As evening sits with us on a summer filled night,
I can't help but wonder what I'll see at first light.
Sitting on an island with wonders all around,
I settle in to dream of the treasures to be found. ~JMK
19 September 2015
Lighthouse
She stands majestic and tall
She can be seen by all
Her light guides the way
And help navigate the bay
Her light brightly shows...
Calming the sailors woes. ~JMK
She can be seen by all
Her light guides the way
And help navigate the bay
Her light brightly shows...
Calming the sailors woes. ~JMK
Autumn Coast
Summer breeze gives way to Autumn rain
Glorious sun covered by puffs of gray
Cooling nights and moons that wane
Fall sings its song along the bay. ~JMK
Glorious sun covered by puffs of gray
Cooling nights and moons that wane
Fall sings its song along the bay. ~JMK
17 September 2015
The Struggle is REAL!
My kids say this all the time, "The struggle is real!". I'm not sure what they are really struggling about half the time though, TBH (that's to be honest in case you are not up with the acronyms). I've seen hashtags like "#FirstWorldProblems" and "#BlackLivesMatter", "#AllLivesMatter" and several more (but I think you get the picture) and I often wonder why these are even a thing.
Our society has wealth that is wasted, time that is spent on mindless activities, and families that communicate with each other via text on their smartphones even though they are sitting right next to each other. I often struggle with this new reality, but I live it, I am even guilty of this new practice. I know it sounds like I'm just rambling, but I do have a point.
I do not watch the news...for various reasons, but mostly because it's a bunch of skewed information that is being spoon fed to me with a biased point of view already built in. I rather form my own opinion on such issues and not be scolded for my thoughts based on what society has already been fed. So when I do hear of a news story, it is usually big...real big. What has hit home with me first thing this morning is the mass exodus that is going on right now in Europe. No, I don't have all the details, and no, I don't know why thousands of people are fleeing their homes and NO I don't understand why one country closes its borders and will not let people pass through to get to where they are going.
I am reminded of two things: First I am reminded of the ignorance first displayed prior to World War II, and Secondly I am reminded that people are selfish and few look after the whole of mankind. To me this is what should earn a hashtag if ever there was a need for one.
#AllLivesMatter #RealWorldProblems #TheStruggleIsReallyReal
#My2CentsWorth
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen
Our society has wealth that is wasted, time that is spent on mindless activities, and families that communicate with each other via text on their smartphones even though they are sitting right next to each other. I often struggle with this new reality, but I live it, I am even guilty of this new practice. I know it sounds like I'm just rambling, but I do have a point.
I do not watch the news...for various reasons, but mostly because it's a bunch of skewed information that is being spoon fed to me with a biased point of view already built in. I rather form my own opinion on such issues and not be scolded for my thoughts based on what society has already been fed. So when I do hear of a news story, it is usually big...real big. What has hit home with me first thing this morning is the mass exodus that is going on right now in Europe. No, I don't have all the details, and no, I don't know why thousands of people are fleeing their homes and NO I don't understand why one country closes its borders and will not let people pass through to get to where they are going.
I am reminded of two things: First I am reminded of the ignorance first displayed prior to World War II, and Secondly I am reminded that people are selfish and few look after the whole of mankind. To me this is what should earn a hashtag if ever there was a need for one.
#AllLivesMatter #RealWorldProblems #TheStruggleIsReallyReal
#My2CentsWorth
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen
13 September 2015
Faith, Civic Duty and when they collide
There's been a lot of news being reported about people not performing their civic duties or jobs because of their faith. I have to admit, this confuses me.
As a Christian, I do know that we have to follow God's law, but Jesus did remind his disciples to also "Give unto Cesar what is Cesar's" (Matthew 22:21). As a Christian, we are called to do everything in LOVE (1 Corinthians 16:14,"Do everything in love"). Is it our job, our position to pass judgment on those that we are called to serve? (Matthew 7:2, For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.) (Luke 6:37,[ Judging Others ] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.) (Romans 14:10,"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.")
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen
As a Christian, I do know that we have to follow God's law, but Jesus did remind his disciples to also "Give unto Cesar what is Cesar's" (Matthew 22:21). As a Christian, we are called to do everything in LOVE (1 Corinthians 16:14,"Do everything in love"). Is it our job, our position to pass judgment on those that we are called to serve? (Matthew 7:2, For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.) (Luke 6:37,[ Judging Others ] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.) (Romans 14:10,"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.")
If you are not willing to do what is asked of you and your job because of your faith, then you have a decision to make. Either you quit your job or you do your job without complaint and petition to God for His help in your situation. (Hebrews 4:16); "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
This is to be said that as we are free to worship how we choose in these United States (http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am1.html; "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof") so this should hold true for ALL who struggle with their job and their religion. Jehovah Witnesses do not vote or pledge allegiance to the flag or join the military because of their beliefs. They CHOOSE to not serve in this way, because they know that if they were to join the military they would have to pledge allegiance to the flag, they would have to possibly kill another. They do not complain they just do not take the military as a job option.
My point is this. If you have a job, do it to the best of your ability and with a servant's heart filled with love, not hate or with contentment. You may be the only witness to those you serve that do not believe as you believe. Are you helping or hurting the cause?
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen
02 September 2015
Gone too long
I know, it's been a while. A long while. For the longest time I felt as though I really had nothing of value to say. Funny how a low time in your life can cause you to think. Yes, a low point. I may still be in that low point, I'm not real sure as of yet. Too many things have happened in the past 18 months and I am still digesting and processing the details. I'm sure that I'll share as I go, but that too, remains to be seen.
But for now, I'm back. It actually feels really good to just sit here and type out my thoughts. I don't know if anyone else will read them but me, but that's okay too. Part of the reason for my absence was that I felt that I was putting myself out there too much, so I had that going for me as well as feeling as though I had nothing to say. And that I was being judged. I'm not sure by who, but I still felt that way.
Feelings have a way of making you second guess everything; your family, your job, your faith and even God's plan.
I have come to a couple of conclusions at this juncture of my life. I will continue to work to be a better me, the one that Christ has called me to be. I will continue to be true to myself and to who I am at this moment in time, and I will not be afraid of being criticized for putting myself out there. Jesus calls each of us to be a part of the body of Christ. Each of us has a different and unique role, that only we can fill. I have a better understanding of that now. Do I totally get it? No. I probably never will. But I will continue to try. I may fail, but I will get back up. I will share what is on my mind and in my heart. If it helps you or someone you know, than great. If not, then hey, that's OK too...just know that there is someone here for you to relate to when you are having one of those days.
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen
But for now, I'm back. It actually feels really good to just sit here and type out my thoughts. I don't know if anyone else will read them but me, but that's okay too. Part of the reason for my absence was that I felt that I was putting myself out there too much, so I had that going for me as well as feeling as though I had nothing to say. And that I was being judged. I'm not sure by who, but I still felt that way.
Feelings have a way of making you second guess everything; your family, your job, your faith and even God's plan.
I have come to a couple of conclusions at this juncture of my life. I will continue to work to be a better me, the one that Christ has called me to be. I will continue to be true to myself and to who I am at this moment in time, and I will not be afraid of being criticized for putting myself out there. Jesus calls each of us to be a part of the body of Christ. Each of us has a different and unique role, that only we can fill. I have a better understanding of that now. Do I totally get it? No. I probably never will. But I will continue to try. I may fail, but I will get back up. I will share what is on my mind and in my heart. If it helps you or someone you know, than great. If not, then hey, that's OK too...just know that there is someone here for you to relate to when you are having one of those days.
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen
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