Better than Cake

I am so excited to share this guest post from my friend, Heather Duma!  (To find out more about Heather, please check out the previous post on Bundle of Twigs Facebook Page!) 

As I'm quickly approaching a year since the launch of this blog, I have been thinking about ways to take this to the next level - and in my heart, knew that meant stepping out of my comfort zone some...to share with someone, other than my hubby and closest friends, my thoughts and dreams and visions about Bundle of Twigs, but more importantly, trust them with the words they would essentially be sharing with each of you.

So, this is me, doing just that!

While I've known Heather for many years, unfortunately, our paths haven't crossed as frequently as they once did, but we truly "connect" via social media!  I think she said it best, "I feel like we are online soul sisters!"

Heather kept coming to my mind and I simply reached out to her, shared my vision and dreams for this blog and asked her to think about possibly being a guest blogger from time to time.

And here we are!!!  I hope this is the first of many!

She's beautiful inside out...a fabulous wife, mother, friend, AND writer!!!

And, well, there's so much more I could say, but I want you to hear a good word from her.

**********

I had the day off and my baby was at daycare. And sister, I was determined to enjoy the alone time to do all. of. the. things. Every last one.

I ate cake. I napped. I watched all my favorite crappy tv shows. I stayed in my sweats and ate more junk food. I drank my coffee with too much sugar and didn't even take my shoes off at the door. Rebel status. Did I mention I ate like a whole plate of cake? Because I did. And it was amazing.

After I efficiently wasted my entire morning, I was ready to experience what I knew would be the pinnacle of my day. I ventured out to my ultimate happy place. My sun porch. I wanted to fully embrace this beautiful sunny February day.

Except...this is what greeted me. Le sigh.

Only a sliver of sunshine and dead plant galore. Darkness and decay. I sighed and began to think of all of the "tough stuff" I was trying to escape from on this day of rest.

I closed my eyes and puffed my chest.  "No.  This is my space.  This is my happy place.  I WILL enjoy this.  Right here.  Right now."  

I took a confident step toward that one little ray of sunshine and I planted my feet firmly in its glow.  I closed my eyes, took a few deep breaths, and just really soaked in that exact moment in time.

Man, it felt good.

What if we had that kind of courage when the devil came to us with even the big stuff? The audacity to puff out our chests, take a step of faith with full on confidence - covered in the full armor of God - knowing that His plan would prevail and we would, again, see and feel the light without trying so hard? 

When things seem dark, there is always one ray of sunshine if you look hard enough. Stand in that ray. Bask in its warmth. Plant your feet firmly in the belief that sunshine will again envelop you, consume you, and entrust you with  its presence.  

It feels good. Even better than all that cake I had today. Honest.

My prayer for this week: "God, we thank you for that little glimpse of the sun, when we see only darkness.  Help us to remember Your goodness no matter the season.  We thank You for Your promises and Your love for us.  Help us to continue to build up our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, because we know...that together we are better.  Amen."

Even If

If I remember right, I think the deejay on the radio simply said, "Turn up your radio, be quiet, and just listen."

And then THIS song was played.
(I wish there was a better, clearer one to post, but this is the best I could find!)

And wow, just wow.
I wanted them to play it again as soon as it was over.

Even If:

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now
Right now I'm losing bad

I've stood on this stage
Night after night
Reminding the broken
It'll be alright
But right now
Oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able
And I know You can
Save through the fire
With Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Good thing
A little faith is all I have right now

But God when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength
To be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know the sorrow
I know the hurt
Would all go away
If You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful
You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may

‘Cause I know You're able
I know You can

It is well with my soul

So here's an interesting tidbit...The "even if" comes from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 
I hope you're not reading this thinking...here she goes with another Bible story.
Because, well - I am.
BUT it's to help drive home an important message.
Or one I think is important anyways...


[And sidenote: My intention with this blog isn't to throw Christianity in your face, but rather show, in whatever way I can, how we truly are better together.  However, God is close to my heart, as is my family and friends...so you're bound to hear about it all!]

Now back on track...

To give a brief summary - back in the day, King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, an enormous image of gold, and declared that the people of the land were to fall down and worship the image of gold.  Long story short, three friends - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - didn't obey the King.  So the King approached them, giving them another chance and more or less telling them do this or they will be thrown into a blazing furnace.  The three stood before King Nebuchadnezzar and said, "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it....BUT EVEN IF he does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold..." (Daniel 3:16-18)

This is good stuff!!!
 
Together, as friends, they stood firm.

