tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284241902012-01-31T03:57:19.606-05:00Thoughts and observations from a life as it happens.Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.comBlogger4791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-5749937331410632122012-01-31T03:57:00.000-05:002012-01-31T03:57:19.623-05:00

I've just spent the last hour or so replying to messages on facebook from dear friends and complete strangers who have reached out to me to let me know that they are praying for us. What a tremendously humbling thing to do. And I'm not even done. There are so many of you out there reading who have commented on a post or sent a note. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you. Thank you all

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-77493291967346374402012-01-30T05:32:00.002-05:002012-01-30T05:32:31.533-05:00

It's been just over a week now since we both met and said farewell to our beautiful little Ian. I can hardly wrap my mind around it still. Just before we both settled in to try to sleep last night, Daniel looked over at the clock in our bedroom then back at me. It was about 11:40. "It's Ian's one-week birthday." We both smiled. A weighty smile but a smile nonetheless. This week has been surreal-

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-13866659037031152792012-01-26T04:19:00.001-05:002012-01-26T04:19:20.356-05:00

...And the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. I know you'll likely be mad at me for apologizing for not posting sooner, but consider this one anyway. You think I shouldn't worry about such things in the midst of my grief, but I truly wish I had sooner. You have all entered into this with us, rejoicing with us, praying with us, hoping with us, and sorrowing with us. That means

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-82191068445706703322012-01-21T15:06:00.001-05:002012-01-21T15:07:33.195-05:00

Hey Everyone. I'm typing this from my iPhone lying on a hospital bed. My water broke this morning. It seems that God has His own plan. :-) I am not currently in active labor. We plan to wait if possible to have my c-section later today so that my mom, grandma and best friend can get here. But if I go into more active labor, we'll have to move that up. Ian and I are doing just fine and Daniel is

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-60932394049879956232012-01-20T04:15:00.000-05:002012-01-20T12:22:49.562-05:00

If you're just checking in and haven't read part 1, let me fill you in on what's going on. This is a two part post, with part one being my thoughts and reflections and part two being the details. My two reasons for separating it thus are to keep each post a good readable length and to make it easier to search and navigate to these details. Again, if you've navigated straight to the second post

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-7204497890251358992012-01-20T04:09:00.001-05:002012-01-20T12:22:49.566-05:00

It's Thursday, January 19 as I'm writing this. Daniel and I went to my weekly checkup with Dr. H earlier tonight. He dropped us another bombshell.  I can tell he's quite tired of having to do that. Honestly, I feel for him in that. It seems Ian's normal-sized head combined with his breach position presents some serious potential complications. Dr. H is now recommending, in contrast to everything

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-13981078087453326602012-01-17T03:39:00.003-05:002012-01-17T03:43:07.138-05:00

I want to share something with you that God has been teaching me through these tough times: We are, none of us, alone, and we are not the only ones to have dealt with our circumstances. The bond of Christian brotherhood is stronger than I knew it could be. It reaches across miles, ages, backgrounds, nationalities, circumstances, and any other possible barrier you can think of. Over the last few

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-32207147027726817072012-01-14T04:21:00.003-05:002012-01-14T04:36:04.563-05:00

I have the distinct notion that I should be writing this post, but I'm not exactly sure yet what it's supposed to be about. I suppose I should go ahead and ask for your patience as I try to figure this one out. If you grant it, keep reading. If not, check back in for the next post and perhaps I'll be better formulated. The correct form of the word is actually pensiveness, but that's boring. I

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-69696535488191920312012-01-13T02:18:00.000-05:002012-01-13T02:18:48.628-05:00

As we approach Ian's due date, I have a few specific prayer requests that I wanted to share with you. Again, so many of you have expressed a desire to help in any way you can, offering your prayers as the only thing you have to give. Before I continue and share my requests, I want to expound on that last point a little further. Why do we do that? Why do we treat prayer as the least we can offer?

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-44757260938379866302012-01-10T02:59:00.000-05:002012-01-10T02:59:38.843-05:00

I don't know why it hasn't occurred to me until now, but I have some pictures of Ian from the 3D/4D ultrasound that I haven't shared with you yet. Thank you to Baby's Debut Imaging for helping us create memories.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-29970326501493747862012-01-09T01:17:00.001-05:002012-01-09T01:18:18.972-05:00

I am in awe right now. I am bowled over. Whelmed and overly so. Humbled. Joyous. How beautiful is the Body of Christ as it conforms to His likeness. I thank God for every single one of you who has offered even the simplest gesture of love to us. You cannot know what it has meant. How good He is to us. He is using each of you. What love is this! Amen.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-26433649360148125292012-01-08T03:25:00.001-05:002012-01-08T03:29:30.200-05:00

Our situation with Ian has caused many people to come to us asking how they can help. So far we've only been able to ask for their prayers and emotional support. I think I've found something else. Ian is loved. He is cared for. Even though we will only have him for a very short time, he will experience more love in that time than some children ever get to know. That breaks my heart for so many

