Port Orange Musings

Good morning!  So, this morning Mr. Oswald Chamber’s had some great advice to share and Ms. Sarah Young did as well.  As I sit here in a dark hotel room and think about what I just read in these two devotions I was inspired to share one of them today on my blog.  I chose Jesus Calling by Sarah Young to share so please enjoy this very encouraging devotion for the morning and please share it with your friends too.

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Jesus Calling, February 28th

Stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role.  Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people.  This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes, a mixture of both.  I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her.  Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.

Don’t look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people.  The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love.  Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures.  Nothing could be farther from the truth!  I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation.  This is how I see you: radiant in My robe of righteousness.  When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with Me throughout all eternity.  Immerse yourself in My loving Presence.  Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and you will not be judges; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in my Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

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My mom, sister Susanna and I are spending the next three and a half days in Port Orange Florida!  While my mom attends an alpaca seminar (for those of you who don’t know, we have five alpacas), Susanna and I are going to sight see a little.  Today though it is overcast and rainy.  *please come out and visit us in Fl, Mr. Sun!*

Well, I’ll end here so I’m not on the computer all day.  I really hope the devotion and Bible verses above encourage you or speak to you or even give you a realization on how you see and think of yourself and if you really do care how others perceive you as well.  I am human and I’m a girl so I KNOW it is difficult to not compare and to think you are so much less then the next person, but whenever I have given my cares and concerns to the Lord through prayer He really does give you affirmation of His love and other peoples opinions really and truly do not matter in the long run!  Be the best and kindest person you can be and don’t worry about being popular and being noticed by everyone.  Love the Lord and try loving yourself too.  God has a plan and a purpose for all of us and especially if we are seeking to fulfill it He will reveal it to us and bless us through His plan for our lives.  That’s what I believe anyway.  God is so SO good.

God bless!  Stay warm and dry if the weather’s wet where you are, and have a lovely weekend and a wonderful day!

Jenny~

Family Photos!

So, I was going through my drafts and came across this unfinished draft/post that I was going to post two years ago, I believe (these pics were taken in 2013 when I cut my hair into a pixie) and anyway I never posted it so, without further ado, please enjoy these family pictures of the Barger Family 2013 (DO NOT COPY THESE PICTURES, thank you)

Eli, John and Cael

   

Esme and Sylvie

   

Joshua and Jennifer (me with a pixie!)

Skylar (who is in Korea)

The Miller’s (without baby River…Bess, Davis and Evelyn who are also in Korea)

  

Evelyn and Bess, my dearest big sister and my precious niece!

   

Titus and Sarah, my beautiful sister and adorable nephew!

The Wetzel’s (Adam, Sarah and Titus…and there is an addition to their family coming Summer 2015!)

Group pic!

  

Crazy, but handsome, Barger boys (and Miller and Wetzel’s)

  

Fabulous, amazing, and wonderful “Barger Babes”…haha, just kidding.

Look at us smoking hot Charlie’s Angels. Ha ha! 🙂

  

More sister pics.  I love my sisters.

I love this pic.  Three different colored eyes; brown, green and blue…I miss those blue eyes *cough cough*

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So there you go!  Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!  That’s my amazingly wonderful family who I mostly love and sometimes just like.  No, in all seriousness I adore my family and literally pray quite often to God and thank Him for providing me with such an amazing family!  We may go through difficult times and situations, but we love each other and we grow together and overcome things together through Jesus Christ who through His strength all things can be done (Philippians 4:13)

Thank you for stopping by!  I have a snowy post to share which I will probably post tomorrow so stay tuned.  Much love and God bless you and keep you safe and warm during this chilly winter weather.  Brrr!

Jenny~

Late Night Thoughts

Some nights so many thoughts flood into my mind that I can’t sleep…thoughts, literally, about everything!  Hopes and dreams, passed events, troubles and sorrows, joys and inspirations; everything.

Life is confusing and so much time is spent not looking further then the distance of your personal bubble.  Does that make sense?  We think we know so much, or I do sometimes, but really our perspective is such a short distance and so blinded by the distractions of life and this world and everything we “have to do” and all the things we “don’t have time for” etc.

