I just finished Shadow of the Almighty by Elizabeth Elliot the other day. Close to the end, I read this quote. Jim wrote this about one of my favorite verses in his journal just after he and Elizabeth got married…it was finally God’s timing for them. It only confirmed what the Lord had spoken to my…
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Monthly Archives: August 2011Hey guys, I wanted to share with you a few songs I’ve been working on lately. We recently used one for a night of worship church. After the service Jonathan asked the speaker (David Nasser) for feedback on my song. I was so embarrassed, but gave us some good critique. He said writing bullet songs… 
Beautiful voice and beautiful girl! Love that you write your own music too…that is wonderful! You look a bit like a brunette Taylor Swift in the first video! :) All the best to you! Liesl :)
absolutely beautiful songs! what an amazing talent you have! you also look like a brunette taylor swift in the first one :) hopefully you take that as a compliment!
I wrote that comment before I saw the one above me but how funny! guess I wasnt the only one to think it!
Soooo funny. I was going to say you look like Taylor Swift in the first video too. Haha. Everyone beat me to it. :) But I loooove the first video! Beautiful!!!
I'm weird. I watched video #2 first. ;) The line that gave me me chills was "when this life is done, may it be your name on my tongue". That really touched me. THAT is the point…that all we are and do is for Him and even our final thoughts (in this world) should be of Him. You play guitar much better than I do! (Uh, I don't play.) I give you a ton of credit for filming yourself and posting! Great job!
And now for video #1. ;) I feel like I'm hearing some popular praise song already on the radio. A hit in the making…glory to Him. "That we might live for you. Jesus all we want is you." – favorite line!
I have no critcism, constructive or just plain mean… not that I would ever offer anyone mean criticism! Jen, you were SO amazing. Beautiful words, voice and even guitar playing. You are definitely putting your talents to great use.
1st song: Hits me like a love song. Opening our arms and pouring out our hearts to the Lord, just asking Him to accept our praise. And it definitely makes me think of those times of desperation when I want so badly just to be in His presence. This is definitely a song I would sing when I felt in need of redemption. Favorite part is the bridge! 2nd song: Gail said it for me. The line, "When this life is done, may it be your name on my tongue," rocks. Oh, and this, "To give what I can't keep to gain what I cannot lose." This is such a passionate song and I see it as one about dedicating yourself to the great commission. I totes think this is your anthem for this season of your life, Jennifer! It has shades of one of your latest posts about giving over to God's will. These are beautiful! Looks like I'm bookmarking this post so I can listen to the songs more. :)
I love these! Especially For Your Kingdom. Such real, simple Truths. And also, where did you get that yellow sweater? I've been looking for one just like that.
My phone won't let me watch this! But I will! Oh I will that's a threat!
Beautiful, I enjoyed listening to your voice!
Beautiful! You have such a lovely voice!
Oh, you sing so well, honey! Thanks for sharing such beautiful songs.
lovely! I love both of them! ;) you have an amazing voice and amazing God-given skills! it's wonderful that you're using them to His glory.
Their both wonderful Jen :)I love the bridge of Buring Flame!!!
You are so talented-beautiful songs!! I just discovered your blog today from your visit to mine and your blog is inspiring. I love your posts and how your love for Christ shines through.
You have a great voice! Thanks for following me, I am following back! can't wait to read more posts!
Just listened!
Both are amazing! Your beautiful soul shines right thru the words!! Love your voice! Thank you for sharing and lifting me up this evening! Hugs to you!
I love these songs. The first one really hit home with me and I loved it right off the bat. It spoke to me and honestly, I'd love to learn to play your song and share it with my church. Its awesome and it speaks on so many levels. It brought tears to my eyes the way that "How He Loves Us" does. Its powerful, Jen. The second one I honestly didn't like as much to begin with but after a little bit I ended up loving it too. Its sweet and makes me feel happy (: I love them both. I sing and play guitar and write my own music as well. I've done two of my songs in church so far and they went over well and it was a great feeling knowing that God used me to bring them to Him. Piano is my first instrument and love, but guitar has become a new favorite. Its quick and easy. But you're further along in playing than I am, I think. Keep up the good work!
