*Speak to your NEW NORMAL

Are you tired of the way that the world seems to be? Maybe you have gotten sucked into the griping,
complaining and the bad attitude that you see  modeled around you everyday. It isn't supposed to be YOUR NORMAL! Honking your horn at people and shouting might be what you see on your drive into work but it isn't supposed to be YOUR NORMAL! Getting offended by comments on social media and shredding someone via a "rant" to prove your point about the Jesus you love isn't supposed to be YOUR NORMAL! Slandering businesses and people because you were treated unfairly or bad isn't supposed to be YOUR NORMAL! In fact a lot of what I see Christians do isn't supposed to be their normal behavior...but it looks as if it is. This is a growing and consistent problem and a horrible witness to the loving power of Jesus Christ.

We aren't to be like the "normal people" because we aren't normal. John 17 speaks specifically about Jesus not being of the world just like His followers weren't. So I guess it is safe to say that we are ABNORMAL. So because we are abnormal then we know that our behavior, our actions, our words should be different from everyone around us. You have to find your NEW NORMAL!

Declare what you believe your new normal should be. Use your mouth to speak it into existence. If you are in debt, start confessing favor and abundance. If your child is always sick, start confessing health and wholeness. If there is division, chaos and confusion in your home, declare peace and unity. If you are finding yourself mad and angry all the time; re-evaluate your heart and make it right. Anger and malice isn't from God! Make faith-fueled declarations; for example, the Bible says that while others may be cast down or brought low when it is normal to be at the bottom, for you and I, we will remain lifted up (Job 22:29). Start adjusting yourself to a NEW NORMAL; start basking in the abnormality of a peaceful family life that comes by God’s grace.

Embrace that YOUR NEW NORMAL is actually quite ABNORMAL because it is in Christ!

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

You Are Graciously Adorned

Jonna

*Hedge Maze

In life some paths we take lead us to where we never wanted or thought that we would ever go. I have been on my smooth paths, some beautiful paths as well as some that were painful as well as scary. Trust me...I am geographically challenged and I have gotten lost plenty of times. It is amazing where one missed turn can get you! What I do know is that whatever way that I decide to take it had better be the path that God wants me to go on.

Just because we pray about a direction and we 100% feel it is the right and "Godly" thing to do doesn't mean that it is going to be easy. That is a common misconception! I have traveled in directions that I wanted to turn around and run the other way because it was so tough. I wanted to find the easy tollway or a shortcut to get me to where I am going. It is that instant gratification that our society loves. The get rich or get skinny quick ads that always get me!

Most of the times we really do not know what our journey holds. We just have to choose to put one foot in front of the other and let God direct us to places that we have never been before. He sees the bigger picture...we just can't.....until much later down the road. Life sometimes reminds me of those giant English gardens where they have those really tall and thick Hedge mazes. When you are in the middle of the maze it can be quite intimidating. The hedges are tall and you can't see your way around any of them and don't even try going through one of those bushes. All you can see is what is right in front of you. When you finally find the exit it is funny how it all seems so easy! Of course...knowing the answer now makes it all seem simple. I call that my Ah Ha moments. When I am at the end of a hard situation and I finally realize why I had to go through it and I am now actually so glad I did because I learned something! And I know that the next hard thing I encounter I will be empowered by my last accomplishment.

Our real measure of our relationship and faith in Christ is our ability to act based on what we don't know. It's the ability to stick with it even when we can't see our own way. It is in the not giving up and the tenacity to trust and know that God is with us and He is going to get us through. We grow in great faith when we focus on Christ instead of focusing on the path before us.

2 Corinthians 5:7 "We walk by faith and not by sight."

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna

Acknowledge Him

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."     Proverbs 3:5-6

Leaning on our own understanding is comparable to walking with a cane, and putting most of our weight on it. If the cane lands on uneven ground or it lands at an awkward angle then we can stumble. If it lands on unstable ground such as stones or water then we can fall. The cane doesn’t know which way is safe and which way is dangerous. It just goes where we put it and it can only provide stability to the degree that we have chosen solid footing for it.

According to Strong’s Concordance, the word “acknowledge” in Proverbs 3:6 includes compre­hending, considering, being diligent, instruction, being aware, having respect, understanding, being acquainted with, and being related to. It involves the kind of understanding that comes from personal relationship, in addition to the kind of understanding that comes from diligently paying attention to  instruction. When we have a close personal relationship with the Lord, and pay close attention to what He tells us and shows us, then He will direct our paths.

