Joleyn Larson Photography & Design

Ry-guy turns 11 today! WooHoo, sweetie.

Give It Time

I give each day my best and accept the best from each day.

As much as I enjoy instant gratification, I know that sometimes it takes time to achieve the desired result. For instance, I learned to crawl before I walked, to walk before I ran. Therefore, I don’t fight time; I recognize that it’s on my side. All that needs to happen can happen quickly; it may also take time for the perfect result to appear. So I cooperate with God as the fulfillment of the perfect plan unfolds.

I am a part of the creative process that is taking place. Thinking and working in an atmosphere of expecting the best and giving it time to develop, I am my most creative, my most effective. I enjoy the journey toward my goals as much as reaching them. Life is unfolding daily, and I have the time to give each day my best and accept the best from it.

“The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.”–Mark 4:28

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 10:59 PM
Subject: Update 9/29/08

Holding on to an accumulation of resentful and unforgiving thoughts creates a heavy load for anyone to carry around, so each day I lighten my load by forgiving. I forgive others and myself for what we have said and left unsaid, for what we have done and not done. I ask for and give forgiveness because I care about others and I care about myself. Forgiveness creates an atmosphere of love and acceptance that encourages me and others to do our best and when we don’t, to try again to do better. When forgiveness is given and accepted by both persons in a relationship, a new beginning happens in which love and understanding flourish.

“Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors.” —Matthew 6:11-12

Loving your family is the most important thing to do in Gods eyes- everything else comes second-  god will make the rest fall into place and what doesn’t – we really didn’t need.

~~a note from my cousin

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 10:28 AM
Subject: 2nd update 9-25-08

I know that so many of you have continued this journey through prayer with us…and for that I am so appreciative to have you in my prayer life.  It’s so on my heart to continue sending out these prayer requests for Jenny, and her Dad…Don D., Betty his wife and Brandon his son…his sisters Maureen and Coleen.  These “bumps” can sure hurt, and I just ask that everyone out there, “bump” up their prayers for these guys. Their faith is awesome but I know they could use some encouragement during all of this.

In Christ I Am

Joleyn

The love of God comforts me. The most natural, loving response of a parent is to comfort a child who is emotionally upset or in physical pain. Massaging a sore muscle or bandaging a cut helps relieve the physical discomfort. A kind word or a hug heals the emotional hurt and helps the distress fade into nothingness.

Whatever has transpired in my life, I turn to the love of God within me, and I am comforted. I also experience the love of God in expression through others as they comfort me. A friend listens compassionately, or a family member welcomes me with open arms. In each case, I experience the love of God expressed in my world.

Whenever I am called on to comfort someone, I do. My words and actions flow from the love of God within me to embrace them.

“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”–Isaiah 66:13

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 9:06 AM
Subject: Update 9/25/08

Just wanted to let you know that the next Marriage Encounter weekend is quickly approaching, and from what I’ve heard…is filling up fast.   It’s going to be held in Minot on Oct. 17-19th.

Made the trek to Billings this weekend to see Beth Moore live. She was amazing, inspiring, everything I knew she would be. I fell in love with her bible studies about 2 years ago, and can’t get enough of her or God’s word. My mom, mother in law, and aunt all went up, along with friends from our bible study groups. The music rocked. The spirit moved. Truly an amazing weekend for all who attended. You come out of there refreshed, inspired, and ready to take on the world.

fyi….she’s coming to fargo next august.

After I attended the Beth Moore Living Proof Live Conference, i typed up my notes for those who weren’t able to attend.  {I didn’t know this, but for every conference she does, she presents a different talk. We got to hear a one of a kind from God…through her. }

Isaiah 32: 1-8 (New International Version)

The Kingdom of Righteousness

 1 See, a king will reign in righteousness
       and rulers will rule with justice.

 2 Each man will be like a shelter from the wind
       and a refuge from the storm,
       like streams of water in the desert
       and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.

 3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
       and the ears of those who hear will listen.

