Merrily Happily New Christmas Year..

My brain is full and there is so much to say. I have had a crazy blast this last month. It began with The Shoe Drive with the Sophomore kids at the beginning of December and then the Christmas Concert/Production Mid-December. It was amazing. I love singing for the Lord and because of our guest performers I now want to be a dancer or a drummer.
I have had all sorts of feelings during this month. It has been 2 years since I got married and 1 year since my marriage was annulled. I was dating a great guy for 6 months that didn't work out but I did realize because of him, that I do deserve to be treated like a queen. Also, no matter what, I would like for someone to be able to take care of me and himself and make me and us a priority.

2009 was a good year for me. I am not who I was when the year started and I know myself so much better too. I am somewhat selfish, I have a short temper at times and I can be very picky and kind of a snob. However, I do know how to help others. I love my family and friends so much. My sister is such a giving person and she would give anyone anything she had. She and I have continued to have so much fun as roommates. I pray that when God brings our husbands we will live near each other. My dad is a fun crazy mess and we have grown to love him even more. He is the most generous man in the world and knows that all that he has isn't or wasn't his in the 1st place. He knows all he has belongs to the Lord and gives it all away. I have some amazing friends and 5 of them will have/or have had babies this year. I love being Auntie Jen.

This next year I am going to focus even more on Jesus and what He wants me to do. There are some good and bad things I need to leave behind and press on toward the goal, the prize, The High Calling of Christ Jesus.
I am ready for 2010. My 20 year reunion is this year and I know God has some AWESOME God things planned for this year. Pray for me, I will be praying for you!

Yeah...I got nothin'... Just some random thoughts

Life is way different when you see it on a 50" plasma compared to a 27" CRT. Happy Christmas to us from Dad. Since we already have our present we put up our tree and will just enjoy the lights and music and a ton of movies.

I was kinda saddened the other day by the way some grown-ups acted. They were mean to my friend and they were not acting like believers. Unfortunately this hasn't come to a head yet and it will get worse before it gets better. I hope that what needs to be said is done so in a way that God alone is glorified.

I have said this before I have very vivid dreams and I have had several dream where I was a mom of more that one kiddo. So exciting. Just makes me want to pray even harder and more fervently for God to send the right man.

I like the group "Straight No Chaser."

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR.

Peace.

I am again out of words. The children have taken them all. I shall rest for the week and perhaps they will return by Friday. Happy Thanksgiving!

No Day Like Today...

I love that song at the end of RENT. As a musician wanna be, I love the harmonies and the way they weave in and out of the melodic line.

I haven't written in a long time because there is nothing to really write about. However, I have found myself in a slight quandary recently. I love my job but I want a change. The problem is I am not sure what, where, when... I have been challenged to do more in my classroom and with my students and that is good because for there was a time when I didn't want to.

I broke things off with my friend from Memphis. I am sad it didn't work out. We will attempt to still be friends but we all know how that usually plays out. I am single again and for the record I do not want to be set up. The last 3 times haven't worked. ( Sara, he was great, it just didn't work) God is in control. So glad
I can let the creator of the universe, My Elohim, be in charge of my life.

I watch a lot of TV on Saturdays thanks to my DVR. My current faves are THE OFFICE, FLASHFORWARD and Parks and Recreation.

a new dawn, a new day « Life with Heather

a new dawn, a new day « Life with Heather

My 2 favorite humans in this WORLD!! The other is with Jesus.

Jesus...

The question of the day was "Who is Jesus?" It it unbelievable and sad how many people do NOT acknowledge Him at all much less as GOD. And here's the thing, it is not a "baptist" thing. Jesus is GOD. He is the Cause of all Creation, and all things were created by Him and for HIM. Now, when I think about that, I am forced to decide if Jesus is prominent in my life or if He is Preeminent. There is a difference and I have to choose. Does He have 1st place in my life? Is he 1st above my hobbies? my job? or family? what about friends? in my relationship? in my money? Would I choose Him if it came with pain? Or would I choose the easy way? What will you do with Jesus? Is He above ALL?

Whew!!

First week of school DONE!!!! I have used all of my words for the week b/c of the kids so maybe in a week or so I can write again. 1st graders sure do make you tired.

Also, my trainer is slowly trying to kill me. Good thing I am getting stronger so I can fight them back...one day.

