In the Mist...

The first day of December...2011 is almost poof. Though I am at the end of the year that made me 40, I am in the middle of THIS season of my life. A quick definition of middle is not at the beginning or at the end...in between...in the middle. Being in the middle of a thing doesn't always feel good, but I know that I am not alone. Zephaniah 3:17...The LORD your God in your midst The Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness He will quiet you with His love He will rejoice over. Every time I read that, I shout. Even when we are in the middle of situations that don't feel good...always remember that HE is in the mist. Whatever God is in the midst of, always has the promise of restoration and renewal. The blessing is to praise him in middle of it, stay positive, and be encouraged...psst, in the end...you win. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for Seeing it Jen's Way. 

Peace of Me...

The month is August is quickly escaping me and I have not posted anything this month. Not for a lack of desire, but trying to make 30 hours out of 24 just doesn't add up. Giving away "Pieces of me", I lost my "Peace of me". Peace is a necessity in my life. Changes sometime bring about the lost of peace; in the mist of EVERYTHING going on, I hid a word in my heart. "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11. I knew there was a lesson in the blessing, but I couldn't see the forest for the trees. It was brought full circle for me today, and God yet again showed me that he was God all by himself. When you try to tell folks about it, it sounds like a lie cause you really don't know how God did it...you just know that he did it. God restored my peace on a situation that was a long time in the making. Now does that mean that my life is perfect? No, never will be. I am so humbled and thankful that God used me...and I let him. Peace Be Still...and it is. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

No Greater Love...

Love, I am not talking about romantic Eros love. Not that you are the moon,stars and all the rest of the galaxy... love. I'm talking about the pure unconditional Agape love. The greatest commandment that Jesus ever gave us is to love one another. We are our brother's keeper. How can we hurt that which we are commanded to love? Folks don't always make loving them easy. Truth be told, some make it darn near impossible...but God. God loved mankind sooo much that he gave his only begotten son. Jesus loved us sooo much that he gave his life. Holding up my arms in surrender, because there is no greater love. Every once in a while you hear about things like movie "7 Pounds", that is not the norm. For most of us, walking in Matthew 25:35-36 is too much."For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." We are so caught up in our own existence, that we neglect our fellow man. It is not about us...it never was. If I'm loving on you and you are loving on me...nobody is lacking. Reality states that you can't feed or clothe everyone in need. The lesson is do something. If God laid someone on your heart, call them up, text, or email. You never know what folks have going on behind the scenes. Sometimes the greatest thing you can do is just listen...not judge, or give our two cents. If you give your two cents let it be of Godly wisdom. Here is the blessing, Jesus died so that we could live. If you are reading this I love you with the love of Jesus...because it is the greatest love I know. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Because It's Really Love...

The season of love continues...So many folks in my life are experiencing this very thing, and it's lovely. A very dear friend of mine will be officially "jumping the broom" this weekend. As long as God stays in the midst, it will be a "till death do us part" situation. God's timing is never our timing. This is what I know to be true: "We don't pick who we fall in love with, and it never happens like it should." When it does happen, there is no denying it. However, most of the time we have to go through "something" to get there. In our 20's, we played or got played. In our 30's, we struggled to recover from our 2nd decade, learned lessons, and got healed. By the time we reach our 40's, we seem to have a better gasp of things. 40 is not the magical decade that everything is perfect, it is however the decade when we come into our own so to speak. Our sense of knowing comes quicker to us. The "list" that we all made has been edited and now seems obtainable. Being over 6ft tall or must have a J.Lo booty is no longer a requirement set in stone. If God is the head of their life, or they love your kids we can work with that. The lesson is I won't try to define love, because it is so complex, it is many things to different people. The blessing is however when you find it, you will know it...Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Just That Good...

Sometimes it is just that good that it has you up at 3am, writing poetry about it, and posting it in a blog. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

You want to be where I am, well here it is...

It's where day becomes dusk, and night become still.

Time has stopped and motion is slow...

Walking on water, swimming on land.

It's like having climbing faith to reach my top.

Crystal clear and a sharper image...

Singing a La, breathing a Le Sigh.

It's not being at the same level, but raising the bar.

Never about you wanting to be where I am, shh...

It's about me needing to be where you are...

Father's Day!!!

The 3rd Sunday in June...Father's Day!!! This holiday leaves a bitter taste in some folks mouth more than any other holiday. I think it is because mama won't ever leave you, based on circumstances daddy can leave you and sometimes never come back. I have made peace with alot of things dealing with my Daddy. Though he is the smartest man that I know, some of his choices in life have not been. It took me recognizing my relationship with my "heavenly" father to make peace about my "earthly" father. The 5th commandment is "Honor your Father and  your Mother, so that you can live long in the land of the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 NIV. Along with this, I had to forgive him...and let stuff go. Basically, I had to love my Daddy with the love of Jesus. In conclusion, if you are reading this and still have issues with your "earthly" father, give it over to your "heavenly" father. "It is much easier to become a father than to be one." Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Just BE...

In the hustle and bustle of the world in which I live, I decided to crave out a few minutes and Le Sigh. Life has a way of pulling us in different directions all at the same time. Sometimes we have to stop and just BE. Not carry the world on our shoulders and the people in it, just BE. Taking off the many hats that we wear; allowing our heads to breathe, and just BE. For me that means just being selfish, if only for a little while. Phone off and headphones on...not trying to be half woman...half amazing; and just BE. No sense of guilt because I want to just BE. While the folks in my life give out applaud, I give out standing ovations...that's just me. There will be no clapping of the hands tonight, I'm just going to chillax and just BE!!! Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Life is for the living...

