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MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST

What’s on your list?

I’ve been a list maker since forever and I have been an old soul since as early as I can remember too. I remember car rides growing up and how I would go into a world of imagination each time staring out the window, daydreaming about life in my “old soul” yet immature kind of way. But out of those journeys, what I remember more than the daydreams were the music. One song around this time of year that spoke to my heart and reveries was the Amy Grant classic “My Grown-Up Christmas List. “

Well last week that song came up in the car with my kids and well it got me thinking, leading me to this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional now up on the blog. It is called “My Grown-up Christmas List.”

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKING, Christmas , Real Not PerfectJen KosudaDecember 20, 2022love, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, devotionals, jesus, love, loved, women supporting women, kids, mom life, god's words, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, the word of god, faith over fear, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, trust, grass, raising kids, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive but strong, the joy of the lord is my strength, heart to heart, kids talk, presence over presents, nothing is impossible, praying mothers, pray and believe, lessons learned, anything is possible, obedience, holy spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, embrace the moments, mornings, praying wife, count the blessings, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, miracles, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, faith walk, walk in faith, god is on your side, advent, trust god always, jesus is there, jesus is here, tis the season, tis’ the season, slow the hurry, kids teach us, teaching, learning, the season of giving, the season of receiving, the greatest gift, the greatest love, greatest love story, christmas, grown-up christmss list, dear god, christ’s birth, my christmas list, grown-up christmas list, my grown up christmas list, last minute giving, last minute receiving, the true meaning, the true meaning of christmas, pray about it, amy grant, classics, carride reflections, old soul, always thinking, deep thinking, heart check, christmas time, the reason for the season, the reason for every seasonComment

TIS’ THE SEASON TO… RECEIVE

Who is feeling exhausted lately?

I mean I am on so many levels, mainly because of having an infant but also because of the hustle and bustle, the hurry and the worry… Wait! Hold up. What is this season about?

Presents upon presents upon draining bank accounts and … Wait! Press the brakes and pause into PRESENCE. As much as this season is about giving, isn't it really about receiving? Hear me out in this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional… TIS’ THE SEASON.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKING, Christmas , Real Not PerfectJen KosudaDecember 13, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, choices, choice, soccer, anxiety in kids, anxiety in adults, cycles, cycles break, generational cycles, victory, distractions, excuses, no more excuses, eyes on eternity, eternity, prize, focus, faith focus, faith walk, walk in faith, book of revelations, sardis, god is on your side, in the storms, in the quiet, advent, trust god always, jesus is there, jesus is here, trust issues, tis the season, tis’ the season, hurry, slow the hurry, kids teach us, teaching, learning, the season of giving, the season of receiving, the greatest gift, the greatest love, greatest love story Comments

Jesus is Still in the Boat

No matter how it may seem or feel…

Jesus is by our side.

Then, why do we fear? Why do we doubt? Why do we question the quiet times or even the times that rage? Why do we question why God sends us places where we may feel inferior or like it’s too big for us? Why do we entertain the feelings when God's promises are true?

Honestly, I question myself on this and this is what I find time and time again… it is because we are human. We are walking through a journey, a real-not-perfect one.

Still there is so much to learn during the storms of life like the disciples learned in Mark 4:35-41. That’s the topic of this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional… JESUS IS STILL IN THE BOAT.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaDecember 6, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, choices, choice, soccer, anxiety in kids, anxiety in adults, cycles, cycles break, generational cycles, victory, distractions, excuses, no more excuses, eyes on eternity, eternity, prize, focus, faith focus, faith walk, walk in faith, book of revelations, sardis, god is on your side, in the storms, in the quiet, advent, trust god always, jesus is there, jesus is here, trust issuesComment

Fixing Our Focus

Focus, focus, focus…

These days everything seems to be fighting for my focus. And while I am a very focused person, the reality is my focus is sometimes flawed and even tangled up in confusion. That is why I must first turn to to Jesus time and time again. Jesus knows the course. He guides us so graciously to stay the course.

What helps you focus? What do you do to keep yourself focused on Jesus FIRST?

