Dear 2009, where did you go?

Can you believe that 2009 is almost over? What a quick year!

God is so good to us, and He is faithful and awesome. What has he done for you this year?

I'm not meaning for you to give me some super Christian answer, I am really wondering- what has God done for you this year?

It's something I'm thinking about too.

So how was your 2009, and what are you hoping/planning for in 2010?

Love,

J

Where are you going?

I just wanted to share a thought that was shared with me recently:


"Don't confuse the stepping stones in your life for your final destination."

One Million Acts

This video really stirred my heart. God is dealing with me on some things, and this is one of them. Getting up off the couch and doing something to demonstrate my faith.


http://www.millionacts.com/


Think about it. This can be a lifestyle, not just a one time thing. Big things often start in small (i.e. Homeless outreach one time a month) packages.

Thanksgiving Day And Changing The World

First of all, happy Thanksgiving!!!

This year's approach to Thanksgiving has been different than the last year or so, and done so by Facebook and fellow co-worker Alison. God has used these in simple ways to really challenge me. "How" you say? I'm glad you asked.

Facebook- A few weeks ago someone posted a status update that said something like:

"There are many things to be thankful for. For the rest of this month, start your post with the phrase, "Today I am thankful for ___________." Then fill in the blank. Each day think of something new you're thankful for."

While I consider myself a decently thankful person, I don't know that I'm very thankful or very aware each day of how I am so blessed. I started posting this status update, and this simple update reminder helped put me in the frame of mind of thinking every day of different things I'm thankful for, and helped put things into perspective. A positive perspective. You know, not that I'm all great, but it's pretty hard to have a bad attitude if you're actively looking for the good in each day. So that's Facebook. Now Alison.

Alison- While at work Alison mentioned something that cought my attention. She basically stated the principle behind the above mentioned Facebook activity. It was again a reminder that being thankful is not just a day, but a way of life. It's an outlook, an attitude - not a day to eat turkey. Sure this is the day we set aside to acknowledge our many blessings and share them with others. But thanksgiving is also the way we approach life. It's an act of worship to God, and it changes the world around us when we live with an 'attitude of gratitude' instead of our (I'll admit it!) naturally selfish or self-centered ways. Isn't it neat to know that change really does happen in the world- and really can start with you? In such a simple way as taking on a thankful attitude...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be blessed! Count your blessings! :)

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Boxing, Baseball, and Derby- Oh My! aka Aglow Int'l Conference Louisville, KY!

Dear blog readers,


Thank you for waiting oh so long for an update on Conference. The 2009 Aglow Int'l Conference was held October 22-25 in Louisville, KY. It was fantastic, and God moved in great ways!
Before I get into it, let me remind you about my blog- I'm writing this blog as part of the Generations page for Aglow Int'l. I'm not sponsoring anything, and they didn't tell me to write anything. But if you wonder why I keep talking about Aglow in my blog? Well- I'm hosted on their page.

And if you're wondering what Aglow is? Aglow is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization that ministers to people worldwide. It used to be open to women only (was called "Women's Aglow" for a number of years) but is now open to men and women. Questions? Just ask. Or check out http://www.aglow.org/. There. For all my personal friend readers, now you know why I talk about my internship so much. Now... Aglow Conference.....


Now, I'm not one to spend money to attend many church conferences. I know it's bad, but I don't have a lot of money to spend! Although yes- I could forfit a new sweater and shoes to go to a conference. But then- WHO do you go hear or see?

Here is a list:

Joyce Meyer - Yes.
Chip Ingram - Yes.
Christine Cain - Yes.
Aglow Int'l - YES YES YES.

Aglow has made my list this year. And quite honestly, I didn't know much about Aglow before I began interning, so save the comments please. ;) The conference (which happens annually and will be held in San Jose, CA next October) was packed full of exciting worship, great speakers, excellent teaching, and best of all- the presence of God just permeated the place.

The speakers this year were Jane Hansen Hoyt, Mike Bickle, Graham Cooke, and Asher Intrater.

