After I got some starbucks and read in the lobby for a bit, I headed back downstairs to sign in and find a seat. When the meetings started, a very polished woman came to the front to introduce herself, the meetings, and the other speaker. I was immediately struck by this woman’s appearance. She was a mix of Suzanne Sommers and Paula Dean. She was tall, very thin for being how old she was (maybe 60′s), very tan (of course, she was from Florida), with blue eyes, a bright white smile, and blonde/grayish hair. She was also wearing an all white blazer with a leopard print shirt underneath. I think Southerner’s would be the first to know, you do not wear all white after Labor Day, especially in the middle of January. I had to chuckle to myself. The women at the conference were all middle aged Secretaries or Admin. Assistants. There were a few women my age and maybe like 4 men. I even made a friend there and we had lunch and got to know each other! That was fun!!

So what did I learn there? I learned that I need to improve myself…Yes, I need to be a better person. Because after all, I am a GOOD person, and I deserve to be treated as such. And I need to take care of myself before I take care of anyone else with whom I work for. Really. That’s what they were teaching us. When Miss Judy (the lady in the white blazer) started speaking she began to say things like “We KNOW you don’t get appreciate at work!” Then you would hear all the ladies start to say back to her as if they were in church, “Mm! No, we don’t!” This would encourage Miss Judy in her preacher-like speech to say more about how we are under-paid for what we do and no one notices us and how today is all about us. Even more “Amen’s” would be filling the air during this speech. This is when I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Seriously, I was.

Honestly, what I learned most was how far different the Bible and the world is compared to each other. The world may say, “Take care of yourself first.” “Don’t let anyone stand in your way.” “Be more YOU centered!” But the Bible calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves and to follow the example of Christ by serving each other, even those who do not know him as their Savior. Jesus did not come to the earth to work for himself. He came to call the sick and by calling them, he served them. When the Pharisees stepped on him, he prayed for them and graciously taught them with Scripture. He loved sinners. The conference went against what the Bible tells me I need to do. I understand this conference was by no means a spiritual conference meant to give me encouragement in the Word and by seeing how Christ would serve.

I talked to Brian about this last night and had mentioned that I don’t think I got a lot out of it. He was good enough to give me another perspective and remind me that I did actually get something out of it. I gained a new friend and a ministry opportunity to share the Gospel with my boss by telling her that I am to obey God’s Word and how it tells me to serve others and not just take care of myself.

(sorry no picture today since I’m on my work computer)

And call I did. Though I it took  me a while. I called. I’m glad I did. I needed the rest and to stay inside. It get bitter cold here. I think my blood has thinned out from being in Florida for 3 years.

So, here’s the point to my blog. I’m a sentimental girl. Really, I am. I appreciate thoughtfulness so much. I love memories and love to make memories. So in the picture at the top, you will see the many important events or memories I had in the year 2009. I like to keep it fresh every year. There are a bunch of baseball tickets, ballet tickets, inaugural ball tickets, pictures of dear friends, NYC subway tickets, wedding invitation to friends and my first wedding I shot, my 10-miler Cherry Blossom race  bib, and so much more. I like to keep these things to remind me where God has taken me and how he graciously provided for me and brought me through, what I think, are trials and troubles.

This was the baseball ticket to my FIRST Red Sox game against the Nats!! My brother came with me that night and it was super fun to be there with all the other Red Sox fans. I think we out numbered the Nats fans, which is said because it was in the National’s stadium. Someday, I’ll make it to Fenway.

This was the ticket for the Presidential Inauguration Ball that Mike took me to. It was super fun to dress up and be somewhere fancy. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was happy to share that memory with Mike. The Metro Fare card below is was from my roommates and I trip to NYC for New Years. Ryan, Suzanne, Michelle, and I all took the bus up to NYC for New Years Eve. I had never done it before and honestly probably won’t ever do it again. It was the COLDEST night of the year. We didn’t even see the ball because we were like a block or two away. It was a great memory, but probably won’t do it again.

