Jennifer's Blessed Life

Missing you Papa...

2012-01-23T00:06:00.000-06:00

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you care for me, and how much I care for you,
and each time that you think of me I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I’d always thought I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do.
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,
I’d say goodbye and hug you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realised that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss come tomorrow.
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I’ve promised you,
Today your life on earth is past but here it’s starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last.
and since each day’s the same, there’s no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting, so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.
And you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
for every time you think of me, please know I’m in your heart.
© 2004 Morgana Quinn-Jackson

Come Drip for Kip Blood Drive

2012-01-07T19:47:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! I have a neighbor named Kip. He is a very respected man in our community. He is a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and most importantly, a friend to anyone who has had the honor of meeting him.

Kip is dying. He is suffering from an aggressive form of kidney cancer. He is in a race to save his life. Later this week, he will be undergoing an extremely risky surgery to remove a kidney that is home to a rather large tumor. The chances of him surviving the surgery are very slim. The chances of him beating the cancer without the surgery are non-existent. Kip's surgery will require approximately 25 pints of blood.

On January 23, our community is having a Red Cross Blood Drive in Kip's honor. We are calling the drive, "Come Drip for Kip!" Any blood type can give. You do not have to be a match for Kip. This will simply help replenish the Red Cross' blood supply in Kip's honor.

The drive will be at the First Christian Church of Grove at 4th and Grand in the Celebration Hall. It will run from 10 am to 2 pm. You many contact me through this blog or message me on Facebook if you are my friend.

We need lots and lots of participants! Many friends and family have already expressed their desire to give. When someone we love is going through a troubling time, we all want to do our part in helping in their recovery somehow, someway. This will allow many to contribute to the well being of Kip!

I pray that I will see you there!

A day in the life of a toddler

2011-12-20T12:02:00.000-06:00

Today, I have the pleasure of babysitting! My daughter was lined up to watch these sweet little ones but due to a nasty illness, I am taking her place. It has been a while since I have had to think like a toddler! I have forgotten just how much you have to stay one step ahead of them! They are busy little boogers!

Today, I am with a three year old boy who immerses himself in cars, magic markers, and Mickey Mouse cartoons! I did not raise a son so the bathroom adventures are quite the experience too! I forget that they are just learning to "aim" at the potty and they make the funniest faces when they need to go number 2, IF they stop long enough from playing to even make it to the potty for number 2! Bribery is everything! I wonder if Mom and Dad have ever played "Sink the Cheerios" with him? A game that I remember my friend who raised a son used to play. We might give it a try this afternoon!

Later we will go pick up big sister from kindergarten. This will make for lots more entertainment! They are so excited at that age as they absorb everything around them! I love nothing more than watching a child learn! It makes me miss my early days with mine. Learning was so much fun and I loved trying to come up with creative things to do. I am not ready to be called grandma anytime soon, but I know I will make a great grandparent!

It is time for lunch so it is time to cut up things into little bites and try to get him to sit still long enough to eat! I'm thinking hot dogs or grilled PB & J! We may both be ready for a nap after stuffing ourselves with these toddler treats!

They grow up so fast and I can't help but reminiscing about my child getting ready to graduate next year. It flies way too fast.......

Have a blessed day everyone!

Riding with the Guard

2011-12-09T21:04:00.000-06:00

Showing respect in a flag line for the family

Me lining up for a procession

what we refer to as The Big Flags out front!

I have the honor of riding with the Patriot Guard Riders in a multiple state area. These are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts, former military men and women, blue star parents, and overall great patriots who believe whole heartedly that someone who served this country in the military deserves respect shown when they have either payed the ultimate price in service or after serving this great nation! The folks gave up time with their families and friends to stand on a battlefield to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. The least that can be given to them by us as a country is the respect that they are owed! They earned it!

If you see a funeral procession pass you by, and you see a long line of motorcycle riders leading the way or following close behind, just know that these are my brothers and sisters in the guard. Pull over, remove your hat, and pay respect to the person who is going by to their final resting place.

