Use Your Scars

Happy Friday, Friends!

I don't know about you, but I have some scars.
Some able to be seen physically, some not...if we're honest, sometimes it's our hearts that have been scarred.

I look at these scars and I'm reminded of their story. A few in particular:

My csection scar - I did not have easy pregnancies BUT this is proof that I brought life into this world - - - two times!!!

My spinal surgery scar - a very dark time for me where I was in constant pain for a few years, but the decision to have major surgery in my early 30's brought needed healing!

More recently, I have some areas where I had to have a few mole excisions - the stitches remain but once they come out, there will be scars. And I'll be reminded that I need to take better care of my skin!

These scars for me, aren't such a bad thing...but what about those scars that tell a different story?
The scars we want to hide?
The scars that stir memories we don't want do remember.
The scars that remain but perhaps true healing hasn't taken place just yet.

There may be times that we want people to see the miracle, but we don't want to show the scars.

Maybe it's because we don't like the way it looks...or perhaps it's the memories they trigger.

But EVERY scar is a part of your calling!

EVERY scar is proof of healing!
And I want to encourage you to allow the healing TO take place!

USE your scars!
Tell YOUR story!

I'm reminded of this excerpt from a book I read:

"The great gift to us as women is that we have each other.  We are not designed to do life on our own, to struggle through, and to work out all our problems in isolation.  Many times, I've sat with my friends when it feels like all hope is lost and been vulnerable about my own challenges and concerns.  These are the times when having each other is what carries us through.  We shouldn't hide under a rock, because we aren't meant to do this on our own." ~ Anna Smith

Share your scars, tell your story!
It's ok to be vulnerable - that's why we have this ministry named "Shoulder to Shoulder!"
We want you to know you don't have to face anything alone!
You have a family of sisters who are able to help carry you through!

And I just want to remind you that scars and all - you ARE beautiful! And I am confident that God will use them, use YOU, to help another person along the way!

💛
Jenny

#shouldertoshoulder
#yourscarstellyourstory

He Chose YOU

As we're approaching Easter Sunday, I have some thoughts rolling through this mind....one of those being the "people" in Jesus' life; the disciples.

And here's what I'm reminded:
They weren’t perfect.

There were those who doubted Jesus.
There were those who denied Jesus.
There were those who betrayed Jesus.

Jesus knew they would.
But they were His people…
I mean seriously, if you knew you had one last meal – would you choose to spend it with someone you knew was going to betray you?

And yet…He still asked them to follow Him.

And they did!

Friends, here’s the thing – we aren’t perfect either!

But that’s just what is so amazing about our God.
He uses the doubters, the ones who are imperfect, the ones who feel unqualified.

He simply asks us to follow Him.

I think there are times we are so ashamed of ourselves that we may automatically feel like Jesus is, too.
But He’s not.
He knew we would struggle.
He knew we would make some wrong decisions.
He knew we would go through some rough phases.
AND He still chose the cross.

Because He chose YOU!
Doubting, imperfect, unqualified You.

He sees more!
He sees the You no one else does.

Nobody loves us like He does.
Nobody.

Don’t run from Him today – run TO Him!

If you want to know more about this love, about this Jesus who chose YOU, please join us this weekend for our Easter services at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church Salisbury Campus!

💛
Jenny

#shouldertoshoulder #hechoseyou #youareloved

Not Weighed Down

This past Saturday my girls and I, along with my mom, were part of the Salisbury marathon! No, we didn't run!! ;) But rather we were out on the course as cheer leaders, encouraging the runners as they passed us by!

This year we even made signs and had pom poms to help aide on our cheering!
And what a fun time we had!

I have to tell you, this is my 2nd year participating in this and it's such an encouragement to me to watch these runners.

Their strength.
Physically.
Mentally.

These runners give it their all.

And you want to know one of the things that stand out, that's obvious with the runners?!
.
.
.
They aren't weighted down.

They may be carrying a hand water bottle thingy, but other than that, nothing.

And I'm reminded of this scripture:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneerand perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

[[...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...]]

Did you catch that?!

Friends, not everything that is weighing us down is for us to carry!!!

Does anyone else need that reminder today?!

You need to throw it off!
You need to be free of anything hindering you on your course to run with perseverance, to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!

The Message version reads, Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

I don't know about you but I want to be first in the race that is marked for me with Jesus!

I don't want anything weighing me down, holding me back.

I want to give it my all!

Now, I may not be able to physically or mentally (current day status, you know - just keeping it real) run any path or course set before me, BUT I am confident I can run with perseverance the path set before me spiritually.

