Content in the Storm - Part I

Just today, I was happily dancing with my cart and donning the biggest smile while leaving Harris Teeter (and saving over $100!). One would never speculate the circumstances around me. Currently in the midst of a storm, I realized I was completely content! First, let me back track.

My new razor - so blessed!!!

My life changed (maybe I’m being dramatic) this morning. We have been tremendously blessed for months. People have filled our freezer, have given us groceries, and have brought us wonderful meals. But the other day when the boys and I came home from visiting Tim, someone had blessed us with razors! You might think that sounds crazy, but for me it was amazing! I didn't realize how much until this morning. In fact, I thought, “Razors? Hmmm…” But then this morning, for the first time since January, I used a new razor. For the last 9 months I had used one of my husband’s disposable razors.  Let me tell you- it is not the same as a girl’s razor. This morning, as I took my shower, I brought in with me one of these new disposable razors. I had the closest, smoothest shave that I can remember! I felt like a new woman! I just had to celebrate!

Oh, yeah, baby! And under $2!!!
One lucky gal!

After months of making frugal and sacrificial purchases, I bought something for me - lettuce! Not that nasty pale iceberg lettuce (Sorry, Tim, I know you like your wedge salads), but the savory, delicious dark green leaf lettuce. Yes, I splurged a whopping $1.99! Oh, yeah, and then I caved on another item! A while back, I failed to replenish the cream for my coffee. I do believe I was almost beginning to enjoy black coffee. Then I visited my husband. Tim spoiled me – half & half!!! Oh, wow! It’s amazing how little turns my morning drink into a rich, creamy, satisfying dessert.

Now, I'm not being totally selfish. I didn't splurge only on myself with some lettuce and half & half (which one of my sons already wants to drink – it’ll be gone in no time!). Harris Teeter is known in our family for having Archie comic books. So being the selfless mother I am, I splurged on my boys too. I purchased not one, but two Archie books. I'll surprise them with one in a few days, and another one in a few weeks. Won't they just be the happiest guys ever!

Just to clarify: my contentment and joy doesn’t come from this moment of lavish spending or luxuries. Through endurance and growth of my faith and hope in Christ, I find increased joy each day.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13



                                                                                                                              ~Jenny~

I Am Not Leaving My Comfort Zone!

Have you ever found yourself living in a ‘comfort zone?’ You don’t want to step out of it for fear of the unknown – you sit in the same spot, go to the same restaurants, keep the same job, talk with the same people, and follow the same routine. These habits bring a false security in a chaotic, sinful world; producing feelings of safety and contentment.

* What happens when your restaurant closes?

* What happens when your job ceases?

* What happens when friends and family fade away?

* What happens when there’s financial loss?

* What happens when there’s betrayal?

* What happens when jobs are grueling or nonexistent?

* What happens when you lose a house?

* What happens when there’s illness?

* What happens when there’s death?

* What happens when your spouse is living/working miles away?

* What happens when there’s loneliness?

BOOM! Your shelter crumbles. You’re robbed of happiness. You’re not sure where to turn. You crawl deeper into a shell creating a smaller ‘comfort zone.’

Is it healthy to live in such a comfort zone? I think not, and you most likely agree! Have you heard the advice, “Life begins living once you step out of your comfort zone.”? Living with securities generated from this kind of sheltered life could stifle creativity, growth, and courage. Not my securities! My life began when I discovered a comfort zone and refused to leave.  Now, I am empowered and experience joy in the storms!!!!

As a believer, my Father is always present, and He knows the best path for me (and for you!) I can walk under His umbrella, or choose to walk away – listening to my own logic or others. My God, my Savior, my Spirit – He is my comfort zone. Each time I experienced a “What happens…” from above, God has provided exactly what I needed. He is my shelter, joy, friend, courage, provider, strength, healer, comforter, and hope. Living in (and trusting) my comfort zone of being a child of God empowers me to withstand and overcome each storm, to try something new, and to embrace change.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

                   Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

This is where I remain. Do I ever leave my comfort zone? Foolishly, yes. Although, with each weathered storm, growth, and miracle; I run more rapidly and readily to God. Try it. As you repeatedly choose Christ as your comfort zone, you will recognize when you’ve stepped out, and will eagerly run back into His arms.

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

    I have no good apart from you.”

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

    in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

                      Psalm 16: 1,2,7,8,11 (ESV)

                                                                   ~Jenny~

I Trust You

I trust you. Every parent likes to hear these three words.  The very first year of a child’s life is crucial for the psychosocial development of trust (vs mistrust). During this time, a child learns to trust his or her caregiver, unless abuse or neglect occurs. We want our children to trust us and have confidence in their own life. Likewise, our Heavenly Father desires us to trust Him, and come to Him with this childlike faith (trust).

“And calling to him (Jesus) a child, he put him in the midst of them (the disciples) and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:2-3 ESV. What does Jesus mean, “...become like children”? He means to have that childlike faith of trust. Most young children will trust their parents or caregivers. If they get hurt, feel ill, or become scared; they run to their parents for help.

My Little Men were all stuck in a tree. I raised my arms and asked them to jump. One son did and soon his feet touched the ground. Another, who was the highest up, followed suit and leaped into my arms. The remaining son would not jump. I tried coaxing him and explaining that I successfully assisted his brothers out of the tree. No! He would not trust me. I was the same Mom to him as I was to his brothers. Why did he refuse to trust me? Yes, it broke my heart.

I imagine God’s heart breaking. He is the same God to all of His children. His love and promises never fail.

          “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

          And lean not on your own understanding;

          In all your ways acknowledge Him,

          And He shall direct[a] your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV.

I wonder, am I willing to jump without hesitation into my Father’s arms, or am I scared and yelling, “No!”

In our season of waiting, fear creeps in. Forgive me, Father, when I cause Your heart to break! My heart’s desire and most joyous times are when I lean on promises from God’s Word to His children. From experience, I much rather prefer resting in His arms, than remaining stuck in a tree. O! Heavenly Father, I trust Thee!

                                                                            ~ Jenny ~