Tag: loneliness Page 1 of 3

Motivational Monday

On June 1, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Kindness is one of those gifts that never goes out of style. It doesn’t require wealth, special talents, or perfect circumstances. Anyone can offer kindness. A smile, a word of encouragement, a note of appreciation, a helping hand, or simply taking the time to listen can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.

As Christians, kindness is not simply a suggestion—it is part of who we are called to be. Galatians 5:22-23 lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit. In other words, as we grow closer to Christ, kindness should become more evident in our lives. The world can be quick to judge, criticize, and divide. The church should be a place where people encounter grace, compassion, and genuine care.

I will NEVER forget how welcomed I felt when I came to Spring Creek. The reason I decided to visit was because of Jack Coleman, who at the time was 12ish. He was Logan’s best friend and I was so impressed by his testimony. Once I visited, I remember everyone welcoming me and just being so kind. Once I found my seat in a pew (which I am sure I took someone’s unofficial assigned seat…if you know you know), Hannah and Ben Locks came right over and just started talking to me! Listen, impressed is not the word. ALL of these kids were so kind and treated me like one of the crowd. I knew instantly I loved this place. To this day, I have never forgotten how I felt and that says something.

One of the reasons I was inspired to write this was a conversation I had a couple of weeks ago. I was getting a christian tattoo by a christian tattoo artist. In fact, I drove a couple hours to get tattooed by him. While he tattoos you, he asks A LOT of thought provoking questions about your relationship with the Lord. We got into a deep discussion about christians being unkind. Sure, this was a blanket statement and of course, not everyone is unkind. But for a religion that preaches to not judge but to hold people accountable; love unconditionally; stay humble; and, to be kind we, collectively, struggle with that. And when I say we, I am NOT excluding me! Nonchristians look at our behavior and decide if this is what they want to be associated with. Which is why in these motivations, I try to drive home that the church is made up of imperfect people.

One of the reasons kindness is so important is because we rarely know the battles others are facing. The person greeting you on Sunday morning may be carrying a burden you cannot see. The friend who always seems cheerful may be struggling privately. The visitor walking through the church doors may be nervous, lonely, or searching for hope (like me!). A simple act of kindness may not solve their problems, but it can remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved.

Proverbs 16:24 tells us, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” What a beautiful reminder that our words have power. We can use them to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage. Every conversation is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ.

Kindness is especially important within the church family. We are a group of imperfect people serving a perfect Savior. We won’t always agree on every decision, preference, or opinion. There will be times when misunderstandings happen. Yet Scripture calls us to treat one another with patience, compassion, and grace. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Imagine how much stronger our churches would be if we approached every interaction with that verse in mind.

Jesus Himself modeled kindness throughout His ministry. He welcomed those whom others overlooked. He spent time with people society rejected. He showed compassion to the sick, the hurting, and the brokenhearted. Everywhere He went, people experienced not only His power but also His love. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. We may not perform miracles, but we can certainly offer kindness.

Kindness is often found in the small things. It may be checking on a neighbor, sitting with someone who is alone, writing a card, offering a prayer, or simply choosing patience when frustration would be easier. These moments may seem insignificant, but God has a way of using small acts to accomplish great things.

This week, look for opportunities to be intentionally kind. Not because someone has earned it. Not because it is convenient. Simply because Christ has been kind to us. Let us be known not only for what we believe, but for how we treat people.

You never know how far a kind word, a compassionate heart, or a simple act of grace may travel. You may be the answer to someone’s prayer simply by choosing kindness.

I love you all and I hope you have a blessed week!

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On May 25, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer — it is a reminder that freedom has always come at a cost. Today we pause to remember courage, sacrifice, and the lives that were given so others could live in peace and hope.

But I think Memorial Day also speaks to something all of us can understand on a personal level: the impact of people who give of themselves for others. Some sacrifices are seen on battlefields. Others happen quietly every single day. Parents sacrificing for their children. Grandparents holding families together with prayer and wisdom. Friends showing up during hard seasons. Caregivers putting others before themselves. Ordinary people choosing love, even when it costs them something.