We take great pride in being able to do what we do. It is such an honor to be allowed to stand watch over the families so they can mourn their loved ones in peace without fear of being harassed or Heaven forbid, PICKETED by that wack-job "church" out of Westboro.

I love being able to ride with these fine people from all walks of life. I will ride with the guard in life until it is time for them to ride for me when I die. GOD BLESS THE PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS!

Winter In Oklahoma

2011-12-06T11:49:00.000-06:00

Holy cow it is cold! I know some of you experience much colder weather than we are right now but, I DON'T LIKE COLD! When it drops into the 50's, I've had enough! Since crossing over into another year of life this past week, now at the ripe ol age of 4.#*%# something something...blah. blah. blah... doesn't really matter... I find that the cold now hurts deeper in the joints! NO LIKEY! I was the athlete! I was the cheerleader! I was the workhorse! I was the girl who would never be outdone by any boy alive! What happened?

Now, my shoulders pop and creak, my hips burn, my lower back feels like it has a knot in it, and my hands move like they are covered in 30lb weights! It's not fair! I am truly a believer in youth is wasted on the young!

The winters here in OK are not typical. Even though we stay above freezing most of the time, we have a very wet cold; icy cold that penetrates multiple layers of clothing and sits in your bones! We are also blessed by brown Bermuda grass and very long, gray days. I think our sun goes into hiding from October to March. It makes you want to stay in bed with the covers pulled up to your chin, or it makes you want to graze in the fridge and cabinets on comfort food while still in your footie pajamas! This is how I gain my winter weight and then come lake season, I will kick myself for allowing such gluttony to take place and I will being the nasty cycle of gym classes and crash diets. Blah.....

I think I am ready to consider becoming a snow bird! The thought of Christmas on the white, sandy beaches of the east coast sound better and better all of the time!

Way behind on blogging!!!

2011-12-05T16:55:00.000-06:00

What an incredibly crazy few months! I have been working so much with the people in Joplin and once we entered the time of the holidays, it just got crazier from there! I am going to take the time now to make my blog a bit more festive for Christmas! Stay tuned.....

Too good not to share!!

2011-09-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

This was posted on my Facebook page by a friend. I found it to be a wonderful and inspirational message.

At a WalMart store, a cashier hands this little boy some money back. The boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.' ... Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' The old lady replied, ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. A lady walked toward him and asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' She replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied back sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this, 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Dad dy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at the lady and said, 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed her a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. She quickly reached for her wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' She added some of her money to his without him seeing and they started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said, 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at the lady and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.' A few minutes later, the boys granny returned and the lady left with her basket. She finished her shopping in a totally different state of mind from when she started. She couldn't get the little boy out of her mind. Then she remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy, The woman read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. She couldn't stop herself as she bought a bunch of white roses and went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. She left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that her life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Boomer Sooner!

2011-09-24T20:57:00.000-05:00

I would just like to say: BOOMER SOONER! I love my Sooners! Always have and always will! I am not a professional football fan other than a Pittsburgh Steeler fan by marriage. Good or bad, no matter how they play, I am forever faithful to my Sooners!

Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner,
Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner,
Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner,
Boomer Sooner, O-K-U!

Oklahoma, Oklahoma,
Oklahoma, Oklahoma,
Oklahoma, Oklahoma,
Oklahoma, O-K-U!

I'm a Sooner born
And a Sooner bred,
And when I die
I'll be Sooner dead.

Rah, Oklahoma! Rah, Oklahoma!
Rah, Oklahoma! O-K-U!

The Knots Prayer:

2011-09-23T08:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Heavenly Father:

Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart, and my life. Remove the have nots, the cannots, and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots, and might nots that may find a home in my heart.

Release me from the could nots, would nots, and should nots that obstruct my life.

And most of all, Dear God. I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart, and my life all the am nots that I have allowed to hold me back.

In Jesus' name, Amen

THE SENSES OF MORNING

2011-09-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! I am thankful that I opened my eyes this morning to see the beauty of God's creation that surrounds me!

