Peace in the Word

"And the peace of God 

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts 

and your minds in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 4:7

One of my favorite things about God's Word is that it is timeless. We cannot just read it once, say we know it and call it good. Absolutely not. God continually uses His Word to speak into our lives at different times, because (let's face it) our lives are always changing, and therefore scripture is going to be relevant at different times.

This verse from Philippians is just that for me; a piece of scripture that I have  read and used as encouragement so many times, came alive to me this summer. If you don't recognize this verse as much, you probably know the one just before it:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"

Philippians 4:6

Paul wasn't kidding when he commanded this of us. Out of anyone, I feel like Paul would know first hand about enduring affliction and experiencing peace. There are times in our lives that God calls us to do something, go somewhere or live in a way that maybe we don't understand how it can benefit us. However, we must remember that God is God, and we are not. 

We all need to come back to Faith:

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,

the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

As God called me out of a relationship this summer, I didn't understand. There were so many questions that came with the decision, but above all else there was a peace that surpassed all understanding. Up until this point, I did not fully understand this peace. But since God allowed His perfect peace to pour out over my life, I now know the feeling of being held by Him, and allowing Him to lead the next steps of my life. I have peace in waiting, and even in waiting patiently, for what He has next. I trust that God has the best plan, and the best timing.

Does this remove the difficulty of life? Not always. But it sure gives hope, and it even makes it a bit more bearable.

"If Your law had not been  my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have revived me."

Psalm 119:92-93

Jenna's Journal

Walking in God's Presence

I've recently discovered walking.
Not that I can do it, but what it can do for me.

As I've been seeking hard after the Lord on many different levels of my life I've been learning and growing. Sometimes it is so overwhelming I can't understand it all at once. However, I know that God is growing me and molding me to be more like Him, and to be the woman He has created me to be.

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

1 Timothy 4:7-8

I'm not one to obsess over working out, however I really do enjoy it, and as my emotions have been on overload I've discovered not only is it important to train myself in godliness, but that physical training has value as well. 

Getting out and walking helps me clear my mind. It's a time that I can pop in my ipod and for 30 minutes be away from all the struggles and worries. I can enjoy the cool air of the summer nights, and I can pray and receive direction. My most favorite part about going on walks, though, is God's Creation. 

The other day I brought along my camera to capture some of the beauty I see every day when I go out. 

Beautiful and unique flowers cover the trails and I can't help but just smile at the uniqueness of God's Creation!

These flowers are everywhere on the paths, and they happen to be my favorite. 

 

Even things such as the sun, or the wind take my breath away when I think about the detail and depth God put into His Creation. 

All these things remind me of how much the Creator of this world cares for what He has made. And if He cares such a great deal about flowers and the wind, then how much more does He care about me. I am all too often guilty of making Him too small.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! 

Who stretched a measuring line across it? 

On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"

Job 38:4-7

In the busyness of our world today, I think it is so important for us to step back and reflect on who God is. This can be done in so many different ways, and the best part is that He has made it specific to you. I enjoy walking, taking in the scenery and reflecting on what He has done, and yet to do. 

What do you enjoy?

Jenna's Journal.

Peace

 

I've always loved God's Creation and found comfort and peace in the colors and tiny details he put into it. And then I think about my own life and how much He cares about the smallest details. I think about every thing that I go through and how He uses each event to grow me, to shape me, and to form me into the woman He has created me to be. 

In a time of unknown transition, I'm comforted by God's promise to wait patiently for Him, and allow him to do his work in my life.  I find peace in His Creation and all that He has made. I find Joy in my weakness because His power is being perfected in my life, and strength in His unfailing Word.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord"

Jeremiah 17:7

Jenna's Journal.

Seek First His Kingdom

I've struggled with Anxiety for a few years now.
Anxious about myself getting sick or hurt.
Anxious about what I'm to do with my life.
Anxious about my future.

Every time I feel the anxiety creep in, I must continually commit it to the Lord.
More recently, however, the anxiety seems to not be leaving, it almost seems constant. I keep telling myself that God's in control. I quote Scripture that I now, even if it doesn't pertain to anxious thoughts. And it helps, but this is an area that Satan has grabbed my heart with. I know God has a plan, and I know I shouldn't be anxious about anything, but this is real in my life.

