First On My List

Trevor has always had a very unique way with words.  I know through the years I've shared many of his notable quotables that were either tender or hilariously funny.  He's always had his own little way of viewing the world and putting thoughts into words that I love, and I've often laughed at and learned from his one of a kind statements.

Monday night held one of his precious moments.  I had already tucked him into bed and settled in my green chair when he called me in for one more hug.  When I squeezed him tight I told him for the thousandth time that he is my favorite little boy in the whole wide world.

He responded with this Trevorism that I never want to forget.

"But God is first on your list, right?"

Oh, child.  Yes.  Yes, God is "first on my list," and He makes all the difference.  I would be hopeless apart from Him.  There is nothing like having your soul anchored on the Rock of Ages, your life and family built on that solid foundation.  Jimmy's and my greatest desire is that our children would make God the highest priority of their lives, that they would live each and every day for Him.

That He would be first on their list, as someone wise once said.

Trevor, I love you.  God has used you to change my life.  He really has.

The Battle Of The Mind

It's a new week.

Is anyone else extra thankful for that today?

I am home today, which is a huge blessing. I love being home.  I have taco chili cooking in the crockpot and the scents of fall burning, which adds to the comfort of this place I love.  I spent some much needed extra time in the Word and prayer this morning.  The rest of the week is going to be extremely full.  Today I sit for a few moments.  I am thankful for so much.  I am thankful it is a new day.  I am thankful for mornings.  His mercies are new every morning!  I am thankful that it is a new week, because last week threatened to drain the life right out of me.

Ever had a week like that?

I am a solid Biblical counselor (by study, not profession) and give myself free counseling sessions on a regular basis.  This weekend a friend suggested that I start charging, which made me giggle! (On the one hand I could make some extra money...but on the other hand I can't afford myself. Haha!  The conundrum of being your own therapist.)  Last week my "office" was busy with three demanding clients - me, myself, and I.  And let me tell you, it was exhausting!

I'm not proud of this, but I had a few days where I was tempted to resign any roles of responsibility, leadership, and influence, and crawl into a corner where I could be anonymous, average, and apathetic.  That self-protective corner looms in front of me at times, luring me with lies that it would be easier to hide there.

However, God desires leaders to shine as lights and stand strong for Him.  So I press on in the name of Jesus.  But sometimes my flesh is weak, and I have to fight a battle of the mind.

I've been thinking about that battle a lot.  Often we automatically assign the term "battle of the mind" to issues of purity and lust, and those are absolutely areas where we must remain on guard.  But there are more issues than those in this battle.

Sometimes in life we get a little beat up; we get a little torn down; we have to process words thrown out about us that are unfair or untrue; we have to deal with circumstances that we just plain don't understand; we have to stand strong in a culture that mocks God and could easily weigh our hearts down, or tear our families and faith apart.

During these times it is easy for all that to get in our head.  And we replay words, and wonder why on earth someone would say or do that, or feel like we just can't take this anymore, or feel we don't have the strength to stand strong and endure.  And the enemy of our souls would take the greatest delight if we took our ball and went home.  If we found that corner and cowered in fear and self-protection, extinguishing the light that threatens his darkness.

But the Lover of our souls has the power to renew our minds.  He gives us a plan of action.  His Word, our source of life and strength, tells us where to set our thoughts.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."

Philippians 4:8

Sometimes we want to meditate on the harsh realities of life that threaten to drain us to the point of ineffectiveness.  Our minds race with these thoughts, but we need to replace them with things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.  Things that will be honorable and profitable to our spiritual lives.  

The battle of my mind was so intense this week that I literally made out a chart of some harsh realities that my mind was dwelling on (that threatened to drive me into that corner) versus a chart of some truths I know from God's Word that I needed to replace the other thoughts with.  It looked like this...

Leadership is lonely.  I had a dear, sweet pastor's wife recently tell me she was battling serious isolation and trust issues.  She didn't need to say more.  I get it completely.  I cannot describe to you how lonely it can be as a leader but if you are one, than you know this already. But in the loneliness I often ask myself, what am I going to do? Throw in the towel?  Be anonymous, average, and apathetic?  Or embrace the truth that God is always with us - He will never leave or forsake us - He is El Roi, the God who sees.  He knows - He will defend and have the final say.  We must saturate our minds in truth, because truth trumps feelings every time.

People are manipulative.  There's really not much more that is necessary to say, except that manipulation hurts and drains.  But God is truth - His Word is truth - and He knows the truth, the whole story!  The Bible says we can know the truth and the truth will set us free! (John 8:32)

Life is not fair - often the righteous suffer.  Oh, some of the suffering I have seen among the righteous lately has brought me to my knees on behalf of others and what they are going through.  It doesn't make sense to our earthly minds.  But God is just and all knowing - it will all be sorted out in eternity - and He calls us to faithfulness regardless of our circumstances.  That is a high and honorable but difficult calling.

