tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172486952024-02-19T18:40:38.825-05:00i was MADE for thisThis is a chronicle of the life of a zany woman who has found a part of what God has called her to do. I invite you to grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy the read. And...feel free to let me know that you've stopped by. I love making new friends!Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-65959574147157699122007-02-14T11:50:00.000-05:002007-02-14T11:53:12.642-05:00Change of address, part deuxHello! If you are reading this, that means that either 1. you happened upon this blog or 2. you have not yet changed your bookmark. In either case, please take a few moments to change the link to my blog to: deneenwhite.wordpress.com. <br /><br />I've transferred all of my blogs from blogger to wordpress.<br /><br />Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you around wordpress!Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-51362884245784797872007-01-28T16:35:00.000-05:002007-01-28T16:40:24.710-05:00Transition to new blogHello all!<br /><br />Just wanted to let you know that I am transitioning from blogger to wordpress. I've had technical difficulties for a week or two now on blogger, and I've decided that it is making blogging difficult.<br /><br />If you have me on your blogroll, please change the address to: <a href="http://deneenwhite.wordpress.com">http://deneenwhite.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />I'll ask you to have some patience with me. My new blog is a work in progress. I cannot move the content of this blog to my new blog because blogger beta does not allow the transfer of data...or perhaps wordpress cannot work with blogger beta. Irregardless, I'm transitioning, and will begin to update consistently on that blog rather than this blog.<br /><br />FYI--wordpress has a lot of features built into their system that currently require outside programs to be embedded into your blog.<br /><br />Any questions, ask!Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-66480199336769440472007-01-28T14:44:00.000-05:002007-01-28T14:46:18.528-05:00The Ivory Tower<div align="left">Yesterday I wrote this in response to the 20/20 special that I viewed on Camden. It is my hope and prayer that you read it and digest it.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The ivory tower to which I've resigned<br />Crumbles around me<br />Isolation so complete<br />Silence broken<br />One story<br />One face<br />One city<br />Brings me to my knees<br />Heart pierced so deeply<br />Bleeding<br />Weeping<br />Recalling the days<br />The scents, the energy<br />Hope restored to a few<br />Fuels a city<br />A church<br />A people<br />The wails of a mother haunt my mind<br />Hungry children cry<br />Desperate for One<br />One to believe, to encourage<br />The cancer of complacency<br />Killed as the tower is destroyed<br />A raw heart beats<br />Once again<br />For a beloved city<br /><br />© 2007 deneenwhite</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-73562234797357740402007-01-27T12:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:34.384-05:00Waiting on the world to change<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZeN1ZUfOysRpBsyqiqnOzk356K8hQXQ2RhcCJbLZCmPfwmpTlo9nThpLKl3SKxKnzo3ZKAg7iCN0k-hhFfLp2PH1dy-JJFNFvK96a8aGERen2vb2p6XWCbH4aqgsR1rb37uOmg/s1600-h/camden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024772663467140914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZeN1ZUfOysRpBsyqiqnOzk356K8hQXQ2RhcCJbLZCmPfwmpTlo9nThpLKl3SKxKnzo3ZKAg7iCN0k-hhFfLp2PH1dy-JJFNFvK96a8aGERen2vb2p6XWCbH4aqgsR1rb37uOmg/s200/camden.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last night 20/20 reported on the city of Camden, NJ. I didn't want to let my heart go *there,* so I decided to record it to be watched at a later time.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For those of you who do not know, the city of Camden is the poorest city in the US...and about 6 miles from my front door. It had the highest crime rate for several years. In 2006, the crime rate dropped in the city.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The last ministry in which I was involved at The River was Adopt-a-Block. It is their version of what is happening in Los Angeles at the Dream Center. I went every Saturday morning for many months into Pyne Point in North Camden. We cleaned up the streets. We developed relationships with individuals on the block to which we were assigned. Before I left the church, I stepped down from this ministry because of school and other obligations. Leaving the streets of Camden remains one of the most difficult decisions in my life. Perhaps one of my only regrets.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This morning, I watched the story. I have to give credit where credit is due. 20/20 actually objectively reported on the city, and the people of the city. I'm fairly certain that much of the story was shot in Pyne Point...the streets with which I am so familiar. As I watched the story, I smelled the bodegas frying up their food; I heard the scampering feet of the children who would run out of their houses as we arrived, looking for the doughnuts, bagels, bread that we brought with us. I saw the faces of the elderly lady that I visited so often. I remembered laughing at the guys in our group attempting to put up blinds in a house. I chuckled as I heard James tell me that I didn't have to worry in North Philly 'cause "you're a big girl, and guys don't want to mess with no big girl." </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last week as I rode the train through Camden, I teared up. I love that city so much. I love the people of that city. And you know what? I know that God will use me to make a difference in that city. I don't know how. I don't know when. But I know that I know that He will make a way.</div><br /><div></div>If you want to watch the video, you can go to http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2823563Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-51846679351727663202007-01-26T21:09:00.000-05:002007-01-26T21:23:06.119-05:00Friday recapWow. What a day. <br /><br />It amazes me how God works things out. For the past few days, I've been wrestling out my faith...I know that God is God and that His Word is Truth. I've not lost hope in the Lord. But I've lost hope in so many other things. An example is the job that had eluded me for so long.<br /><br />Today I woke up and had a thirst for the Word...specifically Romans. Yesterday God did a lot of personal heart work dealing with some really deep heart issues...it was a one on one kind of day, just my Father, my Savior, the Holy Spirit and me. Today, He followed up with a dose of the Word. Romans really challenged me...and the way that I see church, and the way that I see God. <br /><br />A passion for the lost has been reawakened in me. A passion for the simplicity of the Gospel. I love delving into the deeper things of God, but God forbid I forget the One who allows me to walk forth with boldness to the throne of God and make my requests known.