tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58020952489968983692024-03-05T02:35:14.271-04:00let your mercy rain.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-55252135246882925992010-12-09T18:42:00.005-04:002010-12-09T19:36:14.653-04:00thoughts of my morning refreshed at night.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNlRcMuz8IesIkpe8bzrqTfmqn6QcOlBuIz_VKXY2d4SWPuOTVFqThIJqhFxPVcBPFM3d22oPczPrTws10gkMGND-hbjKu6ppbqKP5wrEFpQW59FKpO1mgsSzKwCi6FTwVCCbXJPRJ4OH/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548825170870709954" /><br />this morning i read 2 Corinthians 9-11.<br />when i read to be honest, sometimes it sticks, sometimes it doesn't. this morning something stuck.<br /><br />In the first part of chapter 10, Paul is talking about tearing down barriers that keep us from God and then goes on to declaring who he is boasting in. anyway so as i read v. 3-5 it says, "We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. <span style="font-weight:bold;">We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God</span>. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ (NLT).<br />As i read this i thought, 1. that sounds really familiar 2.What areas of my life need to be destroyed in order for others to know God. This mulled in my head thought out the day as i was a paper writing hermit. Yet i kept coming back to, why does this sound familiar?<br />I picked up my NIV and check it out, that is where i read it. the "... we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ" was the section that plays over and over in my head.<br />As i began to procrastinate and i was curious in what the message version had to say i picked it off the shelf. And then i got hit as i read it.<br /> "The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, <span style="font-weight:bold;">but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.</span> We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God,<span style="font-weight:bold;"> fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.</span> Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."<br /><br />Do you see that? Little me, through God's power in me, has the strength to "demolish that entire massively corrupt culture" Did your jaw just drop? Cause mine sure did.<br /><br />Question to be answered in my lifetime... How do i do that?Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-16536261079275648072010-11-26T18:48:00.003-04:002010-11-26T19:16:48.114-04:00it's the end of november.It's hard to believe that it's the end of november. It feels like the summer just ended a week ago, but yet i still can put words together to say something profound or significant.<div><br /></div><div>School is busy, but almost done. I am writing lots of paper which i am realizing more and more that i am a horrible writer. My sentences suck, and i can't seem to make my fingers type what i am thinking in my head. But there is light, only 3 more months of papers.</div><div><br /></div><div>my thoughts currently are consumed by, where am i going to work in may? And to be honest i have no clue. There are some areas i like, but none i am passionate about which does make the selection process difficult.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been also thinking lots about love, gratitude, and grace. What do they look like, how do i have it in my life, and how does that change things. When i know more on this, i will try to form it into words.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRlgm30YJhxH8GXeMwHThKd5JvSZ7ORoALubUuNOg7Rtpq6TvKZ2fjKbDC95j1ZrQNmCNXis4J5PMFfy9bzhQhinsTmvTD1RRDhVgJOQNN9n1zbCZYtXul9DGrSeqaKf5ZlqPe483xnai/s320/IMG_3433.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543997434310060610" />This is part of the summer crew at Fundy park in NB, such a great trip on our week off!</div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-15407277006794632112010-09-12T22:06:00.006-03:002010-11-26T18:47:26.838-04:00love is patient.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyORekrrLKyRZ4O34VggmJRUSN5ule-Jcjx1gw5nBVPOWEo-infT_FBBTwm-mLa8x5jj09tPwJelbIFLxxrCcpxfhGeA8TDTOUSuqXS13pRC4rwZ-5y9O9deJJOo2trQUwKUbSFL4zpsSy/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyORekrrLKyRZ4O34VggmJRUSN5ule-Jcjx1gw5nBVPOWEo-infT_FBBTwm-mLa8x5jj09tPwJelbIFLxxrCcpxfhGeA8TDTOUSuqXS13pRC4rwZ-5y9O9deJJOo2trQUwKUbSFL4zpsSy/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516200306731876642" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> am beginning to write about things of the summer. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Here are my thought so far.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What have you learned this summer as been asked time after time, yet my answer changes with every time that question is asked. So here goes at trying to capture what i learned at malagash this summer.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My reoccurring <i>NEED</i> for God. nothing i do, or say or want in each and everyday can compare to how sweet it is with God. i would wake up with a continued prayer of "Father i need you."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of my many questions of the year is, what does that need for God look like in the mundane things of everyday life, going to school, hanging out with friends. I am learning i am so independent. I went into this summer thinking i could do it all on my own. Was i ever wrong. I learned i need other people, i need other people to ask me the hard questions to get me to speak. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">During the summer i was able to watch. Seriously, one of my favourite things to do. Watch interactions, watch people. And i was able to share in other people's joy. To listen to God moments, to watch other people grow. To see God changing campers as well as staff's live.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And for that I am blessed. </span></span></span></span></div></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-67674040401560785962010-05-15T14:55:00.003-03:002010-05-15T15:26:50.062-03:00words.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S6wGX1t9A_Er3rAFygQId1SncZiWLlF1mo69CJCTGIsB4iRDFiTIxFtMKZMIeydikRuZUzE9bQSzjcDk01OCdwt-9j8HRsR7t4MUTT0-lSVjsk295QDmLMYdMK59E1lJInnGhhrbg_gP/s1600/271053_1_ftc_dp.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S6wGX1t9A_Er3rAFygQId1SncZiWLlF1mo69CJCTGIsB4iRDFiTIxFtMKZMIeydikRuZUzE9bQSzjcDk01OCdwt-9j8HRsR7t4MUTT0-lSVjsk295QDmLMYdMK59E1lJInnGhhrbg_gP/s320/271053_1_ftc_dp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471564915080097842" /></a><br />Lately i've been learning that other people explain things a lot better then myself. Here it is, i like this description a lot.<br /><br />Showing up:<br />I learned early on never to ask myself, "Do you feel like running today?" I just do it. Why? I can think of many reasons. Regular exercise allows me to eat what i want without worrying about weight gain. It does long term good for my heart and lungs. It allows me to do other activities, such as skiing and mountain climbing. All these benefits represent a kind of "deferred gratification."<br />As with physical exercise, much of the benefit of prayer comes as a result of consistency, the simple act of showing up. The writer Nancy Mairs says she attends church in the same spirit in which a writer goes to her desk every morning, so that if an idea comes along she'll be there to receive it. I approach prayer the same way. Many days I would be hard-pressed to describe a direct benefit. I keep on, though, whether it feels like i am profiting or not. I show up in hopes of getting to know God better, and perhaps hearing from God in ways accessible only through quiet and solitude.