We have some faraway friends who have been enduring an incredible trial for some time now.  This couple has four beautiful teenage/young adult children.  They opened their home and were sweet mentors to us and several other couples when we were newlyweds.  They are godly people grounded in the Word who have served Jesus faithfully.  And right now Tim is fighting a very serious battle with brain cancer.

They have been actively posting about their battle on facebook and a blog titled We Choose To Believe.  I am amazed how much they are relying on and claiming Scripture during this battle.  It is humbling and inspiring.

The other day Melinda posted this on her facebook page...

Gal. 6:9

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

Thank you for the encouragement of keeping on!

My God be glorified today!

Right smack dab in the middle of their intense physical, mental, and spiritual battle, she chose truth.  And shared truth.  And the truth she shared encouraged my weary heart to not give up.

So if your heart is weary today, may I encourage you to not give up.  If your mind is in the middle of a full fledged battle, may I encourage you to set your mind on those things Philippians 4:8 instructs.

Just this morning I was brought to this verse.

"and be renewed in the spirit of your mind"

Ephesians 4:25

Nine words that offer renewal when we think we're just about done.

Claim the truth of God's Word today.  It will renew the spirit of your mind!  It will help you keep going!  It will breathe life into your weary soul!  God's Word is the most powerful weapon we have in this battle.

Blessings for this new week and whatever it may hold,

Jennifer

On Kings, Kingdoms, And Holding On To Grace

My husband and I experience something we call "Wednesday Night Syndrome." We've had this condition for years.  Historically, Wednesdays are very long days for us.  For him, he is preparing all day for his busiest night of the week in student ministry.  For many of our students, this is the only time of the week they will hear about Jesus and be part of any type of Christian community.  He puts a lot of effort, planning, and prayer into Wednesday nights.  Once he leaves Wednesday morning, I know he won't be home until about 9:00 or so that night.

For many years, Wednesdays have also been a high volume music lesson day for me.  Most years I have taught right up until we leave for church, the past several years even taking my last student with me.  I also teach collegiate/virtual school/home school students during the day on Wednesdays, and have to have my own kids fed and ready for AWANA somewhere in there too.

Once youth group begins, both Jimmy and I pour every ounce of physical, emotional, and spiritual energy we have into the students that come through the doors.  We absolutely love these students, and want to give them the very best we can as we share the love of Jesus with them.

By the time we get home it is already past the kids' bedtimes, and we have to get them wound down and into bed as quickly as we can because they still have two more days of school left.  By the time we get them down we have been drained of nearly everything we have and are exhausted.

But we are also wired.  Our souls are stirred, our minds are racing.  We have tons to think and talk about. We are often starving.  We are tired, but we can't sleep and often stay up later than any other night of the week.  Sometimes we do our own thing, but often we talk and talk to each other late into the night.

This is the condition we call Wednesday Night Syndrome!

This past Wednesday was no exception.  With much on our hearts, we shared of this and that.  Deep matters.  Concerns for students, concerns for families, concerns for this crazy world and self-centered culture.

I'll admit, these are scary times we are living in.  If my hope wasn't in Christ I think I could be a fretful mess.  His peace overrides the chaos, but the condition of our world, state of our culture, and lack of integrity among our leadership is downright disturbing. My mind often recalls the book of Judges, how everyone "did was right in his own eyes." The result, of course, was disastrous for that generation...disaster is always around the corner when we choose to serve sin and self instead of a righteous and holy God.

That night after we talked and shared I went to bed in serious prayer for students and generations and our country and for people to humble themselves and pray and seek God's face and turn from their wicked ways so God would heal this land, this land I love.  2 Chronicles 7:14 was heavy on my heart.

The next morning I was doing my Bible study and was struck by this passage.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that 

cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace.  

By it, we may serve God acceptably with reverence and awe; 

for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:28-29

Believers, we are receiving a kingdom.  Christ's kingdom.  And unlike earthly kingdoms, His kingdom cannot and will not be shaken.  Even if everything around us is ripping apart at the seams, His kingdom is firmly established.

We can hold on to grace, hold on when everything else is falling out from under us. We live each day held tightly in the grip of grace.

We can serve God reverently.  In a world that has little or no reverence for Him, we can stand in awe.  We can serve and worship Him.

We can trust that in the end, God will right the wrongs and injustices.  He is a consuming fire.  His Word has already predicted what is happening now, and His Word tells the whole story.  God wins.  Love prevails.  Heaven awaits.

And one day, one sweet day, we will live in complete and total peace and perfection with Him.  We will rest in the very presence and glorious light of almighty God.

I needed those reminders.  I needed those reminders.

Times are difficult.  God is in control.  His kingdom cannot be shaken.  His kingdom will reign.  Hold on to grace.

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were 

loud voices in heaven, saying, 

"The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"

Revelation 11:15

Amen.

Gingerbread And Grace For Our Best And Worst Moments

She was sick when we picked her up from school yesterday, with an out of the blue fever that I think was the worst part of an old-fashioned cold.  Her tears fell from discomfort, and I put her immediately in the bathtub and then in fresh pajamas on the couch once we arrived home.  She stayed there most of the evening while I stayed close by, putting out our fall decorations.  She slept with me last night and at 4:30, her restlessness woke me up.  The fever was climbing again.  A dose of medicine, some water, and a little while later, we both got a bit more sleep.

Once the boys were off this morning, I had the unexpected treat of spending the day uninterrupted with her.  Errands would have to wait, for she needed to rest at home. With all the sights and scents of autumn surrounding us, there was a tangible warmth and coziness in the air.

I mixed up some gingerbread batter and put it in the oven to bake.  We looked at her American Girl catalog, dreaming and wishing.  All of a sudden she said, "Something smells like Christmas in here!"  Her surprise and delight when I showed her the warm-out-of-the-oven treat made me smile on the inside.  I made us a tray of gingerbread and cinnamon tea, and we sipped and savored while watching Little Women, being transported together again into the enchanting world of the March girls.  We laughed, cried, imagined, and were mesmerized by the beautiful musical score.  The moment was real, it was alive, it was sugar and spice and everything nice, just how she is.

Well, how she is most of the time that is.  And when she isn't we learn together, for sometimes I guide her gently with wisdom, and other times I am impatient.  Sometimes neither one of us are sugar or spice or as nice as we should be in our responses and reactions and on the harder days, when I lay my weary head down and wonder why on earth do I yell, I ask God to forgive me and guide me gently and give me wisdom.

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd; 

He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, 

And gently lead those who are with young." 

Isaiah 40:11 

You see, I am still learning of grace, both how to give it and how to accept it.  Accepting grace isn't always easy for a girl like me.  It is far easier to believe God loves me when I am the happy mom pulling the surprise pan of gingerbread out of the oven than when I am the exhausted, crabby, overwhelmed mom.

The mystery is that He sees both and loves me still.

Just as I know her best days and worst days, yet love her more than a heart can contain.

And just how God knows your brightest and darkest moments but loves you. He extends His grace to you.  At your best, and at your worst. That's the whole point, really.  We are not sufficient of ourselves, no matter how good we are.  We need Him.

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God..."

2 Corinthians 3:5

Today was a good day.  The sweetest of days.  One of those days you want to memorize, tuck in your back pocket so you can pull it out and remember clearly the warmth, the closeness, the tenderness, the scents, the softness, the sounds, the serenity.

The love.

The moment.

The beautiful, remarkable grace.

"And it's only time, but it flies right by, 

and today is sweeter than we know..."

Francesca Battistelli

"When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power has no boundaries known unto men,

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again."

Annie J. Flint

Teach Me...

It is 7:30 a.m. and I am sitting in my green chair, sipping the last drops of a cup of coffee that is now cold, struck by an eleven word prayer from the Psalms that showed up in my 90 Days With John study earlier this morning.

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

The first part of Psalm 143:10.  Eleven power packed words that can be challenging, convicting, even frightening to pray, but that I need to pray more often.

I don't know about you, but when I read and really ponder those words, I realize that I have a lot of learning yet to do.

So please teach me, Father.  It's not always easy to know and do Your will.  But I want to.  For You are my God.  And I love You.

Hey, Jealousy

I am in the final quarter of Beth Moore's David: 90 Days With A Heart Like His study. I know I have said far too many times lately that I will try to write about what I have been learning, but I admit, the task seems almost overwhelming.  I have learned so much from David's life thus far, both from the valiant victories and destructive downfalls.  I have taken note from his life and choices, as well as the supporting characters in his story.

One of the reminders I had early on in the study was regarding jealousy.  It was from the crazed actions of King Saul against a young and innocent but successful David. Saul's maniacal jealousy would cause him to throw spears at this young warrior, putting him in hiding as he hunted him down for the kill.

And this rage and insanity started with something we can all easily struggle with...comparison.

