Tag: Christians

Did You Leave Your First Love?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

When we think back over our childhood years and our first love, we still have a sentimental impression left on our hearts.  Sometimes good and sometimes not so good.  But the memory is still there, and once in a while will re-surface to tug at your heart once more.

But do you know who your real first love is and should always be?  Jesus!  He knew us before we were born and designed our every molecule.  And I believe we knew Him too, until we journeyed to earth.  I believe because there are times when I am watching God’s wonderous creations, and a wave of immense homesickness swallows me.  My first love is back where I belong, for I don’t belong to this world, and my heart knows it. And there is this tug to be with Him.

In Revelation 2:3-4 Jesus says, “…and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Never-the-less I have this against you that you have left your first love.”

He does not say we have lost Him, only that we have left Him.  Has your church or family left Jesus?  Have you found it easy to abandon “Jesus First” in all things? Have the whispers of this world made wrong into right for you, even when the bible clearly states it is wrong?

We all find ourselves charging ahead in life and leaving our first love behind.  So caught up in the lights, and shiny things our eyes turn to focus more on them.  All because we are human.  But you know, when we realize we are off track and have wandered away; can we not re-adjust ourselves?

Recently, I started selling Rodan+Fields because I am in love with the skin care line!  One of their suggestions is to make an idea board so that you can visually see exactly what you want to accomplish by being a consultant.  I thought why not?

My vision board has four quadrants with pictures.  Each picture represents four things I would like to do with my earnings.  One picture concerns my husbands retirement.  He has taken care of us and I feel it is time for us to take care of him.  The second picture is of our family’s Disney trip years ago.  The kids, grandkids, and us.  This was a wonderful family vacation.  I would like to be able to go on many more family vacations.  The third picture concerns the dreams of our youngest son.  I would like to be able to help him.  And the fourth picture is a dream I have had for many years. Ever since I saw the abandoned school on highway 200 in South Carolina.  I want to take abandoned schools and redesign them into apartments for families who are struggling and homeless to live.  To give them a chance to breathe without worrying about bills.  And to provide the assistance they need for a brighter future.

Yes, when I dream, I dream big.  Because I have a big God!

Speaking of my big God; at the front and in the very center of my vision board, is a huge white cross.  Because none of my dreams or aspirations would be worth anything if God was not the center and forefront of everything I do!  Jesus is still my first love and will always be, I pray.

It is time for all of us to come back to our first love!  You can start by putting a white cross on everything you do.  A little reminder that God must come first.  Or start by praying to God, once a day.  Go to church. Join a bible study.

Your first love is waiting on you to return to Him!

God Bless You!

Westminster Terror Attacks (You Go British Prime Minister Theresa May!)

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Accolades to British Prime Minister Theresa May after the Westminster attack on March 22.  She is a class act with a firm resolute about how her country will respond to terror.

“We will move forward together. Never giving in to terror. And never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.”

And isn’t that all terror can do anyway is to divide a country? Because to divide is to conquer, at least that is how they view it. But what could happen if the countries under attack from terror come together? Not only the leaders, but the people. We are the ones who have the eyes, and the ears on the streets of our countries. We are the ones who can prepare and be aware when faced with an attack, to counter and defeat this evil! There are around 184,000 terrorists world-wide, and we have 325,838,705 Americans, 64,938,716 French, and 65,511,098 Great Britain citizens.

(If you want to view population by country…http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/population-by-country/)

As Christians, God has given us some strong promises concerning our enemies.  We need to know them, to pray them, and to follow God’s will. Do you not think that by standing with God, any evil can be defeated? I do.

God tells us, “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”               2 Timothy 1:7

If we read God words and believe God’s words, change will happen!

Another impressive statement by British Prime Minister Theresa May, which I feel is a truthful representation of the attack.

“The location of this attack was no accident. The terrorists chose to strike at the heart of our Capital City, where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.   These streets of Westminster – home to the world’s oldest Parliament – are engrained with a spirit of freedom that echoes in some of the furthest corners of the globe. And the values our Parliament represents – democracy, freedom, human rights, the rule of law – command the admiration and respect of free people everywhere.   That is why it is a target for those who reject those values.   But let me make it clear today, as I have had cause to do before: any attempt to defeat those values through violence and terror is doomed to failure.”

Democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law are the values which America was established.  We have come too far and fight hard every day to maintain theses values, to allow a spirit of terror defeat us!

Remember fighting terrorism is first being alert of your surroundings and reporting anything which looks out-of-place.  Even if it turns out to be a goose chase, because one of those times the person or situation might be the real deal.

God Bless You!

God Bless Great Britain!

God Bless America!

Gooey Good Stuff

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

This time of year brings to mind boiled peanuts, hot chocolate, apple cider, and s’mores!  Campfires or fire pits, and family gathered around start dancing through my mind.  Yes, it is another fall season and another reason for more family time.

