tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35131192212923484722024-02-08T04:33:44.876-08:00Jennifer and Jesse ElliottJennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-28052079985371995482010-11-08T12:42:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:14:37.692-08:00What will you want to do?I have been thinking a lot about updating this blog. Today I braced myself, put Abram to sleep and thought - it is now or never... so lets pray he sleeps long enough for this mommy to finish.<div><br /></div><div>The past - well, I would say 2-3 years in my life can be described as the best and the worst so far. How is that? Well 3 years ago, after 7 years of asking God - Jesse asked me to marry him. When I tell you I asked for him for 7 years, I mean that. I have proof. Over and over in my journal I pleaded with God for Jesse and for God to give him a love for me that he had never known. Obviously I did not think it would take 7 years. HA! I guess Jesse needed 7 years to develop that love for me. I used to be insecure and think that he might change his mind about me - want to date me today but probably not tomorrow. I am excited that God took that fear from me and gave us both a very firm and secure love for one another, a love with the knowing that we will always strive to love one another like Jesus loves the Church. </div><div><br /></div><div>We planned our wedding in 5 months, got married, and while we were just adjusting to living with each other - got pregnant. Wow. For a woman, learning to live with a man is a BIG adjustment. We are just wired so differently. I am sure they say the same. So now we are pregnant, living in a one room apartment.. which was an awesome one room apt - but still - one room. So we bought a house. </div><div><br /></div><div>Want a recap? In one year, we got engaged, planned our wedding, got married, pregnant, and bought a house. My doctor at the time reminded me that these are major life stressers and most people try to do this all over a 3-5 year span. Not us.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we gave birth to the most incredible son in the world the following March. After months of prayer and exhausting inner turmoil, I resigned from a job that I love with a great passion. I never wanted to be a stay at home mommy until I held my son. I knew that he and Jesse were my first ministry - no more feeding 80 or more families a week and being too tired to feed my own. </div><div><br /></div><div>My resignation became such the mess that I had not even dreamed it would be. I assumed everyone would understand that I was resigning to be with my family and be a wife and a mommy - more like the Proverbs 31 woman and less like corporate america. Well, long story short, that was not at all how it went. About 1-2 weeks after I resigned, my dad found out that his body is full of cancer - stage 4. </div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I gained some strength and confirmation from God that this was the time for me to resign from my job. This was time for me to be wife, mommy, and the only daughter my daddy had to love him in the way only a little girl can love her daddy.</div><div><br /></div><div>This past year has been a tough road to trod. My resignation has been tough, emotional, and I have lost a lot of great relationships. I have learned a lot. You learn who your real friends are when you are on a rough road. Jesse started real estate. We invested so much of our savings there. If you have a tv or newspaper or even drive around our city you realize that the housing market is slow slow slow. In real estate if you sell no homes, you make no money. Just so you know - your mortgage company does not care if you have no money - they want their payment. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have struggled financially in the past year like we never have before BUT listen to this...</div><div>God has reminded us of His great love and provision for us, His children, who acted out of obedience. He is so faithful to give us our daily bread and often daily bread that we can share with others. There have many times in the past few months when we did not know how we would have a new baby - that's right - we got pregnant again in March. We did not know how we would pay our mortgage or utilities. We admit that many times we have worried, only to be corrected by God - who is our provider. </div><div><br /></div><div>During these months of drought in our life - there were many times in which God spoke clearly to us to give some of what we had to someone else in need. Giving is not natural to most when we have an abundance but try to give in a drought. I will say that each time, we did make a hard choice to be obedient and God reminded us of who He is and who owns and who manages. I don't know if you have ever taken care of someone else's property but if they call and say do this with it - you do just that. You are the manager - they are the owner. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have learned so much through these past couple of years. Now I am nearing 8 months of pregnancy, chasing my 20 month old son everywhere, watching my daddy suffer through a body full of cancer, watching my momma's heart break more day by day, still dealing with my resignation from a year ago, oh - and - the Shoppe is in the midst of a major phase. Life is still difficult. There are days I ask God how will we do "this" before I even let my feet hit the floor. He always reassures me that "WE" will do this.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am learning more about the important things in life. I am learning to trust God more than I ever thought I needed to. I am learning the gift of being a mommy every time I see my son learn something new, want to do nothing more than cuddle-bug with his mommy, or give me a new kind of kiss. I am learning the precious love and gift of being a mommy every time my sweet daughter moves inside of me - confirming her life and soon arrival. I am learning the gift of being a wife when my husband desires nothing more than for me to stop and simply be his wife - letting the whole world wait for what they want from me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am learning how sweet it is to see God provide in so many ways. I am learning to extend grace to people when they are mean, say spiteful things to me, or try to tear me down. I am learning to slow down and know what is most important. </div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of weeks ago I was laying on the bed with my daddy - just cuddle'bugging (that's what Abram and I call it), when my sweet, weak and fragile daddy reminded me of the important things in life. He said he he wished he had spent less time working and more time being with us. He said he wished he could drive me around on the tractor one more time, help me build a playhouse again. Those are the important things in life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look at your life. Evaluate it. What is most important. What will you want to do when you know your time is nearing it's end?</div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-25586296335208382972010-06-30T12:49:00.000-07:002010-06-30T13:14:31.551-07:00Another God moment in our life<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For a brief second I must admit that I did not want to share what I am about to. Pride. That is the culprit behind my hesitation. Love is the reason I must share. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As you probably know, Jesse and I made a decision in Nov of last year that we were and are certain was what God was very clearly telling us to do. I resigned from Broad Street Ministry Center. We did not understand, we just knew I had to be obedient. Jesse and I knew that this was going to cause some big waves in our life. We knew that we would struggle financially. We knew that we would lose relationships that we valued. We also knew that there would be internal struggles for us because we both would have to learn to do things that did not come naturally. For me - I am a leader and I would have to learn to follow. Jesse is learning to lead us - to confess, I had stolen that role from him even before we got married. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, just as we had expected, financially we are struggling. For the past four months we have not known how we would pay our mortgage payment. We have trusted that God would give us opportunity to make the money we need or He would provide it. Last month, in an attempt to have money to pay our bills, we sold my car. My car was paid for and we sold it for $10,000. We bought another car the week after. We were able to pay some bills. Great! Our plan worked! Well -so we thought. That is until the transmission went out in the car we bought. We took it to a shop and got an estimate on rebuilding the transmission - $3800. Wow! My brother owns an auto shop in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Waynesboro</span> so we asked him what he could do. He can order a used transmission with a year warranty for $1800. Wow! That is great news - except for the fact that we don't have $1800. So....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So nothing. We made the decision to trust God. Now, I will tell you we are very frustrated about the car. Please don't think we got the news and began skipping around our living room. Not so. But there is nothing we can do. We knew that we would have to wait on God to give us an opportunity to make some money to get it repaired. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So yesterday, I got a phone call. Please bare with me - this IS going somewhere. Abram and I were watching Barney when my phone rang. Usually if I don't know your number - I don't answer. Yesterday I did answer. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On the phone was a man that I have never seen before. He sells insurance. I talked with him a few months ago about getting health insurance. Once I found out we were pregnant - we also found out that makes us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">un-insurable</span>. Needless to say - I didn't really call this guy back - I figured we would call him later- after the baby is born.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The man - who I will not name - said that during his prayer time God brought me and Jesse to his mind and we were on his heart. He then (after repeatedly apologizing for the "weirdness" of the call) told me that he needed to send us something. He did not say what - he just graciously asked for my mailing address.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So now I am curious. If you know me well - you know that I already LOVE checking the mail. Jesse knows that is my job. :) Needless to say - I was very anxious to check the mail today.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />Today I go to the mailbox. . . anxiously awaiting what the call I got yesterday was about.<br /><br />I pull out a letter that said, 'During my prayer time God brought you and your family to my heart, I do not understand but I don't have to. I just have to be obedient."<br /><br />Inside the letter was a check. I looked at what was first glance $25. Then I noticed that it had many more zeros. Someone - that I have never seen, only spoken with about health insurance three months ago, gave our family $2500.<br /><br />I am so amazed at how God always provides for our family. I should not be so amazed all the time but I am in constant awe. Who are we that God considers us?!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is amazing how many times I have witnessed God bless us for being obedient. I admit to you that being obedient has been difficult at times. I know we made the right move in our life. I know that we obeyed God. It feels good to be loved by the One who knows all.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I will say that I notice a beautiful dance in our life... God calls us to a place of obedience then shows us His faithfulness as He calls others to obedience. Beautiful.<br /><br />Please be encouraged by this message. Know that what you are in right now, God is too. He is not far, He is near to His children. Where you lack, He never does. Where you walk, He has planned the path. Be faithful to trust Him.<br /><br />Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us of how He sings over us... I hear that today. I feel the warmth that comes from a Father's voice singing in my ear.<br /><br />I love you and it is a joy to share with you about the Lord and His faithfulness.</span></span></span></div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-40276704718265963702010-06-09T19:29:00.001-07:002010-06-09T20:09:49.019-07:00Honey FlowsTonight my mother in law reminded me that I have not updated my blog lately. How sad that is because it is not like I do not have a ton of things to say. I read my last blog before writing this and realized that I have not been faithful to share about the sweetness of God.<div><br /></div><div>In my last blog I asked that you, my friend, would pray for us. We are pregnant. We have SC Medicaid and could not find a doctor. We really wanted a Christian man to deliver our baby. To be completely honest, we wanted the same doctor that delivered Abram to deliver our second son or daughter.</div><div>I called over 35 doctors in the Augusta area. We also want to deliver at Doctors Hospital. We had such a great experience last time at Doctors. to make a long story short - we only found one doctor who would take SC Medicaid and delivered at a hospital in Augusta. So I called around to check references on this doctor and was told NO WAY. I was told that I should drive to Aiken rather than see this doctor. So now what! Talk about frustrating! So to be honest, for about a week I worried. I thought what am I going to do. I made an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">appt</span> with the doctor with the bad reputation just so I could at least see a doctor and confirm what my body was 100% sure of already. </div><div>Finally God gave sweet peace. You know that peace that He describes as a peace that surpasses our own understanding... that peace. So one morning I was praying and this was my prayer, </div><div>"God, you know we need a miracle. We are trusting you. You know our situation. You know this baby. This is your baby Father. We are asking you for a miracle. Maybe that means you will provide the money we need to pay Dr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Byars</span>. Maybe that means you will send us a doctor that is honorable and takes our insurance. Or maybe you will deliver this good baby through the a doctor with a bad reputation. We don't know how - but we trust you God."