*Approval

No matter how old or young or what stage you are in life...we all want some type of approval from peers, parents and those in authority over us. But what do you do when you never hear those words that you “think” you really need and yearn to hear? 

First of all,  Approval defined is the action of officially agreeing to something or accepting something as satisfactory or the belief that someone or something is good or acceptable. Synonyms to approval are acceptance, agreement, consent or permission. 

Admitting that we desire approval or validation from others is difficult, but recognizing it in ourselves is even more difficult because it is so very subtle. It gets hidden well beneath pride and low self-esteem. When we seek validation, we evaluate ourselves and others based upon external behaviors and choices, not on what Christ has done. 

Second Corinthians tell us, “For the love of Christ compels us . . . and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (5:14-15). We are loved by Christ, as shown in His death and resurrection, therefore we have been given the ultimate validation. This is the only true validation we need, and we have it.

God’s validation teaches us to regard no one according to their spiritual gift, their personality, their likeability factor, their racial or cultural background, or, yes, even their choices on open-ended issues. We regard them according to Christ’s validation. So does that include ourselves? Of Course!

I will admit that it hurts to not get approval in certain situations. There was a time in my life when I thought..."If only THIS person would say this or do that...then everything would be okay in me." What I was doing was putting someone else's opinions and reactions and placing it upon myself. When this person would not "take the bait" and compliment me or even acknowledge me about a certain accomplishment or success then I would be so upset. I put so much on this person to be my approval. I felt like a failure UNLESS they said this "something" and I just knew that when they finally would speak it...that it would just propel my life to another level. Haha. Doesn't that just sound outlandish?? 

It does sound outlandish but we all have been there. Approval from people doesn't come like we would like it. My husband has said for years, "Not everyone will celebrate with you." I had heard that over and over but I never truly understood what that meant for me personally. I had to come to the point that I don't need ANYONE to point me out or give me praise. God knows what I am doing and it isn't for the praise of people anyway. It took me a while to get to this place in my life....and it didn't happen overnight. 

We all want to feel accepted and approved. The desire to fit in somewhere lies within all of us. We try on different identities, seek out different places, and search for our best fit. But if we listen close enough, we will hear a voice inside that tells us that we don’t belong here, because we are not from here. So you will NEVER find totally acceptance or total "completeness" with any human. We belong with God, and until we seek our acceptance and approval from Him, we will always feel just a little bit like an outsider. 

Our true validation is knowing WHO we are in Christ and that means that CHRIST knows exactly who we are. He validates us every single day by speaking to us and loving us unconditionally. His grace and mercy never end and they are renewed to us every single day. Praises from man are temporal and fleeting. God's praises and His validation echos through eternity. 

You Are Graciously Adorned
❤Jonna 

*Seek Peace

The Bible is filled with verses that can bring peace in the middle of struggles, worries and fear.If we ask God, He promises us HIS peace "that passes understanding"! Use the below Bible verses when you feel overwhelmed and are unsure the next step to take.

The best thing you can do when you are filled with anxiety and worry is to find a quiet place to pray, read Scripture, and listen to encouraging worship music. God wants you to have a life lived to the fullest and that includes being at peace! So SEEK it out and pursue it!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 

Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11 

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace;the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.James 3:18

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.  Colossians 3:15 

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!  Psalm 29:11 

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Psalms 85:8

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.                Psalm 119:165 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.  2 Thessalonians 3:16 

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  John 14:27 

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.   Micah 5:4-5

Most people who lack peace simply have not taken the time to pursue it. God's peace comes to those with the personal discipline to stop in the midst of the craziness of life and take time to seek Him. It is a condition of peace that we cease from life's activity and know Him. He commands, "Be still, and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10.  .."And to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Him, He gives the gift of peace. " Isaiah 26: 3-4

You are Graciously Adorned!