Mike Bickle is the founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. The IHOP is a House of Prayer based on Isaiah 56:7 which says, "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." The goal of IHOPS is to have 24/7 prayer and worship. I could go on and on, but check out http://www.ihop.org/. Mike Bickle spoke about intimacy with God- how God loves us and wants our fellowship and love (which come through reading, thinking about, and speaking out God's word, talking to God- throughout your day as you go about your activities and in a specific prayer time, and singing to God).

Graham Cooke is a part of The Mission in Vacaville, CA. He was very funny while he spoke, but he also spoke about the relationship we can have with Jesus- how God really wants us to be in close fellowship with Him, to really know Him.

Jane Hansen Hoyt is the president of Aglow Int'l. Jane spoke about the role of men and women- that men and women are partners, co-laborers together here on the Earth. She spoke about how men and women in the church are to join hands together and accomplish God's work. This was a powerful message!

And Asher Intrater is the director of Revive Israel Ministries in Jerusalem. Asher's teaching/speaking session was so powerful that I don't even know where to begin! He spoke about Christians honoring their Jewish brothers and sisters in the faith- recognizing that we are grafted in the vine. This session especially was so powerful- there was such a love that was imparted for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Many, including me, left with a changed heart- a heart full of love for Jews, love to see them saved and restored into relationship with Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, Jesus Christ.

If any of the descriptions I have used here sound strange or unfamiliar, please feel free to write me if you would like me to clarify. I try to stay away from "christianese" when I write, but I may not have avoided it fully. Also, if you would just like to hear more about conference in depth, you are welcome to visit http://www.freshpublishing.com/ and order the Conference DVD, or CD's.

Perhaps most amazing about conference, was seeing Aglow members from all over the world. While Aglow operates in over 160 countries around the world, members from almost 105 countries attended the conference! Shown below are a few of my friends from Venezuela. They are fabulous women of God, and we became friends quickly! I am privilaged to know them.

I was fortunate to get time to walk around downtown Louisville and explore. Being the home of Mohammed Ali, The Louisville Slugger, and The Kentucky Derby, there were some fun things to explore and learn! Here is the beloved Rick, Rowena, and Oyin, on the steps of City Hall.

Louisville was a blast, and conference was awesome! I would honestly encourage you to make it a priority to attend the San Jose, CA conference this next year.

And last but not least- Boston. In my last post I said I would give some tidbits on Boston so here they are:

My friend and I were able to take a trip to Boston after the Aglow Conference. It was so much fun and such a blast! Here are some things we would highly recommend:

*Take a duck tour! So much fun, and what a great way to get a feel of the historic downtown.
*The Boston Commons. You may want to go here before you see the freedom trail....
*Go see Harvard. If not to see the beautiful grounds, then to take your best "Legally Blonde" picture... I mean...
*The Freedom Trail. This is the number one tour/trail/etc. you want to do in Boston. $15 for an audio tour track, and worth every penny.
*And if it's the season, take in a Red Sox game! "Let's go, Boston!!"

Again, I encourage you to comment or e-mail me if something I wrote about doesn't make sense- I would love to talk with you! Conference was fantastic, and Boston was a great time as well. I hope everyone is doing wonderful!

Welcome to my blog!

Hello faithful readers,

Thank you for following my transition from Wordpress to Blogger, via The Emerald City Chronicles. This is my blogging account of my experiences at Aglow and in Washington State, most specifically Seattle (The Emerald City).

I try to update about once a week, and I try to alternate posts so that you tend to get a spiritual thought and then a funny/life in Seattle thought every other week. Check back in a couple days and I'll update you on the Aglow Int'l Conference of 2009 - with highlights on Boston, to boot!

Oh yes. You don't want to miss it.

I Just Wanna Be With You

Post from early November:

I will eventually update on conference, but that might come in a later blog. First I thought I’d give a quick thought inspired by… my cat.

I’m visiting home and I am happy to see my cat again! She’s so cute and loveable, and I just miss her. But- I also have to work. So, I set up my computer and get to work, reading and typing away. My dad takes a seat at the table across from me and pulls out a book to read. All is well.

