Oh my! So much happening and so little space to talk about it all...
Well just to let y'all know: I'm back at school for my sophomore year at Atlanta Christian College. I feel like such a adult now that I've moved into the apartments here on campus-of course its a little harder on the wallet but that's cool I guess...
I started into my new classes as a History major so that's always fun! I'm taking 16 hours of credit right now, work 8-13 hours a week in the library and tutor students here at the school for Western Civilization and Sociology. I'm enjoying my classes somewhat (Philosophy of Religion is alot tougher than it seems) and I've made a whole bunch of new friends!
Lately, I've been reading alot more than I usually do, especially for my quiet time. I've been reading books like If Christ Was Your Counselor by Chris Thurman, Who You Are When No One Is Looking by Bill Hybels and my most recent one, The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. God really seems to be stretching me in some various ways that I wasn't really expecting but its all good and it'll bring him glory. I really believe he's preparing even more so for the mission field again. Ever since the beginning of this semester I've felt the small longing and desire for the mission field grow more and more and every time I question God about it, he tells me "Pactience... it will happen soon..." Lately my heart has been pulled to the East to Japan, China and Thailand. Maybe that's where he's preparing me? I hope so... it would be a dream come true for sure...
Well gotta run! Have some projects and midterms to finish up as well as homework... I hope all is well with y'all! Take care and God bless!
~Jeanne;)
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hey blogging world! Help a sister out... literally...
Hey guys! I know its been a while but I needed to post this and get all the help I can for my sister. Her and her band, the Rudy Vaughn aka Sweet Potato Pie band is one of the top 5 finalists for a national wide contest! The winner gets to open for Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews Band in London! This would be an incredible opportunity for her and all her friends! Please, please, please, PLEASE... help them out and vote for them!
Go to the website below and check out there video, if you need a visual on what you are voting for, and cast your vote! You can only vote once so MAKE IT COUNT!! Thanks so much...
God bless and please pray for them! Love y'all!
~Jeanne;)
Go to the website below and check out there video, if you need a visual on what you are voting for, and cast your vote! You can only vote once so MAKE IT COUNT!! Thanks so much...
God bless and please pray for them! Love y'all!
~Jeanne;)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Gettin' back to it...
*"Get back to work" provided by arenarop on Flickr*
Well I'm back here in Atlanta... getting back to classes and homework, chillin' with friends and enjoying the dorm life!
I just finished my second day of classes and have been exposed to all of them now so I know what I'm getting myself into... its been confirmed that there will be NO ROOM OR TIME what so ever for any kind of drama in my life! I've started into my major classes (Educational Foundations) as well as all the other classes (College Math, Biblical Survey, English 102, US History and Intro to Biology). Yep! Full 17 hour days... hopefully this won't be too much for me!
Otherwise, things are good. My family is doing their things- mom is back at school teaching, kids are back at school learning, dad is back to work for Men at the Cross and Jess is looking into going back to school to become a nurse. So proud of all of them!
Now when it comes to me and God right now... I felt, close to the end of last year, that God wanted me to revisit a book I read a while back when I was in Mexico called "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard (if you haven't read this book, Ladies especially, truly a classic... you need to read it!). There are some things in that book that I completely forgot about and when I reread them just recently, they have just captured my heart and mind right now... like when the heroine, Much Afraid is speaking to the Shepherd after he asked her if Love had been planted in her heart. Her reply...
"I think that what is growing there is a great longing to experience the joy of natural, human love and to learn to love supremely one person who will love me in return. But perhaps that desire, natural and right as it seems, is not the Love of which you are speaking?... I see the longing to be loved and admired growing in my heart, Shepherd, but I don't think I see the kind of Love that you are talking about, at least, nothing like the love which I see in you."
Oh my gosh... you have no idea how that floored me when I read that!! The love that all people seek (not just girls, guys!) is a love, really a TRUE love that can never die, never diminish, doesn't have to do with anything physical or sexual or whatever else! The love that is being talked about is the love that the creator of love originally designed for all people to experience... an unrequited, undeserving, unconditional love. Now tell me where you can find a love like that? Especially on this earth? No where! So why are we trying to find a substitute for it so we can just at least experience or "feel" love when the love that is meant for us, for that empty place in your heart is far better, wholesome and truer than even the best love we can find on this earth?