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-85340119739830427922012-01-07T02:17:00.000-05:002012-01-07T02:17:26.959-05:00

Over the last couple months, a similar experience has happened to me over and over again in various contexts: "Congratulations on your baby!" or "Be sure enjoy sleeping while you can cus that's about to change!" or "Can't wait to see your baby!" or any other such statement that takes for granted what everyone takes for granted--when someone is pregnant or a couple is expecting, their lives are

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-35567755316667798082012-01-03T04:12:00.003-05:002012-01-03T04:12:56.700-05:00

The irony of the title of this post doesn't escape me, though I didn't exactly intend for any kind of double meaning. I was initially only referring to the fact that I'm now less than 4 weeks from my due date and that it's subsequently time to start doing things like packing a hospital bag. This is going to be a strange month.  On the one hand, I will pack a hospital bag that I will need to

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-20663323329448746142011-12-30T05:38:00.002-05:002012-01-03T04:13:19.874-05:00

It's after midnight now, but, since I haven't gone to sleep yet, I'm still thinking of today as Thursday, December 29th. I clarify that because my thought all day has been: "I'm exactly one month away from Ian's due date (Jan. 29th)." One month doesn't seem like very much time. Factor in all that must be done in that time, and I'm sure it will feel like even less. Daniel and I just got back on

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-58369949947230478132011-12-15T01:19:00.000-05:002012-01-03T04:14:34.784-05:00

One of my dear friends wrote a post that serves as a timely reminder this Christmas season. Please head on over and be edified:  "A Song for the Season"

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-55878264097851790492011-12-10T00:43:00.001-05:002012-01-03T04:14:34.777-05:00

Daniel and I had an exciting ultrasound appointment on Tuesday. I'd forgotten we were even scheduled for an ultrasound. A happy surprise. The purpose of this one was to try to determine the baby's gender. Earlier on in the pregnancy, we'd been content to be surprised, but circumstances being what they are, we changed our minds in order to allow us to enjoy this baby by name. Even with

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-63452747529154069762011-12-03T01:53:00.001-05:002012-01-03T04:14:34.790-05:00

In my reading tonight from Angie Smith's I Will Carry You, the story Angie used to close the chapter was so beautiful and profound that I have to share it. It's actually a quoted passage from The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (one of those books that I've always meant to read and perhaps now will): He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-42443986016531987262011-12-02T03:06:00.002-05:002012-01-03T04:14:34.771-05:00

Easy or mundane thoughts have no place in my mind these days. When they do arise out of chance or necessity (Did the Capitals win tonight? When is that electric bill due?), I find them awkward and sometimes unnerving. Strangely, it is the deep, grave thoughts that usually we fend off that seem most fitting fodder for my mind. To think of lesser things almost seems a waste or even a betrayal of

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-34625053544649132332011-11-28T01:51:00.000-05:002012-01-03T04:14:34.764-05:00

 I came across the following Bible passage in my reading from I Will Carry You by Angie Smith, a book recently given to me by my best friend to help me through my current circumstances. The implications of David's actions and attitude on how I handle my own situation have been rolling around in my mind ever since. I don't have any particular conclusions yet. I do recognize that a prophet of God

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-23622093687641179122011-11-25T23:46:00.001-05:002012-01-03T04:14:09.113-05:00

At my followup appointment with my own doctor this past Monday, he reviewed with us the findings from the prenatal diagnostician appointment from the week before (see the previous post for context). He began going over things with us that he presumed the specialist had already told us, but a few of the things he mentioned were being said for the first time. For whatever reason, he was being more

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-50458849560443643622011-11-23T16:03:00.001-05:002012-01-03T04:13:43.338-05:00

Those two words broke into our lives like a clumsy thief, shattering months of building expectations. What does it mean to be pregnant but to be expecting--words almost completely interchangeable in our understanding. There is a hope of something to come that is so firm you are willing to stand on it. To have those expectations so quickly taken by two words which you're not sure how to spell

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-44191278954714688732011-11-09T02:41:00.000-05:002011-11-10T17:27:43.885-05:00

The news of the Duggars expecting their 20th child erupted all over my facebook wall yesterday. I did my best not to join the conversation, but, alas, I find I cannot hold my tongue. It both angers and sickens me that there are any in the church who are capable of greeting the news of the blessing of a child with anything but joy and thankfulness (even if somewhat surprised joy and thankfulness)

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-17214917974613638052011-11-04T14:54:00.000-05:002011-11-04T14:54:52.182-05:00

I'm not sure if I've shared this on the blog or not yet so I'll pretend I haven't. Back in May, Daniel and I adopted a female, seven-year old little Jack Russell Terrier/Australian Cattle Dog mix. We had been looking for a puppy, but when I passed little Terri's kennel at the SPCA, I knew we had to at least say hi to this pup before leaving. She was pathetic. You see, every other dog in the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-60396494758919150932011-10-22T01:31:00.000-05:002011-10-22T01:31:36.947-05:00

