Mundane Monday

Well I have not written one of these in forever. But the Mondays haven't stopped. Some are glorious; some are rough. This series that I (well at least used to) post every Monday challenges the "Mundane-ness" that everyone says is Monday. The complaints. The sighs of "Oh you know, it's Monday." This really is us idolizing the weekend. The days where we get to mostly choose to do whatever we want. But on Monday, we are faced with our idolatry being shown and having to get back to "the grind" again. My purpose in these posts is to challenge my thinking on Mondays. To look at my heart. To look to what the Bible says about Mondays (because even though it may not be blatant, I do think it talks about it).

So for now, on this Monday, I will simply say this day is a day God created. It's a day we can and should rejoice in. If it's full of troubles, let us thank God for the opportunities they bring to cling more firmly in His arms and His salvation. If it brings joy and happiness, let us thank God for His glorious blessings He has so graciously bestowed upon us. Let us use Mondays as a way to look different from the world and as an opportunity to be full of Christ. Each moment is a moment that was sifted through God's hands for our sanctification and His glory, and if for only that reason, we can rejoice.

Thank you for reading friends. I pray that on this day, we can all be intentional to rejoice, especially when it's hard. 

Grey Hairs and Hugs

Walking up to me with the kindest most gentle smile giving me a hug and saying "how are you?! I've missed you so much!" This was my "after church greeting" from an elderly lady at our church. One whom I had only really gotten to know more dearly through the fellowship of our women's Bible study the previous year. She is who I want to be when I grow up. Let me explain.

Most women long for creams to avoid wrinkles, creams to put on your hair to hide greys, creams to hide cellulite. Hide any evidence that you just may be getting older. While I do struggle with those vain thoughts of aging, I actually am thankful and find such a wonderful and gentle beauty in the older women that I can call my sweet sisters in Christ. Proverbs 16:31 used to be a joke that was tossed around by one of my dear mentors, but in all honesty she is so right. It is a crown of glory. Something to look forward to. I long for being like this sweet dear lady and so many others in my local body (and of course those all around, but the ones in my local church are the ones I see the most). I want to be the one that just deeply cares for others as to make it a point to walk up and embrace them in a hug saying that I dearly have missed them. When I think of "what I want to be when I grow up" I long to be like these wonderfully beautiful women I see walking along side others in this walk of faith. That is a beauty that no cream could produce. That is being so full of Christ it just exudes from your very being.

My prayer is that slowly I am becoming like that lady. I am thankful that "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in me will carry it to completion on the day of Christ." My prayer is that I can become like the women in Titus 2:3-5 and 2 Timothy 9-15. That my friends is a beauty that is to be longed for.

So I end with saying, bring on the aging. Bring on the grey hairs. Bring on the hugs. Bring on Christ-fullness. And to the older women, thank you. You are a blessing to your local body and those around you. Thank you for shining Christ love in seemingly simple ways. Those simple ways make ripples that turn into waves. 

Thankful Tuesday

So it's been about 3 years since I've done one of these posts. Far too long, but I was in a different season of life. For those of you who are new, I just take Tuesdays to reflect on things I'm thankful for. After the struggle that Monday can sometimes bring, I think that Tuesday is a good day to reflect on what we are or can be grateful for. It's still the beginning of the week and can help set the rest of our week up with praise and thanksgiving. (Plus, I like the play on words....so there's that)

On this Tuesday morning so early that it's still dark and quiet, here are just a few of the things I am thankful for:

-Hot coffee!
-Sleepless nights that teach us that we are dependent on God
-Wax Burners casting a soft glowing light through this quiet darkness
-Stillness
-Hubby's robe (I've pretty much hijacked it in the last year. It's so big and fluffy!)
-Providing Care
-Conflict (Yes, I am thankful for conflict.....maybe there will be a post on that later)
-God's sovereignty
-Learning that comes through life's simple and every day moments
-Sanctification that comes through life's simple and every day moments
-Repentance that comes through life's simple and every day moments
-My little mission's field (And being thankful that this is my mission's field right now...and being content in that especially as our church prepares to send a team over seas this summer.)
-John's sensitive spirit
-Levi's strive to do his best
-Jahs's passion for everything
-Titus's empathetic heart
-Adoniis's content attitude
-Our home that feels much like a home on the inside to me

