*The Secret Sauce

Every good restaurant has some kind of secret ingredient that sets them apart from all the rest. It is in that unique taste or that special herb that will cause people coming back for more! I had bought a Copy Cat recipe book years ago that mimicked recipes from famous restaurants. I wish that I could say that when I cooked from it that it tasted just liked at the restaurant....it did not. The author of the book actually had not gotten the recipes but was trying to copy it and make it taste as close as he could to the real thing.

There is nothing like the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We can try to live without it but we will be missing out on so much and be left wanting and yearning for more. Jesus did not die on the cross just for us to go to Heaven and live forever more. He was making a way for us to live here on Earth and do it in a supernatural and victorious way. He wanted us to live filled with His presence and His power, just as He did...and He sent us the Holy Spirit to do just that.

In the Old Testament priests of the temple were consecrated; set apart for a higher purpose, by the pouring of oil. It was the anointing of oil that was poured all over them starting at their head and running down their clothes that consecrated them. (Lev 8:12). The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is just like the oil that was poured out over Aaron’s head in Leviticus, only we aren’t sanctified externally, we are changed internally. It is the higher calling of our relationship with God, from knowing about Him to knowing Him intimately.

When we have the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are actually filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. He is the power that changes everything. He is the blessing of God on our lives, making us holy before Him and He is the fragrant presence that sets us apart for His purposes.

The anointing from God is your secret sauce; it will bless your efforts and make them more than you could ever make them. If you have a heart sensitive to being led by God, that anointing will lead you to the steps you need to fulfill your destiny while here on this Earth. The only difference is this secret that we possess needs to be shared and slathered on everyone and every situation you encounter.

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna

*EAS

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national warning system in the United States put into place to enable the President of the United States to speak to the United States within 10 minutes  In addition to this requirement, EAS is also designed to alert the public of local weather emergencies such as tornadoes and flash floods and is partnered to also help out if there is a child abduction. I remember as child seeing the alert come on the television set and many times it scared me because I wasn't sure if something bad was happening or if it was just a test of the system. Now it is on ever cell phone and sometimes it will go off in a public place and everyone will get this really loud and long noise that can be quite aggravating...but it is definitely effective!

The Holy Spirit is our Emergency Alert System. He will nudge you when you are in a situation that you aren't supposed to be getting into. He will give you that "feeling" when you aren't sure what to do. He will also alert you that there is a problem that you really need to address. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us...and if we ignore Him then it is like ignoring an alert that a tornado is coming your way!

So what do we actually do when we hear an alert? We look at our phones and our tv's and then quickly silence it; especially if we think that it doesn't pertain to us. Well if you feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit and alert in your heart...take the time and pray about it. Do not be quick to silence the voice that is here to help you! The more you listen to the warnings then the more you will understand and learn the voice that is talking to you. Much like the president, it is a means that your savior can talk with you, direct you and even comfort you. It is by experience that you learn to walk and appreciate the Holy Spirit about being someone so very vital to you every single day of your life!

Adjust That Crown

Jonna
 

*Enemies

When a man's ways please the LORD, HE maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.                                                                                                  Proverbs 16:7

There is a story of a young reporter who approached an old man on his 100th birthday. "Happy birthday, kind Sir! Can I bother you to answer one question? In all your years, of what are you most proud?" he asked.
"Well," said the man, "I don't have a single enemy in the world."
"Really?!" shouted the reporter, "That's just incredible -- how inspiring to us all!"
"Yep," said the man, "I outlived every darn one of 'em."

I don't care who you are; in life you will have enemies. You can be the sweetest person and the most agreeable and still have people who don't care much for you. Sometimes it just has nothing to do with you! You have heard the term that hurting people hurt people? Well it just happens sometimes.

What I do love about this verse in Proverbs is that the very important word "He" is the most important and powerful part of the verse! Did you catch it? "He", that is, the Lord, makes even [a man's] enemies be at peace with him. All we have to worry about is making sure that our ways are pleasing to the Lord and He will do the rest!