In this biographical commentary Where Has Oprah Taken Us?, Stephen Mansfield answers a question that many have been unwilling or unable to ask. Oprah Winfrey has for the last twenty or so years been a dominating force in the world of entertainment and in the last ten years or so has taken on a much more iconic role in American culture, as she is venerated by millions of followers. Mansfield

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-77526564414362056332011-10-12T14:32:00.000-05:002011-10-12T14:32:19.333-05:00

I'm feeling the need to engage in something familiarly autumnal. Fall is not the same here in California. I think I might keep up my pumpkin carving tradition of the last few years. Anyone have any suggestions on what to carve? I've done Martin Luther, and I was pretty sure that I did one of Batman last year, though now I can't find any evidence to that effect. In any case, I'm looking for a new

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-49793519234806667352011-10-01T02:04:00.000-05:002011-10-01T02:04:59.011-05:00

I have been reviewing books for Thomas Nelson Publishers for several years now, and I can easily say that Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas is the best-written and most engaging book that I have reviewed for them thus far. This biography of one of the 20th century's most intriguing Christians reads more like a fast-paced novel than most biographies. Metaxas seamlessly

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-77834567801905323762011-10-01T00:56:00.000-05:002012-01-03T04:15:28.557-05:00

Being pregnant is an experience unlike any other. Every time I think of what's happening, I feel so humbled, so completely unworthy to be part of this process. It is self-emptying. There are so many things I cannot do for the sake of this little unseen life and many that I must do, but rarely, if ever, do they seem like a burden. Instead, it is a matter of course. The hardest part has not been

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-61728361568740559392011-09-21T00:10:00.043-05:002011-10-01T00:26:36.286-05:00

Usually, writing, as a means of processing, comes so naturally to me that, if I go for a few days or weeks without doing it, I can feel pressure building inside, and I must release that flow or begin to feel I'm bursting at the seams. I'm not sure what has been so different lately. Perhaps it's marriage. Maybe having a confidant who is now so inextricably linked to my being has allowed me a

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-65157052747427169732011-08-02T22:36:00.002-05:002011-08-03T02:59:50.494-05:00

Then Sings My Soul (Special Edition) by Robert J. Morgan is a collection of "150 Christmas, Easter, and All-time Favorite Hymn Stories" that also includes the music and lyrics of the hymns so that the reader can immediately see the correlation between the stories and the songs themselves. The book is divided into holiday sections, including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Patriotic songs,

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-79967513952765729912011-06-09T16:12:00.000-05:002011-06-09T16:12:31.450-05:00

 Hey Everyone, the following is an email I received earlier today from a close friend. I know not all of you will be able to give monetarily, but please at least offer your prayers both for the success of Chad's efforts and for the success of the trip he plans to attend.  Dear friends and family, As many of you know, I travelled to El Salvador last year to spread The Word of God to people

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-37260004154194857012011-05-18T01:08:00.001-05:002011-05-18T12:12:40.713-05:00

I guess it's about time that I posted some kind of update on here, eh? Here's hoping my typing doesn't wake up my husband...wait, my what? It is still a little hard to comprehend that I'm married, that I'm a wife, that I'm married to Daniel, that I am Mrs. Schlegel, that I don't live in Maryland anymore, that I live in Galt, CA, now, and so many other little things that have changed (such as the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-82090230080500384452011-04-27T14:50:00.014-05:002011-04-27T15:01:03.530-05:00

"I Will Wait for You" A timely, strong word on singleness, dating, marriage in the form of slam poetry. HT: Carolyn McCulley "ALMOST (saved)" Almost isn't it what it claims. HT: Thabiti Anyabwile

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-78694535292085093582011-03-13T00:44:00.000-05:002011-03-13T00:44:06.528-05:00

Oh, how I wish I had the time to write a fully-formed apologetic of my continued posting on Rob Bell and other such teachers; however, I don't have the luxury of time right now. I will give you a summary statement of why I think it is so very important. It is the title of this post--I am not the Gospel. The video posted below will touch on this a bit more. More generally speaking though, I

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-58388201331992775262011-03-06T19:59:00.000-05:002011-03-06T19:59:05.622-05:00

For the last couple months, I've been mired in the process of planning a modern American wedding. I've been given books and articles and tidbits and all kinds of other "helps." Shortly after getting engaged, Daniel and I went to "The Knot" to register for a personalized wedding site like so many of our friends had done, but when we filled in the basic information only to be informed that we were

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-49606762763252507972011-03-06T17:31:00.000-05:002011-03-06T17:31:26.641-05:00

Let these people teach you something about the value of the Word of God. Challenging. Joyful. Awesome. I dare you not to be moved by this.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-1734497803326035432011-02-15T23:44:00.000-05:002011-02-15T23:44:59.683-05:00

