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mezzogirl1974
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Name: Jada
Metro:
Interests: All types of Creative Communication (i.e. music, drama, etc.) cooking, reading, being with my wonderful husband and kids.
Expertise: Music (teaching voice, piano, etc.) Singing, Worship and the Arts in church, performing, cooking.
Occupation: Educator/Performing Artist
Industry: Musician
Message: message me
Member Since:
12/8/2005
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| My Life As It Relates to an Onion...Sometimes, it is hard to believe that God does work good through every situation that he allows in our lives. (Romans 8:29) Trust me, I believe in God, that his ways are right, perfect and just. However, from a human perspective, sometimes I just wonder, "Why God? Why now? Why can't this just be done?" Just when I think I am 'on the other side' of a situation, circumstance or relationship, I find that there is but another lesson to be learned. Another way to be "made into His image." More pruning to be done in the "fruit of the spirit" garden of my life.
As I have matured, chronologically and spiritually, I have realized there is still so much for me to learn. Yet, there are times when I am still blindsided by certain events, situations and relationships. And I often wish that God would use other ways to teach me the lessons that must be learned. Or, even more, that I didn't have to be a part of anothers "learning process."
Being the 'foodie' that I am, I relate much of life to food and cooking, etc. Lately, I am feeling like an ONION. Yes, an onion. When a person begins to peel an onion, it seems like an easy enough job. Then, it becomes obvious that there are many, many layers to be removed before getting to the 'good stuff.' Just when you think you have gotten to the usable part--oops! There it is. One more thin, paper-like layer that is so stinkin' hard to remove. Sometimes the thinnest layers are the hardest to remove because they are so close to the actual 'meat' of the onion and go unnoticed. I think this is where I am in my situation. I am down to the last, paper-like layer of a specific situation.
And it would be SO EASY, really easy, to just jump ahead and start chopping, throwing the onion into whatever it is that I am cooking. But, then I would have ICK in whatever I was cooking. And being the foodie that I am, one who loves to show people "the love" by cooking them an incredible meal and 'art on a plate', I would never allow that. Yet, it would be so easy to just skip over that part in my life....if I could. While details are important in cooking and IN LIFE, if truth be told, I would really just like to be able to not deal with it right now, possibly ever. Especially since dealing with them drudges up a lot of past hurts, past issues and things that require me to face a lot of things and people, I would rather not have to face.
There are so many areas in my life that have required healing. And, oh, how I wish the healing process could be instant. However, it is not. And besides that would not be best. I have learned over the years of enjoying my hobbie of cooking that a home-cooked meal is so much better than fast food at Mickey D's. Not to mention part of the enjoyment of the meal is the process involved in planning and preparing it. I wish that I could get to the place of realizing that healing in our hearts, our relationships, every area of our lives is just the same. The hurts didn't happen overnight, neither can they be healed instantly. The process will take a while. And quiet often, much longer than we would have imagined or would wish.
I have also learned a lot about forgivness. A friend shared this information with me a while back and I am glad I found it because I needed to read it again.
What is a definition for forgiveness?
A definition for forgiveness could be -- giving up my right to hurt you, for hurting me. It is impossible to live on this fallen planet without getting hurt, offended, misunderstood, lied to, and rejected. Learning how to respond properly is one of the basics of the Christian life.
There is confusion about what is involved with forgiveness. Forgiveness is not saying that things are okay now, and then going back into an abusive situation. It is not letting someone off the hook by saying, “You didn’t do anything wrong.” Some people think that forgiveness is unconditional love with no boundaries or accountability. It is not. Forgiveness is not denial that a hurtful situation exists, and it isn’t denying the fact that your feelings are hurt. And forgiveness does not mean you accept the person’s behavior.
What does God say about forgiveness?
The Bible gives us much instruction when it comes to forgiveness.
We forgive because we have been forgiven by God (Ephesians 4:32).
We forgive in obedience to God (Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 12:18).
We forgive others to gain control of our lives from hurt emotions (Genesis 4:1-8).
We forgive so we won’t become bitter and defile those around us (Hebrews 12:14-15).
I think that is where I was hung up (and in talking with many friends where they have gotten hung up, too). Restoration. Forgivness doesn't mean restoration. But if a relationship is not restored this doesn't mean that you haven't forgiven.
As well, as long as you are right in heart before God in the specific situation that is what matters. People may not get it. They may not understand the process, what God is doing, or the decisions that you (and loved ones) have made. They may infact push back on you and cause more grief in the middle of the 'peeling' process. Which, as you might expect, makes the process longer.
So, all of this to remind myself that just as in cooking, life takes time. Healing takes time. Growth takes time. I would much rather a slow-cooked roast covered in spirals of onion rings carmelized and delicious, than a piece of beef that tastes like an dried out sponge. Good food takes time. This journey that I am on takes time. Just when I complete one leg of the journey, I will begin another one.
