simply delightful

i love a pretty book...

2011-03-01T10:16:00.000-06:00

So if you are ever trying to find the perfect gift for me...

I can tell you exactly what I want...

(My birthday is 42 days away, so it's not to soon to put this out there..

Annie, you agree with me, right?)

(image found here)

I have decided that these beauties are my newest favorite thing to collect!

The days of Mary Engelbreit calendars have come to an end...

(Mom, I know M.E. had become a Christmas tradition, but I think this is a good replacement!)

It is now all about the Penguin Classics!

I have officially started this new collection with the purchase of this lovely little thing:

I'm not gonna lie..

I definitely judge a book by it's cover.

But I think that's acceptable... as long as you are judging only books like that, not people.

a new favorite...

2011-02-23T17:02:00.000-06:00

Yes, it is true that I made a few "informal" New Years Resolutions.

(They were probably considered informal in my mind because I figured I wouldn't actually do them.)

Blogging more often, like I used to do, was definitely one of those resolutions.

As you can tell, my follow-through on that is severely lacking.

Though I'm not writing much, I still keep up with my favorite blogs.

I've even added a few more favs to the list!

Today I would like to introduce you guys to Em & Tim of Today's Letters!

No, I can't really introduce you to them, but I can point you to their blog!

Check out their story, their marriage advice, and their daily posts of precious letters to each other!

You might also get a little giggle out of their Fist Pump Friday posts!

(The most recent one just so happens to include yours truly. I know. I felt so famous!)

Hope you enjoy!

And maybe, just maybe, I will get around to writing a more personal post. Sometime soon. Maybe. :)

be still and recognize...

2011-01-10T15:34:00.003-06:00

Addison Road - What Do I Know Of Holy

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven

But I talked the whole time

I think I made You too small

I never feared You at all No

If You touched my face would I know You?

Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood

But the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out

I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about

How You were mighty to save

Those were only empty words on a page

Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be

The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood

But the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)

What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?

And a God who gave life "its" name?

What do I know of Holy?

Of the One who the angels praise?

All creation knows Your name

On earth and heaven above

What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood

But the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?

_______________________________________

This song has been the soundtrack playing in my mind for several days now.

Such beautiful, powerful, honest, reflective words...

The melody points me again and again in the direction of the Holy.

I've also been reading this book: An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor. I have only finished the first two chapters and have already been blessed tremendously by the message Taylor is sharing with me. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for ways to dive more deeply into the divine...

the blessing of encouragement...

2010-11-29T17:28:00.000-06:00

Dianna (the most wonderful administrative assistant that any ministry could ever ask for) sent me this email early last week, and it has been oh so encouraging to me. Because I have had to reference it several times since receiving it, I figured I would share it with you all. It's short, but oh so reassuring!

When you feel overwhelmed...

Demands knock on my door.

Burdens beckon me to answer.

The to-do list stretches for miles.

I whisper, "I feel overwhelmed."

And in the stillness it seems I hear...

"Child, open your heart to Me instead of the demands of the day.

Lay those burdens at My feet, not on your shoulders.

Let go of your list and dare to embrace My grace.

I do not require you to beoverwhelmed.

I enable you to overcome.

And with Me, you always will."

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Dianna found this here if you are looking for more little bits of encouragement for your day.

speaking in spirals...

2010-11-16T18:49:00.000-06:00

I am experiencing one of those lovely moments.
The kind of moment that can't quite be summarized in words.
Not even eloquent words.
It's not any one particular emotion, and not any one thing in particular has led me here.
I will try to describe my thoughts, but you'll have to excuse me.
There is no order to these things I am about to write.
Just my random thoughts.
I know I will be speaking in spirals.

Colors seemed more vibrant today.
I give the rain credit.
Well, the rain and the One who made the rain.
Bursts of color all over the place.
Each with it's own magic, capturing my gaze.
The smallest, simplest things were the most enchanting.

There's something about Regina Spektor's music.
The sounds usher in a haunting nostalgia.
Haunting, but comforting as well.
It's bittersweet and beautiful.
Memories are special like that.
And so is the autumn time.
This particular song has the slideshow of my mind in sepia.

I haven't been writing on this blog very much lately.
And you'll notice the past few posts have been lacking in depth.
I apologize to those of you that rely on this thing to know what's happening in my life.
(Those of you that actually know me.)
I have not been very informative.
Sometimes there is just too much to say.
Too much to process.
And to try to put it all in a reader-friendly form just takes too much effort.
At least for me.
Right now.

A couple of months ago, I picked up the book, Captivating, by John & Stasi Eldridge.
A mentor of mine told me to read it.
Honestly, I used to roll my eyes at that book.
I thought it was going to be like all of those other cheesy books out there...
It wasn't.
It was a bit life changing, actually.
I wasn't expecting that.
It's amazing, some of the ways God speaks to us.

Speaking of the voice of God, I've been hearing Him a lot.
Over the past two weeks, He has been speaking through the music of Lisa Gungor.
Well, she and her husband.
"From the Ground"
"Beautiful Things"
"When You Come"
"Please Be My Strength"
Those four are my favorites.
I highly recommend.

Remember a couple of months ago when I posted a verse from Habbakuk?
I've been keeping my eyes open.
I've been watching.
And I've been amazed.
I have a feeling He isn't finished blowing my mind yet.
Good stuff.

I think I am ready to put my laptop down and just enjoy this peace for a little while.
It's a pleasant thing, to rest in Him.

and he sings...

2010-10-11T18:47:00.003-05:00

Zachary Levi is by far my biggest tv crush.

This is no secret.

I, however, had no idea the boy could sing.

Do I love him even more?

Most definitely.

so my lil newlywed sister has a blog now...

2010-09-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

And I think you should check it out here!

While were are talking about my dear little sister,

why don't I share with you some of her beautiful pictures!

Enjoy!

Karissa & her husband, Kyle.

Aren't they just absolutely, perfectly adorable?!

(Check out the TOMS that are represented on this occasion.)

The complete family picture...

Kayla & I love having a new brother!

The ceremony couldn't have been more perfect.

It was held in the City Park of New Orleans.

I might have cried the most during this beautiful moment.

Dad led such a touching prayer of blessing over them.

To have both Kyle's dad and our dad up there was so special...

These two are perfect for each other.

No question about it.

I couldn't be more happy for them!

So I would like to introduce to you all,

for the first time on this blog,

Mr. & Mrs. Ferguson.

Rissy-sissy, I love you.

look and be amazed...

2010-09-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

"Look around at the nations;

look and be amazed!

For I am doing something in your own day,

something you wouldn't believe

even if someone told you about it."

-Habakkuk 1:5

I don't really have much more to say today.

I've been a little burnt out when it comes to blogging,

but I am hoping to make a come back soon.

Until then, let the Spirit and this exciting Scripture stir up something within you.

I know it has in me....

i am still alive...

2010-06-30T15:14:00.000-05:00

I just haven't been able to blog in a LONG while. I haven't even really been in town to read everyone else's blogs, so I am completely out of touch with blog-world. Summer craziness. Things have been busy, but awesome! Things should slow down a little bit in July, and maybe I can fill you all in on the awesomeness..

Hope you all have a great week!!

busy, busy, busy...

2010-05-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

I really haven't posted anything in a while,

but it's only because I've been SO busy

and had SO much on my mind!

Here's what I will leave you with today:

the cast of Glee is on tour

and if they end up anywhere near me,

I SO want to go!

exciting things from cali; part iv...

2010-05-04T10:31:00.002-05:00

And the fourth (& best) thing I loved about Cali was:

the conference itself...

catalyst west

was such an incredible event, and personally,

I left feeling challenged, inspired, convicted, & filled.

(Matt, me, Ashley, & Cody between sessions on the sunny day!)

The speakers at this conference were incredible: Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Mark Drissold, John Ortbery, Dallas Willard, Reggie Joiner, Donald Miller & Erwin McManus to name a few.

Chris Tomlin even led worship on the first night.

(Ashley & me when it "snowed" inside the conference center)

I think one of my favorite moments at the conference was when I stayed behind at lunch the 2nd day to spend time at the chapel (the beautiful building behind us in the first picture) where Prayer Stations were set up. It was in that space of quiet time that I was really able to process all that I had been hearing.

It can be a little emotional, coming to certain realizations; I really needed that time.

And God was good to me... we had a very nice conversation.

(on stage: Tripp and Tyler. Two of the funniest people ever.)

I am sure you can tell that I really enjoyed my time in California.

(I mean... I have posted about it 4 times now...)

