tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65302672691151925572012-02-10T01:39:31.431-05:00The lessons God is planting in my heart. My thoughts back to Him.Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.comBlogger2321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-46964066783570720642011-10-03T12:42:00.004-04:002011-10-03T13:57:14.684-04:00

The main topic that God seems to be teaching our household this month is about the Holy Spirit. It seems everyone we talk to, everything we read, all our studies & gatherings with the Church all have much to do with the Holy Spirit.Last week in my Bible Study group, we talked about the fact that the Holy Spirit would never leave a believer but that His work could be quenched - I Thes 5:19 (or

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-74282708747789241812011-04-10T19:46:00.017-04:002011-04-11T20:06:10.634-04:00

God was so faithful this week to give me clarification on a topic I've been asking Him about for awhile. As I studied Isaiah through a Bible study I am apart of - Chapter 58 lead me to a more indepth study of the "Sabbath". What I found out was pretty remarkable! To me, at least. God showed me that what I had grown up believing about the Sabbath was actually very un-scriptural...or maybe I should

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-91456226999740494652011-02-22T14:27:00.004-05:002011-03-17T06:58:15.212-04:00

Our God is a personal, real and intimate God!!! This is truly what God has been speaking to me this week, month, year! Everything. Every book. Every whisper. Every scripture. Every conversation. Everything seems to point back to Him and the fact that this journey with Him isn't a religion or a system... it’s a relationship. I knew this... but God is truly helping me LIVE this! It is a

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-88111465376894264212010-12-31T20:02:00.004-05:002011-02-26T08:19:19.266-05:00

As I sit here only 4 hours away from a new year... I am just in awe of God. When I look back atMy One Word for 2009 - TrustandMy One Word for 2010 - HopeI just want to run into His arms and thank Him for how real He made these truths in my life. He is SOO mind blowingly BIG but yet He - THE GOD who created the STARS and is above all that I can see, touch, feel, smell, or even imagine cars about

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-30330055820133756092010-12-09T07:10:00.001-05:002010-12-09T07:10:57.249-05:00

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-29867607772670413572010-09-20T13:44:00.004-04:002010-09-29T14:15:31.719-04:00

In 2007, God spoke to my heart a statement that truly was a huge jumping off point for my journey WITH Him:you are not connected to God through the Church - you are connected to the Church through GodThis seed in my heart continues to take on more significance every year. At that time He first planted it in me - I was praying for a replacement spiritual mentor. My grandma had just died and I was

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-28036853489417420842010-09-06T16:27:00.004-04:002010-09-21T14:29:30.649-04:00

God is so faithful. So big. So loving. So trustworthy!! It truly has been the most wonderful journey these past 2 years especially. I could probably write for half a day straight about all He has shown us, done for us, done in us & through us.....If I could talk to myself in the summer of 2008 (and really specifically back to may 13th, 2007 when 'my' world was rocked) from today, the future... I

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-65261032083308116712010-08-12T17:57:00.002-04:002010-09-21T14:28:52.389-04:00

Oh my sweet blog,I don't know what to do with you. I love you. I love how fast I can type my thoughts out compared to handwriting. I love how many memories are in these words on this blog. I love reading back through different seasons and journeys God has taken me on in the past 3 years. But then I look back at some of my old posts and I'm like WOW WOW WOW I do not agree with this post

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-4392666449806142292010-07-30T15:06:00.002-04:002010-09-21T14:28:35.368-04:00

Who Needs A Pastor? from The Work Of The People on Vimeo.

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-47963817064116329292010-06-06T12:33:00.009-04:002010-08-12T13:53:06.467-04:00

For years now - God has been planting in us seeds about 'church' and how we think of it. What started as seeds of passion for people and to truly LOVE and LISTEN and CARE about those around us has turned into a passion to truly BE part of the ekklesia - the true ekklesia. His Body - growing because of the work of the Holy Spirit - an alive changing Body living life together being molded & knit

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-71325058598461765222010-05-30T14:03:00.000-04:002010-09-21T14:28:18.592-04:00

Thought provoking clip. Will write more later:

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-16351604989697936542010-03-19T15:46:00.004-04:002010-09-21T14:27:36.672-04:00

I don't know what I'm doing with this blog -but I figure it's time to write something before life gets crazy with baby Evelyn arriving so shortly!! :) We are less than 2 weeks away from meeting her face to face and we are soo excited! :)God has been blessing us soo much the past weeks (always really right?) - the season of waiting and mourning even seems to be coming to an end, praise God!!! :) B

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-32880102683305504922010-03-02T14:08:00.002-05:002010-03-02T14:15:48.990-05:00