As I was thinking about the circumstances in my life, I was listening to my iPod. (LOVE IT!) On Pandora radio, the song "Worth It All" by Rita Springer was played. WOW! I had heard it before, but this time it 'struck a nerve.'
So, if you have gotten this far, bless your heart! (and I don't mean that in the traditional Southern way. I truly mean, THANK YOU!) I am sure that you are on a journey, too. I pray that you are able to learn all that Father God has for you on the journey, through the valleys and on the mountains.
I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways
Now around every corner
And up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or the water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of Your face
Is all that I need
I will say to You
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
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| "Unity in the Community"
Our gathering opened with this passage from Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
The main teaching was taken from 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 and after pray, planning and preparation, Jon SELAH's Lead Pastor and my husband:), titled the teaching "Unity in the Community."
It was abosolutley amazing and what I, personally, needed to hear after a very long and trying week of confusion.
He began by painting a glorious word picture of what we, regularly, saw in Denver while driving past a park on the way home from church each Sunday--100s of people from Hispanic descent gathering together to share a meal, play sports, just hang out. We asked our friend Francisco about this and he said it is common for people within the Hispanic community to gather together like this. It is the norm.
We also noticed this during our travels to Costa Rica--people hang out on the front porch, stopping to chat, or share a drink, etc.
We have really lost something in our fast-paced, American society. Here, we are anxious to zip into our garages, unseen by our neighbors and zip out in the mornings. Most even have privacy fences (we don't) that prevents others from seeing what is going on, an actual physical barrier.
However, for our family, specifically, we have kids. And kids break down a lot of barriers, particularly with neighbors. In CO, our kids would play on their playhouse/swing set and stand on the slides landing and talk over the fence to our neighbors to the left. This led to us building a relationship with this older couple. As well, our neighbors on the other side were always chatting with our kids over the fence (or through the fence as the case may be) and so, we developed relationships with both of these dear senior couples. Even here in WA, our kids have led the charge in getting to know our neighbors. No question is off limits (well, some are, but they move past the chit-chat rather quickly). We have gotten acquainted with several of our neighbors just because our kids were inquisitive and have asked thought-provoking (or at least disarming) questions to neighbors passing by walking, with their dogs, playing with sleds (on our snow days), etc.
Regardless, as a whole America is a long ways away from the culture that is developed in the Hispanic community here in America and in Hispanic communities around the world that we have, personally, visited. This type of community is very attractive, probably because God made us to live in community (great book: "Girl Talk: Moving beyond the chit-chat" by Jen Hatmaker).
One of Jon's professors stated, "When you are communal, you are not who you are until you are together." We have so much to learn.
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (The Message-my choice of versions, not my Pastor's choice; he used the TNIV)
10I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I'll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.
11-12I bring this up because some from Chloe's family brought a most disturbing report to my attention—that you're fighting among yourselves! I'll tell you exactly what I was told: You're all picking sides, going around saying, "I'm on Paul's side," or "I'm for Apollos," or "Peter is my man," or "I'm in the Messiah group."
At our church, Selah, our vision is to be a "montage of people united with the creative lov of Jesus Christ." Do you know what a montage is?
The art or process of making a composite picture by bringing together, into a single composition, a number of different pictures or parts of pictures and arranging these as by superimposing one on another, so that they form a blended whole while remaining distinct.
Just like a musical chord is, actually, three individual and distinctive notes when played alone, when played together, the chord consists of those three notes sounding together, producing a unified sound and fully filling space.
So, we desire unity. However, disunity can easily creep into our lives, specifically, our church families. We desire to make you aware early on in Selah's existence three things that can promote (or cause) disunity in a church (or any organization, relationship, etc.)
1. Criticism over preferences or petty issues.
We all have preferences and that is not bad. However, we are called to do more than to just meet together. Therefore, we are going to put more energy into making our mission real and tangible to the world, as opposed to spending our time making sure everyone's preferences are pleased. So, if you don't like the music, or how we set up tables, or the teaching style...that is A-okay. There are many great churches in the area where you would fit. However, it is probably not here b/c we are not argue or give time to such arguments. Howver, if you do have a valid concern you need to come to me, or our Associate Pastor, immediately, and we will address those concerns.
2. Triangulation
Triangulation is when you triangulate someone else onto your side and use them against the actual you have problem with. This doesn't mean that if you are seeking godly counsel from someone that is wrong. HOWEVER, even this type of relationship/conversation can turn into traingulation and be ungodly. Be careful. Always check your motives and your heart. This is when, basically, you don't follow Matthew 18 in confronting someone you have an issue with. If you have an issue with someone you FIRST go to that person, specifically. Then, if that doesn't work, take someone with you and so on. We will not tolerate this type of behaviour at SELAH, they will destroy community and relationships in any area of your life. You must first go to that person themselves, no matter how hard, even if it is hard. God didn't say the Christian life would be easy.
