The importance of being grateful

Many times throughout my life I've been told to be grateful for whatever I have.  To appreciate the moment or people around you that you are with.  For too long I've taken people, experiences, and I guess life for granted.  I've not been fully appreciative of the moment and therefore, have missed out on some of the joys of being present.  I think about trips I've been on or times out with friends where I am not present because I dread it ending instead of living in and enjoying the present.  Oh how I wish I could go back, but with this type of revelation comes the knowledge that the journey continues as I learn & I can make conscious changes to be present..

For the past couple of years I've tried to listen to the Holy Spirit's direction on what word he would want me to live by for the year.  This year the word(s) "be present" are what I've tried to live by.  To be honest...I haven't done a great job.  I'm sure my friends can attest to the fact that I haven't been the best active listener or made the most effort to actually be present.  Knowing this about myself, I've definitely tried to be present.  To be all in for whatever event or person that I am spending time with.  I feel like the more grateful I am for what I'm doing or who I'm with, the more present I will be or want to be.

I'm certainly not saying I have this all figured out, but it is something else new that I have discovered about myself these past couple of months.  Take moments today to be grateful.  Whether you are grateful for your health, a moment, spending time with friends or family, or anything else that makes your heart smile.  Be present in all the moments.  You will quickly see how much you have to be grateful for.  Things I'm grateful for: yummy food :), roof over my head, friends that love me, family that supports me from far away, daisies, sun, blue skies, my best friends and so much more.  What about you?  What are you grateful for?

~Jenga

Trust without borders

In a post not too long ago I mentioned how I connect through worship.  It literally has become my heart's cry to know Jesus more through worship.  One of my favorite songs is Oceans by Hillsong United.  You may be familiar with it.  I first heard it at a Hillsong concert in Portland last year that I went to with my good friend, KaoXu.  When I went, I had no idea what to expect because I had never been to one of their concerts, but I was familiar with Compassion International and so KaoXu was going to volunteer to pass out packets, so I decided to volunteer as well.  Little did I know that I would be so deeply moved by a song.  Here are just a couple lines from the song:

So I will call upon Your name

And Keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

When I heard this song, I just literally felt a moving in my soul and heart that knew I would never be the same because of what the Lord would do through this song in my life.  Little did I know that just a couple months later the Lord would call me to trust Him in a way I'd never done before, to let my soul...my whole being...rest in HIS embrace.  There are not enough words to express and explain what that has felt like.  I pray that as Jesus continues to restore my soul & put the pieces back together that I won't forget to trust Him without borders and to know that He loves this sinner.  I'm sure that everyone has heard this song by now, but just in case you haven't or want to hear it again I've put it below.  If you do watch/listen to it, hear the Savior's call for you to trust Him, to hold His hand and know that he will hold you and guide you on this crazy journey we are all walking with Him.

~Jenga

A little about me...

I want to use this post to tell you a little about me :)  My name is Jennifer and I was born, raised and now live in Atlanta, Georgia.  I grew up a relatively normal child with two parents, a sister and a brother.  At the age of 19 my parents got a divorce and it caused me to question so much about my life.  During this hard time and even before, I can now look back and see God's hand at work in my life through my circumstances and my friends.  The Lord knew who I would need to help me through this very difficult time. 

About a year and a half after my parents got a divorce, I realized my utter and desperate need for a Savior and He drew me to himself on January 16, 1999 I surrendered my life.  Since that time I've contined to have challenges, but I know that He has always been right by my side.  I now live in a suburb of Atlanta and work in the area too.  I love soccer, the smell of fresh cut grass, seeing my family, spending time with my friends (near and far), chocolate...especially dark chocolate, beaches, mountains, and really anything outdoors. I definitely do not understand everything, but am glad to follow the one who does. 

Do you have any questions for me?  Anything you want to know about me??  Feel free to ask and I will answer!  Since I'm just starting this adventure, I'm sure that I am missing something :)

~Jennifer