By the Fruit

The past few weeks have been filled with so much rhetoric and spewing of harmful, hateful words...and this is not coming from a bad reality TV show or from school kids, this is coming from our "hopeful" leaders. First and foremost, if this is how they act in public, then I am not voting for any of them. We teach our kids not be bullies, yet that is all I have seen and heard from these people that want to lead our country - that is to say the ones that are given "air-time" (there are other candidates!). I believe that we are setting ourselves up for failure if we vote the status quot.

I just want to point out, that this is a BIG decision. We are not voting for the "next American idol", we are voting for the "next American President". This vote should not be taken lightly or cast on a whim or to the one who says what "we want to hear"...honestly I don't want to hear anymore hate spewing from any of them. We need a leader that is going to - LEAD, take consideration from the issues that are presented to them, and one who looks to move our country forward into a direction that will lead us into thinking, planning and becoming stronger in teaching, educating and learning and in protecting America and American soil.

So I say to you - THINK! Think before you vote. Watch these "leaders" that are on parade on the boob-tube and then ask yourself one very simple question; "Does the character of this person best represent not just me, but Americans?"

Matthew 7:16-20; “ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Do not let your ears be tickled with deceiving lying words. Go and read what about each of the candidates. Believe me - you will not agree with everything they stand for, believe in, or want to accomplish, but you will see truth in looking at their voting records and their bank records and then you can make an educated vote instead of a vote based on how "you feel". 

Let us stop being known as a country of hate. Let us work on being the "Melting Pot of the World" once more. 

2 Kings 24: 1-7;"During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invadedthe land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned against Nebuchadnezzar and rebelled. 2 The Lord sent Babylonian,[a] Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him to destroyJudah, in accordance with the word of the Lord proclaimed by his servants the prophets. 3 Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done,4 including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive. 5 As for the other events of Jehoiakim’s reign, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? 6 Jehoiakim rested with his ancestors. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king."7 The king of Egypt did not march out from his own country again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River."

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Do words really make a difference?

Proverbs 16:21; "The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction."

I recently had a lively conversation about how we talk to people. Their point of view was starkly different to mine. They believe that speaking harshly to people (even children) is how people hear you, even to the point of cussing. They also went on to say that the problem with society (more specifically, America) is that we caudal too much instead of correcting, and the only way to correct is with harsh language.

Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

I disagree. To yell at someone or to even cuss at someone to get your point across is not only harmful to the person receiving the words, but it is more than likely that the person you are trying to "get your point across to" will actually tune you out. If spoken to harshly long enough, the cycle will begin again. This my friends, is a vicious circle.

Proverbs 7:27; "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered."

Correction is the words used, not the harshness in which the words are said. I have worked with many people over the years. I have been cussed at by superiors, co-workers, even family. To say that I listened to them would be far fetched. I have always felt like less of a person after being belittled with the harshness and tone that was spoken to me. Over the years the yelling at people to get a point across or even to cuss at someone out of frustration and anger was where I found myself. I didn't like being talked to that way, yet there I was (sometimes still) talking at people the way I had been talked at instead of talking to people the way I wanted to be talked to. But the good news is the cycle can be broken!

1 Corinthians 14:9; "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

By far the most effective leaders (and parents you are a leader) are ones who correct with loving intentions and with a heart to help not hurt. This is where my learning, how to change how I spoke to others, began (and it is a work in progress). When heated debates and disagreements occur a couple of things begin to happen; first you can feel your temperature rise, and secondly you can feel the anger begin to boil on the tip of your tongue. So what sets apart a person who corrects without harshness and cussing. I do believe it is a few things...like grace, mercy, and that they are acting out of love.

Proverbs 16:24; "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

There's a few things I have to do in order for me not to lose my temper (and I don't always succeed). I have to pray. Pray for God to help me control my anger and to not say something that I'm going to regret. I have to stop. Yup, stop and take a step back. Before I say a word, I have to look at the situation and ask myself why I'm getting so angry. Is this a fight that is worth risking hurt feelings and further anger?

Ecclesiastes 9:17; "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools." 

It is time to begin a new cycle. As Christians we are not to use harmful, hurtful words, to anyone. It's time for change, in how we speak to one another. We are called to be like Christ, and this is a great place to start.

