Well, it seems we are experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine here in North Texas. Yes, the automated weather alert woke us up with a phone call around 4:45 am or so and I was unable to go back to sleep. The early morning wake-up call and the dreary weather may necessitate a nap for me this afternoon. Not that I have time for napping, mind you, as I am leaving for Peru in a week and 2 days and I still have work to do before I can go.
The wind is whipping around outside and the pool is overflowing. Water is flooding the street and the neighbor's preschool daughter was out playing in the water for a while. Oh, the days when my kids loved to play out in the rain... Actually, they might still like to but it is a school day, after all.
The thing about storms is that they are temporary. Sometimes it takes a while to get over them and the damage they may have caused but, eventually, the sun will come out and everything will be all right. I like the assurance that the One who made the Creation is not surprised by Tropical Storm Hermine anymore than He is surprised by emotional or relational storms. He is still in control when circumstances around us dare to make us wonder. I like that I can count on Him and know that He is faithful.
Even in the storm.
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
What a gloriously cool, lazy, quiet Saturday morning around our house. I've had an amazing and interesting week. Johnny put our travel trailer, the Wildwood, out at the lake so I could enjoy the great outdoors and get some work done on my writing assignment. For those that know us, know we love, love camping. Put my travel trailer just about anywhere and I am happy. I had the campground almost to myself for the first part of the week. Then the holiday campers started moving in and we moved out. For the better part of 3 days I enjoyed solitude and nature and being free of distractions - you know, those pesky things like laundry, house cleaning, the phone ringing, work...
I like the sound of God's voice in nature. No, I didn't hear Him speak to me audibly this week but I know He speaks through His creation. Romans 1:20 - "From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made." The sound of leaves blowing in the wind - is that the sound of the creation applauding the Creator? I imagine that it is. Isaiah 55:12 (in part) - "and all the tress of the field will clap their hands."
And then back to reality and routine. Which, for us in the great state of Texas, means Friday night high school football. Jessica is one of the new mascots for our school and it was the first night out for the new mascot costume. (is that what one would call the mascot get-up? LOL) Our team won. And today - laundry and cleaning and yard work. But, Monday is a holiday - woohoo, we could already use a break after only 2 weeks of school! I hope you have big plans to enjoy the day!
Serving the King,
Jeanettte
I like the sound of God's voice in nature. No, I didn't hear Him speak to me audibly this week but I know He speaks through His creation. Romans 1:20 - "From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made." The sound of leaves blowing in the wind - is that the sound of the creation applauding the Creator? I imagine that it is. Isaiah 55:12 (in part) - "and all the tress of the field will clap their hands."
And then back to reality and routine. Which, for us in the great state of Texas, means Friday night high school football. Jessica is one of the new mascots for our school and it was the first night out for the new mascot costume. (is that what one would call the mascot get-up? LOL) Our team won. And today - laundry and cleaning and yard work. But, Monday is a holiday - woohoo, we could already use a break after only 2 weeks of school! I hope you have big plans to enjoy the day!
Serving the King,
Jeanettte
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Back to School Dinner
This marks the first time I have taken a photo with my cell phone and sent it from my phone to myself and actually posted it to a blog. I am just becoming more and more techie all the time. HAHAHA!!
Ok, with that out of the way, the above photo was taken last night after our traditional back-to-school dinner. We had to move to the 2nd day of school because Johnny is coaching an Upward football team and he had practice Monday night. But, we had all 3 kids with us so it was a bonus! Yes, the college boy will still meet us for free food!
It was a great night! We had a nice dinner and great conversation. Yes, we laughed hysterically at Jacob, as usual. I am not kidding, he is a funny, funny kid. We (Johnny and I) talked about our hopes and dreams for our kids for the year and our plan to challenge them this year. I am looking forward to a great year! We want to celebrate with our kids and support them, but also to never stop challenging them to do their best and be their best. And, to never stop following God or seeking Him to be the guide and power in their lives.
I hope you and your kids have had a great 1st few days of school!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Monday, August 23, 2010
First Day of School
First day of school, again. The house is unbelievably quiet except for the noise from the pool construction next door. Josh got settled in at DBU over the weekend. Our niece is also a freshman at DBU this year. She surprised us by coming to our church yesterday with 3 of her new friends. We couldn't miss an opportunity to have them with us so we invited them all to lunch at our house. Josh was here - he's still an intern for our student pastor so we'll have him home every Sunday and Wednesday! (yea for us!) It was so fun to have a table full of students!
Jacob got out the door earlier than Jess - she has first block off for the senior year. He was ready to go. Well, as ready as a 15 year old can be when it comes to going back to school. I made his breakfast & his lunch -- yes, I still do that. I will never get tired of doing that. It's what I do.
