Rain Keeps Us Alive...

At Your Feet

2010-02-10T13:21:00.003-05:00

It has been way too long since I have blogged and my heart has been yearning to speak. It is the middle of February and in the last month and a half God has been working in me. I have been challenged at my work, with my life, and in my heart. Mostly, I have been challenged to "Love God with all my heart, my soul, my life." Therefore, through this I need to follow him and endure through the trials He places me in. I am once again at a cross road of wondering my purpose in life and where I fit in God's picture. I am unsure of the desires of my heart and therefore unsure of life's path. But I do know that each day I have committed to crying out to God to keep my eyes focused on Him and His will for my life. And though that will involve enduring trials and patience to wait, I know that He is all I need.

This song by Casting Crowns called "At Your Feet" is my ringtone alarm that I awake to each morning. It has been such a blessing to me each day to wake up and be reminded to take up my cross and follow my God who loves me more than I could ever understand. I hope you are blessed as well.

Immanuel - "God with us"

2009-12-15T09:37:00.001-05:00

As the Christmas season is upon us, I have been enjoying coming home each night, turning the lights on my Christmas tree, making some hot chocolate, and enjoying the beautiful sound of Christmas music. And with that, there has been one Christmas song that has just impacted me these last couple of weeks. Not only for its amazing notes, symphony, and chorus but also because of its beautiful words. The song is by Todd Agnew and its titled "God with us."

In Isaiah 7, the prophet first prophecies of the coming Messiah - Jesus Christ. And then in Matthew 1, the prophecy that was foretold now becomes TRUTH when the Second God-head became Immanuel - meaning "God with us." Christ Jesus who is eternal and divine in nature came to this earth as a man, walked a blameless life, and then took upon the sins of the world by dying on the cross for ME and YOU! And with that said, HE HAS RISEN and is alive today seeking lost souls and fellowshiping with those who are saved.

I hope that this song/video ministers to your heart today and the rest of this Christmas season as it is ministering to mine.

The Bell ... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-11-30T17:26:00.001-05:00

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 ). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?

Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace..'
Numbers 6:24-26

Marie Love

2009-09-01T10:59:00.016-04:00

I just spent an amazing 2 days with my 15 month old niece, Marie Love. I cannot believe how big she has gotten since just 2 months ago! I missed her so much! I feel like pictures speak louder than words at times, so I am posting a whole bunch of pictures of my Love.

P.S. Feel free to use words though to comment on how adorable she is! ;)

Beavertail State Park

2009-08-26T10:43:00.007-04:00

I have found "MY SPOT" (so to speak) in Rhode Island. Two weekends ago my parents were up and we went to Narragansett Beach (the hot spot in Rhode Island) to check it out. It was a beautiful beach but I was not impressed with all the hype it receives. It was way too crowded, not relaxing, had to pay for parking and to get on the beach - not my ideal relaxation spot. So, I wanted to go into Jamestown to check out this state park I'd been hearing about. Well, this park is AMAZING!!! First, its free! Second, it had a nice grass section to throw a ball, play with my Reese Cup, or just lay out. Third, it is right on the ocean. Fourth, it is somewhat on a cliff and to get down to the water are these huge boulder rocks. My dad, Reese, and I had a great time walking all around on them, but its a great spot to go layout or read a book. The waves were crashing in on the rocks, it wasn't busy with a lot of people, very relaxing! It is a new fave spot of mine!

Circle Trilogy continued

2009-08-26T10:41:00.002-04:00

Just a heads up... Ted Dekker came out with the last book to complete the FULL CIRCLE! It is called Green. I just got it about a week ago... haven't read it yet because I am reading his Lost Books Series. But once I finish that series I'm going to read Green. I cannot wait!