 4 The mind of the rash will know and understand,
       and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.

 5 No longer will the fool be called noble
       nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

 6 For the fool speaks folly,
       his mind is busy with evil:
       He practices ungodliness
       and spreads error concerning the LORD;
       the hungry he leaves empty
       and from the thirsty he withholds water.

 7 The scoundrel’s methods are wicked,
       he makes up evil schemes
       to destroy the poor with lies,
       even when the plea of the needy is just.

 8 But the noble man makes noble plans,
       and by noble deeds he stands.

Friday night, we started out with this verse from the book of Isaiah. She wanted us to focus on vs. 8 and memorize it. J

1.      Every life needs a noble plan.

a.      We got to get up, and get on with it. We can plan faithfulness.

b.      What am I hoping for my life in the next 5 years. {Job 17 : 11 & 16 shattered plans}

2.      The noble plan is to show God to your fellowman.

a.      We are here to be a benefit. {agopos: beneficial, a shelter, a refuge, a stream in a desert, shade by the big rock}

b.      We are to do good NOT to be good.

c.       Selfishness can rob us of our vision.

d.      We can be a refuge in a land of exhaustion…everyday.

e.      We can become an open door in the worst of storms.

f.        If we have never been exposed to disaster, how do we learn to be a refuge? Non of this is wasted experience.

g.      Life of regret or a refuge of sanctified regret.

h.      U2…Me2 our refuge, this what Jesus did for me.

i.        We must always remember that we CANNOT force shelter onto people who want to stay in the storm. We must pray that God will give them the “want” to! Sometimes they just need to be tossed around more.

j.        We can show others the love of Christ when they don’t even know He’s there.

k.       We cannot pressure someone to Christ. They must come willingly. He’s gotta have your want to.

l.        Hebrew word for noble is ndb. {sounds like nadab}

                                                              i.      it means: to be willing, free, large hearted, to be willing to volunteer

                                                            ii.      uncompelled free moment of the will for divine service or sacrifice

3.      All it takes to be noble is to be a willing volunteer. {Judge 5:1-9}

a.      A spirit of perfectionism is the death to true ministry. It can bring on a complete paralyse.

b.      We must be humble and honest, and believe we can do some good.

c.       We don’t have to wait to be great in order to some good.

d.      God reliance: allowing God to allow me to glorify him.

e.      His best, is not about me being at my best.

f.        God is always at his best. He is not just a big ME.

4.      The opposite of a noble is a nabal.

a.      Hebrew word for stupid is nbl. {sounds like nabal}

5.      Any nabal can become a noble.

a.      How? {Isaiah 32: 3-4} He heals you based on what he knows, not what you know.

b.      We need to listen in order for us to be a benefit…a refuge. We need to let them talk it out.

c.       Don’t be so busy figuring out your next word. Just listen. We won’t get God’s insight if we aren’t paying attention.

d.      “I hear what you are saying.”

e.      {Isaiah 32:4} the nabal reacts rash and impulsively.

f.        How do you use information wisely?

                                                              i.      Discernment: What do you do with what you know?

                                                            ii.      Discernment: Do you know how to be trust worthy?

                                                          iii.      Discernment: Ask God, What am I to do with this?

                                                           iv.      Satan speaks in generalities, God is specific.

6.      Any noble can become a nabal.

a.      {Galation 6:1} {2 Corinthian 11:2-3}

b.      The deceiver is out there. We can be seduced. Satan loves to turn our “shade” into darkness.

c.       We can become a hiding place for their sin.

                                                              i.      Does your “shade” allow for their sin to continue?

                                                            ii.      They need to be getting well in your refuge?

d.      If God has placed you in a position to shelter someone, then you must shelter them. You must lead them.

                                                              i.      Ask to see their homework.

                                                            ii.      Parents…Lead your kids. Don’t be scared.

                                                          iii.      Girlfriends…Lead your sisters. Don’t be afraid.

e.      We must follow through. We must allow people to see who we really are.

                                                              i.      Godly people, not fools pretending to be.

1.      Carnal is not cool.

7.      The power of a noble trumps a nabal.

a.      Selfishness makes us become a stone.

b.      You can be in partnership with a nabal but don’t forsake the wisdom of God.

c.       If I have to be perfect, it’s all about me.

d.      You don’t have to be perfect just good.

e.      Hosea 14…God loves me and restores me.

