An Early CHRISTmas

My heart is bursting today with unspeakable joy!  Lately I have received one gift after another and they have all led me to say humbly, "I see God". I see his goodness in so many ways. I see His Greatness! It has brought me those joyous grateful tears that seem to be endless. To say I see God may sound weird but that's really the only way for me to describe it.

 I see God in my youngest boy, in the way he gives me unexpected affection, in his prayers that are muffled, in his purity, so much purity! I see God in my daughter ,in the way she has stepped up to challenges and miraculously succeeded! I see God in the strength and determination my son carries when the doctor's report isn't very encouraging. I see God in my husband's eyes, in his genuine love for me, and his ability to overcome diversions and lead others to do the same. I see God in my convictions. I see God in specific scriptures posted for me on the freeway! I see God in His provision. I see God in the long life of my grandma. I see God in my parent's heart for hospitality and giving. I see God in the trees, the sky, in divine appointments with strangers and friends. This, BABY JESUS, in a manger has given me everything I need. More than enough.

Is my life perfect? No. Do I struggle a lot to fight guilt, fear, and comparison? Yes! Do I get disappointed sometimes? Yes! But God is bigger than all of it! God is bigger than my worst mistake. Even though the struggles are there, through God's eyes, I can focus on all the gifts HE gives me! I asked Him today what He wanted me to do with all of this that I've been given. I am so in awe of His goodness. It's overwhelming. In my heart I hear....."Just keep going Jeanette, keep looking for me in all of your circumstances. Keep going. Keep praying, keep persevering, keep giving. Keep going. Press On. Reach out. You are Enough." Merry Christmas!!
To God Be the Glory!!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20-21‬

Bloom Week One

Before I attended Bloom, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I went in willing, but with a little hesitation. I knew I needed the body of Christ and I couldn't continue this journey on my own. Moments after the class started I knew I was at the right place at the right time. God knew exactly what I needed.

The first topic that was discussed was the importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus. Our foundation must be in Christ. Everything we do and say is a direct reflection of our time spent with The Lord. They had a panel of seasoned mothers and grandmothers giving different examples of how they set their time aside with The Lord, in their younger years and in the present. Some in the morning, some at night, some during their children's nap time. Everyone is different. The point was to be intentional about setting the time aside. They stressed the importance of giving ourselves grace, lots and lots of grace. Also, our time with The Lord will vary upon the different seasons in our life.

Some nuggets I wrote down:
We must declutter our thoughts and mind by washing of the word. Meditating on it, memorizing it, reminding ourselves of Who God Is, turning off all the noise and bringing in the quiet. As we do this, our vision is cleared and our joy is renewed.

But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. (‭Psalm‬ ‭1‬:‭2-3‬ NIV)

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8-9‬ NIV)

We must be willing to die to self. We must be willing to lose ourselves. When I let go of my own earthly desires, comforts, and conveniences and totally surrender to the work at hand, then and only then can the power of Christ be fully at work in me. Elizabeth Elliott said it perfectly "the secret is Christ in me , not me in a different set of circumstances". We will face all sorts of mountains in our life, and we will even be challenged beyond what we think we can handle, and at times, we may want to run away from it all , but with Christ as our foundation, we are given the power to stand no matter how difficult the storm . In Christ we are unshakable, immovable, steady and firm!
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you,
Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬ NIV)
To God Be The Glory!

Blooming Again

It feels like forever since I have blogged. A little update on my family. My oldest son graduated from high school in June. He is currently attending junior college in hopes of being recruited for football by a D1or D2 school. I admire his patience and determination and I am supporting him every step of the way. My daughter also promoted in June and she is currently a freshman in high school. It's been quite the roller coaster ride so far, honestly, a lot harder than I expected, but God has been good through every single dip and turn! His faithfulness is unending and my hands are up and surrendered! My youngest will be 3 at the end of the year and he is full of energy, joy, and laughter! He is also very determined and my hardest of the three at this age. I am beyond thankful for him though! He brings all the "tough times" into perspective .

