In Another's Eyes.....

Can you imagine what this world would look like, if every single choice that we made was based on someone else's opinion of us? What if we were only allowed to live by what others thought of us? How many of us would just go along with what was said about us......just to keep the attention away from ourselves?    

How many of us currently live our lives this way? Do we worry about what our clothes look like? Our hair? Do we worry that we aren't pretty enough? What about our homes and our vehicles? Do we worry that we just don't measure up? Do we have a job that is fulfilling God's purpose for our lives? Or do we work just to pay the bills? Do we worry that we aren't good parents? Why is that we feel like we are never enough?         

There are so many standards that the world tells us are important. But the most important standards come from the Lord. In James 2:8 it says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." God doesn't give us the right to judge one another. We were placed on this earth to love one another. In Romans 13:8, it says, "Owe nothing to anyone---except for your obligation to love one another.  If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law."  

For many years, I have measured myself through another's eyes. I have judged myself based on what friends, family and others said or didn't say about me. I have made decisions based on these same things. I accepted all words as truth, even those that I knew weren't truth. I have come to realize through many trials, that my life is a sum of all the choices that I have made both good & bad. My life is not here to be chosen by someone else. My life is not to be directed like a bad movie. I have a say in what I decide is best for me. I have a voice. Some might say that I have always had strong beliefs about many different things. These beliefs however, were never something that I was willing to allow to be measured through another's eyes. So, I've kept my thoughts and beliefs to myself. But, as I look ahead to the direction that God is leading me, I believe that my thoughts & beliefs will become an important part of my life.            

Everyone one of us has a choice to make each day. We must choose each day to be our true authentic self. We must not become what the world demands us to be. We must become the person that God created us to be! I believe that our primary mission is not only to love one another, but to love ourselves completely. We must accept that the world will always paint a different picture of what our life should look like. We must trust in the Lord.   He will make our path straight and lead us into the life that He has already promised us. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11  

If we must choose to see our life through another's eyes.....let it be the eyes of the Lord!  

~Jenielle

God's Amazing Presence.....

As a lover of Jesus, I am always looking for ways for HIM to show me HIS presence.  But, what happened yesterday......totally blew me away.....  Yesterday, September 13 was the day of my Grandmother's burial and memorial service.  When my Grandfather passed away nearly three years ago, both of my cousins said something at my Grandfather's memorial service.  So, I had prepared myself to say something this time at my Grandmother's memorial.  As the past week had gone by, I had tried numerous time to sit down and write something....but to no avail.....I could never find the right words.  So, as the day approached yesterday...I continued to ponder different things that I could share.  When I spoke with my cousin before the memorial service, she said she wanted to say something but hadn't been able to figure out what to write down either.  At that time, we decided we would go up together and trust that God would tell us what to say.

A short time ago, before my Grandmother passed away she had prepared the scriptures and the songs that she wanted to be used at her memorial service.  After we had sang a few hymns and heard a few different passages of scripture, we were asked to come forward.  Katelyn and I both knew it was time, but not having anything planned was a little frightening.  Moments before we were asked to go up there, something incredible happened.  Pastor had read the entire Psalm 46.  Earlier that morning as I sat and read my devotion, I read the bible verses that were associated with it.  Sometimes, none of the verses touch me and so I find a verse that is related that I feel works better.  That is exactly what happened yesterday morning.  I didn't like any of the verses and so as I ponder what my devotion was about....I heard God say, "Be still and know that I am God."  So, I looked the verse up and came up with Psalm 46:10a....which just happens to be the verse that I posted on Facebook.  Right before we were asked to come up front, Pastor read this and I began to weep.  I knew then what I would say.  I spoke of how amazing it was, that I had picked that verse today and so had my Grandmother just weeks previously.  What happened next surprised even me...my cousin Katelyn, who took my hand as we stood there together...spoke about a Psalm that she had used the past week to stay calm and get things taken care of that she needed to at college in order to come home to my Grandmother's burial and memorial.  The Psalm that she referred to was Psalm 121, which was the first passage of scriptures that Pastor had read to us as the service began.  We were both in awe.....God had used both of us...along with my Grandmother to show a connection to God and to give us comfort.  It was incredible enough that God had given me that verse yesterday morning, but to have given Katelyn the other scripture....just makes God so much more real.  I am blessed as I know many others were that God used at our Grandmother's memorial.  Thank you, Lord.....for amazing me yet again!

