Dear Friends......

Dear Friends,


I haven't written much lately, partly because I am busy doing life and partly because some of the things that require the most reflection are too raw and private for even "The Vulnerable Mom" to share.  It is a difficult season of life, and it has only been in continually seeking the truth of God that I am not drowning.  I spend a lot of time in my garden and with my "projects".  I have an air mattress in my closet and have made a "Mom Cave"/"War Room".  I print out affirming statements and Bible truths and post them on my walls. 


God is faithful.  Rachel is participating in a Worship in the Arts camp at Northland this week.  Justin attends church each week with his girlfriend, and Hannah during one of my "temper tantrums" piped up that "This sounds like the demons".  The girls join me in my "cave" and get me to laugh when I am down.  God has always provided the strength and resources that I have needed when times are rough and gives me blessed rest in between.


I wonder what my next step will be.  I want to do so many things, and sometimes God says, "Nope, you need to stop and be here instead."  I've been battling iron deficiency anemia for months now and after many, many tests, I still don't know why.  I know lots of things that I don't have and am so very thankful for that, but it is frustrating to live in the unknown. 


So, for now, I wait.  I do the next right thing, and pray that I am not failing miserably.  Sometimes, I feel so very confident and other times, I question myself. 


I am scared.  I know I shouldn't worry, but I am on edge, awaiting the next battle.  Fortunately, the "God of Angel Armies" is always by my side.  I do not need to fear. 


Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.


In Christ,
Jenny


P.S.   Come see Rachel sing!  Mark your calendar and come out this Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at Northland, A Church Distributed to support the young artists as they lead us in a celebration of Christ as the Bridge to God. A love offering will be taken to support the Trauma Healing Institute in Central Florida in partnership with the American Bible Society. 
Trauma Healing Institute serves communities all over the world in the aftermath of tragedies. Your donation will go towards funding trauma healing trainings for leaders and facilitators to be held in Central Florida, following the recent tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub.

Jackson Heights Middle School Cheer Competition Routine April 2016

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

This is one of my favorite songs.  I realize tonight how much it is talking about the peace that comes in going to heaven.  My heart is heavy remembering some of my friends who have left this earth and knowing that loss will continue......This is for you....my distributed church in heaven.....love you all!

http://www.metrolyrics.com/i-will-rise-live-chris-tomlin-ml-video-dpg.htm

Chris Tomlin

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I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, it is well

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wings
Before my God, fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

Theres a day thats drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wings
Before my God, fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing  

Worthy is the Lamb

And I hear the cry of every longing heart

Worthy is the Lamb

And I hear the voice of many angels sing 

Worthy is the Lamb

And I hear the cry of every longing heart

Worthy is the Lamb

(You are worthy, You are worthy)

Worthy is the Lamb

 I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagle's wings

Before my God, fall on my knees

And rise, I will rise, I will rise

Read more: Chris Tomlin - I Will Rise Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Have you ever said, "I just can't do this anymore!!!" ?

At our house a common phrase uttered by my husband and I (in thought and voice) is "I just can't do this anymore!!!". 


I remember a particular annoying phase my kids went through when they were young - pouring water on the floor.  They would go over to the refrigerator dispenser (at the time, ours didn't lock), fill a cup and pour it on the floor.  About two weeks later when I was at the end of my rope, the phase just ended.  I always remind myself that most aggravating phases last no more than two weeks.

Of course, my children are older now, but I still think that the roller coaster of hormones and emotions follows a similar pattern.  About when I think, "I just can't do this anymore!!!", the course will change and our relationships and behaviors as a family improve.  God is good!

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13