After awhile I notice my cat, sitting by my feet. She looks up at me, her eyes clearly begging for me to let her sit with me, but I’m working, so I just pet her and assume she’ll walk away and find something else to do. She does walk away, but only for a matter of seconds. I pet her again, and think she’ll move on- but again, she just doesn’t want to be away from me it seems. Finally, she jumps onto a chair and walks on the table. This is not smiled upon cat behavior in this house, and my dad looks at the cat and frowns. She walks over to my computer, and walks up to me- and I get it. She just wants to be with me. She doesn’t care where I am or what I’m doing. She just wants to be near me- and feel me near her. And I think to myself- that’s how I want to be with God.

I want to be SO in love with Him, that no matter what is going on in life, my first priority, my first want and desire, is just to be with God. To be near Him, be in His presence, every moment of every day. And isn’t that how God wants us? Not saying some long, rehearsed prayer ever hour because we have to or whatnot- but going about our day, thinking about Him, talking to Him, and listening for Him to speak into our lives.

Just a thought…

All You Need Is Love

October 2009

So I admit it, the title of this blog came from the song. But the subject matter is the same. Love.

What is love, when defined as a verb- an action? Is love more of a feeling, thought, or action? Does it matter? I think it can easily be all three, but the most important is the verb form- we must act out love in our actions.

How do you do that on a daily basis? As a christian we’re supposed to love as Christ loves. How do you (we) do that? I’m not asking to judge, I’m just trying to get thoughts flying. I think one way I tend to act in love is simple acts of consideration: holding doors open for people, picking up trash, or saying “good morning”, etc.

Just a few thoughts on my mind…. What do you think?

The couch: A moving story (and a must read!)

Hey everyone!

Sorry it’s been so long since my last post. I wanted to let you know I am attempting to polish up a brand new blog site. I ran into some technical difficulties, so it looks like my blog might have a new address soon. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, would you like to FINALLY hear the couch story?? What was that? “Yes” you say? Alright!!


Awhile ago my roommate and I moved into a great apartment in Seattle. We are on the third floor of a small complex with 2 bedrooms, a fantastic kitchen, and a beautiful balcony view. My roommate’s brothers and some friends came up for the day and helped move ALL of our furniture in to the apartment- yes. Aren’t they awesome? I think so, too. SO, before I explain this couch situation- there are a few bits of background information you should know:


1. At our apartment there are 4 flights of indoor stairs.
2. My roommate bought a WONDERFUL couch (It’s very comfortable), and so it is- well- our first very own couch!
3. My roommate, and her friends, are rock climbers.


So. Why does this matter? Let’s start at the stairs. Four flights, all indoors. First of all, if the stairs were a straight line of stairs it would be easier to carry heavy items up… buuuut ours are not. And outdoor stairs (open air stairs) don’t leave you with the possability of getting stuck in the stairwell. Or at least not as much… buuuut ours do. And also, the fact that it’s four sets of winding flights of stairs (ie. One set of stairs. Wall. Turn the corner. Next set of stairs. Wall… and so forth) make this moving thing quite tricky.


Moving on to the couch. It was the end of a LONG and packed moving day. We cleaned out two different houses in less than twelve hours and transported all the contents into our new apartment- and we were exhausted. The last thing to move it would be- the couch. Since too many cooks in the kitchen is a bad thing, I knew to let the guys handle the couch. I stayed in the apartment and cleared a walkway for the couch, and waited for the last bit of our moving to be DONE. Cant’ you just hear Ross right now? “Pivot!!” “PIVOT!!” If you can picture that, then you can see what went on with this blog.

3 guys, 1 girl, and 4 flights of stairs later, there are some sweaty guys and a giant couch making it’s way through the hallway to our door!!! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE A COUCH!!! I step back, hold the door open, and watch as…..the couch doesn’t fit. They back up, turn around, and try again. NOPE. Back up, manuver the couch differently. No!! Could you tip the couch like a tree? Would you, could you diagonally? Would you could you back it up? Would you could you, nope… it’s stuck.