Okay, so it's been forever since I posted anything on here. In case ya haven't heard, I'm a little busy planning a wedding, which is 32 days away. *screeech* Yep, you heard me, a wedding. I'm engaged. I'm marrying Daniel, and I couldn't be happier. Anyway, just letting you know that I'm alive and doing well. A longer update and some storytelling are forthcoming as soon as extra time is as well. I

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-37399434483484363772010-12-27T01:08:00.000-05:002010-12-27T01:08:12.652-05:00

Little Bug aka Paul My best friend had her first little one last week, and I was on hand for most of the event. I honestly don't have words to share all the thoughts that the experience itself gave birth to. It's rather ironic that it left my mind so pregnant. Children are indeed a blessing and a miracle, more than I ever knew before and more than I can articulate now. All I know is that his

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-71157647591803266552010-12-01T00:57:00.000-05:002010-12-01T00:57:35.975-05:00

I don't think I can even put into complete sentences all of what I'm thinking right now. Instead, I'll just give you a list of things I'm thankful for, which seems appropriate enough though perhaps a few days late. I had a few more days of wonderful things to get in over the long weekend though, so today's the earliest I could give you anything like a complete list. My brothers. My parents.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-85306662344336013972010-11-15T00:15:00.000-05:002010-11-15T00:15:40.216-05:00

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory, created and compiled by Lisa Stillwell, is a fantastic composite of full-color images of the universe taken by the Hubble telescope together with well-picked quotes from Scripture (NKJV) and well-known Christian men and women. Almost every page or spread is tasked with the immense job of containing an awe-inspiring picture of some astronomical feature. Short

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-36849254406974208872010-11-13T22:19:00.000-05:002010-11-13T22:19:21.680-05:00

Awesome.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-16678807184970373342010-11-12T14:03:00.002-05:002010-11-12T14:03:31.833-05:00

"You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed." ~John Bunyan

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-64017006776142271192010-11-11T15:47:00.000-05:002010-11-11T15:47:19.779-05:00

Some thoughts I've been having today... The way we celebrate Veterans Day often seems to hide the true purpose in the holiday. What are we celebrating? By focusing on thanking veterans and servicemembers (not that we shouldn't do this, just that it shouldn't stop there--we should know why we thank them), we're left thinking about the cost and so often forget to remember what was purchased--

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-27886787236037610832010-11-11T09:21:00.000-05:002010-11-11T09:21:11.360-05:00

For all who have served or are still serving, may we hold the torch high. "In Flanders Fields" John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-87734625360079850782010-09-26T22:05:00.000-05:002010-09-26T22:05:15.206-05:00

Well worth watching or reading.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-66238410011805648492010-09-21T23:20:00.000-05:002010-09-21T23:20:46.238-05:00

Tomorrow marks the first day of fall, meaning today was the last day of summer. From here, I'm still slowly prying my hands off the warmth, long days, and holidays in the sun. Summer has always been my favorite season. That's not to say that I don't also love fall. I do, very much, and all that it brings. From this boundary where I sit, I feel like I should pause for a moment because more is

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-87158976133878897192010-09-18T00:04:00.000-05:002010-09-18T00:04:40.233-05:00

A few weeks ago I posted that the idea that Jesus came to be the Bread not just bring the bread kept coming up. I said that I was paying attention and pondering what it really meant but still wasn't sure of the implications. I think I saw what it meant tonight. A friend and I were walking back to my car after a disappointing 9th inning, one-strike-away-from-victory loss to the team I hate the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-41572643433189565692010-09-11T01:28:00.000-05:002010-09-11T01:28:45.414-05:00

In classic Max Lucado style, Outlive Your Life seeks to to motivate and encourage the reader to action through the use of stories from scripture and parallel modern anecdotes. The goal of this book is to challenge and inspire Christians to walk out their faith in the world around them, to open their eyes to the needs of the least among us, to give the nudge or kick necessary to step outside of

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-87829992250580099722010-08-22T22:58:00.000-05:002010-08-22T22:58:32.860-05:00

This message has come up at least 2 times in the last 3 days. When that happens, I've learned to take slow down and take heed: Jesus didn't come to bring the bread. He came to be the bread. I'm still chewing... thoughts, anyone?