Leave it to the women in town to play the comparison game.  Here David killed Goliath, became best friends with Saul's son Jonathan, and "went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely" (I Samuel 18:6).  Saul sets David over the army and he gains the admiration of the people.  However, out come the women, dancing in the streets, playing musical instruments and singing the words that would send Saul over the edge...

"Saul has slain his thousands,

And David his ten thousands."

I Samuel 18:7

Oh, man.  Those were fighting words of comparison.  Verses 8 and 9 say,

"Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands.  Now what more can he have but the kingdom? So Saul eyed David from that day forward."

It would take me so long to fill in all the details and events that would incur, but to wrap it up succinctly with a quote from Beth in this study, "Jealousy proved the undoing of Saul."

I couldn't help but think as I read through this painful story of lost potential given away to the mania of jealousy, how often does our jealousy start with comparison?

As women, we are experts at comparing ourselves to others rather than focusing on what God has gifted us with and planned for us to accomplish for Him.

My wise husband calls it "The Killer of Comparison."  He first used that phrase with me when we were dating and I was going through a phase of comparison that was making me uncharacteristically self-conscious and insecure.  He was so right.  Comparison does kill things.  Comparison literally drove Saul to attempt to kill David on numerous occasions.  

Comparison and jealousy have another thing in common that my husband has warned about many times - they result from an unhealthy focus on self.  A self-focus is usually the cause of much personal destruction.  Take a look at another one of Beth's quotes from this study...

"Saul exhibited the core sin of all self-centered people: he focused on himself.  We need to recognize that a lack of confidence does not equal humility.  In fact, genuinely humble people have enormous confidence because it rests in a great God.  Saul's self-centeredness eventually cost him dearly, as a self-focus always does."

Things my husband has been telling me and the people he teaches and disciples for years!

Here's the thing.  I can tell you that when I have allowed comparison and jealousy to cause insecurity and ineffectiveness in my life, I have been miserable.  Sin always causes misery to a lover of God.  I have had to ask God to forgive me of this kind of self-focused internal struggle during different seasons of my life.

I have also been made miserable by others who have directed comparison and jealousy towards me as Saul did to David.  While I may not have dodged literal spears, I have certainly dodged verbal and emotional ones.  I have been devastated by the hurtful words and actions of those who had no other reason to act in such a way except for self-focused jealousy that I could not prevent no matter how hard I tried to nurture a positive relationship.  I have had to trust God and focus on pleasing Him during these hurtful times.

Let's learn from this story in God's Word, instead of learning the hard way.  Let's not allow self-centeredness to cost us dearly.  Let's not let jealousy be our undoing.  Let's pray these prayers together...

God, please forgive me for being focused on self and comparing myself to others in unhealthy ways, letting jealousy rule in my heart.

God, help me trust You to defend and protect my heart when others rally against me, throwing spears of comparison and jealousy.

God, please keep these sinful attitudes and actions out of my life so that I may be effective for You and Your kingdom.

Amen, and amen.

Grace Upon Grace

The beach is one of my very favorite places.  I truly love it.  If I allow myself to daydream and wish, I can find myself pretending I have a yellow cottage right by the ocean where I could spend summers unencumbered and free.  That's the way my heart feels oceanside with the constant sound of lapping waves, the blowing breeze, and all the beauty of surf and sky.  Free.

Yesterday morning my dad was preaching on suffering.  Jesus suffered and died for our sins, and we often recall that in very specific ways this time of year.  Most of the great heroes of the Bible suffered beyond what we could imagine...they truly knew Christ in the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10).  Yesterday's message specifically looked at Paul, and asked the question, "Why Do We Suffer?"  Four of the answers we looked at were...

We need to encourage others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Proverbs 12:25)

We need to trust Him. (2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Job 13:15)

We need to focus on the eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:8,9,17,18)

We need to learn about His grace.  (2 Corinthians 12:1-10, John 1:16)

John 1:16 says, "And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace." 

You've often heard me write about the concept of fullness, but I was caught by how my dad explained what the phrase "grace for grace" means.  The literal idea is grace upon grace.  An illustration for the meaning is waves at the ocean.  If you were to visit the beach and sit by the water, you would see and hear a wave...followed by another....and another...and so it would continue.  Wave upon wave.  Never ending.  Constantly flowing.  That is the idea here - just as the waves flow onto shore one upon another, so does God's grace flow into our lives.  Grace upon grace upon grace upon grace.

I will remember that the next time we take a day trip to be seaside.  As I hear the constant sound of lapping waves, I will recall the lavish, unending, constant gift of grace God bestows on my life.

He has given me grace upon grace upon grace upon grace.

He suffered for me.

I have experienced His fullness.

I am thankful beyond words.

