25-1 Odds

James 3:5 The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.

Wow, the tongue...what damage it can do. It only takes a few minutes of hanging with some kids or teens to know that. How many of us have some "language baggage" from our childhood or teen years? That's why I want to everything possible to be positive...especially with kids.

But let's look beyond the obvious like curse words, gossip, or hurtful words. What about just negatives? While taking a course on Positivie Discipline for the classroom, I discovered something... I was actually more negative than positive with my words. I was amazed at how many times a day I said NO or NOT or DON'T. I was equally surprised how hard it was to STOP doing it. Trying to say only the positive and say only what you want instead of just what NOT to do was a hard habit to start. Now it is a good habit / second nature.

It was worth the months of practice it took because here are the odds...
It takes 25 positive statements to erase 1 negative one!
So how are your words?

Queen JJ

Would You Like Some Cheese With That Whine

Unlike my sister I have never had a potty mouth (after all I am the good child)! It is true, that on occasion, I have been known to let it fly with the best of them (Amy), but I am much too worried about what others think to let it get out of control. However, I have a problem that is as equally, if not more poisonous. I am a complainer. I try to mask it as "concern", but the truth is... it's just complaining. You see I have a deep embedded sense of justice. I hate it when things are unfair or people get away with stuff and I make it my "job" to point it out. I will go on and on and on and on about how unfair it is and how that person is getting away with something. I just can't let it go. I worry about it so much that it literally eats me up inside and I drive myself and everyone around me nuts! But here's the thing. It's not my business to judge. When I finally realized that fact, I felt like a HUGE weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I am not the one who has to carry that burden. That is for God and guess what? He doesn't need my help or my view of justice.

This summer has been a time of introspection for me. There are things about my character that I don't like and I am working to change. Complaining is one of them. It brings me and those around me down. I want to be seen as a postive, the glass is half full, kind of person. It's hard to change a 37 year habit, but I am working on it.

1 Corinthians 10:10 - And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

Job 10:1 - I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.

Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

FOUL!!

If I wasn’t too old to be punished by my mama, I’d be walking around with a bar of soap in my mouth 24/7. Let’s just say I have a serious case of potty mouth! I will say I have tried to tame it down these last few years but it is hard. Sometimes the only thing I can say that gets my point across is a dirty one! Come on, you know what I mean…you’ve done it too.

I grew up with a very foul-mouthed Grandfather who used GD like it was his job. I NEVER use that word…must be my good Baptist upbringing! But I did learn quite a bit from him and developed my own bad habit. When I was younger, I knew when to use the bad words and when not to. At home my parents found it somewhat amusing when I threw it in conversation as a joke. I NEVER cussed in public being the daughter of a preacher and all. But then when I was out in the world on my own, it became a habit that I no longer hid and it got out of control.

In church yesterday we sang an old favorite of mine…Thy Word. The lyrics of this song are a perfect reminder of why it is necessary to be careful with our choices of words and language.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

If the Bible is our guide, here is what it says about our language:

Ephesians 5:4 – ‘Dirty stories, foul talk and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead remind each other of God’s goodness and be thankful’

Exodus 20:7 – ‘You shall not use the name of Jehovah your God irreverently, nor use it to swear to a falsehood. You will not escape punishment if you do.’

Colossians 3:8 – ‘But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.’

Proverbs 13:3 – ‘He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.’

Colossians 4:6 – ‘Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.’

1 Timothy 4:12 – ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Not only is what we believe reflected in what we say, but our manner of speech will influence others. Choose your words carefully. I’m getting better at it and this is a great reminder!

Lord, deliver me.... from me.

This month, I had the pleasure to meet one of God's best storytellers. SaraBeth Goeghegen is a clever songwriter who, in honest lyrics, captures to me, one of the greatest obstacles to living a God-like life in a very non-Godly world.

The obstacle: ME! My ME thoughts, actions and words create a blockade for others to see my Savior: JESUS. Putting ME first, and getting caught up in my need to be needed, wanted, or afraid not to be included or forgotten does separate me from God's peace.

Living Godly... means deliverance from ME. SaraBeth's prayer/song is a constant reminder to turn the focus from me but, to God's goodness and promise of peace. Below are SaraBeth's lyrics... check out her website: http://www.sarabethsongs.com and a recent review of her cd: http://www.christianitytoday.com/music.