The Circle Trilogy

2009-07-12T22:32:00.002-04:00

Last night I just finished a book trilogy that I started in March. Okay, for those of you that are readers, 3 books in 4 or so months may seem like so long to you, but for me that was really good for me since I am not a reader to begin with! Anyway, this is by far my most favorite book! Well, I take that back. It's a tie with Redeeming Love. And to be honest, I think I've read about 9 books my entire life so that doesn't really say much. hahaha

Anyway, the book I just finished is called The Circle Trilogy: Black, Red, White by Ted Dekker. Anyone out there looking for an adrenaline rush with fantasy yet reality should read this. It is a book retelling Christ's redemptive love by mirroring it in another reality while keeping the reader in present time as well. It's AMAZING!!! Let me know if you pick it up and read it. :-D

My AbAb Is Married!!!

2009-06-25T20:40:00.016-04:00

This blog entry is a shout out to my AbAb, one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world! This past Saturday I was able to be a part of her wedding as she married the man of her dreams, Chuck Dubbe.

I must say it was an amazing week leading up to the wedding day. SUNDAY NIGHT - Abby, Katie, and I went out to dinner at TJIFriday's then back to the Amos household where we sat

outside by the fire making smores as we fellowshipped." :) MONDAY NIGHT - Abby and Katie came over to my house to enjoy a night of the reality show "The Bachelorette." That was a lot of fun and obviously very entertaining. Go Jesse and Kypton! ;) THURSDAY NIGHT - Katie planned a wonderful bachelorette party/ personal shower for Abby that night.

It was a fun-filled night catching up with many high school friends from back in the day, reminiscing of favorite memories each of us had with Abby, eating some delicious chocolate chip cookie cake (Ab's fave), and opening some great presents that I'm sure Abby is using on her honeymoon right now! ;) FRIDAY - In the morning, all the bridesmaids were invited over to the Amos' for a brunch. It was a filled house full of love, laughter, and excitement and not to mention a delicious brunch made. After, all of us girls went and got our nails did! French pedicure and French manicure for me... I love being pampered! After, we all went to get ready for the rehearsal at the church which seemed to go fine to me. Then we headed to the Ramada where we enjoyed an amazing meal followed by some more favorite memories of Chuck and Abby ... and this was the time the tears began to fall.

SATURDAY ARRIVED! THE BIG DAY!!! All of us girls got ourselves all beautified for the big day at the church. Enjoyed small girl talk, as well as "ooooing and aweing"

over each others dresses and then the last hooray, the bride. Wow, did she look absolutely stunning and beautiful. As I was about to take the arm of one of Chuck's brothers and walk down the aisle, I was overwhelmed by emotion as I was so grateful to have a part in Abby's special day and be a supporter for her marriage. Abby, has been there for me since junior high,

and is my dearest friend who I trust and love deeply. So getting to be a part of her day was such an honor for me. I made it down the aisle and then came the amazing music, drama, and opening of the doors as my AbAb began to walk down the aisle. I loved her music she chose, I loved how she made it a moment to remember, I loved how she stared at Chuck the entire time down the aisle, and I love how at the end she rested her head on her daddy's shoulder. Yes I was choked up and crying, but people there is one thing that made me a bit mad, so this is a side note for all who read this: *When the Bride comes out of the doorway and into the aisle, you DO NOT STAND UNTIL THE BRIDE'S MOTHER STANDS!!!!! Geesh! For those of you that just stand without waiting for the mother to stand... you are rude and you need to learn proper etiquette in a wedding!*

Okay, now that that's off my chest, moving right along. The time had come to make it official... the ceremony was amazing and soooo an Abby-type wedding if you know what I mean. Some of my favorite moments were 1) Chuck & Abby praying as a couple, 2) Mr. Amos very dumb joke of being up front with the Dubbe brothers, 3) as Mr. Amos was about to proclaim Chuck and Abby husband and wife, my AbAb began to cry with tears of joy as she was pronounced, Mrs. Abby Dubbe!!! :) The rest of the day was fantastic just being able to enjoy this wonderful day where my AbAb became a wife ... all she has ever wanted to be since 7th grade! :-D

Congratulations Mrs. Dubbe!!! I love you!

