Tag: loneliness

Motivational Monday

By

On September 29, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Before I start this week’s motivation, I want to remind everyone how you can read the New Testament before the end of the year.  Yep!  You can!  Just download the Bible Recap podcast or go to YouTube and read along Tara Leigh Cobble.  She’s awesome.  After you read, she will tell you what you just read.  So no more guessing (like me!).  If you have any questions, you can message us through Facebook Messenger and we will hopefully answer all your questions.  On to this week’s motivation…

Have you ever felt too broken, flawed or weak for God to use?  Well, let’s talk about it.

For years, I refused to write or teach the Word.  In my mind, who am I to tell you what to do when I can’t do it myself?  I would look around the church and see all these good, Godly people have this deep walk with God.  They would talk about how God speaks to them.  Meanwhile, I’m throwing my hands in the air, feeling like a mess just trying to make it to the next day.  I make mistakes everyday.  I sin everyday.  But somehow, every week, I write these motivations in about an hour.  Broken and flawed Jennifer was chosen to tell you how to not be so broken and flawed…who would have thought?

For those of you who haven’t talked to me in real life, I don’t know how to be fake.  If you are wondering what I am thinking, don’t fret.  If I don’t say it, my face will do all the talking.  It sounds like I am harsh or mean, but I’m not.  I’m just…real.  I have a lot things I need to work on but one this is certain, I am honest.  So watch what you ask me because you will get an honest answer.  I believe that one of the reasons God uses me to write these is because I try to bring that honesty and realness to these motivations.  I try to let you know that I KNOW I don’t measure up on a daily basis but I do try.  Maybe my mistakes is why God uses me to write these.

Some of you reading this are saying, “I promise she hasn’t done the things I have.”  You’re probably right.  I have never done anything to land me in jail or prison.  To my knowledge, I don’t think I have done anything where I should have gone to jail and wasn’t caught.  But if you are someone who HAS, guess what??  YOU are PERFECT to spread His Word!!  Really!  Let me tell you how I know.  

Why did God choose these people?  

  • They are relatable.  Isn’t it easier to identify with someone who is flawed like yourself?  You might even feel a little bit better about yourself after talking to someone who has “seen some things.”
  • They see the need.  Their flaws make them see a need for a Savior.
  • They have no reason to boast.  We HAVE to rely on grace.  Look at David and Bathsheba.  If he had been a righteous and holy man, he may not have seen his need to lean on God and take credit for himself.
  • And!  They have no special qualifications (like me!).  I am just some girl who loves Jesus and likes to write.  If He can do that for me, He can equip anyone to do His work! Trust me.

At the end of the day, don’t stress about being capable.  Just be available.  When God calls you to do something, trust Him to equip you.  And when He does equip you and you whip out a motivation in an hour, you think, “There is no way I just did that.  That was God.”  And truly, I believe that about what I write.  I am no Bible scholar.  I just make myself open and available to Him.  And somehow (that somehow is God) I am provided with a topic and an article.

So what about you?  Are you open and available?  Do you believe God wants you to do something but you’re scared?  Well, that’s ok because He is on your side.  Remember, you don’t have to rely on your own talents, skills or abilities because He is equipping you.  Knowing that, what are you waiting for?

Love you all,

Jennifer


Motivational Monday

By

On September 22, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  I am so glad you are here.  I want to discuss something that hits close to home for me personally and that’s attending church.  So let’s just jump in and talk about it!

I have been a member of Spring Creek for a little over 10 years now.  Before Spring Creek, I had been to several churches over the years but none I could call home.  Once I found Spring Creek, I instantly loved it…and still do.  But if I can be 100% transparent for a minute, there are Sunday mornings I don’t want to go.  It’s not because I don’t like/love my church or the people in it.  It’s not because I’m mad.  Honestly, I am just tired 99.9% of the time.  Either I am tired mentally, physically or both.  And if I do go to church when I am tired, I don’t listen.  

But some people are different.  Some are not interested in going to church because they don’t see the point.  “It’s just a building.”  Some people are angry with God for various reasons.  Some are just sad and they don’t want to go to church.  And some people view it as a burden and not a blessing.  And for them, it didn’t start out that way.  So why is that?