When I attempted to log in to my Facebook account, this is what welcomed me...Account temporarily Unavailable due to a site issue. I took this as a sign to blog since I have neglected "Seeing it Jen's Way" for the past couple of weeks. Shhh, this is the secret...I'm living my life to the fullest. I got this revelation shortly before my 40th Birthday...life is for the living. In order for me to put revelation into action, I had to change my mindset about ALOT of things. You can't set your GPS for downtown Atlanta trying to get to South Carolina...have to recalculate the GPS for the direction in which you are going. The blessing is having God order my steps so even when I slip off the road, I'm still going in the right direction. Not having God be the head of my life would be like jumping into 10ft end of the swimming pool without knowing how to swim. We all know the end result of that. James 2:26, "Faith without works is dead." I have faith that God will keep me if I jump into 10ft of swimming pool water, but my mom signed me up for swimming lessons when I was a kid... so I can swim. God is going to get me to where I ultimately need to be, but I have to willing to take the journey. So, life is for the living, and I'm living mine to the fullest. Even if you don't agree with me...I thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

 

40 is finally here...

May 26th is finally upon us. That means that it's my 40th birthday and to God be the glory. Leading up to this once in a lifetime occasion, I had misgivings. Reflecting on where I was in my life, and having to make peace with alot of things.  Alot of things have occured to shape the Jennifer Michelle Davis Govan, that you know today. Some great and some I would rather forget, but all used so that God could get the glory out of my life. I am excited about what the 4th decade of my life will reveal. If you are on this ride with me...buckle up; if your time is up, step to the left and I wish you the best. Even if you don't agree with me...SO...it's my Birthday!!!

Reflecting...

Ten more days until my 40th birthday...Thank you Jesus. I have been doing alot of reflecting lately. Milestones have a way of doing that...reflection. I have made peace with alot of stuff that I have been through. Luke 12:48,  "To whom much is given, much is required". God will allow my testimony to be so effective, that he has to get the glory out of my life. Reaching 40 years old has given me a comfortably in who I truly am. I'm not just grown...I'm good and grown. Meaning that I'm not just the age of consent, I'm the age of consent and I take responsibility for my actions due to that consent. I get on my face everyday to pray, not because I'm holy and perfect; but because I need the Lord to show me the way. Sometimes I miss the mark, but I know how to repent, learn the lesson, and move on. If the Lord allowed you to be in my life, it is because either I am to teach you something, vice versa, or both. If you learn anything from me, let it that just because life doesn't go as planned, get better not bitter. There is a blessing in the lesson. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

In all my 40 years...

In all my 40 years (I finally said 40...exhale), I have never learned soooo many lessons of life than I have in this season. Latest lesson: everyone that you consider friendly isn't really in your corner. Just because we wear the same Jersey doesn't mean that we are on the same team. Three things I know to be true; messy folks want to hear how sick or near death you are, they want to hear if you are having financial troubles, and messy folks want to hear if you are having relationship troubles. Misery loves company, so be leery of folks trying to get all up in your business...The blessing is that Psalm 23:5, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over". The Lord WILL get the glory out of your life, he will allow messy folks see you go through stuff, and then allow those same folks see you get blessed or overcome it. Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." How awesome is that? 13 more days until I enter the house that 40 built, still learning lessons. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Mother's Day...

Today is what is considered "Mother's Day". Since my mother has passed away, and I have no living children, this day is bittersweet. The sweet comes in through my sister, who is doing an awesome job with the "Toddler"(my nephew). It is so amazing to see her mold and shape this little person, who will one day dress her in fleece jogging suits and Velcro sneakers and put her in a nursing home, lol. Seriously though, she is truly going off of instinct since our mom is not here to guide her, and she is handling her business. I applaud her and all mothers everywhere. That's the blessing...The lesson is if your relationship with your own mother is not good, clean that up. Life is too short to have regrets, especially with the person that God chose to be the vehicle to get you here. Being a mother doesn't come with a manual, most of the time it is trial and error. God just happens to agree with me, so much so he made it one of the ten commandments...Exodus 20:12, " "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Your mother doesn't have to be your best friend, but give honor where honor is due. Since you reap what you sow, think about the seeds you are planting with your mother and the harvest you will reap with your own children. Fleece jogging suits, Velcro sneakers, and nursing homes...need I say more, lol. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Calm after the storm...

I am experiencing what is called the calm after the storm. Earlier, the bottom had fallen out and now except for some dampness, you can't really tell a storm came through. It's lovely, because metaphorically our real life is like this too. In both instants, all Hell can break loose, but after while it ceases...the calm after the storm. We then can asset the damage, repair what was torn up, and learn the lesson that next time tighten up certain things so it won't be damaged by the storm. Changes all around are in order, but please know that you can change everything around you; but if the same ole you still shows up...your efforts are sometimes in vain. What am I trying to say? Sometimes it is you...you may need to change. If you being you has not gained you positive results, may need to reevaluate...You can have the same vision, but a different attitude, approach, and mindset. Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Putting the mic back on the stand, and giving a Kayne Shrug. I'm not perfect and the change I want to see starts in the mirror...I just willing to admit it...how about you? Even though you may not agree with what I said, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

May Day...

