Is This How Jesus Felt?

 January 5, 2013

  Desert places....have you been there? I come to them now and then on this journey. Places, and times where I feel alone in my walk. Where I feel persecuted for following God and His will. It happens more often than I'd like. The toughest part I think, is when i feel persecuted by people closest to me; those that I would hope know my heart and my intentions. This is when the persecution is the most painful. Recently I had a situation that was particularly painful. I felt attacked for standing up for something I felt was the right thing to do. The blessing in it though, was that God allowed me to see the pain He went through for me; for us. How lonely must Jesus have felt in the desert. How forsaken during His Agony in the Garden. He knows the pain in my heart in these times, because He felt it too. I was so very grateful for this moment where I felt Jesus said to me, "I have been there and I am enough for you."

 Scripture tells us that to follow Him will not be easy. Doing God's will can be difficult and takes courage, but it's what He desires. We need to keep our eyes focused on HIM in order to be able to "take up our cross and follow Him".  Here are some verses I cling to in these times. They give me hope and I pray they will do the same for you if you struggle with feeling isolated for doing God's will.


Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12


But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44


If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.... If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also...They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. John 15:18-21

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's sight. 1 Corinthians 3:19

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of The Lord, because you know that your labor in The Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

...the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:8-10  

...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

... But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  1 Peter 2:20-21

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.... Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:14-17
 

Yes! I DO love being a mom!

December 21, 2012

 While checking out at the grocery store the other day I experienced something new and refreshing. See, I have to put on my battle gear each time, in an effort to fight off all the negativity I tend to receive being the mom of 5 kids, and a homeschooler at that. What a rebel I am!! I am asked, every single time, one or more of the following questions; "Wow- is this a months worth of groceries?", "You have HOW many kids?", "You know how to stop that don't you?", "Gosh, you could use this receipt to start a fire!" The list goes on...and on. It is extremely uncomfortable for me most times. So to my absolute surprise, after the usual conversation about how long my groceries will last, how many it will feed etc, the nice young girl at the check out said to me, "Wow-you must really love being a mom!". After a moment of being completely stunned, I responded, "Well, yes, I do- I really do."

 I have been pondering this since it happened. Why is it that I tend to be afraid to say that I am a mom of five, or that I stay home with my children, homeschool them and actually enjoy having them here with me?  Why do i absolutely cringe upon stating that we are open to more children if God sees fit to give us more? Truly, my family is small compared to many women I know. The girl at the check out got me really thinking about how much I truly do love being a mom. Mothering is the most heart-wrenching and heart warming thing, all at the same time. I never knew I'd feel the things I feel. I never knew how much love I could feel for another human being. I never knew how hard it would be. It's the hardest job I have ever done, and it certainly feels anything but rewarding at times-many times! While there are times when I think things like, I can't do it anymore, I'm not capable, these blessings are going to kill me!, When I feel I am at my wits end, I am also pierced by my children's beauty; both outward and inner. I am struck by their beautiful eyes that are so deep, their bright smiles that light up a room. I am in awe of the sweetness of a toddlers kissable cheeks, or their hand in mine. I am touched by moments like watching my children do their favorite things; skating, dancing, riding horses, and moments like watching my child walk across the stage to received her diploma. These moments bring me back to the reality of how much I treasure being a mom and what a blessing this vocation is.

 My daughters have brought so much joy. They are an incredible blessing. God created me to be their mom and Yes- I do love it!

 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord~ Psalm 127:3

Welcome

Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit. I wanted to start out by telling you a bit more about myself and what my hopes are for this blog....

Some things I love are my morning coffee and prayer time, taking photos, scrap-booking (although I don’t have much time for it these days!), reading novels, horses, flowers, nature-especially the seaside. I am a huge Laura Ingalls Wilder fan and love all things Laura! I love healthy eating, though I am not extreme in the area. 

 

My purpose in putting together this blog is to share my journey with others. I believe we are called to use our experiences to help one another.  I think the vocation of motherhood can be a lonely one at times. It's so easy to compare ourselves to other women and become discouraged and isolate ourselves. Whenever I am going through something in life I want to know I am not alone; that others have been there. My hope is that in sharing my struggles, thoughts, experiences etc, that someone may read something and realize they are not alone.  I will always be real in what I post because that is what I always crave. All too often I think we, as women, search out things to help us on our way only to find what appears to be perfection. From there we start to second guess ourselves and wonder why we don’t have what another has, whether it’s creativity, organization, great ideas etc. This starts the trail of self doubt. I don’t claim any perfection.  Many of my ideas have been cultivated by watching and observing others or asking for advice and taking the best of others’ thoughts. Any talents I may have and anything good that I may do, are only because of God’s Grace. I am a real mom, who struggles every day to be better. I yell at my kids too often and, grow frustrated with my husband more than I should. I do not have it all together. Some days are more challenging than others. But I get up every day, spend time with Him, and only by His Grace, keep moving forward. 

I recently read something that i loved on another blog that I came across. Then as I searched through I found a comment about the blogger being non-denominational because she didn't believe in division. Ironically I felt instantly divided from this woman because I love and embrace my Catholic faith. I will post things about about my faith on here, but would hate for anyone to feel division over that. I believe we are all after the same Savior and I pray all will feel welcome here.

 I will pray daily for all who enter this site.  Thank you for joining me on my journey. Know of my prayers for you and may God bless you always~

Jen