❤Jonna

*Snow Day

Snow Day. It is a term that much in South Texas do not know much about...firsthand that is. We hear

about it in the movies or on the news but we really do not know the significance of a "snow day". Well we had our first hard freeze yesterday and about all of the state "closed" down. There really wasn't much snow to speak about...it was actually an "Ice Day". It isn't that we are afraid of ice and

snow...we close down because we don't know how to live in it or function in it. We don't have the infrastructure built with ice in mind so every overpass is a death trap and we definitely do not know how to DRIVE in it. Our cars aren't suited with the right tires and we don't have all the life saving items that most people up north keep in their trunks of their cars in case of freezing temperatures. So because of ignorance we shut everything down so that people can be safe and encourage people to stay home.

There has been many times in my life when I just didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to respond and I didn't even know what to think about a situation. I had never been to this place before and really was ignorant to my next step. It is in these times that I believe I have been called to my own personal "snow day". A day to stay put, a day to rest, a day to not go anywhere or even be productive...a day to just be quiet. Because Lord knows if I speak it would be the wrong thing and I am pretty sure people will take it the wrong way! Spiritual snow days are a great thing and as Christians we should take more of them. It isn't really that we are ignorant...it is just that we need more Godly wisdom and sometimes in order to get that we have to be still and hear God's voice. 

Sometimes we just need the additional strength and we need the new direction to take a problem or situation head on. We all have the infra-structure inside of us, but depending on our level of maturity, we might not have the experience to actually use it effectively. So its okay to take a break and step back to make sure the right decision is being made...go for it! There is so much wisdom in not answering or responding quickly and taking it to prayer. There is actually power in it. God doesn't want us afraid of taking a step but He fully wants us to be engaged with His heart and in His direction and we can't fully know what He wants if we never take any time to be alone with Him. 

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”    Psalms 91:9-16

Psalms 91 is a beautiful representation of where we can go when we are in need of an answer and when we are in trouble. It is one of my favorites. It makes me feel like I can do anything! I feel like I am a warrior carrying a sword when I read this. I start getting this looseness in my neck and I start feeling all tough and finding myself saying "Bring it on!" The really cool thing is that God is the one that is going to fight our battles. We just need to conduct ourselves the way that He has instructed us to. We have to have the faith that He is going to work things out but as the same time we have to do our part. God will give you the words to speak and He will give you the next steps that you need to take...we just need to have the faith to see it get carried out.

Don't wait for a crisis to overtake you...take some INTENTIONAL Snow Days. Take the time to cuddle up and enjoy the sweet presence of Jesus while the world is going crazy around you. You will be refreshed, renewed and ready to take on anything and everything with the right attitude, the right answers and with God on your side. So the next time something hits you blindsided...don't find yourself unprepared for the moment....be ready and on task to take it on!


You Are Graciously Adorned!

❤Jonna
               

*The Truth

There are so many wonderful phrases around to encourage yourself these days. There are an unlimited amount of memes and scripture photos that are so beautiful and I love to share them on social media. I also see a whole lot of them that contain phrases that at first sight are good but as notice them shared and I read the comments; it worries me that people actually believe some of this stuff! One I see a lot is "Follow your heart" or "Be yourself and don't care what anyone else thinks." Another popular phrase being tossed around is "My truth" or "Your truth". I have been seeing that a whole lot lately and in a lot of Christian circles. Although I do not object to using this term; it irks me at the same time. The term "my truth" actually refers to the thoughts and feelings that someone is experiencing and believing to be true at the moment. It is how a person sees something and feels about a situation. That sounds harmless, right?

It is harmless until you start living by your feelings and emotions and letting your "truth for the moment" guide you. Everyone has truths that they live by. Our society unfortunately has watered down what "truth" really means. To some truth is subjective and totally reliant on preference and opinion. Others believe truth is a collective judgment, the product of cultural agreement, and still others flatly deny the concept of truth altogether. 

First of all we must understand that a “truth” that contains even a hint of bias is no truth at all. God’s Word is clear. The moment we give our lives to Jesus, we are new in both spirit and mind. But if we’re to be “transformed by the renewal of [our] mind[s]” we must pay closer attention to our thoughts Romans 12:2. For, thoughts ultimately dictate emotions, and it seems biases grow best in the head of corrupted thoughts and emotions. And we all know that feelings lie! Feelings are not the Christians TRUTH...our truth is the Word of God. It is the one things that never changes and should be the basis of everything that we do, everything that we feel and everything that we believe. It is our TRUTH!