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-31939252093449751122010-08-20T12:58:00.000-05:002010-08-20T12:58:00.043-05:00

So as you all probably have figured out, I can be a little ADD. I greatly enjoy chasing rabbits, especially if they are important, possibly worldview-shifting rabbits. One such rabbit just crossed my path and off I go. Cue the baying hounds. God: Ancient but not old. Everlasting but young. Is "aging" at least as we think of it a result of the fall? I know I've wondered myself previously--

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-39527604799242828862010-08-19T00:57:00.001-05:002010-08-19T01:00:12.122-05:00

Jeremy Lott’s brief biography William F. Buckley is the latest installment in Thomas Nelson P’s series “Christian Encounters.” The series as a whole seeks to introduce readers to the lives of famous Christians in order to help them understand life better as a whole. In this particular work, Lott seeks to trace Buckley’s Catholic faith through the actions that defined him in the public eye. For a

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-3716232162506734242010-08-18T00:33:00.000-05:002010-08-18T00:33:22.252-05:00

Whoa, whoa, whoa... who took over Jen's blog? Nothing happens for a reason? Jen would never say that.  And yet, Friends, I just did. But let me take a step back and give you some context. Earlier this year, I wrote a post about all the stuff that was going on... in other people's lives. I felt rather like I was stuck doing ten in a twenty-five (that's about what I said, isn't it?). Well, life

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-55529370436609773512010-08-10T01:00:00.000-05:002010-08-10T01:00:59.688-05:00

A review of A Girl's Guide to Life by Katie Meier. Writing in a handbook style, Katie Meier seeks to give teenage girls a go-to place to ask the tough questions about what it means to grow up. A Girls Guide to Life aims to give girls the "Real Deal" when it comes to questions about boys, religion, their bodies, sex, peer pressure and more. Unfortunately, Meier seeks to answer these questions

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-81706924349489432102010-08-03T14:02:00.002-05:002010-08-08T23:09:57.888-05:00

Is it ironic that I've spent my day thus far agonizing over whether or not others might be convinced to trust as deeply as I do in the sovereignty of God? If "the fool hath said in his heart, 'There is no God,'" then what kind of fool does it take to know there is a God, know He is sovereign, and yet act as if He's powerless? What right do I have to be concerned with their belief in the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-89233300355801143332010-07-27T11:54:00.001-05:002010-07-27T13:55:22.009-05:00

I found myself disgusted a few minutes ago with yet another example of what our culture has to offer in the way of examples or role models for young women. This story is only the latest example in a long list of such stories--Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, etc. Before I let myself get worked up, however, I must remind myself that it's not good enough to decry what's available unless

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-22718278727449232852010-07-26T00:18:00.000-05:002010-07-26T00:18:28.517-05:00

This is the passage we studied in church this morning. It's one of my favorites--so full of invitations and promises from our gracious Lord and Father.  Isaiah 55The Compassion of the LORD 1(A) "Come, everyone who thirsts,    come to the waters; and he who has no money,    (B) come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk    without money and without price. 2(C) Why do you spend your money for that

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-43785189581107487512010-07-20T11:24:00.000-05:002010-07-20T11:24:08.895-05:00

Hey Peeps-- I'm not really sure why I'm wondering this today--probably something I read on Pandora. Anyway, the poll is to the left: "Who do you think was the most significant musical act of the 20th Century?" Please place your vote for one of the choices listed or write in a vote in the comments. Also, feel free to discuss why you chose the way you did or why you didn't choose something or why

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-46382865547205984592010-07-07T10:55:00.000-05:002010-07-07T10:55:33.064-05:00

The new moon is nowhere to be seen, only an infinite expanse of tiny, bright twinklers--a band of them stretching out across the sky, cloud-like but no water only light. We walk with first warm then cold, wet sand beneath our feet, and the ocean reaches out to touch us. All around us in the darkness are hovering, bouncing, blinding beams of light. They move closer and farther, stopping and

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-67749845052079652412010-07-02T11:44:00.000-05:002010-07-02T11:44:28.873-05:00

From A Mile in My Red Shoes Last Friday, a friend and I went to see Hamlet at an outdoor theater near Baltimore, a place called "the Ruins." Hamlet is my favorite play of Shakespeare's for a number of reasons, but, as I was watching last week, I was reminded of one of my favorite scenes--Hamlet and the Gravedigger. If you've not seen it, I've included videos from Kenneth Branagh's film version

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-59672072823734365182010-06-30T08:32:00.000-05:002010-06-30T08:32:11.837-05:00

Because I hope this will make my writing look better in comparison...I think you should all check out the results from the Bulwer-Lyton Fiction contest. If you're not familiar with the contest, here's a short description from their website: An international literary parody contest, the competition honors the memory (if not the reputation) of Victorian novelist Edward George Earl Bulwer-Lytton

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-87163479209908470722010-06-22T00:16:00.002-05:002010-06-22T00:23:15.614-05:00

So just a few random things tonight. 1. I bought this. I can't wait to play! More to follow after it arrives, I'm sure. 2. Toy Story 3 was fantastic. I might go see it in theaters again. I never do that. Go see it if you haven't. It's rare that a movie just keeps making me smile days later, but Toy Story 3 keeps hitting. Seriously, stop reading this and go see it. 3. :) 4. Did

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-89204951534001904912010-06-17T21:55:00.000-05:002010-06-17T21:55:39.954-05:00

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. -Proverbs 13:12 Friends, I serve the God who created second chances and new beginnings. He takes old things and makes them new. He redeems things. Do you know Him? You don't take new wine and pour it into old wine skins; you pour it into new wine skins (Mt. 9:17). I don't know where this road ends but just