<br /><br />I am so thankful that God has provided this job for me. <strong>I know that the job in Voorhees makes a lot more sense to the natural eye</strong>--the location, the potential money, the location--in terms of where God has called me to minister. But <strong>God knows my heart</strong>. He knows that as much as I love Voorhees, <strong>I feel truly alive when I walk the streets of Philadelphia.</strong> He knows that I love learning about other cultures. He knows what the growth pattern of this company is, and He knows my future. So, <strong>I thank Him</strong> for giving me the desire of my heart, which I have asked Him to do. <strong>I thank Him</strong> for giving me an opportunity to get to know the Korean culture, which is fascinating. And more than anything, <strong>I thank Him</strong> for giving me life. <strong>I thank Him</strong> for being Him.Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-45845537401367387952007-01-26T14:47:00.000-05:002007-01-26T14:55:26.757-05:00Quotable family moments in the past few days.<strong>I love my family. Seriously I do.</strong><br /><br />This morning Nick and I had a conversation about God. <br /><br />"What does He look like, Neen-Neen?" <br />"Well, Nick, I don't know. The only person whose seen God face to face is Moses." <br />"You said that God looks like all of us." <br />"You're right Nick. We all have God's fingerprint on us, so looking at people gives us an idea of what God looks like." <br />"Daddy says you're a liar. We don't all look like God." <br />"Well, Nick your daddy is wrong. The Bible says God made us in His image (I read the scripture to him)." <br />"Neen-Neen, is that book true?" <br />"Yes, Nick, it is the Truth." <br />"OK." <br /><br />So, now we all know what my brother-in-law is saying about me. Nice stuff, eh? <br /><br />I'm all sorts of excited about my job, and my response has been...well, underwhelming. <br /><br />"Wow. Good. That's the job in Voorhees, right?" -Denette, sister of the employed.<br />"Oh, mein schatz. I'm so excited. Now you can chip a little into the house and your father won't have it all on his shoulders." _Oma, grandmother of the employed.<br />"You do know that you'll have to pay city wage tax, right?" -Mother of the employed. (In mom's defense, she said this a few days ago.)<br /><br /><strong>It's a good thing that I've been buried in the book of Romans today people.</strong> Seriously.Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-52384385343214510332007-01-26T13:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:34.637-05:00i have a job<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoU1VTSulqFqDYr_LL8nOhJgcwiD0BXU7n6eP-ctwEYsITqve3jd4qN2TET7WA5mwhyhBfFEJZQ7iK4s8SKoyzdGvXZn8l1uHDzcZeALWcbrO5TLtqVCR9m7BYfnb7Qz2Uyik7A/s1600-h/smiley+face.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024413178999432994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoU1VTSulqFqDYr_LL8nOhJgcwiD0BXU7n6eP-ctwEYsITqve3jd4qN2TET7WA5mwhyhBfFEJZQ7iK4s8SKoyzdGvXZn8l1uHDzcZeALWcbrO5TLtqVCR9m7BYfnb7Qz2Uyik7A/s200/smiley+face.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Guess what, people!</div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></div><div></div><div>I was just offered a job with Osstem, and I accepted. Osstem is a Korean company that sells dental implants. I will be working in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Watch out Philly, here I come!!!!! So yeah...I'm gainfully employed. Or I will be on February 12th. Can you tell that I'm just a little bit excited?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-2886770019892614952007-01-25T22:35:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:34.813-05:00Heart issues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0rmanrxOYwC0BgCaL4TdYGjyZZtJfv6UX40KVxWcjONujqkDdlyjzhoESjfMkNzzSFR6QhCjHFv5SQ74E46LkO9vL21u7XuQnaFFy_hTqzzKXReGa3q6oYXOLpJtgYm48fPT6Q/s1600-h/heart.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024177758957037330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0rmanrxOYwC0BgCaL4TdYGjyZZtJfv6UX40KVxWcjONujqkDdlyjzhoESjfMkNzzSFR6QhCjHFv5SQ74E46LkO9vL21u7XuQnaFFy_hTqzzKXReGa3q6oYXOLpJtgYm48fPT6Q/s200/heart.gif" width="145" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today I've been wrestling out some pretty deep heart issues. There are things that I've been carrying around for a long time. Yesterday I read an article that triggered some stuff that runs deep.</div><div> </div><div>Some desires seems inconsistent with other desires. Some issues I thought weren't "important" it turns out are of the utmost importance. Some things that I thought were important are just blips on a screen.</div><div> </div><div>What am I saying? Paradigms are shifting. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and to fear God properly, I've had to learn what faith is. I suppose that there has been a crisis of faith going on within me for the past few days. Noone I know has a terminal disease. Noone I know has died suddenly. I believe more today than I did yesterday that God is God, that He is sovereign, omnipotent, omnipresent. The crisis of which I speak has involved me wrestling out my desires, trying to make heads or tails of them. The resolution to which I've come is this: I can't figure it out. I'm not God. And I have to be okay with that.</div><div> </div><div>Am I? *chuckles* Being a control freak who wants everything planned out to the milisecond, not so much. Am I willing to learn to be okay with that? Yes.</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-88956231225550295942007-01-24T13:35:00.001-05:002008-12-09T15:29:35.080-05:00Faith lessons<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oRXRlIzHFyU/RbeuynMNZwI/AAAAAAAAAJo/OyXUJMa6K7Q/s1600-h/racehorse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023676093891962626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oRXRlIzHFyU/RbeuynMNZwI/AAAAAAAAAJo/OyXUJMa6K7Q/s200/racehorse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There is a theme running through my life at the moment. It is a little something that I like to call faith. God is taking key situations in my life and rebuilding the woman of faith that I once was. He is re-educating me on what <em>faith</em> is...what it tastes like, smells like, feels like. I relinquished the gift of faith one day...I could take you the exact spot where I gave it away...but I won't. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As you may or may not know, I've been applying for jobs. Lots of jobs. Big jobs. Small jobs. Jobs in the medical industry. Jobs in the mortgage industry. Heck, I even applied to be an administrative assistant for a floor company. All of the jobs have one thing in common. I would be comfortable. I know that I can do all of the jobs for which I have applied. I'm intelligent. I learn quickly. I have an aptitude for a myriad of subjects and jobs. I say this not to sound boastful. I know who I am and I know that whatever I do, I do well. In all of those jobs, I'd be financially ok. Not great...but good enough. Are you picking up what I'm putting down?