“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool” Proverbs 26:28

“The heart is deceitful above all things" Jeremiah 17:9

When we let our feelings lead the way, we end up making a lot of unwise, ungodly, self-focused decisions—and making a mess of our lives. We also become prone to “picking and choosing” our truth—receiving the things that make us feel good, and rejecting the things that don’t. We find ourselves bitter and becoming disconnected from the things of God. The enemy wants to separate us from the truth that is found in the Word of God. Finding us alone, upset and feeling unloved and undervalued is a really big strategy of the enemy as well. The enemy wants us to be confused about how we feel and what we believe and he has been doing a great job of it.

God cares deeply about each one of your painful past experiences and each one of your current struggles. We must always remember that receiving His truth—not running away from it—is what leads to clarity and victory. The answers and “reasons why” may not always be immediately clear. But if you learn to place His unchanging, eternal truth far above your own feelings and experiences, you will soon begin to experience freedom, faith, and heavenly perspective beyond what you ever thought possible. You have all heard that term "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!". It isn't a quote from Shakespeare...like some people actually think...it is a scripture found in the Bible found in John 8:32. 

Knowing the TRUTH and feeling your truth are two totally different things. Our truth is grounded in who Jesus is. God's word is the only foundation that is true and just and unchanging. Your feelings if left unchecked can flutter in the wind going here and there and leaving you fragile and vulnerable..and lost. 

When you find yourself hurt, upset and emotional about something here are a few strategies to make sure you are aligned with the truth of the Word of God:

1. What is THE truth about this hurt or situation?
2. What does God's Word say about how to deal with a situation or a feeling like this?
3. Pray about your heart and if there is any direction that you need to take to resolve it. 
4. If you are not able to resolve it on your own go to someone in authority over you and ask them to help you. Friends are great to consult about something only IF they are Godly friends that you consider a mentor. They should pray with you about it and you together regard the Bible in how to resolve it or move forward. 
5. Depending on the hurt it may take time to get over. Protect your heart and be aware of your emotions and feelings. Always have in the forefront of your mind and your day this: "God. Show me your truth today. Lead me and help me to follow your ways and not my mind or emotions. Thank you Lord for bringing me victory. You are the prince of peace over my thoughts today and I will dwell on who you are in my life. Help me today to remember who I am in Christ. I am an overcomer!" 
6. It is helpful to declare scriptures over your life every day and when something starts to enter your mind that isn't lined up with the truth of God then you will be more than able to recognize it and strike it down. 

There isn't anything better than living in harmony with others and in the freedom that only Christ can provide. As you declare small victories in regards to your mind and your emotions you will realize that it isn't that hard at all to be free of offense and hurt and being overwhelmed by your emotions, because God is leading you and He is YOUR TRUTH!

You are Graciously Adorned!

❤Jonna

 

More of Him

That’s why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.
John 3:29-30, The Message
#YouAreGraciouslyAdorned

*Naughty or Nice

This time of the year you hear a whole lot about being “naughty or nice” and if your going to make it on the good list. It is all fun and games with Santa and it gives us a good laugh. Thankfully though that no matter who you are or what your past looks like...WE ALL are on Jesus’ “WORTHY” list!

Jesus was sent to this Earth and born as a baby, and this shows us that God determined your value already! He saw you as someone who was worth paying the ultimate price for. He gave His Son for YOU and for ME!

So if you don’t find the right gift under the Christmas tree today, just remember that the best gift you could ever ever get... you already have and that is in Jesus. He wrapped himself in human form because you are worthy and you are valuable. All you have to do is unwrap it and receive the gift of salvation. It is the greatest and most wonderful gift of all.

Happy birthday Jesus!


Graciously Adorned
❤Jonna

*Double Crossed

Have you ever felt like you had been double crossed by a friend? I think it happens to the best of us.