On this rainy day, I just felt God drawing me to have some extra quiet time and He is just overwhelming me with The Message. I just feel the need to proclaim The Message. To uplift the Good News! As I've been going through a season almost sabbatical-like the past weeks (months) God has given me a lot of time of stillness and calm (calm before the storm maybe!) and I'm just so touched with the

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-1311453678099678092010-02-09T15:17:00.004-05:002010-02-09T16:10:55.379-05:00

I loved this! This was completely divine that I just received this. The timing was impeccable. It made me cry (the gospel always does) and I had a paradigm shift as I listened to it. Living from the Spirit, through sanctification after salvation vs. living by the law.... is like the difference between living by the external boundaries our parents exert on us (as is required by parents)... vs.

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-69251843236588603382010-02-04T14:33:00.017-05:002010-02-06T08:55:15.668-05:00

The notions of suffering & struggle as well as 'prosperity' & blessing have been on my mind a lot these past years. The 2 most recent discussions in my heart have been on Genesis 39 - the story of Joseph and also Jeremiah 29:11.Genesis 39 was tough for me recently because parts of it rubbed me the wrong way. I was trying to figure out if something was lost in the translation, if I was reading

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-25391889524085809902010-02-01T18:40:00.001-05:002010-02-01T18:41:15.708-05:00

Great, simple explanation of "missional church". Love it!!

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-18097421130069510042010-01-26T20:09:00.003-05:002011-03-17T07:01:19.357-04:00

Great entry by Kathy on "church" .... "Cultivating Communities" and "Building Churches"

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-40912513865664305892010-01-14T21:10:00.002-05:002010-01-14T21:13:11.901-05:00

So many things can replace our Lord. But God’s eternal purpose—that which has been in his heart since before time—will never be fulfilled if our first rattle out of the box is a new way of doing church, a method for multiplying churches, or a technique to change the world. God’s purpose will only be restored if we blindly and singularly make Christ our pursuit, our life, and our motive.

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-88578270852161652962010-01-07T14:50:00.003-05:002010-01-07T22:18:51.270-05:00

I don't seem to be in a writing season right now.... BUT I have some random thoughts that have been on my mind for a few months that I have to try to write out. I've been thinking about priorities, what we make important in our lives, in our churches, wherever .... and how crazy it is that we can distort reality so much and go years with thinking something is SOO important to only find out it

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-69987816087137553002010-01-03T17:35:00.004-05:002010-01-08T08:52:37.847-05:00

20093-4 words that describe this past year… educational, blessed, turning pointsif 2009 was a book, i’d title it.... freedom isn't freei am really glad i tried… exiting one church community & entering a new onesomething that really surprised me was… how much God can change things in a year!! (or an hour!) :)the most courageous thing i did this year was…. speak the dreams & visions God had stirred

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-65653852490656896132009-12-14T15:39:00.011-05:002010-01-04T15:51:08.595-05:00

WOW! I can *not* believe it's been almost a year since I chose myoneword for 2009 and wrote this post. This year has flown like none other has (which as grandma taught me, mathematically makes sense and that will always be true that each year will seem faster since a year becomes a smaller fraction of your life).When I look back at where I was this time last year and what God did in me this year

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-64199325192010597532009-11-22T11:00:00.008-05:002010-01-04T21:19:21.113-05:00

51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. Matthew 27:51When my heart is heavy, and I am painfully trying to carry it around inside all by myself....you gently & patiently beckon me into your lap and wrap it around me.The curtain that once represented our separation is now my blankie.Wrapping it around me so every bit of me

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-40586435480871547012009-11-19T20:17:00.010-05:002010-01-05T18:54:16.788-05:00

I've come to this page so often in the past 6 months and just sat staring at the blank "new post" page. What is there to say at this point? I wish I had blogged all along so that the journey God has taken me on would make more sense to my one reader but I really couldn't do it for fear my words would be seen as negative, dividing, critical. I had to be certain what I was saying was from the

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-79514357281516307002009-11-04T14:58:00.003-05:002010-01-04T21:19:46.159-05:00

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-10492567268411966102009-10-28T07:39:00.003-04:002010-01-04T15:51:42.801-05:00

Yay!! :) A writing season again! :) Glad to be back. My husband taught a wonderful message the other week with the gradeschool kids that God continues to use in my life. The lesson was based on, O Lord you are the Father. We are the clay and you are the potter. We are the work of your hands Isaiah 64:8 I have soo much I could write about this lesson - but the only thought I want to write

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-49864195512040040092009-07-16T14:00:00.002-04:002010-01-05T18:54:16.792-05:00

I really enjoyed and was challenged by From Eternity to Here by Frank Viola. It was the first book I had read by Mr. Viola so I had quite a few questions on general ideas that were briefly mentioned (such as what does "organized religion" really mean? if it's bad - what makes it bad? and when did it become bad? when did it start? It didn't start with Jesus' followers in the early church? what

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-27861514785462432362009-06-30T21:27:00.003-04:002010-01-04T21:20:18.645-05:00

I saw this on Gospel Driven blog.... and wanted to post it here. I hear what he is saying here and can relate 100%! I find all this to be so true of where we are in North Carolina as well. SOO many people I come across know enough (think they know about) about Jesus that they think they don't need to know more. but they only know *about* Him... but they don't KNOW Him. His love, grace,

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-55901575273990882932009-06-18T13:39:00.004-04:002010-01-04T21:21:08.766-05:00

So many different things going on in my journey right now. Just seems like a lot of shifting, changing, wrestling is going on. BUT I feel optimistic at what will come out of all of this. Pushing through feels so good. I feel breakthroughs happening or about to happen. Seems so many of us are just in a training season - lots of breaking to be molded, shaped.. always hard - but yet "the hard is

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-34969285855411560272009-06-18T13:11:00.001-04:002010-01-04T15:56:03.410-05:00

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-73317749032267063792009-06-11T09:44:00.002-04:002010-01-04T21:21:43.891-05:00

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-33173832954686342402009-05-28T14:10:00.002-04:002010-01-04T21:22:01.526-05:00

All these years of reading the Bible and I've just now found this treasure! :) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.Romans 12:11 NIVDon't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master.....Romans 12:11 Messagebut serve the Lord with a zealous spirit; or but let the Spirit excite you as you serve the Lord.Romans 12:11It's not only

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-2052064164380190952009-05-15T12:43:00.005-04:002010-01-05T18:54:16.796-05:00

I have truly been under attack the last few weeks... but God has been so faithful to bring people to encourage me, pray with me and speak into me. He is reminding me to take my thoughts captive and use His Word as a sword! The attack today was just feeling overwhelmed with information. and discouragement of what I felt was time wasted in my past as I tried to learn/grow...A few thoughts on what I

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-39123633372249281882009-05-14T13:23:00.001-04:002010-01-03T22:21:25.828-05:00

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.If children live with shame, they learn to feel

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-76752840977058331722009-05-05T13:18:00.003-04:002010-01-05T18:54:16.799-05:00

I'm just in this season where I just feel the Spirit. A boldness maybe is even the word. I just feel pushed by the Spirit. Pushed, stretched, uncomfortable with all He's asking of me...and every time I try to ignore it.... He sends the message that much clearer & louder. He's telling me that He's looking for people who are willing to reach out. Be a bridge to others! So few people interact with

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-17075241279507485672009-05-02T06:55:00.007-04:002010-01-05T18:54:16.803-05:00

To make an incredibly long set of lessons over the past weeks be short.... here it is..... be patient Randi.Give me a new christian and I will have all the patience that God provides to wait on the Holy Spirit to do His work.... I'm not even waiting for anyTHING out of a new christian (though sometimes I DO fall back and not have as much patience as God would want me to). I don't need them to be

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-86397684809025422762009-05-01T07:52:00.004-04:002010-01-05T18:54:16.806-05:00

http://seedsinmyheart.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-holy-spirit.htmlI've just been thinking about this post from January and wanted to put it here again. The part I truly wanted to remind myself was this:He is teaching me what it means to truly LOVE. but I couldn't manufacture/ create that sort of love. I couldn't make myself love Him enough to desire to spend time with Him. that's where the Holy

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-79323677559632500702009-04-29T13:13:00.003-04:002010-01-05T18:55:44.437-05:00

Saw this post from Pastor Matt Chandler and it really got me thinking... are their things in my life that stir my affection for God? What encourages my soul?This is so much more than a feeling... I'm not talking about things that make me feel happy... because many times I don't "feel" anything... I'm living by faith. Believing He's there, watching, listening, working, creating, designing. But

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-12028523164120707872009-04-28T07:31:00.002-04:002010-01-03T22:21:25.847-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4What Pleases God - Part 4 - B What Pleases God - Part 5What Pleases God - Part 6What Pleases God - Part 7 What Pleases God - Part 8What Pleases God - Part 9This morning I was abruptly wide awake at 6:30 being beckoned by the Creator with the first little fingertips of

