Blessed beyond stressed

Have you ever had those days that seem to be so overwhelming that you can barely contain it? Maybe it's been more like weeks, months, or even a years worth of it?


My life seems to be full of that right now.


Stress.
Chaos.

Busyness.
Worry.
Drama.
Sleepless nights.
Did I mention stress? The list just builds and builds.


Everywhere I turn there's something else to add to the list. Even the answers to prayers and the things I enjoy in life tend to build into an overwhelming mess of things.


But.


BUT. You know what it's also full of?


God. Yes, GOD. It is so full of God and his love, his strength, his goodness. His blessings.


Prayer. Power given to the God above. The One in control. The Giver of all things GOOD.

Growth. You know that little problem right there? Or that inconvenience over there? Yeah, I just grew from that. God decided right then and there that it was time to step it up a notch.

Knowledge. Every ounce of worry or difficulty that arises in my life causes me to open that heart and mind of mine to gaining the knowledge I need to fix it. To solve it. To conquer it.

Wisdom. Guess what? All this craziness that's going on is a God-given, hidden blessing to gain the wisdom and insight I need to conquer the bigger, more powerful battles in the future. 20 years from now, I'm going to conquer that. And that. Oh, and that. And my kids are too. Cause, that's right, I'm gonna share my wisdom with them. And you. And any other person who needs it.

A broken me. A frail, wondering me.
AND an all consuming Mighty God ready to reach down and scoop this frail heart in His hands and unleash His mighty self all throughout my life.

Joy. Mmmhmm I said that. Joy! Undeniable, deepening, uncontrollable joy overflowing from the peace of having a gracious God care for you, strengthen you, and carry you through. He's got your back. He's ready to equip you, teach you, help you. Oh, and BLESS you.

Satan is a big, fat, generous giver of worry, stress, problems, busyness, and distractions. You name it, he'll leap for the opportunity to hand out anything that keeps ya from moving in the right direction.

Everything that jumps into my life, into your life, is an opportunity to either fall into the hands of Satan or jump into the hands of God.

So...

What will it be?

A life full of Satan and his distractions?

OR

GOD. And His rich river of blessings and peace.

The other night I went to check another thing off my list of things to worry about..Ya know, the kind of  hurry up and get it done and over with real quick so I have one less thing to worry about, kind of thing? Well, it was that kinda thing. And who woulda guessed God would make His way in and intervene. Who woulda guessed I would gain way more than I was asking for? Who would have guessed I would gain what I needed? Really needed. Instead of what I thought I needed.

It happened.

A simple visit turned into an opportunity, that I believe, was made to be given back to God.

I blessed. And was blessed.

God gave. And He received.

Everything in this life, whether it's good, bad, rough, or easy, is meant to be used by God, with God, and for God.

Who wants to miss out on that?

Not me.


I want to be ready to take every single thing in this life and make it an opportunity to serve God, honor Him, and grow closer to Him.

So stressed? Me? Ha! I'm blessed beyond stressed.

Yep.

Blessed beyond stress.

The beauty taken in by a blessed beyond stressed kind of day. No filter needed.

Embracing beauty and displacing God's temple, modestly.

After writing Beautifully Bound, inside and out(which I highly encourage you to go read before continuing at http://jaydenljackson.blogspot.com/2014/03/beautifully-bound-inside-and-out_2674.html, I thought this would be a great follow up to that. I mean after all, modesty and beauty go hand in hand.

I wrote this article on modesty a few years back after God laid on my heart the need to not only remind myself of it but the world as well. Modesty is such a battle in today's world and I know I continue to fall short of an example of modesty.  I admit first hand, I need the reminder and the push to keep trying. But with all that said, I thought this would be a great way to point out one of the ways to embrace and display the glorious beauty of God within. And that is, through the act of modesty.


Here it is, plain and simple.


-Have you ever thought of your body as a temple of God? Or that it does not actually belong to you? God tells us that our body is not our own, but a temple of His Holy Spirit, and that we must use it to honor Him. And in part of doing that is in the act of modesty.


