jenny'sjournal

Know Him as _fill in the blank __ .

2010-02-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

Started writing a book today.

It's been on my heart to do for a while.

Not as easy as I expected it to be.

Not so much for the writing and technical part of it, but for what it requires me to do. It requires me to dig into a tender place of my heart. A place that was broken. A place I have allowed Him to heal from over 6 years ago.

It's also a place I had covered up as if covering it with a rug. The rug didn't remove anything, it just wasn't visible to anyone.

Over the last couple years, I let God truly uncover the rug and do His work. I've realized that if you let Him, He comes and fills you in every part of who you are, with everything He is.

The beauty of Him being Everything, is that He is EVERYTHING YOU NEED.

You're struggling with anxiety, worry or fear? He is PEACE. {Ephesians 2:14 - For He Himself is our peace...}

You run short on your bills/payments and not able to feed your family that night? He is PROVIDER {Romans 8:32- He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things.}

You entered into a deep depression because of something that happened? He is JOY {Psalm 31:24- Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.. }

You feel weak because of something that happened in your life? He is STRENGTH {nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is your Strength.}

You didn't have an earthly father that stayed around and you've tried your whole life to be seen as beautiful? He is DADDY {Romans 8:15- ...you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."}

The places of your heart that is broken..He comes and is HEALING {Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings...} .

I will tell more about this book as time goes on.

But digging in this tender part of my heart I realize it is no longer tender because of hurt and pain...but it is now tender because of His Love and Healing. I'm so thankful for Everything He is and who He became to me in that part of my life.

It takes time for sure. and it is a journey.

But if you're struggling with any hurt/doubt/fear..etc., Enter into His rest.

Know that He who called you is Faithful and He who called you will do it {1 Thessalonians 5:24} .

Recognize Him as that.

Know Him as Everything you need.

Know Him as ___ {fill in the blank} ___ .

love.love.

jenny

update.

2010-01-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

Usually I will write something only when I have something really deep to say. But right now, maybe I just want to ramble...perhaps something deep will come of it...perhaps it won't.

I Just returned from Houston last week. We had a powerful 3 days. I ministered with Rick Reyna Ministries/ Rallys for Christ .

I joined the Queens in leading worship for the conference.

I love people who can love God / have fun and be normal at the same time.

Back in October I had the opportunity to minister with the Reyna's in New York City in places like Harlem and Washington Heights.

I have seen the Love of God through them...to both the sinners and the saints.

Jesus came to save the lost.

Religion came to save their reputation.

********************

I'm going to reward myself today for the "shortest blog I've ever written" award. I usually write novels but today was just a short story.

I'm excited to see the days a h e a d . It is quite the adventure.

God is doing some major things... mostly behind the scenes... I mean, I know some details of things He is doing...but I know He is working details out FAR more than I can comprehend.

Isaiah 45:15 - Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes.

So I just rest in Him...

and watch it all unfold.

life.is.truly.beautiful.

j ♥

resolutions

2010-01-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Resolution- noun.The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.A resolving to do something.A course of action determined or decided on.

I really need to write more. Well, maybe I'll put that on my resolution list. I haven't really made one...but I do have things in my heart that I want to do more of this year.

1. re evaluate my time. investing it in a much greater degree to things of worth (Jesus, family, friendships)

2. run a half marathon

3. be a better friend

4. journal every day

5....list goes on.

Interesting statistic: They say that over 97% of resolutions won't be kept by people when they make them.

I am optimistic enough to believe I'd be in that 3% that does keep them, but it's only by the Lord's help.

I'll let you in on some things I'm going to do in keeping my goals for this year- complete with supporting scriptures:

1. Write down your goals

Habakkuk 2:2 {Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run that reads it}

I think Habakkuk 2:2 was put in the Word just for me (Well, and for everyone else who reads it...but I think the Lord had me in mind)

To be completely honest with you, sometimes {in the past}, when people would ask me to do something or tell me something, if I didn't write it down I would often forget it. I don't know why. I say in the past because I'm putting that on my goals for this year.

Some people can be told to do something and they'll remember without writing it down. I think it has something to do with what type of learner you are.

Anyway, when you write down your vision/goals you can be reminded of them everytime you see them...which is however often YOU CHOOSE to put your eyes on them.

How about daily?

That leads me to the second point of keeping my goals and resolutions.

2. Take it Day by Day.

Matthew 6:31-34 { So don't worry. Don't say, 'What will we eat?' Or, 'What will we drink?' Or, 'What will we wear?' People who are ungodly run after all of those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them. But put God's kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you.So don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.}

Instead of wondering " Will I be in the 3% or the 97% at the end of the year?" take it day by day. I decide to be in that 3% today. Do that every day, and by the end of the week you'll still be in the 3%.

Long term vision is GOOD and Necessary...but you must also have daily vision as well...that's how the long term vision comes to pass.

pretty simple.

but pretty true.

3. Honor the Lord with your days.

Isaiah 50:4b { Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. }

This could be an extension of the second one about taking things day by day....but it's a little deeper.

What would this next year be like if you DEDICATED each day to the Lord.

