Sunday, March 25, 2012

Perspective

Over the past few months many people in my life have received news that has been devastating.   Cancer, brain tumor, loss of a loved one, pregnancy issues, infertility, loss of job…this list seems to go on and on.  Then I heard a brief devotional on Air1 one morning that said events that happen in our lives are not random.  This really made me stop and think.  I have heard Romans 8:28 soo many times, but it seems to ring out with a new message.  28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

What seems horrible, devastating and not part of our plans – is ultimately part of God’s overall plan. 

About a week ago our life group at church went to a “Girl’s Night Out” concert with Mandisa and Laura Story.  Laura Story’s testimony talked about this very thing. 

We struggle when the plans we have for our lives differ from God’s plans for us. That is the true blessing when our perspective changes and we let go of our plans and yield to God’s.   He has an amazing plan for each of us.  I don’t want to miss any of what He has planned for me and I anxiously walk along side these friends to see the blessings God has in store for them. 

Take a listen to Laura. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDiTuSLSJB8


Seeking Him in all circumstances.
Jennifer

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Drywall is going up!

Drywalling has begun.  It's exciting to see the great room start to come together.  The three of us are learning how to work together and get the drywall up.  Well, there is only one piece on the ceiling.  Still working that out.  Renting equipment to hold the drywall is going to be the best bet.  Since my arms are SCREAMING at me today.  We have a lot more ceiling to complete.  It's a process.  I couldn't have asked for a more hardworking husband.  Loren gives the energizer bunny a run for his money.  Putting up the drywall reminded me of a scripture Beth Moore shared in a Bible study in regards to re-wallpapering our minds.  We are not wallpapering but hanging drywall is same idea. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
 
We need to really evaluate our thought lives and take every thought captive and make sure it aligns with God's word.  Replacing lies with truth. 
 
Working on the house is a process and so is managing our thought lives.  Each day is a new opportunity. 
 




More to come !

Love, Jennifer

Monday, January 16, 2012

Excuses, excuses, excuses

It seems that everywhere I turn the theme of "No More Excuses" comes up.  Biggest Loser, Lysa TerKeurst devotionals and even in my Bible study. 

This has made me start to think of the excuses I've been making.  Lack of self-control, laziness, rebellion...and the list goes on. 

Not a great way to start off the year.  We've started Beth Moore's Bible study "David - Seeking a heart like His".

One key phrase stood out to me.  "Partial disobedience is still disobedience."

Well,  it's time to get serious about these goals I referred to in an earlier blog.

1.  Complete my Bible Study weekly.  (Without using my old study - that would be only cheating myself). 

2.  Sign up for my 1st 10K. 

Seeking God first in all things - Body & Soul seems like a great place to start.


Seeking Him.
Jennifer

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Walls coming down

Pastor Steve mentioned in his sermon this morning...

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

If we seek God through His word, the walls we have built up will begin to be torn down.  My prayer this week is to seek after Him through His word to hear His voice without any preconceived ideas or thoughts.

This week the geo-thermal unit was turned on.  The walls began to start coming down for the addition.  The house is opening up and we are starting to see what the finished design will be.  We couldn't be more thankful for the mild temperatures in January!  More siding will be going up this coming week. 






Have a fantastic week and Seek Him!
Jennifer

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Goals

I read a devotional yesterday titled "Going for the Gold" by Mary Southerland.  The message was simple "Be intentional."

2 Corinthians 1:12 "Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace."

Mary continues..."One of the most comforting thoughts about setting goals is that God is more concerned about my future than I am. When I stop to think about the fact that God has planned out every day of my life, setting goals becomes the daily quest of discovering that plan and choosing to follow it. I find great hope in the knowledge that even though I do not know every
 detail concerning my future, God does, and He has already made every provision for that plan. In other words, where God guides - He provides - which is why I can face each day with a confident expectation that God is sufficient and will bless my life as I seek His plan and set my life goals accordingly. Setting goals is the mark of a seeking heart that longs to please God and experience every blessing He has in store."

At work, I have to set S.M.A.R.T goals for the year.  Mary stated in the devotion that she had a friend that encouraged her to write S.M.A.R.T goals for her life.

What makes a goal "SMART"?
S - Specific
- What will be affected? Is it detailed and focused on results?
M - Measurable - How much will it be affected? The focus is on quality, quantity and cost measures.
A - Action-Oriented - How will the goal be reached? Use action words such as implement, deliver, reduce, etc.
R - Realistic - Is the goal practical and attainable? Decide what is realistic and what constitutes "stretch" in the current role.
T - Time and Resource Constrained - When must the goal be achieved and with what resources?


Duh, why won't I also just stop saying I'm going to change or do better but actually set a goal and be faithful to carry it out.  I use these tools at work - why not also in my personal life. 

Stop just saying I want to take better care of myself, but actually maintain my food journal and exercise regularly.  Make a plan and carry it out.  Tracking progress.

I keep thinking I want to do more for God this year.  I need to stop saying I want to do more and set a goal and be faithful to carry it out. 

God already knows the plans He has for me.  I just need to be faithful along the journey. 

Next step...Plan to take some time in prayer to seek the goals God has for me and write them out. 

2012 Goals will be posted soon.


Seeking Him,
Jennifer