Why?!
Because as scripture says, I will keep my eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. I will study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.

And I want to be like Jesus!
And I want to have people on the sidelines cheering me on, saying, "RUN, Jenny, RUN!!!"

Who wants to join THIS race with me?!🏃‍♀️

💛
Jenny

#shouldertoshoulder #notweigheddown #runwithperseverance

Donate Life

It was almost 1pm when I finally headed to the cafeteria to grab my lunch today...standing at the salad bar pouring olive oil into the little cup, the tears just came.

Overhead they had announced there would be a honor walk on 2 Layfield in 15 minutes. 

Someone had chosen to give life upon their death and their time had arrived. 

I got myself together, paid for my salad and came back to my office asking if anyone wanted to join me. None of us knew what to expect but we went. 

And what an overwhelmingly emotional experience. 

Lined up among the corridor from ICU was representation from all areas of PRMC - providers, nurses, respiratory, college students, high school students, IS analyst, our CEO...and some of the patients family.

As we stood waiting, looking out of the corridor windows, the Organ Recovery Transport vehicle pulled through the circle drive below us...and the tears came again.

A few minutes passed and we were informed the patient had left their room.

And everything became silent.

As the care team rolled the patients bed down the hallway, the tears came again.

To be honest, I would have rather been clapping for this man! 
He has chosen to give life!
But, out of respect, remained silent.

His family behind him; some holding it together while others could not.

It's been over 3 years since I've really been able to be part of a patient experience. And what an honor this was.

Friends, as I stood there watching him roll down the hallway, I couldn't help but think that what this man is doing for another person(s) physically, Jesus has done for us eternally!

Jesus died so that we will have eternal life!

We heard a family member say, "He is at peace!" And while I don't know him, I do believe this is because he knows his body will be made new! He can give life physically here to a person in need because he will be whole in Heaven where he will have eternal life!

And friends, that's something to get excited about!

It's National Donate Life Month and I want to encourage you to sign up if you haven't already! 

#wearebettertogether #givelife #donate

Just Jesus and Me...

I was thinking about this quote I recently heard on my way into work this morning...

[ A season when it's just you and Jesus can sometimes lead to the most important thing you were put on Earth to do! - Beth Moore ]

This brings me so much encouragement!
And I hope it does the same for you, too!

God is going to call you to stand alone sometimes...to take a step back...to focus on Him and how He wants to use YOU!

He has set you apart!

THIS IS A GOOD THING!!!!!

I'm thankful for the relationships I have with "my people" for sure!!!

But those times when it's just been Jesus and me - it makes my time with my people all the better!

xox

There is just one...

God is able!

And He is speaking to me via nature these days!!

You see this daffodil?
We don't have daffodils planted in our garden...we never have.
But as I went to check on how my lilac plants were doing on the side of my house this evening - I immediately saw this burst of yellow and the first thought that came to my mind was, "I hear you, God...I hear you."

You see, we may not have daffodils planted in our garden, but each year at this time when I see them bursting with color and just brightening gardens and side roads, I always say to myself, "You should really plant some, Jenny...just imagine you could see this burst of sunshine everyday!"

But here's what I was even more drawn to this evening - there is just one.

One beautiful daffodil standing alone - but shining bright!

So often we get caught up with having to be in the group to belong...to be in the "in crowd" to get noticed. We have to be placed in the front or alongside a path that is frequently traveled.

But friends!!
Let this daffodil, that wasn't in the front or on a path frequently traveled (but rather hiding behind a big hydrangea) be a reminder to you - - - when God uses YOU, He will plant you right where you are needed!

And those that you will be a beacon for - they will find their way to you!

Just allow yourself to be planted!! To grow!! And to shine bright wherever that may be! ☀️

Lessons from my plant...

Just wanted to share some thoughts - it's been too long since I posted on here!!!

Last year about this time, my friend, Sara, gave me a Shamrock plant!

Some of the back story on why these plants are so special to her:

These were the last things that I took from my gma's house when we were in NC for her funeral (thinking that we would return to her house to sort through her things).  We never went back.  So, I have taken great comfort in looking at these plants and being reminded of my wonderful, God-fearing Mimi.

I didn't look into the "magic" or "mystery" of these plants until a year after her death.  If these plants face harsh conditions, they will wilt back and die on the surface and take refuge in the bulb, until the conditions change on the surface again.  (I guess that is what makes these plants so hardy).

It was significant to me, because that is what my Mimi's house was to us!  It was a place of refuge.  We did not have a "home" in the U.S.A. and her home was our home when we would return from PNG on furlough.  She provided nourishment, rest and shelter from the mission field for us.  