<br />For years I resisted a regular routine of prayer, believing that communication with God should be spontaneous and free. As a result I prayed infrequently and with little satisfaction. Eventually I learned that spontaneity often flows from discipline. Leonardo da Vinci spent ten years drawing ears, elbows, hands, and other body parts of the body in many different aspects. Then one day he set aside the exercises and painted what he saw. Likewise, athletes and musicians never become great without regular practice. I found that i needed the discipline of regularity to make possible those exceptional times of free communication with God.<br />The english word <i>meditate </i>derives from a Latin word which means "to rehearse." Virgil speaks of a shepherd boy "meditating" on his flute. Often my prayers seem like a kind of rehearsal. I go over basic notes (the Lord's prayer), practice familiar pieces (the psalms), and try out a few new tunes. Mainly, I show up.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span><div><br /></div><div> - Philip Yancey: <i>Prayer: Does it make any difference? (165-66)</i></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-31802073798238902932010-04-20T21:37:00.003-03:002010-04-20T22:05:27.160-03:00found?Over the past couple of weeks i have been lost for words. Sometimes i can't even say a word. Let me tell you. What a weird feeling. I would like to blame it on the massive amounts of papers i wrote, but that's just an excuse for the paper i have yet to start. Or is it just that i actually have nothing to say. Maybe so.<br /><br />Today was one of the most productive days i've had in a while. Early morning trip to the gym. treated myself to coconut yogurt. Made a bunch of phone calls which needed to be made to sort through planning/apartment stuff. Wrote letters, cleaned, did a load of laundry and had time to run to the store. Although yes productive. Not in the greatest sense. I still need to write one more paper before April 30. What a drag and a massive struggle. But it will be good. It will all be good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi612wkok0gD2uZ2lr0W3LTpXadpPlhXWfP31Aeu7TU0bSNbus205FOmZ-RIaVSdYl2lAVLa1nn76k3843tm3V7oZgiGtOA-WL-G6zMWn-bVylhAVyVh8tHbB10hcCUSculelkIfpkUE5yO/s1600/7125_159532906921_515266921_3330294_6125407_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi612wkok0gD2uZ2lr0W3LTpXadpPlhXWfP31Aeu7TU0bSNbus205FOmZ-RIaVSdYl2lAVLa1nn76k3843tm3V7oZgiGtOA-WL-G6zMWn-bVylhAVyVh8tHbB10hcCUSculelkIfpkUE5yO/s320/7125_159532906921_515266921_3330294_6125407_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462389608018748962" /></a><br />I was reminded this afternoon of this.<br />"Do you not know? Have you not heard?<br />The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.<br />He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.<br /><br />He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.<br />Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;<br /><br />but those who hope in the LORD<br />will renew their strength.<br />They will soar on wings like eagles;<br />they will run and not grow weary,<br />they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-83242828015921531242010-03-21T13:32:00.004-03:002010-03-21T14:26:58.209-03:00full full full.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIbKFnpCzWd1YWZhfZm4xNEAyzAhuPXYML3rFj8bcM4dreN8xiCVVOqeJEisV3cuCG-WhHnMKH0ay7rV3_1IO8tfoFhq-2jzT2aeaaTXhe9P8vckGrfgmECTa4rrS0F7CAZKuIor7AQoZ/s1600-h/DSC00502.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIbKFnpCzWd1YWZhfZm4xNEAyzAhuPXYML3rFj8bcM4dreN8xiCVVOqeJEisV3cuCG-WhHnMKH0ay7rV3_1IO8tfoFhq-2jzT2aeaaTXhe9P8vckGrfgmECTa4rrS0F7CAZKuIor7AQoZ/s320/DSC00502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451131600809051682" /></a>yesterday was probably one of my most fullest days in a while.<div><br /></div><div>a predicted high of 16-18C degrees outside in March, seriously beautiful. the gang decided to check out a new-to-us trail in Porter's lake. we left early morning, drove out, hiked in. it was just so so great to be outdoor, not constantly hearing traffic and city noises.Crowbar lake trail had some great look offs with a river the trail runs by, quite a few steep inclines which went up and down, up and down, and a lake we came to about 6 km in.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrsqkevmaqI7Up8PAWkEAo-7iA9NL6Q4tAZSEpWYAoojW1vfnNxzdvyWqEhCLYDrAwRlkztbdV0DF__iSPqmU4nqXXCylyP0si2cIi4OKmHx4AfUDT_3ByDqBL1HAFGiCOcYMibVrpHRr/s1600-h/DSC00504.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrsqkevmaqI7Up8PAWkEAo-7iA9NL6Q4tAZSEpWYAoojW1vfnNxzdvyWqEhCLYDrAwRlkztbdV0DF__iSPqmU4nqXXCylyP0si2cIi4OKmHx4AfUDT_3ByDqBL1HAFGiCOcYMibVrpHRr/s320/DSC00504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451131611024366082" /></a> Loved it. but enough about the trail, which i loved, did i mention that? so we ate lunch at the lake side then decided to head back. with about half a km to go before we were back to the car we were going down a steep rocky part. i caught a bit of ice under my feet and down i go. then the commotion starts. my elbow split open a bit.nothing serious of course. my lovely friends rinsed it off and i started to get out band-aids. "do you think that needs stitches" the discussion started and proceeded to go back and forth until the band-aids were on. Nah, i'll tough it out. And check it when i get to some place with a mirror.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L5cW7y8bFEEIcPcNUhVTne_HHonSnFzO6r4C81zOt3O78mq23rXW9eew2bVCjSM4TAmC9DFNEsCChS8pcpCQjgnkd1Mc1Drc1rKG3uzG0nx3gFEb1ivFiIrtyzNnmlZuDmb5ZMQKQAyu/s1600-h/DSC00508.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L5cW7y8bFEEIcPcNUhVTne_HHonSnFzO6r4C81zOt3O78mq23rXW9eew2bVCjSM4TAmC9DFNEsCChS8pcpCQjgnkd1Mc1Drc1rKG3uzG0nx3gFEb1ivFiIrtyzNnmlZuDmb5ZMQKQAyu/s320/DSC00508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451131620937858626" /></a> Afterwards we stopped in Dartmouth for some slushies and ice cream. I checked it out. I could probably get stitches but it was so hard to tell, so i ignored it. we then set out to complete this lovely day with a bbq with good friends, yum! my first bbq of the season. we were all pretty tired but ended up watching Willow. which i then fell asleep for at least half of it. We made it back to the city around midnight with a quick stop in at a drug store to get some butterfly closures for my elbow i thought i was set for the night and do some nursing skills to my arm. I was so ready to crawl into my nice warm bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>just to be safe i asked my nursing friend, so "what are the guidelines behind getting stitches". her reply, "jenni what did you do" i showed her via skype and with lots of medical talk of infections and the wound needs to be approximated.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7z4pE7sfBkVHE7MHgYfmFF2BMLw4d5fXKdu-r2i9BDShlcbuU2jomhJTjdPkezD-LS9RDukpeu1vN2IQC_P7IjhkHaD-EAlHla7hZ2V474NManJxA3j-AZ41VTYxUXi8f0EbKtDVx_39/s1600-h/DSC00510.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7z4pE7sfBkVHE7MHgYfmFF2BMLw4d5fXKdu-r2i9BDShlcbuU2jomhJTjdPkezD-LS9RDukpeu1vN2IQC_P7IjhkHaD-EAlHla7hZ2V474NManJxA3j-AZ41VTYxUXi8f0EbKtDVx_39/s320/DSC00510.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451131629112168994" /></a> I was convinced to hit up the emerg at 1230, which i wasn't too impressed since i wanted a shower and sleep. we were met by some pretty great paramedics who then had the discussion. "does she need stitches, and would you stitch that?" The mans reply was yes i would stitch that, yet it was 9 hours later since i had my tumble and there is a time limit on giving stitches. 8-12 hours after. But they worked their handsome magic. And after being an hour in the emerg and 6 stitches later i was home and in bed by 2.</div><div><br /></div><div>All i can say is what a full day.