter of Intent... and stuffI wasn't going to post anything because my camera is still broken (discouraging) so for some reason I feel like my posts are much less fun to read without cool pictures. Yes... I am a dork. <br /><br />So I will write my next letter of Intent. Read on... <br /><br /><br />Letter of Intent<br /><br /><br />Dear said Family vehicle (my dear sweet Honda Odyssey),<br /><br /><br />I am writing to thank you. To thank you for once again releasing my keys back to me so I don't have to hook and unhook my battery every day I drive you. I have already been on my knees praising God for fixing you for me. He knows my every desire and hope and that was a big one weighing on my mind. <br /><br />I know God is working in our life because he has brought finances when there were none... and when I say none. I mean NONE. So Mr. Odyssey you too should be thanking Jesus for the beautiful miracle he worked in your ignition casing. <br /><br />I look forward to a couple more years with you. Keep on trucking little van. Thanks for all you have done! <br /><br /><br />Love, Jen and family<br /><br />Bloggy friends, I will post another day about our financial blessings and miracle. It is post for a memorial box monday. A post that will glorify Him, and build other people's faith by the things Jesus is doing in my life. Right when I needed Him most. <br /><br />Peace to you all! <br />JenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-22569827953796417972010-08-15T19:39:00.000-07:002010-08-15T19:55:35.621-07:00A work in progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7TaOhP4A8Vk9PtkVttl2_1OvN13Pm_VpK8uP7VwSijDbLTVbXInRJwYHZzSmhFJUOyhTt_X8HYJee53UCsu_fS5B6U2Bm_2a-RQg8QLI7cUJkD6LDN9B5Nb70DcPLkX4UT5GvIFH-qbw/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7TaOhP4A8Vk9PtkVttl2_1OvN13Pm_VpK8uP7VwSijDbLTVbXInRJwYHZzSmhFJUOyhTt_X8HYJee53UCsu_fS5B6U2Bm_2a-RQg8QLI7cUJkD6LDN9B5Nb70DcPLkX4UT5GvIFH-qbw/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505835829897321954" /></a><br /><strong>MY NEW PICTURE OF GRACIE </strong><br />A <em>sustainable pace</em>.... <br />It is what I am focusing on in all areas of my life. I have not really blogged much about the day to day stuff that is happening in this family of mine. BK and I are focusing heavily on our budgetary scenario. Finances are a top priority for this family of mine. God and BK have had some pretty heavy duty conversations about us getting everything in order. Stewarding finances well and is teaching Bill and I to work TOGETHER in it. For the past two pay periods we have been doing really well. Sunday afternoons after naps, we spend about a half an hour talking about money. I was telling my friend Jill the other day that converstaions about money are not always just about money... they are about much more than that and that's why sometimes I think couples have a hard time talking about it. Money effects people in different ways depending upon how you have grown up, how your parents treated money how your parents discussed money and how and why it was spent. BK and I have been learning a lot about our selves in this process. And I have to say... some of it was painful to learn but to cool thing that is happening is that BK and I are working together and trying to teach the kiddos in the process. <br /><br />Day to day life has been good but different. In an effort to save I have been bringing my two big kids to work with me. What a cool thing that I have a boss who understands the need for flexibility in this life with kiddos so this will be my last week with them before they go off to school next week. We have a big party this Sunday for our kickoff of the new ministry. I have a lot to do and it is interesting while doing all the work I need to accomplish I know that God will take care of the details. I love my job. I am challenged. Not just by what we are trying to accomplished but by what I am learning about myself and my church in the process. My favorite part? The ministry. My favorite part is when a child needs prayer, my favorite part is when a Mom brings her daughter to church who brings a friend who needs prayer. My favorite part is when I get to teach a class and pray for the kids. My favorite part is talking with them one on one. Getting to know the kids lives. Getting to know the parents and their life circumstances and walking with them through the good the bad and the ugly. We still need to build a team so I can focus more on those things, but I am convinced God will take us there. In His timing. <br /><br />I am a work in progress. This year will be a year of thinking and dreaming with God about what's next. Adoption? Buying or building a house? a 10 year anniversary trip? Who knows. I sit in anticipation of what's next. Thank you God for this life you give me. It will be my legacy someday and please let it be something that honors and glorifies you in all of it. lv, jenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-48249577540152678672010-08-05T08:09:00.000-07:002010-08-05T08:46:10.268-07:00Overwhelmed by it all...