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FORGETTING AND REACHING

Jennifer White

“Forgetting and Reaching”…..In 2020 & 2021 I was able to reach some significant health goals. In 2022 my new goal was to maintain my health and add reading the Bible all the way through in a year to it. I decided to listen to the chronological Bible on audio.

On January 3, 2022 I went to Tennessee to take my mom to the hospital and that was the beginning of 2 years of ups and downs physically, spiritually and mentally.

For the last two years I tried to work toward those 2022 New Year’s goals-maintain my health and read the Bible all the way through. Well you know what? I did not maintain those health goals, and I didn’t finish reading the Bible through in a year. I did well to “keep my head above water” for these last two years. My mom passed away, and some other disappointing things happened in life like it does to everyone. God sustained me and was faithful all along the way. He is so good to me.

So maybe you are like me who didn’t reach your goal last year, the year before or the year before that. Don’t quit trying even if it takes you longer, like 2 years or even 5. Here I am again starting a new year. I am claiming my goals from the last 3 years in 2024.

I hope to encourage somebody who might be discouraged going into this new year, Forget the failures of the past and reach forth to the future. “Failures are events not people” -Dr.Sexton

By the way…I did finish that Bible reading plan….. TODAY. It took two years but I did it. (Listening to the audio takes much longer but it was very enriching).

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Blog, Christian Ladies

TUNE YOUR HEART

Jennifer White

Folks often call me about wanting to sell or give away a piano, hoping I know of a good home for it. Most of the time it hasn’t been played in a while, but once it was a dear possession. Often bought for a child to take lessons, or passed down from a grandparent.  Usually I will sit down to play one of these pianos only to hear that it is so out of tune that the song I’m playing is unrecognizable.

A piano must be played and regularly tuned or it loses its beautiful sound and purpose. This concept reminds me of our relationship with God. When we neglect our daily walk with God it feels like that out of tune piano. We lose the beauty and purpose our walk with God brings to our life. We say we love God but rarely read His Word or talk to HIm. Our heart is out of tune because loving God is not always what we think it is.

Misconceptions about loving God.

I fear God- If I don’t do this or that, God might punish me.

I work for God- I can help if no one else will.

I need God- please fix this problem and give me comfort.

Truth about loving God. Joshua 22:5

Walk in His ways- have compassion on people, make a difference.

Cling to Him- we talk, a-lot..

Serve Him- how can I use my talent to bring glory to God.

Our hearts can be drawn away from God when we let anything or anyone take precedence over God in our life, and before you know it-we are so out of tune that our life no longer sounds like a song. You don’t have to stay out of tune. Talk to God today. He’s waiting to hear from you.

Blog, Christian Ladies, devotions

Rooted in The Word

Jennifer White
The new year is already off to a rocky start. More than ever the roots of our faith must be strong and deep in order to deal with now and the future. Scripture tells us that our world will continue to grow worse and worse.

So, what can we do to prepare for it? My advice is to strengthen our roots like never before. This is not the time to live carelessly, or in fear. It’s time to intentionally plant our faith deep in the ground, by the water. It’s time to grow, and it’s time to thrive!

In James 1:19-27 we find the answer to dealing with the temptations of the world around us and in us. James encourages us to control our emotions and our tongue. To put action into our faith and to implant God’s Word in our heart and mind.

Strengthening my roots looks like this. When someone speaks and I listen instead of jumping to conclusions, I strengthen my roots. Every time I choose to show self-control instead of wrath, I’m strengthening my roots. Every time I choose to control my tongue, when I’m tempted to say things I shouldn’t, I’m strengthening my roots. When I hear God’s Word preached, or I read or listen to it and choose to act on it, instead of doing nothing, I am strengthening my roots.

James tells us the key to victorious living in this crazy world is to know the scripture so well that it becomes engrafted into our life. God’s Word becomes as much a part of us as our arm, nose, or leg.

Let’s get rooted in God’s Word this year.

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Rooted in Faith

Jennifer White

Who is ready for a fresh start? I know I am. Normally we are hopeful for the new year. Making resolutions, and changes in our life for the better. This time last year I never imagined what 2020 would hold. I think the events of 2020 will affect our outlook on making plans for a new year for some time to come. If you are a planner like me, we got our socks knocked off. I tossed my calendar planner in the trash about July. I gave up planning events.

When the events of 2020 hit, it tested my faith. So many changes, uncertainty, and fear wrapped became part our lives. I sadly realized I needed to strengthen my faith. The roots were there and held me in place, however the uncertain times swayed me like the winds. I needed spiritual nourishment and growth.  How about your roots? Are they planted deep, or are they shallow? Are they too far from the water or dry in need of nourishment?

2020 was the year I chose to make some significant changes in my life mentally, spiritually and physically for the better. I’m so thankful that God gives us fresh opportunities to start again and to develop some new patterns and routines in our lives.

I’m not a gardener, but I have been around gardening my entire life. I learned a few thing from watching my grandpa, dad and husband. You reap what you sow, cutting and pruning allows for more growth, and a single seed can yield an abundance of fruit.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Trials of this life strengthen and mature us. When we are grounded in God’s Word our roots will reach the water and receive the nourishment needed to face the trials of life.

Do you want to have a strong faith? Do you want to be in a different place spiritually a year from now than where you are today? Then make every effort to get rooted in God’s Word. Sow now and you will begin reaping the benefits. Remember, a little seed of change can produce a great harvest.

Blog, Christian Ladies, Christmas

Making Room for Joy

Jennifer White

A few years ago, after my father passed away, I found my Christmas list that he had saved from when I was a little girl. It said, “Dear Santa, I want high heels, 4 inches tall, size 1 ½ if they don’t have that size get size 3, a tape recorder, and a necklace with my birthstone on it. Let everything else be a surprise!” It was humorous thinking of asking for 4 inch heels at age 6.

With enough money all of the things on my list can be bought. Many of us have spent this past year making a list for things money can’t buy- peace, health, wisdom and joy. I think joy definitely needs to be on the top of my list. I desperately need it in the day and time we are living. Maybe like me, you’re searching for joy in the wrong places such as wanting everything to be “normal” again. True joy comes from God, and happiness comes from our circumstances. If we aren’t careful, we can let our circumstances affect our joy in the Lord.

In order to make room for Joy in our life this Christmas, it means there is no room for our bah-humbug, bad attitude. There is no room for our grouchy, grinchy disgust with people. We can’t live in whining, pouting Pottersville either! We can still have joy even when our circumstances aren’t ideal.

Consider the shepherds. They didn’t have many reasons for joy in their life. They lived outdoors among sheep and shepherding was considered a low-status job. They were considered ceremonially unclean, distrusted due to their nomad lifestyle and were often looked down upon by society.

I’m glad that God is not interested in our station in life, or what we have to offer. God decides our value, and He thinks we are valuable enough to redeem us. What a joyful thought! God sent the great message of joy to a group of lowly shepherds. That same message is for us today.

Luke 2:8-11 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

What was the joyful news? It’s that a Saviour was born. This is the most joyful news anyone can hear. So many Christians today have lost the excitement of the joyful news that a Saviour was born.

Joyful Christians laugh, they read the Bible, they sing, they give, they serve, they hope and they choose to be joyful when things aren’t ideal.

So, this week if you are tempted to have a bah-humbug attitude, start singing a Christmas song. If you are getting the grinchy disgust with people think of a way to give to others or serve someone. If you find yourself in whining, pouting Pottersville, get out of there by choosing joy!

Joy to the world- the Lord has come!

Blog, Christian Ladies, Christmas

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Jennifer White

Thanksgiving is over and I am preparing for Christmas. I’m preparing decorations, menus, activities, and gift giving. These are not on my usual schedule throughout the year. So how am I doing these extra things? I’m making room for them.

The most wonderful time of the year can often become the most stressful time of the year. Yet I wonder if all the gift giving and pushing ourselves to exhaustion is how God would want us to celebrate the birth of His Son? In the midst of the Christmas craziness, we can often forget the very reason we’re buying gifts and celebrating with family.

The year that Jesus was born was a crazy busy time in Bethlehem. The people were preparing for the census. Cooking extra food, renting out rooms, caring for animals and doing more things than they would have usually done.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.“ (Luke 2:7)

No room for Jesus sets the tone for Jesus’ life on this earth and it’s still true today. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.“ (I John 1:10)

Preparing Him room is giving God the the opportunity to do the decorating this Christmas. If you let Him, He will decorate your life with joy, peace, and love. It might be it the style of something unexpected, unplanned, or right in front of you nose. You have to look for it.

Let’s not get so caught up in the materialism and commercialization of Christmas that it crowds our heart. Let’s not be like that inn in the Bible, known as the place where there was no room for Jesus.

It’s past time to make room for Jesus. In fact, this is a good time for you and me to take stock of what truly matters most in our lives. Let every heart prepare Him room.

Blog, Christian Ladies, Christmas

Mary’s Merry Christmas

Jennifer White

In order to have a Merry Christmas, we first need to understand Mary’s Christmas. 9 months before the first Christmas, Mary’s world was turned upside down. She was betrothed to Joseph and had plans, goals, dreams, and a timeline of her own. However, Mary was willing to give up her agenda to allow God to use her as a vessel to carry Jesus. Sure she had plenty of reason to panic, fear and doubt God, yet she magnified Him in the midst of her chaos. She was humble, obedient, submissive, and she changed history.

If God can do that with Mary, what could God do with someone today who is willing to say, “God, give me Your desires for my heart. Lord, be first always in my life even when I don’t understand.”

God is not impressed with our title in life, or our credentials. He is interested in our hearts. Mary’s heart clearly shines in Luke 1:46-49 as she sings her song of praise.

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

If her heart was crowded with pride, fear and unbelief, she would not have been able to sing this song. There would be no room to magnify Jesus. When we magnify Him our pride, fear and unbelief gets smaller and Jesus becomes bigger in our heart.

How does it look in our life to have a Merry Christmas like Mary? God’s desires become ours. Our thoughts will be less on self and more on others. Our actions will show courage to put Jesus first around family, work and people wherever we go. Our heart will overflow with worship when we hear songs about Christmas and read the scripture.

Mary could have let pride, unbelief and fear stop her from going through with this great task. Instead she embraced the challenge, and praised God in the midst of it. The fear, doubt and chaos that 2020 has brought can either stop you from living life to it’s fullest or you can embrace the challenge and praise God in the midst of it. When we magnify Him we will see the mighty and great things He is doing in our life.

May your heart prepare Him room to be magnified this Christmas season, then you will find yourself having a Merry Christmas.

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THANK YOU FAMILY

Jennifer White

Thanksgiving has me thinking on my family lately. The longer I live the more I think about the people who came before me. This week I read through some of my ancestry that dated back to the 1500’s. My family came from England, Wales, and Scotland. I don’t know who they were, or why they came to America, but for some reason, somehow, and someway they made the trip.

This picture of my grandpa is a reflection of who my family is. They were Appalachian Mountain, country folks who worked hard, minded their own business and spent a lot of time trying to survive. Most of my family were share croppers, and workers in a factories or the railroad. Somewhere along the way music and their faith in God became a big part of who they were.

So you see, I’m thinking about how my life influences my family now and in the future. I will never know the impact that my choices will have on generations to come. Maybe a bad pattern needs to stop, and possibly a good pattern needs to start with my branch of the tree. That’s something to think about.

Thank you family for having courage, tenacity, and faith in God. I plan to continue that pattern during my time in the family tree. This Thanksgiving I want to say thank you to family past, present and future!

Blog, Christian Ladies

Thank You Difficulties

Jennifer White

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3 KJV

Thank you difficulties, hard times, challenges and the rest of the ugly stuff in life. Although the good times have outnumbered the bad, I have to equally say thank you to both. There are treasures to be found in the difficulties of this life.

Failure made me strive for success.

Heartache made me humble.

Hunger made me grateful for my food.

Sickness made me appreciate health.

Failure made me work harder.

Moving made me cherish friendship.

Death made me long for heaven.

Brokenness made me cling to Christ.

Challenges made me patient.

Uncertainty made me courageous.

Hard times made me stronger.

Loneliness made me compassionate.

So, I say thank you difficulties! Thank you for the opportunities you have given me to learn, grow and be thankful. After all, without the rain there would be no flowers.

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Thank You Church

Jennifer White

Thank you church! I’m talking about the local church that I’m a part of, although I’m also thankful for the universal body of Christ. I’ve never been so glad to go to the house of the Lord as I have been in 2020. The pandemic shook us up pretty good. Churches have faced difficult times throughout it’s existence. Each era of difficulties are unique but there has always been one common theme, the threat to extinguish the church. Our 2020 challenges may not be as extreme compared to times past, but that doesn’t mean they are insignificant.

I know the local church is not perfect. It’s filled with sinners saved by grace who happen to be in different stages of spiritual growth. Some are babies, some are mature, and some are stunted in their growth. God loves them all and they all have a part in the local church.

Church is essential to me. It’s where I find accountability, encouragement and growth in my Christian life. I love contributing my time, talent and treasure to it. It’s the place where we greet one another, comfort one another, forgive one another, serve one another, build one another up, pray for one another. See the pattern? It’s all about one another. God made it that way because He wants us to think of others more than ourselves.

This year, I thank God for the local church because I saw it stand strong in turbulent times. I saw it step outside the box and be flexible. I saw the people of the local church go wherever the church went. Online, outside, or indoors. I saw more gratitude from our members for each other, the preacher, the teachers, the choir, our ministries and especially the altar.

Do your best to be involved. We are all a part of the body and it can’t function as effectively without all the parts. Yes, even with it’s faults, flaws and imperfections I am thankful for my local church.