Actually, I'd like to finnish the recording first…if you don't mind! I'd love for people to play it eventually! Thank you for all the feedback!
just to say hi —-> http://mustbeliberating.blogspot.com/2011/08/fellin-linky.html Have a nice weekend!
I was unable to view the first video–it said it was private–but I love the second song! You have a beautiful voice and I think you play guitar quite well! Of course, I'm not a musician, so all I know is that it sounds good! What talent you have. The Lord has blessed you abundantly and it is a joy to see that you are using it to praise HIm.
hmm, the first video is set to private girl, we can't see it! however, the 2nd song is so good! i can really imagine singing it at church! I love that you have it written in a key that allows everyone to sing the melody on it. I am an alto and sometimes girls write songs that are SOHIGH and then it is hard to translate to a lower key because it just doesn't have the same power behind it, you know!? I think you are on the right track! AND, I am also (shamelessly) plugging a giveaway on my blog. But it is for a really cool vintage t-shirt (winner gets to choose their design from the website) so I don't feel too guilty about it ;) The Mitten State Vintage T-Shirt Giveaway!
same here, the 1st video is set to private. I loved the second one though! It really grew on me the more I heard it. I think for worship songs sometimes just having more repetition of a few ideas and making it a teensy tiny bit less wordy would make it aweeesome. I loved the melody of the chorus. A lot. I love david nassar! also, just the fact that you wrote a song is so awesome. I love to write poetry and stuff and loving taylor swift like I do makes me want to write songs. But it is hard work! So man. Good job! I still have the tune in my head :)
I couldn't watch the first one, but the second one was great. You are soooo brave for putting yourself out there like that. I'm just plain impressed that you posted the video. Your song was beautiful! How could any heart-felt praise song not be? And you have a gorgeous voice. The guitar playing sounded just great to me!
Go Guitar Hero! Yay Jennifer! That was fantastic! ANd how skinny are your arms btw?! Keep on girl, you are amazingness! xox! Hey guys! I’m back for a little bit. I’m borrowing my hubby’s computer for a second today. It really has been nice to get away from distractions and make the time to read and pray. Being unemployed has been quite an adventure thus far. It has been very evident that this is God’s will for…
We all have those moments where we need to just break down and let it all out – that was basically my whole week last week! It wasn't pretty. I was scared that people would feel guilty for how I was feeling, or would be afraid of what I was going through, or would get tired of having to comfort me all of the time. But God provided and gave me the people I needed to help me through. While the feelings are all still there – I know that God is going to bring healing through all of this. I know He will bring healing and love to you too!
This is BEAUTIFUL. I was just listening to one of my pastor's older messages and this part stood out in my mind: "When we see problems we instead need to see doors to our blessing. Keep your attitude of faith and do not be moved by what you see or what you feel." God is molding you through this experience, and your heart & life will be all the better for it in the end. Congrats on trusting in Him despite your breakdowns! You're victorious in this!
Oh man, this really hit home for me today, because I've definitely been there these past few weeks, just this state of wondering what's going on, why things are or aren't happening… and I've had my fair share of meltdowns in the middle of it all. Then yesterday, as I watched God answer a very big prayer for me, I remembered: His presence is always there, even when it feels far away. He is there, and He is ready to give us everything we could possibly need. Beautiful post, Jennifer.
This was so encouraging to read. Thank you for your raw, honest and faithful post. It's brought me joy to know that you're trusting God and you're happy – it reminds me of what a wonderful, loving (and a little crazy!) God we have :)
Following God is never easy, but it's seriously the most worthwhile thing we can do!
This is a beautiful post! God definitely does have our needs in mind, but sometimes it's hard to see why He wants what He does for us.
This is a genuine and honest post girl – thinking of you while you go through this phase in your journey… Remember that He has a plan for you, and it will asll work out for you!
Amen. Be encouraged! I'm so excited to hear what He keeps doing with you.
your tranparency and honesty is beautiful… God is doing an amazing work in your life, i know it! stay encouraged girl! xoxo
Beautiful Jennifer. When God's will isn't in line with our will, turning to faith is extremely difficult. Especially when what God's plan is making life stressful. I'm so happy that you're looking to Him in this situation. You are amazing.