I don't know anyone who wants to live their life on a "crooked" path...that sounds hard and possibly scary. So the Word says that if we do these two things and then do not do this one thing then He will make our paths straight:

1. Trust in the Lord
2. Lean NOT in your own understanding
3. Acknowledge Him in All your ways

Acknowledgement is the key here to the promise to this scripture. If we would just consider, comprehend, be diligent, aware, have respect and understand who GOD is in our lives and how that He wants to be involved in EVERY aspect.  Then when the time comes to make a decision we will FIRST consult Him instead of thinking of Him as a last panicky resort. Acknowledge the fact that we have a loving, forgiving and wonderful Father that just longs to have relationship with you and help you in this journey of life. If and when we get that right...well...our paths will go straight to the destiny and purpose that God designed just for us! Acknowledge Him! Acknowledge Him!

Adjust That Crown

Jonna

2016

Ahhhh the New Year Resolutions. Every year I make them and about 75% of them I do not carry through. Being aware of needing to grow and learn is a great thing and if you have no aspirations to be different...well then more power to you.

As the years start to fly by though I am made so much more aware of not wasting my days. That feeling of wanting to make a difference surfaces with much more vigor than it did when I was in my 20's or 30's. The fleeting thought of being close to 50 kinda slaps you in the face. Then you start to look at  your life, your attitude, your spirit and you evaluate.

My evaluation came up with this poster that seems to sum it up pretty nicely. I have things I want to accomplish in my life and I am going to do it! I am motivated, excited and have some tenacity to get them done. So as I reflect back on 2015; I can see the failures and the short comings but I can also see the things that I did right. I want my "right" list to be a little longer than my "wrong" list!

I do believe that this new year is going to see a new me...the "me" that God wants. I am not going to shy away from responsibility or opportunity; I am going to take it head on. I want to be fierce in that I take on things with confidence and I will NOT let the words of others...or even my own insecurities cause me to back down into a hole of defeat.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Adjust That Crown

Jonna

*Auld Lang Syne

Here is the proverbial answer to the question: "What on earth does "Auld Lang Syne" mean?" Written by a Scottish man Robert Burns; the confusion over the song is really funny because most people think it is about forgetting old friendships from the past and making new ones in the New Year because that is the only part of the song that most people know. The title of this Scottish tune translates to "Times Gone By" and is actually about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten.

I know because I have been at those parties where everyone sings loudly...."Let old acquaintances be forgot and never brought to mind"...and everyone cheers because EVERYONE knows someone that they want to forget about in the new year. We can all think of a person that has been hateful, rude or mean to us in 2015. I have a few I am thinking about right now! haha.

As painful as people and bad relationships can be; we don't want to "forget" anyone. We learn from those mistakes and we learn from the ugly as well as the beautiful. By forgetting them we only bury what we haven't dealt with yet in our own hearts...unforgiveness.

So as you ring in the New Year of 2016 and you most likely will be singing this song...remember your friends and acquaintances and decide for yourself to let go of the bitterness, hurt and resentment that might be attached to your heart. People will always be in your life and sometimes you do not have control over that; but what you have in your heart...well that is totally under your control. So sing it loud and sing it proud that you will NOT bring any unforgiveness into 2016 no matter what!

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."  Colossians 3:13-14

Adjust That Crown

Jonna

Repeat The Sounding Joy

The plum pudding is gone, presents unwrapped, the tree is now barren and the Christmas music is no longer playing. The holiday joy and wishes of peace on earth are slowly fading away. The "most wonderful time of the year" is going, going and now gone. 

So what is to happen to the "Joy to the World" that we sang relentlessly about since Thanksgiving? Because it feels awfully depressing to take down all this festive stuff and just go back to normal! I want to keep my stuff up all year long! haha One part of the song where it says "repeat the sounding joy" has always gotten my attention. I think back to the shepherds that the Angels appeared to as they proclaimed the birth of Jesus. They spoke of a great joy that was for all people and that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger. Can you imagine the excitement when the shepherds finally caught up to Jesus and found Him just as the Angels had said! I am sure there was some major joy involved! In fact I am sure they repeated what was told to them to everyone they met!
 

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

 

Their joy was resounding...definition according to Webster's... producing a loud, deep sound that lasts for a long time, leaving no doubt, very definite. 

So even as all the festivities are fading away; our JOY should still remain. In fact it should never leave us and should be a deep, definite and loud sound that we carry and spread everywhere we go. Joy to the World, our Savior reigns!

