My summer reading list

I used to read at least a book a month in high school and college, not including my school books. I no longer do so and it makes me kind of sad. However, I am hoping to remedy that this summer. Here are a few books on my reading list:

Yes, it's true. I've been reading this book for several months. However, I never read through any Elliot writing very quickly. It's one of those you read for a bit and then put it down to write out some quotes and think about what you just read. (Or at least that's what I do.) I'm about half way through and I already have so many quotes highlighted. It's probably one of the best Christian biographies I've ever read.

Yep, this is another one I've been "reading" for quite a while. I'm on the last section of the book, but I can't seem to get myself into it again. It's not my favorite of Lewis’ works, but I’m determined to finish it. It is very thought provoking. Lewis delves into all the possible ways we can love. It's intriguing, but certainly not one that you are dying to get home to read.

I haven't read these since I was a kid. I know I'll enjoy them even more so now! I started “The Magician’s Nephew” the other day and I already finished it. Sometimes it’s just nice to escape the real world for a while. This time around I am scouring the pages for all the symbolism I can find. If you are at all familiar with the scripture it isn't hard to discover.I literally put on a Nancy Drew - like outfit and pull our my magnifying glass as I read these books. Ok, ok...I don't do that. I really put in a tobacco pipe and a Sherlock Holmes - ish hat. What? You don't believe that either? I'll stop now. Nonetheless, you should pick them up if you've never read them!

Oh my! I am so excited about this one! Has anyone read it? I read Radical last summer in just a few days. This one already proves to be very thought provoking. I love it when a book makes me want to put it down to read the Bible. I'm only on the second chapter and I have done so several times.

I read this in High School and it impacted my spiritual walk greatly. I’m excited about reading it again. It was very influential in growing my faith. It goes over lots of foundational theology. I love how he uses the term "ordinary" in this book. His "ordinary" Christian is just about equivelent to David Platt's "radical" Christian. It should be ordinary for us to be radical for Christ, to live in the Spirit and be used for the Kingdom. This is not a book for the faint of heart! It will be refreshing to once again turn the pages that helped me understand the Spirit and many other things.

So that's my reading list for now folks. Do any of you have some great summer reads you might suggest? I’m always on the hunt for a good book!

the secret place

This is my secret place.

This is where I come when my soul is heavy, burdened, overjoyed, yearning...

I love to come here, especially when the weather is as beautiful as it has been these past few days. Here my soul can breathe. Sometimes I just lay down on the grass and gaze at the sky. As I lay there with the wind blowing softly against my cheek, I talk to my Maker. Here all distractions are put aside and I simply listen to what He may say. Here I pour out my heart.

To be perfectly honest, I have had so much on my mind lately that I can hardly process it all. It seems like I have seen or heard about an insurmountable quantity of needs. I want to do something, but am at a loss when I think about where to start. I've also had lots of dreams. Not necessarily the kind you have in your sleep though. These are dreams - big dreams- for my future, for my life, for things I feel like the LORD is calling me to do. They overwhelm and excite me all at the same time. 

I feel so small.

I fear failure.

I'm not sure how my life makes a difference.

And this is where all of my fears, hopes and dreams are released. Sure, this is just an ordinary place but it is precious to me all the same. 

Most times I come, many pages of that notebook are filled with thoughts and scripture.

His Word pierces me so sharply here.

I suppose it is the romantic in me that loves to 'run away' to this place. I've always loved to 'run away' to secret places in nature to think, even as a child. Something about it sets my heart free to run wild, helps me breathe deeply and focuses my mind on the Eternal.

I am so very thankful that my sweet Savior meets me here. It doesn't matter if I'm angry, hurt, happy or confused - He is ever with me. I really should quiet my heart like this more often. It's funny how the cares of the world fade away when I do.

What is your secret place?

Consumed: Jim Elliot

I just received this book in the mail today! I haven't read it since I was 13 or 14. I also read the account of his life and death in "Through Gates of Splendor" around the same time. Shortly after reading these books I felt God calling me to surrender everything to Him - even to a fate like theirs. The story of Jim Elliot has impacted my life like no other Christian biography. I cannot wait to recount my early teenage years as I re-read this book! I know that God will use it in a new way in my life! 

"God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus." - Jim Elliot

I pray this for my life as well. I want to live as he did - completely consumed by Jesus Christ.

Yes, I'm a Harry Potter Fan

So, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about the new Harry Potter movie that comes out next Friday! Eek! The impatience builds everyday!

I started to get into it when I was out of a job in January. One night I was complaining to Jonathan (then my fiance) that I was bored and had read everything in the world. (FYI: I was being sarcastic and exaggerating just a bit.) Then he handed me the first Harry Potter book. I finished it a day later. I then proceeded to read the rest and catch myself up on all the movies. It was nice to get lost in a good story when I needed a break from all the wedding planning craziness.

When the books first came out I was sceptical. I know Christian critics have given them a lot of flack. Now that I've read them, they seem to be in the same category as the Lord of the Rings trillogy. I think they will become classics as well.

So without further ado, here is the trailer for the first installment of the last book!

I dream a dream...