On Waiting

A couple weeks ago I read some very interesting information about the growth of certain types of Chinese bamboo.  I came across this info in the last lesson of the Women of Faith Bible study Listening For The Voice of God: Growing in Faith Everyday, then did some other reading online about this interesting process.

The study told how to grow Chinese bamboo, you plant a seed and then water and fertilize it.  However, you don't see results right away.  In fact for the next few years, you have to wait, watering and fertilizing the soil while nothing happens above the surface.  In the fifth year, a shoot of bamboo will pierce the soil and then all of a sudden, a Chinese bamboo tree will grow rapidly to nearly 90 feet tall in just six weeks.

It seems that the tree grew remarkably fast; however, the process leading up to this rapid growth took years.  The necessary process for growth was actually happening under the surface for a long time before the tree shot up and visible, measurable growth and results were seen.

My husband and I have been seeking God intently regarding some areas of our lives for quite some time now.  We've asked Him some serious questions, had some difficult conversations, and have asked God for specific and clear answers.  And we've been waiting.  I feel like our lives have been "in process" if you will.  It has been painful at times and other times easier, but I know one thing.  We have, in a unique way, been growing.  God has been working under the surface as He has allowed us to sit in one of the "waiting rooms of life" as I like to call them.

*photo credit google images

Here's the thing.  I have a strong feeling that many of you out there are in one of those waiting rooms as well.  You are waiting for answers, direction, results, healing, wisdom, information, clarity, relief, leading, or something else.  You may be waiting for something exciting -  the birth of a child, an adoption to go through, a new job, a big promotion, a special vacation.  You may be waiting for something unknown - God to bring you a spouse, or allow you to conceive a child, or to give you some hint of His plan for your life.  You may even be waiting for something difficult - an upcoming surgery, medical test results that could change everything, someone to pay you a debt you are owed, a court date.

You, like us, may know that those who wait up on the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).  You may believe that we are not to grow weary while doing good (Galatians 6:9).  You may trust that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).  You may be claiming those Scriptures, but still finding the waiting room to be an uninviting place.  I want to encourage you this day to let God grow you in the waiting.  Like the bamboo seed that germinates under the surface for years before rapid growth is seen, we can patiently surrender as God work out His growth process in us over time, and continue to be faithful to Him until our sprouts take root and shoot to the sky.

As I have been pondering all of this, I couldn't help but think of the song While I'm Waiting from the inspiring movie Fireproof.  If you have three minutes, take the time to go to the link for this song and listen carefully to the lyrics.  They are so poignant; I am inspired as the artist sings that while waiting on the Lord is not easy, we can still move forward in obedience to Him and confidence in Him.  We can serve God while we're waiting. We can worship while we're waiting.

And we can let Him grow us, even if it is in quiet ways under the surface of our hearts, while we wait on His perfect will and plan to be accomplished in our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

James 1:4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

On Her Knees

The Sunday before last, I was heading up to my spot on the keyboard bench before the worship service started when I noticed something.  There was a woman on her knees, head bowed in prayer.  She was somewhat hidden between the seats and I just happened to see her.  The sight stirred something within me. I don't really know this woman.  In all honesty, I can't remember her name.  I do know a few things about her though.  I know she is a new believer, because last year when I was standing alongside some teenage girls from the youth group who were being baptized, she was being baptized as well.  I remember the joy on her face when she came up out of the water.  I also know that from where I sit on stage behind the keyboard, she is always in the back of the sanctuary on my left.  She is there faithfully week in, week out.  There are usually some of her family members in her row.  And she sings to Jesus with a radiant, unashamed gratitude on her face.

This past Sunday when I was heading to the keyboard bench I looked to my left and there she was again.  On her knees.  Head bowed in prayer.  I wondered if she does this before every service and I had just never noticed.  Again my heart was stirred, convicted by a woman who takes time to kneel before God to talk to Him quietly before a time of worship through song and teaching of His Word.  I wondered why I don't get on my knees more.  I pray frequently each day; but how often do I humbly bow?  How often do I take quiet, hidden moments to prepare my heart for worship?

I'm thankful God let me notice a woman on her knees.  

Sunny Side Up

I put a little reminder in my kitchen to keep my sunny side up.

Life is grand, life is full of blessings, but life is admittedly difficult much of the time.  Often circumstances or people in our life will try to take us down and rob us of our joy.  Those are the times when we have to intentionally find it and choose it.

That is not to say we don't ache.  Or deal with confusion and hurt.  Or cry.  The Bible is clear in Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time to laugh, but also a time to weep.  I absolutely love the end of Psalm 30 verse 5 where it says, "Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning."  We have all cried ourselves to sleep, and in the darkness of the night come face to face with our deepest hurts and fears.  But there is something about that morning sunlight and the start of a fresh, new day that mercifully streams in a balm of joy amidst the tears.