In a world that often encourages us to focus only on ourselves, Memorial Day reminds us that the greatest lives are usually the ones poured out for others. The people we remember most are rarely the loudest or the wealthiest — they are the ones who made us feel loved, protected, encouraged, and seen. Sacrifice leaves a legacy that comfort never will.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends..” Those words carry deep meaning today. While most of us may never be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice, we are all given daily opportunities to serve, encourage, forgive, help, and love the people around us. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can become the very things people remember for years to come.

So today, remember the fallen. Pray for military families carrying loss that never fully leaves them. Be thankful for the freedoms we often take for granted. But also take a moment to appreciate the people in your own life who have sacrificed for you in ways big and small.

May we honor sacrifice not only with words, but with the way we choose to live — with gratitude, compassion, humility, and purpose.

Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On May 18, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Yesterday at church we honored graduates, and I couldn’t help but think about how exciting — and honestly a little scary — new beginnings can be.

Graduation is more than a ceremony. It’s a reminder that life moves in seasons. One chapter closes, another begins, and suddenly you find yourself standing in unfamiliar territory wondering what comes next. But isn’t that how so much of life works? We all face moments where God gently nudges us forward — into new opportunities, new responsibilities, new relationships, or even a completely new outlook on life.

The truth is, every single one of us is standing at the edge of some kind of “next chapter.” Maybe yours isn’t marked by a cap and gown. Maybe it’s a fresh start after a hard season. Maybe it’s healing. Maybe it’s stepping into a new job, rebuilding your confidence, or simply learning to trust God again one day at a time. New beginnings don’t always come with applause and celebration. Sometimes they arrive quietly, disguised as small steps of faith.

And if we’re being honest, new beginnings can feel overwhelming. We like certainty. We like plans. We want GPS directions for our entire future. But God often works differently. He rarely shows us the whole staircase — He simply asks us to trust Him with the next step.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes we spend so much time looking backward that we miss the new thing God is trying to do right in front of us.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:18-19

God specializes in fresh starts. He opens doors we never expected, strengthens us when we feel unqualified, and reminds us that growth almost always begins outside of our comfort zone. The graduates we honored today may not know exactly where life will take them, but they do not walk alone — and neither do we.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

So whether you’re walking across a graduation stage, starting over, stepping out in faith, or simply trying again after a difficult season, remember this: God is already in your tomorrow. Walk boldly into your next chapter. The same God who brought you this far will continue leading the way.

Love you all and see you Sunday,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On May 4, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!

Homecoming was fantastic this year. If you didn’t get a chance to come or you haven’t heard the sermon online, go listen to it. Chuck Hood did a great job. Now, onto this week’s motivation.

Ever feel like you’re behind in life? Like you thought you’d be further along by now. More healed, more secure, more there? Well, let’s talk about it.

If you have read these over the years, I share intimate struggles about my life. One of those struggles I have talked about is declaring bankruptcy after our son was born. I know I should be embarrassed we went through that but honestly, I’m not. We declared a Chapter 13 so our debts weren’t “wiped away”. All the bankruptcy did was stop foreclosure, stop car repossession and stop interest and fees from accruing further. We had to repay ALL of our debt while maintaining our current mortgage, car payments, etc. For about 4 years, we worked, ate alot of hotdogs and did free things. That was it. But, man, did we learn ALOT.

But you see, the bankruptcy was just the end to a brewing financial situation. We were steadily going downhill financially for a couple of years. Then, after the 3 years it took to pay everything off, it took several more years to climb out the hole that was dug. Compared to all of our friends, we were really behind. Everyone we knew had already moved from their starter home to a nicer home. They were driving nice new cars. They went out to eat! We still lived in our townhouse (loved that house! We just wanted more space for our son). We drove good enough cars. And going out to eat isn’t that great.

