Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Broken
I feel broken in two today. One side of me is tired of believing for the promises of God. I am discouraged and disappointed. Then the other side of me is yelling: "God is faithful, you know the truth!" They have been going back and forth most of day. :/
My mom used to say that your emotions are not right or wrong, what you do with them is right or wrong. My feelings in themselves are not the issue. God gets we will have days like this. His Word is filled with encouragement and direction. I don't think He is threatened by my emotions. In fact, I have found that to the degree that I am willing to be honest and transparent before Him, is the degree that He can come and touch me. He has brought healing, correction, direction and restoration (etc) as I paid that cost emotionally to lay myself fully before Him. No playing, no justifying, no deflecting ~ just raw and honest.
It is not fun or easy BUT definitely worth it!
Ok, so back to today. I was pouring my heart and disappointment out to Him and felt to read Malachi. The book is basically God setting the Jews straight and confronting what they were saying or doing. Then in Chapter 4:1-3 says:
"Surely, the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be
stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty. Not a root or a
branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise
with healing on its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then
you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I
do these things, says the Lord Almighty."
Those words (bold) brought hope again and settled my frazzled emotions. I feel like I've been pent up like those calves, waiting for the door to open just enough for me to break out and feel the warmth of the sun on my back. Running free through the grass and flowers blooming, a promise of new life.
The situations may not have miraculously changed, but I have. Once again, God met me in my need and despair. He listened, He loved, He corrected and He encouraged. I love Him for that. I am grateful that He is my God and I can go to Him ~ broken. He doesn't leave me there and I don't let my emotions rule over what I know to be true.
May God be with you today and meet you where you are. Be honest. Let Him touch that part you keep hidden (or maybe not so hidden). He loves you!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Monday, February 27, 2012
Where do I fit?
Happy Monday!! How was your weekend? We had a funeral for an awesome lady from our church, Verna Horrigan. It was beautiful to hear the stories of her life and the heart of so many we loved her and were loved by her. Pastor Tom shared how she was the heart of the church and how others would have to step up.
I sat there and wondered what my place was. I don't think she intentionally set out to be the heart, it was a natural result to Verna being Verna. Just like in the natural body, organs don't line up and draw straws or vote who gets to be the foot or the kidney or the eye. I think in the church we, too often, fight for a position or job, instead of allowing it to flow out of who we are and be a natural result of God working in our lives.
God has the people who will step up and be His heart in our church, but where do I fit? I am reminded about the book by Henry Blackaby, "Experiencing God." In it, he shares how God is at work everywhere and He asks us to join Him where we see Him working. Do you see a need or gap? Then fill it. There are opportunities all around us to join Him anywhere, anytime.
Is there something that you really enjoy doing? Or when you hear about a specific thing, you get all excited? Maybe, just maybe, God is kicking you in the pants to get involved in that. Don't let what others will think or say stop you. They're going to talk anyway, it might as well be about you obeying God. Even if they don't get it, you and God will!
"But Samuel replied: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."
1 Samuel 15:22
Another thing that can stop us from finding our place is how we are not authentic to who we are. We are trying to be what others think we should be, or maybe who we think we should be. It will be like the two step-sisters in Cinderella, the shoe won't fit no matter how hard we try. Ever walk all day in shoes that don't fit? Your feet hurt and your toes are so smooshed it takes days to straighten out. Being someone other than who God created us to be will bring hurt in our lives and frustration with the church, (or work, home, community) and ultimatley with God, unless we allow Him to straighten out the mess we made.
God is not glorified if we are imitating others. He made each of us unique! If we are too busy trying to be someone other than who we are, we are basically telling God that we're not good enough how He made us. Now, the real kicker to this is that God doesn't want us perfect, He said to be holy. He wants us to be known for who we really are, weaknesses and all. Scary, isn't it?!?!?
"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15&16
So, I may not know where I fit excatly, but I will keep listening for needs around me and be obedient to what I hear God saying. My place will come naturally and flow. I pray that you will allow God to first, encourage you...you are just right for what He has for you and second, that you will be willing to join Him in His work reaching people with His love and purpose for them.
May God bless you mightly in all you do!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
I sat there and wondered what my place was. I don't think she intentionally set out to be the heart, it was a natural result to Verna being Verna. Just like in the natural body, organs don't line up and draw straws or vote who gets to be the foot or the kidney or the eye. I think in the church we, too often, fight for a position or job, instead of allowing it to flow out of who we are and be a natural result of God working in our lives.
God has the people who will step up and be His heart in our church, but where do I fit? I am reminded about the book by Henry Blackaby, "Experiencing God." In it, he shares how God is at work everywhere and He asks us to join Him where we see Him working. Do you see a need or gap? Then fill it. There are opportunities all around us to join Him anywhere, anytime.
Is there something that you really enjoy doing? Or when you hear about a specific thing, you get all excited? Maybe, just maybe, God is kicking you in the pants to get involved in that. Don't let what others will think or say stop you. They're going to talk anyway, it might as well be about you obeying God. Even if they don't get it, you and God will!
"But Samuel replied: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."
1 Samuel 15:22
Another thing that can stop us from finding our place is how we are not authentic to who we are. We are trying to be what others think we should be, or maybe who we think we should be. It will be like the two step-sisters in Cinderella, the shoe won't fit no matter how hard we try. Ever walk all day in shoes that don't fit? Your feet hurt and your toes are so smooshed it takes days to straighten out. Being someone other than who God created us to be will bring hurt in our lives and frustration with the church, (or work, home, community) and ultimatley with God, unless we allow Him to straighten out the mess we made.
God is not glorified if we are imitating others. He made each of us unique! If we are too busy trying to be someone other than who we are, we are basically telling God that we're not good enough how He made us. Now, the real kicker to this is that God doesn't want us perfect, He said to be holy. He wants us to be known for who we really are, weaknesses and all. Scary, isn't it?!?!?
"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15&16
So, I may not know where I fit excatly, but I will keep listening for needs around me and be obedient to what I hear God saying. My place will come naturally and flow. I pray that you will allow God to first, encourage you...you are just right for what He has for you and second, that you will be willing to join Him in His work reaching people with His love and purpose for them.
May God bless you mightly in all you do!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Friday, February 24, 2012
Grace
"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."
~ 2 Cor. 12:9
My mom would say that you don't need the grace to eat poop on a stick until you need to eat poop on a stick. A little graphic, but it gets the point across. She wasn't one for messing around. (That's where I get it). We don't think we can handle a specific situation, and we probably couldn't until we are smack in the middle of it and God's grace is there!
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was only through God's grace and strength that I made it through my mom's unexpected passing, or Dean with his sister dying of cancer, or the girls in NICU or the numerous other circumstances that we have walked through.
The thing I found about God's grace is that I wasn't aware of it at first. You do what needs to be done, you put one foot in front of the other and one day you realize that you are surviving. People wonder how you are functioning and then it hits you ~ this is what grace looks like, feels like. Then the peace knowing you are not alone settles around you and you keep walking in the hand of your God.
That's what I have been thinking of these few days and also about how the people at the end of Hebrews 11 got through what they went through. (I told you we would finish it) ;)
In verses 35b-37: it tells of other believers who didn't fare as well as the ones in the previous verses. These were tortured...made fun of, flogged, chained, stoned, sawed in two, killed with swords, mistreated and left wandering. It's felt like I've had a few of those days.
I know that when I read Hebrews 11, I want to be in the first group! I also know that if I am really faced with anything from the second group, I can rely on God's grace. It is overwhelming to think of those things being a reality, but I don't have the grace for that yet. I don't need it yet.
The chapter ends with vs.39-40: "None of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours."
It's just not all about us!! We each need to walk out what God has called us to, not comparing if promises were received or not. That you would rather have another person's walk or glad that you don't have to walk through what they are. Whatever God calls us to, His grace will be there. We can walk out our stories for Him and His Kingdom, because of Him and His grace.
I pray that you will know, deep in your heart, that God's grace will be there for you in whatever He asks you to walk through.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
~ 2 Cor. 12:9
My mom would say that you don't need the grace to eat poop on a stick until you need to eat poop on a stick. A little graphic, but it gets the point across. She wasn't one for messing around. (That's where I get it). We don't think we can handle a specific situation, and we probably couldn't until we are smack in the middle of it and God's grace is there!