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-13109273683152217372010-06-13T21:30:00.000-05:002010-06-13T21:30:35.943-05:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,    and(L) do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways(M) acknowledge him,    and he(N) will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 Lord, make straight my paths. Let Your will be done to Your glory. I know what I believe and what I want, but I give these to You. I wait for You.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-6449740777035195132010-06-08T23:57:00.000-05:002010-06-08T23:57:53.204-05:00

Spent the last few hours watching Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges as seen-better-days country singer "Bad" Blake. If not for one short scene, I'd recommend it to anyone. Still it's a good story with good music set against an idyllic American backdrop. Beautiful. The tagline sums it up well: "The harder the life, the sweeter the song." I may consider purchasing the soundtrack. These lines stuck

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-70526757794722655982010-06-04T12:22:00.000-05:002010-06-04T12:22:10.361-05:00

At the suggestion of a friend, I took up Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum as the next bit of fiction on my reading list. When I received my fresh copy in the mail, I began reading it that same day, as my hunger for fiction produced almost audible growls. I'm only 40 pages in now, but my love of this book began on the first page. The prose is a delight to read, but you may have to be a total nerd

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-81422078496998374022010-06-04T00:30:00.000-05:002010-06-04T00:30:32.293-05:00

Just came across this nugget in my devotional reading from Lydia Brownback's Joy: A Godly Woman's Adornment. It's one that I need to remind myself of often. God is glorified not by calling strong women but by giving His strength to weak women."Amen," she said with a grateful heart. 

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-13745349833050544442010-06-02T22:21:00.003-05:002010-06-02T23:04:19.065-05:00

Last fall (I think), I decided to join Thomas Nelson's blogger book review team. Here's the first of my reviews. It's on How to Reach Your Full Potential for God by Charles F. Stanley. As the title suggests, How to Reach Your Full Potential for God is basically a self-help book written from a Christian perspective. Stanley makes use of the typical self-help style-book in employing numbered lists

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-83733801627351243392010-05-26T13:59:00.007-05:002010-05-26T14:53:12.698-05:00

What up, my peeps. If, like me, you grew up in the 90's and you often long for a return to the days of All That, Super Soakers, these things, those things, and the reign of the Chicago Bulls, then let music transport you back to the days when life was simpler, when cell phones were bigger than your head, when babies were filled with beans, when bracelets snapped (and got banned for potentially

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-24678125998695529172010-05-18T08:38:00.002-05:002010-06-06T16:08:12.347-05:00

I know in light of my recent post (now unpublished) this may seem like a strange topic for me to be thinking about, but it could also be just the time in my life that such a thing is necessary to be thought upon.A helpful post in explanation/defense of the "Regulative Principle."I'm finding it quite convincing thus far. Thoughts?

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-15443716449682444832010-05-17T12:20:00.000-05:002010-06-06T16:07:48.209-05:00

Hillsdale College Launches Charter School InitiativeMy alma mater is at it again. I am very excited to see what this effort yields.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-56956835183197671442010-05-06T12:17:00.004-05:002010-06-06T16:09:50.957-05:00

Lately I'm feeling a little like Marlin from Finding Nemo--not wanting to leave the safety of the anemone. Before I'm ready to go out into the world, I take a few cautious test swims, sinking back each time into the safety of solitude. Solitude--that's what we call loneliness when we don't want to face it. We dress it up in purpose, hoping not only to hide our vulnerability from others but to

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-24121933203452853852010-04-26T17:04:00.002-05:002010-04-26T17:31:17.140-05:00

I'm going to take some of the anger generated by my learning this and channel it productively. I feel it my duty to share these links with you. If you're planning on having children, already have children, or know someone having children, you should know this before you decide to vaccinate. There are a number of common vaccines that are derived from cells of aborted babies. I won't go into much

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-24540433466097935362010-04-23T23:49:00.006-05:002010-06-06T16:07:48.215-05:00

A little Hillsdale Charger pride... I don't know if you can read that part at the bottom or not, but it says that "Jared Veldheer" is the 27th most popular search on google in the last hour with a "hotness" rating of "On Fire."Two more Chargers to the NFL

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-48172739865018633012010-04-20T11:17:00.002-05:002010-06-06T16:10:19.346-05:00

In case anyone's interested, this definitely lines up with what I'd like--not in perfection but in process and priority.Principles of Godly ManhoodSeemed like a fitting post to follow yesterday's.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-29428677900748498242010-04-19T21:52:00.003-05:002010-06-06T16:11:33.499-05:00

"Come around, come around," she said with one hand out the lowered window inviting people to pass. Just because she was moving at a snail's pace didn't mean they needed to. To be honest, she really wanted to go a little faster too, maybe not as fast as some, but somewhere closer to that posted 35mph. It seemed breakneck and dangerously thrilling in comparison. For all her willing, hidden behind

