tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post4719087458503803856..comments2023-12-17T06:06:12.732-06:00Comments on Making Home: Ready to RollJess Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00372282510182101716noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-80006837271605727092008-08-30T00:26:00.000-05:002008-08-30T00:26:00.000-05:00I really enjoy reading your blog, and I'm glad you...I really enjoy reading your blog, and I'm glad you're back in the swing of things. Hope you continue to feel better and better. <BR/><BR/>Since you asked...<BR/>I feel like I'm going against the grain, but I prefer the colors you had in your previous blog layout. I don't even remember what the colors were, but I did feel like it was harder to read once you switched to this one. <BR/><BR/>Once I get started reading your posts and links, I forget what it looks like anyway (too focused on the content), so keep it how you like it! :)Having It Allhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05316394224052415052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-13840003059143586362008-08-25T12:46:00.000-05:002008-08-25T12:46:00.000-05:00yes, i tag on to all these "welcome back" expressi...yes, i tag on to all these "welcome back" expressions.<BR/><BR/>ahhh...culture shock. our daughter is in spain and i understand that shock. actually spent 4 weeks there and strange enough experienced some counter culture shock. guess i'm getting ready for heaven. ya know, this life is just a training ground anyway. blessings on you!Lylah Lednerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436702227303638509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-25655163362419873592008-08-25T04:38:00.000-05:002008-08-25T04:38:00.000-05:00Welcome back, Jess. Looking forward to some more o...Welcome back, Jess. Looking forward to some more of your insights! <BR/><BR/>I still enjoy the theme. :)<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry to hear you are in a "difficult spot", and I hope things improve for you, as I'm sure they will with the beautiful way you look to God for your help. <BR/><BR/>- CGCG + E3https://www.blogger.com/profile/14956025133931784109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-79471946797878784392008-08-23T14:07:00.000-05:002008-08-23T14:07:00.000-05:00Yay, Jess is back! I got a little worried when I s...Yay, Jess is back! I got a little worried when I stopped by and couldn't get your blog up. I thought you might have enjoyed your time off too much and decided to stop blogging. I am glad that's not the case. I look forward to your challenging posts. Welcome back!<BR/><BR/>I am praying for you in this difficult time. I know a trip home can help me sometimes (and I am only a 4 hr. drive away). Enjoy!Kate https://www.blogger.com/profile/08165240371793652393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-6292961431895327902008-08-22T21:06:00.000-05:002008-08-22T21:06:00.000-05:00Welcome back, Jess! I missed your posts!I'm reall...Welcome back, Jess! I missed your posts!<BR/><BR/>I'm really glad you get to come home for a bit. And you'll be back in the "Promise Land" just in time for the "It-should-be-fall-by-now-but-it-is-still-hotter-than-hades" weather of September!! :) Doesn't that just make you even more homesick???Johannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436720646561133434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-59054960500110618602008-08-22T16:58:00.000-05:002008-08-22T16:58:00.000-05:00Jess,I have been going through a similar time and ...Jess,<BR/>I have been going through a similar time and God is teaching me some hard things...but it is still hard! Have you heard the CD from Soveriegn Grace called "Come Weary Saints"? If you aren't able to get it where you are, please email me your address and I will buy it for you! It has ministered to me incredibly! My email address is bgbcsmith@juno.com<BR/><BR/>I'm serious. I would love to buy it for you. Music sooths the soul!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075313642309338412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-19099285405946692812008-08-22T07:13:00.000-05:002008-08-22T07:13:00.000-05:00I love the design! It's beautiful! The color is ...I love the design! It's beautiful! The color is pretty also. I've been praying for you, and I'll be so happy to see you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-55563406275536645672008-08-21T15:01:00.000-05:002008-08-21T15:01:00.000-05:00It's nice to see you back, Jess. When your blo...It's nice to see you back, Jess. When your blog was down over the past few days, I was honestly a little concerned and hoping nothing was wrong. I'm very glad to see you back and know you & your family are doing well. :o)Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08380491283652150727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-54477624246801978502008-08-21T05:42:00.000-05:002008-08-21T05:42:00.000-05:00Mrs. P, Thanks for the links- I love, love, love "...Mrs. P, <BR/>Thanks for the links- I love, love, love "Don't Waste Your Life", and I haven't yet had the chance to listen to "God is the Gospel"... Piper really is one of my all-time favorites, though. So thanks! Hopefully someone can benefit from your links here.Jess Connellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00372282510182101716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-14925158786620762522008-08-21T03:36:00.000-05:002008-08-21T03:36:00.000-05:00Dear Jess,Welcome back! I was just writing someone...Dear Jess,<BR/><BR/>Welcome back! <BR/><BR/>I was just writing someone a couple of days ago about the last several months in our lives, that they've been the hardest ever, it seems. With problems piling on top of other problems and other problems, and all of them beyond our ability to solve... but then the Lord delivers each time, though we found it happens predictably at the very last moment :-). And He doesn't deliver from all at once, but only enough to keep us going, and then the next thing gets resolved, step by step. So in a way it's been a very good time too, because I think it's helping us learn (even if slow) to trust God more and to expect to really see Him work, and to make Him more of our Treasure. I've listened a lot to John Piper recently, and that has fed my soul a great deal and blessed me so much. If you allow a couple of links, these two conference series of messages are just the best, in my opinion. They were very helpful to me, inspiring and heart-penetrating. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/40/ - Don't Waste Your Life - and http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/14/ - God is the Gospel <BR/><BR/>As for your blog's look... I'm in a minority, I guess, I think the old was definitely warmer, and the blue background tends to distract me. Not a huge problem, I just preferred the old look. <BR/><BR/>Mrs. PAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-1394258135276342872008-08-20T22:10:00.000-05:002008-08-20T22:10:00.000-05:00I like the blue.That song you wrote in your above ...I like the blue.<BR/><BR/>That song you wrote in your above comment is fantastic. <BR/><BR/>I've been praying for ya.<BR/><BR/>Welcome back!Tanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12392207208831832652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-12233471129026118862008-08-20T20:52:00.000-05:002008-08-20T20:52:00.000-05:00I'm so glad you are back! Totally understandable t...I'm so glad you are back! Totally understandable that being away from home and extended family could result in the blues. What a blessing that you can afford to come back for a visit! <BR/><BR/>I love your blue blog! And the pics of your little ones, are always a treat. That quote of Ethan's about the dust under the lego couch is priceless!<BR/><BR/>Hugs to you, and keep writing! I agree that it's therapeutic. As are all the great ladies on the blogosphere! It's like family at your fingertips, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-1155849062206801172008-08-20T17:53:00.000-05:002008-08-20T17:53:00.000-05:00I really like the blue, and am so glad to see you ...I really like the blue, and am so glad to see you back! Sorry to hear about the funk, though I do that too and understand what you mean.<BR/><BR/>And wow, crawling already? My little guy is seven months and not there yet. But none of my four have done anything physical early so far.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00396716408304381802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-50932255530037457192008-08-20T17:20:00.000-05:002008-08-20T17:20:00.000-05:00welcome back! I do like the blue.I'm glad you are...welcome back! I do like the blue.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad you are sort of coming out of your funk. good luck in finding the path once more.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439951910924587708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-9185813701693724202008-08-20T15:59:00.000-05:002008-08-20T15:59:00.000-05:00Glad you're back! I like the new look. I feel l...Glad you're back! I like the new look. I feel like I'm in a fort with my kids!Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14508025632249734480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-91330927036122138582008-08-20T15:54:00.000-05:002008-08-20T15:54:00.000-05:00Welcome back, Jess. We've missed you. I look for...Welcome back, Jess. We've missed you. I look forward to reading more from you!<BR/><BR/>IMO, The blue is a little distracting, but I can get used to it!MInTheGaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16683964072100102242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-22961660090671314342008-08-20T15:49:00.000-05:002008-08-20T15:49:00.000-05:00It is good to have you back. Sorry to hear you ar...It is good to have you back. Sorry to hear you are struggling, but thankful to hear how God is drawing you to Him in the midst of it. So often, it seems, that the darker times also come with the sweetness of feeling the presence of God in unique ways.heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12440806925350092398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-21491571541952708362008-08-20T14:22:00.000-05:002008-08-20T14:22:00.000-05:00Nice to see you back at blogging Jess. I missed yo...Nice to see you back at blogging Jess. I missed you.<BR/>I love the blue color I think it's easy to read.<BR/>And I hope that your down season is really ending, I know what you mean. Sometimes I think God just lets us simmer a bit to get us to think of things, that maybe we're not thinking about.<BR/>God Bless,<BR/>KellyKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18031256003548447236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-11458872325623092008-08-20T12:07:00.000-05:002008-08-20T12:07:00.000-05:00Hang in there, Jess. It's good to see you back. ...Hang in there, Jess. It's good to see you back. The new design is nice- reminds me of pretty fabric.<BR/><BR/>My husband and I have also recently gone through a difficult patch. I read Joni E. Tada's book , The God I Love and her thoughts about suffering and knowing God more made such a difference for me. We are also reading a Spurgeon devotional to suffering people, and a Sovereign Grace CD on the same. I also camped out in Philippians.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, thank you for sharing your struggles. I am glad you are 'back' and look forward to 'hanging out' more in the future.Tami@ourhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00963364654720373351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-86115453174461468852008-08-20T11:29:00.000-05:002008-08-20T11:29:00.000-05:00Hi JessGlad you are back. Can't wait to see you, w...Hi Jess<BR/>Glad you are back.<BR/><BR/> Can't wait to see you, when you get here. Can't wait for you to meet my little big guy.<BR/><BR/>Hope you get out of that funk soon. We'll be praying for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-56223854016096897232008-08-20T11:27:00.000-05:002008-08-20T11:27:00.000-05:00Hi Jess,It is nice to have you back. I am actually...Hi Jess,<BR/>It is nice to have you back. <BR/>I am actually in a "funk" myself lately. I also have a 4mo old little guy. I wondered if my funk could be postpartum related, but I really don't think so. I do find however when I am postpartum I am more sensitive to evil as well as the promptings of the spirit. My struggle right now is fear. I usually have more fear after having a baby (I think the whole protection thing), but in the last couple of weeks this has been greatly magnified. These fears are being easily triggered and are being responded to vividly in my head. Does that make sense? Anyway, it is encouraging to hear how you are dealing with your funk, as I have felt the need to saturate myself in His Word. (namely Psalm 91) I am also truly blessed for a husband who has been amazingly loving and gracious during this time. For me I think this might be a time to fully take hold of every thought and bring them unto the obedience of Christ and Trust Him. The song you wrote about is amazing as most of my fears are based out of a lack of trust and a lack of understanding of God's infinite love (perfect love casts out fear). It is all based on my thoughts & understanding and yet I can't quite seem to get past them. <BR/>I feel as though this is not clear, but it isn't totally clear in my head.<BR/>It is nice to know that I am not alone in the struggles that can't fully be identified but are definitely there.<BR/>I will keep you in my prayers as I continue to pray for myself. :)flyinjujuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00114018393680984195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-81935283127916736332008-08-20T10:26:00.000-05:002008-08-20T10:26:00.000-05:00Yay!! I was so excited to see a new post today. ...Yay!! I was so excited to see a new post today. I look forward to all of your insight (on topics that always seem to fit right in to what is going on in my life). I am sorry that your going through a rough patch right now. I have had that kind of time in my life as well, and it always makes me feel guilty as those close to me try to do everything to lift me up. I try to pull myself out of it; I pray without ceasing. But, sometimes, the strange feeling of an unhappiness without apparent cause sticks around. I'm praying that the Lord will soon lift you from your "funk". I'm like a little child waiting for Christmas morning as I wait for your next post! Is that a little sad? :-)<BR/><BR/>AnneMom Of E'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10400648492723126269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-9971070321410297122008-08-20T09:54:00.000-05:002008-08-20T09:54:00.000-05:00Hi Jess. I just started following your blog short...Hi Jess. I just started following your blog shortly before you went on hiatus. I have totally been where you're at (living overseas, loving to delve deep, getting myself in too deep and not being able to process) although I admit that the hardest thing ever was not living overseas but coming back to my own culture and not feeling it was my own anymore. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, after battling mental, emotional, spiritual demons for many months, what finally lifted me from the funk was to get my feet busy and keep my my mind easy. God really shook me and said that His way wasn't about brain cells and neatly categorizing and compartmentalizing everything in my head. It's about putting one foot in front of the other and walking in the fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control. This is my homework as a believer. This is my hard (heart) work. It was such a relief for me to realize that. That if I am concentrating on those simple, practical, concrete things, my life is full, and I don't have time to worry or over analyze the abstract, which distracts. <BR/><BR/>Now don't get me wrong, I haven't arrived, my brain still produces smoke on a regular basis, but now that I am conscious of this my heart and head are so much more at peace. Praying His peace for you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02587382812669823711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-16175759117178520992008-08-20T09:42:00.000-05:002008-08-20T09:42:00.000-05:00I said a prayer for you this morning, Jess.4 1/2 m...I said a prayer for you this morning, Jess.<BR/><BR/>4 1/2 months? Seriously? My kids were slugs at that age-didn't crawl until 8 and 10 months. Wow.<BR/><BR/>The blue is beautiful--I've never even seen it b/c I have you on Google Reader.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13893224927335285415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-15069002818579777062008-08-20T09:21:00.000-05:002008-08-20T09:21:00.000-05:00Oh Catherine, did I never write you back? I reall...Oh Catherine, did I never write you back? I really thought I already had, but come to think of it, I think I started the e-mail twice but never finished it.<BR/><BR/>About what you wrote: I agree. But we can continue the conversation there... just didn't want you to feel ignored-- I really did think I'd already responded. Tsk, tsk to me! Sorry about that...<BR/>~JessJess Connellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00372282510182101716noreply@blogger.com