Wounds like that cut deep and can take years to overcome. It leaves you shocked and in awe of what even happened and it makes you leary of anyone else close to you. I have been there several times and it never gets easy.

Jesus was double-crossed. He was at the Last Supper with his beloved disciples, shortly after He had washed all of their feet and He quoted these words; "He who shared my bread has turned against me." (John 13:18) Jesus knew that Judas would betray him yet he loved them anyway. Jesus could have pointed at Judas and called him out...he could have made quite the scene but he didn't. His love for people far exceeded his need to be right and justified. WE are called to love people....even the ones who hurt us.

Love is a verb...an action verb...not just a saying. It requires action from us to truly love people and in times of hurt that is really hard to do. Yet Jesus reminds us of our greater purpose, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35.

People are watching you and that isn't the only reason to live right...but it is one to think about. Living the way that Jesus taught us will bring joy and perfect peace into your life. If you react emotionally and lash out at others it only makes you feel worse later. It is normal to be upset and to feel crummy when a friend does you wrong but we need to look to the example that Jesus set before us.

Jesus loves with an unconditional love and we can too. My prayer is that you start blessing your enemies and in time forgive them and declare great things over their life. Before you know it you will have released the hold that the hurt had over you and you will be free. Free to love again and free to trust again. Because in life you will be double-crossed not once but multiple times and we have to get out there and be vulnerable again and again in order to live the way that God intended us to live.

My friend you were made for this.

Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*The Underdog

I have always been a sucker for the "under dog". The one that no one expected to make it, the one that no one seems to pay attention to. Even as a child I would forfeit my friends to go after the one that I felt was alone. I would feel guilty to be enjoying myself and to look out and see someone suffering. Why is that? I have thought about that a lot. Parts of it is that I am a middle child and I have this "lets make everyone happy" syndrome and another part of it is that I see people and their potential. I want to help people rise up even if they do not want to. This my friends have gotten me into some trouble in my life.

Present day issue. Let me introduce rescue dog Roxie into the picture. Two years ago I thought it would be a grand idea to add another very difficult and rowdy dog into our household. He was abused and crated most of his life and didn't get food for long stretches of time so she had this orphan mentality that I just knew I could get out of her system. Well...two years later all havoc has been wrecked in our yard, home, family and to my sanity. I cannot control this animal but I feel so sorry for her. I want to love her and I want her to learn to behave and to be a good dog like my Harley. Why can she NOT just learn by example??? I cannot take her anywhere, I cannot let her out of her kennel in front of company and I most certainly cannot let ANYONE go out into the backyard if she is there. So in essence I am a prisoner in my own home because of this dog. She dictates what we do and how we do it. I am humiliated every time I have to bring her to the vet or the groomers BUT still I do not want to give up on her.

I see the potential in this beautiful dog. I see what she can be and I want her to get there. The only thing is that I am finally at a point where I have to step back and say that it just isn't healthy for me or for this dog anymore. This relationship has to take a turn in order for her to grow as well as me not to hate her.

In your life you will have compassion for people and for situations that you just know that you can help. This is what we are supposed to do. The problem is we don't always know the time when it is okay to move on or to refer someone elsewhere. Maybe a problem someone has you just don't have the power to fix it so you need to release them to find help. Maybe you need to let someone go because it isn't healthy for you or your family anymore. That is okay. You tried your best and you have to be honest and admit that it isn't failure...it is progress. We are not going to be able to FIX everyone that we encounter and sometimes we will just be a small part of what people experience in their lives. That is okay...just make that experience the BEST you can.

So saying all of this I am trying to let everyone know that I am going to move on with Roxie. I found new place for her. I am sad to say but yet being real to let everyone that she went to a Airedale Rescue Group. I like to think that I didn't "give up" on her but I realized that what Roxie really needed was professional help and that is what I found for her. I think about her and of course I miss her but I also rest in the fact that she is living with someone that loves her breed and most importantly understands and can help her with her issues.

