Friday's Fave Five: July 1st!

Log on at Living to Tell the Story and share your own Friday's Fave. Five!


1. Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman
Since hearing this song for the first time on Monday, I have had to repeatedly remind myself of it's message, especially while I am in the office.


You're picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today.
Matching up socks, sweeping up lost Cheerios that got away.
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips, head out the door.
While I may not know you I bet I know you wonder sometimes "Does it matter at all?"
Well let me remind you it all matters just as long as you.

(Chorus)
Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

Well maybe you're sitting in math class; maybe you're on a mission in the Congo
Maybe you're working at the office, singing along with the radio
Maybe you're dining at a five star restaurant or feeding orphans in Myanmar
Anywhere and everywhere you are, whatever you do it all matters
So do what you do and don't ever forget to do...

Read the rest of the lyrics HERE. ♥ ♥ ♥


2. Proverbs 3:5,6

"Trust God with your whole heart; do not be a rebel and try to determine what is right or best according to your own insight and understanding. Whenever you make a decision, listen for God's voice, and He will show you which path to take." [Jewel's edit]

This verse both encouraged and challenged me this week in unbelievable ways.  ‎Thank you Lord, for leading. Give me the strength to be obedient. ♥ ♥ ♥

3. Spanish

Spanish. There's something about it that makes me feel warm and capable. Maybe it's the pride I feel when I am able to understand and speak a language that I have worked so endlessly hard to learn. My determination has allowed me to build relationships with a nation of people, to whom I would otherwise be mute. I studied Spanish in the classroom for almost six years, but my real teachers were friends like Pablo, Miguel, Carlos, Abuelo, Geovanni, and others that I have met as I have traveled to Mexico, Honduras, the DR, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. On Monday, the fam. and I celebrated Aunt Holly's *0th birthday at La Casa Grande; I had a good conversation with our waiter and got free birthday ice cream. It's funny how much people appreciate you speaking their language! ♥ ♥ ♥

4. Swimming - For the first time in 2011, I dipped myself in our pool last night.  It was a beautiful beautiful beautiful day and all morning and afternoon, all I could think about was getting in the pool after work.  Although the sun was nearly set before I got in, the water was still warm and refreshing.  It was just what I needed after a stressful day in the office. THANK YOU JESUS!  I'm looking forward to a pool party and grilling out with family on Saturday evening. [Picture of Carson; credit to Holly Hoffman, family friend] ♥ ♥ ♥


5. Sweet memories of a happy place
Earlier this week I got a comment on my blog from Beth at three20 - a hot young Christian girl in Puerto Rico who lives at the camp where I visited last summer with our youth group.  I have been reminded of so many good memories there...

This view was only 30 feet from my back door! I found that umbrella bench to be a beautiful and holy place as I met with God there during my morning devotions. I remembered His Word as I heard the waves crashing onto the shore as I slept at night.  Happy happy memories. *Dreaming of going to Puerto Rico for my honeymoon.* ♥ ♥ ♥

Love love love, Jewel