The King was infuriated. 
He had his people heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual and had his strongest soldiers tie up the three friends to throw them in the fire.  The soldiers ended up falling into the furnace as did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.   

But guess what?!

The soldiers died.
 
But when the King looked into the furnace, instead of seeing three people (still standing and unbound, at that), he saw four - one whom he said looked like a son of the gods.

So he called to them to come out...and he saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, their hair wasn't even singed, their clothes not scorched, not even the smell of fire on them.

So - what's the point I'm trying to make here?!
Well actually there's a few.

1.  There is great strength in friendship.
Friendships make life bearable - in good and happy times and even in trying and difficult times.  To have people in your life that you know will be there in both, well, that's something truly special. 
 
2.  It's important to stand with others who share your same convictions.
This story reminds us that death was imminent for these friends.  At any time, either of them could have backed out and bowed down and said, "This is crazy - we're going to die."  But they stood firm in their convictions, what they believed, together.  

3. We're going to have bad days.  We're going to have trying times.  There's going to be times we don't know what the outcome is going to be in the situations we are in.  But can we be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?  Can we have strength in the friendships we share with those who have the same convictions and know that God CAN save you, can change your situation, but EVEN IF he doesn't - or chooses to do so different than you expect or even want - still say it is well?!


Friends!!

We are Better Together!

I fully believe we're meant to do life with others!

Through the fire and through the storms...but better yet - in the sunshine and happy days, too!

xox,
Jenny

 

Celebration Times

Ok, friends...I am coming off such a lovely weekend!
It was my birthday weekend and from start to finish, I could not wait to share all of this with you!

Why?!
Let me tell you.

I started Saturday morning serving with the Adopt a Block ministry at our church. I didn't know what to expect or even, really, what they did, BUT I knew I wanted to get involved.
It was time to start putting words into action.
It's really easy to say you want to help others; want to make a difference.
It's a whole other level when you decide to actually commit!
It was time to put my words into action!

And, my goodness.
My eyes were opened.

We prayed for our city and those we would be reaching before and after our delivery...
A mixture of young and old, school aged children to great grandparents, black and white...
Hand in hand connected in one huge circle.

Ryleigh and I helped pack about 3000lbs of food and then, within our respected Green, Yellow and Red Teams, helped deliver those bags of food, in addition to breads, desserts, and beverages to 120 homes right here in a "not so great section" of town.


This is how I'm reminded just how "good" I have it.
I cannot even tell you the last time I drove through that section of town.
Or on purpose for that matter.
If I'm being honest, I don't even think twice about it.  It's not on my way anywhere.
I have my route and I stick to it.

I ended up on the van helping get the items as needed at each house and at one point, as I'm singing worship music right along with the radio (I may or may not have embarrassed my daughter), simply praying for the people in each house we came to, I was reminded that we are so much better together and so thankful I was starting my Birthday doing something for others!

It's not that I'm unaware that people right here in my city don't live like my family does, I'm very much aware.  And it was just about 2 years ago when this passion for helping people right where they are, right where we are, started stirring in my soul.

But when you take time to truly take notice of your surroundings, well, it's eye opening.

Right now, it's every other Saturday...yep, a Saturday - the one day most people like to sleep in.  But I can honestly say those 3+ hours spent with my new Adopt a Block family were better than any extra sleep I would have gotten!

As we start to get plugged in more, I know I'll be sharing more and I cannot wait to see where this leads!

This is what love in action looks like to me.
No strings attached.
Our church simply recognizing there is a need in our community and filling it.
You don't have to be a member of our church to participate - you just have to be willing to meet people right where they are.

An experience I won't soon forget.

And then...I came home to this:

A box filled with LOVE!



For those who don't know, I am very much a "words" person...It's my love language! I'm not one who needs "things," but fill my love tank with words of affirmation and I'm good to go!  I know I've mentioned it in a few of my posts, but I've been running on empty for a bit and, God bless my hubby,  he knew JUST what I needed.

He and the girls gave me some quiet time to read through each note.  And goodness...This box was filled with so much love (and a little chocolate and cup for my Cherry Coke)!

I sat and read each note and was simply brought to tears.
I have read and reread these notes and all I can say is my heart is full.

I have never liked to be in the spotlight or the focus on me - it's just not who I was meant to be.

However, in the privacy of my home, reading these notes and words of affirmation from the people in my life - I felt like I was famous!
For real!!
Each note was so personal and reminded me that I MATTER and that I am LOVED!
I had the ugly Oprah cry going on for sure.

