Reflection

As the year is coming to a close, I feel a great desire to reflect on what last year looked like.  Some things that God has taught me are:

- It can be exciting to try something new!
  - I got the opportunity to preach to over 100 youth in the spring.
  - I have had the privileged of leading a women's bible study.
   - It is fun to serve as a family!

-  It can be scary when things change - but that can be very good for one's character!
  - Grade One - enough said!
     It is said that we give our children two things; One is roots and the other is wings.
  - Changes to friendships - I have grown to trust God for my security!

- Through times of trouble God will carry me through!
- Vulnerability is key to a community of friends!
- Prayer is the glue of any really good relationship!
- Quiet times are crucial to the health of my soul!
- Being teachable is an incredibly important quality!

There are many more I'm sure, but these are some of my top ones this year!

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
  all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
  and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
  and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
  and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
  so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5


What a great year it has been!  Thank you Daddy for the many lessons learned, for the good, the bad and the ugly!  You have brought me through, given me the grace and strength I need in any and every situation. 

Karate Kid

Okay, so I watched Karate Kid this week...one of my all time favorite shows.
Both the original (wax on/wax off), and the latest with Jackie Chan (one of my all time favorite actors!).
My favorite line was in the second one, and that is what I want to share today!

Being still and doing nothing are two totally different things.

Why do I like this so much? 
Well, it's because so many times I feel like I need to be doing something. 
Sometimes though, the need is in being, not doing!
I cannot hear God if I am so busy trying to make everything happen.
I need to stop and listen to His still small voice.
I need to allow Him space and time to minister to my soul.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 
 I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11


Thank you Daddy for quiet times in Your presence.  Please help me to sit quietly with You, to put aside all the things that crowd my mind and allow You to do Your good work in me!  Help me to realize that those times are a valuable investment in the most important relationship I will encounter!

Do You Trust Me?

I really love how the amplified bible translates some passages.....
......it's like....do you get it?!?!  Are you sure you heard me?
I will not, I will not, I will not.....assuredly not!
It is like God is saying....Jen, do you trust me?  Because I will not fail you! 
Did you hear me child?  I will not heave you helpless!
I love you my daughter and I will not relax my hold on you!
How can I not respond to something like that!

   Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 
  Hebrews 13:5 (Amplified Bible)

I am so grateful Daddy that you are a huge and mighty God!  As this year wraps up, please help me to remember all the things you have done for me, how you have revealed yourself to me and how you have helped me grow in character and wisdom.  Please help me overcome any unbelief and to continue to be teachable in the coming year!

Silent Night

May you be greatly blessed as we celebrate the birth of the King of all Kings!
 The Lord broke His 400 year silence with a baby's cry!
  Praise the Lord, for He who promised is Faithful!

"The days are coming", declares the LORD,
   "when I will raise us to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
  and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved
  and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called;
  The LORD our Righteousness."
Jeremiah 23:5-6

Thank you Daddy for the extra special time I have had preparing to celebrate Christmas!
May you be glorified as we spend time with family and friends!

Immanuel

Willful obedience is what brings about the great things God has planned for us!
One willing woman, who agreed to do God's will.
One willing man, who risked slander and disgrace, agreed to do God's will.
One Savior born to take away the sins of the world!


This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:

  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, 
but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
  But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means "God with us."
  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus.
  Matthew 1:1-24 

I pray Daddy for the grace to be willingly obedient.  Thank you for choosing Mary and Joseph, two people who were willing to be part of something bigger than themselves...and for Jesus....the Light of the World!

Do You Have a Weary Heart?

There is so much up in the air right now, but I choose to spend my first time with my Daddy and I love how He has prepared me each day and given me His grace and His strength.  I realized yesterday that at one moment you can think you have things all figured out, that a relationship can seem like it is finally going the way you always hoped....and then wham....the next phone call all you can hear is bitterness, resentment, hurt and anger.
At that moment I was thankful for something my friend and pastor said sunday afternoon:

Let us not become weary in doing good, 
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, 
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
  Galatians 6:9-10 

Daddy, you know the hearts of your children, I do not.  I lay down my expectations, worries and concerns at your feet.  I release them to you, to do your good work.  I pray that they will have soft hearts and be receptive to your quiet call to them, because like you have done for me, I know you want to heal their hearts and free them from their heavy loads.  Please help me to continue to do good and give me Your grace when I feel weary.

Prince of Peace

I am very excited to spend time preparing for Christmas, and one of my favorite names for Jesus is  - Prince of Peace.  We can all use a little peace, and I pray that peace will reign in our homes as we celebrate the birth of our Prince of Peace;
who's birth was prophesied long before he came to save us!