Happy May Day!!! Already had my Spirit food(church), and my nutrition food(breakfast), so let May begin. Only 25 more days until my birthday...the age after 39. Umm, yes I will be counting down. Birthdays are special because that is when God decided for you to enter into this world. Jeremiah 1:5, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." How awesome is that? Totally...I always like to say in the mist of living...life happens. Life is full of lessons, opportinunities, and blessings. Even the stuff that is "bad" falls underneath one of those three. Most of time we pray for the mountain to be removed, instead of praying for the courage to climb it. Here is the blessing; JUST LIVE!!! Keep God first, learn the lessons, make the most out of the opportunities, and appreciate the blessings. Dropping the Mic...#Thatisall. Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Lessons

Are we there yet? The weekend? Yesss, finally. This week has been one for the record books...but to God be the glory. I truly believe that I'm in a season of lessons. School is in and I'm definitely being taught. In a few weeks, I will be the age after 39(refuse to say it until it gets here...maybe). You are never too old to learn, though I am being taught lessons that I thought I have already mastered...guess not. In the mist of it all, I'm trying not to turn cynical. Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinketh, so is he." Lessons: Things and people are not always what they seem, to get a deeper understanding for some things, you have to have folks in your life who are a bit wiser, sharper, and stronger than you, if you want a King, you have to quit messing with the Joker, and above all God has to be your foundation. Dropping the microphone because what can I say after that? Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

"Rest"

I am a busy body(not in a bad way). My issue is that I'm not used to just "resting". How many of you know that what you won't do, God has a way of doing for you? The lesson is listen to your body, it will always let you know...something is not right. The bigger lesson for me is that I can't do everything...though my mind tells me that I can. I have to admit that I do take on too much, but there is stuff to be done. I'm learning that I'm not always the one to have to do it. Not at the expense of my health anyway. I am trying to sit on my hands, but it is hard for me to do. I have taken too many naps to count, way over daytime tv, have posted things on facebook/twitter that reminded me why I gave it up for 40 days in the first place...This is the blessing, One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things. ~ Henry Miller. Just have to recondition my mind in dealing with "resting." Thank you for your continued prayers and concern. I'm going to continue to "rest"...Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Resurrect or Leave Dead???

Sunday was the Resurrection Day...Jesus pulled the ultimate, "I'm backkkk". Shhh, that is where the power lies. To Resurrect something means that it was dead and brought back to life. It has been my experience in all of my years, that sometimes it is best to leave some situations dead. You have shed tears and declared closure...let it stay dead. Now if resurrecting that situation will make you 125%, or overall is life chaning for the better, then by all means; start CPR, get out the AED machine and shout clear as you shock life back into that situation. Here is the lesson: Unlike Jesus who focused on the result of the resurrection, rather than the painful process; we focus on the situation that hurt us so badly, that all we can think of is stopping the pain. The blessing is no matter if you decide to resurrect or leave your situation dead, fix your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-3, " Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

Week's...End

Le Sigh, the end of another work week...To God be the glory. Tired, but my mind is thinking, so I am up to keep my mind company, lol. Not worried about anything, but just thinking. Good Friday service at church was awesome, this weekend in the Christian faith sums it all up. The blessing is not only in the crucifixtion of Christ, but also his resurrection...Amen. In a few hours I will be participating in my first of seven 5ks for the year. March of Dimes is a great cause, even if you don't support this particular cause...please support one. This weekend is the release of Tyler Perry's new movie, "Madea's Big Happy Family". Please support him because well he is a genius...and he makes entertaining products to bring to the masses. Shhh, you are the masses. This weekend has alot going on, try to get out and do something...Life is too short for anything else. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Choices...

Choice is very key to our everyday life. We make choices as simple as what to eat for lunch to something as complex as accepting Jesus as our personal savior. God uses people in our lives to comfort, direct, and intercede, but when it comes down to it...we alone must make the critical choices in our lives. Here is the lesson, as adults we must be willing to deal with the consequences of those choices. Not only that, LEARN the lesson that comes with every choice that we make. The blessing is when we have the Lord in our life he gives us the necessary ways of looking at things, pulls back just enough to show us his will, and then waits for our response. Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Who wouldn't choose that? Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

 

5 Essentials in the Heart of a Man

I was cleaning house in my Facebook Inbox(some of you I inboxed toooo much), and I ran across the 5 Essentials in the Heart of a Man by Michelle Mckinney Hammond and I just wanted to share. Learn the lesson and get the blessing... 

1. He should be moved to provide for you.

2. He should be moved to protect you.

3. He should see himself as the solution to your needs or problems.

4. He should guard your reputation.

5. He should have to go through something to get you, not because you are a victim, but because you are a good woman.

 These are 5 qualities that should be present in the heart of a man you are considering for a mate. All of these elements came together in the heart of Boaz in the story of the young widow, Ruth.

Trying too hard...

Trying to make this transition back to Facebook/twitter work. I have come to the conclusion that I'm trying too hard. It is not suppose to be this hard, they are social media networks...that's it. So if I have something to post, I will do so, if not then I will not. How simple is that? Le Sigh, no Oscar award to be won from this situation. Getting out of my own way and going to enjoy my Tuesday. Lesson: "Man stands in his own shadow, and wonder why it's dark." Shhh, the blessing is getting out of your own way. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Not the same...

First day back to Facebook/twitter...its not the same for me. It has me asking myself, could a person change so much in a 40 day period? Yes, because when I left 40 days ago...I was looking for something different. In the mist of looking I found ME. The "new me" has to find her way unto the old Facebook/twitter. It is like jumping double dutch; the rope is turning, just have to find the right moment to jump in...Hmm, time will tell. In the meantime, preparing for a 5K this weekend. Thanks to Zumba, a sista's cardio is niceee. This 5K is for the March of Dimes, which will always hold a special place in my heart. Le Sigh, to prevent a mother from having to go through half of what I have experienced, I will walk, run, skip, and jump to raise money for the March of Dimes. Job 6:25, " How painful are honest words!"...putting down the mic. "If I never live to see another day, there is nothing I would change or take away. I had so many ups that they far outweigh my downs..." Even if you don't agree with me, shoulder shrug, its my testimony. Thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

Phenomenal Woman

Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou 

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

In Conclusion...