Not my will but Yours be done!

2009-06-06T14:10:00.002-04:00

Well, I am not sure how many of you know this, but I accepted an assistant women's basketball coaching position at the University of Rhode Island. Yes, Rhode Island ... the smallest state in the United States. It had certainly been a very long and draining process to figure out where God would have my life, but in the end was sensing his direction to URI. I am excited about this opportunity as I just started this past Monday. Just to give you a little insight, Coach Inglese (my Boston College coach) accepted the head coaching position here. Therefore, I am now working with Coach Inglese as a colleague of hers and not as a player. It is really neat and I know I'm going to continue to learn so much from her. I already have such a respect and admiration towards her as a coach/player relationship and now I get to grow and appreciate her as a coach to coach perspective. It should be fun!

With that said, I am feeling unsettled, fidgety, restless, overwhelmed, anxious, and overloaded. Bouncing from one job and straight into another job has been very hectic. Moving from HOME in good ol' PA to moving to Kingston, Rhode Island where I do not know a single soul has been hard. I am homesick often especially at night when I'm not busy. I am ready to move into my own apartment and not be living in a dorm room. I am ready to have a church family and fellowship (yet I go to a church tomorrow that I am really excited about and hope to make my church). Some days I feel like I am in over my head taking on this assistant coaching position. I can't believe how much goes on in a day and how much needs to be taken care of! Its ridiculous when you think about it... all I want to do is coach, but there is sooooo many other things that need looked after as well. It is weird though because as much as I feel unsettled, lonely, stressed, overwhelmed at times, in the end I know this is where I am suppose to be.

Right before I came up to Rhode Island, I was challenged at a ladies seminar on the phrase "Not my will but Yours be done!" The application was to take that phrase and before I even got out of bed, every day for a whole month I would proclaim, "Not my will but Yours be done." What rejuvenation for me! I believe God's will has been accomplished thus far through my life and especially through this decision to go to URI, therefore I need to continue to trust and obey in Him. Through this knowledge I have been challenged on some of God's characteristics.

Jehovah-Rohi = The Lord is my Shepherd

He will care for me and lead me ... I must follow faithfully.

Jehovah-Jireh = Lacking in nothing

The Lord will provide for me ... I must take receive.

Jehovah-Shalom = The Lord bring peace

God provides a peace which passes all understanding ... I must obey.

And with these characteristics I have had an enthusiasm to display His glory through my life here in Rhode Island to others. I want to illuminate from the inside out and continue to seek Christ face to face. I am continuing to be challenged on sacrificing what my flesh wants and what God wants.

Two quotes by the woman who spoke at this seminar that has been turning in me are:

"I don't need to be great, I just need to be surrendered!"

"God is inviting us/you/me to surrender our/your/my ordinary life to display His extraordinary glory!"

To God be the glory great things He (not my will) has done!

Shaffer

2009-03-19T14:13:00.004-04:00

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 my lil' Shaffy passed away. She was 12 years old and started to take a turn for the worse about a week before. We are so thankful that she was never in pain and that we didn't have to take her into the vet to be put down. Tuesday morning at about 10am she gave a yelp as she laid in her bed, and my dad came down and held her, comforted her, pet her and about 10 minutes later she just stopped breathing and passed away.

Each of our dogs are such an important part of our family as they do become "family" to us. :) I have had the privilege of owning my own toy poodles and they bring such a joy to my life. Serio was my first black toy poodle who I graciously gave to my grandma Jacobs after my grandpa past away almost 2 years ago in April. Azzi, my apricot toy poodle, who was given to me as a birthday present by three of my friends was hit by a car this past August after only having her for one year. And now I have Reese, my red toy poodle, who is just 9 months old and the cutest little thing ever and so good! With each dog, they develop their own personality and become a part of the family.