Our cove on the lake

I am thankful that my ears can hear my daughter's feet moving on the hardwood floor causing me to reflect on those early years when the steps were smaller and softer. These steps also remind me that the day is rapidly approaching when I will no longer hear her steps daily in my home. She is growing up so quickly and will soon be off to make a life for herself.

I am thankful that my nose can smell the fresh morning air and the dew on the grass to remind me that God provides all resources for renewal of our world. The smells of baking blueberry muffins make thankful that I am able to provide food for my family. It also reminds me that we are rapidly approaching the holiday seasons. My favorite time of year because it turns the attentions of those who might not think of the true meaning behind thankfulness, giving, sharing, and the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As a Christian, these are things that are so much a part of my daily life that the transition into the holidays are not much different other than some bling and bobbles in the home. I am thankful that the rest of the world gets to focus on what we experience everyday. Even if it is only once a year for some!

I am thankful for the feel of my warm and fluffy, favorite blanket that wraps me up on this chilly, Fall morning. It wraps me in love and keeps me warm. It is a reminder of the love and caring that went into each stitch. The blanket was made by my wonderful, ex-mother-in-law. A beautiful woman who still loves me and accepts me as her "daughter" even after the heartaches and tragedies surrounding my divorce. She is with me in my heart and surrounds me with her embrace each day through the blanket she made just for me!

Finally, I am thankful for the taste of my sweet morning coffee and a fresh baked muffin right from the oven! The tastes of things that God put on this earth to sustain life until we leave to join him for eternity.

May God's love engulf all of your senses today! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you! Numbers 6:24-25

A Windows Open Kind of Day

2011-09-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

After what seems like an eternity of sweltering, 100+ days of heat, the chain has finally been broken! For 3 days now, I have been able to leave my air conditioner off in the house and leave the windows open! This is one of my favorite times of the year! Everywhere you look or even listen, you can witness the wonder and beauty created by God! I woke up this morning to the sound of the birds singing and the squirrels having their "Squirrel Olympics" on my roof as the scurry gathering up their food for winter storage. The cooler breezes are clearing out the Summer staleness that has been closed up in my home. I imagine that I am storing up all the freshness I can before I have to put my home on lock down for the Winter. I will do a final hanging of the bed linens, rugs, and curtains. I want to absorb all of the outdoors that I can before the super cold sets in.

Jasmine Sophia out for her ride

This morning I will get all of my Fall decorations out of storage. Now that it is September and football season has officially began, I believe it is socially acceptable to do so! My new Fall Scentsy burners are on their way along with those fabulous Fall fragrances! My home will soon be filled to the brim with the sights and smells of fall!

If you are fortunate enough to be somewhere today where the weather allows, open up those windows and air out your world! I pray that everyone has a very blessed day!

New adventures...

2011-08-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

New adventures always tug at my heart. I have always been the spontaneous and daring one, just ask my Mom! Growing up between two boys, I think I was the one (and still am) who keeps my parents on their toes! I will jump out of the plane and then consider the consequences! I am quite the opposite of my Mom, I assure you! If I were an element, I would be the wind. I will pretty much go wherever there is an opportunity for adventure and new experiences!

Right now I am beginning a new adventure. I have decided that since the stock market stinks up the joint, I can find my own ways to sock funds away for my old age. So what did I do? I bought a second home. Yep, that's what I said, a second home. Now, my husband and I joke around calling this our Summer Estate. It is a simple, two bedroom home on the shores of Grand Lake here in Oklahoma. It comes complete with fishing docks (one is enclosed for the cooler months), a swim dock, boat ramp and tons of fish! It is conveniently located just 5 minutes from anywhere in Grove you want to be!

I am currently remodeling this abode inside and out so that I can share my love of Grand Lake with my friends and family. This is going to be a getaway spot for any of my friends and family who wish to make their escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the peace that we have to offer in small town America.

I have dubbed my place, Rustic Cove on Grand Lake. The decor has a bit of a western flair with touches of rustic design and my own personal touches throughout the home. This home sleeps up to 4 adults and there is always floor space for kiddos. If you are interested, please contact me for details.