Home Again? Well, my 40 days are at an end, and its time to go home...to Facebook/twitter. I posted this video from the super group of my era, New Edition because of Bobby Brown...and one line of the song that goes, "I stand here all alone confused cause I like living with and without you." I have come to the conclusion that I can live with and without Facebook/Twitter...I'm not pressed. This is definitely a change from about 40 days ago, when I inhaled Facebook and exhaled Twitter. When I go back and read my journal entries from 40 days ago, I don't even recognize the person writing them. I was at the fork in the road. My essence of who I truly am is still the same, but I'm different. What started off as a "work thing" to lent something for 40 days to be on one accord with my co-workers, turned into so much more. By the way, out of 25 only 4 made it through to the end. Overall I think lessons were learned by all. By any means, this 40 day "Lent" didn't miraculously make me this super perfect person, but it did open my eyes to some things that needed to be addressed in my life. So in conclusion, thank you for sharing this journey with me. Even if you don't agree with me, than you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

"Dear God"...

I wanted to share this song with you; "Dear God" by Smokie Norful. It comes highly recommended by Tyler Perry, whose opinion means alot to me. I literally cried the first time I heard it. This song can be all of our testimony. The song says, "And if I never live to see another day, there is nothing I would change or take away. I had so many ups that they far outweigh my downs, Lord I thank you for my life." "Dear God" truly has encouraged me and given hope and I hope it does the same for you. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

This Too Shall Pass...

This Too Shall Pass...

If I can endure for this minute
Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is
Or how dark the moment may be

If I can remain calm and quiet
With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me

If I can but keep on believing
What I know in my heart to be true,
That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too

Then nothing in life can defeat me
For as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening
For I know God will break all of the chains

That are binding me tight in the darkness
And trying to fill me with fear
For there is no night without dawning
And I know that my morning is near.

Helen Steiner Rice

My Day...

Today has been one Le Sigh after the other, but to God be the glory. It started by being awaken by the brief but effective thunder storm, that made an appearance late in the post midnight hour. God does his best work, when we are suppose to be sleep so that we don't get in the way. Our problems always look more manageable in the morning...if we trust God to see us through. Psalm 143:8, "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust: cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You". By my day's end, I lost something, gained something, taught something and learned something. In the mist of it all, God has been so good to me and I just had to tell you so...Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

Hater...

                                                             Hater by Maya Angleou

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!

When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters...

That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...

It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right?

You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...

The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...

If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!

We've all got some haters among us!

Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Haters can't stand to see you happy.
Haters will never want to see you succeed.
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side.

How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:

1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!)

2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.

A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.

3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.

Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!

When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...'

Watch out for Haters... BUT most of all don't become a HATER!

Almost...To The Finish Line...

Today is day 33 with 7 more to go. I can truly see the finish line and and I'm almost there. My assignment was to give up Facebook/twitter for 40 days, but I also got schooled in lessons of life that I will carry with me forever. In 7 days, I will have an Independence Day so to speak. How many of you all know that Freedom is not free? I paid a heavy price for some of the lessons that I learned, but it had to be this way. James 3:2, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." No one is perfect and usually when we slip up it has to do with what comes out of our mouths. Keeping our mouths closed more often means we are listening more. Listening is one of the hardest things to do. We always want to give our 2 cents worth, shhh here's the lesson; sometimes our advice is not even worth the 2 cents. Here is the blessing, Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

LET IT GO!!!

LET IT GO!!!

By T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk
Away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,
Loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you,
Staying attached to you.
I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk.
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The Bible said that, they came out from us that it might
Be made manifest that they were not for us.
For had they been of us, no doubt they
Would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you.
And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means
That their part in the story is over. And you've got
To know when people's part in your story is over so that you
Don't keep trying to raise the dead.
You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.
I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift,
I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful,
it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God
Means for me to have He'll give it to me.
And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it.
Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you
And was never intended for your life, then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ......
LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back,
And see your worth.....
LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you,
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets
Your needs or talents
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.......
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take
You to a new level in Him........
LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.......
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even
Try to help themselves......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed .........
LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to
Handling yourself and God is saying
"take your hands off of it," then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for this New Year!
LET IT GO!!!
Get Right or Get Left .. Think about it, and then,
LET IT GO!!!
"The Battle is the Lord's!"

Thanks...

Merci, Gracias, and Grazie...any way you say it, it comes out thank you. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time everyday to read my thoughts. This blog started off being a means to an end for my "Lent" hiatus from facebook/twitter, but it has developed into so much more for me. Thank you because I know you have "stuff", kids, spouses...and just life. Not only do you take the time to read each blog, but you email, text, call, and just come up to me and comment on them. Muah to each and every one of you. "God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say Thank you"? Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Storms...

Storms are powerful. Metro Atlanta had a storm Monday night, that folks have yet to recover from. In our lives we have storms. We have to decide if the storms are from the enemy or God. If it is from the enemy, it has to eventually cease, but if it is from God, we will have to surrender. God will allow a storm sometimes to access the stability of our  friendships, relationships, marriages, jobs, and finances. Storms are designed to rip up what wasn't stable to begin with. After the storm, we get a fresh start. Everything has been destroyed and has to be rebuilt. Start anew and build on a firmer foundation, so that if another storm comes we will be able to withstand it this time. If we can't rebuild, learn the lesson from the storm and move on. Hanging around the debris and residue of the storm will increase our risk of continuing to get hurt. Get the the blessing, Psalm 20:7; "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." He is bigger than any storm we will ever face. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

Be Still...