Today’s culture makes us think it’s OK to dress and act however we want. It tells us that it’s fine to show off my body and do whatever feels right. The label from the clothing brand, Xhilarition, pretty much sums up this cultures view of clothing. It tells girls that, “There are no rules. Whether you choose to dress crazy or dress to thrill-make a statement, make a scene, wear what you want and it won’t be wrong." But the truth is, it can be wrong. God calls us to be modest in the way we dress. And anything outside of that is wrong. He says in 1 Timothy 2:9, “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” Now, just to be clear, this isn’t saying we can’t have fun or be fashionable with our clothing, but that we must dress in a way that pleases God and displays modesty. As Mary K. Mohler says,”…there is nothing wrong with being stylish as long as your love for fashion does not supersede the good rules of modesty.”

In order to understand the importance of modesty, I would first like to point out that Christ is to be Lord of our lives, and as Lord of our lives He is to have control of every area of it, including what we wear. By saying that God is in control, we must completely understand that and live that out. We can’t just say, “I’ll give you control in this area but I want to be in control of this or that, or I want to be in control of what I wear.” We often think that what we wear isn’t a big deal, so there is no need to take it to God. This motive is wrong. We must let Him show us what is right and what is wrong, even in what we wear. For He is Lord over everything. And after all, our body is not even our own, but His. For 1 Corinthians 7:19-20 says, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price, so you must honor God with your body.” So therefore, in all honesty, an immodestly dressed women is not only denying Christ lordship over her life, but is also giving away something that doesn’t even belong to her. If our body is not our own, but is God’s, shouldn’t we dress in a way that pleases Him? Shouldn’t we honor our bodies and model them in a God-honoring way? Yes we should. For God says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This includes the way we dress. We must put on clothes that will not disgrace ourselves and God, but bring Him glory and honor.


Not only does dressing modestly honor God, but it also helps keep our brothers in Christ from sinning. We must remember that men battle and struggle with staying pure by the constant surrounding of the vision of women. We must respect them by dressing appropriately in a way so that they may not fall into sin.


Most of the time we don’t even realize that what we are wearing can be sinful. Our society drags us into the thought that tight jeans, shirts, or any type of tight or short clothing is just normal. But really, that sort of clothing just draws attention to our body in the wrong ways. Flashy clothing, or clothing that really stands out can also do this. Clothing or jewelry that puts attention on the wrong areas can very easily lead to sin. We all love to have fun and show our personalities with our clothing, but we must be careful to do it in a way that will not put the attention on our bodies, but on our hearts.

Hopefully you can now understand a few of the purposes and needs of dressing modestly. God calls us to be lights and stand out for Him. Matthew 5:16 tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Let your modesty be seen and be an example to others. I challenge you to dress in a way that does not show off or draw attention to your outward appearance, but brings out your inner beauty, and the glory of God. As John Piper puts it, “Clothes are not meant to make people think about what is under them. Clothes are meant to direct attention to what is not under them: Arms and hands that serve others in the name of Christ, ‘beautiful’ feet that carry the gospel to where it is needed, and the brightness of a face that has beheld the glory of Jesus.”


So therefore, let us live by the definition of Modesty: regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress; simplicity and moderation. May Christ be glorified.





1 Timothy 2:9
The Message (MSG)
Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.

Beautifully bound, inside and out

How many of us struggle to feel beautiful? Fear to look in the mirror? Or look, yet end up not liking what we see? How many of us fear the judgement of others? Fear not being able to know the sweet feeling of beauty?


1 Peter 3:3-4
"Don't be concerned about outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."


"..You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within.."


"...the beauty that comes from within.."


Somewhere, somehow, those words have began to slip from my mind. In the mix of this world's ways, I've created a mindset that forgets my inner being, and sees only my outward self. And most the time, the lack of beauty it holds.


It's about what I wear, or even what I don't wear. It's not just about the clothes and makeup I put on, but the body and face underneath.


Am I pretty? Am I beautiful?


I find myself in a battle to feel beautiful. To feel pretty. I struggle to find the beauty looking back at me in the mirror. No clothes are good enough. No jewelry, no makeup, no ribbon. Nothing can make this body look or feel beautiful.


Am I alone? Or are there others who feel the same?


"You should clothe yourself instead with the beauty that comes from within."


It was those words right there that I let slip my mind. I let that simple truth become blocked away. My focus slipped from the beauty that lies from within. The beauty of Jesus Christ living inside my very soul. The beauty of a soul that bears the Spirit of the living Son.


That's where my beauty lies. That's where your beauty lies.