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last week, completely off-the-cuff, I apply for a job at a mortgage company in Voorhees, mentioned in my previous blog post. I didn't expect a call...I expected crickets. So, when I received the phone call on Monday, I was cautiously optimistic, 'cause I've been here before.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The interview went well, from what I could tell. We talked for about an hour. The job will be challenging, interesting and something new. I would be an AA for a few months while learning to process mortgages. The company is laid back--as long as you are doing your work. Two young guys are the owners. They are excelling in their industry, but they maintain a good sense of self, of family. I was told today that family comes first, then work. Wow. For the mortgage industry, that is almost blasphemy. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Where am I going with this? A few years ago, I made a decision to leave a job. A good job. Over the years, I wrestled with shame. Inevitably, every person asks, "Why would you leave such a good job?" With the financial ramificaions of my decision, I ask that question more often than anyone can imagine. But, whenever I ask the "why" God always brings me back to the same scripture in Joel 2:25-26: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>25“I'll make up for the years of the locust,the great locust devastation-Locusts savage, locusts deadly,fierce locusts, locusts of doom,That great locust invasionI sent your way.26You'll eat your fill of good food.You'll be full of praises to your GOD,The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder.Never again will my people be despised. (The Message)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I left my job, which was a safe, secure job, to swim in water with some fierce sharks, to have all that I owned eaten by locusts. The job for which I interviewed today would be God restoring what the locusts have stolen...this job would be a financial blessing unlike anything I would have asked God for. This job would teach me to make lucrative tents...anywhere in the US. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It is not my desire to be blessed so that I can gather up a bunch of things. The desire of my heart is to be blessed by God in every capacity so that I can be a blessing to my family, my church, my community. My hands have been tied--willingly--to bring me to this point. I feel like a race horse in the starting gate. I know that the race is about to begin, but I am held back, awaiting the sound of the starter pistol and the raising of the gates.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, if you could, would pray for me, it would be greatly appreciated. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks. </div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-71586784023181102652007-01-24T09:05:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:35.263-05:00Interview<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_mgIh77FWOPLAQbPKY0oTATmwj2IpkcLRHGB_kBV59OQQRqmuOMVpdBXZzmu8SC_Da0sJpzkCbRpLupFahhJzpy8uKSQV_XTUfY8dtgdZ-cXhq63GWOZ4q6PgR1f4-UvczVWjg/s1600-h/job+interview.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023598307739264754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_mgIh77FWOPLAQbPKY0oTATmwj2IpkcLRHGB_kBV59OQQRqmuOMVpdBXZzmu8SC_Da0sJpzkCbRpLupFahhJzpy8uKSQV_XTUfY8dtgdZ-cXhq63GWOZ4q6PgR1f4-UvczVWjg/s200/job+interview.jpg" width="120" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today i have a job interview with a mortgage company in Voorhees. The office is less than a mile away from the Ritz Movie Theaters (where The Sanctuary meets every Sunday) and less than a mile away from the Voorhees Twp. Municipal offices.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><strong>I've been praying for a job for over seven months now</strong>. Since October, I've been praying not for a specific job, but for a specific location. Because one of my functions to is maintain relationships with different people in the township, <strong>I want to be local to Voorhees.</strong> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Any job I take can be likened to Paul making tents. It paid the bills, but was certainly not his passion. I'm sure he made fantastic tents, just like I'll be a fantastic administrative assistant.</div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So, <strong>please pray</strong>. Pray for God's will...for the door that He wants to open to be opened. For His favor. For me not to tell the interviewer that I was a disappointment to a previous employer. 'll never allow myself to live that one down!!!!!</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-48787971992361598182007-01-23T18:26:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:35.787-05:00Lion and the Lamb<div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSKXfDjoSj7XQJIGT0KmE19apOZwD7pO2ZlgLI0-4sWD9E8LjnmYcdCE0J6vlcXwxVXR6W7nqTjuXbhVkOvVnq2_550_bqi5lb8COmmgkVub_-NNix8IW9m5l_-BoYFlQe21EFA/s1600-h/ImgDyn.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI9ePZ_9lWcC0SOABDBqVyAsuyg2gJpFYJxEPYaVdrcPkSWHp1_z38Prfey-HEUry4j1xPa_G3Q4oBSpTIdMS_qn4ddCMY-dspyeyXIoxn6l8kLE14v1o8KzqVXlQ_ef8ECK4sw/s1600-h/serena+williams.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023390474271811298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="132" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI9ePZ_9lWcC0SOABDBqVyAsuyg2gJpFYJxEPYaVdrcPkSWHp1_z38Prfey-HEUry4j1xPa_G3Q4oBSpTIdMS_qn4ddCMY-dspyeyXIoxn6l8kLE14v1o8KzqVXlQ_ef8ECK4sw/s200/serena+williams.jpg" width="150" border="0" /></a> <div>I'm obsessed with sports. Seriously obsessed. After my team lost on Sunday, I immediately changed the channel to ESPN2 to watch the Australian Open.<br /><br />One thing that I've noticed as of late is the eyes of the athletes. More to the point, the eyes of the champions, the winners, those who have "it" in them to win it all. I heard a sports announcer say about Tom Brady: "He is a pretty boy with the heart of a lion. He'll smile at you and then tear out your heart." Please note that is a very loose translation of what was said.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-NvVcwXdMxz5rcocOYd5thaC1JDefu_HFilxn30V81ry8PJFq7Ol8FUpy9u0Z78qrBbzyiI_-13mQ5-waGhYKB3i3cFSx4aaP4RZhHbfu7Hop_z7Z96-k2o3pxE-phIttwPDSA/s1600-h/serena+williams.jpg"></a><br />Last night I watched Serena Williams <em>duke it out</em> with Peer for a spot in the semi-finals of the Atustralian Open. Peer is an Israeli and serving in the army. The look in Williams' eyes would stop any man ten times her size in his tracks.