Well, it could just be a season for you.  It’s where you are in life.  Meaning, are you single in your twenties or married in your thirties with three kids, divorced and starting over in your forties or retired in your sixties.  Life is full of ups and downs and every age has unique challenges.  I think Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 sums it up best.  Your struggle with church may not be church…it could just be life for you right now.  But here’s the kicker!  Don’t get discouraged.  This will not last forever. (Song  of Solomon 2:11)

One reason I hear frequently is the hypocrisy in a church.  Well, look.  I get it.  It is so easy to throw a stone at someone else’s glass house instead of looking in yours.  My point is none of us is perfect.  We are all sinners.  If there is someone in the church whose sins are front and center, maybe that’s why they are front and center in the pew.  The question you need to ask yourself is have you elevated your preferences above biblical principles and therefore, it’s robbing you of the joy of Sunday morning worship?

Sometimes it’s not you and it is the church.  Churches have growing pains.  Some are good and some are not good.  Why would it not be good?  Because it’s made up of imperfect people.  And if your church is going through a time of trial, it would make sense why you are struggling.  Here is where you need to make a choice.  Do you stay and work through it or do you look for another church?  Either way, Sundays will be challenging.  No matter which challenge you chose, it is important you seek refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:8)

One reason you may not be enjoying it is because you are living in habitual sin.  Again, we are all sinners, right?  But this is someone who knows what they are doing is wrong yet they continue with the same behavior.  Stealing money, looking at pornagraphy, mistreating your spouse, excessively drinking, etc.  I view church like your parents.  When you are doing wrong and you go home to visit, your momma and daddy is going to call you out.  That’s their job no matter your age.  Well, listening to sermons when you are habitually sinning feels like every sermon is about you and it’s uncomfortable! (Psalm 51:12)

Or lastly, it could be that you don’t know Jesus.  And I know you are saying, “Well that’s silly!  I’m at church!”  Umm, that doesn’t mean you know Jesus.  That doesn’t mean you are Christian.  BUT, I am so glad you are at church!  And look, no judgement here.  But if you are not sure you are christian and need to talk it out, then let’s talk it out.  I want you to experience living through Him (Ezekiel 18:32), know Him (John 17:3), love Him (Zephaniah 3:17), and enjoy Him forever (Matthew 25:23).

For me personally, it’s a season for me.  How do I know?  When I don’t go to church, people call and check on me.  Not because they are nosey or messy, it’s because they love me.  How do I know they love me?  I feel it.  They tell me.  They make me feel valued even when I am tired.  Whenever I don’t go to church, I feel like I am letting God down because I want to be there.  And I am always worried I am letting my church friends and family down by not being there.  But guess what?  They always lift me up and support me when I need them.  That’s why finding and going to church is important.

Love you all,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday

By

On September 8, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  I took the week off last week to celebrate Labor Day.  I know, I know.  Labor Day is just a day but…listen, it’s my excuse!  I hope it wasn’t too big of a disappointment.  Which leads us to today’s topic!  How do you handle disappointment?  Specifically, how do you deal with disappointment in people?  Well, let’s talk about it.

Like you, I encounter people daily.  In my line of work, I encounter A LOT of people everyday and I try my best to get to know them.  I mean, I’m at work more than I am at home so I need to try to get along with the people I work with.  As you build relationships with people (whether it’s coworkers, new or old friends, church members, neighbors or family), you believe you know them.  But then they do something that just floors you because “you thought you knew them”.  Sound familiar?  And sometimes, it really bothers you.  How could they do something like this?

Well, fun fact, you really don’t know people but I know someone who does…God.  There is absolutely NOTHING that happens without his consent.  Wait, what?  God approves sin?  Yep, He sure does.  “He holily permits them.” When Satan wanted to tempt Job to sin against God, he could only proceed with God’s permission (Job 1:9–12).“He powerfully binds them.” If God did not restrain evil in the world, our hurts and disappointments would be far worse than they are presently (Job 1:12; 38:8–11).“He wisely overrules them to some good purpose.” It can be hard to believe that God has an ultimate good purpose when he allows bad things to happen, but we do not have full access to the whole story. God does assure us this is the case for all believers (Romans 8:28).

So even when YOU are disappointed, God is in control and is hard at work.

Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive others as their heavenly Father forgives them (Matthew 6:12).  Some people believe you only need to forgive them if they ask.  Well, listen, that’s not true.  Do you remember when Jesus was dying on the cross and He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”? (Luke 23:34)  He asked for forgiveness and clearly those didn’t ask for it because they just didn’t understand. 