8.      A noble man sustains noble plans by knowing when to hide.

a.      {Mark 6: 30-31} 30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

b.      We need to hide in Christ. Literally check out and get some rest.

c.       We can’t be the shadow, if we aren’t by the big rock.

d.      My private relationship with Jesus must exceed my public relationship with Him.

e.      We must take a time out, for ourselves.

                                                              i.      How do I know I need a break from something?

1.      When I do it but no longer feel it.

a.      {Psalm 119:32} I will run the course of your commands for you shall enlarge my heart.

b.      Set me heart free, increase my understanding

c.       We all need consecrated time with God to enlarge our heart.

d.      {2 Cor 4:1} 1Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

2.      When I start thinking I’m the only one.

3.      When I start developing a stronghold of negativity. (when I get gripey)

a.      Complaining can become an entire family affair.

b.      If we are going to be gracious people. Act like it, quit complaining.

4.      When we cannot get full.

a.      When it seems we can’t eat enough, shop enough, exercise enough.

b.      When we get compulsive about things and we start to fill our lives with stuff.

c.       By God’s decision we are forceful beings. What will my force be?

d.      Gary Thomas – A beautiful fight. Our private battles have a public affect. For what we cultivate in secret we are still the shaping the world we live in.

e.      We can’t be a refuge if we don’t have one ourselves.

f.        Our outtake has to match our intake. {Psalm 91:1}  1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Divine Order

Greater good is flowing into my life today!

If ever I begin to feel pressured by a seeming lack of time, I remember that God is in charge. Rather than seeing a situation as out of sync, I look to the larger order of things. I return my attention to God and the order that maintains the flow of life.

The rotation of the earth, the movement of the planets, cycles of life–all are expressions of divine order. This same orderliness reigns in my life and assures that right results are unfolding in all circumstances.

Taking a deep breath of life helps me reconnect to the one true source of all good. As I exhale, I release any tension or troubling thoughts. Resting for a few quiet moments of contemplation, I give thanks that greater good is flowing into my life today.

“You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.”–Psalm 104:19

Still believing for a miracle through Christ.

Joleyn

From: Jenny Gilbert 
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 2:58 PM
Subject: Update #2–9/16/08

Hello again~

Dr. Koppeland (the neurosurgeon) just spoke with Mom about the shunt procedure.  He said there are complications with this procedure in less than 3% of cases, and he seems to be confident that Dad will pull through it successfully.  He said there are no guarantees that this procedure will improve Dad’s recovery, but that it is possible.  The abilities that this kind of pressure on the brain affects are all abilities that Dad continues to have difficulties with.  Dr. Koppeland assures us that if it were his spouse, he would definitely proceed with the shunt.

It is possible that they will do the procedure at 3 pm tomorrow (Wednesday).  This is dependent on Dad’s blood levels, which they will check at 5 or 6 am.  We should know by 8 or 9 in the morning, whether or not they will be doing the procedure that day.  If his blood is still too thin tomorrow, then the procedure will most likely take place early next week.

We are all very anxious about the procedure, but hopeful as well.  Dad has had so many “bumps in the road” throughout his recovery, and we are truly hoping that this may be the time when he finally gets the break that he so badly deserves.

I will do my best to get an email sent out in the morning to let you know if the procedure will be taking place tomorrow. 

Thanks for all of your prayers!
God Bless,

Jenny

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 9:18 PM
Subject: Surgery update 9-17-08

Courage: I accept the blessings of change.

If I’m “stuck in a rut,” I don’t have the traction needed to move forward in achieving my goals. However, I grow as I fully participate in life–overcoming challenges, gaining understanding, and enriching my relationships. Whether I courageously welcome new ideas, new technology, or new associations, opportunities for growth and insight emerge.

When I accept the changes in life as blessings, I enjoy moving out of my comfort zone and allow myself to think and act with greater wisdom and meaning. Releasing expectations of how things should be, I invite God to guide me with new inspiration. I am willing to reach out, initiate, and cooperate to create valuable outcomes.