<br /><br />So what does this have to do with the price of rice in China, you ask? There is something about the intensity of sports that I love. I love the preparation, the strategy, the energy of sports. I'm not an athlete (by far) but I love competition. I love to fight for something in which I believe. I love to win. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQl622HFAIrCgvQAWPdsN0Qd8yPLamlX4KIlLDIJD1Px4y24yd7fg5nLRWn4txzl8uTEpTAjKL5EJOylsBRCqR8U-0TtZ-5KRcDWi4YRQn8mglH__JeWnXdVnKjONTZhknpxi0Q/s1600-h/lion-and-lamb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023389589508548290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" height="126" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQl622HFAIrCgvQAWPdsN0Qd8yPLamlX4KIlLDIJD1Px4y24yd7fg5nLRWn4txzl8uTEpTAjKL5EJOylsBRCqR8U-0TtZ-5KRcDWi4YRQn8mglH__JeWnXdVnKjONTZhknpxi0Q/s200/lion-and-lamb.jpg" width="151" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How does this translate to my life? This weekend at the women's retreat, God spoke something to me. He told me that in order to be successful in ministry, I must possess the tenacity of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb. Jesus did. He's known as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God.</div></div></div></div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-40959916091199803512007-01-23T09:59:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:35.907-05:00Terrific Kid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9p_lUhflf7n3J8vM4LOBjLGa4pd7-OKGX_Co1WDft03ZjZx2Vw1T2cHnVfQku9HudyJFiCE8vq61B-xrjzkFi8Sk-2ZSl2Udn8ImY4CNeeDH7vf7nNl3o-dV3YFo3f0BPuWCIA/s1600-h/kids+at+the+park.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023243375936890514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9p_lUhflf7n3J8vM4LOBjLGa4pd7-OKGX_Co1WDft03ZjZx2Vw1T2cHnVfQku9HudyJFiCE8vq61B-xrjzkFi8Sk-2ZSl2Udn8ImY4CNeeDH7vf7nNl3o-dV3YFo3f0BPuWCIA/s200/kids+at+the+park.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today my niece Isabella got an award from the Kiwanis Club in Woodbury. (She's the one in the front of the picture.) She was named one of her school's Terrific Kids. The Kiwanis honor two children from each grade who help in the classroom, who do their homework, who add to the overall community of the school. I had the opportunity to attend the ceremony.<br /><br />I have to admit. When I left the house, I had a bit of an attitude. It's not that I don't love the kids, but one would think that their parents would make an effort to attend these events.<br /><br />But, I got to thinking. Let's be honest. I don't know if I'm ever going to have kids. I don't know if I'm ever going to get married. (This is not a pity-me post...I'm fine with not getting married and not having kids if that is what God would prefer.) But I have the opportunity to be a part of my niece and nephews' lives on a daily level. What other aunt goes to every little league game, choir and band concert, kindergarten graduation, pre-school plays? Not too many.<br /><br />As I was walking home, God reminded me of this scripture in Isaiah 54:1.<br />"Sing, O barren woman,<br />you who never bore a child;<br />burst into song, shout for joy,<br />you who were never in labor;<br />because more are the children of the desolate woman<br />than of her who has a husband,"<br />says the LORD.<br /><br />Looking at my life, I do have more children than just about anyone who has given birth. It is a privilege to know so many people, and to love them as I do.<br /><br />So, I am the aunt to three Terrific Kids, even though only one received the official honor this month. And I count myself blessed!Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-54774655885978073962007-01-22T16:11:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:36.068-05:00Lessons learned inside the belly of a fish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUJBEM4Fcr0DiL7Yj5GO2p0YJkc5fAZzAHXNoOUpPI9hCXsWkdPSzwVfig-1deJyXWAiMfGI2cMMtdTAAZyQpqz18vcabXjyb-F0lqYekMg4e2WIKb4VSyuAkaJ70fCSDz8nTBg/s1600-h/whale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022975039265138290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUJBEM4Fcr0DiL7Yj5GO2p0YJkc5fAZzAHXNoOUpPI9hCXsWkdPSzwVfig-1deJyXWAiMfGI2cMMtdTAAZyQpqz18vcabXjyb-F0lqYekMg4e2WIKb4VSyuAkaJ70fCSDz8nTBg/s200/whale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'll be upfront and honest with you. I generally avoid the book of Jonah like the plague.<br /><br />Until today, I only saw Jonah as a rebellious man. God calls him. He runs away. He gets thrown off a boat. Swallowed by a fish. Vomited out of the fish's mouth. Resentfully proclaims the word of the Lord. City gets saved. Jonah remains in a bad mood. The end.<br /><br />Today, as I was researching faith in the Bible, I went to the book of Jonah. I know, I know. Hebrews 11. Hall of faith. Most of the New Testament. Faith. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Faith. <strong>Jonah is about the last person that I consider when I consider a teaching on faith</strong>.<br /><br />Stick with me for a moment. (Or, if you are already ahead of me, chill for a moment and let me catch up.) Jonah is a Hebrew. <strong>He is secure in who God is, and who his people are in God</strong>...they are God's chosen people. The people in Nineveh are Assyrians...a bad group of people. For fun, when they conquer a land, they skin people alive; they boil people in oil; they kill babies and kids in the most cruel, inhumane ways possible.<br /><br />So, God tells Jonah, "You know the most evil, heinous people on the face of the earth? Go to them and proclaim the Good news." Jonah becomes infuriated and heads in the opposite direction, to Tarshish. <strong>I would have too</strong>. God's love for the Assyrians is so great that He causes a storm, gets Jonah thrown overboard, swallowed by a big fish and vomited onto the shore. Of Nineveh. <strong>God uses Jonah's mouth, despite his bitterness, to save a city</strong>.<br /><br />You see, I don't think that Jonah's main problem is his bitterness or his rebellion. I think that his problem is that <strong>he knows that God is going to move</strong>. Jonah has seen God move, and knows God's compassion and love and grace. And God knows that Jonah knows that He will move.<br /><br /><strong>Put yourself in Jonah's place</strong>. God has called you to a place where you know that He wants to move. But you are afraid of the people; they have repeatedly tortured you and your people throughout the years. They are building a nuclear bomb that they would like to use to level your cities, to bring destruction to your land. Now, imagine God asking you to leave your land to go to their land to proclaim the Good News. <strong>Would you be willing?</strong><br /><br />How about this scenario. Think of a person who has hurt you deeply. Or a group of people who have hurt you deeply. A group of people who absolutely terrify you. Think of them, their friends, their relatives, sitting at a table in your local Starbucks. These people do not know God, but you know that He wants to speak words of healing and reconciliation with Him into their lives. <strong>Do you walk up with your skim caramel macchiato and tell them of the wonders of God? Or do you hop in your SUV and hope for the best for them?