But forgiving people doesn’t mean you have to trust them.  It’s ok to hold people accountable for what they have done.  Trust is something that has to be rebuilt.  If you can rebuild that trust, many times it is stronger.  There are times the trust is never rebuilt.  I always say, “I keep them at arms length”.  Personally, I have relationships in my life who I can no longer trust for various reasons.  The reason I keep them at arms length is for my benefit.  I don’t want to be hurt again.  

At the end of the day though, understand that you are not perfect.  If you were disappointed with someone, did you set an unrealistic expectation of that person?  Did you think they were perfect?  A lot of times, I find myself saying, “They are such a good, christian person.  I can’t believe they did that!”  Ummm, what?  I like to think of myself as a “good, christian person” but I mess up daily!  I am sure I fail someone pretty regularly.  I don’t mean to nor do I want to.  I am sure I have disappointed someone in the last week.

At the end of the day, always seek God when you are disappointed.  Talk it out with Him.  I do it all the time.  In fact, when I am disappointed, you WANT me to talk about it with God and not the person I am disappointed with. 🙂  I need Him to simmer me down and that comes with prayer.  Remember, right is right and wrong is wrong.  It IS OK to stand up for what is right.  That does not make you judgemental (unlike what society tells you).  But remember, it is ok to give grace to those who disappoint you (including giving yourself grace!).

God loves you and His plan is always good.

Love you all,

Jennifer



Motivational Monday

By

On July 14, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  So glad you are here AND I am so glad I’m here. 🙂  I don’t know about you but summers are hectic.  What’s odd is that my “child” is an adult so I don’t have an excuse.  I used to think the older I got, life would slow down but so far I am still wide open!  Why is that?  I don’t know either.  Which is a great segway into this week’s motivation…I don’t know.  Let’s talk about it.

I know you have probably reread that last line and you’re confused.  It’s ok.  Lately, I stay in a constant state of confusion.  It doesn’t matter if I’m at work or at home, one of the things I have said a lot lately is, “I don’t know. I just work here.”  Lately, life has been full of shoulder shrugging and “I don’t knows”.  That used to bother me.  I realized I liked to be in control but now…now, I’m ok with not knowing certain things.  And, let me be super transparent with that last sentence.  If I could control it, I probably would.  That’s just who I am.  But, I genuinely believe God’s got me.  Knowing and believing that God’s got me, offers a peace that is difficult to put into words.  But if you struggle in this category, does it make a bad Christian?  I literally giggled as I wrote that question because it’s absurd.  Of course you’re not.

Those of us who like control (like me) want clarity on every situation.  We want to know the why in every situation.  Fun fact, ain’t gonna happen.  It’s nice to know but God doesn’t owe that to you.  Scripture tells us, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).  Trust.in.Him.  If you are having an issue, God is your immediate refuge.  When you seek refuge, you may not know what’s next but you’re safe.  

A name that comes to mind when thinking about trust vs clarity is Noah.  Here’s a dude that was told to build a huge, HUGE boat.  It is dry as bone and here Noah is, building away.  You know his neighbors were talking about him!  “Hey Betty!  I think Noah is off his rocker.  He said God told him to build this thing because there’s going to be a flood.  What’s he going to do?  Save the town??!  Bahahaha!”  Noah never asked for clarity.  He did as he was told and I am sure was judged for it.

I think most of us like a strategic plan.  And we appreciate a copy of said plan.  Why?  So we aren’t surprised.  We are prepared for what’s ahead.  Good or bad.  But when Jesus said, “Follow me” 21 times in 12 different conversations throughout the Bible, it was never followed with “and I’ll tell you what’s going on”.  When He said to follow Him, it is an alignment of our lives to His teachings.  You see, as a Christian you have been given a gift.  Faith, not certainty, is the single most important ingredient to a life pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6).

So, I say ALL OF THIS to say, I don’t know.  I don’t know what’s next.  I don’t know how long I have on this Earth.  I don’t know if World War 3 is going to happen.  I don’t know if or when the ice cream machine is working at McDonald’s.  And you know what? By worrying about it, I can’t change it.  Why?  Because, God.  He loves me and He loves you.  Even if you are struggling in your faith because you are having uncertainty in your life.  He wants you to lay it at His feet and give it to Him.

Love you all,

Jennifer



Motivational Monday

By

On June 30, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Thank you for allowing me to take the week off last week for VBS.  As always, it was a success!  Kathy and all the volunteers do such an amazing job and these kids just love it.  All the effort in the props, the Bible stories, and the food.  Seriously, chef’s kiss.  We might be a small church but one thing I know…we do VBS (among other things 🙂) RIGHT! 