I came across this passage today as I was crying out to the Lord:

The Cure for Anxiety

    ²⁵ “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? ²⁷ And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? ²⁸ And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, ²⁹ yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! ³¹ Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ ³² For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34 

I'm so encouraged by this passage. By the fact the God knows where our hearts are. He's not surprised by a thing, and He is not neglecting to give us something, but on the contrary he has had everything planned, all the hurts, joys, sorrows and tears. He is merely fulfilling his purpose for our lives, and shaping us more like him. He is in control, and we need not fear for we are only getting ourselves worked up. 

Father I commit to you this time of my life. Lord help me to find my peace in Your arms. Thank you molding me into your image. May I become ever more willing and joyful to be in your presence and seeking your kingdom first before I try to provide for myself. Grant me knowledge and understanding of this truth. I love you, Abba.

Jenna's Journal.

"Wait on the Lord"

This is a phrase I feel like I hear all the time, but never quite understand.
What are we waiting for? Why are we waiting? When can we stop waiting?
Up until recently I have made many decisions by what I feel or what I think is best for my life. However, I've neglected this all too important command from the Lord...to wait. And as a result of this, I've faced some pretty rough consequences.

As I have recently endured some hardships, I've learned how important it is to wait on the Lord. A lesson I believe I will never be able to comprehend fully.
Wait for His direction.
Wait for His voice.
Wait for His leading.

But I'm so encouraged by what God's Word tells us about waiting. Over and over again in Scripture, and especially in the Psalms, we read about waiting and hoping in the Lord. One passage in particular is found in Psalm 27.

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord"

Psalm 27:13-14

For me, God's Creation is a reminder that He is God, and we need not worry or fear.
Earlier in this psalm David says:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?" - v.1

I have nothing to fear. If I am committing my life to the Lord, I do not have to worry about making big decisions for myself, but I can wait on the Lord and on his gracious direction over my life. And the more that I've been discovering this truth, and living out this truth, the more I am at peace about my life, no matter how drastically it may change, no matter how unsure the future is, or how anxious my heart becomes; I know that I can wait on the Lord, and I as I do He prepares my heart, and shapes me into the woman He has called me to be. Then, He will bring everything together,  just as He has meant it to be.

Maybe your life feels out of control, unsure, or just plain confusing. Take heart! God has a plan, and He desires for you to follow His path. No, it won't be easy. But as we wait on the Lord and rely on His leading,  the reward will be far greater than the pain that may come while we endure.

Years ago a wonderful friend gave me a verse when I was going through a hard time. Since then, it's been my comfort in times of need, and my encouragement when I feel anxious about my future:

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; 

yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the 

peaceful fruit of righteousness."

Hebrews 12:11

Be encouraged that the Lord is our strength. He is our comfort and our peace. In His Word we find our hope.

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."

Psalm 130:5

Jenna's Journal.

The Next Generation

"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; naked, and your clothed Me...

Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, 

even the least of them, you did it to Me."

Matthew 25:35-36, 40

How many times have I read this verse or heard it read aloud and thought "Amen!", but then walked away and thought nothing more of it until the next time?

Too many times.

How many times have I looked the other way when i saw a homeless person, a family without enough clothes, or someone who just need to be smiled at?

Too many times.

It's amazing to see how completely selfish and ungrateful I can be when there are people in our own backyards who don't have a bed to sleep in for the night, or food for their next meal, or socks to put on their feet.

I've only gone down town with Covert Ops twice now, but it's amazing what just one night in down town Minneapolis with a bunch of homeless people can do. 

Covert Ops started a little over a year ago. Every now and then a small group of students would go down town Minneapolis on a Friday night to hand out clothes and serve meals to the homeless. Today, Covert Ops is taking groups of 30-40 junior high students (along with a few adults) down to the Minneapolis Salvation Army where they set up their tables on the street to hand out clothes as well as to serve around 160 meals. Not only does Covert Ops seek to meet the physical needs of these people, but they meet the Spiritual needs as well. These students are evangelizing, praying over people, and just being a listening ear to the all-too-often over-looked.