Watch, wait, and whoa...words that all mean  Be Still. In the days and times that we live in,  Be Still is but a figment of our imaginations. Our days worth is judged by how many items we have checked off our to-do list. Psalm 46:10, "Be Still, and know that I am God". This command is so difficult to obey because it means relax and let go. Let go? It takes all I have to keep everything in my life in order as it is. The command also says, "and know that I am God. Ah Ha...this is where faith comes in. I have to trust that God is big enough to meet all my needs. And that he loves me no matter what. In our microwave, get it from the web, let me email or text you, and dinner is take-out world, as never before we need to be still. God doesn't want us to be still for the sake of resting. He wants us to have deep intimate fellowship with him. He wants to speak deeply into our hearts to renew us, so that we can be able to be what he called us to be. If only we would be still and give him the chance. Even if you don't agree with that I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Priorities...

Priorities... first things first, or as my Pastor says keep the main thing, the main thing. However you define it, it basically means the order of importance of the things you have in your lives. It has been said that if you want to know a person's priorities check their checkbook. Whatever you deem important, you will spent money on it. Do a check up on the things that have priority in your life. You will never conquer what you never confront.  If it's stuff like cars, houses, your job, or even money, you might want to check that. Of course God should be your number one priority. Proverbs 3:6, "In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success". Make your family a priority, spend time with your mate and do things with your kids. It may not seem like a big deal now, but the seeds that you sow now will reap a harvest later on in your life. So while you are checking for the latest jaguar, penthouse, and getting overtime at your job...try checking your priorities. Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Season of love...

The month of April is upon us and today is the first day that it actually feels like Spring. Sitting here going through my mail and discover 2 invites to weddings. So it is also the season of love. It is refreshing to see folks still willing to give the one thing that makes the world go round another chance...love. I say another chance, cause both of the invites that I received are from folks that have been down that road before. Instead of jumping the broom, they probably should have taken the broom and swept the person out of their life, lol. You live and you learn. Hopefully, lessons have been learned that will take them to "death do us part." Relationships are difficult and require sacrifice. If you desire someone who is sincere and worthy of your love, time, and attention, then you already have to be sincere and worthy of that love, time, and attention. God is not going to give you anything that you are not ready for. Even when God gives it to you, you have to put in work. Nothing is perfect. That is why God has to be that foundation for that relationship, when times get difficult, that is what you stand on. Before all of that, take time to "fix" you. Learn, heal, and forgive. There is a difference between being needy and being needed. Two people who are whole are ready to add or multiply to the other person's life. So bring on the RSVP, gift registries, and wedding cakes...it's the season of love. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Facebook/Twitter...The "Real World"???

Today is my day 23 of my "Lent" from facebook/twitter with 17 more days to go. Can't get too cocky because that is when you get tripped up...seeing the finish line. Someone actually asked me, "how do you know what's going on in the "real world" if you are not on facebook/twitter"? WTHeck? When did facebook and twitter become the "real world"? Granted they are great tools for you to keep in touch with relatives, old friends, and meet new people...but they are hardly the instrument in which I would gauge what to call the "real world". When a person post something on facebook/twitter is not the "real world", but THEIR world. It is how they want you to see what they want you to see. Confusing? Let me help you out. People post those things that they want you to know, period point blank. If they don't want you to know their relationship status, they just won't post it. If they don't want you to know that they have 7 kids with 6 different people, they just won't post it. Only the flattering pictures are posted, the wittiest things are said, and if those are not liked, they can be deleted and start over from scratch. So to think that facebook/twitter are considered the "real world", implies that Snow White, Sponge Bob, and the Easter Bunny are the heroes that children everywhere should look up to...not so much. Please don't think I'm bashing facebook/twitter, they definitely have a fondness in my heart. I just don't think they should be the standard which is held to be considered the "real world"...not my world anyway. Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Selfish...

Selfish, devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others. Well, reading the whole definition it sounds like a bad thing. If you go back and read the first part of the definition, "devoted to or caring only for oneself"; it doesn't sound so bad. Actually, isn't that what we are suppose to do? After God, why shouldn't we put ourselves first? If I am 100%, I can at least give you some of that. If I'm 0% what can I give you out of that? You can't be everything to all people and nothing to yourself. Do something as small as buying yourself some "Leroy from Fame" dance shoes for Zumba class, or plan a 4th Decade excursion. Okay, we are definitely talking about me, lol. You were not created to be the saving grace. Jesus handled that over 2000 years ago with the cross and the resurrection. Now don't get me wrong, if you are married and have children, please serve them, here is the lesson: If you take care of yourself first, you can do a better job of taking care of them. Luke 10:27, "And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Here is the blessing; put God first, and love your neighbor as yourself...you have to love yourself and take care of yourself before you can do the same for others. Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

A Secret...

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others...A secret. I witnessed one being uncovered today and it was uncomfortable to watch, so I know it was horrifying to those involved. A secret often has the domino effect. It is painful because it involves betrayal. It is betrayal because usually the parties are those who are closest to our hearts. There is a sense of disbelief, confusion, and unanswered questions. The shocking revelation of "everybody knew but you", lingers like a bad taste in your mouth that swallowing the truth... just can't take away. Having been on both sides of a secret, here is the lesson: Handle it, don't be destroyed by it. Confront, be angry, and in the end...forgive. Holding a grudge or resentment eats away from the very essence of who you are...you are too fabulous or have too much swag for that. Now don't get me wrong, it is truly a process, but if you remember, "Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 (NIV)...that is the blessing in the lesson. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Half way there...

Today is day 20 and I have 20 more days to go on my "Lent" of giving up Facebook/Twitter. The pack at work has dwindled down to a hand full. In the voice of Forrest Gump, "that is all I'm going to say about that." I can only speak for me, but one day at a time. Side eye glance to the folks that are sending me messages through facebook/twitter...STOP THAT!!! My email still notifies me when someone sends me a message, comments or post on my page. Lead me not into temptation...These past 20 days have put me in "teachable mode". I love to learn things that I don't know, guess what? There is alot that I don't know. Shocking, isn't it...lol? The greatest lesson I guess I have learned thus far is that, you can have vision, but still can't see because your view is being blocked. I won't go into details because even though this blog is about seeing it Jen's way, some things are just too intimate that your spirit has to look away so that your soul can have a moment...Le Sigh. Raising my bottle of Powerade that I am currently drinking; here is to the next 20 days, yielding from facebook/twitter, teachable moments, being careful, taking chances, and most importantly...God's Will. Cheers!!!