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. 
In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— 

The people walking in darkness
   have seen a great light;
 on those living in the land of deep darkness
   a light has dawned.
 You have enlarged the nation
   and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
   as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
   when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
   you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
   the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
   and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
   will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this. 
Isaiah 6:1-7

Thank you Daddy, that we are not unaware of what You have done for us! Thank you for our Prince of Peace and may He reign in our hearts and our homes as we spend time remembering what You accomplished when this prophesy was fulfilled!

Craziness!

I bet you thought I was gonna get into a conversation about the absolute
insanity of the Christmas season and the last week of shopping till you drop
chaos....but alas I am not....I avoid it like the plague! Ha ha ha! 

I'm talking about the craziness of my mind right now.  I find it easy to be distracted from seeking God when one of my closest family members is in the hospital and I'm not able to be with her at this time.  But as I was praying for her, God whispered to me....she will be okay.....thank you Lord! (Psalm 27:13)
That is the ultimate value of spending time in God Word and reading scripture....He can remind you of things you need to hear at the perfect time.


  “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
      Joshua 1:7-9

Thank you Daddy for your Word, that you comfort me with it and therefore I know that I am hearing You!  Thank you for the faithful friends you have put in my life to pray with, encourage and walk alongside me in the craziness!  I am so grateful for the lessons you have taught me about running to you amidst distraction....you are my ever-present help in times of trouble!

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
  and a season for every activity under heaven :
 
  a time to be born and a time to die,
  a time to plant and a time to uproot,
  a time to kill and a time to heal,
  a time to tear down and a time to build,
  a time to weep and a time to laugh,
  a time to mourn and a time to dance,
  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
  a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
  a time to search and a time to give up,
  a time to keep and a a time to throw away,
  a time to tear and a time to mend,
  a time to be silent and a time to speak,
  a time to love and a time to hate,
  a time for war and a time for peace.

What does the worker gain from all his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in it's time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has done
from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than
to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, 
and find satisfaction in all his toil -
this is the gift of God.
I know that everything God does will endure forever;
nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.
God does it so that men will revere him.
  Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Thank you Daddy for reminding me today that there is a time for everything!  There is so much wisdom to apply from these verses, nothing I could say would add any depth of insight....your Word is perfect.  Please help me to remember these things and apply them as I spend time preparing my heart and home for celebrating the Christmas season with friends and family.

What do I do with Mourning

I heard some terribly tragic news last night that is affecting many young people that I spend time with.  A young person took their own life.
What do you do? What do you say?
Sometimes mere words can never express the desire that I have that this friend would be hopeful and here with family and friends celebrating Christmas.
This is not the reality and they need to mourn, to grieve and let God heal them.

What's my job?  To be!

To be  - a shoulder to cry on.
          - someone who will just listen and not give advice.
          - to pray with hopeful expectation, knowing that God
            works all things out for good.
          - to love; and let them know they are not alone.
          
...weeping may remain for a night,
  but rejoicing comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5 

...to comfort all who mourn,
  and provide for those who grieve in Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
  the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  Isaiah 61:2-3

Daddy, please show me what my young friends need from me.  Please give family and friends of this young person your peace as they mourn.  Give them the ability to let it all go and grieve properly.  I pray that they would not become bitter and angry, but that they would find your peace that surpasses understanding.  May they be surrounded by people that can comfort them in the way they need....help us to be your hands and feet.

He is Clear

This morning I was reading the second chapter of Philippians; about imitating Christ's humility.  I was feeling very encouraged and excited about putting into practice today what I read and praying for unity within the body of Christ. 
Then He hit me....sometimes the bible is very gray, with room for interpretation into our own circumstances and needs.
Today, not so much.....He was very black and white!

Do everything without complaining or arguing
   Philippians 2:14

Well.....what else can I say....Lord help me! 
This war will be fought on the battlefield of my mind!

Daddy I will need your help today as I fast arguing and complaining! Please help me to be very aware when thoughts of complaining and the desire to argue come, and the ability to take every thought captive.  Please place a guard over my mouth and help me to honor you in all my conversations today.

I Have Help

Being obedient was never promised to be an easy thing,

but it proves to be wonderful and fulfilling.

As I take baby steps to follow God in an area that has troubled me a long time, 

there are many voices battling for attention.  

There are my own that have often said; why bother...you never finish what you start,

you are the queen half-done projects and half-hearted discipline.  

