Journey With Jen

I was looking through a few of my old posts.  I usually write one the first day or two of the New Year about the upcoming year.  I try to pick a word for the New Year. Sometimes looking back, I get it right.  Other times, not so much. In 2009, our focus was forgiveness .  My father had been diagnosed with cancer and that year he was getting worse.  He passed away in November of that year.  Before he passed, we were able to talk everyday about the past and present.  We were able to have that time to work through things that were never talked about.  (big elephant in the room growing up which no one talks about kinda thing)  I treasure that time I was given with my Dad before he passed. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.    Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:31-32 2...

I remember growing up there were girls that were mean and ugly.  There always are.  Yet, it is one thing when it happens to me.  And, a totally different thing when it happens to my baby girl.  I know, she is in 5th grade but it doesn't matter how old she gets ~ she will be my baby girl.  :)  The drama now?  I guess some girls where talking at recess about Christmas.  They where talking about their iPods and stuff.  Faith mentioned that she didn't have one.  Her "friend" looked at her and told her, "Just ask Santa.  I ALWAYS get EVERYTHING on my Christmas list."  Faith with her logical mind knows there isn't a Santa but just kept her mouth shut.  Then, I guess this "friend" was also telling people that Faith said she likes having rich friends so gets stuff.  What a friend right?  Faith actually kind of confronted her (so proud!) and told her she never said that.  Her friend retracted a bit and sa...

Today, when you take look around there are lights.  Lovely, elaborate lights that twinkle with the tune of Christmas songs.  There is of course shiny garland or that fancy tulle that is all the rage right now.  Shiny ornaments shine in the lights.  Beautiful wrapped presents longing to be opened. Long ago, the only light was a star guiding the way.  There was not any shiny, sparkling garland.  Not even room in a hotel.  Just a manger where the animals where kept.  Yet, even with the simplest of things:  Glory was found!  A babe was born.   And even wrapped in rags, His glory could not be contained.  Angels spread the news.  Wise men traveled long distances.   It is amazing to me how the world today can get it so wrong.  It changes from the celebration of Christ's birth to "Season Greetings."   It has changed from a day of remembrance and thankfulness, to a month of spending...

It really is hard to believe that December is here.  This week, our weather has been in the 70's.  Which, for northern Arkansas ~ it is very weird.  We've been working on our kitchen for months now and it is finally coming together.  (I'll post pictures soon)  I actually ran a dishwasher tonight for the first time since August!! It felt wonderful.  :)  I know, I know.  But, a family of 5 without a dishwasher and only a mud room sink to wash dishes in....VERY thankful for the dishwasher! I've recently got on Pinterest.  Yes, I know, I am late bloomer, right? I have found it is true what my friends have said.  It is very easy to get hooked on.  When ever you log on, there are always new recipes, crafts, or home ideas.  Pin this or like that.  So cool.  It's like every kind of magazine right there without any ads in the middle! ;D Of all the things I've found on there, pinned, and actually tried ~ the laundry soap is...