I think that is one reason that the older I get, the more of a morning person I am becoming.  In the quietness of morning when the rest of my house is sleeping and the only sounds are dripping coffee and birdsong, I find delight in watching the early sun come through the windows and cast lines and shadows around my home.  I can talk to God, spend time in His Word, and start fresh with joy, no matter what the day before held and what this new day may hold.  Life guarantees stress, but in those first sunbeams there is serenity.  I often find my heart going this verse...

Lamentation 3:22-23

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, 

for His compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; 

great is Your faithfulness.

The thing about possessing joy and keeping our sunny side up is that is has to come from within.  There is a definite difference between happiness and joy.  The difficult circumstances or people in life may bring unhappiness.  But the great paradox is that even through times of sadness or major challenges, we can still possess joy because of those daily, faithful mercies, and through spending time with God.  One of my very favorite passages is Psalm 16:11....

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasure forevermore.

There is nothing that will bring abiding joy like spending time in the presence of God!  There is nothing like the fullness you will experience there, or the peace and rest you will find as He reveals His faithfulness, both in the best and worst of times.  I have always loved His Word, but I become ever more passionate about it the further into life I get, because it is my anchor as I face life's sunshine and storms. God's Word is powerful, constant, true.  It changes lives.  It has changed mine.

So each morning as the sunlight streams through your windows, rest in the truth that no matter what you are facing you can still find peace, mercy, joy.  Even in those seasons of life where you cry so much you think it is impossible to cry more but the tears keep coming, you can find joy.  It comes in the morning.  It comes with His daily mercies.  It comes in His presence.  It is full there.  There is nothing like His joy.

It's a new day, friends!  Hold on to Him.  And keep your sunny side up.

Lovingly,

Jennifer

Psalm 100:1-2

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before Him with joyful songs.

Reflections On My Cup Of Coffee With Peter

Yesterday morning before the sun was up, I stumbled out of bed to make a cup of Donut Shop coffee with Cinnabon creamer, then settled in my green chair with my Bible and 90 Days With Jesus study by Beth Moore.  The lesson was titled A Serious Case Of Denial and was from Luke 22:47-62.

As I sipped my hot, fragrant coffee and read by the dim light I had lit in the darkness, I was overcome by emotion reading of Peter's blatant denial of Jesus whom he loved.

A few days ago I studied how Jesus had predicted that Peter would do this.  He told Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed.  Peter's response was reflective of how most of us who love Jesus would respond - Lord, I would never do that!  I will follow you to the end!

But like so many of us, Peter did something he thought he would never do.  I mean, haven't we all at some point made a mistake or choice we never thought we would make?  Haven't all of us set out with the best of intentions only to fall flat on our face when we acted or spoke impulsively or out of self-protection?

Just an hour or so after cutting off a man's ear in defense of Jesus, he denied Him not once, not twice, but three times.  What gripped my emotions so much when reading this account was that it said while he was still speaking the third time, the rooster crowed.  Before the words were even out of his mouth he knew that he had done the unthinkable that Jesus had said he would do.

Then verse 61 says, "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter."  


Can you even imagine the grief Peter felt at that look?  The same Jesus who washed Peter's feet looked in his eyes as Peter denied Him. Verse 62 says Peter went out and wept bitterly.  I can't imagine the outpouring of emotions at that moment.  But again, on some level, all of us have been there.  We have done something we thought we'd never do, we knew that the Lord saw us, and we have been stricken with grief at our sin and humanity.  We have sorrowed because we hurt the One we love most.

A very interesting factor in this whole story is something I was reading a few days ago that I had never paid much attention to.  In studying Luke 22:31-34 I read where Jesus told Peter that Satan had literally asked for permission to sift Peter as wheat.  Satan hoped that through this time of sifting only the chaff and tares would be revealed, that Peter would ultimately deny Christ and reject Him.  But Jesus goes on to tell Peter that He (Jesus) prayed for him that his faith would not fail, and that when he returned to Him he would help strengthen other believers.

So Jesus predicted Peter's denial, but knew that ultimately Peter would come back to Him, live for Him, and help others grow in their faith.  Jesus knew that He would have the final victory in this sifting, not Satan.  He knew that even though Peter would blow it big time, he would repent and live on to make a huge difference for the kingdom of God  John 21:18-19 predicts Peter's death by crucifixion, and history indicates Peter was crucified for his faith upside down, because he didn't feel worthy to even suffer and die as his precious Lord did.

