Blessings...

It's November, which means that one of my favorite holidays is coming up...Thanksgiving! I have always loved Thanksgiving--the smells of all of the yummy food, the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, and my Daddy's amazing fried turkey covered in my Mom's cranberry sauce made from scratch. I love having a day that is devoted to focusing on what we are thankful for. I love having a day devoted to spending time with people you love (and stuffing your faces!). I wish everyday were like Thanksgiving day. How great would it be if every single day we focused only on what we were thankful for? So often, it is so much easier to focus on the things we don't have or the things that are making us unhappy. I am guilty of this on more days than not. The other day I was out running errands when I saw a homeless man on the side of the road. He was old, and you could tell that he had led a hard life. He looked like he had lost all hope. At that moment--I felt so convicted for all of the complaining I had been doing. I am so incredibly blessed. If nothing else, I am blessed because I am a child of God--who gave His son for me. Take the time to focus on the things you are thankful for. I am so thankful for an amazing husband, amazing family, and amazing friends. I am thankful that I have a job that brings in money to support me and David. I am thankful that I just found out that I am going to be an aunt (AGAIN!). I am thankful that my best friend just got engaged to a great man that I know will take care of her. So many things to be thankful for...I could write a book. As the old hymn says, " Count your blessings, name them one by one...count your blessings, see what God has done..." Be blessed, friends. Jenn

If You want me to...

Any of you who know me know that I love music. Music is like therapy. Have you ever heard a song that sums up everything you are thinking and feeling? I can often hear a song, and remember a certain period in my life where that particular song held a lot of meaning to me. I thought about what I wanted to write today, what I wanted to share about what is going on in my life, and the only way I could think to express it was through one of my favorite songs of all times, If You Want Me To by Ginny Owens. The pathway is broken, and the signs are unclear. And I don't know the reason, why You brought me here. But just because you love me, the way that you do, I'm gonna walk through the valley if you want me to. Because I'm not who I was when I took my first step And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet. So, if all of these trials bring me closer to You I will go through the fire if You want me to. It may not be the way I would have chosen But You lead me through a world that's not my home. But You never said it would be easy You only said I'd never go alone. So when the whole world turns against me And I'm all by myself And I can't hear You answer my cry for help I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through And I will go through the valley, if You want me to. I often wonder how people survive without Christ. There have been many days where I wonder, "What's the point?" but then I am reminded that I have hope in the Lord. I have a book full of His promises, that will remain no matter what this world is throwing at me. And at times when I feel like giving up, He shows Himself to me. The struggles of this world are always here and are ever present, but Christ has overcome the world. Be blessed! Jennifer

Stillness...

Well, sorry for the lack of blogging lately. My life has been a bit on the chaotic side. I travelled to Tennessee for a long weekend to see Mrs. Lauren Vanderburg tie the knot and started a new job. I have had various other tasks going on (laundry, cooking, cleaning...haha) that keep me busy. Enough of that...time to write. Lately, the words "Be still and know that I am God," have been prevelant in my thoughts. Being still means to stop. To turn everything else off, and just know that God is God. He is the One who is in control of every moment of my life. I must admit that I am no good at being still. It is physically a challenge for me. Even when I am "relaxing," my mind is still going nonstop. It is a challenge to just be still not only physically, but mentally. I have realized how much I NEED God in control of everything. I have realized how much I NEED quiet, STILL time with Him. I am struggling with contentment, and struggling with so many "why" questions--and more often than not--I don't take the time to be still and talk to the Lord about it. Why is it such a challenge to be still? The other day, David and I were driving back from the big town of Orange Springs, FL, and the car was quiet. My thoughts immediately turned to my life. I have to be honest and say that I am so happy to be married and thankful for an amazing husband, but I am having a hard time being away from family and friends in this new place that I not too fond of. I miss having a support system of people who constantly encourage me and help me to grow in my faith. I find myself sinking into this hole so often--this hole of sadness and feeling kind of lost. But as I sat in the car thinking about all this, the Lord reminded me of the millions of things I should be thankful for. He reminded me of how far He has brought me, and although things may be tough right now, He is here for me. He has me right where I am right this second for some purpose. In those brief moments of stillness, the Lord completely comforted me and changed my whole outlook on my life. I am feeling His strength and love more than ever--and feel as if I am ready to do whatever He asks of me. I must always remember that He has a purpose for all things--even when I can't see what it is! Don't give up those still moments with the Lord for anything...take the time to remember who God is. Be blessed! Jenn