For this week’s devotional, let’s go back to the Book of Revelations when Jesus instructed John to write to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Let’s focus on Sardis and how its present didn't match its past yet it was a powerhouse at the time. You see they were content with their past encounters with the Lord but not moving forward in their relationship with Him.

Can we get like that too? Focused on what God has already done and not in growing our relationship with Him deeper? Well that is the focus of this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional called… Fix our Focus.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaNovember 17, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, choices, choice, soccer, anxiety in kids, anxiety in adults, cycles, cycles break, generational cycles, victory, distractions, excuses, no more excuses, eyes on eternity, eternity, prize, focus, faith focus, faith walk, walk in faith, book of revelations, sardisComment

Eyes on the Prize

Busyness can be a distraction. It can make us feel like we are being productive but busy does not always mean productive.

I think of Eve, Martha and David and how they all faltered in their distractions. But I think of Nehemiah and how despite soooo many distractions he continued on what he was called to do, rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. I want to be like Nehemiah even now as I write this and I see the notifications on my phone competing for my attention. I need to keep my eyes fixed on what matters, on what I don’t necessarily see, on eternity…

Check it out in this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional called… Eyes on the Prize.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaOctober 27, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, choices, choice, soccer, anxiety in kids, anxiety in adults, cycles, cycles break, generational cycles, victory, distractions, excuses, no more excuses, eyes on eternity, eternity, prizeComment

No New Tricks

I was healed from anxiety in my thirties after decades. Then, flash forward 5.5 years later… I was blessed to be pregnant again at the age of 39 free of anxiety for the first time.

Praise God!

But that didn’t make me invisible to the enemy. He tried at me again and I do plan to continue to share more about this.

The devil tried to steal my joy and peace.

But no one can do that!

You see the devil has no new tricks.

Check it out in this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional called… No New Tricks.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaOctober 4, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, choices, choice, soccer, anxiety in kids, anxiety in adults, cycles, cycles break, generational cycles, victoryComment

THE CHOICE IS MINE

Life is full of experiences, good and bad. It is full of choices too. Often it involves the choice of how we respond to and through those experiences.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have faced this with many situations including one with my daughter. It required me to make a conscious decision in how I would respond and what my outlook would be despite the situation.

Check it out in this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional called… The Choice is Mine.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaSeptember 19, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotional, choices, choice, soccer, anxiety in kids, anxiety in adults, cycles, cycles break, generational cycles, victoryComment

DANCING ON THE PLATEAU

Have you ever reached a place you felt stuck?

Like you were growing and improving on something or even a dream or goal was unfolding and then it came to what “seemed” like a standstill? I know that feeling and situation in more ways than one. But today let’s focus on how it relates to my son’s allergies.

If you know us, you know his testimony. He had 21 as an infant and then around the age of four or five, it went down to 3! Now, at the age of eight…

We are still at 3!

At our appointment this month, his allergist who we love told us what the data and blood showed for the past 3 years, “TJ’s allergies seem to have ‘hit that plateau.’”

Wait, that couldn’t be right…

We are praying and believing for a shift.

And yet, we know what the numbers show. It’s easy to see those numbers as facts because they are what are before us in plain sight. Still… there is more because there is God! BUT GOD…

God is why I’m over here dancing on that very plateau, which leads us to the topic of this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional… Dancing on the Plateau.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaAugust 23, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, advice, allergies, miracles, plateaus, in the waiting, christian bloggers, christian author, christian devotionalComment

Forgiving Sticks, Stones and Words too

I was bullied.

It was not in elementary, middle or even high school. It was in college.

I was ashamed of it for the longest time. Even after removing myself from those people for good at the age of 21, I held onto the acts & words. I hadn’t even realized it but I had stored it deep down where really I should have been storing the words of God.

However, I hadn’t read the Bible yet for myself so I didn’t know to lean on what God said about me.

I didn’t even know what He said. I didn’t have those truthful words stored in my heart for times like those. So, I stayed in situations and around people who were not good for me. Still, God is so good! He was there. He was working!

Such situations have been around for ages. The passing of centuries does NOT make it right though. I think of Daniel, Esther and even Jesus in the Bible. They all faced unfair treatment or situations where unjust treatment was present.