I have found it beneficial to buy these small wire basket-like utensils, with long handles on them.  I know they have a name, but I am never technical about fun stuff.  It has to be the ones which will not transfer the heat to the handles.  Take a note here and learn from my own “hot” experiments.

The baskets keep things like marshmallows, graham crackers, and other food items from ending up in the fire and not in your belly.  There are also enclosed baskets for popping corn too! You can find containers to sit by the fire to keep your warm beverages warm.  And remember that heat should not transfer to the handle.

Where do you find these wire basket-like utensils, you ask.  Any store that sells camping supplies.  Or you can improvise and make your own.  Necessity is the mother of inventors.

Now, you have your special fire cooking utensils and you must decide on the food.  But how do you make it a little more healthy and not so sugary?  Think about food this way, before stoves and ovens, the open fire was the only way to cook.  Anything you can cook inside, you can cook outside.

What about taking the s’mores and adding dark chocolate for milk chocolate, and bananas or strawberries instead of marshmallows?  Ummm, yummy.  Hotdogs can be turkey or vegan and vegetables become soft and tasty when roasted on an open fire.  The limit is your imagination.

But the most important factor is your family. Time sitting around talking, laughing, and enjoying each other. If the kids are younger, you can tell bible stories like David and Goliath.  If the kids are older, talk to them about school and what is happening in their worlds.  Let your children know their importance to you.

And slowing down does not hurt your blood pressure either.

If you need a bible verse suggestion, I think Hebrews 12:28-29 is great for campfires.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our  “God is a consuming fire.”

So much to discuss in one statement.  God’s kingdom cannot be defeated, changed, or shaken.  We should worship God and talk with God in the right ways.  And God is a consuming fire because He wants your love for Him to burn deep inside your heart!

Just watching a fire burn and the heat it releases is how we should feel for God.  Which should be expressed in our actions and our words.  Of course, you will have to decide the level of discussion, depending on your children’s age.

Don’t forget fire safety! Whether it is a campfire or a fire pit, all necessary precautions and permits should be taken care of first.  Then you can enjoy a safe, fun night with your family.

Now, I have to ask you…What are you doing this weekend?

 

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

 

I Am So Disgusted

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

From time to time this world gets on my nerves.  It may be because we are so connected to instant everything, we see more of the ugliness of evil.  Today, my view was of ugly, loathsome evil running rampage on the children of the world.

It disgusts me!

I am not going to mention the articles and pictures I saw on my new’s page.  Because I believe that breathes even further life into others searching for ways to be more grotesque  concerning children. But I will say this, if ever there was a time when parents, grandparents, and all adults need to focus on Luke 10:27, it is now.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

It is not about memorizing a bible verse but living your life based on the bible verse. For in Luke 10:27, there is no room for evil. Your example to your children is how they will live their lives. Give them a Godly example!

And if you know or see something being done to a child, say something or report it.  Because for so long, we have forgotten how to stand up to evil and it runs freely through our streets and neighborhoods. Another fact which turns my stomach is when someone steps forward to say they knew something was happening.

How can anyone turn a blind eye and allow the children to suffer?

Children are a blessing from God! They are our golden nuggets of love and joy!  Parenting is not easy but with God in your life and your home, you can do it.  And this will start the sowing seeds of love and understanding throughout our next generation of adults.

Remember, no action is siding with evil and our world displays these results loud and clear.

Stand with God and protect our children! Change our world!

 

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

How Would You Handle It?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I recently read an article about a family having dinner in a local restaurant. Their ten-year old is a high functioning child with autism.  And they have experienced meltdowns with him before when out in public.

This time, his older sister was teasing him and he went into meltdown mode. His mother got up, walked over to his chair, and knelt down. She rubbed his back and whispered reassuring words to him. His meltdown ceased.

After the incident the waitress came over to their table with a kind note about the mother and family. The note came from another restaurant customer who also paid for their meal. Most people who give from the heart, do not wait around for the “thank you.” This patron didn’t wait either.

Now the family, had received comments before, like asking them not to come back to the establishment. But never a comment with such a display of kindness and generosity before.  The grandfather was sure the people were really angels sent by God, because human nature appears to render aggravation rather than compassion in these situations.

What would you do or what have you done, when in a similar situation?

I guess because my husband and I are grandparents, our response is more sympathy.  And with me, I would love to go over to hold the child or help the family if I can. Sometimes if they are near us, we reassure the parents it is all part of growing up.

You see, some adults forget they were once children. And usually the ones who complain the most, were probably the more difficult child.

Now, I am not saying reward a child for bad behavior. Children can not learn how to act in public, if they are never given a chance. It is how the situation is handled which makes a difference.

Because there is nothing worse than, when a parent starts shouting at their child.  Which usually causes things to escalate. And then you know who the child models their behavior from, the parent or parents.

Have we forgotten life is an imperfect dance and children especially need a little more consideration under stressful circumstances.  Just like us, they get tired, hungry, and grumpy.  Yes, and just like adults, kids act up too.  Sometimes all that is needed is soothing words or a time out from the situation.