I hope that I will take these things that I have learned and be changed by them.

Curious as to what I learned?

Don't let everyday realities & disappointments smother your dreams.

Hold onto your dreams.

Want God to do big things.

Believe He can.

Believe He will.

And take steps in faith towards those things.

Don't always let the urgent trump the important.

Do not fear.

Be confident in who He created you to be.

And live that abundant life of faith, hope, love & joy that He desires for you.

(The last night: fish tacos. Such excitement.)

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go to this conference!

And definitely looking forward to going again sometime!!

exciting things from cali; part iii...

2010-04-29T11:10:00.002-05:00

And the third thing I loved about Cali was:

going to

newport beach!

Sure, it was windy, cloudy & cold...

But hey, it's the OC.

And that, my friend, was very exciting!

(me & Ashley taking advantage of a good photo op)

(Cody, Matt, Ashley & me. Cody loves these kind of pictures, can't you tell?)

(Ashley & Cody. Aren't they precious?)

We had a really good time for the 15 minutes we were on that beach!

Dear Cali,

Next time I visit,

how about you show me that

famous California sunshine?

Just sayin...

Sincerely,

jenna

exciting things from cali; part ii...

2010-04-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

And the second thing I loved about Cali was:

umm....

meeting donald miller!

and getting my picture with him!

Yes, it is true that I have a crush on him.

Yes, it is true that I wish I had given him my number.

Yes, I do {not so} secretly hope he sees this.

And yes, I know that I sound like a middle school girl.

exciting things from cali; part i...

2010-04-28T09:59:00.002-05:00

Let me tell you.

I love me some California.

Love it.

Because there were so many things that I loved about last week's trip,

I've decided to break it down into multiple posts.

And the first thing I loved about Cali was:

pinkberry

Naomi had blogged about pinkberry a long time ago, and I remember thinking that it looked so good in her pictures. As soon as I saw the place, I knew that we had to stop for some. SO glad we did. It is, by far, my favorite frozen yogurt place ever!

(I got the pomegranate flavor of yogurt with blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry toppings.

Absolutely amazing.)

I'm pretty sure we had some fro-yo everyday after this.

Somebody please find me the nearest Pinkberry...

I am currently going through withdraws.

it's true.. i ran a 5k...

2010-04-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

Even with 3 hours of sleep, I ran that 3.1 miles like a champ.

And by champ, I mean a slow paced person that didn't stop to walk once!

That and the fact that my time was quite a bit better than I expected,

I consider this quite an accomplishment!

Yay for setting goals & living good stories!

it's probably not a good thing...

2010-04-17T02:56:00.001-05:00

... that it is 3:oo in the morning & I can't seem to sleep.

Yep.

Wide awake.

Have been all night long.

Oh yes, tomorrow morning is that 5K,

followed by the Girls Retreat.

I am praying that I am still getting rest,

though I lie awake in my bed.

And who knows, maybe I'll get a nap in before morning...

a quarter of a century...

2010-04-13T10:01:00.002-05:00

(image found here)

yep, that's how old I am now...

Can you believe it?!

I can hardly.

A spiritual mentor of mine told me to "Expect big things from God this year..."

I must say, I am excited to see what all He has in store for my 25th year!!

my calendar tells me...

2010-04-08T11:13:00.001-05:00

... that my birthday is only 5 days away!

It also tells me that the day of my 5K is fast approaching.

It, along with the MYM Girls Retreat, is only 9 days away!

California trip - 12 days.

Karissa's graduation - 22 days.

Family vacay - 30 days.

Senior Sunday - 38 days.

Summer Interns arrive - 43 days.

JH Family Beach Retreat - 50 days.

Karissa's WEDDING - 72 days.

And that is just to name a few.

My life is pretty crazy busy.

(But I love it.)

(For the month of April, my calender also happens to have this picture of a girl that kinda looks like me, don't you think?)

it was time for a makeover...

2010-04-08T09:31:00.001-05:00

So I was ready for a new look for the ole blog, but it needed more than just another template switch or a new header.

I wanted something completely different. Something more exciting.

There was only one problem.

I had no idea how to change it. You see, I am not all that technologically savy.

Example: For a year, I'd been wanting a counter at the bottom of my page and couldn't even figure that out!

There was no way I could re-design by myself.

But I knew who could...

The ever-so-talented Annie Butterworth Jones!

Annie took all of my ideas and inspirations, combined them with her skills and resources (and some of her own ideas), and here we are!

She did an amazing job capturing the essence of what I was looking for!

I couldn't be more happy with the finished product!

If you are interested in a blog makeover, check out the graphic design services that Annie offers.

I definitely recommend her! You can contact Annie at anniesbutterworth[at]gmail[dot]com.

(Me & Annie at last year's Girls Retreat.

Not only does she design beautiful blogs, she is a very gifted speaker!)

Thanks again, Annie!!

captured moments of easter...

2010-04-06T09:34:00.009-05:00

a truly beautiful day with my wonderful family...

i am so blessed.

meet the team..

2010-03-11T11:03:00.006-06:00

So I haven't really said much about this on the blog, but several transitions have taken place for our ministry in the past 7 months.

First of all, in August, one of our youth ministry teammates, Corey, moved away. Now this was a pretty big deal. Corey had been at Mayfair for 10 years, and he thought he would be here for 10 more, but God had other plans. Corey and his family are now in Atlanta, serving the teenagers at the Campus Church. It's exciting to see how God is using him in this new place, and it is powerful to see the impact that he has left here. It's going to be fun running into them at different youth events this summer!

Soon after Corey moved, we began the process of finding a new youth ministry team member. Most of you probably haven't been through a process like this from this end of it. It is SUCH a difficult, frustrating, stressful, crazy thing! I don't want to have to go through this again for a very long time! But thankfully the search process is complete, and someone else has now joined us!

So...

Meet the new team:

(pictured: Aubrey, Dianna, me, & Cody)

Aubrey Wood and his family joined us two weeks ago, and let me tell you, it has been a great two weeks! Transitions are scary, and I was anxious.. worried about how things would go. You know, fear of the unknown. But God has been at work helping this transition to go so smoothly. I can't describe to you the peace that I have felt over the past two weeks. Cody, Dianna, and I are all very excited about the new addition to our team. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that God is at work, and we can't wait to see all that He has in store for our teens and this youth ministry!

For those of you who have known about the transitions we have been going through and have been praying about it, thank you so much! I am seeing prayers answered daily.

Praise the Lord for all He has done and all He plans to do!

as i watch my favorite show on hulu...

2010-03-09T17:15:00.001-06:00

...I am reminded of how much I love this show.

And really, it just keeps getting better and better...

it's going to be a bright, bright sunshiny day...

2010-03-06T11:10:00.002-06:00

And for that I am thankful!

I hope you enjoy your beautiful weekend!

hungry...

2010-03-03T09:35:00.002-06:00

(That was really supposed to sound like "hungry?" but I use ... at the end of my titles. Tradition. I can't break that.)

Anyways...

Hungry?

Well chew* on this.

And while you are at it, read this too.

And who knows, maybe you could even make a comment?

(I know. I am shameless.)

(What is the "this" that I am talking about? It is our February discussion on the subject of Lent on chew*.)

Oh yes, one more thing...

If you are in the mood for some more food for thought, check out this post from Donald Miller. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this topic. Maybe I will have more to say about that later.

cup o' sunshine...

2010-02-23T14:14:00.001-06:00

(found here)

I am tired of the cold & glummy days of winter!

I am so ready for springtime..

God,

is it almost time

to fill my cup with

some rays of sunshine?

Por favor?

Sincerely,

jenna

first day of lent...

2010-02-17T09:56:00.003-06:00

So yesterday was Fat Tuesday. Marci, Ashley, & I celebrated with pizza & gelato at Sam & Greg's in downtown Huntsville. It was so good. It was just another reminder that I am so blessed with the friendships that God has provided for me since I moved to Huntsville (almost 2 years ago).

(borrowed this image from here)

While at dinner, we talked a little about Lent. We didn't really go into great depth in our conversation.. We mostly talked about what we were going to give up for the Lent season. (I've decided on Diet Coke. But really, I am just going to do sodas in general.)

After this conversation and reading this blog post yesterday, this whole concept of Lent has been on my mind. If I am going to participate in Lent this year, I want it to be more than just giving up Diet Coke. The real intention of Lent is for the believer to prepare himself for Easter, which is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

So for the next 40 days (technically 46, but this explains that), I want to focus on Jesus.

I want to focus on:

Why He came to live amongst us.