There are the voices of friends and family that say; awe Jen, don't be so hard on yourself. 

But, I want all that God has planned for me...and I will no longer listen to voices 

that are not consistent with what He has to say.....including my own.

I will consult Him!

For I am the LORD, your God,
   who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, do not fear;
   I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13


Thank you Daddy that you are my ever-present help in times of trouble.  That You are the carrier of my burdens and that what You ask me to carry is light in exchange for giving You the heavy load of my daily cares and worries.  Please help me to walk worthy of that which You have called me to in this season of life!

A Work in Progress

Sometimes I wonder why I get caught up in the idea that things need to be perfect.
I think I have internal desire for perfection; but I know the reality of it is that my life is a work in progress.  I have learned there is a big difference between perfection and doing something with integrity and excellence.  I want to live an excellent life, one of moving forward, pressing on and trusting God to change my heart. 
He is challenging me greatly to move to a higher level of character and integrity at this time....whoa mama!
No one said it would be easy, but I'm glad I'm not doing it alone!

...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you 
   will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
      Philippians 1:6

Thank you Daddy that you will never leave me or forsake me, You are my ever-present help in times of trouble.  I will praise You in the storm, and rest in and trust You while you continue your good work in me! I can't wait to see what it looks like on the other side!

Lonely

There are times when I feel like there are people all around me,
and yet I feel utterly lonely.

I wonder, do you feel that way too?

  There is this deep longing for a friendship that is deep, committed and very life giving.  Having a loyal and devoted husband, kids that want to do everything with you because they love being with you, and encouraging life-giving girlfriends are awesome!
But, sometimes there is a hole that can only be filled by ONE! We were created with eternity set in our hearts...my heart's desire is relationship with the Giver!

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
   But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
 Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)

Thank you Daddy for each person you have hand-picked to be part of my life.
And I thank you for Jesus, my friend that sticks closer than a brother, the Meeter of all my needs, Immanuel.... God with us!

Generosity

The resounding message in our church, and in conversations with friends this week have been all about overcoming greed with generosity.  Holding a little looser grip on the material things of this world, and valuing relationships more.  How timely, as we come into a season of generosity, of giving and receiving gifts.  All that we have comes from God, so what will we do with it?  It's not ours, we are just stewards of the money, talents, gifts and resources that we are entrusted with.
In the end, what will I have to say to my Creator about how I have spent what He has entrusted me with?

"Naked I came from my mother's womb.
    and naked I will depart.
  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
    may the name of the LORD be praised."
       Job 1:21

Thank you Daddy for all you have given me; I know that every good and perfect thing comes from you!  Please help me to be a good steward of the gifts, talents, resources and relationships you have entrusted me with, that I may be a generous person!

He Speaks

The Bible says many things about the voice of God:
  - it thunders
  - His voice strikes with flashes of lightning
  - it shakes the deserts
  - it breaks cedars,twists oaks and
    strips forests bare
  - it is like the roar of rushing waters
 
His voice is powerful and majestic,
and yet how have I heard Him? 
I hear him in a still small voice, as a whisper in my heart or an illumination of His Words in scripture and sometimes through the counsel of a godly friend. 
Are you listening?
Do you hear Him?
Can you perceive what He is saying to you today in the big and small things?
Because ..... He still speaks!

   The LORD said,"Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."

  Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD , but the LORD was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  
  And after the wind came a gentle whisper.
   1 Kings 19:11-12

I am so excited today Daddy, that in this day and age of chaos and confusion, in the business that I often create for myself....you still speak.
Help me to listen and obey, in all that I do today!

Together

I am very grateful for the people God has put in my life!  He has truly given me back the years that the locusts have stolen.  Even when I am having a rough day, God surrounds me with people!  His hands and feet, that listen, encourage and pray for me....WOW!  They come in all shapes and sizes, younger and older, girls and guys....there to lift me up when it seems that I can barely stand myself.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
  for He who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how we may spur one 
  another on toward love and good deeds.
Let us not give up meeting together,
  as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another - and more as
  you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25

Thank you Daddy for the people you have sent into my life! As I pour out what you give me, you reward me and give me more.  Out of the overflow of your goodness I am blessed.  Thank you for the fellowship of believers!

What I Need

I am thankful that:
   - when I am weak, God gives me His strength.
   - when I am restless, God gives me His peace.
   - when I am anxious, God gives me His patience.
   - when I am tired, HE gives me rest.

You will keep in perfect peace,
  him whose mind is steadfast,
  because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 36:3

Thank you Daddy that I can trust you to meet all my needs!