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Words of encouragement

Someone recently told me that I had encouraged them by what I had said. The funny thing is that I didn't have any memory of the conversation. The words that we choose to speak can have an impact on others. It started me thinking about all of the people who have encouraged me. These are some that have stuck with me through the years.

• Remain on in Ephesus!
• When you pay Jesus pack for what he has done for you, let me know.
• God has gifted you, use those gifts!
• Don't be afraid, God is with you.
• It's not about you
• God smiles when He thinks about you :)
• God doesn't need your help, He is big enough to handle it on His own
• Join God in His work
• Every breath is an opportunity to praise God
• Abba, I belong to you
• When you feel God's pleasure you know you using your gifts
• Make the most out of every opportunity
• Press on towards the goal.
• How do not know that you are here for this very reason?
• God has a plan- Trust him
• God is in Control- You don't have to control everything
• Who will you share the Love of Christ with today?
• Stop grumbling and look at all of your blessings
• Peace be still and know that He is God.
• Spend time with God until your coffee cup is cold
• I think that you have the gift of....... I see it when you.....
• Ask God to give you more of himself
• Don't pray small, Ask for the complete package.
• Be thorough.
• Pray that you could see them as Jeus does.
• Ask God to bless the people that you are having difficulties with

There are so many more. As you can tell some are light and some are heavy. I need them both.

What is your favorite encouragement that has been given to you?

This also made me think about the words that I am choosing to use. How am I using my words to encourage others?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

My Prayer today is that I would be able to encourage others in my words.

Father, Help me to trust you as I speak with others. Holy Spirit Direct every word that comes out so that I might encourage and exhort those I come in contact with. Guard my lips from anything that does not ReFlect your love. Thank you for the many people who have come along side of me and encouraged me, they have helped to show me more of who you are.

Jann

The bike ride

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

We went for a bike ride today. Kent Trails has some beautiful spots and it always takes my mind away from the energy that is required to do complete a 10 mile ride. Today as we were riding I was fully aware of the beauty of the trees. Yes they were green and lush and smelled fresh and sweet, but there was more than that. They reminded me of worship. The trees were standing and stretching to the heavens and yet they were bent and touching together as if they were bowing in reverence. I think I heard them singing,

" I stand, I stand in awe of you"

It was a majestic picture of what we as believers have the privilege of doing.

Jesus gave us full access to the Father. We can have complete confidence that we may approach the throne of grace. Don't miss this important invitation. We can go before GOD himself. We can be confident because of Jesus and all that he has done for us;

• No matter what we have done
• No matter when we became a Christian
• No matter what.

The keys have been given to us and an invitation has been given. "Come".

When will you enter into the throne room?

Father,

Thank you for using nature today to remind me of yourself. I am in awe not only of your creation but more importantly of how you woo us to yourself. Help me to enter into your rest and into your presence as I long to worship you. Thank you Jesus for giving us the ability to enter in confidence because of your sacrifice and love. Lord I come and bow before you now.

Jann

Can you do that by yourself?

Yesterday I bought a new mirror from IKEA. It is lovely and long. I really like the way that it looks. I found the perfect location for it and in my mind it will enhance the look of my living room. The necessary tools were assembled, hammer, screws, plastic screw holders (not sure what they are called) but they are blue, screwdriver and a tape measure. As I unwrapped this beautiful new mirror I caught a glance of myself and thought, you need a shower. I measured the holes on the back of the mirror and then plotted my screw holes.

"This was working out wonderfully. I am going to be able to accomplish this all
by myself".

The holes were set, the screws were inserted and all that was left was to place the 30lb mirror onto the screws and I could enjoy the fruit of this wall hanging victory. As I lifted the mirror I realized that 30lbs felt more like 50lbs and getting the little holes onto the screws wasn't as easy as I had originally anticipated. "Got it!" I proclaimed out loud to myself. Then I stood back to enjoy this moment.