Such truth in this post! God's will is certainly greater than we can every imagine or hope for. thank you for your honesty. the bright lights of the grocery store are so therapeutic. it's as if nothing bad can happen in those aisles:)
I really admire your strength and peace about the situation that you are in. I can't imagine what you are feeling but I know that God will use you in such awesome ways! Thank you for this encouraging post in patience and reliance on our Father!
such a lovely post and thanks for being so real…I think we have all had those moments!
Wow, I needed to read this – it spoke to directly to my heart (although my circumstance is different). Thank you for allowing God to use you!!!
beautifully shared, jennifer. keep holding fast to jesus and his word. your faith is inspiring! xo praying for you!
There's a part in Brooke Fraser's song, Crows & Locusts, that goes "She limps on up to the top of the mount, looks at the faltered harvest. Feels her sweat in the ground and the burn in her nose, and knowing in her guts something's still gonna grow.. she ain't leaving til it does.." You are faithful and know how to encourage yourself in Him, and the Lord sees it. All of it.
Oh, thank you so much for reminding me of that song! It fits so perfectly!
Jennifer, you are so beautiful…inside and out! Thank you for being so honest with us!
thank you so very much for visiting my blog and deciding to follow me! i am so honored, i appreciate it so much. i will be following you from now on as well :) thank you for sharing your journey with us; it's always hard to trust in God, and i surely fail at it daily, but it's also always worth it. best wishes to you; can't wait to read your next post :) *taylor
you are so inspiring! I have totally done that where i stop to cry before coming home so my husband doesn't have to see me cry…AGAIN! ha, it's been a frequent occurance lately! But i know that with someone who has as much faith as you, you will be taken care of! Obviously, that's a truth you know incredibly well. I can't even imagine how proud of you He is!
What a beautiful story. I love this. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Praying for you girl! You are a huge inspiration!
You have encouraged me! Rich blessings :)
Ahh it can be so hard to follow God's plan. I love that Jim Elliot quote. So happy about this possible open door!
I 100% relate to what you're going through and your transparency is a breath of fresh air. I love this line… "Being unemployed in the will of God is better than the best dream job I could even imagine." I, too, am unemployed due to a recent move away from my hometown. I agree, there are so many moments of quietness and far too often it can be deafening. I am a people person, too. I pray that you and I will be able to use this time fruitfully to seek Him more and use our time for His glory. xo Blessings xo
Go girl! You're gonna get through this! God is great and He is BIG, and His ways are far beyond what we can ever imagine. Sure, hat's easy for me to say, I am not going through anything really difficult right now. But hey, the words are truth, and when I'm going through a tough time you can say the same thing to me! ;0) He is teaching you something through this. Your blog is a blessing. Hugs!
I love your posts – you're always so authentic! Many blessings to you. Stand firm in the faith. __________________________________________
the waiting is always the hard part. I think it is so awesome that the Lord is teaching you so much right now. I kind of think it has a lot to do with preparing you for your mission work. It's going to be such a blessing girl. Keep holding on! Looks like he is doing awesome things!
I wouldn't trade any of my trials. They are what made me, forged me into what I am today! However at the time…even though I felt closer to God than ever. The refiners Fire was NOT fun! xo
Beautiful post. It's wonderful to hear how God is working in your life!
I read this a few days ago and didn't have time to leave a comment, but I just wanted to tell you how much your faith inspires me! To follow Christ when He leads in a direction that doesn't make sense is something that not many people would do, but I KNOW that you will be beyond blessed because of it! Praying for you, and I can't wait to see what amazing things God does through you, Jen!
Oh, and don't forget, you've got a chunk of change comin your way in a couple days! :)
You are so sweet to share your heart like this. And you look like a porcelain doll! Beautiful.
beautiful post! thanks for sharing your heart
What a beautiful post, Jennifer. I want to echo all the other comments you've gotten about this and say it's been an encouragement to me as well. Thanks for putting this out there.
oh my goodness yes! what a beautiful reminder! a friend always reminds me of this quote by Gary Thomas: for us both i hope the latter. Today is my husband’s 24th birthday! I am so incredibly blessed to be his wife. Since it’s his special day, I thought I’d take a minute to brag on him just a little bit…and to let you guys get to know my better half. :) He is a natural leader. It’s one of the things…
lovely, jennifer! xoxo
I think I've said this before…but girl you are gorgeous Gal! Hope you two are enjoying the day to it's fullest! Rebecca
You guys look so cute together!! I love the way you describe your husband :) I wish you all the best and hey: happy birthday to your hubby! ___________________________________________________
Happy birthday! ;) Hope y'all are having a fantabulous day!!