</div><div><br /></div><div>I kid you not - within two hours... TWO HOURS... my phone rang. The weekend before (this was a Monday) I was sick. I threw up probably 20 times in one day so I called Dr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Byars</span> office. I got the on call doctor and she talked me through some things. The phone call that I got was from Dr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Byars</span> office. I assumed that he was calling to check on me. He heard I was sick and you know, just checking on me. Yes, he did that. He also asked me if Jesse and I found a doctor. I told him not really but that I kept the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">appt</span> with the doc with the bad rep. I simply told him that we were just trusting God with this baby. So he proceeded to tell me that God had "been on him" since we last talked. He told me that sometimes God speaks and we hear it but we don't listen. He said that God had to thump him pretty hard sometimes. He then asked me if Jesse and I would consider letting him be our doctor through this pregnancy - wait - for FREE. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now breath and rub the chill bumps.. :).... What could I say? I said, "Are you kidding me?!" I was speechless. Of course I regained control of myself and said yes. I told Dr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Byars</span> about my prayer that morning and how God was using him in that moment to confirm HIS faithfulness to my family.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is where the honey flows! How sweet is life knowing that you are a child of the Creator of all, A child of the King of all Kings, the everlasting Father! God has been so faithful to us. He has done immeasurably more than we could have hoped for. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will tell you this too - there have been two months recently that we did not know how we would pay our mortgage payment... both times God provided in very unexpected ways. He is ALWAYS faithful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I think we forget who we are when we are His. Tonight Abram crawled in my arms and started to rock. Now, he does not let me rock him to sleep anymore. He would rather play. But tonight He climbed into my arms and let me know He needed me. More than that - He wanted me to sing over Him. I can not tell you how much God spoke while I rocked, sang to, and prayed over my son tonight. I love him an amount that I myself can not comprehend. How much more then does my heavenly Father love me - His daughter. When was the last time I let the Lord quiet me with His love? When was the last time I crawled into my Father's arms and relished in the fact that HE SINGS OVER ME.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><p><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-22838" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">Zephaniah 3:17</sup> </p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The LORD your God is with you,<br /> he is mighty to save.<br /> He will take great delight in you,<br /> he will quiet you with his love,<br /> he will rejoice over you with singing."</p><div>Tonight, my friend. Tonight, I let the Lord quiet me. I sat as the Lord sang over me - His daughter. What fullness, what joy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I will tell you that life is not all peachy right now either. We struggle. Everything is different for us. Money is tight. The stores are not doing their best which is stressful. I am pregnant - sleepy all the time, nauseated most of the time, and my heart is burdened for my daddy who still has liver, lung, colon, and skin cancer. I struggle with surrender and submission. Life is still life... one thing after another. But God is still God... one day for all days. He is so faithful - how can I not sit in His arms and be quieted by His love?</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight when I prayed for our children I asked God for only good things for them. I prayed that all that they do in all their days be for His glory and His renown. If that is my prayer for my children, my greatest desire for them is good... Then what of the Father's desire for me, for my family, my friends, my sweet daddy who is probably awake right now thinking about tomorrow. He desires good for us. He is a good, HOLY Father. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am so glad that tonight Abram crawled in my lap. I started to write this blog earlier until Abram crawled onto the sofa and mingled between me and the laptop. He needed and wanted his mommy. I needed that. I needed to love him tonight and I needed to love HIM tonight. I needed to hear God speak and He did just that.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep praying for us. We heard the baby's heart beat today. Amazing. It's just that simple and so complex. Today our baby is about is about the size of a lime. He or she is able to open and close his/her little hands. We are 13 weeks today. You can go to www.babycenter.com and check out the development of our baby by week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, pray for my daddy. He is starting to get depressed. Life is so different for him right now. I have never known a day when my daddy didn't work - when he didn't want to work. Now he can't work. He just finished 6 months of chemo. The chemo did not shrink his colon cancer any so on June 22 he will have part of his colon removed. Pray for his health, his spirit, his doctors, and his recovery. Pray for my sweet momma. She is anxious. She does not know life without my daddy. They married when she was only 14 years old. Pray for strength for her, for her heart, and pray for some Godly women to come along side of her and simply be there for her.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can also pray for Jesse. He is working with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Meybohm</span> Realty now. Pray that he will have confidence, motivation, and that God will bless his career. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for me that I will keep learning to surrender and to let my husband lead our family. Pray that God will keep me and "Baby E-Dos" (baby E #2) safe through this pregnancy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for being a friend.. and obviously a reader.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love you!</div></span></div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-47589863531237782752010-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:002010-04-21T06:08:26.593-07:00A pea in the podThat's right! We have another little pea in the pod! We are so excited that God is giving us another little one. Abram will be a big brother. I am looking forward to seeing him interact with his little brother of sister. <div><br /></div><div>So here is how you can pray for us. We do not have health insurance. BUT since I am not working and Jesse is doing real estate and works on commisssion - we qualify for medicaid right now. SC medicaid that is. I called my doctor - the one that delivered Abram - and asked if took SC Medicaid. He doesn't. He takes GA but not SC. So I have to find another doctor - which I do not want to do because Dr Byars is an amazing doctor who loves Jesus! I do know that God will provide all that we need. He always has. So pray we find another Godly man to help us bring this baby into the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, we are in limbo as to if we should find out the gender of the baby before birth. Well - by we I mean I am in limbo. Jesse is certain he does not want to know. I am thinking maybe I do this time. People ask what I want. What a funny question. I want the baby that God has for me. Boy or girl. Healthy or not. I want the baby that God has planned for me to have. That is all the simple part.