Once again, as I sipped my coffee and processed this painful story, I realized most of us can relate to this; we can recall a time where Satan was after us big time with temptation, discouragement, defeat, or one of his other many tactics and we blew it or our weakness was revealed, but yet we were able to turn away from sin or allow God to pick us up from a place of discouragement and defeat. Then we, by His beautiful grace, were able to take steps towards the Savior and make a difference for Him.  Sometimes His grace is most obvious in our own weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). If we were self-sufficient or perfect on our own, we would have no need for a Savior.  But oh, how we need Him.


I love 2 Corinthians 3:5.  It says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God."


Peter was not sufficient of himself.  Self-protection, impulsive behavior, and fear caused him to make wrong choices that made him weep and mourn.  However, in Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

That's grace right there.  God shining His light through cracked jars of clay.  God using brokenness for a mosaic of His glory.


My cup of coffee with Peter in the darkness of morning once again reminded my heart that it is in the grip of grace.  That on my own and I am prone to weakness, fear, and failure.  But when my heart is hidden in the heart of Christ He can still use me - and He can still use you - as we acknowledge our sufficiency is fully and completely in Him.

Be blessed today as you let Him use you, cracked jars, broken pieces, and all.  Rest in surrender.

Lovingly,

Jennifer

Blah, Blah, Blah

Ever get a case of The Blahs?

Me too, on occasion.


Even though by nature I am a glass half full, sunny side of the street girl, life has its fair share of challenges and disappointments that can sometimes threaten discouragement or defeat.

Here's the thing.  I have discovered through the years that when threatened with The Blah's there is one definite way to help overcome them.  Here it is....

Do something for someone else.


That may or may not have been the answer you were looking for.  Notice I didn't say spa day or retail therapy (though I'm not opposed to gift cards for those venues! I will accept!).  And notice I didn't share some deep theological thought or magic formula.

It's just a simple course of action that I have found to work wonders in my attitude.  One of the biggest reasons we get The Blah's is that we focus too much on ourselves.  So sometimes all we need is a shift of focus.  Spending a little time doing something for someone else has an unbelievable way of cheering me back up or getting my heart attitude right when necessary.

Here are some practical examples...

Make a gift basket of inexpensive items that are just perfect for a friend.

Visit a nursing home.

Bake a batch of cookies and deliver them.  (Freshly baked cookies tend to be well received!)

Write an encouraging note or email to someone, or an uplifting blog entry or facebook status.  

Do a chore to relieve someone else's duties.

Intentionally share some genuine compliments with several people in your life.

Spend time doing someone else's favorite thing with them, even if it's not your favorite.

Make your family's favorite meal.

Offer to babysit your friends' kids so they can have a date night.

Make a handmade gift or card to give to someone.

Drop off a homemade meal to a family in your community or church.

These are all simple and doable.  Just little ideas I have used to intentionally do something for someone else instead of myself.  I just have this feeling that someone out there reading this has a case of The Blah's and my hopes are to encourage you to chase them away (or "throw them out the window" like I tell my kids) by a simple act of service or opportunity to give to someone else!  You can do this!!

Jesus. Others. You.

Joy.

Lovingly, Jennifer

Blessed

We've had some cold weather here this month.  Colder than usual for this early in the winter season.  And for some reason on the chilly nights when the heat kicks on and I am snuggled up in my warm, comfy bed I have been having these thoughts....


Not everyone is this warm.  Not everyone is this comfortable.  Thank you God.  Please forgive me for all I take for granted.  Even this bed, God.  Thank you for this bed.  

Same thing in the mornings when the temps are low and the heat is running full blast and I wake up so warm and cozy.


Not everyone is this warm.  Not everyone is this comfortable.  I am undeservedly blessed.  Thank you God.  Thank you even for this bed.  Forgive me for all the times I haven't noticed or stopped to say thank you.

I am not sure why these thoughts have been so present lately for though I try to intentionally live with a grateful heart, it would be an understatement to say I take things for granted daily.  I take things for granted all the time.

And not just material things.  Things like a loving family, health, my next meal, my next breath for that matter, my salvation, the fact that I am able to live at peace with God thanks the sacrifice of Jesus.


It's interesting because over the past year or two Luke 12:48 has often been at the forefront of my mind where the Bible says to whom much is given, much is required.


In the context of my heart it has been about time, love, sacrifice, hospitality, possessions, finances, commitments, investments in people.  I have been given much and need to give back much.  


Tonight our family was able to participate with some of our church family in giving in what was perhaps a small way in light of the world and its troubles, but a big way to a family in need and to children who have no control over their circumstances.  On the way home I had a great talk with my kids about how the Bible says it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35) and I believe their eyes were opened a bit.  And my heart was reminded a bit.

