Dear Friends and Family..
  I wanted to let you know that I am moving on.  After 4 years of service here, God has called me to another "assignment".  My last day with AIM was Friday December 14th.   To find out where I'm going and what I'll be doingcheck out my new blog site:                                                       On the Wings of An Eagle

There is a link at the bottom of that site to sign up for updates.  I do plan on sharing more through "blogging" as I enjoy sharing as, God permits, what He has revealed to me.  My prayer is that by doing so, you will be blessed also. 

Thanks for all your prayers and support over the last 4 years.  May God keep you and bless you until we meet again.

  Jennifer

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever."
                                                     Isaiah 9:6-7

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate our dear Saviors Birth.  May the fullnes of the Fathers love for us be revealed to you in a fresh new way today.

In His Love,
  Jennifer

Who is on your mind?

According to information put out several years ago by the National Science Foundation, we think a thousand thoughts per hour. When we are writing we have twenty-five hundred thoughts every 90 minutes. The average person thinks about twelve thousand thoughts per day while a deeper thinker, puts forth fifty thousand thoughts daily. (Statics taken from Charlie Greer -Web Article 'What are you thinking'). All my searches gave me the same numbers, somewhere between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day. That is somewhere between 1.4 and 7.2 thoughts per second. Amazing!!

My mind is flooded with thoughts everyday and many of those thoughts are about the people in my life. I think about my family, my friends, co-workers, and the list goes on. Who do you think abut the most? Your husband?, your wife?, sons or daughters? Close friends? Why are they on your mind so much? I am guessing you are like me, and it is because they are an important part of your life and you have a special love and concern for them.

Do you know who's mind you are on?

I have been reading and meditating on Psalm 139. I have found it to be very comforting and validating at different times in my life. Two verses that have left me in awe this time are verses 17 & 18; " How precious are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you." Wow, I am always on God's mind. I thought 60,000 thoughts a day was a lot. I would not want to try and count grains of sand for even one minute.
                                  
 I cannot imagine that many thoughts. But God is God and He can have that many thoughts about me and you, at the same time! Now read the end of verse 18 again, "When I awake, I am still with you." If I am still with God when I wake up, then I have been on His mind all through the night. God never sleeps and He never quits thinking about me! I am overwhelmed to think that the God of all creation is constantly thinking about me! There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude and depth of Gods' thoughts about me and you. I am sure His thoughts are not sub-conscious or fleeting either, but rather deliberate, conscious loving thoughts with purpose and meaning. I wish I could say that about all my thoughts towards Him. I do know that as I continue to read and meditate on these verses, my thoughts of God are becoming more conscious, more meaningful and more and more overwhelming. At the same time my thoughts of others are also taking on new meaning each day. But no matter what, I will never be able to comprehend the vastness of our omnipotent, omnipresent God who loves us and thinks about each of us, day and night. 
                                   
                                              Who is on your mind today?
                                          
                    

I was in the store earlier this evening and noticed several men in line buying flowers. A little while later, I was in another store, and noticed the empty shelves where all the Valentines Day candy and gifts had been.  People were making an effort to purchase something to give to their loved ones on Valentines Day to show them how much they loved them.   

During my drive home, my thoughts went to "I don't have anyone to show my love too" then suddenly, my thoughts turned to the greatest love of all, my Lord and Savior Jesus.   He was the greatest show of love by a Father that there will ever be.   I had to ask myself, "How do I show my love, to God? How am I showing my love to my family, my friends, my co-workers, my church family, people in the stores, the orphans, the struggling teenagers, the recovering alcoholic, the lonely and depressed, and my four legged friends? "   I know I have love to give, because the Spirit of Christ lives in me and Jesus is Love. "As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."   John 15:9-10, 12.

This past weekend I watched the movie 'John Q.' Denzel Washington plays the father (John Q,) of a boy who has an enlarged heart and needs a transplant or he will die.   John Q is willing to do anything to save his son to the point where he is ready to take his own life.  September 11, 2001, the greatest tragedy the United States has ever known, brought out the deepest love some will ever know outside of God.  It was a living example of Gods' commandment to love in action.   This past weekend on Extreme Home Makeover, there was a return of love as they built a home for one of the many 9/11 heroes.

