a Word to help you through the day
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a Word to help you through the day
Blessings Returned
Good Morning Girls! I shared with you all on Tuesday the story of my coconut water gift. I drank it last night and enjoyed it to the full, knowing it was given to me in love!
When I first got the bottle of water it felt so good to know my friend had thought of me. Later that night as I was making my new favorite tea (Pukka after dinner tea- delicious!!!) I thought of her. I quick grabbed a packet of tea and wrote a note to her, telling her that it was MY new favorite drink just like the coconut water was her favorite new drink. She shares the same sweet tooth that I do and I knew she would love the fact that it helps put off that after dinner sugar craving. I had been blessed with a gift and it created in me the desire to return the blessing.
It reminded me of the verse I have been meditating on for the last few days. It says in Numbers 18:29 Be sure to give to the LORD the best portions of the gifts given to you. This verse has come to speak a few things to my heart.
God has given us all good gifts. Many good gifts. Gifts in the form of talents, resources, experiences, etc. I believe we are to use the gifts we have been given to bring God glory. To give back to Him the best of what has been given to us. It's just like the tithe but applies to every gift. He gives us the gift of time....we give a portion....our best portion according to the scripture....of our time back to him. He gives us the gift of humor, we use it to bring laughter to others in a positive way not by telling crude and tasteless stories. We have the gift of a beautiful voice, we bless the LORD with songs of praise (I for one do not have this gift but I bless the LORD with my own special joyful noise lol).
When we have full revelation that every good gift is from the LORD it creates a desire to use those gifts to bless others and bless the LORD. It also fills our gifting love tank when we see what the use of our gifts does for those around us.
Take some time today to notice the different gifts you have been given. Ask the LORD how you can give back to Him your best portion of what has been given to you. Take action and experience the blessing that comes when you use your gifts to bless the LORD and those around you!
Numbers 18:29 NLT Be sure to give to the LORD the best portions of the gifts given to you.
Love, Grace, and a Best Portion of Gifts Day to You All-
Jen
When I first got the bottle of water it felt so good to know my friend had thought of me. Later that night as I was making my new favorite tea (Pukka after dinner tea- delicious!!!) I thought of her. I quick grabbed a packet of tea and wrote a note to her, telling her that it was MY new favorite drink just like the coconut water was her favorite new drink. She shares the same sweet tooth that I do and I knew she would love the fact that it helps put off that after dinner sugar craving. I had been blessed with a gift and it created in me the desire to return the blessing.
It reminded me of the verse I have been meditating on for the last few days. It says in Numbers 18:29 Be sure to give to the LORD the best portions of the gifts given to you. This verse has come to speak a few things to my heart.
God has given us all good gifts. Many good gifts. Gifts in the form of talents, resources, experiences, etc. I believe we are to use the gifts we have been given to bring God glory. To give back to Him the best of what has been given to us. It's just like the tithe but applies to every gift. He gives us the gift of time....we give a portion....our best portion according to the scripture....of our time back to him. He gives us the gift of humor, we use it to bring laughter to others in a positive way not by telling crude and tasteless stories. We have the gift of a beautiful voice, we bless the LORD with songs of praise (I for one do not have this gift but I bless the LORD with my own special joyful noise lol).
When we have full revelation that every good gift is from the LORD it creates a desire to use those gifts to bless others and bless the LORD. It also fills our gifting love tank when we see what the use of our gifts does for those around us.
Take some time today to notice the different gifts you have been given. Ask the LORD how you can give back to Him your best portion of what has been given to you. Take action and experience the blessing that comes when you use your gifts to bless the LORD and those around you!
Numbers 18:29 NLT Be sure to give to the LORD the best portions of the gifts given to you.
Love, Grace, and a Best Portion of Gifts Day to You All-
Jen
Delight in the Details
Evening Girls! My kids go the same school a dear friend of mine teaches at. After school today my daughter Charley handed me something. It was a bottle of La Croix coconut water. Attached to it was a post it note from my friends that read "one of my new favorite things...thought I would share...."
You would have thought I just won the lottery!
That bottle of carbonated coconut water made my day (and I was having a decent day already)! Here's what the bottle of water spoke to my heart: "My friend knows...remembers.....AND acknowledges that I love carbonated water. Not only that but it is something that she loves and she wanted to share with ME something she loves. And the cherry on the camel's back....she took the time to write a note and find Charley to bring it home to me."
You Gifters are nodding in agreement. The rest of you are raising your eyebrows thinking "Wow. It said all that. It's just a bottle of water." Trust me. It did.
You know what else it said? It said "I see you. I love you. I care about your desires down to the simplest bottle of water." That was a p.s. from the LORD.......
Just yesterday I was at Target where I had seen the same water. I was very excited about it and put it into my cart. I was trying to stick to my budget and had already grabbed a couple Sobe waters that were on sale, so I ended up taking it out and putting it back on the shelf. "I'll get it next time" I said. (I really did....just ask my friend who was with me at the time)
But God just wanted me to have a little taste of the coconut bubbly now instead of next time. You may think it's coincidence. I'm okay with agreeing to disagree......
Girls, there is nothing special about me. What the LORD has done for me He rejoices in doing for you. Perhaps He is already doing it but to you it's "just a bottle of water". Or maybe He is waiting for you to lay your requests before Him trusting that He does in fact delight in giving you the desires of your heart!!!
Spend some time with Him today, thanking Him for the Gifts He's already given as well as the ones that are on the way!
Psalm 37:4 NLT Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart
Love, Grace, and a Day of Delight to You All-
Jen
I know we didn't pick up where we left off yesterday....we will pick it up tomorrow. Today's Gift story is a perfect lead into what I was going to say. See how good Gods timing is (even though I have a whole list of things I feel like maybe He is a little late on- lol)
You would have thought I just won the lottery!