</div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-44985017123366538742010-03-18T10:33:00.002-03:002010-03-18T11:54:01.169-03:00true believin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_AK70jKMHWlqGMaKGYfeiiBUtUxK8wT6tY5cHsnnZHJUPhIWEwtxeofYeHyORPEQmyNhM_kh1t8uQidnqCGWfpd0X-lwG6o3JN2VTE2H-CIcH4gWrB6MWu520U0Geu1l_5C99kOZgqY/s1600-h/61191J-itVL._SL500_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_AK70jKMHWlqGMaKGYfeiiBUtUxK8wT6tY5cHsnnZHJUPhIWEwtxeofYeHyORPEQmyNhM_kh1t8uQidnqCGWfpd0X-lwG6o3JN2VTE2H-CIcH4gWrB6MWu520U0Geu1l_5C99kOZgqY/s320/61191J-itVL._SL500_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449987043154331266" /></a><br />I kind of like this book.<div><br /></div><div>" One of the problems we have in the church today is that we have over-evangelized the world too lightly. We've gotten a lot of people to have supposedly asked Jesus into their hearts, but they are not living with any gratitude. They've got Jesus working for them instead of them doing His work in the world. We've got to start discipling people. Jesus has no hands but my hands and your hands. Jesus has no eyes but our eyes. WE are His workmanship: "As He was, so are we in the world." We're His body. We're all that God has to reach out to the homeless and the poor in our society." - John M. Perkins (Follow me to freedom)</div><div><br /></div><div>bam. hows that for a kick in the pants.</div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-8019352225465756022010-03-16T23:57:00.010-03:002010-03-17T00:40:26.707-03:00unsettled ground.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JUf3-jj2DxrRnSF6EcJogt3dsSwyJ0IV9vPALjiL-gSbAwuEHi8rmzUGaBO1jESKJtTYGu6uRxf5YDgTGebDBloDnD1XLZ0GOWv7xfPHazRbMZA_sIIZCJtzJ_WXhBHQBvpLs92N_7dH/s1600-h/Rescue.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JUf3-jj2DxrRnSF6EcJogt3dsSwyJ0IV9vPALjiL-gSbAwuEHi8rmzUGaBO1jESKJtTYGu6uRxf5YDgTGebDBloDnD1XLZ0GOWv7xfPHazRbMZA_sIIZCJtzJ_WXhBHQBvpLs92N_7dH/s320/Rescue.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449439405235746274" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">what's next.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the question comes up again and again throughout my day. what are you doing this summer, when you're done school, tomorrow, next monday, in five years, in may, in august... the questions of what, who where fill my time these days. it's quite </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">unsettling</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. i want so hard to trust, but i want so hard to control. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i know</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> all the pieces will fall into place and </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i know</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> that it will be exactly where God wants me. i just wish i knew sooner then later. i want to plan, make a list of things to do, tasks to complete and then just check them off. the problem is i don't know what to put on my list right now.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So why do I worry?<br />Why do I freak out?<br />God knows what I need<br />You know what I need</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Your Love is Strong.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">so, who knew a couple of months into the year the recurring theme of stillness would hit back again. i guess my life lesson for today is take it slow. don't rush it. let us fix our eyes upon Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). rest in knowing His grace and the peace that passes all understanding will be with you. i feel that i need to rest and </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">know</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> peace right now.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> i kind of like this...</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li class="first" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">O soul, are you weary and troubled?<br />No light in the darkness you see?<br />There’s light for a look at the Savior,<br />And life more abundant and free!</span></span></i><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li class="refrain" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 20px; "><span class="refrain"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Refrain:</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Turn your eyes upon Jesus,<br />Look full in His wonderful face,<br />And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,<br />In the light of His glory and grace.</span></span></i></li></ul></li><li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Through death into life everlasting<br />He passed, and we follow Him there;<br />O’er us sin no more hath dominion—<br />For more than conquerors we are!</span></span></i></li></ol><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div>His Word shall not fail you—He promised;<br />Believe Him, and all will be well:<br />Then go to a world that is dying,<br />His perfect salvation to tell<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- </span></span><a href="http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/_/Lemmel_Helen_H/?sortby=author" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Helen H. Lemmel</span></span></span></a></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 1922</span></span></span></i></span></i></span></span></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-249686027517107622010-03-02T21:57:00.004-04:002010-03-02T23:33:14.177-04:00to the fools out there.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCrf73s8ZEDtvPtItHiyf62PXQkH45LJf01SL-v7EG9-KYlwF9vzQ3dHBIY_aSpevL-612CLXH_oj7YuFQW3wawlsP1nKU_uo4OMmtRYJLsBrJiH-k3KVKuD-6qsOXzpXuIpQ1jqjxkXD/s1600-h/9326_155059349590_501039590_2582494_2497762_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCrf73s8ZEDtvPtItHiyf62PXQkH45LJf01SL-v7EG9-KYlwF9vzQ3dHBIY_aSpevL-612CLXH_oj7YuFQW3wawlsP1nKU_uo4OMmtRYJLsBrJiH-k3KVKuD-6qsOXzpXuIpQ1jqjxkXD/s320/9326_155059349590_501039590_2582494_2497762_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444245185555254546" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i feel like i am guilt tripped into writing something worth thinking about here by my own thoughts. trust me, there are many times where i feel like i had something to say yet the words did not form and come out. I have a couple of nuggets of goodness to shoot out to you, and let it soak as i would say.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. I feel that i go though my days as always not measuring up. And i believe that i am not alone in these feelings of inadequacies. Whether it is when working in the hospital, feeling like i know nothing, and running around with my head cut off. Or trying to encourage someone with my oh so, not so eloquent words. Or even just trying to do what's right. I fail. I admit it. But (sidenote: I love buts, check them out in scripture, they are always paired with truth and something so good) the truth is, the importance doesn't hang on the things i do or say. Here is my first nugget of truth and goodness. About a month ago this section of scripture has stood out to me in huge ways, and is continuing to guide my actions and thoughts.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 6px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">when God called you. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God chose things despised by the world,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 6px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love the picture that Paul describes here. First God chose us. Seriously blows my mind. Second that he uses the foolish. The people who don't have it figured out, who aren't wise so that God's work will be done in that person's live and God will get all the glory since the foolish isn't going to boast in himself. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. My second thoughts come from Shane Claiborne. proverbs 27:17 - just as iron sharpens iron so a friend sharpens a friend. which then lead me to a section by shane claiborne in his book follow me to freedom. he writes in reference to proverbs 27:17... "that's the kind of thing that happens when you rub and collide with people and their ideas. </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of my best teachers are my critics. We learn more from people who challenge the things we say than from people who just parrot "amen" to everything we say. We all see through a glass dimly. Our experience forms us, and so when you've had really different lived experience, you arrive at some different conclusions. but that's the gift of being part of a Body... our vision is made more complete when we are able to see through each other's eyes."</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. The renewal of your mind. I know i said this at the beginning of 2010 but am i ever realizing how great and how important it is to partner with God in having your mind daily renewed, refreshed, challenged and cleaned up. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Don't hit back; </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">discover beauty in everyone</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." Romans 12:9-19 msg.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes, well i don't really have much to say about this, i find this version sums up my attempts at the past two years in living life. Try, try and try again, with God's help i'll eventually get it. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well i think those are my current thoughts on things bouncing around in my head.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Grace and Peace.</span></span></div></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-86994173610881473872010-01-02T19:06:00.003-04:002010-01-02T19:19:05.850-04:00quote of the day...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6TcDBxe9F47yygQaqd2xxHZ4TmP7pxz3T_2sDns-aWHRsaUQf21EhkVjKi1IqqsjPwPBTlKQwT8sfOIj1nMvyaqE2H1DIPpfAOctGBjyaPNiBSzOrpDhOPOPSbexfzN2b-UH3HXWol6R/s1600-h/DSC_0474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6TcDBxe9F47yygQaqd2xxHZ4TmP7pxz3T_2sDns-aWHRsaUQf21EhkVjKi1IqqsjPwPBTlKQwT8sfOIj1nMvyaqE2H1DIPpfAOctGBjyaPNiBSzOrpDhOPOPSbexfzN2b-UH3HXWol6R/s320/DSC_0474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422285684915335842" border="0" /></a><br />"i want a christianity that offers people something worth believing in. i want a christianity that offers people a Jesus that they can see and touch and feel. We are called to be the body of Christ, to be the fragrance of Christ. they need to feel love, and feel hope. at the end of the day they are not going to know we are christians by our tshirts or bumper stickers but by our love." - Shane Claiborne<br /><br />and with these fathers' words, this is how i feel. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." and this man was standing face to face with Jesus. mind blown. but there is always hope. Jesus healed this man's son, and helped him overcome his unbelief. mark 9:24Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-4705314287908667112009-12-31T14:09:00.003-04:002009-12-31T14:41:39.346-04:00heres hoping...as 2009 is coming to a close our thoughts are drawn to resolutions. I ask what are your resolutions for the new year or even the new decade.<br /><br />As i look back on this year, wow, was it ever a roller coaster that still seems to be out of control. As i entered into the summer i was at a pretty low point, feeling drained in all shapes and sizes. when i rolled out of bed each morning i wanted to go right back in and curl up then sleep the day away. but God met me where i was, and i believe with my whole heart that he will continue to meet me where i am. whether all i can offer is one step, oh look theres God helping me make the next step and the next one.<br /><br />at the end of this summer i was baptized at camp. and let me tell you i don't think i could get any more full then i was then. but as the days, weeks and months go on and now we are at the end of december. i've been learning a great deal of the importance of as it is said in romans 12:2 "<span style="font-style: italic;">Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve </span><span style="font-style: italic;">what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." </span>Renew your mind. be continuously full in God. it's not a one time deal.<br /><br />with these experiences throughout the year i was thinking what resolution to make, do i opt for the good ol' loose X amount of weight, or say no sugar in 2010, or even the eat all organic, start running frequently. but my attention is drawn away from those oh so noble things to <span style="font-weight: bold;">stillness. </span>To be still each morning/day and take away the time consuming distractions of well everything around. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS9n7HC9mk7TQ3q0HMwDoaz8LlXJ_7Q3EkSkd9-aMQzPRlSzeja_-NSMFORTMq19xVQQsak-kv_d2xd5SySn2yMGODY9LChk2EQuSn7NUtwgSB6djcaakDMGABm0p9gT5re3ZkWncl_qB/s1600-h/IMG_3415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS9n7HC9mk7TQ3q0HMwDoaz8LlXJ_7Q3EkSkd9-aMQzPRlSzeja_-NSMFORTMq19xVQQsak-kv_d2xd5SySn2yMGODY9LChk2EQuSn7NUtwgSB6djcaakDMGABm0p9gT5re3ZkWncl_qB/s320/IMG_3415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421471790378647602" border="0" /></a>So that is my resolve to be still in 2010, and to rid myself of all garbage. my time is important. I am reminded of two verses today. brought to you my the prophet Isaiah and the writer of romans.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> "but those who hope in the LORD </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> will renew their strength. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> They will soar on wings like eagles; </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> they will run and not grow weary, </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31<br /><br />"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> have been called according to his purpose.</span>" Romans 8:28<br /><br />Heres looking at you 2010Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-44855169184676408532009-12-15T12:35:00.004-04:002009-12-15T13:10:48.348-04:00happiness.this has been on my mind lately. the thought of why are people in the pursuit of happiness? this is my philosophy paper that i wrote on happiness. don't worry i will not be offended if you choose not to read it, it is pretty dang long...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO2k9rtuiv2g452CQiNWWgshJv4IdAxXbLbNb_Q_Q2nsxJ4bGSnJRJtB7GTnp9f4JwCqLX6-7LkaAzlmZdLttBA3wKIAzjOiShR1jWA7NgZERafedtM3Xmg43xYIUwvWU-3eIYwMXFKPp/s1600-h/IMG_5492.