</strong><br /><br />So, today I learned some valuable heart lessons inside the belly of a whale. Some faith lessons. <strong>I believe that some of us, myself included, know that God wants to move</strong>...I'm talking about people who know God, know His grace, know His love and compassion for His people. The problem with God is that He wants to move in people we don't like, who don't fit our agenda. So, we pack our bags, hop in our ship, and "pray" for those people.<br /><br /><strong>Are you going to be a Jonah a serve God begrudgingly? Or are you going to serve the Lord with gladness and allow Him to move in others' lives and therefore move in your life?</strong></div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-28448511550279087402007-01-21T22:19:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:36.238-05:00OUCH!Well, my team lost. OUCH! Outplayed for the second half. Only losing for the most important minute of the game. <strong>The last minute.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br />On the upside, in two weeks history will be made. The first African American head coach will win the Superbowl. That shows how far our country has come. Make no mistake about it. I realize how far we've yet to go.<br /><br /><br />I already received a phone call...and we celebrated a brief moment of silence :-) I'm resilient. I'm all set for the Superbowl, to which I will be wearing my Patriots scarf, in case there is any question!<br /><br /><br />So, in two weeks:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1MGsdwpkkL9p_81IFB8bY0XrakLiuFm9Ln0gn0HAGdVUHwG-7pS0uwu2iDGzqOB9wQINFyDKDYVsIPpe9K0Wf2Vw-CVMHyLRFMn1nnAW_9InqFOA13U7T4MJpo_lA_zYeWMvKw/s1600-h/chicago+bears.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022690874626355058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1MGsdwpkkL9p_81IFB8bY0XrakLiuFm9Ln0gn0HAGdVUHwG-7pS0uwu2iDGzqOB9wQINFyDKDYVsIPpe9K0Wf2Vw-CVMHyLRFMn1nnAW_9InqFOA13U7T4MJpo_lA_zYeWMvKw/s200/chicago+bears.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>GO BEARS!!!!!!</strong>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-10618904175594518092007-01-21T13:08:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:36.587-05:00Call to action<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVIT8iP3Nm-g3Gy2owTsPHIv2HdQZT0PIkXQhCI0A5mNLX6tOWATZc8FhrjVxvxan0cadrzHpgVB7qLslshiLSDH6o_sWEAQcv1QvvvI9iDfytFSoWymp6cGyFpbyTigKv4Usxg/s1600-h/chain+mail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022552946046611266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVIT8iP3Nm-g3Gy2owTsPHIv2HdQZT0PIkXQhCI0A5mNLX6tOWATZc8FhrjVxvxan0cadrzHpgVB7qLslshiLSDH6o_sWEAQcv1QvvvI9iDfytFSoWymp6cGyFpbyTigKv4Usxg/s200/chain+mail.jpg" border="0" /></a>This weekend was a weekend of healing for so many...the countenance of many of the women that I know has literally changed. And for that, I thank God. It is amazing to watch Him move.<br /><br /><div>This weekend was also a <strong>call to action</strong>. Today Pastor Jay preached. He taught on growth...how it is important to mature as individuals, but also as a body. One of his illustrations hit me. Babies are really cute. But, if they don't develop, mature, grow, at a certain point, this indicates that there is a problem...there is a need for medical attention. </div><div><br /><strong>There is no medical insurance for stunted spiritual growth</strong>. But there is a hospital in which this can be cured. It is called the church, being involved in a community of believers who are growing through their own brokenness, who are experiencing healing spiritually, emotionally, physically. Spiritual growth is not reactive. It is proactive. The Bible exhorts believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.</div><div><br />For me, this weekend was a growth weekend. <strong>I actually let my guard down</strong> in the group of women. I laughed (so much so that the people in the room next door banged on the wall to shut us up.) I cried so hard that my head felt like it was hit with a bat. I got angry. I was real. </div><div><br />I've been hiding behind something...the identity that I've carried with me from my previous church. <strong>I didn't realize was the weight of the identity that I was portraying</strong>. I was wearing chain mail. This weekend, the chain mail was removed and melted down without me even realizing what was occuring.</div><br /><div></div><div>This morning as I was getting dressed for church, I found myself much less self-conscious of what I wore. In church, I found myself surrounded by women. And I wasn't freaking out. <strong>I was in my element. </strong></div><br /><div></div><div>Back to the call to action. <strong>I have something to say, to add, to contribute.</strong> To women, to men, to the church, to the unchurched. I've known this since I was seven years old, preaching to my stuffed animals. Perhaps I've been surpressing this knowledge; perhaps hiding from the message that I have in my spirit. Now that the chain mail has been removed, I need to get the word out. </div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ4eBLXJJZusXkGSLoJimPGrC6ONYs07gtWz0MMUR_a0O0fA519zEIj04Gd7IM7UG0nvrBG9h4ZwDNqvf9ESJ02ytABV1IgD8hIzAudCQRemvravE2F3gHiGlux-Dntg3WJ0Mfg/s1600-h/tea+cup.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwf2exPzn8dhH86zG6CJ7htzw_yszkE75x0wpNir2fz4g_EPU0j4URU5nC1Lgw-um58R8MKy-FIEDn-6LJYvZYIOlQixzFmzKxiX3-E49wlIBG1jagt_UoFiwxsOoSly1P-RI9ZA/s1600-h/tea+cup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022555450012544866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px" height="126" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwf2exPzn8dhH86zG6CJ7htzw_yszkE75x0wpNir2fz4g_EPU0j4URU5nC1Lgw-um58R8MKy-FIEDn-6LJYvZYIOlQixzFmzKxiX3-E49wlIBG1jagt_UoFiwxsOoSly1P-RI9ZA/s200/tea+cup.jpg" width="116" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><em>When the Potter decides that it is time, the word will go forth.</em></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-71296990450073613302007-01-20T18:56:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:36.751-05:00Weekend recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu59a4zuFs-9cy_vAp48X98_u15mTF390E4-EOO9TLKIOHXvUp1WmgHXxaqwlrxfC2RVc6egoq9NCASgvINeZDnr184Y_7u_5RFLDSSjrAE3xDvHc2GR9LmBfZeu8dErgmzvyzbg/s1600-h/beach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022265793123135282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu59a4zuFs-9cy_vAp48X98_u15mTF390E4-EOO9TLKIOHXvUp1WmgHXxaqwlrxfC2RVc6egoq9NCASgvINeZDnr184Y_7u_5RFLDSSjrAE3xDvHc2GR9LmBfZeu8dErgmzvyzbg/s200/beach.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For the record, I thoroughly enjoyed the women's retreat. Our speaker blew my mind. What she said, though it touched me, didn't rock my world. Instead, it confirmed in me so many things that God has spoken into my life recently. And that is a cool thing.