     Last month I decided to join a class at my church called "BLOOM"... Building a Legacy Out of Motherhood.  One may think that my kids are a little old for this? Isn't it a little too late to build a legacy??  Well, the great news is that God's mercies are new every morning and everyday we are all given a second, third, and fourth chance to build a new legacy! It is never too late to build or re-build a legacy.  I've had moments that I will remember fondly with my older two, moments I wish I could repeat over and over again because they bring so much joy to my heart. I also have moments I wish I could take back in a heart beat. They are both a part of who I am though, the good and not so good.  They are a part of the legacy that began 18years ago. Thank God my legacy is not over! Thank God I am not the same person I was when this all started. Thank God my legacy is ongoing, transforming, and renewing day by day. Because of Christ, that is, only because of Christ! So, this new class I decided to take could not have come at a better time in my life! I'm glad I didn't let pride come in between the need for growth and re-building!   I have learned so much already, and I have been reminded of simple small acts that can make such a huge impact on my family. This stuff is all so good and beneficial and it has brought me back to this blog for two reasons.

1. I want to document all that I am learning so I can actually use these tools I have been given.  I don't want to forget anything!
2. I want to pass on all of the valuable info. I am receiving with any other mom wanting to do some re-building too!

I look forward to sharing with you! To God be the Glory!

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭3-5‬ NIV)

Making Room For God's Hand

My family had the opportunity to go to Disneyland last week. It was my youngest son's very first time. Of course he loved it! Enjoy the pictures while I share the latest on my heart. Sometimes God has to show me things again and again. He is so good to me. Even when I forget the simple things. His love remains.

I heard this last weekend from one of the speakers at #ifgathering (I can't remember who) "Make room for God to move". I can't stop thinking about it, specifically in the life of my children. Make room for God to move on behalf of my children.




It's my tendency to take over and micro-manage every single thing so they will succeed. I know I've talked about this many times, but it is a HUGE struggle. But God. But God. He is showing me to sit. To be still. To pray hard. Let His Grace Cover the Inadequacies. Let His Sovereign Power do the fighting and the intervening. Then God will be glorified through any and all victories in their life. When we try to do it all, we are taking away the chance of our children seeing the hand of God in their own lives. There is no better way for our children to grow in the Lord than experiencing first hand how much God sees and knows them. Won't it be such a wonderful moment when they can know in their own heart that the situation just had to be God's hand working on their behalf!!!!?  Pure joy! I just experienced one of these moments yesterday with one of my children. I look forward to many more as the two older ones grow into adulthood.  I'm learning. I think motherhood is a lifetime of learning. Today I am reminding myself: Be still. Trust God. Pray hard. Breath.

To God Be The Glory!

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Armed With Strength

Happy February! I missed new years, so considering this is my first blog of 2016, I felt like I had to celebrate!  So, happy day! Happy thursday! We are already in the second month of this new year and I still have lots on my heart from the last few months.  Time to just write it all down.  The sun has been shining outside the last couple of days and I'd say it reflects whats going on inside of me also. God is great!

At the beginning of this year I felt God showing me that I was going to walk in strength this year. I was going to be strong.  If there was a word for 2016, it was  "STRENGTH" .  There was a road ahead that required this of me. I needed to prepare and rise to the call. At first I raised my hand and said Yes!!!  Then reality hit. At that time I was thinking, I am literally at one of the weakest times in my life. I am not strong at all. I am weak physically because of eating too much and not exercising. I am weak emotionally because I experienced different types of hurt, put calluses on my heart, and opened the door to discontentment and comparison. I am weak mentally because I started relying on myself and not God. Then comes my weakness spiritually because I felt like all I did was cry to God and I couldn't give any of His goodness to anyone. My well was dry. Totally not qualified to be a Woman of Strength!!!! This is the great part though.  With God, we don't have to qualify to be worthy! We are! Right!!?  God's grace, Jesus's blood makes us worthy and strong. So at that point I knew that if I had any strength in my being..... It Was and Is ALL God!