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was only through God's grace and strength that I made it through my mom's unexpected passing, or Dean with his sister dying of cancer, or the girls in NICU or the numerous other circumstances that we have walked through.
The thing I found about God's grace is that I wasn't aware of it at first. You do what needs to be done, you put one foot in front of the other and one day you realize that you are surviving. People wonder how you are functioning and then it hits you ~ this is what grace looks like, feels like. Then the peace knowing you are not alone settles around you and you keep walking in the hand of your God.
That's what I have been thinking of these few days and also about how the people at the end of Hebrews 11 got through what they went through. (I told you we would finish it) ;)
In verses 35b-37: it tells of other believers who didn't fare as well as the ones in the previous verses. These were tortured...made fun of, flogged, chained, stoned, sawed in two, killed with swords, mistreated and left wandering. It's felt like I've had a few of those days.
I know that when I read Hebrews 11, I want to be in the first group! I also know that if I am really faced with anything from the second group, I can rely on God's grace. It is overwhelming to think of those things being a reality, but I don't have the grace for that yet. I don't need it yet.
The chapter ends with vs.39-40: "None of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours."
It's just not all about us!! We each need to walk out what God has called us to, not comparing if promises were received or not. That you would rather have another person's walk or glad that you don't have to walk through what they are. Whatever God calls us to, His grace will be there. We can walk out our stories for Him and His Kingdom, because of Him and His grace.
I pray that you will know, deep in your heart, that God's grace will be there for you in whatever He asks you to walk through.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Thursday, February 23, 2012
"Believe and do what God says. The life-changing consequences will be limitless and the results will be confidence and peace of mind."
~ Franklin Graham
This quote has challenged me. What are your first thoughts when you read it? Have you known this to be true in your life?
I know for me, when I was in YWAM (Youth With A Mission), I really saw this be true in my life. I did so many things that were very "un-Jodi-like". I did dramas, spoke in public for the first time, changed the oil on our school bus at a Mexican orphanage (after we drove it from New Hampshire), I dug a gully, I survived a boat ride to the Dominican Republic and back to Florida. By the way, after that, I knew I was called to land!!! Good thing my job duty was cleaning the bathrooms. :-/
I led teams, led people to Christ, ate crazy food, cried with orphans, taught teams ministry, prayed for healings (and saw them), made life-long friends, and fought intense spiritual battles. I got immersed in other cultures and saw peoples lives changed. I have amazing God stories, funny-pee-your-pants stories and wonderful memories.
I know that as scared as I was to step out, as I did, God changed me. I realized that I was not a failure. I was spoiled for the ordinary. I met God in places I never thought I could survive. One of the best parts was God giving me the desires of my heart. I love cultures and experiencing them was awesome. I was tested in my fears and came out alive. ;)
God met me in dark places (emotional, physical and spiritual) and gave me the confidence to stand on His Word and believe Him, no matter what things looked like.
Even now I stand on what I learned and walked through in those years. God is faithful and true! I hope you have experienced that, but if not, I hope you find God to be bigger than your challenges (because He is). We are called to be transformed into His image and change the world. This is not a job for spectators. We are to be participants with God as He changes the world by changing us, our family, friends, community, and country.
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
So, I hope that you will believe God and do what He says.
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
So, it is 7:30 at night and I am sitting on the floor throwing Ziva her ball and keeping Remy from trampling her. I have been running around today and getting things done. I even exercised ~ woohoo! I talked to my Aunt Susan, I love catching up with her and listening to her New York accent, it reminds me of my mom.
There has been a lot going on lately. My dad lost his brother this weekend, our church lost an incredible woman of God, who touched so many lives and my Aunt told me that my Uncle is not doing well. There is so much tragedy in our world.
I have had this scripture written out and taped to my mirror at different times through the years. 2 Cor. 4:8 says: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but destroyed."
I love how God knows that we will go through situations where we are perplexed, persecuted, struck down but He also lets us know that we will not be crushed, abandoned or destroyed.
It goes on vs: 17-18: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
We need to be eternally-minded. In the midst of all that is going on, we need to remind ourselves that it is temporary (even when it doesn't feel like it). That there is greater focus to our lives.
My mom used to say "This too will pass." I hated when she would say that, I wanted understanding, sympathy, for it not to be happening at all. But you know what? It passed, always did, always will.
In the midst of my vacuum with a taped up hose and my broken dryer, I was thankful today as I hung up clothes, that I had a washing machine. I didn't do so well with the vacuum at first, I was so frustrated I was close to tears. As the day went on, I became thankful that the sad little thing is hanging in there and I don't have to sweep the carpet!
These earthly, momentary troubles are not what I need to focus on. They are frustrating and overwhelming ~ definitely... BUT GOD said He has my back.
So, whatever you are going through God has your back!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
There has been a lot going on lately. My dad lost his brother this weekend, our church lost an incredible woman of God, who touched so many lives and my Aunt told me that my Uncle is not doing well. There is so much tragedy in our world.
I have had this scripture written out and taped to my mirror at different times through the years. 2 Cor. 4:8 says: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but destroyed."
I love how God knows that we will go through situations where we are perplexed, persecuted, struck down but He also lets us know that we will not be crushed, abandoned or destroyed.
It goes on vs: 17-18: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
We need to be eternally-minded. In the midst of all that is going on, we need to remind ourselves that it is temporary (even when it doesn't feel like it). That there is greater focus to our lives.
My mom used to say "This too will pass." I hated when she would say that, I wanted understanding, sympathy, for it not to be happening at all. But you know what? It passed, always did, always will.
In the midst of my vacuum with a taped up hose and my broken dryer, I was thankful today as I hung up clothes, that I had a washing machine. I didn't do so well with the vacuum at first, I was so frustrated I was close to tears. As the day went on, I became thankful that the sad little thing is hanging in there and I don't have to sweep the carpet!
These earthly, momentary troubles are not what I need to focus on. They are frustrating and overwhelming ~ definitely... BUT GOD said He has my back.
So, whatever you are going through God has your back!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
My Life
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| Remy and Ziva |
When Dean and I got married and we were in YWAM and really had no idea what life would bring, we just wanted to serve God and change the world.
We didn't have much of a plan and for awhile life tossed us around and we held on. We finally figured out that we could say no and have boundaries. Ever notice that until you stick up for yourself, people do what's best for them and not you?
Dean and I taught our kids that God calls the family and we were a team. They have been involved in everything. As a famiy we have been through and seen a lot. We know that no matter what is happening or where we are, if we are together we can walk through anything.
 |
| Dean and me |
My prayer for us as a family is that we will be all that God needs us to be where we are. We will see His provison and faithfulness in every area of our lives and we will see the dreams and desires of our hearts come true.
My kids have driven me crazy, made me laugh and cry and I feel complete when they are all here. I hate when one is missing. The dogs feel the same way and keep watch at the door. I look forward to them be successful in their lives, but how will I handle them not being here everyday and knowing what's going on. I'm far to nosey not to know everything. ;)
David Wilkerson said: "We are expected to attempt something large enough that failure is certain, unless God steps in." I think creating a family, serving God faithfully and enjoying the ride together without God is that something. Never mind throwing in the curve balls, dreams, heartbreaks, sickeness....
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| Nicole, Rene', Remy. Jessi and Ben |
We are in desperate need of God today!
I pray that no matter what your family looks like, you have people surrounding you that drive you crazy, support you, love you, make you laugh and cry.
May the Living, Loving God hold you today in your need and show Himself faithful in a special way today!!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Monday, February 20, 2012
Fear or Faith part 2
I thought we could continue working through Hebrews 11. God takes us through many of the miraculous things people walking in faith accomplished in vs 33-35.
Some of what Hebrews says is that they:
* Conquered kingdoms: anyone battle a kingdom this week? A kingdom is anything that sets itself up against God. God has the power to subdue everything set up against Him, so we are walking by faith when we stand up for the kingdom of God here on earth. Matthew Henry says "That faith makes us just, bold and wise."
* Administered justice: are we "just" in our dealings with people both privately and publicly? Are we telling people of God's grace and righteousness?
* Gained what was promised: do we believe the promises that God has for us? Are we standing on the promises? Sometimes they take awhile, think Caleb running up that hill as fast as his skinny, old man legs can carry him. (That's how I picture it)
* Shut the mouths of lions: have we walked in the power of God in standing against opposition? Have we shut the mouths of the lies we hear and the talk that says we can't?