Loving the underdog can be painful and you will not always see the transformation before your eyes. But let me encourage each of you to continue to search for people who need help and never underestimate what a kind word or a little help will do for someone. Your little bit just might be just what someone needs to get back on the right track to a happy and healthy life.

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"  Acts 20:35 ESV

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."    Proverbs 19:17 

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’"  Matthew 25:35-40

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*Guard Your Heart

You can effectively protect your car from theft, your home from burglary, your property from damage, your financial interests from failure, your body from personal illness and injury, and even the borders from terrorist attacks - and yet fail in protecting this one, all-important thing? This one singular failure will effect every area of your life.

Guarding your heart is the most important thing that you can do!!

With all the latest technology such as anti-theft devices for your car, video cameras and audible alerts for your home whenever someone comes close...what do you have for your heart? Who is watching it and how will you be alerted whenever something comes close to invading? It is a great question.

 Dear friend, listen well to my words;
    tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
    Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
    body and soul, they’re bursting with health.

 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
    that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
    avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
    ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
    and the road will stretch out smooth before you.Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.  

Proverbs 4: 10-27 The Message

Proverbs 4 puts it very plainly that if we keep attuned to God's voice and we concentrate and do not lose sight of what is truth and what is right then we will be bursting with health and the road will "stretch out smooth before you"....I don't know about you...but that sounds very good to me! 

Praying and reading the word sounds so fundamental and not very high tech...kinda like when you are tying to find a good diet...and you realize that none of them will work unless you exercise and restrict those calories! It is truly so very basic. If we abide in HIM and His words abide in us then we can ask what we will and it shall be done. (John 15:7-8) Sound good to be true? Well it works if you work it! 

Guard what comes in your head my friend!

You are Graciously Adorned 
❤Jonna

*You are Responsible for YOU

You are not responsible for the choices of those around you, but you are responsible for you. 

With all the drama on social media and in the the World sometimes we just need to be reminded. Don’t let a disruption in your relationships be caused by you. There may be times that you realize that peace cannot be found because of the attitude or opinions of others....but as for you...YOU seek PEACE at all costs. Sometimes it may seem impossible but you do have access to some pretty incredible things....you know the greatest source of peace...the Prince of Peace!  

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:9

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

As Christians, we ought to be known as peacemakers. We should reflect the character of our heavenly Father. Now there is a BIG difference between Peacekeepers and Peacemakers....one doesn't get involved in the mess but balances to keep peace; where the other goes into a situation and is confrontational and MAKES peace. I am not saying that peacemakers confront in the natural; although at times it is needed. Peacemakers confront what is going on in the spiritual world. You do know that everything that has an action has a reaction, right? You have heard that before in regards to physics? Well everything in the natural has a spiritual element as well. If you find yourself in a physical fight with someone....I guarantee you that there is a WHOLE lot going on in the spirit. 

We are called to be people of peace and we sometimes call it down from Heaven! Our fight is not with flesh and blood but principalities and powers of darkness. If we can get this in our heads and in our hearts then we will not take everything we hear and see personally. We won't ever get bitter and hateful because we are aware that the enemy is after our hearts, our lives and our families and we will go straight to prayer! We will not attack others but pray for others...this is the effective way of peace.

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” Ephesians 2:14

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

Jesus is our ultimate example of what it looks like to be a peacemaker. He left heaven to live on this broken earth, to be rejected and scorned, die a brutal death, and bear the full measure of the wrath of God in order to make peace with mankind. Being a peacemaker is not a glamorous role, but it reflects the beauty of who God is. 

You are not responsible for the choices of those around you, but you are responsible for you. 

You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*Good Gravy

If we think about something and talk about it constantly; we tend to make it way bigger than what it really is. Have you ever done that? Sometimes when I make gravy I will add too much flour and then in an attempt to even out the proportions I will add too much milk which in turn leads to more flour....does anyone know what this is like? I end up with a large pot of gravy instead of a pan! haha. I have been known to use almost a whole gallon of milk making breakfast for 4 people. Even despite my cooking mishaps; my family thinks that I make some really goooood gravy....and that is a great thing because can anyone say...breakfast for days??? One thing that I know really well is if we aren't careful....our troubles or a situation – can get really out of control.