Definition of Dedicate: { to set apart and consecrate to a sacred purpose, to devote wholly and earnestly, to set aside for}

What a year it would be to HONOR the Lord with your days and goals.

Most of all, He'll help you. AND even the days when you slip back into the 97%, His GRACE treats you like you're still in the 3%.

That's just like my God :)

SO....I think I'm gonna take a little time to write down some goals I have for this year.

Let's live

....on purpose.

love.love.

j ♥

this hope does not disappoint...

2009-11-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Romans 5:5 says, "Now HOPE does not dissapoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. "

How often have we been disappointed when certain things we had our hope set on didn't come to pass?

How many people are in something, where the situation looks hopeless?

It is true, situations can be hopeless...

Opportunities or jobs can be hopeless....

and whenever hope is set upon someTHING, Disappointment is a possibility.

But there is a way to live, where disappointment will NEVER occur.

It is by setting our hope on Jesus.

I knew of someone who had applied for an awesome job opportunity, working for a ministry. His hope was set on this job.

Time passed on, and excitement was building for this job.

He was almost sure he got the job. He then got a call that informed him that someone else had been hired.

His hope had been shut down and he was disappointed.

There's an old hymn that comes up in my heart when I think of this situation.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

in the light of His Glory and Grace

We turn our eyes upon Hope's face.

and it doesn't disappoint.

1 Peter 1:13 says, "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"

When our hope is Jesus, and not the arm or doings of man, we will NEVER be disappointed. He has never failed us. No, not once. Not ever.

Sure, times will come in life where things will not go in a way that we thought they would...but when that happens, we realize.. hope is not this job...hope is not this opportunity....

My hope is Jesus...and nothing else. He'll never let you down and will bring you into the BEST He has for you. His best is always in your future.

It is possible and the plan of God for you, to live a life free of disappointment.

It's just in complete TRUST and FAITH in His Faithfulness....He is our hope.

What a victorious life!

love.

The King lives here.

2009-10-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

You just got the call.

The King is coming over to visit you at your house.

"Why would He visit my house when He could just stay in His Kingdom with servants and maids?"

Once the shock settles down, you take a survey of the state of your house.

Your living room is unorganized. Your kitchen's a mess. Every room has hidden messes...random things stuffed in the closet... but surely the king won't look there.

So you begin to clean. Not just surface clean, but deep clean.

You hide the dishes from Target and you put out the fine china.

I mean, it's the King who is coming. He deserves honor, respect. He deserves the best.

After hours of scrubbing and cleaning, everything is finally immaculate.

Your house is prepared for the King.

Ten minutes until the King arrives and tons of thoughts are filling your head.

"Why would he come here? What would make him want to be here?"

Knowing that the only way you could receive the answer is by finding out from the King Himself, you stop thinking and start doing one more look around the house.

Perfect.

You hear a knock at the door and your heart jumps.

The King is here.

You greet Him.

He smiles.

You invite Him in, still wondering why He would want to have dinner with you.

Over the fine dinner you prepared, you smile as you glance over the house you had prepared for Him too.

The King asks you a question: "Can I stay here? "

Did the King really just ask that? Here?

Why would He stay here, instead of His fine Kingdom?

"Why would you want to stay here when you could live in a perfect place? Where you could be served? "

This was His answer to me: " I am here and became King, not to be served, but to serve. The place where I live is already perfect. There is no need there. I ask of you to accept my invitation, so that as I dwell here, I can make it better. I will bring the finest things of my Kingdom and bring them into this house. My china, My furniture. I will make additions to your house. It will be just like my Kingdom...in this house. "

"What an honor that you would not only come to visit, but actually live in my house. But I have a confession to make. It's not perfectly clean. There are some corners and closets that I have hid junk. I don't think you'd want to live here. "

"When I come to live here, I will clean that out. Thank you for revealing that to me. I will begin there. "

The biggest smile came across my face...

The KING lives here...

---------------------------------------------------------

Isn't this what Jesus, the King of Kings, does for us? We are His temple. His dwelling place. He didn't come just to VISIT but to Stay.

How often do we hide things? Acting as though He is just coming for a short visit and won't see the things that are shameful, or things we need to work on and clear out.

But that's what He came to do. He came to fill the most precious parts of who we are, with Himself.

It is obvious when the King dwells in a place. It is better than it was before. Adding on to who you currently are...as you find your REAL life which is hidden in Him (colossians 3:3 )

That's what He longs to do in your heart...and He will if you allow Him.

Read this scripture, keeping in mind that you are His temple:

Isaiah 6:1 (amplified)

...{in a vision} I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and the skirts of His train filled the {most holy part of the} temple.

He wants to fill the most holy part of you with Himself. That happens when He is high and lifted up in your heart.

Exalted.

Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word {spoken by} Christ (the Messiah) have its home {in your hearts and minds} and dwell in you in {all its} richness..."

We are His Holy Habitation.

The King lives here.

Bonjour from Paris France!

2009-09-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am, writing from Paris France.

Just the fact that I was able to figure out how to post something on this blog was a minor miracle, considering everything was changed to French on blogspot. Apparently, creer un Blog means to create a new blog...and Connexion means to log in.

but I figured it out, Glory to God! So now I can freely write, updating a little bit of this week.