We have plenty of time.  We have nothing to fear or fret.  We have full lives even when they seem completely empty.  We have a choice in everything whether we think so or not.  In order to do something you either choose to do it or your choice is not to do it!  As long as we do and seek the things that bring joy to our hearts our lives are full.  There should be no fear at all because Jesus has saved us and the evil one has been defeated and can do nothing more but toil with our minds.  And we always have time because all time is God’s and He is infinite and eternal and everything is done in His perfect timing whether it seems that way or not.

A goal, if you will, that I have for this year and for my life really, is to just DO things!  Start meeting people and getting involved with things.  Start exercising and taking care of myself because as the Bible says my body, the body, is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and you deserve to feel good and be healthy!  Apply for a job that may be different but is something you want to try.  Take up any opportunities whether they be great or small.  Stand up for what you believe in.  Most importantly do not fear because fear will get you no where and will keep you stuck forever if you allow it to hold you back and control your every opinion, decision and action.  Just do it!

That has been put on my heart so heavily and my friend actually found a shirt that says “Just Do It” so we both bought one and it’s very encouraging.

It’s so easy to look at all the bad things and outweigh the bad from the good especially when you are a pessimist…like me.  I’m a pessimist and an extremely negative person when I leave God out of my life and allow my thoughts and feelings to take over and OTHER peoples opinions; I strongly believe it is so important to have a mind of your own and to think for yourself.  Think for yourself, be respectful to other people about there opinions, and be confident in your own opinions.  That’s something I am definitely still working on.

Seek the goodness in every moment.  It is easy to immediately find the crappy things or moments in life when you are doubtful, depressed, fill in the blank, but it is SO worth it when you seek the good things that make you happy and bring you joy and peace.  Just take a deep breath and do it.  You never know, most likely there is a friend, a relative or even a sibling or someone who is super close to you who may be struggling with the same thing.  I say that because we don’t have to be discouraged about being “alone” because we are not!  Even if we don’t know if anyone around is is or has been going through the same things, we always have GOD who is there, He IS there, and we don’t have to worry or anything.  I wish these simple words could be more convincing and I hope they are encouraging!  I’m saying these things to encourage myself as well someone who happens across this post.  (Also to add on to not being alone…don’t be afraid to talk to people or ask for encouragement, accountability or help!  Communication is KEY!  I’m pretty sure that’s why we, humans, talk is because it is necessary and important to communicate!  Anyway…)

The truth is, God is good, He has overcome and loves us and is always there for us, and we need to realize that!  No matter what your situation is or circumstance or problem, etc etc etc, we have to remember and realize that He loves us, oh how He loves us…if you have come across my blog, hello and welcome first off, secondly if you do not know Jesus I just want to kindly encourage you that it is worth everything in life and more to know Him.  Blessings to you and may God bless and direct your life down His path and in His perfect timing.  Much love.

Jenny~

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.”

Snow is Falling!

It’s 32 degrees and getting colder!  It is actually snowing right now!  Little flurries are falling from the sky!

Snow is enchanting, and I don’t mean to sound dramatic.  It’s almost magical how it pours from the clouds and yet makes no noise; that’s what I love about snow.  It’s quiet and beautiful.

I thought the snow would pass us this year, but I always seem to forget how Georgia winters are!  Usually the snow comes in February/March.  I’m glad I’m at home and I pray everyone will make it home safely.  Because we don’t get a lot of snow people don’t know how to react to snow and ice very well where we live, so that’s why I pray for safe returns home for my family members because people get crazy trying to get home!

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The picture above is probably one of my favorite pictures I’ve taken this year so far!  It makes my heart happy.  I love music, which probably I’ve said a million times before, but it is one of my favorite things.  I play piano daily and I sing and play guitar and listen to music and then sing worship on Sundays and I think my life would be extremely empty without music.

Thank you Lord for music and for the joy it brings to myself and so many others!  Allow us to be influenced by the right music, Father, and to seek you Lord in this world where the music industry is very corrupt and artists these days seem to be so lost and the majority of popular music is so vulgar.  Jesus, thank you for this day!  Thank you for the snow and thank you for your protection and provision.  I love you and praise your Holy name.  Be with us God and bless this day and in Jesus sweet name I pray, Amen.

Stay warm!

Much love,

Jenny~

Frozen Tree Tops

 It’s 33 degrees outside and the tree tops are all frozen from yesterdays wet weather.

Earlier today it was sunny, but the air was piercingly icy and cold; I was numb after being outside for less then 5 minutes.