Seek out the beauty within. Seek out the presence of the Almighty God inside you. Allow it to transform your inner being. Your soul, your spirit, your heart. Then, and only then, will your outward appearance become transformed as well. Beauty will flow from your body, your lips, your actions, your life. Jesus will be reflected.


Allow the presence of Jesus to make you feel beautiful on the inside so that the beauty on the outside can be revealed.


Once that inner beauty is embraced, your outward beauty will shine through all on it's own. The power of the living God will do it's work and shine through. Find His beauty, and He'll clothe you in it.


When I stop feeling beautiful, I close my eyes and look deep. I look for Jesus. I look for His light and presence within me. I search for the way to incredible, unending beauty. Everlasting beauty.


And time and time again, God's mighty hands have captured this frail heart with His beauty.


Open up. Look deep. Allow your beauty within to be found. Embrace it.


1 Peter 3:3-4

"Don't be concerned about outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

Reminiscing in the old, bringing in the new.

As I look back at this past year, I see the goodness of a great God.

Joy, pain, sorrow, fun, tears, memories, brokenness, newness. All that is written across this year is God's goodness. His perfect love and His complete faithfulness.

Bad happened, good came. Hurt severed, love healed. Brokenness bleeded, joy conquered.

I guess you could say it's been a year of trials. A year of loss, a year of trouble, a year of hearbreak. But somehow, in the mix of all that, goodness flowed.

Yeah, bad happened. But so did good. A whole lot of it!

I look back and I see lessons learned. I see God's strength and mercy poured out, and His love overflowing.

I see a girl who's heart was healed and strengthed. I see God give renewal and hope in something so broken and lost.

I see man's strength turn into the Almighty's strength. I see God bending down to His beloved children and holding them in His mighty hands, laying upon them His precious protection.

I see the definition of trust being re-evaluated. Trust in man turns to trust in God.

I see family broken, but bound. I see the love and the tears and the support poured out from loved ones. I see the power in just one hug, or one line, capture a heart. One line spoken to build, not break.

I see relationships built. And I see friends coming together to be pieces of Jesus to each other.

I see the wounds of an aching soul be covered in the prayer of God's warriors.

I see people coming together to share in the pain of those hurting. I see hearts opening to those in need. Selfishness put away. And selflessness displayed. I see words spoken in love and sympathy and encouragement. I see God among it all.

I see a man broken. A man left in tears, a man hurting, call out to God. I see a man let go of His own strength, his own power, and ask for that of God's. I see a man humbled. A man searching with all he has for the One, True God. I see his hope fulfilled in God's very response to Him. I see a God who is faithful, and true. A God who cares. A God who comes.

I see smiles. I see laughter. I see God lighting up faces shining for all to see. I see God granting joy and laughter so that this broken place can have a glimmer of light. I see Him. I see Him smiling down saying, "I love you dear Child. I love you."

I see God's goodness poured out on those who put their delight in Him.

I see new faces in the pews on Sunday. I see the love of God filling the hearts of another lost one. The sweet gift of Jesus whispered into another soul.

I see Jesus. I see the cross. I see the gift of God poured out for all to enjoy.

I see God working. I see God transforming. I see His love, His faithfulness, His goodness. I see Him.

I see hope for yesterday. Hope for tomorrow. I see hope for the future. Hope for the new year.

I look back at this past year and I see the goodness of a great God.

I can think of all these things I hope for and want in the new year, but honestly, all I truly seek is to once again see God's goodness.

Where is your courage?

Fear.

Where is your courage? Where is your boldness? Where is your light?

The other day I ran into a girl that I knew from a long time ago and probably hadn't seen in over 7 years. Since I seen her last I've come to know the Lord and I actually ran into her at a bookstore. She was helping me find a book and it just so happened to be a Christian book. Of course the thought going through my head was, "I wonder is she thinks I'm a Christian?". I had the hope that she did and that at least one tiny speck of our conversation and situation could be a tunnel of light to Christ for her. But...BUT. There was still fear. That tiny speck of ruin set in. The fear of being shut out. The fear of not being received because I'm a Christian. Fear.

Where is your courage? Where is your boldness? Where is your light?