We did EVERYTHING. Our neighbor’s heard the commotion (by the way, it’s definitly evening now) and opens his door to let us back into HIS apartment and try to shoot the couch through our doorway.. same problem. STUCK. The guys talk. They think. They ponder. They try to take the legs off the couch. They decide. ….The verdict? The couch WILL NOT, is not, CAN NOT go through our apartment door. We have no couch. (And that also means no bed for one of us for the night).


AND THEN…. Someone get’s a brilliant idea.


Back down the stairs they go! The couch goes back down 1, 2, 3, FOUR flights of stairs, and 40 stairs, 2 guys, and 1 girl later the couch ends up in the parking lot. And here is where the roommate perks come into play. Since my roommate and her friends are rock climbers, what idea comes to mind? That’s right, you guessed it. The group downstairs begins tying rope around the couch. We will HOIST it up the balcony and take it into the apartment via balcony door!
It was a show for all. Our next door neighbors could see it. The downstairs neighbors were on their balcony ready to watch the couch float by… And I was on our balcony, with another freind, trying to video tape this event on my phone. If it hadn’t been dark outside I would have had the BEST video for you! So the guys downstairs finish tying the couch, and me and buddy on the balcony start hoisting it up. It didn’t take long, and YES the couch was safely up to, over, and on the balcony. YEA!!!!!!


We carried it through the balcony door, and voila ~ I am sitting on it as I type.
And that, dear friends, is my moving story. Couches and rock climbers. Gotta love ‘em.

What Makes You Happy?

August 28, 2009




If you can never manage to be happy with where you are at, you will never be happy wherever you go.

Sometimes we think a specific thing/person/relationship,etc. will make us happy. “If ONLY”……I lived here. If ONLY…..I was single. If ONLY…..I was married. If ONLY……I had a better job…. What are you relying on to make you happy? Where do you get your joy? The quote today caught my eye, it’s just so true….

Surfing, Sharks, and Sand

August 28, 2009





I promised you a blog on surfing, and here it is! Warning: this is very random and has possibly no relevance to anything today.

So just for kicks and giggles… I went to the beach a week or so ago and happened along a guy sitting in a fold-up chair, holding a sign that said, “Surfing lessons $10- 2 hours.” I should have known right then- or at least read closer.

So I think about it, and I figure- ten bucks? Let’s do it. Let’s be adventurous! The last time I surfed was 10 years ago- it was awesome! It was great! It was also in groups- for fun and safety alone that’s just BETTER! But ten bucks, me and a surf dude? Sure.

So I walk up to the guy, give him my money, and we walk to the board rack to pick out a board. I’m pretty tall, so the board I got was pretty big, but the guy offers to carry it for me, and that’s cool. I’d come to find- guys have more upper body strength, so when he carries it, it just LOOKS easy- it’s really not!

So we’re walking to the water and I’m explaining my fear of sharks, jellyfish, sand monsters- you know, the usual, so he can tell me that none of the animals (or mythological creatures) exist within a mile of where I am, and therefore calm my fears. He assures me (could aslo be referred as “lies to”) but I feel better, and we head to the water. Just as I think- ‘Awesome! I’m NOT a wuss, and I’m going to have a blast surfing-this is so fun!’ the guy drops the board in the sand near the water. Um…. and that’s it. He says, “Ok have fun! See ya in 2 hours. Just leave the board here when you’re done and come and get me.” And he walks away!! Um… What part of “surf lesson” is this?? What to do! What to do!

So I put on my leash and dragged the board to the water a few feet away as my mind scrables to remember paddeling technique- until I realize I’m directly in front of a reef wall, and there is no WAY I can take the board out there. So I try to pick up the board, which is amazingly heavy, I don’t know how people in those old movies walked with surf boards on their heads…. I’m just sayin’. Anyway, after I discover I can’t pick up the board, I grab the nose and try to drag this 11 foot beast through the sand toward clearer water. I get about 20 feet before I have to stop. And yes, yes the beach is croweded. I grab a seat and wait for a minute while I rack my brain trying to remember surfing rules, look for an opening in the water, and try to decide where I’m least likely to get hit by other surfers when I paddle out. It’s at this point that I actually look at the shoreline. The waves are breaking on the shore at around 3.5 – 4 feet high! What?? After realizing this, I start to wonder how I can even get IN the water without getting slammed by waves- with a captive audience to observe me- and paddle out into crowds of surfers. It’s at that point that I abandon my surfing mission. Boy, I feel lame.