The way He lived while He was on this earth.

The ways I can model His life... to make His life my own.

The sacrifice He made.

The powerful gift that His grace is.

What that requires of me.

I will fast from sodas, recognizing that it is only a metaphor for the greater sacrifices I want to embrace and exercise in my life.

So these are my thoughts on Lent as of now.

Anyone else participating on Lent?

What are you fasting from?

What are you focusing on?

Your thoughts?

a few random thoughts...

2010-02-16T11:23:00.004-06:00

image found here

I want a reason to own and wear a dress like this.

And I want it to be warm enough to wear it.

I am tired of being cold.

I am really enjoying going to the Y.

I've been able to spend some quality time with family recently, so that's a big blessing.

Life is going well.

That's all my random thoughts for now...

Wishing you all a very wonderful week!

my snowy weekend recap (a few days later)..

2010-02-10T15:36:00.003-06:00

So last weekend I went to Boone, NC with some of the Young Pros at church for a weekend of skiing. And let me tell you, I was not confident that I would master the art of this snow sport. I was so nervous when I woke up the first morning. But as I have been learning (and making an effort to practice), God's peace can guard your heart in all things. Even something as silly as a fear of falling down a snow covered mountain.

Now I am definitely no pro. I would still consider myself a beginner, but I did really well! By the end of the trip I was going down those greens like they were nothing! (Keep in mind, the green slopes really are practically nothing, but for me, it was huge!)

I seem to be doing this a lot recently.

Facing little fears.

Fears of all kinds.

And setting goals.

And following through.

(Ex - this was a successful 2nd week of 5:30am classes at the YMCA. And I love it.)

I am in a place where I am growing a lot right now. I feel it. And in some things, it has been a little painful. In other things, it has been so liberating. I am excited to see what God is preparing me for... Please be praying about that for me.

Now for some pictures of the trip!

Ready for a day of skiing! Just look at all of that snow!

(pictured: Marci, me, Ashley, Christy, & Allison)

Me & Christy on the van. We look so hardcore.

Meet Sugar.

The most incredible snow-woman I have ever helped build.

Seriously.

Just look at that face...

So much emotion in those eyes...

The group responsible for this beautiful creation.

(pictured: Matt, Ashley, Marci, Jamie, & myself)

And finally, a roommate picture with Sugar.

(We pretty much consider Ashley a roommate. She lives in the same apt complex.)

It really was such a great weekend,

and it's been a really good week.

Growing pains and all...

God is good.

i would love to find this somewhere...

2010-02-09T12:45:00.003-06:00

Saw this on this fun blog, along with this lovely little story...

I want this journal.

I wonder if they have it at Barnes & Noble?

Just thought I would share.

finding peace...

2010-02-09T10:21:00.002-06:00

Peace,

His peace,

pushes out fears;

replaces them.

Peace,

God's peace,

provides strength

without understanding.

Peace,

from the faithful Father,

knows things entrusted

with Him are

safe.

for all of you who might be wondering..

2010-02-04T11:41:00.002-06:00

I met my goal this week!

I got up every morning this week at 4:50 so that I could get to my 5:30 classes at the YMCA.

I actually did it!!

Let's see what I decide to do next week...

(I actually really like this routine)

Now I am off to the slopes of North Carolina to learn how to ski.

(We'll see how that goes. Pray I don't die.)

on belief & pilates...

2010-02-02T10:30:00.006-06:00

First of all:

Pilates are a lot harder than you'd think!

I guess it didn't help that I,

a beginner,

was in an intermediate class this morning.

Oh well.

I may be a little tired today,

but I met some sweet ladies in the class,

so I plan to go back on Thursday!

-------------------

On another, more important note:

The girls of my SH Girls Bible Study and I are going through Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word, this semester. We talked about chapter two last night, "Overcoming Unbelief".

I can't begin to tell you just how encouraged I was by the Scriptures we looked at.

Recently I've been having some doubts. Maybe doubt isn't the right word.... I guess my heart/faith has been a little moody... a little discouraged...

I don't doubt that God exists. I most definitely believe in our Father.

But I've been frustrated...

Maybe it's because I don't understand Him sometimes...

Maybe it's because I've been disappointed...

It seems to be a lot of things.

I think my faith is being tested.

And I don't like it.

I have not enjoyed these feelings...

My fear of disappointment,

lack of excitement,

and lack of trust in God.

But then we talked about Overcoming Unbelief...

And my eyes were opened to see a more complete picture of what is going on here.

It is okay that I have questions.

It is okay that I have been feeling a little weak.

Faith is not believing in my own unshakable belief. Faith is believing an unshakable God when everything in me trembles and quakes. (from the book)

And I believe in this unshakable God.

Even when the legs I stand with feel a little wobbly.

Father, You have told me that the testing of my faith develops perseverance. (James 1:3) Please help me to not refuse to be faithful in tests granted for my gain.

My wise and trustworthy God, according to Your Word, trials come to me so that my faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine.. (1Peter 1:7)

(these quotes also from the book)

God really is good.

And I am thankful that He reminded me of that.

it's early & i've been up for hours...

2010-02-01T06:38:00.003-06:00

Well, maybe not hours, but for about 2.

And at 6:45am, thats a lot!

What was I doing?

This:

Spin Class.

Friday morning I tried it out for the first time,

and I really enjoyed the class!

But that was at 8:30am.

Friday's I can do that.

I don't have to work.

Yesterday, I decided that this week, on Monday & Wednesday, I am going to do the 5:30am Spin Class. And on Tuesday & Thursday I am going to try out Pilates at 5:30am.

I know.

I must be crazy.

But you know, it really wasn't that bad.

It was actually really good!

(Honestly, I am a little surprised that I followed through this morning!)

I don't know if these early mornings will become my routine, but this is the plan for this week. And I will map out another plan for next week. Taking it a week at a time... a day at a time...

The way I figure it, life is made up of choices.

And if I want certain things to be different, I can't just complain about it. I have to make different choices.

Choosing not to stay in bed until the last possible second.

Choosing not to remain limited to my current experiences.

Choosing to change my habits.

Choosing to add to my hobbies.

Choosing to be a little healthier. (gasp!)

Anyways, enough blogging.

I've got to start getting ready.

There are a couple other things I am planning to change about my mornings.

I followed through today's goal to exercise.

Next thing to follow through with: quiet time.

we build strong kids, strong families, strong communities...

2010-01-28T10:13:00.005-06:00

Photo found here.

You may be wondering why I have featured a photo of four statue kids doing the "YMCA".

Well, I will tell you why...

It is because I, Jenna Lupo, have decided not to be cheap, not to be lazy, and not to stay trapped in the familiar and comfortable routines that I have established for myself over the past 2 years I have spent in Huntsville.

(emphasis on that last part)

That's right.

I have joined the Y!

Here's to getting off the couch, branching out, and being brave (because I went by myself)!

a little letter to life..

2010-01-27T10:06:00.003-06:00

dear life,

today i crave adventure.

perhaps in far away lands.

perhaps with someone i love.

who loves me too.

oh wait.

i think i am imagining fairy tales.

or at least a lovely piece of fiction.

but wouldn't it be nice.

to escape into a storybook land.

i'd probably have on a flowy, floral dress.

and my hair would be longer.

and i would be thinner.

and more exciting.

maybe i'd be exploring a castle.

or resting in a field of daffodils.

reading.

or singing.

or playing with woodland creatures.

oh silly me.

trying to escape reality.

but can't my reality be adventure?

maybe instead of closing my eyes to dream,

i should be opening my eyes to truly see,

all the love

and friends

and fun

and moments that have a special magic of their own.

maybe then the cravings would cease

and i could live

satisfied

exactly where i am.

and maybe that's the key

to the secret garden

of abundant living.

seeing what is Real.

seeing the beauty of it all.

and being a part of it...

hmm..

you have definitely given me

something

to think about

meditative chewing...

2010-01-26T10:37:00.004-06:00

Not too long ago, one of my dear friends, Annie, asked me to join her and 2 other girls in an exciting little adventure that we call chew*.

4 girls.

From 4 different places.

With 4 different stories.

Coming together once a month (via internet) to experience community with one other through discussion.

Searching for truth.

Eager to be stretched.

Open to what we might discover.

*chew: to meditate on; consider deliberately.

You can join us in our discussion by going to our blog, listening to our discussion (it's similar to a podcast), and leaving comments with your input. Check it out!

We'd love for you to be a part of our community!

the power of the spoken word...

2010-01-19T13:21:00.003-06:00

This past weekend at Gulf Coast Getaway, I was introduced to Amena Brown.