Blessings,
              Jenielle

 

Where do you CHOOSE to live???

Are you a dreamer?  Lately, I have come to realize that I have a tendency to live in my head. I have learned over my lifetime that when things are difficult and I don't know what to do, I play hundreds of scenarios over and over in my head....the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Do you find yourself focusing on the future?  I believe that many of us cling to Jeremiah 29:11, which says,  "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." I believe that the next two verses(11-12) are just as important.  "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  It is important to know that God doesn't have plans to make you miserable, especially when you are in the midst of trials and tribulations.  God plans to give you hope and a future.  As you learn to seek God in the middle of your struggles, you will also learn that He listens to our prayers and He answers.  The answers may not always be what we hope for and sometimes His answer is, not now.  But, God really does know what is best for each and every one of us!

Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in God's plan for the future that we forget that the here and now is just as important as the future.  Do you realize that the PRESENT was at one time, the FUTURE?  How crazy is that!  When we are so focused on what may happen or what is coming in the future, we forget how important it is that we should embrace each minute of each hour of each day, because these are the moments that God had planned for our FUTURE.  Every day that we get on this Earth with our family and friends is a blessing and a gift!  

When all four of my kiddos were little, each evening before their bedtime we would all sit around in a circle on one of the bedroom floors and sing songs and then everyone would share something that they were thankful for, that day.  My three oldest kiddos are all teenagers now and we still spend time together each evening before bed, but the time is different now.  We spend it reading the bible and praying together.  I'm having a difficult time accepting that a month from now we will have an 18 year old, 16 year old, 14 year old  and 9 year old.  I really don't know where all of the time went.  From those innocent nights that we shared together when they were little, to the time that we spend together now.  They all seem to be quickly approaching adulthood, at least the oldest three are.  I feel like these changes happened over night.  I know that they didn't, but something has triggered in me.....and I don't want to lose anymore moments.  "This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24   I want to focus on each day, because it is another day that God has given me on this earth to share with my family and friends.    

Do you focus on the PRESENT moments so you don't miss the joy that each day brings? Here are some of the ways that I plan to be more intentional with my family:  take 15-20 minutes of 0ne-on-one time with each of my kiddos daily, pray individually with each of them daily, create moments of joy during the day, have a fun activity at least one time each week, remember to notice the positive things that each person does, instead of always pointing out the negative things, read with them, spend time playing games, and take walks. There are so many ways to find joy in our daily lives.  It is just a matter of being intentional and being purposeful to embrace each moment as it happens.  Are you ready to create more joy in your life?  Another way that you can be intentional is by creating a thankfulness journal.  You could take time each evening, to write down things that you experienced during the day that brought you great joy.  What a blessing that would be to go back and read a year or so later...especially if you were having a bad day!  Remember, that every PRESENT moment was once a FUTURE moment.  Where will you choose to live in the PRESENT or in the FUTURE???  I pray that God will bless you in both your PRESENT and in your FUTURE!

Blessings,
                Jenielle

                           

The Power of Words

What power do words play in your life?  Have you ever stopped to think about how the words that a close friend shares can affect you differently than the same words from an acquaintance or even a spouse?  Why do the same words mean different things from different people?  In Proverbs 16:24, it says, "Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Our words can have the power of life and death.  It may be hard for you to believe that the tongue can have such a great power over someone's life.  There may be something that seemed so minute at the time it was said, but you hold on to it for years....because of what it meant to you.  Maybe it is a comment that your grandma made about choices you were making at the time or it may have been something personal that a close friend shared.  Words play such an important role in all of our lives, whether we realize the power they hold or not.      