Ok, I do have to admit. This one is probably my favorite. I like this one the most probably because I worked really hard for it, and it’s like I accomplished something I never thought I would. Of course, all by the grace of God because all good things come from him. I made the Dean’s List my last semester at Liberty!!!!! I was floored when I found out! I had NEVER made the Dean’s list. I mean, the last time I made the honor role, I think I was in second grade. I just don’t do well in school…well, I did actually do really well at Liberty. I did really well on writing papers…it’s just that darn Math. It’ll always come back to haunt me. Mrs. Alexander, if you’re reading this…can you believe it??? That senior high girl who used to sit in the back of your history class NOT paying attention actually made the Dean’s list!! Woot!!!

This blue bib was from my 10 miler Cherry Blossom race in April. I didn’t do as well as I did last year, but just happy I could run it. My time last year was an hour and 25 minutes. This year it was an hour and 40 minutes. Yikes! I’m determined to get a better time this year. Maybe someday, I’ll run a real marathon. I remember that day though. It was an absolutely gorgeous Sunday. The sky was perfectly blue and the air was a perfect temperature. I remember the announcer told a little bit about our course we were going on and he said once we got to the Potomac River around Haynes Point, we would be under a canopy of pink. He was right! It was so pretty. I would’ve stopped to smell the flowers, but I mean, I was in a race. There’s no stopping in a race. But I thoroughly enjoyed the pink canopy I ran under.

Just another baseball ticket. I love baseball games! Probably one of my favorite past times during the summer. I went home in July to see my parents and we were able to go to a Tiger’s game. I hadn’t been to a Tiger’s game since I was really little so it was fun to be there again. This is also when I learned about my parents up bringing in the depths of Detroit. When I explain where I’m from to my friends, I tell them that I’m right outside Detroit so I’m part ghetto. Now that I know my parents actually lived in the heart of Detroit, my part-ghettoness is actually true!!

Lastly, I keep little encouraging notes from friends. This one was from my former roommate, Meredith. I tried to focus on the phrase “God has for you this year.” I like that it’s the beginning of 2010, and I can look back on that phrase and think about all that God had for me in the year 2009. Not only did he allow me to do such fun things and meet fun people and be a part of a fun city, but he gently sanctified me. He graciously provided for me with a job and finishing school. He led me to decisions where he will be most glorified no matter what I think.

I’m excited to see what God will teach me in the year 2010. I took down the memories on my bulletin board tonight, and I put up my first memory of 2010. It’s a coffee sleeve to the coffee shop where I had my first date with Brian. Though, it’s not the one from that date, it’s from the place. It didn’t dawn on me to keep it at that time. I was too flustered and excited about the person I was talking to.

I’m sure more sanctification will happen. I’m sure God will gently lead and guide me. I’m sure he’ll graciously provide. Even if he doesn’t he’ll still show me that his glory is what matters. Though as a child of a King, he will not let his children down. I’m thankful I serve a faithful, loving God who pursues and desires me.

Well, Christmas is officially over for 2009. It’s a sad thing, I agree. But I’m looking forward to Christmas 2010…not gonna lie.  It was a good Christmas for me. How was it for you? I hear some feedback from faithful readers (thanks again for reading this! It’s just my thought process of things that God shows me and I really don’t think it’s much of a good read, but I mostly do it because it helps me remember when I write things down and tell others about it…it’s like self-teaching). SO…how was your Christmas? What did you do? What was your favorite gift?  Tell me about it! I’d love to hear.