BTS

If you know Heather and I we love to give everything initials. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory is CCF, our dogs are D and S, our parents were M&D, HTH was something we called each other in college thanks to our friend Kristi and so on. Well BTS is Back to School and I am not RTG ( ready to go). I love summer and this has been a great one. Probably the best one I have had in about 4 years!!! Oh well PTL for a job where I can take JJ&A (June, July and August, okay, not the entire 3 months but you get the point) off for myself.

The Reason

I was reminded today during our sermon this evening at church the reason my blog is called
"All Sufficient (can never spell that without help) Grace." January 13, 2008 I was visiting a Sunday school class for the 1st time in years. God led me there to teach me a lesson.
Cindy, the Sunday school teacher/ life group leader, was in the book of Corinthians for the lesson. Then she read these verses in II Corinthians 12. "7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. "
God moved my heart. I had no idea what was to take place in the next 6 months of my life but GOD did. He knew that I would need to find Him in everything I did. That I would need grace to make it each day. That He would not remove the "thorn" in my flesh. He knew that he would use my life for His glory even though I have no idea how. Therefore the blog was named ALL SUFFICIENT GRACE.
I underlined that verse in my bible and wrote the date because it so moved my heart and now a year and half later I saw that verse again. I have seen that verse since then but, today, I saw that verse. (insert Beth Moore emphasis and accent). I have come so far from where I was and yet I am so far from where I need to be. His Grace has been and continues to be sufficient. His GRACE amazes me. His GRACE is enough for me. He is THE reason I get up every day and sleep through the night. MY ALL SUFFICIENT GRACE!!!

Palin is resigning.

I still kinda like Sarah Palin. She is a fireball and so am I ( secretly). My sister is a fireball and I love her, Maybe Heather should go into politics. That is all I know of politics, my guy follows politics closely. Hope he isn't too disappointed in my lack of interest.

Fuertaventura, Memphis, The "Willis" Tower , Life with Heather and Apollo 11

So, is a mission trip to paradise really a mission trip? What if you really aren't allowed to share about Jesus? Well...that is what my trip was like as a misionario to Fuertaventura, Islas Canarias, España. We had so much fun and were able to see God's beautiful amazing creation. I met some people that love the Lord and it was so great to serve along side them. The children there were also so cute. They were very well behaved and although they were not in any way interested in the Lord it was neat to see children that loved music and were willing to "perform" the Life School Musical for the Americans and their own parents.

40 years ago today Apollo 11 landed on the moon. I wasn't around then but remember seeing stories and hearing about all that it meant for mankind. It is a huge, small world that we live in. That was evident in Fuertaventura as well.
Did you know you could see the Big Dipper at night from there as well as the sand from the Sahara during the day? AMAZING.

The Willis tower was unveiled yesterday. I am not sure I will ever call it that b/c my mom used to work across the street from it when it was the Sears tower and that was a huge deal then. Anyway, I guess I am just wondering how you change the name of a landmark. I guess just like Enron field went to Minute Maid and the Summit went to the Compaq center to Lakewood. Wonder if I can change something to the Jennifer Sanders center.

My sister has a new blog callled LifewithHeather.com. She is so smart and learning so much. God has brought her through so much...Maybe she will have a Heather Sanders Center one day. She is fully capable of running something for smart people or people that desire to be smart....

Lastly, Memphis!!! We are still going strong even though we are taking things slow. :-) :-) :-)

Memphis

Long distance dating is killing me. Colin and I live 10.5 hours away from each other by car and about 2 by plane. This is something that I never thought would happen. Colin is an amazing man. We are taking things slow but I really like him. :-) So, if you see me ask. God is a God of restoration. I am proof and Colin is an answer to prayer. Thank you Sara.

One year has passed...

http://lifewithheather.com/2009/06/23/an-open-letter-2/

Update

It baffles me how sometimes technology can baffle me.
OK, so, I have begun to work out a bit more regularly, I am down 2.2 lbs this week.
I am going to the Canary Islands for a mission trip in a few weeks thanks to some generous people at church. I pray that God blesses them for blessing me.
My new friend is coming here from Memphis this week. I am so excited and scared at the same time. I just pray we have a great time while he is here. He is staying with some friends of mine so they can get to know him as well and he won't have stay with my dad. :-) That is all for now.