I was so embarassed! I picked up the board again to try to drag it back to where it had been dropped off, but realizing I was now dragging it in front of a surfing school stand (which I probalby should have gone to in the first place), I drop it and leave it there. I went back to my “surf lesson” guy and tell him where the board is…. but he freaks out that I left it in front of the surfing school and made me walk back with him and carry it back. It was crazy! All that said, I have learned 4 things from this experience:

1.Watching shark week on the Discovery Channel is never a good idea before going to the beach.
2. Don’t buy (even cheap!) surfing “lessons” from guys in folding chairs on the beach.
3. Build upper body muscle if you don’t want to look like a dork while surfing… or walking your board to the beach.
4. Maybe the sand monsters aren’t that bad after all…

That’s it. I’m off to tan.

Summer is Supafly!!

August 25, 2009




I tend to post insightful or random blogs… The one is insightful…. The next will be the random surfing story…

Summer in Seattle is wonderful. For the first time in months, the sun shines continuously. The lakes are filled with people boating, jet skiing, and enjoying the cool 80 degree air. Houses are empty as people take advantage of the climate, walking, hiking, and just being outside. There are BBQ’s, parties, and sweet summer fun- but the one thing that summer brings that I don’t like is flies. Fruit flies to be exact. It gets so bad in the summer time at our house that we move our garbage outside, and STILL have flies in the house.



To make up for this annoyance, my roommate has wisely concocted a fruit fly trap- a small dish of apple cider vinegar with a few pumps of dish soap. The kitchen smells, but it works like a charm, and the smell is SO worth not having flies everywhere! Within a day I notice ten dead flies in the dish, more than I knew we even had in the kitchen. But I notice something else, too. There are a few flies, hanging out on a kitchen curtain near the trap, just watching it. They’re still alive, they haven’t entered in the bowl yet, but there they were. Just chillin. Hanging out. Checkin’ out the scene. Smelling the, uh, apples. After several days in a row, I saw the same sight and wondered, “Why are they there? Don’t they know it’s a trap?”


The way it works is the apple cider smell attracts the flies, and the dish soap actually kills/traps them. There is something about dish soap that makes the flies unable to get out of whatever substance (water, or in this case cider) that you put out for them. But the flies don’t know, and the flies watch the trap anyway. They see their dead friends. And they still go in. It’s not more than a day after watching before each fly ends up entering the trap and suffering the fate of their fly friends. But- didn’t they know it would end that way??



And then I think- how many times are we like the flies?

You might respond like I did at first, saying, “What- me? Never! I’m way too smart for that! I’m not like these stupid flies.” But are you? Am I?



I’ve been impressed with a thought from Joyce Meyer lately. “Think about what you’re thinking about.” “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 Because what you think about is where you end up. Just like the flies. And I need to watch my thoughts. Maybe you do too. The flies literally sit and stare at a trap, they watch their fly buddies die, and yet they still go in- and they die too.
I’ve been battling with some temptations lately, and I’ve thought- ‘God, where is this COMING from? That is the old me- we’ve passed this! What’s going on?’ And I was impressed to think about what I’m thinking about. I had to think- what am I filling my mind with? What movies am I watching? What books am I reading? What music am I listening to? And what message are they giving me?



You see- even when we don’t know if something is bad for us- we still take in when we’re exposed to it. So when we repeatedly expose ourselves to unrighteous messages (even when we don’t realize it), we start to believe them. Just like the flies watching the fly trap, so we can start focusing on and heading toward compromise and sin.

And it starts in your thoughts. You justify that you’re just thinking about it- it’s not like you’re actually doing it. And that’s where it begins. The flies see that the other flies are dead- and they still sit and stare at it. They inch closer to it, because really, they don’t think it will hurt them. And isn’t that how we are?