Isn’t it pretty though?  Looks like diamonds in the tree tops.

I got a few shots of this cute little bird too!

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So, this past week we got our front yard cleared!  Our home is surrounded by trees, most of which are pine trees and some little shrubby stuff, but we also have some beautiful hardwoods and oaks.  Anyway.  Because of our ever growing farm (which I haven’t blogged about in forever!) my parents decided to clear out some of the front yard trees to create some extra space for our small herd of alpacas.  Without further ado, here are some pics.

  

I still am surprised whenever I go outside!  It’s SO weird!

The area in the pic above use to be completely hidden and there was a small alcove in the trees which we called “Bess’s Garden” because she made a garden in the area by that hose.  Now it is no more!  *sigh*

  

The second pic above is the hill we usually sled down when/if we get any snow.

The weirdest thing about it is walking around in the cleared area!  It seems so much bigger and you can see everything!  It feels rather naked, if I dare say so.

There’s the bunny sign!  For those who’ve been to our house or live/lived there, I’m now walking down the driveway where you can see our house much more clearly then before!

Last but not least.  So so SO very different!  Also, shout out to my favorite people in Korea, there’s also a “fancy” fence in the backyard, soon-to-be a fancy fence in the front yard where the trees have been cleared, and also the new deck!  I will post some pics of those things sometime soon.

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Enough of the front yard.  Now to the backyard!

We have two new additions to our alpaca family, which I was first highly against *cough cough*, not that it bothers me or changed anything or makes my life harder, but simply I was just surprised, but yes we got another female and another male alpaca so that makes two girls and three boys.

Here they are!  Their names thus far are Chiro (white) and Maggie (d. brown).

  

Here’s Danger and Appa, who keeps photo bombing Danger’s pictures.  Appa is the offspring of our first two alpacas.  He’s SO cute and fluffy!

Sahara.  She’s a diva.

HE’S SO FLUFFY!!!

  

So there you go!  Cozy Green House Farms’ residence.

And, of course, our chickens which are giving us dozens and dozens of lovely eggs.

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Sylvie, my lovely and bubbly younger sister, has inherited some of Sarah’s (my older sister) amazing jewelry making talent!  She has been practicing and making the loveliest earrings and things and today she made me these beautiful earrings!

I love them.  They match a very special bracelet that Sarah made for me so I will be wearing them together.

It is beautiful outside, although the clouds have set in over our house and I’m anticipating more rain most likely and low temperatures.  Ugh bug.  I love the cold, but as I’ve already said, not the ice.  Although it looks beautiful on the tree tops.

Well, I’m going to make some tea now, turn on my music and clean up my room.  Also need to check if I have any anatomy homework to do…so, until next time, stay warm and dry and safe too!  God bless ad much love!

Jenny~

Cold Front

Supposedly there’s suppose to be a cold front this week.

Eck.

I thoroughly enjoy the cold weather, but…I am not a very big fan of snow!  It’s beautiful, but it’s close friend is ice and ice scares me.  So I guess I don’t like ice.  Anyway.

You always think the snow skips Georgia and then February comes along and never fails to bring a bit of precarious weather with it.  Oh well!  I hope and pray we will all just stay warm and safe and enjoy the weather.

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine’s Day and a great weekend!  God bless and soon I will be able to post some pictures and stuff on my blog; I really don’t like being so in-active on here, but time is used up so quickly everyday the past few weeks especially!  I will make time!

Forgive me.

Much Love,

Jenny~

Renewing Your Mind

I am renewing your mind.  When your thoughts flow freely, they tend to move toward problems.  Your focus gets snagged on a given problem, circling round and round it in attempts to gain mastery.  Your energy is drained away from other matters through this negative focus.  Worst of all, you lose sight of Me.

A renewed mind is Presence-focused.  Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation.  Sometimes you can find Me in your surroundings: a lilting birdsong, a loved one’s smile, golden sunlight.  At other times, you must draw inward to find Me.  I am always present in your spirit.  Seek My Face, speak to Me, and I will light up your mind.

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Psalm 105:4 “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”

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Don’t have any thoughts to share at the moment.  God bless you today.  I hope as this new year starts and accelerates that you will be reminded to focus on Him and acknowledge His presence.  Much love and I will be writing some more soon!

Jenny~