Mine was really good. It was pretty chill, but busy. Both my grandparents have passed away near a Christmas. My Poppi died in December 2002 and my Nanni died in December 2007. Last year we went to Disney World for Christmas…which was SO great!! I miss the warm sun. Christmas’ growing up were always fun. We’d always do the same thing. Everything we did was a tradition. I grew up with 11 cousins all around the same age. It was super fun! So every Christmas we would open our presents Christmas Eve night…because it’s my mom’s birthday too! We would first go to the Candle Light service at church, I’d wear my brand new fancy Christmas dress, and then we’d go home for a light dinner, followed by a short devotional about the real meaning of Christmas and then present opening time! I never knew that the rest of the world opened their gifts Christmas morning. Christmas Day, we would head over to my Grandparents farm to meet up with the rest of the extended family on my dad’s side. It was fun. The cousins would automatically start running around the house like crazy, the women would be cooking the food, and the dad’s would be talking or watching a movie or football. After everything was settled and the food was fixed, we’d all sit down (kids at the kid table…which of course was the loudest) and eat the lovely dinner that was prepared which would sometimes be turkey, but mostly ham. Confession: I hate ham. Have never liked it. And we had it this year…sorry mom, but I just don’t like ham…but hey, I ate it anyway, didn’t I? After dinner, the kids would need to work off the energy so we would again be running around the house like crazy. Most of the time, we’d head outside to head out for an adventure in the massive backyard and around the barn my grandparents had. If it snowed, we’d make a snowman or a fort. When the kitchen was clean and leftover’s put away, we’d all head in the living room to listen to Poppi give his devotional. Have to admit, I don’t remember any of them…wish I did now though. (Note to all those who still have g-parents still alive…LISTEN TO THEM!!! I miss mine terribly) When the devotional was over, we’d FINALLY open presents! The moment the kids were all waiting for. My dad has three brothers so all the dad’s would be over in a corner with their tripods and newly bought camcorders making sure they caught every future embarrassment that could happen. And let me tell you…embarrassments they have become. Ugh…note to self…don’t let any future boyfriends see these…must burn.

It’s funny to watch the home videos…most of the time, the camera is pointed to the floor, goes blank for a minute and then comes back to some random spot in the middle of opening presents, has background noises of the dad’s talking, and crazy chaotic confusion of unwrapping going on in the forefront. Thankful for the videos though.

We haven’t had a Christmas like that in a long time. I think the last one was in 2006. Seems like forever ago. I miss them. I miss the craziness of all the family getting together. I miss (terribly) my grandparents. I love big families and hope to have a big family of my own someday. Our family hasn’t gotten together for a Christmas in such a long time. Last year, we were able to meet up with my Uncle Bob’s family because they now live in Orlando. (I now have a place to stay if I ever get down there!!) So this year, it was just us five. We made it fun though.

So, what did I do for Christmas? Thanks for asking!! We did our usually dinner at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The city of Frankenmuth is the weird place in Michigan that is strictly devoted to the culture of…I guess, Germany? Not really sure. But it’s also know for being Christmas ALL YEAR LONG. Seriously.

This is my mom with Santa. (SANTA!!!!! I KNOW HIM!! awesome movie reference, please tell me you know it) Well, since it was my mom’s birthday, she had to get a picture with Santa…ok, she didn’t really want to, buuuut we made her.

Picture of the birthday, girl!

The fam at dinner. We get the same thing every time: family chicken dinner with all  the fixen’s. We talk about the same things: how David loved the soup that would come first and Nanni would give him her’s because she didn’t like it, and how when Mandy was a baby, one year all she did was cry and Poppi was the only one that didn’t get up to hold her. He got to eat his dinner in peace while the rest of them had to take turns. (seriously, we’ve been coming there since before I was born…yeah, long time)

After the chicken has been devoured, we look forward to the best part of the meal…frozen yogurt with a cookie. The choices are Vanilla, Sherbert, or a Swirl (this year, they had Cranberry). I don’t like anything orange so I stuck with Vanilla.

They give us the plastic figures in the yogurt too. Nanni would always take them home with her. I have no idea what she was planning on doing with them…I don’t think she ever did.

After lunch was over, we’d head downstairs to purchase their amazing jam’s and bread for later…and too look around the toy shop, just for kicks.

David looks happy, doesn’t he?

After that, we’d head over to Bronner’s. What’s Bronner’s? Well, it’s an ALWAYS Christmas store…all year long, it’s Christmas in this store. Christmas literally thew up in this store.

For all my Michigan friends, you know exactly what I am talking about, but for my DC and other friends…you will only know truly what I am talking about by experiencing it. There is really nothing else like this place. With all the twinkling lights, hundreds of different Christmas trees, a million themed ornaments, and every kind of Santa Clause you can lay your eyes on, there is really nothing like this place. It’s great! Every year we come here after dinner to pick out an ornament. We first wander around and look at all the many things they have…I don’t think I still ever can get my bearings in this store…sometimes I can’t figure out how I came in and where the exit is. It’s SO confusing.

