Living A Cross Centered LIfe by C.J. Mahaney

Ryan recommended this book to me. Living a Cross Centered Life, by C.J. Mahaney, is an excellent book. I read three quarters of it today at work because it was terribly slow. I had ten customers over five hours. It would have been excruciating but I had this book in my purse that I had been slowly perusing over the last week. It was a real blessing to be able to read most of it today. I wanted to share some quotes from the book. Hopefully they will challenge you the way it did me. The book as the title stated is centered around the cross and how it should permeate our whole life.
I don't know how much of a flow this post will have. I may just throw some random quotes and you can think them over.
"The glory of the gospel is this: The one from whom we need to be saved is the one who saves us." R.C. Sproul
I really love this. I have never thought about it in that way. Isn't amazing that we have been saved. I have heard variations of people saying that throughout most of my life. But what have we been saved from? We have been saved from God's own wrath. "Only those aware of God's wrath can be amazed at God's grace." says Mahaney. In the same thought once we become aware of the punishment that we deserve from God, then and only then can we fully recognize our need for grace. But not only our need but the true extent of the grace that has been offered to us. This quote that Mahaney put in his book by John Stott is perfectly said, "Divine love triumphed over divine wrath, by divine self sacrifice." Jesus took our judgement! I think sometimes in the Christian life that we nullify the greatness of this because we hear it so much. But reading this book has shown me that we should fall on our knees and thank God for saving us from the wrath that we deserve. I have found new passion for the power of the cross through this book. Every time we hear the gospel message it should remind us of our sin that put Jesus there. "We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate, but out attempt would be futile, as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands." says John Stott. I don't know about you but that struck me right in my heart. Knowing fully that my sin is what caused Jesus to bleed. But also knowing that God caused that to happen because he loves us. So many verses point to God's love for us. I pondered this today was awestruck by it. Well I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a more cross centered life. Thanks Ryan for the suggesting the book and thanks to C.J. Mahaney for this wonderful book.
:) Jenaya

"The Office" Party!

Last Thursday a few of us "Office" fans got together to watch and celebrate that new episodes are finally back on NBC. The Blossers graciously had us over. Us being Chantal , Justin, Emily, Dave and Me. Chantal and Justin dressed up as Dwight and Angela. Becky was a number two pencil and I was Pam. Well here are some pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

First week of work...

Okay so the first week of work has been pretty tiring. Mostly because I was a bum for almost three months and it takes a little while to get used to being on your feet for eight hours a day. But I have been enjoying being productive. Also it is nice to be tired when I get in bed at night. Yesterday I took a 2 hour nap and then still went to bed at eleven. Becoming adjusted to two different stores is also a challenge. But hey what's life with out a little challenge right. :)
On a different note I have not stayed the night at my Grandma's house in almost five weeks! first I had no gas money, then I dog sat and house sat for the Allens and Carters. Now I have things going on every night this week, either at the church or The Blossers or funerals or work. So I don't know if you could say I live there anymore. I like to say that I am homeless and live out of my car. :) Well just wanted to update everyone on my life. :) Until next time.
Jenaya

I got a job!

Okay so good news, after almost three months of unemployment, I got a job! I am working at Forza again. If you didn't know I worked at a Forza in Bonney Lake. Forza is a coffe company. I am working at the one in top foods in puyallup and south hill. Thanks to all who have been praying! Now I am trying to adjust to being on my feet all day. Well just wanted to write something real quick to let anyone who didn't know yet. By the way I haven't been blogging because I am house sitting for the Carters and they don't have internet. :) Well I am off to work!!!! :)
Jenaya

My home in my heart. :)

So I went to Cannon Beach on Friday and Saturday. I had a really nice time. I can't believe it's been a week since I have been home. I learned two things while in Portland and Cannon Beach: I don't like Portland that much and I still absolutely love Cannon Beach.
Portland has this whole scene of people called hipsters and they are so annoying at times. They all wear grungy clothes listen to depressing music and never shower. At the beginning of the week I found myself inexplicable being drawn to this crowd of people. I wanted to fit in with everyone in the area. Then I realized I love being clean and happy.

