A Much-Needed Book

We're presently in the middle of sorting and packing, so intense cleaning will have to wait awhile. However, I was very interested in this book the first time I read about it and found out today that if I blog about it I get a free copy. So...I'm blogging about it. ;) Really though...it's worth checking out! Here's a quote about the book 31 Days to Clean (Having a Martha House the Mary Way):

"31 Days to Clean is about the “why” and the vision and the heart for taking care of our domains. Each day I encourage you with some thoughts and ideas, and then we put those ideas to action.
After each days reading, you will be given two challenges:

• The Mary Challenge -Something you do that encourages/engages your heart
• The Martha Challenge – Specific cleaning tasks

Friends, 31 Days to Clean is a faith journey towards ruling, subduing, and loving. We are forgoing perfection; we are choosing life."


Sounds like it's right down my alley. I sooo need help in this area. If you do too, you might be interested in checking out the book for yourself. Here's a link: 
http://31daystoclean.com/

Thanks again for stopping by!
~Jessica

Candlelight and Cardboard Boxes

The house was in disarray, we had no semblance of a schedule, and cardboard boxes were stacked everywhere; but as I was getting ready to throw some things together for dinner I got the bright idea to toss some candles on the table, use "real" plates, not plastic, and make it special. Derek thought I was nuts. But I think even he had to admit that the finished product, although laughable to many of you, I'm sure, was pretty nice! Certainly not elegant or properly done, but nice. And relaxing. :)

Special times don't have to be perfect or even planned out to a T. Impromptu and make-do makes some pretty good memories. ;)

Oh...and the beautiful flowers sent by my sweet in-laws were a big part of the inspiration!

Sometimes it's a good thing to be spontaneous. Make every moment count! :)
~Jessica~

"Not That You Died for the Whole World..."

I confess, I still can't wrap my mind around all that Easter means. Jesus, God's sinless, perfect Son, coming to live and die in a sin-cursed world...for me. No matter how hard I try, I can't comprehend it. Do I really mean that much to Him? Me? The one who fails Him so often?

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." II Corinthians 5:21

"He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv'ry,
And suffered and died alone.


How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song shall ever be.
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Savior's love for me."


(I Stand Amazed in the Presence, by Charles H. Gabriel)

I'm afraid that we've heard the story of His death so often that we forget how awesome it really is. We're so moved by reports in the news of some courageous person laying down their life to save someone else,  (and we should be) but we read the story of Jesus's suffering and death without being moved in the least. Oh, if we would just pause long enough to remember who we are and Who He is and all that He suffered...for us! And He did it willingly! He chose to take our place and to give His life for ours. Yes, He cared that much; and no, I can't fathom it. But I believe it, and how I love Him for it! I owe Him everything. I pray that He will remind me again of what He did for me at Calvary, and that I will never take it for granted!


I don't know which "Easter" song is my favorite. I love them all! But, I discovered a new song today and I love it. Not that I want to focus on "me". But I think we all could say that we share the sentiment expressed in the words of this song:

NOT THAT YOU DIED

VS 1 Familiar words so often seen That precious truth...John 3:16 You loved the world, You offered grace and what leaves me most amazed is .... CHORUS Not that You died for the whole world that humbles my heart, brings me to my knees Not that you died for the whole world But Lord that you died for me. VS 2 With trembling voice I confess Your redeeming love my unworthiness. That cruel cross, the nails the spears Yet mercy flowed, I'm moved to tears... CHORUS Not that You died for the whole world that humbles my heart, brings me to my knees Not that you died for the whole world But Lord that you died for me. Belinda Smith and Tony Wood 2004 Bridge Building Music, Inc./BMI New Spring Publishing Inc. Row J, Seat 9 Songs/ASCAP (admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing Inc.)

Another Saturday

It's another Saturday in the parsonage, which interpreted means "the most hectic day of the week...besides Sunday". And, since I have a huge amount of work to do and have been barely motivated today it's time to get scramblin'!

I hope and pray that you have a peaceful, blessed day tomorrow. May God be with you in your services, and may you forget about your troubles for awhile and focus on worshiping Him!

Thank you so much for stopping by. God bless you all.

If you need someone else to pray for, we would appreciate it very much if you would pray for us.

Jessica