One of my deepest desires is to one day witness someone coming to Christ. Or to encourage someone to seek the Lord. I often pray for that and ask God to help me be a light and tool for Him.. Yet, how is it that I let fear overtake me at a given opportunity to stand out? To be a light? How seriously do I really take my desire? My prayers? How devoted am I? How can I expect to experience that desire when I let fear overtake me? And worse yet, how am I to work on overcoming a fear when I don't even cause an opportunity of fear to arise? An opportunity to share Christ.

Where is your courage? Where is your boldness? Where is your light?

God is light. And Jesus has come to be our light in a dark world. For He says in John 12:46, "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark." And because of Him we now have light. "For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8). And because of that light, because of that goodness, He calls us to shine and stand out in a world full of darkness and evil. He calls us to be a light. For He tells us, "...Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." (Philippians 2:15)

So where is my courage? Where is my boldness? Where is my light?

He is light. I have Him. Therefore, I have the power and strength to be bold. To stand out. To be a light. Yet, do I?

I was having a conversation with a friend a couple weeks ago and we got to talking about the way we project ourselves. She was questioning if the conversations she had with others and the actions she used showed that she was a follower of Jesus. And it got me questioning and wondering the same of myself and my own life. Do others actually know I love Jesus? Do I act in such a way that shows the light of Jesus? Do I speak or shine in such a way that Christ's name is proclaimed? And if I do how often is it? Is it sometimes or all the time?

Every part of me is to be a light shining to God. An invitation to come to know Jesus. My movement, my words, my actions, my conversations, my silence, my all.

Yet, so often I fail. So often I let fear grip me and the world consume me.

Where is your courage? Where is your boldness? Where is your light?

Colossians 4:5-6
"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."

I have a changed and renewed life because of Jesus. I have a precious gift bestowed on me through Jesus. My life is made beautiful through Him. But I know through that, I am called to do great things. I am called to do things that may not always be easy and most the time require pain in this world. Through that, I'm called to conquer my fear. To live a life of boldness and courage. To live as though Jesus lives within me. To live as light. A light shining directly to Jesus. And if my life is such a gift because of Him, shouldn't it be easy to shout to the world for Him?

Where is your courage? Where is your boldness? Where is your light?

Just as Paul expressed in Philippians 1:20, I also expect the same of myself. "For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ whether I live or die."

I fully admit, I hope to become much more bold in my future, because my past is full of fear and failure.

For a great man by the name of Charles Spurgeon once said, "He that is ashamed to speak the truth has to be ashamed of himself." What words to soak in.

God has called me to be bold. To speak the truth. To speak of His power, His love, His sacrifice. He has called me not only to speak it, but live it. To show it. He has called me to live a life of courage. A life that shines brightly. One in which lights the way to Him. I pray that the next time an opportunity arises, that this frail heart of mine would not be overcome by fear. But instead, may the power and boldness of God's Spirit shine through me. He has called me to live a life full of this. He has called not only me, but you.

Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

 Where is your courage? Where is your boldness? Where is your light?

Testimony of a 19 year old girl

I often get asked the question, "What do you do?" Or, "What keeps you busy?"

My given response usually consists of the words "home and/or "family". And as you can imagine, it doesn't exactly come off as the most respected response. Especially for a 19 year girl. And an unmarried one at that.

Being 19 years old now, 2 years out of high school, no college experience, and having no outside-the-home-job(aside from babysitting), people often wonder just what it is that I do.

Well, my response is, I serve my family in my home.

Now, here's where the questions and funny looks start pouring in. Maybe even a big stand still of silence occurs. But, funny looks and all, I proudly say, "I'm at home, serving my family".

I believe God's greatest calling for a women is in the home. Married or not, there is serving to be done in the home.

 The world abandons the home. The world abandons the family. God doesn't.

And I haven't.

The world calls girls to leave. To go. To go off to college, to get a job, to move forward. To let go. To find their own way. And maybe even God has called you to do this.

But God has called me elsewhere. God has called me to stay. To stay and serve. To serve right where I am, in my home...for the family He has so richly blessed me with.

I've been given the opportunity to leave. To go to college, to get a job, to go off and do as the rest of the world does.

But God has called me. And I have chosen.

I have chosen to not take the "normal" or "expected" way. I have chosen God's way for me.

For years it's been a struggle. The questions, the thinking, the praying, the wondering what it is that I'm supposed to do. I've watched others move forward. Go off, get married, go to school, get a full time job, become missionaries.