Our family moved to Pennsylvania in 1990. That year we had to give up our white Cocka-poo Taffy because we were moving into the dorms on BBC campus and they would not allow dogs in the dorm. After living in the boys dorm, Shaffer Hall, for 7 years we finally were moving out and into our own house. The day we moved out of the dorm, our family went to a farm where the family bred toy poodles. My parents decided that they'd allow both my brother and I to pick our own dog to bring home. So, we found two black toy poodles from the same litter and made them a part of our family. My brother picked the runt of the littler and we named her Adidas. And I picked the one with the white chest hair and named her Shaffer.

So that began the next 12 years with our two dogs. Shaffer was a special dog to me. She loved to snuggle, and loved to be right next to me in bed (and usually under the covers too). She loved to go "buh-bye" in the car and the window had to be down so she could stick her head out and bask in the wind. She loved to go for walks around BBC and especially going to dad's soccer games. After the game was over, she would prance out onto the field to see daddy. So cute! Oh and she loved walks to the park as well. We would be pulling into the park, and she would start whining because she knew where she was and would get so excited. She was such a beggar but with those puppy dog eyes you couldn't help but fall for her antics. She was "Miss Princess"... she did what she wanted, when she wanted, and however she wanted to do it. She constantly was sniffing anything and everything. She did not know the meaning of "come" unless it ended with "get a treat."

Shaffer was very special to us, especially since she has lived longer than I think any of us would have thought when we first got her. About 6 months after getting Shaffer, we found out by the vet that she had a heart valve that was leaking and if we didn't have the surgery to get it fixed she would die. Well, not having the money to fix her, my mom and dad had to sit me down and let me know what was going to happen. However, our vet was able to get her down to Cornell University for a free surgery to teach their students at the University. So, she was fixed and a brand new dog. Then, when she was about 7 years old, she got hit by a car pretty bad one night. She broke her jaw and lost all her teeth, but somehow survived the night and recuperated from the traumatic experience. I am so thankful I was able to enjoy my Shaffy girl for 12 years. She will always have a special place in my heart.

MY BUDDY...

2009-03-13T23:43:00.004-04:00

This blog is dedicated to my buuuuuuudddddyyyyyy ... aka Tina the fat lard ... aka Miss Kansas herself ... aka Nicole Ohlde.

It is 11:43pm on Friday the 13th of March. I still have 17 more minutes until this day is over, and I have not yet been able to say it yet BUT ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!!!! :)

The Big 27! Wow how you are getting old! I always feel bummed that I haven't been able to celebrate one birthday with you since we've been friends because you are always overseas! However, please know you are very much thought of, missed, and loved. I hope your day was great and I hope you have an awesome week with your family in Hungary.

I am so amazed that 5 years have passed since the Lord brought us into each other's lives. What a blessing you have been. You have been there to laugh with, to vent to, to lean on, to cry to, to grow with, and to love on. Sending you a HUGE HUG through this blog! I miss you much, am proud of you and your biggest fan, am so excited for you and upcoming season, and love you!

Your buddy,

AJJ

Grace...

2009-02-19T00:19:00.004-05:00

I don't wanna see, I don't wanna see anything

I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be lost again

I don't wanna walk, I don't wanna walk far from You

I just wanna live, I just wanna live like You do

As I stumble to the light of grace

You said You'd always have a place for me

Got a little scared, got a little scared in the woods

And everywhere I turn, everywhere I turn nothing's good

Then I saw a little light, saw a little light shine for me

And I found a little path, found a little light shine for me

And I found a little path, found a little path at my feet

As I fumble with the gift of my free will

He says hush now, listen to my voice, be still

My refuge, my Father

The only Living Water

I'm weary, I'm broken

I've cracked my heart wide open

Unholy, unworthy

And still You reassure me

You knew me

Before I knew myself

I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be lost again.

-Saving Jane

Glory Baby...