Some of you may be going through a struggle right now. It may be a serious struggle or some heartbreak. It could be something you view as silly but for you it is a struggle (and no struggle is too small or silly for God!). God knows your struggle and He cares and is there for you. Even in our struggle we can still sing praises to God of thanksgiving; even if it is through tears. Our God is good and loving. So today if you find yourself in a hard spot, sit down and think of the blessings God has given you. There are some, even if you have to go hunting for them. Strive for thanksgiving this day.

Mundane Monday

Today is like the quintessential Monday. It is rainy. It is gloomy. It is the start of the week.
We could do like most and whine about this (especially those of us who are affected by the weather). Or we can be joyful in this. How you may ask as you, like myself, are struggling to find joy this seemingly gloomy Monday. Well, instead of complaining about the darkness of the day, revel in it. Rainy days make for cozy days. They are sweater days. They are candle days. They are hot drink days. Pull out your favorite colorful rain boots and put them on today. Also rejoice in the fact that it is a break from the snow that normally adorns this time of year.

They are also good for putting on either your favorite "cozy" music or you favorite upbeat music; your choice. Maybe it's praise and worship music to reorient your mind (My favorites for this are songs that almost directly quote scripture to soak my mind in God's truths especially when I'm fighting for joy).

The world always jokes about how awful Mondays are and I'll admit sometimes they are tough, but they are a chance to be different from the world, even in small ways like finding joy in Mondays. So friends, let's use our Mondays as a mission field. Let's find joy in this small thing and be thankful that God created Mondays. I pray that you continue to fight this fight this day and that whatever you are going through, you strive for God's glory this day.

Nose Ring Girl and Angry Cashier

I've often worried that the repetitious prayers I pray (not as consistently as I should) before naps and bedtime are just that, too repetitious. It is often the same things over and over but it is this way because those are things that are really on my heart. Three of the biggest things I pray with them are:

1)They would love God with their whole heart (because I believe if they do, all else will follow)
2)That God would help them obey and convict them when they are tempted or chose to disobey and sin.
3) That we would be a good example and tell our friends about Jesus.

During nap time, Levi and I went shopping. At one store, the cashier had a lip ring which Levi must have never seen or noticed before (he's 6 by the way). He blantantly and loudly asked me "Mom, what on her lip?!" Ha, kids are pretty blunt and honest. So instead of making it more awkward for her and myself, I just simply told him that it was called a lip ring and some ladies get them just like I have earrings....but for your lip. He then asked her, "Do you go home when it gets dark?" She told him that she did. He said "oh, we don't. We go to church at night." (Me trying partly to explain but also so she didn't feel too awkward about the situation, clarified that yes one day a week, we go to night church when it's dark) She told him that it sounds like he goes to church a lot and that was a very good thing.

When we got back into the car I brought it up and asked him about telling her about us going to church. I asked him if he remembers about how we pray for God to give us wisdom and strength to tell our friends about Jesus and told him that him telling her that we go to church was a really simple way to do so. It wasn't long. It wasn't the gospel. But it was something pressing on his heart and he wanted to share that. It's in those seemingly unimportant conversations that seeds are planted in simple ways.

Later, I went out by myself and encountered some of the worst service at a store I think I've ever received. It was so bad, I cried when I got to my car. The cashier was just plain mean and spiteful. I finished my shopping and got in line. Not paying attention I got in a line that wasn't open. She retorted that I was in the wrong line, it was clearly the line with the only light on that was open. Thinking she was joking, I laughed and said oh yeah I see that now. Thanks! Moving over to her line, she made another remark to me then when I went to go pay, she was angry at the way I was paying (using larger bills to break them when she saw I had the exact amount in my wallet). She very loudly without technically yelling, said "Oh so you're just going to take some of my bills then huh?! Sure Whatever" (There were other things done as well but there is no reason to retell everything)