Oh yeah, I really like the Real Housewives of New Jersey. I just pray that some of them realize life isn't about them.

aaaannd done.

I am finished with school. Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.

Let me sum up.

I haven't written in a long time. I have been busy. I love being busy except when it bites you in the butt. I have been sick quite a few times this school year so I think this summer I will....ok I will stay busy because I cannot stand doing nothing.
I have a sweet friend in Turkey that has introduced me to someone that has blessed my life. I am not ready to share that story quite yet because I need to talk to Sara first but know God has begun a huge restoration.

I am ready for school to be over. I have been sick quite a few times this year, I have no idea why. I love the sweet kids even the crazy one but I am ready for a break.
I plan to continue to use the blog as my accountabilty in Weight Watchers and exercise. So that will be part of my summer routine.. Not much else to share but I will post more often. I also am going to try new recipes. I am a novice to this but will do my best.

4 days till summer break!!

Momma's Day!!!

This one has been a hard one for some reason. I guess my life has changed in the last year drastically and I guess that is just a part of life, it is always changing. But, today as I went to see my mom's grave I was thinking of some of the things she taught me.
1. Never tell your dad to "Shut up"
2. Always go to weddings
3. Always go to funerals
4. Don't talk about someone with someone other than your mother.
5. There are people that will be nice/nasties.
6. Watch out for said people.
7. Always do your best
8. Keep your house clean. ( still trying to do that all of the time)
9. Laugh often
10. Serve others
11. Stand by your man
12. Never talk about your husband to your children...just your sister.
13. I will not know what tired is until I have kids.
14. Set the table correctly
15. Sing with your mouth open
16. Be your kids biggest Cheerleader
17. Leave work at work.
18. Be a woman of excellence and elegance
19. Be nice to your sister. She is all you have.
20. Take a shower daily.
21. Family is important
22. Hate the sin, not the sinner
23. Save money
24. Pay your bills
25. Buy nice things (on sale)

There are so many comments that I could leave beside each one because there IS a story there. But, that is between she and I. I love my mom so much and miss her like crazy. If you still have your mom...do NOT complain about her. If you don't...I know kinda how you feel. This is my dad 1st Mother's day with out his Mom and this is some of my friends 1st Mother's day as a mom. Life is funny and "Sucky" all at the same time. Good and Bad.
Mom, Your legacy Lives on Forever!!! Thanks.

Whew!!

So much going on. I wanted to update on the Easter Dinner. The Brisket was divine. We are making it again for my dad because he was recovering from a bout with food poisoning on Easter and only ate a bite. His wife is out of town for a while and we will cook for him a few times. I am going to be 37 in a few days....SCARY!!!! I will update more later. Hold on here we go. The end of the year is close.

Chef Jen

Chef Jen strikes again. Heather and I are preparing for Easter Sunday dinner at our place. For Easter we are having BRISKET, BABY , mashed potatoes, cabbage, fresh green beans, Tortellini Salad and my mom's Old Fashioned Cream Pie. All of which smell delicious in the pre preparation. I will post how everything turns out.

On another note, I am have been thinking about the sacrifice that Christ made for me. I am in awe of Who He is and how much He loves me. I am Amazed at His love for me. Thank you Jesus. I love you for loving me, for dying for my sin and raising to life so I can have eternal life.

My Sister.

Seriously...here is the story. Please Pray. She is sad. I am sad for her. What do I do? No advice needed just venting.

God's Plan

I went with Heather to the doctor today. The news is not too good and I am wondering what God's plan is. I wish my mom was here. We are not sure what God's plan is but we know He is in charge. So many times I ask "Why?" That is, clearly, not mine to know. I pray that I do not get caught up in the crazy unnecessary stuff that surrounds me. For now I want to be the best sister I can be and encourage her as much as I can. I also ask that if you pray...please pray for her. For peace and guidance also "normalcy" we haven't had that for quite sometime and we need it. Or maybe... this is normal. Tests and trials. " Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 Thank you Lord for reminding me of that truth. I will keep you posted. We should know more test results this week.