Each day I have many opportunities to express my love in many different ways o the people in my life. I can express it in a phone call, or write it in a note.  I can express it by lending a helping hand or extending a listening ear.   I can express my love in a prayer or a hug or with a special gift.   There are countless ways I can express my love to others. And, each time I love another, I love God too.   " The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' " Matt 25:40

                                     Gods' Valentine to us.

John 3:16  

Tomorrow is Valentines Day.   It is said that this day is in honor of a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up his Christianity.   Who will you honor today with your love? and how? 

May the warmth of the Fathers love embrace you today and everyday.

I sat at the table this morning having breakfast and reading my Oswald Chambers devotional, the title was "Must I Listen".   I had not quite finished reading it when I noticed the birds chirping outside.   I paused and listened.   It was the same consistent chirp over and over, steady and persistent.   This went on for several minutes.   Then there was silence.  

I began thinking about the many times God has had to tell me the same thing over and over.   He may speak to me directly, during my prayer and meditation times, or He may speak to me during my bike rides, or walks through the park.   He often speaks to me through other people; in church, in my meetings or just during times of fellowship or general conversations.   Many times the message I am receiving from Him through someone is one He has already given to me either directly or through someone else.  

I have learned that when God gives instruction He wants me to obey.   He cares so much for me and wants what is best for me, that He will repeat the same instruction until He knows I have listened and I understand.  Then He will wait.   There is silence. God is waiting for my response. When I feel the silence, I must ask myself, why am I not hearing God?   Is He speaking?   Am I not listening? Has He already spoken?   Is He waiting for my response?  

"The destiny of my spiritual life is such identification with Jesus Christ that I always hear God, and I know that God always hears me. (John 11:41)  If I am united with Jesus Christ, I hear God, by the devotion of hearing all the time."   (Oswald Chambers)

                                "Listening" - the act of hearing attentively

  Do you listen to the birds chirping? Or do you hear them as part of natures background music?

From The Power of Three Words

Today I am Grateful for:

Wed., Feb 28, 2007
The stability of the fellowship - tonight was another "Birthday Meeting"

Twila Paris - Contemporary Christian Artist - I discovered a very special song this week that put my thoughts and feelings in words for a friend . 'Listening' to the words in the music I listen to is when they take on real meaning and touch my heart.

Tues., Feb 27, 2007
The reality that I don't have to "act as if" and it's ok if I don't know.
God that knows the beginning from the end - because He is the Alpha and the Omega .

Bill Willson - Divinely inspired to initiate the start of one of the greatest fellowships that exists today .

Mon., Feb 26, 2007
The simple things in life…..
Suzanne - thanks for your friendship and for helping me bring out the woman God created in me.

Sun., Feb 25, 2007
Vision - "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Prov. 29:18) ' Vision, revelation - message from God' we need to hear from God for His direction, for our happiness we must keep with the vision He gives us.
Squirrels - Something about them is intriguing and makes them fun to watch. I think there is a lesson to be learned from them

Sat., Feb. 24, 2007
Women in my life who understand "mid-life crisis" - No I will not expand on that!!! ( I have spoken to several this week that have been there and others are there with me - we really are ok. )
Tami A. - You are a real joy in my life - I appreciate your humor, your honesty and your humbleness. May God continue to bless and keep you

Fri., Feb 23, 2007
Snooze buttons on alarm clocks - Some mornings are just like that.

Thurs., Feb 22, 2007
Laughter - No matter what life brings - good times and laughter with good friends are healing for the spirit.

Wed., Feb, 21, 2007
Unconditional Love -I do not have to do great things to prove my love to God. He loves the simple things I do that show my love for Him.
Beth Moore - I catch her on Life Today on Wednesday mornings, her enthusiasm and desire to reach the hearts of women everywhere with the Truth that God loves them and wants them know Him is an inspiration to me. Her passion and love for Jesus is obvious in her messages.

Tues., Feb 20, 2007
Birds and the messages that God delivers through them when we listen. This morning I was riding my bike, praying and thinking about different things that I needed to do. As I was also listening to the birds, one in particular was chirping "do it". So that which I was thinking about doing I did. It was something I had been putting off because I thought it was going to take longer and be more difficult than it was - well it wasn't and I was really glad to get it done today.
Shelly - my first sponsor and last sponsor before I left Ohio - At one point along the way she gave me the message "just do it" and it was a great thing then too. She showed me the love of Jesus in many ways and helped me through many

Mon., Feb 19, 2007
Two good feet to stand and walk on - though having turf-toe is painful, I am thankful I have toes and can feel the pain. (It is amazing how important the big toe is for balance)

Darlene Zschech & Hillsong Music - Her sweet spirited voice expresses her love for Jesus in a way that allows His love to touch my heart and bring me a peace that surpasses all understanding at any time.