I made sure to look at the receipt to look at the checkout number and time and looked at her name tag. My intentions were to call a manager and file a complaint. As I was about to walk about the door, starting to fume, I was convicted. Levi was able to witness in a small way to the cashier, how much more should I be a good example to this person who could be having just a rotten day. I don't know what had just happened to her, but most people don't just spout out hate to others for no reason. So I stopped myself, took a deep breathe, and said "Jen, I pray your evening gets better for you." It wasn't much and now I can think of a much more encouraging phrase to use, but I was still angry and even that was hard to get out, but I had to muscle past my pride and do so. I still went out to the car and cried and I still wanted to call a manager and complain because that is no way to treat a customer, but then I was convicted again. God sees all. And how deceitful to tell her I hope her evening gets better, then immediately call and complain about her. So I prayed for her and let it be. I don't know her story or what could have happened right before that moment.

My 6-year-old was an encouragement to me and an example. And I am thankful. :)

Also, I have written this whole blog post with a sock on my hand.......Just because I know that sounds crazy (and it was really challenging to type!) I am having issues with my skin cracking and splitting open in the worse spots (my entire ring finger and now onto the palm of my hand making it very painful to do things like wash dishes, bend my finger, etc). So, I have a treatment on it, hence the sock to prevent it from getting it everywhere.

Behind the White Dress Part I: Is This "Normal?"

The door slammed shut as he left angry and hurt and I stood crying and hurt once again. This wasn't the first time.

"Mom, help!"

My son asks for help a lot....most frequently when I am driving. My answer normally resembles something like "Buddy, mommy can't right now because of......" There are times where I simply tell him no explaining that I know he can do it himself wanting him to have that personal victory (he gets so excited when he does do it himself). But then there are other times where he does need help, I am available, but it is a really non-important task For example, we are in a hurry to get home because the baby is fussy, as I am putting Levi in the car, his flipflop falls off but we are just driving home; he doesn't need it on. But he thinks he NEEDS it on. So "Ah mom!! Help!!" At first I started to say he was fine and it could wait until we got home, then I was convicted. Not that I was sinning in telling him to wait, but that his request was simple and I need to think of the future as well.

But I don't want to go to church

Okay Everyone, maybe I am the only one who feels like this (though I doubt it very much) but Sunday I just was in a plain grouchy mood and did NOT want to go to church.....at all. John wasn't feeling well and Jahs has had a cough so John thought it would be best if Jahs stayed home with him.

What will Thirty See

Ah, thirty years.

Let's start with twenty. Twenty's saw us meet. Twenty's saw us date (though for a while I had no clue). Twenty's saw us marry. Twenty's saw us have not just one child, but three. Twenty's saw you grow as a friend, father, and husband. Twenty's saw mistakes, but more importantly God's grace, love, strength, and sanctification at work.

Twenty's saw us both learn what it means to be married. How love is selfless, hard, active, growing each day, never easy, but oh so worth it. Twenty's saw lots of changes and moves. Twenty saw how awesomely you provide for your family always looking to better our lives even when it isn't easy. Twenty's saw us growing in Christ and Him using marriage to sanctify us (and still sanctifying us each day). Twenty's saw adventures and Mexico's.

But now at thirty you have grown, you love me better than I love you. You help me grow to be a better person. You are an amazing father who is more compassionate and does not assume with your children, giving them and myself the benefit of the doubt, evaluating the situation first before reacting.

You love me even when I make it hard. When I have a poor attitude, when I forget to make you lunches or breakfast, when your laundry doesn't get done, when I want my alone time over filling your love tank. You love me even when I have been too lazy to get out of my gym clothes before you get home. You love me through all of this and are so selfless, always asking how you can help me.

Now at Thirty, you are an example to me of Christ's love for His church. How He loves selflessly, how He sanctifies them. How God loves me. You are an example to our boys of how a father and husband should act, treat their wife and children. You are an example of leadership, striving to be a true leader who doesn't just give orders, but walks along side those he leads.