I don't usually get hot and bothered about things...in the past I have ignored stories that circulated about me or my family...can you imagine? I am sure you have been there. You know...the complications of life, church and family. It is the things that you just have to deal with and try your best to not let it get to you. I thought and thought about this one situation for days and the more I thought about it – the more upset I became. My chest even hurt and I felt myself think bad thoughts about these people and even felt myself pick them apart. Who are they to say these things? I was feeling justified. I mean...how in the world do people come up with this stuff? It is quite creative for sure!

The point is...I let it get to me. I tried to think and analyze and try to figure out how I could go around and squelch the situation and make it all better. I could go talk to so and so and find out who she talked to and then maybe go to those people. I mean...I can't have this stuff out there, right? So I went to bed with a heavy heart and even took some Benadryl to make sure I slept because my mind was revving like a race car. I woke up late the next morning and as soon as my eyes opened I realized that it was a new day and God gave me new mercies....and a new revelation.

God is going to fight for me! Yep...we have all heard it and I know ALL about it but I had been focusing on how I was FEELING and not on the bigger picture. I had thought so much on trying to defend my character and my family that I forgot about WHO I am in Christ.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

I woke up hearing the echoes of the scripture in Exodus, "Jonna I will fight for you and your family. You just be still." God will take care of His people!  Now the previous evening I was making plans and schemes and trying to figure out how to defend myself and prevent my "reputation" from getting smeared and stop the slander! Now today I can actually say that I don't even care. Let me tell you what God will do if you will let Him. He can give you this thing called PEACE...that even you cannot understand.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:7

The most important thing we have to do to stay right with God and relevant is to guard your heart. Kind of like making gravy...if you don't stand there and pay careful attention and stir it then you might just suffer from over-boiling which will cause it to get too thick and then you will have to add milk...well...you know the rest. Our hearts have to be watched. We cannot afford to get bitter and be upset about things that aren't eternal. A really good indicator that Don has had in the past when he talks to the boys about issues they bring up is this..."Son, Is this issue a heaven or hell issue? If it isn't then you need to let it go." Those are wise words.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:15-16

So remember today to guard your heart with a watchful eye that it stays sweet, kind and loving...it is the best way that people will know who you belong too....is by the love you have for one another. I want to love people and not speak evil about anyone...I will be a truth teller and that isn't ABOUT people but about God and who He is in my life. Create in me a clean heart oh Lord, and renew a right spirit in me.


You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*Excuses

There are many mornings when my Fitbit alarm vibrates endlessly and I sleepily turn it off....and do it 3 more times. Yes...I have multiple alarms. I might need to add a 4th actually. Do you ever just "talk" yourself out of doing what you really want to do? It is just like there is another person inside of you that is the rebellious one that continually talks you into making bad decisions! I have for years blamed it on my "Fat Cells". I would say that my fat cells are in cahoots with sabotaging me and they just do NOT want to leave my body! So they wreck my diet and my exercise plans so they can stay on my hips and thighs! Let me tell you...my Fat Cells are strong! haha

In reality and if I am going to be honest...I just really do NOT want to get up early and exercise. It just sounds like a lot of work and it definitely doesn't sound fun. When I have thoughts about exercising it is generally when I am eating something bad and I make a decision to 'start tomorrow'. Can I get a witness from somebody??? I tell myself "tomorrow" or "Monday"...that sounds like a great starting day BUT something always happens and my schedule and life gets in the way. Yes I have great excuses; in fact if I wrote a book on really good excuses...it would be a BEST SELLERS! I have came up with some doozies!

Now what I do know is the truth to all of this and I even know how to get myself in shape. I have a church full of fitness fanatics so knowledge is just a phone call away! Unfortunately the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Heard that one before? This kind of mindset translates over from the physical to your spiritual life. I have noticed that when I make excuses for doing anything that calls me out of my comfort zone in the natural....I most definitely will not do it in the spiritual. I KNOW the truth in all of this but yet like you I am sure....we all have to start applying it.