Adjust That Crown

Jonna

*Jesus VS Santa

 

Santa lives at the North Pole...     JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh...
     JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year...
     JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies...
     JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...
     JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...
     JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap...
     JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...
     JESUS knew our name before we were born.  Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
     JESUS has a heart full of love

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...
    JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"...
     JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys...
    JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
    JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...
     JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross.

-Author unknown

 

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"  John 3:16

 

Adjust That Crown,

 

Jonna

Hallmark Christmas

I love this time of the year because you can watch Christmas movies literally 24 hours a day! Between Hallmark, and ABC Family you are set up for lots of evenings on the couch with a cozy blanket and hot chocolate! I so love to turn out the lights expect for the Christmas tree and just enjoy transporting myself to another world. No season is complete without watching, A Christmas Carol, Elf and Christmas Vacation.

The funny thing is in all the Hallmark shows and as well as my favorite movies...there is always a sweet person that is just loving the season and a grumpy person that seems to fight with the other. We love to watch the scrooge make a turn around and come on over to the Christmas loving side. It is why that these movies are so wonderful. They all have amazing and miraculous endings that leaves you with a possible teary eye and of course an all around great feeling about this time of the year.

Now my family is no perfect unit and they sometimes resemble the beginnings of some of these movies and shows....actually it is more like the Lifetime movies. Haha. Hallmark usually doesn't have death and betrayal in them like Lifetime does; but they do have hard situations which are always resolved in the end; not to mention it is ALWAYS a white Christmas! Sometimes I wish and wonder what it would be like to finally have some of my hard family issues finally over with. The movies sometimes make me feel wanting more and wishing I could do more to make it all better.

It is okay to transport yourself to a "fairy tale" world sometimes but when we have those same expectations for our own friends, life and relationships...well...it can leave us disappointed. 

Some of our dysfunction will never be resolved on this side of heaven.  But if we let Faith, Hope and Love rule in our hearts this season; you might just be the one to make someone's holiday a little less like a Lifetime drama and more like a Hallmark ending. It could happen!

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna
 

*Fear Not

    

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.                                                                  Luke 2:8-14

Charlie Brown is known for his unique shirt, Snoopy associated with the cute little bird Woodstock and Linus is most associated with his ever-present security blanket. Throughout the story of Peanuts; Lucy, Snoopy, Sally and others all work to no avail to separate Linus from his blanket. And even though his security blanket remains a major source of ridicule for the otherwise mature and thoughtful Linus, he simply refuses to give it up. Until a very special moment in the part of the animated movie, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." When he simply drops it.

In that wonderful scene when Linus shares "what Christmas is all about," he drops his security blanket, and I am now convinced that this is intentional. Most telling is the specific moment he drops it: when he utters the words, "fear not". Looking at it now, it is pretty clear what Charles Schultz was saying, and it's so simple it's brilliant. The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears.
The birth of Jesus frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves.

The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.

The world of 2021 can be a scary place, and most of us find ourselves grasping to something temporal for security, whatever that thing may be. It is very difficult for us to "fear not." But in the midst of fear and insecurity, this simple cartoon image from 1965 continues to live on as an inspiration for us to seek true peace and true security in the one place it has always been and can always still be found.

Adjust That Crown!
Jonna

*Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

 The lyrics of this song turned story speak of a reindeer named Rudolph who was identified by his shiny, glowing nose. The author speaks as if this is not unusual, but the other cast of characters find it almost disturbing or disconcerting to see someone who is different than they are. It is not until Christmas Eve, the most important time of night for delivering of gifts, that Santa has an epiphany (who knows what he has been thinking up to this point) and realizes Rudolph is really a gift to help him through the foggy world. Then, and only then, do the other reindeer accept him as their own.

I guess I had gotten used to this story and didn't really think much about it. But then again I hadn't seen the cartoon in YEARS. My boys had seen clips of it and was horrified at the prejudices and the comments in this seemingly "sweet children's story". They noted that the start of bullying began at the North Pole. haha

Yes this story is not that very different from what we experience in our world today. How many prejudices do we see everyday on the news and in social  media? How sad that we don't identify as one large human race, but rather in our minds have come to segregate based on skin color, status or God help us...political party? And like Rudolph, is there ever redemption in this seemingly cold world from one person to another?

If there is anything we do deserve as a human race it is God's judgment. I can't speak for you, but I have disobeyed and saddened my savior many times. The fact we are still here is a monument to God's undying and seeming unquenchable love for us. In fact, while we were in the act of doing things that God hates, He sent His only Son into the world to save us. The message of Christmas is that the Incarnate Christ came to die for us. In other words, Christ did not discriminate in His offering of salvation.