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for my daddy's health. His cancer is fighting him hard. My hearts desire is to see him play with all of our children. We are due Dec 20th. I'm praying he gets to hold this baby and know him or her. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well that is all for now. I have to start this day running. </div><div>Thanks for being amazing friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>Jen</div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-33769596378768617762010-03-24T19:34:00.001-07:002010-03-24T20:02:39.111-07:00ThankfulYesterday our little family had a very busy day. We woke up running. <div><br /></div><div>We needed to finish payroll, run to the bank, the shoppe, the store, and the warehouse. We had to get groceries. We had to go here and there and do this and that. We had to go by the antique mall, Jesse had to show some houses. We were on the phone ending services and starting new ones. We were paying bills and cooking dinner. We visited some friends. AND when we finally got home at 9pm (and dinner had not been cooked yet) Abram had a fever of 104 degrees.</div><div><br /></div><div> SO we called the doc, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">texted</span> the doc, called the doc's office and got him on the phone. NEEDLESS TO SAY when we went to bed we were so tired. Of yea, we did however squeeze in a movie together, some much needed sweetheart time. </div><div><div>Every three hours we had to get up and give <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Abram</span> some medicine to lower his fever. </div><div><br /></div><div>BEEP BEEP BEEP!</div><div><br /></div><div>And here we go again. IT IS WEDNESDAY ALREADY?! Only today we have even more to do. Errands, real estate stuff, doctor's appointment. All on a deadline because we were scheduled to speak in Pembroke, GA at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">FBC</span> tonight. I was suppose to speak. They had promoted us speaking there for weeks on end. So what does a missionary do in this case? My baby had a fever of 103.3 today. A church in Pembroke is waiting to hear what I have to say. </div><div><br /></div><div>What DOES a missionary do? A missionary does what a mommy would do. She calls the church and let's them know that her husband, also a missionary, will be her replacement tonight. To be honest, it was a bit bitter sweet. </div><div><br /></div><div>I always speak. Jesse is always there to support me. Tonight Jesse spoke while I supported our son. I wish I could have been there to hear him. I know he did a great job. </div><div><br /></div><div>As Abram was napping today- while Jesse was driving - I started to think about my past two days. I was thinking about how busy they were. It started to "get to me". You know what I mean?</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN God reminded me "In all things give thanks." SO, put yourself in my shoes for a minute... my baby boy is helplessly ill and I can do nothing about it. I am not able to speak at the church tonight - which by the way- I LOVE to do. We have been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">soooo</span> busy that I am exhausted. Not to mention (until now) that I am trying to rest and I am STILL thinking about being busy. Ironic. huh?</div><div>Well, back to giving thanks in all things.</div><div>God so gently, as He always does-with grace, reminded me in all these things of these two days what I should be thankful for. </div><div><br /></div><div>Errands? Yes. Be thankful that there are things, there are ministries that God trusts me to lead and to serve in. God provides for our family through the booth we have at the antique mall and lets me be creative there as a bonus. </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I'm</span> thankful Jesse is showing houses. It is so exciting to see him busy already. It is even more exciting to see him excited and encouraged. </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> thankful for good friends that God gives us that we can visit. God has given us more community than we deserve. </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> thankful that we had money to pay our bills yesterday. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">I'm</span> thankful that God gave us an opportunity to save some money on some service bills.</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">I'm</span> thankful that we have Abram. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">I'm</span> thankful for a doctor that loves Jesus and loves us. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> thankful for God giving me sweet time with my son while he was sick. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">I'm</span> thankful that God shows me my son's love for me when he looks at me for help. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">I'm</span> thankful for the reminder of God being my heavenly Father. </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">I'm</span> thankful we had money to take Abram to the doctor today. I'm thankful for more real estate stuff today. I'm thankful that I have a partner in ministry. I'm thankful that God gave us the opportunity for me to move aside and Jesse to take the stage, literally.</div><div>I'm thankful for my family being there for us. </div><div>I am thankful that God speaks to me. I am thankful that my ears are turned to His voice. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am thankful for these things. I pray that whatever you are going through today or have been going through that you will be willing and be able to turn your eyes to Jesus and give thanks in all things. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; ">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)</h2></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29622" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">16</sup>Be joyful always; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29623" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">17</sup>pray continually; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29624" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">18</sup>give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.</span></div></div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-88321437250015624682010-03-12T00:04:00.000-08:002010-03-12T00:24:57.431-08:00One Year - Two YearI can not believe that my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lil</span> BABY son is about to turn One year old. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was waddling around with him inside. This past year has been one of the busiest years of my life. I think I have felt every emotion you can feel. This time last year I was 9 (which felt like 40) months pregnant. We started Shoppe 3130. I gave birth, celebrated my one year anniversary and ... well that is all but that is more than enough!