But we felt like a complete failure. We felt like we failed our son. We made really dumb financial decisions and we never wanted it to impact him. Instead of being happy we had a roof over head, cars that worked and food to eat, we felt pressured to be better and better. And WE WERE getting better and better but not at the speed I wanted.

It’s a quiet pressure we carry.

We look around and see other people moving forward—checking boxes, hitting milestones, stepping into things we thought we’d already have by now. And if we’re honest, it can make us question everything.

“Did I miss something?”

“Did I take a wrong turn?”

“Why does this feel harder for me than it seems for everyone else?”

But what if you’re not behind? What if you’re being prepared?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Not our timeline. Not our expectations. His time. And that’s the part that stretches us.

Because preparation rarely looks the way we expect it to. Sometimes it looks like waiting longer than you wanted to.

Sometimes it looks like doors closing that you were sure were right. Sometimes it looks like doing deep, quiet work in your heart that no one else can see.

It can feel slow. It can feel hidden. It can even feel like nothing is happening at all. It can feel like you are spinning your wheels working harder than ever and nothing….

But that doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” All things. Not just the obvious blessings. Not just the moments that make sense. Even working 2 jobs. Even missing dinners with friends. Even the delays. Even the disappointments. Even the seasons that feel like a detour.

Especially those.

Because sometimes the very thing you’re frustrated by is the thing God is using to shape you, strengthen you, and prepare you for something you can’t quite see yet.

So if today you feel behind…

if you feel like life isn’t unfolding the way you hoped it would…

Take a breath.

You are not behind.
You are not forgotten.
You are not off track.

God is not rushing you. He’s refining you. He’s building something in you that timing alone could never produce.

And where you are right now, even if it feels small, even if it feels slow…

It matters.

It’s part of the process. It’s part of the story. Your story.

Those bankruptcy years were the hardest in my life. But I promise I would never trade it for better. It was humbling. We learned to rely on each other. We appreciated help from our friends and family. I became a better cook! I learned to trust the Lord. That financial bankruptcy was just financial. It was spiritual.

So if you are going through something. Understand that one day, you may look back and realize this wasn’t the season you were falling behind, it was the season you were being prepared for everything that was coming next.

Love you all and see you Sunday,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On April 20, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! If you read last week’s motivation, then you know my nephew was getting married. FYI- he DID in fact get married to his beautiful bride and they are honeymooning currently. Everything went great and it was God centered. In saying that, this week should be really low key compared to last week. Which, if you are anything like me, is GREAT. But you see, there was a mountain in my life (a good mountain!). The peak was the wedding and we are going back down the mountain quickly. So what is there to talk about this week? Exactly that…

Let’s be honest—some weeks don’t start with excitement. There’s no big breakthrough, no huge answered prayer, no dramatic change. Just alarms going off, schedules to keep, and responsibilities waiting.

And if we’re not careful, we can slip into thinking we’re just trying to get through the week.

But what if we did something different this time? What if instead of waiting for something good to happen… we started looking for the good that’s already here?

Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Not the perfect day. Not the easy day. This day.

Joy doesn’t always come in big, life-changing moments. Sometimes it shows up quietly—

in a peaceful cup of coffee (my favorite afternoon relax time),
a kind word from someone,
a moment of laughter you didn’t expect,
or simply making it through a hard day with a little more strength than you had yesterday.

James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”

Every good thing—not just the big ones.

The truth is, God is moving in our lives every single day. We just don’t always notice because we’re looking for something bigger, louder, or different. But maybe the shift we need this week isn’t a change in our circumstances…maybe it’s a change in what we’re paying attention to. I know you have heard me say (or write) that I like to “disappear in the woods”. For the record, I don’t like to disappear 😬, I just like to reconnect. Reconnecting, for me, is easier when I’m in the woods. Probably because I am not connecting on my phone….I’m focused on the day the Lord has made.