Today’s motivation is brought to you by the weather and the raging heat and humidity we have all endured this last week.  😂  Ok, ok, I’m joking but not.  Over the last week, I have talked to many people who have been frustrated…including myself!  The fuse has been short and I have been blaming the heat.  Which is probably a huge portion of it BUT this got me to thinking.  And you know what that means, let’s talk about it.

When we look at frustration at its core, it’s an emotional response to opposition to the fulfillment of an individual will.  That is a nice way of saying, when we don’t get what we want, we aren’t happy.  So, I want you to envision your current frustration (whatever that may be) as a roadblock.  And the bigger the frustration, the bigger the roadblock.  You are headed down this road, because we have a special assignment that only we can do by God.  That’s why we are put on this Earth, right?  And you get to the roadblock.  If you are doing God’s will, why is it there?  Well…funny you should ask.  Go back to that first sentence of this paragraph.  WE aren’t getting what WE want.  What WE want and God’s will are two very different things.

So, let’s talk about a time in the Bible when frustration was high.  For the record, there are A LOT of examples.  Can you imagine Jesus’s frustration level??!  Anyway, let’s go way back to the Old Testament because frustration has been around for a HOT minute.  Moses.  He leads the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness and then BAM!  Things don’t go as planned.  Probably because they were OVER having it hard for 400 years.  So they get frustrated with Moses and questioned him as to why he led them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness.  They even said it would have been better in Egypt (pause story.  Really?  Would they have really been better in Egypt?  No ma’am.  They were just mad and they were probably in the heat and there were skeeters around…can you feel their pain? Ok, unpause story).

As the story goes, you realize they became angry because of the obstacles in the path.  They could only see the roadblock and not God.  Now, in their case, some of them completely left the path and found new gods, which, woah.  They got WAY off course.  But, not to ruin the story if you are unaware, but God showed them!  He showed them He was in charge by giving miraculous provisions like manna and quail.  But…He wasn’t super happy with their frustration level so they stayed in the wilderness for another 40 years.  Back in the OT, God would show HIS frustration level more openly.  But, you can see the entire lesson there, right?  He gave them good times and bad times but it was all for His glory and their growth.

Like you and your frustration.  It’s what we do with it and how we respond.

What is important in frustrating times is to focus on blessings.  I know, I know.  It’s hard when you’re mad.  Deuteronomy 28:2 says, “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.”  And when you are counting your blessings, it IS ok to feel the frustration.  Even Jesus felt emotions.  We just don’t need to get stuck in those emotions.  Once you have your meltdown, ask God to realign you to His will and stop thinking your path is His path.

Look, I want to tell you that as a Christian, we will experience frustrations here and there.  But to be fair, that is just not going to happen.  I get frustrated over something everyday.  It can be something simple like breadcrumbs left in the butter or something bigger like a deadly illness, whether it’s you or someone you love.  And I know I am sitting here writing this, like I am a pro at managing my frustrations but I’m not.  I just know a guy that helps me with all my frustrations and He is literally a prayer a way.

Love you all,

Jennifer

PS- Remember y’all.  It’s hot.  It’s humid.  Fuses can be a little shorter and frustration can happen a little quicker than normal.  Go find some AC and talk to God. ♥️.  My experience says, that helps  😉

 



Motivational Monday

By

On June 9, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  I am so glad you stopped by.  Today, I want to talk about validation.  Where do you get your validation from?  Is it ok to want people to like you?  Let’s talk about it.

As I do every Monday, I think about the previous week and decide what to write about today.  I was laying in bed and I opened TikTok.  I follow a K-9 police officer and he’s great.  He’s funny, vulnerable and just wholesome.  When I opened the app, there he was giving a Monday message (oddly enough, I have never seen him give a message like this one). He said, “Stop trying to find validation in a world that crucified the perfect man.”  And that really hit me.  Wow.  I like to think of myself as someone who doesn’t need earthly validation but I do.  Let me give you examples: needing to be reassured, people pleasing, difficulty in making decisions alone, feeling anxious without approval, over apologizing, overachieving to gain praise, comparing yourself to others, and list could go on and on.  Do you see yourself in any of those?  Transparency moment..I see myself in every.single.one of these.  

So the pressing question, is it wrong?  As with every Motivational Monday most answers are not quite black and white.  There are a lot of gray areas.  So the answer is mostly yes and some no.  I’ll explain.