This trip has been nothing short of amazing. God has been in every detail of it. He's why we went. He's why we stayed. HE is why.

and this week He just continued to reveal Himself to me of His love, His Grace...and showed a little more of How he loves.

We must never take for granted a day for Him to teach us how to Love. He knows. He is Love. We can most certainly learn from Him.

As I walked through the streets of Paris, or sat on the Metro as it took us to and fro...I once again saw a sea of people...lost..

It would bring tears to my eyes. Jesus died for each of them. As Caroline Turner says, He loves us all the Most.

But seeing those people really brought a realization to me of the importance of Eternity. What a joy it is to show people Jesus. It honestly brings Joy to EVERY day of life. and it will continue to do so.

On another note (sort of) I love seeing the Lord work...He works not only on the obvious, visible things...but also behind the scenes...

When I was 6 years old, taking French Lessons with Terri Savelle Foy...I never thought...when I am 22, I am going to go to paris, france with her. But God was working Behind the scenes...and all those details He was tying together...and Here I am with Terri..in Paris France.

The only thing I remembered from those French Lessons when I was 6 was happy Birthday to you -Bonne fete a toi(But even then, that was perfect because today is Terri's Birthday- so those French lessons really came in handy tonight as we sang happy birthday to her)

She ministered at Hillsong Paris Friday Night and Sunday. And then at Paris Christian Centre on Sunday Night.

We have been to so many Beautiful places - The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower (just had dinner on the eiffel tower), Notre Dame, Sacre Crouex, and so many more things.

It's been quite an adventure.

Had SO many Divine Appointments...constantly.

Last Night in the Hotel Lobby, they said I could play the piano and sing while people sat at the bar. So I sat down at the piano...and we had a worship service in the Hotel Lobby in Paris France. We even sang some songs in French.

how cool is God?

I'll post more pictures and more stories later...but here's one of the eiffel tower:

Eiffel Tower at Night

God is good!

(Dieu est bon!)

\\love.love.//

Power of Love

2009-08-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

My Love formed the earth, He created me so intricately.taking every moment of my life...laying it out, making sure it would be pleasing to me...because that is what pleases Him. This is Love.

My Desire and Delight loved me as I was...and 2 became 1...he took my weaknesses, and gave me His strength.
I can not quite describe His beauty. It's not one of this world...but it is Pure. Undefiled. Constant. Consistent. This Love treasures who I am. Treasures who I will become. His confidence in me is my Confidence.

Love Treasures my dreams.
Heavenly Love. Above every thought and dream...it's exceeding.
Surpasses all knowledge. Goes beyond emotion. It's deep within all I am. This Love is written...more like etched... on my heart...never to be erased or removed...only to grow deeper and deeper...more engrained to full completion.

He prefers me over His own life. He sees The price of my imperfect life worth the cost of a perfect one.
Loves blood at His precious mercy seat is constantly crying out, pleading for me...because of mercy, nothing can or ever will separate me from my One True Love.
Love pursues.

So this is Love...GOD is Love.

Faithfulness...He's got you covered.

2009-07-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love thinking about the faithfulness of God.

I wanted to share a little bit of His faithfulness in my life....

Oh...He is Good. Only Good (Psalm 119:68)

Here it goes...

I was 18 months old. Just learned how to take off my car seat. My family friend, Barry J. was taking me to daycare.
I had just taken off my car seat and he turns around and tells me to get back in my seat. As he turns around, he did not see that the road curved. The car flew off the road, flipped about 7 times and threw me out of the window.

I landed (more like placed) inches from a VERY sharp rock and a foot away from a barbed wire fence. When the ambulance came, I was dead on the scene, and they could not recognize me so they classified me as a Jane Doe.

They had to get me to the hospital fast so they Careflighted me to the nearest hospital.

They said I'd die.
Wrong.
They said I'd never walk again.
Wrong.

So coming out of the wreck with only a broken femur, I had to wear a full body cast for a while. But God's GOODNESS and LOVE protected me.

I've known this testimony for my whole life. But the next part of the story, I did not know until 2 years ago. I had lived 20 years, being thankful for God's protection on my life...but little did I know the extent of it.
I was at the Prayer Mountain Conference in October of 07 (i think) and Mama Jenkins was with my grandmother and mother, talking about my wreck. I go in thinking...why are they talking about this? I walk up and see tears in my mom's eyes.

And then Mama Jenkins starts telling this story...

She was in Houston at the time, and the Lord spoke to her and said..."Go to Fort Worth and pray for the Baby."

So she immediately got on a greyhound bus, (probably got everyone saved and healed while she was on there) and was praying for the Baby. She didn't know who the baby was...she was just praying for the baby.

When she got to Fort Worth, the Lord said..."Go to the Civic Center."
We used to have our Southwest Believer's convention in the Civic center in fort worth.
Well, this all happened the same week of convention.
So, of course she did it.
As she walked in, 2 of the largest angels she had ever seen escorted her to the 3rd row where all the ministers sit. She said it like this, "THey didn't know me from Adam but the angels took me to the front section."
As they sat her down, they said to her, "Thank you for praying for the Baby." and flew off.