Yet, God has called me to stay. To stay right where I am...yet, move forward in a tremendous way.

I'm not gonna lie, I've struggled. I've struggled with the thought of watching others move forward while I stay. I question God. His purpose, His plan... And the truth is, in that questioning I miss out on the blessings laid behind the purpose.

I no longer struggle. Now, don't get me wrong, I struggle! But I no longer struggle with where God has me. I no longer struggle with questions.

I see the beauty of staying. I see the beauty of serving. I see the beauty of the home. I see the beauty of the family. I see the beauty of God...and the beauty in His ways and His plans.

I spend my days serving my family in whatever way that it need be. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, holding a child, cleaning up a mess, finding shoes. Ya know, all that tedious, repetitive stuff.

But guess what, it's more than that. It's getting a sad, broken child to laugh. It's spending time with my siblings and teaching each other life lessons. It's giving hugs and kisses to God's precious children. It's taking a walk and giving them that much needed bonding time. It's kissing an ow-wee and wiping tears from a hurting heart. It's opening a hand to a fallen child. It's opening an ear and shutting my mouth to a wounded, aching soul. It's delighting in my parents and finding ways to help their lives be easier. It's so much more.

I struggle. I fail. I'm far from being the servant God as called me to be. But by letting go of the questions and setting aside the world's way of things, setting aside even my wants and desires, God has shown me the joy of doing such a thing.

I know it's not possible for all girls or even all women to find themselves with the opportunity to stay in the home, but for those of you who do have the opportunity to do so, seize it! Delight in it! Take advantage of it. Use it.

And those of you discouraged by being at home, don't be! Ask God to give you a new perspective.

Don't let the rest of the world question you in where you are. Seize what God has for you. Whether it's serving in the home, or at work, or in another country, don't miss out on what God has for you.

Just as Paul told Archippus in Colossians 4:17, we too are called by God to carry out the ministry, the task, the plan He has for us.

Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you."

If I let questions capture my thoughts, I'd miss out on family bonding and life-long memories. I'd miss out on becoming a better sister and daughter. I'd miss out on preparing myself to be a wife and mother. I'd miss out on learning to be a homemaker and housekeeper. I'd miss out on the lessons, the training, the changing, and the disciplining of God. I'd even miss the beauty of His glory being done in my life.

Although, my own desire would be to one day be married myself and serve my own family in my own home, I'm not anxious. I'm satisfied. God has His way and His way for me right now is to be serving in the home He has me in. I won't let myself be robbed of that joy, thinking of what could be. I delight in His way, His plan, His home for me.

So, funny looks and all, I proudly say, I'm at home, serving my family.

Stillness&honor

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."

Oh, the greatness of such words. The truth and life and peace laid behind such words. The blessings that are received in response given to such words.

Here I am; wondering, questioning, asking, thinking, trying, doing. And God's only request, His very only response is, "Be still and know that I am God."

Like most, I get wrapped up in circumstances and problems and I let myself worry away in time. I'm anxious, stressed, and concerned about anything that seizes my control over things. After hours and days filled with worry, after constant praying and even the shedding of tears, God's only response is, "Be still and know that I am God."

When my joy is gone and life seems out of control; when I'm searching and seeking out every area, every page, every inch of God's word looking for hope, looking for life, His only response is, "Be still and know that I am God."

When I'm lost in the ways of the world trying to find a way out; when I'm alone trying to grab ahold of even the slightest glimpse of something, His only response to me is, "Be still and know that I am God."

Even the times when I'm trying and thinking of ways to do something for Him. When I'm praying for ways to serve Him. After so many prayers and so much time gone by, His only response to me is, "Be still and know that I am God."

I spend so much time trying to figure out what's next. Or asking why. Or worrying or wondering what's going on. What should I do? What should I BE doing? Or worse yet, I am doing... what I SHOULDN'T be.

Why is it so hard to be still and know God? Why is it so hard to do nothing except take in the precious gift of life through Jesus Christ? Why is it so hard to focus on a love that entirely shapes my very being? Why is it so hard to set my eyes on His Sovereignty? Why is it so hard to just be quiet and receive the grace, and truth, and love of God? Why? Because I am broken. Because I am a sinner. Because I am selfish. Because I am human.