Lord Deliver Me:

based loosely on a prayer by mother teresa and maybe st. francis?

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from the desire to be noticed, loved, exalted

Lord deliver me from the desire to be favored, popular chosen or acknowledged

Lord deliver me from the fear of being wrong, forgotten or ignored

Lord deliver me from the fear of being humiliated or left behind

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Grant that I may seek to comfort rather than be comforted by others

Grant that I may understand and love more than be understood and loved well

Lord deliver me from the desire to be noticed and encouraged

Lord deliver me from the desire to be appreciated and included

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Lord deliver me from me Lord deliver me to You

Let Freedom Ring

Happy Independence Day all!

FREEDOM: freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated

This side of heaven, we never have the “total absence of restraint".

As Americans, we struggle with this back and forth and even have two major political parties that are basically advocating for systems, policies, laws, etc…that impact our freedoms. I think both sides of aisle can go a little overboard in this area:
-Too much control
-No control

Here are just a few of our “freedom” documents:
-Magna Carta - 1215
-The Mayflower Compact
- 1620Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges
- 1701Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
- Patrick Henry, 1775
-The Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Constitution of the United States
- Bill of Rights and the Later Amendments Petition from the PA Society for the Abolition of Slavery
- Treaty of Tripoli
- The Star Spangled Banner
- Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
The Emancipation Proclamation
The Gettysburg Address
-The Pledge of Allegiance
-The American’s Creed

Then I think of all kinds of other Freedom-oriented events, documents and more. Work that gave protections and freedoms to children (labor laws), women (voting, ability to serve in the military), racial diversity (ability to marry interracially), etc…

May you celebrate today - all of the work that has come before you:
-Those who physically fought for our freedoms
-Those who intellectually gave/worked for our freedoms
-Those grass-roots organizations, which have both fought and monitored our fredoms….

That is what today is about. Indepence was only the first steps. We are a country with a long line of advocates who have fought so that we can be this blessed to live in the land of the FREE and the home of the BRAVE.

May you too be one of those freedom fighters when you see injustice in this world. Stand up! Make a difference! Be/become an advocate (a rewarding and draining experience). Work to better the lives of others!

Eternal Freedom:
But the best writing on Freedom is actually found in the Bible...the promises of Christ.

True, authentic freedom comes from a personal relationship with the living and loving God. All of the rest of this is wonderful (and it is a great country in which to live) but don’t miss an eternity of freedom (regardless of your homeland today).

Organized religion often gets this freedom in Christ thing all messed up with their church rules and rituals. Don’t miss the promise of true freedom…the freedom that comes from Christ. His love. His promise. His hope…all for you.

Freedom doesn't mean lack of conflict. Rather, freedom in Christ means that you don't have to be constrained by working or otherwise trying to earn your way to heaven. Nope, it's your free gift. Instead, you might want to work for His purpose so that others may come to know of Christ; so others will have the security of eternity in heaven.

Save the Drama for Your Mama

"Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of our Lives." For over 40 years those words have introduced one of daytime's beloved dramas....  Today, they just remind me of the drama going on in my own little world.  I'll spare you the gory details, but let's just say what I have been dealing with the past two days is so unnecessary and in the big scheme of things....it's really rather ridiculous.  I don't do drama.  I think that's why growing up, I usually hung out with the guys.  It was just easier.  This week I've really had to check myself to make sure that my actions were reflecting those of a Godly woman and I'll be brutally honest....it hasn't been easy to behave Godly in this ungodly situation.   Especially in the midst of all the anger and bitterness that I have seen.  There have been many lies and half truths spoken and I have had to bite my tongue to keep from chiming in (and I'm not very good at keeping my mouth shut).  My friend posted this verse earlier in the week on her facebook page.  

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. —James 1:19-20

I have clung to this verse like it is my lifeline. Every time I've been tempted to speak I 

1. take a deep breath

2.read the verse 

3. take another deep breath

(sometimes I have to repeat these steps several times...LOL!)