A group of junior high boys praying over a homeless man who just wants to be heard

As a junior high ministry intern and volunteer (and I know every other adult who has gone down with us would agree with me) it is so powerful to watch 12, 13, and 14 year old kids go out to the streets with their faith; handing out Bibles, explaining the gospel of Salvation, and praying with these people as they are accepting Christ. These people know our bus. They know our students. They know we are serving a Great God. Covert Ops is changing the lives of many homeless people, but it is also changing the lives of many junior highers. 

For more stories, pictures and the pastors blog, click here.

This generation is huge. They have a growing heart for evangelism and a huge drive to live out their faith. In the constantly changing media stricken culture they are in, it's no wonder they're reaching for stability and truth. These students want something to believe in and they want to succeed at it. Give them a challenge, they'll run with it and do the very best they can to be the best they can. 

This upcoming generation wants to make an impact, we just have to let them, rather then push them aside as "little kids". They have a purpose and mission on this earth and, in many ways, they have the loudest voice of us all.

Words cannot describe the joy and love I have for these junior high students. They have changed my life and opened my eyes to the simplicity of faith. I'm so thankful for each student I have been privileged to work with the past few years. I've got nothin' but love for these teens! And I am so blessed to be able to disciple them.

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

1 Timothy 4:12

This verse changed my life 5 years ago and I'm so very glad that I am able to pass on it's truth to this next generation! These guys are meant for something great, let's allow them to reach that potential! 

Jenna's Journal

Reflection

The summer has officially started. The weather has (finally) gotten warmer, school is over, and my second summer job starts on Monday. As I had a little time today, I began to reflect on this past year and the journey that God has taken me on, and what a journey it has been! Through all the highs and lows of the past 2 years of being away from home, one thing is always constant and that is God's Love and Ever-present Peace! I have experienced many changes and different times of being stretched to my max, but coming out of the storm I can look back and continually cling to Romans 8:37 -

"But in all these things we  

overwhelmingly conquer 

through Him who loved us."

But I could not do it alone, and I just want to give thanks where it is due to the people who have stood behind me and helped carry me through!!

First is my wonderful family! My mom, dad and brother have been a solid rock under my feet these past 2 years. Without their love, support, and encouragement I would not be chasing after my passion the way I have been able to. They are always there when I need to talk to someone, cry or even let off some steam. Through my whole life they have shared in each of my joys and supported every decision I've made. The biggest thing they have done for me is supporting me as I decided to live away from home the past 2 summers. Without their encouragement, I would not have the confidence I have in approaching my calling. 

Thanks for always being there mom and dad!

I'm also more than thankful for the family I have in The Staloch's. Both last summer and this summer they have gladly taken me into their home, making me part of their family for 4 months. Having a place to stay is more than wonderful in itself, but getting to live with an amazing family such as David, Cindy and Morgan, I have been blessed beyond words!  

Thank You for all of your sacrifices to make me a part of your family!

My Roommate, Christina, is a solid rock. I have lived with Christina for 2 years and could not be more thankful for her friendship and company. She is one of those people I will always feel comfortable around, and can talk to about anything. We always pick up right where we left off, and she may be the only person who actually know just about EVERYTHING about my life! Without Christina, I would probably be lost!

love you.

The list seems to keep going, but I must not forget my very best friend, Katherine Emma Bost. This girl has been there for me always...even when I wasn't there for her!! (like in 8th grade ;) ha!). As we've grown older together, we have been completely blessed to have our boyfriends become good friends! Now, the four of us get to have annual get-togethers and laugh so hard we cry, or eat so much we practically pass out! Katie is a wonderful friend, and even when I don't get to see or talk to her for months, nothing changes when we reconnect! 