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO2k9rtuiv2g452CQiNWWgshJv4IdAxXbLbNb_Q_Q2nsxJ4bGSnJRJtB7GTnp9f4JwCqLX6-7LkaAzlmZdLttBA3wKIAzjOiShR1jWA7NgZERafedtM3Xmg43xYIUwvWU-3eIYwMXFKPp/s320/IMG_5492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415510628696031650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When a person’s basic relational needs, the need to be loved, the need to feel like their choices matter, and the need to feel like they belong (Penner, 2002) are met this person will experience happiness. This experience of happiness results because of interpersonal relationships as opposed to the meeting of basic physical needs of shelter, food and water and getting what you want. Relational basic needs require interaction with other people and deep connected relationships. In differentiating between needs and desires it is stated that “need is something that is necessary for humans to live a healthy life (Wikipedia).” To which Webster’s dictionary describes desire as “conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment.” While not trying to define love, since it takes on many forms (Hazan and Shaver), the suggestion of how necessary love in one’s life and how it relates to happiness does surface, which we will further discuss in this paper. The need to feel like the choices they make matter is a convoluted issue, since people need validation from other people just so that they will feel happy with themselves. The sense of belonging comes in many forms, although it is centered on interpersonal relationships and the concept of living in community with each other. People need other people to be happy. For example, look to the many thousands going without food each day some even starving to death. Although they do not have the basic needs of food and clean water a study done in 2003 from UK’s New Scientist magazine found “Nigeria has the highest percentage of happy people followed by Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador and Puerto Rico, while Russia,the average salaried worker in Nigeria cannot earn enough to support a family because of inflation and rises in food prices and transportation costs.” Why is this so? Some religious leaders feel confident that it is their faith which brings many of those people happiness. Arguably happiness may steam from many sources including relationships, the love from others and feeling that they belong.<br />On the topic of love, C.S Lewis writes “the typical example of Gift- love would be that love which moves a man to work and plan and save for the future well-being of his family which he will die without sharing or seeing; of the second, Need-love, that which sends a lonely or frightened child to its mother’s arms.” Focusing on Need-love that offers support, emotional stability, and someone to share your pain with can be so significant in a person’s life. What is love and what is the sense of love is not in question but that which is the matter of need, why does a person need love? This wild, untameable concept drives people to do many unheard of things all for the sake of love, which brings happiness.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEPGU8SjjEzYlai74ILlM2YnmURfFA8eiUHlcpmWX_XBaw2e-vLrfGBoGjMxY9JQmGQ9X_KD9ZH6g7ClzGJzRkB0SQq2NhKa6hziyWIf5IxvNSNErUzCYnFgTHeHxYteoKAg8JaNDkJWD/s1600-h/IMG_2603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEPGU8SjjEzYlai74ILlM2YnmURfFA8eiUHlcpmWX_XBaw2e-vLrfGBoGjMxY9JQmGQ9X_KD9ZH6g7ClzGJzRkB0SQq2NhKa6hziyWIf5IxvNSNErUzCYnFgTHeHxYteoKAg8JaNDkJWD/s320/IMG_2603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415510609979245698" border="0" /></a> Happiness from love comes in various ways, whether it is the first gentle snuggle with a mother, infants find contentment in that physical touch, or whether it is the rush of unexpected emotion. John Bowly, who “attributes importance not only to food and thirst satisfaction, but also to “primary object – clinging,” a need for intimate physical contact, which is initially associated with the mother” this statement signifies how necessary it is to have other people in our lives as well as the love they show. He states that not only do we need food and water but love and affection as well.<br />Within the feelings of love comes belonging. When you are loved there is someone near, someone who cares for you and makes you feel like you matter in their life. Licensed professional counsellor Deb Elkin states that belonging is regarding “the need to feel like we have a place where we belong, where we are important, where people care about us. We are not meant to be alone and we are not meant to be totally self-sufficient.” Taking on a religious view from the beginning the Bible says “then the Lord God said ‘it is not good for the man to be alone, I will make a helper who is just right for him.” It is not good to be alone. According to the belongingness hypothesis it states that there is a “pervasive drive to form and maintain at least a minimum quantity of lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal relationships (Baumeister, Leary).” Relationships are so important for well-being in people’s lives. Deb Elkin also speaks of the necessity of support systems in people’s lives as “when you have solid support networks in your lives, you feel like you have a place where you belong.It is a place where you feel safe telling your troubles and woes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzWbhsMtnm5h3Fcl98lg4cQpdyMj8qXE2a-ovvugw7-mk60-U78kWLioDB_zDwXu4349Eoou57As1cm84pjMSIENA9UvDLLsEiuSMX-ilsmP6cKqhRNdFK-uHuHktL2w2-mRo74Ts3wHn/s1600-h/Jenn+and+Allison.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzWbhsMtnm5h3Fcl98lg4cQpdyMj8qXE2a-ovvugw7-mk60-U78kWLioDB_zDwXu4349Eoou57As1cm84pjMSIENA9UvDLLsEiuSMX-ilsmP6cKqhRNdFK-uHuHktL2w2-mRo74Ts3wHn/s320/Jenn+and+Allison.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415510621508597730" border="0" /></a> It’s a place where you can get help working through a problem. It’s a place where your joys and successes get celebrated. You know the people in your support network really care about you and really want to hear what you have to say. You feel safe to be honest and vulnerable with them. And you know they will honour you, not shame you, when you share yourself with them.” Support systems, relationships and the feeling of belonging bring happiness and well being to people’s lives. Also it is said that from the place of security that belonging brings it helps us to live more self-confident, caring and overall happier lives (Elkin).<br />The concept of choice and the affirmation that the decisions you do make matter are another topic of need. Choice validates the person, making them feel important and that other people care about what that person has to say. Choice puts value into a person, when saying “that was a good idea”. Or “I would like to hear your opinion” has the person feeling cherished. You see this need in every social setting, yet it is portrayed in each person in a different way. Some need the attention to fall on them; maybe they are loud or become sad when the attention is not on them. Yet others might shy away from it all having this knowledge of not being good enough. This need if not met makes the most amount of people unhappy.<br />However as portrayed in the media as well as in much literature relational needs of humans come second in contrast to basic physical needs or food, water, shelter and getting what you want. We see in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that at the bottom level which he concludes to be most important is classified as physiological needs included food and drink. He states that “once our basic physiological needs are satisfied we focus our needs for safety and security of the next level of the hierarchy” (Passer, 2005). It is not until the third and fourth level that relational needs are mentioned. Of the third level he suggests that belongingness and love needs are to be met and the fourth level esteem needs which include approval and recognition. I refute this claim with an example. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and many surrounding areas; this devastated the people living in the area leaving people without homes, food, clean water, clothing and many other basic physical needs. Although the hurt was felt across the nation only three weeks after the hurricane people reported to be happy. In a study done by Miles Kimball he researched the concept of hedonic adaptation after great disaster. In an interview with Kimball Bob Hirshon (2006) asks how the data is measured and replied “Kimball's team actually uses a mathematical scale called the “happiness index.” The index is based on responses to a simple phone interview, in which the subjects were asked if any of the following statements were true for them for much of the past week: 1. I felt happy. 