Because let's just face it, no matter where we fall in the social order of this crazy life, we all have the capacity for ungratefulness.  But we all also have the choice for a grateful heart. The poorest of poor, the richest of rich, and those of us who fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum - we all have a choice for either state of the heart.


And we all have the choice to be takers or givers.  Of things, yes, but also of ourselves.  


I for one know I need to start thanking God more for things like the comfy bed.

I don't deserve it or anything else.  But I want to praise and thank the God of grace who bestows such gifts on me.  As the songs says, "Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise."


And I want to give.  Much.  I want to do what is required of me.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly,

to love mercy,

 and to walk humbly with your God?

Encourage Intentionally.

I have shared with you that I am going through an awesome Bible study entitled Encouraging One Another that my friend Laurie gave to me.  I can't even tell you how much I am enjoying this study as it has taken me all over Scripture, particularly in the New Testament and its messages to the church, to passages that command us to be encouragers and people filled with love.

It is a needed message.  Over the past few years, I have seen display after display of harsh, critical behavior.  Sadly, this behavior is very intentional and is often accompanied by gossip, slander, and meanness.  I have found that it usually stems from a discontentment or dissatisfaction with one's own personal life, extreme jealousy and bitterness, and insecurity.  And it seems to be epidemic these days.

Saddest of all is that it is totally contradictory with how the Bible tells us to live.

I have always tried to be an encourager.  But this Bible study is motivating me even further live an intentionally encouraging life.  When others around me intentionally tear down, I want to intentionally build up.  Throughout this study I have read example after example of people in the Bible who lived this way.  Here's a few...


In Ephesians 6:21-22 Paul says he has sent Tychicus to bring comfort and encouragement to the Ephesians' hearts.  In Colossians 4:7-9 Paul says again that Tychicus, along with Onesimus, will comfort the Colossians.


In Romans 15:32 Paul says his visit to the people will be one with joy, and to be refreshed together.


In 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 Paul says God sent Titus to comfort them in trouble, fear, and conflicts.


In I Corinthians 16:17-18, Paul says that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus refreshed his spirit and theirs.


I Thessalonians 3:2 says Timothy was sent to establish and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith.


Acts 4:36 says Joses was named Barnabus, which means "Son of Encouragement," by the apostles.  


I could go on, but you get the idea.  


Having read these and so many other examples from Scripture, I just have to say enough is enough;  I choose to be intentionally encouraging in a world that seems to thrive on the drama of the negative.


And I truly hope that some of you will join me in this challenge.  Maybe there are people in your life that you can intentionally try to encourage today and this week.  Seek them out; stay away from the negativity that is sure to threaten to draw you in; and seek out for yourselves what the Bible has to say about encouragement and edification.  God's Word will challenge you, grow you, and make you better if you let it work in your life.

Leah

Have you ever felt like you just weren't enough?  Have you ever felt like you lived in someone else's shadow?  Have you ever been flat out rejected by someone you desperately wanted to care about you?  Have you ever let insecurities dominate your behavior?  Have you ever been used of God, even though you didn't feel worthy?


If you can relate to any of these questions, then you will probably relate to Leah, a woman that we see in the very first book of the Bible.


A few days ago I completed an in depth study on her life through the guide Leah: Confessions of a First Runner Up by Shannon Primicerio.  I bought this Bible study book at the Christian bookstore. It is actually geared towards teenage girls, but the truths apply to all of us.  I learned so much as I dove into her story.  I think all of us have been at place where we just weren't enough for someone in our lives.  In her case, she was never enough for her husband Jacob.  He always loved her sister Rachel more.  Always.


But she was enough for the God who loved her and He even used her, despite her insecurities and flaws, to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ.


For any of you who don't normally read the Bible, I think you may be surprised at how exciting it is.  This story, and the other stories this study took me to in Genesis, are far from dull.  And as you get to know these characters who once walked this earth just like us, and whose stories are forever recorded in God's Word, it's amazing what lessons we can learn from them to apply to today.


Check out Leah's story.  You may identify.  And if you do, know that the same God who used her has the ability to use you.  He seems to specialize in using the broken.


Be encouraged today!


Lovingly,


Jennifer

This Morning...

This morning I...

Watched two kids play ring toss in the sunshine.

Saw evidence of my little boy everywhere.

Marveled as my daughter's braid glistened in the early light.

Watched a little girl pick up a centipede over and over, then share it with her brother.

Best part of all? Out of the blue, my daughter ran inside and came out with three plastic cups of cold water to cool us all off. Why?  In her words, "I wanted to do something nice to help my family."  

That was a pretty neat start to this morning.

Matthew 10:42 "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." (Jesus)