One Smile....Can Transform the World Around You

"Smile though your heart is breaking
Smile even though it's aching
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile"

One of my favorite songs, Smile by Nat King Cole. About a week ago, I had a moment of revelation and sent a text to some of my friends, and even posted it on facebook. It went a little something like this:

   As I was walking around the Lonestar campus, I took a moment to sit on one of the benches in a shady area. I watched all of the solemn expressions walk past me, some glancing my way, others plowing ahead to their next class. I suddenly began to smile, and make eye contact with each one of them as they walked by. It was amazing how many smiled back, waved, and walked on with a whole new expression, as if the world had been lifted from their shoulders. It doesn't matter what was going through their minds, doesn't matter what lay ahead of them - a test, an argument, a breakup, another hard day at work, or even just depression of life. To them, the fact that one person cared enough to give them a smile, to show they cared even if they're a complete stranger, was enough. And because of it, they have hope for a brighter tomorrow.

     Throughout the rest of that day, I smiled at everyone I walked by, everyone who made eye contact. Seeing how it affected them greatly - adults, teenagers, children, professors - not only made their days better, but mine as well. Not because I smiled at them, but because through that simple smile, God was giving them hope and joy for a better tomorrow. 

   I challenge you to reach out to those around you: in the workplace, at school, even at home, at church, in the store. 

Smile, because Jesus loves you - and so do I.

-Simply Jen

     

Keeping the Peace

   

        As of late, I find myself having to bite my lip and fight the urge to say things that could be hurtful. A quick comeback, a flippant response to a parent, a harsh reply to a sibling. Sometimes, the best thing to do is simply ask the Lord to hold you close, and cover your mouth.
   
     Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of thy mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto its hearers".
   
    It's often hard to follow this verse....to remain pure verbally, to say only things that benefit others and not tear them down or discourage them. "...no corrupt communication..." What is considered corrupt communication? Not just profanity; but also, grievous sarcasm, hateful comments, verbal abuse, tearing people down, and don't forget dirty comments/sexual references.

     Now that we've listed some forms of 'corrupt communication', what are some kinds that administer grace? It may be proper manners (yes ma'am, no sir, please and thank you), a sweet comment to a friend or family member, or a word of encouragement to that poor cashier at the grocery store who is moving a little slow today, instead of snapping at them for taking so long. And sometimes, the most gracious thing to do is simply say nothing at all; bite your lip, take a death breath, and pray. Ask God to please snuggle you close under His arm and wrap His hand over your mouth.
 
    So tomorrow, or even today, when you feel like spouting off a swear word, snapping at someone in the store, or even a rude/inappropriate but witty comeback, think twice before you let your communication corrupt you. Keep the peace, and let give grace to those you encounter in a day.

   Love,
   Simply Jen
  

A Time to Dance

Psalm 30:11
" You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy".

Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 4
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.......A time to mourn, and a time to dance". 

A time to dance. Sometimes, when you feel the everyday drudge of life pulling you into the clutches of misery, you need to find something to dance about. It may not mean a literal jumping around spastically for joy, shouting at the top of your lungs, but something that gives you feeling again, a meaning to life.
       For some, it may be buying a new pair of shoes, and wearing those heels while mopping the kitchen....planting another row of tomatoes (hint hint, Mom), and talking to baby chickens....practicing piano for hours, feeling the soothing melodies flow into your soul....reading the Bible, drawing strength from its words and sharing its encouragement....or putting on your favorite song, and baking cookies while dancing around the kitchen like a lunatic, singing at the top of your lungs.
       Yes, I admit I've done all of the above, and sometimes it doesn't always work. There's a season for everything - a season of joy, and a season of sorrow. Sometimes we're supposed to go through the depression of life in order to fully appreciate the joys he brings on the morrow. Even if you don't feel like dancing, if you can't muster the energy to look for joy, rest assured that it will come on the wings of the sunrise.
   So if today you are struggling with a depression, with a place of discontent or grief, trust that He can turn your deepest pain into jubilee, and will bring you the peace which passes all understanding. All we must do is ask God, and He will never leave your side.
-Simply Jen
 

Reckless Abandon

This past year my family and I have been studying Oswald Chamber's devotional, "My Utmost for His Highest". If you follow Simply Chele's  blog, every Sunday she writes one of Oswald's devotionals. One thing that always gets me is when he talks about following God with reckless abandon-letting go of the things in this world, and pursuing Christ. I'd think, but what about this?....or that?....leave everything, and follow You?
   God's been showing me how to serve with reckless abandon. How to let go of the things I hold on to, how to trust Him 100%, how to desire after Him. These past few weeks I've been going to The Mission at my college, where I have met so many other young adults so on fire for God, that have made me want to get back to where I was with God-but better.
  Serving with reckless abandon seems so hard, not doing what I want, but seeking to know what God wants me to do. However, I've discovered that following God, abandoning the binding things of this world, has been the greatest blessing in my life. Every little thing now has a purpose, every person you meet is a treasure who needs Christ, every sunset is divine gift directly from God.
   He has been speaking to my heart, showing me where He needs to fix me, where I need to trust Him more. How do you serve with reckless abandon? Do you, dear reader, also desire after Him to show you how God can work in your life? It is my prayer that this is so.
 Blessings to all!
-Simply Jen