Words can affect our lives in many profound ways.  The words that we use can reveal things about our character.  The way we choose to use our words to build up others or tear them down can reveal so much about the state of our heart.  When you are broken inside, it is becomes harder to build others up.  God wants all of us to be healed and whole.  He wants to mend the broken places in our lives.  Allowing God to heal what is broken will definitely change the state of your heart.  God has a special purpose for each of us and it is something that He has picked especially for each one of us.  In Ecclesiastes 5:2, it says, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty with your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." 

Let My Words Be Few by Phillips, Craig & Dean     

Words mean different things to different people.  To one person words may be what they cling to for reassurance and love, but to another they are just what we use to get across our point of view.  For me words are the one thing that I cling to.  Through trial and error, I am learning when to speak and when not to speak.  I am learning that my words carry way more power, than I ever knew.  Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not a women of few words.....I like to talk.  In fact, I don't really know how to be quiet most of the time.  But, over the last few weeks.....I hit a wall.  I tried desperately to write, because it is the one thing that gives me great relief when I have emotions that are all over the place.  I tried at least a handful of different times.  In fact, this post was started on April 23rd(and was my 3rd attempt).  What I didn't realize then, was that the lesson that I was supposed to learn....was to let my words be few.  In order for me to listen and hear what God was trying to tell me, I needed to be still.  That is not something that I do very well.  Psalm 37:7a says, "Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act."  It was definitely a struggle not to be able to express myself through my words, but I knew that there had to be a reason.  With God, there is always a reason for everything.

Sometimes, we get so busy trying to fix things that we don't wait patiently for God to show us what path to take. The only way that we can find out what God's best for us is, we must seek him in all we do.  Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."  This may not seem like a simple task, but putting God in front of our own desires for our life, will definitely result in blessings.  Letting go of what we think our lives are supposed to look like and being obedient to what tasks God calls us to, will forever change the way we view our lives.  If God is calling you to be obedient in some area of your life, I would listen no matter how difficult or painful it may be.  I am finding that each time I walk through the fire that God uses to purify my heart, I am blessed even more!  God loves you and wants to purify you and make you whole!  Will you be obedient and allow God to change your heart?  

Blessings,
              Jenielle

The Two Brothers

What happens when doing the right thing....doesn't always seem like the right thing? Tonight, the story of the prodigal son was shared by Pastor Louie Giglio at the Burning Lights Tour, with Chris Tomlin and Kari Jobe. The story had a completely different impact on me, than what I expected. In the story of the prodigal son, both sons were given an inheritance. The first son saved his money and tried to please his father and did everything that was expected of him. The second son squandered his money away and basically went wild doing whatever he wanted. Then one day, when the second son hit rock bottom, he decided to come crawling back to his father. What happens next is what may seem surprising....instead of punishing the son for his bad choices, the father welcomes him with open arms. He even goes as far as throwing a party and killing the fattened calf. He invites the town to celebrate that his son has come home. The first son becomes very upset. After all, he has worked hard for what he has and he doesn't understand why his brother who as made all these bad choices, is now the one that is being celebrated and doted over.

Which brother are you? Are you the second brother that has made bad choices and needs to come home and be accepted and loved by God and your family? Or are you the first brother that has always been home, that has tried to make good choices, but desires to know that you are accepted and loved even though you weren't lost? I have to say that this story really hit me hard, tonight. Just because you make good choices and you haven't turned away from your family or God, this doesn't mean that you should be celebrated. Sometimes, it isn't about what choice you make, but about what you choose to do with the choices you make. My point is that we all have choices to make. Our choices are what makes us who we are. Whether you are the son that stayed or the one that wandered away, you must know that God is celebrating both of you! God celebrates when we come home, if we are lost. But, God also celebrates us for being faithful! You may not get the fattened calf, but you will be blessed for your faithfulness in ways that can not be explained, until you experience it. Don't harbor resentment and anger, because no one celebrated that you stayed faithful.....because God is always celebrating when you rely on him and trust in his promises. Nothing on earth can compare to what God promises to those who trust in him and are faithful. Believe the truths that God speaks in the bible about you and your life and you WILL be blessed!  