That bottle of carbonated coconut water made my day (and I was having a decent day already)! Here's what the bottle of water spoke to my heart: "My friend knows...remembers.....AND acknowledges that I love carbonated water. Not only that but it is something that she loves and she wanted to share with ME something she loves. And the cherry on the camel's back....she took the time to write a note and find Charley to bring it home to me."
You Gifters are nodding in agreement. The rest of you are raising your eyebrows thinking "Wow. It said all that. It's just a bottle of water." Trust me. It did.
You know what else it said? It said "I see you. I love you. I care about your desires down to the simplest bottle of water." That was a p.s. from the LORD.......
Just yesterday I was at Target where I had seen the same water. I was very excited about it and put it into my cart. I was trying to stick to my budget and had already grabbed a couple Sobe waters that were on sale, so I ended up taking it out and putting it back on the shelf. "I'll get it next time" I said. (I really did....just ask my friend who was with me at the time)
But God just wanted me to have a little taste of the coconut bubbly now instead of next time. You may think it's coincidence. I'm okay with agreeing to disagree......
Girls, there is nothing special about me. What the LORD has done for me He rejoices in doing for you. Perhaps He is already doing it but to you it's "just a bottle of water". Or maybe He is waiting for you to lay your requests before Him trusting that He does in fact delight in giving you the desires of your heart!!!
Spend some time with Him today, thanking Him for the Gifts He's already given as well as the ones that are on the way!
Psalm 37:4 NLT Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart
Love, Grace, and a Day of Delight to You All-
Jen
I know we didn't pick up where we left off yesterday....we will pick it up tomorrow. Today's Gift story is a perfect lead into what I was going to say. See how good Gods timing is (even though I have a whole list of things I feel like maybe He is a little late on- lol)
The Original Gifter
Good Morning Girls! I confess I am a Gifter. It is my love language. I have no problem confessing this. Do you want to know why?
Because God Almighty is the original Gifter! Every single thing He does for us is a gift. A free gift! I guess that means in the most basic and foundational way, I am just like Jesus (ha-ha-ha-...that's the gift of laughter at work Girls...)
It says in Luke 11:13 God gives greater gifts than what we "evil" people give. It says in Romans 4:16 that faith is given as a free gift. It says many times throughout the New Testament that God has given each of us different spiritual gifts. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit himself. And foundational to our faith, he gave us the gift of His only son!!!! Every good thing comes from our Heavenly Father. Every gift is from Him! It is absolutely okay to love gifts.
Now for those of you who are not really into gifts, you may think this sounds selfish. But here's the deal. Not only do Gifters love receiving gifts, we love GIVING gifts. We spend a lot of time, thought, energy, resources, and effort it wanting to give the perfect gift- just like what the LORD does for us. It blesses us to bless others. Again, just like the LORD.
However, sometimes we feel depleted. As much as we love giving gifts, our love tank slowly drains if we do not feel gifted ourselves. The hard part about that is we are not always surrounded by other gifters. We may have even married what seems to be an anti-gifter. (not that I know anything about this) It may seem like the anti-gifter we married goes out of his way to buy us the dumbest most useless things. It may seem like the anti-gifter is trying to tell us he doesn't really know us, understand us, or even want to know and understand us. It may seem like the anti-gifter is telling us our desire for gifts is a pain in their hiney, thus we are a pain in their hiney.
Can any of you relate? Are any of you nodding your head saying "Yep. That pretty much sums it up. I have married the anti-gifter". Well here's the deal Girls. The anti-gifters- they do love us. They do cherish us. They really truly wish they could get it right. Sometimes though we make it so very hard on them that they quit trying. They are tired of disappointing us time after time.
That is why I am so very thankful to the LORD. He has taught me over the years that truly EVERY good gift comes from Him! Even when He uses someone else to bless me, it is really from Him. He put it in their hearts to give. I have learned to look to Him, rather than people
to fill my love tank. When I go to Him and tell Him I am feeling empty, He takes care of me. That is why it is so important to see the gift in EVERYTHING. Everything from the cold rainy day yesterday that caused me to hang out in the fort with my kids for 2 hours to the beautiful morning today which is perfect for hanging coupons. Rain or shine- it is a gift.....If we purpose to see it and receive it.
Now don't get me wrong, if you ask me what I would like as a gift, I will not respond all spiritually saying "Oh, I trust the LORD will lead you to the perfect gift." No. I have a list of things I would like on any given day. You could ask me on October 9th or February 2nd, I always got a list. But here's the deal, I don't stress over the list. I don't fret over the list. And I definitely don't need the things on the list in order to be happy. I truly have all that I need to be happy. Gifts in the forms of "things"....well that's just the cherry on the camels back as my dear friend likes to say.
So Girls, if you have ever felt guilty about liking gifts, don't! And if you have ever felt as though your gifting love tank was low, go before the LORD, the original Gifter. Let him fill your gifting love tank to the overflow. It may surprise you to learn what things you really need to be happy!
There is another thing you can do when your gifting love tank is low. I touched on it earlier, we will talk it about it more tomorrow........... (oh I do love a good cliff-hanger......)
Ephesians 2:8 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (seriously....with a gift like that, how can you not be filled to the full!!!)
Love, Grace, and a Day with the Original Gifter to You All-
Jen
Because God Almighty is the original Gifter! Every single thing He does for us is a gift. A free gift! I guess that means in the most basic and foundational way, I am just like Jesus (ha-ha-ha-...that's the gift of laughter at work Girls...)
It says in Luke 11:13 God gives greater gifts than what we "evil" people give. It says in Romans 4:16 that faith is given as a free gift. It says many times throughout the New Testament that God has given each of us different spiritual gifts. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit himself. And foundational to our faith, he gave us the gift of His only son!!!! Every good thing comes from our Heavenly Father. Every gift is from Him! It is absolutely okay to love gifts.