Jessica came down, ready to start her senior year. I didn't cry! haha! I remember all those times when the kids were little and I wasn't allowed to go with them to the first day of school. Johnny always took them so I wouldn't embarrass them by crying in the building the first day. Come to think of it, I feel a little teary just now. It helps that our new school is one mile from our house and Jess and a friend are coming HOME for lunch today. Yes, I will fix some lunch for them. It's what I do. I'm the mama!
So, everyone is off and started on their first day. Johnny already talked to Josh this morning and he was headed to a delicious cafeteria breakfast and then to class. I guess I'll go get on with my day and get off this computer. I've got to hit the 30-Day Shred and then to serious work on my LifeWay project.
Happy First Day of School everyone!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Jacob got out the door earlier than Jess - she has first block off for the senior year. He was ready to go. Well, as ready as a 15 year old can be when it comes to going back to school. I made his breakfast & his lunch -- yes, I still do that. I will never get tired of doing that. It's what I do.
Jessica came down, ready to start her senior year. I didn't cry! haha! I remember all those times when the kids were little and I wasn't allowed to go with them to the first day of school. Johnny always took them so I wouldn't embarrass them by crying in the building the first day. Come to think of it, I feel a little teary just now. It helps that our new school is one mile from our house and Jess and a friend are coming HOME for lunch today. Yes, I will fix some lunch for them. It's what I do. I'm the mama!
So, everyone is off and started on their first day. Johnny already talked to Josh this morning and he was headed to a delicious cafeteria breakfast and then to class. I guess I'll go get on with my day and get off this computer. I've got to hit the 30-Day Shred and then to serious work on my LifeWay project.
Happy First Day of School everyone!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Heavy Day
I told myself I would not cry but, sure enough, I couldn't hold the tears back. Jessica's bestest friend spent the night last night and in the morning she leaves for college. Then we got some heavy news about a friend. It's one of those times when I just don't know what to do. I really have no idea. I'll pray, of course, but the rest is out of my hands.
My longing is to shelter those that I love. My desire is to keep them safe and trouble free. That's not practical and certainly does not line up with Scripture. I long for that day of no more tears, no more mourning or sorrow. Until that day, however, my hope rests in the One who is coming on that white horse. He is called Faithful and True. I believe in that. Some days I don't know how I could take one more breath if I didn't.
Just a couple more days and Josh will be gone. Again. School will start and we'll be in a routine. We'll go to the last 1st day of high school for Jessica and the senior breakfast and, with that, all the senior things will start. The last girls' basketball season and the last year of living at home. For Jessica, that is. We'll still have Jacob at home - I'm sure he will keep us in stitches, he is such a funny kid.
So, we'll have a busy few days - the school supply lists were sent home last night from Open House. Ugh, I dread rumaging through trying to find just the right notebook or folders or whatever else the teachers have so diligently put on those lists. I'm a rule follower so everything will have to be just right. I might just drive my kids a little crazy - they'll find a substitute and say it's fine and I'll be manic about getting the exact item requested.
I'm dreading it already.
Well, after this light-hearted and uplifting post (not!) I think I'll just sign off...
Serving the King,
Jeanette
My longing is to shelter those that I love. My desire is to keep them safe and trouble free. That's not practical and certainly does not line up with Scripture. I long for that day of no more tears, no more mourning or sorrow. Until that day, however, my hope rests in the One who is coming on that white horse. He is called Faithful and True. I believe in that. Some days I don't know how I could take one more breath if I didn't.
Just a couple more days and Josh will be gone. Again. School will start and we'll be in a routine. We'll go to the last 1st day of high school for Jessica and the senior breakfast and, with that, all the senior things will start. The last girls' basketball season and the last year of living at home. For Jessica, that is. We'll still have Jacob at home - I'm sure he will keep us in stitches, he is such a funny kid.
So, we'll have a busy few days - the school supply lists were sent home last night from Open House. Ugh, I dread rumaging through trying to find just the right notebook or folders or whatever else the teachers have so diligently put on those lists. I'm a rule follower so everything will have to be just right. I might just drive my kids a little crazy - they'll find a substitute and say it's fine and I'll be manic about getting the exact item requested.
I'm dreading it already.
Well, after this light-hearted and uplifting post (not!) I think I'll just sign off...
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Sunday is most definitely my favorite day of the week. We are church people around here and we love to gather with, well, the church. There's nothing like small group Bible study with people that make you feel good and safe and comfortable and just plain joyful. Then there's corporate worship and listening to the Word brought with clarity and conviction...
...followed by an easy, home-cooked lunch with family and friends and then, ahhhh, the Sunday afternoon nap. Prescription for a PERFECT day.
Except for the fact that it's over 100 again today for the I-don't-know-how-many days. A lot. It is stinkin' hot in North Texas, that's for sure!
School starts back one week from tomorrow. Josh moves back to college this coming Saturday. This has been an absolutely great summer. In some ways I am ready for routine that comes with school and in some ways I want to scream NOOOO! No, I don't want it to end!
The big news of the summer is that Josh and Jessica have both said this summer that they feel like God is calling them into Christian ministry/vocation. Wow! The proudness that I feel is indescribable. Yeah, I know that life in ministry is not always easy and, sometimes, is really hard. But, that they would commit their lives to do the work of ministry is overwhelming to me. It's all a God-thing but I cannot help but feel that I did something right along the way.
Josh and Jacob and their band are playing tonight in evening worship. Even though they have been playing together only a few weeks they are good. I'm not just biased, either. I promise! hahahaha....
Well, I better go change - I don't think I'll wear my Georgia Bulldog shorts to church tonight. Don't worry, my church doesn't put any expectations on this pastor's wife, but Georgia Bulldog shorts are for home wear only!
hahahaha....
Serving the King,
Jeanette
...followed by an easy, home-cooked lunch with family and friends and then, ahhhh, the Sunday afternoon nap. Prescription for a PERFECT day.
Except for the fact that it's over 100 again today for the I-don't-know-how-many days. A lot. It is stinkin' hot in North Texas, that's for sure!
School starts back one week from tomorrow. Josh moves back to college this coming Saturday. This has been an absolutely great summer. In some ways I am ready for routine that comes with school and in some ways I want to scream NOOOO! No, I don't want it to end!
The big news of the summer is that Josh and Jessica have both said this summer that they feel like God is calling them into Christian ministry/vocation. Wow! The proudness that I feel is indescribable. Yeah, I know that life in ministry is not always easy and, sometimes, is really hard. But, that they would commit their lives to do the work of ministry is overwhelming to me. It's all a God-thing but I cannot help but feel that I did something right along the way.
Josh and Jacob and their band are playing tonight in evening worship. Even though they have been playing together only a few weeks they are good. I'm not just biased, either. I promise! hahahaha....
Well, I better go change - I don't think I'll wear my Georgia Bulldog shorts to church tonight. Don't worry, my church doesn't put any expectations on this pastor's wife, but Georgia Bulldog shorts are for home wear only!
hahahaha....
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
What I Am Up To...
...since I last blogged which was forever ago. Lots & lots has gone on and in 2 weeks when the kids go back to school I hope to process it all. Don't think I'm hurrying it to be here though. Not.at.all. The college boy will move back to his campus and the daughter will be a SENIOR. It's gonna be a big year, that's for sure. In the meantime, here's a little bit of what I am up to right now...
What I am listening to - Passion Awakening & Hillsong United We Stand
What I am reading - Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski
What Difference Do It Make - by Hall, Moore, & Vincent (still)
The Cost of Discipleship - by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (still)
I also purchased a 542-page biography on the life of Bonhoeffer not too long ago. Johnny laughed at me. I recently read Broken by William Cope Moyers, a book about addiction. I just realized I am reading 2 books that have to do with homelessness...
What I am enjoying eating - not much, since I am now on a self-designed diet and exercise program to ready myself for the trip to Peru. I did go to Fuzzy's Taco last night with the pastors' wives (and it was a great time) and splurged just a bit. I just had to run a little harder this morning, which brings me to my next category -
What I am enjoying doing - running - I finally found my like of running again, reading, the pool, and family time
Alright, that's me. Anybody reading any good books lately?
Enjoy the last days of summer!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
What I am listening to - Passion Awakening & Hillsong United We Stand
What I am reading - Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski
What Difference Do It Make - by Hall, Moore, & Vincent (still)
The Cost of Discipleship - by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (still)
I also purchased a 542-page biography on the life of Bonhoeffer not too long ago. Johnny laughed at me. I recently read Broken by William Cope Moyers, a book about addiction. I just realized I am reading 2 books that have to do with homelessness...
What I am enjoying eating - not much, since I am now on a self-designed diet and exercise program to ready myself for the trip to Peru. I did go to Fuzzy's Taco last night with the pastors' wives (and it was a great time) and splurged just a bit. I just had to run a little harder this morning, which brings me to my next category -
What I am enjoying doing - running - I finally found my like of running again, reading, the pool, and family time
Alright, that's me. Anybody reading any good books lately?
Enjoy the last days of summer!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
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