Jenielle

from Fatherless to Heavenly

Do we expect too much from our husbands?  I think that is a question that many women contemplate at some point in their marriages.  Did you lose your father at a young age?  Did you have a father that wasn't even around?  Well, a father plays a huge role in a young girl's life.  Maybe you were fortunate enough to have an uncle or a cousin, or even a big brother who helped to fill in that missing role.  If not, than like many other women....you are not alone.  So many young girls don't experience the things that a father can contribute to their life.  I am no exception to this.  I know from personal experience that not having a father in your life can cause you to seek that from others, especially your husband.  Most days, not having a father in my life is like any other day. But some days, it just hits me like a ton of bricks......today happens to be one of those days.  

Is it really fair to expect our husbands to fill this missing role?  I'm not really sure it is.  Our husbands are called to be our providers and to be our best friends, but I don't think they should be responsible for being a father figure also.  This is really tough for most women that haven't experienced a father.  Unfortunately, there really isn't a simple answer.  So what do you do when you don't have anyone filling this role??  Well, first and foremost.....you should seek God, our Heavenly Father.  In Deuteronomy 33:12 it says, "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."  He loves each of us so much and God truly is the only one that can fill any missing roles in our lives.  Sometimes, filling a human role with God will seem difficult....but I know from personal experience....it is truly possible.  Some days you will probably still struggle...but that is because of what the world tells us.  God can and will provide the love and support and encouragement you may need...if only you seek Him first and foremost.

Here is a song that has helped me get through many days when I felt this hole the most, which in turn led me to believe untruths about myself and my life.  It is called My Beloved by Kari Jobe.  I hope you enjoy it!  

Blessings, 

                 Jenielle

Beautifully Broken

Last night, I finished the book, "Your Heart's Desire" by Sheri Rose Shepherd.  There is something about this book that touched my heart so deeply.  I would highly recommend this book to all women whether you are married, single, divorced, or widowed.  Sheri Rose Shepherd is also the author of the Princess Series and has daily devotions called His Princess Love Letters.  I receive His Princess Love Letters everyday by email and they absolutely speak to my heart most days.  If you have had struggles in your life and you have a hard time believing God's truth about you and your life....you really should check out and sign up to receive the His Princess Love Letters here. 

After I finished the book, I felt led to write a song.  Writing songs is one of the ways that I am able to find harmony in my life.  The song I wrote last night is called "Beautifully Broken", which basically talks about what God is doing in my life and the ways that he has changed and healed me.  Writing songs is something that I have done a lot of in the last few years, but this song is different.  Usually, I am able to find a tune that I think is fitting for my lyrics just by plucking around on my keyboard......but it just wasn't happening with this song.  So, tonight I did the one thing that I have never done or even tried to do.....I pulled out my guitar.  Well, actually it was my dad's guitar that I inherited in 1996.  So many times, I have tried over the years to teach myself to play and I am able to play a few chords here and there...but nothing spectacular.  I had pretty much given up on playing the guitar, because my hands are pretty small and it just didn't seem like a good fit.  And buying a smaller guitar...really isn't an option at this point.  Since, I had struggled so much with coming up with a tune for my new lyrics....I decided it couldn't hurt to break out the guitar.  And as I sat here, something amazing happened.  After ear tuning it to my keyboard (which I've never been able to do before)....I started messing around.  And the strangest thing happened.....I found a melody.  I honestly don't really even know what chords I was playing....but I was playing something....because my ears were pleased.  And then I started to cry, because God just amazes me.......how many times that I have pulled out the guitar and tried to play something....and nothing happened.  But, yet this time....I have it out for less than 5 minutes and there it is.....a melody.  I know this probably all seems really trivial. To be quite honest, I'm not even sure why I'm writing this down....except that I want my blog to document my life as it happens.  I especially want to look back and remember those amazing moments....when I am in complete AWE of this amazing God that we serve!