~Peace & Blessings~
            Jen

New Year, New Resolution

Here it is, 2016. Another year filled with uncertainty, joy, sadness, anger, frustration, hope and love down in the record books. I have been pondering and thinking about what it means to make resolutions and what I should do about them for this new year. I believe the best thing to do is to truly look at what it is that should change, not what I "want" to change, but rather what NEEDS to be changed.

1. Work first and foremost on my relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes...I am a wayward Christian. I know this. I'm thankful that I am in a ministry that allows me to minster daily and grow, but if I were to be honest (as we all should be) I fall short...daily. As the Bible says in Romans 1:16,

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

2. Work on my relationship with my family. My husband, my daughter, and my sons are, after all, the ones who know me best and love me regardless. It's so easy to be selfish and want to put my wants before theirs. I don't just want to be in their lives, I want to be PRESENT in their lives. As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3;

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

3. Work on finishing what I have started. That may sound easy, but as I was looking around the house and making my lists of things to finish up, I realized that I had a LOT of unfinished projects. Some include: Framing pictures, organizing shelves for collectibles, finishing my first book to send out to publishers. I do believe the reason why...I  tend to get overwhelmed when I think of all the things that have to get down and shut down. I have to give all these things over to God and seek His priorities, and I must continue on. As the Bible says in  Acts 20:24,

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

So there it is, my resolutions for 2016.

  

~Peace & Blessings~ Jen

Hindsight

It has been said that "Hindsight is 20/20". There are times that I think that hindsight should be blind. It is all too easy to look back on prior decisions and beat yourself up for the choices that you made and in turn this hinders you from making better choices in you immediate present and potential future. So how can we become blind to our hindsight?

I have been giving this much thought over the past few days and I have come up with a list that has helped me, and I hope will help you.

1. It's never too late to do what you have always wanted to do.

-I didn't finish college. I have wanted to go back for many years, but there was always a reason (really an excuse) for not going back. I made the decision to enroll and will begin with as many classes as I can this semester. Is it scary? If I am to be honest, yes, but I know this is what I want to do, need to do. I cannot let my past failure of not finishing take hold of my future anymore.

2. Forgiveness is for everyone.

-I'm not sure how to expand on this very simple truth. To harbor ill feelings towards someone causes so much turmoil. To ask for forgiveness and to forgive others who have hurt you will free you to move on in your life with a feeling of freedom that you otherwise will have missed.

3. It's okay if you stumble.

-When trying to change a habit, you will fail. Does this mean that you quit? NO! Dust yourself off and try again. Habit comes from the word habitual. So it will take time to change. Don't look back on your past self and think that you cannot change, because you can.

4. You can reflect back on your past, but you can't live in it.

-The number one reason people are afraid to change is because they live in their past. I did this for far too many years. So stop living in your past and focus on living in your present. Change can and will happen, one step at a time once you decide to stop looking in the rearview mirror and focus on the road ahead of you.

I hope you will be encouraged today. I hope you will fight for yourself. I hope that this little tidbit of insight will help.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Almost Summer...

and the kids are counting it down.


My youngest is saying good-bye to elementary school (can I get an AMEN!) I have been at that school for 11 years so the good-bye is bittersweet, but I am so glad to be down to only 2 schools next year.


My older son has flourished this year in school. He was/is on student council, has had A's & B's all year, has done an outstanding job in band and he came home with all "EXCEEDS" on his CRCT test.


My oldest and only daughter has had many changes this first year of high school. She went to her first Homecoming with a group of friends, made concert chorus, was inducted into the National Beta Club and has maintained A's & B's all year.


Now as we approach summer we are looking to pack up and move to a larger home. The boys need a room of their own, we need an office and well we just need more room. We have not had much luck in finding what we are looking for yet. But as my realtor says, "Your house is out there." I have to believe that.


So what else is new...lots...as I'm sure you can imagine. I have been a total slacker when it comes to blogging. I think part of it is because I've been busy...a little too busy. I have let "other things" stop me from taking the time to have a day to day account of what is going on in my life. If for no one else I blog for me, a journal if you will. I'm glad that you are taking the time to read about my journey.


To be honest we've all been struggling with keeping our schedules in order. I am wanting nothing more than to take control of my time and use what I have better. A prime example is last night. My plan was to go to the gym for a 6:30PM class, well...that did...not...happen. I ended up rushing my youngest to the immediate care because he sliced his finger while helping me prepare dinner. Needless to say, that is an extreme example, but isn't that what happens, other things become priority?


