Coffee Break

Amongst the Facebook posts and the Twitter tweets, you'd think I'd be all out of words! Not really...I have found solace in expressing life through my words. I often believe that too many people hold way too much in, and often do not speak enough. Besides, I know if I don't keep a journal, I will forget, and there's just too many good things in life to remember. You know what is really cool (and I learned this not too long ago)...Kings kept a daily record of what went on in their life and they would often ask for a reference from the historian so they could recall an event or person at any given time. I thought that was cool. This week has had its moments of sheer happiness and of course it has had moments of doubts and frustrations. At home it's been full tilt as Mike has been working on a side job and catering. Work at work is still pretty slow. And he has still been having trouble sleeping so he's been very tired. That in itself is a whole other blog. So le...

Two weeks ago I began to really look at what it means to be prepared. God has really spoken to me about getting prepared, being ready and what it all really means. So last week I looked at Who prepares and today we are going to look at When. So when do we prepare? I suppose that is a very valid question. It seems like the days are filled with distractions. There's family and work that can take us off course of being prepared, but there are bigger distractions that I want to look at today. I want to look at the what we do to avoid God and avoid preparation. There's everything from video games, to Facebook (yes...I went there). There's the television, and of course our own selfish desires that take us away from God and His love. When we allow the distractions to take over, we are no longer preparing for what God has for us. God really does have our best interests in mind and at heart. So why do we allow these temporary trappings take us away from Him, the One who LOVES us mo...

Yes it is another Tuesday. I just love Tuesdays. Tuesdays is a day to celebrate...new music! I have 4 albums that I am going to share with you today, but you can get a full list of new releases at http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/new_release.php Switchfoot's much anticipated new album is now available for your listening pleasure! The soulful pop sound of siren, Heather Williams is out today for you to enjoy. Looking to strike a change in your music library? Check out Rush of Fools and their latest songs. Back and better than ever, Rachael Lampa is just as singing better than ever. ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

So much music is out this week and I am excited to share with you all of it! So let's get started... Needtobreathe's highly anticipated album, The Reckoning is the follow-up to the band's acclaimed album The Outsiders, which debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Top 200. Mike Weaver and band mates aka Big Daddy Weave have hit another home run with The Ultimate Collection , a 15-song set featuring the band’s biggest radio hits and fan favorites, plus their brand-new single “Love Come To Life”. I am looking forward to adding Matt Mahr's latest, The Love In Between , to my collection! Matt Maher's third studio project demonstrates the evolution of an inspired artist. This Canadian, and CCLI mainstay, is well known for moving worship anthems including, "Your Grace Is Enough," "As It Is In Heaven," "Hold Us Together". Jamie Grace is a firecracker and to have her energy focused on sharing God's love to everyone with h...

Last week I began discussing what it means to "Be Prepared" and what is it that we are really preparing ourselves for. I had to prepare for this next segment because I was not sure which way to take you. So do we discuss the Who, When, Where, Why, or What . As you see I am going back to basics with the 5 "W's" of journalism. I think over the next 5 posts we should hit on each one of the W's. That means we are looking at the "Who" (and I don't mean the band!). Who actually prepares and who are we preparing ourselves for? These are two very important questions to ask ourselves. If we do not truly believe that others take the time prepare, then why should we, ourselves prepare. As I looked at this I really began to wonder about this and I came up with only one answer. EVERYONE actually prepares. Think about it. When you get up in the morning, what is the first thing you do? Get up, go in and get cleaned up, brush your teeth, make your bed (so...

ESPN Teams Up With Switchfoot Sat. Night Premiering Songs From New Album - New Release Tuesday - Music News Powered by CMSpin.com ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Last night as I was finally settling for bed (late night), I was wrestling with a thought that would not let go. It was one word... Preparation . God was revealing to me what so many of us struggle with, being prepared. As I tried to doze myself to sleep I had probably 20 different thoughts on preparation, so I want to get these thoughts on paper and IF I can stay true to form, I will touch on these points over the next couple of blogs. What do we prepare for? Well let's think about this...we prepare for marriage , for children , for school , for graduation , for vacation , for retirement and possibly for a rainy day . As an "On Air" Personality and Public Speaker, I have to be prepared before I speak (we should all do that though, shouldn't we!). What about salvation? Do you prepare for your salvation? I want to dig into this idea of preparing and being prepared so if you would indulge me, I'd greatly appreciate it. My thoughts on preparation are...

I know I'm a couple of days late. I'm sorry for that. If you follow me on twitter or facebook, then you know that I have been out for a couple of days due to illness. And like you, when I'm sick, I don't want to do anything! So please forgive my lateness and enjoy the couple of selections that I have chosen. First is Matt Hammitt's solo project. Matt is the lead singer of Sanctus Real . His son, Bowen, has just celebrated his 1st birthday and if you are not familiar with Bowen's story, can I encourage you to log onto bowensheart.com ! So check out the latest from Matt, Every Falling Tear Now for my second choice to add to your collection. That is none other than Jason Gray with his latest, A Way to See in the Dark . Jason is a very creative story teller who shares his faith and life through his unique style of music. I hope that you enjoy this project as much as I do. ~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Happy Birthday Bowen! Sanctus Real | Matt Hammitt's Son, Bowen, Turns One, Inspires Sanctus Real Lead Singer's First Solo Album | TodaysChristianMusic.com ~Peace & Blessings~Jen

was a day that changed our lives forever. I have read a few blogs today that have reflected the thoughts and feelings about today, ten years ago, and I know that the very thought of reflection is still very real and raw for many. If you are new to my blog, and don't know much about me, let me tell you a little of who I am. I grew up as a military brat. My Dad is retired Air Force and I grew up on an always "ready alert". Not because we were always "at war", but to be honest, my Dad joined the Air Force in 1976, and we, as a nation, were just coming out of the Vietnam War. I was just a child and only really remember what I've read in history class. Growing up in the military is great, we moved all the time and I always had a sense of security. I never really thought much of the "evil" that is in the world because everyone I knew was defending good against evil. In 1988 my Dad was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Our first (and only) overseas ass...

is upon us. Really? This year has really gone by fast and I just wonder if I'm really doing all that I am called to do. There is a nagging feeling in the pit of my soul that keeps saying that there is more to life than what I am living. I know there is more and then when I read blogs about people that are making real changes in their lives, and I wonder what holds me back. Just like anyone and everyone else...I am full of excuses. Let's be real for just a moment. We do what we want to do far more often than we should. I am just as guilty as the next person. I know what I should do, and yet, as the Apostle Paul says, I do what I know I ought not to do. It takes real discipline to be a disciple of Christ and it takes real discipline to live life according to God. I am afraid that I have failed miserably and I would love to turn it around and be that person who gets it all together. I'm not sure if I will, but I'd like to try. I know that you are suppose to make "...