move over Grumpy...

...there's a new dwarf in town! I haven't been the nicest of people lately and I haven't felt very good either. And, to add to it, I am praying away the days of school instead of enjoying what I have left and praising Him for the job that I have. I have just been in a funk. Well, thank the Lord for perfect timing. I was looking at a friend's blog, and she posted the next few words. It is JUST what I needed to hear at just the right time...

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"This morning I woke up grumpy. I actually have been grumpy the past few mornings. I am usually a morning person, but the last few days I have not been excited about waking up! I found it odd that I read about cheerfulness this morning. Right now, I am complete opposite of being cheerful.

Proverbs 15:15, "...a cheerful heart has a continual feast."

My attitude = My personality

I can not always choose my situation, but I can always choose my attitude toward the situation. I believe the NIV Life Application Bible says it best.... (v.15:15) The secret to a cheerful heart is filling our minds with thoughts that are true, pure, and lovely, with thoughts that dwell on the good things in life.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8

So, whatever is put into my mind or how I feel is how I can determine my actions. The question in my devotion today left me feeling guilty. I was asked, "Are you a cheerful Christian?" I plan to ask God to help me be cheerful and overcome how I am feeling...grumpy!"

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Amen, sweet girl. Amen.

Earth Day 2010.

"Today, I'm gonna celebrate being on the only known planet that is just the right distance from its star such that it can support life... just the exact spot to not burn us and to not freeze us... almost like Someone put it just in that spot... just for us."

The ABCs of Jene...

Coming up with what to write on my first blog makes me feel like I am trying to start an awkward conversation with a stranger. I am not good with awkwardness, it makes me uncomfortable. I get too talkative and tend to laugh too loud at my own jokes. So I am just going to jump right in on my first post before it is too late!!

Are we there yet?? - I am not patient AT ALL. I get it honestly from my sweet daddy.

Bill, Becky, Ben, Liz and Jacob - I have been blessed to be raised by the most amazing parents a girl could ask for. Noone loves me like my daddy. He always takes care of me and makes sure I have what I need.. and it is taken care of before I even have to ask. Not a week goes by I don't get an email, text message, or sweet hug telling me how proud they are of me and how much they love me. I never have to doubt. My mother has become one of my closest friends. She is a prayer warrior for me. She has never given up on her youngest "chicken" (as she likes to call us). Thank goodness! My brother is wise beyond his years and I trust him more than anyone else on this great big earth. We can laugh at the same silly stuff without feeling silly ourselves. He is amazing and I am so very proud of him. My sis-in-love, Liz, only adds dynamic to our family. She isn't afraid to tell it like it is and I admire her for that. She is hilarious and has a sweet love for Jesus that makes you long to have the same relationship with Him. Jacob is the center of attention and has everyone wrapped around his finger. Now we just wait for baby Beavers #2... my heart just might burst.

Creative - I love to paint and create things. Most of my paintings have a cross or bible verse on them. I believe God has given me the ability to paint, and because He has blessed me with this talent, I should use it only to glorify Him.

Diners, Drive Ins and Dives - I will stay way up past my bed time on Monday nights just to watch all the episodes. I am obsessed. Period. Dot.

Exercise - If I would have started this blog about 6 months ago, "E" would have probably been a different word. But since January it has been a part of my life and I am starting to become addicted.

Friends - "I thank God upon every remembrance of you." -Phil. 1:3. Whether I see them every day, every month, or a few times a year, I have been thoroughly blessed.

Give me the beat boys - Music. Love it.

Honest - My mom calls me her "honest child". If I do not say it, you can see it on my face. I am a really, really bad liar.

Ice cream - & any other sweets for that matter. Forget the chips, give me the chocolate.

Jacob - He is my precious little nephew whom I love dearly. I knew I would love him when he was born, but I never imagined it would be this much. My heart literally aches sometimes when he is around because I just can't squeeze him enough to let him know just how much he means to me. He is already so smart, has a hilarious personality, and my most favorite quality of his is how he understands emotions. When we watch Nemo he starts crying when the big bad shark hurts Nemo's mother. He laughs hysterically when Nemo is reunited with his dad. And nothing makes me happier than when I get to hear "luh you, wene." He's got a big heart for such a little guy.

Kind - Yeah, it is kind of a copout, but there are only so many "K" words that seem appropriate. However, I think the shoe fits...

Loving - I think this shows by my relationships with friends and family. I have a tender heart. And I will cry at almost anything, even the sweet little insurance commercials where one act pays it forward. I get this honestly as well. (Honorable Mention - "Late", which I am, ALWAYS!)

Mississippi State fan - Through and through, I bleed Maroon and White.

Nickname - Jaybird, j.beavs, Beavs, Jene B.

OCD - I always make my bed. I will throw away a piece of paper if I mess up on one letter. I will clean up after you.

PK - I am a preacher's kid. My daddy rocks.

Queen of shopping - Just come look in my closet.

Redeemed - Have you ever seen Extreme Home Makeover? About a year ago my life was the "Before" house - standing up but in desperate need of repair. His grace and love have completely overhauled my heart. (ISAIAH 53:5)

Sarcastic - Don't take it personally.

Time - It is the commodity that I always want more of. It is the thing I waste the most.

Unfortunate events - I don't have the best luck.

Vice - Diet Coke. I have read articles and heard stories. I realize I need to stop. You don't have to remind me.

Who's the boss? - Me. :)

X marks the spot - I feel like I am always looking for buried treasure. And by buried treasure, I mean my keys. If I have lost them once, I have lost them twenty times. But, hallelujah, they always show up somewhere.

Yellow - Bright and cheery. Atleast I like to think so.

Zippin Pippin - I love the feeling that roller coasters give you. Or anything else in life that gives you butterflies in your stomach.