I mean, if Christmas didn’t throw up here, I don’t know where it went.

Well Mandi and David were bums and didn’t pick out an ornament…but I did! I was thinking about getting all my roommates a bird ornament (sorry, girls, I decided not to go that route…so no ornament for ya’ll). When I was looking for their ornaments, I came across the one. It’s a bright blue ball with peacock on it.

So don’t get me wrong, I’m not into peacock’s. In fact, I’m not into any kind of animal print or logo or anything like that. But there’s a reason I picked this one. See, Mr Bronner, the guy that owned this store (he passed away this year), was a Christian. And this store is entirely centered around the real reason of Christmas (ok, minus a few Santa Clause’s here and there). When I picked up this beautifully colored ornament, I noticed a tag connected to it. It reads:

Symbol of the Peacock

Known as the bird with one hundred eyes because of the iridescent, eye-like patterns in tis beautiful tale,

the peacock is a symbol of the all-seeing omniscience of God.

Also a symbol of immortality,

it was believed that the flesh of the peacock never spoiled.

After molting, a peacock’s feathers are replaced by even more beautiful ones,

illustrating the concept of resurrection.

Beautiful, right? I simply had to get this one. I did not know that about the peacocks. It’s amazing how God will put his character into his own creatures to let us know that he made them, he is sovereign over their will, he is the one true God and King over all the earth and all things are under his feet. Such a beautiful picture, I think.

Yikes! It’s almost 2am and I have to drive back to DC tomorrow…(not looking forward to that).

Well, thanks again for reading this. Please let me know what you did this Christmas!

Psalm 95:1-7

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King about all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also,

The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

For he is our God, and we are his people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 96:1-2,4,6,9

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary

Worship the Lord in the splendor or holiness, tremble before him, all the earth!

This past weekend, the city of Washington, DC was hit with snow…A LOT of snow. I believe we got 20 inches. It was glorious!!! So beautiful and pure!! It started around 9pm Friday night just as my friends and I were finishing an invigorating escapade of ice skating (routine included!) in the Sculpture Garden. I woke up Saturday morning to look out my window and found that it indeed was still coming down. So what would most 26 year olds do when they see the first snow fall? Head down stairs to make some tea and read a book, you may think? Heck no! I ran into my roommate, Leslie’s, room and pounced on her bed and said…”It’s SNOWING!! Let’s go make a Frosty the Snowman!!!” To which she replied, “Jenny…let me sleep one more hour.” After sitting on her bed for a little, I decided to go down to the next floor to wake up my other roommate, Kate. I, again, pounced on her bed and yelled, “It’s SNOWING!!! Let’s go play!!” She was shocked to find me in her bed and then proceeded to tell me she had a cold…Hmmph. So I then proceeded down stairs for some cereal and a bit of TV whilst waiting for someone to get up to play with me. FINALLY…Leslie came down and we went outside to frolic in the snow. And frolic we did…all the way to Starbucks. Yes, they were open. Needless to say, it’s was a SUPER fun weekend!!

Monday night (and now I get to the point of my blog) my friend Mike came down from New England again and we went to hear the Washington Chorus at the Kennedy Center. Once we found our seats, we enjoyed the beautiful sounds of the voices and the instruments are coming together to make one coherent and harmonizing song. It was really a beautiful sound!! I’ve always secretly wished I could sing really well. I think that is the best talent to have. It’s a talent you can carry around with you everywhere you go. Unlike playing the piano or being able to juggle 10 plates on sticks on each finger, you can literally carry singing with you everywhere because well…it’s built in your throat. If you were just taking a walk in the woods and you wanted to bring your talent to sing out…you could! If you were listening to your ipod in the metro and wanted to grace others with your beautiful voice…you could!! (Granted, they might get really annoyed with you and might just think you have issues) So yes, I’ve always wished I could sing! Maybe I will be able to when I’m in Heaven praising Jesus.

Anyway, the songs the choir was singing were mostly Christmas carols, you know your traditional “Hark the Heard…” and “Silent Night” and so forth. The audience actually got to sing with them during those kinds of songs. The choir sounded astounding when they sang by themselves. But my eyes were on the Composer. It was amazing to watch. His hands would sway back and forth in  a rythmic motion. As his hands got slower the choir’s voices great softer. As his motions got bigger, the choir’s voices got stronger. With one hand he led the soprano’s, with the other he led the tenor’s. In one instance he would move his hand that was leading the soprano’s to led the instruments. I thought about God and his creation and how God is the Sovereign Composer in his creation. With one hand he creates the mountain tops, and with the other he stills a rushing sea, yet he still knows how far the sand will reach and where the wind blows. He sovereignly composes each step of our lives too. He knows the littlest of details. He knows when we will sin and he knows when we will repent of those sins. Even before the earth was formed, he sovereignly composed a Savior and King to come save his elect from His Father’s wrath. He led that with his hand. What a beautiful and artistic image of God. I just love the verses that are in the top of this blog. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord!” Why should we make a joyful noise to the Lord? Is it because he composes his creation for us to enjoy and thus enjoy him? Maybe. Is it because he cares for the littlest of details in our lives? Perhaps. But mostly, we should make a joyful noise to the Lord because of the Redeemer he sovereignly provided to save us from eternal punishment. We have been set FREE!! We are free to praise him! What would a slave or prisoner do when they are set free? They would lift their hands up in praise! They would make a joyful noise.

I just loved watching the composer work his magic on Monday night. But I get to watch my Sovereign Composer work his grace and power through my life each day. Though a sinner, I am, and often times fail, yet he still sovereignly loved me through his Son Jesus Christ.

(Please enjoy the rest of the snowy pictures!)

Well, I find myself yet again sitting up at 11:30…excuse me, 11:40pm. Almost midnight. Yikes!! I’m such a night owl. I swear if there were more hours in the evening, I would get so much more done. Tonight, I went to the gym for a good work out and then headed home for some dinner and then to watch White Christmas and alot of photo editing. Now here I am blogging about my thoughts for today. I hope this doesn’t find you bored yet.

Well, as you may have heard, it’s Christmas. I do love this season. I love the spirit that people get from it. I love the excitement of it all. I LOVE the sales, I mean, who doesn’t right? But most importantly, I LOVE the real reason for Christmas. I love that before the world was formed, before the foundation of the earth, before sin came into the world, God planned for a Savior to be born of man, take on human flesh, empty himself of his heavenly throne to come down to a world full of sin to ministry to people like me and show us his grace and love for us to die on a cross later on in his life. I’ll admit, growing up, I only liked Christmas because of all the presents we got. But now, I mean, the presents are great, (thanks Mom!), but I LOVE the real reason for Christmas…Christ!!

Yesterday, Sunday, we had our Christmas concert at my church. I was one of the people in the choir. It was such a privilege to be a part of the choir. I loved the songs we sang, though, they were a bit hard, they still sounded beautiful. I loved that the rest of the church got to sing with us in Christmas hymns. As a Christian, this season should be extra special. Because we know the real reason for it. We know the SAVIOR that came to be born of a virgin. We know him!! We walk and talk with him daily and he meets our every need. How amazing is that to know the Christ that came to save us!

Luke 1:26 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father, David.

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

We can join in with the angels and say  GLORY GLORY GLORY! For Christ, our Savior is born!

Last night I was able to run since it wasn’t super cold and raining. Though the wind was tough, it was still a peaceful night to run and think on you. As I came to GW parkway, I was completely mesmerized by your creation. The city twinkled along the horizon undearneath a midnight blue backdrop with stars that sparkled high in the sky which you hung at their appointed place, calling them by their names. And the moon! Oh Lord, the moon!! It was glorious! As I crossed over a bridge and quickly glance at the city to my left, I noticed a ball of orange peaking of the starlit city. I immediately stopped my fast pace to be still and watch my sovereign Creator ordain the coming forth of the moon beyond the city skyline. Though cars were rushing by, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of your creation. With it’s bright orange color, it looked as if it might explode or at least touch the outer lining of the city. With my ipod on to David Crowder’s worship band, it was perfect timing of the words, “Holy and Glorious you are! Holy you are! You are glorious!” How true that is! Just as your word proclaims, “the mountains bow down and the seas roar at your command. ” The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”  Only you tell the stars where to hang and how far the sea can go. Only you can act with such authority and power.

Thank you for letting me see your haniwork. It is by your grace that I am able to see your creation and know that it is YOU who does all these things. Just as you call creation to obey your voice, you call sinners to hear your voice as well. There is none like you, and all your creation knows.

I don’t know why I am up this late. I always say how tired I am, but never get to bed when I want to. I have so many things running through my mind right now and if I don’t write it out, I won’t get proper rest. One of the things I wanted to write about was on Psalm119:105.

The verse says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

I have been meaning to blog about this for sometime, but things are work are actually busy and then I get home and run and then I need to work on my pictures, by that time, I’ve just forgotten about it. Hmm…

Well, tonight I had dinner with my good friend, Mike, from camp. He lives in Mass., but comes down to DC on occasion to do some training and we always make a point to meet up for dinner. (Thanks, Mike!!!) On the way home, Mike was kindly and patiently listening to my think out loud. I think I just started rambling and realized that I wasn’t even sure I made sense. Mike and I have good conversation throughout the evening and most of the time, the conversation ends up talking about the Lord and what we are learning through the Word.

As you all may know, the sun goes down a whole lot earlier. Bummer. You would think this would stop me from running outside. Oh no. It doesn’t. I actually love running in the dark. I know it’s probably not the safest thing ever, but I feel safe. There has never been a time I have felt unsafe around here. I feel more safe running around DC than I do in my neighborhood in Michigan where my parents live. I know, it’s crazy. Lately, my runs have been about 9 miles long. I start at my house, 4 blocks behind the Capitol, head down towards the Mall, around the Washington, behind the WW2, up to Lincoln, over the memorial bridge, and down around Arlington Cemetery that leads up to Iwo Jima, back around Arlington Cemetery, and I make my way on George Washington Parkway, over the 395 bridge, in front of the Jefferson, back on the Mall near the Washington, up the Capitol, and back to my house. Phew! Yeah, it goes by fast though. Honestly. But when I hit the road that Arlington Cemetery is on, it starts to get really dark. It’s a major highway on that path and cars are coming straight at me with their headlights (note: I am STILL on the path), but because of this, it makes it impossible to see the path in front of me. I literally can not see the path I am running on. Sometimes, I wonder if I am even still on the path. I always think of that verse Psalm 119:105 while I’m running in the darkness though. I think that though I can’t see the path, I know it’s there. Once I start to turn around and head the other way, I can finally see the path since the cars are going the same way I am going, but then when I get the GW Parkway, there are parts I start to not see the path again and it get more and more hilly. I can’t see where I am stepping which makes me think I could step on a branch and hurt my shins. But I again, think of this verse. I am so thankful for the bikers that go by. Normally, I’m not too thankful for them, they are quite pushy with their little bells telling me to move over…ok, ok, I get it, you’re going faster than I am….you do have wheels. But since it’s dark outside, and I can’t see the path I am running on, I am more thankful for the bikers that go by with their little headlights on. I can start to seee the path little by little as they approach me. God’s Word does that for us. This is how we know God and understand who he has created to be like. When we read God’s Word, we are understanding more of his character and thus, loving him more and more. The light that God gives from his Word enables us to follow him little by little. There are times of darkness and uncertainty of whether or not we are going the right way, but all we have to know is that we are running on the path God has set before us. We are being faithful to what he has put in front of us. Then, through his Word, he will shed light on our path and provide Grace and sight at the right time.

What is he thinking? I kept asking myself. Why would he keep doing this? Doesn’t he see at all? I just don’t understand…

These were all questions that ran through my head as I was doing my morning devotions today. It’s not about what you might think it’s about though. No, it’s not about a boy. I was thinking these things about God. Yes, you heard me. I am in Judges right now and this morning I read chapters 2,3. I’ll admit, I don’t think I’ve ever actually studied the book of Judges before…except maybe at Pensacola for my Old Testament Survey class which didn’t teach me very well. Ok, another confession, I actually failed that class the first time. It was hard! Don’t judge. (haha…get it? Don’t judge. I’m IN Judges! Yes, I crack myself up sometimes) The tests were over the names of every single person in that book and they all sound the same and have the same spelling so it was confusing to get them all right. Oh! Did I mention that my teacher’s name was Mr. Barnhart? Fur realz. No relation though.

Anyway, I was reading over the part when Joshua dies and from then on there seems to be this pattern with the Israelites. They start to go kinda crazy! 2:11 says, “And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals.” Wait a second…didn’t they promise that they would NOT turn to other idols back in Joshua? Didn’t they claim that there was no way they would ever stray from following the One True God? We see in verse 14, that the Lord gave them over to their sinfulness and he sold them to their enemies. But right away, we see in verse 15, that God had set up Judges for them to save them out of the hand of the enemy. In verse 18 it says that God was moved to pity for the Israelites and that’s why he set up judges for them…to give them grace and mercy that they did NOT deserve. In chapter 3 we see again that the Israelites continually did what was evil in the sight of God. After some discipline from God, the Israelites cry out to him and God, himself, comes to the rescue and raises up another judge for them. After that judge dies, the Israelites again to what was evil in the sight of God. There was discipline. They cried out. God heard. He saved them. This happens alot so far in these two chapters. What was he thinking? Giving them so much grace like that? Giving them all the mercy they wanted? He could’ve just wiped them out. But he chose not to. I mean, the Israelites were completely unfaithful and wavering in their faithfulness to God. Why would God give so much mercy to such an undeserved people group?

I think the judges in this book give us a clear picture of what is needed. The ultimate Judge, Jesus Christ. No judge in this book could fully help out the Israelites with their sinfulness. They needed someone much bigger than that. They need a Savior. Thankfully, God was merciful because he knew what was to come through the nation of Israel, a Savior, Jesus Christ, the Righteous Judge.

I just caught a glimpse of the character of God in these chapters. I was blown away by his mercy. Blown. away. A vow, the Israelites made to God to not wander away from him to other idols, and they went back on their vow. But God, through love, and mercy, and gentleness, and patience, gave them mercy. I’m thankful that I serve a merciful God.  Sunday was a day of sinfulness in my heart. Goodness, so much selfishness came up. Sunday night I had to leave early from church because I just felt convicted about my sin. (which I realize is kinda odd because church is a good place for shame to meet grace, but I felt it necessary to leave.) I continually see sin in my life too and often wonder why God would still extend so much mercy to me.

I’m thankful for having read these chapters this morning. And I’m thankful for the blood of Christ to extend undeserved mercy to me.

(OH! Ps. the picture at the top was taken in Boston)

She will sing
She will sing
Oh, to You
She will sing as in the days of youth
As You lead her away
To valleys low
To acres of hope
Acres of hope

Here in the valley
Walk close beside me
Don’t look back
For love is growing vineyards up ahead
You have called me master
And though you’re in the dark here
Call me friend
And call me lover and marry me for good

She will sing
She will sing
Oh, to You
She will sing as in the days of youth
As You lead her away
To valleys low
To acres of hope
Acres of hope

How the story ends is
Love and tenderness in Him
Not safe, but worth it
So the valley’s up ahead
Or the ones we live
We’ll sing together
We’ll sing together

We will sing
We will sing
Oh, to You
We will sing as in the days of youth
As You lead us away
To valleys low
To acres of hope
Acres of hope

Shane and Shane

I can not tell you how much I just love this song. I think it’s been on replay on my ipod since I bought this CD a week ago. I tear up every time I hear it and think that it is just such a beautiful description of the nation of Israel as well as my own state before God. Oh how he DOES love me and allure me and pursue me. He speaks tenderly to me and gives me great hope. He leads me to the acres of hope. This has become my absolute favorite, number one song and I just wanted to share it with all of you faithful blog readers.

