*My Lifeboat

When we purchased this British Isle cruise we knew that it was almost sold out. So when the travel agent told us that there was only one balcony room left...Don and I were super excited! She was quick to tell us though that the view was “obstructed” and she really had no idea what kind of obstructed view” it was. We told her that we were just so happy about getting the balcony that we really didn’t care. Finally the time came for us to board and the term “obstructed view” kept turning over in my mind as we made our way to our room. I want a good view of those Ireland and Scotland coastlines! I sure hope that it isn’t too bad.

When we opened our stateroom door... I have to tell you that I was shocked. I was shocked because the lifeboat that would rescue us in case of an emergency was actually hanging in front of our balcony! The previous thoughts of “oh we are just happy to have a balcony” flew out the window and in astonishment I opened the glass sliding door and got a closer look. 

While I was talking loudly about the big orange lifeboat that was in front of my face and so boldly ruining the beautiful view, I heard some chatter from the next balcony over. I glanced to my right and there were two couples in the adjoining balconies excitedly talking about the gorgeous ocean view and how beautiful it was. I looked out onto the water. What? Did they not see the eyesore that was in front of their very eyes? 

As I listened I started to feel ashamed. I smiled weakly and waved sheepishly their way when they noticed me. I then quickly closed the glass door and told Don. “I am just so glad to have this balcony room and to be on this cruise.” Don smiled not really knowing why my attitude had changed so quickly.

The couple next to us had a WAY worse view than we had. In fact they had a giant white hydraulic lift in front of them, but her perspective was different. She was looking beyond the obstacle and beyond what was right in front of her and could see the beauty beyond that. She may have had the same reaction as me when she first arrived but the difference was that she had already replaced her disappointment with gratefulness. 

Every morning me and my lifeboat had a nice chat on that balcony. It was lifeboat #7 and held 293 passengers. I kinda thought it might come in handy after all in case this ship turned into the Titanic. At times of course I wished that it wasn’t there but over the next 12 nights it started speaking to me. In fact I even stopped cropping it out of all my photos. It became a great memory of our trip. It reminded me to look higher. 

There are so many times that we dwell on the circumstances we cannot change that looms in front of us. It brings frustration, aggravation and even bitterness and adds nothing to our situation. We wonder why our life would look like if things were different. But by choosing to have a higher perspective we find contentment and then we can easily see the positive and the good in knowing that in everything and in every situation we can encounter joy if we look for it. 

You are Graciously Adorned
🖤Jonna

*As Is

We were in Italy and ordering some food at a quaint outdoor cafe. I am on a Keto diet and I am avoiding bread so I chose the omelette while my husband ordered pizza. I noticed that the omelette on the menu said “plain” and that meant just cheese and there were no other options listed. So I had plans to ask the waiter to add some ingredients such as mushrooms onions and maybe some meat. When I asked the very Italian waiter quickly gave me a loud “no”. I was very surprised and stuttered due to my shock and said “what?” Thinking that maybe with his thick accent I didn’t understand. To which he responded, it comes “as is and that is it”. “You will love it.” he said. So I closed my mouth which was still open due to my shock and awe and said meekly, “thank you”. Now my internal voice was having a quite colorful dialogue regarding customer service, astonishment and some embarrassment. How dare he!

I am used to choices and options and in America we can have it “our way” all the time. In fact if something cannot be altered or changed in some way then we get quite aggravated and God forbid if someone tells us “no”. We will have the CEO on speed dial and post negative reviews on facebook, Yelp etc within seconds on our phones.

I had to remember that we are in a different culture and I will have to set aside some of my mindsets and preferences in order to enjoy this country and the experience. So I straightened my self out internally and made sure that it showed on the outside as well. Let me just say...it was hard! Don was giving me "that" look that said "behave!"

It is so easy to think that everything and everyone has to conform to our ways. Well...maybe our way isn’t the best way. I know that sounds preposterous! But we will never know unless we try something different. So I waited in anticipation for this “Plain Cheese Omelette” and you know what? It was the best omelette that I have ever eaten. The chef really really knew what he was doing and had perfected his recipe.The waiter was so delighted when I responded positively about it...he had no doubts.

What kind of thing are you trying to alter or edit that has been already perfected for you? We have to trust that God knows what is best for us and is the giver of all perfect gifts. I have found myself so many times trying to let God know what plan would work best for my life.
No matter how you feel about what is going on in your life, God reminds us in Isaiah 43 1-5. He knows your name and that you belong to Him. He sees your every move, and there’s no place you can go where He won’t join you. He thinks about you, and He smiles over the idea of you. He will fight for you. He is good. He is freedom. So surrender to His ways. He is the master chef and His plans for you are “As Is”....and they are GOOD!

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you. “So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.


You are Graciously Adorned

❤Jonna

*I Do Declare

The word declare was asked of us many times on our recent trip overseas. As we went from Italy to Spain and into France and the United Kingdom we would have to present our passports to an authorized agent at airports or cruise liners who would then ask “Do you have anything to declare?” Many times we would have to fill out a form called a Custom Declaration that would ask specifics about money, items purchased or if we had any food items in our possession. The custom agents are looking for specifics of what you have and what you are carrying with you as you enter their country. 

The word declare comes from the Hebrew achvah, meaning “to make known” or “to set forth an accounting of.” Anytime I heard this word I would think of its meaning spiritually. 

What we speak and what we have in us and what we possess spiritually is what we declare everyday. I personally have never had a person come up to me and ask me “what do you declare?”...outside of a custom agent. I most assuredly hope that what I declare can be seen visibly in everything that I do. 

You see what we declare is SO much more than some silly bag of souvenirs. We have valuable declarations that people are needing to hear. Our declarations can bring life into dead situations. They can bring hope to the hopeless and cause lives to be saved. So open your mouth and share what God has given you. Your testimony is your declaration.

So what are you declaring today?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” --Proverbs 18:21 

You are Graciously Adorned
❤Jonna