I started fighting back. I think my first step was acknowledging what was going on inside of my heart. I read a lot.  Even in the midst of all this weakness, I still pressed on. I am still pressing on. One article I read was about allowing God to heal my heart rather than build calluses around it. That hit me right where it needed to. Being a mom, if your child gets hurt, you hurt a thousand times more. Most of the time I get over it, but this time I had hardened my heart. It wasn't good. I didn't "guard my heart," as the scriptures say to do. Then from there, I experienced some disappointments, received news about my health that I didn't want to hear, and went through some more growing pains of motherhood. My heart wasn't guarded.  Looking at social media was the worst thing I could do for myself. But there I was, seeing all of the perfection blasted through the holidays and I fell into the lies of discontentment and comparison.  I just wanted to be alone.  I wanted to experience this pain alone. At that time I also condemned myself for wanting to go through it alone. Now looking back, I realize that some people like to go through their pain alone while others like people to ride along with them. Neither one is wrong. Condemnation is a heavy thing. Don't fall victim to it. God wants us to be free. Just another subject I can go on about.

Thank you Jesus,  that all ended. I started praying and asking God to heal my heart. To soften it. To guard it. It is still tender, but the healing is very much at work. This is the absolute best part! I started looking up scriptures of strength. In the past I have always remembered scriptures of God telling us to Be Strong, but for some reason the scriptures that kept jumping out at me all had to do with God being my strength!!! I don't have to be because He IS!!!  Best news ever to this weary momma! God is Great!

Before I wrap this up, I don't share all of this to have a pity party. Whenever I share my heart, it is always because I know if I am going through these things that I am not the only one. If I could somehow encourage one person by putting out my authentic heart for all the world to read about, then it is worth it. Pray for me, yes. Pray for all of your sisters in Christ who may be having tough seasons as well.  We all need each other. Thank you for reading those of you in Russia, China, Germany and good ole' U.S.A.  God is Great! To God Be The Glory!

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 NIV)

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the STRENGTH of my heart and my portion forever. (‭Psalm‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬ NIV)

But I will sing of your STRENGTH in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (‭Psalm‬ ‭59‬:‭16‬ NIV)

You are my STRENGTH I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (‭Psalm‬ ‭59‬:‭17‬ NIV)

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the STRENGTH of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ NKJV)

Finally, be STRONG in the Lord and in his mighty power. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ NIV)

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives STRENGTH to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their STRENGTH. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭28-31‬ NIV)

“Be STRONG and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be STRONG and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭7-9‬ NIV)“

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with STRENGTH and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. (‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭31-34‬ NIV)

Who Am I When Life Is Good?

I can't believe we are in November! My favorite month out of the year. I talked about this a little on Instagram already. I love the season of thankfulness and hope that everyone can learn how life changing being thankful can be. Not just on Thanksgiving, but ever single day of the year. Being thankful for the little things can really change your perspective on all of the challenges that life can bring. With my party of five it seems like something is always going on with one of us. School issues, health issues, control issues, unmet expectations, stress and on and on the list can go. So I believe strongly in focusing and finding the good in the midst of it all.


I want to talk about something totally off the wall though. Yesterday I was having a good day. No major challenges. I even cooked! Then the Lord spoke to my heart. How am I responding to God and those around me when life is good?? When all is well?? It's been a tough year in our house, but it's getting better. One day at a time. I've always heard that a person's true character is revealed in tough times, so I don't want to take away from that. Yes, those tough times bring us to our knees, and we have a choice to fight, grow and learn from the difficulties. For me, I held onto scriptures and prayed like never before! I am asking myself today. What am I doing with the good? Am I keeping it all to myself and my own party of five or am I sharing it with others? Am I reverent to the hand of God in my life? Am I sharing my gratitude with Christ? Am I talking to Him? Or am I getting relaxed and going through the motions? I strongly believe that I can't just sit here blessed as can be and think it's ok.  There is a reason God rescues us and saves us and it's not so we can be selfish with all He gives us. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind and I don't ever want to be so caught up in my blessed life that I just keep on walking by.


I wrote a little list to remind myself of what I should be during the good times.

1. Humbly thank God for everything! For never leaving me! For His love that pursues me ! For His Faithfulness! For provision!

2. Share my joy with Christ with praise and adoration!

3. Reach out to those who are hurting. Offer compassion.

4. Be sensitive to those around me undergoing trials.

5. Never stop reading God's word and praying it and meditating on it because that's exactly what helps me in the difficult times that arise.

To God Be The Glory!

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭30-37‬ NIV)

A Football Night To Remember....Moments of My Son's Senior Year

Last Friday night was Senior Night for my son's football team. First of all, how did my son become a senior? He was just a freshman!! These years have seriously flown! Don't blink people! We are here though and I am trying hard just to enjoy the present and treasure every moment with him. My daughter was unable to make it to senior night due to a commitment at her school and my youngest son fell asleep for the very first time this football season. At first I was disappointed because I had envisioned a beautiful family picture celebrating our first born, but soon it dawned on me that this was the perfect way to celebrate our son. We were able to completely focus on him and take in all the joy and happiness that the night brought.

I wanted to share more than pictures of a very special night because this football season has been one that we will always look back on and I don't want to forget about everything that has taken place.  People see the victory, but they don't know the pain, disappointment, and uncertainty that we have all had to go through this year.  Many people have asked me what is next in my son's football journey.  The honest answer is I don't know and I am actually ok with that.  My son is so much more than a football player. He is an excellent football player, but there is so much more to him than just football.  God has a plan for my son's life and I am trusting in that. I pray daily over him and saying out loud "he is yours Lord" gives this momma that peace that passes all understanding. Its not up to me, its not up to my husband, its not up to my son's coaches. It is all in God's hands.  

The very first game of this football season I was both excited and nervous for my son. I knew it was time for all of the hundreds of hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the sport he loved to pay off.  I knew many eyes were watching him and I also knew these football parents were never shy in giving their opinions out loud. He had a great game, but unfortunately the receivers couldn't hold onto multiple balls. Thankfully, his skills were far from criticized. He received a lot of recognition that game. One parent even referred to him as "the unsung hero" of the game. He was also the "offensive player" that night.  My son and his team had some tough opponents ahead of them and they won some games and they lost some. He would come home like he was in a battle sometimes. Extremely sore. Never quitting, always giving his very best.  Two weeks before league play my son sustained an injury. Did he blame anyone for it? No. He blamed himself. He said he held onto the ball too long. That is the type of guy he is. I can't go into detail, but news of his injury broke all of our hearts. We thought he was done. He is a fighter though. He didn't just quit when he could have easily been done. To everyone's surprise my son only missed 1 game and by the grace of God, he has been playing since. His coaches have nothing but good things to say about his character and determination. The season isn't over. I don't know what tomorrow holds. I do know this. God has always upheld my son and He always will. This next picture, blurry, but the emotions I felt walking alongside my son and my husband proudly holding high the #3 jersey is something I will never forget. I am beyond proud of who my son is on and off of the field. His example of humility and grace towards others deserves a standing ovation. You may not see me, but I am there standing tall and very very proud of my first born! 

"So do not fear, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will UPHOLD you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

My son has been so blessed to receive the best support and prayers from all of our extended family and friends. I am so very thankful for everyone! These are a few of his biggest fans! There are many more who love him and pray for his protection and I appreciate those heartfelt prayers more than anything! 

Papa and Grandma

Nana and Tata

Uncle G and Auntie Yvette

Cousins

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21

To God Be The Glory!