We are the ONLY ones who have control over setting priorities in our lives. I have had work out partners and exercise buddies but I have found that when they stop...so do I. I have to make the decision to do it and do it for ME and not for anything or anyone else. Just like being fit in our bodies is so very important to our health and wellness...our spiritual man has to be just as fit to stay on course and fulfill the calling that God has placed on our lives!

The key I have found is setting our my exercise clothes, finding my cute and matching socks and my tennis shoes and getting them all ready for the morning. If I do this then I will be successful...I have prepared myself for the task and when I start to think of excuses...well half of them are eliminated because of my preparation! Just like with exercise your devotion time needs to be carved out of your day and be set out in advance for you to be successful. We will NOT reach our goals if we do not prepare ourselves and our hearts for it. And I have noticed that once I have had a few days up and exercising and doing my devotions....you won't believe this...I actually like it! I am starting to process the "pain and agony" as results that I can see and that I can feel inwardly and outwardly. Don't let the enemy sabotage you the happy and healthy life that God wants you to have!


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phillipians 4:13

You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*Overwhelmed

I overslept. I somehow didn't hear three alarms and woke up an hour late for an appointment. Then I got up and stumbled around not able to decide what direction to go. I got in the shower and someone just used the last of the shampoo. I was out of dog food. I didn't have any coffee. I had decided that I was too tired to go grocery shopping the previous night and now I regretted it. I forgot to turn on the dryer and the outfit that I was going to wear was still damp. At this point I just sat on the couch in my robe and hair that I just washed with dishwashing liquid...and make the genius decision to just get back in bed....wet hair and all. I know that sounds extreme...and pathetically enough...it is all true! Sometimes things just get bad and yes and when we aren't organized; it can lead to chaos and add to anxiety. 

Let's look at the word overwhelmed according to Dictionary.com: "to turn upside down, to overthrow," from over- + MiddleEnglish whelmen "to turn upside down" (see whelm ). Meaning "to submerge completely" is mid-15c. Perhaps the connecting notion is a boat,etc., washed over, and overset, by a big wave. Figurative sense of "to bring to ruin" is attested from 1520s. Related: Overwhelmed; overwhelming ; overwhelmingly. 

When we are constantly in a state of being overwhelmed we are actually in ruins spiritually! As the definition explains it is like you are washed over by a big wave and turned upside and in ruins. That is  exactly how I feel on the "high stress" days! Now I don't think that a child of God can have a good testimony if they are always in ruins! There is a time when we need to look up and say, "Jesus take the wheel!" and let go of it all. God has given us the power to take control of our emotions and our day...we just need to bring Him into the picture. I have noticed that when I do not start my day with some Jesus time that the busy days gets a little out of control. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful Colossians 3:15. Let us not forget the amazing time when Jesus in Mark chapter 4 spoke to the storm and said "Peace be still." We need to speak into our day, into our calendar, into our homes and our jobs. We will NOT be ruled by the craziness of schedules and expectations and we will not live in stress and worry but we will be people of PEACE. 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Jesus didn't say that He was "overwhelmed by the world"...He said that He OVERCAME the world. So because He overcame it...you can be an overcomer as well THROUGH the work that He already completed just for you. 

So look up today in the middle of your mess and speak peace...you know...that peace that passes ALL understanding that only comes from your heavenly Father and then do your part!



You are Graciously Adorned

❤ Jonna

He Will Rewrite Your Story

Whatever your story, God can rewrite it. However long you have been in your situation, God can turn things around in your favour. Abraham waited for 25 long years but he finally received the gift of a child. The woman with the issue of blood for years was instantly healed and made whole with a touch of the hem of His garment.

The Lord Jesus himself was in the tomb for three days but he came back to life! All these speak of God’s power over every force that threatens your well being.

Whatever is holding you down, trying to block your destiny, or creating roadblocks in your progress, it WILL let go.

You will be free, you will be restored, and you will be victorious. All you need to do is to completely surrender to His authority. The Lord says, “If you believe, you will see the glory of God” – John 11:40.