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-76324148553231476342010-03-21T22:26:00.006-05:002010-06-06T16:12:38.539-05:00

Over the last months as the health care debate grew louder and more prominent in the public arena, the threat of voting out any of its supporters also came more loudly from those opposing this health care plan. While I'm completely on board with that idea, I'd like to take a minute and rewind a bit. I'd like to take the time to remind so many of the people making that threat that they are in fact

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-71574931273142899872010-03-15T20:05:00.003-05:002010-06-06T16:13:42.391-05:00

You give yourself to something for six and a half years. You sacrifice. You lay yourself down. It becomes a part of who you are. So much of your everyday life is defined by it. Those who know you see it, sometimes more than well enough. And in a moment, it's gone--not forever, not wholly but never the same. You get traded in, for something good but relatively unproven. A ratio 2:13 in which 2>13.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-58272222009198843252010-02-25T12:44:00.002-05:002010-02-25T12:54:27.040-05:00

This post from Revive Our Hearts made me stop in my thought-tracks with a weighty sense of my potential impact. I do want someday to have a family, and having read this post, I'm glad I'm not quite there yet. I still have some time for God to do some more sanctifying work in my life. On the other hand, I am still at a place of potential influence to the people who spend time with me on a regular

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-57633493131301867652010-02-24T20:17:00.002-05:002010-02-24T20:23:58.545-05:00

Read Isaiah 44.One of my "gods" lately has been theology itself. I depend on my knowledge of God, instead of God Himself. How foolish...How about you guys?

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-9249048721338473652010-01-25T18:09:00.002-05:002010-01-25T18:31:53.324-05:00

Russell Moore answers with grace, truth, and wisdom what can be a tough question to wrestle through--how do you continue to honor your parents as you grow up and enter adult-hood. I've been struggling with this question myself recently. It's not always easy to discern at first where honor equates to obedience and submission, especially when what you are submitting to and obeying may seem like

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-29182035124560951102010-01-21T00:21:00.002-05:002010-01-21T00:59:50.447-05:00

Change. The propaganda tool that word has become over the last couple years almost makes me want to find another word, but is there one out there that quite captures its meaning so well? In most cases as you're writing, you want to find very specific words to convey your meaning. There are times, however, when the very ambiguity of the word can send a message all its own. Sometimes that's the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-66324572232546220692010-01-20T22:19:00.002-05:002010-01-20T22:22:17.559-05:00

As someone who loves to dig deeper and deeper into the meaning and importance of words, I found this video both entertaining and challenging. My own diction reflects the uncertainty he talks about. I'll be paying more attention from now on, ya know?Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-32581689547849368732010-01-12T13:15:00.004-05:002010-01-12T18:29:06.541-05:00

My daily Bible reading today included the passage from Genesis 12, in which God calls Abram and makes His promise to him. I find myself amazed at Abram's faith to take his whole family and just leave where he'd been to follow God at His request, journeying across deserts and wastelands for miles and miles. And then he gets to Egypt and that faith is gone--he takes matters into his own hands to

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-21946264463263569362010-01-08T23:30:00.002-05:002010-01-08T23:41:35.591-05:00

Courtesy of First Things, here is a fascinating read on the place of art and beauty in evangelism. I highly suggest reading it. It also highlights an area where we're missing the boat in missions work in Japan and likely some in America as well, as I think our consumerism has similarly left many young people searching for more.HT: JT

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-38916174720606792482009-12-28T16:11:00.003-05:002010-01-27T01:18:59.604-05:00

This has been sitting as a draft for a few weeks now, but I think it's time to go ahead and post it. Here are a few things I learned in 2009:Don't sign onto anything too quickly but don't let waiting kill the impetus to act, just wait till you can say you're doing it prudently.Jehoveh Rophe in physical, relational and spiritual ways.We will war with our flesh until we die and are made whole and

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-29940245324448061742009-12-16T10:15:00.000-05:002009-12-16T10:15:33.375-05:00

Kingdom People Christmas Giveaway: an opportunity to win 12 great books from 2009.HT: Kevin DeYoung

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-71473973395001542552009-12-12T20:24:00.003-05:002009-12-13T00:46:51.741-05:00

While my mom and I were out driving this afternoon, first stopping by a friend's then on to PetSmart to get the dogs' nails trimmed, something caught my eye near the roadside. We were driving on a back road that cut through the woods and wound alongside a creek and parkland. You can imagine why a bright red ladies' handbag sitting upright in the brush out in the middle of nowhere might stand out.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-5308958128454677852009-12-11T00:29:00.003-05:002009-12-11T01:04:43.663-05:00

Sought endlessly, I run until I'm ragged and wonder why I'm out of breath, why my lungs ache, why my muscles scream. But He does not hound me or come after me hastily; no, steadily, patiently but always moving. It's like the story of the tortoise and the hare. I am the hare. I sprint and stop. I turn and calculate my victory spread. I linger to catch my breath where I think I'm out of reach. But