So this Christmas, why can't we put our prejudices aside? Are there people in our family we despise? When we go out shopping, will we stomp all over each other to grab the latest and greatest gift? Will we turn a blind eye to the people who really need us? Or will we step up to the plate, stop our bickering, realize it is God's desire to use us as vessels of His mercy, and protect those who need our help? After all, Christ helped us.

What better thing to do than to be the one lighting the way to those who are lost?

Adjust That Crown,

Jonna

*The Thrill of Hope

O holy night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name

Adolphe Adam 1847

I love the section that mentions a "thrill of hope" in the previous song lyrics from, Oh Holy Night.

Thrill defined uses the words excite, inspire, delight, exhilarate, stir and electrify. Jesus coming to Earth brings man such excitement because of the hope that He brings.

For hope to exist though unfortunately hopelessness exists as well. A perfect world wouldn't have any need of hope. Freedom from hopelessness arrives undeservedly and perhaps unexpectedly, just as in the unlikely way God came to Earth. Who would have even thought of this entrance into our world...I would have thought of a more royal entrance instead of a virgin birth involving a manger. But our minds and thoughts are in no way like God's. So with that being said; I have no idea of the plans that God has for my life in the future or how all my issues will be resolved, or even what miracles I'll be blessed to see this Christmas. Things can look bleak to us but that's where hope come into play.

The Good News is all about the Hope that was brought in the form of a baby in a manger.

But what I do know is that I have a thrill; an excitement and a delight that my God is in control and that He has given me this gift of hope...that in His timing and in His own ways...He will make things in my life turn around for His good. All I have to be is believe and be faithful that He is out working it all out.

Romans 15:13 is a great Christmas prayer for you: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Adjust That Crown,

Jonna

*The Love Chapter Christmas Style

 

 Remember that whatever we say, think, feel or do....filter it through LOVE!

 

•​If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I am just another decorator.

•​If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of sweet Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I’m just another cook.

•​If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

•​If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

 

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though busy and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure forever. 

                                          

  1 COR. 13 –  A CHRISTMAS VERSION 

 

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna

Inn Crowd or Stable Few?

…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,because there was no room for them in the inn.
                       Luke 2:7 NIV

The Stable Few

When I think of the Nativity, I think of a man named Joseph, who wasn't technically the Father, choose a child over his disbelief.

I think of a young mother Mary who chose faith over ridicule and shame.

I think of two young people who risked everything for a child. Who were brave enough to face a long journey only to have a child in the most inconvenient of places.

I think of Shepherds who had a life changing experience; who got to see angels in all their glory singing what I am sure was an amazing song.

I think of Wise men who accepted the prediction in scriptures, followed a star and brought gifts to a baby they said was born King of the Jews.

The Inn Crowd

I think of a inn keeper who would not give up his own room or another for a pregnant woman.

I think of a man (Herod) so disturbed and threatened by this child that he would declare that all boys in Bethlehem under two be killed.

I think of all the people who mocked and hated this baby when he became a man. And the people who do this even still today.

I remember that when I put myself first, when I am unkind, or (insert ugly behavior here) that I might as well join the Inn crowd.


But...I remember why this baby came in the first place. This unique circumstance and that the beauty of the Nativity is the gift behind it:


NO MATTER whether I am with the Inn crowd or the Stable few,
His birth was a gift to humanity, to me:
I am forgiven.
I am loved anyway.
He came for me.
He is for me.
I will be with him for eternity.


I remember that a long time ago a baby made such a huge impact that the majority of the world celebrates His birthday...on this wonderful day called Christmas!


Adjust That Crown!
Jonna





 

One Sweet Night!

I love the scene that I get in my mind when I think of the Christmas story; all the beautiful angels with white flowy gowns and the star filled night with singing and shepherds looking on in wonder. In my mind it is so peaceful and majestic and perfect. What a wonderful story and image the nativity brings.

 

 

But when I really really start to think about all those details surrounding the story...I start to realize that it wasn’t really so sweet. The baby Jesus always looks perfect and serene in the nativity; all sleeping; no colic or gas. We all can agree that sleeping babies are totally sweet, right? What about this travel plan that involved a pregnant woman riding a donkey and lets not forget the husband that didn’t make advance reservations at the hotel. Anyone been there? That can cause a trip to go bad quick. Right? I often wonder why people practically worshipped Mary…now I know…if she endured this without complaint she is deserving of sainthood! To give birth to a baby in a barn next to smelly and noisy animals; no to mention having complete strangers gawking...can be quite a daunting thing!  It doesn’t sound so sweet to me...actually something quite like a disaster and quite dysfunctional at that.