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEbkodvnCDW8hr_hU1vjKpw_yBeyfABsRtNKtizTeY9jkevSk1tsmywHKiE7t2xCuwHKqlorhdh4h2w9ARbd1c3sYOVzwjapNiUOJu5JZ-8W1yp4N8PmWorhbM4N6Q7yGtYvl-y2dL9FQ/s1600/Family+Crisis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEbkodvnCDW8hr_hU1vjKpw_yBeyfABsRtNKtizTeY9jkevSk1tsmywHKiE7t2xCuwHKqlorhdh4h2w9ARbd1c3sYOVzwjapNiUOJu5JZ-8W1yp4N8PmWorhbM4N6Q7yGtYvl-y2dL9FQ/s400/Family+Crisis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501951226833998050" /></a><br /><br />Please let me preface this post by saying I am not overwhelmed by my life, my family or even my own personal circumstances. I am overwhelmed by the crisis happening in our families and the lives of kids today. What has happened? <br /><br />I have been serving in youth ministry on and off for the past 41/2 years. In this time I have heard from kids as young as 14 years old, " I think I am pregnant," " I cut myself," "I'm trying to help my Mom(Dad) through their depression and chaos," "My parents are getting a divorce," "My Dad(Mom) hits me and verbally abuses me and my family." "My Mom(Dad) is sick." "I am addicted to drugs." The stories I hear from these young people are so sad to me. I am so burdened by it. <br /><br />Here I am planning curriculum worried about checkin systems, determining paintcolors for the hallways of our church... concerned about crafts and attendance and statistics and the real problem lies in crisis and pain around us. What can we do God? What do I do? Will another VBS solve the crisis in our children? Will more crafts and pipe cleaners heal parents hearts and help them to understand marriage and sacrificial love? Will our kids ever get to be kids again. I think there was a time when all kids had to worry about were pipe cleaners and googly eyes. I think there was a time when they could truly enjoy a craft and think all about how the glue felt in their little sticky fingers. But I think the minute they are done... they are faced with much more. More than we could ever know about. <br /><br />I was also thinking about this because although my kids don't experience the pain that some of these kids in crisis are going through, they are going to be faced with it because many of these kids are their peers. Many of these kids are looking for other kids who have supportive families to help them along, to love them despite their circumstances, will my kids be ready? Will they have what it takes? Will they see God in it all? <br /><br />On my way home from youth group I prayed so hard. God has put an intercessory gifting in my life. When I become burdened to pray I begin to weep. It just comes in a huge wave. Like I am feeling like I am crying God's tears. I am so sad...as I pray I cry out to God. It's loud and it comes from the depth of my spirit...I pray in my prayer language and it is like I am praying away the sin... I don't know what I am saying but I know that God knows. It doesn't happpen too often but when it does it comes like a thunderstorm. (thank goodness I am in the car!lol) <br /><br />So last night, in my overwhelmed state, I just cried and prayed. I was so overwhelmed by the challenge that faces us as Christians. By the town we live in and by the hurt and pain all around me. I felt like all I could do was call upon our big huge amazing miracle working God to do what he does best and heal us. <br /><br />Not because we deserve it, but because he knew we were going to be this way and he loves us despite ourselves. So, I am asking my bloggy friends to pray along with me. Pray for our families, pray for relationships, pray for kids and that they stay kids. Pray that God does a miracle today in the lives of kids. Pray for his protection. Thank you so much. lv, JenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-56564589707390233672010-07-31T19:55:00.000-07:002010-07-31T20:07:07.802-07:00unbelievably high heels...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Du2Kr4pjve-SwsbTESdwQhXgFdlwNLG6tMGJTqjdMr9QsRtRjanLx3O1POx2Wo97ul0VReVq_v4OayCx39eVlyfz5ZoSRXVtObAYsg3EMuhpg3qjQtJUH_FGm2adJzr-BbfPovhAmXqU/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Du2Kr4pjve-SwsbTESdwQhXgFdlwNLG6tMGJTqjdMr9QsRtRjanLx3O1POx2Wo97ul0VReVq_v4OayCx39eVlyfz5ZoSRXVtObAYsg3EMuhpg3qjQtJUH_FGm2adJzr-BbfPovhAmXqU/s320/DSC_0072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500270087121658882" /></a><br />So, I knew I had to blog about this because I left the store like I needed to talk to someone about it. Or at least vent about it a little. <br /><br />I went shopping today for professional black dress shoes I can wear with a skirt. They used to be called PUMPS. I have NO IDEA what you would call shoes like that now. So I went to a store at the Durango Mall. Your average shoe store with quite a bit of selection. I walked by the flip flops, (too casual) I walked by the strappy shoes, too summery, I walked over to where they might have "dress shoes" for women. <br /><br />Now let me preface this by saying, I love to wear heels. I am 5'1" so anytime I can be a couple inches taller to reach an "average" height I am giddy. However, the "dress" section of this store that contained shoes with heels blew my mind. Yes, they had appropriate dress shoes.. which were probably 2 inch heels. The selection was few.. maybe 3 pairs of shoes that first of all looked cute and second of all were comfortable. (I could write a whole other blog about shoe comfort later ;) <br /><br />Anyway, the other aisle where all the other dress shoes were had shoes that I truly believe should ONLY be sold at Fredrick of Hollywood or some store in the red light district of Amsterdam. Holy Moly! Am I getting old or are stilleto heels just commonplace in the year 2010. First of all, there is no way on God's green earth I am walking up on stage at church in stilleto heels with my professional suit and skirt. NO WAY. But seriously it was the majority of the selection! Which begs the question. Can shoes be too sexy? I think I am really getting old.