Looking back ...

Well, I was just rereading some of my past blogs. There seems to be this constant theme ... the theme of trying to figure out HOW to life this abundant life .. HOW to get over sad feelings .. HOW to parent .. HOW to stop needing a crutch .. HOW to be well
I FINALLY got it .. are you ready? here is the answer ..... " JESUS! "

There is not a magic formula, there is not one special verse that will make everything be smooth at all times .. BUT .. .when we trust HIM , when we cease leaning on our own understanding ( and our own interpretation of the events that just happened or the words just spoken to us), when we stop trying to "fix ourselves" - when we simply LOOK to Jesus.

Today I am struggling with how many times I say things that are maybe not spoken the most elequently, or maybe my message has been misinterpreted .. or someone has falsely labelled my motives . (Can I be honest.. that bothers me SO much)...
BUT then I took a few moments and I was thinking that in this too .. I am fellowshipping in the sufferings of Jesus.

How many times was Jesus falsely accused, or someone told lies about him? or maybe his motives were falsely interpreted?

Father, help us to rest in you and not make the goal to be to "fix it" or "be better".
Help us to look to you.. to be constantly plugged in to you and to see things from your perspective in the midst of our own feelings and subjectivity.

I thank you to that it is ok to be upset and sad but I pray too that we can see it from your side and to trust that you are in control and that you will handle it.

That's all for now.. keeping looking up friends

Jacqueline

Giver or the Gifts??

So, I had a thought the other day and wrote a letter to my friends at EBC ( Bible College I am enrolled in). Thought I would share my thought as it pertains to many of us as well...
I do appreciate feedback and comments by the way!

Can you believe it.. in less then two months we will be in classes again (well those of us who are students) I trust your summers have been one of growth and maturity and also of coming ot know Jesus more and more intimately. Some of you Father has blessed you with a job, soem of you are in a paid position at a Christian camp or ministry and others Father has decided to this point He would like you to rest and let HIM be the one to provide for you and take care of you. I have started reading a book this week 'Pressures Off " by Larry Crabb.. what a good book. I have not gotten too far into it yet, but lets just say I have been challenged in my thinking and beliefs. Crabb goes on to suggest that many christians only "do the right things" because of what blessings will be ahead or given to them. ITs kind of like the OT retribution theory right? If we disobey we get crap .. and we believe if we live a god pleasing life then we have good things to come .. if we read our bibles every day and pray continually ( which please know I am in no way putting down .. asI need to thirst and feed on his word and keep getting to know my Groom!!) - however I do see that we do sometimes feel like "God owes us" ... and sometimes - some of us .. are more in love with the blessings we have in Christ Jesus then we are with the blesser and His son.

Well this is what Father has been showing me as of late. I am so glad that Father keeps shining HIS light into the dark rooms of our lives and hearts.

I am praying regularily for you all

In His hands
Jacqueline