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Time flew by last year. I guess it is true - time does fly when you are having fun. I have loved every stage of Abram's life. I loved the cuddling when he was newborn. I loved feeding him, rocking him, and singing to him. I loved watching him learn to grab things, sit up, roll over, crawl, and now walk. I love his laugh, his singing, his expressions, I even love his little cry. I love his hugs in the morning and his kisses all day. I love that he loves me and that he knows I love him. </div><div>I love that he wants me to take care of him. I love that he needs me. </div><div><br /></div><div>God has taught me so much over the past year with Abram. I was afraid I would not be a good mommy at first but not anymore. I want to be a good mommy. It is one of the most important things to me in this life. It is important enough that I had to leave a job I loved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today Abram threw a little fit.. yea... not even one yet and he knows how to throw a fit (as my momma would call it!) In the midst of his fit I realized that I have done that same thing to God. You see, when God won't give me my way - I often throw a fit, a pity party, and simply do not want to hear any reasoning. I simply want my way.. anything else ... well anything else is not what I want. I tense up, plant my feet, and remain stubborn until God gently reminds me that I need him. He reminds me of His love for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am excited about this next year with Abram. I know that God has much more to speak to me about and to teach me. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>UPDATE ON DADDY</div><div>My dad is half way done with chemo. He has responded pretty well. He has good days and bad days. I think he will do better when the weather is warmer. He has been in the house most of the winter. I am thankful for sweet times that God gives us. I am also thankful for the way I get to see my daddy love my son. I pray he is here to love all of my children.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse and I are now <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MSC</span> Missionaries. That simply means we are self supporting missionaries: we raise our own support. </div><div><br /></div><div>We never know just how God is going to provide for us. We just know he will. He does. He has. God provided for us this month in some pretty amazing ways. He is always on time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse is now a real estate agent. That is exciting! He is a little anxious because he has never done this before. I think it is more exciting that way - you see when we don't know what we are doing, we can't claim the glory for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">our self</span>. If he does well, God receives the glory. I like it that way.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are some things on my mind right now that frustrate me. I won't go into any detail for the sake of not stirring the pot. I will just ask that you pray for us. We need closure and pray that God will give us that with some issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am so thankful for you, friend. Have a wonderful day, night, or if you are like me, early early morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Much love,</div><div>Jen</div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-60031981394778494812009-12-29T19:14:00.001-08:002009-12-29T19:24:14.013-08:00A year of ChangeThis will most likely be my last blog for 2009. As I think about what I have to say my mind quickly thinks of all the changes that have taken place.<br /><br />In Jan- I was 7 months pregnant with our first baby. This was such a sweet time in life.<br />In Feb - We worked every night to prepare to open Shoppe 3130, A ladies secondhand clothing and home boutique.<br />In March - We opened the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">SHoppe</span> on the first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">friday</span> and then gave birth to our first son - Abram Enoch on March 17<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br />OK - LIFE HAS FOREVER CHANGED!<br /><br />We celebrated our first year wedding anniversary on March 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br />April- My birthday. Easter was our first day taking Abram to church (outside of mommy)<br /><br />October - God began to speak to us about my time being near an end at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span>, after almost seven years.<br />November - I resigned from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span> after a month of sleepless nights.<br />I also found out my daddy has liver, colon, and lung cancer.<br /><br />December - We took over Heart of Augusta (a thrift store in downtown Augusta)<br />my time at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span> was ended.<br />And here we find ourselves celebrating our first Christmas with a son in our arms. How amazing it is!<br /><br />We are now getting ready to marry Eli, my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">lil</span> brother in law off to Jessica. They are getting married in FOUR days. Wow!<br /><br />Perhaps that does not sound like a lot of change to some but it has been a crazy year. It has been exciting... not train wreck exciting... joyfully exciting.<br /><br />I am looking forward to 2010. I am longing for a slower pace. Time to be wife and mommy. Time to be daughter. Time to paint, plant, sew, design, decorate. Time to write, sing, laugh.... ENJOY. Time ti submit, follow, repent. I'm longing for more of Jesus and less of me. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Im</span> looking forward to serving in a new role. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Im</span> looking forward to life again.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Im</span> remembering 2009 already as if it is already gone. Guess most of it has. It has been a year. A good year. Ive been blessed in many ways - one of which is because I call you friend!Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-51970147977072809112009-12-18T07:24:00.000-08:002009-12-18T08:16:31.965-08:00New DaysEveryday is a new day. Somehow with everything changing in our life right now I feel even stronger that everyday is a new day. Sometimes I wake up and think, "What is going to be different than what we usually do or know today?"<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">DADDY</div>My dad finished his second round of chemo treatment this week. It is still so difficult to think of the future. I have found that for me to find peace with all of this that I have to focus on the One who writes the future - God. I know that in all these things God has a plan that will bring Him glory. That gives me peace.<br />I love my daddy so much. He has been such a protector and teacher in my life. He taught me a lot about working hard and being a leader. Lately I find myself daydreaming back to when I was a little girl... standing in the old circle driveway waiting for him to circle back around on the tractor to give me a ride around the yard... bringing him a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">frog</span> that i caught in a jar so that HE could be the one to get the frog out (I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> like to touch them)... wanting him to pick me up and put me on the counter so I could stand tall like him... wanting him to be by my side when i had my first birthday party...asking for his help moving wood around to form the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">imaginary</span> walls of my "play" house...the feeling as we walked down the asile arm in arm to meet my groom. He is a good daddy and a good papa to my son.<br /><br />We have also had some very sweet moments lately and some great conversations about Jesus too.<br /><br /><br />JOB STUFF<br /><br />This is the question everyone seems to be stuck at (and the one that some like to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">uneducatedly</span> gossip about). Neither of us have a job now - not a job that pays anyway.