Classical music

Song writing

Contemporary worship music

Playing the piano

Learning guitar

Poetry

Classic Christan literature

Classic literature

Reading in general

BBC films

Missions

Ministry

Photography

Cooking

Crafting

Fashion

Thrifting

Design

I can't possibly spend time in all these areas AND have a clean house. Not to mention spending time with actual people. (Sigh.) I like to do way to many things. I wish I had time for everything and that I could be very good at it all as well. There just isn't enough time during the day.

I want to write a book, a columnist, a song writer, design interiors, start my own business, open an Etsy shop, photograph on the side, annalize books, memorize lots of scripture, become a soul-winner, write poetry, read all the books in the world, and be the best friend, sister, daughter, wife and mommy (someday) on the face of the earth.

I have great aspirations.

I have big dreams.

What is the life I should lead? Where do I go from here?

These are the questions that plague me today. I want to throw myself whole-heartedly into something. I want every second to have purpose. I am a passionate soul, one that feels things deeply. And my worst fear is a wasted life.

Yet, I have a feeling that that my dreams are still small. I have caught a glimpse of a plan that is so much bigger than myself, an eternal design of my Lord.

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him"

1 Corinthians 2:9

So for now I will be faithful where I am for now...waiting for a new revelation, waiting to see where the I will be swept up from here.

What's In a Name?

"What is in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

Nay, Shakespeare. I think not my good sir. If a rose was called a “Ploofinmizer” (which is a word I just made up), I am certain it would not smell as sweet. Names are very important.

For instance, there is a town that I know of called Two Egg. I am not kidding. Can you imagine if the President of the US revealed that his home town had a name similar that? I can hear the laughter now. That name just doesn’t evoke the same prestigious air as a city such as Jamestown, Philadelphia, Jerusalem, or Rome.

Good writers will tell you that names matter as well. I am certain that Elizabeth Bennett might never have become beloved by so many if Jane Austen had given her the name Fannie Fainfeather. Or what about Sherlock Holmes? He wouldn’t seem nearly so clever if his name were John Brown. What if King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and Lady Guinevere were called King Knut, Sir Belch and Lady Bertha? Might you find them as romantic then? Ha ha! In literature names are clues to the identity of the character. You just know that Gandalf the Grey is good and that Soromon is evil by their names. How could a man named Voldermort be anything but cruel and a woman named Lilly Evans be anything short of angelic? Much is in a name.

Have you ever met someone that didn’t fit their name at all? It’s quite comical really. It would be amusing to meet a very tall model named Sally Short. (I am laughing at the mental picture in my head!)

After all that being said, you should know that I absolutely love my name.

Jennifer means “fair one” and is of Welsh origin. It is a variant of the name Guinevere, who was King Arthur’s wife in the Arthurian tales. (Which is really cool to me. I love those stories!)

Christine means “anointed” or “Christ follower” and is of Latin origin.

Blair is a famous Scottish surname, originating from the pre-9^th century Gaelic word “blar,” meaning field, plain or battlefield. There were many prominent men named “de Blair” in Scottish history.

I love that my first and last names now have Celtic origins. And in the middle I have a very “Christian” name. Call me an odd-ball, but I was really excited that Jonathan’s last name was Blair. I had always hoped that I’d marry into a good name. (Not that my maiden name is bad, just very common.) I love the way it rolls of the tongue! I feel that it fits me very well.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only one that feels as such about names. Needless to say, I’m going to have an extremely hard time choosing names for our children (especially the girl’s names). Then again, Jonathan jokes that we’re going to have 4 rambunctious boys. Maybe I won’t have to worry about it after all. I like lots of Celtic boy names anyhow.

BTW, I’ll take any suggestions for elegant, somewhat uncommon girl’s names! Not that I need to worry about that for quite some time (Lord willing). I just want ideas!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

I LOVE Christmas Trees! I am so very excited to announce that our first Christmas tree came in the mail today! At first I didn't think we were going to be able to get a tree. We don't have much space and I definitely didn't want needles falling everywhere. I happened to find a gift card to Crate and Barrel left over from our wedding presents, so I went online to see what they had. To my utter delight they had this cute little tree! It is perfect for our living room!

How cute is this little guy?

I can't wait to dress it up with some homemade ornaments and such.

I'm thinking about making a cute card tree like this for the dining room.

I'm planning on make some book page ornaments like this...

And some cute sheet music boxes like this.

I was also able to get some adorable birch bark candle holders. 

I am totally loving the natural minimalist look for Christmas decorations. I want to put up a ledge near the tree to hang stockings from. To bad it's not time to decorate for Christmas yet. Oh, Christmas come soon please!

Birthday Addendum

My mother told me this weekend that I better blog my birthday festivities at home this past weekend. I always listen to my mom, so here it is (per her request).

I had a wonderful time at home!  I was welcomed home by a large camper sitting in the drive way. My parents recently purchased it and I was soon given the tour. After that we looked at my wedding pictures and enjoyed the evening together.

The next day the girls went shopping.

We ladies had a wonderful lunch at JJ's Bistro.

It is a quaint little French restaurant.