I wonder if the little fly thinks he’s smarter, stronger, and that ”it won’t happen to him.” The sad thing is- it sure does. (And my house is fly free!) Unfortunatley for the little guy, he was too interested in the forbidden fruit fly trap, and didn’t walk away. I wonder if at first, he just sat there thinking how good it smelled, not planning to do anything about it (because he saw his dead friends). But he did….

The problem with us becomes- when we go against our convictions and think about sin, and then we start to justify the sin… You’re smelling the cider, just like the fly. And if you justify it in someone else’s life-whether it’s the latest pop hookup or your best friend’s bad habits- it won’t be long before you justify it in your own.

Thoughts become actions, habits, and character. Think about what you’re thinking about and run from sin. The Bible says to “RUN” from temptation for a reason! If you hang out too long, it will get the best of you. So do yourself a favor- RUN. FLY away from the sin trap around you. Stop adoring it, stop thinking about it! The choice is yours. Don’t be like the flies, who stick around and get sucked in. Don’t get stuck in a trap.

Craigslist is fantastic!

August 19, 2009

I love Craigslist! It is just fantastic. Have you ever looked in the “free” section? That section can keep me entertained for days. The stuff that is posted on here is so random, and often hysterically worded! I’m not making fun of people, I’m just entertained by what’s posted at times- it’s great! Check it out. Here are some good ones from today:

“Free Magical Couch”

Beautiful magical couch! The gorgeous imagery depicts old timey water mills and fancy houses! Totally clean! Smells normal! Perfectly good, except one of its legs has…. (ready? ready?)… disappeared! But put a book underneath it and its as good as new. (The picture even showcases an accordion WITH the funky couch. Priceless.)

“Free Bike Travel Case:

The hard shell air travel bike case is outside in front of the house. It’s bulky so come prepared to carry it. (But doesn’t carrying the bike defeat the purpose of owning a bike…? Although you’ll have GREAT arms…)

“Free Jet Ski Body”

I have just the shell/body to a old jet ski…have no idea what year, make, model. It has been sitting outside for about a year now so the condition is in no way good! If you want it you can have it! (Even better if you do not live within 60 miles of a lake! I wonder if my roommate would let me get it…)

“Free trampoline needs new jumping pad”

Free Trampoline 12 foot round , needs new jumping pad and mat around springs. Must haul away on your own. (Wait- what? Just the steel circle??)


Isn’t that just the most random list of postings you’ve seen?? I love it! Now, is there a hardcore spiritual message in this post? No. Simply that I like the Craigslist ‘free’ section and find it interesting. I’ve been looking through the ads for the past few weeks, looking for furniture for a new place. I started out on Craigslist because it’s cheap, but then I migrated to the ‘free’ section because it’s, well, free. And that was it.

In the past month I’ve tried to convince my roomie to let me get: a kiddie pool, a non-working boat (it could be a decorative item! Or a planter!), a collection of empty DVD cases, turn tables, and a riding lawn mower. Now, I can see turning down the collection of DVD cases (you’d have to be very creative and artistic for those) but the RIDING LAWN MOWER?? Really?? Come on… And turn tables? Well, let’s just say- when SHE’S gone for the weekend, hit me up and I’ll spin tunes while we have lawn mower races around The Emerald City…. Oh it sounds like a party already…. I just love Craigslist….

Check back in a few days to hear insight on fruit flies or surfing…. Any preference what blog comes first? Comment and let me know.

Sunburned in Seattle

August 12, 2009



The other day I was hanging out downtown Seattle with some friends. We took a day to spend along the waterfront, eating fantastic food and doing all the fun touristy things. We had a great time! Such a great time, in fact, that while we were enjoying the fresh sun and cool pacific breeze, I didn’t stop to think that I needed some SPF coverage. So I didn’t apply any- even thought I had sunblock with me.

The result was a sunburn in the exact shape of my neckline, (a trendy oblong shape- so trendy for shirts, so not trendy for sunburns.) Oh- and we’re talking tomato red. Painful, weird shaped, and quite maroon in color. Desperate to save my skin, and keep from peeling, I turned to a secret weapon: my trusty bottle of Aquaphor. A friend had told me about it, and it saved my sunburned skin a time or two, so for the next week or so I slathered it on. I worked hard to transform that sunburn into a tan! I didn’t not want all that sunburned pain to be in vain! Day after day I put on lotion, oil, and the trusty Aquaphor to keep my skin hydrated and soothed, in hopes that it wouldn’t peel, leaving me white and dry, and instead cool into a beautiful golden tan. Hey, it’s worked before!