These are times of discovery. They allow me to apply my God-given qualities toward growth and exploration.

Our prayers are with you guys.
Jo

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 9:53 AM
Subject: Update 9/17/08

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:28 AM
Subject: Update 9/16/08

Faith:: I move forward with strength and courage.

Whenever I feel challenged by a person or a situation in my life, I turn to the presence of God within me. I draw from my source of love, strength, and courage.

During the times when I step away from the day’s concerns and pray, I more fully center myself in God’s presence and allow my faith to surface. I nurture it with love as I would a seedling. I nourish this faith with affirmations of courage and shine the light of truth on the path ahead. I am strengthened so that I move forward and act wisely.

My faith is not for me alone–it fills me with peace at those times when people I care about face difficult circumstances. Faith helps me lovingly release any anxious thoughts about them and place my trust in God to guide them in discovering their own inner strength.

“Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”–1 Corinthians 16:13-14

TR celebrated twice this week. Once on his real bday and then again with his friends the following Saturday. He had spaghetti for his dinner and lemon cake.

Ok, maybe a little to pumped up.

There is my TR down on the field. This is where my heart sinks. My breathing stops. I wait for him to get up. He doesn’t. I wait some more, wondering if I can go out there yet. I fidget along the 30 yard line. Time stands still. I’m afraid to go out there…but I have to. I kneel by him, so he can see me. He says his hands are numb and his neck hurts. I take a huge breath and start to look around for the medics. They ask me if we should call the ambulance. I look at Tracy. I’m in shock I think. Is this for real? Another doctor comes out. They begin to brace his head which is cradled in his helmet. They ask him questions, and decide to call the ambulance. Everything is a blur at this point. I look for Jhacie and Alex. Ryan comes over to check on TR. A friend comes out for support. She says a prayer in my ear, and I start to cry. I don’t want to be that kind of mom, but it’s too hard to control.  This is my baby lying there. It’s in God’s hands now, I think, as we wait for the ambulance. Minutes pass by, and they arrive.  They assess his body, and as they put him in the abulance the croud begins to cheer. His team mates cheer him on too, and they yell out…they’re gonna win this game for him. My heart is full of emotion.  The ride to the hospital seems as if it’s taking forever. My thoughts turn to prayer for my son. Lord God, please don’t let anything bad come of this. Please Lord just heal him now. We arrive at the ER and are taken to our own room. The nurses begin to cut off his shirts. They unscrew his helmet and slowly slip it off his head and gently place it back into a neck brace. TR seems uncomfortable, but he is in good spirits.  The doctor does a thorough look over and sends him off for a cat-scan. We wait…wait…wait….and then, we have answers. “He’s going to be ok. More than ok. He’s good.” I think I finally take a breath here.

I just shook my head. Way too much drama for this momma. My heart rejoices and I finally allow a smile to form on my face. We get TR up and take him home to rest.  

The only bad thing that is left is now I have to let them go back out there again for practice. {sigh} drama…drama….drama.

I added a ton of new songs to the blog this morning…wanted to add…that if anyone want’s to make a request, feel free to do so….in the comments section.

God is my guiding light. I follow the path of peace and fulfillment.

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”–Luke 1:78-79

From: Jenny Gilbert
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 1:34 PM
Subject: Update 9/9/08

Hello~Since my last email, Dad developed a bladder infection, so our discharge date has been postponed yet again.  They had to take him off of blood thinners until the infection was cleared up, so we were back on alert for blood clots.  We had hoped that once we got him back on the blood thinners and got everything regulated again, we would be going home.  However, now the doctors have decided to try some different things with medications to help ease his agitation levels, etc.  We aren’t sure how long this will take, so we have no estimated discharge date at this time.  We’re very hopeful that whatever changes they make with his meds will be beneficial, and yet very anxious to get him back in his familiar surroundings.  It seems like the minute we get geared up and start making plans, something changes!  So, I guess we will just go with the flow for the time being, and trust that it is all part of God’s plan.

I will keep you all posted as things progress, and let you know when it looks like we will finally be going home!Love and God Bless,

Jenny