As soon as they left, she saw my grandpa on the Platform, saying, "My granddaughter Jenny was just in a car accident. They said she was going to die, but she is going to be ok."

Wow. After she finished telling me this story, I thought...for 20 years I had NO idea the great lengths the Lord went to protect my life. People were sent to intercede on my behalf. The devil tried to kill me, but God is bigger and He will do ANYTHING to protect the plan and life of one He loves. Even send a complete stranger hours and hours away in order to not leave a little one behind.

That was the first time I met Mama Jenkins and she met me...but I gave her (as you can imagine) the BIGGEST hug I think I had ever given anyone.. With tears rolling down my face, I just thought of the goodness of God. I still think about it all the time and it has the same effect on me.

And oh my...how many times have people interceded, without even knowing it...for your life. or my life. or anyones life...because there is a great plan...and the devil tries anything to take people off of that. But OOH the goodness and love of God. It overcomes EVERYTHING....and it's just believing in that goodness and Love.

He has never NOT been Faithful.

Wake up!

2009-07-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

From the Words of Smith Wigglesworth:
"I long to be in a great revival that will eclipse
anything we have ever thought of.
I have faith to believe it is coming."

This is from the man who walked in the
Extraordinary and miraculous every day...men
were raised from the dead, limbs grew out,
People's lives were changed....by this man's faith.

Something to eclipse what HE has ever thought of?

I envision that is where John 14:12 comes in.

Wow. That inspires me.
I believe it.

The following prophecy was given by Kenneth Copeland on July 4, 2009, at the West Coast Believers Convention:

"This 'Great Awakening' that is hanging heavy over the United States even tonight. This 'Great Awakening' that's hanging heavy around the nations of the world but most especially in this country and in Canada. This 'Great Awakening' that is hanging there, just hanging there to be realized and to be, to be flowed and released throughout this nation and throughout the nation of Canada, and then in turn throughout the rest of the world."

"The prayer, the prayer, the prayer, the prayer that's gone forth. The prayer that is going forth, that's where the power release is. That's where the trigger to these things is, that's the way you release them in your church and thus," saith the Lord thy God, "in this hour these churches that are teaching and training people to pray of which, are on this list and many others also, those are the churches where the explosion and the Shekinah Glory of God will be manifest first. The praying churches will walk in it first. And they'll say My revival broke out over there. No, answer 'Prayer broke out over there.'"

"The 'Awakening' will come out of congregations, there is a hunger in this nation for holiness, holiness, real truth, Bible purity before God. And people will run into houses of worship where the glory of God is residing and hanging heavy and they'll say, 'Clean, clean, clean, oh to be clean, to be clean.' And they'll run into that atmosphere and My Blood will cleanse them from the top of their head to the soles of their feet. And My Word will take root on the inside of them and this nation is headed for a Holy Ghost wake up call."

I have Faith to believe it's coming...

love love.

I Know Love.

2009-07-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Kuhlman once said,

"I believe in miracles with every atom of my being...because I believe in God- but Kathryn Kuhlman has nothing to do with the healing of sick bodies. I have no healing power. It's the power of God that does the healing. The only part I have in it is making Jesus real to the hearts of men and women. Any results there might be in this life of mine is not Kathryn Kuhlman. It's the Holy Spirit; It's what the Holy Spirit does through a yielded vessel."

That's our call. Making Jesus real to the hearts of people. Is there any greater call than that?

How do you do that? By Love. Showing them the Love of God. Being an actual physical manifestation of God's Love to that person.

God is Love.

The Love of God is what changes people...Let them see Jesus. Because when they receive Him, they automatically receive the anointing (burden-removing, yoke destroying power of God.) It's a package deal. Life.changing.

Has Jesus changed someone's life through you today?

2009-05-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've done a lot of people watching lately...I tend to do that, especially in foreign countries. I like seeing how people react to one another in different situations. But also, whenever I people watch, I think about people that go through daily life, with no power, no LOVE, no Jesus.
Oh, what a life that would be to live with NO recognition or revelation of the REDEEMER.

What a great life we live. We have the privilege to live victoriously. We have the SOURCE that meets all of our needs...And even though troubles come, we have the Answer to them ALL...and that is Jesus. Really...what a GREAT life. How can you know the power and LOVE of Jesus and have a bad day? NOT possible.

He is our JOY. Our STRENGTH. Our FATHER. Our EVERYTHING.

This scripture has been rolling around in me these last couple of days....Matthew 9:36
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

Every time I've gone out these last couple of days, that scripture comes up in my heart and mostly brings tears to my eyes. These people NEED Jesus. These precious lives are crying out for their Redeemer.
And they are in the Father's heart.

We were in HIS heart before He ever came in ours. Talk about LOVE.

So these sheep are scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd...But how can they call on HIM to save them, if they do not believe in Him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:14-15)

Wow. That's us.

Father, may we be MOVED with your compassion for the lost. We have this GREAT GLORY and POWER on the inside of us...not to be stored up, but to be poured out.

Lead someone to JESUS today. Show them HIS Love.

I'm Excited to hear testimonies about this! And the next entry will have a testimony of someone coming to Jesus!