3. Fouling
What does it mean when someone fouls you when you play basketball? You go up to score a hoop and they knock you down. Behaviour outside the appropriate behaviour of the game. In life there are certain life rules that we should live by even if, or rather, no matter if we disagree. And there ar times when we have been fouled or we have fouled. Our Pastor, discussed a time in an Elder Board meeting where he had 'fouled" someone. (actually, they both were by this point:)) Pastor Jon notes that after the meeting, he went up to his fellow Elder board member in tears, asking for forgiveness and from that moment of authentic apology, acceptance and forgiveness, their relationship was mended.
He said that if someone has 'fouled' us at Selah, we have permission to call each other on it. We might be saying something that is true, but if we say it in an unacceptable way, a way that is distructive, that is wrong. That is a foul. We need to be able to say TIME OUT, I think we are going to give you some grace to try and say that again in the right way, because I do want to hear your honest input, but the way you said that was unacceptable the way you spoke to me.
This term comes from Bill Hybels book, "Axiom," lest you think I am that creative. Fouling is when you approach someone to confront them or talk to them, but you do it in a socially in appropriate way, or a fair way. In essence, just like in baseball or basketball--YOU FOUL. We should accept ZERO TOLERANCE for fouling. We need to gracefully allow people do-overs but never
We ended our gathering with reciting a confession together from Psalm 130
Psalm 130
A song of ascents.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
And, as is part of our liturgy at SELAH, we end our gatherings with a time of worship through singing, prayer and communion.
This teaching was absolutely what I needed to hear for exactly where I find myself in several areas of my life at this very moment. However, the sermon topic was planned well in advance of me knowing how my week would turn out.
One song that powerfully spoke to me this evening was "Made Me Glad". I was barely able to get through it, and I am the Worship Leader.
Verse 1
I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I'll say of the Lord
Chorus
You are my shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need
Verse 2
Whom have I in heaven but You
There's none I desire besides You
You have made me glad
And I'll say of the Lord
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| Floods and such...so no school today. This time, it is not because of record snowfall. Rather, it is because of rainfall. Yes, the snow is melting, the rain is falling and the river is rising. Actually, I think it FINALLY crested last night around midnight. For the first time in several days, I am seeing sunshine. We are enjoying our day off of school, I must say. I really enjoy being with my kids. However, poor little Jadon. Their Christmas Party was canceled due to school being closed because of the blizzard here. So, it was rescheduled for today. Therefore, last night he and Jon made frosted sugar cookies. Once again, we have them at our house. They will not be taken to school and eaten by his kindergarten class. AARGH!!! They are so good. Too good. So, I am looking at them, cursing them:) And realizing as soon as Jon gets back from his meeting, we will be heading out to the YMCA. Anyway, here are some pics of the flood. On our way home from school yesterday around 12:30 p.m., water was already well-over the road from the Snohomish River. There is a picture of Todo's Mexican Restaurant; it is one of our favorites and has been for years (we lived in this area years ago.) Yesterday morning, we drove around Snohomish and the water was already really high around the restaurant. The dining room overlooks the Snohomish River. The picture that is shown in the news story is from yesterday. Last night, I am sure it got much higher. 