We ended the night with a little dinner before going to the Newsboys concert as a family!
From beginning to end - just an awesome day!

But...this isn't about me.
Well, kind of, I guess!

I don't think it was a coincidence that the message at church yesterday was focused on what is your cause, are you committed, and what are you willing to do to make it happen?

The focal passage was from Mark 2:1-12 where there is a huge crowd gathered because they wanted to "hear" what Jesus had to say.  But there was a paralyzed man, carried by four men, and because of the crowd, unable to get to Jesus.  However, these men knew that just one experience with Jesus could change anything...so what did they do?  They made their way to the roof and, digging, made an opening and lowered the mat the man was lying on.

It's more than just words.
More than listening to a good word or speaking a good word.
It's in the doing!

It's celebration time, my friends!
Love the people in your life.
Do what you have to do to get to them to where they need to be!
Make a difference!

I believe we are better together and I believe it's through people like in this Bible story...
People who are committed to a cause...
That we are going to start seeing change!


I'm determined that I'm going to make a difference anyway I can this year and a perfect way to start is by walking in love!
I'd love for you to join me on the journey!

xox,
Jenny

Mind Over Matter

 

Mind: the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought.

Our minds are incredible, you know.

Because I like to keep it real, I wanted to share this with you.
A few Sundays ago, I just couldn't get it together.
I mean, like for real, was just in a funk - I remember standing during worship and not even wanting to close my eyes or try to even focus because each time I did...all I "heard" on repeat in this mind of mine was negative.

ALL I HEARD WAS NEGATIVE.

You're not enough...
You're not showing love.
You're not being the mom you need to be.
You're not measuring up at work.
You're too small.
You're not being a good enough friend.
You're not ever going to make a difference.
Who do you think you're kidding?!

And this is SO not me.
I even remember shaking my head trying to will these thoughts to just leave.

I think this happens to each of us at some point (or many points) in our life.
We get in our comfort zones and then something happens and gets you off balance just a little...but even just a little can feel overwhelming. 

For me, it was a wake up call - I was like, "Come on Jenny Girl...get it together!!!"
I honestly let a series of "things" - emails, conversations, observations, etc - that previous week, get to me.


But, here's what I reminded myself:

I may very well NOT be many things, but I know who I am and who I want to be. 

And on days when those overwhelming voices want to jump in my mind, that's when I'm thankful for the people in my life.  My tribe.


I was reminded how surrounding myself with people in my life who know me well enough to know when my tank needs to be filled with an encouraging word, a phone call or text, a coffee (or tea) date, a hug, a prayer...is essential.

Who's your tribe?

Are they the people you need in your tribe?

Or do you need to look at starting a new one?

Just something to think about.

Here's the deal - quite honestly, I think you'll find there will be a few that will be in your tribe no matter what.  No matter where life takes you.
I've been blessed to have that friend in my life and there's just something about knowing you have someone who knows the good, the bad, the happy, the sad - they're irreplaceable.

But I also know that sometimes, you also need to make smaller tribes for the "here and now" and maybe for certain seasons.  This year I've made some personal goals and I know to help accomplish them, I have to expand my tribe some. 
And that's a little unnerving. 
To let people who don't "know" you in, and share your hopes and dreams with, can be scary, but it's an important process in learning that we're better together and we aren't always meant to do things on our own.

I'm reminding myself that I just need to be me.

I'm not always going to be the best at being a wife.
And that's ok.
I'm not always going to be the best at being a mom.
And that's ok.
I'm not always going to know what I'm doing at work.
And that's ok.
I'm definitely done growing so will not be your "average" woman.
And that's ok.
I'm not always going to be the best at being a friend.
And that's ok.
I may not end up making a difference.
And that's ok.

But I will always strive to be me.
I might be a mess, but I'll sure embrace it!

I encourage you all to do the same!

Find your tribe, my friends.
That may mean letting go of some people that don't need to be in your life.
It may mean letting someone new in!

But find people you can be YOU with!

xox,
Jenny

Do Good. Show Love.

I read this the other day and found it very fitting.

There is SO much going on in our country right now.

So much.

So much that it's hard for even me to put into words what's going through this head of mine.

I, admittingly, have never been crazy into politics.

And I can honestly say that I wouldn't even want to talk politics because of my lack of knowledge in so many areas.

But what I do know is this.

We HAVE to do better!!!

That last sentence stuck out to me as if it was in BOLD letters and flashing!