2. I felt sad. 3. I enjoyed life. 4. I felt depressed.” Surprisingly many of the Katrina survivors replied that three weeks after the hurricane happiness resumed to pre-Katrina levels. The people who survived the hurricane came together, supported one another and looked after each other attending to their relational need. Another opposition stands with the desire satisfaction theory which states whatever makes a person’s life go well is just that a person’s desires, whatever they are, are satisfied. This does not hold true for various reasons. Primarily we never know what we truly want, or as Hobbes states as the three problems of self destructive desire, foolish desires and strange desires (Cahn & Vitriano, 2008). Secondly as many North Americans can attest money and getting what you want does not bring happiness. It is the relationships and the feelings of belonging that bring about happiness. Furthermore thinking back to hedonic adaptation as humans in the role of consumers we consume, food, clothes, and objects in order to find pleasure, satisfaction and happiness. As we consume adaptation takes over us, we get use to our clothing, objects we were once happy with and the stuff loses its appeal to us (Schwartz, 2004). Throughout all these points it rings true that having our basic physical needs met does not bring firstly happiness.<br />In conclusion I have stated that when a person has their basic relational needs met they will be happy. I argued that in order to have these basic needs met that you need to feel loved, to feel like you belong and to feel like your choices matter. As Mother Tersea said “The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” The need for love is great in everyone’s lives.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufLu13kSq7rr7W2Iua-eNQgZkwQNN9pEC0XiJjr3n9x3_4QeLZUhL4rg_kn3tnBFsBREw4Mogew1asxjlBeLAfI3uekmghX3F7Y7yud2VnxdaXx6A4b2GE4SuMZPigOcCPGedXP1EHoDg/s1600-h/IMG_4207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufLu13kSq7rr7W2Iua-eNQgZkwQNN9pEC0XiJjr3n9x3_4QeLZUhL4rg_kn3tnBFsBREw4Mogew1asxjlBeLAfI3uekmghX3F7Y7yud2VnxdaXx6A4b2GE4SuMZPigOcCPGedXP1EHoDg/s320/IMG_4207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415510623806547618" border="0" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-45428843887146981222009-12-10T09:44:00.003-04:002009-12-10T09:50:11.146-04:00Freedom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJEMT-3rSEWaWz_E-H4LL7wmjGsAFjS7L4QoKU755hZfeermQR3cM7jk_y76nWRwTrhMPcnS3HSihO7e7-bsFygMjxABTkK3x1J2g8usBNLlpeb_3pT_is8Pj7UUw7GJt_yf5GMU4Mup8/s1600-h/financial_freedom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJEMT-3rSEWaWz_E-H4LL7wmjGsAFjS7L4QoKU755hZfeermQR3cM7jk_y76nWRwTrhMPcnS3HSihO7e7-bsFygMjxABTkK3x1J2g8usBNLlpeb_3pT_is8Pj7UUw7GJt_yf5GMU4Mup8/s320/financial_freedom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413604008817790562" border="0" /></a>I can see freedom, it is so close. Technically around 4 hours away from it. The only thing blocking my freeness. One last final exam Nursing Families. Oh joy, but i'm sitting here not focused at all typing away rambling my thoughts. I want to be free. Soon.<br /><br />I know you're all awaiting my next deep stimulating thoughts, all i can say is Soon. When my brain starts to work again i'll eventually have some words until then...<br /><br />Grace and Peace.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-71823271126597491762009-11-24T13:24:00.004-04:002009-11-26T12:15:03.584-04:00times.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYEz_7FaQaZxBTCajys3qBCVNiz8uwsqvzc2ICBnH2kLCXyxf5fsJ0szs4QeDaLllXlveQqPBcai7cnLxB_RVs-wvh4vv8ME-lbS3Cs9mitrJ63ZL1It1CUYtMuusYbiiltNPdAn1MJV-/s1600/6130_126667378446_511733446_2349234_5704758_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYEz_7FaQaZxBTCajys3qBCVNiz8uwsqvzc2ICBnH2kLCXyxf5fsJ0szs4QeDaLllXlveQqPBcai7cnLxB_RVs-wvh4vv8ME-lbS3Cs9mitrJ63ZL1It1CUYtMuusYbiiltNPdAn1MJV-/s320/6130_126667378446_511733446_2349234_5704758_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407723584707088578" border="0" /></a>This is how i'm feeling today.<br /><br />Times by Tenth Avenue North.<br />I know i need you<br />I need to love you<br />I love to see you, and its been so long<br />i long to feel you<br />i feel this need for you'<br />and i need to hear you<br />is that so wrong?<br />oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh<br />now you pulled me near you<br />when we're close i fear you<br />still im afraid to tell you<br />all that i've done<br />are you done forgiving?<br />or can you look pass my pretending?<br />Lord i'm so tired of defending<br />what i've become<br />what have i become?<br />oh oh, oh oh, oh oh. (repeat 4)<br />i hear you say "my love is over,<br />its underneath, its inside, its in between<br />the times you doubt me, when you can't feel<br />the times that you've questioned 'is this for real?'<br />the times you've broken, the times that you mend<br />the times you hate me and the times that you bend<br />well my love is over, its underneath<br />its inside, its in between,<br />these times you're healing<br />and when your heart breaks<br />the times that you feel like you've fallen from grace<br />the times you're hurting<br />the times that you heal<br />the times you go hungry and are tempted to steal<br />in times of confusion and chaos and pain<br />im there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame<br />im there through your heartache<br />im there in the storm<br />my love i will keep you by my power alone<br />i dont care where you've fallen, where you have been<br />i'll never forsake you<br />my love never ends, it never ends<br />mmm, mmm<br />oh oh, oh oh, oh oh<br /><a href="http://tenthavenuenorth.com/media/music/external">http://tenthavenuenorth.com/media/music/external</a><br /><br />the end gets me every time. im there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame<br /> im there through your heartache<br /> im there..<br /> im there...<br />but then, why don't i live like this knowing the truth that God is there through everything. why does my head have to be so thick, convoluted and polluted with lies and insecurities? how do i live free?<br />I like reminders like this song.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-90836509170851616442009-11-22T19:31:00.000-04:002009-11-22T20:12:17.059-04:00life.this fall here in the city has been interesting. I've been outside most of the time, meaning not inside studying and my grades can attest to that. but i'm ok with that. I will be a nurse when the end of school comes and as humbly as i can say i'll be a great one, i hope. i have discovered that i love to listen to just sit and have the ultimate privilege to hear what is going on in someones life. for that person to trust me enough to share what is on their heart, their fears, what frustrates them and also what give them joy. I cherish those moments spend with people,whether it's a patient i met that morning or a friend i've known for years, i love it all. and i think that is one of the greatest things that draws me to nursing. if i could i would love to just sit and talk with sick people all day. but i am here procrastinating yet again only wishing i was all done school.