<br /><br />I do a few things with art stuff. I have seven tie skirts to make. I have made lots of things for the shoppe (hand and neck warmers, cell phone holders, candies) This gives us a very small amount of income.<br /><br />Jesse just got his letter from the state to schedule his exam for real estate. He (and I) are excited about that!<br /><br />We took over a thrift store in downtown Augusta - "The Heart of Augusta".<br />I know! Have you ever meet two people to work their bottoms off and not get paid for it?! The thrift store provides a lot of ministry to people in the downtown and surrounding areas. We are able to offer nice things to people at low low prices. Most of the people that come in would never be able to afford nice things any other way. AND we get to love on them when we see them! The store raises money to provide funding to Shoppe 3130. Shoppe 3130 is our other shoppe. There we do life and job skills training and suit women in professional attire (women who have job interviews). These are really great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ministries</span> and we are honored to lead them (even if it is all as a volunteer / board member).<br /><br />I met with my former boss. I admit I have had some bitterness growing inside me because of everything at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span>. If you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know... I told my board on Nov 18<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> that I was resigning as of Feb 15<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. My boss had previously asked me to give them plenty of time so that the transition was smooth and we could get pass the holidays and train the staff. That is what I wanted too. I LOVE the ministry of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span> and only wanted what would be best. WELL... I meet with my former early in December and with checks in hand he told me that the board <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decided</span> that I should just go ahead and go... that it would be best for the ministry and so that the staff there could take the leadership role.<br />I thought this was the worst decision our board had ever made. There were no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">conversations</span> with me or our staff to confirm this (and WE are the ones there everyday). There would be no time for training. There was a sharp and abrupt cut of ties. No time for thank yous, no time for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">farewells</span> or explanations... just bye.<br />In all of this there is a massive amount of questioning now, a lot of confusion, and the staff (who are some of my best friends now) have too much work to do and not enough direction to do it.<br />I felt as if one decision made no sense for anyone involved. It made things worse for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">staff</span>, my family, and the board. Who involved benefited? No one. I say these things because I need there to be clarity.<br />I LOVE the ministry at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span>. I love the staff. I am disappointed at our board. Only one member of the board has even called me or sent me email to say ANYTHING... no thank yous, no we will miss you, nothing. That is a bit painful after seven years and countless hours of praying, developing, staffing, speaking, organizing, advocating, fundraising, grant writing, etc. Nothing.<br /><br />I met with my former boss to tell him these things. He has been such a huge part of my life and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ministry</span> and I wanted to (as I intended when I resigned) remain on good terms and in a good relationship. That was slightly tearing from the plan though. God's word says that if you have a problem with a brother, go <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">directly</span> to them, which is what I did. I needed him to know.<br /><br />He told me that he made the wrong decision and a mistake was made. He asked me how he could make things right. What do I say to that? Sometimes we make the wrong decision and that is that. There is no correcting. The damage is done. There is no making right, there is only moving on. So that is what we are doing - moving on. We agreed to make the best out of a bad situation.<br /><br />He asked if I would come back as a consultant when they hire someone else. Of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">course</span> I said yes - I love the ministry and the staff.<br /><br />So that is what is going on - besides the rumors that make it back my way in the form of a question. "I heard you and Jesse left <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSMC</span> to take another job" or "I heard that you were mad so you quit" or "I heard you....." and on and on.<br />I thought that if I spelled out why I resigned (which was one of the hardest decisions in my life) that there would be no gossip or questions... ha! Sometimes people just need something to talk about I guess.<br /><br />On a sweeter note... I LOVE being with Abram and Jesse more. I love that I get to spend more time with him (Abram) in the mornings and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> have to rush out. We snuggle and nuzzle our noses. We eat our breakfast together. We play hide and seek. We have a lot of fun and I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">CHRISTMAS</span><br /><br />Jesse and I are so excited about this Christmas! Last year was our first together but this year is our first with Abram. I know he does not understand yet but it is still so much fun. He has already found a gift under the tree. He likes the way the paper sounds. Of course he likes to eat paper - or anything for that matter.<br /><br />This would usually be our year to go to Grandmothers in La Grange but this year, we are staying here and everyone is coming to our house afternoon Christmas day. How much fun is that!<br /><br />My brother (oldest) usually takes his family out of town for Christmas but this year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decided</span> to stay home so we can all spend Christmas eve together. We all want to be with my dad as much as we can right now. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> looking forward to this.<br /><br />We usually have lots of gifts to give but not this year. We expected two more months of salary from my job but since that changed all of a sudden, we are making the most of what God has given us. I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> with that. I would much rather cut back on gift giving and focus on the gift God gave. I hope everyone else in our life is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> with that.<br /><br />WEDDING BELLS<br /><br />My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">lil</span> brother in law is getting married on Jan 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> - which is right around the corner. I cant believe it. Last year this time he was talking about how maybe God was never going to give him a wife and now look! A wife! Talk about a gift!<br /><br />I know this was a lot. It was a lot of venting/explaining. Thanks for listening. We are so thankful for friends like you!<br /><br /><br />Jenny and JesseJennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-54087751431403309732009-12-09T00:11:00.000-08:002009-12-09T00:36:41.742-08:00Sweet SurrenderThere are so many things I feel right now - so many thoughts I have - so much I want to do - so much I can clearly see - and so much I simply do not understand. I am full of words and at a loss for words. How does this happen?