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-26782627067345712392009-04-20T21:05:00.006-04:002010-01-04T21:22:38.772-05:00

wanted to share this from the Touchpoint Bible:Jeremiah 15:16Isaiah 8:16Job 23:11-12Our bodies originated in the soil of Eden. It should not surprise us that they are sustained by food that grows from the soil. Every source of food ultimately finds its nourishment in the soil, and that nourishment sustains our bodies. Likewise, our souls were created by the breath of God in Eden; it should not

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-19626825201689916352009-04-12T07:36:00.004-04:002010-01-04T15:48:15.916-05:00

He's alive!! We serve a Risen Savior and He is coming back for us! His beautiful bride! One Church, One Bride. May we be faithful to Him...may we allow Him to make us a pure & loving and strong Bride.I pray we celebrate & reflect on His Resurrection *every* day ---- as if we were alive to see Him die & rise again! Let us spread the gospel as if we saw it in our own eyes since we HAVE seen it in

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-11937142521411400252009-04-10T07:50:00.003-04:002010-01-04T15:51:42.804-05:00

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusationColossians 1:21-22Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-92183974392344057742009-04-08T14:31:00.002-04:002010-01-04T15:56:03.413-05:00

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-12478281701117476422009-03-27T15:45:00.014-04:002010-01-04T21:23:15.799-05:00

I am in such a beautiful season of life. I just feel so FULL! :) Full of the Truth God is showing me, His love and grace. For about a year now, He has just been stirring in me such a passion for the Body of Christ. For THE church - not any one local part of it - but THE church.... although I do love so much the part of the Body where He has planted me right now.He is building in me such a desire

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-48637259240211243642009-03-24T15:52:00.001-04:002010-01-05T18:57:40.956-05:00

When peace, like a river attendeth my wayWhen sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Was nailed to the cross and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul Lord, haste

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-32825875283079058882009-03-16T09:17:00.004-04:002010-01-03T22:21:25.900-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4What Pleases God - Part 4 - B What Pleases God - Part 5What Pleases God - Part 6What Pleases God - Part 7 What Pleases God - Part 8I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-38294230533125068832009-03-12T07:32:00.008-04:002010-01-05T18:58:30.595-05:00

I just had to post this link to what I thought was an incredible & often untalked about topic. Click here:Edification as WorshipI found myself saying amen amen amen! It's so true.You can't have one of the greatest 2 commandments without the other! Love God AND love each other!There are many forms of edification I guess..... but because I'm a words person I focused on the words pieces in that post

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-73691302655131098502009-03-06T12:19:00.007-05:002010-01-05T19:00:35.646-05:00

I got off track in some areas and God has really opened my eyes to it. He has drawn me to Him like the gentle shepherd, reminding me in His grace that although I am a sheep, a natural wanderer, His power in me will help me stay on track but when I do stray - He will make sure to always lead me back.It's so hard to recap everything that I'm learning right now but I'll try:My plea to God the past

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-44300193959959917192009-02-28T11:22:00.007-05:002010-01-04T21:24:22.016-05:00

The problem with being a visionary is that I will almost always find myself disappointed in the life realities around me. Here are some keys I am learning to not allowing that disappointment lead to complete discouragement.....To trust God that He has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 To dwell in Him & allow Him to make me rest (Psalm 23) when I feel discouragement coming. To make sure above all else I am

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-39316181029972024262009-02-27T13:54:00.008-05:002010-01-05T19:02:03.014-05:00

Last Sunday at CrossWinds -- God touched me in such a powerful way. Truly. It was one of those days that He changed me so much that I will never be the same. The worship through music was so powerful as our new worship pastor Scott lead us. but that was just the beginning.As I touched on in my last post --- I had been reflecting on just how HUGE God is. A presentation I saw about the universe -

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-43980048793721460802009-02-19T22:09:00.008-05:002010-01-05T19:03:37.873-05:00

I just had to take a break from this series to record what happened today. I woke up feeling just... icky. Everything in my life is great right now. I have so so much to be thankful for.... God is doing so much in my life. He is filling me with so much passion & love & excitement. It has been such such such a great visit with MomMom & Papa. Our marriage is great. I am still on fire for Him and

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-34086428793690359172009-02-18T15:31:00.006-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.926-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4What Pleases God - Part 4 - B What Pleases God - Part 5What Pleases God - Part 6What Pleases God - Part 7Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrificies, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-26859987535635093562009-02-15T15:13:00.005-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.929-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4What Pleases God - Part 4 - B What Pleases God - Part 5What Pleases God - Part 6Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the LordColossians 3:20Period. :) This might be the shortest blog entry I've ever had... but there it is. Children - obey your

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-74212827612061934772009-02-11T12:41:00.004-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.937-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4What Pleases God - Part 4 - B What Pleases God - Part 5The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Proverbs 15:8God sees the heart. He sees our motives, He sees our intentions.He knows if we are sincerely seeking Him or just