Unnecessary...

I woke up with a fullness in my spirit. A regrouping is about to take place. The people and situations around me are the same, but I'm different. I am entering a season that woulda, coulda, and shoulda just doesn't have a place in my life. My tolerance for unnecessary has reached its limit. It is one thing to go through something, cause there is a lesson to be learned and God is going to get the glory out of it in the end; never the less, to go through something because you have fear, stubbornness, and are making the situation more difficult than it needs to be is...unnecessary. Most of times we want to blame everyone for the issues in our lives instead of looking into the mirror. We need to do an inventory and look at what part we played in the situation that didn't work out. If you want to play the victim, get you an agent, and go on auditions. Sometimes in life, we are not done fairly, but 69% of the time, we are eating from the plate we fixed. In the resounding voice of Fannie Lou Hammer, "you have to get sick and tired of being sick and tired." Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." So do an inventory, get your mind right, and get rid of the unnecessary in your life. Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

The love of a child

Enjoying the newness of another day that God has blessed me to see. I am such a morning person. I love the first fruit of a new day, I love the new mercies that the Lord gives me, and I love another chance to eat my favorite food...grits, lol. Today is day 18 of my "Lent"...22 more days to go. In my office, you could probably count the folks on two hands that are yet holding on. Giving up something has been a main stay in your life is hard...but doable. Read my earlier blog, Reconditioning your Mind to get some insight on that. One thing I do need to recondition my mind about is my nephew, who I call the "Toddler". He and I are going to hang out today. Pray for me because he is every bit of two years old, lol. Everything he does is done with  such flair and abandonment; like he just knows that it is going to work out every time he attempts it. I love that wide eyed free falling kind of faith, small children always have it. When puberty hits, it is but a distance memory. The "Toddler" has not grasped the concept of hugging my body...he hugs my whole head. He has not grasped the concept that my sister and I have names. We are both "Aunteee" to him. When he leaves my present, he always blows a kiss in my direction and refuses to move until I have reciprocated. The love of a child leaves me in awe. Matthew 18:2-5, ² "He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."  Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward appearances, are free from being mean, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. Surely we need to be daily reconditioned in of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children.  Though, you may not agree with what I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

"Hit it and quit it."

Reality, the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or may be thought to be. This definition is so lovely, however in today's world even reality has a spin on it. I miss the "good ole days". I like to call it the "hit it and quit it" era. I'm not talking about having grown folks relations and never hearing from the person again. I'm talking about telling someone or doing something and be done with it. No going back and forth, no arguing for 2 weeks, and no convincing folks of your point of view. "Just "hit it and quit it". If you are at work and a co-worker brings up an issue, just say, I hear what you are saying...I will look into ways of correcting that situation. Don't go back and forth with them, just "hit it and quit it." If you children refuse to be obedient, don't argue with them...start disciplining them. "Hit it and quit it." My mom gave me the best "hit it and quit it advice, that I still remember to this day..."If you ain't no ho, don't act like no ho." She "hit it and quit it, she told me that and was done with the subject, lol. If you are in a relationship with someone( Not talking about marriage...that's convenant), "hit it and quit it" quickly. Don't keep arguing about the same thing, stop trying to fix something that is broke beyond repair, and learn when it is over..."Hit it and quit it." Of course, the "hit it and quit" philosophy is not appropriate in all situations, but if you can use it..."Hit it and quit it". Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

Today was a good day...

Three Times a Lady is my favorite Commodores/Lionel Ritchie song. It ponders my mind how Lionel Ritchie could write such a beautiful ballad, and he and Brenda (his 1st wife couldn't make it)? Nothing to really blog, just wanted to post my favorite ballad. Day 15, not so stir crazy. Folks are still dropping like flies in my office. I'm yet holding on. I can actually see light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm not talking about a train coming straight at me. I'm not as weary, I can see things that were always there, but now I see them in a new light. For the first time in a long time, I'm not pressed about anything or anybody. In the words of that Hip Hop Poet, Ice Cube, "Today was a good day." 25 more days to go and I have an outstretched neck of expectations of how God is going to continue to move in my life. Well, I guess I did have something to blog after all. Even if you don't agree with what I post, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Multi-tasking...

Multi-tasking...is the performance by an individual of appearing to handle more than one task at the same time. The keyword is APPEARING. It may seem like you are getting alot done in a smaller amount of time, but in the end you are really missing out. Something in your life is not getting the attention in which it deserves. More times than none, it is our personal relationships which end up getting the short end of the stick. Text messaging, facebook, and twitter are wonderful ways to communicate...you know I know this better than anyone. Here is the lesson...they shouldn't be our only forms of communication in our personal relationships. There is something to be said about hearing someones cheerful voice on the other end of the phone, giving someone a hug as a greeting, or even looking into the eyes of someone while you are recalling the events of your day. As for myself, since not being on facebook/twitter, I try to make an conscious effort to give folks my undivided attention. If I am on the phone with you, I will not put you on speaker, so I can try to level up on my "Angry Birds" game. If I meet you for a quick cup of coffee, I will not keep checking my phone for text messages or emails. When we are out to dinner, I will not avoid eye contact with you, but glancing at my phone every three minutes. God is still working on me about cutting the phone off all together...I'm under construction. If I must attempt to multi-task, it will be to do a load of laundry while starting dinner or reading a book while listening to some music. It will no longer be at the risk of not giving you the attention in which you so greatly deserve for being a part of my life. Now if I'm eating grits with Tyler Perry and Tito Jackson is performing...then I may have to rethink this multi-tasking thing, lol. Even if you don't agree with me, thank you for taking the time to see it Jen's way.