Keep advocating in love.

LOVE!

Love - a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person.

Just this past week, my youngest daughter and I sat through and read and talked about the "love" chapter in the Bible; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.

You know, this verse is spoken a lot.  But I think we need to remember to include the verse immediately following that says - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."

Here's the deal my friends, we're not always going to agree on "stuff."
Yep.
Even Christians are going to disagree.
And you know what?!?
It's OK!

What's not ok is to make others feel less than because they do not share your same thoughts, opinions, or even values.

Let us not grow weary in doing *GOOD*

Here's what I want to try and convey -
In the middle of a lot of chaos and uncertainty in our country, we need people to stand up and stand together and continue to show love *regardless* of how you may be feeling.

Instead of lashing out on someone for their opinion, could you sit down and have a conversation and hear them out - ask why it is they believe what they do?!  Without the intention of trying to change their mind but rather simply try and understand where they are coming from...
Could we meet together and see what changes we can start helping to make locally, in our own towns and cities?  Because if every city was doing that - imagine what change could start to take place!
Could we join together and pray for our elected officials?
There are a lot of issues we are facing in regards to immigration and borders and abortion and racial discrimination and women's rights and education and gun control and the list continues on...
Just like the very first post - the world has been hurting for a LONG time.  
It's not going to be fixed over night.  
But I do think we need to do our part.


I know some of you who read my blog know me personally where others may not.
And, if you didn't already know, yes - I am a Christian.  However, my intent isn't to push my beliefs on you, but rather just simply be me.  So sometimes, yes, I'll talk about my church, or God and even share scripture.

What it all comes down to is this - I truly believe that we are called to love God and love people.

Plain and simple.

I believe God made us each unique with our bodies and mind.

We are ALL different.

But that's what makes our world so very beautiful!

We are better together my friends!

Instead of us being so quick to tell everyone how we feel, let's take time to simply listen.

Sometimes a response isn't always needed; sometimes people just want to be heard.

These three remain: faith, hope and love.

I have FAITH that regardless of what's going on in our country, God is ultimately in control.

I have HOPE that we can come together and help make needed change.

And I'm sure going to LOVE people in the meantime.

Because the greatest is always going to be LOVE!

xox,

Jenny

Just me and my thoughts...

[Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what's been said to me.]

...Or someone flat-out rejects me, my idea, my invitation, my kids, my project, my whatever, and it messes with me more than it should.

Relationships feel increasingly unsafe. Opportunities feel increasingly risky. And life feels increasingly uncooperative. I carry on, because that's what we girls do. But this nagging sense of rejection, real or simply perceived, is doing more of a number on me than I care to admit. Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what's been said to me.

Rejection isn't just an emotion we feel. It's a message that's sent to the core of who we are, causing us to believe lies about ourselves, others, and God. We connect an event from today to something harsh someone once said. That person's line becomes a label. The label becomes a lie. And the lie becomes a liability in how we think about ourselves and interact in every future relationship...

Excerpt from 'Uninvited' by Lysa Terkeurst

Ok.  Just keeping it real...
This book, although I didn't realize it, is EXACTLY what I needed to pick up last night.
It's been sitting in a stack since Christmas (my sister gave me a few new good ones) and I keep looking at the pile, hoping I would have time, make time, to start reading them.

So I picked this one up and, seriously, only read that first chapter.
It hit me hard.
This is where I am.
Or rather, where I have been.
Or tend to go at times.


This past June, my husband was let go of his position at our church.  Needless to say, it was a tough time for more than just our family.  After much prayer, we felt this was an end to a season and we knew God was telling us we needed to regroup and find a new place to worship as a family.  That was a hard decision and one we prayed over diligently because this church was more than just church to us, these people, they were our family.

This also came in the midst of what I consider one of the most trying seasons in our marriage; Phil's grandmother had passed away, our oldest daughter was dealing with a bully at school and in counseling for personal issues she was struggling with, health concerns for me, multiple issues with our vehicles, Phil's Dad's cancer aggressively attacking his body, my grandfather passing away, me in the middle of an enormous project at work...it was just one of those seasons you wish you could get out of.  And as quick as possible.

And trying to be the glue that was keeping us all together, I kept pushing on.
I kept trying to be the same Jenny I've always been.
I was determined that God was teaching us something through this season and I was sure that one day we would be able to look back and say, "remember that time when..."

I was reminded with today's message at church that sometimes God doesn't take you out of your trial because He wants you to walk through it.