Not every week will feel exciting. Not every prayer will be answered overnight. Remember, a prayer that you believe is unanswered IS answered. Just because you didn’t get the answer you wanted doesn’t mean He let you down. That wasn’t His plan. It doesn’t mean He isn’t working. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause and recognize the goodness that’s already surrounding us.

So here’s your challenge this week:

Find three good things each day and write them down. And try to find three different things per day. And at the end of the week, reflect on what you wrote. Some things might be big things in your life, but most will be everyday things. But when you start looking for God’s goodness, you’ll begin to realize—it’s been there all along.

Let’s not just get through this week… let’s see it.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On April 13, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!

As most of you know, I have one son. But what you don’t know is I have 6 other “kinda” children. They are the closest thing to my own child I can get without me actually giving birth. They are my nieces and nephews. This upcoming weekend, I get to watch one of my nephews stand at the altar and say two simple words… “I do.” And isn’t it funny how something so small can carry so much weight?

I have been married for a million and one years now (just kidding! It’s been 23.5 years…). I remember my own wedding. We got married at the courthouse. Why did we choose the courthouse? Well, I was marrying a guy who really didn’t like to be the center of attention and I didn’t see spending “all that money”. We were going to have a small wedding but then it hit me. No matter the amount of spend, big or small, the end result is all the same. We still say our “I do’s” the exact same.

What I didn’t know at that time is that marriage isn’t built on one “I do.” I had no idea the roller coaster of marriage would be. And it’s not that we don’t get along. In fact, when we are in sync we can be dynamic. We really are each other’s half. But it’s buying a house, money problems, having a child, losing a loved one, making mistakes, etc. It’s all the time, we could have said, “I’m done” but we continued to choose each other. Marriage is built on a thousand little “I still do’s.”

It’s choosing patience when you’re tired, grace when it’s undeserved, and love when it would be easier to walk away. Marriage is hard. Not because you don’t love someone enough. Sometimes you just think the grass is greener on the other side. You know, the side you really don’t know but you made up in your head.

And if we’re being honest… that doesn’t just apply to marriage. That applies to our faith too.

Joshua 24:15 says, “Choose this day whom you will serve…” Not just once. Not just when life feels easy. But daily. Every single day, we’re given the opportunity to say: “God, I still choose You.” Even when we don’t understand. Even when we’re weary. Even when life doesn’t look like we thought it would. Because real love—whether it’s in marriage, in faith, or in life—isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily surrender. A daily commitment. A daily yes.

So as I celebrate a beautiful new beginning this weekend, I’m reminded of this: We don’t have to have it all figured out. We don’t have to feel strong every day. We just have to keep showing up… and keep choosing. Keep choosing love. Keep choosing faith. Keep choosing the life God has called you to live.

And some days, that choice might feel small. But those small, quiet “yeses”? They build something strong. Something lasting. Something God can use in ways we never imagined.

So today, whatever you’re facing—just start with a yes.

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On March 30, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! We have a busy week this week at Spring Creek. Remember, we have the Maundy Thursday Service, Sonrise Service (remember, the men will feed you breakfast afterwards and I hear they throw down!) and Easter Sunday Service. I hope to see you at one or all the services!

Speaking of Easter. I’ve been thinking a lot about Easter lately—not just the celebration, not just the empty tomb—but what was left inside it. So you know the drill, let’s talk about it.

I have a very dear childhood friend who is a 46 year old mom, wife, teacher and sister in Christ who battled breast cancer. When I say she battled it, she fought it. And she fought it with pure grace and while wearing the armor of God. It was honestly beautiful. I can tell you stories for days that reflect her conviction for the Lord. This week, she had a setback. To be honest, we aren’t sure exactly what that setback is but we know there is something wrong. Could be something. Could be nothing. She physically is not her best and mentally, the stress is wearing on her. You know…fair. But this week, the Lord has shown her over and over and over again to lay down her burdens and to leave it.

When Peter stepped into the tomb, he didn’t just see that Jesus was gone… he saw the grave clothes. Folded. Left behind. (John 20:6–7)

And that detail stopped me. (The details in the Bible are always very intentional)

Because Jesus didn’t walk out of that grave dragging what had once held Him.