The beach was as usual refreshing and relaxing. I miss the slow pace that Cannon Beach has. It has a whole flow of it's own and you either adjust or go crazy with boredom. At the end of my time at Ecola I found it most natural to laze about the beach. When I got back to real life I found it hard to adjust. Even now I hate having a jammed packed day of things to do. Pre - Ecola I was always on time or early. I have realized post- Ecola i am chronically late!
Whenever I am down there I feel just a smidgen closer to God. Most likely because that is where I fell in love with Him. My student year I spent it with God. Whether reading my Bible or spending whole days in prayer. What an amazing experience God used to draw me to him. My friend Krista explained Ecola in a way that I really liked. As we sat talking she mused that Ecola didn't make her perfect but rather made her more aware of what was displeasing to God. She compared herself to a clock. "Everything has shifted inside me, my inner workings are changed." I love the imagery she used. During Ecola my insides shifted.I can picture the the knobs and wheels all shifting inside of me slowly. I was also blessed with another year as an office intern. I always tell people that God knew I needed an extra year. A lot of times people think that they choose the interns who are most qualified but, the staff wants students who will grow from the experience. Who will not only encourage the students but will rely on God and not on there own qualifications. I was the test grader. A job that I am not made for. A test grader should be organized and efficient. I am neither. But neverless I was challenged to be an example to the students.
I have to remember though that just because I am out of "The green house" that I am still growing. During Ecola I had this huge spiritual growth spurt. I flourished in an environment away from the world. Who wouldn't right? But now that I am back home I can steadfastly grow closer to my Lord. It is so awesome to even be able to call the God of the Universe "MY LORD"! I am just blown away by that. There may be another time in my life where I will have another growth spurt, but until that time I will, Lord willing, keep growing at a slow and steady pace. Something that is on my heart from time to time is the students that are there now. Maybe while you're reading this pray that God continues to soften their heart towards him and directs where they go as they consider what to do next. Believe me when I tell you it is always a little bit hard to get your footing under you after leaving such a sheltered environment.
When I am trying to convince Chantal to go to Ecola she always patiently reminds me that God doesn't use Ecola in everyone lives. "People can grow outside of Ecola Jenaya" says Chantal, but boy am I thankful that God used Ecola in my life.
Sorry this is kind of long. I always reminisce about my time there after I come home from a visit. Hope you have a better insight a part of my heart. :)
Jenaya

Oatmeal, the homeless and friends.

I am really enjoying my time in Portland. Yesterday, my friend, Addison and I went to this cafe called Sip and Kranz. I got the best oatmeal I have ever had in my life. I also had a latte that was absolutely delicious. I went to my friend Karsten and Jon's house. They have this eclectic apartment. Most of their furniture is from a dumpster. We had tea and listened to good music. I am currently sitting in a coffee shop a block away from Addie's house.

Something to astonish those who know me I forgot to bring a book with me. Since I never leave the house without something to read this is a big deal. However addie's roommate Rachel lent me her book Under the Over Pass by Mike Yankoski It is about two guys who decide to be homeless for six months. They travel to six different cities spending about a month in each place. It is very interesting so far. It's a true story of two men who wanted to learn how to really live their faith and see how the homeless live. It gives so many examples of Christians who won't even look them in the eye. In their travels they encountered a man named George who the homeless people on San Fransisco call "the Jesus man". He came and brought pizza to the homeless. When asked why he did it this was his response: "I do this because my faith tells me to. The Bible clearly says, if you see someone hungry, feed them; if you see someone naked, clothe them. Those words weren't meant for us to make books and sermons about. They're written so people don't go hungry and naked. And they require action from all of Christ's followers, not just the rescue missions.... So I am trying to live my life that way and be pleasing to Jesus."
God has really been teaching about the excess in my life. Through not having a job, this book and God's word I have been learning that I live a privileged life. While I am not wealthy as some would consider wealth; I am blessed in so many ways. I have at most points in my life had a roof over my head and food to eat. I have more clothes than most and really amazing friends and family that surround me. Discontentment is something that sneaks up on you and taints everything in your life. I am learning as Paul did to "be content in all situations."

:)

Portland and Guitars.

I have arrived in Portland safe and sound. I got here at ten or so. I slept on something called a love sac. Basically it's a huge bean bag. It was quite comfortable.
Ryan will be happy to hear that this morning I am practicing the guitar. That G cord is giving me trouble though. I think my friend Millie's guitar is out of tune which is also causing me grief. :)
Oh good news, I had Rob, the owner of the Lakleland Hill Forza call me this morning to see if I could come in for an interview. I am going to call him when I get back into town. Yay! Hopefully this means the end of my 3 month unemployment. Well the guitar is beckoning me to practice more. :) Jenaya