And...because everything tends to register a song in my mind, I leaned over to my hubby and whispered, "It's like TobyMac's song, Move...Keep Walking..."

well, ummmm, he just shook his head and gave a little smile.
Don't let him fool you though...this is one of the reasons why he loves me.

But for real.  Part of the lyrics to the song are:

I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet
I know you’re feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so 


Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet 


Hold on, hold on
Lord ain’t finished yet
Hold on, hold on
He’ll get you through this
Hold on, hold on
These are the promises
I never will forget
I never will forget

I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet
it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet..
 

What I'm trying to get at is this - I kept moving.  We kept moving.
Some days were easier than others.
And to be honest, some days were just plain tough.

You see, we went from being a big part of a church family, to just a faithful few who decided to stand in the gap with us. 
There were times I felt alone.
There were times I felt rejected.
There were times I allowed something that was said to stir up all these things I store in the deep places of my mind that scream to me, "you aren't good enough."


But here's one thing you may not know about me.
I don't allow those thoughts to stay long.
And so I would dive into scripture or devotion and remind myself of who I was and what God has called me to do.

But, then something would happen. 
One thing in particular, I would notice those who I thought were my friends had unfriended me on Facebook.  And I would question what I posted or might have done that would make that happen...because to me, I'm still the same Jenny I've always been.  Do I get on people's nerves because I share about God a lot, quote scriptures, or ask for prayer.  Because that's just me...and I won't change that.  Phil reminded me one night when I was struggling that those who really knew me and knew my heart, would never question it.

But here I was...allowing negative thoughts to take hold and tell me I was just one small person and who am I to make any kind of difference?

I have all these ideas and dreams inside this crazy mind of mine, and I truly do believe we are better together, but how could I make that happen when I couldn't even figure out why someone wouldn't want to be my Facebook Friend anymore.

Real problems, right?
shewww...that's a whole other post.


On the outside, I was doing a pretty good job of keeping it all together.
But, let's be honest, inside, I was falling to pieces, allowing my own self to feel like I had been  rejected.

It was starting to become a cycle in my head and I knew it wasn't going to lead to anything good.

So, what did I do?!?
I started daily focusing on who God says I am to lose sight of what I "thought" other people saw me as.

In the fall, we found ourselves back at the church Phil and I met and it was like coming home.
Our girls are getting plugged in and we are all excited about opportunities we have to get involved on a deeper level.

We ARE better together and we just have to keep surrounding ourselves with the people who will pour water on the fires of our fears and throw gasoline on the passions of our dreams.  We need people who are able to handle us at our worst and then celebrate with us at our best!

All this to say, in order to help someone else along the way, you're going to find yourself in seasons you may just not want to be in.  And, take it from someone who's been there, you HAVE to make it a priority to make sure you are taking care of your self, your mind, first. 

Stay strong and let me remind you as I was reminded this morning, a faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.

So when trials come, and I promise you they will, just keep moving...keep walking!  Sometimes you're not going to soar, sometimes you're not going to run, sometimes you're just simply going to walk.

And that's ok.

I pray that when you find yourself simply walking that someone comes alongside you and walks with you.

I pray that you can be that someone that comes alongside and simply walks beside someone in need.

Let's be a team of people who speak life into others.
Let's be a team of people who share hope with others.
Let's be a team of people who show love to others.

Let's be a team of people who never let someone walk away from you feeling rejected.

For the next 2 weeks our church is fasting.
And the intent isn't to loose weight.  In fact, you don't even have to choose food for your fast.
The point is to fast from some "thing" that takes your time and attention and replace that time focusing on God. 
Our family, daughters included, have chosen to fast from our i-pods, i-pads, phones, tablets, social media, etc.  This is something very new to them so instead of not allowing "screen time" at all, we have set back the allotted times even more so.  My hubby and I included.  And most importantly, once we're all home in the evenings, we have a basket that we'll drop them in until that allowed time so we can truly focus on each other and spending time praying for how God can use us, individually and as a family, this year.

My hope is that God will do just that - reveal to me how I can be used for Him.
How I can take what's in this head and heart of mine to continue to reach others...to help make our world a better place.
To stop relying on social media for validation of something I may or may not be doing right and know that if I'm doing what He's called me to do - His approval is all I need. 

Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me.
Thank you for reading my thoughts when they don't always make sense to me.
Thank you for believing with me that we ARE better together!

xox,
Jenny

I still have a dream...

THIS.

This is how I, Jenny Harsin, feel.

That in spite of the difficulties and frustrations that are surrounding us at this moment in time, I STILL have a dream.