<br /><br />I did finally find a pair after searching high and low. I swear maybe it's my age... I can't buy shoes that make me look like I am trying to be 22 and I can't buy shoes that my Grandmother would wear, but seriously I think the shoe companies are missing a market of women who would buy more shoes if they created styles that were a little more practical and fabulous. <br /><br />Enough said, Any thoughts on this? Thought I'd attach a new pic of the family. All 5 of us. We had them taken in Iowa and when I look at them I think my family looks beautiful, but they make me want to go to the gym and lift weights. :) I know Jill... Baby steps... baby steps... <br />1Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-60059973980396003862010-07-23T07:17:00.000-07:002010-07-23T07:32:46.696-07:00Letters of Intent...the family van<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzE08YHx9i_Dwg58Ihlqxc7ZysSA68-gccvugG5lRE6zbIJOYaL_QQVLe1LSXwVrkTZRL2DawwluXl1qwwReBXzppK2aL824GZeGKjq9nqH8jMsk-vLbyX0Dqn_tU2tor-ll6ihGUiNXR/s1600/Me+in+car.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzE08YHx9i_Dwg58Ihlqxc7ZysSA68-gccvugG5lRE6zbIJOYaL_QQVLe1LSXwVrkTZRL2DawwluXl1qwwReBXzppK2aL824GZeGKjq9nqH8jMsk-vLbyX0Dqn_tU2tor-ll6ihGUiNXR/s320/Me+in+car.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497108880440480962" /></a><br /><br />Dear said "family vehicle", <br /><br />Having taken a long family vacation and a variety of short trips. I would first like to thank you for continuing engine goodness and your ability to get me and my brood around the nation this summer. <br /><br />However, this thing you have with the ignition and you swallowing my keys has me just about to the end of my rope. Being able to completely turn off the engine and pull the keys out of the ignition would bring me no greater joy. I would appreciate it if you could release the vice grip you have on my 98 Honda Odyssey key and let me have it back. <br /><br />Having three children and knowing I have lots of running around to do... it is a little bit frustrating that every time I have to stop the car I have to unhook your battery. I am sure you don't want EVERYONE to see "under your hood" ALL the time. So, I am asking nicely (and praying to the Lord my God) to see if you would just give me back my keys and my time. This time can be spent in better ways, (painting my fingernails, loving my kiddos, making yummy meals and encouraging my husband). <br /><br />The fact that in order to fix you it costs in the neighborhood of $500.00 we are not willing to part with said money. (Do you have any idea how many diapers and school supplies that buys?) So let's just come to an agreement and you give me back my keys and I promise I will fix your rear seal oil leak in the near future. (sorry if you wanted that to remain private). <br /><br />I look forward to a day where we will live in harmony once again. Thank you too that your radio works so I can blast my music while chauffering my kiddos around Durango. Peace to you today Honda Odyssey. NOW GIVE ME MY KEYS BACK! <br /><br />Lv, <br />jenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999796675301127049.post-88588362162433103922010-07-19T09:16:00.000-07:002010-07-19T10:52:20.611-07:00Happy Birthday Josie...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_vP9JY-l3oLjPWIjOA3sSvuGqWVGsx2nXH1g7oGTeo4A7HveOyuxBx11lMYrWGASyyLtAy2ghePEa47d_F4A3hjno5U9kH3dbshatIrER1xWAaBzXFdSwuLose7n8qvJ-4AKDjaATG8q/s1600/Josie+SMiley+face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_vP9JY-l3oLjPWIjOA3sSvuGqWVGsx2nXH1g7oGTeo4A7HveOyuxBx11lMYrWGASyyLtAy2ghePEa47d_F4A3hjno5U9kH3dbshatIrER1xWAaBzXFdSwuLose7n8qvJ-4AKDjaATG8q/s400/Josie+SMiley+face.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495676628847461282" /></a><br />Josie turned one year old on the 14th. I was not able to post due to scheduling issues, but I just am so excited for her. I am so excited for the little girl she is growing up to be. She walked this week... across the living room. The look of excitement she has when she's has done it just makes my heart sing. I sat in my super hot house yesterday just playing with her. Laughing with her, reading her books, talking with her and practicing walking. She received a new little rocker from her Grandma for her birthday and she adores it. She sits on it, she kneels on it and she just rocks and jives. She is a total dancer girl. Any kind of music... ringtones.. whatever... she will start dancing to the beat. <br /><br />She is pure joy to me. I am so thankful for her, for her life, for her beautiful heart and big voice. She is squealing and laughing and talking as much as a 1 year old can. She likes to grunt at people, she also LOVES those Gerber puffs and has discovered the wonder of Watermelon. We've devoured tons of it together this summer. <br /><br />I feel like I post about this all the time, but seriously my children bring me more joy than I could ever describe. Is motherhood or being a parent easy? It is challenging and every day is an adventure. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. Happy Birthday sweet Josie. We love you sweetie! Love, MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2