God is SO good. :)

LOVE. 1.john.4:8.

2009-05-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

It's an awesome thing to be used by God. It has been a SUPERNATURAL, EXTRAORDINARY couple of days here and I know around the world :) . Of course, we are on our way to Australia to minister at the Victory Campaigns, but the ministry happens wherever you are willing to go. WE do not have days off from being the Light of the World. It's up to you if you choose to shine or not.

Anyway, God is so good! :) It's a pretty awesome thing to be available and used by God. what an honor.

Anyway, here are some pictures from the last couple days! God is SO good!

View from the Plane.

Psalm 97:6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

and my favorite picture so far!

John 3:16- God SO loved {theodore} that He gave Jesus...

Why is this my favorite picture? This is Theodore...my waiter I got to be with him on the GREATEST day of his life. The day he asked Jesus to come into his heart and life. :)

I woke up this morning at 6 and couldn't go back to sleep, so I decided, I'll just go to breakfast . So I get my breakfast (awesome, by the way) and sit down. After I eat, I open my Bible and start reading about the fruit of the Spirit. Well, after I paid, Theodore came back to my table and just started talking and lingering around my table...like he didn't want to leave. So I said, "Theodore, i have a question for you. Have you met Jesus Christ? " (I see why I woke up at 6 for breakfast... ) He said, "No, but I want to."
I said, "He is my best friend. He came and died for me, and rose again...and moved into my heart...and He wants to move in and make His home in your heart, too."
Theodore said, "He does? I go to church every sunday, but have not asked Him in."

I asked him if he wanted to pray with me to ask Jesus to come and fill his life.
He said, with tears in his eyes...Yes!

And then he said, "will you please write what we just did down? I will put it in my pocket and remember everyday!" So I explained what we did and what happened. He said, "This is the greatest day of my life! "

God is TRULY good.
Theodore is loved unconditionally by our great Father. He'd leave the 99 for the 1.

So can we.

Look at this day of Harvest!

to GOD be the Glory.
Jen ♥

2009-05-13T05:54:00.001-07:00

You know, I have said it before and I will most certainly say it again: life is exciting.
There is NOTHING better than loving God and people and advancing HIS kingdom as a result of that LOVE.

This is the kickstart of a GLORIOUS summer. Ready to love people: from 5 to 125. They're all people....and all in need of Love and an awakening to our MIGHTY, GOOD God!

Oh, He is TRULY good.

So this will turn into a ministry journal: updates on trips, awesome testimonies (which I KNOW there will be ), of course there will be pictures.

So I guess I can start this off by saying I will be off to Australia the day after tomorrow . Oh, GOD is so good.

Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.

LOVE.&.be.loved.
J. ♥

No greater love...

2009-04-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Ok. I'm going to get a little personal here. Reveal a little bit of my heart...just a little.

As I'm writing this, I am sitting on my bed, all dressed up...

I have a date tonight...

A "Father/Daughter" date with my "stepdad" Steve. Tonight, I am making a covenant with him...

A covenant of purity and commitment.

A covenant of standing by him in life and in ministry.

And a covenant to give him a precious place in my heart...

This is the Lord's doing. and it is marvellous in my eyes. (psalm 118:23)
A few months ago, I would not let him have access to my heart. I closed it off towards him.
He is absolutely one of the most kindest, sincere men I have EVER met.

He would try to get close, and I would bottle up....and frankly, I was rude and did not walk in love. I did not even accept him.

But the Lord let me see His goodness in Steve. See him how He sees him....love Him, not out of human love... but the very love God has, is in my heart...because of the Holy Spirit.

He made my mother the happiest she has ever been. She is living the dream that she has always had in her heart.
Stephen Swisher laid down his entire life for my mother, risking his accredidation, his friends and more.

John 15:13
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He laid down his life.

I think about this past year...and I get tears in my eyes because I think of the absolute goodness of God.

Look where He has brought us.

and Look where we are going...

pictures to come.

Thankful,
Jenny

P.s. I'm glad I wore waterproof mascara :)

James 4:10 (msg) Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

2009-04-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:6 : "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

The word closet in the Greek means a storage chamber, where the secret treasures are stored.

What we have with the Lord in our heart is precious and of great value. Nobody can take His place.

The deep things of God...the mysteries...the secrets....these treasures....are all found in that secret place.

Luke 2:19- But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

selah

Hello spring!

2009-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Flowers at my house!
:)

every moment was laid out

2009-03-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
¹⁵ You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me,O God.
They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!

ps.139{nlt}

Is this you?

