Well another Friday is here, and to be honest I have been tempted to not be so transparent today. I actually had decided to not go weigh in just so I wouldnt break a promise to you (but then I decided that you are all worth it, and I will absolutely keep my promise to you no matter the results).
I did go weigh in today and I was up 4 lbs. (Technically it was 3.5lbs but closer to 4). There are many reasons as to why the weight is up this week but I think the bigger lesson in it for me is how I was tempted to hide this from you.
We will all have days and weeks where we havent quite met our goal. Not all of your goals are the same. Some are: to lose weight; to work out more; to read a book a week; to learn greek; to write a research paper; study for an exam; be a more patient mother; be a more loving spouse and on and on.
I would not be helping anyone if I only shared when I met my goals and life was "smooth". There are times when we will not meet the "standard"; but it does not determine who we are. I will keep going (as will you).
I shared a verse this week with a groups of students which seems fitting to share today: 2 Corinthians 10:12 " For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding (they are unwise)." Who have you been comparing yourself to? Is that why you set the goal? This won't apply to everyone, but I know from some of your emails that you can identify with what I am saying here.
Keep walking friends, we each have our own journey. Perhaps try to remember that the goal is not to fix you; but to know Jesus more.
I will close with this verse:
"My determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more and more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him"
Philippians 3:10 Amplied version
That's all for now, In Him
Jacqueline
Friday, March 25, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Take the Time to Stop
Well another week has come and gone. This time of year is a busy one for me with finishing up school end projects; so thank you for being patient with my lack of new blog posts.
I was thinking about what I could share today and I realized that probably for the first time in a while, I have come to know my need to be still, quiet and process what Father has been saying to me.
I will however, share part of a conversation I had with my oldest son yesterday. In the moment it sure made me laugh, but then even in that, I believe Father had something profound to say to me.
My oldest is 17 years old, but like his mom, he tends to analyse many things and people (and yes, sometimes gets caught up in the paralysis of analysis). He was thinking about relationships with people, and wondered if there was ever a time when people had nothing more to talk about.
After talking about this for a while, I mentioned that sometimes silence is a sign of becoming (or being) comfortable with someone, and that there doesn't seem to be a need to make conversation.
Without missing a beat he said "Wow, I can see your boss doing that; but YOU Mom? I never thought you would EVER be out of words!"
Yes, we all had a good laugh about that. I do have many words that seem to need to get out. I remember when my babies were young; thinking I was going to die if an adult did not call or come to the door. I had all these words inside needing to get out.
Now that I spend most of my days talking to people, the need to talk at the end of the day, doesn't seem to be there as much. There are actually times of the week where I don't have any more words left - (wow, that's a miracle in itself is what my kids would say). That being said however, much of the time, I do still need to process verbally, and that is ok; for that is how I am made.
After we stopped laughing, I am positive I heard Father whisper, "Now it's time for you to sit in my silence. I want you to rest; stop trying to figure it all out and stop."
He was lovingly telling me to be comfortable with Him, to abide in the midst of this busy time; and to hear what He had to say to me about all these different things that were going on inside my head.
Have you taken time to "stop" lately? Taken time to quietly talk to Father? And more importantly, have you taken time to be still, to hear that still quiet voice?
That's all for now.
Jacqueline
I was thinking about what I could share today and I realized that probably for the first time in a while, I have come to know my need to be still, quiet and process what Father has been saying to me.
I will however, share part of a conversation I had with my oldest son yesterday. In the moment it sure made me laugh, but then even in that, I believe Father had something profound to say to me.
My oldest is 17 years old, but like his mom, he tends to analyse many things and people (and yes, sometimes gets caught up in the paralysis of analysis). He was thinking about relationships with people, and wondered if there was ever a time when people had nothing more to talk about.
After talking about this for a while, I mentioned that sometimes silence is a sign of becoming (or being) comfortable with someone, and that there doesn't seem to be a need to make conversation.
Without missing a beat he said "Wow, I can see your boss doing that; but YOU Mom? I never thought you would EVER be out of words!"
Yes, we all had a good laugh about that. I do have many words that seem to need to get out. I remember when my babies were young; thinking I was going to die if an adult did not call or come to the door. I had all these words inside needing to get out.
Now that I spend most of my days talking to people, the need to talk at the end of the day, doesn't seem to be there as much. There are actually times of the week where I don't have any more words left - (wow, that's a miracle in itself is what my kids would say). That being said however, much of the time, I do still need to process verbally, and that is ok; for that is how I am made.
After we stopped laughing, I am positive I heard Father whisper, "Now it's time for you to sit in my silence. I want you to rest; stop trying to figure it all out and stop."
He was lovingly telling me to be comfortable with Him, to abide in the midst of this busy time; and to hear what He had to say to me about all these different things that were going on inside my head.
Have you taken time to "stop" lately? Taken time to quietly talk to Father? And more importantly, have you taken time to be still, to hear that still quiet voice?
That's all for now.
Jacqueline
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Am I Enough?
Have you ever felt like there is this job description for Christians that you are simply unable to measure up to? That there is this tremendous pressure to live according to some standard? How about the pressure to come to know that Jesus IS enough?
I have spent much of my life trying to live up to some standard or another. I am aware that many of my blog postings are about topics such as this; but its because it is so common. We have all been there at one point or another; and we most likely all continue to struggle to not go back there (my guess is that as you read this,you know exactly what specific area you struggle with).
We have this standard that we think all godly christians should live up to. We strive to be a certain way; act a certain way (all godly women can control their emotions right?)We ALWAYS do the right things all the time; be the kind of mother like June Cleaver was; or even better: we think we should be able to be like the most despised woman ever - the Proverbs 31 woman. And, on top of that, now I am asking you if you really believe that
Jesus IS enough!
Is He enough for you? If you lost the whole world, would He be enough? When the storms and pressures of life come flooding in, can you truly say "It is well with my soul?"
I know many good Christian people who verbally answer yes to that question, but can't handle life when their kids go away to school; their security at work is threatened; the bank balance doesnt appear to be able to make ends meet, friends have not understood you; or even when the feelings of loneliness sinks in. Take a minute and ask yourself,"Is Jesus enough?"
Friends, I am not judging as I am in this place right this very moment. All this week Jesus has whispered to me, "Am I enough for you Jacqueline?"
Father, continue to show us where we look for LIFE outside of you. Remind us that you love us just because you love us. That it's not because of anything we have or have not done. May I boldly ask and surrender that you continue to refine us into the image of your Son that we may be vessels of your LIFE that is within us. That we can truly come to know you and to proclaim that you are ENOUGH and that is all that we need! Amen
That's all for now
Jacqueline
I have spent much of my life trying to live up to some standard or another. I am aware that many of my blog postings are about topics such as this; but its because it is so common. We have all been there at one point or another; and we most likely all continue to struggle to not go back there (my guess is that as you read this,you know exactly what specific area you struggle with).
We have this standard that we think all godly christians should live up to. We strive to be a certain way; act a certain way (all godly women can control their emotions right?)We ALWAYS do the right things all the time; be the kind of mother like June Cleaver was; or even better: we think we should be able to be like the most despised woman ever - the Proverbs 31 woman. And, on top of that, now I am asking you if you really believe that
Jesus IS enough!
Is He enough for you? If you lost the whole world, would He be enough? When the storms and pressures of life come flooding in, can you truly say "It is well with my soul?"
I know many good Christian people who verbally answer yes to that question, but can't handle life when their kids go away to school; their security at work is threatened; the bank balance doesnt appear to be able to make ends meet, friends have not understood you; or even when the feelings of loneliness sinks in. Take a minute and ask yourself,"Is Jesus enough?"
Friends, I am not judging as I am in this place right this very moment. All this week Jesus has whispered to me, "Am I enough for you Jacqueline?"
Father, continue to show us where we look for LIFE outside of you. Remind us that you love us just because you love us. That it's not because of anything we have or have not done. May I boldly ask and surrender that you continue to refine us into the image of your Son that we may be vessels of your LIFE that is within us. That we can truly come to know you and to proclaim that you are ENOUGH and that is all that we need! Amen
That's all for now
Jacqueline
Monday, March 7, 2011
The "Need" To Be Understood ...
Well another week has begun, and there is once again much on my mind. For today, I am going to share something that Father has lovingly pointed out to me in the last couple days (once again).
While writing a paper for school I have spent several hours analyzing different dynamics of significant relationships. And, if that wasn't emotionally tasking enough, real life continued with a couple of situations where I felt that my feelings and intentions were not supported or understood. (As I write this, know that I am very aware on how subjective and self centred this all sounds). The whole time I was feeling these emotions Jesus was lovingly saying "I know how you feel, I was not understood either; and my intentions were completely misunderstood".
Why were His words not good enough to give me peace in the situation? Why did I still (after that reminder) feel the need to reiterate and explain myself? Am I still hanging on to that right to be understood? The right to be heard and appreciated? What happens if people NEVER approve of your actions? Will that be okay for us? Can we live with that? (Obviously, those of you who were wishing that this author had her life completely together, will once again be disappointed, for I am (just like the rest of you) indeed still a work in progress).
This has been a journey I have traveled for years. I find myself needing to reiterate my words in order to be "correctly" understood and (if possible) have my intensions made clear. This morning however, as I write, I can't help but wonder how many times was I trying to fill a personal need rather than out of necessity for the other person?
I know we have all done this: but I am thinking that each of us need to look at the why of this. Why is it not good enough to rest in knowing Father understands? Why do we need to have the approval of man? Really, can we even expect all people to understand why we make the decisions that we do?
Then, I am reminded that as I point at others who I feel have not "knew my heart and intentions"; I realize that there are four fingers pointing back at me. For I have many times assumed the worst and been critical (and quite judgmental). One friend said to me several months ago, "why is it that only you can have a pure heart with pure intentions?" (ouch; but thankful for the wounds of a friend).
