Tag: motivational monday Page 2 of 3

Motivational Monday

On October 7, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! It is so good to be back. I am so thankful for my time away to just regroup when it comes to these motivations. I’ll tell you…the hardest part is figuring out a topic (kinda like deciding what’s for dinner!). Well, while I was away this country had a few things happen…like a hurricane. And there’s another catastrophic one headed straight for Florida. We have seen devastation and sadness all over the news. People missing their loved ones, animals, and everything they have worked for. Where is God??! Why would He allow this to happen?? Well, let’s talk about it.

This is my personal opinion. But, I feel like when you talk about God and natural disasters together, you have to tread lightly. Does anyone else feel like that? I’ll explain. I never want to lead someone to believe that God is “bad” by not stopping what happened. But to be fair to the person the disaster impacted, you can see where they would feel abandoned, hurt and lonely. You could see why they can’t understand why this happened to them and their community when they are a “good” christian.

God isn’t punishing anyone with these disasters. God doesn’t do that BUT if He did, my guess is He would just punish YOU and not everyone else. You’re special but not that special.

In Genesis 1:1, God created the universe and its law of nature. What does that mean? Well, if you live in Alabama, you know when a cold and hot front collide, we have the potential of tornados. Everyone knows that, right? That’s a law of nature. As well as James Spann predicts the weather, he is just a man. God is 100% in control but we are not. He wants us to know it. These types of disasters remind us that life is unpredictable and uncertain. But God is always there to guide us through (Joshua 1:9).

Could God have prevented this? Well of course! He can literally do anything. But if you are like me and something like this happens, you have to look at it with optimism. There is a reason for everything. Yes, even when you have lost everything. You were meant to go through this. Will you ever know why? Maybe. Maybe not. But when you get to heaven, ask Him. He will tell you. I’m sure Noah asked a lot of questions….

When disasters occur, I look at it differently. Again, to be fair, I am an outsider looking in so my perspective is different. One question is why didn’t/doesn’t God intervene? My question back is how do you know He didn’t? It can ALWAYS be worse. If you are alive, it can be worse. That sounds negative but it is the truth. But how many times have you seen a tornado drop out of the sky, LEVEL miles and miles and then poof! Back up in the clouds and never touched that school full of kids. That was a miracle, right? That tornado SHOULD HAVE blown right through that school. No. That was God.

There are times, disasters are a wake up call. Do I think they happened so YOU would wake up? Ummm….let’s just say I think maybe you and several others. Sometimes when our lives get off track, we forget a few things. And when something catastrophic happens, we tend to know who to seek. Kinda like your child when they are scared…they come running to you for comfort and protection. Well, that is no different than you running to your Father. And that is EXACTLY what you are supposed to do.

Listen, we live in a fallen world. We know this and we talk about it every week. As a christian, what should you do? It’s ok to grieve for these people. It’s ok to grieve WITH these people. We can pray for comfort and healing. We can volunteer and help if we are able. We can continue to worship and praise Him despite this! If Job could continue worshiping, you definitely can as someone looking in. Don’t allow these disasters to get you down and doubt. He’s there…just look.

Please keep Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and everyone impacted by these storms in your prayers. They appreciate it more than you know.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On September 16, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

The 5 “L’s” of Life Series

Hey friends! Today is the last day of our series and I have to say, I have really enjoyed writing it. To have started off with, “How in the world am I going to write about this?” to “Oh, I kinda enjoyed this series!” is a huge win for me. 😂 That thought actually made me giggle a little when I wrote it…which is a PERFECT segway into today’s last topic. Laughter. So, let’s talk about it.

Listen, I LOVE to laugh. I laugh at the wrong times and right times! 😣 Fun fact about me (like you don’t know enough)! I laughed the whole way through my wedding ceremony. Yep. True story. When I think of my best friend Samantha, I can literally hear her laughter. Her laugh makes me laugh! Laughing makes me feel good. It brings me closer to the person I am laughing with. But have you ever thought about laughter from a christian aspect? I’ll be honest, I have never thought about it so let’s take a go at it!