If you look at the examples I gave above, it all boils down to being liked.  Which means we naturally want to seek approval, fit a certain mold, wanting to belong and feel accepted.  But if you have ever been in this place of wanting these things it’s exhausting, frustrating and a lot of times end in disappointment.  It’s an emotional roller coaster.  For me personally, I struggle with wanting to be the best christian I can be (which can be difficult depending on the day).  I feel like I need to be an example so I see myself needing to be validated by what I am doing.  I know it sounds silly but that’s just how I think.  But then, I think, didn’t God make me this way?

Actually, yes. Isaiah 43:4 shows us that God designed us in a way that we yearn to belong. But here’s the thing, if we are looking for approval from others (even godly people) we will never truly feel validated.  They will fail you as YOU will fail them.  This is because they can’t fill our souls with what we truly need.  And truth be told, it’s unfair for you to place them on a pedestal for them to give the feeling of validation.

But if he designed us in a way of wanting to be validated, how is this wrong?  What does God say about it?  I need receipts!

So glad you asked.  Let me deliver.

When you seek validation from others, it can be swept up by emotions, compromise our beliefs, and grow frustrated because they (whoever they are) are not living up to our expectations.  In Galatians 1:10, Paul points out that if we are constantly trying to please people, we are not serving Christ.  We literally can’t do both.  1 Thessalonians 2:4, tells us that we have the honor of sharing the gospel.  So, basically, we can’t twist what the Bible says to fit their narrative.  And in Acts 5:29, Peter warns of people pleasers.  Pride cannot get in the way by wanting validation from others and placing ourselves above God.

Well, how can I determine if I am seeking external validation because I thought I was doing pretty good in the department?  Same friend.  I thought I was good but I realize I need work.

Here’s some scripture to help you weigh your personal situation.

  • Examine Intent- Galatians 6:4 reminds us to test our actions and motivations.  Are you doing this for comparisons?  Are you expecting or wanting an atta boy?
  • Consider your response to reactions- 1 Peter 2:23 shows us that despite Jesus facing insults and suffering, he did not retaliate or seek revenge.  This teaches us our self worth should not be defined by others.
  • Quantity and quality of sharing- Matthew 7:6 shows us the importance of discernment in sharing aspects of lives with others.  Listen, not everyone needs to know everything and that’s ok.  Some people are negative.  You can choose to not share certain highs and lows because it will expose you to negativity from certain people.  
  • Dependency on external validation- Galatians 1:10 tells us who we need to seek approval from and it’s not those here on Earth.  Our focus would be on pleasing God and not people.
  • Check your feelings- Philippians 4:4 tells us to find joy in relationship with God.  Remember, true joy comes from within and not in people.

This week I want you to challenge you in being honest about your validation on Earth.  Can you relate to these things and if so, how are some ways you change to seek validation in the Lord?  

Love you all,

Jennifer



Motivational Monday

By

On May 12, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! How was your Mother’s Day? I hope you spent it with loved ones. I know holidays can be a difficult time for some (no matter the holiday). Holidays are a time that brings up memories…sometimes good and sometimes bad. Holidays can also leave us feeling lonely. So let’s talk about it.

There have been times in my life where I felt very alone. And trust me, I was never really alone. My husband, son and all our 8 million animals have always been there physically for me. In fact, there are times when being physically alone might’ve been nice at the time. 😉 But the alone I am referring to is being mentally alone. And, we have all been there no matter your age. This could be something small and insignificant to something huge like a loss of a loved one. But let’s be honest, the small things are usually the ones that come and go the most in life. Do you ever feel guilty about it?

Fun fact! Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? It’s ok, I didn’t either until recently. But how appropriate this topic came up during this month.

Is it appropriate for Christians feel lonely? Well of course it is! If you listened to Pastor Scott’s sermon yesterday, he talked about Jesus having emotions. Can you imagine how lonely Jesus felt on the cross after He was betrayed by His disciples? I mean, man. What about in the Garden of Gethsemane when He wanted his disciples with Him yet they were asleep? If you have ever felt lonely, it’s not a good feeling at all. So why does God allow it?

Why does God allow anything bad to happen? He can stop or start anything He wants. So why does this happen? Well, just like all things, we have free will. Let me tell you how my mind works on this. We are a rubber band. When something happens, our rubber band is stretched. Sometimes just a little and sometimes it’s stretched to the max. Sometimes it stretches a little and little more and little more. But there is a time when the rubber band is going to break or you have to relieve the tension. What relieves the tension? God. Yep. Just God. Seeking Him and allowing Him to work through you resets your rubber band.