She also reminded us to take refuge in the arms of our Heavenly Father--when we were worn, tired, defeated, discouraged.  I will never forget her place of refuge--her kitchen table--her Bible and devotional never left that spot...even when we arrived for her funeral--it was still there.

She taught me, the importance of consistency and dedication to communing with God by setting an example of just that!  

And the cool part of these plants as well is that the reach for the sun--they respond to the sun--and each new morning, they open back up to the sun.  I want to do the same--reaching for God, with each new sunrise.  I am nothing without Him!!!

These are her plants:

Beautiful and bursting with life and color!!!

So... back to the one I have...

Here is the GOOD news - I have NOT killed it...but the bad news is that I neglected to care for it as I should have this past year.

Until last night that is! :)

I see this Shamrock every morning - or rather its flowers opening to the sun as I open the curtains to my kitchen window.

A few weeks ago I had the thought to actually look at the soil and I was not pleased with what I saw.
I had neglected this plant.
Yes - I was watering it, but it wasn't staying as moist as it needed to.
Yes - it was still blooming each morning, but there was no new growth because I had kept it in its same, small container it had come in.

I hadn't taken the time to really "look" at it - only what I saw at my eye level...only what was on the surface.

Yet - each morning as I open my curtains - there it sits - opening up, reaching towards the sun.
And last night as I went to close those curtains and noticed it closing up - it truly caught my attention; day in and day out, for a year, this plant has persevered!  So I asked my hubby to help me make it healthy again - so he found some planting soil and a bigger, beautiful yellow planter for us to re home this shamrock.

I know it's hard to see but in the top middle - there is a small sprout bursting through the soil!  I didn't even see that when it was all jammed packed in the unhealthy soil.

And then this morning - just look at it!!!

Opening up to the sunshine just as happy as can be!

And then my wheels got spinning...thinking of Sara's comments and my own thoughts on just how much I wasn't doing for my little plant, here are some thoughts to share:

Sometimes we struggle to reach the light. At the end of the day, much like these shamrocks, we close up.  

Sometimes, I'll simply say, "I'm just done."   Have you ever had that kind of day or maybe even days?  You just want to close up and shut it all out and just be?!

Maybe you've found yourself recently planted and the dirt is still covering you, and you're slowly being fed and watered but you just haven't burst through the soil yet - you're still struggling to reach the light.  Guess what?!?  The light hasn't left you - every day - it's shining to help you grow!  Your time IS coming!!!

Or...Maybe like my poor shamrock, you've been planted for some time and it's your environments, those surrounding you - that is adding to your struggle to reach the light.  Can I encourage you to check your surroundings?  Are the people in your circle good for your growth?  Do you need to find some better soil and a new planter to allow yourself the healthy environment you need to open up?

It's up to us what we're going to do with the morning light!!!  I want to encourage you to be like these shamrocks!!!  Wake up and open your arms to a new day and welcome the light - reach for the sun!

Some of our most beautiful moments may come as a result of some of our most difficult struggles.

Let my shamrock be a reminder for you - beautiful flowers still grow out of ugly dirt!!

Sometimes, we find ourselves in seasons where we are having more asked of us than we ever expected...and we just need to remember to take it one day at a time, allowing our body and mind to rest when we need to.

As Sara mentioned, when these plants face harsh conditions, they will wilt back and die on the surface yet take refuge in the bulb.  Once the conditions change on the surface again - you see them come back to life!

So whether they close for the night and take time to rest - or completely wilt back and die...under the surface they are taking refuge in the bulb.

Friends!!!

I want to remind you today that while we don't have a "bulb" to take refuge in - we have each other, but most importantly, we have God. 

The struggle is real, y'all BUT so is God!

Find your refuge in Him during the difficult times and watch the beautiful moments unfold!

There really is more than what you see on the surface!

Let's be honest - I use my dishwasher 99% of the time so I'm not standing at my kitchen sink a whole lot.  What I "see" daily is the burst of the flower opening up and reaching out for the sun.

What I was neglecting to see was that clumpy, old dirt I had allowed it to stay in for too long.

BUT underneath that "surface" - the bulb, the roots to this plant were holding on strong.

We're going to interact with so many people day in and day out who we are only going to get a glimpse into their surface level...and I want to encourage you to think about what kind of bulb/root system they have to take refuge in.  

Let's not make assumptions that just because they look "well" that all is well.  

Let's work on taking time to really look at others.

Learn what makes them bloom.

Or what's preventing them for fully reaching for the sun!

And let's provide a healthy environment for them to strengthen their root system!

Friends, we are so much better together!

xox,

Jenny