http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27KfKpmq9GQ
Good morning. Just have a little thought for today. I am suppose to be cleaning, so I need to stay focused. Anyone that knows me knows that I do not enjoy cleaning especially by myself! As I was actually cleaning I was listening to Casting Crowns and the song I Know Your There came on. When I first got this album from my sister a couple of Christmas's ago this was one of my favorite. In the move I lost some of my CD's but thankfully Paul put them on the computer.
Anyhow.... this song came on and I couldn't help but think how we need to remind each other that God is here!! He cares and listens! I hear of so many that don't know of His love and grace and think how can I make a difference? Will I make a difference? There are so many hurting people out there. As I listened God reminded me that I just need to love them so they can see His love through me. Love them like He loves me. Show grace - unmerited favor just because. To understand and believe in a God of grace, people need to be shown that grace first by us.
The verse that came to my mind was 2 Corinthians 2:15
"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
What Aroma did Christ have? John 1: 17 when explaining Jesus states that grace and truth came through Him. Jesus not only taught grace he demonstrated it daily showing love and kindness to those he came in contact with.
The message puts it this way " Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go , people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognised by those as the way of salvation- a aroma redolent with life ( redolent means strong, I had to look it up!)
When I think of exquisite I think of beautiful. We have opportunity everyday to care and show grace which is such a beautiful thing to those around us and God through his Son allows me to be His person. Isn't that amazing!
I pray today that you will be an aroma for Christ or if you don't know Christ that you will ask someone about Him. God is everywhere and he is waiting to listen!
I have copied the link on utube for the song I was listening too. Hope you enjoy!
Love and Prayers,
Jen Loner
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Who Am I?
Good morning!! So happy spring has arrived. Although I am not fond of birds, I love to hear them singing and so glad they are back.
Life here in Hillier has been busy. It was nice last week to have a bit of break from the routine with March Break although I ended up sick with the flu. Oh well. At least I didn't have to worry about calling in sick.
Now back to routine.
This morning in my devotions I was reminded again about self worth. The other day I was looking at purpose. Self worth and purpose I believe go hand in hand. In order to believe we have purpose, that we can accomplish anything, we need to have a healthy sense of self worth.
So often we depend on those around us to give a sense of self worth. Of course we want those around us to love us which in itself is good. But our self worth can't just come from them. No matter how wonderful they are they cannot be the source of our self worth. Even the best partner in life will at some time fight with you, disagree with you and even hurt your feelings. That is normal and life. Our self worth also can't come from who we are. ( big one I am dealing with!!!)
I came across this quote: ( taken from book Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee)
The worlds system ( in regards to self worth)
Self worth=Performance ( what you do) & Other's Opinions ( what others think and say about you)
This system can leave us feeling unloved and not worthy. I see on facebook all the time people posting things like rate how much you like me. That is scary but shows how much we value what others think. I think of those that have been hurt by those who were suppose to love them. Their self worth is based on those people's opinions. So important as parents and friends to value and appreciate those God has given us to care for. Let them know their worth daily!
Thankfully there is another system to go by - God's System
Self Worth= God's truth about you
The bible is full of truths that God wants you to know about yourself. A beautiful version of this is on the website Freedom in Christ. http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist I would encourage you to print in out and put it somewhere where you can see it each day.
It states that:
We are ACCEPTED- We are SECURE - We are SIGNIFICANT
Not because of anything we have done, but because God loves us unconditionally. Please take time to go to that website. Look at the bible verses. Read them and believe. Our part is to believe that God loves us and we will find our worth in Him. We just have to admit we need him, that we have done wrong and believe He sent His son to die for us so we can live with him in eternity. That He loves us because!!!
This is Easter Season. Please take time to find a church. Just go listen and hear the Easter story. Hear about the love that God has for you.
As I write this for you, I am also writing for myself. I so need to keep believing that my worth comes from Him. That other's opinions don't really matter and my job doesn't define me. I have to remember the truths of the bible as the world tries to tell you different all the time.
I hope and pray today that you will know that you are worthwhile!! That you have a God who sees you precious and dearly loved. That He has purpose for you!!!