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-35218575020202463402009-02-06T13:19:00.006-05:002010-01-05T19:04:08.471-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4What Pleases God - Part 5I want to take extra time today in prayer for my father during his surgery and the results to follow next week..... so will hold off on Part 6 and instead today rewind to Part 4 for some more things on my heart.To add onto Part 4 ----What other

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-52958770220907827632009-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.945-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1 What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3What Pleases God - Part 4For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him [Jesus Christ], and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20Wow. God makes it so

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-74760025444091356882009-02-04T12:30:00.001-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.948-05:00

What Pleases God - IntroWhat Pleases God - Part 1What Pleases God - Part 2What Pleases God - Part 3For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.I Corinthians 1:21God is pleased when we live on His Word not the world's. When we choose to believe what the world can't. I loved

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-11179992746940597182009-02-03T13:00:00.002-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.953-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1What Pleases God - Part 2At Jesus' baptism.... and a voice from heaven said, 'this is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased' Matthew 3:17Very simply --- God was well pleased with Jesus and everything He was at that point. What's amazing to me is that this event occurs before His ministry on earth even truly began.... or I should say

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-15435600914630989932009-02-02T13:00:00.004-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.970-05:00

What Pleases God - Intro PostWhat Pleases God - Part 1And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek himHebrews 11:6 (NIV)I found in Part I that God is pleased when I allow the Holy Spirit to do His work of "sanctification" daily (such a big word for me). And He reminded me how to let the

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-59157173789248680352009-02-01T07:00:00.001-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.974-05:00

What Pleases God Intro Post Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.I Thes 4:1 In Paul's letter here to the Thessalonians I think he is referring to "the walk" of a christian. The process of allowing the Holy Spirit to change us to holiness. Not our talk but our walk.

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-54301144199407878282009-01-31T13:02:00.006-05:002010-01-03T22:21:25.982-05:00

After this post from a few days ago: Love, Holy Spirit I've been thinking a lot about what it means to please God. As I wrote in that post, God showed and confirmed for me that I already had His approval and love because of His most beautiful and amazing grace. I didn't have to do anything to earn it and I could take my eyes off of me. That revelation was so free-ing to my soul.*** After that

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-40726850983750181182009-01-30T13:19:00.001-05:002010-01-04T21:24:49.447-05:00

I am definitely NOT going to do this every Friday at all - I just had to add Friday in the title because... well it's Friday and it flows well.I have been trying to write down some practical steps that I've been doing the last week that help get me out when I'm in one of my 'down seasons' of life. I went through a bit of a funk there for a while --- not because I was struggling by any means....

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-25040009067775273992009-01-28T07:25:00.003-05:002010-01-05T19:05:14.861-05:00

2 things to add onto yesterday's post1) I need to tag on another thanks from my last post. Sometimes I forget to thank my hubby and write about all that he has done for me... mostly because we're a WE. I feel like we truly are one, that's he a part of me.... so that even when I write, it's us writing so I forget to mention him as well.....Shelby put it best when she said:God has given you a

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-41647653670335410232009-01-27T13:31:00.008-05:002010-01-05T19:06:00.659-05:00

Wow what a wonderful time of life. To have fresh new dreams as we help launch CrossWinds is so completely awesome and we are so grateful. To have a specific path God has made clear to us. To have something that Brandon and I can be passionate about together as we let God work through us is just the best. We have missed that since we journeyed away from our own business we had together. I am so so

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-38940069298246495202009-01-24T11:29:00.003-05:002010-01-05T19:06:35.967-05:00

Saw this on pastor pete's blog and had to repost it here. We all do have the common denominator of being human.I think that President Bush (ex president) is a good man. Of course I've never spent time with him --- but it's just the perception I have. I really believe he's a very good father & husband and has lots of love for his family & country. I loved having him and his family in The White

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-73002523988345830832009-01-22T12:15:00.003-05:002010-01-04T15:55:25.923-05:00

In November, I won a book that I was to read & review named Mad Church Disease -- Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic. The author Anne Jackson has a blog @ flowerdust.netAlthough the book was specifically for people blessed to be serving in ministry, it really was applicable to me as I continue on my walk with God. I am not on staff at any church and have never been in a formal ministry role

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-91418131782796053692009-01-16T21:56:00.003-05:002010-01-05T19:07:08.398-05:00

This blog entry by Steve Furtick was so appropriate since MyOneWord for 2009 is TRUST. Check it out:http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/active-trust/yes!!I have been thinking a lot about "God's will" / decisions / plans / etc.... and this blog was such a blessing for me to read.

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-52071654347865033832009-01-16T07:58:00.003-05:002010-01-04T21:27:15.466-05:00

P.S. on last post.... I forgot to mention the thing that had me chuckling the most! As I read the chapter on logic/ letting God out of our logic box..... I looked up at a sign that was front and center of the room above the chalkboard and it read, "logic is your friend"so ironic!!! :)

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-64260896691360658152009-01-13T13:59:00.011-05:002010-01-05T19:07:53.325-05:00

While I was volunteering at the high school today (they needed proctors for testing) I was able to read Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. It was a really fast read and really touching. I really encourage anybody/everybody to read it! Many parts of it were completely applicable to what is going on in my life right now.The most interesting part of the whole experience to me this morning at the

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-16832019225949506972009-01-12T13:34:00.008-05:002010-01-04T21:27:37.613-05:00

I was 7 when I accepted Jesus. Made the decision to love Him and have faith in Him. Since then, God has been a part of my life - mostly because He patiently held me up - not because of anything done on my part. There have been seasons of growth with Him where I had an overwhelming abundance of His love and comfort. There have been seasons where the only thing I had to do with Him was asking Him

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-63420806959616794092009-01-08T13:27:00.007-05:002010-01-05T19:08:44.452-05:00

Pastor Chris of CrossWinds told us about a really cool new ministry called, MyOneWord that Port City has started. We thought it would be a great exercise for us to do. I have been writing down words the past 24 hours that mean something to me.Words that I desire to be descriptions of me/my life/my soul:patientmercifulkindjoyfulthankfulfaithfulhumbledevotedobedienthopefulcontentThere is one word

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-3093015451940645412008-12-31T17:05:00.003-05:002010-01-04T21:28:57.086-05:00

I have had such a great holiday season! I haven't been blogging at all and won't be until at least the 10th when my parents leave. We are having the best time! Thank you God so so much for time with them!I am looking forward to another year. I can't believe it is 2009 tomorrow. I remember thinking back in the 80's and 90's how crazy it would be to be in the 2000's...... now we're 9 years

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-79783119608313816762008-12-12T12:22:00.004-05:002010-01-05T19:13:53.741-05:00

I have been thinking about pain & struggles a lot recently. I see wonderful healing all around me almost daily ---- physical, spiritual, relational.... but I also see and have seen terrible pain & heartache and loss. This earth is really full of horrible things. Sometimes it's a direct result of our own sin. Sometimes it's just the result of living in a world that is run by satan. A fallen world

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-35333493868076285782008-11-25T09:27:00.006-05:002010-01-05T19:13:53.744-05:00

I haven't been blogging because Brandon has been needing the computer for work more than usual.... but I've still been writing in my journal daily. It really is so nice to be without the computer. I have such a love/hate with all this technology. I love it that I have been able to use it for so much good.... I love the connections I can have with other adults throughout my days filled with 2 year

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-17634478340473037172008-11-17T14:00:00.003-05:002010-01-05T19:15:21.114-05:00

I received the following devotional email the other day and it really touched me. Here is the email in italics and my response following:Nurturing a Quiet Soulby Jon WalkerBut I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 (NIV)*** *** *** ***My older sister, Lori Hensley, a very serious prayer warrior, once taught

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-27119971140531960372008-11-12T13:00:00.006-05:002010-01-05T19:16:48.824-05:00

I have been getting so many responses from my comments on other's blogs that had the theme of, "oh randi your love for The Body is so strong and beautiful".... and I didn't know what to think of those responses except, "really?" I wasn't even trying to portray that message... but somehow my love for The Body shone through.....I DO LOVE the Body of Christ.... BUTI know myself, and I know how

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-90283959462665334862008-11-08T14:27:00.005-05:002010-01-05T19:19:11.318-05:00

I've been reading a lot about change, as I'm sure we all are because of the mantra of change thorughout this political campaign. I read a blog entry recently about change, marketing, branding, and making sure not to fake ourselves out - that outward changes are no good without inward change....I can't remember which blog it was - so I'm sorry I can't give credit --- if it is your blog, tell me so

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-30047890672598154282008-11-06T12:12:00.008-05:002010-01-05T19:20:28.798-05:00

I receive a lot of resistance & opposition from fellow brothers & sisters and Christ when I talk about morality or morals in any way, shape or form. I was actually starting to believe that it's impossible to even talk about morality (the absolute right & wrong that God laid out at the foundation of the earth) without people assuming you are being judgemental, legalistic or proud.My heart was so

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-75052249763427641122008-11-04T21:38:00.004-05:002010-01-05T19:21:52.737-05:00

Struggle and trials will either crumble you or build you up depending on who/what you lean on. If you lean on the one and only Rock, you will become resilient.Resiliency = the ability to find purpose & meaning in the midst of the stormStruggles build muscle, like lifting weights. To build muscle, you need resistance! To build a spirtual & moral backbone, you need opposition! Through opposition,

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-81187910483191551392008-11-04T21:33:00.003-05:002010-01-05T19:22:19.887-05:00

3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:3-5

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-4950526936156549882008-11-04T18:57:00.004-05:002010-01-05T19:23:23.291-05:00

For some reason, this is on my heart tonight:Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments(Matthew 22:37-40)If we do these things, we will be honoring the 10 Commandments as well...The 10

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-82647100424137523052008-11-02T17:17:00.005-05:002010-01-04T16:07:52.939-05:00

...who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father...God I recognize Jesus didn't come to create political peace.... in fact many in His time were not willing to recognize Him as the Messiah because they were expecting a political leader who would overthrow governments and change the world order we see.... which He

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-13662640677582104652008-11-01T14:00:00.001-04:002010-01-05T19:24:26.192-05:00

I have been praying for mentors for Brandon and I for quite a while. When Bekah posted on mentors not too long ago, it was such a shock like she was writing MY post. It seems a lot of us are at that point. It really is extremely hard to find people passionate and fully devoted to God isn't it? Or should I say... it really is hard to find people passionate about & fully devoted to God that a) have

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-30341563498013511702008-10-31T10:24:00.001-04:002010-01-05T19:25:08.841-05:00

I received the below email (in italics below) from Crosswalk.com and loved it.I might just be a 'little acorn' right now.... but I know that God is at work. I know He will continue to use me. I used to have so much stress/anxiety about being used, doing as much as He wanted me to..... but I have continued to ask for patience and faith. Be careful what you ask for, right? I know the best way He

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-22219593121342195972008-10-29T08:05:00.001-04:002010-01-04T16:07:52.950-05:00

I wrote a huge long dissertation on politics a few weeks ago and I believe enough was said there for at least 4 years... BUT Melanie linked to a post from a new blog friend here and I just had to add to it.She did a great job of stating her views and Obama's desire for universal ethics or "values". I am just a bit bewildered that more people don't recognize his ideology for what it is.Do we want

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-89774341924195956992008-10-25T11:22:00.010-04:002010-01-05T19:26:21.158-05:00

*** October 12th, 2008 A new sister in Christ was born.*** October 16th, 2008 A new niece was born into the world. My only blood sister's only little girl (she has 2 boys)*** October 19th, 2008 A brother in Christ passed onThere was joy in all of these events!!God seems to be laying on my heart these past days how real life & death are.... spiritual life & death moreso than physical.He has been

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-9237170382180737232008-10-22T07:06:00.007-04:002010-01-03T22:21:26.636-05:00

What would it be like if The Body, the church, fully woke up!? In general, we have been a sleeping giant too long!!! but what if the sleeping giant woke up!?I get SO pumped up thinking about this!! because it's happening! There IS a stirring going on.... change happens from the bottom up not from the top down (no matter what politicians say)... change happens when those on a grassroots level

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-82060755183318259562008-10-20T13:31:00.005-04:002010-01-05T19:27:05.324-05:00

We started a small group study yesterday entitled, "Foundations" which we are all totally fired up about. God lead 2 couples to Southside these past 2 weeks that Brandon & I met just living life. We are so so pumped for these new couples that took steps of faith to say yes to an invitation to journey with us (actually one called a week after I invited and asked if the invitation was still open!!)

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-69117973603751072512008-10-18T20:55:00.005-04:002010-01-05T19:27:36.751-05:00

Went to a marriage retreat @Fort Caswell today and last night. The lessons were important and godly lessons on marriage and they were worth hearing for the ___th time...but the thing we loved most was just being together and being around some of our brothers & sisters in Christ. We always love being around PK (pastor Kelly) and his wife Audrey.... but we also very much loved hearing from each

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-6084524056853765202008-10-16T08:29:00.005-04:002010-01-05T19:28:14.218-05:00

Each night when I see the moon, I think of my MomMom & I think of God. It was such a hard decision for me to move away from MomMom. We are extremely close. Those first months away I remember looking at the moon every night and singing the 'fievel song'.... ya know, "somewhere out there.....".... She'd call me and say, are you looking at the moon!? I am! Somehow it was comforting to know that no

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-50100427712356071472008-10-15T21:56:00.005-04:002010-01-04T16:07:52.957-05:00

I am an American. I am proud of what our country was founded on. I agree with the economic system we were created from. I believe in the American dream, with no cap on that dream.I am a christian, so I believe that as we get more, we should give a lot more. I believe *we* are the best (and most effective & efficient) way to help those around us suffering... not bueracrats in Washington.Is there a

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-71859474110154677932008-10-14T13:31:00.009-04:002010-01-05T19:29:16.001-05:00

Yesterday I spoke of how a heart at rest is a reflection of God. The One who brings rest and a peace beyond understanding.Life here can be full of so much turmoil. Our family and friends suffer from illnesses & accidents. The media only shows negative, destructive news. People are full of hatred. We are divided in politics, in race, in socioeconomic status. Families are splitting up. There's no

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-70220924456521609992008-10-12T13:51:00.005-04:002010-01-05T19:30:42.840-05:00

I truly believe that a woman's heart was designed to be beautiful. To be a reflection of His beauty.John & Stasi Eldredge say about it, Beauty speaks. Beauty invites. Beauty nourishes. Beauty comforts. Beauty inspires. Beauty draws us to God.... the beauty of the world is almost the only way by which we can allow God to penetrate us. Beauty captivates the senses in order to obtain permission to

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-88893953375535583612008-10-10T13:30:00.003-04:002010-01-05T19:31:23.579-05:00

I am asked a lot how I keep myself away from the computer when I'm home with Raymond all day.... and it's sort of a complicated answer haha. A lot of it has to do with making schedules, spending a lot of time outside, having goals in my day, etc. etc..... BUT it is a challenge to make sure I'm keeping in balance!I have loved writing my blogs, reading blogs, checking email, uploading pictures, etc

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-71438685423450028382008-10-09T12:29:00.004-04:002010-01-05T19:31:47.220-05:00

Today I just want to link back to a post from a few weeks ago.Differences are okay.... and what makes the Body of Christ truly so awesome to me is that we can show mercy & love during conflict. We can be accepting & compassionate while having differences at the same time. What an awesome testimony for His work in us - that is how people recognize us isn't it? By how we love each other. Or that's

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-26523755242706595332008-10-07T12:49:00.030-04:002010-01-05T19:32:45.085-05:00

Picture by MomMomThis post is not my post back from June (my dissertation that I never published) but it is going to be a post all about politics..... so reader beware. I have a feeling it will turn into a dissertation. But as always - I recognize this is mostly for me and even if nobody reads it - it will feel so good to get out all that's on my heart. Clearly, I don't know the answers and I

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-55234310700917203142008-10-06T12:50:00.007-04:002010-01-05T19:33:26.268-05:00

Since I started writing down my thoughts / questions / praise reports to God --- it's amazing to me how much more I recognize His teachings now. The topic I've been writing about the most recently is parenting. Just this morning I presented this topic and some specifics on it to God and asked for peace, guidance, some direction & comfort.... and as always He gave it.Does the fact that He answers

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-63100633743444205712008-10-04T11:00:00.002-04:002010-01-03T22:21:26.727-05:00

I found this quote somewhere (sorry I don't know where or else I'd give credit to where it was I saw it!)[Emerging churches] do not believe in evangelistic strategies, other than the pursuit to be like Jesus in his interactions with others. They do not target people or have an agenda but rather seek to love all those whom God brings to them. They do not hope for a belief change for their

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-3671365789234666722008-10-03T12:22:00.001-04:002010-01-05T19:34:53.871-05:00

I really believe in the power of 'small' decisions. I know it's a recurring theme on all my blogs.My grandma's quote on this topic was always, "take care of your pennies & the dollars will take care of themselves". She was literally talking about money - but it is true in every area of our lives! The way to make huge, long term improvements is with small, consistent improvements in our daily

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-67154451620762866822008-10-02T09:42:00.001-04:002010-01-05T19:35:32.694-05:00

More thoughts after yesterday's post. The post yesterday really had a lot to do with God's sovereignty & our free will.Struggle is hard. It's hard to go through, it's hard to talk about and for some reason we feel the need to know why it happens or who caused it that we can blame. Ultimately though, the why & who doesn't take away the pain and reality of the harshness of tough times. We should

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530267269115192557.post-58182327133277594682008-10-01T13:43:00.004-04:002010-01-04T16:07:52.963-05:00

To add onto yesterday's post.....There have been so many emails sent out 'warning' us of God's wrath if we make idols of other things besides God. A lot of threats from our christian leaders as to what will happen if we "kick God out" of our country and hearts. They warn us that God will be angry and turn His back on us.I disagree.I agree that a nation that doesn't put God first is in trouble...

Randi Jo :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10455815193915058855noreply@blogger.com9