Tag: stress Page 1 of 3

Motivational Monday

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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

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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

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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

Motivational Monday

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On December 29, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  I hope you spent time with family and/or friends.  

Just a reminder, we will be having our 7 days of prayer and fasting. Prayer time starts Thursday, January 1st in the Sanctuary and continues each morning through the following Wednesday, January 7th. The fasting part is left up to each individual. Fasting is going without food mainly, and/or going without some other activity that would be considered a sacrifice. It can be a total fast of food, or partial, like going without sweets, or meats, or snacks. The prayer time is usually no more than 45 minutes. Get there when you can and leave when you need to.

  • Thursday, January 1st—9:00am
  • Friday—7:00am
  • Saturday and Sunday —9:00am
  • Monday thru Wednesday—7:00am

That reminder is a great segway into today’s topic.  The new year is a sign of a new beginning.  I know a lot of you set resolutions.  Personally, I don’t.  I set goals.  I know what you’re thinking…what’s the difference?  The difference is how my brain works!  🙂  Goals are something I want to achieve and resolutions are disappointments if I don’t achieve them.  Again, Jennifer’s brain.  If you are like me, you set goals in different parts of your life (spiritually, financially, etc.).  This year my goal is God first.  So, let’s talk about it.

When it comes to my church family, I have a difficult time saying no.  I tend to overthink everything.  I think, “I say no to this, then someone else will have to pick up the slack.  I’ll just do it.”  Or, I feel like if I say no then in my crazy brain that equals, “I am not serving the Lord”.  But in reality, I am pushing myself away from Him.  Instead of enjoying my time serving, I am sometimes irritated and/or stressed instead of happy.  When I become overwhelmed or overextended, I tend to shut down.  I don’t have the right attitude and I miss church on Sunday mornings.  Which makes me feel EVEN MORE guilty.

Let’s talk about some ways you can put God first this year.

First, read your Bible.  I am 45 years old and had never read the Bible all the way though until 2 years ago.  I read the Bible but not from cover to cover.  Why?  Well, frankly, it’s long.  And have you ever read Numbers?  There are parts that are boring and there are A LOT of parts I don’t understand.  But just understand that the boring parts are usually references for other parts of the Bible.  As for the parts you don’t understand…listen.  If you don’t read it, you 100% won’t understand it.  If we all understood it the first time we read it, then we wouldn’t study it, would we?

Second, spend time in prayer.  When I wake up in the middle of the night (which is frequently these days), I don’t reach for my phone.  I lay there and pray.  And I’ll go ahead and tell God, “Hey God.  I am going to pray myself asleep so I may not say Amen.  But just know I meant it.”  I feel like that covers me!  But dedicate time for prayer.  It’s amazing how blessed you will be through prayer.

Third, be careful what you take in.  I have a love/hate relationship with social media.  I despise all the negativity it can spread.  But on the flip side, look at all the positivity it spreads.  At the end of the day, you determine what you read, hear and see.  Sure.  There are times we see things that we didn’t sign up to see.  But that’s where prayer comes into play, right?  Your focus needs to stay on God.  And if something isn’t pointing to Him, STOP!  Stop watching.  Stop reading.  Stop listening.  Just stop.

And lastly, set boundaries.  This is where my story comes into play.  By setting boundaries, it gives us time to worship and pray.  Have you ever been in the middle in prayer and immediately thought of something you need to do?  Maybe that’s just me.  But you HAVE TO set aside time.  It’s ok to tell others about your boundaries.  When you tell them, explain why.  THis is a perfect opportunity to witness to them.

I told you all of these things like I abide by them.  Clearly, I don’t but I want to.  I think I used this as a pep talk to myself.  🙂.  So, for the month of January, I will be taking a break from Motivational Monday.  Not because I don’t love you all, I just want to be properly guided by Him.  If there is something I feel passionate to write, then I will.  But if I don’t, I want you all to know why.  I am trying to realign with Him.  And I know you all understand.

Happy New Year and love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday- Thanks and Giving Series

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On November 17, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Today, I want to continue our Thanks and Giving series as we are quickly approaching the holiday.  Do you have expectations?  Of course you do!  We all do.  What happens when your expectations don’t go as planned?  I would expect you to feel defeated and frustrated with a possible side of disillusionment.  When this happens, what sort of weapons do you use against your discouragement?  Did you know God gives us weapons?  Let’s talk about it.

Many years ago when Jon and I got married, we bought a townhome.  We were only supposed to live in this townhome for 5ish years and then we wanted a “freestanding” home.  Well, we were in debt.  Then, I got pregnant.  We went bankrupt.  Then, the market crashed.  Our 5ish years turned into 11.  We were very thankful to have a roof over our heads but we felt like we weren’t doing Logan justice by not having a yard and we just felt like a disappointment.  At the 11 year mark, we decided to go for it and sell the townhome and buy another home.