Switchfoot came out with a song called "Easier than love". Take a look at the lyrics...
Sex is currency
She sells cars,
She sells magazines
Addictive bittersweet, clap your hands,
with the hopeless nicotines
Everyone's a lost romantic,
Since our love became a kissing show
Everyone's a Casanova,
Come and pass me the mistletoe
Everyone's been scared to death of dying here alone
She is easier than love
Is easier than life
It's easier to fake and smile and bribe
It's easier to leave
It's easier to lie
It's harder to face ourselves at night
Feeling alone,
What have we done?
What is the monster we've become?
Where is my soul?
Numb
Sex is industry,
The CEO, of corporate policy
Skin-deep ministry,
Suburban youth, hail your so-called liberty
Every advertising antic,
Our banner waves with a neon glow
War and love become pedantic,
We wage love with a mistletoe
Everyone's been scared to death of dying here alone
She is easier than love
Is easier than life
It's easier to fake and smile and bribe
It's easier to leave
It's easier to lie
It's harder to face ourselves at night
Feeling alone,
What have we done?
What is the monster we've become?
Where is my soul?
It's easier to love,
It's easier to love
It's easier to love,
It's easier to love
She is easier than love,
It's easier to love
Everyone's been scared to death of,
Everyone's been scared to death of,
Everyone's been scared to death of dying here alone,
alone
Sex is easier than love,
It's easier than love,
It's easier to fake and smile and brag
It's easier to leave,
It's easier to lie,
It's harder to face ourselves at night
Feeling alone,
What have we done?
What is the monster we've become?
Where is my soul? (Where is my?)
Where is my soul?
Interesting huh? Hmm... its a good question, an honest question that can be hard a lot of times to ask ourselves but should be asked more often: Where is my soul? Where is my heart in all this? Am I really willing to inflict such serious wounds upon myself, scarring my heart with a substitute of the real kind of love that should be there just so I won't be alone?
~Jeanne;)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Love songs...
*Provided by Massepas via Flickr- "Broken Hearts"*
I never realized until recently just how much love songs I have on my iTunes. Not good or healthy in any way, I don't think. Especially the condition my heart is in...
Now I'm not about to go into some in depth, very personal stuff in my life but when it comes to relationships and all... well lets say I don't do so well in my life. I've only had one boyfriend my entire life, it lasted 3 months and the reason for the break up wasn't because he just wanted to be "just friends" but figured out I wasn't so willing to... well I don't need to really get into detail but the thing is I haven't had many relationships with guys more than just friends and even though I've been patient and waited and waited and waited... you know, I'm kinda of tired of waiting! I'm almost 25 years old and look around and see girls my age or younger getting guys left and right and then finally finding the right one and getting married!
And recently I met a guy at school... we're interested in each other but things are complicated... so the break from school and each other is giving us a chance to chill and get a break, emotionally, from this all. But for some reason... it hasn't been much of a break for me. I think about him every day... and every time I do, I give him up to God in my prayers and the SONGS DON'T HELP!! And its not just on iTunes, its the radio, the music at department stores... seriously! Its one of these three songs that always plays:
Realize by Colbie Caillat (his favorite)
Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
Crush by David Archuleta
I don't get it... is it just coincidence or is it a sign? Which ever... I wish this thing would be figured out soon...
Sorry to sound like such a girl but this for some reason right now is a real issue for me (this is something I don't usually deal with... seriously...) Pray for me please. Thanks!
~Jeanne;)
Now I'm not about to go into some in depth, very personal stuff in my life but when it comes to relationships and all... well lets say I don't do so well in my life. I've only had one boyfriend my entire life, it lasted 3 months and the reason for the break up wasn't because he just wanted to be "just friends" but figured out I wasn't so willing to... well I don't need to really get into detail but the thing is I haven't had many relationships with guys more than just friends and even though I've been patient and waited and waited and waited... you know, I'm kinda of tired of waiting! I'm almost 25 years old and look around and see girls my age or younger getting guys left and right and then finally finding the right one and getting married!