Hmhh! Not exactly what I had envisioned. I need to move it up about 5 inches so that it doesn't cover the electrical socket. The entire process was done over, but this time I realized that the screws were not going to hold the mirror securely. So I went to Google and looked up how to hang a heavy mirror? Apparently, I need some toggle screws. So after all of my trying to do things by myself, it might be better to attempt it with someone else.

Have you been here? Trying to go things on your own? Is there something that you have been trying to carry or fix by yourself? Do you need to Google God and ask for his direction?

God in His wisdom has given us His word, His Holy Spirit and the body of Christ to fellowship with and to be stronger with. I needed a reminder of this today.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Father,

It seems that everyday you are gently reminding me that I can only trust in you. I will always need you and your strength to make it through. Thank you for giving me everything that is neccessary to walk with you. I praise you also for creating the body of Christ to uplift and to encourage me. Caould you also show me how to use these toggle screws?

Jann

Spunky the fisherdog?

Our dog Spunky loves the water. Today she tried her hand (paw) at fishing. As she stood in the water she noticed little creatures swimming all around her. Fish! Little cream colored fish swimming in the lake darting between her legs and staring at her. Her face intent on catching one of these fascinating creatures and so she did what you and I do in the water, reach out and touch them. Her paw was raised out and she just appeared to want to feel them or grab them with her paw. Now you and I know that she doesn't have a hand, but she doesn't, because time and time again she repeated the same motion. Eyes fixed, resolution set and paw extended. SPLASH! Fish went scampering. The next thing I see is Spunky with her face in the water. Paw didn't work, maybe She can catch them with her teeth! Nope that didn't work either, just a mouth full of water and moss. She goes back to the paws. Priceless watching her. I felt like a grandparent watching their grandchild play in the water.

I wonder how many times you and I are like this? We try something it doesn't work but we just keep at it. For example, I do many things on my own power and I know that it would be so much better if I asked God first, but I just keep doing it. Like Spunky, I keep thinking somehow my way is going to work over God's way.

A dog is not going to have hands to grab something, no matter
how much they try, just like we are not going to do better without including the creator of the universe.

I wonder how many times it will take me to learn this?

Father,

Thank you for teaching me through the simple act of watching my dog. It is a good reminder that I am in need of giving in to the Savior. I invite you in. Please be pleased to abide with me as I learn to abide in you.

Jann

Knowledge or Wisdom?

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Often I want to know what is going to happen. Just give me a glimpse and I will feel more secure. God in His infinite wisdom knows this is not true. I still will want more and more so that I can control the outcome. What I am asking for is knowledge. Knowledge about situations, people and trials.

A good friend of mine once told me to just lift my hands into the air and confess-"God is bigger than I am stupid". It has become my mantra. :)

In James we are told to ask for wisdom. Wisdom is very different than knowledge.

I heard it explained this way;

• Knowledge is the ability to take things apart,
• Wisdom is the ability to put things together.

I want to examine every detail of things when I have the knowledge about them. God instead wants to give us wisdom to know how to make sense of things that happen. When we are in the midst of a trial we can ask for wisdom to put all of the pieces together.

Several years ago in the midst of a long and painful trial, I kept asking God to show me what was to come of all of it. I would plead with Him to help me understand his plan. I wanted knowledge! It wasn't until I began to ask for His wisdom to stand up under the trials, that I began to see clearly and have peace.

If you are having trouble seeing things clearly, ask God who gives generously. He will give you wisdom to look at your trials differently. Remember that James tells us to consider trials with joy. We can do that when we have asked and been given wisdom to persevere.

Father,

I like knowing things! I admit it. I have issues with control. Thank you for not holding that against me. I praise you for offering your wisdom to us. May I receive your wisdom today as I serve you. Help me to ReFlect your joy as I put my trust in your plan, in your knowledge in your control.