My 100 Things "Bucket List"

I've seen this on some blogs and thought I'd make my own list as well! Everything in BOLD are things I've done. Feel free to copy this list to your blog and do the same.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagra Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Been to the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the paper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved someone's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Some of these I actually plan to do, some I have no interest in. Since I borrowed this from a good friend (Thanks Carole!) I may post my own list and post it closer to my 3???th birthday. :-)

Thankful for Spring Break

I am on my 15th spring break since I graduated from college. There are many days when I am so thankful that I chose to be a teacher. For instance when my kids read for the 1st time, when they need a hug and they just rest in my arms, and when they are so "valentimey" that they just can't stand it. But, today was also a day when I am so thankful for being a teacher. Only a few more weeks to mold their minds, to pray for them during our moment of silence and to cheer them on when they need it. I will cherish these next few weeks but I am going to really enjoy this week.

I went to lunch with an old friend/co-worker of mine today and we had a great talk. She is going through a very rough time in her life and I was able to help her because of what I went through. God continues to allow me to encourage people even though I went through a terrible time. He is so Amazing that way. Man, I serve a MIGHTY GOD.

Spring Break

I am so ready for spring break I can hardly stand it. I am gonna hang out with friends since I hate being alone but I plan on some great coffee, sleepin in and a bit of shopping. I have a ton to say just no energy to say it. I am good though. Weight loss 12 lbs. Woo Hoo!!!

Chef Jen

Sometimes I get an idea and I like to try it. This week was the week for cooking. I am in my 2nd, 3rd week of weight watchers. I have lost 7.8 lbs so far so I am very encouraged that means that when I eat this will not just be to loose weight but to make it a change in lifestyle. I do not usually compare myself to people on TV but there was the cutest lady on a commercial the other day and I thought...hmm I used to be that thin. Now, mind you I was also training for the marathon then but whatev... Anyway, so this week I made stir fry chicken. I just ate that with some greens and was surprisingly satisfied. I am trying some Garlic Lime Chicken tonight. I am very excited cause I love those flavors together. I will keep you posted on how it goes.
I am almost ready to share my story in all of it's glory but the thought of it wears me out so I will wait a while longer. I am so thankful for the people that just prayed for me. I am ready for a summer to relax and a spring break to not worry. God is so good.

Prayer for Mercy

Today my friend is waiting for her sister to die while another friend is waiting to see if her baby will live. It is a tough life for believers. But we know that God will use everything for His good. He will bring glory to Himself in all situations.

Funny Kids

I have a class full of sweet kids. Today, however one of the kids ( 6 years old) broke up with his girlfriend because he didn't want to have kids. He apparently had seen some videos and it scared him. Now, as far as videos...I am not sure what a kid is looking at that makes him not want to be a dad. :-)

Also, I had a kid want to miss his special classes today to do research. He has 6 states that he wants to learn about and made me go to the library during specials to check out some books. The internet is not enough?

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year

A year of new beginnings. I am starting this new blog address as I start a new chapter in my life. It has been a ride so join me as I chronicle Jen's Journey.

16 things about me

Saturday, December 20, 2008

1. I love chocolate chip cookies
2. I live with my sister and we get along better than we did as kids.
3. I love my 1st graders but am not sure this is the end of my calling.
4. My favorite show is Designing Women
5. I have very vivid dreams
6. I was in a beauty pageant at OBU.
7. I think cooking is therapeutic
8. My dog Sophie has out lived 3 dogs, my mom and 2 grandma's.
9. I was married for 341 days thanks to leap year.
10. I like brussel sprouts.
11. I am still a Phelps Phan!!
12. I never went to a homecoming dance in high school.
13. My dream car is a Mercedes Benz S500
14. I watch Tom and Jerry, Cosby Show, or Fresh Prince before bed most nights
15. Romans is my Favorite book.
16. I want to fall in love for real but am not ready yet and don't know if I will ever be.

My Cup Runneth Over!!

Yesterday was one of the best Christmas' I have had in several years. I was able to spend time with my family and I was renewed. My sister and I cooked breakfast and fed nine people Christmas morning. We made our famous Sleepin' in Omlette, banana bread and other "fun stuff." It was a time where we were just able to be a family. This time last year I was, unknowingly, beginning a tough time in my life. Praise God it is over now and He has begun to restore my soul. I plan to write more when the time is right but now I am just so thankful as I realize that my desire is to Delight myself in the Lord and HE will give the desires of my heart. Psalm 37:4

Posted by Jennifer at 9:53 PM 0 comments