And recently I met a guy at school... we're interested in each other but things are complicated... so the break from school and each other is giving us a chance to chill and get a break, emotionally, from this all. But for some reason... it hasn't been much of a break for me. I think about him every day... and every time I do, I give him up to God in my prayers and the SONGS DON'T HELP!! And its not just on iTunes, its the radio, the music at department stores... seriously! Its one of these three songs that always plays:
Realize by Colbie Caillat (his favorite)
Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
Crush by David Archuleta
I don't get it... is it just coincidence or is it a sign? Which ever... I wish this thing would be figured out soon...
Sorry to sound like such a girl but this for some reason right now is a real issue for me (this is something I don't usually deal with... seriously...) Pray for me please. Thanks!
~Jeanne;)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Gifts shouldn't collect dust...
Its so funny how kids can say and do the most random of things and yet they'll say or do one thing and BAM! Its a God word to you... so it happened to me this morning...
My 2 year old nephew Jarrett was playing with his big sister Layla. They were chasing each other around and then the both of them found their 10 year old uncle's lightsabers. So of course they play and run around some more and then suddenly Jarrett runs to me, holding his lightsaber close to him and yelling at his sister, "No Layla! No hit my lightsaber!" I laughed and told him, "Jarrett that's what you're suppose to do with a ligthsaber." But he wouldn't listen as he stood in the far corner of the room, cradling the fictional weapon as if it were a living thing all its own. He didn't want a dent on it, a scratch, a chance for it to be damaged or ruined in any way shape or form.
Suddenly I thought about Anakin or Obi-Wan Kanobi doing this with their lightsabers, Aragon doing that with his sword, Anduril or even (for you anime fans out there) Ruroni Kenshin never drawing it and yelling, "HEY! That's my sword! I don't want you causing any damage to it! Its so pretty and shiny and..."
As I chuckled to myself about these random pics running through my mind, I was reminded for some reason instantly about "gifts", "abilities" and "weapons" and not just any kind, mine. And then a voice said loud enough in my heart to catch my attention and stop me in my tracks, "Are you holding back?"
Suddenly stories flashed across my mind of people, in the bible, who withheld...
--Cain not giving the first of his fruits yet his brother Abel did...
--The wicked and lazy servant with only one talent in Jesus' parable...
--Ananias and Sapphira keeping money from the early Church in Acts...
As I sit here and think about certain things and "gifts" I can use against the enemy, I ask myself what about the everyday stuff? What about the gifts and abilities God has given me? Do I withhold those as well: the ability to love even when I have the right not to, the ability to show compassion, mercy and grace even when the world around me tells me not to or if I have a reason to? See this thing isn't just the enemy's fault all in all... its my fault too. By me allowing reasons determine my actions and my feelings instead of allowing the things God has taught me through out the years, I have chosen what I think or really what the world thinks I should do in response to something with holding what should given in God's eyes. And when that happens... God can't be seen because he won't show up.
And of course this is happening at the part of the year it really shouldn't be happening at... CHRISTmas! You know? The time when it should be more about Jesus and not so much about me and because of my split second, me center decisions many people have been the results of my harsh actions and my double edge sword of a tongue, especially those that I hold close and say I love. I pray that God would forgive me and my family would do the same even if they give me reason not to love on them. The love, the grace, the mercy, the kindness... the things that I'm so use to showing them for some reason recently have been left on the shelves in my heart collecting dust and sometimes can't even be found because they're so unrecogizable. My family almost fell apart because of decisions like these once... I can't let the enemy get a foothold in my family anymore! Its time for me not only to dust off the spiritual weapons to fight off the enemy but the gifts that can strengthen the chances and opportunities for God to show up on this earth!