Now for those of you who are not really into gifts, you may think this sounds selfish. But here's the deal. Not only do Gifters love receiving gifts, we love GIVING gifts. We spend a lot of time, thought, energy, resources, and effort it wanting to give the perfect gift- just like what the LORD does for us. It blesses us to bless others. Again, just like the LORD.
However, sometimes we feel depleted. As much as we love giving gifts, our love tank slowly drains if we do not feel gifted ourselves. The hard part about that is we are not always surrounded by other gifters. We may have even married what seems to be an anti-gifter. (not that I know anything about this) It may seem like the anti-gifter we married goes out of his way to buy us the dumbest most useless things. It may seem like the anti-gifter is trying to tell us he doesn't really know us, understand us, or even want to know and understand us. It may seem like the anti-gifter is telling us our desire for gifts is a pain in their hiney, thus we are a pain in their hiney.
Can any of you relate? Are any of you nodding your head saying "Yep. That pretty much sums it up. I have married the anti-gifter". Well here's the deal Girls. The anti-gifters- they do love us. They do cherish us. They really truly wish they could get it right. Sometimes though we make it so very hard on them that they quit trying. They are tired of disappointing us time after time.
That is why I am so very thankful to the LORD. He has taught me over the years that truly EVERY good gift comes from Him! Even when He uses someone else to bless me, it is really from Him. He put it in their hearts to give. I have learned to look to Him, rather than people
to fill my love tank. When I go to Him and tell Him I am feeling empty, He takes care of me. That is why it is so important to see the gift in EVERYTHING. Everything from the cold rainy day yesterday that caused me to hang out in the fort with my kids for 2 hours to the beautiful morning today which is perfect for hanging coupons. Rain or shine- it is a gift.....If we purpose to see it and receive it.
Now don't get me wrong, if you ask me what I would like as a gift, I will not respond all spiritually saying "Oh, I trust the LORD will lead you to the perfect gift." No. I have a list of things I would like on any given day. You could ask me on October 9th or February 2nd, I always got a list. But here's the deal, I don't stress over the list. I don't fret over the list. And I definitely don't need the things on the list in order to be happy. I truly have all that I need to be happy. Gifts in the forms of "things"....well that's just the cherry on the camels back as my dear friend likes to say.
So Girls, if you have ever felt guilty about liking gifts, don't! And if you have ever felt as though your gifting love tank was low, go before the LORD, the original Gifter. Let him fill your gifting love tank to the overflow. It may surprise you to learn what things you really need to be happy!
There is another thing you can do when your gifting love tank is low. I touched on it earlier, we will talk it about it more tomorrow........... (oh I do love a good cliff-hanger......)
Ephesians 2:8 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (seriously....with a gift like that, how can you not be filled to the full!!!)
Love, Grace, and a Day with the Original Gifter to You All-
Jen
Feeling Dull?
Evening Girls! I missed writing last night. Not for lack of gifts to be thankful for- just lack of energy by the time I got home from a very long but blessed day.
I know the LORD is working in me with this 30 day countdown. What started out as a fun way leading up to the big 4-0 has turned into a lesson of gratitude and thankfulness- and it is life changing! You want to know how I know it is life changing?
Yesterday I actually thanked the LORD for my cellulite! Not kidding. I taught bootcamp at 8:30am and then headed out to work hanging pizza coupons. I hadn't really packed anything to eat and I realized that I had the strength and energy to keep on going for a long time. I thought "Thank you Jesus for my cellulite. It has enough stored energy (in the form of fat) to sustain me during this 3 hour workout." And then I started laughing out loud as I realized what I had said. Especially because I actually meant it!
Laughter. That is the gift I am thankful for today. Well one of the gifts. The other gift goes with it. It is the gift of friendship. They are a package deal. For me you can't have friendship without laughter and laughter is much more fun with a friend (though I do entertain myself and laugh at myself a LOT....probably more than is normal...or even healthy at times lol...see, I just did it again).
I have been blessed with the most amazing girlfriends. I know they are a gift from the LORD. I never used to have many girlfriends. I always opted to hang with the boys. There was less drama, back stabbing, and gossip with the boys than the girls. With the boys you just argue, call each other stupid names and move on. With girls....Lord help us- with girls you fight, you tell everyone how much you hate the other one, you spill each others secrets, you make up (and still tell each others secrets), and you never really feel safe. It is Darwinism at it's best. Survival of the fittest......and most conforming. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not much into the conforming thing.
As a young adult I had more girlfriends, but not many. When I gave my life to the LORD I looked around and realized that I didn't REALLY have any friends. I had drinking friends. I had gambling friends. I had "go to the bar" friends. I didn't have any REAL friends. Sure they were kind. They listened to my problems, they complained about theirs. We talked and hung out. But we weren't what the LORD intended friends to be.
I know this because none of my pre- Jesus friends stirred in me the desire to be better. They didn't challenge me, encourage me, or pull from me. In fact, I would say we held each other back. If someone showed any sign of self improvement we were quick to get on each others case for fear of being left behind. "Why would quit drinking?" "What's the point exercising?" "Who cares if your husband wants you home?" With friends like that.........
When I gave my life to Jesus, I slowly lost all of my so called friends. It was difficult at first, but it didn't take long until I realized that for every "friend" I lost the LORD brought me 3 or more godly, good, pure, true friends. I'm talkin friends that make you want to be a better you kind of friends. Friends that cry with you. Friends that pray for you. Friends that put your needs above their own. Friends that encourage you when you are down. Friends that tell you when you are being a whineball. And most of all, friends to laugh with. Laugh till your stomach hurts and you pee your pants just a little. That's the kind of friends I am blessed to have!