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6X5OSre9CAiDp7I8CF0pd_lVIG-DE1G8n3fyTvWVjzbWJBxxpFvs4jPyhgxzVBpIPxzc28ced-0UWT-XGrglxwUYbifcdVPxcdTOelTvgOWpgDKiRIgHMPJKUgFmJGqo3LSjFIwCXTVL/s1600/6930_154935056921_515266921_3289333_768806_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6X5OSre9CAiDp7I8CF0pd_lVIG-DE1G8n3fyTvWVjzbWJBxxpFvs4jPyhgxzVBpIPxzc28ced-0UWT-XGrglxwUYbifcdVPxcdTOelTvgOWpgDKiRIgHMPJKUgFmJGqo3LSjFIwCXTVL/s320/6930_154935056921_515266921_3289333_768806_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407084615550605602" border="0" /></a><br />this fall i have been learning that i have a love/hate relationship with hiking. I love the trekking through the forrests, the beauty of every tree, every leaf. I love when you finally reach your look off point (if any) and you feel this accomplishment. I truly love love love it. but i have hate. when you're at a steep incline and you know that its there for no reason, i hate the abstract thought of what it actually is. just walking in a forrest or along a trail, putting your body through heck, or walking aimlessly down a path that you don't know where you're going to end up. but these hates are what makes me love it more. i love that you still put one foot in front of the other just because you're headed somewhere, even though you don't want to go on after many many km, you still go. and for me that's life. life lived out. putting one foot in front of the other, not knowing what's around the next turn, but you keep moving. For all you know it could be just trees for 10km. Sometimes you hurt, and sometimes you hurt bad, and you get blisters but there is this odd drive inside you to stick it out until the end. i love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7rte8L-mtYdseexCyiFbAmCc-uV4FtUwAo_LdeLefAwOVeL8YtEWK-iea8AWLL-dl8I-7g2KXAvK1Gtkavve1Ep0RrkuNA3ooHpdKYSZkvCc9g_wQ3ymYJYdaCJVBdLvQUNJ1VzHc0H7/s1600/6930_154935076921_515266921_3289336_7266501_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7rte8L-mtYdseexCyiFbAmCc-uV4FtUwAo_LdeLefAwOVeL8YtEWK-iea8AWLL-dl8I-7g2KXAvK1Gtkavve1Ep0RrkuNA3ooHpdKYSZkvCc9g_wQ3ymYJYdaCJVBdLvQUNJ1VzHc0H7/s320/6930_154935076921_515266921_3289336_7266501_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407084620565793682" border="0" /></a><br />this fall in my mind space i've been trying to wrap my mind around this thought/dream of community. and i still haven't got it nailed down nor do i hope to. but there are these two quotes that keep mulling around in my head the first by Mother Teresa.<br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">"we can do not great things, only small things with great love.<br /> It is not how much you do bu how much love you </span><span style="font-style: italic;">put into doing it."<br /><br /></span>The second by Dietrich Bonhoeffer<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> "the person who loves their dream of community will destroy<br /> community [ even if their intentions are ever so earnest], but<br /> the person who loves those around them will create community"</span><br /><br />So what does that mean? love until it hurts then keep on loving? maybe for some, maybe for others just stop, think about the ones around them. I've been struggling with the concept of a bible study, we sit, open our bibles, drink tea, read a chapter, and discuss, then pray for peoples, test,exams, jobs, etc. goodbye see you next week. Progress? my feelings nada. You sit, talk about a chapter when the person next to you could be struggling with a fight they had with their parents, or someone just so on fire that God showed up in their life today but we so focused on the structure. Now don't get me wrong structure is good and very good sometimes. Like i said i don't nearly have it figured out. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span>But i long for i feel what God has impressed on me as a glimpse of community. A simple meal. People coming together. Eating together and learning from each other. Asking the questions, where did God show up in your life this week? What has been a struggle? What have you learned from your experiences of the week?<br />Community where ever you are out there. I hope this week i see a little more of you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOUxPg3fhr0dgEt396cLlXTOoq6k8nao4mNoXiSc4sjAtnNz5R8hG4DxbsjgpTIzATWxMd5huCDq0PJqu6G8VHWoTtKqgrKkwH7rBuTNJ5ayjdBTAbsDWcE64W-VYyucQujt5UV8XIe6j/s1600/IMG_6076.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOUxPg3fhr0dgEt396cLlXTOoq6k8nao4mNoXiSc4sjAtnNz5R8hG4DxbsjgpTIzATWxMd5huCDq0PJqu6G8VHWoTtKqgrKkwH7rBuTNJ5ayjdBTAbsDWcE64W-VYyucQujt5UV8XIe6j/s320/IMG_6076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407084628994533442" border="0" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-76489212379586139522009-11-12T14:28:00.000-04:002009-11-12T15:04:52.419-04:00my jaw never dropped so hard...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB5Cxpw7U6bMb8q_zrGGaUSyD5STfZi3b0RhQbMtKPFFqkb5USQ_Gd-97p9SspzA6WAYVNZeOrMD1XCQonWjIveu1aJ6Oc7tpixLGio-q4mOayskGeLMyXsHo8FwYrdZJAzIBu_sxfCP7/s1600-h/500xcathedral.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB5Cxpw7U6bMb8q_zrGGaUSyD5STfZi3b0RhQbMtKPFFqkb5USQ_Gd-97p9SspzA6WAYVNZeOrMD1XCQonWjIveu1aJ6Oc7tpixLGio-q4mOayskGeLMyXsHo8FwYrdZJAzIBu_sxfCP7/s320/500xcathedral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403294722970242370" border="0" /></a><br />this shocks me.<br /><br />http://www.crystalcathedral.org/inchurch/<br /><br />I encourage you to check it out. Unbelievable. this building, this so called church has 10,000 members, a 17 foot 18 karat gold cross, an outdoor movie screen for "drive-in" worshipers. And so this does not make sense to me. i thought Jesus was teaching and acting against this in mark 12. Jesus flips those tables that make the poor even poorer then they are. Seriously i find this ridiculous. Also when you go to this link above. Scroll down on the right side and look how happy the girl is in the button where it says accept Christ. then after clicking on that you will come to a screen where is says Yes, i want to accept Christ, say this prayer and boom you life is now perfect just like the girl in the picture. Please continue to live your life the same way, buying your expensive clothes made in sweatshops, driving SUVs, but please do come back to our church where you can give money to us so we can put up more 18 karat gold crosses in our megachurch. it gets me everytime. but sorry, i find this way of living unbelievable and please don't get me wrong i am far from perfect and i most certainly do not have well anything figured out. But from what i have read about Jesus and what he has actually said. This is not what Jesus wants in this world while there are children being beaten because they are exhausted working 10 hours or more in the poorest conditions, or going to bed each night with no food in their stomach. Now sure, God might be working in some powerful powerful ways at Crystal Cathedral but i just can't get past the size and money that would have been put into building and maintaining this church.<br />And there is a little cynical humor here, 3 people have committed suicide here? WHAT? yes suicide. I can't get my head around this one either. We're so desperately searching for new fresh life and we're hoping to find it in a safe church environment. now i don't know the reason for them doing this act, nor do i want to judge. I just hope this church learns from these acts, build your church on love, community and peace.<br /><br />I write this with hesitation. my words are full of judgment, condemnation, and with the words of i have all the answers. I most definitely do not have it all together, i want to put this out there with an aching in my heart, and a plea that wow, I need to look at myself first. Do i actually know Jesus and what he is doing in this world. This church is just a reminder that i need follow galatians 5:25's lead that says "since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" i need to sit down, slow down, have a coffee with Jesus at truly figure out where hes going and then get up and go. As i look around my room and as i search for that verse above, i have 5 Bibles just in my room. each in a different version. another WHAT? can be added here. And for some your jaw can be dropped at that. So am i the same as this church congregation? maybe so. I just hope that continually each day both of us and whoever reading takes one step forward, asking the Spirit to guide us into freedom, free us from condemnation, and show us what it truly means to follow Jesus.