He left it there.

Here’s the question I can’t shake this week:

If the tomb is empty… why are we still wearing grave clothes?

I’m talking about the things we carry that God has already called us out of. The guilt from something we’ve already been forgiven for. The labels we picked up in a hard season. The habits we developed just trying to survive. The thoughts that whisper, “This is just who you are.” or “Why me?” Maybe those things made sense at one point. Maybe they even protected you.

But hear me gently— what helped you survive the grave was never meant to define your life outside of it.

In John 11:44, when Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus told the people around him, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”Even after he was brought back to life… he still needed help removing what had been wrapped around him.

That tells me something important:

Being brought out is one thing. Learning to live free is another.

Some of us are out… but we’re still wearing it.Still wearing shame. Still wearing fear. Still wearing old identities that no longer fit who God says we are.

And maybe it’s not because we want to—maybe it’s just because it’s familiar.

But Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” You can’t walk in freedom while holding onto what buried you.

So maybe this week isn’t about striving harder or doing more.Maybe it’s about asking yourself: What am I still wearing that God already told me to leave behind?

And then—one piece at a time—letting it go.

Not perfectly. Not all at once. But intentionally.

Because 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old is gone, the new is here.

That’s not just a nice idea. That’s truth.

Friend, if God brought you out of it…you don’t have to keep wearing it.

The tomb is empty. And you were never meant to live dressed for it.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On March 2, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!! Y’all. I am LOVING this weather!! I love not being cold all the time! Now, I want to go ahead and warn you, I will complain soon over how hot it is. 75 degrees is about perfect weather in Jennifer’s world. 🙂

Do you consider yourself a good christian? Not perfect but you try. Do you get tired? And this could be spiritually but really it’s emotionally and physically. You are tired from everyday stuff. Well, let’s talk about it.

For the last couple of months, I have worked more Saturdays than not. I have been to the dentist so many times that my dental insurance is tapped out FOR THE YEAR. This week, my cat is having surgery and I have to go to the doctor. Not to mention, I worked until 6pm tonight. I am not telling you this to feel sorry for me. I am telling you this because it is just life. Nothing huge is happening (my cat’s surgery is very minor. Yes I’m worried about her but not overly). But I’ll say it, I’m tired. When I have week’s like this, this is when I will miss church on Sundays. I make excuses why I couldn’t come but they are just excuses. The root is, I am tired. I set my one day I have to worship to the side so I can rest. When I should be taking things off my plate so I don’t feel the need to rest on Sunday. It’s a choice. It’s my choice and there is no one to blame but me.

Most Mondays, I write these motivations. A lot of times, they are from my life. Minor issues that I can write about because I feel like it affects everyone day to day. There are some topics I write about, that I think I am pretty good on…like questioning God. I really don’t question Him for the most part at this stage in my life. But I do get tired. And sometimes I wonder if I am burning the candle at both ends because I don’t trust Him. Meaning, I don’t think He created us to bulldoze our way through life. Am I like this because I want to make sure we are financially ok? Or is it because I am trying to live life to the max? For me, it’s both. I am not going to be able to keep up this pace forever. Am I wearing myself out? Probably. Do I pray about it all the time? Absolutely.

“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary..” Think about a child in your life. When you have tried to put them down for a nap, they INSIST they don’t need one. You can look at them and they are red and glassy. They are irritable. They need sleep but they fight it…and they are 3! I’m 46. Why do I think I can outdo a 3 year old with a gazillion times more energy than me??! Even youths, with all their energy and excitement, fall tired. One thing I have to tell myself, is it’s okay to be tired. I am not a failure. Even scripture backs me up here. God knows we will get tired.

“…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength”. Well, that’s what we are supposed to do about it. We have limits. God doesn’t. We can’t do it all. But He can. God knows we will get tired and weary. God never tires. When we get tired, we don’t need to push through it. This is our opportunity to lean on Him for His endless and everlasting strength. Remember, everything that you are not, He is. He will pick up where you left off. Work with God as a team.