</div><div></div><div></div><div>God did a work knitting my heart to some of the women in the church this weekend. I've wanted, for so long, to find some women with whom I can relate and bond. I want those women who are older than I who can impart something into my life...and with whom I can have relationship. And I believe that I have found them.</div><div> </div><div>I didn't sleep all that much...ok, pretty much not at all. When I finally fell asleep, police cars...three of them to be exact...went roaring down the boardwalk, hotels blaring, right outside our balcony. Our hotel was at the end of the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, where the boardwalk is not that wide. It probably doesn't help that the doors to our balcony were open, but still. It scared the snot out of me. </div><div> </div><div>I can't describe at length what God did in me. I believe that I will learn what He did as I live out the life that He has shown me will be. I am going to enjoy the fire moments, the dark room moments, the moments of laughter that makes my head hurt and my side cramp. In short, I am really learning to enjoy the daily living out of life.</div><div> </div><div>Yes, I had my moments. I am fighting the whole Martha thing...and it is something that I will fight for a long time. There is a time to serve and a time to receive. I generally err on the side of doing too much, and when I do, I get snippy. I lose the blessing involved, and other people get snipped. </div><div> </div><div>But, you know what? I'm learning. I'm learning to be vulnerable. I'm learning to be more teachable. And more than anything, I'm enjoying getting to know my Saviour through the amazing women (and men) that He has brought into my life.</div><div> </div><div>But for now: it's sleepy time.</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-80458133533565249432007-01-18T09:50:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:36.913-05:00Housekeeping/Administrative stuff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPd8YQkqKeOv_rD0QedSD1y5I4ASPVjEiyJ9uZ6G3XnnSZze5CT3aOyCzGeButbxbOw676Y9DOppJrLOVeefHqu2ARwU3S8LTEKLosIss1_EBg9fGOZJp8eNgMNz-HyhmlvNYjQ/s1600-h/filing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021387133008686882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPd8YQkqKeOv_rD0QedSD1y5I4ASPVjEiyJ9uZ6G3XnnSZze5CT3aOyCzGeButbxbOw676Y9DOppJrLOVeefHqu2ARwU3S8LTEKLosIss1_EBg9fGOZJp8eNgMNz-HyhmlvNYjQ/s200/filing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Gidday, mates! (Been watching the Australian open...I love tennis!!!!) Anyway...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have this unexplainable need to be organized as of late. Last night I spent about a lot of time organizing my email folders. Today I tackled the blogroll. I have become a blogrolling packrat...whenever I find a resource (blog, website, etc) that I find interesting, helpful, informative, I have been blogrolling it. So, today I took the time to organize my findings. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There are now three categories into which I will file my blogs. The categories are for my own sanity more than anything. My priority reading (when I am finally working full time and going to school full time and actively involved in ministry) will be the Friends & Family blogs.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Friends and Family </strong></div><br /><div>These are the blogs of people that I actually know and have met/talked with face to face. These blogs I check pathologically. (If you don't believe me, you can ask those who have sitemeter! I've been coined a "blog stalker" by one person...all in good fun, of course. Or at least I think it was...haha) These people are the people with whom I am walking out my life. I laugh with these people and cry with these people and am actively a part of their lives. If you want to get to know me, read these blogs. These are the people who are helping to shape me into me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Church Planters & Church Plants</strong></div><br /><div>These are the blogs of people who are in the process of planting churches or who have planted churches. I read these blogs fequesntly, if not daily. I've become quite passionate about church planting and learning everything I can about the topic. I value learning by experience as much as learning by the book. I've learned a lot of what to do (and not to do) by reading these blogs over the past few months.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Leadership & Resources</strong></div><br /><div>This one is pretty self-explanatory. I don't necessarily check these blogs everyday, but when I do I glean leadership "tools" that I have found helpful. </div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-58721555253782238392007-01-17T22:19:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:37.070-05:00Uncharted territory<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrw8itiIupylPCU7RqGQZEanBWyCls1Fg4rh-MgEXw41RrJAMAS42jZa0TXxx23nRg82zX3-Z1dzDQGLAZtb_nhzBErQRofX-LxP8RETUdRxkTb9meO38QHFOcnvC0LdTpVcvOg/s1600-h/world+map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021207998512705298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrw8itiIupylPCU7RqGQZEanBWyCls1Fg4rh-MgEXw41RrJAMAS42jZa0TXxx23nRg82zX3-Z1dzDQGLAZtb_nhzBErQRofX-LxP8RETUdRxkTb9meO38QHFOcnvC0LdTpVcvOg/s200/world+map.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am blessed, humbled, excited beyond comprehension right now. I've never been in this place before...this is uncharted territory for me, which is alright with me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tonight we had our monthly leadership meeting...we call them leadership roundtables. We caught the path that God wants our church to walk. I know I've said this before, and I know that I'll say it again and again, but The Sanctuary is what I always dreamed church could be but never thought it would be.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As Colleen and I were driving home, I realized something. When I am with the men and women of my church, I am more of who I am than when I'm not with them. Please hear my heart on this one. It's not a co-dependent kind of thing. It is an iron sharpening iron deal. Whenever I am around these wonderful people, I feel God challenging me to be more of who I am, and everything within me responds. I don't try for the reaction. It just happens. It just is.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I cannot wait for the Ladies retreat this weekend. I really love the women of my church. I love them because they've taught me how to be more of a woman and how not to fear women. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For the record, that's the third fear conquered in a week: hospitals, women and cancer. (I'm still not going to unlearn my fear of roller coasters. I like that one!)