2009-02-06T14:00:00.005-05:00

Today was the funeral for Camden Showers, Matt and Rachel Showers little boy. Camden only lived on this earth for 17 days. This is Rachel's third pregnancy, with their first child, Jayden, going home to be with the Lord after a few days of birth. There second child, a boy (forget his name), is 2 or 3 years old and doing very well. I cannot even imagine and comprehend what it must be like to have lost 2 of your 3 children at such an early age. And yet I'm amazed by Matt and Rachel's faithfulness to continue to lean on God, His strength, His love, His goodness through this tough time.

As I was headed to the funeral, my thoughts were pondering what this funeral would be like. Most funerals you go to, the person has lived quite a full life, many memories had been made, friends have been made, experiences lived, etc. Yet, Camden did not have the capacity to know earth, to know his parents, to know his brother, to experience birthdays, friends, school, laughter, heartache. But yet I believe he felt his parents love as they held him, kissed him, touched him, talked to him, and sung to him. And now he is in heaven, with no pain, no tears, experiencing God's glory. He is free from being trapped in a body that did not function properly. Oh how I am just like Camden was. I am trapped in a failing body, a ruined body, a worldly body, but yet am comforted in knowing BETTER IS ONE DAY!...And I will soon be free from this body and be able to experience the presence of Christ and worship Him for eternity, with no more pain, no more suffering, no more tears.

The funeral was a beautiful worship service. Pictures of Camden and family scrolled through as we sung to our God, "Blessed Be Your Name" and "Holy is the Lord." A small corner in the back of the auditorium had his blue blanket, pictures, and a plaster of his marked feet and hands. They were as tiny as my pinky finger! Yet God used this little boy for 17 days to impact this world for Him. To shine a light in this dark world. And now, Camden "has come to Him...for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as them (little children)." - Matthew 19:14 Pastor Stuenzi concluded the worship service with a message of hope for all who know Christ. God's LOVE is GREATER THAN our pain (Romans 8:38-39). God's SOVEREIGNTY is GREATER THAN our pain (Romans 8: 28). And God's PROMISE is GREATER THAN our pain (Romans 8:18).

As I watched the Pallbearer carry this little, tiny casket back down the aisle to the car where Camden would be taken to be buried, my heart was broken for a family yet encouraged knowing he is with a God who is good, ALL THE TIME.

At the service, this song by Hillsong was sang for the Showers family. I had never heard it before, and am now loving it. The words are truly amazing. It is called, The Desert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLYxnrtBAVs

My AbAb

2009-02-06T00:43:00.002-05:00

I miss you! I'm praying for you! I'm happy for you! I love you! I'm blessed to have you in my life!

Love,

Your Berbers

How to drink orange juice to the glory of God

2009-02-03T22:20:00.002-05:00

I was just reading I Corinthians 10:31 that says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I often throw this phrase out a lot when I talk, but don't think I fully have applied it to EVERY aspect of my life. To be honest, it is sin if whatever I do I don't do for the glory of God. That is my purpose and why I was made in His image. Therefore, even when I drink orange juice, it can be used for the purpose God intended...to glorify Him. How? The Word of God teaches that juice, and even my strength to drink it, is a free gift from God (I Corinthians 4:7). Then I should pray in a humble response of thanksgiving from the heart. And believing this truth in the Word and offering thanks is a way I can drink orange juice to the glory of God (I Timothy 4:3-5). I often get sidetrack with prayer of thanksgiving for my food and drink that sustain strength and energy for me. But God says this glorifies Him. And not only that, whatever we do (even drinking orange juice) can be done in a hopeful way that it will make others see a difference and want that free gift of salvation, so they too can have the fulfillment of glorifying God in all they do!