She is a beat poet.

She is incredible.

She shared a few of her poems with us on Saturday evening, and it was so powerful.

I can't begin to explain how moved I was by her words.

The spoken word.

There is so much power in the spoken word.

Check her out:

(p.s. - You can purchase her recorded poems on iTunes. I just did.)

oh yeah! i forgot... it's 2010...

2010-01-12T15:53:00.005-06:00

The past several weeks have been jam-packed.

(Hence my lack of blogging...)

Interested in knowing what all has been going on?

Here. Let me give you an overview.

I spent the week of Christmas at home with the family. It was such a great week! I really was not ready to leave at the week's end. You know that's a good sign!!

It was a big week for the Lupo family. Especially for Karissa! You may have already heard, but she is engaged!!!!

Here is a picture of the precious couple when they returned home from the proposal. Seriously, this picture captures these two perfectly! Love it!

Here are the sisters and the future bro-in-law at Christmas Dinner at Grandma's. He fits right in!

Oh, and this year, it was our turn to host the big traditional Christmas Eve party for Mom's side of the family. We had 41 people crammed in our house! It was madness, but oh so wonderful!!

Christmas morning was exciting with a new addition to the family there. (It was also nice to have someone who could take a picture of the 5 of us together!)

Sunday the 27th, I headed back to Huntsville. Went to church, ran home, unloaded my car, and met up with some teens at the movies to see Sherlock Holmes. Great movie! Except for the fact that I severely sprained my ankle. I know.. how do you do that at the movies? Weak ankles + foot asleep + TOMS shoes + stairs = disaster. Here's an ugly picture of the horror that was my foot. And you can't even see all the bruising!

I had to go to the doctor the following morning, and then get packed and ready for Youth in Action (YIA)! Some wonderful people (Donna & Chloe Moore) were SUCH a help that day! I can't thank them enough!

I still went to YIA at Lipscomb, but getting around campus was miserable. So check me out with some of my girls in my WHEELCHAIR. Yes, that's right. I have never felt like such an inconvenience. But my teens were so great! I think they must love me or something, because they never complained about having to help me in and out of the van, carry my stuff, wheel me around... I love them.

After YIA, I headed to Montgomery to celebrate the New Year. I really enjoyed spending quality time with Laurel and some other good friends. Praise God for the wonderful things He blessed me with in 2009 and on into 2010! I love when He reminds me of His faithfulness.

I got back from Montgomery, did some laundry, enjoyed my first Sunday of the new year with my Mayfair family, and then packed my backs for NCYM (National Conference for Youth Ministers) in St. Louis! All of last week I was enjoying snowy St. Louis with some incredible friends and partners in ministry! I loved the long car rides with Cody, Jenn & Caroline, rooming with my girls (Abbey, Beth & Ayesha), spending time with my long-time friends (Will & Brittany!!!), getting to know new friends, hearing great speakers & going to great classes (Chris Seidman, Patrick Mean, Rich Little, Gary Spear), and simply enjoying community.

Now I am back in Huntsville, playing catch-up in the office, enjoying my community here, and going on new adventures that God seems to have set in motion.

Here's to a new year! Can't wait to see what all God has in store!

what they brought day three...

2009-12-17T14:24:00.003-06:00

I figured I would continue this theme of following the Voices of Lee on their journey on The Sing-Off. I really am just so proud of them! I think they are doing a phenomenal job!

Now it's down to the top three (and they happen to be my three favorites), so we will see how America votes on Monday at the live finale. Go to NBC 's website if you want to vote.

second day of sing-off...

2009-12-16T16:39:00.002-06:00

I'll tell you what, they just keep getting better and better...

Keep it up, Voices of Lee!

(my other favorites are Nota and the Beelzeebubs.)

Have you been watching?

Do you have a favorite?

Let me know what you think!

p.s. - anyone else SHOCKED that Maxx Factor is still on the show?!

check 'em out...

2009-12-15T09:55:00.002-06:00

Check out the Voices of Lee from my hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee, on The Sing-Off on NBC!

I went to high school with one of the performers (Chad - he's the blonde guy), and my dad is their mailman! (Well, them and all of Lee University.) Needless to say, I was pretty excited when I saw them on the show last night!

these dreams...

2009-12-10T10:47:00.005-06:00

I have dreams.

A lot of dreams.

And at this time I'm not really talking about dreams that you have while you are sleeping.

(Though I have a lot of those too.)

And I'm not really talking about daydreams either...

(Though the things of these dreams often appear in my daydreams...)

These are more like things I yearn for. Aspirations. Objectives. Goals.

Some are a little silly.

For instance, I love to sing. I wish I had been brave and tried out for some musicals... what if I had been really good...

And I wish I knew how to dance. I'd like to take a dance class. Maybe I will.

But most of these dreams are really meaningful.

One day, I want to be the kind of mother that my mom is.

I want to marry someone that will be the husband & father that my dad is.

I want to remain close to my amazing sisters. I want our families to be close.

I want to be like some of the woman that I have admired & learned from over the years.

Role models from my childhood like Andy Skidmore and Sheila Jones.

Women that have been there for me throughout some of my most spiritually developmental years: Trish Nason in my senior year of high school, Ann Ledet in my senior year of college, and Christy Johnson & Marcie Miller in these recent years.

Some of my closest friends that are continued inspiration: Sarah Beth, Carie, Laurel, Brittany, Amelia, Annie, Beth, Abbey, Ashley, Marci... I have been blessed with some of the most incredible friends...

God has used each and every one of these individuals to shape me in some specific way. And there are so many more. SO many more. And I am so grateful for the role that each one has played in my life...

I want to live my life in a way that inspires people.

But not because of anything I am...

I want it to all be about He who is in me.

I want God to have full access to me.

I want to passionately seek Him.

And love Him.

And live like Him.

I want Him to be able to touch people,

And love people,

And extend grace

Through me.

I want to be bold.

And listen to this.

I want to be meek.

And for these things to be true of me.

I want to be faithful, as He is faithful.

And I want this to describe my ministry.

I want to abide in Him.

And I want Him in me.

God, this is my prayer. Now I will do as You say. I lay myself down so that You will make me walk as one who is no longer lame. Your Kingdom come, Lord. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. You are alive in me. You are alive in us. Show the world who You are.

christmas countdown...

2009-12-09T13:36:00.003-06:00

The Christmas Countdown is on, and I have hardly begun my Christmas shopping!! My schedule is too crazy for Christmas to be right around the corner!

I sure am glad that I have Friday off...

maybe I'll be able to get some things done!

a million miles in a thousand years...

2009-12-02T10:02:00.004-06:00

A little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to hear Donald Miller and Susan Isaacs speak in Nashville. Now in case you don't remember, back in May I posted about Susan's book, Angry Conversations with God. (see posts here & here) Her book really resonated with me, and I was thrilled to hear her talk about it in person and even have an opportunity to meet her. (Why did I not get my picture taken with her?! I did get my book signed at least..)

As excited as I was to hear Susan speak, I was definitely just as excited to hear Don. (And maybe I had a little crush on him by the end... maybe...) I had just started reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years earlier that week and was only on the third chapter (it had been a busy week), so I was hearing everything with fresh ears. I took 6 pages of notes.

He spoke of the narrative. Our narrative. That is, the story that our life tells. And narrative has incredible power.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am fascinated with stories. Perhaps that is why I chose to pursue my bachelor's degree in English. I love hearing a person's story... what has led them to where they are... what is happening now... where they are headed. I love sharing my own story. I especially love sharing the parts of my story when I have seen, with great clarity, God at work. Those are some of my favorites.

I love true stories.

I love fiction.

I love movies and TV shows.

I get attached to characters. I relate to them.

I want their stories to end well. I want it to be good. To have meaning. To be powerful.

Because that is what I want for my own story.

I want meaning. I want to grow through conflict. I want to step out of comfortable ruts and begin to really live. I want to push through fear with great courage. I want to inspire as I have been inspired.

Don talks about all of these things and more, and I could go on and on about this book, about the things Don said, about my thoughts in response to his words.... But honestly, I'd rather have an actual conversation about these things than just throw my thoughts out there and get no response. So how about this: Get this book. Read it. Let me know when you finish, and let's get together and discuss it over coffee or something. I know I would love that, so please, somebody take me up on this offer!

(image found here)

And by the way, Don, if you are ever in the Huntsville area, coffee & discussion with you would be lovely.

because it's a battle..

