I had an appointment with my ENT this morning, where I thought we were going to schedule my second sinus surgery.  I didn’t want to have this surgery.  I’ve been praying for healing, but I’ve been making preparations for my kids in case I have the surgery because that’s what moms do.

The doctor came in, reviewed the results of my CT scan, and said he didn’t think the surgery was necessary yet.  I started crying.  What??  Yep.  I started crying.  I’ve basically had a sinus infection for six months.  Last April when I had the surgery, I … Read the rest

Easter 2008

My kids love Jesus.  I’m not saying that as a bragging mother (well alright, a little), but it’s just a fact – to them especially.  Facts about the Bible are exactly that to them – facts.  They share them as openly as what they ate for breakfast.  There is no embarrassment, no awkwardness, no concern that they might offend anyone.  The thought that someone else doesn’t know about Jesus or even (gasp) love Him is astonishing to them.  They are a constant encouragement to me that I need to be just as bold with my faith. … Read the rest

The Parable of the Sower has popped up a few different times lately, so I’ve been thinking about it a lot.  In order to hear and understand the Word of God, we need to be good soil, ready for the seed.  My thought process then makes a turn and asks, “What does it take to grow a seed?”  Many of you didn’t grow up in Esmond, Illinois (so sad for you) surrounded by fields and farms.  So we’ll go with grass.

One of the requirements for grass to grow is sun.  There is a patch of grass in our front … Read the rest

Chad and I found ourselves a Sunday where neither of us is on worship team, so we decided to visit Sonrise’s North campus for the first time.  Today ended a series called The Me I Want To Be, with the message titled “Deepening My Relationships”.  Pastor Brandon gave a really awesome message, and in it gave five characteristics of the friends you need in your inner circle (my term, not his).  They are:
1. Devoted to maturing in Christ
2. Someone who brings out the best in you
3. Unconditional love and loyalty
4. Speaking the truth even when it’s … Read the rest

Here is an amazing video from Pastor Scott about the world’s water crisis, and how Oprah can help!!  Please take the time to watch this, and pass it along!… Read the rest

For those of you who don’t know me very well, I can be… kind of stubborn.  Alright I’m really stubborn.  Sometimes my stubbornness is good, and sometimes it hurts me.  My most recent example of the latter occurred at a staff retreat to a middle school camp.  There’s a climbing wall with four different levels of difficulty: easy, medium, hard, and ridiculous.  My pride decided “You can do that hard one, Janna”.  So I tried it and got all of five feet off the ground.  It felt like being kicked in the gut.  So I then moved on to the … Read the rest

Ada, her Grandpa, and her lovie

My kids have blankets lovingly made by their grandma.  They’re their most prized possession.  When we travel they come with us.  They have to be weaned off of taking them everywhere just like a pacifier.  Eli’s is even so valued that when his tummy hurts he puts it in his shirt because it will make him feel better.  They want them when they’re tired, sick, hurting, when they get shots… it makes them feel better.  And their love shows in these blankets.  Eli’s has been sown back together so many times it looks rather … Read the rest