 

And let’s not forget the family is being chased by Herod because he wants to kill all the babies, then the life of Jesus being misunderstood by many, accused and betrayed by the ones closest to him, and beaten and hung on the cross by the very people He was trying to save. So when we just reframe it all in this perspective;  SWEET is a far cry from the truth!

 

Speaking of things not being sweet. Have you ever ate Wasabi, sauerkraut, brussel sprouts or any other horrid item? Well I don't like any of those either...but there is this West African fruit called the “taste berry” or “miracle fruit” that when eaten with anything sour or bitter...they all taste sweet! It is an almost tasteless berry that contains a protein that binds to the taste buds on the tongue to cover the bitter receptors that then causes everything to taste sweet!

 

Jesus came to give us the tools we need to get our earthly issues and bind them up in heavenly places. Just like the protein that covers and fills in the bitter and the sour part of the tongue….Jesus gives us hope, gives us peace and gives us joy so that we can endure even the hardest of things and have faith to get through them. Now THAT my friends is SWEET!

 

 

There is nothing like the peace of God that passes, transcends and goes way over and above all Earthly understanding as stated in Phillipians 4:7 You may be going through some really hard thing but I am here to tell you that you need to hold onto hope. You need to ask Jesus to bind your hurt and to fill you with faith…He is your present help in time of need. Jesus can take all those things that you are feeling drowned by and he can make them sweet. I didn't say that He will take it all from you...but what Jesus came to give...the joy in the middle of heartache...is one of the SWEETEST presents that anyone could ever give or receive. Jesus is the sweetest name that I know and that is why the Nativity scene to Christians can be one of the most precious stories ever told.

 

Adjust That Crown!

 

Jonna

 

*Inconveniences

This morning I woke up to the very loud and piercing sound of my smoke detectors alerting me to a power outage. It is November but it still feels like summer around here so after 30 seconds of no air conditioning I got out of bed. The dogs started whining and I let them out. I proceeded to the bathroom and flipped the switch...no electric. I went to the kitchen and put my cup under my keurig...no electric. I will be honest other than laughing at myself...it frustrated me. I can't live like this!

Little inconveniences can be quite frustrating! They are annoying and are often time consuming. But in the middle of it all there is always something to be thankful for. When I finally realized that I had a gas stove that wasn't affected from the power outage....I put my tea kettle on and had some hot tea. In the midst of my irritation I found something to smile about. 

What about you? Is there anything in your life that you can just look past the muck and the mire and find something to truly smile about? I am sure you can....if you look hard enough :))

You Are Graciously Adorned!

❤ Jonna

*Assumptions

I like to help around the church office every once in a while. I heard my husband talking about his
incredibly early flight that he and our executive pastor had in the morning and I thought I would take matters into my own hands. I googled flights and in just a matter of seconds found a time that would fit them better AND much cheaper. One gold star for me!

Well to my dismay; the flight that I booked for him to the city of Charleston was to the wrong state!!!! Imagine my surprise when I got a call from him at the airport and he told me! I was shocked and embarrassed! Who would have thought that there was an airport listed in South Carolina and in West Virginia with the same city name?

Oh my face turned even redder when Don told me that the only seats on the right flight were in first class and they were a cool one thousand dollars! Yikes! I found myself saying, Well go for it! haha. Of course he wasn't going to do that. I hung up the phone and prayed. Oh my did I mess things up!
A few minutes later I got a call from Don and he said that a manager walked up and told him that they could get on this other flight with no extra charge if they left "right now". Of course they jumped up and ran and called me when they were getting seated. I wish I could say that all turned out great at this point....but their golf clubs AND their luggage didn't make the switch.

Sometimes when you don't know all the information and you are just looking from the outside in....you can make assumptions that it isn't being done right. The fact in this case was...the flight that they got was the best one available. I jumped in at the last minute thinking I knew more than the secretary who booked it...and made a big mess. What lesson did I learn?

Assumptions can get you in trouble...in fact you can think you know what exactly is going on....and later find out that you were FAR from the truth. Communication is the key and if I would have talked to the person that made the arrangements first...well this blog would not exist and my husband would not have a ban on me ever making ANY travel arrangements for him or for the church! haha.

When in doubt...do not assume anything...ask!

You Are Graciously Adorned!