Empty Me

2009-01-28T18:44:00.005-05:00

I've had just enough

Of the spotlight when it burns bright

To see how it gets in the blood

I've tasted my share

Of the sweet life and the wild ride

And found a little is not quite enough

I know how I can stray

And how fast my heart could change

Empty me of the selfishness inside

Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride

And any foolish thing my heart holds to

Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you

I've seen just enough

Of the quick buys, of the best life

To know how prodigals can be drawn away

I know how I can stray

And how fast my heart could change

Empty me of the selfishness inside

Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride

And any foolish thing my heart holds to

Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you

'Cause everything is a lesser thing

Compared to you, compared to you

'Cause everything is a lesser thing

Compared to you, so I surrender all

Empty me of the selfishness inside

Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride

And any foolish thing my heart holds to

Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you

I absolutely LOVE this song! It is by Chris Sligh (www.frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com) who was on American Idol 2 seasons ago when Jordin Sparks won. (Yes, I'm a huge American Idol fan!) You can tell through this song that he must have experienced much of the world while being in Hollywood. He embarked on a journey to "Idol" stardom. Yet in the end, he came to realize that the world can't offer enough to give him joy...ONLY God can do that. I relate so much to this song. I want to be emptied of the filth of this world that so easily can tempt me and tangle me into a mess. Instead I want to be filled with a passion to know Christ more and understand His love for me as I strive to glorify Him. II Corinthians 4:7, 16-18 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Freshies...

2009-01-28T18:30:00.002-05:00

Monday night the #1 ranked UConn women's basketball team was hosting #6 ranked Louisville. UConn is undefeated so far this season, and is even being compared already as one of the best teams EVER! Louisville is having a great season in the Big East as well with having half of their team as freshman. So, I decided to have my freshman basketball girls over for a get together. I made dinner for them (with the help of my mom)...we had lasagna, caesar salad, bread, brownies, and ice cream. It was delicious! And at the same time, I had a great time with my girls. They all talked all at once to me telling me of what teachers they don't like and do like, as well as class stories, etc (actually they yelled/screamed in my ear b/c they were so excited to tell me something, more than "talked" to me). Haha :) But I hope they had a good time. It was a way to show them that I'm just a person to and nice, since most of the time I'm screaming and yelling at them on the basketball court. ;)

Oh the days of being 14 years old. Wow how I thought I was a cool high schooler back then. The memories...

*the squirt gun fights Abby and I had in the hallways with Dave Darmofal

*1st period gym when I never wanted to change and get sweaty, but always ended up sweating like a pig and definitely not looking cute the rest of the day. But that was when I didn't care to look "girly" anyway. Ha! :)

*the many times Cerco and I would come to science class late after lunch because we would stop in at Mr. Cuozzo's (our guidance counserlor) office to say "hi" and our science teacher was oblivious!

*the food fight at lunch where AbAb got us all in trouble and we had to stay after to clean the entire cafeteria.

*the first day of high school...me, alone, wondering where AbAb is and meeting Mrs. Bugno (my gym teacher and favorite) for the first time.

Anywho, good times good times.

God Bless America

2009-01-21T13:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, January 20th, was the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States - Barack Obama. Whether you voted for him or not this past November, you can't help but be in awe of the fact that our country has elected an African American man into the most powerful position...President! As I watched the oath being taken, I couldn't help but drop tears from my eyes. This will forever be a moment that will define history! Seeing 1.4 million people gather to celebrate, commemorate, and pray for President Obama was amazing! But more amazing is the fact that 1.4 million people as well as so many others watching on their televisions gathered together to celebrate our freedom. Because of our freedom we have the individual right to choose who leads this very powerful nation. What a privilege! I realized not to take advantage of this privilege at this year's election. As I stood in line to vote, I looked around as water filled my eyes and became overwhelmed and thankful that I have the opportunity and freedom to vote for those who become our authority in this great nation of ours. With that privilege we are given, I realized it is also a responsibility to take upon ourselves to be active and not sit back. I feel blessed to be a part of this country and be able to be a part of an historic day yesterday. And now may I and you take part in praying for this man, President Obama, who will lead us. Pray for his safety, pray for his family, and pray for wisdom and endurance as he leads this country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

A Call to Commitment as Stewards

2009-01-20T08:57:00.003-05:00

"You're blood has washed away my sin...

Jesus, Thank You.