The anticipated construction wrap up date is somewhere around early to mid-September. (I'm hoping so anyway!) I would love to have this open for the fall and especially the holidays. I HAVE ONLY ONE RULE: This is for my friends and family ONLY! I will not allow anyone I don't know to stay here.

This home is in a retirement community and quiet time begins at 10:00 pm! No parties, no loud music, no nothing to draw attention is permitted whatsoever! Smoking is only permitted outside under the canopy and never permitted inside of the home. No pets are allowed either. This is not South Grand Lake so the party is NEVER welcome here! This is a place of peace and solitude and I'm sure the neighbors would appreciate this as well.

I'm looking forward to this opportunity! I pray that God allows me to bless each of your lives the way he has blessed mine!

Prayer Request

2011-08-15T01:34:00.000-05:00

I have a prayer request. There's a lady I've known forever. She's very sick. On top of that, she's being abused by those she has given everything to. Lies about her abound, and seem to come from all sides. Just breaks my heart. Seems there's nothing I can do alone. But maybe, if we join in we can lift her up. She's well over 200 years old, but way too young to die. Her name is America... and I love her. Re-Post if you love her too♥ ♥

Reflections of Joplin

2011-07-20T22:24:00.001-05:00

Once in a while you have a life experience that leaves an imprint on your soul. An imprint that will never leave you the same as you were before the experience. On May 22, 2011, as an E-5 tornado ripped across the town of Joplin, Missouri, thousands of lives were changed forever. Not only were the people who lived in Joplin physically left in ruins and emotionally changed forever but on that day the people of Joplin were about to realize how resilient they were and just how loved they were.

I have been honored to be a ground zero volunteer since the first week following the tornado. I work with others to help victims of this tragedy be able to quickly replace items that were necessary to their survival. We have provided hundreds of items so far and the list of needs just keeps growing each day. The generosity of this nation is overwhelming!

In the midst of all of the destruction, what you will see in Joplin is the beauty of those who have gathered from all over this nation for a common purpose. What you will see is a place where political parties play no part, ethnic background, or religious affiliations aren't relevant. It is simply people helping people, families helping families, and those who were once strangers and might not have ever crossed paths in this lifetime, that are now considered family. God has blessed Joplin in so many ways. In a time when the world seems to be falling apart because of the things I mentioned above, there sure is a lot of humanity happening right in the middle of it all! It is shocking when you see Joplin for the first time but when you look beyond the surface, you being to see the hope and strength of its people. Joplin will never be the same but not in the way that most may think. They are forever changed. They mourn for the people who were lost but support those who are still here. They lost material possessions but are finding out that the true meaning in their lives don't amount to what they had in their hands but what is now in their hearts. They have one another.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

2011-07-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

In Congress, July 4 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it; and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.—
WE, THEREFORE, the REPRESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.—And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Signed by ORDER and in BEHALF of the CONGRESS,
JOHN HANCOCK, PRESIDENT.
ATTEST.
CHARLES THOMSON, SECRETARY.

Wishing you a blessed 4th of July!

2011-07-03T16:57:00.000-05:00

I am not posting much this weekend out of respect for my family, my inlaws and extended family, who we are spending time with this holiday weekend. Second, out of respect for my country, America. This is a time to be proud of who we are as a nation. We can show our patriotism and celebrate our freedoms and teach our children the importance of our history.

I will return next week with more blogging. For now, it is about family, faith, patriotism and FOOD! I pray for a very happy and safe Fourth of July for everyone! God Bless America!

Taking Inventory for Joplin Families

2011-06-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

I spent the afternoon at the storage unit going through items that have been donated for victims of the Joplin Tornado. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Adopt a Joplin Family organization. This has been so rewarding for me. My husband and I feel like we cannot teach our daughter to be a servant of God without setting the example ourselves. She is witnessing first hand as well as participating in what is to our family, a completely self-less act of what we are commanded to do as Christians.