When our path is straight, and God is the focus of our journey, then our ways will please Him and He will make even our enemies be at peace with us! We don't even have to worry about out-living or even out-smarting them..... Now if that isn't a great thing then I do not know what is!!

Adjust Your Crown!
Jonna

*Seeds

One of my memories as a child is watching my grandfather eat watermelon. He planted the seeds, tended the ground, harvested them and then invited a bunch of people over to eat watermelon. We would all sit outside and he would pass the salt shaker around. He loved salt!  He would pour a hefty amount of  salt on a slice and after a few bites he would spit out the seeds. I tried to do that and ended up swallowing them all. I takes talent to sort seeds at the side of your mouth while chewing and eating! I remember my mom telling me that if I swallowed those seeds that a watermelon would grow in my stomach! Boy did I make sure I didn't swallow anymore after that. haha

Even though seeds can be a pain while eating it is truly one of life's greatest mysteries. How can such potential be packed in such a small package? It is packed full of DNA to give life to so many things. In fact everything around us came from a seed. Just think about that for a minute. The chair that I am sitting in the clothes that I am wearing were all just tiny little things that were bothersome! Each individual seed has information to transform itself into something bigger and greater and replicate itself.

The Word of GOD is designated as the "seed" (Luke 8:11; I Pet. 1:23), the growth of the believer is compared with that of a plant (John 15), and the evangelization of the world with the harvest (Matt. 13:30). And these are only some examples of the symbolism of the "Seed of Faith". It's very necessary that we firmly grasp this truth, which, in essence, means that although we have so little to offer to GOD, the possibilities of faith are unlimited. When we take some of our strengths, faith, resources and abilities, and we deposit them in Him, as a seed is sown, we receive the assurance of a fruitful harvest.

Just like my grandpa who had a green thumb; we can also have a great harvest if we just plant that seed in the right places...tend to it and give it daily care and make sure it gets all the SON it can get...it will grow into something you can share and enjoy with everyone around you :))

Adjust that Crown

Jonna

*A Changed Mind

"You can change your hair, your clothing, your address, your spouse, your house....but if you don't
change your mind...then the same situation will occur over and over again." TD Jakes

I remember when my Iphone freaked out on me and I went to the Apple store to try to get some help. Somewhere somehow something went wrong when I was trying to update my phone that it just didn't work. I couldn't find any of my contacts or my photos and most of my apps were gone. My ITunes account wouldn't recognize my phone either! It was very frustrating to find out from the Apple representative that I had to reset my phone back to factory settings. The guy told me that I apparently haven't been backing my phone up or updating it when new software setting came up. The new software was there to make my phone better and had many security upgrades that I really needed to protect my phone and all its contents.


This is how most people live their lives; in default mode.  They go to church and experience something powerful, something freeing and new and yet when they walk outside of the doors they go back to the ways things were before. You can cry and plead and shout but when you get back home you go back to default. It is aggravating and frustrating but it is a way of life for many people.

God doesn't just want us exposed and effected to great teaching and revelation. He wants us to AFFECTED by it...he wants it to become a part of us. He wants to be downloaded into our hearts and into our spirit so that we can be stronger and wiser. Never to go back to default....

Until I change what my default  setting is...I will continue to go back to my original default because despite changing everything else I didn’t change my mind. Once you have a changed mind about everything around you then and only then can your heart change. There is NOTHING as powerful as a changed mind. It is the tenacity to rise up and say "enough" to your circumstances and your way of life. It is the pivotal point of great change in your life.

My prayer is that today you embrace all the promises within you and you have the faith to battle the will and emotions that flood your mind. I am asking God to help you change your mind...I am asking Him to RESET your default to the place that you are at now...NEVER to go BACK again.

There is NOTHING more powerful than a changed mind...


Adjust That Crown

Jonna


  

*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