If we are the body, why are we not acting like family? The one textbook for school uses the illustration of a mobile. When one piece of the mobile is bumped, the other parts are all moved (to some degree). So, how do we react when one member is "bumped"? Do we try to understand and be supportive? or do we either turn a blind eye (as our own lives are complicated enough) or do we begin to be lord and judge over the situation? Trying to determine the verdict as innocent or guilty? Trying to decide if their own choices led to their consequences?
Friends, why dont we just love? Why dont we lay aside being judges and act like the body? We are a team and Satan would like nothing more then to rip this team apart.
Stop keeping track of wrongs, try to be understanding, speak truth ( when instructed by God) but dont forget in doing so, to speak truth IN LOVE for the purpose of building up; and , other times, why not just keep silent and perhaps give a hug or pat on the back?
My challenge for this week is for us to go into this week:
1. KNOWING that Father's love and understanding is NEVER ceasing. Whether others understand you or not, Father has your back.
2. When it comes to loving others, let's remember how we want to be treated.
That's all for today.
In HIS HANDS,
Jacqueline
While writing a paper for school I have spent several hours analyzing different dynamics of significant relationships. And, if that wasn't emotionally tasking enough, real life continued with a couple of situations where I felt that my feelings and intentions were not supported or understood. (As I write this, know that I am very aware on how subjective and self centred this all sounds). The whole time I was feeling these emotions Jesus was lovingly saying "I know how you feel, I was not understood either; and my intentions were completely misunderstood".
Why were His words not good enough to give me peace in the situation? Why did I still (after that reminder) feel the need to reiterate and explain myself? Am I still hanging on to that right to be understood? The right to be heard and appreciated? What happens if people NEVER approve of your actions? Will that be okay for us? Can we live with that? (Obviously, those of you who were wishing that this author had her life completely together, will once again be disappointed, for I am (just like the rest of you) indeed still a work in progress).
This has been a journey I have traveled for years. I find myself needing to reiterate my words in order to be "correctly" understood and (if possible) have my intensions made clear. This morning however, as I write, I can't help but wonder how many times was I trying to fill a personal need rather than out of necessity for the other person?
I know we have all done this: but I am thinking that each of us need to look at the why of this. Why is it not good enough to rest in knowing Father understands? Why do we need to have the approval of man? Really, can we even expect all people to understand why we make the decisions that we do?
Then, I am reminded that as I point at others who I feel have not "knew my heart and intentions"; I realize that there are four fingers pointing back at me. For I have many times assumed the worst and been critical (and quite judgmental). One friend said to me several months ago, "why is it that only you can have a pure heart with pure intentions?" (ouch; but thankful for the wounds of a friend).
If we are the body, why are we not acting like family? The one textbook for school uses the illustration of a mobile. When one piece of the mobile is bumped, the other parts are all moved (to some degree). So, how do we react when one member is "bumped"? Do we try to understand and be supportive? or do we either turn a blind eye (as our own lives are complicated enough) or do we begin to be lord and judge over the situation? Trying to determine the verdict as innocent or guilty? Trying to decide if their own choices led to their consequences?
Friends, why dont we just love? Why dont we lay aside being judges and act like the body? We are a team and Satan would like nothing more then to rip this team apart.
Stop keeping track of wrongs, try to be understanding, speak truth ( when instructed by God) but dont forget in doing so, to speak truth IN LOVE for the purpose of building up; and , other times, why not just keep silent and perhaps give a hug or pat on the back?
My challenge for this week is for us to go into this week:
1. KNOWING that Father's love and understanding is NEVER ceasing. Whether others understand you or not, Father has your back.
2. When it comes to loving others, let's remember how we want to be treated.
That's all for today.
In HIS HANDS,
Jacqueline
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Being Thankful For Me
Today as I take my lunch break and think about all that Father has been whispering to me (some words quietly from Him and other wise words spoken through people I care about), I am so thankful for all that I have. I am thankful for being chosen and for the calling on my life; but more than that:Today, I am thankful for who I am. Just like the song by Casting Crowns, its not about what we have done. I am simply thankful for all that Father has done in my life, blessed me with and the journey He has brought me through. I have not arrived, my journey is not over, and there continues to be bumps in the road. But today, I choose to be thankful for me! Can you look in the mirror and say that? Go ahead, try it .... Did you do it? Say it outloud then? "I am thankful for me".
There is no pride in saying that statement. Friends, we honestly cannot love others until we can love ourselves. So, have you said it yet? Come on, give it a try, I promise you will not be struck down by lightning. I - AM - THANKFUL - FOR - ME! I will leave you with that to think about. That's all for now.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
There is no pride in saying that statement. Friends, we honestly cannot love others until we can love ourselves. So, have you said it yet? Come on, give it a try, I promise you will not be struck down by lightning. I - AM - THANKFUL - FOR - ME! I will leave you with that to think about. That's all for now.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
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