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-84951393376531751052007-01-17T07:54:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:37.381-05:00ARghhhhh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwMwJ7VzkGCChcIBYUh2KiwGYpq2TxHfbNQShOjQ-K98mr9nCy4bh2K0y149rTE3XLXVzQQBoUJv4eQHtEY-8QRIRaMRm2xbBL2N9ujs-fDiMdLRMjVI-KZg6rfMpg8u3yLZ6fQ/s1600-h/Shoulder-neck-pain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020982194902085378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwMwJ7VzkGCChcIBYUh2KiwGYpq2TxHfbNQShOjQ-K98mr9nCy4bh2K0y149rTE3XLXVzQQBoUJv4eQHtEY-8QRIRaMRm2xbBL2N9ujs-fDiMdLRMjVI-KZg6rfMpg8u3yLZ6fQ/s200/Shoulder-neck-pain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Somehow I managed to pull a muscle or pinch a nerve in the right side of my neck. So, I hurt. And boy, am I not happy about it. Guess I'll have to take it easy on my father this weekend when he has knee surgery. I'm certain that what he's been feeling in his knee is exponentially worse than this. He has a torn muscle in his right knee as well as some arthritis. Ouch.</p><p>Dad's feeling a bit "concerned" about going under general anesthesia. But he'd prefer that to being awake and not being able to feel his toes. That freaked him out.</p><p>So, if you wouldn't mind praying for the my father and me, you'd be our collective hero. I've been praying for peace for my dad, and that God would guide the doctor's hand during the surgery. Oh yeah...pray for my mom, that she is able to get him to the surgery center by 6:45AM. </p><p>Thanks!</p>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-53546802868800742562007-01-16T22:05:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:37.582-05:00My first book?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxahLHTJNFGsfCAcSXo9o4fUk0hIYAJAhIvKpGxkyO2_hM_l10TTQNGV5MKshyphenhyphenW3YTASkHcECM7SaJADaNXdCGhfyvsEz6yXpDzog0COX2ib6nAHc7oaGugO1OFwKTGESNqNW0aw/s1600-h/editing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020832480932081378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxahLHTJNFGsfCAcSXo9o4fUk0hIYAJAhIvKpGxkyO2_hM_l10TTQNGV5MKshyphenhyphenW3YTASkHcECM7SaJADaNXdCGhfyvsEz6yXpDzog0COX2ib6nAHc7oaGugO1OFwKTGESNqNW0aw/s200/editing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, I believe that I may have written much of the first chapter (not chronologically...but the first in a group of chapters) that will become a book. The topic came to me while I was watching the movie <em>The Pursuit of Happyness</em>. It is going to be about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...probably minus the Lockean rhetoric. Or, if I feel all smart and stuff, I'll add it. Just to feel as if the hundreds of dollars that I paid for the Intellectual Heritage class came in useful.<br /><br />I even have goals written out for the book, and have chosen the target audience.<br /><br />I'm not willing to share the copy raw, but once I get it edited to a form that will not make all of my English professors sick, I'll share bits and pieces. I'll probably ask some for their opinions--ie would you read this book, does it sound like a second grader wrote the book--so if you are interested in sharing your opinion and giving your advice, let me know.<br /><br />I can't believe that I actually am posting this.<br /><br />I have to thank Colleen for her encouragement. She's been kicking me in the butt about this for quite a while now.</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-4837172299735718502007-01-16T17:16:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:37.757-05:00A day in Philadelphia!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTQzbe0YIXamrqFlUOHJOka_eqtd5FHdCK-STHxpK1qtwJHlQlnirZrfEdSKCMg-wrLiRsAWtE07LCK2nIcyIQXFmg8k2XxdmBT03pCyJi5VIIoDvrjjeMj8n1nPHwylaCnhacQ/s1600-h/starbucks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020833129472143090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTQzbe0YIXamrqFlUOHJOka_eqtd5FHdCK-STHxpK1qtwJHlQlnirZrfEdSKCMg-wrLiRsAWtE07LCK2nIcyIQXFmg8k2XxdmBT03pCyJi5VIIoDvrjjeMj8n1nPHwylaCnhacQ/s200/starbucks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Fear is a cancer to the soul. It causes families to separate, rejecting one another before they can be rejected. Fear causes people to live in terrible situations and to remain in abusive work situations.<br /><br />There is good fear and bad fear. Good fear saves people from being eaten by lions and from being run over by a oncoming bus. Bad fear makes you tremble in front of man. Good fear is reverence of God; bad fear makes a person postpone an interview for fear of rejection.<br /><br />The past few days have been a micrcosm of hell for me. Our car broke down; I got sick; my father has put pressure on me to find a job and did not speak to me last night because I did not go to my interview because I was sick.<br /><br />But today...today was a completely different ball game. I had one of the best interviews I've ever had. My interview was supposed to last for 30 minutes. I was in the room for an hour. I was supposed to meet with one man. I met with three. Before I entered the interview, I prayed that God would let me know as soon as I walked in the building whether or not this job was for me. I prayed that He would open the door that was supposed to be open and close the door that should be closed.<br /><br />For the record, God changed the law of electromagnetic energy during my interview as well. I wore the necklace that Beth gave me for Christmas as well as my long earrings. Even now my earrings are sticking to my necklace. Not once during the interview did the metal attract to the magnets. Cool, eh?<br /><br />I also made a friend from Poland today. I was sitting in Starbucks writing. I had my Bible out, and this blonde woman asked me to take a picture of her in Starbucks. I smiled and acquiesced her request. She explained to me that she is from Poland, visiting friends in Philadelphia. It turns out that she is studying at Georgetown in Washington, DC. She is doing post-doctoral work, a study of the martyrs. She is Catholic. We talked about everything from the Masons to the state of America to different perceptions of homosexuality in our countries. We exchanged email addresses. If (or when) I visit Poland, I have a place to stay :-) In any case, I have made a new contact in Poland.<br /><br />Long story short. <a href="http://www.chillpastor.com">Chill Pastor</a> was correct. If you do not enjoy every moment of where you are, you will miss out on opportunities to bless other people...and to be blessed.</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-33757730083032624822007-01-15T20:30:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:38.133-05:00Day to day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhRKRnTWaNrnSts7uFf3AMIgbf527xgidLT4l2_CVezMZ686yKMxqCCpGVmKPMqVJ78CC2DlbZEOPzoPFa7gHXIYGffmsFSD-p8JWk6qhkh1Iw6TX0og7YZX64ND4KoMOL1AC8g/s1600-h/Tissues.