Thank you for living out such an awesome example for me and the kids.

I love you very much. I cannot wait to see what thirty will see. :)

When God Works in Your Children's Heart, It is oh So Sweet

Ah nap time. Boy it can be a joyful time, but it can also be a "sanctifying time."

My Momma Told Me There'd Be Days Like This

I post this not as a complaint, but because I sometimes see mom's posts about how good everything is and then feel like I'm doing something wrong when I have normal bad days.

Picking up Sticks Worthy of the Death Sentence?

So I am in the book of Numbers for my morning devotions. I won't lie, I struggle a little bit because it isn't the easiest to just apply to your every day life. But I know that every word is profitable and I should be thankful for even Leviticus and Numbers. :P

Anywho, that is beside the point. In my devotions the story of the guy who picked up sticks on the Sabbath and how everyone wasn't sure what to do about it so they inquired of God. God told them that he should be stoned to death. This really took me by surprise. Check out the passage:

Number 15:32-36

Penalty for Violating the Sabbath

32 Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 34 They put him under guard, because it had not been explained what should be done to him.

35 Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” 36 So, as the Lord commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died.

 I mean I know that no work was to be done on the Sabbath but he just picked up sticks. This caused me to really ponder this a lot. It brought up a lot of questions for example, why was he stoned? Was it truly because he disobeyed regardless of his heart (like did he purposely rebel against God or was it an accident?)? Was it because he was purposefully rebelling and disregarding God? Was it do be an example? I don't know and I don't think Numbers tells us. But I think the "moral of the story" is the gravity of the seriousness of sin regardless. Sin is sin against a holy God. It is rebellion. It is spitting in His face saying that what He did on the cross for us didn't matter at all. As Christians we are free from the power of sin, yet we still do sin and will continue to until the day we die. If I learn anything from this confusing passage, it should be that my God is a holy God. A God that takes sin seriously and is a just God.

In what ways are we taking sin lightly today? Are we being deceitful or manipulative? Sin is serious. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would come and keep our conscience open and ready to help us. 

Mundane Monday

I have not written a Mundane Monday post in FOREVER!!! It is way long over due. So as we all know, Monday's have this "stigma" that we have created and just allowed to influence us. But it doesn't have to.

Courageous, What Does it Mean?

As most of you are aware (as even I am and we don't own a TV....thanks Facebook for making sure we know what is going on in the world!), there are a lot of things going on in this world lately. First we have the Duggar "scandal" and I won't go into too much of my opinion on the matter because there are just so many sides to it and there have been many articles written by amazing theologians and pastors that do a way better job at explaining things than I ever could. I will say though that we are all sinners. Of course what he did was horrific and awful and I feel sickened for the poor victims. I do not have a "side" on which I stand.

Another Home in this Temporary HomeAfter

We moved to Pontiac in September 2014, but I never did a post about our temporary home on this temporary home. :) So here are some pictures from our latest place. :)

Our dining room and kitchen area when we just moved in and hadn't decorated yet. I was nervous about the carpet, but it hasn't been too much of an issue and I'd much rather vacuum than sweep actually. lol

Part of our living room.

More of the living room. I love our view of the woods. SO gorgeous!

Because we moved in the fall, here are my skimpy but I think cute fall decorations. :P

An "after" of our bedroom

Blurry picture, but here is the boys room. It looks much different now, but I think I am going to rearrange it to look like this again because I liked this set up. 

I LOVE our large closets!!

I have a laundry room now!!!

After decorating

I hope you enjoyed my virtual tour of our home. I absolutely love looking at pictures of people's homes so I thought I would share some of ours. :)

4 FREAKIN YEARS (husband hacked blog)

I wanted a chance to reflect myself…. and since I have no appropriate place to do this…. I hacked this blog.

Today it has been 4 years of marriage…. 4 FREAKIN YEARS! and you know, it doesn't seem like that long at all! Time really flies when you marry your best friend. As I think back and reflect on that, a few thoughts come to mind that I wanted to share.