The Father's wrath completely satisfied...

Jesus, Thank You.

Once your enemy, now seated at Your table...

Jesus, Thank You.

God gave us His one and only Son to die on the cross for each and every one of us, so that we may live freely. He GAVE His Son away for me, a wretched sinner. Then once we accept this amazing gift, God then blesses us with so much more. I stand in awe at Christ's mercy today. He has given me an amazing family. Great friends. A car. A job. Everything I have Christ has given to me, and all He asks is that we surrender it all back to Him for His glory and honor. That seems so easy to say yet I sometimes feel so trapped in my own earthly possessions. I focus too much on my temporal needs/wants then on the eternal gains I can invest in. In Matthew 6:19-21 it talks about storing up treasures in heaven and not on earth. "...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Pastor Culver is challenging each one of us to make "A Call to Commitment as Saints, Servants, and Stewards." And with that, the Lord is speaking to me to commit as a steward. I am excited about how I will be able to faithfully serve our God in this way. Jesus, Thank You for giving of yourself and then allowing us to give back to you what is rightfully yours so that Your Name will be praised!

Every moment, THANK GOD

2009-01-16T09:46:00.003-05:00

I was forwarded this email, and I just had to share it with the rest of you. You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California. In the interview, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body - but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but i am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until we figure that out, life isn't going to make sense. Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than you comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ-likeness. This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for... You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems: If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain. But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people. You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease... So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 (sowing generously) and Psalm 72 blessed). First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, bout midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. it was liberating to be able to serve God for free. We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)? When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings. Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD.

Double Black Diamond

2009-01-15T23:38:00.004-05:00

Happy 2009! With the new year I've decided to start a blog and conform like so many other millions of Americans have done. Internet journaling if you may! And with new changes, I would like to introduce you to a new "hobby/sport" of mine...

SNOWBOARDING!!!

That's right people, I have taken up snowboarding in this great year of 2009. Why do you ask considering I absolutely hate the snow and cold weather and dream of living somewhere warm sometime soon. Well, here are a few reasons:

1. It gives me a bit more appreciation and better attitude of the snow.

2. I was never "allowed" to snowboard because I was always in basketball season and it was risk for injury, so now I'm "allowed."

3. I get to spend quality time with the brother.

4. It's a great way to work out.

5. I must say that I feel pretty COOL telling people I snowboard.

Just to recap, last February I went snowboarding with my friend, Laura Grace and my brother for the first time EVER (see picture)! I thought I was crazy for trying it, but in the end I walked away rather enjoying myself and said I would

definitely do it again (even though I was quite sore the next day). Well, now that I am living in PA again (can't seem to get away from the cold), I decided to go for it and "officially" become a snowboarder. Therefore, I have my own snowboard, boots, snow pants, the whole shabang!

Last night, my bro took me out for the first time this year. We started out on the intermediate slopes...a couple falls, but got comfortable pretty fast. I'm a natural, what can I say. With about 4 times doing that, he immediately then began me on the expert trails. I started with "Cannonball" a bit steep, but made it safely down. Then we went to "Smoke" which was much more steep at points and a bit bumpy, but again, safely came down. Then one of our last runs I did "Boomer", even more steep and longer of a hill but yet again made it safely down. These expert trails were called "Double Black Diamond" trails... the hardest trails! HOL to the LER!!! That's right, I, Amber Jacobs, two-three, accomplished expert trails on the first night as an official snowboarder.

It was certainly a thrill and huge adrenaline rush going down those much steeper hills. And though I was putting on the brakes most of the way down the steep parts, I was proud to say I held my own pretty well.

Now, I have to be honest, do you wanna know what the hardest part of the whole night was snowboarding? Getting off the lift! I tell you what, I just struggled not falling. For those of you that are skiers/snowboarders you are probably laughing your head off right now, but that's what I need most practice at. Eh, a couple more times and I'm going to be a pro!

Snowboarders RULE and Skiers DROOL!!!