new blog.

I've started a new blog!

(I needed a fresh start.)

Check it out:  jennalupo.blogspot.com

See guys, I'm following through with that last post a little more now. (Finally.)

i wish....

I wish that I took the opportunity to read more.
Not just when I'm in the middle of an incredible series that I can't put down...
I wish I would initiate the reading more.
I bet I would find myself carrying books around all the time (and actually reading them) if I would just open them and take the time to take the plunge.

I wish that I took the time to write more.
Honestly, I believe I am supposed to.
My lack of follow-through here seems a lot like disobedience to me these days...
I wish that I would be brave enough to stop avoiding the blank page.
I wish that I would just jump in and let the words flow.
I need to.
I want to.
I should.
Will I?

I wish I didn't miss things.
You know, the things that you just let pass you by because you just aren't being present.
I want to be fully alive in every moment.
I want my eyes to be clear, my vision broad and sharp...
I want to breathe in deeply and feel the power and gentleness of the air that fuels my lungs...
I wish I didn't miss what's in front of me because I won't stop looking back.
I wish I didn't get so distracted.

So then, wake up!

Why bother with wishing... all of these things are as they are by my choosing.
Perhaps it is time I stop choosing so poorly.

I am feeling like it may be time to start writing here again...
And for some reason this makes me nervous.

If you see this, let me know, because I have no idea if anyone ever comes back to this little ole thing...

It's not going to be today.
But soon.
And maybe someone out there should hold me accountable to this....

i love a pretty book...

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...

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...

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?

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...

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.