And it is the topic of this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaAugust 9, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind always, college, teenage, bullying, be kind, teenage years, looking back, forgiveness, advice to younger self, adviceComment

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?

Anyone else commute a decent distance for work?

This year on my commutes, I traveled alone without kids. Therefore, I had a lot more time to think and observe. That was in addition to more time to pray and praise too.

One observation came in late May 2022, on a hot and traffic-filled afternoon.

It was one that convicted me to reflect on what I see and what I soon forget. Or will I remember?

And it is the topic of this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional. Check it out here.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaJuly 26, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessings, commutes, commuting, remember to remember, remember, grateful hearts, pay it forward, be kind alwaysComment

COUNTING BLESSINGS, INSTEAD OF SHEEP

Are you like me and ever battle with sleep issues?

Oh how I love the feeling of laying down in an already-made bed to catch some Zs but often those same Zs play hard to get. Therefore, sleep and I have had quite the tumultuous relationship over the years.

This week’s devotional takes us back to 2009 after one of the happiest times of my life. It was soon after that, that one of the most intense battles with sleep came.

It was then that I barely slept for 6 months. I could not catch up with the Zs so I knew I needed a change and that is just what I did…

I was running on empty and feeling so guilty but our God was right there, guiding me to learn a very important lesson and techniques to last a lifetime.

That is the topic of week 18’s Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series. Check it out here.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaJuly 18, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what matters, sleep, blessings, insomnia, praying wife, count the blessingsComment

MAKE MOMENTS MATTER

I am not perfect. Far from it…

There are moments that remind me of this time and time again. Take for instance, the start of each morning that I have work. I wake up and spend time with the Lord praying, in silence, reading the Bible and writing. It is there I lie in peace, hopeful for the day ahead, charged for whatever God has for me.

Then, I come downstairs…

and the hustle and bustle of the day soon hit me. As I try to cling to the cup that was filled during my quiet time, I am soon greeted with questions, requests, complaints and responsibilities. Stress and hurry soon fill the air. Drama tries to drain that cup too with issues such as…

Who doesn’t like apples today…

Who wants the television on…

Who wants it off…

Who no longer likes socks …

Who forgot that today is Show and Tell…

In the midst of it all, I kiss my kids goodbye. Sometimes, blowing a kiss to my husband from afar who still needs his coffee, as I jet out there to make it to work on time now (even though I thought I was ahead of schedule). And as I get into my car, I am reminded time and time again of how valuable time is and of so much more too.

For there are improvements to be made, lessons to be learned, forgiveness to pray for and new moments before me to embrace. That is when I may call my family and tell them an extra I love you. Then, I think ahead to our next trip together when we will have so much undivided time to catch up and slow down.

That is often when I am convicted by the Holy Spirit too that I MUST NOT WAIT. Instead, I must fix my focus right here right now.

That brings us to this week’s devotional of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now series.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaJune 28, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productive, make moments matter, holy spirit convictions, time is money, embrace the moments, mornings, what mattersComment

TIME SURE FLIES…

Time sure flies, but it is not an excuse.

instead, we must make time, not excuses.

I played Candy Crush for five years.

Yup
five years

I do admit I loved how it made my mind turn off any worry or stress for those minutes, or hours each day of playing, and I do not judge anyone who plays it. However, let me share why I finally stopped playing cold turkey.

Read the full story here in week 16’s Truth Seeking Right Here and Right Now devotional.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaJune 21, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be done, time flies, time, productivity, busy, busy is not productiveComment

WHEN THINGS GET OUT OF HAND, WHERE DO I STAND?

No matter how many years pass, the Word of God stands firm and His character remains true.

Speaking of the passing years, week 15’s devotional takes us way back to being a child.

In fact, think back to being 5 years old again.

I think of dancing, singing to Sing-Along videos (anyone else remember those?), playing outside and loving my army of stuffed animals and dolls that surrounded me.

Yet, I also remember that time as being when I started to notice others and care about their opinions. What I share this week may seem wildly far-fetched since it’s been decades but I promise it is what I experienced and why I feel so strongly about teaching our youth the Truth EARLY on.

I started feeling anxious and having body image issues at this age. I remember it as clearly as 35 years will paint you.

It was at that age of five when I noticed that I was taller than other girls. In fact, at dance class, I often thought to myself, “I want to be small like them.” Then, my recital dress ripped at practice & I had an accident because of nerves. That is when I felt feelings that I didn’t know much about. I just knew I didn’t like them.

I started to hear lies inside like, “If only I was shorter…” “If only I was smaller…” “If only I was prettier…” And we know where “If onlys” often take us…

It is when I started to be conscious about eating and my body. However, it was not cultivating healthy habits. Instead, it would lead me to an eating disorder unit at the age of 15 and decades of distorted body image/eating issues.

Yet so different from the journey that “if onlys” can take us on, God was with me and working. He was taking me through this journey of healing that I could never have drafted, to a freedom I hoped for but never knew truly existed #freedominchrist

It was one where I learned first-hand how faithful God is and that His promises are true.

You see when I was 15, I was told I would become a statistic but God promised me that I would NOT!

And that is the story that this week’s Truth Seeking Right Here and Right Now devotional shares. I pray it encourages you and gives God all the glory. Read the story here…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaJune 13, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be doneComment

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY

Have you ever prayed for something that never came to be? There are so many unanswered prayers that chances are, I will never understand. In those times, I pray and cry out to Jesus, putting them in the “compartment” of “I do not understand Lord.” However, today, I am reflecting on those requests that I am thankful God did not answer. #godswaysovermine

I think back to many prayers and even pleas I made to the Lord when I was in my teens & twenties.

All the opportunities I prayed would come, the doors I prayed to open, the friendships I prayed would stay, the relationships I prayed would turn into the one that lasted…

I often prayed for my Prince Charming aka the one that the movies told me would save me from my pain, loneliness, deep sadness and anxieties (Or so I thought). I drafted all the stories in my head of how it would happen, especially on long car rides with my family where my dad would play 106.7 and I’d envision the fairytale.

But that was flawed: a prince, boyfriend, nor husband would not save me.

Only Jesus could.

Still, I didn’t understand that yet and sought the fairytale in places I was not meant to stay, in chapters that would turn before I was ready for them to do so and in people that would be written out of my life’s script.

Take for instance, the relationship I prayed would work out in high school. I prayed, prayed and prayed. I wrote endless entries in my diary that sounded like this…

Dear God, Why not me? What have I done wrong? Please make him love me for me. Why not me? What can I change or do? Help me Lord. As always, thank You. ~ Jen

I had it (thankfully) wrong.

Yet, again, there was a moment that changed everything for me, a moment that I did not draft and one no one around me believed.

It was a moment where I had a taste of freedom and even more importantly started to learn an important lesson to carry through all ages and times.

It involved this Truth:

GOD HAS THE WILL.

AND HE IS THE WAY.

Here is the full story that brings us back to the late 1990s for Week 14 of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaJune 6, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdom, will, anything is possible, freedom relationships, high school, unanswered prayers, prayers, my story, testimony, my story for god’s glory, my testimony, obedience, holy spirit, pray in spirit, trust god, god’s plans over mine, god’s will, god’s will be doneComment

A LOVING LETTER TO MY 30-YEAR-OLD SELF

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and tell your younger self something?

Maybe, it would be to give yourself a heads up about something. Or, maybe it would be to remind yourself that everything WILL be okay…

Well, that is just what I did.

Two weeks ago, I said goodbye to my 30s.

At 10:46 am on Sunday, May 8, I said hello to an age I knew was near, but I had avoided thinking about until just a few minutes before. I didn’t know how to comprehend it or take it. In many ways, it was just another day, another birthday, another milestone.

Then, I thought back to turning 30. I thought of how different life had been back then.

I reflected on how different I had been back then. And that reflection soon transformed into…

a Loving Letter to my 30-year-old self

which brings us to Week 13 of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series.

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMay 23, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believe, letter, open letter, loving letter, turning forty, forty and fabulous, what i learned, lessons learned, birthdays, happy birthday, new decade, milestones, growing older, wisdomComment

WHEN PIGS FLY

Did you know…

It’s Food Allergy awareness week. In fact, May is a busy month of celebrations and important awareness campaigns, two of which include Food Allergy Awareness and Mental Health Awareness. For me, the two are closely tied together.

Therefore, I figured it was a perfect time to share some of our testimony with this topic and also some amazing people who have encouraged us along the way.

In 2015, we had been told by a wonderful doctor that our son would have an allergic reaction that year in daycare. “It was impossible to prevent.” We were told we should expect one.

Still, we prepared and did everything we could do. How could I go into that year thinking that way?

We had so much coming against us.

We had what seemed impossible before us …

But God…

In the midst of the doubts and fears, we were reminded of who God is.

He is God of the impossible!

He meets us right where we are even in a car as we cry on the first day of school, terrified of what that year would bring…

But God!

This week’s devotional shares some of that testimony

Week 12 of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series is called, “When Pigs Fly.”

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMay 9, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presents, when pigs fly, nothing is impossible, word over world, word of god speak, speak truth, believe, keep believing, protection, safety, it is possible, praying mothers, food allergies, kids with food allergies, food allergies awareness week, food allergy mom, advocate, prepare, pray, pray and believeComment

A MILE A MINUTE

A mile a minute, a minute a mile;

Present right here, instead of saying,

“Just wait a little while…”

Week 11 of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series is called, “A Mile a Minute…”

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaMay 2, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judge, talking, kids talk, presence over presentsComment

THE POWER OF PERCEPTION

Perception is a powerful thing. #butgod #godisgreater

It made me think back 15 years ago to a picture my husband took of me on a trip together. It appeared that I was touching a reptile when in reality, I wasn’t even close enough to touch it. Yet, to the eyes viewing this, it appeared differently.

How many times is life like that? Something or someone appears one way to the eye, yet when we look deeper, we learn we had been mistaken.

Judgments…

the power of perception…

It’s all about perspective. So let’s jump ahead to motherhood to a silly, but sweet moment that once again taught me so much…

Week 10 of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series is called,” The Power of Perception.”

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaApril 25, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regrets, perception, heart to heart, judgment, judgment free, do not judged, god is judgeComment

TESTING THE WATERS

Each so different,

with a distinct purpose and call.

God’s designs and journeys

are unique to us all.

Week 9 of the Truth Seeking Right Here Right Now devotional series is called,” Testing the waters in more ways than one.”

You know those moments that happen so quickly, yet teach us so much?

This week I will retell a story and lesson from the summer of 2019 that will remain with me forever.

Trigger warning: this post will discuss when my daughter fell into a pool and had to be saved. But GOD…

DEVOTIONAL SERIES 1, TRUTH SEEKINGJen KosudaApril 11, 2022faithhopelove, faith, love, god, glorify god, realnotperfect, beauty, women supporting women, moms supporting moms, friends, purpose, god's purpose, devotionals, blogging, god is good, jesus, love, better together, lift each other, we all have purpose, lifting, be you, purpose, born with purpose, his masterpiece, loved, lift up, humility, help, love, lift, life, sisterhood, friendship, women supporting women, fuel, kids, christian kid, parenting, mom life, god's words, church on fire, devotional, faith devotional, daily devotional, weekly devotional, motherhood unplugged, christian lifestyle blog, christianity, the word of god, faith over fear, fear is a liar, freedom, truth seeking, truth seeker, truth over lies, real life, every day faith, real not perfect, living and learning, devotional series, faith devotionals, faith, faith blogger, mom life, faith mama, opportunity, knock knock, doors, trust, grass, the grass is not greener, husbands, wives, marriage, wife, relationships, moments, running, god’s love, presence, growth, part the sea, trials, challenges, rise above, raising kids, leadership, serving, be like jesus, more like jesus, sensitive, sensitive but strong, strength, true strength, the joy of the lord is my strength, empathy, healing, tears, humbled, confidence, book signings, warrior, author, christ, shofar, joshua, heaven, fields of gold, teenager, self esteem, self confidence, depression, anxiety, body image, mental health matters, decision making, decisions, rocking chair challenge, rockign chairs, no regretsComment