~Jeanne;)
----------------
Now playing: Charlie Hall - Center
via FoxyTunes
My 2 year old nephew Jarrett was playing with his big sister Layla. They were chasing each other around and then the both of them found their 10 year old uncle's lightsabers. So of course they play and run around some more and then suddenly Jarrett runs to me, holding his lightsaber close to him and yelling at his sister, "No Layla! No hit my lightsaber!" I laughed and told him, "Jarrett that's what you're suppose to do with a ligthsaber." But he wouldn't listen as he stood in the far corner of the room, cradling the fictional weapon as if it were a living thing all its own. He didn't want a dent on it, a scratch, a chance for it to be damaged or ruined in any way shape or form.
Suddenly I thought about Anakin or Obi-Wan Kanobi doing this with their lightsabers, Aragon doing that with his sword, Anduril or even (for you anime fans out there) Ruroni Kenshin never drawing it and yelling, "HEY! That's my sword! I don't want you causing any damage to it! Its so pretty and shiny and..."
As I chuckled to myself about these random pics running through my mind, I was reminded for some reason instantly about "gifts", "abilities" and "weapons" and not just any kind, mine. And then a voice said loud enough in my heart to catch my attention and stop me in my tracks, "Are you holding back?"
Suddenly stories flashed across my mind of people, in the bible, who withheld...
--Cain not giving the first of his fruits yet his brother Abel did...
--The wicked and lazy servant with only one talent in Jesus' parable...
--Ananias and Sapphira keeping money from the early Church in Acts...
As I sit here and think about certain things and "gifts" I can use against the enemy, I ask myself what about the everyday stuff? What about the gifts and abilities God has given me? Do I withhold those as well: the ability to love even when I have the right not to, the ability to show compassion, mercy and grace even when the world around me tells me not to or if I have a reason to? See this thing isn't just the enemy's fault all in all... its my fault too. By me allowing reasons determine my actions and my feelings instead of allowing the things God has taught me through out the years, I have chosen what I think or really what the world thinks I should do in response to something with holding what should given in God's eyes. And when that happens... God can't be seen because he won't show up.
And of course this is happening at the part of the year it really shouldn't be happening at... CHRISTmas! You know? The time when it should be more about Jesus and not so much about me and because of my split second, me center decisions many people have been the results of my harsh actions and my double edge sword of a tongue, especially those that I hold close and say I love. I pray that God would forgive me and my family would do the same even if they give me reason not to love on them. The love, the grace, the mercy, the kindness... the things that I'm so use to showing them for some reason recently have been left on the shelves in my heart collecting dust and sometimes can't even be found because they're so unrecogizable. My family almost fell apart because of decisions like these once... I can't let the enemy get a foothold in my family anymore! Its time for me not only to dust off the spiritual weapons to fight off the enemy but the gifts that can strengthen the chances and opportunities for God to show up on this earth!
~Jeanne;)
----------------
Now playing: Charlie Hall - Center
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Who I am... the truth...
Hey guys!! Sorry about not posting something for such a long time! Man, its already December?! Holy cow... any who...
Well, its crunch time! That's right... its time for final exams and the like. Unfortunately though this is also a time for me when I am going through some hard stuff, relationship-wise. I just ask for your prayers right now in that clarity will be brought about and that a friendship can still be salvaged out of all this craziness.
Besides that though, everything is great! My dad has a new job now, working for a men's organization out of Oklahoma City, OK called Men At The Cross. He's doing great, trying to keep himself healthy and strong (trying to avoid having another heart attack). My mom's still working hard as a teacher and getting some leadership stuff done for her to move up in her position right now in the school system. My oldest sister and her kids are doing great... getting ready for Christmas as are my little brother and little sister.
During my quiet times the past couple of days, God has just been reminding me through scripture, music, friends and videos who I am...
I am his child, his disciple, his ambassador and he has faith in me!
Right now I'm just trying to hold on to that and remind myself that day in and day out and that no matter what may happen to me whether it comes to school, family, relationships... whatever, I can hold on to that truth and know that I was chosen, I have been given authority and I've been sent out to do God's will and to fulfill God's plan for this world and that He, the God of the universe, has faith in me!! And I should not be afraid...
Well that's it for now! Hopefully I don't take as long to post stuff the next time... later!