We are not wealthy by any definition of the word but we have been blessed. Mainly blessed by having good, Godly friends who have jumped right in to help us locate items that are so desperately needed by these folks! I cannot imagine losing everything you have accumulated over a lifetime! Especially if you have heirloom items. How does one emotionally recover from that? I strongly believe that the only ones who survive are those who lean, steadfast in their faith in God. This is our temporary home. Material items are nothing compared to eternal life with the Father!

I am so blessed to be meeting these people and being able to provide them with some peace and help restore their dignity. Thank you, God for this experience.

RESTORING HONOR

2011-06-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Last Summer, I had the honor of traveling to Washington DC, my very first visit, to witness a remarkable coming together of 1 million plus people (I don't care what the media reported! I was there and I have great vision!) in the name of Restoring Honor to this great nation of ours.

The First Train rolling on by!

On August 28, 2010, we made our way from our hotel room to a subway station to be first in line, and we were, at 5:00 am. As people began to gather to catch a ride to gather at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for this day of celebration, the feeling of excitement was so thick in the air that you could almost taste it! We thought we had been so clever to arrive so early that we just knew we were going to have a prime, front row seat for the days festivities! Unbeknownst to us, we were not the first stop of the morning. We were the second! We knew just exactly what kind response to the call to come to Washington DC as soon as that train blew into the station! There was not enough room on that puppy to squeeze a piece of notebook paper! All we could do was stand there with our jaws on the ground, waving goodbye to the first train! We finally sucked it in enough to make the second train because we could no longer stand the anticipation of getting down there to witness history!

Me and Mom on the subway!

The subway tunnel packed!

As we merged in the lower tunnel after exiting our train, it was wall to wall people as far as we could see! You would think that with that many people there would be pushing, shoving, cussing, or the likes. Oh no! There was not one bit of that! As a matter of fact, a group started singing "God Bless America" and before you knew it, the entire underground had erupted in song! It was one of many beautiful moments that we would witness that day!

Our Location looking behind us

We rounded the corner beside the Lincoln Memorial heading to find our spot on the lawn surrounding the reflecting pool and all you could do was gasp in amazement! There was not a blank piece of grass to sit on except waaaaaaaaayyyyyyy back by the Washington Monument and even that was filling up fast! We knew just like on the subway, we had better suck it up and find a small patch of ground to stake our claim on ! We found our spot and settled in between a family who had driven from ALASKA with their 4 children, an artist from San Diego, CA, and grandparents from Tennessee who had brought their children and grandchildren to witness this momentous occasion! We all sat and talked as if we were all old friends who had come to the greatest reunion on earth! It truly was! To know that we were NOT alone in our belief of God, our goals for this nation as set forth by our Founding Fathers, our concern for the well-being of our children and grandchildren and their children to come.

Me with NO SLEEP!

All of a sudden, none of us were alone any longer. We had come together for one purpose and that was to work towards restoring this nation to an honorable place again in this world. To restore Patriotism and remind the citizens of the United States of America that our country was founded on Godly principles and Godly ideals! We were sick and tired of having to take a back seat to political correctness! This gathering turned out to be the best prayer and praise service I have ever been to in my entire life! God was not only there with us but he was US! The Holy Spirit was moving in and around everyone there! We prayed together, we cheered together, we cried together, and we sang together! When you've heard 1 million plus people sing "Amazing Grace" together in unison, you have witnessed a small taste of what Heaven will be like!

My first time to see the Lincoln Memorial!

I was honored to be in the presence of not only my brothers and sisters from across this great nation but to also hear such great people like Alveda King who is the niece of the late, Martin Luther King, Jr., Glenn Beck who was responsible for this massive coming together, Sarah Palin who so many believed was there as a politician but she was there as the mother of a son in the military, The Lone Survivor-Marcus Luttrell, and so many others! We honored men and women of Faith, Hope, and Charity that day. We honored men and women who fought for this great nation as well as those who are currently serving or had lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. We were introduced to the Wounded Warrior Project. We saw the return of the Black Robe Regiment which is comprised of ministers, pastors, rabbis, and preachers of all walks of Christian or Godly faiths. They stood, united together, on one stage holding hands with one another as they prayed for this nation and for each other. What a beautiful moment!