Often, I just don’t understand why God would love ME so much. I definitely don’t do things right all the time. I’m often mess up and am a complete sinful wreck, but lately, I’ve just felt God’s love and presence surrounding me and I just don’t understand why he has chosen to call me, by name, out to have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ. I think I’ve mentioned this kind of stuff before, but it’s just good to remind myself of God’s love for me. I’m ever so thankful for it. I truly don’t deserve such kindness from a Savior.

“Lord, sustain me in the valley. Give me ears to hear Your sweet tender voice and lead me in to acres of hope in this dry and weary land.”
“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. ‘In that day,’ declares the LORD,’you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master. (Hosea 2:14-16)

beautiful.

]]> http://jennyanneb.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/acres-of-hope/feed/ 1 jenny http://jennyanneb.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/hey-remember-when/ http://jennyanneb.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/hey-remember-when/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:49:12 +0000 jennyanneb http://jennyanneb.wordpress.com/?p=164 ]]>

“Hey! Remember when, we would always dress up as twins?”

“Hey! Remember when we would pretend to talk in a different language, but it wasn’t any kind of a laungage at all?”

“Hey! Remember when, we would name the horses in your neighbor’s yard?”

“Hey! Remember when after school, we would go in the church and stand behind the podium and pretend we were preaching?”

“Hey! Remember when we would spend the night at each other’s houses and we would watch Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken and you would always fall asleep before the movie ended?”

This past week, I got to go visit my parents in Michigan where I grew up. Always nice to be home for a bit. On Saturday (really early in the morning) I flew out to Boston. I have a few loves in my life that just make me oh so happy: Jesus. Running. Double Stuff Oreos. and the city of Boston. I just love this city. I don’t know why…well, maybe it’s because of how down-to-earth every one is. Or how old the city is. Or the Red Sox!! Or just the atmosphere of it. I don’t know, I just really love that city. It’s also been on my heart too. New England is spiritually dead, and I just would love to move up there someday (not alone though) and help plant a church or something. Who knows.

Anywho, I only have about 24 hours in this city and about 3 or 4 people to see (it would’ve been more, but I only had so much time with no car). I got to have lunch with my good friend, Mike, which is always nice to see him. (looking forward to seeing you in DC, again Mike!) and hung out with my good friend, Peter. Who, I spent Saturday night running around Boston in the RAIN! But I loved every minute of it. We were soaked, but it was so much fun. And then Saturday after my lunch with Mike, I got to see my childhood Best Friend, Bethany. I loved seeing her! It was such a blessing to catch up on life and remember all the fond memories we had together. We grew up together in Michigan. Her dad was the Pastor at my home church in Oxford. We share close birthdays as I am 5 days older than her. We like to say we were best friends since before birth because our moms would visit each other in the hospital. All throughout elementary school, we would always be together. We were in-seperable and always giggling. We took every opportunity to dress the same since we thought (at the time) we looked so much alike. (I think it was mostly the blonde hair…haha). I just wanted to post the picture above and tell about how wonderful it is to have a friendship like this. I wish I could put a picture of us when we were little next to it, but alas, I do not have a scanner (Dang it! Fail!). It was so wonderful to catch up with her on Saturday and talk about what the Lord has been doing in our lives. We shared about where we are in life right now and how God has used both our churches to draw us closer to him. I love it when God is in the conversation. It’s such an encouragement. She brought out old pictures of us when we were growing up together and we would each bring up seperate memories we had. I never really realized what a great treasure it is to have memories like that and then to be able to talk about them and share them with each other. I have great friends here in DC and am building memories with them, but it’s nice to have someone who grew up with you and can recall things very early on that I’ve totally forgotten about.

Bethany asked if I wanted to join her and her hubby, Russell to church with them on Sunday and I was super excited to go! They had joined a church plant in Boston so I was eager to see what that would be like. Before they picked me up, I spent sometime with God and thanking him for a gift like that. I loved going to their church! It was super great to see people excited about the Lord in Boston.

Bethany (Zest-fully-clean SHEETS/Kester) thanks for all the great memories together and for letting me chill at your WICKED cute place in the Beantown with you and Russell and Meatball!!! I hope we can see each other again soon!  Love ya!