God's Country

All the people from this area up here describe the land as "God's Country." Today I might just have to agree! (Well, despite the wind!)
Today the weather is windy and there is snow everywhere. I love it!! I only wish that we had some ski slopes around here and I'd be in "heaven"! This is a picture of the front the Wayland Campus and all of the snow. Beautiful!!

Don't Give Up

It's been a loooooong time since my last post.....so, I thought I'd try to get it going again for all my fans out there. (haha!) I will also have some pictures up soon, including a few wedding pics, since I never got to that either. Yesssss!

But, for today, I really wanted to talk about not giving up. We had a speaker today at chapel named Ron Roberts. Ron is a Christian, father, and meterologist in Lubbock, TX and at 49 years old, he is dealing with something unexpected that affects every aspect of his life and walk with Christ. Ron had a stroke about 6 months ago and has lost most feeling and movement in the left side of his body. He was very active in cycling and playing with his young children, and now he struggles with the simple movements like walking and picking things up. But even though Ron is now somewhat physically handicapped, he knows that he can't feel sorry for himself and just give up. In Matthew 4:19, 19:21, and 16:24, God says "Come, follow me." God isn't making a suggestion, he is giving a command....and this is what Ron heard God telling him to do. God granted him more time on the earth for a purpose and he stated that it is now up to him to get up and do the best he can because God DESERVES our BEST. God doesn't give us the gift of life or the gift of music or speaking or any others for us to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves and give up when we face storms in our life. He gives us those gifts to keep on going and to glorify Him and to prove to him that we care about what he has done for us. It is easy to sit back and do our own thing- leaving God behind- but it takes guts to get out there and prove our love and devotion to Him day after day. Inspiring people are the ones who DO something. We don't look up to people who are lazy and conquered by fear. We look up to and want to follow those who make a difference, those who take a stand, those who will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals and do their best.
I don't know if you ever need enouragement to "Get up" or to "DO" something, but I know I do. And I know that if I am perfectly healthy and able to make a difference, but I don't even try, then God is not getting the Glory He deserves-- and there is no way that His will is being carried out in my life.
Thank you Jesus for reminding me that you DESERVE my BEST.

YOU SAY- GOD SAYS- BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Duct Tape or a Nail?

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates.
St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it
into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give
you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was.
When you reach 100 points, you get in.""Okay," the man says,
"I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St.Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and
supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St.Peter. "That's certainly worth a point."
"One point!?!!"
"I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for
homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says.
"Two points!?!! "Exasperated, the man cries.
"At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God!"
"Bingo, 100 points! Come on in!"

We often try to fix problems with WD-40 and duct tape. God did it with a nail.

(meaning...... sometimes we try to hard to do things on our own, using every resource we can find...and some are good and some just rig things back together. The only thing that will save us and fix all of our problems is simply...God ...and his saving grace. (found in the nail)).

...fun story huh?

Get a frickin' backbone!

Ok. So I know we all have our problems and bad habits....and sometimes we want to sincerely quit and stop them forever. Some of the people I love the most (which include my parents and husband) are tangled up in the habit of smoking and/or dipping. I myself am completely grossed out by both....but WHY is it SO hard to just put it down and never pick it back up again? Or use another means to help quit the habit? Especially if you say you want to quit?....and if you promise others you are going to quit?? It baffles me to no end. I have been told by the same people over and over that "this is the last one" "I'm done" and so on. But nope....not yet......
I have just always been of the belief that if you say you are going to do something....then you need to do it. Or at least put every effort you have within you to accomplish what it is you set out to do.
I have figured out that it is too hard to quit for your daughter or children, it is too hard to quit for your fiance, it is too hard to quit for your wife, its too hard to quit for yourself and it is even too hard to quit for God himself. I mean, even in the bible it says we are not to be mastered by anything. ....So when is it time? What is it that will actually make "this one the last one"? What will it take to make you realize that you are not only hurting yourself- but everyone around you? When will it be time to take responsibility?
If anyone knows the answers to these questions, please let me in on them. And spare me the cheezy over-used answers like...."its just so hard" "I've been doing it for 20 years", "I'm gonna die anyway, so why not die happy", "I've quit before, I can quit again and anytime I want to", "It's my life and I can do anything I want to", and "I just can't do it".
If you are gonna say over and over that you are going to quit then you need to back yourself up and just do it. Give yourself some creditibility. Show other people that you care about yourself and other people.
And by the way, I am just a little bitter because I have lived with these lies for my whole life and now a new wave of them have emerged. So for all of you who are wrapped up in the same habits....please if you are going to do them, realize the possible consequences and don't apologize or lie about quitting when you know good and well that will never happen in a million years.
And for those who do say you will quit--but then spill out all the lame excuses and lies.....realize that YOU pick it up. YOU put in in your hands. YOU put it in your mouth. It starts and ends with YOU. So....if YOU don't pick it up....and YOU don't put it in your hands....and YOU don't put it in your mouth.....it ends. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Unless YOU let it in

-all the water in the world could not sink a ship

unless YOU let it in.

Unless YOU let it in

-all the bad things, all the habits, all the sin could not have a foothold

unless YOU let it in.

Be bold and strong.....and you can accomplish more than you think.
-jen

So do you give 100%?

What Equals 100%? ......What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? Are they those college and high school coaches and athletes? ......The Pros?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%.
How about achieving 101%?
What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND, look how far the "Love of God" will take
you.....
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
Some of us try and try to strive for 100% achievement in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes we fall short and sometimes we may have actually done it. But if we dont have the love of God in out heart and lives we will never be better than the rest....we will fall short and miss out on the greatest things God has to give us.
....But thanks to all those mathmaticians out there who showed us the REAL secret to achieving success and 101%!!

Simply put,
-jen

From God:

When I created the heavens and earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils were too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects mans life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do.Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the ribstrong, yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man: his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life.The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.You are My perfect angel. You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and My eyes fill when I see the virtue in your heart. Your eyes, dont change them. Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands, so gentle in touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to Mine. Of all that lives and breaths, you are the most like Me. Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see Me or touch Me. He could only feel Me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me, I fashioned in you: My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection and support. You are special because you are an extension of Me. Man represents My image. Woman, My emotions. Together you represent the totality of God.
So, Man, treat Woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt Me. What you do to her, you do to Me. In crushing her, you damage your own heart, the heart of your Father and the heart of her Father.Woman, support Man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness, show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.
-Author Unknown

Well, I have a super close friend named Kristol and she and her husband Nick have a 6 week old baby, Grady Paul. Anyway, money has been tight and she is even selling her wedding dress to make ends meet. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago they decided to drive to ElPaso to visit Kristol's family. They took Kristol's car which is basically on its last leg and even after putting $800 of work into it, they weren't even able to drive it back because it wouldn't make it. So her mother let them take her car and the whole way home they were trying to come up with a plan to get Kristol a different car....but basically it came down to....they just couldn't afford it. When they finally got home from the long trip, they checked the mail and opened a very special letter. This letter was from a car company in Lubbock and it stated that THEY HAD WON A BRAND-NEW CAR!!! (this is for real...keep listening!) Well, if you watched last season's SURVIVOR, they had a special giveaway of like five Torrant SUV's because the winner of a certian game chose to take a car for herself instead of giving one to all of her competetiors on the show. And it turns out that Nick had signed up to win one on the internet. And to make that long story short....THEY WON THE CAR!!! Of course they were like, "yeah right". But they went to the car lot anyway and took the letter... and the salesman said, "We have been expecting you guys! Lets go pick out your brand new Torrant!" So that night they drove their brandnew car home and could hardly breathe they were so excited. Kristol called me the next day and told me the news and I was super happy for her....I mean...that is crazy right?! That doesn't happen to people in Lubbock, TX!! Or does it? So then I started thinking how much that was just a blessing from God....an unexpected blessing....and then I started thinking about all of the other "unexpected blessings" that happen to people everyday. My sister told me once that her and her husband were really needing some money because things were so tight and when she got home....the was a check in the mail for like one dollar more than she needed!! And my dad lost his job and that was very scary....but it has allowed him and my mom to get a brand-new start. They are selling their house and land in the country, and with it buying a house in Abilene, paying off ALL THEIR DEBT, saving on gas, and my dad will eventually be able to start his own business. I mean HOLY COW!! Praise God!! So anyway, because of all this it inspired me to write and so here is a little poem/maybe eventually a song titled:

"Unexpected Blessings"

An extra mile on an empty tank of gas, a simple smile that lets you know

you're worth it - you're not alone.

A middle aged man who thinks his world just fell apart- not realizing

all of this happened to give him a brand new start.

When times got tough and money tight- a bag of groceries

on your porch saved you and fed your family that night.

A newborn baby, money in the mail, your best friend calling to

say hello, her timing never fails.

These are the unexpected blessings that make our lives worth living.

A whole day of rain after a week of fires

or finally selling your house to that one special buyer.

This girl almost got an abortion because she was raped.

But when she felt those tiny hands curl around her finger-

she knew it was no mistake. It had to be God? Fate?

Missing your plane, taking the wrong street- something unexplainable

that drops you to your knees.

You went the wrong directions, made the wrong decisions.

You're down and think you're beat. You cry out, say you can't do it alone-

And then HE speaks.

A second chance, a brand new hope. Yes, someone gave their life for you.

These are the unexpected blessings that make our lives worth living.

...That Old Rugged Cross, the thorns on his brow, Jesus- He explains it all.

-Jennifer

hello. why i made a blog page?.....well it's beyond me. you could probably say that its the thing to do...everybody is doing it and and i am just following suit. ....maybe that's why and maybe its not. but either way i guess it will be a good way for me to get out my frustrations, ideas, thoughts and it will open another door that will allow me to share my faith.
if you are wondering why the title of my blog is "Beautiful Tragedy"....well i'll let you in on it.
basically it is a very short testimony of what Christ did for us the day he died on the cross. though tragic it was for him, Jesus- the perfect Son of God, to have to die --- it is beautiful for us because of the salvation, eternal life, and relationship we now have through Him.

It is also .....i guess what you could call.....an optimist statement as well (for me anyway). It helps me to stay positive and leave the outcome of all of my own "tragedies" up to God. if He can turn the death of His only Son into something as beautiful as it is.....can't He and won't He so the same for me?

what "Beautiful Tragedy's" have you gone through? How did you see the beauty?