Aw, so sweet. I hope he has a great birthday.
Happy bday to the Mr.
Happy birthday to your hubs!
This is lovely :) Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to your man! Hope you had fun celebrating :)
Aww, happy birthday husband! You two are quite the stunning couple! ;)
Okay, I know this post is supposed to be about your husband, but you look fantastic! Love the red lipstick-woman after my own heart. Hope your hubs has a wonderful birthday… Leadership is such a great quality!
well happy birthday to the hubs! Aren't you too just the lookers :)
Happy birthday to your man!!! Hope you have a fun day :)
happy birthday to your husband! so sweet of you to take a day out to brag on him.
So, so, so sweet! And girl, you are GORGEOUS. Wow!
aw, hope you had a good time celebrating :) x
happy birthday to your husband! Gosh, you guys are adorable! :) xo,
How sweet are you Jennifer?! Loves this! Happy birthday hus! Look how happy you are together…aww, heart melt. SUper.cute. xox!
Aww! So many cute pictures of you two! :) & such sweet words. Happy Birthday Husband!!
you and your husband are darling together!
You are so cute and inspiring, I'm glad I found you!! Blessings!
Happy belated birthday to your hubby…you are both adorable and I hope he had a wonderful one! Liesl :) I may be jobless at the moment, but I refuse to be lazy. I really can’t stand it. Turning on the TV during the day might as well be torture for me. (I know, I’m really an odd ball!) Don’t get me wrong, I like some shows but I don’t like wasting the day away….
Oh my goodness… there both SO cute! You did an awesome job on the his and her pillows girl!!!
the pillows are so fun! what a great idea :) xoxo jillian:: don't miss my fishs eddy dish giveaway!
The pillows are my favorite! Adorable!
Jennifer! Those pillows are hilarious! They just make me smile so big! Keep going girlfriend! Love your spirit. xox!
Great job! I love the lampshade!
Jennifer, these are adorable! You are so so creative, I love it! :)
goodness, i LOVE that lampshade! I was actually looking for some lampshade inspiration over the past few weeks and this is perfect, thank you!
Wow, your good at that sewing stuff! :) Do you quilt?
I LOVE the pillows! Too cute!
oh, i love the ruffle lampshade… so cute! what fun projects!! good job! :)
OH MY GOSH. So creative. Love ittttt!
So cute! I love the pillows!!
awww the pillows are SO cute. Such great ideas, as always. :)
Both are super fun ideas. I am partial to loving anything His and Hers style. Those pillows match you two perfectly. Great idea! I wish I could sew. mjlliving.blogspot.com
eeeks sooo good! I am so sad I do not know how to sew…i feel like I am missing out on so much!
those his and hers pillows are adorable! love the idea!
Do you have a recommendation for a book on how to use a sewing machine. I have tried to sew but just can't seem to get it right! Grrr… P.S. I love the pillows!
AMAZING!
I love the lampshade, and the pillows made me smile! Very cute!
You're so talented! You're definitely making the best of your jobless-ness. I love the pillows, they are so cute. But the lampshade is pretty darn awesome also! I've not seen anything like that before.
Oh my! You are so creative!!! I love both! ;) You did a really stinkin' awesome job! *Abby*
You're so crafty and it's so cute. Never had ruffles on a lamp shade before but I really like it. And no to the pillows either. You'd be super duper disappointed in my lack of accomplishments every day. haha
these are fabulous!!
Love the pillows!
You are doing a great job! The lamp-shade is beautiful! I wish I knew how to sew! I need to get on that. I have a little machine and everything.
Those pillows are so cute! And I always love ruffles. I agree…no laziness. I pretty much hate the thought of turning on the TV!
WOW! You're soo crafty! Love the pillows! You should make silhouettes..like kissing ones of you and your hubaloo! That would be cute too!
Those are adorable! If I had a his to my her, I'd definitely go for the pillows. They're so unique. :)
haha these are SO CUTE! i'd love to make some for my hubby & i. and the lampshade is divine.