And I believe God has set me apart to help in some small way.

I have a dream, but even more so, I have a vision.

I believe we cannot acknowledge the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. without simultaneously acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.

And the work has to start with each of us individually.

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The change MUST start with us.

Even if it be just one person at a time.

We have to be willing to step out of "comfort zones," to go against the crowd.

To love instead of hate.

To simply look to the neighbor beside you and see what you can do to help make their world a better place.

To come in when the rest of the world says stay out.

Oh goodness...I so want change.

But guess what my friends?!?

You cannot give out what you don't have within. 

I think about this a lot.

Churches, in general, support mission work.

In fact, the majority of the churches my hubby and I have been a part of do so.

But I have found it to be more "world-wide" focused instead of locally focused.  And where I don't believe there is anything necessarily wrong with this, in fact I believe people are following "go into all the world and preach the gospel," I do believe we are missing out on some of the greatest needs right here in our own country, state, county, city, and community.

I'm just keeping it real here...

Sometimes it seems it's a good opportunity for photo ops to "show" that yes, we are making a difference.  Does the mission work not happen if no pictures are shown to document it?

Mission work, to me, is a person or group of people sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work.

Instead of going and helping another country, what would it look like if we got things right, right in our own backyard first?!  Or would it not seem as significant if you didn't cross an ocean to get there?  The photo op in your neighbor's back yard just isn't as appealing, right?

Please hear my heart and don't get me wrong, I do believe that there are some truly fabulous things happening in other countries via mission work - but when do we start to focus on our own country?  When we're the ones in dire need of teams of mission workers coming to us?  When do we come back from a mission trip and notice that while yes, that country doesn't live like we live, there are people within our own country who don't live like we live?  

I just think if we could get it right, right where we are - how much more would we be able to give ourselves to others?

I think locally, unfortunately, churches have become more focused on bringing people in, that we have forgotten that more often that not, Jesus met people right where they were.  And I know some churches are striving to do just this.  In fact, our family is excited to get involved with the program at our church, Adopt A Block.  But there has to be more.  If the "church" was truly loving on the community the way I think Jesus intended us to, I believe our churches would be filled on Sunday morning.  

Why?

Because people would feel the love of Jesus and would want to be a part of loving others.

They would want to be involved with a community that shows love.

No matter what.

And to be transparent, I think more isn't being done, we don't go into the unknown, because we're scared. 

"People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other."  - Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have to start communicating with each other.

We have to be able to talk about our differences by acknowledging there IS a difference.

I believe greater things are yet to come, but it has to start with communication.

Communication will lead towards truly getting to know someone instead of placing them in a box...a box, more than likely, they don't even fit in.

And only then, will we be able to start to work together towards a common goal - making this world a better place, one community, city, county, state, country at a time.

What if instead of talking about, and keep going back to, what "evil men" do, we choose to be "good men?"  

What if instead of talking about 'this is the way it's always been and it's just going to continue to get worse', we step up and say, "I'm going to do my part to change this in my lifetime?"

 And please, don't tell me I'm naive...tell me that you, too, recognize that change needs to happen! 

I have shared this before, but a favorite quote of mine from James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey is a great reminder that we are better together: 

"If you play only the white notes on a piano you get only sharps; if only the back keys you get flats; but if you play the two together, you get harmony and beautiful music." 

Think of what beautiful music we would miss out on if we only played one color of the keys.  But instead, by using both the sets of keys, something beautiful is produced.

That's how I envision our world...working together to create a beautiful place. 

All this to say, that yes, the time is always right to do what is right.

Even when it goes against the crowd.

DO the right thing.

Be willing to stand up and walk the other way.

Be willing to use your voice for someone's who may have been silenced.

Speak Life!

Share Hope!!

Show Love!!! 

Decide what you will do today to help others.

More importantly, "others" who don't look like you.

Wrapping up my thoughts, I personally like this prayer by Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"If I can help somebody as I pass along;

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song;

If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong;

then my living will not be in vain.

If I can do my duty as a Christian ought;

If I can spread the message as the Master taught;

then my living will not be in vain.

Yes, Jesus, I just want to be on your right or your left side.

Not for any selfish reason.

I want to be on your right or left side, not in terms of some political kingdom or ambition.

But I just want to be there in LOVE and in JUSTICE and in TRUTH and in COMMITMENT TO OTHERS, so that we can make this old world a new world,"

TOGETHER (that part added by me)

xox,

Jenny