"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1

   A few days ago, this verse popped into my mind as I laid in bed, recalling the events of the day. I thought about some of the choices I'd made, how they affected others, and especially, how they affected my walk with Christ. "A good name is rather to be chosen....." What does this mean, a "good name"?
   
   Your "good name" is your reputation, and who you represent - Jesus Christ. Sometimes we smudge our reputation by choices we make, such as music we choose to listen to, people we decide to befriend, and such the like.
   
     The other day at school, I made some new friends. They're nice people, have lots of great taste, and hilarious - totally fun to be around. But then they started to exchange music, talk about songs they loved, and how insane the music videos are. I had no clue what songs they were talking about, but as they started to play them on YouTube, singing along and laughing, I began to realize that it wasn't music that would please God; rather, it was very much of the world. And yet, I didn't say anything. For that reason, I am ashamed.
  
     How they thought about me was more important to me than saying, "Hey man, that's really not cool (or not my style, etc.). What about this song?" and maybe bringing up a new country song or the latest TobyMac album. But I didn't say anything, just went along with it. That night, as I thought back to the events, I realize it wasn't worth it. My reputation in Christ should be much more important than what anyone thinks of me, cool people or not. And by keeping silent, how well did I represent Him?

   This grieves me. I know my Father will forgive me, and that we all mess up once in a while. As we were saying in our Bible study last night, don't feel sorry for me because I made a mistake and am sorry for it, but feel encouraged : learn from my mistake, become emboldened for Christ, and remember that who you represent is much more important that presenting yourself as just one of the crowd.
 
  This may have not seemed like such a big deal to some, "Oh, she listened to some weird music, whatever"; but we all have different convictions, and this is just one of mine. I love music with a passion. And honestly, whenever we sing, we are glorifying something. We should be glorifying Christ, but if we sing or listen to songs about sex, drugs, cheating, abuse, or drinking, what are we glorifying? It certainly isn't Christ. Think on that for a little bit.
  
   So today, as I go throughout my classes, my social life, my homelife, my job, I will remember who I represent; I will remember my good name. We are His ambassadors; we present His reputation, His love, His forgiveness, His holiness, His worth, His glory.

Are you living for Christ?

Love,
   Simply Jen

Joy Inexpressible

1 Peter 1:8, "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."
 
I love this verse. It reminds me that seeing isn't believing - rather, believing is seeing. God may not be visible to the naked eye, however I do believe we each see Him in our own ways.

  For me, I see God in the sunset and sunrise, I feel Him when the breeze kisses my face and blows my hair, I sense His presence when I worship. I see His handiwork in a blossoming rose, I feel His hand holding mine when I am fearful. In everything I do, I try to see God. His face is not for us to see - He is too beautiful for our mere eyes to behold.

 Whenever you feel frustrated that you can't physically see God, look for Him in the details; know that believing is seeing. Having faith in what you cannot see strengths who you are, and allows your mind to be open to the infinite possibilities God can and may bring your way. He will fill you with a joy that is unspeakable, inexpressible to others, made complete in His glory.

   Love,
       Simply Jen

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
 

In the Shadow of His Wings

Psalm 91:1 says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." It goes on in verse 4 to say, "..He shall cover the with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust...".
   Wow, what a thought! Can you imagine what it would be like, to be covered by the grace of God, to find rest under the "shadow of his wings"? How safe, peaceful, and protected one must feel in that secret place.
   This past week or so I've been sick, a touch of the flu and currently a sinus infection (yuck!). I have felt pretty miserable, and although I was taking herbal stuff and medicine, I wasn't really "doing" anything about it - as in, praying. I hadn't asked God for His healing or help. I remember one of our devotions last year was reading Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest. In one of the daily devos it said that if we do not ask God, He can't do anything about it. For instance, if I'm congested and miserable and even on meds, God is the Great Physician - but if I do not ask for His help, He will not give it. He knows exactly what we need - but we still have to ask for it.
   So last night, as I had my face stuck over a boiling water with essential oil in it, I began to just talk to God. I closed my eyes, breathed in the steamy goodness, and just let my thoughts wonder towards the Creator. I prayed for healing, for relief of this sinus infection. I prayed for my family, my friends, those I know who are struggling, others who are sick. And you know what? In that steamy mist, I found peace.
     I came to that secret place; I was in the shadow of His wings - and my heart found rest. There is no other feeling in the world that can come even close to it! It is indescribable, and I'm sure we each experience it a little differently. Even afterwards as I lay on the couch amidst the quiet, I could still feel that peace: and could not stop smiling.
     Where have you found his utmost peace? When have you experienced being "under His feathers", in the shadow of His wings?
Love to all,
   Simply Jen

My 365 Challenge

This year I decided to set goals - of who I want to become, the person God wants me to be. One of my goals is to try something new or different EVERY DAY! No matter how "insignificant", small, or crazy and huge it might be!!
For starters:
* I brought in the New Year by roller blading all night at the Rainbow Roller Rink :)
* Monday the 2nd - my first day of Childwatch, what an experience!
* Tuesday the 3rd - I straightened my hair and wore it that way ALL DAY.
* Wednesday the 4th - I tried my dear friend's mom Ms. Silesia's "Green Drink" and learned some basic free running moves from my homie Matt!
*Today - I bathed...a CAT! And received a hot pink dress for homeschool prom in May from my darlin' friend Ms. Carolyn, can't wait to wear it!!

I challenge you to do something AMAZING and AWESOME with your new year, no matter how it began or where you are now. God is waiting on you to decide to LIVE, yet the choice is yours. What will you choose?
 Live Out Loud,
    Simply Jen