* Quenched the Fury of the Flames: do we still believe, walking strong and going forward in our walk with God despite the attacks of the enemy and people?
* Escape the edge of the sword: are we holding onto God by our faith and belief that HE WILL DEFEAT our enemies and bring us victory in our struggles and battles?
* Whose weakness was turned to strength: whether our weakness is physical, spiritual, mental or emotional, are we looking to God to strengthen us?
* Who became powerful in battle and routed foreign enemies: Matthew Henry says "That true faith gives truest courage and patience, as it discerns the strength of God and thereby the weakness of all His enemies. And they were not only valiant, but successful." (They = the people in Hebrews) I think of prayer ~ how it changes circumstances and hearts and gives us strength to stand strong in our battles.
* Women received back their dead, raised to life again: there have been casualties in this battle of Light vs. Dark. Children have walked away from how they were raised or maybe there has been dreams that have died. We see here that those who were dead are brought back to life. What does that apply to in your life?
We know that the same God that was at work back then is still at work now. We can see these verses as an encouragment to hang on and keep going.
I don't know what you are facing today, I know my family is going through it. I don't know what tomorrow brings for you or me, but I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW!!!
The people in Hebrews were just like us. They had weakness, fear, doubt, sin, crazy families...
If they could do it, so can we!
I hope you have a fab night!
All my love ~ Jodi xoxo
Some of what Hebrews says is that they:
* Conquered kingdoms: anyone battle a kingdom this week? A kingdom is anything that sets itself up against God. God has the power to subdue everything set up against Him, so we are walking by faith when we stand up for the kingdom of God here on earth. Matthew Henry says "That faith makes us just, bold and wise."
* Administered justice: are we "just" in our dealings with people both privately and publicly? Are we telling people of God's grace and righteousness?
* Gained what was promised: do we believe the promises that God has for us? Are we standing on the promises? Sometimes they take awhile, think Caleb running up that hill as fast as his skinny, old man legs can carry him. (That's how I picture it)
* Shut the mouths of lions: have we walked in the power of God in standing against opposition? Have we shut the mouths of the lies we hear and the talk that says we can't?
* Quenched the Fury of the Flames: do we still believe, walking strong and going forward in our walk with God despite the attacks of the enemy and people?
* Escape the edge of the sword: are we holding onto God by our faith and belief that HE WILL DEFEAT our enemies and bring us victory in our struggles and battles?
* Whose weakness was turned to strength: whether our weakness is physical, spiritual, mental or emotional, are we looking to God to strengthen us?
* Who became powerful in battle and routed foreign enemies: Matthew Henry says "That true faith gives truest courage and patience, as it discerns the strength of God and thereby the weakness of all His enemies. And they were not only valiant, but successful." (They = the people in Hebrews) I think of prayer ~ how it changes circumstances and hearts and gives us strength to stand strong in our battles.
* Women received back their dead, raised to life again: there have been casualties in this battle of Light vs. Dark. Children have walked away from how they were raised or maybe there has been dreams that have died. We see here that those who were dead are brought back to life. What does that apply to in your life?
We know that the same God that was at work back then is still at work now. We can see these verses as an encouragment to hang on and keep going.
I don't know what you are facing today, I know my family is going through it. I don't know what tomorrow brings for you or me, but I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW!!!
The people in Hebrews were just like us. They had weakness, fear, doubt, sin, crazy families...
If they could do it, so can we!
I hope you have a fab night!
All my love ~ Jodi xoxo
Friday, February 17, 2012
Fear or Faith?
I have been thinking about what I shared yesterday and I was remembering these awesome women I met at the Women's Prison in CT. Twice a month for six years I lead a Bible study in the Drug and Alcohol Rehab building. The women in my group changed through the years and unfortunately some came back, but I learned so much from them.
In keeping with the "Be Awake and Live Your Life" theme from yesterday, I have been remembering how they fought to be free from who they were told they were by family, society, men and themselves. How in the midst of being in physical prison, so many struggled more with the emotional, spiritual and mental prison they were in. They knew they were guilty and deserved to be there.
I saw so much talent in those ladies. You would not believe the poetry, drawings and paintings, murals on the walls, knitting and crocheting and man, could they cook! (on their radiators from things they had from the commissary).
Their tears and heartbreak over their children and what they lost, but the hope they found in a relationship with their God!
We know that Hebrews 11 is called the faith chapter, because it tells the stories of ordinary walking out the extraordinary "by faith." I was struck by vs 15 tucked away in the middle of all 22 "by faiths" and 1 "through faith."
In keeping with the "Be Awake and Live Your Life" theme from yesterday, I have been remembering how they fought to be free from who they were told they were by family, society, men and themselves. How in the midst of being in physical prison, so many struggled more with the emotional, spiritual and mental prison they were in. They knew they were guilty and deserved to be there.
I saw so much talent in those ladies. You would not believe the poetry, drawings and paintings, murals on the walls, knitting and crocheting and man, could they cook! (on their radiators from things they had from the commissary).
Their tears and heartbreak over their children and what they lost, but the hope they found in a relationship with their God!
We know that Hebrews 11 is called the faith chapter, because it tells the stories of ordinary walking out the extraordinary "by faith." I was struck by vs 15 tucked away in the middle of all 22 "by faiths" and 1 "through faith."
vs. 15: "If they had been thinking about the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return."
How many times have we started out for that place that God called us to and not reach it because we decide that the road is too hard? We miss what is familiar? We question if we really heard God and we turn around and return to where we were before He touched us?
I have learned that if someone has another option, even an unhealthy one, they will take it if they think that where they are is too hard or they don't see it as worth the sacrifice.
In vs.16 it says: " Instead they were longing for a better country ~ a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has a prepared a city for them."
We need to have an eternal focus with things we walk through on earth. In face of old habits, people who refuse to let us change and keep us in the old boxes, circumstances and the curve balls we are thrown.
We each have a choice to walk out our faith story like in Hebrews or we can allow the fear, that I'm sure each one of them felt, to imprison us.
I don't know where my prison ladies are right now, but my prayer for them is the same for me and for you: that we walk out and be all that God had in His heart when He created each of us.
Live Your Life Today!!!
Thank you for allowing me to share mine with you and taking this step in my faith story. I am glad to have you on the journey. Someone make sure to pack the chocolate!!! ;)
Have a fab day!
All my love ~ Jodi xoxo
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wake-Up Call
In her book "Fresh-Brewed Life" Nicole Johnson has a list to see if you need a wake-up call to a "Fresh-Brewed life":
* You yelled at your minister last Sunday, or ever.
* You fell asleep at your own party.
* You lobby for chocolate to be one of the four food groups.
* You called your best friend and started chatting, and they said, "Who is this?"
* The people you work with are asking when your next vacation is.
* Your kids look forward to going back to school.
* Your idea of a good time is a coma.
* You can't remember your last vacation.
* You agreed to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
Are you sleepwalking through your life? I know that I can get into a robotic mode of living and doing what needs to get done. Nicole Johnson has a quote in her book from "Succulent Wild Woman" by SARK. I really like it.
"It is tempting to sleepwalk through life. To tell half-truths, listen half-way, be half-asleep, drive with half-attention...Wake up! We need you as an alive and awake woman, listening and contributing. Wake up your creative genius and let it out into the world. Wake up to your power and use it wisely. Wake up to your pain and investigate it. Wake up the dull old parts that are hiding that are hiding from the light. Wake up to love and let it flow through you."
There is so much that we have within us! God knows it, He put it there. The devil fears it, if we truly grasped all that we are...
For me that biggest thing that has held me back is fear. Fear of what people would say or think. Fear of failing. Fear of not getting approval. You can read books on overcoming fear, quote scripture but in the end its you verses your fear. You are the one who actually has to step out from under that cloud and into faith.
In the movie Ambulance Girl there is a line that says (yes, I wrote it down...to fight against fear) "Fear is like a hologram. It seems full of substance and depth until you move through it and discover it is an illusion."
It is not in the absence of fear that faith appears ~ it is because of and in spite of fear it appears.
It is in faith, even though I am afraid, I can truly live my life and not sleepwalk through it.
One more quote from Nicole Johnson: "When fear gets the best of us, we settle for imitation."
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). There is no one else like you in the world. We need you to be you in the world. Only you can touch the people around you. Only you can walk out your story.
So, no more sleeping through your life, don't confuse that with napping. Napping is gift from God ;) and I was once told one of the most spiritual things you can do. Taking a break to get refueled is not the same as checking out and going to robot mode.
Get out there and have fun!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
* You yelled at your minister last Sunday, or ever.
* You fell asleep at your own party.
* You lobby for chocolate to be one of the four food groups.
* You called your best friend and started chatting, and they said, "Who is this?"
* The people you work with are asking when your next vacation is.
* Your kids look forward to going back to school.
* Your idea of a good time is a coma.
* You can't remember your last vacation.
* You agreed to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
Are you sleepwalking through your life? I know that I can get into a robotic mode of living and doing what needs to get done. Nicole Johnson has a quote in her book from "Succulent Wild Woman" by SARK. I really like it.
"It is tempting to sleepwalk through life. To tell half-truths, listen half-way, be half-asleep, drive with half-attention...Wake up! We need you as an alive and awake woman, listening and contributing. Wake up your creative genius and let it out into the world. Wake up to your power and use it wisely. Wake up to your pain and investigate it. Wake up the dull old parts that are hiding that are hiding from the light. Wake up to love and let it flow through you."
There is so much that we have within us! God knows it, He put it there. The devil fears it, if we truly grasped all that we are...
For me that biggest thing that has held me back is fear. Fear of what people would say or think. Fear of failing. Fear of not getting approval. You can read books on overcoming fear, quote scripture but in the end its you verses your fear. You are the one who actually has to step out from under that cloud and into faith.
In the movie Ambulance Girl there is a line that says (yes, I wrote it down...to fight against fear) "Fear is like a hologram. It seems full of substance and depth until you move through it and discover it is an illusion."
It is not in the absence of fear that faith appears ~ it is because of and in spite of fear it appears.
It is in faith, even though I am afraid, I can truly live my life and not sleepwalk through it.
One more quote from Nicole Johnson: "When fear gets the best of us, we settle for imitation."
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). There is no one else like you in the world. We need you to be you in the world. Only you can touch the people around you. Only you can walk out your story.
So, no more sleeping through your life, don't confuse that with napping. Napping is gift from God ;) and I was once told one of the most spiritual things you can do. Taking a break to get refueled is not the same as checking out and going to robot mode.
Get out there and have fun!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Chippie
Years ago when we were living in Connecticut, it was crazy in our house with 3 small kids and Nicole was a baby. To this day I don't know how we got this book, but a Max Lucado book came in the mail. It stayed unopened for awhile, I didn't have the time or energy to read much past Dr. Seuss and the children's Bible. ;)
One night I picked it up out of curiosity, and I read the introduction as I was laughing and crying. I felt like Chippie (you'll understand in a minute) and I knew that God sent me that book. He saw me. He got it. The book is "In The Eye Of The Storm" and I couldn't put it down. It was exactly what I needed.
So, Chippie was this little Parakeet who was minding his own business sitting on his perch, when his owner decided to clean out his cage. She put the vacuum hose in to clean the bottom when the phone rang, as she turned to pick it up she heard "sssopp!"
"The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie ~ still alive, but stunned. Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced for the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and held Chippie under the running water. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering...she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air."
(by this time I was laughing/crying so hard that Dean came to check on me)
When asked a few days later how Chippie was doing she replied, "Chippie doesn't sing much anymore ~ he just sits and stares."
I related to Chippie back then and so often through the years...happily going along when I'm suddenly "sucked in, washed up and blown over."
Dean and I joke that life has a way of changing your doctrine, in that, things don't always line up with what you think or believe should have or would have happened. Our ideas about life have to line up with up God's. There is a difference between justice and just; mercy and judgement etc.
When Dean's sister got cancer we believed for healing, when my mom had an aneurysm we believed for a miracle, when we stepped out in faith to answer the call of God to go ~ we expected to succeed. All of these things and more didn't add up to what we got.
Some say that the center verse of the Bible is Psalm 118:8 "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." If that is the center of the Bible, maybe we should pay attention to what it is that God says.
We need to hide in God. He is our shelter when the answer to our prayer is "no" and we lose someone we love and don't understand why. He covers us when we don't attain a level of success we were hoping for. He is our shield against the judgments of others.
People and circumstances in our lives can make us a "hot mess!" (I picked that up here in Texas) If we follow what others say, or do what they expect over what God says, we will always come up short and drive ourselves crazy.
I also like Psalm 118:13&14 "I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He alone has become my salvation."
So, if you have been sucked in, washed up or blown over. If you don't sing much anymore. Take refuge in God. He is your strength. He is your song. He is your salvation. He is there to cover you against any of life's storms.
All these years later, I still remember that little bird and how God sent me a book to show me His love and to give me hope. Trust in God ~ He is trustworthy!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~ Jodi xoxo
P.S. Thank you to those who shared about your gifts! I loved it!
One night I picked it up out of curiosity, and I read the introduction as I was laughing and crying. I felt like Chippie (you'll understand in a minute) and I knew that God sent me that book. He saw me. He got it. The book is "In The Eye Of The Storm" and I couldn't put it down. It was exactly what I needed.
So, Chippie was this little Parakeet who was minding his own business sitting on his perch, when his owner decided to clean out his cage. She put the vacuum hose in to clean the bottom when the phone rang, as she turned to pick it up she heard "sssopp!"
"The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie ~ still alive, but stunned. Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced for the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and held Chippie under the running water. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering...she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air."
(by this time I was laughing/crying so hard that Dean came to check on me)
When asked a few days later how Chippie was doing she replied, "Chippie doesn't sing much anymore ~ he just sits and stares."
I related to Chippie back then and so often through the years...happily going along when I'm suddenly "sucked in, washed up and blown over."
Dean and I joke that life has a way of changing your doctrine, in that, things don't always line up with what you think or believe should have or would have happened. Our ideas about life have to line up with up God's. There is a difference between justice and just; mercy and judgement etc.
When Dean's sister got cancer we believed for healing, when my mom had an aneurysm we believed for a miracle, when we stepped out in faith to answer the call of God to go ~ we expected to succeed. All of these things and more didn't add up to what we got.
Some say that the center verse of the Bible is Psalm 118:8 "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." If that is the center of the Bible, maybe we should pay attention to what it is that God says.
We need to hide in God. He is our shelter when the answer to our prayer is "no" and we lose someone we love and don't understand why. He covers us when we don't attain a level of success we were hoping for. He is our shield against the judgments of others.
People and circumstances in our lives can make us a "hot mess!" (I picked that up here in Texas) If we follow what others say, or do what they expect over what God says, we will always come up short and drive ourselves crazy.
I also like Psalm 118:13&14 "I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He alone has become my salvation."
So, if you have been sucked in, washed up or blown over. If you don't sing much anymore. Take refuge in God. He is your strength. He is your song. He is your salvation. He is there to cover you against any of life's storms.
All these years later, I still remember that little bird and how God sent me a book to show me His love and to give me hope. Trust in God ~ He is trustworthy!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~ Jodi xoxo
P.S. Thank you to those who shared about your gifts! I loved it!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
God's Gift
Happy Valentine's Day!! Today is about celebrating love. God made us with two basic needs: to love and to be loved. Everything we do is motivated out of those two things. He has shown us His love by sending His Son to come and die for my sins, so I can have a relationship with Him. He also shows us His love everyday with all He provides. James 1:17 says:
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from
the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
I like how the Message describes the gifts, "The gifts are rivers of light cascading down the Father of Light."
God has given us gifts that flow from His heart to ours that light up our world. There are so many things that can darken the light of those gifts in our lives. Life can overwhelm us and we can go days or weeks without noticing the little, wonderful things God brings across our paths.
One gift that God brought into our family four years ago is our Yorkie, Ziva. She was unexpected, but was an answer to a desire of my heart. She is a source of joy and laughter when I am sad or discouraged. A faithful companion when I am lonely, sick or overwhelmed. She is funny and goofy and fits perfectly in our family. So many times Dean and I look at each other and say how much life and hope she has brought to us. God provided the light to get me through some of the darkest moments of the last four years.
He declares His love for me every time I am loved by His gift. I am thankful for her, but I am more thankful to my Living, Loving God who knows me and showers me with His love.