Girls, if you are feeling dull and lifeless, you need a little Girl time. Your goal? Laugh until you make someone pee a little (it's not that hard for those who have had kids). If you do not have any of those kind of friends take time to pray and ask the LORD, He will bring someone your way!
You want to be my friend? I have 1 pre-requisite. You can find it in John 15:14 NLT. First person to know what my pre-requisite is receives a gift........
Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend
Love, Grace, and No More Dull Moments to you All-
Jen
I know the LORD is working in me with this 30 day countdown. What started out as a fun way leading up to the big 4-0 has turned into a lesson of gratitude and thankfulness- and it is life changing! You want to know how I know it is life changing?
Yesterday I actually thanked the LORD for my cellulite! Not kidding. I taught bootcamp at 8:30am and then headed out to work hanging pizza coupons. I hadn't really packed anything to eat and I realized that I had the strength and energy to keep on going for a long time. I thought "Thank you Jesus for my cellulite. It has enough stored energy (in the form of fat) to sustain me during this 3 hour workout." And then I started laughing out loud as I realized what I had said. Especially because I actually meant it!
Laughter. That is the gift I am thankful for today. Well one of the gifts. The other gift goes with it. It is the gift of friendship. They are a package deal. For me you can't have friendship without laughter and laughter is much more fun with a friend (though I do entertain myself and laugh at myself a LOT....probably more than is normal...or even healthy at times lol...see, I just did it again).
I have been blessed with the most amazing girlfriends. I know they are a gift from the LORD. I never used to have many girlfriends. I always opted to hang with the boys. There was less drama, back stabbing, and gossip with the boys than the girls. With the boys you just argue, call each other stupid names and move on. With girls....Lord help us- with girls you fight, you tell everyone how much you hate the other one, you spill each others secrets, you make up (and still tell each others secrets), and you never really feel safe. It is Darwinism at it's best. Survival of the fittest......and most conforming. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not much into the conforming thing.
As a young adult I had more girlfriends, but not many. When I gave my life to the LORD I looked around and realized that I didn't REALLY have any friends. I had drinking friends. I had gambling friends. I had "go to the bar" friends. I didn't have any REAL friends. Sure they were kind. They listened to my problems, they complained about theirs. We talked and hung out. But we weren't what the LORD intended friends to be.
I know this because none of my pre- Jesus friends stirred in me the desire to be better. They didn't challenge me, encourage me, or pull from me. In fact, I would say we held each other back. If someone showed any sign of self improvement we were quick to get on each others case for fear of being left behind. "Why would quit drinking?" "What's the point exercising?" "Who cares if your husband wants you home?" With friends like that.........
When I gave my life to Jesus, I slowly lost all of my so called friends. It was difficult at first, but it didn't take long until I realized that for every "friend" I lost the LORD brought me 3 or more godly, good, pure, true friends. I'm talkin friends that make you want to be a better you kind of friends. Friends that cry with you. Friends that pray for you. Friends that put your needs above their own. Friends that encourage you when you are down. Friends that tell you when you are being a whineball. And most of all, friends to laugh with. Laugh till your stomach hurts and you pee your pants just a little. That's the kind of friends I am blessed to have!
Girls, if you are feeling dull and lifeless, you need a little Girl time. Your goal? Laugh until you make someone pee a little (it's not that hard for those who have had kids). If you do not have any of those kind of friends take time to pray and ask the LORD, He will bring someone your way!
You want to be my friend? I have 1 pre-requisite. You can find it in John 15:14 NLT. First person to know what my pre-requisite is receives a gift........
Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend
Love, Grace, and No More Dull Moments to you All-
Jen
The Heart of the Gift Obsession
Evening Girls! The other day I received a comment from a dear friend of mine regarding my "everything is a gift" blog. She said she wished she had a consistent positive attitude like I do.....
I laughed.
Out loud.
And then I laughed some more.
Sure, for the most part I am an upbeat, glass is half full Girl. I prefer to be optimistic and care free over doubtful and worried. I prefer laughter over tears, and smiles over scowls. I am happiest when I make others laugh and smile. But I haven't always been that way, and it isn't always easy.
I spent many years in a very dark and lonely place. Many years hating my life and my self. Many years wishing I were someone else. And at my lowest point(s) wishing I were dead.
Once you have been to that darkest, loneliest place you never want to go back. And you never want anyone you love to go there either. Maybe that is why I am a little over the top at times. If I can give others a moment of joy, perhaps I can give them a glimmer of hope. And often times all it takes is a glimmer to prevent you or someone you love from slipping into the pit.
Sometimes I forget how much my life has changed. I forget about the hours I spent crying in my closet willing the pain to go away. I forget that before I was funny, I was bitter, sarcastic, and depressed.
I never want to take this gift of joy and re-birth for granted. That is why I am purposing to see the gift in EVERY SINGLE THING that happens. Even if it starts out as evil, I am trusting God at His Word that says He will turn it into a gift (well actually it says that He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him but that pretty much sounds like a gift to me!)
So that's what this 30 day journey is all about. It's not about me getting a bunch of gifts on my birthday. It's about recognizing all of the amazing gifts I have already been given and continue to receive each and every day.
I'm still asking that you would join me on the thanks-gifting train. I've only been on it for 4 days but it's been an amazing ride so far. I believe it's going to pick up speed like a locomotive and be the ride of our lives!!!
2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!!!!
Love, Grace, and a Thanks-Gifting Night to You All-
Jen
I laughed.
Out loud.
And then I laughed some more.
Sure, for the most part I am an upbeat, glass is half full Girl. I prefer to be optimistic and care free over doubtful and worried. I prefer laughter over tears, and smiles over scowls. I am happiest when I make others laugh and smile. But I haven't always been that way, and it isn't always easy.