 

Many people have come and gone out of my life in the past 2 years, but everyone above has made a huge impact on me. There is one more, however, that has changed my life for good and she will never leave (even if she wanted to!) She is my mentor, my co-worker, my soul friend. Jackie Bong asked me 2 years ago when she first shook my hand if I wanted to lead on a retreat with their church. I agreed, anxious to be involved in a large youth group. Since then, Jackie and I have only grown closer and closer in ministry, but also as friends and spiritual disciples of one another. I am thankful for the time she has put into helping me grow in my relationship with the Lord, as well as in ministry. I have learned more than I could ever imagine and look forward to as much time as possible with her in the future!

As I reflect on the past 2 years and everything God has brought me through, these are some of the key people that have been there, that have given of their time, energy and love to encourage me and allow me to become all that I can be! I hope to give this same love to those around me, as well as back to these wonderful people! So here it is, another summer, another year to grow in every way I can!! 

Father take this summer and use it for Your glory!! Mold me and shape me to look more like you each day.

Jenna's Journal

The Wings of Eagles

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; 

they will mount up with wings like eagles, they

will run and not get tired, 

they will walk and not become weary."

Isaiah 40:31

I was having a really rough day today. It's the end of the semester, finals week is coming up, all my last projects are due and I'm moving out in a matter of days. I've been on the go for months, and I really can't remember the last time I had a day off and just did nothing. So when all the little things seemed to be going wrong today, I was pushed over the edge. And at times like these I usually just want to be alone or with one close friend, and just cry.

So on my way home as I passed Lake Waconia (just like I do everyday), I decided to stop at the landing and just go sit by the water. I knew it was windy, I knew it was cold. I didn't have a coat, and I didn't have anywhere to sit because the docks were all wet from the waves splashing on them. 

But as I sat and listened to the crashing of the waves on the shore, as I watched the parasailers fly across the lake, and as I breathed in the musty lake air, I reflected on what I was telling myself earlier: I just want to be home. Then I realize, this is home. God's Creation is my home, and He has never left me.

God's Platform to Speak

I'm sitting there thinking about how much this reflects the storms of life, and how much this is a reflection of the hard times that come into our lives, like today in mine. And I look and all of a sudden what seems like out of no where there is this big, beautiful bald eagle that stretchs out his wings and flys over me. But he doesn't fly like a normal bird. He flaps his wings hard and he moves sideways, compensating for the wind that's rushing under his wings. He knows which way he needs to go, and he knows the wind, and when things come in the way of that, when storms of life come in the way of that, he knows how to compensate. God created him that way. 

This eagle is merely a bird. 

We are God's greatest Creation, and we also have the ability to compensate. 

I title this The Wings of Eagles, because we can learn a lot from the eagle.

Isaiah 40:31 tells us that we must wait on the Lord, and when we do we will gain a new strength, not a hand-me-down, or a previously owned, or a shined up version of the old strength, but a NEW strength. It says we will "mount up with wings like eagles". With this new strength we will have the ability to fly sideways, to push through the hard times, and to stay on the path we're heading, the path God desires us to be on.

I want to know what it means to find joy in the midst of hardships, to find the straight and narrow in the midst of the curvy and jagged. 

Proverbs 3:6 

"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight". 

In all your ways compensate with Him, and he will make that path straight, even if you're going sideways to get there.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? 

The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth 

does not become weary or tired. 

His understanding is inscrutable. 

He gives strength to the weary, 

and to him who lacks might He increases power"

Isaiah 40: 28-29

Basking in His Creation and in His Strength

Jenna's Journal

The Simplicity of Faith

A couple Sunday's ago in service, the pastor said something interesting:
"We can come to church and proclaim the name of Christ, we can praise him and give thanks for all the blessings He's given us and the grace He's poured out on us; but, unless that grace is shown through our [day-to-day life] what's the point?" (I definitely paraphrased.)

But that really got me thinking. In our world today we are so confused. We have a million different messages thrown at us everyday. And I'm not just talking about through the media, although it is a source, but even within the church we can have conflicting messages. Sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to be "in the world, but not of it".

This past  year I've found myself struggling with this very concept. Whether it's in friendships, relationships, or just biblical concepts. However, God is faithful through the affliction and "disciplines those He loves" (Proverbs 3:12).

