Coffee Break

Dinners and after parties were abound over the quick week in Las Vegas. What was amazing to me was how excited everyone was to see each other. Now, as I have said before, most of us thought we'd never see each other again, so the excitement was not contained! My dear friend, Larry, and I hung out much of the day on Friday taking care of last minute reunion details, such as paying for the events. Not me...Larry!! He was the "Man of the Hour" or event as it were! Taking care of all the dinner plans and scoping out the spots was a lot of fun. Once we finished up in the nice "air pumped/air conditioned" casino's we headed outdoors to a Carnival to hang out with some other OkiBrats! What a blast from the past as we sat back and listened to the WHIPITS(the Band of the Day)! They were a '80s tribute band that had a crazy show and great "classic" songs! I was quickly reminded of the Peaceful Love concerts in Okinawa! We had a terrific time! ...

Casting Crowns’ Frontman Mark Hall to Release Book In September - New Release Tuesday - Music News Powered by CMSpin.com ~Peace & Blessings~Jen

Our trip to Las Vegas was very routine. I have not flown in 6 years so any new changes that TSA has implemented were beyond me! 3oz of liquid in a clear zip lock bag that must be quart size...LOL...is that really going to stop someone? Shoes off and then proceed to get scanned (which I prefer over the physical "body search"). Now what gets me is that people in front of me still did not "follow directions"! I felt like asking them if they were still in elementary school...being taught how to follow directions. As a parent I expect my children to follow directions; so be default I expect adults to do the same and not hold up the progression of getting through security! Once we arrive to our destination I was so excited! So close to seeing friends from Okinawa! So here it is...my birthday! My 39th birthday as a matter of fact and I am going to celebrate it in Vegas...not even a dream come true...just very fortunate for the timing of it all! As Mike and I met up with...

What a great trip to Las Vegas, NV. Now I am going to preface this by saying that I am not a gambler and I do not enjoy super huge crowds of people. I came to Vegas to see friends from Okinawa, Japan that I have not seen in 20 years! Now a reunion may be “normal” for most people, but if you are a DoDDS student or military brat that is not the case. I remember when I graduated high school I really thought that I’d never see any of my classmates again. Oh, it wouldn’t be from lack of trying, but the truth of the matter is, technology was land line phones, TTY, and phone cards…unless you wanted to write a letter. So I really thought that I would never see the majority of my classmates and friends again. I graduated in 1990 and I don’t even think the internet was known to the world. I know for a fact there were no cell phones (unless you count those HUGE satalite phones that people carried around to “look cool”). Thanks to the internet, facebook, and email, many of us “Okibrats” hav...

This was sent by a dear friend of mine and I just love it! Enjoy this perspective in life and then...go eat a piece of chocolate! Some "perspectives" are worth sharing! A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'..... she fooled them all... "How heavy is this glass of water?", she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz. She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is...

That today is the first day of summer. I find this to be to my amusement since it's been "summer" at my house since May 27 ! My calendar also says that it's 2 days before my birthday and 1 day before I get on a plane and fly to Las Vegas to see my friends from Okinawa! My "official" holiday begins after my BNI meeting today. The kids are also going to get a bit of a holiday, but I can't share that with you yet...because if my oldest decides to read this...it'll ruin the surprise. I plan on posting many a pictures and doing my best to tweet and leave posts on facebook...I may even blog once or twice while I'm there...who knows. I may be too busy catching up to even bother with a blog. So I'm already packed, my lists are made...so we don't forget anything that is needed. An itinerary is in place...but not set in stone. Mike thinks I'm going to "plan" our vacation to death...I had to remind him that this is my vacation...

Have all been a part of this week! Did I mention surgery, gourmet ice cream and put-put? Well yeah...that has all been this week too. Monday was the beginning of camp. T-Man left for Children's Camp in the " Wee Hours of the Morn " and Nichole and Lil'Man began Sports Camp with a local sports ministry called CIA Sports Club (www.ciasportsclub.net ). At first Lil'Man did NOT want to go...as a matter of fact he became a master of fake tears. But when I picked them up and asked how it was the response was, "AWESOME!!!!". So it was a good week for camp. Tuesday was all about "THE GIRL". As you may recall this past December she slammed her face into a flat black pole in the dark in front of the dance studio. Well on Tuesday she had a laser procedure done on the scar. She may have to have one more, but we'll see in about 4 weeks. After we were done we went out for some gourmet ice cream. It was very delicious! If you are ever on St. Simons...