Love and Prayers
Jen Loner
Life here in Hillier has been busy. It was nice last week to have a bit of break from the routine with March Break although I ended up sick with the flu. Oh well. At least I didn't have to worry about calling in sick.
Now back to routine.
This morning in my devotions I was reminded again about self worth. The other day I was looking at purpose. Self worth and purpose I believe go hand in hand. In order to believe we have purpose, that we can accomplish anything, we need to have a healthy sense of self worth.
So often we depend on those around us to give a sense of self worth. Of course we want those around us to love us which in itself is good. But our self worth can't just come from them. No matter how wonderful they are they cannot be the source of our self worth. Even the best partner in life will at some time fight with you, disagree with you and even hurt your feelings. That is normal and life. Our self worth also can't come from who we are. ( big one I am dealing with!!!)
I came across this quote: ( taken from book Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee)
The worlds system ( in regards to self worth)
Self worth=Performance ( what you do) & Other's Opinions ( what others think and say about you)
This system can leave us feeling unloved and not worthy. I see on facebook all the time people posting things like rate how much you like me. That is scary but shows how much we value what others think. I think of those that have been hurt by those who were suppose to love them. Their self worth is based on those people's opinions. So important as parents and friends to value and appreciate those God has given us to care for. Let them know their worth daily!
Thankfully there is another system to go by - God's System
Self Worth= God's truth about you
The bible is full of truths that God wants you to know about yourself. A beautiful version of this is on the website Freedom in Christ. http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist I would encourage you to print in out and put it somewhere where you can see it each day.
It states that:
We are ACCEPTED- We are SECURE - We are SIGNIFICANT
Not because of anything we have done, but because God loves us unconditionally. Please take time to go to that website. Look at the bible verses. Read them and believe. Our part is to believe that God loves us and we will find our worth in Him. We just have to admit we need him, that we have done wrong and believe He sent His son to die for us so we can live with him in eternity. That He loves us because!!!
This is Easter Season. Please take time to find a church. Just go listen and hear the Easter story. Hear about the love that God has for you.
As I write this for you, I am also writing for myself. I so need to keep believing that my worth comes from Him. That other's opinions don't really matter and my job doesn't define me. I have to remember the truths of the bible as the world tries to tell you different all the time.
I hope and pray today that you will know that you are worthwhile!! That you have a God who sees you precious and dearly loved. That He has purpose for you!!!
Love and Prayers
Jen Loner
| I am accepted... | |
| John 1:12 | I am God's child. |
| John 15:15 | As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 5:1 | I have been justified. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:17 | I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | I am a member of Christ's body. |
| Ephesians 1:3-8 | I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. |
| Colossians 1:13-14 | I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. |
| Colossians 2:9-10 | I am complete in Christ. |
| Hebrews 4:14-16 | I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. |
| I am secure... | |
| Romans 8:1-2 | I am free from condemnation. |
| Romans 8:28 | I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. |
| Romans 8:31-39 | I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. |
| Colossians 3:1-4 | I am hidden with Christ in God. |
| Philippians 1:6 | I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. |
| Philippians 3:20 | I am a citizen of heaven. |
| 2 Timothy 1:7 | I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. |
| 1 John 5:18 | I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. |
| I am significant... | |
| John 15:5 | I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. |
| John 15:16 | I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | I am God's temple. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | I am a minister of reconciliation for God. |
| Ephesians 2:6 | I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. |
| Ephesians 2:10 | I am God's workmanship. |
| Ephesians 3:12 | I may approach God with freedom and confidence. |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
| I am accepted... | |
| John 1:12 | I am God's child. |
| John 15:15 | As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 5:1 | I have been justified. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:17 | I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | I am a member of Christ's body. |
| Ephesians 1:3-8 | I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. |
| Colossians 1:13-14 | I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. |
| Colossians 2:9-10 | I am complete in Christ. |
| Hebrews 4:14-16 | I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. |
| I am secure... | |
| Romans 8:1-2 | I am free from condemnation. |
| Romans 8:28 | I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. |
| Romans 8:31-39 | I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. |
| Colossians 3:1-4 | I am hidden with Christ in God. |
| Philippians 1:6 | I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. |
| Philippians 3:20 | I am a citizen of heaven. |
| 2 Timothy 1:7 | I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. |
| 1 John 5:18 | I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. |
| I am significant... | |
| John 15:5 | I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. |
| John 15:16 | I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | I am God's temple. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | I am a minister of reconciliation for God. |
| Ephesians 2:6 | I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. |
| Ephesians 2:10 | I am God's workmanship. |
| Ephesians 3:12 | I may approach God with freedom and confidence. |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
| I am accepted... | |
| John 1:12 | I am God's child. |
| John 15:15 | As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 5:1 | I have been justified. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:17 | I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | I am a member of Christ's body. |
| Ephesians 1:3-8 | I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. |
| Colossians 1:13-14 | I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. |
| Colossians 2:9-10 | I am complete in Christ. |
| Hebrews 4:14-16 | I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. |
| I am secure... | |
| Romans 8:1-2 | I am free from condemnation. |
| Romans 8:28 | I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. |
| Romans 8:31-39 | I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. |
| Colossians 3:1-4 | I am hidden with Christ in God. |
| Philippians 1:6 | I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. |
| Philippians 3:20 | I am a citizen of heaven. |
| 2 Timothy 1:7 | I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. |
| 1 John 5:18 | I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. |
| I am significant... | |
| John 15:5 | I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. |
| John 15:16 | I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | I am God's temple. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | I am a minister of reconciliation for God. |
| Ephesians 2:6 | I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. |
| Ephesians 2:10 | I am God's workmanship. |
| Ephesians 3:12 | I may approach God with freedom and confidence. |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
| I am accepted... | |
| John 1:12 | I am God's child. |
| John 15:15 | As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 5:1 | I have been justified. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:17 | I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | I am a member of Christ's body. |
| Ephesians 1:3-8 | I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. |
| Colossians 1:13-14 | I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. |
| Colossians 2:9-10 | I am complete in Christ. |
| Hebrews 4:14-16 | I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. |
| I am secure... | |
| Romans 8:1-2 | I am free from condemnation. |
| Romans 8:28 | I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. |
| Romans 8:31-39 | I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. |
| Colossians 3:1-4 | I am hidden with Christ in God. |
| Philippians 1:6 | I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. |
| Philippians 3:20 | I am a citizen of heaven. |
| 2 Timothy 1:7 | I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. |
| 1 John 5:18 | I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. |
| I am significant... | |
| John 15:5 | I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. |
| John 15:16 | I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | I am God's temple. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | I am a minister of reconciliation for God. |
| Ephesians 2:6 | I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. |
| Ephesians 2:10 | I am God's workmanship. |
| Ephesians 3:12 | I may approach God with freedom and confidence. |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
Monday, March 14, 2011
Hand in hand
I would like to share with you a poem I read in my devotions this morning. The last 3 days I have had the flu, and with that the doubts seem to come a little more easily. It probably didn't help that this past week marks the leaving of full time ministry. Actually today was the day we arrived "back" and first saw our house in person!! Very thankful for the changes a year has made to this house! I know that I have kept my hand in His and need to keep trusting that the sadness ( darkness) will eventually lose all its strength!!
The day had gone; alone and weak
I groped my way within a bleak
And sunless land.
The path that led into the light
I could not find! In that dark night
God took my hand.
He led me that I might not stray,
And brought me by a new, safe way
I had not known
By waters still, through pastures green
I followed Him-the path was clean
Of briar and stone
The heavy darkness lost its strength,
My waiting eyes beheld at length
The streaking dawn.
On, safely on, through sunrise glow
I walked, my hand in His, and lo,
The night had gone.
Annie Porter Johnson
Maybe you can relate, you have something you are going through. Keep holding His hand ,believing He will guide you through.
With Grace,
Jen
The day had gone; alone and weak
I groped my way within a bleak
And sunless land.
The path that led into the light
I could not find! In that dark night
God took my hand.
He led me that I might not stray,
And brought me by a new, safe way
I had not known
By waters still, through pastures green
I followed Him-the path was clean
Of briar and stone
The heavy darkness lost its strength,
My waiting eyes beheld at length
The streaking dawn.
On, safely on, through sunrise glow
I walked, my hand in His, and lo,
The night had gone.
Annie Porter Johnson
Maybe you can relate, you have something you are going through. Keep holding His hand ,believing He will guide you through.
With Grace,
Jen
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Resting Places
Well, I have had alot of thoughts for a blog, but just haven't had time to collect them all. Then this morning as I was doing my devotions I came across this quote which stood out to me, so I will blog on it instead.
It stated, " God provides resting places as well as working places. Rest then, and be thankful when He brings you, wearied to a wayside well."
This week marks our one year anniversary of leaving full ministry. Lots of thoughts and feelings come with that. One that I have been having is that I want to be back in full time ministry. But... this creates conflict as I know my family needs a time of stability and more time with their mom and dad. I believe in this devotion God is once again reminding me ( the stubborn one that doesn't get it the first or seventh time!) that He has provided this time of rest in our Hillier Haven. This is from His hand and it is where I need to be for this time. The devotion went on to say that out of these times of being patient, even when you don't understand why you were taken from some ministry, that He will provide even more opportunity in the future for ministry. Of course I still have a lot of questions as to why does our family get rest and others don't? Why didn't God provide us with encouragement and help so we could have stayed in ministry and still been a healthy family? These are questions that I probably will never have the answers for.This is where I have to trust that God's hand is upon my family and He knows best!!
I am thankful for the support and love that have been given to us here. God knew we would could heal best here.
What is happening in your world? Where is God placing you today? Where do you see His hand on your life?
I will end with a favorite chorus of mine that just popped in my head
I'm in His hand, I'm in His hands
Whatever the future hold
I'm in His hands
The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me
His way is best you see, I'm in His hands
Love and prayers,
Jen
It stated, " God provides resting places as well as working places. Rest then, and be thankful when He brings you, wearied to a wayside well."
This week marks our one year anniversary of leaving full ministry. Lots of thoughts and feelings come with that. One that I have been having is that I want to be back in full time ministry. But... this creates conflict as I know my family needs a time of stability and more time with their mom and dad. I believe in this devotion God is once again reminding me ( the stubborn one that doesn't get it the first or seventh time!) that He has provided this time of rest in our Hillier Haven. This is from His hand and it is where I need to be for this time. The devotion went on to say that out of these times of being patient, even when you don't understand why you were taken from some ministry, that He will provide even more opportunity in the future for ministry. Of course I still have a lot of questions as to why does our family get rest and others don't? Why didn't God provide us with encouragement and help so we could have stayed in ministry and still been a healthy family? These are questions that I probably will never have the answers for.This is where I have to trust that God's hand is upon my family and He knows best!!
I am thankful for the support and love that have been given to us here. God knew we would could heal best here.
What is happening in your world? Where is God placing you today? Where do you see His hand on your life?
I will end with a favorite chorus of mine that just popped in my head
I'm in His hand, I'm in His hands
Whatever the future hold
I'm in His hands
The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me
His way is best you see, I'm in His hands
Love and prayers,
Jen
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
mIrror mirror on the wall
http://youtu.be/dsptGe50J40
Good morning. I hope that link works. Still trying to figure this all out!! It is a link to Barlow Girl's song Mirror. I just heard it for the first time on the radio yesterday. The words really struck home for me and made me think. I have been faciliatating groups for young teen girls and spending alot of time around all ages of youth and it saddens me to see how much pressure they have. Pressures to live up to the world's expectations and how they think they need to be in order to popular or just fit in. Then I thought even about myself, battling this middle age spread and thought it really doesn't matter what age you are, you still look in the mirror and judge yourself. So much is decided about a person by their outward appearance whether you like to admit it or not. I think if we are honest with ourselves we could say this is true no matter what age we are. You definately see this in the world. Even the video only shows thin girls. It would have been nice to see an image of all types of bodies, but that is not how the world is. Recently I was going through a teen magainzine of my daughters. There was ONE girl that was not thin and it was advertising a new show called Huge. How sad!!! It is not much different for the adult magaizines. People is full of hollywood stars in their forties that are thin!! How do they do it? Does no one battle middle age spread? Even the diet commercials have people on there saying I was a size 10 , now I am a 2!!! I would be okay to be size 10!! Since when are we suppose to be size two!!??