I spent many years in a very dark and lonely place. Many years hating my life and my self. Many years wishing I were someone else. And at my lowest point(s) wishing I were dead.
Once you have been to that darkest, loneliest place you never want to go back. And you never want anyone you love to go there either. Maybe that is why I am a little over the top at times. If I can give others a moment of joy, perhaps I can give them a glimmer of hope. And often times all it takes is a glimmer to prevent you or someone you love from slipping into the pit.
Sometimes I forget how much my life has changed. I forget about the hours I spent crying in my closet willing the pain to go away. I forget that before I was funny, I was bitter, sarcastic, and depressed.
I never want to take this gift of joy and re-birth for granted. That is why I am purposing to see the gift in EVERY SINGLE THING that happens. Even if it starts out as evil, I am trusting God at His Word that says He will turn it into a gift (well actually it says that He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him but that pretty much sounds like a gift to me!)
So that's what this 30 day journey is all about. It's not about me getting a bunch of gifts on my birthday. It's about recognizing all of the amazing gifts I have already been given and continue to receive each and every day.
I'm still asking that you would join me on the thanks-gifting train. I've only been on it for 4 days but it's been an amazing ride so far. I believe it's going to pick up speed like a locomotive and be the ride of our lives!!!
2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!!!!
Love, Grace, and a Thanks-Gifting Night to You All-
Jen
More and More Gifts!!!
Evening Girls! I'm really diggin' these 30 days of gifts leading up to my 40th birthday. Who knew it could be so fun turning 40?
My day was once again filled with amazing gifts that only the LORD could give. Let's see, where do I start......
Well with my coffee of course! My body felt oh so tired and heavy this morning. I could hardly even pray because I would catch myself over and over again just staring out the window mid sentence. I probably had drool hanging out my mouth but I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't mind.
Maybe I kept getting lost staring out the window because I couldn't believe how beautiful and sunny it was. They had predicted rain for the next 3 days (whoever "they" are anyway). I was given the PERFECT day to go hang flyers. Thank you Jesus!
Halfway through my flying shift I got to head to the gym to teach a cycle class. I was pretty sure nobody would be there because....HELLO?? I wouldn't be there on this perfect day if I didn't have to be. But you know what. Someone did come. And she came for me!
She said "I need you. You are tough and I love it. I never work out as hard as I do in your class." How is that a gift? Well I believe the LORD has given me the gift of encouragement. It says in Gods Word (too tired to look up exact verse) that to those who are given the gift of encouragement they should be encouraging, and for 45 minutes today I got to use it on beautiful Rosita who wanted her cute little hiney kicked (she's in way better shape than me)! Thank you Jesus! Not only for the gift of encouragement but for the opportunity to use it!
I guess the LORD saw how much fun I had encouraging her that he gave me another encouragement assignment when I got back to the pizza place with one of the employees. My reward? Feeling good AND 2 slices of awesome pizza...SCORE!!!
God stayed true to his word when he somehow gave me the strength to finish out my door hanging shift with 60 town homes.....each one with a full flight of stairs leading up to the door. Part of me wanted to sit down and cry, but I got it all done! Thank you Jesus!
On my way home I received a call telling me I was no longer needed to work this Thursday night at the school. SWEET! The LORD decided I deserved a night off! I am so excited to see how He pays me for the wages I had been counting on. I will be watching the American Idol results show with my kiddos and the LORD will be taking care of my canceled work shift. Thank you Jesus!!!
As you can see, I have had another amazing Grace gift filled day! How about you? Have you jumped on the gift wagon with me yet or are you still sitting on the side lines with your face scrunched in a semi scowl? Sure wish you would all join me........
Romans 8:15 Message This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a child like "What's next Papa?" (and I cannot wait to see what's next!!!!)
Love, Grace, and a What's Next Papa Night to you All-
Jen
My day was once again filled with amazing gifts that only the LORD could give. Let's see, where do I start......
Well with my coffee of course! My body felt oh so tired and heavy this morning. I could hardly even pray because I would catch myself over and over again just staring out the window mid sentence. I probably had drool hanging out my mouth but I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't mind.
Maybe I kept getting lost staring out the window because I couldn't believe how beautiful and sunny it was. They had predicted rain for the next 3 days (whoever "they" are anyway). I was given the PERFECT day to go hang flyers. Thank you Jesus!
Halfway through my flying shift I got to head to the gym to teach a cycle class. I was pretty sure nobody would be there because....HELLO?? I wouldn't be there on this perfect day if I didn't have to be. But you know what. Someone did come. And she came for me!
She said "I need you. You are tough and I love it. I never work out as hard as I do in your class." How is that a gift? Well I believe the LORD has given me the gift of encouragement. It says in Gods Word (too tired to look up exact verse) that to those who are given the gift of encouragement they should be encouraging, and for 45 minutes today I got to use it on beautiful Rosita who wanted her cute little hiney kicked (she's in way better shape than me)! Thank you Jesus! Not only for the gift of encouragement but for the opportunity to use it!
I guess the LORD saw how much fun I had encouraging her that he gave me another encouragement assignment when I got back to the pizza place with one of the employees. My reward? Feeling good AND 2 slices of awesome pizza...SCORE!!!
God stayed true to his word when he somehow gave me the strength to finish out my door hanging shift with 60 town homes.....each one with a full flight of stairs leading up to the door. Part of me wanted to sit down and cry, but I got it all done! Thank you Jesus!
On my way home I received a call telling me I was no longer needed to work this Thursday night at the school. SWEET! The LORD decided I deserved a night off! I am so excited to see how He pays me for the wages I had been counting on. I will be watching the American Idol results show with my kiddos and the LORD will be taking care of my canceled work shift. Thank you Jesus!!!