Sun., Feb 18, 2007
Paper and pens - for those tines when I just need to write to get stuff out of my head and journaling to capture my thoughts   

Sat., Feb. 17, 2007
Fresh, clean water - I drink a lot of water, I was reminded today the human body is made up of 75% water. How blessed I am to live in a country that has fresh running water that is safe to drink. (Makes good coffee too J) Not to mention that we can buy purified water in a bottle.

Leslie - Mentor, friend, sister - I am thankful for the miracle that took place in your life 24 years ago and that God has allowed me to be a part of the overflowing blessings of that. I am so grateful God brought our lives together. Thanks for sharing the journey with me.

Fri., Feb 16, 2007
The book "Alcoholics Anonymous" it was my first "living bible", and continues to provide answers I need in conjunction with my 'Holy Bible'

George - an "old-timer" in AA - he delivered the message I needed to hear tonight.

Thurs., Feb 15, 2007
The encouragement of Hebrews 10:35-36 "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

Tara & the accounting crew - for doing your part to allow me to provide accurate, reviewed and analyzed reports today. - I have been waiting over 3 years to be able to do this and feel the way I do about what went out. (I don't think anyone really knows what this means to me.) BIG KUDOS & Thanks to all.

Wed., Feb 14, 2007
A Mother and Father who have always loved and cared for me, I can't imagine beingorphaned.
Dad - Thanks for always encouraging me in all that Ido and to do what makes me happy.
Mom - Thanks for always supporting me and being there for me even when we disagreed.
               Thank you both for loving me for me. 
      Happy Valentines Day -from your daughter with Love.

Tues., Feb 13, 2007
Buddy, Molly and Abby -my four legged friends down the street. I treat them like my own when I am around them. They are great stress relievers and break-time companions. (This counts as three right?)

Mon., Feb 12, 2007
My ability to read and write - you want me to write more about that?

Kevin W. - Your passion and excitement for Jesus is heard in your worship, and your smile and upbeat spirit can brighten even the already bright days.

Sun., Feb 11, 2007

Washer and dryer - There is just something about clean sheets, towels and clothes J I would really dislike doing laundry if I had to do it all by hand, and would not be able to be doing anything else while doing laundry. (I am a multi-task kind of person.)

Augie - Your encouragement and friendship mean more to me than you know. And, I really appreciate your wise, insightful and caring advice.

Sat., Feb. 10, 2007
My home - I was writing my rent check today and each time I do, I am thankful for where God is housing me. I have been blessed, I have been living in this beautiful place for over 2 years now.

Dr. Susan Watson - You continue to inspire, encourage and uplift me. Thanks for keeping in touch and for your notes of blessing. It is an honor and privilege to share in what Jesus is doing through John 17 Ministries.

Fri., Feb 9, 2007
Lambert - Thanks for all your technical help and especially for getting that new computer ready for me. I appreciate you for who you are too, not just, what you do for us
God's timing is perfect - I received a letter in the mail at work today that was an answer to prayer.

Thurs., Feb 8, 2007
My external hard drive & Flash drives - that have a back up of my files as my computer has given me the infamous "blue screen of death" twice today.
Crystal - Thanks for your help and insight. I love your joyful spirit and your heart for God and your sisters in Christ. The fellowship and prayers have helped more than you know. I am grateful God brought you to GA for however long it may be.

Wed., Feb 7, 2007
Consistency of the Holy Spirit. - I seem to be hearing the same message in many different ways through different people. Hmmmm..
I am who God says I am …. not who I may think I am.

Tues., Feb. 6, 2007
HUGS..... to give and receive, love, healing, comfort and encouragement. - Consider yourself hugged.

My great Uncle Alden - Yours and Aunt Ellen's support and encouragement has meant and continues to mean more to me than you will know. Your gentle kind spirit can brighten anyone's day. I love you and you are in my thoughts and prayers often.