To read Jeremy Camp's post about his new book , "I Still Believe", visit jeremycamp.com I Still Believe Discovering hope and healing in the midst of life’s deepest valleys? How will we respond amidst life’s hardest trials? How in the passing of a loved one do we turn our earthly sorrow into heavenly hope? How, when we have no strength to face another day, do we truly lean on the Lord, trust in the power of His word and see that all of His plans towards us are for our good? Award-winning singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp wrestled with these questions and others from the depths of anguish and encountered a solace that has carried him far beyond easy answers. The testimony of Jeremy and his wife Melissa has touched and inspired thousands. by Jeremy Camp and Phil Newman ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

It has taken me 2 days to read through Ezekiel 3 . I'm still not sure if I really understand everything that I read. I love how Ezekiel sits in glory for 7 days. What a glimpse of eternity! I'm not so sure about the scroll...why did God have Ezekiel eat the scroll, as in devour? Is this a metaphor? Does that mean that Ezekiel was to read it until it was memorized, or does this mean that he literally ate the scroll, the Words of God? Now, as God is giving instruction to Ezekiel on what he is to do and what God is going to allow and what He is going to need to be done, I wonder what Ezekiel was thinking. To know that I am thickheaded and stubborn has always seemed to be a bad thing until I read this passage. Ezekiel is "hard headed" and God uses this as an attribute, not as a hindrance. But again, God tells Ezekiel that His people's hard head is part of the problem. I take this to mean that it's not how God created you, but how you use it. So here we are...

Superchic[k]'s front woman Tricia Brock has a new album out today called "The Road". Produced by her husband Nick Baumhardt (Stellar Kart, FM Static, Thousand Foot Krutch). The Road is a refreshing new take on what we’ve grown to expect when we hear Tricia sing. This project is a collection of songs meant to breathe hope and to inspire new life into a battling heart. The Road features new versions of the popular songs “Always” and “Jesus I Am Resting, Resting,”. Rebecca St. James is back with her new album "Back 2 Back Hits". The best of Rebecca St. James' Worship God and If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something on 1 CD - all the radio hits and fan favorites in one place ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

I have made a decision to read one of the books of the prophets. I am starting with Ezekiel. Now I must be truly honest here and tell you that I have never read any of the books of the prophets. I have read a verse or a part of a chapter, but never before with intention of understanding have I intentionally tried to read a prophetic book from the Bible. As I have begun with Ezekiel 1 I was taken back by the detail description of the Four Figures. I would be in as much awe as Ezekiel was if not more if I were to see such a vision! I am still trying to wrap my mind around all the details. Four figures, multiple wings, lightning, fire, many faces...as I was reading this my mind went to a scene in Harry Potter. Ezekiel 2 was surprisingly short. This is where the Figures speak to Ezekiel. This is where Ezekiel receives his marching orders. This makes me wonder...if God were to come to me in such a way, first of all...would I recognize Him as who He is and second of all would I be a...

full steam ahead for the weekend. I'm tired and it has not even begun yet ;-) So what is on the agenda you ask? Well as I am wrapping up my morning on 90.7 Way Radio's Bart & Jen in the Morning , I have already prepped and sent invoices and prepared for Sunday's show! Now I just have to enjoy the rest of my air shift and then post a few envelopes. All in all, I'd say a productive and fun morning! When I get home today it will be time to pack bags! Not for me though...for the kids. They are all getting ready for different activities. "T", my older son is preparing for his first camping trip without his older sister or younger brother. I know that he is excited, but I have to say...I'm a bit nervous. I know that I shouldn't be. I remember that my daughter went on her first long trip at age 10. Sissy is spending the weekend with G-Ma. They are going to be working on their jewelry. She really loves making necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. She...

Brand new band...brand new song called "Hold Me Together" on 90.7 WAY Radio. I really like the song, it's very catchy and current. The sound is a mix between Cold Play and Dave Matthews. Listen to it and let me know what you think. Black & White by Royal Tailor | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

and trying to have a new attitude! I have to say that I'm so thankful that last week is over and in the past, however... it was not nearly as overwhelming as I was anticipating. I guess you could say that this is a lesson learned. Anxiety is a tricky feeling and I prefer to not let it get the better of me. I was reminded about half way through last Thursday of this Bible Verse... MATTHEW 11:28-30 , “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” I remember that after I had posted my last blog that I had to intentionally give my fear and anxiety to the Lord. I have to tell you though that this is much easier said than done, but I do remember having a quiet peace after I turned it all over and said, "OK...this is all on YOU, Jesus. I can't do this day without you." And I have to...