As you can see, I have had another amazing Grace gift filled day! How about you? Have you jumped on the gift wagon with me yet or are you still sitting on the side lines with your face scrunched in a semi scowl? Sure wish you would all join me........
Romans 8:15 Message This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a child like "What's next Papa?" (and I cannot wait to see what's next!!!!)
Love, Grace, and a What's Next Papa Night to you All-
Jen
40 in 29
Evening Girls! It's been a very long (but good) day and I can hardly keep my eyes open but I had to tell you what my gift(s) were today......
Today I worked at 2 of my jobs. They were both weather dependent. Though it looked like it could rain at any time all day long, it waited until I was done with my final job. Thank you LORD!!!! The gift of perfect timing in all things.
Some of my other gifts today were my morning coffee (which I can't wait to go to bed so I can wake up and have again tomorrow), the gift of laughter with some Girlfriends, the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart and telling me to go a different way to church (and I made it in record time!), and the gift of having ears to hear when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart (Hallelujah! It's about time I listened lol)
Sleep Sweet Girls. I am now going to enjoy the gift of a nice warm bed to rest my soon to be 29 AGAIN body in.
I pray you were all gifted plenty yourselves today!
Proverbs 10:8 NLT The godly are showered with blessings
Love, Grace, and a Blessing Shower to you all-
Jen
Today I worked at 2 of my jobs. They were both weather dependent. Though it looked like it could rain at any time all day long, it waited until I was done with my final job. Thank you LORD!!!! The gift of perfect timing in all things.
Some of my other gifts today were my morning coffee (which I can't wait to go to bed so I can wake up and have again tomorrow), the gift of laughter with some Girlfriends, the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart and telling me to go a different way to church (and I made it in record time!), and the gift of having ears to hear when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart (Hallelujah! It's about time I listened lol)
Sleep Sweet Girls. I am now going to enjoy the gift of a nice warm bed to rest my soon to be 29 AGAIN body in.
I pray you were all gifted plenty yourselves today!
Proverbs 10:8 NLT The godly are showered with blessings
Love, Grace, and a Blessing Shower to you all-
Jen
40 in 30
Evening Girls! I know, I know, I fell off the radar again. I've been taking a little break as I transition into job #4 (teaching Cycle and Boot Camp at LA Fitness). In case you have forgotten what the other 3 are, they include: delivering coupons for Chanticlear Pizza (it takes special skills), scoring after school Middle School sports (track starts tomorrow- at least I get to be outside), and Realtor (though I have yet to buy or sell a house). That's what you get when you Major in Psychology..............
So I have been busy- just like all of you. I also haven't had any ideas on what to write about, so I enjoyed the time off for awhile. Fifty-five days to be exact. But today.......today came with inspiration. Today is a very important day. Today the Countdown begins......
What Countdown you ask? Well it's the 40 in 30 Countdown. In 30 days I will be 40! Do you know what that means? It means......
PRESENTS!!!! LOTS AND LOTS OF PRESENTS!!!!!
That's right. I am not experiencing your typical "this is not what I thought my life would be like when I turned 40" phenomenon. No! Though my life does not look like what I thought it would look like, I don't really care. What I care about is PRESENTS!!!!!
"How Rude" you say? Well here's the deal. God made me. He made me a Gifter. That is my love language. I love giving gifts. I love receiving gifts. I always have, pretty sure I always will.
So in my prayer time with the Lord today, I told Him I am expecting some awesome gifts- starting TODAY! I even thanked Him in advance for them. Kind of like the 12 days of Christmas......only it's 30 days....and they are all for me.......it's like heaven on earth.......
So I am going to share with you all each day as we count down to the big 4-0 what the LORD does for me. Starting now...........
Today I was scheduled to teach a Cycle class. It's not my normal class but I was subbing for another instructor. I spent my drive time to the club praying over my class as I always do, it is a little nerve wracking to sub a class, but I was still looking forward to it.
Apparently I was the only one looking forward to it since no one showed up! The rule is you have to wait for 10 minutes and if no one shows you can leave. You still get pais, which it cool, but I was still bummed. I was bummed because I wanted to work out. Sure I could have stayed and worked out but mentally I was prepared to cycle....I could not get myself to go out to the weight room or run on a tread mill (lame I know). Also, I drove almost 30 minutes to get there. Total time AND gas waster!
I told my friend, "God is going to do something really cool with this. All things work for good, so something good is coming." And it did!
I stopped at the pizza place to pick up my check from last week. I walked into the office and there were 3 bags of flyers sitting there. The door hangers didn't show up today. I could tell my boss was upset because of his colorful language (and by colorful I'm not talking red, green, and magenta here).
I grabbed a bag and said "give me a map, let me get these out for you." He was more than willing to give me a map and even apologized for his rainbow of words.
So here's the deal. I got paid to teach a class that I didn't teach. Then the LORD redeemed my workout time by blessing me with a 2.5 hour walk outside AND an extra $30 in my pocket! In addition to that I even got to lighten to load for my boss that was feeling frustrated, which means I was even able to give a gift as well as receive one!
Thank you Jesus! Thank you for the gift of redemption- not only of my soul, but of EVERYTHING that is ever lost. Even down to smallest detail such as a missed workout!
Girls, I would love it if you would join me in my countdown. Gifts are always more fun when you have someone to share them with- might as well be YOU!
Matthew 7:11 NLT So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him (go ahead....ask Him.....join me in the fun!)
Love, Grace, and 30 Gift Filled Days to you all-
Jen
So I have been busy- just like all of you. I also haven't had any ideas on what to write about, so I enjoyed the time off for awhile. Fifty-five days to be exact. But today.......today came with inspiration. Today is a very important day. Today the Countdown begins......