All you need is to hand your cares over to Him and in faith let Him re-write your story.


You are Graciously Adorned

❤ Jonna

*The Bad Days

Everyone has a bad day...being a Christian woman and mom isn't about being perfect and always having days full of sunshine and rainbows. It’s about those days where you want to just pull the covers over your head and call in sick. It's those days when you stuck your foot in your mouth or you over-reacted and wished that you could jump in a time machine and turn back time. Like...to back when you were a teenager!

Your battle scars – the bad days, the imperfect moments, the times where you were overwhelmed will become the stories that you will ultimately share to teach others. They will be the words of wisdom that you whisper to that new mom about being brave and it will be the story that you tell to that newlywed who just got married and laugh together about your mis-adventures as a new wife. Our bad days often times become our best memories of lessons learned.

Our bad days are in reality pathways to our good days. How would you ever even know if it was a really, really good day if it wasn't for the bad ones?? And believe me...I have had some really bad ones! If today was one of those bad days for you.... just remember that today was just part of your story....but it isn't your whole story. Tomorrow is full of new and wonderful possibilities to get it right...not perfect...but right. So sleep well tonight and know that His mercies are new every morning and open your eyes tomorrow with a clean slate and an opportunity for a do-over.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*Waiting

God wants us to know that waiting is FAR from a passive activity in which we do nothing. In fact,

Scripture teaches us that God wants us to actively participate in the work He desires to accomplish. Waiting strategically can cultivate good things in our lives such as patience, perseverance, and endurance. Waiting also draws us closer to God and points those who are watching us to the the one who has the answers.

Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage....Proverbs 27:14

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

We have a choice, a decision, and a way of life to choose. What are you opening your heart, your mind, and your soul to encounter in the hard and stressful moments of life? I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in my life and hopefully others will see it as well. 


You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna

*Cultivate Your Life

Transformation is on-going and messy. You have to get your gloves on and work at it. You have to dig and cultivate change and navigate the worms and the dirt. You can’t just ask God to transform you and magically it is done. He will do His part…but you have to do YOURS!

Don't be someone who believes in Jesus, yet isn't staying close enough to Him to grow. Root yourself in good spiritual soil so you can grow to become the person God intends you to be.

Allow yourself be cultivated and broken. Be willing to dig deep and let God's truth take root in you. By confessing your sins and turning away from them, you invite God to cultivate your soul so faith can grow there. Don't be afraid of the dirt!

Remember God's promises that He will use all situations - even the worst circumstances - to accomplish good purposes in your life if you trust Him. When you encounter suffering, open yourself up to receive God's love in the midst of it, and invite God to use it to the fullest to help you grow.

Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.…Psalms 37:3-4

You are Graciously Adorned

❤ Jonna

*The Baader-Meinhoff Phenomenon

The frequency illusion or the Baader-Meinhoff phenomenon is the phenomenon in which those who  just learn or notice something start seeing and hearing about it every where they go.

This happened to Don when he bought his first truck. It was a beautiful Ford F-150 chestnut brown King Ranch pickup that had beautiful saddle seats. He was so excited that he had this unique vehicle that he had never seen before and was just thrilled with it. On the way home from the dealership we were so surprised to see another King Ranch truck on the road. The next day we saw another. Unfortunately we began to see them EVERYWHERE. Don's very "unique" truck turned into something that everyone else had!

The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon is truly just a normal thing. Selective attention is when your brain reacts to certain ideas, words, and things. After seeing these things, confirmation bias kicks in - where you interpret these sightings and actually look or listen for them so you think you are seeing more of it. 

When we put on our mind daily on Jesus it will surprise you how much you see Him in your daily life when you didn't see it before. Now that every moment is on Him you will experience life in such a new and fresh way. Keep a daily commitment of on-going prayer as you go about the mundane; somewhat like a mix tape playing in the background. You will truly be amazed by all the wonderful "phenomenons" that take place when you keep your mind on HIM. 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Isaiah 26:3

You are Graciously Adorned
❤ Jonna