Well…we listed our townhome and it went under contract quickly!  So quickly, we have to hurry to find another house to move to!  GREAT!!  We found a home we loved that was in our price range and we were good to go.  We paid for inspections (septic tank, house AND for snakes-a story for later), put a deposit down to have a fence installed the day after closing, and booked movers.  Financially, we were tapped out but hey!  We are moving and making a small profit on the townhome so we should be ok.

36 hours before closing and while we were doing our final walkthrough, we learned the buyers of our home no longer had financing.  Y’all.  I.was.devastated.  Everything was packed.  We were going out to eat at this point because the kitchen was packed.  We had thrown every dollar we had to move and then BAM!  All was gone.  I cried.  I knew we didn’t have enough money  in reserve to do this again so we were stuck in the townhome until we could save enough again.  All I could do was pray.

The house we were buying was a flip.  The man that currently owed the home was a contractor.  He just wanted to sell this house. When we backed out (36 hours before closing) he asked what the issue was.  Everything was explained to him.  He offered to buy the townhome for what we owed on it.  This was great…and stressful.  The money that we thought we would recover would be gone.  But I felt like this was God’s way of giving us an opportunity to move.  Who has this type of opportunity given to them??  Well, we took him up on the offer.  We got the house.  He resold the townhome 13 days later making more profit than we would have made.  But what a roller coaster of emotions, right?

In Ephesians 5, God points to a reality that we don’t like to admit but we know to be true and that’s “the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).  Because of the brokenness, we have to make the best use of our time.  Paul tells us this for two reasons.  First, the days are evil because we are tricked into thinking we have more time and opportunities than we really have.  Second, the days we live in introduce evils in our lives.  So what are we supposed to do?

Don’t get drunk on wine and be filled by the spirit.  I know what you are thinking?  Jennifer, I am not a drinker so check for me!  Let me explain this one.  Alcohol is a numbing agent.  It helps us to not feel.  But many things can be a numbing agent.  Just because you don’t consume that doesn’t mean you are free.  Don’t ignore the difficulties in your life by burying yourself in sinful behavior.  You might think this will help you avoid pain, but speaking from experience, you are just postponing it.  Instead, be filled with the spirit, and you will be equipped to deal with it instead of avoiding it.

Address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.  Jennifer, I’m not a singer.  Guess what?  Neither am I!!  But the key takeaway of this verse is “addressing one another”.  Paul wasn’t just telling us something that was for our own good. Paul is addressing the church and wants them to accept their responsibility for one another. He tells them to remind each other of God’s goodness through: Psalms- scriptures of praise, Hymns- songs of praise written by the church, and Spiritual songs- impromptu responses of praise.  God knows you can’t sing!  It’s ok!

Piggy backing off the last point, He wants us to sing and make melody to the Lord.  Not only does he want us to encourage each other with praise but to make worship a regular part of our lives.  Music inspires us and changes us.  It’s hard for the devil to get a hold of us when we are making it a habit to worship Him.

Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul tells the church of Ephesus to give thanks always and for everything.  When we respond with gratitude, we see things differently.

Lastly, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  The bible says mutual submission helps us walk wisely.  When we attend worship regularly, we develop friendships with like minded people.  They are there to help you in your walk with the Lord.  So, you should respectfully and willingly submit to their help and recommendations when you need it!  They want to succeed!

Look, disappointments will happen.  I don’t care if you are 7 or 77.  As long as you are alive on this Earth, you will have disappointments.  But God, right?  Thankfully, He has our back and He wants to seek him.  In my situation, it all worked out like I wanted.  But what if it didn’t?  What if we had to stay in the townhome longer and we had to let this house go?  I would have always wondered what was He was saving us from…

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday- Thanks and Giving Series

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On November 10, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Ummm, where did Fall go?  I hear it will be back by the end of the week but IT’S COLD!!  Today, I want to continue our Thanks and Giving Series.  In the past week, how many times has something bothered you?  Did you complain about it?  Have you ever met someone who is just negative about everything?  I mean, look at me!  I just complained about the weather!  Well, let’s talk about it.