What has God given you to show you His love? Look around you today and notice the beauty we often miss. A moment in time when God is giving you a gift from His heart. Be thankful for that gift, let it lighten any darkness in your world. Let's take a moment and thank God for His love and all that gives us!
I would love to hear about your gifts...
I hope you are blessed today, not only by the people in your lives, but your Living, Loving God who declares His love everyday!!
Have a fab day!
xoxo ~ Jodi
I can't believe I figured out how to post a picture!!! Yeah for me!! (This is going to be fun...) She is dangerous with that tongue!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from
the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
I like how the Message describes the gifts, "The gifts are rivers of light cascading down the Father of Light."
God has given us gifts that flow from His heart to ours that light up our world. There are so many things that can darken the light of those gifts in our lives. Life can overwhelm us and we can go days or weeks without noticing the little, wonderful things God brings across our paths.
One gift that God brought into our family four years ago is our Yorkie, Ziva. She was unexpected, but was an answer to a desire of my heart. She is a source of joy and laughter when I am sad or discouraged. A faithful companion when I am lonely, sick or overwhelmed. She is funny and goofy and fits perfectly in our family. So many times Dean and I look at each other and say how much life and hope she has brought to us. God provided the light to get me through some of the darkest moments of the last four years.
He declares His love for me every time I am loved by His gift. I am thankful for her, but I am more thankful to my Living, Loving God who knows me and showers me with His love.
What has God given you to show you His love? Look around you today and notice the beauty we often miss. A moment in time when God is giving you a gift from His heart. Be thankful for that gift, let it lighten any darkness in your world. Let's take a moment and thank God for His love and all that gives us!
I would love to hear about your gifts...
I hope you are blessed today, not only by the people in your lives, but your Living, Loving God who declares His love everyday!!
Have a fab day!
I can't believe I figured out how to post a picture!!! Yeah for me!! (This is going to be fun...) She is dangerous with that tongue!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Happy Birthday!
"A womans' heart must be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him to find her."
~ Maya Angeloui
I really like this quote. It is my heart and prayer not only for my girls, but for every girl/woman to believe this.
Twenty years ago today, Dean was in one hospital with blood/fluid on his brain and I was in another one giving birth. He had to hear the delivery on the phone of our oldest daughter, Rene'.
It's so hard to believe that little girl with the blond, Shirley Temple curls is driving and working. That she went to Korea by herself on a mission trip and texts on her cell more than I ever talked on the Snoopy phone I shared with my sisters! ;) Rene' has always loved to read and dance. She has always been a nurturer and would try to be the mom. I was always reminding her who the mom was. God has done amazing things through her already and brought her through so much. She spent a week in NICU after she was born and she was very sick for her Freshman Year in High School; we thought we would lose her. Rene' has battled fear. She is a friend to those who don't have any. She has been the hands and feet of Jesus to those around her.
She has driven me crazy at times, but she is also an inspiration to me. I love how she always strives to follow God. We named her after my mom, Renee. My mom loved to worship and made everyone who met her feel important. Rene' is like that.
There is a scripture in 1 Peter 3:4-6:
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him master. You are her daughters IF you do what is right and do not give way to fear."
The "it" here is beauty in vs. 3, where God says beauty is not how your hair looks or your jewelry or clothes. When I first read this scripture I was sad. Didn't God know my Jewish/Italian family? We were definitely not quiet and we were not always gentle. Over the years, I have come to look at it not so literal. Yes, I have gotten quieter and more gentle as God has worked on different areas in my life, but...
I think that God wants us to focus on who we are on the inside more than what we look like on the outside. I love how women back then struggled with looks like we do now. I appreciate how God gets it and encourages us to stay on track with what's important. Don't get hung up with the whole calling him "master" thing. (It's never gonna happen, Deano) Instead, remember that it is about our hearts.
Am I doing the right thing? Am I gentle with those around me and myself? Am I quiet so I can hear the cries of those around me? So I can hear God speak to me? Am I giving in to fear or fighting and standing against it?
We are women of God, made in His Image, He lives in us and we have all that He is! WE ARE BEAUTIFUL! Whether we are married or not, we are daughters of the King! So let's walk with a quiet confidence in who we are in Him.
My prayer for you today is to not settle for anything, but God's best and don't sell yourself short. Stay focused on what's important.
Have a fab day! I know I am...with celebrating my beautiful Rene'!
xoxo ~ Jodi
~ Maya Angeloui
I really like this quote. It is my heart and prayer not only for my girls, but for every girl/woman to believe this.
Twenty years ago today, Dean was in one hospital with blood/fluid on his brain and I was in another one giving birth. He had to hear the delivery on the phone of our oldest daughter, Rene'.
It's so hard to believe that little girl with the blond, Shirley Temple curls is driving and working. That she went to Korea by herself on a mission trip and texts on her cell more than I ever talked on the Snoopy phone I shared with my sisters! ;) Rene' has always loved to read and dance. She has always been a nurturer and would try to be the mom. I was always reminding her who the mom was. God has done amazing things through her already and brought her through so much. She spent a week in NICU after she was born and she was very sick for her Freshman Year in High School; we thought we would lose her. Rene' has battled fear. She is a friend to those who don't have any. She has been the hands and feet of Jesus to those around her.
She has driven me crazy at times, but she is also an inspiration to me. I love how she always strives to follow God. We named her after my mom, Renee. My mom loved to worship and made everyone who met her feel important. Rene' is like that.
There is a scripture in 1 Peter 3:4-6:
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him master. You are her daughters IF you do what is right and do not give way to fear."
The "it" here is beauty in vs. 3, where God says beauty is not how your hair looks or your jewelry or clothes. When I first read this scripture I was sad. Didn't God know my Jewish/Italian family? We were definitely not quiet and we were not always gentle. Over the years, I have come to look at it not so literal. Yes, I have gotten quieter and more gentle as God has worked on different areas in my life, but...
I think that God wants us to focus on who we are on the inside more than what we look like on the outside. I love how women back then struggled with looks like we do now. I appreciate how God gets it and encourages us to stay on track with what's important. Don't get hung up with the whole calling him "master" thing. (It's never gonna happen, Deano) Instead, remember that it is about our hearts.
Am I doing the right thing? Am I gentle with those around me and myself? Am I quiet so I can hear the cries of those around me? So I can hear God speak to me? Am I giving in to fear or fighting and standing against it?
We are women of God, made in His Image, He lives in us and we have all that He is! WE ARE BEAUTIFUL! Whether we are married or not, we are daughters of the King! So let's walk with a quiet confidence in who we are in Him.
My prayer for you today is to not settle for anything, but God's best and don't sell yourself short. Stay focused on what's important.
Have a fab day! I know I am...with celebrating my beautiful Rene'!
xoxo ~ Jodi
Friday, February 10, 2012
Are you in?
It's Friday! Woo-hoo! I hope your week went well and you have plans for a great weekend. This morning it was raining, Dean's day off and we didn't have to be anywhere at a certain time. It was a nice break from the week and much needed. We found a movie on TV to watch, "Red". I had seen it before, but Dean fell asleep last time. He fell asleep this time too...oh, well. ;)
There is a line towards the end of the movie where the Russian guy tells Bruce Willis' character not to worry about his girlfriend. "You can do amazing things with a small group of people." (It may not be an exact quote). I have been thinking about that line off and on all day.
What could God do with me? You? Us?
Here's a few people that God did "amazing things" with:
Noah; obeyed a command, was laughed at, and saved his family and animals.
Abraham; journeyed to an unknown land, rescued his nephew and started a nation.
There is a line towards the end of the movie where the Russian guy tells Bruce Willis' character not to worry about his girlfriend. "You can do amazing things with a small group of people." (It may not be an exact quote). I have been thinking about that line off and on all day.
What could God do with me? You? Us?
Here's a few people that God did "amazing things" with:
Noah; obeyed a command, was laughed at, and saved his family and animals.
Abraham; journeyed to an unknown land, rescued his nephew and started a nation.
Joseph; had a dream, was sold into slavery and saved his people...and everyone else.
Moses; was adopted, met God in the desert, confronted Pharaoh and led his people.
Caleb; stood against fear and believed God, waited for 40 years, and ran up the mountain (as an old man) to get his promise.
Esther; lost her family, became a queen, and saved her nation.
David; fed and protected sheep (killed a bear and lion), defeated a giant, dodged some javelins, and became king.
Peter; answered the call, walked on water (got a little wet), denied Jesus, became "the rock", and helped start the church.