I think what is important when loneliness hits you is to compartmentalize it. That way, once you know where it falls, you will know how to correct it, right?

  1. Situational Christian Loneliness– This is where we don’t have enough friends and/or family.This could be more of in general or maybe you moved. So how do you combat that without making friends in an unchristian-like manner? Always be proactive in making friends. Listen, years ago, I met a lady while she was working at Publix. Today, I hug her when I see her out and I keep up with her on social media. You never know who or where you are going to meet someone! And social media…it’s great and it’s not so great. It’s great because you can stay in touch. And just go to church! I can’t tell you the amount of friends I have now just because I go to church. You don’t have to get involved in everything. Just go. Trust me. These people will be your friend!
  2. Emotional Christian Loneliness– Honestly speaking, this is what I experience the most. This is where you DO have friends and family but you feel like they don’t love you. This sounds really dramatic as I write it but we all experience it. This can be something as simple as not being invited to a party or social event you feel like you should have been invited to. This one is hard to get around because you are in your head. It is important to remember to not set unrealistic expectations for how people love you. You need to believe they do love you. Also, envy is a terrible thing. Envy sets the stage for loneliness (one of the downsides of social media). Remember, study your own lawn. Don’t worry why their grass is so green. And just be thankful! Thank Him everyday for what you have and WHO you have.
  3. Social Christian Loneliness– Where are my introverts? Shocker. Y’all are in the back. These are your socially awkward people, introverts and those with low self esteem. That all sounds bad but I promise…it’s not. My husband is an introvert and we complement each other well but it was a learning curve. So for those of you that struggle in this area, make sure to renew your mind daily. Have your quiet time with God. Ask Him to help you connect with others who see you as you are.
  4. Spiritual Christian Loneliness– This is where you don’t feel close to God. Or maybe you feel like God let you down. Listen friends, if this is where you are, know that it’s ok. But know that relationship needs to be fixed asap. You need to work on your relationship with God. That’s the only way to get out of that loneliness. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Tell God how you feel even if it’s not pleasant! Trust me, He knows what you’re thinking anyway. You might as well say it. If you are struggling to talk to Him and you are not there yet, start a new habit of renewing your mind. This could be self driven or group driven Bible study or maybe just journaling. Write it down! Write Him letters.

I would love to tell you that my life is perfect and I never experience loneliness. I am extroverted and I seem confident. In reality, there are days that it is all a show. And it’s normally something pretty small that causes me to get that way because I am in my head. All I am saying, you are not alone. You are never alone because you have Him. He is literally a prayer away. And listen, when I’m struggling, I just start talking. He knows and He loves me for it.

Love you all (and I mean it),
Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By

On May 5, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  I hope you were all able to make it to Homecoming this year.  I heard it was phenomenal (as usual).  Listen, we know how to cook and eat, don’t we?  I missed it this year for good reason.  My nephew graduated from college and I, of course, wanted to go and support him in his accomplishment.  So today’s topic…it would be a huge foul if I didn’t talk about Mother’s Day since it is this upcoming Sunday.  So mommas…is motherhood a duty or a privilege?  Let’s talk about it.

Several weeks ago, Logan came to me and informed me he wanted to go skydiving.  He expected me to just lose it but instead, I shrugged my shoulders and said, “Just be careful.”  I mean, what could I really say that would stop him?  Not to mention, I have thought about skydiving myself.  I waited several weeks to tell my mom (his beloved granny) about him skydiving.  She ABSOLUTELY lost it. In fact, she called Logan and asked him to rethink his choices.  I had to have a talk with her and tell her that no matter what we said, he would do what he wanted.  She sighed and said, “Well, he is your child.” 😆  Sigh.  

As a kid, it was never my goal to stress her out.  It’s just that I live my life as a “we only live once’” type of mentality.  If it’s something I am interested in, then…I research it and do it or not.  But I put it to bed one way or another.  That’s Logan.  But after that comment, I worried that I upset her more than I should have because parenthood is hard!  We don’t have all the answers even when we are expected to have one.  There are days where task after task sucks all the joy out of your day.  Or your child acts out or is sick.  And you just run on autopilot.

This is going to sound cliche but it is so important to find the joy in your life.  And if you are a mother, especially find joy everyday in motherhood.  YES!!  Even those days your kid wants to skydive.  Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” You see…your child was given to you for you to take care of and raise.  But your child doesn’t belong to you.  Your child belongs to God.  God entrusted you with their soul.  

And the funny thing about kids, they are all unique (like fingerprints!).  And as they grow, they change every way possible (physically, emotionally, mentally).  As I am writing this, I think of a rubix cube.  When one thing changes, three other things change.  Think about that for just a second.  Slowing down just a little and realizing that stuff you have to do, can wait.  You don’t need a perfect house.  You need to make memories.

So to answer the original question, is motherhood a duty or a privilege?  Truthfully, both and I don’t think it a bad thing to admit that to ourselves.  The word “duty” sounds negative but why?  It IS our duty to raise, nurture, model faith and character, discipline and just be a positive influence.  Is that a privilege as well?  Yes.  100%.  But it’s all a mindset…your mindset.  

I absolutely love being a mother to Logan.  He brings me happiness and joy that I never knew I needed.  If you are reading this, you have a mother.  This mother might be someone who legally (or not) adopted you or birthed you.  Some of us have a lot of “mothers” in our life who would be there in a heartbeat if we called and needed them.  This Mother’s Day, make sure to tell all the moms in your life how much they mean to you.  Just like you, moms are also unique.  Some ok skydiving and others don’t…and that’s ok.

Love you,
Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By

On April 21, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Wasn’t yesterday just beautiful?  And I mean beautiful for so many reasons!  I know Easter is once a year but it is so important to remember ALL YEAR what He did for us and our salvation.  Which is an awesome segway into our motivation this week…

Have you ever gone through something and felt alone?  Of course, you have family and friends all around you but you feel…isolated.  You feel as though no one understands what you are going through.  You are stuck in your head.  OR, you have been isolated from friends and/or family and it’s devastating.  And you asked, “Why me?  Why now?”  Well, let’s talk about it.

As you all know, I am a talker.  An overall extrovert.  But when something is wrong in my life, I retreat.  And when I say retreat, I am a turtle that you just came up on from behind.  I ain’t coming out of that shell until I am safe.  To be fair, my “safe” is usually working things out in my head.  This can last a day to months.  Which is why I am involved in church as much as I am.  Church doesn’t allow me to be in my shell long because I have people who call and text to say, “Where have you been?  We’ve missed you.”  I have a sense of accountability to those people and I don’t want to let them down.

But in the seasons where I have retreated and I was isolated, they were not good times in my life.  Something was wrong.  So, it was hard on me mentally.  I guess because I did isolate myself, I talked to God a lot.  I can remember times trying to make deals with Him.  I know that’s not how it works (and I knew it then), I just wanted Him to intervene and make things better.  I wanted to know why this was happening.  Why is God isolating me?

Well, first, He wants your focus on Him.  Listen.  I know I say this every week on Mondays and Pastor Scott says it every week in church and in his midweek messages but God loves you.  He really does.  You are here on this Earth, because He put you here.  He wants you to choose Him like He chose you.  Maybe this season of isolation is to get your attention.  We all have a to-do list and we are all crazy busy.  Sometimes we push Him to the back because we know He will be there always.  Well, maybe this is His way of saying, “Um ma’am.  Hi.  I need you to focus on me and not that list.”

During these times, God is protecting you.  We all come to God at different places in our life and because of this, we all have unique testimonies.  However, God may ask us to let go of certain people, environments, vices, ungodly habits, etc.  You can’t hold onto those things because God has bigger plans for you.  And there are LOTS of times, you don’t understand why.  And that’s ok.  It’s your job to know the whys behind everything.  It’s your job to trust and obey Him.  Jeremiah 29:11 and Hebrews 11:6 are great verses to back this up.  🙂

From personal experience, these isolations have a lasting impact on me.  I can honestly say, I am a better person because of them.  God uses this time to grow His people…to develop our character that helps shape us to carry out His divine assignments for us.  Maybe you are going through this because you are meant to help one person on this Earth.  Or maybe 10.  100.  1000s.  You just don’t know who and how many you are meant to impact with your testimony and fulfilling God’s purpose.  John 16:33

Lastly, He is trying to realign your heart.  I am so guilty fighting with God because I want to do something and it ain’t happening.  Because I want it and God says, “No ma’am.  Not today.”  He uses these times of isolation to realign our hearts to be in line with His desires and not our own.  Sometimes, we have to be taken all the way down so we depend on Him.  And this should be somewhat familiar because this is how my parents disciplined me as a child.  They took away things I liked so I would see the error of my ways.  My parents did this because they love me.  God is no different here.  He disciplines those He loves.  Hebrews 12:6