As the rally drew to a close, everyone was smiling from ear to ear! They were holding hands, hugging, crying, and just altogether filled with pride to be Americans! Those of us who were standing there that day will never be the same again! I am forever changed! I am blessed to have shared that day with my parents as well. Whenever we see or hear something about that day, we look at each other, without saying a word, knowing what the other is thinking. It was more than an experience. It was a feeling......a changing moment.....an emotion. God Bless America! My home, sweet home!

REVERENCE

2011-06-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh. Hebrews 10:19-20

Our generation lacks a sense of wonder and reverence toward God. We want to bring God down to our level, to the commonplace. He is God! Though we have direct access to Him as His children, we ought never to forget that this access was purchased with the precious blood of His only Son.

No one who truly understands this ever enters God’s presence without a sense of holy awe. No one who comprehends the incredible price paid at Calvary ever takes his relationship with God for granted. We will never truly understand God and the way He relates to us unless we first comprehend a true sense of His holiness and His demand for holiness among His people.

If we are in God’s presence, we are on holy ground! We must never act as if it were God’s purpose to make us successful. It would be preposterous for us to become impatient when God does not answer our prayers when and how we think He should! He is God, we are not!

As you meditate on the price Jesus paid to give you access to the Father, you will come to treasure your prayer times with Him. Worship will become a privilege you seize with gratitude. Scripture will be dear to you as you strive to be holy in all that you do (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet. 1:15).

If you have lost your wonder at the incredible gift of salvation that has been given to you, you need to revisit the cross and witness your Savior suffering for you. How priceless God’s gift of salvation is!

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Blackaby Ministries

It's Family Day!

2011-06-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

I've got a HUGE brisket cooking in the oven, potato salad is made, and now it is time to slice some strawberries for the angel food cake! Mom's making baked beans and corn on the cob! Ahhhh, summer! Could it get any better than that?

Today we will have 4 generations together to celebrate my dad's recovery following his surgery. I love being with my family. It just doesn't happen often enough!!! I though by us moving up to the lake that we would have a revolving door on our home. It just seems that everyone is too caught up in the hustle and bustle of their lives to slow down and take time to enjoy those who won't always be around.

Looking forward to the beautiful day of family and fellowship!

Waiting for Daddy

2011-06-22T07:02:00.001-05:00

For the first time in my life and in my Mom and Dad's married life, we sitting in the surgery waiting room waiting for my Dad. He is 66 years old as of Monday and this is the first time he has ever gone "under the knife".

Having been in a waiting room numerous times following Jamey's electrocution and 15 following surgeries, I know how lonely it feels to be the waiting spouse! My Mom is so fortunate for them to have been married 47 years and this is her first wait!

The waiting room is filled with lots of families who are waiting too. Quiet chatter is heard over the sound of the morning news on the television. Of course, there is that one, obnoxious and loud guy who doesn't know the meaning of "inside voice"! I am hearing about how his job sucks, who wronged him, what his plans are for the weekend, and how drunk he got last weekend! Fabulous..... And of course, he knows everything and has done it all, ya know! He is also very creepy and keeps staring at me. Gross!

Mom has gone back in pre-op with Dad while they get him ready. I'm sure there are prayers being said, I know I have been. Dad is our family rock. I pray for the surgeon and his staff as they repair him. Do they realize that's my Daddy? Do they realize that's my Mom's husband? Do they realize he is the Grandpa of 3 wonderful children? Do they think about those things when they take a patient back and start to work on him?

God be with you Dad...See you soon!

For the love of my brother.....

2011-06-21T00:54:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

Please hold my brother close tonight. He is suffering so much as he faces the demons that are pulling at the very core of his being! Release him from his pain, Lord! Take the burden away from him and bring him back safely to us! He has been my best friend since the day he was born and I cannot face this world without him in it!

Tonight, my family and I place him in your arms. Where else would he be when he, your child is in such anguish, Lord? Here he is, he is yours. Hold him close.....

Would you be willing?

2011-06-20T02:08:00.000-05:00

I have become involved with a group called Adopt a Joplin Family. This was started by a woman in California who simply set up a site for people to post their needs following the devastating tornado that just about wiped the town off of the map! Joplin is only 40 minutes northeast of my home. This is where we did our major shopping and eating out! The town is simply unrecognizable. My heart is broken for those who lost so much and it was only by the grace of God that so many lives were spared.

So many lost everything! The list of needs is great and is growing each and everyday as people start to either relocate or find places to live as many do not have a home left to return to and lost everything they owned. As I scanned these needs, I was thinking that for those of you who live too far away to physically take items to families in need or just have no way of knowing how to help, I have come up with a solution. So, would you be willing?

My challenge is this: Would you be willing to run to your local Walmart store and pick up a $5 gift card? a $10 gift card or a $20 gift card? This way, those who need sheets, towels, utensils, dishes, pots and pans, prescriptions, diabetic supplies, etc. will be able to purchase these items! So, would you be willing?

Those of you who are my friends know that I am an honest person. You know me enough to trust that I will make sure that the gift cards would be placed in the hands of someone who has first of all been screened by the Adopt a Joplin Family organization and secondly, have a true and immediate need.

Give up your Starbucks for a couple of days. Give up that McDonalds drive thru for a day. Sacrifice the daily Dr. Peppers for a few days. These are things that we are able to give up so that a family might have diapers for their child, a clean set of sheets to sleep on or a warm blanket to cover with at night.

So, if you are willing , message me and I will pass along my mailing address to you. You will never know how grateful these people are to have any assistance that they can get!

Blessings to you all my friends and family!

Jennifer

Father's Day

2011-06-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

“Behold, children are a gift from the Lord… How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them…” – Psalm 127:3,5

I believe that I have the best father on this earth! I'm sure that I am not the only one who feels that way about their father! I don't ever let a day go by that I don't thank my Lord for allowing me to be the daughter of such a great man. I do realize that there are many who will not or have not ever had the experiences of having a good father in their life and it breaks my heart knowing this.

My father, first and foremost gave me the gift of knowing Jesus. I have never known a life without Christ. Even when there have been times in my life where I have strayed off of the path of righteousness, I always had that tugging at my heart knowing that I could not ever disappoint my father or my Heavenly Father.

Second, he gave me the gift of loving my mother. He has always treated my mother as his equal. He honors her and supports her through all things. What a wonderful example he showed me of how my spouse should treat me. One of my best memories was when my father would take me out on "dates". He would take me to dinner and a movie. This was he could show me the proper way a date should treat me when I started dating. These things stuck so well with me and I will always love him for those lessons!

My father taught me the value of hard work, honest work. If you say you are going to do something for someone, you'd better make good on what you've promised. Your word is your bond and your reputation speaks volumes! To this day, my father is respected by so many in his work, his home and by those who have had the honor of knowing him in a leadership capacity in the church.

My father also taught me life-skills. How to survive if you were to only be able to depend upon yourself for survival. He taught me to hunt and fish. He not only taught me to use tools, he also taught me the proper name of them! I can work on a car and change a tire.

I know Hallmark picks one day of the calendar year to "honor" our fathers. However, shouldn't every day be a day to honor our fathers? God had a reason for putting this commandment in the Big Ten! Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.

I am proud to be the daughter of such a great man! I pray that he feels just as blessed to have children who respect him so much!

New Bling on the Blog!

2011-06-16T22:17:00.000-05:00

New Bling on the Blog! Okay, so after having this blog for 3 years, I finally have time to sit down and play around a bit with the look of it. It is still not finished but I was tired of being a BORING BLOG! I want people to follow me. I don't talk a lot but sometimes I feel like I have stuff to share and say. Hopefully the new stuff will draw a new eye or two!

Many things going on this summer! Tune in to read more.....