We are fine, since we live on a hill and far from the flood zone. However, there are many who have been evacuated and have no idea what they will be going home to when they return. Several of the teachers at the school the kids attend either were not able to drive in to school yesterday, or had to leave early because of roads being closed. Please be in prayer for all involved: people evacuated, emergency crews, and road crews. | | |
| Best of 2008 and SuchBest of '08Here you'll find my very own "best of" for the ending year. Maybe you'll find something new to try. Enjoy~ Best Movie: This is going to sound crazy, but I REALLY enjoyed going to Indian Jones with my husband. We, actually, went to see it for our 9th anniversary!!! Just watched again over Christmas holidays. Best Concert: Without a doubt Natasha Bedingfield. A friend surprised me and took me to see her at The Gothic in Denver, CO (where we used to live). LOVED IT!!!! I really enjoy her music. Best CD: You know the best CD that I have, has to be a mix version that a friend (aka adopted sister) made me gave me the day we moved from Denver. It has such great tunes on it from oldies like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to Journey singing "Don't Stop Believin'" (we rock out on that song a lot around here) to the song I sang at her wedding, which was Stacie Orico's "I Promise" as well as some hip-hop songs on it, can not forget Natasha Bedingfield's "Wild Horses." So, I guess I would have to say that compilation CD is the greatest to me. Best Computer: Not the one I have, but at least I have one! Best Gadget: My iTouch that my in-laws got me for Christmas in 2007. Seriously, I LOVE my iPod. Best Dept Store: Hmmm, Target, I would say. But we have Fred Meyer where we live! Best Food Making Experience: Oh, wow, just one. Seriously, cooking and creating recipes and 'art on a plate' as my dh calls it, is my hobby and passion. HMM.....I guess making curry with my kids tops the list, though. We LOVE Indian food. I am going to tackle Naan before too long, so dh can have the yummy Indian bread to go along with the curry! Best Website I Found: Well, I would say that I love gmail calendars. I have dh's calendar, my calendar, kids' school calendar, along with my menu planning calendar at one shot. Plus, we share them all, so we know who is doing what and when. Best Shirt I Found Online: Oh, a very cute springtime shirt for Jamison at Janie and Jack's online store. Best Networking Site: FaceBook Rocks! Best God Moment: Clearly when he made it obviously clear that we were to plant a church. I was sitting in a student's dress rehearsal at the university when I just heard a still, small voice say, "You won't be back next year." I wept, but felt at peace. Jon was in India and we honestly, had no clue what was around the next turn, as no conversations had been voiced about church planting. Yet, God was preparing me all the while to move and leave something very precious to me. It was just the beginning of a very, very amazing journey. Best Story of the Year: Again, to me personally, our church planting journey. It didn't start in 2008, rather about 2000. However, in March 2008 is when it was kicked into high gear and the ball started rolling very quickly. Best New Discovery: This amazing coffeeshop in Sultan WA, Vinaccio's, absolutely the best! Yes, WAY better than Starbucks, hands down! Best Book: Same Kind of Different as Me. The book opened my eyes to so many things. One such moment was when I realized that slavery was still taking place when I was a child, as the main character lived but a mere 15 miles from me in rural Louisiana. SAD SAD SAD. Yet, God does have a plan and purpose for all of our lives, as was the case for Denver's life. You should really read this book. Best Accomplishment: Being debt free, other than our mortgage. Talk about a FREEDOM!!!! Best Pizza: Mine and the kids' homemade pizza. Other than that, Conto's Pizza in Lake Stevens, WA. Best Drink: My favorite lately is to brew coffee with ground cinnamon in it. YUMMY! Then, add splenda, half and half and a touch more cinnamon. Good stuff. Best Reunion: Jon was in India for three weeks in February and March. It was wonderful to have him home, to feel his arms around me and to know he was safe. But the coolest thing was to know just from looking into each other's eyes, while we weren't able to communicate for three weeks, except for an email here or there, we knew as soon as we looked at each other that God had been telling each of us the very same thing: We were on the same page, church planting was our future, someway, somehow. Best Restaurant Meal: Maltby Cafe in Maltby, WA. Seriouslsy, the best breakfasts around. LOVE LOVE LOVE to eat breakfast there. However, the scones with homemade raspberry jam at Cabbage Patch in Snohomish are a close second. (I REALLY missed the Pacific Northwest!) What are some of your best of's? | | |
| Reading and suchWe have a "Book Nook" in our WA home. The book nook is an area that is amongst all of our bedroom entrances and is larger than a hallway, but not quiet room-size. This oddly shaped space in our significantly smaller home in WA State was much needed. So, we got creative. We took a few of the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves from our library room in our CO house and turned this seemingly useless space into a reading area for the kids, complete with leopard print beanbags, huge chalkboards, board games, puzzles, and all sorts of arts and crafts sundries, etc. Tonight, as I am sitting in my reading chair in the living room, I can see the area that we call the Book Nook. But more than that, I can hear the sounds being made by a little boy, who is sitting in his dad's lap on the leopard print beanbag. And the sounds, oh the sounds, make me smile and cry, all at the same time. What are these sounds? They are of my boy, my precious son, READING!!!!!!! Seriously, he just read a book to his dad, sounding out syllables one by one, but reading nonetheless. Today, when we got home from school, I began reading a classic book to him. In the middle of it, he says, "Mommy, I want to read a book." So, we found this amazing site online that has online books to read and it also helps with pronunciation of the words, if needed. And, he read a story to me. Actually, he read two stories to me. It was cool! Reading is so very special to me. I grew up in a small town in rural Louisiana and about 100 yards from my parents' house was a one-room library that I retreated to quiet often. To me, books are portals to adventure, amazing avenues to learn just about anything, and sometimes an escape from the chaos of life. I remember wondering if Jadon would learn to read. Would it be easy? Or, would it be hard? Would he enjoy it? Or would it be a chore? I guess my questions have been answered because as I type, a five-year old boy, who is supposed to be on his way to bed, is sitting on the stairs holding two books and sounding out words. I LOVE IT!!!! Now, time to get him to go to bed. | | |
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