John; lived in the desert, ate locusts (ewww!), baptized Jesus, and lost his head (sometimes things just don't work out as planned).
Paul; killed Christians, thrown from a horse, met God, started churches, and wrote most of the New Testament.
Though these examples are listed as individuals, they all had people around them to support, encourage and walk with them:
Noah's family, Moses' brother Aaron and sidekick Joshua, David's Mighty Men and best friend Jonathan, Esther's cousin Mordecai, the disciples had each other, and Paul had Timothy.
To have balance here, sometimes we have people in our lives that don't walk all the way with us. They are with us for a season or a reason and we carry them with us in our hearts.
My mom used to say that you can learn something from everybody. Whether if it's what to do or what not to do. Every person in our lives plays a part to making us who we are, BUT God takes all of that and transforms us into His image. We become a useful tool in His hand to bring His Kingdom to those around us.
There is a reason I am here and the things I have I walked through and the people in my life.
There is a reason you are here and the things you have walked through and the people in your life.
We don't see the whole picture, we get discouraged with the journey, we may want to stop and give up.
"Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
Buckle up, baby! It's a bumpy, crazy ride! God has amazing things ahead and can do amazing things through you and your small group of people around you.
See you on Monday ~
Love and Hugs!
Have a fab day ~ xoxo ~ Jodi
Thursday, February 9, 2012
God Is Faithful!
One of the first scriptures that I underlined, still one of my faves and very encouraging to me is Deuteronomy 7:9 :
" Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God,
keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who
love Him and keep His commandments."
First, God tells me about who He is. He is personal and wants a relationship. The God of the Universe wants to me to know Him. He is faithful and keeps His covenant, which is motivated out of His love and will be passed on to my family. Second, God tells me my part. I need to love Him and keep His commandments.
Love comes from knowing someone. The more I know about Him, the more I trust Him and love Him. The more I want to stop doing those things that hurt Him. I want to do those things that bring Him glory. I want to be more like Him in my words, choices and actions.
With all that we have walked through and are walking through right now, I am clinging to the fact that He sees me and He is faithful. He sees the hurts and disappointments. He sees the failures and successes. He sees the dreams and hopes. He hears the prayers and cries of my heart. Not just mine, but my family's too.
He has proven Himself faithful to me and my family so many times over the years. It is because of those times that I can believe Him now. I can stand on Who I know He is and His Word.
I hope this scripture reminds you that God is with you and He is faithful! He will not leave you or your family. I also, hope it encourages you in your part of the relationship. We are to love Him and keep His commandments.
May God richly bless you today and prove Himself faithful in your life!
Have a fab day!
xoxo ~ Jodi
" Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God,
keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who
love Him and keep His commandments."
First, God tells me about who He is. He is personal and wants a relationship. The God of the Universe wants to me to know Him. He is faithful and keeps His covenant, which is motivated out of His love and will be passed on to my family. Second, God tells me my part. I need to love Him and keep His commandments.
Love comes from knowing someone. The more I know about Him, the more I trust Him and love Him. The more I want to stop doing those things that hurt Him. I want to do those things that bring Him glory. I want to be more like Him in my words, choices and actions.
With all that we have walked through and are walking through right now, I am clinging to the fact that He sees me and He is faithful. He sees the hurts and disappointments. He sees the failures and successes. He sees the dreams and hopes. He hears the prayers and cries of my heart. Not just mine, but my family's too.
He has proven Himself faithful to me and my family so many times over the years. It is because of those times that I can believe Him now. I can stand on Who I know He is and His Word.
I hope this scripture reminds you that God is with you and He is faithful! He will not leave you or your family. I also, hope it encourages you in your part of the relationship. We are to love Him and keep His commandments.
May God richly bless you today and prove Himself faithful in your life!
Have a fab day!
xoxo ~ Jodi
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It's One of Those Days!!!!
Hey guys! How is your day going? I'm having one of those days, actually more like one of those months, but whose counting?!? I am so close to either going back to bed and doing a movie/junk food marathon or getting in the car and driving till I have to use the bathroom or get a sweet tea and french fries! ;)
You know that point in our lives that things keep happening and you keep dealing with it until you can't anymore? I'm there! I remember when we were living in North Carolina and Rene' was sick for her Freshman year. I was dealing with everything OK: ER visits, hospital stays and tests, stupid doctors, her being home-bound for that year, meds, fear and frustrations. Plus, dealing with everything else that was going on. I was moving forward, standing strong, trusting God...then one day I was running to the van and...I step in dog poop. Well, that did it. I had a meltdown. I couldn't handle the poop!
I don't think God is afraid of those moments. I think that's where He loves to meet us. He and I actually had it out there for a minute. Me ranting and raving and Him just listening and loving me when I was done.
Also, in North Carolina, Dean bought this alarm clock that you could play Cd's. I loved playing music for the alarm instead of that annoying buzzing sound that just wants to make you punch something before you lift your head off the pillow. One time I switched the Cd's and the next morning when the alarm went off there was clapping and shouting and praising. I had put in a live worship CD. I know that they were worshiping Jesus, but I embraced their clapping and cheering. "Yeah for me!" "I can get out this bed and have a great day!" "You got this!" "God is with you!" I miss that alarm clock. I think everyone should have one and wake up to people cheering and clapping and all you did was wake up!
I have been missing that clock the last couple of days, but really the cheering squad. God has been reminding me of that scripture where He rejoices over me. I remember a sermon where they shared that word rejoicing means spinning with joy. I found that verse in Zephaniah 3:17:
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over with singing."
Deep breath; inhale and exhale. Repeat as often as necessary. Let's just take a moment and let God quiet us and surround us with His love. He is there in His power, nothing is stronger than Him. Let Him declare His delight with us and how He will always be with us; especially on days like today. Smile and feel His joy as He rejoices in who we are, His children.
I needed this moment. God, you are so awesome!!
I am off to put in a live worship CD and rejoice right back to God as I make dinner and clean. I will walk past my bed and all the DVDs because my God is with me and no matter how much poop I step in, He loves me! Woohoo!
Have a fab day!
xoxo ~ Jodi
You know that point in our lives that things keep happening and you keep dealing with it until you can't anymore? I'm there! I remember when we were living in North Carolina and Rene' was sick for her Freshman year. I was dealing with everything OK: ER visits, hospital stays and tests, stupid doctors, her being home-bound for that year, meds, fear and frustrations. Plus, dealing with everything else that was going on. I was moving forward, standing strong, trusting God...then one day I was running to the van and...I step in dog poop. Well, that did it. I had a meltdown. I couldn't handle the poop!
I don't think God is afraid of those moments. I think that's where He loves to meet us. He and I actually had it out there for a minute. Me ranting and raving and Him just listening and loving me when I was done.
Also, in North Carolina, Dean bought this alarm clock that you could play Cd's. I loved playing music for the alarm instead of that annoying buzzing sound that just wants to make you punch something before you lift your head off the pillow. One time I switched the Cd's and the next morning when the alarm went off there was clapping and shouting and praising. I had put in a live worship CD. I know that they were worshiping Jesus, but I embraced their clapping and cheering. "Yeah for me!" "I can get out this bed and have a great day!" "You got this!" "God is with you!" I miss that alarm clock. I think everyone should have one and wake up to people cheering and clapping and all you did was wake up!
I have been missing that clock the last couple of days, but really the cheering squad. God has been reminding me of that scripture where He rejoices over me. I remember a sermon where they shared that word rejoicing means spinning with joy. I found that verse in Zephaniah 3:17:
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over with singing."
Deep breath; inhale and exhale. Repeat as often as necessary. Let's just take a moment and let God quiet us and surround us with His love. He is there in His power, nothing is stronger than Him. Let Him declare His delight with us and how He will always be with us; especially on days like today. Smile and feel His joy as He rejoices in who we are, His children.
I needed this moment. God, you are so awesome!!
I am off to put in a live worship CD and rejoice right back to God as I make dinner and clean. I will walk past my bed and all the DVDs because my God is with me and no matter how much poop I step in, He loves me! Woohoo!
Have a fab day!
xoxo ~ Jodi
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tattooed
Good Morning, Sunshine! I'm going try to email the blog to those who signed up. Please! Let me know if it works or not. Thanks!
So, yesterday I was sharing about God meeting us and holding us safe in His hand. Another scripture that really rocked me and brought home how much God loves me is Isaiah 49: 14-16: "But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." I know I have felt like that. It is a lonely and hopeless place. Then God answers comparing His love for us like a mother for her child and in vs 16 says: " See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." !!!
That word engraved means carved, to cut, trace.
The word hand is in the same in Exodus 33 from yesterday, hollow or middle of the hand, curve, etc.
When I looked into that I found that in those days, travelers would would tattoo or trace objects of affection or admiration on their palms so they wouldn't forget.
Matthew Henry says "So, for God to say that we are on His palms is to say that He cannot act without being reminded of us."
Do an experiment, write or draw something on your palm and go about your day. How often are your eyes drawn to it? It keeps that thing active before you.
It is that way with God!
He has carved my name, your name in the palm of His hand. With everything He does we are always on His mind.
Some make the comparison to Jesus' Hands with the nail holes. When He sees His Hands, He remembers who He suffered and died for.
I am so overwhelmed and thankful for this reminder of God's love and commitment to me!
So, let's stand strong today...no matter what we are each facing. God has us ever before His eyes and we are protected as He holds us in His Hands!
Have a fab day!
xox ~ Jodi
PS. I want to thank you for reading my blog and allowing me to share my heart! Your words of encouragement and support have meant the world to me. May God richly bless you today!
So, yesterday I was sharing about God meeting us and holding us safe in His hand. Another scripture that really rocked me and brought home how much God loves me is Isaiah 49: 14-16: "But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." I know I have felt like that. It is a lonely and hopeless place. Then God answers comparing His love for us like a mother for her child and in vs 16 says: " See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." !!!
That word engraved means carved, to cut, trace.
The word hand is in the same in Exodus 33 from yesterday, hollow or middle of the hand, curve, etc.
When I looked into that I found that in those days, travelers would would tattoo or trace objects of affection or admiration on their palms so they wouldn't forget.
Matthew Henry says "So, for God to say that we are on His palms is to say that He cannot act without being reminded of us."
Do an experiment, write or draw something on your palm and go about your day. How often are your eyes drawn to it? It keeps that thing active before you.
It is that way with God!
He has carved my name, your name in the palm of His hand. With everything He does we are always on His mind.
Some make the comparison to Jesus' Hands with the nail holes. When He sees His Hands, He remembers who He suffered and died for.
I am so overwhelmed and thankful for this reminder of God's love and commitment to me!
So, let's stand strong today...no matter what we are each facing. God has us ever before His eyes and we are protected as He holds us in His Hands!
Have a fab day!
xox ~ Jodi
PS. I want to thank you for reading my blog and allowing me to share my heart! Your words of encouragement and support have meant the world to me. May God richly bless you today!
Monday, February 6, 2012
In His Hands
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I, hopefully, added an email thingy that you can put in your email address and the CrossRoads will be sent to you. Fingers crossed!! ;)
One of the things that really has been a strength to me, through the years, is that God holds me in the palm of His hand. When I have difficult news or situations, knowing I am secure in His Hands helps me get out of bed and face each day. There is a picture of my grampa holding my sister, Robin, who was standing straight up balancing in the palm of his hand. I don't know how old is she, but less than a year. I like to picture myself like that. Confident, strong and fully trusting not only my ability to stand, but in the person whose hand I'm standing in. I thought we could take a couple of days and look at that.
In Exodus 33:1-12: We find the Israelites after the Golden Calf incident. God tells them to leave Mt. Sinai and enter the Promised Land without Him. God calls them "stiff-necked" = stubborn, hard-hearted, cruel and grievous. Their sin has separated them from God. vs 3b: " Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way."
Even in His anger, He is motivated by His love for me. His actions do not go against His character!
This makes me pause for a minute and think how often I have been stubborn and God could not walk with me in what He has promised and destined for me. That thought scares me more than I can write. I don't want to go anywhere, even my destiny, without God.
Moses sets up a Tent of meeting outside the camp and they mourn over their sin that caused God's presence to leave. The pillar of cloud stands at the entrance of the tent and Moses and God talk face to face. (vs 12-23) It is intimate, personal and honest. Moses tells God that he will not go anywhere without His presence. Moses reminds God of His love and purpose for Israel.
So, God tells Moses that He will go with them and God will show Moses His Glory, but not His face. Moses goes and stands in a cleft where God covers him with His Hand. (vs.22) Hand here means the hollow, or middle of the hand, bowl, paw, sole, curve.
Don't you love the visual here? In the midst of all the chaos of the all that has happened with the Israelites and their choices, God listens to Moses' heart and in a tangible way meets him. God not only shows Moses His glory but protects him with His hand.
In the midst of all that we face in the daily chaos of our lives, big and small, we can meet with God face to face. Be honest about where we are. Repent. Worship. Remind. Declare. I have even yelled and screamed. God hears our hearts, meets us and stretches out His hand to cover us!!
He is so awesome!!
Remember how much He loves you and is waiting at the tent to talk...
Have a fab day!
xo ~ Jodi
One of the things that really has been a strength to me, through the years, is that God holds me in the palm of His hand. When I have difficult news or situations, knowing I am secure in His Hands helps me get out of bed and face each day. There is a picture of my grampa holding my sister, Robin, who was standing straight up balancing in the palm of his hand. I don't know how old is she, but less than a year. I like to picture myself like that. Confident, strong and fully trusting not only my ability to stand, but in the person whose hand I'm standing in. I thought we could take a couple of days and look at that.
In Exodus 33:1-12: We find the Israelites after the Golden Calf incident. God tells them to leave Mt. Sinai and enter the Promised Land without Him. God calls them "stiff-necked" = stubborn, hard-hearted, cruel and grievous. Their sin has separated them from God. vs 3b: " Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way."
Even in His anger, He is motivated by His love for me. His actions do not go against His character!
This makes me pause for a minute and think how often I have been stubborn and God could not walk with me in what He has promised and destined for me. That thought scares me more than I can write. I don't want to go anywhere, even my destiny, without God.
Moses sets up a Tent of meeting outside the camp and they mourn over their sin that caused God's presence to leave. The pillar of cloud stands at the entrance of the tent and Moses and God talk face to face. (vs 12-23) It is intimate, personal and honest. Moses tells God that he will not go anywhere without His presence. Moses reminds God of His love and purpose for Israel.
So, God tells Moses that He will go with them and God will show Moses His Glory, but not His face. Moses goes and stands in a cleft where God covers him with His Hand. (vs.22) Hand here means the hollow, or middle of the hand, bowl, paw, sole, curve.
Don't you love the visual here? In the midst of all the chaos of the all that has happened with the Israelites and their choices, God listens to Moses' heart and in a tangible way meets him. God not only shows Moses His glory but protects him with His hand.
In the midst of all that we face in the daily chaos of our lives, big and small, we can meet with God face to face. Be honest about where we are. Repent. Worship. Remind. Declare. I have even yelled and screamed. God hears our hearts, meets us and stretches out His hand to cover us!!
He is so awesome!!
Remember how much He loves you and is waiting at the tent to talk...
Have a fab day!
xo ~ Jodi
Friday, February 3, 2012
CrossRoads
I named my blog CrossRoads as a play off our name but also because I fell like it defines our life as Christians. At least mine. Some of my crossroads have been minor, which I think at the moment are inconsequential, but have had an impact that I was not expecting. I really like the quote "Today matters because tomorrow matters." Our everyday, seemingly mundane and ordinary, decisions matter because who we decide to be in that moment of conflict or in that circumstance not only can start to define our character, but develop into a habit or mind thought. It can be positive or negative, healthy or unhealthy.
I have found that in the really big crossroads in my life, I have prayed more, talked more and planned more. The result isn't always what I was expecting, wanted or was prepared for. I found I leaned on God through it.
It can be the day-to-day, moment-to-moment decisions that trip us up. Do I allow that hurt or offense to take root? Do I allow my frustration about a situation determine my behavior or attitude? Do I yell and act like a banshee at my children or husband? You get the picture. Sometimes, I think the excuses come to easy to let ourselves off the hook.
In Philippians 2:12b -13: "...continue to WORK out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose."
We need to work, intentionally and continually to be Christlike.
It is called work because it can be hard, frustrating and not something we always want to do. I need to work on my attitude, unhealthy behavior patterns and what I allow myself to think about. I need to agree with God's Word about what He says about me and allow that to change my daily crossroads.