I LOVE the ruffled lampshade! So cute! :)
Oh my word! I LOVE both of them!!!
Those pillows are ADORABLE!!! Such a sweet idea – loving all the DIY you got going on :)
Projects are a great way to keep busy! I try and do the same or I go crazy on my "lazy days" :)
Look at you girl! You're S0 crafty! Blessings~
In love with the pillows!!!!
Love the pillows. And the lampshade. Don't make me choose! You are adorable!
that lampshade is so adorable. thats great of you to keep yourself busy and creative. :)
I absolutely love the lampshade! So cute! And ha the pillows really do resemble you two!
This is hilarious. I love it. This morning I found husband on my pillow on my side of the bed and thought "the nerve!" Perhaps I shall make these for our bed to keep him in his place (wink). |
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This is beautiful. So SO beautiful.
It is a beautiful thing when God gives us the desires of our hearts that are fundamentally God's desires. We are the clay, He is the Potter!
I love this! That is totally how I see that verse now. I used to think that it meant that whatever I desired, God would eventually give me…as long as it wasn't something bad. I've slowly learned that is not the case at all…and it's exciting to have God's desires become my own :)
I read that book this past school year and seriously felt head over heels for Jesus even more. I LOVE anything with Elisabeth and Jim Elliott.
Hello! I just got your comment on my blog and I am SO glad that you found us! We go to Trinity International University near Chicago, IL but are originally from Ohio. I'm so excited to follow your blog! I'm already encouraged by this post!! Have a wonderful day :)
I LOVE Shadow of the Almighty & that quote is such a great reminder this morning!
so good thanks for sharing…
I absolutely love this!
Psalm 37:4 is my favorite verse, in fact, I wear a ring with it inscribed on it.
I also have been learning about the desires of God's heart for me..what he is longing for me to do. Reading this was just confirmation as to the right path! :)
Thank you so much for sharing this, Jennifer!
THAT was great. Good stuff this morning. Thank you for sharing it.
This post is so timely, Jennifer! This is my last semester at Moody, and before I clicked over to Blogger, I was typing paper about "my dreams." It's a maddening thing to have to write, especially since every idea sounds good and no idea seems possible. Thanks for these encouraging words!
This gave me chills. Great post, and very needed.
You made me smile. We really do think alike.
mustbeliberating.blogspot.com
thanks for sharing girl! you are just so inspiring! love reading your blog!
Xo
http://mrtaylorandhislady.blogspot.com
I think I need to read that book! :) Beautiful pics! xo
Elisabeth Elliot is a favorite of mine. She's been my "becoming a woman" mentor. Although I have not read this book, I desire too. Thanks for sharing.
I"m so happy to hear God giving you His desires. What a truly great place to be. And exciting too!
I have no doubt, where ever He takes you, He will take care of you. :)
Emily w/Amazing Grapes
i'll have to read this. it sounds inspiring/interesting.
i'm in a phase of life where, even though i'm trying, i'm having a lot of trouble hearing god's voice. =/ it kind of sucks.
such pretty photos and quotes.
Im looking for a new book to read. Maybe I will read that one. thanks. ;)
♥
Pearl
Thank you for this: reading it really was a blessing!
Hi there! Just checked out your blog and this was the first post I read… Isn't it amazing to see the transforming power of the Holy Spirit when we seek to walk in the Spirit? Our God is an awesome God and He truly leads us when we're obedient to follow :)
Take care!
Lady Erinleigh
Amen, amen, amen.
Kind of like what Breeann responded, I had never really interpreted the verse as it should be. For a while now I've been praying for His will to be done with a certain situation, but I have been so confused because I don't know exactly what His will is! This post is really so perfect for me right now, thank you for this.
I'm almost done with PASSION AND PURITY by Elizabeth Elliot and I absolutely love it. She is so spirit lead and speaks directly to the heart. I love it…
Blessings girl :)!
♥cheche
savedthrulove.blogspot.com
What great thoughts. I love the story of Jim and Elizabeth Elliott. It really is true that as we grow closer to Christ, our desires will more closely reflect His heart.
I like that quote – thanks for sharing it, Jennifer!
*LOVE*
It took me a long time to grasp what that verse actually meant, but once I understood it, I loved it even more!