by jeannie | Jan 11, 2009 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
As I’m beginning another great book and I’m loving the insight of Mark Batterson, who talks about how we ought to be good stewards of our opportunities, it makes me reflect on how I view my own. He suggests we have the courage to chase God-sized dreams, and respond with action as we seek God’s will in our lives. Reminds me of John Burke in Soul Revolution talking about how we’ll never know, if we don’t GO. love it. and I love how God gives me the ability, energy and desire to keep going, striving, and having an experience rich life so I can better know who I am in Him. One thing I mention a lot to my YL group is how conforming in this world feels good for a moment, but it’s not where we ought to be necessarily and how many times feeling greatly at odds with how the world is and its messages, is actually when you’re on the right track. I thought Mark Batterson said it so much better though! He said… “The courage to swim against the current will get you where God wants you to go.” I think it’s great to think about what that current entails, and see it when it pulls us in. great book and I’m only on Chapter 2. If you’re interested you can check it out too. it’s a title you can’t possibly forget. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy...
by jeannie | Jan 11, 2009 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
As I’ve thought long about where I am in life, and try to see and soak in the world around me, I’m taken with the vast messages that cause me to find so much adoration in the human spirit. And so thankful for the God that gives us that ability to love, to smile, to be…human. Human alone is quite something, but with Him, all things are possible; all experiences can be rich, and I know this is true. As I enjoyed my lunch with Libby on Friday, thinking and talking to her about her class, and associated social issues that come up from time to time in 1st grade, I found another opportunity to laugh, see deep inside her heart and mind, and enjoy the amazing smiles and insight this little 7-year old brings to the table. As we sat, and talked, a friend whose father is severely impacted by LG disease sat with us. He was in a wheelchair, couldn’t lift his hands, and yet his amazing spirit and outpouring gratitude of being there in that moment with his daughter just practically spilled out on the table. I engaged, talked with them, and Libby too.We enjoyed the lunch and talked of favorite movies, foods we liked, and their teachers, but what hit me hardest was just the way she lit up, with her father there, the way the nurse that helped him eat was so gentle, and gracious, and nurturing, and how this is their “normal”. The way I saw how they could literally live the sweetness of life out and enjoy it, and be bold,...
by jeannie | Dec 11, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
Last night, we celebrated our middle school bible study’s last gathering for 2008. Dinner, Slideshow and Karaoke. I received an amazing card from the girls and I appreciated so much that they could describe the impact our group has had on them. If only I could explain the amazing impact it’s had on me and my faith. I’ve grown so much, and realize how more than ever how different life can be when you’re following God’s lead. I am amazed at how God is at work in our life and how he always shows up when you ask him to. I’m grateful for that more than anything else. Click here to watch the slideshow OR Here’s a link to the slide show for 2008 Core for download: ...
by jeannie | Dec 9, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
Amazing weekend overall, but a highlight was Friday night when my group came over to spend the night as we wind down our Fall Semester. It was a great time in God’s word, made complete with full on dancing, ninja jumping, temporary tatoos galore, as well as Tshirt and Canvas painting! We ended the night with the entire den covered with 8th grade girls in sleeping bags drifting off to sleep to a movie. Some girls don’t drift off to sleep, but rather go full throttle until they collapse! An amazing night. Here’s the link to flickr photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28347066@N04/sets/72157610845280099/ Our Christmas party is Wednesday! Karaoke...
by jimmy | Nov 26, 2008 | buildingaboat, missions, Uncategorized |
Many of you read the posts from my mission trip to Matamoras and thank you for the kind words. Below is a link to a video I did showing some of the great photos we took on the trip. Hope you enjoy. Http://www.hamptonranch.com/mexico.wmv...
by jeannie | Nov 25, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
Here’s some pictures of a mission day where we took our middle school groups, went into a St. John’s area and enjoyed the kids there, and families. As my good friend Josephine informed me, many of these people are illegals, and as they need repairs or help in any way, many times they are taken advantage of for the simple reason that they can’t report it. We met up across the street at the Brents, prayed together and headed out with loaded cars. As we arrived, and began setting up, sidewalk chalk art, hopscotch, games of football, etc. were already beginning. We cooked burgers, picked up and fixed up the playscape, hung some swings, added some sand to the sandbox, painted faces, played kickball, and just enjoyed the day so much. More than anything, the smiles and affection the kids of that neighborhood received, and watching them enjoy a day of pure fun was a privilege to be part of. We were all blessed that day and I loved watching my middle school group, my husband, my children, my new friends, all give so much of themselves for no other reason than they wanted to be there to love on those people. And I just don’t have the words for how lovable they are. Here’s the link to the full set of pictures on Flickr. ...