Maybe I’ll remember this since I wrote it down.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On February 23, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Were you able to hear Pastor Scott’s sermon yesterday? I loved it. It really hit home for me and it was on a topic that I know I was good on. 😂 If you didn’t hear it, no biggie, just go to facebook and it’s posted there.

As for this week’s motivation…

This morning when I woke up, I had a lot on my mind. Nothing life changing or worth noting really. Just things that I needed to do today. For the record, it was a very average day. Nothing big happened (which is usually GREAT news!). But I wasn’t able to complete what I felt like was something I needed to accomplish. No different than most Mondays. But at 7:03am, I am making a mental checklist of trying to manage a week that hasn’t happened. I am trying to control the future. Does that resonate with you? Let’s talk about it.

We can give one hundred percent at a job and it still may not be enough. We can extensively prepare for an important event and plans may still go awry. We can love and care for others and still be misunderstood, even hated. We can raise our kids to follow Christ and they can still walk away from the faith. On a logical level, we can know that God is in control and we are not. Yet, how many of us tire ourselves out each day searching for answers and fighting for control over things that we physically can not change?

What does it look like to honestly surrender to God when we’re scared and overwhelmed by what could happen? Well, let’s be honest here. Surrender feels like we are giving in or worse, giving up. We think it’s a sign of hopelessness but as a christian, that can’t be further from the truth. Surrender is an opportunity for dependence. It’s an opportunity to actively dwell in the reality of our own inadequacy. Jennifer, you are really selling it here. 🙄 But, surrender is recognizing that He is the omnipotent God, who works all things for good (and we are flawed, limited, sinful beings unable to save ourselves).

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

Okay, so why is surrender so hard? Well, there are three main reasons. First, it’s a lack of knowledge- meaning, we know the answer better than anyone (yep, including God!). Second, would be impatience. We want it fixed NOW! And third, we want it all pain free. We don’t want to suffer through anything. We just want to make it all go away as quickly as possible. And bonus reason! You have trust issues! You don’t fully trust He has your back.

Why should we surrender? It takes discipline. Discipline is part of our walk with Christ. Think about someone you trust. That relationship is intimate. Well, why would your relationship be different with God if you trusted Him? It strengthens that bond and forms intimacy. Surrender isn’t something that is a maybe…it’s a must. Especially in today’s world. There are so many things that are beyond our control.

My Monday didn’t go as planned. Let me rephrase that. Monday didn’t go as I planned it. It wasn’t a bad day. It wasn’t a good day. It was the day that God planned for me to have. Instead of being disappointed, I should feel relieved. Relieved to know that He is more than a safety net. He’s our harness.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On February 16, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Today, I want to talk about something that impacts us ALL…some more than others. And that’s stress. Yep. Yep. Some days are better than others. Certain times of the year are more stressful. But what are we supposed to do about it? Well, let’s talk about it.

Okay, confession time. I think I do pretty well managing my stress. I’ve had ALOT of personal reflection, prayer and even outside therapy to help me personally help me. And, it has helped. But, I still get stressed…we all do. It could be about something that happened at work. Or a family issue that you deem as “dramatic’ but yet, it upsets you. It could be you have too much on your plate because you just can’t say no. Listen. I get it. In all of those cases, it is important to realize that stress has less to do with what’s happening to us and more to do with how we respond to uncertainty.

Fun fact. The Bible does not use the word “stress” one time. Even in Proverbs, where we get all of our practical wisdom, it doesn’t contain a single proverb about stress. Which I find interesting/funny, because Solomon (author of Proverbs) had hundreds of wives and concubines. I mean if anyone was stressed, he had to be stressed. What the Bible does talk about is the experiences that create stress like fear, exhaustion, grief, uncertainty, responsibility, conflict and danger.