Years ago, I had a Mustang GT Convertible.  I LOVED that car.  It was so much fun and it would FLY.  It was black with red leather seats.  Seriously, gorgeous car.  One morning, Logan had a soccer game.  I got to the field toting my coffee and chair preparing myself to be cold.  Another parent started talking to me about my car.  I started griping that my wrist was hurting because the cup holders were at an awkward angle.  Y’all.  I didn’t realize how ridiculous that sounded until they just started laughing.  I was very confused and didn’t know why they were laughing.  THIS WAS NO LAUGHING MATTER!!!  I NEED COFFEE AND IT WAS HURTING MY WRIST TO PICK IT UP AT THAT ANGLE!  🤦🏻  The couple simply said, “Jennifer.  First world problems…”

I felt so stupid at that moment.  I was so caught up in myself that I was complaining about the most trivial thing.  I was so caught up in myself that I didn’t even realize how ridiculous that entire conversation was until they spelled it out.  Why was I complaining about the extras in my life?  The extras that at one time in my life, I thought I wouldn’t get?!  As silly as it is, that was a turning point for me.  I knew I needed to be more like Paul.

One of things I started doing was keeping a Grateful Journal.  This was just a notebook.  Nothing fancy.  I started every entry with, “Today I am grateful for…”  Sometimes, it was silly.  “Today, I am grateful for spoons because how else would I eat soup?”  Other days, it was deeper that ended in a story from that day.  This journal helped to reflect on my day and focus on the positive and not the negatives.  Like everyone, every day is not a good day.  If for some reason I was especially down, I would open my journal and read it.  The entries were MY specific joys that occurred in MY life.  My joy and blessings that God gave me.  

Another thing I stopped doing was use less negative language.  Remember my Mustang story above?  I said, “I felt so stupid at that moment.”  And I did.  That was a very accurate statement.  At that point in my life, I felt stupid.  Literally, uneducated and not smart.  I was stumbling through life trying to not be a bad mom and a decent wife.  I didn’t see anything wrong with that negative language because that’s how I felt.  I decided I had to change my wording.  Instead of thinking or talking like I was a bad mom, I would focus on what an awesome kid Logan was.  His successes and attitude.  Do you see how I shifted that mindset?  Logan is a gift from God.  Jon was an answer to my prayers.  Once I started using positive words, it became easier to see the good.  Why couldn’t I see that sooner?

Lastly, stop worrying.  During the time of my story, I was a worry wort.  Seriously.  I worried about the things that could happen that NEVER actually happened.  I worried so much that I developed anxiety attacks.  At one point, I thought I was having a heart attack (seriously!).  People would tell me, “Trust God.”  I would have responded, “I do but…”  There is no but when you talk about God.  I am not going to lie and tell you that I am free of worry.  But what I can tell you is my anxiety level is minimal compared to where I was at that time.  What I didn’t realize (until I truly trusted God) was how worry distracted me from focusing on the good.  When you focus on the good, it is just naturally easier to be grateful.

I would love to be like Paul all around.  Paul didn’t grumble or complain.  He spoke of struggles.  And listen, if anyone has reason to complain, it was Paul.  He endured a lot of suffering.  But he used that suffering as opportunities to learn and grow.  There were times Paul felt inadequate, unsuccessful and rejected but he never used these to complain about God.  

This week, I want to encourage you to identify what is your struggle with staying focused on being thankful.  Are you a worrier?  Do you use negative language to describe situations?  Do you make “mountains out of mole hills”?  Once you identify your biggest struggle, tweak how you handle those situations.  Pray about it.  Seek encouragement from the Lord.  He is your biggest cheerleader.  

Love you all,

Jennifer

 

Motivational Monday

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On October 20, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Guess what??  It’s almost Fall Festival TIME!!!!  WOOOHOOOO!!  If you have never been to our Fall Festival, you need to come.  It’s a lot of fun and the kids have a blast.  Make sure you spread the word and let everyone know.  Remember, it’s next Sunday from 5pm-6:30pm.  

Speaking of spreading the word…have you ever thought about what kind of influence you are?  Are you a positive or negative influence?  Well, let’s talk about it.

Overall, I think I am a glass half full kinda person.  Don’t get me wrong, when I get negative, I am pretty negative.  But, I like to believe people are generally good.  I know that’s not the case of all people.  I also know, people are sinners and not perfect.  Just because they sin, doesn’t make them a bad person, it means they made a bad decision.  Churches are made up of imperfect, sinful people.  Sometimes, as we attend our church, we might learn something about a fellow member or church goer that “upsets” you.  Something they did in the past so therefore you judge them.  Are you holding them to the same standard as a coworker?  A friend?  A family member?  Do you know the whole story?

Just because someone sins and struggles differently than you, doesn’t make them right or wrong.  It doesn’t mean they deserve to be judged more or less than your other brothers and sisters in Christ.  Our past experiences and sins make us who we are today and God uses those experiences (even sins) for you to use for His glory.  So do you use your experience as a light?

In a world filled with darkness, uncertainty, and challenges, the call to “let your light so shine before men” from Matthew 5:16 is a powerful reminder of our responsibility as Christians. It’s an invitation to be a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a reflection of God’s love in our daily lives.