2009-11-23T21:30:00.003-06:00

^10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

^19-20And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (The Message)

This is what my girls and I talked about at Bible Study tonight. I could add my own thoughts. (I have a lot of them.) Or I could tell you all the different things my girls and I discussed. But tonight, I'm not going to do that.

I'm just going to let the text speak for itself.

(I recommend that you read this and then reference the passage in another version of the Bible, such as the ESV. It's amazing, the Words of God...)

I've only seen 4 episodes...

2009-11-17T15:56:00.003-06:00

.. but I love Glee!

Mostly for the music! Because let's be real... if my life were to be a movie, it would definitely be a musical!

from December 11, 2004...

2009-11-13T00:03:00.004-06:00

(the following was found in one of my many journals)

It was over Thanksgiving that I had a discussion with my parents about some things that had been on my heart... questions... where I found myself spiritually... These topics kept our conversation going until well after midnight. However, much to my own disappointment, I left the talk with no answers to my questions. I was even more confused...

It was over the course of the next two weeks that I talked to several different friends, still searching for answers.. Where were these answers to be found? I had searched everywhere I could think of. I talked to my parents, friends, I had been looking through Scripture... What was wrong with me that I did not understand all of this?

It was about 12:20am when Laurel's phone rang. Kyle had called to see if we would want to go to Waffle House with the guys. Carie, Brittany, Heather, Laurel, and I decided to go, even though we really just wanted to be lazy in the room. Matt, Kyle, Otis, Durell, and Jay were going to meet us there.

It was when the waiter, Joey, made some odd comments and walked away with our drink orders that I made a face. Matt just looked at me, understanding my thoughts, and said, "Jenna, he could be Jesus." Now that was convicting. I kept that in mind as I struggled for patience and love during the ordering process.

It was about 1:45am when we started quietly singing around the table. "Our God is an awesome God..." Not an unusual occurrence for this group. We sing all the time.

It was just a few minutes later that we looked up to see a tall, well-dressed man standing at our table, just staring at us. He commented on our singing, and then, staring straight at me, asked us if we would sing at a function he is having on April 3rd at the Carmichael Center. I didn't know how to respond; I think I let out a nervous giggle and then a "wow!" The man introduced himself to us. He said his name - Fred Baxter. He proceeded to tell us that he played for the New England Patriots and adorned on his hand was the most gigantic ring I had ever seen! Yeah, he had won the Super Bowl last year. We were stunned. How crazy was all of this?! Mr. Baxter and a waitress, Kelley, asked us to keeping singing, so of course we did. I overheard one waitress say, "I am so glad they chose Waffle House!" Then Kelley collected our checks -- Fred Baxter paid for all our food! Could it get any better?!

When we were getting ready to leave it did. There was a man in the Waffle House that was deeply touched by our open display of praise to the Lord. I am not sure exactly how all of this happened; I don't know who spoke to whom first. All I know is what I witnessed myself. We were standing outside when this man walked out of the building and approached us. His appearance alone would have caused me to avoid the man, especially at this hour of the night, but the face of this man said something different. The man, Mark, began to speak. Chocking with the words, struggling to express what had been stirred up in his soul, he said these things. "I know you did what you did in there for yourselves, and for God, but I just wanted you to know that it sure meant a hell of a lot to me." He then apologized for his choice of words and continued speaking. He told us that he had lost all hope in our generation... he trailed off, holding back tears. "But not anymore.."

It was when Otis led a prayer for Mark, and I heard the man cry, that I began to really be shocked. Here we are, in the Waffle House parking lot, praying, over this man who is in tears. God had really surprised me with this one.

It was on the silent ride back to Faulkner that I realized something. The answers to my questions... What my brain could not seem to comprehend and the feelings that my heart could not seem to feel... the climax... the turning point... I am not longer the same.

I found Jesus.

When humbled again and again;

over and over.

When broken down to my weakest.

When I was helpless.

Then I found Jesus.

In the Waffle House w/the corner booth.

In the friends that I hold so dear.

In the waiter w/the quirky sense of humor.

In the Super Bowl star.

In the Waffle House waitresses

In the man in the trench coat...

There I found Jesus.

In the most unusual palces,

in the most unlikely people.

When knocked off my feet,

and I'm flat on the ground...

There I found Jesus.

And I will never be the same.

it's been a while...

2009-11-12T23:45:00.002-06:00

...since I picked up this book of mine that I love.

Here's one from St. Francis of Assisi:

God Would Kneel Down

I think God might be a little prejudiced.

For once He asked me to join Him on a walk

through this world,

and we gazed into every heart on this earth,

and I noticed He lingered a bit longer

before any face that was

weeping,

and before any eyes that were

laughing.

And sometimes when we passed

a soul in worship

God too would kneel

down.

I have come to learn: God

adores His

creation.

a note to self...

2009-10-27T14:14:00.002-05:00

dear self,

why are you so unmotivated today?

why so tired?

is it the rain?

is it the cold?

why are you so easily distracted?

you have looked at the pictures that have recently been tagged of you on facebook way too many times, and you keep staring at that picture on your wall.

you probably need to start running in the mornings or something.

maybe that would clear your mind some.

or at least help you fit in that one dress again.

why don't you look at that to do list you've got sitting on your desk. stare at it instead. better yet, stop staring at things and get busy.

snap out of it.

focus.

even writing this note to you is wasting my time.

so play that good charlotte song one more time to make your motivation proclamation, and stop fooling around.

(and know that people are going to read this post and ask you if you ended up accomplishing anything today)

how's that for motivation?

sincerely,

jenna

i can't believe i won...

2009-10-20T22:43:00.003-05:00

Seriously. I am so excited right now! And so shocked!!

I won a giveaway!!!!

Thanks to the lovely Christina at Down and Out Chic,

I will be getting a beautiful print from City Lights Photography!

I think this is the print I have decided on.

I love the vintage telephones,

& it will look fabulous framed above my desk!

You should go to her Etsy store and check out her beautiful work!

Thanks again, Down And Out Chic!

seasons change...

2009-10-14T10:58:00.004-05:00

...and the display of nature that we will be seeing in the upcoming weeks is most definitely my favorite of the changing seasons! But nature isn't the only place we see a change in seasons. Seasons change in our lives too. Sometimes they are very significant changes. Sometimes those changes are good, sometimes they don't feel good at all. I don't have any huge season change to talk about, but I do have a small one. And really, though some changes are small, they do end up having a lot of significance. So here is the newest change in my life.

A little over a week ago, my roommate, Ashley, got married to Cody (my co-youth minister), and so of course, she is no longer my roommate. It was sad having her move out, but it wasn't too depressing because they only live 2 minutes down the road from me! I think it would have been a lot harder for me to deal with if God hadn't already prepared some things for me.

Back when Ashley got engaged, I started praying that God would send me a new roommate. The next day, I had a facebook message from a friend in Memphis, telling me about a girl that would be moving to Huntsville. We started facebooking, she moved to Huntsville in May, we met, became friends, and now a few months later, she is my new roommate! God really has a way of working things out!

Meet Marci.

She is my new roommate.

And she likes to cook.

Which is fun, because I am not very experienced in the kitchen.

But this is beginning to change.

We both like to wear aprons.

And organize things.

And we like to invite people over to eat with us.

And have pretty table arrangements.

We are so domestic!

So here's to seasons changing! To new adventures, new friendships, and lots of fun! (& food.)

dream of the day...

2009-10-08T10:39:00.002-05:00

to be here...

oh how I want to explore Italy...

(these pictures have inspired my dreams today.)

I still have a lot of growing up to do...

2009-10-06T16:16:00.003-05:00

“When you make a choice, you accept the limitations of that choice. To accept limitation requires maturity. The child has not yet learned that it can’t have everything. What it sees it wants. What it does not get it screams for. It has to grow up to realize that saying Yes to happiness often means saying No to yourself.”

-Elisabeth Elliot

My blogger friend, Jessica, just posted something that was very eye-opening to me. Check it out. After reading it, I think I've realized that I still have a lot of growing up to do...

by the way, isn't this picture magical?

I wish that picture was me right now!

I found this photo here.

She found it there.

he called me out...

2009-09-29T12:41:00.002-05:00

Recently in my life, there has been a recurring theme. It seems like I keep hearing the same message again and again and again. It's not very complicated, but yet, I struggle to follow through with the call of it. Let me back up. I'll fill you in a little bit better...

This Sunday morning, Gary Bradley, our preacher, spoke about opening our eyes to the fields. In John 4:23-38, we get a glimpse into an interesting conversation that Jesus had with his disciples. Verse 35 says, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest."