<div><br /></div><div>My heart is hurting for my dad right now. He went to the doctor on Monday. They told him that his body is responding well to the chemo. They also told him that they are not going to start radiation right now. They will continue chemo for the cancer on his liver. It is in his bloodstream and has already spread to his lungs. What does a daughter say about this? How do I respond? My mind immediately recalls a time when I was standing in Miracle Baptist Church as the music minister lead us in a song. The song... It Is Well With My Soul. Who am I to question the One who made time? </div><div>My heart still hurts even though I trust in the Lord. My love for my dad is stronger now than ever before. I am so thankful for the countless memories I have with him. I am so thankful God is giving me the time I have with him now. I wish I could take his pain and carry it myself but I can not. </div><div>I wish I could carry the pain that my mom has. I can't do that either. I only know the One who can. You guys can pray for my mom and my dad right now. I have never seen a woman love a man the way my momma loves my daddy. For those who don't know their love story... they got married 45 years ago when my mom was only 14. That is crazy huh!? They have been a great example of love and patience to me throughout my 33 1/2 years. I am thankful they didn't give up on each other when they didn't get their own way.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BSMC</span> - This is such a tender spot right now. I met with Don last week. He told me the board thought it would be best if I went ahead and left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BSMC</span>. Their reasoning was so that Cathy and Kaye could begin to take on the leadership role there. It was a relief and a burden at the same time. I never intended on leaving the staff there unprepared. Jesse and I also counted on being there through Feb 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> financially. I know that God will provide for us but I feel like I have dumped a heavy load on the staff at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BSMC</span>. I also miss the volunteers and Pastors. I wish things were a little different but they are not so I shall run with the goal in my focus. </div><div> I do know that we have done the right thing. I feel like I have served <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BSMC</span> well. I have done what God has called me to do there. I have obeyed when He said leave...even though it has been difficult.</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note - this morning I got to sleep in with Abram. We played peek a book in the big bed. I love these moments. Tonight he took a nap and when Jesse woke him up and brought him into the kitchen to see what mommy was doing he grabbed my neck and hugged me. I love these moments! We got our Christmas tree tonight. Yes! Abram's first tree. He could care less. I bet he will like it more when there are lots of fragile ornaments on it tomorrow night. I wonder what my parents did on my first Christmas. I never thought of that before now. I can not wait to wake up with him and Jesse this Christmas! How exciting is that!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Shoppe 3130 won the Christmas Window Display (people's choice) award. That is pretty cool. I love being able to create and design. I made a tie skirt and put it in the window. I have three orders for skirts now.</div><div><br /></div><div>A while back, over 10 years ago... I prayed that God would let me serve in ministry full time... eventually He did. I prayed that my family would come to know Him... many have. I prayed that God would give me Jesse as a husband... He did. I prayed that my relationship with my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">in laws</span> would be amazing... it is. I prayed that God would let me speak to women about Him, He did. I prayed God would let me travel and share what He has done for me, again, He did. I prayed that one day God would let me have a store, He did (and one with purpose!) I have prayed that God would let me design clothing or something like that... is this what He is doing now? I don't really know but I know that I am so excited and so thankful that His hand is forever on my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could go on and on and on. So much for a speechless girl, huh!? Thank you for being a part of our life. We love you so much and are glad you choose to share life with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>God is so great to us. We are so thankful for Him and for how He loves us and provides for us.</div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-22619141215615856432009-11-22T08:11:00.000-08:002009-11-22T08:25:10.324-08:00When it rains - it poursSometimes I wonder why things happen all at once. Or am I the only one this happens with? I think sometimes God may let us go though many things at once so that our total life does not seem so overwhelming. <div><br /></div><div>My dad went to the doctor last week for some tests. Those tests determined that he needed to go to the hospital for more tests. After the second set of tests he found out he has colon cancer. He may also have liver cancer. He has been tired for a long time now and has had problems </div><div>with his stomach for over a year. </div><div><br /></div><div>He goes to a specialist next week. Please pray for my family. My dad is a fighter and for that I am thankful. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dont</span> really know much about these cancer, esp the liver cancer. I do know this - God is the one who created every cell and every nerve in my dad's body. In that, I find peace.</div><div><br /></div><div>My heart is hurting so much for my mom right now. She is so in love with my dad. She has never really known life without him so she is very afraid. I guess we always prepare our hearts for the worst - just in case. My parents got married when my mom was 14 years old. Shocking huh!? He was 17 years old. They are 58 and 61 now. That's 44 years of falling more in love with each other. Though their story is odd, I love it. It has taught me to never give up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some things you can pray for our family...</div><div><br /></div><div>1. That this will be a sweet time for our family to grow closer together and remind my daddy how much we love him and are there to support him.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. That my mom will find perfect peace in the arms of the God who gave life.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. That all the cancer will and can be found and treated.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. That this will be something God using to draw my daddy to Him. That this will be the day of salvation for my daddy. He is not a follower of Christ. He is a good man. He knows who God is. He has just never surrendered to Him. This is my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">upmost</span> prayer. </div><div><br /></div><div>The thought of life without my daddy is hard enough here on earth but to think of heaven without him is more painful.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. They don't have insurance. This week they have spend over $3000 on tests. They are both small business owners so they don't have a lot of savings either. Pray that God will provide for their every need in a great way. Also, pray that they do not worry about these things.