I take my eyes from Him and put them on myself. I take my focus of what should be on Him and I put it on me. Instead of being still and seeing and knowing Him, I run a hundred miles per hour doing everything in my OWN power just to wind up going no where.

What if I, no! What if we were all to just be still and know God? What if we were to stop running, stop searching, stop trying and were to be still instead? What if we were to be still and know God? To know Him, to see Him, to hear Him? To take our eyes and hearts from ourselves and see His goodness, His sovereignty, His love? What if we were to be still and know God?

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."

It is in that simple response, to be still and know God, that He is honored and glorified. It is when we let go of our worry, our questions, our thinking, our doing, and our way, and we sit in silence taking in God's greatness that His glory is revealed. It's in the moments of quieting ourselves and finding His holiness and His sovereignty, that His grace, and His mercy, and His love flow. It is letting go of our circumstances and letting God be God. It is in that that He is honored. It is then that He is glorified. And in all that, we are given such a stillness, such a peace that there's nothing more to do than be still and know God.

What if we all were to be still and know God?

Night under the stars

If you have not yet experienced a summer night under the stars, I recommend you do so! Not only did I have an awesome summer adventure doing just that last night, I was also reminded of how romantic God can be! If you don't think God is a romantic, intimate God, then I suggest you go spend a night under the stars. Or 2 or 10 nights! Soak in the night sky. Fill yourself with the sound of the crickets singing. Take in the cool night breeze. And feel His tugging of your heart. God doesn't just intend to love you. He intends to love you personally and intimately. Even romantically. God's love is a great love. You just have to allow yourself to receive it.



God's love calls to me
  It calls to me in the night sky,
  It calls to me when the moon is high.
  It calls to me in the bright stars,
  It calls to me even from afar.
  It calls to me when the breeze is still,
  It calls to me with the slightest chill.
  It calls to me in the silence of the night,
  It calls to me in blind sight.
  It calls to me with the sound of cricket song,
  It's call to me is mighty strong.
  It calls to me with the flash of a lightning bug;
  Yes, it calls to me in God's sweetest form of a hug.
  It's call to me isn't God's voice shouting loud,
  But instead, in the simple form of a cloud.
  God's call to me is heard,
  By the tugging of my heart, without a single word.

Psalm 19:1-4a

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.^[a]
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

Finding Light through the fog

The other day I got woke up nice and early by my little brother wanting juice. And if you know me, you know I don't sleep well the way it is so you can imagine I didn't start out very happy about this at all. Buuuutt I got up anyway to get Jedidiah some juice and after I got up I realized the sun was starting to rise. And it just so happened to be a very foggy morning. The morning air was filled with moisture! It was just beautiful! So being me, I thought it would be a good opportunity to capture some good pictures.

So I went out and started snapping away and as I was looking through the pictures I noticed in every one of them the sun just glistened through the fog. It completely over-powered it. No matter how thick the fog was, the sun made its way through! It really got me thinking....

How often in my life does it seem like there is a thick fog over everything? How often is my perspective clouded by some trial or mess? How often is my life just like the fog that is clouding the view of the sunrise?

So often I let things get in the way of my view of God, and the things He is trying to show me. I live a life clouded by fog, by trials, by circumstances. I let pain, and hurt, and evil, even people(!) cloud my view of God. Instead of looking through it, I let it blur my view and drown out the light that is seeping through.

Have you ever noticed that as soon as the sun comes out the fog disappears? Well Jesus, the Light of the world(John 8:12-"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."),can wipe away the foggy, clouded mess of our lives, just like the sun does to that fog. We just have to look past it to see the light. Allow Him to seep through the fog of things and light up your world. If we would just look to Him, our vision, our perspective, would no longer be clouded, but full of light.

So just as I started out my morning, unhappy and looking at things the wrong way, I let my vision be clouded. I let the fog cover up the light. I let my own perspective keep God from shining His light on me. I saw being woke up that early as a terrible thing. But when I finally looked passed the fog, I saw His light. I saw the beauty of that morning and the beauty of His lesson to me. I saw the Sun shine through the fog. I saw the Son of God, the Light of the world, shine through my fog-filled vision, and give me view of His light. And once I took that in, I was able to rejoice in being awake so early. I got to praise God for such beauty and for such a wonderful opportunity! The morning was no longer terrible, it was a blessing.