The call to shine in Matthew 5:16 encourages us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  This verse tells us that our actions speak louder than words.  We are called to be more than “just believers”.  We have to put actions behind what we say.  So how do we do that?

We are just nice.  We hold the door open for the person behind us.  We help our neighbor.  We tell someone how good they look today.  We make someone smile.  We buy a homeless man some shoes.  But here’s the thing!  If you are not financially able to help that homeless man, no big deal!  You can pray for him and that’s worth so much.  You can talk to him.  You are…kind.  Small acts of kindness are so small and insignificant to us but it can mean the world to someone who is barely holding it together.  These acts of love, kindness and empathy shines a light on the values and principles of our faith.

And while everyday kindness is essential, the most profound way to shine your light shine is sharing the gospel.  Telling everyone you know about God’s love and salvation.  God’s love is available to everyone even to those who make bad decisions.  By sharing His message is the ultimate way to show love and compassion to others.  People need hope.  They need to forgive and be forgiven.  And they will get that from Him but what if YOU were the reason they know Him?

Are there times you feel like you can’t talk to someone about something because you struggle or struggled with the same sin?  Or, do you feel like since you are sinful, you can’t do something like write a Motivational Monday?  Trust me.  I get it.  I struggle.  But I try to use my life experiences- good, bad and ugly- to, hopefully, be a positive influence.  And you, (yes you!) can do the same.  And remember that being a positive influence is also recognizing those around you aren’t perfect either.  We can’t hold them to a standard that we can’t achieve ourselves.  There’s only one who is perfect.  Remember, let your light shine brightly this week and make a difference in the world one person at a time.

Love you all,

Jennifer


Motivational Monday

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On October 13, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Thanks for being with me for the Wednesday message last week.  So let’s get this motivation started!  What do you do everyday?  And I mean, your routine.  Do you basically do the same things day in and day out?  Or do you do the same thing on a specific day?  Of course you do!  We all do.  When you do those things, are you looking for God?  Let’s talk about it.

Y’all.  Listen.  I love coffee.  Coffee is a form of therapy for me.  I drink coffee first thing in the morning.  I don’t think it helps me “wake up” like some say.  It just starts my day because it’s my routine.  Then, I have afternoon coffee when I get home.  I use this time to unwind.  It’s therapeutic.  I’m drinking coffee right now while writing this!  Typically, depending on the time of the day, I use the same cups and the same mugs.  Again.  It’s my routine.  Do I feel God’s presence as I am brewing the coffee?  Or selecting the same cup?  I mean, truthfully no.  Am I looking for Him?  That’s a no too.

As you are going about your routine day, do you ever stop and say, “Where is God today while I am doing this task?”  Again, if you are like me, I don’t normally ask that question.  But if I did, I am not sure I would feel His presence or hear His voice.  Of course, I feel close to Him when I am praying, worshiping, singing Christian music, etc.  If I am going through a hard time, I feel Him.  But just everyday life?  Right here, right now?

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  Present.  So, wait?  He’s present when I am making my coffee?  Yep.  He’s right there.  He’s a present God.  Even on the most very basic day you live.  “The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:7.  So, who does He host?  Angel armies, right?  And the God of Jacob means what?  It means He’s a personal God.  He is there for just me.  And just you.  And that homeless man in Birmingham.  He is here individually for all of us.  So even when we don’t know our issues, He is there.  He is our refuge, our fortress and shield.

It takes discipline to look for God in your routine days.  You have to remember to look for Him.  It takes faith. 

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Walking is something we don’t really think about (unless you suddenly can’t and you realize how you took it for granted).  But 2 Corinthians 5:7 tell us to walk.  Not run.  Not stop.  Walk.  By walking in faith, we are living in the present.  As we are moving in our mundane way that we don’t think much about, He’s telling us to see His mercy.  To see His goodness.  His faithfulness.

I brought this up because it seems like from October through December, we are busy.  We are busy with the same things year after year.  And most of us want to do these things.  We look forward to this time of year.  But we need to remember to stop and praise Him for the food you had for dinner tonight.  Or the friend that sends a quick text to ask, “How are you?”  Or the look you get from your child or grandchild when they see you.  They light up!  Do you look for Him in those moments?

I am writing this knowing I am guilty of living life everyday and not looking for Him in the mundane things.  And lately, I have been pretty frustrated with the mundane in my life.  But let me tell you something, Matt Fridy spoke in church yesterday about life and stress.  And that made me think about my silly frustrations and my silly stresses.  I think if we look for Him in our most mundane activities, not only will that strengthen our walk with Him but the byproduct will be less stress overall.  Isn’t that how we are supposed to live?

Love you all,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday

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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

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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

 



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