Jonna

*Giving Thanks for the Little Things

"Only he who gives thanks for little things receives the big things. We prevent God from giving us We pray for the big things, and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet not really small) gifts. How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from him the little things?  If we do not give thanks daily for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed, even where there is no great experience, no discoverable riches, but much weakness, small faith and difficulty; if on the contrary, we only keep complaining to God that everything is so paltry and petty, so far from what we expected, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow according to the measure and riches which are there for us all in Jesus Christ."
the great spiritual gifts he has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward, eargerly for the highest good. Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experience that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious.
- DIETRICH BONHOEFFER, exercpt from "Life Together,"

ahhhhh Selah...there just anything for me to say or add :))

Adjust That Crown

Jonna
 

*Life is Like A Theatre: Invite your Audience Carefully!

Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives.
There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a DISTANCE. Seriously! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible,not-going-anywhere relationships or friendships. Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention to how you are influenced.
Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know or appreciate you? The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row of your life and who should be moved to the balcony of your life. "If you cannot change the people around you, CHANGE the people you are around."

Remember that the people we hang with will have an impact on both our thought processes and ultimately our actions. Jesus hung out with the down and out and the sinners but he influenced them in a positive way. In our lives we must have our focus and our eyes on Jesus who is the one we are watching and trying to be like in our Center Stage. We need to be striving to be like HIM so we should be surrounded with "heroes of the faith"...people we want to be like and who are going to help us be more like Jesus.

We never want to forget about the back row friends or those we had to place in the balcony of our lives. We should love and respect them as people but not let their words cause us defeat or cause us to REACT. We need to be people of ACTION that is thought out and timely; filled with the love of Jesus and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that those "balcony or back row people"will eventually be influenced by us and come on down closer to the front as we learn to not just be a disciple but to also disciple others.

          Adjust that Crown!
          ❤ Jonna
 

Burger King Crown

We all love a crown...even if it is a Burger King crown. I remember being a kid and putting on that flimsy paper crown and instantly walking straighter and holding my head higher. Then telling my siblings, "off with your head!" It is funny how even being a small child you realize the authority that comes with wearing something on your head.

Most of us would say that we are not deserving of a crown. In fact we would say that we are meek and lowly and would never be worthy enough to wear something of such value and title. Well I am here to remind all of you that we have eternal crowns that we will wear in Heaven so why would we not consider it here on Earth?

There are five Heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. They are as follows; the Imperishable Crown (1Cor 9:24-25), the Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thess 2:19), the Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), the Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4), and the Crown of Life (Rev 2:10). The Greek word translated “crown” is stephanos and means “a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor.” This word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards of Heaven that God promises those who are faithful.

So if we are going to rule and reign in Heaven; why wouldn't we rule and reign here on Earth? Well I am here to say that is what we are supposed to do! We get confused about why we are here...we are to spread the love and the saving grace of Jesus to everyone we meet! We are the ambassadors of Christ! Since we represent Him and are actual kids of the King then of course we wear a crown...whether we like it or not...whether we think we are worthy or not. It is a lie from the enemy to believe that you are less. You were made worthy by the precious blood of Christ...not defined by your past or even what you did yesterday.

So straighten your back and sit like you are of worth because you are. No slouching...because we all know that causes your crown to slip. If your crown falls...well put it back on for goodness sakes! No one is perfect on our own. Now speak and act like you have the authority of all of heaven at your fingertips. We are to be a light to the World and to cause change and betterment of our communities and our homes...we can do this by speaking life and speaking the truth of Jesus.

Just share your story...it may not be much but it may be everything to someone in your path. You may see yourself as wearing a flimsy crown but Christ sees you through His Righteousness and that my friend is the most valuable crown of all.

Adjust That Crown

Jonna











 

Why We Chose Halloween Hot Spots

Christians get kinda weird when it comes to days like Halloween. All over social media I have noticed strong opinions; some condemning others who are participating or are dressing up. I have noticed many scriptures flying around and passionate statements being made regarding churches and their hypocrisy.  Some think we should ignore the day altogether and hide out and pretend that no one is home. Others want to have a "Fall Fest" at the local church and dress up like Noah's Ark characters and have games such as a Jonah and the Whale fishing game. Others think we should be praying and interceding for the evil going on around us. While there is nothing particularly wrong with any of those things we have to remember that people have different convictions based on many different things. Some have come from the occult and want to stay as far away from anything related to it. Others try to balance it all out and participate but on a more wholesome level. Then there are the group that have no problems dressing up as Dracula, ghosts and serial killers.

Who is right and what is the stand that the church should take on this holiday that originated as evil? Well there isn't one answer. We all have to live according to what we feel is the right thing to do for our families. We just cannot condemn others who do not look at it the way that we do.

 MercyGate Church decided their stance by looking at their vision statement. We are a church where we want lives changed, relationships restored and destinies discovered. In order to do that we have to get out of our four walls and go into our neighborhoods and make relationships and connections with people. What better day than to use Halloween as a networking time?

 MercyGate Halloween Hot Spots are like neighborhood block parties. We gave each neighborhood representative from our church money to purchase inflatables, food, candy & signs. Each of these locations represent our church.  They invite all their neighbors and multiple families from our church show up to help run it. The environment is one that isn't "come and go" but "come and sit for a while" while your kids play games. This gives us a unique opportunity to actually have a conversation with people we normally would NEVER talk to all the while their children are having a great time and getting candy and snacks!

^14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."        Matthew 5:14-16The Message (MSG)

We are to be a light to this world and are called to love our neighbors...so what is better than inviting all your neighbors to your house?  Think about it....What other day in the year do complete strangers come to your door, ring the bell and wait for you to come and answer! What an amazing opportunity to get to know people when they are out having a great time smiling and enjoying the evening.

We as Christian have got to start being strategic. What we have done in the past has not worked and will not work for the next generation. So if you aren't part of one of the Halloween Hot Spots then you need to go get some candy and get prepared to greet and bless people as they come to your house. We cannot and will not let the enemy take over this day....even if you have a little kid dressed as Freddie Krueger at your door saying "trick or treat". We claim every person and every soul for the Kingdom. That is what Jesus called us to do.

Adjust That Crown

Jonna

 

No longer a Slave to Fear

"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God," Romans 8:15-16

Have you ever been paralyzed in fear? The feeling of not knowing what the future holds and even how to respond can be one of the worst feelings. All of the sudden all kinds of scenarios of what might happen or what could happen are flying in your head and it is just scary. You feel like you have no control and no matter what you do it could be the wrong decision.

Well as you can tell I have been there too. While a little bit of fear is normal and can be healthy; ongoing continued anxiety and stress isn't. Living fearful is a horrible slave master because everything is filtered through the "worst case scenario" concept. I don't know about you but having those nightmares and dreams makes for many restless and sleepless nights.

God is the miracle worker and He can work out things that our little minds couldn't even imagine!
All we have to do is call on Him and He will be there for us. No situation is so bad that God wont walk it out with us.  In fact He will be the one inspiring us and giving us all the reasons to rejoice. and move forward. Our deepest fear becomes NOTHING in the light of His presence. He is the perfect Father of all fathers. We are "fearfully and wonderfully made". Psalm 139:14

Our fears may creep up and try to torment us, but if we focus on God's beautiful hope they will fade into something insignificant. God will never forsake us, reject us or stop loving us. We will never be destitute. We will never be unloved. We will never be shrouded in loneliness. Fear is no longer our master. We can have true freedom from fear because we have someone greater living within us than anything in this world and all we have to do is call out Abba Father!

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna 

*Come Out Ready

Prayer is so very important in our lives but I am going to say that watching is as well. In fact, Jesus about this subject to His disciples in Matthew 26:41, when He said, "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation... " He said this immediately after getting onto them earlier in the same chapter for not 'keeping watch' with Him while he was agonizing in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.

I would like to stop right here and ask why are we often willing to pray but often unwilling be the one on watch? I don't know about you but anytime I have watched a movie where someone has to take watch while the others sleep...I have always wondered if I could stay awake. Haha. I am not a night owl. Keeping watch can seem boring and lonely. Also I wonder if you think that "what is one person watching going to do?" There is a big forest out there and surely I will miss something. Also...we have an omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent God who is able to do all things. He will protect us and keep us safe, right? After having a little talk with Jesus we can just sit back and relax, go to sleep and He will handle it all for us!

I am going to warn you...It is our responsibility to watch as well as pray because our adversary is sneaky like lion, seeking, hunting and planning for his next victim to devour. No matter how we look at it; we are in a fight and most of the time we are the object of the hunt. The worse type of fight to be involved in is one where you didn't even realize you were in. It is called spiritual warfare and we can't just let the "heavenlies" take care of it all. Our "guardian angel" isn't going to protect you from all the fiery darts either. Lethargy, complacency and exhaustion will find us as easy targets for things that we never thought we would be involved in. In boxing, it NOT the punch that you see that causes you the most damage...it is the punch you don't see that usually knocks you out.