So I challenge you, along with myself, to not let the challenges and trials and messes of this life fog out your vision of God, but instead, look through them and see the Light shining through to you. God's Light overpowers all things, just as the sun overpowers the fog... :)

For the love of a mother

Well Mother's day is over now and I'm pretty sure, actually I know for a fact, that my mom has probably had better mother's day celebrations in the past. Not only do I feel terrible about that but I also feel that she, along with all mothers, deserve more than just one day of extended love. They should know each and everyday what a special place they hold in each of our lives. After all, God placed you in her womb for a reason right?

moth·er  

A woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth.-

Yes, my mother gave birth to me...and to my siblings. But I'm not sure this definition fully describes what a mother or, more specifically, what MY mother is to me.. and to us.

She gave birth to us, but she's been so much more than just a birth mother to us. She has been a mother of many things. Not only does she cook, clean, and do laundry for us, she provides encouragement, love, support, hugs, kisses, and discipline that provides character in each of us. She sacrifices everyday for my dad and for us. She wakes at the crack of dawn, even though she has been up all night giving love to little ones who can't sleep, sometimes even big ones like ME who can't sleep, just to continue the process of caring for us, her children. Being a mother for her not only means making sure her kids are fed and have clothes on, but it also means helping my dad with our business, even if it does run her so thin she can't function, just to make sure things run more smoothly so we can be provided for. For her, it also means homeschooling us and giving us an education so we can know something and be somebody. For her, it means going out of her way just to make us happy and give us enjoyment. For her, it means sitting at the table with us everyday sharing the Word of God with us so that we might come to know Jesus and live a life worth living. Being a mother to her means putting aside her own hurts and desires and listening to ours instead. It means taking the hurt of her child and making it her own. It means shedding tears and praying thousands of prayers for the life of each child. It means setting aside her important work just to listen to the need of a precious life. She doesn't look at it as a burden or pain, she looks at it as joy. She would sacrifice at any moment for each of us.

To me, she isn't just a mother. She's a friend. A best friend. When everyone seems to be gone, she's there. She knows when I'm hurting and when I'm in need of someone to come along side me. She's always the first to arrive and the last to leave. She gives me the much needed truth even when it hurts. She gives me support and prayer. She gives me an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on... and best of all, she brings hope and joy to everything. Laughter and love are always flowing from her!

My mom has shown us the love of Jesus and the grace of God. She has shown us living a life of sin isn't a life worth living.  She has shown us life isn't easy, but a life with Jesus is a life worth fighting for. She has shown us life isn't about yourself but about others. She has shown us the importance of family and the bond that can be built when love is given. She has shown us being a mother isn't just about giving birth, but it's a life-long bond given to you for your child. She has shown us many things, even without trying. She has shown us she isn't perfect.. but she's an example worth following.

Not only has she shaped our lives...but I'm pretty sure we've shaped hers as well. Not only is she a gift to us, but I know we're a gift to her. That's what is so amazing about my mom. She sees motherhood as a rare gift. One not to be taken lightly or for granted. She sees the gift of life in each of us and knows that motherhood isn't just about having a child, but about giving that child life and love. She sees it as building a life-long relationship with the child, a bond that can never be broken.

I know God had a special plan when He placed me, along with all my siblings, in the life of my dear mother. I get to hear stories all the time of how she as always wanted to have babies and be a mom. She's desired from a very young age to have each of us in her life. I can't explain to you the joy of knowing you've been loved before you were even born! And now here she is, a mother of ten! My mom has gone through great lengths to give us a life. A life of love, a life of memories, and a life filled with Jesus. A life truly filled with joy. I can see through her life the love she has for each of us. The love she has always had for us. The love she will always continue to have for us. And I'm truly grateful for the love of a mother. The love of my mother!

So as it turns out the definition of a mother, our mother, is wide for me. My mom, mother, momma, mommy is truly amazing. She has taken this frail heart and life of mine and shown it great love and care. She listens, she loves, she corrects, she guides, she supports, she prays, she cheers... she mothers. She is the best mom I could ask for! And she deserves love and appreciation everyday. Not just one day of the year. So to the wonderful mother she is, thank you! And all praise be given to the great God who works out all things for the good of His purpose! All glory to Him who has placed us in the hands of His daughter, our mother.