treasure.

I found some treasure yesterday.

a day for play.

Sweet girl!

She's a textaholic. Sorry, Molly :)

Now entering the island of Sodor...

love this face.

thanks to Noah, I've learned so much about tank engines!

oh, hey there.

Callie was not amused with all the hullabaloo. we tried to get her out… she would not be moved.

thomas in action.

Ainsley and Noah

I love my job :)

new post

So, when i hit the NEW POST button, I had no idea what I was going to write about.
I still don't know.

*pauses for a few minutes, thinking*

Usually when I don't know what to write about, it's because there are so many options. And it's easy to default to writing something to the effect of how good God is. I don't think this is a bad thing.

I love creativity. I love how every single person in the world right now is unique and different than everyone else in so many ways. I love that God designed it that way. He made us creative because he is creative and we are made in his image. Ok, seriously. We are made in the image of the creator of this whole universe!? We are pretty special and he thinks so, even when we are told otherwise or don't believe it ourselves. I'm not trying to build you up here, thinking you are all great because of something you have done. No, You are great because of who he is, and the detail he put into creating you exactly how you are.

I also love that there is so much mystery in the world, all around us. We are so oblivious. God isn't.
The detail in a dragonfly's design. The tiny strands of thread that make up a piece of clothing. The invisible waves of sound. The human body alone is such an incredible illustration of his attention to detail, not to mention every animal, plant, and the perfect way the solar system is set up!

I have been learning lately how to enjoy things just for the sake of enjoying them, because God made them. I'm trying to just be and not worry about things I don't have any control over. I want Jesus to be my everything, and I know he is enough. The fact that he sees all of my flaws and still loves me is pretty amazing and a good enough reason in itself to be wholly his! I believe he loves the little quirky things in all of us. He put them there. Like the fact that i'm collecting peach pits? How about an over-obession with old things? Or a secret admiration for cowboys? It's things like these (but not these, because i just told you…(haha) that only God knows, and only he needs to know. I'm realizing that he is enough, and it's so freeing- he is my savior and my deliverer.

Look for detail today. And enjoy his creation. Oh, also- be quirky :)

thanks for reading.

-J

Here are some words of wisdom I received recently from people I highly admire and respect. Maybe you will be inspired and enlightened as well. Enjoy.

"When you're creative, you're experiencing what God made you to be."- J.E.

"Doing one thing a week working toward your dream or goal gives you 52 things in one year."- C.C.

"It's our job to see the beauty in others and make it known to them."- M.W.

"The gift of love is to the receiver; the power of love is to the giver."- M.W.

"God uses people- the enemy does, too."- M.R.

"Don't confuse motion with action."- M.R.

"The good thing about mistakes is that God can use them- when we step out."- M.R.

"God wants to bless you, but he can't 'find' you because you're trying to be someone else."- unknown

p.s.
lots of life has happened lately.
God continues to be good.
He always will be, you know.

-J

Essential Gear for the Daring Girl

So I pulled out my Daring Book for Girls book the other night and was reminded of how wonderful being a girl (and a daring girl at that) is and can be. But, I realized that there are some things I don't possess that I need to, in order to be a true adventurer. I thought you might benefit from this information as well.

Here is the list of "Essential Gear" according to the book:

1. Swiss Army Knife.  Yeah, definitely need to get one of these ASAP.


2. Bandana check! 

3. Rope and Twine Twine, check! I need to find a good old rope though.

4. Journal and Pencil- with a back-up Pen check and check!

5. Hair band duh.

6. Bungee cord mmm can't say I own my own bungee cord…


7. Flashlight check!

8. Compass definitely need to get one of these. this will also benefit me as a pirate. 

9. Safety Pins always hanging around, but never seem to be around when you need one. 

10. Duct Tape should probably keep a stash of this under my bed...

11. Deck of cards and a good Book have these in excess!

12. Patience good grief. lay it on me, please!


I feel so inspired to go exploring. Adventure is always there if we are willing to seek it out.
Have you been on any expeditions lately? Found treasure of any sort recently? Discovered something new or fascinating today?

If so, tell me all about it!

-J

here's a shout out to my wonderful Sister who just started her blog. Go check it out and comment to let her know you visited! Don't forget to follow her blog, as well. I know it will be a good read! :)
www.mysoulsurvivor.blogspot.com

Oh, goodness. Life.

As you've probably noticed, I changed the blog look a little bit… i like to mix things up every so often. Keep it exciting, you know?

Lately, I've just been really melancholy. I kind of hate that word, and certainly don't like it when it's referring to me.

How about, instead of writing a bunch of things that will sound good and get nice comments, I'll just be honest about life. Is that okay?

I'm not satisfied with how i'm living. I don't spend enough time with Jesus. I am not seeking him with all that I am. I'm looking to others to fulfill me. I spend too much time on my computer. I feel like I suck at life. I know the truth. I need to make some changes. That scares me. I have lots of hopes and dreams that truly deep down I don't think will ever happen. That scares me. And thinking that they might really happen scares me, too.

I know the truth, and I know what I need and for that I am grateful. I must ask for courage and wisdom. And seek the one who knows me best.

Thanks for reading.

Also, if you ever want to totally make my day… send me a hand-written letter.
My dear kindred spirit, Annah Beth sent me one today and I love her ever so much for the gesture.

-J

Today.

Today is good.
Today I will stand as a witness to one of the most beautiful things God made.
Today the beloved brother of mine, becomes a beloved husband to a beloved friend, who becomes a beloved sister! :)
Today the name of the Lord will be lifted high.
Today will be lovely, no matter what the weather may be.
Today Satan will not be happy.
He will try to ruin the day. God is bigger, better, and wins.
Today Jesus will be glorified by the obedience and faithfulness of his people.
Today I will see so many people from so many places. weird.
Today I will pray, trust, and hope.
Today a commitment will be made that will never be broken.

Today is good.