Jann

Thank you Father

God is a father to the fatherless. Psalm 68:5

I learned so many things from my earthly father. He taught me to be kind to others, to help those in need, to give freely of your time. He was a hard and diligent worker. He always made people feel comfortable and he smiled all the time. These are some valuable things that I learned from him. I did not learn godly things however. He was not a man that followed God. I am not exactly sure why, but he did not teach me about Jesus or how to follow him. This was probably because he does not know Jesus. I will always be thankful that he is in my life and that I have good memories of times with him and I continue to pray that someday he might embrace the God the father. (Abba Avinu) Romans 8:15

Praise God that He knew I needed Godly men in my life to be examples of Fathers who love Jesus. When I became a Christian in High School, the youth pastor, Dan Webster was giving a message about God the father. Even then God knew what I needed and thus began the journey of my life. Through the next couple of years I learned through Dan's leadership what it meant to allow God the father, to love and lead me. Thank you Dan for the impact you had in my life.

In early college, Jon Byron became the next Godly man that God used to shape my image of God the father. Jon and his wife Francie lovingly showed me how a couple who loves the Lord raises a family to love Jesus and how a christian couple can glorify God. They continue to be a Godly examples for me.

Through the years I have had the pleasure of being a part of amazing fellowships where Godly men have stood in the gap to show me Godly fathers. Thank you.

Lastly I want to praise God for my husband Kevin. God has used him mightily in my life to show me the Father's love. He is an example in all of his caring ways towards our girls and continues to bless our lives with his gentle and loving leadership.

God is the father to the fatherless. We might not always have been in Christian families. We might not all have had loving fathers or any father at all. There are some who lost there fathers early or who still mourn their loss. We are not fatherless.

Abba- Thank you for choosing me and for giving me godly men to teach and love me. You are the great provider. You are an amazing daddy. Bless all who hunger and thirst after you that they might be satisfied. Happy Fathers day!

Your daughter,

Jann

Persevere

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Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,not lacking anything. James 1:4

Pushing through hard times is like a good work out. Mid way you might be saying, "I want to stop now!" or you may just stop. Other times you hear a voice saying, "you can do it, finish what you started- Finish strrong!" I personally hear Jillian's voice from the biggest loser saying, "unless you die, you are not quitting". It motivates me when I am working out to keep going.

Scripture does this for me in my walk with Christ. Lets face it, there are times when things are tough and we know we are to persevere, but they are hard and unpleasant and sometimes smelly and dirty. James tells us that when we persevere all the way through, there is a gift. Maturity and completeness. I prefer to say that I have been well seasoned. :)

Learning through the trials not only helps us to grow but is also gives us the experience and understanding to minister to others who are in need. It strengthens us to know that nothing can separtate us from the love of God. El Roi (The God who sees me)It prepares us for bigger battles and ultimately it helps us ReFlect the fact that God is always with us! He promises that we will be able to do and endure all things because he is with us.

Press on dear ones! Press on!

Father, Thank you for always whispering in my ear, "I am here, you are not alone. Let's do it together. Well done". I want to ReFlect your glory and your perseverence in my life. Show me how.

Jann

You might feel a little pinch

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:3

Just reading this verse causes a little trepidation inside of me.

Visions of the dentist saying, "You might feel a lttle pinch," or my mom saying, "now this might sting" begin to invade my thinking. Each time they said these things, I felt pain! A trial can be like that little pinch or sting. I knew at the dentist that after the sting of the numbing juice I wouldn't feel much and after my mom poured hydrogen peroxide on my cut that the bubbling foam would clean out the dirt and a bandaid would follow. I knew what to expect.

James tells us what we can expect from trials. Perseverance.

Note also that he doesn't say if we face trials but when. They will come and when they do we have a choice.

• Consider it joy- Look at the end result
• Ignore it, try to work it out alone, become bitter

The testing of our faith develops, produces-perseverance/patience.