In my last blog (in FEB) I said that I was going to discipline myself for thirty days. I can tell you now, that did...not...happen. So what is one to do? Give up? NO! Try again. As long as God grants you another day, then try again. Your life has the same amount of time in one day as mine - 24 hours. Tomorrow, I will try again, and I encourage you to do the same.


So for tomorrow: THU: my goal is to accomplish these 3 things - read for 30 minutes the Wizard of Oz (the book I'm currently reading) to make it to the gym and work out for 1 hour then walk the dog (my goal is to do this while the kids are at dance) and focus on writing my book. I have put that off too long. My friend Kimberly says if I work on the book for at least 30 minutes a day, then I will accomplish finishing the manuscript.  So here's to trying.


Lastly, goals that I am continuing to work on -> making better food choices day by day - this week the goal is to limit excess sugar, and giving my self an end date to stop smoking. Yes...that is my biggest challenge.




Jen

3 months...

has gone by already? Sometimes I believe that the days just go by way too fast. I remember as a child I thought that the days just DRAGGED on and on and on. Not anymore. So since I have failed at keeping a weekly blog update, I suppose I should start fresh.

But first a recap -

AUG: School started, a wedding, a birthday and of course...humid and hot (not bad for a recap)

SEP: Fall Concert, a birthday and of course...football season (my team is 0-4 {a perfect record})

OCT: Half way through and it's been a tough one.

Over the past few weeks a lot of "changes" have taken place in my "little world"

One of my dear friends is being sent home, to South Africa, because of delay in work visa paperwork. Her family has been in the country for over 14 years, and now...they are being forced to leave. We have been praying for God's Will to seen and to be honest, it has, just not the way any of us thought. We were thinking of buying her house, but God said NO. Then they thought they'd have to short sale, God said NO. Instead God said - here is a person that needs to rent your house for about 9 months and oh by the way, you now have a house in South Africa to rent for about 9 months, and I'm still working on your paperwork and you will have to TRUST me. You husband's company will allow him to continue working while in South Africa. I'd say that is a much better plan because now I'm praying that she and her family will return to us again.

Remember the car that God gave us? Well...it has finally died! YUP...a goner...RIP. Praise God, we had enough money and resources to put a good size down payment on a newer vehicle! I now have AC!! Woot-Woot. I don't much care for the car payment, but it is only for a short time and after four plus years of living in bankruptcy....I'll take it! God is so good...to allow us to have a running car up until we could afford to buy another one. There were so many close calls, but I see His provision.

This past week...my neighbor 2 houses down...lost their home to a house fire. Everything...GONE! It was so surreal to see their house burn down. My heart just broke. Praise God no one was in the home. All three kids were at the sitters. I have seen God's people move to help her out with clothes and food. Others are helping her to find a new place to live and others said they have furnishings to help her start over. AMAZING! My youngest son has been praying, reading his Bible and crying over this situation, because the house...was his friends house. I love that my son has a heart for others who are hurting, and that he has been praying and reading his Bible, but it does break my heart to see him so sad.

My final thought...I have been praying about what to share with you on a regular basis, and God has not made that too clear as of yet. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as He does.

 Well there you have it a wrap up of what is going on in my life. Maybe you can relate to some of this or maybe you can join me in praying for each of these situations. Either way. Thanks for reading.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

New beginning...

of a new week. I have had some real heavy deep thoughts over the week and wondering where it is that God is carrying me to. I feel a difference coming, but I have yet to know what it is. I have to be honest with you...I'm a bit scared to let you know these things, only because to many of you, it sounds crazy. The fact of the matter is, I can always tell when a major change in my life is about to take place.

A few things have already happened. A close friend of the family lost her brother Thursday and then her husband was rushed into emergency surgery on Sunday morning. I am praying for them both. My heart is heavy for my family too. I know that there is a change that is going to take place; however, I don't know what that is yet.

I have also had this longing in my heart to just sit and be with God. I don't feel like I have had enough time to spend in HIS presence. I did wake up early this morning to read His Word and to pray. I'm not scared of where I am going, I can just feel that the change is coming. So my heart is heavy today, as it was yesterday. The things that should be "important" to me are not important right now. There is an urgency in my heart and I must be obedient to that urgent calling.

My desire is to be the best person I can be for Christ and to honor Him with this life that He has given me. That's all I have for now.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen