To My Dearest Baby Girl

This whole becoming-a-mama process has really stirred in my heart all the wishes that I have for my baby girl.  Which led me to write this letter for the little life that is inside of me and as well for all women, who are faced with the challenges that this life throws at us. I know that I had it easy growing up in the time I did, in comparison to what is to come. Therefore, I decided to share a tidbit of the wisdom that has come to me over my short time thus far. It is short and sweet, but I hope it may encourage you wherever you are. Be the love and be loved my friends

My dearest unborn baby girl,

You are being born into a world that is in dire need of restoration. The fact of the matter is, we live in a day and age, where everyone longs for love. That is the bottom line. I believe the world was always so, but recently this longing has become so evident and transparent to us all, thanks to social media, television, radio, podcasts, you name it. Everything and anything can be found by the click of a button. We are exposed, more than ever, to this need, perhaps so much so that we as humans have grown numb to recognize the underlying cause of it in many situations. 

When we as humans can understand that this need to be loved exists in all humans. It gives us a multitude of explanations, in regards to human behavior. It gives us wisdom on how to react or respond in certain situations and ultimately, it teaches us how to love our fellow man in a better way.

As a female in this society, you may feel all sorts of expectations from those around you.

I have so often experienced, through relationships, media, etc., the atmosphere of striving to meet these expectations amongst women. Striving to be thinner, prettier, more popular, or just simply loved in whatever way possible.

My message to you is: know that you are loved. Not just by your family and friends, but by a father who is far beyond our understanding. Who he, himself, is ...love. He sent his only son, not just to save the world, but specifically to save you. Even if you were alone on this earth, he still would’ve sent his only son to simply save YOU my dear. That’s how much you are already loved.

Try not to buy into the lies, that may be tempting at the time, but rather believe in the truth of who you are, as a daughter of God. This truth will set you free to grow and to prosper into exactly the person you were made to be. You will learn that you do not need to seek love elsewhere. Not from the confirmation of social media, a friend group, a boy, grades, a sports team, simply be and be loved and all the radiance, that your soul possesses will shine through any doubt that you may face.

Once you can grasp this love and you delight in it, do not be afraid or ashamed to pass it on to those around you. For it is the greatest gift that you can give. It's the gift that will bring freedom and so much more. 

You are so loved, therefore you can be love. Already, as you lie in my womb, unknown and have yet to even make a sound on this earth, you are already beyond loved. Simply by being. Amazing. Life is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Xoxo,

Your deep-in-thought, highly pregnant mama

Human Beings not Human Doings

I am currently writing from a semi-bedrest, in the hopes that little baby bean stays inside of me as long as need be.

During this time, I am learning to be, not to do.

This is a crucial lesson for anybody to learn. 

I believe, if we cannot be well, than we will not do well.

All of our doing, comes out of our being.

So here I am, with restrictions to rest, relax and rejuvenate. 

How can I do anything, but be?

Well, it's easy if you have certain type A, underlying characteristics. 

But for the sake of my baby and my marriage for that matter, I am learning to be. 

I would say, the last 6 months were fairly hectic, trying to balance 3 jobs, taking care of the household, and making it a priority to have an open house, where all feel welcome.

It was a genuinely fulfilling time, but I found it easy to get caught up in the simple doings of life, rather than focusing on: who my father is and who does that make me because of what He has already done.
Specifically, to fully except His grace and His love in my life.

If we, the church, cannot except and take in this grace and love, how could we ever fully pass on this abundant gift to those around us?

How could we lead authentic and audacious lives?

Why would someone want to live a life with Jesus, if they have not yet experienced the depths of the grace and love that our Father has for us?

Perhaps, to logically try to save oneself from hell, but that's ultimately missing out on the fullness of life that we are offered in the here and now, when we decide to follow Jesus. 

If you know or even if you do not know Jesus, think for a moment about all of the restoration that He wants to bring in your life.

Just sit in this thought, how much does He love you and wants to heal you from sickness, fear, despair, emptiness, etc. 

How much joy, peace, love, grace, kindness, and hope is he waiting to give you?

I do not think we can even begin to fathom the answer to this question. 

It is beyond our comprehension. 

Now, I am not accusing you of being a messed up basket case, but chances are, if you are a human you are :)

We all are.

We all are in need of God's saving grace, regardless how put together our lives appear to be. 

If you are familiar with the Bible at all, think about how often Jesus relates mankind to seeds, plants or flowers.

The sower and the seed, the parable of the mustard seed, Luke 12, where Jesus compares the beauty of flowers to one of the richest kings in the old testament. 

Plants do nothing from reason, logic or duty, they simply grow and cannot even control that, now, can they? 

The growth comes from the help of the gardener, who waters, prunes, or cuts the branch, or the clouds, which give rain, or the sun, which gives light. 

They cannot consciously grow.

Their duty is to be and so much beauty, growth and fruit comes from their task of being.

He is the vine, we are the branches.

All we need to DO is BE close to Him and we will bear much fruit. 

Skillful Seeing

One of my favorite stories from my childhood is about the time I learned how to ride a bike.
After I slowly started to get the hang of it, my dad took me around the block, following close by to help me up when I fall and to give me a push, when I was ready to start again.
The second turn around the corner of the block, I took a bit too widely and hit a tree that was in between the street and sidewalk.

After falling my dad asked me if I was okay.
I looked up at him and said, "Yes! This tree saved my life dad!"
And he replied saying, "Jeanna what are you talking about?"
Excited and all, knowing that I was still alive with only bumps and bruises, I answered, "If this tree wasn't here, than I would have gotten hit by that car."
Perspective my friends
It changes everything.
Of course it is always good to see the good in every situation, but what I find even more crucial is the ability to see the bigger picture.
If I was not able to see the bigger picture as I crashed into the tree, the situation could have turned bitter, frustrating, or discouraging.
Instead, it was a situation full of gratitude.
Gratitude is in the eyes of the beholder.
How we see effects how we live.
If we have the ability to see the trees in our lives that prevent us from a car crash, than we will live our lives out from a place of gratitude.
A heart full of gratitude changes moments, days, years and even lives.
CS Lewis writes, "Looking always comes first." (The Great Divorce)
How we look, how we see, effects the reaction of our hearts and if our hearts are full of gratitude, love, joy, we will speak and react in such a way.
"The words you speak come from the heart." (Matthew 15:18)
This is a deep desire for my life.
To be able to see the trees that stand in the way of the cars and to give thanks, always.
To give thanks during the confusion, the joy, the pain, and the good.
For I know, I have a good, good Father.
Who is ALWAYS good, it is only my sight that could be bad.

Vision Vitality

My husband and I took a little trip to spend some days resting and reflecting upon 2016 and to formulate dreams and goals for 2017. 

We read, prayed, traveled, ate, drank, laughed, and most importantly we spent time just being. 

It was delightful.

During one of the afternoons that we spent at the hotel, we sat down and shared what we envision for 2017. 

One of the challenges that I gave myself is to write more.

I've missed writing blogs and I have been encouraged and asked by many, why haven't you written? 

So it brought me to question myself...Why? 

Why did you stop writing Jeanna?

Of course, it was a busy season, I mean a baby on the way, working 3 different jobs, taking care of a household, etc. 

But those are no excuses. 

What this question lead me to believe, is that I stopped writing due to the lack of vision. 

Where there is no vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18). 

Humans need vision to sustain life. 

Vision is life giving and no great movement or act in history was performed without a strong vision behind it. 

Vision gives meaning and gives us sight to what others may be incapable to see. 

It helps us create and it helps us dream.

It gives us the strength to choose a different way, rather than following down the path of least resistance, which our culture often tells us is the way to go.

Vision gives us a reason to avoid slipping into comfort in this world and encourages us to make the hard, life changing decisions. 

If we want to be successful at anything in life, regardless of what it might be. 

Career related, health related, faith related, relational, or financial.

We need vision. 

We cannot simply live so near-sighted.

Foresight, oversight, and insight are essential to our dreams, goals, and vision.

So now for those of you who believe in an eternal life to come, you already have a vision for your life. You know where you are going and chances are you know how to get there. All you need to do to equip yourself is to find out what your goals or stepping stones in this life are to accomplish the will over your life. How wonderful is that?! 

So I encourage you, develop foresight, maintain a good oversight, and always keep insight on your life and your vision for your life. 

Just as I will for this sweet little blog of mine:) 

May this year be your best year yet!