2009-03-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

There is a generation,” saith the Lord, “that’s being raised up and even has already come

on the scene. A generation that believes the Word; a generation that will exchange their thoughts for God’s thoughts; a generation that will believe who they are in Christ Jesus and who they are walking in the power and in the life of God. And there are those that even now are saying of this
generation, ‘Who do they think they are? Why, they think they’re God.’ No, we don’t think
we’re God. We know we’re children of God. We know we’re born of God, we know we are bone
of His bone and spirit of His spirit. We know that He dwells within us; we know that His
commandment is life everlasting. We know that His Word is alive and we know in whom we
have believed. Glory to God. And we look like Him and we talk like Him and we act like Him.
Hallelujah. And He manifests Himself through us and that is our goal in life, is to take His Love to a lost and dying world; to take His light into places that now are dim and dark; to take His
Word into places that ear has never heard nor eye seen what God has in store for those that love
Him. But He has revealed them to us by His Spirit.
“These are those days”, saith the Lord “So go! Go boldly! Go! I’m not asking you to go
with me,” says the Lord Jesus Christ. “I’m telling you I’ll go with you. I’ll go with you into all
the world and as you preach the Gospel, I’ll bless you, I’ll anoint you, I’ll work with your words and I’ll confirm them with signs following. I will cause manifestations to come. Did I not say it in My Word: ‘He that loves me keeps my commandment and he that keeps my commandment, I will love him, my Father will love him and I will manifest myself to him.’” Thank You very
much. Hallelujah. Bless the Lord God.
—Prophecy given by Kenneth Copeland
August 6, 2007
2007 Southwest Believers’ Convention

Really, is there anything else more important than this?
love.xo
j

Time with family

2009-03-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Currently having a karaoke night with my family. Sing papa sing! Here's a picture of my cousin jon jon and max coming home from snow tubing!
We have fun.

Multimedia message

2009-03-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

The scenery for my run today!
How great is our god.

On the slopes

2009-03-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Oh how I enjoy the mountains! Oh, how He loves us!
Love.jenny

2009-02-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

You can find beauty anywhere.
Even in the busyness of Los Angeles, all you have to do is run up a mountain...steal away from the noise...and all you hear is the Lord speaking to your heart...right in the middle of LA.

♥
jen

Home Sweet Home!

2009-01-16T21:15:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when your 6 year old cousin comes and spends the night with you!

Hey, do I know you? You look just like...

2008-12-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever told you this, "You look just like someone I know."

Whenever someone says that to me, I have a curious side that wants to meet or at least see a picture of my so called, "twin." But also, the wiser part of me does not want to even venture in to ease my curiosity.
How many times do you see your "twin" and think, "Oh my.... I look just like THEM?"

One day someone came up to my sister, Lyndsey and said..."You look like someone...who is it? OH I know who it is! You look just like the girl on Princess Diaries! "
Lyndsey, so honored to be compared to the glamorous Anne Hathaway responds..."Why thank you!"
The "girl-who-said-too-much-already-she-better-watch-out" girl says, " Yeah, you know...the best friend. You look just like her!"
And I would just like to add, the girl who gave Lyndsey that "compliment" was very wrong. Lyndsey is one of the most beautiful women I know.
I'm not saying the best friend was ugly by any means....but I think they purposely made her look that way in the movie. At least I hope so. I am not saying any of this to degrade in anyway.

But what if...Just what if someone came up to you and said...."You remind me of someone....Who is it?. You look just like someone I know...Oh yeah! it's Jesus."
Now THAT is an honor.
I was in Walgreens tonight in Branson and started speaking to this lady. As I began to talk with her, I just KNEW she loved God.
It wasn't from anything in particular that she said. She wasn't preaching to me. She did not even say anything about church or God. She was just looking at vitamins in Walgreens.
But as I began speaking to her, I began to sense the love of God on the inside of her. We continued to talk and I said, "You're a believer right? You love Jesus? "
She said, "Yes, I do. So much. "
I said, "I could tell. Isn't that amazing how we can just tell?"
And from there, we continued to talk about the great things God has been doing and has yet to do. I got to invite her to church, which she was looking for a church. I also got to pray with her...all in the Walgreen's vitamin section...It was just a divine appointment and I'm so thankful to the Lord for that.

But there was a beauty on the inside of her that emanated out. A deep beauty. Physically (to the world's standards) , she wasn't anything stupendous....but the beauty that she held was far greater than anything the world could fathom.
She brought Love to the Branson Walgreens.

I've used this scripture in another previous blog, but it bears repetition.
Acts 4:13:
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-16 describes it perfectly:
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Oh what an exciting thing to be able to show people Jesus.
Your greatest ministry is not in a pulpit in front of thousands...it's how your life is lived in front of one.

Bring.love.wherever.you.go.

xoxo.
jen

P.S. I move back to Texas Friday! yipee!

2008-11-13T08:19:00.001-08:00

Life is exciting.

God is exciting.

If you are not excited about life, you're not doing it right.

love!

It's beginning to look a lot like...Christmas?

2008-10-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Branson is an exciting place.

So exciting that Christmas comes in October! I was driving today and saw the HUGE tree in Branson Landing, and I also passed people putting up Christmas wreaths. Even before you can start thinking about the turkey & dressing you are going to down in about 28 days and counting....There are already Christmas trees and lights up in Branson. This is the place where you can put your order in with Santa a month early.

For some reason, I am wanting to listen to "Jingle Bells" and play in the snow in a cheesy Christmas Sweater.

Merry Christmas!

doubletime!

2008-10-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

well, since everything in branson is closed at 7 pm

(branson people go to sleep by then)...What else is there to do but Tae boe ab boot camp

. Just got finished with it. hahaha these always make me laugh, but they sure do work.

heres a little sample in case you are reading my blog and feel like getting

out of that comfy chair...to have a ten minute workout (the whole thing is 35 minutes)

It kicks your...abs.really. it does.

enjoy! haha

cool runnings.

2008-10-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today I went for a run/jog ( I don't think I could classify my "run" as a true run. I guess it's more like a jog. ) at the state park. It is a beautiful day today. I had to get out

There is a beautiful trail that borders the lake...complete with trees and wildlife. It's about 4 1/2 miles to the end and back.

As I thought about going running this morning, I was really excited to get out and enjoy this beautiful day.

As I continued getting ready, getting on my running shoes (asics gel nimbus 9. they're awesome!) I was still anticipating my great run that would make me feel so accomplished and refreshed.

As I began to drive to the park, I started getting a little less excited about the run. I thought about the length of the trail and my energy started decreasing a little bit.

I got to the park and started to get out of my car with thoughts of..."well, maybe I don't want to run today. " or "Maybe I'll go shopping or eat instead."

Then I ruled those out, thinking about how I really would enjoy the run...if not during I know in the end.

So I began the long-awaited run.

.6 miles passes by...not too bad. I'm enjoying the scenery, listening to a great sermon from Brother Keith...

Then the 1.2 mile marker passes by....and the run gets a little less enjoyable. Now I actually have to press...I'm actually having to put effort in it not to stop. And just imagine once I get to the end of the trail I have to turn around and do it all over again? Ok. I can't think about these things. I just have to press on.

What helps me? I think about the sense of accomplishment I will have at the end. I think about the beautiful journey I get to take in as I run. What a joy that is set before me to help me accomplish this run. I make it to the 2.2 mile mark, where the trail ends and I turn around to go another 2.2 miles to my car.

I'm convinced that what I'm going through right now...the feeling of tiredness, the urge to quit and begin walking very s l o w l y ...is worth going through when I get to the prize (a big drink of water) at the end.

So I endure hardness....and the run gets more and more enjoyable the closer I get to the prize.

Is it still hard?

You bet.

But I'm convinced that what I have endured is worth the prize at the end. So that encourages me. I get a little more energy . And at the very last half mile, as I am listening to Andy Squyres "Oh Magnify" song, I push myself the hardest, knowing I am so close to the end!

And at the end of the run, I get a huge drink of water, and thank the Lord for helping me.

This made me think about life with God...as most things do, since God is such a big part...no, let me correct myself...He is our life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Hebrews 12:1-2 says it best.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Just like when you start to persevere in life...and you're not as excited as you once were when you began...GET EXCITED! It is well worth the race...every step of it. Lay aside every weight, thought or discouragement... For the JOY that is set before us.

run on.

Jesus did it. Just do it!

love.

Aubrey is Married!!

2008-10-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Little update, My cousin, Aubrey got married last night to Cody Oaks. :)

I think this is a recurring theme in my journal. :)

love, love and more love!

♥

Tori is married!

2008-09-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

My trip to Charlotte was amazing. Too quick, but amazing nonetheless!

I met amazing people and saw some people that are so dear to my heart.

I love how the Lord spreads people out...and it makes you realize this...

Friendship and love have no distance.

But the most important thing of the trip...Tori and Grayson are married (and the wedding was absolutely gorgeous!)

Days of Refreshing are this week at the church, and it is so refreshing. Brother Keith spoke every morning and night, Monday through Wednesday morning. Ms Billye is the rest of the week. It's been amazing.

Speaking at Superkids tonight...about the presence of God.

Romans 13:14 -

Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

I beileve that is the reason that Peter could just walk past someone and they would be healed. He was clothed with the Presence of Christ. How do you become clothed with that? By spending time in the Presence of Christ...it will rub off on you. It is by abiding in your source of life (John 15) .

Will you be recognized as someone who has been with Jesus?

Acts 4:13b-

They also recognized {peter & john} as men who had been with Jesus.

Wow. I think Peter was on to something. After he denied Jesus I think He realized the truth He denied and never took it lightly again. He realized it was something precious. Something to be valued.

Definition of presence-

attendance or company

immediate vicinity; proximity

Oh, How great is our Lord who chooses to be near us. immediate vicinity. immediate nearness.
I'm so thankful for that. He is always here.

Psalm 73:28:
But as for me, how good it is to be near God!I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

love.

jenny

life:it's.always.beautiful.

2008-07-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

(painting by Jack Vettriano)

As I sat on my newlywed sister's couch the other day, I began looking in a photobook that contained letters from family and friends, blessing them, giving marital advice and more. The first letter in the book was from my mother.
If you knew my mother you would know the amazing, strong woman of God she is. Even if you don't know my mother personally, you can still see the Love and strength of God through her. The strength and peace that passes all understanding. & her beauty. Not merely physical beauty (even though she is the most gorgeous woman I know)...but even deeper and of more importance...it's the glory and beauty that only comes from the Lord.
And every single circumstance she has gone through, she has done it with that strength she gets by spending time with her Creator, her best friend.
Back to the story: I found the letter my mom had written Rachel and she began to write about marriage and the joy that was ahead. And then she wrote....