Now some may say they are healthier. Well I have been learning alot about healthy eating and lifestyles. Those that look thin may not be so healthy. Thankfully the social and health agencies are realising we need to teach our young people that it is about balance. It is about eating the right amount of foods, still enjoying the treats every now and then, and putting some activity in their lives. It is not about dieting. That is a bad word now. It is balance.
What if you are meant to be size 14 at 40? Eating properly, eating balanced meals ( not dieting, no cottage cheese please!!) Exercising some which can mean going for a walk a couple of times a week, taking the stairs. For some of us it comes down to our genes. I have been told many times over I look just like my mom. I have her genes and no matter what I do I will not be the thin little thing I was as a teenager. Some are born thinnier and will not have a problem weight while others of us will. I would hope that my kids also see me like my mom who loves her kids and would do anything for them, often giving up her own wants for them.
If we all, no matter our age could stop and see ourselves in God's eyes instead of the worlds and even our own how much better would be feel!!
The song is beautiful as it states:
Mirror I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes
of He who made me
And to Him I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me
We are the apple of his eye!! We are beautiful to him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye."
He loves us for who we are you. He sees the perfect 10 on each of us! With Him we can know that we have worth. He sees the good in us and wants us to know that we are loved for who we are, not for what the outside looks like.
I continue to come to terms with this change of body that middle age has presented me, trying hard not to let the world's view bring me down, believing that I am beautiful in His eyes. I hope you can do the same!!
Love and Prayers,
Jen Loner
Good morning. I hope that link works. Still trying to figure this all out!! It is a link to Barlow Girl's song Mirror. I just heard it for the first time on the radio yesterday. The words really struck home for me and made me think. I have been faciliatating groups for young teen girls and spending alot of time around all ages of youth and it saddens me to see how much pressure they have. Pressures to live up to the world's expectations and how they think they need to be in order to popular or just fit in. Then I thought even about myself, battling this middle age spread and thought it really doesn't matter what age you are, you still look in the mirror and judge yourself. So much is decided about a person by their outward appearance whether you like to admit it or not. I think if we are honest with ourselves we could say this is true no matter what age we are. You definately see this in the world. Even the video only shows thin girls. It would have been nice to see an image of all types of bodies, but that is not how the world is. Recently I was going through a teen magainzine of my daughters. There was ONE girl that was not thin and it was advertising a new show called Huge. How sad!!! It is not much different for the adult magaizines. People is full of hollywood stars in their forties that are thin!! How do they do it? Does no one battle middle age spread? Even the diet commercials have people on there saying I was a size 10 , now I am a 2!!! I would be okay to be size 10!! Since when are we suppose to be size two!!??
Now some may say they are healthier. Well I have been learning alot about healthy eating and lifestyles. Those that look thin may not be so healthy. Thankfully the social and health agencies are realising we need to teach our young people that it is about balance. It is about eating the right amount of foods, still enjoying the treats every now and then, and putting some activity in their lives. It is not about dieting. That is a bad word now. It is balance.
What if you are meant to be size 14 at 40? Eating properly, eating balanced meals ( not dieting, no cottage cheese please!!) Exercising some which can mean going for a walk a couple of times a week, taking the stairs. For some of us it comes down to our genes. I have been told many times over I look just like my mom. I have her genes and no matter what I do I will not be the thin little thing I was as a teenager. Some are born thinnier and will not have a problem weight while others of us will. I would hope that my kids also see me like my mom who loves her kids and would do anything for them, often giving up her own wants for them.
If we all, no matter our age could stop and see ourselves in God's eyes instead of the worlds and even our own how much better would be feel!!
The song is beautiful as it states:
Mirror I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes
of He who made me
And to Him I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me
We are the apple of his eye!! We are beautiful to him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye."
He loves us for who we are you. He sees the perfect 10 on each of us! With Him we can know that we have worth. He sees the good in us and wants us to know that we are loved for who we are, not for what the outside looks like.
I continue to come to terms with this change of body that middle age has presented me, trying hard not to let the world's view bring me down, believing that I am beautiful in His eyes. I hope you can do the same!!
Love and Prayers,
Jen Loner
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