Le Sigh...

Le Sigh, is a term that I borrowed from a friend. Not sure of their meaning behind it, but for me it is like a deep sigh from my soul. After the evening I just had, that term is appropriate. To God be the glory. During this season of "Lent", I had been praying to the Lord on some stuff, and today he brought it full circle for me. SN: Be careful what you pray for, it may just come to pass, lol. Some things occured and I instantly rose up in my flesh and said, Lord, I don't want to go through this, fix it Lord...make it better. What I should have known was the minute, I called out to him, God was already fixing the situation. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." God gave me favor and the situation is being worked out at this very moment. I trust God, but at the moment I was going through my situation,but it was like Jesus asking me to get out the boat to walk on water to him, and I said wait a minute Jesus...let me grab my life jacket. "Without faith it is impossible to please the Lord." One of my issues is I don't like to ask for help. I would rather do it myself, that way I know that it is done. God has been saying, allow me to put people in your path that will assist you, trust me to work it out for you. The essence of this is to seek after the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. So while my heart is learning how to trust,  my mind is trying to keep the faith... my soul is letting out a Le Sigh...You may not agree with what I said, but thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Sense of Smell...

When I returned home after being out for the evening, I was greeted by an unpleasant stench...the trash needed to be taken out, which I did immediately. I had been inside most of the day with the smell and it didn't really phase me. It was only when I left the trash and then returned to it, did I discover how stink it really was. Our lives are like that sometimes. We can be in a stinking or messy situation, and it doesn't even phase us. It is only when someone brings it to our attention, or we have a chance to get away from the situation for a while, do we really realize how stinking it is. That is why it is such a blessing when God puts folks in your life to help your sense of smell. You may not like it at first, because it seems like you are always being called on your stuff. If it's the truth, then you will have to deal with it sooner or later...it's not going anywhere. If you are the person pointing out the stinking, though it maybe the truth, do it in love. Steak and baked potato is appealing on a plate with sour cream and butter on the side. Steak and baked potato on a garbage can lid with sour cream and butter on the side...not so much. As you start the beginning of this work week, check your sense of smell. If something in your life is giving off an unpleasant scent, you may want to check it and even throw it out. Even if you don't agree with what I said, thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

My Springtime Prayer w/ video by Trin-i-tee 5:7

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see the start on another Springtime. A time of renewal, and growth. Bless the person reading this and allow favor to shine upon their life. Thank you for your grace and mercy even when I am not deserving, you bless me over and over. In Jesus Holy name I pray...Amen!!!

Hope

There is a quote that goes, "The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring." Tomorrow is that day...finally. This has been one of the harshest winters in my lifetime. I learned how to drive in gear 1 and 2 on ice in the state of Georgia, who knew? I am so looking forward to Springtime, for it is a time of renewal. With renewal comes life and where there is life, there is hope. Hope is the belief of a postive outcome to events or circumstances in our lives. During the springtime, farmers plant crops and HOPE for a harvest in the fall. College students in the state of Georgia, rely on a scholarship called HOPE grant to help them achieve a college degree. God in heaven puts emphasis on HOPE in his word, where it is nestled in between faith and love in 1 Corinthians 13:13. Without even realizing it, I use hope in my everyday life. When my gas light comes on in my car, I HOPE I have enough fumes to get me to the gas station. Whenever I go out to eat, I HOPE I don't get any allegric reaction due to my allegies. I went to the movies this evening to see this independent flick, I WILL FOLLOW,  and I HOPED that it would be worth my money...which it was, must see movie. I wrestled with a decision to do something that could have blew up in my face, and HOPED for a positive reaction...smiling, cause it surprisely went well. The point of it all, is that Springtime is upon us, and that brings new HOPE. Even if you didn't agree with what I said, I HOPE you can take something from it and see it Jen's way.

 

Ifs...and conditions

It is finally the end of the work week, Yipee!!! Today is day 10 of "Lent", so only 30 more to go. The "pack" at work continues to thin out with folks dropping their "Lent promises." Hmm, somehow this gives me strength to be one of the folks who completes all 40 days. Don't get me wrong, I still miss facebook/twitter, I just have a ride or die outlook on completing this task. What has been a great help is occupying my time with things that are constructed. I have created a "Youtube" page, jgfavor1. I actually have 3 videos that I posted all by myself. A friend gave me directions on how to upload videos 5 months ago, I just never took the time until now. I started taking a Zumba class, which is sooo fun. You could end up procreating attending that class, those moves are something else, lol. Of course I started this blog, which is a God send. It's only day 10...My 40 days of "Lent" are full of conditions. If I stay busy doing other things, I won't get on facebook/twitter. If I think about it, my whole life is full of ifs...and conditions. If I do this, I can get that. Even if I try to keep ifs...and conditions out of my relationships, it has a way of creeping its way back. Without even realizing it, we put ifs...and conditions on the folks that we allow in our lives. I will be your friend if you stay within these certain perimeters, never to step out of line. I will love you if you only make me happy and never betray me. It is not to be helped, blame it on being human. We do everything with ifs...and conditions. Only the love of God is unconditional. No matter what we do, he will ALWAYS love us. The ultimate show of this love was giving us his son Jesus. To accept Jesus as your personal savior comes without ifs...and conditions. How awesome is that? I leave you with one more ifs...and conditions; if I log off of this computer, I can go to bed and not have bags under my eyes tomorrow. Even if you do not agree with what I said, thank you for seeing it Jen's way.