So from a health perspective, what does laughter do for us? Well, it has been proven that laughter lowers blood pressure and stress hormones. There have been times I am annoyed with my husband and he will cut the tension with a “funny”. And 9/10 times, my mood is much better. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Laughter wasn’t a by-product from emotions. God knew exactly what we needed with laughter.

Laughter is a response to God’s love and grace. I think about the movie, Steel Magnolias. At the end of the movie when M’lynn is having a meltdown over Shelby’s death (and rightfully so), Clairee throws Ousier in the mix by offering M’lynn a “once in lifetime opportunity to knock Ouiser out!” Life presents us with good times and bad. There is a “time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4

Can you imagine a life without laughter? More than likely, we only know pain, grief, and just melancholy. Right? What if we only ONLY experienced joy? Listen, pain and suffering are a part of God’s plan in your life. Those things draw you closer to Him. Laughter is a part of ups and downs of life. David says in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” David not only shared his sadness with the Lord but his joy. Laughter is part of relationship building. With people and God!

But do you know what I see when people laugh? Faith. Let me explain. Has there ever been a time in your life when something is eating at you? Or you have extreme sadness? Or you have a loved one in the hospital? And all you can do is pray. You’re worried. And then one day, it’s like you let go and suddenly a little chuckle comes out of you. It’s hard to laugh when you feel unsafe. By allowing laughter to return, you are trusting Him to help you through this time. Laughter helps us know that God is good and that He has a plan for us. By laughing, we also share His love, grace, and joy with others. So, let us laugh more often, and let our laughter reflect our soul. 

So this week, I want to challenge you to a game. This is a made up “Jennifer” game (ask Jon! This is a real game I play). When you go shopping this week, I want you to make your cashier laugh. I’ll give you a hint as to how to open them up to laughter…say something positive about them first. Ask them questions about THEM. Then, have a conversation as they are ringing you up. Get them to laugh. I want you to take note of their face from beginning to end. Look at how you impacted their stress level for what…3-5 minutes? It’s amazing. God did that.

Love you all and see you Sunday,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On September 9, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

The 5 “L’s” of Life Series

Hey friends! We are continuing our 5 “L’s” of life series and today is listening. Like the other “L’s”, you can go in a million directions with this one. I talk alot about listening to God. But today, I want to talk about becoming a good listener. So, let’s talk about it.

When I went into HR, I wasn’t a very good listener. I heard what you were saying but I didn’t allow it to actually sink in. I would love to tell you that between the 2 degrees I received and the gazillion dollars in student loan debt, SOMEONE taught the importance of listening! If I was taught, I wasn’t listening. (Come on…that was funny) It wasn’t until I was in my career for a minute when I was with an employee who was irate and I was just overwhelmed. I had nothing to say to them that would calm them down. So…I had no choice but to sit there and listen. And they calmed down. When the conversation ended, I hugged them and promised to do what I could (which wasn’t much). She looked at me and said, “I just appreciate you letting me get this off my chest. I appreciate you listening to me.” And that’s the moment I learned to listen.

So what does listening do for people?

First, it affirms them. A the most basic form, when we listen to someone we are acknowledging their existence. Which in today’s world, says alot. In Mark 10, Jesus was surrounded by a crowd when he heard a blind beggar call out to him. Jesus stopped. Jesus called out to Batimaeus and listened to him. He asked Jesus to heal him and Jesus did. Of course, by restoring his sight, it affirmed him but what if Jesus never stopped to listen?

Second, we strengthen each other just by listening. James Dopson once said, “For some strange reason, human beings . . . tolerate stress and pressure much more easily if at least one other person knows they are enduring it.” Is that not accurate? Look at Bartimaeus. This interaction he had with Jesus strengthened him not only by restoring his sight but through the acknowledgement of Jesus when others didn’t think he was worth listening to.

Third, listening allows others to work through their thoughts. I am sure you have been talking to someone about an issue you were having. They might have asked a few questions now and then but by the time the conversation was over, YOU came up with a resolution. Did you know there’s a bible verse about that? Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” How clever that was written in the Bible when you thought YOU were the mastermind behind working out your issue. 🙂

How can we improve with listening?

I’m about to say something profound. I need you all to write this down. Ready? You have to hush and let the person talk. <drops mic and walks away> I’m kidding about the profound part but I’m serious about hushing! When God listens to you, he listens to you. He doesn’t interrupt you. He lets you get it all out. Which circles us back to the beginning!

When you are listening, you don’t have to fix their problems. You just affirm love and compassion. Affirm. Affirm His love to them. By affirming His love, it gives them security. Security that God does love them and He is there for them. And to be honest, He is so much better at “fixing” their problems than you are.

So this week, I want to encourage you to listen to others. When they ask you a question, understand there is a statement behind the question. If they ask you, “Do you ever feel like God ignores you?” That’s how THEY FEEL. And you being the great friend you are, wants to fix their feelings. Work on NOT fixing it. Give them the affirmation they are looking for. If it was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On September 2, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Motivational Monday- the 5 “L’s” of Life Series

Hey friends! When I started this series, I would love to tell you that I planned to talk about labor on Labor Day but I am not that organized. It just worked out that way. Speaking of work…what does God say about work? How hard do we need to labor? So, let’s talk it!

For those who don’t know, I am 44 years old. I have worked since I was 16 years old and I have quite a bit of my work life left in me. I think about the day I can retire but I am not sure what I will do when that time comes. If I turn out like my mother, I’ll be busier retired than working! She never really stopped working. Her focus just shifted to working for the Lord.

The Bible makes it clear that work matters to God. And it doesn’t matter how much you make or what your occupation is. God cares about your work (He really does!). There are some points the Bible makes about working/laboring. It provides us with a practical foundation for Christians asking about what the Bible says about how we should approach our work.

First, work is part of God’s big picture. Let’s start with Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Work was planned by God from the beginning until the very end. He created it. So working is a gift from God. You don’t have to love working but you should acknowledge that He gifted you the ability to work.

Second, God provides us with unique skills, gifts and talents and calls us to certain roles and activities. I know one of my skills is people. I can make people feel at ease and therefore, they open up to me (like in the middle of Walmart. True story). For my mental state, I never wanted to be a counselor but I knew I SHOULD work with people. I think like everyone, I worry if I am fulfilling God’s calling with my life but all I can do is pray and stay open to His guidance. In my professional life, when people open up to me, I try to approach all subjects with love and understanding. So far, it hasn’t failed me yet!

Third, a foundation of work is quality, character and ethics. We are responsible for our quality of work we produce, our faithfulness to God in the way we pursue work and our own character while working. Early in my career, I was asked to do something that was unethical. I really needed my job and we couldn’t afford for me to be terminated (which was the stated outcome if I didn’t comply with what was presented). I had to make a quick decision and I didn’t have time to talk it over with Jon. Not only did I refuse but I dared them to fire me. Now, I probably shouldn’t have dared them 😬 (anger slid in and took over a minute) but I don’t regret the decision. I knew my time with them was limited because of the decision I made but it was the right decision. I left my job a few months later. My ethics are based on right and wrong. Biblical ethics in my professional life. For the record, I talk about my ethics in job interviews so this is never an issue again.

Fourth, we are called to rest. Can I tell you how MUCH I appreciate the Lord stating we need to rest? I am someone who never stops. I can never get it all done whether it’s at home, at church or work. There are things that stay unfinished and I feel guilty for resting. But there are days (like today), I need to recharge and rest. I have to remind myself that it’s ok to do this because God! When God created us, He didn’t have to design us to sleep but He did. Have you ever thought about that? He could have designed us to be the Energizer Bunny and keep going and going and going…

I appreciate Labor Day because it’s a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made in America’s strength, prosperity and well being. But laboring isn’t about our country. It doesn’t matter how young or old. Never stop laboring for God.

Love you all and see you next week!

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On August 26, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

The 5 “L’s” of Life Series

Hey friends! So let’s continue our series this week on love. This topic is pretty broad so we have plenty to discuss. So, let’s talk about it.

I did a quick google search to find some physical benefits of love. Love and your health go hand in hand. Did you know when you love and show love your life expectancy is increased? It also helps you maintain a healthy heart, reduces depression, boosts your immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, eases acute/chronic pain, helps your tummy, and improves your sleep? That’s…a lot! Seeing all the physical health benefits, how can anyone believe we were not here to love one another, right?

Love is defined as a strong or deep affection for; to like or enjoy very much; to hold dear or cherish; concern for the good of another. But what is the biblical definition of love? 1 John 4:7-10 defines it pretty well, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” This passage tells us that God is love; love comes from God; love was demonstrated by sending His only son to die for our sins; and, love is NOT that we love Him but that God loves us.

God.is.love.

Perfect…that’s great Jennifer. But, how and who does God want us to love? Because, I have a hard time loving everyone. Listen, I understand but imagine being God. He loves everyone and I’m sure there are some He wants to roll his eyes over.

Love everyone. Yep. You need to. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Jesus made it clear that loving your neighbor means more than loving those you know, like or most like you. It extends to those that are different. This includes people whose political affiliations are different from you (which is a pretty hot topic at the moment!). But different races, religions, social circles, and even those who make fun of you. Why? Because we all sin. Their sin is just different from yours and you want to be loved right? In fact, Jesus loved the most unlovable people. WE are to do the same.

Second, you need to exhibit biblical characteristics of love. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” We live in a world where we are told we have to accept anything and everything or we are hateful. Well, in a biblical sense, love is caring about a person’s soul. So we are expected to share the truth and gospel message in love. Romans 12:9, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Third, pairs really nicely with the second point and that’s love one another in action and truth. 1 John 3:16-18, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” We can’t die on a cross for someone’s sins like Jesus but we can act in love. You balance this with God’s Word and prayer.

Listen, loving everyone is not an easy thing to do. Trust me, I feel this everyday. And because this can be a struggle for me, I have to pray about it. In fact, I pray the most for people I DON’T get along with because I know I need to do better. I know the entire Bible is based on God’s love through Jesus. Faith and hope have a fulfillment date but love is never ending.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On August 5, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

As I was scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration for this week’s meals, I came across a prayer someone had pinned called the “I Don’t Know Prayer”. It goes like this: “You just go somewhere quiet and you sit at the feet of God and you say, ‘I don’t know. I don’t know where to go from here. I don’t know what is happening. I don’t know how to process this. I don’t know what to do with these emotions. I don’t know how to handle this situation’. And then with whatever little grain of faith you have, you say, ’but You know.’ And you leave it there. God most certainly hears your prayer. Declare Amen.”

Man, have I been there before! So, let’s talk about it!

When I was a young mother, life was pretty hectic and mundane at the same time. Everyday, we would get up, get dressed, get Logan dressed, feed him, pack his bag, get him to the car, take him to daycare, go to work, go back to get him, come home, cook dinner, get him a bath, read a book, cuddle, then I would shower, I MIGHT watch some TV but then I would go to bed. (For the record, Jon is a very involved dad and he would help wherever I needed him.) Even though the day is different, it’s the exact same. And you get…lost. Or at least, I did. I was lost in the middle of MY life.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE(D) my life. I love being a mom and wife. I love making my house a home. But how much time have I spent pouring laundry detergent in the washer? How much time have I spent asking Logan what he wants for dinner? It’s not washing or cooking, it’s the redundancy and cyclicality of it all. And then there is the time factor…

And the more I did, the more hidden I felt. I was unnoticed. I was unseen. I didn’t need a trophy. I didn’t need “atta girl” daily. But I was becoming more and more lost. I am sure Jon felt the same way. To this day, we talk about that time when life was hard. Everything from eating to talking was…hard. Why? We were lost.

You know who saw us? Who knew down to second how much time has been spent pouring that laundry detergent in the washer? Who saw every single thing I did and uttered, “Keep going”? My heavenly Father. How do I know this?

Hagar, who also felt unnoticed, unseen and hidden, He told her he saw her. (Genesis 16:6). He assured her He had a plan and this mundane work would last a season.

Ruth, who also was doing mundane work, picking up leftover grain for a season (Ruth 2:2) and He reminded her this would prepare her for a husband.

David was doing mundane work by shepherding sheep for a season (1 Samuel 16:19) and He reminded him how this prepared him to become king one day.

Peter and other disciples were doing mundane work by casting a fishing net in hopes of catching a plethora of fish (Matthew 4:19) and He reminded them how this would prepare the disciples to be fishers of men.

You see, the work you do doesn’t DEFINE you. I think we get caught up in that sometimes. What we do is for seasons. This mundane work you are doing creates character. There is beauty in mundane work. So what you are doing for this SEASON, lays groundwork for the future. Don’t get bogged down with “mundaneness”.

And for the record, God always sees you. You aren’t lost. He knows EXACTLY where you are at all times. He knows exactly where you have been, where you are today and where you are going! If you feel lost, remember that is just a feeling.

This week, as you are doing dishes or washing clothes and you are tired, it’s ok. It’s ok to feel tired and unnoticed. Feeling this way is just a reminder you need to pray. And your prayer can be the “I Don’t Know Prayer” and THAT’S ok too! Why? Because He’s got you. He sees you. He knows you’re tired and He has plans for you. Just know that what you are doing now is for just a very small season. That mundane work you’re doing is love. Imagine the love He shows you daily and what that entails on His part.

Love you all and see you Wednesday for the midweek message!

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 29, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Motivational Monday

Hey Friends! How are you this week? I hope well and if not, maybe we can work on that this week. If I need to pray for you, please send a quick message to me (you can send it on the church’s messenger) and I will certainly add you to my prayer list. We will get through this, right?

So, as I was preparing to write today’s topic and I noted I was tired. I have told myself I probably need to take a break from Monday writing to just re-energize myself. Just a creative break. But that usually leads to a topic…so I write. 🙂 I was thinking about the Olympics, politics, my church family, etc. and I questioned why is it so hard to be a christian? Why do I feel like my beliefs are attacked? Well, you know the drill, let’s talk about it.

I’m sure by now you have at least heard about the Olympic opening ceremony debacle. Personally, I have seen still pictures but I refuse to watch it. Am I being ignorant by not watching it? I don’t believe so. I’m just not going to add to the number of views when the still pictures are enough. There are a large number of people who feel Christianity was mocked. Was that the intention? I’m not going to speculate because I didn’t create the “show”. Was it a nod to Greek mythology? Maybe but there again, that doesn’t align with Christianity, right? People think Christians need to “just get over it” and “it’s not all about God”. Well, that’s easy for a non-christian to say. But this is nothing new to us. Christians have been mocked and persecuted as far back as the beginning. It’s hard being a christian.

The act of accepting Christ is easy. Everything that follows is hard. I know that admitting it’s hard doesn’t exactly sell Christianity. But, the things you want the most in life, you work hard for. Whether it’s your career, your family, or a hobby. You dedicate a lot of time and hard work to it. So, why is this any different? If something was super easy to you, you wouldn’t continue with it because you are a scholar. God never said this was going to be easy.

Before you were a christian, you really didn’t know all your defects. At the very least, you weren’t bothered by it. I’ll give you an example. Have you ever decided to tackle a “small” project in your house? Maybe change a faucet in a sink just because you want a shiny new one. There is nothing wrong with the old one. So, you take out the old faucet and you notice some mold. So, you remove the sink. Then, the counter. Then, the cabinet. Then, the wall the pipes were running into because you have a MAJOR leak.

That’s like becoming a Christian. You know you are not perfect. You have a few things you need to work on. But then, you open your bible and you start studying the word. You just went from getting a shiny new faucet to tearing down the WHOLE house. Behind every outward sin you think you have and need to work on, is a whole slew of emotions that you need to deal with. Such as fear, anger, envy, etc.

And this is where you need to be because this is where freedom happens. But here is where it’s the hardest because you have to work. You have to carry that cross daily (Luke 9:23). This is like training at the gym (1 Timothy 4:7). When you are here, you might be mocked or ridiculed by your friends who were with you when you didn’t see your short comings. They are mocking you because they can’t see their flaws. They see nothing wrong with the old faucet and they aren’t interested in going to Lowe’s to get a new one!

In order to be a disciple of Jesus means you have to allow Jesus to discipline you. Jesus is REALLY invested in you too. He wants you to succeed on this journey more than you know. And here’s the thing, you are already “in” so you’re not getting kicked out if you fall short. I know that you’re asking, “Well if I’m in, I don’t need to work as hard.” Eh, don’t do that. You are part of God’s family. He welcomed you with open arms. So, how would you feel if you welcomed someone in your home and literally gave them access to everything you have; but, they sleep on your couch and don’t contribute to the family in any way? When you bring it up, they say, “I dusted a week ago!!” By giving your all to Him, is the biggest thank you you can give Him for the sacrifices He has given you.

So, if you get bogged down with “it’s hard”, it’s ok. Why? You’re not wrong. It is hard. But you can’t let hard define you, your life and certainly not your relationship with Christ. All things that are worth it are hard.

Love you all and see you Sunday,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 22, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey Friends! How are you doing this rainy Monday? Have you prayed today? If not, stop right now and pray! 🙂 Okay, are you good now? Perfect! Today, I want to talk about something that I wish was talked about more. Problem is, the person who would address the congregation is your pastor, right? Well, that’s exactly who and what I want to talk about today. The pastor.

As most of you know, I recently took on the position of secretary at our church. Because I work an 8-5 job, I do the secretary duties after work and on the weekends. So, I go to the church at odd times. 9 times out of 10, Scott is there. It doesn’t matter when I go. He is usually reading/studying for his sermon, writing, approving items within the church, attending meetings, going to hospitals/homes/funerals, being available when youth/Kreek Kids are meeting, etc. He works alot. And he works hard. I can imagine being a pastor is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting at times (I can imagine being the wife of a pastor is exhausting as well). So how can we as a congregation support the pastor? Let’s talk about it.

First and absolute foremost, pray for him and his family. Listen, your pastor and their family are just people. They make mistakes. They are met with the same struggles you are met with on a daily basis. BUT, there is a WHOLE GROUP of people watching them. We hold him to a higher standard because “he’s the pastor”. 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober minded, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach”. Does this end with, “and if you are all these things, you won’t struggle?” I don’t see that. Their hearts are just as heavy as yours. Knowing they have a whole group of people praying for them has to bring them great joy and comfort.

Second, talk to him about his sermon! I did a little research and on average, pastors spend 10-20 hours a week preparing for their sermon. I’m sure that varies and yes, I’m sure they have some already written in the filing cabinet. But, they DID write it at one point in time! They still have to freshen it up and deliver it in a way we understand and can retain it. So, talking to the pastor, asking questions, or thanking him is a way of letting him know you listened to his hard work. His work didn’t go unnoticed and he made a difference to you.

Third, tell him how God is growing in you. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7 is Paul’s response hearing from a previous congregation. “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you- for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.” This report brought Paul great comfort and joy. It gave him a new breath. If it rejuvenated Paul. It feels good to know something you work hard at inspires and grows people, right? Take the time to tell your pastor.

Fourth, care for his wife. As a female in the church, if I have a problem, I would be more inclined to talk to Linda. Not because I can’t talk to Scott (because I do) but because she’s a female. If I feel that way, I know others do. So she deals with people’s issues just like the rest of us. When she married her husband, she also signed up to not only be a wife and mother but to be “the pastor’s wife”. She has the same struggles as you. She’s a servant of Christ. She’s a wife trying to honor her husband. She’s a mother who gets discouraged and struggles. She’s a church member…like you except not. Am I right? So take care of her because she’s the backbone of your pastor.

Lastly, follow his leadership. If you go to a church where this is a struggle for you, then you are at the wrong church. I know that might be a hot take but it’s the truth. That doesn’t mean that the pastor is doing something wrong, it means YOU need to find a church you trust the leadership. Why? Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” So you need to gladly accept their leadership.

You know, I have always said being a pastor has to be a hard profession. It’s not the preaching or the submission to God. It’s the people. It’s us. It’s me. It’s emotional, I’m sure. That has to take a toll on them mentally and emotionally. They carry your struggles, their families struggles and their own struggles. And do all of this being held to a higher standard by God and by you. That’s a lot.

So this week, thank your pastor and his wife. Let them know what they mean to you. Let your pastor know how he has impacted your life. In your daily prayers, make sure to include him and his family because I know he prays for yours.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 15, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Motivational Monday

Hey friends!! I hope your week last week was great and I hope this week is EVEN better. This week’s motivation was inspired by events from yesterday. 🙂 In these motivations, I always talk about prayer. Pastor Scott constantly preaches to pray. But why? What are the benefits? So, you know the drill…let’s talk about it.

Y’all. I need to be real for a minute. I woke up crabby yesterday. I was not in the best mood and I don’t know why. I’m sure you have those days. So, I decided I was going to skip church BUT I didn’t. The whole way to church, I was irritable about a situation I made MUCH worse in my head because of my mood. So, I just prayed about it on the way to church while listening to my christian station on Pandora. Then, I get to church looking for something to bring me out of my funk. Guess what? Nope. Still irritable.

Later in the day, I had some other things I had to do and my mood got better but I was still down (you know…irritable down if that makes sense). Then last night, I got a text message from Martha Fulgham. For those of you who don’t know Martha, please come to church and meet her. She is one of THE MOST genuine people you will ever meet. ANYWAY, her text was something about church but it turned into us texting back and forth. She literally changed my mood in that text exchange. I knew right then that was God. God sent her to lift my spirits. THEN, Debbie Ingram sent a text! Let me add, no one knew I was in a funk (and I don’t think it was noticeable). Debbie’s text was to just check one me because she thought she heard I was sick. Wow. Thank you God.

These texts happened within minutes of each other and I felt so loved and appreciated. It was overwhelming and these two ladies had no idea what their texts meant to me at that time. I knew right then, we had to talk about this today! I know God answered my morning and afternoon prayers.

We constantly preach prayer but let’s look at some benefits we might have trouble seeing.

Prayer can set or change the tone for the day

Listen, start your day thanking God you woke up and that He is there taking care of you today! God has given you an abundance of blessings. Sometimes we need to restore and repair our hearts. A great way to start is with a gratitude prayer.

Prayer helps you make better decisions

Listen, when we stop and pray about a situation, it gives us a moment of calmness. Calmness can bring clarity. Clarity comes from God through prayer. Ask God for clarity and guidance about situations you are struggling with at that moment.

Daily prayer keeps God front and center everyday. He is not just for Sundays

Fun fact, God wants you to seek Him all day everyday and not just on Sundays. If you pray daily, you will see Him more in your everyday life. If you lean on Him when you are hurting, you will feel his peace and comfort. When you ask him for help, He will guide you. But like anything else, you have to exercise this daily. Not just weekly.

Frequent communication builds a stronger bond

This is not a new concept, right? The more you talk to a friend, the better friend they become. Why? Because your conversations get deeper and the quality gets better and better. Then, you trust them with your feelings and emotions. God is no different.

Daily prayer shows the discipline of submitting your heart to Him

Let go. You HAVE to give it to Him. You HAVE to. I know, I know. It’s hard because we like controlling situations. But guess what? You are never really in control. You just feel like you are. But guess who IS in control? Yep…you guessed it!

Answered prayers are prayers prayed

I say this all the time but God knows you better than anyone. He knows when you are struggling. He’s waiting on you to ASK for help. Jennifer. If He knows I need help, why doesn’t He just help me? Good question! God wants your heart. The only way to achieve that is through daily prayer. So friends, if you are struggling, have yourself a little therapy session with God in the car like I did Sunday morning!

Opening your heart to Him transforms your heart

Prayers should not be robotic or transactional. It would be hard to make a friend with someone who’s a robot, right? Friendships are relationships. God is not interested in quantity but quality. He wants your heart. Prayer allows Him to work in you. He will transform your heart and bring you joy that you can’t find elsewhere. So, stop looking for joy in the wrong places!