<br /><br />my name is jenni and i don't have things figured out, nor do i really want to have everything figured out. what would be the fun,and excitement of following a God who you had all figured out.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-rUTBK0q4FhjYjvZNMw2o6mn2Rela1bPQFORpEoWvztfETDIFF9HKx8RSfvGJZPabq6H0NlvLvuRtyCQ4xK6wykXm9OWfCx_McImITzhJgYGlwtBcJ7bOKi9kgZ7MUc5Dpr1G8Iv4kLe/s1600-h/DSC00246.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-rUTBK0q4FhjYjvZNMw2o6mn2Rela1bPQFORpEoWvztfETDIFF9HKx8RSfvGJZPabq6H0NlvLvuRtyCQ4xK6wykXm9OWfCx_McImITzhJgYGlwtBcJ7bOKi9kgZ7MUc5Dpr1G8Iv4kLe/s320/DSC00246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403294731925411170" border="0" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-90645307869593318032009-11-01T19:32:00.000-04:002009-11-01T20:26:13.837-04:00a hot shower never felt so nice.I will set the scene.<br />10 men. (5 under 35, 5 over 35)<br />2 girls.<br />Keji national park.<br />One weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVylJ1WVbjYycRtRZB4qon94WFuXFSAL1nEeCcfYYXb33IIFVrMhng8zRAHkVoZipdkTpDGWzKDFBcd2Uf1ReDDfQmGt1A8WdSPo9IjTRz2oeX-ZSERGPqw7H0alv7Sgzz8TUWQ18kvVrz/s1600-h/13551_164704919371_518154371_2756921_594736_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVylJ1WVbjYycRtRZB4qon94WFuXFSAL1nEeCcfYYXb33IIFVrMhng8zRAHkVoZipdkTpDGWzKDFBcd2Uf1ReDDfQmGt1A8WdSPo9IjTRz2oeX-ZSERGPqw7H0alv7Sgzz8TUWQ18kvVrz/s320/13551_164704919371_518154371_2756921_594736_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399289826360739970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pImilFss8i01J_sVOdnHUHTaDQZxCnmz7Cfy7t6r8Fao9s_AFJGNXjsscvgftvpNySja8KVeDUNUKonWR_GfUmE4mmPCGfcXZ6UYnq_l1P-QSQ28GP5Yx9ujjrkNxUla6AyzzNWBCqjE/s1600-h/DSC00350.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pImilFss8i01J_sVOdnHUHTaDQZxCnmz7Cfy7t6r8Fao9s_AFJGNXjsscvgftvpNySja8KVeDUNUKonWR_GfUmE4mmPCGfcXZ6UYnq_l1P-QSQ28GP5Yx9ujjrkNxUla6AyzzNWBCqjE/s320/DSC00350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399289822628934546" border="0" /></a><br />I felt this weekend was needed, a time to breathe, refresh and listen. I don't think a smile left my face all weekend. Whether it was one of the "old" guys not understanding the young ones, or one of the old guys stories, or whether it was just looking all around at the beauty of it all.<br /><br />Saturday we got up ate and set out to hike for the day. 21k, amazing hike. We hiked through this part called the Hemlocks. The trees were so great.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkpRapYxXqGxKddsn9i7MKpBbSMvQ3vtKjdaOE_EVI5khqiHh-zIjNCT_4b34WpgnQ8pt0saEvusMtvyjluKj34hrL-oRz_dVWv-KYGZbf4EnNpUh8utxH08yiBKIBSe1yWDwdvoBYnzt/s1600-h/DSC00353.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkpRapYxXqGxKddsn9i7MKpBbSMvQ3vtKjdaOE_EVI5khqiHh-zIjNCT_4b34WpgnQ8pt0saEvusMtvyjluKj34hrL-oRz_dVWv-KYGZbf4EnNpUh8utxH08yiBKIBSe1yWDwdvoBYnzt/s320/DSC00353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399291419326421810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNFcoesAFk9EWmvYFbrqvi-Nm_D2G0S3Gv5BzPFO_Ao26FYSTEjzYmvZZTz6utKQZh0iHYSuSfxwALWbGrPcxhdMkxDYiMjGQi8nrkrDdpKnRmhYuhBf6Ls17JOJPxd5l-UqJ6fy8xEGT/s1600-h/13551_164705474371_518154371_2756972_7657426_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNFcoesAFk9EWmvYFbrqvi-Nm_D2G0S3Gv5BzPFO_Ao26FYSTEjzYmvZZTz6utKQZh0iHYSuSfxwALWbGrPcxhdMkxDYiMjGQi8nrkrDdpKnRmhYuhBf6Ls17JOJPxd5l-UqJ6fy8xEGT/s320/13551_164705474371_518154371_2756972_7657426_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399289831469590386" border="0" /></a><br />Heres us making the 11k back to our site around Big dam lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjZrAGkVnzuB0LqghsWaqvLqcQTvmgDOr8f0BrdE14_9LlYymfAtCszevZZIm4g6OqMcEHQZ2xrJWWY2yJdtihCUTUslHvoq_OK6mCJkoxQYDKhj5EFLwwyxHqEznKrtHztEoWwuORNb0/s1600-h/DSC00364.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjZrAGkVnzuB0LqghsWaqvLqcQTvmgDOr8f0BrdE14_9LlYymfAtCszevZZIm4g6OqMcEHQZ2xrJWWY2yJdtihCUTUslHvoq_OK6mCJkoxQYDKhj5EFLwwyxHqEznKrtHztEoWwuORNb0/s320/DSC00364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399289836195979058" border="0" /></a><br />The girls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24MXN6r4RatCCKDMEzeZabVLbmwnSkjH-lPX0dKkxAzB1NoT_jiMvxipZ_6mGM3BxQAKGVz8OIqTBpWtqVvEl6eVh17qZsrWErhlx7wfryqR2tbNfedPH8MIRWSonGweU1H78hlnuytgp/s1600-h/DSC00372.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24MXN6r4RatCCKDMEzeZabVLbmwnSkjH-lPX0dKkxAzB1NoT_jiMvxipZ_6mGM3BxQAKGVz8OIqTBpWtqVvEl6eVh17qZsrWErhlx7wfryqR2tbNfedPH8MIRWSonGweU1H78hlnuytgp/s320/DSC00372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399291411866273874" border="0" /></a><br />Poor jeff was missing trick or treating so, the girls did no disappoint. Dressing up all spiffy he went around to the tents to get army men and candy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-A9x_R8vwQCoB55g1tM4tdun7jaGSyXVqYzrh2NkmtgsE1Fgg3g3N414KT719dJrYid5RASF5FJkuutKh-r_HuCxn21Jd65wtc0FOUILNe2zrrzWN3jQg6dp5rOH1xgoPz7UI5IRru8x/s1600-h/13551_164705579371_518154371_2756981_5477422_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-A9x_R8vwQCoB55g1tM4tdun7jaGSyXVqYzrh2NkmtgsE1Fgg3g3N414KT719dJrYid5RASF5FJkuutKh-r_HuCxn21Jd65wtc0FOUILNe2zrrzWN3jQg6dp5rOH1xgoPz7UI5IRru8x/s320/13551_164705579371_518154371_2756981_5477422_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399289829966996962" border="0" /></a><br />Saturday night it was windy and rained pretty much all night. So many of us did not want to rise and shine sunday morning to make breakfast in the rain so with a vote we decided to pack it up, head to a diner and eat some breakfast. Afterward there were many full full stomachs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefqDZRRz-VPLA7DiFhROBAxsZJYrMhlUins79IDmkR0dlDvNJvnLTUz1_8JuhQqUlIA2Mdeew2brPkAO4KYNB21ttjTr-CpA0HsiFGq_WwLWAlrWoeHQNv3UKHcerrY3e2D9SDgppBfg6/s1600-h/DSC00365.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefqDZRRz-VPLA7DiFhROBAxsZJYrMhlUins79IDmkR0dlDvNJvnLTUz1_8JuhQqUlIA2Mdeew2brPkAO4KYNB21ttjTr-CpA0HsiFGq_WwLWAlrWoeHQNv3UKHcerrY3e2D9SDgppBfg6/s320/DSC00365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399291413816087074" border="0" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802095248996898369.post-13989387037771362102009-10-29T23:20:00.000-03:002009-10-29T23:45:35.480-03:00the beginning...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZwynJ0b013B9hPsjVcZUUtqjMWxmmzg0NryGOgZRhukMe26AyBkYriRllRawpGcDYafONr153VNl6K-yj_n99z9Ua-CHJ8z48qAkvh2YLPApoDX9M-5noPscH8akyIVyI_GMt9TQ8mpS/s1600-h/IMG_0770.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZwynJ0b013B9hPsjVcZUUtqjMWxmmzg0NryGOgZRhukMe26AyBkYriRllRawpGcDYafONr153VNl6K-yj_n99z9Ua-CHJ8z48qAkvh2YLPApoDX9M-5noPscH8akyIVyI_GMt9TQ8mpS/s400/IMG_0770.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398215205421006002" /></a><br /><br /><br />I caved, and restarted this blog. I found i have things to say, adventures to record and spiritual musings to tell with no audience. So this is the start of this love hate relationship with my blog world. <br /><br />Disclaimer: I am not a consistent writer, when i have something to say. Then you will hear it.<br /><br />I am off to Kejimkujik national park this weekend for a time of hiking, camping out and enjoying everything there is about being outside.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04728630093852193851noreply@blogger.com2