One encouraging verse I always go back is Isaiah 48:10

"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;

I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."

As God tested me and refined me through this furnace of affliction, I inherited a couple life lessonsthat I was in great need of learning: Contentment & Praise.

In this furnace I learned:

"He has made everything appropriate in its time. 

He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from beginning even to the end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

and

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praise to Your name, O Most High;

To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night...

For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,

I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands."

Psalm 92:1,2,4

These past few months, God has taught me to be content where He has placed me, but also I was convicted that I do not give enough thanks, nor praise to the Lord for all He is, and all He has done in my life. I find myself getting too caught up in the do's and dont's of the Bible, and forget to simply 

"Delight [myself] in the Lord, and He will give [me] the desires of [my] heart." Psalm 37:4

There is a difference between saying something, and living it out. This doesn't just take affect in the things we "do", but it also affect in the way we worship the Lord. 

Are you going through a furnace of affliction where God is trying to show you something (no matter how simple). 

Let's, together, grow through these trials and learn to praise the Lord, and not think too deeply about the simplicity of our faith.

Jenna's Journal

Breaking Through the Jellyfish

There's a song I play in piano called 'Beyond the Stars'. I received this piece during the most chaotic time of my life, not to mention a crazy semester. As the song came together, it reminded me of my life, and now every time I pull it out I'm encouraged.

It starts out peaceful, then slowly progresses into a louder and more complex melody (Kinda something like my life at points). But one thing that sticks out to me in it is the constant melody in the bass clef that holds it all together, just like how God has always been underneath, holding me together in the chaos.

As I was thinking about it the other day during practice, a scene from Finding Nemo came to mind: Dory & Marlin swim over the trench instead of through it and run into the jellyfish. What started out as small and innocent danger grew into danger on every side. The same is true with our lives, what seems like just one little struggle slowly grows into many that start to surround us on every side.

This picture can express kinda how we feel at those times, like there is no way of escape; probably because we are trying to do it on our own.

I love Marlin in this scene. He is so protective of Dory, knowing the danger that could come upon them, but he is also determined to find a way to face these jellyfish (or struggles, for our own lives) and come out alive, even if he has to carry Dory to the end.

I think this same thing is true for our lives. We have to realize that struggles are inevitable, but we have a God (like Marlin) who cares about us and wants to see us come out the other side. And when we do, we will be able to turn around, look at what we came through, and thank Him for HIS power and might.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..."

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

So here's to show that God can use anything to teach us what He longs for us to know about Himself. So keep your heart open. This is a truth that I am constantly working through in my life, and just when I take one step forward, I seem to take two steps back. But I'm encouraged by God's Word that He will be the one coming in, picking me up, and carrying me out of those jellyfish into clear water.

Thank you Marlin and Dory for showing me what joy through struggle looks like.

"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" 

Romans 8:37 

Jenna's Journal

Living Hope

I've often pondered what hope really is. Especially the hope of the Bible. As God's been answering this question in my life, I'm realizing that hope is present both now and the future. We hope today for the things of the future.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Peter 1:3-5

We can obtain not only hope, but a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only does our faith shield us, by God's power, until our salvation is completed, but it also inherits us an eternal, nonperishable, ever-lasting joy. A life of no pain, no hurt, no wrong-doings. Just joy, happiness, and holiness. 

 

Our hope today is much like this picture. We can see the beautiful sunset. We know it's there, we know it's real. We probably have to squint a little to be able to look at it, but that doesn't matter because we cannot take our eyes off it. It's so beautiful, even through window panes. Just like our hope in the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We know He's there, we know He's coming, and we cannot take our eyes off of Him. But for now, there is a window blocking  our full vision of Him, our full comprehension of all He has for us for all of eternity. 

But we know it's there. So we wait. We anticipate. We're confident. We hope in the day that the window will be taken away and we will see Him in all His Glory!

In this day, Jesus will be revealed for all He is. No longer will we look in longing through window panes at His coming, but we will look with a living hope that has arrived and revealed our inheritance into God's Kingdom.

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

1 Peter 1:13

Jenna's Journal