I say this all the time.  I am not someone who is the most studious christian.  I make mistakes every.single.day.  I even make mistakes when I write these.  I sin every day!  And these sins are things I know not to do!  But I like to think I am called to write these motivations week after week because God believes in me.  Sometimes, I think these are more for me and y’all are just my cheerleaders (who doesn’t love an entourage?!).  But every week, I pray that He speaks through me to help one of you.  And because I sin daily, these are just a way to stay close to Him.  1 Corinthians 1:27

Seasons come and go for a reason and every season is beautiful.  Sometimes it’s hard to see when you’re in the middle of it.  If you are in a season of isolation, just know this is an opportunity for you.  This is the BEST time for you to grow.  Lean into Him.  He is there waiting to hug you.  And for those who are not in that season, look around at those who are.  Check on them.  Stop right now, and send them a quick text.  Let them know you love them and you are there if and when they need you.

Love you all,

Jennifer



Motivational Monday

By

On December 23, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  A few more days until Christmas is here!!  By now, HOPEFULLY your stress level is down and you are pumped to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I know I am.  I can’t wait to sit back, drink my coffee and watch the fam open their gifts.

Yesterday, we spent Christmas with Jon’s side of the family for the first time since COVID.  There are a lot of reasons why we haven’t seen each other, but at the end of the day, it was easier to not get together at this time of year (we all have to drive to a central location to see each other).  This year, Jon said, “Nope.  We are getting together!”  So we did.  And it was so nice!  It was low key, easy, full of laughter and love.  Jon, Logan and I realized how much we missed them and just how much we love them!  We always loved them but you know the saying…absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This got me thinking about the season.  For most of us, this season is about love.  But what about those who are hurting?  I can see where some find this time of year as the most loveless time of year.  Where do you find love in the middle of this season where everyone is happy?  Let’s talk about it.

No matter how you feel about the Christmas season, God’s Word gives us reason to rejoice when we consider the meaning behind this holiday.  Scripture tells us that God loved ALL of us (yes, He loves those who don’t love Him) so much that he sent His only Son to save us.  Clearly this was the plan all throughout history because it was prophesied MANY times throughout the Old Testament.  When Jesus was born, the path was always to the cross where He would die to save us.  If that doesn’t define love, let me give you a few other reasons.  🙂

God is love.  If you are not familiar with God defining love, this statement might be confusing.  The Bible tells us that God is perfect.  He is patient, good and righteous.  He is not loving…he is love.  The miracle of Christmas is from the great love He has for us.  “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”  1 John 4:16.  

To show us, Jesus came to show us God’s love.  We all are separated from God by sin because only He is perfect.  We couldn’t fix our relationship with Him because it wasn’t possible and He knew it.  He knew He had to intervene by sending Jesus.  This was the only way we could receive salvation.  Christmas is the time of year we remember Jesus’s arrival.  “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

Because of Jesus, we can show God’s love to others.  As we have talked in previous weeks, it’s easy to get caught up in the gift giving aspect.  But what this time of year should tell us is to love others as God has loved us.  We need to be ready to love those who feel alone or discouraged.  It’s the time of year where we encourage others to experience the gift we all received from God.  “We love because he first loved us.”1 John 4:19

Lastly, God’s love is eternal.  This season, if you are hurting, it is most likely over rejection, bitterness or heartbreak.  God will never let you down.  He will never break a promise, lessen His love or let you go.  God gave us Jesus which is HUGE.  Do you think if someone gave you their only Son would revoke their love from you?  Nope.  THIS is something we can all rejoice in this Christmas and all throughout the year!  “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

So friends, this holiday season, remember those who need extra love.  I know some say they don’t want or need love, but you know they are hurting.  If you feel like you can’t show them love by inviting them over or giving them a meal, then just pray for them.  You don’t have to tell them OR maybe you do want to tell them.  If you are someone who is hurting this season and you need/want to feel God’s love, please come to our service tomorrow night at 6pm.  It’s always short and we don’t care what you wear!  What I can promise you is people will be smiling and happy.  We will introduce ourselves but we won’t be annoying, I promise!  If you want to sit next to me, I always sit on the right side as you walk in.  I am a little more than halfway up and I sit on the vent.  🙂  It’s my unofficial assigned seat.  No matter what, please come and feel His love this season.  

Merry Christmas,

Jennifer



Page 2 of 2

Previous

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén