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The Preference Trend

Jennifer White

I prefer cake over salad, but that doesn’t mean I should always indulge in it. There’s not a fast-set rule that I can’t eat cake instead of salad, but in order to improve my health, I set some principles and guidelines for what I eat. According to my guidelines, salad would be a better choice for me. So, I will eat the salad and reserve the cake for a special occasion or just for my dreams.

Have you ever set principles or guidelines for areas in your life? It’s important to recognize that while personal preferences can influence our decisions, they shouldn’t be the sole factor guiding us, especially in spiritual matters. Life presents us with numerous choices, and the decisions we make are often guided by principles or guidelines that we have formed based on our beliefs about the subject at hand.

Many times I have prayed about what to do when decisions were to be made. I searched scripture and based my choices on what I believed aligned with the teachings of God’s Word. Preacher’s used to call these “choices” convictions. Convictions involve looking beyond immediate desires and considering the long-term impact of our actions on our spiritual growth and wellbeing.

Preferences are subjective opinions that can be open to negotiation. For example, while I favor chocolate cake, I might opt for strawberry depending on my mood. A preference represents a goal you strive for but can compromise on. In contrast, a conviction is rooted in deeply held beliefs and remains steadfast. For instance, I am committed to dressing modestly, guided by scriptural principles. A conviction is something you aim for and aspire to uphold.

Preferences are increasingly influencing Christian’s spiritual choices. There appears to be a noticeable decline in commitment to church and related activities. The desire for what feels good seems to take precedence over the fundamental principles of being grounded in faith and fostering spiritual growth. The lack of strong convictions has fostered a mindset that is easily influenced by surrounding factors and fluctuating moods.

If Christians start to base their lives on personal preferences, I am concerned that we cease to represent Christ and instead become individualists. Jesus exemplified the choice to prioritize others over Himself. Christianity is fundamentally not a preference-driven faith. Our faith is driven by love and serving others.

I want to encourage my fellow Christians to set principles and guidelines in your life that are grounded in God’s Word and not in personal preferences. The scriptures provide wisdom for various aspects of life, including attire, friendships, careers, leadership, marriage, parenting, church involvement, and service, to name just a few.

Embrace the wisdom found in scripture to help you navigate challenges, while celebrating the joy and peace that comes from living according to Biblical principles. Remember, these guidelines are not restrictive but are meant to empower you to live your best life, reflecting love, grace, and compassion in all you do.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Thank You 2020

Jennifer White

Thank you 2020! Chances are you haven’t heard that one unless it was said sarcastically. 2020 can be described in so many ways. Many want to forget it, but some want to cherish it. It’s been a curse and a blessing. 2020 has been one of the most difficult years for some people. Sickness, death, loneliness, depression, unhealthy, anger, frustration, financial hardships and fear. 2020 has been one of the best years for other people. Slower pace, more family time, cooking at home, improved health, new found focus, money saved, things cleaned out, and peace.

No matter which description fits your 2020, one thing is common for all…we won’t be getting 2020 back. Some of you are saying hooray to this news, and some of you are sad to see it go. Let me remind you of how the Bible describes our time here on earth. The scripture says our life is like small particles of moisture that suspend in the air for a few moments and then POOF they disappear.

I don’t know what 2020 was like for you and none of us know what is to come in 2021. I don’t want to be ungrateful for any year, day, hour or minute that God gives me here on earth. All of it is for my good and His glory. Our job is to live for God all the way to the finish line.

So thank you 2020 for the lessons I’ve learned, the reminder of how fragile life is, and for helping me realize that I need to live more for others and God.

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Treasures Unseen

Jennifer White

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

When I was working in my yard last April, I moved the plants out of the basement. I had stored them during the winter season. I wanted to see if there was any hope of reviving them for spring. I looked at this one little plant, and it looked completely dead to me. It was dried up, the soil was hard as a rock, so I set it aside to be carried off to the compost pile. Five months later, I saw it had never been moved, but when I came closer, I saw beautiful pink blooms among the weeds and hard soil. I had given up on this little plant. I thought there was no hope for it. It was so far gone, dead and useless. I sure was wrong. Come to find out, my mother in law had seen it in the yard and gave it a little water. Several days later it came back to life.

Isn’t that how we are with the people? Especially those closest to us. We give up on them. They walk so far away from God, that we think there’s not a chance they will come back. We look at the outside and think there’s no hope. God can use someone, or something to bring that person back to Him. It’s not our place to decide there’s no hope for someone.

I want to encourage you to keep praying. Keep hoping. Don’t give up on that prodigal child, no matter how far it seems they have gone. God can still revive them, despite the weeds and hard soil in their life.

I’m glad God never gives up on us!

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Mountains & Valleys

Jennifer White

Mountains & Valleys(1)I Kings 1:28 KJV  “And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the Lord, Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord.”

Israel defeated the Assyrians in war despite the odds against them. Not very long after the battle, a prophet came to Ahab and warned him of another attack by the Assyrians which would happen in the spring. The Assyrians worshiped man-made gods. The idea of worshiping one living God didn’t make sense to the Assyrians. Since the Israelites defeated the Assyrians on a mountain, they naturally thought the God of the Hebrews was only in the mountains. The Assyrians thought they could defeat the Hebrews if they could get them in the valley because they believed their God only lived on the mountain. God was very offended by the Assyrians attempt of “putting Him in a box” or labeling Him. The prophet informed Ahab, at the request of God, that the Hebrews would defeat the Assyrians once again in order to show the world that He is Lord.

You probably have heard the familiar phrase, “God on the mountain is still God in the valley”.  It’s almost a cliché  We say it and even sing it in church, but we forget the truth of this thought when times get tough. We naturally think God is good when things are going our way, but when they aren’t, we ask, “where is God, when I need Him?” Truth is, God is with us in both the mountains and the valleys of life.

There are so many mountain top experiences in the Bible; Moses crossing the red sea, Elijah when the fire reigned down from heaven, David killing Goliath the giant, Joshua at the battle of Jericho and the walls tumbling down, and Peter at Pentecost where thousands were saved.

There are also many valley experiences where we see God’s hand at work. God picked up the pieces after Adam and Eve sinned. God literally forced Lot out of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed. God crafted a miraculous plan for Ruth’s life after her husband died. God took care of Jonah in the belly of the fish while teaching Him a lesson. Jesus had compassion on the woman at the well and gave her living water. God was with Paul in prison and extended him grace to endure. Paul even encouraged others while in that place.

God is with us in the big stuff and in the little things. He is everywhere, just being God, knowing, caring, working, and in total control like always.

3 Things to Remember When You Are in the Valley.

1. God is with you everywhere. God is on the mountain, in the valley, on the sea, in the fog, in the sunshine, in the daytime and in the nighttime. God created you and knows the details of your life. He is walking with you every step of the way.

2. Stick to the battle plan. Satan’s strategy is the same as the Assyrians. He wants to get you in a valley, where you feel weak and defeated. God’s battle plan is found in His Word. You must read it, meditate on it, apply it and fight the enemy with it.

3. Glorify God with your life. When you go through valleys in life, you will have heartaches. Times will be tough, and it may feel like the odds are against you. If you let God fight your battles, then He will be glorified. Your family, friends, and the world will know that He is Lord.

Yes, God is the God of the mountains and the valleys. Our life is made up of victories and losses but God is there through it all. Look to Him, lean on Him and glorify Him!

 

 

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Old is New Again

Jennifer White

Old is new again

Isaiah 43:19 KJV “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

“Everything old is new again” is a quote I’ve heard many times. It’s very true in fashion. Who would have thought puffy sleeves and pleats would make a comeback? Or that buttercup yellow would be a cool color again? I’ve noticed some other things are making a comeback since the COVID-19 pandemic and honestly, I’m loving it.

I wanted to make our family some masks to go to the store during the quarantine. I watched several tutorials on sewing them. I pulled out my sewing box, sewing machine and looked for my sewing supplies. It had been years since I had sewn. It was something I used to do 20 years ago, but it became easier and cheaper to buy whatever I needed at the store. Sewing is new again.

I blew the dust off my old cookbooks. I picked out family favorite recipes that had not been made in years. I have been making menus for our family meals again. Eating out had become so convenient that I was only cooking a few times a week. Cooking is new again.