Then I remind myself that there are people watching. People that I have influence over. People that aren't Christians.  People that know I am a Christian and are just waiting to see how I'm going to react.  I have a responsibilty to them to act with the highest form of integrity and character.  I need to be an example of a Godly woman because for some, I may be the only glimpse of Jesus that they ever get.  

Titus 2:3-5 (New International Version)

 ³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

When in Rome

Today I flew Air Moldova from Chisinau to Rome.  While on the plane the flight attendants were pushing a cart with duty free goods up and down the aisle.  There were several cartons of cigarettes for sale and I laughed out loud when I saw the boxes.  Printed larger than the brand name it said SMOKING KILLS.  Another box said SMOKERS DIE.  And yet the passengers were lined up in the aisle to purchase them.  

As Godly women, we have to be careful not to get too caught up in the junk in an Un-Godly world...otherwise we might find ourselves standing in the wrong line!!  

You know the saying 'When in Rome', think of it as 'When in Christ - do as Christ does'. 

Sorry for the short entry - I'll be back in town next week and hopefully be over my jet lag!  The camp was a big success but our group is tired.  We have 2 days in Rome to unwind and then fly home on Wednesday.  Pray for travel safety for us!!

Amy 

Hopes & Dreams

This week I spent some time sharing my hopes for my daughter with another. It came down to this:

I have two main goals for my children:
-To come to understand the love of Jesus in a personal way.
-To show others Jesus' love through their lives.

It's that simple and yet that complicated. This isn't just the vision I have for my children; it's what I strive for in my own life. I often come up short in the second category (demonstrating the love of Christ) but it's still the focus.

What does that look like at age three:
-being kind in speech, actions and attitudes
-sharing
-being gentle
-obeying your parent(s)/caregivers

What does that look like in your 30s:
-being kind in speech, actions and attitudes
-being generous
-demonstrating self-control in all aspects of life
-serving others


Along this journey, I hope my kids follow the advice of the Lee Ann Womack song (It's good advice for adults too-hint, hint!):

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider

Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance ...

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

I have been a huge Disney fan since I was a little girl. I even went to Walt Disney World in Florida the 1st year it was open...of course I didn't realize that at the time...I was just so excited that I got to touch Pluto's nose, ride the carousel, watch characters like Goofy water ski on the lake, see Mary Poppins & Herbie in the parade and ride It's A Small World over and over. (I am sure my parents loved that!) In spite of all that I never really dreamed of a Prince or the perfect wedding or riding off into the sunset and living happily ever after. Kinda weird for a girl. I was drawn to the stories like Mary Poppins where the KIDS got what was best in the end.

I was always amazed by animation and by the time it would take to draw every little movement of an animated film. As a child I was always trying to draw cartoons. I always loved to draw. Unfortunately, it was NOT my gift or talent. I still enjoyed it, but it wasn't my gift.

As I grew older I started reading and enjoying the story of Walt Disney (the man)...yes kids that is REALLY a person's name...not just a company or theme park. I always loved the part of the Wonderful World of Disney where Walt would be standing by the map of Florida and share his "dreams" about that land. Of course it was all reruns by that point and Walt was no longer alive, but I didn't realize all of that. What BIG dreams he had.

My mom's cousin (who worked for Kodak) used to tell the story about when he was able to go down to Florida and was shown "the dream" of Walt Disney World. It was out in the middle of no where, in a little trailer, out in the middle of the swamp where he was offered a chance to "get in on the dream" and even offered lifetime passes to the park if he wanted "in on the dream". I can still hear him laughing about it...if he could have only dreamed that big!

Walt dreamed big...what amazes me still is that some of his ideas are just NOW becoming a part of the Wonderful World of Disney...and Walt has been gone since 1966! Wow what a dreamer!

How about you? Do you dream BIG and though faith expect God to pull it off? What's your big dream? Have you given it to God? Do you believe He can do it? Have you quite dreaming? God has so much He wants to give you and wants to bless you. Dream BIG! Don't settle for less than His best!

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Philippians 4:13

JJ

My Wish For You

I would definitely consider myself a dreamer.  As a kid I was always making big plans for my future, but when I beame a mom everything changed.  I stopped dreaming for myself and began dreaming for my girls.  I love them so much and would do anything for them.  I can't believe they are both in jr. high.  It seems like time is flying by.  I want to put on the brakes and just enjoy every minute I have with them.  They are turning into amazing young women and I am so proud of them!  The song, MY WISH, by Rascal Flats, puts into words what I am feeling better than I can.