Before we go any farther, I want to point out that stress is not a sin. In fact, we get stressed over things we value and love. Because if you didn’t care about it, then you wouldn’t care about the outcome. But the issue lies in how we respond to stress. Trying to control everything, blaming others, resentment, withdrawing (my personal favorite 🫤). All of these responses are heart level responses that need to be checked.

Does any of these sound familiar?

Distract ourselves with endless entertainment or busyness
Explode at those closest to us (because they feel “safe”)
Self-medicate with food, alcohol, shopping, or digital noise
Blame our spouses, children, coworkers, or circumstances
Turn inward and isolate from the very people who could help us
Try to control every detail of our situation
Catastrophize and assume the worst possible outcomes

I am not throwing any shade your way because I will 100% tell you, I am guilty of doing every single one of these. If you are guilty of any of these, did your response correct the issue? Right. It didn’t fix mine either.

So, now that we have nailed stress on the head! How did Jesus teach us to respond to stressful situations? Because you know He dealt with pretty heavy things while here on this Earth.

Hopeless Situation – The man at the pool of Bethesda, paralyzed for 38 years (John 5). Jesus steps in with healing and hope, showing us that no situation is beyond God’s reach.
Unexpected Crisis – The disciples caught in a violent storm (Mark 4). While they panicked, Jesus spoke peace over the chaos, reminding us that God’s power is greater than any storm we face.
Public Embarrassment – The woman caught in adultery (John 8). Jesus responded with both grace and truth, showing us how to extend compassion without compromising righteousness.
Impossible Demands – Feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish (John 6). Jesus provided more than enough, demonstrating that God’s resources are never limited by our circumstances.
Constant Conflict – Confrontations with religious leaders who questioned His every move. Jesus stayed grounded in truth and in doing His Father’s will, not swayed by criticism or opposition.
Health Crises – Jairus’ daughter dying, friends sick and suffering (Mark 5, John 11). Jesus entered directly into people’s grief and brought healing and hope.
Ultimate Danger – Arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Even facing death, Jesus entrusted Himself entirely to the Father, praying “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Overwhelming Responsibility – Discipling followers, teaching crowds, healing the sick, dealing with constant demands. Jesus regularly withdrew to pray and depend on His Father (Luke 5:16).

I think it’s fair to say, Jesus dealt with stress. But what Jesus showed is that God is present, compassionate and powerful. It’s not based on perfect circumstances and on perfect trust.

So, I am going to try to give you a roadmap on managing stress God’s way with some practical biblical wisdom.

Start your day with prayer – Before checking your phone or diving into your to-do list, spend time with God. Even five minutes can set a different tone for your entire day. Pastor Scott talked about this this past Sunday!
Practice gratitude – When stress focuses our attention on what’s wrong, gratitude redirects us to God’s faithfulness. Keep a simple gratitude list or make it part of your daily prayers.
Find community – Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens.” You weren’t meant to carry stress alone. Connect with other believers who can pray for you, encourage you, and offer practical help.
Take care of your body – Stress affects us physically. Getting adequate sleep, eating well, and exercising aren’t selfish—they’re stewardship of the body God gave you.
Set boundaries – Jesus Himself withdrew from crowds and demands to spend time with His Father (Luke 5:16). It’s not ungodly to say no to some things so you can say yes to what matters most.
Remember your identity – Stress often makes us forget who we are in Christ. You are deeply loved, completely forgiven, and eternally secure. These truths don’t change based on your circumstances.

I am telling you this because I need to hear it! I know that stress will never do away, at least, not in this world. But how many times have you been stressed to the max but yet, God showed us His sufficiency? The exact same God that calmed the storm for the disciples will bring peace to your storm. The same Jesus who cried with Mary and Martha in their grief, wants to comfort you.The same Spirit who strengthened the church in persecution wants to strengthen you in your pressures.

You are not forgotten nor alone. God will be in it with you and you can trust Him with whatever stressors you are facing.

Love you all,

Jennifer