What Countdown you ask? Well it's the 40 in 30 Countdown. In 30 days I will be 40! Do you know what that means? It means......
PRESENTS!!!! LOTS AND LOTS OF PRESENTS!!!!!
That's right. I am not experiencing your typical "this is not what I thought my life would be like when I turned 40" phenomenon. No! Though my life does not look like what I thought it would look like, I don't really care. What I care about is PRESENTS!!!!!
"How Rude" you say? Well here's the deal. God made me. He made me a Gifter. That is my love language. I love giving gifts. I love receiving gifts. I always have, pretty sure I always will.
So in my prayer time with the Lord today, I told Him I am expecting some awesome gifts- starting TODAY! I even thanked Him in advance for them. Kind of like the 12 days of Christmas......only it's 30 days....and they are all for me.......it's like heaven on earth.......
So I am going to share with you all each day as we count down to the big 4-0 what the LORD does for me. Starting now...........
Today I was scheduled to teach a Cycle class. It's not my normal class but I was subbing for another instructor. I spent my drive time to the club praying over my class as I always do, it is a little nerve wracking to sub a class, but I was still looking forward to it.
Apparently I was the only one looking forward to it since no one showed up! The rule is you have to wait for 10 minutes and if no one shows you can leave. You still get pais, which it cool, but I was still bummed. I was bummed because I wanted to work out. Sure I could have stayed and worked out but mentally I was prepared to cycle....I could not get myself to go out to the weight room or run on a tread mill (lame I know). Also, I drove almost 30 minutes to get there. Total time AND gas waster!
I told my friend, "God is going to do something really cool with this. All things work for good, so something good is coming." And it did!
I stopped at the pizza place to pick up my check from last week. I walked into the office and there were 3 bags of flyers sitting there. The door hangers didn't show up today. I could tell my boss was upset because of his colorful language (and by colorful I'm not talking red, green, and magenta here).
I grabbed a bag and said "give me a map, let me get these out for you." He was more than willing to give me a map and even apologized for his rainbow of words.
So here's the deal. I got paid to teach a class that I didn't teach. Then the LORD redeemed my workout time by blessing me with a 2.5 hour walk outside AND an extra $30 in my pocket! In addition to that I even got to lighten to load for my boss that was feeling frustrated, which means I was even able to give a gift as well as receive one!
Thank you Jesus! Thank you for the gift of redemption- not only of my soul, but of EVERYTHING that is ever lost. Even down to smallest detail such as a missed workout!
Girls, I would love it if you would join me in my countdown. Gifts are always more fun when you have someone to share them with- might as well be YOU!
Matthew 7:11 NLT So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him (go ahead....ask Him.....join me in the fun!)
Love, Grace, and 30 Gift Filled Days to you all-
Jen
Kinda Yes.....
Hey Girls! I was just about to sit down and share this very profound serious revelation with you all that I experienced over the last 24 hours but then.........
I got a text from my boss that read "How comfortable would you be subbing a cycle class in New Brighton tomorrow at 9:15am?".
My heart stopped, I held my breath and all I could think to reply was "Serious?".
Here's the deal. I officially start teaching Boot Camp this Friday morning. I am prepared for that. Cycle......well cycle class isn't supposed to start for me for another 2 weeks! I have 2 full weeks to prepare to teach cycle class. Two safe weeks. Two weeks to make sure I can correctly set a bike for someone, plan a workout, build my own endurance, and learn how to talk into a microphone when I can barely breath!
Tomorrow........tomorrow is not 2 weeks! Tomorrow is.......TOMORROW! And it's not even at the club I am hired to work at........AAAAAHHHHHHHH.....
So my next text I send to my boss is "How do YOU feel about me subbing a cycle class tomorrow at 9:15?" Her response......"Kinda Yes".
Kinda Yes. I couldn't have summed it up any better. "Definitely yes" is wayyyyyyy to confident. Her and I both know I am still a little rough around the edges. "I don't know" or "I'm not sure" is not confident enough as we know I can do this.
But "Kinda Yes".....kinda yes is just right. Kinda yes says "You need to start somewhere. You need to start sometime. You will be just as nervous in 2 weeks as you are right now. You might as well start now".
Kinda Yes. I like it. You know who else I believe likes it? Jesus. I believe Jesus likes it because Kinda Yes also says: "Bless the LORD O my Soul and all that is in me. I cannot do this on my own. I need you with me every step (and every pedal) of the way." And that makes Him smile..........
I believe He loves it when we are nervous beyond our comfort zone but willing to step out of the boat anyway. I believe it is when we are willing BEFORE we are "perfect" that makes it easier for the Lord to use us and carry us through each assignment. It's really hard to lead a know it all. A "know a little but am willing to learn"....those are the ones that are trainable. teachable, and ready to do the work set before them. Even if their comfort is still at a Kinda Yes!
Girls, don't wait until you are confident in yourself before you take advantage of an opportunity. Know that a KINDA YES is enough......God will fill in the rest!!!!
Psalm 108:1 My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!!!
Love, Grace, and a Kinda Yes day to you all-
Jen
ps would I love and appreciate your prayers.....DEFINITELY YES!!!
I got a text from my boss that read "How comfortable would you be subbing a cycle class in New Brighton tomorrow at 9:15am?".
My heart stopped, I held my breath and all I could think to reply was "Serious?".
Here's the deal. I officially start teaching Boot Camp this Friday morning. I am prepared for that. Cycle......well cycle class isn't supposed to start for me for another 2 weeks! I have 2 full weeks to prepare to teach cycle class. Two safe weeks. Two weeks to make sure I can correctly set a bike for someone, plan a workout, build my own endurance, and learn how to talk into a microphone when I can barely breath!
