Find the Good

2016 has been full of different circumstances but through it all I have seen God at work!  Our singles Pastor Chase had surgery for brain cancer to be apart of this families journey has been such a learning experience to feel the Lords presence, see them press into the Lord, and always Praising God through it all.

My mom had a surgery which strengthened our relationship and we spent alot of time together.  

In Feb, I had dinner with Chrissie and sitting at the table I was dry, weary, and working through things. This led to us meeting weekly going through 4 Priorities, Uninvited, and the book of Joshua.   It has pushed my walk with the Lord, and I'm thankful for Chrissie being apart of my life. She pushes me, sees my potential, and reminds me the Party never Stops.

My precious Uncle Charles went through surgeries and watching him hurt just broke my heart. I remember coming into ICU and holding his hand praying for healing and recovery when he was in so much pain. I have never been more proud to see how he has overcome this huge obstacle in life. A huge shout out to my Aunt Shirley for being an AMAZING wife to my Uncle while he was going through this trial.

Ive been surrounded by families who constantly love me and to be involved in their lives. 

This year has brought alot of weddings my way.  I have had a blast being in so many sweet friends weddings.  It has truly been an honor to be apart of their special day.  My two prayer partners who we have been praying for mates have gotten married in the past 2 months. 

 Thank you Lord for answering prayers. 

This Thanksgiving I have alot to be so thankful for and am excited to see what the Lord will continue to do!

Blessings

Jenn

A broken heart

A broken heart

can only be mended in time

God holds each broken piece in the palm of his hand

With each piece he takes it and whispers a verse of encouragement

Tears fall and fall

And again God wipes each tear 

Praise God that through our brokenness

he teaches us lessons and in his time

heals the broken heart.

I wrote this a few years ago when I was going through a broken time. 

 I have several friends going through times right now and hope that it can encourage them.

God Bless,

Jenn Smith

You never know till you try!

If you know me sometimes I'm hesitant about doing something in front of people if I'm no good at it. Often times I will pass on something and just socialize.

Well recently with a little nudge from friends I played pool. I couldn't believe I hit 3 in a row in plus we played doubles and won the game! It was a blast! I learned some new techniques! A lesson learned for me that it was great to try something I didn't think I would be good at.

Top Golf- I love going and hanging out but will watch. I played and could not believe that it was easier than I thought. It was fun to play and socialize! 

Sushi- I used to be a very plain sushi eater until my precious childhood friend Sheridan and I went to Ra Sushi! I ventured out and had the Vegas roll plus spicy California roll. It was delish!! Next I met up with Kara and we tried two new rolls! Finally, im trying new rolls and getting out of my comfort level. Normally I'm perfectly fine with the basic rolls. But now that it's time to branch out!

Working out- I'm trying a new workout routine! It's killing my legs but feels so great to be sore the next day! I have Been avoiding doing it bc I didn't think I could! Well I did it and I'm excited to add to it! 

If you don't try it you will not conquer it! Just give it a try! You never know how it will turn out! I'd love to hear what you  might try!

                            Blessings,

                             Jenn

Journaling

I received this journal from my sweet friend Kadie for my birthday! I started using this journal in June.As you can tell I've written in, It has been in my purse, gone on vacations, mission trips,and etc.. I've pulled it out to write words of wisdom "nuggets" shared by other friends. This is a thick journal so it's hard to believe I've written on every page since June.  Recently I've gone back through and read prayers, verses, and etc. I'm excited bc as I close this journal. My friend Ange bought me one in August that I'm ready to journal in, especially since 2016 is just around the corner. 

I use to detest to journal now it's apart of my everyday routine.

Ive written prayers and scriptures that have spoken out to me.You never know when you might want to journal.  I've gone back and reread entries from it.   I cant wait to write in my new journal!

                                                        Blessings,

                                       Jenn

All was Calm

As my flight was enroute I looked around me everything was calm. The lights on the plane were dim. All the babies and dogs on board were quiet. 

All was calm. 

It was a very peaceful flight. 

I started thinking about my everyday routine in life.

It's go, go 

And I have to make time each day for calm moments 

To be still,

Relax, 

Turning off distractions

To just listen to the Lord. 

One of my favorite verses 

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God!

Creating more time for 

calmness in my life,

Jenn Smith 

2016

    A few years ago my sweet friend Amy encouraged me to choose a Word for the year.  

  My word for 2016

  STRIVE
 

Strive to:

Be more like Christ

Love more

Serve more

Continue on the weight loss journey 

Believe, Expect, and Trust God more

Worry less

Let go of fear

Do things out of my Comfort zone
Be intentional

I'd love to hear your word of the year!!
Blessings,
Jenn

Bumps in Life

Flying is Peaceful, especially at night time,

Until you hit those bumpy patches.

Flying back from Alabama we hit several patches

that my stomach got a little queesy in the moment.

I'm reminded we all have bumps in life.

Some bumps draw us closer to God 

where other bumps cause us to have set backs.

No matter where we are in life- we are going to have Bumps in the road.

But that's when the Lord reminds us:

1. He's got us in the palm of his hand.

2. He's got a plan.

3. Increases our time to Pray and Study his Word.

4. Be obedient.

We sit back stop worrying, taking control, and watch him Work out

Everything for our Good.

Hold on tight to his Promises!

Ephesians 3:20

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us!

The next time you have a Bump in the road look out for what God will do through the BUMP!

Blessings in Life,

Jenn

WAIT Part 2

After blogging about the Wait, I was thinking about it on my late flight. 

W- when(whenever)

A- anxious

I- I 

T- trust 

Sometimes while I'm waiting several things can happen.

My mind can get the best of me which causes me to become anxious.

I can become impatient, frustrated, or start letting my mind think negative. 

Instead I need to remember to WAIT. 

In the WAIT I am reminded to Trust God that he's got the plan. 

Nothing good comes from being Anxious!

Psalms 27:14 -
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.


1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your cares upon him, because he Cares for you!

The next time you/I start to get anxious Remember to WAIT! 

Blessings,
Jenn

December, December

December, December

oh where did you go?

You started off with a Bang,

from Parent-Teacher conferences,

attending baby showers,

 celebrating engagements,

attending football games,

going on 2 school field trips,

babysitting,

getting a bridesmaid dress for an upcoming wedding,

planning and preparing lessons for my students,

having special guests come read to my students,

lots of working out,

spending time with family,

Attending Prestonwood's Gift of Christmas,

Parades and Christmas light outings,

seeing Santa with my cousins kiddos,

 baking and trying new recipes,

throwing parties,

lunch with sweet friends over the break,

time with my parents,

Celebrating the birth of Jesus,

Christmas, 

Reuniting with childhood friends

(Angela, Paige, Karla, and Tiff)

meeting the newest addition to our family, plus spending time with my cousins, etc

TRAVELING,

Seeing one of my Sweet  friends (Amy)

while traveling,

ending the year with a Precious coupe Getting Married..

What a month, 

What a year!

Excited to see what is ahead.

Jenn