Mon., Feb. 5, 2007
Grateful to be called "friend" there was a time I didn't think anyone considered me a friend.But now I can be a friend to many.And I am afriendof Jesus "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." John 15:14-16

Sun., Feb. 4, 2007
God knows my heart's desire- I didn't go to church today, and I don't feel condemned. I chose to meet with Him at home and I know He is ok with it even if other people aren't.
Joel Olstein - His messages are always positive and uplifting or encouraging. Toady he reminded us to "pray ahead" to overcome our weaknesses and gain strength to walk through the challenges ahead. "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mathew 26:41 "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation." Luke 22:40 & 46.

Sat., Feb. 3, 2007
God's Grace, for I am human and although I am willing and desire to fully obey God, as He has called me to, to be Holy as He is holy,.. (1 Peter 1:13-16 ) that my mind and my actions would be fully set apart for His service, often I find myself repeating the words of Paul ".. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. See Romans 7 :15-20 With out Gods' grace I would be condemned.

Fri., Feb. 2, 2007
Chocolate - Did I really just write that? Ok, confession I really don't like chocolate. However, I have had some recently and it has tasted ok. I like it best when I get to give it away and make someone else happy. Ironic how on the day after I make a choice to get back on track - not eating sweets, when I got to work, there outside my office door was a bag of Hershey miniatures with a note "Thanks for all you do for us". (Thank you who ever "us" is _ I have an idea J ) I was very blessed by the note, humored by the chocolate, blessed to be able to take it to a meeting and bless all the chocolate lovers there. J

I am grateful to be a recovering alcoholic. My blog: "Grateful to be An Alcoholic"

Thurs., Feb. 1, 2007

I am grateful I serve the one Holy God - set apart, above all, pure, with out spot or wrinkle. As His child I have also been "set apart" to serve Him with a pure heart and mind. "May the mediations of my heart, the words of my mouth and the actions of my hands and feet be pleasing to you today O God."
Michael W. Smith - His music and his passion have been steady through the years. He was one of the first Contemporary Christian singers I listened too. This morning I woke up hearing him singing " You are holy, you are holy…

Snow days in Georgia - they make me laugh..  I can't help it….. I am from the north you know.  :-)

Twice in the last few days I have been completely overwhelmed with gratitude that I am a recovering alcoholic. First was at the meeting Wednesday night. We had a "popcorn meeting." A "popcorn" meeting is a meeting in which different people are chosen to speak on a topic they "blindly" pick out of a basket of suggested topics or questions. How fitting it was for me to draw out one that asked "What are you grateful for?" I was almost speechless and my mind rushed, "we don't have enough time," I said. And that was the truth. How could I sum up all the blessings I have received since I've been sober? I couldn't. I said, "I am most grateful that AA introduced me to a God of my understanding. My relationship with my God is the best relationship I have today and I know that He is always with me no matter what. With out that nothing else matters."

I don't remember what else I shared but I remember feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. Standing in front of the meeting, and looking around I saw a beautiful group of about fifty people. They were from different back rounds, different races, different cultures, and different classes. We are different but we are so much the same and we've been brought together by a common desire, to live life free of the bondage of alcohol. I stood in awe as I saw the miracles in front of me. I am grateful beyond words that God chose me to be one of these miracles, a recovering alcoholic.

Friday night was another meeting in which I was overwhelmed with gratitude for God's grace. The topic for Friday nights' discussion was Step 1, "Admitted we were powerless over alcohol and our lives had become unmanageable." We, as do most meetings in the area, have a "first step meeting" when someone is in attendance for their very first meeting. We do this to encourage them by sharing our stories of what happened while we were drinking, how we got to AA and how our lives have changed since our involvement with AA.

Looking around the room I saw a diverse group of people, being themselves, being real. As I looked into their faces, I could see fear and hope, sadness and joy, tiredness and stress, peace and contentment. Each face tells a story, a past and a present. However people were feeling, none felt the need to hide it.

We were brought together by a common disease, we stay together by sharing a common solution. While I listened to people tell about their battles with alcohol, the pain and misery they went through I could relate back to my own struggles. The more I looked around the room I became more overwhelmed with gratitude for this program that God has placed at our disposal. A program that walks us out of the deepest darkest miry pits of despair and hopelessness and brings us to an all loving, all powerful merciful God. A God who lays before us a path to peace, serenity and wholeness beyond what any of us could have ever dreamed or imagined. Once we get to the door of AA all that is left to do is to make a choice and take the next step.

True, not everyone that attends these meetings is a believer in Jesus Christ. I wasn't either at first, but I believe this is the path God intended for me to take. It is in these meetings that I hear gut level honesty, not just about the past, but about what is happening right now, that I do not hear anywhere else. There is no fear or shame in sharing about our daily struggles, and there is no pride in sharing our daily victories. We have surrendered these condemning feelings, along with our alcohol, to a Higher Power. The program has taught us as Jesus does, there is no room for these self-defeating attitudes and characteristics, in our lives today. I am grateful to be one of the many who have come to believe in Jesus as a result of this program.

AA is a ministry field for me and it is moments like these, that I have shared, that bring an unexplainable fulfillment to my heart and my spirit. God has turned my past into a blessing and the more I share it the more of Him I receive. Today I choose to share more of me for Him. Will you?

"Counting My Blessings - Living in Gratitude"
(as referenced in "The Power of Three Words")

.( Reflections on Psalm 30- Part 2)

 It was Friday December 22, the day I planned to drive back to Ohio to spend Christmas with my family.   It was a foggy rainy morning.   Even though I had gone to bed early,    I didn't sleep well through the night and I woke up feverish and achy, the 'bug' I had been fighting all week seemed to have peaked.   Under normal circumstances, I would have gladly spent the day in bed, but today, my family was expecting me and I knew I needed to be at the funeral home for my Aunts' visiting hours at 6:00pm.

 I was able, with Gods help, to get myself going and get the car packed.   After taking my needed time for prayer, asking for Gods protection and guidance during my drive and covering my friends and my family with prayer, I started on my ten-hour journey, it was 6:35 in the morning.  

 I had only been in the car a few minutes and the unspoken words became very loud, "Count Your Blessings."  First, I was thankful I had been motivated and had gotten my packing done earlier than usual and was not up late the night before finishing. I felt very blessed to be able to drive back to be with family.   Not only was I physically and financially able I was able to take off work and I could leave knowing Fival (my cat) would be taken care of.   I enjoy driving and am thankful I have the capability and endurance to drive long distances.

 I wasn't on the road long before I became extremely grateful that I have gotten in the habit of taking my car in for routine maintenance and inspection; oil change, tire rotation and balancing etc., before I take a long trip.   This time I had just taken my car in the day before.   While I was there, I was informed my brakes were just about gone and should be replaced.   The mechanic that was working on my car said I might make it to Ohio but probably would not make it back.   The longer I drove in all the rain, fog and traffic, the more grateful I became, only God knows what mishaps having new brakes helped me avoid.   Although it was 11 ½ hours later,  I arrived safely at my parents' house at 5:45 in the evening.    

  Having an "attitude of gratitude" has propelled me through some of the most difficult times in my life and this was going to be another one.   I had plenty of time so it was not hard, in spite of what was concluding a very emotionally challenging year, to continue counting my blessings during the drive. Being a child of the Most High God, I have a Father in heaven who loves and cares for me and He has given me so much more than I could have ever dreamed of, more than I will ever be able to recount.  

  I am eternally grateful that I have a personal relationship with Jesus, the Savior of the world.   In Him is my joy, my hope and my strength and through Him, I have the promise of an eternal life free of pain and sadness. It has been His grace, strength and love that has carried me through the year.   He has blessed me with true, Christ centered, friends who love me, comfort me and strengthen me while walking through this earthly journey with me.   I have a family that supports and loves me for who I am today. I could go on and on, and so it will. I have started an article "Counting My Blessings, - Living in Gratitude," that I will update daily throughout this year.   This will be a brief gratitude list of 1-5 new or different blessings that I am grateful for that day.   Having and 'attitude of gratitude' has not only changed my outlook on life, but, it has changed my life.   I encourage those of you who want this experience to join me on this "walk in gratitude."   May your life be forever changed.   

  'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.   O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.'  ^{Ps 30:11-12}

Thanksgiving was a very beautiful, peaceful day of rest and relaxation.   I had quite times of prayer and reflection, decorated my Christmas tree, spent time outside and cooked a small turkey dinner.   (There is nothing quite like the smell of roasting turkey.)