I will not claim to know a whole lot about boxing but what I do know is that once that bell rings you are supposed to come out with your hands up ready to fight. Your opponent is not obligated to wait until you are absolutely, positively, one hundred percent sure you are ready to fight. They aren't going to wait for you to tie your shoe or adjust something and just hang back with courtesy until you get it all together. The same is true concerning the devil. He specializes in waiting for an opportunity to attack you when you are most vulnerable, especially when you are not paying attention.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."                                                                       Ephesians 6:10-18

The full armour of God isn't just a great topic for a sunday school class for children...it is the way that we were meant to live every single day of our lives. Every morning we wake and put on every tool that God has given us so that we can be prepared and ready. It isn't just an "object lesson" for us to say is cutesy and cool...it is full on warfare! You may be saying, wow...being a Christian and being in this "fight" doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Well being in the world and being in that misery sounds much worse. We are fighting for our freedom in Christ, our purity, our minds, our families, our destinies, our purposes in life...our joy. It is so worth it to take a little bit of time out of our day to prepare and be ready for what the day brings. Getting our minds and spirit right and ready to hear from God so that we can advance His kingdom is a powerful and life-giving thing.

Athletes do not gear up just to hang around and watch tv and chill with friends. When they take the time to tape those knuckles, get that heart rate up, put on those boxing gloves....they are ready for action. Start your day today ready so that you will be prepared and mindful of anything that comes your way...and you will overcome it with God on your side.

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

*Dreams

There is nothing more wonderful than seeing your dreams or the dreams of others fulfilled. Recently I went on a trip with my oldest son Trey. He had always dreamed of going to Scotland and Ireland and I had the amazing opportunity to experience it with him! He had worked so hard to save up his money and we planned for months for the perfect trip for his 25th birthday. Trey told me, "Mom. I don't want wait until I am older to see the world or do the things I dreamed about. Why not do it now?"

I loved the look on his face as he experienced the history, the architecture and the scenery of the place that was only but a dream before. It thrilled me as a parent to see the excitement and even the tears that he encountered at times on our trip; and it brought such joy to my heart.

As I stood on the edge of a cliff and looked out into the ocean and took in the most overwhelming of views; I couldn't help but think that what I was experiencing with Trey is what God wants for me. God wants to sit back and see the dreams and destinies of my life fulfilled even more than I even want to see them myself! He longs to see the potential in me to surface. He wants me to live out the calling He has destined for my life.

Yet I get those dreams and visions and even promises that I know that I have and put them on a shelf the for another time, another season, or another year. I have other things to do or focus on. I tell myself that maybe next year or maybe it wasn't even meant to be? I love the attitude of Trey..."Why wait? Why do when I am older what I can do now." I remember him also saying to me, "I don't want to grow up and have regrets."

 What about you? What do you have that you are putting aside that you can actually start to set in motion even today? You can take one small step today towards something that is near and dear to your heart. Revive those dreams and make it happen...anything is possible!

You are Graciously Adorned!

❤ Jonna 

Husbands Crown

Proverbs 12:4 “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”

Who wears a crown? Someone of royalty or great stature—likely a prince or a king. Yet, how do you know that he has that high position? By the crown he wears on his head. Without the shiny, gem-studded crown, he would just be seen as an ordinary man. But it is the crown that shows off his true position, the truth about who he is.

I saw in that simple picture how a wife has the opportunity to show the world the truth about who her husband is. By her behavior, she can showcase whether he is just an ordinary man or whether he is one who stands above the rest and is worthy of respect. In this way, our actions as wives affect more than just ourselves; they directly reflect our husbands, as well, even if they had nothing to do with the action in question.

And when we choose to wield it wisely—conducting ourselves with “noble character”—a wife becomes a crown that her husband can wear proudly. It is not a plastic toy that a child would wear, but a real treasure that makes him walk taller.

It’s a truth that is really quite powerful. It can be something of great opportunity—to shine for the sake of our spouse, or it can be one that begets misery, bestowing instead disgrace. The difference depends completely on how we treasure this truth.

Recently, I was recalling this mental image and I realized that it doesn’t just end there, between a wife and her husband. The Bible is rich with the allusion that an earthly marriage is merely a reflection or a preparation for the eternal union that will bring us together with Jesus. He constantly touts himself as bridegroom and us as his bride.

So just as we can be a crown for our earthly husbands through our actions, so can we be a crown for our eternal husband, too, in the way we act. Our behaviors—especially that of serving—should showcase the greatness of the husbands we so dearly love, both the one we share a name with now but also the One who awaits us in the life to come.

This article re-posted via iBelieve, written  December 26, 2012.

Adjust that Crown!
Jonna