Tomorrow........tomorrow is not 2 weeks! Tomorrow is.......TOMORROW! And it's not even at the club I am hired to work at........AAAAAHHHHHHHH.....
So my next text I send to my boss is "How do YOU feel about me subbing a cycle class tomorrow at 9:15?" Her response......"Kinda Yes".
Kinda Yes. I couldn't have summed it up any better. "Definitely yes" is wayyyyyyy to confident. Her and I both know I am still a little rough around the edges. "I don't know" or "I'm not sure" is not confident enough as we know I can do this.
But "Kinda Yes".....kinda yes is just right. Kinda yes says "You need to start somewhere. You need to start sometime. You will be just as nervous in 2 weeks as you are right now. You might as well start now".
Kinda Yes. I like it. You know who else I believe likes it? Jesus. I believe Jesus likes it because Kinda Yes also says: "Bless the LORD O my Soul and all that is in me. I cannot do this on my own. I need you with me every step (and every pedal) of the way." And that makes Him smile..........
I believe He loves it when we are nervous beyond our comfort zone but willing to step out of the boat anyway. I believe it is when we are willing BEFORE we are "perfect" that makes it easier for the Lord to use us and carry us through each assignment. It's really hard to lead a know it all. A "know a little but am willing to learn"....those are the ones that are trainable. teachable, and ready to do the work set before them. Even if their comfort is still at a Kinda Yes!
Girls, don't wait until you are confident in yourself before you take advantage of an opportunity. Know that a KINDA YES is enough......God will fill in the rest!!!!
Psalm 108:1 My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!!!
Love, Grace, and a Kinda Yes day to you all-
Jen
ps would I love and appreciate your prayers.....DEFINITELY YES!!!
Blessed Detours
Good Morning Girls! I read the story of Jonah again this morning. There are so many treasures in that story. Each time I read it I see something new.......
Today I want to talk about detours. When I hear the word detour I think of having to go out of my way to get to the same destination. I also think the long way. The inconvenient way. The I am not sure how long this is going to take me way.
At times I feel as though it describes a majority of my life. One big detour on the road to who knows where.........
It is so easy for us to look back on our lives and say "I should have", "I could have", "I wish I would have". So easy to be filled with regret and remorse. So easy to feel as though we are so off course that we will never reach our true destination. So easy to start questioning what our true destination even is anymore!
Most times we end up on a detour by "mistake". A door opens and we feel in our hearts it is the path we are supposed to take only to discover later that we are "off track" (or so it appears). Very rarely do we do as Jonah did and outright say "No Lord!" and board a ship in the opposite direction; though sometimes we do.
Today when I read the story of Jonah I felt a new peace regarding all of the detours of my life. I am reminded that God knows the end from the beginning. He knew before I was born the detours of my life. And he has blessed them all.....
Yes! I believe the Lord has used each and every one of my detours as a blessing for myself and someone else! It says in 2 Corinthians 4:15 in the Message Bible: Every detail works to your advantage and to Gods glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
The story of Jonah shows this wonderful Truth. While Jonah was on detour hiding in the ship the Lord came a lookin for him in the form of a violent storm. By the time Jonah was tossed overboard the entire crew of sailors were awestruck by the Lords great power and vowed to serve Him (Jonah 1:16). Jonah's disobedience, his detour saved a ship full of men!
Girls, looking back at your life with regret adds no value to it (ask me how I know). Trust God at his Word that says he will use EVERY DETAIL to work to both your advantage and to His glory! We may be surprised to see someday that what we thought of as mistakes and detours God saw as "part of the plan".
Regardless of how long it takes to reach your destination trust that you will in proper time reach it- and you will have blessed many others along the way!
2 Corinthians 4:15 Message Every detail (including detours) works to your advantage AND to Gods glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
Love, Grace, and a Blessed Detour Day to you all-
Jen
Today I want to talk about detours. When I hear the word detour I think of having to go out of my way to get to the same destination. I also think the long way. The inconvenient way. The I am not sure how long this is going to take me way.
At times I feel as though it describes a majority of my life. One big detour on the road to who knows where.........
It is so easy for us to look back on our lives and say "I should have", "I could have", "I wish I would have". So easy to be filled with regret and remorse. So easy to feel as though we are so off course that we will never reach our true destination. So easy to start questioning what our true destination even is anymore!
Most times we end up on a detour by "mistake". A door opens and we feel in our hearts it is the path we are supposed to take only to discover later that we are "off track" (or so it appears). Very rarely do we do as Jonah did and outright say "No Lord!" and board a ship in the opposite direction; though sometimes we do.
Today when I read the story of Jonah I felt a new peace regarding all of the detours of my life. I am reminded that God knows the end from the beginning. He knew before I was born the detours of my life. And he has blessed them all.....
Yes! I believe the Lord has used each and every one of my detours as a blessing for myself and someone else! It says in 2 Corinthians 4:15 in the Message Bible: Every detail works to your advantage and to Gods glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
The story of Jonah shows this wonderful Truth. While Jonah was on detour hiding in the ship the Lord came a lookin for him in the form of a violent storm. By the time Jonah was tossed overboard the entire crew of sailors were awestruck by the Lords great power and vowed to serve Him (Jonah 1:16). Jonah's disobedience, his detour saved a ship full of men!
Girls, looking back at your life with regret adds no value to it (ask me how I know). Trust God at his Word that says he will use EVERY DETAIL to work to both your advantage and to His glory! We may be surprised to see someday that what we thought of as mistakes and detours God saw as "part of the plan".
Regardless of how long it takes to reach your destination trust that you will in proper time reach it- and you will have blessed many others along the way!
2 Corinthians 4:15 Message Every detail (including detours) works to your advantage AND to Gods glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
Love, Grace, and a Blessed Detour Day to you all-
Jen