First and foremost I can almost hear people saying “yeah it’s only been 4 years….” 

but what allows me to write with such confidence and put this out there is this, from the beginning Britt and I saw further than 4 years…we saw until the end of life (which for me happens when I am 103 and Britt and I are both doing something stupid, I am sure I talked her into). We did then we sure as heck do now! 

4 years is nothing compared to our lives, which we merged under complete understanding that there is no turning back…. better (Britt) or worse (me). It is that constant vision of truly knowing that a God based marriage carries through all…  

I would like to pause to say notice above what I have not said is it has been 4 years of marriage bliss…. a continual ongoing odling of each other… It has not been a cakewalk these last 1461 days, 7 hours, 3 minutes and 31 seconds… it has been a marriage, and that’s my understanding of what marriage is… work, for the betterment of the other and beyond that for the others watching and the glory of God.

OK…..Going back to my thoughts,

Another thought I have had is boy how time silences neigh-sayers….

A quick synopsis of our marriage (much broader and open content can be found on this blog site): Britt found out I had a thing for her on Thanksgiving Eve 2010. We had our first date Dec. 4th 2010. And we were married Feb 11th 2011… That’s fast most people would say. Again, 4 years later and I don’t hear them much if at all anymore….

I recall telling Britt wisdom I heard from a leader I look up to Holger Spiewak.

I said “Britt a big speaker told me once that those who care don’t matter… and those who matter don’t care” (This was in reference to an age difference he and his wife Lindsay who are still also happily married). I remember thinking at the time and having a  “yeah we’ll show them” attitude but as stated time passed... I have learned that we didn't have to show anyone anything and we've had nothing to prove yet our love and God's grace has been proved through us which is a blessing (and to be frank can feel like a curse since the most people seem to learn is from the pain we created). I no longer feel that urge to say see told ya and in fact feel a little arrogant and naive that I ever once thought that. There’s no need, in the end we have prevailed through God’s grace, it’s already a foregone conclusion….

Well dang that's all serious n stuff... Here’s some fun facts about something I tell everyone. We've been married for 4 years and Britt's been pregnant the whole time (another sign of a happy and healthy marriage ;).... or after sign…. you get the idea)

Anyway I thought it would be fun to look up and share the following

Out of our 4 years of marriage Britt has been pregnant:

Once During New Year

Once During Valentines Day

Once During Christmas Eve and Christmas

Twice During Halloween

Twice During Veterans Day

Twice During Halloween

Twice During Thanksgiving

And for THREE out of our FOUR Years Together Britt has been Pregnant on:

Easter

Mothers Day

Memorial Day

Fathers Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

That’s a lot of being pregnant at parades!

So now on to our wonderful evening! And how are we spending that evening you might ask? 

Unclogging a toilet…. together :) <3 span="">

-johnny

Baby Number 3: Titus's Birth Story

I had been having what most call "false labor" signs for a good month or more. I'd have lots of menstrual type cramps that were really bad, my body would start severely cleaning itself out, I'd have braxton hicks, etc. It was actually getting frustrating because I wish it would just make up it's mind! lol But I had to keep telling myself that all of these things were not "false labor" but just really early labor.

425

I wanted to post at least some pictures to introduce Titus Jackson Orion Brines to my blogging followers. :) He was born on Monday, January 19th at 4:51pm (45 minutes after arriving at the hospital...birth story to follow later). Here he is :)

Right after he was born doing some skin to skin

Being weighed and such. Daddy watching over him. :)

No Excuses!

I will use NO EXCUSES for myself. Not having a jogging stroller--not an excuse. Not having someone to watch the kids and having to work around sporadic and often naps--not an excuse. Feeling more exhausted than I think I have in my whole life--not an excuse. Feeling bloated and fighting nausea--not an excuse. Feeling icky emotionally--not an excuse!

Belly Picture Update

 I have not been really taking updated belly pictures this pregnancy too much. But I have a few. Here are some:

14 Weeks I think

20 Weeks

29 Weeks

Another 29 Week Shot

So that is what I have so far. :) Not much but hey!