Compassion

It has been a longggg day. When I started this blog, I didn't think that I would post every day, but stuff keeps coming up in my spirit...and I have to let it out. Today one of my co-workers lost their father. It shook up everyone up in the office cause we all knew the father on a personal level. Death is the one thing in this world that I can't grasp. The absoluteness of it, ponders me. I know in my head that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. However, this is a concept that my heart will never adhere to. It has been said that the worst loss is of a parent and a child. Having experienced both of these first hand, I would readily agree. The old saying that "time heals all wounds" is not an accurate statement when pertaining to death. The loss hurts me like it just happen. I get each day and go on with my living, cause that is what I'm suppose to do. There is a small part of me that changed forever, and to that I just shrug my shoulders...it is what it is. Getting back to my co-worker, I cried for her. Not at the thought of losing a parent, but at the thought of a small part of them will be changed forever. I was thinking about John 11:35 when it said, "Jesus Wept." He didn't weep because Lazarus was dead. He was the Son of God who could heal the sick and raise the dead. He wept, because he had COMPASSION for Mary for the sadness and pain she felt at the loss of her brother. I can't change the situation for my co-worker, but I can show her compassion for the sadness and pain of the loss of her father. Le Sigh, you may not agree with what I said, but thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Peace of Mind

Just taking a moment to breathe. I'm talking inhaling taking it all in my lungs, and exhaling like my life depended on it. In a way it does. It helps to achieve a peace of mind. I am very big on having a peace of mind in my life. When I was going through my divorce, I wanted to file on the grounds that my now ex-husband had taken my peace of mind, and I wanted it back. What I know now and didn't know then, is that my peace of mind is owned by me and me only...not to be given to anyone at will. Something else I know now is to live without regrets. If you offend someone, hurt someone, or make a mistake try to make amends. Offer the olive branch, show remorse, or just say plain ole sorry. The next thing you do is NOTHING...you have done everything that was within you to fix the situation. It is not your job to make someone forgive you for any injustice that you may have done to them. I was having a conversation with a friend who had made an offense against another person, and they had reached out to that person to make amends. However, they were still carrying the guilt and the pain of creating the offense in the first place. I shared a similar experience that I had recently went through. The difference was that I was not carrying any regrets from my situation. First of all, my offense was not fresh, so time had soften the wound. I apologized to the person, I forgave myself, and I grasped the concept that you can't make anyone do anything...You can make a bed, a point, and even a sandwich, but you can't make another person do something they are not ready to do. I advised my friend on allowing God to fix the situation. As people, we get in our own way of trying to fix things. Though, we may regret that how the situation ended up, we never regret having the situation in the first place. Forgive yourself, have faith in God, and breathe...get a piece of mind. Though you may not agree with what I said, thank you for taking time to see it Jen's way.

Reconditioning Of The Mind

Well, it has been a full 7 days since I began my "Lent" of Facebook/Twitter. 7 is the spiritually number of completion. I am a long way from completion, I have 33 more days, but I think I can make it. That gives me hope, cause folks are dropping like flies in my office. It is hard to give up caffeine and sugar once your body has chemically become accustomed to it...that is a nice way of saying addicted, lol. What I'm giving up is different cause it is a learned behavior...a habit if you will. It is a mind-set issue. I just have to recondition my mind so that it is not an issue. Hmm, I have to recondition my mind, so that alot of other things aren't issues too. Alot of you know that I get up every morning at 4am to pray and have devotion. I do this with ease every morning weekends included. Now, I'm not saying this to say that I'm "Super Christian." I am sharing this because it is a result of reconditioning my mind. About 2 years ago at my former church, the Lord led my Pastor to pray every morning at 5am. I had to force myself to get up and pray with my Pastor. Sometimes, I would even fall asleep during prayer and wake up at the end, just in time to say in Jesus name we pray...amen. I struggled, but I got up every day and prayed at 5am. One day, it wasn't a struggle any longer. I would get on the prayer before my Pastor would. Outside of the 5am prayer, I began to see an increase in my prayer life, just over all. I said all that to say this, if I could recondition my mind to increase my prayer life, then I certainly can recondition it to let go of Facebook/Twitter for 33 more days. It only takes 21 days for something to become a habit. You may see this issue a different way, but thanks for taking time to seeing it Jen's way.

My Virgin Blog

I am chuckling, because I never thought I would blog. I guess never say never. I have given up both facebook and twitter for the 40 days of Lent, and was desiring an outlet just to express myself. Today is day six since Ash Wed. and I'm not fiending so much. Now the first two days, I was like an addict who needed a fix. Thank God for putting folks in my life who entertain my quirkyness. I am a quoter and my friends allowed me to text them quotes since I couldn't post them on facebook and twitter. The reason, I decided to "Lent" fb and twitter is because they have in a sense became bigger than who I was. I needed to take inventory of the things and the people that I had in my life. An incident occured to allow me to see that we shouldn't never believe our own hype. If God doesn't elevate us, then it is called pride. The word of God says that "Pride cometh before the fall." I thought I was given an assignment, when in essence, the assignment was me. Spiritually, I'm in the pit working my way back to the palace...not in my time, but in God's time. Thank goodness that God is not like man. He forgives us, the minute we repent. There is no condemation through Christ Jesus. Now, not to say that you may have to go through something for your actions, cause the word of God says, "God is not to be mocked. For as a man soweth, he shall surely reap." After that is said and done, you learn the lesson and get the blessing. 34 more days of Lent to go. Who knows the lessons I will learn, what to hold to and what to let go, or even if I go back to facebook and twitter at all? I'm not asking you to see it the right or the wrong way, I'm just asking that if you read my blogs...you will see it Jen's way.