• The Greek word for patience is hupomone. It describes an active endurance not a passive waiting.


• It means to remain under. (Picture someone under a heavy load and making The decision to stay there instead of trying to escape).

Why would anyone one decide to stay in the midst of a trial? Perhaps they have found the joy in watching God develop perseverance in them.

What trial are you facing right now? How can you experience joy as you face it head on? What will the perseverance look like at the end of it?

Father, I must admit that I don't always look at trials as an opportunity to grow. Thank you for Giving us these words to encourage us to face them head on. I want to ReFlect the joy that comes from you even in the midst of the storms.

Jann

scattered or settled?

"To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings."

I was meditating on this greeting in James this morning and was thinking about how many friends we have all over the world. I praise God for the relationships and blessings that they have been to us.

When we moved to Michigan 3 years ago we felt like we were the ones who were scattered. We left what was home and friendships that spanned 20 years. Leaving behind memories that were layered on top of eac

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h other and all blurred together. Our lives were filled with the sweetness of working in ministry alongside of God's people for the sake of the kingdom. Our daughters Jeni and Lissa still live in the Inland Empire which continously connects us to what used to be home. We were unsure how this new place, new address, new community would measure up.

It is funny how transition happens..... Before you know it, home is somewhere else.

Home becomes where you create new memories. For me it is now Byron Center Michigan. God has begun to knit our hearts together with others here who love Jesus and want to ReFlect Him in their lives. He has given us memories that are layering on top of other memories. We no longer consider ourselves scattered but rather settled.


How are you feeling? scattered, centered, sent, settled? Praise God for whatever season you find yourself in. Our home is where Jesus is. Abide in him.


Father thank you making your home in me. John 15:4 says that I am to "Abide in you". Show me how to stay connected to you as I encounter the struggles in my life. Lord, when I feel distant from you I crave to hear your loving call "Come to me". Honestly there are days that I don't even know how to begin this coming home process. Show me the way back to your loving and waiting arms. It is here that I long to be.

Jann

rain

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I woke up this morning and it is raining. Normally I might like this break in the weather. I tend to like change. Today however, I am traveling and it seems like a nuisance, an unexpected, unwelcome surprise. We get those sometimes. Often it is when I have things all planned out and I know what to expect. When these things show up I am not sure how to handle them. Do I welcome them and enjoy them or do I grumble and just get through it?
Certainly there must be something of value here! Perhaps it is in the choosing to live in the moment, to not miss whatever is to be experienced and learned through the circumstance. Maybe this is what Paul meant as he wrote. "Make the most out of every opportunity" in Colossians 4.

Lord thank you for the rain. Thank you that even in this you teach me to look to you and remember that I am to ReFlect your joy. I don't want to be a grumbler. Today is a day to rejoice in your creation and in unexpected surprises. I can't wait to see them.

Jann

This summer I have 3 goals.

• To organize my life: home-ministry-and the forgotten closet.
• To rest: Things that feed my soul, biking, cooking and staring into the clouds
• To memorize the book of James

These may appear to be unattainable but never the less I want to try. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

I started to memorize James and I was struck by the very first verse.

James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

To be identified and to proclaim that I am a servant of God. What if that was my mindset every day? How would it change what I said and did? For example- Honey can you ....... Or the phone rings and someone from Church asks if I could help with...... Or I see a need of one of my neighbors. Jann a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want to miss this simple yet so profound statement.

Father forgive me for thinking more highly of myself than that of your servant. We have been called by you to serve others in your name. Help me to serve with gladness and as one who has been sent to ReFlect you glory.

Jann

ReFlect. Often we think of a mirror when this word is spoken. I personally think about myself in that mirror. How do I look? Are my wrinkles or excess rolls showing? A mirror also reflects the things around us. Light, people, objects and yes the wrinkles and rolls. This blog is dedicated to women who want to ReFlect the Glory of God in their lifestyle and in their ministries.