So, here I am one morning putting on Aquaphor when I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me. (Yes. While attending to my sunburn.) I had seen some skin start to peel, and I was trying, TRYING, to keep the rest from following suit. As I was desperately putting lotion on my neck, the thought came “Why are you holding onto dead skin”?

Whoa. Wait a minute. Dead skin? This is my TAN, this is vindication for a SUNBURN, this is…. oh my goodness, it’s dead skin…. Gross!!!

I then felt prompted in my spirit a little further- what other dead things am I desperately holding onto?
What dead things in your life are you holding on to?

What are things that you have gone through the fire over, things that God is trying to burn out of you, that you keep holding on to? Are you holding onto dead friendships? Dead dreams (hey, I wanted to be an Olympic ice skater)? Dead paths? Are you working in vain, like I did? Doing everything you can do to rescue that part of your life, to keep it from leaving? And I’m not talking about losing faith. I’m talking about the things that deep down you KNOW that God has been dealing with you on- are you letting them go into His hands? Or are you desperately working to keep them- even if it’s just (like me and my tan) for appearance sake?

We all have dreams, we all want relationships, and we all want friendships- but take a look at your life. Is God leading you in a new area, or onto new people? Is He closing doors on old relationships to make room for new ones? Yes, it’s painful- it’s never easy going through the fire. But maybe you’ve learned all you can from that friend of yours. Maybe you need to go in a new direction now, and God is revealing more of His plan to you. Anything new is never easy- it’s challenging and uncomfortable, but that’s when we grow most. So take a look at what’s going on in your life. Let go of the old and dead, and embrace the new life that God has for you! When it hurts, let Him comfort you. It’s a blessing of God. His word says it, and God himself will prove it: “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Welcome to the Emerald City Chronicles

August 10, 2009

Hello everybody! Welcome to my blog!

My name is Jessica, and I am an intern at Aglow. I am in my mid-20’s, I like pizza, and I have big feet. WOW. It’s like you know me now! Ok… well, not really. But in blog world, kinda.

I decided to start a blog and write down some of my thoughts. The title of this blog is The Emerald City Chronicles, because- if you didn’t know- Seattle is SO green it’s referred to as The Emerald City. No, it’s not a facination with the Wizard of Oz, it has to do with the Evergreen State being…well, evergreen. But if you want to get me on a rant or a rave, (so fun!) then ask me about the Wizard of Oz- or tell me you loooove the play Wicked, and you’ll get me going. Here’s a hint: It has much more to do with The Wizard of Oz BOOK than it does the movie.

The EC chronicles is my account of Seattle- seeing that I am not from here, and just life in general. I moved to Seattle this year to start my internship at Aglow. I am a Cali girl, and I love my sunshine!! But I’m glad to be in Seattle, and excited for what God has for me up here.


God bless! Check back to see what my NEXT blog entails…

September 13, 2009

Hello faithful readers!

Sometimes it's easy for me to rant and rave on things that aren't ideal in my life, but today I wanted to blog about things that are GREAT. I tend to think I'm pretty positive, but sometimes I'm just downright whiny. I'm trying to change that. I really am very thankful for my life and how good God is to me, and how privilaged I am. Big things or little things (this blog will be mostly little things) I'm still thankful...

Here are some truly simple things that are just enjoyable...

Fresh baked cookies.... You know you love this, too. Admit it.



A GREAT baseball game. :)



Jumping on the bed!



And of course, a good nights sleep...






A great concert...



Laughing until your sides hurt. And....getting my nails done.



So what about you guys? What little things are you thankful for? Comment and share them at will!! :)

Check back in another week for an update on the Emerald City... And perhaps a story on moving- including getting a couch up 4 flights of stairs. "Pivot!!!"