Jesus' words are just as relevant to us today as they were then to the disciples. We have a mission to carry out in the world around us. We are here for something far greater than ourselves. When we take the focus off of ourselves and look through our spiritual eyes, we will see that God is at work around us, drawing people to Him, and He needs us to be His workers. He needs us to be in the fields, ready to receive these people and guide them into relationship with Him.

Last night, my senior high girls and I were discussing the mission that Paul was on for God. We were looking in the 3rd chapter of Ephesians, and we were talking about the urgency of Paul's message. We talked about how the Gentiles needed him to give them this message of hope and salvation... how there are people in our lives that desperately need to hear that same message of hope and grace and love. The fields are white for harvest. There is work to do. We just have to get up and do it.

And that is the message I have been hearing over and over again.

Get up. Do the work.

We make so many excuses. I'm not good enough. I don't know enough. I've got plenty of time. It's never the right time. I'm too busy... These excuses, over time, make us indifferent to the call. We have to overcome this indifference. I have to overcome this.

During Gary's lesson, I had a little conversation with God in the midst of my notes. I started praying something that I pray very often. But this time, I heard God's answer. And it was very convicting. Here's the brief conversation:

(me) - Lord, give me YOUR eyes. Give me your heart. Give me your words. Your passion. Fill me with your Spirit...

(God interrupts) - I have.

(me) - Then show me what to do.

(God) - I have.

At that point, I didn't know what to say. I knew it was true. He has already filled me with His Spirit. He has already empowered and equipped me to do His work. And recently He has been showing me specific things to do. Have I done them? No. Why? Because I'm too busy? Yes.... but no. Honestly, it is because I have become too lazy.

I am too concerned with getting time to myself... Time that I waste on television shows on DVD... Time that I waste on my couch... Time that I could be out in this city, making myself accessible to people that God is ready to speak to through me. God brought me here to work with teenagers, but I don't think that is the only reason. He has grown other passions within me. He has reached other people groups through me and my friends in the past. What makes me think He is finished working like that? He isn't. It just requires me to get out of these comfortable places that I have found. It requires me to get out of my office, off my couch, and into the coffee shops and under the bridges. It requires me to open my eyes, and not just hear His call, but get up off my butt and do something about it!

So this is the message I am hearing:

Stop being lazy.

Get up.

I have work for you to do.

The harvest is ready.

I have equipped you.

I have empowered you.

I am with you.

Now go.

adventures with chalkboard paint: aka, my first big do-it-yourself project

2009-09-28T13:07:00.004-05:00

It all started it a can of chalkboard paint from WalMart.

Just $8.97. Not bad.

Then I taped off the section of wall that I wanted to make into a chalkboard. I used a level to ensure straight lines, and several layers of painter's tape to keep the paint where I wanted it.

Then came the painting process.

I used a 3 inch brush. A smooth chalkboard surface requires a little bit of sandpaper and a lot of patience. For the 1st coat, I used long, horizontal strokes. I waited about 18 hours between my 1st & 2nd coats of paint. Before applying the 2nd coat, I used the sandpaper to lightly smooth the surface of the painted area, and then proceeded to apply the paint with vertical strokes of the brush. I didn't wait as long between the 2nd & 3rd coats - just 8 hours. Using the sandpaper to smooth the surface one last time, I then applying the 3rd coat and went back to horizontal strokes.

I was very pleased with the paint job, but I wasn't finished yet. Before writing on the chalkboard, one must prepare the surface. You need to cover the area with chalk by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk across the surface. Once you do that and then erase the chalk, the board is ready to be used.

Ta da!

And that is how I made my unique corner chalkboard.

before & after...

2009-09-28T12:54:00.002-05:00

Ladies & gentlemen...

This is officially the moment that many (or at least a few) of you have been anticipating for months. My office makeover is complete for now, and I couldn't be more excited about coming into this room to do the job that I love!

Here is a view of what my office looked like before...

and after several months, here is the what it looks like now.

It looked like this picture below for a really long time.

Things in boxes and piles.

It was horrible.

But now each item has it's place, and the front corner is much more pleasant.

And yes, that is chalkboard paint on the wall!

Check back soon for some pictures of that process!

soon and very soon...

2009-09-24T13:32:00.003-05:00

..you will see pictures of my redecorated office.

I know, I know. I've been saying this forever now, but this time I mean it! I just have to hang up a couple more things and I will be ready to post about it. (I am still waiting on one small detail, but I think I will just have to post about it later when it happens.) So early next week, be looking for pictures of the incredibly long process of my office makeover! You probably don't believe me, so I guess I will just have to prove it. haha

Tonight I am heading to Birmingham for the Ingrid Michaelson concert, so my weekend is starting a bit early!

I hope you are each having a simply delightful Thursday!

just one of those days...

2009-09-16T15:53:00.002-05:00

This didn't actually happen today. This picture is from about a month ago. It, too, had been one of those days. Everything was going wrong. I felt spiritually under attack. And then I left a devo, slipped in the mud, and.. well.. you can see what happened. That particular day, I physically felt like I had been beat up by the end of the day. My hip even hurt from the fall.

Today honestly hasn't been that bad. But it has been a little frustrating. And because I wanted to post something (but my office isn't finished yet so I can't write about it yet), and because today has been a wee bit stressful, I remembered this lovely picture and thought I'd share it will you all. haha!

Some days are so bad in such truly insignificant ways that it really is laughable. That is how today is for me. So join me in laughing as you try to imagine just what I must have looked like on that fateful night when an undetected layer of mud unsuspectedly sent me (and my phone, Bible, & keys) flying through the air. The saddest part was, no one was even outside to get the pleasure of actually watching it happen.

I hope you each have a lovely day.

hint....

2009-09-12T16:24:00.004-05:00

Today I have been doing something.

Maybe in a few days I will tell you about it.

Aren't you excited?

(I am.)

i have never wanted a clock this bad...

2009-09-10T22:00:00.004-05:00

(featured at this lovely etsy shop)

Just look at it.

Isn't it a beauty?

Can't you picture it in my office...

vaguely telling me the time.

(ha)

So modern.

So simple.

Such a lovely shade of yellow.

And $32.

I want this bad.

But I just don't know if I can bring myself to it..

It's 8 1/2" x 8 1/2".

Is it worth it?

(By the way, I am nearing the end of my office makeover! Be excited! Maybe you guys will get to see it soon!)

on this first day of september...

2009-09-01T09:57:00.004-05:00

i am dreaming of blue skies & bright leaves

of crisp air & a cool breeze

sweatshirts & jeans

Autumn, I am eagerly awaiting your arrival.

the song playing in my mind..

2009-08-30T22:21:00.002-05:00

Can't close my eyes

They're wide awake

Every hair on my body

has got a thing for this place

Oh empty my heart

I've got to make room for this feeling

so much bigger than me

It couldn't be any more beautiful - I can't take it in.

Weightless in love...unravelling

For all that's to come

and all that's ever been

We're back to the board

with every shade under the sun

Let's make it a good one

It couldn't be any more beautiful

I can't take it in

All that I wanted. All that I ever needed.

All that I wonder. So beautiful.

Can't Take It In - Imogen Heap

napping can be a very spiritual thing...

2009-08-28T13:21:00.002-05:00

Today, I took a 4-hour nap.

I woke up early this morning to bring one of my freshman girls to school. (Her parents went out of town for their anniversary, so I spent the night at her house and stuff. We watched Hannah Montana. We laughed. I cried. It was fun. Okay, back to what I was saying...)

So this morning around 7:30am, I was sitting in front of Grissom High School (having flashbacks to my HS days). I dropped Sarah off for school, dropped Hannah Montana off at the Red Box, and then headed home to my apartment.

I had things to do.

Lots to do actually.

With so much going on at work, the state of my home is a little disheveled.

Laundry is piled up in my floor.

I should really vacuum again.

There is some pile up of both dishes and garbage in the kitchen.

I need to get all my bills ready to pay.

And I have been doing a lot of reading, so I wanted to finish the last chapter of my book on spiritual warfare.

However, I went to sleep.

And I slept.

And slept.

And it was good.

When I finally dragged myself off the couch a little before noon, I didn't feel any guilt. I felt refreshed.

I really needed that sleep.

You see, Friday is my day off. And let's be honest, most Fridays I am not honoring my off day. I am going into the office to finish something or prepare for something... Some weekends there is more going on than others. (Last weekend, for example.) But, especially recently, I have found some reason that I need to be there.

I tend to pat myself on the back for being such a "diligent worker" that I would go in on my off day. But I've come to realize that while I may be pleased with myself, but I know someone who may not be so pleased.

Check this out:

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no on will fall by following their example of disobedience." Hebrews 4:9-11

I need to be honoring my day of rest. It is the day set aside for me to be obedient to the commandment & example that God sets before us.

So see what I mean?

Sometimes napping can be a very spiritual thing.

What do you think?

i have a confession...

2009-08-26T10:27:00.002-05:00

my name is jenna.

and i struggle with an addiction.

to diet coke.

It's true. For some of you, this comes as a shock. For others, you have seen this coming.. For those of you that have known me for a while, you know this is nothing new. I have been fighting this addiction for years.

I haven't had one yet today, and I already have a headache. It is just 10:30 am!

I can drink an entire case, by myself, in less than a week.

I know I can overcome this. I've done it before. Once I suffer through the withdraws the first couple of days, it gets a lot easier.

But here's the problem.

I don't want to quit.

Can anyone relate?! Am I alone in this?!

(and is it really THAT bad?)

help me! because everything is still in boxes...

2009-08-24T15:33:00.004-05:00

Remember that time, a couple months ago, that I was talking about redecorating my office? That goal has basically been on the back-burner since May. I knew it would be. Summertime is crazy in my line of work. It was completely expected. But now it is fall, and sure, life hasn't slowed down any. at. all. But still... I at least want to get my books out of the boxes!

Let me take a moment to update you on the progress.

My office walls used to be dark blueish gray, and now they are white. Check.

I found some awesome vintage chairs to use as additional seating. Check.

My desk was way too big for the small space it was in, so I made the trip to Ikea in Atlanta, and brought back the desk and chair I wanted. Check.

Here comes the part where I need your help.

I need some shelves. And I think I want them to look like the shelves in the picture below. White. Simple. And covering the wall behind my desk. (It's a small wall.)

Here is my question. Does anyone know where I can find some shelves like these that meet the following criteria:

1) They don't cost a fortune, and

2) They don't come from Ikea. (I don't want to drive 4 hours or pay twice the amount to ship them.)

Any suggestions?!

i have found myself a hiding place...

2009-08-20T17:56:00.002-05:00

"I love you, O LORD, my strength.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise."

Psalm 18:1-3

today i will...

2009-08-19T09:01:00.002-05:00

... be positive in the way I see things. Even in the things that appear to be negative, I will look on the bright side. I will seek out the silver lining.

... give God the glory. In all I do, I will point to Him. Without Him, I couldn't do anything. He is the one that is at work in me, and He is the one working through me. All the glory belongs to Him.

... keep my eyes open. I want to see what is really going on around me, not just my immediate perception of things. So I will keep my eyes open. See from a point of view outside of myself. Keep a heavenly perspective.

... smile more.

... love without boundaries. Keep the walls down. Let my heart overflow with the love I experience in Christ.

,,, work diligently. Be efficient in how I use my time. Have passion for the work I am doing, knowing that the effects of my words and actions can go further than I will ever know..,

"Teach me your way, O LORD,

that I may walk in your truth;

unite my heart to fear your name.

I give thanks to you, O LORD my God,

with my whole heart,

and I will glorify your name forever."

Psalm 86:11-12

wish i could be there...

2009-08-18T09:34:00.003-05:00

I'm with Annie, I so wish I could be there for this.

It makes me miss where I came from too.

Praise God

for the things He has done,

for the things He is doing,

and for the things He will continue to do.

Want to know more about Project Montgomery? You can find more information here.

the bad part about going to the beach...

2009-08-17T15:50:00.004-05:00

... is having to leave!

I had so much fun on my beach vacation last week! I went with 2 other wonderful youth minister girls - Beth & Abbey. Beth & I interned together at Mayfair back in 2005. That summer, we met Abbey at Impact; she was also working as an intern for a church. Now, just a few years later, we are all three working full time in youth ministry. Crazy, the things our God works out!

(me & Beth)

(and me & Abbey)

So anyways, early last Monday morning we loaded up my Vibe and headed to Gulf Shores for 4 nights. It was absolutely wonderful. We spend our days by the pool (that we had all to ourselves) and our nights out on the town! (Don't worry, by "out on the town," I basically mean eating. And shopping. And maybe driving down the coast with the windows down singing along with the Black Eyed Peas at the top of our lungs. Don't judge. haha). One night, Amber (one of the children's interns from the summer) even joined us for dinner at Lulu's.

Curious as to where we ate? Here's the lowdown on our dining experience:

Night 1 - Gulf Island Grill. Probably my favorite meal of the whole trip. I don't remember exactly what I ordered, but I know it was fish, there was lemon butter involved, and parmesan. Oh yes. Good stuff.

Night 2 - Lulu's. Jimmy Buffet's sister's place. It was such a fun place! The wait was SO long, but worth it. There was a fun play area for little kids (where I secretly wanted to play), but warning for parents. The children playing were covered in water and sand. Don't bring them in their nice clothes. haha

Night 3 - Lambert's. A favorite. But honestly, I don't love the food. I am never hungry enough to actually feel like I've eaten my money's worth, and the food really isn't that spectacular. But let's face it. I love bread. And I love that they will throw it to you from across the room. Plus it is just a really fun place to eat! (There is usually a very long wait, but we got there at 8:30. No wait for us!)

Night 4 - The Hangout. I had never been here before, and it didn't disappoint. Good burger, and great place to.. well.. hangout! haha. I did almost have an anxiety attack when they called people who were celebrating their birthday and made them dance on the table. It wasn't even my birthday, but I DID NOT want someone to decide to come up with some reason to make me get on a table! There was a little Cupid Shuffle that went down, but that all stayed floor level - not as scary, and there was live music, which is always a plus.

I loved getting some time to relax and recover from the crazy summer, and really, I couldn't have been with a better group of girls from such a thing! Youth ministry is one of the most incredible jobs in the world, but it is also exhausting, and there are just some things you can't understand about it until you find yourself in it. We were able to share ideas and stories of the incredible things God is doing, vent about frustrations, seek counsel from one another, find accountability, be inspired by one another's strengths, and find comfort in the fact that you aren't the only one with weaknesses.

This trip was much needed. I feel so refreshed.

Beth & Abbey -

I love you girls! You are both such blessings in my life! Praise God for what He has done and will continue to do!

Wanna see more pictures? You can find the rest of them in my Facebook album. Enjoy!

afternoon inspiration...

2009-08-16T15:37:00.002-05:00

First of all, this incredible woman. I always find her to be indescribably inspirational.

And some other various thoughts and Scriptures...

"Keep the view from the throne. If we will look at life's experiences from God's perspective and what His Word says, then we will not be deceived by Satan who is seeking to defeat us by his lies, distorting reality from God's kingdom perspective." Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God's Glory by Jerry Rankin.

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel, but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:8

"But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

letting the walls crumble...

2009-08-11T01:35:00.002-05:00

I never thought I was the kind of person that put up walls...

I've been told that I am an open book, incredibly easy to read. I wear my heart on my sleeve. As much as I hated hearing it (I hoped that I was more of a mystery than that), I knew it was true. Just talk to some of my closest friends from school. They can tell you how I am feeling in any given situation based where I am looking with my eyes or what tone (or accent) I am using when speaking. I am quite transparent. And it's not just that, I have always been very quick with my affections. I would leap into friendships and with my crushes, I would certainly fall hard. I have always had a desire to be known... to be understood... and that desire runs deep.

I still have that desire, but over time, I have grown cautious.

I have turned to my defenses.

I have built walls.

Maybe I grew tired of being vulnerable.

Maybe I stopped trusting people... trusting them completely, that is.

Maybe I just got tired of being misunderstood.

The more my expectations weren't met...

the more I found myself "on my own"...

the thicker the walls got.

I don't like the walls.

And I don't believe we belong trapped in them.

I believe the Evil one lurks in the shadow of those walls.

The Deceiver takes refuge there.

And from the shadow of my walls, he attacks me.

He sees when I don't feel appreciated, and he whispers thoughts of doubt.

He sees when I have felt disrespected, and he taunts me with feelings of inadequacy.

He sees my busy schedule, and he floods my mind with all the things left unfinished, people left untouched. He makes me think I have to do it all.

He sees when I long for meaningful friendships & deep spiritual community, and he fools me into thinking that the walls are too thick. That we are just too different. That I will never experience those relationships like before.

He sees when I am exhausted from a long trip, and he finds ways to turn that exhaustion into a deeper weariness.

He even sees when I am excited after a powerful night of worship, and he is quick to rob me of the joy by pointing out what I think is missing.