We say all the time, prayer is your main communication to God. But prayer is so much more. You don’t have to pray pretty either! Trust me, I am a walking, talking truth bomb there. I just talk to God. He doesn’t care as long as you are genuine!

This week, practice daily prayer. If you already pray daily (woohoo!), ask Him for help with any needs you have. It’s ok to pray for you! If you are good this week (awesome) ask Him to strengthen your relationship with Him. You can never have a strong enough relationship with God. And lastly, if you feel like God is telling you to send a random text to someone, just do it. You never know when that person needs to hear from you…but God knows.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 8, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

July 8, 2024

Hey friends!! Just want to check in with you and see how your week was last week. I hope it is great but if it was less than that, don’t fret…we have this week. 🙂 It’s ok. Sometimes we have to take it a day at a time. Which is why I chose this week’s topic! What does the Bible say about being nice to others? As Christians, do we have to be nice all the time?

If you have read these motivations for any length of time, you probably know me well by now. I am christian who struggles daily; but, man do I love the Lord!! And for the record, I work on my struggles daily. I really do. But earlier this week, I had to give myself a talkin’ to about being nice. “Jennifer. That was ugly. Be nice.” Truth be told, I think I gave myself that talk a couple times last week. The main reason I told myself WHY I should be nice is because I’m christian. And that’s when it hit me…Jesus wasn’t always “nice”. Jesus was kind. Oftentimes as Christians, we equate the two as biblical kindness. But that isn’t true. So…let’s talk about it!

So first, let’s talk about being nice. The word “nice” is really generic. I had an English teacher that would lower your grade by 10 points if you used the word “nice” in any paper that was turned into her. If you look the word up in the dictionary the definition is, “pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory”. So in my mind, being nice can sometimes be fake. But, did you also know it comes from the Latin word nescius or nescience which means ignorant or ignorance. Also, did you know that no major Bible translation contains the word, “nice”? But I get it, sometimes, it’s easier to be “nice” than disagree with someone (notice I didn’t say argue).

Well, Jennifer, why is kindness so much different? GLAD YOU ASKED!!

True biblical kindness is really deep. It’s not topical or fake…ever. True kindness can only be obtained through abiding in Christ. If you look at a tree, you can’t have limbs without a trunk, right? Your faith is the trunk. Kindness is a branch. You can’t have kindness without faith.

Kindness isn’t always nice. I know, this is confusing. Listen, kindness is brave, fierce and daring. It’s fearless and selfless. It is not timid or frail. Can you be those things and be “nice” all the time? ABSOLUTELY not! Being kind is telling others things they don’t want to hear.

Let me give you an example. You have a friend who can be emotional at times (you can insert any emotion in this scenario and it will work). This friend, who is not married, is having an affair with a married person. There’s a whole lot wrong here, right? What do YOU do as their friend? DO you listen and say, “Whatever, it’s their life”? Do you say, “Well, they aren’t doing anything wrong because they aren’t married”? Or do you KNOW it’s wrong but don’t say anything because they will blow up or cry? Kindness is telling them they are wrong. Kindness is pointing out why it’s wrong and how that doesn’t glorify God. And guess what? That conversation is NOT going to be fun but you did it. And that makes you…kind. Even if they don’t see it. But I promise, they heard you and they will think about what you said even if they disagree.

You know you better than anyone, right? Even your spouse or best friend doesn’t know EVERYTHING about you. You have had thoughts and feelings that you shouldn’t. So, if you said and did everything you thought or felt, do you think people should show you absolute kindness? Of course not! That’s why we don’t act on all of our thoughts and feelings, right? So, why is God kind to you? You don’t have to act on those thoughts and feelings because He knows! He knows your heart.

This week, show kindness. I promise there are so many ways you can do this on a daily basis. You just have to look for it. By showing someone kindness, you are displaying the love of Christ.

I pray this week is a great week for all of you!

Love you all,

Jennifer