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-6953251328222121572009-12-08T13:34:00.002-05:002009-12-08T13:42:06.439-05:00

I am listening to Dostoevsky's classic masterpiece The Brothers Karamazov while working today, and I was hit over the head again by this next passage from Book 2. Breathe it in deeply. Then go read the rest of the book if you haven't already.I am sorry that I cannot say anything more comforting, for active love is a harsh and fearful thing compared with love in dreams. Love in dreams thirsts for

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-75643465024734987212009-11-30T13:36:00.003-05:002009-11-30T13:58:25.237-05:00

Okay, Peeps, it has been brought to my attention that there may be some serious questions of conscience to consider regarding the Gospel and the Manhattan Declaration. Because I so strongly came out in support of it last week and have put my name to it publicly, I thought it prudent to let you all know that I am now prayerfully rethinking that decision. While the document states clearly many

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-87769409982881544782009-11-28T00:41:00.003-05:002009-11-28T00:59:55.000-05:00

It's my goal to cultivate within myself a heart of gratitude. One of the best ways I've found to do that is to spend time regularly in contemplation of it. It certainly does not grow itself. Just over a year ago, I started another blog Give Me Eyes to See Thy Faithfulness. The idea was to post each day on something I'm thankful for. If you've clinked on the link, you've seen that I failed...

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-41466693301923407412009-11-23T12:09:00.004-05:002009-11-23T12:39:11.987-05:00

Last Friday at the National Press Club, a group of Christian religious leaders including pastors and theologians from the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Evangelical traditions unveiled a document that is a call for Christian everywhere to reaffirm and take up defense of three truths that are heavily under attack in our culture:1. The Sanctity of human life2. The dignity of marriage as the conjugal

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-81217813484716904872009-11-22T16:37:00.001-05:002009-11-22T16:38:51.074-05:00

Check out how to enter to win a free J. C. Ryle commentary set.I'm entering. Free books, People. That should be all I need to say.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-63758646245045343162009-11-14T15:48:00.003-05:002009-11-14T16:20:51.692-05:00

I don't think I've done this yet on this blog, but I'm about to shamelessly plug my Alma Mater. I love Hillsdale College. Alma Mater is such a fitting term. I was nourished there and continue to be nourished even now by all that she represents--freedom, knowledge, Truth, light, love, and liberty. If you don't know her, I suggest you read about her or subscribe to the monthly newsletter we put out

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-80150719865328389862009-11-11T09:48:00.002-05:002009-11-11T09:53:00.467-05:00

Guido de Bres, author of the Belgic Confession, while imprisoned for his Protestant faith, to his wife:My dear and well-beloved wife in our Lord Jesus, Your grief and anguish are the cause of my writing you this letter. I most earnestly pray you not to be grieved beyond measure…We knew when we married that we might not have many years together, and the Lord has graciously given us seven. If the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-20712137772983774842009-11-10T00:27:00.001-05:002009-11-10T00:29:38.741-05:00

Nevermend, you... nevermind...Always break but never bendEver bleed and ever redNevermend, you never mind--Never do look back to then,Always keep one, two steps ahead.Nevermend, you, Nevermind,Severed heart in hand, I treadEver as the living dead.Savior lives! So should you again.Revive, revive! On knees, I plead.Oh nevermind, you never mend.

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-77829718871088731552009-11-08T20:41:00.002-05:002009-11-08T20:44:49.840-05:00

God's Grandeur by Gerard Manley HopkinsTHE WORLD is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; 5 And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-68034725994722298012009-11-05T15:12:00.002-05:002009-11-05T15:31:46.880-05:00

Okay, my dear loyal readers and friends, I have an urgent prayer request. This story just breaks my heart when I think about it.My very good friend Josh (known him since 4th grade), who is recovering from injuries which have kept him from really capturing the career he feels called to, found out recently that a friend of his, S---, was pregnant and due to cancer given not much longer to live. The

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-31974456894635610282009-10-30T09:53:00.002-05:002009-10-30T10:18:59.859-05:00

Tim Challies over at Challies.com has been doing a hard-hitting and potentially transformational series on "sexual detoxification." His target audience has been men and particularly young men, and his subject matter has largely focused on the effects of pornography both for men and the women in their lives. Along the way, he's talked about God's vision and design for sex as well. While I'm not

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424190.post-83749979428272108272009-10-29T11:28:00.002-05:002009-10-29T11:33:45.599-05:00

Some of you may have considered like I have how to respond to Halloween as a Christian. Most people settle that decision without all the facts. The folks over at First Thing's new blog Evangel (a good one to follow by the by) have reproduced a pamphlet with permission from the owner that details the actual facts regarding the history of the holiday and contrasts them with the various theories

Jennifer Schlegelhttps://profiles.google.com/103209826236502125877noreply@blogger.com1