~Jeanne;)
Well, its crunch time! That's right... its time for final exams and the like. Unfortunately though this is also a time for me when I am going through some hard stuff, relationship-wise. I just ask for your prayers right now in that clarity will be brought about and that a friendship can still be salvaged out of all this craziness.
Besides that though, everything is great! My dad has a new job now, working for a men's organization out of Oklahoma City, OK called Men At The Cross. He's doing great, trying to keep himself healthy and strong (trying to avoid having another heart attack). My mom's still working hard as a teacher and getting some leadership stuff done for her to move up in her position right now in the school system. My oldest sister and her kids are doing great... getting ready for Christmas as are my little brother and little sister.
During my quiet times the past couple of days, God has just been reminding me through scripture, music, friends and videos who I am...
I am his child, his disciple, his ambassador and he has faith in me!
Right now I'm just trying to hold on to that and remind myself that day in and day out and that no matter what may happen to me whether it comes to school, family, relationships... whatever, I can hold on to that truth and know that I was chosen, I have been given authority and I've been sent out to do God's will and to fulfill God's plan for this world and that He, the God of the universe, has faith in me!! And I should not be afraid...
Well that's it for now! Hopefully I don't take as long to post stuff the next time... later!
~Jeanne;)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Woah... I really need to keep up with this thing...
Hey everyone! Sorry its been a while... but of course college can do that to someone. I just finished one of my tests here at the college today and was able to get a bit of free time before I have to get started on an essay for my English class. So here's my life...
Life has been pretty good so far. I've been meeting new people all over and enjoying the new life I have here at Atlanta Christian College. The work load is a little bit on the "more than I like" side but I've been doing quite well in all of my classes so its not too bad I guess. I've met quite a few people here at the college who are absolutely amazing! We also had a chance this past week, as a college - faculty and students alike - to take a day off from the norm of ACC and go out to do ministry work in Atlanta. We all had so much fun and enjoyed ourselves immensely but were completely spent by the end of the day! A good spent... like knowing you put forth everything you had to offer - strength, love, intellect and passion - into reaching out to the people in the area trying to get them to catch a glimpse of Christ's love in us and see it come through us to these people! I felt like I was back on the mission field that day... I enjoyed it completely!
I do ask however that you guys be in prayer for a few people: my dad lost his job and is looking for a new one. He's got a family of 8 to provide for so please pray that he finds something soon! Also pray for our college - its in the process of making a decision to move to a new site so it grow and its down to two opitions: Newnan, GA or Peachtree City, GA. I would really love it to be in Newnan cause that's where I grew up (just my opinion though). Just pray that the best choice will be made. Also pray for me as I continue to seek hard after God and his will for my life!
Hope all is well! God bless and hopefully I'll talk to ya soon!
~Jeanne ;)
Life has been pretty good so far. I've been meeting new people all over and enjoying the new life I have here at Atlanta Christian College. The work load is a little bit on the "more than I like" side but I've been doing quite well in all of my classes so its not too bad I guess. I've met quite a few people here at the college who are absolutely amazing! We also had a chance this past week, as a college - faculty and students alike - to take a day off from the norm of ACC and go out to do ministry work in Atlanta. We all had so much fun and enjoyed ourselves immensely but were completely spent by the end of the day! A good spent... like knowing you put forth everything you had to offer - strength, love, intellect and passion - into reaching out to the people in the area trying to get them to catch a glimpse of Christ's love in us and see it come through us to these people! I felt like I was back on the mission field that day... I enjoyed it completely!
I do ask however that you guys be in prayer for a few people: my dad lost his job and is looking for a new one. He's got a family of 8 to provide for so please pray that he finds something soon! Also pray for our college - its in the process of making a decision to move to a new site so it grow and its down to two opitions: Newnan, GA or Peachtree City, GA. I would really love it to be in Newnan cause that's where I grew up (just my opinion though). Just pray that the best choice will be made. Also pray for me as I continue to seek hard after God and his will for my life!
Hope all is well! God bless and hopefully I'll talk to ya soon!
~Jeanne ;)
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