One of my favorite things about Easter is getting a new dress. Cleaning out my closet was a daunting task that I tackled during this quarantine. I knew I had more clothes than I needed. I ended up making a pretty big stack to donate. As I looked over my dresses in my closet, I decided that this year an “old” dress would be my new dress for Easter. Contentment is new again.

My perspective on life is new again.  Excitement about going to church and looking forward to spending time with my friends. Appreciation for essential workers such as; cashiers, farmers, truckers, medical workers (to name only a few) is new again.

There are additional activities that I have seen made new again. Checking on our neighbors, planting gardens, spending time outside, sending notes of encouragement in the mail, singing hymns, and praying.

This verse from the old testament is new again.  “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV

God is doing a new thing. He is changing things in this world and making a new way in a difficult time.  I hope to see more old things become new again. I want to see our churches revived, our freedoms appreciated and an urgency to make what matters most important in our lives again. It looks like everything old is new again and I’m loving it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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God’s Promises in the Fog of Life

Jennifer White

Growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I have driven through the fog numerous times. It seems to get hung above the creeks and rivers and in between all the mountains and valleys. It’s always worse at night and in the winter time. You can be driving along and suddenly become surrounded by thick, smoky clouds of fog. Frantically you begin looking for lines on the road to guide your way. The road lines become your only source of getting through the fog, unless you happen to get behind a big truck. If that happens, you start praying that the trucker can see the road ahead because you are putting your life in his hands!

Driving in the fog reminds me of the problems in life. You can be going along the road of life and suddenly you find yourself in a spot that seems foggy. The road that was once clear, becomes hard to see. Feelings of fear, and helplessness surround you. Survival mode kicks in. You begin looking for something stable and reliable to depend on, just like the road lines.

God’s promises are just like those road lines, they are dependable and will guide your way through foggy times in life. Sure, we read His promises in the Bible. We know they are true. We even tell others to rely on them, but so often we are afraid to trust them. In the Bible God promises that He will fight for you (Exodus 14:4), that He loves you (John 3:16), that He gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29), that He will never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:8.) and hundreds of other promises. What we do with God’s promises determines how we get through the “fog” in life. The area between believing and receiving God’s promises is faith. When we put our faith in God’s promises, He will lead us right through the trouble in life that seem so unclear.

We are not promised a “fog” free life, but we are promised that God will guide us through it. Unlike following that big truck and hoping the truck driver can see, we can rest assured that God sees what’s ahead and He will not lead us wrong. Put your faith in God’s promises. Eventually the fog will lift and you will see clearly again.

This post was inspired by a Sunday school lesson my very talented mother in law taught.   

 

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Lessons from a Christmas Bell

Jennifer White

The cashier said “you sound joyful” as the bell attached to my key chain was ringing. I was busy unloading my cart and forgot to even say hello. I smiled and said “Merry Christmas!” I was glad my little bell was ringing and changed my thoughts from busy to cheerful and attentive.

The little jingle bell attached to my keychain has provided me several opportunities this week to share the reason for the season.

When I think of bells 3 things come to mind.

First, we use bells to alert everyone of something important. Such as; a wedding, class dismissed, or it’s supper time!

We can be like a bell and alert everyone that Jesus is God’s gift to mankind. He was born so we can be saved. We can alert the world about the good news that Jesus loves them.

Second, we use bells to make a joyful sound, especially in music.  Singing Jingle Bells is so much fun when bells are played.

We can be like a bell and spread joy and cheer everywhere we go. Find something kind to say to people. You never know who is struggling with life. Kindness makes a difference.

Last, have you ever covered bells with your hands and tried to play them? If so, you know they just go thump! Covering the bells causes them to be dampened. The sound is sad not bright and cheery. Dampened bells are used during sad times; they were played at Princess Diane’s funeral.

Are you letting something dampen your “bell”? It’s easy to let Christmas activities cover us up and we no longer “ring” like we should.  Don’t let the worries of this life dampen your spirit. Find the true joy of Christmas and let it fill your heart. Carry a little bell with you as a reminder to ring out with the love of Christ.

“Come on, ring those bells, light the Christmas tree,
Jesus is the King, born for you and me.
Come on, ring those bells, everybody say,
Jesus, we remember this Your birthday.”