"Even an argument is nothing but a chance to grow and learn....See it all through God's eyes who sees the beautiful end from the beautiful beginning...and the beautiful journey in the middle."

Wow.

We should begin to see our lives through the eyes of our awesome God.
oh the Master Plan.

What a beautiful beginning He creates. What a beautiful destination that lies ahead. and What a beautiful journey God has for us, every step of the way.

by the way, this little detail happened in my dear mother's journey: she was married to the man of her dreams who treats her as his princess on Friday, July 18, 2008.

What a beautiful life.

♥

God is movin'. i'll go with Him.

2008-07-15T08:04:00.001-07:00

This is quite the eventful summer. And God has planned it all!

First event:

Superkid Camp 2008: Extraordinary. These

kids realized the kingdom of God was not a lot of talk, but it is living by God's power (1 cor.4:20 {nlt}). They lived and abided in the presence of God the whole week. Signs and wonders, healings and miracles happened through the hands of age 6-12 year olds by the power of God.

The awesome campers & staff:

Event 2:

Just got back from West Coast Convention where our theme was Raise your Voice. So many kids had an appointment with their God, where He raised His voice in their lives.

WCBC superkid staff:

I'll find some more pictures from west coast. :)

Upcoming Event:

my mother is getting married in 3 days! Pictures to come. :)

Life is good. love it.

xoxo.

So this is love...

2008-05-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Rachel & Caleb got married Friday, May 16,2008! It was beautiful.

The Gospel according to...Horton the Elephant?

2008-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to Seussical the musical from Lake Country.

I learned a great deal from Dr. Seuss...

You must always be faithful, there is no excuse.

Even when the conditions weren't the best..

Horton the Elephant stayed on that nest...

Ok. Too much Dr. Seuss...But really, Everyone can learn a lesson from Horton the Elephant.

He found the Who's on a speck of dust, and was determined to keep them safe, and be their friends...no matter what people said about Him.

Faithfulness.

When Maisy said she'd be back in one afternoon and actually never came back...Horton remained on the egg...

Faithfulness.

In rain, and snow, and ice, Horton stayed put...

Faithfulness.

Even though other people did not keep their word, Horton was true to them.

Faithful.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proverbs 20:6-

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

How many times have we told someone we will do something...and our word falls through? As I watched Horton the Elephant sit on that egg JUST because He told Maisy he would, I was reminded of the faithfulness of God. He is always there. He is always on time. He is true to His word.

He has called us to be faithful. Faithful in relationships. Faithful in Ministry and to the Gospel.

Would you drive 8 hours because you told someone you'd be somewhere...

or would you think it was too out of the way to get there? Or maybe you just didn't feel like it.

Jesus never held back when something was difficult to do...or inconvenient for Him.

Because of His love, Inconvenience turned into a miracle.

Think about Jesus walking all the way to Jairus' home to lay hands on his daughter to see her raised to life again...

What do you think he was originally on His way to do?

But he was faithful to His word to heal her...

So be like Horton the Elephant and remain on that "nest"...

Be the fiercely loyal minority. Swim the oceans for someone, just because you are faithful. Go out of your way...because you are faithful.

Every detail...

2008-05-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

So here is my first blog.

Time to get the creative juices flowing here, people.

props to racheal metzger and pastor derek turner for inspiring me to start one of these.

ok, here goes.

The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives.
psalm 27:23 (nlt)

I constantly think about the goodness of God...I really have noticed in so many ways, especially lately.

I have seen his goodness in major areas of my life...His faithfulness to being a daddy who loves and provides, A friend who is the closest to my heart and a Creator who is continually creating depth and dreams in me.

He has done all these huge things and more...but you know what I also have noticed...the little things he does for me. Like the front row parking spot at Whole Foods today...or the way I didn't have to drive one bit today and I am sitting in my mom's room in Texas, when a few hours earlier I was sitting in my room in Branson...or How he has put people in my life that He knew would be my life friends, my heart friends.

See..Every detail. And He Delights in those little details.

It puts some more light on the scripture " In ALL your ways acknowledge (recognize) Him, and He will direct your path."

That sunshine today..yeah..that was just my Lord delighting in a little detail in our lives...
may we never forget to thank Him and acknowledge for the little things...

If He earnestly delights in little details..just imagine the Big details.

Oh How I love Him.
He never ceases to surprise me.
tiny detail in my life: i like surprises.

love love love.

jenny'sjournal

Know Him as ___fill in the blank ____ .

update.

resolutions

this hope does not disappoint...

The King lives here.

Bonjour from Paris France!

Power of Love

Faithfulness...He's got you covered.

Wake up!

I Know Love.

LOVE. 1.john.4:8.

No greater love...

James 4:10 (msg) Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

Hello spring!

every moment was laid out

Is this you?

Time with family

Multimedia message

On the slopes

Home Sweet Home!

Hey, do I know you? You look just like...

It's beginning to look a lot like...Christmas?

doubletime!

cool runnings.

Aubrey is Married!!

Tori is married!

life:it's.always.beautiful.

God is movin'. i'll go with Him.

So this is love...

The Gospel according to...Horton the Elephant?

Every detail...

Know Him as _fill in the blank __ .