Lunch proved to be quite hilarious. We decided that we make mistakes in life because we are happy. Apparently mom was really happy after lunch because she couldn't find the car. Love you mom!

I was very excited about shopping at the Town Center. Where I live, shopping is not so great.

I found some FANTASTIC deals. I came away with some great deals!

• Urban Outfitter sweater: $20
• Black Silk Dress from the Loft: $15
• Cute army green top from the Loft : $6

Then we returned home for a family celebration. I opted for pumpkin pie in lieu of the customary b-day cake. Luke was absent due to being invited to the UF vs. MSU game. I might forgive him one day. Maybe.

PRESENTS!!!!

Michelle found the entire collection of Jane Austin's works. I was thrilled!

YAY for fall clothes! They really are my favorite. I'd prefer a scarf and sweater over a tank top and shorts ANY day.

I thought it was very appropriate to end with this lovely picture. My littlest brother looks so intelligent.

We ended the evening by watching Anne of Green Gables. So fun.

It was a good weekend. The end.

I'm not young enough to know everything

  

 Lately I've started reading Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. I have loved the story for as long as I can remember. On long trips with the family it was the movie of choice. I do believe we watched it so much that we wore out the poor little VHS tape! This story (along with the Box Car Children) was probably one of the reasons I had a fasination with orphans when I was a kid. Imagination was the fuel of our afternoon play-times. We'd run out into the backyard pretending to be orphaned princes and princesses, making up whole worlds as we romped.

Though this tale is so beloved, I never thought of reading the original. (I don't know why it hadn't occured to be before now!) Let me just say that I am LOVING every bit of it! I feel like I've stepped into the realm of my childhood daydreams again. 'Tis a wonderful place indeed.

I feel like I could be Wendy. I'm the oldest too.

This is us as kids. Really! I'm Wendy, Matt is John, Michelle is Tink, and Luke is Michael. I'm sure Barrie wrote this about us. I just know it.

Adorable Michael is so endearing. I hope my little boys are just like him!

Oh the lost boys!

Smeed has to be one of my favorite characters. I can't tell you how much we laughed at his folly.

There's something so magical about the imaginative realm of a child. It's not hard for them to believe things. As adults we rationalize, calculate and come to cognitive conclusions. A child will just take you at your word and think twice about if it's "rational" or not. They naturally have a trusting spirit. They are also well aware that they don't know everything. They're always learning, always asking questions.

I need to me more like a child sometimes. I need to take God at His word instead of trying to figure out how I can work things out. I need to trust Him without a second thought. I need to follow Him with enthusiasm. I need to seek to learn from Him. I need to have a sence of wonder at the things of God. I need to be more like a child. Indeed I am a child of God. There is no reason to be so adult-like with Him.

I am reminded of an old hymn my family used to sing in Bible time (our daily devotional time with my mom), Trust and Obey. When I hear it, I think of a child walking through life holding their fathers hand. May I do the same.

Trust and Obey

Stanza 1:

When we walk with the Lord

In the light of His word

What a glory He sheds on our way

While we do His good will

He abides with us still

And with all who will trust and obey

Refrain

Trust and obey

For there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and obey

Stanza 2:

Not a burden we bear

Not a sorrow we share

But our toil He does richly repay

Not a grief not a loss

Not a frown not a cross

But is blest if we trust and obey

Stanza 3:

But we never can prove

The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay
For the favor He shows
For the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey

Stanza 4:Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey

Refrain

Trust and obey
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey

Don't judge a book by it's cover

Crafting.

It's in my blood.

I'm serious.

I used to make lots of crafty things in high school. I even had my own little (and I mean little) business called, The JenChristine Boutique. I made all sorts of cute accessories such as purses, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, and so on and so forth. It was a nice way to make some money without having to work at McD's, which was just about the only alternative. Now that I look back, I was probably a bit eccentric. I couldn't help it really. What better way to express yourself as a teen than with what you wear and how you decorate your room? Ok, maybe you could write a book or do other smarty-pants type things. But I'm a dreamer, and sometimes it just overflows into what I put on, my music, well everything...including little crafty things here and there.

One such example is my love of books. Books really are so wonderful. You can read them, decorate with them and (last but not least) craft with them! This love has overflowed into my home decor, our wedding, and lots of other embarrassing fashion items that I used to wear. (Let just say I made them, and I'll leave it at that.) I have tons laying around the house. Thus, I decided to have a little craft project with the ones I didn't like as much.

So without further ado, here is how I made a book page canvas:

First, there are several things you need:

• Mod Podge
• Paint brush
• Canvas
• Glue gun
• Books!

Step 1: Put all your supplies out within reach.

Step 2: Tear out the pages you want to use. I added some scrapbook paper to my collection for a pop of color here and there.

Step 3: Layer your pages on the canvas.

Step 4: Paste the pages down and then put a layer of Mod Podge over all the pages. Let dry.

Step 5: Fold the edges over and glue in place. I used Mod Podge and the glue gun.

Step 6: Let it dry completely.

Now you have the finished product!

 I hung it over our bed. The photo doesn't really do it justice. It looks WAY better in person.

I will definitely be making more of these in the very near future! It has so many possibilities!