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Pray for our family to be obedient to God and care for our father right now. Pray we, esp those of us who belong to Christ, take this time to love him in a way this world does not love... a Godly love.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you dear friends for letting me share these things with you. </div><div><br /></div><div>God is mighty. His ear is never to far from us and His hand is always upon us. Praise His holy name. </div>Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3513119221292348472.post-20584067205842538162009-11-20T09:01:00.000-08:002009-11-22T08:28:04.217-08:00Following Hard After God - BSMC resignationMany of you have already heard the news. I have resigned from Broad Street Ministry Center. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. You see, when things are tough or bad, it is easy to leave a place. That is not the case with Broad Street. It is actually the opposite. You see, things at Broad Street Ministry are busting at the seams. The upcoming days are what I believe to be some of the most exciting days.<br /><br />So why leave now you might ask.<br />Why? It is simple. God spoke. I don't always like hearing God speak things to me. This is one thing I never expected to hear God tell me. If you would have asked me two months ago how long I would be at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BSMC</span>, I would have told you I was never leaving. I confess that I have been like that bratty little kid with God. Although I have known this is what He was leading me and my family to do, I pretty much laid on the floor and threw a fit and tried to convince God to let me stay.<br /><br />God has made it very clear to me that my priorities have been out of order. I have been so busy serving other people in God's name that I have not served my husband and son well. Ouch. That hurt my feelings but the reality is that it has been true. More than anything in the world I want to live a life of worship. I also want to be the wife and mom that God has called me and trusted me to be. I have been so busy doing ministry that there have been many days where I have even let my relationship with the God I love and serve suffer. I can't live this way. God has been so good to me. His salvation is always on my lips.<br /><br />In March, God trusted me with a baby boy named Abram. He is one of the most amazing gifts God has ever given to me. I do not want to look back in 10 or 20 years and say, "Yes, I had a great ministry at Broad Street" only to have to turn to my son and say "I am sorry I missed out on your life". I will forever serve God. I am not leaving THE ministry. God is simply calling me to my first ministry, HOME.<br /><br />Broad Street Ministry has been my life for the past 7 years. I love it. It is like a child to me. It is painful handing over this ministry, however, I am confident that God will use some other vessel as he used me. Someone will be given an opportunity to serve God in what I consider an amazing way. I have enjoyed every minute of leading Broad Street Ministry Center. God has shown me what He can do with a willing heart and hands. He has given me a glimpse of Heaven as I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of volunteers from hundreds of different churches. He has let me travel this country to tell His story and share our ministry. He has given me friends that are irreplaceable. He has taught me humility and boldness. He has been real with me.<br /><br />Broad Street Ministry is huge! On a daily basis I am thinking, leading, coordinating, and praying for over 10 ministries, four staff members, hundreds of volunteers, speaking at churches, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rasing</span> funding, and writing grants. I am always on Go. I know that I can not be a great Director and a great child, wife, and mommy. Something in my life has to be reduced. There is only one area I can reduce. That is Broad Street. I know that people have already called and wanted to know what was wrong. LISTEN CLOSELY. Nothing is wrong. Everything is right. I have had the honor to serve and lead <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BSMC</span>. It has been an honor. I am excited about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BSMC</span>! I look forward to serving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BSMC</span> through my church now. My heart is for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">BSMC</span>.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;">NOW WHAT?</span></strong><br /><br />Jesse just finished real estate school this week. Is that how God will provide? We don't know. We just know God will provide for all our needs. We are still going to serve as home missionaries with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NAMB</span>. We will no longer be career missionaries but will become <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MSC</span> (missionary service corps) missionaries. That simply means that we will raise our own support for the ministries that we do. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NAMB</span> will not pay for our insurance and we will receive no financial support from them. We believe in home missions. Our hearts beat for our Jerusalem.<br /><br />We will still be serving at Shoppe 3130 Inc. which is a non profit organization in downtown Augusta. Shoppe 3130 has been in operation since March of 2009. Jesse is the CEO and I currently serve on the board of directors. The mission of Shoppe 3130 is to provide hope and self esteem through Christ centered career development classes, professional attire, and job resources to women in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CSRA</span>. For more information about that ministry, please visit our website (will be up Sunday the 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">nd</span>) at <a href="http://www.shoppe3130.org/">www.shoppe3130.org</a><br /><br />We are very excited about these next days in our life. We would love for you to continue to pray for us. Here are some specific requests:<br /><br />1. That we will walk by faith and trust fully in the Lord.<br />2. That we will be madly in love with God.<br />3. That we would love each other as Christ loves the church.<br />4. That we will be faithful to the call and honor of being Abram's mommy and daddy.<br />5. That God will bless whatever He calls us to next.<br />6. That the transition at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BSMC</span> will be smooth.<br />7. That the leadership of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BSMC</span> will seek a man or woman who is passionate about God and serving others and that they will not wait nor hurry in finding him or her but that they will seek God intently about this.<br />8. That you, our friends and family, will know how thankful we are for you. Thank you for your partnership in our ministry at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">BSMC</span> over the past seven years. Thank you for your prayers, your support, and most of all - your friendship.<br /><br /><br />I will be at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">BSMC</span> until February. I am looking forward to the honor of serving at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">BSMC</span> during these last few months.<br /><br /><br />Jesse and I love you all and are blessed to share life with you.Jennifer Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252795878886137460noreply@blogger.com2