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,

(It seems like the days are flying by and you girls are growing so fast.  I'm afraid that if I blink you will be all grown up and ready to go out on your own.  I pray that you enjoy every minute of every day and take nothing for granted.)

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

(I know that you will make good choices in life.  Stay true to yourself and never give up on your dreams.  Keep on reaching for the stars.  You can do anything you set your mind to.)

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
(I hope that you know how much I love you.  I will always be here for you and will support you no matter what.  You can talk to me about anything.  I am so proud of you both!)

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.
(Always remember that God's grace is immeasurable.  You will never be alone for he will always be there to hold you.  As much as I love you, he loves you even more.  Hold on to that.)

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

(Dream BIG kiddos! I LOVE YOU)

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2674360

Fortune Teller

I cannot remember thinking much about the future as a kid - other than the usual dreams of young teenage girls - the big wedding and super hot husband and 2.5 kids. When I got to college I switched majors 5-6 times before I finally landed on Spanish, but only because it allowed me to spend a summer in Spain and graduate in 3 ½ years. After earning a Bachelor of Arts I went on to my own version of graduate school – the Ambassador Institute of Travel.

I have been a corporate travel agent for 14 years now. But – I have a dream – that one day I will be a writer. I don’t have goals to go along with that dream because I’m a tad on the lazy side and don’t set goals. I could wrap it all up neatly in a pretty little box with a pink polka-dot bow but the bottom line is - I lack ambition!!! I wish there was a magic pill I could take to jumpstart my brain into this because I have plenty of ideas and thoughts running through my crazy brain, just no desire to follow through.

Can you imagine a world were nobody follows through on dreams and nobody sets goals? Think of all the good stuff that would be missing from this world…Facebook, Tivo, Blackberrys, Chipotle, a black President, a woman’s right to vote, equality, democracy, freedom of religion…infinite stuff!!

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game’s winning shot…and missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Does it surprise you to know that this is a quote by Michael Jordan? You think of Michael and you do not think failure, but for all of his success he has had his fair share of failure as well.

I eat a lot of Chinese food – so much in fact at one particular restaurant that the owner cooks special meals for my husband and I. A meal is never complete though without the fortune cookie. My husband is never very interested in opening his but he caves under my urging.

I am very superstitious about it too – someone cannot give you the cookie, you have to choose one so you are in charge of your own destiny. Never ever eat the cookie. First of all I think they are gross, secondly if you eat it the fortune will not come true.

One time I got a cookie with no fortune – so I ate the nasty cookie so my blank fortune would not come true. I have also had a couple of repeats and a couple that are just a bunch of crap and not really a fortune.

By far though my favorite I’ve had said ‘Reach for your dreams. Start with the spring rolls.’ No joke. Can’t decide what that one means!!

Do I really think someday I might find the answer to all of my dreams and goals inside a fortune cookie? Not really – I trust God will lead me in the right direction. And who knows, he spoke to Moses through a burning bush so maybe he’ll communicate to me via a cookie!!



**We are leaving for our mission trip to Moldova June 20 and will be back July 1. We bought lots of presents for our friends over there and will be taking 2 suitcases full of goodies for them.**

The Real Meaning of Words

Love



Sorrow



Innocence



Departure



Pain



Respect



Compassion




Friendship



Patience


Divine








"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

Youth Camp

This week Ryan and I are in Big Bear, California leading rec for NPBC’s youth camp. Even though the food is terrible and I get little to no sleep this is probably one of my favorite places to be. I get a chance to escape my hectic every day life and just love on kids.  It’s also a time of reflection and renewal for me spiritually. God is at work here and I know that lives are going to be changed this week.

If you would keep us in your prayers this week it would be greatly appreciated.  Here are some specific things that I would ask you to pray about.

 -One of our rec staff lost her mom last week, but she is here with a smile on her face and a servant heart.

-The counselors and leaders

-The speakers (JonMark, Pastor Dan, Marquette and Ahmad) and the worship leaders (Sarah Beth and band)

 -The students- May their lives be forever changed!