I could list so many more examples. I am not even talking about one particular area of life...

The walls cast shadows everywhere.

And I don't think I am alone in this.

So tonight, I am going to be bold.

I am going to let go of the walls.

I don't want them anymore.

Tonight, they crumble.

And as they give way,

I find that I can breathe a little easier.

With these walls gone,

I can walk without such burden.

I can love without boundaries.

And I can have a spirit of joy that won't be broken by circumstances and disappointments.

The evil one will not rob me of these things any longer.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

Praise the God that brings victory to those that give their lives over to Him. Praise the King that always overcomes the evil one, no matter how sneaky the deceiver will try to be. Praise the Son that gave His life in exchange for mine, and the Spirit that supplies the peace I feel tonight.

forgive me..

2009-07-16T13:38:00.003-05:00

I've been gone way longer than 10 days!

I mean, I've not really be GONE, per say, but I haven't been blogging.

There's been a lot going on!

And you know how I am when a lot is going on...

I don't know how to put it in a blog!

And here I am about to go out of town again.

But no worries.

I will be back.

And maybe I will have a lot of things to share with you guys!

off to impact...

2009-06-19T07:37:00.001-05:00

for 10 days!

See you guys when I get back!

Please be praying for God to be moving in the lives of my teens this week!

a kaffeeklatsch* & a message from above...

2009-06-17T15:08:00.004-05:00

(google image search led me here...)

So yesterday afternoon I found myself at the local Starbucks with Laura. (I was her intern back in '05, and now she is getting ready to get married! She & God have a really beautiful & powerful story...) We try to get together to catch up when she is in town. It had been a while since we had talked, and a lot has been happening (I mean, she is getting married!), so we were there for almost an hour. She told me about the events leading up to her engagement, how God had been and is at work in her life and relationship, and just life in general. I told her about MYM's summer thus far, how God has been working in my life, and how I wish He would work (ha).

Another girl had been sitting behind us the whole time. I noticed her when I sat down, but I didn't really pay attention to what she was doing... I think she was reading. She was there by herself. She was right behind me, and honestly I had forgotten she was even there until she stood up, approached us, and placed an envelope on the table between us.

"This is for you girls."

That's all she said. Then she turned around and walked away.

Laura & I were kinda caught off guard by the whole thing. It was just so random! Of course I then took the envelope, opened it, and this is what I found:

I pray that God blesses you and your future. May you always hold strong to the Lord and His awesome word. May you never grow cold or turn away the lost. Never forget your worst day with Jesus is better than your best day without Him.

- a strong sister in the Lord

I have never had anything like that happen to me, and her words were just so perfectly placed in our conversation...

It was like God had a message for us, and He chose this particular instrument of His to deliver these encouraging words. I want to live with my eyes, ears, and heart open so that I can be such an instrument of the Lord's in the life of others around me...

*kaffeeklatsch: (n.) casual conversation over coffee

courage...

2009-06-16T13:32:00.003-05:00

Courage is not the absence of fear,

but rather the judgment

that something else is

more important than fear.

- Ambrose Redmoon

just something I've been thinking about....

nashville workcamp...

2009-06-11T13:11:00.003-05:00

... a favorite amongst MYM teens....

What is Nashville Workcamp?

Well, every summer we send a large group of teens to Nashville to meet up with a couple hundred teenagers from all over the place (Nashville, Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, etc) to paint houses. For free. It is an incredible outreach to low income families in the Nashville area. This was my 3rd year to go, and I love it! We are divided up into about 20 different crews made up of teenagers from various youth groups & 2 (or 3) crew leaders.

This is the house my crew painted. Look at those lovely potted flowers & that sharp looking wrought iron! I was a part of an awesome crew this year. They were such hard workers, that we finished a day early and were able to help another group finish up their house.

Two of my girls from Mayfair, Morgan & Sarah, were on my crew, and they discovered a brick walkway at our house. The sweet lady who owns the home has been having a lot of health problems over the years, so she had not really been able to maintain the yard like she used to. Because of that, the grass (and dirt) had covered the walkway. My girls took care of that!

Here are a couple more pics from NWC.

Me and Caylie with our matching haircuts.

And a picture of some more of my wonderful girls.

Hurray for another great week of the summer!

one day...

2009-06-10T15:41:00.002-05:00

I hope to know love like this...

This woman is just beautiful.

I love reading her thoughts.

so much more than a concert...

2009-06-09T10:55:00.004-05:00

On May 30, 2009, I went to the most amazing concert ever. Laurel, Jenny & I went to see Hillsong United in Nashville. (Remember how excited I was about this a couple of months ago?) I had high expectations. I knew it was going to be awesome. It was Hillsong. I love them.

Once it began, I realized that my expectations weren't even high enough. By the 3rd or 4th song I could tell that this was going to be so much more than a concert...

You see, I had expected to hear the songs that I love. I'd expected to hear a lot of new ones too. I expected an incredible concert, of course.

I did not (for some reason) expect God to show up like He did.

I did not expect to feel so alone with God in the midst of all those people and blaring speakers.

I did not expect to find myself in such earnest and absorbing conversation with Him.

I did NOT expect to be moved to tears.

I didn't expect any of that.

I just expected a concert.

I love that HE surpassed all of my expectations.

But that's so like our God, isn't it?

I have so much more I'd like to say about it, but I really don't think my words can do my heart justice here. And maybe that's how it is supposed to be... Maybe some things aren't meant to be shared... And maybe that's part of having an intimate relationship with HIM...

I do want to leave you with the words to one of the songs off Hillsong United's newest album, Across the Earth: Tear Down The Walls. And I'd encourage you to check out this entire album. It's definitely one of my new favorites.

Tear down the walls.

See the world.

Is there something we have missed?

Turn from ourselves.

Look beyond.

There is so much more than this.

And I don’t need to see it to believe it.

I don’t need to see it to believe.

Cause I can’t shake this fire deep inside my heart.

Look to the skies.

Hope arise.

See His majesty revealed.

More than this life.

There is love.

There is hope and this is real.

And I don’t need to see it to believe it.

I don’t need to see it to believe.

Cause I can’t shake this fire burning deep inside my heart.

This life is Yours.

Hope is rising as Your glory floods our hearts.

Let Love tear down these walls.

That all creation would come back to You.

It’s all for you.

Your Name is glorious, glorious.

Your Love is changing us, calling us.

To worship in spirit and in truth.

As all creation returns to You.

Oh or all Your sons and daughters.

Who are walking in the darkness.

You are calling us to lead them back to You.

We will see Your spirit rising.

As the lost come out of hiding.

Every heart will see this hope we have in You.

For Your Name is glorious, glorious.

Your Love is changing us, calling us.

To worship in spirit and in truth.

As all creation returns to You.

jh family beach retreat...

2009-05-28T09:34:00.003-05:00

oh so much fun!

Every summer on Memorial Day weekend, the Jr High Families at Mayfair retreat off to the Gulf Shores of Alabama. It is one of my favorite things we do in the summer.

Why is it such a favorite?

Well....

It is at the beach.

Our Jr High kids are so much fun.

This retreat is a lot more laid back.

It is a great time to not just get to know kids better, but to get to know their families as well.

And because the parents are there, they are the ones responsible for their kids, so we get to only focus on the spiritual and fun!

How could it get any better than this?!

This year was no exception. We had such a great time, and the weather ended up being awesome. It rained the entire first night and first morning, but then all of a sudden, around 10:30 that morning, it all went away and we had clear skies and sunshine! (Definitely a God thing.)

So here are just a few pictures from our incredible retreat.

I hope all of you had a beautiful Memorial Day weekend!

oh ikea....

2009-05-21T14:37:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed visiting you.

Honestly, I wish I had had more time.

I felt so rushed.

So many decisions.

Which chair do I really want?

Black or white?

Are you worth the extra money?

We were in a hurry because we didn't want my sister to miss her flight to Africa. That was definitely more important. We did have SOME time to explore the rooms and rooms of furniture that your walls contain... I think I could spend days exploring those rooms and dreaming up a house of my own....

Some of your display rooms were bigger than my apartment. Can I just move in? I think that would be fun.

I got my desk.

Once assembled, we realized that one leg is too long. It made kinda sad... I mean, you disappointed me a little. But that's okay. I won't let this one mistake ruin you in my eyes.

Do it again, and we'll have a problem.

Thank you for the warm welcome.

I certainly enjoyed my visit!

Hope to see you again!

(pics of the new furniture will be posted when office is complete. anticipate before and after pictures. yay!)