Parents and especially single parents, have a tough job these days. They compete with technology, media, school environments, and social environments. Not to mention the family dynamics. We the spectators, should be prepared to give a little kind consideration or maybe even some help. You can usually gauge a situation by observation and know whether to wait or to jump in and help.

Next time, think about Jesus and how He would handle the situation. Would Jesus walk over and ask them to leave? Or would He pay for their dinner and leave a kind note? Just saying.

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

 

Music Soothes the Beast

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Have you heard the saying that “music soothes the savage beast” before? I have and I utilized music as a single mom at dinnertime. Playing happy, relaxing music slows the day and creates a quality to dinner time and study time too.

Retail stores use music to keep you shopping and happy about spending your money. Why not use music to your advantage?

You can go online and look up all the studies of how different sounds and music affect the brain. Try it for yourself. All you need to do is to go to YouTube and type in “music for studying” or “music for eating.” Give your family a week of light background music for mealtimes and homework. Decide for yourself if this is something for your family to do on a regular basis.

The stress levels during these moments may become reduced and academic grades could improve! To me it is worth a try!

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

What is Joyful Parenting?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

joyfulparenting

What does Joyful Parenting mean to you?

We know that the word joyful means full of joy.  And, the word “joy” according to the dictionary means…

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated:

3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

So basically “joy” is an emotion that we feel and display to the world around us. And a pretty good one if you ask me.

Joy is also described as one of the fruits of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22, in the bible.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
I bet you are asking what does fruit of the Spirit mean.  So, this is how I will explain it according to my understanding.
Joni’s definition…
When we invite God into our lives, we receive the Holy Spirit and as we work on our relationship with God, seeds are planted into our soul. These seeds are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. And you have to nurture this garden every day by reading His word and spending time with God. By doing so each of the fruits of the Spirit will grow and blossom.
Most of the people who know me, know that I have a prayer closet where I spend time reading God’s word, praying, and listening to spiritual music. One of my favorite songs is “In The Garden” by Joey and Rory.  I play it every morning as part of my playlist during my time with God.  And yes, I do feel like I am in a garden with God. And yes, He walks with me and He talks with me! And, one more yes, it is very similar to cultivating a  vegetable garden. Except the garden is my soul.
Many times I have entered my prayer closet and during our time together, I find myself crying. Which is God’s way of washing my soul free from the entanglements of this world.  But it is when I leave, He gives me the joy to face another day.
Another point I would like to make is that I have heard joy described as the giver of spiritual strength. My personal experience knows this to be true, because I feel stronger when I am joyful! Don’t you?
And if you don’t believe me that joy can make you strong, read what it says in Hebrews 12:2.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
Wow, the joy set before Jesus helped him endure being crucified! It is no wonder joy is described as the giver of spiritual strength.  I am so grateful we do not have to endure the cross and put our joy to the strength test.
But, it is time to put the emotion joyful into play in our lives. Then we can all be joyful parents, grandparents, co-workers, and children of God!
Joni’s Guidelines for Finding and Using Joy.
1.  Read God’s word every day.  If you can find the time to be on social media sites, you can find the time to read God’s word.
2.  Speak God’s word into your life and into your children’s lives.
3.  Smile and speak positively even during times of trials and tribulations. These are only moments in our lives and God does not allow them to last forever.
4.  Get up every morning and decide that you are going to be joyful today.
5.  Pray for your family, friends, and others who need prayer.  Stepping out and helping others as a family can set your perspective straight.
6.  Make a grateful list and write each day the things that make you thankful.
7.  Love others the way Jesus loves you.
I know being joyful can be a hard task before you, especially if you are not a positive person.  But the reward for every effort you put into being joyful, spreading joy, and teaching your children joy; is greater than you can imagine. Joy can change the world. It sure changed ours’!
God Bless You!
God Bless America!

Hearts and Love (Valentine’s Day)

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

These days we are very conscious of “heart health.” Without going into details about all of the things our heart does to keep us alive, we know our heart is the most vital organ in our body. God tells us throughout the bible, the value of our heart to Him. For we are told in Romans 10:10, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”

Another heart issue in the bible is King David’s heart. God’s servant King David was no saint, but we are told that David had a heart like God’s heart.  David’s heart provided the pathway for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour!

So, the heart is also very important to your Christian daily walk and your child’s life too!

You see, right now you have the ability to help your child mold their heart; a heart which can be exactly like God’s heart. And you will do this with your actions and your words toward the child and toward others. I know, firsthand, the stress of this world and some days can seem impossible. But I know the saving Grace of Jesus Christ and falling on His feet asking for kind words and the removal of my frustration.

Every day try to be heart conscious not only with your heart, but with your child/children’s heart! Raise a child with a heart like King David’s heart and be amazed at what they will accomplish in their life for Jesus Christ.