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020435024658509522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhRKRnTWaNrnSts7uFf3AMIgbf527xgidLT4l2_CVezMZ686yKMxqCCpGVmKPMqVJ78CC2DlbZEOPzoPFa7gHXIYGffmsFSD-p8JWk6qhkh1Iw6TX0og7YZX64ND4KoMOL1AC8g/s200/Tissues.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Not feeling so well. So, I've been silent. At least today. Been reveling in the Pats win, the Eagles loss (sorry PJ,) the Australian Open. </p><p>Everytime God is about to do something awesome, I get a sinus infection. So, now I find myself looking forward to the Leadership Roundtable on Wednesday night. And the Women's retreat this weekend. Who would've guessed I'd say that? And mean it.</p><p>I had to postpone my interview. I go tomorrow at 10AM. My prayer is that God opens the door He wants open and keeps the other doors closed. So, I walk in trust that God is God and that He is in control of everything.</p><p>I am looking forward to being in the city for the day. After my interview, I'm going to find myself a nice coffee shop in which I plan on writing for a few hours. Perhaps I'll go up to Temple during the day as well. I hear there's been a lot of construction on campus that I've yet to see. Or maybe I'll take the bus home, get in my comfy clothes and call it a day.</p><p>No deep spiritual insights to be found here tonight. Just real life. Miracles are found in the mundane. I can't wait.</p>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-7463915054634986132007-01-14T21:45:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:38.297-05:00Today's sermon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXosO8FLbZsKPaPNUqNal_O-E695ugh8O1_qHRuslWLMjzElCamnzs2CSWwS8Y25VJrI6psOtX21u0d_KlBwc7ob_Wo6P1bUfYAGWA-YxwGi2AO3GfX4QmP5t4iGNGi2VeRMgMhw/s1600-h/stained+glass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020085057838329538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXosO8FLbZsKPaPNUqNal_O-E695ugh8O1_qHRuslWLMjzElCamnzs2CSWwS8Y25VJrI6psOtX21u0d_KlBwc7ob_Wo6P1bUfYAGWA-YxwGi2AO3GfX4QmP5t4iGNGi2VeRMgMhw/s200/stained+glass.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have some gifted friends. If you read my earlier post, you'll know that my friend Colleen preached at church today...she shared about the healing that God has done in her life. Let me tell you something...and I'm not saying this because I'm biased and know how awesome she is. That message was amazing. What was awesome is that it was not contrived. She dug deep for the message, but it was her. Her story. Her testimony. The healing that God has done in her life.<br /><br />From what I hear--and what I sense--God did some awesome things through the message. What I love about God is that He works in the everyday occurences in our lives. It is our reaction to circumstances that create our opportunities.<br /><br />I am so humbled to have such amazing friends, such an amazing church family, such an amazing pastor.<br /><br />And just think.<br /><br />The best is truly yet to come.</div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-49393295008229296062007-01-14T20:21:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:38.531-05:00Patriots win: 24-21<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgr72jLhnGD22CQDN8Ki-2CaQzjPUjFyywHkKlkISKUAE67jnc78ClnivVXYm5WbW89yXGGhXj1YBv6b_I8_EVaM5FNYLitw3ByfFFOv5c5YM9K5SP7sCC2z8uFTFsd322Q6EPw/s1600-h/patriots.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020061727575977650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgr72jLhnGD22CQDN8Ki-2CaQzjPUjFyywHkKlkISKUAE67jnc78ClnivVXYm5WbW89yXGGhXj1YBv6b_I8_EVaM5FNYLitw3ByfFFOv5c5YM9K5SP7sCC2z8uFTFsd322Q6EPw/s200/patriots.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p align="center"><strong>I don't mean to gloat. OK...I do.</strong></p><p align="center">And for the record, when(if) they make it to the SuperBowl, I'm going to be unbearable. <br />At least I know my problems and admit them freely.</p>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17248695.post-45267682856395939122007-01-14T10:38:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:29:38.952-05:00America runs on Dunkin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHO3FRcp3LRI7RAbcex4SUX5ddoDHc9ms3MXA2RrpCfnYfMJsxkW7Vvdqrrn4FSySHHHj5WohlBw9t3euct8pzN3Oj6VTzpyz-kOTIYQazzAilLsGYbX4JLNHpCRcYpHCYBt0xA/s1600-h/dunkin_final_200_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5019917317890584178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHO3FRcp3LRI7RAbcex4SUX5ddoDHc9ms3MXA2RrpCfnYfMJsxkW7Vvdqrrn4FSySHHHj5WohlBw9t3euct8pzN3Oj6VTzpyz-kOTIYQazzAilLsGYbX4JLNHpCRcYpHCYBt0xA/s200/dunkin_final_200_0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9D-id2ITehi9oXIjfVWAAhKTCB43P4ZatW4mRWQO1xCm78YV5vI-W5zI3I-WW-XqJvObNVXC5hdA4BRWkEaXSIpGCk6IeT1DwwXc4MIt3IUkL53zHhxSjOmDO1yvp3WNaMTsufg/s1600-h/dunkin_final_200_0.jpg"></a><br />America may run on Dunkin Donuts coffee, but my car sure doesn't!<br /><br />This morning I was so excited to get to church to hear Colleen speak that I left about 30 minutes earlier than I usually do. I figured I'd stop to get some coffee, and be at church early enough to help out with whatever needed to be done and to have the opportunity to pray with her before she spoke. So, I'm driving down the road, I pull into Dunkin Donuts for my coffee. I get my coffee...life is going well...and then I get back into the car. I hear a shrieking sound, and all of a sudden, I can't steer the car. Well, I can, but it's really, really, really difficult.<br /><br />Car troubles in our house equal anxiety. My father isn't the most mechanical man. So car troubles take our family into insecure land. Not a happy place for us. People react differently to insecurity. My father and I become like cornered animals when we are too insecure. It's not a pretty thing.<br /><br />So after a few conversations with my father, he came to get me. I had to call Pastor John to tell him that I wouldn't be in church, and he was so calm...and so calming. What can we do for you? Can we pick you up? He prayed.<br /><br />In the ensuing 20 minutes or so, I praised God. I prayed for Colleen, for our church, for my parents, for myself. God gave me a Psalm. Psalm 34. I don't usually go to the Psalms for comfort, but that is where God usually leads me. By the time my parents arrived at Dunkin Donuts, I was calm. Dad was calm. Mom was calm. All was well with our souls.<br /><br />Mom drove the car to the shop...'cause she's more of a woman than I. And she made me laugh and know that all was well. She mothered me, and I needed it.<br />So, now I sit here, blogging as Colleen is speaking. I wanted so desperately to be in church, but God reminded me that there are some things that we have to do on our own. Since God is not surprised that I was not in church, I must then assume that God knew that Colleen needed me not to be in church today. Maybe she needed my prayers from afar more than my presence.<br /><br />Or maybe I needed my Savior today more than I needed church. </div>Deneenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986170849677315200noreply@blogger.com0