On my mom's side, my gramma is Jewish and my grampa was Italian. I come from a very long line of over-reactors. If Dean was late coming home, I had him dead, off the side of the road. If one of my kids were sick, I'd cry picturing the funeral. If someone didn't talk to me, they hated me. The examples are endless and exhausting.
I had to allow what God said about worry to change how I responded at that crossroads. Did I walk in faith and confidence in my God or let my mind take over and plan my child's funeral? Did I walk in the insecurity and fear I have known my whole life or did I allow who God said I was change my view?
It has taken me a lot of hard work and transparency before God to change and to become more like Him. Every day I face that crossroads to continue to work and change or stay put. Just so you know, God is very patient and willing to wait you out.
I pray that at whatever crossroads you are facing, big or small, that you will allow God's Word to guide you and change you. Stand strong and continue working at it. You rock!
Have a fab day and awesome weekend!
See you on Monday...
xoxo ~ Jodi
I have found that in the really big crossroads in my life, I have prayed more, talked more and planned more. The result isn't always what I was expecting, wanted or was prepared for. I found I leaned on God through it.
It can be the day-to-day, moment-to-moment decisions that trip us up. Do I allow that hurt or offense to take root? Do I allow my frustration about a situation determine my behavior or attitude? Do I yell and act like a banshee at my children or husband? You get the picture. Sometimes, I think the excuses come to easy to let ourselves off the hook.
In Philippians 2:12b -13: "...continue to WORK out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose."
We need to work, intentionally and continually to be Christlike.
It is called work because it can be hard, frustrating and not something we always want to do. I need to work on my attitude, unhealthy behavior patterns and what I allow myself to think about. I need to agree with God's Word about what He says about me and allow that to change my daily crossroads.
On my mom's side, my gramma is Jewish and my grampa was Italian. I come from a very long line of over-reactors. If Dean was late coming home, I had him dead, off the side of the road. If one of my kids were sick, I'd cry picturing the funeral. If someone didn't talk to me, they hated me. The examples are endless and exhausting.
I had to allow what God said about worry to change how I responded at that crossroads. Did I walk in faith and confidence in my God or let my mind take over and plan my child's funeral? Did I walk in the insecurity and fear I have known my whole life or did I allow who God said I was change my view?
It has taken me a lot of hard work and transparency before God to change and to become more like Him. Every day I face that crossroads to continue to work and change or stay put. Just so you know, God is very patient and willing to wait you out.
I pray that at whatever crossroads you are facing, big or small, that you will allow God's Word to guide you and change you. Stand strong and continue working at it. You rock!
Have a fab day and awesome weekend!
See you on Monday...
xoxo ~ Jodi
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Beginning
Today is the day that I start my beginning. I am stepping out. Totally freaking out, but doing it anyway! I am going step out of fear and into boldness. Stepping out of the darkness of my doubts into the light of God's promises. This is about obedience and putting into action all that God has been doing in my life and speaking to my heart.
I have allowed people and circumstances to take my voice and my confidence...no more! I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes. I am no longer going to live there in my head or my heart. God said that each morning is new and we have His grace and mercy! I am going to once walk in the confidence of who I am in Him and not by what others have put on me!
When our family was living in Outer Banks, North Carolina. I shared a message when Jesus was anointed by the sinful woman in Luke 7. God has been reminding me of that story and I learned through that studying and sharing that story.
A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner and they were all eating. In comes this woman who, vs. 37, says "lived a sinful life in that town". So, you know that everyone knew her and what she did. I admire the chutzpah (Yiddish for strength, confidence, gutsy) she had to walk in that room. Take a moment to really think about what that moment was like for her. It was custom for Pharisees to open their house to the poor so they could sit and listen to the conversation. Women were serving or eating in a different room. It was probably easy enough to get in, but I can only imagine the stares and whispers she had to endure as she walked up to Jesus.
She went in past everyone who was no doubt judging her and began to pour out her love to Jesus. "And as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them" vs. 38. There's a lot going on with the Pharisee and the whole mind-reading thing, but let's stay focused on the woman.
In vs. 44 - 49: Jesus turns to the woman, I love this part! It gives me goose bumps!! There she emotionally spent having just not only muster the courage to walk in that house, but from weeping and expressing her love and gratitude. She was blotchy, puffy eyed, snotty and her hair was a mess! HE TURNS TO HER!! The God of the all heaven and earth turns and, I imagine, lifts her head and tells her that her sins are forgiven. Insert gasps, murmurs and disbelief from the crowd. He accepted her and her gift. Then in vs. 50 Jesus says to "Go in peace". That word peace means: quietness, rest, set at one again, wholeness and prosperity.
As Jesus looked in the eyes her shame lifted. As He spoke forgiveness peace settled on her, maybe her tears slowed and she got the hiccups. As He spoke peace she breathed deeply and stood taller. The impact of those were life changing for her as well as for us. After all the chaos and turmoil we are offered quietness and wholeness.
Quietness in the struggle that we are no longer defined by our past and that our future is the hands of the Living, Loving God! Our wholeness comes from having a relationship with the One who promised that He will finish what He started. He asks for obedience to the next thing He brings to my attention.
We never know her name or what happened after her encounter, but I know for myself that God requires me to walk out what He shows me. I imagine it being no different for her. She had to change her lifestyle and source of income. Even when people treated her the same as before and expected her to be the same, she had to walk out her new life. Financially and emotionally it cost her a lot to go to Jesus in that house, but it continued to cost her everyday.
My prayer for each of us that we allow God to see our brokenness, that we will humble ourselves in worship and step out in obedience.
Let today be your beginning!
xoxo ~ Jodi
I have allowed people and circumstances to take my voice and my confidence...no more! I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes. I am no longer going to live there in my head or my heart. God said that each morning is new and we have His grace and mercy! I am going to once walk in the confidence of who I am in Him and not by what others have put on me!
When our family was living in Outer Banks, North Carolina. I shared a message when Jesus was anointed by the sinful woman in Luke 7. God has been reminding me of that story and I learned through that studying and sharing that story.
A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner and they were all eating. In comes this woman who, vs. 37, says "lived a sinful life in that town". So, you know that everyone knew her and what she did. I admire the chutzpah (Yiddish for strength, confidence, gutsy) she had to walk in that room. Take a moment to really think about what that moment was like for her. It was custom for Pharisees to open their house to the poor so they could sit and listen to the conversation. Women were serving or eating in a different room. It was probably easy enough to get in, but I can only imagine the stares and whispers she had to endure as she walked up to Jesus.
She went in past everyone who was no doubt judging her and began to pour out her love to Jesus. "And as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them" vs. 38. There's a lot going on with the Pharisee and the whole mind-reading thing, but let's stay focused on the woman.
In vs. 44 - 49: Jesus turns to the woman, I love this part! It gives me goose bumps!! There she emotionally spent having just not only muster the courage to walk in that house, but from weeping and expressing her love and gratitude. She was blotchy, puffy eyed, snotty and her hair was a mess! HE TURNS TO HER!! The God of the all heaven and earth turns and, I imagine, lifts her head and tells her that her sins are forgiven. Insert gasps, murmurs and disbelief from the crowd. He accepted her and her gift. Then in vs. 50 Jesus says to "Go in peace". That word peace means: quietness, rest, set at one again, wholeness and prosperity.
As Jesus looked in the eyes her shame lifted. As He spoke forgiveness peace settled on her, maybe her tears slowed and she got the hiccups. As He spoke peace she breathed deeply and stood taller. The impact of those were life changing for her as well as for us. After all the chaos and turmoil we are offered quietness and wholeness.
Quietness in the struggle that we are no longer defined by our past and that our future is the hands of the Living, Loving God! Our wholeness comes from having a relationship with the One who promised that He will finish what He started. He asks for obedience to the next thing He brings to my attention.
We never know her name or what happened after her encounter, but I know for myself that God requires me to walk out what He shows me. I imagine it being no different for her. She had to change her lifestyle and source of income. Even when people treated her the same as before and expected her to be the same, she had to walk out her new life. Financially and emotionally it cost her a lot to go to Jesus in that house, but it continued to cost her everyday.
My prayer for each of us that we allow God to see our brokenness, that we will humble ourselves in worship and step out in obedience.
Let today be your beginning!
xoxo ~ Jodi
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